This year it is clearly a time for a touch of luxury and indulgence to return to our currently bright and bold wardrobes. With Dolce and Gabbana, Marc Jacobs, Prada, Christopher Kane and Louis Vuitton all incorporating decadent details into their collections, it is hard to resist the ornate trend.

Dolce & Gabbana

This is a style all about femininity and “pretty” but there is a slightly modern twist this time around.  Bright turquoises, blues and even bursts of yellow are all over the catwalk and it seems the contrast of fun and summery colours against the more demure designs is what it’s all about.  There is also a continuation and overlap of the metallic trend with Marc Jacob’s stunning satin coats. Miu Miu and Vuitton have both also embraced heavy satin whereas Valentino focused on the brocade.

Louis Vuitton

Valentino

Layering texture is an excellent look if you fancy adopting this trend. I love the idea of mixing lace, silk and even a tougher fabric such as leather. Personally I always like to add a rebellious or ‘shabby’ touch to a girly outfit but with this seasons brighter colours and silver lining, the style pretty much comes with it’s own quirky edge.

When I think of decadence and luxury I am always reminded of 17^th Century Baroque fashion, an era I have always loved. Heavy and ornate fabrics and even shoes were key elements of both men and women’s wear in those days and the idea of reviving some of this luxury is something that greatly appeals to me.

It also reminds me of one of my favourite photo shoots by Javier Vallhonrat from the Vogue September Issue in 2009.  Modelled by Freja Beha and shot in a beautiful, decaying luxury Esq location, it inspired me to compose a photo shoot focused around the life of Georgiana Cavendish, which I photographed at the Bowes Museum at Barnard Castle a couple of years ago.

Vogue, September 2009. Shot by Javier Vallhonrat

Vogue, September 2009. Shot by Javier Vallhonrat

 Bring some intricacy and embellishment into your life this summer, because there is no other trend which will make you feel more fabulous and opulent!

Bek  XO

One of the reasons for this is that we’re lucky enough to have a high street that offers on trend fashion for fairly reasonable prices. Shops like Topshop and River Island make fashion accessible to the masses. But another reason is that we’re so dominated by celebrity culture that a large majority are desperate to emulate anyone and everyone who appears on TV. It’s not so much about style anymore – people just want to look the same as the girls from TOWIE or Kate Middleton (one or the other and not a mixture of both at the same time, you’d hope).

The problem is that in the desire to conform to a celebrity uniform real individuality gets lost. And girls are becoming indoctrinated at younger and younger ages. They’re not being allowed the time to develop their own sense of style because they’re bombarded with images of what they think they should look like before they’ve learnt to walk.
There are a few things you can do to avoid becoming a carbon copy of everyone else without having to carve up Daisy the cow:

1. Explore independent boutiques and online sites that sell individual pieces
2. Customise your own clothes
3. Take inspiration from different cultures around the world and experiment.

But if all that fails then perhaps Gaga has actually cracked it – everything’s already been done so the only way to remain individual is to wear clothes made from foodstuffs. Banana skin skirt anyone?

Well of course it can, the internet can help with just about everything these days, can’t it?  But just as it’s become impossible to purchase a DVD/water filter replacement/new garden hose without having a mind-boggling range of options, there is definitely some legs in the idea that whilst variety is the spice of life, one can certainly be spoiled by too much choice.  There are oodles of bridal social networks and probably millions of bridal blogs, and even Facebook has cottoned onto my recent betrothal with its terrifying targeted advertising (right).  Add to that the people who will kindly offer you the stacks of bridal magazines they accrued whilst planning their wedding, and then the people who will just put their two-pence in because it’s what people seem to do when it comes to nuptials and a gal (and her groom) can be left utterly bamboozled.

Let’s not panic though, as with most things, a little focus and research should get you on the right path.  Trust me, I am making the mistakes so you don’t have to.  So go ahead, change your relationship status on Facebook, add a picture of your engagement ring and post a cheesy engagement picture on Instagram and then STEP THE HELL AWAY FROM THE COMPUTER.  This first bit takes some discipline.

