Struggles and Triumphs of a Fash___ Lover

Knits

2011-09-11T21:40:00.001+01:00

NYFW S/S 12 Day #1 - BCBG Max Azria

2011-09-08T22:23:00.000+01:00

BCBG Max Azria is always one of the commercial greats of the shows.
Cue lemon yellows, teal blues, contrasting slices of black, a hint of lime, dash of orange.. and finally ethnic inspired details.
The thigh high splits to reveal some flesh is a continuation from aw 11... like it, love it, hate it?

Images courtesy of style.com

The Window Shop for NET-A-PORTER.com

2011-09-08T21:57:00.001+01:00

....looks uh-mazing!!
Located 155 Mercer Street, New York and Mount Street, London for Fashion's Night Out. Enjoy everyone! Wish I could come & play :(

source: net-a-porter editor's photo diary

NYFW S/S 12: Day #1 - Rachel Comey, Steven Alan and Sachin & Babi

2011-09-08T21:42:00.000+01:00

My favourites so far...

RACHEL COMEY
I love every bit of it. From the opening landscape print, to the relaxed cuts, dash of cobalt blue, the floaty sexy silk dresses, the cable knit prints, hints of orange and teal, the mood and the sophistication.

SACHIN AND BABI
Slices of colour and leather paillettes.

STEVEN ALAN
Cute prints and the 'new' colour blocking...

All photos courtesy of style.com

Wardrobe diary: flowers vs. brogues

2011-09-07T10:28:00.003+01:00

Untouched beauty.

2011-09-07T10:21:00.002+01:00

UNTOUCHED BEAUTY

Max.Tan S/S 2012

2011-08-26T21:39:00.000+01:00

Singaporean brand Max.Tan describes their brand as: "Androgynous meets soft geometry", "Maximizing on minimalistic ideas, proportions are sometimes blown out of proportions." I'd say this sums up my obsession in fashion design and clothes. Draping, androgyny, tailoring are my top 3 wardrobe fillers. Can't wait for their online shop to launch, or to visit Singapore - whichever comes first!

i neeed this in my life: beautiful jewels

2011-03-16T21:24:00.001Z

Beautiful jewels by Andy Lifschutz.

Reclaimed metals and 'uncut' stones create these striking organic forms to adorn your fingers... The cobalt blue from the Nature Speaks 2011 collection will set you back £248 on NOTJUSTALABEL.

CSM // favourite picks

2011-02-25T16:57:00.001Z

Favourite picks from CSM show

Maarten Van Der Horst

Rejina Pyo

Ryan Strong

Victor Smedinge

Acne A/W 11

2011-02-25T15:50:00.001Z

Acne is always one of my favourite shows to see each LFW... here are my favourite picks :)

Source: style.com

Fashion East: Simone Rocha

2011-02-25T15:39:00.001Z

My favourite of the show (minus the Alien face...)

Source: style.com

Wardrobe Diary: LFW Day #1

2011-02-21T21:07:00.001Z

Headband - Forever 21, Snood - asos.com, navy crop top & ring - cos, ASOS White Ruffle Back cape - asos.com, maxi skirt - forever 21, Vintage doctor's bag.

Credit: idolmagazine.co.uk

Bits & Pieces

2011-02-11T17:48:00.000Z

and more available on ebay now! happy bidding xx

Desire: Iris Van Herpen

2011-02-04T20:40:00.000Z

Oh how I wish I could wear these amazing creations by Iris van Herpen....

Truly fabulous. Described as 3D outfits made with polyamide which has been treated with the "selective laser sintering" process.

Better still, these 'limited edition' shoes are just calling me..... wish i had EUR 597 spare!! (And that's -40%)

The curvature of the heel and the McQueen-esque platform... the detail of the lines and unique colour variations create a wonderful three-dimensional piece. If I ever acquired these, I would die a happy woman.
(Heels available at: Sien Antwerp)

Love this video: A Magazine Is Born.

2011-02-03T12:40:00.003Z

I came across this brilliant video which cleverly markets the magazine Little White Lies. It really shows the love and skills input into the making of a magazine, beautiful.

Behind the Scenes: Ligature Magazine shoot

2011-02-02T17:18:00.002Z

Photographer Terry Whitaker taking snaps

Location

Stylist's assistant: roxy

www.ligaturemagazine.co.uk

Wardrobe diary: swallow print

2011-02-02T16:33:00.001Z

Headband, H&M

It's not about the size of the dog

2011-01-31T18:29:00.001Z

Wardrobe diary

2011-01-27T09:28:00.002Z

Jersey embellished sweat top, Forever 21

Khuong Nguyen x Louboutin

2011-01-27T08:45:00.001Z

Trendland.net appears to be guiding me to some fascinating people lately. One of which is Khuong Nguyen. A brilliant talent who has done commission work for the ah-mazing Christian Louboutin. Browsing Khuong's site, it's like getting lost in a fantasy world of rich colours and surreal imagery. The AW '10 campaign has recurrent references to Alice in Wonderland, what a beautiful fairytale....

Khuong's Spring Summer Tour for Louboutin continues with a sleeker vision, maintaining the surrealist perspective and sharp details. See more @ Khuong Nguyen.

