Monthly Archives: November 2008

Oooh when it comes to iconic fashion, the Louis Vuitton leopard print Stephen Sprouse scarf is one of those pieces that you just lust after. It is was so limited edition and sold out instantly all over the world.

Okay, so the plan is to get one of these beauties, but since the waiting lists are closed then i think the best bet is for me to try eBay. So, i go on eBay and have a look only to find people selling them at extortionate prices. Aaah well, here’s to hoping i can still get one!

This Louis Vuitton leopard print scarf has been seen on every celebrity worth their weight in gold. Kate Moss has one, Sarah Jessica Parker has one and so on….

I remember reading on an eBay listing about what one of the lucky owners of these scarves had to say. She said that when she went on a flight she wore the scarf and the hostess recognised her on the way back JUST BECAUSE OF THE SCARF and upgraded her to first class!! Blimey – this scarf has major prominence!

Here’s SJP in her scarf:

Fashion Victim

Fashion Victim

Oh, and here’s Mary-Kate Olsen with her scarf- please Mary-Kate, it deserves more dignity than to be dragged around on the floor!!!

Fashion Victim 2

Fashion Victim 2

And…just to taunt you fashion lovers even more, here are some more celebs lovin’ Louis :)

More Fashion Victims...

More Fashion Victims...

Okay, when i first heard the new Leona Lewis song “Forgive Me” i wasn’t overly impressed, however, the video is a really great summer-esque scene. I love the clothes that Leona is wearing, and in particular i love the pvc purple trench coat / mac!

Yes, she looks a bit “tantastic” in the video and i can’t help but think how the fake tan came off all over that fabulous purple coat, but obviously i will never know :) Why do they put, what i assume is tan on Leona Lewis? Its hardly like she needs it. She has beautiful skin. My thought is that they have tried to darken her skin for the American audience, and make her look a bit more “black” than she is normally. I guess there’s nothing wrong with this, but we just know the Leona of old, that’s all :)

So, the purple coat…where the hell do we get one from? I have searched high and low on Google but to no avail. My conclusion is that it was probably designed especially for her, and so we might never know! Anyway, i scoured the net and came up with some pretty good substitutes, so scroll down to see my purple coat findings!

This is an Aquascutum Purple Trench Coat and retails for around £595 and is truly stunning. A very classy, smart looking belted trench coat; this jacket will take you through every season. You can buy it at Coggles.com

Purple Coat by Aquascutum

Purple Coat by Aquascutum

 Image source: SarahCoggles.com

Also check out eBay for purple trench coats – there are always items coming up in this category. I like Suzie High’s eBay Shop, with pvc and vintage bits etc -click HERE to visit and have a browse!

This Alexander McQueen purple satin coat is to die for. Look at the grace, the movement and the ultimate stylish twist it gives any outfit. Check the official McQueen site. It costs £2,975 , so you’d better start saving those pennies…

Alexander McQueen Purple Coat

Alexander McQueen Purple Coat

Image source: The Stylefinder.com

My final coat up for offerings is this gorgeous Topshop Bow Back Trench Coat, in purple :) I love the shape this creates, and as a fashion advisor, i would team this coat with thigh high black leather boots and a black and white mini dress underneath. Work that style! You can go to the Topshop site and search for it. Price: £65

Topshop Trench Coat

Topshop Trench Coat

Image source: The Stylefinder.com

So, the moral of this story is…even if you can’t have Leona Lewis’ purple trench coat, there are other designers and fast fashion creators getting onto this trend, so expect to see more around soon!

This season there have been loads of celebrities spotted out wearing the hottest colour around at the moment – purple.

Anyone heard the Gogol Bordello song “Start Wearing Purple”? Well, if you haven’t, check out the video below. It is a really catchy little number and it inspires you to quite literally, wear purple. Yes the song is random, but the meaning isn’t – purple really is a hot colour to be seen in and I’m going to show you just what i mean. Check out these celebrities wearing purple clothes:

Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood in Purple

Carrie Underwood in Purple

(Image source: http://www.bestwomenstyle.com/2008/04/25/carrie-underwood-in-purple-dress/)

Verdict? Very stylish; Carrie wears this colour effortlessly and the shape of the dress flatters her figure. Traditionally, dark purples suit dark hair and skin, but Carrie Underwood shows that even the paler complexions can carry it off. This is achieved by showing more skin to contrast against the heavy purple. If this dress was full length and long sleeved, blonde Carrie would look swamped in it.

Score: 8/10

Rihanna

Rihanna in Purple

Rihanna in Purple

Verdict? This picture shocked me a little. Rihanna always looks so glamorous and stunning that i was so surprised when i saw this big purple blackcurrant impression she tried to pull off. With such a beautiful skin tone, the clash of colours going on here is nothing but a fashion faux pas. The jumpsuit is far too “block” in colour and makes her look larger round the hips as well as being unflattering and baggy in the wrong places. As a fashion advisor, i would have cut this outfit up and had her in a tight black pencil skirt with the pinky/purple top and a black jacket to round off the look.

