Jeff Koons for Target?

We're not always crazy about celeb-fashion hookups but we hear that Target is collaborating with contemporary artists for a new spin on the idea. Jeff Koons and Ed Ruscha beach towels? How random, but how cool!

Pic: Works On Whatever

Warm Up Act

Sweet baby Jesus, what in the world is up with the weather at the mo? Snow in October...are you crazy? When last night's impromptu blizzard took us by surprise, we wished we could have been wearing these natty boots that we spotted last week at the Burton press preview. The snowboarding boots come equipped with special Therm-ic heatpacks which can toast your tootsies up to 104° - like an electric blanket for your feet. How genius! Now if only Gucci could incorporate that technology into their studded shoe-boots ...

Bedtime Stories

When you're a celeb teen off-spring and pretty with it, you can more or less do what you want. Shoplifting, nudity, even marriage - anything goes, rules simply cease to exist. Which is how daughter-of-Sting, Coco Sumner came to be found wearing a ratty old PJ top over her Christophe Decarnin for Balmain dress at a recent launch. Sacrilege! With typical teen insouciance she protested, "It's not a fashion statement. I just saw it as I was leaving and thought it looked really comfy. And it is - plus I can put my Blackberry in the pocket!" We know pyjama-dressing has been pencilled in on the trend-o-meter for next season but this is ridiculous.

Halloween Queens

This Halloween competition at Lady Luck Rules OK is really killing us! It's a bit too late to enter now (sorry!) unless you're extremely quick but the competition was to describe your Halloween outfit in detail to win this amazing one-off dress. If you're going to a fancy dress party and can't get inspired, click on the link for some totally off-the-wall-ideas. They certainly put our 'ghoulish' bedsheets and half-arsed Michael Jackson 'Thriller' impressions to shame.

Too lazy to click? Here are some examples:
"This year I plan to dress as a decadently deceased Victorian opium addict. Black lace corset, ruffled layed skirts, feather and pearl fascinator and lace up vintage boots. My pale complexion will be off set by my wine coloured lip stick and deep purple and black shadowed eye sockets. As I stumble around, misty eyed, my words slurred my extra long fake lashes batting at anyone who looks like they can help, my wrists will jingle with vintage reclamation and steam punk bangles and chains, my various trophies from previous.....ahem.....conquests......Fingers heavy with silver and pearl rings, that match my velvet and silver choker, making me look unhealthily pale, I shall sip absinthe in the after life, hoping some day I might taste the smog of London in my lungs once more........"

" This Halloween I plan to dress as Alfred Hitchcocks finest and most glamorous character..Melanie Daniels, played by Tippi Hedren. But in true Halloween style I'm not just going to glam it up in her Jackie o style suits, I'm going to be Melanie post a good pecking. With one eyeball missing and chunks of flesh and clothing missing and a few nasty birds attached to me for good measure. My boyfriend is going as one of the evil evil birds!!!! Bring on the charity shop shopping, crafty Bird making and gallons of fake blood!"

"I'm going to go out this halloween dressed as one of the living dead 1950s housewives, complete with mouldy headscarf and fake slugs eating my arm. I'm also planning on creating some kinda crumbling hoover out of chicken wire to add to my awesome outfit!"

Happy Halloween y'all!

A jangle of bangles

Statement neckwear is so this season it's not even funny! If you haven't got a scarf-necklace yet (or a 'nerf' as it's been christened), try a bracelet-necklace instead. Make your own Dries Van Noten-inspired bracelet-necklace by stringing the biggest bangles you can find onto a length of velvet ribbon.

We still love Alexa

"Sometimes I open a bag and it’s full of diamanté jeans Victoria Beckham would love, and I think: “Why do you hate me?”

Poor Alexa Chung is being slated for her interview in this week's Times. Don't these people realise she's half joking? Duh. We still love you Alexa.

Klever Karl

That Karl Lagerfeld, is there no stopping him? (That's a rhetorical question obviously.) His latest creation is Kapsule, a new trio of fragrances launching in Europe this month and America at the end of next month. Buy it at Colette now.

