Style Speaks Louder

I am definitely a winter shoe girl. This was decided one day last week when i was overwhelmed by the amount of winter boots i saw and fell in love with. I prefer a good flat boot over a strappy sandal any-day and I'm a sucker for anything suede, leather, fringed or lace-up-able, this season will most certainly see my winter shoe collection grow to staggering heights.

I have a winter boot list currently growing, taking over my Christmas wish list. Thankfully my birthday is also in December, which makes sense as this love of winter wear must have been growing since birth and may be entirely due to living in Germany, dressed in cute snow boots as a child.

At the top of my list are the most lovable black fringe/tassel suede boots from Zara. I saw them on a PR type woman and had to ask where they were from fully thinking they were going to be out of my price range. They are very on trend for winter and have a great solid heel on them - love at first sight. (Boyfriend take note)

Then i fell for a pair of sexy military boots with laces and solid heels from All Saints (see picture). Gorgeous in leather and although they may not have any striking features they look so punk/goth and tough and just looked amazing on my feet.

Also on my eternal list of boots to buy are a pair of pale nude lace up hiker boots and some over the knee black flat boots, which i have been chasing around on ebay the hope of a bargain.

Despite being low on funds i will be fueling this dirty love affair with boots and for those people who refused to consider boots as a suitable birthday/Christmas present (on the grounds i already have too many shoes) - are you crazy!! A girl can never have too many shoes, or in my case boots, boots, boots!

If you like me love a good graphic t-shirt or sweatshirt then look no further than www.dnagenes.co.uk

A new London based clothing brand, Dnae Genes's ethos and inspiration is generated by 'the positive diversity of people, human strength and unity', which translates to some pretty funky designs which brighten up sweat shirts and t-shirts for men and women.

I particularly like the 'Interplanetary Sweatshirt' for men (pictured), although i would wear it in a mannish baggy kinda way with jeans and the 'More Alive Tee' which is for men and women, as most of the designs are, which I would funk up with some cool black boots and a little skirt for the ultimate pop meets grunge look.

In fact you may have already come across this label as they are already stocked in Hooky in Brick Lane and 15 Minutes on Kings Road, so if you are not clicking on their website check out their stuff stocked in and around London (and Denmark) and pick up something original to wear on your chest.

Click me for the website

This APC sailor jacket was all over Paris fashion week, seen on stylists and fashionistas and is a great and fun little jacket to play around with until the winter cold really sets in.

Ok so sailor style isn't really new, it feels like only yesterday (summer i think) that nautical anchors were everywhere and little seaside dresses were floating around. Topshop also had a nice little sailor inspired jacket in store during summer.

But this little APC jacket is so cute and will no doubt be back during Spring 09. The reason I like it is because it's not too obvious. The details are kept quite tasteful and there are no garish anchors only subtle sketching on the buttons.

It is also quite versatile as it can be toughened up with skinny jeans and tough military boots or feminine over a dress with cute shoes. If you cant afford this one - be sure to look out for similar styles which will no doubt be hitting stores soon.

Apologies for the lack of posting in the last few weeks - can't believe my last post was September when so much has happened in the fashion world.

Milan and Paris fashion weeks have been and gone with plenty of drama - Prada girls slipping over on the catwalk (their slippy pop socks were to blame - cos we all know models can walk in heels) and there were the fabulous hats at John Galliano (of course)with hats paying homage to British art- history. My favourite was the Napoleonic esque hat.

And of course we are now officially into AW08 territory - in fact it was only last week I pulled out my winter coat (and bought another one - buts that's another post). So for all of you who haven't been checking up the trends on style.com then I'll tell you - black, lace and big hair is what you need to know.

Think Camden Goth meets West London socialite and you might get an idea - keep the black nails, zips and leather but throw in some luxe fabrics like lace, silk or chiffon and you will be on trend. But if black is not your thing then this season is also paying homage to the 70's with wide flared jeans and plaid still going strong into winter.

So sorry for the 'No Post's but keep coming back cos I've got plently more in the pipe line.

x

I've noticed a trend in accessories this week - they are all beige. Yes I know a colour normally reserved for the OAPs but to be honest beige is looking pretty hot.

For example take these gorgeous bags (clock wise from top right: House of Frazer, Chloe, Burberry, Tods and YSL)are all in soft buttery beige leather - with the exception of the glittery YSL bag - they are great bags that don't scream at you. The colour will go with any outfit and will allow you to be more creative with your clothes - a statement necklace perhaps or a sumptuous coloured dress for this season or they will add light notes to your look for pre spring.

