Tuesday 30 March 2010

THE BEST AND THE WORST OF THE PREMIERE FROCKS♥

Hiya dolls! Manic day yesterday but c'est la vie! It's my best friend's eighteenth today so I'm really, really looking forward to a lovely evening out tonight full of lots of alcohol and dancing (and an epic hangover tomorrow morning which will no doubt be cured by a greasy English breakfast!). My outfit is all sorted but it just hasn't arrived yet, so fingers crossed internet shopping doesn't let me down. I'll do an outfit post tomorrow of what I wear I think.

Thank you, thank you, thank you once more to everyone who has viewed OH STYLE VANITY over the last week that it's been running. It's incredible to have over 650 hits already! Keep your gorgeous comments coming as well. They're really appreciated- I love reading and replying to every single one of them.

There have been quite a few film premieres over the last couple of days, so I'm writing about two dresses that have impacted me for the right and wrong reasons...

Gemma Arterton
I know I slated the LBD just two days ago, but how amazing does this Bond girl look at the Clash of the Titans premiere? Miss Arterton was dressed in a fishnet panelled Gucci number, Greek-inspired towering sandals, with her hair finished in a severe tight bun. She proves that sticking to the basic, classic statements of fashion can create a perfect look. I'd quite like to steal her gorgeous Tiffany earrings!


Jennifer Aniston
Right, please don't get me wrong, I adore this woman and she's had some incredible fashion hits over the last few months. However, at the Paris premiere of The Bounty Hunter the other evening, the former Friends actress looked slightly like a sickly Quality Street chocolate I'm afraid to say. Dressed in a floor-length Christian Lacroix gown, the salmon pink and ruffles along with the half-hearted ponytail just didn't do her any justice. Even the Manolo Blahnik sandals looked slightly old-fashioned and unflattering. I hate saying this but Miss Aniston please sort it out!


Keep your eyes peeled for second a post later on today (if I have time)! I hope everyone has a fantastic day whatever they're up to. Lots of love.

Sunday 28 March 2010

SELFRIDGES HOPS ONLINE♥

A trip to London, Birmingham or Manchester is never complete without a trip to the fabulous department store, Selfridges. What's better now is that their well awaited online store has officially opened, and it's huge seeing as over 8000 products can be brought from the comfort of our living rooms! From big name designers such as McQueen, Herve Leger, Westwood, Temperley, Juicy Couture to high street French Connection and Paul's Boutique- there really is so much to choose from and many rarer hidden gems. It's so tempting to break the bank and splurge!


Top row (left to right): Oasis bandeau pegleg jumpsuit, £60; Theory stripe jumper, £165; Halston Heritage knot shoulder cocktail dress, £225; Juicy Couture pavé petal flower ring, £78.

Bottom row: French Connection paradise embroidered dress, £135; Mulberry bayswater tote, £595; Herve Leger diagonal stripe dress, £1175; Reiss tiana short sleeve dress, £159.

RED DRESSES♥

Hiya my darlings! Hope you're all dandy. I'm really sorry for neglecting the blog yesterday for all those expecting a post- just crazily busy and majorly lacking in energy (despite drinking as much coffee, red bull, diet coke etc. as my body would allow). Started posting at about 10 last night and fell asleep on the sofa with my laptop! It also didn't help with the clocks going forward and losing a vital hour's sleep. Ah the joys of being a student! I promise after Thursday (when I break up from college for Easter) that you'll be able to look forward to multiple posts each day and possibly an amazing giveaway. I'll also make up for it by posting again later on today and replying to all your lovely comments.

Anyway...I'm really loving the LRD (little red dress!) at the moment. Although both the LWD and obviously the LBD are completely timeless and so easy for a night out (oops, excuse the pun), I'm just bored, bored, bored with them to be honest. I like colour a lot and red is the probably the most eye-catching and bold colour that you can get! Keeping it minimal is the way forward, so no need to binge on the accessories. Just let the dress and a pair of statement heels do all the talking. If you're feeling you need a bit of a pattern to match your LBD, then dress it up with some simple spotty or heart tights.

ASOS.com offers an incedible range of little red dresses:





LRDs are there to suit everyone, although the look may be a little harder to work if you're a redhead! I'd suggest that the lighter your hair colour and paler your skin, the darker the shade to go for. This will allow a greater contrast between you and the dress- so it has a much greater impact!

Friday 26 March 2010

EMMA WATSON♥

The Harry Potter star looked amazing as she was was spotted at Pullino's Bar and Pizzeria in NYC last night, wearing a Christopher Kane dress. I'm currently a huge fan of Kane, and it's lovely to see Emma showcasing British labels despite being permanently based in America to study at Brown University. The whole evening was in fact in aid of promoting the name of London-based designers in America. It was Emma's first public appearance since her well-reported split from her boyfriend (financier Jay Barrymore) who she'd been dating for the last two years.


