LFF OUTFITS: MADE IN MANHATTAN

One of the most enjoyable aspects of working for a fashion label is seeing the creative process from start to finish. Having watched our designer and product team at The Fold create this outfit, it was the marketing team's task to name the pieces (such a fun part of my job!). This jacquard pixel print fabric felt cosmopolitan and almost futuristic, so when the name Manhattan was put forward it was one of those lightbulb moments when we knew we had christened the design! 

BACK TO BLACK

Today's outfit post celebrates my love of the dark side; timeless black is one of my go-to colours. I think I'll end up as one of those black devotees one day, it's the uniform of some of our most-loved fashion designers (Vera Wang, Betty Jackson, Gareth Pugh, Alexander Wang, the list goes on) for good reason; black transcends the trends making it a unanimously smart buy. 

THREE WAYS TO WEAR: THE BRETON TEE

It's fair to say I'm obsessed with Breton tees. Chic, timeless, effortless - you really can't go wrong with a simple stripe. With most of us owning a Breton top of some incarnation, I thought I'd put together a feature on how to update yours for SS14. Don't just reserve your Breton for weekend wear - consider it as neutral piece [like a grey marl sweater or a white t-shirt] and wear it with patterns and prints. The below orange Baum und Pferdgarten number has a Simone Rocha feel and clashes artfully with a navy stripe. Heads up: if you're tight on budget, I've spotted a similar skirt from F&F for a mere £25. For an effortless weekend look you can't beat a Breton + boyfriend jean + cross body bag ensemble - I love Next's patchwork denim. Finally, your trusty tee will make a stylish beach cover-up [although anticipate replacing it post-holiday, suncream leaves yellow stains!]. I'd wear mine with big shades for a touch of parisian chic on the sands. 

Work: Breton tee, Iris and Ink at The Outnet, £45. Orange floral lace pencil skirt, Baum und Pferdgarten, £139.  Lips in Whimsical, Topshop, £8. Laminated silver slingbacks, Massimo Dutti, £69.95. 
Weekend: Breton tee - as before. Boy fit jeans patch-detail jeans, Next, £30. Marc by Marc Jacobs Dani orange cross body bag, Harvey Nichols, £175. Navy satin cross strap sandals, Next, £26. 
Beach: Breton tee - as before. Navy cut-out tank swimsuit, J.Crew, £88. River Island Penelope white sunglasses, ASOS, £13. Nails in Saffron, Topshop, £5. 

LFF OUTFITS: CHECK MATE

For casual bank holiday attire, you can’t beat a sneaker/shirt combination. I am living in my Nike Air Vortex sneaks at the moment – they are the comfiest trainers I have found. You may have spotted my patchwork plaid Uniqlo shirt in the press recently- the fashion journos have gone gaga for it (gaga being the optimum word since Lady G’s former stylist Nicola Formichetti is Uniqlo’s new Creative Fashion Director) and coming in a range of colours at £19.90 a pop, expect to see it on every fashionable back come September. I can’t express how much I love Uniqlo at the moment- their designer collaborations offer great fashion for a budget price and their basics deliver on quality. I wore my shirt with a simple black skirt, grey marl tee and my favourite Zara ponyskin bag for an easy Sunday look. Will you be picking up some plaid for fall?

Shirt - Uniqlo. T-shirt - Uniqlo. Skirt - charity shop. Bag - Zara [Similar]. Trainers - Nike. Sunglasses - Marc by Marc Jacobs [similar]. 

Photos by Hannah Congrave. 

1. Plaid Shirt, Uniqlo, £19.90. 
2. Green Nike Air Vortex sneakers, ASOS, £67.
3. Marc by Marc Jacobs shades, The Outnet, £57.74.

SIX OF THE BEST: STATEMENT RINGS FOR SS13

I love a playful and chunky statement ring. I picked up the below Marc by Marc Jacobs number on a university trip to IFC Mall, Hong Kong, in 2008 and I have worn it religiously since (it also brings back some happy memories of fun times with my fashionista coursemates). I'm aware it's not to everyone's tastes, some people love it and some don't get the bordering-on-kitsch vibe, but it never fails to attract comments.

