The Kooples 'round the Korner

We've anticipated it - but now it's finally here, The Kooples has arrived...

Based on George Street the store has literally popped up within the last 24 hours in preperation for the Jubilee weekend. We've been chomping at the bit - who's been? The Kooples - a rock 'n' roll inspired fashion label with a very British edge created by three French brothers - Alexander, Laurent and Raphael Elicha was founded in 2008.

We love the s/s collection as seen below.

Image courtesy of The Kooples

The Kooples has become known, even before opening its first stores, due to a large advertising campaign featuring various couples (heterosexual and homosexual), wearing the clothes of the brand. On each photo is shown the maturity of the couple (eg, "Peter and Astrid together for nine months"). According to the creators, these couples are real and there has been no casting.

I love this aspect of the brand - it gives it a 'realness' - along with the collaboration with Pete Docherty (I mean who wouldn't LOVE to look like him(!)) and endorsement by his ex Kate Moss (actually, I'd love to look like her...) the brand has grown ever since.

So it's opening in George Street has caused a calamity within the Jane Davidson camp - will it live up to it's hype? Have you been instore? We'd love to know what you thought.

Love,

Laura

p.s. Hope you are all looking forward to your Jubilee weekend! Keep an eye out for our blog tomorrow!

Swimwear dilemma.....sorted!

Ladies,I know a lot of you are bemoaning the fact that Edinburgh is low on good swimwear stockists.
Well let me into a secret

- Odyssey boutique in William street.

Images courtesy of Odyssey

They have a brilliant selection of one piece halter-necks (uber-flattering) and bikinis in more unusual cup sizes. Trust us there is nothing worse that not having the right support in swimwear - treat any new purchase as you would a bra purchase.

So now that the weather has turned and your thoughts are probably turning to holiday you know where to go,

Sarah x

Covergirl? We present your cover boy, Mr Beckham.

The news stands in July will have a slightly different look....

Images courtesy of JustJared

The times have changed since the start of the cover-girl with Elle featuring its first every solo cover-boy next month. Before it's always been long-limbed ladies lying on the beach but now it's Mr Beckham - can we say we're pleased? Yes.

The slightly (only slightly) over photoshopped photos of David feature on Julys issue (for the first time in it's 27 year history) and a full interview where he gushes over his baby Harper and wife....

According to insiders he was the best cover model they have had - being on-time, polite and engaging - also not demanding a changing room and changing on set in between takes (oh to be a fly on the wall) 

So it's a cover that's splitting the Jane Davidson team - too many tattoos? Is he ageing well? Do we like the slicked back hair? Is he a little too scrawny? And is it appropriate for a completely female based magazine to have a male cover?

Discuss, Ladies - but here we can PROMISE you we will be standing outside the corner shop as soon as the issue comes out...

Love,

Laura x

Fifty Shades Of Must Read Now!

Images courtesy of Fashionista

It's hot, steamy and unashamedly filthy and has become a global bestseller and twitter topic. Fifty Shades of Grey seems to have become the 'not-so-guilty' pleasure of most women that I know!

Now let's be honest, it is not War and Peace and can easily be read in a couple of sittings, but surely that's one of the reasons why we like it. What else does anyone want from a sultry summertime read? Apparently, 'loosely' based on the Twilight characters of Bella and Edward, the author EL James wanted to tap into the adult Twilight audience who were often left wishing that the lead characters would just get it on! Well, she has certainly delivered and left absolutely nothing to the imagination. Christian Grey is enigmatic and mysterious whilst Ana is his deer caught in the headlights...very boy meets girl really( with some light bondage on the side!)

 Take it from me ladies, it's a world of escapism that everyone I have come across so far is more than willing to indulge in. What I really want to know though, is whether or not you're reading it too? If so, what do you think and if not- why on earth not??!!

Love,

Anonymous

Fashion and the Queen

Fashion met the Queen this week when she hosted party at The Royal Academy of the Arts.

It was attended by famous artists, fashion designers, actors and musicians. Erdem Moralioğlu, Vivienne Westwood and Henry Holland were amoung the British designers who were invited to attend along with their 'muse'. Erdem brought his twin sister, Vivienne Westwood came with Lily Cole and Henry Holland with Agnes Deyn. There were some brilliant outfits at the party as you can imagine, the Queen added some royal glamour with a little sparkly jacket but my personal favourite outfit from the evening was worn by Jessica Gough who was sporting a swan on her head.

Megan xx

Images courtesy of Zimbio

May Fashion Show

Last night we had an in-store fashion show, we were showing our high-summer pieces but also some of our pre-autumn/winter collections.

