A Look into Monsoon's Artisan Studio Collection
If you spot an unmistakable artisanal touch on the high street, you are not wrong and it is not a dream, it is Monsoon's Artisan Studio Collection.
Can Winter Styles Survive Through The Summer Season?
Summer is right around the corner, and as conscious fashion lovers we all know it’s time to restyle our clothes from the previous season.
Ph. Artem Beliaikin (unsplash)
Instead of buying new, why not upcycle some of your winter favourites, into beloved summer pieces.
Here’s what to expect walking into summer and how to rework your winter staples for the season.
Cargo Pants- How Trousers Can Be Your Staple
Ph. Nathan Van De Graaf (Unsplash)
Cargos have been the staple of winter wardrobes. Men and women have been obsessed with the relaxed style, which has been significant since mom and flare jeans overtook skinny jeans. Many different retailers hopped straight on the trend and now shops are filled with the beloved cargo pants. The pants have been such a staple due to the low-rise silhouette, turning your body into an hourglass shape. But individuals seem puzzled of how they can still incorporate cargos on a warm sunny day. Don’t worry, because the rise of cargo pants will still be the hype of this summer. Trade your roll necks and boots, for crop or vest tops and sandals at the flick of a switch, from warm winter trends to hot summer styles.
Make Low Rise Mini Skirts Your Essential
Ph. Paul Szewczyk (Unsplash)
Low rise mini skirts are a craze for women right now. We have seen them fitted on celebrities like Camila Mendes, Kendall Jenner and Olivia Rodrigo. Micro skirts with a low waistline and a chain belt are so popular, and really do accentuate your body. Show off your inner Britney Spears and Beyonce, when rocking their iconic noughties fashion. It is clearer than ever that women are feeling more empowered. AAnd especially confident and sexy in these little skirts. What better time to get your legs out in the warm summer breeze? No need to buy more, you can keep your classic black and white skirts from the winter as an essential for your summer looks. Instead of styling them with tights and a long sleeve crop top, trade them in for a sustainable organic cotton tank top.
Goth to Chic In Winter To Summer Style
Ph. Naeim Jafari (Unsplash)
The cliché of the gothic era predominantly consisting of girls wearing dramatic makeup, green hair and fishnets tights is over. You can be just like your beloved A listers; Kourtney Kardashian and Megan Fox who have grabbed gothic style and twisted it into this romantic tailor. They have incorporated the classic colours like black and red and layered it with lace and corsets, creating a sexy piece. Our two gothic idols established their change in fashion after beginning to date gothic rock stars, Travis Barker and Machine Gun Kelly. The old conventions of goth have been changed once and for all, by our beautiful celebrity icons. You can incorporate this into your summer wardrobe by styling black leather shorts with corsets, and carry a leather jacket over the shoulders; simple.
How Colour Clashing Will Brighten Your Wardrobe
Ph. Katsiaryna Endeuszkiewicz (Unsplash)
It's not for everyone, but if you want to turn heads then this style will keep you occupied in the summer. Mix reds with pinks and blues with orange, creating a vibrant summery look. Colour clashing is the ideal statement to make on an everyday occurrence, or when arriving at a party. And what’s more perfect than using colours in the sun. Be the showstopper at every event, and continue to be the ray of sunshine, even if the suns not out. For someone who is more on the girlie side yellows and pinks would be the perfect mix. Team a yellow shift dress with pink sunglasses and open toe sandals, creating a girlie aesthetic. On the other hand, combining blue and orange produces a cool toned, ‘it girl’ vibe. Wear blue camos with an orange tube top and pair with an orange bandana.
It's undeniable that 2000’s trends will continue through this year. So, keep an eye out on the fashion two decades ago, to keep up with the trends.
Trends like these make it easier to rework your winter clothes into solid summer looks that reflect the attitude of what’s hot right now. With a healthy dose of imagination and inspiration, your ensemble can look sassy whilst slowing down consumption, with the added bonus of getting your money's worth from the previous season.
