The first thing I noticed about Lulu Guinness when I met her at her press day recently, was her red lips. Granted she had just refreshed them with a lick of bright red lipstick, but still, they’ve been at the forefront of her signature style for a long time. So there was nothing more pleasing than strolling around her Fall/Winter 13 collection noting that she takes those lips very seriously.

There were decorative retro plastic lips hanging from the ceiling, vases of lips on stems displayed like lillies, but best of all there were lip motifs adorning bags and accessories for as far as the eye could see.

Here are a couple for my wish list this week.

First up the perspex lip clutches. The perfect quirky accessory for the next dull black tie event you have to attend.

Sticking with the evening theme, the Fifi clutch comes in all sorts of textures with a cute lip closure clasp.

The ‘lips as a clasp’ theme carries on through to daytime totes with these babies making it to my wish list.

As always there’s an accessory or two to crave if the bag investment is a paycheck too far for you.

And the good news is that the Lulu Guinness creative genius doesn’t just stop with the lips. For Fall get set for animal prints and cat’s eyes, as well as an updated take on the delightful doll face collection with a Gatsby meets Betty Boo art deco slant.

The post Wednesday’s Wish List…Lulu Guinness bags appeared first on Lobler and Delaney.

The mono trend for summer will have all those colour phobic types out there breathing a sigh of relief. If you’re not one of those brave soles who loves to flash the fluro or parade your pastels, the easy option this season is plain old black and white.

You can work your monochrome in any manner of styles. From 60′s inspired geometrics to bold stripes or even colour blocking. Think old school Chanel for that perfect measure of style versus sass.

Try this Michael Kors stretch wool crepe dress for the perfect office appropriate piece, which has the added bonus of the magical powers of colour blocking. Yes, you can go and have that blow out girly lunch and eat real actual carbs by day, as all bloating issues will be ingeniously seemingly air brushed away by the clever panneling cut on this piece.

Maje’s striped woven mini embraces the massive stripe trend which is everywhere this year. This piece is pefect for anyone struggling with body issues like a pear shape. The vertical stripes on the top half of the mini will play up a slender upper body (which most of us cursed with a pear shape are lucky enough to have), whilst the chevron effect of the skirt gives you a slimline illusion that I, for one, am all over. Any help I can get to slim down my fat bits is a welcome addition to my wardrobe. I’m also loving the leather trim on this dress – very this season and next.

For the same effect but on a far more enticing budget, Topshop has come up trumps with this number.

If figure flattery is your raison d’etre this summer, you can’t go far wrong with a Missoni. These guys have been punting out beautiful wearable pieces for years. Whilst I’m not always taken with their colour ways, when it comes to monochrome, what’s not to love about this zig-zag crochet knit gown. It can work any number of events, from a spring benefit to a wedding when paired with metallic heels and a clutch. Or bring on the casual vibe by pairing with sparkly flip flops and a straw tote for an amble along the boardwalk or a stroll around the stores in The Hamptons.

If sporty chic is more your bag, try these Michael Kors skinny cargo pants, pair with an edgy Helmut Lang top and a Karl Lagerfeld varsity jacket, for the perfect brunch beatnik look.

If you fancy a bit more bling in your monochrome, try some embellishment in the form of swarovski crystals, like on these cute Giuseppe Zanotti slippers. The slipper shoe is big for fall too, so any investment now is a win win when it comes to these cuties.

You can also work the look with a clutch, like this oversized bag from Topshop.

If all this talk of monochrome has got you itching to shop click below.

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As promised, here’s a few more pics of what’s on offer at the Summers Place Auction next week. Earlier in the week I gave you an insiders nose around the fab art installation by acclaimed watercolour artist Alexander Creswell which is running this weekend.

The actual auction runs May 21st – live auction, and May 23rd – sealed bid auction. So the good news is, if you fancy a few pieces but can’t make it on the 21st, you can always pop your sealed bid in online or via email.

I’m currently torn between a couple of boss eyed stone lions that have the whole Clarence the cross eyed lion from Daktari vibe going on, or a fish made out of car parts….decisions, decisions.

The post Summers Place Auction: More pics… appeared first on Lobler and Delaney.

It’s time to roll out the neons for your OOTD this weekend. Start with one bright item and layer your neutrals on top, so as not to end up looking like a victim of the Eurovision Song Contest wardrobe department. Don’t get me wrong I love a blast of 80′s neon as much as the next girl, but this season’s take on the trend is less about the glare, and more about the glam.

For where to shop click here.

