Deadline day at the university, and one thing is for sure, students based at the arts campus are unorganised! Patterns were randomly spewed all over the floor of the computer room, and people were starting to shout "I don't care if you've run out of magenta!" at the printer... but luckily for me, I was just finishing off to hand in, after managing to pretty much organise myself as much as possible last night (well, this morning if you want to be precise...)
I am so glad to get this work in... I am definitely NOT a designer or a manufacturer. I'm just me, and a me that is really looking forward to next semester! We got our timetable and Christmas holiday homework - not only do we have placements to look forward to next year, but also a self-organised photo shoot, based on a given magazine. We get to finally do knit, and are making our own accessory for the shoot! I immediately thought of knitted glasses and a bow tie... and luckily I got Dazed & Confused magazine as my style, so I am already running a million ideas through my head on set, make up, poses, the type of model I want to use etc.
Of course, I've got the whole of the holidays to look into different types of garment/accessory/house hold item I would like to make and how I'm going to do my shoot, so no need to jump straight in with my first idea. However, I always end up coming back to my original thoughts, and just love playing with ideas!
I can't wait!!
Friday, 17 December 2010
Sunday, 12 December 2010
EthicAlice
Following on from my previous post, and in the vain of my posts of recent times, I want to talk again about my future, this time focusing less on the actual job role, and more of the general feeling I want to go in. As you know, since attending the Global vs. Ethical seminar, and also doing the Fashion Issues project I know that I would definitely like to incorporate ethical and ecological viewpoints into my work.
Friday, 10 December 2010
Fashion Issues
This semester we've had a module called Fashion issues... Here is my work:
Fashion Issues Review
For the Fashion Issues module we were firstly in small groups where we discussed all and any issue we could think of with the fashion industry. This ranged from consumer problems, such as size or age, to concerns to do with the environment. However, from the very beginning of this module, I knew the topic I wished to address, as it is one I am passionate about. I decided to focus on the issue of ethics within the fashion industry. This is a large subject as there are so many different issues that could come under the umbrella of ‘ethics’ and, of course, what may be moral to some, may be less important to others. For example, you might think choosing organic silk is the ethical choice, however, for those who believe strongly in animal rights the problems arising from centuries of inbreeding, and the treatment of the larvae at the hands of the silk harvesters is definitely not ethical.
Because of this, I determined to look into the branches within the tree of ‘ethical fashion’ that I was most interested in, and thought was more of an issue both in the industry and commercially. After attending a seminar about ethical fashion, I became intrigued with the idea of ‘upcycling’, where you re-use materials to make something of more value, as opposed to recycling where quite often the value of the product was decreased. I felt that this was important to both the designer and consumer. I am also concerned by the globalisation of the industry. There is a place for it, but unfortunately of an ecological viewpoint, it makes very little sense to be transporting goods from a factory in India, to the UK, then back out to other parts of the world through distribution. As a result, I wanted to look at the British fashion industry, and felt that the wool industry in particular was important and fitting with my aesthetic.
I started out by looking at jewellery, and designing with the idea of using degradable products like wood, natural and reconstituted materials such as wool, and upcycling materials we no longer needed, in this case, broken tiles. I got my inspiration for this in particular from a photograph I had taken of Gaudi’s Park Güell in Barcelona, where broken tiles had been used to create seating and add interest to roofs etc.
The outcome of this, and of my research, was what I feel to be a very organic and natural feeling collection, making use of organic and ethically man-made fabrics, recycled and reconstituted wool and yarns, and jewellery made from upcycled products such as tiles, and laser cut wood. The colour scheme (cream, sky blue, reddy-brown, earthy green and pastel pink) was taken from a broken-floral tile, forest floors, and a breed of orchid that happens to be called ‘Alice Goodman’!
I feel that my collection is unique in the fact that it uses both the idea of upcycling, and also organic and ethical materials to create fashion forward pieces for any occasion.
Sunday, 28 November 2010
Map of the Future
I've always wanted to be a journalist, in particular a fashion journalist, which led me to pursuing English Lit. first time round at uni. But it's funny how something as small as having a change of lecturer can make you really re-think the career choices you might have. I'm not say I don't want to do journalism, but rather, I realise that there are other things within the fashion industry that I might equally enjoy. Hopefully my work experience at The Trend Boutique will really help me get a grasp on some of the other roles I could do.
