5 Of The Best: Winter Coats

5 of The Best:

Winter Coats

When it comes to the colder months, my all time favourite shop-for item is a good winter coat. All year round you will probably find me in a blazer or leather jacket, but when the temperatures start to drop, the bad weather sets in (who am I kidding? it's bad weather all year round in the UK) and I start to feel a little frost bite on my extremities, that's when I know it's time to hit the high street and find that perfect coat that will see me through to Spring - or at least when the temperature starts to lift to a comfortable height.

So what do I look for in the perfect coat? Well, for starters it has to have a certain length so as to be worn with a variety of outfits: it can't be too long, other wise it'll just look a little silly when I wear my Adidas sneakers, but it can't be too short either, other wise it defeats it's purpose of being a winter coat - it's supposed to keep me warm! I usually find that anything around a mid thigh - above knee length will suffice. Second is the style. Obviously this changes slightly due to certain factors such as current trends, however anything double breasted with a collar high enough to stand up and keep the wind off my neck is definitely going to be a winner. I also like fitted coats, with a belted waist and deep front pockets (sewn in with a slight slant are my favourite - makes you appear slimmer I find. This is actually why I love my W116 by Walter Baker trench so much), so if I can find something like this, then I'm doing good on my quest.

I've not really done a great amount of research into a coat this year if I'm honest- other than my W116 by Walter Baker trench - however, ASOS never seem to let me down when it comes to Winter essentials, so naturally I checked there first. Right now they're doing a deal with 30% off jackets, jumpers and more AW'12 styles, plus if you're a student with either an NUS card or a UNiiDAYS account then you can get an extra 25% off on top of that: so if there was ever a time to buy that winter coat, it's now. I will be publishing another post with my top picks for winter knits later in the week, but until then I've chosen my top 5 picks from ASOS' coat selection (actually there's two from ShopBop thrown in because they caught my eye a couple of weeks ago), to hopefully inspire you when you decide on the one for you!

1. Joie Teyona Coat @ Shopbop - £212
2. Vince Shirttail Coat with Leather Sleeves @ Shopbop - £470.79
3. ASOS Biker Cocoon Coat @ ASOS - £70 with 30% off. RRP £100
4. ASOS Cape Coat @ ASOS - £70 with 30% off. RRP £100
5. ASOS Fit & Flare Belted Coat @ ASOS - £49

Which is your favourite?

Chopard: Disney Princess Haute Joaillerie

Chopard Haute Joaillerie:
Disney Princess Collection

I know what you're thinking, "what's the deal with this sudden obsession over Disney-inspired posts? What's this, the third one so far?" To be honest, I have no idea. It just seems that both retailers and myself can't quite get enough of Disney, Princesses or indeed fantasy itself this AW season. Whatever the reason, I'm not complaining, as anything Disney gets a thumbs up from me all year round!

If you haven't heard of the Swiss luxury jewellery brand Chopard before, you probably will on the run up to Christmas this year, as they will be showcasing their Haute Joaillerie collection inspired by Disney Princesses throughout the month of December in Harrods, to accompany their Disney Princess Christmas window displays. The ten piece collection will feature necklaces, rings, earrings and broaches inspired by the likes of Cinderella, Tiana, Mulan and Sleeping Beauty and are absolutely stunning. Each piece is vibrant with colour and sparkle and is the perfect accompaniment to both Christmas and Harrods Disney themed Christmas displays. I think I've managed to narrow it down to my top three pieces, but you can see them all by clicking here.

I think I'm drawn to Sleeping Beauty's earrings the most because of their bright colour (a contradiction for someone who prefers to wear head to toe black, eh?) and cute little bejeweled birds: it's just very sweet!

What are your thoughts on the collection? Do you have a favourite piece?

Photo Credit: www.vogue.co.uk

A Display Fit For A Princess: Part II

A Display Fit For A Princess:

Part II

If you're a regular here at Vita di Moda, you'll know that I recently made a little post regarding the concept behind Harrods Christmas window displays down in London this year. Well, Part II here is going to show you what said displays look like and just exactly what I think of the displays as a whole - which may surprise you, as my opinion certainly surprised me once I laid eyes on the displays. Take a little look at the displays first of all.

