Here’s something to snoop at…

Looking for something to feast your eye’s on this Monday impersonator Tuesday? Well, this lunchtime have a good look at the new issue of Cellardoor Magazine. 

If you haven’t tuned in before, Cellardoor brings an eclectic mix of fashion, art, music and culture in a really beautiful and visually delectable way. If you want something a bit different to the usual magazine choices, then this is the choice for you – the imagery is stunning, features are informative but spoken on a real level that is not only engaging but humorous. 

The new issue has a spring airy theme including a feature on stylish royals, the new spring/summer trends, giving you the low down on what’s hot for the stereo, some beautiful editorials AND they even take a peek inside some of their readers homes. All this alongside contributions from writers and photographers across the globe, and cute illustrations to show off their love for all the beautiful things. This will soon become your must-read online magazine!

http://cellardoormagazine.co.uk/

LOVE!

Suno: Where Exoticisim, NY Cool and Ethical clothes meet as one….

Some of you may or may not have heard of Suno. Born from Max Osterweis trips to Kenya – this brand is pretty much a mixture of every spectrum that circulates the fashion world: Not only are the clothes super luxe and wouldn’t look out of place on Rodeo Drive and draped over ever A List celeb, they are right at the forefront in the design and print stakes: with the wide spectrum of colours used to help bring out the Kenyan authenticity, the printing techniques verge on mathematical and problem solving but are just clever tribal designs. Some might say its all thrown together in some mish mash, but I like the fluidity – how none of it ‘should’ work, but it does: beautifully.

£585

£585

£445

£318

£628

£548

£858

£548

£508

Howtruly breathtaking are these pieces! Short of making you want to travel to Kenya to walk around in the dusty surrounding, Suno transports you into a world of its own.

You can buy Suno at Matches but please do go over to Suno’s website and take in, in all it’s glory, about it’s ethics and the wonders that go into making a Suno piece.

April Jewellery Star: Lucy Hutchings

Another up+coming brand for you, so please put your hands, or get your credit cards ready, for April’s Jewellery star: Lucy Hutchings.

Inspired by her childhood spent roaming around the Suffolk countryside, East London jeweller Lucy Hutchings developed her love for man-made and natural fabrics at an early age, managing to create such beauty from something so basic.

After studying a course in Wood, Metal and ceramics at University of Brighton and gaining a first class Bachelor of Arts degree, Lucy quickly grabbed peoples attention with her spirited ideas and use of different media. After people sat up and took notice, Lucy joined forces with the rather amazing Erickson Beaumon’s studios in London. After gaining valuable knowledge, Lucy has started up by herself and presents us with some something altogether different and unseen before, managing to juxtapose elegance with boldness. Heavy use of semi-precious stones, real peacock feathers work against the rigid metal casings – I have long been a fan of a statement piece of jewellery, but what Lucy does so well is create a real statement persona with every piece – there’s almost too much to look at with every item, and is a real feast for the senses – with rope mixed with heavy acrylics joined with gentle with precious stones – these items are no doubt going to be favourites with just about everyone!

Now time for the gawping! Here are some highlights of Lucy’s SS11 collection:

Go check out her website for past collections and new pieces being added: http://www.lucyhutchings.com/

Stockists:
Liberty
Harrods
Start
My-Wardrobe
Young British Designers

Until next time….

Scribbles Trend View: Can you ‘Colour-Block’ on the cheap?

Ever since Jill Sander walked the first four models down the runway for SS11 we knew burst of colour was going to be huge. Not only was Sanders show somewhat iconic, it also paved the way for a multitude of shows showcasing some serious colour blocking – DVF, Gucci, Burberry, MaxMara, Versus and Marc by Marc Jacobs all gave us a zing in our steps by walking through some vibrant and hot colour mixes. Never one to be left out the High street was sure to follow and give us ‘regular’ shoppers a chance to recreate the hot trend of B=Colour Blocking.

This is a trend that you cant be afraid of: I’ve never been exactly ‘scared’ of wearing colour, it’s just colour doesn’t like me – I stick to neutrals (namely black) as they are far more slimming and less stared at by the people of Berkshire. But when Jonathan Saunders walked his models down the runway covered in contrasting colours and florals I knew that this was what I wanted my Summer to look like! Despite having Net-a-Porter’s selection of J.S clothes pasted to my desktop, I also know that it would take me years to even own a single swatch of fabric… SO, I have decided to work it from high street pieces alone and keep my looks simple – there’s no way the paperbag-esque maxi skirts Sander showed, will ever look good on my stumpy 5ft nothing legs.

I purchased 3 pairs of trousers, all from Zara that are bang on trend with the colours and styles – I have turn up chinos, skinny legged, and ankle grazers. With none of them coming over the £26 price mark, they are more than affordable! To finish a simple colour block outfit off, team with contrasting coloured vest top. Mine are all from Primark – cant go wrong with paying £2.00 for a top right?!?!

Simple you might say?!? Yes.. that they are. But when you wear something that is that right surely the key is to keep it simple. I’m more than happy to trial these out come the more warmer weather, mix and match them, dress them up and down with heels or flats, and get full use out of all of them!