As boring as it may be to say it at such an exciting time, practicality is the key.  Sit down with your other half and all those involved in the planning of your wedding and make the big, tough decisions first of all.  Budget, ceremony denomination, general location and type of celebration you’re after (formal wedding breakfast for everyone you’ve ever known, family only, no family, you know the drill…) need to be decided before you start getting distracted by all the shiny things on the internet.  Done without too many arguments?  Excellent!  Now you can get your laptop out!

This bit is where the mind-boggling variety of the internet is really going to help you out; whatever your theme is, the chances are there will be some inspiration for you somewhere.  Get Googling, and use Pinterest to collate pictures, videos and links that you find useful/interesting.  If you don’t know much about Pinterest, the site’s ‘What is Pinterest?‘ section explains everything better than I ever could.  I have a very general, very broad ‘Wedding Ideas’ pinboard, but if you wanted to get super-organised and maintain a strong focus, you could use a board for each area of your wedding, such as ‘wedding dresses’, ‘centrepieces’, ‘stationery’.  It might even be worth having a board titled, ‘It’s Not Practical/I Can’t Afford It, But…’ so that from the word go you are bearing in mind the practical constraints that your particular situation provides.

The usefulness of social media for weddings doesn’t stop at pinning pretty sepia-toned pictures though.  Those bridal social networks I mentioned earlier can be very useful for all kinds of checklists and advice so you don’t miss any important details out of your big day, as long as you perhaps stay away from the Bridezilla-hideout forums!  But what about utilising Twitter for something other than venting your frustrations at the length of the guestlist?  Make use of relevant hashtags to ask for honeymoon recommendations, hen party ideas and even to get in contact with photographers, stylists and entertainers – who knows, you might be able to contact an up-and-coming talent who is willing to offer their services at a reduced price!  As with anything though, do your research, and just as that email from a Nigerian prince asking you to look after his millions is probably too good to be true, so might be that #AMAZING #CELEBRITY #WEDDING #PHOTOGRAPHER that you found on Twitter, whose work has appeared in OK Magazine and has a huge list of millionaire clients, but strangely enough is free to do your wedding, in the Cotswolds, in the middle of July.

So come on then, I’ve shared my ‘wisdom’ with you lovely lot – have you got anything to share in return?  What websites were/are an automatic go-to for you whilst wedding planning?  And are there any I should definitely avoid?

Music and fashion: Two of my favourite elements, both of which go hand and hand, influencing each other consistently over time.  So love or hate her, it is hard to argue the lasting impression that American singer Lana Del Rey is having over fashion. The fifties ‘Americana’ look is everywhere at the moment. Fun, sexy and glamorous, it ticks all the boxes for me!

This trend reminds me of one of my favourite photo shoots from 2011 which was shot by Kate Phelan and Alasdair McLellen in Frank Sinatra’s Palm Springs home. Georgia Jagger is an American Dream in wide brimmed hats, high waisted hot pants and retro sunglasses. This oozes vintage glamour.

Prada’s S/S 2012 collection epitomises the fifties look with pencil skirts, bralets and bright shoes. A crazy vintage car motif can also be found on the designs.

Prada S/S 2012

Think less Grease and more Hollywood retro glamour. We are not talking big skirts and cardigans here but more of a sleek and sexy silhouette. Pencil skirts are a fabulous way of adopting the tend and flattering for most figures. For the more daring, high waisted knicker pants are a personal favourite. I have fallen in love with this pair from Topshop, see below, and judging by what is on the high streets at the moment short shorts are in no hurry to desert us!

Topshop Floral Printed Knickers £22

The great thing about the 50’s trend is you don’t have to stick one colour or print. Crazy patterns, pastel colours and lace are all in keeping with the trend so there really is something for everyone. Miranda Kerr demonstrates this in the April 2012 issue of Harper’s Bazaar.

Of course, the best thing about this trend really is the hair. Finally I can indulge in my inner Brigitte Bardot and the bigger the better!

 So get your cat’s eye sunglasses on and come and take a walk on the wild side… 

Bek

XO

Overall I went to six fashion shows (two of which were exhibitions) and they all were amazing:

The Shows:

1.Shao Yen Showspace

Born in Taiwan, Shao Yen is a london-based womenswear designer. I loved the colours and textures and especially how he uses unconventional forms and materials. The models were flawless –  my favourite piece was the white cut-out top and fur skirt.

