Love Brands! Be In Tartan this season

Tartan is really hot this season. Forget Scottish associations of fuddy-duddy old kilts and embrace the stylish interpretations into ladies fashions. Tartan is great when you team it with a solid block colour either at the top or the bottom. Check out my tips:

1) Red tartan skirt and black strappy top – perfect for parties. I love this Lipsy red tartan mini skirt:

Lipsy is a great fashion brand and they have some fab tartan in their collections at the moment.

2) Any colour top with subtle accents of tartan, like a tartan bow. They had one on ASOS by Jam Tartan, but it seems to have gone! Check back regularly to their site for the latest tartan fashion.

3) One of the coolest items this season is the tartan dress. But i’m not talking dowdy old tartan dresses, i’m thinking of fabulous tartan party dresses! This dress from Unique Boutique is SO LUSH.

Unique Boutique Tartan Dress

Image source: www.asos.com

This Unique Boutique party dress will have everyone envious – get it while you can – i have mine! It costs £100 and is available from asos.com

Team your tartan pieces with a sexy black coat to ensure you look your very best this Winter.

Japanese Fashion – Take A Look at MUCC

I went to a gig the other night and saw a band called “MUCC”. At first i was like “woah – who are these crazy guys” but then i really got into them. Their Japanese fashion is quite unlike anything else! So, i thought i would write a post about it and share this band with the world.

When it comes to their music style, they remind me of Dir En Grey with a kind of HIM feel to them. Very catchy, very arty and quite talented! When they came on stage, their clothes were so unusual. The lead singer was wearing a long black cloak/dress (he’s male by the way) and it was beautifully layered. The little guitarist was wearing a chic green long length cardigan, almost floor length, over a rather funky top. Sooo cool.

Check out some pics below of what MUCC look like. The crowd loved them and i would definitely go see them again, if only to check out their ace authentic Japanese fashion! So effortlessly stylish.

MUCC - Very Stylish!

Image source: http://poppokun.blogspot.com/2008/04/today-is-great-weather-and-if-i-am.html

Image source: http://www.xanga.com/WhisperInTheWind/568757452/imeem-player.html

Fake Louis Vuitton Bag Alert!

OMG!!! Check out this Louis Vuitton trash / bin bag! It looks authentic from afar, but look closely and you will see the lettering is all wrong. A good way to fool people that you are dripping in head to toe with Louis Vuitton goods!

Nearly fooled you!

(Source: http://mrsgrapevine.com/2007/10/louis-vuitton-trash-bags-is-a-must/)

Say NO! to fake designer goods!

How to spot real from fake designer clothes on eBay

Oooh its the big one! How on earth do you tell fake from real on eBay? It really bugs me when i see loads and loads of so-called “authentic” items in the listings when i know in my heart of hearts that they are anything but authentic, genuine items.

Here’s a tip i learnt. Some sellers think they can get away with putting “authentic” on their listing, like it is an authentic designer piece, but that could also mean it is “authentic from China” etc. Authentic is a bit of a gray area these days. So, some sellers have indeed picked up on this, and they will often list the item as “GENUINE” which is a good indication – well a better one, anyway – that it may well just be real.

I feel sorry for eBay in many ways with this whole fake scandal. Not long ago, they were ordered to pay an astronomical amount to top fashion houses. According to the judgement, eBay ended up paying 19.28m euros in damages to Louis Vuitton Malletier, 17.3m to Christian Dior Couture and 3.25m to the perfume brands. (Source: BBC)

The thing is, with eBay, it is such a worldwide user-friendly platform, that how is it possible to control the dodgy dealings that go on? I mean, when you list an item you are asked to adhere to the terms and conditions and state that the item you are listing is authentic. However, people will just abuse this and carry on listing anyway. Who is going to refrain from making some money just because they think their item is fake?

I also feel sorry for those that have been caught out buying so- called designer goods on eBay, only to find they are fake designer items. My friend bought a Louis Vuitton handbag and paid £75. She thought it was genuine because it came with a controllato card and a Louis Vuitton dustbag, but when she took it to the shop to get it authenticated, she found out the truth. The thing is, if the price is too good to be true, then it probably is. You might think that £75 is a lot for a handbag – which it is – but any Louis Vuitton fans will know that it is a snip at that price and can’t possibly be real. You go into the Louis Vuitton store and try and get a bag for £75! No such luck I’m afraid guys, so why would you think you could get one on eBay.  

When it comes to eBay and designer clothes, always check the seller’s feedback to see what other buyers have said. Another good tip is to check if they are selling multiple items of the same designer goods. 35 Fendi scarves sold in the last month? Hmm, my instincts say steer clear – fake items are bought in bulk and it is always a tell-tale sign if they are shifting a load on eBay.

