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Shade Lifestyle
Turn back Time
When is a watch not a watch? When it’s a necklace. Or in fact a bracelet, or even a ring come to think of it. If you thought pocket watches were a thing of the past, think again. This season it would appear our watchmaker friends and dapper designers have turned back the clock and taken their inspiration from the more traditional watch-making fashions, circa 1500’s. So forget straps, if you want to stay high up in the fashion fixtures, swap your leather fastenings for a sturdy but sleek chain instead.
The biggest name on the fashionista files to take a trip back to days of olde is Marc Jacobs , although plenty of the high street names have cottoned on to he trend too. But although there’s plenty of alternatives ready and waiting to be snapped up, we just can’t get enough of the latest Marc by Marc Jacobs collection. Bursting with Autumn / Winter must-have’s, top of our wish list is the Red Apple pendant that reveals a watchface where the core should be, and the Classic gold Marc Jacobs pendant watch – the perfect partner for that Little Black Dress, or if you’re feeling ultra-stylish, team it with a purple number. Super-simple, this 2-in-1 functional but fashionable piece of kit will have the answer to all your accessory needs in one fail swoop.
Proving that there’s more than one way to wear it, Mr Jacobs has also raised the bar with his charm bracelet watches, with Miss Sixty following suite. So if you don’t fancy dangling the time from your neck, you can keep it resigned to your wrist and just update your look by choosing a bangle or chain over a leather strap. Undoubtedly the era to experiment with watch-wearing, this is one timely trend that’s guaranteed to add a touch of pizzazz to your persona.
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Launch of Evisuswiss – A Glamorous Affair!
Japanese denim giant brand Evisu certainly went all out to launch their exclusive new range of Swiss Made Time pieces entitled Evisuswiss. It was indeed an elaborate event which oozed glitz and glamour and the attendees included A list celebrities such as Kelly Rowland who is the brand’s watch ambassador, Lupe Fiasco and Adam Deacon, all of whom were eager to view the stunning collection.
The name Evisuswiss represents the fact that the watches are beautifully crafted by experts in Switzerland and the range comes in a variety of sizes and shapes inspired by diver watches and vintage military style. The watches all maintain a delicate look each with intricate detailing and certainly convey a sense of decadence. Even the larger styles remain subtle and are most importantly, extremely wearable.
The exquisite launch party was a huge success and Evisu creatively and alluringly maintained their Japanese theme. Guests enjoyed beautiful hand-rolled sushi and stunning Japanese window decoration in addition to being entertained by gold painted models with samurai swords in tow. The models were instructed not to talk however which heightened the air of mystery surrounding the new range of watches.
The Evisuswiss timepieces are priced from £200-£800 and are sure to be a definite favourite this season among the style conscious.
Click here to visit our Evisu watches section
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Adam Deacon, Evisu, Evisu watches, Evisuswiss, Kelly Rowland, Lupe Fiasco, Saville Row Evisuswiss launch party
A-Z of Summer Style – cont.
W is for Watches…
…Along with ‘it’ bags and statement shoes, a designer watch is another must-have accessory in the fashion world. However, with so many celebrities these days endorsing the many and varied numerous brands and watch ads seen on every other pages of magazines, buying a watch can become confusing. Whether you opt for a simple classic or something with a little more bling, Shade Station has a fabulous range to suit everyone’s taste when it comes to wrist jewellery. Here’s a quick low down to help you choose the timepiece that’s perfect for you….
Spring/ Summer 2008 saw the trend emerging for female celebrities to dress down their girly outfits with a masculine watch. If you don’t want to wear a man’s watch brands such as Fossil and Seksy do some great mannish watches for women. The chunky leather straps and large faces combined with features such as gold detailing and coloured faces ensures they manage to maintain the element of sexy femininity.
If chunky is what you’re after but girly style remains high on your agenda, Ted Baker’s range is perfect. With the cut-out flower detailing on the leather strap these watches are bang on the floral trend for S/S 08. Funky yet functional, Nixon and Nooka’s selection of watches with their quirky face shapes, neon colours and bright straps are a must-have chunky watch for anyone who loves to be different from the crowd.