I really, really, really couldn't pull off a lace/leather/embroided combo in the same way as Emma! She can get away with literally any fashion risk simply because she inherently oozes in sophistication despite being just nineteen. I'm so jealous, but really admire the person who she is and the style vibe that she never fails to give off. The colour of the flowers, leather and detail around the bust definitely gives the dress the edge as black lace numbers are just everywhere on the high-street right now! Thumbs up to Emma big time. I'm also loving her trademark classic hair and natural make-up.


Her dress is from Christopher Kane's AW10 collection as you'd probably expect! What do you think? Expect more fashion hits from Emma Watson over the next few months as the promotion for the latest Harry Potter film begins.

Thursday 25 March 2010

STREET STYLE♥


One of the best sources of inspiration for what you wear can definitely be just what you see randomers dressed in when you're out and about. I really dislike the word and concept of "copying", but just taking small ideas from others and feeling that they've contributed to your personal style is lovely. I'm sure that I'm not alone when admitting the amount of times I've wanted to run up to someone and ask them where their dress or whatever is from as I love it so much (especially in Paris, London and NYC)! Anyway, I've raided lookbook.nu (amazing site if you haven't checked it out before full of gorgeous outfit combos) for the best street style of the moment.

Statement steet style trends:
  • Blazers
  • Oversized sunnies
  • Slouchy stripes
  • Long cardigans
  • Knee-high socks
  • Casual skirts/shorts
  • Biker boots
  • Denim shirts
  • Leggings
  • Oversized arm candy
  • Harems
  • Denim minis
Make sure you let me know what your personal favourite street style is! Have a lovely day.


Wednesday 24 March 2010

IRREGULAR CHOICE♥


Shoes are by far my biggest downfall! I've invested in so many pairs that I've now resulted to scattering them around my room as there is no longer enough room in my gigantic wardrobes. Irregular Choice is one of the best brands that you'll find on the high street at the moment. If you're looking for something completely and utterly different then the quirkiness of these delights will definitely not let you down. It's a brand you'll either utterly love or hate, but walking in to an Irregular Choice shop for me is seriously like being transported to a fairytale world! From the vibrant patterns to the chunky heels- you will stand out a mile if you invest in these absolutely gorgeous shoes! Irregular Choice dress up literally any outfit which is why I adore them so much.


Tuesday 23 March 2010

SS10 TRENDS♥

Firstly, I'd just like to say thank you so much to everyone who has viewed OH STYLE VANITY in the last few days that it has been running. To have over 100 views already is pretty awesome! Also thank you to everyone who has left lovely comments on my posts. I'd really like to exchange links with other bloggers, so please email me at hannahelizabethsheen@hotmail.co.uk if you would like to do that.

On to today's post: SS10 trends. I've put together five different pieces which are already predicted to be hot in the upcoming months and which I personally believe are what Spring and Summer style represents. They in no particular order as they're all equally as fabulous trends as one another!

1) Hair flowers
Wherever I go at the moment, I just can't seem to escape flower hair clips. On a night out the other week, 4 out of 5 of us were wearing them (and we didn't even plan it!). I like the fact that they're so versatile and you can wear them regardless of what your hair is doing! I think flowers look really cute with poker straight hair to jazz it up a little. Also if you have an irritating sweeping fringe then they might come in handy to clip it out of the way! Perhaps go for a bit of a summery look by scraping your hair back into a messy bun and clipping a beautiful flower just above. Or oversized flowers are good too! A really girly trend which I adore mucho. Oh, and Topshop is definitely the best place to buy them for a reasonable price tag.


2) Lace
This season is so lace galore! Garments made entirely of lace have never been major hits until recently and I adore the fact the fashion industry is slowly moving away from the association of lace with sluttiness. Throwing on lots of necklaces and layering can give lace a real classic vibe. Black and white lace dresses have been ridiculously popular over the last year or so, but lace tights/leggings are starting to make such a statement. It's a look that can be played down for daytime wear, or completely dressed up for a night out. It's just up to you how you choose to wear your lace!


3) Denim jackets
They were a big hit for SS09 and again they're set to takeover. Denim jackets with jeans is probably one of the biggest fashion crimes you could possibly commit so don't just don't go there! However, they're perfect if you need to wrap up a little bit on colder days alongside summery dresses and sandals. H&M are an amazing place to get denim jackets and last a lifetime! I'm also loving a bit of the sleeveless denim jackets that are floating around, which is such effortless style and very boho.


4) Playsuits
Playsuits are seriously the best invention for holidays. I brought a leopard print one from River Island (major English high-street fashion brand if you're not British) for about £18 last SS and couldn't stop wearing it! Urban Outfitters did have some lovely floral ones as well, so check them out! Opt for a playsuit with a bold pattern and match it up with a plain bikini and glads if you're planning on lounging about on the beach, or add some statement jewellery and wedges to glam the playsuit up for the evening. It's such a simple trend, and I really do adore the fact that you don't have to worry too much about wearing anything else with it.


