Trends

Amazona has set me a mission: To search the high street and online retailers and to find clothing for tall women that is actually relevant to the current season trends. It seemed an easy task at first, but not any more. Tall ranges are boring. There is no denying that. They are useful if you need a longer pair of black trousers or a longer polo neck jumper, but what if you’re 6ft tall and are fed up of dressing like a frigid office worker? What if you want to be cool, trendy and follow the trends? Well, I have scoured (and I mean scoured - for hours…) various well known retail websites and shopping centres, but to no avail. There is little out there. And that is hugely disappointing. But if you are 6ft, then this is probably not breaking news to you, so I have tried to pick the best options to hint towards the trends.

First up this week? The grunge trend. From Kurt Cobain to MK Olsen and Pixie Geldof, everyone loves a bit of grunge and here’s Amazona’s guide to rocking it out Nirvana-style for AW09:

THE T-SHIRTS:

Jersey Marl Longline Crew Neck Top With Snood Stripe Scarf £14 Next Tall

Tall black splash paint t-shirt £18 Dorothy Perkins Tall

Blah Blah top £8 New Look Tall

Tall purple gingham shirt £25 Dorothy Perkins Tall

A simple t-shirt or top is a simple way to follow a trend, and as tall ranges tend to be pretty simple, this is probably your best bet! Team a rock t-shirt or tartan shirt with some skinny jeans, biker boots and a oversized beanie for the ultimate in grunge chic!

Tall black skinny jeans £20 Dorothy Perkins Tall

35in Foil Leggings in Blue £24 New Look Tall

These foil leggings are a little daring, but pared down with some Doc Martins and a simple t-shirt, they could look pretty damn cool. And given that they are not black and boast an inside leg of 35in, they’re a great find too! Add a leather jacket for a tough edge or an open men’s shirt for a more dressed-down look.

Next Week: The 80s trend becomes a tall order for us here at Amazona!

Gosh! We’re just been reminded that our online-sister Amazona Style has their first birthday today! It’s been a whole year of fabulous designer shoes for girls in UK sizes 8-12 (US 10-14) and some great accesssories to boot, whether it’s a Dogeared necklace or a fab little clutch that’s right on trend. Not bad for a home business started in the week the UK was officially declared in recession!

To celebrate this momentus occasion, Amazona Style are offering every customer a birthday present this week - when you shop at the online store and spend more than £40, you’ll receive a super cute dogeared necklace, Twisted Silver bracelet or clutch bag absolutely FREE…

Best be quick though - as soon as the free ‘birthday gift’s’ are gone, they’re gone! SHOP Now

As Autumn beckons, so do the colours of the season. Deep browns, reds, oranges and beiges begin to take over our wardrobes. It’s a more natural manner of dressing and much easier to pull on a cosy winter knit in the morning than pile on a neon skirt suit and lashings of kohl eyeliner.

Time to start layering. Start with luxury knits for a comfortable, stylish option to battling the cold. Hats, scarves, gloves and cardigans are perfect, not only for differing temperatures and times, but also to be bang on trend this season. If you haven’t got one already, make sure that you invest in a coatigan. Coats and macs may be stylish, but cardigans are comfortable, so combining the two just seems genius! Snap one up in a neutral colour so that you can get your maximum wear out of it, before it gets too cold!

Finally, as this season is clearly about versatility, you can mix and match sumptuous fabrics such as velvet, suede and fur with leather, denim and tweed for a practical yet modern edge. Check out PPQ’s offering below on the trend.

Put the Coral OPI and the Aqua blue Orly down. This Autumn the only colour you should be seen wearing on those talons of yours is Chanel’s Jade. A winner with the Amazona girls (as what other super-hot trend can you grab for under £20?), you”ll have to have an ‘A-Team’ style plan to get some - apparently only a few hundred bottles are being produced so you’d better get your name on the list quick-smart! Out on October 8th from Chanel boutiques.

In the same way that shoulder pads and skirt suits strike fear into thirty-something women, recent runways have shown us twenty-somethings that it is time for us to relive fashion again.

It is a well-known fact that fashion moves in a circular motion. It is exhilarating to put on a vintage 1950s polka dot dress and feel like you could have been alive in that time. Yet for some who were, they do not want to do it again. The 50s were a long time ago, yet the 1990s seems oh-so-very-recent and still fresh in our minds.

Grunge is making a comeback

Many women who grew up in the 80s will refuse to don the angular shoulder pads and bright, neon tights and accessories seen on Marc Jacobs’ AW 09/10 catwalk. Neither will they get overly excited about the power suits and restricting tight dresses of Donna Karen and Michael Kors. They’ve done it before. It reminds them of Vanilla Ice and bad perms. However, over the past couple of seasons, a few trends have sneakily appeared on the runways with designers attempting to be even further ahead of everybody else. They have left the 1980s and found themselves in the 90s, home to combat trousers, grunge and the Spice Girls. A scary combination though it may be, it is even more so for those who now are considering once again slipping on ripped, slashed deniers and a pair of Doc Martens for the first time since they were a Nirvana-worshipping teen.

