Product Spotlight/ Christmas Special!

Hello there! I have just discovered a wonderful online shopping haven and was debating whether I should let you in on the secret of its existence. Being the nice person that I am (Ha!), considering its the season for giving and such, I guess I should spill the beans...

The GOODHOOD Store

This relatively young store was founded in 2007 and has a similar aesthetic to that of my beloved Urban Outfitters, which is why I'm understandably excited by this brand. Their latest A/W Womens lookbook is christened the same Nirvana title as a previous lookbook of UO's! That's how similar they are.

I wont lie, some of this stuff is quite expensive by my standards but bear in mind that the majority of brands are well-know designers, creating high-quality products. I've been snooping and have found some brilliant merchandise that I'd be over the moon to discover under my Christmas tree, here they are!

Christmas Wishlist by thefashionedition featuring (L-R):

• PAM X Masterpiece Tapis Backpack - Tapestry, £249
• Christmas Stocking Bundle Worth 76 Pounds - Womens, £65
• Paul Smith Blanket Check Hunt Jacket, £379
• Pendleton Harding Scarf - Black, £128
• British Remains - Sticker Pack, $7.74
• Super Panama - Dark Havana, £144
• Junya Watanabe Comme Des Garcons sports activewear, $827

What do you think? I adore the tapestry backpack, it looks so vintage and that Comme Des Garcons jacket is so on trend for next season where sportswear rules.

What's on your wishlist?  I am in dire need of some decent headphones and would love get the new Nikon J1 but the likely hood of that happening is positively zilch. Oh well! Christmas isn't about the presents anyways.What does Christmas mean to you?

Have a very merry Christmas!

Love,

Rachel

Designers/ Jason Wu

Olivia Palermo in Wu Dress
Source

Despite launching his debut collection only 5 years ago, Jason Wu has consistently provided the fashion world with luxurious dresses fit for Michelle Obama, an incredible collection of wedding gowns and on February 5th of next year, American store Target will be stocking Jason's affordable line of clothing and accessories.

Source

Wu has fast become a celebrity favourite. From Eva Longoria to Reese Witherspoon Jason has an endless fan club of A Lister members. As I mentioned, Jason has designed many dresses for Michelle Obama, the first being this stunning Swarovski crystal embellished gown worn at the inaugural ball. At that time he was a little-known 26 year old Parsons graduate, ever since the fashion community has been very excited about his upcoming collections. 

And his latest collection is not a disappointment, overall I'd describe the Pre-Fall 2012 collection as sleek, sophisticated and modern. A great combination, in my book! How would you describe it?

Collaborations/ Marni x H&M

Guess whose next....Marni! With some rather big heels to fill, Marni has signed-up as H&M’s next creative collaborator after Versace's success. The Italian brand will create a spring collection for the retailer that will showcase a match-and-clash line up of its signature print and pattern. The deal will include menswear, womenswear and accessories. 

Marni’s creative director and founder Consuelo Castiglioni says that the collection will consist of her trademark tribal prints with Bauhaus inspired graphics, forming a sporty, utilitarian mood. She added: "I wanted to create a true Marni wardrobe by revisiting all our favourite pieces in signature fabrics and prints.” The womenswear is all about vivid colours and bold prints, with inspiration coming from tribal African designs and simple colour blocks. Key pieces are typically Marni: full pleated skirts, cropped trousers and jacquard knits teamed with dresses made from fabrics ranging from silk to crisp cotton poplin. 

Accompanying the clothes will be jewellery, scarves, shoes and bags. The use of African tribal patterns and overworked batik styled blocks of zigzag and circular prints in green and brown feature on skirts and halter necks whilst bold inky blue circled print is used on a clean lined jackets and skirts. The menswear will be subtler with softened colours and washed down fabrics will less loud prints and contrasting trims. A multi-striped men’s knit comes in blue, black and grey. 

