Label lust: Zakary le Stele

Hi guys,
My love of oversized chunky jewellery (as big and gold as possible, in fact!) continues unabated. I have stuck to my New Year's Resolution not to buy any more cheap jewellery: I haven't been inside the Topshop or H&M jewellery departments once! But that doesn't mean I'm not still as obsessed as ever with oversized bling: it's just my jewellery habit is becoming increasingly more expensive!

When I was sent over this lookbook from accessories designer Zakary le Stele I immediately fell in love. That could, of course, be because it features gorgeous French model Priscilla Miegemolle Dime and was shot on the streets of Paris (my favourite city in the world). But it's more likely to be because I immediately wanted to add the oversized cuffs to my jewellery box, then buy as many of the shoes, followed by the gorgeous digital print frocks as possible!



This is the designer's first complete womenswear collection, and it will be available this autumn/winter. Entitled 'L'ardeur' the print-heavy collection features pieces infused with sexual intensity and drama (according to the blurb!). Since I saw the first Matthew Williamson collection featuring them, I fell in love with digital prints so I have a soft spot for them, whatever the designer. And the soft structure of this collection really did capture my imagination!

I should really have prefaced this post with the disclaimer that you shouldn't fall in love with this collection too quickly, like I did. Unless you all have a secret you're not telling me, sadly the collection is far too expensive for we ordinary girls to afford. As in, high end couture prices. It's probably too late. But it's nice to dream!!

Love Tor x

PS - Don't forget to enter the amazing COMPETITION where you could win a whole outfit from Fashionpony.co.uk

The matching/clashing accessory conundrum!

Hi guys,
It's a question I often ask myself: is it better to match your accessories or clash them?! Personally I'm a big fan of matching (I rarely leave the house if the colour of my shoes doesn't match the colour of my bag) but I also appreciate that a little clashing (especially in the summer) is probably much much cooler!

Matching

I love my new tan saddle bag (thank you very much, TKMaxx!) so I knew I had to get the perfect pair of summer shoes to match it. Enter these amazing peep toe T-bar sandals from Bertie (c/o Sarenza) They have a sturdy platform at the front which balances out the height of the heel, meaning you can wear them all day with no discomfort: tried and tested! I was delighted by how exact the colour-match was too. It's very rare when the colour on the screen is the same as what arrives on your doorstep!

Clashing

This is my third pair of Valensi pumps from Sarenza (I also have a gold pair and a black pair) and I plan on adding a couple of other, brighter and more summery shades, to my collection. They are the most comfortable pumps I have ever owned: they have a supportive back and sit slightly higher up the foot than normal pumps leaving you feeling snug and supported. It would be a little twee to then add a powder pink handbag though, so this is where I turn to the clash-side! So instead I went for a turquoise studded clutch. Just add jeans and a white tee and I'm ready to go!

Do you tend to match your accessories? Or do you mix and match colours? I'd love to hear your shoe and handbag co-ordination thoughts!

Love Tor xx

Tote bag lust: Maude & Tilda

Hi guys,
I was sent the press release for these fun and very tongue-in-cheek tote bags a little while ago, and it got buried in my email. But I'm so glad I just rediscovered it to share with you guys!

These eco friendly bags are made by Parisian brand Maude & Tilda. They're made of 100% unbleached and undyed heavy natural cotton canvas, printed by hand and using only environmentally friendly dyes. And they are a must-have for any fashion concious gal on a budget: At $45 (USA) they aren't cotton tote bag cheap. But for their cool factor alone, they're worth every penny! I've just ordered the Chanel one, and cannot wait for it to arrive. With this folded into my handbag I have guarenteed style status and I won't ever need to use a carrier bag again: it's a win-win situation!

Love Tor x

Accessories love: Suedey-lady!

Hi guys,

My leather obsession is well-documented. I only wear leather shoes and carry leather handbags. And although I'm still looking for the perfect leather jacket, I've picked up five contenders on the way! Now though I'm thinking I might have to switch my allegiances. To suede!

