Wednesday, 2 December 2009

Little Miss Junior’s Week in Fashion

Tuesday - Little Miss Junior tries on the recession and likes it

Today Little Miss Junior ventured out to see what’s happening on the high street. Being mindful of the pennies, Little Miss J had to catch something called a bus then a train, as her chauffer was on strike - bloody interns! Four hours later, rather hot and crumpled, she arrived at her first press day: Tesco! Little Miss J loves Tesco, ever since they collaborated with designer ‘Elspeth Gibson’ to produce delightful party dresses for next to nothing. For spring she also adored the funky baseball boots in grey with Las Vegas blazoned across them.

Boden was next on the list, set in the charming location of Chiltern Studios in Marylebone. The collection was brimming with beautiful prints, bold polka dots, star hoodies and budding buds patterned over sundresses, raincoats, shoppers and trainers. The brownies were good too. Centre to the clothes was a large Indian parrot; Little Miss J loved Mr P until he chirped “Get Lost” rather loudly. Within walking distance was Marks & Spencers, who had dedicated a whole press day to the pursuits of pregnancy, baby and childrenswear. Little Miss J pre-ordered the sweet sun dress in grey with Indian beading, beyond! Last visit of the day was Littlewoods who have brought in the Ladybird label, which was originally with Woolworths and what an improvement! Lots of cool sports wear, distressed denim, plus she received a lovely portable DVD player in her goody bag.

Wednesday– Little Miss Junior Goes to Paris


A prompt 7 o’clock start, Little Miss Junior, awoke bright-eyed and bushy-tailed and jumped into her armoured Mercedes and heads to St Pancras to catch Eurostar to Paris. Wearing her chic Monalisa dress coat and D&G handbag and of course not forgetting her polka dot beret, Tre’s chic – non? Today she is interviewing Mr Serge Cajfinger, the founder of Paule Ka.

Paule Ka has been a favourite of Little Miss Junior’s mother, Madame Junior. But they had yet to introduce a childrenswear collection, until today, their official launch and collaboration with La Redoute. At lunchtime, Little Mis J meets Mr. Cajfinger in a beautiful townhouse in the centre of Paris to ask some important questions “ I love the white and black pleated dress, with bow and the denim A-line dress, plus the blue slip dress with black trims. Can I order those, pretty please?’ Little Miss J also excitedly finds out that Paule Ka mainline are also planning a possible girlswear collection, for which she is the muse! Adorable.


Thursday Little Miss Junior Needs to wear glasses




Little Miss Junior was very upset to find out that she may need glasses “How unfashionable” she had sulked. “I’m going to look like the biggest geek ever”. Her feelings soon changed when she spotted her old school chum Albert Cocker all over the style pages wearing his frames “Geek is now cool” she declared. Today, she booked an appointment to meet her favorite glasses company Zoobug, who have launched an adorable collection. Dr Julie Diem Le is an expert optician and founder of Zoobug, so Little Miss J was in good hands. Dr Julie Diem Le suggested she get the ultra cool Harley Design “Not out in the shops yet, but you can have them first”. Litte Miss J looked adorable; chocolate brown frames really do bring out the colour of her eyes.

Monday, 16 November 2009

Barbie Gets a Fashion Makeover


The new line of Barbie Fashionista dolls by Mattel Features Barbie in all the season's key trends. In the past, she's been dressed by Armani, Burberry, Givenchy Haute Couture, Donna Karen, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein and Dior.

As one of the world's top fashion icons, Barbie has always embraced the latest fashions and trends. Taking inspiration from the catwalk, the Barbie Fashionistas are wearing this seasons key trends including nautical stripes and bold prints.

To celebrate the launch of the dolls, Mattel has also produced a music video titled ‘Do the Barbie’ set to a new, re-recorded version of the 90s hit song ‘Barbie Girl’.

There are six Barbie Fashionista dolls to collect: Sassy, Cutie, Girly, Glam, Artsy and Wild, each in outfits designed to match their distinct personality, including a glam evening dress, a rock 'n' roll look and a hippy style printed dress. Junior’s favourite is Girly Barbie, who opts for a classic Barbie look with an adorable pink party dress, and a sophisticated classical haircut.

Suitable for children aged 3+, they are available at www.toyrsus.co.uk for £9.99.


Wednesday, 11 November 2009

Monnalisa hits Milan


Monnalisa opened its new boutique in the fashion centre of Milan on November 3. Located in Via della Spiga, it features a fresh yet romantic design and is set to be a heaven send for fashion-conscious little girls.

The boutique’s interior has an exciting array of shocking pink, sleek shiny surfaces and sophisticated black glass, and an elegant ambiance with delicate and retro classicism through its tables and wardrobes in white decapĂ© finishing.

Italian brand Monnalisa is currently undergoing major retail expansion to increase its number of stores all in the most exclusive and prestigious locations world-wide, from New York to Sydney and Dubai.

Monday, 9 November 2009

Spring Tales with Little Miss Junior



Last week Little Miss Junior ventured out of the office in her chic new Miss Grant paisley print dress to preview the spring/summer collections. A fitting location for her stylish new dress was Centre point’s swish private members club Paramount, which housed the Replay boys and girls collection. Little Miss J reported “Replay carried on last seasons love affair with Americana, the collection sporting baseball inspired tops, footy style tees and baseball caps”.


At her much-loved Bonpoint shop on Marylebone High street, Little Miss J tucked into Laduree macaroons whilst being shown around the spring/summer collection, taking to the bright net dresses and beautiful cotton scarves, ideal for her trip to Barbados later in the year.


