Thought You Knew Fashion? Think Again

2014 is the year of experimentation in fashion. Whilst classic styles were once again present on the catwalks, new creative directions have shone throughout the collections of designers around the world. Cue the Burberry trench, a classic style since it's conception in the 1850s, which was presented for AW14 with shearling adornments and brush strokes to give it a new lease of life, courtesy of creative director Christopher Bailey.

Burberry Prorsum AW14 Show

In an industry that craves newness and refreshed originality, taking a new creative stance is a gamble as the brand risks losing their signature style and the elements that made them attractive in the first place.

However, it would appear to be a risk worth taking. Imran Amed, Editor-in-Chief of fashion news site Business of Fashion, commented on the necessity for a strong creative direction: "BOSS is the perfect example of a large, global fashion brand that nobody really pays much attention to because it's had nothing new or interesting to say, particularly in womenswear, which has mostly existed in the shadows of the company's core menswear tailoring business." He recognises that having exciting creative demonstrating itself in brands' products is more important than having a high-profile creative director who may not produce anything particularly new.

Below are my top 3 picks of brands that have taken a new creative direction this year and, for want of a better expression, nailed it.

1. Coach

Hailed the 'Master of Reinvention' by a recent Business of Fashion article, Coach's new direction for SS15 has surprised and delighted critics. With new creative director Stuart Vevers, the brand's focus is to transform itself into a global lifestyle brand, going beyond its previously strong accessories offering to showcase ready-to-wear and footwear as part of its improved offering.

2. Chanel

Chanel's AW14 campaign is sporty, modern and not what I would usually attribute to Chanel's classic luxury values. The AW14 show itself was set in a supermarket which seems foreign to the brand, but worked perfectly with the collection's fun style. Karl Lagerfeld's input shines in this collection.

3. Burberry

Though mentioned above, Burberry has truly reinvented its classic styles and I was wowed by the AW14 Prorsum Collection. With each product hand-painted, Christopher has made the collection deliciously charming whilst appealing to those customers who favour the bespoke value, as no two products will be the same.

Many of my colleagues agree that fashion has been taking itself less seriously this year. The industry itself is still an extremely important business but the days of re-releasing a classic item in a new hue seem to have diminished for those brands that seek to wow via re-invention and newness. I'm totally on-board with the idea but am intrigued as to how brands such as Moschino will continue to outdo themselves for AW15 after debuting the Barbie-and-McDonald's-inspired collections for AW14 and SS15 respectively.

Reinvention is the current industry climate, but what happens when there's no room for reinvention left? Additionally, are we to believe that each brand's motto should be 'reinvent yourself or fail?' Perhaps it is only a necessity for those brands that need a sales boost, but that is hardly the case for the likes of Chanel. It will be interesting to see how the AW15 collections shape up.

- A.T.

A Choo of Your Own

Jimmy Choo is the latest brand to offer a bespoke service on its products, joining the likes of Fendi, Burberry and Prada who currently offer a made-to-measure service on some of their most iconic products.

Burberry initiated its 'Burberry Bespoke' offering in 2011, allowing customers to essentially design their own classic Burberry trench coat right down to the cut, lining, length and collars. Whilst the bespoke trenches are at the higher end of the brand's price range, they allow affluent customers to have their own take on a product that has been a part of the brand for decades and add to the aspirational value that most luxury brands hold sacred.

As of this month, British label Jimmy Choo is now offering a bespoke service on some of its most popular shoe styles. Sandra Choi, Jimmy Choo's creative director, has selected her favourite styles for the service - the Nouk, Lance, Xenie and Tite models. Previously only available to the likes of red-carpet customers, this move to offer personalisation on Jimmy Choo shoes is a wise move in an industry landscape that is increasingly shaped by the demand for innovation in marketing and design, requiring designers to build on their previous offerings.

Customers can choose from a variety of colours and materials, with an option to have each pair stamped with a monogram of choice.

The Jimmy Choo personalisation service started on May 9 in the Sloane Street store, will be offered in Paris boutiques from May 19 and will roll out globally throughout the rest of May.

How long until we can design our own Manolos?

- A.T.

Happy Feet (At Last!)

What do you get when you cross comfort with fashion? As well as thousands of smiling fashionistas, cue retailers and designers alike diving head-first into the latest trend of slip-on pumps.

First I noticed Steve Madden's offering, then came along ASOS and Kurt Geiger. Just to assure the fashion crowd that this trend was being taken seriously, Jimmy Choo has now jumped on the bandwagon and released some oh-so-mouth-watering pumps that I do wish I could stretch my pay packet to.

