The Bag Lady: Bag Lady Loves: Beatrix Ong A/W 11 vintage style trunks

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Beatrix Ong has cooked up something really special for autumn/winter 2011, and while we've been delighted with her collections for years, this one exceeds all our expectations in terms of design genius and in the size of the range, which is bigger than ever and full of delights.

The handbags on offer continue many of the most-loved themes from the spring/summer collection with the gold bee motif re-appearing on many of the pieces. But one thing that really grabbed our attention was this little range of vintage-style trunks, each decorated inside with colourful lining paper. Seen up close, the pattern on the interior is made up of dozens of scarlet 'flowers'; each made up of five shoes:

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We absolutely love this graphic print, which was designed specially for Beatrix Ong by artist Natasha Law, who has collaborated with Mulberry in the past, designing elements of their set for runway shows. For those planning to make a purchase, the collection will be available via Jaeger stores from early autumn. Keep an eye out for some fabulous zebra-print handbags and small leather goods, too.

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Angelina Jolie’s First Louis Vuitton Ad Revealed

Photo : img2.timeinc.net

The rumors were true: Angelina Jolie is indeed the new face of Louis Vuitton. The actress’s first ad for the company’s “Core Values” campaign was released today, featuring the star afloat on a boat in Cambodia’s Siem Reap province. Wearing her own clothes, no makeup and her own years-old monogrammed Alto bag, Jolie looks at peace in her photograph. “People are not used to seeing Angelina in this situation,” Vuitton’s executive vice president Pietro Beccari tells WWD. “I like the fact that it’s a real moment. This travel message we give through personal journeys is a fundamental one for the brand. This campaign is about a very special person and a very special journey.” In fact, Cambodia is the country from which Jolie adopted eldest son Maddox, and where she and partner Brad Pitt later established a foundation in the 9½-year-old’s name. Jolie follows in the footsteps of luminaries like Bono, Buzz Aldrin, Jim Lovell, Sally Ride and Mikhail Gorbachev, all of whom have posed for the “Core Values” campaign, as well as Madonna, Jennifer Lopez and Scarlett Johansson, all former faces of Vuitton. Jolie’s ad will break in the International Herald Tribune Wednesday, and is expected to run in various publications for about 18 months. And though the handbag she carries in her ad is no longer in production, Jolie’s love of the piece is causing the company to consider “re-editing” it, Beccari says. He would not discuss the amount Jolie was paid for the campaign, but says she did donate an undisclosed portion of her fees to charity.

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Summer style: coin-embellished satchel

Get into the spirit of summer with this coin-covered satchel; new in this week at Miss Selfridge. The Moroccan-style shoulder bag is decorated with an array of silver and gold tone coins that catch the sun and add lightness to your look.

Like most of the accessories at Miss S, it's also an eminently affordable bag, making it a good purchase for this time of year as you'll carry it straight into summer. Why not ditch your dark, serious handbag for now and let the festival season begin?

£32 at Miss Selfridge

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Why men love wacky wardrobes

To hell with humility: my fiancée is a style virtuoso. Often surrounded by clones in halter tops and pencil skirts, Abby will dance through the night in a silver onesie, three-quarter-length on the legs but full-sleeved, worn over a silver swimsuit. In her outlandish Louis Vuitton shoes, floral straps flapping in and out of the schooner-glass-size holes in their preposterously raised wooden heels, she moves to the beat with as much seductive elegance as she would in a pair of lovingly battered Converse sneakers. On our wedding day, she's intending - conservative onlookers might say "threatening" - to wear a see-through, double-layer silk dress, a hand-painted black design at its billowing base, in place of the traditional chintzy alternative.

Women's fashion is quirky, bold and, at times, crazy - and Abby refuses to miss out on the fun. I find her sartorial bravado devastatingly attractive. And I'm not alone in such praise. Steffan Sacco, beau of the flamboyantly dressed stylist Sarah Bonett, is equally enamoured with his partner's outlandish dress sense. "I love the fact that what Sarah wears isn't your typical suburban fashion outfit that you can buy from chain stores located all over Australia," he says, singling out her Herve Leger bandage dress for special praise.

