Donna Karan F/W 09.10 NYC

Donna Karan brings back the trends that she first help create in the 80s, mainly draping and exaggerated shoulders. It’s a collection that you could imagine the designer wearing herself, and that is something that makes me love the collection even more.  The main highlights were statement jewellery, fierce shoes, draping, shoulders, studs and belts. Overall, it’s a very very powerful and classy collection with lots of interesting elements that can be taken and added to anyones wardrobe to update your look. Each piece itself, has a very timeless quality that will make you want to wear it season after season……from the classic trench, white button down shirt to a below the knee skirt. Is this the perfect credit crunch collection?

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Indian Rose x

Marc Jacobs F/W 09.10 NYC

Im always in 2 minds when it comes to Marc Jacobs collections, i often hate them at first, but then over time and as i see pieces from the collection popping up everywhere…they suck me in, and i begin to love them!

For F/W 09.10 Marc takes us back to the 80s with outrageous hair, capes, high waisted jeans and metallic party dresses. As you can see im only posting the softer and more coservative looks here…..pieces that i can see myself buying and wearing in the long term. I don’t know about you but im not sure if it’s the right time to bring back crazy prints, neon colours and shoulder pads….maybe they will look more appealing in the ads? Hhhmm.

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Indian Rose x

Elegance

“Elegance is not the prerogative of those who have just escaped from adolescence, but of those who have already taken possession of their future.”

- Coco Chanel

Anna Sui F/W 09.10 NYC

Mood Board for F/W 09.10

I know im posting about this a little late, but the last week or so has just been a little hetic and i’ve only had the chance to go through the F/W collections now. In many ways, i always look forward to winter collections, with the use of layers, warm colours, beautiful coats and accessories that will hopefully keep me snug in the cold.

One of the first collections that appeals to my eyes is Anna Sui’s F/W 09.10 Collection, and im actually quite surprised since i usually run a mile from prints! Anna Sui takes inspiration from La Belle Epoque, and uses soft crushed velvet, colourful jewel tone paisleys, delicate chiffon and a whole range of other textures to present a very pretty and fun collection.

The colours, the detailed trims, a mixture of prints, fun tights worn with floaty dresses and fabulous boots all make it a great winter collection….very classic Anna Sui! However, it was the head pieces that were the star of the show, which included bows, feathers and tiara’s as the perfect accessory to finish the look.

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Indian Rose x

Inspiration: Model Street Style

When it comes to model street style, i think it’s something that you either find incredibly interesting or very boring. Those who fall into the second category often point out that model’s just wear what they get given, they always wear dark colours, and their style is just boring in general. However im sure those of you who fall into the first category (including myself) have a very different view point.

Yes to some extent it is true that alot of models seem to stick to dark, neutral colours..but it works! Everything comes together much easier and in my opinion makes it all look very chic. Bright, strong colours do exist of course from those who like to stand out from the crowd…to those who add a burst of colour through some sort of accessory.

Recently i’ve started to take much more of an interest in how models style themselves on a day to day basis, and as well as the use of basic neutral colours, i’ve also noticed alot of layering. Of course, for the models themselves this could just be a matter of comfort and convenience….but for me, it creates a style, a look that just appears so effortless and classic! From a basic white tee, to a black leather jacket and a simple scarf, each model seems to take these staple items and make it their own. After all, isn’t fashion about not what you wear, but how you wear it?

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Indian Rose x

Designer vintage bargains

As strange as it may sound, i have never actually bought anything vintage. I do own a few vintage pieces given to me by my Mother, but apart from those…. nothing…the reason why? I think i’ll save that for another post

For the moment, just take a look at these fabulous vintage finds! First up is this Mario Valentino Logo Clutch ($66), in a beautiful and rich wine colour, with embossed leather and gold hardware, it’s the kind of clutch to add a little luxury and elegance to any outfit!

Im a big fan of Oxford shoe-boots, and even more when their Lanvin! These Lanvin Oxford Heels ($122), are from around the 70s, and come in a cool navy blue shade, made in 100% leather. Shoe-boots like these are great for daily wear, and can add a little chic tailoring to your outfit. I actually have some very similar ones to these from Topshop, but out of the two how can you say no to Lanvin?! The boots are a size 7.5 – 8……ugh i hate having small feet!

Both items are available to purchase at theURBANcollection

Indian Rose x

Final reductions at Matches Fashion

Matches Fashion have now got up to 70% off all sale items, so grab a bargain while you can! I personally have my eye on the following items…now if only my bank account agreed with me!

The first piece is this Alexander Wang Black Dress (was £382 now £198 ). A beautiful timeless dress, made with a mix of silk and wool, with a very interesting cut away back. I’d wear it simply as it is, or add a little statement necklace to add more detail.

To be honest im still in two minds over this Marc Jacobs Satchel Style Bag (was £744 now £372). I love the mix of pink and purple, as it is very feminine and girly. The leather also looks very soft and the design itself is quite unique (the hole in the centre opens up into a tote). A cute bag, that actually reminds me alot of Luella’s S/S 09 Collection…..

