The Christmas sparkle continues through the Harrods Christmas window spectacle of the Harrods Express. The British steam train setting sees guests feasting and set in luxurious splendour.
The Knightsbridge display features hundreds of thousands of light bulbs, 60 trees and an £80,000 Swarovski-covered Ralph & Russo dress. The display not only shows fashionable mannequins, but homeware and children's gifts.
Gisele stunned in a plunging, structured navy dress and amazing transparent courts at the Wall Street Journal Innovator Awards in New York- similar to the Atelier Versace piece she wears on the November cover of the Wall Street Journal.
Jessica Biel stepped out in strapless, Dior couture for the Guggenheim International Gala. I think the finishing touches of Jessica's lovely tanned skinned and pointed stilettos with yellow tones in them finish the look.
Of course, for any bride the dress is one of the biggest parts of the day- Christina Ricci is no exception. Marrying James Heerdegen at a private ceremony in New York, she wore a custom made Givenchy dress... Yes, I'm jealous.
Ashley Madekwe attended the celebration of Topshop in Los Angeles wearing beautiful plaid pieces from Topshop and white Jimmy Choo stilettos.
Yes, its that time of the year again!! Christmas fast approaching- its the time we should be thinking of what presents we need to buy, make plans and get excited for the festive season...
The adverts are full of the festive cheer too- with companies spending millions on flamboyant, advertising campaigns. The adverts have become so part of our Christmas as much as the Christmas tree, or mince pie.
Cadburys revealed their advert tonight, 8th November of a London street wrapped in that infamous purple foil. Whilst the Debenhams advert, features their in-house or collaborative designers such as Henry Holland, Jonathan Saunders and Patrick Grant with the slogan 'wishes made fabulous'- see below.
My favourite so far this year has to be the Marks and Spencer advert inspired by a series of classic fairytales- The Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland and Red Riding Hood. Starring the beautiful Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, David Gandy and Helen Bonham Carter and much fake snow the advert definitely makes you 'believe in magic and sparkle'. Please watch below.
Make sure you check out the latest Christmas advert to be shown... The John Lewis 'bear and hare' advert to be showcased for the first time tomorrow, Saturday 9th November between the XFactor advert breaks; with an estimated 7 million spent on it- it's supposed to be a tear-jerker.
Kryolan not only specialise in make-up, special effects but also hair products. Their colour sprays range form the natural blondes, browns even greys to brights and glitter sprays.
Of course, being me I loved the bright colour sprays- straight away put in the cobalt blue colour as a dip dye effect in my hair. Which was amazing- easy to apply although I did also end up with a blue neck!
I would definitely recommend these especially for fashion shoots, but also for a quick, temporary change or to trail a colour before a permanent change. The colour washes out, but the great thing is that you can brush it through to continue styling. Click here to view the full range, or visit the Charles Fox shop in Covent Garden.
Firstly, I must apologise... I am ashamed about the last time I posted on this blog. My only excuses although not good enough is how busy I have been. I will attempt to catch up and get back into the routine of blogging again!!
From early this year, I started working for fashion designer and stylist Joey Bevan. The experience has not only been the greatest opportunity for my career, has shown me many possibilities and have witnessed the industry I want to work in at a level not many will have seen at my age. I have realised my passion lies in styling... I relish in the backstage prep and camera checks!! Surprising me really- I thought it was just journalism for me!! With Joey I have worked with some amazing makeup artists (Lan Ngulen-Grealis, Gary Cockeril, Abbi Rose, Paul Merchant, the Charles Fox team and many more) celebrities, at amazing events and shoots. I cannot thank him enough for everything he has done, taught me and the advice he has given me so far....
Of course, I have never been one to make my life easy. This year I plan on completing university. Yes I cannot believe it will be my final year, scary to think that's it. Whilst juggling my final major project, dissertation and rest of the course I will continue working with the amazing Joey. So here's to another busy year... I will try and make room for constant posts though!!!
As my own little birthday treat, I brought a new pair of shoes and clutch bag...
Naughty I know, but I used my birthday as an excuse. I love the clashing bright pinks and oranges, as well as the different style of shoe with the suede detailing and unique pattern (although they did make my feet a little sore after).
When I wore this I teamed it with a simple white dress with lace detail- this brightened up the dress but ensured the accessories were not too much. I plan on also wearing it with leather look leggings and a bright vest blouse, as a slightly less dressy look.
The knicker-less Gwyneth Paltrow looked absolutely stunning on the red carpet of the LA premiere of Iron Man 3. Wearing Antonio Berardi autumn/ winter 2013-2014 gown, this year's 'Most beautiful Woman' Gwyneth certainly looked just that in the fitted dress with sheer panels at the side of the skirt and waist.
Lately, white shoes seem have lost the tacky stereotype associating them with Essex and I must say I've been drawn to a few pairs. I particularly like the pointed, court shoe giving an update to the sophisticated look. Ironic really- that something that was once associated with orange fake tans and a way to stereotype Essex people badly has grown to class- I can say this as an Essex girl myself.