For an all-rounder watch that will carry you through from day-to-night, you can’t go far wrong in ditching the leather in favour of a metal strap. Guess watches with their embossed or jewelled silver embellished straps are fabulously affordable quality for those on a budget. DKNY’s dainty silver watches are the ultimate for understated luxury, also the perfect choice of timepiece to see you from desk-til-dawn in style.
However, just because watches aren’t probably the first thing you think about when accessorising an outfit, it doesn’t mean they’re not just as important as a necklace or earrings. So, there’s no exception to the rule either when it comes to your chosen timepiece – never mix and match silver and gold! Silver- coloured watches are simple to buy and are often more available in different ranges, whereas gold, unless it is real gold, can be tricky. If the colour isn’t just right or too shiny, gold watches can often look cheap and tacky, so purchase with caution. Seksy’s range at Shade Station is gold and glamorous and offers the choice of chunky and delicate styles for those who prefer their watch to be more of an understatement.
If you’re looking for something that’s classy with a difference, Michael Kors innovative use of bone-effect straps and tortoiseshell features are a sure fire winner for you. But if bling is you’re thing look no further than D&G’s stunning diamante range.
If you’re a great believer that a watch is an investment piece last you through every fashion fad and trend, indulge in a designer piece by Roberto Cavalli. For a watch that will go with any outfit, the classic black number is the one. Or for something more opulent that is sure to catch the eye of many admirers, the snake-effect designs are the epitome of the designer’s extravagance and classy in so many ways.
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D&G, designer watches, DKNY, guess, nixon, nooka, roberto cavalli, seksy, ted baker
Optical Illusions
Remember the time when glasses were confined to the realms of geekdom, and leaving the opticians with a pair of specs meant automatic relegation to nerd, before you could even say ‘four-eyes’? Well, those days are long gone, and the latest craze is wearing prescriptive-style glasses, even if you don’t need to. Just last week I noticed a gaggle of girls lining up to try on fake, NHS-style spectacles in Urban Outfitters in an attempt to update their look, so why this current change in thinking?
As always, it’s those big boy designers that have got something to do with it. The Autumn / Winter catwalks were awash with frames in every style, shape, size and colour. Michael Kors picked tortoiseshell to complement his neutral palette and animal print designs, whilst Chanel opted for classic gold. Also helping carve the trend were Tom Ford, Prada and Paul Smith.
A fantastic way to change your look, in the same way sunglasses can enhance your
features, so can a pair of see-through specs. They can add personality and character, but also act as an extension of your beautifying process too. Glasses mean make-up doesn’t need to be as heavy, and rather than eyes lined in thick, black kohl, dark frames serve a purpose in highlighting and opening up the eye area.
Functional and fashionable, this new era of optics also means there are a lot more celebrities that are ‘out and proud’ about their glasses-wearing needs, and are starting to favour frames over contacts. So if you’re the real thing and you’re lucky enough to own a pair of designer specs, this is definitely the season to flaunt your frames!
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chanel, Jennifer Garner, kirsten dunst, Michael Kors, prescriptive glases, Tom Ford, Tom Ford sunglasses
Sunglasses Overshadow the ‘It’ Bag
During 2008, it has been reported that the sales of sunglasses have overtaken the sales of designer handbags. Apparently the typical Balenciaga tote addict has now turned her spending attention towards the latest designer sunglasses. Statement shades are now the one luxury item that shoppers are still willing to spend their hard earned cash on and have thus being labelled as the new replacement ‘image item’ among teenage girls and women.
The reason as to why sunglasses are the new must have accessory is likely due to the fact that they are a more accessible and economical way of purchasing a high end luxury brand item. Every season there is a new style available which immediately captures the attention of the fashion conscious but this is nevertheless, a far more affordable alternative to buying the latest ‘it’ bag. For example, during 2007 and 2008, the main sunglasses trend has come in the form of aviators and vintage Jackie O styles which immediately conveys a luxurious and glamorous style statement.
The rise in popularity of sunglasses has also triggered further designers such as Tom Ford and Armani to catch on and attach their names the latest style of frames. They have also designed unisex versions making them more appealing to both men and women. It isn’t either just women who are contributing to the high sales as men are also using sunglasses as a way of conveying their sense of style and masculine identity.