We have had some gorgeous new-season things in from Erdem and Escada. My favourite round from the evening was showcasing our DVF/Current Elliot jeans. They looked perfect styled with a white top and some summer wedges - a brilliant outfit for the gorgeous weather we're having! If you missed out on our show, here are some photos from the night.

Chelsea Flower Show

I am full of admiration for all the Designers and gardeners who have succeed in creating the wonderful gardens for this year's show.

I have been watching the daily programmes on BBC and have especially loved the garden by Cleve West, Joe Swift and Chris Bradshaw.

 Weekly visits to the Botanics here in Edinburgh always satisfy my garden fix. Being able to observe the gardens over the seasons is always exciting.

Images courtesy of Motilo

Bloomin' lovely corgis!


 Catherine

And all that jazz....

Continuing our loving-the-vintage theme, we've just discovered this wonderful sounding evening.

Imagine yourself swanning around a beautiful, private Georgian Mansion on a sunny evening to the gentle sounds of jazz, sipping cocktails inspired by a bygone era, having been wafted there by vintage bus.

Dreaming of the Brideshead Revisited yet? Or perhaps seeing yourself in Downton Abbey.....

Well it's all happening right here in Edinburgh this Friday night. For all the info you need,

http://eraeventsedinburgh.eventbrite.co.uk/?ebtv=C

Think I shall be dusting off my feather boa and donning as many sequins as humanly possible! Might see you there?

Love,

 Jilly x

Vintage Glamour

I spent my Sunday in the best possible way; in the company of friends at a vintage fair.

Held at the HMV Picture House, Judy's Affordable Vintage, which host similar events all over the UK, is a way for the best of local vintage sellers to come together and bring their top picks to the public. 

I spied a sweet little handmade 60's shift dress which I knew I had to have, and my friend who is a silk scarf addict (as am I!), picked up a few gems too.

 If the retro look is your thing, then you could go the whole way and have a hair and makeup session with the girls from Miss Dixiebelle, an Edinburgh beauty parlour which specialises in creating the glamourous looks of days gone by.

I think this would be a fantastic treat for a special occasion, or simply because you are worth it!

Images courtesy of missdixiebelle

http://www.judysvintagefair.co.uk/

 http://www.missdixiebelle.co.uk/vintage_styling.htm


 Fiona x

Something to cheer you up...

It's Monday morning and I think we all need a little pick-me-up to start the week off well.

Image courtesy of Ephemeral New York

This morning I found a great little group who perform on Bleecker Street in Greenwich Village every saturday (unless it rains!). They've got great voices! So to cheer you up here's a video of them singing my favourite song of all time 'My Girl'.




I found out about it on fantastic blog I'm addicted to called 'A Cup Of Jo'. She blogs about life with her 2 year old son and husband living in Manhattan. It's a great read if you've got a spare 5 minutes.

Hope you Ladies (and Gents) have a fantastic week.

Love,


Laura x

Cannes Film Festival

I have a new style icon.

I wanted to write about the best dresses at Cannes Film Festival but in my opinion all the best dresses were worn by the same person - Fan Bingbing, a very famous Chinese actress.

Image courtesy of Pashionista

I love this dress because it is so unlike anything else at a red carpet event.

This is perhaps one of my favourite dresses of the week, it is understated but just as glamourous as the others.

Fan Bingbing is my new style icon because she rocks this dress which comes with a matching cape! That can't be an easy look to pull off.

I don't think I need to explain why this dress is amazing - just look at it! Breathtaking! Fan Bingbing has completely stolen the show for me, none of the other dresses at Cannes have even come close to looking this good.

Love,

Megan xx

Brad Pitt the new face of Chanel No 5

I have heard that for the first time in history Karl Lagerfield has chosen a male as the face of their classic No 5 fragrance.

Images courtesy of Satwa Drift

Not just any male though a very attractive hunk Brad Pitt will be his new muse for the iconic brand. This is very interesting and exciting but i have yet to find out if he will be the face of the ladies No 5 or a new male version. Hopefully we will find out soon.

 Mandy x

The Great British Fashion Stamp Collection

Just been viewing the new Royal Mail Great British Fashion stamp collection.

What a wonderful idea and how wonderful to be reminded of the creative genius of our British fashion designers.

The photographs by Solve Sundsbo catch the spirit of the clothes perfectly.

Images courtesy of Royal Mail

See for yourself and please let me know what you think of them.

Love,

Catherine x

Where There's a Will...

The Voice is fast becoming one of my must watch programs.

