One For The Boys: Liberty AW 13

This is a first for me boys and girls... A menswear post. 

I shall explain my reasoning. This month i've been doing a bit of freelancing for a couple of magazines and, alongside the ever comforting womenswear, I have also been heading up a couple of male fashion pages, hence my newfound fondness for all things menswear. 

It's all rather interesting and I really do not see any excuse why you boys shouldn't embrace all things fashion, for there are some amazing brands out there.

Yes, the time has come, I have now decided not only to write incessantly about womenswear, pretending I know what i'm on about, but I shall now do the same for menswear. 

Ain't you in for a treat?

This week has been pretty much press day mania, but my standout had to be the Liberty London press day on Thursday, both for men and women. 

If you fancy, you can check out my girls post here, as this one for the boys. 

One thing that really stood out for me was the abundance of luxurious jersey sweatshirts, which appears to be a big menswear trend for AW13. The Carven menswear collection was not really one I was particularly familiar with, but I really did fall for their black quilted pieces for adding a little textural interest to a classic sweater and drainpipe jeans combo. 

As with womenswear, varsity jackets and bomber jackets are going to be a big trend for AW13. This A.P.C leather combo jacket is such a great staple which would look absolutely great with a bang-on trend geometric print tee, slim fit jeans and smart shoes or Chelsea style boots.

I love the A.P.C menswear collections which you can check out here for some inspiration. Those French boys sure do know how to dress. 

Quilting was another massive trend for Liberty AW13, and this Carven sweater is a great way to tap into the trend. 

For something a little more high fashion, Liberty also had some fabulous printed puffa jackets which could look really stylish with a simple fine-knit sweater and slim fit pants. 

Zany prints are big this season and it looks the same is true for for AW13. In knitwear, sweatshirts, tees and coats, geometric prints are a great way to add a touch of high fashion to a more casual outfit. 

If you're not one to accessories much, ease in with a cool scarf in a warm, stylish shade. For Winter I love this Liberty scarf in rust red with chevron threading. 

Try a print or something really chunky for a cool look and pair with a tailored jacket, slim fit jeans and fine knits. 

Though bold prints are going to be huge for Autumn, it looks like slick panelling and easy stripes are sticking around. These chunky sweaters are a case in point, but this could also be seen on textural coats and leather striped tees.

Liberty Press Day AW13: Ladies

This Phillip Lim sweater is a treat. 

This week I popped along to the Liberty London press day and must say I was very impressed with the collections for A/W13.

I find that Liberty have a truly lovely, unique brand matrix which secures their position as my favourite London department store, and their AW13 collection sees a number of delightful new labels to get excited about, along with some more established labels including the covetable Isabel Marant Etoile and Kenzo (red eye-emblazoned sweaters and pants, anyone?)

This Sophie Hulme tote is a beauty.  

As far as accessories go, I was particularly drawn to the handbags by Sophie Hulme (as you probably know by now...) and the incredibly beautiful statement necklaces by brands including Svevo, which were added to everything from printed separates through to fluffy sweaters. 

This orange handbag by Sophie Hulme (pictured above) is a stunning piece for Winter- perfect for brightening up dull Autumnal neutrals such as khaki green and dusty navy.

These Sophie Hulme charms are a perfect gift- love the tropical pineapple! 

Sophie Hulme charm necklaces make for perfect Christmas gifts- ya heard it here first,

This Etoile Isabel Marant shearling jacket was a huge favourite of mine at the press day. 

The minute I laid eyes on this short shearling jacket from Etoile by Isabel Marant, I was a little bit of a smitten kitten. It is super soft and cosy and looks so incredibly stylish! With zip fastening up the front, this jacket is bang on for the new season. I'd wear with simple leather pants and some beautiful booties.

It's almost worth wishing away this unexpected London sunshine!

These kooky glasses aren't quite to my taste, but I can imagine a plethora of bloggers adopting these come fashion week!

With kooky Koi and goldfish embellished sunglasses on offer, Liberty's accessories department remains a bit of an Aladdin's cave for eccentric sorts. These specs are quite something!

Watercolour florals from ACNE in unexpected shapes and styles were another hit- I adore this painterly sweater.  

I'm so typically girly, aren't I ? I absolutely adored these beautiful watercolour styles from ACNE, perfect for prettying up a Winter wardrobe. The sweet A-line skirt would be just divine with a simple grey sweater, while the floral sweater is the perfect investment piece that would work for any weather. 

There were some insanely covetable accessories on show.

In stark contrast, all this luxe black jewellery and accessories is perfect for going all dark and dangerous next season. How much better would that Stella clutch make your LBD, huh?

With her debut collection at Liberty, Victoria by Victoria Beckham's maroon wool shift is a key piece for Winter. 

Rather excitingly, Victoria by Victoria Beckham is now stocked at Liberty, and I really did fall head over heels for this vibrant maroon wool shift which is sure to be incredibly flattering on.

I'd wear with camel for a really slick look that feels very on trend for A/W 2013. 

I adore this panelled shift by Victoria

Another key piece from Victoria by Victoria Beckham, this rich red and black dress with satin detailing is a wonderful day-to-night style which would look incredible dressed up with lots of gold jewellery and killer heels. Red soles and lipstick = essential.

If you don't love Givenchy, you can answer to this guy... 

I adore everything by Givenchy, and really surprised myself for adoring this leather zip pouch/clutch. With a vicious dog on the front, this one shows you mean business, missy.

This black and white striped skirt with frill detail looks amazing with a chunky green Etoile Isabel Marant sweater. 

