Pop Your Collar

Alexa in a gorgeous Philip Lim studded collar blouse

From ladylike to masculine and monochrome to brights, if there’s one thing that unites many of autumn’s key trends it’s a cute collar.

Over the past few seasons more and more attention has been paid to collars, with lots of lapel-related accessories including collar tips and detachable collars, but for AW they’re everywhere!

Worn a lot by Alexa Chung (of course) and Pixie Lott, this is an easy way to update your look for autumn even if you don’t do anything else. With the abundance of collared styles and detachable collars available on the high street, it couldn’t be easier to give it a go!

New Look has some gorgeous collared blouses at the moment – I love this pale pink blouse with scalloped collar (£19.99).

New Look Influence scalloped peter pan collar blouse, £19.99

At Topshop it’s all about the triple collar. This coral triple collar top (£32) will look great on its own or under a jumper with just the collar peeping out.

Topshop Coral Triple Peter Pan collar top, £32

Give a nod to the fetish look with this ASOS leather collar, £15

ASOS Leather Peter Pan collar, £15

How cute is this polka dot playsuit with peter pan collar? Get it from River Island, £40.

I can’t wait to get my hands on this gorgeous River Island polka dot black shift dress (£45).

River Island black long sleeve dress with contrast collar & sleeves, £45

Tie blouses are also a great look this autumn, like this MissGuided Hattie contrast collar tie front buttoned blouse (£20.99).

MissGuided Hattie contrast collar blouse, £20.99

Which is your favourite?

 

Chloe

Fall Forwards: intro to AW11 trends

Most of us haven’t had our summer holidays yet but the autumn/ winter collections are slowly taking over the high street. The new season’s offerings look particularly exciting with a break from the boring browns, beiges and khakis that usually signal the arrival of autumn.

Over my next few posts allow me to provide you with a comprehensive overview of what you’ll be wearing this Autumn/Winter, with high-end inspiration and high-street picks!

It’s a Man’s World

If you’re sick of summer’s delicate pleats, floaty maxis and billowing palazzos prepare to take on an alter ego with a pretty androgynous look. As seen at Celine and Paul Smith amongst others, a crisp shirt, sharp trousers and some brogues are your new season mannish must-haves. Throw on a tailored blazer and slick on some lippie to add a girly touch.

Olivia Palermo worked this look to perfection when she stepped out in this chic black tux with cigarette pants and a tie. The queen of accessories added leopard print heels and a glam clutch to prevent it from looking too boyish.

Olivia Palermo works the boyish look

I love both Warehouse and Topshop’s take on the androgynous trend – longline blazers with splashes of leopard print seem to be the way to go!

Topshop and Warehouse have both offered their own interpretations of the androgynous trend

Spot On!

The perennial polka dot has made a comeback in all manner of guises from laser cut circles at Stella McCartney to Dalmation prints at Topshop Unique. Whether you go for Marc Jacobs’ printed fur or David Koma’s chic leather circles, prepare to go dotty this autumn!

High end vs High Street...Stella McCartney and Topshop's AW spotty styles

Cheryl Cole stepped out in a Stella McCartney AW11 dress as she celebrated her 28^th birthday recently.

Cheryl Cole in a Stella McCartney AW11 dress

This Primark faux fur dalmation print coat may be a little reminiscent of Cruella Deville but as a fast fashion replica of Topshop Unique’s dalmation prints it’s sure to be a sell out. Get in there quick!

Unleash your inner Cruella in a dalmation print faux fur coat

Monochrome Magic

Good news for the colour shy – the simple monochrome palette of black and white made a comeback in collections from Louis Vuitton and Julien McDonald…even Giles made a departure from his more recent kitsch and playful prints for a more simple statement in monochrome. Give your monochrome look an edge for AW with patent, leather and lace detailing.

 Alexa Chung is a great ambassador for this look, proving a black and white colour palette doesn’t have to be boring. Here she works two of AW’s key looks…monochrome and boyish.

