Accessories

Learning how to wear ladies accessories seems easy when you see them in fashion magazines and celebrity red carpet events.  Beautiful fashion necklaces, gorgeous designer shoes, artfully tied scarves – at the hands of a fashion stylist, anything seems easy.  Until you get home and try it yourself, that is. Fashion accessories can be tricky, because so much depends on the wearer.  If the earrings are too long, the belt too wide, or the heel too small for your size, the accessory looks weird.  Then there’s the whole color thing – how often should you repeat a color?  Do gold and silver go together?  What color of shoes look best with a red dress?

If you’re not sure which fashion pieces work best for you, take a look at some of these stories. For a more in-depth look, this ladies accessories guide can help.

Ladies Accessories - Petites

When you’re “5’2” with eyes of blue,” it sounds cute in a song — but it’s a lot less fun in real life when all the trendy clothing and accessories are geared to women 6 inches taller than you.  Oversized bags, gigantic belts, hats that make you look like you’re playing dress up – welcome to the world of accessorizing petites.

Here are a few of the things petites need to remember about ladies accessories:

1. Wear hats with small brims
2. Don’t wear chunky necklaces or earrings
3. Have straps shortened on shoulder bags
4. No belts over 2” wide (no belt at all if you’re plus size)
5. Shoes with ankle straps will make you look shorter

Now you may not like being told you “can’t” do something, but when it comes to ladies accessories and the petite body, you need to make some exceptions.  After all, your goal should be to look good every day, not look like you’re playing dress up in your mother’s closet.

The word you need to remember when shopping for clothes and accessories is proportion.  If you’re petite, you don’t have the same amount of vertical body space to cover as someone 4 or 6 inches taller than you.  So you gotta scale things to your size.  Otherwise you’ll look even shorter than you are.

Learning which ladies accessories work best for you can be tricky, but if you keep proportion in mind and use fashion magazines and clothing catalogs as a styling starting point instead of a destination, you’ll have a lot more luck finding the best clothing and accessories for you.

Ladies Accessories - Plus Size

When your dress size is big, it means you need big accessories — earrings, bags, boots, etc. –  in order for things to look right.  If you wear dainty stuff like a pretty little gold necklaces or a watch, then small things on a big body just made it look bigger.  Not good.

Here are some things to remember:

1. Keep accessories in the same mood as your clothing
2. Stay away from soft, floppy handbags; structured bags will make you seem smaller
3. DO go for bold color, especially around your face

Being plus size doesn’t mean you have to give up being fashionable.  It just means that you can’t wear everything just the same as those skinny little models they have in fashion magazines.  Once you learn the best shoes, belts, and other accessories to wear for the plus size gal, dressing became a whole lot easier.  It also starts turning some heads…whatever your size!

If you’re looking for good fashion accessory advice – whatever your size – check out this ladies accessories resource.  It’s chock full of big, helpful tips you’ll use every day.

Ladies Accessories - Tall

If you’re tall, you have the same problem as women who are short:  finding women’s clothing and accessories in your size.  Whether it’s finding pants (34”+ inseam) that fit, long sleeves that actually reach to your hand, or shoes that accommodate a larger-than-average length (12 or 13), you know what a challenge looking great can be.

But here’s one truism about ladies accessories for tall women: horizontals are your friend.

I know – fashionistas will tell you to never wear horizontals because they make you look shorter and wider, and they do.  Which, if you’re very tall and thin and tower over everyone you know, can be a GOOD thing.

Some of my favorite accessorizing tricks for tall women include:

• A wide, collared necklace
• Bangle bracelets
• A wide belt

There are others, but I think you get the idea.  When you learn which ladies accessories work best for tall women, you can unlock a bag of tricks that will help you dress more confidently every day.  Try is yourself and see!

Gold by Giles Launches Cosmetics Line

Fashion designer Giles Deacon is set to launch a full Gold by Giles cosmetic collection for high street chain New Look.

Known for his flattering collections and quirky style, Giles first launched his Gold by Giles clothing line for New Look back in 2007. It was an instant success which lead onto the brand introducing new pieces such as footwear, accessories, swimwear, denim, hosiery and menswear. 

Then, last November the range once again branched out into beauty launching a range of nail varnishes, nail wraps and lashes. This was again so popular that Giles and New Look decided to bring out a full cosmetics line which is packed with feature colours for the eyes, cheeks and lips alongside accessories that feature blusher brushes, velcro hair rollers and eye lash curlers amongst other pieces.

Taking inspiration from the spring/summer 2012 catwalk (make-up) trends Giles’ range touches on bold and bright coloured lipsticks – as seen at Meadham Kirchhoff and Thierry Mugler – and tonal eye colours that range from heavy charcoals to earthy shades and were also big hits at DSquared2, Fendi and Gianfranco Ferré where smokey metallic eyes ruled. The Gold by Giles cosmetic range also features palettes for cheeks, nails and accessories.

The Gold by Giles cosmetic range launches nationwide on 21 April 2012 in New Look stores and online athttp://www.newlook.com/.

How to Find Your Perfect Wedding Dress and Accessories

Every bride-to-be knows that as soon as she gets engaged the only thing that truly matters is her perfect wedding day; with the main focus being on her wedding gown.

Now-a-days with so many retail giants creating their own collections there is a budget that suits everyone, starting with Coast (www.coast-stores.com) who have launched their very own wedding store online.

Offering an unrivaled one stop shop you can purchase everything you require from your own wedding dress to bridesmaids dresses, flower girl outfits, accessories and beyond. You can also order free swatches for materials or request a personal shopper appointment in store for more help. 

On the high street Berkertex Bride (who own a store in Woodstock Street, W1) offer a large array of dresses in different shades to suit all sizes, whilst heritage high street department store BHS also sell their own bridal wear collections which created a frenzy last summer after reproducing a similar dress to that of which the Duchess of Cambridge’s wore on her wedding day (www.bhs.co.uk). 

When searching online you should also head to www.net-a-porter.com who also host a wedding boutique. Choose from a stylish selection of designer wedding gowns from luxury brands such as Temperley London, Vivienne Westwood and Lanvin amongst others. You can also shop for the perfect veil or headpiece and other accessories as well as honeymoon, bridesmaid gowns, mother of the bride outfits or just generally point your wedding guests to their own section. 

