Watch This Place

London Fashion Week: Anne Sofie Madsen AW12

2012-03-01T20:10:00.003Z

Friday 17th February 2012, Vauxhall Fashion Scout.

A word to describe the collection of Vauxhall Fashion Scout’s ‘Ones To Watch’ winner Anne Sofie Madsen would be one of contrasts - that of the metal-plated Doc Martens with a delicate white dress or the antithesis of luxurious lace and embellishment on one model, followed by a structural black piece on the next. Mud-splash printed skirts and leggings gave a rise to the rebel whilst the mix of luxurious sheer panels, bead adornments, glittering embellishments softened the collection. Like a polished and primed take on grunge with primal and animalistic undertones, Anne Sofie Madsen’s AW12/13 collection was one of dark attitude meets feminine glamour.

Training under John Galliano at Dior and later becoming Junior Designer Alexander McQueen, it's almost no wonder that her talent is turning heads. Not to mention that, now only in her second season under her own label, Denmark-born Anne Sofie's designs have appeared in high-end editorial spreads and American Vogue called her collection last season 'an impressive runway debut'. My verdict? The only way is up.

The Show

After-Show Details:

Like Watch This Place on Facebook for more news, photos and exclusive content.

Rachel xxx

______________________________________________________
Connect with Watch This Place
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/#!/rachelmichaella
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Watch-This-Place/242627979114360
Bloglovin': http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/2524474/watch-this-place#

London Fashion Week: What I Wore - Day Two

2012-02-28T21:38:00.000Z

The Blurb: Somerset House - the HQ of London Fashion Week - is an eclectic mix of people where anything goes and everyone's an individual - or just an attention seeker. You can't tell whether someone compliments your shoes because they honestly like your shoes, or they want to use your photograph for their own professional gain, or whether they're about to stuff a business card into your hand. The rules? Expect to be photographed without your knowledge and try not to freak about it, dress to impress, and for the love of god DO NOT fall on the cobbled stones in front of the papparazzo. Do you know what it's like to have a line of photographers laugh at your lack of elegance? I do. Not nice.

Heels - River Island

Day Two of London Fashion Week involved an extended 'quick' diversion to Westfield's Shopping Centre in Stratford, London (the venue of the Olympic Stadium for this summer's Olympic Games) followed by a further 'quick' diversion to Topshop's Flagship Store in Oxford Circus. By the time we got to our first show of the day, it was getting onto 3pm. That's not fashionably late, that's just consumerism. The damn lights of the Topshop sale took up by the throats and drew us in. I spent way too much money that day and will now probably be poor forever more.

Jacket & Skirt - Topshop

Silk Slip Dress (worn as top) -
vintage

It was worth it. I bought the pink skirt featured in this post, getting me my first ever street style snap ever. Which turned into several street style shots. Which basically just meant when I was casually leaning against the entrance to Somerset House to change from my flats to my heels, I found myself being papped by three random men. Flattering, but weird. It's one thing to be asked for a photo. It's another to spend several days in Somerset House and just get used to the fact that you could be getting secretly photographed at any moment. The thing is, during my whole time as a published writer - and I've been doing that since I was 12 - I have known where every single photo of me and piece of work of mine is. To suddenly not know where a picture of myself looking like a rabbit in headlights as I slipped on my studded River Island peeptoe platforms is a very weird feeling.

Shopper Bag - Mulberry for London Fashion Week Official Bag
Satchel - River Island

Necklace - Jenny Dayco

I could never be a celebrity. I'd spend too much time anxiously Google imaging myself..

See what I wore at LFW Day One HERE.

LOVE.

Rachel xxx

______________________________________________________
Connect with Watch This Place
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/#!/rachelmichaella
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Watch-This-Place/242627979114360
Bloglovin': http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/2524474/watch-this-place#

London Fashion Week: Myrza de Muynck AW12

2012-02-27T20:57:00.000Z

Designer Myrza de Muynck with her collection

Friday 17^th February 2012

Mryza de Muynck proved she knew a thing or two about the fact that 'fashion = fun' when she presented a collection of sports influenced pastels where candy floss colours and pearly embellishments came in the form of luxe cardigans and padded jackets. The emphasis on statement embroidery, hand painted prints and mixed textures provided a candy childlike fantasy with a sophisticated edge. Models donned beautiful chandelier earrings to add a twist to their other-wise sporty styling of a scraped-back swinging ponytails and a neutral makeup palette was glamorised with thick false eyelashes and a shimmer of lipgloss. Here, sport became stylish.

