Dans La Vie

Ever heard of Dans La Vie? No, neither had I until today. It's a London based brand who have showcased off-schedule at London Fashion Week. I really like the idea of highlighting some lesser known (and newer) designers in my posts so that you can form opinions over whether you like them or not. There's some great talent out there, but many people don't get to see it (we only ever hear about the big names) so starting off with Dans La Vie. First of all: you'll probably love some of their designs but hate others. I'ts definitely one of those designer brands you can't quite make your mind up about, but give it a go...

Spring/Summer 12

 Ok, so I've picked out the best designs here (in my opinion of course). I really love the prints. I've never really thought about prints before (I'm more of a style,
shape and texture girl) but these are really captivating. It honestly just makes me want to go to an exotic island and eat loads of fruit! I also like the style the first two dresses have. I love the pleats and how they give the skirts lots of volume.

Autumn/ Winter 12

Not my favourite collection (the best is still to come!) but still quite exciting! Again, the prints really stand out as the main feature in these designs. I would absolutely love to have some leggings like the ones in the 5th design. It's also interesting the way that the designer has layered up the garments - putting the jackets over the skirts, dresses over trousers etc. It's almost like they were thinking in a different way to everyone else.

Spring/Summer 13

This is a really exciting collection - there's loads going on! All of the designs have something unique to them. With my obsession of dresses with good structure, I love all of these designs, plus they're really detailed and well made. The first three in particular are brilliant and I love the choice of fabrics. Also, did you notice the heels!? 

So what do you think of Dans La Vie's collections? Will you be watching out for them next season?

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Best Fashion Moments of 2012

I can’t quite believe 2013 is nearly upon us. I swear 2012 went by extremely fast – faster than it has before. I hope everyone had a good year and next year is even better for you! Lots happened in 2012 – from the Olympics to the Diamond Jubilee to London Fashion Week...again. Anyway, I've compiled a list of the best fashion moments of 2012 (in no particular order). So here goes...

On the red carpet...

One of the most famous carpets in the world, of course and it holds some of the most wonderful dresses and outfits to ever be seen.  I was looking through some of the events and selected a few of my favourites from this year. Obviously this isn't all of them but these are definitely some of the best.

Kristen Stewart - Not a fan of her or Twilight but love this dress.

 Alexa Chung in Marc Jacobs - Never fails to impress.

 Jessie J in Falguni and Shane Peacock - I discovered this designer from this outfit and love the designs! 

Krysten Ritter in Christian Dior -  Love the sheer vs opaque

 Blake Lively - She always dresses so well - watch out for a post on her in the future. 

Sofia Vergara in Marchesa -  Marchesa is amazing!

 Taylor Swift in Maria Lucia-Hohan - Being so tall, Taylor Swift can wear the nicest midi dresses.

A truly amazing dress. 

Studs, studs, studs!

One huge trend this year has been studs and spikes. Look around any clothes shop and you will see at least 20 items or so with some form of stud or spike on it. I love this trend (you can see my spike necklace here). It's not something I would have gone for last year but it's definitely grown on me. 

Ballgowns

There was an exhibition on at the V&A this year celebrating British Glamour since 1950 and showcasing some of the most wonderful ballgowns. I was lucky enough to visit this and the dresses are even more amazing in real life than you see in photos. If you haven't been yet, try and go before the exhibition closes because it's well worth the visit. The great thing is there is a whole section downstairs with dresses from 1950's onwards - all spectacular of course -  then you go upstairs to the current ballgowns and Oh my God! The only downside is you're not allowed to take photos. 

Decorating your nails

OK, I don't know whether this is a thing for everyone but I've noticed (especially within my group of friends) everyone has got in to the obsession of painting their nails. I personally never paint my nails but it seems to have become a trend this year. One of my friends even has a blog devoted to nail polish (check it out here) and another also does regular nail posts! (see it here). The problem is whenever I try putting nail polish on, it never seems to turn out as good as these...

Kelly Osbourne wins Ultimate Style Award

I've never really liked Kelly Osbourne - she's only famous due to her parents and I don't like either of them as well - but I'd say this award is well deserved. She recieved the Ulitmate Style Award at the Cosmopolitan Women of the Year awards. What makes her stand out from the rest is probably the huge transformation from her frumpy, goth look to stylish, elegant and fashion forward. Below are some of her best outfits and a before and after shot (you can really see how much her fashion sense has improved).

Before...

After...

Top button done up

A huge trend that continued from 2011 into 2012 was the collar trend - one of my favourites and fingers crossed it stays with us for the duration of 2013.

  

And GB win again...

Who could forget the most memorable Olympic games of all time? The Opening Ceremony, all of the Gold medals; Not to mention the GB kit designed by Stella McCartney...

London Fashion Week

LFW was of course here again for another two seasons. I was very impressed by all of the collections this year - they all seemed to have stepped up a level - and my favourite three were probably Erdem, Bora Aksu and David Koma. 

 Erdem

 David Koma

Bora Aksu

Sarah Burton recieves OBE

Very well deserved. She keeps the Alexander McQueen brand alive with her incredible designs plus she created the brilliant Royal Wedding dress for Kate Middleton last year. 

They're my favourite - what were your fashion moments of 2012?

Happy New Year!

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