The Worst Fashion in 2012 February Edition!

“For all the Latest News from the World of Collette Costello!”

“Message from Collette Costello”

Hello Readers,

Welcome to the third “Collette Costello” on-line monthly magazine blog.  Here you can read all about the past month in the world of “Collette Costello” Salford fashion design studio, with regular sections dedicated to what is new in British fashion by fashion journalist such as featured writer Ruth Fuller.  The theme is month is a cheeky look at the worst fashion in 2012:)

This Month Top Five “Collette Costello” Moments

1) Dressmaking Road Show @ Sugar Junction & Airy Fairy Cup-cakes

Collette Costello vintage dressmaking courses Manchester have now gone city wide.  We are bringing the courses to you from a variety of fabulous vintage style venues, such as tea rooms Sugar Junction and Airy Fairy Cup-cakes.  The owners of both tea rooms Sue (Sugar Junction) and Laura (Airy Fairy Cup-cakes) have created a little piece of vintage heaven and all dressmaking courses include a vintage style tea-party where you can sample their tea and divine cakes!

 2) Vintage Village in Stockport Market Hall

Collette Costello fashion is getting out and about this month.  We will be taking part in the ever increasing in popularity Vintage Village this month in Stockport Sunday 12th February, follow link for more information.  Alongside our current fashion range we will be selling sample stock including dresses, skirts, handbags and purses so you will be sure to grab yourself a bargain. 

3) Mag-pie and I Vintage Fair Altrincham 

Future vintage fairs that Collette Costello will be taking part in now include the well established Mag-pie and I vintage fair held in Altrincham.  This fair has getting bigger every month and was even given a mention recently on Twitter by the great Mary Portas Queen of Shops.

4) 1940s Style Fashion Show to Raise Funds for the SSAFA

This is a charity night being held in Manchester Bar 38.  It has a 1940s vintage style theme, well suited to the soldiers charity they are raising fund for.  The fashion event is being held on the 8th February and will include stalls, DJ, burlesque and vintage style fashion show.

5) Fashion Retro January Meet-up Networking Event a Success

The first fashion retro Manchester networking event was held at Sugar Junction, many interesting people working in fashion in Manchester attended.  To read more visit the Fashion Retro Networking blog to read more.

We hope you enjoy reading the rest of our on-line magazine and big thanks to all the contributors.

Enjoy Reading:)

Collette Costello  

Article Sections

1)      This Month’s Top Five Collette Costello Moments!

2)      The Best of British by Ruth Fuller

3)      Guest Bloggers Fashion Articles

4)      Opportunities/ Jobs

Contributors:

Featured Writer

Ruth Fuller

Hi there, I’m Ruth and welcome to my blog. I am 21 years old and going into my final year at Edge Hill Uni studying English Language. I love my course and have a passion for writing and am so excited to be writing about fashion. Having seen fashion around the world I am confident that British Fashion is Best and this is what I will be bringing to you. Keep checking back for updates and feel free to get in touch, your comments and feedback will let me know what you’re enjoying and what you’re not. Thanks for reading. Enjoy!

My Fashion Faux Pas by Ruth Fuller

Just because something is on trend at a certain time does not mean it is actually great, nor does it specifically mean it’s going to look good on you! Sorry to say it but some ‘fashionable’ things are just awful and should seriously be avoided.

First on my hit list are Creepers. Thanks to a reinvention by Prada, these grunge style, heavy, thick sole shoes are gracing the British High Street and they are simply terrible. Yes they come in an array of colours and designs to go with every outfit, but I really can’t see them going with any outfit, apart from one where you want to trend a look of really big feet. Aside from that I can think of many better ways to spend £100 than buying these from Top shop…

Another shoe that does not belong in the fashion world are Crocs. I think they are great for professions that involve standing all day, where they need super comfy shoes and occasionally kids can get away with wearing them. However, they’re just not good for adults wearing them on a daily basis. In the summer when you see someone wearing them as they would with dolly shoes, say with skinny jeans or a pretty dress, it’s just not a good look. At least with creepers they support a certain style. Crocs just don’t.

Next on my hit list are leggings. Most of the time I love them. I own many pairs myself, they go with pretty much everything and they are extremely comfy. Though when did it become OK for them to be trousers? I know some are made to be worn as trousers and that’s fine because they are made of thick material, but ordinary, plain, black leggings are not. The amount of times I see girl’s underwear through their leggings is crazy. What I don’t understand is why their friends haven’t told them before they go out. If everyone could see my pants through my ‘trousers’ I would want to know. Not a good look, either buy jeggings or wear a skirt.

