Barbara Hulanicki’s latest drop for George – Jubilee fever

May 18th, 2012 . No Comments »

Barbara Hulanicki’s latest collection has arrived at Asda George, and it has a definite Jubilee feel to it. As regular readers of Fashion-Mommy know, I have great love for the Barbara Hulanicki and George collaboration. For a start, I love the very easy to wear designs that often come in stretch cotton or jersey. The collection is always hugely affordable and draws on Barbara’s iconic 60s and 70s designs for Biba. reviving beautiful prints for a new generation to enjoy. And I also think the collection always has something for everyone, from pretty skater style dresses to more sophisticated wrap styles.

The latest collection is all about the red, white and blue. The usual shapes we have come to expect from Barbara are all there, the dresses and tunics. But this range also has some fabulous palazzo pants and a great jumpsuit, along with some patterned leggings that Jessie J would adore. And, as usual, the most expensive piece is  just £22, which makes it a stylish, affordable treat.

Barbara Hulanicki for George

£18.00 Barbara Hulanicki Jersey Wrap Dress click to visit George at Asda

£11.00 Barbara Hulanicki Circle Print Top click to visit George at Asda

£16.00 Barbara Hulanicki Cicle Print Palazzo Trousers click to visit George at Asda

£14.00 Barbara Hulanicki Chiffon Blouse click to visit George at Asda

£22.00 Barbara Hulanicki Floral Print Jumpsuit click to visit George at Asda

To view the complete collection, click here.

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in 1960s fashion, 1970s, designers, fashion, High street, London, S/S 2012, s/s 2012 fashion, shopping, style, Style Icons, Vintage
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Boden Press day A/W 2012 – Best of British

May 18th, 2012 . No Comments »

 

Any press day that has lyrics to The Kink’s classic Waterloo Sunset on the walls has to be a little bit special. When you add in Penguin classic on display on another wall, flutes of champagne well before cocktail hour, and a list of inspiration that includes Leeds Tweeds, Spitalfields, sixties style and Northumberland, excitement for the collection before you reaches fever pitch. Thank God, then, that the Boden Autumn/Winter 2012 collection is such a classic.

The four key collections are a reflection of true British style, from the cool of Spitalfields and Shoreditch which has inspired small neat prints, and sharpe clean lines, to the rugged coast of Northumberland, and particularly Lindisfarne  for the Northern Lights range, for casual style that has bright coloured hues shining through for those dark days.

Heritage showcases the English eccentricity of those that still  live in Country piles, the quirky tweeds, printed scarves and cosy checks so beloved of Debo, Duchess of Devonshire. And pared down pretty is the wardrobe of the woman who doesn’t have to try too hard to look amazing.

Interested yet? Well, take a look at these images  – they will leave you longing for the new season to arrive.

These fabulous items will be available for Autumn 2012, but Boden has some fantastic Summer clothing available at the moment. Here’s a few of my favourites that are in store now.

Fifties Party Dress now £126.65 click to visit Boden

Strappy Beach Dress now £50.15 click to visit Boden

Flower Button Coat £104.30 click to visit Boden

Click here to view the summer range from Boden.

 

Posted in accessories, bags, fashion, High street, London, shoes, shopping, style, winter 2012 fashion
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Friday Shopping Fix – Lustworthy Picks from Selfridges

May 18th, 2012 . No Comments »

It’s Friday again, and oh how the months are flying by. Friday on Fashion-Mommy always features a range of beautiful items that you could purchase as a pay-day treat, things that often have discounts or are at sale prices.

But this week I wanted to show you some beautiful, money really isn’t any object pieces I have been dreaming of from Selfridges. Items that I have on a virtual shopping list just in case my Euro Millions ticket comes up tonight. These are my lust objects, my objects of desire – some of my favourite pieces of the moment. And if my numbers come up tonight whilst I’m enjoying some family time in Wales (sans laptop), I will make sure I put an order in first thing on Monday morning.

This Roland Mouret dress is just beautiful with its intricate folds, and could be another perfect choice for the Duchess of Cambridge, who wowed in a Mouret dress last week.

ROLAND MOURET Mirah gown £2,100.00 click to visit Selfridges

This cotton canvas coat is just made for the androgynous angular beauty of Tilda Swinton. Striking in white simplicity, I am quite simply blown away by the beauty of this garment.

