Jenny Packham MainlineHigh end designer Jenny Packham is the latest to create a diffusion range for Debenhams. As a department store, Debenhams stocks many brands for a range of price points. Debenhams have teamed up with a number of fashion designers over the years for both long and short term collections. The Jenny Packham collection features 19 dresses, half of which will be launched in April, and the rest in the summer.  

Currently at Designers at Debenhams you can pick up designs by Ben de Lisi, Star by Julian Macdonald and J by Jasper Conran. Debenhams Editions has seen modern rock ‘n’ roll from Preen, playful prints from Jonathan Saunders, accessories by Jonathan Kelsey and last year I wrote about Roksanda Ilincic’s latest offering for the high street chain.

British designer Jenny Packham is renowned for her glamorous evening wear, with the majority of her collections consisting of stunning red carpet gowns in silk satins and sequins. Her dresses can cost thousands and she is also a favoured designer for brides to be. The Debenhams collection offers the same level of glam, with a much smaller price tag.

Packham told Vogue, “I have wanted to design a diffusion collection for some time and believe Debenhams has the experience and energy to create and produce the collection. It is very important to me to have control over my label and Debenhams actively promote this to ensure maximum synergy between designer and creation."

Whistles Roll Neck JumperThis blog may be a little late, as it’s February and we are meant to be talking about spring fashions. But still, it’s FEBRUARY and its cold, so whilst we may be talking about spring fashions, we are still wearing winter woollies.

At the weekend, I bought a black roll neck jumper from Whistles in the sale. I had been thinking about getting a roll neck sweater all winter, but was worried that they wouldn’t suit my non-flat chest shall we say. So I went off on a mission, can bigger busts wear a roll neck sweater?

I hadn’t worn roll necks since I was a teen. I guess they were fashionable back then, because I remember having a few, including a lilac one and a black one. I then developed a kind of phobia about putting them on, I didn’t like the restriction around my neck, and never again did I go near a roll neck until this weekend.

Roll necks came back into fashion last year with the seventies trends, a nice mustard roll neck making for the ultimate nostalgic throw back. A skinny roll neck was also the best accompaniment to the full skirt, as it balanced out the silhouette. A skinny black roll neck, I decided, was the most chic of options. Effortlessly stylish, it could be worn with all my skirts that I currently struggle to team up with tops.

So my answer to, ‘can bigger busts wear a roll neck sweater?’ is most certainly yes. The key is to make it slim fitting and skinny rib. It should be fairly long (no stopping at the navel), and fit well under the arms (no baggy areas). My Whistles sweater is very fine rib in a cotton/silk blend, so it’s lovely and soft and has no restrictive feeling. It should also see me well into spring without being overly warm, and is classic enough to wear season after season. Sales are still on, so get a move on if you want to give the roll neck a go. 

Mesh Tote

Mesh totes – yes they are exactly as they sound; bags with holes in them. Mesh totes were seen on a few runways for SS12 and they have crept onto the high street too, but are they a good idea? The answer to the question lies in whether you see the purpose of a bag as to carry your belongings, or to hide your belongings.

Mesh totes leave no room to hide. Your phone, purse, lippy and tissues are on full display. This means you need a careful bag edit before going out in public. At Kenzo a soft fisherman’s style mesh bag was seen, small and round with red mesh and blue leather trim. The model wore an outfit of blue and orange with a digital mesh print, and a mesh covered cap. There was also super slim plastic mesh shopper bags teamed with more digital mesh prints on lightweight separates.

Oscar de la Renta showed a plastic mesh powder blue bowling bag that works perfectly with the pastel trends. Then there is the newly released SS12 collection of Bao Bao bags by Issey Miyake which luckily aren’t see through but instead come in wonderful bursts of plasticized colour. Inspired by the graphic panels of modern architecture, the new Bao Bao range are made of a futuristic synthetic material fused to mesh cloth, and are foldable for handy storage. The totes come in shimmering, faceted ombre, colourful stripes and graphic numeral prints.

A stylish alternative to the mesh bag is a wide weave wicker style. If you think a PVC mesh bag is for you, carry a pretty large purse or makeup bag inside to hide all of your bits and pieces. Otherwise, large styles make a great beach bag. Look out for a black PVC mesh tote heading to ASOS.com soon, for £40.

Mulberry Travel BagMulberry is launching a highly covetable new bag this season. Styled on the hugely successful Alexa, the new Mulberry Travel bag comes in three sizes and a variety of colour finishes. Bags don’t get much hotter than those by Mulberry at present, and the Mulberry Travel bag is a welcome addition to the family I have no doubt.

Satchel style, the bag comes in standard day bag, oversized and the Travel camera bag. The Travel bag is available in a range of luxurious leathers but my fave by far is the mixed material-haircalf marshmallow white style for £2000 (pictured). You might have seen it already in the glossy mags, as it fits perfectly with the mood coming from the spring catwalks. The same style comes in nightshade blue. Shiny oak lambskin (£1100) offers the classic look, as does the soft matte black which is the cheapest option (relatively speaking) at £995. The Travel camera bag starts at £795, and the oversized Travel bag in matte black starts at £1150.

