on a BUM note...

Bum-bags are back!!!!

The last time I wore a bum-bag was actually only last year… as part of a Tomb Raider Halloween costume, I had a leather bum-bag to give the look a utility vibe. And it was actually the best thing ever…it reminded me how annoying handbags, clutches and purses are. I didn’t have to worry about losing my phone, money, make-up or keys…all were compactly and safely secured to my body! It left my hands and arms free to dance (badly) throughout the night.

So why is there such a faux-pas stigma against these little gems? Well for years now, they have always been associated with naff tourists on holidays, in grotesque prints and overly neon-bright colours. I have flashbacks of my Mum having a bright yellow one with black exposed zips and my sister with an luminous Simpson’s version.

No longer just made in tacky polyester…designers have given the bum-bag a whole new sophisticated chic. Over at Louis Vuitton, designed by Marc Jacobs, the bum bag has taken a luxe turn. In embossed leather complete with tassels and fur trimmings…even uber cool fashion follower Rihanna has been seen sporting this design out! Brit bag designer Angel Jackson, who has her bags for sale on fashion website ASOS, has brought out a gorgeous python skin bum-bag, which surprisingly enough I am lusting after! And newcomer to the design world Ashish sent his models down the catwalk at London Fashion Week with his sexier bum-bag versions, with studded detailing teamed with cut-away body-con dresses.
Surprisingly enough, the High Street has taken this trend on…and there are cool versions popping up everywhere. Marks & Spencer will launch a studded leather-effect version in May, while American Apparel offers extreme ‘80s’ shiny gold and blue versions. River Island has the most wearable version, in my opinion, with grungy black leather adorned with triangular-shaped studs coming into stores thus Spring, while Penneys currently have their versions in stock…actually ahead of the fashion pack for once, in leather-look black and white options.

Well this ‘90s’ icon has come back with a bang this season, and although there was a mini-revival of the bum-bag by Louis Vuitton a few years back, it never really caught on despite SATC’s ‘Carrie Bradshaw’ endorsing it. It proves that not everything she touches turns to gold, which leads me to think that this new revival may also be short-lived.

I cannot deny their convenience and I may even invest in a cheap one for the festivals this summer - it’s certainly here for the short term on a crazy fashion whim so why not indulge this spring and make like Mr. Motivator.

D-D-D-D-ouble Denim

It was one of the most cringe worthy fashion moments of the 90’s when Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake turned up on the red carpet in matching denim outfits. But who was to know that they would become the muses and inspiration behind the top design houses for Spring/Summer 2010…Double denim is back with a bang, yes, wearing head to toe denim is now actually acceptable. Attempted originally in the 80’s, where permed hair was also acceptable, then reprised by the aforementioned tween pop stars and now finally hitting the catwalk and every magazine as the hottest trend of the season!

D+G, House of Holland, Chloe, Ralph Lauren, Jeremy Scott, all have the denim-on-denim done to perfection! Denim jackets teamed with jeans, skirts, dresses and even hats. But the best part of this trend is the re-invention of this classic all-American original was denim into jumpsuits, dresses and even suits.

House of Holland took denim to a new level with looks inspired by bondage and suiting, while Chloe attempted a daring dolly look with denim patchwork. Chambray seemed to be the denim colour of the season which is a lighter than light denim-wash… this was seen on the Jeremy Scott models, while Ralph Lauren and D+G kept it retro classic with almost cowboy country inspired looks. Lauren kept his American cool vibe he has every season, while D+G spiced up the generally casual fabric with detailing like ruffles on denim dresses and skirts and showing flashes of skin.


So how can we get away with this tricky trend off the catwalk? Well, if wearing the same tone denims in one outfit like Jeremy Scott, then break it up with colourful or tan accessories, like a belt or jewellery. Another way to wear this look is to mix up the denims with different washes, dark, light, chambray etc.

And if you are still unsure about this look, why not opt for the safer version and wear coloured denim jeans like white or peach, and team with a plain denim jacket! At least that way it isn’t as obvious and you are easing your way into the trend.