The Return of the Jumpsuit

The jumpsuit is making its return to a high street near you. However it is a trend that fills me with joy but also a little trepidation.

The jumpsuit is notoriously difficult to wear; it demands four-inch killer stiletto heels, bags of confidence and the body of Giselle or Uma Thurman, which means that it does not translate well on the high street.

It is a trend that is often worn so badly that I grimace at the mere thought of it. A successful jumpsuit needs to be minimal, á la Stell McCartney.

However when a jumpsuit is worn well, you cannot help but stop and stare in wonder. The slick, streamline silhouette leaves us breathless, it is sexy without being overtly so. Just look at Selma Blair for the ultimate example.

For these reasons the jumpsuit has to be a hit, however please wear with caution…

Sent from Heaven

I have lately been obsessing over fashions most guarded secret: Angel Jackson. Recently, I have spent every waking hour gorging over the bags, belts and clutches on their website, http://www.angeljackson.com/. Who can resist their bold, angular styles, stand-out designs, and that eye-catching signature jaguar motive?




I love that in our Primark-age where ethics are traded in for poor working conditions and child labour that this label has taken a moral stance to be entirely ethically sourced and provide good working conditions for its staff whilst still being completely glamorous.



Since being launched in 2005, the beauty of this label has not gone unnoticed by celebrities and fashionistas alike, it is a hit with the likes of Sienna Miller, Kirsten Dunst, Alexa Chung and Cheryl Cole.


Thankfully, I can breathe easily, Angel Jackson is now available on asos.com.



2009 will also see Angel Jackson show at the Esthetica section of the Exhibition during London Fashion Week.

The Colour Yellow

Like many people I have been feeling the post Christmas blues recently – so what a better way to add a bit of warmth than with a splash of yellow: a vibrant, fun, flirty colour perfect for taking our minds of the gray and drab winter months. Yellow is always guaranteed to lift our mood and get us noticed, just remember Rihanna's show-stopping neon yellow Giambattista Valli dress at last year's BET Awards.




Its not just added some joy to my January however, the Spring Summer catwalks were full of yellow, particularly Louis Vuitton, Marni, Giambattista Valli and Chloè. My personal favourite however is a silk blouse from réyes.




Like most trends wearing yellow looks trickier than it is. You can play it safe with yellow accented scarves, hair ribbons and jewellery, and tone it down by mixing it with other colours or denim. There are so many hues to choose from as well such as mustard, canary, and lemon meaning that everyone can find a shade or two to suit their colourings - I for one can’t wait to inject a little bit of sunshine into my life!

Bright Young Things

With each new year that arrives it will bring with it another set of bright young things. Some who will stand the test of time, and others who shall fade in to the background after their Andy Warhol inspired five minutes of fame. However these are five bright young things that I predict we’ll be seeing for a number of years to come.

Georgia May Jagger: was born to be famous with some extrovert Rolling Stones frontman, Mick Jagger, and Texan beauty mother, Jerry Hall, as parents. Georgia is now a up and coming model with many campaigns ahead of her.

Amber Le Bon: Following the theme of a rock star father and model mother we come to the beautiful Amber Le Bon. She has certainly inherited her mother’s beautiful dark looks and never ending legs.

George Craig: Every girl loves a lead singer and who can turn down a gorgeous model? Now we can have both with One Night Only singer and new Burberry boy George Craig, I simply can’t wait for the ad campaign.

Coco Sumner: is the talented musician and daughter of Sting and Trudie Styler. She has already set Pete Doherty’s heart beating with her enchanting songs and wholesome good looks.

Danielle Scutt: is the hottest new designer on the scene, just watch out for her signature fierce designs.

Stop Press: Katie Grand Brings you Love

This is the most exciting news that I have heard all 2009, probably 2008 for that matter. The influential fashion darling Katie Grand will be releasing her new and exclusive biannual fashion magazine Love on 19 February which promises to be both edgy and experimental, I can hardly wait!

Katie, who has already given us many a fashion delight with Pop, was poached by publishing house Condé Nast last year to create her own magazine – now you just know that this is going to be good. I predict that this magazine is going to be the biggest hit of the year.

Now we all know that anything that Grand touches turns to gold, just look at her career for evidence. Starting with Dazed & Confused, and going on to the edgy fashion magazine Pop, as well as stints as a stylist at fashion houses Prada and Louis Vuitton, this is the C.V. of a fashion guru.

