Smart Designer Clutch Bags

Smart Designer Clutch Bags

The clutch bag has long been the perfect accessory for any party-goer, small enough to keep the focus on your outfit but just the right size for all your party essentials, like lipstick and you mobile. However like so many other things this season, the designers have decided that the opposite of what you expect, is the way to go.

Clutches have gone supersized at Jimmy Choo with the Martina being just one of a beautiful selection from the spring/summer and cruise collections for 2011. In soft suede and natural Elaphe skin or stunning suede and patent leather in navy or beige, this gorgeous clutch comes with tough zip detailing and more luxury than one bag should be allowed to have. Not content with getting it so right with the Martina, Tamara Mellon and her team have also brought us the Pilar. Sticking to the fashion of all things colourful and plastic this beautiful acrylic clutch makes the perfect evening gown companion.  Whichever colour combination you choose will look fabulous in your hand on warm summer’s night.

Sarah Burton at Alexander McQueen has obviously decided that the box clutch is the bag for spring/summer and who are we to disagree with the woman that dressed our future Queen. So many examples, from the new collection, are worth mentioning like the Oriental Samurai Skull in silk-satin, with its gold beading and sequin embroidery it doesn’t get more avant-garde and is bound to be the focus of every outfit. Pair it with a stylish pair of ankle boots and a geometric LBD for a look with fashion bite. Another outstanding contribution from the McQueen line is the Knuckle-duster lace-covered satin box- perfect for the summer bride or just the right addition to an all-white ensemble. This gorgeous bag is swathed in subtle floral applique detail and topped with a, stunning, four ring Swarovski knuckle-duster, featuring the label’s eponymous skull figure.

Of course clutch bags are not just for the evening, they are an excellent way to add a bit of lady-like style to a beautiful daytime look.  Stella McCartney has turned her, top-designer, eye to three gorgeous clutches that will look amazing in the office, the park and the beer garden. Her Alexa woven faux-leather bag is the perfect, understated way to complete an outfit of city shorts and ladylike shirt. For a handbag that doubles up as a mini shoulder bag- for when you have your hands full- the Falabella is flawless. With Stella’s signature chain trim and animal friendly faux leather finish, this beauty is spot-on for the office- team it with a pencil skirt and tucked in blouse for a dash of added cool. The final offering from Ms McCartney is part of the line that kick-started our obsession with all things fruity. The Falabella Citrus-print cotton clutch is adorned with multi-coloured fruit details and folds over into a compact, little carry-all. Use it to add a bit of excitement to any outfit- it will look especially smart against a white maxi dress and coloured raffia wedges.

There is almost no end to the different styles of clutches available this season but the big hitters are definitely still, Jimmy Choo, Mcqueen and Chloe so check out them and you won’t go wrong.

Smart Designer Blouses

Smart Designer Blouses

The lighter, less structured twin of the shirt, the blouse has long been a fashion must have. From peasants to renaissance artists right up to the modern-day, smart woman. They have been a lustworthy item of clothing.

With the choice of pussy-bows, gypsy and loose shirt styles, among others, it is easy to find one that fits into your look perfectly. The designers have cottoned on to our need for a more feminine version of the shirt this season and we could not be happier about it.

3.1. Philip Lim is the collection of choice for the smart, feminine woman and this season it is home to so many beautiful examples of the blouse. The sash-collar silk-chiffon is a lesson in simple workwear with a nod to the sixties working woman. Tucked in to a pair of paperbag waisted shorts or thrown over skinny jeans, this blouse looks elegant and dresses up any casual look. Philip Lim has also teamed his beautiful pieces with high fashion embellishment. His Embellished Silk and linen-blend  blouse looks gorgeous with everything from skirts and shorts to trousers and jeans. Ticking the sheer trend and our love for bib necklaces, this beauty is style in a nutshell.

Never one to do what convention dictates, the designer Vivienne Westwood, ripped up the, blouse, rulebook for this season’s Anglomania collection. Taking her iconic deconstructed style and applying it to the fashion mainstay, brings it bang up to date. From the Collar Bib- which takes the pussy-bow to massive proportions and new heights- to the Marghi. The Marghi could easily be mistaken for a corset with its off-the shoulder style, zip-up back and bodice panelling but make no mistakes this is a big fashion twist on a wardrobe staple. Of course Vivienne was never going to stick to the traditional hues of cream or white, instead you can pick up a range of fabulous prints. Whether you fancy fuchsia tartan or multi-coloured Piccaso-esque patterns- Anglomania is the place to be.

