Back To Black

Head to toe black is all over the runways right now. Granted black has never gone out of style (how could it?) but wearing black is one of those things that looks considerably easier than it is. A completely black outfit can look sleek and modern but it can also look bland and boring. Since there's a trick to doing anything right we've got a few helpful hints on how to get the most out of this trend.

Color Theories: Neo-grunge black at Alexander Wang & Preppy at Rag & Bone

Quality: The best way to look great in all black is to go for a higher fabric quality. Just say no to those evil polyblend black pants they sell (does anyone remember these from their misspent youth, I sure do) or the fade to grey blends that bleed out after one wash. Invest in something substantial - a nice wool, a shantung silk, or a rich velvet. You'll be able to get a lot of wear out of anything black so the higher price is worth it.

Tailor Made: When it doubt, have it tailored. This is a rule for life but its especially important when wearing all black. Black can be forgiving but any and all fit problems become even more evident once color is taken out of the equation. If tailoring isn't your thing, look for pieces that are cut well. A good cut is a girls best friend.

Texture: Black offers you an incredible opportunity to be fearless with texture. The monochromatic look calls for added interest and playing with texture is a great way to do it. Go for an unexpected material. You might not do a completely patent coat were it electric blue or red but in black it can look stunning. Have fun with it - sequins, wools, even lace looks good in black.

Detail: Whether it be exciting texture, unusual shape or unique accents always look for black pieces with a little something extra. This rule could apply for all neutral pieces - you always want something that takes the basic color and pushes it in a unique direction.

The Slimming Myth: I hate this. Wearing all black won't make you look thinner. Its a silly reason to wear black as far as I'm concerned. Wear black because it goes with almost everything or because its a great backdrop for color. Don't wear it due to some random rule.

Care: Nothing is worse than faded black clothing. It almost always looks bad and once your clothing has faded the only way to bring them back to their natural color is through dyeing. Even then you've only got a 50% success rate. Its far easier to prevent the problem by using a special detergent for dark colors like WOOLITE® Dark Laundry. It helps your dark clothing maintain its color.

Accessorize It: Since black is so neutral you can really go nuts with the accessories. As a rule I think wearing all black makes its so important to have a great shoe or bag. Look at the styling at Alexander Wang. The colors are muted but the shoes are wild - custom Manolo's if you're looking for em. With an all black background people will notice your accessories even more so wear your best.

As always we present an outfit that combines a few personal favorites pertaining to this look. I loved the laid back look at Alexander Wang (as if you couldn't tell) so I sought to create something that matched that vibe - a little minimal, a little rock n'roll and very urbane.


First we have a great top with subtle detailing. You don't want your black top to be plain - choose something with unique details or texture like this great Sweet Pea shirt with tied sleeves. . Its little touches that really make the outfit. Next up we've got an amazing Old Navy pencil skirt. Now of course you can choose any pencil skirt you like but this one has great button detailing on the front. Of course no outfit is complete with out a great pair of shoes and a bag so we have an a great pair of ankle boots and a gorgeous patent bag. The Cynthia Vincent Ankle boots are a bit of a change from the basic pumps and the patent Anya Hindmarch Jourdan bag is a real treat. It has a great mix of patent and suede as well as this really subtle navy detailing. In keeping with the theme of minimalism the jewelry is similarly pared down, just a simple Bing Bang locket, on thin gold chains.

I can't do a look without a couple of covet worthy beauty products so we've got Sue Devitt's Lash Line Enhancer, perfect for giving the absolute thinnest line possible and giving the look of incredibly thick eyelashes. Miller Harris' Coeur de Fluer, a fresh, airy mix of mimosa and sweet pea to counterbalance the severity of all this darkness. And of course Bumble and Bumble Surf Hair for that "I roll out of bed looking this fabulous" bedhead.

How do you like to spice up your basic black? I'm sure you guys have some interesting hints of your own.

Union City Blues

It's good news Friday here at TFFF HQ! The British actors' union Equity has been approached by a model coalition asking to join. That's right, kids: modelling is going unionised.

United we stand, divided we fall

Apparently some major, major names have signed up -- but sadly they don't yet want to be identified. Rocking the boat in the fashion industry -- which isn't exactly union-friendly -- is still difficult.

But how great is this? Maybe it's because I'm from a union family, but I think this is excellent news. We've long discussed the difficulties inherent in changing modelling conditions, and some have put forward the idea of a models' union. Models have agencies, sure, but each girl has a different agent -- and they're just there to find work, not necessarily ensure conditions are fair.

Because modelling is so individualised, and very often it's a one-model-per-shoot situation, they're separated from their peers, and inevitably find it difficult to stand up for their rights: for health and safety, fair wages, heck, even a lunch break. Let alone the real issue: what size they're 'allowed' to be. I'm not suggesting that we'll see the union and the industry sit down for talks and hash out a specific weight requirement that will satisfy both parties, because that's crazy talk: but we might see a move towards models having the power, a move towards sample sizes being made to fit the models, and not the other way around. Because really: cutting fabric to fit a girl makes so much more sense than shrinking a girl to fit the fabric.

