Monday Moodboard | Alexander Wang Spring Summer 2013

Alexander Wang's New-York-model-off-duty chic, relaxed American sportswear with a knowing edge has made him one of the fash pack's favourite designers, whatever your walk of life. This season he took it to the next level with cutaway fabrics and suspension using a type of fishing line his design team developed themselves. In keeping with the clean, minimalist mood de nos jours, the designs were clinically precise in a delicious, covetable way that makes you want to stick a line of gaffa tape and live in pure white before you get but a minute older. Were those boots? Sandals? Who cares, we want. But it was the glow-in-the-dark finale that cinched the deal... Especially here at Electric Dress, we love a bit of technology-meets-fashion, yeah? It like totally rocks our "what does it all mean?" existentialist outlook on the what we, like, say about our bodies through our clothes. Well done, Wang. 

Images via mtv.com, jaystrut.com, showyourspark.blogspot.com. Video via Youtube.

Fantasy Shopper, or How To Misspend Your Sundays

So recently I was invited to meet the people behind this great little site Fantasy Shopper. Starting out as an online game, it has developed into something somewhere between a shopping directory and social media site. Users "shop" a from directory of items - a simple click adds your item to your wardrobe - and from there you can do the above kind of editorial spread of images to create whole outfits!

Being an inspiration-rich but cash-poor kinda gal, this was an absolute ball - to make my first outfit I needed shoes, but am I headed over to New Look as I would in real life to find the best wear-them-once-if-they-disintegrate I can get away with? Hell, no! I went to Harrod's, darling! And for my jewels? Barney's! Give me Fendi and McQueen by the bucket load, bitchez, grrl be shoppin'! Before long I earned the "Top Spender" badge, which tickled my pickles because it's not even real, right? Still, I be VIP, y'all.

As a real online shopping tool, though, it's sorta awesome. Red fur jacket? Purple fedora? Specific searches make trawling through the world wide web redundant, since most major high street brands are there, plus a few online boutiques and bigger department stores. For me, online shopping is as much a research tool as anything. This tends to happen even more so on those weddings/big night out/fashion week moments you need to get to all in one sartorial-savvy piece, so why not plan my ensemble in full? Who knows, if you do find the dream dress, you can shop it straight from your sofa. Even if I plan on using something I already own, I can always grab something similar from the virtual shelves for the purpose of planning.

The main fun is the planning, though, and in the social media aspect of things, you can easily garner likes and followers for your efforts, and like and follow back. You can also plan under a brief for the competition section. One of my favourite little corners is the "Style Assist" function - people pose clothing questions and the likes of you and me get to respond. Ace, because out of all the tasks retail work throws at you, advising people was the one that made me feel least like a cog in a machine. As innate as style is, some people need direction and appreciate an informed opinion. It's awesome that this site allows those less style savvy or simply stuck in a rut to get a second opinion, all from the masses themselves. If social media is the future of democracy, Fantasy Shopper is fashion very own little Arab Spring moment...

To see my profile on Fantasy Shopper and say hi, click here.

Ivory Jar @ Brick Lane Market

A-wandering around Brick Lane last weekend, we came across this awesome little stall of gothic jewels and punky clothing by brand Ivory Jar. I was totally mesmerised by the jewellery, appazza inspired by witchcraft this season - the skulls, tusks and natural stones play off beautifully against the crucifixes and cross motifs. Oh, and the bluish green necklace? They would be bona fide beetle shells imported from Indonesia, natch. 

For their brilliant look book with apocalyptic description, click here. It almost feels like the retreating, goth sister (who lights candles in her room listening to creepy death rock) to Glasgow punk fashionistas Obscure Couture.

For the full collection of collars, headpieces, bags, shorts, dresses and more, click here

Aaaaand to follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr, you know the drill.

Olympics Time!

