simply knowing you...

just hanging

2013-01-22T14:48:00.000-08:00

Found this image on my PC from a project a couple of years ago. Still have every piece lying around my room. Especially love the white hair bow that I found in a cute little vintage boutique in the Brighton lanes!

A fairy tale world, up the road...

2013-01-20T14:40:00.001-08:00

I felt as though I had walked straight into a fairy tale land far, far away... Perhaps Narnia fits the criteria perfectly?

the white rabbit

2012-02-18T14:45:00.000-08:00

so basically my take on the white rabbit etc.

Charity shop soft spot- Aquascutum Shirt

2011-10-05T08:27:00.000-07:00

So a few friends and I work in this British Heart Foundation charity shop for a couple of hours a week and most of the clothes are the most disgusting things I've seen in my life, but there's a special blue box (sigh) that has all the "high label fashion" as they call it and when we have to do the tagging that tends to be the box I go to to search through.
I've always had a soft spot for charity shops and have been able to find some amazing pieces, for example my beauts satchel bag I found in the downstairs of an Oxfam in Southfield when doing a visual merchandising course and the woman gave it to me for two quid! I was like, err okay that's cool... *runs outside a cries with happiness*
Therefore I was sort of hoping that the charity shops in Wallington would be equally as successful, however I did have my doubts... As it is Wallington... But as I was working in there the other week I stumbled across a blouse in the red box (average brands eg Marks&Sparks) and it was so nice! Cream with three blue strips down the front fastened by little gold buttons! I went to tag the label and realised that it in fact read "Aquascutum" in amongst mark&sparks.... not so sure. So I asked the guy, Simon, who was in the room with us if I should tag it as a "high label" piece and to my utter disgust he replied that he had never heard of Aquascutum. I almost died. Then my friend Charmaine also turned around and said she had no idea. To which I really did almost die.
So I bought it- it will obviously be much more loved in my company- and for £2.80!!
Today's the first day I've had the chance to wear it, to sixth form open day, but even so it's a memorable occassion. Slightly odd that I treat my clothes as though they were people, but never mind.

Haven't posted since june...

2011-10-04T15:13:00.001-07:00

I am a complete foney at this whole blogging thing. Apparently you're meant to be blogging about 8- or something ridiculous like that- times a day, but ever so sorry to dissapoint, but i do have a life! However I am going to try to blog more frequently, think I might start with one post a day and work my way up...
I had a look at the blog's stats the other day and found that it was still getting quite a few views per day so i thought i might as well share something new.
I'm typing all of this off of my phone by the way as I thought it would make it easier to blog more frequently so I apologise in advance for any spelling mistakes and how it looks on the pc...
Anyway this was just my little warning, I will blog tomorrow at some point so have a look! Night all xxx

London men.

2011-06-04T03:04:00.000-07:00

My iPod died yesterday on the way home from an amazingly exciting day working with costume and textiles designer Nicola Killeen at Pinewood Studios and being the lazy bum that I am- never charged it. Therefore I had to find something else to do for the journey to Hackney. Sooooooo I write this article into pocketword on my ancient brick of a phone whilst drinking a shitty cup of coffee and eating the most pathetic blueberry muffin (early morning organisation isn't my thing) and I've just finished playing a, somewhat perverted, game by myself on the bus. Watching Londoners race past and saying yes or no in my head as to whether I'd... marry them? Kiss them? etc? Well, anyway it turned out to be an awful lot of no, no, no, no, no, no, no with the occasional yes...Which led me to thinking how unfortunate most men are in their looks...Which then brought my attention to the fact that the majority of people passing by were men! I'd say 75% were men which sort of shocked me a bit.
The stereotypical London male worker in my mind is in business of some sort, in an office somewhere, who strolls around in a clean cut BLACK Hugo Boss suit with a brief case clutched under one arm. And by the looks of things I'm growing more and more disappointed in the way that male Londoners express themselves. No artistic flare to be seen. And why does every suit I see have to be black?! Where is the bloody colour?!
However one very beautiful Londoner has just appeared in my mind who had the artistic flare of a God- Mister Lee Alexander McQueen. He had more creativity in one eyelash than these brief case soldiers have in their entire bodies!I truly believe he is an inspiration. And should be for all men. He grew up in Stratford, London being the youngest child of six and found a job along Saville Row at the age of sixteen working in a tailors which is where his journey is said to have begun.
It's just a bit sad to see all of these men passing by with the potential to be as great as McQueen, but instead they're dressing the same every day and working in politics or something boring like that. Fair enough if they want to be smart and enjoy politics, but there must be some other way to appear smart without the repeatitive black?

Maybe then there'd be more yes's than no's...

Don't think I'd forgotten about you Vivienne.

2011-05-19T13:55:00.000-07:00

(Quickly like to apologise for being a lazy arse and not posting in about 3 months...)
VIVIENNE WESTWOOD. WESTWOOD VIVIENNE. VIVWOOD WESTIENNE. WESTIENNE VIVWOOD. VIVWEST WOODIENNE. WOODIENNE VIVWEST.

At 69 she is a legend.

Her style is beyond description.

She's received the British Fashion Designer three times!

The woman has also received an OBE from the Queen leaving her DAME Vivienne Westwood.

However, the purpose of this post isn't to confess my love for her it is to discuss, rather belatedly I must admit, her wonderful Autumn Winter show at Paris Fashion Week in March!

Now, my biggest secret... To watch the show before I ramble on about it follow this link http://www.elleuk.com/catwalk/collections/vivienne-westwood/autumn-winter-2011/video

elleuk.com is my saviour...

The show was titled "World Wide Woman" and it showed just that. It was a mix of everything thrown in together in an elegant manner reflecting Vivienne's magical personality. Right from the dramatic, distressed make- up and theme to the metallic styled ensembles.

