Socks and Collars

The Next Big Thing

Lana Del Rey is definitely one to watch, as her popularity heightens, so does her fashion influence! She rose to fame quickly towards the end of last year with her single Video Games. The American singer has been named in the sound of 2012 by the BBC and her album is eagerly awaited by many. Her meteoric rise to fame is not just musically, as she is also being recognised for her unique fashion sense. Self proclaimed ‘gangsta Nancy Sinatra’ combines sixties inspired lady like chic with edgy urban cool. The chi chi shift dresses, pussy bow blouses and high waisted palazzos toughened up with blingy chains and oversized earrings help her achieve such a noticeably unique look.

‘Ain’t I a lucky boy? It has been a while since I have been so excited about the arrival of a new artist’.  Antonio Berardi spoke to Elle magazine about dressing the rising star for her second video.

Lana is undeniably photogenic and her flawless face, fifties curls and retro image has landed her several magazine covers, editorials and she has been signed by Next Model Management. Having only released two songs she is a definite one to watch during the fashion season.

Rooney Mara star of ‘the girl with the dagon tatoo is without a doubt fast becoming a popular fashion influence also. Her dramatic transformation from innocent, fresh faced Audrey Hepburn inspired style to edgy hard-rocker alter ego has been thoroughly approved by fashion critics. She appeared on the November 2011 cover of US Vogue wearing a sheer-backed black outfit with a dragon design embellished on the back. 

Mara combined her old and new look at the CFDA awards in New York, wearing a pale pink Calvin Klein dress with dark lipstick, showing off her glamorous porcelain coloured skin tone. 

Mara spoke to US vogue and agreed ‘Before I dressed much girlier, a lot of blush coloured things. Now I literally roll out of my bed and put on whatever is there. I have really enjoyed being a boy this last year’. 

Mara certainly knows how to make an effort for the red carpet, keeping it simple with either a floor length white Givenchy Couture gown of which she wore at the London premiere of the film, or a black minimalistic cut out Nina Ricci dress, which she wore to the Golden Globes. Mara’s style evolution is one of great interest and will continue to be as she makes her way up the fashion ranks!

Little Mix have been discovered next on the fashion radar and after being the first girl group to win the X-Factor, the 4 girls have made quite an impression through their fashion sense. Hailed as this decades answer to the Spice Girls, they have resurrected girl power with their fresh and fierce sound and their now signature style which developed quite the fashion following during their time on the show. 

As a collective they ‘mix’ bright bold colours, teaming sportswear with more feminine frills, chiffon skirts and layered t-shirts with leopard print high-tops. They work retro 80’s glam with Aztec prints and statement jewellery and infamously geek chic in braces and bow ties! Whilst in the process of trying to redefine the girl band scene this style has been integral to their success, whether on the red carpet or on stage, their unique look screams out cool. 

When interviewed by the Mirror, Jade said, ‘We are all about bling and colour and having fun with clothes. Life is too short to be dressed in boring clothes all the time’.  In 2012 their big hair, bright lips and quirky cool clothes can only increase with popularity as they look to release their debut album! 

Emerging from pretty much nowhere, Felicity Jones is another star rising to a positive fashion future in 2012. Having starred in love story ‘like crazy’ and romantic comedy ‘chalet girl’ the twenty eight year old Londoner has been proclaimed Hollywood’s new ‘it girl’. 

The light skin, doe eyes and dark hair give of an instant authentic aura, which only enhances her retro fashion choices. She became the face of the Autumn Burberry ad campaign and the face of Dolce & Gabbana make up for Spring 2012.  Felicity is by no means shy when it comes to the red carpet either, having worn the likes of Proenza Schouler, Chloe and Marios Schwab, Felicity has made a striking impression! 

When interviewed by Company Magazine she said ‘I like to experiment with clothes. If I’m at home or going to the pub, then I like a tailored shirt with skinny jeans. But red carpets require a dress with drama – Chanel and Chloe are favourites’. With such an ability to adapt different looks and still manage to put her own authentic twist on each, Felicity Jones is sure to continue shooting to fashion fame in 2012.

Finally not so ‘new girl’ on the block Zooey Deschanel has propelled herself into the fashion eye of late. The 32-year-old American actress has starred in many films, such as ‘500 days of summer’; however it is her hilarious role in new hit comedy series ‘New Girl’ which has caught everyone’s attention. 

With such a strong signature style the actress continues to charm us with the clothing she wears in both real life and as Jess Day in New Girl. Her feminine look consists of bows, floral patterns, lace and infamously strapless prom dresses, each having figure flattering silhouettes, and more often than not an a-line skirt to enhance a clinch waist. 

When Zooey Spoke to Company about her style she admitted, ‘When I was little, I only wanted to wear dresses, and not much has changed. I’ll wear jeans sometimes for work, but I’m not really a jeans person’. 

Nominated for a golden globe for best performance by a tv actress for ‘New Girl’, Zooey took on retro 60’s glam in a sparkly green Prada gown on the red carpet and received raves for the sophisticated frock. Now as we learn more and more about her character ‘Jess Day’ as the series continues, watch out for Zooey and her army of girly dresses in 2012 as her style is a real breath of fresh air.

'Fruit Pastels'

Pastels colours are imperative this spring/summer, catching my eye particularly in the form of denim shorts. Pair with a baggy graphic tee and vans for a cute boyish summer look.  

Chelsea Boots

Chelsea boots are starting to appear everywhere and are a definite must for this spring. A timeless classic originating from the 1960’s, Chelsea boots have made a comeback and this time for women too!  Wear with jeans, tights, leggings, or a summer dress for a true festival edge. Flat vintage styles are perfect for a cool casual look, but modern heels and wedges can keep the Chelsea boot trend alive even while you are working.

mix it up!

Winners of the X-Factor and winners of style! Every week little mix bought a new twist to their edgy fashion style, making them completely unique and me totally envious!From geek chic to glamorous, these are my favourite outfits...