Stay snug this Xmas with Electronic Sheep!

It was the delightfully surreal name that originally caught our eye but Irish knitwear label - Electronic Sheep’s A/W collection of woolly winter warmers certainly managed to maintain our attention. Scarves and hats in unique patterns complete with kitsch tassels and pompoms!

The designers describe the line as ‘gothic-folk’ with patterns inspired by eerie old English horror as well as comic book imagery and the result of these disparate inspirations is a fascinating, whimsical and unique collection.

The use of colour is bold and striking with eye-catching combinations that in theory shouldn’t work but in practice add to the distinctive Electronic Sheep aesthetic.

Made in wonderfully cosy and luxurious lambswool their winter accessories are guaranteed to keep you snug this winter. With most designs coming in at under £40 the designs won’t dent your Xmas fund too much and there’s a collection for men if you’re struggling for gift ideas. Check out www.electronicsheep.com for more info!

Sparkle this Christmas with Mirabelle

It might be a bit late to add anything to your Christmas list now but if you fancy treating yourself to a little something special, jewellery label Mirabelle have launched a gorgeous collection of gold and silver plated rings, bracelets and necklaces which could add some festive sparkle to your Christmas wardrobe. The label works with fair trade suppliers and uses recycled materials to produce an eclectic collection; dainty golden chains with semi-precious stone pendants contrast with bold, chunky cuffs such as the ‘harmonia’ which has proved a favourite with Britain’s newest fashion icon; Cheryl Cole (the jury’s still out). Other highlights include the ‘bola’ bangles (pictured above) which are begging to be stacked for a statement look. Prices start at £30 so there’s no excuse not to!

BURBERRY PRORSUM SPRING 2009 PRE-COLLECTION

Featuring lightweight trench coats, slim cut trousers and a wool suit, with muted tones of otherwise overbearing colors.

Streetstyle

Name: Sarah

Occupation: Student

Favourite Store: Topshop

Streetstyle

Name: Lucy

Occupation: Student

Favourite Store: United Colours of Benetton

Fashion GPS: Revolutionizing the sample system!

Ever wondered how the countless loans of designer clothes featured within fashion editorials make it back to the designer in one piece? Well, sometimes it never does. With this in mind computer programmer Edwin Mullon has created Fashion GPS - a revolutionary new program specifically with the fashion industry in mind.

Fashion GPS doesn’t miss a trick, it catalogues each sample dished out to various publications and stores sample info, industry contacts, virtual look-books and instant reports. Having already established relationships with over 15 titles, Teen Vogue, POP and V magazine to name a few, the system automatically sends out an email reminding stylists to return whatever thy borrowed ASAP.
So if you’ve ever got lucky in a fashion cupboard then I’m afraid your time is up with the introduction of Fashion GPS.

Streetstyle

Name: Lauren
Occupation: Graphic Designer

Mischa Barton on Posh’s sense of style

“Posh doesn’t strike me as particularly stylish. I don’t think she’s a good example of British style at all. I don’t dress for anybody else, and I think the reason people like my style is that I do my own thing.” - Mischa Barton

Mina Dresses

Mina was founded in 2004, and with a reputation for designing innovative and on trend collections the brand is one of Britains fastest growing.

As recommended by the tv program Mary Queen of Shops, Mina takes its inspiration from the sixties and seventies producing vintage style dresses from the finest fabrics.

Mina Flower Dancing Q Boob Tube Dress. Above the knee boob-tube dress, with Puffball hem & elasticated bandeau over bust, and Pleat detail down side with bold flower print

Mina Lollipop Spot Dress. Above the knee dress with wide scoop neck, Floaty slight pleat design with puffball hem, and All over spot print with large flower print.

Mina Goddess Flower Dress. Above the knee dress with puffball hem, Gathered ruffle trim wide neckline, with Contrasting bold flower print on front & back.

Brighten up with a splash of colour

Zara F/W 2009

Streetstyle

Name: Rachel
Occupation: Intern

Graphic Design graduate. She loves being absorbed in a good book and exploring the city snapping as she goes!

On Radar: Banana Republic's New Look

With the help of its newly appointed creative director, Simon Kneen, Banana Republic has thrown out its buttoned up style for a cool, modern look. “The structure [of the clothes] was looking a bit dated,” Kneen said. “We’re trying to get things loosened up.” His debut Spring collection for the retailer is filled with sustainable fabrics and fashion-forward silhouettes — we love it all.

