Fearne Cotton for Very Spring/Summer 2013 at Claridge's

On Thursday I was lucky enough to attend Fearne Cotton's Spring/Summer 2013 collection for Very at Claridge's on behalf of Motilo. It was a fun yet elegant affair as we waited in the bustling ballroom lobby where cocktails and miniature cupcakes were passed around and Michael Jackson/disco classics pumped from the DJ box. Lights were dim and the smell of roses wafted about the room amongst mini glass tables adorned with candles, which too hung from pink rose bushes below ginormous crystal chandeliers.

It was particularly busy and there was a constant queue for the bar. On the prospect of not being able to reach the bar, one woman's response was, "There's just no hope!" as more an more people and celebrities arrived, including Davina McCall, Brix Smith-Start, Professor Green, Sharleen Spiteri, Radio 1 presenter Gemma Cairney, TV chef Gizzi Erskine, the oh so handsome gold Olympic medallist Greg Rutherford, the dapper Reggie Yates and TV presenter Amanda Byram.

The collection, modelled by those including The Model Agency's Leomie Anderson and Leah Wood was made up of pretty floral prints, bright graphic loose layers, bold pattern and sheer pleated chiffon layering. My favourite pieces were the cream 60s inspired double breasted A-line coat, neon pink side panel cropped black trousers and cute yellow heart jumper. Sheer necklines, ruffled asymmetric hems, casual additions, with an emphasis on print, colour and the waist combined, formed a wearable, feminine and overall beautiful collection. The backdrop of blooming trees of white roses and large glass mirrors not only suited the collection entirely but made the most of a large rectangle catwalk space and the playlist included Forever by Haim. 

When the show came to an end, Cotton was handed flowers and humbly thanked editors and Very for "letting her do this (the show)" which was followed by huge applause. People clearly adore her; I'm also a huge fan of hers. She is absolutely beautiful in person and looked stunning pregnant wearing a simple long sheer black dress that she said she "squeezed into" and which exposed her back tattoos. She accompanied the pretty dress with nude block heels and 60s beehive; a style she suits perfectly. I wish her well with her baby and of course, a well constructed line of clothing.
  

 

All pictures but the first are my own so please ask for permission if you wish to use.

WONDER FULL

More than one red carpet

Wow, this week has been a busy one indeed, from the incredible night of the Baftas to the craziness of the Grammys and the beginning of London Fashion Week, one of the most exciting times of the year. 

It is clearly apt to share with you my favourite looks from the past week's award ceremonies, my quick of round up because you will have read about it everywhere. So anyway, here are my opinions on who I thought looked the best and who for me stood out stylistically.

There has been much speculation about Tilda Swinton's outfit and in general- whether or not she is attractive and if she looked great or boring at the Baftas- but I, without a doubt, thought she looked incredible on screen in a simple floor length Celine gown. There is no need for adornment of any kind with her; her hair was in the usual curly side sweep and make-up was minimal, as was her dress and the result was amazing. I adored the white oversized pearl ring poking out from her slender finger. She is an incredible actress, interesting in more ways than one and whether you are a fan or not, she never fails to captivate people with her always, although subtle, attention grabbing look. Simply beautiful. 

 

Adele possibly provided us with the best series of photographs ever, as she was seen looking understandably ecstatic with her hands full, clutching each one of her shiny awards and the Grammys, which you laugh at again once more here. I no less feel proud that a fellow British wiped out the awards cabinet and rightly so as she is without a doubt the most original actual singer to have been nominated, compared with those fellow talentless and copy-cat nominees. 

In Burberry and Armani Prive dresses, she looked incredible- polished, uber elegant with her trademark 60s eye make-up. Her hair was glossy and wavy, her complexion, creamy flawless and her dress slinky with thick waistband accentuating her natural form. The Armani Prive gown pictured was my absolute favourite. Basically, she looked the best she has ever looked and there was absolutely no need whatsoever for any flesh.

I saw Christina Ricci arriving at the Met Gala in New York back in May and although I have been a fan of hers ever since her days as Wednesday Addams in Addams Family Values (1993), a film I used to watch constantly, it was then that I fell absolutely in love with her. She is so, so beautiful with her large facial features, definite 60s vibe and looked utterly incredible at the ELLE Style Awards. Like, insanely gorgeous. And she was working a dress by Jonathan Saunders, one of my favourite designers ever. It must be love. 

