The Winter Issue: Womenswear

Behind every great man in an editorial is a great woman. Or three.

And luckily for them, the lace up Acne and Jeffrey Campbell platforms acted as a stylish alternative to the Archiv vintage hiking boots that the men were subjected to. It's an unusual feeling making a 17 year old model's eyes water by cramming their size 11 feet into size 8 shoes...

However, as promised, here come the girls. I'll let the pictures do the talking here but I will say only two things:

Firstly, the Jaeger sheepskin coat that Sara is sporting is to die for. Secondly, the Holly Fulton dress in the first image was worn by Samantha Cameron just a few weeks ago which wasn't exactly the look this editorial was going for...

 Images, again, courtesy of Mark Shearwood to be found in full at Fashion156

C. x

The Winter Issue: Menswear

Picture the scene.

You're on your way to the Christmas party. It's snowing, it's cold and you're, of course, impeccably dressed for the night's festivities. However, the car breaks down on the roadside and, with the vintage hiking boots that every respectable man keeps in the boot for emergencies such as these, you are forced to trek to the party.

Sound familiar? Well, not for most of you. However, the story for Fashion156's winter mens (and womens if you keep an eye out) editorial struck a chord with me, bringing back memories of the Leeds English Ball 2010. When news reached our ears that a refund wasn't  on the agenda, every single one of us decided that snow or no snow, taxi or no taxi, we were going to claim our half a bottle of red wine per head at all costs.

Standing in the entrance of the grand Queens Hotel were a few curious outfit combinations of cocktail dresses and Hunter wellies alongside suits and Sainsbury Local bags as everyone leant on one another in a bid to look vaguely presentable as they transformed from Tundra explorer to distinguished guest in under 10 minutes. In all fairness, unlike in the shoot, the snow was thankfully absent and the pricetag of the clothing had a few extra noughts on the end. Regardless, I felt somewhat connected to the idea my Boss had in mind.

So take a look at the most recent shoot I assisted with for Fashion156's winter issue. Below are the menswear shots featuring Lanvin Navy pinstripe suits and Alexander McQueen double breasted tuxedo jackets that showed up the Primark suits I assume half the Leeds guests were wearing (well, we can't all afford John Smedley cashmere roll necks on a student budget can we?).

Particular love must go to Lyden in the T.Lipop sheepskin coat in the group shot. I absolutely adore it and it was a last minute snatch courtesy of Tom himself forcing his PR to hand it over. Particular distain goes to the £150 Lanvin bowtie which mysteriously went astray and sent the office into utter panic mode. Ugh.

The Mark Shearwood shot editoral can be found at Fashion156
Womenswear to follow....

Slip Slidin' Away: A/W 2011

I feel it. You feel it. We all feel it. 

Summer has well and truly left us and been replaced with sporadic downpours of violent rain,  tiresome gale force winds and just enough sunshine to leave our minds and bodies absolutely baffled.  My bare legged confidence has shied away behind the opaque screen of black and, today, my trusty leather biker jacket remained on the back of my door in favour of the navy mid-length military coat who’s 2011 debut was particularly well received in Karen Millen earlier. Whilst its a shame we are to be face with many a wardrobe dilemma in the coming months whilst our vanity takes a beating from the elements, I have to admit I’m rather enjoying the change of clothing scenery. Essentially, Autumn/Winter is interesting and people secretly rather enjoy purchasing their cold weather armour, layering item upon item and having an excuse to stuff their weathered feet into stylishly robust boots. I am, of course, no exception.  I’ve had my eye out for some time now, picking up pieces here and there that seemed just a little too much. After all, the English are known for embracing the summer the second it simply stops raining, racing to get their arms and legs out for any ray of light that can offer even the suggestion of a sunkissed glow.  Despite this, the A/W season allows free reign for a different kind of aesthetic experimentation alongside the obvious comfort of the tried and test chunky knit. So, on this frankly dismal and overcast day, I thought I’d reveal a few personal A/W pleasures of mine to be enjoyed with a touch of sun and a chilly air. For my first casual instalment, I present unto you...

 ChinaWhites Dress: £50.00 Love Lucy X

After sampling a little taste of this from Ashish’s S/S12 collection, I’ll be getting ready in advance and adorning myself with as many sequins as I can manage. It’s no secret that I am like a magpie for these shiny delights and Winter has always struck me as the perfect time to crack them out. A little strong for the summer months, the feel of a heavy sequined throw or evening dress is exactly what I want when the cold sets in. Classically elegant in black, this dress is at the top of my wish list. Sometimes not having a set of DDs is a godsend, a smaller chest making this dress beautifully sophisticated despite the low cut. Hilariously, I spotted it on the site of a chavvy reality television programme and it also possesses the name China Whites. We’ll just keep quiet about that. 

REVIVE Sequin Wrap Dress: £150.00 ASOS

Stunning isn’t it? If i ignored my currently state of poverty (that isn’t going to get better anytime soon after accepting  an internship with Fashion156) I would be in this at every available occasion.  I don’t care if people find sequins a tad Dynasty, I, like Ashish, am obsessed. With the relaunch of Who’s Jack Magazine just weeks away, you can guarantee there’ll be a hint of sparkle at least somewhere on my person. 

