Chanel SS14 Haute-Couture: Would you trade in your Manolo's for trainers on your wedding day?

There is no denying that we have all dreamt about who will design our wedding dress one day, be it Marchesa, Vera Wang, Alice Temperley, or one of my favourites, Elie Saab; but when it comes down to the shoes, I am sure most of us would opt for a pair of Manolo Blahnik 'Manolo's', glitzy Jimmy Choo's or even a cheeky pair of Louboutin's. So what happened when Cara Delevigne took to the Catwalk in Chanel's Spring 2014 Haute Couture show wearing a wedding dress and....well.....TRAINERS?!



 

Karl Lagerfeld taking to the catwalk with his Grandson and Cara Delevigne in one of Chanel's Haute Couture Bridal dresses

Aside to the artful, couturier strength shown throughout the show, I can't help but wonder whether I would be willing to trade in my Manolo's for a pair of trainers on my wedding day, Chanel or not. Unfortunately Karl, the answer is no...However when I did a bit of soul-searching on the matter, I discovered that it is in fact popular for some people to wear trainers under their wedding dress whilst actually discovering that one lady wore UGGS! Is this what the future holds for our younger generations to come?

 

Cara Delevigne with Karl Lagerfeld's Grandson



The concept showcased within the colossal interior of Paris's Grand Palais by Chanel suggests that urban, fashion-forward model, Cara Delevigne is influencing fashion mastermind, Karl Lagerfeld to start entertaining a much younger audience, such as the 21 year old herself. As Karl lures to turn around Chanel's image, in some light it portrays a fanciful yet absurd future where the 'Chanel Woman' is more youthful and whilst I don't think we will be seeing Trucker/Flat caps take to the Catwalk any time soon, we can see that as times are changing, the younger generation are becoming a huge part in boosting the sales of the most non-chalant and timeless Parisian brand in the world. Chanel is renowned for upholding its status of being the greatest couturier in the world.

Karl Lagerfeld left us unaware of what is to come in the future for Chanel, but as always Karl ensured that the iconic Chanel suit made its righteous appearance in cool pastel colours with metallic threads. Colours such as blush pink, subtle violet and pale green complemented white and ivory with black peeping out here and there. Is white the new black..I believe so!

Whilst Dior have also interpreted the two-piece look with their Haute-Couture SS14 dresses by creating a cropped layer of identical material over their high necked dresses to fake a top/skirt combo; Chanel have 'faked' the midriff by showing there is no need to bare one, by using delicate lace and mesh cut on the bias to divide A-Line skirts from cropped jackets as this season's 'Iconic Suit'. Other looks included bedazzled knee and elbow protectors of which would be sought after by the roller-blading elite, if you're going to opt for a pair of these you clearly don't shop in Lilliwhites!!

 

 



Bea {x}

 

Trend Alert: Starry Eyed

Givenchy seems to be entering Galactica this season, whilst Giles sends smooches all around the world with his up and coming lip print; but one brand that is particularly renowned for its prints is Wildfox. The Star print is becoming some what of a signature look for american vintage-inspired womans knitwear brand, Wildfox. Over the past few months countless celebrities and fashion icons have been embracing the LA based brand with their 'Story Telling' tees and sweaters.

Wildfox Lennon Knitwear Sweater - £205

Wildfox Lennon Cropped Sweater in Navy

The starry sweater has been a particular favourite and has been pictured in the press a hell of a lot recently with celebrities such as Taylor swift, Miley Cyrus, Bridget Mendler and Ashley Tisdale sporting the piece of knitwear. Now whilst Wildfox can be bought in the UK it isn't the cheapest of brands on the highstreet, set in London's luxury department stores such as Harvey Nicks and Selfridges, you may find that getting your hands of one of these sweaters will come at a cost of around £200..eek. Then again..Whoever said money doesn't buy happiness clearly doesn't know where to shop!

Bridgit Mendler wearing Navy Lennon Cropped Sweater in recent music video

From left to right: Miley Cyrus, Ashley Tisdale, Alessandra Ambrosio, Ellie Goulding

Taylor swift rocking the Wildfox Lennon Red Sweater in LA

Bea {x}

Bleu Ciel!

Well I bet you didn't know that Blue Ciel meant Sky Blue in Francais? As the sun peeps out and the rain temporarily draws to a close I opted to store away my puffa jacket for the day and showcase my new baby..my sky blue 'monsters inc' inspired jacket from Zara. I love the collarless neckline and lack of shape that the jacket beholds, it is reminiscent of those in the 60's. Whilst the 60's style slips from beneath our fingers whilst moulding into the 80s scene this season, we can still hold onto mint greens edging into sky blues along with shapeless fits (aka the Shift) and my favourite...the headband. Poppy delevigne is a popular supporter of the 60s chic look along with designers such as Victoria Beckham and Marni continuing A-line skirts, shift dresses and jackets.