At the end of the day, if you are wanting real designer clothes on eBay, then the best bet is to check if the item comes with a receipt. This will usually show an honest seller who is only too aware of the counterfeit market, and also shows that someone does not want to be a part of it.

It is becoming increasingly hard to distinguish real items from fake items on eBay, but the tips above should help a little bit. Unsure of an item’s authenticity? Leave a comment and i will try and help out.

A VERY fake Louis Vuitton Bag

(Image source: http://www.catwalkqueen.tv/2008/06/pick_of_the_blo_65.html)

Hot Designer Clothing Alert! Everyone is Lovin’ Lanvin

Okay, so when i saw that picture of Coleen Rooney in that stunning Lanvin ruffle top, i thought “wow – this is hot!”.

Lanvin is a clothing company founded by Jeanne Lanvin in 1909.

Jeanne Lanvin’s successors include Antonio del Castillo, Dominique Morlotti, Jules-Francois Crahay, Maryll Lanvin, Claude Montana and Patrick Lavoix. Their work has successfully immortalised a very Parisian, elegant couture style. (Source: http://www.infomat.com/whoswho/jeannelanvin.html)

Today, Lanvin’s designs are chic and elegant. It is almost hard to believe that a once velour tracksuit loving chav like Coleen Rooney has managed to turn this all around and become a force to be reckoned with in the fashionista stakes. When i saw her wearing that lush burnt orange Lanvin ruffle top, i thought it looked stunning on her tanned complexion.

Coleen Rooney in Lanvin

(Image source: http://www.kickette.com/index.php?/site/C7/P30/)

The same top in a different colour also appeared on fellow WAG Alex Curran (now Gerard). So which WAG pulled it off better? Well, personally, i think Coleen did. However, normally i would say Alex is better dressed.

Alex Curran (Gerard) in Lanvin

And celebrities in Lanvin doesn’t stop here my fashionista friends! Kate Hudson was also pictured in a  gorgeous blue Lanvin dress. Was it the right colour for her? Well, many will say yes, but i think it was a little too heavy on her pale skin. A lighter blue would have looked much less “bulky” on her. Still a gorgeous dress though!

Kate Hudson in Lanvin Dress

Check out this great blog for more blue coloured fashion advice! http://thetrendsetter.wordpress.com/2008/02/01/color-watch-electric-blue/

As for my favourite Lanvin piece, i think Natalie Portman has found it! This season, purple is the hottest colour to be seen in and she looks simply stunning in this unusual Lanvin creation.

Natalie Portman in Lanvin

(Image Source: http://www.elleuk.com/starstyle/celebrity-trends/everyone-s-wearing-purple)

Now take part in my poll!

So Where Is The Fashion Capital Of The World?

I think many people would argue on where the fashion capital of the world is. Lets look at the rivals:

Milan (Italy)

London (UK)

New York (US)

Paris (France)

Tokyo (Japan)

Well, having visited all these places in my time, i would hedge a bet and say that New York is probably the fashion capital of the world for me. The sheer number of fashion houses and stylish men and ladies parading the streets makes it quite special to me. However, some might say this is a rather obvious choice, so i decided to weigh up the other options.

In London, you get class combined with elegant chic fashions. With renowned UK designers, it make this one special place to be. My faves: Vivienne Westwood and Paul Smith.

In Paris, you get a much more effortlessly chic sense of style. The French fashions are often unique and it is the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré that shows us just what is so great about France. Luxury brands and neat stores makes this one my favourite locations.

For many, Milan is undoubtedly the fashion capital of the world. It has, for decades, been renowned for its stunning fashions and authentic brands. When you think of Gucci, you think of travelling to Milan and seeing the store in all its glory. The Italian ladies are, once again, stylish to the max and epitomise all that is on trend in the world of fashion. The Gucci store in Milan is the largest Gucci flagship store.

http://www.fashionwindows.com/boutiques/gucci/milan.asp

However, let us not forget about Tokyo. The Japanese are so on the pulse with their fashions, i believe this is a strong contender for fashion capital of the world. Japanese fashion makes the UK seem almost archaic in its approach to trends. Simply take a look at eBay and type in “Japanese dress” to see what i mean. You will often see the word “kawaii”  which means “cute” in Japanese, and this is something that young Japanese girls like their look to be. Japanese fashion is quirky and most definitely unique. Just take a look at my findings below:

Japanese Fashion

(Source: http://www.japaninc.com/mgz_may-jun_2008_lacking-in-style)

Take a look at the fur used here; not to my style, but very big in Japan.