Post-show shots and business cards

As a recent graduate from Central Saint Martins, the Dutch designer made this promising debut as a winner of Vaxuhall Fashion Scout's talent search 'Ones To Watch – an underground pioneer of up-and-coming design talent. The designer collective show offers a look at tomorrow's successful designer's today - even fashion blogger royalty Susie Bubble took her seat on the front row.

Perhaps not a collection to everyone’s taste, however definitely a perfect addition to a daring woman’s wardrobe who loves the statement piece.

Fresh, pretty and youthful, it was certainly a promising start for the young designer.

A Closer Look

A close-up of the collection post-show

Myrza takes a bow with two of her models

F-Rowers #1

F-Rowers #2

Rachel xxx

______________________________________________________
Connect with Watch This Place
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/#!/rachelmichaella
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Watch-This-Place/242627979114360
Bloglovin': http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/2524474/watch-this-place#

Milan Fashion Week: Lagerfeld unveils controversial collection using real fur for Fendi

2012-02-25T21:30:00.003Z

Faux fur is set to be a big trend this upcoming season, but Karl Lagerfeld has raised eyebrows at his decision to use real fur in his collection for Fendi, which was shown in Milan on Thursday (the 23rd February).

The models wore pieces in which almost no skin was spared, including garments of antelope, crocodile, mink and goat. Even iPod cases made of fur were featured.

PETA is in outrage at the show, telling me in a statement: "No-one with an ounce of sense, let alone fashion sense or compassion, would be caught dead in these outfits. We take our fake fur hat off to truly creative and talented designers like Vivienne Westwood, Stella McCartney, Victoria Beckham, Marc Bouwer, Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein, whose collections are 100 per cent fur-free as always – offering a look that kills without killing animals."

Just last year, Lagerfeld praised the superiority of modern day faux fur, only to now debut this collection, causing more anger at his hypocrisy. But what do you think? I'm sure it's a no-brainer. In this day and age, I'm sure there are few people who believe in using real fur over fake, but let me know. Is Lagerfeld a hypocrite? Or just following the trends of other high-end designers?

Thanks for Elisa from PETA for providing me with these pictures and the statement!

Rachel xxx

______________________________________________________
Connect with Watch This Place
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/#!/rachelmichaella
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Watch-This-Place/242627979114360
Bloglovin': http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/2524474/watch-this-place#

Fashion On Film: London Fashion Week AW12

2012-02-24T14:54:00.000Z

This whole video started when I was getting used to my new camera and ended up accidently taking videos when I thought I was taking a picture. Stupid as this may make me sound, I thought the footage looked pretty cool so I started taking Fashion Week video footage as well as photos at some of the shows and exhibitions I went to. This video is a montage of the result of some of that footage. Just an experiment of mine - I could definately brush up my editing skills - but watch and let me know what you think!

The soundtrack is 'Baptism' by Crystal Castles; I wrote about them a while back HERE.

If the video above doesn't work, here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSWeCu2k9zM

Rachel xxx

_______________________________________________________________
Connect with Watch This Place
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/rachelmichaella
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Watch-This-Place/242627979114360
Bloglovin': http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/2524474/watch-this-place#

London Fashion Week: What I Wore - Day One.

2012-02-23T18:48:00.001Z

One of the things I love about Fashion Week is seeing the way everyone dresses and the amazing effort that people go to just to look their best. Everyone's an individual and I find myself looking around and admiring everyone's unique, interesting or crazy style. Someone told me: "At Fashion Week, just dress like an extended version of yourself - don't try to be anyone else." And it's true. Fashion is about standing out, not fitting in - despite the stereotype that 'fashion girls' all just follow the same trends. For me, the key to Fashion Week dressing is to wear what you love, wear what you feel like wearing and wear what you think represents you - just with an added extra that may not be present in day-to-day life, like massively painful (but oh-so-pretty) heels.

Here's what I wore on Friday 17th February - photographed here at Somerset House.