Navaz talks fashion on The Asian Network

Navaz spent an hour talking all things fashion with DJ Nihal live on The Asian Network radio show yesterday as their Style Guru. After some idle chit-chat about the imminent opening of the Westfield shopping centre (literally round the corner from The Asian Network's BBC studios - it's going to be the biggest mall in Europe!), talk turned to fashion advice. Responding to emails from the public, Navaz and Nihal discussed everything from mens office-wear to statement heels.

Q: What's the key trend that women are wearing right now?
A: It's all about dressing from the bottom up, so that means statement shoes. Designers have gone for grown-up, glamorous dressing so a high heel is essential. Women love high heels because they make us more aware of our posture and our presence.

Q: What are your tips for dressing up for a night out?
A: The temptation is to buy an entirely new outfit but I think that's a no-no because you can end up looking like Victoria Beckham - stiff and uncomfortable. Far better to mix something new with an old favourite which inevitably has a bit more personality to it.

Q: I'm pear shaped and 5'2". What can I wear to look taller and sexy? I don't like heels.
A: That's actually a very common shape. If you're fuller around the hips and thighs, wear lighter colours on your top half. Tailored blazers that end just above the hips will balance your proportions but avoid cropped jackets (and tops) that end at your widest part. A heel will inevitably make you look taller but if you don't care for high heels just try a one or two-inch heel instead. If you prefer trousers to skirts, a boot cut will even out your proportions.

Q: I love wedges, are they sill in?
A: Wedges have had a good run but recently given way to high-heeled platforms in the popularity stakes. That's not to say you can't wear them, just that they aren't so widely available in the shops. The great thing about a wedge is it's more comfortable and easier to wear than a spindly stiletto.

Q: How can a guy look smart for work without wearing a suit?
A: Lose the jacket. Go for a perfectly-fitting slim-cut shirt and a skinny tie. It's a sharp Reservoir Dogs look that's not as stuffy as a suit.

Listen to the show here (it's three hours long so zoom ahead to 2.25):
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00dxxxs

Psst...

Talk about perks of the job, we hear that Asos shoes are test-driven by the Asos team after they've been photographed. Lucky things! If we worked for Asos, we'd be leaping at the chance to test drive these lovelies:

On our radar: Lily Collins

We are super-intrigued by nineteen-year-old Nickelodeon presenter, broadcast journalism student, sometime model and daughter-of-Phil, Lily Collins. We love her uncanny old-lady style (seriously, she dresses like a sixty year old... but in a good way) - pearls, blouses, pleated skirts etc and her blog. She's so nice! Can she be for real? She's also just had an interview published in the October US CosmoGIRL! with Scarlett Johansson. Just as well it came out this month as we just got news that CosmoGIRL! is folding. NOOOOO! Not another teen mag down the dumper!

Pic: Whowhatweardaily.com

Trend alert: Cardigans

There's no mistaking that nip in the air. Despite the hazy sunshine we're feeling the chill and that means...cardigans! But the humble cardi has had a makeover. Instead of being a mere afterthought, this time around it's a firm fashion favourite in its own right. Three ways to wear:
*Layer two clashing-coloured V-necks together - one shrunken and buttoned-up, the other boyfriend-sized and worn unbuttoned on top with sleeves pushed up.
*Make like a lady and wear your fine-knit cardi cape-style draped around the shoulders. Accessorise with wrist-length gloves and a grown-up handbag.
*Soften a rudeboy jeans-and-button-down-shirt outfit with a girly cardigan. Try the new Commes Des Garcons for H&M fitted spotty ones due to arrive on 13th November. Add a bow tie or old school specs for added sweet-geek charm.

This week we're loving...

...models on magazine covers. Move over celebs, your time is up! This month Elle has Karolina Kurkova, Harper's Bazaar has Stephanie Seymour and Vogue has a trio of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Jourdan Dunn and Eden Clark. Keep 'em coming please editors!

London Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2009 - The Highlights

The accessories
Tatty Devine's winged boots at Ashish, Eley Kishimoto's trippy tights, Basso & Brooke's outsized hairpins



Margaret Howell
Front row seat, model-of-the-moment Jourdan Dunn in action, mini-packed lunches in the goody bags


Ashish
Badge-laden boilersuits and sequin trousers


TopShop Unique
Thank God they've given up the conceptual stuff and gone mainstream


Feathers website launch
Fabulous food (and cocktails), being serenaded by Jackson Scott's band, the humungous goody bag (esp the Linda Farrow sunnies!)