Anyway if you love a playful statement ring like me, then here's my top six available now:

1. Cat face ring, ASOS, £6.
2. Marc by Marc Jacobs Antoine ring, my-wardrobe.com, £80.
3. Nina Ricci Watersnake ring, Matches, £180. 
4. Large Daisy gemstone ring, Mawi, £215. 
5. Bright Eyes silver rabbit ring, Myflashtrash.com, £25. 
6. Trudy heart ring, StylistPick, £5. 

LFF TRENDS: CUTE CHIC

The trend for all-things cute looks set to continue to be big news for SS13, with high street brands and designer labels alike getting in on the act. In the designer world, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Lanvin and Markus Lupfer are undoubtedly the labels to go to for your cute fix, with Marc by Marc Jacobs' bunny iPhone covers proving a massive street-style hit.  The trend has filtered through into the fine jewellery market too; over at jewellery e-commerce site Astley Clarke, Katie Hillier's playful gold rabbit rings are best-sellers.

On the high-street, my favourite buy has to be ASOS' adorable bunny slippers, that have all the charm of Charlotte Olympia's kitty flats with out the £££ pricetag. That's not to forget Whistles super-cute collaboration with Markus Lupfer, with all lines now in sale- bonus!

1. Chinti & Parker big heart sweater, Matches, £350. 

2. Premium embellished cat eye sunglasses, ASOS, £20. 

3. Hello torque bracelet, ASOS, £6. 

4. Selena heart-print tee, Jaeger Boutique, £15. 

5. Markus Lupfer Fleur tote, Whistles, £50. 

6. Marc by Marc Jacobs Katie bunny iPhone cover, Net-a-porter.com, £40. 

7. Hillier small Bunny Love ring, Astley Clarke, £395. 

8. Little Miss ballet flats, ASOS, £25. 

TOTES AMAZING: THE BEST BAGS FOR AW12

If you hadn't registered already- I'm pretty crazy about handbags, so I've done a bit of fantasy shopping and selected my favourite styles for AW12. As a guide, here are the key trends to look out for when selecting your new-season accessories:

• Purple is the colour to be seen in for AW12; update your LBD by accessorising with a statement clutch in a rich purple hue. Christopher Kane's deep purple leopard print clutch (no.3) is undoubtedly the accessory of the season. 
• Animal prints are, as ever, a key trend. If you're bored of leopard prints, try a reptilian effect, as seen in the Whistles 'Jocelyn' tote (no.9.)
• Look out for gold hardware details to add a touch of luxe to your look. Sophie Hulme's (no.8) hardware-heavy totes wowed me at London Fashion Week back in February. 
• Digital prints are still big news. Rianna Phillips' 'Spiked Juliette' clutch (no.1) combines delicate florals with edgy spike prints, updating summer's blooms and botanicals trend for AW12.

1. Spiked Juliette digital-print clutch, Rianna Phillips, £72.00.

2. Jimmy Choo Candy glitter clutch, Net-a-porter.com, £350.

3. Christopher Kane leopard-print clutch, Net-a-porter.com, £390.

4. Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Karlie bag, Selfridges, £220.00.

5. Green metal tip satchel, ASOS, £28.00.

6. Lily with Tiger detail bag, Mulberry, £595.

7. Delta leopard print structured bag, Stylistpick, £35.00.

8. Sophie Hulme medium black tote, my-wardrobe.com, £559.00.

9. Jocelyn snake tote, Whistles, £295.00.

SIX OF THE BEST: FASHION-FORWARD IPHONE COVERS

The market for printed and pretty iPhone covers is massive at the moment and I can understand why; I might not be able to afford a Lanvin dress for myself, but that doesn't mean my iPhone can't get the same treatment. The US's hippest label J.Crew have taken the same approach, putting some of their peppiest prints onto iPhone covers too. Whether you go for cute cartoons, monogrammed or printed, your iPhone cover can boost your fashion credentials for a fraction of the designer wardrobe pricetag.

