La Petite AW11 Lust List: Autumn Edit

Just in case I haven’t made it clear enough yet, I am really, REALLY excited about the arrival of autumn. Ok, so I may have started my new season shopping back in July (it was cold in London!) but with less than a month to go until Fashion Week it’s now well and truly time to hit the boutiques and attempt to make AW11 our most stylish season yet. As much as I adore the summer months, by the time September rolls around I want nothing more than to wrap up in chunky knit sweaters, cashmere cardigans and soft leather gloves. The saccharine shades and neon hues that once felt so fresh now seem seriously outdated and if I have to so much as look at another floaty maxi-dress I might just scream. No, there is something about autumn dressing that it undeniably more elegant than letting it all hang out in the blazing heat. With heritage fabrics as far as the eye can see, ladylike 40′s style back on the catwalk and knee-length pencil skirts on the pages of every magazine the coming season promises to be chic beyond belief. So in the spirit of embracing all things autumnal here are a few of my favourite new season pieces. Now if these beauties don’t make you long for misty mornings, hot coffee and crisp golden leaves then frankly, I don’t know what will.

1) Topshop contrast bow angora beanie: £10, available at www.topshop.com
2) Aspen sweater by Paul & Joe Sister: £205, available at www.paulandjoe.com
3) Flared wool blended skirt by Carven: £195, available at www.net-a-porter.com
4) Suede platform Chelsea boots by Deena & Ozzie: £120, avaiable at www.urbanoutfitters.co.uk
5) Lace top by Irwin & Jordan: £235, available at www.start-london.com
6) Polly-Push lock leather gloves by Mulberry: £140, available at www.mulberry.com
7) Chain detail pumps by Pretty Ballerina: £139, available at www.prettyballerinas.com
8) Oversized Alexa in Conker: £925, available at www.mulberry.com
9) Wool tweed biker jacket by Markus Lupfer: £325, available at www.net-a-porter.com
10) J Brand mid-rise plum corduroy skinny jeans: £200, available at www.net-a-porter.com
11) Vintage Eidelweiss necklace: £375, available at www.annebowesjewellery.com
12) Whistles Naomi cable knit sweater: £95, avialable at www.whistles.com
13) Whistles suede leopard print pencil skirt: £225, available at www.whistles.com
14) Zara snakeskin high heeled courts: £59.99, available at www.zara.com

Love Ella. X

Posted on August 22, 2011 by Ella Catliff in Fashion 6 Comments

What’s YOUR fashion addiction?

Broadly speaking, shopaholics and clothes obsessives tend to fall in to certain catagories depending on their sartorial poison of choice. For some people that irresistable item is a beautiful pair of shoes, for others it’s a delicious new handbag. Well, as much as I adore (and frequently purchase) shoes and handbags my real fashion addiction has to be blouses. Surprised? Given the number of them that crop up in my outfit posts, I doubt it. Every time I return from a shopping trip, meeting, lunch date or visit to the dentist with yet another new blouse my friends and family dispair but what can I say? When I spy a Peter Pan collared chiffon number in the window of Whistles, I’m simply powerless to resist.

“My name’s Ella and I’m a blouse-aholic…”

After investing in what must be roughly my 30th blouse this afternoon, I got to thinking about fashion addictions and after a spot of internet browing came to the conclusion that even the most stylish dressers around have that one particular piece they just can’t get enough of. So in the interest of relieving post-purchase guilt over my weakness for all things blousey, I decided to expose a few celebrity fashion addictions. Admitedly not quite as juicy as the Kate Moss cocaine scandal but hey, it made me feel better.

Name: Alexa Chung
Profession: Model, TV Presenter & “It Girl”
Fashion Addiction: Brogues

Name: Olivia Palermo
Profession: Ermm… Professional FROW-er?
Fashion Addiction: Statement Necklaces

Name: Victoria Beckam
Profession: Pop Star, Fashion Designer & the original WAG
Fashion Addiction:Hermes Birkin Bags

If this doesn’t wipe away the shame factor from the repeat purchases that, let’s be honest, we’re all guilty of making then I don’t know what will. Now I’ve admitted mine and exposed theirs’ only one question remains… What’s YOUR fashion addiction?

