Tag Archives: Florence and the machine

Fabulous Florence opens the Harrods Sale

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I am slightly obsessed with Florence Welch. I often find myself musing on whether she came to us through some time travelling portal.

Did she slip in via some 1970s Ossie Clark/Thea Porter time travel wardrobe, swathed in hippy goddess threads and long Titian hair? Maybe. Or maybe she was a long lost star of the 1930s, an Art Deco goddess in the style of almost forgotten actresses  like Kay Francis and Eleanor Powell,waltzing around in swathes of bias cut silk and furs, emoting elegant suffering at the hands of Cary Grant and Ronald Coleman.

After seeing the glamorous star opening the Harrods sale today, I’m inclined to think the laster. Florence appeared in a vintage routemaster bus dressed head to toe in Chanel. I tweeted that I was hoping she would opt for something a bit Snow Queen in fitting with Christmas, but that she appeared looking more Scottish Widow, although looking glorious all the same.

Every outfit worn by Florence is an event, and I make no apologies in saying I can see her featuring heavily on Fashion-Mommy in 2012. Her sheer elegance induces awe from me and I believe she is one of the best dressed of 2012.

What did Florence buy? My guess.

CHLOÉ Python Chiffon Dress Harrods

ANTONIO BERARDI Long Sleeve Beaded Gown 

ETRO Silk Maxi Skirt Now: 

 

JOVANI Knot Waist Gown 

Big Style Crush – Florence Welch

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She’s a muse to Karl Lagerfeld, cites 1970s drag queen troop ‘The Cockettes‘ as a fashion influence and has described her style as ‘Lady of Shallot meets Ophelia.’ Is it any wonder that at the moment I am totally besotted by the wardrobe and pure style masterclass that is Florence Welch?

In Chanel

The Titian haired Florence and the Machine songstress is an ethereal, alabaster beauty, a Lizzie Siddall for the 21st Century. And whilst promoting her latest album, ‘The Ceremonials‘ she has adopted a look that has taken in influence from my favourite Art Deco era. Her look is a covered up look, Isadora Duncan style scarves and sleeves, acres of Chanel and Elie Saab.

In Gucci

Florence has a knack for taking catwalk looks that you believe should remain on the catwalk, such is their intricacy, and yet she transforms them into walking works of art. You truly believe no-one else could wear these looks but Florence. She’s a true style icon and a total one-off.  A little bit Kate Bush, a tiny bit Sarah Miles and a whole lot of attitude makes Florence a star always worth watching. No wonder Lagerfeld imagined Florence as a modern-day Venus in a giant clam for the October Chanel show.

In Elie Saab

In Jason Wu

off duty

Florence style is definitely having an influence on the High Street. Just look at some of the Florence inspired items I found trawling the web.

Black Victoriana Blouse £39 

Lurex Pleated Maxi Skirt £39 

Burgundy Snake Clasp Maxi £55 

Biba Waterfall jersey maxi dress £149 

Biba Mixed print maxi dress £87 

X Factor Fashion – Kelly’s back to turn up the heat.

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This was a pretty special week even by X Factor standards. Kelly Rowland was back after  recovering from the devastating illness that had left her with the ‘worst pretending to be ill’ voice ever. Frankie Cocozza was back to fight another week, and Louis and Gary were most definitely not enjoying each others company. Not all sunshine and smiles, that’s for sure.

But this was a vintage week for X Factor style. And with Florence Welch as the amazing musical guest wearing a  glorious Art Deco style design,and Mischa B looking fierce in an Oasis tailcoat, this was the best fashion display yet from this series.

First  Up – Kelly Rowland’s High Fashion Parade

Kelly pulled out the big guns this week. No cute Topshop dresses, this was full length fabulousness in John Galliano and Alberta Ferretti. On Saturday she looked exquisite in a raspberry strapless gown that she teamed with a stunning necklace that enabled her look to shine even from behind the desk.

The great news is this look can be achieved on the High Street. Coast have the fantastic Symphony maxi dress that has a similar style to Kelly’s dress. Team it with the Kimmy sparkle necklace for that highly glamorous look that seems second nature to Ms Rowland.

Coast Symphony Maxi dress £170

Kimmy Sparkling necklace £55

Kelly’s Sunday night evening was a beautiful white embellished gown from John Galliano. This was another highly glamorous look, albeit  one that was slightly bridal in tone.  This look is harder to achieve on the High Street, although white dresses are getting lots of star approval  (with Kelly, Tulisa and Florence all sporting  them on Sunday night), they are not numerous on the High Street. Here are a few example I have been able to find.

Tulisa – Short and Sweet

Whilst Kelly opted for the drama and  romance of long evening gowns, Tulisa upped the sex factor with her thigh skimming gowns. Saturday saw a glittery disco number with a one sleeved dress. It was a tad too short, but did fit the theme and she teamed it with a cute headband that really suited her. This is a look you can find all over the High Street, one sleeved dresses are just about everywhere this season.

On Sunday night, Tulisa opted for a swanlike white dress with a frilled skirt. She toned down the prettiness with her fierce Nicholas Kirkwood shoes and black belt. This dress did sort of remind me of toilet roll, but there is no doubt she  looked very pretty in this look, and it was a bit of a departure from the bodycon styles she often sports.

feather and bead dress £49.99

multi strap platform sandal £24.99

black pewter waistbelt £6

I also liked Mischa B’s look this week. Usually she seems to be chanelling the spirit of Grace Jones, with wild hair and even wilder looks, but this week her look was toned  down, and she looked just gorgeous.

 

Gavin contrast jacket

Leather and ponte trouser

I can’t finish this X Factor piece without worshipping the Art Deco beauty of Florence Welch, looking like the Chysler building brought to life, she looked so, so beautiful. Pure perfection.