Not Just for Xmas -Knee High & Over the Knee Socks.

Yes do hang up your stocking for Xmas, but this season they are not just for Xmas but are bang on trend, so wear them. Over the knee & knee high socks are a big trend this season and are set to continue in to the summer.

Trendy Socks by frumpy to funky featuring Dorothy Perkins socks

Socks featured are from top to bottom, left to right:
Ricott socks – stylife.co.jp
Hemp & Organic cotton unisex socks – Naturalselection.com
Pink Angel cupcake socks – dorothyperkins.com
Red Xmas pudding cupcake socks – dorothyperkins.com
Angelic pretty lace-up over the knee socks in pink/blue – maruione.jp
Full Tilt Zebra knee high socks – tillys.com
Full Tilt Rainbow full striped knee jigh socks – tillys.com
Peckson socks – aubinandwillis.com
South Cal 2 pack thin stripe socks – republic.co.uk
Ayreshire sock – jackwillis.com
Lanhydrock sock – jackwillis.com
Mulitcoloured socks by Sonia by Sonia Rykiel – my-wardrobe.com
Tsumori Chisato random dot knee high socks- lagarconne.com

Don't let those winter blues get you down!

It's snowing outside so keep warm and make sure your winter blues are just the colours you're wearing

Don't let those winter blues get you down by kgrace featuring UGG Australia boots

Items in this set:
Fab turtleneck in teal and purple from Forever21.com
James Perse Stretch-jersey turtleneck in grey from net-a-porter.com
Grey Ribbed Square Cardigan Coat by Vivienne Westwood Anglomania from my-wardrobe.com UGG - CLASSIC SHORT BOOTS in grey, blue and aubergine from luisaviaroma.com and jades24.com
Lilac Velvet foldover leggings from victoriassecret.com
Turquoise crochet frill scarf from dorothyperkins.com
Cmarchuska clothing - violet Hunter Scarf from moxsie.com
Alexander Wang grey Zip-front stretch leggings from net-a-porter.com
Teal chunky stitch beret from dorothyperkins.com
Cable knit berets in grey and aubergine from calvinklein.com
Large Studded Flower Brooch from missselfridge.com
Velvet flower corsages in blue and purple from dorothyperkins.co
Blue Animal Print legging from H&M

Have pantomime costumes ever been so trendy?

It’s nearly Christmas and the panto season is in full swing – not the trendiest fashion statement you say but “LOOK BEHIND YOU!!” It is not as farfetched as it appears.

Dick Whittington/Puss in Boots
This winter’s must have trend is the thigh high boots. Where have we seen them before?? Dick Whittington’s Puss in Boots – Oh no you say!! Oh yes we say!! These thigh high boots – low heel or high heeled are bang on trend. Carvela even named one of their boots after Whittington. Can be found in John Lewis.
And rumour has it that quirky headbands are going to be a Spring/Summer trend with the adventurous wearing bunny, Mickey Mouse and yes cat’s ears. Celebrities such as Lady Gaga, the Olsen twins and Madonna are already wearing them. a toned down version is the cat ear headband by Eugenia Kim
Puss in Boots is clearly the fashionista of the panto world – even down to the velvet jacket which is another winter trend.

Cinderella
Acid wash and ripped jeans were last season’s trend and now are followed by patched jeans for the SS10– clearly the attire for a modern day Cinderella. But for the more traditional Cinders - ripped tights and leggings are still at hand. Maurie & Eve's black ripped see-through swing leggings can be seen on bunnyhug.com
We may not see her glass slipper in this season but the see through diamante platform mules by Nicci Shoes come a close second.

Aladdin
Harem pants are the essential staple wardrobe in Aladdin, and this trend is still going strong this winter season. SS10 sees the harem pant being toned down to give way to genie pants (like harem pants without the dropped crotch)– but still a magical way to bring curves to the straight boyish figure as well as help hide the larger hip on a fuller figure. Truly a case of “Your wish is my command”.

Principal Boy
Another fashionista in the making. Either seen in thigh high or ankle boots – both a hot winter trend. SS10 sees hot pants making a comeback and also underwear worn as outerwear – have you seen a principal boy wearing trousers??? Oh no you haven’t!
Mustn’t forget to mention the principal boy’s trophy jacket - so in at the moment.

Red Riding Hood
Always dresses in black & red – a favourite colour combination for this winter. And ever the trend setter, she wears a corset over her blouse, another example of the SS10 trend: underwear as outerwear. Even her cape is making a comeback for eveningwear.

Snow Queen
The snow queen is a season ahead in her all white ensemble which is to be a key look for SS10. Not a bad look for winter either.

Wicked Stepmother
A true Goth, a trend which won’t stay down. Usually she is portrayed as glamorous in sexy thigh high slit dresses – watch for this slinky number to hit the high street this summer.

In this credit crunch time, our modern day villain – is it no wonder we have turned to a more dramatic and theatrical look to cheer away our winter blues.