You can also head to department stores such as Harrods (who offer their own in-house bridal store) and Browns Bride fashion alongside Pronovias on Bond Street, Jenny Packham, David Fielden and Caroline Castigliano. 

Such websites as Oliver Laudus (www.olivierlaudus.com) offer brides a fabulous assortment of accessories ranging from jewellery to tiaras, hair accessories and beyond. Other stores and websites to visit include Butler & Wilson – for their quirky take on diamonte pieces – Selfridges, whom are re-creating the tiara that the Duchess of Cambridge wore on her wedding day and is set to go on sale this summer, as well as Martine Wester (who sell an abundant of sparkling pieces) and Susan Caplan whose vintage collection would work well with any wedding attire. 

Shoe wise, if you are thinking of something traditional yet demure head straight to Aruna Seth (http://www.arunaseth.com/) who offer a stunning bridal collection which ranges from flat ballerina pumps to wedges and heels. These come in an assortment of pearlescent and striking tones alongside mother of the bride heels. 

Aside from this you can always opt for a classic pair of Jimmy Choo or Louboutin heels which will sit beautifully under your gown, but if you want to create the perfect bespoke pair of wedding shoes then why not log on to www.upperstreet.com. This online haven will not only allow you to create your own uniquely designed shoes but offer classic and quirky inspirational pieces to help get you started.

Dresses for Wedding Guests

This season with so many different colours and spring/summer 2012 trends on show its hard to know where to start looking if you are in desperate need of some fabulous wedding attire.

Dresses for wedding guests

As a wedding guest the etiquette is always that women should never adorn white to upstage the bride, or black, because of it’s old fashioned connotations. However, now-a-days it seems normal to bring on board those two colours as with some brides their theme’s are even based around it; so don’t fret if this palette appeals to you as this can be worn via a selection of prints  or through block colours instead.

When shopping for the perfect dresses for wedding guests why not head to the high street first. Coast stores have now launched a wedding dress shop via their online website (www.coast-stores.com)which houses all outfits in store too. Choose from a wide selection of jewel-toned colours, prints, structured, maxi and flattering options alongside accessories – just steer clear of any ball dress options as you don’t want to steal the limelight from the bridesmaids.

For a more designer feel Debenhams have just announced a new partnership with British fashion designer, Jenny Packham. The collection which is aptly named ‘No.1 Jenny Packham’ will join the Designers at Debenhams portfolio next month offering an array of 19 women’s dresses, accessories and children’s pieces with choices for bridesmaids and wedding guests alike. Prices range from £85 to £160 (www.debenhams.com/designers).

Whilst online wedding wear can be found at luxury e-tailors www.net-a-porter.com – who offer their own wedding occasion store with a special ‘Wedding Guest’ edited section which favours country, city and beach attire for different types of weddings – www.theoutnet.com and www.my-wardrobe.com which are the perfect places for picking up designer dresses which not only compliment your shape but will also be right on-trend.

Alongside this swimwear designer Melissa Odabash has also brought in a new selection of jewellery to luxury department store John Lewis. Containing inspiration from her own travelling experiences this gorgeous collection offers pieces which centre around the Lotus flower as well as crystals, charms and pendants and will be sure to start a conversation over a wedding breakfast table. The range is available now online and in stores nationwide.

Other jewellery designers who create the perfect pieces to accompany any wedding guest outfit range from Martine Wester (www.martinewester.com) to Laura Gravestock (www.lauragravestock.com ), but for bigger statement jewels head to Mawi (www.mawi.co.uk) whose selections of gold, silver and rose gold with oversized stones will jazz up any simple dress. Alternatively you can opt for award-winning jewellery boutiques Astley Clarke (www.astleyclarke.com) or EC One (www.econe.co.uk) whom host an assortment of designers under one roof which provides more choice.

Lastly if you are looking for any vintage inspired pieces you can head to Lovely’s Vintage Emporium (http://lovelys-vintage-emporium.myshopify.com/ ) who sell a wide assortment of fabulous dresses from designer to every day wear. If you are looking for  vintage jewellery however, then designer Susan Caplan should be your first port of call. Her vintage collection is extensive and ranges from old school Versace lion head cuffs to more minimal art deco pieces (www.susancaplan.co.uk).

What Not to Wear at Royal Ascot

There are endless lists of what to wear at Royal Ascotbut with very few on what not to wear at one of the greatest racing events in the world.

Every year newspapers print pictures of people who made a fashion mistake at the races and yet every year those unfortunates that don’t read the style guides make the same dress code errors.

So that you don’t make a fashion faux pas at Epsom Derby or Ascot this summer here are what not to wear tips, which will ensure you look the part on Ladies Day and if you have a ticket for the Royal Enclosure.

Tips:

1. In the Royal Enclosure women must wear a dress or matching suit. Off the shoulder, spaghetti straps and halter necks are prohibited as is showing your midriff.
2. A hat or substantial fascinator must be worn to gain entry to the Royal Enclosure.
3. Men must wear a full morning suit in the Royal Enclosure and a suit or jacket with a shirt and tie in the grandstand. Strictly no jeans
4. The dress code for women is lessened in the grandstand however smart is still required and a hat is not obligatory, although most tend to wear one.
5. Any wearers of stilettos may want to invest in some heel stopper which will prevent you sinking in the grass. Alternatively wedges or flat shoes are a better option.
6. Even if you have an admirable cleavage and toned figure, showing it all off in a revealing skimpy dress isn’t appropriate as it looks tarty and mutton dressed as lamb if you are over the age of 45. Leave something to the imagination or if you are showing cleavage then wear a lower hemline and vice versa.
7. Although the silver ring doesn’t have a dress code, smart wear is encouraged and most people like to make the most of their day by dressing up.
8. Remember some sunglasses and an umbrella. British weather is changeable so you don’t want to be caught out in the rain or unable to see the horses because of the glaring rays.
9. Don’t wear a hat so big that people orbit you. Serious race goers will only be peeved if they cannot see the race because you took the hat requirement too far.
10. Shawls, pashminas and shrugs are ideal for summer days out. They are lightweight, warm and can easily fit in a bag.
11. No trainers, worker boots or flip flops.

Hair Tips From James Pryce

Hairdresser James Pryce, the man who cuts Kate Middleton’s hair and styled it for the Royal Wedding has given WhatBesttoWear some hair tips for any ladies attending weddings or the races such as the Investec Derbythis summer.

