River Island have majorly updated their fashion game this season and with a collaboration with Rihanna coming up for SS13 have seemingly already begun to invest in some grittier pieces when it comes to their stylish collection for AW12.
Think camouflage jackets and shirts embellished with studs, distressed denim and a variety of printed textures in sequin, leather and PU. And with celebrities who channel that ultimate urban girl vibe (think Rihanna, Jessie J etc) the brand is growing from strength to strength both with its already strong customer base and within the fashion press too.
In keeping with this, how can you get that celebrity style accreditation? Taking inspiration from Rita Ora's amazing dress sense, I've created four 'looks for less' using the pieces from River Island's current AW12 collection. I'm currently lusting over their collection of high tops in a variety colours!
Forget the complicated love triangles, the staged 'entertaining' scenes and the views of upper class Chelsea because this season it's simply about the fashion. Brushing aside the likes of Dolce and Gabanna and Stella McCartney, the cast have been seen gallivanting around Kensington in our high street favourite Warehouse.
Experimenting with pieces from the current AW12 collection, we've seen Made in Chelsea personalities Millie Mackintosh and Amber Atherton battle it out in a floral fashion-off . A favourite with the fashion press and featured in both Elle and Vogue magazine, the stunning blossom printed two piece can be worn as a sophisticated take on the staple suit or as stylish separates.
Amber Atherton looking chic in the full suit available from Warehouse
Jacket £70
Trousers £50
Keeping the prints separate, Millie Mackintosh loves her Warehouse trousers
Trousers £50
Continuing to show support for the British High Street, Amber shows that style can be affordable in the Warehouse cream biker coat she wore to a dinner party to showcase her latest jewellery collection.
So what does one do when they get invited to London Fashion Week to preview a designer collection all ready for Spring Summer 2013? Well they jump at the chance of course! Which is exactly what I did. Due to it being arranged at very short notice, the fret of 'what to wear' and the pre-LFW diet went out the window (thank god!) and instead the excitement of the opportunity took over.
One of the looks from the Phoebe English SS13 show
Being responsible for some of the most exciting design talents of the past, present and future, Vauxhall Fashion Scout played host to Phoebe English's upcoming capsule collection. With sponsorship from leading retailers within the beauty and fashion industry such as Toni and Guy and The Body Shop, what better platform did the new design talent have than at the Freemasons Hall in Central London?
Monochrome was the key colouring throughout the collection
With fashion blogging phenomenon Susie Bubble sitting pretty in the f-row, the show was set to be a promising one; and it didn't disappoint.
Eleven swan-like models glided through the aisles of the historic hall, their slim-line bodies cocooned within rich cotton volumized garments. Inspired by the intimacy of the human body, the models wore pieces that had been spliced together as one, as well as revealing or covering certain aspects of the body such as the hands, the mouth and the back.
Beading decorated the garments whilst studded mouthpieces
were worn by the models
A dark and introvert collection for Spring Summer 2013, geometric shapes where key in a completely monochromatic palette. Phoebe English stated within her design notes about the sense of volume versus surface, drawing reference to the growth and regeneration of life itself. Bell sleeves fell neatly behind t-shirt fronts as well as being rusched back to maintain a structured and constricted essence.
With a focus on design and craftsmanship, English decorated her collection in an understated manner. Bugle and knitted beading's were scattered across the arms and shoulders to enforce the idea of geometric grid structures. A seemingly masculine collection for SS13 yet the use of interlocking fabrics across the chest and back in billowing fabrics gave the designs a feminine nudge.
Making a fashion statement on the f-row, Susie Bubble
preps her camera pre-showtime
With this being just her third collection as an official designer, we are already starting to see an ethos that is shaping the Phoebe English brand; black, white and more black! Her previous collections saw her experimenting with leather and latex and causing a stir when being accused of attempting to 'sell sex' through fashion. Not wanting to give up her reign of controversy just yet, she has continued to use these influences within her SS13 collection through styling her models using metal mouthpieces by jewellery designer Reid Peppard. Their skin was dusted white and portrayed an almost ethereal glow through the use of event sponsors The Body Shop and their brand new skin care range.
When asked how she wants to be seen within the industry, English stated: "I want my label to be known for something that’s reliably and traditionally beautiful, but fresh." Tick. Tick. And tick again. Mission accomplished Phoebe.
Fearne Cotton has completely stepped up her fashion game since her children's television presenting days; gone are the tie-dye over sized tops and the low rise baggy jeans (Google it!) and in their place we have an eclectic mix of designer, vintage and high street must-haves that give us all fashion envy!
Stud Collar and Velvet Cuff Dress Very.co.uk £59
So it's not surprising that the team behind the online social department store Very.co.uk have collaborated with Fearne on yet another fashion forward collection for AW12. Combining all aspects of her unique style, expect to see inspiration running right through all of the fashion decades.
Feather Peplum Dress Very.co.uk £65
High-necked baby doll dresses are scattered with feather emblems a la Antoni and Alison, maxi dresses turn to the dark side in gorgeous swept fabrics inspired by Givenchy and Alexander Wang and wool-knit capes take centre stage with an 80's navajo twist.
Wool Cape Very.co.uk £39
Amazing range, right? Well this week you're in luck as the lovely team at Very.couk are giving you the chance to win one of Fearne's sensational pieces every day for 7 days.
Sheer Sleeve Maxi Dress Very.co.uk £89
Interested? Well all you have to do is visit www.facebook.com/VeryUK and watch the very (get it?!) special hang-out with Fearne video and answer the multiple choice question at the end - it really is that simple and you could then be in with a chance of winning a cool Cotton number!
Rita Ora is so 'hot right now' that not only is she dominating the music charts, but the fashion charts too! Showing us that it's ok to kick back in jogger bottoms and heels, Rita has now influenced the high street accessory departments with one key piece: the female snapback!
Basically, a snapback is a baseball cap which is adjustable by the snap on the back - simple! Have you got yours yet? If not, don't worry - whilst Rita obtains yet another number one single under her belt (or should we say cap?!) I head to the high street to see how you can steal her head style:
