Thandie Newton: Trends make me anxious

Thandie Newton's "palms sweat" when she thinks about following the latest trends.

The actress is famed for her natural beauty and understated style, and prefers to steer clear of fad fashions. Thandie thinks people should chose clothes that suit them, rather than sporting pieces just because they're in fashion.

"The idea of following trends makes my palms sweaty," she explained to People. "I think that we have all these wonderful things available, [and] you have to find whatever speaks to you in terms of style - something that allows you to then speak to the world."

Thandie is a mother of two. The 39-year-old star says her daily beauty routine is very low maintenance due to her chaotic schedule.

"If I'm getting ready for the school run and I look in the mirror and I just look exhausted, I will get some Julie Hewett cheek rogue," she revealed.

"I'll put that on the apples of my cheeks to make it look as though I've had a wonderful run in the morning - even though I haven't!"

The raven-haired star's no-nonsense approach to style and beauty also extends to the red carpet. Thandie sometimes does her own make-up and hair for public appearances.

"If my favourites are busy, or I'm in another country and they're not around, I'm doing my own," she smiled.

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Hottest Summer Apparel Fashion Trends Set the Stage for Branded Clothing at Gorilla Marketing

Gorilla Marketing, a premier promotional products company, is helping companies expand brand awareness with the latest trends in summer apparel for branded clothing.

Following the lead of L.A. Fashion Week, Gorilla Marketing is taking corporate apparel and branded clothing to new fashion heights. Gone are the days of plain business attire and logo polo shirts. Today, companies can emblazon their brand name on designer shirts, cotton tees, sweatshirts, lightweight jackets, and ball caps.

Companies can create their own celebrity style by embellishing promo merchandise with embroidery, screen printing, glitter, flocking, rhinestones and other design elements.

L.A. Fashion Week revealed that summer trends will be full of brilliant jewel tones, metallics, sheer fabrics with transparent layers, and vintage wear with sleek, clean lines. Furthermore, eco fashion is leading the way for companies to be a part of the environmental solution while promoting their brand.

Gorilla Marketing President, Chris Arranaga suggests, "Providing trendy clothing that keeps recipients cool during hot summer months while looking chic is a fantastic approach to marketing. Current fashion trends embrace uniqueness and that opens the door for a lot of creativity and one-of-a-kind designs."

Summer months are ideal for making use of organic cotton and other types of eco-friendly fabrics such as bamboo and organic hemp. Combining bright colors or using metallic embroidery thread is a great way for companies to share marketing messages while providing sustainable fashion.

"Many companies are getting involved with eco-fashion to brand their business as a trendsetter", states Arranaga. "Consumers appreciate businesses that express an interest in environmental concerns, so pairing summer fashion with eco-friendly fabrics gives owners an advantage over competitors."

Companies don't need to hire a fashion designer or buy clothing that is made for runway models. Instead, summertime promotional apparel should be comfortable and cool, yet trendy enough that recipients will want to wear it on a regular basis.

"Summer months are the ideal time for supplying promotional clothing to clients due to increased visibility", states Arranaga. "People are out and about partaking in all kinds of activities, which makes the season perfect for putting marketing messages on customers' backs."

Gorilla Marketing offers a superb selection of summer apparel fabrics in bright colors and trendy styles. Their experienced consultants can help companies design unique and trendsetting apparel that embraces their brand.

For additional information or product quotes visit http://www.GorillaMarketing.net

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Dipped Hem Dresses & Skirts

Dipped hem skirts and dipped hem dresses galore….

Have you seen the new dipped hem dresses and skirts yet? Forget the mini, forget the maxi…..the hem line you need in your wardrobe is a combination of the two….

Dipped hem dresses and dipped hem skirts, or ‘mullet style’ as some people like to call them are becoming more and more popular this season. A skirt/dress that covers but also exposes your perfect pins! Short at the front, longer at the back. They are femimine and girly but with an edge and I like that! At republic we have a lovely selection from pretty pastels to bold prints. Something for everyone.

Take a look at our selection of gorgeous dipped hem dresses and dipped hem skirts now…

If you’re brave, love colour blocking and want to cling on the comfort of a maxi skirt  then you should try theCrafted Zip Mullet Skirt; a lovely bright orange skirt which can be worn throughout the spring and summer. Perfect for adding that ‘pop’ to an outfit, especially come festival season! The back half is just as long as your trusted maxi dress but you’ve got all the excitement of a shorter hem at the front! This style for those really wanting to make an impact with the dipped hem skirt trend.