Jacket - Topshop
Vest Top - H&M
Skirt - Urban Outfitters
Wedge Heels - Random online find
Necklace (just seen in top photo) - Topshop
Bag - River Island

P.S. I don't actually have a driver for Fashion Week normally - Rachel Charlton-Dailey (http://monpolkadotcheri.co.uk/) managed to win a competition and get us a chauffeur for a day. Rolling up to the door of shows as everyone else stumbled up hot and sweaty from a tube ride was an amazingly exciting luxury that normally we wouldn't be rich or important enough to afford! Oh, and hey to Andy - our driver! He drove us to Pret A Manger for lunch. Total babe...

Rachel xxx

_______________________________________________________________Connect with Watch This Place
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/#!/rachelmichaella
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Watch-This-Place/242627979114360
Bloglovin': http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/2524474/watch-this-place#

via britishstylebloggers - London Fashion Week: A La Mode Designer Collective AW12

2012-02-23T17:45:00.000Z

For those that don't know, I also work as Community Manager and Events Columnist for a blogazine called British Style Bloggers (britishstylebloggers.org.uk - @British_Style). My first show reviews are now live on their site! Take a look:

http://britishstylebloggers.org.uk/2012/02/23/london-fashion-week-a-la-mode-designer-collective-aw12/

I'm also working on loads of posts for Watch This Place, so keep checking back!

Rachel xxx

London Fashion Week: Just a taste of things to come.

2012-02-22T12:31:00.000Z

I realise I've been pretty absent from the blogosphere this past week or so, purely down to the fact that I spent a week with no internet (which, shallow as it sounds, was horrendous) and after that I was so busy every day of London Fashion Week that I barely got time to sleep enough, let alone blog.

I'm still not entirely on top of everything - what with 500+ LFW photos to upload and edit along with articles to write for britishstylebloggers.org.uk - but I thought I'd post a few of my best photos I took with my Blackberry at fashion week, just to give a (low quality, I admit) taste of what's to come over the next few days and weeks - enjoy!

An Entrance to Somerset House - aka LFW HQ.

My Official London Fashion Week Press Badge!

The MAC Makeup Room at Somerset House

A model poses for my camera at Shao Yen AW12

These black, studded platforms of mine got photographed loads.

Myrza De Muynck AW12

The Finale at the Kami Shade show

Inbar Spector AW12 @ Vauxhall Fashion Scout

#LFW

2012-02-17T10:56:00.000Z

Just a taster: Close-Up Shot of Last Night's Show -
Paolita

I haven't posted in a whole week. Not because I've died or decided I suddenly hate my own blog or got bored of you or anything. I took a trip to Devon (for my readers abroad that don't know, it's a rural part of England. Phone signal and internet access were literally non-existent in the area I stayed in...) I'm way too reliant on technology for my own good.

BUT, nevertheless I'm leaving a quick message here to say I'm currently at LONDON FASHION WEEK (!!!) and am out and about reporting, seeing shows and getting tons of awesome pictures for Watch This Place. I'm pretty busy, so please ignore the shittiness of posts over the next few days - I promise to compile some awesome things for when I get back home!

Follow me on Twitter @rachelmichaella for up-to-date coverage and photos, if you want. :)

Love,

Rachel x x

_______________________________________________________________
Connect with Watch This Place
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/#!/rachelmichaella
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Watch-This-Place/242627979114360
Bloglovin': http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/2524474/watch-this-place#

Take Note.

2012-02-10T00:01:00.000Z

PR companies have a way of hunting you down and bombarding you with information about new products. Not that this is a problem, but I do find that some things I like just wouldn't be suitable for an entire feature.

That's why I've decided to pick my favourites from all the new press releases that fall into my inbox and turn them into a round-up of 'Need To Know' things in the fashion world. Enjoy!

British Designer Eda Tayfur Launches First Collection.

Under her new 'Eda London' label, Eda Tayfur launches her first handbag collection aiming to fuse together British fashion with elements of Eastern charm.

They're a little expensive for your average pocket, but Eda says the key is to invest in staples: "At these economically challenging times, women want to invest in a standout item that is both contemporary and classic, stunning yet practical, so they can have years of use. From initial responses, we’ve definitely struck the right balance.”

Bags are made-to-order, allowing you to design your bag in a range of colours and materials. For more information, visit http://edalondon.com

Designer Eda Tayfur

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

The Easy And Fun Way To Keep A Diary.

With today's pace of life, it can be hard to keep anything organised, let alone be disciplined enough to write down any of your precious memories down in a diary. With this in mind, TASCHEN have launched volume two of their internationally bestselling 'Keel's Simple Diary'.

