Christopher Kane Neon Clutch

Any bright coloured lace item now reminds me of Christopher Kane's summer collection. While the neon laser-cut leather and lace pieces make a bold statement and look great with contrasting brights or neutral tones, there's no denying that they don't hold much staying power for future seasons to come.

These colourful clutches make a much more sensible fashion investment and were big fashion news this week with getting featured in top fashion weekies.

For £295 you're getting a beautiful stand-out pop colour clutch that could double up as a stylish iPad case and will bring a smile to your face on the cold and rainy days when you'll wear it against your dark winter clothes.

Buy them from Net-A-Porter.com £295

TOM FORD Fall 2011/12

During fashion week my most visited website is STYLE.COM to see the latest runway pictures just hours after the shows. Some designers even broadcast their collections live on their website and you can always rely on fashion insiders to 'twitpic' the main looks. All this is bringing the front row experience to everyone that is interested.

This idea is not shared by Tom Ford whose presentations are famously exclusive with only a few fashion editors invited. Photography is not allowed and it's very limited what the attendees can reveal about the collection..

..4 months later we can finally enjoy the lookbook of the fall collection.

5 rules according to Tom Ford this winter:

• FUR! - Colored, long, big chunky fur collars
• Bin the leopard. Zebra is the new animal print.
• Multiple textures in one look - lace/feather/fur/leather/velvet/satin
• Let you waist do the talking - cinch it in with a belt or opt for sharp and skintight tailoring
• Victorian lace eveningwear - high necks, long sleeves but sheer lace makes it sexy

Vera Wang Inspiration at TOPSHOP

2011 is the year of weddings - mostly due to the Royal Wedding - so it's not surprising that elements from bridal wear make their way to our high street shops. The designers at Topshop were aiming high as they picked THE go-to label for wedding gowns Vera Wang to  take inspiration from.

I recently walked past the Browns Vera Wang salon opposite Claridge's and this dress made me stop for a closer look. I love the structured bustier-looking bodice softened with a layer of tulle and the ribbon belt just ads the perfect touch.

Unfortunately I don't need the gown just yet but I'm tempted to get a 'reminder' of it for £50.

Vera Wang at Browns - Brook Street, London W1K 4HS

Amber Fashion 2011 - as it happened

 

The weekend of the Monaco Grand Prix is always much more about the parties and social events than the race itself. The three nights at Amber Lounge are definitely the first on the list of places to be for the VVIPs. The weekend kicked off with a Matthew Willaiamson charity fashion show attended by everyone who's anyone.

Helping with the organisation of the event was a great experience. Here's how it all happened in pictures.

The line-up of the fashion show with all the looks mostly from the Spring/Summer 2011 collecton.

Looks I was responsible for. (from SS2011 Collection)

Getting a closer look at the gorgeous garments

The models taking photos - all the time and mostly of themselves

Jumping in as a seamstress to fix some ripped trousers

The line-up

Matthew Williamson adding finishing touches before the catwalk

And the products that were used to make the gorgeous girls look catwalk-ready...

Want some more funfacts about the show?

• the hardest part about working with models is to make sure they are where they need to be - they always wondered off (just like F1 driver Adrian Sutil who also had a catwalk appearance that evening)
• The champage served backstage was just as popular among models, presenters and make-up artists as the pasta with tomato sauce
• All the Matthew Williamson showpieces were packed up in two large suitcases and flown back to England on Easyjet.
• The models wore shoes from Matthew Williamson and Giuseppe Zanotti - and surprisingly NONE of them went missing after the show
• When Kim Kardashian showed up all we could focus on was her huge rock (and her beautiful Lanvin dress)
• Matthew Williamson was just as excited to see Taio Cruz perform as I was - moving instantly closer to the stage

Pleated Skirts - Keira Knightley

There's no question that the pleated skirt is a 2011 staple that will last beyond the summer season. There's plenty of choice on the high street, you just have to decide on the colour and length to go for. Keira Knightley wore a lemon midi similar to the one from River Island.

10 Best Dressed - 2011 Met Gala

Jennifer Lopez in Gucci

Solange Knowles in Dries Van Noten

Demi Moore in Prabal Gurung

Isabel Lucas in Louis Vuitton

Leelee Sobieski in Vionnet

Liv Tyler in Givenchy

Sarah Jessica Parker in Alexander McQueen

Mia Wasikowska in Thakoon

Brooklyn Decker in Michael Kors

Zoe Saldana in Calvin Klein

10 Best Dressed - The Royal Wedding

Kate Middleton in Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen

Pippa Middleton in Alexander McQueen

Princess Beatrice in Valentino Couture

Victoria Beckham in her own design and David Beckham in Ralph Lauren Purple Label

Kitty Spencer

Sophie Countess of Wessex

Miriam Clegg in Miguel Palacia

Samantha Cameron in Burberry

Charlene Wittstock in Akris

Princess Maxima of Netherlands

Shop4 Her Style - Kim Kardashian's Striped Maxi Dress

Kim usually won't step out of the house without her sky high Louboutins and perfectly done hair so it's nice to see her toning it down while still looking chic. The vest maxi is effortless and proof that horizontal stripes are not always the enemy of girls with curves.

I bought a very similar version from New Look last summer which is available again but there are plenty of other choices to be found. Just team with a denim or leather jacket and summer's must have bright nails.

Lindsay Lohan in Topshop Kosy Slippers

Condé Nast Store London

It's fair to say that my collection of international fashion magazines count for fifty percent of my valuables. Once I know a magazine I'm after has been published I won't stop until I find it on the stands but it can be a long and tiring process.

The store opened last month in Vogue House in London. With the aid of IPads dotted around the store you will find close to one hundred and fifty different international publications some previously unavailable in the UK.

When asked about the inspiration behind the publishing giant's own newsagent, Condé Nast International chairman Jonathan Newhouse said "Our magazines are visually exciting products - featuring stunning works by the finest photographers - but most kiosks do not display them to full advantage..."

The flags below the display guide you to find the nationality you are after which is helpful as the countless covers start playing with your eyes. If it's not magazines you're after, you can browse through the giant coffee table books before purchasing.

What a great way to spend a lunch break or stop for a break from shopping.

The Condé Nast International Worldwide News is located 20 St George Street, London.

Dolce&Gabbana's Little White Dress

Looking at magazines and shop windows bright and bold colours are everywhere inspiring us for the colour blocking trend. It's easy to forget about the crisp white summer dresses that popped up on more than a few runways for this spring.

Still the most memorable was the Dolce&Gabbana Spring 2011 show where all models walked in together in white lace outfits from the collection. March/April editions of fashion magazines mark the 'official' start of the new season so what could look fresher than a beautifully cut white lace dress screaming that effortless sensual Italian style that the designer duo do so well.

 

Lanvin for H&M - In stores AGAIN

It might have happened a while ago, but the whole fuss about this (amazing if you ask me) collaboration is far to be over. Pieces are still a red carpet favourite among celebrities and you can’t help seeing one-or-two stylish party-goers wearing them out and about.

If you missed the pieces you might still be chasing them on eBay, but here’s something for those who have totally missed out on the experience so far.

The leftovers hit the stores this month and when I say leftovers – I mean it!

H&M took its recycled material approach one step further, when they took all the cuttings of the Lanvin collection’s fabrics and started to play some patchwork on them. I have to admit such a clever idea to make some more out of the whole buzz, and I’m sure some fashion lovers who missed the collection would appreciate these pieces just as much as someone who just needs a quirky dress or bag.

 

Early morning shopping

Pink haze on Old Bond Street

 

Postcards from Italy