We’ve said it before and no doubt we will say it again: trends are DEAD, individual style is the only new style rule. So why were this year’s Oscars such a boring washout in the style stakes? Fear, that’s why.

The internet has completely changed how we communicate. We can access information instantaneously and celebrities know that. If they dare to be daring, it is extremely likely that Ms Fashion Blogger L.A. will publish a damming account of said celebrity’s couture and that they will then end up on some ‘Worst Dressed’ list somewhere. The main casualty of this culture is fashion itself.

Fashion should be wild and free-spirited and it is no coincidence that the current stars of the fashion world are celebrities such as Alexa Chung – who’s kooky tomboy chic, epitomized by her cutting edge leather jackets and short shorts, is the breakout look of teens up and down the land - and designers who refuse to adopt a ‘fashion-by-numbers’ style are still celebrated.

It’s all about buying into your own style.

Lots of Love,

IL2L
XXX

The House of Commons filled with chimpanzees or a picture of Princess Diana on a £10 note, Banksy – the graffiti artist thought to originate from the south west of England – provokes a strong affection in most people. But why? Is it the fact that he has made art more accessible, by presenting our culture from a topsy-turvy angle on a scruffy bit of wall or does his power derive from the notoriety caused by his choice to remain anonymous? We think it is probably a combination of the above, compounded with the fact that he is completely brilliant.

Banksy’s work has re-defined art and subverted most people’s pre-conceptions of what it means to be an ‘artist’. So, when he announced that he was switching his medium from graffiti to film, we were understandably excited.

Much of the energy and power of ‘a Banksy’, comes from his complete fury at the phoniness and hype of the art world. Therefore, it is not surprising that this is the subject of his first film, ‘Exit through the Gift Shop’.

The film is a trajectory of mediums; part documentary, part music video. Shot by Thierry Guetta, it provides a window into the at once intriguing and intimidating world of street art. Showing beauty and then completely subverting what it means – we think it is breathtaking.

Have you seen it yet?

Lots of love,

IL2L

So, did you stay up until some deadly hour, to watch the great and the good of Hollywood, dust off their best diamonds and red carpet outfits – Herve Leve dress and Christian Louboutin heels for the girls and Hugo Boss tux accessorised with slicked back hair for the boys – to have their ‘moment’ in front of Oscar? No, neither did we  . . .

So have a look at the winner’s folks, and after you’ve read that, we’ll tell you what we thought about what you’re really interested in . . . the outfits!

Best Actor – Jeff Bridges
Best Actress- Sandra Bullock
Best Film – The Hurt Locker
Best Supporting Actor – Christoph Waltz
Best Supporting Actress – Mo’Nique

The Oscars annually showcase the good, Penelope Cruz in that gorgeous frothy Valentino gown, the bad, Angelina’s take on gothic melodrama in 2002 and the downright ugly, who can forget Celine Dion’s backwards tuxedo, of the fashion world.

 But this year was different . . . reflecting a worrying trend of celebrities playing it safe, the class of 2010 were a vision in muted nudes, classy black and stylish tailoring and quite frankly we’re disappointed! Come back Bjork – all is forgiven !

What do you think of last nights Oscars?

Lots of love,

IL2L

xxxx

The Recession may be emptying our wallets but it’s filling our bookshelves. As keen purveyors of everything popular culture has to offer, we thought it was about time we started letting you know what floats the IL2L team’s literary boat.
So here goes . . .

How I Caused the Credit Crunch – Tetsuga Ishikawa

Before the Lehman Brothers fell and our top retailers started going under, most people – some of the IL2L team included – didn’t really have that much of a clue about what a banker actually did. Sure we knew it involved lots of ‘buy, buy, sell, sell’, fast cars and private jets, but in terms of what they actually did, not many people knew, or were the slightest bit interested. Of course that all changed when the credit crunch really began to bite.

‘How I Caused the Credit Crunch’ is a voyeuristic tell-all tale about the lives of city bankers. Its guilt-ridden narrative may make you want to have a shower when you get to the end . Bust trust us, you will be hooked on  this grubby little exploration of the underside The City.

Lots of love,

IL2L
XXX

Tom Ford’s name is synonymous with good taste. As creative director at Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent in the 1990’s and early 2000s, the Texan-born designer was responsible for bring sexy-back into fashion with his Velvet hipsters, patent boots and risqué advertising campaign. Next came his eponymous accessories and menswear collections which set the celebrity and fashion world alike on fire.
However, it seems that fashion-world domination wasn’t not enough, Tom Ford wanted more and ‘A Single Man’, is the result.

