M&S Autumn/Winter 2013

Good old Marks & Spencers, eh? While I will put my hands up and admit that I would happily live on Marks & Spencers ready meals and yummy lunches for the rest of my existence, this is supposed to be a fashion blog (in theory...) so I shall write about my other favourite F word here instead. 

I always get rather excited going to the M&S press days, especially since the last one was so gorgeous (see my post here) and their collection for AW13 certainly did not disappoint. 

With new Style Director, Belinda Earl, at the helm of the ultimate heritage Brit brand, M&S have really gone that one step further on the fashion front with a select few trend stories and some wonderfully crafted pieces which champion great British manufacturing, a focus for which M&S was once celebrated. 

The press day took place at the glorious One Marylebone, a spacious and stylish location which just exudes exclusivity. From the monochromatic banners outside the building through to the devilishly handsome waiters stood by the door a selection of suitably tempting tipples (don't mind if I do...), this felt like a thoroughly stylish affair from the offing. 

While M&S may not be an obvious choice for high fashion piece, sometimes it is good to look beyond the Zara/Topshop comfort zone and try something a little different. As far as quality, style and cut go, M&S is always a good bet...  

With a tailored edit of trends, this collection covers all bases from forties frivolity through to punchy punk and languid luxury. With killer coats, embellished dresses and grungy knitwear, there is a little something for every taste.

The accessories on display in the first room of the press day really were top drawer. Between you and I, if you were to tell me that the above earrings were actually by Shourouk, i'm almost certain I would believe you you.

All ready and raring for the party season, these dazzling earrings, bracelets and necklaces are sure to liven up an ailing jewellery drawer.

With jewellery covering all bases from punky bracelet stacks (or Arm Parties) through to statement emerald green collars, it really is all about the sparkle for M&S for AW13. They certainly know to appeal to my internal magpie...

If there is one standout fixture of the collection, though, it has to be leather. From stretch-back leather leggings in black and Oxblood, through to leather trimmed tuxes and cuffs, M&S have certainly got their leathers on for AW13.

With a slightly more "fashiony" (technical term) aesthetic, the punk inspired collection offered up an eclectic and so-wrong-it's-right clash of studs, leopard, tartan and lace.

Finding a gorgeous handbag on the high street that A) isn't from Zara and B) hasn't already been snapped up by all your friends is no mean feat, unless you know where to look.

I have long been a fan of M&S handbags, and I love this monochrome splatter clutch in on-trend ponyskin. It looks particularly chic with the marine boxy tote with golden detailing.

Suddenly that Céline isn't looking so appealing... Oh, who am I kidding. 

Androgyny is one of those trends that never seems to go away. It lies dormant for a few seasons with little resurgences here and there, before taking centre shade every now and again with some form of natty update.

M&S have launched a new initiative which goes back to the core values of the brand. The Best of British campaign offers some stylish and well-made tailored pieces which are all inspired by British heritage and, of course, are all made on these fine shores. 

This grey tweedy suit with pink pocket square perfect toes the line between dapper and darling. 

Sheer leopard print? Trust me on this one: it's so much better than it sounds. This strokeable tee blouse was in the punk section but I would be inclined to wear with white skinny jeans and lots of golden jewellery. It is sexy but still elegant with velvety leopard spots and a boxy tee style.  

The most "me" thing at the press day = this update on the classic creamy shirt. I adore the folksy, Babushka aesthetic that is kicking around for Winter, and i'll be more than a little bit tempted to snap up this number when it hits stores later this year. Paired with my favourite black skinny jeans and some towering wedges, this is a look that means business. This is potentially my favourite piece from the collection. 

Yes. I am predictable. What of it?

Very Christian Dior, this woolen fit and flare coat is so fabulously 1940s that it could almost pass for vintage. It is ladylike but foxy with a nipped in waist and full feminine skirt. 

Much more to my tastes on the coat front, though, is this cream cocoon style in wool. Cosy but still simple enough to remain versatile, this coat transcends trends for a worthwhile investment that is worth every last penny.

Keep your eyes peeled on the M&S site and in store, as the collection is in stores from July.

Stay tuned for a little lingerie-themed post from the press day and please do let me know what you think of the collection- it's always so nice to hear from you!

OOTD... In my dreams.