The Richard Ward Hair and Metrospa in London has been cutting Kate’s hair for years and were asked by the now Duchess of Cambridge to style her tresses for the exceptionally big day watched by two billion people globally.

The task of creating a modern yet timeless hairstyle for the future King’s bride would be a daunting prospect for any hair designer, but James succeeded in transforming Kate into picture perfect regal lady in her one of a kind Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen wedding dress.

Here is WhatBesttoWear’s exclusive interview with James Pryce

How much preparation went into styling Kate’s hair?

We gave Kate a very romantic look but as with any bride there were trials before and Kate has a very unique sense of style so knew exactly what she wanted.

As Kate’s hair was half up half down, does this mean this is a key look for spring/summer 2011?

We named the style we did for Kate the demi-chignon. It brings the hair off the face while keeping the body and volume of the hair. It is definitely a key look for spring and summer and will probably be copied by many brides over the year. It can be done simply or very elaborately and works well in securing a veil or tiara for any brides that like the style.

What other popular hair styles do you like for this season?

Texture and curls are always fashionable and waves are also good. You don’t have to use a tonne of product and tongs to create curls. People are quick to blow dry out their own wave when they needn’t because it’s nice to have natural wave and bounce. For added volume and to create a natural curl use curl creams and a diffuser.

Also great for this season is a centre parting with a grown out fringe that you wear parted. For summer you can grow out your winter fringe and go for a softer more bohemian centre parting that sits softly on the cheekbones.

What hair advice would you give women who will be attending the races or weddings this summer and will be wearing hats or fascinators?

 You can definitely wear a fascinator with the demi-chignon. You can pull the hair from the face and it allows something for a fascinator to be attached to. The demi-chignon or any partially up hair styles don’t often work with full hat so keep hair down and simple.

How can women maintain their hairstyle all day and avoid ‘hat hair’?

 Don’t think you always have to use loads of product to achieve a certain look. There is nothing wrong with day old hair with a little grease as this makes hair easier to style and to secure head pieces to.

You really don’t have to use a can of hairspray to maintain your hair style all day long. In order to avoid hat hair have a professional blow dry before so that your hair stays volumised. This will allow your hair to bounce back when you take off your hat instead of staying flat to your head.

However your best bet to avoid hat hair is to wear a fascinator. To keep your fascinator in place, back comb a small section of hair and then add grips in a cris-cross formation to that section. This will add a secure base when you fix your fascinator into place and will hold out all day.

Office Dress Code for Women

  As we reach the start of spring/summer 2012 it’s increasingly harder to know what is the perfect office dress code for women. However, do not despair as we at WBTW.com have picked out the perfect pieces for you to adorn.

Starting with hourglass, apple and pear body shapes you should head straight to high street stores Next,  Marks and Spencer, Evans and Wallis whom all house a wonderful selection of suits, skirts, blouses, tops, trousers and accessories to suit. Remember to team your dresses with waist-cinching belts to accentuate your waist area and to try and purchase jackets that nip in at the waist creating the illusion of a smaller circumference. Peplum designs (which are huge thisspring/summer) on skirts, dresses, jackets and tops are also great for creating shapes and for covering up the stomach area.

For petite and tall frames Topshop always sell a small workwear selection, but to find your niche pieces you must head to stores such as Dorothy Perkins, Zara and House of Fraser. 

Online brands such as Long Tall Sally (www.longtallsally.com), www.asos.com and www.very.co.uk also work really well for all shapes and sizes and sell a selection of designer, high street and celebrity collections all under one roof. Fearne Cotton’s lace trim blazer (£49; www.very.co.uk) is the perfect piece to wear straight from work to an evening dinner.

Remember that aside from the usual stark black this season pale and interesting colours such as white, pastel hues of mint, bubble gum pink and violet are all on-trend also so try pairing a sheer shirt buttoned up to the top with pencil skirts or under pinafore dresses. Decorative embellishment is also part of the new wardrobe staples so dress down statement dresses with simple jewellery or add brocade, broderie anglais and satins to your wardrobe for an up-dated style.

Alongside this during spring the perfect outwear to adorn into the office would be the trench coat. We all know that Burberry are the iconic British luxury brand behind this with theirbeige trench coat starting at £595.

For men’s workwear, sites such aswww.mrporter.com and www.my-wardrobe.com both house a great selection of designer pieces whilst on the high street most aforementioned stores such as Marks and Spencer, Zara, Debehams etc all do sufficient designs and styles, but if you are looking for a bespoke choice with a selection of colours and styles then heading to Savile Row where designers such as Ozwald Boateng are homed and would be your best bet.

Lastly if you are in need of a selection of unisex leather laptop bags for yourself and colleagues then why not head to John Lewis, Aspinal of London, Smythson, www.bowndesigns.com (whose fabulous Amelia totes bags are not only roomly but also offer a selection of compartments to host your laptop and also a selection of paperwork, diaries, notepads and in-flight materials) and www.BoBelle.co.uk or try new brand www.penelopeandparker.com whose exquisite 1940s box bags are the perfect host for your computer or iPad. As well as this for a selection of stylish and chic men and women’s laptop bags head straight to www.mulberry.com.

Smart Casual and Lounge Suit Dress Codes

Smart casual 

This dress code requires smart attire but not too formal. Men should wear smart trousers, including chinos with a smart jacket or blazer. Only very smart dark jeans are usually acceptable.

A collared top should be worn but this doesn’t have to be a shirt. A polo shirt is also acceptable, however a t-shirt is not.

A smart jumper with no slogans is allowed and dark footwear should be worn. This can include moccasins, deck shoes and boots.

Women should wear smart trousers with a matching jacket, a skirt or a smart dress. A jacket is not required however, if you do wear one it shouldn’t be denim and accompanied  with smart shoes; but they don’t have to be high heels or overly dressy.

Lounge suits 

A lounge suit is usually a business suit worn for semi-formal occasions. This can be worn by either a man or woman but they must be matching and men must wear a shirt and tie.

For men the suit should be dark for evening and winter occasions and in summer lighter colours are more suitable.

Black shoes are also the preferred colour and they should have lace ups.

A woman can also wear a cocktail dress or evening gown depending on the time of day.

Women can wear sandals shoes that match her outfit. They do not necessarily have to be high heels.