You can guarantee that Love is most certainly going to feature the hottest fashion, coolest celebrities and sexiest photography.

If this magazine is half as quirky, vibrant and energising as Grand then it’s going to cause a fashion storm. Can you tell I’m excited!?

The Look of 2009

I have compiled a top ten best dressed list for 2008. My criteria for this list was to include females with a great natural sense of style and individuality that continually impressed in the dress stakes.

Top Ten Best Dressed 2008
- Diane Kruger, someone who clearly loves fashion and is always ahead of the crowd when it comes to new trends. Always styles an outfit perfectly.
- Alexa Chung, the undisputed queen of shabby chic, this girl knows how to mix vintage and contemporary. Has a look that every young woman can identify with but is impossible to master.
- Michelle Obama, gained a huge following during Barrack’s Presidential campaign for her elegant yet sharp wardrobe. Michelle managed to engage with the public by mixing high street and designer. She also had the press in near hysteria durin elections, The New York Times remarked ‘She Dresses to Win’, and she did…
- Lou Doillon, follows in her mother’s footstep as a fashion icon. Lou's outfits always look so timeless yet she never looks like she’s tried too hard. If I could raid anyone's wardrobe, it would be hers.
- M.I.A., the most creative and imaginative dresser on the scene, her love of fashion is obvious, and inspires us all with her bright and beautiful outfits.
- Eva Mendes, always chooses exquisite numbers in bright, vivid colours, sets the red carpet alight.
- Carine Roitfeld, the editor of French Vogue has influenced many a wardrobe this season with her rock chic outfits. She always looks so effortlessly chic.
- Heidi Klum, always flawless, has anyone ever seen a bad outfit on this German beauty?
- Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, France’s first lady made us all gasp with delight on her UK visit looking demure in Dior. Who knew dove-grey and a pillbox hat could look so good. Can’t wait to see what she has in stall for us next.
- Tilda Swinton, such an individual when it comes to style. Tilda always shuns the conformist celebrity looks and always makes her bold choices her own. Such a presence!

Disagree with the judging? Be sure to voice your opinion.

2009 Predictions

2009 will see us stray away from the recent trend focused years; this is primarily due to the economic situation. ‘Credit crunch chic’ will see more classic investment pieces, as opposed to trends which have little longevity and generally equate to disposable fashion.

We will also see a decline in the IT bag as consumers want to buy staple items that have endurance in their wardrobes rather than items which only last the current season. We will see the emphasis on ensuring we have good quality staples such as a classic white shirt, day to night blazer, and the perfect pair of jeans.

This is mirrored in the current designs from all the major fashion houses as there are no particular trends on the catwalk or high street, just individual strong pieces – will this be an end to faddish trends? – T-shirt and Tails certainly hopes so.

For 2009 I am desiring these denim Miss Selfridge shorts, £35, to pair with biker boots, a t-shirt, cardigan and chunky jewelery during the day, and a vintage blouse and heels for the evening. What are your must-haves for 2009?

New Year's Resolution - Become a Designer

Firstly, I wish you all a very happy New Year! I hope you had a great time at your NYE events and that you all ended the night, heels in hand (knowing that they were too high to begin with) singing your heart out on the way home.

With the New Year brings resolutions. I don’t tend to make resolutions as they’re always the same and are never kept - to be honest I think deep down I already know I’m never going to break the pole vault Olympic World Record. This year however I have decided that I shall be more creative; there are many benefits to getting crafty including saving money and designing something exactly to my taste.

One of my projects is sewing. I have received a sewing machine for Christmas and am learning how to take in/out and repair items in my wardrobe which would cost me a small fortune with a seamstress. This skill will become particularly useful when vintage/charity shopping as I can now buy items without them being a perfect fit, and can make alterations to their style. I can’t wait to pick up some tea dresses to get started on…

I have recently started taking silversmith lessons due to my love of jewellery. This has meant that I have saved on some hefty price tags as have been able to replicate my favourite pieces and also tailor it to my own taste – priceless! See below for the results.

For all of you who want to start getting creative check out your local adult education centres. For those that want to acquire the goods with minimum effort check out etsy.com, it’s a great place to get unique pieces straight from the designers. Happy hunting!