5) Frayed denim shorts
Finally, SS10 is all about frayed denim shorts, which are so much more interesting that the standard pair (especially if they're faded)! If you're a Hollywood girl then this one will be an easy trend to go for, but I'm not sure the good old British weather will hold out for bare legs. Other than this, denim shorts are ridiculously practical and I promise you that you don't have to worry about them going out of fashion! They can be mish-mashed with literally anything. I think a cool look to go for is wearing them with flat ankle boots and perhaps just a plain tank with accessory overload.


Well that took a lot longer than I had planned to type out, but I hope you've enjoyed the post! Please comment and let me know your predictions for style trends this SS10. Lots of love.

Monday 22 March 2010

ASHISH♥

Afternoon. Before I get on to the main part of the post about the wonderful designer Ashish, I'm going to put on my political voice and congratulate President Obama on the healthcare reform victory. I'm not American, but I have a very strong interest in international politics and I recognise this is a very important step in laying what Obama refers to as 'the foundation of the American dream'. Fashion and politics are two things which I personally believe are much closer together than society makes them out to be. They both can provide a great sense of liberation, and that is exactly why I'd like OH STYLE VANITY to be a blog which links them together and celebrates both fashion and political successes. Both have their critics and what one person considers to be true style or a good political acheivement may be perceived completely differently by someone else.

Anyway, intellectual lecture over! I'm choosing to write about Ashish today because of the huge impact that he had upon me at LFW last month. My personal view on him is that he is completely understated and not necessarily one of the mainstream designers that the general public have heard of. However, I love the fact that he is a bit of a dark horse and has so much respect from the big fashion industry. You'll never catch an outfit which isn't sequin-overload and doesn't have the power to make you subconsciously go "wow".

Ashish debuted his first collection in 2001 and has gone on from success to success ever since. He was born in Delhi, grew up in Toronto and is currently based in London (and it's clear that his cultured background influences the uniqueness of his designs). You've just got to love the slouchy, bold prints that Ashish is renowned for. He has previously stated that his main source of inspiration is the library and the type of women he aims to encapsulate within his collections are "fun-loving, sexy, with a sense of humour and like to make an entrance".

These fabulous hobo-gone-chic creations are just a snippet (well, quite a big snippet!) from what's to come in AW10 from the darling that is Ashish. I mean who else can turn what appears to be pyjamas into a serious fashion on-trend?











Sunday 21 March 2010

FEARNE COTTON♥



Hello there again! I thought I'd jump right in and tell you all about one of my favourite all-time style icons. I'm pretty sure if you're British you are pretty familar with Fearne Cotton, but regardless of whether you've heard of her or not, here is a post to illustrate her awesome fashion sense.


Fearne, daytime Radio 1 DJ and television presenter, seriously knows how to stand out from the crowd through her casual/boyish attitude to fashion. She has a bit of a fetish for Topshop, Orion, French Connection, Office and ASOS designer Olivia Rubin (and also has her own range at very.co.uk). Seeing as she wears mostly high-street, it's pretty accessible if you want to own the same garment(s).


The blonde beauty never fails to dazzle and in a recent interview when asked about her style said: "It's a mish-mash, really; I dress to suit whatever mood I'm in. Sometimes I'm feeling like a tomboy, or more glamorous, or classic- or sometimes I just throw on jeans and some heels- just whatever I feel like". Fearne's own personal icons are Debbie Harry and Chloe Sevigny, and she normally takes fashion inspiration from "places and artists". She's a huge festival junkie, vintage lover and all-round fashion rebel which is why I love her so much.


So, there we have it. Let me know what you think and whether I've convinced you into making Fearne Cotton one of your top style crushes.

THE BEGINNING OF OH STYLE VANITY♥

I've been sat here for about half an hour trying to think of a compelling first line but the truth is that I can't so this will have to do. Hello, I'm Hannah. I warn you now, I do not work in the fashion industry. I'm just a seventeen year old typical student, currently studying English Literature, Philosophy, Politics and History.

'Fashion' is what occupies my brain a good 75% of the day. I admit, my guilty pleasure is obsessing over what celebrities are wearing, copying the exact outfit of the trendy girl in the street and buying what Vogue says is this season's trend. I guess that makes me a bit of a style conformist, but aren't we all? I often stick to inherent fashion rules (i.e. I don't wear pink with red, rarely clash prints or wear socks with sandals) but I think it's great and admire those who choose to take huge risks and get some disapproving looks from strangers (I encourage you to do this)! I never look outside the window in the morning to see what the weather is doing, as fashion wins over practicality every single time.

This blog is just to give my view on fashion from what I know. I've still got a lot to learn, but I genuinely think blogging will be a great opportunity to do just this whilst letting off a bit of steam through ranting! London Rose and Style Bubble are my main sources of inspiration, so I hope I don't let their blogging genius down as I enter this mysterious virtual world.

I pray you look forward to what's to come from O.S.V. I'm going to drink a glass of champers to celebrate losing my fashion blogging virginity (and then watch "Dancing on Ice"- is cool physically possible?). Take care guys, and until next time, please rave along to a bit of Gaga and B's Telephone. AMAZING. Au revoir.