Layer up with leather

As February once again melts away into March and Spring starts sounding its sirens, it's official- the season of pastels, florals and the occasional new born lamb is upon us once more. Slightly less predictable however, is our unforeseeable British weather, as hit and miss as Kim Kardashian's wardrobe choices. (Sorry Kim.) Whether we're faced with the notorious spring shower or the slightly lesser known ray of sunshine, layering is a Brit's best friend, and this SS14 we have the jacket for you. We saw it first at Lanvin, later at Hermes, and now here it is at South West Ten- we bring you the eternally stylish, leather jacket. 

With everyone from Alexa Chung to Jessica Alba hopping on the bandwagon, the jacket of the season has taken the celebrity world by storm. Alexa opts for day time chic, layering hers over a black ensemble with a splash of maroon; Rita wears hers with, well, more leather, and at the other end of the spectrum, the ever stylish Miss Palermo pairs her soft brown jacket with prints, fur and yet more colour. (Hats off to you Olivia, it looks a lot better than it sounds...)

Get a bit of grunge in your wardrobe this season with our kaleidoscopic range of stunning, soft leather jackets. Wear with a shift or fit-and-flare dress to give a feminine look some edge, or pair with skinnies and a chiffon shirt for sleek, statement street wear. Be it warm tobacco, dove grey or biker black, add one to any outfit for an injection of instantaneous style. It's the George Clooney of the coat world- an old favourite, effortlessly cool, and something we really wouldn't mind having draped around us. 

 

www.southwestten.com

So there you have it. Be it 5 or 25 degrees this Spring, channel your inner fashionista and have our coat of the season on stand by. Besides, my motto in life: if SJP's got it in her wardrobe, you can never be too far wrong. 

All hail fashion royalty.

Fashion, fur and the Fifties

In 2011, Beyonce Knowles finally gave us the answer to a question that has plagued us for centuries, sparking debate amongst esteemed philosophers and grand thinkers alike- who does indeed, run the world? (Hope you're singing along as badly as I am..) But let's face it, in the fashion world, there's been no doubt you runs the show, and this AW13/14, feminine fashion reigns supreme. Think Hitchcock's heroines, cinched in at the waist and draped in sumptuous furs. Think full skirts and hour glass silhouettes. Think Gucci, Prade, Erdem... Prepare yourself to fall into a lustful fashion-fuelled slumber if you haven't already; let's check out the looks on and off the catwalk...

Yep, that's pretty much how we looked when we saw Gucci's AW13/14 collection too...

This season, everyone's gone a little bit psycho for mid-century inspired trends. Channeling merry old Alfred himself, femme fatales strutted down the runway, their chic waist belts and fabulous fifties inspired shoes melting the hearts and loosening the purse strings of women around the world. I mean, who isn't seduced by a bit of Louis Vuitton? Be it Marc Jacobs' metallic pencil skirts and splashes of fur, or Bottega Veneta's crimson, statement jackets and Rita Hayworth hair, we've all been left utterly spellbound. (If only we had pound for every Hitchcock pun we could fit into one paragraph...) 

To sprinkle a bit of grandeur onto any outfit, all you need is a splash of fur. Be it the lining of a cape, draped around your neck or adorning your new winter jacket, lavish fur oozes elegance and takes any day to day outfit to the next level. Prada feature some magnificent fur jackets, and we all know if you can't beat 'em, joining in is the next best thing... South West Ten have a fabulous range of fur coats to take your pick from. Our fur lined parkas even have a detachable on trend gilet- flawless fashion in excess. 

http://www.southwestten.com/clothing/coats-jackets/Grey-Fox-Fur-Coat
http://www.southwestten.com/clothing/coats-jackets/Navy-Fur-Lined-Parka
http://www.southwestten.com/clothing/coats-jackets/Black-Grey-Fur-Coat

For those of us who just fancy a subtle nod to the trend, our fur lined cashmere scarves radiate glamour and are perfect for layering over jackets and knits as our bitter British winter takes hold. Already a firm favourite with the marvellous Millie Mackintosh, get your hands on this exquisite staple piece and take the lead in the style stakes this season. 