MAISON MARTIN MARGIELA Cotton-canvas coat £1,595.00 click to visit Selfridges

Not usually a fan of Barbour jackets, but this just screams Britain, the jubilee and mod culture, all in one fabulous jacket.

BARBOUR Best of British International jacket £215.00 click to visit Selfridges

This Stella McCartney jumpsuit is simply stunning. A definite tribute to Studio 54, Bianca Jagger would’ve looked fabulous strutting her stuff in this in 1978.

STELLA MCCARTNEY Wide-leg jumpsuit £890.00 click to visit Selfridges

The Del Rey has arrived and a bit like the wonderful Lana herself, it is divine. I would love to get my hands on the classic black, and hubby has promised me that if her wins the lottery this week – he will buy it for me.

MULBERRY Del Rey spongy bag 34cm £795.00 click to visit Selfridges

What’s not to love about the Alexander McQueen Marvel peep toe coats. A glorious salmon shade of pink, pretty studded platform, and wonderful and rather cute skull adornment on the front. Tres Magnifique!

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Marvel peep-toe court shoes £615.00 click to visit Selfridges

This Cavalli dress could’ve been made for Gwyneth Paltrow, it is so sleek and sexy. I’ve been a fan of Roberto after I asked him a question on the Vogue website and he not only answered, he tweeted me to say thank you! What a legend!

ROBERTO CAVALLI Open-front embellished gown £1,285.00 click to visit Selfridges

A jubilee souvenir that you will cherish. Penhaligons Jubilee Bouquet was first created for the Silver Jubilee in 1977 and is a gorgeous floral confection of jasmine and green lily.  Very pretty.

PENHALIGONS Anthology Jubilee Bouquet eau de toilette 100ml £110.00 click to visit Selfridges

Asa huge fan of Princess Diana, I am fascinated  by this wonderful replica tiara from Diva Tiaras, based on The Cambridge Lovers knot tiara worn by the Princess.

DIVA TIARAS Replica Princess Diana tiara £99.00 click to visit Selfridges

To view  more beautiful items from Selfridges, click here.

 

 

 

 

Posted in accessories, designers, fashion, fragrance, jewellery, London, S/S 2012, s/s 2012 fashion, Selfridges, shoes, shopping, style
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White Stuff’s Spicy Summer

May 17th, 2012 . No Comments »

I am totally loving the sultry new collection from White Stuff. Called Cinnamon Club, this collection is full of spice, from cinnamon and paprika orange shades to shades of basil. The usual crisp cottons and pretty prints you have come to expect from White Stuff are all in place, but it is the unusual prints that catch the eye, with skirts emblazoned with objects like Spice Pots and cute cows. This is a mouth-watering collection that delights the eye with its design, and yet is eminently wearable, with knee-length and maxi skirts and tops that could look great in the workplace,  at a festival, in the airport and by the poolside bar.

Take a closer look at the new offerings

WANDERING HERD DRESS £65.00 click to visit White Stuff

NUTMEG CARDI £49.95 click to visit White Stuff

SPICE ISLAND KAFTAN £39.95 click to visit White Stuff

BOW VEST £37.50 click to visit White Stuff

EASTERN SUNSET DRESS £55.00 click to visit White Stuff

SWEET PEA MAXI SKIRT £47.50 click to visit White Stuff

WOWIE MAXI DRESS £59.95 click to visit White Stuff

ANNA SKIRT £45.00 click to visit White Stuff

ZEST SHOPPER £65.00 click to visit White Stuff

To view complete Cinnamon Club Collection, click here.

White Stuff’s Summer Shopping Party

  • Code: SUNNY25
  • Offer: 25% off everything
  • Valid from: 16/05/12
  • Valid to: 18/05/12
  • Terms: Valid in shops or on-line, cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or in outlet shops or concessions.