I loved the quirky combination of preppy suits and glamorous fur. The second image above is full of youth and the metallics are really chic matched with a pair of seasonal striped socks it is a very chic ensemble.

These boots actually took my breath away...

Have to admit the yellow dress above was my least favourite... It reminds me of Belle from Beauty and the Beast, but with a sickening twist to it. The black netted sleeves are gorgeous, however the combination just doesn't work for me.

Overall, a very dramatic message portrayed by Westwood, distressed, chic and rebellious.

And that's the last of it...

2011-03-04T14:13:00.000-08:00

So, John Galliano is troubled, so he said some things that maybe he shouldn't have, but once you've seen his last Dior collection that occurred today in Paris, you will forget completely the bad things and think only of the wonderful...
With a touch of the deep bohemian colours shown often by Marc Jacobs and the darkness of the future Autumn/ Winter 2011/12 it is the perfect mix! If John Galliano were to go out after any show, this was the one.

Day meets night. Beautiful.

London Fashion Week...

2011-03-01T13:55:00.000-08:00

Truly inspiring week.

So I didn't get to go to any of the official catwalk shows, but there's always elle.com/ vogue.com to watch them online...

However, I did get to go to the LFWeekend at Sommerset House on Saturday and saw four collections on the catwalk; the first was "Swan Vesta" which was a mix of garments put together with the inspiration of the film "Black Swan" in mind, the second was the Spring/ Summer '11 collection from Bora Aksu, the third was another mix of pieces names "Lady Brights" which showed the new trend of block colours and contrast and lastly they showed one of my favourite designers Mark Fast and his Spring/ Summer collection.
I only changed the settings after the first couple of collections so please forgive the blurred effects...
Firstly was Swan Vesta

Pink Lobster Devore Dress by William Tempest

Nude Powenet Dress by Bodyamr. Neck Ruff by Kapow Wow Objects

Pink Bodice and skirt by Jasper Conran

White blouse and Sequin Detail skirt by Jasper Garvida

Black Ossie Clark dress from www.shikasuki.com Jewellery by Gemma Lister

Black Flower Dress by Richard Sorger, Socks by Miu Miu, Silver Fox Collar by Rebecca Bradley

Top and bra by Alexander Wang, skirt by Charles Anatase, Collar and bow by Gemma Lister

Next up was Bora Aksu...

Then the compilations for Lady Brights...

Short sleeved yellow sweater by www.shikasuki.com, Lilac Pop Chinos by Acne

Buttercup quilted dress by Jasper Conran

Amethyst halter dress by Halston Heritage

Sapphire dress by Halston Heritage

Blue Vintage Lavin blouse, orange silk skirt by Jasper Conran

Bright blue dress by Lungta de Fancy, Stole by Charles Anatase

Coral dress by Jasper Conran

Coral silk shirt by Charles Anatase, Hot blue Vintage skirt

Navy short sleeved jacket and red heart cravat by Miu Miu, Green vintage skirt

70's turquoise silk chiffon pussy bow skirt from www.shikasuki.com

Vintage Byblos fluorescent pink tutu

50's pink jacket from www.shikasuki.com

Heart shoes by Vivienne Westwood

Sours platform shoes by Kandee Shoes

And lastly, Mark Fast!

If you have never been to London Fashion Weekend I highly recommend it as it is just such an amazing experience. The clothes that you can find at such great discounts is wowwwww. Par exemple... Dolce and Gabbana dress for around £300 reduced from the original price of £2500... So tempting, so tempting... With a matching chiffon blouse...
There are so many unique, new designers that you can find as well, for example I found a designer there who produced hair accessories that included pieces such as colourful feather headbands and bohemian style turbans in deep colours such as wine red and midnight blue. The name of the label was Pearl and Ivy...
Another thing that you can participate in at London Fashion Weekend is the various events put on by the sponsors. I had a make over by Elizabeth Arden and there was a Toni & Guy hair stylist and Vodaphone Screenings which were all available. However, they do all cost so if you were to go to one I would suggest saving up a bundle of money beforehand...
So that was the weekend, but as for the WEEK. Oh my lord. LOUISE GRAY- head over heals for her collection. Head over beautifully colourful heals!

The extravagance and courage of it all simply takes your breath away.

If i find the time, I'll write up my thoughts on the New York, Milan and Paris fashion weeks too!
But being incredibly lazy doesn't help...

How Vogue became my obsession.

2011-02-15T11:02:00.000-08:00

We've got obsessions...Once upon a time my Dad came back from London and gave me a French magazine- he's like French obsessed- and it was Vogue Paris. I spent ages looking through each page and studying each outfit and each advert and attempting some of the articles... And from then on I've never stopped buying every issue! Unfortunately I only buy the British Vogue because I'm not sure I could subscribe to Vogue Paris from Britain... I could try it though? And so Vogue and I lived happily ever after! THE END.

Vogue has been published in so many countries and HELLO? why wouldn't it be? It's amazing.

And back to my Kate Moss craze. She has appeared on roughly 30 Vogue covers, which is practically 2 and a half years worth of issues, which is immense! Which brings me to how ironic it is that none of the Vogue covers above show her, but oh well... Moving on...

It is starred some of fashion's most iconic stars. Since Vogue New York began in December1892 it has been a massive star hotspot! From Paul Poiret (major love for the guy!) to Alexa Chung there have been celebrities, designers, editors of all sorts running down the hall of Vogue.