“The Travel Day Bag and its gorgeous characteristics are inspired by the golden age of travel and the nostalgic glamour of vintage steamer trunks," Mulberry creative director Emma Hill told Vogue. "We love its metal tipped corners and a smart metal logo plaque. It's a classic satchel, but with a super modern (yet nostalgically-inspired), twist. It's definitely a statement bag that will have all the girls drooling!"

With Blake Lively, Hayley Atwell and Juno Temple all fans of the style already, the bag is set to become as popular as its predecessors, but the brand says the secret to their success lies in its heritage, rather than its celebrity endorsers. Mulberry is based in Somerset, where their factory, The Rockery, produces around 30% of their handbags using traditional craft techniques.

David Beckham David Beckham Bodywear for H&MThis should be of interest to men and women alike. Last night in London, David Beckham celebrated the global launch of David Beckham Bodywear for H&M with an in-store launch, followed by a cocktail party at a pop-up gentleman’s club created especially for the occasion. At the in-store event at H&M on Regent Street, David showed the new television commercial, met with fans and signed the collection. Later, celebrities such as Bianca Jagger, Emma Bunton and Jessica Ennis joined David to toast his bodywear range.

This debut collection is the first in a long-term partnership between David Beckham and H&M, and is available from today in 1,800 H&M stores worldwide, as well as online. Giant H&M shopping bags have been placed around London this week to support the launch.

“I am very proud to launch my Bodywear collection for H&M in London. It was amazing to see the product at the in-store launch after so many months of development and meet with fans. I loved the pop-up gentleman’s club, which felt both traditional and brand new. It’s the same mix I hope men will find in the Bodywear collection. It was an amazing evening to launch my new collection.” David Beckham said.

At the cocktail party, guests were treated to a unique David Beckham for H&M experience, with decor, food and drink designed to reflect not only classic gentlemen’s clubs but also David’s British roots. Live music was provided by the James Pearson Trio, direct from the infamous Ronnie Scotts club, followed by a DJ set by ”Mani” from The Stone Roses and DJ the Queens of Noize.

Shirley Jarlo London Billie Jarlo LondonYoung fashion label Jarlo London have launched their new spring 2012 collection in Topshop concessions. The collection will launch in the Oxford Circus store from 31st January and will bring the Topshop shopper a key selection of super cool styles.

Jarlo London started on a stall in London’s Portobello Market in 2008. Founded by Carly Hallahan, the youthful label offers vintage inspired styles and vibrant prints on cute tea dresses, retro shifts and funky jackets. Perfectly suited to contemporary fashions, Jarlo already has a well-established celebrity following.

Jarlo London’s Spring 2012 collection is inspired by the latest street styles from around the world, channelling a cool, young starlet vibe with a modern twist. The dress will always be an essential wardrobe staple this season and the new collection of frocks from Jarlo London is simply irresistible. The season is a riot of colour from pretty pastels to brilliant whites, true blues to pop brights. Jarlo London has developed a celebrity following with their bold prints and vibrant palettes. Fashionistas who love Jarlo London include Keira Knightly, Dannii Minogue, Anna Friel and Una Healy.

I love the Shirley dress (£60, pictured) for its cutesy vintage style. Wear it with a summer tan, wedges and feather jewellery for a soft, romantic look. Go pure white with the Billie (£60, pictured) dress, but bring out some colour with bright orange accessories. Whatever trend you are looking for this season, florals, lace or pastels, Jarlo London won’t disappoint.

The new collection will sit within its own concession area in Topshop Oxford Circus, prices start from £60 styles are available in sizes 8-14. 

John Lewis JL WeekendI don’t know about you, but I love department stores. With everything under one roof, beautifully laid out so you can drift happily from shoes to wine glasses, there is something very special about a good department store. John Lewis is one of my faves for their haberdashery department, lingerie and a great mix of women’s wear labels. Now, this week, they have launched a new women’s clothing line, so you have every excuse to pop in and check it out.

JL Weekend is perfectly designed for the, well weekend! The range features more than 80 pieces from cotton t-shirts to cashmere cardigans, and leather tote bags, with prices starting from £20. Cottons and denim provides the foundation for the line, with a variety of on trend coloured jeans, pastel cotton shirts and a large selection of marl jersey. Items of note include a broderie anglaise cotton dress in scorched orange and a chain knit cardigan in navy and cream.

Jo Hooper, Head of Womenswear buying at John Lewis says, “This line is all about easy outfit building; mixing and matching quality pieces and on trend colours to create a stylish, pared down summer wardrobe encompassing everything from dresses and separates, to shoes and accessories. The aim was to create stylish, fashion led casuals that the JL woman would feel confident in, and have fun picking out. JL Weekend is about leaving the office behind”.

The collection succeeds in appealing to all ages as classic Parisian looks are combined with on trend fashion essentials. Alongside clothes, the collection features shoes, bags and scarves to create a capsule wardrobe to get you through the weekend. JL Weekend has launched today, on the 1st February 2012, other labels at John Lewis include Oasis, Ted Baker and French Connection. 

