90s idols

I'm having a serious 90s nostalgia moment. I long for those days when layering was a fine art form of leggings, 'bodies', floral dresses, culottes, crop tops, lumberjack shirts and baggy tees.

I would like to remember the Kings and Queens of 90s fashion that shaped my youth as well as providing inspiration and hilarity on a daily basis. A winning combination if ever there was one.

MY SO-CALLED LIFE

Besides being my all-time favourite teen series because of its painfully accurate portrayal of adolescence, My So-Called Life also stayed true to 90s teens favoured wares. Angela was often seen wearing (shock, horror) the same outfit in different episodes and is arguably responsible for my first ever experiment with red hair dye, desire to wear dungarees past infancy, and pairing of polo neck, baggy floral dress, leggings and heeled desert boots on a daily basis at the age of 13.

DREW BARRYMORE

Before she turned good, Drew Barrymore was the bad girl we all wanted to be. Her style was frequently described as 'kooky' during the 90s; teaming flowers in her hair with antique silk slip dresses, wedge espadrilles, and vampy make-up. Not only emulated by teenage girls, gal-pals Courtney Love and Amanda de Cadenet followed suit too.

KATE AND JOHNNY

Kate Moss and Johnny Depp were, for me, the ultimate 90s power couple. Gorgeous and effortlessly cool, they looked as good off-duty as they did on. As sickening now as it was then.

BEVERLEY HILLS 90210

It's back! One can only hope the new Beverley Hills 90210 can live up to its older 90s sister. Who can forget Kelly, Brenda and Donna? The Big hair, the body con, the sweaters and pearls...I can't wait for the reunion.

DARIA

A sarcastic cartoon heroine is hard to find, even more impossible is to find not one but two in the fine form of Daria and Jane. Daria was as acerbically funny as it was stylish. I loved D and J's allegiance to army boots and mini skirts, muted colours and baggy top layers.

BLOSSOM

She of floppy hats, floral shifts and crochet sweaters - Blossom's dress-up approach to fashion is still a delight.

CLUELESS

If I had to trade wardrobes with any one of my 90s favourites it would be without a doubt style chameleon Cher Horowitz, whose fashion choices were anything but Clueless. Why? Azzedine Alaia dresses, knee high socks, leather mini skirts, marabou trim and dolly shoes all in a revolving walk-in wardrobe, like, d'uh! What a betty.

Gossip Girl Catwalk Queens

September the first feels a lifetime away when the M.I.A object of your affection is the gorgeous, glorious Gossip Girl.

It seems I am not the only one having GG withdrawals; the pre-fall collections have revealed a wealth of Blair, Serena, Jenny and Vanessa fans.

Not content with taking over our screens, the Gossip Girls are invading the catwalks and taking no prisoners.

Queen Bee's winning combination of smart yet sassy was evident at Shipley and Halmos in the form of this eye-catching citrus shift and monochrome cardigan, nipped in Waldorf-fashion with a narrow patent belt. Add a string of pearls, gloves, and a bow and you have a classic Blair ensemble.



S's siren style is a mixture of sexy and boho and Balmain's little lace dress and moccasins combo is pure van der Woodsen. Cascading blonde extensions, a California tan and a bit of bling are all you need for Serena's so hot right now look.



Little J is quite the fashion maverick what with her nifty skills on the sewing machine and nimble fingers in friend's closets. Sweet but slightly off-beat, Humphrey's all about Wren's school-girl duds. Throw an over-size print tote, on-season cuff, and signature mac into the mix and you're good-to-go Jenny.



Layers, prints, and colours are all key to V. John Galliano's drapes, mis-matched proportions, chunky heels and necklaces ARE Vanessa. Nothing else required.



The finale left it unclear as to whether she'll be making a return but I'm certainly hoping we've not seen the last of the deliciously wicked and brilliantly named Georgina Sparks. Seems Balenciaga's in agreement. G was rarely seen out of cold-as-ice grey and silver and this get-up is just about as Georgie as you can get.