Bea {x}

Coat - Zara £129.99/ Skirt - L.O.V.E/ Shirt - Zara/ Headband - American Apparel

No detailing or collar just plain and simple...

I am no longer a Dorothy Perkins Virgin!

I can truly say, I have never shopped nor bought anything from Dorothy Perkins in my life, I don't know why but among many shops it never screams BEA at me. My work colleagues insisted I try it and so, as of yesterday I am no longer a Dorothy Perkins virgin! Whilst a lot of the clothes weren't my style, I came across a lovely royal blue dress which I snapped up as the perfect work outfit.

The dress has a doubled-rolled vicar neckline with short sleeves that are arched inwards for a flattering fit. The nature of the dress is 60s style, with it gripping you around the chest and flowing downwards from beneath the bust. The fit of the dress is very flattering for a curvacious figure like mine. Dorothy Perkins is extremely affordable and I would class it as one of those places that if you look hard enough you can leave with some amazing pieces at very affordabe prices. Another plus was the fact that the shop assistant filled a bag full of hangers for me, which I needed seeing as my mother and I have had to convert the spare room into a second wardrobe for the both of us...

Bea {x}

Has Versace gone GAGA?

Rumours are flying around regarding a possible collaboration between close pals Donatella Versace and Lady Gaga. The pair have been friends for years thanks to Donatella gifting Gaga one of her Vintage Versace dresses which was worn in her Edge of Glory music video back in 2011. The Italian designer also designed Gaga's costumes for her Born This Way tour which toured worldwide; Gaga shared her love for the chain-smoking, fashion queen on her latest album 'ART POP' dedicating track 10 (Donatella) to her pal, Versace.



Photo: Starcount



Photo: Digital Spy



Photo: Zimbio

So with this in mind and with endless rumours circulating, it seems sense that Donatella makes Gaga the face of the Spring/Summer 2014 Versace campaign...watch this space...

Meanwhile...yesterday in New York Lady Gaga was celebrating her latest album release (ART POP)with the grand opening of the H&M in Times Square. Gaga was the latest celebrity to collaborate with the global fashion brand, however, don't expect to see any wacky clothing taking to the shelves, unfortunately (or..fortunately) Gaga will not be designing the range, instead she will be the brand ambassador for their latest collection and well we can expect to see her face everywhere...

 

 Photo: Amusio

 

Photo: My Daily News

 

Photo: Elle

Not only did customers and fans get to enjoy the 24 hour opening time, but were able to meet the fabulous extrovert herself; along with receiving hourly offers and fashion giveaways...NOW WHY WASN'T THIS IN LONDON!!!!!

Bea {x}

Brooooooching with Chanel

It's pretty obvious that I bloody love a Peter Pan collar and a shirt, and I am forever finding new accessories to place bang in the middle of the collar; be it a ribbon tied in a bow, a rose brooch or a chunky necklace. However, I have always wanted a Chanel brooch to place there and well... I got what I wanted ohhhhh yaaaaaarrrrrrr!!!! Love Love my latest addition..

Bea {x} 

Go K-K-Krazy for the Kardashian Kollection for Lipsy

With the Kardashian name flying around here, there and everywhere in the press, you'd think that the girls would want to take a step back from their hectic lifestyles flooding the media; but as usual the three sisters prove to be unbreakable as they release yet another clothing line for Lipsy. Their last collection, which launched for Dorothy Perkins in early July was a soaring success, and whilst the girls decided not to continue their contract with Arcadia Group's, Dorothy Perkins, the girls have in fact decided to design another line for Lipsy. The Kardashian Empire just keeps on growing and the girls show no signs of weakness in their campaign for the label..Lamar who?

Khloe, Kourtney and Kim are back with their brand new Kollection for Lipsy

So what can we expect from the latest Kardashian Kraze? Well of course their renowned bootylicious, figure-hugging bodycon dresses and a rather daring halterneck, all lace jumpsuit, which surprisingly looks fabulous on Kourtney but I can't see myself carrying that off anytime soon... The girls have opted for bold colours such as red, white and black, assymetric shapes and patterns for a simple but sexy look. The collection, like the last is affordable still, however is priced higher than what it was in DP, with prices starting at £30 and reaching highs of £150. The Kardashian Kollection will be available to buy in Lipsy stores on 24th October. Here is a sneak peak of what we can look forward to:

 

 

Bea {x}