Quest for quilting

The JW Anderson collection for Topshop certainly got the fashion world talking. Fashionistas everywhere have been lusting over those quilted pencil skirts that were being rocked by stylish ladies all over London fashion week as they dashed between shows, me included. If I had the money for it, I would’ve snapped up the blue/green paisley one a long time ago. It’d be simply perfection with an over sized checked shirt or, if you’re brave enough, the matching top.

 

Obviously being me, after first discovering the JW Anderson take on quilting I took to the web to find some others. I was surprised at how many gorgeous pieces are out there, It’s clear that quilting is on the rise.

The best of the rest:

Adidas bomber and Asos bag

 

Nishe Embroidered dungaree skirt and Asos t-shirt

ASOS revive top and ASOS sweatshirt


What’s your favourite piece? I adore the red sweatshirt!

Thanks for reading,
Bethany Paige X

Dark rose.

The florals of summer 2012 have grown up this season, taking centre stage amongst the rise of the Modern Goth and Baroque trend. The airy, ice cream shades that floated down last season’s catwalks are a mere memory amongst the darker blooms of this winter. They’re luxurious, edgy and undeniably beautiful. Whether worn with leather gloves a la Lanvin and Burberry, or opulent jewellery like Dolce and Gabbana, it’s one of the hottest styles for the cold weather. Think about making fabrics luxe, flowers bolder and shades deeper to create the ultimate mix between femininity and strength.

Dolce and Gabbanna:

Dolce and Gabbanna focused on biblical style prints and tapestry fabrics with very vintage feel florals. The use of sheer fabrics and lace pieces is truly bewitching.

 

Lanvin:

 

The use of opulent jewels, coloured fur and silk dresses makes this collection the perfect example of luxurious florals. The flowers are less bold, in fact it's not clear whether the pattern is actually flowers or just has that floral feel, creating an almost water colour style print.

 







Comme des Garcons:



 

 

It's safe to say that of all the designers Comme des Garcons were the most individual. The shaping of the garments is inspirational, and I adore the use of over sized everything, including roses.

 

I know I've done a few posts like this recently, but I'll be sure to write something a little different tomorrow!

 

Thanks for reading,

Bethany Paige X

 



Suited and booted.

Fashion lovers everywhere have been following the progress of the modern skirt for years, noting down which of its ever changing lengths are in this season, and running (as best as one can in a skirt) to buy it. From the mini-skirts of the 60s and the maxis of the 70s right through to the fabulous midis of last season, it’s always been a staple. It appears, however, that this season there’s been a shift. Previously self-acclaimed skirt devotees have had their eyes opened to the wonders of the trouser suit thanks to the likes of Prada, Miu Miu and Ralph Lauren. It was touched upon in Spring/Summer 2012 with the silky pyjama suits that graced the catwalk, but now the trouser suit is back in full force after years on the side lines. It’s a powerful wardrobe update, that’s managed to shake of its office only reputation and step back on to the chic street.

Prada:

 



Prada's take on the trouser suit focused on exaggerated prints with seventies style co-ords and over sized embellishments with huge plexiglass gems.

 Miu Miu:

 

Miu Miu worked with block colour fabrics that had a slight sheen, whilst still bringing in the slight 70s reference through shirts. Overall it had a more masculine, androgynous feel.

 

Ralph Lauren:





 



 Ralph Lauren went even further back in time with their almost Victorian style trouser suits. In terms of colours they were muted and had a certain heritage feel about them, which was reinforced by the use of tartan.

Of course the skirt will always have a place on the catwalks, on stylish streets and in our hearts, but for now the sharp tailoring and masculine edge that the trouser suit brings to the fashion world gives it the upper hand. What are your opinions on this trend?

Thanks for reading,

Bethany Paige X

 

Edwardiana.

The romance of the Edwardian era is something completely undeniable. Steam travel, charming literature and the motor car, ballroom dancing and an era when a thirst for knowledge and a love of the new became encompassed by the traditional views and innocence of earlier years. Followed by the roaring twenties as hem lines became shorter, and silhouettes less exaggerated it seems to me that this was the last time true elegance was fully embraced in the fashion world. I adore the modern trends that grace the catwalk and bring something entirely new to fashion, but there’s always been something desirable about the delicate detailing and layers of fabric that were so popular in the Edwardian era.

