STYLE ICON - EDIE SEDGWICK
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Who doesn’t like to wear statement pieces these days? For example, can you go to a party without wearing your favourite chandelier earrings? Or aren’t you always up for that extra adventure with your eyeliner for the evening? Then do say thank you very much to Edie Sedgwick - the style icon of the 60s, the “it girl”, and one of Andy Warhol’s inspirations. Edith Minturn Sedgwick was born in 1943 to a family with a fair share of Massachusetts history and wealth. However, we could not enjoy Edie’s iconic style for very long as she died in 1971, at the tender age of 28 due to a drug overdose. Speaking about style, don’t hurry to copy all of the Sedgwick features, unless you’re 100 % sure you can pull off the spray-on silver hair. Yet, take bits from Edie’s style and make them your own. Let me show you how: > Out clubbing? Amazing opportunity to experiment with your eye-liner. Edie herself admitted in Ciao! Manhattan (1972) that she went a bit “heavy” with the eye make up. And so can you - invest in a liquid eye-liner and draw away! Whatever you choose to wear, make sure you have fun with it but keep it stylish yet simple. Don’t feel that you are copying her, rather think of it as carrying on her fashion legacy. Why not nail the look with our fabulous finds? Our Pearl Effect Round Disk Drop Earrings £3.99, Grey Beaded Pearl Effect Round Disk Drop Earrings £3.99, Black Knit Leg Warmers £3.99, Natural Coloured Leopard Print Design Tights £5.99. By Edita Lozovska - Fashion Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
CALIFORNIA GIRL - MISS KATY PERRY
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Maybe its the success of her second album ‘Teenage Dream’ or her recent engagement to comedian boyfriend Russell Brown; whatever it is, Katy Perry is certainly living the dream right now and looking more beautiful then ever. When we first met Miss Perry she was flaunting around in her underwear kissing girls, very Moulin Rouge. Yes we all loved her but she wasn’t anything we hadn’t seen before Madonna, Britney and Christina have been running around in their birthday suits kissing girls for years! However after the success of her first single we began to see a ‘kookier’ side to Katy. Maybe her confidence grew or maybe she just started being herself but as her outfits became wackier and she dyed her hair turned blue we have seen her transform into a fiery individual. She’s never been mainstream in what she wears but with the likes of Lady GaGa and Kelly Osborne around, punky and unusual isn’t so different anymore. But with Katy I truly believe she just wears what she wants, her outfits at the 2009 MTV music awards out shined the show itself... She straddled a banana, dressed up as a merry-go-round, splashed Obama over her torso and confused us all her with half man, half lady ensemble for her ‘hot and cold’ performance. On paper these outfits scream desperate and show off but she somehow pulled it off. Katy Perry is a sweetheart and this shows in what she’s wearing. Whether is her crazy hairstyles, her choice of glasses or her quirky performances its all her and unlike GaGa she looks finished and often understated. I don’t believe the decisions behind her outfits are based on the fact she wants to be noticed I just think she wants to have fun. We should all take a leaf out of Katy’s book and have more fun with what we wear and be more confident, you only get one shot so live the dream! Experiment with one of Katy’s favorite prints with our Zebra Print Holdall with Long Strap and Twist-Lock Closure at just £19.99. Get the look nailed! By Mary Olivia Hickey - Fashion Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
GLAMOUROUS GLEE
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I don’t know about everyone else but I loved the first series of America’s hottest TV show and I’m having post Glee blues. But its nice to see the show’s star Lea Michelle out and about look fabulous. She’s been Vogue’s best dressed for three weeks in a row now, a fantastic hat trick! She was seen at the Blackberry LA party in an effortless beautiful outfit this week, wearing a silver and white Jenni Kayne outfit which shined out above everyone else, a far cry from the cardigans and pleated skirts we see in Glee. Complete with gorgeous sky high heels, she looked amazing! Its nice to see a beautiful young lady looking so elegant and embracing her youth without showing too much flesh! By Mary Olivia Hickey - Fashion Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
LEOPARD PRINT FEVER