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in accessories, fashion, festivals, High street, independent stores, S/S 2012, s/s 2012 fashion, Sales and discounts, shopping, style
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Lands’ End A/W 2012 Press day

May 16th, 2012 . 1 Comment »

I love finding out all about a new brand, especially a brand that stocks the sort of classic pieces that will live in your wardrobe forever. Last week I had the pleasure of attending the press preview for Lands’ End. Lands’ End are a company who pride itself on producing American Classics, the sort of everyday clothing that are both practical and stylish. This was my first experience of the company, and I was interested to see what would be on offer.

I was seriously impressed. The beautiful winter coats in bright shades are both warm, snug and stylish, and teamed with skinny jeans they create a silhouette which avoids winter bulk. There are pretty teadresses teamed with English Heritage style tweeds, cords and floral scarves. And there are the Barbour-esque puffa style coats that come with a lifetime guarantee – if these coats rip or get damaged, Lands’ End will replace them for you – something that is pretty impressive.

 

And there was so much more to recommend this collection. The beautiful colours used were very autumnal – russets and purples, mixed with mustards and forest green tweeds. This gave the collection a really warm feel. And there were retro looks to treasure. I adored the 1940s style green tweed suit which seemed to pay tribute to The Queen’s stylish 40s and 50s moments. And there was a hint of Kate and Pippa Middleton in the boxy camel jacket which called to mind one worn by the sisters last year.

Another plus point for this collection is the detail that has been put into the plus sized range. Lands’ End believe that size 14+ladies are fed up with the smockish, shapeless offerings of the past, and actually require tailored garments that accentuate, rather than attempt to mask, their bodies. Pretty wrap dresses and cardigans are part of the offering, along with fabulous tweed dresses and cape style jackets. These were amongst my favourite items that I saw that day.

There were also some gorgeous flat shoes and accessories that would help to bring all the outfits together. My favourites were the leopard print loafer/slipper style shoe that felt like horsehair and would just look amazing with jeans, or a little black dress for a Michelle Williams style vibe.

Posted in accessories, fashion, High street, independent stores, London, shoes, shopping, style, winter 2012 fashion
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Style Trend – Summer Sequins

May 16th, 2012 . No Comments »

Sequins used to be a trend kept to Christmas parties and Las Vegas showgirls, but these days your wardrobe isn’t complete without a bit of glittering bling in it. But for those who think that sequins should be kept to the party season, and should only be worn in black, think again. These days, sequins in ice cream shades are the perfect addition to your summer wardrobe. Celebrities from Olivia Palermo to the new Carrie Bradshaw,  AnnaSophia Robb, have shown that sequins can actually be a very versatile addition to your  capsule wardrobe, and High Street stores like French Connection, and online giants like Boohoo.com are all keying into the trend. This is definitely a trend worth investing in, and one which will last right into next season.

Celebrity Style

High Street Style

Ella Sequins Shorts £190.00 click to visit French Connection

Pearl Queen Jacket £300.00 click to visit French Connection

Hayley Sequin Trim Shift Dress £20 click to visit Boohoo

Rebecca Sequin Shoulder Top £12 click to visit Boohoo

Allover Sequin Dress Price: £45.00 click to visit Miss Selfridge

Sequin Collar Dress Price: £45.00 click to visit Miss Selfridge

Orange Sequin Front Tee Was £35.00 Now £21.00 click to visit Wallis

Evans Sequin Front Top Price: £35.00 click to visit Evans

Limited Gold Clustered Sequin Pencil Skirt £39.99 click to visit New Look

NB

This post is dedicated to Tara Tomes, a lover of sequins, much to the detriment of her washing machine!

Voucher codes

Evans

Offer: Free worldwide delivery over £50
Code: FWW50
Live: Now!
Expires: 18th May 2012

click here to visit Evans

Wallis Secret Sale with up to 50% off everything

3 days only – Tuesday 15th – Thursday 17th May!

Click here to visit Wallis

 

 

 

 

Posted in budget fashion, celebrities, fashion, High street, plus size fashion, S/S 2012, s/s 2012 fashion, Sales and discounts, Sex in the city, shopping, style, Style Icons, The only way is Essex, voucher codes
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Stylish Celebrity looks featuring Kate Middleton, Rochelle Wiseman and Jessie J

May 15th, 2012 . No Comments »

Another stylish week has gone by, and we are finally seeing a few signs of summer (I’ve even sat in a beer garden tonight, albeit with a jacket on, but the wine was firmly chilled and in hand.)  It seems that some of our celebrity fashionista’s are also hoping for a change in the weather and are sporting some fabulous late spring looks. From the Duchess of Cambridge’s purchases, to Jessie J wearing a dress on this weeks The Voice that cost less than £25, these are bargains that you can put your own spin on and add to your wardrobe.