With this is mind, I've been building my portfolio up gradually. I've found it just as fun designing the layout of an article, and choosing/taking/illustrating a picture to go with it, as actually writing the words!
Alongside this I have started thinking about how I can integrate my interests in with all the design work briefs and manufacturing work we've been given this semester. For example, with the Brigden's brief I am going to interview the finalists and winner and write a review of the project that could be used for promotional material for Brigdens, or maybe even send it into the Derby Telegraph as a press pack.
With this is mind, I've been building my portfolio up gradually. I've found it just as fun designing the layout of an article, and choosing/taking/illustrating a picture to go with it, as actually writing the words!
Alongside this I have started thinking about how I can integrate my interests in with all the design work briefs and manufacturing work we've been given this semester. For example, with the Brigden's brief I am going to interview the finalists and winner and write a review of the project that could be used for promotional material for Brigdens, or maybe even send it into the Derby Telegraph as a press pack.
Global vs. Ethical - Part 1. - Introduction
Wednesday, 24th of November, raining and cold, and I was on my way to Nottingham with my fashion friends on a Red Arrow coach. We were headed for The Trend Boutique's annual student conference - this time focusing the the global and ethical issues surrounding the fashion industry. There could not have been a better venue - the Broadway cinema in Nottingham - it was cosy, warm, and most importantly had a bar... While waiting for the first talk to begin, I spied Sally Denton, head of The Trend Boutique - she gave me a wave - what a V.I.P!
Each 'lecture' was held in one of the cinema screen, with the screen used for visuals, and plush cinema seats for our bottoms...
Sally Denton
Sally introduced the event with a brief history of the 10 years she has been running these conferences. The story began at the turn of the millennium - times were tough for fashion and textiles graduates, and there was a need for focus, inspiration and networking with amazing speakers. So The Trend Boutique's student conferences were born.
With the economic climate looking cloudy again, a decade later, there is still this need for events such as this, as, as Sally explained, there are still "real opportunities".
So, why Global vs. Ethical? As mentioned, despite the recession, fashion is still a strong business, and the idea of being 'eco-friendly' and 'ethical' is still "high on everyone's agenda" according to Sally. There have been so many new developments within the field of 'Ethical Fashion' it has to be showcased to potential graduates, but also to 'reconnect' with the modern consumer.
Sally described this time to be the "end of 'masstige'" (mass-consumption of high priced goods) and more the "age of austerity", when people don't mind spending money, but they don't want to spend it all the time, so the product must be of excellent quality, ethically sound, and be long wearing. The Eco-Luxury market is growing all the time. To sell to the west - where how many green points you have on your clubcard adds to social status - design must be exceptional, and it is no longer good enough to do a bit of recycling here or there, or to have a 'bag-for-life' on hand for supermarket dashes. With the amount of celebrities "giving back more than they take", consumers demand more from brands.
How far have we come? Sally points out that 5, 10 years ago it would have been unthinkable for a luxury automobile brand to 'go green' in a holistic way, rather than just cutting CO2 emissions, but Lotus has with their Eco Elise - made largely out of hemp. Similarly, as the recycling/upcycling movement, organic products, zero waste and 'slow' production continue to "gain momentum", Sally goes on to explain that "there [is also] a growth in the number of collaborations between sustainable designers and the high-street", for example, Tesco.
However, while this is all well and good, new trends always bring with them their own dilemmas. With all our modern technology, we can produce products at super-fast speed, and make our own synthetic high-tech. materials. But which is best? This, or the slower/organic/recycled solutions? Should we consume less, or just actually consume more of what we produce, so that there is minimal waste?
Hopefully, these questions will be answered by some of the many speakers at the conference.
To finish, in true Trend Boutique style, Sally allowed us to see the current trend in this eco-fashion-market:
The new THROW AWAY is products made of degradable materials may only last a few weeks, but they are truly disposable, they really decompose and return to the earth - unlike those fast fashion Primark shoes you have at the back of the wardrobe, that were in fashion for all of 5 minutes.
NATURE'S HARVEST focuses on organic design, perhaps made with real vegetation. For example, chairs grown into shape, and rings with grass growing from them. These are real thing when it comes to feeling organic!
RURBAN CONTINUED has edgy, austere codes mixed in with the rural. For example, the ring mentioned above, or plastic melted with wood to create a new material.