Suede is the perfect fabric for this time of year. It looks wintery, and it's matt finish doesn't reflect the light (avoiding that shinky/cheap finish). It's also better for spring/summer than winter, because there's less chance of it getting wet, and therefore ruined, in the rain and the snow. And it's generally more lightweight than leather too.

The bag is from Hotter. It's the perfect size for days out and weekends (when I don't want to carry my heavy satchel) and I love the fringing detail, which gives it a perfectly on-trend boho feel. I like to be hands free when I'm out and about (which probably explains my satchel obsession) and this bag more than fits the bill for that. It would also be perfect for nights out to the pub!

The ankle boots are Carvela c/o Sarenza. I chose them because I fell in love with their vibrant wine colour, which looks brilliant when teamed with black jeans and leggings. The gold zip detail is gorgeous too, and more importantly, they're comfortable! So far I've worn them for three very long days without so much as a single foot twinge: for me, that's almost unheard of!

What accessories can you not live without? Do you have a preferred handbag style, or a comfortable shoe your completely in love with?

Love Tor xx

Marks and Spencer Accessories: Not what you'd expect!

Hi guys,

This evening I was invited to a Mad Hatters Tea Party to check out the new ranges of accessories from Marks and Spencer. And I have to say I completely fell in love: it wasn't what I was expecting at all. But in a good way! I think I have a slight prejudice against Marks and Spencer because it was one of only 5 clothing stores on our high street growing up, and was the place my Nan got her nighties, and my mum got my sensible school knickers.

But I take it back! I withdraw my old-fashioned prejudice: because judging by these accessories, M&S is a cool place to shop! The collections were divided into four distinct trend zones: Nordic Narnia, Wilderness, Global Traveller, and Boy Meets Girl:

The pieces in the Boy Meets Girl zone were my favourites: I especially loved the oversized black leather handbags (which felt as soft as butter) and the chunky black watch in the picture above.

I also loved all the glitter and sequins in the global traveler zone: can you believe the black and taupe sequinned and heeled Mary Janes were only £30? That's considerably cheaper than some of the more popular high street stores, and I completely loved them. They'd be perfect for Christmas parties, and I would team them with leggings for girls nights out.

I was also surprised at how many of the pretty shoes came in with built in insolia technology: I only have one pair of insolia shoes, but I swear by it! They're the only heels I can dance in all night long and not go home with my feet in shreds. Shoes that feel comfy but look all fashion: how can you lose!?

The overall verdict? For quality and affordable pieces that are fashion-forward, and are built to last, head to Marks and Spencer. I definitely will be!

Love Tor x

Emporio Armani Press Day: Accessories Lust

This morning I popped down to the Emporio Armani press day, for a closer look at their Spring/Summer collections. Layering seemed to be a key trend from Armani this season, and sports-luxe pieces in grey or mesh were teamed with almost everything. There were lots of gorgeous pieces fused with buttersoft leather, and printed leather jackets (which I loved) whilst the bold accent colour was definitely fucshia.

The stand out pieces for me though were the accessories, hence all the pictures: i'm a self-confessed accessories junky, and this collection seemed to focus on my three favourite things - necklaces, belts, and shoes. My favourite piece was the oversized blue flower and cord necklace (in the bottom picture) which was chunky and bold but feminine at the same time. I also loved the polka dot shoes and the boxy square bags in a variety of colours. The colours of the perspex jewellery were lovely, although it did feel like i've seen them a million times before. I loved the return of gingham, and will be trawling charity shops across the city for a boxy black and white bag, like the one shown in the third picture.

While i'm gushing (not shocking, I know!) a quick mention of the tan and gold across-the-body bag in the top picture: such a versitile piece that would go with almost everything. I think, come spring, i'd like to raid the Armani accessories department, and make everything my own!

Love, Tor xx

New Look press day: Accessories lust!