Snow White by Oscar de la Renta

Tiana by Ralph & Russo

Mulan by Missoni

Ariel by Marchesa

Jasmin by Escada

Belle by Valentino

Sleeping Beauty by Elie Saab

Rapunzel by Jenny Packham

Pocahontas by Roberto Cavalli

Cinderella by Versace

Now, originally once I had seen sketches and heard about the concept for the Christmas displays, my favourite was Elie Saab's creation for Sleeping Beauty, followed by Versace's Cinderella as a close second. However, after seeing the displays, I can't help but feel that the dresses themselves are a little underwhelming and lackluster and if it weren't for the lavish displays surrounding them, I doubt I would even take a second glance at them at all. Cinderella's dress for example looks slightly cheap with that hologram fabric, and I can't help but feel that Marchesa's Ariel inspired dress looks - dare I say it - boring. In the sketches for both, you get the illusion of expense, luxurious fabrics and exquisite detailing, but in the actual dresses you don't really see much of those things going on. It's a darn shame really, especially if you, like me have been anticipating the big reveal.

From what I can see on Elie Saab's Aurora, the dress is lovely - I just wish we could have seen a little more, especially when the original sketch shows the dress to have a rather large detailed skirt. Tiana's dress is stunning, as is Rapunzel's - these three are probably my favourites now that I've seen the actual dresses in their displays. 

Overall I can't help but feel a little disappointed with the fashion aspect of the window displays, however they are still magical and amazing to look at and I still do want to take a trip down to London nearer Christmas and take a look for myself in person. 

What do you think of the displays? Were you as disappointed as I was? Or am I just being over the top?

Photo Credit: www.vogue.co.uk

Latex Meets High Fashion

Latex Meets High Fashion:
Atsuko Kudo

Whilst doing some research for my Photography class on the wonderful showSTUDIO.com, I happened to come across a show called Restricted Love: a fashion show containing some rather fabulous latex lingerie creations by designer Atsuko Kudo. Now, the first few thoughts many of us have when the word latex flashes before our eyes are fetish, BDSM and Fifty Shades - and although many of the 'garments' do fit into this category, there are some surprisingly high fashion and seriously stylish looks that even I would go for (if I lost around 10lbs, but that's beside the point).

"Continuing her mission to merge latex-wear with high fashion, Atsuko Kudo took part in the Lingerie London show in aid of the Seven Bar Foundation. To compliment the delicate mood of the collection, which drew inspiration from the retro visions of Hong Kong in Wong Kar-wai’s ‘In the Mood For Love’, SHOWstudio captured the evening using vintage-feel apps such as Instagram, 8mm and Cinemagram."

If you were to go ahead and purchase any of the above shown looks, your purse would be around £850 lighter but with celebrities such as Dita Von Teese and Lady Gaga already huge fans of the designers work, it's no wonder then that prices are starting to climb for an Atsuko Kudo piece. Fancy checking out more collections? Just click here and check out the website!

Photo Credit: Atsuko Kudo website & showSTUDIO.com

A Display Fit For A Princess

Harrods Christmas Display;
Fit For A Princess

Nothing pleases me more than fashion and fairy tales  so when the two collide together to grace the window's of Harrods annual Christmas display, I can't help but get all giddy with delight. Everyone knows that when it comes to this festive time of year, retailers in London as well as other fashion capitols around the world start to reveal some of the most magnificent window displays we've ever seen. Harrods is one of said retailers and this year it's set to be magical by the help of some well known designers in the fashion industry.

The concept? For top designers - including Oscar de la Renta, Valentino & Versace - to redesign a dress for each Disney princess and have them displayed as of November 1st. It gets better: there's even a 7,000 sq ft Disney Princess pop-up store on the 4th floor which is open to the public as of now! I was actually thinking of taking a trip down to London for the Christmas markets this year, but now that i've heard about Harrods Disney Princess display, I definitely have to. 

There are ten designs to be put on show, however I've chosen my top five to show you here. If you want to see them all, just pop on over to Pinterest by clicking HERE.

