Peroni Collaborazioni with Anna Dello Russo

While I was in London I went to see the ever fabulous Anna Dello Russo in conversation at the V&A Museum. I have to say she is one of the most inspiring women I have ever had the pleasure of being in the same room as. Many things that were discussed gave me hope that I will be able to forge my future career.
Something which I'm sure ruffled a few feathers was her statement that 'bloggers are the new journalists.' Especially with many of the fashion press sat on the front row - I think this was a fairly bold statement but with Anna clearly likes to embrace the underdogs and new technology, so it is really no surprise that she thinks this. She referenced many bloggers and street style photographers through out. 

She also encouraged people in the audience to forge their own careers which really resonated with me. Being able to forge a new career as new media moves forward is something I think would appeal to many bloggers in the audience and worldwide. It makes me feel that the skills I have learnt from running this blog really are marketable.

I was ecstatic when my question was read out - it was around the 43 minute mark. I did try to wave my arms around and shout that's me - but it was too dark. Let me know what you think about what Anna had to say  - I'd like to know if any of you found her as inspiring as me. 

London Fashion Week: A Round-Up

I thought I would use this post to round up some of the exhibitions and shows I saw while I was down in London.  I was seriously impressed with all the talent on show - let me know what you think. 

Tata-Naka
This exhibition took place in the Portico Show Space at Somerset House - it was a really fun collection full of life and colour. The models were even asked to dance a little while people were photographing them. The main thing that caught my eye when viewing this exhibition had to be the shoes - especially the jewel-encrusted creepers.

Nova Chiu - Vauxhall Fashion Scout Ones To Watch 
One of the most colourful and exciting collections I saw while down in London is this one from Nova Chiu. When I went to see the exhibition I had a quick chat with the lovely designer - she told me that the rabbit fur was bought white and then hand dyed all the colours of the rainbow in the studio.




Anne Sofie Madsen - Vauxhall Fashion Scout Ones To Watch 
This collection had to be one of my favourites from the whole week. The inspiration came from Sedna; the half skeleton and half human Inuit goddess of the underworld- cool huh?!? Leather harnesses and tooth details on cable knits. I have to say I would wear everything in this collection, it was perfection.



Mattijs
This collection had a classic feel which I think comes across in this picture really well - like a new-age Grace Kelly. I love the look of blue and gold together, it really works. I can imagine him designing some serious red carpet showing stopping dresses in the near future.

London Fashion Week: Street Style Details

While walking around Somerset House on the hunt for people to photograph, it occurred to me that it is often the details that make up an outfit. So I scouted around for some interesting accents, whether it be a bag, jewellery, shoes or any other accessories. Let me tell you there were so many people with interesting aspects to their outfits - it was really hard to pick them out from the hundreds of pictures I took. I find myself wearing a more casual outfit but dressing it up with other pieces to make it a little more exciting - what do you think makes an outfit?

The first image is of the lovely Sarah Barlow  - Stylist, who told me her necklace was by Kirsty Ward. 

London Fashion Week: Ashish AW12

So I need to talk about Ashish - on Tuesday I went along to the Courtyard Showspace to see if I could see the show, if they have space in the venue they do let us lowly people in who don't have a golden ticket. After waiting for an hour my persistence was repaid and a few of us were let into the venue. 

Ashish has to be one of my favourite designers - what is not like when his collection showcases a beautiful display of sequins. The show was aptly titled 'Bollywouldn't.' This season he went for a nu-grunge/street vibe - there were more slogan jumpers to be had and fantastical knitted scarfs which engulfed the models heads. The middle eastern vibe was felt through out - many of the models had some fabulous nose jewellery going on.
This collection had so many pieces I would love to add to my wardrobe - I'm looking at the sequin maxi and biker vest. What did you think to the collection?

Images: Catwalking.com

Ashish really cemented the fact that the 90s really are back with a vengence - but in a good way. My pictures weren't the best because I was stood at the back of the venue, I didn't want to put up rubbish pictures which wouldn't do the clothes justice. I did take a video however - so you can get a feeling for the atmosphere inside the venue. Enjoy.

London Fashion Week: An 'Outsiders' Experience

A few people wanted me to write this post, talking about the experience of Fashion Week from an 'outsiders' perspective. Although I don't think I'm as much an outsider as some. There are some people that just go along to Somerset House to soak up the atmosphere and to be photographed by the many street style photographers. 

