A Hint Of Navy

"Search the ocean floor for a vessel,

then you’ll understand me.

Because in all its glory, it’s still a shade of blue;

it is a hint of navy"

~ Wom N. Sha

Colour can be a fickle thing in the fashion world. One minute we're told that grey is the new black, then we are told that wearing a cornucopia of vibrant colours will soothe our souls, and then we hear that creams and neutrals will make us look younger, slimmer, taller, fatter, or... well, you get the picture.

There is one colour however, that never lets us down. One colour that will never go out of fashion, and will never get old or tired - navy! Navy never looks like it's trying too hard. It is understated cool, and a great alternative to black.

I have quite a few navy pieces in my wardrobe, and this lovely dress by Emma Manley is a firm favourite. Feminine and flattering, the Maya dress is a fit and flare style; the structured bodice is cinched at the waist with a shimmering metallic leather band. The metallic leather detail also features on the drop shoulders, leading into a flared sleeve. The skirt sits at the knee, and secret pockets at the side give a relaxed vibe.

A fierce pair of platform shoes add a tough edge, and finish the look off beautifully.

Get The Look:

Dress: Manley 'Maya' Dress with leather detail in navy

Shoes: Burberry Prorsum 'Darenth' Platforms (similar)

Photos: Kate Carpenter Photography ©

Elephant In The Room

Animal print roars it's way into the fashion spotlight season after season and it's probably fair to say that most of us have something animal print in our wardrobe; whether it's a cute pair of leopard print shoes, a delicate snake print dress, a zebra print scarf or a full on, Bet Lynch style leopard print coat!

Emma Louise London is a small, luxury womanswear brand launched & designed by super talented Emma Cunnane. Her AW12 Elephant skin dress is without question the most original and unique take on animal print that I have ever seen! Inspired by a recent trip to Kenya, Emma took the Elephant profile and texture, combined with soft earthy tones and a masterful use of digital print to create this striking, kooky masterpiece.

Featuring 3/4 length sleeves in a silk/crepe de chine material, this simple, easy to wear shift dress will effortlessly take you from day to night.

I styled it here with chunky accessories; Burberry Prorsum shoes & my treasured gold Michael Kors watch.

Get The Look:

Dress: Emma Louise London Elephant Skin Dress

Shoes: Burberry Prorsum 'Darenth' Shoes (similar)

Watch: Michael Kors Gold Chronograph Bracelet Watch

Slasher

I've blogged about Irish Fashion Designer Emma Manley on here before so you all know how very much I love her work! Her fabulous designs are described as "an affordable, beautiful, crafted luxury. Garments that are both hard & soft, powerful & preciously delicate at once".

The Slasher dress is probably my favourite piece from her A/W11 collection; I say probably as the entire collection is amazing so it's hard to pick a favourite! Slasher however, is that rare dress you can just throw on and immediately feel fabulous. The dress features two soft jersey layers; a fitted mini underneath and a midi length top layer with two slits running up the centre of each leg. 

The best way to wear Slasher is with a statement belt. You can hide the belt under the front outer flap and tie it to the back to hide your tummy and flatter a pert bottom. Or you can leave the back loose and close the belt over the front layer to give the illusion of a tiny waist. 

The 'Harlech' studded warrior belt by Burberry Prorsum is the ideal statement piece to give a harder edge to the deceptively simple lines of Slasher. The over-sized studds add an edgy, punky feel that is both bold and glamorous. 

The shoes are classic Jimmy Choo courts. They were my first ever Designer shoe purchase many years ago and are so popular they reappear in Jimmy Choo collections season after season.

Get The Look:

Dress: Emma Manley 'Slasher' Dress

Belt: Burberry Prorsum 'Harlech' Studded Belt (similar)

Shoes: Jimmy Choo 'Eros' Shoes

Jewellery: All by Tiffany & Co

Shakuhachi

One of the (many!) benefits of being married to a lovely New Zealander, is that over the years I have discovered some incredible Antipodean Fashion Brands and Designers! One of my favourites is Australian brand Shakuhachi.

This 'Up Down' dress in gorgeous bluey/silvery Alligator-print is a great example of their modern, flirty designs. The dress has a relaxed fit & features a round neckline, long cuffed sleeves, a button down front and an amazing, eye catching, asymmetric hemline. It is so easy to wear and I LOVE how the long skirt billows behind me as I walk! 

I have styled it here with Burberry Prorsum black patent platform shoes & a House of Harlow necklace for an edgy, 70s look. It can be toughened up further with a black leather biker jacket. This is one very cool dress!

Dress: Shakuhachi 'Up Down' Alligator-print Dress 

Shoes: Burberry Prorsum 'Darenth' Shoes (similar)

Necklace: House of Harlow 1960 'Station' Necklace