Thursday, July 4, 2013

Del Boy Fashion


We first noticed Brian Lichtenberg's collection on Cara Delevingne in April, showing off her "Bucci" tee whilst Rihanna opted for a "Homies" crew. At the time we thought it was a quirky one off brand that we liked, but couldn't afford. However, since then B.L has been on every celebrities Instagram and twitter feed across the globe. Other brands are cottoning on to what we call 'Del Boy Fashion' and selling similar ideas at realistic prices.

Del Boy Fashion, know on the street as 'Parody Brands' ethos is; ripping off well known brand logos and giving them an urban twist. It's a rip off, but it's mange tout, mange tout. We can all remember our fakes from our early teen years, poor Chanel would have been turning in her grave, but this is a new breed of fake, and it's in.

Below are our hot picks of Del Boy fashion from across the online independent brands worldwide. Links to buy beneath photo's, we do the groundwork so you don't have to.

Nice


Rob The Rich


Benzo Kenzo Tee





Image of Navy Kanye West Meets Versace Crewneck

Image of Black Kanye West Meets Versace Shirt

YSL BLACK TANK



Be Priv Paris T-shirts The YLS White


Your two lover - yevest lauren-ysl




GUNS VUITTON


ARHighFashion@london.com

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Home Goodies

I have retreated to the office each evening this week in search of some new furnishings for my home. I've only lived in this apartment for 3 months and haven't really had the chance to tart it up with some trinkets. Everyone knows us girls love our useless bits and bobs, so enjoy this collection and give your living space soom va va voom! All prices correct at time of going to press.

Your first stop is to check out the interior design section on notonthehighstreet.com, there are plenty of cute nick naks available here...

'Welcome' Vinyl Wall Sticker
I fell in love when I saw this wall sticker! I have always wanted something to grasp visitors attention as they walk through the door and this is just the ticket. They are just £14 and made to order. I cant wait to pop this above my dresser in the hall. Buy Here.

Personalised Heart Plaque
These are just perfect, you can have anything you want written on them, I opted for
"It's Champagne for dinner, or nothing" to go in my kitchen. All of these pieces are £6.50, so you may as well be naughty and get a few. Buy Here.

Personalised Date Stone
Personalised pebbles from £15, I have bought some of these to liven up a vintage bowl I have on the coffee table table, it sure beats pot pourri! Buy Here.

In my home-town, in Devon there is a beautiful little shop called The Distinguished. It is set just by the harbour on a rickety old cobbled area called The Barbican. The shop sells little home treats, jewellery and fabulous rubbish. They also, handily, sell all their wares online.  
        HEART Wool Throw by JJ Textile - product image
Although it's British Summer (apparently,) its never warm enough to go without a handy blanket for those evenings watching the first auditions of X Factor. This is the throw I purchased by JJ Textile. They also have various seasonal designs, but the appeal here is they are softer than soft, made from 100% New Zealand wool. Buy Here.
       Enchanted Woods Apron by Ulster Weavers - product images
I am no culinary whiz  and I would rather buy a bottle of champers than cook a pot roast, but on the odd occasion you have to try to prove to your boyfriend that you could make a wife one day. So in an attempt to make my kitchen look as though it's ever been used I have this darling Enchanted Woods apron, for £16.50. Buy Here.
I Love Hamdmade Ribbon 3 metre spool - product image
As I have moved up to London and far away from my Nan, I have nobody to make curtain ties for me anymore  One roll of this will make two quirky bows for curtains. It looks really well thought out and gets plenty of compliments.Buy Here.

On One Brown Cow, there are some adorable pieces of homeware...

Dishes I'd Rather Be Doing Tea Towel
These tea towels entitled "Dishes I'd rather be doing" fit in perfectly with any females kitchen. The brand is called 'To Dry For.' Full marks to them for clever word play, and a bargain too at £9.95 each. Buy Here.

Miho Blossom Deer Head Wall Trophy
Wooden Deer Head. An attractive, less inhumane alternative to taxidermy. Hang in pride of place above the dining table, or in your main entrance. There are a variety of patterns to choose from, and at £35.00 it would be rude not indulge. Buy Here.

Floral Stripe Bunting
It would almost be a sin not include bunting in the home of a fashionista. This is the perfect maze of colours to brighten up a spare room, or study. £13.95 for 15 pennants. Buy Here.
ARHighFashion@london.com





Friday, June 28, 2013

Etrala

Emilio & Maria from Etrala
 

We spoke with Maria from fashion label Etrala this week, on behalf of on-line boutique Not One Of Many, to ask her some questions about her brand.

“For us it all began in 2011 when Emilio (Maria’s co-founder & partner) and I decided to move to London from Spain to start up an ethical fashion business.” 

Etrala London designs high-end limited and ethical womenswear collections. Etrala is the Spanish word ‘El Arte’ backwards, which translated means ‘For Art.’ Art is exactly what Maria believes her designs are. Wearing them proudly on a daily basis, Maria has taken to posting regular photos of herself to twitter, in different parts of the world in her own clothing. Humbly, Maria tells us the best part of working on Etrala was the first sale.

