May's wish-list

Saving is so hard when there are so many nice things out there and the seasons are supposed to be changing (although as I write this there is a thunderstorm hitting). A student who’s just booked a holiday and recently brought a car really should save but a girl can dream and maybe buy a few items….

·         Black Aztec embellished dress- River Island £100. http://www.riverisland.com/Online/women/tops/going-out-tops/black-aztec-embelished-tunic-top-617467
·         Blue wild love print cropped top- River Island £15. http://www.riverisland.com/Online/women/t-shirts--vests--sweats/short-sleeve-t-shirts/blue-wild-love-print-burnout-crop-t-shirt-618160
·         White lurex, gold pacha bikini- River Island (top £20, bottoms £ ).
http://www.riverisland.com/Online/women/pacha/white-lurex-gold-pacha-bikini-top-617661
·         Woven body with graphic print- asos £25.
http://www.asos.com/ASOS/ASOS-Woven-Body-With-Graphic-Print/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=2147184&cid=11320&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=200&sort=-1&clr=Print
·         Bandeau chiffon peplum dress- OhMy Love for Topshop £35.
http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=5565052&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=208523&parent_categoryId=203984&pageSize=200
·         Crochet shorts with skull detail- H&M’s conscious collection £19.99
http://www.hm.com/gb/product/01505?article=01505-A

Dyebrows

People may think of me as eccentric and bold with my pink hair (both of which I’m not) and although I have bright pink in my hair I would never dye my eyebrows.

Dip-dying and streaks of colour in hair capture your attention enough but the latest dying trend is even more eye-catching still. From rich blues to bright pinks and even oranges brows take the meaning bright to the next level. With them on the Prada catwalk in Milan’s Fashion Week, I’m sure we’ll see a lot more of them but I’m just not keen.

Dyebrows are definitely impressive but I just think fashion is not about being so in your face and sometimes the most subtle trends look the best. Despite having a little pink in my hair I do like natural (ironic considering I’m from Essex and go against the stereotype by not wearing fake tan) I do love subtle and understated but just making trends your own. I think they look good on the catwalk which is always a more powerful level of fashion than the high-street or diffusion lines but I certainly won’t be dying my eyebrows anytime soon.

Perfect petites

5ft2. That's me yes I am short. To be honest I really don't mind I can still wear heels and never worry about being taller than anyone.

The only time it annoyed me was when the long chiffon shirts and dipped hem dresses came in. I think being short maxi dresses would drown me but I have had a change of heart and ordered a dress from Asos' petite range with a dipped hem (linked in a previous post: Birthday dresses... Present for moi).

One thing I do really like being short is that I can fit in normal ranges and if I like something can just grab the petite version. Lately, I think the petite ranges have been much nicer and in many store favourites I have preferred the petite clothing over the normal main lines.

So for you petite ladies I have posted a few favourites:

·         For a wedding or dressy night out this Asos dipped hem dress with knicker shorts is only £40.

·         To achieve the pastel trend with smartness this little, summery shirt in peach with button detail is perfect from Dorothy Perkins at just £26.

·         For that amazing festival outfit, Topshop have a summer favourite. The only thing is its so nice its probably going to be the must-have highstreet item and therefore the dreaded same outfit may occur; but Topshop's petite range has a lovely little bra top with 'PEACE' prmted on it.

·         Miss selfridge have secured many fashion points with a pretty amazing printed slogan tee; how could you go wrong jeans if chilly or in the hot, hot, hot summer a pair of little shorts.

Birthday dresses... Present for moi

Well if anyone needs a perfect excuse for a new dress it’s a birthday. And as everyone has being saying to me they have brought new dresses for a night out I need to too plus I can buy myself a little treat can’t I? So I have picked out a few favourites below all for consideration, what do you think?

•   Asos Exclusive dress with dippedhem and knicker shorts- £40. I absolutely love this dress, to be honest I have been looking for a dipped hem for quite a while. bein so short I didn't actually think I would be abe to wear a dress lik this. My only worry is despite it being the petite range it will still be too long for me.
• Asos skater dress with lace cross back in orange-£40. This dress is cute; I like the back detail as it is a little different from the conventional skater dress and most girls love a bit of lace.
• Asos skater dress with chain detail- £35. Another unique little design with a chain detailing, there is just something about it I'm not sure on and I don't know what it is. Plus I think a zip that can be seen looks a little cheap in some designs.

Basically I am struggling to find 'the dress', there are a lot I like but they just aren't right or I don't love them enough. Help!!

Candy Kisses photoshoot

Below are the images of a photo-shoot for a university project; I had forgotten to upload them. It was a pastel story; named Candy Kisses for Glamour Magazine with the wonderful model Scarlett Howard from Lenis Modelling Agency. A special thanks to Her Curious Nature who were kind enough to send us some beautiful samples even making a pastel hair band especially for us; they are absolutely stunning pieces. Most of the items are Topshop, Asos or vintage.

