This years Fashion Film: Black Swan

Already dying to see Black Swan, the dark thriller centred around the difficult, precocious and undoubtedly enigmatic ballet world. The film stars Nathalie Portman, Mila Kunis and Vincent Cassel, and from the trailer it looks both beautiful and disturbing. Not only that but the costumes for the film were designed entirely by Rodarte and this sets up the film to be this years fashion feast for the eyes: think delicate costumes with dramatic gothic details. Stunning.

Happy Feet

This winter, put a smile on your face and a spring in your step: keep your legs and feet happy and warm in socks and tights by Swedish company Happy Socks. The label was started up 2 years ago, with "A vision to turn an everyday essential into a colourful design item and spread happiness". The playful unisex socks and women's tights come in a huge variety of patterns, colours and textures. Most recent collaborations include a box of socks designed by Giles Deacon to raise awareness for World Aids Day. Treat your feet. 

Styling Tip: Roll up your trousers a couple of inches and show a bright pop of colour at the ankle; or add contrast to your tough biker boots or Dr Martens by pulling up your socks over the top of the boot.

'Random Dot' socks

'Batik' tights

'Five Colour' socks

'Optic' socks

Limited edition socks by Giles Deacon

New MAG on the block

Oooooh I love reading magazines. Particularly when the editorial is this good. Ward magazine launched at the end of last month. Check it out!! Happy weekend xxx

All New

Today saw the launch of Tout Nouveau, a Leeds based initiative aimed at showcasing new and young designers and offering them the opportunity to sell their creations online.  The website includes both men's and women's apparel as well as a 'lifestyle' section incorporating contemporary artwork, which turns it into more of an interesting online concept store. Of course as the pieces are not mass produced (often there is only one item available), it is a perfect opportunity to get your hands on a truly one-off piece as well as supporting fresh, home-grown talent. Here are some of my personal favourites from the collections.

Speckle Print Dress by Kate Atkinson

Silver Bird Skull Ring by Frankii Tonge

Marble Bones Print T by Rachel Browne

Leather Studded Biker by Gemma Francis

Unisex Off-white placket shirt by Yuco Kamiyama

Bad Astronomy by Sam Piper

From Russia With Love

The ground is still blanketed in snow and the weather outside is indeed frightful. My snow style inspiration: Julie Christie in Dr Zhivago. She is beautiful and looks entirely chic throughout the whole film. I am also absolutely loving her natural, understated makeup and nude lips: it's so AW10. So you don't freeze, top off your look with a fur hat for a touch of cold weather glamour.

Styling Tip: Do as Julie Christie does and keep your makeup fresh and dewy.

Under the Tree

Christmas time is as much about childhood fantasy, escapism and fairytales as it is about tradition. For his Christmas tree design for Claridges this year, John Galliano has explored the former concepts with his 'Under The Sea' themed tree. This beautiful creation includes shimmering coral, seahorses and jellyfish to produce a dreamy and magical effect, literally transporting the viewer into seemingly magical underwater realm.

The Christmas Tree at Claridges will be open to the public until 5 January so go and see it for yourselves and reawaken your imagination. 

An Intimate Affair

Christmas is the time for unwrapping gifts. One could say that the same approach could be taken to undressing - what would be the point in unwrapping a beautiful package to find that it contains a lump of coal?   Today marked the unveiling of the Intimate Apparel section of one of my favourite on-line boutiques, Not Just A Label. Continuing their tradition of sourcing beautiful products from lesser known designers, the range includes both lingerie and swimsuits. Beautiful.

Trompe l'oeil bodysuit by Gemma Slack

Opal Westminster Brief and Braces by Nichole de Carle

Onyx Culottes by Nichole de Carle

Last Testament Bra by Nichole de Carle

Charlotte Swimsuit by OYE