Designer Label Fashion

If you’re bored with all those recessionista articles about how we all have to wear taupe, navy, black or white and look miserable until about 2015, cheer yourself up with this summery and pretty Miu Miu bead necklace.

This Miu Miu necklace consists of multicoloured bugle beads, gemstones and pearl beads with a ribbon bow. Miu Miu pink necklace, £275 at Matches Fashion.

Try a cosy and vibrant pink cashmere sweater to wear with it - this Miu Miu pink scoop neck cashmere sweater is a fitted style and would be perfect with a ladylike black satin pencil skirt or under a funky short-sleeved dress. Miu Miu pink cashmere sweater, only £165 from Matches Fashion (also available in black).

Browse more Miu Miu styles at Matches Fashion.

This season, bring on the dangly earrings! These stunning Asha by ADM Olympia chandelier earrings with black onyx and moonstone, £350, have a total drop of 5.5 cm and width of 3.5cm. Asha by ADM chandelier earrings each contain seven black onyx cabochons (each measuring 1cm by 1.1cm) which are claw set in 18ct yellow gold and sterling silver vermeil.

********************************

These beautiful long Carrolina Bucci long white gold bead chain grid earrings, £250, are made of tiny 18ct white gold beads that catch the light and sparkle. As these long earrings are handmade, each pair will vary in length from 2 1/4 inches to 2 1/2 inches long. Carolina Bucci dangly earrings, available in the UK exclusively from the Astley Clarke Online Jewellery Boutique.

********************************

These Robindira Unsworth Isis gold hoop earrings with moonstone and oxidised silver, £120, have a total drop of 7cm and are 5cm in diameter. These Robindira Unsworth hoop earrings are 22ct gold vermeil and sterling silver and are for pierced ears. Available in the UK exclusively from the Astley Clarke Online Jewellery Boutique.

********************************

This season it’s all about big, dangly earrings. And, apparently, splitting ear lobes caused by over-long, too-heavy, big, dangly earrings. So get your on-trend earrings without going overboard. These chandelier and dangly earrings above, from Astley Clarke, are eye-catching but won’t get tangled up in your belt. Or visit Astley Clarke for more designer dangly earrings, chandelier earrings, hoop earrings and drop earrings.

Luxury jewellery designers Astley Clarke have gorgeous diamond jewellery from jewellery designers worldwide. Whether it’s an unusual diamond engagement ring, beautiful diamond pendant or classic diamond earrings.

Below are are my current Astley Clarke diamond jewellery favourites - an unusual and stunning diamond cocktail ring by new York-based jewellery designers Takara Collection, and a classically beautiful pair of diamond stud earings from Saffron Lloyd. Or view all Astley Clarke diamond jewellery.

********************************

This Diamond Moon cocktail ring in 18ct white gold has a gorgeous pave diamond sphere and the ring includes 4.9 carats total diamond weight. There are matching diamond earrings and diamond pendant necklace available to buy separately at Astley Clarke, too.
Takara Collection Diamond Moon cocktail ring with pave diamond sphere - £7,500 from Astley Clarke.

********************************

Every women needs a classic pair of high quality sparkling diamond stud earrings to last them through the years.These diamond stud earrings in 18ct white gold are by Saffron Lloyd and are for pierced ears only. The total minimum diamond weight is 0.9 carat.
Saffron Lloyd classic diamond stud earrings in 18ct white gold - £1,950 at Astley Clarke.

********************************

Astley Clarke are known as one of the most innovative and stylish online jewellery boutiques around, selling their own jewellery designs plus jewellery from other designers including Carolina Bucci, Jade Jagger, Dana Kewllin, The Hudson Collection, Yummi Glass (for Murano glass jewellery), Philippa Holland and many more.

Vogue even says that “the thrill of receiving an Astley Clarke box in the post cannot be equalled” (it’s rubbish of course - receiving TWO Astley Clarke boxes in the post would be so much better. Even if it was just one box for each earring).

And it’s never to early in a relationship to shower your loved one with diamonds.  I have been trying to convince my husband that it is traditional to buy one’s wife an expensive diamond eternity ring on the first wedding anniversary, to ensure they stick around for an eternity. Alas he hasn’t fallen for it yet (and it’s been years! I am nothing if not persistent), but I shall definitely be pointing him in the direction of Astley Clarke when he finally - FINALLY - gives in.

Visit the Astley Clarke website for designer jewellery now.

********************************

Astley Clarke takes the ethical and traceable sourcing of diamonds very seriously - find out more about the issue of conflict diamonds, and the international monitoring system called the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS).

This luxury baby carrier is the famous Bill Amberg Sheepskin Papoose baby carrier that so many celebrities have been spotted with. The Bill Amberg sheepskin papoose is made of sheepskin with a bridle leather trim and elasticated suede strap. This baby carrier is for babies up to 22 lbs or 10kg weight.