I admit, I get fluttery feelings every time I arrive home to find a new Vogue on the kitchen table... And extremely sad though this may be, when I received the March issue a couple of weeks ago I sat down with my coffee and biscuits in the kitchen by myself flicking through the gorgeous pages and I began to interview myself... When my brother walked in he really thought I was some crazed lunatic... I was pretending that I was 22 and I'd worked at Vogue as a fashion photographer/ features editor for two years and "I can [could] imagine the interview for the job like it was yesterday, and now I am [was] being interviewed again as to how I got here, it's all such a strange feeling". Yes... strange seeing as it's not real...

Well, maybe one day...

You never know.

A Blizard in Burberry...

2011-01-17T12:54:00.000-08:00

The Burberry Prorsum Menswear Autumn/ Winter collection happened yesterday and thanks to the beautiful George Craig's tweet with the link to watch online I was able to watch the amazing show. Sitting down with my hot chocolate and beautiful little magazine- covered notebook and watching the Burberry show, every so often catching a glimpse of George Craig in the front row- heaven!
I don't normally think much of the menswear collections because it tends to be less imaginative and less vibrant (not claiming this is the case for all designers) and I feel sorry for men if I'm being honest... When I sat down to watch this show, however, I tried to get into it and this has definitely been the one show that has brought me love for menswear collections and I'm sure I'll be following them more in the future.
There was a theme of dismal weather, spelling BRITISH through and through, and this continued throughout the show ending with a beautiful raincoat ending to sum it up which I'll talk about in a bit.
Firstly we started to see checks of colours such as browns, reds and black and as the show went on the colours did become more bright and bold and there were some gorgeous shades of tangerine orange which were shown- also becoming popular this Spring/ Summer for women, showing the links between menswear and women's wear. After this bold outburst, the tone dropped and we began to see a mixture of textures in mainly greys, for example I'm sure there were some lovely suede and PVC coats entering!
However, after the brilliant start it went a bit downhill for me... Yellow puffer jackets... Cropped puffer jackets... I physically wanted to die.
And then BOOM. If you thought aviator would be going back out of fashion this Winter, you are terribly wrong I'm afraid because Burberry most certainly brought it back in again. The fur trimmings were extremely beautiful and fur was definitely a theme throughout the catwalk. For example there was a beautifully classic tweed blazer with a fur trim that may seem tacky, but looked fantastic! It finished off the blazer in such an elegant, glamorous manner that makes you want to cry with happiness. Later on in the show, there was also dalmatian print fur to trim coats and I must confess that it all looked very stylish, no matter what people may think about animal prints being tacky...Whilst on the topic of fur, I must admit my hate for the stupid fur hats (that darling Christopher Bailey decided to plonk on top of the model's head, I have no idea what got into him) grew stronger and stronger...
Finally they rounded up the camels and blazer trends that have been followed up from last winter extremely well and even added a gorgeous crocodile clutch to the clean cut blazer outfit- men should definitely carry bags more, it's extremely sexy.
I actually thought the show had finished and I turned away and I suddenly heard rain pouring down... Which of course was my computer- the show hadn't actually finished... Duh. The models came in for their finale dressed in an outfit each cover with a transparent raincoat whilst it poured down on the catwalk. It was so dramatic and beautiful! Really summed the show up well. Loved it.
Here's the link if you want to watch it! http://uk.burberry.com/store/content/experience/show/live/index.jsp?WT.ac=LP_H_B1

ew. gross. kill me now.

Somehow these outfits can look even better when they're modelled by sex gods.

Yum! Fur trims. Future of coats.

And then there's this... Now this one looks like a badger...

darling watson.

2011-01-10T13:00:00.000-08:00

One of the first to start the short hair cut trend, releasing two Harry Potter films within a year, "starring" in Vogue December- and I cheesily say "starring" as the them was stars, having the photo shoot done by Mario Testino for the Vogue issue, everything about her is just beautiful...

These are the photos taken from the shoot in December and she looks incredible! She talks of how "For nine years I was contractually obliged not to cut my hair, not to tan. All the normal things girls do" so once she finished filming she went and got it all chopped! She's come so far! From being the baby faced Hermoine Granger to a fashion icon/ twiggy look- a- like!
So much love for her...
ps, I LOVE the Balmain sweater she's wearing in the first black/ white photo, it's so hard sometimes to find the right baggy jumper, just got to save up 54000 pennies and I'll be able to afford it... But me? Saving? No, by the time I've managed to save for anything, it's out of stock!

Short and sweet update on Emma, but come back soon to check out my promotional article for Stone Photography!

Fresh starts!

2011-01-01T11:03:00.000-08:00

It may sound a tad cheesy, going on about the whole "It's a new year, I'm going to change myself for the better" thing when, truth be told, it is just the next day in your life with a special name "New Year's Day". However, I am not a someone who likes to miss a chance to start over and a date which reads 1.1.11 has got to be given some credit for being a great date to change your life.

There isn't anything major that springs to mind when I think of changing my life, apart from those small things like going to the gym more often and trying harder to balance social life with school work as to not get to bloody far behind in everything because I've become wrapped up in living in my own bubble, which someone recently told me I do... Living in a bubble... Bad or good? I mean, it gives me my opinions and an understanding of what I want in life. My bubble is me completely, but in life you cannot be just YOU by YOURSELF. Life is about sharing it with others and fulfilment.

Right now you may be thinking "What the hell is she rambling on about? I thought she was meant to be writing a fashion blog?" And the answer to that my dear reader, is that EVERYTHING is to do with fashion. Absolutely everything. When you start a new year, a new year begins in fashion also- despite the fact most fashion employees like to see September as the start to the fashion year for obvious fashion week reasons- and when you're creating your new year resolutions fashion always pops to mind. "I want to really make a statement this year!" or "I'm going to try to save up for good quality pieces which aren't just any old bargain found on the floor of a River Island sale." or "I will try not to be such a sheep to the fashion industry and thrive in my own style..." etc. etc...

