My Fashion Plate Blog

At a time when loads of companies are tightening their purse strings and reigning in their spending, we don’t like to hear about any of our favorite brands struggling to survive.

That’s why it was so good to discover that Prada is expecting its 2009 operating profit to be far better than the previous year.

The Milan-based luxury brand now seems to be far more optimistic about its future and this could offer a glimmer of inspiration for similar labels, especially as Versace has seen its sales and profits decline in recent months.

It seems as though celebrity stylists and the world’s fashion elite could be helping to keep Prada afloat and it reported EBITDA earnings of €282 million ($386 million) last year. This is equal to a sales increase of 14 per cent.

Although owner Miuccia Prada and her husband Patrizio Bertelli failed to give any more details, we’re pleased to hear a success story in the current economic climate.

The brand was first established by Mario Prada and his granddaughter Miuccia joined the firm in 1970.

Are you a Prada fan, or more of a Versace girl?

Posted by Kim Smithson

When Chloe’s Paddington bag was unveiled, celebrities and personal stylists everywhere wanted their own piece of arm candy as it quickly became one of fashion’s must-have items.

However, the brand’s former creative director Phoebe Philo has now headed to pastures new and claims that in her new role as head of Celine, she won’t be creating any more It-bags.

Instead, she wants to make products that become renowned for their quality and how functional they are.

Ms Philo told WWD that her bags have to be made from good leather and feature top-class craftsmanship and detailing.

"In the evening, it is less important, but for day it drives me crazy if a bag is not functional," she added.

This is a woman after out own hearts! Of course, we love a glitzy clutch as much as the next person, but when we’re heading to the office carrying everything except the kitchen sink, a big roomy bag that won’t fall apart at the seams is essential.
Do like big bags or do you prefer a little purse?

Posted by Rachel White

They’re girly, fun and the cutest way to add some embellishment to your outfit. What are we talking about? Bows, of course.

You shouldn’t just think of these as child-like accessories for the most feminine of women, as loads of designers incorporated them into their creations on the catwalk for this season.

If you’re after some color for an eye-catching daytime look, you’ve got to check out Luella, the quirky British brand headed up by Central St Martins graduate Luella Bartley.

Models had vibrant turquoise eye shadow clashing against the bows in their hair and the palette of pale orange, sunshine yellow and baby pink that dominated a range of softly-structured skirts and dresses.

We’re particular fans of one pastel-colored dress with a contrasting slim black belt and bow that would be perfect with a cardigan for the office or some sparkling jewelry for an evening meal.

Easy to dress up or down, it shows that bows can be sweet without seeming sickly.

Will you be choosing bow-fronted blouses or wearing an accessory in your hair? Why not use My Wardrobe to see which of your clothes they will look best with?

Posted by Kim Smithson