London Fashion Week AW13: Day 2

After sleeping like a baby, I was up with birds and travelling into central London for the 2nd day of London Fashion Week.  I'd vaguely planned the days outfit based upon another mood board I'd created, so with a few variations again I was extremely content with the outcome.
 

I know a lot of people would avoid mixing browns and blacks, but for this look it some how worked and created warmth.  Adding a dash of mischievous purple, teamed with the green from the paisley skirt, I had a great combination that hinted on a post war 1940's vibe.

My Outfit for Day 2: 

What I'm Wearing:  Coat - Vintage, Tights - Next, Bag - Fiorelli, Scarf - Tie Rack, Belt - Primark, Bow (attached to belt) Topshop Brooch, Loafers - Topshop Black Patent Loafers, Skirt - Topshop Paisley Skirt, Top - Black Topshop Body, Necklace - Topshop Gold

I got into the active Somerset House early, as Saturday tends to be the most frantic of all the days.  Top designers such as Daks, Sister By Sibling, Clements Ribeiro, John Rocha, Moschino Cheap And Chic, Issa and House of Holland, to name but only a few were showcasing their collections for AW13. 
I decided I'd kick start my morning by grabbing a coffee from the Lavazza team in the press room,  after sipping my warm cup of caffeine, I then scampered off to locate the brand new store from The Cambridge Satchel Company.

You may or may not remember, but I had the pleasure of interviewing the wonderful Julie Deane about her company The Cambridge Satchel Company.  Finally seeing a store dedicated to the innovative satchels was nothing but spectacular, and I wanted everything I set my eyes on.  There were a number of diverse prints, designs and most positively something for every kind of style and personality. The shop was designed flawlessly for the brand and even had vintage bikes on show, which I suggested they create a satchel bag to go on the back of your bike, as a cyclist myself with a vintage bike... that would be fantastic! 

I'm an enormous fan of any delicate pastel shades and because I'm eagerly awaiting spring to come, I felt these satchels would be the ideal companion for shoulders for SS13.  I especially adore the pale pink satchel below,  It may have to be added to my bag collection! 

After seeing The Cambridge Satchel Company store in Covent Garden, I then decided to pop along to visit the team at The Apartment.  After myself and Sophie from La Fashion Folie somehow managed to get lost, (again) we ventured up to The Apartment to be greeted by lots of smiles, cakes, and a number of brands exhibiting their items.

One of my big hobbies is to bake, so when I saw the glorious spread of cupcakes I simply had to photograph the display. And yes, they were as delicious as they looked! We were fed and watered and truly looked after by the team.  
The Apartment was stunning with a variety of brands showcasing  their goodies.  The lovely team at Next were there along with other brands; Rimmel, Claire's Accessories, Superdry, John Frieda, Forever21, Russel and Bromley.... to name only a few. 

I then went onto the Zeynep Tosun show at The Fashion Scout Catwalk.
An assortment with lots of tailoring, high necks and ultimately a collection of Victorian meets an earthy wild west twist.  Plenty of collars teamed with ruffles, deep tones of red, mustard, orange, brown and black and gothic jacquard embroidered patterns.

The whole set was particularly statement with numerous pieces fashioned with luxe leather and garnished with sheer style, but not in a dramatic over the edge manner, but certainly a blend that would turn heads.  The majority of each look made the waist look minimal but maintaining boldness and being daring in other aspects, and although I personally favour a classic look I was mesmerized by how Zeynep Tosun’s AW13 collection actually won me over. 

I adore Orla Kiely and seeing her presentation at London Fashion Week was one of my highlights.  The dainty collection from her was just what I'd expected, and it really brought it home for me by confirming you cannot beat classic style. 
On entering all those viewing were greeted by a line of ladies in an office with type writers, in little 1960's inspired dresses with big clipped up or beehive hair styles. Tea dresses in the office? Yes please! I even loved how they all had matching cups and saucers on their desks. 
I certainly will be adding some of these darling little numbers to my shopping basket when they're available.

My next show I want to report on was of course Issa.  I'd been invited along by LG to attend and for the first time in my LFW history, I'd been able to walk straight in and find my seat.  Sat third row from the front was fantastic, meaning I could really see the items of clothing completely. 

The show was exceptionally busy on the build up, making the anticipation of what to expect sky high. Many celebrities filling the front rows, with the likes of Jodie Kidd, Mollie and Rochelle from The Saturdays and various Made In Chelsea cast members. Whilst waiting for the show to begin, I met fellow blogger and writer Rachel from Lady M Presents (pictured with me above). 
I'm a massive fan of the designs by Daniella Helayel, so seeing these in the flesh was going to be an thrilling occasion.  The main reason I love Issa a large amount is because they tend to be garments, which you can actually wear off the runway and Daniella really captures the essence of what a woman wants out of her clothes.

Kicking off the show was none other than Cara Delevingne and simply by having such an icon to set the scene, we all knew we were in for a treat.
Using the core inspiration behind the collection as 'rugged homes of Native Navajo Indians', we immediately saw a combination of geometric prints, rustic tones and cheeky feathers flowing from floppy hats - it certainly embraced it's theme and rode with it.

As I mentioned, I love a range of clothing on the catwalk which you can visualize yourself wearing.  A lot of designers can go extremely off the scale with their creations but Issa wasn't like that, it was a rare time I saw myself wearing the item and could definitely understand why Pippa Middleton is an admirer.  

Silky dresses dominated and floated their way down the runway, teamed with fitted jackets thus creating an utter chic effortless visual.  The entire collection oozed tranquillity and enhanced the core theme of being native, but somehow touched on a slight seventies vibe with flared dresses, wide trousers and the palette of colours used.

Hats made their mark on the catwalk in an over sized style and complete with a feathers. 

There were lots of layers and various fabrics with a variety of tribal, geometric, monochrome and vibrant angle prints. 

It's quite unusual to find a designer that can cater for a wide age spectrum.  I felt that I would happily wear any item off the catwalk, but equally so I could imagine my sister and my Mum working the garments just as well. 

I believe Daniella really had hit the nail on the head with the AW13 collection, being a bit daring but ultimately a risk that truly paid off.... I certainly cannot wait for AW13, so I can wear the look!

Me after the Issa show

It had been long day but one where I had seen some superb creations and met some wonderful people.  I was in need of a good bit of dinner and a good nights sleep - ready for day 3!

 

Day 2; LG LFW daily highlights

xoxo