Stine Riis H&M WinnerThe winner of the H&M Design Award 2012 was announced today as Stine Riis, a 28 year old graduate from the London College of Fashion. She was revealed as the global winner at a special catwalk show at Stockholm’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, where Stine presented her winning collection. The H&M Design Award has seen graduates from fourteen colleges in six different countries compete first to be the local winner, and then go on to the grand prize jury. The award was set up to recognise new fashion design talent and encourage people into the industry.

Lucky Stine won €50,000 and the chance to have around fifteen pieces from her collection sold in selected H&M stores globally in September! Stine was chosen by a line-up of judges which included fashion designer Christopher Kane, noted fashion journalists Hilary Alexander and Kristopher Arden Houser, fashion blogger Susie Lau, H&M’s creative advisor Margareta van den Bosch and H&M’s head of design, Ann-Sofie Johansson.

“I am still overwhelmed,” said Stine, “Showing at Stockholm’s Mercedes-Benz fashion week has been such a great experience. I can’t believe so many people came to see my collection! This award gives me the confidence and financial back-up I need to pursue my dream of building my own brand. I couldn’t have imagined a better start to my career as a designer.”

“Stine Riis impressed us all with the maturity and modernity of her work. Her collection was so complete, and so well finished. It was such a sophisticated show, and such an exciting occasion. I am proud that Stine is the first winner of the H&M Design Award,” said Ann-Sofie Johansson, H&M Head of Design.

Aubade FigleavesValentine’s Day is fast approaching, and it probably splits the nation more than any other celebratory day. Is it the perfect excuse to celebrate your love, receive flowers and go out for a lovely meal, or just a commercialised affair dreamt up by the greetings card companies?

The problem with Valentine’s Day is the pressure of not knowing what the other person will do. Many people in long-term relationships may just push the day aside and get on with life, but men should be very wary of the girl who says she doesn’t want anything. What she means is, she wants you to romantically override this instruction and buy a card and some flowers instead. If you have agreed that you are doing presents, or you are feeling particularly loving, good old lingerie will always make the perfect Valentine’s gift.

Every girl likes lingerie, and it’s something that can be difficult to justify buying for yourself unless it’s super practical, because it doesn’t tend to be on show, whereas a new dress or shoes will be. Rigby & Peller’s Creative Director, Nicky Clayton, offers the following tips for successfully selecting the perfect gift this Valentine’s Day:

1.       Take a look in your partner’s lingerie drawer – You will be able to gauge her favourite colours, giving an indication of what colour lingerie she would like to receive.

2.       Don’t forget style – Style is just as important as size. Purchase something pretty, feminine and sexy as women generally don’t find practical bras romantic.

3.       Outerwear is as important as underwear – Take note of what she wears most. Does she prefer tight clothing, deep necklines or loose clothing? Rigby & Peller’s friendly lingerie stylists will be on hand to help advise on the best choices to create the perfect silhouette.

Aimee People Tree Aimee People TreeLaunching during Fairtrade Fortnight, the new SS12 People Tree collection celebrates the brand’s commitment to Fairtrade and organic cotton, which has doubled in the last year.  People Tree is one of the best established ethical fashion brands in the UK, having been founded by Safia Minney. The main line range compliments the season’s collaborations with Zakee Shariff (see my previous blog post) and Orla Kiely, as well as the new ‘Aimée’ range.

There are vintage style dresses, flared skirts, handwoven cotton and silk blouses and lightweight knitwear. Conversational prints and polka dots sit alongside vintage florals, and red and navy stripes give a nautical update to People Tree’s best -selling wrap dress. Organic cotton tops provide the perfect spring wardrobe basics, whether in block colour, summer stripes or all over print. Handwoven cotton and silk blouses and shirt dresses are offered in bright checks, florals or baby blue and there are loose, open-knit jumpers and crochet cardigans for layering.

My favourite collection has to be the new youthful line called ‘Aimee’. Aimee, meaning beloved, features a summery colour palette of blue and coral, deckchair inspired stripes and vintage lace. Using organic cotton jersey, 100% Fairtrade certified, Aimee has all of the pieces you will need to build the perfect cutesy summer wardrobe. Dresses are short and sweet, with side pockets and ruffles, whilst separates include button up vests, oversized tees and high waisted skirts.

Valentino SS12

What does lace make you think of? I know it’s totally ‘in vogue’ right now, but pushing that aside, does it not make you think of Victorian nightdresses and old fashioned tablecloths? Lace has been around for centuries as one of the earliest forms of embellishment, and you will be well aware I’m sure of its recent resurgence. Catwalk lace looks for SS12 however, have reached new heights as designers push the boundaries ever more.

Lace is an openwork fabric made by machine or by hand. The holes that make it lace can be formed by removal of threads or cloth from a previously woven fabric, but more often open spaces are created as part of the lace fabric. Lace-making is an ancient craft. True lace was not made until the late 15th and early 16th centuries. Originally linen, silk, gold, or silver threads were used but now lace is often made with cotton thread or synthetic fibres. 

Modern re-workings of lace dominated the catwalks this season. Dolce & Gabbana engineered guipure lace into a trim for a plastic mac and mixed it with appliqué for a homespun craft look, whilst Clements Ribeiro edged lace-patterned laser printed silk with black Chantilly lace. The look of lace was recreated in different forms, so at Yves Saint Laurent, a lace effect was stencilled onto python-embossed leather shoes and gold jewellery. At Valentino, dowry lace was evident in bright candy pink, and other designers really pushed the boat out with colour too.

