The Good, The Bad & The Stylish: Cosmo Women of the year awards

Okay so I'm going to make this a regular post, maybe weekly, maybe just as the award shows come & go - were'll see. But i couldnt miss out on the Cosmolpolitan Women of the year awards - all those gorgeous frocks in one place - perfect!

The Good

Fearne can often do no wrong, and she certainly didnt here - displaying how Gothic-Chic can still be sexy & sophisticated. Velvet seems to be a reoccuring winter trend so dig out last years dress's...although not many girls could pull off floor-length red velvet on the red carpet!

The Bad

Cheap. Mis-matched. Not glamourus in the slightest - Please return it to your local market stall.

The Stylish

Karen Gillan was a winner alright - not only did she scoop winner Ultimate UK TV Actress award but won my style award with her fashion-forward outfit in camel shorts and shirt with a fringed jacket! Quirky, stylish - I love it!

The Good, The Bad & The Stylish: MOBOS

So, This week the annual MOBO's (Music of Black origin) took place in Liverpool - and what a show it was, with many fantastic breakthrough artists leading the way, Yes you Mr Tempah!
But as like any awards show the real question was the usual WWW - Who Wore What?

I've decided to try out a new style post with my round up of the evening fashion - hope you like it!

The Good:

Who'd have thought Destiny Child's Michelle would stole so much limelight this year? After years of being in the shadows of the fabulous Beyonce & Kelly Rowland, Michelle won her own fans through this years Strictly come dancing - and here she is in a fabulous sequin gown which shows her amazingly toned body perfectly!

The Bad:

Oh! She may have performed & part-hosted the event but seriously, what is this? Nasty Pattern, cheap material - and why has she stolen Madonna conical bra to use as shoulder pads? To top it all off - is that a train I see? All wrong!

The Stylish:


Step forward Tinee Tempah! Yes the Man of the hour showcases an effortlessly cool ensemble with a on-trend blazer & glasses. Chic, Smart & Stylish...Another award to add to his collection!

A Sneaky Peak...

So, On a rainy journey to Liverpool recently I made a stop at a motorway service station - and picked up a copy of Elle Collection A/W which brightened up the rest of my journey as i flicked through the new collections & campaigns (which i will blog about in detail at a later date!)

But what caught my eye was a little section at the back with lists of what contributors to the magazine had in their handbags - such a simple idea, but fabulous because if your anything like me you'll love a good nosy at people private lives!

Whilst their lists consisted of Chanel Lipsticks, mine handbag contains a little less glamour but does carry around my life! So, here you go a quick nosy into my handbag...

Here's my beloved tan Birkin-alike handbag,

And the contents (minus a few old receipts and empty chocolate wrappers!)

My Polka-dot diary which i couldn't run my life without, Vera Wang perfume, Keys & Gym key, Body Shop Hemp hand cream, Blackberry, Aviators - absolute summer staple, Magazine, nail varnish, Factor 30 sun lotion due to my fair-skin & freckled cheeks, hand gel & chewing gum!

Flake or Fake?

Recently the Cadburys chocolate bar, Flake, has re-invernted it adverts into a beautiful peice of art - with Russian model Yulia Lobova and a dress by Anthony Price made with 200 meters of material twirling around creating a rippling effect mirroring the inside of the delicious crumbly chocolate...Oops is my mouth watering?

A fantastic, unusual advert some may say? Ah but critics have suggested it is a rip-off of Ol' Mossy's (Kate Moss) video for an Alexander McQueen feature. Take a look at the clips below & decide for yourself!

Yes the Great McQueen has probably been ripped off a little, & copying may be the best form of flattery but as gorgeous as the new advert is I can hardly see this making Kate 'Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels' Moss running to get a flake! Oh well, Sod her - More for me! :)

Flake Advert

Kate Moss For Alexander McQueen Fashion Show

Graduate Fashion Week

This is a little overdue - Sorry!

So, a few weeks ago, Sunday 6th June I made my way to Earls Court for Graduate fashion week - I had tickets to see the UCLAN show, and met a few of the lovely girlys from uni there too!
Now I'd been to GFW the year before i started uni, but this year I appreciated it so much more knowing how much of their heart & soul had gone in to not only the collections but all the surrounding work on the uni stalls - and the standard was incredible!

