bb541d07e923e5e4 org 217x300 Lively legs create a fabulous range of flat shoes for every occasion

Lively legs create a fabulous range of flat shoes for every occasion

The Lively Legs brand has been seen as somewhat of a revolution in women’s footwear, and they have just released a range of delectable new shoes just in time for the good weather. Their chic collection of uber luxurious and stylishly elegant flats have been designed to pair up effortlessly with any item in your wardrobe, be it an outfit befitting a city slicker or one favoured by a sun worshipper.

The shoes are hand made with an exacting attention given to detail and the entire collection combines style and comfort. They carry gorgeous accents that will be fully appreciated by today’s modern and active woman who wants to retain her sense of style while she goes about her every day life. This product is just the first from Lively Legs this year as later in 2013 we will be treated to their brand new range of shoes with folding soles.

All Lively Legs shoes all made entirely by hand from only the most luxurious of materials; butter-soft calf leather, sumptuous suede and pony hair make up the exclusive range of moccasins, ballet flats and loafers. The genuine leather used within means each shoe fits like a second skin and provides the highest levels of comfort. With everything from driving shoes and casual day flats to stylish shoes appropriate for both work and play, Lively Legs has sophisticated and en vogue footwear solutions for every woman in every situation.

With spring approaching, and the annual transitional wardrobe woes in full swing, a stylish pair of flats helps bridge the gap between seasons. Finished with on-trend, decadent brocade, the classic gold and black ‘Nanjing Road’ Pointed Oriental Brocade Loafers pair with stonewashed denim jeans, a boucle jacket and a petite clutch for off-duty dressing made easy. This outfit can be worn from day to night, with no need for a change in footwear; the look is appropriate for lunch with the girls as well as a dinner date in the evening with just a switch in accessories or a slick of lipstick.

Work wardrobes are notoriously tricky to navigate, especially for the women who spend many hours on their feet as part of their jobs. Rushing out to perform the early morning coffee run for the rest of the office, or running for the train after a long day can be a difficult task in 4-inch heels; Lively Legs’ covetable Via Maistra peach leather ankle boots are comfortable enough to fulfil every duty with ease. With a city style and echoes of the classic desert ankle boot, they are firmly on trend for new season dressing, but also unexpectedly feminine and graceful. Made from soft peach leather, they go from desk to bar to weekend shopping spree with nothing more than a change of trouser required.

In tropical punch pink, the new Worth Avenue driving moccasins take centre stage whether the wearer is planning a road trip or a trip to the mall. In utterly wearable, ultra soft leather and handcrafted to boot, the moccasins provide breathable comfort and with rubber traction nubs on the sole, are suitable for any tricky mid-season showers. Grey and brown versions are also available.

The new spring range is available to buy online now and will be complimented by the highly anticipated mid-year launch of Lively Legs new foldable sole designs. Before that, a unique design customisation offering will make its debut in the forthcoming Lively Legs retail store. Shoppers will be able to choose from three styles of shoe, add their own accents and select their preferred colour and material to create an utterly bespoke design.

All styles can be purchased online at www.livelylegs.co



share save 171 16 Lively legs create a fabulous range of flat shoes for every occasion

Tom Ford is one of the most popular designers in the industry whose first foray into the film world resulted in an Oscar nomination. Ahead of London fashion week, he is now preparing for his first ever catwalk collection for the occasion.

The celebrity fashion designer gave birth to a lot of myths and strange stories, most of which are actually true. One common story states that he usually takes five baths a day. When asked about the authenticity of the story, he agreed instantly and even became surprised that some people bathe less than five times a day.

Ford has been on the spotlight for more than three decades now, and a lot of nominees of the BAFTA awards will wear Tom Ford, though none of these have confirmed it officially. However, superstars like Daniel Craig and Bradley Cooper are passionate admirers of his designed clothes.

Ford has decided to showcase his newly designed women’s collections in London, this decision has provided London with a unique honour which was enjoyed by Milan in the previous years. Among the few details leaked about the event, the most striking one is the widened guest list.