A Very Brideshead Weekend: Part Two

And by night, we dine. A loose Morrocan theme from the decorative lamps and bunting to the delicious food from a family friend, local friends inject a real touch of the East with authentic Moroccan fabrics and shoes. Well, if colour pop is the Autumn must have I’d say Morocco has it covered. So rich and colourful, the clothes emulate the saffron and spices of the African markets even in an overcast field in Ludlow.

We, on the other hand, opted for a far more English rose approach.  Quite the Grecian Goddess in River Island aqua, little miss hostess, Catherine is a vision on the lawn.

I’d decided to embrace the Cobalt trend, combined with flowing pleats. An ASOS treat, I have never owned something with so much fabric! I’m also a terrible amateur at long elegant gowns but needs must at an event for someone close. Needless to say, I was prancing around the lawn all night long.





 

For the gentlemen of the manor, checks were the print du jour appearing on at least 4 from casual jeans to check on check suit jackets accompanied by a charming straw boater that happened to be doing the rounds from the country walk. And taking note from Chris, a Brideshead boy through and through, a simple vintage cravat adds a timeless hint of decadence to what would soon descend into our typical madness.

 

Images: Krystyna Sloneczny



Let's Hear It For The Boy.

Images: Dolce & Gabbana A/W 2011 Campaign via Grazia

From the myriad of androgynous models who strutted on the A/W 2011 runways to the infamous Andrej Pejic ranking 98^th on FHM’s Sexiest Women In The World Poll, the general public were just about ready for a gender switch-up. This season, the time has finally come for girls to be boys as we brace ourselves for braces and seek out our wardrobe’s male counterparts. Gone are the flowing florals as pinstripes, crisp white shirts and pegged trousers leave even the most girly amongst us suited and booted for autumn.

However, despite male occasion wear adorning the catwalks of Jason Wu. Dolce & Gabbana and Ralph Lauren in all its masculine glory, the full on business suit just isn’t for all of us. For those would like to remind the world of your femininity, take a hint from Moschino where mannish monochrome was broken up with flourishes of ornate sequins and delicate lace. Alternatively, you don’t have to look much further than the Blazer, a versatile wardrobe staple that, when teamed with leather leggings or high waisted trousers, will pack a manly punch to effortlessly carry you through the trend. My sharp, black padded shoulder blazer is making an appearance for my interview on Wednesday (Hello Net-A-Porter!) with a gorgeous cream pussy bow shirt courtesy of my mother's (frankly rather incredible) vintage wardrobe, leather leggings (they really are a staple) and my trusty black heeled boots. However, I'm quite torn between whether dark statement vampy lips or feminine natural nude/orangey lips are the way to go but one never can tell until the moment arrives. Watch this space.

Monochrome Shirt: New look £ 14.99
Black Satin Collarless Crop Jacket: Topshop £58.00
Anglomania Pluto Pinstripe Trousers: Vivienne Westwood £290.00
Pink Blazer: Topshop £65.00
Leather Georgia Briefcase: AS0S £85.00
Patent Lace Up Shoes: ASOS £50.00

Autumn Mustard Haves

Image: Acne A/W 2011 Collection via tailoress
Back in March, the wheels were already being set in motion at London Fashion Week as to what we will be draping ourselves in come the winter months. A little premature it may seem but the fashion houses know what they want and more importantly, know what we want - and this year we want mustard. Adorning our fair limbs this autumn will be splashes of ochre and burnt yellows as we bid farewell to the summer sun and embrace the September jaundice. Fallen leaves will act as complimentary confetti as we emulate the amber hues splashed across the catwalk. From Hermés neutral and uncomplicated palette with an occasional pop of gentle yellow to Acne and Jaeger’s elegant and rich colonial-inspired mustard explosion, it’s one of the must have colours this season. The fresh-faced girls of Jaeger too could be seen carrying bags that had elements of the antique, recalling this strong ‘British Empire’ theme, that can easily be replicated through the continuation of S/S 11’s it-bag satchel (mine will probably never leave my side).

Image: Little Myth Blog

I have always carried a flame for classically autumnal colours, much inspired by my own mother who has long been an advocate for ‘off’ shades due to her slightly olive complexion. Luckily for me, even the English roses amongst us are in luck as this shade tends to warm the skin rather than leave us looking a little peaky. I have already been on the hunt for some time for a few mustard additions to my wardrobe, already acquiring a rather garish leopard print jumper way back in January (Pictured: Urban Outfitters). However after a fund related shopping detox, a new gem is in my possession in the form of this simple rich mustard shirt courtesy of New Look (Pictured: £19.99). Strong collared and straight cut, it will be teaming it with my wet look leather leggings accompanied, by day with my trusted (and recently re-heeled – hurrah!) brown Chelsea boots, and night classic black heeled boots. Yet, to think that is enough would be foolish. My eye is already straying to other items such as the River Island blazer below and the, as yet merely a figment of my dreams, the perfect pair of burnt yellow chinos or trousers that don’t look so horrendously baggy around the behind (ASOS is looking exceptionally promising).

Dark Yellow Blazer: River Island £35.00 Yellow Peter Pan Collar Top: Rare £28.00
Mustard Contrast Top: Topshop £28.00
Cream and Yellow Dress: Topshop £55.00 Yellow Tassel Brogues: Topshop £30.00
Yellow Gold Drop Feather Earrings: Dorothy Perkins £8.50Leather Tucklock Briefcase: ASOS.com £85.00
Leather Panel Leggings: Misguided £10.99 (available at ASOS.com)