1. Floral printed iPhone case, J.Crew, £21.40.
2. Lanvin printed iPhone case, Net-a-porter.com, £45.
3. DVF Mantra heart-print iPhone case, Net-a-porter.com, £25.
4. Anchor-print iPhone case, J.Crew, £21.40.
5. Marc by Marc Jacobs metallic Stardust logo iPhone case, Net-a-porter.com, £30.
6. Weston Agate printed iPhone case, Net-a-porter.com, £33.

CLUB TROPICANA

Finally we've had some tropical weather in the UK, so now is the perfect time to embrace SS12's trend for hothouse exotic prints in your wardrobe. As seen in the Marc by Marc Jacobs, Stella McCartney and Altuzarra SS12 collections, blossom and palm prints in a myriad of vibrant hues are a quick way to update your wardrobe for the sunshine. Here's my pick of the best pieces available online now:

1. Marc by Marc Jacobs Havana print dress, net-a-porter.com, £277.50.
2. Field Trip sandals, ASOS, £16.00.
3. MSGM Shirt dress, Farfetch.com, £314.
4. Proenza Schouler printed PS1 clutch, net-a-porter.com, £493.50.
5. French Connection Gwendoline top, John Lewis, £44.
6. Tropical running shorts, Topshop, £28.00.

LFF SHOPS THE SS12 SALES

The summer sales are well and truly underway, and there are some great bargains to be had both online and instore that will see you through summer and into AW12. If you have got your eye on something in a store that hasn't started their sale yet, my advice is to wait it out a couple of weeks as there are plenty more sales to come and there's nothing more annoying than shelling out for something lovely then finding it's been discounted the next day!

As you can see, there's a bit of navy and green theme going on with my sale picks because 1., I've seen lots of green in the AW12 collections and  2., navy is one of those great colours that works equally well in summer and winter; go nautical for SS and style it with rich autumnal tones for AW.

1. Tweed pleated dress, Jaeger, was £299.00 now £149.00.
2. NW3 leaf earrings, Hobbs, was £35.00 now £24.00.
3. NW3 Kisses blouse, Hobbs, was £79.00 now £59.00.
4. NW3 Parliament shirt dress, Hobbs, was £159.00 now £79.00.
5. Navy colour block platforms, Dorothy Perkins, was £42.00 now £25.00.
6. Bali Geo Trouser, Warehouse, was £45 now £25.00.
7. Werdie Marc by Marc Jacobs Canvas Tote Bag, Matches, was £200.00 now £140.00.
8. Navy square heel sandal, Dorothy Perkins, was £30.00 now £20.00.

CHIC WEEKEND WEAR: THE OFF-DUTY STYLE STAPLES

If there's one thing Londoners do well, it's weekend wear. Since arriving in London 2 years ago I've realised that the art of dressing down is one not to be sniffed at; looking casual yet chic is a skill in itself and one I haven't fully mastered yet (hence why I spend my Sundays looking like a hobo).

Having done some style stalking of late, I've discovered that the formula for weekend chic is actually quite simple; take a Breton stripe tee, add a dash of denim, slip on some lace-up pumps or an ankle boot, throw on a lightweight jacket and you're good to go. Here's some pieces that are both casual and chic that will be working their way into my weekend wardrobe sometime soon:

1. Arden scoop-neck striped pullover, Stylistpick, £39.95.
2. Joe sneaker in pony, Emma Hope, £329.00.
3. Cat eye sunglasses, Mango, £17.99.
4. Marc by Marc Jacobs Lil Ukita shoulder bag, net-a-porter, £350.
5. Khaki safari jacket, Dorothy Perkins, £25.00.
6. Current/ Elliot The Skinny low-rise jeans, The Outnet, £74.