Pink Bandage Dress Sofia Celeb DressCelebrity Big Brother – did you watch it? Let’s just gloss over whether I actually watched it or not, and get straight on to the fashion because last night was the final of Celeb Big Brother 2012. The reality show was won by Denise Welch, best known for her roles on Coronation Street, Waterloo Road and as one of the Loose Women. Welch wore a black sparkly number, a demure sequin mini dress with opaque tights and heels. It was the glamour girls however, that had the crowds talking as they all left the house in matching cerise pink shades over the course of the show.

The girls in question were Natasha Giggs, Georgia Salpa, Nicola McLean and Kristina Shannon. Natasha was the first lady in pink, after becoming the second housemate to be evicted on day 9. The former estate agent, who had an extra-marital affair with Ryan Giggs, wore a cerise pink bandage dress with towering leopard print platform heels. Greek-Irish model Georgia was evicted on day 14, following Natasha out of the house. Dark haired Georgia flaunted her petite but enviously curvaceous body in a body-con plain pink jersey dress. She teamed it with jewel encrusted platform peep toe shoes and diamante bling bracelets.

Nicola was evicted on day 21, two days before the final. She wore a pink and black asymmetric bandage dress with platform black patent heels. The blond bombshell went easy on the jewellery, wearing just a silver ring.

Bottega Veneta Bag Burberry ScarfThis SS12 season designers got a bit over excited about accessories. After a couple of years of the non-It Bag, non-fussy and non-descript, fashion houses have mixed it up this season. The hottest in ‘hi-lo’ accessories combine raffia, leather and snakeskin for the ultimate tactile piece.

At Burberry Prorsum, raffia is mixed with leather for a tribal luxe look. I adore the craftwork inspired crochet silk blend scarf (pictured), available from net-a-porter for £325. In a retro seventies inspired colourway of navy, mustard and purple with bead embellishment, it has a cool homespun look, but presumably was made in a factory. Wear it with neutral colours; perhaps some flared denim jeans and wedges. Burberry also has patent leather and raffia ballet shoes and sandals, as well as the African inspired raffia effect wristlet clutch which is the ultimate in new season luxury.

For those with more money than sense, Bottega Veneta, has an oddly captivating one-season wonder in the shape of the striped python and velvet tote, £2,250. First seen on the runway, it is made from yellow, beige and black painted Indonesian python and rust and orange acid-effect velvet. A real collector’s piece, I can’t imagine how anyone could actually use it day to day.

At Lanvin you will find a softer, beach inspired look with candy colours, straw and raffia. The two-tone espadrille wedges are perfect for sun-soaked summer days. At £450, they come in bright coral and orange luxury leather, but you will find similar looks on the high street. Lanvin also has cute straw bags embellished with medal style charms for a traveller chic look.

Organza Shift Dress Plastic Black TrenchTopshop Boutique, the exclusive sub range within Topshop, does not disappoint this SS12 season. With a whole host of fashion forward pieces, you can rely on Topshop Boutique to build your capsule wardrobe. SS12 sees metallic floral silk shifts, Prince of Wales checks, neon knits and chunky fisherman jumpers.

In Boutique Basics you can pick up a cashmere mix vest for just £20. Available in black, white or grey, it is a spring essential that can be worn alone with jeans for an off-duty look or for layering dresses and cardigans. The plain T-panel t-shirt is also the perfect accompaniment to this season’s printed skinny jean. Team it with leopard print skinny denims or colour blocked trousers.

A minimalist look shines through, but there is the cat printed tee (£28) for quirky animal lovers. Pieces to buy immediately include the waffle knit sweaters. The neon yellow waffle crop sweater (£48) is the perfect colour block jumper to start wearing now. Otherwise go for plain black for a grungy look.

The plasticised coat and jacket might not be the best investment buys, but if you buy one thing this spring they can be worn every day to update your look for spring. If you are tall, you could pull off the paw print trench (£160) in black or if you prefer a tougher look, go for the black leather biker jacket with chunky zips (£165).

Jean Paul Gaultier '12 CoutureJean Paul Gaultier made a tribute to the late Amy Winehouse in his latest haute couture collection shown this week in Paris. Garments, in Gaultier’s signature style, were worn by model’s sporting beehive hairstyles, flicked up black eyeliner and doll-like wedges. The spring/summer ’12 show included looks entitled “Brit Award”, “Victoria’s Secret In My Bag” and “Love Is a Losing Game”. Winehouse’s father Mitch, however, has spoken out against the fashion collection, stating that it is in bad taste and that the family were not made aware of the tribute prior to the show.

The clothes included wonderful corsetry and beautiful long trench coats, all in rich colours - pink, gold and chartreuse. Think Gaultier’s signature trashy luxe (but with a couture price tag). Long sequinned jackets were teamed with tiny girdle shorts and even suiting featured corsetry detailing. Another back-to-front polo shirt dress appeared in ivory sequins, another lace evening gown in fluorescent orange was fit for a true diva. Vogue called the show a ‘wonderful and loving tribute’ to Winehouse, but as all the girls appeared for the finale in lace mourning mantilla veils, was it too much?

