Milan 's fabulous fashion and faux pas!

Caio! As the Italian fashion week comes to a close, we pick out the preferred looks and the fashion faux pas...
At CarrieMe, we're all about fashion and function so we liked Christopher Kane's designs for Versus. (Versace's label aimed at the younger audience) Spring Summer 2013. Very useful pinafore dresses, allowing the wearer to re-arrange studs and flaps to create handy little pockets! Kane, we like your thinking... And those kitsch, playful prints.

Versus S/S 13
www.elle.com

Volume for Autumn Winter 2013/14! Oversized statement coats were ubiquitous in both women's and men's wear. Many designers supported this trend, such as Richard Nicoll, Maxmara and Trussardi. Although maybe a little OTT was the huge fuzzy bear look at MaxMara!



Oversized coat trend -  MaxMara, Trussardi
www.fashion.telegraph.com www.elle.com

MaxMara Overszied Coat
www.Elle.com

If the baggy boyfriend cut isn't your style check out Dolce and Gabbana's princess themed collection where fitted ladylike coats were a staple. It looks like D&G at Milan used Britain for inspiration, the theme being very Royal.

Tweed, raffia emboidery, and heavily embellished fabrics complete this luxurious collection. Another fabric choice from D&G, was the use of crushed organza on high waist skirts. Nice taste we reckon! CarrieMe are getting ready to launch our Spring/Summer 2013 collection which features organza flower bag hooks.

Loved the mosaic prints adorned with red and gold jewels. Everyone needs a bit of sparkle at Winter! Make-up for this collection was almost gothic with pale faces and red stained lips.

Dolce Gabbana
www.fashion.telegraph.com

A wearable trend at Milan was the suit, which appears to be making a comeback. With the recession at the moment people want to look and feel sharp. With the great selection of suits here, there will be one to suit every shape! 

Armani - fashion-style.become gorgeous.com
Ermanno Scervino - Fashioning.com

With the cold weather still persistent here in Britain, we're thinking about starting to wear these Winter 2013/14 trends early! When will you start to brave the new Spring/Summer trends?

... ooooh the Oscars, how I love this time of year!

Oooh, I'm thrilled with the results of the Oscars, some of my favourite films won some great awards last night, I wish I'd been feeling up to watch it live. I really enjoyed Argo, Lincoln, Life of Pi and Les Mes, so its good to see them conquering all 3 different award ceremonies.... and of course the dresses were amazing!

Surprisingly though, there seemed to be few emerging designers on the red carpet, instead the big stars are playing it safe with the Fashion Establishment putting in a strong showing.

Jennifer Lawrence  in Dior Haute Couture
www.metro.co.uk

Jennifer Lawrence, looking magnificent in a Dior Haute Couture gown - just the ticket to collect her Best Actress Award, even if the length of the dress caused a little bit of a trip on the way up to the stage!

Nicole Kidman in  L'Wren Scott
www.guardian.co.uk

Naomi Watts in Armani Prive
metro.co.uk

The Metallic trend was out in force with both Nicole Kidman and Naomi Watts opting for shimmering numbers - Nicole chose to showcase L'Wren Scott who we featured as part of our London Fashion Week roundup last week, and Naomi went for the chain mail look gone sexy!

Sadly colour was hardly anywhere to be seen., except ....

Reese Witherspoon in Louis Vuitton
 - HuffingtonPost.com

Jennifer Aniston in Valentino
- Metro.com

for Reese Witherspoon going for a trompe d'oeuil cinched waist from Louis Vuitton and Jennifer Aniston's sporting the trademark red number from Valentino, which were both absolutely stunning, though Jennifer's hair down didn't make it quite as glamorous as it could have been.

Amy  Adams - Armani Prive
Metro.co.uk

As for Amy Adam's Armani Prive gown, beautiful with all the feathers, but feels a bit like the wrong colour, it just seems to wash her out - perhaps more of a warmer colour needed?

So which favourite got your vote?















So who gets your vote?

Our favourites from the London Fashion Week Phenomenon!

This is a busy week, London Fashion Week is one of the main four catwalk destinations beside Paris, Milan, and New York.  With over fifty six shows over 5 days, you can definitely get your Fashion Fix here. For those who weren't lucky enough to visit LFW do not fear! CarrieMe is here to provide an update. London has a fantastic reputation for up and coming talent, and catwalk beauties such as the stunning London 'IT Girl' of the moment Cara Delevingne.

Designer Marios Schwab showcased a collection of spectacular epic evening dresses, our favorite being a floor-length nude dress, embellished in Swarovski crystals. This collection named 'Petrus Christus's Portrait of the Young Lady' has a strong renaissance, regal glamour, yet Marios Schwab made the theme 21st century by using unusual fabrics such as lacquered lace with embroidered PVC.  Trench coats over velvet mini dresses were also one of our favourite looks and we loved the colour palette of Petrol Blue, Lavender, Pale Pink and Oxblood Red. 

