LFF SHOPS THE AW12 SALES

Forget the January sales, if you want to find the real bargains the time to head to the high street is now. Online there are plenty of sales to be taken advantage of too, with the Matches, my-wardrobe.com and ASOS sales in full swing. Another one to look out for is the Topshop sale, which without fail has started online on Christmas eve for the past few years. I've found that people don't catch on to this until boxing day, so I log on to Topshop website on Christmas eve every year to snap up the best bargains. Here's my pick of just some of the fab sale buys available right now:



1. Freda fuschia silk dress, Matches, was £375 now £187.

2. Minnie Mawi necklace by Disney Couture Little mini necklace, ASOS, was £50 now £30.

3. Farhi lambswool colour block sweater, Atterley Road, was £150 now £85.

4. Francis mirror sunglasses, Kurt Geiger, was £60 now £29.

5. Berry animal print jeans, Dorothy Perkins, was £30 now £17.

6. Joey glass earrings, Kurt Geiger, was £30 now £15.

7. Colourblock mohair jumper, Dorothy Perkins, was £32.00 now £17.00.

8. Metallic PU skirt, H&M, was £19.99 now £7.

9. Grey toe-cap pointed courts, H&M, was £24.99 now £10.

10. Yellow beanie hat, H&M, was £3.99 now £3.

11. Rose and rhinestone bracelet, Wallis, was £14.00 now £7.00.

LFF TREND ALERT: STAR PRINTS

Star prints are one of those timeless motifs (like polka dots) that never really date, but right now they are having a definite moment. It’s in the depths of winter when the days get shorter and the nights get longer, that constellation-inspired prints really come into their own and will add some much needed star-quality to otherwise drab outfits.

If your mind has turned to what you’ll be wearing over the festive season like mine, then any of the below pieces should do the sartorial trick. Snuggle up in a star print sweater  (Chinti & Parker- no.1) on Christmas day, and dazzle after dusk come cocktail hour with a suitably sparkly pair of star earrings (Kenneth Jay Lane- no.4). And unlike your average novelty festive jumper, these styles have post-Christmas mileage so you’ll get plenty of wear out of them come the New Year too.  

1. Chinti & Parker star print sweater, Matches, £350.

2. Orelia double star necklace, ASOS, £10.

3. Comme Des Garcons zip wallet, Farfetch.com, £148.71.

4. Kenneth Jay Lane star earrings, ASOS, £20.

5. Star print scarf, Jaeger, £45.

6. Shooting star trousers, Hobbs, £44.

7. Orelia star bracelet, ASOS, £10.

8. Illustrated People jumper, Topshop, £30.

9. Sonia by Sonia Rykiel strapless dress, The Outnet, £138.25.



LFF ATTENDS: THE LAUNCH OF ANTONI & ALISON'S YE OLDE WORLDE SUPER MODERN TEAROOM

A couple of weeks ago, I was lucky enough to attend the launch of Antoni & Alison's new tearoom, located in Clerkenwell above their shop. The 'Ye Olde Worlde Super Modern Tearoom', (try saying that after a glass of champagne) is the fashion design duo's latest venture,  and I am happy to report, is every bit as wonderful as Antoni & Alison themselves.

I met up with my fashion blogger/ journo buddy Natalie for the event, where we headed upstairs to the tearoom space to sip tea and nibble Victoria sponge (served by Alison herself, no less).

 

The concept behind the tearoom is to create a space where visitors can think and be creative; there’s no wifi or fancy coffee machines to be found, instead guests are handed an Antoni & Alison pencil and pad upon entry to accompany their breakfast tea and Victoria sponge. Add some very chic Antoni & Alison illustrated china into the mix and you have an endearing little haven.

I was also really chuffed to have a chat with Antoni at the tearoom launch, and he was every bit as charming as I had hoped (possibly have a little crush). Here’s my snaps from the launch:

 

Antoni & Alison cups & saucers (felt tip pen designs)

The Antoni & Alison victoria sponge that I am happy to report was extremely moist!