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This week I took time out to pop into my local auction house Summers Place, which is undergoing final prep for their upcoming auction next week. This preview was one with a twist, as acclaimed watercolour artist Alexander Creswell has collaborated with the presitigious auction house to show facsimiles of his best ground-breaking large-scale watercolours in an exciting installation amongst the auction items.

The great thing about seeing his art in this space is that it gives you a chance to appreciate the sheer enormity of the pieces. They are hung in an enticing format creating corridors which lead you through the vast showspace like an old school maze.

Alexander Creswell talking through his installation.

Summers Place has a number of awesome pieces up for grabs on May 21st and 23rd. From authentic London street signs, right through to garden sculptures from the sublime to the bizarre. It’s definitely worth a peek and most certainly worth a punt – some of the street signs are from Westminster and are available for sale via sealed bids at quite sensible starting prices. Let’s face it, who doesn’t need a signpost to Edgware Road or the nearest municipal WC in their home?

I pottered around taking oodles of pics so will post a slideshow in a couple of days, but for further info on the forthcoming sale click here. For further info on the very talented Alexander Creswell click here.

The post Notes from a Stylist previews the Summers Place Auction appeared first on Lobler and Delaney.

This week on my wish list it’s time to stalk some statement necklaces.

You know when you’re having one of those anti fashion kind of days, when all you can muster is a pair of boyfriend jeans and a plain white tee? That’s me today. I’ve had my head in photoshop for so long perking up all the beautiful pics from the recent Jimmy Choo and Browns Fashion event, that my fashion mojo seems to have fizzled out.

The only solution to such a heinous situation is to smack those senses around with a bit of bling. I’ll try and steer clear of the usual suspects for statement bling like Lanvin and Marni, which are perennially on my wish list, because I can only just about afford those things in the sales at the best of times.

First up on my wishlist is this knockout number from Sveva Collections available at Calypso St Barth. A punchy little piece which would immediately perk up my tired old BF jeans. Kind of high end at $495 though, so perhaps not the sort of thing that would immediately perk up my tired old bank balance.

A little closer to ‘reality check’ territory is this zesty piece from Ily Couture. I love this site – it’s all about bigging up the style with no excuses for lame colours. It’s bright and brash and this chandelier necklace in lime at $49 is a no brainer.

“Bigger is better” I hear you cry. No problem – from the same company meet the Caprisse. When sparkles meet turquoise baubles at a whopping 20″ length and at a mere $65, it’s no wonder this baby is on back order.

For a less lumpy look, why not opt for a bit of shimmer like this Tatty Devine radiance shimmer necklace at Selfridges for a not to be sniffed at £90.

So, does a statement necklace always have to be about the brights? Well actually, this season, that’s a big fat no. What with the monochrome trend going on and the usual mad dash for whites for the summer season, a girl could certainly think about some bling in a neutral and still hold her head up high.

Take a gander at this beautfiul Kelly collar necklace ($450) from native New Yorker Gerard Yosca. This guy has been in the jewelry game for over 25 years, so he knows a thing or two about what us punters want. This piece is gunmetal, swarovski crystals and hand-cut glass stones. Perfect with any white linens you plan to pop on for that first vacation cocktail.

The other thing about statement necklaces that bothers some people, is the sheer weight of them. It’s all very well rocking the latest extra large look but sooner or later your neck is not going to thank you for it. Luckily, there’s also a slimline version of the trend which could work equally well if you’re trying to avoid any Arnie Schwarzenegger bulging neck side effects.

I love the Turchese necklace by Rada ($325). Just enough bedazzling mixed with beading to give the trend a nod.

For more affordable high street prices check out J.Crew (who, by chance, have just started a huge promotional assault on the UK ahead of their first shop opening here later this year in London.)

Topshop,

Mango,

& Other Stories

Zara

The post Wednesday’s Wish List…The Statement Necklace appeared first on Lobler and Delaney.

For this week’s trends post I’m calling in the big hitters – or at least the fabulous team of Browns Fashion, Jimmy Choo and Vogue’s Emily Zak who presented an edit of pre fall trends last week at the delightful women only club, Grace Belgravia.

Amidst luxurious surroundings in a double vaulted salon we were treated to a concise spin through what’s ahead for the latter part of the summer. So huddle up and take a peek.

First up we are talking girly glamour. Forget that old rule about not wearing red on the red carpet. This stretch knit dress from Valentino, paired with these red Farah Jimmy Choo heels are a win win.

For the perfect Ascot dress look no further than this lace detailed Giambattista Valli cotton and silk-organza dress. Perfectly paired with a neat pop of colour from the Cosma clutch in red and raspberry. Lace is big for spring, opt for a neutral hue and you can transition it through to Fall.