If like me you are looking for a new bag take example from one of the above beauties. The Tod's bag has that great fringing which is going to be so big next season and is large enough but cute enough to sit comfortably on the crook of your arm whilst holding all your worldly possessions. It could quite happily sit on the crook of my arm.

But it's not just bags that have gone a shade of beige - shoes have too. In fact I think Beige is going to be a big colour next season - cool looking and not too aggressive it will calm the block bold bright colour that has been infecting our wardrobe this AW08.

Just one word of warning don't go raiding Grandma's wardrobe unless its vintage Chanel.

Ah the end of London Fashion Week was Friday and although I didn't get the chance to attend some of the end of FW parties I did get to see two wicked shows on Friday.
I was third row (I'll explain) at Ashish and I think it may have been my highlight of LFW.

There was silver fringing, frayed denim hot pants and Alice in Wonderland like sparkly dresses, depicting the Queen of Hearts card. There was plenty of sparkle and the collection was fun with wide leg jeans with large dice patches and spangly camouflage.

It was also quite amusing to see the confused face of the PR guy when I produced a front row ticket but requested to sit third row. You see unfortunately the ticket was not sent to me at work and was actually the property of an fashion exec - but she couldn't make it. Hence said ticket being passed to the intern (that's me). But we had been given strict orders not to sit front row as it 'would not look good for the company' so I requested to sit third row and sadly watched the very cool black and orange RayBan style sunglasses (only front and second row got a pair) snapped up.

I finished off Friday watching Aminaka Wilmont whose models looked very severe and had a very grown up collection with lots of grey tailoring and long shirts.

Overall I had a great LFW - I just cant wait until next season........

*The piture is of Ashish and although it is blurry you can see the kind of sparkle and fringing I was talking about. The models looked fierce too with black kohl eyes and backcombed big hair.

House of Holland SS09

Retro POP was what House of Holland was all about yesterday, with an explosion of bright bold flower prints and powerful polka dots. Alas I was not at the show to see it myself but the pictures from the show look amazing.
Naturally Holland’s BFF Agnes Deyn opened and closed the show for him, which couldn’t have made his show cooler and more desirable to see.

His collection influenced by the 90’s, (apparently he was inspired by Beverly Hills 90210) was full of acid oranges and yellows, clashing prints of polka dots and lurid flower printed jumpsuits. Sheer skirts and dizzy bright flower prints injected some summer fun into the catwalk yesterday but his latest is not for the faint hearted.

There were whispers of ‘What was he thinking’ in the office when we saw a very confused looking polka crazy menswear look, but I think with Holland, his madness is his making. His clothes are anything but subtle and couldn’t possibly be worn by any respectable person over the age of 25 (even that may be pushing it) but I think that’s his appeal. He’s young and fun and that shows in his collection.

I mean what could we have expected from the man that brought us bright blue mini kilts with a matching eye patch last autumn? I say keep doing what you do best Henry, besides I loved the 90’s.

My second major show today, Louise Goldin, ended fashion Tuesday wonderfully. Unfortunately I was not privileged enough to see Christopher Kane today but at least I have Goldin to send me happily to sleep tonight.

Luring in a big fashion crowd (The Elle fashion team was out in force) Goldin did not disappoint with an amazing show of futuristic sculptured design and glitz. Highly structured white dresses opened the show, displaying Goldin's knack for creativity and tailoring. Over the top and outrageous seemed to rule the collection with transparent organza dresses and pastel knits nestled under elaborate white structures.

A skin tight swarovski encrusted bodysuit caught my eye, even if I may never have anywhere to where it, I think I would be quite happy spending Sundays strutting around my living room in it or maybe to the corner shop. As did the fusion of silk and knit into the dresses. Goldin's SS09 was completely unwearable but completely wonderful. Her take on femininity mixed graphic prints with bone like structures to create a highly interesting and creative show that will secure Goldins name in fashion for years to come.

The atmosphere at the show was suitably excited although that may have been the champagne I was sipping even though I preferred the blood orange juice and lemonade. Also quite suitable Bangers and Mash was served up - fabulously British and fitting. And the venue was so packed there were people crowding the isles - much to annoyance of a certain fashion editor who forced them all to sit on the steps.

Sigh there's a never a dull Tuesday in fashion world.

I have just got back from Emma Cook at London Fashion Week and it was amazing. Quirky cool was the theme at Emma Cook with plenty of floaty white and ruffles to put us in a summer mood.