According to Ford, the London show will be for 500-1,000 people including bloggers and photographers. As he loves to control every single aspect of any of his events, he oversees each element starting from the cloth shapes to the stage structures, he loves to promote himself as an absolute perfectionist controlling his own world.

Thomas Carlyle Ford was interested in beauty and fashion from his early years, he studied architecture, fashion and acting as a student. He has been working with his partner Richard Buckley for more than 25 years now. He got his first break from Gucci when he was offered the post of Chief Women’s Designer of the company. Ford has tuned this $150m company into a $2bn giant when he left it in 2004.

 



share save 171 16 Tom Ford creates his first collection for London Fashion Week

Night Out, fashion’s way of sharing their ‘blessings’ with people, will be held at Manchester later this year. The shopping extravaganza started in 2009 and it was always in London but this year is the benchmark of a new beginning because it will take place at Manchester. Said event is scheduled to launch on the 10th of October and will definitely bring the best fashion trends today.

Alexandra Shulman, an editor for Vogue said in an interview the Fashion’s act of putting in a new twist to their popular Night Out campaign where shoppers and retailers will converge and enjoy one of Fashion’s biggest celebrations every year.

Back in the day, Manchester was not considered as a fashion capital in the UK but things have changed and now everyone can see the role that they play in the fashion industry. Since 2009, thousands of fashion enthusiasts fill the streets of London each time Night Out comes along. It will be interesting to see how this year’s event will pan out in Manchester.

Some of the biggest names in the industry have in fact given their go signals as regards the participation in the event. Sources suggest that the venue of this prestigious gathering is at Exchange Square; Vogue also says they are looking forward to celebrate the city’s dedication and creativity.

Pat Karney, the spokesperson for the Council of Manchester City expressed his delight at Fashion’s decision to bring the event to Manchester. He said that the entire city is thankful for the recognition that fashion companies have given. Pat added that now is the perfect time for the event to take place in Manchester as many up and coming fashion experts are based in the city. Thus, they may showcase what they’ve got in the huge event that almost everyone in the city is waiting for.



share save 171 16 This years fashion Night Out to be held in Manchester

Victoria Beckham has quite a reputation as a fashionista, with her notoriety spreading across the world from Milan to New York. Now, after many months of looking for a perfect area from which she could expand her fashion empire, Beckham has just bought her first ever store. The former Spice Girl now owns a Battersea Spar, in south London, which is a 850 sq foot building. The convenience store is within walking distance from her own office in London, and Beckham’s range of products is growing at an exponential rate.

Beckham has been looking for more space in the past, with purchases of shops and warehouses around the country, until the Spar was spotted by one of her agents when it came on the market. It has big operating spaces, glamorous offices and will soon be renovated to provide a modern experience. The former singer has not yet bought her inaugural flagship shop but for now she makes these deals herself. Which her relentless pursuit of global domination gathering pace rumours are rife on what will be her next target.

Right now it seems that the former Spice Girl has her eyes on a VB store in Paris, Manhattan, Milan or perhaps even London. She apparently wants to get the perfect VB shop for her line of products, and it most likely won’t be a small one.

Since she launched her line of outfits and accessories almost eight years ago her fashion career has flourished. Just this month she launched a new range in China trying to capture the Far East market which can be lucrative for fashion designers. David, her husband has is also no longer known as just a footballer with his fingers in many pies, including modelling, has just been announced as an international ambassador to the Super League in China.



share save 171 16 Victoria Beckhams empire continues to grow

By showing a collection based on a phoenix theme by a designer who belongs to Japan and who has also dressed the famous singer, Lady Gaga to represent touches of rich traditional ways of Mongolian decorations, showing it by the designers at the Japan Fashion Week clearly states that they have set their eyes firmly on the huge market of Asia.

Chinese consumers are the world leaders in purchasing luxury goods, and they account for almost a quarter of the luxury market globally along with growing demand, as per a recent report conducted by a consulting firm Bain & Co.

