Seventies: British Style on a Budget

July 16, 2008 09:00 PM | Comments (0) | Posted in Fashion+BeautyAustraliaCanadaDeustchSpanishBritish

Fashionistas are raiding the attic for high-waisted flares, kitten bow blouses, fringed vests and wooden platforms, as designers embraced seventies retro.

Trust Biba (the famous British high street store that opened in the 60s and has since been relaunched) to channel the best vintage vibe, with high-waisted, wide-leg pants, paisley kitten bow blouses, jaunty berets, and flowy maxi dresses. 70s hippie chic was also a big look at Derek Lam, who showcased very wearable chiffon blouses with retro balloon sleeves and fringed leather bags hung nonchalantly on the shoulder. Other designers ...

Budget Shopping Guide: British Style on a Budget

July 13, 2008 06:00 PM | Comments (3) | Posted in Fashion+BeautyAustraliaCanadaDeustchSpanishBritish

OXFORD CIRCUS
Oxford Circus has all the best high street shops Britain has to offer, and many huge flagship stores, such as Topshop and Primark.

Topshop
36-38 Great Castle Street, London, W1W 8LG
www.topshop.com
Topshop needs little introduction. Since starting out on the British high street, Topshop stores have opened all over the world, and most recently, New York. But the flagship store in Oxford Circus, London, is a must-see. Comprising four huge floors of fabulous, on-trend pieces, such as this tuxedo jacket, £55 ($110), Topshop is known for its unbeatably sensitive responses to ...

Plaid: British Style on a Budget

July 10, 2008 11:00 PM | Comments (1) | Posted in Fashion+BeautyCanadaDeustchSpanishBritish

Once reserved solely for Scottish kilts, tartan (or plaid) made waves on the 1970s punk scene in London, after being revolutionized by Brit designer, Vivienne Westwood. There was hardly a designer in sight that didn’t use a little bit of plaid this season, and British It Girl, Agyness Deyn, can’t get enough of the stuff.

This season, it’s all about mixing prints, if you’re bold enough. Characteristically way-out D&G layered up clashing tartans in classic red, navy and green tones, as did Prada and Just Cavalli, who added leopard-print tights into the mix, if you thought it ...

The Dirndl Skirt: British Style on a Budget

July 6, 2008 02:00 PM | Comments (1) | Posted in Fashion+BeautyAustraliaCanadaDeustchSpanishBritish

Who’d have thought that an item worn by Alpine peasants in the nineteenth century could make such a mark in the fashion world? The Dirndl, a full skirt that hangs just below the knee, traditionally worn by Austrian and German peasants, has surprised us all, and replaced the pencil skirt in the fashion stakes.

Models at Donna Karan were on safari, in full, caramel-coloured Dirndls and Panama hats, whilst Marni offered up a bountiful selection of flowing linen skirts, which were paired, in classic Marni style, with chunky wooden bangles piled high on the arm and super-high wedges. At ...

Bows: British Style on a Budget

July 2, 2008 06:00 PM | Comments (0) | Posted in Fashion+BeautyBritish

If you thought bows were just for little girls, think again. Bows are the new, must-have accessory, and British fashion-followers are all wearing comically oversized hair bows in their carefully coiffured manes – just take a look at Face Hunter for proof.

This season, designers reworked the bow: they enlarged it, stuck it to prom dresses, pinned it into renaissance-style hair and even turned it into clutch purses. Aquascutum updated their classic coats by adding a giant bow to a swing coat and looping a trench coat belt into a bow shape. Designers at Gucci also favoured a more ...

Jumpsuits: British Style on a Budget

June 22, 2008 03:00 PM | Comments (0) | Posted in Fashion+BeautyAustraliaCanadaBritish

Whilst some are jumping for joy (geddit?) at the return of the jumpsuit, others are wondering exactly how one is supposed to go about making bathroom breaks in this rather impractical (but fabulous) item. As usual, British fashion icon Kate Moss was ahead of the fashion pack when she stepped out in her full-length, star-print playsuit by Chanel at her birthday bash a few months ago, complete with seventies-style wavy hair. A chiffon or silk jumpsuit is a great way to make a statement at a party this summer: a fitted waist shows off your hourglass figure if you’re blessed with curves, ...

European Trend: Fascinators

June 16, 2008 09:00 PM | Comments (2) | Posted in Fashion+BeautyAustraliaBritish

What: Fascinators are headpieces made out of feathers, flowers, lace, etc that have been traditional worn in the Uk and other British influenced countries like Australia, as a replacement for a hat to formal occasions like weddings, horse races, etc.  Lately its has become a global trend thanks to Sarah Jessica Parker wearing one to the British premier of the ‘Sex and The City’ Movie.

What I Think: Love, Love, Love them. A great alternative to hats, which can get quite hot during the summer. Be careful not to go overboard or else you’ll end up looking like you have a peacock on your ...

The Boyfriend Blazer: British Style on a Budget

June 15, 2008 03:00 PM | Comments (1) | Posted in Fashion+BeautyAustraliaCanadaDeustchSpanishBritish

For crisp, classic tailoring, look no further than London’s Savile Row for sartorial perfection. If you think sharp suits are only for the boys, then think again. An oversized boyfriend blazer is a perfect cover up on those chilly summer nights, and adds an androgynous vibe to an otherwise girly outfit. Think Diane Keaton in Annie Hall, rocking vintage men’s Ralph Lauren, or the queen of power-dressing, SATC’s Samantha Jones. At the London premiere of the new movie, Daisy Lowe accessorised her harlequin-style Miu Miu mini dress with a super-long tuxedo jacket.

Fashion moguls have ...

Fashion Trend: Cocktail Rings

June 14, 2008 09:00 PM | Comments (1) | Posted in Fashion+BeautyAustraliaCanadaDeustchSpanishBritish

“THESE PRODUCTS ARE NO LONGER BEING SOLD”

Earlier this season, we had our fill of necklace trends (charm, statement, lariat, etc.), so much so that we’re ready for a little fun adornment for some other part of our body (and we’re thinking we’ll never be quite ready for that belly ring). The best jewelry trend going at the moment? The cocktail ring. And we’re talking about a daytime version; forget glittery gems and think oversized quirky designs, enamel, bright color, and, yes, gold. It’s the kind of trend that’s especially welcome in the summertime, meaning it’s the kind that you ...