The catwalk was great -The models, as predicted, looked fantastic and the collections were fabulous! Here's a sneaky peak at my favourite two:

This was my favourite collection - As a whole it all worked, but individually each piece was stunning! The Eastern /Ethnic themed collection featured plenty of rustic gold beading, jewelery and bells adorned to a mixture of neutral & jewel coloured fabrics. A big trend for the summer, following SATC 2 and Pradas turbans on the catwalk. Unfortunately I didn't get the designers name so If this is yours, or you know who's it is please let em know and I will credit you on here!

I loved the pinky/coral in this collection, The whole collection was fairly similar to each other but once piece that did stand out for me was the knitted maxi (3rd model in the picture) - it fitted the model perfectly which really helped show the fantastic knitted pattern. This collection was by Sara Zadeh.

Also, I'd just like to congratulate my friend Sara Azuri on coming third in the River Island carrier bag design competition - I was so pleased to see her smiley face beaming at me from the wall!

The Girls are back!

Its a Friday evening, There's cocktails flowing (free I might add!), mini cupcakes and hundreds of the best dressed women in town - it could only be one thing, Sex and the city 2!
Oh yes, Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte & Miranda are back and they did not disappoint!

Now, As it was only released last night I don't want to give too much away as many of you wont have yet seen it but let me tell you it was amazing! The usual mix of tears, laughter and fashion with a few fabulous extras, Yes I mean you Liza Minnelli!

The Style, Patricia Field was spot on with sexy, sassy and fashion-forward outfits for the girls in the city - each outfit so fitting for the character, beautifully put together (see image below!)


Now, the real difference was the Abu'dhabi fashion, with the lack of flesh baring and independent women I wondered how this would work - but never fear, the outfits only got more fabulous! I love the way they interpreted the eastern culture and created such fabulous outfits, still keeping each ladies personality shining through!

But where theres an up, theres always a down - Carries Dior t-shirt/Full skirted floor length ball skirt couldn't have been more wrong, had it been in Manhattan then fine but at an eastern market, erm fish out of water springs to mind?

Never fear though, the ladies have still got it.

Oh Yes, they still have it. And I want it. All! Now, hurry up put those gorgeous peep toe shoes on and get to your local cinema - I'm off for take 2 tomorrow! X

Guess who's back...

Oops - Its been a fair few weeks since my last post! I've now finished my second year of Uni & moved back down to sunny Southampton, and apparently left my blogging there too! As you know, this blog was originally started for the use of a university assignment so hopefully over the next few days, maybe weeks, I will be slowly removing the 'irrelevant' posts and keeping up-to-date with my fashion posts!
Due to a ridiculously slow internet connection theses posts may be far & few between but I will try!

So the past few weeks, Well I'm now back in the box bedroom - living out of boxes and clothes rails, struggling to maintain any kind of summer/winter organisation with my wardrobe and losing most of my jewellery, make-up and accessories to my younger sisters! I'm also back at work, the lovely girls & boys at Oasis have taken me back & I'm very much happy to be back with such a lovely group of work mates! (I shall post the pictures from next weeks 'work night out' - if there not too horrendous!)

I'm excited for what the summer has to offer, as I've already had the maxi dress's, Aviators & sandals out & its not even June! Well Mr Sunshine, Bring it on - I'm ready for Summer 2010 babbbyyyy!

Bye for now! :)

John Lewis Ad 2010 - She's Always A Woman by Fyfe Dangerfield

This is such a lovely advert!
A beautiful song as backing music, follows a girl grow up and start a life of commitment with her husband - the soft lighting, well cast models and smooth time transitions make it a really successful advert! I never would have guessed it was for John Lewis but when the name appears at the end it created an instant connotation!

I love a Happy ending! <3

Oh No she didn't...

Please don't judge me, But this is HILARIOUS!
America's Next Top Model contestant Alexandra falls over not once, but twice on the same catwalk - Now don't get me wrong if i was 6ft tall with legs that long I'd struggle to keep myself upright, but then again I'm not strutting my stuff in front of Tyra Banks!

Just watch this video & Thank God that when your fall over its because of a few too many malibu's with the girls, & not broadcasted to the whole of the world! Ah cringeeee!

Lily Allen - Naive - LIVE LOUNGE

Jeanius!

God what a cheesy title?

Oh well, To keep this post short & sweet I just wanted to post a photo of May's Vogue (Germany) - With Miss Vicky B on the cover, her third vogue front cover, its a jeans special...and came in denim packaging! They say simple things please simple minds & I'm sorry to say that I was impressed, to use my favourite sketchbook quote - Simple yet effective!

Oh so posh...