Mitch Winehouse said, “The family was upset to see those pictures, they were a total shock. We're still grieving for her loss, and we've had a difficult week with the six-month anniversary of Amy's death. To see her image lifted wholesale to sell clothes was a wrench we were not expecting or consulted on. We're proud of her influence on fashion but find black veils on models, smoking cigarettes with a barbershop quartet singing her music in bad taste. It portrays a view of Amy when she was not at her best, and glamorises some of the more upsetting times in her life. That's upsetting for her family”.

Tatty Devine Trapeze Tatty Devine Cat Ring

Tatty Devine, the quirky jewellery brand who normally work with Perspex, have launched a range of silver jewellery named ‘Fine’. Fine has the same fun appeal of Tatty Devine but with a touch of luxury. Just like all of the pieces from Tatty Devine, the Fine collection is handmade in the UK. Featuring moustaches and chip forks, you won’t find silver jewellery with a better sense of humour anywhere else.

Tatty Devine is run by Rosie Wolfenden and Harriet Vine. The girls set up the company in 1999, and still run it completely independently. Tatty Devine has become a cult classic of British fashion with its witty, offbeat designs. 99% of the jewellery is made by hand in Tatty Devine's own workshops (one in London and one in Kent) and each year, two main collections are launched at London Fashion Week. They have over 100 stockists worldwide and have collaborated with the likes of Rob Ryan, Peter Jensen and Basso & Brooke.

Alongside necklaces, rings, earrings and bracelets, the brand also designs belts, badges and cufflinks. Tatty Devine’s much loved Name Necklaces began life as Christmas presents for friends in 2004, and you can now design your own Name Necklace to be made in Tatty Devine's London workshop. For a mega Valentine’s treat how about this fab Rob Ryan ‘Everything I love lives in my heart’ necklace by Tatty Devine. This necklace formed the centrepiece to a papercut made by Rob Ryan for an exhibition in Tatty Devine's Brick Lane boutique. It costs £230, but is really a collector’s piece.

TOMS Leopard Ballet Flat TOMS Printed Ballet FlatSince 2006, TOMS have been helping the poorest of the world through fashion. Their One for One movement means that profits from shoes sold in the Western world go to purchasing shoes for children in developing countries. Traditional TOMS have been of the slipper style shoe; in fact they probably brought back the trend for slipper shoes. This spring however, TOMS are launching ballet flats at the request of customers looking for a smarter style.

TOMS was founded primarily for charitable means.  When American traveller Blake Mycoskie befriended children in Argentina in 2006, he was horrified to see that many did not have any footwear.  On returning home he set up TOMS and the One for One movement.  We all take shoes for granted, worrying about what style of shoe to buy rather than how we can afford just one pair. Millions of children live without footwear everyday worldwide. By going barefoot, a child is more likely to contract soil-transmitted diseases and get infections from cuts and grazes on the feet.  Also, children without shoes are not able to attend school because they are part of the uniform.

TOMS have many celebrity fans including Angelina Jolie and the Olsen twins who last year collaborated with the charitable shoe brand to create a capsule collection by The Row.  TOMS are available for men, women and kids in a huge assortment of fun colours and fabrics including crochet, animal print and glitter. The new ballet shoe is a great way to reach out to a wider audience looking for a smarter style. Hitting stores in March, the new style will come in burlap, suede and linen, in leopard print, monochrome and tribal inspired prints among other colours. They will be available in size 3 to 10, including half sizes.

Ultimo Evangeline Ultimo Spy

Michael Buble's stunning wife Luisana shows the sensational curves that stole his heart in the ultra-sexy new campaign for Ultimo.  Argentinian bombshell Luisana Lopilato dazzles in the new collection from the UK's leading lingerie designer created by Michelle Mone OBE, just in time for Valentine's Day.

Celebrating feminine charm with pastel and lace, the timeless pale green and navy 'Evangeline' is elegantly flirtatious, while the silky animal print 'Mirage' is designed to reveal the inner temptress. Retro-inspired sophistication meets bombshell in the black and pink 'Spy,' creating a super seductive silhouette with irresistible curves. Bras are priced £28-£31 and thongs and briefs are £12-£14. Sizes go upto G cup which is always happy news for the big busted.

Michelle Mone OBE, creator of Ultimo, said: "Women want to feel confident in their underwear by choosing a style of lingerie that accentuates all the right places. Luisana is a natural beauty and I'm delighted to have her on board for two years. The new collection is not only very sophisticated and feminine but feels comfortable as well so that you have that confidence from the inside out."

Luisana, added: “I loved shooting the Ultimo campaign and usually have to wear plain underwear when I’m filming so it was incredible to be wearing such gorgeous lingerie.  I love the colour of Evangeline – the mint green really highlights my skin tone but the lace gives it that sexy edge.”