Mad Men Fashion

Debuting in July 2007 the American dramatic television series Mad Men encompassed everything that was the 1960s; the fashion, the social austerity and lifestyle of the American workplace, however, no one involved could have foreseen just how influential this hit series would become and how it would revolutionise high street fashion.

Jindra Dress by Coast

For the last few seasons we’ve seen the influence over and over again initially hitting the catwalk as designers such as Burberry, Prada and Bottega Veneta amongst others showcased their take on 1960s inspired shift dresses, peter pan collar coats as well as lady-like fashion for their autumn/winter 2011/12 collections.

Also evident in all high street stores there is still a buzz continuing through to spring/summer 2012 with models adorning decorative daywear at Prada, Christopher Kane and Giambattista Valli alongside the vintage Americana trend which is aimed at the late 1950s / early 1960s pieces and include head scarves and cat-eye sunglasses (a la Marilyn Monroe). Whilst returning to host a fifth season this week the likes of January Jones (a.k.a Betty Draper in Mad Men) will be showing off her hourglass figure and sixties fashion sense alongside the rest of the cast.

If you are searching for the perfect Mad Men dresses to adorn in the workplace then pick from either a selection of full-skirted prom style dresses which can be found at Coast, Debenhams and online at www.matchesfashion.comto a wardrobe mixture of pencil skirts, body con style dresses, twin sets, pearls, tight fitting jumpers and shift dresses which are available nationwide. However try to be daring in your colour choices and opt for floral patterns which are also huge this summer.

If beauty is more your bag and you are more into the sixties hairstyles and sixties make-up then do not despair as this season Jean Paul Gaultier and Christian Dior aced retro glamour with clean glossy skin, precise liquid eyeliner and a dash of red lips. The same trend was evident at Jason Wu and Temperley London whilst make up artist Lucia Pica opted for wine stained lips at Giles. For hair take your pick from pristine blow-dries as seen at Jaeger London, Stella McCartney and Burberry Prorsum to rolled up styles which either create a slight beehive nod to the ponytail or worn twisted and tucked with buns and rolls a la Preen, Dior and Dolce & Gabbana.

Quilted Bags

For most women the epitome of style is owning a Chanel handbag; preferably a 2.55, with quilted stitching throughout and synonymous double ‘C’ logo, albeit, in these frugal times one might not want to splash out a cool £2,500 so perhaps maybe a Chanel purse would suffice instead.

However, when searching for that perfect handbag then there are a barrage of designer stores you can start with.

If in London head straight to Bond Street which houses the most exquisite collections designers such as Smythson, Miu Miu, Chanel and Dolce & Gabbana amongst others. Luxury department store Fenwicks of Bond Street also sell a wide selection of quirky designer bags. If you are shopping throughout the country then high-end department stores such as Selfridges and Harvey Nichols will definitely suffice.

Online stores such as www.net-a-porter.com and www.my-wardrobe.com sell a fabulous assortment of designer bags whilst www.cocosa.com and www.the-outnet.com allow you to purchase your favourite designer pieces for over half the price.

This spring/summer 2012 you can also try the latest trend for luxury handbags; exotic skins. Mulberry, Gucci, Fendi and Elie Saab have all opted for vibrant summer hues in shades of emerald green, sunshine yellow and pillar box red complete with python, snake and ostrich skins which are all encased in super-luxe hides.

Aside from selling amazing heels shoe designer Jimmy Choo have also brought out a collection of sought-after leather bags as seen in their latest advertising campaign which was shot by renowned fashion photographer Terry Richardson.

Chanel Quilted Black Bag

Lastly if you are looking for longevity then there is nothing more alluring than a classic black patent leather handbag which always lasts the test of time. Aspinal of London (www.aspinaloflondon.com) sell a fantastic assortment of classic and modern handbags in both black patent and leather options. My favourite is the Brook Street bag which comes in assortment of colours and materials.

Tiffany & C0 - Rubedo collection 

To mark Tiffany & Co.’s astonishing 175th anniversary in the jewellery industry the brand have launched their new Rubedo metal collection.

Taking inspiration from the medieval philosophy of alchemy, Rubedo was the title of the very highest achievement, when matter and spirit fused to create something of rare beauty; hence the chosen name.

After an extensive period of testing time metallurgists achieved the desired colour which is both radiant and produces a colouring which they call “first light”. The metal they have produced is both lightweight yet durable and when polished creates a smooth sheen producing a flattering effect against the skin.

After creating innovations in metallurgy for years, it is historically noted that Tiffany was the first American company to incorporate the 925/1000 British standard of silver purity establishing a silver studio whist heading up the first American school of design, which produced groundbreaking exhibits that won top awards at the great world’s fairs of the late 19th century.

It has since become synonymous with classic style and luxurious flair being noted as one of the most recognisable brands in the world, even having a world-renowned film named after it (Breakfast at Tiffany’s).

The Rubedo collection is available now from Tiffany & Co. stores or via the website at www.tiffany.co.uk.

Gina Launches Union Jack Collection 

Luxury ladies British footwear brand GINA are set to launch a quintessential shoe collection comprising of Union Jack styles and designs to coincide with HRH Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee and the British Olympics this coming summer.

The capsule collection which hosts six different designs in an assortment of heel heights are swathed in Austrian crystals from jewellery designers Swarovski and are all shown in traditional Union Jack colours (red, white [clear], and blue). On some designs however, only the tip is covered with crystals leaving nude and black materials covering the rest of the shoe, which come in both peep toe and court shoe options.

The collection is set to be available to the public come mid-April online and in U.K. based GINA stores. They are also thought to be in such high-demand already that customers and clients are being asked to place orders for their shoes as soon as possible via the company operated waiting list.

Celebrity clients and fans of this opulent shoe brand range from TV personalities such as Tess Daly to model Kelly Brook alongside singers Madonna and Cheryl Cole plus A-list Hollywood actresses’ Meryl Streep and Charlize Theron amongst others.

Luxury Designer Handbag Courtesy of Hayley Menzies

To help get rid of your January blues WhatBestToWear.com and fashion designer Hayley Menzies are offering you the opportunity to win one of her luxury statement handbags worth £350.