2. Bernard Chandran

I was really excited to see this show, especially since the invitations set the expectation so high. I loved the show, which brought Chandran’s cultural heritage to contemporary garments, giving him an international following. The show was very packed, and standing outside for 20 minutes was definitely worth it (especially since we got f-row seats!)

3. Carlotta Actis Barone

My friend and I managed to sneak into Carlotta’s show, which was quite empty so there was amazing view. The Holocaust theme was very enticing, matching with the aesthetics. Her designs were dark and influential and it was definitely a memorable experience.

4. Ubuntu International Project.

Long wait for the show, but it was spectacular. This was the only show which featured more than 1 designer. It was incredible; they all gave their own vibe and themes making them unique and special.

5. Rohmir.

With Oriental ornaments, rose bowls and cushions, it definitely was a fashion forward experience. Greeted with a handbook of Olga’s latest creation, it definitely was an unbelieveable experience. Taking place at the Freemason’s Hall, there was a desired amount of space to walk around and catch every angle of the latest collections.

6. Nova Chiu

This was one of the exhibitions I visited whilst waiting for another show. I loved the vibrant colours as soon as I walked into the room; I went there first. I loved how they chose a Primark heels and ‘shoejazzled’ it.

Overall my experience was amazing, and I am definitely looking forward to more LFWs.

- Edited by Rachel Michaella Finn

Topman Design

Oliver Spencer

Gieves & Hawkes

James Long

Asger Juel Larsen

T.Lipop

David Gandy and Callum Watt

Although placed at the very end of London Fashion Week, Menswear Day is just as important.  The men of London dress to impress, and it is especially noticable at Somerset House how London is setting the scene as a global force for menswear.

As this was AW 2012, a strong trend of over-sized scarfs, and beautiful leather gloves could be seen.  Black was obviously the colour of the season, especially noticable in Topman’s Design collection. However, our favorite accessory was the man-bag and the T. Lipop show went the next stage up and accessorised his bags, with furs and even pots and pans.  Clever, and a little gypsy-chic.

For a full report on all the designers collections have a look at the official London Fashion Week site.

Now we await June, for the dedicate 3 day fashion event dedicated to menswear.  Come on the boys!

Returning for yet another successful London Fashion Week season would be an achievement for any designer, especially so when the show in question is a relatively small fashion fringe show with a relatively small venue and a relatively limited budget. Even more impressive that statement becomes when you learn that A La Mode – each year showcasing a handful of underground fashion design gems – is now in its seventh consecutive Fashion Week season. And ever since the first stiletto of the show hit the catwalk back in early 2009, the crowds have been stuffed into every corner, seat and doorway of the venue for a glimpse.

Scottish design duo Jennifer Coyle and Lyndsay Pagan ‘s young brand ‘Obscure Couture’ returned for another impact punch of ‘don’t f**k with me’  youthful angst in a candy-floss catwalk of pearly pinks, blues and greens with dashes of metallic glamour. Confining to their rule-breaking reputation, Cole and Pagan completed the look with fuchsia wigs and two-tone baby blue and pink lips. And of course, there was the addition of the shocking colour-pop frills, prints and accessories inspired by the Victorian patterns of fashion’s past along with a model with a syringe headdress next to the gleaming slogan ‘Love Is The Drug’. Antitheses galore, the show featured riotous contrasts to set the heart racing.

 London-based designer ‘Luna Sky’ showcased a collection of sophisticated modernity and evening glamour. Fine mesh overlay on floor-length dresses, corsage-adorned skirts and a monochrome palette of blacks, whites and icy greys reminiscent of the cloudy night sky created a classic and timeless collection suited to any stylish evening. Daring drop backs revealing just a little too much skin along with glittering masks to shield the eyes gave the sophistication a hint of mystery and just a dash of laissez faire.

On the 16th of Feb 2012, Bjorn Borg kicked off London Fashion Week with a visual phenomenon of the Northern Lights with a 4D film over the River Thames.