Givenchy S/S 11 Haute Couture

2011-01-26T21:42:00.001Z

Haute Couture denotes garments and design of fine detail, high quality, something elaborate and intricate. Ricardo Tisci's Givenchy Spring 2011 Haute Couture show hailed supreme of his previous offerings for Haute... jaw-dropping creations. Here are the best of the best:

All images courtesy of style.com

Chanel S/S 11 Haute Couture

2011-01-26T21:19:00.000Z

My favourites bits:

All pics courtesy of style.com

i need this in my life: Topshop Script

2011-01-26T21:00:00.000Z

Full name: SCRIPT Navy Suede High Vamp Peep Toe Platform Wedges @ Topshop, £70.

Superbly lush.

Etam turns sexy, cute and cool for S/S 11

2011-01-26T20:55:00.001Z

When you say Etam, I think my favourite shop when I was 12 which I quickly grew out of for the likes of H&M. It disappeared from the UK high streets and to the average joe that was that. Into adminstration, disappeared from high street forever. No no. As memory serves, they didn't collapse or fall into administration. They closed their UK channels to concentrate on their roots over in le France.
Years and years later.. it appears they've rebuilt themselves up a rather cool, (but still cutesy) respected label. On Monday, Grand Palais a Paris was home to Natalia Vodianova x Etam's lingerie show. This is her second collection with the brand and pulled in names like Kate Moss, Alexa Chung, Mario Testino, Hilary Alexander of the Telegraph for the audience, with live performances by Beth Ditto &The Kills.

The lookbook featuring Natalia herself modelling the range is cutesy and a bit sexy:

See more images @ trendland.net

See highlights from the show here, brought to you by trendland.net:

Wardrobe Diary

2011-01-24T18:35:00.003Z

Skirt, Forever 21

i need this in my life: clever bunny ring

2011-01-23T09:28:00.000Z

@ Topshop, £12.50

Perspex Obsession

2011-01-23T09:17:00.000Z

Moving on from Vivienne Westwood Melissa bubblegum scented PVC shoes, I'm ready for perspex for Spring 2011.

Chloe has done a gorge version. Perspex heel and upper with suede toe cap. Contrast of textures and colours are on point. But for £425, you'd hope it was. As seen in Elle issue Feb 2011:

Alternatively, (which I think I'll go for), ASOS have done a nice interpretation but you know it's never quite as good as the real thing... "ASOS Party on Suede Peep Toe Perspex Heel Shoe", £65 features a nice solid perspex heel with a complete suede upper. The nude suede is a nice option for the tinted perspex which fades into a clear block. (Prefer to the navy and green colourways also available at asos).

After having a quick gander and google of 'perspex heel' i also came across the Topshop Unique versions for Spring 2011 which I am most definitely keeping an eye out for. Seen backstage at the shows via. handbag.com:

They look superbly delish. Ever so slightly more deadly than both Chloe and ASOS. A hell of a lot more fierce than the ASOS. I'll hold out for these.

To finish off, perhaps a touch overkill if accessorised with perspex shoes, but totally in love with the ASOS Premium perspex box clutch, £65.

Topshop EDIT. Not that EDIT. Another EDIT.

2011-01-21T20:58:00.000Z

According to Drapers, Topshop will be launching an area on the ground floor of their Oxford Circus which will act as a curated shop for the 'time-poor' shopper which filters and gives you, well, an edited version of the humungous place that is Oxford Circus Topshop. When Drapers went to press, it appears the name so far will be along the lines of 'Topshop Edit' - although confusing to people like me that associate that with their fantastic 'EDIT' range which was a pop-up boutique showcasing new young international designers...
Anyway - love the idea. Love that the idea could be manipulated to have different people with fash authority such as fash editors and (respected bloggers like Rumi N of fashiontoast perhaps?) curate the area and a refreshed VM accordingly.

Finishing the topshop note, I adore this blazer featured on their homepage representing their Graduation collection. Immensely lush.

[Source: Drapers, article available here.]

Lanvin Spring 2011 Campaign

2011-01-20T21:07:00.000Z

Hintmag.com blogged about Lanvin's Spring campaign a couple days ago and wow I love it!
Sexualising cat-fighting (slightly dominatrix?) glamorous women... I think that's the way to sum it all up. Luscious chiffon dresses and 70s interior with lashings of animal print rugs and fur stoles. Thumbs up to Alber Elbaz and Steven Meisel for making this the least-Dynasty-70s-tacky it could've turned out to be.

All pics courtesy of Hint blog.

Karla Spetic

2011-01-20T20:27:00.000Z

I stumbled across Karla Spetic's work via. trendland.net. What a treat her SS11 collection is; full of digital prints (of the Australian outback) and pastel colours in the nicest way.. not girly and flowery, but muted, clean and grown up.

See more at Karlaspetic.com

Lust product of the week: Whistles Midi Leather Skirt

2011-01-20T15:41:00.000Z

My Whistles appreciation post-re-branding is continuing with this Midi Leather Skirt. Hem length is on-point, (so over the mini) and I love leather. Since Jane Shepherdson took over creative direction of the brand, muted colours and luscious understated prints, beautiful quality fabrics have overtaken the once-frumpy-brand. I look to this brand for an investment piece of the season. Although the prices are a little more expensive than say competitor COS, the premium fabrics and fashion-forward edge give it that value for money. This is definitely the brand to look to for brilliant cuts in the trouser category.

