NOVEL TEES

Let's talk about Novel Tee's, which should definitely be confused with all things novelty, (see what I did there?) because fashion is fun and we should make fun of it too. I'm sure you've all seen L.A based designer Brian Lichtenberg's novel tee's and sweatshirts, which come in the 'Homies' (a.k.a Hermès) logo amongst others (my favourite is Fèline..) but i'm definitely feeling these Conflict of Interest tee's which are also of the novel variety. Which do you like? I'm loving the Benzo (Mercedes-Benz turned tiger) tee! Very clever.

 Selection of 'Conflict of Interest' Unisex Tee's at Browns Fashion, £50

PJ SANDAL!

Let's talk about the sandal that'll be everywhere this summer (and where you can get something similar) thanks to the genius inspiration that is Phillip Lim. The gladiator sandal comes and goes every year, but the closed toe is what makes these just that bit cooler; the PJ sandal is available in black and two-tone. It's definitely a shoe must-have for this season (alongside the likes of Alexander wang's cut-out sandals) and I really hope the 'PJ' reference is to being able to actually wear them with your pyjamas, because I think this relates to half my wardrobe. But if you're not quite ready to justify spending money on sandals instead of.. er, rent! Do not fear! Zara have once again found the seven changes necessary to rip off these beauties. I hate to say it, but although the real 'PJ's are far more intricate in the detailing (and the overall quality is obviously so much better) the similarities make it too good to be true at just £40. 

Alternatively, if you're thinking 'what the hell, it's March in England and my feet are freezing thanks' then these Topshop Premium boots kind of give off the Phillip Lim vibe, without the cut-out-ness.

3.1 Phillip Lim 'PJ' Sandals, available here and here!

Zara Cut-Out Sandals; available here!

Topshop Premium 'Powerful' Boots. Sold out online; available in-store!

A MATTER OF ESPADRILLES

Back again for the summer are espadrilles, a type of shoe that has long confused me due to a syndrome commonly known as 'Blinded By The Label'. As I entered the shoe department of Harrods not long ago, the vermillion red ponyskin Celine espadrilles immediately caught my attention; as I ran over to pick them up, and consequently began convincing my boyfriend (and myself) that I needed them in my life, he immediately responded 'nice.. but they really are only espadrilles, as in rope and rubber.'

His completely factual response brought me back to reality; It's extremely low-cost production material - Exhibit A: Primark Basic Canvas Espadrilles at approx. £5, proves to us truly how inexpensive it's wholesale value must be, vs. Exhibit B: Celine Ponyskin Espadrilles at approx £490, which makes my savings account and general conscience die inside. But people seem to love them regardless of the production cost vs. actual cost dilemma; Valentino's covetable style in lace seem to sell out consistently and are already in their second season of production, along with Chanel's logo stamped canvas style that have proven to be similarly as popular amongst bloggers (and i'm sure the Celine ponyskin style will be equally as popular as the weather improves).

Above are some of the most covetable espadrilles I have found so far for SS13, from Celine to Stella McCartney to Valentino. The best bank account friendly equivalent I have found thus far is the Zara Camouflage pair in the left column, also in ponyskin and under £40. What do you think? Are luxury espadrilles by a designer something you would invest in? Or are we really only blinded by the label in this instance?

Left Column: Chanel Navy Canvas Espadrilles (in store only), Celine Leopard Ponyskin Espadrilles (in store only), Valentino Black Lace Espadrilles, Zara Ponyskin Camouflage Espadrilles, Celine Vermillion Red Ponskin Espadrilles (in store only)

Right Column: Valentino Red Lace Espadrilles, Prism Leopard Canvas Espadrilles, Stella McCartney Neon Espadrilles, Christian Louboutin Striped Espadrilles, Prism Leather Espadrilles

LASER CUT

Amidst the excitement of watching all the AW13 shows online so far this last week (thank you, Style.com), I couldn't help but look back at my favourite SS13 shows (in the live breaks, of course) to see what had influenced my wish list picks for spring/summer. I remember being beyond overjoyed that Celine, Chloe and Isabel Marant had all provided us with muted, neutral colour themes that would make it easy to mix pieces from a winter wardrobe to a summer one. So here we go! More wish lists because making collages are fun and dissertations are not.. Beautiful simple dresses from Chloe mixed with the infamous Susanna boots (now with silver studs for this season for those of you who aren't so inclined to gold hardware). More statement bomber jackets from Marant following on from the covetable embroidered Western jacket of last season. I also couldn't resist the laser-cut pieces from Alaia, and do not fear! A huge range is available at The Outnet for all your purse-friendly-Alaia needs, making it all the more easier to justify, right? Also these laser cut leather shorts from Raoul are a perfect statement pair of shorts, I haven't seen anything else like them.