This week, the Olympics Games finally commence in London. What, you didn't know about it? The media of all wavelengths and forms haven't been banging on about it for what feels like eternity? Yeah man, dunno if you got the memo, but London are hosting the Olympics this year! If it's not some fitness advice in the lifestyle sections or some sporty-themed advert, it's stories on the spiralling costs or TFL telling us at all stops that this stop will be unavoidably busy during the Games, so can you please find another? Yeah, and the weather's going to be totally awful. We're gonna be put to shame by torrents from the skies.

Yes, people, although I am keen to do some kind of list of my latest lusts themed on the great sporting event, I wanted to to give it a slightly different twist, mainly in order that you don't keel over with sheer boredom at yet another lycra-themed trend report. Which brings me to my African meets sportwear fusion feature

The Lovestruck crop top, £32, is a great statement in tribal style. The loud pattern makes it super flattering, as it makes your top half look bigger, will balance out any bared midriff. Match your jungle fever with these ASOS leopard print shades, £15 .The Julien MacDonald shorts are lovely and light, channelling those sprinter stylez, with some gorgeous lacy embellishment. And know what? They're down to £98 from £280 on The Out Net! Chouchou's Hollyhood, c. £50, and Lazy Oaf's Batman backpack are both sporty and also kinda hip hop, non? But if you're going for extra fashion and practical points these days, wedge trainers are a must, and at just £30, Tribeca Shoes's tan versions are sure to win you gold. Tribeca's website launched TODAY and with 15% off your first order, these bad boys are more affordable than ever. Tatty Devine's trapeze necklace, £24, is a witty statement of sporting events, while rounding off the outfit with a slick, feminine twist.

I was also inspired this week by the 1968 Olympic champion Tommie Smith. At the height of the struggle for civil rights in America, he received death threats for representing America as a man of colour, such was the attitude towards non-white Americans. Slavery had only been abolished a century before. On winning gold, he used the platform to make the political sign for black rights and was subsequently expelled from the Games. But most awful? He has since never been re-acknowledged, apologised to and remains outwith the US Olympics Hall of Fame.

I say the world would be a much worse place if people like Smith didn't stand up in times like the 1960s. The Olympics are great and all, but can also show the cracks in society, like the countries that currently refuse to let women compete. Let's not get too wrapped up in cheering from our home team and hope that we can learn from the lessons of the past............

Motel Autumn Winter 2012 Preview!

These images from funky-fabulous brand Motel have just dropped of their new Autumn collection. Available from next week, I'm loving the bold use of print and sheer fabrics. Sexy, girly, and totally affordable, the Motel stuff is exactly the kind of thing I'd wanna wear on a big girls night out, although that print jacket is totally daytime chic and could be styled all kinda Electric wayz. Check it out when it drops in stores! What's even better is, as an Electric Dress reader, I'm sharing my 15% discount with you all - just use the code TOPBLOG15 at the checkout. Take a peek at the behind the scenes below, too, for more bits to love. Rock it!

Princess Grunge

There's nothing like a spot of online window shopping when there's naught in your bank account. This weekend, I'm loving this Quiz dress, currently on sale at Debenhams - temptation is an awful thing! But my, what fun you could have with it. Such as this rock chick British summer look - these Juju jellies are high up on my wish list, not least because my parents were way to sensible to let me have high heeled jellies the first time around circa 1997. With waterproof quality guaranteed, there'll be no worrying about what this bi-polar weather will be up to next.

Keeping it goth as per, I'd wear it with these awesome We Are Handsome print leggings and Label Lab vest, a clean, fitted silhouette , while the grungy back pack, jelly shoes and X-marked round shades give it a 1990s feel with some edge. And the hairband? Just another crown for a punk princess.

Floral vs. Spikes

Rag mags often tell us we must pick our fashion stripes, but what if we want to play for both teams, mash up masculine flats and floaty feminine skirts? Werk some floral loveliness yet throw in a tough studded edge? Well this outfit does all that and more.

