The Fashion Edition

I'm Shopping.../ Everybody Panic!!

2013-04-22T19:06:00.001+01:00

Ground control to blogosphere...How are we all? It has been hectic and boy has time flown, we're nearly through with April and it was January when we last spoke!

I am just about to enter the worst 6 weeks of my life so far: final GCSE exams. Revision is unappealing, and despite wanting to do well and achieve my targets I just can't seem to get in the mindset - or accept the fact that this is it. Final exams. That freedom, well sort-of, is in touching distance.

Hopefully realisation will hit before it's too late, in the meantime I've been studying the art of procrastination: a qualification I have mastered. Part of my procrastination, asides from being glued to the TV (Pulp Fiction, Heat, Django Unchained, finally got around to watching The Godfather 3...) and visiting the cinema (A Good Day to Die Hard was so-so but, my lord, wasn't Trance good?!) consisted of shopping. Not just any shopping, shoe shopping.

Chrisoph Waltz is very deserving of his BAFTA, among other awards and nominations.
An amazing film that I've already pre-ordered on Amazon.

Now to shoes. They are difficult items that require more careful consideration than your typical dip-dyed vest top. These are things that need to last you longer than one season. I, in a fit of stressed out depression and being bottomed out on energy, bought myself not one but two pairs of shoes yesterday; I rarely buy shoes so this kind of demonstrates how stressed I was.

Nope, I don't regret a thing - they were both in the sale! Say hello to my newest babies:

Underground Hacienda Monk Creepers
~~£105~~ £47 on Asos

Asos Studded Flatform Trainers
~~£35~~ £17.50

Out in the wizardry that is the postal service are my latest additions. At this rate they right arrive the same day as my pre-ordered copy of Django Unchained...what a good day that'd be if they did!

Have a nice week!

Photography/ Fun in the Snow

2013-01-21T17:06:00.002Z

Since I last blogged, England has been coated in a thick blanket of snow. I'd been revising the whole weekend and hadn't ventured out in the blizzards yet, so I decided to walk the dogs with Mum - and grab a coffee from Costa's of course!

I dressed for the snow the only way I know how: Russian style! Complete with fluffy cossack, a Marks and Spencers gem - I must add, sensible walking boots, jeans, black pea-coat and one of my many favourite jumpers we braved the cold.

On the way we passed the Church which looked gorgeous all white and snowy, but still retained that eerie gloom reserved for Church yards.

Enjoy the pictures!

St Andrews Church, Cobham

Monty is loving the snow despite carrying around huge snowballs caught in his fur!

Lulu with snowflakes in her beard :)

Shaking off the snow! All photography and rights are mine, and belong to The Fashion Edition.

Stay cool y'all! Have a nice week!

The Fashion Edition's Not-so-true Facts No.1:
Duck-faces are illegal in 17 countries.

Inspiration/ Spring is Coming

2013-01-19T12:00:00.000Z

I don't mind the cold, only if it brings with it the promise of snow. But otherwise - the cold sucks! Biting at your face, chapping your lips and giving you that distinctly windswept hair look - what's to like about that?

So here's some inspirational photos to keep us sane while we patiently wait for Spring and all its bounty!

Source

Have a nice weekend!!

Rachel

Let's Celebrate/ The Liebster Award

2013-01-17T19:46:00.000Z

Hi everyone. I hope your all having a good week - even if you are aching to get to the weekend like I am! Today I am just dropping a quick note to say that I have been - very kindly I must add - nominated for the Liebster Award by the lovely author of Smize with Style. "What the hell is that?" I hear you ask. Well Liebster is the German word for 'favourite', and this award is issued out by fashion bloggers to their favourite blogs, so long as they have fewer than 200 followers. It seems like a really fun idea: you get to know bloggers better and see who're on their blog roll too.

How does it work?

The nominated winners of the Liebster Award can't just make their little acceptance speeches then toddle off stage; The Liebster Award is a never-ending cycle! You must write a post where you:

List 11 facts about yourself. Yes!! More time to spend talking about myself!
Then answer the 11 questions given to you by the blog who nominated you, so for me that's Queenly Tan - the author of Smize with Style. (If you are here because I nominated you, scroll down to find my questions for you.)
Decide upon 11 new questions.
Ask these 11 questions to 11 bloggers, of your choice, with less than 200 followers.
Go to each of your nominated bloggers websites and let them know.
Be a good sport and thank your nominator and give a nice little link back to their blog!
Now you can have a little badge to show with pride on your blog too!

It's a great idea as it helps promote others, and in turn promotes the winners: a great little tool for small blogs. As the rules state, here are my facts. These are all rather random but true, so hopefully you'll find them entertaining!

