Fashion Week: February 2014

Tibi AW 14

Tibi really stood out to me from the New York shows; modern layers, relaxed silhouettes and an emphasis on comfort that immediately (and predictably) resonated with me. Greys, camels, slinky monochrome separates and mid-wash denim all felt like elevated versions of what I already own and just the sought of pieces I gravitate towards in store. And can we just take a moment to soak in the wonder that is the top hat-fedora-boater hybrid?

Pleased to see the old mule is staying put for next season too... Biding my time (and toes) till I go for the current Zara offerings that everyone and anyone is getting on board with. Saying that, my Marant slides will of course be getting first dibs when it comes to open-toe outings this Spring. Eagerly waiting in the wings as we speak.

Monochrome Days

I think I've forgotten what its like to wear colour, having been living in various shades of monochrome for the last 6 months and counting (my face in the first picture dictates my feelings on this matter pretty succinctly). Don't get me wrong, I'll always instinctively go for the grey and black options, especially when it comes to the classics, leather, denim, cashmere etc, but it's about this time of year that I always lose my mojo slightly when it comes getting dressed in the morning due to some sort of monochrome monotony.

But the odd new detail, be it a rip or a zip, can make everything just that bit more interesting. I say 'interesting' tentatively here as anyone can see this is about as basic as it gets, but that's how I like it I'm afraid. Likewise, this vintage Celine clutch is my favourite thing to carry around right now. My signature black duffel has its place, but right now there's something really nice about leaving the house without being weighed down by the equivalent in kilos of a small child. As long as I have a few, deep pockets, I prefer to leave the baggage at home in favour of something more portable like this guy. Although being me, I'm already fantasizing about teaming it with some Levi's cut-offs and slides. You can take the girl out of summer and all that....

On a side note, does anyone have some good tips/products for keeping blonde hair bright and the brassiness at bay? Mine is suffering so if anyone has any words of wisdom, they would be much appreciated! I'm up for anything, egg yolks, avocado, ketchup, the works....

Jeans, Zara | Leather jacket, Whistles | Polo neck, Topshop | Boots, Zara, Clutch, vintage Celine via Vestiaire Collective
Other options below.

Meruyert Ibragim - le Grand Palais - Paris

Meruyert Ibragim - le Grand Palais - Paris

The amazing Meruyert Ibragim is the happy publisher of the kazakhstani version of
Buro 24/7.
Jacket and top by Celine
Skirt and boots by Prada
Hat by Tak Ori
Bag by Chanel

Photos by Fred - Easy Fashion Paris

Rue Cambon - Paris

Rue Cambon - Paris

I met this young lady outside Ulyana Sergeenko Fashion show. I don't know her name
I bet she's russian. I like her black outfit with the perfect 2 red touch of gloves and
lipstick.

Photo by Fred - Easy Fashion Paris

Hanaa - 325 rue St-Martin - Paris

Hanaa - 325 rue St-Martin - Paris

The stunning model Hanaa ben Abdesslem of Tunisia.

Photo by Fred - Easy Fashion Paris

Anita - le Grand Palais - Paris

Anita - le Grand Palais - Paris

Anita Zharkova is Editor-in-Chief for Buro24/7 Kazakhstan.

If I am not wrong, that's the first time that we see her at Paris Fashion Week.

May I add that I love her hair cut, her straight look and her little (sad) smile.
Skirt by Moschino
Sweater by H&M
Shoes by Topshop
Jacket by a Kazakh designer

Photos by Fred - Easy Fashion Paris

Tanya Dziahileva - Paris FW

The stunning Tanya Dziahileva - Paris FW

You know what ?
These models, they park their trucks anywhere !

Photo by Farid - Easy Fashion Paris

Yasmina - le Grand Palais - Paris

Yasmina - le Grand Palais - Paris

I met Yasmina just in front of le Grand Plais during Paris Fashion Week.
Yasmina is student and her biggest dream would be to draw her destiny in
Fashion business. Her worst nightmare is to fail.
Her auntie made her amazing purple dread locks. Shoes by Van's, Coat by NewLook,
Top gift from a friend, Bag by Primark.
Yasmina wears Black XS by Paco Rabanne.

Photos by Fred - Easy Fashion Paris

At Dior - Paris FW

At Dior - Paris FW

I must admit a kind of fascination for the ability of asian ladies to wear straight

outfits. Most of the time, it looks simple and as a matter of fact, it's rather

sophisticated.

