Meet Mulberry’s Primrose (and the affordable alternatives)

Meet the newest member of the Mulberry family. Toted by Cara Delevingne in the fashion house’s AW campaign, the Primrose is a fresh twist on familiar Mulberry style. Lighter and younger than the Bayswater, it’s almost like a mini doctor’s bag or a riff on the classic 1950s handbag. The curved handle, rounded corners, compact shape and muted colourways all have a vintage-inspired feel, making the Primrose a feminine alternative to Mulberry’s iconic Alexa satchel. 

As well as this putty-coloured version, the bag comes in black and tomato red, finished with a postman’s lock that opens on a sideways hinge. The obvious way to style it would be with peter pan collars, Chelsea boots and a floppy hat – but pairing it with sleek tailoring (like Cara in the campaign imagery, below) is much more powerful.  The long-length shoulder strap means it can be slung over anything, messenger style, or held by the handle with ladylike poise.

It’s “an elegant and understated bag, embracing soft simplicity and classic Mulberry hardware” according to the brand. But even more than that, the Primrose is one of the final designs to come from Emma Hill’s stint as the label’s Creative Director. Hill oversaw the design of the Alexa, Willow and Del Ray - an armful of Mulberry’s most iconic bags – but announced last month that she is leaving the role. Whoever replaces her will no doubt continue the label’s legacy of enviable bags, but they might choose a completely different direction when it comes to design.

But if Mulberry is out of your price range, the high street has a few affordable alternatives. Look for bags that have a similar feel to the Primrose without being an exact replica – there’s a big difference between being inspired by designer pieces, and toting a Mulberry rip-off. This Lulu Guinness satchel shares its size, shape and strap details with the Primrose, but has a quirky, loudmouth charm of its own, while ASOS’s version has a luxurious leather finish, slight trapeze shape and gold hardware that’s similar to Mulberry’s without being too copycat. Dune’s structured bag is a bit more boxy, and Vivienne Westwood has reimagined the style in tartan – this one’s not strictly on the high street but is still more affordable than Mulberry, and it has a bit more impact too.

Kate Moss for Carphone Warehouse

Kate Moss’ collaboration with Carphone Warehouse caught everyone by surprise when it was announced earlier this month. Kate’s lent her eye for design to the high street before, working with Topshop on 14 capsule collections between 2007 and 2010, but Carphone Warehouse isn’t the most obvious partner for her rock-chic aesthetic. They’re better known for sensible phone plans and practical headsets.

But if anyone can make a phone case covetable, it’s Kate Moss. Her designs have all the signatures of her personal style – rivets, studs and black leather are everywhere - and the supermodel’s influence is instantly recognisable. The patent snakeskin pattern on an iPhone case was inspired by her favourite Dunhill lighter, and the chic anchor symbols mimic a tattoo on her wrist. If Marc Jacob’s cuter-than-cute puppydog cases weren’t your thing, this is the ultimate foil to their schoolteacher charm.

Kate Moss with Nick Grimshaw, holding her iPad case

My favourite is the Samsung flip case, purely for its anchor-print lining, but the nautical symbol does risk replicating JW Anderson’s logo a little too closely. Other standouts include the rivet-strewn star across the back of an iPhone case (does this remind anyone else of her spring 2009 Topshop collection?) and the iPad ziparound, which could have been mistaken for a classic clutch when Moss modelled it at the launch. Held against her black, full-skirted Prada dress and surrounded by London cool kids Pixie Geldof, Nick Grimshaw and Jaime Winstone, it looked right at home.

There might not be anything overly exciting or unexpected about this collection – it looks exactly how you’d imagine a Kate Moss range of tech accessories would – but that’s exactly what her fans crave most. Moss has never run after trends or chased novelties. She’s played to her biggest strength, her personal style, and proved that she can make almost anything into an enviable accessory.

The Kate Moss collection will be available on the Carphone Warehouse in the next few weeks. While you wait, register to receive the latest updates on the range here

Menswear: The Best of AW13 Pre-collections

The sale is nearly over and the new season pre-collections are trickling in. With such amazing scorching weather of late the last thing any one of us wants to do is start thinking about how we will be dressing and accessorising for autumn and winter.

Men love fashion and beautifying as much as women, but just are not the first to admit it. Men these days are tuning in with their personal style and appearance more so than ever as we see them dashing for cosmetic products, and splashing the cash more frequently on amazing and exquisite designer fashion. Regardless of how warm it is outside when you see hot fashion, whether it’s appropriate for wearing right now or not becomes totally irrelevant.

To help you shop with ease this season, we have whittled down the top 5 accessories that will have your style covered throughout autumn winter.

