The runways for AW10 were full of 1950′s looks, with main inspirations coming from the television series Mad Men. Prada and Louis Vuitton were the main culprits this season, displaying full midi-length skirts, with nipped in waists and a heaving bosom. Let’s say these dresses are made to make men weak at the knees, and are a perfect antidote to a woman’s shape. American actress Christina Hendricks, notorious for her role as Joan Holloway in Mad Men (and her voluptuous figure), has caused a stir across the world and is a prime muse for designers when it comes to this trend.

In a bid to find the perfect 1950′s dress (I personally think high street versions don’t quite cut the mustard this season)… I’ve searched everywhere for the best ‘off the radar’ brands who specialise in 1950′s classics. See my top picks below…

Bettie Page

City Center Dress

Pinupgirlclothing.com

Visuals: Laura Byrnes

Ava dress / Photo:Laura Byrnes

Joanie dress / Photo:Laura Byrnes

Patrick Louis Vuitton, president of the company, writes in the books foreword: ‘We opened our archives, combed through long-forgotten customer cards, exhumed anecdotes, and revived a past never fully hidden away and of which we are very proud.’

Miss Plight x

Buy My Wardrobe, London’s chicest fashion recycling event where fashion stylists, designers and industry players come together to sell the unwanted contents of their expertly sourced wardrobes, returns to Adam St Members Club on Saturday 30th October. Previous fashion guru’s who have made an appearance include the likes of Gucci group executive Mimma Viglezio and Ex-Elle publishing director Elaine Foran.

There will be a dedicated room to all things eco, vintage and recycled, with stores such as Dandy Dolls vintage clothing and Dimasi vintage making an appearance. The mystery 20 fashion insiders have now been chosen to come along spill the contents of their wardrobes, however names will be announced in the next few weeks. Keep your eyes peeled for the results at Buymywardrobe.com.

Cute as a button!

Vivienne Westwood has joined forces with Melissa shoes for quite sometime now, and I must admit that I’m massive fan. So, I couldn’t help get excited about the launch of  more styles, as well as the new kids range (starting from £60) – cute as a button! I’m in love with the new cherry style (£110), which may have to be purchased asap…to sit alongside my black and brown tortoise-shell bow Viv/Melissa heels.

My favourite Westwood/Melissa heels

The new line of jelly shoes are made from bubblegum scented plastic, great for the kids, but not so sure about the grown-ups…although, this could inject some summer fun into your life or help with stinky feet problems!

Available online at www.vanmildert.com

Just for kids

I'm mostly lusting over these...

Miss Plight x

Giorgio Armani has designed a series of four signature outfits for singer and Grammy Award winner Alicia Keys’s, current Element of Freedom European tour.

Taking inspiration from many of today’s top trends, Alicia’s stage outfits range from a military leather jacket with crocodile print and embroideries, leather leggings and boots with tone-on-tone Swarovsky crystals. To a more elegant one-shoulder silk chiffon gown in dark grey, complete with more Swarovski crystals and sequins.

The designer’s friendship with Alicia Keys has grown over the years through a series of collaborations including special designs for her red carpet appearances at the 2006 Grammy Awards, the 2007 American Music Awards and Alicia’s own Black Ball, as well as at the Oscars in 2009.

Giorgio Armani has also recently designed stage outfits for daring pop princess, Lady GaGa, for her Grammy and American Idol performance  this year.

Miss Plight x

Zandra Rhodes inaugurated at UCA, London

Legendary fashion designer, Zandra Rhodes, has been officially granted the position as the first Chancellor of the University for the Creative Arts (UCA), on 6th May at Banqueting House in London.

The flamboyant designer was inaugurated during a vibrant ceremony, which included a catwalk show featuring pink-wigged models. Zandra said: “It is an enormous honour to become very first Chancellor of the University for the Creative Arts, where I began my own studies.

“I will make it my utmost priority to ensure that future generations of students continue to have the same positive and inspiring experiences as I did.”

The new Chancellor, known for her trademark pink hair, showed her colourful personality and creativity by designing an eye-catching pink and green gown, especially for the ceremony.

“I wanted to create something that had the wow factor but remained in keeping with the sense of the occasion,” she explained. “I hope the distinctive colour scheme and intricately designed embroidery puts my own mark on what is usually a subdued, black garment.”

Zandra has dressed an eclectic range of people: from Diana, Princess of Wales and Freddie Mercury; to Kylie Minogue and Sarah Jessica Parker. She has a special relationship with UCA, having attended one of its founder institutions, The Medway College of Design, where her mother also taught.

As Chancellor, Zandra will act as the figurehead for the University which has campuses in Canterbury, Epsom, Farnham, Maidstone and Rochester. She will preside at its graduation ceremonies and will be the only other person aside from the Vice-Chancellor with the power to award degrees.

