Autumn Winter 2011

Victoria Beckham A Style Evolution

by Michael Mulligan on December 2, 2011

Earlier this week Victoria Beckham, looked demure as she picked up the award for ‘Best Designer Brand’ at the 2011 British Fashion Awards. Anyone who has seen her collection knows she is entirely deserving, showcasing creative, edgy and elegant designs.

Previously we’ve known Victoria as being one fifth of the world’s most famous girl band, a failed solo-artist, and footballers wife. Having been in the spotlight for nearly twenty years, she has become a style icon herself – but she hasn’t always been as effortlessly chic.

Spice Girl: As a newly famous spice girl in the mid 90′s, Victoria quickly established her love for designer clothes, earning herself the title ‘Posh Spice’. These early fashion choices are tacky and showy – but she was young and stage-ready outfits rarely add up to chic – she can be just about forgiven for these.

SOLO Here the 1999′s torn red leather mini-dress is awful, looking like a cheap half finished Halloween costume. Her second ensemble shows some promise as she moves away from her tacky 90′s look. In 2000, she had her first venture into the fashion industry modelling for Maria Grachvogel at London Fashion Week. 2001′s on-stage ensemble is terrible, ugliness of the outfit aside – you can the the look just isn’t ‘her’.

Footballers wife: Appearing in 2002, wearing a simple white suit, Victoria ruins the look with tacky shoes and a disastrous busy necklace. 2003 is when things start to look up: this outfit is much better, soft sexy and less try-hard. She keeps up the good work in 2004 with a classic blazer and jeans combo and with 2005′s revealing but beautiful gown.

Style Icon: This is when Victoria ups her game. 2006 onwards saw VB step towards a much more sophisticated image. It seems that she has grown up and found her fashion feet, taking on a much more elegant, lady-like look. Bravo!

Ever since she’s been keeping it simple and chic in classic shapes and elegant cuts. 2008 saw her looking very Audrey Hepburn (which is always a good thing).

2010 and 11 confirm that Victoria’s style is here to stay. Cementing her place as a style icon, her wardrobe revolves around classic staple pieces, and stylish accessories. Victoria’s fashion evolution proves that style doesn’t always come naturally at first. However, with some time, and good advice anyone can find the look that is right for them.

Michael Mulligan is a fashion student in the UK, he loves trend-spotting, fashion styling and journalism, when not working on his own creations! Michael Mulligan is Style Editor at GabrielleTeare.Com

Black Tie Party Top Tips

by Michael Mulligan on November 30, 2011

Christmas is coming, What to wear?? Black tie? Nothing to wear… We know the feeling

So the stylists at gabrielleteare.com pick the best from three of this seasons trends to help you look fabulous in black-tie.

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JEWEL COLOURS

The jewel trend is perfect for those who are missing the colour-block brights of summer. These deep shimmering dresses are dripping with sex appeal and movie-star glamour. Team with a fur stole and metallic accessories for a bang-on-trend look.

Prints have been a fashion must have for a while now. The latest trend is for loud, uneven and clashing prints. These three gowns show you just how much range there is within the print trend. Fresh and monochromatic in Aminaka Wilmont. Edgy yet elegant in Rodarte or colourful and clashing in Erdem. Whatever your preference, I guarantee there is a print out there for you.

VINTAGE INSPIRATION

For another on-trend look, take inspiration from the classic elegant cuts and delicate feminine details of times gone by. Shimmering sequins, glitzy beading and sheer layering all help to create a classic, timeless look. For this option, keep your accessories simple, match them to the beading or introduce a soft accent colour.

The Tarton Trend

by Michael Mulligan on November 29, 2011

Autumn/Winter 2011 welcomed tartans from the likes of Burberry Prorsum, Tory Burch, Daks, Valentino and Etro (to name a few). The overall trend seemed to be for big squarish patterns in dark muted colours. Printed dresses, trouser-suits, wraps and capes all lent themselves to the trend, giving Autumn/Winter 2011 a swift injection of country-chic.

Where can you get the trend? I scoured the web for some chic tartan pieces available to buy now.

These dresses are fabulous examples of how to embrace the trend full on. The vintage Gucci wrap dress fits in nicely with this seasons 1940′s trend. Rag and Bone offers a simple, yet interesting and versatile tartan dress perfect for day-into-night. The third dress by Carven has a very sculptural feel with the draped shoulder and pleated skirt – A super-chic option for any occasion.

Jackets are another great way to incorporate this trend into your wardrobe. This bold red jacket by MCQ would look great worn casually over jeans or even dressed up in an LBD and heels. The second jacket by Marios at Topshop has a dropped waist and a certain shapelessness that is perfect for adding a touch of 20′s country-chic that will carry you over into Spring/Summer.

