Review of Valentino Pre S/S 2013

Simple, understated, and feminine would be the words I would use to describe Valentino's pre- Spring/Summer 2013 collection. There is a lot of floral detail in the collection- it wouldn't be Valentino if it didn't contain the feminine staple, however this season it not in-your-face as many floral trends have been these past few seasons.

The pastel palette as well as materials such as lace and crochet rather gave it a more elegant, simple vintage feel - a refreshing change from the digital print craze from past seasons.

The collection overall contains very simple lines, there are no ornate busy details that we have seen in many of last summer's collections. Beautiful dresses made with multi-coloured floral crochet were set beautifully against a backdrop of beige as well as sheer fabric sexing it up with Peter-Pan collars making an appearance.

Long, up to the neck dresses which we also saw in the Dior collection were made with pastel and lace, with a fitted top with the dress billowing out at the bottom.







Key Features of Valentino S/S 2013:

- Pastel Floral Prints

- Crochet floral on beige and lace

- Ruffles replaced by  simple clean lines

- Peplum blouses with cigarette trousers

- Fitted full neck dresses

- Simple, feminine, vintage. 

Find of the Day: Little Odd Forest

Today I found the cutest little indie online website, that is perfect for people that love to add a cute kitsch and craft-like element to their style. Little Odd Forest is an indie lifestyle label which was started by Lynda Lye, a Singapore designer. She describes her label as a "lifestyle embraced by many, especially handmade lovers and craft connoisseurs from all over the world who appreciate a little dose of fun in their everyday life".

Linda says she makes only what she likes, and is anti-shiny leather bags and all things flashy, preferring to have things that are one-of-a-kind creations thus everything is produced in limited numbers. She uses vintage/out-of-production materials and playing with various combinations to make each piece unique. But enough information, time for my favourite picks of this quirky indie brand!

Pixie Leaf Ribbon Pin Brooch
£8.64

Pixie Leaf Ribbon Pin Brooch
£8.64

Forest Tree Nymph Pin Brooch
£13.44



Sad Winter Tree Fleece Scarf
£40.32

Who Made the Rabbit Cry Tank Top
£11.52



Wanderlust Critter Backpack (Fantastic Fox)
£80.64



Wanderlust Critter Backpack (Hoot the Owl)
£80.64

Folded Leaf Wristlet (Vintage Bedtime Critters)
£32.64

Hoot the Owl Sling Purse (Blush Tree Bark)
£37.44

The Enchanted Kitsune (Rustling Sylvan)
£51.84



Leaf Pocket Bag (Rose Grid Blues)
£51.84

Whispering Trees Satchel (Spring Time Woods)
£47.04

The Delightful Squirrel Purse
£47.04

Over the Rainbow Satchel (Ebony Tempest)
£53.76

Over the Rainbow Bag (Woodland Critters)
£51.84

Memoire (Hanging Fabric Photo Frame)
£11.52

Memoire (Hanging Fabric Photo Frame)
£11.52



A Figure of Speech Plush Cushion (XOXO)
£24.96

Little Odd Forest can be found here and they do ship worldwide. 

A/W 2012 Trend: Taste of the Orient

There was a major influence of the East for autum and winter, with beautiful patterned silk pieces, brocaded kimono jackets, obi belts, and oriental patterns.
To inject some Eastern infusion into your wardrobe, check out my favourite picks from the High Street.

Orange Print Dragon Embroidered Kimono
River Island
£65.00

Black Dragon Embroidered Print Kimono
River Island
£65.00

Black Floral Print Kimono
River Island
£10.00

Cream Floral Print Kimono
River Island
£15.00

Oriental Floral Cigarette Trousers
Topshop
£45.00



Nature Printed Silk Georgette Qipao
Shanghai Tang
£191.00

  'Melody' Gypsy Floral Kimono Jacket
Minkpink
£70.00



  Printed Kimono wth Embellishment
Prophecy
£23.50



Magic Carpet Embroidered Shoes
ASOS
£24.50

Latest Fashion News

Fashioning the Olympics

Although I’m not really getting into the Olympics buzz, it would be weird not featuring it in the news story considering the heavy influence fashion has had. There have been a number of designers who have helped make the Olympics what it is, such as Stella McCartney who designed the Team GB kit in July 2010. Prada designed kits for the Italian national sailing team, Ralph Lauren created the kits for the US, and Giorgio Armani designed the kits for the Italian National Olympic team, and last but not least, Hermes designed the kits for the French Olympic equestrian team.

However, Karl Lagerfeld seems to be the one getting into the Olympic spirit the most as he has launched an Olympic-inspired collection and pop-up store in Selfridges this week. 

Manolo Blahnik has a Dedicated Space in Harrods

Manolo Blahnik has been given a dedicated space in Harrods which will open in September. News of the boutique opening first emerged in May, after the label signed a deal with Kurt Geiger, who will manage and create boutiques within its shoe concessions in both Harrods and Liberty.

The new store will feature exclusive styles, hand-selected for Harrods-including courts shoes and moccasins in purple python. There will also be a made-to-order service.

Stella to Launch Children’s Collection

Not content with just launching a lingerie collection, Stella McCartney is set to launch a childrenswear collection as well as a book inspired by the Little Miss Stella character. Both will arrive in stores next month with the collection having seven pieces- including a T-shirt, jumper, pyjamas, bag, and a baby all-in-one, and will come with a set of fabric pens that can be used to draw on the items. The range is for girls and babies from newbord to 14 years old.

YSL Image not a Hit with Fans

The new YSL image, with the unveiling of the Saint Laurent Paris logo earlier this week, has attracted a lot of criticism, with many branding it “boring” and “unimaginative”. Some have said the Yves or Y is important and iconic, making it seem like a different brand altogether without it. YSL has yet to comment regarding the criticism.

Chanel Pre- S/S 2013 Collection

There was quite an eclectic feel to the Chanel Pre-S/S 2013 collection as there was a Marie Antoinette/Louis XIV influence with gold and baroque prints and embellishments, with flashes of gold  with royal blue giving an ostentatious feel to the collection, making it seem like it wouldn’t stick out at Versailles. 

However, many pieces were also quite modern, with a structured tailoring and the use of denim in a number of outfits as well as a heavy use of skater skirts. There was even a questionable black piece that seemed like a cross between a swimming costume and a leather S&M costume.  

As well as gold, pastel was a major palette in the collection with some pieces having a digital-style floral print which reminded me a bit of Mary Katrantzou.

I particularly like how there is not just one dominant theme in the collection like many designers, but a number, with old versus modern, ostentatious versus simplicity, and pastel versus gold and baroque.

A very archaic feel was present in
the collection in some pieces

Denim featured heavily in the collection

A very bizarre piece, S&M meets swimming

I absolutely love this!

This is my favourite dress
in the collection!