Oh i am so in love with these Brian Atwood Burgundy Patent Heels (was £341 now £168 ). I don’t know if its just the gorgeous berryshade, or the stiletto heel. These shoes, are the kind that can add that extra oomph to any outfit! The only thing that puts me off them is the 5 inch heel eek!

Some part of me has always had an interest in fashion from previous decades, and the 1940s is one of them. This Diane von Furstenberg Ebie Blouse (was £196 now £98 ), is the type of top that i can imagine myself wearing over and over again. It it a very basic piece, that would be great for layering, but at the same time is fabulous on its own with pin-tuck detail, and pretty puffed sleeves. Great to wear with skinny jeans or a black pencil skirt.

Finally, i really really want this Hanii Y Double Breasted Coat (was £460 now £213). I think its such a classic coat, from the shade of beige to the princess neckline, to the pleats at the back. I can imagine wearing this with nearabouts everything, since it’s such a neutral colour. The coat is made from a mix of wool and linen, and so it’s perfect to wear in spring! *sigh* shame my purse doesn’t agree!

Indian Rose x

From High-end to High-street

Sonia Rykiel S/S 09

Warehouse Keyhole Frill Blouse (£35)

Miss Selfridge Black Sequin Beret (was £15 now £7)

ASOS/Faith Black Platform Courts

Dorothy Perkins Black Pleated Tulip Skirt (£22)

Indian Rose x

Trend alert: Sheer/Transparency

The sheer trend has actually been around for quite a while now, and it’s interesting to see that sheer pieces were still present in many S/S 09 Collections. The difference being that last year the fabrics were completely transparent, whereas now there seems to be a move towards layers and the use of alternative fabrics which also give the peek-a-boo look.

Seeing so many sheer pieces in collections from the past year or so, does make me wonder if this is becoming less of a trend and more of a staple for many of us. Especially, since when styled in the correct way it can be very feminine and sexy, yet quite demure at the same time.

At first, sheer may appear to be quite scary, daring and maybe even trashy!, but i really do feel that the overall look depends on what you buy, and how you wear it. Since this trend is all about the fabric, sheer can be found in pretty tops, floaty dresses and coats, to just a simple piece around the neck or on your arm. The key thing to remember is not to wear to much sheer……try and keep it simple by wearing one sheer item that perhaps only shows your shoulders, your neck or your arms. After all it’s best to leave some things to the imagination than to be walking around almost nude!

Personally, i am in love with the soft, feminine yet sexy look it can create. And to some extent it is quite elegant in how the fabric can sit and float around you! Perfect for the summer!

Givenchy S/S 09

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Rajesh Pratap Singh S/S 09

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Sonia Rykiel S/S 09

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Yves Saint Laurent S/S 09

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Indian Rose x

The being made redundant trend

Today my wonderful employers, gifted me a trend. The trend of being made redundant, that so many of us are currently experiencing. I know it’s not really a fashion related trend or anything, but it is something that is happening everywhere, and it does divide the employed and unemployed (and the ways we dress).

As i sat down, and came to terms with the fact that i won’t be going into work on Monday in my pretty little suit with a crisp white shirt, as well as the fact that i now have no income and no money since my wonderful employers owe me more than 2 months salary, which i won’t be seeing for a while (grrr)….it occured to me, that im going to miss wearing smart clothes and having that Monday morning feeling when going to work. Instead i will now be living in my PJ’s. Nice and comforting, in such a miserable time.

I don’t really know where im going with this post……blogging, style, fashion etc is my way of trying to avoid the bad news given to me today. And in some wacky way, it raises the question in my head how is the credit crunch affecting fashion and trends? Those lucky enough to keep hold of their jobs, and to be able to treat themselves to a new piece of clothing every so often (after the bills etc are paid of course!) may be updating their wardrobe and being ‘trendy’…but what about the rest of us? I certainly won’t be putting any money into the economy since i have no money to shop with!

I guess it’s time for those of us who are credit crunched or unemployed to start looking towards the back of our wardrobes, and rediscover some previously loved pieces.

So what’s the look to be then? Slightly sloppy yet comfy in PJ’s, jeans and any old top for the ‘i don’t care anymore, but i still have to get dressed’,  or perhaps its a time to experiment with style and try something that you couldn’t and wouldn’t normally wear to work?…..After all, as much as unemployment is a miserable and depressing time, it does bring freedom and ‘me’ time with it as well.

Indian Rose x

FilmFare January 2009: Sonam Kapoor

Now i don’t usually blog about Bollywood magazines, but anyone who knows me very well (or has picked up from this blog) will know that i am a big fan of the Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor. In my opinion, out of all the newcomers Sonam has all the requirements to make it big, plus i love her experimental style and attitude to life.

Sonam is perhaps one of the most popular actresses to grace magazine covers in India at the moment, and the fascinating thing is that she looks different in every single one. Each shoot, seems to show a different side to her, and most of the time she’s actually styled in her own clothes!