This year fashion will change immensely, just as it does every year. I mean, I was watching, in the very early hours of this morning, the performances from bands and solo artists from the early eighties and I'm proud to say that I el- oh- ve- ee eighties fashion so very much. The flares and the high waisted skirts and above all the BRIGHTNESS! My parents were cringing at the clothes as memories must have been flashing, but for someone who hasn't been alive through the eighties I love it! It's absolutely gorgeous and I don't understand why nothing like that is coming back into fashion, we're stuck with 2010 summer's nudes and pale floral patters and when you compare them to the eighties- hey! they're booooooring! I have loved the military styles throughout this year and have collected garments which are beautiful, but can we peeerrleeease just get over it? I want to see bright colours and patterns and something NEW! With my fingers crossed and a quick glance through January Vogue, Elle and Glamour I think that my wish might just come true in time for Summer!

So this ends my ramble about, well I'm not quite sure what it's been about, but have a lovely 2011 and try to keep to your resolutions! Personally, I've already broken three...

British Fashion Awards 2010!

2010-12-05T07:44:00.000-08:00

I am so excited! I've recently been reading the shortlists of nominees for the various awards and the British Fashion Awards 2010 and I have made my mind up on who I wish to win each award!

Firstly the `Emerging Talent Award- Accessories` nominees are as follows; Charlotte Olympia, Husam El Odeh and Jessica McCormack. I have concluded that out of these three I am leaning towards the favour of Charlotte Olympia- I love them all, don't get me wrong, they're all amazingly interesting designers, but at the moment I'm going through a MASSIVE shoe loving phase and Olympia's designs are so gorgeously wonderful and classically sexy that I cannot resist...

Secondly there is the `Emerging Talent Award- Ready- to- wear` and the nominees are Mary Katrantzou, Meadham Kirchhoff and Michael van der Ham. Right- so- hm- if I think back to who throughout the whole of 2010 I've always been amazed by, it'd have to be Mary Katrantzou! They've all done their bit in the Topshop boutiques, but the one that stands out in terms of how interesting the designs are is Mary Katrantzou. Her designs at LFW were also beautiful, so what can I say... She's amazing? Having said that I feel bad... I really do love the other two nominees- Meadham Kicrchoff has great style and such a unique way of thinking and the colours and imagination Michael van der Ham uses are wow! But I'm still going to say that Katrantzou is my favourite!

The third award is for `Designer Brand` and has nominees of Burberry, Mulberry, Pringle of Scotland and Victoria Beckham. This one is really difficult to choose between- I admit I am not a great fan of Victoria Beckham, but the other three designer brands are heavenly. This year I've been rather obsessed with Burberry, due mainly to George Craig, however Mulberry and their Alexa bags, beautifully thought out advertisements and Pringle with their authentic styles and the introduction of wool knit classics once again this Winter. I may have to say that I've fallen for Pringle. I am so going to end up biting my tongue if Victoria Beckham ends up winning... I just don't feel the whole bodycon everything style that she has going on- not everyone's size zero anorexic like you Posh.

Then there's the Model award... This one is always so hard and especially when there is men AND women involved because they just have such different qualities. The nominees this year are David Gandy- YUM, Lara Stone- OF COURSE and Rosie Huntington- Whiteley- ooh la la. Personally, when I saw Rosie Huntington- Whiteley had been nominated the first thoughts I had were "sorry, but who is she?" and having Googled her, I wasn't that very impressed if I'm honest. Yes, she is very pretty and has a lovely figure, but there was nothing really different about her. Then there's David Gandy and oh my God is that man hot. He has appeared in quite a lot this year and I'm glad he was nominated- I think George Craig should have been nominated, but David Gandy is the next best thing! Him against Lara Stone will be difficult. I think I'm going to have to go with Lara Stone though because she has become such an icon throughout 2010, since last year's December issue of Vogue she has been popping up everywhere. Her Louis Vuitton adverts are immense and her features are so unique that it would be hard not to say that I hope she wins.

Fifth award is for British accessory designer- Camilla Skovgaard, Emma Hill for Mulberry and Nicholas Kirkwood are this year's nominees. They're all worthy- Skovgaard's designs are inspiring and interesting, Emma Hill's bags are gorgeous and fit right in with this year's trends, but this may be due to my shoe- loving phase, but I'm going to have to vote for Nicholas Kirkwood on this one. His shoes are absolutely amazing and I love him so much. I've attempted to design shoes before, but it must be one of those things- you can either do it, or you can't- and Nicholas definitely can! I don't know where he gets his inspiration from, but his shoes are so different and beautiful that it really confuses me as to how he does it. It's not human.

Menswear is always tricky for me because I never seem to pay much attention to it, I'm normally more interested in the womenswear and dreaming about owning the clothes I see myself. But I have been noticing certain male clothing in advertisements this year and I agree with the nomination for Menswear Designer being Christopher Bailey for Burberry, E. Tautz, Margaret Howell and Paul Smith. Well, Christopher Bailey, I don't know whether to be jealous of him to have worked with George Craig or to be jealous of George Craig to have worked with Bailey... His Burberry designs this year have been immense and I've loved watching the new advertisements come out and various Prorsum shows at Fashion Weeks. E. Tautz's designs look as if they have been inspired and influenced by male university students from roughly the seventies/ eighties? They are so boyishly handsome and have a preppy take on menswear. And this is when I just get bored of menswear, it all looks similar, no fancy bright colours, no anything out of the ordinary, why can't all men dress like gay guys?! It would so much more interesting. Margaret Howell's designs are nice, I admit, but they are just suits and shirts and trousers, over and over again... Paul Smith I do like. And this this year I have actually preferred his men's collections over the women's. Blazer's are more interesting and not all of his designs are clean cut suits. My favourite would have to be Christopher Bailey though, I know he won an award for best BFC Designer last year, but I don't see why he can't win another this.