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Leopard print is something many people love but are quite wary of, and that’s because there is a fine line between looking glamorous and looking like Cat Slater! But the recent surge of leopard print trends are using more subtle colors such as grey and creams which creates a much softer feel. With winter on the horizon its time to stock up on cozy cardigans and chunky knitwear and by spicing things up this winters hottest print you can keep warm and on trend. Leopard print jeans are flying off the rails at the moment and teamed with warm winter ankle boots and a cardigan you can create a snug look. They won’t stay in fashion forever so invest in and enjoy this winter. Get the look nailed! By Mary Olivia Hickey - Fashion writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
AUTUMN TREND: THE PLAY SUIT
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The play suit has been a huge hit this summer, with so many different prints and textures around we really have been spoilt for choice. Play suits are fabulous because you can so easily dress them up and down, and they keep you cool all summer long. A-list celebrities such as Pixie Lott, Alexandra Burke and Kimberly Walsh can’t get enough of this summers top trend and lucky for us they are buying from the high street so we can copy! But with the summer months quickly coming to an end (sigh) and the autumn months creeping up we are no longer going to get away with mini playsuits, but have no fear because there is a solution! Full length playsuits are set to be the big trend of winter which is great for all of us playsuit lovers, this way you can keep warm and still look fabulous. By teaming a playsuit with fabulous high heel shoes you can create an effortlessly chic evening look. Get the look nailed! By Mary Olivia Hickey - Fashion Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
SEXY, SHEER AND SENSUAL LACE - KEY TREND FOR A/W 2010/2011
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Fashion has fallen in ‘lurve’ with lace all over again, with lace shirts and dresses, even floor length dramatic gowns beaming of romance. What makes lace so fashionable is the elegance that it possesses while also being sexy. Next season’s lace trend has been seen in Valentino’s show stopper outfit and in the fabulous Christopher Kane collection with a lace shirt paired with a high waisted skirt. Designers are using Lace to reveal the body in an unrevealing way: Confusing? Yes I know! But the contrast between the two can be fascinating! Just like the Underwear-as Outerwear Trend, Lace creates this juxta-positioning of the skin and fabric just revealing enough for the imagination to go wild! Heated yes I know however lace has this Victorian classic look and now in the 21st century we are linking it to sensual see-through clothes which allows us to play on how we would like to style it therefore this contrast of body and clothes can be great to play with! Also do remember my previous tip ‘less is not always more’ so be classy and most definitely fashionable! So Ladies want to spice up your Love life: Lace may be your answer! Treat yourself to a lace dress or shirt teamed up with some hot high heel shoes from A-SHU and some elegant pearl accessories to make the perfect outfit for that special date or to make heads turn to grab the special date! Try our Black Satin Effect and Bow Detail Peep Toe Heel - Sale was £24.99 now just £14.00 or our Grey Strappy Multi-Colour Peep Toe Sandals - Sale was £26.00 now just £22.99. By Anisha Parmar - Fashion Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
HOT SUMMER TREND: GORGEOUS SUNDRESSES
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Something comfortable yet dressy, glamorous and fabulously summary for these sunny days and balmy evenings, the sundress! It’s a perfect outfit, a combination of all a girl would want in a summer look. They are everywhere, and in an array of designs and colours. Stand out in bright vivid tribal print sundresses and maxi’s, or opt for a more feminine floral number. Floaty, tiered dresses give the perfect structure for dresses with busy designs, such as vivid prints and floral patterns. Keep accessories simple when wearing one of these sundresses so as not to overdo the look. If you prefer to keep it simple why not choose a strapless neutral colour dress, or a brightly coloured alternative. But hurry before the weather changes! By Laura Radford - Online Fashion Features Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
FABULOSITY - OUR LIGHT WEIGHT ACCESSORY