 

 

This autumn/winter the catwalk seemed to embrace the past and present to create some of the most inspired ensembles I’ve seen. Firstly the Baroque era and now the Edwardian, both with modern twists that throw the elegance of days gone by in to our modern world. Louis Vuitton, Giles and Burberry led the way, with high necklines, low hems and beautiful texture mixes.

 Burberry

Louis Vuitton

 

Giles

 



Marc Jacobs


What do you think of this season's edwardiana trend?

Thanks for reading,
Bethany Paige X

Unintentional beauty.

Today I found myself doing something seemingly pointless but really enthralling. I made two different collages of two trends this season, with no motive for doing so. It took ages but they look pretty good and I actually really enjoyed it, hence why I made the second! There was something therapeutic about it, well for me anyway. Looking over trends and at beautiful clothes can be the most relaxing use of time in my eyes. I'm not sure why I haven't done something like this until now because I really loved it. I didn't initially intend to put these up but I figured that I had no reason not to since they do have relevance on here. Hopefully you'll all enjoy giving them a look!



 

 

It was worth the time that it took to finish these, even if they aren't for anything in particular! 

 

Thanks for reading guys,

Bethany Paige X

New leather for A/W 2012.

Leather is one of those things that never go out of style. Whether it’s in the form of a biker jacket, sleek and skin tight trousers, or killer accessories there’s not a seasons that passes by without at least a hint of leather. This Autumn/Winter the classic leather look has been shaken up with new colours and new cuts, to form a major trend and something altogether rather crush worthy. I for one I’m falling head over heels for it!

The leather low-down:

The new colours:

This season black leather won’t cut it for the super style conscious; it was all about inky blues, deep wine reds, emerald greens and mustard tones on the catwalk for those out to shake up their Autumn wardrobes. Of course black leather is still very much alive and kicking too!

 

 (from left to right) Mulberry and Acne

 

 Isabel Marant and Christopher Kane

 

 

 The new cut:

Baggy trousers, and not just the lyrics to a Madness song. Oh yes, baggy trousers are back but time in luxurious leather and much more chic.

Mulberry and Topshop Unique

Sportmax and Shouler

 

 

What’s your take on new leather?

Thanks for reading guys,

Bethany Paige X

Bootiful.

There’s one thing that I adore about the cold weather – wearing boots. Not only do they keep toes toasty warm in the windy, rainy, frosty and generally awful weather, but they never fail to look amazing! Think about how versatile they are as well. They’re the perfect partner for skinnies, skirts and shorts with thick tights. Plus they come in so many styles it’s impossible not to find the boot that’s perfect for you, or in my case the ten pairs of boots that are perfect for me! My personal favourite style is the ankle boots.

Here’s some of my favourite high street boot buys:

 





Topshop - £85

 

I love studs, as you may know, so these gorgeous boots caught my eye instantly. I'd probably style them down a bit with jeans and a checked shirt so that they stayed the main focus of the outfit. I'd have to show them off after all.

Topshop - £90

 

The classic rocker boot with a block heel. Aren't they gorgeous?! I certainly think so. With leather trousers and an over sized t-shirt, it's hard to feel like anything but a rock star.

 

 

Miss Selfridge - £65

 

These are sky scraper, but I would bear the pain because they are so beautiful! They're probably the most impractical heels ever. It seems I'm drawn to the uncomfortable...

 





 

boohoo.com - £25

 

Velvet is my all time favourite fabric and I'm adoring this deep wine colour at the moment too. These would be perfect to be worn as part of the baroque trend or could bring a soft touch to the extravagant Gothic feel that was so popular of the A/W catwalks.

 

 





Topshop - £65

 

I fell in love with these the moment I saw them. Honestly, I want them so bad! In fact I'm really hoping to add these beauties to my ever growing shoe collection. The deep red croc print, the block heel, the lace up front - I just love them.  Excuse me whilst I fantasise about these further.

 

Thanks for reading guys,

Bethany Paige X