Whistles Midi Leather Skirt available at ASOS.com @ £225.

Dressmonster // pushButton

2011-01-13T21:53:00.000Z

I have absolutely got obsessed over this jacket... featured on asos.com's homepage and feature product for 'working wardrobe'.. Dressmonster's Loose Colour Block Jacket priced at £150 encapsulates pretty much everything I need in spring 2011. Casual chic, boxy body paired with loose fluid drapey jersey and oversized sleeves. Lush!
Dressmonster is the diffusion line of designer label 'pushButton' born from creative director Seung-Gun Park. A google here and there, landing me on paper-doll, tells me that Seung-Gun Park has absolutely no fashion background but is a self-taught designer who got bored of the dull fashion landscape. It's quirky, crazy, fun and bright. I <3 it. I think it's just what I need for 2011 to get me out of this weird dark-navy-black-lull-of-2010 I stumbled into. pushButton's s/s 11 collection plays it down with more muted colours (with splashes of chambray blue and tropical green), typical of this season, but doesn't sway from the innovative cuts and drapey, oversized aesthetic. Think I found my new brand obsession for the season.

my heart skipped a bit with this ensemble.

Accessories de 2010

2011-01-13T20:46:00.002Z

Left to right: camera necklace; youreyeslie.com, compass & clock robot necklace; portobello Market, atomic robot; meandzena.com, bralette necklace; concession @Topshop, entertain me mini necklace; meandzena.com

3.1 Phillip Lim s/s 11

2011-01-13T15:08:00.001Z

One of the things I keep noticing lately are blog posts that lift text and images from other original bloggers. That really annoys me. However, I may be just doing the self-same thing for this post only. Only because the richness and beauty are too good to pass. Don't categorise me in that lazy blogger / lack of originality box, please.

Rumi Neely of fashiontoast visited the showroom for 3.1 phillip lim's s/s 11 collection and took beautiful shots of the collection.
Please go to fashiontoast for the full story.

Images by Rumi Neely @ fashiontoast

Alexander McQueen Spring 2011 Campaign

2011-01-13T11:38:00.001Z

Spring 2011 campaign images featuring Lindsay Wixson were unveiled for Alexander McQueen label. What a beautiful legacy he left for the world.

Behind the scenes at Baccarat mag shoot

2011-01-04T20:37:00.002Z

I helped to assist stylist Kit Lee (Style Slicker) on the shoot for Baccarat magazine. Beautiful pieces borrowed from: Jasper Garvida, Armani, Holly Fulton, Chanel, Finsk, Ioannis Dimitrousis... nice selection Kit! x

Ligature_

2010-12-07T23:39:00.000Z

A clean, simple, beautiful magazine has launched.
Its name is Ligature.
It can be found at www.ligaturemagazine.co.uk
The editorials speak for itself.

Sara Bro Jorgenson interview

Armour Amour shoot

Isis shoot


Isis

Every image is lush. One to watch. :)

Editorial shot ;)

2010-11-23T21:51:00.000Z

Styling by the blog writer x

Welcome to the Market(place, a la ASOS).

2010-11-23T21:28:00.000Z


'The Godfather' by Louise Dungate; £250

Buzzings of 'ASOS Marketplace' drifted around the ASOS towers air as I left for maternityleave at the beginning of 2010. And now, 9 months later - it has launched with a handful of 'emerging designers', 'independent designers', 'multi-brand boutiques' and vintage boutiques.

I love the fact that it is an absolute 'must-do' that all shots are taken as a street-style-esque shot and not on hangers/mannequins/in studio .. so you get the impression you're literally buying off street style blogs (like you absolutely wish you could when browsing FACEHUNTER, Fashion Toast, Sartorialist... etc) You get the feeling that you really have stumbled across something original, one-off and new ... it's a very simple idea but think it works. Who wants to buy off studio pics these days? So last decade.

Despite the somewhat small offering of boutiques and designers... I think it's a promising start and the concept is an excellent platform for the emerging designers that might not have the footing to launch their own label webshop or who may want to test the waters or just want to get spotted!... I am sure that many many will make a name for themselves through this platform. Guaranteed.

Another thing I love about it, is that BROWNS Focus, who needs no introduction, have put themselves as one of the first multi-brand boutiques to feature on the new marketplace platform. I'm sure many named and reputable boutiques will follow in their footsteps. And also, Mark Fast has placed his diffusion line Faster in the depths of marketplace. Brave, but good choice.

Faster by Mark Fast


Giles & Brother multi chain bracelet; £140

Alexander Wang 'Constance' ankle boot; £590

FUUDLUXE campaign image


Shirt by Lost Faith and Revelry; £35

Vintage Carrera Hugo Boss Sunglasses; £150

fashion-forward maternity clothes? is it... possible??

2010-11-21T21:56:00.000Z

Please fill this quick survey in if you've recently had a baby (approx. in the last 2 years) or currently pregnant
OR
forward this quick survey onto any of your female friends / family members that have recently had a baby (approx. in the last 2 years) or are currently pregnant.

It will be for the good of the world ;) promise.