SS12 COLOUR TREND: YELLOW

A major colour trend for SS12 is yellow. As seen on the Derek Lam SS12 catwalk, nothing says spring time like a zingy pop of citrus in your new season wardrobe. I'd love to own Derek Lam's buttercup yellow a-line dress in picture 2, it simply is the perfect frock for summer. Alternatively if you're not brave enough to wear the trend head-to-toe then you can add a flash of daffodil yellow to your look with a pair of bright sandals or a colourful earring.

This trend is an instant mood-enhancer too, just like the gorgeous spring sunshine we're experiencing in the UK at the moment, a pop of sunshine in your outfit can lift your look and spirits. Here's my pick of the best yellow buys to add a shot of the trend to your SS12 your wardrobe.....

1. Cacharel printed cotton pants, theoutnet.com, £148.50.
2. Erdem Yanne printed front cardigan, Matches, £480.00.
3. Marni sunflower clip earrings, netaporter.com, £250.
4. Vinnie flatforms, ASOS, £40.00.
5. Marc by Marc Jacobs brass and yellow glass crystal studs, net-a-porter.com, £40.
6. Premium coloured pony shopper, ASOS, £44.00. 
7. Speckle T-shirt mini dress, Topshop, £25.00.
 8.Joey yellow necklace, Kurt Geiger, £50.00.  

RED ALERT: UPDATE YOUR LOOK FOR VALENTINES DAY

One of my favourite colours in my wardrobe at the moment is red, and with Valentines day just around the corner, there's no better time to add a dash of the colour of love to your wardrobe. Red is a suprisingly versatile colour too, pair it with neutrals or monochrome for a classic look, clash it with fuschia, orange and bright blues to make a bold statement or wear with tonal shades of grape and plum for a luxurious feel. Here's my pick of the best red pieces available online at the moment....

1.  Jason Wu Silk-georgette petal coat, The Outnet, £1,557.50.

2. Fantasy Snake print clutch bag, Zara, £79.99.

3. Wine crepe moulded dress, Dorothy Perkins, £40.00.

4. Marc Jacobs round-frame acetate sunglasses, The Outnet, £83.06.

5. Olsen heeled chelsea boot, Stylistpick.com, £39.95.

6. Karyss velvet lace up shoes, Topshop, £58.00.

7. Roberto Cavalli Swarovski crystal earrings, net-a-porter.com, £330.

FASHION RESOLUTION 2: INVEST IN CLASSICS

Happy new year everyone! 2012 is here, and it's time to look to the fashionable year ahead. Following my recent post on my first fashion resolution of the year, here comes my second: to invest in classics. Yes, in 2012 I'm vowing to save my pennies and splash out on timeless classics that will never date. Top of my wishlist are a selection of natty-print dresses and a butter-soft leather jacket from my favourite high street shop, Whistles, a timeless Hillier Hobo bag Marc by Marc Jacobs, a pair of go-anywhere Amber and Jade courts (with a clever detachable bow) and a Michael Kors watch. The perfect capsule wardrobe for a stylish 2012 and beyond!

1. Extended shoulder jacket, Whistles, £295.00.
2. Veronica Safia Print Dress, Whistles, £165.
3. Rose gold-plated chronograph watch, Michael Kors, £240.
4. Marc by Marc Jacobs Hillier Hobo leather shoulder bag, net-a-porter.com, £350.
5. Aretha Onyx court shoes with removable bow, Amber and Jade, £79.
6. Graphic paisley print dress, Whistles, £95.00.

BEETLEJUICE CHIC

Let your accessories glimmer this winter with the latest trend for all-things iridescent. There's something deeply appealing about pearlescent accessories that reflect multi-tonal shades, inspired by the beautiful wings of a beetle. If you're feeling flash, splash out on a Marc by Marc Jacobs or Comme Des Garcons clutch to update your party outfit. And you're feeling the pre-Christmas pinch then add a slick of Models Own Beetlejuice nail varnish to your talons to tap into the trend on the cheap.