This cropped shirt by Bill + Mar acts as the perfect, smart neutral basic to let the other bits do the talking, and key is the way all the colours match into the skirt-as-centrepiece, a nifty fitted number with 

peplum-esque detail by Borne by Elise Berger. Its a feminine print alright, though that heavy blood fuchia has some serious balls

But those pastels alone aren't floating you away anywhere the punk chic necklace by Eaburns is fit for an urban tribal princess, and chimes in perfectly with the gold tones of these stunning glitzy creepers. And to top off the secretary-on-crack speed to it all this shirt and pencil skirt shaping? A pair of Cutler and Gross specs, of course.

The skirt, shirt and necklace come directly from my new fave fashion find, Shop 172 in Shoreditch. Check 'em out here. A excellently curated temple to all that is mind-popping (see also their Belle Sauvage wares) and brilliant about East London, I will be heading there again no doubt for more inspo and maybe even a buy or two.............

American Honey, Dublin

Last week, my lovely friend Caroline took me to the launch of a sweet little boutique she'd discovered in the heart of Dublin's up-market shopping district, just off Grafton Street. Set up by a Californian in Dublin, American Honey is a glamorous little slice of sticky sweet state-side pie, with an all white interior and chandelier playing sumptuous, girlie backdrop to a broad range of garments and accessories with a sexy, slightly sporty edge the Yanks do best. There were lovely knits and leathers, beachy brights and fetish-tastic heels from Jeffrey Campbell. On two levels, it is a must for those who want something off the beaten track in a quarter stuffed with the high street and high end big brands. It was a lovely evening for the party, just when the weather turned the corner into summer, and the bubbly and canapés were dished out generously. With a strong brand image and cosily curated boutique, the shop looks set to do extremely well with those who can meet the price tag.

American Honey, 10 South Anne St, Dublin 2.

Follow them on Facebook here

electric_dress *special* | £10 off @ Bamarang

The internet holds an abundance of discounts and snip prices, and there's a growing trend for members-only websites where you can snap up super deals for a fantastic price for a limited time only - all for simply creating a login. But how to know the good from bad? New site bamarang  is no bad place to start, specialists in a carefully curated selection of fashion and design brands, all with a lip-smacking discount, sometimes as tasty as 70%. And I'm pleased to announce a special code for electric_dress readers to get another tenner off!

The company is a bunch of bright young things, working from London's cool HQ, Shoreditch, and they're clearly equipped with a keen eye for good taste. They bring genuinely interesting, innovative things to your screen from lesser known names you'd be sure to miss otherwise. I love the tees from French brand Never Tell Your Tailor that use witty slogans and pop culture icons Lady Gaga, Barbie and Bambi. They're full of sexy attitude and fun. I giggled at the super fresh Lego jewellery by Agabag, not only cheery bright and quirky, the pieces are titled by city names, like these Paris drop earrings. And we all know how sexy a great pair of seamed tights are, but how about these with seductive "oui" and "non" wording stitched in? Pamela Mann has been sold in the likes of Miss Selfridge and Topshop, and these naughty numbers are on offer at a special price on bamarang.

Are you game? Simply click the link here and get £10 off on your first order. You'll need to create a wee login with your email, then you're good to go! And hurry hurry if you love any of the above, the time is ticking and those items' availability will soon run out! Happy shopping!

Never Tell Your Tailor tee

Earrings by Agabag

Tights by Pamela Mann

Diamond Jubilee

Now I did love very much the June edition of Vogue, with the iconic Miss Moss on the cover shot to Olympic goddess perfection on the cover by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott. The portrait photography features were stunning, the fashion fabulous as ever. But all that talk of our dear Queen and features on riding boots, Barbour jackets and pearly cardies? Boke. Made me think I'd picked up a catalogue aimed at the over eighties, and frankly, "State Occasion" isn't something I ordinarily prepare for sartorially. I offer instead an alternative, punkish take on Diamond Jubilee party wear, inspired by my, *ahem*, republican roots.

Now everyone knows the famille royale love a good tipple, so what better way to say "thank you ma'am" for an extra day off work to booze up British-style than this Obscure Couture cropped tee? The bare midriff, oh-so-now, flashed above the tight shiny Topshop skirt, is a middle finger statement of youth and degeneracy in the face of all this austere institutionalism. Kate Middleton, eat your lamb-dressed-as-mutton-chic heart out. And do I see a flash of Jubilee-themed diamonds on your feet? Why no, the spiky studs on these Jeffrey Campbell platform boots give the look all the sexxed up punk attitude a grrl could wish for.

