Update – Lana Del Rey’s Campaign shots for H&M

After being unveiled as the face of Swedish fashion retailer H&M’s autumn collection last month, the campaign images of Lana Del Rey’s modelling stint for the brand have finally been revealed in full. While I’m not totally on board with Lana’s abilities as a model, there’s no denying that these soft, sultry photos provide a beautiful glimpse at an exciting range of clothes. Lana’s glamorous, retro appeal and sixties siren beauty lend a demure, yet alluring, aspect to the pieces.

Muted tones of whites, greys and blacks play alongside bolder autumn prints, a mixture kept interesting through the injection of unusual textures and materials. As impractical as a white winter coat might sound, the zip up, faux fur collared jacket above is just waiting to warm my bones this winter.

The pretty peplum top and slinky, structured dress add dimensions and contrast to the collection, all the while complimenting the female figure. A long grey top and thick black leggings is one of my go-to outfits year after year, so I’ll definitely be investing in this little ensemble.

She may not have nailed Tyra Banks’ ‘smiling eyes’ look but there is something quietly beautiful about the styling of these photos which makes me eager to check out the collection as soon as I can. What do you think of Lana’s modelling gig?

Images from Refinery 29

Preview – Primark’s Christmas Collection 2012

Ok, so we had a few days of sunny, hot weather. But looking out the window this dreary Monday morning has just made me even more bored of the non-summer. Plus, checking out all the high street stores’ upcoming autumn and winter collections has got me all excited for the cooler months. And with Christmas a mere four months away (I know right?!) collections like Primark’s are looking more and more alluring.

Combining luxe fabrics with glittering sequins and embellishments, these pieces take on a glamorous, opulent look. Sleek hair styling and vampy dark lips perfectly accent the clothes. Dresses, pencil skirts and sequined blazers provide some party season inspiration, while the more casual jumpers and shirts appeal to the comfort-lover in me.

What do you think of Primark’s Christmas range? Check out the full collection here.

Alexa Chung is a Sixties Siren for Vero Moda AW12

I know I’m a little slow on the uptake, but I’ve only just come across these images from Vero Moda’s upcoming Autumn Winter 2012 collection. The shoot, inspired by English icon Jane Birkin, offers a distinctly sixties feel which Alexa’s doe eyes and thick fringe are clearly perfectly suited to. And it’s not the first time the British trendsetter has partnered with the Danish brand – she also fronted their Spring Summer campaign earlier this year.

I’ve never quite known what to think of Alexa Chung but I do like her style. Paired down femininity, peter pan collars and a beguiling individuality give her appeal, and she seems to be comfortable in front of the camera. I especially like the burgundy blazer and embellished collared shirt from the above photos. Above all else, Alexa’s given me some very needed hairspiration this miserable Monday afternoon – shoulder length, fringed, with a subtle ombre dip dye might just be my new look!

Wishlist – Wildfox Couture

My, oh, my! I would like to say I’m returning from a holiday-induced blogging hiatus, but that wouldn’t be the truth. Truth is, I’ve had a bit of a creative blank recently and haven’t been feeling much like writing…but it’s a new month and I’m determined to get my creative mojo back into gear any way I can!

So a friend of mine is a massive fan of American label Wildfox, and the more of her budding collection I see, the more I have to agree that the clothes are something special. The brand has a very strong personality, with quirky and cute designs and a dose of vintage nostalgia and unabashed girliness which just makes you want to grab your closest friends, have a sleepover and reminisce about times gone by…

There’s very little that could persuade me to spend over £10 on a t-shirt, and some of Wildfox’s cotton pieces are way up their past the £60 mark. But through the wonder of eBay – and a great little store called AdHoc which, thankfully, is in my neck of the woods – you needn’t have to pay that much for a slice of Wildfox style. If, however,  you’re not phased by the prices, then check out their website.

Wet Weekend Wishlist

It’s something all of us are complaining about at the moment, and for good reason too! This non-summer weather is ruining festivals, staycations and weekends all over the country, and it seems to be a never-ending force. It’s pretty much making me long for the colder months, and the new fashion season that comes with it.

What with work placements and holiday, I’ve slacked a little bit with my weekly wishlists. That and my pitiful bank balance have meant I’ve hardly logged on to the shops at all in the last couple weeks. Anyway, my inner shopoholic has returned with a vengeance, and this is what it’s found…

I often feel more…attractive in the colder months. Not cos I lack confidence in summer clothes, just because I feel like there’s a wider choice of things to wear and I can cover up and be cozy in style. This autumn/winter I’ll be wearing lots of collared shirt and jumper combos. This monochromatic floral shirt, £35, and ombre cable knit jumper, £39, both Miss Selfridge, will be perfect for a preppy look in the coming months.

Oh H&M, I love you and your imitation suede/leather pieces! As a vegetarian and animal lover, I try wherever possible to always buy ethical products and am constantly seeking more information on what products are animal friendly and cruelty free. H&M’s faux-suede and leather items never look tacky or cheap, these tasseled brogues, £19.99, and dalmatian print satchel, £19.99, being perfect examples.

I’ve been loving the influx of tribal look jewellery recently, like this ring, £3.99, H&M. Turquoise and silver go together like butter and toast, and at such a low price this is not a ring to miss!

Hope you’re all enjoying this soggy Saturday as much as possible. It’s the perfect opportunity to have a guilt free duvet day, movie marathon and/or pampering session!