One: Balenciaga-Grained Leather Backpack

This stunning beauty is in an amazing rouge red. What’s great is last season we saw how the rucksack trend was well received and it looks as though this style will still be trending this season. The design sees a hook tabs and straps, with lots of storage space. The greatness of this bag lies in the versatility of it, as you can team this bag with the majority of what’s it in your wardrobe be it off duty or for your more sartorial look. Either way if you own this bag you can effortlessly add an uber cool style aesthetic into your life with a vibrant pop of colour.

Two: DriesVan Noten- Paisley Silk Tie

Perfect for weddings or work this paisley printed tie in woven silk will add luxe chic to any look you team it with. The lush style aesthetics of this tie will enable you to add that intricate detail as well as a texturized depth to your look.

Three: Commedes garcons homme plus- Polished leather car wallet

One accessory that speaks volumes about one’s style is your wallet, and what better way to store your money than in this designer treasure? This wallet is chic and contemporary with its alternate black and matte metal sides. What is amazing about this style is that it is not too bulky and you can easily store cards, notes and coins, knowing that it will be secured with an easy zip fastening.

Four:   Dolce& Gabbana-Pebble leather belt

Sometimes less is more and this can be said for this thin black leather belt. It is in the most simple of design with a square silver buckle fastening. This belt is perfect for when you’re rocking a nice pair of denim jeans or with your suit to work, allowing you to accessories with subtle chic. This belt is intricately and beautifully crafted with pebble effect finishing on the calfskin leather.

Five: Drakes-Leather Trimmed Pliad Braces

These braces are worth the investment, they are ridiculously cool and you can team them with multiple looks in your wardrobe – the burgundy will brighten up even the dullest of suits. Or team the braces with your shorts for when the sun put its hat on, or even add that extra coolness onto the denim of your jeans for a rad down town cool look. These braces are elasticated in burgundy and navy with brown leather finishing, making them this season’s ultimate must have.

So there you have it; AW13 pre-collection must haves that will add practicality, depth and texture to the most monotonous of looks.  Accessories enables you develop a style  that is sophisticated as well as enhance the ensembles you would ordinarily put together, helping to comprise a whole new look. 

Which are your fave pre-collection pieces?

Sheriff&Cherry: Vintage Charm, New Shades

You might think you’ve found the perfect pair of sunglasses, but a pair from Sheriff&Cherry are bound to make them feel boring. Rayban-esque shapes and aviator styles come patterned, bright orange or with each eye framed in a completely different colour – and they’re occasionally modelled by a gorilla. So get inspired by this week’s burst of sunshine, and turn up the temperature with a quirky pair of shades. As well as their official website, Sheriff&Cherry are stocked by farfetch, Net-a-Porter and The Corner, a clear sign that the label is already a hit with some of fashion’s biggest buyers. Every pair is handmade in Croatia with 400-UV protected organic lenses and for SS13 the team were inspired by "ice-cream, summer, the beach and rock-and-roll." I've chosen my favourites, but which are yours?

Nothing says East London quite like an offbeat pair of sunnies. Sheriff&Cherry’s multi-hued and acid bright ‘Rainbow’ design comes in polished acetate, for a high-octane look with bite.

Pink and blue animal print shouldn’t work together, but they really do. The Sheriff&Cherry anchor and star logos compliment this pair’s kitschy appeal.

Metallic arms lend a modern edge to this vintage-inspired shape. But the bright orange frames are an of-the-moment statement.

One of Sheriff&Cherry’s newest designs, the ‘Disco’ comes with round, gradient tinted lenses and a nickel frame, with the label’s signature polished acetate appearing on its arms.

Quirky Jewellery

I do not know about you but I get sick of seeing and wearing the same kind of jewellery that everybody else has got! Jewellery is just great for making your most boring of ensembles, ooze a stylish essence of chic.

The spectrum of jewellery pieces you choose to adorn your body with these days is endless from rings to statement necklaces and bracelets and more. I’ve put together top 3 quirky jewellery designers that will leave you looking blinged up and crisp!

One: Etsy

Etsy is a shopping channel I have recently discovered, they sell all kinds of things that have been handmade by people from all over the world. Vanya has a really cute unique jewellery collection which she sells on the site called ‘Vanessa’s collection’. Vanya is a lawyer by day and is self-taught jewellery designer by night. Jewellery making is her passion and is something in which she has been practicing for the majority of her life.

The jewellery the designer creates pieces made from waved crochet, which are then died and hung on an acrylic pendant. Vanessa’s collections present jewellery that has been made using unconventional techniques and shapes. What is so lovely about purchasing jewellery from a designer like Vanya is the fact that you know that it is going to be one of a kind making it very much exclusive to you. The pieces she designs are eye catching, very distinctive with the unusual shapes they come in.