Part of the attraction, says Sacco, is Sarah's imperviousness to a bland status quo. "I love that she looks different without buying into trends you see everyone else wearing." There's also the implied confidence and the eye-turn factor (yes, we secretly love you being the centre of attention). Besides which, a daring guise - tastefully appointed and carried off with confidence - is aesthetic dynamite.

Kelvin Ho, whose partner is Jacqueline Perrett - communications manager, Australia at Sass & Bide - agrees. "I appreciate Jac's thrown-together look," he says. "It's laid-back and understated but still luxurious and considered. A tan-and-black Balinese '70s batik sarong and her draped suede coat deserve a special mention, as do her Jil Sander pumps."

But surely, I hear female readers cry, men would prefer us to live, work and sleep in hotpants and the kind of bikini tops that look more suited to slicing hunks of cheddar on a deli counter?

Okay, guilty as charged - to an extent. Traditionally, men have valued women's fashion according to how much the fabric - be it by a complete absence or a clinging presence - reveals what lies beneath: the female contours we're biologically predisposed to gawp at. When English model Jean Shrimpton caused an outcry by wearing a miniskirt to the 1965 Melbourne Cup, the protests were much more muted from the male camp. We can't help it. We have evolved with a nerve that runs from our loins to our tongue, and a woman in tight jeans getting off a bar stool triggers an involuntarily response in the former that causes the latter to unfurl like a famished cartoon mutt's. "I'd never say the Pirelli calendar isn't exciting," admits Ho.

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Summer chic? Girls win hands down

Cheryl Cole makes the jump

BCBG's minimal maxi

Ah, the darling days of summer. What bliss. Another bank hol tomorrow, and yet more honey-drenched time to indulge in the cornucopia of fun that is summertime fashion. I was musing upon this just the other day, when two blokes hauled into sight wearing the male summer uniform of Middle England: polo shirt and nondescript but inexplicably objectionable shorts, worn with trainers. And socks. Plus a UK trademark expanse of hairy, dairy-coloured calf to complete the look. I feel for men in summer. While winter throws up any and every opportunity to look cool – sleek suits, poloneck fisherman’s sweaters, crisply ironed shirts, chelsea boots – summer leaves the poor dears beached, floundering about on the shores of style like mackerel out of water, wondering whether they can get away with flip-flops.
But for women, these early weeks of summer are the salad days (in every sense: I haven’t consumed a carbohydrate in weeks – part of my cunning plan to avoid the necessity of a burkini when I eventually disrobe and make a mad dash for the waves). As consolation for the scarcity of calories, I’ve decided to embark instead on a clothes binge, mainly because there’s so much good stuff about in the shops right now. It’s like one of those gastro-pub salads – all fresh greens and interesting flavours, with tons of goodies lurking in the mix if you fish about with a fork.

Summer leaves men beached, floundering about on the shores of style like mackerel out of water

The general tenor of proceedings is barbecue-meets-festival dressing – a bit laid-back, a bit chilled, a lot lovely. The foundation of it all, it seems to me, is a wedge espadrille – something mid-range, mid-height and mild, not remotely dangerous; something that could run for a taxi should the need arise, perhaps with ribbon ties licking up the ankle. Beyond the wedge, I’m increasingly nurturing the idea (don’t snigger) of a jumpsuit – perhaps in a faded blue cotton, worn with a skinny whip of belt and the legs rolled up just a smidge, as if ready to meander through meadows of wild flowers and paddle across stickleback streams. I reckon it’ll be just the ticket, bringing together all the fashion nous you need with the added bonus that this is one-piece dressing at its most elemental. You barely need pants. I’d sling a cross-body bag over the top – a boxy tan leather one trawled from a vintage stall on a hot Saturday morning.
Alternatively, there’s always the glory of the maxi dress. Rather than a droopy cheesecloth or a gaudy floral print – which can make even a thinnie look like a Cath Kidston marquee – I’d advise something low-key. Go for a single, subtle colour – caramel or navy or taupe or cream – with a handful of pin tucks or a tracing of lace, worn with bare feet and anyhow hair. What you really want is not a trend but a timeless piece, a precious dress that forgives all your foibles and brings a little sunlight into your life. If only men could find something as delightful to get them through the holiday season. Maxi shorts, perhaps? I think I may be on to something.

TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL

We’ve not owned one since we were seven, but school-style satchels are big news this summer. Practical and British made, yet suitably edgy, the collection from the Original Satchel Store is our top pick. The Day-Glo colours are flying off its website, while its new hues include this bright red.
Available in three sizes, from £66.95; originalsatchelstore.co.uk

LITTLE GEMS

After stylish holiday gear for your mini me? Hot click it to miniwardrobe.com. Boasting cool kit for 0-12-year-olds, the website has a label stable that includes Ralph Lauren as well as lesser-known international brands such as Isossy Children – we love this cotton jumpsuit, £40.

miniwardrobe.com, tel: 0845 602 6380

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Five best unique boutiques

10 Corso Como, Milan

The chicest street in the chicest city in the world is Corso Como, and the sprawling shop and art gallery at number 10 is the chicest shop therein. Owned by Carla Sozzani, the super-thin blonde sister of Franca Sozzani who edits Vogue (yep, you guessed it: the chicest publication in the world), this huge space is home to a superbly curated selection of product design, art and, of course, cutting-edge men’s and women’s fashion and accessories. Think Paris’s Colette with added dolce-vita class. For extra glam-value, you can try and book a room in the three-bedroom boutique hotel, the imaginatively named Three Rooms, that Sozzani also owns. Just pick your visiting time carefully – during Milan Fashion Week you won’t be able to squeeze into the shop, let alone book into the B&B. 10corsocomo.com

Opening Ceremony, New York

The Big Apple’s coolest area, SoHo, has no shortage of weird and wonderful boutiques, and a devoted clientele of cropped-trouser-wearing, giant-specs-gazing hipsters to frequent them. The hottest of the hot, though, is Opening Ceremony, which has been drawing the trendsetters for its unique collection of international fashion. In fact, its buying policy is to choose one country each year from which to buy, stocking the products of both big-reputation designers and up-and-coming youngsters. It also has a great selection of insider American brands, and it was the first shop to sell Topshop in New York. In keeping with its uber-trendy status, the staff have a reputation for being sulky and skinny, but that just adds to the point-and-stare charm of it all. openingceremony.us

Priceless, Dubai

The city of superlatives may be all about gold, diamonds and seven-star hotels, but that doesn’t mean the people who live there have more money than sense - not all of them, anyway. Those who are in the know shop at the Dubai Outlet Mall, a 20-minute drive out of town. And while the high-street likes of Massimo Dutti and Mango have their spots there (hardly worth the taxi fare), the very best place to go is Priceless, which sells Harvey Nichols’ old stock at massively reduced prices. As with all discount stores, it is a lottery, but recent finds have included an Alberta Ferretti dress down from Dh3,500 (£636) to Dh610 (£110), an Alice + Olivia mini dress for Dh100 £100) and similarly discounted menswear. priceless.com

Dover Street Market, London

Ever contrary, Rei Kawakubo, the enigmatic Japanese designer behind Comme des Garçons, chose one of the least hip locations in London for her concept store Dover Street Market. Mayfair may be rich and elegant, but it entirely lacks the edginess of the East End. Nevertheless, this rambling store is hugely popular among the avant-garde hipsters of the city for its quirky selection of brands, from Comme des Garçons itself to the likes of Hussein Chalayan, Lanvin and A Bathing Ape. The interior is set out like a series of contemporary art installations, with each brand having its own quirky concept, and the insiders keep their ears to the ground for news on the latest limited-edition DST collaborations with artists and designers. doverstreetmarket.com