The fashionista is currently on the cover of FilmFare’s January 2009 issue….and i must say, i was quite shocked and very impressed with the photos for a filmi focused mag!

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Indian Rose x

Happy New Year!

A very belated Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone. I can’t believe it’s already the beginning of another new year, which means i have been blogging for a year now as well! Shocking! When i first started out i never thought i would still be posting a year later, but here i am

The beginning of a new year also means January sales. The perfect time to spend any left over Christmas money and also to try and pick up a good bargain. In my last post i mentioned how i was hoping to get the Angelika Blouse and Alludra Dress from All Saints. Unfortunately, when i got to the store the dress was no where to be seen and the blouse still only had 30% off, which was not a big enough reduction for me. However i did manage to pick up a few other bargains………….

Well 3 to be precise, a Luella Cardigan (was £155 now £46.50), a Kate Moss for Topshop Leather Jacket (was £150 now £75) and a pair of Polo Ralph Lauren Super Skinny Jeans (was £90 now £25). All three items are very basic yet classic, and are just what my wardrobe needed!

According to the tag the cardigan is a Luella Boxy Cable Knit Cardigan from the AW07 Collection. Now, i’ve been trying to find a picture of it online but i can’t seem to spot it anywhere. The colour of the cardigan is actually a very dark navy blue, but my phone seems to refuse to take proper photos at the moment! It really is a lovely thick knit, perfect to wear on a cold day…..and i love the little round buttons and detailed knit pattern on the shoulders and back. I have actually been looking for a grannie chic/classic cardigan for a while so im glad to have found it in my first piece from Luella!

I’ve never really been much of a leather girl…well only when it comes to handbags. But recently, i have had the desire to own and wear a leather jacket. Nothing too flash, or OTT, just something quite soft and simple. For the past few weeks i’ve been searching websites for the perfect leather jacket. Some were too expensive, some looked too cheap, but then when i spotted this particular jacket whilst out shopping, i knew i had to have it!

This Kate Moss for Topshop Leather Biker Jacket, is perhaps owned by many as it’s not exactly a one off piece, but i still love it. The leather is very soft and the details with twists, turns and folds just make it beautiful! The colour as pictured is a dark grey, but in reality in most lights it just looks black!

So what about you? Did anyone else find some good bargains in the January sales?

Indian Rose x

I want! I want! I want!

There are two key items from All Saints that i really really want. I want them so badly, that during times of boredom i examine clothes that i currently own and imagine how i would incorporate them to suit my style – sad i know.

Unfortunately, i can’t afford to buy either of them at the moment, and that’s even after hearing about the 30% off currently on offer…which just makes it even more painful!

The first item is this Angelika Blouse (was £120 now £84) in a beautiful creamy shade, made from 100% silk inspired by a vintage Victorian piece, with delicate lace detailing. How gorgeous does that sound? Ever since i saw this blouse (around 6 weeks ago) i’ve wanted it…i don’t know if it’s the luxury aspect or the fact that it reminds me of the whole romantic gothic trend. It’s just perfect in my eyes!

The second item is this Alludra Dress (was £95 now £66.50). I have recently started to wear more dresses again, specifically LBD’s since they are so wearable and can take you from day to evening events by just a switch of accessories. I love the cut and the detailing of this dress…from the little pleats to the bow to the exposed zipper that gives the dress it’s edge!

Personally, im hoping that they will still be available in the Christmas sales, so please keep your fingers crossed for me!

Indian Rose x

Polka Dots & Bows

Do you ever get that feeling whilst out shopping for clothes, and your eyes spot an item of clothing that reminds you of your childhood? Yes? No?…..

Well whilst browsing the Pret A Portobello site i came across this Lellow Lucy Cream Spotted Cardigan (£35), and it instantly reminded me of my childhood! From the actual cream shade, to the polka dots and the cute little bows. Every thread of this cardigan reminds me of dressing up as a little girl, of course at the time i would have worn this cardigan over a pretty little party dress on a special occasion! But now i wear it over a delicate pastel blouse with skinny jeans and pretty pumps (gosh i am so girly!).

I guess the only difference is that in the past it’s seen as pretty & sweet, whereas now it’s a little quirky and fun. To some extent it actually reminds me of Luella’s S/S09 Collection, not that there are any similar pieces…but just the way that it is a little playful and cute but prim and proper at the same time.

Indian Rose x

Vogue India December 2008: Katrina Kaif

Bollywood’s current fav Katrina Kaif graces the cover of Vogue India this month, with this being her second cover for the magazine this year!

The first time round (Link) she was sitting in pretty pink, styled by Jean Paul Gaultier. This time Vogue seems to have gone for a more seductive and glam look, and the jewel tone of the Versace piece fits in perfectly for the time of year.

Overall, it is a nice cover and i love the midnight/darkness feel to it. However, i dislike the fact that PS has been used to slightly change her features and the usual softness in her eyes has been drawn out.

What do you think? Yay or nay?

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Indian Rose x