Dress to Impress or Dress for Occasion?

So it’s actually got to that point now where were on our way towards another bleak winter; oh goody!

Don’t get me wrong, I love winter. In fact it’s arguably my favourite season. I anticipate those special winter season firsts each year; when you put the fire on for the first time, when it’s time to smother your little piggies in big woolly socks and even the first crisp frost on a winter’s morning.

But what I don’t like is dressing for practicality; in fact I have a distinctive distaste for it. I’m often finding myself wearing the most beautiful concoction of items that seem to be totally unsuitable for the current day’s weather. It’s not that I don’t love Autumn Winter attire – it’s more often than not my favourite collection of the year – I just seem to have a total disregard of all around me when I’m selecting my look for the day.

I’ve decided that this winter, I am going to do my best at dressing for the appropriate occasion (and in this instance, by occasion I mean the weather forecast). I can’t promise that it will be a success as my heart often gets the better of me, but I shall definitely give it a ruddy good go (and provide a running commentary to my Minty Belle readers of course)!

So in the spirit of autumnal dressing, I’ve compiled a mini wish list that really makes me want to dress for the weather. Now if only there was a Fashion Fairy to grace me with these goodies…

Clockwise from the top: Alexander McQueen Rollergirl Loafers, J.W.Anderson Shearling-trimmed Sweater, Topshop Knitted Dress, Topshop Glitter Velvet Dress, Zara Metallic Trousers, H&M Faux Leather Skirt, New Look Glitter Heel Boots and Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Cardigan.

Dear Versace and H&M, I would like...

I think it’s safe to say, H&M’s designer collaborations are like no other. So, as you can image, when the launch date for the Versace for H&M collection was released yesterday, I couldn’t contain my excitement. In fact, excitement is an understatement; I was as giddy as a girl at cocktail hour.

I have to give a huge thanks to vogue.com, for the cheeky pre-launch peek and allowing me to prepare my shopping list for November 17^th. I can only hope stock will be online at 12am, otherwise it could be a very long and very cranky day; keeping a girl waiting for Versace is never the best of ideas.

Top of my list has got to be Black Fur Gillet, (it’s stylish, versatile and a steal at only £39.99) closely followed by the Studded Pleated Skirt. Take a look at my top picks from the line…

Let’s just hope I can get my hands on at least one of these beauties for my collection! Which items will you be after?

Ballet Russes in AW11-12

As a dancer, I’m constantly inspired by the contribution costuming can have upon not only art, but fashion also. Beautiful in itself, ballet has had an overwhelming influence on fashion and art for centauries for its classic image; tutu’s and 50’s style skirts, wrap around dress and tops and of course, the famous ballet slippers.

Ballet costuming, like everything, has evolved through time and taken on many images and styles. And albeit beautiful, modern day stage style doesn’t have quite the same effect as that of the early 1900. Of course I’m referring to one of the strongest ballet companies of the 20^th Century; Diaghilev’s Ballet Russes.

Diaghilev’s Russes contributed a high level of skilled ballet with a contemporary collaboration of art and composition to the avant-garde Parisian period; an infectious career spanning 20 years.

The unconventional and innovative essence of the Russes Couture can be found in so many of the Autumn Winter catwalks for 2011-12; Roland Mouret, Temperley London and Balenciaga to name a few. I’ve chosen my favourite collections for this season with the best Ballet Russes inspired looks, and narrowed it down to my top 5 (okay 6, it was too difficult to choose)…

1) Mary Katrantzou

2) Ana Sekularac

3) Bunmi Koko

4) Elie Tahari

5) and Finally, it’s got to be Alexander McQueen

all images sources vogue.com

New Found Jewels

When it comes to jewellery, I can be very fussy.

Over the past few weeks I've been searching for new pieces, but haven’t been able to find anything that’s up to scratch. I like beautiful jewellery. I like unique jewellery. I like overstated jewellery and I like understated jewellery – nothing in between.

So, when the usual jewellery sites and antiques dealers weren’t giving me what I needed. I don’t know why I hadn’t thought of it before, but after styling some Minty Belle Vintage, I checked the eBay stores. Oh, I am so glad I did... I found some quirky, modern pieces that I just have to share with you.

And best of all? The prices only make them more appealing!

Just Jewels

Just Jewels have got some beautiful necklaces, bracelets, brooches and earrings in vibrant colours and intricate designs. I especially love these mixed gem earrings and ruby pendant.

Gem stone earrings

Angel Wings Pendant

Just Jewels Boutique

Shirley’s Vintage

Shirley’s Vintage has got some really dainty, elegant pieces especially if you’re looking for something a little bit different. Shirley’s stocks everything from rings, necklaces and bracelets to hair pins, cufflinks and brooches. You can even grab a bargain as Shirley’s stocks many job lots of earrings and brooches!

Stranded pearl necklace

Quartz watch

Pearl brooch

Shirley's Vintage Jewellery Shop

Ebonie Candy

Ebonie Candy has got some of the most interesting statement necklaces that I have seen in a long time. Specialising in pendants, there are many designs and colours to choose from as well as some smaller pieces. I absolutely adore the amber and gold pendant!

Gold and amber pendant

Ruby pendant

Abstract disk necklace

Ebonie Candy

Be Inspired

When you’ve developed a serious obsession with all things vintage, what could be better than an outlet to channel your passion and share it with the world? If you owe years and years’ worth of inspiration to fashion, art and culture, then maybe it’s time to give them credit and show your appreciation?

Well that’s what I've done. Welcome to Minty Belle.