The cameraderie
If you're really desperate to get into a show, you can rely on a sympathetic fashion editor to sneak you in on their ticket. They're not all bitches you know...

The weather
Blazing sunshine all week long - yay!

The Fashion Week Daily newspaper
Our daily fix of serious fashion news and irreverent silliness


Yummy catering at the TopShop venue
Shepherds pie and champagne...mmmm


Lipstick
Matte and red at nearly every show...and on Georgia Jagger


Bows
On everything, especially heads




The Mulberry presentation
No scrum, no waiting, just a great show, some tasty nibbles and a wall bedecked in rosettes!


Sessilee Lopez at Basso & Brooke
Check out her blog for more pics!


[Pics]
Style Bubble -Eley Kishimoto
Style.com - Basso & Brooke hairpin, Ashish, Topshop Unique
All others, Donna & Navaz

London Fashion Week - The Blaggers' Guide

London Fashion Week starts on Sunday and we are all geared up for battle. Yes, it can be a tough old time what with competition for tickets, seats and goody bags but hey, we're old pros so we've compiled this 'fashion week for dummies' guide to surviving the event. Unless you're top of the masthead at one of the glossies, chances are you won't get a ticket to every show. And chances are also that the shows you really want to see (Luella, PPQ, Charles Anastase) will be hugely oversubscribed. So you'll need a bit of 'show smarts' about you to navigate the complex code of blagging the tents. Here's how:

1. Dress the part. It's naff to 'dress up' for fashion week but you should make some effort. Try a couple of under-the-radar trends but leave the Mulberry or Chloe It bag at home. If on the other hand, you want to be photographed for a streetstyle blog, Elle or The London Paper then make sure you pile on the plaid, some ridiculously ugly 6-inch statement heels or an outlandish cape by one of the off-schedule designers.

2. Make sure you have your fashion week kit with you at all times. Said kit should contain: A) A large folder or envelope to be hugged self-importantly to your chest as you approach the entrance to a show. If you're an assistant at one of the big 'books' (Elle, Vogue, Harper's), make sure you write the magazine's name in big letters on the envelope/folder. Hell, why not write it anyway? B) A bottle of Tippex and several packets of coloured star and dot stickers of various sizes - essential for upgrading those pesky 'standing' tickets and thus bypassing the 'standing' (read: losers) queue.

3. Even if you don't have tickets for all the shows, make sure you go to the first show on each day. As long as you go to the first one you can usually tag along with the crowd and get into the next show...and the next...and the next.

4. The courtesy bus is your saviour, make sure you get on it. No on-schedule show will start until the key press and buyers are there and chances are, they'll be on the bus. If you're on it too you, can bundle in with them.

5. Be brave! Don't be shy, literally hang on to the coat tails of whichever fashion VIP is in front of you. Back in the day, we blagged into many an Alexander McQueen show on the coat tails of Michael Roberts, Andre Leon Talley and Hamish Bowles (not all at the same time). What fun! And they didn't mind one bit.

6. DON'T make eye contact with the security. At the crucial point of passing the gatekeepers, keep eyes focussed straight ahead, hug your envelope to you, plus a folded piece of A4 paper (it could be a ticket. A very thin one...) and clamp your phone to your ear. Have an imaginary conversation if you can do it convincingly. Don some dark glasses if you need an extra fashionista prop.

7. The key to blagging is safety in numbers so always bunk in under cover of a crowd or a friend with a legitimate ticket. Once inside, march in with a purpose and head straight to the back row.

8. Stealing seats is naughty. But if the show is about to start and there are empty seats in the back rows then take them. (Tip: the view is often better at the back and you'll get out quicker too. Granted, you won't be within gawping distance of Kelly Osborne but hey, you can't have everything.)

9. If by some fluke you find yourself sat next to a celeb, it's not cool to get your cell phone out and start snapping. Play the aloof card and let the photographers wonder who you are.

10. Seen a lone goody bag? By all means grab it if it's going spare but don't start raking through the contents there and then. Tacky! Take the whole thing or leave it for someone else. Do you really need another bottle of water and lipgloss anyway?

[Pic: The Sartorialist]

New season, New Shoes

A new school year means new books shoes! So here's our breakdown on what's new on the footwear front and how to wear them...

