Tag Archives: H&M

Versace for H&M

9 Nov

Last night, Donatella Versace launched her eagerly anticipated collection for H&M in New York. Not one to do anything low-key, it was a glamourous celeb-filled affair with performances from Nicki Minaj and the toughest man to pin down in showbiz – Prince.

Love that Nicki Minaj has suddenly become fashion royalty having sat FROW next to Anna Wintour at NYFW and is now bffs with Donatella – I mean, are they actually holding hands in this picture?!

(Sources: http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/news-features/TMG8877820/Versace-for-HandM-launches-in-New-York-with-a-little-help-from-Prince.html and http://www.popsugar.com.au/Versace-HM-Launch-Pictures-Blake-Lively-Jessica-Alba-Emma-Roberts-Chloe-Moretz-Abbie-Cornish-20336046)

The collection is everything you’d expect from the fashion house – colourful prints, opulent detail and figure hugging cuts. Versace certainly hasn’t toned down for the high street which can sometimes be the case with a designer collaboration. Instead, you literally can get the full Versace feel for a lot less. The pieces start at £19.99 for costume jewellery and run up to £199.99 for a man’s studded leather jacket.

At first glance, you might think the collection is too flamboyant for an everyday wardrobe but here are some tips on how to wear some of my favourite pieces from the collection:

The above leggings (£29.99) and trousers (£39.99) are very ‘Carrie’ (from SATC) – you can imagine her wearing them with skyscraper heels and a crop top. Let’s not get carried away though…I would recommend pairing these leggings with an over-sized, long-sleeved silk feel shirt – white for the leggings – black or white for the trousers.

If you are nervous about wearing something so tight-fitting just make sure the shirt is long enough to cover your bum and the top of your thighs. Pairing a loose oversized shape on top with a tight-fitting piece on bottom is figure-flattering.

If you’re feeling brave – pair the above ensemble with this gilet (£39.99)…

I love the buckle belt in the middle and also again the length here is elongating and flattering. I can see multiple ways of wearing this – perhaps with leather trousers for a rock chick look or wear with a poloneck and trousers.

Next on to the dresses and here is my selection:

This above dress at £79.99 is an absolute bargain. It is 100% wearable and a staple wardrobe piece that you will have for years to come. This dress is understated sexy but will create an amazing feminine silhouette. Versace have also created shoes for their H&M range and this dress would go perfect with these for £69.99:

The above leather dress at £179.99 is one of the key pieces from the collection. It’s a very beautiful cut that is classic and simple while there is still plenty of detail.

The above £79.99 silk dress is sure to be a sell-out with it’s body-con bustier detail and nipped in waist. I would recommend this dress if you have a more boyish body shape.

Here comes the colour…

This red dress at £79.99 is absolutely stunning! The print panels down the side are slimming and this would be a great dress for a special birthday or occassion.

The above £79.99 chinese print dress is a key item of the collection. This print features strongly and this is a daring piece to be worn with confidence.

If I could buy one item…this would be it. At £99.99, I think this dress is so unique and beautiful. I picture this on Kate Bosworth with very delicate accessories and her hair in a scraped back bun. I love how she always looks understated even when wearing extravagant pieces.

If all the above is still too flamboyant for you, there are also accessories to choose from that can add Versace magic to a more classic look.

These scarves are £24.99 and would look great worn over a blazer for work or play.

There is also some gorgeous costume jewellery such as this leather bracelet for £29.99.

Or there are chain handle bags like this one for £69.99. I am a sucker for studs so I chose this one from the lot…You can view the full collection here. Versace for H&M becomes available on the 17th November at 300 retailers and online.

My outfit today: Lace top: Primark, Faux Fur Gilet: H&M, Leather look trousers: Miss Selfridge, Boots: New Look, Chain: H&M

Let me know what you think of my selection and whether or not you are excited about the collection.

Sarah x

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Parisian Way of Life

28 Oct


I have just returned from a short stay in Paris and am feeling super inspired by the French lifestyle. The elegance and sophistication of the street style there is very different. While London is renowned for it’s laid back, bit scruffy, ‘last minute’ look (as I like to call it), Paris achieves an understated chic that displays luxury and quality.

