Lucie Loves

Let me introduce you to Young British Designer’s Charlotte Taylor of @CTaylorLTD and her wonderful Sloane Square #CTPopup Shop.

I recently had the good fortune to receive a beautifully illustrated invitation to the press launch of the Charlotte Taylor Sloane Square pop-up shop.

From the Holly V Maslen designed invitation alone, I knew I was in for a treat.

Charlotte Taylor, and her kaleidoscopic world of prints, first came onto my radar into my wardrobe after spying her AW12 creations on Young British Designers and the rest, as they say, is history.

Charlotte’s prints are bold and daring. They instill confidence in their wearer. I promise - I’ve worn them a lot!

They turn heads. 

“A collection inspired by a mother/daughter adventure through Rajasthan, India in April 2012, presented to you is a rich, colourful, playful yet modern take on this magical land.”

From parrots, lanterns and trumpets in AW12, to peacocks, the Taj Mahal, feathers and cows in SS13. Her pieces are always colourful, fun to wear and beautifully made.

When you visit the Charlotte Taylor Sloane Square pop-up store in London, which is open until the 7th June, you will see for yourself just how very irresistible her pieces are.

NOTE: I had to mentally-prise myself out of the two little quilted jackets - I loved them that much! (See photos)

“Traditional techniques complement Charlotte’s quirky prints and elegant silhouettes in a vibrant, endearing collection for spring/summer 2013.”

The small peacock quilted print bomber jacket in orange and - its sister - the Taj print quilted bomber jacket, in pale purple and lime hues, are the perfect summer statement jackets to throw over a simple shift dress, (I’m wearing my new Cos striped knit dress in the photos) or even a pair of jeans and summer sandals. 

“Watch out for India’s national symbol, the peacock, whose elaborate feathers are heavily featured, along with the sacred hump back cow and infamous Taj Mahal.”

My other favourite pieces from her pop-up shop include the Taj quilted dress and the Taj bandeau bikini. You can never have too much Taj in your life as far as I’m concerned.

Charlotte selects her prints carefully and reworks them by crafting numerous garments. All equally covetable.

I’m a big fan of Charlotte Taylor, the person (a fellow Northerner, as I found out at the press launch) and her work. I’m genuinely excited to see what guises her next collections come in. A dark ‘Circus’ theme is on the cards for AW13 and I can’t wait!

Charlotte Taylor Pop-up 

54 Sloane Square

London

SW1W 8AX

http://charlottetaylorltd.com

Photography © Lucie Kerley

#BLOGGED Summer lovin’ (what I want to wear when the weather gets warmer…)

Like a breath of summer air, that’s what opening my little YBD parcel felt like. I was greeted by zingy orange Charlotte Taylor, sea blue mermaid-style Atalanta Weller and stunning Meli Melo butter-soft arm candy. I immediately wanted to unwrap them all, call my friends and tell them to get dressed up so that we could all go out and play*.

What I’m wearing:

• Zebra Cotton Mini Dress by Charlotte Taylor at Young British Designers
• Apricot Suede Cropped Biker Jacket by H&M - an oldie but a goodie  - similar ones are often available on eBay for a bargain!
• Thela Bag in soft navy leather by Meli Melo at Young British Designers
• Sea Blue Sandal Wedges by Atalanta Weller at Young British Designers
• Beaded multi-colour bracelet, a lovely little shop in Puerto   Pollensa, Majorca
• Spike and pearl chainlink necklace from Topshop (2012)
• Eagle handchain and ring from Topshop (2012) - see similar handchains here.

(*Read: Drink mojitos + dance to 90s RnB and a bit of 00s garage until our feet hurt and our faces ached from smiling.)

#BLOGGED Zigzag shaped summer sandal delights from Atalanta Weller at Young British Designers.

I love these sandals. They have all the comfort of a wedge but the deceptively slender back-view of a stiletto. Ta da! 

Block Heel Zigzag Sandal by Atalanta Weller at Young British Designers

Atalanta Weller has produced a stunning tan-caramel suede, block heel sandal with soft, pale cream, zigzag accents. The heel height is just over 3 inches - so very practical. I think these shoes well deserve a place on your holiday packing list, they’d be fab for adding a little extra length to your pins and a little extra wow to your outfits. 

A few possible ways to wear them:

#BLOGGED Thank you, Charlotte Taylor @YBDfashion for a fresh new take on this summer’s party dress.

