Men In Suits- The Do's & Don'ts Guide To The Perfect Suit

After careful research, looking at catwalk shows and a look in the high street stores, I now have enough evidence to help Man with the ever puzzling question... "How do I go about purchasing a suit". Fear Not, im back and ready to give you all a quick guide on the Do's & Dont's when buying a suit.

A/W '11 has been a big year for the tailoring. Designers such as Vivienne Westwood, Paul Costelloe, Calvin Klein, Dolce & Gabbana and finally Sarah Burton For Alexander Mcqueen have all contributed to the world of tailoring.
Each designer focused on particular colours, such as Greys and Blacks. Textures were also an important component, lots of velvets (CK) and tweeds ( Costelloe). Crisp white shirts were a key item in each catwalk show, with the exception of prints and bright coloured shirts to add a contrast to the suit itself. The suit trousers are pleated elongating legs, but add a sophisticated element. The tappered look of the trousers helps to add a more cutting edge feel to your wardrobe but again looks smart and can be worn on a regular basis to the office.


This Fall saw the return of the "Double Breasted" jacket. Classy yet cutting edge, and a defo must have in the wardrobe this season! Remember to NEVER fasten the bottom button and seeing as the jacket makes a statement, don't dress too loud i.e pinstripe trousers with a plain jacket is a NO NO! Keep it smart and matching with a little edge.

Fitting is THE most IMPORTANT element when buying a suit; Make sure leg length, waist size, arms, shoulders and chest are all measured up. Furthermore, take the shoes you are planning to wear with you so that the suit can be tailored to match the height of the heel on your shoes... long trousers that gather at the bottom = NO and just a bit of a turn off, sorry. Make sure the suit itself is perfected to a TEE; don't be afraid to accessorize with belts, cuffs, ties and socks.

To make sure you gain the right advantages when trying on suits, wearing a light weight shirt will help get the fitting correct, wearing ill-fitted clothes may cause you to invest in the wrong size jacket, so dress comfortably! Another quick tip, dress on a more smart/casual, when walking into high end boutiques, look professional as in return you will get the best customer service.

Lastly, Don't be afraid to experiment with colours, textures and cuts. 3 peice suits as seen in Dolce & Gabbana's A/W '11 collection, are slowly making a comeback, this adds a very "Wall Street-esk" type of look, Smart, Sexy and Sophisticated. Textures such as Tweeds, Dog Tooth and Pin Stripes add statement, and give your look a bold and daring edge, why not give it a try? it will surely turn some heads in the office and the London Underground.



Look Out Ladies, The Boy's Are Back In Town, Bringing The Sexy Back Into Office.

Be Smart, Be Sexy, Be Sophisticated.

It's A Man's World.. But They Would Be Nothing Without A Womens Touch..

Right fashionistas I'm back and ready to take over the fashion scene once again! This entry will focus on Men's Fashion & HOW its changed over the season. I will be looking at What's HOT this season for all you lovely men out there.

This season takes an interesting approach to colours and textures. Velvets and knits are key items; focusing on greys and various neutral colours for a smart approach, where as more vibrant and flamboyant colours focus more on a casual outlook.



We begin by looking at the Military Theme. This is one trend that has not left the Cat walk and continues to thrive as we enter the blistering cold this season. Military style jackets are a MUST HAVE this A/W '11. Designers such as Versace and Alexander Mcqueen (who is heavily influenced by this trend) presented sophisticated outer wear at its best. All designers focused on the "Pea coat" cut and paid attention to detail with belts and golden buttons. This look will forever add a smart and cutting edge feel to your look.



My favorite trend this season will be the Preppy attire. Think "Made in Chelsea" with a splash of colour! Tommy Hilfiger, Dolce & Gabbana and Vivienne Westwood just to name a few brought a new and fun look to this successful trend. To give this look a bit more of a special touch, why not wear this look with A crisp white shirt, tucked into a pair of skinny grey chinos, teamed with a chunky knitted cardigan and some red vans; finish off with a skinny tie with stripes. Boisterous Yet Sophistication at its best!

Another hidden passion and Love of mine.. MEN IN SUITS! Yes, this seasons must have work wear will definitely turn some heads! The return of the Double breasted suit jackets emphasies the military theme this season. Pleated trousers also make a return. Designers such as Gucci, D&G, Hermes & Micheal Kors have created a fresh and vibrant look for the office.





Next on this seasons must have is Chunky Knits! Bold colours will add a flamboyant edge to your more casual look. Chinos and brogues will give a preppy yet suave approach. Nordic prints will give a more well presented and smarter look this season, or for a more casual look team with desert boots and skinny jeans finishing off with some geeky specs. Designers such as Missoni had a heavy influence at this years Fashion week.



