Christopher Bailey Does Burberry to Perfection

Buberry just finished showing at London Fashion Week, and I want it all! Christopher Bailey is a genius when it comes to tailoring coats and adding the right details.

Tall, thigh high boots were on almost all of the models. So, after the summer is over, keep those legs in shape because these boots are hot! Ankle boots were also featured. The coolest part? Shearling on the inside! Trade these shearling lined boots for your beat up Uggs. The handbags also stood out with stud detailing.

Now, for the main attraction, what Burberry is know for: The coats! The collection definitely had a military chic appeal. The collars were emphasized and leather straps with buckles, zippers and military buttons gave the coats just the right amount of detail while still remaining classic. Shearling was all over the place and a few rich brown fur coats were shown.

The coat colors were mostly military green, browns and navy. However, there was a bright blue double breasted coat that really popped.

Ruched dresses, shredded chiffon dresses, and slim skirts in navy, mustard yellow and a berry/plum stood out for the deep colors. The dresses and skirts did have a longer hem, keeping with what we saw in New York.

You cannot go wrong with any piece from this collection. Bravo, Bailey.

Photos from AP/Alastair Grant

"The Naughty Debutante" From Paul Smith

"The naughty debutante," is what inspired Paul Smith for his Autumn/Winter collection. Take a little English countryside and mix it will some rock and roll and you'll get Paul Smith.



The show featured tweed, wool, capes, and a few pieces with a retro-vintage feel. Colors were all over the place: from dark browns and blacks to lime green and bright red.



There were also some sophisticated pieces, like a standard little black dress and a taupe floral, one shoulder dress. Though, they were paired with fishnet stockings for a bit more edge. This is an easy and inexpensive was to update an outfit for next fall/winter. Also, pick up a tweed coat that can be worn day after day to stay in style.



Photos from AP/Alastair Grant

Erdem: Fabulous Floral Prints

Just after Rodarte showed their Fall/Winter collection at New York Fashion Week, everyone proclaimed it was the best show of the week.

This week, in London, it seems as if everyone is going gaga for Erdem. While I didn't quite get the Rodarte love, I do get the Erdem love.



Erdem Moralioglu chose the Senate House to host his Autumn/Winter collection. The beautiful space was awe inspiring, yet a little tricky for the models. The staircase the models walked down was dramatic, but did cause a few wobbles.

Erdem was full of dark, floral prints. The floral prints were not girly or too spring. The dark colors and abstractness allowed the floral to transform to a fall print. A variety of silhouettes were seen, so there is a cut for everyone. Plus, fun, funky boots were on feet.



Unique for Topshop took the outdoorsy theme seriously, showing antlers and wild fur. Erdem is a quiet forest or field. Look for this theme come fall.

Photo from Modesta Dziautaite

Hello 80's! House of Holland

House of Holland showed a very 80's inspired collection during London Fashion Week.

Models wore very high pony tails, wrapped in colorful bandannas, large earrings and necklaces, and colored tights. The collection was mostly black, teal, pink and purple with plenty of texture and a multitude of patterns, including paisley.

House of Holland is good for the younger set. The styling makes it look not as sophisticated as other lines. However, you can still incorporate some of the ideas in your own looks. Pairing a teal (or purple or pink) top with a black coat or scarf allows you to use the color palette of House of Holland. Or you could wear a bandanna printed scarf to add that pattern to your look without it being overpowering.

Photos from AP/Alastair Grant

Vivienne Westwood: Stop Buying Clothes

Vivienne Westwood showed her Red Label collection at London Fashion Week, and then told the press that she would like people to stop buying clothes and end consumerism.

Besides showing her own designs, Westwood featured models in Naomi Campbell's t-shirts to raise awareness and money for women in Haiti. She often uses the runway to convey messages. In the past she has tried to raise global warming awareness.

Westwood stayed true to herself and showed unexpected color and pattern combinations. For example, pink and mustard and tartan and polka dots were seen on the runway. This is a fun and exciting trend that anyone can experiment with.

There was a more conservative pink tartan draped dress that is so perfect for the season. Also, metallics were shown, just as many designers did in New York.

Photos from AP/Alastair Grant

Plus Sized Models at London Fashion Week

Mark Fast used plus sized models for his show at London Fashion Week. Plus sized being a US size 10. At least it is a start!




Photos from AFP/Ben Stansall