Sneak Peek: Rihanna New River Island Collection
She was slammed last year for her collection with River Island, a UK brand.
Now, undaunted, Rihanna is at it again – but are the results any better this time?
The debut collection made headlines around the globe for all the wrong reasons. Accusations flew that Rihanna had had little to no role in the design process, and that other designers were irate at her taking up such a huge slot in London Fashion Week.
And the clothes – inspired by grunge, 1990s style and rap – were condemned as cheap, uninspired and badly made.
However, that didn’t stop them flying off the shelves, and Rihanna’s back for a second go. This time we think it might make a few more critics smile.
The RiRi-branded underpants are ripping off the famous Calvin Klein ads of the 90s, and we’re not sure about the baseball mesh and all the crop tops. The camouflage and big shiny shorts are also a bit suspect.
However, there are some pieces that will fly off the shelves. The burgundy-and-white striped maxi dress with a cowl neck is elegant street style personified, and we love the psychedelic ‘Mono’ print pieces, which are covered in snakes, stripes and tigers. Busy, but it works.
Plus the ankle strap heels are seriously chic-cute.
What do you think of our preview?
Images: Rihanna for River Island second collection.
Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen Launch Scandi-Chic Line
The Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen line The Row is one of the most exclusive – and expensive – on the planet, but it has some high-profile fans.
Now they’re producing a diffusion line at a much more affordable price.
The problem? It’s only for Scandinavia!
They’ve teamed up with Bik Bok, a high street chain with stores all over Norway, Sweden, Finland and elsewhere, to produce a cheap and cheerful line of glam separates.
At between 25 and 500 euro, the pieces are a distinct change from what the Olsens normally produce for The Row – they famously made a backpack last year that sold for more than $40,000.
However, even though fashionistas the world over would be clamouring to get their hands on the pieces, it looks like it’s going to be exclusively for Bik Bok’s main customer area. Which is a pity, because even though there are no images yet, it sounds fantastic.
Apparently it’s all oversized layers, knits, angora, chiffon and other high-end materials, presumably cut simply and used sparingly so we mere mortals can afford them. And there will be their signature vintage-inspired accessories as well.
Excuse us while we quietly try to figure out how to sneak up to Norway…
Image: Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen.
Transitional Dressing: Your Essential Pieces
Soon it will be time for the weather to ramp up the heat – but how do you cope with the in-between seasons?
Here’s RESCU’s best guide to transitional dressing, with all the classic pieces to make it a breeze rather than a headache.
The key to going from cold to warm? Layers. The biggest mistake many people make is immediately storing everything from winter the second the sun comes out.
Instead, get yourself a decent blazer in a light fabric. It’s gone through a renaissance in recent years, going from power-woman conservative to fun addition to an outfit. Don’t splash out on neon just yet – but do get a pattern and push up the sleeves to loosen it up a bit. Theory has a lovely soft pink-grey one in twill, or there’s ASOS or Zara for chic floral prints to brighten your outfit.
A white shirt is also a classic for transitional wear. You can throw it under the divine dresses that are still juuuuust too thin to wear on their own, but which are begging to be taken out for a spin. Make sure you get a club (rounded) collar, which is more flattering and softer, or no collar at all. Diane von Furstenberg, J.Crew and Band Of Outsiders all have great ones – go shopping.
A midi skirt is also a new addition to any spring wardrobe, for the good reason that it’s insanely versatile and massively easy to wear. It should hit just below the knee or a little lower, and be properly 1950s billowy.
Wearing it with tights, a T-shirt and a cardigan is a classic and classy transitional look, and brings a hint of the lady to your everyday look. Go for Miu Miu, Marni or Witchery.
Cardigans shouldn’t be left to grandmothers. Invest in a really soft and glam one in cashmere and you’ve got an asset for life. We love new label Chinti and Parker‘s cashmere classics, but there’s also Kate MIddleton fave Issa or the girlie confections at Alannah Hill.
For shoes, high-heeled brogues are massively on-trend and incredibly easy to transform from heavy winter wear to tripping the summer light fantastic. Don’t know what a brogue is? It’s the 1940s shoe which laces up to the ankle, generally has a round toe and is often made of leather perforated in pretty shapes.
The best bit about brogues? They look awesome while also keeping you safely out of puddles. Melissa has lovely ones in tan, while Dune and Clarks have stomping rights on blacks.
Image: Best transitional dressing pieces.