Plat-stilettos
These platform-stiletto hybrids (below at Luella) don't exactly float our boat but they're clearly here to stay a while. We can just about abide them with above-the-knee skirts and opaque tights to de-tartify them and if you really want to push the boat out, add contrasting ankle socks for extra pizzazz.

Loafers
We're loving the newly revived loafer trend, especially worn with straight, narrow and preferably ankle-skimming pants. If you're wearing them with skirts or dresses keep the length short and add thick grey tights to the mix.

Cuban heel boots
These are still under the radar but starting to be seen on the streets of East London. Alison Mosshart works her gold ones with skinnier-than-a-latte rock chick jeans.

Riding boots
Alexa Chung works them with cut-off denim shorts but in the real world we like them with tucked-in jodhpurs or skinny jeans and a fairisle sweater atop a pie-crust collar blouse a la Lady Di at Balmoral circa 1981.

Stack heeled boots
Our old seventies favourites are back as a second-time-around trend. Oasis has gone for them in a big way...wear with calf-length flared skirts, a tight sweater and a smart lady-bag (Hermes Constance if your mummy's loaded, Coach by way of Ebay if not).

High heeled Dr Martens
Just...don't.

Katlin asks...

The following question came from Katlin:
"Is it okay to put your blog address on a resume, what are your thoughts on this? I've felt the urge to because I do think that it shows my knowledge of fashion and it's related parts and also shows what type of work I can produce, visually and written. It does have some semi-private things (like drinking, eek), but I try to keep most of that stuff off since everyone reads blogs these days!"

This is a really valid question and one we've been asked before. But the answer isn't straightforward. Blogs are personal and even the ones that are heavily fashion-centric usually have a bit of personal stuff in the mix, after all, that's what makes us relate to them. The problem is that resumes tend to be general and a bit of a shot in the dark - we rarely know the person who is going to read it, and so how do we know if they'll like or *get* our blog? Some people see it as a risk putting their blog on a resume as it's almost like letting someone see the real 'you' and of course, in a professional capacity, we don't always want people to see the real 'us'! And yet, having a blog is such a plus point, it's a shame not to share it.

I guess the happy medium is to treat each case separately. Think about who you're sending your resume to and if you're happy with your blog at that point in time. Really, you should be proud of your blog and if you're not maybe you need to snazz it up, update it more frequently or ask yourself if you're still committed to it. On the other hand, if you have no doubt that your blog is the best thing since Fashionista, then by all means make it public. At the end of the day, if you can't big yourself up on your resume, where can you?

Back to Black

Admittedly, when we first saw the new YSL black lip we gulped, ew, who's gonna wear that? But give it a few months and we're getting used to the idea. And we reckon it will become the cult look of the new season. Not surprisingly, YSL thinks so too, hence it's releasing its limited edition YSL Gloss Pur Black, a thick syrupy onyx-hued gloss without the merest hint of sparkle. Believe it, this is serious make-up. Pre-order it now or regret it forever.

What's on our radar this week: Monogramming

Much has been made of Miu Miu's leather initial pins that the models wore on the a/w catwalk. We want to wear our initials too! So we're thinking monogramming -sweaters, underwear, pyjamas. And while we're at it, why not luggage, notepaper and pillowcases? Towels! Wallets! Or a monogrammed hankie. Would it be cool to wear one in a T-shirt pocket? Or just wrong?

At last!

Just as the preppie-punk look reaches its tipping point we bring you the news that Urban Outfitters will be selling the original and best Bass Weejun loafers for autumn/winter. Perfect for teaming with plaid kilts, woolly tights and a boyfriend-sized stripy mohair sweater.

How to get started as a fashion journalist/editor

This comment came from 'Meagan' after Discotheque Confusion posted an interview with Navaz:

"As a regular reader of Discotheque Confusion, and a hopeful future editor, I was very excited to read your post. I'm 16, and living in Toronto. I currently volunteer at a local newspaper, blog, write for The Fashion Spot, and am applying to Ryerson University's journalism program (one of the best in North America, and the best in Canada). I was wondering if you could help me out with some questions I have?"

Meagan: I know you talked about this briefly in the interview, but what matters more, when it really comes down to it: Creative directing abilites, or writing skills? I haven't taken any art courses, but I certainly have an eye for styling, but I'm unable to design myself. However, my writing skills are very strong - but are they that relevant? I feel like without the art school cred, I'll go nowhere!

