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

CineMAGIC.

At a recent and rare visit to the cinema (sadly I am one of those that somehow manages to fall asleep through most films...useless I know)  to see the eagerly awaited The Woman In Black, the previous few weeks of uni work and focus on the fashion years zeitgeist all fell in to place. 


I am swiftly learning that fashion inspiration can be drawn from anywhere and I really do mean ANYWHERE; whether it be food, science, nature or any other unusual sources, colour ways, textures and shapes - perfect for a brand new collection can come from the most unlikely of places, films being perhaps one of the more obvious influences.

Snow White and The Huntsman, 2012

Whilst sitting munching on my popcorn and choccie, watching the new film release adverts, I found myself critically analysing the costumes and their effects on the current trending, within both the high street and on the catwalk this season. The comparisons were endless and one film in particular that stood out to me for its fashion references was Snow White and The Huntsman, its dramatic and perhaps theatrical costumes were eye catching and magical.

Snow White and The Huntsman, 2012

Flicking through current contemporary magazines I can already see a "princess" theme occurring, with overly feminine garments covered in glitter and sparkle. I am adamant that by the time the film is released at the cinema, our wardrobes will have been transformed in to a fairytale land, bulging out with whimsical clothing fit for any fairy godmother, and indeed Snow White herself (get your wands at the ready).

Anya Hindmarch, Glitter Apple Bag, £895

Rodarte, Spring/Summer 2012

The Woman In Black also provided some AMAZING costumes, with the Victorian era being one of my favourites. Despite it not having the potential to become one of this seasons leading trends, subtle influences can be (and have been) drawn in to our day to day fashion choices...has anyone noticed the come back of blouses and ruffles?


Fashion really is everywhere.


Amy x

My Mate Oscar.

Clicking through the latest catwalk edits on style.com (an absolute god send of a website) I came across an old favourite, that admittedly I have neglected for a few seasons, but WOW how it is back and with a new image too...Oscar De La Rente's Spring/Summer 2012 collection is impossible to miss. 

The designer brand has taken a massive leap in the right direction (if improvements are even possible for this near perfect man) and he has COMPLETELY given his look a revamp. The collection can only be described as eclectic, high in colour, confidence and energy, made up with some of THE most stunning show stopper dresses I have ever seen; I just had to share a few images with you.

Oscar De La Rente, Spring/Summer 2012

Oscar De La Rente, Spring/Summer 2012

Oscar De La Rente, Spring/Summer 2012

Oscar De La rente, Spring/Summer 2012

Oscar De La Rente, Spring/Summer 2012

These undeniably eye catching dresses, combined with dramatic Arizonian hair styles make a statement big enough to make your jaw touch the floor and maybe even dribble a little (well it did me anyway). I particularly love the delicate black lace cropped top, placed on top of a dramatic yellow balloon silhouette . PERFECTION.

Welcome back, the new and improved OSCAR DE LA RENTE. We salute you.

Amy x

My Lust List.

After a sneaky trip in to town, I have come away with a list as long as my arm of new purchases that I can only dream of buying (at least until pay day), so I thought that I would share just a few of my lusts and loves with you guys.

All in one swimsuit, £28, Accessorize
I have not worn a one piece since
the torture of school swimming lessons
but this is SUPER CUTE.

Floral Rucksack, £32, Accessorize
WELL...I am known for being a dork so
this practical and stylish bag would be
perfect for uni.

Spotty Denim Skirt, £34, TOPSHOP
This looked really nice teamed with a white
cropped tee...perfect for Spring.

Coral Maxi Beach Dress, £32, River Island
Ok, so this is a dress for the beach but I would wear it
out too, it fitted like a glove, only problem being it's a TAD
see through. WANT WANT WANT!

Turquoise Shorts, £28, TOPSHOP
There is nothing to say about these, other than
I love them and they need to be mine.

The afternoon was a bit of a disaster, as I went out with the intention of treating myself for getting though another term at Uni (not that it was too tough - but it seemed a valid reason) however, everything I wanted was either too big or too pricey...SO I came away with a new lipstick, some underwear, tights and deodorant; welcome to the glamorous lifestyle of a fashion student!


Amy x

P.S. I am still looking for either a sheer maxi dress or maxi skirt, would really appreciate some ideas <3

The Media Hype.

I have just returned from a really inspiring lecture given by Mario Roman from The London College of Fashion. He spoke about the effects that social media has had on fashion over the years and I must say that it was a true eye opener.


Being brought up in an age where in our early years we were introduced to computers and mobile phones; its extremely hard to imagine a world without it...imagine not being able to check your Facebook news feed every day, check out the latest fashions online and a time when blogging certainly didn't exist.


People may frown upon our "addiction" to Facebook and other media sources, but the truth is Fashion today could not survive without it. Smart phone apps make fashion available at your fingertips and hyperlinks on websites and blogs allow you to connect to the outside world in a single click, gaining both personal opinions and hard facts..."Fast Fashion" is what we all crave for.


Even the more traditional secondary resources such as contemporary magazines, have changed and adapted to suit the technological advances that happen on a weekly basis, allowing readers to further their interests by following up links on the internet. The two have combined to give Fashion an edge making research and of course shopping an efficient and enjoyable experience.

Vogue Magazine

Vogue I-Phone Application

Despite one of my favourite things in the whole world being able to purchase the latest copy of Vogue and flick through its glossy pages...social media has well and truly changed the way we view Fashion and will continue to do so for years to come.


Amy x