Martin Brown, a spokesman for Equity, had this to say:

"Models have no voice; no one is listening to them and no one is asking them what they want. We were approached earlier this year by a group of models who said they needed a union. They complained they had no one to represent them and that if something went wrong and they went to their agencies they were warned not to complain because they would not work again."

These Boots Were Made For Walkin...

A good boot is hard to find but its an essential for the winter months when the typical ballet flats and skimmers are just not going to be enough to protect a girl from the elements. Unfortunately most manufacturers have forgotten the fact that boots, unlike other shoes cannot be measured just by standard shoe size. A ridiculous conceit given that a boot covers about half your leg! You'd think they'd alot for the fact that different people have different calf sizes but seemingly that would require too much common sense for them to handle.

As such TFFF attempts to take a little bit of the guesswork out of things by showcasing our favorite wide calf boots for winter. We've got gorgeous colors, amazing leathers and a few good links just in case you want to look for something a little different than what we've offered.


A few boots worth lusting after

I'm skipping past some of the usual suspects - we all know the Avenue has a good selection of wide calf boots and that Silhouettes has always got you covered but it may come as a surprise that preppy favorite J. Crew offers a decent selection of extended calf boots as well. My personal favorites being the classic Tenley high heel - an exceedingly versatile chocolate brown boot and the Richmond low heel, a great flat pair for the days when you just don't feel like bothering with anything high.

There's also a wealth of online boutiques with great little boots. DUO Boots has wide selection of everything from the funky to the everyday. I love the Messina, a ruched vintage inspired pair, the Moselle, another ruched style but this time in creamy suede. Of course for anyone who loves the equestrian look there is the Bonn, an amazing heeled boot thats equal parts equestrian and cowgirl - especially in that perfect weathered grey color. DUO also has so many great options that its fun just to look around. Another online shop that impressed me was Buckles and Bows. A UK outpost (don't worry they ship to the US) with the truly amazing Pout Boots, an absolute must even if they're temporarily out of stock. Buckles and Bows also has great range of everything from animal print to Chloe-redux stacked heels so snoop around you're sure to find something you're into.

I'd like to think that there's a little something for everyone - and if for some reason you don't have wide calves but just love cute boots almost all these styles come in a smaller calf versions too.

So those are my favorite boots right now - what are yours? How will you be keeping your feet warm this season? For the love of all thats right and good don't say Uggs.

Elena Miro S/S 08

Now that its officially freezing and bitter cold I think its time for a little touch of warm. What better way to channel the heat of summer than by looking at the gorgeousness of Elena Miro S/S 08. Granted its probably too icy to even think about wearing a little cutout swimsuit or minidress but keep these styles in mind for the future. Everything presented this season was very silvery, I couldn't help but be reminded of Fendi's S/S Collection last year in terms of the colors and textures presented. The use of the light chiffon and silk is also lovely this season. Those tied at the neck blouses are sure to look great with anything.







I'd have to say that my very favorite look is the first one - there is something unique about that snakeprint jacket. It can see it being paired with jeans just as easily as I can see it being paired with that skirt and blouse number. What were your favorite looks? View the full collection at The Fashion Spot

(PRODUCT) DITTO

Today is special for many reasons: one, it's Saturday, and that means it's the weekend -- yay! Two, it's the first day of advent -- yay! And three, it's World AIDS Day.

"What on earth has charity got to do with fashion?" I hear you cry. Well, shrug off your fur gown, tell the paps to put aside their cameras, give the cabana boy a rest from mixing your margaritas for a moment, and I'll tell you.

Gap supports (Product) RED, and, in conjunction with World AIDS day, they have created a special, ultra-fashionable collection. It's curated by Katie Grand, Editor-In-Chief of POP Magazine, and consists of special one-off (and cheap!) versions of iconic products. So you know the Mulberry 'Roxanne' bag you've been coveting? Gap (Product) RED have it for eighty-five quid.

There are also pieces by: Stephen Jones, Pierre Hardy, Giles Deacon, House of Holland, ck Calvin Klein, and Proenza Schouler, and 50% of profits from sales of each piece from this collection will help fund anti-retroviral drugs for women and children affected by AIDS and HIV in Africa.

The stand-out piece is, of course, a grey T-shirt featuring a montage of images from the POP magazine photoshoot with TFFF favourite, Beth Ditto, photographed by Steven Klein. A mere £19.50!


Gap (PRODUCT) RED Collection curated by Katie Grand is only available from Gap's flagship London and Paris stores, or Dover Street Market in London, and Colette in Paris, from today. Enquiries: 00 44 (0)20 7408 4500. Happy shopping!