honeyortar

Paris, je t'aime

2010-01-11T13:03:00.000-08:00

My boyfriend and I are going to Paris for 4 nights at the end of January to celebrate out anniversary. Hooray for love!

Our arrival just happens to coincide with the Chanel couture show on Tuesday. Hmm....

Kayleigh xo

Christmas Wishes.

2009-12-01T03:39:00.000-08:00

Dear Santa...

Along with books, dresses and wonderful trinkets.

Source: Net-a-Porter, Google

Kayleigh xo

Velvet

2009-10-13T05:10:00.001-07:00

Inspiration from Colin McDowell.

New beginings

2009-09-20T11:07:00.001-07:00

So, after another long break I am back online (sporadically until the 29th). I have moved to Epsom and live with wonderful girls, started my degree in Fashion Journalism at The University of Creative Arts and am happily unemployed for the first time!
I have so much to say yet such little time to type (9% left of my battery) so I will depart with my one and only purchase from the Christopher Kane collection (apart from the keyring!). I was lucky enough to get a preview of the collection the day before it's drop and used this viewing to my advantage.

Kayleigh xo

Yes!

2009-09-01T11:08:00.000-07:00

Distance

2009-08-26T13:40:00.000-07:00

Been a while, once again. Have been enjoying my summer holidays with traditional British flair.
I am now officially unemployed. It feels oddly nice but will miss my pals at Whistles greatly! Am moving to Epsom in a week and a half to start another new phase of my life. Fashion journalism here I come! (though might be going to Bestival via all this...)

None of my recent purchases spring to mind when typing this but needless to say I have spent any earnings I have made recently.
Instead, here are a few possible purchases:

Am in the market for more tshirts. Might just buy one though. But which, Im more drawn towards the candy floss print tee.

Recent pictures:

Norwich

London nights out
Weekend long hot tub party
London dungeons

Great Yarmouth

Whilst at home in Norwich this surfaced. Vintage C&A fur coat. Thanks Mum. Im set for winter.

Kayleigh xo

Missing.

2009-07-23T06:44:00.000-07:00

Wow, been quite a while hasn't it. I seem to of neglected blog-land, both reading others and posting on my own life. This blog was originally started to document my life simply as a nostalgic tool for myself in the future but when I started to gain readers I began to enjoy the feeling of sharing my life with others too. Now it feels as if my life isn't very exciting for others-hence the lack of posts (though ironically has become more exciting for myself!)
Anyway, I am busy enjoying my summer. The last month or so has entailed countless meals out with friends and loves, Norwich visits, a house party, catching up with old friends, meeting new friends, a weekend in Devon, theme parks, working, many nights out, finishing my last shift at Topshop for the summer, finding a house in Epsom, lots of driving, becoming increasingly messy in my own surroundings yet tidier in others and alot of shopping.
The rest of my summer will prove to bring much of the same with a weekend away at Big Chill festival in a few weeks and a house sitting promise in Norwich. I will also be living alone as of this weekend so it seems I will continue in the Carrie Bradshaw dream.

I suppose what should follow are a few of my recent purchases..?
World print leather holdall:

Whistles polka dot print silk dress:

Oonagh O'Hagen 'it' bag:

Whistles silk shorts:

Black Office heels:

H&M beach sunset print t-shirt dress:

Studded sandals:

A few pictures of recent shenanigans/outfits:

(Night out, Devon, Thorpe Park, Southbank, Norwich)

Kayleigh xo

Countdown

2009-06-17T11:41:00.000-07:00

Am being quite lazy at the moment, my excuse being revision hell. Last exam tomorrow!!
My week since my previous post has entailed exams and work (both Whistles and Topshop), a houseparty last Saturday and casual park lounging with old friends.
Today I popped into Blackheath for a bite to eat at Cafe Rouge. As we were walking home we passed Cancer Research with a familiar jacket in the window-and what do you know, it's a piece from the Tux Delux Topshop limited edition range, if I remember rightly retailing around £70ish each. We went in and looked at it and it was in my size and £8!