11 Facts About Me:

I can pick up nearly everything with my feet.
I am half Irish, half Trinidadian.
My hair is super curly, except for a suspicious patch at the nape of my neck which is, weirdly, dead straight.
In the history of my life I have played: the violin, the saxophone, the steel pans/drums, the recorder (challenging, I know), and now the guitar - which has lasted the longest and I hopefully won't be giving on any time soon. I am passionate about music, especially The Black Keys and Jack White.
As a child I ran cross country races. The best I ever came was 11th out of 159 people.
I am the daughter of a photographer.
My favourite films are usually sci-fi, fantasy, foreign, gangster or comedies. My favourites include: The Godfather Trilogy, The Departed, Lord of the Rings, Amelie and The Holiday - oh and The Talented Mr Ripley, plus the Devil Wears Prada and The September Issue.
I am a book junkie: I love the Fault In Our Stars by John Green, Shakespeare, and the Millenium Series (Girl with the Dragon Tattoo).
I wear jeans pretty much 24/7.
I own 8 pairs of Chuck Taylor All Star Converse.
Vomit free since 2003! (gross - I know. But I like to celebrate!)

Questions from Queen Tan:

Q: What do you want to be 5 years from now?

A: Happy. Knowing what I want to do and be, doing well at university with an awesome job lined up for when I leave. Or travelling. That's always nice!

Q: What's your fashion obsession? (Bags, shoes, etc.)

A: Easy: jumpers of all shapes, sizes, knits and colours!

Q: Favourite colour?

A: I don't really have one. The ocean...

Q: Something you cannot live with out?

A: My family supporting me. They always know what to say to make me feel better, laugh and be inspired.

Q: Best childhood memory?

A: Right now, I'm living them :) Not going to lie - I have been so fortunate growing up that I can't fault a single moment. Sure, there have been regrets but they're in the past. Meeting a family when we were on holiday in Tobago when I was 8 and having a "it's a small world" moment. The kids' dad had the same boss as my mum and I got along really well with the girls and would spend all day everyday with them.

Q: What other hobbies do you have asides from blogging?
A: Like I have said previously, I like to play the guitar. I play netball and love photography! I am a textiles student so am busy attempting to make my own clothes - but failing miserably!

Q: Straight or curly hair?
A: Curly!!!!

Q: Ideal man, if any?
A: Someone who makes me laugh :)

Q: Describe your personal style.
A: Kind of modern and simplistic. I like simple designs and structures. Trend-wise I like the studs that were resurrected last season and I do love the Baroque maximallism of gold and black lace. (Think Dolce & Gabbana and Balmain)

Q: Do you believe in 'first impressions last'?
A: No because you can always redeem yourself if you work hard...but it always helps to make a good first impression.

Q: Motto in life?
A: Gaah, um...'if at first you don't succeed, try, and try again?' One night I came up with my own mantra (copyright Rachel Callender...hahaha!): "Sometimes you fall down, but you get back up again because otherwise you'd look like an idiot."

And the nominations are...

The Fashion Edition's Liebster Award Nominations!

That was harder than you'd imagine...

My Questions for You!!

(Yes - they are weird!)

What is going through your head right now?
What is your biggest regret?
How many pairs of shoes do you own?
Pro or anti Instagram? (@faultinourstars)
Who is your favourite model? (i.e. this can be fashion or role model!)
What, in your opinion, is the body feature that just doesn't get enough good press in the fashion industry? (nose, eyebrows...ears?)
If you could live in any historical era, which would it be and why?
What is one thing you don't believe in? (e.g. ghosts, evolution, U.F.O's...)
If you were a book, which would you be?
If you could go back in the past to be present for a historical event, where would you go and why? (e.g. I would say March 1st 1994 for Nirvana's last concert in Munich, Germany because I would have loved to be in the presence of the legend which is Kurt Cobain)
Lastly: design a teeshirt, What would its slogan be?

I hope all of those who I nominated enjoy my ridiculous questions, and those of you reading this who didn't get nominated - I hope this got you thinking.

Inspiration/ Get fit!

2013-01-03T14:56:00.002Z

Happy New Year, everyone! I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and have gotten 2013 off to a good start! Last time I posted I was talking about my New Year's resolutions. I think one of the most popular changes people want to make in the New Year is to get fit. It sounds easy enough, but I think we all know it's a lot harder than just strapping on your trainers and going for a jog!

Here I have compiled for you some my favourite songs to get you up and running, and some inspirational pictures.

The Playlist:

22 tracks to keep you motivated!

Daft Punk - Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger
Kasabian - Fire
The Black Keys - Lonely Boy
Beastie Boys - Intergalactic
Foster the People - Pumped Up Kicks
Imagine Dragons - Radioactive
The Kills - Cheap and Cheerful
Justice vs. Simian - We Are Your Friends
Ladytron - Ghosts
The Maccabees - Latchmere
Passion Pit - Take a Walk
Red Hot Chili Peppers - Can't Stop
The Strokes - Machu Picchu
Two Door Cinema Club - Sun
The Vaccines - If You Wanna
The White Stripes - Fell In Love With a Girl
Jeff Beck - Rollin' & Tumblin'
Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Heads Will Roll
Gwen Stefani - What You Waiting For?
The Drums - Let's Go Surfing
Dropkick Murphy's -I'm Shipping Up to Boston
Green Day - Kill the DJ

The Photos:

Gisele - Versace Studded Nappa Bag

All images can be found on Pinterest.

I hope you're successful in all of your efforts to get healthy this year!

Rachel

Here we go again!