Ford’s directional debut may be the most stylish film you’ll see this year. Bringing Christopher Isherwood’s 1964 novel to life, Colin Firth stars as the recently bereaved gay university professor George Falconer who though jaded by life cannot seem to ignore the beauty of it.

Firth’s poignant performance has earnt him a selection of awards, but, for IL2L, it is the incredible beauty of this film that lights up the screen. Ford’s attention to detail evokes an emotion like nothing else.

A Single Man truly is a masterpiece of style and substance.

According to that well-versed fountain of knowledge that is ‘The Government’ the recession – or ‘credit crunch’ as we have come to know , if not love, it – is officially OVER! Yet we have been dissuaded by many strands of the popular press, from breaking out the Champagne just yet, growth is somewhat anaemic and most people will still be feeling the pinch.

However, as all Recessionista’s will tell you, a negative overdraft, need not have a negative impact on your wardrobe! Here at IL2L we don’t think you need a whole new look every season, just that one to-die-for statement piece that you will love forever. So have a look at the accessories we think will instantly update your wardrobe this season, without harming your bank balance:

The Clog

OK, OK, we know what you’re thinking and we are sure it involves a girl called Heidi, long blond plaits and an element of Yodelling! But we’re here to tell you that Clogs are back! Clomping off most catwalks, from Chanel to Miu Miu, straight on to the beautifully adorned tootsies of Alexa Chung et al, Clogs are your ticket to high fashion this season. You heard it here first

Body Bags

Excuse the gothic connotation; we are talking the ‘Across-the-Body-Bag’. A little bit hip and a little bit hop, this bag is ‘IT’. Sling ‘em across sharply tailored blazers, a leather biker jacket and white t-shirt for an easy, understated chic.

Lots of Love,

IL2L

Here’s the situation; you’ve just been paid, the shops are fit to burst with tempting new-season looks and – let’s face it – we are all a bit sick of our winter wardrobe, we long for that floaty dress, which not only identifies spring, but signals that summer is round the corner. There’s just one obstacle standing between you and your new spring look  . . . plummeting temperatures and the threat of snow in March!

Skimpy chiffon may scream ‘instant fashion update’, but the freezing weather continues to mess with our trend-setting mojo! What to do? What to do? Well ,here at IL2L we feel that time – and crucially, fashion – waits for no man (or, woman to be exact)! You want spring fashion? Then spring fashion is what you our going to get! Just follow our style guide to find out how;

- Work this summer’s sheer dress; just pair it with some black tights to avoid that ‘blue lips are on-trend’ look.
- Add a structured leather belt and goose bump defying women’s leather jacket and stay ahead of the fash-pack this spring.

Lots of love,

IL2L
XXXX

The gorgeous Gwen Stefani was spotted at the New York Fashion Week wearing a beautifully sculpted leather jacket which with her blonde curls and red lipstick looked stunning. She had brought along her baby son Zuma who also sported a leather jacket. The pair looked very happy as they waited for Gwen’s LAMB collection to be showcased.

The collection was made up of a few futuristic styles including Modern Gothic Sheek which we think are a bit late to the trend but there were some nice pieces. The chequered coat and off the shoulder print dress were a nice touch to the 70’s and 80’s inspired collection.

Lots of love,

IL2L xxx

The death of Alexander McQueen was such a shock to everyone. His mother had died the week before and his Twitter posts suggested that naturally, he was distraught.

He will not be forgotten, his contribution to British fashion will always be remembered. His haute couture fans who adored his style will miss him and we will all remember him for his creativity and success within the design world.

RIP Alexander McQueen – 1969 – 2010.

The much anticipated New York Fashion Week did not disappoint as we were treated to a plethora of styles including leather jackets from the likes of Alexander Wang, Richard Chai, Christian Siriano, Cynthia Steffe, amongst other top fashion designers.

We thought the jersey print dress from Max Azria was elegant yet versatile, begging to  work with your existing wardrobe – drape, layer and colour block it to your content.

Jenni Kayne designed a cute tweed charcoal vest which could be dressed up or dressed down to suit any occassion. We would suggest matching it with a pair of jeans, a sexy leather biker jacket and some killer heels.

Delving into the other styles showcased, we were amazed at how much leather was incorporated into the designs. Cynthia Steffe being one of them with her all leather look, a gorgeous tan leather sheepskin jacket and matching mini skirt with grey knee-socks and lace-up boots.

Christian Siriano showcased an elegant textured asymmetric leather jacket which screamed sophistication with a black skirt and wedges.

Lots of love,

IL2L xxx