In another spell of procrastination I found this summery dress on ebay-should I buy?

I returned the black ASOS dress and made up for my loss with these. Since the Steve Maddens were sold out everywhere in UK in my size (karma for deliberating about which colour to buy) I got these. They look cheaper then the Madden's (and YSL!) but they were half the price so!

Kayleigh xo

Broadcast Yourself

2009-06-11T04:29:00.001-07:00

Slightly sporadic post today. Summary of my week in short: Monday I went to Graduate fashion Week. Got a little starstruck from viewing Susie Bubble through her perspex 'bubble'. Tuesday called for revision and no play. Yesterday was J's 20th birthday and the first two of my four English Literature exams (this time next week I will be done for the summer!). Last night we had casual birthday celebrations entailing cake, wine and monopoly. Saturday we are having a house party.
Here is the cake I made for J, slightly girly for a 20-year old boy but yummy nonetheless.

Yesterday two dresses I ordered from ASOS arrived:

Am considering sending the black one back. Ironically it's the one in my size as I had to buy the second too large-if anyone knows a good tailor in South East London or London in general let me know!
Really want this dress now, although being about £100 more then the black one can I justify it?

Or perhaps a Markus Lupher tee?

As I seem to have no spare time on my hands at the moment, with revision and work I only seem capable of searching the easily shopped sites such as ASOS and Topshop. I haven't done an eBay trawl in weeks. Hopefully next week all of this will change!

Me in cartoon

Source: ASOS

In the summer time

2009-06-05T13:37:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I wore my new Topshop Livid shoes over black skinny jeans with just a simple v neck tshirt. I loved it! Wish I had taken a pic to show as the shoes look their best hugging the bottom of jeans. really shows off the detail and embellishment.

Have been thinking alot about summer recently and although I am yet to book anything I am thinking of options.
Here is my swimwear shortlist thus far. Am limiting myself to one-but which?? Help!

Top three, American Apparel, O'neill @ Asos, Michael Kors.

Am thinking I will buy one one-piece and reuse my old bikinis. Although I do love this:

Mathew Williamson @ Net-a-Porter

This is me in my one-piece from last year: (Looking a little plump.)

Kayleigh xo

Tiki Tikiiii

2009-06-03T11:41:00.001-07:00

So, yesterday Florence came to visit, it was another sunny day, lush! We went to see Tracey Emin's new exhibition at White Cube- really liked some aspects of it, such as the light sentences, others made me feel that perhaps anyone could be an artist! Maybe that is just my non-artistic side showing through though.
In the evening we went to Mahiki with a few friends. It turned out to be a great night! Met some funny characters. (Special hi to Author? Oliver Haiste).
Today called for College and rests with J, watching a film and falling asleep. Comfort food of Spaghetti Carbonara for dinner.

My outfit for the evening.

Kayleigh xo

Beau

2009-06-01T14:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was so lovely. It really is the only word I can use to describe my Sunday. Lovely lovely- or meat filled.
About ten of us went to a BBQ at a friend, Binty's, house, who is a meat extraordinar. The sun was scorching and alot of pimms was consumed! At around 7pm when the sun started dwindling in the back garden we simply took the picnic bench and chairs into the front garden! What a revolutionary idea! I felt like the epitomy of student life. Once dark we toasted marshmallows on the previously meat filled BBQ. All in all a lovely lovely day.

Celia(right) and I burning.

Today Celia and I popped into Bromley for a spot of impromptu shopping (on my part). I purchased the shoes I previously deliberated about (few posts below) and a sequin trophy jacket. Really did not need it, especially as it happened to be the most expensive one from the range at £125, ooooops.
After spending too much money once again we relaxed in Cafe Rouge for lunch. Then homeward bound for revision.

Topshop trophy jacket, Topshop Livid shoe, the shoes on.

