Lounging About this Christmas....

So you’ve got your party outfit sorted and you know that you’re going to look great at that big Christmas do, but what about the day itself? Here at 4couture.com we’ve been looking around for gorgeous items to make you feel great when you’re lounging about on Christmas morning....

Coco Ribbon have got some great, sophisticated items that are perfect for just this. Pick up this beautiful silk kimono, guaranteed to make you comfortable but looking amazing. (see right) http://tiny.cc/iw2BF. You can also grab the cute matching silk French Knickers, creating the perfect set. (see below right) http://tiny.cc/vlwkY.



We’ve also spotted this gorgeous Lounge Lover jersey Wrap- over which looks so cosy, ideal for those cold winter nights! Pick up one from our favourite site Net-A-Porter and you can still get one in time for Christmas! (see below) http://tiny.cc/J2XrU








But while you’re getting excited about all of this stunning loungewear, don’t forget to pick up some thick, warm socks to keep those feet warm. We’ve found a collection on www.toast.co.uk which not only look incredibly comfy, but are made from all wool! They come in some bright Christmas colours and patterns to really get you in the mood for the festive season! These fair isle patterned socks (see right) http://tiny.cc/odO5K come in 4 different colours and are 100% wool. They’ve got some great designs on Toast so be sure to go and have a browse when you’ve got a spare minute away from the Christmas shopping!

There are some great buys around and lots available in natural and organic fabrics and materials, something that is becoming increasingly popular. So you don’t have to wear your baggy, old pyjamas this Christmas, grab yourself a last minute treat so that you feel, and look great, even when you’re lounging about at home.
Send us a tweet or pictures of anything fabulous that you find to www.twitter.com/4couture and we’d love to have a look!

Katie x

My maternity tale....

I’m almost due to leave for maternity leave, the last month has been a bit of a wardrobe endurance challenge and I’m finding it harder and harder to find flattering clothes. Being petite it is particularly difficult- all of me is small except my middle! Being a strange shape has made me a bit of a leading authority on maternity clothes so I thought I would impart a little of my knowledge before I go! When you first start growing out of your normal clothes it’s so tempting to rush out and buy loads of new clothes but stop and consider- at 5 months you really have no idea how you will look at 8 months! Better to start with basics and add to your wardrobe as you go. My maternity saver, boring as it is, was vests from Topshop. They may look boring but are the essential with the longer length protecting your modesty all the way up to delivery day! Also from Topshop I can’t fault the skinny jeans. They even come in a size 6! http://tiny.cc/qu69i.

Still on the high street it would be wrong not to mention River Islands new maternity range. They start at a 6 and do a great range of great leggings, my favourite maternity clothes! I especially like the wet look leggings- http://tiny.cc/NDufM. The biggest problem with this range is availability- online you can access the whole range but very few stores are carrying it.

ASOS keep winning awards for their maternity clothes but they start at an 8 so I haven’t been able to personally test them. They have some beautiful dresses at reasonable prices, my favourite being this embellished jersey dress (http://tiny.cc/NiAFZ). Black is definitely the best colour for mums to be- so forgiving!

There are hundreds of online boutiques selling maternity wear- one of my favs is Isabella Oliver for luxury knitwear. A warm knitted dress is a must with the weather as miserable as it is so I really love this cashmere mix dress- http://tiny.cc/kNtXq. Also try Babes with Babies- they have the best loungewear and tips for pre and post natal dressing, they also have some really lovely gift ideas- go to http://www.babeswithbabies.com/.

Let me know your maternity wardrobe survival types...www.twitter.com/4couture
Hana x

Christmas Wardrobe....

With Christmas getting scarily close it’s time get our outfits sorted for all those Christmas parties, family do’s and works drinks, here’s a bit of help for all budgets...

Christmas parties are the obvious excuse to put on the most glitzy outfit and highest heels you own. With all the sequins around at the moment you will be spoilt for choice but run the risk of wearing the same as everyone else! So go glam instead of glitz for maximum impact and rough it up a bit with studs as embellishment.