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There's more to come from CSR Manager at Asda, Catherine Watkins, designer Feng Ho and ethical consultant Elizabeth Laskar.
Each 'lecture' was held in one of the cinema screen, with the screen used for visuals, and plush cinema seats for our bottoms...
Sally Denton
Sally introduced the event with a brief history of the 10 years she has been running these conferences. The story began at the turn of the millennium - times were tough for fashion and textiles graduates, and there was a need for focus, inspiration and networking with amazing speakers. So The Trend Boutique's student conferences were born.
With the economic climate looking cloudy again, a decade later, there is still this need for events such as this, as, as Sally explained, there are still "real opportunities".
So, why Global vs. Ethical? As mentioned, despite the recession, fashion is still a strong business, and the idea of being 'eco-friendly' and 'ethical' is still "high on everyone's agenda" according to Sally. There have been so many new developments within the field of 'Ethical Fashion' it has to be showcased to potential graduates, but also to 'reconnect' with the modern consumer.
Sally described this time to be the "end of 'masstige'" (mass-consumption of high priced goods) and more the "age of austerity", when people don't mind spending money, but they don't want to spend it all the time, so the product must be of excellent quality, ethically sound, and be long wearing. The Eco-Luxury market is growing all the time. To sell to the west - where how many green points you have on your clubcard adds to social status - design must be exceptional, and it is no longer good enough to do a bit of recycling here or there, or to have a 'bag-for-life' on hand for supermarket dashes. With the amount of celebrities "giving back more than they take", consumers demand more from brands.
How far have we come? Sally points out that 5, 10 years ago it would have been unthinkable for a luxury automobile brand to 'go green' in a holistic way, rather than just cutting CO2 emissions, but Lotus has with their Eco Elise - made largely out of hemp. Similarly, as the recycling/upcycling movement, organic products, zero waste and 'slow' production continue to "gain momentum", Sally goes on to explain that "there [is also] a growth in the number of collaborations between sustainable designers and the high-street", for example, Tesco.
However, while this is all well and good, new trends always bring with them their own dilemmas. With all our modern technology, we can produce products at super-fast speed, and make our own synthetic high-tech. materials. But which is best? This, or the slower/organic/recycled solutions? Should we consume less, or just actually consume more of what we produce, so that there is minimal waste?
Hopefully, these questions will be answered by some of the many speakers at the conference.
To finish, in true Trend Boutique style, Sally allowed us to see the current trend in this eco-fashion-market:
The new THROW AWAY is products made of degradable materials may only last a few weeks, but they are truly disposable, they really decompose and return to the earth - unlike those fast fashion Primark shoes you have at the back of the wardrobe, that were in fashion for all of 5 minutes.
NATURE'S HARVEST focuses on organic design, perhaps made with real vegetation. For example, chairs grown into shape, and rings with grass growing from them. These are real thing when it comes to feeling organic!
RURBAN CONTINUED has edgy, austere codes mixed in with the rural. For example, the ring mentioned above, or plastic melted with wood to create a new material.
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There's more to come from CSR Manager at Asda, Catherine Watkins, designer Feng Ho and ethical consultant Elizabeth Laskar.
Saturday, 6 November 2010
Work experience research...
1. VOGUE
Of course, number one on my list of places I'd LOVE to work has gotta be Vogue Magazine, or even Vogue.com, which might infact be more suited to my skill set as it stands. Competition is obviously fierce for this position, but there's something to be said for, try, try again...
Of course, number one on my list of places I'd LOVE to work has gotta be Vogue Magazine, or even Vogue.com, which might infact be more suited to my skill set as it stands. Competition is obviously fierce for this position, but there's something to be said for, try, try again...
INTERN / WORK EXPERIENCE APPLICATIONS:
DIGITAL INTERN AT VOGUE.COM
All online intern vacancies are now full until the end of January 2011.
If you would like to apply for a position in 2011 please do so in writing from January 4 2011 onwards, by sending a covering letter and CV to:
Em Zaidi, Vogue House, Hanover Square, London, W1S 1JU
Please note the position is for 6 months full time and we do not accept applications by email.
