Christmas favourites...

Father Christmas knows me all to well- getting me lots of clothes and jewellery to wear!!
 
I was a very lucky girl to get a rusty, red colour pair of thick leggings; which I absolutely love. I will dress them up with heels and a black, lace top or for a more casual day a white, slogan tee-shirt and boots.

I recently brought myself a black, lacey bandeau bra and I got a couple of tops to wear with this. A navy chiffon shirt with a white collar and button front. A new party favourite for the days where I decide I’m too cold to brave bare legs and opt for my navy, shiny leggings.

My luck didn't stop there either.... I got tickets to see Olly Murs in February 2012.... I cannot wait!!!

Female celebrity of 2011

Future Queen of England... Current Queen of the celebrity fashion……….

………… Kate Middleton

From her country casual classics to the dress that transported her and British-born designer Sarah Burton into a fashion phenomenon; she is now known for beinga fashion icon.

Since the days of walking down a catwalk at her University- the very day Prince William laid eyes on her; her style has been scrutinized.

What I like about the Duchess of Cambridge’s wardrobe is that despite her healthy bank balance she still wears highstreet brands with prid; her favourite being Zara. She isn’t afraid of re-wearing either and many times during 2011’s summer she was snapped wearing her LK Bennett’s wedges or nude pumps.

And she stays true to Britain; often wearing up and coming British designers.

Whether it’s a red-carpet event, travelling around the world, a royal wedding, a day at the shops or to watch the tennis at Wimbledon Kate Middleton wins in the style stakes.

Designer of 2011

The one and only…………..

………….Sarah Burton

No one was quite sure when Sarah Burton stepped into the talented shoes of Lee McQueen how the brand would go. She hasn’t failed to please and her former boss’ legacy still lives on.

 

Without a doubt 29th April saw not only McQueen but the talent of Sarah Burton catapulted into the centre of the fashion industry internationally with ‘that dress’. And she deserves it.

 
McQueen is a brand that stood for typically British, statement clothing that didn’t need the spectacle of a theatrical catwalk performance as the clothes were that amazing.

The Spring/Summer 2012 collection of ice cool white fluffy dresses didn’t fail to delight either. The advertising campaigns stood shoulders apart from other designer houses; with originality and the simple fact that the designs took centre of the campaign.

I cannot wait to see what 2012 will bring for McQueen. 

Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!!!

Hope you all had a lovely Christmas and Father Christmas treated you well!

An early happy new year to you all too! Let’s hope 2012 is prosperous and happy for you all. My news year’s resolution will be to faithfully continue posting.

Happy reading xxx

Cheryl Cole and StylistPick

National treasure Cheryl Cole has reached new heights. Working with ‘stylistpick.com’ she has designed a shoe collection; as glamorous and fashion savvy as herself- I am definitely a fan.

Glam Sham- Disco Ball

THE PERFECT PARTY SHOE.

Nothing says Christmas like a bit of glitter and these T-Bar platform shoe are perfect for the party season. With a 5inch chunky heel (plus 1.5inch platform) the shoes would look amazing with a cute mini skirt, or even shorts with a tuxedo androgynous look.

Hot to Trot Foxy

THE SOPHISICATED, CLASSIC PUMP.

This hound-tooth print pump with stiletto heel and detachable strap gives a sophisticated look on fashion; perfectly fitting into the fashionable pencil skirts. Cheryl Cole effortlessly shows how these shoes really are hot to trot in, in the promotional advert on the TV. The classic colour scheme means the shoes remain constantly in fashion and the concealed platform makes the 5 inch heel easier to walk in without sacrificing the style of the shoe.

Funky Munky Jane

THE CASUAL FASHION BOOT.

Mixing fashion and function- this stylist boot mixes a chunky heel of five inches with the suede detail and leopard print fringing. These boots would look lovely with skinnies and chunky knitwear for a fashionable day at the shops.

Ri-Ri RT

THE SUPER SEXY BOOT.