I didn’t see two women wearing the same handbags or coats while I was there. However, in London and Ireland, we tend to be clones of one another. We all shop in the same places and buy the same things. Parisian women are all about quality – everything looks expensive, which I am sure it can’t all be as I am speaking about women in their early twenties. It has really opened my eyes to the importance of carefully choosing great bags, jackets and shoes especially for winter time. I do get the feeling that Parisian women are more inhibited and this is reflected in their colour palettes but I think we could all definitely learn a thing or two from them.

I went to a club called The Social Club which was pretty cool but I was taken aback by what the girls wore there. No body con dresses which we see way too much of here in the UK – mostly flat shoes, skinny jeans and casual smart tops. I guess some might say that’s boring but again, I do think there is something to be said for understated style. Most of us can’t walk properly in the heels that are sold on the high street so I do think it’s worthwhile to look to our European counterparts and learn that less can be more.

Of course it helps that the backdrop of the city itself is so ornate and elegant. I wish I had lots of money to shop there and show you what I bought but *sigh* I had little funds to get me further than a chocolate viennois and a crepe noisette. Also please note, there ain’t no such thing as a ‘mocha’ in France. Where did this come from?!

Here is a little selection of scenery from Paris you might enjoy…

My outfit in the above photo: Jacket – H&M, Faux fur collar – Urban Outfitters, Top – Topshop, Skirt – Miss Patina, Tights – Topshop, Bag – H&M, Shoes – Vintage.

Where have you been in the world that influenced you style wise or where you noticed the fashion being much different to where you live?

Sarah xx

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Every so often, someone special comes along…

18 Oct


(Blue top: Topshop, necklace: Topshop, skirt: H&M, boots: H&M, bag: River Island, bracelet: Topshop)

This week there is a big buzz on everyone’s lips about Miss Lana Del Rey for a number of reasons.

Lots of people witnessed her haunting performance on Jools Holland last week (October 11th) and it touched something within them. It’s like Lana belongs in an era gone by – a modern-day Nancy Sinatra perhaps – she has an unnerving but intriguing presence. Her unwavering gaze into the camera and her pouting lips spouting beautiful lyrics was something very special. Appearing on the show with just a piano accompaniment and some melancholic violins, her mature voice resounded with an understanding of the pains of love which would seem to stretch beyond her youth. However, we all believed it and there has been an increased amount of discussion around her ever since.

This is not an entirely positive discussion however as many people are lashing out at the recent discovery that Lana Del Rey has not just miraculously appeared on the music scene from obscurity. It has been found that Lana used to perform under the name Lizzy Grant and is in fact backed by a major music label. Purists feel deceived by a held belief that she was just an unknown musician with a YouTube channel discovered by music lovers and bloggers online.

Lucy Jones of The Telegraph led a review of Lana Del Rey with the headline ‘Real or Fake? Lana del Rey, the internet sensation that will break your heart.’ It goes on to discuss the speculation around Miss Del Rey’s authenticity. But so what if she is backed by a major label? So what if it is all a bit of a PR stunt to let people think she is just a YouTube sensation? The fact is she now has a major platform to share this moving music with the world. Her voice and her presence are genuine as proved by her live performance on Jools Holland. Let the controversy lie I say and let the music speak for itself.

On a fashion related note – her look is incredible, I’m sure you will agree. She has the elfish beauty of Natalie Portman and the blonde bombshell sexuality of Bridgette Bardot.

Lana’s video for ‘Video Games’ is an homage to director David Lynch’s film, Mulholland Drive and is a pastiche of home videos again contributing to this haunting intrigue that can be associated with Lana. If you would like to find out more about her, you can read an interview by Rosie Swash at The Observer here. I will leave you with the video.

Enjoy,

Sarah xx

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Fashion Journalism @ CSM + Urban Outfitters

8 Oct

On Thursday evening I began an evening course at Central St. Martins in Fashion Journalism. As you may know I’m applying for internships at the moment so I’m trying to build up as much knowledge and experience as possible at where better to get that knowledge than the school that counts Alexander McQueen, Matthew Wiliamson, Paul Smith, Zac Posen and Stella McCartney (to name but a very very small few) among its alumni?