Score: 3/10

Mariah Carey in Purple

Mariah Carey in Purple

Verdict? Mariah Carey has a wonderful curvaceous figure, but this dress does nothing for. This kind of bluey-purple is a hard colour to wear and although very pretty, it can often make women look drained. I don’t think the style of the dress suits Mariah either – notice her hands uncomfortably hovering over the chest.

Score: 5/10

Amerie

Amerie Wearing Purple

Amerie Wearing Purple

(Image source: http://trendcity.wordpress.com/2007/11/26/star-studded-in-purple-passion/)

Verdict: This is a gorgeous picture of Amerie. The dress is stunning and the material shows of her figure perfectly. The soft sheen that this purple has complements Amerie’s soft complexion and delicate features. If this colour of purple was any darker then this dress might not have looked so good. The bias cut shows of the leg and the whole outfit fits perfectly. Even the bracelet tones in. All credit to her stylists for this one.

Score: 10/10

Chris Kirkpatrick

Chris Kirkpatrick (ex-Nsync)

Chris Kirkpatrick (ex-Nsync)

(Image source: http://thefuntimesguide.com/2008/05/index.php?page=2)

Verdict: Oh dear Chris, what were you thinking? Even men can get their fashions wrong sometimes.  Whoever let this guy walk out where there are other people deserves to be fired from their job. My opinion? Don’t even try and wear metallic purple like this unless your black. A white man’s often rusty complexion cannot carry this colour very well and it just looks like a circus jacket. This jacket is far too OTT to be taken seriously, so Chris – look in the mirror next time!

Score: 0/10

Miley Cyrus

Miley Cyrus in Purple

Miley Cyrus in Purple

(Image source: http://thebestdamnthingever.blogspot.com/2007_12_01_archive.html)

Verdict: Here’s Miley Cyrus in this cute little ensemble. The jumper dress doesn’t swamp her little frame because she teams it with black tights and a black jacket. This breaks the block colour up and keeps it looking fresh and youthful. The belt is simple and pretty. She is very pale in this picture though, very English Rose, and this colour almost doesn’t work, but i think she just about pulls it off.

Score: 5/10

Do you agree with me?

Since purple is really hot this season, i think it worth my time to share with you all the fab purple ensembles you can purchase right now.

The colour purple has never really been considered a staple colour in your wardrobe. Yes, you can wear a top with beautiful purple flowers on it, but block purple has always been seen as a bit heavy and drab for many people. Not anymore! This Winter, make sure you cosy up in the hottest purple creations around.

So, how do you wear purple this Winter? Well, i think the trick here is not to “overdo” it. With purple being quite a heavy colour, it is important that you use it in a way that doesn’t make you look washed out or old and frumpy. The wrong colour purple could do this. Lets look at my example:

Below is a pic i found from a US site. It is a purple and black housecoat / cardigan. For me, this does not work. The purple is too bright and the black makes it look like a bumble bee that has been swimming in Ribena. The material doesn’t work for me either – too “shaggy” and messy. This cardigan is so busy and fussy on the eye, that you would have to wear white underneath to help tone down the vibrancy. I think this is anything but a statement piece.

Not my cup of tea...

Not my cup of tea...

Now I’ve shown you what doesn’t work, check out this hot little cashmere cardigan available from Laura Ashley.

Purple at its best!

Purple at its best!

By wearing a dark purple top with lilac accents on the pockets etc, this breaks up the heavy block colour of the purple and makes it much easier on the eye. Team this cardigan with some black trousers for a hot winter look.

Now, lets remember we can always make our purple a little bit more exciting by choosing different purple variations in an outfit. If its an evening out you are planning for, then see below:

Experiment with your purple!

Experiment with your purple!

Okay, this was just a quick mock-up that i did, but notice how the dress is a bluey-purple, not garish and totally stunning in a soft, floaty material. Team this colour purple with a fuschia pink bag and shoes and you are set for your evening out! Note the sheen on the dress is replicated on the bag and shoes. Never piece an outfit together with different materials clashing.  Also notice the slight ruffle effect of the bag works well with the dress. The bows on the shoes are mirrored with the bow wrapped around the dress. This outfit is perfect for a night out, and shows how you can wear purple and make it really work.

The dress is by Jay Ahr  – Jersey Mini Dress

The shoes are by Tibi – the fuchsia Heathcliff Ankle Wrap Sandal

The bag is by Fendi – The Borderline Ruffle Clutch

Check out Net-A-Porter to see if they are still available!

So, when you’re choosing your purple for this Winter, make sure you get that colour just right. Purple can be hard to wear and cheap drab looking versions will do nothing to complement your figure so shop wisely.