Navaz: Hi Meagan! Personally, I wouldn't get hung up on 'art school cred'. Experience is all when it comes to breaking into this industry and as you've no doubt heard, at the beginning it's who you know, not what you know, although skill and knowledge come into play once you're through that door. Is your blog nicely laid out? Brush up on your Photoshop skills to show off your talents. Even making a physical scrapbook can show that you have 'the eye', otherwise what do people go on? Having said that, your letter/email of introduction is your calling card and for that you need writing skills. The great thing about being a good writer is that you can use that skill to write an engaging first email to whoever you want to work for. That gives you the edge over the person who writes a bog standard email/letter (please don't forget to Spellcheck it).

I've realised over the years that the creative part of styling can actually be learnt although I'd never have thought so. But I've seen people who didn't have much of a clue learn to be creative almost by soaking up their surroundings. This isn't relevant to you as you're already creative but don't rest on those laurels as others can sneak up behind you! Also, until you've actually worked in a fashion closet you don't know if you'd really like the job of a stylist. You may in fact decide to be a fashion writer instead. A fashion writer still works on a magazine/newspaper but is based in the office all day researching and writing instead of schlepping suitcases around and attending PR showrooms. It sounds like you're doing everything right. Volunteering and blogging show passion, while The Fashion Spot is useful for making contacts. You're only 16, I think you've made a great start!

Meagan: Do you know of any other online resources that I could write for? I'm unconcerned with being paid, I just want to get published more!

Navaz: Fashion156.com is a UK online publication worth investigating but it's better to find local ones as you can get more involved. Try some underground Canadian magazines, they're sure to have websites that will need contributors.

Meagan: FASHION Magazine, one of the biggest fashion magazines in Canada, offers an unpaid internship program, with one term in the summer. Would it be wise to participate/apply for it, for next summer, before I go off to University? Do you have any other advice to offer as to how to impress someone at a big fashion magazine, and how to stand out from other applicants?

Navaz: It would definitely make sense to apply to Fashion Magazine. I always think it's worth calling up and speaking to a real live person before you email. That way you can ask all your questions and in your email you can mention the fact that you spoke to them. This makes you more memorable, plus it's human nature to want to reply to someone that sends you a personal email. I think it's worth calling now to ask when is the best time to apply for next summer. Timing can be crucial as some editors like to book people way in advance whereas others like to wait til nearer the time. If you know their preference you can apply accordingly. Don't forget to call a couple of days later to check the application was received. If you refer to a specific reason why you like their magazine ('I always read your 'spy' section'/ 'I love the denim feature you wrote in the current issue' etc) it shows you genuinely like that magazine as opposed to giving an 'I just need a job' vibe. Don't be afraid to suck up a bit, just don't sound fake!

Meagan: How important is a knowledge of the fashion industry? I've heard of Devil Wears Prada situations where people with no passion for fashion get dream positions in the industry... I mean, obviously a passion for the field helps, but is it that important? I'm not sure if this is a dumb question or not...

Navaz: At 16 I don't think you'll be expected to know all the jargon and industry stuff straight off but you'll be expected to listen and learn and pick things up quickly. Fashion people are impatient and haven't got time to babysit interns so pay attention to whatever you're doing. That is the best way to learn. There are well-connected types who get great fashion jobs because they're somebody's daughter or whatever but there's no point worrying about that. Show your passion and work hard, that's all you need to do.

Meagan: How could I better my knowledge of fashion? For my age, I'd consider myself extremely informed of the industry, history and current trends (not to toot my own horn or anything....) But I'd love to really feel more confident in my knowledge of the industry.

Navaz: Read blogs like a Fashionista and Jezebel. Also check out the Style.com blog regularly. These are full of industry gossip and are a great way to pick up knowledge while keeping it fun. The Business of Fashion blog is good if you want to know more about the business side because it's written in a very engaging and non-fusty way and talks about fashion and the industry all over the world.

Meagan: How do you make important connections with industry professionals at a young age?

Navaz: I suggest calling a few senior fashion assistants or junior fashion editors and asking if you can have fifteen minutes of their time for a chat. Out of ten people you approach, you might get a yes from one of them. In your chat you can ask them how they got their job, what advice they have for you and crucially, if they know anyone else you can see. You then see that person and go through the routine again. Each time you'll make a further contact. It's then up to you to keep in touch with them!

