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Three celebs working the same look officially makes it a trend in our book!
As soon as we saw Frankie and Rochelle from The Saturdays and Fergie from the Black Eyed Peas stepping out in super-cool Chanel No. 5 inspired tees, our team rushed out to search for one that gives you their look instantly.
Frankie from the Saturdays
We’ve come up with the perfect perfume-inspired tee as well as the rest of Frankie’s fab outfit. This longline vest-style tee would look great with leggings or denim. Here’s how to steal Rochelle from The Saturdays style:
Perfume tee, £18
Diesel denim skirt, £75
Nautical Blazer, £40
Fold over boots, £45
With the perfume tee at just £18, that’s a perfect celeb style steal without the super-star price tag!
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Here at Oli we’re always on the look out for top fashion talent to share ideas with. This week, we’ve been chatting to Lisa Maynard-Atem about her Manchester-based style consultancy, STYLISA.
Lisa’s team are committed to making style achieveable to everyone, whether it’s working with celebrities and business (STYLISA worked with Caprice on her AW09 fashion show, for example) to home consultations and makeovers. Read on to find out more about STYLISA and to see Lisa’s top fashion picks from this season’s collection at Oli.co.uk.
The STYLISA girls and Caprice
How did you get into fashion?
I started by testing with photographers, and assisting other stylists. I had always harboured a desire to work in the fashion industry, after having lived in New York as a child and being taken to fashion shows by my mum.
Tell us about your company, STYLISA – how did it start and what do you do now?
In 2005, after having spent two years testing and building up contacts, I launched STYLISA. I built the website myself, did all my own PR, and just went for it. Although I had no formal fashion background, I did not let this be a barrier to realising my dream of working in the fashion industry.
Stylisa.com
In the past five years, STYLISA has evolved into more than just styling. When I first started the business, the bulk of my work was purely styling, whether it was for a TV show or a member of the public. However STYLISA has become a fashion styling brand with a difference, and we have moved into areas such as branding, PR, and celebrity endorsements. Our main areas are entertainment (working with celebrities and magazines), Corporate (working with high net worth individuals, fashion brands, etc.) and generic services such as wardrobe makeovers, shopping days, and style advice sessions. We work very closely with our clients to develop style strategies that can be aligned with both their personal and professional goals. We are of the belief that creating the right image is all about making intellectual style choices, and not merely a case of going shopping for the right outfit. Our aim is simply to develop effective style strategies that result in results. Whatever fashions may come into vogue during the seasons, the one trend that will always be eternal is style.
What style advice would you give Oli shoppers for this season?
My advice would be to think carefully about what you are buying for the coming season. Trends are great but not all trends lend themselves to longevity. Invest in pieces that fit in with your existing wardrobe and that suit your personality and bodyshape. However, do not be afraid to experiment with your choices – if you are a person who normally avoids colour, try adding a splash of colour to your wardrobe. And remember that accessories are a great way to update any wardrobe. Be selective, but always have fun with your fashion.
What’s the best styling tip you’ve ever been given?
The best styling tip is one that has been given to me by my mother – confidence and a smile are the greatest accessories to any outfit and best of all, they are free.
Who do you admire in the world of fashion?
In terms of my all-time style icons, I am a huge fan of Coco Chanel and Audrey Hepburn. My mantra is simply fashion for the sake of function, not merely vanity, a view that was shared by Coco Chanel, whose own style epitomised functionality, but at the same time encapsulated the very essence of what style should be. Audrey Hepburn for me was effortlessly chic and demonstrated that a woman can look beautiful without bearing too much flesh. Alexander McQueen was a designer that I had and still have, a great deal of admiration for. His collections transcended fashion and were more like art. At the moment, I am loving Lady Gaga for the simple reason that she represents what style should: an expression of self and a representation of who you are as an individual. Style is a state of mind and her mind seems like a glorious place at the moment.
What are your favourite items on Oli.co.uk at the moment?
