Shopping Spotlight: This Charming Girl

Based in Glasgow but sold in France, Greece and Spain as well as the UK, This Charming Girl offers a range of both vintage and contemporary jewellery at reasonable prices. Founded by designer Jacqueline Currie in 2006 it gives its consumers not just a piece of jewellery but a beautiful, diverse talking point with a unique design and materials from over 100 different sources.  The website shop showcases many beautiful necklaces, brooches and earrings, some of which are exclusive with very limited stock. If you want something individual and different get yourself online and bag yourself a beauty of your own. Below is Detours top three pieces from the collection for you to drool over…
 

 

 

Among the treasure trove of the online shop are these Decadence Earrings. A Charming exclusive they cost a mere £9.50. Made from from rare vintage pieces they are simply show stopping!

 

 

 

 

With bows as big as ever, this bow necklace is bang on trend. Made of antique brass they are an absolute steal at £9.
 

And for those of you waiting in anticipation for Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland film… I present the “I’m Late, I’m Late” brooch. Made from antique gold and priced at a meager £8.50 this is one piece to snap up before its sold out!!

More Fashion Fun

There is feeling of excitement and anticipation in Newcastle this week. Tuesday the 16th of February marks the opening of St. Andrews Way, Eldon Square, bursting with new shops and endless fashion possibilities.

Anyone who has been in town the last couple of days will have noticed something different. The lack of Topshop, New Look, Republic, River Island, Miss Selfridge, All Saints and Muse enticing us t buy lots of pretty things. This is because Eldon Square is having a re-vamp and it promises even more shops to spend your well-earned money in. New Look, River Island and Topshop are going to be flagship stores, which are the second biggest stores after those on Oxford Street. The latter - Topshop - will now have three floors! I don’t know about you, but I’m very excited about this. After recently visiting the Oxford branch, I had mentally spent hundreds of pounds in the vintage and brand section. Although I still can’t afford my dream wish list, I can now purchase a few of my favourites without having to travel to London to do so.

Another positive addition to Eldon Square is the opening of the four floor Debenhams, with floors dedicated to menswear, make-up, shoes and accessories, womenswear, childrenswear and home products. Also joining the St. Andrews Way gang are Superdry, Paperchase, Tesco Metro, Oasis, Dorothy Perkins and Schuh. The stores are holding events during the week, including make-overs, being snapped by fashion’s favourite blogger and stylist Jackie Dixon, gift cards, competitions and music talent. Throughout Eldon Square, the “Cook, Eat and Enjoy” festival is taking place all week. A health and beauty village will be running from the 18th to the 20th February, providing mini make-overs, style and beauty advice, samples from retailers like Boots, Fenwicks, Debenhams and John Lewis. You can look perfect and dazzling, especially if you want to be scouted by talent scouts looking for this year’s Miss Newcastle 2010. Dress to impress this week!

The main event though will be happening this Tuesday at 10.30am where the party begins, with cirus performers, street dancers, acrobats and stilt walkers.

To celebrate this new venture, I have included some of my favourite picks from some of the stores.

To chanel the girlie, feminine look of spring here are a few of my top choices in Topshop:

Or if you want to continue the Parisian look:

Another must-have this season are the floral bustier tops or bralets which to me remind me of more Victorian times, although a more riskier stance with stomachs on display. I’m going to team mine with wavy hair, high waisted shorts and some new flip flops. I like these two from Topshop and Miss Selfridge:

Miss Selfridge has a funky take this season, from polka dots to paint splattered dresses. Considering the former Newcastle branch was tiny, I am interested in seeing what the new store has to offer. My favourites that I’ve spied online are still very girlie but different:

When it comes to accessorises both shops have a lot to offer with kitsch necklaces, like this Topshop Key To My Heart one, I already have the 4 chained Once Upon A Time one as well as a gold looking glass necklace which everyone thinks is Disney couture, but only £8! Their watch ring is another fashion staple I’ve seen in every store recently. What with watches on necklaces, bracelets and now rings, how can we ever use the excuse of being late?! Miss Selfridge have caught on to the French trend with their own “Oui” and “Non” earrings as well as offering a different take on charms, with a watch bracelet.

Tis the season to be pretty

Christmas must-haves for men. Clothes Show Live style!

 The Clothes Show Live, at the NEC in Birmingham, is not the place to go if fashion runs your life, however, it is the place to be if you just like to get an idea of what to wear and what’s currently on trend.

 The fashion show was more about the performance and entertaining a crowd full of eager Tweens and industry wannabies than it was hard-fashion. In-spite of this, there were a few excellent pieces for guys this Christmas.

 The most exciting items had to be the shoes. Guys normally get a bit of a bad deal when it comes to shoes and trend; they’re either too sporty, too jazzy or just boring. This time though, they were just right.

Military Boots from All Saints, £165.

They may cost a fair bit, but they will last a long time.

 

  

   

 

 

 

 

Dr.Martens (DNs), £70-£150  from Dr.Martens.com.

