New fashion post from The Gaurdian.

Fiona Sibley FASHION DILEMMA Are Balmain's pointy shoulders wearable? This week Fashion Statement is in the grip of two potential pandemics: swine flu and Balmania. World health issues aside, Kate Moss stepped out this week in a dress with heinously oversized shoulders, crystallising the design crown belonging to Balmain's enfant terrible, Christophe Decarnin. The question is: will mere mortals succumb to his conical-shouldered look? Kate's Spock-like dress came from Balmain's A/W09 collection , but Victoria Beckham and Beyoncé are among those already slavishly sporting those bizarre, inverted pyramid blazers from his spring/summer offering. Everyone from the Telegraph to the Sun has been caught whimpering about Balmain this week, proving the Parisian label has reached its tipping point. So are we ready for shoulder pads? Apparently so. Even at £2,920, Balmain's military drummer-boy jacket, the must-have of the season, is under hot pursuit - and net-a-porter.com's stocks had this week run dry. Decarnin has completely transformed the French fashion house into a riotous 80s revival, featuring the sort of studded sandals you might see at Torture Garden alongside stonewash ripped jeans, and a style of jacket last seen gracing Freddie Mercury circa 1986 at Wembley. It's just these knobbly shoulders that have given Fashion Statement the hump. We're not averse to a bit of angularity, but surely this doorway-busting look demands a leap of faith? Still, rarely a day goes by when it seems we don't get a bit more 80s obsessed, and perhaps a few freaky silhouettes can help us beat the recession blues. Nothing beats a ludicrous fashion craze to cheer us all up. Is pointy shoulders it?

BANG ON TREND Ruffles By far the quickest way to catapult yourself into spring/summer (short of plumping for full summer colours and gladiator sandals then finding yourself caught in the rain - been there this week?) is to get flirty with a frill. This pretty linen jacket from Topshop is spot-on with its cascading fabric detail at the front (£45). Reiss's Blondie dress, £195, has pretty ribbon appliqué (right).  Or for a more casual style opt for this recycled silk light grey cami from Warehouse, £50. For a strong statement, this sculpted Boudicca blouse in bright blue, £488 from Matches fashion, is a winner. Keep it to a minimum with these ruffle wedges from Oli, £75 Best of all is this Fendi ruffle clutch, but be warned: it's an investment buy at £543.

FASHIONISTA OF THE WEEK Beyoncé Spotted on a shopping trip in Vienna looking insouciant in her YSL caged shoes and fedora.

FASHION GRAVEYARD Over-the-shoulder poses A few weeks back the Guardian's crack team of style spies blew the cover on the new body language. Well, as they say in spring, out with the old, in with the new. So could we have an end to the over-the-shoulder paparazzi pose? Especially when done to draw the eyes to a flesh-baring backless dress.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK "I'm a whatever the hell no one else is wearing girl. For instance, not a lot of people I know wear Tory Burch, but I'm like, let me go in there and see how far crazy I can bring it." R&B star Estelle on not being dressed by stylists

Walk this way? No thanks! Another Gaurdian post

Jess Cartner-Morley. Photograph: David Newby/Guardian

At the beginning, the point of shoes must have been to make walking easier - to protect delicate cavewoman skin from bits of rocks on the floor around the fire, and to help prevent broken bones if an ox trod on your toes by mistake. Something like that, anyway: I am a little out of my comfort zone on the historical detail front.

But somewhere in the past year or two, fashionable shoes have pretty much cut all remaining ties with their origins as practical footwear. Somewhere between the skyscraper high heel with too-small platform sole (as modelled by Gwyneth Paltrow), the heel-less stiletto (as worn by Victoria Beckham), the frankly dangerous velvet slipper-sandals that brought half of Prada's models tumbling to the floor last September, and the insanity of the open-toed, bare-ankled boot, shoes became mad. If you actually wanted to walk anywhere, most shoes featured in recent fashionmagazines would be far more a hindrance than a help.

The latest absurdity is the upside-down shoe. While a traditional shoe is sturdy on the base (for aforementioned skin-protection-from-rocks reasons) and relatively bare on top, the upside-down shoe reverses this: a slender heel and bare toe, with thick leather around the top of your foot and ankle where you don't need it. The point of this shoe is that it revels in its impracticality. You can't criticise it for being daft: that's the whole point. All you can do is hope that, fashion working as it does, the next step is the return of the sensible kitten heel.

