Versace for H&M

Last night, Donatella Versace launched her eagerly anticipated collection for H&M in New York. Not one to do anything low-key, it was a glamourous celeb-filled affair with performances from Nicki Minaj and the toughest man to pin down in showbiz – Prince.

Love that Nicki Minaj has suddenly become fashion royalty having sat FROW next to Anna Wintour at NYFW and is now bffs with Donatella – I mean, are they actually holding hands in this picture?!

(Sources: http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/news-features/TMG8877820/Versace-for-HandM-launches-in-New-York-with-a-little-help-from-Prince.html and http://www.popsugar.com.au/Versace-HM-Launch-Pictures-Blake-Lively-Jessica-Alba-Emma-Roberts-Chloe-Moretz-Abbie-Cornish-20336046)

The collection is everything you’d expect from the fashion house – colourful prints, opulent detail and figure hugging cuts. Versace certainly hasn’t toned down for the high street which can sometimes be the case with a designer collaboration. Instead, you literally can get the full Versace feel for a lot less. The pieces start at £19.99 for costume jewellery and run up to £199.99 for a man’s studded leather jacket.

At first glance, you might think the collection is too flamboyant for an everyday wardrobe but here are some tips on how to wear some of my favourite pieces from the collection:

The above leggings (£29.99) and trousers (£39.99) are very ‘Carrie’ (from SATC) – you can imagine her wearing them with skyscraper heels and a crop top. Let’s not get carried away though…I would recommend pairing these leggings with an over-sized, long-sleeved silk feel shirt – white for the leggings – black or white for the trousers.

If you are nervous about wearing something so tight-fitting just make sure the shirt is long enough to cover your bum and the top of your thighs. Pairing a loose oversized shape on top with a tight-fitting piece on bottom is figure-flattering.

If you’re feeling brave – pair the above ensemble with this gilet (£39.99)…

I love the buckle belt in the middle and also again the length here is elongating and flattering. I can see multiple ways of wearing this – perhaps with leather trousers for a rock chick look or wear with a poloneck and trousers.

Next on to the dresses and here is my selection:

This above dress at £79.99 is an absolute bargain. It is 100% wearable and a staple wardrobe piece that you will have for years to come. This dress is understated sexy but will create an amazing feminine silhouette. Versace have also created shoes for their H&M range and this dress would go perfect with these for £69.99:

The above leather dress at £179.99 is one of the key pieces from the collection. It’s a very beautiful cut that is classic and simple while there is still plenty of detail.

The above £79.99 silk dress is sure to be a sell-out with it’s body-con bustier detail and nipped in waist. I would recommend this dress if you have a more boyish body shape.

Here comes the colour…

This red dress at £79.99 is absolutely stunning! The print panels down the side are slimming and this would be a great dress for a special birthday or occassion.

The above £79.99 chinese print dress is a key item of the collection. This print features strongly and this is a daring piece to be worn with confidence.

If I could buy one item…this would be it. At £99.99, I think this dress is so unique and beautiful. I picture this on Kate Bosworth with very delicate accessories and her hair in a scraped back bun. I love how she always looks understated even when wearing extravagant pieces.

If all the above is still too flamboyant for you, there are also accessories to choose from that can add Versace magic to a more classic look.

These scarves are £24.99 and would look great worn over a blazer for work or play.

There is also some gorgeous costume jewellery such as this leather bracelet for £29.99.

Or there are chain handle bags like this one for £69.99. I am a sucker for studs so I chose this one from the lot…You can view the full collection here. Versace for H&M becomes available on the 17th November at 300 retailers and online.

My outfit today: Lace top: Primark, Faux Fur Gilet: H&M, Leather look trousers: Miss Selfridge, Boots: New Look, Chain: H&M

Let me know what you think of my selection and whether or not you are excited about the collection.

Sarah x

Making Music

I had three gigs last week – pheeeeew! Wednesday night the Big Girls Blues Band were in Dover St., Friday night in Jazz After Dark in Soho and on Saturday we were in the Old Explorer in Oxford Circus.

Here is the outfit I preferred from the three nights…

I love this shirt. I’ve been looking for a sophisticated black shirt for a while and this one is really smart but still sexy because it is sheer. The collars, sleeves and panel down the front are leather look. It’s from New Look.

The necklace is from Topshop and the bag is vintage.

The burgundy shorts are from Awear and came with the belt and the shoes are New Look.

As much as I loved these tights in a previous post – they ripped during the gig 😦 so I had to pull of a Taylor Momsen ‘holes in tights are normal’ look. Big fail. If anyone knows where you can get good quality sheer tights, do leave a comment please 🙂

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On the subject of music…I just want to share some songs with you that I’m repeating on my iPod. I tend to download a lot of music by female singers so going with that theme, here are a few good choices…

Janelle Monáe – ‘Locked Inside’ from The ArchAndroid.  This album is really good and sounds like nothing else I’ve heard in recent years. The album is based around Janelle’s alter-ego, Cindi Mayweather who is an android living in the world, Metropolis. The songs are like a soundtrack to Cindi’s life in Metropolis and is almost theatrical in places as songs are based around the struggles of the androids. Sounds strange but it makes the album really interesting.

Joni Mitchell – ‘Urge for Going’ from Joni Mitchell Hits. This song is so peaceful and relaxing but also a little sad… who makes music like this these days?

Live performance video

Jessie J – ‘Big White Room’ from Who You Are. Jessie’s voice is so amazing and clear. This song is very powerful and you really have to be in the right frame of mind to listen to it, it’s quite emotional.

Feist – ‘My Moon My Man’ from The Reminder. Did you know it is Feist who wrote ‘Limit to Your Love’ released by James Blake this year? Easy listening…

If you’ve been listening to any good music lately – do post a comment and let me know.

That’s all!

Sarah xx

Miss Patina signature dress

Today I’m wearing a signature dress from Miss Patina – I say signature because the collar and the bow is really unique to the brand.

I really like this dress because of the grey and white print – it makes it look edgy. It’s the kind of dress I could see Laura Whitmore, Caroline Flack or Fearne Cotton wearing with some great ankle boots. (Can you guess what I’d like to do for a living?!)

I have teamed it with this AMAZING cardigan which is one of my favourite items in wardrobe. I did some leafleting for Topshop at the opening of their store in Cork, Ireland and I got to wear and KEEP a whole Topshop outfit and this cardigan was priced at about £120! Imagine how happy I was that day 🙂 It has black sequins with silver baubles – it’s quite delicate though and I’m afraid to wear it anymore in case I ruin it.

Over the knee socks were really big last winter and I think black ones like these can be a wardrobe stable for every winter. They are best worn with something loose though (and not a body con skirt) as they can look a bit risqué.

The shoes I’m wearing are in a burgundy shade which is very current – I think this colour works well to brighten up the outfit just the right amount. These are patent court shoes with a really high heel (so be careful) from New Look.

The ring I have on is from H&M.

The dress is available here:

http://www.misspatina.bigcartel.com/product/miss-patina-vintage-inspired-white-collar-dress-grey

Miss Patina have a shoot coming up this weekend and I’ve managed to get one of my cousins involved to do the modelling, I’m really excited to have her over and I know she will be brilliant. We are shooting at The Rookery Hotel in London (http://www.rookeryhotel.com/) and I will definitely be blogging about how it goes.

Happy Tuesday!

Sarah xxx