A big trend at the press day was the fitted, sculpting skirt style accented with subtly frilled/flared hems. This is great for workwear I find, particularly in bold prints such as these stripes and Wintry florals.

This burgundy leather Sophie Hulme clutch is a perfect new season staple. 

Another Sophie Hulme piece, this oversized clutch is practical, not to mention wonderfully rich and beautifully crafted.

Get glossy with this killer Jonathan Saunders skirt. 

Wet look leather is another huge trend for the new season, and this tight Jonathan Saunders skirt is a real favourite of mine. Also available in a slightly more forgiving flared style, this fitted one is seriously hot. I'd wear with a chunky mohair sweater untucked and my favourite Rockstud-inspired Zara kitten heels to stop it looking too much.

Contrast a fluffy mohair sweater with chunky jewellery for a striking look. 

This collar necklace looked particularly strong when styled with a delightfully cosy cream sweater. This is a great way to modernise your look for the season ahead, it's all about playing around with textures and contrasts.

Mesmerise with killer prints by Peter Pilotto

Peter Pilotto is one of the more established brands stocked at Liberty, but his pieces still pack such a powerful punch in the industry. I love this swirling monochromatic printed piece.

This Dries Van Noten shift is a killer party season piece- made for dancing. 

The standout piece for the party season has to be this Dries Van Noten feathered dress with sequin detailing. It is so light and elegant, yet has such seductive movement and the most alluring little twinkle. With clear inspiration from the 1920s, this style feels all the more apt with the upcoming release of The Great Gatsby.

Also note the choice of ink over black- that will make all the difference come party season.

This two piece would look incredible on. 

I mentioned printed separates earlier on, and these cool tonal pieces are just divine. Marrying muted shades of ink, emerald and black, these structured staples are ideal for work, and sure to be a fashion week hit.

More beautiful jewellery from Sveva

The jewellery on offer from Liberty for Autumn is truly marvellous and perfectly compliments the womenswear collections, as demonstrated by this khaki green collar, which looks luscious but still very fresh with this printed ensemble.

A hit for both men and women, the luxe varsity jacket is going to be huge next season and I adore this one. Worn with simple black skinnies and a Zoe Karssen tee this would just be a dream. 

I've never really been a big one for baseball jackets, but this luxed up version is so stylish. In chunky wool it's also (reasonably) practical. Adorned with lightly twinkling embellishment, this will instantly update your look.

Last but not least is this incredible navy and black jacket from label du jour Sophie Hulme. I neeeed it!

Rather more to my taste, this navy and black biker from Sophie Hulme is just so cool. I love black and navy together (it is not a faux pas, I promise) and this staple jacket will marry any outfit together perfectly. With soft navy horsehair meeting black leather biker detail with glamourous gold hardware, this is my new must have.

 Shop the current collection from Liberty here. 

Patriotic Puddings

I am proud to be British for many reasons, one of which is the puddings. Does that make me a pig? Totally trivial? Obsessed with food? Perhaps all of the above, but i'll hold my hands up to that. I love puddings and British ones are the best.

Sure, i'll take your Grasshopper Pie or your chocolate dipped churros, i'll even scoff that Tiramisu if you want (my best one yet? Missoni in Edinburgh), but if you were to offer me a glorious trifle, all jewel bright jelly and unctuous vanilla custard, i'd be putty in your hands. I am equally passionate about the Eton Mess; a mountain of whipped cream, chewy meringue clouds and swirls of seasonal british strawbs. And let us not forget the comforting warmth of the great British apple crumble- the satisfying softness of cinnamon dusted apples followed by the crunchy, sugary crumble.

Let's just say it: Britain do puds best. Just deal with it Michel Roux Jnr, Mary Berry's got you beat.

That is not to say, though, that every Brit has a secret talent for pudding production- I am a case in point. I once left it to my lovely mother and grannies to feed my sweet tooth and fatten me up Augustus Gloop stylee with their sticky toffee puddings and pavlovas, but now i've fled the nest I have been left to my own devices. As you are aware, my cooking style is less "made" more "microwaved"and as a result my sweet tooth has been deprived.

If you're also a fan of the ready meal, or baking-phobic, then fear not! While there are a million and one beautiful Jubilee recipes around at the moment, shun them all and get your pudding fix from Montezuma's chocolate (available online here and at Liberty)

The union-flag emblazoned choccy bars are delectable and now several new flavours, inspired by only the best British puds, have hit the stores in time for the jubilee next weekend. Choose from apple crumble, spotted dick, lemon meringue, summer pudding (mmm), treacle tart and the ubiquitous Eton Mess. Or, if you're feeling peckish, click here and purchase a cheeky box of pudding inspired truffles.

Apologies if this post has made you hungry... I'm also salivating, if that helps?

Your all time favourite British pud?

Tuesday Bluesday

This weekend was a beautiful one. My mother came down for a few days of sunshine, champagne and shopping (cliche, moi?) and I had a lovely time! Then the weather decided to have a hissy fit and now the stupid rain has started and seems unlikely to cease. I will not divulge what I am currently wearing as I am mortified to be at LCF... Wearing a chavvy monstrosity. Apologies, I am a disgrace.

To lift my mood I thought i'd hit the Liberty website to lust after things that I can't afford- depressing but so pretty! I fell in love with this Hermione de Paula scarf at the weekend- all swirly florals with arty pink flamingo detailing and I also think a wardrobe is incomplete without a McQueen scarf and this one (a tearjerking £355) is my favourite to date- who knew skulls could be so pretty? I love it!

What's more, loyalty card holders and those who picked up the Sunday Times Style will also be entitled to £30 off on a spend over £150! £325 doesn't seem so bad does it? Surely that's justified!