Sleeping Beauty by Elie Saab - My Favourite

Ariel by Marchesa - Close favourite.

Cinderella by Versace - Again, a close favourite.

Rapunzel by Jenny Packham

Tiana by Ralph Russo

Photo Credit: www.vogue.co.uk

Pudsey Meets Fashion

Children In Need 2012:
Pudsey's Fashionable Make Over

With Children In Need kicking off on soon on November 16th and being such an annual event all over the UK, it's no wonder that the fashion industry have felt the need to help raise money for such a good cause. How are they contributing I hear you ask? By customising Pudsey bear and giving him a makeover to be then auctioned off to a lucky bidder. Quite simple, but a good idea.

Images have been floating around Twitter and similar social media websites, so I thought I would collect some of said images and show you which ones I think are particularly stylish. It's sad times when you feel a little envious of a stuffed teddy bear *sigh...

Louis Vuitton

Vogue - hmm, wonder what gave that one away..

Balenciaga

Giles

Prada, or as I like to call it: The Bryan Boy

What do you think of these customised Pudsey's? Would you bid for them? I think my favourite has to be the Giles Deacon Pudsey - I'm a sucker for anything black and slightly gothic looking!

Photo Credit: Images found via various Twitter accounts.

Fashion Haul: To The Moon & Back

Fashion Haul:
To The Moon & Back

To say that I had a touch of writer's block would perhaps be the understatement of the year. This seems to be the norm after Fashion Month and it doesn't make me feel particularly happy or professional, so in an attempt to inspire myself I took to the internet and had a little browse around this weeks headlining news. One such headline that intrigued me, was that a man named Felix Baumgartner jumped from space and risked his life for both science and his need for a blood-pumping adrenaline rush. Can't say I would have risked my blood boiling and lungs exploding for an adrenaline rush - I get my kicks from shopping and grabbing a good deal - but each to their own as they say.

Anyway, this headline later inspired me when I was having a little look on ASOS. I came across the t-shirt, leather trousers and bracelets and decided to add the Ash wedge sneakers in as I already own those and they will be my choice of footwear when my outfit arrives in the post later this week.

1. To The Moon & Back T-shirt - ASOS - £16

2. Skinny Leather Look Trousers - ASOS - £30

3. 2 Pack Gold Chain Bracelets - ASOS - £8

4. Nappa & Suede Wedge Sneakers - Ash @ Flannels Fashion - £185

You can click on the links underneath the image if you, like me, are in need of a little retail therapy. 

It seems that I go through little phases of wanting print, colour and texture in my wardrobe and then flips to the opposite side of things where I want nothing more than to dress in an entirely black ensemble. Maybe it's because Halloween is just around the corner and I'm starting to feel more in touch with my inner goth. Who knows. Hmm, perhaps a Halloween themed post is next on the cards...

Photo Credit: Images sourced from ASOS and put together on Polyvore - Follow me there by searching 'vitadimoda'

GUEST POST: From Mad Max to The Midas Touch - Haute Couture Shoe Trends 2012

From Mad Max to The Midas Touch:

Haute Couture Shoe Trends 2012

"Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with idea, the way we live, what is happening." ~ Coco Chanel

Haute Couture is the supreme sophistication of everything elegant. Each year design houses take us on a journey by visually telling a story. Fashion is an adventure ride that travels through time and space at speeds sometimes beyond comprehension. With extreme attention to detail, the 2012 Fall Haute Couture fashion shows of Paris, Milan and New York visited the ancient world of the Romans, the fantasy-land of princesses, the dark future of alien integration and the dystopic society of Mad Max, all the while receiving the Midas Touch. This year's runway found many trends from our favorites designers: crystal embellishments, tailored pants, elegant gowns, tuxedo jackets, chunky metallic accents, sheer chiffon, reserved color palettes and gold...an abundance of gold accents. These elements can be found in the shoes of 2012 Haute Couture.

Golden Glamour

Everything is coming up gold this autumn. From Alexandre Vauthier's clear plastic and gold embroidered boots that seem to be fashioned from the Château de Versailles, to Chanel's heavy metal-adorned leather pumps, this year's gold is delicate and beefy giving new meaning to "lead-footed." When taking it to the streets, add gold metal accents to everything from your hair to the buckles on your boots.