Finally, accessories. These pieces are fantastic for those who don’t want to take the trend head on. Introducing small touches of tartan to your look will be just as effective. I especially like the bolted tartan bangle by a young British designer called J.W Anderson, and the printed scarf by Vivienne Westwood (Tartan’s undisputed Queen).

It seems to be catching on too. Kylie Minogue was recently spotted sporting a pair of classic tartan trousers, teamed effortlessly with a black velvet blazer. Rihanna was bang-on-trend whilst performing on The X Factor last weekend, wearing a white collared mini-dress with a silver-chain choker.

Michael Mulligan is a fashion student in the UK, he loves trend-spotting, fashion styling and journalism, when not working on his own creations! Michael Mulligan is Style Editor at GabrielleTeare.Com

Alexa Chung Style Icon??

by Gabrielle on November 28, 2011

Alexa Chung10 Alexa Chung Style Icon??

What is it about Alexa Chung? Everyone raves about her style . She often makes the best dressed list. I am not so sure….. here is a look at this kooky, geeky, style. For example this look is overcooked a ruffle souffle.

Alexa Chung 06 Alexa Chung Style Icon??

Then we have overblown flowers , spots and a colour that drains her, a length that makes her look even shorter……

Alexa Chung Alexa Chung Style Icon??

Now we have not so much 40′s chic as Granny Chung’s hand me down’s.

Alexa Chung9 Alexa Chung Style Icon??

The twee shoes, ragdoll bandy legs, a decorator’s shirt that is at least 3 sizes too big does not add up to chic for me.

Alexa Chung8 Alexa Chung Style Icon??

Ankle socks with ballet flats, messy outfit adds up to sero sex appeal. I just don’t get it. I am missing something here.

Alexa Chung15 Alexa Chung Style Icon??

No- one would miss this flower decoration over 3/4 of her chest. Overblown again.

I normally understand and can appreciate style icons with many contrasting styles. I just do not like the little girl/boy twee bow in hair, and on on dress, ankle socks, peter pan collar, knock kneed look, I like women to look like women.

The New Maxi Coat Trend

by Hayley Bevan on October 19, 2011

Haider Ackerman

The Trend: The Maxi Coat

There is no escaping winter, here are the the best styles handpicked by stylists at Gabrielle Teare.

Remember the furore of last year’s Camel Coat? As always every season see the rise of a new star in the coat charts. From Celine’s long Chesterfield coat and Haider Ackermann’s theatrical floor grazing coat, it was clear at the shows that maxi coats were going to be big for AW11.

Here at Gabrielle Teare we wouldn’t be fabulous stylists if we didn’t give you some stylish advice on how to pull this trend, be aware that the most flattering shapes in this style are streamlined, and opt for a single breasted or dressing gown style. Pinstripe, grey flannel, and luxurious wool and cashmere, with clean minimal lines, are all set to make you stand out. Take a look at our stylist edits to ensure that you won’t be left out in the cold or from the style fronts this winter.

Margiela Coat

This wool-blend Merlot coloured coat from Maison Martin Margiela, has the fashion house’s characteristic twist. Wear with a draped blouse and straight leather trousers for a work to dinner look.

rodarte coat

The Rodarte girls did it again, for this season they infused their collection with a dramatic look, and this coat adds a touch of theatre to any outfit, channel the show styling and wear it with chiffon billowing skirts and flowing lines.

roland Mouret coat

Another favourite by Monsieur Mouret here at Gabrielle Teare, this is immaculate tailoring at its best, this hopsack-wool coat is best when worn open to show off a stunning shift dress or belted up to chinch in the waist with a pair of straight leg trousers and patent stacks.

Missoni Coat

This Missoni coat is absolutely stunning, the Chartreuse and White wool-blend checked pattern was one of the key looks for the Missoni A/W
show, however this statement pattern is screaming for subtle and minimal tailoring to be worn underneath.

Rick Owens Coat

An asymmetric wool-blend coat from the master of cool Rick Owens, figure flattering, grey melange, uber cool, this one wins them all, wear with a cashmere sweater and remember to team grey tailoring with rich rusty browns leathers, knee highs or shoe boots, and a matching clutch with this will look tres tres chic.

Chloe coat

An absolutely fabulous coat from Chloe, it is the perfect “effortless but oozing elegance” statement. The fabric flows beautifully and the gold clasp on the front is the ultimate waist cincher, wear with wide pant legs and fabulous platforms.

Stylist Hayley Bevan can be found at www.hbstyling.com. Visit Hayley at her studio in Chester to update your look. Hayley trained at London School of Fashion.

Top 5 Designer Handbags of the season

by Gabrielle on August 30, 2011

Givenchy Handbag

Every season there is the perfect designer handbag. Here are some of my favourite from Autumn Winter 2011.

Chanel Boy Handbag in Red Patent leather

Celine Handbag

Celine handbags much loved by my very chic friend the model and Vogue photographer Candice Lake. Now she has another one to lust over….

