In the last couple of years Louis Vuitton has released a small range of bags in the summer with a strong summer/holiday feeling this years collection is called "Ailleurs" and features three very different fun prints with a tropical theme.

Since spotting these bag's in a preview pic a few months ago I have been eagerly awaiting news of this collection.  The three prints are called ‘Promenade‘, ‘Escale‘ and ‘Aventure‘ and will be available in two sizes.

Louis Vuitton Escale canvas tote

Escale features a watercolour style image of a beach scene complete with a palm tree fringed shore and blue cloudless skies.

Louis Vuitton Aventure canvas tote

Aventure journeys into the jungle with watercolour leafy green foliage and playful monkeys in the tree's.

Louis Vuitton Promenade canvas tote

Promenade captures the scene of a busy beach side resort.

Complimenting accessories for the Escale and Promenade totes include silk square scarves, a bag charm and for Promenade a beach towel. The Escale bag charm features a stripy beach hut, Promenade's has a palm tree.

John Galliano, creative director of Dior has been suspended from his position in the company pending an investigation into his arrest on Friday.

Galliano was arrested for assault and is suggested to have made antisemitic comments to the couple involved. The altercation is said to have taken place at La Perle in the Marais district, the historic centre of the jewish district in Paris. In France making antisemitic remarks is punishable by up to six months in prison.

Sleek Magazine report's an apparent eye witness account of the altercations which differs slightly from the reports and claims it was the couple that instigated the problem, their full statement can be read here

In the last few hours Dior have issued a statement announcing the suspension of Galliano "Dior affirms with the utmost conviction its policy of zero tolerance towards any anti-Semitic or racist words or behaviour," said Dior chief executive Sidney Toledano  "Pending the results of the inquiry, Christian Dior has suspended John Galliano from his responsibilities."

Bad news for a fashion house presenting it's new collection on the 4th March.

Pic:Vogue

Just a quick post to share a little video from Mulberry. The video gives you a better look at some of the outfits and most importantly for me you get to see great shots of the bags. Through out the video you see what some of the celeb guests (Gemma Atherton, Olivia Palermo, Kirsten Dunst to name only a few) have to say about the show and you also get a peek into the backstage pre-show mania and celeb studded after show party too!

The newest shopping destination for men has finally arrived. Mr Porter from the creators of Net-A-Porter is finally open for business so guys grab those credit cards and get shopping.

Just a couple of days ago Mulberry unveiled it's 2011 Fall Winter collection extending on the Woodland/Hedgerow theme from the Pre Fall Collection. Firstly I should mention I am a big fan of the Pre Fall collection so I was really happy to see theme continue from strength to strength.

The first look to hit the runway was a gold lamé pleated maxi dress, now I know you are probably thinking gold lamé really?? Really!!  It actually works take a look below it's the prefect party dress but look it also works with duffel coat! will wonders ever cease.
With my second look here I will say I'm not crazy about the top love the colour but my issue is high necklines tend to make me look frumpy however I adore that skirt. The print is based on bird's feather's, the rich colours and shimmering fabric make it look almost like a foil print.
The next dress below definitely needs closer inspection, from the distance photograph it almost looks a little like a print however on close up you discover the most fabulous quilted dress (I imagine it's also super cosy) which is just covered in flowers of the same colour


The hedgerow influence becomes all the more apparent when you take a closer look at the some of the prints from the collage of feather patterns (below) to the assortment of British birds (above) on some of the pieces in the Pre Fall collection  you'll also find tone on tone prints of fox heads (after The Fantastic Mr Fox the collection's muse)

Although majority of the collection features darker autumnal shades there is the occasional pop of colour in the form of the Cabbage Green and Foxglove Pink both of which are amazing colours and features on bags and shoes as well as the clothing, trust me you'll want to take a closer a look at them once their release date arrives the pictures don't really do the shades justice.

This is just a small selection of the looks from the Mulberry show if you would like to see the rest of the collection be sure to check out I'll Take Both's new facebook page and if you haven't already seen my post on the Pre Fall collection you can find it here.

EDIT TO ADD:
If you love the Mulberry show I'd advise you check out the great video I just added, you'll get to see a little more of the clothing, a whole lot more of the bags and it's celeb filled too.  You can find the video HERE

Pics: Mulberry

You'll probably discover as you scroll down through my favourite pieces from New York Fashion week that I adore dresses, in reality you are more likely to find me in jeans or trousers but I can't resist the allure of a fabulous gown.