If you want to dabble with the trend but want to introduce it into your wardrobe more subtly, then the Miso Dipped hem skirts in Floral Print or White may be more suited to you. The back hem is more knee length making the difference between the two less obvious but still gives you that wow factor. But before you know it, you’ll fall head over heels in love with the stunning array of dipped hem skirts and dipped hem dresses out there, and you’ll want to own every one! 

If you want the head-to-toe impact in this trend, then how about checking out our dipped hem dresses? This gorgeous Miso Leopard print dipped hem maxi is great for a night out, the neon belt (included) adds the perfect bit of colour, the open back detailing adds something special, and it would look simply fabulous with a blazer and killer heels. Dipped hem dresses are also very versatile for daytime and night time transformations!  You can look lovely at a summer barbeque, meet the girls for afternoon cocktails, or be wined and dined looking fab in dipped hem.

Thinking ahead for the festival season (there’s no such thing as being too prepared) this Crafted Mullet maxi dress would be just ideal.  It’s got a fab tribal print which would look perfect with your gladiator sandals, tan satchel, aviators and straw hat dancing away in a field to the bands you love at a music festival this summer!

Finally, the last pick of the day in dipped hem dresses – isn’t the Angel eyes dipped hem maxi dress the most prettiest dress you have ever seen?  This screams summer wedding/christening/garden party. Its just gorgeous! I love it and need it in my wardrobe now!

Will you be dipping your toes in the dipped hem dresses and dipped hem skirts trend this spring/summer? If you are already rocking dipped hem skirts and dresses, let us know in the comments!

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What To Wear With Chinos

What to wear with chinos; an expert guide

What to wear with chinos, eh?  Well, we love chinos here!  In fact, we’d like to declare them the perfect trouser. More lightweight and comfortable than jeans, chinos are perfect for lazy, laidback days… but add a pair of heels or a smart shirt and you’ve got yourself a look fit for the dancefloor.

These multitasking wardrobe must-haves are top of our wishlist for Spring/Summer 2012. We’ll be wearing them with a sharp blazer, or a colour clash tee… wait, why don’t we just show you? If you love the look but you’re unsure of exactly what to wear with chinos, take a look at what we’ve put together for you!

What to Wear with Chinos – Girls

Miso Chinos, Glamorous Bloc Blouse, Crafted Blazer, Miso Statement Necklace, Miso Mary Jane Double Strap Heels

If you’re wondering how to wear chinos, girls, never fear! We’ve put together some mix and match items, and these navy blue chinos are quickly becoming our all-time faves. The dark colour and skinny fit make them totally figure flattering – we think they look great paired with dusky pinks as a nod to this season’s romantic pastels trend. Wear with a floaty blouse, structured blazer, statement jewels and super high heels for serious style points.

What to Wear with Chinos – Guys

White Label Classic Chinos, G-Star Base T-Shirt, Fabric Snap Watch, Soul Cal Deluxe Stitch Espadrilles

It’s all about the cool blues! Our White Label Classic Chinos are the perfect shade of petrol blue – wear them with a colour pop tee for maximum effect. Then just add espadrilles and this season’s Snap Watch to accessorise like a boss.  If you don’t know what to wear with chinos, it’s simple – classics looks work and so do the latest on-trend pieces.

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What to wear at a festival

We’ve booked our tickets (after two hours, numerous website crashes and three hissy fits), sorted our travel and unpacked the tent, so now all we need to know is what to wear at a festival. And that’s the fun bit!

Yeah, yeah, so there are a few months to go yet, but it never hurts to be prepared. That’s why we’ve put together a guide to your festival wardrobe, whether you’re heading to Creamfields or V. Take a look…

Crafted Rose Drop Arm Vest Top, Soul Cal Deluxe Belted Rip Hotpants, Soul Cal Deluxe Collar Hi-Tops,Soul Cal Deluxe Trilby Hat

Wear for: Leeds and Reading Festival

To see: Foo Fighters, Florence and The Machine, Kasabian

If you’re heading to an indie festival this summer, a cool and casual outfit will ensure you fit right in among all those laidback muso types. A pair of ripped denim shorts, baggy vest and straw hat are all you need to get the look.