Images courtesy of The Mirror

I am loving the mix of talent, great song choices and judges with credible music industry experience (Simon Cowell take note!).

But the one thing that keeps me and lots of other girls tuning in each week is the charm of one man... Step forward Mr Will I am!

With his quirky sense of style (his own line!), great sense of humour, passion for music and his cute over use of the word 'dope',

Will is a talking point on Facebook and many a Monday morning coffee break. Who knew that the multi talented musician would turn out to be one of the heartthrobs of 2012?!....

Fiona x

Fashion Tips from the Top!

I have to say my day was brightened up this morning...

while reading about Jessica Alba's tip to stop you having a fashion meltdown!

The beautiful Alba suggests using double sided sticky tape stuck to the bottom of her feet to stop any shoe-loss on the red carpet. Hairspray was an alternative if there wasn't any scotch tape around the house...

It got me thinking about my favourite fashion hints and tips.

Shoes too big? Don't despair ladies - just stuff the toes with some cotton wool or newspaper.  Note: this doesn't work too well with a peep toe or strappy sandal.

Catherine's tip of the day is how to remove marks from your favourite leather jacket or silk blouse - if you've spilt dust or some make-up onto a delicate fabric rub the mark with a soft fabric such as velvet.

And finally, a girls worst nightmare - STATIC!!! We've all been there - you're off to a big event and the dress you are wearing is not having a great relationship with the tights you've got on. What do you do?! Well, fret no more. If you don't have a can of anti-static spray around the house (and who doesn't) why don't you try some hairspray!? Lightly spray the underneath of the garment with a soft covering of hairspray.

Do you have any good tips or hints for fashion or beauty disasters?

Love,

Laura x

A Little Special Moment....

It's my first day back today after the wedding and it feels like i've never been away!

Needless to say i've been boring all the girls senseless with wedding chat and photos! The dress, the shoes, the company we're all spot on.

We had the most perfect (rain free!) day and it was everything that Ryan and I hoped it would be, so I thought i'd share a little wedding moment with you all.

Lots of Love,

 Nikki xxx

Thigh High Splits

Let's talk about thigh high splits.

How to wear them, how not to wear them, when to wear them and when to avoid them altogether. There are lots of skirts and dresses around this season which have a thigh high split. They can be super sexy, flattering and great for showing off your legs if they are worn right. If not they can end in disatster.

 How to wear a thigh high split - They must always be worn with a heel to show off your fantastic legs. It is esential to have a pedicure as everyone will be looking at your legs and feet. It is also important to keep accessories to a minimal as it is such a statement look. Kate Middleton pulled this look off flawlessly last week in this stunning Roland Mouret gown.

Image courtesy of VickyBOnline

How not to wear a thigh high split - Angelina Jolie is a perfect example of this. Although she looks stunning in this dress, by sticking her leg out of the split she is drawing attention to it. It is important to act natural when wearing a thigh high slit or you will end up walking funny, standing funny and generally just not looking your best.

Image courtesy of ZeeNews

Anja Rubik is another example of how not to wear this trend in her dress which she wore to the Met ball this week. It is important when you are showing off your legs not to show off the rest off your body at the same time. It will look too much and very tacky. (Although we are very jealous of her body!)

Image courtesy of AhmedJones

When to wear them -There was speculation last week about what Angelina Jolie's wedding gown will look like, many think that it will incooporate a thigh high split. Getting married is a perfect example of when NOT to wear a thigh high split.

When to avoid tigh high splits altogether - If you are at all uncertain about this trend, it's probably not for you. The thigh high slit demands a certain ammount of courage, you have to give it all or nothing. Also if you have not had your legs waxed, don't even look at a thigh high split!

If you have the confidence to get your legs out, I urge you to do it! I think that this is an amazing trend which will make you look and feel absolutely stunning if you follow the rules.

Megan xx

Sunshine on a rainy day!!!

You may well feel like me - sick of the rain rain rain !!

Image courtesy of Queene and Belle

Although a little bit of sunshine in the form of a Queene and Belle scarf in a fabulous shade of teal has just arrived in and has really made me feel much happier. Made of 100% cashmere with little stars on it just perfect to dress up any outfit.

I am taking one home with me.

Love,

Mandy x

Vintage Pop-Up Shop

The girls are in a frenzy today about The Art Fund, Vintage Pop Up Shop at Bourne Fine Art which is on next Thursday (17th May) until late!

There will be a great collection of designer and vintage fashion (including this Chanel scarf), costume Jewellery (if there's any left once I've visited!) and some quirky antiques.