So, I’ve had a look in my wardrobe and it turns out I own all sorts of prints…

• Leopard
• Snake
• Herringbone
• Paisley
• Floral
• Tarten
• Trumpet Lantern
• Parrot
• Polkadot
• Striped
• Bird
• Brocade
• Oriental
• Geometric
• Cosmic
• Monochrome

The list goes on… and on… and on.

BUT! I realise, I have never before owned or worn (in all seriousness) something resembling zebra print.

You hear zebra and, admit it, you tend to think of a zebra crossing or of garish black and white mock-zebra stripes. However, you will be pleased to know, Charlotte Taylor has managed to sweep away those ghastly predictable connections and produce a fun, unexpected, young and pretty print that is perfect for introducing to your spring/summer 2013 wardrobe.

Young British Designers stock a good selection of Charlotte Taylor pieces and her zebra range is pretty extensive.

I am wearing loving the orange chevron striped Zebra Cotton Mini Dress by Charlotte Taylor at Young British Designers, £210 worn (above) with the fabulous Atalanta Weller Sea Blue Sandal Wedge. I find the repeating pattern of little zebra heads set against the quirky orange backdrop very fun.

I also adore the chiffon maxi version of this zebra dress too, priced at £390. It would be perfect to wear as a guest for a friend’s spring/summer wedding. It’s rather demure neckline belies the sexy low v-cut back along with the pretty capped sleeves and chiffon floaty fabric, which make it a very wearable, lightweight summer staple.

If you’re still a little scared of going ‘all out’ zebra, treat yourself to a little Charlotte Taylor scarf to dip your toe into the quirky Eastern inspired waters.

Zebra Chiffon Scarf by Charlotte Taylor at Young British Designers, £120

Photography © jmgcreative + Lucie Kerley

#BLOGGED The most beautiful DSLR Camera Bag a girl could ever own!

Those of you Fashion, Lifestyle or Food Bloggers or stylish Photographers, who own a DSLR camera, will understand where I’m coming from when I say that fashion + practicalities never really add up when it comes to carrying your DSLR around with you without looking like a lost backpacker or worrying that you’ll scratch your lens.

I have been known, on occasion, to sling on a giant Lowepro backpack and look like I might topple over at any moment. And despite it being very sturdy, weather-proof, full of handy little compartments and a waist belt to lighten the load of my camera equipment… it is not sexy.

However, the White Rock Snake Camera Bag by Meli Melo is.

I spotted the Meli Melo bag on the Young British Designer’s ‘New In’ pages and if you’d have seen me, you’d have noticed the heart shaped adoration in my eyes. No joke.

I read up a bit more about Meli Melo, which describes itself as ‘a British handbag label with Italian heritage’. It prides itself in selecting only the highest quality leather skins and working with high-end Italian tanneries to produce superb, covetable, results.

I can confirm, my beautiful camera bag is strokeably soft. It’s definitely a special occasion bag, one that I wouldn’t want to wear out with over-use. It comes complete with a long gold and leather-effect chain and top carrying handle. It also comes in Mandarin Orange leather too.

I decided to pair my bag with the Garden White Gloss T Dress by Draw In Light, a Forever 21 gold chain-mail necklace and my Jenson Python Ankle Boots by Lama Peach, another one of my favourite Young British Designers.

Draw In Light produce wonderful, one-off, unique garments in their London studio using free-hand silk screen techniques. You can make an appointment to visit the studio, chat fashion and see how they work.

Photography © Lucie Kerley

#BLOGGED Full of Eastern promise, let the clocks spring forwards.

A celebration of spring/summer ‘13 featuring some of my favourite Young British Designers. I’m a big fan of a maxi dress and when that maxi dress is covered in some of Charlotte Taylor’s magnificently colourful prints, I want to wear it even more. All hail the mighty cow print! It doesn’t take itself too seriously, which I love. Shouldn’t life be more like a Charlotte Taylor dress?

We all love something sexy hanging off our arm… I’m not being silly and talking about boysssss… or girlsssss. I’m a handbag worshipper.  I have a range of bags, both vintage and new (don’t we all?) from the likes of Highstreet stores Topshop, NewLook, Urban Outfitters, and, in my line of blogging work, have dabbled (very enjoyably might I add) with upcoming Young British Designers like Sophie Hulme, and M. Hulot and I can now proudly add Meli Melo to that collection.

The Thela Bag by Meli Melo, in buttery soft navy leather, is going to be a strong contender for a space on my arm this year. It has been ergonomically designed to hang off your arm in that way that ‘ladies who shop’ like to do. Effortless chic.