http://www.southwestten.com/Accessories/Scarves/Silver-Fox-Fur-Trimmed-Shawl
http://www.southwestten.com/Accessories/Scarves/Navy-Cashmere-Fox-Trimmed-Scarf

So there you have it. We might not all be Grace Kelly or Ingrid Bergman, but we can certainly have a whack at channeling their stylish spirits. Glamour is the new grunge, so this season let your inner vixen come out to play. If you need a hand, you know where to look...

www.southwestten.com 

The Marvellous Mrs Millie Manderson

Disclaimer: this article will be riddled with many a bitter remark and underpinned by a solid foundation of jealousy. Blame Millie, it’s not our fault she looked that good.

On the 10^th September 2013, our beautiful Millie entered the gorgeous Babington House as Miss Mackintosh, and left as Mrs Manderson. Our style (girl) crush is officially off the market (sob, but at least she wed a Manderson so we can still have fun with the alliterative taglines…). We have enough trouble choosing what to wear to the supermarket, so when you’re the woman with the wardrobe that pales many a fashionista’s into insignificance, how can you ever decide what to wear for the most important day of your life? Well, my god didn’t she choose well. The spectacular vintage Alice Temperley gown radiated elegance and Millie was aglow. She completed the look with the ultimate accessories- ivory Louboutins on her feet and Pro green on her arm. Still torn as to which I would prefer…

Speaking as an avid believer of the ‘well you never know when a so and so might come in handy’ school of thought, I think I could be pushing it when it comes to a wedding dress… But that doesn’t mean we still can’t channel Millie’s effortless, regal stylings in our day to day wardrobes. Winter looms ever closer, and as we start loading the loft with our endless supply of kaftans and yet another pair of gladiator sandals, our desire for chunky knits and luxurious wraps comes back out to play. Why not try one of our stunning fur coats on for size- the ultimate luxurious item of a woman’s winter wardrobe. The sumptuous feel and elegant look come together to delight the senses, and add a bit of glam to any wardrobe. If you’re looking for a splash of royalty and grandeur to liven up a day to day look, then our fur trimmed capes and wraps could do the trick. Our dark grey, cashmere shawl is already hanging up in the wardrobe of the lovely Millie- follow her lead and team with a chunky knit and skinnies or throw over a light jacket or dress. Endlessly versatile, endlessly stylish.

http://www.southwestten.com/Grey-Fox-Trimmed-Cape

http://www.southwestten.com/clothing/fur/Dark-Taupe-Fox-Fur-Shawl

http://www.southwestten.com/Black-Fur-Coat-1758

So there you have it, that's the closest we'll ever get to the wedding... I’ve tried my best to keep the jealousy down to a minimum, (how did I do?), and Millie we’ve just about managed to forgive you for our lack of invite, but if you really fancy making it up to us, maybe lend us the dress sometime? Or Pro Green, he wouldn't go amiss either…

Holiday headaches

In precisely 13 days, a task awaits me that can only be described as quite frankly impossible, a problem that has relentlessly plagued females across the globe for decades, a challenge that has claimed the sanity of many a victim across the summer period. That's right ladies, it's the season of the 10kg baggage restriction. Deep breaths people. Whilst the thoughts of basking in the delicious heat of the Spanish sun or wasting away afternoons in delightful tavernas with a Mojito glued to my right hand serves only to heighten my excitement, I have a constant niggling reminder that I very well may be doing all of the above naked. Or worse, in the same outfit. But here at SWT, we've done our best to compile a few key elements for the perfect capsule holiday wardrobe to conquer this almighty feat. (First world problems, eh...)