One of my favourite collections from NY Fashion week is from Jenny Packham, although this is the Fall Winter collection the dresses are extremely light whispy chiffon or tulle but then I guess warmth is not your main concern when you look this fabulous.




Next up is Marchesa, influenced with gothic-victoriana the Marchesa collection showcased the colours trends you will be seeing a lot more of in the coming fall: Red, Black, White and Nude.



If I had to choose one word for the Monique Lhuillier collection it would be elegant. The collection was filled with one beautiful piece after another, I choose three to post below but I could have added a whole lot more.




Prabal Gurung cited his inspiration for the collection as Miss Havisham from Great Expectations, interestingly the same reference was cited by Marchesa one of other favourites. Although it's has been on trend for a couple of seasons now don't expected Lace to be going away any time soon it was featured in a number of Fall collections including this one.

Ralph Lauren used the 1930's and the Art Deco's period love of Oriental design to shape the collection. Unlike Spring Summer where the Oriental influence is rather obvious Lauren's is subtle with just a hint of Jade green or glossy red to lift the black and white colour palette.


So those are my five favourites? Who were your's?

Pics: WWD

Now I know Valentines day is tomorrow but there's still time to pick up one of the cute pieces from the Fendi Valentines collection.  The small leather goods collection shows the traditional Fendi canvas perforated with small hearts to show off the red layer underneath.
Alternatively there are two other styles of ballerina's with embroided heart details along the shoe with a solid metallic heart detail on the toe cap.


In addition to the small leather goods and sweet ballerina shoes there are a couple of pieces of costume jewellery and keyring/bag charm that have also been released. The gold toned bracelet, necklace and bag charm feature discs with the words "Love You" cut out and the double FF Fendi logo.






The Fendi Valentines collection is available in stores now.

For more pictures check out I'll Take Both's new Facebook page.

Pics: Fendi

As a general rule of thumb when someone is particularly famous for designing/creating one certain item, for this example shoes, I tend to feel they should stick with what they know best but as with every rule there are always exceptions.

One such exception to my personal rule is the Christian Louboutin Miss Rope Capra leather bag,  a medium sized (34cm x 26cm x 13cm) textured leather bag with that all important signature Louboutin red lining. With the addition of wrap round molded accents finished with a pushlock closure, it's the details that make the difference.



Miss Rope is available in two colour options; the classic black and the beautiful taupe (my favourite of the two) each bag is complete with a long strap for shoulder carrying and a molded top handle.

The Christian Louboutin Miss Rope is available on NET-A-PORTER now.

Let your love bloom this Valentines with a little help from Mulberry. From now until the 14th February you have the chance to show someone you care by sending them a unique digital Love Blossom.

By going to the Mulberry website users can choose a pattern from the Spring Summer collection and get a seed to send to the person of their choosing.  On the 14th February (not before so don't ruin the surprise) your chosen one will receive a link to their seed in an email, each seed has been loving created by the artist Daniel Brown to grow in it's own unique way right before your eyes.

Daniel said of his creation; “The ‘Love Blossoms’ project gave the opportunity to apply cutting edge generative-art principles to an established, heritage luxury brand and create a seasonal and unique gift for each Mulberry follower. Using prints from the Spring Summer 2011 collection, each flower is generated so that
no two blooms are ever the same.”

Recipients of Love Blossom's will also be able to share their blooms online using Facebook or Twitter to spread the Valentines love.

Go to www.mulberry.com/loveblossoms to choose your seed.

Pics: Mulberry

I'm sure you can't have failed to have noticed that Valentines day is approaching but if you prefer your special gifts in little balck boxes than red fluffy heart shaped ones perhaps you should check out the Chanel Valentines range for 2011.

Suede Ballerina's embroidered with flowers, £605

Unusally for a Valentines collection the Chanel range is absent any evidence of hearts, this isn't a bad thing it saves the collection from looking a little cutesy at other times of the year.  The Valentines collection features a range of bags, small leather goods, shoes and costume jewelery, so lets take a closer look at it!

Beach sandals with Camelia decoration, £185

Lion bracelet in metal and resin, £605

Chanel chain and diamante logo brooch, £335

Shiney red lambskin clutch with chain strap, £810

Satin clutch with embossed Camelia enhanced with diamante's, £1545

Camelia Earrings, £170

Quilted patent pink calfskin Key Holder, £280

Lion long necklace, £1985

Sunglasses, £195

Patent belt, £265

The Chanel Valentines collection is quite extensive and more pieces from the range can be found on the I'll Take Both Facebook fan page (don't forget to like it)

Pics: Chanel.