Now I'm seeing slip-ons everywhere and had to invest in a pair of my own. A big fan of the Givenchy floral pumps, and a stickler for finding high street versions of designer items, I invested in some Dockland Plimsolls from ASOS, £20.

What I love the most is seeing people pushing the boundaries with how they wear their slip-ons. I've seen them with sports-luxe trousers, pleated midi skirts and eclectic maxi dresses; I've also seen a few colleagues proudly scuffling around the office in theirs. I too share their smug expression, not just because of the great pattern on my slip-ons, but because they feel so nice on my feet - I see slip-ons as a chance for feet rehab. I'm always a fan of a good heel but when it comes to a choice between the two, if fashion says so, then I vote slip-ons.

(Pictures from Google Images)

How do you wear yours?

- A.T.

Hump Day Treat

The Rise of the Fashion Sweatshirt

For the fashion boff in me, this article proved very interesting (yes, I'm linking you up to Business of Fashion again). It's about the rise of sweatshirts being worn in day-to-day fashion -- but think further than the image of the plain sweater you own that just popped into your head. Designers and editors alike agree that the best sweatshirts are those that have something about them, whether it be a quirky design or interesting embellishment. 

I adore the Kenzo jumper below, and actually stumbled across an ASOS equivalent for those of you interested. In fact, ASOS have got a whole feature on fashion sweatshirts right now - entitled "The Souped-Up Sweatshirt". They're bang on the pulse of what's on trend, as per usual. As BoF says, all hail the "statement sweatshirt." Love the phrase. Love the sweatshirts. Love anything 'statement'.

- A.T.

What Goes Around Comes Around: 1960s Trend Revival

Fashion is always retro, but always on the basis of the abolition of the passé (the past): the spectral death and resurrection of forms. Its proper actuality (its 'up-to-dateness', its 'relevance') is not a reference to the present, but an immediate and total recycling.

JEAN BAUDRILLARD, Symbolic Exchange and Death

Jean Baudrillard hit the nail on the head. Fashion is total recycling. How many times have you worn a trend and your mother, for example, has said 'that used to be in fashion when I was young'? Think about it. Many times. 

In reality, some trends are meant to stay in the past - I look back at the trouser-skirts I wore in the 90s and shudder - but I'm very open to trying out recycled trends. I prefer not to call them 'recycled' though, I think 'revival', or 'reawakening', or 'revitalisation' are more accurate. I could go on and on. With this revitalisation of trends happening more or less every year, there's bound to be one that we all love in particular. And this is what the current 1960s trend revival is for me. I've got 1960s fever; a longing to be part of the sixties scene. 

What's not to love? The 1960s trend revival encompasses more than just a knee length swing skirt or an a-line hem, it means bright colours, bold prints, cat-eye shades, and looking oh-so-fabulous all at the same time. I don't care if it's been done before - revivals happen for a reason, and this one is so that we can all enjoy what those youth of the sixties did: fabulous shapes, prints and colours. 

I've scoured the internet and compiled lists of my three favourite elements to 1960s fashion - all items are available right now, either online or in store. Most of these items are on my current wishlist (emphasis on wish).

1. Topshop, £70
2. Alice & Olivia, £180
3. Motel, £35
4. Miss Selfridge, £25
5. Forever 21, £10
6. Miss Selfridge, £35

1. ASOS, £35
2. Topshop, £55
3. Next, £28
4. Mango, £64.99
5. Michael Kors, £120
6. Zara, £59.99

1. MSGM, £290

2. Topshop, £20

3. ASOS, 18

4. Louis Vuitton, £750

5. Louis Vuitton, £2,150

6. ASOS, £52

7. M Missoni, £350

Want to channel the 1960s vibe? I hope I've convinced you. If not, take a look at this webpage focused on the 1960s in fashion to see key designers, looks and styles. Feel free to share any comments/ queries about the products and the trend itself.

- A.T.

Hump Day Treat

Brace yourself for AW13

If you've so much as put one foot inside a shopping centre or wandered down your local high street lately, you'll have seen one thing: an abundance of sale signs in the majority of clothing shops. Sadly, it's time to toss out the summer garments and make space for the new AW13 season. Personally, it's my favourite season in terms of fashion. I enjoy dressing for Autumn more than Summer as I feel there's more space to be sartorially savvy.