  How can you say no to such an icon? You may have had a pair as a child, so you can have a pair as an adult. This pair cost £70 on the site. They come in plain colours and in patent too, but you could go for classic black. Dr Martens were a big player at the Clothes show, some of the guys wore pink patent.

 

 

 

 

Circus fashion crept upon us last winter. This Christmas it’s back and it’s on E. There were a lot of sequin and patent pants on the catwalk, but don’t appeal to most guys. Here are some other options, which are a bit less ‘uhoh!’ and a lot more ‘bravo!’ 

Silver Super Skinny Trousers, £50, from Top Man, also available in bronze. Wear them with military boots and a black blazer to tone them down. Wear with the burgundy blazer below and a tweed bow tie as a festive statement.

 

 

 

Metallic pants may not appeal to you right now. These Religion Slim Trousers are exclusive to Asos.com, £65. Great because you can wear them all year and aren’t metallic.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dandy is making a long awaited come back. In honour of this, blazers and dikkie bows are now essential. Here is a Burgundy Poachers Jacket, £140, from Top Man. This would look dandy with most pant choices, but I would suggest sticking with skinny jeans or trousers to get a sleek silhouette.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not feeling the Poachers Jacket, then how about velvet? The classic-cut of Asos’ tipped velvet jacket is soft, looks great open, and looks even better closed. £70, Asos.com 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Could it really be Christmas without tartan thrown in somewhere? Top Man, £36. This would look great, open, in the summer with a band t-shirt, bleached denim three quarters and military boots.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you need to accessorize, shop around for bow ties. Velvet or tweed in a neutral or rich colour will make a subtle but alternative statement. Wear with white shirts, or if you dare to be a little more impactful, find a contrasting print which will add a little more interest to the ensemble.

 Although it was a bit of a theatre, the Clothes Show was inspirational, a great way for the younger or ignorant to see what fashion can be, which is, what you want it to be.

 

  

Winter Nails

This season it’s not only important to have a statement dress on the Catwalk but statement nails too. Gone are the days of plain nails - it’s time to glam up!

Making it big on and off the catwalk are ‘Lunar’ or ‘half moon’ nails. Many models and celebrities have been sporting both looks, each as exciting and most likely time consuming as each other.

‘Lunar’ nails scream Hollywood glamour, the nail is painted dark and the lightness of the cuticle is extenuated to give a half moon effect.

Designer nails are far more extravagant than the nail art we’re used to seeing and far more detailed. This trend is already extremely popular with celebrities, such as Rihanna and Katy Perry. But it’s not only the quirky who can pull off this look. During the American election singer eve was spotted with Obama’s face painted on to her nails…Now that’s dedication for you!

Another big trend this season is the matte nail, so lose the shine and shimmer and opt for flat colour. Since the ‘Twilight’ frenzy nails can never be dark enough, whether they are black, blue or purple as long as they are vampish they are hot!

But if your not brave enough to try the new nail art then the French manicure is always a hit with us at Detour!

Get The Look - Pete Doherty

This week’s for the boys. A stalwart on both the best and worst dressed lists, you can’t deny that Pete’s style has something. Here Emily Solan is going to show you how you too can get his scruffy sex appeal.

  

 

• Accessories - Pete is rarely seen without some form of accessory, with his favourites appearing to be his Rosary Beads (as seen on a few other celebs recently), some form of headwear, usually his trusty trilby, a festival favourite spotted every summer, and occasionally some knatty scarf or a skinny tie.
• Tailored suit - Doherty often uses these to shows his more respectable side to your mum. When teamed with a skinny tie and your shirt not quite tucked in, you get his “just got offstage after being ravaged by fans” look with none of the effort of learning to play an instrument and forming a band.
• Polo Shirt - For the more casual moments, the polo shirt and skinny jeans are your best friend. Pete’s look harks back to the 60’s mods, 80’s indie and 90’s Britpop, this is a tried and trusted look. For the best polo shirts try Fred Perry, but nowadays most high streets stock a wide selection, just pick the colours to suit your style.
• Leather Jacket - It’s all about the battered, the better with Pete’s look. For one of these a vintage shop is your best friend, highly recommended is Rare Ape on Holmeside in Sunderland. 

So here are my top tips for stealing Pete’s look:

• Polo Shirt - As I said before, you’re best off looking at Fred Perry to nail Pete’s look. The original slim-fit polo cost £45 and comes in a variety of different colour ways, so you can pick and mix to get just the look you’re after.
• Skinny Ties - Available from £10 www.topman.com. Stick to just plain black like Pete, or they offer a wide variety of colours and prints to suit your mood.
• Trilby - You can find these anywhere, but you’re best bet for Pete’s signature summer straw trilby is to check out that little stall on the market that looks like your grandad should shop there, thye usually have the best hats.

The key to Pete’s look is pretty much look like you fell in the bin at the back of Oxfam, but with a little flair. So go out have fun and work the rock star look with none of the effort.