Although, the great extravaganza of fashion started at the weekend showcasing some great collections for autumn and winter of 2013/14, but the Japanese brand made it presence on the stage only on Monday with famous Masanori Morikawa with a self directed label of his own,” Christian Dada”.

Morikawa has also created many pieces for famous US Pop star Lady Gaga, which includes a pink dress that is reminiscent of origami crane that was for her 2012 album “ Born this way” and its tour.

This time the designer took inspiration from Asia and came up with an androgynous and edgy collection that was titles as “Fenghuang”, which in Chinese means the famous Phoenix bird, it was paired long with loose pants along with richly embroidering done on the lace on sleeves of shirt for both men as well as women.

Leather jackets and pants mingled well with trousers of down- panelled and plain shirts, also colours of white, black, blue, red and gold, that as per Morikawa represented the actual nature of this mystical bird. There is another believe that phoenix contains both male and female within itself, so we decided to take this fusion concept for our collection,” as Morikawa told the reporters.

Another Asian influence was seen on the floor, when on Sunday the famous designer from Mongolia, Arjunna Surenjav, blended modern designs beautifully with traditional forms on the bunched sleeves and shoulders.

“ Part of this clothing design from where the material moves up on the shoulder, basically comes from old tradition followed in old Mongolia, there local people who were generally noble and well respected, wore that kind of design,” says Surenjav.



share save 171 16 Asian phoenix theme takes to the catwalk

The well known fashion icon Jean Paul Gaultier often receives a lot of attention in the press when he launches a new fashion line, so now that he is launching his own fashion exhibit at the Barbican in April of next year, where he will be displaying over 140 of his clothing lines and designs which includes the conical corset that Madonna wore during her on-stage performance, the show is certain to be filled when it goes through its London debut.

One of the things that Gaultier told the press is that the English were among the first in the world to appreciate the type of fashion that he does, so he is really excited to bring this show to London. He feels that this place is better set than any other place in the world, except perhaps Paris, which is where he lives in.

The clothing lines that will be shown will be more than just the famed corset that Madonna wore at the 1990 Blonde Ambition tour. There are three other stage costumes that were created exclusively for the likes of Kylie Minogue, Dita Von Teese and the Hung Up singer will be shown to the public. The exhibit will also showcase Gaultier’s illustrious career, along with many more ready-to-wear garments.



share save 171 16 Full house expected for Jean Paul Gaultier exhibition at the Barbican

The Forum was buzzing last week at the Norwich Fashion Week 2013 with a full night of fashion being shown to fans who had gathered at the entrance. New collections could be seen coming from many independent shops as well as some high street businesses, and they were showcased on a catwalk to the amazement of a crowd reaching over 400 people.

A lot of the city’s diversity was shown in the exhibit along with a strong offering from independent stores. Among those shops we had department store Jarrold which brought clothes fashion for both men and women to be shown alongside some of the more costly results. A new twist from Vanilla, a well known brand, could also be seen.

Some representatives from Norwich could also be seen in the name of Ethika with designers Twisted Tailor and Marian Eve Williams along with a lot of eco-friendly garments from some bigger names like Hatters, Ginger and Jonathan Trumbulls. Those proved that they still have their fingers on the pulse of fashion, and they can still inspire collections.

Some less independent shop owners included the high street brands Debenhams and John Lewis. Lewis in particular showed the Somerset line by Alice Temperley, a collection that they offer exclusively in their stores, while Debenhams showed the results of Henry Holland, a designer that does women clothing along with Red Herring for men outfits.