Another major current dislike of mine is men wearing Ugg Boots. I do not understand this trend. Yes they feel like slippers and are cosy to wear outdoors in winter but this does not make it acceptable for men to wear them in public. Maybe if they designed a completely new version for men it might be alright but I have never once seen a guy pull this look off.

My final fashion crime is animal print in excess. Some type of animal print will most likely always be in fashion. Snake skin is set to be pretty big for 2012, but any kind of animal print is a pretty timeless trend. It can look classy and elegant, but remember just because models on the catwalk have been seen covered in it head to toe does not mean it’s the best way to wear it. A few matching accessories or a statement piece teamed with other plain garments = fantastic! Too much and you’ll look more like Scary Spice!

What’s Next?

Future Events/ Opportunities/ Jobs

Fashion Speakers for Fashion Networking Event Manchester

Due to the success of the first fashion retro Manchester networking event, I am working to expand the networking events to include talks by inspirational people working in fashion.  Maybe you have started your own fashion company or you are fashion student that loves a certain designer, or a fashion journalist with a on-line blog, all are welcome.

Wanted New Fashion Talent!

Fashion Designers, Models, photographers and make-up artists contact us with an example of your work.  Get involved in photo-shoots, catwalk shows and events.

Wanted On-line Fashion Journalists

Submit a fashion article for publication in our on-line magazine.  This month’s theme is “Applying for Jobs in Fashion the Truth”, write 250 – 500 words and include 1 -2 images, submit by 20th February.

Guest Bloggers Fashion Articles

What I Hate About Fashion in 2012 by Maddie Worthington

After a Christmas of over indulgence, I can only describe as similar to Super Size Me but with bubbly and turkey and stuffing. My friends and I brought the New Year in and it was time to get a blast of fresh air ,to have a fresh start, and to hit the shops. But to my dismay as I braved the Manchester rain to search the rails of beloved Top shop to find new season treasures, I was a little deflated. Unlike my friend beaming next to me, this seasons Pastel Trend is just is not for me! I would describe my look as 50s and flirty combined with a more tough glamour trend. Although I am a massive fan of reviving beautiful looks from past times. It’s all about the bold and bright . For me it’s all about bold red dresses, patterned tights and berry lips. That’s not to say I’m not a girly girl (although it seems quite contradictory) I adore mulled wine tights and sturdy ankle boots juxtaposed with floaty lace and embroidery. I love a 50’s prom skirt and dress as much as the next girl who aspires to Carrie Bradshaw. However NOT NEVER EVER in pale greens, and baby pinks!

Wearing soft pink only once as a bridesmaid I am just plainly not suited to the marshmallow/ ice-cream effect. And so was saddened by the idea that the shops and 2012 had little to offer me. With January being such a dreary month I was hoping for some bold inspiration. Although I’ve had to look a little harder for it; there is always a walk in wardrobe of lust worthy outfits at the end of the rainbow! I think the key thing is not to be a fashion victim. Wear clothes that you like and that you feel stunning in, and only follow the trends that make you feel beautiful.

If you’re like me and you’re not feeling a baby pink dress. Try teaming a pink lipstick (Barry M) does some gorgeous matte ones in light ice to pink popping shades. With smoking eyes and a lace dress.

Girls after my own heart there is much more to 2012 than I first thought… Here’s some beautiful 2012 trends that you can wear with confidence!

Thank You for Reading:)

From

Collette Costello

 1940s Style Fashion Show @ Bar 38

This is a charity event in order to raise money for SSAFA. This event will be held at Bar 38, at 7 30 pm on Wednesday the 8th of February.

Tickets are required and are on sale for £10 for non students and £6.50 for students, the ticket price will include a drink reception.

VIP booths can be purchased for an additional £5 per booth which will also secure you a seat for the fashion show. 8 seats per booth

Please ring:
07856212923 OR 07791806693

There will be live entertainment including a DJ, Saxophone player, Raffle, Burlesque dancer, exhibitors and of course the FASHION SHOW.

So come along and have a good time and be in the chance of Winning prizes such as champagne and an IPod Nano all in the name of a good cause!!!

Email rage.events@hotmail.co.uk for more information look up the SSAFA website to get more details about the organisation :http://www.ssafa.org.uk/

I’m an Assistant Producer on a new fashion show for Sky Living. I was wondering if any of your members might be interested in applying to take part?

A brief synopsis:

Rihanna is searching Britain for the next generation of raw, undiscovered designer talent and has hand-picked Girls Aloud star Nicola Roberts to head up the challenge for her.

Over eight weeks twelve unknown designers will be challenged by Rihanna and Nicola to create outfits for a string of musicians and celebrities. The show will celebrate the extraordinary talent and creativity in the British fashion scene. The show will recognise the increasing influence popstars have on mainstream trends.

