The English Dresser

Thursday, 22 March 2012

The search for the leather jacket, from the 50's to now!

Leather Jackets….

I am at the moment trying to find myself a leather jacket. I have never actually had a proper black leather jacket before. I don't even think as a child i had one, i guess this is probably down to the fact that neither my mum or dad is a biker, punk rocker (anymore) or really into their leathers.

I think the leather jacket is quite a statement item, it can say quite a lot about your individual style depending on what colour, shape and detail you go for.

Some of the famous leather jacket wearers have created the sexy, confident attitude that falls hand in hand with the leather jacket.

Sid vicious in the 60's and 70's

The Hell's angels motorcycle club that started in 1948

Sandy in her sexy leathers in Grease!

MJ and his red leathers in Thriller capture the love of coloured leathers that captured the 80's by storm.

So with such a huge style history and background, choosing your first leather jacket is pretty important! My big decision is to decide between a vintage leather jacket or a new one that i can make and shape as my own.

A lot of the vintage ones that i have found are pretty awesome, however a lot are colourful, printed or an oversized shape.

These examples are so individual and loud they would certainly capture the rebellious side of 80's leather jackets and definitely have a exciting take on colour shape and detail, making the jacket the main item in the outfit and give each look a different attitude and style. The colours can make an outfit more girly, the tassels give a more sexy, punk attitude and the oversized creates a classic 80's vintage look.

These jackets would be great if i perhaps had a simple black fitted leather jacket already, but as i don't I am more inclined to search for a newer design, something more sophisticated, fitted and simple.

A few i have seen are;

I really like the 'waterfall' large lapel design on some of these and the small zip details that can be seen on most of them. Now i just need to find the right price....and the perfect fit!

Any ideas let me know :)

Will keep you updated on my search :)

Sunday, 26 February 2012

My LFW experience last year and some fave picks!

So it has been London Fashion Week and now its Milan Fashion week! Its all been pretty crazy!

I am so gutted I was unable to go to London Fashion Weekend this year as last year I absolutely loved it.

I got myself my Juicy Couture Perfume, a lovely Juicy Couture ring, I discovered Never Fully Dressed (a boutique i have mentioned a few times) and bought a cream collared body and generally had a super time!

These awesome lolly cakes we got at the Juicy Couture stand!

Never Fully Dressed Body and Brooch

My Juicy Couture purchases. My perfume has almost run out though!!!!!

It was a great experience as it really immerses you into a fashion bubble where you can get a real taste for the designers, the up and coming trends, and of course the amazing outfits that everyone chooses to wear.

Planning an outfit for such an event is not an easy task. Firstly you are going to be judged by everyone else there….this is a fact and its best to come to terms with it as quick as possible. Secondly you need to decide if you are going to go classic or crazy. I probably should define my terms, by classic I mean something that will always complement you and have an effortless style. skinny jeans, a blouse and some great heels, something tailored and fitted, neutral tones or a statement dress.

I chose to go classic with some tailored black trousers from Miss Selfridge rolled up at the ankle, a cream blouse with gold button detail from Topshop, my tan and cream brogues from Office and my vintage fur coat and scarf.

This year however I think i would have gone a bit more crazy, when i say crazy I mean something bolder, printed, unique, statement. So really going all out on mixing prints, colours, showing off an interesting cut or shape or accessorising to the max!

I think i would have done a bit of a colour block this year with some added print. Maybe my new Forever 21 mint maxi with my monochrome print strapless top, or ordered my Baroque print Motel body a bit earlier and teamed it with my velvet highwaisted shorts to mix up the textures, leaving me with a tough decision to brave heels all day or stick to some chunky boots or brogues.

But alas, I was working like a crazy person so therefore was not able to go and experience the delights this year and spend far too much money on beautiful things!

Here are some cool pics that have been tweeted and put on fb from LFW and MFW, some from my fave designers to watch!

Antonio Berardi A/W 2012

Mary Katrantzou A/W 2012

Jil Sander A/W 2012


	Jil Sander A/W 2012

Dolce and Gabbana Milan 2012

Sarah Burton for McQ A/W 2012

Erdem

Erdem...

....and more Erdem, I literally love the whole show. It really is fantastic! http://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/autumn-winter-2012/ready-to-wear/erdem/catwalk-report

So although there is so so much i could put on here I have just shown a few snaps that I love capturing the prints, silhouettes, block colours, fantastic shapes and passion all the designers have produced. I would literally give anything to be able to sit on the front row and soak up the amazing atmosphere. One day hopefully, one day!

Thursday, 2 February 2012

Spring/Summer Best Highstreet picks so far!!!

Firstly, apologises for the lack of posts! I have had the most crazy christmas working and seeing friends and family so have had so little time to actually sit down and actually write! I have however not stopped searching, watching out for and scouring the highstreet and internet for my fave new arrivals!!!

Topshop block bright denim!

The trends are exciting, vibrant, cute and sexy! I am a huge block bright colour fan anyway and have a lot from last s/s 11 to reintroduce to my wardrobe. I love the statement they add to any outfit and the awesome summer feel! However on the flip side I love the cute and sweet look that is created with pastel colours. They conjure ideas of the seaside, sweets, fairgrounds and ice cream. :) They add a really girly touch to more masculine styles (collars, for example, my faves!)

Asos new pastel collection!

So here are some of my fave new picks I have founds over the last week or so, all boasting an exciting new print, colour or attitude!

Baroque style leopard and flower bomber jacket from Topshop.

Topshop cute shoes! Lovely vintage look.

Some printed frames. A MUST have!

Cream Maxi from Chelsea Girl, River Island.

Beautiful sheer shirt with sequin detailing,
www.neverfullydressed.co.uk

Noah T yellow, www.neverfullydressed.co.uk

Amazing Tigne T blue sport luxe style top, www.neverfullydressed.co.uk

Urban Outfitters printed bikini.

I have yet to find the perfect highwaisted levi's cutoffs. The ones in Urban Outfitters may be the ones!

Asos lace layered trousers... I want THESE!!!!!!

oooooh pastel boat shoes :)

New Look highwaisted stripy shorts, hello nautical!!

Blonde and Blonde nautical maxi dress :)

Printed denim is 100% the way forward this S/S12!!

Motel Baroque print!!!!!! Absolute love!

So there is some of my fave picks so far! I wish i had so much more money. Of course the weather is so cold that i am still living in jumpers and thick leggings but I am excited for the summer! Hope you like! :) Be back soon! xxx