Above: the beautiful Rosie Huntington-Whiteley teamed her gorgeous white Jean- Michel Cazabat heels with a Michael Kors dress to attend a dinner.
Above: Kate Hudson went for the complete white look with a Jenny Packham dress and Casadei heels to the 'Reluctant Fundamentalist' premiere.
Above: Katy Perry matched her Dolce & Gabbana matching print skirt ad crop top with a Lulu Guinness bag and white strap sandals at the Lacoste Pool Party during the Coachella Festival.
H&M are set to extend the Conscious Collection with a party wear wardrobe debuted this spring. Again, like the other conscious collections; the collection will be made from sustainable materials such as recycled polyamide and Organic cotton. With elegant full-length gowns and the sharp tailoring of suits, the collection has much elegance about it. Launched April 4 in stores nationwide, a few of my favourites are below:
Vintage inspired fashion line, Tara Starlet recreates the classically beautiful looks of the 1940s and 1950s. With inspiration from pin-up paintings and silver-screen sirens the brand takes a sophisticated elegance, with an ethical viewpoint using original buttons and trimmings where possible and end of roll fabrics that would have be wasted (perfect for a girl who doesn't want to match the mass market).
I was lucky enough to meet the brand; and styled their garments on the Stooshe music video. Check the video out below and spot Tara Starlet clothes (the cast at 1min 20sec and 3min 30sec especially). I love the prints and classic styles, like the floral halter bodice- £40,the sleeveless shirt- £35, and the Rita skirt- £65.
Unfortunately the bank balance of a fashion student is never particularly healthy- there are too many temptations and with best friends 21st birthdays, I stand no chance although I can dream:
Known for her numerous amazing collections and designing the Olympics kit, Stella McCartney recieved an OBE (Officer of the British Empire) from the Queen At Buckingham Palace on March 26.
The British fashion designer, 41 wore a navy suit and shoes of Stella McCartney teamed with a Cartier headpiece to collect her OBE.
Renound for her animal rights ideology, sharp tailoring and often sportswear imagery Stella McCartney is a great ambassador for fashion; below are a few favourites from her current collections:
For some unknown reason.... And no it wasn't an April Fools joke, I posted a bit of fashion history of April as I do on the first day of the month and is disappeared, so here it is again:
French designer, Jean Paul Gaultier born April 24 1952.
Marc Jacobs born April 9 1963.
Victoria's Secret model Alessandra Ambrosio born April 11 1981.
Canadian model Jessica Stam born April 23 1986.
Actress, Emma Watson born April 15 1990.
Pop-up store opening at Selfridges in tribute to David Bowie named: David Bowie is All Yours, launched April 4 2013.
An up and coming brand I recently discovered, whilst on the set for the Stooshe music video Slip, Ginge London takes a cool, studded look at unisex headwear. Studs, leather and contrasting prints in her snapbacks, Graphic Design university student Charlotte Knight has sparked much attention from celebrities and stylists (Alex-Stooshe, the cast of Geordie Shore, Vanessa- The Saturdays, dance troup Diversity have all recently worn theirs).
The contrasting materials used, for instance the underside of the snapback peak maybe a differing print make the designs so unique, and the Python style snapback (PU material) is really cool. Definitely worth a purchase and of course being based in Essex I must support a fellow Essex brand.
The label Bill + Mar, founded in
London in 2010, by Rosie Bannar after an inspiring year in Sydney and named
after her grandparents, mixes different fabrics, prints and textures. I first discovered
the brand at the Clothes Show where I particularly liked a chiffom, netted
style top with a colour panel across the bust (thankfully my sister made the purchase- so I can pinch it.)
To say my first professional shoot I worked on was a bit surreal is a complete understatement. Not only because it was for the 2013 Brit Award nominated band Stooshe, a Warner Brothers production directed by Bryan Barber but also overnight- a long 18 hour set.
At first daunting, for these many reasons and not knowing what to expect, I absolutely loved the experience.
Set in All Star Lanes Bowling Alley on bricklane, the styling teams work begun at 9.30 on sunday evening and finished on Monday afternoon at 2.30- trust me it was odd having walked out in a half-zombie, tired trance to daylight as everyone bustled around Brick Lane on their daily business when we arrived to the location it was cast in darkness.
With the retro themed set, the style mirrored the quirky 1950s look- complete with bowling shoes from All Star Lanes, vintage bowling shirts and full, circle skirts. Joey's styling vision was an array of vintage (Tara Starlet- London Fields, Boutique Unique- Southend, Pop Couture- Southend), highstreet (H&M, Topshop/ Topman and Sinstar) with rolled jeans, bright socks, clashing colours and prints. My job as assistant stylist to Joey Bevan, was helping style looks, iron the garments, dress the models, guard the collection of garments supplied and be the on set stylist (checking adjustments before action- no labels on show, the garments are sitting right).
