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!

Sneak Peek: French Connection AW13

Last week I headed along to the French Connection press day for Autumn/Winter 2013 to check out what delights they had on offer for the coming season.

It feels so bizarre to be thinking of Winter when we haven't even had a Summer yet, and yet here I am, thinking about which coats to buy and fawning over embellished sweatshirts when i've not even had the opportunity to wear my embellished short shorts... And no, that two-day period of sun this weekend just gone does NOT count- please stop siding with the weather.

As far as coats go, though, i'd happily wear a French Connection number all year round, for these coats really are the bees knees on the high street, beating many of their competitors hands down. 

For Autumn Winter 2013 there are a number of recurring motifs and trends to be seen around the collection, and here are a few little excerpts to whet your appetite for whats to come. 

With flashes of neon lime, I loved the monochromatic pieces on offer including this chequered cocoon coat (above) which is longing to be worn with white skinny pants and the fluoro silken vest. 

I know horses aren't exactly flavour of the month (sorry... couldn't help myself), but there is no denying that horses are among the most majestic, elegant animals around, and equine elegance is a recurring motif in the French Connection collection. This sweet zip-top pouch is a lovely way to buy into the look, and would work wonderfully with a little leather Maje dress and Shourouk for Swarovski Elements jewellery (coming soon to the blog... It's worth sticking around for!)

I have been looking for an excuse to buy a pair of luxury/fashion trainers for a while, but have not yet got round to it. A lot of my friends recoil at the very thought of studded leather trainers or glossy metallic styles, but I personally love them and the press days i've attended have illustrated, loud and clear, that fashion trainers are going NOWHERE fast. These tan leather ones with studded accents are beyond gorgeous. My jeans are calling for them...

As seen in my Liberty London sneak peek post (here for her and here for him), luxed up sweatshirts are back with a vengeance next season and I, for one, am pretty happy with this for they are so easy to wear and relatively forgiving. 

Let's just get through bikini season and then we can relax into the season of sweatshirts and cinnabons. 

A favourite of mine at the Liberty London press day had to be the Etoile Isabel Marant shearling chubby jacket, and this coat version with faux leather accenting from French Connection is sure to be a high street hit. I'd wear with skinny leather pants and an embellished sweatshirt for a really tactile, textural look that is more than a little bit on trend. 

This knitted sweater is just dandy if your name is Fiona. Or Fred. Or Florence. Or Flora. Or Freya. 

You catch my drift.

I've been a fan of tweedy jackets for years now (blame Chanel and, more recently, L'Agence) and this woven style with black accenting and fluorescent flecks is a natty little number for work or play. It'd look awesome to add a Wintry wearability to a brighter camisole from your Spring collection

Aah, yet another glorious coat. This bright orange coat has a delightfully masculine aesthetic, which is particularly cool for the Winter months. In a thick, luxurious woolen blend, this heavy boxy coat will add a peppy punch of colour to any look. 

What works better with a neutral ensemble than a little leather lovely in neon lime? Nothing... That's what. 

Another day, another statement necklace! I love this acid bright woven necklace with black crystals and metallic chains.

Shop the current collection here.

Kat Maconie Shoes A/W13

This week I paid two visits to Soho House- I felt well glam- one for a lovely Butter London event with Nicole (who's got a cracking blog over here) and the other for the Profile PR AW13 press day.

Profile look after a selection of lovely brands, but i'm a shoe fiend so I was pretty much there to feast my eyes on the new collection from Kat Maconie- my favourite accessible designer shoe brand du jour (check out a couple of posts featuring her chunky but chic footwear here and here)

The Autumn Winter collection is honestly every bit as covetable as Kat's stunning Spring collection. With a versatile colour palette featuring cream, black, petrol blue and hot pink, this is an exciting collection that is instantly recognisable, not to mention a little too covetable for my liking... Or, should I say, my credit card's liking.

Kat Maconie shoes are wonderfully striking and sculptural, and I was particularly fond of these cutaway peep-toe boots complete with gleaming gold hardware, as pictured above. The style is modern but edgy and, though I am instantly drawn to the black leather style, the glistening petrol blue velvet is really quite something and would really pop with a little cream dress and some statement jewellery. 

These leather lovelies are a classic style from Kat Maconie, with her Spring collection featuring a neon yellow interpretation among others. For Winter she's gone a little to the dark side and reinvented the style in glossy black and mirror shine petrol blue. I love the bold blue which has an almost oil-slick appeal to it.

Just imagine with black leather pants and a sheer cream blouse... Gorgeous!

I must admit that Kat Maconie shoes are not really for "girly girls". If you are obsessed to spindly Louboutins and cutesy heart-adorned Charlotte Olympia styles, then these probably aren't going to tickle your fancy, but I personally love the chunky aesthetic of Kat Maconie shoes along with the directional edge they add to an outfit.

There really is a reason that these are a favourite for runway shows- they are statement shoes that don't cost a bomb and they make everything look that little bit cooler. 

What do you guys make of the new collection? 

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. 

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.