2012-12-26T14:47:00.001Z

It appears that we have survived yet another year, despite the Mayans insistence that we were doomed to die on the 21st of December 2012. But as we always seems to do, we have come out the other side having had various victories and recent disasters that will have shaped us into newer, (hopefully)better people for this New Year.

2013 will bring us the second term of President Obama, the Rugby World Cup Sevens (yup, I'm a rugby fan!) and more importantly, the prequel to Monsters Inc: Monsters University!

Source

On the Independent Fashion Bloggers website they have asked us all what we will do differently next year - it got me thinking. Instead of the usual new years resolutions we all make yet fail to achieve, my new years resolutions this year are hopefully going to be achievable! I'm aiming to earn my target grades of A's in my GCSE's, make a good start and stay on top of my AS levels, blog more and to take more photos: get out to London more often so that I can share with those of you who are unfamiliar with the city I love so much.

I hope that everyone has enjoyed their Christmas celebrations and has a happy New Year!

What are your New Years resolutions?

Lots of love from rainy France,

Rachel

Product Spotlight/ Avenue 32

2012-12-23T21:16:00.004Z

There may be only 2 days till Christmas but, if you're like me, that by no means suggests that the Christmas shopping is complete! However if you are one of those busy bees who are well prepared for this impending christmas, you still have a treat in store! Tonight I came across a wonderful website, sort-of a high end Asos, called Avenue 32 - I don't know whether you've heard of them or not. Anyhoo...I for one can't believe I haven't stumbled upon this beauty before!

Voted by British Vogue as the 32nd best of 100 online store, and I can see why! They some stock some of the best brands around: 3.1 Phillip Lim, Peter Som, Sarah Chloe, Poplin, Giles, J Brand and even Chalayan.

Out of all of the gorgeous products available, my favourites are...

Avenue 32 by thefashionedition on Polyvore

From left to right.

Cédric Charlier - Midnight Blue Shearling Jacket. Cédric launched his collection this year in Paris, and I'm certain he will be someone to keep an eye on for the future. On Avenue 32 you can buy yourself a slice of the very delicious looking pie that is Cédric's first collection before anyone else wises up!

L'Agence - Gold Raglan Jumper. Bang on the metallic trend, this exquisite painted gold foil jumper will definitely make you shine the brightest this Christmas!

Cédric Charlier - Anthracite Mohair Jumper. I love this piece, another example of the beautiful pieces in Cédric's first collection. I think what I like the most is the simplicity of the design, but it is made more extravagant by the contrasting embroidered collar.

Vika Gazinskaya - Wooden Diamond Jumper. This inventive piece by Vika Gazinskaya is something that I absolutely need. The simple grey marl of the crew neck sweatshirt paired with these kooky colourful wooden diamonds has a beautiful modernist feel. What's even better is that you can move around the diamonds to create your own designs! Simply awesome.

Giles - Black Peplum Sweater. This simplistic sweater by Giles made it into my top 9 because I adored the peplum feature at the waist which turns this rather ordinary black sweater into something more magical. Another feature of this design which makes it more interesting is the sheer panel at the front. This would look great with a boldly coloured pencil skirt...

Peter Som - Off-white Tuxedo Jacket. So on trend for AW 12/13, this gorgeous tuxedo jacket keeps it simple: it could easily be dressed down with a pair of jeans, or up with a pair of black or white trousers.

Pringle of Scotland - Dove Grey Contrast Cuff Shirt. You may or may not have noticed but I quite like simple designs with a little bit of contrast; it's simple and modern, which I consider to be one of the best aesthetics around. You could even pair this Pringle shirt with the previous Peter Som blazer. Might look good with a slice of black peeking out from behind the white sleeves!

Peter Som - Houndstooth Double-Breasted Coat. Now this is what I call a coat. Heritage print. Double-breasted. Oversized. I love the classic cut, a completely timeless piece and worth the investment.

Manuela Dack - Grey Suede Jersey Sweater. This, not unlike the Vika Gazinskaya sweater, is very desirable; featuring arrow-shaped cut outs in the suede to reveal the grey of the sweater, this is a very unique product and one I adore.

So, yes. That is my top 9 favourite things in stock at Avenue 32 at the moment. Sure, the prices may be scary for me: a girl who has only just got her first job (finally earning some money!). But I think, and you may agree with me, that fashion is an investment which enriches your lifestyle. A piece truly has to be worth your hard earned money for you to make that kind of investment. However I think you can see from the beautiful garments I have shown you today, that Avenue 32 can truly cater to all of your lifestyle needs; they really do have some stand-out pieces!

Merry Christmas, everyone! And here's to a happy new year!

Love,
Rachel

Street Style Photography/ November in London

2012-12-17T20:04:00.001Z

Hey, all. Its flown by, am I right? Last week, last month, this year?! As we near the end of, what has truly been, an awesome year I'm looking back at some photos I took in November.

I frequented London quite often in November, firstly with my friend Hannah for a little slice of Jack White (from The White Stripes - gees!) and The Kills, secondly for some Christmas shopping and to see the Valentino exhibition with Tamara, someone whom you may be seeing a little more of in the future. This is the girl who fell asleep in the changing-rooms of Topshop on Oxford Street for, what I'm sure is a record, 40 minutes.

