Charlotte Taylor

Of the new designers I’ve come across, there is one that really sticks out when it comes to everyday wear that makes you feel (and look obvs) good, that is Charlotte Taylor. Tweed, penguins and stylish waterproof capes (please remove any theme park poncho images from your mind) all featured in her AW10 collection, which was perfect for every occasion whether you’re a city dweller or country chic. AW10 favourites…

Her Spring Summer 11 collection features amazing shapes, fun prints and bright colours. Taking on a variety of trends she has nailed the midi’s, maxi’s, 70’s and careful tailoring through a variety of pieces that all bode well together as well as look good with basic staples. SS11 favourites…

Although there has not been much noise from her over the past few months, she blogged yesterday saying that the business had gone through some changes and that she would divulge them soon. So, fingers crossed its good news as I think this lady has far to go in the fashion world, especially with her down to earth “Lancashire Lass” attitude.

H&M AW10 Collection

To be quite honest, I’ve been going off H&M for a few seasons as every time I go in there I’m greeted by quite frankly cheap looking prints, and whilst they do have the odd hidden gem, the Oxford street and Regent street stores are usually too manic to even bother. However a few months ago I discovered that the Covent Garden store was actually quite peaceful, this prompted me to go in and buy a few basic pieces, and remember it for later.

Now I have just seen the new AW10 collection I will definitely be paying them a visit, as it is a lot more chic then their previous seasons. There is a lot of camel and tailoring, and once again they focus heavily on coats. Wait, don’t groan just yet. Whilst last winter most of their coats closely resembled tat, this year they have made a come back, featuring my favourite item, the camel cape, along with some other gorgeous cover ups. Along side these there are fabulously tailored flared trousers, “perfect for winter” shorts and several luxurious tops. It’s fair to say that H&M have grown up this season, a move which I think they needed.

Here are a few of About your Dress’ favourites:

Whistles AW10 Collection

Since I can remember Whistles, the high quality, not so highly priced, high street brand, they have not exactly struck me as cutting edge when it comes to fashion. Then at the beginning of the year I saw a certain pair of printed trousers in a street style piece, (see 15-03-10 in my Grazia Scrapbook) that made me sit up and take notice, and to my surprise I actually liked a lot of their collection.

Therefore when writing a piece about capes the other day, I decided to take a look at their AW10 collection and unsurprisingly they are continuing with their bold new brand identity. Under the watch of fashion dynamo Jane Shepherdson, they are producing gorgeous, on the fashion pulse garments that you will be racing to get into your wardrobe.

Whistles have stepped even further away from their old look and it really pays off, there is a lot of play with materials as feathers, fur, silk and leather are all present. Misshaped jumpers and many over sized garments show off their new edgier streak, being more synonymous with street style icons and vintage lovers that the traditional preen Whistles customer. As well as broadening their own imaginations’ they have also taken inspiration from the catwalk, featuring a flying jacket, cape and leather shorts. In my opinion Whistles is on the up and I don’t think it will be disappearing off the style pages any time soon.

Here are a few of About your Dress’ favourites: