Friday 30 August 2013

Mummy Fashion: How to Dress for the School Run this A/W 13

Summer is over and the kids are heading back to school, and let’s be honest, who else is dreading that fashion parade outside the school gates? For those of you who simply can’t phantom looking anything but your best whilst dashing from the school gate to the office, here are our top A/W 13 style rules that will help you to become the most fashionable Mummy in the playground! 

1) The Coat
The most fashionable way to wear your coat this A/W is oversized, and we honestly mean, the bigger the better! If you’re worried about being swamped out by this trend, then, take inspiration from one of the most fashionable Mummies around, Katie Holmes. She’s a big fan of the oversized coat look, in which she’s often been spotted doing the school run!


Source: Just Jared

2) The Print
Lots of us have a secret guilty print pleasure, but nobody wants to be pigeon holed as the one who wears that boring Mumsey print! So, avoid the stereotype and opt for A/W 13’s trendiest print in the form of the cool winter floral. Described as dark, edgy, and luxe, it’s the ultimate statement making pattern! A kimono is the perfect way to work this trend.



Source: PoppyWolff (left) Topshop (right)

3) The Colour
Whether it’s pale or dusky, the hue of the season is set to be pink, and featured upon all of our favourite catwalks from Louis Vuitton to Topshop Unique! It's most definitely not about those cutesy tones, though, so, opt for icy cool shades to give your outfit a bit of an edge instead.




Topshop Unique AW13


4) The Bag
The key is to play it casual with a bag that’s as stylish as it is functional, and our casual collection featuring the (below from left) Alfie hobo, Ted crossbody, and Stan shopper bag ticks both of those boxes! As they're neither overly casual nor overly smart, they're perfect for making the transition from the school gate to the office. View our entire casual collection here

So, get ready to hit those school gates in style! And remember, we always love to hear your style tips, so, if you want to share your school run fashion musts with us, then, get in touch! Tweet us @Fiorelli_Bags. 



Thursday 29 August 2013

Best Fashion Books

After a long day at Fiorelli HQ, sometimes we love nothing more than clambering into bed with a cup of tea and a great fashion read. From the can’t-put-it-down Shopaholic series to style guides and biographies, the best fashion books are engaging, glamorous and thoroughly entertaining.

Stuck on what to read? Here’s our pick of go-to fashion reads:

Best for: Style Inspiration

The Fashion Book by Richard Martin



A whirlwind A-Z of 500 fashion greats who created and shaped fashion history, The Fashion Book is saturated with lustrously glossy images of style icons such as Kate Moss and Brigette Bardot and Designers' works including Coco Chanel and Alexander McQueen. Perfect for style ruts and inspirational pick-me-ups, this fashion bible has a permanent place on our bookshelf.

Best for: Fashion-Fiction


The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella



The first in the collection, this is where Sophie Kinsella’s witty Shopaholic adventure began. For those unfamiliar with the series, the protagonist, Rebecca Blackwood is a London financial journalist who spends her days advising others on how to budget, but here is the crux of the story - underneath the facade, Blackwood is a total shopaholic with mounting debts and a zillion credit cards.

Following Blackwood on her spending spiral makes for a brilliant read that will leave you laughing, cringing and feeling ten times better about that naughty mid-week purchase.

Best for: Biography


The Beautiful Fall: Fashion, Genius and Glorious Excess in 1970’s Paris by Alicia Drake



This beautifully written biography cites the growth of high Fashion Designers Karl Lagerfield and Yves Saint Laurent, from their initial friendship to eventual rivalry. This is more than a tale of two battling Designers though, from hedonism to liberation, it gives readers a dazzling insight into 1970’s life, and is an engrossing read from cover to cover.


We hope that we've provided you with some new reading material ideas, do you have a favourite fashion book that you like to read?

Tuesday 27 August 2013

Looking Fabulous on the Go - Girl in Menswear's Style Journey with the Abbie Bag

Girl in Menswear's Sophia Marinho de Lemos travels in style with our brand new Abbie bag for aw13. 

When the charming team over at Fiorelli asked me if I’d like to take part in the #FiorelliHandpicked campaign I was keen as bean, however the last month or so has been pretty busy with trips to Connecticut, New York and a relocation to Stockholm just in time for Stockholm Fashion Week. As a consequence I was concerned about time, and how I would fit in shooting the bag into my uncharacteristically hectic schedule. However, the team at Fiorelli came up with quite the solution for me, they arranged for me to be kitted out with the Abbie bag.