“One super sexy boot” perfectly summed up by Cheryl Cole herself. These are a must-have investment; that could see you through the day to the evening and the closed toe means you wont get cold or wet toes! The ponyskin leaopard print trim on the toe and cuff of the boot the boot gives me sexiness; along with the stiletto heel of 6 inches (plus another inch and a half from the concealed platform).

Dorothy Perkins

The newest collection in Dorothy Perkins reflects classic Chanel looks. I work as a part-time sales assistant in Dorothy Perkins and as soon as I saw the latest lines there I could see the Chanel resemblance in it.

The inspiration for the formal trend named ‘China Doll’ is clear. The short, knitted, tailored cardigans look like the staple item of all Chanel collections the suit jacket. The cardigans come into two colour variations- one black trimmed with cream and with the pockets outlined with cream and then a cream one (the opposite to the black). They are a cute little cardi to keep you a little warm when its snowing outside without sacrificing the style and smartness.

Christmas dresses

Christmas came early at university. As we finished early and everyone would be leaving for the festive season; some of the lucky ones to enjoy a month of sunshine, we had to celebrate early. My friends did a lovely little Christmas party on December 1 – I suppose we were starting December off very festive!

Looking back at the pictures of the night; some a little embarrassing (including dancing to Christmas songs) I found this:

Looking very Christmassy in a metallic coloured strapless number and burgundy velvet one.

The dress on the left nips in at the waist and Bryony teamed it with an Alexander McQueen skull scarf tied in a decorative bow around her head. Whilst Lynsey kept her outfit simple; with the velvet fabric doing the talking- the colour perfectly matching her nails. As a small gathering both dresses were dressed down with opaque tights and Bryony mixed her girly dress with army boots giving the outfit a bit of attitude.

Gossip girl.... Blake Lively

Gossip girl… the one and only source into the scandalous life of Manhattan’s Elite and our chance to enjoy fashion with the very nice addition of Chace Crawford and Ed Westwick.  

The lead actresses Blake Lively (Serena Van Der Woodsen) and Leighton Meister (Blair Waldorf) are both on and off-screen style icons. I particularly like the outfit that Serena wears below from season five.

The outfit which costs over £2,000 (without the jewellery); includes a Haute Hippie feather sequined vest worn over a Vena Cava tank top tucked into Rodarte pleated, metallic skirt. Very on trend with the floaty skirt with metallic tones and teamed with a waistcoat style open vest. A touch of colour is added in with the suede heels; perfectly on trend of course in burgundy. The outfit shows of Blake’s gorgeous pins and the high-waisted skirt emphasis her tiny waist.

I love every item to this outfit but the shoes are just amazing! The Brian Atwood suede ‘Power Stud’ platform pumps would cost over £1,200 and are made in Italy. The studded detail covers the shoes chunky heel and back.

Alexander McQueen Pre-Spring/Summer 2012

Whether it’s the military style jacket, khaki colour tones, simplicity of design or bias cut floor length dresses the look has links to 1930-1940s fashion.

The look has an air of class through its simplicity and its understated approach to less is more reflects a ladylike theme.

The military style suit has the fitted structured bodice and flared trouser suit accentuating the waist showing the curves of a women but reinforcing the independence of women as being a trouser suit lots of movement can still be maintained.

The khaki colour scheme is continued in the long, bell-sleeved dress with a fluted tail and v-neckline. The theme of 1930s, 1940s fashion is also explored through the jacquard viscose stretch pencil skirt with a fluted tail. This is knee length and has reflections of the utility schemes during WW2. The simplicity of the designs also enhances this as during WW2 clothing was designed more for function and practicality.

During the 1930s a change came to fashion… it was about dressing the body with the fabric rather than just making the dress. The drape mattered and out of this bias cut dresses came. In McQueen’s pre-Spring/Summer 2012, a black floor-length, bias cut dress can be seen with a cowl neck and padded shoulders.

I absolutely love this collection because I love the simplicity yet high class of it. It just screeches elegance and the power of women.

http://www.alexandermcqueen.co.uk/uk/en/shop/Womenswear/Shop/Looks/PreSpringSummer12.aspx

What a feast!