Lace might be typically an old lady fabric, but the androgynous cut of a Kooples jacket and cocaine shade of white gives a nod to the more aristocratic, flashy, decadent royals than to old Queenie. You will hear many a word of praise spoken about the Elizabeth II's dignified and quiet style of reign, and as those headscarves and wellies testify, she's a more homely bird than some wilder branches of the wider Windsor family. Wallace Simpson, Princess Marge, Lady Di, I'm talking to you.

For an all-out, Queen of Everything vibe to your trashy party ensemble, add these 1950s retro glam bitch shades by A-Morir, with pearl and diamondy detail, and skulls as tiara headpiece by Tequila Star. Now, did someone say gin o'clock?

[Dublin] Jenny Vander

Jenny Vander's boutique on Drury Street is a must for the discerning vintage vulture in Dublin. An Aladdin's cave of select second-hand pieces, it is a tiny shop stuffed full of brilliant bits, from right back to the Victorian and Edwardian eras. What struck me most walking in was the sheer volume of sparkle in all different shapes and forms, from tiny beading to big statement sequins to classic costume jewels. Before mass production reached the scale it knows these days, these embellishments were probably hand-stitched. There's no doubt a stand out event piece wouldn't be hard to find in this walk-in dressing up box for grown ups... Though who said sequins were just for a Saturday night, right!?

Jenny Vander, 50 Drury Street, Dublin 2

For shop location, click to see it on Google Maps

[Electric Dress] H&M Fashion Against AIDS

Three exciting developments in my life brought about this new post. One, H&M unveiled their fantastic new Fashion Against AIDS collection. Two, I decided to try my hand at editorial spreads. And three, I booked plane tickets to go to Primavera! I am getting in as a plus one with my handsome new band lad Phil to see him play with his Belfast cohort Girls Names!

But enough about him, what about these clothes?

 The concept of the H&M range is fantastic, with 25% of all proceeds going to charity. I love the tribal inspirations in the offering (I got a hella hot KTZ style denim dress from an H&M FAA range in the past) but it was this pink dip dye, extra long top that caught my eye. Everything about it screams easy breezy summer holidays, while the temptation to punk it up with leather would trash out the pastel factor to the maxxx.

I imagined a kind of futuristic hippy look for going a-festivalling in, partly because spacey sportswear is my favourite trend after punk, and partly after last weekend, Phil introduced me to Spaceballs, one of the only major Mel Brooks films I haven't seen. HIGHlarious. These space-age shorts are fun and practical, while the pops of neon in the sunnies and sandals lend cohension. The fringe gilet adds just enough hint of hippy to make this a fest-forward look - replace with a tailored black jacket for a fun summer office look. Lastly, the attitude heavy knuckle dusters by my friends in Glasgow Bonnie Bling are a FU statement for sunshine madness......

[Dublin] Dawn Fitzgerald, Powerscourt Shopping Centre

Dawn Fitzgerald's stunning evening wear pieces are unmissable. Cut using the most sumptuous of fabrics, she draws inspiration from the most glamorous of vintage era's to offer something elegant and sophisticated of the most high octane kind. I caught up with her in her boutique last week and she kindly let me take some snaps of some of her collection, doing well for events around Ireland despite the cool economic times. 

I love the fabrics especially that she uses, like the powder pink group reminiscent of make-up of times gone by, soft and neutral or with flecks of gold mixed in as with the sequin detailing. She didn't ever plan to become a designer having studied illustration at college, but after her graduate collection was bought by a Dublin boutique, she took heart and launched her line, now thriving and worn on the red carpet by such slebs as Amy Huberman at the IFTAs. 