Am very much looking forward to tomorrow as my good friend Flo is coming to visit from Norwich as she has returned from travelling. We plan to stroll around the East End, possibly do a bit of vintage shopping during the day and stay hydrated by having regular pimms breaks! It's for our health. Then off to Mahiki in the evening.

Some pictures I got developed from last week using my SLR. However, the film broke in the camera so only a few came out. Even these are quite bad but I like the colours.

Am in process of adding my Daily Reads links.

Kayleigh xo

Binge.

2009-05-31T02:20:00.000-07:00

This weekend has so far entailed working a full day yesterday at Whistles and going to the pub with J for date night. Today I have a chance to enjoy the sun and I am going to make the most of it! Am going to a BBQ with friends (friends that all love meat!)

As it was payday on Friday I allowed myself to do some impromptu shopping in my lunch break-which is never a good idea in Covent Garden!
H&m had had a delivery of the Divided Spring/Summer Limited Edition collection which I rally couldnt pass up! I feel the prices were slightly elevated to coincide with the 'exclusive' label when in fact the quality is the same as the rest of the Divided range.
After panicing about lateness in the line for the fitting room I decided upon just the shorts and a plain Wang inspired slouchy tshirt- I think I am going to do a 4th and Bleeker and add some shoulder pads that I already have at home.
I Couldnt justify buying the white shoulder padded Star Trek resembing dress as I had already brought a short and vest from Whistles that morning.
BUT, I could justify popping into Topshop on The Strand to pick up a cute, little necklace I saw on the website yesterday morning. At only £5 it was very reasonable considering how much Freedom have put their prices up as of late, just for metal painted gold that tarnishes on the second wear.

Outfit:

Silk shorts and fuschia vest, whistles. Ariella boots, Louboutin.

Here is a drawing a girl at work, Mina, drew of the team. She is very talented! (Can you spot me?)

Again, sorry for the poor image quality and wonkiness! Am thinking of doing an 'about me' post?? To explain my interests etc etc. If nobody reads it can simply be a nostalgic stream of consciousness that I can look back on when Im older and wanting my youth back.

Sources: Google, Nitrolicious, Topshop.

Rehab?

2009-05-29T06:36:00.000-07:00

I have always been one to spend spend spend, be it for myself or a gift for a loved one. Even if I didn't have the money I would find a way. I buy treats for others even if they may not need it-out of love, but also I fear, out of my need to rid myself of every penny.
As a result, even though I feel guilt currently, I am still about to purchase the Steve Madden Yves Saint Laurent inspired (rip-off) sandal- simply because there is 25% in Grazia.
My only thought right now is which colour? I may be bad when it comes to spending but even I am not at the stage that I would buy both simply to avoid choosing between the two. Not yet anyway!

Ahley Olsen in the YSL brown version:

I think I am most drawn towards the nude tone colour.

Source: Google, Shoewawa, Oli.

Uniform.

2009-05-29T03:30:00.000-07:00

I am in the market for buying another pair of unneeded shoes. The question is however, which ones shall I purchase??
Above left: Topshop Unique sold out everywhere. Currently selling on eBay for upto £300- my Topshop have one returned pair left, just happening to be in my size! Fate?
Right: New season Livid style. Topshop's version of a mixture of the Balmain (in vid below) and Rodarte from S/S '08.

Yesterday's Outfit:

Luella A/W '07 dress worn with Bershka Marni inspired heels and gold jewellery inc. Eiffel Tower necklace.

I just adore the detailing on this dress. The attention to detail is apparent- it is like sitting down on a cushion as the swirls cover the entire dress. I feel it is my 'lucky dress' as I wore it to both my 1st choice Uni interview and during my driving test. Both of which proved successful.

NB. Why do I choose to use my poor quality iPhone camera when I have a good digital SLR?

Balmain

2009-05-27T09:33:00.000-07:00

I know many are over the whole Balmain extravaganza by now but I still cannot get enough! I could watch this show over and over again...as I have been doing for the last fifteen minutes.