Each page contains simple, fun things to get you thinking about your day and record things in a cute and quirky way. I really can't be bothered to sit down and write a diary but I saw this and thought it was a really interesting way to keep track of things! Check out the scans of pages below to see what I mean:

More info at: http://www.simplediary.com/

__________________________________________________________________________________

Pearl Bracelets With A Conscience.

I'm not going to lie - at first I wasn't very enthusiastic about this brand, purely because I suppose I generally associate pearls with looking old and like something my Grandma might wear. But then I came across their bracelets, which look awesome!

The pearl bracelets - by Frogpearl - specialise in ethically sourced pearls and making high-quality jewellery from them. As a bracelet junkie - I wear a set of black and white beaded bracelets almost every day - these definitely tick all the right boxes if you've got some money to spare and want an investment!

For more information, please visit www.frogpearl.com.

For any additional information about anything featured here, feel free to contact me at watchthisplace@hotmail.co.uk!

Thanks to Jenny at Scencia and Ipek at Prickly Pear for providing me with information and the pictures above!

Rachel xxx

_______________________________________________________________
Connect with Watch This Place
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/#!/rachelmichaella
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Watch-This-Place/242627979114360
Bloglovin': http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/2524474/watch-this-place#

Stella McCartney Launches Viral Anti-Leather-Trade Video This London Fashion Week - but what do you think?

2012-02-08T18:31:00.000Z

For this upcoming London Fashion Week, British designer Stella McCartney is not simply trying to encourage the public to buy her products - she's trying to get them to buy with an ethical conscience.

The designer has created a controversial viral video expose about the gritty world of leather trade, which was first intended to blitz the screens of New York taxis during New York Fashion Week - a time when endless designers, reporters, buyers and fashion organisers would be climbing in and out of taxis to attend events all over the city. No doubt it would have caused an uproar in the fashion world, but the proposal was refused however on the grounds that the screens were intended for 'consumer promotions, not public service announcements'.

Stella McCartney, who is working in cooperation with PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), now plans to spread her message without the help of expensive advertising campaigns and through celebrity tweets, Facebook and, in my case, fashion bloggers - the reason for me sharing this with you.

It's probably a bit of a depressing watch for dinner-time on a Wednesday evening, but the video horrified me in a way. I'm vegetarian, but that doesn't mean I disagree with the principle of humans eating animals as a whole - the hunter/prey idea has existed on this planet since life began - but I do agree that if we choose to use animals, whether for food, by-products, or in this case, their skin, it should be in a respectful way.

You might find it a bit odd that I chose to post this. It might seem random, and off-topic but I read somewhere once that the best blogs are individual and aren't afraid to do something a little different. I guess this is what this is:

Many people wouldn't dream of buying real-fur for fashion these days; PETA and McCartney argue that leather is no different.

But what do you think? Is sustainable and chic a standard that can really exist? Or will it take more well-known designers - like McCartney - before more investment and concern in the area of fashion and good animal welfare can happen?

I'm really interested in what you guys think - please leave a comment below!

Rachel xxx

_______________________________________________________________
Connect with Watch This Place
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/#!/rachelmichaella
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Watch-This-Place/242627979114360
Bloglovin': http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/2524474/watch-this-place#

Looks to Love.

2012-02-06T19:01:00.000Z

Firstly, apologies I haven't blogged for a whole week. The 'post on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and sometimes Sunday' plan failed when I spent most of those days in atmospheres involving loud music and alcohol (gigs and clubs, in case it isn't obvious). Total coincidence. I don't normally spend three days a week partying. I'm way too poor and way too much of a workaholic for that...

Instead of doing anything too profound in this post, I thought I'd just post some looks I found online that I love. Enjoy!

Probably a pretty shitty return after a week off, but I'll get on top of all my other work and get back to PROPER posts soon. Promise.

Rachel xxx

_______________________________________________________________
Connect with Watch This Place
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/#!/rachelmichaella
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Watch-This-Place/242627979114360
Bloglovin': http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/2524474/watch-this-place#

Music Monday: "I feel it in my bones."

2012-01-30T20:07:00.000Z

Photo: nme.com

Young Guns are one of those addictive bands that produce a modern take on rock 'n' roll without any of that 'emo' or 'screamo' or 'alternative' stuff. Not that I'm saying I dislike any of those sounds. It's just, for me anyway, these british rockers have something unique about them, and their live stage presence is like being hit with a wave of dedicated, loud, energetic enthusiasm. A wave of very loud, energetic enthusiasm. Note: this is not a band to turn your speakers down to.

