Festive Frock Foundations




Look 1 - Vivienne Westwood. 

With Look 1, Wear Chantelle Merci Demi bra for maximum impact

It's officially the party season!!!









Invites ready and rsvp'd, oufits hung and pressed in the wardrobe, just make sure that you have the appropriate undergarments that will work and enhance your figure, so as not to ruin the final look. The Style Eye has identified 4 party outfits taken from this season's catwalk, one from the high street and one all time classic cocktail outfit and paired them with perfectly working and matching lingerie from French specialist, Chantelle. Looks 1 and 2 are both taken from Vivienne Westwood's AW13 Red Label collection. They are perfect for a work-to-party option or for a posh Christmas lunch.
Ditch the fail safe LBD this christmas and choose a cocktail dress with a dash of sparkle and colour, like the Isabel Marant for H&M seen below here. The easy drape top of this dress allows for a less structured undergarment on top, like C Magnifique. Chantelle's Hausmann, is a T-shirt bra with luxury styling details found and inspired by Tuxedo dinner jackets. Wear this bra with a YSL Le Smoking with the satin edging peeping out of the collar rever.
All lingerie is available at www.chantelle.com 

Purple plunge works best with Westwood's work-to-party look. 

Look 2, Vivienne Westwood - Perfect for a work-to-party date.

Classic Cocktail dress by Isabel Marant for H&M 

Works well with a Chantelle C Magnifique underneath 

The Hausmann bra echoes and highlights the detailing of a traditional evening tux jacket (above) 

AW13 Beauty - Plump For Plum

What's not to love about autumn? Who can resist the look and underfoot feel of crisp, fallen leaves  on the pavements & the vibrant shades of red foliage that is still to fall, and after having spent warm summer nights sitting on stiff garden furniture, reclaiming your comfy sofa, sipping a nice glass of red? Autumn is here and that means red wine is back on the menu & the lips!

Bottega Veneta AW13

And it just so has it that fashion is very approving of a Bordeaux stained lip to complement this time of year.  From Bottega Veneta to Dolce e Gabbana- the beauty message could well be 'guzzle as much Sassicaia as you can handle/afford - for it will only add to the intensity of this season's dramatic lipstick led look'

Dolce & Gabbana AW13

Although, my savvy Style Eye readers, I'm sure you'd rather be spending your euros on fashion & beauty than v. expensive rare vintage Tuscan reds.
So how to achieve plum lips without getting blotto & breaking the bank?

Hourglass Rouge Liquid Lipstick

Lipstick Queen Velvet Rope

How about Hourglass Rouge Liquid Lipstick in Icon? A true plummy red that stays put for hours. Packaged like a gloss complete with soft sponge applicator, it actually has the consistency of a velvet finish lipstick. Or for a really luxurious treat go for

Lipstick Queen's Velvet Rope in Black Tie. It's a pinkier hue of plum packaged in a dynamic gold art deco-esque case, to make a bold statement in the powder room. Balance vibrant plum lips with velvet skin - prepare with a dusting of Houglass Ambient Lighting Powder over your usual foundation base & add just a hint of blush - let your lips do all the talking with this beauty look.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder

Nars Blush in Oasis

A great compliment to a bold, Bordeaux lip is Nars blush in Oasis. Eyes work best in swiftly shaded in bronze, but if you want a totally high octane 'Guy Bourdin' style look, then layer autumnal brown eyeshadow hues below a swish of gold.

Best Beauty Buys - Summer 2013

This week, readers, I would like to share with you an edited round-up of my personal favourite beauty products that have saved my make-up from melting and the ones that have put a summer smile on my face.
In very hot heat, it only takes a short walk to the station and a stuffy tube ride to have all your make-up artistry end up on your chin. Not a good look. Stop this from happening with a little before and after preparation. I was introduced to Elemis Pro-Radiance Flash Balm via Red Magazine's gift giveaway this summer. Applied before your usual foundation, it gives a glowing base that stays put all day long, for added staying power swipe over Chantecaille's Protection Naturelle to set your make-up. Mid- afternoon touch-ups with this handy brush tube will keep you looking fresh and glowing until evening. Looking for an eye-pencil that doesn't smudge and never ends up anywhere else apart from where you applied it? Then Nars Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner is the one for you.

I believe every season one should always treat themselves to a luxury beauty product - why? Because you are worth it. This summer, Tom Ford's Neroli Portofino Body Oil was what I treated myself to. After spending a hot day by the pool, it's the perfect 2-1 product after a cooling shower. The luxurious quality oil moisturises, whilst the summer fragrance, reminiscent of hot sunny days and nights in the Italian Riviera, lightly scents the skin without any need for spritzing a fragrance which can feel heavy on a hot day.