Photos by Fred - Easy Fashion Paris

Layers of Chains

I've always loved layers of very fine, gold chains and feel a bit naked if I don't have at least one on. I'm also continually in a process of wearing them too often in the shower until they go greyish and tin-coloured, and subsequently have to replace them with fresh new ones. I'm waiting until I get the chance to go to New York and invest in some Cat Bird trinkets - constantly falling for every, single one of their instagram posts - but until then, I'm a fan of cheap-and-cheerful chains so it isn't too painful when they inevitably break/fall down the plug hole. I had one instant at a festival last summer where a girl next to me in a crowd managed to hook her waving finger around my tiny necklace and snap it off. Flukey yes, but it was definitely a silver lining that it was only from Argos (yes Argos. Trust me, they do good gold chains).

These three are the current favourites in rotation, although the gold moon from ASOS is the real winner in my eyes.

Evil eye, Urban Outfitters | Moon, ASOS | Spike, Orelia

ph. via my instagram (@lucywilliams02)

Pringle AW 14

'Fabric innovation' was the buzz-phrase at Pringle this season, as creative director Massimo Nicosia experimented with (everyone's favourite buzz) 3D printing for a stunning result befitting of the brand's 200th anniversary. My experience of 3D printed garments so far has made me a bit skeptical; it's either purely practical and subsequently a little dull, or super futuristic in the vein of StarTrek costumes which, while impressive, doesn't push my sartorial buttons. So Pringle's new collection was something of a revelation, especially as I totally forgot about the technology involved in producing it as the sleek, minimal looks took to the beautiful Mayfair salon. Wearable, contemporary and very, very covetable, this was an example of innovation being used in a really accessible way. As with ethical fashion (another 2014 buzzword and something I'm becoming increasingly passionate about), 3D printing and similarly techy new processes need to be secondary to the design itself - they're no less important of course, far from it, but ultimately we all want great-looking clothes that make us feel good. We're only human after all....

Pringle didn't disappoint; anyone like me who's automatic reflex is to reach for the grey would feel at home in this collection. And if you're into turtle-necks, layered textures and a bit of androgyny too.. well you're pretty much set with this one. Knitwear was still the central focus of the heritage brand known, once upon a time, for its argyle sweaters; ribbing, looping, appliqué and thick woven cashmere had us all itching to reach out and touch the creations walking past (the mottled black and while loop-stitch coat was particularly tempting!). The light-filled, fresco-covered salon in which the show was held was just the icing on the cake for a real highlight of the weekend, and I'm already looking forward to seeing what's in store from Pringle next season.

Note | While this post was sponsored by Pringle, all views, thoughts and words are my own.

LFW day 2 | Fedora vs Wind

Perhaps not the wisest decision to wear the widest fedora I own on the windiest day of the year. To say I almost took flight a couple of times is an understatement; there was one particularly dodgy moment en route to the Charlie May show where I almost got swept off the balcony into the Thames before being rescued by another show-goer (luckily the show itself was definitely worth the perilous journey). But after a miserable, wet start to fashion week on Friday (I'm talking soaking jeans up to the knee and dripping nose) the appeal of having a kind-of permanent umbrella in tow outweighed the practicalities of 50 mph wind. And it wouldn't be fashion week without at least one hat day - those of you who have followed me for a while will know my trusty fedoras always get an outing or two for the shows. I think they've almost become a bit of a comfort blanket or something, either that or a sartorial nervous twitch... Either way, that particular day it is was wind 1, hat 0.

Hat | Vintage, similar here and here

Coat | Vintage, similar here and here

Clutch | Vintage Celine from Vestiaire Collective, more here and here (surprisingly affordable too)

Jeans | Zara, similar here

Boots | Zara

Moon necklace | ASOS

Spike necklace | Orelia at Topshop

Watch | Larsson and Jennings

Love You Like XO

Valentine's Day. The one day of the year that dictates it must be more romantic than any other day, and by proxy is the least romantic of all 365 days. That's the thing about Romance, it can't always be scheduled. If you've ever tried eating out on V Day you'll know what I mean; every table of two is competing with the other in terms of who can talk more, laugh more and gaze-into-eachothers-eyes-adoringly more, thus everyone leaves feeling a little inadequate and thinking it was much nicer when you spontaneously went out for dinner that time on a wednesday a few weeks ago....

Regardless, after a dry, depressed January, Valentine's Day signals a much needed day of frivolity to indulge, be it in flowers, chocolates or any other deserved cliches you choose. My motto is don't wait for someone else to treat you (although I won't deny it's great when they do) - show the love and spoil yourself. Just getting through those dark depths of Vitamin D-starved January is enough to warrant February treats...

Stay in, order in, watch your favourite box set entwined and take cues from the below; just enough of the heart-shaped to honour the 14th but all will last well beyond those red roses.