Marios Schwab
www.fashion.telegraph.co.uk

Model Arizona Muse, Twiggy and Olivia Palermo were front row at British designer Matthew Williamson's show. The designer exhibited his signature ethnic, eclectic detailing within an exciting show of 'Northern Lights' inspired by the North Pole with strobes pumping out pretty prints and patterns.  Of course, Matthew couldn't resist introducing some of his trademark sunny shades: canary yellow, bright orange, green and pink, which wouldn't look out of place in Ibiza!  Loose knits and roll neck sweaters featured throughout his A/W 13 Collection.

Matthew Williamson
www.fashion.telegraph.co.uk

Mick Jagger's other half L'Wren Scott, showcased at LFW for the first time, a very luxurious collection of genuine gold jewellery embellishments built into garments and 23 carat gold leaf shoes!  The collection was inspired by artist Gustav Klimt during the 'Golden Period' and included classic tailored silhouettes, some decorated in sparkling embroidery motifs such as serpents and leaves, which pay tribute to the muse - Gustav Klimt. Loving L'Wrens model troop of fluffy blond afro's!

L'Wren Scott
www.londonfashionweek,co.uk

So which up and coming talent @London Fashion Week caught your eye? 

More of CarrieMe's favourite accessory brands from Pure!

Oh dear, CarrieMe had a technical hitch with my laptop off at the doctors - so apologies for the delay but pleased to say its back in working condition again...I felt totally bereft without it!

So in our second posting on cool brands exhibiting at Pure, CarrieMe chose Versa-Versa who design soft leather luxury clutch bags, with interchangeable covers - pretty cool we thought!  Update your look with the current season's colours and mix and match the bases/bags to create your own unique look. Check out a couple of our favourites below.

Versa-Versa clutch bags
Versa-Versa.com

Versa-Versa Collection
Versa-Versa.com

Second up is a jewellery brand named Sam Ubhi. Beautiful statement pieces made from unusual and eye-catching objects such as horn, bone, shell, precious metal and stones, inspired by her tribtal roots in Kenya.  We're not surprised that this brand was a finalist for Drapers Accessory Award 2013 - take a peek at these unique arty pieces.

Sam Ubhi Necklace
www.samubhi.com

Sam Ubhi Necklace
www.samubhi.com

Last but not least, Vivien Sheriff's luxury hats are certainly distinctive, nominated for Accessories Brand of the Year 2013, they wouldn't look out of place on Lady Gaga!  Hand-made in England, this brand creates couture, modern head-wear, that we just lust after!

Margot Mixed head piece
www.viviensheriff.co.uk

Artemis headpiece
www.viviensheriff.com

Why not create a mood board with these fabulous items on Polyvore and add your special touch?

CarrieMe can't wait to see the view from the Shard!

So who hasn't seen the new Shard on London's skyline and wandered what the view would be like?  Absolutely fantastic no doubt on a clear day - though wouldn't want to be stuck up there in a blizzard - so roll on some clear skies!

Designed by Master Architect Renzo Piano. The Shard is 1,016ft and now the tallest building in Western Europe, redefining London's skyline.

Tepegraph Travel

And the countdown is on, as The View, on floors 68. 69 and 72, is finally open - the CarrieMe team can't wait to go there, though I know one of us is scared of heights, no revealing who though!  

The View from The Shard

Tickets are available from http://www.theviewfromtheshard.com/ let us know if you decide to go and we might see you there! 

Yellow takes the lead and CarrieMe joins in with Bag Hooks and Finders!

FashionInspo

The weather may be cold but yellow is so HOT right now, CarrieMe can't agree more! One of Spring 2013's biggest fashion trends is yellow, yellow dresses, yellow trousers, yellow jackets, yellow skirts and yellow CarrieMe's of course!

Style Bistro 

Colours come and go with the seasons, but yellow is an exciting colour to be back... reminiscent of sunshine and daffodils, it's such a happy colour.  A perfect one to wear as the new year gets into full swing.  

Match your outfit, or dip a toe if you're not feeling brave enough to go the whole hog, by adding a splash of ontrend colour with the CarrieMe Classic Heart or Classic Round in Amber Gold Bag Hook or Finder.

CarrieMe Classic Heart Bag Hook in Amber Gold
www.carrieme.co.uk

The CarrieMe Classic Heart Bag Hook, combines beauty with practicality, to keep your handbag secure whilst looking fabulously stylish and on trend.  Just hang your handbag from any table with it and you'll never have to worry or put your handbag on a grubby floor again!

CarrieMe Classic Finder in Amber Gold
www.carrieme.co.uk

CarrieMe Classic Finder in Amber Gold
www.carrieme.co.uk

This CarrieMe Classic Finder will ensure you won't waste any more time rummaging through your bag looking for your keys or phone again, whilst instantly updating any handbag to the latest colour trend.  Simply attach your keys or mobile to the CarrieMe Finder, zip up your bag and hey presto, you won't miss another call, or be freezing in the snow while looking for your keys!