The heavy black sequins and gold fabrics are wonderfully decadent, while the oriental print scarf here is a hand painted silk fabric that was then cut and sewn up by hand, before the sequin were individually applied. The craftsmanship is mind-blowing, and although the time isn't perfect for any young business to start out, Dawn has the advantage of providing escapist, one-of-a-kind pieces - for whatever the economic climate, women will always want to look like a Hollywood star. What's more, with sweet retro furniture, chandelier and thick ice white carpet, her very boutique feels like the fairy godmother experience.....

Available from her atelier in the Powerscourt Shopping Centre, Dublin 2.
See more of her collection on her website.

[Electric Dress] Metallic Mac @ Topshop

Metallic Plastic Mac, £45 @ topshop.co.uk

There's being fashionable yet comfortable, and then there's festivals. In swanps of mud and intoxicated hazes, it is barely imaginable how to stay safe and stylish at these summer shindigs. Top of the list is always keeping out of rain's way, which is where a cool mac like this number from Topshop does the trick nicely. Available in sterling silver or this warm bronze shade, it will keep off showers and makes an easy statement where floaty tops, no matter how cool the print, are lost beneath warmer layers. And it could be worked in many ways, though always as an anti-dote to any dippy hippy ethnic chic thats such a no-brainer. I'd go for either sporty 90s old rave feeling, with some funky, chunky hi-tops, bumbag and mega-print leggings, or on another day use it with leathers and studs for a punky vibe. What's more, it would look fabulous under a gigantic feather headress with some streaks of face paint, by far the coolest thing to rock at any festival look this summer. Oh, and want another top festival fashion tip from me? Book an underarm wax. Excruciating but true.

[Electric Dress] Flatform Sandals @ Cos

Wedge Sandal, €99 @ cosstores.com

It's that time of year again. Spring, people. You want to look fresh, but those winter blues, or rather greys, blacks and browns currently dominating your wardrobe, aren't doing nothing for you. You want to rock the pages of all the summer shoots you've seen, but the pin thin stilettos somehow aren't going to get on well with sipping G&T in the park or strolling around the city in the new-found evening sunlight. Cos has the answer - these flatforms in bright white are comfy and totally now, and no lawn or cobbled street will stop you in these bad boys. Perfect for werquing the sporty, Olympic-inspired trends, with clean modern lines, they're also not so statement that you can't use them to good effect with a fruity fifties or pastel look either. Roll on the sunshine! Did someone say gin and tonic? Also available in dark blue.

[Electric Dress] Tropical Print Bra Top

Tropical Print Bra Top, £28 @ riverisland.co.uk

This season sees the return of the midriff, but fear not, little ones; hot right now is the top part of your tummy to be worn with high waisted skirts or pants, concealing that rounder bit we all prefer to wear inside our clothes. No full frontal displays of virginial ironing board, as seen on Britney et al in the late nineties and early noughties, this is a coquettish flash of something more retro and fifties when women had tummies. This number from River Island in tropical print is ideal for working the trend, as seen on the Dolce and Gabanna catwalk with old school Italian sass and lashings of exotic, fruity prints. Wear with a full A-line skirt and lashings of costume jewellery against polished skin. For the very brave, teeny tiny hemlines or boxy shorts would make this top look super sexy in denim or black leather.
All images below from Vogue.com

Dolce & Gabbana

[Electric Dress] Sea Print Cocktail Dress by Mary Katrantzou

Photo: Yannis Vlamos / GoRunway.com

The sea theme this spring was a well explored, with Chanel hitting the headlines for Unkle Karl's transformation of the Grand Palais into undersea adventure playground, replete with Florence Welsh emerging from a giant oyster shell to serenade the crowds. Alexander McQueen also wowed the fash pack with a goddess inspired collection with gowns and masks reminiscent of the other world that is just beyond our shores. But it was the vibrant prints of Mary Katrantzou that won full marks from me and were a fun if not somewhat literal translation of the idea. The queen of the digital translation onto fabric, the colours are gorgeous, with the medium bearing a stunning and sumptuous vibrancy that makes a statement sure. This dress in particular caught my eye; the cocktail dress format makes this an instantly commercial dress, with the high power punch packed into a short and succinct punch. The gathered, swirling structure of the skirt is simply divine, and mimics the movement of a wave, while the swathes of fabric across the bust could be a passing school. You can almost see the fins of those little fishies flapping! While the hemline rides high on the skirt, the tee sleeves at the top makes it a highly covet able, wearable shape. The collection was shown with azure blue lips and skinny stilettos in the same oceanic shade; finer shoes shapes, enjoying something of a come-back, the shoe shape might seem a bit dated were it not here a sexy little studded number and supporting the super-modern digital print, which has of course made headlines of it's own.

