The London look – fall trend preview + giveaway(CLOSED)

British guest blogger Jo-ann Fortune talks us through the biggest fall trends on her side of the pond – if you love London style, listen up…

Sixties’ Mod

London seemed to have stepped back into the swinging Sixties when the top designers showcased their fall collections at London Fashion Week (LFW) earlier this year. Inspired by the preppy mod look embraced by the liberated youth of the decade, colours were bright, hems were short and cuts were tightly tailored.  Some of Britain’s biggest fashion houses, including Burberry, Mulberry and Paul Costello, put the fun into fashion with this vibrant trend. Get the look with swing coats, flared dresses and cute collars.

Marigold Moments

The ‘it’ colour on the LFW fall catwalks, vivid orange – or ‘marigold’ as it’s been coined by the British fashion press – is already brightening up window displays in some of the UK’s biggest high street stores.  Aquascutum, Maria Grachvogel and Burberry were among the top names to champion the hue, transforming classic pieces such as the pea coat, chunky knit jumper and maxi dress with one statement colour. Inject the colour into everyday outfits with accessories such as handbags, scarves and women’s shoes.

Victoriana Vintage

The British are a theatrical bunch, particularly when it comes to fashion, and Victoriana and gothic themes brought the drama to this year’s fall shows. Long flowing gowns, opulent brocade and lace details and ethereal beauty were championed on the runways of Charles Anastase, Julien Macdonald and Meadham Kirchoff to name but a few. Invest in luxury vintage-style lingerie and wear with layered lace shirts and dresses and chunky boots for a grunge-inspired look. When it comes to make up, keep your base fair and finish with a slick of blood red lipstick.

English Eccentric

Playing on the image of English eccentricity and love of second-hand clothes, British designers Henry Holland, Vivienne Westwood and Betty Jackson have revived crafts and materials such as crochet and tweed for the fall. The quirky patchwork blanket effect we saw on shorts over the summer returns on cardigans, dresses and tops, and heritage fabrics are layered for an eclectic look. For a toned-down take on the trend, tweed looks timeless on women’s coats and blazers, and a simple black crochet dress makes the perfect new season LBD.


For your own slice of London style, enter our competition to win this super-cute Portobello pocket bag by Radley London. For your chance to win, simply follow the rules below.

  • Be Facebook Fan of Stained Couture via that little box to the right.
  • Like THIS POST!
  • Leave a comment below or tweet me @stainedcouture on why you would love to win this bag.
  • You can enter as many times as you like.

The contest ends on September 3rd and will pick a random winner.

Stay Stylish!

*All catwalk images courtesy of MPDClick.com

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This Season’s Fashion Picks

When Fashion Week comes around, all over the world fashionistas watch as the latest trends emerge in a flash of colour and fabric. For the most part, it’s the extravagant dresses and sharp tailoring that everyone looks out for, but one of the most transferable styles for fashion is in that of the ladies tops that we see every year.

So, what’s in store for 2011 for ladies tops? There are quite a few different styles to choose from this season, if you want to stay on top of the trends but also have your own take on a trend.

First of all lace is making a bit of a comeback. Rather than all over lace though, this season the main focus is on embellishments; adding a hint of subtle sexiness, while not being overtly sheer. You’ll find tops that have lace detailing on the backs, offering an elegant evening option, or for daytime style, look for tops with lace on the arms and hems.

Next up is the sheer style – this look has already been making waves in the maxi dress stakes and now it’s offering a new take for the summer months for a variety of tops. Sheer fabrics are nothing new, but this season it’s chic to wear block coloured underwear underneath semi-sheer corals, royal blues and, for an evening look, black is always a classic. Avoid lacy underwear though as you might end up revealing more than you intended!

Floral tops are also a big hit for the summer months, embodying the summertime, even if it’s raining out there. Opt for bright floral prints, or for a subtle daytime look take a look at the pretty, fine, floral prints that are being seen on playsuits and cute summer dresses. If you don’t fancy a print then why not take a look at some of the floral accessories that are hitting the high streets as well.

