Bow WOW WOW

A trend that seems to have survived for several consecutive seasons is the bow. Quaint and decisively feminine, it is the perfect way to accessorize your outfit - adding style and drama without being garish.
After just pulling through a relatively masculine autumn winter, where copious amounts of studs and leather - the definitive new wave grunge look - swept the stores, the bow has remained a precious additive.

Ok, so bows go hand in hand with this 80s obsession that has overtaken the fashion world at the moment. But what's wrong with playing with the more wearable and fun trends of an era? I know there are those who feel that the bows being sold in the shops look too much or too feminine. Well I say that's just typical. The problem is that we've become so sure of ourselves wearing edgy, masculine styles that anything remotely girly repels us instantly. How sad.

You mean to tell me that this delicious example of Marc Jacobs spring/summer 10 (pictured right) doesn't make you salivate at how much fun this summer's trends will be? Embrace femininity ladies and start with your head.

Since the media seems to be going GaGa for the Lady of the moment, why not take a leaf out of the her eccentric and showy fashion bible and invest in some head candy.

This is a nice look for the overtly sexual popstar, I think anyway. It softens her face and strangely enough makes her seem more approachable. Now who wouldn't want to adorn themselves with items that make them seem approachable? By wearing a larger bow it gives the impression that you have a smaller head and therefore makes you seem daintier.

Lauren Conrad has also been experimenting with hair attire, a more feeble attempt compared to GaGa, but non the less elegant. When I look at the image of Lauren I can't help but wonder: is a bow an accessory or is it - like a fascinator - a hat? In Lady GaGa's case it does seem hat sized, but Lauren has made it more like head jewelry. It could be neither and come under

it's own category.

If you are deciding to play around with this trend, a word of warning. If you are indeed scared of turning out looking like Bopeep or a very 80s Madonna the answer is simple. That's it, just keep it simple. Hairstyles should look sleek and don't over do it with the bows. Where one at a time unless you playing around with some of the miniatures available in the shops.

Marc Jacobs has proven that you can still wear bows with prints and pretty tea dresses, but make sure they tie in with the style of the outfit and they're plain. Equally, bows work well with edgier looks. They can finish off the outfit with a girly touch. Alice and Caroline Rausch have nailed the trends and Caroline shows just how relaxed the bow can be when paired with jeans and a tshirt.

These are some examples of the bow head pieces available on the high street, though I believe more a due to hit the shops later in the season - bows are big this spring/summer.

Topshop £8

Bunny Bow, New Look £4

Satin bow headband, Forever21 £3

Polka dot bow clips, Topshop £6

Velvet headband, Miss Selfridge £6

Fascinator, Monsoon Accessorize £28

Vrai ou Faux...

As Britain has been hit by an unprecedented amount of the white stuff recently, I have found it necessary to pull out all the stops in warm and comfortable fashion. Fur has always been a trend that works year after year in the winter season. It can look more expensive than it really is (if it's fake) and it keeps you warm more than most other types of outerwear.

Now before you look on this blog incredulously as being somewhat politically incorrect, I want to say that I am not trying to suggest we all go invest in a dead animal - there are plenty of incredible faux furs available on the high street. And with many celebrities and designers saying "No" to fur, its more likely that you'll be purchasing a fake.

PETA's "Worst Dressed 2009" list: http://www.peta.org/feat-worstdressed09-winners.asp

(Eighties style faux fur coat £95, Topshop, Crushed faux fur jacket £40 in the sale, Oasis, Faux fur coat £74.99, River Island)

These were just some of the gems I discovered. You may find yourself paying a a little more than you would expect for a fake, but it's usually because they look so authentic. I've become a particular fan of Dennis Basso who is the king of fake fur.

  

(All three images taken from www.dennisbasso.com)

I do suggest, however, if you are interested in owning a real fur, take a visit to ebay. There are literally hundreds of furs being auctioned for virtually nothing. Most of these will emulate a more vintage look, but look hard enough and you may find yourself a real gem. I also advise a trip to Beyond Retro in London - my favourite vintage retailer. Both ebay and beyond retro sell fakes too, so get out there an rummage! My advice is, if your comfortable with a dirtied conscience - buy a real fur (they're warm, fabulously luxurious and soft!) But don't be put off by fakes, there's really very little difference.