I am a big fan of dresses and believe that they are the epitome of style, so my first choice would have to be the French Connection Tropical Maxi Dress – £75. The great thing about Maxi dresses is that they complement a variety of different bodyshapes and you can hide a multitude of sins whilst looking effortlessly stylish. Team this with some oversize sunglasses, a big tote bag, some gladiator sandals and lots of bangles, and you have a great summer look.
French Connection maxi dress, £75
My second choice would be the Oli Waterfall Cardigan – £38. This is a great piece as it can be worn in a variety of ways. It can be teamed with skinny jeans and a vest top or leggings and a vest dress. You could tie it or belt it, embellish it with brooches and give it a real Vivenne Westwood feel. It can go from day to evening, so you could wear it to work and then for cocktails after work.
Oli waterfall caridgan, £38
My third choice would have to be the classic Converse Classic Trainers (in pink) – £35. I have chosen this because these are a must-have for any girl about town. The fact that they have ‘classic’ in the title, shows that they a key item for any fashionista’s wardrobe. You don’t necessarily have to have them in pink, but I think wearing colour rather than white, makes a bit of a statement, and is a way of introducing colour into your wardrobe. They may get old but as a style, they will never date. Throw them on with a pair of Wrangler Megan Jeans, a long recer-bike white vest, and Gestuz Leather Biker Jacket , and you have a cool city-girl look…with sunglasses and an oversized bag of course.
Converse classic pink trainers, £35
Fourth choice: I love the Forever Unique skull vest dress – £75. The reason I love this is simply because it reminds me of Alexander McQueen.
Skull vest dress, £75
Which brand would you most like to see on Oli.co.uk and why?
Jimmy Choo, because like most women I LOVE shoes. When I put a pair of Jimmy Choo’s on, I immediately feel fabulous (and very tall). However, I would also love to see a designer called Marc Ross on Oli. He was the man behind Cheryl Cole’s dress for the X-Factor final – amazing designer and one to watch for the future. You heard it hear first!
You’re recently went to London Fashion week, what were the highlights for you?
I always look forward to the pop-up shows the most to be honest. Obviously the main shows like Burberry and Vivienne Westwood are always amazing, but it’s nice to see what other lesser known designers are doing. There is a bank of fashion talent out there, that is just waiting to be discovered, and thrown into the spotlight. However, I love fashion full stop, so I always take every opportunity immerse myself in the shows and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.
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More fabulous brands have landed at Oli and we can’t wait to share them with you. We’re committed to bringing you the latest labels and our Buying team are always at the forefront of fashion, tracking down what’s hot.
Lipsy
Lipsy is a real fave here for the girls in the Oli office. There’s rarely a party dress that appears on the site that we don’t own between us! Super glam, super girlie and bang on trend: if it’s Saturday night glamour you’re after, Lipsy’s your label!
Lipsy dress, £48
Closet is our newest label and better still, it’s exclusively online for Oli.co.uk. You won’t find it anywhere else on the internet. Designed and made in London for the girl about town, it’s sophisticated and sleek. Perfect for the office or for when you need to crank up the A-list style glamour! Steal Victoria Beckham’s style!
Steal Victoria Beckham's style with Closet
Ichi
Ichi focus on creating on-trend collections with layering in mind. Think funky long-line tees, draped knits and ultra-wearable tops. Great for dressing up your dress-down days.
Ichi tongues tee, £10
Converse
A favourite of Fearne Cotton, Converse is the cool girl’s fail-safe footwear. Great with jeans or jeggings for a laid back look or brilliant for giving a pretty dress a bit of attitude, it’s a wardrobe must-have brand.
Fearne loves Converse
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Nadine from Snow PR went along to the latest Oli Fusion photoshoot to bring us all the latest gossip from our hot new designer ranges. Here’s what she had to say about the day:
“This week Snow has been mega busy; having had a very successful press day where we showcased the new SS10 collections, fashion press have been keen to see all the designer collaborations and exclusive occasions wear online.
Snow attended the photoshoot for the gorgeous designer collaborations with Oli.co.uk, we had an amazing day and the collections looked fantastic when brought to life on the beautiful models. There was so much going on with hair and make up and tons of shots to get through…
Behind the scenes on our photoshoot
Loving the collections!