For more inspiration on sustainable style, why not check your schedule and visit us in London on the 18th June for our first sustainable pop up event showcasing boutiques and suppliers of conscious creations. Head this way to look and book!
Transforming UK Retail: The Nation’s High Street
The landscape of high street retail has changed drastically over the last decade, particularly for fashion retailers.
Candice Brathwaite's #BeyondNow Edit collection
Candice Brathwaite, face of Oxford Street and its #BEYONDNOW campaign, arrives in stores with her sustainable capsule collection featuring 30 of the most loved brands from Oxford Street.
Candice Brathwaite’s #BEYONDNOW Edit is now available in stores, an A/W 2021 capsule collection with selected pieces from 30 Oxford Street high street brands. The collaboration inspires a positive approach to shopping and fashion.
Candice Brathwaite’s edit is a 54-piece capsule collection using products from the responsible and conscious collections of 30 Oxford Street brands. The collaborative collection is curated into nine 9 Autumn/Winter looks all available in-store on Oxford Street. Oxford Street BEYOND NOW is the destination’s first sustainable awareness initiative showcasing the positive changes that some of the UK’s most beloved high street brands are making to create a brighter future for our high street and how we shop.
Look 1
Urban Outfitters, BDG Recycled Denim Jacket, 200 Oxford Street, £56
Nike Air Force 1 Crater Flyknit Trainers, 236 Oxford Street, £69.95
Ganni Dress part of Selfridges Planet Earth Collection, 400 Oxford Street, £205
Pandora Brilliance Collection Lab Grown Teardrop Diamond Bracelet, 257/259 Oxford Street, £250
Look 2
John Lewis & Partners Sustainable and Traceable Cashmere Jumper, 300 Oxford Street, £99
Zara Join Life Wrap Skirt, 333 Oxford Street, £29.99
Adidas Vegan Stan Smiths from Schuh, 200 Oxford Street, £75
H.Samuel Diamond Story 18ct White Gold Diamond Ring, 250 Oxford Street, £1,699
Pandora Brilliance Collection Lab Grown Diamond Earrings, 257/259 Oxford Street, £690
Look 3
H&M Conscious Knit Dress Made With Certified Recycled Materials, 174-175 Oxford Street, £34.99
Ganni Recycled Chelsea Boots Part Of Selfridges Planet Earth, 400 Oxford Street, £195
Acne Studios Vally Checked Wool Scarf Part Of Selfridges Planet Earth, £220
Swatch Big Bold BIOCERAMIC Watch, 313 Oxford Street, £108
John Lewis & Partners Matt & Nat Recycled Vegan Cross Body, 300 Oxford Street, £65
H&M Conscious Earrings, 174-175 Oxford Street, £5.99
Look 4
River Island Hoodie Made From Organic & Recycled Materials, 473 Oxford Street, £38
River Island New Leaf Mid Rise Jean, £42
Teva Sandals From Schuh With REPREVE® Polyester Yarn By Unified And Recycled Plastic Webbing, 200 Oxford Street, £60
Parley For The Oceans Clean Waves Sunglasses From Selfridges, 400 Oxford Street, £200
H&M Conscious Rings, 174-175 Oxford Street £6.99
H&M Conscious Hair Clips, 174-175 Oxford Street, £3.99
Lush Zig Zag Knot Wrap, 175-179 Oxford Street, £4
Look 5
Sandro Dress Part Of Selfridges Project Earth Collection, 400 Oxford St, £359
John Lewis Trench Coat Supporting BCI Cotton Farmers, 300 Oxford St, £99
Tezenis Paris Recycled Microfibre Balconette Bra, 266-270 Oxford St, £14.99
VEJA Womens V-10 Logo Embroidered Leather Trainers, Part Of Selfridges Project Earth Collection, 400 Oxford St, £125