Chanel delights at the Paris-Bombay 2011/12 Metiers D’Art Show last Tuesday. The catwalk was along long tables where the audience sat; giving them a feast on the glamorous Chanel collection.

Mixing the classic Chanel traits of tweed and tailoring with ethnic prints and vibrant colour tones the collection had elegance and originality. Jewelled head pieces, metallic materials, floaty styles and even chiffon all made an appearance.

http://www.chanel.com/fashion/7-paris-bombay-2011-12-metiers-d-art-show-chanel-fashion-show-27,0#7-paris-bombay-2011-12-metiers-d-art-spring-summer-2011-haute-couture-chanel-fashion-show-27,0

Christian Louboutin… ASTEROID

Nothing says Louboutin shoes like that red sole. That is what I aim for… to achieve my career dreams and have a wardrobe full of red soles!

Louboutin’s latest collection features theses 6 and ¼ inch heels.

  

Spiked at the toe, platform and stiletto heel, plus the python addition the shoe is out of this world.

With these shoes, I don’t think anyway would mess with you not with those killer spikes on your toes.

It’s the mix of punk attitude with spikes on a typically feminine shoe that just works so well. And in the brown and silver colouring they would be a good investment to go with many outfits.

Perfect for Christmas!

http://www.missselfridge.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33055&storeId=12554&productId=2676736&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=208087&parent_categoryId=208085&pageSize=200

Mixing the cosiness and warmth of a jumper needed on the wintery morning of Christmas Day but still having the style for the special occasion, this Miss Selfridge jumper is great. I love the geometric print of the jumper; which is just £37. Teamed with black skinnies or even leggings and heeled boots it would look lovely, I must admit I’m tempted…..

Velvet

The Christmas season is just round the corner (oh no… still got too much Christmas shopping to do!)The shops are filled with party classics… sequins, LBDs and the 2011 fabric… VELVET!
 

I’ve been very naughty and brought a black velvet dress.

 

I’ve been hunting for a while for the perfect one because I just wanted a bit of velvet in my life. I found one on the Topshop website which was blue with a crinkle effect to the velvet. I actually had one exactly like this when I was about 7 years old just shows how fashion goes round in circles. My search wasn’t over if I brought that home I knew my mum would just tell me I’m reliving my childhood wardrobe!

 

But I made an impulsive decision to buy one at work yesterday- apart from anything I could put it on the staff card and not have to pay it until the next month. It is fitted and simple but I just love it so much. It has little rouched shoulders and is pleated along the neckline. It is just a classic dress that oozes sophistication and is a must have staple; plus with velvet I feel like I am being a little bit festive.

It will for sure be my party dress this Christmas and new year!  

Van Cleef & Arpels

Flicking trough Harper’s Bazaar (December issue) I found this.

It’s such an impressive piece because it’s so different and unique without sacrificing its style. The Van Cleef & Arpels piece is actually a necklace but it can be transformed into a bracelet. I think taht is so cool and looks amazing both ways.

 

The zip necklace is decorated with beautiful sapphires and diamonds; contrasting the ordinary, expected function of a zip.

 

It is definitely on my wish-list, please Father Christmas!

Fashion week image...

Looking back at my old pictures and found this little beauty.

Just look at those glasses!

 

It was taken at S/S 2012 London Fashion Week (September 2011) by myself. This was such an amazing day anyway but I espicially after gatecrashing three shows.

Amsterdam

Day 1 in Amsterdam... The girls.

At the end of November I went to Amsterdam. I actually won tickets for the trip just by simply putting my name on a guest list when I was going to a club one night. Being a student, I couldn't really afford it so before winning tickets I hadn't looked into it at all.

It was such an amazing experience and I would love to go again. It was definitely worth the 21 hours I spent on a coach throughout the whole weekend (14 hours to get there and seven to get back). Although being claustrophobic I now know I will never be getting the train crossing to France again!