Feminine/Masculine Juxtaposition

Androgyny and juxtaposition were Jean Paul Gaultier's inspiration at the fall Paris show. While coupling leather with sheer chiffon, he added top hats and tailored jackets as an homage to 19th century poet Alfred de Musset's "Confession of a Child of the Century." Valentino designers Pierpaolo Piccioli and Maria Grazia Chiuri took to dark romance and seduction by balancing the hard with the soft, while being influenced by the "vamp" appeal of the 18th century. These ensembles travel down to the shoes by mixing fabrics and metals, adding soft gold to biker boots and garnishing crystals to chunky boots. Look for monochromatic color from head to toes.  

Caged Gladiator Pumps

Speaking of Gaultier's autumn 2012 fashion, emotions could be drawn from the pale blue, thigh-high leather cage shoes (worn so eloquently with flapper-inspired dresses). Cries of desire and intrigue can be heard when these platform-style shoes appear. They are beautiful in their color and design. Varieties of this caged gladiator-style shoe can start to be seen in the stores and on women (and men) across the globe.

Fiercely Futuristic

Take one look at Iris Van Herpen's visionary collection gliding down the catwalks of the Paris Fashion Week and you'll be lured into a futuristic world of smooth surfaces and alien teeth. It's  creamy, bloodthirsty and wild; and we love it. Outrageous styles are reaching more unique heights with every runway exhibit. Van Harpen's fierce talent and original eye are more than prepped for a big reception.

Chunky Metal Accents

When you think of thick metal, certain kinds of architecture might come to mind. This is exactly what Chanel's creative director, Karl Lagerfeld, showed by way of shoe design when working in his "new vintage" collection. Chanel was not the only house to feature chunky metal accents, the raw metal trend continued with other Haute Couture designers. 

*Written by Cherie Gorden

Paris Fashion Week SS'13: Days 8 & 9

Paris Fashion Week:
Days 8 & 9

We've eventually come to the end of SS'13 Fashion Month and it has done so with a bang: shows from the wonderful Sarah Burton/Alexander McQueen, my all time favourite and inspiration Elie Saab and of course: Chanel, Valentino, JCDC, Miu Miu, Louis Vuitton and Paco Robanne all showed on the final two days this week of PFW. Oh and while I'm posting this on the night of the Cosmopolitan Blogger Awards, I'd just like to say congratulations to my category winner, Lulu Trixabelle and runner up It's A LDN Thing!

Day 8

 Chanel

Stripped down to one and only element: Karl Lagerfeld took the classic Chanel aesthetic and simplified it with large, gobstopper sized pearls, clean white cuts and a little decoration in the form of some cross-stitched-esque and applique florals. My favourite looks were the simple, clean cut pieces with oversized pearls on both the clothes and the bracelets/necklaces. Some silhouettes verged on clinical - look at the white dress with oversized pearls shown above - as though they were simply a piece of cloth wrapped around the body, but in a way I still liked them as they would make for a very interesting editorial shoot. The actual show set was extremely noteworthy, as the runway was lined on either side by giant wind turnbines which could make you think that Chanel was going to take a slightly more ecological route for Spring 2013. Karl mentioned the set after the show stating: "It's more about the mood of the times, not something you translate...It's all about the wind, it's in the air". Oh and there was even a bag which was basically a hula hoop with a large pocket. Anything goes when it comes to Karl Lagerfeld though. He likes to keep us on our toes.

 JCDC

JCDC is one of those designers whom I truly have an appreciation for, purely because of his raw, creative talent and ability to have me excited about how fun fashion can be after looking at any of his collections. Spring/Summer 2013 is no different. In fact, I think he managed to shock me, but in a way that I was completely unprepared for - he gave us garments that I could actually see myself wearing. Normally, a JCDC collection to me is all for a bit of fun. To appreciate but only from afar. At his show on Tuesday however, I was pleasantly surprised with the amount of garments that I mentally wrote down on my SS'13 wishlist: the green palm tree print skirts, dresses and trouser suits, as well as the grey/beige coloured dress with large sleeves, leather side panels and belted waist. I could even see myself trying out his clear coats with almost bionic metallic detailing up the front. I don't know how I could have been more pleased if I'm honest.

