TRENDS - Miami Swimwear Looks

Photo Credit: Fashion Wire Press

I can't think of a better city in the world to show off trends in swimwear. The glitterati of Miami show off their fabulous figures and bronzed skin in the most stylish swimwear around. At Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week held from15-19 July 2009 various hot swim trends could be identified.

One trend was the one-piece. It has been clear for some time that a swimsuit is a desirable garment once more, but it needs interest like cutaway sections, a deep V neckline or gathering to avoid looking frumpy. Opt for a costume with detailing to look cool and cover up any problem areas at the same time.


Prints were also key for many designers especially jungle inspired ones. Jewellery worn with swimwear was also something to take notice of. Although not hugely practical, especially when things really heat up, the latter look is high fashion and a style statement that says 'I can accessorise even on the beach'. To get this look yourself, try wearing some long wooden beads which won't get so hot in the sun.


Another great trend is fifties inspired swimwear. The focus of this style is making the most of the waist and often features low leg briefs or shorts. Great news for anyone wanting to conceal their behind beneath a bit more fabric.

The last trend that I love is Grecian. Look out for one-shoulder styles, draping and interesting neckline detailing. You too can be a beach goddess! Read more about these trends over at The Fashion List.

Which look do you favour on the beach or poolside?

JEWELLERY - Fairytales and Post it Notes

In the overloaded mess that is my inbox, one email stood out and it was from jewellery brand Fairytales and Post it Notes. First of all, the name alone demands you take notice and after further investigation it was clear that their style of jewellery was right up my street. Inspiration is taken from all that is 'Vintage, Romantic and Mischievous' and the designs just make me want to cast caution to the wind and start spending.

Fairytales and Post it Notes sell jewellery online and also at the Backyard Market on London's Brick Lane most Sundays. I might just have to head down there to see all the treasures for myself. Instead of being as expensive as they are beautiful, you'll find the jewellery to be modestly priced which is refreshing especially when you won't be able to choose just one piece to take home.

Take a look at some of my favourite items...

Birdcage Necklace - £16

Telescope - £25



Vintage Style Musical Note and Bird Brooch - £12

DESIGNER - Catharina Eden's The Jewelled Spine Collection

Catharina Eden launched her label, The Jewelled Spine Collection, with an event in London's Beach Blanket Babylon last week. I really wanted to go check it out, but unfortunately a hectic first week living in London prevented me from going, so I had to go by the images alone. There is something dream-like and innocent about the clothing which makes each item really appealing, especially to a girlie girl. But most importantly, the designs are wearable, something which so many designers can forget in search of uniqueness.


The work is autobiographical in that Catharina looked to her own memories and childhood for inspiration. It was also a collaboration with artist Robert Burton who is a specialist in printing techniques. The spine was chosen as an element of the collection because it signifies strength, something important in every one of us.


The dresses each had their own idea and influence behind them...

The Introvert Short
Revealing only a little bit at a time, each hand printed layer tells about those things
most precious and important to the girl. You can only see one layer of printed fabric at a time, but further investigating reveals more beneath the surface. Prints by Rob Burton.

Liberty
About a young girl trying to find her self and peace within. Being free and finding her own wings.

Dreams are Woven
Woven in a dream. It is about how everything is interlinked and you never know how different things tie in together in the end forming one. Just as something in the past can tie in with something now.

Pandora’s Box
Like a child carries their most precious possessions with them at all time, the dress is actually a bag in which to keep these objects safe, buried deep in the pocket. Prints by Rob Burton.

Stars
Having your head above the clouds, gazing at the stars. Being an eternal dreamer. Having the optimism of a child.

Jewelled Spine
Showing the full beauty of the spine, which is the source for strength from within. An inspiration and a powerful influence on the body, mind and soul.

Inspiration
Combining the jewelled strength with the carousel horse memory, this dress is the start and the finish of the collection. Prints by Rob Burton.

BAGS - Sara Berman for Isabella Oliver

Isabella Oliver likes to give tips on how to wear their clothing and often discuss accessorising styles with a wearable tote or glamorous clutch for easy day to evening style. It seemed only natural for them to introduce a stylish selection of handbags to the brand's versatile collection (Launching in August). Isabella Oliver has collaborated with designer sisters Sara and Amiee of Sara Berman to bring us an exciting and practical range of covetable bags.