WORK EXPERIENCE AT VOGUE MAGAZINE
To apply for work experience at Vogue Magazine, please send your covering letter, with a CV, to:
Frances Bentley, Managing Editor, Vogue Magazine, Vogue House, Hanover Square, London, W1S 1JU
PLEASE NOTE THAT WE CAN ONLY ACCEPT WORK EXPERIENCE APPLICANTS OF UNIVERSITY AGE OR ABOVE
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2. Japan
Keeping much along the same theme, Vogue Japan would be simply an amazing experience for me. I love the Japanese language and culture, and, in fact, studied it for a year at degree level. Although it might be difficult to go about getting work experience for Vogue Japan, I am going to explore other publications that I like the look of.
When considering work placements abroad, there's plenty to think about, such as where you will stay, how long you will be there, if you need a work visa etc. Luckily, I have many friends in Japan who I can no doubt call in favours to!
The only information I could find on the Vogue Nippon website was as follows:
Keeping much along the same theme, Vogue Japan would be simply an amazing experience for me. I love the Japanese language and culture, and, in fact, studied it for a year at degree level. Although it might be difficult to go about getting work experience for Vogue Japan, I am going to explore other publications that I like the look of.
When considering work placements abroad, there's plenty to think about, such as where you will stay, how long you will be there, if you need a work visa etc. Luckily, I have many friends in Japan who I can no doubt call in favours to!
The only information I could find on the Vogue Nippon website was as follows:
【 VOGUE NIPPON (雑誌) 】
－ 現在募集はしておりません。
【 VOGUE.COM (ウェブ) 】
－ 現在募集はしておりません。
【 新規学卒者採用 】
－ 現在、弊社では新卒の方を対象とした定期募集は行っておりませんWhich, from what I can work out, means that there are NO positions at the current time. Further translation and research is needed!!
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3. Conde Nast
The publishing company that actually produces Vogue (amongst others) naturally has it's own website and advises people looking to work for specific magazines not to limit themselves, and rather directly apply to the Conde Nast head office, which I plan to do!
The publishing company that actually produces Vogue (amongst others) naturally has it's own website and advises people looking to work for specific magazines not to limit themselves, and rather directly apply to the Conde Nast head office, which I plan to do!
Please send a covering letter and CV to:
HR/Personnel Department
The Condé Nast Publications Ltd
Vogue House
Hanover Square
London,W1S 1JU
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4. Harper's Bazaar
I tried really hard to find information about getting work experience at this magazine, and found NatMags.co.uk that lists contacts for various magazines published by the Hearst Publishing group.
I tried really hard to find information about getting work experience at this magazine, and found NatMags.co.uk that lists contacts for various magazines published by the Hearst Publishing group.
How to apply for work experience
We regularly have opportunities for work experience placements, however demand always outstrips available places, so you are advised to get in contact with your magazine of choice as far as possible in advance of your preferred dates to maximise your chances of securing a place.
We will only consider requests for work experience placements from those over the age of 18. To register your interest, you should contact the PA to the Editor of your chosen magazine:
Company: Editor, Victoria White, PA: vicky.trott@natmags.co.uk
Cosmopolitan: Editorial business manager: rebecca.stening@natmags.co.uk
Cosmopolitan Bride: Editor Miranda Eason
Harper's Bazaar: Fashion Dept - Julia Brenard: julia.brenard@natmags.co.uk
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4. WEXO
While serching for Harper's Bazaar placements I came across a blog post on an internship and work experience networking site, called WEXO. The site looks quite interesting, but there's a £10 sign-up fee, so I'm going to look into it further.
While serching for Harper's Bazaar placements I came across a blog post on an internship and work experience networking site, called WEXO. The site looks quite interesting, but there's a £10 sign-up fee, so I'm going to look into it further.
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5. www.sheerluxe.com
Searching wexo.com I found an advert for a placement at online boutique I've seen advertised in Harper's before.
Searching wexo.com I found an advert for a placement at online boutique I've seen advertised in Harper's before.
Description of role:
SheerLuxe.com is the definitive guide to online shopping.
Candidates should be hardworking, efficient, creative, and most of all, passionate about the luxury sector and online shopping! Basic computing skills are also a must. The internship is a fantastic opportunity to add to your CV and gain experience in lifestyle journalism.
Responsibilities:
Your responsibilities range from helping the editorial team, to liaising with PRs, assisting with the general running of the site, and more. As part of a small team, your role will be really hands on. You’ll also get the opportunity to write articles on fashion, beauty, home and more.
You will receive £5 a day.