What I loved most about it were all of the little compartments inside and the multitude of ways there are to wear it. Prepare yourselves to be amazed. This bag is roooooomy.

The great little inner-pockets carefully file away your belongings - in my case: iPhone 5, lipstick, lipgloss, Louise Gray cream blush compact and eyeliner stick - the essentials.

It also comes with a small matching navy blue leather clutch bag which you can put your purse, keys and other precious bits in that you need to find quickly. The clutch can be attached/detached to/from the inside of the bag using a clip feature. It’s basically two bags for the price of one (see photo). If you ever needed justification (which you won’t - not if you’ve worked hard enough) to get one of these, then surely 2-4-1 is going to sway you? 

And like all good things, the leather will only get better with age.

What I’m wearing:

• Cow Print Jersey Maxi Dress by Charlotte Taylor
• Block heel zigzag tan suede sandals by Atalanta Weller
• Thela Bag in soft navy leather by Meli Melo C/O Young British Designers
• Apricot suede jacket by H&M (a favourite from a few seasons ago)
• Wooden beaded necklace, a charity shop find

Photography © jmgcreative + Styled/Edited by Lucie Kerley

#BLOGGED Statement shoes by Atalanta Weller at Young British Designers and how to wear them.

These sea blue peep-toe sandal wedges by Atalanta Weller are certainly eye-catching. But how on earth do you wear them? I decided to set myself a small mission to answer that question.

Here are some outfit inspiration photos that I found on Pinterest, my favourite visual mood-boarding site.

“How To Wear Statement Shoes?”

May I introduce to you the delightful Jenson.

The gorgeous chicks @LamaPeach of www.lamapeach.com were very kind and sent me these fabulous custom-made (in Italy!!!) python leather boots.

OMIGOD OMIGOD OMIGOD.

I received a little message on my tumblr blog around Christmas as was literally jumping up and down with joy at what it said. (See photo)

You may have seen me in outfit shots wearing another of Lama Peach’s boots - Paige, these were from www.youngbritishdesigners.com. They were THE boots to see me through last summer.

Festivals, parties, shopping trips, beach days, etc, etc.

For 5 ways to wear Lama Peach have a peak at these outfits featuring my Paige laser cut cowboy boots:

1. http://lucieloves.co.uk/post/22978191547/13-05-12-my-diy-tie-dye-maxi-dress-ybdfashion
2. http://lucieloves.co.uk/post/23189860083/all-jazzed-out
3. http://lucieloves.co.uk/post/23439328269/19-05-12-dainty-diana-tights-floral-playsuit-and-lama-pe
4. http://lucieloves.co.uk/post/23127060410/ding-dong-hello-lincoln-in-stripes
5. http://lucieloves.co.uk/post/23057420380/14-05-12-racer-front-vest-inspired-by-afterdrk

They currently stock at pair called Payton, which are a similar style to my Paige ones. Soooo nice! Perfect summer ankle boots.

Lama Peach does very cool footwear. Not only does it look HOTTT, but they also produce boots that are comfy as hell. Never a blister will grace this foot wearing these badboys.

So, Jenson, will be gracing my feet a LOT this spring/summer 2013.

What will you be treating your tootsies too?

Check out more SS13 footwear at www.lamapeach.com and follow them on twitter @LamaPeach.

THANK YOU LAMA & YOUR LOVELY CHICKS!!!! MMMMWAH!!! XXXX

Photography © Lucie Kerley

P.S I’ve already been eyeing up other snakeprint accessories like this White Rock Snake Camera Bag from Young British Designers, by Meli Melo:

This was my very first London Fashion Week outfit (look 1 of 2, I will post a photo of 2 of 2 when I chance). I loved dressing up in one of Kelly Shaw’s summer dresses from the SS13 collection, it twirled and twirled and caught the eye of many a street style photographer at Somerset House.

I paired the blue and white stripey tiered dress with a pair of Albia - leopard print ponyskin chelsea boots from Red by Wolves (was £195 now £125) at Young British Designers, my green leather Sophie Hulme tote bag, (was £535 now £335)Reiss Scarlett WIDE BRIM TRILBYScarlett green trilby hat from Reiss. If you liked my hat be sure to check out the Reiss 1971 SS13 collection for more beautiful finds. 

Photos by Rookie Boulle (Thank you lovely!)

