KATE FERGUSON

Friday 26 August 2016

Style: Workwear with Sneakers

Let your shoes do the talking this season by trading in those uncomfortable high heels or same old oxford shoes for a pair of pristine sneakers. Reinventing your formal wear with clean cut sneakers will not only allow you to achieve a combination of fashion and function for the office, but it will also introduce one of 2016 biggest trends into your everyday wardrobe, leaving a timeless appeal and making you the edgiest sartorialist around.

Sneaker style for women

Why not experiment with your on duty attire by teaming a pair of expertly tailored crop trousers, a savvy boyfriend blazer and a simple white t-shirt with some contrasting white trainers to reflect your urban yet ambitious attitude. Don’t forget to complement the look with a pair of trusty sunglasses and the hottest designer bag to further exude city chic glamour.

Adidas Superstar 80's White Rose Snake, £85
http://www.office.co.uk/view/product/office_catalog/5,21/2106012750

Image result for Adidas Superstar 80's White Rose Snake

If a two piece suit isn’t for you why not be inventive and couple your sneakers with a stylish day dress and sunglasses to showcase true modern femininity.

New Balance Black Deconstructed, £69.99
http://www.office.co.uk/view/product/office_catalog/5,21/1233405692

Image result for Black Deconstructed2£69.99

Sneaker style for men

Maintain your classic yet stylish business look this season by adding an experimental twist to your footwear. Combining a single breasted blazer and perfectly tailored trousers with a smart checked shirt is always a great way to add a vivid pattern and personality to your outfit. However, finishing your look with a pair of polished trainers can add a sleeker and more streamlined aesthetic to your elegant look, whilst also communicating a sports luxe appeal.

Fred Perry Spencer Leather, £70
https://www.fredperry.com/shop/men/footwear/spencer-leather-b8221-100.html

Image result for spencer leather fred perry

For colder days, combine heritage with contemporary styling by pairing casual trainers with a classic cable knit jumper, wool trousers and a sharp cashmere coat to translate a sophisticated yet cool aesthetic.

Adidas Original Superstar Foundation, £75
http://www.adidas.co.uk/superstar-foundation-shoes/B27136.html?pr=CUSTOMIZE_IMG_Superstar%2520Foundation%2520Shoes

Image result for Adidas Original Superstar Foundation

New Designers: Lovebullets

A favourite to dedicated festival goers and celebrity trendsetters, Lovebullets has taken the world of jewellery and accessories by storm since it was brought to life back in 2008 at the acclaimed festival, Glastonbury. With an ethos of ‘transforming items of destruction into works of art’, the brand reconstructs brass bullet caps into pieces of jewellery to rewrite the ideology and negativity that such materials can have on the world today. Inspired by an imaginative story written by the creative director of the brand, Martin Jegede, Lovebullets surrounds the concept of five ‘love creatures’ who remove evilness from destructive weapons and replaces them with powerful and beautiful qualities to subvert the already perceived symbolism and create a new revolutionary outlook on jewellery.

As we move into the Autumn/Winter season, I have explored Lovebullets further to celebrate the brand’s new wave vision of how to accessorise your latest ensemble with character and taste.

Taking materials from the rawness of brass bullets shells to desirable sterling silvers and outstanding gold pieces, the brand ensures that each jewel has been designed and handcrafted to the best quality possible in the UK by a team of expert artisans. However, to maintain an edgy aesthetic and to stay current in today’s jewellery market, the brand has taken these war artillery materials and given them new lives by combining them with innovative tassels, lavish gems and colourful drawstrings to create fabulously crafted jewellery.

With an extensive celebrity following including the likes of Pixie Geldof, Jameela Jamil and Jess Glynne, Lovebullets has gained admiration across the globe with their free spirited and artistic attitude which has allowed them to make an established name for themselves within the world of accessories and receive great exposure across social media.