The final challenge and ultimate task for the winner will be to design a unique stage outfit for Rihanna’s Wireless performance in Hyde Park in July 2012. The chance to dress one of the world’s most famous women for an event that will attract worldwide coverage is the perfect springboard for the aspiring designer’s future fashion career.

To take part visit www.skyliving.com or e-mail applications@twentytwenty.tv

Applications must be received by Sunday 5th February. Filming takes place over 8 weeks in the UK from April 2012.

If you have any queries or questions, please do get in touch with me – my direct email is keira.burgess@twentytwenty.tv

Thanks so much for your time
Keira Burgess

New Florist Opening Day – Altrincham 4th March

As a little girl, Siobhan Harkin, the Director of Hummingbird Flowers, Altrincham’s most exciting new addition to its Traders Outlet, was always drawn to flowers. Whilst her siblings were busy running around the garden, Siobhan was captivated by the colours, shapes, patterns and textures of the flowers all around her. Whilst her siblings were having running races with the neighbours’ children on their Davyhulme avenue, Siobhan remained in the garden, making floral perfume, decorating mud cakes, drawing and painting the garden in bloom. Easter and summer holidays were spent playing in fields of wild flowers in Donegal and Kerry, enjoying the breathtaking beauty of both relatives’ farms and the surrounding countryside. It is little wonder that a career in floristry beckoned when Siobhan decided to turn her lifelong hobby into a dream job and ultimately create Hummingbird Flowers!

However, this did not happen as soon as Siobhan left school. Her artistic flair first drew her to study for a Visual Arts degree at Salford University. Throughout this time, her enduring motif for her painting, printing and collages was flowers and one’s natural surroundings. Siobhan has always enjoyed creating beauty. Aware that her own disposition and other people’s moods are lifted when exposed to beauty in its most natural form, Siobhan began to consider a career in floristry after graduating. It was the perfect vehicle for her love of art and flowers.

Initial training in Manchester as a wedding and events florist confirmed that this was the ideal vocation for her. She was quickly given responsibility for transforming blank venues into enchanting spaces for weddings and events, and felt a great deal of satisfaction when seeing the clients’ delighted reactions. Siobhan was then given the exciting opportunity to further develop her floristry skills in London and was fortunate to have the privilege of working at three of the finest florists in North London, at St John’s Wood and off the Kings Road, and ultimately for one of the oldest and most respected florists in the whole of London, Moyses Stevens. Her skills and imagination were tested to the full, creating bouquets ranging from £10 to £250.

However, Siobhan’s heart never left Manchester. She always harboured the desire to start up her own floristry business ‘back home’; one which could spotlight her own inimitable style, combining wonderful flowers with seasonal herbs. Consistently producing beautiful results, this eclectic mix of vintage and farmhouse is at the heart of Hummingbird Flowers.

The Traders Outlet on the Downs in Altrincham provides the perfect space to fulfil this dream and to fuse Siobhan’s passion for visual arts and flowers. The space has been prepared as an art installation for customers and art lovers alike to enjoy. Situated on the ground floor, where there is a delightful café, this combination of art, vintage, ceramics and cards, as well as flowers, creates a unique experience for the customer, and one they will want to repeat! Altrincham appealed to Siobhan as an ideal place to establish Hummingbird Flowers. Its charming buildings, old fashioned market, ornate churches and village-feel make it the perfect location. In the current climate, it is more important than ever for local residents to remember what Altrincham has to offer.

As is the ethos of all of the spaces within the Traders’ Outlet, Hummingbird Flowers is committed to providing flowers and products of the highest quality, at competitive prices. Every order will be treated with the utmost detail and care. From weddings to funerals, birthdays to Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day to just about any occasion where you would like an event or a loved one to feel special, quality and care will be guaranteed. All bouquets are made bespoke to order, ensuring fresh, personal bouquets, tastefully gift wrapped with beautiful organza ribbon or rustic raffia. What’s more, this all comes with free deliveries to the local Altrincham area, and a small surcharge to areas beyond!

Make sure you experience Hummingbird Flowers for your self. It is guaranteed to lift your mood, whatever the season!

Open day Sat 4th Feb, come along for a glass of bubbly!

I am fashion student in Manchester and I am currently working on a project for Oxfam which involves creating a new campaign or competition to raise money for the charity.

We are very keen on involving children and running with the theme of ‘save our skills’ as many kids have little or no experience of basic skills like sewing.

We have come up with a few ideas which also incorporate Oxfam’s 70th anniversary this year and British events like the Olympics and Queen’s jubilee.

We are seeking craft business in Manchester who would be willing to help out at school workshops for a short period with the student fee going to Oxfam.