Castiglioni revealed that she is very proud of the resulting collection, adding that the collections purpose is to “speak to a wider audience and younger generation.” H&M creative advisor Magareta van den Bosch says that the look will be playful but chic, concluding that “It’s fantastic to see how Consuelo Castiglioni coordinates her design, matching new combinations of print and colour.” The range is set to hit about 260 stores worldwide on March 8, 2012. Cant wait!


Too excited for words? Take a sneek peek at what's coming up:




Love.

Collaborations/ Rihanna x Armani

The lovely Rihanna has collaborated with Armani to create two capsule collections : an Armani Jeans and Emporio Armani Underwear line. 

The fashion savvy singer's collection for Armani Jeans mirrors her own offstage look, featuring denim, tops, a canvas leopard print bag and relaxed leather biker jackets. The black leather jackets are multi-zipped and multi-pocketed but washed down for a vintage, beat effect, with a similar aethetic to the denim in RiRi’s recent video shoot for current hit We Found Love. The denim comes in two fits – skinny and boyfriend – both are washed down to give a casual feel to the look, coming in blue and black with a fabric tie bandana style belt featuring on one of the pairs. Rihanna considers the jeans to be her favourite pieces from the collection, because they have “a slightly rocky feel, fabulously sexy with a strong, masculine edge”. The racer back vest tops hang loose and low. One features a stylised yet recognisable print of Rihanna’s face imposed over a tinted leopard design, while the other sees the singer’s R logo combined with the Armani eagle logo. 

That same logo features on the cute drawstring bags in which her Emporio Armani Underwear sets are sold in. Take a peek inside to see lacy bra and knicker sets in either bold cobalt blue or pearly gray. On the straps of the bras is the motto "Rihanna for Emporio Armani" and a cameo of the singer’s face appears alongside the logo on the back fastening. Rihanna is currently the face and body of Emporio Armani Underwear, and has starred in steamy campaigns for the Armani brand. 

Both collections are set to hit stores this month and if they are a success, which I don't doubt for a second, we will see this collaboration lasting for the foreseeable future. 

Love.

Playlist/ Musical Genius

Ah music: my sanity, my love and above all, my good friend. I know that many of you enjoyed my Songs for Summer Playlist so I decided that it would be nice to share with you the music that has kept me going through 3 GCSE Science Exams, 1 Spanish Speaking Exam, 1 French Speaking Exam, 1 French Writing Exam, and a string of other mind-boggling events, as I'm sure that many of you have had equally stressful events occurring in your lives and may need music to pull you through as much as I did.

Here are the songs that inspire, console and are just perfection to my ears, enjoy!

Coldplay - Paradise 

I actually consider this song to be the anthem to my life: I don't know why but the bass, lyrics and the energy put into performing by the band is just so inspiring - how you can see that Chris Martin puts his heart and soul into every song he sings. That is why this song inspires me, it helps me put my heart and soul into everything I do too. 
I am excited to say that I get the honour to see Coldplay live next June! 

Ben Howard - Keep Your Head Up

This is possibly on of the most inspiring music video's since the beginning of time, if only I had a field and a couple of hay bales! The accompanying song persuades me to keep on truckin' through everything life throws at me, hopefully it will also teach you to "keep your head up, keep your heart strong." 

Two Door Cinema Club - Something Good Can Work

This is just a happy, happy song! I'm always in a good mood once I've listened to this song, I hope it has that effect of you. 

Lady Gaga - Born This Way

This one's a no brainer really. Lady Gaga is an absolute icon and teaches as to be proud of whoever we are, no matter what.  It's such an up-beat uplifting song so put your paws up!

Kings of Leon - Radioactive

Kings of Leon are by far one of my favourite bands and I consider this to be one of their best songs yet. Such a cute music video and very inspirational. 

I hope you like these songs as much as me! 
Rachel

Brands/ Cheap Monday

Thank you Cheap Monday for blessing up with soft cotton tee-shirts, for making skulls look cool, and allowing nature to do its bit for fashion.