Looking for a more casual approach to the blouse? Then check out the Estelle Cropped from Elizabeth and James. This gorgeous, laid-back piece is perfect for draping over a pair of ankle grazing jeans and mannish brogues, for that smart, model off-duty look.  The cropped version works perfectly over a maxi skirt also and is the perfect way to incorporate a traditional piece into a quirky, cool wardrobe.

Now for a designer that has decided to make a full on fashion statement, with his take on the peasant blouse, look no further than Marc Jacobs and his stunning Colour-Block silk-crepe dress. This beautiful dress is made up of a gorgeous marigold blousson top, a maroon obi belt and a sheer apricot maxi skirt- nailing four trends in one, it doesn’t get much better than this.

It doesn’t matter whether you are dressing for work, drinks, dinner or a party, you will always be well dressed in any of the items mentioned in this article or any other girly, smart designer blouse

Smart Designer Lingerie

Smart Designer Lingerie

Style isn’t all about how you look on the outside, it’s how you carry yourself and the confidence you put into a look, be it high-fashion or high street. One perfect way to boost that confidence is by making sure you look just as amazing underneath your clothes- and the best way to do that is to wear beautiful, smart lingerie.

You can no doubt feel the difference between old, mis-matched underwear and a, sexy lingerie set from designer brands like Agent Provocateur, La Perla and Myla. I for one always feel better when I know what’s underneath, is just a stylish as what everyone else sees.

Lingerie has come a long way since its humble beginnings as a loin-cloth or a rudimentary corset. Today we have bras, pants, one-pieces, underskirts, teddies, and camisoles, to name just a few and even they come in so many different shapes and sizes, it’s hard to choose just one style. It’s even harder to believe that as little as fifty years ago you were only able to buy basic shapes in sizes A, B and C.

One look at Agent Provocateur’s latest collection shows just how far we have come in smart, sexy and high-fashion lingerie. From balconette and half-cup bras to quarter cup bondage style slips and bang-on-trend flapper and kimono robes, your underwear drawer will never have looked so smart.

Hop on over to leading lingerie designer La Perla for a classy and understated elegance. This season’s collection sees the re-release of Jean Paul Gaultier’s iconic conical bras, so you can channel your inner fifties sex siren, which we all know is big in the fashion world at the moment.

It’s not just the usual suspects, we can rely on for hot underwear, this season either. The big fashion houses have firmly jumped on the smart underwear bandwagon and you can now build your confidence in anyone from Chloe, Roberto Cavalli, Philip Lim, Kiki De Montparnasse and Stella McCartney.

Kiki’s collection has pulled lace straight off the catwalk and injected it into beautiful vintage inspired bodysuits and briefs. Philip Lim has transferred his trademark cool over into sexy and funky camisoles and bras that wouldn’t look out of place on Lady Gaga. Roberto Cavalli loses none of his trademark glamour with leopard print, lace and silk.

Stella McCartney’s is by far the smartest collection out there at the moment, with super cute camisole and brief sets in this season’s pastel shades, and simple cuts. Her cute little box sets of super cute cotton briefs, with the days of the week stitched into the front, bring up memories of the underwear mum used to buy you, but in a much more stylish and designer manner.

We haven’t even begun to cover the endless amounts of designer lingerie accessories available, like suspender belts, pasties, stockings and gowns and as always Agent Provocateur have the best selection.

So whether you’re dressing for yourself or a partner you will look sexy, stylish, classy and gorgeous in any of the pieces from any of these designers.

Smart Designer Swimwear

Smart Designer Swimwear

It’s almost holiday time again and we all know that a new location is just a new catwalk, where we can strut our stuff, in style, in considerably less clothing. No holiday is complete without a suitcase packed to the brim with swimwear, preferably with lots of different items that show off just how firmly we have our fingers on the fashion pulse.

