Trend Watch Daisy Fever

Daisy appears in several designs from designer brands Simone Rocha’s spring collection, Manolo Blahnik’s ankle boots to high-street brands Topshop (Freedom)’s jewellery or River Island’s formal dresses. Daisy’s white and yellow colours are already perfect for the summer ahead and they can always bring sunshine to any days. A great daisy printed day dress would suit a shopping trip with the girls or a lunch date with someone special while a pair of earrings in daisy shape or a daisy statement necklace would add a touch of elegance to your outfit.

Here are our picks for the trend:

Dannijo Gladys bracelet £284 from dannijo.com

Les Nereides Champetre daisy, ladybug and butterfly earrings £85 from forzieri.com

Manolo Blahnik Margolotta ankle boots £693 from shopsavannahs.com

Littledoe vintage silk daisy halo £185 from avenue32.com

Simone Rocha neon embroidered organza skirt £387 from net-a-porter.com

River Island red daisy print dungaree skater skirt £22 from riverisland.com

White Daisies Catwalk look: by Simone Rocha

Written and compiled by Hanh Piz (Hanh Dinh)

Trend Watch Retro Beach Babes

Retro inspired clothes and accessories have once again taken centre stage for spring/summer 2013.  I love Marc Jacobs’ take on 1950s swimwear and how he has managed to incorporate feminine prints with bold accessories, resulting in a more vibrant and upbeat modern look.

I have no doubt that Mr Jacobs must have known that he would start a big trend this summer.  And as far as the high street is concerned we are spoilt for choice. This summer we are definitely witnessing a swimwear retro revival with bikini sensations suitable for women of all ages, shapes and sizes.

I mean what can be more reassuring than wearing a stylish high waisted bikini? In my opinion these beauties are a beach babe’s best friend.  And I am still to meet one woman who doesn’t have one or two complaints about her body shape, so these 1950s retro inspired swimsuits and bikinis might be the answer to all our beach body dilemmas.

Above are some of my favourite 1950’s inspired swimwear, accessories and makeup guaranteed to make you feel super stylish and wonderfully comfortable!

Stockists:

Marc by Marc Jacobs SS2013 Catwalk looks

River Island Red Rihanna ruched bandeau bikini set £40 from riverisland.com

Norma Kamali Kamali Kulture Striped Sweetheart Two Piece £64 from shoplesnouvelles.com

Marc by Marc Jacobs Taboo Retro Maillot In Envy Green £199 from stylebop.com

Topshop Green banana leaf print longline bikini £34 from topshop.com

Céline Retro 50s Sunglasses sales price £180 from harrods.com

Prada Topaz Cat Eye Sunglasses sale price £292.50 from harrods.com

Laura Mercier Gel Lip Colour in Poppy shade £19 from lauramercier.com

Written and Compiled by Hala Di-Maio

Summer Trench Parisian Style

Stylish trench coats are an essential addition to any summer wardrobe; they are also a must-have item to invest in as they can be worn with practically everything and to almost anywhere.

Take cue from this Agnès B SS2013 catwalk look and add some Parisian touches to your daywear, by bagging yourself this chic Hancock trench – now on sale, retailing at £420. 

A Parisian fashionista is seldom seen without a designer scarf; this David Longshaw print silk scarf is a great choice to wear with your trench as it helps to add some panache to your overall look.

Hats or Berets would make the perfect headgear; I particularly like this Barbour Cloche hat as it can safeguard styled hair on rainy days, thanks to its wax effect exterior.

As for the shoes, ditch your heels and go for something more elegant and fun, I recommend this cute pair of Heart printed pony skin loafers by Burberry Prorsum which you can team up with this gorgeous Michael Michael Kors jet set pink tote.

Finally finish off the look in true Parisian style with this new shade lipstick from Dior and with this Cartier Déclaration Place Vendôme Limited Edition of Eau de Toilette.

Stockists:

Hancock Contrast-collar trench coat was £600 now £420 from matchesfashion.com

MICHAEL MICHAEL KORS ‘Jet Set’ pink tote £247 from farfetch.com

Burberry Prorsum Heart Printed Ponyskin Loafers  £361 from luisaviaroma.com

David Longshaw Beach Holiday Silk Scarf £175 from youngbritishdesigners.com

Barbour Medium william morris wax cloche hat £40 from houseoffraser.co.uk

Cartier Déclaration Place Vendôme Limited Edition EDT £69 from harrods.com

Dior Addict Extreme lipstick in shade Princess 553 £24 from harrods.com

Written and Compiled by Hala Di-Maio

Style Crush Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

This week’s style crush goes to the gorgeous British model Rosie Huntington-Whiteley who was recently pictured at Los Angeles International Airport sporting a casual chic look wearing aviator style shades and a below the knees black skirt which she teamed up with a stylish denim jacket worn over a simple white tank top.

For accessories Rosie rocked her look with a Mulberry leopard print tote and a comfortable yet trendy gorgeous pair of light brown sandals.  

If you fancy a take on Rosie’s travel look, invest in a pair of Rag & Bone suede platform sandals like this one below and a denim jacket like this one from Closed.