Also, I cannot stop reading I am Mademoiselle's- from the Elle UK column-tweets. I hope she really is as witty in real life and it isn't simply a facade.
(http://twitter.com/IamMademoiselle)

Video: YouTube.

Amazing part 2

2009-05-27T08:39:00.000-07:00

Yes, yes, I do have similar in blue and black but these are wardrobe staples?

'80's lux

2009-05-27T08:08:00.000-07:00

This dress reminds me of a napkin. Multi functional i suppose..
If only I went to more dinner parties. Suppose it isn't really suitable for Cafe Rouge.

Lanvin

2009-05-26T06:19:00.001-07:00

On anything else this print would seem almost tacky, reminiscent of h&m divided purchases when i was 12 but with this exquisite cut it is simply a classic, beautiful garment- and one I must find a way of owning. A high street replica would never do it justice.

Alber Elbaz, the man behind the genius. He looks so kind, like a fun, caring uncle.

Source: Google

toujours dans l'amour

2009-05-26T04:53:00.000-07:00

I think I am going to get the tooth necklace J made me dipped in gold so I can wear it every day for the rest of my life.
Much like Carrie wore her engagement ring to Aiden on a simple, classic chain.

Summer Dayzzzzz

2009-05-24T11:52:00.001-07:00

This weekend entailed a mischievous shift at Whistles followed by Matter on Sat eve. Raykwon, Jehst and other hip hop legends played whilst good DJ's played some of our favourite old school songs such as Souls of Mischief hits between sets. Deffinately enjoyed this night out more then Fabric on Tuesday-partly because we had free +1 tickets. Saw the sunrise for the second time this week, this time rising over Canary Wharf.

Today was spent lounging in the sun with J in Islington. After searching high and low for a suitable battery for my 70's SLR camera and birthday card hunting we settled down with a picnic of cheesecake, sandwiches, kettle chips and salsa and let the sun wash over us.

I really love these unexpected summer days where everyone comes together on a previously frosty patch of grass between the parallel bustling streets and forgets any inhibitions they previously encompassed. I could deffinately spend all summer laying in the sun, grazing on nibbles and listening to others conversations whilst guessing their appearance from their voice.

Obsession?

2009-05-21T03:23:00.000-07:00

I fear my previously masked Olsen obsession may become very apparent soon.
Out of the thousands of images of the twins, I think this may be favourite!
Although Mary-Kate is my favoured, Ashley just looks impeccable. Perfect outfit.
I must own those Balenciaga's-be it these or the shorter version-I can't hold out any longer.

Source: Olsen Anonymous

Prada Turban..

2009-05-21T03:19:00.000-07:00

Although first showing during S/S '07 I am still not over this look!
I feel it can only be done with extremely long hair, in a clashing colour.

Source: Google.

Olsen

2009-05-16T00:14:00.000-07:00

Blimey! Pictures from Ashley's shoot for V Man magazine.
Is that a What Katie Did bra?

Source: The Sun.

Denim

2009-05-15T10:14:00.000-07:00

Today I purchased my first pair of jeans in what must be..4 years?
At only £8 in Primark and identical to Topshop's version I thought I may as well, even if they do stay at the back of my wardrobe until I have grown out of them.
Easing my way into demin again slowly. (With the exception of cropped, acid wash jackets of course!)

Whilst shopping, Georgia purchased a denim skirt (continuing in the denim theme) similar to my Warehouse on but at a quarter of the price!

Ariella..

2009-05-14T04:18:00.000-07:00

..I cannot wait for your arrival!

Fall '09

2009-05-13T04:28:00.000-07:00

H&M Fall '09 preview:

Can you please drop already! As I fear I may be over studs and hard black by September.

2002

2009-05-11T09:40:00.000-07:00

My day entailed high school nostalgia after agreeing to 'model' for Georgia as part of her College project on re-branding.
I got to skip lessons and change numerous times in the girls' toilets whilst staff and students looked on in amazement.
It was nice to make use of some of my wardrobe items that I neglect and bring them to life once again.
Here are a select few of the final shots.