Here is a fashion section of my favorite english newspaper, The Gaurdian.

FASHION DILEMMA Can Henry Holland save the high street? Rumour has it that Debenhams has gone Dutch. Whispers that It-boy designer Henry Holland, best known for dressing models in tartan eye patches and slogan T-shirts, has joined forces with the department store have been growing louder all week. Designer/celebrity collaborations with dowdy high street brands are having something of an upturn in this deepening downturn. Hemlines used to be used as a measure of economic stability - now it's the number of celebrity endorsements that tell us how well stores are faring. This week, chiffon-loving Zandra Rhodes promised her M&S collection would include her signature prints and kaftans, while H&M and New Look launch their respective Matthew Williamson and Giles Deacon collections today. And Biba arrives at Topshop next Tuesday.  So what can we expect from the Debenhams collaboration? The store best known for its Blue Cross sale days and mother-of-the-bride outfits, and House of Holland, whose T-shirts feature cheeky in-jokes like "Let's play naked twister, Linda Evangelista", aren't an obvious fashion marriage. The department store's Designers at Debenhams range has included collections by Jasper Conran, John Rocha and Betty Jackson - all fairly conservative. Will HOH revolutionise the brand with his tartan jumpsuits and mini-kilts? And, of course, will best pal Aggy be modelling the designs? Perhaps a line of slogan T-shirts could reconnect the store with a younger, on-trend customer: "Lets be chums, Debenhams" or "Debenhams, I have succumbed", anyone? There are plenty of other dream teams Fashion Statement would love to see. Lycra goddess Rosemary Conley could give American Apparel a few tips about how to make sportswear truly snug, while newly pregnant Coleen Rooney is no doubt negotiating a capsule collection for Mothercare. We also predict economic woes may lead domestic goddess Anthea Turner to come to the rescue of Laura Ashley. The most successful relationship of all is, naturally, that between Topshop's Philip Green and Kate Moss. Expect those industry heavyweights to combine forces with Tesco's Florence and Fred clothing line as they inch closer to world domination.

BANG ON TREND Socks with sandals We thought the day would never arrive, but we can now say with a straight face that it's acceptable to team orthopaedic sandals with some fashion-forward pop-socks. Not a bad between-season look, if you can bring yourself to overturn years of wise counsel and sniggers at your grandparents' style choices. Agyness Deyn was seen on this shoot in Manhattan last week working the look with some serious colour-blocking, while Chloe Sevigny was spotted sporting a grungier version at Coachella. As soon as the wind blows warm enough to bare your legs, team your sock/sandal combo with a minidress for ultimate sandal limelight potential. This is not a look for trousers, unless you're a geography teacher. The rule is to choose an unadorned, buckled and chunky design. Step forthClarks Originals - this heritage design from the 1950s in vanilla cream leather (£49) is perfect.  This Topshop style permits a little decorative flair and could still smuggle some socks beneath (£40). Or you could get the look with these chunky platform sandals by Chloe (£225), which would frankly be a bit boring without some ankle-skimming hosiery.  As for what to sheath your feet in, Tabio's plain knitted knee-highs (£9.95) or shin-height cottons are ideal. American Apparel stocks over-the-knee versions while Jonathan Aston's fine rib knee-highs look schoolgirl innocent. Oh, you all know where to buy socks. Now be off, and flout those buckles with pride!

FASHIONISTA OF THE WEEK Karen O She's never been a wallflower, but be wowed by these off-the-scale sequins! Chainmail gets a whole new dimension with this jewellery-as-clothes look from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs singer. This costume by Christian Joy is a bit more wearable than some of her previous onstage garb. You can feast your eyes on more achingly hip style from Coachella (where any self-respecting fashionista could be seen this week) here.