All was not simply about clothing however, with designer Lisa Bambridge from Norwich showing her jewellery and created a buzz in both media and crowd with her Aurum set. The exhibition highlighted some of the increasing connections between local and nationwide retail designers. This show was produced by Louise Lace from Norwich Fashion Week and it proved to be one of the most popular platforms for fashion in the region this year.



share save 171 16 Norwich Fashion Week kicks off in style

2 Court Shoes are back in fashionCourt shoes have come a long way from the sensible navy leather pumps of the 70s and 80s. Beloved by everyone from office workers to party animals; celebrities to royalty, court shoes are a must-have for every woman’s wardrobe. And this season court shoes are as big as ever, coming in a wide variety of colours and fabrics for ladies this spring/summer

Your standard court is a solidly built shoe – usually with a closed front. They can be pointed, box- or round- toed and come in a variety of heel styles and heights. Most commonly found in leather, they can come in pretty much any fabric or colour, which is what makes them so versatile. Compared to many types of heels, they have a fair amount of structure to them, so the foot is well-supported – meaning they’re a perfect choice for work or a night on the tiles

Spring/Summer 2013 Hot Trends

Nude Courts

One of the biggest trends of the past couple of seasons that had no sign of disappearing is the almost ubiquitous nude court. Whether pointed, peep-toed or platformed – they’re everywhere. And with good reason – nude courts are the ultimate in wear-with-anything footwear. No more worrying about what to wear with each outfit.  Jeans – nude courts, dress – nude courts, skirt – yes, you’ve guessed it, nude courts. Then there’s the fact that they’re so flattering. The leg-lengthening effect that a nude court has can add a boost of confidence to any outfit.

Fun Fabrics and Embellishment

Courts are such a classic shape, but they come in a wide variety of fun fabrics. Why not combine trends and bring a touch of lace to your outfit? New Look do an ultra-flattering nude court with cream and gold lace in the trendy platform style – 3 trends in one, and at a great price. They also, if you’re looking for a fashionable pop of colour, do some fantastic suede beauties in Spring/Summers hottest shades. Even if you’re looking for some black courts for a work-friendly look – on the high street there are some great variations on this classic – studs, stripes and polka dots to name just a few.

The little black dress, the classic white t and court shoes: there are certain wardrobe staples that will never fall out of fashion. Head down to the high street for your perfect pair today.



share save 171 16 Court Shoes are back in fashion

According to sources from Kantar Worldpanel, the M&S fashion brand lost 0.4% of their shares in the market and underwent a 1.3% decrease in retail sales in the weeks after the 20th of January. However, as much as M&S suffers through the ordeal, high end brand Zara and lower end budget chain Primark showed a doubling of sales, as with H&M, Next and Debenhams as reported by the Sunday Times.

Because of the increase in other retail chains and the decrease in sales at Marks and Spencer, there will be a lot of pressure on CEO Marc Bolland especially after the devastating results that came after the Christmas holidays. Studies show that sales have decreased by 1.8% in the United Kingdom from the 29th of December up to those following weeks as well as a devastating 3.8% blow on general merchandise.

The Marks and Spencer group had taken ex Debenhams and Jaegar chief Belinda Earl to improve the face of womenswear and ultimately give the brand a once-over. However, Earl had mentioned that their last trading gig had felt that it was a “greatly promotional and very challenging” retail market and that it lacked time to further apply their plans on improving the brand.

Thus, the new Autumn Winter collection spearheaded by Earl will only be launched this July, quite late considering that other retail chains launch their collections right before the season starts. Judging from their increase in sales, it looks like avid shoppers are more attracted to low priced fashion that Primark offers.

The Kantar figures were taken from the National Statistics, which reported a decrease of sales in January due to the snow affecting several areas of the United Kingdom. Kantar was not available for comments while Marks and Spencer refused to give out comments as well.

 



share save 171 16 M&S fashion sales fall in January

The fashion week in Milan would not be the same minus the high-voltage, unabashed, super-star glitz and during this season there was no one stopping Donatella. For her brand new collection of women’s, her latest look was unleashed, and she has called it “vunk.” Being translated into a punk high fashion twist, models were seen striding onto a white gleaming catwalk wearing shiny vinyl lashing of red, black, white, purple and bright yellow.