We are also hoping to run a competition for school children to design a picture relevant to the theme, with the winning image printed on bags and tea towels and sold at Oxfam shops in Manchester. For this we will need to raise funds to cover the costs of the bags and printing and therefore are seeking businesses who would be interested in supporting the cause. In return we will have your web address printed on the reverse side of the bag to advertise you business.

If you think this is something you would be interested in or you wish to know any other details I am extremely happy to advise you.

We would very much appreciate any help you are willing to offer,

Look forward to hearing from you.

Kind Regards

Alexandra Coldrick

I am contacting you on behalf of TheFirm – Events with regards to a Fashion Show due to take place at Avici White on 24th February 2012.

TheFirm – Events latest fashion orientated event took place at HMV Ritz on 1st of December 2011 and proved hugely successful. With special guests including Henry Holland of ‘House of Holland’, the uniqueness of ‘ Aspire’ gained our company a wide range of fashion contacts.

This time around we are pulling out all of the stops for an extravagant fashion show showcasing clothing from different cultures of the world. Taking to the runway will be clothing influenced by European, Asian, African and Brazilian cultures plus more.

This particular event will be marketed towards the Fashion conscious in and around Manchester, thus bringing them to the attention of any designers/ boutiques/ participants who choose to showcase their pieces on the run way or to have involvement in the event as a whole.

The event has already had an incredible response from fashion insiders all over. As well as the fashion conscious, we are to expect journalists, fashion buyers, bloggers and many more influential characters.

Our latest major marketing technique for ‘Aspire’ involves another of our on-going projects – a reality series. Our latest entertainment endeavour focuses on the lives of students around the North of England (as well as events that students attend) and will be shown on YouTube as well as other major online networks come February. The reality series and fashion show come hand in hand as preparations for the night and the event itself will be showcased via the series. Companies who choose to in some way input to ‘Aspire’ can expect free exposure and increased brand awareness via the reality series. There is also an option for possible participation in the reality show which can be discussed.

We think that Collette Costello would be a great attribute to our event and would be delighted for you to be involved.

Please do not hesitate to contact me on 07594217377 with any questions you may have or simply reply to this email.

I look forward to hearing from you,

Kind Regards

Rhiannon Newman

 TheFirm - Events

Hello

I am the Editor of Sewing World magazine and we are undergoing a makeover to bring Sewing World up-to-date with a fresh contemporary look and lots more projects for readers to make each month including bags, home makes, accessories, fashionable garments (multiple sizes with a pattern), machine embroidery and patchwork/quilting etc.

I am looking for new contributors/designers to commission for projects.

I am also looking for people to contribute technical articles on fitting, finishing touches,

couture techniques and projects linked to those techniques.

Sewing World is a monthly magazine that is nationally distributed and available by subscription.

If you would be interested in working with Sewing World magazine, I would be very grateful if you could initially email me back at your earliest convenience to register your interest and then forward some images of your work and any ideas you have.

This is a great opportunity to get your work known.

julie.briggs@traplet.com

Retro Tea Party @ Vintage Fair

Central Methodist Hall, Oldham Street, Manchester

4th February 12.00 – 1.30pm

At the first “Fashion Retro” network meeting held at Sugar Junction, I meet lots of interesting people including bloggers, magazine editors, photographers, designers and events organisers.The meet-up was a great success.

Those that attended included vintage fair organisers Lucy and Grace.  Their first vintage fair is being held 4th February in the Central Methodist Hall, Manchester. The “Vintage Fair” event sounds great, including vintage tunes, stalls and a retro tea party!   And it is here where we will be holding the second “Fashion Retro Network Event”.  A great chance to combine shopping, with tea & cake and a chance to meet like minded people!

This is a weekend networking event ideal for people that work mid-week so spread the word!

Spotty!!!!

Just for fun so the networking group can recognise each other, the theme of wear something spotty is being adopted:) This is opitional!

Why Retro Fashion Network?

Eat Cake, Drink Tea and Talk Fashion! The idea behind the meet-up is to bring together those working in fashion in the Greater Manchester Area. Designers, models, make-up artists, photographers, bloggers, students, event organisers, stylists and dressers. A meet-up, networking event will be held monthly and will be a place where contacts can be made. A great chance to organise photoshoots, catwalk shows, fashion events and work experience. I am always keen to meet those interested in fashion and will be at each monthly event:)

New vintage fair in Central Manchester, being held on the 4th February at the Methodist centre Oldham Street.

Included 20 vintage stalls, vintage tunes and a retro tea party.  Entry is free so spend your Saturday at Manchesters own “Vintage Fair”.

www.thriftette.com