For more stylish ladies clothing for this season, you can visit K and Co where they have a wide range of women’s clothing online.

Stay Stylish

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Lust-Have List: August 2011

New month, but old news…IT’S HOT! Record-breaking heat is still prevalent across the country. However, there is a glimmer hope; Fall is coming! So, you will see plenty of fall worthy items.

  • A. Hooded Leatherman Cardigan, $22.80, Forever 21 – What screams fall more than a letterman cardigan? However, this one looks like a jacket thanks to snap buttons and striped arms, reminiscent of a traditional varsity jacket.
  • B. Brown Washed Leather Holdall, $140, TopShop – I need a “big bag” for everyday use. This bag is perfect, because it comes with handles and a strap for easy convenience. Also, I love the crinkle and slouchy look.
  • C. Pumpkin Spinner Ashtray, $8, Urban Outfitters – For the past month, a friend of mine has been sofa surfing over at my apartment and he is an occasional smoker. Since I’m not a smoker, needless to say, my apartment was ashtray-free. He’s been using a semi-empty candle jar to drop his ashes, but I need to find something cute and discreet. This Pumpkin Spinner ashtray looks perfect. It’s white, chic, and looks to hide the ashes.
  • D. Mossimo Crossbody, $24.99, Target – I went to Target yesterday and immediately saw, fell in love with, and tossed this bag into my big red cart. It stayed in my cart until I was near the register and realized that I don’t need to buy a new bag anytime soon. However, all I could think about last night was going back to buy this bag. It looks a lot better in person, by the way.
  • E. REPORT Bishop Pumps, $98.95, Nordstrom – Brown loafer pumps. Probably one of the must-have shoes for any fall wardrobe.

Stay Stylish!

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GIVEAWAY: $25 giftcard and Olsenboye coin purse! (CLOSED)

To win, all you have to do is visit jcp.com/pennies and join the challenge, either by registering or through Facebook. After that, begin donating virtual pennies. Everytime you donate, come back and leave a comment to let me know.

After the contest ends on August 24, I will pick a random comment to determine the winner. So, basically, the more pennies you donate and the more comments you leave increases your chances. So, go enter now and get to donating. It’s actually pretty fun and easy!

Stay Stylish!

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Financially Mature

This year has really been pivotal to me. I got a new job, that I love at the pay scale that I wanted to be when I reached 30. Oh, and I turn 30 this year (September 26th)! Also, I’ve been more responsible with my money and saving more, which is a lot easier now that I make more. I’ve been taking advantage of all the things my bank has to offer, including but not limited to, savings account, online banking,  and various security and protection plans for my accounts. I use all I these things to make sure that I’m respecting my money and future.

In the past, spending has definitely been my best friend and retail therapy was my favorite drug and cured everything, in my opinion. However, I ‘m looking more into the future and looking into buying my first home within the next year or so. Therefore, I’m making smarter decisions when it comes to my money and spending habits, which can be quite hard when you are a fashion blogger. Still, I’m doing it thanks to finding the right bank for me and my financial goals.

Just like when anything that requires you to cut back on things (i.e. diets), I’m not depriving myself of wants, every now and then. When you begin to make smarter spending decisions, you will be able to find that amazing point when you can splurge on something like I plan to do for my 30th birthday gift to myself.

So, if you have been trying to sort out your financial future, you definitely need to find the right bank for you try to take advantage of all of the things that offer to keep you on track.

SunTrust has consistently ranked at the top for customer service for a good reason – they understand their customers. This lets them provide the right solutions to meet those customers’ unique needs. They believe banking solid is the key to living solid. See for yourself at livesolid.com, where you’ll find many great articles, tools and tips on everything from shopping to family to money.

Stay Stylish!


Disclosure: Compensation was provided by SunTrust via Glam Media

The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of SunTrust

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