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

KURT GEIGER - the super luxe alternative

I COULDN'T help but ohhh and awww over the latest Kurt Geiger editorial adverts and wanted to share. They are simple stunning and confirm the KG brand, which includes Miss KG, Carvela, Fashionistas and Anne Klein among others, as a fashion heavyweight.

Their bang-on-trend shoes are a welcome affordable alternative to the current shoe kingdoms of Jimmy Choo and Christian Louboutin.

Don't get me wrong these beauties are worth every penny, in my humble opinion (I may or may not own a pair of Louboutins), but on a students or interns budget they are rather out of reach.

KG is THE super luxe shoe alternative that will cost you a day's wages rather than a month’s!





www.kurtgeiger.com

Have a great weekend!

Tara xoxo

It's time...AW10 The Trends

BACK in February designers showcased what everyone will be wearing this AW [see archive] but, as my friend and I discussed over Vogue this Sunday (basking in the British sunshine), Alexandra Shulman has a point - AW collections are always bittersweet. While they act as an exciting look into the future I find myself wondering, with two holidays down and a trip to Ibiza to go, is it too early to care?

Well...put simple no. Like the perfect holiday the perfect winter wardrobe takes planning and research. You wouldn’t book into a hotel without checking Trip Advisor, just as you wouldn’t start a new season without consulting a copy of Vogue. So here’s what I can’t wait for...

This season reality has caught up with fashion and ‘wearable’ is in at last (collective sigh of relief ladies). Leading the way in wearable collections were Stella McCartney and Christopher Bailey, but the trends I’m most excited about are...

Carmel tones which anyone can wear courtesy of Chloé...



...Prada inspired over sized cable-knits...



...THE jacket of AW – Burberry Prorsum inspired aviator jackets...



...Chanel inspired faux fur...



So when I'm sat on my next plane (hopefully heading for the White Isle) I'll be thinking about what I already own and what I want to invest in this AW, I might even crack out a new notepad (as sad as it is I love a new notepad) and scribble some ideas down. That's the perfect balance of summer loving and winter prep.

Tara xoxo

GFW10

GRADUATE Fashion Week is upon us (6-10 June)...






Launched in 1991, this has been a forum to showcase the very best of BA Graduate fashion design talent in the UK and, THE place for young designers to get noticed by industry headhunters.

The event represents the work of more than 1,000 students, from 35 fashion universities and colleges around the country. Winners of the Best Menswear, Best Womenswear and the River Island £20,000 Gold Award will be announced at the gala show on Wednesday.

One to watch? Bunmi Olaye, 28, who has just completed her BA degree at the University of East London and established her own label last year. Her celebrity client list includes Mel B, Mischa Barton and Alesha Dixon amongst others!



Hilary Alexander explores Graduate Fashion Week 2010 and talks to Bunmi Olaye about her inspiration and designing dresses for the stars: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/fashion/fashionvideo/7807555/Graduate-Fashion-Week-2010.html

Tara xoxo

A typical British summer...but not for your skin

AS YOU may of guessed by the lack of posts, I've been away! With baby Sky at my mums, James and I went to Egypt for the week - the original plan was Morocco inspired by Sex and the City 2 but it was all very last minute so we struggled to get flights to, well...anywhere. We stayed in the Sentido Oriental and, while our hotel was beautiful and the sunshine glorious, Egypt didn't quite capture my imagination in the way I had hoped and I wouldn't hurry back.

Now, don't hate me but I'm actually off again in 10 days (the bikini body is far from ready!) but I know for a fact I'm not the only one heading for some sun, sea and sand.

We all know the dangers of UV rays and lobster-coloured skin has never been 'on trend' but still I watch women, old and young, fry their skin while abroad. I've been guilty of this in the past but what really ruffles my feathers is people who don't use sun protection in the UK, like it doesn't count if you're not on holiday?!

Well there are no more excuses because the lovely people at KORRES, known for their natural and certified organic skin, make-up and hair care ranges, have brought out a face and body walnut and coconut suntan oil (SPF10).[RRP: £12.00 150 mL / 5.07 Fl. Oz]


This vegetable-based suntan oil, which offers a deep, uniform, long-lasting tan boosts walnut and sesame oils which provide natural protection from the sun, while carrot oil enhances the natural tanning process and prevents the dreaded premature skin ageing. The gorgeous smell makes this the perfect festival product and, because it is oil-based, it will naturally make limbs look slimmer - a trick that many celebrities use.

WHY WALNUT?

Acorns for mortals, walnuts for the Gods, according to Mythology. Walnut oil is a golden-hued oil, extracted from the kernel of the fruit. It is high in linoleic acid and helps regenerate, tone and moisturise dry or sunburned skin. Moreover, rich in cinnamic acid, walnut oil provides natural protection from the sun.

WHY COCONUT?

Coconut oil is extracted from dried coconuts. Its light, non-greasy texture does not clog skin pores and gets easily absorbed by the skin. Thanks to its emollient properties, it keeps the skin soft and supple.

And for a higher level SPF, which is a must for the face, I would highly recommend the Watermelon Face Cream (SPF30) and (SPF20), tried and tested in Egypt.


Slather it on, even when in the UK!

Tara

xoxo

Available from Boots - see www.korres.com for details