Thanks so much! xx

www.surveymonkey.com/s/maternitywear

Pics courtesy of COSstores.com

Lanvin x H&M

2010-11-04T13:48:00.001Z

I'm sat here on my bed, surrounded by tissues and lemsip plotting how I will get my hands on some Lanvin. I think this is the first time I have been genuinely excited by the build-up (well done marketing team) and by the collection of a H&M collaboration. Sonia Rykiel was ... meh.. whatever, not really my thing... Matthew Williamson... way too floaty and flowery for my wardrobe.. but Lanvin. Ah gosh. I think I have tweeted / FB - status'ed about it every week since the first whispers of it a few months back. I think everyone is actually quite sick of seeing me talk about it. Sooo, I thought I'd blog about it!! Ha!

The full collection has been revealed today on the H&M website, a day after the press day. It all looks totally lush and very very Michelle wearable.

The first two picks below are quite commercial but nonetheless very lovely styles.


£99.99


£99.99

very gorgeous colour

£69.99 - a piece I could've sworn I saw in his RTW collection.

£99.99. This is the ONE. The sell-out piece. MINE mine mine...

I have set my alarm for the 23rd Novemeber. I will not however be queuing from 5am in the morning, as much as I probably should.... I am going to brave the internet and probably get very frustrated at the H&M server crashing under the pressure. 7am 23rd November - I'm ready.

Watch the fabulous Lanvin x H&M 'fashion show' here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdV4xpTiS1s&sns=fb

Paperself

2010-10-25T21:34:00.000+01:00

PAPERSELF present the most delicious art pieces in the form of eyelashes. Launched only a year ago, the brand is fast-gaining a keen following. I need: deer & butterfly, small peacock... small deer & butterfly in my life!

PAPER REVOLUTION.

Illamasqua store, Beak street

2010-10-25T21:19:00.002+01:00

Beautiful store, space for professional make up courses, inspiring looks, quality luscious product, beautiful friend in store.

Future Beauty @ the Barbican continued...

2010-10-25T21:15:00.001+01:00

Future Beauty @ the Barbican

2010-10-25T21:14:00.001+01:00

G-Shock event, Brick Lane

2010-10-23T10:04:00.001+01:00

I need a proper camera

S/S 11 preview shoot @ Another Mag

2010-10-14T09:24:00.000+01:00

courtesy of Another mag
See the full feature here.

The No Name Ring

2010-10-14T08:45:00.001+01:00

NOT JUST A LABEL has thrown up another beaute for my most-desirable list... "The No Name Ring" by Kamila Wasilewaska - a Polish artiste of jewellery taking inspiration the city of Warsaw & architecture.

A delicate, perfect gem is placed within this industrial, hard-edged surrounding. A lovely handmade piece that would look nice on my finger.....


£70 @ NJAL shop

Mulberry S/S 11

2010-09-29T21:47:00.000+01:00

I just wanted to briefly sum up my thoughts of the Mulberry s/s 11 show: Love the doggy gear.

See more from the show on Dazed Digital.

Ears

2010-09-28T17:56:00.000+01:00

Is there a reason why I got funny looks walking down the road with this hat on? :)

Sophie Hulme A/W 10

2010-09-26T23:09:00.002+01:00

It was an honour to work with Sophie Hulme on the collaboration with asos.com last year. And from my experience, I know precision and attention to detail are key working ethics for this talented lady.

Sophie's A/W 10 accessories follows the themes of trinkets, some with hard edges mostly juxtaposing a feminine quality & oozing luxury. Beautiful accessories I wish I could snap up in a second, [can be purchased at supersweetshop.com] all compliment the outerwear pieces that cocoon the body with such brilliant detail.

My favourite piece

Learn more about Sophie Hulme via. Vogue Italia's interview.

Todd Lynn S/S 11

2010-09-25T23:19:00.001+01:00

"New beings, creatures and futurism... " - this was the inspiration behind Todd Lynn's S/S 11 collection.. and I ask, aren't we a bit sick of futurism and metallics........ but it's nice to see Lynn taking a newer approach to futurism .. in that it appeared as if new creatures were being formed on the catwalk. There are a couple of questionable all over metallic pieces I frowned at.... but I wont include these in my picks.

Skin sprouting and subtle patches across the shoulders ... nice details throughout.

Armadillo metal plated spiralling dress broke up the array of high collars and jackets.

Gorgeous Louboutin shoe boots to compliment the reptilian theme.

More skin developing and sprouting through the clothing..... mm..

Mushroom greys and putty colours - love these muted colours as a progression from the aforementioned typical 'futurism' theme.
Lots of ticks, i like i like!

All photos courtesy of vogue.co.uk

Holly Fulton S/S 11

2010-09-24T23:13:00.001+01:00

All images courtesy of vogue.co.uk

The laser cut dress is an unexpected one from Ms. Fulton but lovely and very cute cocktail glasses adorning the skater skirt - I would look like an absolute dick in it but it's v cute.

Got to love every single one of Holly Fulton's masterpiece accessories... the prints are just so edible too. Arh! Love!

Acne S/S 11

2010-09-24T22:32:00.001+01:00

All photos courtesy of vogue.co.uk

Acne's show was a luscious blend of layers of varying textures, punches of red, neutral PVC, subtle embossed details and amazing Jap-esque wedges.