Bill Amberg Sheepskin Papoose baby carrier - £318 at Mama La Mode.

Or check out Mama la Mode for designer fashions for mums-to-be and new mums from designers including Temperley, Issa, Amanda Wakeley, Heidi Klein and Melissa Odabash, and warm baby cashmere blankets and other accessories.

I feel guilty even looking at the Bill Amberg Sheepskin Papoose, as I read a great article the other day by Liat Hughes Joshi, the co-author of “What to buy for your baby” and felt inspired only to buy what my baby will really need. Then I had a browse around the fabulous designer maternity and baby website Mama la Mode and I started to stretch the definition of “need” slightly. So… maybe if I don’t buy all the other stuff I want but don’t need for the baby, I can justify the Bill Amberg Sheepskin Papoose baby carrier?

Animal prints, leopard prints, and animal inspired jewellery are still key designer trends.

But what looks great on Bond Street doesn’t always translate well to more mundane surroundings. If you love your animal print designer fashions but you’re wary of coming over all Bet Lynch in a leopard print coat, or of having to walk home from the station to a neighbourhood chorus of The Lion Sleeps Tonight, grab yourself some animal print accessories instead and go with the less is more approach.

I just love this New Season Kenneth Jay Lane leopard cuff. It’s unusual, well-priced, and on trend. (It’s a cuff! And it’s got leopards on it! The only way it could be more fashionable is if the leopards were wearing peg legs). The cuff is 22k gold plated with black enamel. The double leopard heads have red Swarovski crystal eyes and there is a  gold hoop centre. It has a magnetic closure and measures approximately 17cm on its internal circumference. Kenneth Jay Lane cuff £156 from My Wardrobe.

********************************

These lace up animal print block heel ankle boots from D&G Dolce and Gabbana are half price in the My Wardrobe sale so you can nab a real bargain. With a pointed toe and brown laces, these D&G ankle boots also have a chunky 11cm square heel. Leather upper, lining and soles. Half price - now only £185.50 reduced from £371.

********************************

Whether you’re a rock chick or a heels ‘n’ pencil skirts kind of girl, this gorgeous Yves Saint Laurent leopard print scarf will look great around your neck or in your hair. This 50% cotton / 50% viscose fringed Yves Saint Laurent scarf is £325 at Matches Fashion.

********************************

Kenneth Jay Lane seems to be providing a veritable menagerie of wild cat inspired jewellery this season. This Kenneth Jay Lane tiger head ring is 22k gold plated, and the eyes are red Swarovski crystals. The ring circumference approx 11cm. Kenneth Jay Lane tiger head ring only £65 at My Wardrobe.

********************************

Unusual shiny (patent leather) leopard print court shoes from Brian Attwood. With a thin stiletto heel and an almond toe, these Brian Atwood leopard print shoes are £375 at Matches Fashion.

********************************

Flat leopard print pumps from Pedro Garcia that are not only animal print - but are now half price in the My Wardrobe sale! incredibly comfy, these flat, round-toed Mary Janes have a button-fastening strap to stop your foot slipping out. Leather upper and lining, rubber soles. (These are a fashion shoe and not for every day use.) The Pedro Garcia Greta shoe is reduced from £190 to £95 in the My Wardrobe sale.

********************************

This short kaftan from Heidi Klein has a snakeskin print and silver dot decoration, and is ideal as a beach bar cover-up. There is a tie waist and twisted ties at the neckline. This Heidi Klein short kaftan is 100% silk. £158 at Matches Fashion.

Now you can enjoy up to 80 percent off designer jewellery with pieces from the Astley Clarke designer jewellery range and ranges by other jewellery designers.

Jewellery designer Astley Clarke has reduced some sale prices even further in the Astley Clarke Designer Jewellery Sale - and added some more jewellery to the sale (including that gorgeous yellow gold amethyst cocktail ring that I blogged about on Boxing Day - it was reduced from £750 to £525, now it is down to £450).

Visit the Astley Clarke designer jewellery website for designer jewellery and gems from Astley Clarke and other top jewellery designers. Now with up to 80% off!

Jewellery designers available on the Astley Clarke website include Carolina Bucci, Jade Jagger, The Hudson Collection, Mallarino, Dana Kellin, Gatsby and more.

I’m channelling pink and purple designer fashion today, from online designer boutique Anedoti. (These colours match my cheeks after venturing forth in temperatures of -7C this morning).

Anedoti specialises in designer fashion from up and coming fashion designers including Alpha by Massimo Rebecchi, and Tom Salama; jewellery designers such as Delaila and Dominique Vezina; and handbag designer Notting Hill Design.

The Anedoti boutique has a designer fashion and designer jewellery sale on at the moment with up to 50% off and FREE shipping (it ends January 24, 2009).

Check out my choices below including some rather fab 1980s-influenced designer jewellery.

Or browse the Anedoti site for Sale and Non-Sale designer fashion, designer jewellery and designer handbags (with influences from many eras, anybody born after 1990 may be pleased to know).