Alexander McQueen

I don't think I have to tell you what the theme for SS'13 was in the mind of Sarah Burton: bee's, bee keepers and all things honeycomb. Personally I think it was a fantastic take on Spring/Summer, and definitely different from shows that we've seen this past month - which is a breath of fresh air to be quite frank. Peplum waists were back through coat tails and slightly strange framed pieces. Harness', leather and honeycomb patterns were a heavy feature in the collection, with florals taking on a brighter and quite obvious role in the finale gowns. The shoes were as ever, impeccable: the platforms were filled with tiny jewels in yellow/gold and red, with other designs taking on a netted look in black. The headgear, while undeniably interesting and amazing alongside the garments on the runway, is ultimately a show piece: Susie Bubble couldn't pull something like that off on the street. Although it would be interesting to see how someone might style that bad boy. 

Day 9

Elie Saab

My love: Elie Saab. The man who introduced me to fashion when I came across his collections on Fashion TV - you've heard this story before on here, so I won't bore you with it again. For Spring 2013, Elie Saab took on a rather minimalist approach, using bright pops of colour to make a statement. Colourful tailoring opened the show with trouser suits, nipped in blazers with a fanned peplum detailing on the front to help define the start and stop of each separate and some rather gorgeous bags to match. Then came the print: colourful ink-blot patterns mixed in with streaks of black to break things up a little and to define the waist, then flowed into lace-y pieces in black and white. The finale gowns were as ever the best part of the show. Amazingly intricate bead work with floating skirts and the odd thigh-high slit added some much needed sex appeal and red carpet sparkle. Although the collection didn't necessarily have the wow factor that we saw from the designer in February's A/W'12 shows, it was still one of beauty and I absolutely adored it.

Now that Fashion Month is over, which collection stole your heart across the four cities?

Photo Credit: www.vogue.co.uk - edited on polyvore

Paris Fashion Week SS'13: Days 6 & 7

Paris Fashion Week:

Days 6 & 7

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Day 6:

Costume National

What I loved the most about the SS'13 collection from Costume National were the striking cuts and use of very minimalist placement print on a select few garments. The mainly monochromatic collection was livened up a little with an injection of hot pink and fuchsia alongside a more subdued royal blue in contrast. Crop tops and A-symmetrical dresses with side trails were the show stoppers for me as I just thought they added quite a fun and playful feel to the collection. And those shoes - mamma mia. I absolutely loved their simplicity and single twisting strap detail. I will definitely be adding those to my SS'13 wishlist

John Galliano

Industrial oriental was the theme behind John Galliano's SS'13 collection, with a lot of heavy draping being the key feature among many of the looks. What should have appeared very parachute or tent-like actually came across quite tasteful and interesting in a way that surprised me. I loved the graphic prints and use of bold colours to make the garments pop, as well as the use of more sheer fabrics to create softer tones. Probably not the most wearable for me personally, but never the less, a rather stunning collection as a whole. 

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Day 7:

Giambattista Valli

With Giambattista Valli officially on the Couture register and a new official outlet for his more creative juices,  it's no wonder that the SS'13 RTW collection is a little more subdued and simplistic in comparison to the collections seen previously at the label. Beautifully delicate and sweet sheer dresses with applique florals were shown alongside head to toe white ensambles, followed by some metallic gold and finished with a smoking hot injection of juicy red: it was a collection of grace, beauty and just enough edge to bring it all together in one neat little package. The best part? Those metallic heels with severely pointed toe. I can't imagine they would be great for the feet after a while, but they're stunning never the less. 

