Lauren Conrad's Fashion Line for Kohl's

Lauren Conrad has proved that she is much more than just a Reality TV star. She's written three bestselling books, runs her own beauty website and is the design diva behind two fashion lines - her own called Paper Crown, and one for US retailer, Kohl's, called the LC Lauren Conrad Collection. For Fall 2011 Lauren collaborated with Kohl's on a clothing range that's both pretty and affordable.

Lauren's personal style is conveyed by the flirty florals, pleated skirts, 70's style blouses, boyfriend blazers, girly dresses and dainty jewellery. Ballet flats, wedges and platform loafers also form part of the range. I like that this collection is cohesive throughout, with a touch of vintage elegance melded into the peach toned palette. Every piece costs just under $100 / R700, with sale items under $50 / R350. See more at Kohls.com

Mango Fall/Winter 2011

Mango Fashion Campaign

featuring Isabeli Fontana



Gorgeous Brazilian supermodel, Isabeli Fontana is the newest brand ambassador for Mango. The well-known Spanish clothing brand chose the Victoria's Secret model for "her extraordinary beauty and naturalness." Isabeli represents the two sides of their Winter 2011 collection; ultra sexy femme fatale and masculine elegance. Each side is differentiated by the styling - tousled waves with smokey eyes, and slicked back locks with striking red lips.



A primarily black colour scheme runs throughout the range, with dashes of leopard print and polka dots. The collection is a mix of glitzy cocktail dresses, leather and faux fur, classic coats, luxe knits, mini skirts and impeccably tailored suits. I love the gold-tipped black shoes and embellished clutch bags. 



With their Winter 2011 range, Mango seeks to style the modern, dynamic and independent woman. While the rest of you dress for success in one of these polished looks, us in South Africa will only be receiving the range next year. 

Hobbs Winter Fashion 2011

Hobbs NW3

Fall/Winter 2011



After seeing the Hobbs NW3 Winter 2011 range, I'm think that they should start shipping to South Africa. The British fashion label provides a trendy and unique interpretation of contemporary womenswear. Aimed at the young, cool and free-spirited, NW3 is a trendier subset of the classic Hobbs brand. 



All the outfits presented are very wearable and exceptionally tailored in a mix of traditional, quality fabrics like wool, denim and corduroy. The dark colour palette is functional, the styles practical and laid back. Navy blue is proffered as a neutral, with grey following close behind. This eclectic collection features chunky knits, fitted shirts, smart trousers, maxi skirts and adorable dresses. The classic blazers are lined with quirky prints and stripes, so you can roll up your sleeves for a more casual, contrasting look. Each individual piece is meant to easily weave its way into your current wardrobe. 

All the chic accessories pictured are also part of the Hobbs NW3 range. I'm loving the felt Willow Road hat, tan ankle boots and structured satchel bags. The collection maybe perceived as 'essentially British', but it does have a mass appeal. Check out more of this effortlessly cool range at Hobbs.co.uk

'Mad Men' Collection at Banana Republic

Do you have wardrobe envy each time you watch an episode of Mad Men? Now you too can get that 60's secretary look with the launch of Banana Republic's new 'Mad Men' inspired collection. The American fashion brand have teamed up with Emmy Award-winning Costume Designer, Janie Bryant to create a classic collection for both men and women. Janie is the creative architect behind the wardrobe of the hit TV series, which is based on the cutthroat world of advertising in 1960's New York. 



The collection features the best of retro designs, including high-waisted skirts, trench coats, empire-line dresses, fitted sheath dresses, blouses and cardigans. Outfits are accessorized with strings of pearls, scarves, gloves and sheer black stockings. I love the abundance of leopard print in this range. 

 A lovely leopard print trench coat is worn over a cream lace dress, belted in black. A vibrant orange and grey silk print dress with pockets. A burgundy A-line dress is accessorized with a leopard print scarf and sheer black polka dot stockings. I love the rich jewel tone of the flair ruby skirt, quaintly paired with a leopard print cardigan, lace top and elegant pearls.

 Shades of blue are dabbed into a printed knee-length dress. A black blouse with pussycat bow is worn under a caramel leopard print cardigan, with light grey cropped trousers. A slate grey pea coat with matching skirt is given a vintage twist with black leather gloves and a printed turban head scarf. A timeless Little Black Dress that will remain trendy for years to come.

Menswear is not my forte, but I do like the look of these classy black and grey suits. The debonair mensline includes two-button suits, vests, trench coats, a series of ties, knitted jerseys, crisp white shirts and tailored trousers.