Be inspired by the controversial creations by David Koma worn by both Cheryl Cole on the X Factor and Beyonce (above) at the MTV Europe awards last week. If you’re after the real deal get to Browns Fashion fast- this lot will sell out (http://tinyurl.com/yg2ps66) If you’ve missed the boat and the collections sold out or your budget just won’t stretch that far then check out this embellished piece from the Christopher Kane collection at Topshop (below right) http://tinyurl.com/yfn7e9f or this absolute bargain (below left) from Crafted at Republic (http://tinyurl.com/ylbo6nu). Legs should be nude as should heels which should be platform and high, Christian Louboutin do some really luxurious pairs. If you’re not brave enough for nude then try these black studded heels by Steve Madden from ASOS (below centre)(http://tiny.cc/2MEgE).

For the family do, be it Christmas dinner or boxing day lunch, get rid of the knitted patterned jumper and slip into something more stylish. Take into account central heating, boxing day walks, games and eating alot and factor into your outfit. This pretty number (below) has a short hemline, velvet and a Mum/Nan pleasing floral pattern- all key trends this season. Available at Miss Guided it is a bargain. (http://tiny.cc/BEw9o). If floral isn’t your thing this cosy knitted dress from Pretaportabello.com is a a little piece of understated fashion (http://tiny.cc/lQ1ky ). Accessorise with a statement cuff like this one from Bunny Hug (http://tiny.cc/l2tk8), team with woolly tights for practicality and warmth’s sake- Tights Please has the best selection anywhere! (http://tiny.cc/Hyflo). Layer up with a cashmere like this Cashmere boyfriend style cardi from Tesco!! Absolute bargain...! http://tiny.cc/12l2q. Finish the look with biker boots- River Island have a huge selection (http://tiny.cc/3LilA).

The most fashion forward look of your festive period has to be what you wear to the works party. Statement leggings are still big for Spring/summer 2010 so invest now! The ultimate are these on trend animal print pair from Sass & Bide (below) available at http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/46522. For those on a budget BooHoo have some very similar pairs... (http://tiny.cc/rNyEP) but with that much pattern on your bottom half don’t forget to keep it simple on the top in a black long line vest like this one below from New Look (http://tiny.cc/HOJSR) and a blazer (ASOS have a great range- http://tiny.cc/vEPJO) . Finish the look with a statement necklace- I love this one from Lunacy Boutique (http://tiny.cc/K6alH) and heels.

What will you be wearing this Christmas? Tweet me at www.twitter.com/4couture.
P.S Our Christmas party pics to follow in December!

Hana x

What to do when sequins just don't hit the spot...

By January I’m sure we will all have had enough of sequins and all that glitters, luckily for those in favour of more understated glamour, Spring 2010 has lots to offer. Those in the know suggest that as we are predicted to be out of recession fashion will step up the luxury. It’s not all new news either with statement leggings still a must have especially when incorporating next seasons big peekaboo trend (seen at Bora Aksu-below, House of Holland, Balenciaga, -below, Gareth Pugh...). Be inspired by the glam rockers of the 80’s!

Fashion becomes more feminine with soft pastels and all white (seen at Pringle-below) while the fierce shoulders of now have been toned down and replaced by a softer puff sleeve (Seen at Robert Carrey-Williams, Mullberry).

Lingerie as outerwear has already begun to creep in and is set to be bigger next season (seen at Betty Jackson and Chanel-below). I can’t be the only one wondering how to interpret this trend and time will only tell what the high street will do with it.

As an antidote to all that femininity and in anticipation of 2012’s Olympics deluxe sportswear was seen at Twenty8Twelve and Topshop Unique with American Retro the dominating theme.

Let me know what you think about 2010 and what you will be wearing... www.twitter.com/4couture

Hana x

Haven’t got the time to get to the shops and blown all your budget on shoes?! Fashion magazines have long ago stopped being restricted to physical copies, get online and enter the world of the online fashion magazine. To get you started here are some of my favs....

Described as a style, trend and art magazine the online magazine Iconique has a won a heap of industry awards and is a trusted source of style advice for many. Always edgy and innovative the website is visually stunning and easy to navigate, go check it out at http://www.iconique.com/flash/!

The uber successful blog Fashion 156 has an online fashion mag that covers everything fashion and more- amazing visuals (such as the colourful photo below) and unusual pieces it includes beauty advice too. Find it at http://www.fashion156.com/ and whilst there if you haven’t already then sign up to the blog.