Karl Sachi Skirt Karl Bansi“Fashion is about two things: evolution and the opposite” words spoken by Karl Lagerfeld, and you better listen to him because this guy knows a thing or two about fashion. Since arriving in Paris from his native Hamburg in the 1950s, Lagerfeld has designed for some of the most influential fashion houses in the world. Moving from Valentino to Fendi, to Chloe and now Chanel, Lagerfeld has set trends and shaped contemporary fashions with more than 200 runway shows under his stylish belt.

Today Lagerfeld’s much anticipated new fashion line KARL launched through net-a-porter.com. The luxury online retailer has a one month exclusivity deal to sell the Karl line before it is offered on Lagerfeld branded sites. Check out net-a-porter for everything you could want to know about Lagerfeld and his new fashion range, including a video interview with the super-star designer.

Karl is a women’s wear line inspired by high fashion but with a mid-range price tag. A strong collection of staples in black, white and silver make this the perfect everyday mix and match collection. The £50 cutaway leather gloves are already sold out, no doubt to the eager fashionistas who want the first bite of the cherry without spending a fortune.

Biker inspired, there is plenty of leather and sparkle to satisfy the most hard-core trend lovers. There are a handful of printed cotton tees featuring the designer’s well recognised profile from £65. Team one with the Sabine sequined shorts for evening (£195) or the high rise patterned skinny jeans for day (£195). My best buy of the season though, has to be the Sachi faux leather pleated mini skirt, which at £135, could easily be mistaken for something far more expensive.

Orange Coast Dress

Orange isn’t the colour that oft comes to mind when considering an outfit. Tricky to wear and oh so conspicuous, many people are put off by its sheer exuberance. It is a colour however, that comes in and out of fashion and rarely disappears completely in one way or another. Orange is back for spring/summer ’12 with countless designers choosing to dress their runway models in various shades of tangerine, amber and apricot.

Victoria Beckham went for a sporty look with a slim fitting orange dress, orange and navy short sleeved dress. Felipe Oliveria Baptista also went sports luxe with bright orange cycling shorts and matching jacket. Marc by Marc Jacobs showed sixties tangerine shift dresses and Matthew Williamson built orange into his grown up blazer looks. In fact orange was also evident at Ports 1961, Nanette Lepore and Jayne Pierson to name just a few.

If you choose the right shade, orange doesn’t have to be difficult to wear. Opt for warmer tones of amber and burnt orange rather than florescent shades to be kinder to the complexion. Dark or tanned skins can not only get away with brights, but look fantastic in them. The way to wear orange is colour blocking, don’t be shy. Try a shift dress like this elegant style by Coast, suitable for work or evening, it’s a 24-hour dress for £95. The bow detailing at the back keeps it modern and youthful.

Current/Elliott Jean Warehouse Jean

I am currently a bit, well a lot, obsessed with leopard print jeans. No one is more surprised than me, when did leopard print jeans become cool rather than trashy? Well trashy cool at least. The trend seems to be down to denim brand Current/Elliott and the rise of last year’s ‘cocktail jean’. The cocktail jean is a fancy take on the standard skinny, in fact ‘cocktail’ is the new prefix in fashion to describe anything a bit fancier than average – the cocktail earring for example.

Animal print jeans crept into style last year, as seen on the likes of Sarah Jessica Parker and Isla Fisher. I liked them back them, but I wouldn’t have gone out wearing them. Now however, I want to wear them! Last summer the leopard print jeans by Current/Elliott sold out at my-wardrobe.com in 24 hours despite the £210 price tag and this year they have restocked on the trend.

LA based Current/Elliott was founded in 2008 by Serge Azria with the aim of producing a collection entirely crafted from denim. The brand is born out of a love of vintage denim and American roots and has quickly garnered a cult following in the fashion world. This season at net-a-porter you can get the low rise leopard print skinny jean in four colour ways – petal pink, mint, camel or grey. The print is quite subdued and therefore easy to wear. Petal pink and mint are fully on trend for this spring’s icy pastel colour palette but I’m quite a big fan of the grey.

Versace CoutureWarming up for next month’s fashion weeks, we have the couture shows. Haute Couture has seen something of a renaissance in recent years. Once seen as old and dowdy, the couture shows are now jam packed with glamour. Not available for the masses (cocktail dresses start at around £50,000) the couture shows are purely for day-dreamers.

Versace

Paris Couture Week was kicked off by Versace, who showed their first couture collection since 2004. Diane Kruger and Cameron Diaz had front row seats, and model Karlie Kloss took to the runway first. It was a boutique collection of 15 looks, all evening wear with the signature Versace vibe – lots of lace, leather and beading in silver, lime green and tangerine orange.  A full length bead encrusted dress with sheer lace panels looks like it weighs more than the model. It also comes in a long-sleeved version with futuristic shoulders. A leather laser cut brocade dress is very special indeed, plus there are leather shorts and plenty of corsetry.

Christian Dior

At Christian Dior, designed by Bill Gayton, the audience were treated to a nostalgic nod to the fifties and the original New Look era. Beautiful day dresses, dogtooth checks and waisted pencil skirts provided a timeless silhouette. Transparent voile was used to create dream-like wrap dresses, blouses and full skirts. Full length evening gowns were teamed with long gloves and huge ball gowns were embellished with beading, layering, pleats and ruffles. Black, white and red created a strong colour palette.