Lots of people had told me Amsterdam is such an experience but until you go yourself I don’t think you can truly understand. It is a lovely city and the culture is so different. The red light district seemed like something out of this world- it is so different and shocking to see. Also on many occasions throughout the weekend I was nearly run over- by bikes, cars and trams! The Dutch certainly don't use the crossing like we do (a red light for them still doesn't always mean stop and you may find yourself standing at a crossing waiting for quite some time).

I have only just recovered from the lack of sleep- we only had two full days there and two nights there so I wanted to make the most of every opportunity and couldn't even sleep on the coach, because I couldn't get comfortable. But it was for sure worth it!

2011...

It’s crazy to think that I started university three months ago. It has gone so quick.
 

When I think about what this year has brought it seems quite unreal. From my 18^th birthday to festivals to A-level results and securing my university place to moving to university.

 

Semester one down and numerous deadlines later Christmas 2011 is getting closer and closer.

I absolutely love the course and the work I’ve produced I’m very happy with. I’ve learnt so much already from working Indesign and making magazine laid out spreads to more knowledge of the fashion world.

My proudest piece of this semester has to be the Fashion moment on head scarves- I loved putting it all together as it would be in a magazine style. And also starting this blog!

Tweed

Another university piece:

How ironic that a fabric known as typically British is most commonly used in outerwear. That just sums up the British weather really. Since it was developed in the 18^th century in Scotland, Tweed has been a leading fabric in the fashion industry.

 

It’s no wonder a fabric so highly associated with British heritage, tradition and quality is a common feature for luxury, designer wear and catwalks. Tweed is a staple material in the classic Chanel suits and Vivienne Westwood often uses the iconic Harris Tweed to emphasis her brands roots.

 

Tweed is characterised by its warm, durable and moisture-resistant properties making it ideal for outerwear. Although lighter weights of tweed, have now been developed.

 

The name Tweed originates from the Scottish word ‘Tweel’ meaning Twill; the type of weave in which tweed is constructed. A London cloth merchant misinterpreted the word and Tweed received its name.

 

Yet tradition still reigns and Tweed lives on. It has grown with the fashions. Showcased at the Grand Palias at Paris Fashion Week, Karl Lagerfield included tweed for the essential Chanel suits in a spectacular Chanel way (right).  This autumn/winter will also see the ever-lasting tweed in the hacking jackets that ooze countryside sophistication.

Head scarves

This is a piece of univeristy work inspired by Colin McDowell's 'Fashion Moments':
 

As devastating as war is, fashions are found and survives. It was actually war when head scarves really took centre stage in fashion.

 

The simple convenience of the head scarf completed the Rosie look of the 1930s; made popular by the war poster campaign Rosie the Riveter: ‘We Can Do This’. With women acquiring more independence during the war there was a need for practicality. The make do and mend culture being upon them, head scarves were used to uplift the dreary utility clothing, along with red lipstick and curled locks. The head scarf protects, decorates and insulates whilst being adaptable to the newest trends, which is why over 80 years later they can still be seen on catwalks.

 

The success of the head scarf is because of its multi functions; being practical to keep hair out of the way during work, but also to accessorise; even for an off-duty model. The easily customised item determines that it is a fashion staple; up-cycling existing pieces to create new.

 

Known for accessories; Hermes continuously modernises the head scarf. With their new 2012 line of Indian inspired saris; the ethnic theme is explored whilst maintaining the concept of the headscarf: tie and wrap.

 

Alexander Wang included a variation of the head scarf in his 2012 Spring Summer collection. He paid tribute to its roots of rationing in its mesh form, linking to Wang’s sportswear theme. Ironically these were showcased at Paris Fashion Week; the very fashion capital that failed to acknowledge the utility schemes during World War II, choosing to continue with haute couture extravagance. Even the classic chain print often seen on scarves became a staple for the Dolce and Gabbana catwalk of Spring/ Summer 2012.

 

As a country in recession people cannot afford the flamboyant dresses; so to buy into a brand and experience a little luxury a versatile scarf is the way. The fact that something tiny can generate such a lot proves the importance; shown in how it remains Hermes most iconic item.

 

You would think that an item so closely associated with shortages and lack of wealth, would surely have died out by now. Yet it seems not.