Trend Reflections....

In my research file I favoured the trends which reflected the 1930's/40's, classic tailoring, feminine shapes and chanel inspired ideas and designs. At www.elleuk.com i have come across outfit inspirations which reflect just this!

1) A Chanel Moment

http://www.elleuk.com/shopping/instant-outfit/%28section%29/instant-outfit-a-chanel-moment/%28offset%29/0/%28img%29/346862

By Nagar Ghahreman

Audrey Tatou stars in the new Coco Chanel biopic “Coco Avant Chanel”, out later this month. We can’t wait to see it, not least because Karl Lagerfeld himself personally supervised some of the costumes for the film, which include vintage pieces from the Chanel archives. Embrace the Chanel moment in Antonio Berardi’s black and white dress -a simple, minimal take on the classic Chanel monochrome look (plus it’s now at Browns for half price). Pair with Nanette Lepore’s black ribbon cardigan and black brogues to channel the masculine-feminine mix that epitomised Coco’s style and accessorise with lace tights (as seen on every model at the Chanel Haute Couture show last week.) A flash of red lipstick and a Chanel headband complete the tres chic look.

White camelia headband, £450, by Chanel (0207 493 5040 )

Perfect for my accessories research into this trend :)







Black lace tights, £10, by Jonathan Aston at Farfetch

Reflects the continuation of lace for AW10/11



2) Feminine Luxe

http://www.elleuk.com/shopping/instant-outfit/%28section%29/instant-outfit-feminine-luxe/%28offset%29/0/%28img%29/446655

By Alice Watt

Right now, we're witnessing a resurgence of 1940s dressing and allure. Last week, Scarlett Johansen stunned us with her Veronica Lake inspired glamour, while the graphic houndstooth at Alexander McQueen and velvet dresses at Prada have made womanly shapes and luxe fabrics a much-coveted look. Chanel personifies luxury but a stunning- and more affordable- alternative are these statement wedges from Topshop Boutique. Loose fitting fabrics like this draped sequinned skirt from Lipsy and an on-trend Jaeger London spotty print blouse compliment the velvet and ooze laid-back luxury. A much-lusted suede clutch from Miu Miu, feathered hair clip from Urban Outfitters and a bold Bex Rox ring adds unique glamour for a truly 1940s feminine luxe look.

Quilted suede clutch, £400, by Miu Miu at Net-a-Porter

Onyx stone ring, £165, by Bex Rox at Browns

Christmas Spending.....

Christmas spending expected to fall

17 November 2009 | By Lisa Berwin

Spending this Christmas could fall for the first time in twenty years according to retail research firm Verdict.

Verdict forecasts that total Christmas expenditure will shrink by 0.7% in the fourth quarter - the equivalent of a £535m drop.

Clothing and footwear sales are expected to fall 0.1% to £13.6bn - a £14m fall - during the fourth quarter against the same quarter the year before.

Verdict lead analyst Maureen Hinton said: “Though women are much more nervous about spending than men – mainly because they usually have greater control and visibility of the family budget – we believe they will cut back less on principle Christmas expenditure than on peripheral spending such as restaurants, entertainment and big ticket items.”

She added: “Temporary recession fatigue will set in over Christmas and though 41% of women intend to spend less overall they will want to ensure they and their families look and feel good, eat well and have a good time.”

Verdict said that it expects Debenhams, John Lewis and other department stores to fair well over the Christmas period due to their extensive offer while Primark, Matalan and TK Maxx will fair well as a result of value-led, seasonal ranges. Marks & Spencer and Next are expected to buck the trend as they are up against weak comparatives and are trusted brand names.

Despite the recent postal strikes shoppers are still expected to spend £6.8bn this Christmas online, an increase of £837m.

http://www.drapersonline.com/5008100.article

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Seen it before?

New Look Shoes & Accessories

Is it just me who can see some similarities between Monsoon and New Look? Just aimed at very different target markets....


I found this article online at http://www.drapersonline.com/news/multiples/shopwatch/new-look-shoes-and-accessories-bristol/5007046.article

It comprises a shop report of the recently opened New Look Shoes and Accessories store in Bristol, the first New Look store to focus on a particular product and views on the new opening.




After reading this, i went to http://www.monsoon.co.uk/page/accessorizehistory/ to find out how Accessorize began...

In the early 1980's Monsoon started to sell a small collection of accessories which became so popular that the idea for the innovative new store format Accessorize was born.....(article continues)

Will there be more New Look Shoes & Accessories popping up around the country? Adding to the Accessories specialist market, (along with Claires Accessories and Tie Rack) and filling the arguable gap in the market for an Accessories store aimed at teens and those with a lower income who possibly find Accessorize a little over thier budget.

Watch this space

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