Festival Fashion Tip: Keep your feet sweet! Muddy fields are no place for flip flop – protect your toes with these cute and quirky hi top trainers.

White Label Colour Hotpants, White Label Zip Through Hoody, White Label Eyelet Plimsolls, Soul Cal Deluxe Wayfarer Sunglasses

Wear for: Creamfields

To see: David Guetta, Example, Deadmau5

Give us a killer baseline and some neon facepaint – we’re ready to dance! If you’re at a dance or rave festival this summer, you need some neon – go for a colour clash with oranges and pinks… and don’t forget the statement shades!

Festival Fashion Tip: A lightweight cotton hoody like this one from White Label will keep you warm when the sun goes down. And it comes in loads of colours too – bonus!

Soul Cal Deluxe Bird Print Playsuit, Soul Cal Deluxe V Plimsolls, Miso Feather and Leaf Necklace, Miso Weave Pouch Bag

Wear for: Wireless Festival

To see: Drake, Jessie J, Rihanna

We know it’s not particularly ‘cool’, but we LOVE pop festivals. All that fun music requires a fun outfit, and this printed playsuit is perfect. Team with these navy plimsolls for dry days, but take your wellies just in case…

Festival Fashion Tip: Wear your cross-body bag on your front so you can see your valuables at all times – you wouldn’t want to lose your camera before the headliner comes on!

Are you going to a festival this summer? What will you be wearing?

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New York Fashion Week: Trends in women's wear

A new generation of fashion designers comes into its own with fall looks that are stylish, wearable — and affordable.

With mid-priced collections as upscale-looking and lavishly detailed as those on the New York runways for fall, who needs to pay top dollar for fashion?

So much of the excitement during the New York Fashion Week shows that wrapped up on Thursday was about the so-called advanced contemporary category of labels that cost less than high-end designer collections without sacrificing style. Among those creating a buzz: Rag & Bone, Tory Burch,Alexander Wang, 3.1 Phillip Lim,Helmut Lang, Theyskens Theory and even theJ. Crew Collection. (The entry price for advanced contemporary collections is about $295, and the most expensive pieces are around $1,000, which is closer to the entry price for high-end designer collections.)

"These are the designers of the future," says Stephanie Solomon, fashion director of Bloomingdale's. "When you think of the old guard, ofKarl Lagerfeld, Giorgio Armani and Ralph Lauren, as much as I respect them, they are not spring chickens anymore. These designers are going to usurp them. And they are making clothes with beautiful quality, innovative fabrics and silhouettes. In the future, I envision an entire level of our store based on these up-and-coming, talented designers."

These more affordable, accessible lines offer head-to-toe dressing, with accessories and outerwear. And they hit on all of the trends seen this week, including sleek, minimalist tailoring; Asian influences; black-and-white graphic schemes; and bright color-blocking. Key pieces for a fall wardrobe? A pair of statement pants in a colorful jacquard or print and with a tapered silhouette, worn over a pair of pumps (Manolo Blahnik forJ. Crewperhaps?); a shift dress or a pencil skirt that hits below the knee; and a fun swing coat or fur accessory in an eye-catching texture and hue.

We saw the return of the suit (albeit a nontraditional sort of suit), including the camel and cream color-blocked karate jacket belted over trousers at 3.1 Phillip Lim, the wrap-front blazer and black jeans at Helmut Lang, and the pink schoolboy blazer and pants atJ. Crew. In addition, sweater dresses made a comeback at Kimberly Ovitz and the Rachel Zoe Collection.

TheJ. CrewCollection, which is slightly more expensive than the basicJ. Crewofferings, is the chain store's version of advanced contemporary. And it is looking darn good.

Creative director Jenna Lyons and head woman's designer Tom Mora have ratcheted up the sophistication level, offering more tailored looks in edgier fabrics. Nordic sweaters topped tinsel tweed, python or pleated-leather skirts, and pants in metallic jacquards or scarf-print silks were paired with the pointy-toed Manolo Blahniks. Color-blocked clutches and totes trimmed in curly lamb fur rounded out the picture.

Burch's collection was more polished than ever, full of ladylike, embroidered tweed jackets and skirts, tulle and chiffon dresses with organza flower appliques, crinkled leather jackets and structured frame bags with plastic paillette and tortoise details.