Although I couldn't see the full details as I haven't joined the site, I went to their website and will definintely be applying as the description looks perfect!
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6. The Times
I recently joined a journalism website where they post various jobs and advertise placements. One of the forums is for fashion journalism, and recently there was this:
I recently joined a journalism website where they post various jobs and advertise placements. One of the forums is for fashion journalism, and recently there was this:
We are looking for hard-working interns for placements of one week, for our busy fashion department. The candidates should be enthusiastic and organised, with a keen interest in fashion.
Responsibilities will include: managing the fashion cupboard, in particular doing fashion returns, keeping it organised and efficient, answering the phone, calling in clothes for various editors, merchandising items and assisting on shoots. You will experience the running of a busy editorial department on a national weekly supplement.
Previous experience is preferred but not essential. These are full-time 1 week positions commencing as soon as possible.
Please email a CV and covering letter to charlie.lambros@thetimes.co.uk
Although not strictly journalism, I'd love to get this position!! I also want to apply to The Sunday Times Style Magazine and just the plain old Times.
I luckily have a contact from last year who did work experience at The Times, so will be contacting her ASAP.
I luckily have a contact from last year who did work experience at The Times, so will be contacting her ASAP.
Friday, 22 October 2010
University Life...
It's completely fair to say that we have LOTS of work this semester at the University of Derby! It's very irritating to hear that Fashion Studies is an easy road to a degree. It most certainly is not! Especially for someone like me, who loves to be creative, but can not for the life of me understand how to draft a pattern neatly... It's impossible!!
Still, I'm managing to get a little bit of fashion journalism into all my modules, be they design or professional studies! Speaking of which, our Professional Studies module this year is turning out to be my favourite. We are learning straight from the horses' mouth, as it were, how the fashion industry works, and how best to apply ourselves and secure that dream job. Sally Denton, founder and directing manager of The Trend Boutique is leading the module this semester, and it's absolutely perfect to have someone so involved in the actual industry to be giving us advice and guidance.
In other modules, I'm trying my hardest, but as design is not my 'primary target', too much design, pattern drafting, cutting and manufacturing is taking its toll... It's all I can do to keep up with it, but I am going to try and set aside a few evenings a week dedicated to writing.
It's a friend's birthday tonight, so am off out wearing: Leather shorts (Topshop); Rococo-patterned vest top (re-discovered a few years back from the dressing up box!); Silky, cream, over sized blouse (Primark, sorry!) and my beautiful 'Idina' black-patent, peep-toe platforms (L.K. Bennett). Hopefully my adventures will inspire an article, so watch this space!
Still, I'm managing to get a little bit of fashion journalism into all my modules, be they design or professional studies! Speaking of which, our Professional Studies module this year is turning out to be my favourite. We are learning straight from the horses' mouth, as it were, how the fashion industry works, and how best to apply ourselves and secure that dream job. Sally Denton, founder and directing manager of The Trend Boutique is leading the module this semester, and it's absolutely perfect to have someone so involved in the actual industry to be giving us advice and guidance.
In other modules, I'm trying my hardest, but as design is not my 'primary target', too much design, pattern drafting, cutting and manufacturing is taking its toll... It's all I can do to keep up with it, but I am going to try and set aside a few evenings a week dedicated to writing.
It's a friend's birthday tonight, so am off out wearing: Leather shorts (Topshop); Rococo-patterned vest top (re-discovered a few years back from the dressing up box!); Silky, cream, over sized blouse (Primark, sorry!) and my beautiful 'Idina' black-patent, peep-toe platforms (L.K. Bennett). Hopefully my adventures will inspire an article, so watch this space!
Tuesday, 19 October 2010
Lanvin for H&M... of course number 1 most read on Vogue.com!!
My countdown 'til November the 2nd has begun, when the new Lanvin/H&M collection will be revealed in its entirety via a specially made film. We've known for a while now about the collabiration, but Vogue.com said today that the collection will hit the shops on November the 23rd!! Excited is just not the word, but just to tantalise us further, Vogue.com has put up a preview of the collection featuring four LBDs...
I have to get my hands on one of these dresses, for sure, but which one?! The fact that the one on the left looks a lot like the Lanvin S/S 2009 RTW collection piece below could be the decider...
I have to get my hands on one of these dresses, for sure, but which one?! The fact that the one on the left looks a lot like the Lanvin S/S 2009 RTW collection piece below could be the decider...
