Hats Off.

This rainy Thursday, I have decided there is no time like the present in getting used to wearing my new hat. So, I have put on my black maxi skirt and white cropped tee and instead of sporting my trademark black flower - today I am wearing a black bowler-esqe style hat, courtesy of H&M.

 Hat £7.99; H&M, Lipstick Shade 128 Rimmel; in "Starry Eyed"

There are so many hats available at the moment, at affordable prices from all of your favourite high street stores...and word on the street is that they are a wardrobe staple. 


Whether you are still in summer holiday mode (desperately wishing I was) and a large floppy hat for keeping the sun out of your eyes is your thing; or you are stepping in to the latest Autumn fascination for bowlers, pork pie hats and rollers, a hat is where it is at...Here are two of my favourites:

Blocked Wool Bowler, £22 Accessorize

Black Pork Pie Hate, £7.99 H&M

I am still a little undecided as to whether my alien shaped head can pull off this little beauty, but as promised here are some pictures as proof of my brave purchase...

 Hat £7.99; H&M, Lipstick Shade 128 Rimmel; in "Starry Eyed", Necklace £7.99; H&M, White Cropped Tee £8.00; TOPSHOP

Happy hat hunting,


Amy x

McQ.

Ok, I know I ALWAYS speak of  Alexander McQueen - but he truly was my hero and the starting point for my love for fashion...so just allow my ramblings, ok?!

Today's mention is slightly different; taking a look at the diffusion line McQ. as it makes its first debut down the catwalk for Autumn/Winter 2012. What can I say - PURE GENIUS!

Sarah Burton has managed to re-ignite the flame that sadly died away with the design legend back in 2010 and two years on, the sparks are certainly flying; this wearable collection of both mens and womens clothing, couldn't go without a mention.

McQ. Fall 2012

McQ. Fall 2012

McQ. Fall 2012

McQ. Fall 2012

The catwalk was lined with hundreds upon thousands of Autumn leaves, making that satisfying crunch as the models worked the runway. Designs started off fairly minimal yet skillfully crafted, in neutral shades of greens and khakis. As the show progressed bold florals and patriotic tartans were introduced, with undertones of black lace adding that element of darkness, typical of any McQueen show. The climax however, being a porcelain model wearing an equally porcelain laced dress, following a rope that lead her in to a brightly lit forest shown in the distance; some say this was to represent McQueen's own escape to heaven...a truly beautiful tribute.

And what to say about the wild mushroom inspired hair-do's? I think they speak for themselves!

Reasons why I LOVE Alexander McQueen:

1. The designs have a huge theatrical, over the top influence and having always been one for performance arts myself, this is always a crowd pleaser.

2. The juxtaposition of bright, colourful garments against an underlying dark side is exciting and I like to think this is EVER SO SLIGHTLY represented in my own style.

Amy x

P.S. I took the plunge and bought a hat today...pictures may follow soon, if I am feeling brave enough <3

Divided.

With no money AT ALL and a long, long wait for the next student loan to come in; clothes seem to have become that little bit more appealing to me; knowing that they are well and truly out of my reach (for now). This hasn't stopped me however, from eyeing up the latest high street additions for Autumn/Winter 2012, making a mental wish list as I go.

Popular high street chain H&M, go up and down in my estimations almost monthly; with their affordable fashion being a bit hit and miss. One thing that you can't knock them for however, is their dedication to bringing us the best prices...which, despite my roller-coaster of emotions towards the brand, keeps me coming back for more. This fashion season however, I have fallen head over heels for the latest Divided collection.Through brilliant advertising both in store and in the media, H&M have created a bold, urban collection, making a statement in an extremely wearable way. In my opinion it even has a slight punk rock edge...which I absolutely LOVE.

H&M Autumn/Winter 2012

H&M Autumn/Winter 2012

H&M Autumn/Winter 2012

Bold blazers, white shirts, braces and hats will be just a few of the key trends this season and I for one certainly can't WAIT to get my hands on them...first I have to convince myself that I look socially acceptable in any sort of hat!

River Island 2012

In keeping with the edginess of this campaign, I have fallen in LOVE with these high-waisted tartan trousers, from fellow high street competitor River Island. Teamed with biker boots (maybe even Dr Martens...if I ever convince myself to take the plunge) and a white shirt, £35 seems a fair price to pay for such a versatile "punky" addition to your wardrobe. EEEEK I can't wait for my favourite fashion season to be in full flow.

On another note, I received my end of year results this morning and came out overall with a FIRST, all the hard work paid off and I couldn't be happier...third year I am ready for you!

Amy x

P.S. I have an interview for an Internship on Monday...wish me luck <3

The Future's Bright

The past few weeks have flown by. If I haven't been at the gym, I have had my head in a pile of cardboard boxes; frantically packing my life away, in preparation for the final move in to my new, previously mentioned "DREAMHOUSE". Numerous Ikea bags, multiple large boxes and one van later... as of last Sunday, the move was complete and the keys handed over.