There was a lot of eye candy — rows of pearls on the collar and cuffs of a cardigan jacket and matching pencil skirt with organza eyelet hem, jeweled flower buttons on a gold lamé coat and sequins dusting a houndstooth plaid skirt.

Rag & Bone designers Marcus Wainwright and David Neville are also proving to be a formidable force on the New York fashion scene. Their fall collection was English countryside-meets-the-Raj, with layers upon layers of rich-looking pieces, including motorcycle jacket-tailcoat hybrids, jersey dhoti pants, tweed wrap skirts and coppery Lurex knit sweaters, plus all the must-have accessories (such as herringbone platform riding boots) that keep fans coming back to the brand.

Stylist-turned-designer Rachel Zoe was inspired by the London rock 'n' roll scene of the late 1960s, and her collection was a balance of the glam and the wearable, with all the Hollywood entrance-making maxi dresses and shaggy faux furs that fans have come to expect from Zoe, alongside flared trouser suits and velvet tuxedos, gaucho jeans and melange sweater dresses.

Zoe's line is barely a year old, but is well on its way to being a success. Come fall, it will be in 300 stores. Another advanced contemporary star is born.

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Fashion trend - Colour Block It!

We loves, loves, loves this trend! Colour blocking is great way to liven up any outfit and mix and match old and new pieces to get a look that is uniquely you. Even if you rock up to a party and another girl is wearing the same shirt as you, if you mix it up – hardly anyone will notice. So go on and try it.

Images Courtesy: elle.com

There are different ways to rock this look. You can choose to go full on and have each item you’re wearing a different colour. If you wanna do that, make sure that the colours complement each other. Or you can try and at least wear two items of the same colour. Just like the girl in the green jacket and shoes. Perfect! Otherwise another option is to rock two colours. Like the orange and red outfit. It’s a safer, yet still stylish way to wear this trend.

Another way to colour block is through accessories. Bags, shoes, cellphones, hats etc. Depending the colours you choose they can add that extra vibe to your look. If you’re going to do a plain blue or green outfit, make your accessory extra bright. Play with luminous colours! Come on be brave. Look how well it worked out for these ladies in the pics!

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Maxed out pleats

Pleated maxi skirts are so hot right now and we love this trend.

It’s very versatile, so you can dress it up with some heels or for a more relaxed look you can rock some takkies or slops. Check out these pics of these lovely ladies rocking this look.We loves!

Images courtesy: facehunter.blogspot.com, missmoss.co.za and thesartorialist.com

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Brightly coloured pants

Don't think we're doodling in those notebooks we keep out during runway shows—they're filled to the binding with trend notes and observations. And don't think we're flipping through all the fall fashion show images online for sheer pleasure—we're cataloging them, grouping them, and filing them. As for our sleeping schedules? Not important—as long as we've compiled the ultimate list of fall '11 trends that are actually relevant to you. From the color you're going to be stocking up on to new takes on old favorites that'll have you looking at your wardrobe in a whole new way, here are the 2011 fall trends you'll be seeing everywhere very soon.

Brightly Colored Pants



Whether they were cropped, flared, tapered, or high-waisted, the hottest shapes of the season also came in super-saturated hues, perfectly for punching up the clean silhouettes for fall. 

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Paris Haute Couture autumn/winter 2011

All the action from the fashion shows, front rows, and parties of Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week autumn/winter 2011

33 articles:

Paris Haute Couture: Azzedine Alaia's couture debut shrouded in secrecy

JULIA ROBSON | 07 JULY 2011

'King of Cling' Azzedine Alaia does a 'Tom Ford' showing his inaugural couture collection to elite clients, friends and handpicked members of the press.

• Anna Wintour snubs Alaia for Harry Potter
• Azzedine Alaia turned down Dior

Celebrities on day three at Paris Haute Couture autumn/winter 2011

07 JULY 2011

Daisy Lowe and Olivia Palermo put in several front row appearances, while Valentino's White Fairy Tale Love Ball drew a star-studded crowd.

• Celebrities front row day two at Paris Haute Couture autumn/winter 2011

Paris Haute Couture autumn/winter 2011: The sweet smell of couture

JULIA ROBSON | 06 JULY 2011

As Elie Saab and Jean Paul Gaultier both launch fragrances at Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week, Julia Robson looks at how one can't survive without the other.