Monica Vinader Earrings, Part Of Selfridges Project Earth Collection, 400 Oxford St, £140
H&M Ring, Part Of The Conscious Collection, 174-176 Oxford St, £2.99
H&M Patterned Scarf, Part Of The Conscious Collection, 174-176 Oxford St, £6.99
Look 6
Mango Printed Cotton Top And Skirt Part Of The Committed Collection. 225-235 Oxford St, Top £19.99 And Skirt £29.99
Urban Outfitters Vintage Leather Blazer, Part Of Urban Renewal Collection, 200 Oxford St, £99
Adidas Gazelle Shoes, Part Of The Adidas Sustainable Collection Available From Schuh, 200 Oxford St, £70
H&M Bag, Part Of The Conscious Collection, 174-176 Oxford St, £17.99
H&M Necklace, Part Of The Conscious Collection, 174-176 Oxford St, £3.99
Tezenis Short Ribbed Recycled Cotton Socks, 266 Oxford St, £6.99
Look 7
Whistles Speckled Animal Skirt, Part Of Selfridges Project Earth Collection, 400 Oxford St, £59
Selfridges ROOP Satin Bag, Part Of Project Earth Collection, 400 Oxford St, £75
Selfridges Frame Cashmere Jumper, Part Of Project Earth Collection, 400 Oxford St, £350
H&M Earrings, Part Of The Conscious Collection, 174-176 Oxford St, £12.99
H&M Grey Headband, Part Of The Conscious Collection, 174-176 Oxford St, £9.99
Converse Khaki Run Star Hike Recycled Hi Trainers, Available From Schuh, 200 Oxford St, £90
Look 8
United Colors Of Benetton Pattern Dress, Made With 100% Sustainable Materials, 89 Oxford St, £59.95
New Balance 998 Remade in Pink, 287-291 Oxford St, £200
Uniqlo Recycled Jacket, 311 Oxford St, £79.90
Swatch Big Bold BIOCERAMIC, 313 Oxford St, £108
H&M Earring Crawler, Part Of The Conscious Collection, 174-176 Oxford St, £3.99
Timberland Allington Boots With Rebotl ™ Fabric Lining & Recycled PET Laces. From Schuh 200 Oxford St, £120
Look 9
H&M Conscious Ribbed Knit Dress, 174-176 Oxford St, £39.99
H&M Conscious Patterned Scarf, 174-175 Oxford Street £6.99
H&M Conscious Hat, 174-176 Oxford St, £19.99
All Saints Coat, Part Of The Selfridges Project Earth, 400 Oxford St, £379
H&M Conscious Necklace, 174-175 Oxford Street £12.99
Acne Studios Cross Body Bag, Part Of Selfridges Project Earth, 400 Oxford St, £850
You can mix and match the selected pieces or steal a complete look from Candice Brathwaite's BEYOND NOW Edit capsule collection. It makes a small but relevant change in your style and fashion habits.
Find further information about the campaign online or discover more on Oxford Street Instagram page.
Oxford Street launches BEYOND NOW with Candice Brathwaite
Oxford Street with fashion author and presenter Candice Brathwaite announces the launch of BEYOND NOW, the first sustainable initiative that sets to make a change in the way we shop our favourite high street brands.
Which Decades Are We Missing The Most In Lockdown?
Have you noticed trends from the last year that are continuing into 2021? Nostalgia has been the focus for many industries in the UK, which isn’t surprising given how we have spent the last year.
Winter Is Coming: Your Top Fashionista Tips
The catwalks may have been closed, but that doesn't mean that fashion is at a standstill.
Fresh Off the Runway: Winter Fashion Made Affordable
Summer is quickly becoming a distant memory, and the weather is reminding us daily that it is time to ditch the summer wardrobe and say hello to a new season of fashion, cosy nights in and an abundance of chocolate.