2009's EP Mirrors and the following UK Independent Album Chart and UK Rock Chart-topping debut album All Our Kings Are Dead have resulted in magazine covers, music channel features and a dedicated fan following, all without big record-label backing and high-price promotion. Their second full-length - out 6th February in the UK via label PIAS - promises to be a memorable, guitar-driven rock fest that makes you wanna dance like mad whilst air-guitaring. The iTunes full album preview is proof.

From the upcoming album 'Bones':

Older Favourites

Releases

Mirrors (2009)
Buy Digital

All Our Kings Are Dead (2010)
Buy Digital
Buy CD

Bones (2012)
Pre-Order HERE

_______________________________________________________________
Connect with Watch This Place
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/#!/rachelmichaella
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Watch-This-Place/242627979114360
Bloglovin': http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/2524474/watch-this-place#

Leather and Alcohol.

2012-01-29T17:11:00.000Z

I bought a customised Jack Daniels T-shirt at Reading Festival last year because 1) it's awesome, 2) it was the best compliment to dancing in a field to loud noise with a load of random wasted people, and 3) who doesn't want to freak out old people by wearing a symbol of reckless youth on your person?

Oh yes, if you follow me on twitter (@rachelmichaella) you might have read my recent rant about dressing to scare the elderly in my small home town. I once wore hotpants and a croptop and accidently bumped into a nun. Her eyes widened so much I'm surprised she didn't start trying to expel the devil from me on the spot. That's fashion for you. ***

What I Wore The Other Day:

Faux Leather Skirt: H&M
Military Shirt: H&M
Jack Daniels Vest: Vintage
Necklace: Topshop
Boots: Primark

Inspiration:

*** LINK: Speaking of nuns and Jack Daniels, I love this picture.

Rachel x

_______________________________________________________________
Connect with Watch This Place
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/#!/rachelmichaella
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Watch-This-Place/242627979114360
Bloglovin': http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/2524474/watch-this-place#

Get This Girl On Your Fashion Radar.

2012-01-25T00:00:00.001Z

Jeremy Scott (F/W 11 Collection)

I wouldn't say I had a celebrity girl crush, but if I did 18-year-old American model Charlotte Free would definitely be a contender.

I blogged about my love for her crazy hair colours a while back (Read HERE) after I stumbled across a photo of her online and I've been just a little obsessed with her style ever since. And since Company Magazine named her as a fashion icon to watch out for in 2012 in their latest issue, it must be official: Charlotte Free has insanely unique and awesome style and you want her wardrobe. Fact.

The Los Angeles bred teenager was spotted in a shopping mall , standing out for her grunge-inspired style and her bright pink hair, and since a successful run during the A/W 11 season, is fast becoming an industry favourite. She's another one of the run of recent models to appear on famous runways who are breaking the cookie-cutter mould - from 'Plus Size' women to transexuals - and now, those with a eclectic fashion sense and a love for punk hair dye, it seems...

_______________________________________________________________
Connect with Watch This Place
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/#!/rachelmichaella
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Watch-This-Place/242627979114360
Bloglovin': http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/2524474/watch-this-place#

Music Monday: Alice Glass of Crystal Castles

2012-01-23T00:01:00.004Z

CRYSTAL CASTLES

What immediately drew me to them the first time I saw experimental electronic band Crystal Castles live was the dramatics of their performance. There was no introduction to any song, no talking and no friendly banter with the crowd. The atmosphere was mesmerizing, weirdly trippy, like one of those dreams where you find yourself bemused whilst watching something incredible unfold. Most interesting of all was a 20-something girl twirling and screaming her way around the stage in a trance, seemingly unaware of the thousands of people watching her. Many bands involve the audience with their performance to bring them down to your level. Crystal Castles put up a barrier to make you intrigued by the millions of miles between you.

That girl with the raven black cropped hair and the heavy black eyeliner is lead singer Alice Glass. One of those musicians that seems to exist in a bubble with no history and no reason for being where they are now, apparently she ran away from home at fourteen and lived in a community of drug addicted punks until she met co-band member and producer Ethan Kath during a summer-long drug binge. He peeled her off the pavement and, high, she agreed to record vocals for his music. The rest is rock 'n' roll history.