If you’re still young enough to work the biker chic look, why not road test the Elin Kling X Guess leather pants. Pair with a neon cross body bag like the Rebel from Jimmy Choo and you have downtown chic covered for the summer. If the leather option is off the agenda, opt for the cross body bag and you’ve still scored an on trend look of the season.

To nail a couple of trends in one hit this season, pair your lace top (this one is Balenciaga,) with a black skirt like this Azzedine Alaia beauty and you have the ladylike look as well as the monochrome trend sorted.

Alaia skirt and Jimmy Choo Cloud clutch

With Pre Fall in mind, monochrome is a must. This time around think drapey silhouettes and tapered pants, like this Lanvin top.

The one shoulder cocktail dress is a wardrobe keeper.

Whilst cut out details and sheer panels are the new way to go for a seductive take on date night.

Collar details and embellishment are still in the mix. I’m loving the preppy vibe of this Altuzarra sleeveless number paired with a Christopher Kane cotton pencil skirt, which has office appropriate written all over it.

Roksanda Ilincic top

If a nipped in waist is your summer fitness aim, aid your workout weary body with a drawstring neutral top like this Azzedine Alaia number – this guy needs to be in the Hall of Fame for body con services to womankind.

Finally for the young at heart or those who are still able to rock it with attitude, (step down anyone over 40)….think shimmer….the Ashish mini dress

The animal print number,  (I’ve never seen so much animal print out there for Fall)…invest early on to keep ahead of the fash pack. This Stella McCartney one can be worn as a mini if you have youth on your side, or as a tunic if you’re intent on working your Bet Lynch vibe….seriously, if you understand that connection this piece as a mini dress is not for you.

Finally, the street style anti-fashion look, which is all about not really caring about the first 3/4 of this post anyway. So if you’ve got this far, I’m guessing this is one for your daughters.

Dolce & Gabbana woven raffia mesh skirt

Christopher Kane rose print cotton t-shirt

Jimmy Choo sneakers

My thanks to Jimmy Choo for the event, Browns Fashion for a peek at their pre-fall pieces, Vogue’s Emily Zak for her ‘insider’ edit, and Grace Belgravia for the delightful setting.

The post Tuesday’s Trends…The Browns Fashion/ Jimmy Choo edit appeared first on Lobler and Delaney.

Wondering when it’s time to break out those pins this spring? Try a tweed mini for that perfect transitional piece. Warm enough to keep you comfortable in this changeable weather, yet still working it in the trend stakes.

This cute Carven mini has me coming over all pastel and ladylike. Texture is the ticket on your mini’s this spring. Think tweed, jacquard, quilted or lace for starters. Once the weather warms up switch up the vamp factor and opt for opalescant or embellished fabrics.

For where to shop click here.

The post What to Wear this Week…OOTD appeared first on Lobler and Delaney.

It’s not often I get distracted from the day job…that of 24/7 fashion obsessing obvs! But this weekend I’ve turned my garden over to a charity Secret Garden event raising money for our local village in the beautiful Surrey Hills.

It’s fair to say it’s been a struggle to juggle the mani and gardening glove regime. At last weeks Jimmy Choo event my homemade Essie mani looked sorrowful next to the lovely lady I sat next to, who had just had her mini mani in the exact same mushroom colour as mine. But hey, it’s for charity right? So it’s time to suck it up and change perspective…and you know what? It’s been quite refreshing.

Forget waiting for a Spring preview…this is the kind of Spring preview I’m watching…

A front row seat here has a whole different vibe…

Instead of stalking the runways – I’m weeding the pathways…

And the only chic chicks around aren’t very talkative…

The only spring pastels I’ve been working with are these…

Whilst the Summer’s brights trend is looking a little more like this rather than a bright pop of colour in an accessory…

My 3.1 Phillip Lim tote has been ditched for this baby…

But on the plus side CKB Lifestyle are here with a pop up shop which keeps my shopaholic tendencies satiated for the weekend.

The post Notes from a Stylist works a Charity Secret Garden appeared first on Lobler and Delaney.

If you’re wondering how to work this summer’s sporty chic vibe for your OOTD, why not start your assault with a basic tapered pant.

I’m loving these Chloe striped pants which have just enough sass to keep a girl’s street cred in tact.

Pair with an equally relaxed bomber jacket – to be honest it’s a relief to see something other than a biker jacket out there. Throw on a pair of wedges and shazam, all of a sudden you have the look licked.

For where to shop click here.

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