Rubbery fronts came with tartan kilts. A fetish body-hugging black dress was completed with black knee-high boots, which included spiked nails cascading down the front of them. T-shirts with studs, that were emblazoned with wild all across their fronts, were screaming the Sex Pistols era as loud as they could.

A black and yellow fur coat was paired with some black skintight vinyl trousers, and a pair of thigh high boots with studs. The shows animal prints, were developed by artists from America the Hass Brothers, that made them specifically for the fashion house of Italy.

For the evening look of vunk, it revolves around draped red or black dresses including peep holes, daring slits in the front, and some have PVC sleeves. Accessories include chokers and rings with dripping metal spikes, and nails were finished with a punched look, while the sandals include fur fronts.

There isn’t much that is new or really subtle about this look, but then again being subtle has never been a reason for people to visit Versace. Although, the show did have a lot of energy, and all of the pieces tailored, just like the rich wool red coat with the shiny metal buttons, showcased the cutting skills.

Previewing, Donatella was seen wearing vinyl boot-cut jeans, and a biker jacket with studs, and she explained that being a fashion designer she only wants to look forward.

 



share save 171 16 Donatella Versace unleashes her new Vunk look at Milan

2 What are the must have styles for Spring 2013?Trends come and go, and as Spring approaches a lot of new styles have emerged. The season calls for lighter wear and we will no longer have to wear multiple layers, beanies, scarves and gloves. Instead we can make room for comfortable and more fashionable outfits.

We have listed the most essential and wearable trends of this years spring fashion below. As seen on the run walk and soon to be seen on the streets near you!

A picture in black and white

Last year was the year of black, this year will be the year of monochrome forms: black and white. Though this combination doesn’t necessarily come to mind when thinking about the Spring, it will undoubtedly be the biggest fashion hit during the first warm months of the year.

The great thing about this trend in particular is that in whichever way you want to mix and match your outfit, the outcome will always look very classy. Spice up your outfit and make yourself stand out with striking patterns and gold and silver accessories.

Be sporty

Around this time last year, everyone was focused on bringing formal wear into their everyday outfits. This year will be quite the opposite, as the sporty and more casual look is making a comeback. Men could combine a stylish sweater with a pair of casual jogging pants, and women could combine high heels with a polo sweater. The most important thing is to be comfortable, so find a combination that works for you!

Big sunglasses

The iconic Jackie O sunglasses have never left, but this year they will make a bigger comeback than ever. The bigger and more dramatic your shades the better, and if you can find a pair with tiger or floral prints you’re set! If you don’t want to go big, go crazy with colours and patterns instead and find something that stands out.

Oriental beadwork

Beadwork dates back about five thousand years and this year it’s making a big revival. Shirts and dresses that have seed beads or (fake) freshwater pearls weaved into the fabric are one of the hottest trends this Spring. If you combine the beadwork with bold colors, your outfit will really pop out! And if you’re into making your own clothes, it is very fun to DIY too.

If you need more funds to buy yourself a new wardrobe to fit the must-have styles of this Spring, see if there’s anything from last year that you don’t want to wear this year. You can easily sell your second hand clothes at Magpie to make some extra money to invest in your clothes.



share save 171 16 What are the must have styles for Spring 2013?
Oilily 300x300 Designing an Oilily T shirt of your own

Designing an Oilily T-shirt of your own

In the autumn of 2013, Oilily will be celebrating its 50th anniversary. To begin the celebration, they are inviting would-be fashion designers to enter their design a T-shirt contest  which will be featured in their collection of summer 2014.

Everyone is encouraged to enter this contest, which will run until March 17th of this year, by simply uploading the design of their T-shirt  here.

In addition to winning design becoming part of the collection for the summer of 2014, the winning designer will also win a €200 gift voucher for Oililyshop.com.  Even better, the winner and all of her/his classmates will also be given the T-shirt that wins, a finished T-shirt for a gift.

There will be five runner-ups that will receive a €100 gift voucher from Oililyshop.com.

 

 



share save 171 16 Designing an Oilily T shirt of your own