"I have said in the past that I would never do a mass-market collection, but what intrigued me was the idea of H&M going luxury rather than Lanvin going public."
I like this idea - even it does seem somewhat snobbish to say outloud - that you too can own some affordable luxury, rather than that luxury being bought down to the level of us mere mortals...
Sunday, 17 October 2010
Japanese Fashion and Fun!
Yesterday I took a trip down to Birmingham via rail, to visit an old Japanese friend from Newcastle University. We went for bento at a little Japanese restuarant, and then on to another cafe for more talk! She's my kinda girlfriend...
One of our topics of conversation was, of course, about fashion, and inparticular the differences between the youth fashion culture of Japan in comparison to the British. We were joking that as H&M is much more, shall we say, classier over in Japan, that she should wear her clothes with the labels hanging out to show off. But apparently, this is already the 'done' thing in the fashion circle of young Japan. For example, if you were to have a Burberry scarf, you must be sure to make sure that the label is very noticable, maybe even wearing the garment inside out!
Thinking about it though, this is not so different to the youth culture here, where, if you manage to get your paws on the 'It' bag, then you'd better make certain that it's a Louis Vuitton et al with branding ALL over it, so that it's clear it was veerrry expensive.
Personally, I prefer a designer bag to be understated. Those in the know can recognise it, and the rest... who cares?
One of our topics of conversation was, of course, about fashion, and inparticular the differences between the youth fashion culture of Japan in comparison to the British. We were joking that as H&M is much more, shall we say, classier over in Japan, that she should wear her clothes with the labels hanging out to show off. But apparently, this is already the 'done' thing in the fashion circle of young Japan. For example, if you were to have a Burberry scarf, you must be sure to make sure that the label is very noticable, maybe even wearing the garment inside out!Thinking about it though, this is not so different to the youth culture here, where, if you manage to get your paws on the 'It' bag, then you'd better make certain that it's a Louis Vuitton et al with branding ALL over it, so that it's clear it was veerrry expensive.
Personally, I prefer a designer bag to be understated. Those in the know can recognise it, and the rest... who cares?
Sunday, 26 September 2010
Getting down to business...
I've been working mega hard on my university summer project - Haute Couture from the past 10 years. Through my research I've come across some absolutely amazing fashion photography, and of course designs, so will upload my favourites after this project is completed (my head is in a total mess at the moment! And my living room floor is covered with things that need to be stuck down into my sketch book...). I've also done some illustrations, so I'll upload some of those too.
Peace and love, or better still, fish and chips!
Peace and love, or better still, fish and chips!
Sunday, 19 September 2010
Elle Talent Competion 2010
Thanks to my friend and fellow fashion blogger @ The Fashion Pages, I came to hear about the 2010 Elle Magazine Talent Competition. I don't regularly buy Elle, as I already subscribe to Harper's Bazaar and, of course, British Vogue, so I hadn't realised that they were running this exciting writing contest. I immediately came online to research it, but alas! I could find absolutely nothing on the website..! I wrote the short article anyway, despite only knowing the title and word count and not knowing the deadline date... and here's what I came up with:
Do you really need another pair of shoes?
What would you say if I could make you thinner, taller and bang-up-to-date fashionable… all in one purchase? It’s simple: you can update any wardrobe, lengthen any legs and slim-line any figure by investing in a new pair of heels. In this Carrie Bradshaw culture, we’re all too aware of the old cliché – women have too many shoes. Yes, it’s a bit of a generalisation. I mean, there are plenty of women who have a pair of work shoes and weekend shoes and leave it at that, but I’m making the assumption that for the majority of Elle readers this is a cliché come true. How many times have I sat on those plush, oversized pouffes, buckling up the new must-have shoe (this season it was Marni, and glossy sling back clogs) and heard the exasperated (male) sigh, ‘Do you really need another pair of shoes?’
Forget never being too thin or too rich; my philosophy is that you can never have too many shoes.
My love affair with the shoe has been long running. One of my earliest shoe memories is lusting after a pair of black Mary-Janes… when you turned a key in the sole, a picture would appear, as if by magic. Yes, I was 5 years old. Unfortunately, they were too expensive, especially as they were just your plain Clarks kids’ department Mary-Janes, only with a different sole. And, while my mother had a point - that I shouldn’t get expensive shoes, only to grow out of them - I learnt that you might pay that little extra for something desirable. It’s worth it for the magic.