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When it comes to living a fabulous life, nobody does it better than the super mum and savvy business women Kimora Lee Simmons. She is the president of Phat fashions and brands range from her successful style brand Baby Phat to fragrances, jewellery and children’s clothing. Kimora is definitely without a doubt one of the most influential designers in the world. We are mesmerised by her personality and is often reflected in her successful reality TV series “Life in the fab lane”. Not only does she have a reality show, but she is also the author of "Fabulosity: What It Is & How to Get It.". So we followed Kimora this summer, down the fab lane to spot what accessories she wore and how we can get them without breaking the bank. Strutting in the fab lane, she wore strappy skyscraper high heel shoes, a cream blazer, a pair of shorts, a stunning clutch bag and a white scarf. To get this fabulosity look nailed, check out the range of clutch bags, high heel shoes and light weight scarves from our cyber shelves. I personally love the Light Weight Purple Floral Print Design Tassel Scarf at just £4.99, mainly because it is almost identical to the one Kimora is wearing but also it has the floral detailing on it making it a sizzling summer must-have accessory. And of course you may wish to transform it into a head scarf for the 50’s style look we are now seeing on the catwalk for the A/W season. So hurry up and grab this fabulosity! By Samantha Chidenga - Product Features Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
I HEART FASHION
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For as long as I can remember we have been fascinated by the relationship between fashion and ‘hearts’. Whether it’s a t-shirt claiming your love for New York a.k.a the iconic “I heart NY” brand or something a little closer to home; we just LOVE hearts. The famous ‘I Heart” slogan has inspired many designers, just look around the high street. We love boyfriends, bags, shoes and boys, London… the list goes on! Recently some designers have even confessed love for themselves. Vivienne Westwood’s ‘I Love Crap’ t-shirt’s flew off the shelves as did her heart shoes; she’s got a lot of love to give. The thing about hearts is they will never go out of fashion. Can you imagine, “Love is sooo last year!” Wear you heart on your sleeve this summer (no pun intended) with our Champaign Gold Hard-Back Heart Shaped Clutch Bag at just £11.00. Bargainous! By Mary Olivia Hickey - Fashion Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
GLAMOROUS GOTH!
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Bones, Skulls and Horror! Who would think it would make the perfect trend for those looking to give their style that edge. Accessorising with the skeletal look is perfect for this season as designers such as DSquared2, the late and fabulous Alexander Mcqueen and Sass and Bide are sporting Gothic Glam! Dsquared’s latest work can be described as dark futurism with their spine heeled platform ankle boots making a soaring entry and fast becoming the catwalk shoes to die for as they hit the shelves in mid-september. Shoes aren’t the only way to accessorise ladies! Jewellery is always important whether it’s that one iconic piece that sets you apart for your counterparts or a range on stylish bling! Legendary Jewellery designer Stephen Webster proves how the skull motif has a great history in jewellery mimicking the medieval era however modernised through time; as seen in the infamous Mcqueen skull printed scarves. These scarves were worn by the likes of the Olsen twins, Sienna Miller and Russell Brand. As these celebs set the trend racing its up to us individual fashionistas to make it our own and embrace it with open arms. So Ladies the likes of Mcqueen and Webster may be out of our reach but don’t fear because your fashion fairies at A-SHU are here! Bracelets and bangles, over-sized and over done are great for this trend! Check out our Chunky Wood and Silver Metal Over-Sized Swirl Bangle Set at just £10.00! Try the look with that edgy handbag whether it’s for those nights out with our Large Black Snakeskine Effect Clutch at just £12.00, or add the gothic glam to every day life with our Black Leather Effect Stud Embellished Holdall / Shopper Tote with Long Shoulder Strap at just £22.00. Why not embellish your feet with our great Silver Diamonte Embellished Multi Ankle Strap Flat Leather Sandals at just £20.99! Or to really embrace the look why don’t you try our rock ‘n’ Roll Grey Patent Knee High Stiletto Boots at just £16.99. So there you have it an accessorizing feast to get the perfect Glamorous Gothic look! By Anisha Parmar - Fashion Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
FASHION FORWARD ACCESSORISING: FUN FRINGING