If you're one of the misfortunates yet to discover the joys of Gossip Girl, I reccomend you check out The Genius of Gossip Girl.

If you're hooked like me, get your kicks with this tantalising trailer.

As Gossip Girl herself would say, until next time, XOXO.

What happened to 'Carrie'?

Did anyone else notice the absence of Carrie's name necklace in the Sex and the City film? Considering its prominence in the final episode of the series, and the fact that you can buy your very own 'as worn by Carrie Bradshaw' necklace on costume designer Patricia Field's website, I was surprised and quite frankly a little disorientated by its M.I.A status on SJP's chest throughout the entirety of the (most fabulous I must say) film.

As multi-tasking as Film Carrie's string of pearls were, I longed for some of the carefree, child-like abandon with which Television Carrie put together an outfit. While I appreciated Pat Field and Sarah Jessica's desire to reflect the characters' maturity not only through their dialogue but also their wardrobe, I do believe there are other ways to do so than having them constantly co-ordinate!


Known for their individual and uncomprimising styles; Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha were alarmingly similiar in their most recent reincarnation. Perhaps most painfully so at a Mexico restaurant, the fabulous foursome looked ridiculous in matching floor length gowns in a cocktail of tequila sunrise colours. At Bryant Park, the effect was more pleasing as their ice-queen hued ensembles blended in beautifully with a snow covered background. However the most glaringly obvious was not between the fabulous four, it was in fact Samantha and Smith's his and hers black sequin dressing gowns that flew the flag for co-ordination. They were almost as camp as Stanford's suits!

Matching moda aside, the film certainly had its moments. My favourite five had to be:

1. The simply gorgeous feathered wedding dress Carrie tries on first at her Vogue shoot. So beautiful me and my companion felt the need to tell each other so.
2. The Eiffel Tower bag by Timmy Woods carried by Carrie. What I love about this bag is that it screams CB. Perfect accessorising from PF.
3. Samantha and Smith's matching robes. See above.
4. Charlotte's black gown for Carrie's wedding. While everyone else was swooning over the Westwood wedding dress, I only had eyes for Charlotte's gorgeous mermaid like frock.
5. Miranda and Steve's Brooklyn Bridge reunion. Not a fashion moment but for me this was the better than any designer or vintage creation. Priceless.

If you haven't already seen the film then all I can say is, why on earth are you reading this?! Don't spoil yourself anymore and get thee to a cinema pronto.
For those of you who have seen the film, I'm sure you'll agree with me going to see it a second time wouldn't be at all shameful but a guilty pleasure. Fabulous.

Octovision: Sweet and Creepy

"Sweet and creepy at the same time" is how one silversmith described their octopus pendant necklace. And I can see why.

For me, 'octopus' can mean cuddly, cartooned eyed, and cute, or blood sucking, strangling, and slimy. Either way, it's not exactly what I'd imagine I'd want wrapping itself around my neck, curling round my finger, or pinned to my lapel. However, I must admit, a quick browse of the wave of octopus jewelry and I'm ready to do just that. Snap him up while you can and flaunt your inner sea goddess with one of these beauties...

Reform Jewelry's beautifully abstract gold necklace is simple yet stunning.


Perhaps the most original of all, OctopusMe's sterling silver creations include these interesting earrings.


Stephen Douglas' white gold, diamond and pearl ring makes for a glamorous octopus.


If you're a tatty devine fan, you're bound to love Alex and Chloe's natty silhouette pendants.


Celebrity fans Mischa Barton and SJP should snap up this cute Kenneth Jay Lane turquoise and crystal ring.


Another OctopusMe creation, these suction cup stacking rings might not sound so pretty but they sure are nice to look at.


This Autore beauty will glam up anywhere you wish to pin it.


For those of you who like your necklaces loaded with vintage charm, then look no further than MadArtJewelry's 'deconstructed' charm necklace.


Got some money burning a hole in that fur coat of yours? Why not drop a grand or two on this showstopping Reef Jewelry platinum ring with a twist.


