The Theatrics Of London Fashion Week.

London Fashion Week has commenced once more; the city suddenly becomes home to renowned designers, models and fashionista’s alike, ready for undoubtedly the most stylish few days in the diary.

I am a HUGE fan of LFW; everything about it captures all of the things that I love most about the industry. But I have to admit that watching show highlights and flicking through pictures, is not quite the same as actually being there, like I was last year. However, I am following and already loving what SS14 is promising to bring. I still find it magical that I am just starting to dig out my cardigan and coats, yet the fashion world is already bringing us a glimpse of sunshine and a psychic sneak peak in to next Spring.

Jasper Conran SS14
www.londonfashionweek.co.uk

Jasper Conran SS14
www.londonfashionweek.co.uk

So lets get down to it…my DAY 1 highlight had to be Jasper Conran. Straight away, I fell in love with the catwalk itself, with its striking black and white pattern creating a real cultural vibe; luckily the clothes didn’t disappoint either. The colour palette of daring yellow and classic monochrome was extremely powerful, when teamed with bold prints and deckchair stripes. The collection being a collaboration of ladylike shapes and preppy collars, contrasted with flowing, free moving garments; creating an eclectic Summer time feel.

Antipodium SS14
www.londonfashionweek.co.uk

Antipodium SS14
www.londonfashionweek.co.uk

Similarly, today (DAY 2) I was amazed by some of the statement pieces in Antipodium’s collection. The pastel shades, bright tropical florals and not forgetting that fluorescent pink, made me excited for next Summer already…and I am definitely a Winter woolies kinda girl! I was happy to see a Spring-time hounds tooth revival, but the highlight was without doubt, the stunning pearlescent fabric and shimmering pleated skirts; they provoked such an enchanting mermaid feel…I WANT ONE!

One of the main things I love about catwalk and fashion in general is the element of fantasy involved. All of us watching and in some way aspiring to achieve an element, of what in most cases, is an unattainable look dictated to us by the designers. It is pretty much a full blown theatrical production. However, an area that confuses me more and more is street style at LFW.

The idea originally being to capture an element of “real style” from real people, a great way to get non-models photographed and involved with an otherwise exclusive industry. But, as its place within fashion has grown, it seems that more and more Fashion Week goers are wearing outrageously flamboyant clothes, different to their personal style, just as a way to be snapped and papped; a chance to be noticed perhaps? I can’t help but feel that this is taking away some of the street style charm, that once was for “normal” people and every day style. I know I said I enjoy the theatrical feel to fashion, but what do you think? Is it going too far?

River Island Trousers, both £35

On a more personal level, I am now working in H&M launching one of the new flagship stores this week, so some sort of temporary income is finally happening (that is if I don’t get too carried away with the discount!). I also got to spend a lovely few days with my boyfriend, which was very much so welcomed now that we are doing the whole long distance thing AAAAAND on a style note, I have fallen in love with some patterned trousers from River Island. A bit of a different shape for me, but I am DEFINITELY going to treat myself, just need to decide on the print…any help welcome!

Rather a long post, but I am feeling very fashion-orientated at the moment (all be it not in London yet!)…Happy Fashion Week people!

Chasing The Dream...At A Snails Pace.

Wow, so I have FINALLY made it on to my own blog after once again, being a neglectful writer. The few months Post University have been surprisingly stressful. Apart from a much needed fortnight relaxing in Spain, I have had to try and bottle my ever growing enthusiasm, for getting out there in to the REAL fashion world and tone things down to Gloucester level…I can assure you, other than my lovely family and a few sheep, there is not a lot going on!

The aim being to get a cheeky retail job, learn to drive, intern in the big city and ultimately save up some cash; so that in the new year, I can start the proper adventure in to my career…London’s calling!

I thought that getting back in to the driving seat would be the tough part, with memories of my shaky legs on the breaks four years ago playing on my mind; surprisingly I took to it like a duck to water…like Lewis Hamilton to a Mercedes…or something like that. Getting a job on the other hand – NOT SO EASY! I guess what they say is true, just because I have a degree, a bloody good one at that (I also received my results and will be graduating in November with a First Class Honours!), it doesn’t make it any easier to get a job. I have recently had a couple of interviews, so fingers crossed a bit of luck AND money will come my way soon.

Speaking of luck, having sent off what felt like HUNDREDS of Covering Letters to various fashion brands, I was pleasantly surprised to receive a response (within 24 hours) from renowned fashion weekly, LOOK Magazine. Yep, it’s official, I will soon be spending a whole month in London, working in the fashion department of LOOK, assisting on shoots and working in their no doubt AMAZING wardrobe. I am so unbelievably excited and can’t wait for a taster in to the industry that I just know is made for me!

My Style Pics
(Skinny Jeans £35, River Island, Boots £24.99, Newlook, Dress £40, Topshop)

Alongside job hunting, catching up with friends/family/boyfriend and the odd bit of baking, I am now writing weekly features for two fashion companies…Model Advice and Hailstyle (make sure to check them both out lovely readers!). I am hoping this will just about scratch the fashion itch for now, keep my mind focused on the industry and get my name out there as much as possible.

Despite everything feeling a little slow right now, especially when I am so eager to just go out in to the working world and chase my dreams; I guess my initial home goals are going to plan…I am learning to drive, freelance writing and have a London internship lined up, all I need is a YES on the job front and things are going ok.

