Temperley SS13

Not wanting to regurgitate the same old content as everyone else during fashion week, I sat back on sharing my photos from the Temperley SS13 show in the vain hope that the burnings on your retinas of these pieces had faded away a little and that they might evoke the happiness and joy that they initially brought upon first viewing.

The blogging world was a little tough around fashion week this season. Many bloggers (big ones at that) have lost their passion for it a little and who's to blame them? PR tickets seemed to be fewer and fewer for the main attendees from the blogging circles and the same old 'show me your stats' situation was happening at the blogger desk at Somerset House.

With the blogosphere being full of the same images and the same shows I attended (for work and pleasure) I felt it didn't really do this particular show (my favourite of the season) any justice so I waited.

So here we are, Temperley SS13 in all it's glory. We were taken back to the French Riviera in the late 40s / early 50s with super-feminine nipped in waists, calf length full skirts and wrist-grazing girlie gloves all in a palette of powdery blues, bold reds and black on a base of crisp, clean whites - delicious.

The vibe of the show was somewhat reminiscent of Christian Dior's 'New Look' which was shown in 1947 with the small waists, full hips and those hats and the kudos that Temperley's collection has received only proves that classic style always wins.

Temperley always seem to hit the nail on the head when it comes to mixing classic and contemporary style but this season has blown me away even more than usual. BRAVO!

 

Vintage at Goodwood festival...

Summer is on it's way which means one thing...festival season is nearly here. The burning question is which festivals shall I go to? I would love to attend many, all of them in fact but finances won't allow this. This leads to infinite chats with The Boy and friends about locations, line-ups and who is going to what to decide which weekend, music bonanza will get my hard earned cash. Besides Glastonbury (which I of course already have my ticket for) I am struggling

to decide. Upon my extensive festival research I stumbled across Vintage at Goodwood.

British designer, Wayne Hemmingway is the creative force behind the festival. He has put it together to celebrate all that's good in British design, music and arts and hopes it to be, "an antidote to muddy fields and random music."

"It's like bringing the Venice Biennale, London Fashion Week, the London design festival, a bit of the Edinburgh Fringe, a bit of Glastonbury and the festival of Britain", is what Hemmingway described it as at the press launch. It will be celebrating all things creative from the 40's to the 80's. This will include a 40's club, a 70's soul club and even a roller disco.

Vintage festival promises to be a breath of fresh air on the Brit festival scene with it bursting with style and glamour and including clean toilets (a definite plus!). Starting small, the festival will only have 20,000 tickets and is being held at Goodwood, West Sussex between 13th-15th August.

Check out more on the festival here.

Curls, Curves and Red Lipstick...

Whilst doing my usual of trawling through the web for something that grabs my attention, I came across some wonderful old illustrations...50's pin ups. There is something brilliantly cheeky about them. I love the femininity, power and ultra sexiness mixed with playfulness and subtle vulnerability. I also love that in this era a pin up was someone who not only looked great in their skimpy outfits but also someone who did house work or chores in their underwear along with looking great in their skimpy outfits. I guess that was a man's dream in those days...well it probably still is!

Any how the images are encapsulating and hugely inspiring. This look has been repeated in many a shoot and though she's not a personal icon, I couldn't help but include a shot POP magazine's shoot of Victoria Beckham inspired by the 50's pin up (circa 2004).

Following this theme I found this cover of POP magazine's SS06 issue featuring Sienna Miller.

A huge trend for having these illustrations as tattoos has emerged in recent years...

My style is not so inspired by this era, although it could be said that my current hair style is very reminiscent of the pinned back, quiffed look of the girls of the 50's.

Buy the style of one of the best dressed women in the world...if you have a few thousand to spare!

For three days, starting on December 8th, Audrey Hepburn's clothes and accessories will be auctioned at The Royal Opera Arcade, Pall Mall, London in the biggest ever-sale of the actress' clothing.

Hepburn's style was classic, subtle and chic. It is no wonder that women the world over have for years, and will for years, look to her for inspiration. She adopted a 'less is more' attitude when dressing which oozed class and style. With this she had an innocent and slightly vulnerable side to her which created the charming yet delicate persona that created an icon.

Due to her close friendship with Hubert De Givenchy the actress had some iconic pieces, with the designer creating many of her film wardrobes. Obviously with this, the auction is Givenchy heavy (not that this is a bad thing!). Here a few of the fabulous pieces on offer for those who have a few thousand saved up for a rainy day...

Givenchy, Haute Couture evening coat, estimated at 800 to 1,200 GBP

Givenchy, Haute Couture cocktail dress, worn to promote 'Paris When it Sizzles', estimated at 8,000 to 10, 000 GBP

Givenchy, Haute Couture ball gown, worn in 'Love in the Afternoon', estimated at 2,000 to 3,000 GBP

Givenchy, Haute Couture cocktail dress, worn in 'How to Steal a Million', estimated at 15,000 to 20,000 GBP

Hmmmm, perhaps I will need to watch Hepburn's 'How to Steal a Million' to get some pointers so I can have a piece of the auction action!

Another fashion week over...another dream wish list!

Thursday was the last day of fashion week. New York, London, Milan and Paris will now be slowing down, there will be a few less hangovers in offices over the capitals and every woman will be collating her dream wish list!

I thought I would share a few of my favourite looks from the shows which are all essential parts of my imaginary wardrobe.

NEW YORK:

Midnight blues @ Zac Posen

Russian influence @ Anna Sui

Structured grey marl @ Alexander Wang

LONDON:

Body con @ House Of Holland

Pretty 50s influence @ Luella

Volume @ Burberry Prorsum

MILAN:

Underwear as outerwear @ D&G

Futurism @ Prada

PARIS:

Femininity @ Stella McCartney

Killer heels @ John Galliano