To complete the look, mix and match your designer purchases with affordable clothes and accessories; I recommend this B.B House leopard print satchel, this Precis Petite black flare skirt and this H&M white jersey tank top.

Stockists:

B.B. House Leopard-Print Satchel £56 from yesstyle.com

Rag & Bone Stone Suede platform £570 from farfetch.com

Precis Petite Fit and Flare Skirt Black Skirt £55.20 from johnlewis.com

Ray-Ban ‘Semi Rimless Aviator’ 56mm Sunglasses £100 from nordstrom.com

Closed Summer Mint Cotton Vauxhall Jean Jacket £195 from stylebop.com

H&M White Jersey top £3.99 from hm.com

Clinique Jumbo Vitamin C Lip Smoothie in nude-tricious shade £15 from harrods.com

Written and Compiled by Hala Di-Maio

Trend Watch The Perspex Clutch

Plastic brights and cutesy patterns are the way forward this summer, and in no better form than the Perspex clutch. This nifty design is the piece de resistance of the accessory world, putting an end to handbag rummaging and introducing an exciting and innovative take on a traditional and now somewhat mundane, clutch. Designer queens Stella McCartney, Charlotte Olympia and Lulu Guinness have exalted this trend in all its Perspex glory, as well as prestigious high-street stores, Zara and Accessorize paying homage to the iconic design.

The envelope style Perspex clutch generates an air of sophistication and stands as the perfect finishing touch to a classic ‘girl in the city’ look. Without a doubt, the box style Perspex clutch is the epitome of chic, and superbly complements this season’s hottest trends such as the tailored trouser and fitted blazer. Delivered in a range of incandescent shades, the Perspex clutch will truly illuminate your summer wardrobe – so make sure it’s at the top of your seasonal wish-list. Here is a selection of Stilorama’s top five adored, Perspex clutch bags:    

Charlotte Olympia Pandora feather clutch £525 from net-a-porter.com

Lulu Guinness Dusky Pink Perspex lips clutch £245 from luluguinness.com

Accessorize Dotty Perspex clutch £29 from accessorize.com

Lena Erziak Silver Star Gustave Box Clutch £825 from avenue32.com

Lena Erziak Clear Lucite Adam Apple Bag £425 from avenue32.com

By Sheeva Marie Fallahi

Leatherette Love

Leather has returned for another season of style and fashion, making its way onto every item from traditional biker jackets to chic dresses and tops. In the past, leather has only been popular in one colour: black. However, recently trends show that it is becoming more favourable in an array of bright colours including neon lime green and white as seen on the Spring/Summer 2013 catwalks. While you may think leather could provide discomfort in the warm sunny weather, a loose fitted top or jacket could just be the finishing piece for your outfit. Whether you would like to combine the leather trend with monochrome or neon, there is surely a fashionable item ideal for your summer wardrobe. Here are a few hot picks chosen by myself to inspire your take on this trend!

Strappy snake effect dress £70 from topshop.com

Jason Wu leather and lace peplum top £1,225 from net-a-porter.com

McQ Alexander McQueen zipped leather mini skirt £565 from net-a-porter.com

Leather biker jacket £399 from jaeger.co.uk

Marni leather peplum jacket £1,860 from net-a-porter.com

Catwalk looks from Thierry Mugler SS2013

By Stephanie Ma

CFDA Awards 2013 Red Carpet Looks

The Council of Fashion Designers of America awards took place this Monday. The annual event is created by the council to support and recognise American designers’ achievements and craftsmanship. The night brings together all the fashion style shakers and makers, and even prominent politicians like Hilary Clinton, who presented the first award of the night. The successors of the evening were: Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez for Proenza Schouler for “Womens Designer of the year”, Thom Browne for “Mens Designer of The Year”, and Phillip Lim for 3.1 Phillip Lim for “Accessories Designer of the Year”. While most were completely fixated and thrilled for the designers, many of us couldn’t help but grade and over-analyse the attire of the night, and put together a “Best dressed of the night” award. Overwhelmed by the stunning display of great styling and beauty, it was impossible to have only one successor so I narrowed it down to five ladies.

1. Nicole Richie in Marc Jacobs

2. Karlie Kloss in Cushnie et Ochs

3. Adriana Lima in Givenchy

4. Rose Byrne in Thakoon Dress

5. Alessandra Ambrosio in Kaufmanfranco

Written by Zaineb Hussein – Compiled by Hala Di-Maio

Editor’s Picks Chic Fashion Bargain

We all love a good bargain, and it seems that affordable fashion is catching up with luxury brands and giving many big designer labels a run for their money. And if we are to go by what the celebrities have been wearing lately, we should all be heading to a high street shop near us!

This week I’ve been scanning the latest fashion finds on the high street, and I have spotted some great looks and most importantly some excellent bargains which I am sure you will find existing too.

I love this Jaeger London silk ladybird print blouse and summer check trousers which you can wear to the office with a pair of kitten heels.

With temperatures on the rise, summer dresses are a must, and I suggest you buy couple of day dresses which you can wear for work and also at the weekend. 

