London Fashion Week: The First Timers' Guide

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Collections from the likes of Vivienne Westwood, Mary Katrantzou and Christopher Kane will be gracing the catwalk this week courtesy of London’s biggest style extravaganza; London Fashion Week is returning for its 29th run since it launched in 1984.

Back then the event was held in a West London car park and provided a platform for fashion giants such as John Galliano and Betty Jackson to break the mould. Nowadays, LFW is a world renowned event which has gone on to become a key player in the ‘big four’ fashion events alongside Paris, Milan and New York.

If you have managed to get your hands on a pair of exclusive show tickets for the first time, you’re probably wondering what to expect. If you haven’t had such luck however there’s a plethora of free Fashion Week related events taking place across London which are there for the taking. Read on for the Fiorelli guide to LFW:

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What to wear to London Fashion Week?

• You would be forgiven for thinking that LFW calls for tottering heels and sky high platform shoes. Think again. The cobblestones of Somerset House teamed with frantic dashing in-between shows and venues means that the majority settle on brogues or even trainers on their feet- flat shoes are all the rage.

•  Despite LFW being held in mid-September, rocking up in a statement pair of sunglasses is practically a rule.

• Outfit wise, the fashion train are likely to be coveting this A/W’s key trends: masculine silhouettes, plaid prints, grunge inspired boots and baby pink are all hotly tipped to make an appearance.

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Who to look out for?

• Cara Delevingne has taken the world by storm this year, but there’s a new face on the block. Scouted whilst out shopping, 17 year old Grace Anderson is the new model of the moment and has modelled for the likes of Chanel and JW Anderson.

• Barbara Casasola is one to watch this year. This eponymous Brazilian newcomer is making her designer debut at fashion week with silky block coloured gowns and luxe evening wear.

What to do if you don’t have a ticket?

• The team over at Secret Cinema have set up a pop up cinema screen in Covent Garden and will be showcasing fashion inspired films and snippets of catwalk shows and highlights for the duration of LFW. 

• Oxford Street is hosting its very own mini-fash week with industry talks from British designers and blogger style advice sessions aplenty, arrive early to avoid disappointment.

• If you are hell bent on seeing your favourite designers' collection, most of the shows are now streamed live online so you can frow direct from your armchair without the hassle of craning your neck to peer through the audience - we’ll see you down the front!

What are you most looking forward to about LFW?

Discover some of our favourite timeless style icons

As part of our 25th birthday celebrations, we’re taking a stylish walk down memory lane by plotting a timeline of our most iconic campaign images. And all of this reminiscing has also got us thinking about our favourite timeless style icons from throughout the decades. 

So, we thought that we’d let you join in on the fun by sharing a few of our fashionable crushes with you! Who are your favourites? 

1950s - Audrey Hepburn
She was the epitome of elegance with her signature little black dress, delicately placed pearl or diamond frosting, and statement sunglasses. Although her look appeared simple, she was of course extremely well groomed. 

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1960s - Model: Twiggy
Every woman wanted to be her during the Sixties, as they emulated her wide eyed make-up and gamine style. She become known for her cute baby doll dresses and tiny shorts, as her skinny silhouette offered a refreshing alternative to the mainstream's typical style icons.

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1990's - Kate Moss

She's been an international style icon ever since she burst onto the scene during the Nineties with an enviable fashion sense that has adapted to each new decade. During the Nineties, she flaunted those obligatory oversized numbers, and plenty of denim. Just look how much her style has evolved from then!

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2000 - Sarah Jessica Parker 

She solidified her style icon credentials thanks to playing writer Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City, and she’s known for her daring fashion choices whilst experimenting with bold colours, pattern clashes, and quirky textures. Who hasn't wanted to dress just like her at some point?! 

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2010 - Kate Middleton Ever since Kate Middleton engaged and went on to marry Prince William, the nation has been transfixed with her fashion choices, and we’re all more than aware of the Duchess effect. As soon as she’s pictured wearing an item, it sells out! She’s known for her mid-heels, clutch bags, and classic dresses. We wonder how her style will evolve in the future? 

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Throughout September we'll be sharing more of our stories from the past 25 years of Fiorelli - share you memories with us on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram!

Make a Statement: How to Wear Monochrome

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From a plain white tee and skinny jeans combo to asymmetrical patterned dresses and bowler hats, if there’s one fail-safe outfit choice, - it’s monochrome! You only have to steal a glance at images of Audrey Hepburn’s iconic outfits in the 1961 film Breakfast at Tiffany’s to see that monochrome fashion is timeless. 

Image Source: Wikimedia 

Although the trend has been around for many years, we are still finding new and exciting ways to style our outfits the monochrome way, whether it be with leather sleeved jackets or colour blocking statement bags.

And as the impending change of season beckons, we thought it would be a fitting time to share some style inspiration on how to wear monochrome this A/W:

Image Sources: Fiorelli, House of Fraser, ASOS

Turn heads with art-deco inspired colour blocking. This look is a saving grace if you’re strapped for cash! Choose one item as the statement piece and style with plain accessories from your wardrobe for a head turning, effortlessly chic ensemble

Image Sources: Topshop, A Wear, OPI

Bring retro charm to the monochrome look with polka dots, indulge your quirky side with this wardrobe staple. Polka dots bring a sense of fun to the monochrome trend, but if you’re worried about resembling a Minnie Mouse doppelgänger simply embellish a plain outfit with a spotted hair accessory or nail varnish.

Image Sources: ASOS, Forever New, Fiorelli

Channel your inner Hepburn or Monroe with Hollywood glamour for the 21st century. To achieve the look, pair an embellished black dress with sling back heels and a gorgeous clutch, like the Fiorelli Pixie Clutch or stand out with a floor length dress, pearl necklace and satin gloves.

How do you wear monochrome? Show us your #FiorelliStyle on Twitter and Instagram @Fiorelli_Bags for the chance to be added to our style gallery.

Meet Belinda, our first #FiorelliExclusive Bag

This year sees Fiorelli’s 25th birthday. To celebrate, we’ve brought back some of our most-loved styles, available exclusively online. These are the the styles that are lusted-after year after year, and truly encapsulate the classic look of the Fiorelli woman.  

The first in our series of our #FiorelliExclusive bags is the fabulous Belinda, available in four new colours; tan, black/white, chocolate and a port mix. Most loved for her spaciousness, she truly is the only accessory you need for your day-to-night style. With enough room for all of your essentials but chic enough to take fit in your lipstick, taking you through to your evening style to keep you feeling special at all occasions. 

Set to be one of the most versatile bag of the season, your Autumn/Winter styling options are endless. To mark the launch of our online exclusive bags, we have partnered with fashion blogger Lorna-Claire Weightman of Style Isle to share her how she wears the Belinda bag. Get your next season style inspiration and follow her Fiorelli style journey, and don’t forget to share your own #FiorelliStyle with us on Twitter and Instagram and claim you fame in our style gallery!

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. 

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

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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

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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

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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?

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!

Blog: www.girlinmenswear.com

Twitter/Instagram: @girlinmenswear

Pinterest/Facebook: .../girlinmenswear