Nars Larger Than Life Eyeliner 

You've Been Asking....

Campana Brothers x Melissa

From celebrity hairdresser's girlfriends to polite people on the early morning train, many of you have been asking about this bag. So here's a heads up on my Campana Brothers for Melissa white basket.

I was given it in 2005 by a friend who owned a fashion boutique in East London. He stocked the matching shoes, and he gave me the bag as I believe he had a few given to him for promotional purposes.

I decided to revive it from the top of the wardrobe late last summer as it seemed the perfect bag for a day trip to Whitstable, as you can throw in purse bags, clutches, make-up pochettes and Institut Esthederm sun protection with ease. The plastic irregular lattice work allows for hanging extra bits, like a Pucci visor and sunglasses, as seen here. The lattice work reminds me of Humberto & Fernando Campana's iconic Blow Up fruit basket which is produced in Italy by Alessi. The shape of size of the bag, are not commuter compliant by any means, but then neither is Chanel's SS13 Hula Hoop bag, yet they have been spotted in fashionable towns and cities too.

Baskets seem so right for now, and this one in a modern plastic from a pair of cult designer brothers gets no better. Search the web, you never know if someone is willing to part with theirs, although they'd be silly if they did. In my opinion this bag is a modern classic.





The Stand- Out Pieces - Autumn/Winter 2013

Whether you need a new woolly for the weekend or an ultra glam dress fit for the red carpet (or perhaps more like the Christmas party) The Style Eye identifies the new and interesting key pieces for next Winter 2013.
Everyone needs a new woolly jumper to at the start of the Winter season. The Style Eye is particularly fond of this fuzzy cocoon shaped number from Alexander Wang. The perfect  item to pair with a full circle skirt to balance a chic daytime look.

Alexander Wang AW13

Who really needs a pair of totally impractical sharp stiletto heeled suede thigh high boots? Not many I suspect will need them, although I can imagine many will lust and covet. Just as we do. Top of The Style Eye's wishlist are Pucci's AW13 catwalk boots.

Emilio Pucci - Look 2

An LBD will always be an essential to any wardrobe. Bottega Veneta's belted slim fit front slit wool version will stand up to any occasion, just style to match the mood.


Bottega Veneta

Brighten up fancy festive parties and smart winter nights out with Acne's silk satin sage gown. Glamourous yet edgy keeps it real if you happen to grace the red carpet.

Acne AW2013

A/W 13 Scarf Styling

Early in 2013, we witnessed what seemed to be one of the coldest and cruelest winters in living memory. Getting dressed to any sort of stylish standard was the last thing on most people's mind. So, imagine then what it must be like for the legions of fashion superstars who attended the international collections, having to make more than an effort to look good in the driving snow and sub-zero temperatures. Most, if not all, I gather from the street style images, adhered to the ' Seventy per cent of body heat leaves through your head rule' and about ninety percent of those outside the shows popped on a knitted beanie or bobble hat variation.

Giovanna Battaglia

Miroslava Dumas

The other, roughly, ten per cent of popular fashion heroines, including Miroslava Dumas and Giovanna Battaglia opted for an old school classic - a printed silk square folded on the bias covering the head and tied at the chin. This look was inspiring as an alternative way to stop the snow from falling directly on to the head and to keep the warmth in, without being fashioned from wool or such like. Although, on the catwalk, the prize for one of the best uses of wool most certainly goes to Dries Van Noten and his university striped scarves. Tied at the neck in a feminine half bow, this look is the quirky and cool way to wear woolly scarves next Autumn/Winter 2013.



Dries Van Noten

Copper, Camel & Tan - A/W 13's Favourite Catwalk Colours

Bottega Veneta

Copper-brown is the key 'neutral' shade for next autumn/winter. Like the 90s phenomenon that saw brown as the new black and all that blah blah blah, camels, mustards, tans and flashes of yellow are also added to the palette complementing this autumn 2013's main colour story. To be on trend, subtly include a piece or two to next season's outfits as many shades of copper are going to be the new.. err, black?

Emilio Pucci



Topshop Unique



Bottega Veneta

 The Style Eye would love to create new autumn outfits with a pair of Emilio Pucci thigh high softest suede boots and a burnt copper knee length pleated 'A' line skirt by Bottega Veneta ( although not worn together - well, not this season) What should you wear with this colour then, if not going head to toe like Bottega Veneta?



