Style Note: The Isabella Oliver Cape

Yesterday was one of those cold and breezy days in London when you really need something warm and snug to wrap up in.

And what better way to wrap up than in a cape. It's the perfect alternative to a winter coat. I received this beautiful one as a Christmas Gift from one of my favourite labels Isabella Oliver.

It's part wool, part cashmere and the perfect fit. As you can see, the colour is a yummy camel toffee and whenever I wear it, I'm always stopped to ask where it's from. This cape is a prime example of the sheer brilliance of Isabella Oliver at it's best, and granted, it's last season but sophistication never goes out of fashion!


Isabella Oliver's Spring Summer collection is available online, I already have my eye on a few things I'd love to buy for the new season; the Coco Blazer, £159.00 is top of my list, closely followed by the Classic Wrap Dress, £99.00. What's on yours?

Web: www.isabellaoliver.com

Label Love: Aruna Seth

What girl doesn't love a pair of 'bang bang' shoes? You know; the kind that make you feel like you're Queen of the world.

Londoner Aruna Seth has been designing 'It' shoes for celebrities and women with exceptional taste for several years. Her luxury embellished footwear has earned her the title of the 'pretty' shoe designer. I've been a huge fan since discovering her work at the start of 2009, so it was quite an honour to chat with Ms. Seth and discuss her love affair with shoes, her plans for 2010 and why she's inspired by the city.

When did your love affair with shoes begin?

My love for shoes began at a very early age. I was surrounded by shoes day in, day out. I remember doing work experience with my dad and it was fascinating to go into the factory and sample rooms where I'd see the drawings right through to the actual production.

When you're going through the design process who is your muse?

I have to say that I base my shoe designs on what I personally love, I have to passionately adore the shoe I'm designing.

Your ballerina shoe Rochelle was picked up by stylist to the cast of Gossip Girls - Eric Daman. How exciting was that for you?

It was very, very exciting - a big highlight for me. Actress Goldie Hawn recently wore my Cinderella shoe to the Nine premier in New York and that was an amazing feeling.


How does the city of London help inspire you?

London is a very diverse place with different cultures, I love that fact that you can experience totally different things on any given day. I think that's why a lot of designers reside in London actually. A good example of the way cultures intertwine is my background; my mother is Jamaican and my father Indian, so it's definitely the merger of all experiences, all together that influence and inspire my work.

If you had to pick one design from your collection, which would you choose as your favourite?

It would have to be the one that I wear the most - the Cerise; it's a wedge covered in Swarovski crystal. I love it because it's a real head turner; if I wear it any where in the world, no matter where I am, I'll be paid a compliment. But even though they have wow factor, they are still wearable; that's what I aim for; I want my shoes to have elegance, wow factor and remain comfortable.

2009 was a major success for you, what's next for Aruna Seth?

The first Aruna Seth boutique will be opening in Chelsea just in time for the Summer and we'll be busy with award ceremonies such as the Golden Globes and the Oscars. The shoes will be stocked by Browns and also in a US department store very soon.

Web: www.arunaseth.com
Become a fan of Aruna Seth on facebook


Web: www.arunaseth.com
Become a fan of Aruna Seth on facebook

Label Love: Samantha Cole London

It's been a while since I've posted about a designer that has caught my attention. This month, the 'Label Love' accolade goes to Samantha Cole; an award winning designer whose latest collection features structured layering and a play on textures for a powerful look.

Samantha Cole speaks to Pretty Stylish London about her new collection, the designers that she loves and tips for wearing her clothes during the festive season.

1) What inspired your latest style offering?
The collections influences were drawn from the current social an economic climate that we are facing today. This interpretation through my work represented a darker more aggressive collection with harder edges, structured layering and inspiration drawn from modern architecture not built from indulgence but reminiscent of medieval buildings; powerful, sobering and stark.

2) Who is your muse for this collection?
My Muse or should I say Muse's would have to be the female characters that I drew inspiration from to reflect my interpretation of the power, determination and strength that a woman reveals in times of hardship which is why the collect is called "WARRIOR".

My muse is where Kate Beckinsale in "Underworld" meets Tina Turner in "Mad Max" sprinkled with Jane Fonda in "Barbarella" set against a futuristic backdrop. A woman can show strength, power and dominance an even be aggressive without loosing her femininity, the point is that it's her prerogative.