In their words “travelling…doesn’t have to leave you short on style. The Abbie bag will keep you looking fabulous on your journey”. Brilliant. No need for styling and shooting a handbag, they had found me a functional accessory that I could fit all my travel essentials within that was chic too.

Always keen to look “fabulous” when travelling, I thought I would put my new-found travelling companion to the test. As I normally wear a mixture of menswear and womenswear (I am Girl in Menswear after all) I was looking forward to teaming my feminine partner in crime with my menswear staples, and this is how I got on.


CONNECTICUT
My friends were throwing a New England wedding on the coast and invited me, my boyfriend and Abbie to join them for their celebration. Here I am at the Rehearsal Dinner, an informal barbecue on the beach with music, games and fun times had. 



NEW YORK CITY
It’s fair to say that New York stole my heart. I fell pretty hard for this city and Abbie was with me the whole way. She joined me on strolls through Soho, cocktails in the Meatpacking District, cycling in Brooklyn and delicious cuisine in the East Village. Large enough to fit my guidebook, map, camera, wallet and all my other bits and bobs she was my city break buddy throughout.


STOCKHOLM
The capital of Scandinavia and home to forward-thinking fashion and design, no one does chic like the Swedes. A city of tall, beautiful blondes sporting ultra-chic clothing one has to step up to the mark when visiting this breathtakingly beautiful city. Me, my menswear and Abbie are only at the beginning of this particular adventure but I think you will agree we’re doing all right so far!




Twitter/Instagram: @girlinmenswear
Pinterest/Facebook: .../girlinmenswear

Friday 23 August 2013

Introducing the Abbie Bag...

It may still be summer, but fashion moves fast, and with our AW13 collection now available we’re looking to next season trends for style inspiration. 

Our new Abbie bag is the perfect addition to your autumn style. With her grab handles and adjustable cross-body strap, Abbie is the ideal bag to tote around the city whether you’re home or away. The boxy shape gives enough room for your everyday and travel essentials, yet it’s still chic enough to take your look from day to night. Available in three gorgeous colours, chocolate and red, black and white and tan, which Abbie will you choose?

For a bold colour statement next season, grab our red and chocolate Abbie. Take some style notes from our #FiorelliHandpicked blogger Girl in Menswear and work yours into an androgynous look. 




Monochrome is the word of the catwalk at next season’s shows. Nod to the trend with our black and white Abbie. Style with a black and white outfit for a chic look head-to-toe, or experiment with textures and patterns for a bold take on this classic style. 





Try your hand at the oh-so-loved western trend which is still going strong with our tan Abbie bag. Finish off a double denim look with this stand-out accessory and give this country style a city update. 



How will you style yours?

Thursday 22 August 2013

Discover our Work for Cancer Research UK

The Race for Life events by Cancer Research UK (CRUK) are finally over for yet another summer, and Team Hope are excited to share with you exactly how well we did!

Members of Fiorelli HQ ran in a mix of the races from Guildford in May right through to Hyde Park in July, and we totalled an amazing 55 kilometres between us. Quite the athletes, aren't we?



We received over 2000 donations at the Race for Life in the form of purchases of our charity Hope bracelet and limited edition totes. Now, although the races may be over, we are still continuing to support CRUK in different ways, and we have managed to raise an amazing £25k to date!



Our beautiful Fiorelli Hope bags are still available to purchase online with donations from each bag purchased still going to CRUK, and so far we've sold a fab 15,000! 




We've similarly just launched our charity Rosie Bella bag too, which if you remember rightly, we asked you to choose its design and name! We’re determined to do as much as we can in order to support CRUK as to fight cancer, and hopefully our charity handbags can be considered as a symbol of inspiration for all.


Wednesday 21 August 2013

Transitional Workwear Outfits and Post-Work Cocktails

Here at Fiorelli, we’re partial to the occasional after work tipple, but unfortunately the hectic working week gives us little time to prepare. As tempting as an impromptu Cosmopolitan or mid-week Margarita can be, all too often we feel underprepared for such occasions and wish we’d packed a go-to pair of heels or embellished cardigan to pull out of the bag!

