// 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.
Ashish FW13
As much as I loved the workwear and keffiyeh print inspiration at the Ashish show, it was this single denim patchwork dress that truly captured my heart. I love the multi-coloured fabric swaths and the slouchy oversized shape. If I had to pick one piece from Ashish's autumn/winter collection to have this would definitely be it. With that said, the rest of the collection was equally alluring. Mixing something as tough as workwear with sequins is a brilliant and unexpected pairing. As always, I'm madly in love with Ashish's creations. The mega blown out hairdos also has me wishing that I had a permanent member on staff to do my hair in the morning. Why am I so lacking in volume?
MICHAEL VAN DER HAM AW13...
Shooting backstage at Michael van der Ham was serene. Everything was clicking away like clock work. The models had fake half fringes clipped into their hair and had dark moody eyeliner applied to their lids. I love seeing the clothes hanging on the rail and then seeing them come to life on the catwalk...
The collection was absolutely gorgeous. There were tops (see top right) with holes cut out of them. It almost looks as if some super powerful moths went to work on the fabric. My favourite pieces were the sheer tops (see top middle) with embroidery on them and the brocade pencil leg trousers. The show closed with three stunning dresses that would look killer on any red carpet. Michael van der Ham isn't a designer that I was familiar with before the show but since seeing this collection he's become one of my favourite London designers. *Collage photos from style.com*
Massive thanks to ebay for getting me backstage and for inviting me to the show.
2012 in Review
Wh-whaat? Where did 2012 go?
Lying in my bed on the eve of 2013, I'm scrolling through a years worth of blog posts. Nostalgia is setting in. Pass the tissues. Highlights definitely include fashion week and twirling in the teacups at EuroDisney with Shini. A trip to Jamaica also ranks high on the best moments from the year. My favourite post I did this past year has got to be 'A letter to my fellow bloggers', wherein I write a letter addressing the misconceptions and lies that surround being a blogger. I loved reading everyone's comments and thoughts in response to the post. Thanks so much for sticking with me through 2012. I can't wait to see what's in store for the year ahead.
Happy New Year. Here's to it being a great one. *clinks glass*
xx
DREAMY FLORALS AT AMINAKA WILMONT...
The first dress that cam sauntering down the catwalk at the Aminaka Wilmont show had my heart buckling. The peachy lavender shades were beautiful and the shape of the dress so flattering. I love the tiny thin belt that sits at the waist and the twisted detail at the hips. My favourite looks from the show were the ones that incorporated this melted flower print seen above - it's so dreamy and soft. I love that Aminaka Wilmont takes such a feminine print but puts it on edgier pieces. The little white biker jacket with the grey printed short dress was one of my favourite looks from the collection - it's definitely something I'd wear head-to-toe.
Massive thank you to Mercedes and Sarwah for inviting me along.
LOUISE GRAY SS13...
Louise Gray was so good. I'm totally feeling the layered up geometric prints. The colours are so bold and look really fresh. The mirrored earrings, psychedelic sunglasses and bouffant hairstyles are the icing on the cake.
Massive thank you to the team at eBay fashion for the ticket. xx
LOUISE GRAY
Big time crushing on Louise Gray's a/w 12 collection. I love the bold two-tone prints, the knee high boots and the unexpected layering. Bras worn over T-shirts and spaghetti strap dresses paired over chunky knits. It sounds so wrong but somehow it's so very right.
I'm big time crushing on Louise Gray's a/w 12 collection.
I love the bold two-tone prints, the knee high boots and the unexpected layering. Bras worn over T-shirts and spaghetti strap dresses paired over chunky knits. It sounds so wrong but somehow it's so very right. When you break down the collection the pieces are actually super simple and wearable - there are lots of little dresses, straight skirts and thick cardigans. Perfect for wearing on their own or, for a real statement, all together with a Nasir Mazhar mohawk headpiece. Yes please.
Photos by The Style Crusader.
MR CRUSADER - FOR THE MEN IN OUR LIVES...
I'm really into menswear lately. Which is why I've decided to start a section of this blog devoted to the boys in our lives. Welcome to Mr Crusader. Lately, all I've wanted to do is reach into my husband's wardrobe and wear his clothes - his jumpers and T-shirts are always my favorite.
Photos taken during menswear day at London Fashion Week last February.
p.s. I'm bookmarking the turtle neck as a must-have basic for the fall... just so you know.
