DIOR BRINGS CHRISTMAS TO CLARIDGES

For the second year, John Galliano has been invited to decorate the Claridges iconic Christmas Tree. The pairing of the flamboyant Dior designer and one of the most luxurious hotels in the World is a recipe for success, last years 'Frozen' tree attracted thousands of visitors. Set in the modern Art Deco foyer, Galliano has said“The majestic beauty of Claridge’s Art Deco interiors never fails to inspire me. I am thrilled to be invited to create a new tree for Christmas at Claridge’s. I wanted to create an underwater fantasy and have mixed pink corals, seahorses, anemones and jellyfish, all glinting like gem stones, swimming amidst the silver leaves. I hope we create something as sumptuous as its setting and this inspires a truly luxurious escape and a very festive season at Claridge’s.”  Ehh, okay so John

While we certainly wouldn't expect Galliano to use tinsle from the attic and plonk a battered fairy on the top, we can't help but feel he could have injected some Christmas spirit into the decoration. Beautiful and all as it is, it isn't exactly festive. What do you think?

       Last Year's 'Frozen' Tree, which for some reason had a blue tiger in it...

Selfridges Make Early Winter Mornings A Whole Lot Brighter

 I’ve been finding it increasingly difficult to drag my sleepy head out of bed over the last few weeks. Clambering out into pitch black sub zero temperatures, it takes every inch of my being not to listen to that little voice in my head ‘one more snooze’. Luckily, next week brings December, and with it, a luxurious incentive which will see me bouncing out of bed on the first ring of the alarm. But what is it, I hear you cry. Why, it’s the Selfridges 24 Days of Luxuries Beauty Advent Calendar!! Okay, so 60 Quid is more than the cost of your average advent calendar, but then the average calendar doesn’t have 24 luxury beauty products, put together by the Selfridges Beauty team (home of the BEST beauty floor in the Western hemisphere) .  The calendar provides an ideal opportunity to sample a range of beauty products without splurging on the full sized bottle. Products from Lancome, YSL, Victor & Rolf, Armani and Kiehl’s are just some of the delights you can open the door to throughout December.  And unlike a month of chocolate, the treats in this calendar will have you looking in tip top shape come Christmas morning!
Available from Selfridges London while stocks last @ £60

FRENCH CONNECTION SAMPLE SALE

Another London weekend, another delightful sample sale! High street Favorites  French Connection will be slashing their prices this weekend knocking up to 70% off their prices at their not to be missed Sample Sale in North London.  For the paltry entry fee of £1, bargain hunters have access to a huge range of coats, knitwear and dresses from as little as £10. Get there early to nab one of their trademark flirty frocks ideal for the Christmas Party Season.

Friday 26th November 9.30am to 7pm
Saturday 27th November 10am to 5pm
Sunday 28th November 10am to 4pm

Centro One
39 Camden Street
London
NW1 0DX

The £1 Entrance fee goes to Children with Lukaemia and Richard House Children‘s Hospice,

 

Above: Everyone from Hollywood Super Star Diane Kruger to Future Queen of England Kate Middleton can't get enough of FCUK party dresses.

Valentino for GAP

Hot on the heels of Lanvin for H&M is the unveiling of Valentino for GAP. As I have previously mentioned, this collaboration left me somewhat baffled, Italian house of Couture and American ‘Mom jeans’ favourite is a bizarre and uncomfortable pairing. The seven-piece collection goes on sale tomorrow at Dover Street Market and Gap’s flagship store in London as well as newly opened GAP stores in Milan and Rome. So if you fancy a pair of ruffly combats you’ll need to get yourself to one of the selected stores as the collection will not be available to purchase online. Something tells me the queues won’t be quit as long as Tuesday’s at H&M…

Lanvin for Lanvin

Miss out on today's 'Lanvin for H&M'? I couldnt get into the online store until 8.30 because of the overcrowding, and by that time it was all sold out! As I mentioned in a previous post these collaborations never appeal to me too much anyway, so I'll save my pennies for the real deal, Lanvin by Lanvin. Christmas is coming, and I can't think of a better present to me from me.  Below are the shortlist. All available from Net-a-porter.com and Lanvin store at 125 Mount Street, LondonW1K 3NU. Available now, without a three hour queue!