Last Friday myself & some of the girls from uni went to Ladies day at Aintree races, being my first venture into Liverpool I was really excited - and a little bit scared, I heard about Scouse girls reputation of being a little over the top!

But I had a lovely day, although I felt a little pale amongst all the spray tans - but absolutely loved looking at what everyone was wearing! Some girls looked amazing, others well lets just say its not my thing!

Here's a snap of us girls in the morning, after a lovely glass of bubbly!

Don't scrub up too badly do we?

Wise words of the beautiful...

"I have too many fantasies to be a housewife. I guess I am a fantasy!"

I found this quote by Marilyn Monroe and thought it was really appropriate for the shoot we did, it really shows how the pin-up was a fantasy for many women - even the most beautiful women ever!

She also quoted this...

"I don't know who invented high heels, but all women owe him a lot!"

Wise words Marilyn, Wise words!

Diet coke break

This song gets stuck in my head all day! <3
And, is it a little bit sad I'm jealous of a puppets wardrobe?

Summer loving...

I just walked through the door, soaking wet, with a battered umbrella...Hurry up summer!
After purchasing my first Maxi dress of the year, a gorgeous lil black number perfect for the flip-flop & aviators combo, I've been searching for my next summer bargain!


Now, I'm not a high maintenance girl - natural make-up, a quick messy hair do & I'm off, so the summer 'Boho chic' look is perfect for those lazy summer days, I love these outfits that have been put together by ASOS...Now all i need are those perfect model like pins! Ah well!

Buy NOW from ASOS.com

Go Scar Jo...

Yesterday we had our group crit. I was terrified the class would rip our idea to shreds, or worse - rip us to shreds! Luckily all went okay, nobody had a bad word to say - and we also got some helpful tips on finding the vital 2nd model!

One comment made was not to make the images too 1950's, so to use it in a modern twist.

Scarlet Johannson often has a vintage inspired look but with a modern twist, here's a few images we could use as inspiration...

The Trend Boutique

So, I'm a new Rep for 'The Trend Boutique' - a great fashion resource, full of trends, interviews, helpful tips, internships & placements & more.

Please join my group here:
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?ref=profile&id=757040065#!/group.php?gid=108477862503735&ref=ts

Or join the site, Basic membership is free:
http://www.thetrendboutique.co.uk/

(Please put my name as a referral if you can!)

Thanks, X

My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard...

This is a picture of our final location, Its this really cute milkshake/ice cream bar in Preston. It has a very retro style, and really reminds me of that cafe in Grease!

We can use some great props here - shakes, ice creams, reflection in the mirrors etc.

Here's a not-so-lovely picture of myself, taken by Bex, at the bar...

Have you any idea why a raven is like a writing desk?

Alice in Wonderland, the film the world has been waiting for. Being a child that grew up with Disney, believing in Prince charming & that my toys cam alive at night, I was eagerly awaiting this film...and it didn't disappoint!

The plot, basically Alice returns to Wonderland but thinks its all a dream, as you follow her adventure all your favourite characters pop-up along the way to help out! The film was fantastically cast, Matt Lucas being a personal highlight for me - he's SO tweedledee & tweedledum I don't know how I've never realised before! As for Bab's as the doormouse, The mitchell fighting spirit is still clear to see! The only criticism is that maybe it wasn't 'crazyyyy' enough? Wonderland slightly had lost its 'muchness'.

Saying that, I still absolutely loved it! <3

"Have I gone mad?"
"I'm afraid so. You're entirely bonkers.But I'll tell you a secret, all the best people are!" <3

Drink up!

Good news girls - Wine makes you skinny!

Well, almost! New Research shows that women who regularly enjoy a glass of wine can burn calories easier then Tee-totals, apparently the body reacts to the calories in alcohol differently to to the calories food - and uses them as heat rather then fat!

So drink up girls, & pass me the bottle...

Summer time

Oh the sun is shining, and I'm automatically walking round with a smile on my face! I've been tempted to get the flip-flops out of hibernation but feel Preston weather is never too reliable - maybe another week or 2?! But in the mean time I've been snooping about for some summer outfits, here's one i created on Looklet...

Its light, summery & floral. The shorts would be great for me as they flatter the thigh as there slightly flared & floaty, teamed with a simple T (I'd go for a white vest but there wasn't any on the sight!) & a large handbag for all my summer essentials - mainly sunglasses & suncream! The blue shoes tie-in with the blue & pink floral pattern on the shorts which hasn't some out to well! Oh well, I'm sure this outfit will pull me through many a Malibu-drinking summers eve!