This is a retro 1973 bag in raspberry from Gucci. Seems like everyone has had enough of huge IT bags. I hated them.

Maison Martin Margiela handbag

This is a bag I bought from a little shop in Rome about 5 years ago!! Mine is blue.

Kate Middleton’s Style : Hit or Miss?

by Gabrielle on August 16, 2011

As The Leading London Personal Shopper I frequently comment in the press on Celebrity Style. Kate Middleton does not feel she needs a stylist so what is the verdict on Kate Middleton’s style chic or cheap?

Kate Middleton Dress

This dress is frankly cheap. It is being worn to a major black tie event and is inappropriate for the then fiance of the future King of England. it would work for a secretary at a Company do. The embellishment is too heavy, the jacket is too big and overall does not work.

Kate Middleton style 1 Kate Middletons Style : Hit or Miss?

Kate Middleton Fashion

This is another dreadful outfit. The grey comfy cardi, baggy enough to cover a stomach and hips of a heavier woman looks old fashioned and makes her look much older than her years. This is a beautiful woman in the prime of life.

Kate Middleton Zara dress

This is yet another cheap and frankly nasty outfit. This dress from Zara does not fit, flatter and the A line shape and wide sleeves serve to make her look fatter and older than she is. No stylist would choose this for someone in the public eye. Kate Middleton is representing the UK and needs to seriously up her game. Using a Personal Shopper or Personal Stylist is a must for anyone regularly photographed.

Kate Middleton style 7 Kate Middletons Style : Hit or Miss?

Kate Middleton Hobbs Suit

This is Kate Middleton in a high street Hobbs suit. Hobbs has a much older target consumer group i.e. 35-55 Kate is 27. Thus the effect is dull, makes her look older and has zero wow factor or sex appeal.

Kate Middleton style 4 Kate Middletons Style : Hit or Miss?

Pippa Middleton Dress

This honestly is the dreary sisters. Bear in mind that both are mid to late twenties. These print “safe” dresses are more appropriate for women 30 years older. Pippa Middleton can and should look amazing.

There are great clothes to be had on the high street but she needs to up her spend a bit and choose clothes that are classic with a twist. Kate Middleton’s’ style is naturally classic but she can and should do better. Hire a stylist buy less spend a bit more look chic. This is how she does style well.

Duchess of Cambridge dress1 Kate Middletons Style : Hit or Miss?

Duchess of Cambridge jenny Packham

Duchess of Cambridge Jenny Packham Dress

This is a stunning dress, she looks every inch the future wife of the King of England.

Kate Middleton Burberry Kate Middletons Style : Hit or Miss?

Kate-Middleton-Burberry-Prorsum

This outfit looks young, chic and elegant. The first wow casual outfit shown that will and did wow the press.

kate middleton blue mcqueen Kate Middletons Style : Hit or Miss?

Kate-Middleton-Alexander-McQueen-Dress

This is another great dress, clearly not from the high street and clearly fashion forward.

Mens Style : Great New Designer Smart Casual Shoes

by Gabrielle on August 15, 2011

Fratelli Rossetti Mens Shoes

Mens Style for great shoes now look no further. Leading London Personal Stylist shows you what to buy now for a smart casual look. These hand made shoes from Fratelli Rossetti are simply stunning worn with jeans the tobacco colour is very cool and they look even better a bit worn.

Jimmy Choo Mens Shoes

Jimmy Choo makes lovely mens shoes. These in brown suede will last for ever and go with jeans or chinos.

Gucci Loafers

For classic elegance it is hard to go wrong with a pair of Gucci loafers.

Gucci Oxfords

Also from Gucci are these dark brown wing tip Oxfords which are lovely.

Bottega Veneta Mens Oxfords

Bottega Veneta do these Oxfords in black suede again will look better when a bit worn.

Lanvin Oxfords Mens Style

These are just gorgeous Lanvin Oxfords in Oxblood wear them with black jeans or blue black or navy chinos.

Gabrielle Teare is the Leading London Personal Stylist and Personal Shopper. Visit gabrielleteare.com.

Jewel Tones : What to wear : Autumn Winter 2011

August 14, 2011

Sapphire at Christopher Kane With the end of a fashion season almost upon us, we can only start mourning the loss of all those summer brights and neon’s that made our grey British mornings a bit more bearable. However there may be a ray of light yet, for Autumn Winter designers were focusing on a lush [...]

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David Downton : Fabulous Fashion Illustrations

August 13, 2011

David Downton for Browns Christmas Window David Downton is probably the most revered Fashion Illustrator alive today. His illustrations are simply breathtakingly fabulous. David Downton is exhibiting at the FIG gallery Cork Street W1 on Sept 8th.2011 How amazing is this ! Superb Fashion Illustration. Lily Cole by David Downton David Downton also [...]