Anyway, here's to the great months that have past and the great months we've yet to experience. Enjoy!

Carnaby Street: It's only Rock 'n Roll. Rolling Stones xmas tribute.

At Jack White in Alexandra Palace. Artists perform for us impatient music lovers in the food hall.

London's lights: shining the brightest.

On the train to Waterloo.

Tamara and her piece of kit.

Footwear.

Tamara at Waterloo Bridge.

Somerset House, after seeing the Valentino Couture Exhibition.

Somerset House's Christmas Tree

Have a great December!

Rachel

Product Spotlight/ Next Party Shoes

2012-11-24T11:24:00.002Z

So I guess the party season is well and truly at foot (no pun intended!!). All of the designer and highstreet stores are filled with glitz and glamour in preparation for Christmas and New Years celebrations, especially when it comes to shoes.

Highstreet favourite Next have got some of the best party shoes around at affordable prices! If you see below, Next have mixed a variety of the latest top trends to create highly desirable shoes.

The New Chic by thefashionedition featuring going out shoes

Studs, embellishments, sequins and mesh details create that sparkle a pair of party shoes need. The best thing with having detailed shoes is that you don't have to go too over the top with the rest of your outfit. Keeping it simple always looks best!

My favourite pair above is the platform metallic strapped suede heels (the first on the left). I adore the gold trim around the toes and the subtleness of the metallic straps. So gorgeous - and only £45!!

Next even offer matching accessories so there's no panic to find that infamous matching bag!

Keep Next in mind when your shopping for your party dresses and accessories, you can't really go wrong with their high quality and reasonable prices!!

Rachel

Designers/ Comme des Garcons: Wallets

2012-11-24T10:14:00.001Z

I was just browsing on The Goodhood Store and I came across the latest collection of accessories by Comme des Garcons that are new in on the site.

There are some really beautiful purses - all leather - with the iconic Comme des Garcons embossed patterns, on trend polka dots and a beautiful range of colours and classic shapes to choose from.

Comme des Garcons Wallets by thefashionedition on Polyvore

I adore these purses for their variety of shapes and colours. The vibrant blue has to be my favourite! The best thing about this collection is that if you wanted you can coordinate your purse with your iPad cover - thats right, they do iPad covers too!!

The smaller purses are actually quite reasonably well priced, if you take into consideration that they are 100% leather: £58 for a small purse. Not too shabby!

Check out the collection and, while you're there, the 50% off sale across loads of the designer brands!!

Rachel

Music/ Passion Pit

2012-11-22T19:11:00.003Z

This past Summer I found something beautiful. And I mean truly beautiful: a radio station that speaks my language, reads my mind and knows my playlist intimately. XFM.

So there I was, literally everyday for two weeks in my bedroom catching up with my mounting piles of coursework with XFM playing through my laptop; on pops this tune: a solid beat, catchy chorus and lyrics which tell a story. By definition, it was beautiful.

'Take a Walk' was written by Passion Pit. Because of that very song I looked further into their other tracks and, my my, I have fallen in love!! They are an American band with a kind of electro-ish feel but I'm sure, regardless of your musical taste, you will find at least one of their tracks addictive!

Personally I adore, as I said before, 'Take a Walk' but also 'Sleepy Head' and - my favourite - 'Seaweed Song'! I really do recommend Passion Pit: they're brilliant to run to and sing along.

Give them a listen!

Rachel

Inspiration/ Flower Crowns

2012-11-20T12:00:00.000Z

They are omni-present, that I am sure of. Wherever your turn: BAM! Flower crown. Is it because we are reminiscing of spring? No. It's just because they look too damn cool. Oh and then there's Lara Del Rey's input, but that's just a minor thing, really! Truly flower crowns originate from Day of the Dead celebrations, but haven't really had much hype until Lana adopted the crown.

Flower Crowned Lana by thefashionedition featuring hair accessories

Whether you're pro flower crown or not, you've gotta admit: they look mighty fine in photos. Whether you can work it in the supermarket is a whole different issue. But, hey! Here's how people are working the flower crown.

Stylist Magazine: Milan Duomo. Source.

Flower crown donning bride. Source.

Cult Gaia Flower Crown $120. Source.

Digging the red stained lips and orange rose flower crown. Source.

I like how in this flower crown there are a variety of sizes and different kinds of flowers. Source.

She's so pretty. Purple is rarely used on crowns but its kind of regal and bold. Great flowed crown!
Source.

I don't know why but I get a distinctly Japanese Geisha feel from this photo. Source

Hope you liked the snaps and are maybe inspired to create your own flower crown: prove me wrong! Wear it to the supermarket!! If you get funny looks pull a duck face...maybe you'll be mistaken for Lana...

Rachel

Lists/ Santa, Baby...

2012-11-17T20:43:00.001Z

It’s getting a little festive, isn’t it? The lights are up in the cities just waiting to be lit by big celebrities (my, my, that rhymed!). This past week my super pro-Christmas friends have been breaking out the Christmas anthems and, I must say, the Christmas spirit is plenty contagious.

