Chart topping sensation and queen of controversy Rihanna has turned her skills to the world of fashion.

The 24-year-old pop singer has designed a collection of loose fitted printed and slogan t-shirts for Emporio Armani. This is her second
collection for the international fashion house, her first being released last year.

This time round, her collection features edgy tees, distressed denim boiler suits and short leather biker jackets. Whilst clearly retaining her ‘rude girl’ fashion sense, this look is a far cry from the skimpy outfits often seen on the young starlet.

Three sketches were released by Emporio Armani, which revealed the preliminary instalments from the collaboration and the collection has now gone live.

The latest collection also features fashionable shopper style shoulder bags with a large design label on the front. The iconic Emporio Armani eagle, with Rihanna’s initial drawn across the middle, is the collection’s logo. It even appears on a t-shirt pocket as well as on the belt of the denim boiler suit.

This new wave of laid back chic is a welcome alternative for those who want to channel Rihanna’s style without being too daring.

We love these accessories which channel Rihanna’s collection’s edgy laid-back look:

1. Bibi Bijoux studded gold cuff with black faux fur

Made with Swarovski elements and smoked topaz crystals, the studded bracelet also features a stunning gold tone chain that is perfect for giving your look a quirky twist.

2. Puntotres brown leather belt

Nothing says rock like leather and so we bring you this simple yet elegant brown leather buckle belt – ideal for everyday wear.

The Duchess of Cambridge attended a charity polo match over the weekend to watch husband Prince William and brother-in-law Prince Harry competing.

Whilst Kate Middleton was mostly standing on the sidelines with Lupo, the couple’s newly acquired dog, she was also snapped running in some towering tan-coloured wedges and a breezy silk aqua green dress.

Kate, who recently celebrated her first wedding anniversary, was seen in Coworth Park, near Ascot, running to catch up with William following his match.

The sporty Duchess’s legs looked very toned in the large wedge heels and above the knee dress.

She matched the delicately printed button shift dress with a simple pair of studded earrings.

Prince Harry and William, who participated in the charity match, showed off their competitive streak as they teamed up for a number of
matches at the Ascot grounds. More than 200 special guests attended the Audi Polo Challenge, including actors Russell Crowe and Tom Hardy. The annual event has raised more than £1.4 million in the last decade.

The Sunday event marked an end to a busy week for the Royal couple that including an appearance at an Olympic Black tie event on Friday.

Wearing a jewel-encrusted teal dress, the Duchess stole the show at the Olympic Games event, which was held at London’s Royal Albert Hall.

The Jenny Packham dress with lace capped shoulders and intricate button detail on the back sported by the Duchess will undoubtedly
become a sell out item in the coming weeks.

Matching the dress with a pair of Jimmy Choos and a pair of glittering diamond drop earrings, Kate Middleton looked as glamorous as a princess.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, along with Prince Harry, are the official ambassadors for the London 2012 Olympics.

Get Kate Middleton’s look with these classic crystal studs from Lovett & Co.

Bottega Veneta, the high end Italian leather goods brand, has announced plans to launch a range of bags which can be personalised with the initials of individual customers.

The specialised service allows customers to add their own personal touch to handbags and accessories with their initials. With a choice of eight colours for lettering and a range of four different hues of leather, the innovative feature is already available online.

Bottega Veneta’s creative director Tomas Maier told British Vogue: “I’m excited to be launching Initials because it allows us to take the customer-centered philosophy of Bottega Veneta one step further.

“The service is truly personalised and the process is fun. The best part is that the products look great.”

Initially, the service is only available on handbags and accessories. However, the personalisation will be extended to luggage from
July.

In order to personalise your item, you will have to type your initials into their website. Thereafter, customers are shown a range of leather bags, belts, iPad cases and wallets with their initials on in a range of colours.

The brand’s blog states that the service “adds another dimension” to Bottega Veneta’s famous motto, ‘When your own initials are enough’.

Best leather bags

Kate Benjamin’s tan coloured, oversized leather bag is ideal for all occasions. The classic practical bag also comes with a detachable shoulder strap, making it suitable for larger items. It can be worn all year round and features a cream polka dot print inner lining. This bag is exclusive to Accessories Direct.

Suzy Smith has a great collection of handbags. We love the gorgeous genuine leather brown scoop shoulder bag. Small and sweet, it makes the perfect everyday wear bag. Complete with gold tone metal branding on the front, this classic bag will never go out of style.

Whether it’s a chilly spring day, perfect picnic weather or you are simply in need of some office chic, we have sniffed out some of the best accessories to keep you looking stylish throughout the day.

1. Statement necklace

Give your everyday outfits an injection of energy with a bold statement necklace. Kate Benjamin’s turquoise and leopard necklace would look great with a simple white top and dark blazer. This chic look would be perfect for the office and would add a touch of colour and print detail to any plain LBD.

2. Tote bags

Casual and easy to handle, tote handbags  are an absolute ‘must’ for this season. From cute floral print lined totes (like the Kate Benjamin black leather tote bag with Liberty lining) to chic tan and leather bags (like the Kate Benjamin tan leather bag), they are perfect for everyday use.

Great for summer getaways and strolls to the shops, tote bags not only look fantastic but are also the Mary Poppins of bags, with enough space to fit all of life’s essentials in….and a little extra!

aD loves the Fiorelli white woven textured shopper bag:

3. Sunglasses

What spring/summer wardrobe would be complete without sunglasses? From oversized gradient sunglasses to something a little more subtle, there is something out there to suit every face shape. Edging on 1960s cool, cat eye sunglasses have been seen on both Kim Kardashian and Beyoncé recently. With bright bold frames in mustards, bright whites and dusty pinks, cat eye sunglasses are perfect for spring and summer days out.