Natalie doing a little tea-drinking/ posing

Some more obligatory posed tea-drinking. My Christmas bow ring is by Whistles and the nail polish is Barry M.

The wonderful Alison- photo courtesy of Village Press.

The witty menu- photo courtesy of Village Press.

Head upstairs above the Antoni & Alison shop floor to find the tearoom.

Antoni - photo courtesy of Village Press.

 No launch would be complete without a little champagne- here's the after-tea party happening in the basement.

 More tea & cakes!

A typically quirky Antoni & Alison film reel streamed in the basement.

Beautiful patterned knits in the shop.

The characteristically bold shop frontage.

The Antoni & Alison notepad & pencil- can you tell I'm just a little bit thrilled by mine?

 

A big thank you to Village Press for the invite & to Antoni & Alison for a wonderful teaparty!

 

The Ye Olde Worlde Super Modern Tearoom is open now between Thursday- Sunday on Roseberry Avenue, Clerkenwell.

LFF'S GUIDE TO: CHRISTMAS BALL OUTFITS 2012

So here's my third and final blog of the season centred around Christmas party outfits. And this blog is dedicated to the dress code that can often be quite daunting when it appears on an invitation: black tie.

Black tie dressing can look frumpy if done wrong, so my advice is mix textures, metallics, sequins and embellishments to keep the look interesting and modern. Luckily the high street also have a really impressive offering when it comes to ball gowns this a/w- would you believe the Phase Eight full length sequinned number below was off the rack? Cinders doesn't need to have a designer budget in this day and age, although the last tube might mean the 12pm curfew can't be avoided!

1. Phase Eight Collection 8 Colette dress, John Lewis, £275.
2. Glitter Ball earrings, Cinderela B, £35.
3. Lanvin gold metallic logo clutch, Liberty, £225.
4. Hyla strappy heeled sandals, ASOS, £35.

LFF'S GUIDE TO: CHRISTMAS COCKTAIL PARTY OUTFITS 2012

So here's the second of my blogposts themed around styling your christmas party outfits. Today I am tackling cockail hour, which I have to say is one of my favourite occasions to get dressed up for. The key to getting cocktail hour fashion right is dressing for low-lighting; look for embellished, jewelled and glitter-encrusted styles that will shimmer after dark. A touch of vintage styling is also key to this look; cocktails were popularised during prohibition in the 1920s and were the preserve of the 1950s housewife, so anything a little bit vintage feels highly appropriate!

The next installment will be coming shortly...

1. Feather hem dress, Warehouse, £130.
2. Kenneth Jay Lane Swarovski crystal clip earrings, Net-a-porter, £60.  
3. Ted Baker glitter origami clutch, John Lewis, £79.
4. Hustle heeled sandals, ASOS, £35.

LFF ATTENDS: MODUS PR'S 25TH PRESS DAY & BIRTHDAY PARTY

It can be hard to find time to let your hair down when you have a full-time job and fashion blog to run, which is why it’s so nice to be invited to an industry party from time to time. Last week I had a great time at Modus PR’s 25th press day and birthday celebration; afterall when you have beautiful fashion, delicious champagne, a fun photobooth and a DJ that plays Spice Girls and Little Mix, what more could a girl ask for?

Here's my pictures from the event...

An iridescent crystal-encrusted Phlip Treacey hat

Happy birthday Modus!

 The prettiest packaging from Fragonard Parfumer

 I fell in love with metallic green python skin detail heels by Michel Perry- one to watch!

 Whimsical patterns from the queen of prints Celia Birtwell

 Love the jewel detail on this striped sundress by By Malene Birger

  It's pretty obvious that I love a neon knit! This one is by By Malene Birger.

 Fun jewel-detail frames from Marchon Eyewear

 Don't forget to pack your highlighter! Obsessed with these neon leather goods from Undercover stationary

Super pretty exotic skin & nature print slippers from the Jacksons

 Consumed a fair few of these canapes!