Stripy shorts are very on trend; this pink candy stripe pair will look great when teamed up with an embroidered mesh tunic top and a pair of cream T-bar flat shoes.

Colourful plastic accessories are big this summer, these cute coral chunky bracelets and cheerful earrings will brighten up any outfit!

Stockists:

Jaeger London silk ladybird print blouse £125 and summer check trousers £99 from jaeger.co.uk

Dorothy Perkins Coral chunky stack bracelets £10 from dorothyperkins.com

Oasis Rose Stem Print Dress £65 from oasis-stores.com

Miss Selfridge Pink Candy Stripe Short £22 from missselfridge.com

Miss Selfridge Dainty Cream T-bar Flat £25 from missselfridge.com

Uniqlo Celia Birtwell Sleeveless Tunic £9.90 from uniqlo.com

Warehouse Cream Embroidered Mesh Tunic Top £22 from warehouse.co.uk

Ted Baker London ‘Large Bow’ Cosmetics Bag £36 from tedbaker.com

Oliver Bonas Bright Sky Plastic Earrings £9 from oliverbonas.com

Written and Compiled by Hala Di-Maio

Editor’s Picks Stylish Weekend Wardrobe

Friday afternoons often bring some needed rest bite from mundane working weekdays, and with the weather feeling more like spring, I personally can’t think of anything better to do than to go out for a nice dinner al fresco or better still to get my legs exercising by going on a therapeutic shopping spree.  Which brings me to the usual weekend wardrobe dilemma of trying to find the perfect outfit which can be transformed from day to night without much effort; the key to finding the perfect weekend wardrobe is simple, think of couple of essential pieces which can be mixed and matches easily, and unless you happen to be invited to the wedding of the century, it is best that the weekend wardrobe is kept comfortable and versatile.

Take this gorgeous Phase Eight jumpsuit for example, it is a great alternative to the predictable LBD; wear it with a comfortable pair of espadrilles wedges like these ones from New Look.  Another favourite weekend look of mine is wearing a skinny pair of jeans like this Kaki pair from Topshop which you can team up with this embellished Alexander McQueen T-shirt for a casual morning look, and in the evening jazz the jeans up with this Missoni Ombre crochet knit long cardigan.

These Chanel Vintage logo dome earrings are the perfect jewellery choice as they go with almost everything. 

And finally your weekend cosmetic bag should be mess-free and light to carry around, so use products with dual purposes.  I love this new Yon-Ka Age Defence Crème Teintee which provides a natural tan throughout the day; it also hydrates the skin and leaves the complexion glowing with a beautiful natural tan.  For the lips I suggest you invest in a Josie Maran color stick which you can use on the lips and on the cheeks thus making your weekend handbag less cluttered!

Stockists:

Phase Eight Roxanne Wrap jumpsuit £99 from phase-eight.co.uk

Yon-Ka Age Defence Crème Teintee £35 from yonka.com

Missoni Ombré Crochet Knit Long-Line Cardigan £740 from mytheresa.com

Topshop Moto Pale Khaki Leigh Jeans £30 from topshop.com

Nude Aztec Espadrille Wedges £30 from newlook.com

Gucci Womens Brown Swarovski Crystal Chain Arm Glasses £364 from psyche.co.uk

Alexander McQueen White Embellished Bee T-Shirt £395 from liberty.co.uk

Chanel Vintage logo dome earrings £350 from farfetch.com

Josie Maran Argan Color Stick in spice nude warm brown shade £15 from sephora.com

Written and Compiled by Hala Di-Maio

Summer Work Wardrobe Capsule

Update your work wardrobe this season by adapting a stylish feminine look.  Take cue from this SS2013 catwalk look by Tory Burch and invest is some essential key pieces which you can team up with your existing wardrobe.

This Tory Burch embellished crochet jacket is perfect for the office; it looks great teamed up with a pencil skirt, a pair of designer jeans or a little summer dress.

For accessories go for elegant sandals like this one from Diane Von Furstenberg, I love the clear heal detail and the combination of white brown and platinum leather.

Totes make the best choice for work handbags, this Michael Michael Kors brown luggage bowling tote is one of my favourites.

Add some colourful touches to your overall work look by investing in some funky jewellery pieces; this Saint Laurent ring is a great choice.  And if you are on a tight budget check out this gorgeous coral set from Dorothy Perkins, priced at £13 it is a bargain!

Finally go for a softer makeup palette this summer and try out some essential bronze shades, I love this Guerlain Summer 13 Fard Metallic Eye Shadow it lasts all day with smudging.

So here you have it the perfect office wardrobe for women who love to work and play.

Stockists

Tory Burch Donovan embellished crochet-knit linen jacket £520 from net-a-porter

Diane Von Furstenberg White/Brown/Platinum Leather Sandals with Clear Heel £253 from stylebop.com

Facet petal jewellery set £13 from dorothyperkins.com

Michael Michael Kors luggage bowling tote £352 from farfetch.com

Guerlain Summer 13 Fard Metallic Eye Shadow in Bronze shade £23 from cups.com

Saint Laurent Arty gold-plated glass ring £180 from net-a-porter.com

Written and Compiled by Hala Di-Maio