Agent Provocateur Valentine's video starring Poppy Delevingne

Editor's Picks: Top Winter Trends

Winter season has been among us weeks ago, yet we still wonder what’s trending right now to bloom gray shades with vivid textures & materials. As each season, there are some ‘in’ and ‘out’ which highlight daily outfits such as peplum or neon.
Hence, in this winter or the rest of it don’t forget to wear your favorite tartan dress, blazer, or short. It is casual & cozy as well as gorgeous and trendy.

Winter Trend: Tartan by yasarianrhod on polyvore.com

Nylon’s trench is all over the international bloggers, socialists, and trendsetters in Hollywood. It is edgy and hard to play with but definitely a must ;).
From Dolce &Gabanna F/W2012-2013 collection, baroque is the big trend of 2013. We will not be surprised if we see it next spring in red carpet and the entire blog-sphere.

Winter Trend: Baroque by yasarianrhod on polyvore.com

Tweed is still trending this season after hitting the street last season on blazers along withstuds & cap-toe shoes. And if tweed right now has a new length with more coats or dresses; studs switched to gloves and headpieces.

Winter Trend: Tweed by yasarianrhod on polyvore.com

Finally from Solonge Knowles to the entire Hollywood fashionistas, folklore dresses along with accessories such as statement necklaces and rings are the ‘in’ trend for an exotic winter with festive patterns and warm colors.
Don’t forget to share with us your ‘in’ trends for the winter in our Facebook page or Twitter @FInstinct. We will be thrilled to go shopping for the trendiest one ;)

Winter Trend: Folklore by yasarianrhod on polyvore.com

All Of Our Favorite Looks from Screen Actors Guild Awards

Held in Santa Monica, the Screen Actors Guild Awards are generally considered more casual than the Golden Globes and Oscars which can make the red carpet fashion less interesting. That means, the hollywood stars are a little more relaxed in their style choices. But not this year! Check out our picks for the best-dressed actresses at the 2013 SAG Awards.

>>See the slideshow<<

Our SAG Awards 2013 best-dressed list shows that style isn't necessarily synonymous with "serious." Our favorites included Marion Cotillard in Dior Couture,Nina Dobrev in Elie Saab, and mom of three Jennifer Garner in Oscar de la Renta golden gown.

Flower: Drew Barrymore Launches Her Own Mass Market Beauty Line

Drew has taken her career to a whole other level by creating a beauty line called Flower for Walmart. 

After five years as the face of cosmetics giant Cover Girl, actress/producer/director and new mother Drew Barrymore has launched her own mass market beauty line.As a self-proclaimed ‘drugstore queen’, she spent that last year and half formulating the line. 

Drew said: ‘I am the biggest lover of makeup on the planet. I have grown up in a make-up chair and then coming from being a Creative Director at CoverGirl, knowing what is right for marketing in makeup – for me, it was perfect timing to put all of those things together.’

Flower is certainly budget friendly with all items ranging from $5-$14 targeting women of all ages. Barrymore's beauty line is full of on-trend shades comprised of what she claims are high quality ingredients.Acting as the face of the brand is certainly one way that Flower has cut costs, and the packaging, a chic mix of black and bone white with rose gold plating, was also designed by her.

“I love prestige makeup and I love mass makeup and with this line, I wanted to bring the two worlds together. We have a different business model—we don’t spend millions and billions on marketing and advertising. Every penny we have actually goes into our formula and packaging’ Drew added.  

Unfortunately, many people are completely anti-Wal-Mart and refuse to step foot into one. Drew’s fans are very perplexed and confused as to why Drew chose Wal-Mart to carry her line where Target, Ulta or Sephora would have been better choices.

United Colors of Benetton SS 2013 Ad

United Colors of Benetton released its Spring 2013 fashion campaign, and this season it’s the unique group of models that has caught everyone’s attention.this time the retailer has chosen to celebrate a group of nine international personalities who are recognized for their strength, passion, and diversityto witness the love for multiculturalism that has always characterizes the company from Veneto. 

