If your mum is partial to designer label (or two) it can be tricky to find her perfect present that won't break the bank. Well, we've done the (finger) footwork and have found ten gorgeous Mother's Day gifts that will bring the big-brand wow-factor but still sneak in under the $200 mark. From beautiful ear bling to designer silk scarves to keep-forever trinkets, there's bound to be something to delight even the fussies of label lovers inside. . .
Nope, that headline is not a typo — and we're not tossing the term "designer" around lightly, either. Lately, a slew of our all-time favourite labels (Proenza Schouler, Balenciaga, Kenzo, et al) have been all over versatile pouches — purses, if you like — that we can't get enough of. Rarely coming in at over 20cm in length, these petite beauties are hard workers: use it as an everyday purse, a slim-line evening clutch, a cosmetics case, you name it, it'll work. There's never been an easier way to add a bit of designer luxe to your life. Your only problem will be stopping at one! See (and shop) our top 15 picks right now.
Kate Middleton, also known as the Duchess of Cambridge, has stolen our hearts with her flawless, classic style, her flair for fabulous fascinators, and, of course, the exciting news of her pregnancy. For her latest royal appearance — at the National Review of Queen's Scouts at Windsor Castle — Kate chose a frayed, mint-green tweed Mulberry coat adorned with girlie flower-shaped buttons down the front, which showed off her growing baby bump. See close-ups of her sweet ensemble, plus some of our other favourite fashion moments from the duchess, right here. From her stunning teal Jenny Packham gown and Issa wrap dresses to her perfect Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen-designed wedding dress and countless tartan-print coats, it's virtually impossible not to fall a little bit in love with Kate's easy elegance.
I like to have fun with fashion and try not to take it too seriously. That's probably why my wardrobe is full of pieces that walk on the bold and bright side. If they say that what you wear is an extension of your personality, then one could gather, based on my outfit choices, that I'm a little loud, a little crazy, and like to have a good time — they're mostly true, but what it comes down to is that my colourful clothes put me in a good mood.
I also like to own pieces that are a little different, a little left-of-field — even when I buy classics, like a designer bag or blazer, I want there to be something unexpected about it, whether it's the colour (everyone who knows me knows I'm drawn to blue), pattern or a quirky detail, something that makes it feel like it was made for me. That's why the new PANDORA collection works with my style, from the customisable bracelets and necklaces to the cute earrings. Want to see more of my bright wardrobe and what I want to shop this season? Step inside . . .
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The '90s were an obvious influence on Bec & Bridge's Spring/Summer '13-'14 collection, with a number of catwalk pieces looking like they may have stepped right out of Kate Moss' wardrobe - circa her Calvin Klein days (and we mean that in a good way). Bias-cut satin slip dresses and camisoles hugged the body, as did a number of seductive, sheer-spliced cocktail dresses that would look equally at home in the boudoir as they would holding up a darkened piano bar. In stark contrast, there were oversized sports-inspired pieces which brought plus-sized appeal via roomy cuts and PE class silhouettes. Boxy biker vests, drawstring-waist leather shifts and loose satin boxer shorts begged for athletic movement. Tight versus oversized, sexy versus sporty, nostalgic versus modern - it's the magical mix that makes us want to be a player on Bec & Bridge's team this season.
Forget the Kids Choice Awards to a sec, let's go back to London town! Alexa Chung attended The Big British Invite but chose a look from Parisian label Carven, while style setters like Mena Suvari, Ashley Madekwe, and Alice Eve attended Mulberry's dinner party at Chateau Marmont. Watch on to hear all the details on all of the night's standout looks!
Mena Suvari, Ashley Madekwe, and Emily Mortimer provided the stylish star-studded edge to last night's Mulberry dinner at LA's storied Chateau Marmont. Held to fete the label's latest collection, it seemed more than a little appropriate that the attendees also wear some of the pieces right off the Autumn/Winter '13 runway. Suvari wrapped up in a black fur-lined Winter waistcoat, but offset the classic choice with a serious pair of flame-embellished pumps. Revenge's Madekwe paired animal-print trousers (from the Pre-Fall lineup) with an off-white peplum blouse, black ankle-strap Monika Chiang pumps, and a small Suffolk bag, while The Newsroom's Mortimer styled a silky emerald top with a black pencil skirt, textured black Willow clutch, and black heels. Which starlet got her dinner outfit right?
Heard of the hair tuck? It's not new per se, but it is very now. We've seen countless street style blogs, celebrities and designers hiding their hair of late — while also not actually putting their arms inside their jackets — and the whole thing gives off a very cool, very important, must-dash-they-need-me-in-the-front-row vibe. Mulberry's 2013 Autumn Winter show at London fashion week has ignited the fire in our strands, as did Vera Wang's hidden hair affair at New York fashion week recently. For those of you who didn't cut your hair into a bob, it's a great alternative for wearing long, straight hair, just down and out. Because while that's all very je ne sais quoi, tucking one's hair is the new cool. Will you try the hair tuck trend this Autumn/Winter?
Photo courtesy Mulberry
Front-row crew, Lana Del Rey, Alexa Chung, and Harley Viera Newton have certainly found something to wear — and a luxe new bag to tote — in Mulberry's A/W 2013 lineup. Emma Hill played right to the It Brit's sensibility, melding heritage with a modern, cool-girl interpretation — rich fabrics, like shearling, slick leather, or traditional tweed layered up in playful, even, quirky silhouettes. Our full review will be posted shortly; in the meantime, click through to see the complete collection. Images courtesy of Mulberry.
Sometimes our southern hemisphere positioning works in our favour. For instance, the onslaught of the fresh-of-the-press Spring/Summer 2013 international campaigns coincides perfectly with our Summer season. Mulberry's under-the-sea tableau? Refreshing. Alexa Chung looking relaxed for Maje? Oui, oui! Julia Nobis getting lost in Proenza Schouler's cloud-cover? Dreamy. These collections may not be hitting shelves just yet, but the lush campaigns from these big name brands are providing the perfect seasonal satorial inspiration. Step inside and get inspired, stat.
Source: Maje, Nina Ricci, Just Cavalli and Reed Krakoff.