 Katie's neon and geometric knit from Topshop induced some serious sweater envy within me!

Doing some obligatory posing in the Modus photobooth with Katie of Glass of Fashion / alongside Jaime of Boy Meets Fashion. My neon jumper is from Forever 21.

 Modus really did think of everything- after a few champagnes the delicious Koshari street food stand was much appreciated!

A BIG LFF thank you to Modus for the invite & a fabulous evening x

LFF'S GUIDE TO: CHRISTMAS PARTY OUTFIT 2012

I've noticed my blog post on Christmas party outfits from last December has been getting quite a lot of traffic recently, so I decided it was about time I put together an updated post for 2012. Over the next few days I'll be sharing the looks I’d wear for those tricky sartorial occasions the festive season throws up- starting with the office Christmas party.

 

1. Spot Jacquard trousers, ASOS, £45. 2. Lurex Jacquard top, Mango, £34.99. 3.  J.Crew Crystal encrusted earrings, Net-a-porter.com, £86. 4. Marni two-tone leather clutch, Net-a-porter.com, £280. 5. Metal toe detail heels, ASOS, £33.50.

 

LFF LOVES: EMMA COOK'S FESTIVE COLLECTION FOR TOPSHOP

Topshop get some serious style kudos from me this year. First there was the inspired Unique AW12 show, then came J W Anderson’s lust-worthy collection and now TS are rounding up a stellar year with an uber-cool festive collaboration with Emma Cook.

Whimsical London fashion designer Cook has collaborated with Topshop to create a festive ‘Wonderland collection’, comprising of fashion, accessories and fun Christmas gifts. Featuring glossy wrapping paper prints, quirky animal motif tees and cute novelties, Topshop’s latest collaboration puts high-fashion into festive.

My highlight of the collection is definitely the kitsch/ chic china wear decorated with prints featuring fauna, evergreens, sequins and bows. It looks like the sort of table wear you’d find in a high-end interiors store to me; stockpile your present cupboard with it before it sells out! Here's the LFF edit of the range:

 1. Wrapping paper print dress, £140.
2. Xmas print plate, £12.
3. Fairylight print dress, £120.
4. Wrapping paper print diary,  £9.
5. Jingle bell mittens, £25.
6. Deer print tee, £30.
7. Xmas print mug, £8.
8. Reindeer names jumper, £60.

LFF ATTENDS: GOOD RESULTS PR SS13 PRESS DAY

Last Thursday I popped into Good Results PR's SS13 press day held at the super-swish Sanderson hotel. After being wowed by the 8th floor pent house location, I really enjoyed browsing through the GR client SS13 collections. Good Results look after several brands that haven't crossed my fashion radar previously, with Copenhagen-based brand Beck Sonder Gaard's colourful accessories range proving a LFF fav. Luxury accessories brand Ruby + Ed were also there & their display definitely proved the most creative, taking over the bedroom and bathroom of the penthouse suite! Here's the pictures I took from the event:

Inside the Ruby & Ed-themed boudoir..

Ruby + Ed

Inside the Ruby + Ed wetroom

Snug towelling-lined lined slippers from Ruby + Ed

Ruby + Ed again

On-trend slippers & booties from Linzi shoes

More Linzi shoes

 Colourful accessories from Copenhagen brand  Beck Sonder Gaard

More Beck Sonder Gaard

Luisa Cerano

Twist & Tango- Love the coral hues.

Thanks to the Ruby + Ed team and Good Results PR for the warm welcome X

LFF LOVES: RUBY + ED LUXE ACCESSORIES

When I’m getting dressed each day comfort is a big consideration for me; in my opinion there is no greater luxury than being comfortable. Sure, a sky-high pair of heels and a designer dress may look expensive, but personally I never feel more luxurious than when I’m lounging in a white toweling robe and fluffy slippers, boutique hotel style! Which is why I’m really excited to share luxury accessories brand Ruby +Ed with LFF readers.