1. If I could have a wardrobe consisting of only one designer, that designer would probably be Isabel Marant. But if I could only have one item, I would take this blouse as my one and only. Available from Matches for £1640, this ethereal embellished kaftan is a truly mesmerising piece for the new season, particularly when worn with these Isabel Marant red leathers. I would mix it up with distressed denim and lashings of acid brights.

2. I adore this hot pink version of the classic Monica Vinader Fiji bracelet, which is available here for £95. A slightly less daunting neon, this hot pink colour adds a peppy pop to everything from 

3. The Fiji bracelet is equally zingy in the lime green, also £95 here. I would layer it up with several other friendship bracelets for an eclectic look. A zesty citrus shade, this colour looks amazing with a golden tan. 

4. I love the rainbow of zany colours and finishes available from the every theatrical beauty brand Illamasqua, and this hot pink Collide shade would work wonderfully with this unexpected vibrant look. It is £13.50.

5. The distressed 620 jeans by J Brand in Revenge are the perfect distressed skinnies, and would add a relaxed touch to this decadent top. They are available from Matches here and Atelier-To-Go here.

6. Oh. My. God. HowbeautifulisthisProenzaSchoulerhandbagohmygod. Excuse me, sorry, I forgot to breathe. In dove grey leather, this intensely covetable bag is just stunning. Complete with a sweet lemon lining, this spacious bag would look amazing with any outfit, particularly with Summer brights. It is £1795 on Net-A-Porter (shop here.) Who loves me enough to buy it?.. No one?.. Okay. 

7. I know that these aren't going to be to everyone's taste, but for some bizarre reason I love these neon yellow patent heels from Jimmy Choo. Glossy and charmingly garish, the style of these heels is super elegant (also in a number of stunning slightly more neutral shades here), while the colour is young and fun. These shamelessly sexy sandals are available to pre-order online here for £495.

Easy Breezy Spring Dressing

Okay so this dress is so not one i'd usually go for, but the minute I saw it, I kind of fell for it and thought i'd share it with ya... Along with some killer accessories, of course.

1. Dogeared necklaces, bracelets and trinkets are some of the cutest around and really do make wonderful gifts. This little Key to Happiness pendant, available from ASOS for £56, is a gold-dipped delight that is sure to put a smile on your face, whatever the weather.

2. Aah Mulberry, you simply MUST stop. I've been fawning over this new Willow tote style for months now, and this crisp white edition is just what my summer wardrobe needs. In leather with ostrich detailing and golden hardware, this bag just exudes luxurious Spring elegance. A spacious tote with a zip-off clutch bag, what more could you ask for? It almost makes the £2000 price tag feel like a steal (!!). Shop the white Willow and other equally divine shades here. 

3. A simple shirt dress always requires a pair of cool, chunky heels and these Kurt Geiger London sandals are just the ticket to add an edge to this Chambray shift. They are £140 here. 

4. Stacked rings are an easy way to add a little individuality to a look, and these Monica Vinader rings are a little bit bohemian providing this dress with a hefty dose of West-Coast everyday glamour. This on trend pastel green shade is just delightful. It is £65 here.

5. Keeping things lovely and tonal, this Monica Vinader stack ring (also £65 here) comes in this delightful shade of deep denim blue- the perfect partner to a Chambray shift. 

6. This light Chambray shift by Joie is my latest obsession. It is so delightfully simple, yet so stylish and is perfect to dress up for the office or down for lounging by the poolside. With an optional belt (which i'd need to nip in at the waist!), this dress is an easy-breezy Springtime hit. You can buy it for £149.81 on Shopbop here.

Dreaming of Delilah

When Whistles announced that they would be showing at London Fashion Week, they certainly cemented there position at the very top end of affordable luxury fashion.

When they announced that they would be selling personalised, monogrammed clutch bags from their gorgeous Dover Street store, I was smitten.

For some unknown reason i'm a real sucker for anything personalised. I don't doubt that this comes from a childhood without any "personalised" items. After all, Edinburgh Zoo didn't do penguin magnets with Shona on them, and when my sisters got lovely personalised mugs, I got "To a Darling Daughter" because Shona is just not a name apparently. I'm not bitter- not bitter at all.

Well, thank you Whistles for bringing me a seriously stylish way to add a personal touch to my accessories collection- this beats a hairband hands down.