4) Which designers inspire you?
Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen, Gareth Pugh, Yohji Yamamoto; all exceptional!!

5) What are your ideas for spring/summer 2010?
Since we are coming out of the recession it will reflect this through a form of cleansing, purifying, re-newing almost a re-birth...Okay, I think Ive said enough on that but i think you get the idea!

6) What advice can you give for wearing your clothes during the festive season?
Keep it simple and de-clutter. The clothes speak for themselves do not over-accessorize.

Samantha Cole studied at London College of Fashion also did a stint at Burberry where she further developed her flair and passion. For more information and to make an order visit the website: www.samanthacolelondon.co.uk.

Label Love: Studio TMLS

Veronica Pistolesi, Studio TMLS

Today's post is dedicated to a footwear brand that you really need to know about. It's likely that you already own a pair of Studio TMLS shoes, albeit without realising. If you've bought shoes from Top Shop, Kurt Geiger or French Connection, chances are that the shoe was supplied by the footwear brand. Now after 20 years of supplying shoes to the high street, the brand has stepped out to create an exclusively signature collection, currently sold through their website, also via Selfridges and Harrods.

The new collection for Autumn combines luxurious platform sandals, quirky modern heels and provocative ankle boots alongside the staple flats. The inspiration came from vintage classics, using tactile materials and contrasting shapes. The colour palette is right on-trend featuring rich hues of dark red, emerald green and muted tones of black and grey.

The brains behind the new collection is Veronica Pistolesi, a graduate from the University of the Arts in London and a woman who has always had a passion for super sexy high heels. She talked to Pretty Stylish London about her love footwear and the style icons behind the latest designs.


Thinking back to her childhood she reminisces on her first encounters with shoes and how her experience unknowingly shaped her career path into design. She explains:

"I remember being little and always wandering around the house with my mom towering heels, which of course were so big for my small baby-feet but they appeared to me as the most incredible things to wear. It was like the most beautiful of the transformations...seeing my skinny legs taking that sexy shape made me feel like I was entering a new world."

As for the vintage inspirations behind the new collection, Pistolesi marks London as one of the key places she draws creativity from. Moreover, it was style icon Audrey Hepburn that helped her channel elegance and sophistication into her recent work. She recollects:

"For my inspiration I mainly look at the world around me and London is a great place to observe and to take inspiration from. My style icon is Audrey Hepburn, I always loved her style and spontaneous elegance, she is the perfect balance, she is the perfect beauty."

Studio TMLS hopes the new designs will offer the wearer a journey of luxury with power and modernity. Now that's no mean feat. But with their extensive years of perfecting footwear for the high street, I suspect they know a thing or two about what women look for in their shoes and judging by the new designs, they are well on their way.

See the full collection online: www.studiotmls.com

Label Love: BODY AMR

When I received an email from BODY AMR inviting me to check out their latest collection, I knew that I'd be in for a treat. For those of you who read my ramblings on myfashionflirt.blogspot.com, you'll know that I've posted about the fashion label back in May when they had their Spring sale.

The London based fashion house recently unveiled their style offering for SS/10 at London Fashion Week and it's a beauty! BODY AMR have set out to create relaxed, comfortable and easy to wear separates of fluid skirts and silk knit T-shirts alongside the brand's seductively draped evening wear.

The collection has been inspired by the clean lines of early ready-to-wear American Fashion combining luxurious fabrics with simple, understated silhouettes and structured separates.
The palette of peaches, corals, aqua, and metallic achieve a look that's very Saint-Tropez. I'm loving it.

BODY AMR is available Harrods and Net-A-Porter.com.
Web: www.bodyamr.com

Label Love: Shamila

This week I have the pleasure of introducing New York fashion week newcomer Shamila Jiwa, a self-taught Seattle based gemologist with a huge passion for unusual stones. Her designs are uniquely exquisite pieces of jewellery with a focus on timeless, distinctive beauty. During her London stop-off, Shamila took time to meet me for a girlie chat over cocktails and a sneak peak at her new collection.

Sitting in the Mayfair bar, Shamila oozes a contagious zeal for her work and what it represents. Born in Tanzania and of Indian heritage, Shamila Jiwa designs jewellery that reflects her extensive travels and rich ethnic heritage. Her designs cleverly combine aspects of Turkish, Indian, and Asian motifs.

Despite being so exotic and culturally rich, the jewellery remains largely versatile as wearable art. Inspiration for her pieces are found everywhere she explains. "Travel, architecture, textiles, food, nature, relationships.." - all important factors to the creative process.

