Fellas, it's time to get loose
Wednesday 23rd July 15:19
During the warm, summer months, it can be difficult knowing what to wear, particularly if you have an office job and you're meant to look smart and sophisticated.
Luckily for the ladies, there is a bit more flexibility with city shorts, snazzy skirts and pretty blouses. However, it's not quite so easy for men, who often get stuck in shirts and ties all year round.
But that doesn't mean they can't look great during their leisure time, as a catwalk show for the chaps has just proven.
Men's Runway recently took place in New York and was dominated by boat shoes, loose shirts, crumpled tees and casual jumpers. While chaps only really get to dress down in this way during evenings and weekends, many fashion experts have rightly pointed out that style is aspirational, Reuters reported.
Candace Corlett, president of WSL Strategic Retail, said: "It's the way men want to be, rather than need to be. It's just like women. In fashion, they want to be much more glamorous than they are or need to be.
"While most men may be wearing suits or jackets to work and paving the driveway on weekends, for one brief moment they want to be in designer leisure wear."
I wholeheartedly agree. Why should it just be the ladies who daydream about fashion and then plan gorgeous over the top looks – fellas, get stuck in!
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Paris, Milan, New York and Manchester?
Wednesday 23rd July 15:16
Recently, I was telling you how I simply cannot wait to enjoy a gorgeous summer break shopping to my heart's content in that most trendy of metropolises, New York.
After discovering that, once again, the Big Apple is top of the most fashionable cities in the world list, I knew that it would be the perfect place for me to have my holiday.
However, while scanning through the list and dreaming about where to go next year, it never once crossed my mind that I might stay in the UK. I mean, I know just how fantastic the shops, department stores and boutiques in London can be, but having visited the capital many times I hardly felt it would be a suitable holiday destination.
So imagine my surprise when I discovered that, although not on the list, Manchester might be another top fashion spot.
The northern city is planning to host an event this autumn which looks set to attract industry types and fashion followers alike, including yours truly. Yes, I may be heading across the Atlantic very shortly, but when October comes around I don't think that I won't be able to resist arranging another little break.
Manchester in Fashion is due to take place from October 2nd to October 5th and will be a celebration of all things stylish and fashionable in the north west.
Attendees such as myself will be privy to various interesting events, including catwalk shows and the chance to purchase some fabulous pieces from local designers.
Personally I can't wait to get myself to Manchester, not only will I be able to enjoy some great fashions, but I'll also be able to check out a whole range of shops that I've never graced before. Fabulous.
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Guess what? Amy's a fashion inspiration
Wednesday 23rd July 15:13
Amy Winehouse may be better known for her troubled personal life than her music sometimes, but it seems that another part of her is to overshadow her soulful songs – her style.
That's right, you heard me, the beehived-one has provided some fashionable inspiration for Guess.
At a recent photo shoot, model Nicole Trunfio was styled in such a way that she bore a resemblance to the 24-year-old Londoner.
While her hair may not have towered quite so high as the Winehouse's, it bore a striking resemblance and was complemented by makeup which featured the singer's signature eyeliner.
Trunfio's look "mimics the singer's iconic thick black eyeliner and infamous beehive, adding a little rock and roll to their pin-up image", according to her spokeperson.
Well, you probably won't catch me with an oversized updo – I'm currently growing out a bob – but I adore the wide-eyed look and will certainly be reaching for the kohl.
However, I have never shied away from attempting to belt out a Winehouse hits at the karaoke after a few drinks, so who knows what may happen!
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Diesel makes plans to expand Viktor & Rolf
Wednesday 23rd July 12:05
Ooo I love a bit of a shake up in the fashion industry, don't you? Especially if all the signs are pointing towards some interesting new trends and the opening of new shops!
So you can imagine my delight when I found out that a major share in Viktor & Rolf has been purchased by Diesel.
Founder Renzo Rosso has acquired a majority stake in the brand via parent company Only the Brave for an unknown amount and has expressed his delight at being able to develop it.
He said: "Ever since the beginning of their career, Viktor & Rolf have tickled my curiosity for their unbelievable out-of-the-box creativity.
"We studied each other for more than two years to get to this point."
Rosso indicated that he hopes the acquisition will prove to be something of a turning point for Viktor & Rolf.
Based in Amsterdam, the Dutch company was founded 15 years ago by designers Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren.
The pair are well known for their various catwalk eccentricities and personally I can't wait to see what they come up with next.
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Don't get lumbered with a fake
Wednesday 23rd July 12:00
When I've got my heart set on a top piece of designer fashion, the last thing that I want to happen is to discover that I have in fact purchased a convincing fake.
It's a bit like going to a restaurant, asking for champagne and being served some cheap sparkling white wine instead. It looks like champers, but it just doesn't feel right. I might be able to fool the people I am having dinner with, but deep down I'll be scared that they'll find out.
Thankfully, there are ways to stop yourself from happening upon a fake piece of fashion. As noted by FemaleFirst, it comes down to four important points; detail, label, location and price.
With the detailing, note that "any real designer handbag with a flaw would not make it out of the factory". If it's got any flaws, the chances of it being the genuine item are very slim.
Similarly, look at the label. If it is made of cardboard or plastic and hanging from the item, give it a miss. Real designer piece shave the label sewn into them. In addition, look to see if the name of the brand is on zips or clasps.
Then there is the location – if you are buying a bag from an online auction site or a backstreet stall, put your most logical of thinking caps on and wise up to the fact that it probably won't be the real deal.
Finally of course there's the price. I am a girl who absolutely loves a bargain, but I am prepared to pay full whack for a gorgeous bag if it means getting a piece of quality fashion that will last a lifetime, rather than a cheap knock off that will fall apart after being used for only a handful of catwalk shows or amazing parties.