This collection may have been inspired by a bygone fashion era, but these pieces all have a worthy place in the wardrobes of today's stylish working men and women. The Banana Republic 'Mad Men' Collection will be available this month from bananarepublic.com  

Pixie Lott for Lipsy 2011

Lipsy Spring/Summer 2011

featuring Pixie Lott



UK brand Lipsy is a favourite amongst stylish South African girls. Their line yields young, fun and flirty dresses for a snazzy night out on the town. For the Spring/Summer 2011 collection, Lipsy has expanded their range to retro-chic daywear. British singer Pixie Lott lent her design ideas to the brand; creating two distinct, feminine lines. There's the relaxed and romantic 'California Dreaming' and the sexy and spirited 'Pixie Party'. 

The colours are soft and girly with pretty pinks, peaches and flowery prints. The silhouettes are floaty and ultra-feminine. There are delicate day dresses, floral maxis, sundresses and ruffled jumpsuits. Pixie wears subtle make-up and loose natural waves for these country casual looks.

 The cheery campaign was shot in sunny Ibiza, Spain. The dresses are styled with cute floppy hats, long necklaces, skinny belts and fresh flowers. The 'California Dreaming' collection has a Bohemian appeal to it, offering dresses in light fabrics, adorned with crochet and embroidery.

 

The second line, 'Pixie Party' is differentiated by the punchy colours, sexier shapes and sparkly accents. Pixie's make-up is amped up for this part of the shoot, with her platinum locks styled in side-swept waves. She is a party princess in the turquoise tiered dress and hot pink asymmetrical mini. If you're not one for colour, opt for a classic little black or white Lipsy dress.

Lispy's Spring/Summer Collection takes you confidently and fashionably from free-spirtied daywear to glamourous cocktail wear. There is an outfit for every occasion - a picnic in a park, trip to the mall, music festival, dinner date and girl's night out. 

Katie Holmes for Ann Taylor

Katie Holmes

Ann Taylor Spring 2011

The beautiful Katie Holmes appears in the Spring 2011 ad campaign for Ann Taylor. This US retail brand designs clothes for the modern, classic woman, with a focus on simple and versatile office wear that can be worn into the night. The 'smart, talented and incredibly chic' Katie has replaced Heidi Klum as the face of the brand. She looks so graceful in these photos - the outfits suit her 'enduring personal style'. The pretty spring blossoms make the perfect backdrop for the shoot.

The latest collection has been inspired by the artistry and architecture of Mexico. The shades of Ann Taylor Spring are khaki, sandy beige and white, with a splash of coral. The key pieces include the silk maxi skirt, shimmer tank top, linen and lace mini, silky collarless tunic and little white dress with tulle and ribbon flowers. Ann Taylor separates are ideal for layering and mixing to create a polished-relaxed work wardrobe.  

Blake Lively For Chanel Handbags

Chanel Mademoiselle Handbag Collection 2011

Featuring Blake Lively

Blake Lively has come a long way since we first saw her in The Sisterhood of The Traveling Pants. In the movie she played a soccer playing, tank-top wearing tomboy. A far cry from the stylish Serena van der Woodsen we all know on Gossip Girl. These days, Blake is not only a style icon, but also the face of Chanel's Mademoiselle Handbag Campaign for 2011. 

This upper-east side mademoiselle is the latest muse of designer Karl Lagerfeld, who created the line with her in mind. The mood of the photo shoot is dusky and minimalistic, so that optimal focus is placed on the bags. The collection sees a modern take on the classic Chanel bag. 

This quilted wonder is a timeless and high-end accessory, perfectly suited for both casual and formal attire. All the bags in the range have a rounded trapeze shape and are available in red, deep blue, gray, black and white. The glossy red one has my name on it :)

Cover Girl - Scarlett Johansson for Mango

Scarlett Johansson

Mango Spring 2011 Ad Campaign

The stunning Scarlett Johansson stars in her fourth campaign for Spanish fashion brand Mango. The advert for their Spring 2011 collection was shot in Barcelona and reflects on the Modernist Resort theme of the line. Mango chose a retro-modern inspired look for Spring, with clean lines, cherry prints, stripes and simple silhouettes.

This collection features preppy cardigans, longer-length skirts and A-line dresses in blocks of bright red, orange, yellow and watermelon pink. Scarlett's new classic-cut bob suits the minimalistic style really well. For more information on this brand, visit Mango online. 

Essentiel Summer Fashion

Essentiel

Spring/Summer Collection 2011

I have just discovered the brilliant Belgian design house, Essentiel. I am in awe of their Spring/Summer 2011 Collection. Their wide range of clothes include bold shades of blue, red and yellow, pretty prints and fluid fabrics. The collection features basic buys like cheery short skirts, skinny pants and cute cardi's, as well as trendy tunics and floral dresses. Essentiel also offers accessories like bows, belts, flowers, wedge heels and unique handbags. 

What's great about this collection is that items can be worn separately or you can combine prints and colours for a more bohemian look. Essentiel also has a range of trendy kids clothes and menswear. This fashion brand is a beautiful blend of relaxed sophistication, femininity and playfulness, which would stylishly suit any South African woman. For more information on this label, head to www.essentiel.be