Summertime with Iris Fashion

Anyone who lives near one of Iris Fashion’s three boutiques (in Queens Park, Battersea and Chiswick) knows it’s virtually impossible to walk by and not walk in, and subsequently to walk out empty handed! Known for being a yummy mummy and fashionista gem at the heart of each of their neighbourhoods, Iris is consistently jam-packed with a stylish and eclectic edit of womenswear (designer and the brand’s own), gorgeous jewellery, lingerie, coveted pressies and some of the inky dinkiest of kidswear for your wee ones.  I’m always really excited to consistently discover new brands I’ve not heard of, hanging on the rails alongside some of my faves, like APC and Isabel Marant. 

I recently popped in to my local Iris in Queens Park to choose some of my favourite looks for the (currently M.I.A) summer!  Not only do they have some seriously great holiday must-haves currently in store, they also have a brilliant array of wearable summer in the city attire, so whether you are enjoying the sunshine at home or abroad within the next few months, your wardrobe is sorted - High Five!

Discovering the Spanish brand Masscob was a real highlight of the day, and I loved the feminine, relaxed feel of their Savina White Paisley Dress.  I wore the dress with some Zan Zan Avida Dollar Sunglasses (I’m a big fan of this brand and of pink sunglasses in general – so much softer on the face than tortoiseshell - I need them!), a pretty Deborah Cadby Leaf Necklace and some Penelope Chilvers (a firm foot-fave!) Jude Tan Leather Platforms.

As we all know, I’m a BIG jean’s girl, and I could live in boilersuits, jumpsuits and playsuits.  This MIH Jeans Saint All-In-One Jumpsuit is super lightweight and can be dressed up or down with trainers or heels.  I paired the jumpsuit with a vibrant Iris Pom Pom Clutch (I LOVE POM POMS!), some more Zan Zan Avida Dollars Sunglasses and a pair of the ferociously popular Isabel Marant Etoile Leather Bart Trainers.

This Masscob Calma Lace Panel Top is such a summertime winner for me, combing both lace and ruffles, two of my all-tie favourite things! Worn with a pair of ultra soft, vintage wash Le Skinny Crop Jeans by Frame Jeans, a beyond cute Gary Gold Fringe Bag by the allllways cool Jerome Dreyfuss, and a pair of Iris Gladiator Sandals.  Trust me, these sandals will be your summer essentials; The brushed metallic colour is unique and unlike many other sandals, these are really flattering and don’t cut you off at the ankle.

Created in collaboration with Iris Fashion.

Photography: Maxim Garcha.  

Makeup: Charlotte Cowen

Hair:  Tatiana Karelina and Nails:  Sophie Gass

Isabel Marant for H&M

These leaked images of the huuuugely anticipated Isabel Marant for H&M collection have got me, along with most other girls in London, very excited!  The campaign features Alex Wek, Milla Jovovich, Constance Jablonski and Lou Doillon (love her!) effortlessly modeling the womenswear, which include many signature Isabel Marant pieces; peasant tops, tassles and leather.  Parisian cool at a slice of the price? Sign moi up! 

The Isabel Marant for H&M collection will be available in stores on November 14th and is guaranteed to sell out within a few hours of opening.  One of my girlfriends (yes, you Lauren) suggested we buy a tent and camp outside the shop the night before… I thiiiinkshe may have been joking.  Either way, elbows at the ready Ladies.  

PFW: Isabel Marant SS'14

I love how Isabel Marant designs such feminine and elegant pieces yet manages to creates such boyishly cool, rock and roll looks. “It's the contrast of two ideas that I’m always trying to work with,” the designer said after previewing her ‘Tough Romance’ SS’14 collection filled with floral dresses worn with strong-shouldered tuxedo blazers, ruffle-tiered tops worn with hotpants, and frilly lace skirts slit to the thigh and worn with studded ankle boots.  So very cool. 

My London Style: Savannah Miller

After earning a first class degree in Fashion and Knitwear at the prestigious Central St. Martins College and working for both Alexander McQueen and Matthew Williamson, Savannah Miller went on to become Co-Creative Director of the label Twenty8Twelve with her sister Sienna Miller. After twelve successful seasons the stylish sisters stepped down from their positions to pursue other projects, for Savannah this led to her starting her own label, Savannah. 

Launched last week (seen here) Savannah has once again created a very cool, easy-to-wear range of clothes, but this time at a far more accessible price, “This collection is for everyone!"  Savannah told me, "it's effortless, easy and affordable clothing to make you feel great without busting your bank account.”  

Despite being insanely busy with her new label (sold exclusively at nelly.com) and with being a dedicated mum to her three small (and perfect) children, Savannah found the time to share with The London Chatter some secrets about her enviable London style…

My Style In 3 Little Words – Classic, bohemian, easy.

This Season Every Gal Needs –  A great boyfriend coat. I have an ash grey woollen one in my collection called James which I will not be taking off this season.

My British Fashion Icon – Audrey Hepburn.  She was so delicate and chic.  Also Alexa Chung. Like Audrey before her, Alexa's style is so effortless, her clothes never wear her and she always looks like herself, even if she is wearing a Chanel gown. 

My Favourite Highstreet Store – Although not British, I love Zara. And Topshop. 

My Favourite Boutique – Liberty London. I know it's not strictly a boutique, but the buy there is as if it were.  It is the perfect edit of the best collections - and you know you are going to want all of it!  The same applies to Amie on Ledbury Road. They only stock APC, Isabel Marant and Vanessa Bruno... What more could anyone want?!  