FASHION GRAVEYARD Monochrome There's a very perplexing fashion story going on here. Pattern-clashing dogtooth umbrella and striped headwear combo. Posh-style matching of handbag to dress, with (admittedly clever) handbag hooked on umbrella. Strange white strip of dress separating breasts like a cheesewire. John Lennon tinted specs. Doinging silver snooker ball earrings. Bruisers in background. Is Lady Gaga choking on her vogueing? Following her wearable English crockery get-up at the Brits, - what is this, Eliza Doolittle goes to Ascot? Be warned: monochrome, attempt in haste, regret at leisure.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK "I don't know Heidi Klum. She was never known in France. Claudia Schiffer also doesn't know who she is." QotW favourite Karl Lagerfeld denies any kinship to fellow German superbrand Heidi Klum

SHOPPING NEWS Handbag designer Mimi Berry's east London studio-shop is in our little black book of UK design outlets, thanks to Mimi's gorgeous leather creations, all designed and manufactured here in Blighty. Next week there's a sample sale, as well as 10% off the spring/summer collection, running until 1 May. Starting on Monday, get down to 40 Cheshire Street, London E2 6EH to bag a bargain. Our favourite, the Mussette, is made from silver-woven fabric and costs £110 from the shop or www.mimiberry.co.uk. With 10 years' expertise at retailing perhaps the most comprehensive selection of high street lingerie and swimwear, figleaves.com has launched its very own exclusive range. Check out the three new collections online now.

OUT AND ABOUT Calling all budding designers: the Ethical Fashion Forum launches its  Innovation competition this week to reward talented new designers working in the ethical fashion arena. Judgesd include Anna Orsini from the British Fashion Council and Liberty's Yasmin Sewell, and winners will be mentored towards showing a collection at London Fashion Week - as did previous winner Christopher Raeburn (see pic). Information is available here, and applications close on 29 May. Fashion Fringe at Covent Garden 2009 has also launched its search to find four fashion designers to be funded to design a capsule collection for London Fashion Week. Mentors on hand include Donatella Versace - wow! Since 2004, Fashion Fringe has helped to launch the careers of nine emerging design talents. Could the next one be you? To apply seewww.fashionfringe.co.uk - entries must be in by 1 May. The Affordable Vintage fashion fair, run by former Selfridges personal shopper and vintage aficionado Judy Berger continues its UK tour with events in Lincoln (25 April), Nottingham (26 April) and Liverpool (9 May).

		OFF-CUTS Biba for Topshop: the verdict France braces itself for Cocomania Fashion wishlist: beaded shoes

Louis Vuitton fashion show...

The Louis Vuitton fashion show had beautiful features. They made it a beachy sort of look. With flowing pants and cuff-sleaved shirts, any women could be happy wearing these outfits. I loved all of the Edith Piaf music. It made a beautiful, I'm-going-for-an-evening-walk kind of look. 

Louis Vuitton added alot of shiny features. Shiny leather belts, Shiny leather handbags, even shiny head-dress. I just adored all of the jewelry too. It was lovely and hangy. Basically all of the shoes had feathers on them. They had an american indian look to them. In the fashion show, they also had alot of muff-like hats. 

To look at the fashion show, go to www.LouisVuitton.com . Then, press the button at the top right hand corner where it says , 'The World of Louis Vuitton', then, at the bottom of that page, there is a butn that says 'Woman's fashion show. Enjoy

Dolce and Gabbana beautiful 2009...

Dolce and Gabbana  has done a beautiful job with their spring-summer collection. The ball gown outfits have a crinkled , leafy look to them which I think looks beautiful. I also love the masculine silk suits . Very nice. The shoes both have a satin, vintage look to them. Those could definitely be worn to the academy awards! The white dress at the top of the pictures has a beach party/ wedding look to it. Bravo Dolce and Gabbana!

The very first picture is my absolute favorite because of the vintage look. I love the way the outfit has a bunch of corsets sewn together to make one big one! The close up picture of the 'vintage' man and women is really classic. It has a 60's twang to it, and reminds me of the kind of outfit Grace Kelly would have worn in ' To Catch a Thief' by Alfred Hitchcock.  I love the way it is colorful ,but vintage.

Dolce and Gabbana vintage look is amazing period! It has that beautiful , plain, original look which you just don't get any more in fashion shows. It is surprising that Dolce and Gabbana had the most vintage in their fashion currently out of most fashion designers, because their fashion isn't that old! I myself am lucky enough to own Dolce and Gabbana sun glasses. Those are keepers!