Everything feels extremely rushed at the moment, I have exams in a month lasting a week and then I am free but I can't shake the feeling of anxiety.

Life and style?

2009-05-03T06:35:00.000-07:00

The dress arrived on Thursday! I teamed it with a Zara grey blazer, tights and Marni inspired block heels.
I Imagined it to feel similar to the floral dress from Kate Moss' first Topshop collection but surprisingly it was poles apart. It really is as nice in the flesh-and as short!

Rather dissapointed to stroll into work wearing it that same evening to be faced with about twenty of the same. Seems Bromley did in fact get the collection, however it isn't selling at all. After the failure of Moss' collection in recent months in the store one would assume that once they had chosen to stock Hulanicki's collection they would advertise and promote it more to enhance sales.

In other news, it looks like I will in fact be going to University of the Creative Arts in Epsom to do fashion Journalism, and not pursuing style advising full time. I'm thoroughly excited about the opportunity but am very dubious about moving outside London again. A year simply hasn't been enough time to do all the things I wished to do. Am contemplating living in Wembley or Clapham, but this would come with it's on complications too. Time will tell...

Biba reigns..

2009-04-28T08:19:00.000-07:00

So, I finally got to order the dress I have been lusting after since I saw it in the preview lookbook for Barbara Hulanicki's collection for Topshop.
After a wakeful sleep through sheer panic that I would awake at 9, missing College and the entire collection altogether, I woke at 7.20am, 20 minutes after the collection had dropped online.
When I went to purchase my chosen dress my size had already sold out! I knew I had to have it anyway so promptly purchased an 8 before that too sold out!
The buzz of knowing it was soon to arrive wore off rather quickly however, knowing that I would have to get it taken in to get the desired effect of nipped in/oversized shoulders without a belt etc.

However, on my arrival home at lunchtime today I thought to myself, I will check it again anyway, afterall you never know...and luck was on my side! After being notified that the site had been having technical difficulties earlier it all made sense.
With a sneaky phone call to track my order and subsequently cancel and reorder whilst on the phone I managed to snag my desired size. Hurrah!

Barbara Hulanicki, alongside husband founded the clothing company Biba in 1964. Throughout the 60's and 70's it was at the forefront of the British high street and was the Topshop of it's time. Biba closed in 1976 whilst Hulanicki continued working in fashion for some time before progressing into interior design.

The collection itself features body con dresses, oversized shoulders, buttoned, nipped in waists, wide legs and bikinis all adorned with either Hulanicki's own interpretation of leopard print through a coral/grey colour way or her youthful linea cartoons. For the less daring she has produced scarves and shopper bags.

A couple of other items from the collection:

Source: Topshop.com

Family Affair

2009-04-24T06:34:00.000-07:00

Barca cont...
Day three and we were graced with ray upon ray of sunlight. After the hearty breakfast we had now become accustomed to we set off for shops galore!- And they did not disappoint! First stop was a basement Zara Home. I now know where I will register if I ever get married and do the American gift norm. Purchased a simple white candle for mum and lusted after gold cutlery. Thought twice about purchasing the cutlery as student living will never quite live up to it's gold utensils. Next up was the shop Trust Nobody located just off the busy Las Ramblas we were met with a serene calm bathed in shadowy sun. Unfortunately the shop did deliver, but not in sizing, so I left empty handed with no holiday gift for J. Next up was the vintage search. Having done a little research prior to the trip I had found a couple of places worth a look. Again, I left empty handed, choosing against buying faded slogan tshirts and army surplus just for the thrill of the purchase.
Found the compulsory Topshop(why do they get the new Kate Moss collection in a tiny store when our megastores don't?) and numerous more H&m's, Zara etc.
A break was in order, after making our way up eight floors of Barcelona's most famous department store we picked up a cake and coffee and sat ourselves down infront of the cafe's panoramic view of Barcelona.