She kissed a girl...and she liked it!

Katy Perry, as I mentioned in the previous post is one of the modern day pin-up girls. She curvy, confident and oozes sex appeal - however, her fashion sense is also very kitsch & playful. She has a fantastic individual style, mixing vintage styles with modern day colours and prints, she flaunts her figure really well - no wonder she's managed to tame infamous womanizer Russel Brand, she's more then enough woman for one man!

Extremely feminine, Pastels tones with a cinched in waist to exaggerate her hips.

Really creative outfit, Mixed details added to silk high waisted hot pants - high waist the above the hips making them appear wider, but this is evened by her pushed up chest. Red lips, add to the sex appeal.

Kitsch, Sailor inspired dress, fitted to flaunt her curves

Pretty & feminine, again the use of pastel tones. The waved hair & hair accessory has a 1950's feel.

This seems boudoir inspired, very on-trend at the moment.

Glamour 2010 styleeee...

As I looked at the Pin-up girls of the 1950's I started thinking of the modern day 'pin ups'. Although alot of celebrity's are all skin & bone there all still some girls flying the flag for curvy girls, here's my favourite few...


Kelly Brook - Ultimate Lad's mag star of the last decade, She has curves in all the right places.

Dita Von Teese - One of the most famous Burlesque stars ever, she has made the Wonderbra, corset & stockings almost a compulsory wear for curvy women. Her Red lips and neatly waved hair heavily reference the 1950s pin up girls.













Kimberely Walsh - As 1/5 of Girls Aloud she's not the obvious modern day pin up but I think she has the most incredible figure. She's curvy but really confident with it & I think she looks great, she dresses for her shape & flaunts her curves. I really admire her confidence!

And, Finally Katy Perry - but she'l be in my next post! X

Style on Sunday...

Sunday morning, The Sun was in the sky, I'd been to the gym & was feeling pretty pleased with myself. Then I purchased the Sunday times - now I was definitely pleased with myself, skipping down the road feeling very intellectual!

This Sunday 'the Sunday times' had advertise there Style section so I thought check it out, Now to be honest I don't understand alot on the Sunday times. The only foreign affairs I care about are between myself, a cocktail & a sunny beach! However, there style section was fantastic - there was a really interesting interview with Jean-Paul Gaultier.
I also enjoyed just flicking through the adverts, the A3 magazine allowed me too really study the images & appreciate the clothing more.

I plan on making this a regular purchase - I think its an easier habit to keep up then the Sunday morning gym routine! :)

Style Look-out

Some of you may follow Vogue online, Although I purchase the magazine each month the website offers a fab range of other resources - such as the latest shows & some great blogs to follow!

This month Rosie Huntington-Whiteley is doing the 'Today I'm wearing' section where she snaps her outfit everyday - Check it out here

www.vogue.co.uk/photo-blogs/rosie-huntington-whiteley/100303-rosie-huntingtonwhiteley-day-5.aspx

Come on, Vogue!

This week our group has been collecting ideas, ready to discuss next week & hopefully decide on a theme, As well as researching my own thoughts I've been having a nosy at the other girls blogs! Gemma Posted about the first remote being invented in the 1950s, I found these copy's of 50's vogue - which I thought might useful to look at! The illustrations are beautiful, and would be an interesting aspect to focus on.

Big Girl, You are Beautiful...

Well, I say 'Big Girl' but since when has size 14/16 been BIG? Highstreet stores stock up to a size 16, the average UK women is a size 16...So I ask myself, Whats the fuss about Mark Fast using 'plus size models'?

Thank God somebody in the fashion industry can see that a women with curves can wear a dress just as well as a size 0 rake - if not better?!

As a curvy girl myself I love that these women have shown that Mika was right, Big girls - you are beautiful!

His latest A/W 2010 collection was shown at London Fashion week, and caused quite a stir. Fashionista's waited for his show with baited breath after last years controversy, when a stylist walked out on his show after finding his use of larger models in short dresses too much too handle! But as his collection features alot of body-con, why not use it on a body that has something for it to hold onto?

Now don't get me wrong, as a stylist in training, Skinnier models are often easier to dress - and in industry samples only come in small sizes so its catering for the industry I want to work in, but my god I wish a size 14 wasn't considered 'plus size'...lets be honest its just as hard to hide a 'muffin top' as it is to disguise a set of bony, exposed ribs!