Having studied Cultural Anthropology and International Affairs at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver B.C, it's interesting to how her career has moved so far from the schooling of her bachelor's degree to luxury fashion. Her passion for jewellery design stems from an early interest in fine jewellery and a deep love of art.

Since the launch of her design career in 2002, the use of unusual gemstones such as Labradorite has generated a loyal collective of discerning, international clients and I can see the attraction. Her work is impressive - the craftsmanship and exquisite detailing of each design really is on par with some of the long-standing, established jewellers. Her work is as endearing as Tiffany and as luxurious as Boodles but it also has a soulful, sexy nonchalance that is a cut above.

This is a bold statement, but one that is very fitting - In fact, I'm surprised that the likes of Vogue and Harpars Bazaar have not discovered her sooner. From her signature Blue Glimmer Boa Necklace to the Golden Decadence Earrings, her designs exude an understated elegance, fit for the red carpet.

Shamila is a hidden treasure, but this year may see the international acclaim she deserves. Her debut at Nolcha Fashion Week is fast approaching, and she has high hopes that her designs will have a larger international precedence to add to the awareness of her work state-side.

Nolcha is the award wining home for independent designers and host to a special New York and London fashion week, running alongside the main event. Nolcha Fashion Week will see Shamila's work featured in a stand-out showcase to editors, retailers, stylists and industry figures. With one week to go, I am quietly confident that Shamila is a global phenomenon waiting to happen.

Web: www.shamila.com
Shamila's facebook page
Click here for more information on Nolcha NY Fashion Week

Label Love: Marjan Pejoski

Well, it's time to start looking to the future and I'm excited about the new season, more so now that I've seen the latest collection from Marjan Pejoski. The designer of national and international acclaim, does fashion lovers proud with his latest style offering. Behind his work is the philosophy that pieces should look individual, make an impact and continually inspire the imagination of those who wear and those who see them.

The new designs are so 1980s London punk; there's a vintage edge about his work whist tying in contemporary ideas with lace prints and interesting appliqué. The collection screams "I predict a riot" with its gingham and leather combination but still oozes standout sophistication. I love how the pieces have been styled with staple brocade shoe boots and don't you agree that the cowboy boots add a quirky, fun element?

It's safe to say that Pejoski is an incredibly talented designer, with awards in jewellery and shoe design as well as completing a BA in womenswear at Central St. Martins School of Art and Design. I'll definitely be keeping a close eye on this designer from now on, care to join me?

Web: www.marjanpejoski.com

Label Love: Belle and Bunty

Back in 2006, I remember watching a short documentary entitled Tricky Business. It focused on the rise and challenges of a budding designer label - Belle and Bunty. At the time, I was fresh out of university, interning at my first editorial role and still very much an aspiring journo. Watching the programme, I was fascinated by the journey that Belle and Bunty were embarking on and I've continued to follow the brand, which remains an inspirational story to me.

Since the launch of their first collection in April of 2003, designers Alice & Hannah have consistently produced a stylish carnival of designs; combining print and embroidery in a refreshing, modern way. They've also generated a strong celebrity following with the likes of Kate Bosworth, Ana Matronic of the Scissor Sisters and Fearne Cotton coveting the brand's wardrobe essentials.

Their collection for Spring/Summer 09 has to be their most exciting and stunning to date. Surprisingly, Charles Dickens and the story of Great Expectations played a major conceptual role and the designs pay homage to the character of Ms. Havisham; A woman whose memories of the good the life, the joy of people and parties remained with her, even when all that remained were broken tea cups and wine glasses entwined with ivy.

Much like Ms. Havisham's nostalgic romanticism of life, the collection fuses a vintage style with a modern twist; Estelle rose and delicate daisy lace prints combined with youthful raspberry, somber grey and antique blues will leave you feeling ardent and enchanted. Entitled "She'll Only Break Your Heart", the pieces have that all important wearability - key to Belle and Bunty's appeal. You'll find kaftans ideal for Summer lounging, flirty jumpsuits excellent for drinks on a long summer night and dresses, perfect for garden parties at the weekend.