As predicted, one of my fave shows of the season. xx

<3 mum's make-up bag

2010-09-14T22:24:00.001+01:00

Now this is a nice find of the .. Year!
Complained about my lack of an organised make up case/bag & voila! My mum whisks up this 'vintage' piece she had stored away, not doing much. (when I say 'vintage', she used it at her wedding day <3)
Must try to keep this clean & beautiful, the internal punchy orange is just lush!
Funny how my make up bag is made up mostly of Illamasqua and YSL eh...? ;)
Xx

Wardrobe cull continues with...

2010-09-13T16:12:00.000+01:00

Bid for them on eBay. Only 7 days left!

...and so it begins.

2010-09-12T21:33:00.000+01:00

Buy me on eBay!

My wardrobe cull begins... with a beautiful pair of size 5 Zara shoes bought very recently on an impulse buy.
Reason for sale: I'm a size 6 and fell in love...

Wardrobe clearout...

2010-09-12T18:56:00.001+01:00

H&M UK online SHOP LAUNCHED: Epaulette dream

2010-09-09T08:47:00.000+01:00

Visit hm.com

Like all the various payment options on H&M...good thing there's only 1 thing taking my fancy on there.
> Short Jkt with shoulder tabs.. £34.99

I like the sound of payment option 4:

"Payment slip in parcel - You pay within 20 days after the invoice date

The payment slip is included with the parcel.
You pay no fees or interest.
You pay within 20 days after the invoice date."

hm... i like my Epaulette dream - maybe I should try this try now and pay later ;) x

MAFIA

2010-09-01T22:14:00.000+01:00

Back in 2008, I purchased a cute camera necklace from Mafia on youreyeslie.com, which has since been replicated by many-a-high-street-store... :( boo.

Now, Mr. Robot (courtesy of Me&Zena) & I are v great friends, I would like to add Mafia Vintage Box Camera and Antique Telephone to my collection of goodies!

Lalalove Aunt Viv

2010-09-01T21:55:00.001+01:00

Should really have this in my life.. bless u Aunt Viv!! ;)

£22 @ Supersweet by lalalove.

Moma takes monkey out for a spin xx

2010-08-26T14:28:00.000+01:00

Today's shopping desires, courtesy of Whistles

2010-08-21T18:49:00.000+01:00

New do.

2010-08-20T19:41:00.000+01:00

Desiderii

2010-08-18T20:59:00.004+01:00

This would be a nice addition to my jewellery collection...

Desiderii Necklace by Estelle Deve, £158, kabiri.co.uk

The Orb

2010-08-17T16:10:00.005+01:00

Vivienne Westwood Logo Leather Wallet, £105, asos.com
Need I say more?
Dying for this.... however, still doesn't quite beat the Miu Miu I lust for.

Me & Zena

2010-08-02T14:19:00.005+01:00

As you might've noticed from previous posts from long ago....... I like my quirky jewellery pieces. And since my proud purchase of the camera necklace (from youreyeslie.com) as seen in the former link, 18 months later, they are popping up left right and centre on the high street and online.

Never fear, there is a fabulous brand that can satisfy my hunger for newness and kitschyness..

It's nice keeping in touch with old uni friends... as it may have been longer down the line until I heard of this brand. Me & Zena is the work of London based designer Zena McKeown. For 6 years work, she's done well with plenty of stockists nationally and internationally, as well as of course selling through their online shop.

Their latest campaign images are nothing short of desirable, edible goodness! I just treated myself to the mighty robot locket necklace in gold... Enjoy.

Linda farrow x henry holland

2010-03-18T23:43:00.000Z

Yes!!!
WANT these linda farrow x henry holland shades courtesy of ASOS outlet £60 (rrp: £125)

http://www.asos.com/Linda-Farrow/Linda-Farrow-Projects-House-Of-Holland-Sunglasses/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=1013250&cid=10149&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Black

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

NOT JUST A LABEL

2010-03-15T22:57:00.005Z

In May 2009, Not Just a Label, a portal for the creative kind, delivered a new online shopping concept to the world - THE SHOP. NJAL designers offer individual pieces directly from their studios delivered anywhere in the world. A nice, personal touch which justifies the often steep price you pay....

CONCRETE THREE TWISTS RING by 22DESIGNSTUDIO £ 50.00

CUBE NECKLACE by WORKOFMIND £ 115.00

SILVER FRINGES CLUTCH BAG by MAIDENART £ 174.00

Not-so-trashy-Scutt

2010-03-14T18:33:00.000Z

This cut out side dress has the ingredients and dangers of looking uber tack and chav but I think there's enough oversized-play to make this look super-cool/sexy... On the shopping list it goes, thank u danielle scutt for Topshop:

Gap dress by Danielle Scutt for Topshop @ £50, http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=19551&storeId=12556&categoryId=59925&parent_category_rn=42317&productId=1634958&langId=-1

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The return of wardrobe diary 2010.

2010-03-06T13:47:00.000Z

Courtesy of sample yardage and Greek supplier and their experimental prototype, here I present my heavy knit jersey twist neck detail top - bump room included. :)

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

style pasting . com

2010-03-05T17:04:00.004Z

Browsing on facebook, I come across a link for stylepaste.com - a lovely little Danish gateway to the brands: Acne, Camilla Skovgaard, Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair, Gestuz, Opening Ceremony... it's looking fairly new to the e-tail scene with a store in Denmark.

Their aim? "To sell “great style” and great designs, not for the name (or price) of it, but for the talent and beauty of it".