Happy shopping! x

Having a fashion moment: Pushing Daisies

The fantastically sweet and dreamy dramedy Pushing Daisies is a visual delight in every way. Framed beautifully on screen, the carefully constructed set and costume design is a technicolour treat.

An alluring mixture of Alice in Wonderland, Audrey Hepburn, Amelie, Despertae Housewives' Bree, and songstress Kate Nash, Pushing Daisies Charlotte "Chuck" Charles is always perfectly put together in full-skirted 50s skirts and dresses, accessorised with ladylike wrist gloves, januty little hats, and shiny red lips. Part homemaker, part femme fatale, Chuck keeps things interesting by covering up with sharp trench coats, Jackie-O shades, and silk head scarfs. Steering clear of black, grey and white, Chuck champions colour and bold, beautiful prints.
Get the Chuck look at Carolina Herrera, Banana Republic, Anthropologie, Laura Ashley, DKNY and, especially, vintage. Happy shopping!

Ebay your heart out: Shareen Vintage

Ebays' Shareen Vinatge is the place to go for summer-loving sirens who like to flaunt some flesh in flirty frocks.

With a small but perfect collection of 70s and 80s mini and maxi numbers, most Shareen Vintage dresses have been re-worked to add a modern edge. Free flowing 70s maxi dresses and seriously sexy 80s body con minis will take you nicely from a picnic to a party.

My favourite number is this bright and breezy pucci-esque paisley mini dress, with gold chain straps and a definite Nicole Richie vibe.





You've got less than 12 hours to snap it up before I do! Happy bidding.

S/S Trend Report '08

All That Glitters…is gold.
S/S 08 collections were given the golden touch with a treasure chest of sequins, mirrored discs, chains, glitter and jewels burnishing dresses, coats, trousers and tops, shoes and bags.

Sexy and glamorous, gold sequins lit up almost every catwalk. My favourites were the Studio 54-esque items: Givenchy’s leggings, Jean Paul Gaultier’s sailor trousers, and Derek Lam’s dressing gown coat.
Givenchy S/S 08
Jean Paul Gaultier S/S 08

Causing mass hysteria amongst shiny happy celebs like Ashley Olsen, were Missoni's dresses and waistcoats, given an extra dose of gilt with the occasional colours-of-the-rainbow jewel studded between luscious layers of gold and silver sequins.
Ashley Olsen in Missoni S/S 08

Silver was also present in Chanel’s Ice Queen themed couture collection; updating classic suits and coats, shimmering silver threads added interest to knits, while pure as snow white dresses were given a silver lining with a sequin trim, and models hair shone with glittery headbands and twinkling tiaras.
Gold chains, sparkling white jewels, glittery fabrics and silver knits gave an otherwise conservative collection youthful appeal aplenty at Moschino. Mirror discs and jewelled panels were all uniform and present at Armani Prive, Naeem Khan and Missoni, lending an understated layer of embellishment to gorgeous gowns and flirty frocks.
Moschino S/S 08

Lanvin was one of the few designers who chose to use sequins and shimmer to give further dimenison to drapes of black fabric, and sent a dress down the runway in this season’s favourite hue, yellow, dripping with sunshine coloured sequins and feathers.
Lanvin S/S 08

Taking their inspiration from the catwalks, high street stalwarts have embraced the trend with magpie-like enthusiasm, showering their collections with gold dust and attracting more attention than usual with their luminous styles. So while you may not have enough gold in your pocket to splurge on Gaultier, rest assured that Topshop have you covered (in gold).


If you prefer grosgrain to glitter, satin to sequins, and are less rock chick and more Pretty Ballerina then fear not.

