Vogue – Stylitz

J. Crew lands in London

Published on October 31, 2013October 31, 2013 by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

It seems this November is the month for exciting launches. As seen on last Friday’s post, the hotly anticipated Isabel Marant for H&M collection arrives in two weeks, and in 8 days time (and counting) fashionista favourite J. Crew opens in the UK. That’s right, the US brand beloved by Michelle Obama and led by style icon and creative director Jenna Lyons, is opening three London stores on November 8^th. The launch has already generated acres of column inches, with press features going back as far as 6 months. That is quite some build up! The December issue of British Vogue – which landed on my doorstep this morning – has a 30 page supplement (see above), which will only add fuel to the well stoked J. Crew fire.

Model images from the AW13 collection show the label’s bold use of colour and print

The brand is a firm fashion favourite. For years British stylists have picked up their iconic prints and bold tailored pieces when in New York for fashion week. Now, UK based folk can also access the supremely stylish label. J. Crew is known for mixing geek with chic, balancing masculine cuts with feminine prints and is the master of juxtaposed layering. A crisp white shirt under a grey marl sweater, teamed with a printed pant, bold statement necklace and a flat polished brogue is THE J. Crew look and one championed by Jenna herself. Effortless and chic with just the right nod to seasonal trends, this is the style that fashion folk emulate.

President and Creative Director Jenna Lyons addresses St Martins students in the J. Crew Winter 2013 lookbook

A classic J. Crew look (sweater, printed pants, statement necklace and flats) as seen in the Winter 2013 lookbook

Masculine Italian leather loafers are given a feminine metallic edge

The price points place the brand at the upper end of the high-street, with jumpers starting at £100 and key statement pieces costing up to several hundred pounds. This puts them on a par, or even slightly above labels such as Whistles, Reiss and Hobbs, so not one for bargain basement Primark lovers. However, the quality is high, the pieces are divine and the whole aesthetic is unique, distinctive and oozes effortless style. I can’t wait to add this brand to my wardrobe.

Main holding image: Cover of J. Crew Winter 2013 Issue supplement, which came with this month’s British Vogue

J. Crew stores open on November 8th. For more information go to www.jcrew.com

Gogo crazy

Published on September 26, 2013September 26, 2013 by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

I have recently been introduced to a jewellery brand that I had never heard of (I know, call me a stylist huh?). I love it so much that I have decided to share. The brand is called Gogo Philip and markets itself as a vintage bijoux jewellery label, but I think the tagline ‘sophisticated pieces with a street edge’ would also sum it up nicely. Produced by Georgi Philip Pecenikov in his parents’ factory in Milan (jewellery making is clearly in the genes) the brand is beloved by fashion favourites Rihanna, Jessie J and Rita Ora, and has been featured in Vogue, Elle, I-D and many more.

Jessie J meets the Queen in Gogo Philip earrings – if it’s good enough for royalty…

Oh my! Another Jessie J shot featuring a Gogo Philip necklace

Rita Ora rocks the same necklace on stage

After producing pieces for American Apparel for several years, Georgi was spurred to launch his own label in 2008 and has since been stocked in Topshop Oxford Street as well as ASOS.com, Yoox and Selfridges. Last month he opened his first stand-alone store in East London’s Cheshire Street and this month he has revamped his online venture, adding new collections and sprucing up the design – great for those who prefer to shop from the comfort of their sofa.

Gold-plated F13 classic chain necklace, £17, Gogo Philip

What drew me in most (aside from the gorgeous designs) was the affordable prices. Gold plated chunky choker necklaces start at £17 and would look amazing worn with a minimalist 90s-inspired white shift dress. Or opt for the unique clean lines of the leather insert gold-plated earrings, as seen below.

Gold-plated leather insert earrings, £29, Gogo Philip

Gold-plated black leather classic chain necklace, £50, Gogo Philip

Some pieces admittedly cost more – up to £120 for this stunning lock necklace – but the quality and design give the illusion of a far higher price tag.

Gold-plated handbag lock F12 necklace, £120, Gogo Philip

Add a choker to a crisp white shirt and tailored trousers, don a necklace with your favourite LBD, or make like Rihanna and Leigh-Anne from Little Mix and pile it on with your sportswear. Either way this is a one-stop-shop to statement accessorizing. Now, aren’t you pleased I shared?

Rihanna blings up her sportswear with a Gogo Philip necklace

Little Mix’s Leigh-Anne piles on the Gogo Philip chains

For the store head to Gogo Philip, 68 Cheshire St, London, E2 6EH. T: 020 7613 2198. Or shop online at http://www.gogophilip.com

Main holding image: Rihanna wearing Gogo Philip jewellery for GQ magazine

Debenhams celebrates 200 years

Published on September 25, 2013 by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

If you have been inspired by the gowns featured on the Emmys red carpet, then you may be interested in today’s post. High-street stalwart Debenhams is celebrating its 200^th birthday this year (yes, that’s double century!) and to mark the occasion is releasing an exclusive limited edition Designers at Debenhams collection. The pieces hit store in October, however the pre-order waiting list is now open, so if you’re dreaming of donning a shimmery maxi-dress this Xmas then you’d best get on that list.

