Look Du Jour: Bringing back Barbie

What: Blouse: Topshop, Skirt: America Apparel, Shoes: Bertie, Bag: Oliver Bonas, Necklace: Anne Bowes Jewellery

As you may have noticed, I’ve recently re-discovered my love of all things pink. This season the girly girls favourite has been rescued from the realms of barbie style WAG-dom and reinstated on our style radar. It’s sudden chic-over has come courtesy of Jason Wu, DKNY and Prada who led the pink parade for SS12 with a kaleidescope of saccharine to super bright shades. Even the usually tomboyish Acne got in on the act with a delicious cupcake coloured finale. Now I know that no one likes to admit that their outfit choices are overly influenced by what crops up on the catwalk but it certainly provides inspiration. When I saw the first bubblegum number sashay down the runway I practically jumped for joy and immediately decided to try out a few of these luscious looks myself. After all, if it’s good enough for Miuccia…

From left: DKNY, Jason Wu, Prada and Acne SS12

Love Ella. X

Posted on January 28, 2012 by Ella Catliff in Look Du Jour 3 Comments

The Karl-lection has Landed!

Unless you’ve spent the past 3 months in Outer Mongolia or, I don’t know, living under a rock, you’ll all be well aware that this week heralded the release of a very special collection. If anyone truly deserves the title, “Fashion Legend” it is Karl Lagerfeld.

The white-haired, one-gloved wonder has been making waves in the industry since 1955 when he scooped up second place in the International Wool Secretariat contest, beaten only by Yves Saint Laurent. Since then Karl Lagerfeld has worked his magic everywhere from Balmain and Valentino to Repetto and Chloe. Nowadays Karl’s best known as the genius behind uber brands Chanel and Fendi… not to mention purveyor of priceless snippets of wisdom such as “Vanity is the best thing in life” and “The discussion of fur is childish” (click here for more, they are truly hilarious). On top of all this, he has now decided to share the monochrome look for which he is so renowned with the introduction of his new, and surprisingly affordable, “Karl” collection which hit Net-a-Porter this week.

1) Ordina Stretch Cotton Biker Jacket, £225
2) Sachi Pleated Faux Leather Skirt, £135
3) Metallic High-Tops, £295
4) Cut-away Leather Gloves, £50
5) Sequined Poplin Collar, £125
6) Printed Canvas Shopper, £20
7) Davina Ruched Patterned Jersey Dress, £145
8) Two-tone Leather Sandals, £245
9) Printed Race-back Jersey Vest, £70
10) Sina Sequined Pencil Skirt, £225

Personally I think I’ll leave the cut-away leather gloves to the professionals (AKA Karl) but that pleated leather mini has my name all over it! What do you think of the collection and mor importantly, will you be getting a Karl-over this season?

Love Ella. X

Posted on January 26, 2012 by Ella Catliff in Shopping 2 Comments

SS12: Desperate Housewives

Glittering flapper girls may have reigned supreme at Gucci, but the twenties wasn’t the only style decade making a comeback for SS12. Blame it on Mad Men mania if you will but 1950′s femininity has never felt so now… Except for maybe during the decade itself. Anyone who embraced last season’s ladylike trend will be happy to hear that cinched waists, defined curves and below the knee hemlines wont be disappearing anytime soon. How very desperate housewives.

Ok, so we may not all manage to pull it off with Christina Hendricks’ Va-va-voom but when the frocks are this fabulous, I’m more than willing to give it a go. Once again Miuccia Prada proved herself to be at the forefront of all things covetable, serving up a collection that fused retro glamour with just a hint of tongue-in-cheek. Back here in Blighty Jonathan Saunders offered up dresses so elegant they’d put Betty Draper’s best twinset to shame. Accessories came over all Stepford Wives too with silk gloves, cat eye sunglasses and even the odd headscarf cropping up on the catwalks. But if prim and proper really isn’t your thing then you’ll be relieved to hear that crop tops are also back on the menu. Just team an itsy bitsy bandeau with a high waistline et voila, modern day Marylin Monroe.

From left: Jonathan Saunders, Rochas, Prada & Erdem SS12

As a die-hard Man Men fanatic and lover of all things ladylike I’m definitely planning on tapping into this trend and who knows, I may even attempt a crop top or two. Will you unleash your inner vintage vixen this season or are pussy-bows and pencil skirts simply too kitsch for you?

Love Ella. X

Posted on January 24, 2012 by Ella Catliff in Fashion 2 Comments

SS12: Razzle Dazzle

Since September I’ve been studying Fashion History and Theory at Central Saint Martins and, at the risk of sounding a little pretentious, it’s really opened my eyes to how the styles of the past influence what we wear today. That said, you’d have to be plain stupid not to notice that the SS12 catwalks were awash with 1920′s inspired looks.

Art Deco detailing was the name of the game and designers paid homage to the glamour of the roaring twenties with tassled trims, sizzling sequins and ostrich feathers galore. Channel your inner flapper girl in a drop waisted number a la Gucci or take your queue from Ralp Lauren in floor-sweeping silvery hues. This trend probably wont be suitable for the office but who knows, given the calibre of designers who’ve embraced all things opulent, maybe work wear will soon incorporate fluttering Marabou.

From left: Marchesa, Gucci, Etro & Ralph Lauren Collection

Love Ella. X

Posted on January 23, 2012 by Ella Catliff in Fashion 1 Comment

La Petite Weeky Wish List 20/01/2012

I know what you’re thinking, how the HELL is it Friday already? There are few things more boring than discussing the passing of time but it seems like only yesterday I was writing my Christmas list and now all of a sudden it’s time to start shopping for Spring! Having been struck down with flu (or at the very least, a bad cold) on Monday I’ve spent a pretty dull week cooped up in my flat watching Gossip Girl re-runs and generally feeling sorry for myself. However my germ-imposed seclusion has had one positive outcome (ok, two if you count re-living Blair and co’s season 1 antics). I’ve been able to devote entire days to browsing the new season collections online, so prepare yourself for a seriously covetable wish list…

1) Acne Ry Angora Sweater, £170, available at www.matchesfashion.com
2) J Brand mid-rise skinny jeans, £200, available at www.matchesfashion.com
3) Topshop Lilac Leather Coin Purse, £8, available at www.topshop.com
4) Mulberry print scarf, £160, available at www.net-a-porter.com
5) Lacoste High Tops in Barbados Green, £60, available at www.lacoste.co.uk
6) Christopher Kane neon stretch denim jacket, £320, available at www.net-a-porter.com
7) Marc by Marc Jacobs Natasha Petal to the Metal Bag, £354, available at www.net-a-porter.com
8) Whistles Clover Print Blouse, £95, available at www.whistles.co.uk
9) Mulberry Denim Skirt, £275, available at www.net-a-porter.com
10) Pretty Ballerinas Lindsay Pumps, £159, available at www.prettyballerinas.com

Love Ella. X

Posted on January 20, 2012 by Ella Catliff in Shopping 5 Comments

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