Feminine and romantic styles made a comeback this season as ballet-inspired fashion and beauty floated up the runways to riotous applause. At once elegant, innocent and chic, ballerina style influenced many a S/S 08 catwalk and continues to dominate F/W 08 shows. Worn with blush pink tulle tutus at Blumarine, the dancer’s warm-up garment of choice the cardigan will take you nicely from summer into winter as a cute cover up. With summer fast approaching though, who wants to think about winter?
Let Pretty in Pink be your summer mantra as the colour was seen sweetening up Ruffian’s, Barbara Tfank’s, and Martin Grant’s collections, and adding a fabulous futuristic finish to Jil Sander’s sporty styles.
Molly Ringwald is Pretty in Pink
Martin Grant S/S 08

At Givency, dresses channelled Swan Lake with feathered skirts and ruffled tutus, finished off with ribbon-tie sandals. Lanvin also favoured feathers and strong, jewel colours found in Renoir’s ballerina paintings.
Givenchy S/S 08

At 3.1 Phillip Lim, the designer embraced off-duty dance wear, layering stretchy tube stops and tutus with sporty jackets in muted colours.
3.1 Phillip Lim S/S 08

Chanel returned to its roots with frilly and flouncy frocks paired with chic ballet flats.

Chanel S/S 08

Perhaps most noteable though, was the return of the dancer’s hairstyle of choice: the bun.

Worn towards the front of the head to give the appearance of a hat, the over-exaggerated bun was everywhere. So if ruffles, chiffon, tutus and pink are too girly for you, add a directional spin on the trend to your outfit with a giant messy bun, adorned with a sparkly gold bow. Two trends in one? My work is done.

Exactitudes: a contraction of exact and attitude.

Currently exhibiting in Selfridges, in collaboration with The Photographers’ Gallery, is photographer Ari Versluis and stylist Ellie Uyttenbroek's fantastic Exactitdes. Their ongoing project consists of images that alude to our desire to both conform and rebel when choosing what to wear; resulting in a fascinating, and often humorous, insight into self-expression, identity, and fashion.


Since the exhibition opened on 26 February, Ari and Ellie have been recruiting on the streets of London to add to their collection of fashion 'types' found so far on the streets of Rotterdam, New York, Bordeaux and Rio Janiero, among others. The third revised edition of 'Exactitudes' was published last year and A and E's photographs have appeared in L'Uomo Vogue, i-D, Blvd., The Sunday Times style supplement and New York Magazine to name but a few.



A large selection of their images are available to view at www.exactitudes.com- get yourself down to Selfridges now and you might just be next!

ABC of Fashion Week Trends

This year's fashion weeks have unearthed a wealth of wearable and classic trends. Here is my ABC of fashion week designers' take on the most luscious looks.

A is for Aquascutum

In London, Aquascutum did monosyllabic colour to perfection. A simple palette of black, white and red was accented with flashes of cobalt blue and smidgens of gold.

Winter coats littered Aquascutum's runway in varying styles from modest to militant. The cape collar and shiny buttons on this coat save it from being labelled boring black and add to its classic with a twist appearance.



Flashes of white were added with the addition of this extremely wearable looking wool dress which looks as magnificent in monochrome as it would with any of the colourful coats it accompanied.



One of many red dresses this season, Aquascutum's chic cut and detailing makes for a refreshing change from the numerous ostentatious scarlett creations seen so far.



B is for Blumarine

In Milan, Anna Molinari for Blumarine sent some of the sweetest frills and feathers seen on any catwalk so far. Pale pinks were complimented with trimmings of sleek fur and sparkling sequins.

Cute cardies were kept interesting with clashing of textures including cashmere, chiffon, sequins and fur. These ensembles are anything but boring with their girly yet sophisticated allure.





Feathers fluttered all over the catwalk this season. Sexy but sweet, Molinari kept things light with this barely-there dress.



C is for Carolina Herrera

In New York, Carolina Herrera embraced our feathered friends also but unlike Molinari she used them to give a certain edge and fierce note to her clothes. Autumnal oranges, reds and greens went well with birds of prey's plumage as Herrera made hunting haute couture.

With the return of Halston, 70s styles were obligatory at most shows. Herrera updates this burnt orange 70s gown with a feathered collar bone.



A feather-print dress is given an eccentric touch with hunting hat and boots in flattering fall colours.



Not ignoring the gothic trend seen especially at London Fashion Week, Herrera chose to give the look a polished update with golden touches and black patent leather boots.