Here are more of my favourites:

Belle and Bunty Boutique
45a Brecknock Road,
London, N7 0BT
Tel: 020 7267 3322
Online Shop: www.belleandbuntyboutique.com
Web: www.belleandbunty.co.uk
Also available at the ASOS Outlet

Label Love: Motasem

This weekend is my best friend's wedding and for those of you who have been following my twitter tweets you'll know the stress I've had trying to find a dress to wear. My dilemma of wanting to look fantastic but not like one of the bridesmaids, led me to conversations with fashion designer, Sabrina Ali of Motasem.

After scouring the high street for a dress and failing miserably, Sabina introduced me to some of her designs, and in doing so, inspired me to think outside of the wedding outfit box and wear a dress, I'd probably wouldn't have opted for.

Motasem was launched in 2007 and has had great success with brides who prefer to buy a simply classic yet contemporary dress - nothing overly extravagant and one that can be worn again after the nuptials. And it's not just brides - many women much like myself are loving her savvy cocktail dresses; pretty enough for a special occasion but equally fitting for after work drinks. Intrigued to know more about the designer behind the brand, I met up with Sabina for a chat about her fashion loves and business.

The Spirit and Alaya Dresses

Sitting in Café Rouge, as she sipped on coffee and I indulged in a little chocolate banana crepe, we candidly discussed how it all started: I learnt that Sabina developed her passion for making clothes from an early age; picking up the skills from her mother who she beams was quite a whiz on the sewing machine. After years of experimenting with cutting patterns and her own clothes, Sabina took her skills to a degree level at DeMontfort University with a course in textile and knitwear.

Interestingly, from there, the path she took in owning her own fashion business was an unconventional one. Previous jobs include working as an editorial and photographer assistant, a fashion stylist and graphic designer at Lehman Brothers for 8 years. Her moment of enlightenment came when she designed a wedding dress for a friend. Sabina told of how difficult the bride had found it to find a dress that was re-wearable and special at the same time. Soon after, the demand for her designs grew, and her quest for launching Motasem was ignited.

Now with a studio in Brick Lane, business is flourishing and Sabina has continued to develop her range of understated sophisticated dresses. When I asked her to pick one piece that she covets the most, she chose the Cecaelia dress; elongating and universally flattering with contrast coloured satin bands. And it's no wonder she chose it, given that it's one the first dresses she made!

The Cecaelia Dress

My next question to her was whether she had a style muse, which she answered no - but her style crush is Natalie Portman who she described as funny, sassy and confident. "It's women like her that I have in mind when I make my dresses" she considers. She goes on to liken her customers to the girls from Sex in the City but without the frou frou flamboyancy.

So what's next on the agenda for Motasem? There are big plans in store for Autumn 2009. We can expect a limited edition range of day-to-evening dresses, a debut line of accessories and an expanding distributor list. Sabina has already secured distribution with a number of boutiques in the UK for nationwide reach.

It was a really inspiring to meet Sabina and I look forward to wearing one of her creations myself. But for now, here's my pick of day-to-evening Motasem dresses that I'm loving right now:

The Aurora and Liberty Dresses

Web: www.motasem.co.uk
Keep up with the latest news with Motasem tweets on twitter.

Label Love: Kirsty Doyle

Today I had the pleasure of being followed on Twitter by British womenswear Kirsty Doyle, so I say what better time to share my thoughts on her work.

Since receiving wide-scale recognition for her talent on Sky One's Project Catwalk in 2006, she has gone on to produce four collections and when you see them, you'll completely understand why she won the show.

Strong, structured with a distinct look of luxury, her collections are somewhat architecturally inspired. Kirsty has a tendency to pair chiffon and silk with sharply tailored pieces, and though her style is highly structural she still achieves that all important wearability. I like to think of her work as The Hills meets Gossip Girl meets metropolitan London.

Referred to by The Sunday Telegraph as the female Roland Mouret, Kirsty runs her business in Liverpool, but her design roots are firmly in the UK's capital where she studied at Central St. Martins.

Not content with her self entitled fashion label, Kirsty has expanded to lingerie with a new intimates line; Kiki by Kirsty Doyle. The latest collection featuring hollywood inspired babydolls, peek a boo knickers and the most amazing silk trench coat, described as the 'flashing mac'. Her ready to wear garments are sold exclusively via My Wardrobe and made to measure orders are available directly via the website.

I look forward to seeing her style offering for AW/09, but in the meantime, I'll leave you with pics from her Spring/Summer collection, enjoy!

Keep up with Kirsty's latest news on Twitter
Web: www.kirsty-doyle.com