House of Holland Pre SS16

I've always been fond of  pre/resort collection. Not only does it aid in sating my need for new shows to gasp and gush over but it also always seems like the time designers take the most risks, try new things. It's not one of the main collections of the year, so they have less to lose. As a result, you get some of their most exciting work.

I love what House of Holland do normally. But I also very much know what to expect. Or I thought I did. And then we get Pre SS16 which pushes beyond print and colour (though they're present, of course) and incorporates more textures, silhouettes and fabrics options. While remaining cohesive. Collected. Damn slick.

Btw, denim ain't going nowhere. In fact, it's only going to be more exciting this time next year, by all accounts. Holland shows us that. 

The take is characteristically fun and whimsical with coloured faux fur trims, tassels, patches and lots and lots of colour. But lengths and proportions are so goddamned chic that everything is made more polished and given a touch of timelessness. Americana with sixties primness and nineties wackiness.

It's youthful without being childish. Fresh without being unwearable. Utterly cool without trying too hard. 

Sign me up, I'm sold.

 

(Images via vogue.co.uk)

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Can I be a grungey Chanel princess too?

Have you seen the Chanel Pre S/S 2015 collection?

Gah, love. Seriously, just love.

There's something about the pre collections, (perhaps, as they are not the main collections and the skeleton of the year, there is less of an urgency to make them more commercial, instantly wantable and sellable) something more exciting and experimental. Something essential. Life-giving. Renewing. I often prefer them to the main collections. They just get me giddier - the references and styling are often more intense and committed.

And I love me commitment. Even if something doesn't quite work, I value someone going for it and giving it a good old fashioned try.

But this wasn't a case of trying and failing somewhat - this was a home run. The mixture of East meets West in the grungey early garments and later heavily patterned, colourful pieces imbues the influences of the Dubai setting without being overly twee while the styling mixed with the elegant clothes speak to a bit of a princess but very much a contemporary one. The collection screams Lagerfeld's vision of a modern Chanel girl but lets the clothes call out to loyal, long-time followers as well. It's clever. At times, the more practical fabrics almost hint at an utilitarian purpose in striding across those sandy dunes - though I doubt they'll ever see this role.

Although I would totes rock a Chanel tiara on the daily.

Chanel Makeup

So, I never wear very much makeup - never have - and have limited skills when it comes to makeup. All the same I decided to give the recent look from Chanel's cruise show a go. It was actually pretty easy. I altered it somewhat, flicking the eye more and giving it a cattier look, but stuck pretty much to the overall look. It's largely about the eyes and skin.

1. Use a tinted moisturiser or light foundation and then a dusting of powder. The skin needs to be luminous and bright. I used a white eyeshadow in with my powder to get the glowy effect but many other products could achieve the same result. Don't forget to sweep the powder over your lids to set the eye makeup later.

2. Unless you've got Cara-brows, they'll probably need filling out and some grooming. Use a brown eyeshadow to fill in the brow and give it an even appearance and an eyebrow brush to groom to perfection. I don't have all the necessary implements myself but improvising is pretty simple.

3. Drag a black eyeshadow along the upper lid, like a liner, and follow the path your liner is going to take. Fill in the right shape with kohl.

4. Do the lower lid with a bright blue pencil (I got mine in Topshop for a euro in a sale - plus, it's glittery) and don't be afraid to apply thicker than you normally would. You can be quite painterly and free with the pencil here. Bring the liner out to meet the black wing.

5. Don't blend - this look is all about the graphic effect.

And there's you have it! I feel like a big impostor posting this, the idea of anyone taking advice from me is pretty laughable but maybe someone (a child, most likely) will find this helpful!

PS Sorry about the quality of the images. Old Finepix is a little tired at the moment.

(Vogue.co.uk/Chanel)

Stellar.

She's done it again.

The Stella McCartney Pre A/W 2013-14 has me excited for next winter...and this one isn't even over yet.

But, seriously, it's kind of a blockbuster of a collection. First of all, I'm loving the shots which aren't always super-exciting for pre collections. But the combination of fun, cute model and plain but textured and visually interesting background is great. And then there are the clothes themselves.

It's almost like a checklist of things I love: ankle boots; chunky, wearable heels; navy; black; burgundy; camel; bombers; mannish coats; capes; a touch of androgyny; elegant silhouettes; and last, but not least, ultra-cool, uber-modern styling.

Love it.

(All images from vogue.co.uk)