Revolve magazine has a really strong lookbook (example below) and is of course an online fashion store....credit card you have been warned. Get inspired and blow the budget at http://www.revolveclothing.com/b/MagazineHome.jsp

The serious about art MC Magazine has some amazing photography and great collection of contributors. You have to subscribe to look through the mag (which is laid out like a physical version) but it’s worth it! Indulge at http://www.mcmag.co.uk/

What do you thinks worth a look? Let me know at www.twitter.com/4couture

Hana x

X Factor Style

The nights are drawing in and the weathers turning cold- a perfect excuse to stay in and snuggle up with the best of Saturday night tv and a takeaway! The X Factor is keeping us entertained and our thoughts are turning to the X Factor styling. The styled version of the final 12 may have hit the media but I can’t say I am too convinced by the contestants new looks. Rikki Loney has gone from accessorising with a comical looking flat cap to an equally ridiculous looking bowtie whilst twins John and Edward simply look no different. The girls have fared slightly better with Rachel Adedeji looking stunning.

On Saturday nights live show the contestants wore a variety of looks but most fell short of the mark. Gorgeous Joe was left looking awful in a tan jacket and although the makeup can’t be faulted Stacey looked better before she received the attention of the professional x factor stylists.

On a more successful styling note Alexander Burke has gone from gorgeous but girl next door to phenomenal and fierce. It’s a shame the same can’t be said for Leona Lewis who never quite reached her potential but is now partnered with Vivienne Westwood for an edgier look.

What do you think of the x factor wadrobe? Tweet me (www.twitter.com/4couture)

Hana x

High Street Celebrity Fashion

With the news that Topshop had designed bespoke stage costumes for both VV Brown and Shingai Shoniwa of The Noisettes for V festival I thought I'd consider those other celebs making high street look couture.

Radio 1's Fearne Cotton is well known for her love of high street mixing it in with vintage finds for a quirky but stylish look. Recognised as a bit of a high street hero she is currently designing a range for very.com. Check out these sandals as seen recently on Fearne- a bargain from Office

http://www.office.co.uk/womens/office/abu_dhabi/60/3930/163/1/

The Saturdays are frequantly seen in high street favourite Topshop and fab online store Rare. I love this panelled pencil dress as seen on Molly- looks designer and stylish. http://www.rarefashion.co.uk/Resources/Images/711daf57-f2ac-4fe3-b87d-e1cdc5643804.jpg

Now would be a good time to recall what ASOS stands for and true to it's name it is seen on a number of celebrities from Blake Lively to Mischa Barton. Mischa is often seen in high street and is always on trend- not putting a stylish foot out of line she recently opted for these bleach jeans from ASOS. http://tinylink.com/?LE9tta2Fdy

Alexandra Burke was recently snapped showing us all the money hasn't gone to her head in this stunning floral number from ASOS.....http://tinylink.com/?ljLBcWSd94

Seen any great high street fashion on the high street? Tweet me www.twitter.com/4couture

Crazy for Collaborations.....

Recently the number of designer/ high street/ celebrity collaborations has snowballed- it seems like everyday another is created but that's not to say we don't love them.



H&M have given us some great designer collaborations (Mathew Williamson, Stella McCartney, Viktor & Rolf....) but is anyone not excited about Jimmy Choo for H&M this November?! The preview looks good (below) although who knows how this will affect the Jimmy Choo brand?


The Kanye West for Louis Vuitton sneaker line was released in June to much accolade and the obligatory waiting lists but they're slightly easier to get hold of now and are really great. I love this pink/ brown pair (below)-www.air-yeezy.com/views/?product-1218.html



Topshop have been at the forefront of designer collaborations for a while now with lots of different lines available in thier flagship Oxford Street store and online. Currently featured online are two stunning lines from Emma Cook and Markus Lupfer. I can't pick a favourite but will suggest this fantastic jumper (below) from the Markus Lupfer line. Completely perfect for A/W 09- sequins, animal print, drapy and black- 4 trends nailed in one fine jumper! www.tinylink.com/?0N4dO19ktA

Coming to Topshop this Autumn is a new collection from Christopher Kane and I can't wait....I will be queuing for this one. The less publicised but still exciting Neurotica for Topshop line will be hitting the Oxford store on the 21st August and a sneak peak looks good (below)....