London calling
I'm sitting at my gate waiting to board a flight to London. It's May and I feel like I ought to have sunny thoughts swirling around in my head but instead I have a snuggly Dagmar jacket wrapped around me. I'm not going to lie, I look a bit like a yeti. Anyway, this gives me the chance to think back to all the warm wooly looks I snapped back in February during LFW... I love the fluffy textures and the evident power of a basic white shirt.
Dangit. Why didn't I pack one?!
GIVE ME THAT TEXTURE...
Dear Susie,
How did you get to be so good at wearing multiple textures and prints? Can we please schedule a lesson in layering? You looked so good this day that I wanted to stroke your body... but thought this might be a tad inappropriate? Just want you to know that I love you, a little. xx
p.s. if anyone out there is interested in less delusional (I got zero minutes of sleep last night) posts then head over to We Heart. I just posted what I think might be the most achingly beautiful photos I've ever taken (from the Inbar Spector show).
CAMERA TALK...
Love the idea of wearing a mixture of neutral shades with stark brights and bold colour. It's like the whole colour blocking trend decided to grow up and get a bit more sophisticated. Hedvig and Sandra both have such an effortless sense of style... I'm plotting a grand scheme to invade both their wardrobes and steal everything. Anybody want in on it?
Hedvig and Sandra outside the Topshop venue on Day 3 of LFW.
p.s. super excited to reveal that I've just started contributing to We Heart. You can find all my posts here - hope you like it.
DRIP DRIP DROP: THE STREETS OF LFW [DAY 2]...
The forecast predicted rain for the entire day but it wasn't until about 3pm that the sky decided to unleash the dragon. It was the mother load of all showers, the sort of rain that sent fashionistas shrieking and running for cover as fast as their wobbly heels would allow. Most people weren't dressed appropriately at all but there were a few that certainly were. Here's a little peek at some of my favourites looks from the day:
1. Kit wrapped up in a vintage knit & Hedvig in a Burberry parka and Wang clutch 2. Jennifer and Jackie in black beanies 3. Somerset House - which is bizarrely flying a black and white Union Jack? 4. Spring florals 5. The ideal outfit for any rainy day & Candice Lake 6. Candice jumping in the rain - but I think it looks more like dancing (hence proving there's no reason to let a little rain slow you down).
p.s. I'm tweeting and tumblr-ing my butt off with all sorts of exciiiiting fashion week related non-sense so be sure to follow along:
TWITTER - TUMBLR - FACEBOOK - BLOGLOVIN
ON BEING TRANSPORTED TO ANOTHER DIMENSION...
Although Fyodor Podgorny and Golan Frydman described their Autumn/Winter collection as being inspired by 'Russian peasants, tzars and insects', for me, it was more about taking such earthly influences and transporting them to another dimension. Surely, there's nothing natural or human about a woman that's seemingly composed solely from green glitter?
Backstage the space was calm but meticulous. Green eyeshadow hinted at tones in the jewelry and alluded to the feathered martian-like creature I'd later meet. The hair was carefully braided into the most elaborate formations I've ever seen - like sci-fi crowns that rested on the back of the head.
Despite having an early peek at the collection backstage, in no way was I prepared for what was unleashed. It was the duo's first time showing On Schedule after having won the Fashion Fringe prize. They've worked with designers including Richard Nicoll, Alexander McQueen, Raf Simons and Issey Miyake. While it might be clear that these names have influenced their designs, it's undeniable that the vision driving the brand is clearly their own. It was the only show of the day that left me wanting to dance in my seat and, at the same time, gave me goosebumps...
View the entire Fyodor Golan AW12 collection here.
Massive thanks to Susie and TRACE Publicity for having me backstage.
MY LITTLE YEAR IN REVIEW...
Bizarrely, nothing quite sends me over the bliss-edge quite like a good 'Year in Review.' From Reuters to Gawker, Float Fast Hummingbird and Style.com... they all stir up warm feelings of nostalgia and make me excited for the things that are to come.
2011 was a pretty big year full of lots of changes and exciting things. Here's a little peek into a some of my favourite bits...
Hey there stud muffin...
What is it about guys, when they get a look right they get it really right. There's something in those little details. Chances are half of the time you wont even notice them but somehow they still manage to tie everything together. Take Pete, for example. In the photo above he's tied together the strings from his hoodie at the neck. Buy why? It doesn't really make any sense but I like it none the less.
These are some of my favourite boys as seen at London Fashion Week...
Including: Pete Navey, Matthew Zorpas, CJ Cruz, David Nyanzi and Kit Lee (who isn't a boy but is cute so she still made it in).