Guest Bloggers
Thursday, May 2nd, 2013
‘I hope she’ll be a fool—that’s the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool.’ So says Daisy Buchannan, soon to be played by Carey Mulligan in Baz Lurhman’s adaptation of The Great Gatsby later this year. Alongside such cynical pearls of wisdom, this film is responsible for one of the prevailing catwalk trends of the season: 1920’s decadence. And one thing’s for sure, you would be a fool not to look a million dollars channelling it! Wrapped up in the frills and sequins of the Jazz Age, it’s all about opulence and glamour. Think Atonement and Kiera Knightly in that green dress and you have an idea of the effortless lines and sophisticated beauty we’re going for. So here’s a few of our favourite pieces from IndependentBoutique.com which should get cocktail glasses tipping your way… (more…)
Tags: Eve Commander
Posted in Guest Bloggers, Our Brands, Outfit Ideas, Trends | No Comments »
Tuesday, April 9th, 2013
As the name suggests, ‘Suicide Blonde’ are a brand which holds more than a hint of the macabre. In the brands own words, this is communicated via ‘’distinctive digitally printed imageries and themes’’ which may not appeal to all fashion quarters, but for those who fancy a little bite with their style sandwich, Suicide Blonde serves up vampire paraphernalia, neon brights and the odd skull thrown in for good measure! No item is dull; every piece is injected with its own distinctive splash of gothic edge and theatricality, be it the dark crackle texture on the large wallets or the plaster effect that seemingly pastes the fang imagery to the pouch and shopper. All Suicide Blondes’ products are handmade in the UK in the most sustainable way to prove they aren’t all sharp fangs and ghostly shadows!
Card Holder in Neon Fuschia Textured Leather – £105.00
Pack a punch when wearing a neat LBD by accessorizing with the Card Holder in Neon Fuschia Textured Leather – £105.00! I love the hot fuschia hue which emits an almost cartoon-like feel but still remains girly and on-trend. Bold colours were all over the 2013 catwalks and stars such as Katy Perry, Kim Kardashian and Rihanna have all been spotted rocking neon brights and this distinctive card keeper that will add a spunky edge to its user whether you are brave enough to immerse yourself in this trend head-to-toe, or simply want to give it an appreciative nod. (more…)
Tags: Stephanie Harlow
Posted in Guest Bloggers, Our Brands, Our Picks, Trends | No Comments »
Friday, March 29th, 2013
Ukulele is a freshly launched womenswear label, pioneered by Purple-Qie Qin. Only established in the Summer of 2012 it has truly been a very busy first year, featuring in Look Magazine, Drapers and popular amongst many bloggers. To round off a successful year Ukulele has now become part of the IndependentBoutique.com family.
The London based womenswear brand aims to provide fashion for girls who are interested in luxury brands but want to be guaranteed a unique product that will not be all over the high street. Ukulele finds its inspiration from the world around us, from Ryan McGinley’s youthful dreamy photos, the girls who are still living in the 90s in East London, the ravers who danced in the rain at festivals to the Olympics. Ukulele uses the Britain of today to create beautiful, colourful and delicate garments. Their latest collection uses retro suits and unexpected combinations of luxury future fabrics incorporated into uniquely designed on-trend silhouettes.
(more…)
Tags: Rachel Cawley
Posted in Guest Bloggers, News, Our Brands, Our Picks, Outfit Ideas | 1 Comment »
Wednesday, March 27th, 2013
There is a rustic feel to the new Alice takes a trip collection with stags, pheasants and lace all making an appearance alongside the regular edgy staples such as bows and animal faces. They’ve really stepped it up a gear for 2013 with bursts of print, fabrics and gorgeous colour palettes. ATAT comfortably straddles the line between on-trend pieces and quirky, brave designs, foraging forward to create original artistic pieces that will inject an aspect of individuality into your look – not for the faint-hearted! (more…)
Tags: Stephanie Harlow
Posted in Guest Bloggers, Just In, Our Brands, Our Picks, Outfit Ideas | No Comments »
Thursday, March 14th, 2013
Guest blogger Rachel Cawley tell us about the trends she’s excited to wear this S/S 2013!
Smells like Teen Spirit (90’s revisited)
90′s style had been given a new lease of life during 2012 and this obsession carries on into 2013. 90’s grunge, bum bags and overalls have taken over the biggest fashion houses. You can find many 90’s inspired pieces at IndependentBoutique.com, but my favourite piece is the Stinger Mini Dress by Obscure Couture. This dress cures my fears about the 90’s fashion trend. I used to think there was a fine line between look chic and looking like a spice girl reject trapped inside a little girl’s body with enough scrunchies and bow clips to open your own shop. Yet this dress executes the trend perfectly. The mustard plaid is subtle yet effective and also incorporates the trend of prints. The fitted style with under wiring makes the dress womanly and sharp in its tailoring. The heart shape neckline allows the dress to be feminine and the chain detail at the front gives the dress a little punch. I would wear this dress with my hair in a high pony, red lipstick and chunky black heels (I really mean my creepers). Channelling my inner Gwen Stefani in her No Doubt days. (more…)
Tags: Rachel Cawley
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Friday, March 1st, 2013
If you haven’t heard of L. Frank Baum’s 1900 novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and the Judy Garland musical inspired by it, then you have missed an integral slice of cinematic history – and clearly live in a cave. For those of you who are aware of the story, you will probably know that ‘Oz the Great and Powerful’ – directed by Sam Raimi (best known for the Spiderman franchise) and starring style and acting heavyweights Michelle Williams, Mila Kunis and Rachel Weisz – is a new feature film set before the original and is due to hit our cinema screens this week. The film is inspired by, and set before the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz and is set to influence your wardrobe for 2013!