Seventh award is the Isabella Blow award for fashion creator with the nominees of Nick Knight, Nicola Formichetti and Rankin. Okay, so who has been a major inspiration? Right, so two photographers and an editor. I have always loved Nick Knight's photography and he's one of my favourite fashion photographers, like, ever! Er, I would go on, but I just couldn't favour anyone else... Knight is literally a knight in shining colour. His photography is hypnotic and gripping. Rankin is also very good, but in my opinion, not as good. Formichetti is definitely an ispirational editor who has worked very hard to get to where she is and her editorial range is very impressive, but nothing to compare to Nick Knight in my books...

The eight award is the Designer of the year and the nominees are Christopher Kane, Erdem and Phoebe Philo for Céline. Christopher Kane's range at Topshop has definitely impressed me this year with his mix of styles and Erdem's viewing at London's Fashion Week was absolutely amazing, however my favourite has got to be Céline. I just love it. The military colours; especially cream. The high- waisted dream look. And her adaptations with colour. Phoebe Philo is my personal favourite and as much as I love the other two designers, I'm rooting for Céline this year!

The ninth and tenth awards are to be announced either later on before Tuesday or at the ceremony on the 7th and they are for BFC outstanding achievement in fashion and British Style which will be very interesting to find out!

Ahh! I can't wait! Even though I'm not going to the ceremony I still can't wait to see the photos and videos online the next day! And hopefully, I've named at least one of the winning nominees correctly, but if I haven't I don't mind being a fool with an individual opinion if I'm being honest...

capescapescapes.

2010-11-22T09:57:00.000-08:00

Wow, as soon as this month started it was like BOOM- faux fur coats, capes, lace, scarlet, leopard print, tanned beiges, olive, over the knee socks, chunky wool cardigans, aviator, camel, worker boots. Oh my good gracious. In love, or what?

It's this time of year my parents always have a go at me for leaving the house with not enough clothing on, I admit I tend to prefer dressing Summery because you can wear pretty much anything you like and everyone will see it, but in Winter you're forever covering up with scarves and coats. However this year, with the beautiful capes and faux fur coats mixed with boots and thick socks or tights, I realised you can actually wear something gorgeous on top as well as underneath when staying warm!

FOCUSING ON CAPES THIS TIME!

I'm hoping to invest in a military cape this Winter, but there are so many different versions and colours!

We're seeing gorgeously embellished capes on the Parisian catwalks, but they're also high street fashion. For example the cape nearest the bottom on the left is a cashmere and wool blend cape by Emilio Pucci who normally uses fantastically inspiring patterns, but has adapted to created this beautiful cape. The second cape is also very nice and the drape of the sleeves and shaping around the middle is definitely a signature cape that is stylish in it's classiness.

Camel is also a fashion trend of this Winter, which has carried on from the last, and someone fantastic merged the two together. I don't know who they are, but I BLOODY LOVE THEM!

By Isabella Oliver.

YUM YUM YUM.

So Dear Dear Dear Santa, pretty please?

Did you know that...

2010-11-18T10:23:00.000-08:00

The Issa dress that Kate Middleton wore for the announcement of hers and Prince William's engagement sold out within the first 24 hours of images going live?

Kate: Kate Middleton: Princess in Waiting

Coco Chanel's apartment looked like this?

Chanel

The nominees at British Fashion Awards 2010 for Designer Label are Burberry Prorsum, Mulberry, Pringle of Scotland and Victoria Beckham?

Clothing Companies of Scotland: Mackintosh, Ultimo, Pringle of Scotland, Crombie

Mulberry Handbags (Khaki/Honey) Roxanne Canvas Bag HP6632

Search Amazon.com for burberry

That Extra Half an Inch: Hair, Heels and Everything in Between

Victoria Beckham: Queen of America

Jennifer Lopez and Marc Antony are planning a fashion project together?

Kate Moss has been voted best dressed woman of the decade by US Vogue?

Kate Moss by Mario Testino

Kate: The Kate Moss Book

Haider Ackermann has been said to be the most likely to succeed Karl Largefeld at Chanel?

Now you know...

So, I've been thinking...

2010-11-14T10:34:00.000-08:00

I don't understand people who don't understand fashion.

If we didn't have fashion, what would we look like?

We'd be naked.

And okay, I'm personally not up for that.

I guess I understand where they are coming from, I mean, the human body is beautiful and we should be comfortable as ourselves without having to cover up in something that shows a difference. Then again, why do we choose the clothes we choose. Because they represent who we are. And that's what fashion is- a representation of the wearer.
Everyone has a different take on fashion. I like to wear things that I like and yes, I admit in some ways I am a sheep and follow the current fashions, I mean HELLO? camel capes- who wouldn't fall in love with that? But, everyone has their own individual fashion sense- some may be hideous in a certain person's eyes and some absolutely gorgeous.
I like to think that by wanting to go into fashion as a career I won't turn out to be stupid and not care about much more than the latest clog epidemic. I'd like to have more understanding of life and how fashion is an effect and not just something without any thought.
Quite a few people think that I'm extremely dumb- I mean, alright I thought that Dubai was the capital of India, that India was next to Brazil, that Cardiff was the capital of Australia, but that's just geography. Not my strong point. I'd like people to think that I am smart and not that I'm just doing fashion as a career path because I'm not academic enough to do anything else. Fashion is in fact intelligent and complex.
Going back to my previous point, that we would be naked without fashion, every piece of fashion is beautiful in it's each significant way and it is there to embellish our bodies where our complexion and features cannot. If we had sequined eyes with velvet lashes and patterned silk skin, maybe, just maybe, we could go without fashion, we would be our own fashion. But without that, we can only hope that everyone will make the right choices when they go to their wardrobe in the morning and think, what should I wear today? That they will wear fashion that shows off their body and personality for being them. Yourself and no one else. Being a sheep on the odd occasion is fine, but making the fashion your own is what gives someone the right to wear clothes.
Amen.

model melt down!