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This summer has seen the arrival of many different trends; crop tops, maxi dresses, oversized glasses, leotards, the list goes on... But one trend that has never really gone away in the fashion circle is fringing, aka, tassels. First worn by Daisy Duke, the fashionable fringing definitely has American heritage and for that we have much to be thankful for. Its been huge on the festival front this summer and it’s likely to continue for years to come with handbags hosting the fringe effect. Pixie Lott, Beyonce and Paris Hilton are all huge fans and the high streets now recognise this; its not just the big designer labels sporting fringing anymore. Handbags, shoes and boots, belts and most recently waistcoats all following the trend and they look fantastic. Try cowboy boots, denim shorts and a white T with a fringed waistcoat for cool shabby-chic look. Or team a black maxi dress with a fringed holdall for an edgy, grown up look. Get the look nailed! By Mary Olivia Hickey - Fashion Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
SUMMER FASHION 2010: SPARKLES AND SHOULDERS
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The current one shouldered trend is one of my favourite looks to pull this summer. Whether you’re wearing a dress or a blouse, this specific cut gives you a very feminine look. The versatility of this trend ensures that you’re able to go from day to night smoothly without having to worry if you’re overdressed or too casual. Instyle recommends this trend as one of this summer’s must. Whether it’s an asymmetrical dress, or a floral print, celebrities such as Camilla Belle are constantly heating up the red carpet with beautiful, light dresses in this style. Also making an impact this summer are sequins and sparkles. Guaranteed to make a statement on a LBD, some might find these shimmering beauties to be a bit over the top for daytime fashion. However, as long as you’re rocking small doses, there’s no reason why you can’t spruce up for lunch with the girls! Alicia Keys gets the balance just right by choosing black separates and making her top the main focus of her outfit. Plus with a lot of fabulous and affordable shoes and fashion handbags on offer on A-SHU, accessorising these trends couldn’t be easier. By Safeera Sarjoo - Fashion Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
BACK TO THE BEACH
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Hawaiian prints, coral necklaces and flip flops have really been left to the surfers or sun bathing junkies of the warmer areas of the world instead of us British folk who celebrate if rain isn’t forecast. However this sudden spurt of sunshine has brought the beach to the streets. It has been questioned and rejected by many. However others are celebrating the excuse to ditch the usual mix of dull navy’s, black’s, greys and sport something a little more colourful and suitable for Summer. No I’m not just imagining it, it isn’t just desperation to bring some colour into our lives - the designers are dictating it too. Armani has made lycra sandals with a print named Honalulu, Guess has the perfect one-piece swimsuit that is sexy but sophisticated at the same time, and Ashish’s spring 2010 collection is the perfect example of this trend. Floral jewellery is perfect if you want to go all out, hibiscus flower rings are everywhere from on the high street to the pricier Van Cleef & Arpels. I am currently in Mauii - a Hawaiian island where celebrities such as Whitney Port and Megan Fox have just been seen vacationing in bright colours. So I am experiencing first hand the feeling of what it’s like not to feel equipped for a sunny holiday. Even the men are joining in with Tommy Bahama shirts to match their other halves floral mini dress. I opened my suitcase to an array of....nothing, black, black, black, oh and a lucky grey skirt that made it in there. When you go on your travels this Summer make sure your suitcase is complete with an item that is holiday appropriate, not something that screams ‘I am used to bleak weather’ but something that’ll help you blend with the local folk. Get the ‘been to the beach’ look with our Short White Shell Beaded Necklace for only £4.99. By Jasmine Jayyousi - Fashion Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
STUDDED ACCESSORIES ARE HERE TO STAY
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You would have thought like most fashion trends the ‘everything must be studded’ one would have phased out by now and be forgotten until its next turn in the cycle... but no. These studs are here to stay! No longer associated with the days of Punk, ‘The Sex Pistols’ etc. They’re grungy no more, instead edgy embellishments that can be dressed up or down. From last year up until now we have seen mainly jackets and handbags covered in gold or silver studs. However now it seems like anything can be doused in them from headbands, to jewellery, to dresses. They are also not only studs, but bullets and safety pins are being added as well. For example Alexa Chung recently wore a red safety pin dress by Versus to a fundraiser and we all know that Miss Chung knows her fashion well. I’m afraid that if you’re a floral only girl and no fan of this everlasting