The whole of my school life can be charted by remembering what shoes I had and when. At 9 years old you could find me making daisy chains in cream espadrilles with ribbons winding up the ankle; at 10 I was playing bulldogs in the playground in camel suede ankle boots. Later, aged 14 I was rebelling in light blue loafers instead of the regulation black we were expected to wear. Then college: at 16 my wardrobe was limited by years of school uniform, followed by a self-inflicted uniform of baggy tops and dark jeans, but shoes… Oh, shoes! They were my liberation. The freedom I got from my magenta kitten heeled boots, my monochrome patent flatties, my mocha faux snake skin stilettos and my tangerine suede stacked heeled booties, allowed me to become the person I am today. With my shoes on I felt stronger; I felt fashionable. Much like a fairytale princess, the original Swarovski girl Cinderella, who went from rags to riches; a pair of shoes really did change my life. Ten years on from that shoe fitting in Clarks, the magic was still as strong. Shoes, with carefully selected accessories, allowed me to express my personality, and increase the life-span of an outfit, in a small, but creative way.
As I’ve grown in confidence my shoes shout less loudly, but today they are still an integral part of who I am. When going out, an outfit will be built around the shoes I want to wear. If it’s raining and grey, and I’m feeling like the weather, a fur-lined Fitflop clog is my shoe of choice to pop down the shops. For those fierce days, where you need to be strong and stand tall, what better choice than a chunky platform wedge? We might have so many pairs that we forget about those leopard print ballerinas or the nude patent courts, but every pair has its occasion, its need. There is much joy to be had in choosing that perfect pair for its partner outfit.
And then there’s the shopping! The great thing about shopping for shoes is there’s no contending with the changing room queues, stuffy cubicles and unflattering lighting. You browse, you touch, you try, you admire… and you buy, with a little extra time for a skinny hazelnut latte. Shoes allow you to enjoy shopping without becoming depressed that the latest silk shift dress is definitely not made for your Christina Hendricks’ figure. Shoes don’t cling to the wrong places, or have an unflattering neckline. Provided they have your size there’s rarely a problem. They pinch slightly? Suede is totally impractical for the British winter? And those heels are far too high and thin to pound the pavements… Minor details the average woman is more than happy to overlook for the thrill of possessing those Alexander McQueen shearling boots this season.
So, Elle readers, do I need another pair of shoes? In all honesty (and I’m sure my bulging shoe cupboard and long suffering boyfriend would agree) I certainly don’t need another pair, but you can bet your Manolos that I’ll be lusting after and saving my way to Camilla Skovgaard’s tassel-heeled beauties.
And, girls and boys, I’d advise you to follow in my footsteps - quite literally. In this cloudy economic climate, we need to take care of the pennies, so a whole new wardrobe each season is definitely out. But fashionistas can always be sure: a new pair of shoes will not only make you appear slimmer and taller, but you’ll be bang up to date.
So, let me know what you think!
Saturday, 11 September 2010
Prague: Czeching out the Fashion!
I've just got back from a family holiday (my parents, sister and I) to the beautiful city of Prague. We had the most wonderful apartment in a prime location just near Karluv most (Charles Bridge) and in the slightly less touristy part of the city, Malna Strana.
I've taken so many photographs I think it best to spilt them up into seperate posts, so first I am starting with the obvious fashion pictures (due mainly to the fact that this is a fashion blog afterall(!))
I am always on the look out for street style, or quirky looks, but due to the fact that it was mostly tourists everywhere, the general look was trainers, raincoats and jeans. I did see an Italian woman struggling on the cobbled streets up to the castle wearing dark sunglasses, a pencil skirt and 6 inch black stilettos, clinging on to her husband, also donning dark sunglasses and gelled white hair. You could most definitely tell the English from practically all other nationalities as while we were all wearing short sleeves and sandals, others were shivering in bomber jackets!
A trip down Pařížská (or 'Paris Street' to most tourists!) was a must for checking out the designer shops. I was mostly interested to see if anything differed from London high fashion stores, but mostly it did not. The main point of interest was the type of buildings these shops were based in. Prague is full to the brim of magnificent architecture, and hopefully you will see what I mean from my photographs! In stark contrast, the Jewish Quarter is just around the corner from Cartier, Louis Vuitton and Prada, and the gravestones piled one on top of the other (Jews were allowed only this one graveyard) really puts it all into perspective.