Nine style ambassadors: Hanaa Ben Abdesslem, a model from Tunisia; Kiera Chaplin, actress, model and supporter of UNESCO; Charlotte Free, a Californian model; Mario Galla, a German model with disabilities; Dudley O’Shaughnessy, British model and boxer; Matias Perdomo, a chef from Uruguay; Lea T, a Brazilian transsexual model; Alek Wek, a model from Sudan; Elettra Wiedemann, a model that loves ecology. The campaign, which features print ads as well as a series of videos, sees each model sharing their unique personality and discussing their interpretation of color.

Beside colors, knitwear, innovation, and passion, Benetton has been known for launching controversial ad campaigns that focus on international social issues such as race, politics, and sexuality. Throughout the 90’s, these campaigns raised social, cultural and ethical questions with their shocking and sometimes tragic images that had little to do with the clothes. 

“It is a new format that, starting from this season, will be developed to say loud and clear – through the symbolism of colors, our founding value that today has a new aesthetical and communication centrality – the brand’s identity and excellence that has diversity as a value, and the mixing of differences as an heritage” said the President of the Group, Alessandro Benetton.

The photographic sessions of the new campaign by Benetton – created by Fabrica – have been held in Paris at the Pin Up Studios last November. 

The campaign, which also has an inevitable social and web dimension, supports Benetton’s UNHATE Foundation through various communication campaigns and actions in local communities. The UNHATE Foundation aims to fight against all forms of discrimination by promoting positive actions in the global fight for human rights. A limited edition t-shirt with images from the spring campaign will soon be sold around the world, and all proceeds raised will be donated to the UNHATE Foundation.

Couture Spring 2013: Valentino, Versace, & fairytales

Last week was the incredible haute couture fashion week held in Paris. The exquisite Valentino show was a fitting end to the couture season; a joyous celebration of the infinite possibilities of the unfettered imagination.

“We really wanted to create a dream, something really fantastic, magic, fairy tale. Couture is a dream, and we love to dream. Why not?”said Maria GraziaChiuri during the fittings.

Chiuri and her partner in design, Pierpaolo Piccioli, were looking at the idea of formal and secret gardens, with mazes, ancient mosaics, and romantic flower plantings. “The ritual of couture is to be secret!” said Piccioli.

Donatella Versace credited the magnificent soaring domed-glass ceiling of her show venue—originally built in 1878 as the headquarters of the Crédit Lyonnais bank—as the inspiration behind her glittering atelier collection. “The glass and the steel,” she explained, “the fragility and the strength.”

It was appropriate to show this collection in a temple to Mammon: Versace used her Midas touch to turn everything to gold. The dark wool of the opening looks was threaded with a pinstripe—woven in real gold. And Versace took denim to new levels by dusting that with gold dust too. The dramatic hoop and drop earrings, meanwhile, mixed that precious metal with diamonds, rock crystal, and semiprecious stone pendant drops. “Very simple, very subtle,” said Versace of her deep, solid gold cuffs. “You wear two at a time!”

“Haute couture is always a place where you can experiment. We try to make things happen that have never happened before.” said Versace

The Start Of My Fashion Career

As some of you may know, I applied earlier in the year to a number of universities to study a Fashion Management Course starting from September. Well, I have exciting news.... I have been given offers from Southampton Solent and Robert Gordon (Aberdeen), along with an interview for Birmingham City, as well as... wait for it... an interview at THE LONDON COLLEGE OF FASHION! What a dream come true! Now to see if I have what it takes to make it a reality... Wish me luck!

(Check out a piece I did for my Birmingham City interview: "The world of fashion from my perspective")

Finding The Perfect Dress

As a Sixth Form student, the annual May Ball is always a highlight of the social calendar, which also means the perfect dress must be found for it! Fortunately for me, I have found mine earlier than most in this Black peplum number from Topshop, with a sale price of £50 from an original of £200. The dress embodies both my style and shape completely as I can take the dress in a number of directions, such as being the height of Sophistication or urban grunge (I haven't decided which!) Along with the element of the dress appearing almost backless, I truly think I have found the ultimate dress for me!

Outfits Of The Week

(I have a lot of these to share, so this will come in instalments!)