So much so that I've started my collection of gift ideas that I would both love to give and receive this Christmas. Check it out.

Leave me a comment: what are you hoping to discover under your tree?

1. Lazy Oaf - Wallflower Baseball tee

'Perks of a Wallflower' by Stephen Chbosky is one of my favourite books, so much so that I haven't seen the film adaptation yet - I don't want such a beautiful book to be ruined! I love this top, not only because it says 'Wallflower' but also because I adore baseball style cut tee shirts. So comfy!

2. Polaroid 636 Camera from Culture Label

Preeeety retro, eh? I've always wanted to earn one of these babies, it would be perfect for quick snaps when I'm on the go, then easily slipped into a photo journal full of inspiration...

3. Photo journal from Culture Label

This great book features illustrations of different cameras through the ages on the pages and little sticky corners that allow you to secure your Polaroid instants! No need for glue - perfect!

4. Sonos Speaker from Play:3

Sonos speakers can play your music wireless-ly from your iPhone, MP3 or whatever you own. How good it that? Instead of having to dock your phone of iPod into the speaker and keep walking back and forward to change tracks, you can control it all from your phone! Fab!

So what's at the top of your list? Or what are you giving this Christmas time?

Rachel

Collaborations/ Maison Martin Margiela x H&M

2012-11-15T08:45:00.000Z

Source

It's finally here! The collection all eager fashionistas have been waiting for: Maison Martin Margiela x H&M. Launching in 15 minutes, its sure to go down a hit! I can imagine the queues already...

I love this collection more than some of the previous Designer x H&M collaborations, even Versace's collab.

Its probably because I adore the silhouette Maison Martin Margiela incorporates into the pieces. The more slouched, flowing shapes create a longer figure which is always flattering.

Anyway, enjoy the pictures! I hope that any of those who battled for a slice of the very appealing pie that is Maison Martin Margiela, succeeded and are content with their purchase.

Taken by my mother, a source of frequent inspiration! Chiswell Street London.

Again, mother (she's awesome - you'd love her). Picture rights The Fashion Edition.

Have a great day!

Rachel

Lookbook/ Rock-oco by Topshop

2012-11-11T20:53:00.002Z

Everyone seems to be hopping onto the Baroque-esque band wagon, but alongside the current punk/stud trend everything has become more rock 'n' roll, with gold studding and silver metal embroidery.

Topshop's latest collection is an example of just that: it's like my beloved Alison Mosshart (I saw her and Jack White live!! She's so inspirational!) becoming Dolce & Gabbana's adopted daughter. Check it out!

Metallic embroidery thread makes this whole intricately designed jumper embellishment jump out, the same goes for those cute velvet shorts.

The use of lace underneath the pleating on the skirt of the dress is subtly Gothic, as is the Victorian cut dress. The short length of the skirt is balanced by the long length of the flowing sheer sleeves.

Original picture source, edited by me.

These incredible embroidered jeans are my favourite! There is even a dress with this same gold embroidery thread. You can see it here.

I love how the grunge hair and make-up is paired with smooth, slick cut clothes. I really want to try this out - but first I need to get me some Baroque style clothes.

Peace, out.

Trends/ Studs

2012-11-10T21:03:00.001Z

Its official: we are well and truly stud crazy! This worldwide phenomenon finds its origins in 70’s Punk styling which as we know with all fashion trends (quoting Justin Timberlake here, guys) “what goes around comes back around”. So punk is back again - with vengeance apparently - as in leather, biker jackets, and studs of all shapes and sizes again monopolises both fashion house and high street collections.

Source

What is it that attracts us to studs and punk? Is it the sense of rebellion and boldness? The freedom from society’s expectations? I think it must be a combination of them all. But anyway, no more of that.

I have found some amazing studded products from designers, and the high street.

Chloë 'Susanna' boots

Dune

Zara Camouflage Studded Shirt

Topshop Suede Studded Clutch

Sister Jane Studded Velvet Jacket - Asos

Missguided Leather Studded Skate Skirt

I'm so in love with studs; they make the Punk trend accessible to literally everyone. So why not invest in some studded beauties yourself? You cant really go wrong with a stud and, like I said earlier, what goes around comes back around anyway!

Rachel

Street Style Photography/ Hyde Park

2012-11-10T10:26:00.002Z

I have finally got myself together and - as promised - have compiled a selection of my favourite photos I took at Hyde Park for BT London Live's Closing Ceremony Concert. Expect lots of patriotism, headgear, fashion, tattoos, and amazing music!

Fashion:

Blue lips: an awesome fashion statement.

Floral printed sundress.

Blur fans waiting for the show to begin!

Blue watch.

I think he knew I was taking his photograph...love him for smiling!

Head Gear:

My favourite shot of the day! Best hat!

Bowler hat.

Cadbury's chocolate medals used as accessories.

Feathers.

Patriotism:

Union Jack.

Sex Pistols.

Love your country.

Tattoos:

I love her tattoos, especially the owl!

The Music:

The Specials on stage!

Blur!!

The Sky:

All photography is mine. Please ask before using any of my photos.

