Sunday 31 August 2014

On Trend for Fall - Black Leather Skirts

The trend for black leather skirts comes around without fail every fall. A wardrobe staple, this skirt can be styled in many versatile ways. It can of course be styled to look glam, dressed up for an evening out, but it can also be styled in a way which makes it look more casual and refined. It is a trend which many steer away from because it can so easily look OTT or too try-hard, but with the right styling tips you can be on to a winning look. Taking inspiration from street style, see how these fashion bloggers have styled their skirts to perfection.
 
When wearing a black leather skirt, less is more with the styling. Avoid low cut tops or big statement jewellery/accessories and keep prints to a minimal opting instead for muted block colours. Pairing a skirt with a cotton shirt is a great option if you plan on wearing this outfit to work but remember keep makeup toned down and more natural. Avoid leather skirts which are too tight or too short... but if the skirt is quite short then wear a pair of black tights or flat shoes so you don't feel self-concious or uncomfortable. Alexa Chung often wears this look, teaming her skirts with an oversized cable knit jumper and a pair of ankle boots. This is my favourite way to wear a leather skirt.
If casual dressing is not your thing, Olivia Palermo perfectly shows you how you can style a leather skirt to look both feminine and sophisticated. Finish off your outfit with a jacket so you do not show too much flesh. Brogues are a great option as well as a choice of footwear.
From L-R: Kate Bosworth, Ashley Olsen, Diane Kruger and Elizabeth Olsen.
Now that we know the best ways to style a leather skirt, here are some of my favourite black leather skirts currently available on Net-A-Porter. I have chosen skirts with interesting details and textures.
I hope you have liked this blog post and found some useful styling inspiration. I am planning some more trend led posts very soon.
Phillippa x

Monday 25 August 2014

2014 MTV Video Music Awards - Red Carpet

The annual VMA's took place in California last night. We saw a lot of very daring red carpet looks: dresses cut to the thigh, plunging necklines, dramatic red and black colour palettes. We also saw a number of Fall 14 and Resort 15 looks. I have put together a round up of some of the best looks from this event.
Red
Demi Lovato - Lanvin / Nina Dobrev - Zuhair Murad Resort15 / Rita Ora - Donna Karan Atelier
Short Dresses
Jamie Chung - Versace Fall 14 / Joan Smalls & Kim Kardashian both wearing Balmain Resort15
Silver
Jennifer Lopez - Charbel Zoe / Iggy Azalea - Atelier Versace Spring 14
Midnight Blue
Sarah Hyland - Kaufmanfranco Fall 14 / Julianne Hough - Emilio Pucci Fall 14
Black Crop Top Ensemble
Miley Cyrus - Alexandre Vauthier Couture Fall 14 / Kendall Jenner - Alon Livne / Jourdan Dunn - Balmain Resort 15
Black Leather
Ariana Grande - Moschino Resort 15 / Chanel Iman - Balmain Fall 14 / Lucy Hale - Sachin & Babi and Zimmermann
Pink Trousers
Chloe Grace Moretz - Louis Vuitton Resort 15 / Gwen Stefani - L.A.M.B
Short
Holland Roden - Milly / Taylor Swift - Mary Katrantzou Resort 15 / Lucy Hale - Oscar de la Renta Fall 14
Plunging Necklines
Ireland Baldwin - Roberto Cavalli Fall 14 / Jessie J - Vintage Halston
My favourite 2 looks from this event: Nina Dobrev wearing Zuhair Murad and Joan Smalls wearing Balmain. Both totally nailed the red carpet wearing dresses that were daring and had plenty of attitude! Which were your favourite looks?
Phillippa x

Saturday 16 August 2014

Social Media

Along side my design blog, I also have professional design accounts on Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram. I love to use my social media accounts to promote things in the design industry that I love and are inspiring me. All posts are design related including: Fashion, Accessories, Interiors, Art, and Architecture.
Pinterest
Currently at just over 800 followers you can find my page at 'phillippadesign'. Boards include: Printed Garments, Street Style, Ad Campaigns, Runway Favourites, Embellishment, Prints, Bohemian, Bags, Shoes, Fashion Editorials, Wallpaper, Swimwear, Vintage Fashion, Furniture, Room Settings, Fur, Visual Merchandising and Lighting - a real mix of lots of gorgeous inspirational imagery to make you feel creative.
Twitter
I post daily on my Twitter account @Phillippa22 about all things design related. This might include details of a new exhibition, a designer/high street collaboration, red carpet fashion, up to date fashion news, trend information, new brands that I love, details of sample sales, runway shows, my favourite garments currently in the shops...and the occasional bit of music thrown in for good measure!
Instagram
The newest edition to my social media accounts, you can find me on Instagram at 'phillippadesign22'. On my Instagram page you will see a lot more of my own personal design work - my fashion prints and drawings. I will also post pictures of other prints and textiles that I like and maybe even some outfit posts of my style.

Phillippa x

Monday 11 August 2014

Teen Choice Awards 2014 - Red Carpet

The Teen Choice Awards took place last night in Los Angeles. A whole host of young stars walked the red carpet at this event and performed on stage. Award shows like this are all about having fun and we always see a nice mix of fun and playful outfits. From Couture to Resort 15, I have put together a round-up of some of my favourite red carpet looks.
Print and Embellishment
Bella Thorne - Candies/ Cat Deeley - Alberta Ferretti S14/ Shailene Woodley - Peter Pilotto AW14
Hailee Steinfeld - Elie Saab Resort 15 / Zendaya Coleman - Emanuel Ungaro
Crop Tops
Nina Dobrev - Vionnet Resort 15/ Chloe Moretz - Valentino Resort 15/ Taylor Swift - Novis S14
Vanessa Marano - Cynthia Rowley/ Kylie Jenner - Sass&Bide AW14/ Kim Kardashian - Balmain PF14
Short Dresses
Sarah Hyland - Marc Jacobs Resort 15 / Lucy Hale -  Dior / Lea Michele - Fausto Puglisi Fall 14
Trouser Suits
Kendall Jenner - Oriett Domenech Spring 14 / Selena Gomez - Saint Laurent Spring 14
My 2 favourite celebrity looks from this event were Cat Deeley and Lucy Hale. Which were your favourites?
Phillippa x


Thursday 7 August 2014

3 Ways To Dress Boho

For me, summer always evokes dressing in the spirit of boho. When the sun is shining I want to wear loose fitting dresses with pretty floral embroideries, colourful beaded jewellery and a pair of cool sunglasses.  I always imagine San Francisco sunsets, Coachella Festival and a carefree attitude ...perhaps something to do with the fact I am planning a Californian road trip and think the boho style would perfectly compliment a West Coast USA lifestyle.
I have put together 3 outfits inspired by my love of summer Boho.
Vacation Boho
Desert Wanderer
City Boho
Phillippa x