The Printed Jean

In the spirit of the Great Bank Holiday Weekend, let us celebrate the latest hero of off-duty chic; the printed jean! Combining the ultimate fashion failsafe of denim with all the statement of the hottest prints, this is my latest style crush: a compromise that I feel has lost nothing in translation. In tie-dye, stripes, florals, paisley, animal print and tribal; this is denim made-over, par excellence.

From Mother these floral print skinny jeans are spot on for a touch of dark glamour. Pair with black leather ankle boots and a luxe pullover to bring out the rainbow hued print.

For a touch of the tribal, try Current/Elliot’s Aztec inspired denim. In a cropped skinny style, this bold print will work equally well with a plain tee and sandals or an oversized knit and your winter boots. 

If bold and colourful isn’t quite up your street, Mulberry has a slightly less in-your-face answer in the form of this tiger print pair. It’s not often that animal print can be said to be subtle, but if ever there was such an occasion, this has to be it! I love the delicate lilac-grey colouring of the stripes; perfect for the urban jungle.

Finally, for an off-duty nod to fall’s Baroque trend you can’t go wrong with this cropped pair from J Brand Denim. In a super wearable shade, the regal damask print is a very grown up way to do denim.

So grab your own pair of decorated denim, whether you plan to pair them with Isabel Marant’s wedge trainers or your favourite Jimmy Choo stilettos. Happy Bank Holiday Weekend!

Aisha
www.trisori.com

Inspiration of the month: Sofia Loren

Sophia Loren, born Sofia Villani Scicolone, is an inspiring Italian actress who rose to fame in the 1950s. The recipient of numerous awards, her most notable Hollywood achievement was winning the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1962 for her role in “Two Women”, the first of its kind for s non-English speaking role.

In fashion, Sophia Loren maintained a remarkable appearance of high class and elegance. Forging keen relationships with fashion and costume designers throughout her career allowed for her to completely connect with her ensembles and provided for her a continually growing expertise in fashion choices. Based in Geneva since 2006, and with homes in Naples and Rome, Loren is constantly surrounded by the best in haute-couture, and although she believes designers should not influence one's personal style, she insists that their talents can educate in areas of fabric choices and specific cuts in patterns.

In the world of accessories, Loren's classy style takes on a bit of the daring. Coupling long diamond chains with a plunging neckline, Loren never fails to awe by drawing focus in subtle ways to her beauty. Her choices always make a statement, and her looks are always cohesive; a tasteful but detailed choker will match in style her dangling earrings and elegant bracelet.
She is definitely our inspiration of the month!

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Love of the week: Crazy Nails Art

Britain's changeable climate can make it difficult for a fashionista to wear what would best express their uniqueness and personality on a daily basis, which is a major factor in the surge in popularity that nails art is experiencing right now.

 

Straight from Japan, the elaborate, eye-catching designs that can be created using nails art mean that the concept has quickly overtaken sushi as Japan's best-loved export and is now a huge trend in the beauty industry.

Gel overlays or infills can be applied to short, uneven nails, while incorporating crystals into the design can add a little bling for a night out. Intricate designs painted onto the nails enable you to show allegiance to a band or match an outfit for that special occasion.

 

In these economically straitened times, nail art offers a little escapism and the chance to show your individuality at a fraction of the cost of a new wardrobe: the only limit is your imagination!

At trisori.com , we are absolutely hooked!

Belt Up

The hourglass silhouette is currently foremost in the fashion mindset and, with the fit-and-flare trend going nowhere, it seems set to continue. What better way to embrace the trend than to accessorize with a waist cinching belt? Whether worn over loose knits, tailored dresses or winter coats the designers bring us a plethora of statement waisted belts with which to create the season’s most desirable silhouette and add a wonderfully decorative finishing touch.

Create a ladylike silhouette as seen on the catwalk of the Dior A/W 12 collection, above, with this waist cincher from Oscar de la Renta in rich burgundy leather.

Wear now with 50s style skirts or over your winter coat come the colder season. The gold tone hardware and equestrian inspired design set off a plain ensemble or understated coat.
A favourite of mine is this skinny, nude number from Miu Miu. Covered in gold-tone studs, it would be perfect to nip in the waist of an evening cocktail dress.

For a more playful look, contrast a simple, understated dress with this tropical print skinny belt by Proenza Schouler.

But to capture the full blown glamour of the nipped in waist, it has to be this velvet and chain belt from McQ by Alexander McQueen.

To create the most elongated hour-glass look, wear this over figure hugging block black, or alternatively, draw attention to the smallest part of your waist by pairing over print.
Whichever you choose, make sure to cinch it in tight and give yourself a silhouette that Sophia Loren would be proud of!