Bravo, so far so good!

Top picks:

Fifth avenue shoe repair draped jersey dress 10955DKK / £132

Fifth avenue shoe repair oversize tank 895DKK / £108
Fifth avenue shoe repair sweat top 995 DKK / £120

The Skovgaard cut out shoes are so fierce and gosh i'm lusting after some rubber soles just as so!!
Camilla Skovgaard drop cut out shoe 2690DKK / £325

Marchesa A/W 10

2010-02-19T18:41:00.001Z

Red carpet favourite Marchesa had the usual wow wow floor length gowns but also had an underlying running romantical whimsical lace circus ice skater influenced pieces of questionable taste....

One I did like was the piece below that looks almost drawn onto the body...

And a nice cocktail dress:

The red carpet award dresses:

Questionable pieces that I really don't understand....:

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Derek Lam A/W 10

2010-02-19T18:31:00.001Z

Bit late on the shows! Few days behind -blame the baby brain.

Just to finish off the picks from NYFW... derek lam focused on shed loads of leather but the most interesting pieces were the leather inserted knits and silks.

Definitely would love to add the leather placket detail cardi to my wardrobe :)

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Helmut Lang A/W 10

2010-02-14T12:33:00.000Z

Beginning with a muted monochrome
Palette and beautifully tailored pieces...

...the Lang team introduce some luscious dashing of shearling - and is that suede trousers?? Love!

..prints evolve from the monochrome and the slate greys - really nice consistent theme for the rest of the show...

...beautiful draped silk blazer - looking forward to getting my hands on a Zara/ASOS version!

...ending with the casual day looks of the collection - seamed trews for super flattering bottoms.

Love love love...

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Ohne Titel A/W 10

2010-02-14T11:16:00.000Z

Omg. Omg.
I <3 Ohne Titel. Last seasons show was a wish-purchase after wish-purchase and this a/w is no different. I could quite literally dunk myself head-to-toe in Ohne Titel and be content with life.

Ohne Titel has experimented with mesh creating graphic shapes on body and legs galore.

Panelling is still a key focus on the legs for AW - ohne's mix of sheer mesh and panelled leathers punctuated with rich olives and then dulled down into soft dove greys is just edible.

Bravo.

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Alexander Wang a/w 10 - midriffs and velvet

2010-02-14T10:08:00.001Z

'Oh how 90s' I read in my Twitter feed this morning.

No surprise with exposure of midriff after midriff. (very clear cut theme of nyfw that my tum will suffer frost bite nxt season!)
And plentiful velvet in burgundy, navy, olive and slate hues... - not sure if I can ever reattach myself to that texture... But looks fabulous mixed with the soft tailored hareem pants in outfit 5 nonetheless!
The all over black with cropped blouse, choker and black devore jkt is just too blast from the past 90s music vids for me!

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Preen A/W 2010

2010-02-13T20:13:00.000Z

Preen delivers perfection every season. Beginning this seasons show with a floral piece and a cropped knit....

Preen translates the underwear as outerwear through to a/w '10 and gosh I love it!! Gaga - damn you - you have caused a rukkus in the fashion world and the trend lives on!!

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Maxi Drape

2010-02-13T13:20:00.002Z

My asos.com 'save for later' basket now contains items totalling up to: £640 (before discount). Ouch!

But what i must must must purchase for s/s 10 is this Aqua Couture Jersey Wrap Maxi Dress (£110 @ asos.com). Now i'm not usually one for Maxis because i'm (usually) stick thin with the best feature my legs and the worst feature my arms/bust - so this maxi ticks all the alternate boxes!
Draping... tick.
Draping... tick.
Maxi length.... tick.
But with a bit of leg out... tick.
Sexy open back.... tick.
Arm coverage for the cool springs we get... tick.
Come on pay day!!!

Doo. Ri A/W 2010

2010-02-13T12:08:00.004Z

New York shows are under full swing and all anyone was tweeting about last night was Doo-Ri Chung's show and the Rag & Bone show. So, naturally I had to follow suit and see what all the fuss was about this morning!

Poor Chung got a bit of a slaughtering as the style.com/Vogue critique put it: 'the show lacked focus'... but have to somewhat agree!

As much as the tailoring and draping is beautiful, I was a bit bored until the final half.

She opened the show with jil sander-esque tailoring in plenty of navy and black hues and an obvious juxtaposition of draping and tailored pieces...

but what caught my attention was the embellishment on this evening look... very torn as to whether its a beautifully executed piece or questionnably ... 'jane norman'!?

But what I really actually loved about the show was the introduction of greys and tans with a punch of orange - complimented by the range of textures from suede to silk (to fur)... my favourite? the grey twisted dress - i think it's silk but it looks like a heavier texture from the pics. lush.

Hussein Chalayan

2010-02-13T00:12:00.001Z

From the 2009 exhibition...:

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Ann-Sofie Back SS10 @ Topshop

2010-02-09T23:38:00.004Z

The last time Ann-Sofie Back launched her collection at Topshop, I was somewhat disappointed ... more with the quality than the design. But i do love her slashing skills oh so that i'm super-desiring her new pieces for s/s '10 ... trying to decide now which is the piece I can't live without:

1.
£55 beaded vest

2.£50 slash dress

3.
£70 sweater

I love the intricate details of the beading - that's really beautiful and delicate.......but i'm much more into my slouchy dresses right now... so i might have to opt for the jersey slash t shirt dress! as much as i like the texture of the sweater... and the slashing at the hem.. i fear it might fall a little flat and the linear slashes at the chest might look a little too contrived.......