We were then met with a crowd surrounding some talented individuals showcasing their break dancing skills. Have to fault them on their choice of music however: Prodigy? No.

The final evening was accompanied by yet more tasty delights and strolls up and down Passeig De Gracia, looking into the window of the YSL store and admiring the light reflecting upon the cage heels.

2009-04-19T11:20:00.000-07:00

Lovely casual Sunday spent with boyf to prepare myself for the ensuing torture of College this week. After the confusion from waking at 7am and driving into the so called nature's garden that is Kent needlessly we strolled down row upon row of wallpaper paste tables to view other's unwanted wares. I left with a pair of genuine Rayban wayfarers for £5!!, a cosy, gold embellished jumper dress and beautiful candelabra.
With the arriving of the sun we zoomed to Chislehurst for a bite of lunch at Cafe Rouge.

...Currently continuing in my role as ultimate procrastinator through overindulging in five episodes of Come Dine With Me, painting my nails, writing to do to lists and gorging on forgotten Green and Blacks easter eggs. Just waiting for the new episode of Louis Thereux to round off a lovely day.

Habla usted Inglés?

2009-04-17T11:38:00.000-07:00

On Easter Sunday dad and I took an impromptu break to Barcelona. Having only previously been there in passing I was excited to explore the city in detail.
Day One involved numerous parma ham baguettes and siestas following the 7am flight from Heathrow. As it was Easter Sunday we prepared ourselves for most amenities to be closed for the next few days in this religious city, we relished in the chance to experience the city in a somewhat comatose state and then again on Tuesday when it would be back to its regular lively, animated form.

Forgetting my usual holiday routine of a complete TV ban we could not think of anything better then an early night laughing at the humorous dubbing of TV programmes on Spanish television. However, when the Hotel informed us there was a flat screen Sky television in each room they forgot to mention that the only English channels would be CNN, BBC news and TCM. Needless to say we watched some very oddball films in our sleepy state.
Day two called for much of the same, starting with a mountainous breakfast consisting of eggs, bacon, potato and bread followed by 'bravas' tapas and tea.

The weather soon picked up as layers fell off and sunglasses came out of hibernation. After another stroll down Las Ramblas we approached the port which held a lovely little market selling trinkets and fascinating junk-esque items that people could spend their life searching for and others would haphazardly stumble across.
We then approached the new riverside development, reached by a mobile swing bridge that leads the way to an IMAX cinema, tasty restaurants and spanish high street stores...and to our suprise, it was all open! We then put shopping back onto our radar and headed into the mall. After seeing the shutters on multiple Zara's, Mango's and H&M's we relished being able to hear the English sounds blaring out and seeing the nudes, chiffons and pastels highlighted throughout the store's visual merchandising.

Ten.

2009-04-02T04:00:00.000-07:00

If I could choose just one magazine currently on the market to take onto a deserted island with me it would be Ten. Ten magazine is a quarterly fashion magazine with a satirical twist. Launched in 2001, it has since created an incredibly well respected name for itself as the leader in its sector. As a quarterly magazine, it if often very thick in pages thus would last me longer on a deserted island then any other fashion magazine.
The magazine celebrates luxury, not only unaffordable fashion but luxury through any means, be it through a witty rumour or a do-it-yourself project to transform an old garment. It unashamedly showcases the best products on the market in fashion, jewellery and beauty. Ten does not hope to sell an image that is accessible, it instead, flagrantly chooses to provide an unattainable image but have fun with it.
Ten has no set writers, except Editor Sophie Neophitou-Apostolou, instead choosing to vary its contributors seasonally. This allows readers to experience an abundance of some of the best writers, photographers and stylists in the industry.
The magazine does not feature celebrities but rather relishes in rumours flying around the fashion industry. The ‘gossip’ page on Ten is more then just your typical celebrity gossip page in a fashion magazine but rather a well articulated, humorous page containing tongue in cheek one liners and comical clues into the identity of the culprit.
The magazine is text heavy and not just reliant on visually appealing fashion spreads. Through its use of some of the world most respected journalists Ten is able to provide articles written with an opinion that are often more daring and bold then the rest on the market today.
My favoured contributor to Ten magazine is Hadley Freeman. Whilst being the deputy fashion editor at The Guardian she has also written a book, ‘The Truth About Sunglasses’. Her wit, intelligence and her ability to put the reader at ease during her opening sentence through speaking to the reader in a very casual, yet formal manner, as if one was a friend who she is recalling her recent trip to Paris to has ensured she is the writer of my favourite article every issue.
I considerer Ten magazine to be my fashion bible and would choose it out of any other magazine on the market today for it’s cutting edge approach to fashion and the industry as a whole.