It was an amazing night, with brilliant music and even better, an incredible atmosphere. To top it all off, there was a shooting star!

I hope you enjoyed the photos!

Product Spotlight/ Coggles

2012-09-07T18:23:00.000+01:00

Hey everyone, thank God it's Friday, huh? So today I decided it was time to share a little secret find of mine that I adore. It's another of those rare jewels in the world of online shopping that can cater to your every need.

Friends, it's time for you to be introduced to Coggles.com. Home to nearly every beloved brand, both small and big, under the sun - I'm talking Dr Martens, Joseph, Marc by Marc Jacobs and Religion here people! Coggles is an absolute haven for designer wear, be it lesser know to the general public.

I feel it is my duty to share some of what I consider to be some of Coggles best products with you, so I shall.

The Fashion Edition: Product Spotlight/ Coggles by thefashionedition featuring winter white pants

Here are nine of my favourite products on sale at Coggles. For all the prices, links and more just go to the Polyvore link above or here.

I think that these products are great. I love the top left shirt by Surface to Air because it looks so light and floaty but also will help you fit that Gothic trend for Autumn/Winter 2012, but in a softer more feminine way. This also applies to the shirt below the Surface to Air top, by Antipodium whose patent leather looking collar creates a great contrast to the sheerness of the material.

Now to the M Missoni knitted dress. This is also going to be a big hit as it is such a great fluorescent colour but also has that dogtooth print, therefore covering the Heritage trend but in Missoni's own special way. Then we come to the Boy London leggings which I find Coggles are retailing at one of the lowest price compared to other retailers. I love this because really, I just love the Boy London brand - which isn't a great reason but oh well!

The vest top with the awesome pop art-y eyes is by Moschino Cheap and Chic, I think it would look fabulous when paired with some black jeans, or leather trousers - whatever floats your boat.

The tote bag is to die for. If you were to guess who it was by I'm sure you would come up with Pendelton or the other famous brands that incorporate aztec features, but no. This my friends is Ralph Lauren.

Then there are the Opening Ceremony shoes which are great if you want to tick off the Tomboy trend with style. The print is very appealing, making these loafers a huge hit in my eyes.

Finally I wanted to add the slippers by H by Hudson, as slippers are becoming such a huge feature in fashion and also this particular design is perfectly demonstrating the Baroque trend that I was harping on about when I last posted.

I hope you have liked these items and will be soon exploring Coggles for yourselves!

Rachel, out.

Trends/ Baroque 'n' Roll

2012-09-04T16:23:00.000+01:00

Aloha, everyone. So for Autumn/Winter 2012 there are a whole host of incredible trends to tempt you. However, for me, one of the greatest trends is maximalism, often referred to as Baroque - meaning 'rough pearl'. This trend incorporates nearly excessive amounts of embellishments, ornamentation and prints inspired by the Baroque period of the 1600's in Rome.

The designers that were inspired by Baroque-esque most include Dolce & Gabbana and Balmain. Featuring Fabergé egg and vivid floral prints, lashings of gold embellishments, pearls, an array of fabrics in rich tones of ox blood red, gold, crushed deep black velvet, and cream.

Balmain

Dolce & Gabbana

I don't know about you but I certainly can't afford fresh-from-the-catwalk clothes, but thanks to the trickle-down fashion theory us norms can also get a taste of Baroque fashion without the sky high prices.

Baroque by thefashionedition featuring long sleeve tops

River Island long sleeve top / Warehouse lace t shirt / Topshop floral print shorts / Baroque Bomber Jacket, £30 / Miss Selfridge patterned pants, £22

Ciao!

Holidays/ Packing for Italy

2012-08-16T20:39:00.002+01:00

I hope that everyone is having a lovely Summer, whether your working or on holiday yourself, chilling with friends. I myself have just enjoyed a lovely two weeks of sun, sea and sand on the beautiful Dutch island of Aruba in the Caribbean (whose slogan is One Happy Island - I tell you, it's true!).

Arubans are as friendly as they say they are, speaking Patois, Dutch, English and Spanish - I wish I was as good a linguist as the average Aruban. There, I got seriously tanned, played volleyball todos los días, dipped into bingo - which I never thought I'd enjoy - where my cousin and I won $13, played 5 a side basketball with the locals and took my cousins, aunt and uncle bowling - which they don't have in Trinidad (where they are from). The day after we got home I went to the BT London Live Concert where I rocked out to New Order, The Specials, Bombay Bicycle Club and was present for the last ever Blur concert in history. Photos will follow soon! Now I am back home with some serious jet-lag, preparing for Friday where I will be going to Italy. Yay!

Since travelling abroad is so expensive nowadays we are only taking one suitcase for the three of us, so here are my tips for packing light and what I'm carrying to Italia.

In my Suitcase:

Books:

Some of you may know that I am a bit of a book lover but with school I have seldom chance to read. Summer is the time for books so I pack many on holidays. In the photo above I have read the first four on the top row (L-R) and am half-way through Jeffery Deaver's new 007 James Bond book, Carte Blanche - it's pretty amazing and unputdown-able!

