Faux Pas

GAME ON: Sports Luxe Style

By Emma Wood

With the Olympics only weeks away, last weeks Wimbledon final keeping us on the edge of our seats and for the lads out there, the Euros. Sports fever is unavoidable in 2012. The fashion world is no exception, from Marc Jacobs to Alexander Wang and Victoria Beckham, the SS/12 catwalks are jam packed with sporty influences to bring out our competitive sides.

Chanel God, Karl Lagerfeld is getting into the spirit by launching a pop up store housing an Olympic themed womenswear collection in Selfridges on the 24^th July. Named Team Karl, it will feature accessories and apparel to get the fashion world decked out in designer just in time for the games to begin. AND, Mr Lagerfeld is holding a private cocktail party to celebrate the launch. How do we get an invite? Cocktails and Karl... GO TEAM KARL!

Another brand getting involved is New York based label, Opening Ceremony, who have teamed up with Adidas Originals to bring out an Olympic themed collection in celebration of 2012. Opening in Covent Garden at a pop up store, this super stylish collection adds the seasons sports luxe twist to its normally urban and youthful look. Adding peplums to plain t-shirts and incorporating bold prints into their designs appeals to people who would not normally buy sports themed collections. Bravo Opening Ceremony. Fitting brand name too. Very clever.

Whilst every shop under the sun has embraced the sporty vibe, to avoid looking like you're off to the gym when you're actually heading to a bar, go for a statement piece such as a bright sporty clutch teamed with an LBD for ultimate sporty chic or purchase some high heeled trainers to team with skinny jeans and a loose fitted t-shirt. Sporty can be feminine you see! If you're looking to buy just one key item for this season, head over to Alexander Wang for some sexy heels. Using mesh and vibrant colours, he has made the sport trend wearable for everyone. What a man.

If you're not sold by this trend and will not be layering up those luminous cycling shorts, what better excuse do we need to whop on a Union Jack dress and channel our inner Geri Halliwell... SPICE UP YOUR LIFE!