Sunglasses are so much more than just a simple accessory; they provide the ability to create a real designer fashion statement which suits the individual without breaking the bank. The fact that they have overtaken the sales of the latest ‘it’ bag is certainly proof of that.
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Armani, aviators, Jackie O style sunglasses, sunglasses more popular than handbags, Tom Ford, Tom Ford sunglasses
Summer Savers
As we hurtle through summer, you can’t fail to notice the new Autumn / Winter trends popping up all around us – in the fashion glossies, on the high street and at red carpet events, but if you haven’t even been away on your summer hols yet, now’s the time to bag yourself a bargain in the sales. And what better way to get a good deal than to go online? No hassling through rails of cheap tat, trying to work out whether you can get an extra 10% discount off that cream ruffled shirt, especially now the lady next to you just put a dirty great footprint on the sleeve – all in a vain attempt to grab that animal print kaftan you had your beady eye on anyway! Oh no, the only way to sale-shop in the noughties is in cyberspace. Plus, with the credit crunch hot on our heels, there’s even more of an excuse to pile that make-believe basket high, because who knows if we’ll even be able to afford a holiday next year, let alone a pair of sunnies or a frock?
In fact, sale shopping online is so easy; you don’t even have to navigate away from this website before you
can start saving pounds (not pennies) on designer goods. It’d be rude not to, right? With labels like Dior, Bvlgari, D&G, Gucci, Tom Ford and Prada slashing prices left, right and centre, if you’re lucky, you might even find those purse strings will stretch enough to let you splash out on more than one pair of fashionista frames!
It’s not just us laymen who like to indulge in a little cut-price purchasing either and we can guarantee that whilst you’re searching for some last-minute holiday essentials, there’ll be a whole host of celebs discount digging at the same time. Just because they don’t often get snapped with their bright red SALE carriers, doesn’t mean they don’t relish a reduced rate! Now all you need to do is remember where you hid that ‘emergencies only’ credit card!
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Bvlgari, D&G sunglasses, Dior, gucci, Prada, Tom Ford
Be Wise…Accessorise
We may think that accessories are merely the finishing touch to completing our look. In many cases accessories can actually be more important than the clothes when it comes to becoming more fashion forward. Many people feel that the key to good style is via a huge bank balance and an ever expanding wardrobe – the good news is that any outfit can be transformed and become stylish in a variety of ways at minimal cost with the creative use of accessories.
Instead of spending money on trendy but short lived outfits, it is far wiser to purchase a few classic staple pieces which you can uniquely adapt to each season’s trend with accessories. For example this season, chunky vibrant jewellery has been particularly popular along with gladiator sandals. When worn with a simple black jersey dress, the accessories and shoes immediately transform the look. Accessories are more adaptable and attainable than clothes and really allow you to inject personality and add a ‘wow factor’ into your look. A pair of oversized sunglasses can add instant glamour and sophistication to a 5 year old pair of classic jeans and plain t-shirt. Similarly on the catwalks, accessories are very much at the forefront and all about creating a unique style statement. Even hair accessories such as a metallic twisted hair band add a subtle trend twist to a plain outfit.
The key to using accessories in the right way is not to over-accessorise. Indeed, be bold but refrain from teaming huge earrings with oversized necklaces. Each accessory, be it shoes, sunglasses, or a handbag individually has the power to transform an outfit but combining everything together at once will have quite the opposite of your desired effect!
It is amazing how a stunning accessory can have a dramatic impact, attract compliments and hence boost our overall confidence. Never overlook the power of accessories!
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accessories, chunky jewellery, gladiator sandals, how accessories change an outfit
A-Z of Summer Style – Cont.
S is for Sunglasses…
…of course! No summer should be spent without the season’s must-have accessory. Stylish and practical – sunglasses provide protection for your eyes from the sun’s harsh rays, as well as offering chic screen to hide tired eyes behind on those days when the effects of the many summer parties can clearly be seen!