Aisha
www.trisori.com

WGSN Global Fashion Awards

 WGSN Global Fashion Awards which takes place at The Savoy London on 5th November has just announced their judging panel for 2012. This year it consists of  influential individuals in fashion and style from around the world with judges from Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Australia, the US and the UK.

These include the following:

Topshop managing director Mary Homer

ASOS product and trading director Robert Bready

Judy Coomber general manager at Australian department store Myer

Accessories designer Lara Bohinc

Michael Herz, creative director at Swiss luxury brand Bally

Barbara Horspool - Product Director at Jigsaw

Sarah Curran - Founder and Chief Creative Officer of my-wardrobe.com

Christos Angelides - Group Product Director at Next Plc, Chairman at Next Sourcing Limited and Board Member at Lipsy

Bruno Basso & Christopher Brooke - Fashion designers and founders of the Basso & Brooke brand. Pioneers of the digital print process in fashion
Bora Aksu - Fashion Designer famed for his cocktail dresses. Winner of four consecutive NEWGEN awards with a soon to be launched first handbag collection

Visit www.globalfashionawards.com/judges for the full list.

Entries are still open for the WGSN Global Fashion Awards, staged by the world’s leading trend and style forecaster and which recognise fashion design and retail on a world-wide scale. Categories range from best designer for women’s and menswear, best design teams in womenswear, menswear, footwear & accessories, kidswear and denim, as well as best store and e-store. The categories are here: www.globalfashionawards.com/categories

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Love of the week: Animal print ballerinas

Animals prints have been inspiring designers for several seasons now, and show no sign of going out to graze just yet. I haven't been without a good pair of animal print ballerinas for several years, such is their versatility for any occasion. I love to pair mine with summer dresses or with skinny jeans, a black top and a bright red clutch bag. It's a look that's chic, casual and comfortable - ideal for a work night out or a party with the girls. The great thing about animal print ballerinas is that you really have to work to make them look trashy. It's the perfect opportunity to get wild with your look without going over the top.

These gorgeous Jimmy Choo leopard-print pony and patent-leather ballet flats are at the top of my list for the summer.

 

I also love these dainty ballerinas from Cruise. The delicate little rope bow adds a subtle frill that can be mirrored with a black bow blouse.

I think I am going to get an new pair soon! Will you do the same?

Brit Chic

Following the buzz of patriotism from this year’s Jubilee celebrations and the slightly uncharacteristic surge of national feeling which culminated in last night’s Olympic closing ceremony, it seems only natural than this autumn fashion is paying homage to British country cool. With tweed, chunky knits, tartan and trench coats dominating collections, I feel it’s time to embrace a little bit of this patriotism into my winter wardrobe.
Naturally Burberry Prorsum championed the trend with tweed takes on their classic trenches, tweed pencil skirts and the obligatory quirky British edge in leather accessories in both the traditional darker shades, and bright sunshine yellow.

For a touch of sunshine in my own winter wardrobe I plan to go to Theyskens’ Theory and this warm, mustard-y knitted jumper.

If you fancy stepping up the look, pairing a chunky Brit-style knit like this with leather skinny jeans like these below, from Gucci, will give a rock’n’roll edge to the ensemble.

For a touch of tweed, Paul & Joe Sister have the answer with this mini skirt in green, cream and metallic-lined black.

Pair with a cream blouse or fine knit for on trend work-wear, alternatively, keep warm the way the country set do, in one of this autumn’s gilets. This red and black checked felt vest from Marni is a winner.

With leather trim, it is quilted in feather down to keep you snug as anything throughout the cold season. To finish off any rustic chic look, a pair of chelsea boots will always do the trick. This pair from Opening Ceremony are top of my wishlist. Whether for country pursuits or stalking London streets, they definitely tick all my boxes!

Aisha

www.trisori.com

OTT On the Thames

 

I still trek home every time I want to get my hair coloured as I've never found anywhere in London that does it as well as my faithfull lebanese hairdresser Elio Giorgio, who has now set up and is running a successful salon in Bourne End a good ten years after I first had him cut my hair . To ease the pain of demanding to be driven there to do my roots, I suggested that we all have lunch at OTT - this time an acronym for On the Thames - afterwards. With the weather being sunny and the prospect of being able to get a table outside on the terrace to overlook all the boats in the Thames and all the other sailors in the water that day it was agreed.
  

 The outing started badly when my hair appointment over-ran and took a while longer (by that I mean an hour) than usual. By this time I was rather impatient as I'm not too good at sitting still and was longing to be soaking up the sun which hasn't made much of an appearance this year. Luckily though, when I arrived, cold sauvignon blanc was waiting for me accompanied by the breads and dips - baba ganoush, pesto, hummous, tomato and I had been sent the menu to pre-order my food.