Yesterday was the New Look press day and it was the accessories (especially the shoes!) that had me going weak at the knees. There were some incredible chunky wedges that I wish I could get my hands on now, loads of faux fur, lovely velvet, and lots of lovely nudes (again).

I love the chunkier more masculine style shoes in tan and camel and the tapestry bag in the very bottom picture is already on my "must-have" list: it's the perfect faux-vintage look. The jewellery was a little garish for my personal tastes but again explored the faux-vintage theme. The feathered head scarf below is gorgeous:it looks really luxe, but with the added bonus of knowing it will come with a New Look price tag! I will definitely be heading to New Look for my accessories fix need autumn/winter: there is a nude fur deer stalker with my name on it!

I don't really have much more to say but in this case, I think a picture says a thousand words!

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend and if you're in the UK - bank holiday! Woo!

Love, Tor xx

Rethinking the Laura Ashley girl

When I think of Laura Ashley I think of chintzy homewares, mumsy dresses, and fussy knits. Back in the day they even did matching mother-daughter floral dresses. Now i'm a big fan of the chintzy homewares: my bedroom could have stepped right out of a Laura Ashley catelogue circa 1985. But the mumsy dresses and knits? They were never for me!

But I think it might be time to rethink my attitude to the brand, because if these pics are anything to go by, they're as outdated as the floral dresses! This is a great collection that hits a wide range of styles: I think it's aimed at someone slightly older than myself but having said that there are loads of lovely pieces that would slip instantly into my existing wardrobe. The tunic dress is very versitile and would look as good with a blazer at the office or with gladiator sandals for a more casual look. I especially love the accessories, particularly the court shoes which would be perfect for work!

They seem to be fashion followers rather than innovators, as there is nothing particularly fashion forward, but everything is really nice and wearable: sometimes stores have to play to their strengths and leave the really crazy stuff to the youth brands. The price-point is a little higher than I would usually pay from the highstreet but this is reflected in the quality: the jackets are fully lined, for example. And I suppose the slightly older woman the collection is aimed at has more disposable income than someone like me. It's certainly made me rethink the Laura Ashley brand - although it's still the first place i'll turn if I need a floral garden party dress or a new chintzy bedspread!

Love, Tor xx

Competition: Win £250 worth of clothing!

Style Compare (http://www.stylecompare.co.uk/) are offering you the chance to win £250 to spend on their site!

They have chosen 10 bloggers to invite their readers to get involved in this competition, and just one reader (and the blogger too!) will be chosen to win the £250 prize.

All you have to do is accessorise this Ted Baker dress for either day or evening using items from http://www.stylecompare.co.uk/ up to a total value of £250 (and not a penny over!) Be as creative as you like: try adding jewellery, handbags, shoes, sweaters, coats and whatever else catches your eye.

Create a collage of your outfit complete with the accessorise. Need inspiration? Here is a quick example:

This only took me 5 minutes to do, so i'm sure you clever lot could do something much better!!
Send your outfits to me (tor@yourlondonstylist.co.uk) and the links to where you found the stuff (for example the link to the snood looks like this: http://www.stylecompare.co.uk/product/boohoo/natalie-lurex-metallic-snood-88736) and then I will select the three best entries to send on to Style Compare. They will announce the winner in the middle of next month.

The deadline for sending entries to me is 1st March 2010.

Get creative, and good luck!!

Tor xx

Daily wear: The important winter details

Hi guys,

In my opinion (which is humble!) winter dressing is all about the details: the layering, the hats, the little things that go on top of your basic outfit that are so important. I admire people in the street that are wearing brightly coloured clashing accessories, but I always tend to stick to one tone; generally (you guessed it!) black!

My details:

I can't get enough of this snood and wear it every day. I'm thinking of buying it in grey to bring a little colour variation (to match my grey gloves and grey hat of course!) Black snood: H&M, Sequin hat: Primark, Elbow length cotton gloves: Car boot sale.