2010-11-03T14:56:00.000-07:00

WARNING!

THE LOVE I HAVE FOR THESE MODELS IS SO MUCH I MAY EXPLODE ANY SECOND.

Top ten? If it's possible to narrow it down that much...

10. Linda Evangelista

She has a sort of angled wide eyed look that suits classic styles very well. I love her as a model because she can portray different visions, such as the bottom left photograph reminds me slightly of Kate Moss, the first photograph of Audrey Hepburn and the third of Twiggy. However that may just be me seeing things...

9. Tyra Banks

Ah, Tyra. She has such a defined face and gorgeous eyes that all her photographs focus on her face more than the fashion or backgrounds.

8. Dree Hemingway

Dree is the kind of i've- been- out- all- night- and- in- the- morning- I- look- fabulous girl. She has an edge of her dark side where she can pull off the scruffy look and a side that shows her contrasting innocence. I love her fashion style also and think that she is, as well as being a supermodel, a high street icon.

7. Patricia Van Der Vlier

Surely she is the most beautiful thing you must have seen this week, right? Without make- up, with make- up, natural hair, styled hair- she can just pull off anything. No wonder she was claimed the FACE OF BEAUTY in the Vogue Nippon Beauty in August earlier this year. I would kill to look that good twenty four seven.

6. Agyness Deyn

DRAMATIC- The word that comes to mind when thinking of Agyness Deyn. With her short hair cut and boyish charm she looks gorgeous on camera.

5. Daisy Lowe

Her hair creates a blocked frame of her face and with the dark eye liner and lipstick we can see that she is an almost gothic character with a bold dark side. She is rockstar model who can simmers in an ideal black.

4. Anya Rubik

I love her, I love her, I love her. Her hair is ay- may- zing. It's so classically off the point. Her shoots are unique and anyone could tell that she has her own style even when posing for someone else. (In the case of the last photo: Patrick Demarchelier. Sigh.)

3.Lara Stone

Lara Stone has been an idol of mine for ages now and I still find her inspiring. Her sunken, carved eyes and confident style she is most definitely a supermodel with passion. Plus- I mean wow, her cheek bones in the fourth photo?! Soft or harsh looks, she can master them all.

2. Freja Beha Erichson

Freja is unique and classic. Her natural, minimalistic style is wonderful and her face is beautifully carved. She is probably the best Chanel model, along with Audrey Tatou that I know. She beats Keira Knightley I'm afraid. Choppy, styled and grungey. I love it.

1. Kate Moss

Number One would have to be Miss Moss. She is BRILLIANT. If you saw any of these photos on a billboard outside, you would most definitely say wow. Would you not? Colourful, elegant, stylish, natural and beautiful. Her photos cover all of this. She has even taken modelling one step further and has just this week announced her last range at Topshop and also designs for Longchamp. I am always jubius when models become designers because I never know whether they will always just be after modelling fashion and won't look outside the box. However, Kate has proved this theory wrong. To meet her and Mario Testino- the best combination possible, I would die a million times over!

"I thought that it would be quite vain to say, I want to be a model"- Kate Moss.

roaar.

2010-10-27T11:26:00.000-07:00

ANIMAL PRINT AND FUR.

Wow! Ok, well I absolutely El- Oh- Ve- Ee animal prints. They always make an outfit look so original and edgy. Daytime, nightime, all time.

Where to start...

I must be the worst vegetarian on the planet. I won't eat meat, no. BUT... ok... I cannot resist fur... Or leather now I think about it... Last S/S I attended the London Fashion Weekend in London and after the catwalk I went browsing around the designer stores. When I was browsing, I came across the most gorgeous fur coat known in history... Sigh. By Dolce & Gabbana. And ok- this is when I become a bad vegetarian- I tried it on and fell in love. I'm afraid that this love, however, was unrequited. 16,000 pounds unrequited. The emotions that flooded through me were amazing. The touch of the fur against my skin, the satin lining sliding over my arms as I lifted the heavy garment onto my body and walked over to the mirror. It couldn't have been described as anything, but love.
After that I actually went slightly crazy and danced around this store full of fur coats stroking each of them...
Enough about fur- animal print.
Animal prints are normally based on the jungle animals that they are either taken from or copied. You have leopard print, zebra print, cheetah print. You also have the reptile prints; snake skin, crocodile skin. AND birds such as the peacock can be used in accessories or patterns. Lastly you can have more common animals such as dogs; most commonly dalmatians.

The Chanel Fall Collection 2010 showed LOTS of fur and in ways that didn't look tacky or over the top. The colours are bold and are not particular animal prints, but still displayed the same cosy effect. I like the fur boots because they remind me of fur boots I have seen in Cyberdog in Camden- meant for clubbing, look super cool and would definitely stand out. The colours they have used for the boots remind me of ice and winter scenes.

God loved the birds and invented trees. Man loved the birds and invented cages. -Jacques Deval, Afin de vivre bel et bien

And then I look at something like this... And I feel sick... Wearing a gorgeous fur coat is irresistible, but when it's something that would constantly remind you that fur kills- fur is not fashion.
I feel awful saying that I love fur fashion when animals are being killed in the process... I think I might stick to faux fur in the future!