Okay, we figured we'd tackle the issue in two chunks, the first of which being daytime wear. The perfect poolside piece is undoubtedly the kaftan or tunic dress, which can quite easily be teamed with a pair of skinnies and wedges and voila- you could be walking the streets of Barcelona. With a wide range on offer at SWT, why not try on for size our gorgeous, dragonfly print Monroe Tunic? The loose fit and soft nude tones ooze bohemian chic and it's 100% silk so will look and feel fab. Or take advantage of one of our stunning sale items such as our green silk beauty with embellished neckline. What ever tickles your fancy, only pack a couple! Okay, maybe three.

http://www.southwestten.com/holiday-shop

In the evening, there's nothing like a maxi dress to inject a bit of glamour into your wardrobe, and it means you're outfit's sorted from head to toe! Well, ankle. Our gorgeous, floral beauty is bang on trend this season, and the stretch material ensures that it doesn't crease and can be easily packed. The vibrant print and halter neck shape radiates glamour and wouldn't look amiss wherever you're jetting off to. Alternatively, our pure silk dragonfly maxi comes in coral, aqua and will soon be available in black to set off your holiday tan. 

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

If the maxi doesn't do it for you, a staple evening top could do the trick. This green and lilac fern print top is a stunning piece that would look great over a pair of white jeans for miami chic. If bright colours are your thing, our multi coloured print beauty will suit all body types with it's effortless loose shaping. Or if you fancy a bit of bling, our lime green chiffon tunic with beaded embellishments will be sure to dazzle, and the colouring is huge for SS13. 

http://www.southwestten.com/holiday-shop/Fern-Print-Blouse
http://www.southwestten.com/holiday-shop/Lime-Green-Chiffon-Tunic-Dress
http://www.southwestten.com/holiday-shop/Mulit-Coloured-Kaftan

Now we're not super human, so we're leaving accessories and swimwear down to you, but we leave you under strict instruction that you must NOT pack 10 pairs of sandals or two bikinis per day. Top tip, your hand luggage can take another 5kg. Or alternatively hunt down the elusive breed of light-packing friends and cram the rest into their case. Sharing is caring after all. We wish you the best of luck, and fingers crossed I'll make it out to Gran Canaria fully armed with a well packed, thought out 10kg case. Here's hoping...

To many of us, festival chic seems a tad contradictory. We're talking a relentless downpour, more mud than...well anything, and for all of our sakes we won't get too descriptive on the toilet situation. Screaming chic to any of you at home? Yeah, us neither. But we're British, we're too polite to complain, and who doesn't love a new trend to indulge in? So here at SWT, with Glastonbury fast approaching, we're giving you our take on the trend that reigns supreme this month. Just add wellies and a tonne of baby wipes.

An essential base for any festival outfit is a staple tunic that can be paired with bare legs and boots for Glastonbury-esque apparel, or alternatively can be thrown over a pair of skinnies and wedges to bring a bit of festival to the high street. Get a bit of glam into your festival gear with our beaded lime green tunic, bang on trend with the neon hues and embellished detailing. The bat-wing sleeves are channeling a 70s vibe, the home of hippy chic, so this retro-modern combo oozes festival appropriateness. Another stunning tunic we have on offer is our monroe piece, with dragonfly print and waist belt. This beauty screams bohemian chic, with the soft pink foundation, vibrant print and the flowy nature of the garment. Or take advantage of our one hundred percent silk print tunic. The beaded neckline and traditional indian-esque patterning culminate in a staple festival garment, and what's more- it's half price. You are so welcome. 

http://www.southwestten.com/clothing/Tops/Print--Silk-Tunic
http://www.southwestten.com/clothing/dresses/Lime-Green-Chiffon-Tunic-Dress
http://www.southwestten.com/clothing/dresses/Monroe-Tunic
(from left to right)

Accessorising day to day outfits can be the perfect way to sprinkle a bit of festival chic into your day to day wardrobe, and we think we have the perfect piece for you. Why not try out one of our velvet trilbies on for size? Coming in a wide variety of colours ranging from matte black to a vibrant leopard print, a pop of colour or pattern can brighten up any daytime outfit, and would be sure to stand out amongst the crowds when you're all packed in front of the main stage. Might even win you a cameo on the big screen...

http://www.southwestten.com/Accessories/hats

So if we haven't quite convinced you to delve into the depths of Glastonbury in one of our staple trilbies or tunics, than don't miss out on the trend completely. Nothing wrong with adding a dash of festival into any day to day outfit, minus all the excessive mud. Almost sounds more appealing...

