H&M SS13

There was a full-on ethnic vibe when you walked into the H&M press room last week, showcasing the new SS13 range.

Colourful giant tassels (that wouldn't look out of place on curtains in a castle), embroidery, global prints and detailed embellishment - it felt a bit like walking around a Moroccan souk rather than a High Street press event.

What's nice was that it felt exciting - like you just can't wait to see this stuff in the shops. This is what the cool kids will be wearing.

And it's always a good sign when Fashion Editors frantically asking when pieces are out - basically because we cannot wait to wear them ourselves, usually.

A tropical twist and continuity of studs and leathers make this collection one of my favourites from the brand for a while.

Look out for fashionistas rocking the red giant tassel skirt early next year!

Here a few of my favourite pieces:

Holly from the H&M press team looking gorgeous in THAT skirt and applique jumper from the SS13 range.

Spring preview at Exposure

So much to see, so little time! Here's a few snaps from the SS13 press event at Exposure HQ...

Dr Marten's Spring looks

DMs go fluoro-geek

Claire's have some cracking shades for next summer. A bit cheaper than Ray Ban's too...

Claire's

Pile 'em on at festival time. Arm candy at Claire's.

New Nikes. Swoosh shwoo!

Love these!

Sexy wellies at Hunters.

Clever shirt solutions for summer from Mr. Start.

Velvet + Caviar nails by Ciate

I love a bit of nail art. I'll try anything when it comes to nails. I even used to get mine regularly pierced at Afflecks Palace in Manchester when I was a student. Just waiting for that trend to kick off again!

There's always something new cropping up to better the last and I'm a sucker to try the 'latest thing'.

So the offer of a 'velvet and caviar' manicure from Ciate at the Snow PR press day was hard to refuse.

Basically, they paint your nails then they drop a load of what I called 'fuzz' over your nails. It looks a little bit like what you get in the filter of your tumble dryer. But the results are good! Go for a darker colour though - the lighter ones do tend to show dirt.

I love the caviar effect on a signature finger, great for a night out. Doesn't last too long but these aren't everyday nails!

The caviar nails sets are available now at Ciate and the velvet nail manis are coming soon. Get your fuzz on.

Kate from Fabulous getting her fuzz on

My nails, velveted and caviared up!

Beautiful bling at Swarovski SS13

One of this week's stand out shows for me was Swarovski.

Yes, the crystal jewellery brand no one can spell has pulled out all the stops for Spring next year with some truly amazing pieces. This is not just any old bling, y'know.

The main range had a mix of vibes - tropical/LA/aztec were at the helm - and included gorgeous neon arm candy, twinkling flamingos, bold colourful rings and art deco designs. Oh, and the most divine bib necklaces ever...

As you may know Swarovski sponsor international designers each year and these designers implement the jewels into their designs. Here are some shining (ahem) examples from SS13 that were on display at the event:

Marios Schwab

Giles

Giles

Mary Katrantzou

Altuzarra

Also on display were the absolutely amazing Philip Treacy Swarovski-encrusted headpieces from his SS13 London show...

Not forgetting the beautifully timeless dress from the new Bond film, Skyfall. (REALLY wanted to try this on but not sure how well that would have gone down.)

HPR: SS13 uncovered

I thought I would show you a few snaps from HPR's press day at their office in Soho this week as they had some really exciting new-to-me brands as well as established desginers like Paul & Joe.

I love discovering new brands - I always need new and interesting designers to keep the shoots I do looking up-to-the-minute and, well, just a bit different. There were some great pieces perfect for cover shoots. Really interesting jewellery designers like Sophie Breitmeyer and Kyle Hopkins (check out the crown he custom-made for Rihanna below), and also great lingerie from Marlies Dekkers and the rather amazing  I.D. Sarrieri. 

On a personal level I fell in love with To Be Adored's new collection. Definitely keep an eye on this brand if you don't already!

Electric blue metallic leather at Faith Connexion. Wow.

The most amazing bra in the world by Marlies Dekkers. (Oh and hello reflections, sorry!)

Stunning. I.D. Sarrieri corset.

Rih Rih's crown! By Kyle Hopkins.

Gorgeous cuff by Sophie Breitmeyer.

Tamzin Lillywhite's hand-crafted leathers.

Paul & Joe favoured cat print for Spring.

...and some Jungle Book action.

Fabulous footwear by Sophie Gittins.

Aaaah...To Be Adored.

Simple luxe shapes with a sprinkle of sporty sparkle at To Be Adored.

SS13 PRESS DAYS A GO-GO!

So it's a busy week of running round as press days get in full swing!

Bear with me while I pick out the best of the SS13 collections to preview on here.

In the meantime witness the cuteness of these bunny ears I saw today at Damaris - the sexy underwear brand that gave us bow back knickers and bottom cleavage.

Love them!

Laura Ashley retro chairs

Loved these chairs I saw at the SS13 press show. Neutrals, pastels and ombre prints were the order of the day for their new season homewares.