The aviator jacket is a fantastic example of how to accessorise with fur without going over the top plus they look amazingly sexy and fit right in with the recent military, vintage fashion epidemic. This Burberry ad shows their aviator style that flatters the rest of the picture and outfits.

Love for Burberry.

THIS COAT. This coat is gorgeous. And so is Miss Chung. This photograph is actually from December 2009, but I've only recently seen it as I was researching about the coat sold in Topshop for £98- only just come on sale. The pattern could look tacky, but when we see Alexa Chung in it, with those shoes, it's not. I'm just wondering whether it will still be around for long before it unfortunately goes back to being looked upon as tacky...

Faux fur, False fur, Fabulous fur, Fashion fur.

Oversized Vs Stretched.

2010-10-21T12:53:00.000-07:00

Everyone has their favourite baggy cardigan, jumper or T- shirt that looks amazing with everything for the day. Everyone has their favourite figure- hugging dress or top that looks amazing with everything for the night.

They're both styles that can look good, but decided which style you prefer; oversized or stretched, is difficult. The thing is- you could wear tight clothes in the day and baggy for a night out- it's not set in stone that they HAVE to be worn when appropriate. Which is why I love them.

... And yes, I am so sadly in love with the olsen twins that I couldn't resist using at least one photo of them in this article...

These photos are taken from the Preen A/W New York Fashion week 09, but they are definitely kicking body- con out of the picture for sure. The last photo is also from the same catwalk, but there is a clear distinction between this and the oversized garments. I REALLY like the first dress because of its simplicity and classic style, but I have to admit I find the other oversized outfits slightly over the top. And then, there's the last photo... Which does look amazing and I'm seeing a bit of the Mark Fast stretched style which I love.

MARK FAST. sigh.

And then you have those guys who take it a bit too far and think it's cool to wear their jeans around their ankles they're so baggy. I just don't get why they'd want to look like fools! Nice boyfriend jeans are acceptable, but which the whole oversized arse show- maybe not.

There's also that stage where all you want to do is forget how stupid we all used to find it when teachers tucked their shirts into there trousers and wear all of our most baggiest tops along with some high waisted shorts or trousers.

And this. I must say. Is a look I fell madly in love with the summer.

I can't wait for next summer to get out the high waisted shorts again.

BAGGY= BEAUTIFUL.

BODYCON= BEAUTIFUL.

Whether you're oversizing and undersizing your clothes it can look great. It's so cold outside at the moment and it's definitely going to get colder so I'm thinking for the time being- oversizing may be in the lead in this continuous war.

But if it's a war? Let there never be peace.

the swinging sixties comeback.

2010-10-17T12:12:00.000-07:00

Sixties fashion is breath- taking.

MINISKIRT.

HOTPANTS.

SECOND SKINS.

STREET STYLE.

SPACE AGE.

OP ART CLOTHING.

ACID COLOURS.

PVC.

BEEHIVES.

POP ART FASHION.

RADICAL CHIC.

THE FASHION MODELS.

They had it all. Not that I'm ungrateful for the age I live in now- most of these fashions have come back into trend- but I still can't help being jealous of my Nan.

Twiggy is by far my favourite model from the sixties and even now I still love her look.

"Confusion is the best form of communication. It's left to be unexplained."

She was a fresh take on fashion with her skinny body and her big eyes and distinguished hair cut. She kick started everything swinging about the sixties.

C'mon how many of the listed styles from the sixties, above, have you seen recently? Leotards, hotpants, mini skirts, pencil skirts, back- combed beehives, animal prints, dusty colours, military style and pop arts. Even though I didn't get to live in the sixties- we're living most of the fashions again right now.

Especially in photography over the last few months it has been shown in such a dusty, blurred view which looks ever so cool.

The second image is pretty immense, n'est- il pas?

Then there's the miniskirt. Sigh. Thank the lord for this fashion. It would be hell if everyone had to walk about with skirts such as my school skirt... Don't get me wrong, I love long dresses and skirts, as long as they're gorgeous, but I couldn't live with covering myself up religiously everyday. There's nothing wrong with showing a little flesh. The mini skirt practically defines the sixties...

"IF EVERYBODY'S NOT A BEAUTY, THEN NOBODY IS."

- Andy Warhol.

The sixties is definitely a fashion turn around and if it hadn't happened when it did, it would have happened soon enough after...

It's an explosive era which cannot be kept strapped down, even now.

Letter to Karl.

2010-10-13T12:25:00.000-07:00

"I am a designer: I hate designers who tell people that they're artists. Chanel never said she was an artist"

Dear Karl Largerfeld,

I am writing to let you know how very much I am in love with you. With your classic style and taste I am happy to see you as the creative director of Chanel. I know this letter will possibly never reach you, but I am writing to you anyway, to confess the love for your art.

As you may have gathered from my previous articles- my all time favourite designer and label is Coco Chanel. Yes- I check www.chanel-news.com EVERY day and yes- I have watched "Coco Before Chanel" at least a million times and yes- I follow EVERY collection EVERY season and yes- I have read her biography and yes- I do have posters of her up in my bedroom. Some could call it an obsession, I call it passion.

So anyway Karl, I loved your work from when you were without the Chanel connection and most of the unique designs make my heart flutter:

The first image is of the K for Karl campaign in 09, taken by Karl to abbreviate the simplicity of his sharp designs into one attractive shot. The second image shows four different outfits from the Paris Fashion Week 09 and I am sorry, but oh my gosh! The second outfit is my favourite, but I El- Oh-Ve- Ee LOVE the socks and trouser combination from the third, it is just so cute! I admit the second photograph set is taken from Chanel, so not entirely Karl's own label- but even so by comparing his style of design and the original Chanel style, we can definitely see his view shining through.

