jacket potato

When the last leaf falls off the tree, you know it's that time of the year again - time to invest in a new winter jacket. From peacoats to parkas; faux fur to capes - finding the perfect jacket can be a tricky task.

I find that when I'm searching for a winter coat, I look for something that corresponds with the 3 F's - Fashionable, Flattering and Fabulous.


Fashionable

Everyone has to look à la mode at some point, whether its wearing a beautiful silk scarf or a new pair of heels. In this case, its wearing a winter coat. You want to be wearing something that makes you feel gorgeous and attractive; something that makes you stand out compared to everyone else. When you spot a jacket you like, make sure that its suitable for winter weather and that it will keep you warm. Also, ensure that the jacket you adore matches other pieces in your wardrobe so you could wear it on a daily basis.

Flattering

It's important that your jacket will suit your body shape. For example, if you are apple shaped you you should look for a coat that is belted to give the illusion of a smaller waist. You don't want to look two sizes bigger than you already are, so make sure you stick to something that'll compliment and accent your figure.

Fabulous

It's crucial that you look and feel fabulous in your jacket. When wearing your coat, make sure it goes with the rest of your outfit so you don't clash. Following the previous two F's should achieve this fabulous feeling.

Following the 3 F's should hopefully help you make your decision on what jacket to buy but if you'd like to know any more tips on finding the perfect winter coat, don't hesitate to email us at houndsoffashion@live.co.uk.

Writer's note: This is the first post since February, I know. Life has been hectic for me, being a teenager and all, but this is the start of a new era for Hounds of Fashion, which includes me writing posts as much as I can. Many thanks to all my appreciative followers, you are all stars to me.

Top Trends For Spring!

With Spring, comes the start of a new life; animals are born and flowers grow.
It could also bring the start of a new you.
Reinvent yourself with some of the trends for this season.




Above are just some of the many looks that are going to be big this forthcoming season.
I'll work my way from left to right, explaining each of these key trends to you.

1st Look - Florals.
As usual for spring, florals are back in. Whether they are so tiny that they hardly look like flowers, or so big that they cover the complete item in one go - florals are still a key look this season.

2nd Look - Denim.
This season, denim is bigger than ever - not just in the form of jeans or skirts, but dresses, shirts and waistcoats. The massive trend though is two toning denim. For example, by doing this you would be wearing a very light denim jacked with a pair of dark, indigo jeans.

3rd Look - Nautical.
Yes, the sailor look is back in too, but different than the last time. This time round, the nautical look works around stripes in the 3 main colours for this theme (red, navy and white), rather than vest tops bombarded with anchors with high-waisted shorts. This theme is mainly in cardigans or 3/4 length sleeved jumpers, which you can see in almost every highstreet shop.

4th Look - Pastels.
Personally, I've never been very keen on pastel-coloured clothing. I find that they make me look quite wishy-washy, as I'm very pale skinned. However, one colour that does look good on pale skin similar to the pastel colours is coral (like the dress featured above) as it is quite a warm shade. For those who want to give pastels a go, I'd advise matching your eye colour with the shade you want - it really makes your eyes stand out.

5th Look - Bodysuits.
Nude tones, silk, lace - it doesn't matter what colour or material it is, as long as its a bodysuit.
We first seen this look on Madonna, then Lady Gaga revamped the whole look and now you can buy them in your local Topshop, or any other highstreet shops. I find that bodysuits rock in many different looks together as you can buy them in many different colours, styles and even materials. They are brilliant for layering up on too, you can just keep adding and adding to them to create a unique and chic look.

6th Look - Accessorise.
The more, the better according to recent style updates. Over sized bags and clutches are must haves this season; over sized anything really. Also a key look (which I forgot to include in the picture) are statement hairbands. Oh yes, its all about accessorizing the hair this season and making a statement by wearing a hairband. I really like this trend, as you could wear a really plain outfit and jazz it up a bit with a really cool hairband.

I've covered, what I consider to be, the best of Spring 2010's hot looks.
Hope this has helped you decide what to wear next season.

Katie x

Alice and Olivia

Bonjour Blogettes,
As you probably know, many designers are showcasing their Fall 2010 Ready To Wear collections. I was browsing on style.com at some of the designers and clicked on Alice + Olivia, as the dress in the main picture really caught my eye, and woah - this collection is amazing!