Alexa Chung in a monochrome short suit

 These are just three of AW’s trends; still to come – Colour, 60’s, 70’s and more…there’s something for everyone this autumn! Which is your favourite?

Chloe

 

SS11: Spot On…

If there’s one trend that’s going to drive you dotty this season then look no further than polka dots.

Another one of those trends that never goes out fashion, polka dots are once again everywhere on the high street and of course on our favourite fashionistas.

If ever my face needed cropping out haha!

This seasons polka dots are abit more adventurous than last season. Spots are bigger and the colours are brighter- not just the traditional monochrome (as seen on me and Alexa Chung!)

Talking of monochrome, I tweeted about my polka dot blouse just before Christmas but never got round to doing a post on it. Please ignore the picture, I wasn’t feeling very snap happy at Christmas and this was as good as it got!

My sheer dotty blouse was from Next however I think it went in the sale- eeek sorry bit pointless showing it you all now isn’t it!? I love the vintage feel you get with this print and the pussybow adds a 70’s vibe to it. I wore mine with black “treggings” for a smart look but it’s pretty versatile to get a daytime to night time look out of it. Also I love how a touch of red lippy can give a feminine, retro vibe to your outfit! Talking of red lipsticks, I’m recently loving this Boots Number 17 lasting fix lipstick in Showcase. So far so good… 

We heart The Chung.

Anyway just a couple of days ago Ms Chung was seen rocking another polka dot ensemble proving that this is one trend that is sticking around.

Alexa Chung in her 70's inspired polka dot dress

If you want to get in on the polka dot action too then have a butchers at these spotty picks available on the high street and online. I’m seriously in love with ALL these items. I was very close to buying the sleeveless Topshop tunic yesterday… might have to go back!

Navy polka dot items paired with mustard pieces are a perfect summer match and for a 50’s retro vibe accessorise with the colour red. I don’t know about you but I am certainly going dotty for dots!

F&F spotted tea dress @ Clothing at Tesco £16.00

Spot puffball tunic with collar @ A|wear £30.00

Cocoa peter pan collar polka dot tunic @ Topshop £26.00

Red Herring spotted smock top @ Debenhams £28.00

Navy polka dot blazer @ River Island £26.99

Camel spot fit and flare dress @ Dorothy Perkins £35.00

Polka dot jacquard playsuit @ River Island £39.99

Yellow spot pussybow blouse @ Topshop £36.00

Spot midi elastic waist polka dot skirt @ A|wear £30.00

F&F spot print shorts @ Clothing at Tesco £9.00

Are you a fan of polka dots? Is it a SS11 trend that you welcome?

Alexa Chung image courtesy of Getty and Instyle. Other Image copyrighted to wardrobe

Sunny

Christmas Sales shopping guide – what to buy and what to avoid!

Rails of discounted clothes, fully grown women fighting over the last ‘must-have’ bargain, and a supposedly fun shopping trip instantly turned into a stressful, tiring and all too often, disappointing experience…it can only be the Christmas sales!

 The sales are in full force at the moment – but what should we be trying to get our hands on, and what is destined to remain in the bargain bins for the rest of the season?

 Like many of you I’m sure, I’ve got a little carried away in the past during the sales and bought items I’d never have looked twice at before – only to see them hanging unworn in my wardrobe for seasons to come. For this reason, I’ve decided to try and help you all (and myself) with a guide of what to buy avoid in the sales!

 Buy it!

 These items/ looks are the perfect transitional pieces to take you into spring in style!

 Ladylike chic:

Midi skirts and ladylike dressing has seen something of a revival this season, and that look is sure to continue into the New Year with 60s and 70s influences. A chiffon or lightweight pleated midi is the perfect transitional piece to wear with opaques and ankle boots now, and then ballet flats when the snow has melted and temperatures are no longer sub-zero! This black mesh tutu skirt from Next is down to just £9 and will be the ideal starting point for a ladylike or ballet inspired outfit.

