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

Sex Change.

Over the last few weeks at uni I have been looking in to the sexualisation of women within the media, focusing on the male gaze and the stereotypes that come with being female. Why is it that we try to look a certain way in order to be deemed sexy? Personally, I wouldn't know as I have had "DORK" stamped on my head since my mother gave birth to me 21 years ago, but it IS true that there are certain types of clothing that bring out the sex goddess in all of us.

This got me thinking about the transitions of the fashion season and it's effect on how we play on our sexuality. The recent change from Autumn/Winter 2011 to Spring/Summer 2012 couldn't demonstrate my theory any better; go back a couple of months and we were all sporting black lace, sheer fabrics, body harnesses and suspender tights, but the image we see on both the catwalks and the highstreet today is certainly a stark contrast. It's all about playing on your femininity, pastel shades, dresses and frills are the order of the day and the phrase "pretty in pink" has never sounded so sweet.

Here are just a few of my favourite contrasting runway edits...

Chanel Fall 2011

Chanel Spring 2012

Alexander McQueen 2011

Alexander McQueen 2012

Arguably extremely different, but perhaps equally as sexy? Skin tight, legs and boobs out may be the obvious choice in an attempt to look sexy, but I believe there is still sex appeal in dressing in a traditionally feminine manner...besides it leaves more to the imagination.

For me this spring, it's going to be all about the pretty dresses and florals...If anyone knows of a BEAUTIFUL maxi dress that would suit a matchstick frame get in touch, there is a place in my wardrobe with it's name on.

Amy x

The Dream.

This choreography by Travis Wall, nominated recently for being one of the worlds greatest, has just had me close to tears. Dance is a massive passion of mine, something that I have sadly had to forfeit for the past three years to gain a degree from university. I don't regret my decision but I miss it...A LOT. I miss not being able to express myself in the way that I found easiest and being able to release all my emotions and put them in to a beautiful piece of art.


 I WILL go back to it though, I haven't given up on my dream just yet.


Amy x