trend you’d better sit tight for a while as they aren’t going anywhere and are pretty much un-escapable. From the high street to the high-end designer, studs are being used left, right and centre. The newest addition to the mass of studded items is designer Katie Nehra’s leather jacket from her ‘Simone’ label. The special thing that caught my eye about this jacket (and to be honest made me rather upset that I couldn’t afford it) was that Nehra has been quoted on Style.com saying ‘you can custom order the jacket any way you want’... this is officially the dream jacket, on trend and personalised, so that it really is unique! Fans of this jacket are Patti Smith, Mary-Kate Olsen, Nicole Richie… the list goes on. Some stars have even been known to have their names emblazoned upon the back or up the sleeve. I know the climate right now may seem a little too hot at the moment and not really leather appropriate but there is no harm in preparing yourself for Autumn or a chilly afternoon is there? An absolute favourite for this Summer however has to be the Alexander Wang Rocco mini duffle it’s this year’s must have fashion accessory, and right on trend with its underneath covered with bullets. Stars such as Dakota Fanning, Ashley Tisdale, Rihanna, and the Hilton sisters have been sporting the beauty wherever they go. However if you aren’t a Hollywood celeb or someone who can afford to spend £870 just like that I’d suggest to go for the less expensive substitute and get the look with our Black Leather Effect Stud Embellished Holdall / Shopper Tote with Long Shoulder Strap at just £22.00. Bargainous! By Jasmine Jayyousi - Fashion Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
RELIVE THE RETRO DAYS WITH PUNCHY COLOURS
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It is certainly a fact: fashion likes to recycle itself. What has been fashionable in the 50s can be a style staple in 2010. This summer make sure you go old school with punchy colours. Versus decided to go for the screaming shade of scarlet - ideal when you are choosing summery dresses as well as eye-grabbing accessories, such as clutch bags or red-framed sun glasses. Make up-wise, why not give that red lip a go? It looks oh so-glamorous and at the same time seductive. The models at Dior Spring/Summer 2010 have by all means nailed the red lip trend. The collection has also been inspired by the sirens of the silver screen, with the clothes reflecting a throw-back to the era of Classical Hollywood movies. The colours among other things were also in-your-face, or how Vogue has poetically described it: “a pared down palette of grey, black, white, cream and grey that was later pierced by scarlet, orange or fuchsia for pleated silk cocktail dresses overlaid in black lace.” Desirable indeed. Lastly the Spring/Summer 2010 couture collection of Jean Paul Gaultier was also injected with punchy colours. Turquise blues, delicious oranges and natural greens were seen throughout the catwalk creating a ‘we’re in paradise’ feel. To embrace the go back in time with a show-stopping colour trend be sure to clash the hues, instead of matching them and go for daring make up. Experiment with the head-scarves ala housewives of the 50s – it can glam up a plain ensemble. By Edita Lozovska - Fashion Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
THE CHECK SHIRT
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The check shirt has been around for ages, however it was usually only worn by red necks, builders and cowboys. Now it seems the check shirt is an essential part of our wardrobes. The check shirt has definitely earnt a place is the fashion hall of fame. It is nice to know that it is us brits who really started the trend; A-listers such as Fearne Cotton, Sarah Harding and David Beckham are huge fans and have been wearing them with pride for the last decade. High street shops are all feeding the trend and the check shirt recently travelled across the pond and is now huge in America; Justin Biber, Lauren Conrad and Justin Timberlake can’t get enough of the preppy look and fans of the stars are following suit. The check shirt is an unusual fashion item as you can’t really dress it up with high heels it just won’t work. You have to keep the whole outfit casual, teaming your shirt with flip flops or gladiator sandals and skinny jeans is an effortlessly cool look, you can’t really go wrong. Alternatively try to pair them with boyish brogue shoes, my favourite! Finish off with a dark pair of shades and simple hair to complete the look. Just remember to leave your cowboy hat at home or you may end up looking like a cowgirl! By Mary Olivia Hickey - Fashion writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
THE MAXI DRESS