Miss Plight x

Army

Move away from contrasting frogging detail, next season is all about classic military apparel in khaki, navy and sandy shades. Choose trench coats with brass buttons, zips and straps and peg leg or rolled up Harem pants with a fitted top. Louise Goldin, Dries Van Noten, Acne and Marc by Marc Jacobs are all brands/designers you should seek refuge in.

Minimalism

Clean lines and not too heavy on detail, minimalism will be everywhere next season. To keep things current and far from boring, some fabrics will have a hint of sheen and shimmer. Stella McCartney and Phoebe Philo for Celine are some of the best designers loving the trend for all things minimal, and lets not forget the original 90′s minimalist designer, Calvin Klein.

Leather (& suede)

I know we’ve seen many shops stock tan leather shorts and vest tops this season, but leather will still reign strong in the trend stakes for AW10. There are so many designers to choose from, which makes wearing this trend a piece of cake (or cow)!

If you are still searching for a great pair of leather shorts, look no further than Vanessa Bruno, Acne and Elizabeth & James. Thinking ahead is best, and I believe the leather dress will be a winner during the Christmas party season – Christopher Kane, Alexander McQueen, Helmut Lang, Rick Owens, Bess, The Row and Haider Ackerman have some gorgeous, soft leather dresses. If the thought of going full-leather scares you, a few of these designers will also stock simple shift dresses with leather trims.

Trousers

This SS10 is all about the frock, come AW10 the trouser has taken the number 1 spot, with skirts coming a close second. Chloe and Alexander McQueen have many elegant designs, just wear them with your favourite camel coat you bought last season. Marc Jacobs and Dries Van Noten will also have a gorgeous selection of swishy skirts to choose from.

Outerwear

To be prepared and keep the winter chill at bay stylishly, invest in your winter coat as soon as the first piles of AW10 stock roll in. Capes and ponchos will add interest to outfits, whilst Erdem lavishly brightens up sombre black, with opulent embroideries. sheep skin and shearling will also be massive – so if anything, make sure your collar has a furry feel.

What to keep…

Please don’t be angry, but trackpants are and will still be hot, so don’t chuck them just yet! Elegantly tailored track suit bottoms can be purchased from L’Agence, Elizabeth & James, Proenza Schouler and Jonathan Saunders. It’s slouchy and snuggly all the way!

So, I have decided to make a quarter year resolution to myself to keep this bloomin’ blog spic ‘n’ span and up-to-date! Will this resolution end up the same as my vow to become super fit by the summer? I hope not, because documenting fashion, news and culture are and always will be a love of mine…the show must go on!

Miss Plight x

Hilary Swank, most daring? Photo by Jordan Strauss/WireImage

I’ve fretted over whether to write a piece on the Oscars red carpet, seeing as I tend to stay clear of topics that are reported on to death. Even after watching extensive footage of the event and flicking through numerous stills on fashion websites, I couldn’t find anything outstanding. For me, the Oscars 2010 resembled a wedding fair I once visited in Kent. Yes, there were some exquisite detailing from the likes of Oscar de la Renta and Chanel Couture, but there was not one dress that made me sit up in my seat and salute the A-list for their Oscar fashion-savvy sense.

If there’s one thing to blame, it’s the over-critical eye of society – No celebrity wants to be seen with a big red cross next to their photo or have ‘Fugly’ slammed on your image on E! Entertainment channel. Instead, they play it safe and choose the same theme as everyone else; ruffles and nude hues. I’m seeing enough of this in the shops, shouldn’t the red carpet be a place to shine? Even Heat.com, famed for their censorious comments, wrote an article: ‘Bored of Oscar dresses? Let’s Look at Some Hot Men Instead’.

As expected Nicole Richie (Reem Acra), Carey Mulligan (Prada) and Maggie Gyllenhaal (Dries Van Noten) tried a little harder, but that is expected from this pair of Hollywood fashionista’s. Stars such as Jennifer Lopez and Amanda Seyfried favoured Armani Prive; the structured curved designs did save them from looking drab. And I can’t believe I’m choosing Hilary Swank (also Armani Prive) for wearing the most daring outfit of the night, due to the extreme plunging neckline. Where is Bjork when you need her?

Miss Plight x

Get your Perspex fix at Talullah Tu

There’s nothing I love more than accessories; so ever-since the ‘Super-Synthetic Aesthetic’ article i’ve been on the search for some serious fashion-forward statement pieces to jazz up my outfits. As well as Lola Pop, i’ve found another diamond of a designer to add to my bulging bookmark list, Talullah Tu. From denim studded bracelets and Lanvin inspired gem necklaces, Talullah Tu has hit the nail on the head when it comes to affordable trend-led accessories.

If you’re a fan of the Super-Synthetic Aesthetic accessory trend (yes, it’s a mouth full), have a peruse at Talullah Tu’s latest Perspex collection – and the beauty is, everything’s clear so it’ll go with anything and compliment spring’s latest floral, denim and pastel trends, easily.

Miss Plight x