My Favourite British Designer – To look at it would be Christopher Kane.  He is an artist and he never ceases to amaze me.  To wear, I would say Rag & Bone because they make the best knitwear around - it's cool and so comfortable - I live in it! 

At Gunpoint; Bags OR Shoes – Bags!

My First Fashionista Memory – Ushering for Alexander McQueen at one of his show which was in a glass box.  I was eighteen years old and that night totally changed my life.  

My Saturday Night Outfit – Errrm... My pyjamas!  I spend the weekends at home in the countryside with my family.

My Sunday Brunch Outfit – The same!

OMG I Can’t Believe I Wore – Such a short dress at mine and Sienna's first Twenty8Twelve show... When I lifted my arm to wave at the end I nearly flashed the entire audience. 

Forget My Last Meal, My Last Outfit Would Be – My wedding dress. It may sound a bit Miss Haversham of me but I must admit, it was gorgeous. 

My Style Tip – Iron or steam your clothes, it makes the most massive difference when you wear them.  Also, don't let your clothes wear you - only wear pieces that resonate with who you are otherwise you will feel and look uncomfortable. 

Above: Some of my favourite pieces from Savannah available from Nelly.com

www.savannahmiller.com

Super Girl Power at the Closing Ceremony

There was some SERIOUS Girl Power in the Olympic Stadium on Sunday night when we were not only treated to an awesome Spice Girls reunion but also to a strutting swarm of stunning Supermodels. 

Ever since Stella McCartney signed up to design the Team GB outfits (unsurprisingly, the most coveted by all other athletes) fashion was always going to play a part in London 2012.  Soooo… Who wore who?

The Spice Girls

Victoria Beckham looked very ‘Posh' in a stunning, custom-made Giles Deacon dress with black Christian Louboutin stilettos.  Ginger Geri Haliwell paid homage to her infamous Brit Award’s Union Jack dress wearing this Suzanne Neville peplum dress, an Olympic inspired tiara and Isabel Marant gold Dicker boots. ‘Baby’ Emma Bunton wore her signature pink in a dress by Maggie Cook with glittery heels.  Melanie C wore a white jumpsuit from JD Sports with some Sporty silver wedged trainers. Melanie B wore a nude cat suit embellished with amazing gold detailing by Lenanese designer Zuhair Murad – definitely more sexy than Scary!  A-Zig-A-Zig-Aaah.

The Supers

This army of British Beauties were a glittering mirage of gold medal hues in outfits created by iconic British designers.  A totally immaculate vision paying tribute to British fashion and it's  Midas Touch. 

The Supermodels were styled by Lucinda Chambers, Vogue UK's fashion director, who nervously spoke from backstage on the night, "It's incredible that Britain, such a tiny country, has such a broad range of talent in fashion, and that's what we wanted to show. We're known for bonkers fashion, but what I hope came across is that these designers make beautiful clothes… that people would want to wear."

Above:  Kate Moss in a mermaid-like, gold and silver Alexander McQueen dress.

Above (L-R): Karen Elson glamourously glistening in Burberry and Naomi Cambell looking beyond radiant in Alexander McQueen.

Above (L-R):  Stella Tennant glitters in a Christopher Kane tuxedo while Lily Cole is effortlessly ethereal in Erdem.

Above:  Lily Donaldson shimmering in Vivienne Westwood

Above (L-R):  Georgia May Jagger shines in Victoria Beckham, David Eye-Candy Gandy wears a suit by Paul Smith and Jourdan Dunn models a Christopher Kane dress and a feathered headpiece by Stephen Jones.

18 carat Fashion Fabulous.

These images appear in Vogue's September Issue - Out Now.

Trend: Isabel Marant Wedge Trainers

Having taken the leap and finally taken off her much adored Isabel Marant Dicker Boots, Kate Bosworth was seen in Beverley Hills last week sporting the designer's coveted wedge trainers. In this laidback and relaxed Spring ensemble, Kate contrasts this season’s love of all things sporty (sweatshirt/trainers) with all things ladylike (pleated, flowy skirt.)

Isabel Marant’s coveted wedge trainers (the shoe that launched a thousand high street copies) is a look, much like our beloved UGG boots, that will no doubt be more popular with the girls wearing them than the boys looking at us in them.  Functional and comfy usually don’t scream sexy, but hey, when he doesn’t have to give you a piggy back home, stiletto’s in hand, he’ll soon be won over...

RRP. £430.00

If you, like me and Beyonce, are happy to embrace the wedge, the velcro and your inner Marty McFly, here are some of my more affordable recommendations:

Above (clockwise):  Ash Bowie Wedge Trainers in clay - £149.00, Ash Coolbis Wedge Trainers in black - £175.00, Topshop Acrobat Trainers - £78.00, Aldo Netz Wedge Trainers -£80.00, Asos Deny Wedge High Top Trainers with Suede detail £45.00

Isabel Marant for Gap Red

To mark World Aids Day on Dec 1st, Parisian designer Isabel Marant has teamed up with Gap Red to help raise awareness. With every sale of the limited-edition slouchy t’shirts, 50% of what you hand over will be donated to the Global Fund to help eliminate AIDS in Africa. Marant said, "this is one of those rare occasions when fashion can do something to help make the world a slightly better place.”

So far the Gap Red programme has raised over £109 million for The Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

The T’shirts will be available in Gap stores from Monday 28th November.