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The maxi dress; an essential summer piece. When else can you wear a floor length dress and look fabulous apart from your wedding day? Maxi dresses can come in all different shapes, sizes, styles and colours but one I would definitely invest in this summer is a black maxi. I am huge fan of the LBD mainly because they are so stylish, flattering and above all you can create hundreds of different outfits from just one item of clothing. A black maxi dress is similar to a blank canvas, you can do whatever you like to it, i.e. accessorise with gold jewellery or jazz things up with a leopard print scarf. Either way you can create so many looks for very little money. A black maxi dress is similar to an LBD just a little more chilled out, summery and more appropriate for hanging out by the beach. A maxi dress can be teamed with wedges for an evening look or flip flops for a chilled out day look. Whatever the occasion you will always look super fabulous! For a holiday evening look, how about our fabulous Brown Mid Heel Woven Design Wedges. At just £22.00 they are not breaking the bank and would look great with an array of summer holiday pieces. Get the look nailed! By Mary Olivia Hickey - Fashion writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
PARIS COUTURE MAKES HOT AND STEAMY FASHION STATEMENT
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We know of the trend Underwear-as-Outerwear but this year the Paris Couture scene is taking a daring approach exposing the vixen within. Jean Paul Gaultier is renowned for his pointed bra that Madonna popularised making the underwear-as -outerwear trend one of the most sustained and reoccurring. Yet again he had not failed to shock with Burlesque Star Dita Von Teese as his showstopper who showed the audience how artful it is when Couture collides with burlesque dancing as she revealed layers of Gautier couture. She exposed a figure defining bustier where the architectural boning was embellished highlighting each curve of the body. Gautier’s collection showed his audience the structure of garment formation as he says, “"It was all about structure, about bringing the bones, the very foundation of what makes a garment, to the surface." He continues to admire and accentuate a women’s figure through his collections, which is a key trend for the Autumn/Winter 2010/2011, as Valentino also resembled this structure and form in his couture gowns using sheer fabric over a crinoline style birdcage. What these couture designers are doing is reversing the Victorian style by exposing the hidden layers under all the heavy fabric making it sexy yet tasteful! Getting the trend right it a must as it can easily go wrong, it is not as simple as wearing your bra or knickers over your normal clothes but about highlighting the assets of the body so set your self a task; search for that vintage corset or the classic lace dress. Remember to get the underwear-as-outerwear trend right be daring and confident but also remember that less is not always more! How about pairing your pieces up with our Patent Black Quilted Effect Slim-Line Purse / Card Holder at £7.49 or our Black Satin Effect and Bow Detail Peep Toe Heels at just £14.00. Fabulous! By Anisha Parmar - Fashion Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
MIX UP YOUR WORKWEAR WITH FAB SHOES AND ACCESSORIES!
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Eveningwear and daytime casuals are always at the centre of our attention. We’re constantly experimenting with colours making sure our look is complete with perfect accessories and gorgeous shoes. But what about paying close attention to what we wear to work? Some of us might have a dreaded uniform, but for those in an office environment, have you ever thought about breaking free from the generic skirt, shirt and blazer and trying something that’s comfortable and stylish yet professional? It can be done. The Net-a-Porter magazine gives great ideas on how to tweak classic looks that are practical and fall under the “smart” category. For example, a structured work dress in a neutral stone or khaki shade teamed with classic black shoes allows you to wear an alternative colour, but maintains that professional feel with the plain black shoes. Two in one dresses are quite popular giving you that skirt and blouse effect. Try a dress that incorporates the blush tone - currently still a major colour being worn. Unique tops teamed with a classic black trouser or skirt is also another fashion do in the workplace. Light pastel colours work well against darker shades, so don’t be afraid to mix and match. What you wear for work shouldn’t be routine thing you do 5 days a week, if you love fashion, then find a way to stand out from the crowd and be unique. By Safeera Sarjoo - Fashion Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
FESTIVAL FEVER!