Finally, Velvet is KEY this season. That's right, its not just us girls who will need something velvet in our wardrobe this Autumn/Winter. For the more daring man, why not try Velvet blazer in Midnight Blue? This will add a sharpness to ones wardrobe. For the not so daring, why not invest in a cashmere jumper with suede/velvet trimming. Suede elbow pads on jumpers and sweats ARE THE WAY FORWARD THIS SEASON, this looks more refined as it pays attention to small detail.

Top Trends For A/W 2011

Although the British weather hasn't held up for us fashionistas this summer, this hasn't stopped us from flaunting our style. With A/W 2011 fast approaching the stores, here's your quick guide on what the key pieces and colours will be!!






We begin this season as "One Of The Boys" gone are the days or enhancing our curves in tight and fitted garments, this season is all about slouchy knits, wide leg trousers and loose "shapeless" blouses. White shirts, trousers and tuxedo jackets will add a fresh outlook to this seasons coolest trend. If this all seems to much, then why not add a pair of brightly coloured heels which will emphasis your monochrome look, as well as this you could replace your white shirts with a plunging silk cut blouse to give it a sexier edge. Whoever said it's a man world, CLEARLY didn't know us Girls will certainly be the talk of town in this seasons key trend!





With all the excitement over the recent Royal Wedding, this next trend is sure to make us all feel like a future Queen. With Polished tailoring and hemlines to the knees this trend will surely look like we have stepped back in time to Forties Glamour. As well as this, novelty knits and pleated dresses with Peter-Pan collars, give the ultimate "Tea party-esk" feel this Autumn/Winter. Finish this off with a belt with bow details and Faux Fur Collars! Think Classic Channel Glam!



Making yet another come back is leathers! This season leather panels teamed with feathers and sheer blouses will give the Gothic Glamour look a more sexier feel. Black is a key colour so ensure different textures are worn with this key peice.

Finally, a key theme which will never seem to fade are prints and patterns! Spring/Summer saw the flourishing oriental patterns earn a place in our wardrobes, this season floral prints have evolved into a more opulent feel, think rich/royal even Persian prints along with sophisticated polka dots impaled upon sheer textures.



Remember This Autumn/Winter. BE BOLD, BE BEAUTIFUL. <3

Fruitful Frenzy..

Right, so by the looks of things, it seems like Britain will embrace itself for a Very HOT Summer! But before we head out to the beaches, here's a quick guide to one of Summer's KEY Print season.. Yes It's FRUIT!! Designers such as Stella McCartney, PRADA & Moschino Cheap & Chic have all grasped the zesty look and turned into one of this seasons best known looks of this season!

S.M's fave item is the Double split backless dress, which is defiantly the item of the summer, its sexy, light and will defiantly work well with lots of browns and whites to give it the crisp edge. If a dress is not what your after, then how about a Citrus printed skirt with a plain White vest? This look will surely see you through your events diary this summer!

PRADA Literally went Banana's for they're S/S '11 Catwalk. The fusion of Prints & Colours have been the Creme de la Creme of this seasons biggest craze!! There Ad Campaign shows how important colour and prints are, which together when infused creates an expolsive look, which will sure turn some heads!

However, if your looking for a bargain, why not head over to Fashion Capitals BEST Known store TOPSHOP! Where they have a selection of fruit prints that will surely tickle your taste buds. Banana Leggings ARE The BEST!

Remember, don't be afraid to go for wild prints, lots of Sweet Greens, Sour Yellows, Zesty Oranges and Cherry Reds will be sure to make this trend oooze with flavour and add Pizazz back into your wardrobe!

The Shades Of Fashion.. Summer 2011

Calling All Fashionistas... Summer 2011 is upon us, Which means its time to brighten up our wardrobes!! This IS the Season to be Bold and Beautiful, indulge in bright colours such as intense Oranges and deep ocean blues. Colour clashing is key this season, so be brave and get the look by teaming a pair of smart white shorts, with a tangerine vest tucked in, add a printed kimono to add emphasis on the colours, teamed with brown brogues for the day time look or for an evening look why not add a smart navy blazer and sandy colour wedges.





This look will be sure to add lots of ZEST & Flair to your wardrobe, remember.. FLAUNT IT!

Want to take a trip on the wild side? Why not go for an Animal Frenzy look; animal prints such as snake skin, leopard print, Zebra print EVEN GIRAFFE Prints; are big influences for designers such as Miu Miu & Louis Vuitton, Models strutted their stuff at Spring Summer '11 catwalk shows to give this seasons Purrrrfect look a more playful edge.




Be brave and clash colours and textures, wear silks and light knits together, lots of browns, tans, creams, nudes and greens will work perfectly to give u that rough edge to such a classy look. Team outfits with nice chunky clogs and a large clutch for your everyday essentials!