As this was my first Fashion Week everything was an exciting new experience - with lots of lessons to be learned. I arrived for the first show, Bora Aksu, to find the longest line I have ever seen. I joined the end and paitently waited but with fair few of us left we were told that the venue was at capacity and the doors were closed. Great start. Now I have realised that this can happened quite often - in the end it happened three times during the week. But for those three I was turned away from I got into three others. I found with help from other attendees that by waiting at the venue till all the people with tickets had gone in, if there was any room in the venue, staff would let you in to see the show. I thought this was a great opportunity for smaller bloggers like me, who may not have initially caught the PR's eye, to cover a larger show and gain a valuable experience. I think all publicity is good publicity. In the end I saw Felder Felder, Mark Fast and Ashish in the main Courtyard Space. 

We have all seen the glamorous parties and pictures but I must stress Fashion Week isn't as glamorous as the media make out. In reality your running across London to make a show and burst into the venue a sweaty monster and out of breath. Also I went extensive periods without eating - I had no time! You will spend most of your time queuing (unless your really really important), so be prepared for some serious standing around. Also I still feel the general 'frosty' atmosphere towards bloggers - even though there are many bloggers at fashion week. There is a press lounge which includes a Bloggers Bar, that I had been using  through out Friday and Saturday - come Sunday I was told my burly security that I wasn't allowed in as I was a blogger. I went to ask about this at Reception and was told bloggers weren't supposed to be allowed in. I pointed out the presence of the Bloggers Bar and she didn't really have a answer for me. I understand journalists need somewhere to re-charge etc but if you are inviting bloggers along to cover Fashion Week, we need somewhere too.

All this being said I would not trade the experience for the world. It really cemented my love for fashion and only increased my passion to make it as a writer. I met some of my fellow bloggers and chatted to people in line. Ended up getting into Mark Fast with Gem and Jen, only to find we were sat behind Kanye West - there is a picture going round on twitter. Saw Ashish - one of my favourite designers show his collection. Felt like a celebrity by being papped. If you want to work in fashion I think this experience is invaluable and really sorts the 'men from the boys' - if your bored by the first day you know it isn't for you.
I still have more things from London to share with you all which will go on into next week - so if you would like to see more please check back. 

London Fashion Week: Street Style Take Two

I have lots of street style photos from my time at London Fashion Week - there will be one more after this which focuses in on the details. I hope you all find this kind of post interesting - there were so many stylish people at fashion week, I was spoilt for choice. Some people were always in the mist of a photo scrum, as dozen of street style photographers took their picture. When this happened I tended to just move on as I wanted to try and find people who weren't going to pop up on every website known to man. 

The fashion crowd was awash with colour and texture this season - which is nice to see in the mist of February. Seeing all these people has inspired me to save up for special pieces and not to buy so much throw away fashion. This is the manifesto Vivienne Westwood has being championing for a while now - lets see if I can stick to it. 

Below is a collection of shots of ladies I thought looked amazing - let me know which look is your favourite. 

London Fashion Week: Inbar Spector AW12

Israeli-born Inbar Spector was showing her collection this season at Vauxhall Fashion Scout - at Freemason's Hall. For AW12 she has taken a step away from her normal gothic black inspired clothing.  Her inspirations were centered around fairytales, manga, dreams and circus clowns. I was incredibly impressed with the over all collection which displayed true showmanship or should that be woman?
The laser cut metallics shown through out were stunning - the jumpsuit was a sight to behold. I also loved the way she used the tulle skirts to add movement to the collection. The face jewellery and headpieces, created by Lara Jensen, were incredibly intricate although I'm not sure this will catch on outside of the catwalk. The hair added to the amazing designs - the plaits stood off of the the models heads in an impressive manner, I wish I could re-create something like this. The last look was incredible and had all the photographers snapping like crazy - I added in a picture of Inbar with the last model, look how tiny she is! Let me know what you thought of the collection - which look is your favourite? 

London Fashion Week: What I Wore Day 2 and Day 4

I am having the most amazing time at Fashion Week but mannnn am I exhausted. I'll be able to give you the proper lowdown when I'm back.
For todays post I thought I would share with you a couple of outfit shots of myself - this is when I have actually remembered to ask someone to take a picture. I totally missed day one and three out but I pretty sure other people took my picture, if so please do send them over! It is weird that some things you wear attract a lot of attention -  the neon skirt was a favourite of a few photographers today. Anyway one of my readers asked to see what I have been wearing - so here you go.