Images were styled, directed by Bryony Hipkin, Sophy Davis Russell (please click on their names to see their lovely blogs) and myself. The project was limited to just three images; with over 600 to choose from this was one of the hardest tasks of the project but the final three are the first ones posted and were picked based purely on them being the most suitable for the target publication.

Above hairband from Her Curious Nature, vintage shirt, skirt a sample from Asos styled with the stylists own belt and shoes.

Above another hairband from Her Curious Nature, Topshop shirt with additional stylists own collar.

 

Above the Her Curious Nature hairband worn around the bun, Asos sample cropped top and Topshop shorts worn with pastel flower hairband from her Curious Nature as a belt.

Above the items as in the image before with the addition of a strawberry.

 

Above Her Curious Nature hairband and collar accessorise the Topshop shorts and shirt with the special edition pearl, mint Doc Martins.

 

 

 

Above in a naughty housewife pose, a hair piece from Her Curious Nature, dress from Asos samples styled with  stylists own scarf as a belt.

Finally the stylists own top worn with a mint pastel bra from Topshop.

With special thanks to Her Curious Nature, Asos, Topshop, Scarlett Howard, Lenis Modelling Agency, Bryony Hipkin and Sophy Davis Russell.

Flatforms

The new spring shoe: Flatforms I think are rather ugly. As most girls I absolutely love shoes, one of my aims in life is to one day own some Louboutin’s but elegant, classy shoes are my favourite. It is said you can tell a lot about a person by the shoes; it’s a game I play often on the tube guessing the job people have by their shoes a man dressed in nice shoes but jeans is most definitely the media probably TV.

Above: the Prada laced-up version of the clumpy, odd flatform. Image courtesy of shoes-in.com

Yet, I just think this latest shoe trend is a little ugly. Yes my style is more girly but I do like the androgynous fashion but I think these are just not either and more ugly than anything. With the more classical heel they lift you up and give a sexy, elegant feel; these shoes may give you a little lift and for a short person like me that might be a good thing but they just seem ugly to me. Maybe it’s just the more classic sense of fashion in me but I prefer cute pumps or the more conventional heels. One thing’s for sure I won’t purchasing a pair of flatforms.Above: the Prada laced-up version of the clumpy, odd flatform.

Bright mint jeans... Yum

Coloured jeans add a pop of colour to the classic casual look. With celebrities and even royalty stepping out in bright denim; the high-street has heaps of them. I had a pair of reddy-pink ones in the winter to add a twist to the winter wardrobe; but wanted a more summery pair. For me, Dorothy Perkins had the perfect pair they hit the pastel trend of mint green but kept the vibrant pop of colour the jeans were intended too. I love the pastel trend but personally I like I bit of the brights. I love the colour mint so these jeans being a bright mint green were ideal. My favourite style jean being skinny I love them; as they are bright I will wear with a plain white top with accessories or to go super on trend I may go for a pastel patterned tee. One thing is for sure though, with these bright babies you will see me coming!

Bank holiday blunders

Bank holiday time… Happy Easter!

To avoid shocking fashion blunders this bank holiday keep on trend and think fashion wise. 

·         Bank holidays are also a perfect going out weekend because for most it means no hangovers at work. Remember that the weather may be looking up, but the nights are still cold for a few quiet drinks, jazz up a pair of skinny jeans with heels and a blazer.

·         For a big night on the town, complete the 2012 trend with a printed style just don’t mix prints keep your accessories simple; this is not the time to wear suspender tights, other prints or different colours. There are a lot of lovely printed bodycon dresses from Topshop and many have long sleeves so perfect when you leave the clubs. If you don’t fancy braving the bold prints keep it classic and go for a little black dress teamed with bright colour shoes and sparkly accessories; or even shake things up a bright with a coloured little black dress and black shoes. Asos have some really pretty dresses at the moment in both black or bright colours; I have my eye on a few they are very tempting.

·         For the relaxing Easter Sunday where the bank holiday weekend has taken its toll on you, don’t be tempted to lose your fashion sense. For instance, the other day I saw someone wearing white leggings with black knickers. Apart from the underwear situation I think white leggings should be left for children, if you have to wear leggings wear black but for a comfortable, fashion perfect look I’d go for a pop of colour from the usual jeans with a cosy jumper or pattered but white tee.

High-street tacky 'Well Jel' bracelet

The popular reality TV programme TOWIE has brought phrases like ‘reem’ and ‘well jel’ into public language. I was actually quite disgusted when I found a bracelet today in high-street store beaded with the words ‘Well Jel’. Although seen in an Essex store where fake eyelashes and the little flurry of TOWIE stars pop in to where it was found, I think it’s ridiculous a fashion conscious high-street store would stock this.

Apart from looking cheap in its materials; it also has those words to it which just makes it tack for your wrists. I cannot believe anyone will buy this and hope sincerely no one does; I literally want to cringe for anyone who does and help the person who designed it; perhaps they need it. For me, that is not fashion; it is definitely not unique or fashionable.

