Patternity Tights

There’s a definite chill in the air, and most of us have already made the switch from bare legs to cosy tights. We’ve got a good five or six months of covering up ahead of us, and reaching for an identical pair of 40 deniers every day isn’t very exciting. So this is the perfect time to discover Patternity – a design studio that manages to make even tights look urban and modern.

'SEEING PATTERN EVERYWHERE — FROM THE MUNDANE TO THE MAGNIFICENT'

Patternity started out four years ago as a design blog, carefully curating an incredible archive of patterns, but they’ve grown into a creative studio, take on research and consultancy roles, and put on industry events, all around the idea of pattern. It’s a cool little company, with a big client list: Celine, Apple, Bompas & Parr, Selfridges, Nike, The V&A and The BBC.

So it’s no surprise that their tights line is based around the most eye-arresting of prints. After a limited-edition run sold out in 2012, they’ve teamed up with Pretty Polly to offer screen printed designs in blocks of nude and black colour. There’s something very edgy about their graphic stripes, square and triangles: seemingly simple shapes arranged in a new way, that you’re unlikely to see on anyone else. From a distance it actually looks like the patterns have been painted on bare legs.

Team them with a black skort and leather ankle boots if you’d rather keep the focus on your legs, or be brave and clash them with a printed skirt. Despite their eye-arresting patterns they’re actually incredibly versatile. My favourite is the ‘Tower Block Tights’ – you can see the architectural influence from Patternity’s design background, and they’d lend edge to classic pieces like the little black dress or white collared shirt.

There’s also the ‘Bricking It’ design, perfect if you prefer black tights but just want to break up that block of solid colour, and the ‘Shape Shifter’ if you really want to take the geometric look full tilt.

L-R: Tower Block, Bricking It, Shape Shifter

But if you’re after something a little more girly, Henry Holland has just launched a capsule collection of tights for Topshop. He’s spilled optician’s letters and dollar signs over semi sheer hosiery, but the pair with palm trees is my favourite – think of it as a tongue-in-cheek way to add a summery touch to your winter wardrobe. He’s worked with Pretty Polly in the past, on a collection of House of Holland tights that quickly sold out after they were spotted on Jessie J and Pixit Lott, so expect these to move just as quickly.

Which do you prefer – Patternity’s graphic, almost Aztec prints? Or Henry Holland’s quirky silhouettes?

Être Cécile

You might not know the Être Cécile brand, but you’ve definitely see their t-shirts. Worn by Laura Brown and Cara Delevingne, they’ve been a cult favourite with models and bloggers since the label’s launch earlier this year. After Cara was spotted at Paris Fashion Week in a piece from their first collection, the hype has only been getting louder and louder.

It’s the brainchild of four fashion insiders (who have decided to stay anonymous) – which explains the label’s intuitive knack for effortless, urban style. Our fascination with sweatshirts and other sporty styles is going nowhere, but Être Cécile combines those athletic details with a verve that keeps them feeling fresh. Their website says that the dream was “to create a unique T-shirt collective inspired by French style and clean aesthetics,” and they’ve definitely kept to that, developing an instantly recognisable style that isn’t steered too obviously by seasonal fashion trends, and isn’t especially serious.

They’ve already had a string of bestsellers which went straight into the pages of Elle and Vogue, via a few hundred street style snaps. Like this ‘Presque Paris Bulldog’ long sleeve t-shirt, with its varsity stripes at the elbow a butter-wouldn’t-melt bulldog printed in black and white. The ‘Written and Directed’ tee has been just as big a hit among the style set, making an appearance on GaranceDore.fr and selling out everywhere.

If you’re tired of seeing Brian Lichtenberg’s parody sweatshirts everywhere, Être Cécile is the ultimate antidote – they share the same sporty feel, but put a completely new spin on it. Their ‘Mange Tout’ T-shirt is one of my current favourites, doubling up as a stylish ‘Man Get Out’ order, but they have a whole capsule collection of leopard print staples. And the ‘Bad Ass Paris’ tee is getting a lot of press at the moment too – just layer it over a fine knit black sweater for effortless, trans-seasonal style.

The Spring / Summer 2014 collection is set to make an impact just as big, with pieces that fit seamlessly alongside next season’s 90s revival. This isn’t the grunge 90s that we’ve been seeing so far, but a cleaner take on the decade with a dose of over-exposed logos. Think Alexander Wang’s ‘Parental Consent’ tees at New York Fashion Week last month, and then consider this your more accessible option.