Outfit 1: Shirt, Evil twin | Leggings, Topshop | Creepers, Underground | Bag, Urban Outfitters |

Outfit 2: Shirt, New Look | Skirt, ASOS | Shoes, Office | Necklace, Topshop | 

I will be posting a show review in the morning - it just takes some putting together. I have a fair few posts lined up with all the things that have been going on while I've been down here. From sitting behind Kayne West to hearing Anna Dello Russo talk about fashion - surreal!? 

London Fashion Week: Street Style

I am currently in London for Fashion Week - it is only day two and I'm bloody exhausted. Oh yes there is the glamorous side to fashion week but in reality there is a lot of waiting around and queuing - which is what the British do best. I'm going to do a full round up of my 'outsider' experience once I'm home on Wednesday, so make sure you come back and check that out.
I thought I'd kick off my posts about fashion week with some street style that I snapped. There were some awesome looks - the first girl with the turquoise hair and eyebrows looked amazing. I noticed a lot of lovely ladies sporting the turquoise dos. It seems to be all about the details this season - I'll certainly be bringing you another street style round-up next week. Let me know what you think of the lovely ladies below. 

Review: New York Fashion Week AW12

I've had a bit of a busy week which explains the gap between posts. By Friday I think I might be posting everyday from Fashion Week if I can get a decent WiFi connection. I have some exciting posts to come and I can't wait to share them with you all. 

I thought I would come up for air from thinking about London and take a look at some fashion from over the pond. Looking through some of the shows I have been really impressed, there are some great trends already emerging. I'm just going to pick out some of my favourite collections so far and share them with you all. 

I really liked this collection - leather, leopard print and buttoned up shirts. To me it seems to have many stand alone pieces that would work well away from this Catwalk look. The red and pink hue look in the middle has to be my favourite - the jacket has the perfect 'biker' style fit, I like my leather jackets to have a bit of room. Can you see anything here you'd like to be wearing next Autumn? 

It is good to see that the cable knit will still be alive and well come this time next year. I think the short length shown here looks great with the high-waisted trousers - this is one look I will be sporting next season. It is also nice to see the aviator making a return - mine has been a solid investment. Rodarte has managed once again to mix the hard with the soft, the floaty dresses paired with epic black leather heels look amazing. What do you think to the collection? 

Timo Weiland had so many pieces that I liked - I found it hard to pick just these three. The dress Charlotte Free is wearing looks like an amazing fabric, the print is so pretty too - the coat gives the look a little more edge too. I love the way they have styled the cable knit jumper here, the maxi dress and jumper combination is a favourite look of mine. How awesome are the trousers on the right? Such a statement piece and will look great teamed with any plain back shirt. Did this collection stand out to you? 

*all pictures taken from Style.com 

Fashion In Film: Almost Famous

Sticking to what I said last month I'll be keeping some posts as a regular occurrence - I thought I'd give the fashion in film post another go. 

This time it is the turn of Almost Famous. If you haven't seen this film I'll give you a quick run down - the film follows a young William on his road to become a successful music journalist. At the tender age of 16 he is asked by Rolling Stone magazine to join the up and coming rock band Stillwater. Upon this trip he learns a lot about life, love and rock and roll. He is also ends up getting to know a group of girls who call themselves the Band-Aides (not groupies they insist) - among them is Penny Lane played by Kate Hudson. 

The Band-Aides are actually the source of my fashion inspiration this time. The 70's fashion with a twist will be a great place to take pointers from this summer. Crop tops, velvet and layering. Perfect.

So what would a modern day gro... sorry band-aide wear? I thought I'd take a look and put something together: 

All of these were found at a cool boutique I stumbled across while researching this post - Amelie Boutique. Go check it out and if you haven't seen Almost Famous go watch it... now. 

