Fashion Royalty

Not many people step outside their front door and in a matter of minutes (60 of them to be precise), the dress they're wearing is completely sold out. But then again, there's nothing average about Kate Middleton, and there's certainly nothing average about her wardrobe. Two years and one day ago to date, she stepped out of her Aston Martin and stepped into the nation's hearts, adorned in an Alexander McQueen masterpiece that immediately left us all hungering for more fabulous fashion. And who can say she hasn't delivered...

For the diamond Jubilee parade, Kate stepped out in head to toe (/knee) scarlet, the outfit itself worthy of celebration. Every girl has a friend in Alexander McQueen (our bank accounts certainly don't....), and Kate returned to her old faithful pal in this pleated, vibrant masterpiece. The nude court shoes allowed her dress to steal the show, and every fashionista was drawn to this beauty like bull to cape. Kate made seeing red a whole lot more enjoyable... 

No one can say this Duchess can't do down wear, as here Kate rocked a pair of coral, ankle skinnies. After playing a spot of Hockey with Team GB's Olympians (as you do), Kate paired her statement jeans with a blazer and colourful scarf to transform this look from stylish sports wear to delightful day gear. Effortlessly chic and eternally smiling, this royal radiates youthful style. 

There's a reason we say 'a picture speaks a thousand words', and it's for photos like these. Kate dazzled in this Jenny Packham, teal sensation, whilst stepping out for a celebratory Olympic concert, and by any measure this dress deserves gold. The delicate lace detailing and buttons with the intricately embellished waistline leaves her looking every inch the princess. Nothing middle of the road about this Middleton.

It's not everyday we're invited out for a spot of partying with the Queen, or an exclusive Olympic celebratory ball, but here's hoping the Olympic men's hockey team need a helping hand at some point in the near future- a girl can dream- so here's our take on the colourful pair of skinnies that every wardrobe is lost without. Emulate Kate in our very own coral, stretch denim pair, citrus being a huge hit this season. Or pair your summer tan (again, here's hoping...) with a fresh, white set, the perfect foundation for bold, bright accessories.

http://www.southwestten.com/clothing/trousers/Stretch-denim-jeans---coral
http://www.southwestten.com/clothing/trousers/Stretch-denim-jeans---white

You know if a look's worthy of royalty, you can't be too far wrong, so get the majestic look now and let your wardrobe reign this season. Kate triumphs in the fashion world, the nation's absolute sweetheart, and no doubt her soon to be first born will be topping the style stakes in a matter of months. All hail Duchess Kate- fashion royalty.

Looking for flawless head to toe? Problem solved, meet Miss Kurylenko.

It’s official, there's a new girl on the block. Olga Kurylenko, star of the new blockbuster Oblivion alongside the ever-charming Tom Cruise, has been doing the premiere circuit for weeks, each event effortlessly climbing her way up the style stakes, leaving in her wake thousands of us desperately delving into our overdrafts for a scarlet, Valentino floor-length masterpiece. You know, the essentials. Well this style icon certainly doesn’t rely on her pretty face alone to make an impact; each premiere Olga never fails to pack a punch with yet another flawless outfit. Here are some of our red hot, red carpet faves.

In at number three, Olga takes to Ireland like a true Dubliner, dazzling in this emerald beauty. The sharp cut out detailing at the back combined with the large gold zip brings a bold, modern twist to this timeless shape, with the backwards collar addition making this dress our fashion forward fave. 

Clearly channelling our arctic conditions over the past few months, Olga appeared at the London premiere looking every inch a spectacular snow queen. The sheer trail and layering gives this dress an ethereal quality, with the wrap over detail cinching in her waist (for all our egos’ sake, we’ll pretend it needed cinching). The off the shoulder cut blended with the bold black lace melts away any preconceptions of pure, snowy innocence. Olga smoulders in this Marchesa sensation.