These are just a few of my favourite looks from the SS14 lookbook (you can view it in full on the Glamour website)…Fashion’s most of-the-moment bulldog makes a reappearance, this time in glossy navy rather than matte black, and there’s a lot of cool, graphic stripes and pyramids combined with a quirky, splodged-out print.

The designers have gone in a slightly different direction with this cropped sweatshirt and pared-back logo print, but I love it. And it shows that they can do more than simple boxy shapes. But fans of the original Être Cécile designs will love this ‘Fresh Air’ t-shirt (there's also a sweater version in grey).

Right now My-Wardrobe has the best selection of Être Cécile, but you can also find it at Net-a-Porter or check out the brand on their own website.

Toga Pulla

Is there anything more exciting than finding a new fashion label to get excited about? Toga Pulla might not be the newest one around, but I came across them for the first time this week and couldn’t wait to share my discovery. Here’s a rundown of the pieces that should get you intrigued by Toga Pulla as well…

1. Reverse Knit Sweater, £406

If you’re tired of Kenzo’s tiger prints, this luxe sweatshirt is a stylish antidote. I love the oversized, slouchy shape and contrast sleeves, but it’s the prints that make it really special. You’re guaranteed not to spot anyone else wearing it, and it has a vintage-inspired feel that you’d struggle to replicate on the high street.

2. ‘Pulla’ Ankle Boot, £325

I love the cluster of silver buckles on these ankle boots – and Toga Pulla offers them in six different colours. Scarlett is the standout shade, guaranteed to refresh even your most tired pair of jeans, but the navy and patent black versions aren’t far behind. These are the kind of boots that you can wear with anything, and the low heel and subtle western references really remind me of Chloe's Banshee boot.

3. Check Knit Cardigan, £563.43

Checks are one of this season’s biggest prints (alongside animal print and Burberry’s lovehearts) and this cropped cardigan with ruched sleeves is an easy way to wear them. Pair it with skinny jeans for effortless off-duty style.

4. V Neck Cardigan, £328.44

Fluffy textures are back in a big way for Autumn/Winter 2013, and this has to be one of the most covetable versions that I’ve seen so far. Luckily the deep V neck, long sleeves and front pocket mean that it’s smart enough for the office, too. Keep it close by as the temperature drops.

5. Western Style Knee High Boot, £460

It’s that western influence again, this time with a knee high version. The saddle-inspired trims are on-trend without veering into fancy dress territory, and the low heel means that they’re a sensible investment for the new season. I’ve always preferred ankle boots, but this style is close to persuading me that knee height pairs are the way forward from now on.

6. Draped Cap Sleeves Dress, £670.75

This dress is a real standout, with sheer panels and waterfall detailing at the sides. It combines all the glamour of the roaring 20’s – there’s more than a hint of flapper here – with a gorgeous flash of print at the sides. And you could layer it over skinny black trousers if you’d rather wear it as a long top.

7. Check Knit Short Pullover, £489.42

I couldn’t choose between this cropped sweater and the almost identical cardigan – if I could, I would buy both. This would look amazing with a black leather pencil skirt, exposing a subtle flash of midriff, and a pair of those ‘Pulla’ ankle boots.

There isn’t much information about them online, but you can shop the brand at Net-a-Porter, Matches and Farfetch (where they have the Toga Pulla reverse knit sweater, my favourite piece). Have you come across this label before, and does anyone know a bit more about its background or where it’s stocked offline?

Nail Armor

I’m a big fan of accessories as you most probably can tell, judging from my blog alone. I feel that accessories are key to every look because the pieces pull garments together to make looks come alive.  

From nail painting to nail jewellery quite literally is the latest trend to be rocked by the indigenous fashion enthusiast.  I’m not talking tacky gems that you stick onto your nail bed to spruce up your manicure, but miniature pieces of metal artwork  that looks like knights armor meets a bejeweled ring.

These pieces are really cool they come in a variety of intricate design styles that compliment painted nails and hand jewellery a like. Celebrities like Beyonce, Lady Gaga and Kim Kardashian’s have all rocked out this funky cool emerging trend, which gives the fingers a whole new dimension.

If you’re not one to be adventurous with your dressing style, go all out with your accessories with these cuff like rings that fit on the tips of your fingers. They are available in the most dramatic blinged rhinestone designs that will give any manicure a look a cut above the rest.