Bikini's:

For some reason I only own bikinis (not including my old swimsuit for my swim club). I think this might be something to do with the small choice provided and lack of appealing affordable designs stocked for Summer this year. I found none of the one-pieces this year attractive - I don't know about you.

Above you can see the bikini's I'm taking to Italy: from the closest to the furthest away there is the Topshop Versace-ish, Urban Outfitters geometric, bronze H&M and white Day of the Dead H&M bikini's.

Tops:

Above are my tee-shirts I'm packing: more garments than days we are there but I love to have a good choice.

From top to bottom: white semi-transparent Topshop tee, grey Fleetwood Mac Rumours tank by And Finally bought from Topshop, Tie-Dyed cami by Ecote from Urban Outfitters, black shirt vest by Forever 21, teal top from Zara, pink semi-transparent Topshop tee, aztec inspired Topshop vest, white and red bat-wing, black Illuminati-ish (gaah) Urban Outfitters tank, and finally my Deja Vu print Urban Outfitters tee-shirt.

Trousers:

I only am taking a few pairs that will be worn when shopping and visiting the towns like Firenze and Lucca (for cycling - of course!).

From bottom to top there are my Zara chinos, Zara denim jeans, oh and my red Zara waxed jeans (see a pattern here?), white linen Topshop trousers and a pair of black leggings.

Shoes:

I must state this now: in Tuscany I think that Converse are probably the most worn footwear brand. That's why I always carry one of my 8 pairs with me.

Clockwise: white All Star Converse, Topshop studded slippers, Bronx sandals bought from Asos, UGG flipflops, and my new Nike Lunaracer+ (post review coming!!) trainers.

Shirts and Shorts:

Shorts and skirts will probably be the most worn seeing as it is going to be hawt in Italy; on Saturday it will be 38 degrees C and will remain the same for three more days.

From left to right: remade Cooperative button up at the front skirt, Max C black pleated skirt, pink Polo Ralph Lauren shorts, Mango blue elasticated waist shorts, denim belted Urban Outfitters shorts.

Make-up:

I like to keep it simple with make-up anyway so I am packing very little: I doubt I will end up wearing any at all!!

Above you can see my Rimmel London liquid eyeliner in Black, Dior black mascara, Elizabeth Arden powder foundation in shade 5, Max Factor lip tint pen in shade 6, and finally my Bobbi Brown smoky eye pallet.

So these are some of the things you can find in our suitcase for Italy tomorrow. My mission for this Italian holiday is to hit up the retro and vintage shops, then report back to you guys with hopefully (fingers crossed) some amazing finds!!

See you soon!

Rachel

The Era of the Tumblr Drones

2012-08-15T20:03:00.000+01:00

Aloha! Among other social media sites that I try, and fail, to avoid Tumblr has seriously got me and thousands of others hooked. With it's easy interface and generous numbers of users posting images, it is impossible to not find something inspirational.

You can find my general Tumblr here (fashion here), but I'm not writing this to promote myself - but share some of my favourite blogs that I really believe are worth checking out: whether or not you are a tumblr-er.

Nyane & Mpho: Two twins from South Africa living in London post their quirky style photos on their immensely popular tumblr - they are so widely talked about that they even have Nylon magazine talking!

Source
Mpho

Source
Nyane

Songxisto: The tumblr of Mercedes, a fashion loving girl, who makes beautiful GIF animations of some of my favourite models and designer campaigns.

Source
Daphne Groeneveld for Dior Addict

Moooonglow: Posts beautiful streets style shots and editorial shots that are really individual and iconic. She also posts runway shots and the finer details.

Source

So, yes! These are some of my favourite Tumblr accounts out there but I suggest you also check out:

Adios!

Fashion History/ Punk Styling

2012-04-20T18:31:00.001+01:00

So the time has come, my Textiles GCSE project has begun! From the many options we were given I have decided to put my faith (and 60% of my final grade) into creating a Punk inspired project, consisting of 22 pages of A3 coursework and a garment or accessory that I've made.

For the past week I've been collecting a series of images inspired by the 'Age of Punk' for my moodboard that I would like to share with you, in addition to the history of Punk.

Punk: The Subculture

All pictures can be found on my Pinterest, linking to
their direct source.

Punk emerged in the 1970's, and the British have taken credit for it's existence, despite the French input. I mean, how could we not? Britain produced the Sex Pistols with their iconic 'God Save the Queen' artwork, but apparently it was the French influence that gave the Punk movement it's confrontational attitude and the drive to rebel. And to the French I salute, for without this sense of anarchy Punk would never have had as great an effect on society or challenged fashion followers to be adventurous and have a sense of individuality.

One Vivienne Westwood was the co-developer, with then partner Malcolm McLaren, of the Punk styling we all know and love due to her designing the stage outfits for The Sex Pistols which Malcolm was acting as manager of. They opened a boutique in 1971 on 430 Kings Road, originally named "Let it Rock" but better known now as World's End where Vivienne continues to sell her Vivienne Westwood label clothes - still with a punk edge.

As the years have passed Punk styling has slowly been toned down, but is ever frequent in highstore chains where, not just a small minority, but the mass market are purchasing clothes with a punk theme.