Printed maxi-dress, £150, Butterfly by Matthew Williamson for Debenhams

Long time Debenhams collaborators John Rocha and Jasper Conran have both designed pieces for the collection alongside boho-lover Matthew Williamson and K-Mid favourite Jenny Packham. Speaking of our future queen (and if it’s full on glam that you’re craving) then this sequinned showstopper from Julien Macdonald may tickle your fancy. It is also remarkably similar to a recent dress worn by Kate to her first post-baby event.

Sequinned dress, £199, Star by Julien Macdonald for Debenhams

Kate in Jenny Packham at the inaugural Tusk Conservation Awards at the Royal Society in London, Sept 2013 (Image: PA)

The collection comprises of eight garments – four evening dresses and four coats – and a selection of homeware and leather accessories. Prices range from £12.50 for plates to £299 for the stunning scarlet Jenny Packham floor-length gown – guaranteed to make you feel like a princess.

Red satin gown, £299, No.1 Jenny Packham dress for Debenhams

However, if you require something a little more practical then perhaps this white faux-fur trimmed fit-and-flare coat will suit (I did say a little more practical). This rouses my Slavic roots and channels an inner Anna Karenina – cue image of self skating round a deserted frozen lake in snowy Russia.

White faux-fur trimmed coat, J by Jasper Conran for Debenhams

Keira Knightley in Anna Karenina

Keira Knightley in Anna Karenina costume for Vogue Oct 2012 (Image: Vogue)

If late 19^th Century literature isn’t your thing, then opt instead for this on-trend furry cocoon coat from H! By Henry Holland or this chic Hepburn-esque lace A-line dress by Rocha. John Rocha.

Boucle coat, H! by Henry Holland for Debenhams

Lace midi-dress, £150, Rocha. John Rocha for Debenhams

To join the list, email 200yearcollection@debenhams.com and be sure to get your orders in early. A modern day Cinderella doesn’t need a fairy godmother when she has a waiting list and email to hand…

Limited Edition Collection from Designers at Debenhams launches in October, but you can pre-order now by emailing 200yearcollection@debenhams.com. www.debenhams.com

Main holding image: Lace midi-dress, £150, Rocha. John Rocha for Debenhams

Think pink

Published on July 12, 2013September 26, 2013 by Alicja Jasnikowska1 Comment

Ah pink! The colour of rose petals and sunsets and healthy flushed cheeks, and traditionally, the colour most associated with young girls. Furthermore, as decreed by Vogue’s AW13 trend guide (aka the fashion bible) head-to-toe pink is this season’s top trend, with Lanvin, Celine, Mulberry and Dior all opting for rosy hues in their catwalk collections.

Vogue Autumn/Winter 2013 catwalk edit (August issue)

Supremely feminine and particularly striking on blondes, this season’s top garments include oversized outerwear, 60s inspired skirt suits and slinky silk dresses. The high street has been quick to pick up on the trend with Oasis, Jaeger and Marks & Spencer all producing baby pink cocoon coats ready for the autumn chill.

Jaeger AW13 press day

Dress, £42, Topshop; Fake fur stole, Warehouse; Pearls, vintage.

Tying in with the theme are 2 personal items:- my shoot for this month’s Country & Town House magazine (aptly titled Pretty in Pink) featuring a Roberto Cavalli SS13 pale pink leather lace dress & floral garland hairpiece; and my outfit for a forthcoming 20s inspired wedding party (see above). My friend Danielle – who dons pink on many an occasion and is not shy of declaring it her favourite colour – will be most pleased. This one’s for you hun…

Pretty in pink, shot for Country & Town House Magazine. Photography: © Clara Copley. Styling: Alicja Jasnikowska. Beauty Editor: Nathalie Eleni. Hair: Laura Lawson. Model: Fifi Newberry

Hitchcock heroines

Published on July 10, 2013 by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

Today sees the opening of ‘I Only Want You to Love Me’, a retrospective of the work of London born fashion photographer Miles Aldridge. Launched to coincide with the book of the same name, the exhibition highlights Aldridge’s bold use of colour and glossy yet dark images of women. Part Hitchcock heroine, part airbrushed Vogue model, Aldridge references both cinema and photography, citing film director David Lynch and fashion photographer Richard Avedon as influences.

I am a huge fan of these surreal, almost plastic looking shots, and the large scale on display is an assault on the senses. Aldridge’s female models – and he only really shoots women – often appear troubled, vacant or distressed, and there is a clear cynicism towards the perfect Stepford wife imagery that dominates advertising. This he feels, is something most people can connect with – “I think that’s why my work is collected and enjoyed,” he said. “It’s not black and white though – we don’t exist within an evil empire. It’s complicated. The world is a strange and troubling place and we live in the middle of it.” Stunning, glossy images that belie a deeper, darker message, this is thought-provoking fashion photography at its best.