Chanel Couture 2012 – Winter Wonderland

Romantic, ultra feminine designs in wintry shades well and truly won my heart yesterday at Chanel’s Paris Couture show. I’m not usually a massive fan of Chanel, and I really can’t stand Karl Lagerfeld, but I have to admit this collection had me all excited as I flicked through the photos and compiled a report on it for my recent internship.

The silver, shimmering tights stood out for me, and I am definitely going to look out for a similar pair on the high street when the weather gets colder! The wider trousers on show also set a trend for A/W, and I really hope these and the pretty jackets are designs replicated for girls on a budget this winter.

The beautiful attention to detail also caught my eye, with applique flowers on dresses and feathers on sleeves. All in all, a gorgeous collection. What did you think?

Images from The Telegraph

In Pictures – Mulberry’s AW12 Campaign

I may have never read the fantastical 60s children’s book, Where The Wild Things Are, by the late Maurice Sendak, and I missed out on the more recent film adaptation. But the delightful charm of the storybook’s characters didn’t fail to enthuse me, and it seems the magic has rubbed off on British brand Mulberry’s AW 2012 campaign.

Captured through the lens of Tim Walker, a photographer well known for his love of fantastical imagery, the campaign features model Lindsey Wixon alongside a host of furry friends (or foes!), against the hauntingly serene backdrop of an English forest.

Campaigns like this one almost have me wishing away the summer months before they’ve even really arrived, to be replaced by the rusty oranges and plush textures of the autumn and winter days. Just look at the gorgeous designs – those shoes, in particular. I can’t wait to see how the high street will translate these covetable styles.

Images and Story from Stylist.

Wednesday Wishlist – 20/06

I can’t believe it’s nearly the end of June already! Craziness. Anyway. Today’s wishlist is a little different from the usual scrapbook of high street finds. This week, I’ve been lusting after some items from eBay store-turned-global phenomenon, Nasty Gal. Their clothes are an eclectic mix of pretty grunge and sexy, laid-back cool, and here are my favourite looks from their recent additions.

(From left to right) I love the unique cut of this mesh detailed, cut out dress, £56.11. Teamed with some killer heels and smokey eyes, this would be an outfit made for a night out to remember. The bat wing sleeves and fringed detail of the black knit dress, £49.74, is given a sexy boost with cut out shoulders, and would be perfect come rain or shine.

I’ve been looking for the perfect ‘muscle shirt’ for some time now, and I think I might just have found it! I love the faded femme symbol as an alternative to the currently over-exposed cross sign on this casual grey tee, £31.88.

Backpacks have worked their way up the bag hierarchy recently and are sitting pretty at the top of many a fashionista’s must-have lists. This fringed rucksack, £41.45, is a perfect example of one of the season’s hottest styles.

Last but not least, I was drawn again to the individual cut of this lace, open back dress, £94.37. A little bit on the pricey side but the cut really is beautiful.

So there you have it! Check out the other gorgeous pieces Nasty Gal have to offer. I dare you not to crave oversized jumpers, biker boots and denim knicker-shorts once you’ve had a peek!

Happy Wednesdays!

Practical Packing – Summer Getaway

As I may have mentioned a few times before, I’m jetting off to Barcelona for a few days next month, and am super excited! However, along with the usual nervousness about flying, another little anxiety has reared its ugly head – with pay day still a good two weeks away, and hardly a dime to my name, how am I going to throw together a worthy holiday wardrobe?

With this fear in mind, I set about raiding my wardrobe and did a spot of beachwear brainstorming. And I was pleased to find that, actually, I’ve got more than enough summer pieces in my collection to fill a five-day suitcase! Hurray! With the exception of my beautiful Versace for H&M shirt, above, the majority of the clothes are from the great British high street.

So I’ve definitely got enough dresses, shorts and bikinis. But there are a few things I’ll need to stock up on. One or two pretty kaftans or beach cover ups would do nicely, and a show-stopping dress for a night out on the town would go some way to completing this capsule collection. FYI I am planning on bringing shoes on this break, just didn’t want to put them on me clothes ;) That being said, I’m still on the lookout for the perfect pair of sandals to bring with me to Barcelona.

The act of laying out all the clothes I want to bring in advance, instead of leaving it to a last-minute, suitcase-stuffing frenzy, really helped me to figure out what I should invest in, and what I really don’t need. This way, I can save on money and space, so I’ll have more room and more cash to spend on gorgeous holiday fashion finds!

Wednesday Wishlist – 06/06

Despite a long weekend of miserable weather, I refuse to give up on the British summer, and hope that the sun will come back out soon! In the meantime, here are the pieces I’ve been lusting after this week…

H&M for Water is a small but noticeable collection that has recently hit the shelves of the Swedish fashion retailer. I love the tropical print and natural textures of the range, and this bikini, £24.99, is my favourite item. Cos you can never have too many bikinis, right?

Staying with this season’s Hawaiian print trend is this gorgeous halter-neck bodice, £42, by London designer Tara Starlet. I’ve admired a few of their pieces before, and this vintage inspired top is one to add to the pile.

New Look has come up trumps this week with these two stunning bags. The mint green bag, £12.99, would be the perfect accessory day or night, and the bow and heart-shaped padlock details on this shell pink bag by Kelly Brook, £19.99, make this the ultimate in pretty feminine purses.

Finally, courtesy of the New Look shoe gallery, are these adorable peep toe jelly wedges, £14.99. Also available in black, and at a bargain price, there’s hardly an excuse not to snap these up.

Hope you all had a great bank holiday weekend…only three days til the next weekend now!