I hope to add more to my Colour Block section in my wardrobe, but right now I’m happy with my basics.

Until next time….

High Stret Hit List…. The Result…

A bright, Summery choice for you all – This skirt immediately caught my eye, as it was very reminiscent of the SS11 collection from Jonathan Saunders – of which I just absolutely adored. In a bright sea blue colour with a white flower print, this pencil skirt is not only ideal for the office but I also think it’d be perfect for all those Summer events you’ve all got lined up: Ascot, Weddings etc.

Normally, I’m not a fan of the shape of a pencil skirt, I feel I’m slightly too short for them, however I do like the more un-business like versions like this, and would love to give it a go. At only £28 this is a cheap Summer trend buy, that wont make much difference to the bank balance if the ‘bright’ trend doesn’t last much longer. So what did you all think:

Yes: 71%

No: 28%

A downright winner it would seem – must be something about the bright blue and floral spread that make it so appealing to you all! A top bargain!

Until next time….

Olivia and Dune sitting in a tree……

What do you get if you combine really good shoes and the Queen of print??? Olivia Rubin’s collaboration with Dune shoe that’s what! Oh yes, probably the stuff dreams are made of, and even more so for me! My love for Olivia and her dynamic digital prints have not gone un-noticed, I follow everything that this little superstar is up to and season after season, Rubin just gets stronger and stronger – her looks are more dynamic, strong, and even more iconic. So I practically fell off my chair when I found out that our Olivia was going to be teaming up with High Street shoe emporium, Dune, to create a a capsule collection showcasing three of Olivia’s iconic prints. All beautiful, colourful and super girly, this is one collection that doesn’t limit itself – it will easily merge into your existing wardrobe.

Not only is it shoes, there are two tote bags and a clutch to help finish any outfit off. This collection is just as iconic as Rubin’s designs and are sure to grab everyone’s attention and hopefully do more to propel Olivia into the public’s eye.

Here’s the shoes:

And the bags:

I’m super pleased that Olivia decided to do this range and stayed super true to her design ethic but still produce a collection that is going to literally fly off the shelves.

Go check them out at: http://www.dune.co.uk/ and go to: http://www.oliviarubinlondon.com/ for more on the lady herself.

Until next time….

Scribbles Views: To Be Unique and Love Art-Wear Art…

I have been known to be described as a bit of a magpie when it comes to these items: I like them in ever format: remotely shiny, kitsch, fun and cute. It’s a past time for me, I really enjoy finding these specially made items, handmade, one-offs, something a little bit different. Fortunately or unfortunately for the space in my house, I like to keep everything, I like to think that most of these items mean something personally to me, and therefore will stay with in my life for a long time. What am I talking about?

Shoes.

It takes a special brand to make me want to keep a pair in my wardrobe for a long time, I change my shoes as often as I change my underwear, so I like to look for that certain something. With a name like Love Art- Wear Art, I knew this was the kinda brand for me – why you ask? Well imagine finding collections of shoes where they only produce a limited run of each style and that are all individually numbered by a little metal banner on the outsole – That’s special.
Launching at the most ideal time- SS11, Shoe Designer, Nicole le Grange, launches her luxurious collection  based on her her travels and love of Nigerian artist Chris Ofili’s work, she manages to bring the ethnic trend right bang up to date. The SS11 Launch collection basically sums up my kinda Summer. Not only is it Sexy and powerful, the superb styling manages to incorporate every kind of look you want to achieve in one shoe. Showcasing stunning strappy sandals – from western style stirrup heels to of the moment midi heels, every pair will work with you and your wardrobe. In keeping with Love Art Wear Art’s ethos for individuality and travel heritage, Nicole has named each shoe with a Swahili word to reflect the essence of each style.  The Saidia means protect and support. ‘This is my warrior shoe. The multi straps over the foot hold, protect and support. One for the urban amazon’ Laini is delicate ‘This little sandal is formed by a mesh of fine straps that hold the foot in place whilst being delicate and elegant’. This is exactly what I mean about something meaning something.

Tani – £230

Pale grey nubuck upper and Brushed antique gold buckles.

Working well for the new ‘brights’ and colour trends hitting us hard this Summer, the wood effect heel help to give a more natural feel and overtly strappy front help to toughen it up.

Saidia – £245

Burnish tan leather upper, Blue & orange embellishment and Brushed antique gold buckles.

A real wardrobe essential, I love the gentle, not too heavy coloured studding which helps make the design look even more different and more uptempo

Laini £130

Bronze shimmer kid suede upper and Brushed antique gold buckle

The perfect day shoe, team with some shorts and a silk camisole and wear them with a tan

Kunja – £165.00

Jade fabric & kid suede upper, Brushed antique gold buckle

My favourite, favourite ones – look at the colour on these! Go bright and bold, and please team these with hot pink!

Kunja Print – £180

Limited edition print fabric and Brushed antique gold buckle

Love, love love and err, love these! go all out in these print edition – so versatile and definetly one of a kind.