The dress was sexy, feminine and sheer- everything a red carpet dress should be I think. The accessories complimented it perfectly and her straight and shiny fringed bob was equally as sophisticated. Dewy complexion, peachy lips and soft kohl and ta-dah! She is now third on my girl-crush list. Look out for another post all about her coming soon. Until then, lust some more right here...

 

She also looked fantastic at the Baftas in Givenchy Couture: picture.

WONDER FULL

The Best Dressed of The Week: Golden Globes 2012

Claire Danes - Winner of Best Actress for her role in Television Drama Series Homeland
Simple and streamlined with effortless updo and black J. Mendel dress with sexy silver cut-out, Danes looked dazzling. She suits the dark smokey eye with classic red lip look and the dress was the perfect choice.

Tilda Swinton -  Winner of Best Actress in Motion Picture Drama We Need to Talk About Kevin

Queen of the elfin and avant-garde, Tilda's outfit by Haider Ackermann was my second favourite of the entire night. Pastel blue stands out against the red carpet, as well as her flawless, creamy skin and blonde crop swept to the side. Teamed with sheeny blue cropped sleeve jacket combined with her demure yet statuesque pose, creates a massively flattering and effective silhouette and of course, a huge statement. 

Kristen Wiig - Nominee for Best Actress in Motion Picture Comedy Bridesmaids  

I hadn't noticed it until I saw this picture, perhaps partly because I wasn't familiar with her prior to comedy smash hit Bridesmaids and she has recently dyed her hair dark brown, but Wiig is really beautiful. Here, she has that Californian vibe going on with tousled hair and minimal jewels- hooray for no diamonds- which I think makes this nude Bill Blass dress with pulled in waist with thigh-high slit, an absolute triumph. I'm now excited to see what she will be working next. 

Zooey Deschanel - Nominee for Best Actress in Comedy New Girl

Without a doubt the best look of the entire event, Zooey never fails to bring retro to the now and does so perfectly with this gorgeous neon green and black Prada gown. Her skin looks phenomenal against the mixture of light bead detailing on the dress, as well as the darkness of her eye make-up and 60's bouncy beehive hairstyle. I cannot say enough good things about it. 

Nicole Richie

Although I'm not exactly sure why she was in attendance, she certainly made the effort anyway and came out triumphant, as you can see from this sexy, clingy number by British designer Julien Macdonald. Simple yet very effective, this tank dress cut low at the back is sheer flawless elegance. The touch of silver and gold accessories finish the look and the beehive scooped-up ponytail hairdo is beautiful.

Lea Michele 

Others haven't been as complimentary of either her simple hairstyle or the skin tight Marchesa creation, but I think she looks smoking. The dazzling silver suits her brunette locks and olive skin. Although maybe it wouldn't have been quite as sexy if it wasn't for the cut-out detailing around the bust. Either way, I enjoy the slightly looser skirt which clings to her legs but falls to the floor and around her feet. She requires nothing more than an emerald green ring worn proudly on her finger (cue the hand on waist pose) as she works this dress really well. 

Dianna Argon

Dianna is absolutely gorgeous in general although I would have liked her to have looked less innocent in the face here- perhaps lose the smile and pay more attention on the eyes to really make them grab you. Nonetheless, the second member of the Glee club to be on my chosen line-up, was worked on with magic by Giles with this laser-cut dress made up of layers of scarlet red fabric from which begins at just above her collar bone before tumbling all the way down to the floor. She has the pale complexion that I think enables her to carry this daring colour off so well, of course teamed with classic red lip and effortless, almost unkempt hairdo. I love how you can see her skin peeking through the slight layers before the eyes are directed to the intricate workmanship and cutting detail scattered down and around her legs. Such a great dress.

And as for the boys... handsome or what?!

  Clive Owen                                              Jonah Hill                                                         Michael Fassbender

  Giorgio Armani                                         Simon Spurr - Nominee for                              Emporio Armani -

                                                                   Best Supporting Actor in                                 Nominee for Best Actor

                                                                   Motion Picture Moneyball                                 in Motion Picture Drama

                                                                                                                                           Shame

                                Gerald Butler having fun

                                Salvatore Ferragamo

Do you agree with my choices? Who stood out for you? Who did you think got it wrong?