It was a close call, but this Burberry beauty absolutely triumphs. The rich bronze tones ensure this dress takes nothing but gold position, oozing sophistication and old Hollywood glamour. The delicate lace detailing with the plunging V neckline, combined with the subtle side slit knocks this dress out of the park, and any onlooker into an envious stupor. Oblivion suddenly seems so fitting…

It takes a serious contender of a dress to live up to a face like that, but these designer heavyweights were going for the knock-out, and that’s exactly what they achieved. She's a style icon in the making- watch this space. There’s clearly something in the water in Ukraine, Mila Kunis another sensation sharing her heritage. So if that’s not reason enough to emigrate to Eastern Europe, then her wardrobe certainly is. See you all at Gatwick!

American Beauties

Two days ago, Michelle Obama delivered a heartfelt and inspirational speech in her city of Chicago over the issue of gun control within the USA, her message resonating throughout the conference hall and hitting home to millions nationwide. Just a pretty face? I think not. Just a pretty wardrobe? I also think not. But now we’re on the subject, good lord what a pretty wardrobe. We’ve all heard the phrase, behind every great man is a great woman. Well behind Barack Obama, there’s a great woman in a great sleeveless bodycon. Could it get any better? And the Obama’s aren’t alone. This week let’s delve into the wardrobes of two of the most stylish First Ladies ever to have graced the White House; no one’s ever cheery in the world of politics, but these women and their wardrobes certainly inject a bit of sunshine into government.

Who better to start with than the beautiful Jackie O? This fashion icon sweeps the board when it comes to elegance, style and absolute majesty.  Her infamous pink suit radiates class, sophistication and Audrey Hepburn-chic. Her high neckline dresses, body-con or fit-and-flare, are iconic, subtly feminine and absolutely gorgeous. Be it a bold print midi or a clean cut black and white beauty, every outfit seemed effortless. Jackie O, or Jackie O(h my God I need that dress)?

Michelle Obama has clearly channelled Mrs Kennedy, adorning the classic high-round neckline and sleeveless trend. Michelle’s arms are something to get up in arms about, toned to perfection, and this timeless shape does everything to highlight that. Be it hot pink or statement black, Michelle and her wardrobe shines.

Both of these women knew how to bring a bit of colour to the White house. Michelle proudly displays her patriotism where the whole world can see it, her wardrobe full to the brim with red, white and blue. Her vibrant cobalt dress with its bold floral print blends sophistication with a playful edge, whilst her magnificent floor length scarlet maxi screams Hollywood glamour, and wouldn’t look amiss upon the red carpet. This first lady certainly comes first in the style stakes.

It’s about time we brought some White House glam across the Atlantic, and what better place to start than right here at SWT. Channel Jackie and Michelle in this timeless cut, or add a slight quirk with the square neckline and cap sleeves in this rich blue beauty. Flattering pleats across the bust and stomach can create a flattering silhouette for any body type; lets give Michelle and her body a run for their money.

http://www.southwestten.com/clothing/dresses/Coral-Bodycon-Dress
http://www.southwestten.com/clothing/dresses/Cap-Sleeved-Body-Con-Dress

These gorgeous floor length embellished dresses wouldn’t look amiss at any White House shindig. Jackie herself seemed to be channelling SWT back in the 60s in her very own high necked beauty with crystal embellishments along the hem. Fashion that translates across the decades and the Atlantic, what more could you ask for?

http://www.southwestten.com/clothing/dresses/Turquoise-Maxi-Dress

Jackie O and Michelle Obama alike are fashion icons, the pinnacle of stylish sophistication.These women may be on the arms of some of the greatest orators of their time, but we all know a picture (or an outfit, in their case) speaks a thousand words. And in my head, all their outfits scream fabulous fabulous fabulous. So just in case you ever get invited across the pond for a cheeky cup of tea with the Obama’s, we hope this serves as your survival guide. A girl can never be too prepared. 

There’s no avoiding the magnetism of this season's leading trend...