London Fashion Week is the ULTIMATE place for a spot of street style photography. I had a ball! So many beautiful people, accessories, dresses, hats, and shoes.

Here are some of the lovely people I saw on Day 1. My favourite Young British Designer folks - Julian Whitehead and Debra Hepburn, Designer - Kelly Shaw, fashionistas Jessica Quillin and Jessica Hines, Illustrator - Ruby Browning aka Jennifer Roberts and other gorgeous girlies!

Photography © Lucie Kerley

Stop the press! Kelly Shaw London and ladies #Occupy the street outside of Somerset House, London Fashion Week, whilst bloggers and photographers capture the event. Journalist & Filmmaker Leah Borromeo interviews Kelly Shaw. Leah Borromeo aims to “unpick the whole clothing supply chain and see if making ethics and sustainability the norm can help fashions real victims – up to 300,000 Indian farmers have killed themselves to get out of debt”. http://www.thecottonfilm.com/

Photography © Lucie Kerley

One of Young British Designers bright young things, Kelly Shaw and her latest pieces walk up The Strand to London Fashion Week 2013, as passersby gaze intrigued! 

Photography © Lucie Kerley

Making a stand for Young British Designers, on Day 1 of London Fashion Week, Designer Kelly Shaw gathered her troops, set her sights on Somerset House and showcased her latest pieces. Each accessorised with a little bit of anarchy, Kelly declared “Today is Boring” and raised eyebrows and camera lenses along the way.

Photography © Lucie Kerley

BLOGGED: A few things I fell in love with yesterday. P.S. I bought the @REISS Scarlett Wide Brim Trilby Hat.

From Top:

Black and White, Sixties style faux leather mini-dress, £15, (SALE) River Island @Highcross (tried on a size 6 as only one left)

Black, Leather look panel bodycon midi-dress with studded collar detail, was £50 now £25, River Island (tried on a size 10)

Black, Patent leather detail mini-dress, £25, (SALE) River Island @Highcross (tried on a size 10)

Forest Green, SCARLETT, Wide Brim Trilby, £59, Reiss (S/M) It was a matter of “I NEED this in my life” and it matched my Sophie Hulme Tote from YBD a treat!

Silk Satin jumpsuit with a rosette, was £29.99 now £22.99, (SALE) Zara (tried on both the XSmall and a Medium. A Small would have been perfect!)

Black and Gold, Ankle Boot with studded toe, was £119 now £59.99, Zara (I can’t believe they still have a size 5 (38) left in these beauties!!)

My outfit yesterday, for a spot of rifling through the sales, consisted of my favourite black and gold studded velvet leggings from Topshop, which were around £20 - a variation of which are now in the sale for £12!

I also wore my newly purchased Scarlett Trilby from Reiss, after ogling Garance Dore in hers whilst flicking through the new Sartorialist book. (I’ve done a little write up about the books, which I will post soon!)

I threw on my comfy oxblood coloured ‘Neppy’ tee from Topshop, a steal at £14. They have them available in khaki now too.

Last but not least I wore my Dr Martens Darla Chelsea Heeled Ankle Boots, another steal from TK Maxx for a few squid. (about £35!)

I topped it all off  with my smart new camel coat from the Next sale (was £60 reduced to £30) and my Sophie Hulme Green Leather Tote Bag from Young British Designers.

Et voila!

Photography © Lucie Kerley

Product images c/o: Reiss, Topshop, Dr Martens & Young British Designers.

100% SILK. SILKY. SILKEN. The Borne by Elise Berger Euphenio Dress. Mmm. No better feeling than slipping into something made of the most beautiful of fabrics. Silk in black! How very daring you, Little Black Dress, you! Perfect for meeting the demands of most NYE occasions… team with heels for added sophistication or save your little feet by popping them into ankle boots.

I paired the dress with a spike and pearl detail statement necklace from Topshop, and a pair of Albia Red by Wolves Leopard Ponyskin Chelsea Boots, because sometimes it’s nice to wear things that are ridiculously soft to touch. A real fashion and textile treat for the senses! The best thing about this dress is the swirly-twirly skirt and the hidden pockets! Everyone loves pockets!

Wearing:

• The Euphenio Dress, Borne by Elise Berger @ Young British Designers
• Albia Leopard Ponyskin Chelsea Boots, Red by Wolves @ Young British Designers
• Topshop Spike and Pearl Statement necklace
• Faux Fur Coat by Per Una at Marks and Spencers

Photography: © jmgcreative & Styling/Edit: Lucie Kerley