The electric blue snakeskin Portobello bag is a luxurious vintage-inspired handcrafted bag from Menzies whom origins became about by owning a stall in the aforenamed market area. Now the brand has become an instant hit with Menzies trading from her opulent online boutique after demands become so high; the designer also sells on several other online retail stores and in high-end boutiques. The bag comes complete with a detachable shoulder strap which is fabulous for casual daywear when worn slung across the body dressed down with jeans and a cashmere throw or held by hand or across the arm for a sultry night time look.

Inside the bag offers a triple gusset and an assortment of secret compartments whilst the super soft goat skin suede provides a sumptuous and soft location for all precious items to be kept. Whilst the colour of the handbag itself is vivid it is also very on-trend for spring/summer 2012 where designers such as Armani, Yves Saint Laurent and Just Cavalli amongst others, all showed a selection of blue hues in their collections.

Alongside a selection of bags Menzies’s current autumn/winter 2011/12 also incorporates glamourous pure cashmere shawls, capes trimmed with vintage fur and dazzling ostrich and Malecite cuffs.

For more information visit www.hayleymenzies.com.

Handbag Trends Autumn/Winter 2011/2012

Photo: Mulberry

For next season handbags are looking big.

Split into an array of styles and trends, bags spanning from day to night are encompassing colour, size and different handles.

Designers are showing that for autumn/winter 2011/2012 when purchasing a new handbag it’s not about what you are carrying but how you carry it.

Oversize day bags are held close and tight to the curve of the body with no room for letting your grip go a la 3.1 Philip Lim. Miu Miu, Celine and Dries Van Noten all opted for classic doctor bags and oversized clip purses with a forties theme in fur and dark leather hues.

Satchels also made a comeback in the form of Valentino in a gorgeous nude palette whilst Sportmax opted for a bright sapphire jewel tone with matching gloves.

From oversized to mini, designers also incorporated a collection of small but perfectly formed miniature handbags that could easily work for a day-to-night move.

Mulberry added celebrity glamour in plum and bright green hues with their Taylor and Bayswater mini bags (already seen on the likes of Eliza Doolittle), whilst Dior and Ermanno Scervino produced chic quilted diminutive bags: Louis Vuitton’s monochrome mini bucket bag was almost too cute to look at but for practicality Tory Burch and Gucci’s miniature satchel bags in jewel tones and vibrant colours would work well for any occasion.

Lastly for evening Roberto Cavalli and DKNY brought in a perfect minuscule clutch bags with palm holdall, perfect for those packing light, with enough room to throw your phone, keys and lipstick into.

Christmas Jewellery for Ladies

According to Marilyn Monroe “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend”. Therefore when thinking about buying a luxury Christmas gift for her this week why not opt for a precious stone instead?

Starting at the top, for last minute Christmas purchases, head to a one-stop road of jewellers on Bond Street; this houses an assortment of opulent stores such as Cartier, Asprey, De Beers, Graff and Tiffany & Co and sell premium pieces which range from very low prices into the millions. 

For the woman who has everything but loves wildlife, Asprey’s new Woodland collection of acorns, mushrooms, berry’s and leaves in delicate chains and diamonds is the perfect gift.

Whilst on Bond Street why not head to designer fashion stores Prada and Chanel who both sell a fabulous selection of statement neck pieces, and iconic double ‘C’ pendant chains which are sure to look fabulous with any outfit.

But for something extra special you could always stop by at Robinson Pelham who are currently celebrating 15 years in the business. This family run company is responsible for creating the bespoke acorn earrings that Kate Middleton (the Duchess of Cambridge) wore on her on her wedding day earlier this year to marry Prince William.

They have a wide range of collections but their cocktail rings are simply stunning; they will also take private commissions just in case you are planning something in particular (www.robinsonpelham.com; 0207 828 3492).

However, if you are heading into central London then Links of London would be your best port of call. Their iconic sweetie and friendship bracelets, which catapulted the brands status world-wide over the past 18 months, can be found in all stores plus they also sell gifts for children and men alongside their new leather accessories. 

As well as this they are producing Team GB bands which help support the 2012 Olympics and also sell a variety of ethical bracelets which help raise money for good causes. If your partner does favour silver to gold then their Hope Egg earrings £275 from linksoflondon, would be a perfect treat.

Central London wise other amazing jewellers to try would be Stephen Webster for his theatrical style pieces (93 Mount Street, W1; 0845 539 1840), Dower & Hall which sell dainty fine jewellery (Liberty; 0207 734 1234) and Astley Clarke (0207 706 006) whom sell an array of beautiful fine and costume jewellery from designers all over the world.

Lastly if you are thinking of proposing and wanted to design your own bespoke piece then you should head to Susannah Lovis in the prestigious Burlington Arcade, Piccadilly, W1. Lovis has designed engagement rings for the likes of Emma Bunton and Martine McCutcheon via their respective partners and is open to all public up until Christmas Eve.

Discover more Christmas Gift ideas from What Best To Wear.

Jewellery Trends Autumn/Winter 2011/2012

For autumn/winter 2011/2012 there is an array of tantalising accessory trends to get your teeth into.

Starting with jewellery, designers perfectly matched their collections with oversized statement pieces in order to minimalize the overdressed look.

For example, next season and chokers are back; wear a large oversized bejewelled chocker for night to show off your jewel toned dress and a chic set of house-wife pearls for day to match the forties trend.

Yves Saint Laurent, Julien Macdonald and Thakoon all went for a different interpretation of chokers using lace, velvet, plastic links and gold locks and Swarovski encrusted jewels. 

For day Valentino, Chanel and D&G all played down the evening glamour by opting for pearls, mini chains, flowers and lettering for a more fun, yet chic look: collars also came with a more tribal reference from some motioning from collar to chin at Emanuel Ungaro, Michael Kors and Alexander McQueen who used Perspex, plastic and rhinestone diamante jewels to add to the effect.

Oversize earrings are also big for autumn/winter 2011/2012 with Etro adding Perspex arrow style earrings and Holly Fulton, Dolce & Gabbana and Marni all opting for art deco style pieces and oversized stars. Sonia Rykiel and Alexis Mabille both produced shoulder-skimming earrings with faux pearls and vibrant red tones, showing that statement earrings don’t have to be garish for those who want to initially try out the trend.

Brown Brides launches Susan Caplan Jewellery Collection


During the social calendar we at Whatbesttowear.com know that one always has an array of weddings to attend. Therefore luxury-wedding haven Browns Brides have taken one more important find out of wedding shopping by stocking Susan Caplan Vintage Collection jewellery in store for customers.