Here are two Punk-ish products on the market today that I absolutely adore:

Religion Sweatshirt

Topshop Dip-Dye Studded Sweat

And I'll leave you with some final inspirational images:

Love Rachel

Collections/ Topshop: Surf Luxe

2012-03-12T21:00:00.002Z

Sorry I've been so distant recently, I can't believe I haven't blogged since late January! With exams a'plenty; Spanish, three Science's and Maths, it's been a hectic past few weeks. Anyhoo... now that the blossoms are on the tree's and the birds are singing I can finally say that Spring is here - and that must mean Summer is just a season away!

Luxury sports style has been a huge hit on the runways, especially successfully at 3.1 Phillip Lim with a sophisticated take on the trend. So it's not a surprise that Topshop has created its own version: Surf Luxe.

Topshop Sportsluxe

Surfing is literally the most associated sport with Summer; picture riding Californian waves on your Chanel surfboard, sun bleached hair and long hours of blissful heat...perfection. Topshop's take on this trend includes metallic bombers teamed with sequinned skirts and sunbed striped satchels, a-line skirts in our much loved new pastel shades and a touch of the dip-dye that reigned over last summer. What's not to like?

Keep your eyes on these treasures:

All Topshop

Have a nice Monday!

Rach

Inspiration/ Spring

2012-01-30T20:35:00.001Z

It's ridiculous. England is neither in Winter, it hasn't even snowed yet, or Spring. I'm so bored of the seasons being in limbo that I'm yearning for hotter weather. Anyway in the spirit of anticipating the upcoming seasons, here's some inspirational images and lyrics!

I get dressed up in my winter clothes

And step outside to look at the roses

But they're all covered in the morning snow

I get dressed up in my summer clothes
And step outside to look at the roses
But they're all covered in their sharper thorns

Let's put on our rain coats
And drench ourselves in english weather
Just to know we're free
We'll bury our heads down beneath the old oak tree
Just you and me

I get dressed up in my autumn clothes
And step out side to pick up the leaves and
I can not believe the whole year has gone

Source

Just open your heart

And the world will carry you home tonight

It will.

Charlie Simpson - Thorns

Merry January 30th one and all!

Peace.

Links a la Mode/ Appearance 3

2012-01-20T16:54:00.002Z

Thanks for all the support that has allowed me to be featured on IFB's Links a la Mode for the third time. Merci beaucoup.

The Woman in the Mirror Gonna Change Her Ways

By Jessie Thorpe of Denimology

It's January. It's a time for fresh beginnings, unknown adventures, and change. The new year is all about making personal progress. Most peeps vow to go to the gym, stick to their diet, keep a tight budget or to quit biting their nails. Why not change your personal style instead? You can be bold, be tough and take risks! Maybe you need to tone it down, dress your age or stop when more is really way too much! Whether your fashion goals for the year are to be a better blogger, feature top notch photos or be a fashion savvy dresser, surely there is a link or three here to spur on your metamorphosis.

THE IFB WEEKLY ROUNDUP: LINKS À LA MODE: JANUARY 19TH

Are You Endearing: Life Lessons Learned From a Little Black Dress
Brunette Blogging: A fun approach to the widely discussed tale of the fashion blogger
Coming Unstitched: Found that perfect dress? Here's how to work it with every style.
Denimology: Skinny, Slouchy or Drop Crotch? This Is The Question!
Dressful: Bill Cunningham: The original street style photographer
Fashionopolis: This winter bring out the brights!
Fierce|Fabulous|Fit: Ways to make your blog mobile friendly in Blogger, Wordpress, etc.
Grit and Glamour: 12 Ways to a Better Blog—and a Better You—in 2012
Life of a Recessionista: DIY: Makeup Brush Cleanser
Little Spindrift: Experimenting with rainbow nails...inspired by Miss Caggie Dunlop
Oranges And Apples: Untangling ethical fashion
Shrimp Salad Circus: Guide to Self-Portrait Photography - Lose the awkward, look amazing!
Small Town, Big Wardrobe: "Fabulous" photos that didn't make it....
Style Delights: What Kate Middleton, SJP & Mrs Obama taught us about statement necklaces.
Sugar and Spice: How to... Survive your first season at Fashion Week
The Chic Sheet: Sequin Leggings + A Sweatshirt...Why I Love A Good Contradiction
The Closet Intervention: Why "accessible style" is anything but for the average American.
The Fashion Edition: Spring's controversial trend, Pastels, and how to wear them edgy.
The Fashionable Workout: Sweating Stylishly
The Frugalista Diaries: DIY Dress For A Cause

SPONSOR:
New Shoes at Shopbop: Sergio Rossi, Jil Sander, Boutique9, Margiela, CK, Missoni, Sam Edelman, Jeffrey Campbell, Coclico Shoes, Minnetonka, Edmund Castillo & Badgley Mischka

PLEASE READ IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE
If you would like to submit your link for next week’s Links à la Mode, please register first, then post your links HERE. The HTML code for this week will be found in the Links a la Mode group will be published later today. ~Jennine