Lace Collar by Fairytales & Hidden Notes – £12
Channel your inner Dorothy with this prim and proper Lace Collar by Fairytales & Hidden Notes – £12. Instead of the original pinafore which can look a little erm, young, you can simply pop this smart accessory on with a cool Tee or a floral dress for an instant nod to the fantasy film. We love the delicate lace so for extra Dorothy points, wear with plaited pigtails and red lippy a la Judy Garland in the original… and perhaps a small dog? (more…)
Tags: Stephanie Harlow
Posted in Guest Bloggers, News, Our Brands, Our Picks, Trends | No Comments »
Wednesday, February 27th, 2013
I’m so disappointed that I didn’t make it to London Fashion Week this year, this city is such an inspiration to the world of fashion and has some seriously stylish ladies on it’s streets.
So I’ve been stalking all the blog posts and Instagram pictures from the shows and fabulous street style snaps.
I always focus more on the clothes worn by the people attending the shows than the actual shows themselves, and this year there were some amazing outfits!
Photo credit: Mr. Newton
There was lots of colour blocking and simple shapes, lots of bright reds and bright blues with contrasting white detailing. In particular I love the way one of the girls styled a bright red dress with a simple white collar, white nails and cut out shoes, it just looked effortless. (more…)
Posted in Guest Bloggers, News | No Comments »
Saturday, January 26th, 2013
The classic peplum trend had been around since the 1800s, with women fashioning a short overskirt that flounced out from the waist. 1947 saw Christian Dior debut the ‘Bar suit and jacket’ introducing the nipped in waist and padded pemplumed hips. The trend became wildly popular and accessible to women of all shapes. The popularity of the peplum continued throughout the 40s with iconic film star Lauren Bascall in ‘To Have and Have Not’ (1944) being fitted by costume designed Milo Anderson in a checked peplum suit.
Therefore there is no surprise that this timeless look was popular amongst fashion pundits in fall of 2012 and continues its way into our wardrobes this Spring/Summer 2013. It kept popping up throughout 2012 and is here to stay for 2013, ranging from dresses, skirts, tops and trousers. The classic feminine silhouette has a timeless appeal so fear not your peplum pieces are not items of the past and can be reworked to fit spring 2013. (more…)
Tags: Rachel Cawley
Posted in Guest Bloggers, Our Brands, Our Picks, Trends | No Comments »
Monday, December 17th, 2012
December is a minefield of cheesy songs and dodgy presents destined for the nearest charity shop. Yes Christmas is the time when forced smiles and ‘happy faces’ work their hardest as people get swept up in the twee jovialities of Christmas, only to awaken with a crap-gift hangover and a dash to the shops with tall tales of why you have no receipt. And there’s nothing worse than being the gifter in those situations with a loved one that is a terrible liar. Well, endure the lie/fake-smile no more dear readers, as we have compiled an Alternative Christmas Gift Guide that will even sort out the most awkward of friends and family! Step away from the dodgy snowman candles and read on… (and share to your twitter and facebook feed if you have been the recipient of the ‘crap gift’.)
‘CWP’ Roque iCase with Jewelled Corsage Print by Carmen Woods – £22.00
With digital prints taking the catwalks by storm this year, it was only a matter of time before designers found new ways to wear this eye-catching trend and the ‘CWP’ Roque iCase with Jewelled Corsage Print by Carmen Woods – £22.00′ is just that! Using stunning digitally printed jewels and finished with a leatherette lining, this is the fashionista’s ideal way of storing your iPhone, Blackberry or mobile phone making it a great gift for any and all phone lovers and comes in various colours and shades to match all personalities. (more…)
Tags: Christmas, Gifts, Stephanie Harlow
Posted in Guest Bloggers, Our Picks | No Comments »
Wednesday, December 5th, 2012
Here at IndependentBoutique.com we want to help you avoid giving the usual partridge in a pear tree gifts that are around at Christmas time and show you some truly special and unique gifts for your loved ones. So we’re picking our Top 5 Christmas gifts from the site all of which are under £25 (whey hey!)
This bracelet from Elsie Belle is hopelessly romantic and would be the perfect personal gift to a loved one. The daintiness of the bracelet increases the sentiment as to others it may just seem a pretty vintage bangle but you have to look closely to see the stamped gesture. Simply wrap the bracelet in tissue paper and find a sweet box to pop it in, for £12.95 it is a steal and ideal for a gushy romantic Christmas. (more…)
Tags: Rachel Cawley
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