The celebrity’s swimwear designer of choice is, more often than not, Melissa Odabash.  Jemima Khan, Jennifer Lopez and Cheryl Cole are all fans and are regularly seen lounging around a pool in the designer’s smart swimwear designs.  They’ve no doubt picked up more than a few pieces from Melissa’s Summer 2011 collection.

The latest collection from Melissa Odabash is full of up to the minute fashion choices so there is no way you will lose the style you are so used to, which can unfortunately happen too often in the heat.

Animal print is perennially in fashion and will never go out of style and this designer mixes it up with traditional leopard and modern python in muted tones of brown, khaki and grey but before you go thinking it’s all sounding a bit boring, check out the fluorescent basics available in the colours of the season – coral, turquoise and yellow and of course the classic, clean favourites in navy and white.

Whether you decide to go for a bikini or a one-piece swimsuit or even combine the two for a thoroughly modern monokini, you are well catered for by Melissa Odabash.

We have certainly come a long way in terms of the amount of flesh we can show off on the beach, since the days of Annette Kellerman and her infamous arrest for indecent exposure in 1907 but it is still necessary to cover up on some occasions and for those times there are maxi dresses, mini dresses and the designers signature kaftans. These beauties will take you from day to night, beach to bar and some might even work back home on a perfect summer’s day.

Now with so many beautiful styles to choose from, it is hard to pick favourites but the simply gorgeous Luxor Bandeau in navy blue with white links and the Missoni-esque Sicily string bikini with its fabulously bright colour block print are definitely high on the list.

There are so many super-smart designer choices out there for the discerning beach-goer and whilst Melissa Odabash has a huge range and exemplary style a notable mention must go to the fashion range that makes every woman look smoking hot- Herve Leger released a stunning cut-out bandage swimsuit this season that oozes so much style it almost hurts. With beautiful colour blocking and super body-con abilities this suit makes one gorgeous piece of swimwear.

Oh and don’t forget ladies, whilst a tan looks beautiful, sunburn never does. So be smart and wear plenty of sunscreen. Whether you are relaxing at home or lapping it up in the waves abroad, those rays are everywhere so protect your look.

Smart Designer Shirts

Smart Designer Shirts

Shirts are having a fashion moment. The blouse has been pushed to the back of the sale rail and replaced on the shelves with the smarter, more structured and just plain cooler, shirt. No longer just the article of clothing that you pull on before heading to work, or hide under a suit at business meetings, every party and high-street now has smart, sexy women sexing up the classiest wardrobe staple.

Burberry London, know what I’m talking about, their spring/summer 2011 collection has taken the shirt and shaped, cut and coloured it into a must have piece. From sleeveless to boyfriend-cut with blousy in between, you can find a beautiful one, to go with almost everything in your wardrobe, from this quintessentially British designer.

I know what you are thinking- surely they can’t go with EVERYTHING in my wardrobe- but trust me I’ve tested the theory. Why not pick a sheer version and pair it with a gorgeous pair of city shorts and super high wedges. Or a sleeveless beauty with a pair of cigarette pants. Both looks are great combinations that will be in fashion, all throughout the summer.

Shirts will never go out of style as they are so versatile and come winter you can throw one over your favourite skinny jeans, for an off-duty look, any smart woman would be proud of.

Of course they don’t have to be structured and plain, you could always grab a MCQ design, like their red and blue checked, sleeveless number with added interest, lace-up shoulders. Pop on over a slinky maxi dress or skirt for a funky, youthful look, the late designer would be proud of. If the lumber-jack look sounds like it might be your style then look no further than the latest Etoile collection from Isabel Marant, for a taste of the designer’s laid-back Parisian cool. From simple to pull off, gingham to, on the money, plaid, she has given her fans the perfect way to look chic, which is exactly what we would expect from someone so cool.

The fact of the matter is, no matter what you are planning this summer, be it strutting round the office, strolling down piazzas or wrangling the kids through the holidays-you can do it all in style in a stunning, designer shirt.

We all know that fashion comes and goes but style is built in and that is what you are getting here. This is an article of clothing that will sit in your closet waiting to be worn for as long as you want it to and when you want to wear it, you can be sure that you will look as smart as you did the first time. Designer clothing is an investment so why not invest in at least one, or if you are anything like me get one in every style and colour just so you’re spoilt for choice.