Business of Fashion have compiled their 'Top 10 Campaigns of the Season' list but I think they're missing one major player for this season: Mulberry. Starring the ubiquitous Cara Delevigne and a height-of-Autumn woodland setting, photographer Tim Walker brings the wilderness indoors and captures the beauty and ethos of the new collection perfectly, making the campaign one of my favourites for AW13.

I was wowed by their LFW catwalk show and wish I could fill up my wardrobe with their AW13 collection. It'ss got all my favourite Autumn-y things thrown into the mix: neutral-to-dark hues, animal prints, and lots of leather. Check out behind-the-scenes from the shooting of the campaign here.

- A.T.

Style Steal: Pandora Birthstone Rings

Finding high street alternatives to the brands we know and want to own is almost becoming a game to me. If I spot something that looks identical to an item advertised in one of the countless glossies I read, I either buy it (rarely) or take a picture of it for this blog (most likely). Why? Because it's a style steal - the same style for a fraction of the price. Although, given the choice, I would of course love to buy the designer item itself.

I recently found some rings in a high street store that look exactly the same to the more up-market option - the birthstone rings by Pandora. They come in a different colour for each month and the metal has a nice ropey look to it.

The Matalan rings (£6 for a pack of 3): 

Pandora Birthstone Ring (£40):

The Matalan alternative may not be sterling silver but I've had a lot of wear out of the rings already, and there has been no off-colouring of the metal which makes the rings a definite style steal.

If you're interested in my other Style Steals, click here. More coming soon!

- A.T.

Hump Day Treat

Victoria's Secret due to open in Leeds, Autumn 2013

I am so excited to share this week's Hump Day Treat as it's a fantastic piece of news (but only for those of you living in West Yorkshire).

I'm obsessed with Victoria's Secret and their PINK collection like many others, and it pained me that when I came back to the UK from my year in the US, there were no Victoria's Secret stores here. Alas, one opened in London, but I don't get to London as much as I'd like. It's now been announced the second UK store will be opening in the Trinity Leeds shopping centre this autumn, though. Go crazy; tell everyone, and get to the store opening - I know I will be!

- A.T.

Tried & Tested: The Thigh Split Trend

Not too long ago I wrote a post on here about thigh split maxi skirts/ dresses. I'm still as obsessed now as I was a month ago and actually had the chance to try out the trend at my graduation ball a couple of weeks ago.

The dress: 

ASOS, £40

My take on it:

I wore the dress with neutral make-up and gold accessories. I felt that the dress was the focal point and so I didn't need heavy accessories or makeup that would look garish or draw away from the dress. I went for neutral, bronzed makeup using my Benefit Away We Glow make-up set.

Pictures from the night:

I took a lot of pictures and it was a really fun night. I got a tonne of compliments on the dress, too. The only warning I would give is the dress isn't particularly bloat-friendly, so I was lucky to get away with a three course meal and drinks - be wary if you are buying the dress for an occasion which involves a meal.

(Excuse the terrible quality of my iPhone camera..)

I felt great wearing this dress and can't wait to wear it to a formal occasion again in the near future. It is still in stock on the ASOS website for those of you interested. Overall verdict: make sure you join in with the thigh-split trend at some point this year, but don't overdo the split...

- A.T.

Style Steal: Manolo Blahnik 'Chaos Cuff' Sandal

The time has come for another style steal post where I find high street alternatives to designer items. I'm sure that most of you will recognise this one instantaneously.

I've been obsessed with these strappy Manolo's ever since seeing a picture of Rihanna wearing them. Then, to my surprise (and delight), high street stores cottoned on and started producing their own. ASOS and River Island have brought out their own takes on the shoe in various colours, and Rihanna's collection for River Island even has some Manolo-inspired sandals - it's safe to say she loves the shoe style.

As nice as the sandals at these stores are, I didn't want to depart with £40+ just to get in on the trend - that's what being a student does to you. However, I was shopping in Primark, arguably an unlikely place to sell some nice heeled shoes, and I found a pair of Manolo-esque heels. Priced at £12, I couldn't say no. They are really good quality and don't look cheap, either.

Primark heeled sandals (£12):

Manolo Blahnik 'Chaos Cuff' sandal (£445):

Noticeable differences are the width of the strap across the foot and the heel height. These are minor differences though, and what both the actual Manolo's and the Primark heels have in common is that they are really flattering for the legs and feet. No matter your height or size, Manolo-inspired heeled sandals are a must buy and an ubiquitous trend, restricted to no one! Track them down on the high street, try them on and tell me if you disagree.

