#78

So it's been a while...again. I can't say my posts will become any more regular however, in fact it'll probably be the opposite in that they will become even fewer and far between! This prospect doesn't exactly fill me with joy as there's nothing nicer than coming in from the winter weather, sitting at the computer with a scolding mug of green tea and just typing away about pretty clothes, pretty shoes, pretty accessories and all round prettiness (yay), but, I only have a few weeks until exam season, this week being my last in school and my first exam being two days into the January term (thanks for that AQA) and so A levels and Christmas are pretty much all I can make time for at the moment, with the odd singing lesson here and there if I'm lucky.

On top of the stress that naturally comes with exams and Christmas time, my immune system seems to be taking some time off. I currently sound like a man and am being laughed at on a regular basis by my charming friends for making all kinds of awkward and unfeminine noises when I laugh. Humph. 

Anyway, back to what you're actually bothering to read this for-clothes. Over the summer I developed a theory strongly based on wild guesses and an odd intuition that plaid/chequered clothing would make a come back in the next few months. The dogtooth trend looked like the perfect opportunity for the fashion world to dive back into the ever recurring favourite, with the colder temperatures came the tartan scarves and finally a couple of weeks ago I saw an entire section on boohoo.com about 'plaid influence'. Not that boohoo are exactly the Gods of fashion and inspiration but as a boutique that usually indulges in the latest trends, I paid attention. Topshop have complied nicely with a certain tartan/chequered set of dungarees and UO are offering a range of grungy shirts in a plethora of chequered patterns.

Of course all this makes me very happy as my Topshop chequered shirt which I bought in the summer can wear its colours with pride, he will be very happy. I cant believe I just referred to my shirt as a 'he'...moving on.

Here's a couple of outfits featuring the aforementioned shirt. Is it a yes or no for plaid this season?

x

#77

Weekly Round Up

This weeks inspiration...

News

1.

Raf Simons, creative director of Dior as of April this year has announced his plans to reform the brand. He told Vogue in an interview for the January issue that he wants the company to be wearable on the street and went on to say...

"The Chanel woman? I don't even need to see, I smell her from round the corner, but I don't recognise the Dior woman," he said. "I want to work on that fast. Chanel has the deux-pièces with the pockets, or the bouclé, but what is it for Dior nowadays? I can't say."

2. 

A pop-up shop open until the end of the month selling the best of designer clothing at bargain prices has appeared at 70 Lambs Conduit street in London. The shop is seeing great interest and success, with prices ranging from £20 to £500.

3.

Our beloved Topshop is set for a large scale expansion over the coming years, focusing mainly on the US. US business and fashion organisation Leonard Green & partners have secured themselves a 25% stake in the empire which is said to be worth £2 billion.

"Under my family's ownership, we have continued to invest in and grow the Topshop/Topman brands," said Green in a statement. "Having had extensive dialogue over several months, the Board felt that LGP becoming our partner would be extremely beneficial. Their experienced management teams and knowledge of retail in the USA will greatly assist Topshop/Topman with their global expansion."-Sir Philip Green

4.

The appearance of Kanye West and Kim Kardashian on the front row of Stephane Rolland's couture show last season has sparked off some bitchiness within the industry-shocking (not). The designer himself was quick to confirm that nothing had changed...

"Kanye is an authentic artist/By that I mean a well-trained aesthete - his interest in couture and its level of sophistication is no surprise. Kim is a modern icon of mainstream culture. Nothing has changed. The world of luxury, in which couture is a guiding light, has always attracted a diverse range of personalities; age or social status do not change anything."-Stephane Rolland

5.

British model Jourdan dunn is set to star in Rihanna's collaberation campaign with River Island. Love her or hate her, the prospect is an exciting one. Admittedly my doubts are still very much present (in general I find Rihanna tacky and a little embarrassing) but this blue jumpsuit from the collection she was seen sporting offers hope for the range yet...

x

#76

5 festive trends

Below you'll find five seasonal trends I've selected for today's post; some that compliment each other and some that oppose. Some you may love and some you may hate. Some that are new to 2012, some making a revival and some that come around without fail every winter/Christmas time. What do you make of them? Personally I'm 100% game for festive fashion!

x

1. Novelty Knitwear

Urban Outfitters

Topshop

notonthehighstreet

2. sheer

MANGO

ASOS Marketplace

Glamorousuk

3.sequins and sparkles

Rare at ASOS

Aldo at House of Fraser

Sugarhill Boutique

4.baroque 

Lipsy at Next

ASOS

Boohoo

5.Velvet

Missguided

Topshop

ASOS Marketplace