Love Ella. X

Posted on August 18, 2011 by Ella Catliff in Fashion 7 Comments

Obsessed with… Sandro AW11

Despite the fact that the weather seems to have perked up a bit, I’m still obsessing over all things autumnal and waiting with baited breath for the first leaf to fall. Ok, so dressing for Summer is a walk in the park compared to selecting a chic yet warm ensemble when the temperature drops. But you cannot deny that an elegant cashmere coat or perfectly cut pair of wool trousers is infinitely more stylish than a floral maxi dress. This seasons’ trends are a sartorial smörgåsbord of heritage fabrics, rich colours and luxe detailing and few brands have churned out quite so covetable a collection as Sandro.

The must-have French label has a reputation for being the last word in effortless Parisian style and their AW11 offerings simply ooze left bank chic. Think tweeds, tartans, silk shirts and flawless tailoring topped off with a hearty dose of androdgynous cool. One part 60′s beatnik, one part borrowed-from-the-boyfriend, my affections are currently divided between the adorable tweed shift dress and camel hooded coat. Which perfect piece will be you be lusting after this season?

Love Ella. X

Posted on August 15, 2011 by Ella Catliff in Fashion 2 Comments

Yes it’s another not-so-petite GIVE-AWAY!

You may remember a post I published a few months back introducing you to an incredible new online boutique by the name of Wardrobe Mistress. The site offers it’s customers the chance to get their hands on gorgeous vintage and second hand designer garments without having to go through the ordeal of trawling the thrift stores and wrestling other shopaholics to get their hands on that must-have piece. On top of that, Wardrobe Mistress not only invites customers to splash their hard-earned cash, but also sell their unwanted designer fare AND indulge in a range of personalised services including wardrobe management and detoxing, personal styling and personal shopping. Ingenious, no?

I am probably the world’s worst vintage shopper and the very idea of rummaging through endless rails of tat in search of that special something makes me break out in a cold sweat. But when the best of Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel, Hermes and countless other covetable brands is just a mouse click away there’s no excuse NOT to go vintage. Anyway, the lovely ladies running Wardrobe Mistress firmly believe that no fashionista should be without a sartorial collectable of their own so have decided to offer one of my lucky readers the chance to win this divine pair of earrings by jewellery brand extraordinaire, Isharya.

When it comes to high fashion jewellery with a hefty dose of red carpet glamour, no one does it better than Isharya. Their exquisite pieces have been spotted on Eva Longoria, Gwyneth Paltrow and Jessica Alba to name but a few and crop up everywhere from Gossip Girl to Harpers Bazaar.

For a chance get your hands on these delicious earrings and join the fabulous ranks of A-list Isharya devotees all you have to do is answer this one, oh-so-simple question…

What outfit would YOU wear your Isharya earrings with?

Just post your answer on the Wardrobe Mistress facebook page and the earrings could be yours!

Love Ella. X

Posted on August 15, 2011 by Ella Catliff in Fashion Leave a comment

Look Du Jour: Ode to Autumn

Shirt: H&M
Skirt: American Apparel
Bag: Marc Jacobs
Loafers: Russell & Bromley
Socks: Cos

Considering how excited we Brits get at the slightest hint of sunshine it might seem a little strange that by mid-August I’m ready to wave goodbye to the summer months and say hello to all things AW11. But such is the fickle nature of fashion that by the time we’ve finally taken the tags off our floral playsuits the new season collections have landed and such saccarine items feel a wee bit outdated. Maybe I’m just a deeply sad individual but few things make me happier than watching the seasons change, not least because of the prime shopping opportunities involved.

With fashion week fast approaching (yay!) I decided it was high time to dig out a few of last years’ favourites and indulge in some lovely autumnal hues. I’m already looking forward to a palette of hunter green, burgundy, mustard and tangy shades of burnt orange and deepest pink in rich silks, plush velvets and heritage fabrics galore. It’s never to early to get started on the essential task of new season wardrobe planning and when the sartorial menu is quite this delicious, why would anyone want to wait!

Love Ella. X

Posted on August 13, 2011 by Ella Catliff in Look Du Jour 5 Comments

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