An icon of the underground music scene by complete accident, Alice (real name: Maggie Osborn - not so cool, right?) is famous for her outrageous performances. Doing drugs on stage, punching a fan during a show after he groped her and forcing organisers to close down her own show at Glastonbury in 2008 after what was supposedly repetitive and dangerous stage diving are just some of her more famous antics. Oh and she also spent months performing with crutches and bandages against her doctor's orders last year after being involved in a car crash and breaking two ribs. Casual.

I wouldn't promote being dangerous as 'cool', but oh Alice, you manage it. And your wardrobe (a lot of which is from her dead Grandmother, supposedly) is randomly thrown together, but my-oh-my does it somehow work. It takes guts to stage dive in a mini-skirt, I'll give you that.

Listen to: Baptism, Alice Practice, Year of Silence, Courtship Dating, Birds
See Them At: Crystal Castles are playing the Isle Of Wight Festival 2012
http://www.crystalcastles.com

Grab your boots, shirts and band tees. Get ready.

2012-01-20T19:36:00.000Z

Apparently, grunge is back.

I say this because the runways say so. I say this because the magazines say so. Topshop (advert featured left) released one of their new Spring collections a few days ago with the plain, honest, no-nonsense title '90s grunge'.

I only say 'apparently' because in all honestly for me I don't think it ever left. Of all the fashion trends and movements of the past, the grunge movement which came out of the Seattle music scene in the mid 1980s and flooded into the 1990s is the one which I'd say has the most influence on the way I dress and the pieces, shades and patterns I find myself drawn to.

What I love so much about grunge fashion is the way it was a trend born to do exactly the opposite of what it's become: the baggy shirts, ripped tights and uncombed hair weren't a bid to fit in, they were an attempt to break away from the pages of a glossy fashion magazine. But by opting to not fit in, grunge ended up being something that stood out. Counter-culture became pop culture - and now we can see the era's influences present on the runways and filtering down to the high-street.

Today's grunge is far more tidy and glamorous than its original - sleeker, shinier and overall, just more stylish. Rolling out of bed and throwing on ill-fitting, mis-matched clothing may have been more true to the original trend, but today's designers are simply taking the elements of the era and adding extra chic.

I wrote about the trend for webzine Mookychick last year, which you can read HERE.

And check out some of my favourite grunge-inspired photography below.

It's not a trend for everyone and I know a lot of people don't like it - but what do you think?

Fashion DO or Fashion DON'T?

- Photos via Tumblr

_______________________________________________________________
Connect with Watch This Place
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/rachelmichaella
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Watch-This-Place/242627979114360
Bloglovin': http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/2524474/watch-this-place#

Spring Trend Alert: Acid Wash.

2012-01-18T21:44:00.000Z

Spring's influx of pale and pastel colours puts acid wash denim on the radar.
For a collection that epitomises the trend, take a look at Isabel Marant's SS12 collection; the designer's show of earthy and pale tones, for me, offered its stand out looks in a colour of pale, distressed, bleached blue. Acid wash denim - the paler, the more distressed, the better - ticks the box for 'Spring's key pieces' this season.

I love the idea of using the trend as a statement piece - the acid wash skinny jean, the acid wash denim jacket or gilet, or even just as a hint in accessories. I also love the way the trend can be understated by throwing on a denim shirt or more glamorous with a pair of statement denim shorts. Like any trend that is successful off of a fashion runway, it's versatile.

For inspiration, Topshop has dedicated themselves to the theme with a variety of bleached denim options:

Or take inspiration from the world of fashion photography:

Acid Wash Denim - a trend you'd try?

__________________________________________________________________
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/rachelmichaella
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Watch-This-Place/242627979114360
Bloglovin': http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/2524474/watch-this-place#

LOVERDOSE

2012-01-16T00:01:00.005Z

I don't have that many perfumes, not because I don't want to - it's more because they're expensive and I have no dashing, doting significant other half to buy me them on special ocassions. Instead, I asked my Mum (rock 'n' roll, huh?) for Loverdose by Diesel for Christmas after I instantly fell in love with the scent and even the bottle and packaging the first time I saw it in store.

