Any bright coloured lace item now reminds me of Christopher Kane's summer collection. While the neon laser-cut leather and lace pieces make a bold statement and look great with contrasting brights or neutral tones, there's no denying that they don't hold much staying power for future seasons to come.
These colourful clutches make a much more sensible fashion investment and were big fashion news this week with getting featured in top fashion weekies.
For £295 you're getting a beautiful stand-out pop colour clutch that could double up as a stylish iPad case and will bring a smile to your face on the cold and rainy days when you'll wear it against your dark winter clothes.
During fashion week my most visited website is STYLE.COM to see the latest runway pictures just hours after the shows. Some designers even broadcast their collections live on their website and you can always rely on fashion insiders to 'twitpic' the main looks. All this is bringing the front row experience to everyone that is interested.
This idea is not shared by Tom Ford whose presentations are famously exclusive with only a few fashion editors invited. Photography is not allowed and it's very limited what the attendees can reveal about the collection..
..4 months later we can finally enjoy the lookbook of the fall collection.
5 rules according to Tom Ford this winter:
FUR! - Colored, long, big chunky fur collars
Bin the leopard. Zebra is the new animal print.
Multiple textures in one look - lace/feather/fur/leather/velvet/satin
Let you waist do the talking - cinch it in with a belt or opt for sharp and skintight tailoring
Victorian lace eveningwear - high necks, long sleeves but sheer lace makes it sexy
2011 is the year of weddings - mostly due to the Royal Wedding - so it's not surprising that elements from bridal wear make their way to our high street shops. The designers at Topshop were aiming high as they picked THE go-to label for wedding gowns Vera Wang to take inspiration from.
I recently walked past the Browns Vera Wang salon opposite Claridge's and this dress made me stop for a closer look. I love the structured bustier-looking bodice softened with a layer of tulle and the ribbon belt just ads the perfect touch.
Unfortunately I don't need the gown just yet but I'm tempted to get a 'reminder' of it for £50.
Vera Wang at Browns - Brook Street, London W1K 4HS
The weekend of the Monaco Grand Prix is always much more about the parties and social events than the race itself. The three nights at Amber Lounge are definitely the first on the list of places to be for the VVIPs. The weekend kicked off with a Matthew Willaiamson charity fashion show attended by everyone who's anyone.
Helping with the organisation of the event was a great experience. Here's how it all happened in pictures.
The line-up of the fashion show with all the looks mostly from the Spring/Summer 2011 collecton.
Looks I was responsible for. (from SS2011 Collection)
Getting a closer look at the gorgeous garments
The models taking photos - all the time and mostly of themselves
Jumping in as a seamstress to fix some ripped trousers
And the products that were used to make the gorgeous girls look catwalk-ready...
Want some more funfacts about the show?
the hardest part about working with models is to make sure they are where they need to be - they always wondered off (just like F1 driver Adrian Sutil who also had a catwalk appearance that evening)
The champage served backstage was just as popular among models, presenters and make-up artists as the pasta with tomato sauce
All the Matthew Williamson showpieces were packed up in two large suitcases and flown back to England on Easyjet.
The models wore shoes from Matthew Williamson and Giuseppe Zanotti - and surprisingly NONE of them went missing after the show
When Kim Kardashian showed up all we could focus on was her huge rock (and her beautiful Lanvin dress)
Matthew Williamson was just as excited to see Taio Cruz perform as I was - moving instantly closer to the stage
There's no question that the pleated skirt is a 2011 staple that will last beyond the summer season. There's plenty of choice on the high street, you just have to decide on the colour and length to go for. Keira Knightley wore a lemon midi similar to the one from River Island.
Kim usually won't step out of the house without her sky high Louboutins and perfectly done hair so it's nice to see her toning it down while still looking chic. The vest maxi is effortless and proof that horizontal stripes are not always the enemy of girls with curves.
I bought a very similar version from New Look last summer which is available again but there are plenty of other choices to be found. Just team with a denim or leather jacket and summer's must have bright nails.
It's fair to say that my collection of international fashion magazines count for fifty percent of my valuables. Once I know a magazine I'm after has been published I won't stop until I find it on the stands but it can be a long and tiring process.
The store opened last month in Vogue House in London. With the aid of IPads dotted around the store you will find close to one hundred and fifty different international publications some previously unavailable in the UK.
When asked about the inspiration behind the publishing giant's own newsagent, Condé Nast International chairman Jonathan Newhouse said "Our magazines are visually exciting products - featuring stunning works by the finest photographers - but most kiosks do not display them to full advantage..."
The flags below the display guide you to find the nationality you are after which is helpful as the countless covers start playing with your eyes. If it's not magazines you're after, you can browse through the giant coffee table books before purchasing.
What a great way to spend a lunch break or stop for a break from shopping.
The Condé Nast International Worldwide News is located 20 St George Street, London.
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