Saint Laurent Fall'13 (Image: style.com)

In the fashion world…Autumn is approaching, my ABSOLUTE favourite season and yet again the catwalks have not let me down! I am not so in to the whole girly pink thing going on, but am in LOVE with the tartan takeover. Grunge is back again, only a lot prettier than previous seasons; think black leathers and red checks, combined with delicate sheers…Saint Laurent are definitely rocking the trend well.

COME ON JOB OFFERS, this girl has a winter wardrobe to purchase!

The Change.

Well, it’s official I have been through the change (not the middle aged woman type) and have just about made it through the other side. I am not in Cardiff, in a glamorous new flat as previously mentioned, but instead have set up camp in a small town called Gloucester, in a lovely little place I like to call home. It is only temporary and certainly differs greatly from life as a student in Southampton, but there is something comforting about being surrounded by family and for a few months it will do me just fine.

 I am going to use this small gap in my life, as a way to push my writing, gain as much experience within the industry as possible and also to embrace changes about myself and maybe even my appearance (if I manage to find some funding), before finally plummeting in to a world surrounded by fashion (and food)…fingers crossed.

Rice Cakes, Low Fat Red Pepper Houmous,Rocket Leaves, Spring Onions and Tomatoes 

Homemade Vegetable Tartlet

Now that I am no longer a student where eating takeaways and binge drinking on a regular basis is considered socially acceptable, the healthy eating starts now. I am a vegetable-aholic as it is, so eating a balanced diet won’t be too hard, who knows I may even share a few of my recipes on here with you guys; bring on the 5 a day! Along with this I will be aiming to keep up a good amount of exercise, as I have been over the last few years, to ensure I am feeling fresshhhh for the future.

Reeses Cups = Tasty Treats!

Homemade Reeses Peanut Butter Cup Cakes

(I would be lying if I said ALL my food will be healthy, as I have a bit of a sweet tooth when it comes to cakes and other yummies, so watch out for piccies of my latest bakes! You can’t deprive yourself from the good things in life right?)

Fashion wise, my summer holiday is coming up in a just a few weeks…I have MAJOR excited legs right now at the thought of a fortnight of sun and cocktails! But of course a holiday wouldn’t be a holiday without some new seasonal additions, so I will be sure to share with you my suitcase must haves! But for now, have a look at a few of my current wardrobe favourites…

Green Casual Tee, H&M £3.99.

Monochrome Print Shirt, H&M £12.99

Monochrome Checked Leggings, Matalan £8.00

“Pop Art” High Waisted Shorts, Topshop, £30.00

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the colour popping trend of the Summer months, bright green being a particular favourite. You have to be pretty daring to go for neon shades however, they can be toned down with a classic monochrome contrast, a sure hit for every fashionista! We all know that prints are EVERYWHERE at the moment so my favourite wardrobe item, these bold shorts from Topshop are perfectly on trend for Summer; they are surprisingly versatile and have a sort of pop art feel about them. If I say so myself, they will look GREAT with tanned pins. (25 days until sunshine and counting!)

Phase one of “the change” complete – keep your eyes peeled for further developments and fashionable encounters.

The Waiting Game

Being in limbo is a strange feeling. Despite university being a whirlwind of emotions, ups downs and a crazy amount of work, you would always know where you were at. You were a student, who belonged to a large tribe of other students, whose prerogative it was to meet loads of new people, drink all the bars dry and in turn drag yourself in to uni with a hangover that felt like death, to learn all there is to know about your chosen career path (I feel it is necessary to highlight the learning part here, so it doesn’t sound TOO much of a good time).

Take the title of “student” away from said tribe, and where does that leave us? A real life grown up, in a real world full of 21^st century problems; it’s a scary thought right?

(I apologise by the way, that this post is non fashion related – with my lack of budget at the moment things are very much so unfashionable, but as soon as I get my hands on sorting my wardrobe out – everything will resume as normal)

Image taken from tumblr.com

I am currently living on the edge…sadly not in the sense that I am doing hundreds of crazy once in a lifetime opportunities, more the fact that I am neither here nor there. Like I said…in limbo…playing the waiting game.

I have 20 days left of living a student life, being part of that tribe on the lengthy journey that is (or shall I say WAS) education and after that I come out from my sheltered life in the cocoon of University and blossom as a knowledgeable (and beautiful) butterfly! It sounds fun, I will give it that…but the sick feeling in the pit of my stomach will tell me otherwise.

This Tuesday, my boyfriend and I are off flat hunting, taking that next step and living under one roof. I am of course, super excited at the idea of having a place that is “ours”, getting all the bits and bobs that make a house feel like home and most importantly (for those who know me as the HUGE foodie that I am), finally having my own kitchen to follow in Ramsays footsteps…minus the wrinkles. But the other side of me feels wobbly and somewhat uncertain as to how my life will unfold.

Over the last few years, as I have mentioned previously, I have found an industry that I am crazily passionate about, something that (without sounding big headed) I have the ability to grow to be good at. Despite my next step in life being the logical one, I am scared that no one will want me. Now that sounds HUGELY deep and depressing, I would like to reiterate that I feel greatly wanted by my loving family, boyfriend and friends and this is not a post for you to get the violins out. I mean in the sense of my career.

For some, and quite rightly so, working in retail makes for a happy job. But I want more than that…and I will get it! Being scared that no one will want me, my crackers imagination or my motor mouth is just the drive I need to go out there and tell people that they NEED ME.

Everything seems a little rocky right now, but I am so ready to get my teeth in to ANYTHING that my new start, as a real life grown up, in a real world full of 21^st century problems is about to throw at me!

But firstly…BRING ON THE NEXT 20 DAYS, my life as a student isn’t over just yet!