Saint Laurent

As you all know Hedi Slimane took over as Creative Director at YSL earlier this year and had the well known label spread across tabloids and fashion blogs alike with his decision to change the labels name to Saint Laurent (I still wrote YSL on my show notes) and to keep his first collection for the label hidden from the press. Naturally, by the time Paris Fashion Week rolled around, fashionista's everywhere were in a frenzy over what the Spring 2013 collection would look like and couldn't wait to see it stroll down the runway. I can't speak for everyone out there, but I was massively disappointed with the collection. Apart from a few leather pieces here and there and that sparkly sequined jacket, the collection was a flop in my eyes and just looked like a promotional tactic for a Fall Rachel Zoe collection. Hedi Slimane did know he was designing for Spring/Summer, right? Where did all the capes, leather and dark colour palette come from then? Does he not realise that this kind of attire is only acceptable in Spring/Summer if it's in the UK or North Pole? I apologize if I sound a little harsh, but that's because those are the only feelings I have towards this collection. And clearly the designer knew that he would face some criticism when it was announced that he wouldn't be answering any questions backstage after the show! Perhaps it's the fact that i'm still a little bitter over the name change - don't fix something if it isn't broke - but I feel as though Hedi Slimane has a lot of work to do if I am going to change my mind on his appointment to the label.

What are your thoughts on the Saint Laurent collection? 

Photo Credit: www.vogue.co.uk - edited on Polyvore

Daniel Wellington: Classic Southampton Lady

Daniel Wellington: 

'Classic Southampton Lady'

"The story behind Daniel Wellington begins with a trip half way around the globe where Filip Tysander, the founder of Daniel Wellington, met an intriguing gentleman from the British Isles. The man had the inspiring ability to be gentlemanly but still relaxed and unpretentious. He had an impeccable style, and loved to wear his Rolexes on old weathered Nato straps, which he’d kept from his years in the British army. His name? Well, Daniel Wellington, of course."

Although Daniel Wellington designs are typically 'Preppy' - something that I can firmly say I am not - I can't help but fall in love with these watches. I can't decide if it's the large watch face, interchangeable Nato straps, rose gold touches (my favourite colour of gold) or the fact that they named one after Glasgow that makes me love them more. The designs are simple yet versatile in that they can be worn to any event: whether that be black tie, shopping trip with the girls, or even a date night with your significant other - these watches are going to look chic, stylish and best of all, effortless. The only downside? The price. With a starting price of $175 and the highest being $197, these watches are definitely an investment piece, but one that will prove a great buy. As I mentioned previously, the straps on these watches are easily changeable due to their simple Nato straps: the strap simply slides through below the watch face and takes all of 0.1 nano seconds to do. That isn't a legitimate time frame obviously, but it's close enough. So with 45 different options to choose from when changing your watch strap (prices ranging from $35 - $65), it does give you the option to coordinate your watch to any outfit, without forking out hundreds of pounds to do so. One more thing about the straps: there are 13 notches on the strap in order to tighten the watch to your wrist as required - more than enough to fit the smallest of wrists, whilst simultaneously fitting loose enough for slightly larger frames. There is nothing worse than receiving a brand new watch that you have been eagerly waiting on for days, only to realise that you have to take it to a jewellers to get it to fit properly. Thankfully, this isn't the case with a DW design.

Another little feature that appealed to me from Daniel Wellington watches was their names. Each watch is named 'Classic', followed by the name of a town or city in the British Isles and finished with 'Lady' - for Women's watches only. Obviously. I don't think men would appreciate their watch being named a lady for some reason. As I mentioned earlier, there is indeed one named the 'Classic Glasgow Lady', however when I browsed through the collection, I ended up settling on the 'Classic Southampton Lady' which is shown above. I felt that the mix of pink, white and navy stripes would allow me to wear the watch with more outfits and colour combinations than any of the others, even though it pained me not to choose the Classic Glasgow Lady!

All in all, I can say that Daniel Wellington watches are without a doubt well worth the slightly higher price tag and if you can save/spare/borrow the cash to buy one, then you definitely should. Even ask for one for your next birthday or Christmas present because I can tell you with confidence that you won't be disappointed. I actually want you guys to have one that much, I've managed to get you all a little extra discount on your next purchase at www.danielwellington.com, so if you fancy saving 15% - that's about $26? - from today until Octover 17th then just go to the website, add a watch (or two - you know, his and hers) to your shopping basket and enter the promo code: vitadimoda at checkout!

Photo Credit: www.danielwellington.com