... and if yellow just isn't your colour, take a look at our colourful collection of more than a dozen colours, as we follow the catwalk colours as much as you do!

www.carrieme.co.uk 

CarrieMe picks their favourite brands exhibiting at Pure 2013

The CarrieMe team just made it to Pure in Olympia today, which was full of the new season's collections for the Spring/Summer 2013 as well as forward planning for Autumn/Winter 2014.

Pure held at Olympia, London

As usual, its always difficult to choose just a few brands, so we decided to double up and highlight in two different blog postings our favourites... looks like Carrie is lusting after handbags as she couldn't choose anything else!

Makki showcasing its new SS13 Collection

First up is Makki, a 10 year old brand that designs luxurious handbags that are responsibly made from eel skin, which is a by product of the food industry in South Korea.  Worn by the Duchess of Cambridge as well as other celebrities, Makki's new colourful collections include wonderful fuschias and purple clutches, just visible here.

Paperthinks colourful shoppers

Still on the recycling trail, Paperthinks is a new company using 100% recycled leather for its shoppers and accessories and at least 50% recycled paper.  The leather feels soft and durable but still light and flexible and of course, with an offering of 24 colours, Paperthinks is definitely in tune with the CarrieMe ethos of lots of colour.

ShuSac's colourful SS13 Collection:

Last up is ShuSac - a new company looking to find a home for those towering high heels that we ladies love to wear but can't really walk any distance in!  Designed with 2 different compartments, one for each shoe, it ensures these statement shoes don't get scuffed in your bag when you switch to flats and you get to choose from a myriad of colours.

So what will be your favourite in the shops this Spring?

Hollyood glamour BAFTA style for anyone?

One of the biggest fashion events in the calendar, the actresses dazzled us at this year's BAFTAs hosted by Stephen Fry who kept the stars on their toes.  With so many gracing the red carpet at the Royal Opera House in Convent Garden, it was hard but we've picked out our favourites below.

Anne Hathaway
www.dailymail.co.uk

Anne Hathaway of course won the best supporting actress for her role in Les Miserables, but she definitely scrubbed up well in her classic black Burberry number, accessorised with gold stud detailing. Simple and effective, we love the floor length which emphasized her long legs!

Gemma Arterton
www.bafta.org

Gemma Arterton - starlet of Hansel and Gretel - didn't disappoint either.  She who wore a nude and black 'Celia Kirtharioti' gown, with a flattering optical illusion print.

Jessica Chastain
www.bafta,org

CarrieMe being a fan of colour, our best dressed award goes to Jessica Chastain.  Nominated for Best Actress for her role in Zero Dark Thirty, although she didn't win the BAFTA, she definitely stole the show in a beautiful cobalt blue dress by Roland Mouret which was striking against her porcelain skin and flame hair. This shade of blue is definitely the one to watch this Spring season.

Other awards for our favourites include Les Miserables which won an impressive amount of awards including Best Hair and Makeup and Production Design, whilst Life of Pi won best Cinemaography, and also Special Effects - and having seen the film, I can see why, it was amazing!  And of course, though I was disappointed that Daniel Craig didn't win for his Bond in Skyfall, at least Skyfall won awards for both Outstanding British Film and Original Film Music.

So having had the Golden Globes and the BAFTAs, who are you tipping for the Oscars?

Check out these cool brands at Spring Fair 2013

CarrieMe are exhibiting Hall 19, stand A17 at Spring Fair and showing some of our exciting new collections at the UK's largest gift fair.  Response has been great so far with a steady stream of new stockists and re-orders from our existing 100+ stockists.

On our lunchbreak we did a quick whizz around the halls and picked out some favourite cool brands.

First up is ECHO, an American based brand with vibrant patterns in a diverse colour palette, a welcome change to the S/S13 season after all the monotone black, grey and browns we have been wearing throughout winter. ‘Missoni’ style patterns, abstract patterns, tribal patterns, and digital print patterns feature through the collection of fashion, (women and men’s) accessories, bags, beachwear, home and decorative products. I particularly liked the silk scarves, and kaftans. 

Echo scarf

Echo Tote - new collection

Echo scarf - new collection

 

Kazuri & Zsiska are Fair Trade jewellery brands. Zsiska is made in Thailand with colourful resin beads, whilst Kazuri is all about beautiful ceramic beads, handmade in Kenya so every jewellery piece is unique. I particularly liked the ‘Neutrals collection’ in cafe Latte, Gold, Mink, Nougat and white mother-of-pearl colours. These shimmery shades fit in perfectly for S/S13’s Metallic trend showcased on London’s Catwalk. Socially responsible, Kazuri was founded to create employment for struggling single mothers back in 1975.  

Zsiska - new collection

Kazuri - SS13 collection

 

Cheeky Chics filled with character, Cheeky Chics are a fun, quirky British brand designing practical home products. Eco-friendly, their products are created from reconditioned oak wine and whiskey barrels to produce tables, chairs, garden furniture and chicken coops!  The creme egg table was very eye catching, perfect for Easter parties and chocolate lovers like me!

Cheeky Chics seat

Cheeky Chics Creme Egg

Cheeky Chics furniture

So which new brands have you picked out from your visit?