Next Black Mesh Tutu Skirt. WAS £28 NOW £9

Clog boots/ chunky platforms/ 70’s influences:

 The clog made an unlikely return to sartorial success in 2010, with Alexa Chung, Chloe Sevigny and…erm…me succumbing to their clumpy charms. Winter saw the unlikely wardrobe hero updated with sheepskin or fur trim, or reinvented into a boot guise. They may divide opinion, but clogs are returning in 2011 with the seventies trend that is set to take over the shops and your wardrobes! I bought these leather clog boots, reduced from £74.99 to £35 in River Island.

Black leather high clog ankle boot. WAS £74.99 NOW £35

Other 70s influences that you may be able to bag as a bargain are chunky platform or wedge shoes, and small boxy bags that will take you from winter to spring.

I love this Nina Chain Handle box bag from Mango. Reduced to £28 from £40 it works fabulously with both the 70s and ladylike looks!

Mango Nina Chain Box Bag. WAS £40 NOW £28

Neutral colours:

 Nude and neutral shades are set to remain among the major colour players this Spring/Summer. Prominent in the 70’s, romantic, tribal, sports luxe and utility looks (as in pretty much every key trend), spend a little more on classic shapes and simple pieces in these colours for a base to all of your trend led outfits. A chic cream blouse like the one below from Dorothy Perkins is set to become a staple item to wear with everything including palazzo trousers, midi skirts and jeans – the perfect sale buy.

Dorothy Perkins Cream Pocket Blouse. WAS £30 NOW £24

Bold colours and animal print:

 For a fun antidote to the neutral palette, bright and neon flashes of colour will give you a fashion forward look. Keep an eye out for bold clutch bags or statement heels for a great outfit update. The animal prints that have been all over the shops will still look great with tribal influences or sixties styles. Look for accessories like this leopard belt, for a more subtle hint of print!

River Island Leopard Print Belt. WAS £29.99 NOW £12

 Blouses:

 Whether it’s pussybow, long-sleeved or printed, the blouse is set to be a key item for Spring/Summer. Dress up a pair of jeans, or tuck it into a high-waisted skirt for an effortlessly chic look that will take you from day to night.

Bin it!

 No matter how cheap they are, these items will look dated before they’ve even made their first debut – beware!

 Shearling:

 Aviator jackets have been a major A/W10 look thanks to their debut on the Burberry Prorsum catwalk in February. However countless cheap knock offs tarnished trend before it could even get cold. Leave the aviator alone; next season is sure to see the iconic trench coat and biker jacket reign supreme as seen again in the Burberry Prorsum SS11 collection!

 Heavy fabrics and velvet:

 Say goodbye to your gothic style velvet and heavy fabrics. Spring is set to mark a return to the romantic girly look with soft chiffon, silk and lace being the materials of choice. In an ultra-feminine, almost balletic look as inspired by the gorgeous Rodarte costumes in the forthcoming Oscar-tipped Black Swan movie there is no room for heavy dull fabrics!

Have you been sales shopping? What have you bought?

Chloe

British Style Award 2010

The British Fashion Awards are taking place on Tuesday 7th December and you’ve got the chance to pick one of the award winners, as well as win a pair of tickets to the award ceremony.

The British Style Award recognises icons of British style and was won last year by Kate Moss. Worthy winner I think! This year, twenty new nominees are up for the award which will be picked by members of the public.

So who will you be voting for? Here are just a few of the stylish figures up for the accolade..

Alexa Chung

Chanel lovin' Alexa Chung

We at Wardrobe LOVE Alexa Chung. You can probably tell if you read this blog! Alexa’s been topping the style lists for a while now and you can see why. We’re constantly trying to emulate her look, but somehow we just can’t pin it down!

Florence Welch

Florence at the 2010 MTV Music Video Awards

 

Florence Welch has had a successful time of it with her music. I personally loved the Florence and the Machine album “Lungs”. She’s been making waves with her style too, with Topshop even designing some of her own stage outfits.

Tilda Swinton

 

Swinton at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival

Perhaps Tilda Swinton’s name is not the first you would associate with British Style, but she’s attracted the attention of clothing brand Pringle, who she’s currently the face of. I think Tilda’s androgynous look is completely unique and I always see her wearing pieces that I couldn’t see anyone else pulling off.