Celebrating the place where their fashion forward brand was born, every year in June, the Lovebullet team hold an event at the Lovebullets HQ at Glastonbury festival. Intending to apply a unique approach to their signature nightclub every year, this year the iconic event was called the LBHQ ‘Million Bullet Club’ which consisted of a nightclub which has been decorated with one million shot gun cartridges. If that wasn’t interesting enough, the nightclub also played the worlds finest underground music and showcased music from upcoming independent record labels to celebrate individuality, hedonism, unity and to ultimately reflect the core values of the brand itself.

My favourite pieces from Lovebullets for 2016:

Raw Bullet Choker, £195
http://www.lovebullets.co.uk/product/raw-bullet-choker/

Blue Lapis Crystal Pendant, £26
http://www.lovebullets.co.uk/product/blue-lapis-crystal-love-bullet/

Chunky Tubed Bullet Bracelet, £120
http://www.lovebullets.co.uk/product/chunky-tubed-bullet-bracelet/

New Designers: Kendall + Kylie

As the Jenner sisters take the fashion industry by storm, I thought I would celebrate their successful delve into the world of designer footwear. With two other industry endeavours with leading fashion brands, their current shoe collection, under their very own label, exudes the sister’s transition from teenagers to sophisticated women and showcases an exploration of Kendall and Kylie’s ambitiously elegant and ever-changing fashion DNA.

Taking inspiration from the most fashion forward cities in the world such as New York, Paris and Dubai, the Jenner sisters have used each destination as a muse to create their first shoe collection filled with fierce silhouettes. Combining Kylie’s edgy modernistic approach to current street styles with Kendall’s effortlessly feminine and ultra-refined look, the shoe collection features a variety of sleek high heels, ankle boots and flats with daring cut outs, luscious lace up details, sharp pointed toes and seductive leather to provide today’s fashionista with a long lasting touch of LA-inspired glamour.

“The line is a true reflection of our evolving love for fashion.”

- Kendall Jenner, Interview for Nordstrom

As for the colour palette of the collection, the shoes come in an array of neutral pastels, blacks and white to reflect the sister’s mature style which has evolved over the past few years and has been especially inspired by their older sisters. Worn perfectly with a flawless midi dress or stylish pair of culottes, the designer shoe collection will elevate your outfit, adding a touch of opulence and sophistication.

“Simplicity can definitely make a statement. Lots of black and white and muted tones.”

-Kylie Jenner, Interview for Nordstrom

For a closer look at the fabulous collection I have included a few of my favourite shoes for Autumn /Winter and where they can be purchased! Hopefully you agree with my choices!

The Finley Leather Chelsea Boots, £165 at Jules B

https://www.julesb.co.uk/kendal-kylie-finley-leather-boots-p809362/s849866?gclid=CjwKEAjwuo--BRDDws3x65LL7h8SJABEDuFR_YOqnQmWnf5wJgFulIp4wjo9epPo6uikc6B5q8AubRoCFkjw_wcB

The Essie Backless Heels, £121 at Nordstrom

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/kendall-kylie-essie-mule-women/4243168?origin=category-personalizedsort&fashioncolor=BLACK%20SUEDE

The Gianni Sandal Heels, £141 at Nordstrom

http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/kendall-kylie-gianna-sandal-women/4434947?origin=category-personalizedsort&fashioncolor=BLACK%20LEATHER

Style: The Smart Casual

A look which can be easily taken from day to evening, the smart casual style will provide you with the perfect go-to ensemble for your next event. Whether you are complementing a pair of slim fitted jeans with a tailored blazer or styling a lifeless pair of formal trousers with some clean cut sneakers and a pristine shirt, mixing and matching casual and formal clothing pieces will not only allow you to achieve the most polished yet relaxed outfit, but it will also fill your wardrobe with the most stylish staples to wear over and over again throughout the year.

Therefore, I have put together an array of four different smart casual ensembles for both women and men to experiment with this season. Either take one of these distinctive looks to the office or your next dinner date.