Fashspiration of the Week // The Hitchcock Heroine

By all accounts, this summer has been a dizzying fashion roller coaster. From 20’s flapper dresses to 60’s mono mini’s and a *WHATEVER everyone’s doing it anyway* rehash of 90’s grunge, there was something for everyone. Except, perhaps the grown-up.

The grown-up (yep that’s us, kids) fatigued by ironic designer motifs, skorts and floral DM’s. A woman, who through innate stylish wisdom *natch* expects a little more mileage from her wardrobe.

Enter the femme fatale of AW13 – the devastating Hitchcock heroine. Think Ingrid Bergman’s demure silk blouses in Spellbound or Tippi Hedren elegantly running in The Birds whilst still clutching her box bag (below).

On the catwalk, Bottega Veneta showed strong shoulders, dramatic blood red and split knee-length skirts. Dior went cinematic with clinched box jackets and wide leg trousers. Loewe and Marc Jacobs at Louis Vuitton (below) channeled bored starlets after hours with decadent sexy slips, a hint of suspender, a flash of collarbone and seductively smudged eyeliner.

Key pieces? Invest in updated interpretations of the classics. An oversized duster coat, box jacket, pencil and side-split skirts, silks and modern tweed. Accessory-wise, I’m afraid that high-tops and that scratty old backpack just won’t cut it. Try heeled brogues or platform sandals, a structured tote and waist-clinching belt.

Swat up on film noir classics for fashion and beauty inspiration – Lauren Bacall’s jaunty beret in The Big Sleep (below) is perennially chic and Marlene Dietrich’s eyebrows in Stage Fright scream melodrama. Catch The Open Air Theatre showing The Birds in Regent’s park this weekend.

Check out Hobbs for nip-and-flare silhouettes, Whistles for circle skater skirts and Zara for Vuitton-esque slip dresses. Modern updates on screen-siren style, sans the Vaseline lens.