Moving house always unsettles me a little, being a creature of habit I grow attached easily to my surroundings and home comforts, finding it hard to let things go (perhaps this explains my ability to hoard plastic bags). This year, what with it being my last year at Uni; I am looking to the new house as a symbol for a fresh start...this means going in to EVERYTHING with a positive outlook (someone remind me of this when I am stressing about Uni work) and throwing myself at every opportunity that comes along. Hopefully this will mean plenty of excuses to blog about new and exciting things...if all goes to plan, starting with an internship at the end of the Summer.


In the fashion world, it's not just me that is looking for light amongst all of this dark, gloomy weather. 


(This link is somewhat genius/seamless)

Alexander McQueen, Autumn/Winter 2012

All time favourite Alexander McQueen, have created an Autumn/Winter collection that literally explodes in front of our very eyes. The message in all of the madness being that Miss Burton wanted to celebrate "a beautiful future" within our society, contrasting the constant reminder of the stark reality of the current climate. There are some INCREDIBLE pieces that capture a weightless, futuristic feel (McQueen can do no wrong), acting as a small glimmer of glamorous hope, that this fashion season is going to be a good'un.

Alexander McQueen, Autumn/Winter 2012

Alexander McQueen, Autumn/Winter 2012

With Sarah Burton's words ringing in my ear, I am ready for anything that lies ahead...starting with unpacking.


Amy x

Chanel Does India

Anyone who knows me, KNOWS how much I love all things Indian...apart from a hot curry perhaps, as I have possibly the most sensitive palette known to man. But yes, (just about) everything about the Indian culture fascinates me, from the bold colours, intricate patterns, detailed embellishment and the art form of henna; I can't get enough of it.


So when I recently spotted that the genius behind fashion power house Chanel's Karl Lagerfeld, had channeled his latest collection in to an East meets West, Indian inspired spectacle; I instantly fell in love. 

Pre Fall 2012 Chanel

The black and white advertising campaign...in my opinion, is genius. It captures the perfect balance between the English rose style typical to Chanel, whilst effortlessly incorporating key elements of Indian traditions, through elaborate poses, layering fabrics and heavy embellishment.

Pre Fall 2012 Chanel

Pre Fall 2012 Chanel

Not only do I suddenly want dreadlocks, but I am desperate to find myself one of these stunning headpieces on the highstreet. 


Mr Lagerfeld...you did good.

Guess Who's Back

It has without a doubt been a while and I have without a doubt been neglectful...but I am back and ready for the months ahead! 

So, where have I been hiding? Initially my time was taken up with completing my year at uni, being the perfectionist I am (and sometimes wish that I wasn't) work slowly took over and any chance of a social life disappeared. I worked hard and to some extent played hard, and am currently awaiting my end of year results. Fingers crossed n'all that.

To round off another action packed year in true fashion style, I spent the day helping out at Graduate Fashion Week as part of the front of house team; it was a long day that perhaps wasn't as glamorous as the title suggests, but the catwalk show was fantastic and proved really inspirational. Hats off to the third years.

After the hard slog, I felt it was only right to treat myself to a holiday. So my boyfriend and I have recently returned from a relaxing sun-filled week in the Algarve; blue skies, sand between my toes and temperatures in the high 30's...as lets be honest the weather isn't up to much here!

Despite having a severe case of the holiday blues and a crazy week ahead of packing up all of my belongings (YET AGAIN) in to a small van and completing my final move in my uni life; to a brand new humble abode, labelled "THE DREAM HOUSE" by my beautiful coursemates and housemates to be...I AM BACK.

I have so many things to share and blog about and am currently searching for an internship within the industry - so keep your eyes peeled for real fashion updates and general ramblings from my mad life.

It's going to be a busy one. BRING IT ON.

The Garden Party.

After a long hard slog at Uni, I am back in my home town for a bit of family and free food time (I have become an expert in fridge raiding). Whenever I come home, everything seems so green in comparison to the built up City of Southampton to which I have become accustomed, as I forget that Gloucester is in fact part of the beautiful Cotswolds.

Gloucester Quays Garden Party

Easter Weekend Line Up

As an Easter treat to my wonderful Mum, this weekend the family and I went to a quaint little Garden Party event  at the Quays, it was host to numerous local stores selling anything from pot plants, cheese, pies, chocolates, cakes and much much more. I was well away, sampling all the food and as predicted came away with a few little nick nacks.

Pick and Mix Sweets

Pastel Macaroons

Homemade Cupcakes

Aside from the food, tv hit, Irish Gardener Diarmuid Gavin was providing personal tips on how to spruce up our bushes and shrubs this summer, Mum was in her element and it got me thinking about what an amazing colour palette our gardens create, proving a popular inspiration for many a catwalk collection.

Erdem, Spring/Summer 2012

Erdem, Spring/Summer 2012

For a Uni project last year, I decided to forecast a trend entitled "Rurban" for Spring/Summer 2012, focusing on the way in which city goers like to incorporate twee country ways of life in to their daily routine...maybe through planting vibrant flower displays and growing your own vegetables. It seems that the predictions were right and garden chic is EVERYWHERE.

My Sketchbook, Rurban

My Sketchbook, Rurban

My Skethcbook, Rurban