Smart Designer Jackets

Smart Designer Jackets

So, it is far too nice outside, for all those gorgeous winter coats, you invested in last year (don’t worry they will still be super-hot come September) but that doesn’t mean  you don’t need a smart, sassy, summer friendly cover up. The designers this season are clambering over themselves to come up with the new “it” jacket.

Of course no, smart jacket article would be complete without mentioning Chanel. For years the label has been synonymous with sharp tailoring and sophistication. Their box jackets have adorned the shoulders of everybody from, Fashion royalty, Kate Moss and Sarah Jessica Parker and real royalty, Grace Kelly. Most recently the iconic look has been mimicked up and down high streets, across the globe. However they will never match the style of the real deal.

It used to be that a jacket looked a certain way, but today’s designers have reimagined the jacket for the 21^st century.

After cutting his teeth at design houses, Nina Ricci and Rochas, Oliver Theyskens took his universally cool style and joined the New York label, Theory. This collaboration saw the birth of beautiful blazers, in super modern cuts and fabrics that will take you from the office to the bar, in spectacular fashion. The Juji black, glazed leather blazer is a stunning example of the minimalist effect that runs through  Oliver’s entire collection and would look beautiful worn over a crisp white base outfit and a pair of killer heels.

If you are looking for something that stands out in a crowd then the go to designer is bound to be Marc Jacobs and his latest collection for Louis Vuitton.  Whether you fancy picking up the oriental trend that is dancing on the edges of fashion, with a gorgeous plum coloured satin duchesse jacket or embracing the colour blocking and super bright trends with the fluid bright blue lame blazer style jacket, you will find everything is spectacular in Louis Vuitton’s spring/summer 2011 collection.

Speaking of Marc Jacobs, head on over to his own label and see his take on the iconic Chanel box jacket.

The perfect place for a timeless jacket that retains a smart and simple elegance whilst maintaining the edge the designer is famous for is Vivienne Westwood Anglomania. This season’s jackets are understated and chic and instantly recognisable with Ms Westwood’s signature, exaggerated collars. These will see you safely through the summer and well into the dark and cold months. The beautiful Petit stretch cotton jacket will look amazing over a summer dress at all the weddings and street parties going on this season and the Bounty double-breasted twill jacket would finish off any silk shirt and pencil skirt combo for the office.

Whatever jacket you pick, remember that designer clothing is an investment and you’ll probably want something you can wear for years to come, so picking a style and pattern that isn’t going to go out of fashion in the blink of an eye is the best idea. Although it doesn’t hurt to live dangerously once in a while, so if you really want to take a style risk then Louis Vuitton is your best bet.

Smart Designer Jeans

Smart Designer Jeans

Until recently the word ‘jeans’ would have no doubt conjured up images of Kate Moss and her skinny rocker style wardrobe. But what about all the other cuts that have been around for years but seem to have been languishing forgotten at the depths of fashion for the last few seasons. In the nineties it was the straight and boot-cut jeans that everyone was wearing and then the noughties saw the rise of figure hugging drainpipe styles, that slipped perfectly into the knee high boots we were all wearing. Finally fashion has come full circle and we have more choice than ever before. Now let’s have a look at this season’s designer style.

With the seventies being the look de jour of 2011, flares are back and bigger and better than ever. 7 For All Mankind have the perfect jean no matter how seventies you want to go, from the basic and smart Boot-cut Black to the Trouser with belt Bleecker Vintage, that Ali McGraw would be jealous of. Team your super flares with a smart shirt and scarf-belt topped off with a gorgeous floppy hat, for that full on seventies look.  Of course if you’re not quite ready to give up your skinnies you could always ease yourself in with a pair of their tailored and smart straight legs which look hot with, this season’s block heels and embellished pumps. One thing to remember when looking at 7 For All Mankind is just how amazing they look when they are on, don’t forget these are the jeans, Victoria Beckham credited with giving her a bum.

The jean designer label of the moment is obviously J Brand, with the release of their now legendary Houlihans they put their name firmly on the fashion radar and this season we’ve been treated to the Agnes style. With biker detailing and front pocket zips these are tough and smart at the same time and they are they skinny shape you love. Another trend noticeable at J Brand is our liking for cropped jeans, be they flared, straight or skinny, they all conjure up images of Audrey Hepburn and Brigitte Bardot’s laid back glamour.