Although it can often be difficult getting into the swing of things after a seemingly endless summer, particularly when it comes to transforming your wardrobe from bikinis to jumpers. No need to stress, you’re top 2018 Winter trends are coming your way making your Christmas that little bit easier!
Boots
Photograph source: Pexels.com
Photograph source: Pexels.com
We all know Winter wouldn’t be Winter without a great pair of boots (or three) and it’s no secret that Alexander McQueen’s Winter boot collection is breath-taking. The collection hosts an array of gorgeous styles ranging from chunky ankle boots to sexy leather thigh-highs. Or nod to the 60's with the beautifully elegant leather mid-calf length boots with a round toe and block heel.
Luckily, such pieces haven’t gone a miss, and high-street retail has brought out their own interpretation of boots, saving you a whole load of money this Winter.
Pair your thigh-highs with an oversized knit for a cute yet effortless look which is often modelled by Ariana Grande. Or if the thought of bare legs is making your shiver, you can wear with jeans or tights. In the Style is a great place to look for affordable boots that are inspired by the catwalk.
Coats
Photograph source: Pexels.com
Being cold is not an option this year, as an over-spill of coats from the runway take over the high street in an abundance of styles, you are sure to find one that suits you! A particularly popular trend this Winter is the shearling jacket that has originated from the Stone Age where sheepskin was used to protect and insulate. Almost 2.5 million years later, this historical classic has made it onto the 2018 runway, being interpreted by a range of designers in a host of different styles including; leather, denim, suede and bomber, all combined with essences of Shearling. A piece we cannot ignore is by Giorgio Armani which contained a mix of brown suede and leather giving the jacket texture and detail, costing a total of £2900.
If that’s too hard to swallow, the high-streets have brought out a range of heavy-duty faux shearling jackets that look good enough for the runway at totally affordable prices making it a worthwhile investment this Winter. This smart sophisticated jacket looks super cute worn causally with a pair of jeans, a t-shirt and some casual shoes, adding an essence of boldness and grunge to a ‘made no effort’ outfit.
Alternatively, a statement coat is a perfect way to effortlessly add a pop of colour and texture to a neutral or black outfit, making you look like you are fresh off the runway. Oversized bomber jackets are super on trend this season as well as faux fur and long trench coats. The options are endless, and each are a great way of making a statement as well as staying warm and comfortable this Winter.
Home Comforts
Photograph source: Pexels.com
Fashion doesn’t always have to leave the house, particularly during the cold festive months of Winter. Keeping up with Winter trends begins at home.
Although it may not seem obvious, sleeping trends are a thing and are becoming increasingly popular, particularly on the high-street. Women's sleepwear is a forever expanding category and is being payed more attention to in the fashion industry with an abundance of styles to choose from. You can now find over 1000 sleepwear styles online making the perfect necessity for a cosy night in, or a great stocking filler for your loved ones. A popular sleepwear style this year is the traditional shirt and trouser set that you can find in an array of different colours and fabrics.
Oversized Sweatshirts
This trend is a definite favourite as it offers comfort and warmth as well as a cute and effortless look that you can wear with anything. You can find these sweaters anywhere, from Primark to Urban Outfitters depending on your budget. A top trick is to look in the men’s section for that perfect oversized fit. Pair your sweater with some thigh-high or ankle boots or some Mum jeans and trainers for that super cute 90's skater look. If you want to dress this look up, then switch the sweatshirt for a chunky knit. The best knitwear on the high-street this Winter is embracing bright colours to inject the dark weather with a pop of vibrancy. You can find affordable pieces like this in River Island, Primark and Topshop.
Written by: Poppy Jones
Must-Have Clothing Items That Every Fashionable Woman Needs
You should never hoard clothes or keep items that you no longer wear or like.
A stylish Christmas: How to dress for any office party venue
It’s official – Christmas is just around the corner and the work party season has well and truly arrived!