Affordable Swedish brand Cheap Monday began life in 2004 as an alternative for people who wanted fashionable jeans but not at such high prices. Now from such humble beginnings, Cheap Monday has exploded and can now be found in over 35 countries and 1800 stores worldwide, just look for the iconic Skull logo. The thing I love most about the brand is how it seems to capture the Swedish culture, as shown by the parties they hold to celebrate releases.

Now Cheap Monday has two dedicated stores, one in our very own London branch of Selfridges! They celebrated with a rather interesting looking shindig. The Swedes must be getting on well with us Brits as Cheap Monday are soon to be opening another store on the legendary Carnaby street!

In June of this year Cheap Monday introduced their line of jeans "Customised by Nature." The team left Cheap Monday jeans in three different locations in Sweden to be worn by the weather: on the roof of their roof, in the woods near Stockholm and in the dirt on the west coast. Thus creating unique pairs of jeans. These jeans go on tour, currently in Paris in a treehouse, as a concept store for the World to see. 

Today Cheap Monday carry many collections for men and women as well as three in-season drops/season. The collections also include baby, accessories, glasses and from AW-11 also shoes and underwear. Here are some of my favourite pieces in their current collections. 

The general colour scheme's and styles of Cheap Monday products can, in my opinion, suit anyone. 

What do you think?

Love.

Inspiration/ Fashion Illustration

I really adore fashion illustration. After studying it in GCSE Textiles recently, I discovered that there are so many different ways that fashion illustrators put across ideas. These are just a few of the ones I've found that are just gorgeous. Fashion illustration is an art form in its own right, some designers are actually better known for their inspirational sketches. 

Enjoy!

Because it makes me chuckle!

Inspiration/ Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants

I'm a book-aholic, sue me! Anything with text, I'm on it. I have loved reading since a young age: books, book shops...that enchanting smell, magazines, newspapers. The sad thing is, no one reads the printed word anymore, especially the majority of my generation. We have e-readers, iPads and other tablet-y things to keep us occupied.

But despite that I try to make time to read, I have a wall covered with books so, when I had some free time in the half term, I seized the opportunity and re-read one of my old favourites: Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants, also now a film series starring the lovely Blake Lively, from Gossip Girl (another great book series) and America Ferrera (Ugly Betty, which is sincerely missed I must add). The books follow four friends that have been together since, well, before birth as their mothers shared an antenatal group. The girls are going to be separated for their first summer ever. After finding a pair of pants (loveable jeans) that miraculously fits each girl despite them being all different shapes and sizes, they deem them magical. To keep the girls together despite being far away from each other, they send the 'travelling pants' among the group with a letter telling the most exciting moment that has happened in the pants.

I loved this series because they show how denim has changed the way we dress, we all have that favourite pair of jeans and the idea of sharing them with the people you love is really sweet. Shame that no one would do that in modern society. That inspired me to write this.

So jeans...

Source: Original Ego

Who doesn't own a pair? Denim came from small beginnings, these days that humble cotton plant, who was named after its origin: Nimes in France by the Andre family. It had elbowed its way into American culture, and since the late 18th century, has been a wardrobe staple for men, women, and children alike. Now the traditional indigo denim is not enough! Purple, orange, red, green...we have so much freedom of choice. I don't know where I'd be without my go-to pair of jeans.

Product Spotlight/ Boohoo

Hi all! This weeks tantalising treat is, what I consider, a great Autumn/Winter staple from Boohoo.com, home of  great womens pieces at highstreet prices. I have never bought from them but my friend rocked a floral Boohoo playsuit last summer at T4OTB.

I love this burgundy blazer; you could dress it up as pictured above with warm neutrals or what fits me better, pair it with some distressed denim and loafer-esque boots.

The jeans are from H&M, I love the shape - a great change from the adored skinnies. The boots are from the French  brand I love, The Kooples. The tassels are so on-trend.

