I blame Burberry...

BACK IN February I blogged about LFW and the key trends coming through for AW 2010...

"This season's out-a-wear, inspired by history and aviation, is all about sheepskin, BIG collars and military detailing. In line with the military feel colours are earthy with deep moss greens, creams, navy and browns. The key being the mixture of textures, from sheepskin to thigh-high leather boots to fur (looking like a trend)."

Fast forward 6 months and the time has come for trends to become a reality. The buzz word flying around fashion...shearling. From shoes, bags and of course jackets we just cant get enough of the stuff.

So here's my pick from the high street plus a look at the aviator jacket I'll be donning this AW (I've actually had it for over a year now but never worn it. It was a present from my apparently VERY fashion forward grandma. Get her, the little trendsetter! It's by Red Herring but because it was a gift I'm afraid that's all the info I have).

My AW shearling aviator jacket

 Get the look

Topshop £58.00

ASOS £36.00 (currently out of stock)

New Look £34.99
I've already ordered these beauties!

River Island £150.00

 Have a great bank holiday!

Tara xoxo

Roberta by Olivia Palermo

BRIGHTENING up my rainy Monday morning...one of my personal style icons and current ASOS cover star Olivia Palermo lands on Matches.com

The City star revealed at LFW last year that she was turning her well manicured hand to accessory design and the fruits of her collaboration with New York designer Roberta Freymann are now available to buy online.

The collection is a small range of bejewelled statement necklaces for pre AW10, starting at £195. The large embellished collar-style, often worn by Olivia, makes these necklaces perfect for instantly adding glamour to any outfit.

The spiel:

"Inspired by the designer’s and Olivia’s best-loved cities – Paris, London, Berlin and, of course, Manhattan – and named after Olivia’s favourite neighbourhoods. From The Marais to The Belgravia, each design embodies the vibe and aesthetic of the area while remaining true to Olivia’s playfully chic style."

Visit http://www.matchesfashion.com/

Tara xoxo

Links http://www.robertafreymann.com/

WIN Phoebe Philo's 'modern classic'

YOU MAY be forgiven for thinking this season marked the end of the 'it' bag as designers across the globe came over all grown-up and practical. But this has only paved the way for a new generation of handbags...

Meet the 'modern classics'. Just as coveted, just as pricey and with an equally as long waiting list - I sound cynical but I'm not. The idea of investing in a truly great handbag that will stand the test of time rather than this weeks key shape, is a concept I wholeheartedly agree with - think Chanel 2.55...

With that said may I introduce the investment piece of 2010 - to make boyfriends everywhere squirm (it costs £2,200). The Céline Classic.


It is predicted that this aptly named handbag will transcend trends this season with its simple yet timeless design. Elle's (UK) editor-in-chief Lorraine Candy sung its praises in her ed's letter this month while Grazia's fashion editor-at-large, Melanie Rickey, raves about it non-stop on her blog fashioneditoratlarge.blogspot.com


But if the price is standing in your way of owning this masterpiece of a handbag fear not, there's a chance to win one thanks to motilo.com (coming soon)! To enter the competition, launched by the lovely Melanie Rickey, simple go to http://www.motilo.com/win

Good luck (well kinda - I've entered too obviously!)

Tara xoxo

The return of the 'woman'

JUST AS unflattering, on-trend tailoring threatened to rein supreme (harems I’m looking at you), the ‘woman’ in all her curvy glory returns - spotted on the AW10 catwalks.

From London, Milan, Paris to New York nipped-in waists were a recurrent feature. Prada even went as far as emphasising the bust with pretty ruffles – goodbye size zero?




Prada AW10

Sweetheart necklines at Richard Nicoll created curves on even the skinniest of supers, while Erdem remained demur with high necklines but structured skirts and dresses, creating the hourglass effect with the help of bold shoulders and tight waistlines, playing on the traditional female form.




Erdem AW10

Dolce & Gabbana, in true Italian style, sexed things up with 1950’s knickers and corsets (this ain’t no underwear as outerwear trend mind). The inclusion of pencil skirts, big for AW, and tuxedo jackets make this a positively grown-up look and once again a celebration of women looking good, sexy even...



Dolce & Gabbana AW10

But womanly doesn't just mean skirts, trousers are BACK and in line with making the most of the all ‘woman’ look these are no ordinary offerings, particularly from Giannini at Gucci...

 Leg lengthening
 Flattering
 Bum minimising even?

Check! And in an array of Camel and Autumnal tones, immaculately tailored and belted for ultimate womanly sophistication.



Gucci AW10

Likewise, Phoebe Philo’s second Céline collection played on this theme but with a harder edge in monochrome. The Céline ‘woman’ certainly means business!

And we couldn’t talk about the return of the ‘woman’ without mentioning the sexy, all woman, almost all Camel (it goes without saying the colour of the season) collection from the house of Chloé. Trousers were again a key feature, like Gucci gorgeously tailored and high waisted, but with the inclusion of a very feminine pussy-bow either on tops or accessories. Also making sure things are belted to highlight the female form.



Chloé AW10

What I love most about this collection and actually the whole ‘woman’ return – second to the trousers – is the hair! Beyond the clothes Hannah MacGibbon was brave enough to let long, shiny, bouncy hair act as an accessory. For me the ultimate weapon in a woman’s armour when looking super glamorous .

The final nod to the return of the ‘woman'? Elle ‘the body’ Macpherson walking for Marc Jacobs at Louis Vuitton, a concrete signal that this AW is all about celebrating the female form.


Louis V AW10

Tara xoxo

Pictures: Style.com

White Isle Style - San Antonio

THE SPANISH island may be renowned for super clubs and a super cool party scene - P Diddy flew in to make an appearance at Pacha this Wednesday - but it was the classic old town Ibiza vibe that shone through on my latest, last minute trip to The White Isle. Think maxi dresses galore (still going strong??), sunsets at Café Del Mar, cobbled streets and of course, Sangria.


Of course my friend and I partied...we hit Ibiza Rocks to see Tinie Tempah and Chase and Status, danced the night away to Taio Cruz in Eden, giggled at the glitter in Es Paradis and admired the cool kids in the very stylish Hed Kandi bar. But unexpectedly, hunting out San Antonio's hidden treasures found its way onto our agenda.

Number one find: the fab marina side restaurant located in one of the island’s oldest houses, Villa Mercedes. This place is truly an oasis of style and sophistication in the brash and brazen town that is San Antonio.







Of course shopping is always at the forefront of my mind and exploring the local offerings in San Antonio Bay made the British high street suddenly seen rather dull. Accessories stood out the most for me, we're talking colourful bangles and woven bags for a bargain price. Each one individual in its own special way.







The only thing missing from my third holiday of the year (and counting ;)) was the boy in my life but his team won 3-0 today so every one's a winner! Ibiza 2011 anyone??

Tara xoxo