Alexander Wang AW08

Alexander Wang first brought back the grunge trend on his AW08 runway, with slashed tights and casual beanies. Comfort appears to be the way forward. After seasons of squeezing into Hervé Leger bodycon mini dresses and sky-high stilettos, we welcome biker boots, deconstructed clothing and Dolce and Gabbana’s pyjama suits . Slouchy, faded bags, ripped hosiery and denim and grungy, baggy trousers have all made noticeable appearances in recent collections. From Jimmy Choo to See by Chloé, leather biker boots are everywhere. The jeans trend for 2009 is ripped, distressed denim. Oversize blazers are the most striking look from 1990s movies and you may call it the ‘boyfriend’ trend nowadays, but it is not too far from what every stylish woman was wearing a mere fifteen years ago. Catsuits were also made popular in the 1990s when Michelle Pfeiffer hit the screens as Catwoman and Posh Spice willfully continued the look on stage. This trend was heavily reflected in the jumpsuits on the SS09 runways, which have proved popular with celebs and office workers alike.

Marc Jacobs AW09

But what else should we expect? It cannot be much longer until we are re-embracing the bandana and parachute combat look of 1997. We’ve already seen the headscarf as a major accessory and just mix the deconstructed, baggy trouser trend with the zip detailing seen on runways all over the world and what resembles a pair of combat trousers will slowly appear before your eyes. It would seem that it is inevitable. With tartan back a la mode, just wait until the Britney schoolgirls start to appear again.

Style icons for the future?

My memories of the 90s are of bad oversized suits, cheesy boy and girl pop bands and the followers of grunge. Most of which I have been dreading would be repeated. And yet whilst I try to resist going where I have been before, I find myself scanning the high street rails for the perfect oversize blazer to go with my slouchy leggings and flat black ankle boots. I may as well pick up some tights whilst I’m at it. And a pair of scissors.

Chanel AW09

With the release of Coco avant Chanel and reignited interest in the life of Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel in the film world, fashion has followed this lead with a huge upsurge of ladylike trends on the runways and on the high street. Finally, women can embrace their sexuality by using it to take control. If you dream of strutting down a Parisian boulevard with a killer pair of heels on and a twinkle in your eye, then this may be the look for you this season.

Louis Vuitton AW09

There are two ways of wearing this look: Sexy Glamour Puss and Tailored Lady. Sexy Glamour Puss just stays on the right side of sophisticated sexy. For a bit of Paris ooh la la, go for girly lace and jewels with peekaboo designs and flashes of silk lingerie. Team sheer black stockings with ruffles, lace, bows and frills and just a slick of red lipstick. Hair is a sizzling Bardot beehive up-do. Think more woman-in-charge and less woman-who-charges! This is about being ladylike, fun and flirty with a hint of sexiness. Louis Vuitton really showed how sexy can still be sophisticated for AW09.

The Tailored lady is less Bardot and more Coco Chanel with matching skirt suits and pretty separates. This season, sensual textures are all the rage with velvet and silky satins making a big comeback. It’s powerdressing with a difference. Women can use their feminine wiles to get what they want and not overt sexuality. Embrace your femininity, whilst still remaining smart and in control. Look to the catwalks of Christian Lacroix and, of course, Chanel for inspiration.

Sonia Rykiel AW09

Calvin Harris may have sung the song, but it’s the fashion world that has started the trend. All over again. You thought that the 80s were creeping in last year? Well, you ain’t seen nothing yet! Here’s what to expect with this season’s 80s-inspired trends.

Strong Architecture

You may have said that you’d never wear shoulder pads again, but this season it’s time to lose any fears that you may have and embrace the structured shoulders once again. Reigning supreme this season in this look is Balmain, who have created a collection full of big, architectural shapes that are as wearable as they are stylish. Elle has dubbed their new pointy-shouldered jackets as one to go down in history. And they may just be right.

Sexy Punk

Dark eyes, bright make-up and lots of attitude are required for this look. Think leather, lace, slashed latex and skintight PVC. The biker look is still huge this season, so if you haven’t already, make sure that you invest in something adorned with zips, studs or spikes. But don’t go too far by ensuring that you keep a glamorous, sexy side to the look. Leggings are shiny and practically sprayed-on, leather is heavy and at times tailored and tights and knitwear are laddered and worn. And don’t forget the thigh-high boots! Sexy as hell, OTN (that’s over-the-knee in fashion speak) boots are another key item to buy this season. Wear with caution though or you’ll look more Pretty Woman than Louis Vuitton.

Neon Brights

Bright satin dresses, sequins, glitter and shiny ruffles. The 80s was about glaringly bright clothing that made you look and feel like you’d just stepped out of a disco. If you clearly remember the 80s the first time round, then you may not want to revisit this vibrant, young look, but if you are ready to party then grab your killer neon heels, bright shiny dress and red pout and hit the town!