My bargain of the day is this stripe silk dress from the much celebrated Giles Deacon for New Look line which is currently on offer! www.newlook.co.uk/164433509/ProductDetails.aspx

Got a favourite designer collaboration? Tweet me (www.twitter.com/4couture)

Another British Summertime....

With the British weather changing on a seemingly hour by hour basis it is really difficult to know what to wear each day. Layering is definitely the way forward to keep you warm/cool/dry depending on the hour!

A key trend for this coming winter is draping. Get yourself a draped cardigan and layer over a plain vest if the weather might get warm or a tee if it’s going to be colder. As autumn approaches wear thicker base layers with long sleeves. Dark colours will be another key A/W09 trend so this dark purple Tweed Drape Cardigan from Urban Outfitters is perfect and is a bit of a bargain-

http://tinylink.com/?EfDpbIpue7.


I am in love with this beige cardigan from All Saints which looks effortlessly stylish. http://tinylink.com/?dnyQQjrXEd.
If you are looking for a simpler style try this lightweight number from Warehouse http://tinylink.com/?TFthaYYxPx.


Leggings haven’t gone anywhere and I can’t fault them for their practicality. I am not wearing tights in August but neither am I giving up on my summer dresses- so leggings are the answer. Sequins are going to be everywhere this A/W so get these super glamorous black leggings from Topshop and shimmer your way through the evening. http://tinylink.com/?yIGFqnCyp5.


These cut out leggings are a nod to another A/W trend and are a great way of showing off a bit of flesh on a grey summer’s day!! http://tinylink.com/?fkt3VrEOZT

My pet hate at the moment is cold feet. I leave the house in the sun wearing sandals and an hour later it’s raining- my feet are cold and wet and my spirits dampened. Pumps are my favourite alternative and there are some great ones out there. Embellishment going to be a big trend this winter so get in early and keep your feet dry in embellished flats. These peep toe flats from Kurt Gieger are perfect. Dressed up and dressed down they will looked stylish and are so much more substantial then flip flops! http://www.kurtgeiger.com/online-shop/79433-kg-lana

And finally scarf is a great way to layer up. Get a floral one like this beautiful silk Missoni scarf- floral is big now and will be big this autumn. http://tinylink.com/?KzKBEy2ChN.

Check out our twitter.....(www.twitter.com/4couture)

Miss Asher x

Rain Gear

With the met office forecasting a wet remainder for our typical British summer, it's depressing news for those of us on a ‘staycation’ but on the positive side it gives us the ideal excuse (as if we needed one!?) to hit the shops just in time for the sales, to stock up on wet weather gear....

This stylish jacket is secretly a pac-a-mac so you can keep it in your bag ready for those sudden downpours we’ve been experiencing! http://tinylink.com/?1FA08LWwte

I love this super light weight Mac- perfect for wet but warm work days... http://tinylink.com/?YkQ8EBawty

And let’s not forget the wellies which have to be hunter- currently on offer at Millets.com. Get them in next seasons luxurious dark colours http://www.millets.co.uk/clearance/womens-footwear/product/080544.html.

Check out our tweets at www.twitter.com/4couture

Hana x

Embellishment Heaven

Embellishing just about everything from shoes to dresses is all the rage at the mo and set to be a continuing trend for A/W 09. Just having come to the end of a major embellishment project on stage costumes I’d say I know a thing or two about the subject!!

Ticking all the fashion forward boxes this Balmain dress is velvet and jewel embellished. Make a statement this winter! http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/46823Fake embellishment with a really over the top gorgeous necklace like this one from Topshop. Wear with a plain t and black skinnies for day to night embellishment glamour http://tinylink.com/?bVaokPKZns

I am in love with this effortlessy glamourous embellished swimsuit. Get one now at My Wardrobe http://tinylink.com/?xe4ShJEy7b.

Feeling creative? There are a multitude of shops where you can buy embellishments! Try craft shops, markets, charity shops, vintage shops......the list is as endless as your imagination! To get started try www.mjtrim.com.

Tweet me at www.twitter.com/4couture

Hana x

P.S. Pics from my recent project to be posted soon...