Sneak Peak! Burberry Pre-AW12

As we all know only too well, Fashion is a fast paced and fickle friend. The second you finally nail your “look” for the current season, it’s suddenly time to start thinking about what you’ll be wearing in a few months time and if you’re really savvy, working a few of those next season pieces into your wardrobe right now. Some might say the fact that the Spring/Summer pre-collections arrive in stores before we’ve even decorated our Christmas trees is a little ridiculous but personally, I think it’s fab. London can be pretty dismal in December so what better way to escape the gloom than by ogling a few rainbow brights? Spring can also be pretty grey here in Blighty so thank GOD we have the option of wrapping up in cosy Pre-fall collection long before the first leaves start to fall. Even I’ll admit that thinking about Pre-AW12 now could be deemed a little excessive (that’s nearly 10 months away after all) but when the autumnal fare on offer is quite as delicious as these Burberry beauties, it would be a crime not to share it. Just check out these shots by Mario Testino of the sickeningly gorgeous Cara Delevigne working Burberry’s luxurious pre-fall looks…

Burberry pre fall 2012
Burberry pre fall 2012

Love Ella. X

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La Petite Party Diaries: Armani Exchange Celebrates it’s 20th Anniversary

With gale force winds and pissing rain, yesterday was officially the nastiest day of the year. As we battled our way to the tube station I almost considered retreating to the comfort of my cosy flat and spending the evening drinking tea in my pyjamas. But there were parties to attend, pictures to pose for and multiple cocktails to drink so we dragged our soggy selves over to Regents Street where Armani Exchange were celebrating their 20th anniversary. Within about 2 minutes of arriving at our destination all thoughts of cold toes and hot drinks were instantly fogotton. The store had been transformed into a club, Jameela Jamil was on the decks and the oh-so-delicious lychee martinis were flowing.

Jameela Jamil Armani Exhchange party
Jameela Jamil wearing Armani Exchange
Armani Exhchange party
Moi

Cheesy though this will inevitably sound, the festive mood was tangible and regardless of whether or not they had to work in the morning, everyone was up for a party. The guestlist was a mix of fashion faces and music industry insiders with Dionne Bromfield, Jack Fox, Olivia Grant and Zawe Ashton all in attendance.

Armani Exhchange party
Dionne Bromfield wearing Armani Exchange
Armani Exhchange party
Jack Fox & Zawe Ashton
Armani Exhchange party
Olivia Grant
Armani Exhchange party
Rizzle Kicks

By the time 10 o’clock came around the vast space was packed fit to burst and Rizzle Kicks treated us to a DJ set. We drank, we danced and we somehow managed to fit two other parties into the course of the evening. What with all the scrumptious cocktails on tap it turned into a night of extreme over-indulgence but hey, isn’t that what Christmas is all about?

Love Ella. X

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La Petite Weekly Wish List 09/12/2011

The problem with a Christmas wish list is that if, like me, you start compiling yours in October, by the time December finally rolls around half the goodies you originally chose seem a little passè. By the time the magical day arrives the cashmere sweater you lusted after back at the beginning of Autumn has long since been replaced by a novelty Christmas Jumper or neon clutch from the pre-SS12 collections. But if your nearest and dearest fail to appreciate the fickle nature of fashion then don’t dispair. After all, nothing says “Christmas” like a good, old fashioned strop.

wish list
Ella Box Bag, £195, available at www.whistles.co.uk

1) As you’ve probably realised by now, I’m incapable of passing a Whistles without taking a quick peek inside and more often than not, emptying my bank account in the process. Well last week I was enjoying a Saturday morning browse and this divine little box bag caught my eye. On closer inspection I discovered that the object of my affections was called the “Ella” bag, presumably after yours truly (delusional, moi?). Now I think it’s fair to say that I just have to have this little beauty as for once, it quite literally has my name on it.

