It’s been a while since my last edition of “LPA Styles It” but with SS13 in full swing (well, in theory anyway), I decided it was high time for another one. And where better to flex my styling muscles than Harrods? I was lucky enough to visit the Knightsbridge shopping mecca before opening hours earlier this year when they invited me to take some snaps at the new 3.1 Phillip Lim concession. I don’t know whether you’ve ever had virtually an entire vast department store to yourself but there really are few things more fabulous. At 8am the Friday before last there wasn’t another shopper in sight and with every designer delight in the place at my disposal, I felt like the proverbial kid in a candy store. Despite my despondence at the fact that I’d undoubtedly be leaving empty handed, as an experience it was still pretty magical. With just two hours to style and shoot my favourite looks from God-knows-how many covetable collections the pressure was on. Here are the ensembles I chose…

Cheetah Chiquita

Marc by Marc Jacobs Lita Cheetah Sweater, £185, click here to buy
Marc by Marc Jacobs Jett Leather Skirt, £450, click here to buy
Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Natasha Cross Body bag, £310, click here to buy
Nicholas Kirkwood Salsa Pump, £460, click here to buy

Initially I thought look number 1 was my favourite of the lot. Then looks 2, 3 and 4 changed my mind but in retrospect I think this outfit is the one I’d most like to have in my wardrobe. In fact, I ended up buying the sweater the following week because I couldn’t get its cheetah print cuteness out of my head. As you know, I’m more than a little obsessed with Marc Jacobs. While I’m perhaps a little too young and definitely a lot too broke to own any mainline Marc or Louis Vuitton, I’ve collected a few pieces from his little sister line over the years and these super versatile separates would definitely be worthwhile investments. Punchy prints and sizzling shades add a youthful, casual cool to simple silhouettes and clean cuts. As for the fab Nicholas Kirkwood shoes… Need I even provide an explanation?

True Prep

Carven Denim Jacquard Jacket, £540, click here to buy
Carven Denim Jacquard Mini Skirt, £240, click here to buy
Marc by Marc Jacobs Bowery Blouse, £195, click here to buy
Carven Contrast Strap Handbag (strap removed), £600, click here to buy
Chloé Lucy Sandal, £420, click here to buy

This is the kind of immaculate ensemble I dream of trotting around town in during Spring. I cannot physically express quite how much I covet all things Carven, Guillaume Henry’s patterned shifts and playful separates are simply chic beyond belief. You may remember this neat little jacket from one of my London Fashion Week outfits. I’m sorry to say it was borrowed not bought so naturally I leapt at the chance to wear it again. This time around I went the whole hog and paired it with the matching skirt. This kind of outfit can’t help but be preppy so I decided to embrace it by adding a white Peter Pan collared blouse and neat navy bag. Two strap sandals are having a moment (albeit one that’s now lasted about three seasons) so I opted for this understated Chloé pair and regretted not having gotten a pedicure beforehand.

How Day-Glo Can You Go?

Equipment Signature Reptile Silk Shirt, £290, click here to buy
House of Holland Polkadot Skinny Jeans, £140, click here to buy
3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Mini Bag, £625, click here to buy
Nicholas Kirkwood Salsa Pumps, £460, click here to buy

One of the things I enjoy the most about doing LPA Styles It, or really any photoshoot for that matter, is getting the opportunity to step outside my clothing comfort zone and experiment with something a bit wacky. This fluro tastic, 90s inspired get up is SO not the kind of thing I naturally gravitate towards but once I saw it in all its technicolour, print clashing glory was convinced. But be warned; fun, fearless and generally fantastic though this look may be, I suspect it might be something of a man repeller and best saved for fashion week, not first dates.

Shimmering

Victoria, Victoria Beckham Striped Jacquard Shift Dress, £675, click here to buy
Valentino Noir 65 Leather Pump, £620, click here to buy
Chloé Medium Elsie Shoulder Bag, £865, click here to buy

Last but certainly not least, I slipped into a bit of Victoria, Victoria Beckham. As you may remember from my post on her presentation during New York Fashion Week, I have the utmost respect for Mrs Beckham and a buisness woman, fashion designer and master of re-invention. This exquisitely elegant cocktail dress epitomises the immaculate, modern femininity that has won Victoria countless awards, stockists and the notoriously hard to win admiration of the fashion community. With a miniature Chloé evening bag and the studded Valentino stilettos I’ve wanted forever I feel this ensemble is the stuff sartorial dreams are made of.

What do you think of the first “LPA Styles It” of 2013? I hope you enjoyed it as I’ve got some very exciting ones in the pipelines!

Love Ella. X

Photography by Paul Gonzales