This gorgeous purple Sarita dress from Tom Salama is the perfect summer dress or spring party dress. It has delicate puffled sleeves, neck detail and low pockets. Made from soft cotton jersey, this Tom Salama dress is reduced from £170 to £110 in the Anedoti sale. Purple Sarita dress from Tom Salama  - designer fashion in the Anedoti sale.

These stunning rose pink leather gloves are 100% lambs leather and are silk lined. Ideal for smartening up any winter wardrobe and available in several sizes. These Anedoti silk lined rose pink leather gloves are reduced from £42.50 to £32.50 in the Anedoti sale. Rose pink leather gloves, silk lined - in the Anedoti sale.

This Delaila Fuchsia Fanfare Ring is reduced from £100 to £90. Constructed out of perspex and silver plated, it is one size but has adjustable closing. This designer ring is part of a Delaila designer jewellery collection that has received celebrity endorsement and press coverage in fashion magazines including Vogue, Elle and Marie Claire. Delaila Fuchsia Fanfare Ring - designer jewellery in the Anedoti sale.

13/01/09 Update: Giles Deacon correspondence cards for Smythson now showing as back in stock >>>>>>

The couture Giles Deacon correspondence note cards from luxury stationery firm Smythson may not be available in the Smythson shop until 6 January 2009. But you can pre-order these gorgeous Giles Deacon for Smythson note cards now, online!

These correspondence cards from Giles Deacon for Smythson feature line drawings of designer gowns, die-stamped onto Smythson’s matt correspondence cards. The cards are available in boxes of 10. There are two designs in each box (Giles Deacon has created five couture designs in total).

But hurry - as these correspondence cards are strictly limited edition. Only 300 Giles Deacon correspondence card boxes will be available.

Each Giles Deacon note cards box costs £37, for 10 correspondence cards. Each correspondence card measures 10cm by 16cm.

Pre-order Giles Deacon correspondence cards for Smythson now.

And don’t forget to send me a thank you note…

Stylish cocktail rings, funky pendants, multistone bracelets, dangly earrings, eternity rings and charm bracelets… plus glamorous jewellery boxes. Visit the Astley Clarke of London designer jewellery sale with up to 70% off jewellery and update your spring wardrobe with some sparkle and glamour.

As usual I’ve included a few of my favourites, below.

This Kiss pendant by Jade Jagger features 18ct gold and sterling silver and has Jade Jagger’s mouth design in red cubic zirconias, and the JJ signature charm. The chain measures 16 inches, and the kiss itself measures 30mm by 15mm. And it is half price, reduced from £280 to only £140. Jade Jagger Kiss pendant necklace at Astley Clarke.

This glamorous cocktail ring is by The Hudson Collection. It is 14ct yellow gold with an amethyst, plus two garnet sidestones, and diamonds. This Hudson Collection designer ring is reduced from £750 to £525. Hudson Collection 14ct yellow gold ring with amethyst stone at Astley Clarke.

These gold filled gypsy earrings for pierced ears, by Dana Kellin, have labradorite beads and aquamarine briolettes. Thet are two and three-eighths inches long. As seen in Vogue! These Dana Kellin earrings are reduced from £330 to only £165. Dana Kellin gypsy earrings at Astley Clarke.

This beautiful designer charm bracelet by Carolina Bucci has hand-enamelled charms on an 18ct yellow gold bracelet. The charms are of a peace sign, moon, flower, butterfly and scales plus Carolina Bucci’s signature bee charm. Reduced from £940 to £564.  Carolina Bucci hand-enamelled charm bracelet at Astley Clarke.

Or visit the Astley Clarke jewellery sale with up to 70% off and browse the best jewellery deals and jewellery offers.

13/01/09 Update: Giles Deacon correspondence cards for Smythson now showing as back in stock >>>>>>

Fashion designer Giles Deacon has created a stunning range of pen and ink couture design correspondence cards for the luxury stationery and leather goods retailer Smythson.

The correspondence cards go on sale on 6 January 2009, but you’ll need to be quick off the mark as they are being produced in a limited edition run of only 300 boxes.

There are five pen and ink designs - they feature Giles Deacon’s couture designs, and have been hand engraved using Smythson’s traditional engraving technique. Each box contains 10 cards and 10 tissue-lined envelopes, and will include two different Giles Deacon correspondence card designs.

I think I’d only use them to write notes to myself (why would I send them to anyone else? They’re limited edition Giles Deacon! And they cost £37 for 10!).

But if you have a more charming temperament than me, and you want to post them out, your friends will have to wait until early January to receive their thank-you notes for the fabulous fashionista Christmas gifts they will no doubt have sent you. (Or if they’ve sent you a rubbish novelty gift, you can slyly show you don’t bear grudges by sending them one of your precious Giles cards.)

Click here for the Smythson correspondence section on their website.