The collection boasts Keen's view on Banana's classic staples. Trench coats have been updated in silky fabrics while dresses stay loose and fluid. The color palette has been revamped with light hues of khaki, slate gray, ivory, and white. What a refreshing way to look at Spring. What say you?

Rei Kawakubo takes on the masses at H&M

What: Comme des Garcons for H&M is set to be released worldwide on November 13th and with less than one month to go we can barely contain our excitement.

Why: One of the most influential and conceptual labels of our time, Comme des Garcons was established in 1969 and is often referenced in the designs of other great names. Marc Jacobs admitted: “I have never insisted on my own creativity, as Chanel would say…everyone is influenced by Comme des Garcons…”

Memorable for her extravagant, visionary efforts, it is perhaps a concern for regular H&M shoppers as to what sort of pieces could be imagined by Kawakubo for this collaboration. Kawakubo afterall, challenges the concept of fashion as the mainstream recognises, ultimately creating some fascinating, yet unflattering designs. It is worth acknowledging in this time of doubt then, the successful efforts of previous H& M collaborators Viktor and Rolf, who are also known for their artistic, referential presentations and have even pointed to their unhappiness with mainstream fashion in their creations.
What Viktor and Rolf do, I believe Comme des Garcons has only done better. The 30-piece collection is a wearable range which exposes some typical Comme de Garcon attributes: dark shades, uneven lines and polka dots.

Fab Find - Moccasin Flats

Seriously, how cute are these?
Xhilaration® Sherlyn Moccasins $19.99 (PURPLE)
Xhilaration® Sherlyn Moccasins $19.99 (PINK)

Autumn in Dubai

Delicate Damsel
Floral Chiffon Dress W/ Sash $24.80
Tri-Color Rhinestone Earrings $4.80

Dashing Diva
Jasmine Floral Strapless Dress $27.80
Grace Chandelier Earrings $4.80

Friday Fashion Quickie

Something cool and casual to kick off the weekend...

AE Eagle Hoodie T $29.50
PacSun Hermosa Super Skinny Vintage Indigo $39.50
AE Crinkle Lurex Scarf 14.95
Forever21 Faceted Hoop Earrings $2.80
Cutesygirl Wild Diva Sweety Flats $12.99
Target Merona 4-Poster Hobo Bag $22.99

TOTAL: $122.73

Paris Fashion Week, Spring 2009: Lanvin

Alber Elbaz has done it again — he delivered inventive pieces but didn't alienate Lanvin's signature bold colors and voluminous silhouettes. This Spring collection leaves you wanting more. It offers everything from black to nude, to colors like chartreuse, teal, purple, and orange. Yum. Some of the dramatic wide-shouldered silhouettes are hard to work with; still, on the runway they work like magic.

Return of the Mac!

If you want to invest in a mac that will stand the test of time, your best bet may be a Burberry trench. Whether you go for the traditional Burberry tartan lined raincoat (as seen top on Holly Golightly fan Blair Waldorf), or for one of their many modern Prorsum reincarnations (see the tiered trench above) - you can’t go wrong. If a new Burberry is a little (or in my case, a lot) out of your price range, you’ll find second-hand at many of the larger vintage stores in London

Balenciaga Lights Up the Catwalk at Paris Fashion Week

The show I look forward to the most during Paris Fashion week? Without a shadow of a doubt it’s got to be Balenciaga. Nicholas Ghesquière single-handedly breathed new life into the blazer and brought florals back into the forefront of fashion. For Spring/Summer 09 Natalie Vodianova opened his indescribable collection, which in Ghesquière’s own words “played with textures to see how they reflect or absorb light”.

Burlesque Beauty: Wheels and Dollbaby

The burlesque-inspired look made popular by our fave style icon Dita Von Teese is super-sexy and feminine, in short a desirable trend for any girls out there who love a bit of glamour. Whilst Dita might make it look simple don’t be fooled, this is not an easy look to pull off, simply donning red lipstick, fishnets, and lace will most likely leave you looking more like a fashion fatality than femme fatale. Help is at hand however in the shape of Australian label; Wheels and Dollbaby.