Wax Lyrical: London Fashion Week

As you know (because I keep talking about it) I'm hitting London Fashion Week. Words cannot describe the absolute excitement. When I got home yesterday there were two invites waiting for me on the matt. I wish I could of filmed my reaction to show you - there may have been some jumping up and down and screaming. You may wonder why I had such a reaction - I'm going to attempt to put it into words. For as long as I can remember I have wanted to be a Fashion Journalist. I'm the kind of person that sticks to an idea when they have one. As you may or may not know I started this blog while studying Journalism at University. After 4 years I'm starting to see the extra effort I put into my blog, pay off. For me the epitome of all this is being able to attend London Fashion Week - walking into a show and taking my seat I know I'll be feeling a mixture of emotions. For me it is like I'm being finally allowed to hang out with the popular kids (weird analogy but you get the idea).
I hope to bring you my experience through the eyes of a regular girl - I'm not a fashion insider so I hope you can relate a little more to me. I was thinking of filming some little behind the scenes videos to put on my YouTube channel - what do you think? I'd be interested to know what kind of posts you would like to see.

Just to add a little something extra to the proceedings I thought I'd share an outfit I plan on wearing while in London. Let me know what you think:

Lust List: Statement T-Shirts

As promised I am trying to open up a little more of life to you guys and show you what I do when I'm not staring at things longingly on ASOS. I like to partake in seeing live music - although I don't go to gigs or events as often as I would like to. This weekend myself and my boyfriend went to the Don't Flop To The Test 10 Weekender in Leeds. If you don't know what Don't Flop is I'll give you a little rundown. Don't Flop is a rap battle league based in the UK, they hold events up and down the country, giving the MCs a chance to showcase what they can do. I had such an amazing time and saw some classic battles. If you'd like to know more about them you should check out their YouTube Channel. To bring this back to having a fashion angle - I bought one of their T-shirts this weekend, the RAP t-shirt in the collage above. This is of course their take on the famous GAP t-shirts - it's a great talking point.
Ted's Draws is a great place to find statement t-shirts - I already have the sold out Prince tee. His new set of designs are sure to be just as popular as the last. This time he has opted for a movie theme - this one featuring Christopher Walken especially caught my eye. Lastly, Wildfox always bring out some amazing statement t-shirts. I love this skull and cross bones tee - we all know I love anything with a skull. I love to wear all t-shirts under a checked shirt or a cable knit cardigan now, as it is so cold.

What are your favourite t-shirts? 

What I Wore: Printed Top from Urban Oufitters

| Cardigan, Joe Browns | Vest, Urban Outfitters | Trousers, Vintage | Spiked Loafers, The Cult Label |

| Fur Stole, H&M |

Thought I'd get round to taking another outfit picture seen as pictures of me seem to be few and far between on here. I made it home on time today from work to be able to catch the light. I really love these trousers I picked up at a Vintage Fair. Although I do have to do a double take when I look down because my PJs are leopard print and sometimes I think I've gone out of the house in them.
I bought this vest top last weekend from Urban Outfitters - I think the print is pretty cool and it reminded me of the stuff from Shop with Asian Stereotypes. I can see that I am going to be wearing it a lot with a variety of different things. My cable knit cardigan was gifted to me by Joe Browns. I have worn it so much, over everything - it's so warm and is really good quality, I wish they did one in black. I put my stole round me to take this picture - I had actually been wearing this round my coat but I took my coat off for photo purposes.
Lastly I move on to my spiked loafers which you have all seen before. I love these babies and they receive so much attention when I'm out and about. If you are looking for a cheaper alternative to the UNIF Hellraisers then these ones from The Cult Label maybe the ones for you. 

Inspiration: Fashion Coffee Table Books

Another place I tend to get inspiration from - fashion books. These are the ones I currently have on my book shelf  - I have more hidden away but we'd be here all night looking at pictures if I featured them all. The most recent additions to my collection are the Lady GaGa and Terry Richardson photography book and the Alexander McQueen Savage Beauty book. I love both of these books and would really recommend them. The GaGa book is full of wonderful animated photography and is a definite must have for any fan. 

Savage Beauty had me oooing and ahhhing at the wonderful works of art inside the pages. Lee's creations really were a sight to behold - this is the best book out there for any McQueen fan, I spent my time saying 'I saw so and so wearing that and that....' 

Luella's Guide to English Style is such a lovely little book it is packed full of amazing inspirational english women who have a definite style. The book also talks about the various fashion packs with hilarious illustrations of such subcultures as Emos. 

The first book I bought out of these was the Vivienne Westwood book by Emma Wilcox - it's a wonderful book packed with photos of Viviennes various collections dating back to the start of her career. 

What are your favourite books centered around fashion? Do you have any you can recommend me?