Quirky Japanese Fashion

(Source: http://www.xanga.com/Colour_In_My_Quotes_x3/676912727/japanese-fashion.html)

The image above shows some rather unsual examples of Japanese fashion. Naturally, this isn’t regular attire, but just look at the facial decorations; even these are stylish and quirky! Anyone walking down the street in the UK with these would look ridiculous

For more examples of unique Japanese fashion, and why i think they could quite possibly be the fashion capital of the world, or at least the most unique fashion capital of the world, then paste the link below:

http://www.xanga.com/Colour_In_My_Quotes_x3/676912727/japanese-fashion.html

Fashion Labels – Who’s Hot And Who’s Not In The World Of Skulls

When it comes to fashion labels, i feel like i know my stuff. I worked in fashion for many years and everything i do revolves around it. One thing that i used to get asked a lot is “who’s going to be big next season” and i would try and guide my clients with their fashion styling.

Fashion labels are a fashionista’s dream. For some, just the sight of a Chloe label can create hysteria. For me though, it is all about the designers that start the trends, not keep up with them.

For example, who started the skull print trend? Some might say Alexander McQueen, some may say Thomas Wylde. There are so many fashion labels catching onto this skull print trend now, that i find myself looking for those fashion labels that spice it up a little bit. Okay, so we’ve seen the McQueen skulls scarfs; what next? Well, i really like A&G, a cult brand that hasn’t really taken off here in the UK, but is a big success in the US. The creator of A&G is Amal Guessous, and he is revered as a very edgy, rock and roll style fashion designer, as proved through his latest collection of Rock ‘n’ Roll Couture. The skull print in Amal’s designs took on a new form, with striking skulls adding a bit of “character” to your wardrobe. The image below is from RevolveClothing.com – NOW SOLD OUT.

A&G Skull Cashmere Sweater

 I really like the skull look and i can’t see it going out of fashion anytime soon. However, just looking at Thomas Wylde’s collection, which has focused on skulls for a few seasons, the fashion label then started introducing scorpions as a quirky edge to the label. I think this was a great move; being pigeon-holed into one trademark thing might not always be beneficial, especially if skulls go out of fashion. So has this fashion label decided that skull print shouldn’t be “overdone” anymore? Well, as i say, i don’t think skulls are going to go out of fashion, but i do think they should now be used as subtle accents rather than bold all over skull prints. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see more fashion labels taking this approach and expanding their ranges.

Designer Clothes – The Juicy Couture Hype

I remember when Coleen Rooney was younger and she was just getting into her designer clothes. I remember seeing her parade around in her bright fluorescent Juicy Couture tracksuits and Ugg Boots, and she thought she was the height of fashion.

Fortunately, it didn’t take long until she saw the light and she started dressing like a WAG dripping in proper Couture. Gone were the Juicy Couture tracksuits, replaced with stylish fitted dresses and designs hot off the catwalk. It was then that we started to respect her (and became a little bit envious…).

Coleen Rooney in a (striking) Juicy Couture Tracksuit

Here she is in her wine coloured Juicy Couture tracksuit and white Mukluk boots, made from innocent bunnies.    Regret this photo, Coleen?

Despite Coleen rapidly realising that the bright tracksuit look is soooo not “on trend”, many people still love Juicy Couture and all it offers. In fact, in America, the Juicy Couture tracksuit doesn’t have the same connotation that it does over here. In Britain, if you are seen sporting one of these velour tracksuits, you are inevitably tarnished with the “chav” name, because there are so many cheap imitations available these days, and who can tell the difference? Well, if you are a hardcore Juicy Couture fan, then there is no doubt that you will be able to spot the trademark “J” zipper, which is unique to Juicy and should indicate it is the real deal.

So, as far as Juicy Couture is concerned, i am sure we will continue seeing the hype, but I am curious to know if that will still apply to the novelty tracksuits that people seem to love. 

Check out the fabulous Juicy Couture for yourself, with all the latest designs (ships to the UK too!)

The Love of Designer Clothes

As a consumerist nation, we are forever looking for the latest must-have item, and this is quite often in the form of designer clothes. As a woman being showered with pictures of celebrities with the latest designer clothes, it can make us feel a bit “worthless” if we don’t buy the same. We aspire to these rich, wealthy celebrities, so we often want what they have.

However, with the Credit Crunch biting at our heels, are we going to cut back on our designer clothes spending? Hmmm…I’m not so sure. It might make our lives feel less “meaningful” if we can’t have the things we want. I know plenty of women who spend at least £500 a month on designer clothes just to be like their celebrity idol, but maybe if they can’t get the credit anymore, then this ridiculous spending habit will fade.