This outfits combines two loves of mine - playing with the term "smart-casual" and a true bargain! This Topshop  boyfriend coat was a purchase from the online sales, originally prices at £175 but bought for £80! Along with a Toshop olive green studded bag, Underground double-soled creepers and a pair of skinny jeans, it made a great outfit for watching a musical!

Website Of The Week - Charles Of London

Charles of London embodies the true meaning of alternative style, determined to find the freak in you! Although it may be be seen as typical ready-to-wear clothing, the texture and craft of each item is extremely inspiring, creating an urge to expand your fashion horizons. My favourite piece of theirs is the Wrestler Punk Gown (£160), made from a cohesion of PVC and safety pins - pure gore, but amazingly appealing nonetheless!

see for yourself at http://charlesoflondon.com

Outfits Of The Week

(I have a lot of these to share, so this will come in instalments!)

Nothing can be more frantic than trying to find an amazing outfit to wear mere minutes before having to step out the door, so in spirit of that, here is a look I knocked up just before a friend's surprise party, consisting of my mum's burgundy blouse, teamed with a leather skirt (River Island) and burgundy loafer heels (Topshop)... et voila!

Style Icon Of The Week

Although it may not be an obvious choice, Will Smith as the Fresh Prince embodies everything fashion should be - fun, fearless and totally outrageous! The combination of timeless dungarees and neon prints captures the classic 90s vibe, which can still be seen in fashion today. Personally, I think it never truly went out of style... I am excited to see this more in the coming year, along with the juxtaposing grunge look!

Outfits Of The Week

(I have a lot of these to share, so this will come in instalments!)

Christmas was the perfect time to party - which is always an excuse to dress up! I chose to wear a blue sequinned skirt (Topshop) with a plain black vest and nude Kurt Geiger heels... after all, less is more!

Fash-pirational Quotes

I am always on the hunt for quotes or saying which make me feel like the fashion world is the place for me to be, and inspire me to seek new projects or new dynamics in my wardrobe. Here are three of my favourites, as said by Christian Louboutin, Alexander McQueen and Adriana Lima - I hope they have the same impact on you that they had with me!

Outfits Of The Week

(I have a lot of these to share, so this will come in instalments!)


Thankfully for us who have a sub-concious need for more clothes, Christmas provided the perfect opportunity to indulge my habits - in the forms of gifts and the infamous sales! So here are a few of my favourite Xmas purchases:

(clockwise from the left)

1. - Double Eagle jumper, Topshop, £55
2. - Midnight blue body-con midi dress, Topshop, £38
3. - Red skater beanie, black slouch t-shirt, dogtooth skinny trousers, all from Topshop
4. - Cosmic pyjama set, Topshop, jumper and trousers £25 each
5. - Feathered dip-dye jacket, Topshop, £90
6. - "Night Before Christmas onesie, River Island

Hello 2013!

Hello and a Happy New Year! Apologies for the lack of posts towards the end of last year... but it does mean I have a lot of exciting posts to share with you now!
Here's to having a happy and extremely fashionable 2013!
Jx

The 70th Annual Golden Globe Awards: Red

Red was the color of the night at the 70th Annual Golden Globe Awards

People’s Choice Hair Trend: Braided Hairstyles

The season for sparkling gowns, gorgeous hairstyles, and beautiful makeup has officially begun. 

Trendsetting starlets Heidi Klum, Lea Michele, Rumer Willis, Katy Perry and Jennifer Lawrence came out to play during the 34th Annual People’s Choice Awards at the Nokia Theatre L.A. in California. In fact they all worked a braided up-do to brilliant effect for the show. 
Rumer and Jennifer allowed a few short, curled layers to fall down from their updos, framing their faces with additional softness, while Lea kept her brunette locks bound back for a sleeker vibe. Katy took it one step further by embellishing her hair with a sparkling gold Jennifer Behr headband.

This probably won’t be the last time we see braids dominating the young Hollywood set.

All Of Our Favorite Looks From The Critics' Choice Movie Awards

Celebrities positively smoldered down the red carpet last night for the 2013 Critics’ Choice Movie Awards held at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California.