Rue Du Mail





Veronique Branquinho



Rue Du Mail

Pair camel tones with a flash of neon yellow or Chartreuse as seen at Veronique Branquinho or with classic pieces in basic black like this simple trouser at Bottega Veneta. Martine Sitbon's Rue Du Mail sent down copper furs flashing coral belts and shorts underneath to create a modern look. Topshop Unique encourages the new full circle skirt silhouette by showing it in a desirable shade of orangey-tan.



  

A/W 2013 Trends - Masculine/Feminine

In the background the flame haired U.S. Vogue editor, Grace Coddington sizes up Giovanna Battaglia's masculine/feminine look.

The masculine and tailored menswear look for women has been bubbling away for a few seasons now. For next autumn/winter 2013 this trend continues but blurs the lines between masculine and feminine styling. Best examples of this trend can be seen at designers Dries Van Noten and Holly Fulton. Their message is easy. If it's feminine clothing then sharpen the look with menswear accessories. When borrowing from the boys but cut to fit the girls clothing such as shirts, trousers and jackets then mix with girly prints and detailing. Be inspired at how the effortlessly gorgeous Giovanna Battaglia blends a mannish jacket and flat brogues with a simple yet feminine mini skirt, opaque tights and chic ladylike bag to balance the outfit. 

Holly Fulton styles a lipstick print skirt with mannish brogues making this outfit modern and fresh. 



Dries Van Noten sends out his ostrich feather trimmed cocktail dress with clompy men's lace ups.

And then he says match a crisp white shirt and sharp tailored trousers with a fluffy shawl, plus add a skirt and sexy spindly sandals to perfectly balance the mood of this look 













Super Nudes



Above. i-D Pre-Spring 2013 cover star Kate Moss with stiletto nails expertly manicured and painted in a super shade of nude by technician Sophy Robson.



There is a riot of colour stampeding style and fashion this spring. Lively yellow chequerboarding on dresses at Louis Vuitton and plenty of orangey-reds and corals at Chanel and Prada. Endorsing hot hues is the style message for clothing and accessories this season, and that is why the beauty pundits are applauding and promoting nails that are from a pale palette. These 'Supernudes' are the shade of varnish for spring and can be found at all beauty counters. There isn't one exact must have shade, its more of what works best with your skintone.  One tip that The Style Eye will suggest though, make sure your hands are perfectly manicured. Wearing natural shades enhance jaggedy cuticles and show chipped ends much more than a deep red or vibrant pink would, in fact thinking that this is an easy shade to wear isn't actually the case. The same goes for pale lips. The Style Eye loves a matt beige lip, such as Tom Ford's Blush Nude lipstick, and this too requires an immaculate foundation. Before applying a pale lipstick first scrub the lips with a homemade mix of gentle exfoliator and a decent lip balm to prepare the surface. By Terry Baume de Rose or Nuxe Reve de Miel Ultra Nourishing Lip Balm come highly recommended. Wipe clean with a cotton pad or tissue and then smooth over a little Hourglass Mineral Primer to make a good even base for your chosen beige lip shade. 





Tom Ford Lipstick in Blush Nude.

Lucite, Perspex, Methacrylate....

Call it what you want, clutch bags fabricated from a clear & hard plastic are an accessory must-have for Summer 2013. It started with the popularity of Charlotte Olympia's Pandora Clutch and then obssession really kicked in when Chanel released their Boy Brick this spring.

If the thought of spending on £550 on a evening clutch is a little extravagant, then bear in mind you can pay ten times that for the Chanel see-thru mini box bag version! My advice would be to nip into Zara and bag their methacrylate clutch for just £19.99.

Philip Lim said recently of this new fabric trend '"Perspex feels fresh because in a subversive way it's like the wearer is saying 'I have nothing to hide' " Show you have nothing to hide by filling your clutch with a couple of gorgeous goodies for everyone to spy and admire. Make like BBC 6 music radio DJ, Lauren Laverne and protect your phone with a Marc by Marc Jacobs creature case. Lauren went for Shorty, yet here at The Style Eye we are loving little lime green Rue. There will be just enough room for a lipstick, so make it a good one. Beautifully cased and smelling divine, YsL Rouge Pur Couture Lipstick should do the trick.