The class is being taught by Hywel Davies who has written for Elle, Vogue, The Observer, Dazed and Confused, Nylon and Grafik to name but a few. Here is a link to his bio on SHOWstudio (http://showstudio.com/contributor/hywel_davies). There is a great mix of people in the class with many different nationalities and backgrounds – one girl travels the world as a model while another girl from Japan interned at Japanese Vogue. I am looking forward to learning a lot more about the industry.

This week’s outfit choice is this dress I bought at a store on Camden High St which is full of lace and very feminine ethereal pieces. The dress  looks like two separate pieces when in fact it’s an all-in-one.

The eagle necklace is from Topshop. I’ve put a leather look belt from H&M around the middle to make it look a little edgier. Over the dress, I’m wearing a leather jacket I got last weekend at Spitalfield’s Market in Liverpool Street. I was looking for a new leather jacket, particularly one with studs and am thrilled with this find. It’s great to buy pieces in markets that not many people will have.

Stud Inspiration Burberry Prorsum Spring Summer 2011 Biker Jacket

(Source: http://frillsandthrills.blogspot.com/2011/05/celeb-style-burberry-biker-jacket.html)

The shoes I am wearing are my Winter indulgence Kurt Geiger boots. I had been admiring these for ages before I gave in and purchased them. I am hoping these will last me for a few years if I only wear them occasionally.

***

Urban Outfitters have some lovely stuff at the moment and I couldn’t help but make a few small purchases today. I haven’t committed to buying any winter coats or woolly jumpers just yet but it’s nice to pick up some accessories to add to what you already have.

It was on display in the store over this pink jumper and a blazer so I’ll be copying this look.

I also bought these earrings:

These are next on my ‘winter wish list’ so I’ll be saving for these:

Wide brimmed hat

Popcorn knitted scarf

Bow tie necklace

***

I went to see ‘Drive’ this week with Carey Mulligan and Ryan Gosling (not actually physically with them!). The soundtrack was really good so I thought I’d share this song with you – enjoy!

Sarah xx

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Indian Summer (lol jk) + Alexa for Madewell

23 Sep

Predictions here in London are that temperatures are to soar to 22 degrees by Sunday. Currently there are blue skies and sunshine – but there is definitely an Autumn breeze in the air.

Rumour has it that there’s an ‘Indian Summer’ happening…love this…it’s 16 degrees currently…there is no chance people!

Nonetheless – we can definitely leave our brollies at home for the weekend and re-work some items from our summer wardrobes to give them one last wear.

Here’s what I’m wearing today…

Top is Zara, trousers are Topshop. Converse are from Office (everyone has this colour!). Gold chain is Topshop and bracelets are H&M. It’s about as ‘ghetto fabulous’ as I ever get and I like to think it’s a New York City kind of look.

I’d just like to point out a couple of things you’ve probably noticed about this blog:

1) My wardrobe is OUTSIDE my room – yes folks – my room is so tiny it can’t even fit a wardrobe so I have to stand out in the hall annoying everyone when I’m picking out my clothes!

2) When I’m taking pics, I have to put my mirror in front of my housemate – Jess’ door – hopefully there’s not an occassion when she’s in the room and opens the door suddenly and I end up taking a pic of her instead!!

3) I couldn’t find the black bag that you see stuffed down the side of my wardrobe for WEEKS until I started taking these pictures.

***

Alexa Chung’s second collaboration with Madewell went on sale online this week and many items sold out in the first few hours.

First off…who are Madewell?

Well from reading their website I found out they are an American workwear company founded in 1937 who specialise in jeans, shirts and boots. (www.madewell.com – that was easy).

Secondly why Alexa?

Well we can all guess that! Everything that girl touches goes to GOLD. Literally. Mulberry’s profits QUADRUPLED last year thanks to the Alexa satchel which retails at £785.* It’s crazy to think there are so many people out there who can afford these bags! (Yes, I’m a bit jealous).