It’s Olivia Rubin’s first season with Oli and the designs are stunning and look so similar to the statement pieces from her main line collection. It’s Sinha-Stanic’s second season collaborating with Oli and their designs are better than ever. The amazing floral jumpsuit is our personal favourite as well as great all the great graphic prints.
Poltock and Walsh are collaborating for the first time ever with Oli, with very classic pieces with a real edgy side, we love the biker jacket and printed bikini.
The collections launch on Oli at the end of March, so watch this space!
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Any fashionista worth her heels couldn’t fail to notice that the last week has seen the cream of the style crop flock to our capital city for London Fashion Week. Celebs descended upon London armed with more designer handbags than you could shake a stick at as designers showcased their collections for Autumn Winter 2010. We’ve been down on the front line of fashion grabbing all the latest gossip and style news for you…
Backstage at Somerset House...
London Fashion Week, Somerset House
Jackie Dixon from Show Me Your Wardrobe shared her thoughts with us on London Fashion Week:
“The word on everyone’s lips at London Fashion Week is BLOGGERS! There are so many around. Gone are the days when the seated tickets are all filled up with fashion editors and buyers and everyone else is standing, now there is a real mix. Bloggers are sitting front row tweeting up to half a dozen times during one show alone. So if you’re not there you certainly aren’t missing out. I missed Sass and Bide but knew which celebrities were there, what they were wearing and as soon as the show started the tweet pics were coming in. Then a mere hour or two later it was all over hundreds of blogs. The speed is frightening. I even found myself being tweeted about. I was at Bodyamr and was introduced to Nicola Roberts from Girls Aloud, we had a lovely chat – she’s very sweet and let me take some fun pictures of her. By the time I had got back to my seat someone had tweeted “spotted SMYW snapping celebs at Bodyamr” – amazing! If you want to follow my on twitter I am @SMYW.
I have to say that so far at London Fashion Week there have been some real gems. I am spotting lots of tweed, velvet, ruffles and warm emerald tones. I’m looking forward to Autumn/Winter 2010 already!
Celebrity-wise it’s been a good turn out too; I’ve spotted Sienna Miller, Yasmin LeBon, Alexa Chung, Pixie and Peaches Geldoff, Nicola Roberts, Erin O’Conner and Olivia Palemero – and I wasn’t even looking!
Peaches Geldof front row at Pam Hogg
Nicola Roberts from Girls Aloud
Lots more to go and not forgetting all the people that are not doing runway shows but presentations or even static exhibitions at Somerset House. If you’re heading down to Somerset House remember to dress up because you will be greeted with a swarm of street style photographers on the prowl to take a good snap. You have been warned!”
We can always rely on Jackie for the latest fashion news!
Rewinding a little from AW10, you can see the video of the SS10 catwalk collection from one of our Oli Fusion designers, Jasper Garvida. The shoes worn by the models were all from Oli – swit swoo!
Jasper is a fab example of the kind of cutting-edge fashion talent that we’ve teamed up with in the past, and we have updates on our new Oli Fusion designers coming soon: Olivia Rubin, Poltock and Walsh and Sinha Stanic. We’ve also got an update coming from Esethica, the ethical and sustainable fashion event at London Fashion Week.
Watch this space!
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London fashion week has started and we’ll keep today’s blog post short and sweet as we’re down in the thick of it catching all of the best gossip and latest trends for you! Full update coming soon…
However, that doesn’t mean things aren’t going full-pelt in the Oli office! We’ve got loads of lush new fashion on the site today, everything from Cheryl Cole inspired military dresses and jackets to romantic nudes and ruffles.
Treat yourself by having a virtual browse through all of the lovely new outfits.
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Celebs have been papped for a while now wearing skull prints, they’re a perfect way to toughen up a pretty outfit and add instant rock chic kudos to any outfit. Lily Allen, Rochelle from the Saturdays and The Hills Star Kristin Cavallari are fans:
Lily Allen loves skulls
The Hills star in skulls
The skulls trend was pioneered by designer Alexander McQueen whose recent death shocked the fashion world. Celebrity tributes have been pouring in from the likes of Kate Moss and even Lady Gaga dedicated one of her Brit awards to him last night.