- A.T.

My Running & Fitness Wishlist

Well, this post is a first. I'm accustomed to doing wishlists for clothes, but I've never done one for sportswear. I felt the need to make one because about two weeks ago I finally braved it and went on my first run in Nottingham. This involved me forcing myself onto the street and exposing my 'flustered and sweaty' look to any members of the public who were unfortunate enough to pass me. That and the fact that I find it really hard to run when I'm not on a treadmill.

The first run was a great success and I've been about 5 times since. It doesn't seem a lot but it's a great achievement for me! I'm doing the running for fitness, not weight loss, so hopefully I'll feel myself slowly improving over time; I managed to run a 5k Race for Life on June 2 so I'm probably better than I give myself credit for! I'm also boosted by magazines focusing on fitness and running lately (namely, ELLE), so they're a source of inspiration also.

So, the time has come for a wishlist. I tend to throw on one of the numerous t-shirts I got whilst studying in America - look out for me in 'ILLINOIS' t-shirts in a variety of colours - and a pair of leggings or shorts but, if money permitted me, I would kit myself out properly with this wishlist I've compiled.

1. Women’s Stow-n-Go sports bra, North Face, £35 

2. Water Bottle, Victoria’sSecret PINK, £9
3. Functional jacket, H&M, £29.99
4. Incase sports armband for Ipod Classic, Apple, £24.95
5. Free Run 3 Shield ID women’s running shoes, Nike, £115
6. Women’s studio performance singlet, Adidas by StellaMcCartney, £60
7. Fearless capri’s, Sweaty Betty, £65
8. SIE2 sport headphones, Bose, £104.95
9. Sports bra, H&M, £29.99
10. Essentials studded sweatshirt, Adidas by Stella McCartney, £90
11. Sports shorts, H&M, £7.99

What are your running essentials? Let me know!

- A.T.

Trend To Try: Mid-Finger Rings

I'm completely in love with the mid-finger ring - aka "midi ring" - trend. I've noticed that more shops have started selling them throughout the year which is great for us! As with bangles and bracelets, midi rings are perfectly stackable and are a stylish addition to any outfit, transcending day into night. I love the way they look so delicate yet add an edgy finishing touch.

Here are some pretty (and affordable) midi rings I found online:

Forget having a statement ring - midi rings are all about the plentiful, so stack them up to your heart's desire. Try this trend now - there's a new definition of finger swag, and we all should want in.

- A.T.

Hump Day Treat

PRIMARK CLOTHES AVAILABLE ON ASOS.COM

Today I came across a startling discovery - ASOS are now starting to stock Primark clothes. You probably know that Primark have always been strictly high-street, and many a time I have suffered from the frustration of going onto their website only to find that there are no clothes on there. It seems strange to have such a successful high street shop without its stock online - especially in the current state of technology and social media. Perhaps it would be impossible to put everything online, especially with their quick turnaround of stock. Although Forever 21 manage it . . .

Click on the picture below to see the items that ASOS have on the site at the moment. There are only 22 items listed, and despite much speculation about whether this is due to increase, Primark have said that the partnership with ASOS is a trial and, as such, is "very limited."

Does this mean that Primark is slowly transitioning to 'etail'? Time will tell. I'm not sure they need to - although it would be helpful for the odd stressful day when the last thing I want to do is get stuck into the clothes jungle that is the Primark shop floor. One thing's for sure though - ASOS have got so many things under their belt at the moment. I think Primark is a great string to add to their bow.

- A.T.

Hump Day Treat

I'm very excited to share this week's Hump Day Treat. My favourite museum in London will soon be showcasing an exciting new fashion exhibition - starting on 10 July and running through to 16 February 2014, the V&A museum will be host to 'Club to Catwalk: London Fashion in the 1980s'. It is described as tracing the "emerging theatricality in British fashion as the capital's vibrant and eclectic club scene influenced a new generation of designers," featuring designs by John Galliano and Betty Jackson.

I went to view the 'Ballgowns: British Glamour Since 1950' exhibition last summer and have been itching for the V&A to bring out another fashion exhibition that I can indulge in for a while now. Although I didn't live through 1980s fashion - and I'm not sure any exhibition the V&A open in the future can make me as excited as the ballgowns did -  I'm itching to learn more about fashion in that era and explore how fashion and the night club scene converged. It all seems so cool to me (I realise I may seem naive to those of you who lived through 80s fashion.. and hated it).

- A.T.