Will lace last? That is the question.



Dolce & Gabbana


I keep being asked this question so I think it's worth putting a general reply out there. As a trend, 'Lace' won't only last, it'll get bigger. This is partly because lace is a summer fabric. But, perhaps more importantly, because there is a distinct move towards purity and serenity in the world, a result of the chaos of the economic climate. There is a yearning for a simpler and more peaceful time and lace reflects that 'past-times' yearning. As does vintage, heritage and old school luxe.
But this purity needs to be coupled with strength in these uncertain times. To this end, designers like Marni have produced leathers and other fabrics that are not quite lace but do convey both the femininity and womanly power that lace evokes.

Of course, there will be more than enough 'ole fashioned' feminine lace in the stores this coming season, so those of us that have never removed this craft from our psyche's, will be glad to see it remain on the agenda!

Warehouse - Loving The Prints

I grew out of Warehouse clothing, (literally - an increasing bust size does that for you), a good few years ago.  But they have consistently produced some interesting garments that are both edgy and yet glamorous.  Using silks and linens in the summer and wools and satins in the winter, they provide glamorous seasonal fabrics to young, co-ordinated women.  This season they have experimented with different collections within their stores.

Walking into Warehouse this week, I was struck by the brilliant prints of their "Wonderland" collection. The Swallow blouse (left) and the floral waterfall shift dress (right) are especially nice.  Very Erdem!  If you're looking for a little bit of vintage style, but not from a charity shop, then I would recommend these. Find them at: http://www.warehouse.co.uk/

Love It, Hate It - The Cameo

LOVE IT!

Floral Pendant
TopShop

“Wave your hands in the air, like you don’t care”.  So sang Cameo in their 1986 hit, “Word Up”. Quite. Cameo’s, those old fashioned jewellery pieces of raised pictures in shell or stone, are having a moment.  This interests me for two reasons.  Firstly, what a great item to make a return.  All that beauty, nostalgia and, dare I say it, taste. Secondly, I am officially ahead of the curve, having bought a pair of cameo earrings on instinct about 6 months ago. In fashion speak, this doesn’t mean I am an early adopter; i.e. those that see a trend launch, jump on it post haste, lead the way and consequently demonstrate know-how to their fellow commuters.  It means that I am a trend setter!  Yes, a setter, (not to be confused with a red-setter, though with my colouring, I wouldn’t blame you for getting it mixed up).  But, now that Grazia has devoted an article to cameo inspired jewellery, we can safely say that the cameo is back on the menu.

Blushing Bride
Princess Victoria of Sweden

Although cameo’s can be seen as rather fussy and they certainly appear to fly in the face of this season’s pared down minimalism, they do sit incredibly well in uber trend vintage, a movement that’s still not showing signs of abating. Celebrities, especially those with canny stylists, first picked up on cameo jewellery last year, La Roux and Pixie Lott to name two and this June, Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden wore a stunning cameo tiara at her wedding.  The high street have taken notice and this season, TopShop, ASOS and Miss Selfridge are all showing trinkets in this lovely style.

Facing Forward
The Romilly

But it’s not just jewellery that has had the cameo make over.  Lulu Guinness’ Cameo Romilly bag, £195 from ASOS, is simply divine and is a smart option for smart ladies and if you’d rather wear cameo in a different way altogether, then opt for Next’s tan leather and cameo belt, a snip at £18.