In the world of fashion where online purchases “have increased by a massive 461% over the past 5 years alone” (Latest research from MINTEL Oxygen), having a captivating, strong fashion focused website is a must.

Tara Lacey

Tara Lacey Online Boutique was founded by Tara Cowland, who is passionate about women using fashion and style to make themselves feel great.  Tara Lacey’s aim is to be the home of “online luxury fashion, selling an array of women’s brands both new and established, from all over the world. We specialise in beautifully designed clothing, stunning accessories, stand-out swimwear and statement jewellery”. The online boutique is created for women of all ages who do not want mass produced clothes but also don’t want to ruin their bank balance trying to find them.

www.taralacey.com

“The feeling you get when you dress in something new, I want our customers to feel that sensation even on the fourth time of wearing it.”

Nowadays with so many cheap collections in high street stores and online discount sites, it is difficult not to get immersed in the world of ‘throwaway fashion’. But it is important to invest in key, unique pieces that may be more expensive but will still be stylish and in a great condition seasons later.

The History of www.taralacey.com

The Tara Lacey online boutique came about when Tara was studying Fashion Promotion at the London College of Fashion. It was then that Tara realised her passion for retail buying, and with inspiration from the success of companies such as Net-A-Porter and ASOS, Tara knew she wanted her own business and to be selling brands from around the world. Tara quickly realised that there was “a market for women who do not want to wear the same clothes as everyone else and do not always look at the label”. Online boutiques have become very important in the fashion world, Tara describes them as “a unique haven, that offers a capsule collection, I love that the owners always know their customers well. If you find a boutique you love. You know you will always love.”

In order to source the very best brands, Tara visits various trade shows in London, Paris and Barcelona, “looking for brands that not only appeal to me but I can picture other women liking. Firstly I look for design – I like clothes that you can wear over and over, so quality is very important. I tend not to go for well know brands as there are sites that offer them, but if I really like some pieces I will include them.”

Brands featured on the site include the ever fabulous Darling, Pink Label London and Nicola de Main.

The Collections

Popular brands on the website include Tavan & Mitto, Nocturne and Aguaclara for bikini’s, but mainly people go online to purchase dresses from the fabulous range that Tara Lacey stock. There is a great range of dresses, tops for the office or for an evening event to team with trousers and skirts. Also a remarkable array of jumpsuits, knitwear, jackets and swimwear, everything you could need for your summer wardrobe or that capsule holiday collection, all in one place. The website also features exquisite jewellery from Fiona Paxton as well as bags from Sam Ubhi and Lillifi.

Key Pieces for S/S 10

Nocture Snakesking Jumpsuit – 100% silk, harem pants jumpsuit offering an alternative to the regular jumpsuits as this design is ruched in all the right places. Team with killer heels for a night out on the town or with embellished flat sandals for a relaxed lunch at your summer hideaway.

Nocturne Snakeskin Jumpsuit

2Love Tony Cohen Caramel cotton shirt dress - perfect for the day into night transition – think Ibiza pool party, chilled out bbq in the country or simply something light and relaxed for a day shopping with the girls. Accessorise with black french pumps and a giant shoulder bag or maxi clutch and you have a bang on trend outfit.

2Love Tony Cohen Caramel cotton shirt dress

Utility Chic from Bllack Noir - Bllack Noir make style effortless. Favourite pieces featured include Bllack Noir Jersey top with leather belt and Bllack Noir Silver studded jersey top, which is a modern twist on this season’s sequins and sparkle.

Utility Chic from Bllack Noir

Tara Cowland’s Favourite’s:

“From my collection I have a few favourites, Juliette Offenbach – who creates great dresses she has a great eye and all her dresses fit the female body perfectly and Tavãn & Mitto – the Canadian duo whose designs are classic, tailored and flattering.”

Tavãn & Mitto Sand Loose Fitting Dress hits the pastels/nude trend perfectly. Its gorgeous, sumptuous fit is a contemporary twist on the safari trend and is the ultimate day dress.

Whilst Pink Label London’s black sequin dress hits all the right notes for the summer party season and is a stunning, more sophisticated way to wear sequins.