El Camarin, Buenos Aires

Latin America has been moving beyond bikinis and super-tans for some time, with ever more interesting underground music and vintage youth scenes. The latest, most beautiful shop to cater to this is El Camarín, a delicately pretty boutique in the fashionable Avenue Alvear, selling antique and vintage pieces imported from Paris, London and New York. And it’s not the musty old coats and dresses you might expect in a secondhand shop: the carefully chosen stock is a treasure trove of dresses and accessories in rich velvet, fragile silk and intricate lace, often restored by seamstresses with couture-level skill. The new products are lovely too, from belts to books to objets decoratif, but it’s the turn-of-the-last-century womenswear that is truly sensational. elcamarin.com

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Summer Footwear: Vera Shoes

If you're looking forward to the summer, but not to wearing the same old plimsolls as everyone else, take a look at this offering from UK brand Vera Shoes.

So the Great British Summertime is on it’s way, or at least we hope it is. Typically this would mean the sun would be out shining everyday, or like other years we could just end up with rain showers. More optimism, less pessimism though yes? Correct, so let’s talk summer footwear.

As much as I would like to wear my comfy as hell desert boots all year round, I’m afraid it just isn’t feasible come summer time. Sweaty feet is not a good look on anyone, and contrary to recent trends – neither is suede boots and shorts, in my opinion. So a lighter option is what’s required. This is where Vera shoes come in. The brand is the brainchild of Neil Morris, who originally cut his teeth running Cardiff based store Drooghi. Following the closure of the store in 2007 – Neil upped sticks and moved out to Spain, where he started work with local factories on a line of shoes named after a local village.

The shoes themselves are constructed along the lines of classics, utilised with a subtle twist. Take the Santander lace up: mixes of espadrille and plimsoll, two styles which have been doing the rounds on the high street for the last few seasons, but with so many brands just copying the same old format, said styles can become stale rather quickly. Vera provides an invigorating new slant on summer footwear, and whilst every man and his dog will be wearing slip on espadrilles and white pumps this summer, Vera’s range of spring summer shoes are instantly recognisable as something with a bit more personality.

The use of local craftsmen working in traditional Spanish factories to manufacture the shoes, and the application of natural products including Jute, rubber and recycled papers and fabrics – all result in a great looking lightweight shoe that will last you for a few summers to come. Unlike most plimsoll soles, the Santander has a surprisingly sturdy sole that feels like it will last the whole summer, instead of the first two weeks – elsewhere the espadrille style mid sole and beige mesh upper help to keep your feet cool whilst adding a subtle flair to round the shoe off.

Like most good things, these shoes come in limited numbers, so you are unlikely to see them afoot of every bloke in the country. They are also only available to the UK and Japan.

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Make-up masterclass: Posy glow

• By Terry Baume de Rose Crystal SPF15 (£32, from spacenk.co.uk). I love the delicate rose scent of this luxurious lip balm, which is intensely moisturising without being sticky, and leaves lips with a subtle pink tint. If you dab a little balm on top of a lip stain, it will give an added gloss and make your lips appear fuller.
• Lancôme L’Absolu Nu (£19.50, available nationwide). This lipstick’s subtle scent of peach, rose, violet and vanilla was used in Lancôme’s first lipsticks. Shade 304 is a subtle rose pink that’s perfect for daytime. Kate Winslet wore 302 – a gorgeous bright pink that is great for evening – in Lancôme’s recent ad campaign.
• Chanel Joues Contraste Powder Blush (£29, tel: 020 7493 3836). Chanel uses roses from its fields in Provence to scent its make-up and perfume, and this blusher smells divine. Imprévu is a soft pink that is flattering on paler complexions. Subtle shimmer pigments ensure skin looks fresh and radiant. You can also use it to softly highlight your eyes by blending a little over the brow bone.