Launching their long awaited exquisite vintage bridal range SCVC has sourced pieces from all corners of the globe, spanning 40 years of fashion history.

Personally curated by Susan herself, and available only at luxury bridal boutique, Browns Bride (0207 514  0056), this exclusive collection features indulgent and exceptional vintage pieces from highly sought-after designers such as Weiss, Trifari, Lisner and Christian Dior.

The glittering synergy between Browns Bride and Susan

Caplan finally eases the search for the perfect bridal accessory, and is available for all brides whom recognise the importance of wearing something truly special and unique on their wedding day, with the collection compromising of bespoke earrings, necklaces, bracelets and more.

Susan’s exquisite pieces, which span from 1930 to 1990, resonate with elegance and timeless beauty. Susan Caplan Vintage Collection showcases two ranges both offering the very best in unique style and unparalleled craftsmanship; Susan Caplan Vintage Couture recalls the glamour of the world’s most iconic fashion houses and reflects the diversity within, while Susan Caplan Vintage Collection offers a wide range of unsigned beauties. Together, both ranges highlight the beauty of vintage jewellery and accessories in contemporary fashion.

SCVC is also available at a range of carefully selected stockists including Selfridges (London), Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Asos.com and Matchesfashion.com as well as many others.

Rings Summer Trends 

A key trend for summer 2011 is to wear rings and lots of them. Celebrities and fashion conscious ladies have been seen wearing lots of jewellery rings or one large statement ring to red carpet events.

Rings can play an important part in creating individuality in an outfit and so are important pieces of jewellery for special occasions such as the races, white tie or black tie events.

Simple, pretty ring designs look elegant however they often lack the wow factor and fail to stand out. Therefore for dressy events a single statement piece supersedes wearing lots of smaller rings.

Costume jewellery makes for popular party wear and so unique rings prove to add far more definition to an outfit than say a smaller gold or silver ring. Nevertheless this is not to disregard the precious gems but merely to highlight the importance of wearing a bold piece on its own.

Jewellery does not have to be made from diamonds and platinum to be deemed a great accessory and there are designers creating big and bold single jewellery items made from cheaper stones and metals that are elaborate enough for celebratory occasions. 

Cocktail Ring:

At WhatBestToWear we like this Roberto Cavalli cocktail ring made from gold-plated brass and a large tiger’s eye stone. The design would suit an exotic and bold coloured dress or ball gown.

http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/160514

Floral Ring:

This floral ring by Bijoux Heart would be great to wear with a summery dress at a daytime event such as Royal Ascot.

http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/162918

Rose Ring:

For the more cutting edge fashion follower then this rose gold-plated ring by Dominic Jones is just the thing. The contemporary design will stand out if teamed with either a simple or floral dress.

http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/114292

What Jewellery to Wear

In a matter of days Shawish will unveil the ‘world’s first diamond ring’.

You may be puzzled as you look down at your own diamond ring right now, however don’t worry we are not denying that you own a genuine jewel, rather we are talking about the first ring made entirely of diamond!

Expected to raise £43million at auction once it is released, the single-faceted diamond weighing 150 carats will be the first of its kind.

With such an exquisite jewel now made, this can make your simple solitaire seem miniscule and unworthy in the face of such a domineering diamond.

But as diamonds are a girl’s best friend, here are some luxury jewellers you can purchase the most beautiful, intricate and unique pieces from.

Chopard

One of the most revered jewellers is Chopard most famous for their Happy Diamonds collection. The collection consists of diamonds floating in jewellery items, and the idea was patented by Chopard, making these a one of a kind piece to own. 

De Beers

De Beers are famous for their diamonds and at one time marketed 90 per cent of all rough diamonds.

Today De Beers market 40 per cent and their jewels can be seen worn by celebrities at awards ceremonies and red carpet events such as the Oscars.

Tiffany

A Jeweller so famous they named a book after it. Holly Golightly liked to admire the jewels on display at Tiffany and refers to the store in Breakfast at Tiffany’s as “the best place in the world, where nothing bad can take place.”

The infamous jewellers produce diamonds, silver and gold in their iconic Tiffany blue packaging. An interesting fact is that that this colour is protected by a colour trademark.

Van Cleef & Arpels

This French jeweller is renowned for its Mystery Setting technique. This craft has been practiced by Van Cleef & Arpels since the 1920s and it involves setting gemstones close together without any trace of metal or prongs.

Instead of using metal claws or prongs to keep the jewels in place, the Van Cleef & Arpels use a platinum or gold lattice. They then cut and polish each stone to fit exactly into the lattice.

These pieces are created by jewellery artists therefore producing luxurious and individual items.

Boucheron

This French company opened up shop 153 years ago and have designed lavish jewellery for Royals and nobility ever since.

They develop intricate and unusual pieces, but for that added luxury experience you can acquire unique custom made jewels.

Graff

Graff Diamonds are well known for cutting the largest amount of diamonds from a single stone. The Promise, a 603 carat diamond, was cut into 224 individual pieces totalling 24 carats in 2006.

This prestigious jeweller also owns the Wittelsbach diamond, which was discovered back in the mid 1600s. Today the company produce some of the finest jewels around.

Harry Winston

In research conducted by the Luxury Institute Harry Winston jewellery was voted the best luxury jewellery designer in the world.

Harry Winston has owned many famous jewels over the years including the Hope Diamond which he donated to the Smithsonian Institution in 1958.

Piaget

A jeweller that is not afraid of adapting to the modern world, Piaget has produced a mobile version of their site that can be viewed on the iPhone and iPad.

As one of the top 10 luxury jewellers in the world, Piaget delved into the world of digital media to enable users to browse their jewels.

Cartier

In 1969 Richard Burton lost in a bidding war between Aristotle Onassis and a Cartier exec for a 69.42 carat diamond. Not one to be defeated, Burton bought the diamond the next day $1.1million which he gave to Elizabeth Taylor. This diamond became known as the Taylor-Burton diamond and was originally worn as a ring and then a necklace.

