Scene Stealer: Mod Style of Carnaby Street, London

Posted by: Tegan Silva

May
9
2012

The 1960s is, by far, one of my favorite decades for fashion. From the structured dresses of the Mods, to the free-spirited Hippies, the times were a-changing and the clothing reflected that. What is so amazing about Carnaby Street, you ask? Well, let me just show you!

Carnaby Street became a hot spot for the hip and fabulous Swinging London scene, with independent fashion boutiques and designers who helped popularize the Mod style. One of those designers included fashion legend Mary Quant who practically invented the mini skirt and brought us one of our favorite fashion icons, Twiggy!

While we have no time machine (sorry guys), you can still get the Mod look with a little help from some A-line dresses, Peter Pan collars, and stylish flats!

(1. Last Minute Finish Gold Collar Necklace, 2. Specs in the City Sunglasses Neutrals (Brown Frames, Brown Lenses), 3. Mod You Look Yellow Dress, 4. Qupid Strip 40 Blue Velvet Tassel Smoking Slipper Flats, 5. Terrace Gardens Brown Clutch)

Craving more Swinging London 1960s fashion? Check out this awesome Tumblr and get inspired!

(Photos courtesy of StyleSight.com, NickelintheMachine.com, and BraxtonandYancey.blogspot.com)

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London Calling: London Fashion Week Highlights

Posted by: LuLu*s !

February
23
2012

The fashion baton was passed onto London Fashion Week this week, showcasing its best designers and their amazing collections. From cool and diverse styles to English-inspired tailored looks, London was a treat to our eyes! So let’s take a look at what our friends across the pond served up for Fall/Winter 2012.

Eclectic is Vivienne Westwood’s middle name and fortunately her Red Label show did not disappoint! Tailored plaid separates and dresses paired with edgy mosaic prints were a nod to the designer’s punk roots. Why not add some safety pins?!

Cool androgyny was achieved with Paul Smith’s collection through sleek tailored jackets and velvet cigarette pants that screamed luxury. The pajama-like tops were beautiful yet masculine!

Matthew Williamson’s show consisted of rich brocades in gold and green and full-length chiffon dresses that evoked bohemian elegance. The orange and robin’s egg gowns were exotic yet romantic!

Duality was definitely a theme for Antonio Berardi with color block dresses and suits. But what really took our breath away were the evening dresses encrusted with swirls of molded sequins that resembled coral. Such detail!

Outerwear was king at Burberry Prorsum with reimagined yet flattering puffer coats and trench coats perfect for any young fashionista! Peplum skirts and cinched in bow belts showed off the right curves!

McQ Alexander McQueen

Alexander McQueen’s affordable line McQ showcased its first ever runway show at LFW with gorgeous tea-length gowns printed with oak leaves and colorful flowers that climbed to the neckline. The white gown stole the show!

What were some of your favorite looks at London Fashion Week?

(All photos courtesy of LondonFashionWeek.co.uk)

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Paper Weight: The Art of Lydia Kasumi Shirreff

Posted by: Sienna Orlando

February
13
2012

"I am an illustrator and installation artist living in London, thriving on good-looking minerals and dusty astronomy books."

From perfect paper geodes to festive woodland friends, paper modeler Lydia Kasumi Shirreff offers us a colorful eye and meticulous hand at work. Her prolific life of paper works includes collaborations, international projects and youthful Indie designs. If you're like me, finding colorful and quirky designers is a constant treasure hunt, so feast your eyes on my newest haul!

If you're dying to see more, then check out her website or blog!

(all images courtesy of lydiakasumi.com)

Blogger Spotlight: Karen of Where Did U Get That

Posted by: Stephanie Gaito

December
29
2010

Happy Wednesday! Time to introduce my favorite blogger of the week! I love my job because I get to spotlight all of the fabulous ladies out there and this week is no exception! This boho-beauty is Karen of the blog Where Did U Get That. A London native living in New York, this international fashion icon has had my attention for some time! I am happy to show you some of my favorites from her amazing selection on her blog.

Karen is a master at layering fabrics, patterns and textures. She always has perfect platforms and jeans to make you jealous. I love her bohemian-gypsy style and I would raid her closet if given the chance!

Make sure you check out Karen's blog. She will definitely be your source of inspiration when the winter blues hit your wardrobe. Her blog is the first place I look when I am sick and tired of the same combos and it is freezing indoors and out! She really knows how to mix up her layers and stay stylish!

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Love the Look: A Whimsical Updo

Posted by: Kathleen McHatton

April
1
2010

It all started with my desk mate and fellow blogger, Sienna.

Her long, curly locks were artistically pined up in twisted strands at the top of her head. In the midst of this gorgeous brunette nest, she had pinned a darling bird figurine perched next to two robin's eggs. Amazing.

Then it was the girl at my favorite coffee shop, who had fashioned several blooming flowers behind her ear with her hair all piled off to the side in quirky but darling manner.

I coined it: The Whimsical Updo.

The thing I love about this hair style is that anything goes. A scrap of your favorite ribbon, an elegant peacock feather, a string of pearls, fresh picked flowers ... just pin them on and attain instant "fairy tale princess" status. The more creative and cute, the better.

Let your hair go naturally wavy or add some body and texture with a sea salt spray. Pile randomly on the top of your crown and secure with a mound of bobby pins. Garnish as desired.

For inspiration, check out these amazing looks captured by London-based photographer Joanna Kustra. Then check our selection of hair accessories to get started.

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Rising Star: Carey Mulligan

Posted by: Kathleen McHatton

January
5
2010

I had never even heard of British actress Carey Mulligan until I went to see her staring role in An Education. And it wasn't until I looked her up on IMDB that I realized I'd not only seen Carey play Kitty Bennet in the remake of Pride and Prejudice, but I had actually watched her perform live in Chekhov's The Seagull at the Royal Court Theatre in London.

She had always stood out to me, but it wasn't until An Education that I really took notice of the girl who's rumored to be the next Audrey Hepburn. I loved watching her character's growth throughout the movie, from the smart school girl who threw caution to the wind, to a woman who was wiser to the ways of the world but more spirited than ever.

Her fashion style also changes with her growth. She starts out in her plain school girl uniform and then experiments with her new grown-up lifestyle by donning elegant coats, dresses and updos. I loved the movie and the message, and her performance was fresh and honest. I look forward to seeing more of Carey's work in the future, and this time, I won't have to read her name in the credits to know who she is.

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UK Elle: Street Style

Posted by: Kathleen McHatton

August
26
2009

During a semester spent abroad in London, I fell in love -- actually fell in love -- with the city itself.

Our relationship was not always a perfect one: icy weather, crowded Tube stations, and a lousy exchange rate. And yet, my time spent there was among the most enjoyable months of my life: special sunny days spent reading in Regent's Park, the exciting night life, the awe of finding a new neighborhood with beautiful historic buildings...and of course the fashion.

The men and women in this city know how to dress. The men look their best on a daily basis, sporting suits, ties, sweater vests and even cuff links, and the women are always ever so chic in their trench coats, blazers, boots, heels and stylish accessories.

With the fast paced lifestyle and weather challenges that face your everyday Londoner, one may wonder how they pull it off.

Well, now you can steal some of their secrets on UK Elle's very own website. In their Street Style section, you can view the wardrobe choices of many Londoners during fashion week in the city and also from fashionistas around the world.

I love getting tips on how to work different style trends, from the Dog Tooth trend pictured above to Blazers and Monochrome. It's a great site to visit whenever you need a little worldly style inspiration.