Gorgeous Maxi Dress Look for Summer!

Katie Robinson has put together another great look for summer! This time she has focused on this seasons key fashion purchase, the maxi dress! See the links on 'Carmen Woods Fashion Trends' page for more details!

“The maxi dress is a perfect representation of daytime glamour, with its floor length style and bold prints. Here Cavalli has used deep purple and black to create optical illusions with a mystical feel.”
Roberto Cavalli, £1,938
http://store.robertocavalli.com/navigation.asp?tskay=CF589586#/searchresult/item/cod10/34150084AC/gender/D/season/main/c/cat_483/ENE_COLOR/4294957355

“The black patent bag by Carmen Woods beautifully highlights the black silk straps of the dress, and with its shopper style adds a laid back element.”
Carmen Woods, Large Shopper Patent Black
Was £475, Now £275
http://www.carmenwoods.com/

“To finish the ensemble team with studded black leather gladiator sandals for a slightly edgy feel on an otherwise decadent garment.”
Maje Studded Leather Sandals, £268
http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/76745

Look of the Moment!

The newest addition to our team Katie Robinson, has created a fantastic look to see you through the rest of the summer!

“In this look the cut out trend is key, taking the little black dress to a whole new level of glamour. Hervé Léger’s iconic bandage style is given a twist with asymmetric detailing creating an entirely new silhouette. The dress is teamed with Gianvito Rossi sandals that compliment the look perfectly, matching the cut out element with sheer panels. For an edgier image finish with Alexander McQueen’s clutch bag that rocks his trademark skull clasp and union jack design. Or if you’re after a splash of colour pair Carmen Woods fuchsia medium clutch with the outfit to spice it up.”

Designer Look 1:

Hervé Léger
Vivien Cutout Bandage Dress £760
http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/99954


Gianvito Rossi
Organza Ankle Strap Sandal
£340
http://www.brownsfashion.com/product/fashion/shoes/shoes/014M52500003.htm

Carmen Woods
Fuschia Medium Clutch £275
http://www.carmenwoods.com/

Alexander McQueen
Studded Clutch Bag £850.00
http://www.brownsfashion.com/product/fashion/shoes/bags/010U35520002.htm

Come and see our fantastic discounts at the 'Carmen' boutique in Leigh-on-Sea! You will find up to 60% off on selected ranges all throughout July! Now is the time to indulge in a stunning 'Carmen' leather handbag! We look forward to seeing you!

'Carmen' Boutique,
121 Broadway West,
Leigh-on-Sea,
Essex SS9 2BU.

Ethical Fashion Edition

There are many fashion trends that come and go each season. However ethical fashion has demonstrated real staying power and has now proved to be more than a trend. There are numerous fashion brands that use fair trade practices and work with recycled or organically produced materials, which span from high street retailers to luxury labels. This season there are some fantastic choices if you decide to shop ethically. See below for some links to our favourites!

http://www.adazanditon.com/ss10_lookbook.html - Ada Zanditon is an innovative ethical fashion brand creating elegant sculptural women's ready to wear. Look at the gorgeous collection online!

http://anatomyfashion.co.uk/ - Ethical womenswear label Anatomy was started by designer Claire Macauley. After leaving Art college in London Claire joined a band as vocalist and bassist, so giving her the chance to wear her collection of customized charity shop and flea market finds - fantastic vintage pieces perfect for the stage. We love her fanpocket skirt and fitted waistcoat!

http://www.ninadolcetti.com/ - Aware of waste within the fashion industry and the environmentally unfriendly effects of leather tanning, Nina Dolcetti shoes are designed and constructed to reuse off-cuts and unwanted pre-consumer waste to create daring, architectural and design led pieces.

http://www.minna.co.uk/collections.html - It all started in the Dorset countryside where Finnish designer Minna Hepburn started collecting lace, brooches, buttons and other beautiful finds from strolling around local antique markets. Not really knowing what to do with them, she started making tops and dresses from Scottish lace and embellishing them with her beloved findings. Her lace tops and dresses are absolutely beautiful and perfect for summertime!

'Made In Clerkenwell' Shopping Event in London!

We're taking part in the exciting designer shopping event 'Made In Clerkenwell' in central London from Thursday 20th until Sunday 23rd May! Come and see our gorgeous leather handbags alongside other talented designers. We are giving our best discounts yet across the entire range! We will be showing our collection in the 21 Clerkenwell Green building. Here's the link with all the info below. Hope to see you all there!

http://www.craftcentral.org.uk/summer-2009

Our Floral Trend Favourites!

As we’re definitely on our way to summer, it seemed the perfect time to look at the massive floral trend for this season. View our favourite floral designer pieces on the links below; they range from tea-rose printed dresses to silver statement rings and kimono silk shoes!

Chanel showed a stunning chiffon dress, intricately printed with red and blue flowers for Spring/Summer 2010. High heeled platforms with silk flowers completed the outfit.
http://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/show.aspx/full-length-photos/id,8434/Page,4#/imageno/51

Liberty is currently stocking this beautiful pale pink and silver flower statement ring!
http://www.liberty.co.uk/fcp/product/Liberty/Jewellery/Pale-Pink-Honour-Ring,--Liberty-Of-London/46557

At Dolce & Gabbana for Spring/Summer 2010 they showed a striking silk satin dress with a large tea-rose print in terracotta, white and pale pink.
http://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/show.aspx/full-length-photos/id,8168/Page,4#/imageno/47

Hetty Rose, the bespoke ethical shoe brand, offers some gorgeous ballet pumps made from Japanese kimono silk with a floral print!http://www.hettyrose.co.uk/shoes/display3/?s=Haruka

Abigail Percy a really talented Scottish jeweller has just produced some beautiful ‘Summer Rose’ necklaces made from sterling silver and jade beads.
http://abigailpercy.bigcartel.com/product/summer-rose-necklace

The ethical footwear brand Beyond Skin, offers these stunning faux leather peep toes with a floral print wedge. Perfect for summer in fuchsia, red or orange!
http://www.beyondskin.co.uk/product_info.php?info=p206_Sunny.html

Perfect Handbags to Complement the New Denim Trend

Look at our selection of gorgeous leather handbags shown in our new photo album at our 'Carmen Woods Fashion Trends' Facebook Fanpage. Chosen from our collection to accessorize with the massive denim trend for Spring/Summer 2010!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=162787&id=228687421727&saved#!/album.php?aid=162787&id=228687421727&ref=mf