Supermarket Sweep

Supermarkets have been producing clothes for a long time now, within recent years most have produced trend inspired lines and many celebrities putting their names to the various labels within the chains. Supermarkets are often praised for their quality designs with low prices and their availability to everyone.  

Here are my personal favourites from the A/W collections from Tesco and ASDA.

 I often find shopping for clothes whilst out food shopping isn't an enjoyable experience and in my local Tesco everything is a little all over the place but some of these pieces might be worth an extra trip. 

Have you seen anything from the big supermarkets you can't wait to get your hands on?

Pictures: Look Magazine

Alexa Chung to launch a fashion line

Alexa Chung has announced she will be launching her own fashion line, whilst she is only in the planning stages of her own line I expect it won't let down. 

The model turned presenter has been recognised for her strong sense of style for many years- I have a bit of a Chung haircut atm and often look towards her for inspiration. Just this year Alexa was announced as BFC Young Style Ambassador by the British Fashion Council due to her being seen as a fashion icon around the world. 

As the line is only in the planning stages, we might have to wait a bit to see what it has to offer but I imagine it'll be a huge success whatever direction she takes the designs.

Image: Entertainment Wise

Today I wish..

I was visiting museums and exhibtions:

I haven't been to the V&A for a long time or any other museums for that matter, so today I wish I was traveling around London seeing what they have to offer atm. Sadly as I'm no longer a student, regular visits to museums have become a thing of the past but I will squeeze in some exhibitions soon. 

 

I'm off out for dinner at Cosmo this evening as one has just opened up in my boyfriends town- hope it's worth the visit.

Photo: photo-montage.blogspot.co.uk/

A/W musthaves

Okay so it's still August and still summer in England, but with the arrival of the September issues I'm excited to plan my new season wardrobe, not only does it bring exciting designer collaborations MMM for H&M anyone? It also means layers, new clothes and a slightly less varied weather pattern to work with so outfit planning is easier- in theory anyway.

I decided to select my must haves/key looks for the upcoming season even if it is lovely and hot outside today.

 I have a slight addiction to printed trousers, okay so I only own two pairs but several other pairs have come into my house only to be returned for not being perfect. I love them with nude flats and loose plain t-shirts in the summer and I plan to pair them with chunky jumpers and boots come colder months. 

A good (faux) leather jacket, I have a cropped leather jacket which works well in spring and early autumn but I'm after a thicker more winter appropriate one and as a vegetarian I want a faux leather one but a non plastic looking, non studded, black one appears to be pretty hard to track down. 

 

Baroque prints, I hated this trend at first and I admit I still can't see the prints on dresses in bright colours working but softer prints on t-shirts will slot right in with my wardrobe- this one from ASOS is on its way to me as I type. H&M trend also has a great version in velvet if you feel a little bit more extravagant. 

Not so much an item but a look- I love layering in the winter, not only does it keep you warmer but you can also whip off a layer if it gets too hot. Blogger Man Repeller sure knows how to layer with style, so look to her if you want tips on layering without being too bulky.

What are your must-haves for the A/W season? Or can you just not let go of summer yet?

Hedi Slimane responds to YSL name change

When Hedi Slimane announced he would be changing Yves Saint Laurent to Saint Laurent Paris, the fashion world became a bit puzzled to why a change was need, many voiced their opinion on the change but until now Slimane himself kept quiet. 

In a recent interview with Vanity Fair Slimane explained his decision, he spoke of surprise to the huge reaction the change caused, explaining he wanted to go back to the roots of the brand and like much like Yves achieved in 1966 inspire a new generation in fashion. Slimane stated:

 "Clearly, this period of the history of the house was not well-known ... I went back to 1966 — just before the events of 1968 [when 11 million workers revolted against the conservative politics of then-President Charles de Gaulle — the biggest general strike in history], but the awakening of youth was in the air, and Yves Saint Laurent wanted to dissociate himself from the clientele of haute couture and embrace this new generation."

Slimane announced this name change back in June and whilst support hasn't been strong, the likes of Karl Lagerfeld  and model Arizona Muse both voiced their support for the change. 

