Stylist Schmylist - We love Rachel Bilson

Now this is what I like to see from a style icon.

Rachel Bilson, with her Hollywood budget and wardrobe most girls would sell their grandmother's for, has admitted she doesn't have a stylist.

"I really dress myself," the actress told People magazine at Ann Taylor's Fall 2010 fashion show last week in New York. "I've been known to put a necklace in my hair. That's what getting dressed should be. It's about fun and experimenting. I think you either enjoy it or you don't - and I do."

To demonstrate her quirky style, 28 year old Bilson (pictured here with my girl crush Christina Hendricks) wore a giraffe-print cardigan, a black bejewelled ribbon, both by Ann Taylor teamed with some fashion fringed shorts.

What I love about Bilson is how her style has grown and developed over time. She isn't afraid to piece things together creatively and not be a generic slave to fashion. Most importantly, she always looks relaxed and comfortable.

Stars like Bilson are great testament to how money doesn't buy style. Fashion should be about being able to demonstrate your personal style and creative flair, with or without a hollywood budget. (Take note Cheryl Cole!)

xxxxx

This Summer, expect delays on all sunshine and lollipops

Although you wouldn't know it, yesterday marked the official start of the great British Summer Time.

Usually, March is one of my favourite months where there's a bit of a chill in the air but the sunshine is lovely and warm on your face.

This year, not so much. It's grey, rainy, cold and generally...grim.

In spite of this, I am determined to let my spring wardrobe make me feel sunny - even if the weather doesn't. The surging maxi skirt trend is perfect as it keeps legs warm and I will be continuing to layer everything up, even if it means wearing leggings under skirts.

This weekend, I had a mini-splurge. Mostly in Topshop, but a little extra in New Look after my friend Sarah introduced me to quite literally the best wedges I have ever seen. I am such a huge fan of New Look shoes as you can find some great, on trend buys, but it doesn't matter if you don't want to wear them next season as they're so cheap!

This weather isn't just England specific - my friend in Dusseldorf is having the same problems and is desperate to buy some kind of practical summer wardrobe. The good news is that all these purchases are available online, although bear in mind with the maxi skirt that it doesn't come in different lengths - I had a go a size up as I usually buy longer length trousers - but the material is so soft and stretchy that it looks like it fits perfectly anyway. I'll also be able to wear it as a dress (with the help of a sturdy waist belt) which I feel would look lovely with a boyfriend blazer or my new white knit long cardigan

xxxxx

Celebrating 150 years of Sanderson

This year, the textile and wallpaper manufacturer Sanderson celebrates it's 150th year in the business.

This makes it one of Britain's longest standing company's in this field (if not the only!)

I believe that the the secret to Sanderson's success is their ability to grow and develop over time, constantly reflecting changing tastes and styles whilst maintaining a strong brand identity and tradition.

Arthur Sanderson established himself in Islington in 1860 as an importer of French wallpapers. He began to have designs commissioned by blockprinters in England and the business saw several relocations around London, becoming wider known all the time.

So now, 150 years later and the company is a still a great success. And my, are they celebrating!

Not only are they releasing 'Sanderson: The Essence of English Decoration' by historian Mary Schoeser, but they are also putting on two exhibitions.

I'm a little late to document the first, 'Wallpapers, Launching at London Design Week, 21-24 March 2010.' But I'm sure it's been a huge success!

The Fashion and Textile Museum is holding 'Very Sanderson: 150 Years of English Decoration' which runs from 19th March-13th June 2010 and will show the huge impact Sanderson has had on the design and decorator trade since it began.

But the most exciting (well...definitely for me) is the current collaboration between Sanderson, contemporary artist Nina Saunders and footwear designer Tracey Neuls.

Throughout the years, Sanderson has earned itself a reputation as an innovative and open minded company, having teamed up with many different artists and designers. So perhaps the most exciting part of the anniversary celebrations is a collaboration between Sanderson, contemporary artist Nina Saunders and distinctively unique footwear designer, Tracey Neuls.

The collaboration piece comes in the form of a large scale sculpture from Saunders as a seemingly melting item of furniture, spilling over with Sanderson's reissued vintage upholstering accompanied by a quirky pair of Neul's shoes sitting alongside. All aspects of the installation use Sanderson fabrics and wallpaper, carefully selected from their enormous archive and beautifully reworked for this special anniversary celebration piece.

You don't have to be an interior design buff to appreciate just how much Sanderson have achieved in the last 150 years and I love that Sanderson has chosen to mix literature, history, fashion, art and design for it's celebrations. It feels good to be British!

xxxxx

Thankful for Theallet

February 16th. Sophie Théallet debuted her Fall 2010 ready to wear collection in New York. This was the designer's first show since winning the CDFA/Vogue Fashion Fund.

Théallet continues to inspire us with fairy tale themes; dirndl dresses and luxe fabrics teamed with soft, pretty make up, touseled hair and slouchy boots (which I'm absolutely loving.)

Velvets, chiffon, draping...Théallet is still dress-focused, but this collection offers soft knitwear, little cardigans and shearings with colours to contrast the dresses themselves.

The Fashion Business Review provides a brief overview of Théallet

and her business here:

http://www.fashionbusinessreport.com/Sophie_Theallet.html

Largerfeld for Hogan

Karl Lagerfeld is a one busy man, but has found the time to collaborate with Hogan for a one-off Spring 2011 capsule footwear collection.

The Italian label have recruited Largerfeld in a bid to raise the brand's profile, particularly in Asia.

It is thought that the collection will feature army style influences.

I have to say, I got particularly excited about this piece of news not only because I love Largerfeld, {the latest Chanel collection is amazing!}….but mainly because my surname is Hogan...

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Spring Sunshine

Spring is finally here and I’ve been shopping around for inspiration. I’m loving this t from Urban Outfitters (£28) combined with the flippy skirt from Topshop. As for shoes, I’m more of a boot girl, but I do like these white leather aerobic lace ups from Office (£50.)

I’d like to toughen this look up with a black bomber and some form of tote bag. Sara Berman's got some great studded totes, but for the casual shopper Anya Hindmarch does a variety of pretty canves totes (see above far right, 'Market canvas tote' £7o, available at Net-a-Porter) that are ideal for the fashion concious but eco fabulous.

Accessorising is something I tend to do at the very last minute and involves some sort of vintage or antique piece. More on that later...I'm having a hard enough time deciding what colour font to use.