Mickey Take Fakes



Street-spotted at the S/S 13 shows



Many of today's fashion trends start from being spotted on cool city sidewalks and areas that surround the international fashion weeks. Check back to street snappers and blogger's reports from Spring/Summer 2013, and you will notice that behind the fashion scenes there was a small rush of sweatshirts and tees emblazoned with mis-spelt-but-the-same-font of top international fashion brands.  Sported by a few of fashion's elite personnel, a crowd who usually are styled and trend perfected to within an inch of their lives, and who are also well versed in the knowledge that images of themselves casually crossing the road, invite in hand, will be beamed around the world for fashion industry insiders and fans to peruse, judge and almost certainly copy.

So doesn't it seem funny that within this bunch, whose every fashion choice is scrutinised, that there are a few who would rather wear a misappropriated version of a designer logo than the real thing?

The Style Eye set to work to discover who was behind the 'Mickey Take Fakes' ....


Celine? No, BLTEE by Brian Lichtenberg



Our search led us first to Brian Lichtenberg, who has been pumping out the 'Homies' jumpers, T-shirts and knitted beanie hats, and if you didn't go to Specsavers,  could easily be mistaken for a piece of original Hermes. The Style Eye's personal Lichtenberg favourite would have to be his take on the Celine branding and logo,  'Feline - Miaow' sweatshirts & hoodies.



Benzo Bronx by C.O.I



Casual wear brand Conflict Of Interest are also producing a small range of T-shirts that also fit into this latest trend genre. Miu Miu, Kenzo, Balmain, Jil Sander, Givenchy and Bottega Veneta all get a comedy makeover courtesy of C.O.I. 'Benzo - Bronx' is a nice take on the recent fad for the Kenzo branded tiger knitwear and sweat jumper range. The creators have applied much attention to detail to recreate a Mercedes Benz front grille which cleverly imitates the popular Kenzo original version. 

With brands like Brian Lichtenberg seemingly getting away with producing and selling these versions, then there is probably room to create your own take on a designer brand classic, Chanel-esque 'SuperChic' anyone? 

London Fashion Week Events

This week The Style Eye has been visiting fun, filled fashion events. And not just the usual up-and-down the catwalk shows, oh no, more than that! Hour-long relaxed events where one was fed, watered and superbly entertained . Who knew that upstairs at the Swarovski Crystallized mega-boutique on the corner of Regents Street, that there sits a fantastic disco-party space with bar and DJ? We didn't until we called in for an exclusive showcase featuring lingerie and swimwear collections by What Katie Did, Dirty Pretty Things, Kiss Me Deadly, Fred & Ginger, Posh Totti and Paolita. Armed with champagne vouchers, we climbed the stairs to the sound of some very cool party beats, I wanted to dance, but alas no, we were there for a fashion show.
Pre-show we scoffed handmade chocs and had a set of lustrously gorgeous SheebaRaye eyelashes applied for our pleasure. We took our seats for the show, and the tunes kept on coming, but still no dancing - since the show was about to open. As our feet tapped in time, we saw an array of silky intimate separates from designers What Katie Did and Fred & Ginger, neon babydolls a la Yootha Joyce on acid from Dirty Pretty Things, an amazing sheer floor length boudoir robe by Kiss Me Deadly, expertly wrapped, twisted and folded printed sarongs by Posh Totti and Masai inspired printed swimwear from Paolita. We left with totally uplifited, minds, bodies and eyelids!

Checking her pocket watch, Alice realises it's time to open the presentation

The Tea Party

Over at Fashion Scout, we arrived at the decadent surroundings of Freemason's Hall for Liz Black's A/W 13/14 'Wear Me' presentation. To get us warmed up for the collection inspired by the world of Wonderland, we were given Campari and Cutesy Cake cupcakes, of which the latter was plucked from the tea party table, the central point of the presentation. Models playing the part of Alice in white scupltural show piece dresses, walked the red carpet handing out a couple of silk roses by So-Handmade. We were lucky enough to have been handed one of these artfully made pieces in crafted in white silk stained with red paint, presumably after the Queen of Hearts demanded all the flowers in the garden be painted red. The next moment the Red Queen makes her entrance in a stunning red zip front mini dress with a raised collar that spread into over exaggerated  shoulders and sleeves. If you think this sounds rather like something Lady Gaga would wear, then you are on cue as she has worn Liz Black's designs several times on the international red carpet. Although the show was centered on the eye-catching Wonderland designs, the presentation also included mannequins with designs that reflect Black's minimal and elegant aesthetic, for her collection of chic and tailored pieces for A/W 13/14. 

The Queen Of Hearts



Chic and Tailored. Liz Black's Wear Me A/W 13/14 Collection