I hope, that one day, my wardrobe gets to store these, my feet get to wear them and people get to see them. Remember: If you love Art, why not wear it?

Get yourself over to their website now http://www.loveartwearart.com/

Until next time….

*Thanks to PushPR for giving me the heads up!*

Scribbles Views: Summer Meadows and Magical creatures….

The first blooms are arriving for Spring, or so I’m told. The mornings and evenings are getting lighter, there’s more positivity in the air and our favourite woodland creatures are out and about – not your normal suburban scene I must admit, but it sure is in Louise Dungate’s world.

I first came across Louise’s website back when the Winter first hit, seems so long ago now, and she wowed me with her eco-friendly and ethical hand knitted accessories. For Winter, everything was big and plentiful, with everything made individually, and made out of the most natural fibres: Sheepskin, Merino Wool and Alpaca. I loved the way Dungate had managed to bring simple knitwear accessories, which sometimes can be taken for granted, and bought them right into fashion and trend.

I have been keeping a close eye on Louise Dungate’s website throughout those dark and dismal months, lusting after must-have pieces. Moving onto the new season, her new collection is inspired by the creatures of Summertime, human and animal alike, and their love of basking in sunshine and I love it! Moving onto lighter fabrics of pure organic cotton, ideal for the higher temperatures, it has to be said, that the animal cotton tee’s are my favourite – these hand illustrated t-shirts are perfect for adding a real kitsch look to a leather skirt, some high-waisted wide legged trousers or under some dungarees. But the question is: are you a Owl, Badger, Fox or a Rabbit kinda person… Think we all know which one, I am! Here’s the SS11 collection to get you in the mood for a walk in the woods:

£25.00

£25.00

£25.00

£25.00

The Wild Grass Skinny Organic Cotton Scarf

£40.00

A long, skinny knitted and laddered scarf made from 100% organic cotton which has been dyed with sustainable natural dyes

I love this skinny scarf – so versatile. My Choice: Tuck it into a pair of high-waisted flares like braces!

The Dandelion Organic Cotton Poncho

£110.00

A net-like, hand knitted draped poncho made from 100% organic cotton, which has been dyed with sustainable natural dyes. Incredibly soft to the touch, this cotton feels light and beautifully gentle on the skin.

This is stunning to look at, and there are just so many different ways to wear it – Gothic it up with some serious leather trousers underneath, or go for the hot Summer trend and wear nude colours.

The Ladyland Organic Cotton Snood

£75.00

A soft, open knit summer snood made from 100% organic cotton that has been dyed using sustainable and natural dyes. Perfect for a summer of dreaming or for just dreaming of summer…

Unusual to see the snood accessory be carried on into the summer, that’s for sure, but I love fresh this looks and idea for wrapping up as you watch the sun go down, at the end of those Summer BBQ’s.

I would most like everything from Louise Dungate, it’s rare to find, handmade, ethical knitwear that looks so modern and on trend.

Go check out the website here

Until next time…

Scribbles Views: Sneaky Peek at H & M Spring 2011

Top Model duo: Freja Erichsen and Raquel Zimmermann have teamed up for H & M new Spring11 collection. Judging by the above photo released, me thinks the 70’s trend will feature heavily! Check out the hair on Raquel – insane! You gotta get me a ‘do’ like that!

Until next time….

Scribbles Views: New Season High Street…….Urban Outfitters

Following on from the Reiss SS11 collection, sSecond up: a sneaky peek into Urban Outfitters SS11 picks:

Completely and utterly loving the cute, girly and really sunny looking prints! Featured heavily on dresses, tunics, and camisoles. Its so pretty to see some real femininity coming back into play. I just love this smock dress! Team sunshine yellow with some hefty wooden wedges and neutral makeup.

Normally as a golden rule, the bikini will match and colour co-ordinate. Over at Urban Outfitters, they like to do things differently. Make a real play this Summer, with deliberate mis-matching of your bikini’s – not just colours, but prints and styling. These are fun and sexy – but also put you bang on trend in how ‘not’ to match. I love the way it’s deliberate and just a little bit different from what we would all normally expect.

The mini-skirt is back and the short makes a welcome reappearance too! Skirts are short and flirty – but keeping it innocent in cute floral prints – these remind me of something I used to wear when I was (alot) younger – its always nice to relive your youth right?!?! The shorts are equally as short, but have a retro feel with polka dots – team with rep lipstick and some kiss curls and your away!

An unusual choice for a Summer shoe style. Normally used in Winter and often seen as the ‘warmer’ footwear choice, makes a much needed textured appearance this Summer. Whether it be laced up wedges, or open toe sandals – keep it heavily fabricated with suede that’s coloured. My favourites: the Sage green lace up wedges – wow!

Keep an extra eye out for the accessory range in Urban Outfitters this Summer – their hat’s are kitsch and playful, the Sunglasses are so high fashion, and their scarves are just what you need to keep your hair shielded from the sun. Fab collection Urban Outfitters – nice to see just plain fun featuring heavily after a very grey Winter.

Until next time…….