Photo: Marcus Tondo / GoRunway.com

Photo: Marcus Tondo / GoRunway.com

Photo: Marcus Tondo / GoRunway.com

NEWGEN Alumni for Topshop

Tee shirt by Meadham Kirchoff

In keeping with their support for up-and-coming talent, Topshop are celebrating the tenth anniversary for the NEWGEN project with a range of ten tees designed by such names as Mary Katrantzou, Erdem and Christopher Kane who have benefited from the sponsorship scheme for emerging designers in the past. Many use digital print and all would be a great addition to a wardrobe from these now stellar names of the British fashion scene.See the full range at Vogue.com.We love Holly Fulton's interpretation with the skyscraper and lips - a cheeky nod to phallic skylines everywhere. Roksanda Ilincic has done a super girly cropped number with heart shapes and a cuter-than-thou bib collar printed neckline. But we are really getting excited about this Meadham Kirchhoff one with the dolls face printed in pinks and yellows - its a nice spin off from their sugar sweet Spring collection. Priced at the very reasonable £30, will be flying off the rails available during London Fashion Week, 17th to the 21st February 2012, at Topshop's pop up at Selfridge's, at Somerset House, Topshop stores nationwide and online

Electric Dress by... Marc by Marc Jacobs

Havana Printed Silk-Satin dress by Marc by Marc Jacobs, €625 at netaporter.com

The spicy treats and festive wreaths of Christmas over and done with, winter has lost its novelty; the only thing that'll get us through the rest of the colder months will be fantasies of country gardens and tropical beaches. This Marc by Marc Jacobs dress is certainly getting us in the mood for spring. The simple shape is super sweet and shows off the retro style print that manages to be both old world quaint and a ballsy tropical design, while the black stripe give the dress a modern kick. Wear with natural wooden platforms or black strappy flats and a hunky Latino beau.

Electric Hood by...... Chouchou Couture

Hollyhood Iput by Chouchou, £79.00

Hoods are something of a sartorial sore point. Famously banned by a certain shopping centre in the south of England for their popularity among trouble-making teens, the hooded figure became a symbol of civil disobedience across news channels at last summer's riots. Yet in fashion, it lives on. Indeed, there is something undeniably individualistic about a hood; a simple layer of fabric separating one from the world, a shelter in the storm, the right to see but not be seen. There again, everyone wants a bit of the good, clean, sporty action hoods also hold; and ever since a certain young woman wore hers in red, venturing into woods of wolves and sick grandmothers, hoods whisper a veiling of feminine grace. All in all, a fashion all-star.

Let me introduce you to Hollyhoods by Chouchou. Designed as stand-alone pieces, they can be added to an outfit for instant hooded effect, whether that's during the day on top of a jacket as an extra head layer, or for maximum statement style, with a top or dress as evening wear. Chouchou, a bespoke Glaswegian-Italian label designed by Sylvia Pellegrino, have made hoods something of a trademark. Iput, above, available on their online store, features a collar detail and long panels at the side, which means the hood sits well on the shoulders. In a gorgeous purple cotton jersey, it has square studs around the edge of the hood and on the lapels, and quirky braid detailing. Named after a close friend who wore one for her wedding, each hood is unique, thanks to Pellegrino's penchant for vintage fabrics that are usually in limited supply. You can also pick the fabrics and commission a piece by appointment. This further adds an eco-friendly, up-cycling edge to her work that means not only will your hood be totally unique, your ethical credentials will far outstrip the average "hoodie".