FASHION TWIST

Below is a interview with Stephanie Helbich-Poschacher; a third year Fashion Design student at UCA Epsom in the style of Elle UK magazine:

FASHION TWIST

The very fact that Stephanie Helbich-Poschacher actually gets bored in designing sets her apart from the usual fashion design students. That and her ambition to succeed in being a working mum as a costume designer, choosing fashion due to the fast-moving circle and her love for food. The not so typical fashion student studying at UCA Epsom reveals her plans post-graduation to Emily Holmes.

In breezes Stephanie; her trusty tape measurer accessorising her neck looking stylishly cool in vintage style glasses and navy shorts. The petite 22-year-old is not afraid of hard work having worked as an au pair for 12 children during her gap year; but considering a looming deadline for her final graduating collection being so close is surprisingly chilled.

There are many misconstrued ideas of the fashion industry, but Stephanie is not your typical fashion student. Firstly, she chose fashion because “it’s always changing and with a new collection can start something new.” Certainly not the expected cliché of a glamorous lifestyle designing clothes for models to parade down the catwalk in. Secondly Stephanie named food amongst other reasons for why she loves travelling so much: “It’s like in fashion we don’t eat anything but I love it, any kind of food”.

“I love fashion but I especially like fun clothes where it’s not too straight and serious.”

The quirky designer has an unusual source of inspiration too, “I love really old children’s books, I’m still looking for the Alice in Wonderland”. Inspired by the colours, vintage appeal and historical factors Stephanie is excited by costumes “I love fashion but I especially like fun clothes where it’s not too straight and serious.” Having already created Alice in Wonderland costumes during her foundation year; Stephanie’s latest design venture is fit for the Austrian National Costume Day and she hopes to be a successful in costume design.

Yet, once again the ambitious student surprises with her family focus, as her face lights up as she reveals in ten years time she hopes to have a family, later adding “working as a costume designer would be the best”. Her Mum; also being a “very creative person” was the one who influenced her to pursue fashion the most, supporting her to “believe in yourself”. The positive outlook has for sure rubbed off on Stephanie; who has high ambitions and bundles of optimism.

She may have created some masterpieces from flamboyant costumes to tricky coats, but she acknowledges her proudest moment as being “sticking with university,” after considering quitting in her second year and getting through school, as she was “no way academic, because I was more interested in making up clothes and having fun, than learning.”

For Stephanie, home will always be Austria with the wooden mountains huts being her most favoured place in the world, all despite loving the “fresh” British style and her “favourite drink the typical English tea”. But Stephanie’s near future is marked with one of the world’s most renowned costume designers; Art For Art in Vienna; who she has already worked for and so it appears her costume designer dream is becoming reality.

With thanks to Stephanie for the interview and for giving me permission to upload this to my blog.

April wish-list

This month I’ve brought a car. It’s amazing the freedom and independence you get; it’s a great feeling. But as a student to coin this phrase I am now very skint yet a girl can dream this month’s favourite dream buys are below:

·         Printed slogan white vest- H&M £7.99
http://www.hm.com/gb/product/94857?article=94857-D
·         Lace fringed top- H&M £12.99
http://www.hm.com/gb/product/01117?article=01117-A
·         Sultry Platform mint court shoes- Topshop £65
http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=4925941&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=331499&parent_categoryId=208492&pageSize=200
·         Slit back stripe shirt- Topshop £32
http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=4944287&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=208524&parent_categoryId=203984&pageSize=200
·         Yellow tweet tank top- River Island £15
http://www.riverisland.com/Online/women/t-shirts--vests--sweats/vests/yellow-tweet-print-tank-top-619077
·         Cheap and Chic Spartodea Multicoloured platrform sandals- Moschino (Asos) £410.
http://www.asos.com/Moschino-Cheap-Chic/Moschino-Cheap-and-Chic-Spathodea-Multicoloured-Platform-Sandals/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=1990537&cid=6458&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=200&sort=-1&clr=Multi
·         Light yellow lace skater skirt- River Island £16
http://www.riverisland.com/Online/women/skirts/mini-skirts/light-yellow-lace-skater-skirt-619772

April

April 1, Aprils Fools, the first day of the month. What a month April is, for fashion history read below for a list of fabulous fashion events in April (and no April fools jokes):

·         Vivienne Westwood born April 8 1941.
·         April 29,  2011- ‘That dress’ that displayed Sarah Burton’s talent when Kate Middleton married Prince William.
·         First ever Vogue festival- April 10-21, 2012.
·         Issey Miyake born April 22, 1938.
·         Jean Paul Gaultier born on April 24, 1952.
·         In April 2005, Tom Ford announced the new ‘Tom Ford brand’.
·         In April 1992, Alexander Shulman took over the reins as Editor-in-chief, the position she still holds today.
·         Emma Watson born April 15, 1990.
·         In April 2008, Just Dance was released as Lady Gaga’s debut single this marked the start of a very influential fashion icon.
·         Marc Jacobs born
·         April 9, 1963.