Winter White

While the 8.5 inches of perfect white fluffiness has began to thaw and will no doubt dissipate into a mucky sludge in the next few days, the early white winter has left me with a new appreciation for the colour white. Like everyone else, I was cursing the weather due to my inability to do pretty much anything.  The cabin fever set in properly on thursday after two days utterly house bound. My essays, readings and articles were sitting in their approriate piles around my room waiting to be deciphered, but like any good student knows, before you delve into your studies you must eliminate all distractions. Since anything fashion related is a continous distraction for me I started by cleaning my room (removing 49 magazines, I counted), then I reorganised my mood board which now features images of blonde hair styles I'm coveting and madmen inspired dresses. After that was finished I begun my weekly ritual of checking out the whats new pages of  my favourite online sites. At some stage my mum ventured out to get supplies (Marieclaire, Glamour, Look and Grazia for me, sausages, milk and bread for my dad) so I started on them. (P.S absolutely delighted Marie claire have features on silk shirts p.71 and velvet p.75). Anyway, all this lack of academic study gave way to some excellent fashion research. So I have a copious amount of things I want to talk about but all in good time. The snow began to melt yesterday and while I'm delighted to be self sufficient again (by tomorrow I should be able to make it up the hill in my little car) I already miss how everything looks so peaceful and bright when there is a blanket of snow on the ground. So in hommage to the disappearing snow I deceided write a bit on winter white evening wear for the festive season.  White is a difficult card to play in winter, (it can look seasonally inappropriate not surprising seeing as the colour basically represents summer) but it can be done and done well at that as Miss Alba demonstrates. While this is a Chanel S/S 10 piece I think the lack of tan and darker accessories allow the dress to transcend into the next season. Here are some other options for a snowy christmas party season.

The first dress combines two very current trends, Fur and the cape silhouette. Probably not everyones cup of tea but watch this space both trends will make their way through to A/W '11 so I suppose its a bit of an investment for next season. Also the fur trimming is so festive and the cape shape is very forgiving as it skims over the body.  It's very 1970s, a look I like alot at the moment. A pair of clog-esque shoes and you're good to go.

 My next winter white dress comes from the Olsen twins premium clothing brand, The Row. I love the whole collection, if I could afford it, I'd buy it all. I will definately be looking to invest in something in the January sale if the discount allows. This Ivory dress is devine, I'm slightly biased because I love this shape, I probably have about six dresses in different colours, patterns and materials all in this simple shape.  The quality of  the silk fabric speaks for itself, so I would probably keep it simple with neutral accesories in taupe or greige and understated hair and makeup to channel the minimalist trend.

I was genuinely excited when I found this bargain! First of all, pleats, River Island your a season ahead of yourself! The batwing sleeve and silk belt add the perfect amount of subtle detail to this little white dress. Honestly I'm in love, this personifies wearable winter white! As it's a gem in its own right, I would keep accessories clean and simple, I'm thinking a fine gold chain and thin bangles with maybe a black clutch and peep toes for a monochrome look. Finally, I like the models unkept looking hair it adds a bit of rough and tumble to what could be too angelic otherwise.

While I feel overly tight or revealing garments should be avoided in pale colours during the  winter, structure is a nice way to use a more form fitted silhouette but still avoids the overt constriction of body-con and such styles. I love the almost bell shaped skirt which exaggerates a narrow waist. The peep of skin on the back is a nice surprise, great for trying out upstyles. While I'm loving contrast and clashing at the moment I think for this look, a different idea would be to keep everything cream/off white with interesting shapes, like a heavy cream shoeboot and a strong rectangular clutch in patent. It's a dramatic look thats also quite understated a complete contradiction but I think its appropriate in this case.

Please excuse the torn edge I really should have used a sissors, I found this jumpsuit in a spread for Look magazine last week and thought it would  be an intriguing garment to complete this installment of my blog.  I went to order it after I'd seen the feature but they seem to have it only in black at the moment... I'll have to wait. Anyway, I love the fit, jumpsuits can be tricky but the loose leg and banded waist would create a desirable asthetic, I think. The ruffle accent on the shoulder isn't overpowering and the v-shape at the back adds some charatcer . Anyway I will leave you with that, until next time... x