And if you need a bit more time to save those pennies, below are some of Lanvin's offerings for S/S 2011

Goolge's Fashion Foray

Cold, miserable November days are best spent curled up on the sofa with hot chocolate and a slew up fashion magazines.  The only problem is, December brings a slew of parties that require bringing the shoes, dresses and jewels from the pages of the magazine to your wardrobe. Luckily, for the last 10 years. Natalie Massenet has allowed us to fill our wardrobes with on trend designer clothes from the comfort of our own home via the World’s leading on-line Designer clothes shop, Net-a-porter. I dare not count the hours of my employer’s time spent searching and salivating over the beautiful array of luxury goods the website brings to my screen each week. Needless to say, I was more than excited to hear about the latest online fashion revolution, Boutiques.com. Internet Giants Google, last week launched the site, a heady mixture of celebrity and fashion which apparently would ‘change the way women bought clothes online’ . It allows women to look for clothes by genre, silhouette, pattern, shape and size from a range of different stores. You can create your own boutique by marking items your "favorites" as you browse, and follow others with a similar sense of style, including a number of high profile celebrities including Kelly Osboune, Carey Mulligan and both Olsen sisters.  So does it live up to the hype? Er, no. The very first item I clicked on (Christian Louboutin Big Lips shoes) took me to a website which stated ‘item no longer available’. Meh, why tease me with things I can’t have? The cynic in me also reckons a number of the celebs are being paid hefty sums to promote certain labels. And finally, I want to see ALL the clothes, not limit myself to certain celebrity ‘picks ‘ or particular colors and styles. So, who will you be following on Boutiques.com?

Sample Sale; Jenny Peckham

One of the best things about living in a Fashion Capital like London is sample sales. A gal can dress herself head to toe in designer threads on a Primark budget. Not a week goes by without a number of top Designer labels slashing their prices by as much as 95%. This week it’s Jenny Packham. British Designer Packham is world renowned for her beautiful bridal gowns and evening wear, counting  Hollywood elite Eva Longoria and Jennifer Lopez  as fans. Packham has also been tipped as a possible contender  to design the dress of the century - Kate Middleton’s wedding dress . This weekend from Thurs 18 November- Sat 20 November you can get a whopping 70% off evening wear and jewellery at the Jenny Packham shop  at 3a Carlos Place, Mount Street, London, W1. Get there early to snag the best bargains!

Thursday 18th November from 10am to 7pm
Friday 19th November from 10am to 6pm
Saturday 20th November from 10am to 2pm

London Spirit.

The British Fashion Council has announced that this year’s  ‘Spirit of London’ award will be voted for by the General Public. That’s right, this year, you and me will decide who embodies that unique London look. A little unkempt, a little quirky, a lot rock n’ roll, the London look is synonymous with a creative personal stamp that other cities just can’t compete with.  The award was created last year, to mark the 25th anniversary of London Fashion Week, and predictably, was given to Kate Moss, London’s most famous fashion export. But who will we, the Great British Public choose?  Contenders include Georgia May Jagger, Moss’s successor of the ‘Rimmel London - Get the London Look’ campaign, Harry Potter star Emma Watson, and the Great Dame of British fashion herself, Vivienne Westwood. All those who vote will be included in a draw to win tickets to the 07 December awards ceremony. Make sure you cast your vote before 23 November to be in with a chance to win! Further details available at ll http://www.britishfashionawards.com/britishstylethoshttp

://www.britishfashionawards.com/britishstylee who vote for the British Style award will automatically be placed into a

It's Still The Stone Age

As the end of the year draws near we consider the important things that have happened over the last 12 months. Like who has been the Model of the Year. While she will undoubtedly face fierce competition from the androgynous Freja Beha Erichsen, Lara Stone is a strong contender to hold onto her 2009 crown.  Angelica Cheung has placed the new Mrs Walliams on the cover of  China’s December Vogue . Stone casts a magical & mystical figure in the ‘Dreamland ‘ issue. Quite a contrast to the Mario Testino shot in December’s British Vogue,  undoubtedly the sexiest image of the issue.  Which do you prefer?

Fashion Bugbear; Office wear with trainers

Although there are many fashion trends I’m not onboard with (harem pants anyone?), I like to keep an open mind and respect my fellow fashion fans in their outfit choices. Gaga in her meat dress? Sure she’s pushing boundaries. Wags in their Velvet Juicy suits, well, they look cozy, Helena Bonham Carter in, well, er, anything really – she’s a true original. But there is one look   which I cannot abide. Women,  marching the pavement to work, tailored suit, check, Mulberry bag, check, carefully applied make up, check and a pair of trainers! Whhhhy? Why do women go to so much trouble with their image to ruin it with a pair of scruffy old nikes. I understand, women are pushed for time and combining their exercise and commute is the only way some of us sill ever fit in physical activity. But girls, there are other options. Ballet flats, flat leather boots, even a pair of goddamn Uggs would look better than running shoes. You wouldn’t wear the combination shopping on a Saturday, you wouldn’t wear it around the office (I see some heels sticking from your handbag so I know you have some pride) so why is it okay to wear when walking in to work? Below are some alternatives to walk in this winter. Comfy and stylish.