Two: Dominic Jones

Dominic Jones is another stunning jewellery designer and is a five time ‘New Gen’ award winner. He launched his jewellery collection back in 2009 with his infamous ‘Tooth and Nail’ collection. He studied at Sir John Cass School of art and design and since then has had a prosperous career in jewellery making, further winning ‘Jewellery designer of the year’ in 2011. The British designer is establishing himself in good stead as he is the ambassador of A- lister celebrities such as Beyoncé and Rihanna. He has also managed to secure great stockist network with the likes of net-a-porter and Harvey Nicholas just to name a few.

Three: Alicia Hannah Naomi

 Another jewellery designer to keep your eyes peeled open for is Alicia Hannah Naomi. The raw cutting edge designer designs contemporary jewellery that harnesses the savageness of beauty.  The young talent is based in Melbourne Australia and considering how tropical the climate is there she has an appreciation for dark aesthetics. Her work incorporates precious materials into organic pieces to exemplify both simplicity and austerity to capture true essence of the wabi- sabi aesthetic.

Kim Sears' Centre Court Style

Kim Sears has mastered courtside style. As the long-term girlfriend of Andy Murray she’s been a regular fixture at tennis tournaments across the world for years, and her relaxed, feminine style has always been duly noted. But for Wimbledon 2013 she stepped it up a level.

Wearing a mix of high street pieces and designer gems, Kim’s eye for light, spring-fresh shades helped her stand out at centre court without ever seeming like she’d tried too hard, and her demure hemlines meant that comparisons to the Duchess of Cambridge were inevitable. When she turned up one day in a floral Zara dress it sold out online within hours, but it’s really Kim's accessories that define her personal style. Look at photographs from across the tournament and you’ll recognise the same bag, watch and shoes – staples that go with everything and lend every look a little extra polish. For anyone wanting to recreate her youthful yet ladylike look, this is exactly what you need.

The Designer Bag

Kim’s Mulberry Willow bag never left her side during Wimbledon 2013. The muted nude colour went with everything from multi-coloured florals to her mint green shift by Victoria Beckham, while the gold zip details and trapeze shape keep it firmly on trend. The envelope-style clutch can be unzipped from the main bag and used on its own but Kim didn’t seem to take advantage of this during the tournament, preferring to balance the full-size bag in the crook of her elbow. The real thing is available in new season colours on the Mulberry website, but more affordable alternatives are everywhere – Kim wasn’t the only one who fell for this style. Ted Baker’s tote is patent and quilted for a sleek finish, while this Blugirl version is on sale now. Both have gold trims and a structured look similar to Kim’s Mulberry.

The Colours

Throughout the tournament Kim went for bold, sun-soaked colours over classic tennis whites. The orange blazer, teamed with a pair of printed trousers, was one of her most interesting Wimbledon outfits and proved that she can do on-trend as well as ladylike. The yellow dress is more casual (especially with a denim jacket) but Kim’s cat eye sunglasses and Mulberry bag add a little courtside polish.

The spearmint shift is by Victoria Beckham, and quickly became Kim’s most celebrated Wimbledon look. On the day of the men’s final, she looked calm and collected in the soft (but still eye-catching) colour, which this Sui Midi shoulder bag recreates. Other options for channelling Kim’s colour love are Aspinal’s leather wallet in Orange Pebble, or this yellow Pashli bag from 3.1 Phillip Lim, both available at Selfridges. For a vintage feel, the Cambridge Satchel Company offers bags in baby blue and tangerine.

The Print

Pictures of Andy Murray’s girlfriend in this knee-length Zara dress caused it to sell out online within hours. But there are other ways to channel her look – try floral accessories for a hit of Kim’s courtside style. Ted Baker’s iPhone cases are a non-committal way to mix flowers into your everyday style, while ASOS has them emblazoned across backpacks and threaded onto hair accessories. Mix your florals with shots of yellow, marine and pink to stay true to Kim’s example, or wear them with faded denim for off-duty style.

The Finishing Touches

Sandals that are easy to walk in are essential when navigating Wimbledon’s courtside steps. Kim paired these tan heels with just about everything during the 2013 tournament, and there are thousands of similar styles out there; these designs from Monsoon, Dune and even New Look have the same chunky heels and thick straps.

Kim was rarely spotted in sunglasses during Wimbledon, but she opted for a cat eye style when the weather demanded it. You can find nearly identical pairs at Oliver Peoples – these ‘Daddy B’ glasses are unisex with a slightly oversized shape, and come in a choice of glossy black or classic tortoiseshell.