Along with being an amazing designer and creative director his photography skills are immense:

"I am scared of crowds, and I am tired of being photographed."

And once again the gorgeous Emma Watson pops up- she should really know how much I envy her- she has absolutely everything. She's had a photo shoot with Karl darling Largerfeld! Oh, how the jealousy won't stop.

He is amazingly talented and ofcourse the Chanel side of him is definitely a stunning one...

For example the campaign focussing on the handbags, starring Lily Allen!

When I first saw these photos in adverts I was like woah that looks an awful lot like Lily Allen. I then googled- story of my life- and found that it was! and that she had recently bought a Chanel bag, accessorised it with a couple of outfits shown in the media and VOILA she had been asked to model for them!

I have also been watching- religiously- the Chanel ready- to- wear, haute couture and Fashion Week fashion shows and have noticed the unique ways in which Karl likes to present his work. From the S/S Haute Couture Pavillon Cambon- Capucines in Paris, January this year to the A/W Haute Couture show in the Grande Palais in Paris. Oh the gold lion was an amazing idea for setting and I loved the whole theme of it.

"I don't make an effort. I have a vision. I don't know when, I don't know how, but suddenly it's on the paper."

You honestly cannot beat a Chanel show. If only someone would invite me to one!

So darling Karl Largerfeld, my letter reaches an end and I must conclude that I am passionately in love with your and your work. You are an amazing inspiration.

Love, Emily.

P.S. I would love you even more if you'd invite me to a show... Maybe bring me along to the Paris Fashion Week next February for your S/S collection, cheers.

Alexa Chung wrote "Dear Vogue, I went to the Chanel couture show yesterday and it blew my mind. I would love to meet Karl because he's hilarious and different and interesting. Please, please, please..."

- So the lucky thing was in the July Vogue documenting her Date with Karl. I think I might just write in and try the same thing.

photography freak out.

2010-10-10T11:25:00.000-07:00

In love with my dress. Topshop is God. The scarf for a belt- stolen from my mother's collection. Trilby style hat- found at the bottom of my wardrobe from, what, year 4? Worker Boots- Claudia Ghiggani!

I have the SLR Camera bug so badly. My Uncle will have a lot of work trying to get it back! I'm half way through saving up for one. Can't wait! It almost sleeps with me I love using it so much.

As much as I enjoy black and white photography- a bedroom wall is full of old 1940s-60s black and white posters- I do love colours. Colour, colour, colour. It can brighten up a photo, darken it, make it look playful, make it look scary, make it look pretty, make it look ugly. Photography is dependent on colour- even black and whites. Another thing dependent on colour is fashions. It wouldn't be right if my worker boots were bright yellow... I have nothing against the colour yellow, I recently inherited a yellow Lyle and Scott jumper which is gorgeous, but worker boots... no.

If only I could marry fashion. Until death do we part.

i just woke up, allez en route.

2010-10-09T09:32:00.000-07:00

"sunday, wake up. give me a cigarette. last night's love affair is looking vunerable in my bed."

The bed hair look after a long night out is not as bad as it sounds and we have been seeing a lot of the rugged look over the last year. I personally have permanent bed hair- hence the fact I'm such a fan. An example is an immense model who I absolutely LOVE, Lara Stone. She has been one of my favourite models for a while now she has gappy teeth like me and she's in no way afraid of showing it. I mean how gorgeous does she look in this November's Vogue?! Thinking about it, I first read about her in the December issue and ever since- it's been love.

And then of course there is the beautiful fashion icons; the Olsen Twins:

SO.

From this, and many other hints such as the "beach waves" looks, I am guessing and praying that the back- combed morning look is a good one seeing as I have to live with it...

Going out in the evening is meant for messing up your hair. If it isn't, I don't know how else you have fun? Dancing slowly so that your hair stays in perfect condition? I don't think so.

Fashions have sourced from this scruffiness. You've now got the amazing worker boots, over sized jumpers, excessive smudgy eye- liner and baggy knee- high socks. If anyone tells you that you look scruffy- they're obviously no fun!

I just woke up. Allez en route!

Oh Hollywood in the 1940s...

2010-10-05T09:10:00.000-07:00

"HOLLYWOOD INFECTED YOUR BRAIN,
YOU WANTED KISSING IN THE RAIN."

If only I'd been born half a century earlier. I would have witnessed the growing of the fashion industry and the trends that lifted away from corsets and focused on glamorous evening gowns and the ready- to- wear, modish makeshift outfits.

The fashion sourced from draping, gathering and folding which started in Paris in the 1930s and I guess it only reached Hollywood by the 1940s where is was a hit!

A great example of a Hollywood star that wore fashion that inspired others, to be glamorous within their lifestyles, was Jean Harlow. She was an actress and a sex symbol from the 30s through to the 40s. She had a charming face and the short waved hair style that most women fancied.

All the finest materials were used. Velvet was a gorgeous fabric for around the house wear.

Fur and chiffon were both included in Hollywood fashion because all that really mattered was the expensive quality of the clothing.

I actually l.o.v.e. the make- up style that they used. It may be completely over the top, but whenever I watch old movies I am so jealous that we couldn't just do as they did and not to be stared at for being slightly mad...

Other actresses who were inspirations of Hollywood glamour in the 1940s included Maggy Rouff and Rita Hayworth.

Even Vogue fell in love with the simplicity of the glamour in the 40s, but were very much a fan of the men's clothing for women glamour which was a stunning venture and has definitely changed our perspective on respectable clothing for women.

Also, last year Fremont at the A/W collection in LA fashion week showed a war- time theme that included the 1940s glamour and portrays it in a way that we could present for a modern garment.

It must have been wonderful to live in an era and city of such glamour, is all I have to say.