Ohhhh times like this i need to pop to oxford circus store and see the pieces for myself!! GUTTING i am now back in notts.

Project Runway 6: Irina Shabayeva

2009-12-13T14:42:00.003Z

I know I'm late on the Project Runway 6 thing but I only watched the finale yesterday (boo... shame on me) and was totally impressed by Irina's winning collection. It was so strong and cohesive in comparison to the other finalists (though did love Carol Hannah's opening dress, below).

I loved Irina's concept of it being designed for the modern day New York woman that is battling with the day-to-day city challenges - a strong woman; accompanied by head shields. The details and the shed load of work that had gone into her collection was immense.... knitwear, outerwear, accessories, pleating... just lush! It looked like a collection that would've easily passed off as a LFW triumph. Too much black? Pah - whatever.

Below was one of my favourite looks:

The whole look auctioned for $510 - all in all not that bad if you consider every piece is thrown in. I would wear the whole outfit head to toe.

The shredded bottoms were fantastic:

I was hoping to find some pieces to buy on http://irinashabayeva.com/but no such luck. What I found were flower/butterfly printed jersey mini dresses. Really not the sophisticated finish that I was hoping for. Her holiday '09 and spring '09 collection looked much stronger than the spring '10. With my favourites from the holiday '09 collection being two dresses:

Even the campaign images from the holiday '09 collection is stronger than the spring '10 - perhaps she was too busy with the project runway show hence it flailing.

(Holiday '09 campaign image)

Well, here's hoping that she'll be using the $100,000 investment to good use and we'll be seeing more of the calibre of work on project runway translated to her e-store.

09 Photographic Portrait Prize

2009-11-18T19:02:00.005Z

After my yummy noodle soup in london's chinatown, I headed over to the National Portrait Gallery yesterday to see the Taylor Wessing - Photographic Portrait Prize.

I love going to see the latest contemporary portrait competitions... there's something so personal and intimate about a photographic portrait that can be so moving - it compells me to pick up a cam and try to emulate what other talented photographers do (but i just never achieve anything half as good and i don't have a good camera).

I wanted to post my favourites - sharing the most moving photographs with my followers. Here they are:

This was part of a series of photographs documenting the livelihoods of regular civilians in Bangladesh. Arif made a living by collecting railway passengers rubbish and selling this on.

This won 3rd prize. The photographer took a series of pics of inmates at a high security prison. He described this subject as distant and almost unresponsive. He later found out he had been sentenced for murder.

This was a commissioned piece to act as the architect's portrait for a magazine. Something about the perfect balance of lighting and saturation captured my attention. Beautiful.

This was from a series of portraits showing various birth defects in Vietnam. I thought this was particularly interesting as the eyes are usually significant into learning about a person through portraiture. There's something very uncomfortable and moving about this image.

I almost started crying in the middle of the gallery when I saw this. (click to see a bigger pic) From the series 'Rape is a Weapon of War' - "Forgotten woman of Genocide" was difficult to look at. The woman's tears and sorrow is clear and the scar from the rape looks brutal.

All photographs and captions courtesy of National Portrait Gallery

the cost of the cut.

2009-11-16T21:47:00.003Z

(A/W 09 COS)

I adore beautiful draping details, intricate pleats... i find it so frustrating that the beautiful fabrics and the delicate details i lust for are always only available from niche places at middle to high end price points. but from working in the industry i know why...... if you pay only £20 for a dress - don't expect much more than the basic shape and the cloth! More detail, costs money.

Popped into COS today and pleasantly surprised. From the outset it looks so dull and black but the fabrications and the details are so key to this brand. It's these kinds of details I appreciate most.

But what I really fancy at the moment to satisfy my asymmetric/cropped/draped thirst thing... is this Gemma Degara shoulder shell top $172 @ pixiemarket.com

it's so me, down to a T.

this is how you wear VELVET

2009-11-07T20:59:00.000Z

facehunter in kuala lumpur

b-side

2009-11-07T20:41:00.003Z

So I've had a massively long break from blogging.
Between now and my last blog - my life has completely changed, I wasn't myself during the s/s 10 shows - so despite attending a few shows thanks to my buyer - i didn't have the energy or enthusiasm to report back. Disappointing and pathetic as this may be... I have to say - morning sickness and the first trimester is not something I recommend. I would've quite happily stayed in bed for the first 4 months of... well you guessed it.

So i'm back!! The usual blabber of things i want to buy, designers i admire, shapes i love... here it is!

I have stumbled across ken & dana design (thanks to refinery29). What beautiful aesthetic and branding. Sculptural shapes are translated into wearable and incredibly luscious pieces:

Geometric gunmetal cube ring $500

Natural amber and brass necklace $195
Brass & smoky quartz earrings $175

God I <3 style="font-weight: bold;">are what I need in my life.

blurb,

2009-08-14T16:27:00.000+01:00

feeling uninspired and lost.
need an inspirational trip.