At Hackett, Little Miss J browsed the boys’ offerings - some gorgeous paisley and floral scarves and nautical-themed soft tailored jackets were her favorites, perfect for Chuck her boyfriend.


When lunchtime came, Little Miss J changed into her floral tea dress from Caramel Baby and Child, hopped into a taxi to Covent Garden’s Piazza, where Joules were showcasing the new collection at a townhouse which was decorated in a fifties theme. Joules creative director was eager to hear Little Miss Junior’s verdict: “I love the chubby ginger cat modeling in your look book and the floral raincoat is adorable, do please send me one”.

Gap didn’t fail to disappoint and had hired a grand Georgian town house. Downstairs sat a large restaurant with a gourmet chef, Little Miss J adored the pumpkin and goats cheese tart, even asking for more! Then, tucked away at the top of the house, Little Miss J discovered Gap’s spring/summer children’s collection, all fashioned in a blue and white nautical theme, which has been a running trend in the shows. Little Miss J was inspired as she is planning a cruise to the Black Sea in her Easter break. One of her favorite events today was Little White Company and Little Miss Junior was excited about making her pre-orders. “I want the cashmere dress in grey, the cute beige dungarees and some of those stripe jersey tee’s. Its all very minimal yet girly, perfect for me”!



Friday, 6 November 2009

Christmas at Harrods

Harrods Christmas Parade takes place on November 7 and, as always, it will be a magical display. This year's theme is The Wizard of Oz featuring Dorothy, the Tin Man, Cowardly Lion and Scarecrow. The procession starts at 8am outside the famous Knightsbridge store.

To add to the fun, Replay is holding a complimentary Children's Styling Event on the fourth floor between 10am and 4pm. At this fun-packed day of entertainment, face painting and fashion, children can model for a photo shoot and will be able to take a complimentary print home.

While you're there, take a look at the Christmas Tree Trail which also launches in November, until December 14. You can enter a competition for the chance to win an exclusive designer decoration from each of the 11 trees. Designers include Georg Jensen, Nicole Farhi and Swarovski. The trees will be displayed in their respective departments creating festive focal points. They can be located in the home & furniture departments on the second and third floors.

Monday, 2 November 2009

Stella McCartney for Gap Kids

Stella McCartney’s long awaited collection for Gap Kids hits stores nationwide tomorrow. You can check the collection out in the new Junior (on sale Thursday 5 November), read an inclusive interview with Stella herself, plus top tips from Stella and the Junior fashion team on how to wear it with our exclusive fashion shoot, get shopping! For details visit www.gap.eu


Friday, 30 October 2009

Go British

Today the Junior team ventured to the chic surroundings of Claridge’s Hotel to see the launch of a new e-shop Go-british.co.uk. The website is dedicated to British designs and offers womenswear, menswear and childrenswear. In the childrenswear department, snatch up goodies from Linda Farrow; note these cute shades, aptly titled Luxe Kids Minx and Hunter wellies and rain coats. Or for you, we loved the novel hats from Victoria Grant, especially the daring kryptonite tracks beret!

Mink kid frame with dark grey lenses £225 by Linda Farrow at www.go-british.co.uk

Thursday, 29 October 2009

Next Generation


Next has announced they are staging two fantastic fashion competitions for aspiring models and designers.

Next Generation is seeking four - to seven-year-old models to showcase their Spring/Summer 2010 collection in Next Directory. As well as starring in a fashion photo shoot, winners will also receive representation from children's modelling agency Urban Angels and a shopping spree at Next.
Meanwhile, young designers up to the age of 16 are also being invited to design a T-shirt, with winning designs being manufactured and sold at Next and profits donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation for sick children.

Next Generation launches on Facebook November 4 - to enter, log in here. From this date onwards, parents and guardians can upload photos and family and friends can vote. Voting closes on November 25 and the top 100 entrants in the modelling competition and the top 50 T-shirt designers will be invited to the grand final party in the Deer Park at Woburn Abbey Safari Park on December 21. The party will include dance workshops hosted by Britain's Got Talent finalists Flawless, while Urban Angels will be on hand to provide modelling advice and contestants will also receive professional photographs to take home.

Meanwhile, the Junior team attended the launch of Next's Spring/Summer '10 collection. A traditional English country theme was prominent for boys as plaid shirts and waistcoats featured strongly, while there was a feast of festival-inspired pieces for girls, such as floral skirts, animal-print maxi dresses and brightly coloured playsuits.

Tuesday, 27 October 2009

New childrenswear line, Olsenboye, for spring 2010

The Olsen twins, Mary-Kate and Ashley, have joined forces with the US department store JC Penneys to create a childrenswear line for girls - from newborn to 15 - named Olsenboye.

It follows the theme of an oversized-sunglasses-wearing globetrotter. Featured products will include cropped blazers, jean leggings, oversized graphic T-shirts, sweatshirts, bags and footwear. The pattern-heavy collection reflects the Olsen boho style through florals, plaids and stripes.

They already run two successful fashion labels within their company and the range will add to their growing empire. Released in spring 2010, "Olsenboye is an opportunity to add something unique to the marketplace," says Ashley. "It complements and strengthens our business portfolio."

In July, the sisters were inducted into the prestigious Council of Fashion Designers of America, along with the likes of Alexander Wang.

Olsenboye will prelaunch on jcp.com and in 50 JCP stores on November 6. The full line will debut in 600 stores in February.

http://olsenboye.com/