Marks & Spencer Spring 2012

A quick look at Marks & Spencer’s Spring/Summer collection, as usual M&S take on this season’s trends in a grown up, almost designer manner. I really love the palm tree leaf patterned pencil skirt and would totally team it with the pink cat print blouse and wedge booties. Soft pastels and whites are the main colours in the collection; darker accents make the pieces more grown up and unique to Marks & Spencer, you shouldn’t see the garments all over the high street as I think many people overlook Marks & Spencer in terms of fashion.

Overall the collection is lovely and whilst M&S isn't the cheapest high street option, most of these pieces look a lot more expensive than they are.

Images: Lookmagazine

Alexis Mabille Spring Couture 2012

I’m completely in love with this couture collection largely because it reminds me of the scene in Fantasia when the flowers dance to ‘The Nutcracker Suite’, which was always my favourite part of the film as a child.

The materials used are soft and silky, shiny fabrics mixed with matte- lace has been subtly added to dresses to add depth. The collection takes on colour blocking in a softer pastel form, which had been popping up in various pre-fall collections and is much easier to wear than the bright colour blocking of last summer.

This is a really artistic collection, using flowers in a new interesting way for Spring- not that I imagine many people will be wearing them on their heads come Spring but you never know.

Images: Style.com

Fashion gets a cartoon makeover

Artist aleXsandro Palombo has turned some of fashion's biggest stars into Simpsons characters, capturing them perfectly from Anna's blunt bob and sunglasses to Suzy Menkes' signature pompadour. Now we just have to wish for a space on that sofa and perhaps even a fashion themed episode of The Simpsons.

Also getting in on the cartoon action, this time in SpongeBob form, is Dutch artist Mike Frederiqo.
Again capturing the likeness of these fashion stars perfectly in such a new and interesting way, whilst I'm not really a fan of SpongeBob I love these illustrations and would definitely like to see more of fashion's stars turned into SpongeBob.

Check out more of the artists' work by following the links.

Images: Stylist.co.uk

Girl Crush- Lea Michele

As you may know from previous posts I'm a huge fan of Glee and I often find myself wishing I was Rachel, sadly the only thing we have in common is a Christmas jumper.
Lea Michele is passionate and she works with many charities; most famously with PETA on the 'Buck Cruelty! Say No to Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides' which opposes the popular horse-drawn carriages in New York.

Lea Michele is my ultimate hair crush, especially when she wears a full fringe. I wanna dye my hair dark brown but I'm worried the red tones will come through too much.

Images: Thefashionspot

Favourite Makeup Products

These are the products I use on a day to day basis and always reach for, I do mix things up when I have extra time in the morning but otherwise these are my hero products. The lipsticks look a little scary but they aren't so harsh on the lips and are really wearable for day.

The Philosophy primer is probably the best I've tried and I often wear it alone if I'm having a good skin day, my main foundation routine would be this primer and the Liz Earle Skin Tint which gives a super light coverage but often enough as I have been blessed with good skin. I'm also quite addicted to highlighting my cheekbones and starting a mini MAC creme colour base collection.

Clockwise from Top: Philosophy The Supernatural Primer, Models Prefer Eyebrow Pencil, Glow by Topshop, Lipstick in Infrared by Topshop, Bobbi Brown Corrector, MAC Sheen Supreme lipstick in Quite The Thing, bareMinerals foundation in Fairly Light, Sleek Contour Kit, Liz Earle Sheer Skin Tint, Clinque High Impact Mascara, Illamasqua eyeshadow in Feline, Topshop Gel Liner in Etch, Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer, Topshop Eye Mousse in Tundra, MAC Creme Colour Base in Seaside and Benefit Dandelion.

Valentino Pre-Fall 2012

Valentino’s pre-fall collection is awash with dark colours, reds and whites, heavily laden in greys giving off a gothic feel with the corals bringing this collection to modern day.

Lots of lace is present in this collection in both black and coral, velvet is also key in rich colours on floor length dresses and more wearable pieces such as trousers, skirts and tops. The whole collection gives a slight nod to the renaissance period.

Various shapes are used in the collection, from puff sleeves and a-line coats to nipped in waists and paper bag trousers. Detailing is key with bows embellishments, ribbons tied into little soft bows around necks and waists keep the feminine modern touch on the heavy velvet pieces.

I much prefer the darker colour palette outfits as I feel the coral pieces are a bit too playful, however the coat pictured above is beautiful.

Images: Style.com

Bally Pre-Fall 2012

I’m big on mixing textures so the Bally Pre-fall collection is just perfect to me, especially with the dark colour palette. Soft slightly floral patterns have been mixed in with the muted palette which makes the collection grown up without being too serious, ensuring the garments could be worn almost anywhere. Many of the looks play with shape, using belts to nip in the waist to keep shape making the whole collection sophisticatedly sexy.

The trend of clutching your handbag no matter what its size is still going strong in this collection which whilst it may not be practical for everyday but I still love the look, it’s a simple change to make to any outfit that would just ooze catwalk.

Images: Style.com