Kate Middleton spotted buying French Connection…and Kate inspired from New Look

Kate looked lovely yesterday in a vintage inspired silk teadress from Libellula, which was just a little too delicate for such a breezy day. Kate has worn this label before, notably a beautiful black velvet coat that she wore to a friend’s wedding just after the engagement was announced. She teamed it with sandals by Stuart Weitzman by Russell and Bromley. The previous day Kate had made one of her shopping trips to the Kings Road, and had purchased this silk vest from French Connection. This is still available online in a range of colours, some of which are available in the sale for £25.

Winter Silk Vest Top £45 click to visit French Connection

Speaking of the Duchess, I am totally loving the Kate inspired collection from New Look. This collection is full of both formal and off duty wear inspired by Kate’s famous looks. There are dresses inspired by Issa, those coral jeans and a dress by Apricot inspired by that Zara dress…which I suppose is fairly surreal.

N and Willow Purple Nodo Dress £36.99 click to visit New Look

Mina Green Yolanda Pleat Panel Midi Skirt £54.99 click to visit New Look

Apricot Lace Print Kate Dress £34.00 click to visit New Look

Religion Oatmeal Crown Clasp Clutch Bag Now £33.74 click to visit New Look

Today I got an email which included the Dress up Kate sticker book, which really made me smile. If you don’t actually dress like Kate, how about dressing up Kate…

Dress Up Kate Sticker Book £5.99 click to visit John Lewis

Jessie J wears ASOS

Jessie is wowing viewers with her fresh take on a judges wardrobe on The Voice. This week she went for a bodycon dress printed with a Greek key style design. This dress is from Asos, and costs just £22!

ASOS Bodycon Dress In Rocco Print £22.00 click to visit Asos

Rochelle Wiseman in Love

The lovely Rochelle, set to be this Summer’s prettiest bride, has long been a fan of In Love with Fashion, and has been spotted wearing this unusual snake print dress. This would look good worn over leggings too if your legs aren’t quite up to Rochelle’s standard.

 

LOVE Green Animal Print Asymmetrical Shirt Dress £40 click to visit Love

Una Healy wears Ted Baker

New mommy Una Healy shows that turquoise and brown is always a great colour combination in this outfit, pictured when she was leaving the BBC studios. The amazing shoes are an investment buy from Ted Baker, the Calluna’s.

 

 

 

CALLUNA - Wedged strappy sandal - £160 Click to visit Ted Baker

Posted in accessories, actresses, celebrities, designers, Duchess of Cambridge, fashion, High street, Jessie J, Kate Middleton, London, Royal family, S/S 2012, s/s 2012 fashion, shoes, shopping, style, Style Icons
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Kurt Geiger Press Day A/W 12/3 – Pretty in Punk

May 15th, 2012 . No Comments »

Last Thursday I attended a whole raft of press previews for Autumn/Winter 2012-13. I started with one of my favourite shoe retailers – Kurt Geiger. Now, people who have known me for a long time know that I have a long-standing love affair with the Kurt Geiger range. I have boxes and boxes of the most amazing Kurt Geiger, KG and Carvela shoes that I would never part with – if Kurt Geiger ever got shown at the Design Museum a la Louboutin, they could call on me!

So I was really excited by the press day and the new collections, which was entitled ‘Pretty in Punk’. And I loved this collection! There was a cool mixture of a punkish feel, with studs and spikes, metallics and pointed toed stilettos which all harked back to the heady Jubilee ‘God Save the Queen’ year of 1977. But this collection also looked at how the punks had subverted the prettiest shades of girlie pink to turn it into a cornerstone of the punk look. Pink was everywhere, in its most babyish shades – on handbags and shoes, from stilettos and platforms to flats.

This is the most British of collections, a ‘London Calling’ for the shoeworld. From the thinnest of stilettos spiked heels that defy balance, to the quirky British Bulldog bag charms, and by way of the ultra wedges and platforms shimmering in glitter that recall the heyday of glam rock, this collection will rock your world quite literally. You will simply not know what shoes to choose.