But how do you dress for a Christmas party if the venue of choice is less than conventional? With bosses choosing quirkier venues to host the festive celebrations, many of us have been left wondering just what on earth to wear.
You can’t go far wrong with the little black dress, but what if your work party requires something a tad more practical? Luckily, River Island have got you covered with this handy guide on how to dress for any office party venue:
Sophisticated Stately Home:
Image source: River Island
If you’re one of the lucky ones, you could be celebrating your work Christmas party in a stately home or castle. Here, you might be greeted with a medieval banquet, take part in some activities or enjoy a ball in your surroundings. Of course, it depends on what’s lined up for you at your party but it’s nice to look the part.
If you’re going to be doing a lot of dancing, you may want to opt for something more comfortable.
Plisse trousers have been on-trend in recent years — they’re comfy and fashionable! This style is perfect for flexibility in movement and keeping your legs covered for the cooler temperatures. Pair with a three-quarter sleeve fitted top or a bardot style crop to complete your look. This style goes great with flat or heeled shoes, so wear what you feel comfortable in. The great thing about these pants too is that they’ve got an elasticated waist (ideal for tucking into a medieval buffet!).
Bowling And Drinks:
Image source: River Island
Who doesn’t enjoy showing off their competitive side? If your Christmas party is at a bowling alley, chances are you’ll probably be heading out for a few drinks afterwards, so you need something that’s suitable for scoring a strike and for when you’re drinking cocktails later on.
Comfort is the name of the game here – but you’ll want to keep it stylish, of course. Think on-trend jumpsuits and trousers with a cute top. You’ve probably noticed that ‘80s fashion has been back with a bang this year, and it hasn’t stopped for AW18. It’s all about being bold with your colour palette and really owning it! It’s not often your colleagues get to see you outside of your work-wear so show them your true colours in a bold jumpsuit. Choose one with a chunky belt to create that ‘80s inspired cinched waist and accessorise with statement hoops.
You can’t go far wrong with this summer’s hottest trend – culottes. But there are so many varieties now that they certainly shouldn’t be kept for just one season.
Play it safe with high-waisted black trousers and jazz it up top with a glitter-infused bodysuit or cute crop — pair with a sparkly clutch and your good to go.
Traditional Restaurant Meal:
Image source: River Island
A meal and drinks is the traditional Christmas party format.
A traditional meal in a restaurant is the most common choice of Christmas party format. But, how should you dress for an occasion like this? It can be uncomfortable to eat a roast dinner in a tight bodycon, but you don’t want to be dressed informally for when you hit the bars later on.
If the little black dress just isn’t your thing, you may want to try something a bit more daring. Show off your pins in a midi dress and channel your inner party animal with leopard or snake print (two patterns that are very on-trend this season). Pair with barely-there sandals and a matching bag and your good to go!Of course, with the temperature being on the chilly side in December, you might want to try jeans with an embellished cami top. The covered legs will keep you warm when you’re moving from restaurant to bar and your fancy top will be admired over the dinner table.
This season, it’s all about sequin embellishments and metallic camis — perfect for this years’ festivities.
Party On A Rooftop Terrace:
Image source: River Island
Let’s face it, we all wish summer could last forever. Due to the colder climate of the UK, we don’t get to spend much time outdoors during the autumn and winter so a party on a rooftop makes a nice change!
Rooftop terrace parties give you the chance to really show off your style credentials – think red dresses, sequins or long glittering ball gowns. Why not go all out in a sequin maxi dress? Or pair an accordion skirt with a sequin top. Keep your feet warm in suede heeled ankle boots or a dressy loafer.
Outdoor venues definitely call for a good coat. This season it’s all about faux fur and we’re loving it! Keep it classic in a black or brown waist-length jacket or go big and bold with a coloured fur coat and chunky collar.
If this isn’t your style, you can’t go wrong in a classic leather jacket — match with a cross-body clutch and your outfit is complete.