Ruby + Ed is a British luxury brand specializing in slippers, fur accessories, luxury accessories and knit accessories. Stocked in Harvey Nichols, Harrods, Liberty and Selfridges to name but a few, Ruby + Ed are fast becoming the go-to brand for beautifully made slippers. They are also branching out in clothing and outerwear- with their super-snug faux-fur coats being a LFF favourite!

The lovely folk at Ruby + Ed were generous enough to send me a pair of ‘cloud’-lined ballerina slippers to review for my blog and I really can’t put into words how fabulously soft and cosy they are to wear. With Christmas round the corner if you're looking to treat someone special to a touch luxury this year, Ruby + Ed would be a great gifting idea. Here’s my pick of the pieces that I'd love Santa to put into my stocking! 

1. Jaguar fur jacket, £199.
2. Raccoon faux-fur mittens, £24.95.
3. Hooded coat in mink, £275.
4. Felt sequin bow ballerinas (outdoor shoes), £40.
5. Orchid pink velvet bow ballerinas, £37.50.
6. Orchid pink velvet hot water bottle cover, £27.50.
7. Jaguar fur boot, £39.95.
8. Raccoon fur trapper hat, £35.

LFF LOVES: ASOS' AW12 STATEMENT JEWELLERY

For the best statement jewellery on the high-street this season, look no further that ASOS’ seriously luxe AW12 offering. 

Featuring colourful jewelled earrings and quirky statement necklaces, ASOS have a plethora of adornments to update your winter look. To style this trend for now, mix up your look and pair your jewelled accessories with a casual grey marl sweater for that perfect high/low combination. 

1.Premium flocked gemstone necklace, £50. 
2.Midnight bug necklace, £20. 
3.Crystal shard burst necklace, £50. 
4.Jewelled moon doorknocker earrings, £20.
5.Winged stone collar necklace, £40. 
6.Bee door-knocker earrings, £15. 

TREND ALERT: NEON KNITWEAR

Thought neon was just a summer trend? Well think again; neon remains a key colour trend for winter and will continue to be a style highlight (sorry... very bad pun) well into SS13.  

It's also a great way to update last year's winter coat if you don't have the budget to buy a new season-style; simply pair your current cover up with a cute pom-pom hat and chunky knit scarf for an instant update. Alternatively you can commit fully to fluro with a cosy neon knit; a sure-fire mood-enhancer that will banish the winter blues. Here's my pick of the best highlighter-hued knits to add to your winter wardrobe:

1. Julie neon wool & angora jumper, Jaeger, £140.

2. Pom Pom beanie, Forever 21, £3.90.

3. Acne Lina Pineapple sweater, Farfetch.com, £185.55.

4. Striped fingerless mittens, Forever 21, £6.65.

5. Acne River angora ribbed scarf, Matches, £150.

6. Sandro Sensation knitted jumper, Net-a-porter, £175.

7. Hot pink chunky knit scarf, Jaeger, £65.

8. Neon blue Mango cable knit jumper, John Lewis, £34.99.

LFF LOVES THE WHISTLES AND MARKUS LUPFER COLLECTION

I've been in the full-on festive spirit since previewing the Whistles and Markus Lupfer collaboration at the St Pancras Renaissance hotel last week. As a massive fan of Markus Lupfer's work, I was super-excited to see how his playful sense of glamour would translate into a collection for the coolest high street brand around. And girls I can tell you that this meeting of fashion minds has produced one of the cutest and covetable collections of nightwear and knitwear that I have seen in a long time!

 LFF's favourites:

Click to shop

1. 100% Silk PJs, £125.

2. 'BRR' Intarsia cashmere bobble hat, £55.

3. Iphone holder, £40.

4. Knit scarf, £75.

5. Neon heart print make-up bag, £65.

Continue reading after the jump to see more pics from the event and find out which celebrity faces have got involved!