Clockwise from top left:  Christian Louboutin Egoutina Studded leather boots £945: Burrberry lace up and canvas boots £395:: Dune brown leather buckled boots £145: Ugg Grey wollen Boots £125: and Vivienne Westwood Pirate Boots £ 430

Style Crush; Karl Donoghue

Winter has arrived and I can’t say I’m not happy, Winter provides endless fashion opportunities. In one day you can wear an infinite number of items, tights, boots, scarves and coats each bringing their own fashion identity to create a unique outfit..The dilemma is often trying to stay stylish and well wrapped up at the same time. Nobody wants to look like the Michelin man, but then freezing to death is not an idea we relish either. Enter Karl Donoghue .  Yorkshire born Donoghue  is renounced for his use of the finest natural fabrics in his collections. Soft buttery leather coats, rich shearing trimmed jackets and an abundance of rabbit fur accessories will keep you toastie and stylish. Favoured by everyone from Kate Moss to Elizabeth Hurley, Donoghue is the king of pure winter luxury. Available from Selfridges, Harvey Nichols and Fenwick in London, and  Net-a-porter  for worldwide shoppers. Keep an eye on Designer outlet designer theoutnet.com who regularly have reduced prices on his sumptuous outerwear. Top of my winter wish list for a/w 2010/11are the following

Judging a book by it’s cover.

It’s an age old adage: Don’t judge a book by it’s cover. Yet I do, every month. Or rather, I judge a magazine by it’s cover star. With a litany of monthly y glossies to choose from, I’ll always pick the one with a girl I like or would like to be on the front. Which is why I immediately snapped up this month’s Instyle with Christina Aguilera on the front, dressed head to toe in my all time favorite Designer Dolce & Gabanna.  I heart Christina. Since she ditched the leather chaps in favour of her sultry forties screen siren, I’ve followed her wardrobe choices with much envy and admiration. Instyle is her first cover since splitting with husband Jordan Bratman and the lady is hot to trot. The cover sees her styled in Dolce & Gabanna’s signature leopard print and rock chick leather. Her hair and makeup have a sixties sex kitten vibe and she’s ditched the usual red lippy in favour of a pale pink paired with winged eyes. Instyle was on the shelf next to Elle, with a buttoned up and boring Alexa Chung on the front. There could only be one choice.

Can you make a Silk purse from a Sow's Ear?

I've never taken too much interest in Designer/High street collaborations. What's special about designer clothes, is the cut, the use of quality materials, and the relatively low chance of bumping into someone in an identikit outfit (unless you mix in the same circles of Victoria Beckham of course), Unfortunately, with the high street collaborations, these key factors get lost somewhere on the floor of the Chinese factories churning them out. All too often, what these collections represent is the desire to have a 'label'. Some people use labels as a status symbol, regardless of shoddy workman ship and low quality materials. This phenomenon is evident from the huge black market for fake designer handbags. If other people think you have a designer bag, that's all that matters, regardless of cheap fabric, broken zippers and child labor. Since 2004 H&M have launched these collaborations with fashion royalty including Karl Lagerfeld and  Roberto Cavalli , to a fanfare of media coverage, and hundreds of shoppers camping overnight to get a coveted piece of Designer on the cheap. But why?

Collaboration is a no brainer for a Designer. Paid a huge license fee, this is an opportunity to introduce their name to the young, potential designer shoppers of the future. It also acts as a test market for any designer considering launching a diffusion line. For the high street shop, a guaranteed sell out collection and the kudos of being associated with a respected fashion designer. But for the shopper? A 200 pound dress that half of London will be wearing at the office Christmas party. The fabric and cut will never live up to a real designer piece - the budget simply isn't there. As the old saying goes, you can't make a silk purse from a sow's ear.

Anyway, unless you’ve been living on Mars you’ll know that this month sees two big Designer/High Street collaborations. First up is GAP and Valentino, to mark the launch of GAP in Milan. Which is just plain odd. I've only ever bought plain white t-shirts and socks in GAP and a quick look at their website tells me they sell much else except misshapen jeans and khaki combats last seen in fashion circa 1998. Although the orange munchkin himself has retired, the House of Valentino under Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli continues to design some of the most intricately beautiful evening gowns worn by Hollywood elite to collect their Oscars.  Apparently we can expect 'luxurious basics'. I'm thinking silk tees and chinos but who knows...

The other collaboration that everyone is talking about is Lanvin for H&M. Despite my reservations about collaborations, I must admit my interest tweaked when I heard about this one. For me,Lanvin represents pure luxury. Images of the finest silk and the skilful tailoring spring to mind, Bejeweled fabric. Couture!. In other words, the antithesis ofH&M'S cheap and cheerful fast fashion. How on earth could it translate? Designer Alber Elbaz claims it will be H&M going luxury rather than Lanvin going public. Last week Elbaz released a preview video, and even a cynic like me has to admit the clothes look beautiful and undeniably have Elbaz' s signature lux factor. I’ve book marked a few items to check out when the clothes launch on November 23rd, but I'll reserve judgment until I've seen the clothes in real light, and touched the fabrics. With clever lighting and a beautiful model,  photographers can make even the nastiest fabric look appealing. The reality is often different.  Watch this space for my updates on launch day...