Luxury Costume Jewellery

When people mention costume jewellery the first thing that springs to mind are cheap plastic trinkets or bits of leather and stitching, usually purchased in a high street store or a street vendor on holiday. Once bought, many regard these items with disdain and stick them in their box of ‘only worn once items’ or ‘what was I thinking’ and they never see the light of day again. They are invariably palmed off to younger relatives or ditched at the charity shop to make their way back into someone else’ wardrobe and their sorry fate does the rounds again.

Jewellery Trends 2011 – Luxury Costume Jewellery:

However times are changing and luxury statement jewellery is no longer the reserve for products made from diamonds, gold and rubies. Designers are seeing the potential in cheaper base metals and fabrics and are now artistically creating bracelets, rings, broaches and necklaces out of them. Costume jewellery has evolved from cheap jewellery to high fashion so at WhatBestToWear we have looked at some of the most stylish and individual costume jewellers around.

With a flagship store in trendy East London, Mawi has now accumulated a celebrity following, with Cheryl Cole and Samantha Cameron wearing their avant-garde designs. Some of the items are gold-plated and are inspired by vintage jewellery but at the same time there are other jewels that appear more industrial looking, comprised of darker, grittier and simpler designs.

jewellery looks like something from the Bronze Age due to its rustic aesthetic. The cuff bangles and three finger rings conjure up images of the Vikings and Pagan mysticism which are brought to life by good quality craftsmanship using bronze, silver and pewter materials.

The best word to describe Eastern Mystic statement jewellery is cascading. Many of the pieces – made from gunmetal, silver, quartz and gold vermeil – hang effortlessly. There are also hints of the punk movement with some of the pieces with spiked metal pieces on them. These are definitely items of jewellery that should be the centre piece of any outfit.

Lulu Frost is a modern jewellery brand that is stimulated by vintage pieces. Art Deco infuses some of the pieces, meanwhile other necklaces and earrings incorporate bows, crystals and other traditionally feminine motifs. However Lulu Frost does have a signature piece which is the bib necklace. It often has a mesh base and crystal ornaments attached to this, which significantly stand out.

Dannijo is a brand whose latest ranges have Aztec influences. Some of the tribal necklaces and bangles have coloured thread interwoven in the metal and others incorporate a geometric pattern embellished with coloured stones.

If you want eclectic costume jewellery then look no further than Tom Binns. Some of his statement jewellery is modern and vibrant whereas others evoke a more retro style. However his key pieces are drop earrings. Look out for the safety pin earrings – honestly they are not as severe as they sound.

Victoria Beckham Fashion Style

Since the dawn of the Spice girls Victoria Adams (as she was then known) has always been in the public spotlight, increasing that mass by marrying world-renowned footballer David Beckham. Therefore it only seems right that she be noted as a celebrity inspiration after all these years in the limelight, however, it wasn’t until her Victoria Beckham collection 2011 which really made the fashion industry take note. 

Victoria had already launched a string of celebrity endorsed pieces including her dvb denim and accessories range which included luxury sunglasses back in 2007.

In 2008 the designer went onto launch her Victoria by Victoria Beckham dress collection which was an amalgamation of inspiration and celebrity brands such as Roland Mouret (as the press stated). However to this day Mouret still concludes that he offered advice only and Victoria did the rest.

It is fair to say that since that launch Victoria has worked hard to create her line into a credible British fashion brand and this was concreted after her autumn/winter 2011/12 collection which saw her step out of the mould of body-conscious dresses and opt for a more relaxed yet chic style thus winning her Designer Brand of the Year at the 2011 British Fashion Awards.

Accessories then followed suit in the form of a selection of designer handbags (with the help of accessories designer Katie Hillier) turning her brand into a now sought-after lust-worthy label. Her spring/summer 2012 collection has been praised by fashion editors for her use of bold colours, quirky cloud and cat print pieces whilst her designs have been adorned on the likes of A-list celebrities such as Michelle Williams and Gwyneth Paltrow amongst others. These fab designs can be found in store at Harvey Nichols or online at www.net-a-porter.com.

How to Dress for Your Body Shape - The Hourglass

Next on our list of body shapes is the hourglass figure. This is the perfectly proportioned body shape and makes dressing sexy and fun. Apparently men love an hourglass figure silhouette with celebrities such as Marilyn Monroe, Scarlett Johansson, Christina Hendrix, Catherine Zeta Jones, Salma Hayek and Charlize Theron all showing off the perfect traits. 

Traits of a ‘Hourglass’ shape: However voluptuous your body is being an ‘Hourglass’ can still be a nightmare for some. Top heavy distribution can make finding the perfect bra a nightmare, whilst finding clothes to proportionalize your tiny waist can be even harder. On the other hand, your well-defined waist, full bust and shapely lndegs are what characterizes you.

How to dress for your size: ’Hourglass’ shapes look amazing in V-neck cardigans and pencil skirts for office daywear, alongside a great belt that will show off your waist to its full potential. Team with chunkier heels instead of stiletto’s to offset your frame. For evening wear stick to similar rules and purchase a dress that will accentuate your bust and nip in at the waist -  1950s silhouettes are great for this – whilst also choosing a length that skims the top of the knee for that added sex appeal.

Images to be credited to – black dress, Billion Dollar Baby Dress £175,www.20thcenturyfoxy.com and Emerald green silk chiffon evening dress by Silk & Sawdust, £139.

Olivia Rubin Collaborates with ChloBo Jewellery Brand

Fashion designer Olivia Rubin who is famed for her colourful and quirky prints has collaborated with luxury jewellery brand ChloBo to produce a limited edition collection.

The pieces – which can be purchased online now – all adorn Rubin’s signature designs that including the infamous speech bubble, brick and face profile on a selection of necklaces and bracelets. You can choose from seven designs that incorporate sterling silver and faceted black Czech glass beads which you can mix and match with the aforementioned charms. 

Great for throwing in your suitcase if you are just about to jet off holiday as they protrude a certain Ibizan charm, or to adorn if you simply want to wear a stylish yet statement piece around town. The handmade collection incorporates delicate and bold pieces with prices ranging from £45-£360; suitable for any budget.

Chlobo Jewellery

Rubin is well known for her celebrity following with stars such as Tulisa Contostavlos, Fearne Cotton, Tess Daly, Denise van Outen, Zoe Ball and Emma Bunton amongst others all adorning her designs and with this first venture into jewellery we see a stylish progression for the brand.