Hosted at Battersea Power Station, the film was directed by award winning creative visual artist Paris Kain and produced by London creative agency My Beautiful City.  The event was streamed live on Facebook.com/BjornBorg, and you you can watch the cat walk show on the Bjorn Borg You Tube channel.

I bought my first peplum shaped top about a month ago from Primark not realising how huge the trend was to be. High necked, no sleeves, nipped in waist and subtle flare… all in black.  On my trip to New York this last week I came across so much variety of the peplum that there is no excuse not to be wearing it! H&M had a top piece in foil effect and Zara had black peplum dresses. Whether you go for a two -piece suit or a dress, you are sure to exude class and elegance.

My peplum top. £7 from Primark.

I am personally so glad to see the return of this trend as the 1940’s and the birth of Dior’s ‘New Look’ is my favourite fashion era.  It was a time when women could enjoy fashion again and embrace their womanly figures. The extravagance of the fabric Dior used in his 1947, due to the post war fabric restrictions, is also reflected in this season’s peplum. McQueen plays on romanticism with gorgeous accentuated ruffles and frills and Marchesa darkens the mood with black feathers, silver foil and sheer materials.

Alexander McQueen S/S 2012

Marchesa S/S 2012

For anyone who finds the peplum overtly feminine, don’t panic, as there is so much variety out there. From leather effect to mix and matching prints and textures to add a more quirky edge to the trend.  Skinny jeans and straight leg trousers instead of a pencil skirt are also a way of adding masculinity if you go for a two-piece.

If you are feeling the winter blues, I promise embracing the peplum will be the best thing you do.  Wearing this gorgeous silhouette will immediately make you feel prettier, sexier and bang on trend!

Bek  xo

Imagine you have just spent weeks creating your brand new fashion blog and you are ready to launch your shiny new website to the world.  After a few weeks and the heady feeling of achievement  has worn off you notice that your traffic figures are low and you start to despair.  Driving traffic to a new blog is a common obstacle that all bloggers face at one time or another.  Here are my top tips for making sure that your blog is getting the online exposure it deserves.

It’s not what you know, It’s who you know!

It may sound cliché but if you tell all your friends and family about your new blog, chances are they will know someone else who would be interested in reading your blog too.  Word of mouth is one of the most powerful tools in the marketing business, which means the more people know that your blog exists the higher the chance the existence of your blog will be passed on through word of mouth.  This my darlings has been done for centuries and to this day networking is a significant aspect of the promotion of any business, even a fashion blog.

The Social Network

You may already post the odd link to your personal feed on your Facebook wall but the world of social networking is changing every day and can be a maze to those who are not marketing savvy.  How can you use your Facebook and Twitter accounts to your full advantage?

I attended a marketing class called a “Webjam” and learnt the valuable skill of setting up a Facebook business page.  In just a few steps you can set up a Facebook business page where people who read your blog can “like” your page and link the page to their friends .  The best thing about this is the fact you don’t have to create a new Facebook account, you can link it to your personal account and flit between the two. It may be worth researching in your local area to see if there are any one off online marketing classes that you could attend to brush up on your online marketing knowledge.

I recommend that you follow your favorite bloggers on Twitter use your account to tweet a few links to your blog.  It’s what Twitter was built for right?  You may even meet some other bloggers along the way! I think that bloggers can learn a lot by simply looking at other bloggers pages and it is always nice to find that there is a blogger nearby who is just like you!

There are countless other places you can network on the internet too with professional networking sites such as  Linkedin being one of the best on the internet for keeping in contact with contacts.  A lot of bloggers work in beauty, public relations and fashion as their “day” job so if you are an aspiring journalist or stylist you could be making some valuable business contacts too.

Remember that  You  are your own Brand

Whilst maintaining an online presence it is important to portray yourself in the best light possible.  Avoid using bad language and remember that if you receive a negative comment not to reply in a similar manner.  Also, make sure that your tweets are relevant to the blog itself as this may have a negative impact on blog traffic too.  I could go on and on about the positives of social networking but it really is a cheap and effective medium that is guaranteed to drive traffic to your blog if you follow my tips.