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Accessorise in the name of charity
Wednesday 23rd July 11:54
Standing in front of the mirror this morning, I glanced over my carefully chosen outfit and couldn't help but feel that something was missing.
Despite my best efforts to pull together something trendy and eye-catching, I just knew it wasn't quite perfect. Then, I had a moment of inspiration - I needed to accessorise.
Every fashion fan knows that no outfit is really complete without some carefully chosen pieces of jewellery, perhaps a funky bag or a cool belt. In this instance, I needed a scarf. More importantly, I needed an Alexander McQueen scarf.
Last season's leopard print wonder really helped to set it off nicely. But I wondered, could it be starting to get a little old hat?
I didn't need to fret for too long - the fabulous designer has created a brand new scarf which not only looks fantastic, but will help raise money for charity too.
As noted by Vogue, "McQueen's latest silk scarf comes in a delicate pink paisley" and has been designed in honour of Breast Cancer Care. It will be available at Selfridges from the end of next month.
I can almost guarantee that, as with his original scarf, this piece will be adorning the necks of celebrities and fashionistas alike – including yours truly.
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Versace is a Superstar
Monday 21st July 17:27
I often like to think of myself as a fabulously well-dressed and up-to-date fashionista, what with my extensive clothing knowledge and my love of all things beautiful and on trend.
However, I don't ever kid myself into believing that I could reach the elusive upper echelons of the fabulous world of models and designers.
That doesn't mean of course that I can't coo over those who have made their way to the top - and rightly so.
Donatella Versace, for instance, is a lady who deserves a bit of admiration. Ok, she may have made a few fashion faux pas in her time (haven't we all?) but this woman is about to receive some well-earned recognition for her contribution to the industry.
The 53-year-old is due to pick up the Superstar Award at this year's Night of Stars, organised by Fashion Group International.
She will be presented with her gong at the 25th edition of the annual event, which will take place at Cipriani Wall Street on October 23rd.
Touchingly for Donatella, the prestigious accolade was previously awarded to her late brother Gianni.
It has also been taken home by great names in fashion, such as last year's winner Jean Paul Gaultier, Donna Karan and Giorgio Armani.
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Hartnett to promote Armani's diamonds
Monday 21st July 17:25
He may be better known for appearing in a series of Hollywood films, but like many famous actors Josh Hartnett is also rather popular for having a pretty face.
As such, is should come as no surprise to his legions of fans that the 30 Days of Night star is to front an advertising campaign for Armani.
I am certainly not averse to a serving of Josh on the big screen and I think he will be absolutely perfect as the face of the label's new fragrance, Emporio Armani Diamonds for Men.
According to Armani, they wanted someone "who would reflect the bold allure of sexiness that would embody this new fragrance".
Not that they needed it, but if they'd asked me for my opinion I definitely would have told them they had made the right choice with 31-year-old Josh.
My shrewd fashion senses tell me he will be a natural, particularly as he certainly knows how to work a camera - evidently a sentiment shared by Armani.
"Josh is the centre of every angle in the advertising campaign. In both the print and TV ads, Josh is confident and playfully seductive as it looks like he is being photographed by paparazzi."
I can't wait to see the finished product. I may even splash out on the scent! Not that I want to small masculine of course, but it would be nice to get a whiff of what Josh splashes on in the morning.
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Click your heels and think of fashion
Monday 21st July 09:59
Earlier this week, I was delighted to inform you that a line of clothing inspired by Wonder Woman has been created by Diane von Furstenberg, with money raised going to good causes.
Now, Ms von Furstenberg and a host of other designers have joined together in the name of charity to create a series of shoes based on the Wizard of Oz.
In honour of the 70th anniversary of the spectacular film, each of the 19 designers involved will make their own version of Dorothy's famous ruby slippers, with money raised going to the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric Aids Foundation.
So not only can I now consider the possibility of my dreams of dressing like a superhero becoming a reality, but I can also think about wearing a pair of shoes which will almost certainly have a touch of magic about them.
And what a selection to choose from! Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik and Roger Vivier to name but a few of the top shoe designers who have created some stunning red slippers, heels and pumps.
The only thing is, I was always a bit of a fan of the Wicked Witch of the East. She teamed up those spangly heels with a pair of stripey socks. And I'm a sucker for girls who can carry off an outfit that features a bit of clashing.
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Fashion still dominated by the 'big five'
Monday 21st July 09:57
During the summer, I love to get away from it all and relax on a golden beach somewhere beautiful and hot - preferably while quaffing on a few chilled cocktails.
However, I have to admit that while sunning myself is always thoroughly enjoyable, I often find that after a few days I'm simply itching to get back to the hustle of everyday life and immerse myself in fashion.
So, this year, I am forgoing my usual trip involving sun, sea and sand and heading off to New York instead. Not only will I be making good use of the current exchange rate, but I'll also be spending time in the hottest fashion spot in the world.
I'm not one to ignore any new fashion trends or research, so of course the moment I heard that the Big Apple was found to be the most fashionable city in the world by the Global Language Monitor, I knew where I had to be.
According to the survey, NYC is followed by Rome, Paris, Milan and London, which cumulatively make up the "big five".
Millie Lorenzo Payack, a director of the Global Language Monitor, commented: "Our yearly rankings clearly reinforce recent trends: the Big Five, New York, Rome, Paris, Milan, and London, far and away, dominate the world of fashion, especially in the eyes of the print and electronic media, as well as on internet."
I don't know about you, but I spy some superb city breaks on the horizon, during which I plan to shop till I drop!
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