H&M Flagship Launch and Fashion Week Roundup.

So that’s it, London has had enough Fashion for one season and the power of the catwalk moves on to another stylish city. Despite not being there, I tried to keep up to date with the highlights as much as possible and had three stand out favourites; all of which were a bit girly…but hey, everyone has to embrace Pastels in spring.

Peter Pilotto, SS14 (style.com) 

Firstly, Peter Pilotto, who took influence from a ceramicist artist, sent the most stunning and to some extent sickly sweet looks down the runway. All of his garments using layers and lace to create a dappled effect, similar to the work of his artist muse. I loved how he created a ladylike look by more often than not, emphasizing the hourglass shape. Using cut outs and lace to reveal flesh, for a modern take on demure.

Mary Katrantzou, SS14 (style.com)

Burberry Prorsum, SS14 (style.com)

Next was Mary Katrantzou, who used the unique concept of “shoes” to inspire her latest collection. I wasn’t such a fan of the Brogue prints and oversized shoelaces, but towards the end of the show her renowned talent for print shone through. Just how incredible and beautifully striking are these frilly, floral garments; providing a real sense of fantasy.

Finally, Burberry Prorsum. Christopher Bailey gets stronger every season, with SS14 being a particular favourite of mine. He got EVERYTHING right – the colours, the shapes, the fabric’s…everything. The whole collection was extremely ladylike with a slight hidden element of erotica, a celebration of strong women. I tell you now, I would feel beyond powerful in ANY of his looks…British fashion at its finest.

H&M Launch Day Cupcakes

In the real world, I am working my little bottom off in H&M, trying to earn and save ready for my move to London, hopefully sooner rather than later! (these VERY unglamorous 6.30am starts better be worth a happy ending!) I have already met some great people at work and have some very supportive managers by my side, so job wise things are going ok! Last Thursday was the launch of the new Flagship store in Cheltenham and the whole day (despite being long) had such a great buzz about it…champagne breakfast, buffet lunch, H&M cupcakes and a live DJ, it can’t be bad! It made me love the fashion world even more, all be it on a small scale for now.

I was also offered another internship this week with the prestigious I.D magazine, for three months, starting next week. Sadly, for numerous reasons I had to turn it down; but it was reassuring to know that they were interested…got to take away some positives, right?

Trousers £35, River Island

Polka Dot Shirt £12.99 and Boots £29.99, H&M

What with working hard n’all and receiving a cheeky bit of extra H&M discount (job perks); I have treated myself to a few new style purchases…including the trousers I mentioned in my previous post, WOOPSIE! I am SO excited for winter, as the colder months lead to better fashion…which leads to shopping!

I hope everyone has had a stylish week!

P.S. My driving lessons are going surprisingly well; hopefully I won’t be a bus wanker for too much longer!

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!