Not knowing much about perfume science, I'll regurgitate the product description; it's described as an 'irresistable' and 'floral scent' for women who crave 'pleasure, adrenaline and passion'. Don't we all? Ignoring the world of marketing rubbish, I just love it because it's floral and pretty with darker and addictive undertones. It's sweet but not overly feminine and sickly.

Basically, when I wear it I just want to smell myself all the time. It smells that good. (I'm not that weird...much.)

The campaign is fronted by American model Ashley Smith, who I think is absolutely gorgeous. Not so sure about the gap-teeth thing (I still don't understand why bad dentistry can be a fashion trend? I had braces for five years to fix my HORRIBLE teeth!), but apart from that I think she suits the campaign perfectly with her whole 'beautiful but dangerous' look.

What are your favourite perfumes?

___________________________________________________________________
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/rachelmichaella
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Watch-This-Place/242627979114360
Bloglovin': http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/2524474/watch-this-place#

I don't do photos. So this'll have to do.

2012-01-14T00:01:00.001Z

The Blurb: I don't tend to post blogs with endless photos of me and what I'm wearing on any normal day like some bloggers because, well, it's always seemed a little vain to me. And besides, I'm not entirely sure whether I look utterly repulsive in photos or not. In the times I have been photographed in a fashion blogging or writing context for anything, I stand in front of a lens, cringe and internally scream OH, F***ING HELL, THIS IS AWFUL.

An Anecdote: when talking to a fashion designer last year, we got talking about blog features. Then the designer told me she'd like to photograph me for one. I sat for ten minutes in a massive chair, being photographed more times than I can count (knowing me, I probably blinked in 9/10 of the shots...). I left. I got quite excited about being on someone else's blog. Then, the blog post never materialised. My e-mails about it never got answered. Those awkward photos of me internally squirming and wondering how to smile without looking like an idiot in front of a fancy camera never saw the light of day. Either a) they forgot or b) the photos were awful.

For photographic evidence of my aversion to being photographed by strangers for anything vaguely important, just take a look at the September 2010 issue of Sugar magazine. There's a great picture of a 16-year-old me, hair in eyes, semi-blinking and looking pretty awkward. The fact thousands of people saw that picture embarrasses me...

SO. How do I blog about clothes I own and outfits I wear with little time to get friends (who, luckily, I am not overly awkward in being photographed by - it's just strangers) to help with photography? Or little time to put on make-up properly for photo-finish skin? Or little time to perfect my fashion pout? The answer is simple: be lazy. Lay your outfits out on the floor. Photograph them. It's called suspense of disbelief, friends. Imagine a skinny-ish redhead with a rockin' smoky eye wearing them and you're there. Because who needs conventional blogging?

What I Wore The Other Day:

Inspired By:

Rachel xxx

___________________________________________________________________
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/rachelmichaella
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Watch-This-Place/242627979114360
Bloglovin': http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/2524474/watch-this-place#

Event: Royal College of Art - Students' Work-In-Progress Show

2012-01-12T20:36:00.000Z

She may utilise Her Apparatus (Sculpture work-in-progress) by Lauren Kelly
Photo: RCA/rca.ac.uk

See some of the work of soon-to-be up-and-coming artists and designers from the Royal College of Art in Kensington, London. The College showcases the progressing work of its best students studying Goldsmithing, Silversmithing, Metalwork & Jewellery, Fashion, Textiles, Painting or Sculpture in the heart of one of one of the fashion and art capitals of the world.

The exhibition, which runs from 12 - 18 January 2012, provides a provoking and thoughtful insight into the world of student art, fashion and design from the forefront some of the talented artists of tomorrow. Worth a visit for any art or design enthusiast.

Check out http://www.rca.ac.uk/ for more information!

12–18 January 2012: Student Work-in-Progress Show

Location

Royal College of Art, Kensington Gore, London SW7 2EU
Nearest tube: High Street Kensington, South Kensington
Buses: 9, 10, 52, 452

Opening Times

Most exhibitions are open 10am – 5.30pm daily unless stated otherwise.
For more information, telephone: +44 (0)20 7590 4444 or email media@rca.ac.uk.

If you want to be kept up to date with all RCA-related events, you can follow RCAEvents on Twitter.

Music Monday: Canterbury

2012-01-09T07:00:00.006Z

I haven't done a Music Monday post in weeks, mostly because I tend to think my music taste isn't 'mainstream' enough not to repulse my readers. That screamy, heavy stuff you hear and go 'how is that music?' It's probably on my iPod. But recommended by a friend of mine, this band however is completely different from my usual taste and I thought was worth sharing.