As well as a la carte menu, there is a 'Thames menu' presumably for sitting outside on the terrace which is pretty much the same as the lunchtime menu. There's much similiarity in the style of cooking across all of the menus, which could be described as 'modern mediterranean'. Starters were all the kind of things that we wanted whilst admiring the view - light, fresh and tasty dishes: smoked salmon roulades, chicken ceaser salads etc.

 

Mains were more substantial with chicken braised in white wine, muchrooms & onions with mustard mash, or pan fried sea bream on a bed of potatoes, asparagus beans and salad then a baked cheesey mushroom on pak choi as a vegetarian option and a more filling cajun pork tenderloin with chorizo and black pudding on crushed new potatoes and baby onions.

 

There's a set price for two courses at £9.95 and a supplement of £4.95 if you want a pudding or cheese course. I tried both - being greedy and also having not indugled quite so much in the breads and chutneys. The cheese came with two large slabs each of both brie and stilton and a wonderful fig and prune chutney to enjoy with the crackers. I preferred this to the cherry tart with dark chocolate and marshmallows, ice cream and berries, which was rather sweet and I had hoped would come with more cherries and fresher ones rather than the glace variety. Nice if you like sweet desserts but not really one for us.

 

If you find yourself around this part of the world and are looking for somewhere to have lunch, supper or soon breakfast, then this is a good option for a lazy meal and a drink. Just sit back, order, enjoy and relax! 

www.ottrestaurant.co.uk and 01628 531111 for bookings. Although be warned you can't book a table outside.  Get there early and book a table inside to be on the safe side.

www.trisori.com

Love of the week: Tarots reading

I have to say that the Italian Vogue really surprised me. I discovered the Tarots section.

 A wonderful collection of tarots illustrations, so pretty that I would love to print them all!

You can ask any question you like about love, money, the future. It’s fun… and I hope it’s true too!

Go to: http://www.vogue.it/magazine/tarocchi?step=3&cat=3&que=3 and try it!

Baroque'n'Roll

One of the biggest trends for the upcoming Autumn/Winter season is all about the dark, dramatic grandeur of Baroque inspired glamour. The hottest pieces are heavy with embroidery, embellishment and trim, styled with oversized jewels and played down with a rock’n’roll edge.
Championing the trend are the Italian duo Dolce & Gabbana with their tapestry inspired prints, sheer blouses and OTT jewels.



Keeping the look from appearing sickly sweet, models at the a/w12 Milan show wore black leather boots and knee-high semi-sheer stockings. The perfect foil to all those cherubs and lacy trim.
Bring a touch of baroque glamour to your wardrobe this winter with this cape from Collete by Collette Dinnigan.

Play off the the detailed embroidery and regal embossed buttons by pairing with dark leather skinnies. Perfect for bringing out a touch of gothic glamour.
Alternatively, liven up your winter workwear by incorporating these jacquard Stella McCartney trousers.

In a flattering tapered cut and lapis lazuli blue, a simple white shirt and leather jacket will make the intricate tapestry-esque pattern pop. Complete the look with oversized jewellery. Try Trisori’s Secrets earrings with opaque light blue chalcedony stones and gold plating to finish off an enviously on trend ensemble.

Aisha
www.trisori.com

Archer St

I've been meaning to check out Archer St for while - it's had a bit of press and it's just around the corner from work. Partly as I hadn't actually walked past it and not going out as much as I used to, I hadn't manged to visit yet. So I was pleased when a couple of friends from work had their leaving drinks there this week giving me good reason to go.

It looks really pretty - especially the upstairs area appeals to me and is just my kind of taste in decor - pale,sophisticated and airy looking, but there was a strong smell of mojitos - rum mingled with mint which was slightly nauseating. Nevertheless, I didn't let that put me off to stay for a couple.

Downstairs seems to be the area for groups and celebrations - bigger and darker than upstairs, it's probably where people get more stuck in. There are a couple of cubby hole booths where you can actually squeeze quite a few people in and bigger more open lounge zones. Upstairs it's more armchairs, pale grey and little metal tables for 'civilised drinks'.

Despite there not being that  many people at the bar there was a long queue to get drinks and they seemed to pour out pitchers and prepare glasses with ice, which then didn't seem to go anywhere before they served us anyway. The drinks aren't cheap either at £5 a bottle of beer and evne more for wine.

I'll go back to check out the upstairs area and I might just have found somewhere I like to hang out for after work drinks. Only the one oor two though...

Archer Street, 3-4 Archer Street • South Soho • London • W1D 7AP
Table Bookings & Special Events + 44 207 734 3342 –
http://archerstreet.co.uk/

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