ASOS Ltd 100

2009-07-03T22:24:00.003+01:00

god i cannot believe i missed out on this. 100 pieces by LCF students went on sale from 1pm today and i missed it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! jay - the things i do for you are ridiculous.

see Susie Bubble's blog post for the best picks...i'm too upset to write about it myself.

i am...

2009-07-03T22:19:00.001+01:00

...massively in love with this 'tube cut out top' $148 by Orphan Age

cue the deep sigh.

one to watch: dirty elitist

2009-06-10T11:50:00.005+01:00

I'm becoming increasingly addicted to twitter ... and finding it a useful source for both political and fashion news (and buzzing new companies). Dirty Elitist began following me and curiousity got the better of me.

Dirty Elitist appears to be a new company with the aim of rivalling the likes of pixiemarket.com and newhighmart.com .

It currently holds a very small mix of product but so far the product looks strong. (I haven't yet ordered from there so don't take my words as gospel!) Similarly to newhighmart.com the VM is mixed with some product only, some anonymous models and some editorial shoots... im undecided at the moment what works best or if i like that there is a mixture of presentation.. but i think i sway toward editorial presentation . I think it's important for customers to see product on the body (as a whole) with an aspirational image to make customers desire the product and to look like the model rather than anonymous models in questionably lit studios/rooms...

vs.

Anyway enough rambling.. i like these men's acid wash skinny jeans!

ruffles and loveliness

2009-06-10T11:37:00.002+01:00

i <3 ruffle sleeve woven playsuit.. it feels lush and soft and yummy... *swoon*

available at asos.com; £35.

ASOS AW09 press day

2009-06-08T17:34:00.005+01:00

...as an asos.com insider, i got to see the AW09 press day, post-press... everything looked ever so lush. i'm very late in posting this but delayed my posting for fear of 'the competition's beady eyes on our fabulous product.

so i'm going to keep short and sweet and post just my absolute fave best bits that made me squeal with excitement like a typically-hyper-girly-girl...

lush jewels >>

<3 this cage dress

ASOS denim >

(ASOS) Revive - vintage inspired knitwear :

Our very own James Boiler Suit. Loves it!

mmm <3 this suede dress:

Unseen, Guy Bourdin @ The Wapping Project

2009-06-08T14:03:00.004+01:00

On a lovely sunnday day a few weekends ago I trundled all the way to Wapping to view Guy Bourdin's 'Unseen'. Set in a 19th century power station (which later turned into a pumping station), it still inhabits much of its original hydraulic equipment and machinery. The Wapping Project has played host to numerous fantastical art and fashion exhibitions and holds a restaurant and bar within its engine and turbine rooms... anyway, a large steel door toward the back of the beautifully naturally lit buliding leads down to the Guy Bourdin exhibition... wonderful. Small but the grassy floor and the atmospheric lighting was just lush.

...and my bottoms obsession continues...

2009-05-26T22:54:00.003+01:00

So i'm clearly being brainwashed as I work away in the casual bottoms buying department ... i trawl pages and pages of mags, tears, blogs, online stores to find fascinating, inspirational product (that's in my spare time though mostly as the working day comprises of ... critical path, critical path!!!)... and come across some fabulous leggings featured in this month's Vogue. Unfortunately, Styleserver's platform doesn't really do them any justice whatsoever (but look stunning in the shoot with ms. dahlia believe me) ..

Batik leggings by Julia and Ben 75euros @ styleserver.de

lush!

And if you like the old paperbag waist shape that adorned many s/s 09 shows... (i know it's VERY late to be mentioning that as it's all about a/w 09 now..) here's one, uber eccentric .. almost vase/tulip shaped (?!) one for you:

Painter pants by Ulrika Sandstrom 179euros @ styleserver.de

leather insert obsession

2009-05-21T21:59:00.002+01:00

i have already blogged about the belle sauvage leather and print insert leggings that i lusted after on pixiemarket.com.......and now it's the turn of the 'leopard by belle sauvage black leather leggings', available to purchase on belle sauvage's online shop.

I have been stalking them since I realised the print insert leggings were sold out ... and also cost a whole lot more.

This has a £69 price tag and i cannot waitttttt to purchase. i'm dying to, it hurts.

.

Belle sauvage, also available at asos.com

ASOS Black launches today

2009-05-08T22:03:00.003+01:00

Lush dresses, silks, ruffles and organza.....i <3 !!

ranging from £65-85, buy them here.

kapow wow!

2009-04-26T18:04:00.005+01:00

Window shopping down brick lane, i felt surprisingly uninspired by all the vintage but popped into one of my favourites store 172 and felt the love and inspiration i needed.

I came across some neck wear pieces by Kapow wow, that i must invest in asap (pay day thursday!!!!). Ever since gcse art and design i have been obsessed with ruffles and organic structures - kapow wow, evidentally, is inspired by jacobian ruffles and "natural strucures" resulting in beautifully ruffle collars. I must admit, some neck pieces are dangerously borderline 'all saints'... so be careful which you choose. nonetheless, i think it will be necessary to indulge in a ridiculous ruffle collar necklace (i loved the grey with tints of gold specks - not such a big fan of the black, oh and fyi - in shop 172 it was £75 not £150!!).

misty blue pegs

2009-04-26T17:24:00.001+01:00

GAY BINGO!

2009-04-26T17:20:00.003+01:00

very long overdue, meant to post this last week!
i <3 my silver leggings.