4. Clutch bag

Simple, sweet and just about large enough to hold your change, lipstick and phone, clutch bags are great for a quick dash outside without being weighed down by everything you own. You could opt for a chic, bold colour to brighten up your casual outfit, or a classic chic art deco inspired clutch for a vintage look.

5. Subtle jewellery

Dress down during the day with some pretty but subtle gold jewellery and elegant earrings. Make your look even more sophisticated by sticking to monochrome earrings and bracelets. Gold bangles (like the Made UK triple logo brass bangle) and teardrop earrings (like the Kate Benjamin golden crystal drop earrings) with a statement necklace could look fabulous whatever time of day or night it is.

After the first full five days back at work following the Bank Holiday, the weekend is finally upon us!

Whatever you’re planning on doing this weekend, make sure you have the accessories to match:

Get-away weekend

If you’re packing your bags and jetting off this weekend, why not do it in style? One particular get-away weekend must-have is, of course, the overnight bag. Where in the world would women be able to store everything and the kitchen sink if it weren’t for the over-sized, weekend bag?

We love this gorgeous brown oak leather tan bag from Moroccan Bazaar. Not only will you look stylish and sophisticated, but the bag also has a luxury vintage feel, perfect to accommodate any look.

Night out/ drinks with the girls

You can jazz up any outfit with some stylish accessories. A single necklace or set of bracelets could totally transform your look. Whether
you’re out for some fine dining or going for drinks, statement jewellery is perfect for any night out.

We love this gold leaf statement necklace from Made UK. Consisting of five cast brass leaves all linked together and attached with a handmade
recycled chain necklace, it’s set to impress any evening crowd.

Lazy days at home

Staying in and putting your feet up is one of the many benefits of having a weekend. We love nothing more than lounging around, however, this requires the ultimate in comfortable clothing as well as a good film and some popcorn. The only way to fully enjoy your lazy day at home is with a pair of loungerie trousers. You can’t go wrong with classic black or taupe matched with a vest top and hooded jacket, helping you to get ready to spend a day in front of the TV or tucked up with a good book.

Sarah at The Fashion Ache explains why the Kate Benjamin Leather Satchel bag has won a place in her heart..and on her arm!

   “I first fell for the satchel from a very young age (age 9 if we’re looking to be precise) – and who wouldn’t? A roomy interior makes easy work of my constant inability to pack light – I stuff all of the latest glossies, my make-up, Blackberry, Post-It loaded diary and anything else that I can get my mitts on into its straining seams!

   You can wear a satchel bag slung over one shoulder swinging next to your skinnies, across-the-body for when you’re late for work (toast in one hand, mascara in the other) or clutched to your side as the FASH PACK are doing right now.

    When my delectable Kate Benjamin Leather Satchel  arrived, it was most-definitely love at first sight. The buttery-soft leather and gold hardware are versatile enough to work effortlessly with this SS12’s trends – be it that flirty floral dress from Prada, that under-the-sea print Versace or your beloved Topshop jeans and a plain white tee.

   AND, there’s a delightful treat hiding inside. I’m a complete sucker for a fabulous lining and the Kate Benjamin satchel doesn’t disappoint. By golly, it’s even working the trends on the inside with its gorgeous floral print – this is one ‘of the moment’, on-trend satchel. Talk about hitting the fashion nail on the head!

   This satchel will definitely charm its way into your SS12 wardrobe, and most probably outlive many of the garments in there. Whatever look you’re working and whatever the trends are, the Kate Benjamin satchel will always be that turn-to accessory staple!”

Bring me comfort, bring me style!

I’m one of those girls that goes to work, then on to an event or party and I often end up staying at a friend’s afterwards. I don’t tend to plan how my evenings will pan out and I often wake up thinking ‘Uh oh – I wish I’d brought my x, y, z with me for today!’

With this tendency to see where my nights carry me, I need a decent sized bag to accommodate all of my stuff and the more room the better! With the extra space, I can then bring back-ups of my essentials so that I know that I’ll be sorted for the following day.

When I spotted the Kate Benjamin ‘Madrid’ bag, I knew that it was perfect for my lifestyle! I love the chic (but understated) colour and the £150 price tag reminded me that the leather would be fabulous quality. I’ve been using it mainly with the shorter handles, but the shoulder strap is uber handy for when my hands are busy with my phone for example.

When my bag arrived, I took a deep breath – I just love the comforting smell of real leather! It was delivered to my office and my manager also said: ‘Ooh – the smell of good leather – so comforting’.

I’ve got lots of busy weekends planned over the coming months and no doubt this bag will be by my side for every one! It’s just right for fitting enough stuff in for short stays without the need for a suitcase! Oh and did I mention the chic colour?

Lara Lain
Marketing Executive at LOOK Magazine

@LaraLain
http://www.ifeellikeidreamtit.com/

I have come to an age now where, seeking out the cheapest viable option is no longer necessary. I lust after good quality leathers, handbags which will act as investments and which I can use with a vast multitude of outfits…

So I headed over to Accessories Direct for my fill of fabulous handbags and I was not disappointed; through all the gorgeous picks, my heart settled on this one; it’s the Kate Benjamin Large Tan Leather Bag. Yikes, I really am obsessed with Kate Benjamin designs! What’s not to like though eh?

Maybe it’s the crisp winter air, or the fact the suns shining, but I love this bag; it truly is an Autumnal style staple – just imagine, jeans, tan leather boots, cashmere jumper and an oversized scarf… Ah, the cold weather’s not so bad after all eh…

Until next time!

xoKLW The Style Bite