Sheer black and tight silver pencil skirts hinted at a more grown up collection but the fabulous rose- like ruffles throughout and the iridescent pink and peach flapper cocktail dresses, owned the catwalk. I loved the fringed pale grey flapper dress and a pretty pink-tiered dress with a reference, it seemed, to the sea.
It was also clear that Cook had thought about British weather as a whole line of clear macs encrusted in Swarovski crystals paraded down the catwalk, that’s rain with style.

Quirky prints and cropped jackets kept the collection very playful where as soft hues of gold, grey and pink created a very relaxed but elegant feel to the show.
Cook kept it all very fresh and young, and counterbalanced the 1920’s dresses with chunky ruffled platforms (her own design for Topshop), and plenty of feminine frills and tucks.

The atmosphere was very relaxed and energetic but that may have been the quails egg Benedict and blood-orange juices they were serving to the fashion hungry crowd. Goodie bags totes designed by Cook for Topshop lined the rows, but it seemed that only front row (no I didn’t get one) got a little something, maybe something from Swarovski, one of the sponsors or maybe some Mac makeup.

Next up Louise Goldin SS09 – I’ll keep you posted.

Plaid, Tartan and Check dominated the AW08 runways earlier this year and it looks set to be dominate your wardrobe when the Autumn Winter collections hit the shops. If you are ahead of the game you may have already noticed this bold print creeping into trousers, dresses, jackets and scarfs. In fact there seems to be nothing that the Check has not conquered.
D&G used it dangerously, with bold maxi length dresses and striking tartan tights whereas Asprey have transformed the print into sexy voluminous cocktail dresses.
However the trend is not limited to the catwalk.
Highstreet brands such as Topshop, Warehouse and Matalan have created versions for those on a budget. Such as the little Matalan dress that bears a striking resemblance to a blue/green D&G dress.
However fear not the plaid print as this trend is meant to put some fun back into fashion. It can be worn 1970's style (another trend for AW08) with wide leg jeans and plenty of tan accessories or put a red tartan shirt dress with some opaque black tights, eyeliner and attitude and you will be set for the season.

*Please note all pictures used in this post do not belong to the author of Stylespeakslouder, nor is the author seeking any credit for the photos used.

During a fire alarm at the office today we found ourselves discussing the novelties of men in uniform, while waiting to be let back in.
The firemen that had arrived were quite disappointing as they were neither hot or young (why is this?) but it sparked up the conversation of men in uniforms - most of the girls agreed firemen were hot, I particularly like policemen as long as they are not wearing the tall hats but one girl admitted to a thing for paramedics.
So who is hotter - the verdict is still out.

So after thinking I had decided what to wear on Monday morning the night before ( I planned a black satin embroidered dress with black tights and shoes, I know a little morbid but its a good look) I woke up to bright sunlight and blue skies, not normally something to complain about but it completely threw my plan for all black out the window - I didn't want to be the one person wearing black tights on the hottest day of the month.
So I chose an outfit I'd worn before and pushed creativity aside. I wore a cute little denim effect flippy skirt with a red and white table cloth style top ( maybe a little milk maid) and black gladiator sandals with a wide red suede waist belt. (I'll upload a picture later). So even tho it wasn't my most creative choice of outfit I think it worked and I fell cute with a fifties feel.
I think its important to dress so that you are comfortable but also enjoy wearing the clothes - I mean I'm comfortable in a tracksuit but I'd never leave the house in it. I think that fashion is all about creativity and showing people your personality through your clothes. I like to think I am a creative dresser but also fun. Even if it sometime means killing my feet to totter in killer heels.
But what do you think?

Its that time again, as Sunday descends into night Monday morning ever looms and the difficult decision of what to wear to kick the week off grows bigger. After a whole two days of slumming it in jeans, t-shirt and trainers I want to make an impression on Monday morning, especially as there is an early morning meeting to look forward to.
Unlike the majority of the working force I have complete freedom of what I can wear to work, which in my opinion makes it all the more harder to decide. It also feels like I have exhausted my combinations with the exception of wearing formal office wear of black trousers and shirt combo, but for me that just feels like a wasted opportunity of creativity.
I actually have quite a nice hot pink silk tunic dress I have yet to wear - in fact it still has the tags on and it needs a damn good steaming, but I fear that is is too bright for the day never mind a Monday.
To be honest I am quite disappointed with my current wardrobe, but unable to spend any more money on clothes I am stuck with it. I keep rummaging in the back in the hope that something fabulous will appear, maybe I stuck something at the back and forgot about it....but my rummages confirm I have sadly not. Hmm time to reinvent, recycle and recreate I think. Maybe i can create a mini trend.....maybe not. I'll tell you what I wore tomorrow.