So, Mark Fast, Thank you for giving all us girls with curves in all the right places (and a few extra in the wrong places!) a little glimmer of hope! Now, where did I put that cream cake?

RIP Alexander McQueen

February 11th, A sad day in the Fashion world, Lee McQueen (Founder of Alexander McQueen fashion house) tragically committed suicide, following the death of his mother.

Just days before London Fashion week, and a month before the unveiling of his new collection at Paris Fashion week, Tributes for the star came through from thousands - his work had truly inspired so many people & his talents knew no limit, such a loss to the fashion industry.

He will be greatly missed.

Move it babyyy!

Stunning image by Corrine Day, I love how the image has lot of movement!

The styling makes the image so strong, due to the striking colours of the layered dresses, they clash & make each other stand out.

Although the models have ballet shoes on, the image reminds me of flamenco dancing, because of the strong movements and body sculpting dress with voluminous skirting.

Shoes, Shoes & More Shoes

“It's really hard to walk in a (single) woman's shoes -that's why you sometimes need really special shoes!”...Carrie Bradshaw, a girl after my own heart!

Men will never understand a women's need for shoes.
Shoes will always make you feel sexy,
Shoes will always fit after the Christmas binge,
Shoes will never answer back, moan at being dragged shopping
or tell you 'Yes your bum does look big in that!'

This is why they are my ultimate accessory, I'm not going to reveal just how many pairs I own, But lets just say I could wear a different pair everyday for several months!

These beauty's are my latest edition, Paid for by the fella as a late Christmas present (after I returned the original pair!) I got these beauty's from Miss Selfridge for £45. I love that they have a small heel as I can wear them during the day to dress up a simple outfit, but also wear them with bare legs and a dress in the evening. I've been looking for a pair of heeled biker boots, but they don't seem to be very flattering on my calves - this pair will toughen up a girly dress, whilst adding a vintage feel due too the slightly distressed material and pale pink lace up front...I love them!



















I also have my eye on this pair! I reallyyyyy want them, but the student loan doesn't stretch to far - do i really need to eat? Lets hope Cupid directs the boyfriend to Miss Selfridge...

I got thinking, how far would I go for the ultimate pair of shoes? Check this selection I've found - is this a step to far? Is this less Jimmy Choo & and more Jimmy-screw-loose? I'll let you decide, in the mean time I'll start looking for a larger shoe rack...

I love Grace

As I write this blog, I'm watching 'The September issue' - If you havn't seen it I would recommend you do!

For me, and many girls on my course, its an inspirational film. Styling for Vouge is the ultimate sign of 'making it' in the fashion industry, call me superfical but its my dream!

Anna Wintour, might be one of the most respected women in Fashion, However its Grace Coddington that really steals the show - creative director of US Vouge, she's eccentric, stylish and pretty much runs the place behind the scenes. She's hillarious! A true stylist, dedictated & knowledgable, she has a true passion for fashion!

Check out the trailor here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9-bAwz9uWk

Hands on styling...

When studying editorial styling I discovered this shoot in Elle magazine.

I really like how it conveys a style without the use of clothing - it shows the work of a great stylist! Using objects such as the mobile and nail varnish add a personal touch which i think is lovely as it shows personality, plus us girls, myself in particular, can totally identify to the importance of the mobile & having your nails done!

I think its clever how they have made two separate shoots look like one, over a double spread. I would like too see the whole shoot as i wonder whether the original image was bigger and they just cropped it down to this part? The lighting looks like a spotlight, as its not very bright, the shadows suggest the lighting is coming from the left hand side of the set.

Fashion is a lifestyle, and I believe this shoot is starting to show this.

Need Need Need...

I need photoshop back in my life!
Since a mis-hap on my laptop, It somehow disappeared - as you can tell technology isn't my strong point!
Here's a piece of first year work I edited on photoshop, admittedly its not fantastic but my skills have improved, Practise makes perfect! :)

This image was for an ASOS campaign, for a new range of eye-lash enhancing glasses.

Ooh La-La, Lula...

I've just subscribed to Lula,
The magazine is my favourite fashion magazine!
I think the images are beautiful, I find them very inspirational.

This is a shoot from a recent copy, I fell in love as soon as I saw it!
Quirky miss-matched Feminine styling with a range of scenes create a out-going party girl image, which is opposed by the models elegant hair accessorised by an over-sized flower. Its just a stunning set of photos which I think are by Elen Von Unwerth.