What accessories do you go for? Do you like to match or clash your winter warmers?

Lots of love,
Tor

Quantum Physics and Fashion = Super fun!

Friends,

Any religion that gets you to pony up thirteen quid for string is going to attract celebrities. They love ancient spirituality and they love accessories. Rabbi Solomon ibn Gabirol (1021 - 1058) knew it was win-win and so do Zac Posen, Jill Stuart and Calvin Klein. Y'see, Scientology has tired of Lohan, Spears and their ilk and they're coming for our children. To this end, Posen, Stuart and Klien have authorised their creations to be worn in "Seven," an awesome neato-keen Scientologist comic! You know - for kids!

New York Magazine reports that "headband wearing socialite" Denise Wohl (jeepers, there's a epithet to treasure, huh?) noticed “There’s nothing [in the Kabbalah book market]for the most important age group of all: 7-to-17-year-olds,” A onetime letterer at Marvel Comics, Wohl enlisted former Marvel editor-in-chief Jim Shooter to create a series about seven characters, one from each continent, who are mysteriously brought together in Manhattan because they share a higher consciousness—“They use more brainpower than the rest of us,” Wohl explains—and have mastered quantum physics, astrophysics and fashion.

Ah, to be young, multi-ethnic and with Kabbalistic superpowers. The girl in the peachy dress is reportedly based on Leelee Sobieski. Her power is to give all the other girls in the team porno breasts and lesbian haircuts.

Take note: Our Lord Madonna decrees that this spring we'll be saving the world in earth tones!
Jumping Jehozafat!

Calvin Klein (S/S 08)

Zac Posen (S/S 08)

Jill Stuart (S/S 08)

Wow, I feel dirty. Perez Hilton dirty.

It feels good.

Your pal,
Becky.

One special thing

Hello. I am called Becky and I am the new contributor to this here e-lectronic fashion publication. Before we hit the main theme of this post,here are three pictures to approximate how I roll fashion-wise. It's best we're up front, you and I.

I chose these photos for a reason, internet friend. Not only does my hair look awesome in each but these images illustrate a dearly held fashion-related belief: the theory of the one special thing. Left to right: the pirate hook belt, the peacock feather and the turban.

When I was in my late teens, I realised suddenly that I wasn't in fact Chloe Sevigny. The flaxen hair, the groovy innate style, the Dolce connections....nope, nope and decidely nope.

Damn her black American heart. However, if you download and file 'the Sev' (I call her 'the Sev) as carefully as I do, you start to notice that when she styles herself (this is crucial - because magazine stylists tend to PILE shit on her) she adheres to the 'one special thing' rule. She always has one glorious and surprising detail that lifts the heart of fashion nerds everywhere. This is a fashion imperative we can all follow. The outfit above is made by the slightly dowdy nude bra contrasted with the floozy sexiness of the sheer blue blouse. Frowsy gold.

The scorpion belt. The scorpion belt. The scorpion belt. The outfit is gold by itself but injecting a decorative arthropod into the mix is the little touch of genius. The one special thing rule is so easy to follow and is easy to fit into the most mind-numbing of daily routines. Of course the internet makes sourcing said special incredibly easy. Here are some of my suggestions of accessories that lift the soul:

A bright vintage cape (from ebay.co.uk)



An angora turban
(£15 from Topshop)


Insects lodged in spheres of glass
(J. W. Andersen S/S 08, price on application, boyo.
http://www.j-w-anderson.com/)

Radiolaria bracelet necklace from
http://n-e-r-v-o-u-s.com
$75/$85

A Photoshop, an anguished expression and a lobster.
(Lobster from Cheeky Tiki of ebay.co.uk
http://stores.ebay.co.uk/CheekyTiki)

You see? It couldn't be simpler. The dowdiest of outfits are suddenly fit to flounce out the door if you add a little bit of magic. Just contact your inner Dali/homeless lady for details.

Your pal,
Becky.