Meagan: Any help you could offer would mean the world to me! I've heard every single sort of 'million girls would die for this' cliche when it comes to the fashion industry, but I am really willing to work myself to the bone for my dream!

Navaz: You've got a great attitude. If you can be prepared for a few obstacles and moments of self-doubt along the way then you're already on the road to success. Best of luck!

(Pic: www.thesartorialist.com)

Jethro Cave

New model alert! Yep, another one from the 'offspring of famous people' school of modelling, it's Jethro Cave...son of Nick. Cool, no?

Henry hearts Alexa

Having seen Henry Holland's presenting efforts on Vogue.co.uk, it was only a matter of time before he nabbed a TV slot of his own. And whaddaya know, he's hooked up with lady Alexa of Chung to front a weekly fashion programme for T4. Frock Me promises to 'take a tongue-in-cheek insider's look at a different youth culture trend each week, with comment and advice on everything from club chic to sportswear.' Let's hope it's better than Gok's Fashion Fix, eh?

The Rachel Zoe Project

Only two days to go before The Rachel Zoe Project airs on Bravo. People, it's a goodie! You can watch a preview here.
How annoying are those assistants! And does anyone else think RZ sounds like a robot?

How to wear statement accessories

The new season is just around the corner and the big news is that clothes are out and accessories are in! Actually, please take that with a pinch of salt 'cause we loathe those 'what's hot, what's not' directives. But it's kind of true, statement accessories are the things to invest in. It makes sense if you think about it. While the world is suffering financially, we're practicing chic-onomics which means spending more on clothes that will last more than one season and getting our fashion hits from fun statement accessories. Here's our rundown.

Shoes
A lot of the clothing trends can be recycled from last autumn so fish out those mini sweater dresses but give them a rethink with some fierce footwear. Peep-toe boots are the 'who's gonna wear that' red herring of the season - trust us, you'll be loving them by November. As trousers hover around the ankle so statement heels are more on show than ever. Patent fetish shoes are numero uno on the trend-o-meter, with lace-up shoe-boots a close second.

Bags
We love kitsch when it comes to bags so let's forget reality for a moment and focus on impractical bags. Small, red and doll-like is on our radar - try the Lulu Guinness perspex lips clutch or the heart-shaped minaudiere from Faith.

Scarves
Who knew the humble headscarf would become the accessory biggie for autumn? Certainly not us but we salute Domenico and Stefano for taking the risk with their silken headwear for D&G. Of course, not many of us will be rocking the Queen Liz look. But that's the beauty of the silk scarf, it doesn't need to be tied under the chin, it can be worn in a bow atop the head a la Amy Winehouse, as a neckerchief Agyness stylee or tied bourgeois-babe style around the strap of your (wish it was) Hermes handbag. Oh, the possibilities are endless!

Tights
Another fabulous trend to try in the face of financial reining-in. Coloured opaques kicked off last autumn but this year they go mainstream. Which means more choice and cheaper prices. Bingo! Swap your safe black opaques for purple or magenta to add a power-packed punch to this year's grey marl and stealth black outfits. Or do your own version of paint mixing with yellow tights layered over red to make orange - a new take on the old two-for-the-price-of-one deal. Not creative enough? You can always try DIY laddered tights over contrasting opaques for your own spin on the haute-punk trend.

Jewellery
Statement jewellery has become, like make-up before it, something you wear to celebrate feeling good about yourself. It also works as a pick-me-up when you're feeling blah (try it, it works). Ricardo Tisci at Givenchy went overboard with his many-strand gold chain necklaces but you can make an equally strong statement with an heirloom necklace worn with a £5 Breton tee a la Alexa Chung. Don't stop there though, load up on multiple bangles (on both arms!) and a handful of Lagerfeld-style rings.

How To Get Ahead In Fashion

Our blogging buddy Stevie at Discotheque Confusion has put up an interview with Navaz on how to get on the first rung of the fashion industry ladder. She's going to be interviewing other industry insiders too so keep checking in.

To read Navaz's tips, check here and if you have any more questions or want to ask Donna how to become a beauty editor, leave your questions in the comment box.