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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Boohoo SS15

The drizzle is persisting, disappearing for moments, hours at a time before determinedly returning once more. But there's a spot of sunshine present, hope that warmer weather isn't too far away. That sunshine comes in the form of the Boohoo SS15 preview. With prints and colour all over the place, metallic tattoos being administered by the lovely Jenny, an ice cream cart upon entry, fruity cocktails at the ready...my mood is instantly transformed. And, in spite of my layers, and regret at having forgotten my scarf, I'm suddenly very enthusiastic about shorts and crop tops and beach attire.

For women, Boohoo is offering some seriously cool workout clothing. So stylish, in fact, that is treads the line between sports luxe and actually functional clothes. For the stuff that might actually make it to the gym, there are some great printed leggings, shorts, tees and sports bras not unlike the type of pieces that sports brands are charging insane amounts for. Hit them up if you're looking to up your style stakes while exercising but don't want to spend every penny you have.

I also spotted a lot of amazing boho/seventies style items perfect for getting on that trend that's going to be so big for the up-coming season. Basically, it's festival basics sorted with fringing, crochet and light knitted pieces all over the places. And for the more serious seventies vibe, all the florals, peasant blouses, wide-legged pants and paisley that you could possibly ask for!

Another corner was occupied by tropical colours and floral printed swimsuits, cover-ups and breezy pieces just made for luxurious getaways and swanning around with giant sunglasses and a cocktail in hand. I was particularly enamoured with a flowy off-white and black two-piece suit that screamed luxury and ease. 

One rack was dedicated entirely to Nadia Aboulhosn's line for Boohoo which offers an almost entirely monochrome range of some rad pieces for women sizes 16-24. Think lots of very contemporary, sleek pieces that very much celebrate the bodies they adorn. 

And what about the boys? Well, expect some awesome accessories (I want all of the backpacks), muted tones such as rich maroons, navy and white, a sporty nineties vibe, seriously retro denim, playful details and the odd appearance of a pop of pastel shades. 

Bring on the summer!

Thanks to Boohoo for having me again, despite the fact that I always stand around eating EVERYTHING.

Keep an eye out for a Boohoo look here sooon...

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Ashish A/W 2014-15: My inner-child is squeeing.

LIGHT-UP, FREAKING RUNNERS.

I've genuinely been saying I want a pair for a while now but for some reason, by and large, they don't make them for adults. But now Ashish is bringing them to Topshop in an up-coming collab and yesterday they debuted them in their A/W 2014-15 show. I'm not mad on how they look but dammit, I haven't had light-up feet since I was a child!

Childlike and exuberant are, in fact, the best words to describe the showing. It was all sequins, pastels, princessy skirts and crowns. And I loved it. Some pieces were less than wearable but, overall, pieces could be integrated into many a wardrobe to add fun and flavour. The palette, nods to the nineties and touches of sportswear are nothing new, we've been seeing them season after season, and yet the collection seems fresh and endearing. This is largely down to the execution and styling. There's a lot going on but never really too much - the ruffle dress and ruffle two-piece denim suit are more out there than I could personally handle but they are moments of absolute extremes in a collection of well-handled maximalism that avoids becoming clownish.

PS Yay for the statement ending. "Love Will Win" is kinda the ultimate statement tee for our generation, right?

(Images from vogue.co.uk)

I give the collection 4.5/5 Colettes.