Emma Watson

Emma Watson showing off her pixie crop at the Deathly Hallows Premiere

 

If you’ve read our previous blog, you’ll know that we have a huge style crush on Emma. She’s cut off all her hair in an act of post-Hermione craziness but we still love her and her more grown up look.

Daisy Lowe

Daisy looking effortlessly sexy in Christian Dior

 

I’m jealous of Daisy Lowe. I’m jealous that she’s with Matt Smith aka Doctor Who ( I suppose he has an odd face but I think he’s cute, ok). I’m jealous of her amazing figure and I’m jealous that she can make leather look that good. She never seems to place a foot wrong. Did I mention I was jealous?

If you want to see the rest of the nominees or want to vote for someone who’s not even on the list, you can click here. Voting closes midnight tomorrow! All those who do vote will be automatically put into a draw to win the pair of tickets.

Who do you think deserves to be crowned British Style Queen?

Bhavna

Chunky Knits- Hell Yeah

Here in the UK we certainly know how to do Autumn/Winter. I’m not just talking about fashion (though we totally kill it in the fashion stakes) but the great British weather too. I don’t have to tell you how wet and cold it has been lately and will be in the up-coming weeks….boo!

Now as someone who really feels the cold I have no choice but to wrap up. Knitwear is my best friend in the winter and luckily for me this season chunky knits are bang on trend, yay!

Navy boyfriend cardigan @ Topshop £48.00

Back in september my first chunky knitwear purchase was this knitted  ‘Aran’ cardigan from Topshop. I had previously bought a cream coloured one but decided I would get more wear out of the navy one I spotted in Toppers. Since my purchase I have seen Aran style cardigans everywhere and if our style crush Alexa Chung is spotted wearing one then you know you’re on to a winner!

'The Chung' wearing an Aran knitted cardigan

The great thing about these Aran cardigans and any other chunky cardigans is that they can double up as a jacket. I’ve been wearing mine as a substitute for a jacket for weeks now however the only frustrating thing is they get soaked when it rains! If like me you also have a wardrobe dominated by t-shirts then a chunky cardi is a perfect to layer over your tees thus keeping you warm and looking cool- just check out Alexa…

My knitted aran cardigan in cream @ Topshop £48.00

Rihanna rocks the chunky knit

Knitted boyfriend cardigan in Camel @ Topshop £48.00

It’s not just chunky cardigans that we’re feeling this winter, it’s knitwear all around from jumpers to skirts (yes skirts!). This seasons knitwear doesn’t have to be plain, nuh uh. Quirky printed knits and prints such as Fair Isle are EVERYWHERE this season especially on the high street. If chunky knits bring you out in a hot sweat and if prints on jumpers remind you of dodgy knitwear your mum used to dress you in (harsh) then go for the embellished and sequin knits or knitted dresses.

D&G totally loving the fair isle print this AW10

Check out Belle Amie's Sophia wearing her blingy knit

Here’s a few of my fave knitwear items available in the stores right now. You can find links to all the websites in our online directory. In my opinion, River Island and Next definitely are the first port of call for trendy knitwear; they have everything from chunky aran style knits to funky printed jumpers. What more could you want!?

Cream stud jumper @ River Island £34.99 (we love it too!)

Nude stiped knitted tunic @ Miss Selfridge £36.00

Fairisle printed knitted dress with belt @ River Island £39.99

Mink chain embellished jumper @ Dorothy Perkins £35.00

BDG Fairisle cardigan @ Urban Outfitters £68.00

Cable knit skirt @ Next £32.00

Music note jumper @ ASOS £28.00 (as seen on erm moi! haha)

Online Exclusive: F&F bobble jumper @ Clothing at Tesco £16.00

Khaki mohair scoop stitch jumper @ River Island £32.99

Deer valley print lace sweater @ Topshop £38.00

Markus Lupfer skull sequined sweater @ Net-a-Porter £240.00

Knitted zip slub jumper @ Topshop £42.00

So there you have it, chunky knitwear has never been cooler….or should I say warmer?