So, we’re resolving to change our ways come September and have already planned some transitional outfits which can be styled up at the very last moment for whenever that, “what are you doing after work?...” question arises. Let's take a look at some women’s workwear inspiration and together we may never have to turn down a Sea Breeze at sundown again!



Oxblood was the colour to be seen in last A/W and this rich deep shade shows no signs of disappearing in 2013. During the day, a floaty smock dress can be styled with Chelsea boots and a classic shoulder bag, like the Lexus Ann, come the night however, add a slick of colour matching lipstick and a statement necklace for instant glam.



Monochrome is a timeless go-to look which is not only work-friendly but also has the potential to be dressed up with minimal effort required. A nautical striped top and skinnies can be easily accessorised with a bowler hat and statement handbag, like the Abbie Bowling Bag, and perhaps even a pair of sunglasses in the event of an Indian summer?!

And how about those cocktails? Which one is your mid-week saviour?

Cosmopolitan – Citrusy crushed limes, Cointreau, sizzled orange peel, ice cold vodka, grapefruit and cranberry juice make up a classic cocktail, which comes in a martini glass with a mini straw for sophisticated sipping.

Mojito – This versatile cocktail can be kept fuss-free with white rum, soda water, mint leaves and limes or you can add crushed fruits and juices for extra flavour. Served in a tall glass with crushed ice, there’s fewer drinks more refreshing.

Mai Tai – Topping this year’s cocktail chart, mai tai cocktails bring an extra little something to the table. Served in ceramic tropical themed tiki mugs, this rum flavoured cocktail will transport you back to summer days.

What do you think of our transitional day to night wear? Do you have a fail-safe accessory for those last minute drink invites?


Thursday 15 August 2013

How to Style your Leather Handbag

Over the years, style and trends have evolved tremendously, but ask any woman what their most prized possession is and most will reveal it to be their leather handbag. The truth is, not since denim jeans has there been a more worthy must-have for women; classic, timeless and sophisticated, its appeal knows no bounds.

Whether two tone, coloured, or patterned, there’s a leather handbag for the tiles, the terrace and everywhere in-between. Let’s take a look at some popular leather handbag variations and how to style them.


The Grab



For the Monday morning dash or that ultra important client meeting, the classic black grab bag is just the right size to store daily essentials or post-work drink heels! Professional looking and effortlessly chic, our Marla handbag is a modern twist on patent leather with an embossed croc finish and has been worn by the likes of Holly Willoughby. 
Style this bag with a little black dress, kitten heels and a statement necklace with a pop of colour or go monochrome by layering your outfit in shades of granite grey, midnight black and alabaster white.



The Satchel



For weekends, work and play, a satchel bag is so versatile. Making its debut amongst school children, the satchel has become one of the most sought after accessories in handbag world and looks great paired with tea dresses, plaid trousers or a flippy midi skirt. One of the best qualities about satchels is their strap, wear them slung over the shoulder, across the waist or simply hold by the grab handle.



The Cross Body




For those high street hauls and crowd filled music concerts, a cross body bag is the holy grail of accessories. Compact, yet roomy enough to store a selection of possessions, the across body is the ideal travel light bag. The hands-free accessory usually sits on the waist, so style with co-ordinating colours or clashing prints. 

For more leather handbag inspiration, view the Fiorelli AW leather collection

Monday 12 August 2013

Handbag on Trial: Handbag.com Takes on our Leather Marla Bag

Handbag.com's Amy Lewis takes over Fiorelli Style Notes, sharing her style with our first ever leather bag, the Marla. 



Fiorelli's first real leather handbag collection in nearly 10 years has kicked off with the chic Marla Grab Bag. Designed to go anywhere and everywhere with you.

So, since a trusty everyday bag that's as good looking as it is practical is always tricky to come by, I've spent the last week putting the Marla through its croc printed paces.

TEST 1: A Normal Work Day
I don't know about you, but when I go to work I need stuff. Just loads and loads of stuff. Notebook, sometimes two, diary, a pen, lipstick, lip gloss, lip balm, makeup bag, hand cream, tissues, anther pen, sunglasses, actual glasses, phone, purse, keys, Oyster, one more pen, magazine, book, a bottle of water. That's just what I have in there right now. Sometimes I even need a change of clothes! So could the Marla take it? More than. She swallowed all my things easily, even separating it into various hunt-easing compartments. Nice.

