Fashion news – Page 2

The ultimate black leather biker jacket

Published on September 7, 2015February 5, 2016 by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

For her recent birthday my little sister asked for a black leather jacket. My mum immediately declared that she had an authentic biker jacket in the attic (from her succinct motorbike/Hell’s Angels phase) but I advised that whilst perfect for actual riding, this would be far too cumbersome to wear on a day-to-day basis. So instead I offered to do some online research for the ultimate black leather jacket. Most people dream of the perfect wear-with-anything biker jacket and once you have this piece in your wardrobe I am assured that you will wear little else. Whether thrown over a pretty dress, or added to skinny jeans and a tee, a classic biker adds a dash of Kate Moss magic to a look. I would like to add that I do not say this from personal experience. I myself have never been able to pull off a leather jacket, particularly a black one, and look far more bad Brando than rock chick Chrissy Hynde whenever I have attempted the look.

Kate Moss is famous for topping her outfits with a black biker (Top image by: Dave Bennett)

Whilst we all dream of having the funds to buy a buttersoft piece from Balmain, Alexander Wang or Isabel Marant, my budget on this occasion was set at around £100. Starting out, my only real criteria was that it was 100% leather (no plastic PV or pleather) and that it had interesting detailing and a good silhouette. Whilst my search is by no means exhaustive, I think it may be very helpful for anyone also looking for a well-priced leather jacket this autumn. Also, unless you object for ethical reasons, do ensure that it is 100% real leather. Although this means the price is higher, the fabric will wear well and last far longer than any cheaper imitation. All the below are 100% leather versions. I have also included some with a higher price point in case your budget is bigger. Here we go…

Biker # 1 – Zara £89.99 (Sizes XS – L)

Biker # 2 – Zara £99.99 (Sizes XS – XL)

Biker # 3 – ASOS £100 (Sizes 4-18)

Biker # 4 – Mango £119.99 (Sizes XS – XL)

Biker # 5 – Mango £119.99 (Sizes XS – XL)

Biker # 6 – Oasis £158 (Sizes XS – L)

Biker # 7 – Warehouse Alexa £180 (Sizes 6-18)

Biker # 8 – Whistles cropped Cara £295 (Sizes 4-16)

Biker # 9 – All Saints Dare with removable collar £358 (Sizes 2-14)

Biker # 10 – A curveball in pale pink suede from Dorothy Perkins £120 (Sizes 6-20)

And in case you wanted to know which jacket was eventually chosen and subsequently bought it was the ASOS Ultimate Biker Jacket at £100. I have been informed that the present was ‘a definite hit with the birthday girl, particularly the detailing on the arms’. These words come straight from the horse’s mouth. It also smelt amazing. Happy shopping!

Simone Rocha x J Brand

Published on November 14, 2014February 5, 2016 by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

If you’re a fan of feminine attire, live in dresses and always have a pop of pink in your outfit then today’s blog is just for you. The amazing London Fashion Week designer Simone Rocha has created a collection for revered denim label J Brand that is as far away from basic blue jeans as you can manage.

Expect Rocha’s signature modern Victoriana style translated onto denim in her favourite three shades – baby pink, bold red and black. Ruffles can be found worked onto oversized jackets, peeping from the hips of boyfriend jeans and circling drop waist dresses.

The collection launches exclusively today at Dover Street Market, followed by Selfridges, Net-a-Porter and Browns on 1st December. But be sure to be quick, Rocha is a firm fashion favourite and with denim this pretty these rails will clear fast.

Jacket, £430

Dress, £495

Skirt, £270

Trousers, £270

Simone Rocha x J Brand launches today (Friday 14th November) at Dover Street Market.

http://shop.doverstreetmarket.com/simone-rocha-x-j-brand

New launch: Petit Bateau x Fifi Lapin

Published on November 13, 2014November 13, 2014 by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

Sometimes an invite comes in that is so darn cute it is like a inbox full of tiny puppies. Or in this case illustrated bunnies. Last night I attended the launch of a collaboration between beloved fashion blogger Fifi Lapin and revered French fashion brand Petit Bateau. And boy was it adorable!

Internationally acclaimed blogger Fifi Lapin is known for illustrating the latest catwalk looks onto her alter ego bunny. For this collection she has chosen key pieces from the Petit Bateau AW14 collection to create three limited edition T-shirts for adults and girls. The sketches include the iconic striped mariniere, a geo print skirt and a natty yellow barrel bag.

You didn’t have to be a kid to have fun at last night’s launch party, held at their Marylebone High Street store. A balloon artist was on hand to create all manner of spectacular pieces (including this amazing teapot) and downstairs was an art table where children (and aherm… adults) were encouraged to decorate their own Fifi bunny mask. I have to admit me and Davina couldn’t resist a bit of sparkly fun and got a little carried away with the stars and glitter.

The collection launches today both in store and online, with girls tees costing £18 and adults starting at £30. Forget the tiny puppy gifs and check out this range for your daily dose of saccharine.

Petit Bateau x Fifi Lapin launches Thursday 13th November 2014. http://www.petit-bateau.co.uk/e-shop/new-c27/1/petit-bateau-x-fifi-lapin-t-shirts.html

My week in pics (Pink and red)

Published on November 7, 2014November 7, 2014 by Alicja Jasnikowska1 Comment

This week I have been busy running around press days, viewing next Spring/Summer’s collections. Along the way I have taken plenty of pics, both for my reference and for this blog. One trend I have noticed is a sway towards pink and red, whether seen independently or fused together on one piece. Like navy and black this is a colour combination that raises sartorial eyebrows, but it happens to be one of my favourite pairings. Today’s post is a medley of my own images from the last week, all with a pink and red hue.

Images from top (taken at SS15 press days) : Calvin Klein bags, TM Lewin ties, Versace jumper, Calvin Klein menswear, Boden shoes, Toga boots, Boden kidswear, CakeyCoo flower cupcake, MaxMara print jacket, me and Bonnie (TheStyleTraveller) on Halloween.

http://www.calvinklein.com; http://www.tmlewin.co.uk; http://www.versace.com; http://www.boden.co.uk; http://www.toga.jp; http://www.cakeycoo.co.uk; http://www.maxmara.com; http://www.thestyletraveller.com.

Alexander Wang x H&M preview event

Published on November 6, 2014February 5, 2016 by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

So it’s finally here! The hotly anticipated and much awaited Alexander Wang x H&M collection hits stores and online today. I had the privilege of being invited to last night’s pre-shopping event at the London Regent Street store and man was it crazy. Imagine a Louboutin sample sale with 90% discounts, then multiply that by 1000 fashionistas and you may be somewhere in the region of what I experienced. The collection was conveniently located in a central cage, which we were corralled through at an alarming rate by those desperate to grab a piece of the Wang action.

The London pre-shopping event complete with DJ and copious crowds

Bodycon dresses were like gold-dust and the already ubiquitous Wang emblazoned sweaters barely stayed on the rails. Luckily the blessed H&M staff were on hand to replenish stock as quickly as they could. Sizes come up quite snug (with the fitted pieces) so bear that in mind when bidding today. My stand out items were the blue trimmed bodycon dress, the oversize hooded parka and, if your abs can take it, the fab crop tops. And don’t forget to check out the accessories including the gorgeous leather backpack. Was it worth it you ask? Well I may have come away a little battered and bruised but the brilliant man-sized shopping bag and free ‘Team Wang’ airtex vest more than made up for it.