Atelier Annick - luxury handbag designer

Whilst working as the head of the Luxury Goods Department at the Financial Times newspaper in Paris, Annick Adjo spotted a gap in the market of high quality handbags and accessories. Annick decided to create her own exclusive handbag label “Atelier Annick” which would fuse the vibrancy of Africa whist maintaining the high quality craftsmanship of Europe.
The inspiration for this eclectic mix is down to Annick’s own cultural background. Born and raised in Paris, French chic comes naturally along with the preference of good quality products and attention to detail. This is reflected in her collection which only uses the finest leather from Italy and France with luxurious silks. Annick’s strong ties to the Cote D’Ivoire through her parents bring an African influence to her designs. Annick states: “I went to visit my relatives in the Ivory Coast, and was really struck by the creativity there – the art, sculptures, colours and textures – and by the quality of the craftsmanship. I started looking around and I discovered this incredibly talented man who makes woven strips, called Kente. They became a signature theme for my bags”
At this September’s pop-up showcase hosted by micro-boutique hotel 40WiNKS, Annick launched her Spring/Summer 2010 collection “Riviera Glam”. This collection recalls the opulence and artistry of the French Riviera. The collection comprises of two new ranges standing alongside her classic signature line. The ranges are Bassam and Opeli. Bassam is a large day tote made of especially treated raffia and fringed with luxurious Italian leather. The choices of colour are natural/aqua and natural/beige. With the tote is a matching purse to ensure complete co-ordination.
The Opeli at £265 is a versatile evening clutch in gold Italian leather with a detachable gold chain. There are 2 separate inside compartments .Depending on the occasion and the outfit worn the clutch can be held 3 ways: 1. as a shoulder bag with the gold chain 2. As a handbag using the wooden handles. And 3 as a clutch with the wooden handles folded and the chain detached.
Since launching her label over a year ago, Annick has celebrated several achievements, one of which was the Best Start Up Business at the Precious Awards in Nov 2008 - these awards recognise enterprises by women of colour. Since then she has exhibited at the highly acclaimed Prêt a Porter show in Paris and also the London and Paris Fashion Week in 2009.

One of Annick’s designs, Bebe, has developed a following and now has a waiting list thanks to Cheryl Cole who bought it in red. This patent leather handbag is made of zebra print pony skin with caramel lining and costs £725. It also comes in brown and black. No mean feat for a new designer!

New Jewellery Designer- Katherine Wardropper

In 2007, Katherine Wardropper won the “Most on Trend Product” at the Pulse Design Awards. This prestigious award recognises designers who display excellence in product design and innovation.
Her style is definitely innovative as she carefully hand-constructs 3-D patterns using a developed “Sculptural Fabric Technique”. The result is corrugated loops of fabric placed together and decorated with beads and crystals. These designs are then used to create unique and timeless sculptural pieces for high-end fashion jewellery and interior designs.
Jewellery consists of delicate brooches, neckpieces, earrings, hairpieces and belts.
At September’s pop-up showcase hosted by micro-boutique hotel 40WiNKS, Katherine was one of six designers exhibiting their collections. This eclectic and chic location was a perfect backdrop for her larger than life statement jewellery pieces. Each piece conjured up their own fantasy image of swirling wedding cakes, Victorian lace, bejewelled snowflakes or elizabethan ruffles.
Katherine worked at the English Eccentrics studio from early 2006 as a guest designer where she collaborated with them in creating and developing fabric sculpture pieces for their “Fairy Tale of London” A/W 06 collection. Below is the quill necklace designed for that collection. The design represent snowflakes from Hans Christian Andersen’s Ice Queen. Materials used are satin polyester , beads and crystals. Other pieces created for the collection were brooches, belt and hair accessoriesin a palette of red, white or black.
In addition to these larger than life statement pieces Katherine has developed a 'Diffused Range' catering for the commercial market – These can be bought from places such as Kabiri at Selfridges Oxford St and the National Gallery Trafalgar Square. She also offers a commission based service producing bespoke or limited edition pieces specifically hand-crafted to suite the client's needs and specifications. Prices range from £200-£2000 upwards depending on materials, size and creativity. All pieces are created in her London Studio. For more stockists and details on her bespoke service visit www.katherinewardropper.com
From her design pieces, Katherine creates wall hangings and decorative touches to furniture such as mirrors, cushions, tables and chairs. She can also create bespoke set pieces for theatre and window displays. Cream, white or light coloured designs are a great way to create a fairytale and fantasy wonderland for weddings. Katherine advises: “Using different colours really changes the illusion of my work. My wall hangings of sugar pink and baby blue satins conjure images of the Mad Hatters tea parties treats and sweets”. For a more dramatic look, change the colour to a darker hue or stark black – great for themed parties.
Katherine states: “Due to the technique, it is a constantly developing organic process therefore I am always open to new ways of incorporating my technique in collaboration with other designers and artists. “. And her most current collaboration is working with award winning costume designer Sandy Powell on the Shakespearean film “The Tempest” starring Helen Mirren. - Now that is “such stuff as dreams are made on”!

MFP- Maria Francesca Pepe SS10 collection

MFP- MariaFrancescaPepe’s SS10 collection is named “Bathing Beauties”. The choice of fabrics used create the illusion of sea and sand : moiré- with its rippled appearance so similar to the ripples in wet sand, silk jersey – with its fluidity for movement of water and silky jacquards reflecting light on water. Fins decorate one dress and hat whilst pieces of brass jewellery are moulded in to pleats and coated in metallic blues and greens to represent ripples in water.

Purrfect - Clements Ribeiro SS10 showcase at London Fashion Week

“What’s New Pussycat?” played in the background whilst Clements Ribeiro’s models posed in classic black & white embellished with cat motifs for a feline inspired theme.
Skirts and dresses were knee length whilst the bubble style shorts were short. Smedley Sea Island cotton joined the signature Scottish cashmere and French silks for this season.
Soft pinks, yellows and blues added a touch of colour; stripes were prominent and the prints used were leopard or a swirl of pink, blue & yellow cats. Black organza fans with zips as stems were inspired by Japanese landscape washes and looked stunning against white silk gazar and faille.
Zips also appeared on the cat motifs to give a hard edge and to accentuate their eyes – making you aware that this quietly purring sexy kitty can also show her claws.