// UN-COMPLICATE YOUR FASHION WEEK //
Well boys and girls it's that time of year again. Make sure you've got an extra memory card, flats in your bag and some ibuprofen at hand because today London Fashion Week kicks off.
It's no secret that fashion week is a stressful time. Long days, hours spent on your feet and hardly any time to grab a bite to eat. Worry not though show-goers because I know a little secret that will make everything just a bit easier. American Express have set up a concierge team that are tucked inside Seamen's Hall at Somerset House and it's their job to ease the pain of fashion week. They're known as the Amex Insiders and they ensure that everything runs smoothly for the fashion crowd. Whether you need something simple like directions or are suffering a major emergency like a broken heel - they'll point you in the direction of venues and show you the way to the nearest cobbler. If you need to book a table for dinner or hail a cab just call on them, they'll be at your service.
Because this is fashion week, you'd better expect the Insiders to be kitted out in the hottest attire. This season, London wonder child, Christopher Raeburn has designed their uniforms. They feature capes inspired by his AW14 collection which takes reference from disappearing landscapes, wildlife and the culture of arctic pioneers. The capes, which were designed exclusively for the Insiders, feature Raeburn's classic silhouette and are based off the shape of traditional military capes.
Since everyone can't be at fashion week, or make use of the Insiders, I've been given the opportunity to share the experience by giving away one of the capes that Christopher designed. The one I have available features the arctic inspired print in blue and white. This piece isn't going to be put into production so, if you're a supporter of British talent or just want to stay dry in the rain, this is your chance to grab a piece of fashion history. The giveaway is open to readers worldwide and to enter all you need to do is leave a comment on this post. Just be sure to include your e-mail address so that I can get in touch if you're the lucky winner.
If you're attending London Fashion Week and want to double, triple, or even quadruple your chances of winning the cape then Instagram or Tweet shots of your favorite street style images with the hashtag #AmexStyle for the chance to win one. So that makes two possible capes to win. Goodness is flowing all around, eh? Happy fashion week.
In collaboration with American Express.
ETRE TOUCHY GLOVES...
With the 21st century has come a new and very real danger: cold fingers when using touch screen devices.
We've all been there... it's freezing and you're standing in front of the most mesmerizing scene (probably a latte or your shoes against the pavement). Desperate to take a photo but your gloves are standing in the way. No matter how hard you push, the screen of you iPhone just won't register your finger. Oh the misery. Surely it ranks up there next to world hunger and disarmament.
When I came across these gloves I thought their claim to be compatible with all touch screen devices just couldn't be true. Surely if such technology existed every glove manufacturer would have embraced it already? Not so, these guys are just ahead of the game. There are two different types available. The first doesn't have a tip on the thumb and first finger. Kind of like fingerless gloves - except they are only fingerless where it really matters, making it much easier to use finicky devices like a camera. The second, has the brand's special contactwoven fingertips - which make it possible to use touchscreen devices without any hindrance. Pretty special, eh?
Featuring: Etre touchy gloves and fivepoint gloves.
Lira Leirner Giveaway
I'd like to introduce you to a little something special: the Iconic Royal Mail Tape Bag. Made by designer Lira Leirner, in collaboration with Stuart Bannocks, it takes an everyday item, you guessed it - Royal Mail bags, and spins it into something hardwearing and covetable. I love that the bag incorporates a little bit of England and that it's handmade in the UK from such a funky source. While Lira's line includes a whole host of gorgeous pieces (the Mariner Net Silk Dress and Iconic Royal Mail Post Bag dress are two of my favourites) I thought it seemed fitting to give something away that anyone can use. Regardless of your age, where you are in life, or where you live... if you're a student, a parent, a boy, or a girl, living in London, Texas, or Cairo, this bag could have a use in your life.
To enter just follow three easy steps: Leave a comment below stating that you'd like the win the bag. Be a follower of this blog and let me know how you follow in your entry. Leave a way for me to contact you (e-mail/blog link).
For extra entries follow Lira Leirner on Twitter and re-tweet this post. The winner will be chosen via random.org one week from today.