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For a long time festivals were all about the music but now it seems fashion plays a huge part in the line up. Festivals are not a time for high heels and expensive handbags however it is your chance to be creative, fun and down right silly. Where else can you team your favorite dress with a pair of wellies and face paint? Everyone remembers how fabulous Kate Moss looked in a short gold dress and Hunter welly boots. Festival fashion is something you really need to embrace, you will never be judged because at the end of the day everyone is in the same position as you, and thats knee deep in mud with a bottle of cider. So go for it, and be daring! This summer its all about flowers so make sure you’ve got one attached to your head at all times, don’t bother investing in pricey clothes to take just improvise with old ones. Headscarves are also a must, cover up your five day hair with our Lightweight Purple Floral Design Tassel Scarf at £4.99. Festivals are not the time to pack lots of clothes so bring a few bright essentials and jazz things up with accessories, try our Neon Mixed Bangle Set - Set of four at £1.99. Whatever the weather make sure you look festival ready at all times, and remember to keep the high heels at home and wellies on at all times! By Mary Olivia Hickey - Fashion writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
ALTERNATIVE TO CLOTHES: THE SWIMSUIT
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Like any other season, Spring/Summer has its own veteran and newbie trends. The veterans are doubtlessly the nautical trend, florals and working white. Assuredly, designers reinvent them every season but the core of the trend is totally the same. For example Lagerfeld at Chanel reworked the whites to achieve the country style, Anna Sui reworked the florals to get the eye-grabbing effect and Hermes reworked the nautical into sporty. There are tones of newbies though - the denim-alls as seen at Gaultier, the modern military as seen on Balmain, and finally undone clothing at Prada. The trends go on and on, but there is only one item you simply can not live without during the summer, which ultimately is the swimsuit. Regardless if it is only tanning in the backyard or a full on holiday in the Bahamas, the swimming costume is a must, and this season it has become more than versatile. The June issue of Vogue Russia has given quite a few great ideas on how to work this alternative to clothing. They share their immaculate fashion know-how on what to add to the swimsuit: “When the sun goes down, don’t hurry to wear clothes, rather put some high heel stilettos on and demand some champagne from the barman.” And of course, don’t forget to match the statement necklaces with your bikinis. Another trick is to work the turban hat or headpiece trend a la the Sex and the City girls - a great style staple as well as keeps your head out of the sun. If you’re going on holiday, don’t forget to bring the fashion to the beach, and if you have a breath-taking bikini, give your clothes a rest and wear your swimsuit as an alternative. By Edita Lozovska - Fashion Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
EMBELLISHED BEAUTY - SHOES AND ACCESSORIES GALORE!
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The love of high end designer labels this season such as Lanvin, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Antik Batik and Louboutin, the embellishment look is not only sassy and sexy but angelic and princess-esque. This trend has the power to make you feel like royalty in regal diamante embellished shift dresses, and sequin embellished peep toe high heels, or perhaps a gorgeous embellished jacket. Not only all that fabulousness but accessories have gone mad for embellishment too. Here are the days of sequin, gem, and stud adornments. They are everywhere! This trend is perfect for eveningwear, and can be worked into everyday wear too. Why not try a super chic studded fashion handbag or tote bag? Or even studded heels for work wear and studded embellished gladiator sandals for the weekend and warm weather wear. However you do it, rock embellishment just like it’s the crown jewels! By Laura Radford - Online Fashion Features Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
WOMENS STYLE: FESTIVAL FEVER