 1. Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Mini Hillier bag, Selfridges.com, £235.00. 2. Beetlejuice nail varnishes, Models Own, £5 each. 3. Comme Des Garcons iridescent metallic leather pouch, net-a-porter.com, £120. 4. Marc by Marc Jacobs Karlie Classic Q pouch, Selfridges.com, £220.00. 5. Marc by Marc Jacobs Class Q vertical wallet, Selfridges.com, £75.00.

POP YOUR COLLAR: STATEMENT NECKLACES FOR EVERY POCKET

A simple way to refresh your look this season is with a statement collar necklace. Whether you opt for a pretty ribbon-tie bib necklace or an edgier, chunkier chain number, a statement necklace can 'fashion up' simple shift dresses, sweaters and shirts. My dream purchase would be a Marni collar; Marni necklaces are a worthwhile investment because they are classic collectors pieces that will never date. But for now I'll have to put the dreams on hold and settle for some of stylish high street alternatives that tap into the trend without the hefty pricetag.

1. Beaded Collar Necklace, Dorothy Perkins, £15.00
2. Ribbon and Gem necklace, New Look, £17.99
3. Bib-style Necklace, Mango, £39.90.
4. Jade Chunky Stone Necklace, Tallulah Tu, £28.
5. Midnight Purple Margery Necklace, Marc by Marc Jacobs at mywardrobe.com, £225.00.
6. Lucite and Horn Embellished Bib Necklace, Marni at Net-a-porter.com, £340.

MARC JACOBS S/S12 COLLECTION STOLEN AHEAD OF LONDON PRESS DAY

The Independent has today reported that £40,000 of the Marc Jacobs Spring/Summer12 collection was stolen from near the brand's Mayfair store on Wednesday morning.

However, there have been lots of varying reports in the papers about the true facts behind this story with the Daily Mail contradicting the Independent, informing it's readers that the ENTIRE collection was stolen from a train en route to London. The truth is, that £40,000 worth of designer fashion is unlikely to amount an entire collection, so what exactly was taken during the theft is a source of hot speculation amongst fashion insiders at the moment.

What is clear is that journalists were made aware all was not well in the Marc Jacobs camp when the label's Europen Press Officer Vanessa Barthel cancelled a press preview due to take place in the Mayfair shop. The 46 look range was due to go on show in London yesterday, giving the British fashion press a sneak peak at next year's trends. A tweet later from Marc Jacobs HQ on Wednesday appeared to confirm that garments had gone awry, reading "Thank-you all for your concern about our stolen #SS12 Collection. Onward, upward."

Whatever the truth behind the headlines may be, what is true is that cancelling showing the new season collection to the fashion press could prove costly for the label,  as it could lead to fewer editorial placements in European publications and subsequently a decline in press coverage in S/S12.

It will be interesting to find out the true facts behind this sensational story as they are revealed in the press over the coming days, as there seems to be more to these first reports than meets the eye.

MY LITTLE PONY HAIR HANDBAG

I love anything pony hair, its unique selling point is that it can add a touch of luxury to any ensemble. And this season it looks set to be the fashionista's du jour choice for accessories, with all the big brands bringing out ponyhair totes, pumps and belts. My favourite pony hair accessory I have spied thus far is this fantastic Marc by Marc Jacobs shoulder bag from Netaporter.com. The bag isn't made from real leather, however, but instead PVC combined with mock-pony hair effect, which does bring the price down considerably making this little baby an almost affordable 250. Gallop to the shops for yours before it's too late! Available at Net-a-porter.com.

FLUORO FANTASTIC!

Something tells me the fluoro trend is going to be big news next spring/summer, so I'm really hoping Santa stuffs the above Marc by Marc Jacobs chunky chain link bracelet with interwoven neon yellow cord into my stocking this Christmas. Come the new season I predict fluoro accessories will be must-haves pieces, after all, they will perfectly update our wardrobe's for the new season, adding a vibrant pop of colour to winter's neutral colour palette. Pick up this natty number at Net-a-porter.com now, and reap the benefits next year. Click to buy.