Classic Luxe

For a softer, more tailored tribute to the 80s, try a camel coat and easy tailoring. Whilst the camel trench has been around for a couple of seasons, it really finds its home in AW09 with classic labels such as Chloé, MaxMara and Jil Sander bringing a softer look to modern power-dressing. However, the look is a classic and will be for years to come, so the combination of longevity and luxury makes it one of this season’s top buys. Especially if thigh-high boots are not exactly your thing!

Given that here in the Amazona office, we can’t stop dreaming about lying on a Caribbean beach somewhere!, we’re not giving up on our favourite season just yet, so you’ll have to wait a couple of weeks for Autumn/Winter trends! Summer is all about bright, sunny colours, even if the weather doesn’t match. If you are going on holiday this month, make sure that you pack some tropical colours to be bang on trend this season. From blocks to prints, there’s a lot in stores at the moment, so even if you’re not jetting off somewhere hot, treat yourself anyway and bring a touch of the exotic into your office. Here’s the lowdown on this season’s hottest colours:

Pink
Bright pinks such as fuchsia are perfect for a little pick-me-up. It’s feminine but also powerful. See Matthew Williamson and Versace for their take on the trend.

Orange
Orange is another FABULOUS colour for Spring/Summer 2009. Designers have gone all out this summer making light, bright clothes to brighten up your day in this economic climate. Here are just some of the offerings guaranteed to put a smile on your face whatever the occasion.

Yellow
Yellow was all over the catwalks this season and it’s naturally the perfect colour for summer. Check out these runway shots for inspiration to bring a little sunshine into your life.

Blue
Bright blues are vibrant, exciting and reminiscent of the ocean and tropical paradise. Check out Aquascutum’s coat collection for a few ideas.

1991 Versace Show - The Birth of the Supermodel

I blame Cindy Crawford for my new, punishing training regime.  I bought my housemate Nick a copy of ‘Playboy: Celebrities’ for his birthday and as we were flicking through the book at his party, we came across Cindy.  Amongst the many gorgeous women in the book, a handful of them stood out against the others and these were all women who had become famous in the 90’s or before.

Unfortunately, whilst reviewing the book  I happened to flippantly ask another friend (the Personal Trainer)  whether he could make my body look like Cindy Crawford’s. When he answered ‘Yes, if you do what I say’, I nearly choked on my mojito  and unfortunately agreed to start training with him three times a week.  I’ve also managed to drag a group of my friends into the torture too by arranging a circuit training class for us in a local park.  Now they are all coming up with celebrity bodies that they’d like to aim for – Sandra Bullock in her new film, ‘The Proposal’ has been a popular choice, as has Halle Berry (no doubt helped along by the infamous bikini scene in the Bond film ‘Die Another Day’).

Sandra Bullock in The Proposal

If you stop for a second and think about the  women my friends and I are holding up as perfect body role models, you’ll realise they all over 40. How bizarre is that? My friends and I are in our late 20’s or just turning 30 and the women we look up to as having desirable figures are all at least a decade older than us and well into a time in their lives when many women consider themselves to be less  attractive.

Maybe it’s something to do with my age and the images that influenced  me during my formative teenage years, but personally I’ve always seen the original Supermodels as the ideal aspirational bodies. Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista and Christy Turlington are slim, yet curvaceous. They represent glamour, feminity and strength in a way that modern day actresses and models just can’t do. The desire to imitate the likes of of Kate Moss, Lily Cole and Mischa Barton has never occured to me.

It seems I’m not alone. Many of the original Supermodels are making waves in the world of lucrative beauty and luxury fashion advertising which has primarily featured actresses for the last few seasons – it’s goodbye to Uma Thurman or Scarlett Johanssen at Louis Vuitton and hello Naomi.

• Linda Evangelista fronted last season’s Prada Ad campaign and has been L’Oreal’s International Spokewoman for well over a year.

• Naomi Campbell was chosen to front Yves Saint Laurent’s latest campaign

• Christy Turlington fronted Escada’s campaign recently.

• Claudia Schiffer is back working for Salvatore Ferragamo and Chanel.

Even Vogue, who’ve had celebrities on the cover for the past 14 months, have Linda Evangelista as Covergirl on the August edition.  Maybe in times like these,  the professionalism of these women combined with their enduring appeal is what big brands want to kind of ‘play it safe’. Interestingly, L’Oreal has seen sales jump 20% since Linda started featuring in their campaigns. Now in a recession, that has to say something about how modern women feel about the Supermodels.

What’s more, they don’t fall out of nightclubs drunk, go to rehab for drug addictions or get prosecuted for drink driving. They’re  also candid about how the look good – yes, Linda had botox and Cindy admits she works out alot and watches her diet – no phoney ‘fast metabolism’ stories here.   It’s not only their figures which we should hold them up as role models for. I for one hope that they are here to stay.

Cindy Crawford in 2009 for Allure Magazine

P.S. of course I don’t really think I’m going to end up with Cindy Crawford’s body, but I’m sure as hell going to give it a good stab.  It’s going to be a long relationship between my Trainer, Cindy and I because for well over a decade to come (and into my 40’s! Eek!)  I’ll know that there are women my age who look amazing.