Image: google

LFW

2009-03-13T03:51:00.000-07:00

On Friday 8th March 2009 I, along with a good friend, Celia, attended London Fashion Weekend. This being my first experience of an event like this in London, having previously only attended Birmingham’s Clothes Show Live, I was excited at the prospect of sampling some of this years best designers, the goody bags and being in the tents usually reserved only for the fashion pack.

As I embarked upon the sloping path down to the tent’s entrance I could already see a sea of girl’s dressed in this season’s most publicized trends; wet look leggings with oversized t-shirts and heels. I, personally decided to play it partly safe by wearing a pair of Topshop tailored trousers, rolled up to flood length to expose ankle, Topshop photographic ‘it’ dress of the season, tucked into my trousers, vintage Moschino belt and Emma Cook Spring/Summer ’09 pale green zip ruffle heels.
Celia and I then eagerly made our way to the goody bag desk where we found greatly appreciated snacks, Elizabeth Arden make up and Tony and Guy hair products amongst other delights.

Fashion Weekend shopper in hand we proceeded to the champagne area to lap up our complimentary glass of pink champagne, sure to get us in the shopping mood. After a lap of the downstairs area we proceeded upstairs to sample the clothing delights. With stalls presenting Vivienne Westwood, John Galliano, Luella alongside brands such as Sass and Bide we were not at a loss for choice. Having told myself I was to only purchase one item I limited myself to two Luella garments. At a 70% reduction it would have been a crime not to! I left the clothing shopping area, ready for the ensuing catwalk show, with a Luella Autumn/Winter ’07 dress and cardigan, happy purse and happy heart.

This year, with Fashion Weekend being granted the use of the London Fashion Week catwalks for the first time ever the show promised to be the biggest and best yet.
Louise Roe, the energetic journalist and presenter of VogueTV, opened the show to hordes of excited teenage girls, anxiously perched on the edge of their fashion seats, camera in hand, ready to snap their favoured looks of the upcoming season.
The show took inspiration from cinema, religion and all aspects of popular culture. The trends showcased on the 450-seat catwalk were labeled American Idol, Domestic Goddess, African Queen and Ethereal Nude. Designers shown included Luella, Matthew Williamson, Tommy Hilfiger alongside high street shoe names Kurt Geiger and Office.

As we left the event, sponsored by Elle magazine, I felt myself especially lucky to have been able to access so many respected designers and classic labels in one room. Events such as this not only give one access to retail but to experience a world of it’s own, for one evening anyone can be part of the fashion industry.
London Fashion Weekend 2010 is definitely a recommendation to anyone.

2009-03-09T04:08:00.000-07:00

Blogging is a medium in which one can simply type down their thoughts on any given topic and know that at least one other person in the world will be thinking exactly the same thing. One can express themselves through words, pictures or even video (vlog) through technologies such as YouTube.

Blogger Tommy who founded Jakandjil (http://jakandjil.com/blog/) a blog unashamedly about aesthetics and what ones idols are wearing to take their seat at a particular fashion show. Tommie’s particular favourites at the moment are Carine Roitfield, Editor of French Vogue, Emanuelle Alt, fashion director also at Vogue Paris and Kate Lanphear, style director at US Elle. Readers are given the chance to see the backstage antics at Fashion Week in London, New York, Paris and Milan. The blog predominantly features photographs with simple, one-line explanations.