* Source: http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/markets/article-1727298/Success-is-in-the-bag-as-Mulberrys-profits-soar.html

I really love Alexa’s look, it’s so cool!

Fashion dictionary translation:

cool adjective
cool·er, cool·est, adverb, interjection, noun, verb
1)effortless
2)looks like it was thrown together last minute
3) scruffy but groomed
4) lots of black and greys
5) super skinny
6) Alexa Chung
Source: (Totally made up by me)

But what’s her collaboration with Madewell like? Well it ranges from $80 (for a t-shirt) up to $500 (for a leather jacket) and consists of Alexa staples such as tea dresses, shirts, oversized cardigans and ‘sweaters’. Overall, it’s very ‘Alexa’ – she has designed items based on her personal style (why not when people go crazy for it?) and they are all very ‘safe’ and therefore wearable by us everyday folks.

Here are some of my favourites:

$198

$188 – Lace dresses have really been overdone but I like the elegance of this one teamed with the black ankle boots.

$145

$118 – read in Grazia’s ‘Big Fashion Issue’ this week that grey jumpers are a wardrobe staple – can be paired with a long black maxi skirt or a lighter material grey sweater could be tucked inside a pencil skirt. This is sold out online by the way.


$375 for the leather skirt but another great way to wear a grey sweater.

Gonna let you in on a little secret here…there is a VERY similar skirt in H&M for £19.99!

$325 – Alexa calls this the ‘Binman Coat’ and it was literally inspired by a binman’s jacket. Seriously, how does she get away with this?!

The collection had its launch in LA last night and here are some snaps:

Elle Fanning and Alexa Chung in Alexa Chung for Madewell and Kate Bosworth in Peter Pilotto.

Dianna Argon has ditched the dodgy pink hair dye and is looking very sophisticated in regular Madewell last night.

Poll Time!

Well enjoy the heatwave(!) and have a good weekend!

Sarah xx

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Miss Patina signature dress

20 Sep

Today I’m wearing a signature dress from Miss Patina – I say signature because the collar and the bow is really unique to the brand.

I really like this dress because of the grey and white print – it makes it look edgy. It’s the kind of dress I could see Laura Whitmore, Caroline Flack or Fearne Cotton wearing with some great ankle boots. (Can you guess what I’d like to do for a living?!)

I have teamed it with this AMAZING cardigan which is one of my favourite items in wardrobe. I did some leafleting for Topshop at the opening of their store in Cork, Ireland and I got to wear and KEEP a whole Topshop outfit and this cardigan was priced at about £120! Imagine how happy I was that day :) It has black sequins with silver baubles – it’s quite delicate though and I’m afraid to wear it anymore in case I ruin it.

Over the knee socks were really big last winter and I think black ones like these can be a wardrobe stable for every winter. They are best worn with something loose though (and not a body con skirt) as they can look a bit risqué.

The shoes I’m wearing are in a burgundy shade which is very current – I think this colour works well to brighten up the outfit just the right amount. These are patent court shoes with a really high heel (so be careful) from New Look.

The ring I have on is from H&M.

The dress is available here:

http://www.misspatina.bigcartel.com/product/miss-patina-vintage-inspired-white-collar-dress-grey

Miss Patina have a shoot coming up this weekend and I’ve managed to get one of my cousins involved to do the modelling, I’m really excited to have her over and I know she will be brilliant. We are shooting at The Rookery Hotel in London (http://www.rookeryhotel.com/) and I will definitely be blogging about how it goes.

Happy Tuesday!

Sarah xxx

 

 

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Back to Black

17 Sep

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Hi folks,

Didn’t get to write this post yesterday as it was a super hectic day – I uploaded the pics through a WordPress app while at a gig!

It’s only recently as I’m getting older that I’m starting to appreciate the colour black. Before, I thought it was pretty boring but now I really think it’s essential to have several classic black pieces in your wardrobe. Last night, I had about 30 mins to get ready for a gig (hence why I eliminated my make-up free face from the photo!) and was standing in front of my wardrobe panicking thinking What am I going to wear?!! as the clock was ticking - however throwing on this black dress with a smart blazer worked instantly without too much thought – everyone needs outfits like these!