If you are looking for the exact place to find anything featured in Product Spotlight find me on The Fancy!

Photography/ Faded

I really am into this far away feeling that is featuring in many photographs these days. That faded distance that gives the viewer the feeling of intimacy between them and the picture, as if your seeing into every inch of the subjects mind and life. Its great to be able to get your viewers to relate to your image in such a way.

Here are some breathtaking examples I just love!

I'm bit of an anti-Beiber, but this is just
plain straight adorable!

Product Spotlight/ Your Eyes Lie

Home of indie-ish clothing and cult brands, Your Eyes Lies is the place for aesthetics you wont find anywhere else. Think tie-dyed Levis, studs galore and of course your eccentric animal jewellery.

One of the things I love them most for is their digital print products, especially this beauty...

The Galaxy print vest is something you cant find anywhere else, believe me, I've tried. I love the colour and cut of the vest, not forgetting that bleached quality. Its something that could be easily integrated into anyone's  wardrobe.

If I was lucky enough to own that lovely vest I'd pair it with...

Love those quirky rings and the studded, acid washed shorts!


Love,
Rachel

Collection/ 55DSL: Kids in Italia Part 1

Fashion is not just clothes, bags, make-up and the rest of it. Its a statement and a lifestyle. 55DSL, the Italian offshoot of the Diesel we all know and love, understands this. Their amazing F/W Collection just breathes comfort and functionality, you cant really wear a meat dress for day to day life. Fashion isn't just for the famous.

To illustrate how wearable the collection is, Vice teamed up with 55DSL to make a series of videos with a few of Italy's young creatives' who wore pieces from the F/W collection each day. They trailed around after the artists to get an insight of what the urban scene is like in modern Italy.



The first of the two films followed photographer Lele Saveri returning to his home town and a Sicilian village to collect images for his upcoming book.

You get the rare opportunity from this series to see into a small town Sicilian tradition, learn about the Italian culture and new music obsessions. Here's the first video!




In the next part of this post I will introduce you to the two 55DSL girls, Giulia From Above and Elisa Bee,  both DJ's on the Italian club scene. Stay tuned!


Love,
Rachel

Product Spotlight/ Urban Outfitters

Another hige trend for Autumn/Winter this year is Chelsea boots, of all colours, shapes and heights. For all horse riders this is one less thing to cross of your shopping list! The ones I'm sharing today are partly made of the material for A/W...velvet!

These platform Chelsea boots are just to die for. The colour the shape, the on-trend toe cap...daymn. Deena & Ozzy know how to make a boot! 

Pair with something geometric like these monochrome leggings and a simple tee.

Love,

Rachel

Product Spotlight/ Topshop

I'm going to start featuring one of my favourite pieces to hit the shops each Thursday, today is from my favourite stores ever! Topshop!

What goes around comes back around said many a man, including Justin Timberlake. This definitely relates to fashion as well, with the Mod trend that I love so much being a huge success.

Topshop rock the Mod scene as I've said before, this new piece is scoring high in my books for sure!

The contrasting black and grey has a great geometric effect if you look at the jumper from different angles, I saw this in the store and fell in love!

Pair it with these glamorous yet indie velvet shorts and some radical circular sunnies and your in business!

Love.

Inspiration/ Autumn

Busy, busy autumn months. Exams so soon, tired and achy. Music is the only thing keeping my head above water...and the prospect of going to the Clothes Show Live as a school trip! 

I think everyone is feeling kind of downtrodden with work and school at this part of the season, so to cheer us up I have some music, videos and as usual, amazing photos to help us see the positive side of autumn, or completely ignore  it and reminisce of summer.

Really...it's not all that bad! Think of the huge chunky knits you can wear...

Radiohead - Talk Show Host

Copyright Jasmine Lewis-Humphrey Photography (she's great by the way!)

01 Jump In the Pool

God I love that Beck song, such an amazing bass!

Love,Rachel
P.S Dont forget the giveaway!