Sir Norman Parkinson: A Tribute

Today I discovered the work of Sir Norman Parkinson's beautiful photographs, thanks to the Google Doodle in honour of his 100th birthday and would like to share them with you. Sir Norman is considered by many as the father of modern fashion photography. He has worked for Vogue and Harper's Bazaar and his work remains distinctive through it's abandonment of the studio in favour of outside space. His work reflects an elegance of a bygone era and a hedonistic sense of glamour that does not seem to exist anymore.

 

The Stefanel Lookbook: Spring 2013

Stefanel. One of my all-time favourite designers. Every season I find myself fawning over his creations and this spring was no exception.

Soft shirts, trousers, cardigans and jackets pervade the collection which showcases simplistic essentials that never seem to go out of fashion. A classic aesthetic is created through the contrast of casual and elegant, combining khaki pants with a knitted sweater in one shot or gladiator sandals and a silk shirt in another. The palette consists of neutral tones of taupe grey, beige and white. The subtle tonality that differentiates the individual pieces from each other only enhances the delicate elegance of the clothing.

Unlike many designers of today, the clothes of Stefanel never seem excessive or OTT. In observing them, not once does the thought cross our mind where on earth we could wear them. This is because Stefanel's aim is not to push the boundaries of contemporary fashion to its breaking point. Nor is it to showcase extravagance which leaves poor souls such and you and I scratching our heads in wonderment at the fantasticality of his creations. No, his muse is simply the real woman; the weekly shopper, the business executive, the stay-at-home mum, the winer-and-diner. His clothes convey the message that no woman is unworthy of his creations and that all women have a right to feel beautiful. And his aim; to turn her into a vision. A vision, that is, all'italiana.

Inspire me: Patterned Leggings

I laughed when I heard that leggings (patterned ones, at that!) were making a comeback. 'Surely you must be joking!' I thought, the visual in my mind immediately reverting to cheesy fitness videos of the eighties. 'How could anybody possibly be willing to look like such an idiot?!' This opinion I maintained for long afterwards and despite the growing fan base numbers for this unlikely fashion trend, I still remained ever-cynical. Now however, as much as I hate to admit it, they're beginning to grow on me. If you are still skeptical, take a look at the images below and tell me that you still hold leggings in high contempt. Or have you already got your eye on a pair?

My Handbag Obsession

As you well know, girls fall into two categories: girls who like bags and girls who like shoes. Being 5ft9 barefoot myself, I do not get the same kick out of footwear that others do. While many fawn over a pretty pair of heels for a night on the town or gaze starry-eyed in awe at some strappy sandals for a hot summers day, I tend to stand back and, with some reluctance, am compelled to choose the sensible over the stylish.

I have therefore compensated for my shortcomings in the foot department by channeling my unfulfilled passion for shoes into lust for handbags. My collection is by no means a big one but I more often than not find myself on the lookout for any can-be and, more wantonly, any would-be additions.

I say "would-be" because unfortunately I cannot afford to shop for Gucci handbags the same way I might pick out some Granny Smiths in a supermarket. Until then, I have to resign myself to the simple pleasure of drooling over them in Selfridge's window displays - not quite the same as being the proud possessor of sublime leather goods such as these but whoever said there was any harm in dreaming big?

Mulberry Nude Willow Tote

Dior Diorissimo Orange Bag

Valentino Rockstud in green

Prada Twinstrap Summer Tote

Miu Miu Matelasse Luxe

Moschino Red Quilted Tote

Morena Rosa Fall Campaign 2013

I love the new 2013 Fall Campaign for Morena Rosa. We see Brazilian model Isabeli Fontana claim the streets in daring red dresses, over-the-knee boots, fur gilets and racy stilettos, creating a sexy, glam-rock aesthetic.

Inspire me: The Ballerina Skirt

Unsure why, but I've recently developed a huge fetish for the ballerina skirt. I'm not talking about frilly ra-ra minis or puffy prom crinolines. I mean these ones: delicate, graceful and feminine. I hope you get as much inspiration from them as I do.

TFW: Matohu Fall 2013

One of the collections that I adore from Tokyo Fashion Week is that of Matohu. Long woollen coats, quilted gilets and modest below-the-knee bell shaped skirts were big on the agenda this fall, all with an infusion of delicate shades of greys, creams, olives and teals. A playful use of texture pervades the collection, with interesting juxtapositions of heavy swathe tweeds and wools balanced with lighter fabrics such as silk, cotton and chiffon for blouses and skirts. The clothes are all so incredibly different to the quirky eccentricity of their French and Italian counterparts, yet, because of this, they possess a certain quality of charm so befitting to the ideal of the demure Japanese lady.

Style icon: Olivia Palermo for Vogue Spain 2013

Today's post is going to be a bit of a quick one. I ask only that you take a few minutes of your time to reflect upon today's style icon, Olivia Palermo, who is undoubtedly one of the best-dressed celebrities of today. Dressed up or dressed down, cocktail or casual, she always manages to look great, combining up-to-the-minute trends and her own personal style to create a sensation. Is it any wonder she is the darling of fashion-watch the world over?

I know you are probably fed up of seeing endless photos of her on virtually every fashion blog on the internet but...well, would a few more hurt? In these pics she's modelling for the January edition for Vogue Spain, donning designer brands such as Gucci, Miu Miu and Yves Saint Laurent. She is just so effortlessly elegant, and never in any way excessive or unsavoury which, in my opinion, only makes her all the more beautiful.

But enough with me, what do you think?