With the rise of personal blogs comes the emergence of the next step in blogging: micro blogging. Websites such as twitter allow users to communicate with friends, family and famed celebrities and voice their opinions on topics such as the weather, television or even just what they are having for their dinner. Particular favourite ‘tweeters’ are Stephen Fry, Jonathon Ross (‘Wossy’) and Dominic from band The Others, who relishes in telling ‘followers’ his daily meal intake and how many of his five-a-day he is yet to consume.

The majority of companies, be it specializing in clothing, food or simply media products, have their own blog. Through the use of these, companies are able to access a large number of consumers easily and without cost. This method of communication benefits the consumer through establishing a bond, which is then further increased through retail store and advertising campaigns. This will build an increased connection for the consumer helping them feel they are in a special clique in the company; this will then increase sales, thus revenue, for the company as one will want to buy into the brand further.

Clothing company American Apparel, the increasingly popular Los Angeles brand famed for its simple designs have cashed in on a revolutionary idea through mixing blogging with fashion, culminating in advertisement campaigns for their regular American Apparel lines and their new vintage stores, California Select. Karla Derass from blog Karla’s Closet (http://karlascloset.blogspot.com/) wrote in December 2008, “I was approached by Shawn from American Apparel last week to do some sort of campaign which is basically an advertisement banner.” Through campaigns such as this consumers feel an increased involvement with the company, not only can they wear the clothes but also could even model in the advertising campaigns.

In the world of amateur fashion blogging, be it daily outfit posts or simply scans from favourite magazine editorials, trends are apparent. With the slow emergence of the Spring/Summer trends arriving in high street stores one can see trends throughout each individual stores line. Previously this would have been the first sign of that season’s trends one would see if that had not been avidly following the shows the previous season. However, this season a noticeable amount of blogger’s have been speaking of studs, most famously the Rodarte and Balmain studded sandals, and helping readers to create the look themselves through a simple method of gluing haberdashery bought studs onto plain black items. Now the high street has brought out a number of similar versions, most noticeable the Zara Balmain replicas at a price of £90, although sold out they are now selling for over £300 on eBay. However, it brings up the question that the high street may be in fact too late on the trend.

Images: google, jakandjil,karlas closet & netaporter.

Lolita

2009-02-18T06:35:00.001-08:00

tock

2009-02-11T09:27:00.000-08:00

ticking

2009-02-11T09:21:00.000-08:00

blog luvvvvin

2008-12-14T11:30:00.001-08:00

Follow my blog with bloglovin´

Brunette

2008-12-14T10:13:00.000-08:00

I think I want to go back to brown..

2008-12-12T11:10:00.000-08:00

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Web Site Hit Counter

Folicles

2008-12-12T11:02:00.000-08:00

Got my hair redone today.
Almost, but not quite

Winter Wishlist

2008-12-10T11:14:00.000-08:00

Jeans, Topshop; Top, Acne; Boots, Balenciaga; Bag, Prada.

Source: Knight Cat.

*2

2008-11-24T12:57:00.000-08:00

Beautiful Jaeger a/w 08 coat.

Wishlist

2008-11-16T12:52:00.000-08:00

Life would be complete..

2008-11-12T11:37:00.000-08:00

if I owned this clutch!

Clutch, Prada Ombre 07/08

Fight Club.

2008-11-10T08:00:00.001-08:00

Flashback humour.

New Home....

2008-11-10T04:59:00.000-08:00

Eighty-one days in.
Raining. 9°C.

NB. Flooded

Halloween.

2008-10-31T05:06:00.000-07:00

Metronomy at ULU, then onto Amersham Arms.

New Shoes

2008-10-30T11:23:00.000-07:00

New Home

2008-09-14T10:48:00.000-07:00

Brings a chance for new interiors..

Benicassim.

2008-07-22T05:21:00.000-07:00