Etrala’s style icons are Kate Middleton, Livia Firth and Emma Watson. Maria would love to see Kate wearing one of her dresses, or even Olivia Palermo and really pushing the boat out Princess Letizia of Spain. Etrala have recently been notably mentioned in the blogs of ELE France. Now, if it’s good enough for them it's good enough or us!

Being outside helps to motivate the team when working on new designs; however Maria isn't too keen on the British climate.

“Being outdoors [enthuses me] But not in this London weather!”

Maria gets her inspiration for the designs, which are all made of 100% natural fabrics, from vintage fashion. Etrala above all, takes influence from the 1960’s, back when London was swinging and Twiggy was an icon for all ages. Maria in particular likes the mood of this era, and it can be seen clearly through her work (see below.)

Both dresses available on Not One of Many

“I believe we are Ethical, Sustainable, Handmade, Exclusive and Unique. I don't think I am at the point of making huge contributions to the design world just yet, but if I had to say something I would say ‘we are coming back to the local hand craft manufacturing with a modern twist.’"

The brand also has a lovely little blog on their site, along with much more beautiful clothes. Take a look here.
ARHighFashion@london.com

Thursday, June 27, 2013

There is nothing like a Dame

It would be more than a dream, as an aspiring fashion writer, to interview Dame Vivienne Westwood. Everything about her bold prints and trashy colours are inviting to the eye, with explosions of vibrancy in every piece. There is no way you can not fall in love with her work. A British born woman that designs for real individuals, and is as wild as her designs. Sticking two fingers up to conformity, Vivienne’s attitude and views have carved her career from starting as an independent UK retailer to the brand she has become today.

The Dame seems to be such an extrovert character; I would be very interested to find out more about her entire life and influences that have led her to become the brand she is today. Vivienne is so much more than just a designer, her input is helping to make changes across the globe and shape a future for its people. This is not an occupation to this woman it is a sheer passion. Designs are the way in which Westwood puts forward her opinions and fashion is not just a daily occurrence but a platform.

A UK design heroine, with works even The Queen has acknowledged. This intricate woman would be the biggest feature of any writer’s career, and would complete mine. The Dame is such a vivacious ambassador and creator, with important messages portrayed through her work and a muse to young designers worldwide. I applaud her influence on the UK fashion scene in all of its brave glory.  Be sure to check out her current 'Chaos' collection, there are some important messages through her work, and very interesting choices for broach details for us girls.
ARHighFashion@london.com

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Festival Attire from Not One of Many

From June through until September there are music festivals taking place all over the globe. After the excitement over the line-ups and the inevitable ‘do I still have my tent?’ Your next main concern should be – what do I wear? Not One of Many Womenswear has the perfect range to dress you impeccably from head to toe, for the entire weekend. We have put together pieces from completely different brands, to create winning looks worthy of a main stage appearance.




THE ACCESSORIES

Women can’t get enough of them, and festivals are the time you can completely overload.
Chanel once said; before you leave the house take off one accessory,
We say; before you leave the tent add one more!






As you can see from the pieces in this post, NOOM is your first stop shop for all your festival needs. All of the clothing shown here is available from the Not One of Many shop.

Be sure to tweet us your festival photo’s rocking your NOOM merchandise, the best ones will be posted here at the end of the summer.
apparelreview@london.com

Nails Of The Week

Every week we will be bringing you creative nails from our nail expert contacts.

This weeks acrylic nails are courtesy of nail technician Luke Honey, nails modelled by Stacey Ward. Some have commented on this style as resembling the colour scheme of a Double Decker chocolate bar. Mix and match nails are big on the scene for the summer and who knew navy and orange were such a match made in heaven.



The natural nails for this week are courtesy of nail technician Sarah Gant, modelled by myself. I was inspired by Luke's attention to detail, ensuring each nail was different, so I asked Sarah for something similar, in more earthy tones, so here's what I got!



The three polishes used for my nails are Barry M nail confetti in Dolly Mixture, Nails Inc in Kensington Cavier, and Leighton Denny in Crushed Grape.
ARHighFashion@london.com

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Glyphics



What a dainty little hidden gem in London, brought to my attention via Maria from couture label Etrala. Now, what girl doesn't love having a room full of bits & pieces, trinkets and junk. This store is a place where you can get lost in that world. It may look like a tiny little independent vintage store, but Glyphics are so much more than that. Producing signage for companies as big as the NHS and phone label Three, Glyphics have an array of skills applicable to corporate companies, hospitality sectors, interior design and, well, the list is endless. 


I would love to see my name in bright lights one day, unfortunately I haven't the talent to take me to Hollywood. So instead I will turn to Glyphics for something more personal. After all it is my middle name...


If you can't reach London make sure you have a look at the businesses website so you can get a broader idea of what it is they do. Its a dream.




The name of the store is Glyphics Shop and you can find it in 75 Leonard Street, EC2A 4QS, London. Or visit their website www.glyphics-shop.co.uk.

ARHighFashion@london.com