The best part is that this all feels rather high-end and luxurious, but it is not about to break the bank. At £95 for an initialled Delilah clutch (a simple but infinitely stylish zip-top pouch) this is a touch of class that won't devastate my student budget!

I am toying with treating myself to the sugary pink version, as modelled by Olivia Palermo, but if you are a rather more serious sort, you can also get the Delilah in black with aqua monogramming.

Unfortunately this service is not advertised on the Whistles website, but check it out here nonetheless and follow them on Twitter for regular updates @thisiswhistles

Plastic Fantastic

Ready to get plastic fantastic?

Say so long to that good old black/silver/bright clutch for the future, my friends, is crystal clear.

While these little boxy clutches are hardly practical, and not great for us messy sorts, these clutches are infinitely versatile and ideal for those with plenty to show off.

Just enough room for a striking purse, a slick iPhone case and some stylish make-up. Simple as that: you're good to go.

I particularly love the Charlotte Olympia offering (of course I do: it's ridiculously expensive and unattainable) but I feel that the other options are every bit as lovely.

1. This Zara number is a snip at £19.99 and a great way to add a flash of fluoro fun to your look. I'd wear with a simple white shift or separates from Reiss for a cool, modern look.

2. This Mettle clutch, 100% eco-friendly, is one of the more stylish clutches I found on the internet. Crafted from recycled lucite with a brushed gold clasp, this is an elegant take on the trend.  Though i'm not sure where you can buy in the UK, it does make for rather lovely eye-candy in the meantime. If you are lucky enough to be based in Australia, you can check it out here.

3. The ultimate, this Charlotte Olympia Pandora Classic has already sold out online. With three inserts in leopard print, taupe and black, this boxy perspex clutch features a gorgeously sweet spider clasp for a luxe investment buy (tis a whopping £595 here)

4. Another sold-out little number, this Nasty Gal clear clutch is just fabulously sexy. Their product shot is also the perfect example of what a clear clutch is for: showing off! Get this on your wishlist now, you can shop it here.

5. During London Fashion Week, I spotted blogger Monica Beatrice from The Elgin Avenue carrying this lovely clutch. When she told me it was from Accessorize I simply had to keep it in mind for a post, and this is it's moment to shine. In on-trend polka dots, this clutch features a taupe inner pocket for a neutral but contemporary little clutch. Plus, it's a snip at £29 here.

Details, Darling: H&M High Summer

Earlier this week I was lucky enough to go along to the gorgeous H&M High Summer Shoes and Accessories press day and, let me tell you, you guys are in for a treat!

From gorgeous white courts with directional platform heels through to gloriously twinkling statement necklaces and luxe leather cuffs, there are a lot of luscious pieces I just can't wait to get my hands on.

Let me know what you think!

Some of these pieces are already in stores now, so check out the current ranges of shoes and accessories at H&M here.

Reiss SS13: Fashion Blogger Picks

As a fashion blogger with the fantastic guys at Handpicked Media, I was invited along to the lovely REISS S/S13 press day, where the team were showing off the most delectable pieces from the womenswear, menswear and 1971 ranges. You may or may not have seen my original blog post about the collection (which you can read here), but I thought i'd just show you this lovely video which popped up on my Twitter feed (shameless plug: follow @SWfashion_ if you like) last week.

The video sees me in some pretty brilliant fashion blogging company including Navaz from Disney Roller Girl, Anna from South Molton St Style, Isabelle from Isabelle OC and Carina from Carina 100 as we all explain our favourite pieces from the collections. 

I just thought i'd share it with you, alongside some of my top picks from the upcoming SS13 collection at Reiss. I have only picked a few pieces from the ever-elegant mainline collection, but do stay tuned for some yummy picks from their rather cool 1971 line. 

In addition, I must apologise for how many times I say the word "beautiful" in this clip, but do be kind for I had very little time to prepare. Plus, I am the first to admit that I do indeed have a face for the radio and therefore the camera is NOT my friend. 

I doubt i'll be debuting SW Fashion TV any time soon, to put it gently.

Do let me know what you think ladies and gents! 

1. First up we have this gorgeous little dress, which is actually available to buy now for £159. I love the pretty monochromatic print that is a little bit geometric but still feminine and very pretty. This dress would just be perfect for work paired with my new pointy studded flats and a gorgeous handbag. It would also look rather fabulous paired with a certain pair of hot pink cage sandals...