Alexis Mabille

Brand Alley is launching a ‘re-home a designer handbag’ sale on Facebook next month. It’s so great I almost didn’t want to tell you (but I am, because I’m nice like that). Online discount retailer Brand Alley were one of the first companies of its kind to sell branded goods at up to 85% off. Browse the site regularly for men’s, women’s and kid’s clothes, shoes, kitchen equipment, household furnishings, gifts and more, and be sure to find some bargains.

In February they are offering a one-off exclusive ‘rehome a designer handbag’ sale on social networking site Facebook. There are 36 bags available at up to a huge 75% off these slightly marked designer handbags, an opportunity to snap up a designer essential. These must-have bags are from leading designers including D&G, Furla and Calvin Klein, prices start at just £30.00. The bags are straight from the shop-floor and feature minor defects, including scratches and scuffing and so they want to ‘rehome’ them.

Every fashionista wants a designer bag to complete their outfit, although not everyone’s bank balance can afford the price tag. If you have always lusted over owning a chic designer bag to tote, then BrandAlley has the perfect luxury Valentine’s treat (for yourself!). Why not use it as an opportunity to stock up on some D&G before the label ceases to exist – Brand Alley will be selling a multi-zip bag with slight discolouration for £200 from £800, or a slightly worn ponyskin bag at £210 from £850.

All you have to do is ‘Like’ the BrandAlley Facebook page and log on at 12:00 and 19:00 on Thursday 2nd February for savvy shopping in the sale that never ends. Have you got that? 

Boohoo DressHappy Chinese New Year! We have now entered the year of the dragon.  Traditionally the dragon has heralded the mightiest of the zodiac signs, symbolising dominance and ambition. So this is the year to be confident in yourself and reach for your dreams.

Chinese and oriental stories have long had an influence on Western fashion. Last summer a strong Eastern story could be seen at John Galliano, Alberta Ferretti and Oscar de la Renta. Marc Jacobs really went for it at the Louis Vuitton show with cheongsam dresses, kimono jackets and stain geisha trousers all inspired by Kenzo Takada and Kansai Yamamoto, the first Japanese designers to show their collections in Paris, in the 1970's (we’re just merging Chinese and Japanese together now, sorry).

If this were a feature for ‘How to Spend it’ magazine it would be accompanied by an image of Crow’s Nest ‘Secret Keeper’ jewellery collection. The ultimate in gothic luxe, designer and founder of Crow’s Nest, Daniel-Philip Belevitch has created a range of eight oriental dragon inspired bracelets. One is strung on black cotton string, whilst the others are made from black spinell beads. With prices starting from £3000, each is made with 18k white, rose or yellow gold with rows of black and white diamonds and a signature pear-shaped tsavorite for the dragon’s eye.

If that is a bit out of your price range, then check out this bargain dress from boohoo.com. Priced at just £15, the Lucy oriental print skater dress is super cute and available in five colours of oriental floral print. Wear it for day with flats and a tan belt, or for evening with heels, a clutch and sparkly accessories.

Purple ASOS DressFashion is like a passionate and turbulent affair. It has its ups and it sure as hell has its downs. One morning you couldn't have got it more right; everything you are wearing is on trend, fits well and works perfectly. But on other days it just goes wrong. It could be an out-dated print, a bad skirt/top combo or the most common fashion mistake of all, which is bad colour matching. The great news is that by arming yourself with a little colour matching advice, it's easier to avoid some of these major mistakes.

Matching our accessories to our outfits is something all women struggle with. Worrying whether the handbag is the right colour for the dress or that the shoes match the top can make us much more than just fashionably late. When looking at colour matching, some of it is just intuition. Some of it passes with each trend and what may be acceptable one season is a huge mistake the next. However, there are some golden rules about colour matching and by following these few simple rules, you can guarantee to have the perfect colour blend every time.

Start with your favourite part of an outfit and work from there. If the dress is the key garment, then work around that but if it is one of the fabulous handbags from Jane Shilton, start with that and then pick your outfit colours to match. A common mistake is to assume that everything has to match in colour and tone. Black may be slimming, but an entire black outfit of shoes, dress and bag can lead to a pale and pasty look. The same colour is fine for a whole outfit however, if you vary the tone. If you do want to wear a green bag with a green dress, for example, its fine provided the shades are different. In fact, a whole outfit of one colour but with many shades can work brilliantly, especially with blues or greens.

Coleen Rooney LittlewoodsColeen Rooney hasn’t been able to hide her body away this month like the rest of us post-Christmas. She’s been stripping down to a bikini on the beach in Florida to shoot the spring/summer campaign for Littlewoods catalogue. Coleen has been working with Littlewoods since 2010, when they welcomed her on board as a style editor, and designer of her own clothing, footwear and bedding range.

25 year-old Coleen had her first child in 2009, and has worked a lot on her body as an advocate for ‘real women’ of all shapes and sizes. In the pictures of the shoot, published by the Daily Mail, Coleen is clearly no size 6 model, but is nonetheless, not afraid of the camera. She is seen wearing a candy pink, ruffle bikini with cute button detailing, a black bikini and black jersey maxi dress. Her hair was left loose and lightly curled for a relaxed beach babe look. On the previous day’s shoot she wore a ruffle blue bikini and a black and white print bikini.