Despite the misleading name, Canterbury are a British four-piece rock band from the South of England that, actually, don't come from Canterbury.

After spending years as 'The Support Act' for bands like Billy Talent, Against Me, Enter Shikari, Twin Atlantic and You Me At Six, 2012 looks set to be the year they start to move from the sidelines and into the spotlight. The twenty-somethings gained a country-wide following after relentlessly touring for four years and choosing to release their debut album 'Thank You' for free download from their website. A whole album. For free. Free and legal. But before you begin crazily clicking the 'Download' button, is it actually any good, you ask?

Their album isn't just one available for free because it's horrendously offensive to your ears. It's good. Really good. That's coming from someone who doesn't normally like music that sounds like theirs. The indie-infused sound sounds just as good, if not better, than their Brit Rock band seniors. Favourites include 'Friends, We're More Like A Gang', 'Peace & Quiet' and 'Accident'.

Their latest single 'Ready Yet?' is now a regular on rock music channels and a second album is rumoured for release later this year.

So, worth the hype? You decide.

You can download 'Thank You' for free, nowt, absolutely nothing from http://www.canterburythankyou.com/

Canterbury are touring the UK in January and February.

Tales of a Shoe Junkie

2012-01-08T00:01:00.001Z

I've been obsessed with these shoes from River Island what seems like forever but never had the £65 spare to get them. Months and months later, they were on sale for £30 and after some clever bargaining by yours truly due to spotting a couple of missing studs, I managed to get them for just £24!!

True, they hurt like a bitch when on a night out...but beauty is pain, right?

Rachel xxx
___________________________________________________________________
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/rachelmichaella
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Watch-This-Place/242627979114360
Bloglovin': http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/2524474/watch-this-place#

one awesome ring + low price = happy blogger

2012-01-06T00:01:00.001Z

I've wanted one of those cross rings for months, but could never seem to have the average £8+ spare to buy one. And would I really wear it? And what would I wear it with? Questions like this don't tend to matter when you're looking at a low price. Impulse buys - for the right price - are A-okay. :)

I snapped up this little statement cross ring for just 0.99p on eBay - how awesome is this?

And I love how I've seen other people wear them:

...with a statement skirt...

...With a bright, deep lipstick...

...With a statement jacket and plenty of jewellery...

...Casual...

...With distressed shorts and nail varnish...

...or with boots and tights.

And - believe it or not - I only opened an eBay account two months ago. I'm now obsessed with trying to hunt down fashion on there. If you haven't already, take a look! It's addictive!

Rachel xxx

The Modern Pin-Up Girl

2012-01-04T18:48:00.000Z

Take retro influences for the Spring/Summer 2012 season, added with modern twists.

Dolce & Gabbana SS12

The world of fashion is a world of cycles. Rarely is there a trend that has never existed before, but what is fascinating is the way the runways reinvent them, mixing influences and eras to create something new and truly exciting.

What I noticed when browsing the SS12 collections of many big name designers was a slight shift from the dominance of the uber-sexy styles we saw last season to something softer. Yes, elements of those more sensual trends could still be seen, but they seemed upgraded and re-hauled in a more elegant, ladylike manner. Take Dolce & Gabbana's display of old-school classic Italian glamour, using prints, corsetry and sheer panels to give a feminine air, or Dior's flowing layers mixed in with dashes of red hot lipstick and hints of leather. To me, fashion's new 'pin-up girl' this season isn't an unreal representation of a woman as a leather-clad dominatrix but neither is she a timid figure in soft candy colours. By mixing retro girlish glamour with more modern sensual twist, you get a look that is both sexy and pretty, part-princess, part-powerful.

Christian Dior SS12

Every runway trend can be interpreted differently by different people, appearing in their personal style in varied ways. For me, this trend translates into statement deep red lipsticks and endless eyelashes, eyeliner flicks and elements of lingerie detailing with the overal feminine appearance, creating a hint of fun with a look that is overall intended to come across as girly and glamorous.

Girly. Glam. But Still Individual.

But what do you think of the new season trends? Are you happy to see a more feminine style on the runways?

Rachel xxx
___________________________________________________________________
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/rachelmichaella
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Watch-This-Place/242627979114360
Bloglovin': http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/2524474/watch-this-place#