How do you feel about the name change? I can't see it working as well if shortened, as SPL sounds like an insurance company not a high fashion label but as Saint Laurent Paris I feel it could work-although it may get thought of as more of a diffusion line for the first couple of seasons. 

Image: Fashionologie.

What's hot for 2012: Swimwear for men

Women have never been short of options when at the beach, men however have had very basic options usually in unflattering cuts or styles. In recent years however, fashion's attitude towards men's swimwear have changed, it has become both stylish and practical with many new prints and lengths being on offer.

The cut this season is shorter than the previously popular board short look, the short style you’re looking for will hit mid-thigh and be more fitting than past styles, this insures maximum wear as once you’ve dried off the same shorts can be worn wherever you go whilst on holiday so you won’t have to pack as much. 

If you want to look good both at the beach and the bar, team plain white t-shirts with your shorts and a pair of loafers then you’re good to go. If you’re lucky enough to be going away somewhere really hot this summer you won’t need to pack much more and even if you have to stay home this summer these shorts can be worn down at your local pool or to any festivals you’ll be attending. The new short length is about making it work for you and within your wardrobe.  

If you’re going away on holiday this year, it’s certain you want to look your best- whether it’s a clubbing holiday with your friends, a family break or a romantic getaway and with the right pair of swim shorts this’ll be a piece of cake. 

LCM roundup

This year marked the first stand alone Mens fashion week in London and the talent shone at every show. Londoners sure showed the fashion world how it's done and gave a fantastic kick start to the Mens Spring/Summer '13 collections.
Here's a little roundup of my favourite collections shown:

Topman Design

I found the Topman Design collection very hit and miss, these shots of course are the hits but the cropped American jersey inspired tops? Far too whimsical for my tastes. These looks are just enough colour and print to keep style running through it, whilst I expect to see the typical Topman consumer in these garments mixing them with plainer or more tailored pieces will turn them into something truly special. 

 Pringle of Scotland

A step away from the traditional argyle used by Pringle in modern preppy prints, above the knee shorts were teamed with jackets-perfect for the average London summer.The classic print can be seen on the socks of several of the models.

 Margaret Howell

Relaxed tailoring and clean lines make this collection very wearable, its accessible to both those who are huge fashion experts and those who just like to have a play. The colours of the collection stand out from the crowd because they work so well together- neutrals and little flashes of muted brights. 

 J.W. Anderson

Man of the moment J.W. Anderson produced a beautiful collection, whilst not hugely wearable the work that went into the designs was phenomenal. Strong shapes and cuts were mixed with silky luxury patterns and bold prints, J.W. Anderson keeps on giving to the fashion world and I hope he has no plans to stop anytime soon. 

 Jonathan Saunders

There is a strong use of bold colours and jazzy prints in this collection, it's presentation format makes it stand out from other designers who stuck to traditional catwalks to display their looks.
Saunders uses traditional shapes and garments with vivid prints and colours to give a modern London feel to his collection.

E. Tautz

Probably my favourite collection shown, the slick modern tailoring and pops of colour give the collection life without stripping it of masculinity. I can see the likes of Benedict Cumberbatch wearing these looks but that might just be the styling, the gentle use of colour makes the collection very wearable.

Images:Style.com

J.W Anderson X Topshop

Hot on the heels of announcing they will be collaborating with Louise Gray, Topshop have announced another collaboration is in the works; this time with London based designer JW Anderson.  Having already designed a t-shirt for the high street chain’s NEWGEN 10^th anniversary celebrations the designer is a clear hit at Topshop and this will be his first collection available to the mass market.

Anderson was nominated for the BFC award last year and gained further recognition in the fashion world with his Spring/Summer 2012 collection where his paisley print pyjama styles were championed and have been worn by the likes of Alexa Chung and stylist Fran Burns.

The collection by the Irish born designer will feature denim, knitwear, jersey and outerwear pieces, which Topshop describe as being inspired by Anderson’s most coveted pieces in order to create a collection of must-have pieces to fill your wardrobe with. The collection will also include lifestyle items such as pencils, memory sticks, Rubik’s cubes, vintage magazines, and photography books.

Topshop are working hard with designers in order to take the collaboration crown away from rivals H&M who only announced Maison Martin Margiela would produce a collection for them this November. 

The collection will hit stores in September.

Image:Vogue