What did you make of the men's choices?

WONDER FULL

Trend sets for A/W '11: JIL SANDER & floral print

I am fast becoming a huge fan of Jil Sander's work and her catwalk collections- she always has me on Look 1. Going back to S/S '11, I adored the blocked colour floor-length skirts; so easy to wear, breezy, summery and colour was certainly back in moderate spurts for autumn. The 49 looks were constituted of clean lines, blocks of bright red and turquoise here and there and boxy shapes. There was an avoidance of overt detailing or overbearing design additions- quite simply a no frills, complete breath of fresh air, bar red lips and striped/clashing/knitted sleeves peeking out from underneath billowing capes. Then the shocking red floral print began to appear, like a flower coming into bloom, in the form of platformed footwear. They were straight on my wish list. It was then that the eye-catching floral print washed over the catwalk for just 6 looks- breaking up the collection with an element of fun- and spring- in the form of exaggerated collared loose-fitting dresses, (the bright blue and red is my favourite) a coat and cute jumpsuit which highlights the waist.

I enjoy the 60s vibe of the overall collection- entwined monochrome reminicent of dog-tooth check, Christmas jumpers, sleek beehive, ladylike glamour without being over the top- a creation of refined elegance, beautifully finished with a retro twist. The glossy hair complemented the straight cut of the trouser and the blocked leather platform boots gave an edgy feel to the prettiness that came from the swirly floral pattern. 

The 60s remains to be my favourite era and this collection has just reignited my adoration for that time, combined with the craftsmanship of the 21st Century. And florals for winter? It's exactly what we need to brighten up our days.

WONDER FULL

It's the year 1962...

"This collection is all about the sixties."

 

  

There have been many comments made about the second installment in Fearne Cotton's clothing range for Very- criticized for its unoriginality and her 'attempt' at modelling it herself but as you know I am completely obsessed with the 1960s and this picture is the epitome of that era. I also absolutely adore her hair style here, which seems to change from week to week. I love short hair and am in the process of growing my hair to bob length, back to how it was a few years ago: sleek, smooth and very, very elegant. She looks soo graceful, the dress is so cute and pretty with the puffed sleeves and yet Fearne makes it her own with her trademark ring-on-every-finger. Complete with nude lips, a serene like pose/stare combination and looking doe-eyed, I think she looks great. With the surge of celebrities on the covers of fashion magazines instead of models, why can't she be the face of her own creation, whether or not it's a dress that has been around for decades? Fashion trends always come back around again (minus puffa jackets and platform trainers) anyway don't they? What do you make of the picture of Fearne?

WONDER FULL

Anja Rubik for Kurt Geiger

  

Twitter is soon becoming my favourite and most reliable news source- ever since I downloaded the app on my iPhone, I have been flicking through the feed daily, reading about the latest goings on with regards to The News of the World scandal (mostly tweeted by George Michael) and learning the latest fashion news from the best sources, i.e. LOVE magazine. 

This image of the latest face for Kurt Geiger's Autumn/Winter '11 campaign was posted by LOVE earlier today and I think Anja looks perfect. I adored last season's vividly colourful and uber sophisticated campaign and their newest is certainly not a disappointment. I actually thought "Wow" on viewing the image as I just love the 1960s vibe and the effortless sexiness of the entire ensemble. How incredible does she look in those Cruella Devill-esque booties? Which are now on my winter wish list, although I'm not wishing for the sun to stop shining any time soon. 

What do you make of the campaign?

WONDER FULL

Fashion Trio

1. Now that I have an iPhone it is easier than ever to give into the social networking phenomenon that is Twitter and it's app and today whilst I was flicking through latest tweets, I discovered the ultra girlie, sixties inspired new line by Victoria Beckham, aptly named Victoria by Victoria Beckham. Read the full story from The Telegraph.

 

2. Also on Twitter, I learned of the latest Miu Miu handbag range for A/W '11, as posted by F.Tape named The Matelasse- chunky chain handles, large silver buckles and beautiful ruched leather, available in a variety of colours. The cream patent leather is my personal favourite. I'm wondering whether it will gain "It-bag" status next season...