NOTE: The zip pocket on the front is awesome. It's now my Oyster and iPhone home. So easy to reach while in mid-rush!

TEST 2: Day to night
Be it an evening work event, product launch or dinner with the girls, I quite often have to go from morning to evening in one swoop. While a change of clothes would nice every time, I often don't plan quite so far ahead, so it's more of a makeup top-up and shoe swap (if I'm lucky). An especially casual day bag however, can sabotage this in an instant. Sometimes, there's just not enough eyeliner and lipstick in the world! So how did the Marla do here? Impressive. She's so shiny, an evening shindig just isn't a problem even though she's rather large. Hurrah!

TEST 3: Work to Gym
My daily hours are long, and so there's rarely time to come home, change into my gym kit and then head back out again. So I tend to bring it all with me a few days a week, and call in at lunch time or on my way home. The problem however, is that carrying multiple bags gets on my nerves, and I have a mild style aversion to gym bags. So did I manage to fit my kit into the Marla? Kind of. Given everything I pile into it as standard, this was an ambitious plan for the bag. So while leggings and a t-shirt slotted in nicely, the trainers and towel were just never going to happen. A shame but hey, it was a big ask!



TEST 4: Weekend Wear
Overly formal bags paired with laid-back weekend looks, to me, is always weird. It's as though you spend so much time at work you've forgotten how to dress yourself once out of it. So to become the ultimate everyday essential, a bag really needs to be able to blend with everything. Can the Marla do downtime? Even though she's a shiny croc print leather tote? She can, and it's all thanks to the long shoulder strap. Despite a messy topknot, no makeup and baggy denim shirt, the Marla and I got along perfectly this weekend, while she offered plenty of room for my shopping too! I took a few notebooks out...

So after spending a week with the Marla in tow, what do I think overall? She's awesome!

The colour is bold. Despite being a rich burgundy, when the light hits the leather the redness is very visible. But even though the shade is quite 'statement' and carries a strong autumnal vibe, it didn't hinder any of my summery style choices.

In terms of size, there's plenty of room for you to hoard your clutter along with a few extras you pick up along the way, yet it's not going to slow your pace while storming through the ticket barrier. The compartments are awesome too. On the inside you've got two large pockets (one zipped) along with a phone holder and one of those slightly larger compartments I tend to fill with lipsticks. Then, on the outside, you have another super convenient zip pocket.

The whole bag zips up, which being quite security conscious I like a lot, while the two different carry options help you style it up or down.

Is it worth £149? If you love it like I do, then yes. You really can take it EVERYWHERE!

Looking to work the Marla into your AW13 wardrobe? Choose from burgundy or black and find it on the Fiorelli website here

Friday 2 August 2013

Introducing Rosie Bella


We asked you to choose the design of our latest charity bag in aid of Cancer Research UK
- you told us that every Fiorelli woman was looking for something functional and chic in
colours that would transcend the seasons. So, we present you with our latest charity bag
in an updated bowling bag design, with elegant long handles to tote over your shoulders,
finished with accessible side pockets for your daily essentials.

Previewed at Race for Life events across the country, we had runners and supporters
lusting after it in your hundreds. Available in rich autumnal tones; tan, chocolate, red and
monochrome, it is the must-have bag of the season and, with £10 being donated to
Cancer Research UK it’s AW13’s feel-good accessory too.



 someone you love, admire or are inspired by. We received over 80 entries at Race For Life
events and on Twitter using #FiorelliCharity.

We are now delighted to reveal to you the name for our latest charity bag - Rosie Bella.
Chosen by Kiran who took part in the Race for Life in Richmond, running for her nieces
Rosie (5 years) and Bella (3 years) who sadly lost their granddad to cancer a year ago.
During his illness Rosie and Bella were an inspiration for their granddad, sharing many
magical moments with him. Kiran tells us that “this bag is a gift from me to them”.




We hope that the Rosie Bella bag in aid of Cancer Research UK will be a symbol of hope
and inspiration to all - with every purchase bringing us one step closer to kicking cancer,
together we can make this happen.

Our Rosie Bella bag is now available on the Fiorelli website, so you can start styling your
Autumn look straight away. Buy it here and Tweet to @Fiorelli_Bags to show us your style
with the Rosie Bella.