The biggest fashion movement in jeans this season isn’t even the shape, it’s the colour. The shelves of boutiques up and down the country are so colourful, you’d be forgiven for expecting a leprechaun to pop out and give you a pot of gold. Fearne Cotton, Katy Perry and even Victoria Beckham have been seen rocking colours from pale pink to super-bright yellow and the best designer label to get yours from is most certainly Current/Elliot.

The design duo Emily Current and Merrit Elliot, have been customising vintage jeans since 2008 and finally started cranking out their own designs and they are beautiful. Their signature boyfriend cut and rainbow of colours have established them as the go to label for celebrities looking to stand out from the crowd and I’m pretty sure I’m right in saying that if it’s good enough for Rihanna and the like, then it’s certainly good enough for the rest of us.

Smart Designer Dresses

Smart Designer Dresses

Dresses are by far the most wearable piece in any woman’s wardrobe and they come in so many styles that it is impossible to have too many.

There’s the Little Black Dress, Little White Dress, Little any colour you can think  of dress, summer, wrap, maxi, midi, mini the list goes on and on, which means there is a designer dress out there for whoever you are, whatever mood you are in and whatever occasion you are going to. That’s why every designer designs them and every smart, sassy woman wears them.

The maxi and midi are huge news in fashion circles for spring/summer 2011 and every designer worth their salt knows that so there is a huge selection out there right now. Rick Owens’ latest collection was full of day or night pieces all in his eponymous style and muted colour palette. His signature draping is combined in silk, chiffon and gauze for clothes that carefully wrap you up in luxury for the perfect party outfit and for day time there are gorgeous tanks that will be just right for walks along the beach in the summer sunshine.

Then of course there is the designer everyone’s talking about and the most famous dress of the moment.

Sarah Burton became the toast of the fashion world when she took the helm of Alexander McQueen’s label; after L’Enfant terrible’s untimely death and then she got her hands on the most covetable job in the fashion and design industry.

The world gasped as Kate Middleton arrived at Westminster abbey in a Sarah Burton creation and it’s obvious the designs for her labels latest collection were a precursor to the big event. Burton has lost none of the edge McQueen was known for whilst injecting a softer, more feminine twist to the clothes. The Avant Garde style is still there with stunning, silk and chiffon gowns that would look perfect walking down any aisle. Sophisticated, flowing maxi’s share the rails with gorgeous printed shifts and smart office friendly designs.

While the words ready-to-wear have not always been synonymous with the label the new creative director has made a smart move and introduced easy pieces like skater skirts and wool mix draped jersey dresses.

While we are talking about Kate Middleton or The Duchess of Cambridge as she is now known, she also had a hand in bringing another designer to the world’s attention. Daniella Helayel is the woman behind ISSA and that beautiful blue dress Kate wore at the engagement announcement. The whole spring summer collection is full of knotted, twisted, smart and sexy pieces that the woman herself says will take you from “the beach to the office then on to the red carpet” and whilst the red carpet part might be a long shot, it is definitely an amazing feat if one outfit can do all that.

Style and fashion changes so often some trends are blink and you’ll miss them moments but this is a piece of clothing that you are always going to have and you are always going to want to have in your smart, sexy woman arsenal. Grab a standout piece now and wear it forever then pass it on to your kids when they understand what it means to dress well.

Smart Designer Shoes

Smart Designer Shoes

How many pairs of shoes do you have in your closet? If you are anything like me you won’t know exactly but it’s certainly a lot. Shoes are an essential item for everyone, we have to wear them every day so it is only natural we want them to be beautiful. Thankfully the designers understand that and some of the shoes out there are true works of art.

One of the best artists out there is definitely Christian Louboutin. This French master has lived up to his goal “to make shoes that are like jewels” and women the world over, constantly lust over those iconic red soles. The latest collection has everything from block, kitten and dagger heels to platforms, pumps and wedges. They come in every style and finish that it is impossible not to find a pair you will love forever.