Skull prints are set to be huge again this year as a nod to this iconic designer, here’s how to get the look:
Skull scarf, £15
Diamante scarf, £22
Skull cardigan, £60
Skull dress, £75
Skull floral top, £18
Let your skeletons out of your closet…
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One of our fave things about Oli.co.uk is the amount of fab brands and designers. Our buyers are always on the lookout for what’s new, what’s hot and what’s changing in the world of brands and here on the blog we’ll bring you all of the latest news, updates and style guidelines from some of the biggest names in fashion.
AX Paris
Here at Oli we adore AX Paris. Chic, unique boutique fashion that’s affordable and wearable. We never fail to raise a “Who’s your dress by?” question when we’ve been out in AX Paris.
AX Paris dress, £30
LOVE
Love is a fresh faced brand offering unique and affordable designs inspired by the catwalk. Their latest collection features nautical influences, on-trend lace and structured shoulder detailing.
Love nautical body suit, £27
French Connection
French Connection offers a fashion-forward clothing range with a quirky spin on design, priding itself on quality and affordable prices. The spring collection features some gorgeous bags, shoes and jewellery as well as key spring trends like Maxis and bright candy-pop colours.
French Connection maxi dress, £75
Puma
We’re super excited about fab sport and lifestyle brand Puma landing at Oli. Now we have an excuse to go to the gym – our new workout gear. Yay!
Puma cat trainer, £50
Bedroom Athletics
Now, we love glamming up as much as the next girl (probably a bit more, actually!) but sometimes there’s nothing better than donning your slippers and PJs and having a night in front of the TV watching chick flicks. Luckily, we’re bringing you the new range from Bedroom Athletics to guarentee that even at your cosiest, you still look cool!
Bedroom Athletics tee, £20
We’ll keep you updated with our latest brand news, but if you can’t wait for the next installment, check out our Brand Directory.
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We have to admit, we’re feeling pretty smug about Valentine’s day this year.
Not because we know we’ll be swamped under a sea of roses and cards (from Brad Pitt, Take That and George Clooney obviously) on Sunday, but because we’ve taken matters into our own hands and have decided to treat ourselves this Valentine’s day.
Gone are the days of waiting in vain for the postman/prince charming/white knight to turn up and put a smile on our faces. Instead, we’ve clicked, shopped and bought ourselves the perfect present. We know it’ll fit, we know we want it and we know we’ll love it. Why not join the revolution and treat yourself to something lush from our Valentine’s day shop? After all, as we’ve been hearing on all of the ads for soppy love song compilation CDs, “The greatest love of aaaallllll is found inside of me!” (luckily you can’t hear our karaoke-esque warbles!)
And even if you’ve still got faith in true love, give cupid a helping hand and point your fella in the direction of Oli to make double-sure that you’ll end up with the most fabulous Valentine’s day gift ever.
Visit our Valentine's shop
What do you think? Is Valentine’s day cheese-tastic or a reason for real romance? Tell us on Twitter: @Oli_Blog
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We couldn’t wait to see the Celebs turn out in style for New York Fashion Week today, but we weren’t quite expecting to see what we did… Lady Gaga going, well… gaga. She performed at a charity gala that kicked off the fashion event covered from head to toe in tiny pearls. We normally love Gaga’s style but this is one look we won’t be copying!
One look that we definitely are on board with was the lovely Heidi Klum’s sleek black dress. Hers was designed by Victoria Beckham, but you can get superstar style at a fraction of the price with the gorgeous black stretch corsage dress. This dress is by one of Oli’s favourite labels, AX Paris and is perfect for turning up the glam and attracting attention for all the right reasons. Lady Gaga, take note!
AX Paris corsage dress, £40
Folds or structured fabric detailing is a brilliant way to update your LBD and keeping your hair simple like Heidi really will really freshens up this nod to old school glamour.
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