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When can you indulge in all of summer’s trends at once? At music festivals of course. While the songs may be fresh and funky, the fashion is also always a sight to see. But what are the best trends to work with while in muddy fields? Fashion Bible Vogue suggests to first of all “ditch your Chanel clogs (useless on uneven terrain), in favour of espadrilles, gladiators or Hunters.” Try to give those high heel stilettos a rest and make the most of gorgeous flat shoes and sandals. Be inspired by Jean Paul Gaultier and go for the military boot- comfortable, edgy and oh-so on trend. While short little dresses might not be the most secure option, this season comes with the ultimate alternative: the hip playsuit. This dress-shorts-or-trousers hybrid comes in all lengths but when the sun is out remember that this summer shorter is better. If playsuits are not the option for you - what could be more comfortable than a tank and denim dukes? Take notes from Alexander Wang on how to make the most of the top and bottom combo. Vogue also hints that “in case of downpours and mudslides, pack a Peruvian poncho”. But beware of this one - the Ugly Betty style is certainly a fashion faux pass. Instead, when it comes to ponchos, get ideas from Chloe and go for neutral shades and minimal designs. So what are you waiting for? Mix and match this summer’s fashion trends and let the music blast! By Edita Lozovska - Fashion Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
MARY-KATE AND ASHLEY OLSEN LINE - ELIZABETH AND JAMES
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Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen began their life in the spotlight very early, the twins were dominant in pop culture during the late 90’s and early 00’s. The Californian beauties were as popular among children as Hannah Montana and High School Music are today. Their acting careers were huge across America and quickly spread over the ocean to the UK. By their early teens the girls had their own make-up range, and fashion range for girls aged 4-14, “Mary-Kate and Ashley: Real fashion for real girls.” By this time their empire estimated around $100 million, they quickly rose their way up the Forbes rich list. As the girls moved into to adulthood their fashion quickly matured with them. Both girls have been labelled fashion icons, however have both been criticised for wearing fur. The girls have grown away from cute Californian style and now have very individual styles. Mary-Kate’s style has often been compared to a homeless person but its a huge hit and stars such as Kate Moss and Sienna Miller agree! Her use of layers, baggy clothes, over sized glasses and generally looking unfinished has received praise from many fashion critics around the world. Ashley is more conservative with her style, she is a huge fan of the LBD, pearls and luxury. She always looks squeaky clean and elegant, I personally prefer her style as she has a knack for looking fabulous without spending a lot of money. With this is mind the twins opened a new line in 2007 called Elizabeth and James, named after two of their siblings the line leads the way in affordable fashion. Elizabeth and James has been a huge success in the USA, the line is wearable, accessible and is an example of both their preferred styles. You can’t really fault it, I’m just hoping it comes over to the UK ASAP! You have to take your hat of to the two girls, although I’m not a fan of their fur wearing days or their pouts!! Their fashion line is fantastic, it reminds me of Topshop’s early days when everyone went crazy because fashion was finally affordable. I hope they continue to succeed and become icons in the fashion industry. By Mary Olivia Hickey - Fashion Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
THE ZOE PROJECT
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It’s the season when we should all be outdoors soaking up the sun (or taking advantage of the little we have of it), but instead us reality TV junkies are glued to either laptops or televisions rather than the local park. Why does MTV have to suddenly give us an overload of all our guilty pleasures all at once? For example, ‘The City’, ‘The Hills’ etc. All with drama (fake or not) tripled! On a side note, people please comment on the horrific change in Heidi’s appearance, does one not find her transformation terribly sad? To continue, my personal favourite has got to be ‘The Rachel Zoe Project’, a newbie to the UK. Any girl of any age whose into her fashion or is a stylist wannabe will be an instant addict by the first episode. Rachel Zoe, celebrity stylist to the stars finally lets a camera crew into her LA home and has created the most stressful but exciting to watch reality show. The point I wish to make is on Rachel’s personal style that she continuously dictates throughout the program. Her petite frame doesn’t go anywhere without her staple big accessories. The over-sized shades are a must, whether in or out the house, rain or shine. Her fashionable influence has come just in time for our summer with her large wooden bangles perfect for the holiday season. When packing light, jewellery wise, a couple of large bangles are all you need to look right on trend. They can be taken to the restaurant, beach or bar, be dressed up or down. Make sure you have at least one on around your wrist, but feel free to go crazy I say. In th To get look check out our Chunky Wood and Copper Metal Over-Sized Diamond Bangle at only £5.99! By Jasmine Jayyousi - Fashion Writer for A-SHU.CO.UK. |