Images courtesy of ITV, Grazia and LOOK

Sunny

Cooler than the Red Dress

When it comes to party outfits, it’s all too easy to opt for the failsafe LBD for a classic and timeless look. However, if you want to stand out from the crowd this winter take note from the celebs below who prove that it’s all about the LRD (Little Red Dress).

Simple yet sexy, the LRD makes a statement without the need for fussy accessories or too much effort. Much like the LBD, a red dress will also become a wardrobe staple as everyone always loves a Lady In Red!

You may be unsure that red will work for you, but as Alexa, Georgia May and Michelle show, there is a little red dress to suit all skin tones.

Georgia May Jagger matched her lippie to this gorgeous lace trim red dress at a party, while Megan Fox took it a step further matching her LRD to the red carpet at a premiere earlier this year.

Georgia May Jagger looks stunning in her lace trimmed red dress

All eyes were on Megan Fox in this plunge neck red dress

V Festival Fashion

Another weekend, another festival! Last weekend it was time for V Festival sponsored by Virgin Media at Stafford and Chelmsford.

I was lucky enough to go for the day on Saturday to check out the likes of Pixie Lott, Jamie T and Kasabian and had an amazing day! Unfortunately the great British summer weather means that it began to rain torrentially as soon as Pixie took to the stage at 12pm, but of course she still looked stylish as ever in a black feather-skirted DVF dress and boots. Here’s a rundown of some of the outfits from the weekend…

Pixie in her DVF dress, performing at Stafford on Saturday.

Drew Barrymore looked every inch the A Lister, as she made a nod to the Western trend in her fringed crop top, khaki trousers and brown riding boots.

As always, Alexa got the festival look spot on in her chunky knit cardigan, Kurt Cobain tee, denim cut-offs and some lace up hunter wellies.

Pixie Lott showed off her legs in a Milly A/W ’10 dress teamed with Burberry Prorsum boots. Loving the seventies inspired hat!

 Meanwhile Dr Who assistant Karen Gillan steered clear of typical festival attire in this velvet jacket, white vintage blouse and Carvela lace up boots.

Paloma Faith made sure she stood out from the crowd in her Happy Hippo dress from Yang Du, as previously seen on Marina Diamondis!

Florence Welch worked some leather shorts with a Topshop mustard blouse and Mulberry leopard print bag on the Chelmsford site.

Will Taylor Momsen ever tire of her corset dresses, suspenders and heavily-kohled eyes?

I really love the Aztec detailing on the sleeve of this dress worn by Diana Vickers…

I also got to meet the lovely Eliza Doolittle who was showing off her amazing legs in some Religion shorts, a H&M vest top, Lee and Vivienne Westwood shirt, ASOS jacket and her trademark Nike high top trainers. I’m wearing a dress from Republic, wellies from Peacocks and a parka from New Look (which turned out to not be as waterproof as hoped!)

All in all, it was a great day and I’d definitely go back again. Make sure you check back next week for my festival fashion low down from Leeds Festival!

What do you think of the outfits from Virgin Media’s V Festival?

Chloe

Images courtesy of Getty, Rex, Look and InStyle

Get The Glasto Look 2010

So another Glastonbury has been and gone and wasn’t it a good un!?

Here at Wardrobe we had fun watching the live perfomances over the weekend and of course our Bhav was there to enjoy it in person!

If you follow us on twitter you probably would have realised from our tweets exactly how much we were enjoying the acts. How great was Snoop Dee Oh Double Gee? A white vest never looked so cool on a bloke before. Another personal highlight for me was Bhav ringing me live from Jamie T’s set. I am still buzzing to this day, I think he’s amazing! *swoons*

We Heart Jamie T

We were too busy enjoying the music we forgot all about the fashion….well nearly. Oh well, better late than never! The Sun was out in force during the weekend which meant the usual Glasto festival fashion items remained unpacked. Bhav was gutted it didn’t rain as she didn’t get to use her new wellies!