This collection of premium handbags is designed for busy, modern lifestyles. My favourite is definitely the Posey Clutch in Satin which is fun as well as functional for a night on the tiles. Here is the full range, pictured above:

1. The Lulu Clutch in Satin - £160
2. The Roxy Tote - £330
3. The Posey Clutch in Leather - £220
4. The Lulu Clutch in Leather - £190
5. The Bonnie Weekender - £425
6. The Posey Clutch in Satin - £175
   

To reserve yours now visit www.IsabellaOliver.com for August delivery. They are an exclusive collaboration, so you can be sure to be one of the very first to get your hands on one!

Want to know more about what goes on behind the scenes at Isabella Oliver? Check out the Isabella Oliver blog.

CELEBRITY - Rachel Weisz in Thigh Highs

Photo by Cliff Watts © Harper's Bazaar

Rachel Weisz's sexy leather boots, which feature in the August issue of Harper's Bazaar, have created an international buzz .

The UK and international press have gone crazy for the Alexander McQueen leather thigh-high boots (£1,350) worn by the gorgeous UK actress in an exclusive photographic shoot for Harper's Bazaar - the popular UK fashion monthly. The boots, next season’s ‘must have’ on the catwalk, have attracted rave reviews on websites, blogs and in the general press.

Some of the comments include:

• Sultry Rachel Weisz gets into her stride in these extraordinary boots – Daily Mirror

• The actress sported the eye-popping beauties as part of a super sexy shoot for the mag – Skyshowbiz.com

• Rachel Weisz appears in the latest issue of UK Harper's Bazaar in some truly ferosh boots, complementing her fab self – Perez Hilton

Thigh high boots are in fact one of the next season’s ‘must have’ on the catwalks and Harper’s Bazaar predicts that fashionable women everywhere will be wearing these daring trends next Autumn.

Harper’s Bazaar Editor Lucy Yeomans, says; “One of the strongest ways to wear colour this season is over skin-tight black – either super-skinny trousers or supremely sexy thigh-high boots. It’s a bold look that adds sexiness to the block-colour trend and we reckon it even gives us licence to channel Michelle Pfeiffer’s Catwoman. Rachel carries this look off effortlessly - she looks absolutely stunning in Harper's Bazaar and I’m sure the Alexander McQueen boots she is wearing in the shoot will be hot property next season.”

To read the full Rachel Weisz interview and to find out about the next season’s fashion trends, check out the August of Harper’s Bazaar, on sale now.

NEWS - More Posts Coming Soon

I thought I had better apologise for the lack of blog activity lately. I moved this weekend, and the Internet does not get connected for another week or so. Until then, I am limited by how much I can work on the blog, but rest assured things will be back to normal as soon as possible.

If you are not already a follower please sign up. You will be first to know when there is new content and can have it delivered straight in to your Google reader. I also have a mailing list where you will get a weekly (ish) update of the latest posts. Just follow the links in the right -hand sidebar of this blog.

Thanks for your patience and please do come back and see The Style PA soon.

FASHION - Make Mine a Midi

The midi skirt has long been a favourite of mine and now Vogue.com reports that it is THE length of choice for fashion conscious ladies. This heatwave is great, but shorts and T-shirts have never been my preferred look. I like classic, elegant and figure enhancing styles and with a midi skirt you get it all.

Take inspiration from the fifties starlets and wear with a cute blouse tucked in and beads or pearls. Heels are a must and making sure your skirt fits well is too. This style can be super flattering and figure enhancing which will give you the confidence to strut your stuff this summer without having to expose too much flesh. It turns out that some of my favourite designers also love the look including Marni and Marc Jacobs so you can be safe in the knowledge that you are bang on trend to boot.

Here are some midi skirts that caught my eye:

Satin Pencil Skirt - Karen Millen - £49 (was £99)



Celine Ombré full skirt - Net-a-Porter - £1500

Giambattista Valli Degradé honeycomb design skirt - Browns Fashion - £665.00