If both the above trends are not for you, well fear not why not opt for a more subtle look. Yes that's right, the 70's are back in full swing! Crisp Whites, Deep Ocean Blues and Chunky Crochet Knits are a key element, as well as flowing chiffon's and Airy blouses.



Wearing a ditsy floral print top, teamed with Embroidered denim shorts; along with a pair of straw like sandals or wooden wedges. To give this look a little more edge, try adding a straw hat. This will put the Meadow feel back into the Hustle and bustle of the City Life style.

Summer 2011 = Good Fashion, Sunshine, Cocktails & Walks Long Along The Beach. BE BOLD & BEAUTIFUL <3

Has The World Just Gone GaGa For Lady GaGa?!

The name on everyone's lips is, "Lady Gaga". Born Stefani Joanne Angelina, GaGa has become a very popular household name whether it be her music or her extreme fashion sense, Lady GaGa never fails to hit the newspaper headlines.



I believe that she is an iconic figure within the fashion world as she has dressed from one scale of the spectrum to another, her recent was that of a "Meat Dress" which GaGa wore for the VMA's 2010. Designed by non other than Franc Fernandez. He also designed the "Meat Bikini" which Lady GaGa wore for an issue of Vogue Hommes Japan; infuriating the Peta Followers. Was this a step too far?



Regardless of this, I believe that Lady GaGa has a Passion For Fashion as well as making a statement. One of my personal favorite outfits has been the design of Thierry Mugler's Crystal encrusted mini dress. Lady GaGa rocked out both versions, The White at American Music Awards afterparty 2008 and The Black at the O2 Arena in London in 2009.



I feel that the Late Alexander Mcqueen was also a heavy influence on GaGa's style. Dressing GaGa put Mcqueen's designs on the map, to show the world he wasn't just an amateur designer but a talanted and raw creator in the world of fashion. He became known for his design input for Lady GaGa's "Bad Romance" video. Wearing Mcqueen from head to toe; GaGa changed high fashion into a movement through music. As well as this, Mcqueen designed GaGa's famous Red Lace atire seen at the 2009 MTV VMA's while accepting an award for Best New Artist. This showed the world that Lady GaGa was here to stay and change the dynamics of Fashion & Music.






Another fave look is that of the famous "News Print Catsuit" worn on stage while GaGa performed in Sydney. The catsuit had cuttings from headlines of the British Tabloid, The Sun which in return showed the world that regardless of all the media attention to her style, GaGa is an iconic musical figure.


I feel that without this transition into the musical and fashion world, celebrities would just look rather ordinary or play it safe with the "Little Black Dress" number. But with Lady GaGa's venture into both industries, it has upstaged many famous Pop Divas such as Beyonce and Rhianna to change they're look and flaunt it anytime, anywhere AND for that I Salute You Lady GaGa!

London Fashion Week S/S '11 - Paul Costelloe

It is that time of year again, as Britain embraces itself for what could be a very nippy winter; However eager fashionista's got ready for LFW's Spring/Summer Collection of 2011. London Fashion Week started off with non other than Paul Costelloe's S/S '11 Collection. As this was my very first time at such a prestigious event in the History of the Fashion World, I was pretty nervous!

However, I was surprised to spark up a conversation with a lady next to me who had no profession in the fashion industry but had been to see Paul Costelloe's previous 4 shows. This is when I realised, the World of Fashion is more like a unity in bringing people from different backgrounds together no matter how little fashion knowledge they may have.

Each Model had they're own way of "Strutting they're stuff" along the catwalk including the Men in their skinny suits! The Collection consisted of floral prints, 60's subtle, but psychedelic prints, contrasting silks as well as metallics and monochrome. It is clear to see that all though Paul Costelloe perceives an imagine of designing tailored attire, his S/S '11 collection was flamboyant in a sleek way.



My Fave designs were the Maxi dresses teamed with a metallic leather jacket as well as Costelloe's collection of brocade mini dresses as they gave definition to the models figures.



The Male models wore tailored shirts with floral prints, skinny suits as well as city shorts teamed with a fitted blazer to give a preppy edge to the smart look of Costelloe's designs. My Fave design of the male collection was definitely the men in suits... <3 as well as his attention to detail of brocade ties with a plain three-peice suit with brogue shoes.



Costelloe's Spring/Summer Collection may come across as quite light and airy as he uses lots of white and cream, however as he added metallics and contracting colours along with each design; it looks like we're in for a very elegant techno summer!



London Fashion Week as a whole was the best experience of my life! I really hope i get this opportunity again, but it was a privilege to see a genius such as Paul Costelloe show the world he's not just a strict tailored designer, but a Man who is not scared to experiment with textures, materials, shapes and designs.

Paul Costelloe Your Are AMAZING!!!