#NYFW SS13

Planet Fashion is abuzz with Spring Summer 13 already and I have been checking the shows from over the pond like a woman possessed.  It's not over yet but here are my initial FAVOURITES.  They're not uber cutting edge, they're not achingly androgynous or marvelously minimalist.  They are feminine.  They are dreamy.  They are super, sweetly pretty.  They are unapologetically embellished or just sort of...fluffy.  What can I say?  I've tried to wear trainers, they just don't agree with me.  I like jeans but I LOVE dresses.  I'm a girly girl.  So here they are.  Which ones win your vote?   

Zac Posen

As always it was the labels evening wear that took centre stage at the star-studded show.  

The oversized jewellery made the perfect accompaniment to the one-colour gowns 

and the presence of the legendary Naomi Campbell and Erin O'Connor (the latter's first New York Fashion Week in 6 years) was the icing on this beautifully glamorous cake.

Drama unfolded on the frow (front row for those who don't speak fashion) as fire 

marshals decided last minute to remove 60 seats.  The brands PR girl panicked trying to 

accommodate disgruntled guests and eventually one fiesty French stylist slapped the PR 

in question reportedly saying 'Now you know you don't fuck with French people'.

This is one heavenly tea dress.

A beautiful execution of 'hip maximisation'.

Pure and simple.

An incredible burnt, rusty orange teamed with a dramatically wonderful mermaid skirt.

The mermaid again.  Bigger and better and this time, appropriately, in sea green.

Meters and meters of tulle.

Badgley Mischka
For me, the hair let the collection down a little.  Peter Gray was inspired by A Midsummer Night's Dream and 'woodland nymphs' but as lovely as that sounds, I wonder, is it just a little 'blah?
This cannot detract, however, from the clothes. The dresses and separates were both wearable and sublime. 

Ah, a bold brocade, a low square neckline, a full skirt.  Almost Elizabethan.

A perfectly cut little metallic jacket paired with a crisp, white city short.

Love the nude platformed T-bars.

A floaty, ethereal dream.

The peplum seems to be going nowhere as it appears triumphantly for another season.

Do I really need to explain this one?

Vera Wang

The beauty of the Wang show was that whilst inspired by India, the designer didn't throw it in our face with obvious shapes and crass references.  Instead subtle notes of the exotic country were mixed with Western shapes.  I love how the hair has been wrapped repeatedly round the models heads and please note the incredible heels with ballet shoe-esque ribbons and hue.

An exquisitely simple look which could be emulated for day or night.

One of my favourite pieces from New York.  Mainly for the overly-long sleeves and the low drop shoulders which, I'm slightly embarrassed to admit, reminded me instantly of my Barbie's gowns in the late 80's.

Thick, sumptuous brocade.

Opaque teamed with sheer.

This decadent gold gown shows off Wang's bead work to the maximum.

Jenny Packham

Inspired by the Rat Pack in the 60's, and more importantly, the women that associated
themselves with said trio, Jenny Packham was full of glitz and glamour.
I particularly love the elegant side rolls in the hair, showing off the most magnificent earrings.
Christian Louboutins were the final flourish.

Beautiful buttercup yellow with a suggestive front slit.

Gloriously girly polka dots are usually reserved for more casual get ups 

but I was seduced by the way they playfully appeared on an evening gown.

Soon to be seen on the red carpet, no doubt.

Full coverage, save a side split, but so sexy with its smattering of sequins.

More light metallic brocade, taking this Winter trend into the Spring.

Betty Draper would buy this in every colour.

Invitation Etiquette

The invitation.  It's the first thing that alerts you of an event.  It sets the tone for said event.  And it entices you  to attend the event....or at least it should.  And when it comes to invitations, and Fashion Week, no one does it quite like Mulberry.  Last Spring Summer it was a Mulberry emblazoned retro rubber ring.  For Autumn Winter 12 the press were presented with giant gold keys.  And today, these gorgeous watercolour postcard sets were sent to the lucky fashion elite.  Aren't they a lucky bunch?

Style It Up

Sometimes, it's not what you wear.  It's how you wear it.  

Basics always look great worn with a little flair and these are just a few ways in 

which to add an effortless twist to an outfit.

The Half Tuck

 

 

 

 The Roll Up 

The Coat On Shoulders

 

 

Imagery - Sequin and Sweets, Fashion Nation, Chess Tango, Anna Lou Elliott,

Fashion Me Now, Pinterest, Boy Meets Fashion, Radley, Hardy Pretty Things, 

Viktoria Love, Creators of Desire, Unabashedly Prep, Who What Wear

Bargain Alert! Bargain Alert!

Ok, here's the deal.  I've mentioned Cocosa before, the designer discount site which I love, but word on the street is that next week the brand is launching its very own pop up shop so you can experience all the designer goodies on the high street and in the flesh!  With up to a massive 80% off of women's and men's wear this is going to be hard to resist and I'm ESPECIALLY thrilled that the label list includes royal and socialite favourite Issa.  

Located a hop, skip and a jump away from Oxford Circus, The Oui Rooms will be home to this extravaganza from next Tuesday 11th until Friday 14th September, open from 8m - 8pm.  Elbows at the ready.  

And just look at some of the goodies they have online at the moment.  If this is what we are to expect it'll be every woman for herself.

MW Matthew Williamson

Cowshed

See by Chloe

Halston Heritage

www.cocosa.com

Cocosa Pop Up Shop, The Oui Rooms, 40 Eastcastle Street W1W 8DT

My Week In Pictures....A Little Late

Kicking off with new samples coming into the office.  Marni-esque metallic brocade shorts.  Yes please.

Tickets arrive.  Gaga here we come.

Flowers outside South Kensington station, brightening my commute.

I took my best friend Lizzie for her birthday lunch at Aubaine 

in Knightsbridge where we both opted for perfectly poached eggs...

...followed by the patisserie tray.

Lizzie's candle-adorned Mille Feuille.  Now you see it...

...Now you don't.

A wonder around, past the V&A.

And a peek and tip toe around the Brompton Oratory, one of my favourite 

places in London.  No photos are allowed (understandably) so I'll admit I googled the 

below to show readers how magnificent, serene and thought provoking it is.  

On to Sunday, when something came over me and I felt the urge to cook treats.  

I could feel the spirit of Nigella in the room.  

Starting with sweet potato chips sprinkled with sea salt, black pepper and chilli flakes.

Then onto homemade ginger scones.

Perfect with jams, marmalades, honey or lemon curd, and

tested by housemates, Sunday visitors and the girls at the office.

'Taxi!'

Major London alert.  To celebrate the launch of Chanel's pop up beauty boutique in Covent Garden, taxis dressed in the brands most coveted pink nail varnish shades are whizzing round the city.  If you spot one, hail it quickly.  By uttering the words 'Chanel at Covent Garden' you will receive a free manicure or makeover plus £25 to spend in the store.  The perfect excuse to justify avoiding the underground.

If you haven't heard of the pop up store, you may have been living in a box devoid of fashion whispers.  It houses all the latest and most-craved beauty bits from the brand and London's first Chanel nail bar.  The store promises exclusive product launches, makeup tutorials and a festive top secret surprise come the Christmas shopping season before it's close in December.  

Imagery - Style Bible, Vogue