It has some sort of an Alice in Wonderland theme, mixed in with subtle touches of the 1920's, which I love.
In the first picture, its like a modern twist on a 20's flapper dress. It isn't too outrageous, but you would definitely make a statement wearing this dress. Continuing the 20's theme is the cardigan in the third picture, which screams authentic Chanel. You could just imagine her wearing something similiar with a silky nightdress, some form of hat with feathers on it, a lush pair of pumps and of course - pearls.
The outfits have that unmistakable Alice in Wonderland charm, I mean look at those hats!
Its as if Alice has stolen the Mad Hatter's hat and funked up a whole outfit around it.

Out of all the Fall 10 collections, this is got to be my favourite.
It would be hard to change my mind, as I think I've fallen in love with this range, but you never know - some other designer could change my mind.

Katie x

Updates!

Bonjour Bloggers!
I have some news to tell you all.
Recently, I have been thinking on ways to improve the blog and have thought of a few ways.
As always, sorry for the lack of posts - I've been extremely busy with school and drama.
So, as my first improvement, I'm going to post more.
In addition to that, I'm going to start Outfit Posts, but not all the time.
The blog will be a mix of the latest trends, what I'm wearing, fashion related news and real life happenings, so it will be a variety for you to read, not just a blog based on one subject.
Also, I need some suggestions on what you want this blog to be like.
So, if you have the time, please could you fill out this short survey and post it in the comments.

1. Name some of your favourite blogs.
2. Why do you like them?
3. What would you like this blog to be like?
4. Any other suggestions.

Many thanks,
Katie x

P.S - In Memory Of Alexander McQueen.

R.I.P McQueen

Omg...
Alexander McQueen is dead!
The 40 year old has been found in his London apartment, dead due to taking his own life.
He was one of my fave designers and I'm so shocked right now.
It's just days before he releases his collection at London Fashion Week.
I'll write properly about his death once more information has been found out, I'm just too shocked and upset.
Until Then, R.I.P Alexander, we'll all miss you.




Katie x

Buzz Off!

Bonjour my faithful followers!
Long delay on posts as I found out recently something quite emotional about one of my friends who is in hospital at the moment.
So yeah, I am very sorry about the delay but for the next few months I'll try and post as much as possible.

Moving swiftly on, when I arrived home from school today my step-dad was watching the original 1958 version of 'The Fly'.
The bit of it that I watched was the man using the teleporter, and wow - that is a cool scene in the film. It looks like something in the future, with all the flashing lights etc.
I wish I could find pics of that scene, but this was the best I could do.

In Wonderland

The up-roar of Tim Burton's Alice In Wonderland, due to be released in March, has hit the fashion world in a flash.
Everyone is at it making Alice inspired clothes; whether its Alice's dress or the Mad Hatter's hat.
Even Stella McCartney has created Wonderland themed jewellery.


Picture From Style.com

This is a sneak-peek from the collection, showing a bracelet and necklace.
I love them both so much!

Also, I was on google images and found these pictures that were in Vogue not that long ago.



These were my favourite pictures from the photoshoot because the first one has loads of personality, and the second because Mr.Lagerfield is in it!

Alice In Wonderland is my favourite book, and Tim Burton is my favourite director, so I can't wait to see what the film turns out like!
Well, we'll all have to wait til' March.

Help Haiti

As many of you have heard, there was a disastrous earthquake in the little island of Haiti.
As it is already a poor country, they don't have any funds for aid and to help clear up the mess of collapsed buildings.
It is presumed that between 50,000-100,000 people are trapped or have died with this disaster.
President Obama has spoken out and said that we need to help.

Imagine that your home had been destroyed and you lost everything you own.
Imagine that your family were trapped beneath the bricks of fallen buildings.
Imagine that you couldn't eat for days and days because there was no food being delivered.
Imagine being homeless.

Any donation, big or small, will make a massive difference on these peoples lives.
I just donated £10 of my Christmas money, and my mum gave the Red Cross £40.

Please help these people, because I could not imagine what they must be going through right now. We really don't know how lucky we are.