Keeping a close eye on today’s fashion for animal print, you will find gorgeous python skin and nubuck and pony hair leopard print on shoes that work in the office and the bar.  For footwear that brings out lust in the eyes of every woman, that sees them and will never go out of style, your go to designer is more than obviously Mr Louboutin.

A new name in sexy, smart footwear is Charlotte Olympia. The Queen of the floating platform and quirky cool pieces, burst on to the scene in 2006 and has gone from strength to strength, ever since. The spring/summer 11 drop is a lesson in smart pairs that look beautiful from every angle. With a mixture of snakeskin, raffia and even fruit these stunners are bang on trend and a great way to jazz up an everyday item.

If you’re looking for the perfect shoe for the office but want to retain a little bit of style and stay in fashion, then look no further than accessories impresario, Jimmy Choo. The label has long been known in fashion circles as the place to find understated glamour that will constantly put a smile on your face.

This design house is the home of gorgeous pumps and flats, in smart, sophisticated colours, low and high heels and an overriding sense of style. Check out the gorgeous Quiet patent-leather pumps which would look stunning with a pencil skirt and tailored jacket for those days when you have to go to work.

Now if you want a pair, that you really aren’t sure if you should wear them or put them on display in a gallery then take a look at the new offerings from Miu Miu. The younger, edgier sister label to Prada is, designer, Miucca Prada’s outlet for all the crazy, wonderful designs floating around in her mind. These are certainly not for the faint hearted but they are stunningly beautiful and will make any outfit a showstopper. Take your pick from vertiginous wedges and colour pop brights and treat the world like your own personal catwalk.

There is so much choice out there that this was just a tiny glimpse into what this season has to offer in smart, high-fashion footwear. Just remember you NEED shoes so there is no guilt here just beautiful, stand-out works of art that will look right at home in your closet.

Smart Designer Skirts

Smart Designer Skirts

Whilst dresses are the perfect all in one outfit, sometimes the best look is a nice smart skirt and top. This season you can pick from eighties fabulous skater girl style, glam seventies, pin-up fifties or bohemian chic.

Designer of the moment, Christopher Kane has stretched the boundaries of fashion and given us stunning skirts in his trademark out there colour scheme. Fluorescent yellows and greens are thrown onto leather A-line mini’s that look so much like lace, thanks to intricate laser cut detailing, that you are technically nailing three trends in one. Tuck in a plain white tee and throw on a pair of high heels for a look that will turn heads, all summer long.

Office dressing has never been more of a minefield, than it is today, in our fashion driven world but it has also never been easier to find a gorgeous designer piece that is smart enough to hold its own, in any workplace. Nothing looks smarter than a sleek shirt and pencil skirt teamed with a pair of classy pumps and Gucci have done an amazing line of pencil skirts this season. The draping in the Pleat-detailed silk-crepe pencil skirt, adds an edge to a perfect boardroom look and with a simple shoe change you could take this from day to night with little effort.

Another designer that obviously had work-wear fashion in mind when they rolled out their latest collection was Hannah MacGibbon at Chloe. The collection is home to smart skirts in muted tones from mini to maxi length, the gorgeous Cashmere wrap skirt is an understated nod to the ballet trend and would look perfect with a white shirt and leather wedges.

Out of the office, the maxi or midi skirt is the toast of the style elite, not the easiest lengths to wear but as long as you pick the highest heels you own, you can’t go far wrong with Erdem. This Canadian born designer earned his fashion stripes, working under Diane Von Furstenberg and it wasn’t long before his talent shown through and he started his own label. Here you’ll find almost ethereal skirts that are so summery you might just need sunglasses to look at them. Using lace, chiffon, floral prints and his eye for feminine style he has given us an amazing choice for June to September.

If you prefer to stick to mini’s but bright, out there, prints are definitely your style then check out Stella McCartney’s, Citrus print cotton skirt for that upmarket Carmen Miranda homage or head on over to Vanessa Bruno for cute little, straight off the runway pieces, in girly shapes and punchy prints. These skirts look gorgeous with the matching tops but would work just as well with a pared down tank top and subtle heels.

A skirt is definitely the most versatile wardrobe item, dress it up or down and wear it everywhere and the best thing about it is, come winter you can simply slip on a pair of opaques and carry on working it.