Other covetable pieces I couldn't resist include the great Olympia Le Tan's book clutch which has pretty much been snapped by every street style photographer and will continue to do so i'm sure! From novel clutches to novel jewellery I still cannot get over the awesomeness that is Delfina Delterez who has added a whole new meaning to the 'fine jewellery' category. In addition are these super thin stacking rings by Catbird NYC that are perfect for every day use, they also come as 'knuckle rings' that are trending in a big way! More on that in my next post though.

From Left to Right: Chloe Ruffle Sleeve Dress, Chloe Printed Silk Dress, Alaia Laser Cut Platforms, Olympia Le Tan Moby Dick Book Clutch, Vince Navy Silk Tee, Raoul Laser Cut Leather Shorts, Chloe Broderie White Skirt, Alaia Laser Cut Belt, Ear Cuff by Repossi, Stacking rings by Catbird NYC, Eye Double Ring by Delfina Delterez, Chloe Susanna Studded Boots, Black Cuff by Elin Kling x Marciano, Isabel Marant Glinkle Jacket, Chloe Camel Sport Pants.

TIGER FEVER

Yes, that Kenzo tiger sweater is back for SS13! You can get it here.

ON MY MIND

On my mind today? Shoes shoes shoes.

Red Monk shoes by Alexander Wang, Nude Studded pumps by Christian Louboutin, Cobalt Blue and glitter loafers by Nicholas Kirkwood, Black Shark Lock Heels by Givenchy, Dolly Orchid Peach Heels by Charlotte Olympia, Metallic Leopard Heels by Gianvito Rossi, Burgundy Suede Kitty flats by Charlotte Olympia, Leopard print loafers by Charles Phillip Shanghai.

MATCHES SS13 PRESS DAY

Sorry for the lack of posts! Work has been consuming my life recently, but I did manage to get out to attend one very exciting invitation that I have been meaning to share with you for over a week; the Matches SS13 Press Day at their lovely home from home, No. 23.

Needless to say it left me feeling super excited for all of next seasons pieces (and similarly very depressed as I wanted to leave with all of it!) See my favourite picks below; Louboutin accessories, loafers and brogues by Fendi and Kenzo, and neon jewellery and prints everywhere inbetween! Thank you for having me Matches! (and thank you iPhone 5 for saving me when my DSLR busted 5 minutes before I got there.)

I need this Givenchy clutch in my life now. I can see these being everywhere at forthcoming fashion week street style shots, cue TommyTon!

In love with these Diane Kordas lightning bolt pieces, black diamonds!

Kenzo loafers!! I say no more. 

Amazing new summer denim by the very best; Paige, J Brand, Current/Elliot and more!

How cool are these Fendi brogues?

Stacks of eyewear! I want the Pierre Hardy clutch at the bottom!

One of my favourite trends from the press day, all for androgyny! 

Beautiful McQueen clutches, as always. 

Love this MSGM dress, the neon print is really wearable.

Spot the insanely cool Louboutin stud iPad accessories! 

And to save the most coveted until last... the infamous IM sneakers are back again! Stars on the Bekketts this year! What do you guys think?

CÉLINE DETAILS, SS13

And just like that, I feel the urge to own a leather lunch bag and furry Birkenstocks.

If you hadn't guessed already, Céline is without a doubt my favourite brand. Not just because of the style, but because working and studying in PR has made me appreciate a hundred times more what Phoebe Philo has achieved for Céline's current image and representation. Each season I eagerly wait for Paris to see what she has created, and (although I don't normally post show reviews), I couldn't resist posting the SS13 show. 

Firstly, I love the use of less obvious colour choices for summer; monochrome, greys and navy, contrasting with the subtle amount of bright colours and nudes used in the accessories. I normally hate dressing for summer, the last few seasons it's been about scary neon prints and bright colours (which I can't do) so thank you Céline for providing us with another option. Moreover, the use of wafer-thin leather and draped silks kept the brand true to it's minimalistic look, but with a softer approach from the more structured materials we've seen Céline use previously.

Now for the accessories; the furry Birkenstocks. So many mixed reviews on these; not a practical option for sure (fur on the soles of your feet in the summer, maybe not) but I think they are kind of amazing. Even the fur heels, although insanely impractical and crazy, made the collection just that bit cooler (the yellow heels strangely remind me of sesame street.. in a good way, though).

The clutches were my favourite piece, I love how they look like leather lunch paper bags, even in the satin version too.
Oh and I really want to find a leather scrunchie-style wristband, immediately.

All images courtesy of Style.com