





From head to toe lace, appliqué detail and heavy embellishment, we see an array of classic, intricately detailed gowns hitting runways across the globe every season. Such creations, by the likes of Alberta Ferretti, D&G and Elie Saab, to name but a few, have managed to inspire fashion around the world, regardless of the fact that they are not necessarily ground breaking, but rather breathtakingly beautiful instead.
It is, however, difficult to find such intricately detailed dresses on the high street, because, let’s face it, it will probably always remain a dream for most of us to own any of the dresses we see gracing the runways.
But, it seems we needn’t worry any more, because over the last few months I have taken a shine to British brand ‘Phase Eight’. Every time I pass their designs I note their likeness to high end designers in excitement, from Dolce & Gabbana’s Rose print to whimsical florals at Alberta Ferretti, let alone their signature ‘tapework’ and lace detail that stands them a part from most High Street brands for their high quality occasion wear and a brilliant attention to detail.
Below are a few of my favourite pieces from their collection, which can be found online here or here, though I would recommend visiting them in store (or at Debenhams) to see the full effects of such gorgeous detailing.
Why do I love this collection so much..?
Well, let’s think about this for a moment…
[Hint: it ticks all my fashion boxes]
❤
Luxuriously embellished jacket ✓
Even more embellishment ✓
Big, bold florals ✓
Full, floor length skirts ✓
and..
A little Charles James inspiration – ✓
❤
What’s not to love?
The runway shows for SS14 had some standout designers for me this year, but my absolute favourite show has to be Alberta Ferretti, simply for it’s colour, femininity and playful charm. The styles weren’t too complex, but instead gave pretty and youthful looks that are easy to wear (and copy, for those of us who can only dream of buying the real thing). Maybe I was more drawn to her collection, because of the way it reflected glorious summer days through white broderie anglaise, brightly coloured embroidery (and ribbon), pretty florals and candy stripes-an absolute dream for the ultimate ‘girly girl’ like me!
So, below is a run down of the main elements of the show- a must read, because it was such a beautiful show- so, enjoy!
White and Brights
White chiffon and broderie anglaise dresses, blouses and skirts were mixed with brightly coloured embroidery, ribbons and florals in a rainbow of colours, giving a pretty, youthful glow.
Summer Brights
From fiery reds and oranges to leafy greens and cobalt blues, these chiffon dresses, bright sandals, and ruffle skirts were reminiscent of summer evenings, especially with that gorgeous floral embroidery (a lovely thought on such a drab December morning).
Pretty Patterns
Think candy stripes and pretty florals in skirts and dresses, both long and short, cropped blouses and bralets in silks and chiffons. Although this all sounds like a playful take on Spring/Summer, the patterns at this show gave polished and feminine finish, but still managed to keep it’s youthful edge!
Black is Back
The darker side to SS14 is of course the colour black in the form of silky ruffle skirts, lace dresses and sheer materials, with Ferretti’s added twist of coloured floral embroidery. Although I try and steer clear of black during Spring/Summer usually, Ferretti has changed my opinion a little. If it’s teamed with a colour pop of embroidery or a pair of bright sandals then it can really transform a look, although that doesn’t mean to say her all black lace ensembles are any less beautiful!
Okay, so yesterday I went out wrapped up quite warmly in my jumper and my leather bomber jacket and I was still cold! So it is safe to say that yes, Autumn (and soon Winter) is upon us and we need to start wrapping up a little bit warmer, which is why this blog is going to be dedicated to the best gloves, scarves and hats that I could find.
Gloves
The Christmas Ones: The Furry Ones: The Printed Ones: The Pink Ones:
ASOS ASOS Debenhams River Island
Hats
The Slogan One: The Embellished One: The Earmuffs: The Furry Headband:
Nastygal River Island ASOS New Look
Scarves:
The Floral One: The Furry One: The Wooly One: The Tartan One: