hint*

This is what I've been working on:

@ myspace

Job interview tomorrow and flat viewings in Notts tomorrow. Fingers crossed.

Naughty Topshop

According to last week's Sunday Times newspaper, it claimed Topshop were sourcing goods from manufacturers that did not comply to ethical code of conducts and described working conditions as 'slave labour'.

The manuufacturer in question is based in Mauritius.

Philip Green has fought back and assured all standards are up to the ethical code of conduct......

How much do you care about where your purchases are sourced and how they are made and what conditions they were manufactured? Are you all about fairtrade or, couldn't care less?

A large proportion of shoppers seek the best buy and cheapest bargains, but then - surely, u obviously don't consider why your clothes were so cheap in the first place?

It annoys me a little when some people jump to conclusions of 'sweatshop labour' and poor working conditions etc. One has to bear in mind the difference in climate, difference in culture, difference in economy in the country. A mauritian working in a factory producing garments for topshop aren't going to be paid the same as a british worker would be. That's just due to the economic state of the country and the value of money in their country. So of course their pay may sound astoundingly terrible compared with the british pay. But one has to bear in mind the context in which they work.

I know I probably don't know all the facts and the in's and out's and there are probably some factories allowing workers to operate in poor conditions ... but I feel it is necessary for people to look at their own spending before making such allegations.

If you want cheap, affordable clothing - clothes will always be sourced where labour is cheaper ie. china, turkey, mauritius etc etc. If you want more than fairtrade and well paid labourers..... (let's consider you're not only paying for the designer but pattern cutter, buyer, shipping, production of garment and the sales advisors) ...... then save up your pennies for couture darling!

Patricia Field for ASOS

I was very excited to hear about the stylist collaborating with Asos.com to launch her own collection but having seen the collection online.... I was very disappointed.

For example this 'blouson logo hoody top' by Patricia Field @ asos.com is priced at £40 but very much looks like something available at New Look.

This 'target detail puffball' top is less than desirable... it claims to be 100% silk justifying the £50 price but ..... even though the puffball top has its 'eccentric' target on the side, I feel the collection lacks that serious eccentricity and individuality I'd expect from Patricia Field, costume designer on the SATC set.

Something from Lipsy, Select or New Look perhaps? Nope, Patricia Field for ASOS.

There is absolutely no doubt that I, like many other SATC fans adored many of the 'costumes' worn by the cast - but this collection for asos.com leaves much to be desired. The SATC costumes were usually either classic or fashion-forward, never really current. And that's what I liked about it. Patricia Field for ASOS appears to be stuck in S/S '07... and I'm oh so tired of the look.

Pre-Barcelona

I shall be visiting the wonderful Barcelona for the first time ever on the 8th September!

I have found one boutique I must visit so far:

http://www.doshaburi.com/

I need to find some more must-see boutiques that are unique to Barcelona, please let me know of any fashion/clothing/shoe/vintage boutiques I must pop into ! I have to plan this in advance so I can book a 2-3 hour slot of boutique / one-offs hunting so as not to bore my boyfriend. :)

Comment away xx

cont... Q: Yay or nay? A: Yay.

Yay:

Both styles can be found at http://www.kurtgeiger.com/

Mango's Autumn/Winter '07 catwalk/lookbook is adorned with outfits combined with the white dr.marten/bowler boot with contrasting black trim and lace. Looks good in the lookbook but in reality the boot looks and feels as if it would be uncomfortable.

Ankle boots - yay or nay?

Not a new fashion trend, no. Although some keep harping on about the newness of it. But for some reason I'm more drawn to the ankle boot this season more than ever before.

Before this new autumn/winter season I always dismissed ankle boots as unflattering, futile pieces - neither practical against the wind and rain and unforgiving for both skinny and fat calves and ankles.

But let's face it, I wouldn't say no to a pair of Louboutins (@ net-a-porter.com). I love the quirky, outrageousness of Louboutin in this pair. (But to be fair, I am bias, when would I ever say no to a pair of Louboutins):

And for some reason, these Marc by Marc Jacob boots are looking fresh with this outfit styled by net-a-porter :

I love ruffles, so on ankle boots it adds that bit of personality to it, Marc by Marc Jacobs Ruffle-top ankle boot @ net-a-porter.com:But these Emilio Pucci Scallop edged ankle boots have come up trumps above the rest on net-a-porter:

For the high street, this ruched ankle boot £75 @ Topshop is on the to-be-considered-shopping-list, though they do look very kate/sienna @ glastonbury inspired which really hesitates me....

This gets away with titilating my taste buds only because I see a hint of brogue (£65 @ Office):

But can ankle boots really be worn with dresses? I would've quite happily exclaimed 'no!' a year ago but.... the response has now reverted to a 'to be confirmed'... I think a trip to the shops is in order to confirm my opinion.

Just an after-thought, an example of how not to wear the trend:

Your thoughts welcome. :)

Hint Mag *

I've managed to secure a casual online-internship with the online magazine I refer to most: http://www.hintmag.com

If only I was located in NY, I could've worked in their offices in NY but ne, I am located in the UK!

Just doing the odd job for them here and there until bigger projects require my attention, so the editor in chief tells me.

I'm relieved to say the least that a promising opportunity has come my way. Just another foot on the ladder and another stamp on my employment history/work experience. Thanks Hint! x

One to watch: Material by Product

Established in 2002, the collections were initially all hand-made. The designers now combine a hand-made element with machine made, though the latter is kept to a minimum.

I think they're certainly one to watch out for.

Source: http://www.ashadedviewonfashion.com/

Window Shopping

Yummy, just like some Miu Miu shades I found in Selfridges which I really really want!

Burberry Prorsum

How cute is this, i love it. I have a gold watch pendant already (courtesy of New Look) but it's not quite as shiny and spangly nor fruity as this!

Marc by Marc Jacobs, Cherry watch necklace.