Her watch has a masculine edge – an unexpected twist in Kim's decidedly feminine style – with its wide silver strap and classical, round face. Michael Kors is the label to go to for watches with this kind of look, with a huge selection in silver, gold or rose gold. This oversized watch is available in all three metals and taps perfectly into Kim’s timeless style - layer it with silver bracelets for a finishing touch that's straight from Centre Court.

Simone Ferkul Geometric Wooden Jewllery

I always love jewellery that is unique in design and comes as part of a collection that is interesting and versatile. When buying bespoke jewellery I always look for a high quality craftsmanship and natural materials.

Sticks & Stones Jewellery collection by Simone Ferkul embodies all of these qualities, making this one of the most desirable timeless collections I have seen in a while. What first attracted me to this collection are the natural materials that have been used to create what can be regarded as fine pieces of art. Much of the collection is produced using wood and rope with accent detailing of brass to complement and enhance the design aesthetics of the pieces.

The collection is described bySimone Ferkul as “Characterized by angels, interesting elements, craft, Sticks & Stones re-examines traditional crystal models through material capacity”.

The pieces are truly are bespoke pieces of art that explore form, size and proportion. These concepts are all critical in the process of crystal cutting, making Sticks & Stones an abstract form of luxury jewellery.

The designers of the wooden jewellery collection Sticks & Stones seeks to reconnect the designer, maker and wearer to develop holistic objects that are the alternative to mass production consumer goods.

Festival Fashion - The Trends of 2013

Every year Glastonbury sets the tone for festival style, and 2013 did not disappoint. Cara Delevingne, Rita Ora and Alexa Chung led the new style tribes in leather jackets, crop tops and seventies style, but it’s their hats that were most exciting. Far quirkier and more covetable than the toppers you’d spot at Ascot or a summer wedding, everything from floral headbands to feather embellishments were spotted in the crowds at Glastonbury. Not just a distraction from unwashed hair, they’re the final detail that can make an ordinary outfit truly festival-ready. So whether you’re heading to The Secret Garden Party, Wireless or V Festival in 2013, these are the headwear trends to take notice of.

Floral Garlands

The floral headband trend has been brewing for a while, starting its festival circuit at Coachella a few years ago, but it’s still going strong. This year at Glastonbury Millie Mackintosh and Katherine Jenkins were both spotted wearing one, and their choice brightened up shorts worn with Hunter boots – a classic festival look. Probably the easiest headgear to adopt over the summer, a floral halo will lend girlie charm to pretty much anything. You could make your own, but ASOS marketplace has plenty to choose from.

Feather Crowns

Poppy Delevingne’s feather headdress might sit on the controversial side of the ‘hipster headdress’ debate, but this crown from Littledoe is a more wearable way to work feathers into your look. They’re a tried and tested Glastonbury staple, steadily gaining popularity every year, so why fix what’s not broken? If you’re a festival first-timer, take advantage of this opportunity to wear something that would never make it into your wardrobe at home.

Seventies Style

For Glastonbury 2013 Alexa Chung championed a more grown-up style than her denim shorts of festivals past. In a floppy, seventies style hat, she instantly sparked a new wave of festival dressing that will probably reappear at The Secret Garden Party and Latitude this summer, before seeping into Glastonbury 2014. Sienna Miller showed up in a floppy hat too, so get ahead of the trend now with this sculpted teal design from Gladys Tamez Millinery. The stand-out colour flatters all skin tones and –unlike most festival style – will look just as good with a winter coat in January.

Quirkiness

Glastonbury – like all festivals – calls for a huge hit of individuality if you’re ever going to stand out from the crowds dressed in cut-off shorts, wayfarers and Hunter boots. Rita Ora’s offstage outfit was almost as attention-grabbing as the scarlet fringed maxi that she performed in, but you don't need a full-on lilac-three piece to stand out: this Maison Michel hood is the perfect dose of originality. The childlike animal ears and starry print will fully indulge the festival atmosphere, and it will even protect you from the rain. It ticks every box.

The Backwards Baseball Cap

The tomboy baseball cap is gaining a celeb-studded following, with Rihanna regularly hiding under hers and Cara Delevingne choosing a printed monochrome version for the first day at Glastonbury. It’s a natural continuation of the sports luxe trend (think Isabel Marant’s wedge sneakers and Kenzo’s sweatshirts) and fits effortlessly with Cara’s quirky sense of cool. A backwards cap is definitely the low maintenance way to do festival headwear, but balance this one from Bank with some statement sunnies – Cara’s bright bug-eyes with a lilac frame are perfect.