For more information or to purchase then visit http://www.chlobo.co.uk/

Tom Ford SS12 Womenwear

Not since Karl Lagerfeld has a fashion designer turned photographer on his own shoot; however, Tom Ford is no ordinary designer and for his latest spring/summer 2012 campaign that is exactly what he did.

Tom Ford SS12

Taking playful inspiration for his models Mirte Maas and male model Mathias Bergh, Ford snapped a series of joyful and fun glossy pictures. Whilst Dutch model Mirte changes to adorn a range of classic jewel toned hues, Bergh stays precisely styled in menswear via a classic suit which epitomises Ford’s designs, showing us the very first glimpse of the spring/summer 2012 collections after Ford famously banned photographers from his show last season.

No stranger to working behind the camera, Ford has previously directed and produced his own award-winning film A Single Man, capturing flattering camera angles whilst also modelling for his current beauty campaign alongside desired model-of-the-moment Lara Stone, whom also happens to be married to comedian and actor David Walliams.

It seems then that Lagerfeld, who has been shooting his own campaigns for both Chanel, Fendi and his respective aforenamed brand over the past three decades, has some serious competition on his hands.

Versace for H&M with Cruise 2012 Collection

We may all be thinking about Christmas is just under a week away, but H&M are already moving on to 2012. Having received one sell-out collection last month H&M are now about to set records again by launching a second collaboration with Italian design house Versace on a new Cruise 2012 collection.

Set to launch on 19 January 2012 this colourful assortment of men and womenswear encases a selection of dresses, tops, shorts, jeans, cardigans, bikinis, shoes, blazers, denim shirts plus underwear and dressing gowns and accessories. 

Vice-President of the Versace Group Donatella Versace stated that; “After celebrating theVersace heritage with the iconic collection for H&M, it’s so exciting to start 2012 with something completely new. This cruise collection is full of pretty, elegant pieces for women and strong new staples for men, all with a fresh feeling for a new year. It has been such a pleasure working with H&M, I am thrilled to be collaborating with them one more time for this online exclusive collection.”

And H&M agree as Margareta van den Bosch, creative advisor for the brand added that: “We are so happy to be working with Versace again for this special online cruise collection.

For autumn we have looked back at the Versace archives with the iconic collection for H&M, and now we are looking forward, with a first feeling for the new spring season. As well as holiday pieces, there is also everyday wear, with lots of denim and print, all of it with a spirit that’s classically Versace.”

Bringing in an early glimpse of summer H&M’s Cruise Collection uses an array of Versace DNA with it’s bright pastel hues, vivd designs and bold fruit-print patterns. The collection is fresh, clean-cut and exciting, offering fans exactly what they want from a designer collaboration.

Stay up to date with the latest fashion news.

Hair Accessories: Autumn/Winter 2011/2012

Apart from the high pony brigade – which was shown at practically every single show – autumn/winter 2011/2012 also produced a few more hair accessory offerings for all.

Worn with or without ponytails this season was an array of hair bands, styled with hair up or down, used a thin or thick black Alice band for show with Jonathan Saunders, Valentino, Fendi et al all adorning them.

Headpieces were also huge with Sonia Rykiel opting for a more glamorous approach to styling up-do’s using a diamante oversized clip, as well as adding red swallow (bird) clips to side buns for a quirky effect.

Louis Vuitton poked fun at masquerade balls by opting for an eye mask that was perfectly placed at the side of the temple, whilst at Alexander McQueen models heads were festooned with interconnected silver clips. Kenzo decorated their models hair – which was split into two French plaits – with large oversized rose clips in chocolate brown, green and yellow. Lastly for embellishment Loewe went oriental adding an almost foam effect semi circle over a high top bun with a single chopstick running through the middle: Ashley Isham however, upped the anti with his oversized Asian inspired headpieces that were constructed with flowers, fringing, chopsticks and spotted white and nude mesh, creating an elegant Asian fusion.

Tommy Hilfiger, Lanvin and Gucci all rocked this season’s must-have micro hair trend, which was a fedora hat. Worn as normal, or in an oversized version, Gucci led the way with its jewelled toned versions, which could be worn easily with the forties or masculine/tailored trend for autumn/winter 2011/2012: this micro trend will be a sure hit to keep hair protected from the elements.

As well as fedoras’ the catwalks also produced an array of other day-to-night hats including fur helmets, beanies, leather caps, miniature pin-stripe trilbies, ruffled felt materials and fur snow-coloured flat caps from Burberry. All perfectly matched with the autumn/winter 2011/2012 fashion trends…

Read more hair styling tips related articles.

Make-Up Trends 2011/2012

This season make up is taking front row. Following on from bright matt lip colours of this summer, these neon hues have now been toned down somewhat to show richer tones in a variety of different styles.

Picking up on a mix of gloss and matt lip shades across the catwalks, Holly Fulton and Gucci both opted to demonstrate high shine gloss at its best; Fulton reserved her super shiny lips for a dark plum palette whilst Gucci opted for blood stained Goth and high impact gloss created by catwalk make-up artist Pat McGrath.

Eyebrows have been toughened up at across the board and at Missoni (via MAC) becoming seemingly bigger and bolder than before. 

Some were even squared off at the ends to add a masculine touch, which married the male tailored trend extremely well.

Blusher however was barely there: traditionally swept across the cheekbone this time it was reserved for more unconventional places such as across the nose (creating a flushed look), high and shiny between the outside of the eye and cheekbone or swept directly underneath the cheek area, creating more of an outside glow.

In Paris designers showed more of a neutral tone with dewy complexions deciding on fresh morning bitten lips and a smudge of soft toffee eye shadow.

Long extension lashes, single or doubled up, and gothic glamour were also big on the catwalk with models showing off Bambi eyes and a dash of statement red lipstick. Smudged morning-after style eye make-up with nude lips was also popular.

Designers Anna Sui and DKNY both incorporated 1970s glamour into their eye make-up with nude eye shadow and a soft, but arty, black line across the eye socket reflecting back to hippie days.

Lastly do not fear, staple black liner is also still on trend as Stella McCartney and Lanvin rebel fashion houses like Donna Karan (also created by MAC make up artists) and Iceberg opted for a more clashed approach with tangerine eyes and pastel pink lips: Jil Sander also broke away using coral matt lipstick and green eye shadow – a trend worth experimenting with.

Picture courtesy of M.A.C Cosmetics.