METALLICS

It’s official, the fashion world has gone mental for metal. Vogue have dubbed it ‘The Shining’, Selfridges ‘Heavy Metal’; it seems the best of the metallic puns have been quickly snatched up early in the season, but the best metallic accessories? We might just have the edge there…

Johnathan Saunders- Versace- Nina Ricci

If head to toe metallic is a bit too much sheen for you, a subtle nod to the trend can be achieved with any outfits favourite sidekick- the clutch bag. SWT have taken two of spring’s leading crazes and blended them together, culminating in a piece of metallic majesty. Snakeskin has taken the fashion world by storm, adding a bit of bite to any accessory, and combined with the sharp metallic tang of silver, this clutch bag will poison any passer-by with envy. Authentic python skin cured to an incredibly high level means this statement clutch will last the years, eternally stylish and resilient. With designers such as Mulberry paving the way, you know you can’t be too far off.

(Mulberry on right)

http://www.southwestten.com/Accessories/Bags/Silver-Python-Zip-Clutch

Silver doesn’t tickle your taste buds? Never fear, gold is here. This molten beauty is effortlessly effervescent, undoubtedly catching the eye of any onlooker. Fully lined, this piece oozes luxury and will last you a lifetime. This clutch undoubtedly has the Midas touch, sure to make any outfit absolutely golden.

(Stella McCartney on right)

http://www.southwestten.com/Accessories/Bags/Gold-Python-Zip-Clutch

Maison Du Posh took the envelope clutch one step further, adorning this silver beauty with metallic and crystal embellishments. South West Ten’s silver take on the clutch will certainly not leave you second place in the fashion stakes, this beauty belongs at the top, polishing off any look.

(Maison Du Posh on right)

http://www.southwestten.com/Accessories/Bags/Silver-Python-Envelope-Clutch

From what I can recall from my Chemistry GCSE (there's not much), metals conduct heat and electricity, so let sparks fly this season. We've done all the digging for you; get your hands on our precious metals at www.southwestten.com today. Let your wardrobe shine this spring.

Ain't no sunshine where we're from...

 If you’re one of the lucky few that have plans to escape England’s arctic climate this spring (no, spring wasn’t a typo), then well done you. But after delving into the depths of your wardrobe and being greeted by the dreary grey tones of seasons past, has your winter wardrobe left you feeling remarkably lacklustre? Thought so. The Easter holidays are upon us, and despite my over-arching jealousy I’m doing my best to power through and give you some inspiration over what to pack for your holiday- unless you fancy squeezing me into your case? Long shot, I know…

http://www.southwestten.com/holiday-shop/Aqua-Dragonfly-Maxi-Dress

The maxi dress is a holiday must- light, effortless and eternally stylish. This stunning aqua, dragonfly-print option breathes a breath of fresh air into any holiday wardrobe. When faced with society’s greatest fear, the baggage weight restriction, this maxi triumphs, ideal for day or evening wear- one less dress to bring! Not that that will stop us…

http://www.southwestten.com/holiday-shop/Hot-Pink-Tunic
http://www.southwestten.com/holiday-shop/Tropical-Print-Tunic

Having spent the weekend gorging on excessive amounts of chocolate, this gorgeous tropical print tunic is ideal. The embellished waistband flatters any shape or easter-egg related lumps and bumps, and the loose, flowing fit and batwing sleeves look and feel weightless and fresh. The bright colours radiate seasonal fun, brightening up the pool side or any restaurant. Alternately, cut out sleeves add a fun shape to this classic, with the patterned belt cinching in any waist, exuding casual elegance. 

http://www.southwestten.com/holiday-shop/Green-Silk-Kaftan-Dress

This silk kaftan is sure to make any fellow holiday maker green with envy. Or emerald, to be precise. The sexy side slits and sequin neckline allows this beauty to be transformed from sun-lounger chic to a dress perfect for any night out. Versatile and vibrant, if you pack one thing this holiday, let it be this!

So we here at South West Ten wish you and your gorgeous holiday wardrobes a wonderful, safe trip- feel free to bring us back a souvenir, preferably a bit of sun. And for those of us left behind feeling as bitter as the weather, fox-fur trimmed scarf anyone?