• Paris Haute Couture: Jean Paul Gaultier autumn/winter 2011 in pictures
• Paris Haute Couture: Elie Saab autumn/winter 2011

Paris Haute Couture: Jean Paul Gaultier autumn/winter 2011 in pictures

06 JULY 2011

The 'effant terrible' of the fashion world, Jean Paul Gaultier, fused men's looks into his latest haute couture collection.

Paris Haute Couture: Elie Saab autumn/winter 2011

JULIA ROBSON | 06 JULY 2011

Elie Saab's latest haute couture show in Paris catapulted him directly onto the fashion radar.

• Paris Haute Couture: Elie Saab autumn/winter 2011 in pictures
• Paris Haute Couture: Valentino autumn/winter 2011

Paris Haute Couture: Valentino autumn/winter 2011 in pictures

06 JULY 2011

Exquisitely balanced gowns - appropriate for the lifestyle of the private haute couture client - buzzed with precious decadence.

Paris Haute Couture: the new breed of young clients

JULIA ROBSON | 06 JULY 2011

Julia Robson on a younger, fashion-conscious clientele hungry for the very best clothes money can buy.

• Celebrities front row day one at Paris Haute Couture autumn/winter 2011
• Paris Haute Couture: Giambattista Valli autumn/winter 2011

Paris Haute Couture: Chanel autumn/winter 2011

JULIA ROBSON | 06 JULY 2011

The Chanel show started at ten pm because, rumour has it, Karl Lagerfeld wanted the venue - the vast glass Grand Palais - to be flooded with moonlight.

• Paris Haute Couture: Armani Prive autumn/winter 2011
• Paris Haute Couture: Chanel autumn/winter 2011 in pictures

Alexa Chung and Anna Dello Russo at Acne party

05 JULY 2011

Stars turn out to celebrate the 12th issue of Acne Paper, the magazine run by the cult label, in Paris.

Paris Haute Couture: Givenchy autumn/winter 2011

JULIA ROBSON | 05 JULY 2011

As well as demonstrating Riccardo Tisci's sublimely modernist approach to haute couture, tonight's Givenchy presentation also showcased the Italian designer's obsession with handpicking hot supermodels.

• Paris Haute Couture: Armani Prive autumn/winter 2011
• Paris Haute Couture autumn/winter 2011: What's in store at Paris Haute Couture?

Want to be a Chanel Ambassadress? It's more complicated than you might think

BELINDA WHITE | 05 JULY 2011

Not just anyone can get fashion's top job: Chanel Ambassadress. The guestlist for tonight's Chanel haute couture show in Paris reveals it's tough to get to the top.

• Paris Haute Couture: Armani Prive autumn/winter 2011 in pictures
• Celebrities front row day one at Paris Haute Couture autumn/winter 2011

Paris Haute Couture: Armani Prive autumn/winter 2011

JULIA ROBSON | 05 JULY 2011

The great and good of Hollywood attend Armani Privé's 'geisha chic' haute couture show in Paris.

• Daywear dawns at Paris Haute Couture

Celebrities front row day one at Paris Haute Couture autumn/winter 2011

05 JULY 2011

We've been tracking all the famous faces front row at the couture shows in Paris. Find out who showed up...

Paris Haute Couture: Giambattista Valli autumn/winter 2011

JULIA ROBSON | 04 JULY 2011

Giambattista Valli proved the hottest ticket on day one of Paris Haute Couture.

• Trendspotting at Paris Haute Couture
• Paris Haute Couture: Giambattista Valli autumn/winter 2011 in pictures

Paris Haute Couture: Lady Gaga proves quite the muse

JULIA ROBSON | 04 JULY 2011

Timber legs? Five inch platforms? Moulded Sellotape jackets? Lady Gaga's inspiration is everywhere on day one of Paris Haute Couture.

• Daywear dawns at Paris Haute Couture
• Lady GaGa makes catwalk debut at Paris Fashion Week

Paris Haute Couture: Christian Dior autumn/winter 2011 in pictures

04 JULY 2011

The fashion house presents its first Couture runway show in 15 years without John Galliano at the helm.

Paris Haute Couture autumn/winter 2011: What's in store at Paris Haute Couture?

JULIA ROBSON | 04 JULY 2011

The stage is set in Paris for four days of fashionable drama as the autumn/winter 2011 haute couture shows kick off today.

• Celebrities on the front row at Paris Haute Couture spring/summer 2011
• Paris Haute Couture: Backstage at Christian Dior spring/summer 2011