Wimbledon wardrobe

With the French Open officially done and dusted, and Wimbledon looming in the distance, the season of tennis is officially upon us. Think glasses of ice cold Pimms; think crisp, tennis whites; think a tanned, sweaty, topless Nadal... (here's hoping). And with the nation waiting with baited breath to see if our very own Murray will finally take the title, why not not wait in true tennis style? This year, let Wimbledon into your wardrobe.

sorry, we couldn't help ourselves...

Nothing compliments a healthy summer glow (/cheeky spray tan) like a tennis white, and this Summer the fresh tone has invaded designer collections everywhere, Vogue dubbing the colour the shade of the season. Go casual in these Elizabeth Hurley capri pants, ideal for holiday or our British summer (however temperamental...). Or at the other end of the spectrum, adorn yourself in our stunning mesh panel bodycon dress. The sparkle detailing and fresh, nude tones radiate understated glamour- might be a bit much for Wimbledon, but can a girl ever be too overdressed?

http://www.southwestten.com/clothing/Mesh-Panel-Bodycon-Dress
http://www.southwestten.com/clothing/trousers/Capri-Pants

Alternatively, celebrate the tennis season in a more practical sense with our very own SWT polo shirts and baseball caps. Champion the Royal Borough of Style and adorn yourselves in our gorgeous garments! The polos come in pastel shades of pink and blue; fresh, fashionable, fabulous. The hats again come in the shade of the moment, white, and wouldn't look amiss at any Wimbledon match, for the lucky few who have managed to snag tickets. Practical, fashionable, and our very own- what more could you ask for?

http://www.southwestten.com/Accessories/hats/South-West-Ten-Cap
http://www.southwestten.com/clothing/South-West-Ten-Polo-Shirt

So there you have it- if we can't quite get Nadal into our bedrooms, we can certainly channel the spirit of the rest of the tennis season through our wardrobes. We'll keep an eye out in the crowds for any SWT polos or mesh bodycon dresses... let the games begin! 

A bit o' bling...

In the fabulous world of fashion, saying less is more is pretty much blasphemous- there's always room for more. And this season is no exception, with the likes of Louis Vuitton and Balmain paving the way, bling and sparkle have been firmly embedded into the ranks of the season's top trends. We're talking sequins, crystals, shine; think Strictly Comes Dancing meets Gucci. And of course, we here at South West Ten have jumped aboard the bling brigade, offering up some embellished masterpieces to sprinkle a bit of sparkle into your wardrobe. Besides, who doesn't love a bit o' glitz and glam?

First up on offer is this turquoise, sequined beauty. The vibrant tones and spiral detailing radiate stylish glamour, bang on trend this season. The stretch material means the dress will fit all figures like a glove, oozing style and class. Dazzle in this embellished sensation, and leave a trail of onlookers green with envy.

http://www.southwestten.com/Turquoise-Sequin-Dress

Here's hoping a summer of sun is on the cards, and the perfect piece to compliment our tans (be it natural or out of the bottle...) is this nude damask dress. Hand sewn detailing on the neckline and the ornate printed pattern give this dress a touch of grandeur, with the bodycon shape and high neckline creating a feel of feminine sophistication.

http://www.southwestten.com/Nude-Damask-Dress

Steal the show in this navy sensation, radiating relentless iridescence. The beaded neck panel and mesh detailing culminate in a crescendo of glamour. The dress is fully lined, adding to the feel of luxury, ideal for evening occasions. Every wardrobe needs a show stopper, and if that position's still open, this dress is certainly up to the task.



http://www.southwestten.com/Navy-Beaded-Evening-Dress

This season, liken the fashion world to a magpie, eternally drawn to sparkle and shine. We're not saying for you all to go Liberace on us, but there's nothing wrong with letting your inner diva out to play once in a while... Get your glam on this June and surrender to the bling- go on, you know you want to.