With no rain or mud in sight it was nice to see a diff Glastonbury wardrobe as rocked by our fave festival fashionistas. One thing for sure is that the denim short is still a popular festival staple amongst festival goers wether they are worn with boots, sandals or flats like brogues and loafers. Check out the pics below and how you too can steal their style on the high street:

Glastonbury 2010 Kate Moss

Asos Reclaimed Dutch army shirt @ asos £28.00

Glastonbury 2010: Alexa Chung

Furry Across Body Bag @ New Look £6.00

F&F Denim Shorts @ Clothing at Tesco £12.00

Glastonbury 2010: Ellie Goulding

Rise Cream Cutwork Blouse @ Dorothy Perkins £24.00

KEDA Tassle Brogue @ Topshop £55.00

Glastonbury 2010: Kelly Osbourne

Lightwash Denim Gilet Jacket @ Miss Selfridge £38.00

Rocky Horror Tee @ Urban Outfitters was £28.00 now £17.99

Glastonbury 2010: Kate Hudson

Grey Vena Leopard Print Dress @ Boohoo.com £18.00

Floral Tie Sandal @ Miss Selfridge £18.00

Glastonbury 2010: Emma Watson

Cheap Monday Freja Crinkle Sleveless Blouse @ Urban Outfitters was £45.00 now £29.99

Red Herring Leopard print Belt @ Debenhams was £6.00 now £1.80

Glastonbury 2010: Sienna Miller

Crop Tape Waistcoat @ Miss Selfridge £28.00

Straw Fedora Hat @ asos £15.00

Brown Lace Up Ankle Boot @ River Island £64.99

Glastonbury 2010: Jameela Jamil

Ray-Ban Wayfarer acetate sunglasses @ Net-A-Porter £120.00

Green Cotton Mix Boyfriend Cardigan @ ASDA George £12.00

What did you think of this years Glasto style?

Images courtesy of Daily Mail, In Style, Holy Moly and BBC Glastonbury website

Sunny

No Strings Attached

Jameela Jamil teams her wedge heeled espadrilles with socks and a breton striped top

When I first heard that espadrilles were making a comeback I had flashbacks of my childhood – of summers spent skipping around campsites in France wearing the little canvas shoes with ties up my legs, and couldn’t imagine recreating the look over ten years on.

However this year’s espadrilles are reminiscent of any good fling; attractive, casual and with no strings attached.

Both practical and cool, espadrilles have been seen on the likes of T4 ladies Jameela Jamil and Alexa Chung . They both prefer the wedged version of the summer shoes, and show that they can be worn with any trend – even socks!

Personally I favour the flat espadrilles that are all over the high street at the moment. A good alternative to sandals in the hot weather, these shoes are reasonably priced and won’t be out of place at the beach, at a festival or in the city. Here’s the Wardrobe guide to the best espadrilles in the shops right now.

Office Aqua Flat espadrilles come in a variety of colours, for an effortlessly stylish look whatever you’re wearing. I can’t decide what colour I want, but at just £10 a pair I may be able to get more than one! I’m leaning toward this lilac pair to add a pastel pop to a summer outfit.

Office £10

Not one to miss a trend, Topshop have a range of espadrilles including lace up and paint splash designs, £15. Our favourites were the cute floral print pumps, but at the time of writing this it looks like they’re out of stock. Head down to your local store and you may be able to get your hands on a pair! We also love this stripy pair from River Island, £7.99.

River Island £7.99

Fancy your espadrilles to be a bit more extravagent? You can’t get much more dazzling than this silver glittery pair from TOMS at Office, £39.99. They may be more expensive than the others on the high street, but for every pair you buy, TOMS will give a pair of shoes to a child in need. Even more excuse to treat yourself!

TOMS available at Office, £39.99

To be honest, wherever you decide to look for your espadrilles they’re all pretty similar and excluding the TOMS espadrilles, you would be hard pushed to find a pair costing more than £20! You may even be able to find a matching pair for your fella…result?

What do you think of espadrilles? Will you be buying any?

Chloe