Chanel Joues Contraste Powder Blush

Aveda Uruku Color Gloss in Berry

• Aveda Uruku Color Gloss (£15, tel: 0870 034 2380). Organic peppermint, cinnamon and vanilla give this high-gloss lipstick a fresh aroma that will give you a lift. There are six colours in the range – my favourite is Berry, a bright strawberry shade that looks gorgeous with a tan or for evening. Balance bright lipstick with a touch of light bronze or apricot blusher on the apples of your cheeks.
• Guerlain Terracotta Bronzing Powder (£33, tel: 01932 233887). This classic bronzer comes in eight shades to suit every skintone, and its fragrant hints of mandarin, bergamot and jasmine will put you in a summery mood. If you are fair and blonde, go for 02; fair and brunette, try 01, or olive skinned, try 05. All give a deliciously sun-flushed glow.

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Look stylish, feel comfortable with the right fit

You’ve seen those photos in fashion magazines that zero in on problem spots — the butt, thighs or stomach — typically accompanied by a caption that screams: What not to wear.

Experts say that while the latest fashion trends are desirable, proper fit is what ultimately will get you noticed, and, more importantly, make you feel good.

The fact is unflattering clothing can make someone look shorter or heavier than they actually are. Stacy London, of TLC’s What Not To Wear, says the key to great personal style is to find clothes that fit right and "self acceptance."

"That does not mean you have to like every part of your body," says London. "But you do have to know what you do like and don’t like so you know what to emphasize and what to camouflage."

When shopping for clothes, Lisa Singer, a merchandise manager at Reitmans, recommends keeping an open mind and calling on the sales staff for help.

"Ask, ’What do you think would work for me? These are the things I want to hide and these are the things that I want to flaunt,’" says Singer, adding it’s a good idea to get another perspective from someone who isn’t involved in your life and who will likely be more objective.

Singer says another problem is people get stuck in a size -in their mind. So it’s important to embrace the fact you can be one size on top and another on the bottom.

"I find that a lot of women have the misconception that, let’s say, they are a size eight on the bottom, they should be an eight on top. Women, we all come in different shapes and sizes. And I think we have to learn more about what suits us on top, what suits us on bottom, and what complements the body as a whole."

Telltale signs your clothes don’t fit

1. Sagging shoulders. Shoulder seams on tops, jackets and fitted dresses should sit on the edge of your shoulder; if they extend beyond your natural shoulder line, the garment is either too big or the wrong shape for your body.

2. The ill-fitting jacket. You should be able to button up a jacket and the lapels should sit flat across your chest. If not, the jacket is not a good fit.

3. No room to move. When a garment fits properly, it’s comfortable and easy to move in. Waistlines on a skirt, for example, should be just loose enough so you can turn the skirt around while you are wearing it.

4. Awkward top lengths. If your stomach is revealed when you raise your arms, your top is too short unless, of course, it’s a crop-top. And longer-length tops need to fully cover hips, without pulling or fitting too snugly.

5. Classic ’muffin top.’ A sign that pants are too small when your stomach hangs over the waistband. It can also mean the style is wrong for your body. If you’ve got curves, for example, avoid a straight fit pant and go for a curvy fit, which sits lower on the hips and will fit you at the waist.

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Grazia Fashion: Marchesa Does Playboy

Oh boy. First Lily Cole, then Lou Doillon, now the Marchesa girls are making the transition from fashion to, well, fash-off, as they get on board with Playboy.

But don’t worry - the girls aren’t literally stripping off their elegant layers for the delight and delectation of men-folk the world over. No, instead they are lending their dazzling design talents to the original Playboy costume, designing a special couture corset for….the delight and delectation of men-folk the world over.

Lavishly bedecked with beading, embroidered lace and a provocative little peplum, the outfit made its debut last night at a special – um – fashion show at the brand spanking new Playboy club in Mayfair. Bunnies teased the crowd in a catwalk parade of various permutations and combinations of the infamous Playboy outfit.

Naturally, the all black ensemble specially created by Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig drew the loudest wolf-whistles, but let’s hope it also draws the largest sums of money when it goes up for auction in October, with proceeds going to Breast Cancer awareness.

Think of it as a gesture of goodwill from your bosom bunnies.

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