I have put together a list of the Top 5 most stylish and affordable styles…

1.       Raven eve Jewellery Store- Emerald City ring

This nail candy is a stunning piece of art; it features vintage design inspirations in a design that is bold and intricate. This is definitely one for the jewellery box you can team it with your off duty look or it will also work well as a little treasure that you can bring out for cocktails at the bar. The ring is open on the back which makes it easy for you to wear. To make this nail armor make even more of a statement, wear brightly coloured nail varnish that contrast with the emerald green of the gem, this will make a cool fashion forward enviable look.

Etsy-Goblin Queen Fierce

This site has an extensive range of nail armor jewellery. Out of all the designs this one really stood out for me, it features two nail caps which are linked together with three dainty chains. The handmade brass ring also features embellished detailing of a rose with crystal like gems. Just beautiful.

3.       Alibaba-Knuckle duster nail armor

I like this design because the whole of your figure is taken up by the ring including the nail. This ring would look stunning worn on it’s own or part of a composition of stacked rings.

4.       Etsy- Silver dragon claws

These nail armor’s come in a set of five. They have are in a design that would cover the tips of all nails giving the illusion that your nails metal extensions. This design is much more fragile compared to most as they are silver plated. They are easy to put on, simply clipping on and around the finger. 

5.       Designs by Stephanie-Ever Eden

This nail armor design is available that links in stunning 14 kt yellow gold or silver plated. This ring comes with two clips attached with a fine chain that links between the two. I love the texture of a snake scale like surface design.

There you have it, jewellery for your nails. Which of these are your faves?

Sophie Hulme

This time last year, Sophie Hulme bags were suddenly everywhere. Tucked under the arms of A-listers, stocked in the biggest and best department stores (Selfridges picked Hulme out as a designer to watch) and featured in every magazine. She was named Best Emerging Accessories Designer at the British Fashion Awards – all so quickly that it was as if she had come out of nowhere. 

The bags – mostly totes, envelope clutches and cross body messengers – are deceptively simple. No excess details, just pared back design and that signature yellow-gold hardware. It glints ferociously against playground colours: this season periwinkle, burgundy and petrol are the hot favourites so far. 

Then came the charms: diminutive gold whistles, padlocks and army men, for an extra hit of hardware. 

But last week came the most exciting news for Sophie Hulme fans. Her ready-to-wear collection, which has so far been somewhat overshadowed by her accessories, is being given a new lease of life for Spring/Summer 2014. The line will be broader and bigger, promising us even more of Sophie’s understated but inimitable style. 

 I’ve chosen my favourite shots from the Sophie Hulme Spring/Summer 2014 look book – are you more excited about the nautical stripe totes, or the relaxed biker jackets? 

Key looks cover button-down playsuits and louche trousers, but I love the blue leopard pieces especially. Usually we tend to associate animal prints with colder months, but these would make covetable transition pieces. The dress could be styled with black tights and chunky boots in winter, and worn bare-legged when the sun eventually appears, while the bag would look great whatever the season. I wish it was available already!

Top 10 Boots for AW13

Tis the season to buy boots, it’s a good time of year! But don’t act in haste, there are some new trends and styles to get your head around first before you dive into the wonderful world of shoe shopping. I’ve done the legwork and perused the online ether for the best that there is on offer, which ones will you go for? 

1. Gold-Cup Trimmed Jodhpur Boot – Russell and Bromley - £245 

2. Alite Hi Elastic Chelsea boot – Topshop - £65  

3. Glitter Wrap Flat Ankle Boots - Markus Lupfer - £317 

 4. Block Heel Ankle Boot – Zara - £79 

 5. Kensington Faun Chelsea Boots - Dr Martens - £100

 6. Ankle Boots - Swear - £105 

 7. Rubber Chelsea Boots - Ted Baker - £65 

 8. Poste Mistress Natalie Toe Cap Boot – Office - £150 

 9. Paxton Longboot - Hobbs - £299 

 10. Dorset Summer High Heel Bootie in Pear Sorbet Leather & Suede Mix - Mulberry - £550

Fashion's Most Outrageous Outfits

Miley Cyrus dominated headlines around the world when she performed with Robin Thicke (and that now-infamous foam finger) at the VMAs last month. Her flesh-toned, latex bikini was the latest in a long line of controversial outfits designed for celebrities – but is it the most outrageous we’ve ever seen?

If you’ve ever wondered how Miley stacks up against the iconic (Madonna) and the super sweet (Katy Perry) this infographic has everything you need to know about the most shocking outfits of all time. Love or hate them, these celebrities know how to get people talking about them…

Fashions Most Outrageous Outfits - An infographic by the team at The Hero Piece

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