For more photos of the Dolce and Gabbana fashion show, go to www.dolceandgabbana.com  .

Keep the fashion coming -Miss Vintage

 

New photos at the bottom of my page.

To everyone who reads my blog,
At the bottom of my page, there is a slideshow that some of you might know about, O have added a new set of photos. Enjoy!

Please tell friends and family about my website.

Dear Everyone,
I would appreciate it if you could tell a few people about my website, so they could follow it. I really want my website to go onto the internet. Thanks alot!

Miss Vintage xxxxx

Sketch of the week...

              Small Biogrphy

This beautiful, exquisite dress, is perfect for any occasion. The other day, Me and my friend Madame Couture went to an antique store, and saw an $ 80 ,vintage Dior Jacket. It was beautiful! It looked just like this ine, but in red.                                                                                     Christian Dior was a very amazing man. He was a top french designer(as you probably already know).  In Dior's teenage years, his parents hoped he would be a diplomat, but Christian wanted to be involved  and working with art. He made money at first by sitting on the street selling sketches for 10 cents each! After college, his father gave him some money, enough to open a small fashion gallery. After that, he became a famous, well known fashion designer.

Happy Easter!

Dear Fashionaholics,

I hope you have a very happy Easter if you celebrate it! If not, still have a great day!

Please keep leaving me comments!

1st Contestant: Madame Couture, with a Michael Kors outfit. Great job Madame Couture, Very 80's!

80's Competition...

To every fashion fan out there, I have a competition for you.

Since the fashion right now is 80's themed, I have decided to make a scavenger hunt for all of you. Send me a photo of the most ridiculous recent (2009) 80's outfit you've seen in a fashion show. The person who sends in the most crazy ,gets their 80's photo posted on my website, and (if they have a blog), will post it on my website, and say how great it is. If you do not have a website, You can email me anytime you want in the next two months about fashion etc. (you can any time, except it'll just be a comment. Please make sure that when you send the picture to me, you type your e-mail address with it. 

Rules are : No looking up 'craziest 80's out fit of 2009' etc. You can look up 80's fashion and etc.

Thanks, and email me at phoebeismissvintage@gmail.com to submit your picture. -Miss Vintage

My email...

If you have some really great ideas for improving my blog, or just want to leave comments, my email is phoebeismissvintage@gmail.com . Thanks

Dress of the season...

For my new 'dress of the season, I will post pictures weekly of whatever season it is clothing themed! This week, for our season dress, we have a ball gown Easter dress by Dior. It has a very pretty neck line to it and has an artsy twang.

My new videos...

Hi Everyone,

I have added a selection of new fashion shows that you can watch on my website (instead of having to go onto youtube and other video websites). I hope you enjoy looking at the Dior Spring-Summer 2009 on the right hand corner of my website. At the bottom of my website, there is a fall 2009 fashion show. Thanks alot- Miss Vintage

Also, Don't forget to look at my links on the right side of my website. Please don't hesitate to leave comments! It would help me improve my website!

Sketches of the week...

My friend Madame Couture inspired me to do a weekly update on one particular person, place, or thing. This week, I will show you two sketches made by Yves Saint Laurent himself.

Yves Saint Laurent was born on 1936 in Oran, Algeria. His first fashion prize was won in 1954 because of a beautiful coctail dress he had made. He introduced a trapeze dress for Dior in 1957. After that, he opened his own Yves Saint Laurent shop in 1960. To read more about his biography, go to http://www.infomat.com/whoswho/yvessaintlaurent.html   . Thanks- Miss Vintage.

Also, Above is a picture of the world famous cocktail dresses and some other very pretty couture.

My slideshow...

Hello Everyone!

If you go to the bottom of my website, you will see a slideshow of Dior fall 2009. Thanks!

Elle Fashion Haute- Fall

Elle's fall fashion week in Paris was very nice. They had a mix of knee-length dresses and vintage pants and coats. I thought that they did a really beautiful job except for the resemblance of the clothing. Alot of the clothing was just about the same, except that they made slight differences on each outfit. Well Done Elle! To visit their web page, go to http://www.elle.com Thanks!