Coleen signed a £2million deal to become the face of Littlewoods in June 2010. The deal came after she previously modelled clothing in a £3million deal for Asda's George range from 2006 until 2008. You can check out Coleen’s style advice at Littlewoods, shop her collection and browse the style file.

Versace H&M CruiseThe final Versace for H&M collection has landed and it’s only available online. Donatella’s first instalment of Versace for H&M was met with global hysteria, and it is likely that the second collection (launched today) will do the same. The good thing about it being online is that, in theory, it is available to all and doesn’t require hours of standing outside a store in line.

I have to admit, I had the full intention to snap up a piece of Versace for H&M, but have yet to do so. I need to get a move on and grab something from the cruise collection, before it makes way for the equally exciting collaboration of Marni for H&M. The A/W Versace for H&M collection referenced classic Versace looks like gold buttons and colourful prints, whilst nodding towards the main Versace collection. There were leather jackets and the leather dress, studded and chainmail dresses and black dresses with the gold buttons. Crowds camped outside overnight and looks sold out super quickly. Menswear was just as well received as womenswear.

Royal Ascot Fashion Royal Ascot FashionRoyal Ascot isn’t until June, but the organisers have just released the new rules which are intended to clear up previous ‘misunderstandings’. For almost 250 years, Royal Ascot has established itself as a national institution and the centrepiece of the British social calendar as well as being the ultimate stage for the best racehorses in the world. With nearly £4 million in prize money on offer and a total of eighteen ‘Group’ races over the five days, Royal Ascot attracts some of the wealthiest names in the country and requires a certain form of attire.

Charles Barnett, Chief Executive at Ascot, said: “We have worked extensively with experts in the world of fashion to define better what formal dress means, with the overarching intention of being as helpful as possible to our visitors and assisting everyone in understanding what is expected and, we believe, cherished about the dress code at Royal Ascot. It isn’t a question of elitism and not being modern in a world where there is less and less requirement to dress smartly – far from it. We want to see modern and stylish dress at Royal Ascot, just within the parameters of formal wear, and the feedback we have received from our customers overwhelmingly supports that.”

So what is the new dress code?

Livia Firth Upcycled DressLivia Firth, wife of Colin, is a keen ethical fashion advocate. So much so that for last weekend’s Golden Globe Awards (she gets to go on the arm of said husband) Livia wore an Armani dress made from recycled plastic bottles. It was part of her Green Carpet Challenge, and the first time that such a large fashion house had designed something ethical especially for the occasion.

The strapless black dress looks like silk satin to the eye, with damask patterned panel to the skirt and piping around the bodice. It certainly doesn’t look like the result of recycling used plastic bottles collected from Italian households. On Livia’s Vogue blog, she repeats Roberta Armani, Giorgio's niece and right hand woman for the official description of the dress: 'For the 69th Golden Globes my uncle has designed an exclusive gown for Livia, created from a special fabric made with fibres derived from the mechanical, non-chemical recycling of plastic bottles. The dress is a strapless column style, with the bodice composed of horizontal strips of fabric that create a peplum at the front, opening up to form a geometrically-pleated train at the back, highlighted by an ornate lining.'

Livia is Creative Director of Eco Age, an ethical fashion and lifestyle store in Chiswick, London. She started in Green Carpet Challenge in December 2009 with journalist Lucy Siegle. Following the Golden Globe nomination of Colin Firth for A Single Man, Livia announced that she would from then on only wear ethical and sustainable fashion on the Red Carpet in order to raise the profile of such garments.

Brogue BrogueIf there is one shoe defining 2011, it has to be the brogue. Suitable for men and women, the brogue was a welcome return to sensible footwear. On the feet of every fashionista, model and celeb, people rushed in their droves to snap up brogues. The history of the brogue though, comes from Scotland and shoe shop favourite Office, has gone back to the brogues’ roots for their latest design.

Modern brogues trace their roots to a rudimentary shoe originating in Scotland that was constructed using leather with perforations that allowed water to drain from the shoes when the wearer crossed wet boggy terrain. The word ‘brogues’ originates in the late sixteenth century and is a derivation of the Irish and Scots Gaelic ‘brōg’, taken from the Old Norse ‘brók’ meaning leg covering. When brogues first grew in popularity, they weren’t considered suitable for social occasions. However, fashions of course change and recently the brogue has seen a resurgence.

Office’s ‘Move Over’ brogues (£58) are particularly cute and available in two colourways – taupe/off white and pink/tan (great choice for spring). Made of super soft leather, these kilt clad flats will be the perfect addition to any Scot’s Burns supper on the 25th of this month. With a raised heel, they provide more support than your average ballet flat.

I don’t suggest wearing them in boggy terrain, but they should hold up well in the spring showers. Wear with jeans (skinny or flares), skirts or dresses. They particularly suit a vintage vibe of dress, a cute tea dress or pleated mini skirt. Wear them with confidence and avoid mid-length skirts which together could look dowdy. If these don’t float your boat, Office have plenty of alternative flat styles including ballet pumps, deck shoes and boots.