Laraloves a challenge

This season has thrown up some great trends. The fashions of the 60's,/ 70's and 90's (yes there has been a crop top resurgence ) are back and trends including 'all white' and luxe sportswear were heavy hitters on the s/s13 catwalks.

We will begin to see these trends filter down onto the high street. Embracing a new trend can be a disaster, how do I incorporate without trying too hard? Does this work for my shape? What do I have already that works with this item? Etc.

BUT trend nodding is a fun way to update your style, try something new or just show that you have your finger on the proverbial fashion pulse. With this in mind, here are a few current trends to challenge yourself with.
Challenge 1- 1960's graphic prints

Yes, the beehives, peacoats and graphic prints are back thanks to Marc Jacobs s/s13 collection for Louis Vuitton. To avoid looking like you're on your way to an Austin Powers theme party, approach with caution.

I love the 1960's shapes and this collection has been lapped up by a whole raft of celebrities, artfully combining the checkerboard pieces into their own style. Luckily, my favourite high street retailer Zara is always the quickest to copy the catwalks and this checkerboard Pea coat would look equally great with jeans or thrown over a dress.

Linen Coat £69.99

Alternatively update your hair and make up. Bold Brows and winged eyes have been around for a while, but add a subtle mussed up beehive and you're in.

Marc Jacobs

Challenge 2- The 1990's

This one has come around all-too-soon for a child of the spice girls era. Crop tops, dungarees, and Nike Air Max are BACK... but not as you know them.

Firstly the crop top.

This is the most chellenging of trends, but the key to this one has less to do with crunches and more to do with placement. Alexander Wang exhibited the crop thus;

Note that there's no belly button on show and the skirt is demure in length and shape. An alternative could be a tailored high wasted trouser. DKNY exhibited a micro version of the crop only to be sported by those with washboard abs;

One of my favourite ladies of fashion Miroslava Duma rocked this trend in a Michael Kors ensemble recently;

Unfortunately this one will be jumped upon by all manner of festival goers in unfortunate high wasted denim shorts. In this case less is most definitely not more. Asos has a whole raft of crops to choose from; here are three I love;

Fairground Fox Trot £69.00, Asos lace crop £35.00, River Island striped crop £14.00



Cool Kicks

My favourite trend of late has to be the fash-pack in trainers! The once sky-high heel touting FROW-ers are now donning brightly coloured kicks. However, this is not an excuse to be sloppy- a muddy trail shoe is not welcome here. And avoid going too sporty  or slouchy in your outfit choice, or you could look like you work at JJB.

This undoubtedly began with THE Isabel Marant sell out wedge high top;

L-R Mirander Kerr, Dakota Fanning, Beyonce, Kate Bosworth.

Which prompted a whole load of similar styles from Ash, Nike, Topshop and Office.  Trainers are now acceptable with almost anything from midi-skirt to cigarette trouser;

I love these retro looking running sneaks;



New Balance 574



converse @ Office

 

Zara

  

Nike Air Max @ Office


     







 

Wear with jeans, skirts, dresses, shorts.....

Challenge 3- A bit of all White

The all white trend is a challenge in the grey english weather, but as the sun begins to grace us with its precence this trend can look very chic. DKNY and Mulberry both showed all white on their s/s 13 catwalks;





The things to remember with this trend are tone, texture and tailoring. Although many looks appear to be all white, shades of white or cream break up the outfit, as does a variety in fabric texture. Tailoring keeps the look slick; so wear jeans and a crisp shirt or shorts and a jacket. Another good tactic is to use patterned/ black or metalic accessories to add contrast.



"Check yourself before you wreck yourself"- no VPL in white jeans!



And Finally - The White Stilleto.

Conversations with friends have resulted in many a 80's reference, but I think the return of the white stiletto can be received with cheers, and absoloutely no neon ankle socks.

 Good Luck!



LaraLoves a divisive opinion

My latest twitter rant about my mild dislike (#understatement) of the 8+ year legging trend evoked a mixed response.