T is for Tiered…
…The only way to wear your skirts this season is with tiers. Whether you prefer flat tiers for a more streamlined look or a feminine flouncy ruffled skirt, it’s best to balance the sweet look with something sleek on the top half and heels. This will make the most of your curves rather than drown your figure in a mass of material.
U is for Uniform…
…There’s nothing worse on a hot summer’s day than sweating in a stuffy office in an uncomfortable fitted suit and short. Well, you’ll be glad to hear that for this summer 08 the suit has softened up and. Wide-legged low-slung trousers, boyfriend blazers and tuxedos, and flowing blouses and shirts, there is definitely a looser air to the suit this season that will keep cool and chic, yet smart enough for the office.
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Surfer style
It’s that time of year again, when all of Europe’s coolest clientele descend on the UK’s south coast for the biggest surf, skate and music festival of the season– Boardmasters. Fast, fun and full of fashionable folk that have a penchant for that laid-back, ‘just threw it on’ look, that’s so difficult for everyone else to achieve; Newquay is the hottest place to be right now.
With stretches of sandy bays, swells that would make you shudder and a swarm of surfers, there’ll even be a sprinkling of celebs too, as the music festival will see headliners including Groove Armada, The Zutons, Morcheeba, The Pigeon Detectives and The Futureheads blasting out the beats. Even Radio 1 is setting up camp on the Cornish coast, so if you’re thinking of heading down, or are planning to escape to the great British seaside at some point this year, make sure you don’t forget your toothbrush, sorry, sunglasses.
Dealing with sand, spray and fresh sea salt on an everyday basis is enough to make anyone’s eyes red raw, which is why surfers and their trusty sunnies are never far apart. An essential tool, despite surfers always looking the part, style isn’t always top of the list when it comes to picking sunglasses – it’s the UV protection that’s imperative instead. However, since more and more surf, skate and snowboard brands have been filtering into the mainstream, labels like Ripcurl, Quicksilver and Oakley are allowing such surfer types to have their cake and eat it as they’re being offered style and protection in one. Style-wise, as well as highly efficient lenses, surfers need their sunnies to be close fitting, and often favour wrap-around styles to prevent UV rays creeping in from the sides, but if you’re watching from the beachside bar or sandy sidelines, feel free to experiment a little more. Both Von Zipper and Dragon have styles that lend themselves to the carefree craze, although if you want to fit right in, Oakley ooze that must-have surfer style.
On the celebrity circuit, Cameron Diaz, Adam Sandler, Matthew McConaughey and Paris Hilton are all avid sufers.
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adam sandler, cameron diaz, Cornwall, Groove Armada, matthew mcconaughey, Newquay, Paris Hilton, The Pigeon Detectives, The Zutons
A Timeless Classic
Classic styles of sunglasses never seem to go out of fashion. An example of this is the aviator style which is as popular now as when originally launched in 1937. Of course whilst the original aviators are still frequently seen on the most fashionable of celebrities, during 2008 we have seen the styles slightly more revamped to create a modern edge. Favoured amongst celebrities such as Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Jessica Biel and Kate Moss the classic aviators come in array of enhanced styles including a more retro look, and with the oh-so-now plastic or embellished frames.
Of course, we all know that aviators are super trendy but they were originally created to serve a specific and functional purpose. First designed by Ray-Ban in 1937, aviators were primarily worn by U.S. air force pilots for eye protection. The size and shape of the lens prevents as much light as possible from entering the eye and reduces glare. Despite their significant functional use, the style quickly became popular as a fashion accessory and transcended onto the big screen with Hollywood stars regularly featured sporting them. Originally designed for men, aviators are now equally as popular with women making them a versatile and timeless style.
Aviators are a good style choice as they will never look out of place and can be worn with any outfit. In fact, classic styles are often commended and considered more fashionable than faddy styles which you wouldn’t be seen dead in next season! Therefore they make for a great investment and in addition are of a superb quality due to their durability. They are also fantastic for women as the style is versatile and will inject an edgier look to a feminine outfit. Aviators certainly make for an effective yet subtle fashion statement.
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Angelina Jolie, aviators, Brad Pitt, classic style sunglasses, Jessical Biel, Kate Moss, Ray Ban, Ray Ban sunglasses