I can now proudly announce, I am assisting the amazing fashion designer and stylist Joey Bevan. It's been a month since I started; already I have learnt so much- my first proffessional set I styled on was the Stooshe music video and I am curently assisting Joey with his bespoke showcase for the Coronation Festival at Buckingham Palace. I would like to thank Joey again for this opportunity; to gain experience from him is an honour.
The Oscars didn't fail to please in the style stakes this year; with some stunning outfit choices on February 24.
With crutches as accessories Kristen Stewart wore a beautiful nude Reem Acra couture gown. But underneath the stunning gown; with a sweetheart neckline and textured style, she wore a mismatched pair of shoes. Due to her her foot injury, she chose a Jimmy Choo sandal in white satin to match her dress and a silver ballet pump. She also wore a Fred Leighton diamond ring, similar to that of her character Bella in The Twilight Saga's engagement ring- perhaps a hint?
Singer Adele and new Mummy looked lovely in her bespoke Burberry design. The sparkling Burberry creation, with three-quarter sleeves and knee-length suited Adele; worn with silver heels to match the dress' sparkling shine.
The truly amazing Dior couture dress, Jennifer Lawrence wore to the Oscars may have given her problems with stairs but its simply stunning all is forgiven. The design had little detail and a simple strapless style; but the volume for sure made up for the design. The things I would do to be able to wear this are pretty unbelievable.
It's always risky to wear red to a red carpet event. Yet Jennifer Aniston pulled just that off in a scarlet Valentino dress. In some ways, similar to Jennifer Lawrence's dress the skirt had much volume in it with the dress then left fuss-free of over-the-top decoration.
Of course, I'm always longingly looking at clothes I don't need, convincing myself I can't live without them and justifying my dodgy bank balance after the splurges, so it's time for March's wish-list. Feel free to help a student out anyone, if you want to buy me anything:
On the first of every month, you can usually expect a blog post saying it's a new month, where has this year gone? But really, we are in March already it seems like only yesterday we had Christmas. But his a cheeky bit of fashion history of the March month:
Tommy Hilfiger born March 24 1951.
Shoe designer, Kenneth Cole born March 23 1954.
British designer, Alexander McQueen born on March 17 1969.
Sadly Cristobal Balenciago died March 23 1972.
Paris Fashion Week ended March 6 2013 for next seasons autumn fall collections.
Ok, so I was naughty once again and may have treated my wardrobe... Well I was in Camden market- so it was a bargain, pretty unique and I knew I would never find the item again but always remember it making me want it even more.
The printed grey jumper with black sleeves and neckline, has the printed image of a lady (who has a very nice bum) wearing a jacket that says 'God Save The Queen'.
It had that Kate Moss, realism feel to the image and I liked the honesty of it; not being so commercial as her face isn't seen. It's perfect to wear with leggings for a very casual look or jeans when the chill of the winter months gets too much.
Held on February 20, The Brits 2013 recognised superb musical talent from the likes of Emeli Sande, Ben Howard, Adele and Lana del Ray, but also saw some pretty amazing outfits too. Of course that's what I was looking at anyway (as well as admiring Justin Timberlake).
In a black Elie Saab gown, with high thigh slits Taylor Swift showed she's not always the sweet, Disney princess, but sexy minx too. She teamed the gold belted design that had chiffon shoulders with black strappy sandals and gold bangle and kept her gold locks simple too.
Of course the One Direction boys looked smart in their way with a mix of Alexander McQueen, Burbery, Topman, ASOS and Kurt Geiger. To be honest, I like that they mix high-street with high-end; I think sometimes by doing that it makes a loo more aspirational.
Aluna Francis looked stunning in a Theyskens' Theory sequin dress. I love how the despite the design being floor-length and long-sleeved maintains the modesty whilst having the transparent see-throughness.
Rita Ora changed to a black sequin floor length number for the Universal after-party. And just look at that slit, it's not even a thigh one- it seems to go more to her hip! But the train detail is a really cool idea to one side and worn with Cartier jewellery looks lovely.
Images courtesy of vogue.com and the Brits official website.
Lately, I've either been in towering heeled boots or scruffy and need of a clean converse; but Topshop have rescued me from shoe dilemma's. The patent, lasercut ballet pump with bow detail is smart, practical and unique with the laser-detailing- I'm in love with these pumps (and being so short I don't nromally really appreciate flats).
Whilst in London, taking some street style photography a few weeks ago I went to the Juergen Teller 'Woo!' exhibition at the Institute of Contemporary Arts.
Famous for his photography of Kurt Cobain, Vivienne Westwood, Kate Moss and Lily Cole Juergen Teller has a provocative, honest and realist style to his images. Not only has he done fashion and music editorials, brand shoots but family portraits. The exhibition features a selcetion of his books and much of his advertising and editorial tear sheets in the Fox Reading Room.
Above: Juergen Teller's, Marc Jacobs campaign with Victoria Beckham.
Above and below: The beautiful Kate Moss... possibly two of my favourite pictures of the supermodel (but there are so may good ones, it's hard to decide.)
Above: Bjork and her son as captured by Juergen Teller.
Above: Juergen Teller has often worked with Vivienne Westwood and taken images of her.