3. Gwyneth Paltrow (an absolute favourite of mine as you may well know) poses topless in Vanity Fair's August issue for their annual On Jewellery calendar. Famed and personally liked due to it's detailed and interesting interviews, I will certainly buying this one even if just for the beautiful pictures of the Hollywood stunner.

WONDER FULL

Pic of the week

WONDER FULL

It's the year 1960...

Just got a little excited when I went online for my daily news fix and saw these amazing pictures of Fearne Cotton modelling her latest collection for Very. OK, they are not high-fashion, nor is she a model but I am absolutely obsessed (as I always say) with the 60s. And it wasn't about high-fashion then either. It was about revolution, music, youth culture, emancipation of women... and besides, Fearne has become a bit of a style icon over the past few years and she has her own great sense of style which should be celebrated. She is another successful woman in the media, whom I admire for this reason. I always ask my Mum what was it like to live then, forgetting that she was only a baby and an impressionable teenage throughout the 1970s (still, what a great time to have grown-up- I am adamant that I was born in the wrong era. Fake tan and ridiculous reality TV is not for me). 

I love the era shown in these photographs and I just wanted to share them with you. Whilst on the subject, I strongly suggest you buy April's issue of UK ELLE if you haven't already (before all copies are whisked from the shelves- I cannot seem to track down US Vogue in-store) if only to stare at one of my favourite editorials of the week, Silk Cuts (great name) which also channels retro glamour. I feel it is unlike the usual glossy style of ELLE- this appears to be more demure and soft looking, sexy and very, very feminine. 

It doesn't mean I will be rushing to buy anything, I just enjoy the era Fearne is so beautifully epitomising here with the bouncy hair, thick eye make-up and of course, the colourful Peter-Pan collared shift dress.

If only I could go back in time...

What is your favourite piece from the collection? What is your opinion of the editorial?

WONDER FULL

So Beautiful.

WONDER FULL

Erm... I love this

Some people have been saying that the dress Fearne Cotton is wearing here, at the launch of her latest collection for Very isn't her usual style, but I disagree. I know I go on about how much I love the 60s but this ensemble channels that era perfectly. The bouncy bob (I am seriously contemplating growing my hair back into this style again) and sweetly demure dress with spurts of pink and peach is so well suited to Fearne's tiny frame and it seems to work with the tattoos she is so well known for. And I agree with Holly, Fearne looked as equally incredible in that monochrome swimming costume and her hair looked rather stunningly sleek and perfected on Comic Relief.

For those of you who don't know, the Holly I am referring to is Holly Willoughby (a.k.a. Holly Willouboobie!), a very successful television presenter in England, very good friend of Fearne's and also the creator of her own range of clothing for Very. She is genuinely lovely and if you haven't already, watch the latest episode of the programme in which they are both team captains here for it's sheer stupidity and vulgarity. Plus it's very, very funny.

Let me know what you think. What are your thoughts on Fearne's outfit? 

WONDER FULL

FASH IN THE ATTIC

My Uncle quite recently moved into a new house; a completely blank canvas, a haven to do with what you will. He had been rooting about the loft and found some antiques; a leather pouch and a quirky compact mirror and gave them to me. I love all things retro, adore the 60s era, old, interesting items, antiques, vintage finds- basically anything that wasn't made in my era! I have no idea about the origin of either of them but both were gathering dust just waiting for somebody to find them and give them a new home. I just thought I'd share with you, these little delights...


What vintage finds have you given a new home?

WONDER FULL

Daily dose of another favourite

When my ELLE magazine arrived yesterday, I was so excited to see the gorgeous and oh so pretty Carey Mulligan on the cover, looking beautifully sweet and elfin with her fab new crop. I feel like I am always blogging about people who I admire or simply love the 'look' of, but she seems to be a lot of people's girl crush at the moment, especially to style fanatics. She is certainly proving her status as a style icon, after landing 5 magazine covers this year and being awarded first place in Harper's Bazaar's annual 'Britain's Best Dressed' list for their December issue. She was described by Erdem as 'so Sixties French New Wave' and is the reason why I love her so much and which is showcased so impressively in that pastel Miu Miu dress at the Costume's Institute Annual Gala.


Jan 2011

 

Oct 2010







May 2010

 


April/May 2010




Feb 2010



WONDER FULL