Posted in 1970s, accessories, Autumn/Winter 2012 fashion, bags, designers, fashion, High street, London, shoes, shopping, style
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It’s VIP Week at Dorothy Perkins – My top picks

May 14th, 2012 . No Comments »

It’s VIP week at Dorothy Perkins this week, and this means that you very important people can get a massive 25%  off everything for the whole of  this week. So whether you are looking for a prom dress, a wedding outfit,something cool and British for jubilee weekend, or just a special treat, this is the weekend to do it.

The Dorothy Perkins site is a total treasure trove at the moment,  with beautiful dresses in a rainbow of colours, cool, London inspired t-shirts and bags that are just crying out for a street party,and dressed down, candy coated separates for stylish everyday dressing. I just walked around the website with my virtual trolley, and here’s what I put in it. Now, do I click that ‘BUY’ button…

Pink lace pencil dress Price: £30.00 click to visit Dorothy Perkins

Jade drape side slinky dress Price: £25.00 click to visit Dorothy Perkins

Bird print pussybow blouse Price: £27.00 click to visit Dorothy Perkins

Red union jack shopper tote Price: £5.00 click to visit Dorothy Perkins

Indigo linen long line blazer Price: £39.00 click to visit Dorothy Perkins

White floral pocket dress Price: £39.50 click to visit Dorothy Perkins

Mesh stitchy jumper Price: £26.00 click to visit Dorothy Perkins

Coral cotton belted peg Price: £28.00 click to visit Dorothy Perkins

Palm print peterpan top Price: £26.00 click to visit Dorothy Perkins

Light blue ballerina pumps Price: £16.00 click to visit Dorothy Perkins

Voucher Code

Description: 25% off everything
Live: Sunday 13 May
Expires: Sunday 20 May
Code: DPVIPE (Enter at the checkout)

Click here to visit Dorothy Perkins

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted in accessories, fashion, High street, S/S 2012, s/s 2012 fashion, Sales and discounts, shoes, shopping, style, voucher codes
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Tips for accessorizing your sofa

May 14th, 2012 . No Comments »

What to think about when choosing cushions and rugs to go with your sofa

Finding complementary cushions and rugs can bring out the beauty and shape of your family sofas – we’ve been looking at Laura Ashley’s selection of upholstery and accessories this week, and have come up with some tips and essential ideas to bear in mind when decorating.

First and foremost, you want your accessories to complement but not completely match your sofa. If you have a plain-coloured sofa you can work freely with contrasting patterns in the rug and cushions: these accessories bring light and interest to an otherwise dark or neutral environment.

To begin with, you need a base note or colour to work from. It is a good idea to take a photo of your sofa (in good light- this eHow blog has more advice), print it out on a good colour printer, and bring it with you when you are shopping for rugs and cushions. This will allow you to discern ‘matchy-matchy’ from colour-complementary.

With a plain sofa – be it a big leather Chesterfield or a neutral sofa – you can be free to move into a different colour field with your rugs and pillows. White sofas look beautiful if complemented by blues, yellows or greens; darker browns are set off perfectly by lilacs, pink/purple and orange.

 

And when it comes to matching a rug to a cushion, they don’t need to be the same pattern; but it is an idea to have them exist in a similar colour field or grouping. We would recommend using your rug as a base for building the look, as this is the larger item and cannot be broken up and played with the way pillows can.

Rugs are expensive, and especially if you’re looking for something high quality, it’s best to choose one that you think will stand the test of time – and still look stylish and comfortable to you in twenty years’ time!

A patterned rug is a lovely choice – stripes are as much in favour these days as more traditional floral and spiral patterns. The key then is to find a way to add pillows to the mix which do not simply amplify the rug’s look; you want a complementary contrast.

If your rug is very busy, tone is down with cushions – choose slightly more subdued shades, and throw in some plain colours to settle and simplify. On the other hand, with a plain rug, you can really have fun with any pattern of pillow you want (again throw in a plain colour for continuity).

 

 

Posted in accessories, fashion, High street, homewares, S/S 2012, shopping, style
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