Style Note: The Isabella Oliver Cape

Posted by London Darling

Yesterday was one of those cold and breezy days in London when you really need something warm and snug to wrap up in. And what better way to wrap up than in a cape. It's the perfect alternative to a winter coat. I received this beautiful one as a Christmas Gift from one of my favourite labels Isabella Oliver.

Isabella Oliver Cape

London Fashion Week Diary: BODYAMR

Posted by London Darling

The BODYAMR show was one that I was particularly looking forward to, and it was well worth the wait. The signature draping that I love still played a huge role in the collection as an abundance of luxe fabrics and beaded embellishment.

BODYAMR show

Giveaway: Win Tickets to the 2010 Vitality Show!

Posted by London Darling

The lovely team at Vitality are treating three lucky readers to a pair of free tickets! Running from 18th-21st March in London’s Earls Court 2, Vitality is the UK’s largest health, beauty, fitness and wellbeing event for women.

WIN Vitality tickets

Beauty Buzz: Liz Earle Naturally Active Skincare

Posted by London Darling

I recently changed my beauty regime to include the Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, the Instant Boost Skin Tonic and Skin Repair Moisturiser. It's been just six days, and already I've seen a noticeable difference in the clarity of my complexion and the texture of my skin.

Liz Earle Skincare
Susan Caria - winner of the Love Eco Competition

Susan Caria

A big congratulations to Pretty Stylish London reader Susan who won the Figs & Rouge Rose Garden Gift Set. This vintage-inspired natural & organic body care range uses nourishing botanicals from the traditional English garden to help restore and retain your skin’s natural blossom. A fantastic pampering treat, worth £25 and available at Love Eco.

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Belle and Boo 3

Today I'm introducing the collection of artwork that is Belle and Boo. I first discovered the illustrations whilst shopping in Paperchase for a few birthday cards. I was searching for something vintage looking and sweet. On my way out of the shop, I saw a pretty little girl with bobbed hair, bright eyes and wearing the cutest vintage dress - beautifully illustrated on a postcard. I took it home to display on the notice board and I've since collected a great deal more.

The illustrations capture the moments of childhood you'll always remember; friendships, nature, your first pet. It's the nostalgic, vintage charm that I adore and the hint of Parisian style. Prior to the postcard purchase, I'd never heard of Belle and Boo's Mandy Sutcliffe, but I've since come to learn that as well as being a fantastic illustrator, she is also the author of a number of children's books including Evie's Seaside Lullaby.

Belle and Boo 1

The collection is also available on prints, clothing and accessories. Visit the online shop and you'll find adorable pocket mirrors and bags, but it's the 'Lost' dress that I'm shamelessly in love with. It's just the kind of clothing that I'll be kitting out my future sprog in! (If the baby is a girl, of course, and no I'm not expecting... just thinking ahead!) It's official, Belle and Boo has to be one of my most coveted creative pickings for this year.

Belle and Boo  2

Web: www.belleandboo.com
For London Stockists click here
Also available at www.etsy.com
E.g...Made in London (1)

There's something really fresh and exciting about new London based fashion label E.g... Perhaps it's the clever mix of tough tomboy meets youthful femininity or the 80's power dressing chic that's prominent in the collection. Whatever it is, the brainchild of E.g..., Emma Griffiths is definitely onto something. And it's not surprising when she's previously worked for some of the best womenswear designers in the industry including Alexander McQueen and Boudicca.

Now with the launch of her own label, the split personality of the brand is sure to work in her favour. Appealing to those seeking something unique, a tad eccentric and yet still very much on-trend, the key ingredients of luxurious designs with powerful silhouettes, result in quite a delicious style offering. For structured dresses, statement jackets, and a gorgeous all-in-one number that will make the likes of Daisy Lowe swoon, see my hot picks from the look book below:

E.g...Made in London (6)

E.g...Made in London (2)

E.g...Made in London (5)

E.g...Made in London (4)

E.g...
Tel: 0845 956 9699
Web: www.egfashion.co.uk
Graduate Fashion Week 09
Kate Huxley

Graduate fashion week kicked off on Sunday, now in its 18th year is the time when students from more than 50 universities across the UK meet for 23 shows. Quite disappointingly, I never made it the opening shows and it's heartbreaking that I may not be able to attend the highly anticipated gala tomorrow due to the tube strike currently underway. It's going to be an absolute nightmare trying to get into central London admist panicked commuters and bus replacement services!

Still, I've been getting my graduate fashion fix online. Key fashion editors have hand-picked the designers who've been grabbing the biggest attention at Sunday's show. Among the 15 collections that were showcased on the 7th of June, I have to agree with The Evening Standard's Karen Dacre when she selects Katie Huxley and Lucy Bryan as the two stand-out designers of the moment.

Both graduates from the University of East London (my old academic playground!) made a big impact with fancy flourishes of ruffles and pleats juxtaposed with strong shapes. It would seem Huxley's biggest influence for her collection was her fashion mentor Luella Bartley, who she interned with last year. The frills and sexy ruffles that were a firm fixture in her collection seemingly paid homage to Bartley's Summer collection.

Graduate Fashion Week 09
Lucy Bryan

However, it was Lucy Bryan's designs that dominated the catwalk. Her sculpted dresses and voluminous jackets stole the show. Two days later and Bryan's designs remain hot topic with much critical acclaim. With leather feathers and with futuristic shapes, she showcased some uber sharp tailoring and met the high standards of a more established designer, setting the bar pretty high for the remaining fashion grads.

Another graduate who critics believe has great promise is Lynsey Roberts, she made her mark with a delectable sports luxe collection. Serving up wet-look leggings and bell sleeved jackets, Roberts achieved a look that is both edgy and elegant.

All three are believed to be strong contenders for the series of awards scheduled tomorrow. Judged by British designers Giles Deacon and Matthew Williamson, the awards gala will reveal London's brightest emerging designers selected from the 50 universities participating.

Here is my pick of the catwalk crop from Sunday's opening show:

Graduate Fashion Week Highlights

Web: www.gfw.org.uk
Images Credit: www.thisislondon.co.uk
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