2. This cute little belt is available to buy online now for a very reasonable £39. It is just a gorgeous neutral belt for spring time, working with every colour from juicy watermelon through to marshmallow pink. Buy it here and wear with a slick white shift and bold shoes.

3. These shoes are just beautiful. I used to have a strange aversion to all things barbie pink, but this season that has all changed, for I am beginning to appreciate the sophisticated side of pink, and these shoes have that down to a fine art. Reminiscent of the iconic YSL cage boots of 2009, these hot pink shoes in suede and patent leather really do make a statement. I won't tell anyone their not designer if you don't!

4. This vibrant coral mini handbag with gold hardware is almost good enough to eat! It feels oh-so summery with this bright fruit punch shade, which particularly comes alive when paired with glossy gold. I really am smitten with this handbag, it is such a delightful colour and the styling is clean and simple. I'd wear it with white, for you can't go wrong with a little bright and white.

5. This dress is so feminine in a contemporary way, which I really do love. A little white dress is a wardrobe staple, so it'd be mad not to treat myself to this one. It reminds me of a little white bubble dress I had when I was around fifteen years old, only this is far more sophisticated with sheer frills and straps and a flattering slouchy shape.

6. Last but not least we have some cute little sandals. I must admit that this hot coral shade just has me longing for poolside bubbly and summer sunshine, but I shall have to come back down to earth and face the fact that London is cold. BOO. When it does come round to buying sandals, though, these are certainly contenders. 

Louboutin is My Drug

Tweet me your thoughts @SWfashion_ or comment below! Link me to your blogs- want to build up my blogroll as well !

Arm Candy: Fiorelli and Modalu Event

The Modalu Pippa in Fuschia, Emerald and Shark and the adorable Mocca pouch/clutch in Fuschia

The spacious Fiorelli Sebastian

The Fiorelli Valentine 

The Modalu Pippa in nude croc

The Fiorelli Cecilia

Gorgeous Fiorelli iPad cases

The Modalu Tyler in Shark and mini Tyler in Nude

Last night saw the Handpicked Media and TLG Brands blogger event unveiling the latest handbags from Fiorelli, Modalu and Nica. The event offered some lovely refreshments and a great opportunity for some blog networking in the decadent Charlotte Street Hotel, but let us not forget the heavenly handbags.

You could be forgiven for overlooking brands like Fiorelli, but in recent years they have seen quite a revamp and the AW12/13 collections for Fiorelli and Modalu are more than a little bit gorgeous. Modalu are offering some stunning bags for next season including the Pippa and the Henley, both of which nod to Prada but at a more accessible price point (the delectable Pippa is £195). The bags are high quality so certainly worth an investment, and not everyone will have the same one which is always a plus! The Modalu collection is a celebration of quintessential British style and is timeless with a twist. The versatile Pippa bag- inspired by P.Middy- is a gorgeous shape, with three zips for practicality. It is available in autumnal shades of dove grey and tan, but also in gemstone shades of fuschia and jade. The jade Pippa was certainly my favourite bag on display- it looks very high end without breaking the bank.

Fiorelli has always been a rather expansive brand and they have thus decided to split the brand up into Fiorelli Established, Fiorelli London and Fiorelli. Firstly, Fiorelli Established is classic and timeless- think substantial but slick bowler bags, boxy totes and simple hobo shapes. The colour palette is perfect for AW- navy, teal and taupe shades are prevalent but pops of coral keep it fresh and on trend.

Fiorelli London is the fun, youthful brand featuring zingy neons and grafitti-esque prints. OTT glitter and python iPad and perforated fluoro zip clutches crop up for AW12/13- not really to my taste, but certainly great for someone who loves to stand out.

Finally, we have the Fiorelli brand itself. For AW12 it's all about texture. Think woven leather, python, leopard and patent. The colours in this range are delectable- glossy sapphire, emerald and pops of tomato red- a perfect way to liven up last Winter's coat. I also adored the tablet cases in sapphire python and leopard print- just gorgeous! Another fabulous thing about the Fiorelli collection is the size of the bags- I have never seen so many stylish weekender bags in one place. My pick from the Fiorelli collection, though, has to be the glossy rich blue bowling bag- the perfect investment piece.

Certainly a few collections to look forward to ladies!

Two In One!