wish list
FairIsle Knit Sweater, £229, available at www.plumo.com

2) This season I have gone into knitwear overdrive but given the sheer number of snuggly sweaters and joyful jumpers around, who could blame me? Much as I adore a novelty knit, when it comes to timeless Winter chic you can’t beat the classic fair isle. I love the slight schoolboy feel of this super cute number by British brand, Plumo.

wish list
A-Line Leather Skirt, A.P.C, £285, available at www.net-a-porter.com

3) Effortless elegance is something which the French have down to a fine art and no one does it better than A.P.C. Having worn my trusty leather mini to death I think it’s high time to invest in a new one and this tan beauty is simply the epitome of low-key luxe.

wish list
OPI Rainbow Connection Nail Polish, £10.50
(available at various salons & department stores)

4) I always find the festive period to be one of constant cravings. Mulled wine, mince pies, open fires, turkey paninis (try them, they’re AMAZE), cashmere… The list could go on forever. But most of all, in the run up to Christmas I’m always irresistibly drawn to all things sparkly. If, like me, the Anya Hindmarch glitter clutch you long for is simply beyond your budget (sob!) then glam up your nails instead.

wish list
Silver Acorn Necklace, available at www.annebowesjewellery.com

5) If costume jewellery’s not your cup of tea then I highly recommend you check out up-and-coming jewellery designer, Anne Bowes. Her pieces combine vintage and contemporary elements and each necklace is one-of-a-kind, eliminating the potential embarassment of finding yourself rocking the same statement piece as half of Oxford Street. This exquisite silver acorn is the current object of my affections, perfect with a party dress or just a simple sweater, don’t you think?

Love Ella. X

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Look Du Jour: Christmas Jumper

Christmas

What: Jumper: Zara, Hat: Vintage, Skirt: American Apparel, Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs,
Boots: Urban Outfitters, Necklace: Anne Bowes Jewellery

Now I may have promised that I wouldn’t keep banging on about the weather but when the temperature plummets quite as dramatically as it has this week then frankly, I can’t help but bring it up. After spending several afternoons with a hot water bottle (cashmere covered, natch) clutched to my chest I decided that the time had come to unleash my intensive knitwear collection… Well, it was either that or go into hibernation but given the number of fabulous festive soirees I’d miss that really wasn’t an option. So in an attempt to battle the winter chill I dug out my trusty Christmas Jumper and topped it off with this snug-as-a-bug fur hat. Sadly their insulating effects were rather undermined by the skater skirt I teamed them with but hey, you can’t have everything.

Love Ella. X

Posted on by Ella Catliff in Look Du Jour 2 Comments

La Petite Party Diaries… Boxpark Launch Party at Shoreditch House

After a long week of lectures, essay deadlines and of course, parties, come Friday evening I was severely tempted to put on my pyjamas, order some takeaway sushi and spend the evening snuggled up on the sofa watching Gossip Girl. But attractive though the idea of salmon nigiri and Ed Westwick admittedly was I had places to be and people to see so it was off with the cashmere bedsocks and into something significantly less comfortable. Now we’re all more than familiar with the genius concept of the pop-up store but last week saw the launch of London’s first-ever pop-up mall. Located in the heart of Shoreditch and constructed entirely from shipping containers, Boxpark certainly isn’t your average shopping mall. Instead of the usual assortment of high street stores you’ll find a collection of brands ranging from Playful Promises Lingerie and Original Penguin to Evisu, Marimekko and countless other labels I’ve never heard of but probably should have done.

Boxpark

In true fashion style, Boxpark celebrated their launch with a nice big bash at East London mekka of cool, Shoreditch House. Guests including Dizzee Rascal and Jay Camilleri flocked to the club’s incredible (and heated, thank God) rooftop garden where we tucked into tasty cocktails and danced the night away.

Boxpark
Dizzee Rascal
Boxpark
Jay Camilleri
Boxpark
Me & Meng Jiang

Love Ella. X

Ps) In case you were wondering, my blingtastic cocktail ring was a gift from the lovely people at Galibardy. I did poke myself in the face with it once or twice but it’s so fabulous any injuries sustained were worth it;)

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