I am also a big fan of sheer tights – I think they work well in that transitional summer/autumn period when opaque tights might look too heavy. I think these are a stylish option, yet still sexy. These are 20 denier and are from Next.

I’m currently singing with The Big Girls Blues Band in London (http://www.thebiggirlsbluesband.co.uk/) and as there are three singers at any gig we usually stick to black in order to coordinate easily so I’ve been trying to integrate more of this colour into my wardrobe. When I used to sing in other bands where I was the only singer or only female presence(!), I really enjoyed dressing up and hardly ever wore black but I must say I think black looks professional and hardly ever fails.

There are lots of things to take into account when you are dressing for a gig – number one – SHOES and answering the question -can you stand comfortably for two hours PLUS in them?! These ankle boots I’m wearing are perfect – they were £15 in H&M and are mid height in heel. Next, you have to consider the comfortability of what you’re wearing  like is your skirt too short to dance in? Do you feel confident? Is the material you’re wearing too heavy? It’s all fine looking at yourself in the mirror and giving an outfit the ‘all clear’ but it feels alot different in a crowded venue, dancing your socks off and having sweat marks = FAIL! This dress I’m wearing from Zara is really comfy, not too short, not too tight and it has a mesh overlay with little rose patterns.

I think a great idea for a clothing collection would be one based on famous female singers and their on stage looks – like Annie Lennox, Debbie Harry, Stevie Nicks etc. I’d like to get a bit more ‘rock chick’ with my look but I’m not too sure it would suit my personality – I’ll have to start hanging out more in Camden and Shoreditch for a bit of inspiration(!) I’d also like to add some vintage pieces as well to my wardrobe - there are some great vintage stores in Brick Lane and Angel. I’ll keep you posted with any finds I have!

I’ve included a single picture of this blazer I recently got from Zara – I’m really in love with it! I wanted a well structured blazer in a quality material that looked expensive. I think this is great value at €49.95 - it’s super warm, probably even a bit too warm for this time of the year but I know I’ll get so much wear out of it when it gets colder.

Well – these are my ramblings for today! Thanks for reading – if you have any questions or comments, feel free to email me at saz_goodwin@hotmail.com or leave a comment below!

Have a great day xx

P.S (I’m writing this on Sunday so you may have to wait until tomorrow for another post as I am currently in my PJ’s and they are nothing exciting to be looking at!)

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To intern or not to intern?

16 Sep

This is what I’m wearing today because I am going to meet with a magazine about an internship so I want to look smart but stylish – hope this is what I have achieved! I’m not a big fan of colour blocking – which was huge last season – it’s just a bit too in your face for my liking and has the possibility to go so wrong! But never say never, so here I am…colour blocking! The top is Topshop, the skirt is Pull and Bear, the belt is my Mom’s (Mom can you shed some light please?!) and the mid-heel suede boots are H&M.

I have mixed feelings about internships – working for free is a blow after spending five years in college – what was all that hard work for if you can’t make any money doing what you want to do?!

However, in particular industries – internships are a given and the media world is one of those. I appreciate that some internships do pay off (literally) as there is the prospect of a paid position at the end – however I know there are many companies who use unpaid internships as a way to avoid employing someone and once an intern realises this and leaves – they just advertise for another one!

I found this to be the case with a lot of internships advertised in Ireland and graduates are so desperate to keep their CVs busy, these positions keep being filled. It was really disheartening to see this happening and I think there should be stricter laws about internship

With fashion magazines here – internships seem to be the norm to get your foot on the ladder so I’m hoping to get one in magazines like Glamour, Company, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, Elle…or Vogue! (I can dream right?)

I’m starting an evening course in fashion journalism in Central St. Martins in a few weeks which provides more information on how to get into the world of magazines so I’ll keep you posted with what they say.

London Fashion Week is starting today and fingers crossed, I’ll be there next year! :)

Talk soon xx

 

If you have any opinions and/or experiences of internships, please leave a comment.

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