Pink Label London Black Sequin Dress & Tavãn & Mitto Sand Lose Fitting Dress

Tara’s big tip for Autumn/Winter collections this year is Leather, “I think its going to be a bit more gothic but sexy”.

Tara Lacey has been nominated for best online boutique at the Sheer Luxe awards, you can vote for them here

At the time of going to press an online sale is occurring at www.taralacey.com and keep your eyes on the competitions page for some great offers.

2adorn

2adorn is an inspired new fashion label featuring unique hand-made fascinators & headpieces by new & up-coming Australian designer, Kim Nguyen.  2adorn was created from a hobby and Kim’s passion for finding accessories that stand out from the crowd.  Kim told LadyM Presents that she “believes in accessorising to give a simple or old outfit an instant lift”.

The Collections

The 2adorn collections are inspired by the Spring/Summer key catwalk trends; glamour, military and utility chic and pastels.  They also take onboard a lot of the experiences and vistas that Kim explores on her travels round the world.  ”I’m constantly seeing new cities and experiencing new cultures and every experience adds ideas and depth to my designs and collections”.  Individually hand-made, with delicate and pretty trimmings including veil, pearls, textured flowers, soft feathers, sequin motifs, and lace to name a few.

Summer Glamour

Summer Glamour featuring bright, bold colours and floral designs.  Being from Australia Kim loves ” the sunshine and outdoor events and these designs just brightens up any outfits just like the sunshine brightens up our moods.”

Francesca and Florence Fascinators, by 2adorn

Safari, Military

Embraces warmer weather with colours and prints that come straight out of Africa or an Indonesian Jungle. The headpieces feature khaki, beige and military greens of the utility chic trend.

Eldora and Freya Fascinators, by 2adorn

Feather Fairy

Perfect for a soft touch to a wedding outfit or a subtle nod to vintage glamour. Captivating pieces to emulate the epitome of elegance and sophistication.

Eslyn and Freda Fascinators, 2adorn

Races, Wedding, Parties

A day at the races is always a special affair, make sure you stand out in the crowd with one of 2adorn’s hand-made fabulous fascinators. Meanwhile the Wedding season is almost upon us and one way to look your best is with a simple but elegant floral headpiece. Or make that special step to compliment that outfit you’ve taken so long bringing together by complimenting it with a great fascinators.

Fenella & Esmeralda Fascinator, by 2adorn

Blacks, Pastels, Ivory

Kim enthusiastically states “The Classic Black is Back… but of course it never left the runway! Not sure on which colour to wear? Black is always a versatile and safe option”.  This summer is all about pretty, feminine tones, with the range featuring baby pinks, lilacs, lemons and pistachios.  If your outfit speaks for itself but you want something to add that ‘wow factor’, try ivory to take a palette of more neutral colours that will suit almost any outfits.

Fiona & Frosty Fascinators, by 2adorn

Conclusion

Since 2005, Kim Nguyen’s headpieces have adorned Magazines, TV, Catwalks and Fashion shows, with recent interest from Tatler fashion editor, Hannah Teare, and as featured on Britain’s Next Top Model.  Kim Nguyen’s headpieces are all hand-made and her 2adorn label is now widely stocked in Australia and the United Kingdom, and emerging elsewhere in Europe.

Combining the sumptuous colours of nature with the delicate motifs of ancient Vietnamese culture, Kim Nguyen’s unique pieces are delicate yet striking.  Kim explained, “When designing, I usually take out a whole day uninterrupted so I can get in the ‘zone’ and start putting designs together in my head. In the process I pull out all the materials and colours that I want to work with and then start to build a design from there. I’m always full of ideas but many times it’s a lot easier to visualise than put together.”

What’s next for 2adorn?

2adorn will be launching the Autumn/Winter range shortly, which will have lots of fun and chic designs.  The brand  wants to encourage fashion enthusiasts to be more experimental with hair accessories and to include more and these items amongst all the jewellery, handbags and heels that we all have plenty of already!

2adorn fascinators and headpieces are available at www.2adorn.com and www.girlmeetsdress.com

2adorn have given LadyM Presents readers an exclusive 10% discount on online purchases.  Simply  enter “LadyMPresents” at the checkout to claim 10% off your total purchase.