My post was prompted by the sight of yet another girl wearing leggings as trousers. Unfortunately, the said offender had either purchased a pair of poor quality leggings or, had worn them so much that they had become see through. Also, being a runner, I can say with confidence that she had not been within 18 miles of a) a treadmill, b) a squat rack or, c) (at the very least) a Zumba class, for quite some time (read EVER).

That's not to say that this should be adopted by anyone with even a VS model standard pair of pins;

See through, see through, camel toe, see through... GAG.

Now,  in the spirit of fair debate, most of the replies I received read as follows;

" There'so comfy though" ... " You're generalising.." ...."But they look amazing on..."

Response;

1. Yes, they are comfy and yes, you may wear them when; exercising, lounging at home, walking the dog etc. 
2. Running tights are not leggings, they are functional sports wear, made from sweat wicking opaque (hopefully) fabrics, not cotton and worn for ..exercise.. which may help with the thigh issue.
3. Yes, they do look amazing on Audrey, Mirander Kerr, RHW and Olivia Palermo;

But WHY do they look amazing? Firstly, stating the obvious, the size of their thighs and length of their legs. I know this is going to seriously upset some people, but tight items look better on tight bodies! Secondly, the items are all good quality. Thirdly and most importantly- styling.

Maybe its because I live in Surrey but, if I see another girl wearing leggings, Hollister/ Abercrombie and a pair of Uggs or Vans im going to.... baaaaaaa....stop being a sheep.

If all this is falling on deaf ears, then I note the following from various well dressed style mavens in leggings;

1. Heels, pointed flats or over the knee boots (think riding style)- lengthen  and/or break up the leg.
2. Long tops/ coats/ tailoring- add structure to a sporty legging and cover your ass/ C.T- ew.
3. Shine will add bulk, so if dabbling in a leather look go matte.
4. Underwear.. no one wants to see it... check yourself before you wreck yourself.
5. Dark colours. 

With all this said, I think the real reason I dislike leggings.. is.. well.. it's just a bit lazy. Again I'm generalising as I like the above looks, but generally  it's easy to throw on a pair and not think about the outfit much. I know we all have lazy days.. and hell... fat days, but I personally just dont think leggings are the answer to either...When you feel down- dress up!

Swap ins that look much better;

1. Midi

2. Coloured jean

3. Chino

Give it a little thought... Blair would have your head....

LaraLoves a Sweat

Hi. My name is Lara and i'm a sweater addict. Grey ones in particular. I must have at least 11.

Maybe it's something to do with my sporting nature or the fact I wish I had gone to university in America just so I could have stolen a boys letterman jacket... maybe I'm just a wanabe cheerleader.. buuut thats a whole other post.





Anyway, back to the genius of the marl grey sweat. I have a pinterest board of the same title which gave me the idea for this post. Here's the best things about the unassuming sweat;

1. They suit everyone! refer to pinterest.

2. It gives outfits a sporty edge without trying too hard.

OK, so the helmet might be a bit much, but you get my drift.

3. It balances an outfit that is a little too girly

Silk shorts, ruffles, ballet flats, ballet bun... ooooppp sporty sweater- good save.

4. It can make even the slickest outfit look thrown together and dressed down

Casual but stylish.

5. It can balance out a maxi

This outfit needs no further explanation. KB does it again.

6. In the current economic climate you need something wearable, versatile and cheap; here are some spend and "splurge" options;

Basic: Vila Marl Grey Sweat £18.00

(current trend Boyfriend jeans and pointed pumps)

Printed: Brat & Suzie donkey sweat £42.00

Country: Glamorous Marl Jumper in Fine Jersey with Elbow Patch £20.00

Current Trend: typed ASOS Hero Sweatshirt £26.00

Texture: Knitted Quilted Sweat from TOPSHOP Price: £38.00

Boyfriends/ sporty: Nike sweat about £50.00

Wishlist: Chinti & Parker colour pop Cashmere £350

So there you have it folks my addiction explained and revealed. Hope you get some style-inspo or just revive your love of yourl old grey sweat- did I mention theyre SO COMFY... and all men look hot in them...