The Art Fund, which provides financial support for artistic ventures from local galleries to great works of art is a fantastic cause and today's pop up will feature shoes designed by Ferragamo, Jimmy Choo and Miu Miu as well as clothes by Jean Muir, Chloe, Armani, Vera Wang and Diane von Furstenberg.

The entrance donation is £5.00 (£4.00 for students).

Love,

Laura

The worst dressed at the Met ball?

I know that we blogged yesterday about who looked gorgeous at the Met ball, but I just had to share this picture with you... This is what the incredible Marc Jacobs wore to the ball. I absolutely love his work and have never questioned him before but I am really not sure about this outfit, a lace tunic over white boxers...?! This outfit is definitely not a Cinderella story.

Megan xx

Image courtesy of Vogue

A Glamourous Evening at the Met...

For those lucky enough to be invited to the Met Ball, it is the fashion event to top all fashion events.

If rubbing shoulders with Anna Wintour (who wore Prada) isn't enough to make you quake in your Louboutin's, then what is? So how did we rate the gowns on show?

Well Emma Roberts was a ray of sunshine in marigold yellow Escada, and Lee Michele gave us full on NYC glam in plunging DVF blue sequins.

We have championed both of these labels for several seasons. The show stopper of the night for me was Bee Schaffer in a beautiful Erdem A/W 2012/13 creation. The mix of blue tones and amazingly detailed fabric is everything we have come to expect from the British based designer.

To be chosen by Miss Schaffer, who can take her pick of any of the worlds top designers, is truly an honour to have bestowed upon you.

Image courtesy of JustJared

Fiona x

Earthy....my new favourite place....

I made a discovery at the weekend - an amazing restaurant, deli and food store in Canonmills, Edinburgh

If you are into fair trade, local, seasonal and organic foodstuff this is the place for you.
I even found a dairy free cream cake in the child friendly cafe for my toddler! If you are gluten intolerant there are loads of yummy options.
www.earthy.co.uk or follow them on twitter @earthyfoods
Also in Portobello and Causewayside - am thrilled to find them on my doorstep!

Sarah x

Presenting the new Mr and Mrs Clark!

What a beautiful start to married life!

The Girls are recovering a little today - very tired but happy gals after celebrating Nikki's wedding last night.

It was so special and Nikki looked amazing in her Erdem dress.

 Here's a couple of snaps.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

Love, Jane
(with Laura, Megan, Jilly and fiona)
xxx

Yay! The Day has finally arrived.

Our manager, Nikki, tied the knot today with her lovely man, Ryan, and she is now officially Mrs Nikki Clark.

The rest of us girls have been squealing with excitement all day about seeing them tonight, and we’re all desperate to put on our glad rags and PARTY! We shall be a riot of colours, patterns, high heels and sparkles, as we trip out into Thistle Street after a celebratory margarita, and head out to see the happy couple.

Oh…and did I mention the varying shades of suntan? No…I thought not. We range from beautifully pale and very interesting, through Canarian gold, to a burnished bronze. Please join us on wishing Nikki and Ryan a very happy wedding day, and I’m sure there will be some photographs to follow… 

Love,

Jilly, Laura, Fiona and Megan xxx

Style Report

Be in the know with Jane Davidson.

Image courtesy of Green and the Cities

We are launching our Style Report tomorrow and if you'd like to be kept up to date with the latest deliveries, events and news from the store sign up on our homepage or email us your email address to shop@janedavidson.co.uk.

Love,

Laura

p.s. Only one day to go until our Miss Nikki Duffy becomes the new Mrs Nikki Clark! We are all so excited at the shop and can't wait to see the happy couple. We will keep you posted!

Happy Birthday!

Today I would like to wish Happy Birthday to Sarah who is turning 21...plus 17!

We are all spending the day filling up on pink sparkly cakes to celebrate. 

Today is a very popular day to have a birthday as it is also David Beckham and Lily Allen's, we are sending them lots of birthday love too...but no cake-it's all for us! 

Megan xx

Dreams Can Come True

Well it just goes to show you ladies - dreams can come true!

Yesterdays wish was for Manchester City to beat Manchester United.

And it happened! Laura's still awaiting on her Mullberry Taylor Satchel but she might be waiting a while...

Image courtesy of J Brand

In other news we've had another great J Brand delivery.

The infamous coral skinnies Kate wore - see Laura's previous blog - the Kinsey in Nightfall and the super skinny in an on trend pearl colourway...

Pop in to try on your latest injection of a colour pop.

 What more can a girl ask for? A trolley dash around the MAC counter perhaps?

 Love,

 Catherine