Get The Look - Alexa Chung

Loved by everyone and providing inspiration for the latest Mulberry ‘It Bag’, Emily Solan explains why Alexa Chung is high up in the style stakes and how ‘you’ too can look ‘geek chic’. Read more

Harem Pants

Harem pants are everywhere this season, and they are not quite as hard to wear as you think.  Paired with vest tops, gladiator sandals and tons of chunky bangles you will be amongst the fashion elite!  Here is just a few of InJournalism’s favourites:

1. Topshop Grey Harem Pants £22.00 www.topshop.co.uk
   
2. Topshop Salmon Harem Pants £22.00 www.topshop.co.uk
   
3. ASOS Khaki Harem Pants £20.00 www.asos.co.uk
   
4. Meem Black Wrap Harem Pants £60.00 www.asos.co.uk
   
5. Oasis Black Harem Pants £40.00 www.oasis.co.uk
   
6. Miss Selfridge Black Silk Harem Pants £10.00 www.missselfridge.co.uk
   
7. Warehouse Black Rib Harem Pants £20.00 www.warehouse.co.uk
   
8. Warehouse Grey Harem Pants £20.00 www.warehouse.co.uk
   
9. Warehouse Black Wrap Harem Pants £38.00 www.warehouse.co.uk
   
10. Warehouse Recycled Silk Grey Harem Pants £20.00 www.warehouse.co.uk
    

Kate Moss… can she do no wrong?

She’s a model, a fashion designer, a style icon and a party girl-Kate Moss covers all aspects of the spectrum. She’s known for her distinctive figure, her celebrity friends and more recently, her alleged drugs scandal but  still landed on her perfectly formed feet.

Her appearance on over 300 magazine covers all began when she was discovered at the age of 14 by Storm Model Management and became known as the “anti-model” of the 90’s as she contrasted supermodels such as Claudia Schiffer and Naomi Campbell, who were known for their curvaceous and tall figures.

She quickly charmed the fashion industry and soon became the face of Rimmel as well as supporting campaigns by major designers such as Gucci, Dolce and Gabbana, Versace, Roberto Cavalli and Dior. This led to her appeaance in British Women’s Sunday Times Rich List in 2007, where she was estimated to be worth £45 million and ranked as the 99th richest woman in Britain.

Whilst everything appeared to be going swimmingly for Kate, on the 15th of September 2005, London’s Daily Mirror ran front page images that appeared to show Moss snorting lines of cocaine at a recording session.  Five days later, H&M announced that they would be dropping her from their autumn clothes range which was designed by her good friend, Stella McCartney. On September 6th, Chanel announced they would not be renewing Miss Moss’ contract with them and Burberry also decided to drop the star from their campaign.

Kate apologised for her actions and was heavily defended by friends such as Naomi Campbell and ex-boyfriend Johnny Depp. Designer Alexander McQueen showed true devotion to the model by wearing a t-shirt saying ‘We love you Kate’ during his walkout after a fashion show.

A year after the cocaine scandal, Moss made a huge comeback by bagging 18 top modelling contracts in 2006 including Rimmel, Agent Provocateur, Roberto Cavalli and Calvin Klein. The effect of her cocaine scandal appeared to be fading away and it was suggested that her earnings after the scandal were more than before the incident.  In 2006, Moss won Model of the Year at the British Fashion Awards and whilst this was a clear sign that the public and the industry had forgiven her for her antics in 2005, the award was caused controversy.

In 2007, Moss decided that being a model and a party girl was simply not enough to keep her busy and on May 1st she launched her own collection in 255 Topshop stores.   The launch caused a media frenzy as she appeared in the window of the flagship store on Oxford Street, London, modelling a red dress from her collection.

Moss it seems has made a full public recovery and the nation continue to admire and rely upon her for effortless style.  Only last week, Cameron Diaz was spotted entering a hair salon in LA clutching a picture of Kate Moss only to come out with the exact same hair-do!  So girls rest assured that even the most famous and beautiful of women, with stylists on hand, take tips from Miss Moss…

This Week’s Top 10… Plimsolls

Remembered from  P.E lessons at school; plimsolls have come full circle and they are back!   No longer only available in Black and White these fashion statements are a work of art.  Check out our pick of the best before hitting the street this week…

1. Diesel Magnete Exposure Washed hi-top £75.00 www.asos.co.uk
   
2. ASOS Cut About Check Plimsolls £14.75 www.asos.co.uk
   
3. F-Troupe Suede Plimsolls £60.00 www.asos.co.uk
   
4. Gram 385g Printed Rubiks Plimsolls £60.00 www.asos.co.uk
   
5. Adam Duffy Retro-Badges Toecap Plimsolls £24.50 www.asos.co.uk
   
6. Gram 321g Triple Con Plimsolls £70.00 www.asos.co.uk
   
7. Adam Duffy Customised Block Party Plimsolls £24.50 www.asos.co.uk
   
8. Fred Perry Kingston Stamp Down Plimsolls £30.00 www.asos.co.uk
   
9. Whyred Lace-up Plimsolls £140.00 www.asos.co.uk
   
10. Converse One Star Low-profile Plimsolls £49.00 www.asos.co.uk
    

Next Page »