My favourite fashion find was a little shop down a small alley nestled amongst the garish tourist traps of cheap Czech glass and jewellery. It was a shop entirely devoted to Melissa shoes, and they had practically all the Vivienne Westwood for Melissa collection, including the shoes I am lucky enough to own, nude flats, with the Westwood stamp on the toe; the aptly named "Ultragirl" that I am lusting after, similar to mine except in pearl and with a wonderful bow on the toe; the "Booties"; "Ladydragon" peep toes with memorising baubles, original heart cut outs or cherries on the toe! Too much choice! And it wasn't just the Viv Westwood designs, but other designer collaborations and Melissa originals. Try as I might, I just can't find the shop online, so it's destined to be one of my little finds that I'll just have to imprint on my memory for a time when I might go back!
Never has being dropped off at the wrong airport terminal been so fruitful! Terminal 2 at Prague Airport is currently showcasing up and coming Czech designers with some original creations on display.
PICTURES TO BE ADDED - KEEP POSTED! EVEN IF THERE ARE OTHER POSTS ABOVE!!!!
I've taken so many photographs I think it best to spilt them up into seperate posts, so first I am starting with the obvious fashion pictures (due mainly to the fact that this is a fashion blog afterall(!))
I am always on the look out for street style, or quirky looks, but due to the fact that it was mostly tourists everywhere, the general look was trainers, raincoats and jeans. I did see an Italian woman struggling on the cobbled streets up to the castle wearing dark sunglasses, a pencil skirt and 6 inch black stilettos, clinging on to her husband, also donning dark sunglasses and gelled white hair. You could most definitely tell the English from practically all other nationalities as while we were all wearing short sleeves and sandals, others were shivering in bomber jackets!
A trip down Pařížská (or 'Paris Street' to most tourists!) was a must for checking out the designer shops. I was mostly interested to see if anything differed from London high fashion stores, but mostly it did not. The main point of interest was the type of buildings these shops were based in. Prague is full to the brim of magnificent architecture, and hopefully you will see what I mean from my photographs! In stark contrast, the Jewish Quarter is just around the corner from Cartier, Louis Vuitton and Prada, and the gravestones piled one on top of the other (Jews were allowed only this one graveyard) really puts it all into perspective.
My favourite fashion find was a little shop down a small alley nestled amongst the garish tourist traps of cheap Czech glass and jewellery. It was a shop entirely devoted to Melissa shoes, and they had practically all the Vivienne Westwood for Melissa collection, including the shoes I am lucky enough to own, nude flats, with the Westwood stamp on the toe; the aptly named "Ultragirl" that I am lusting after, similar to mine except in pearl and with a wonderful bow on the toe; the "Booties"; "Ladydragon" peep toes with memorising baubles, original heart cut outs or cherries on the toe! Too much choice! And it wasn't just the Viv Westwood designs, but other designer collaborations and Melissa originals. Try as I might, I just can't find the shop online, so it's destined to be one of my little finds that I'll just have to imprint on my memory for a time when I might go back!
Never has being dropped off at the wrong airport terminal been so fruitful! Terminal 2 at Prague Airport is currently showcasing up and coming Czech designers with some original creations on display.
PICTURES TO BE ADDED - KEEP POSTED! EVEN IF THERE ARE OTHER POSTS ABOVE!!!!
Tuesday, 10 August 2010
The September Issue...
... Has arrived at last!!
Well, Vogue dropped on my doormat about a week ago now, but being me I wrote all my thoughts down on paper and never got around to blogging them, until now!
Finally, a whole issue of brand new collections, brand new adverts and brand new fashion feelings. Michael Kors' print advert completely sums up the Autumn atmosphere - orange hues, fallen leaves, men in chic black and women in cosy knit. Summer, pah! I'm so over you now. Maybe if I'd travelled (as last months Bazaar and Vogue so inspired me to do), then it might have been a different matter, but right now I'm looking forward to a family trip to Prague in September, and am definitely feeling that luxurious wrapped-up vibe right now. Time to start digging out my autumn wardrobe..!
Perhaps it's from having spent most of my life in the academic world (school, college, Uni...), or maybe it's because my body clock runs on fashion time, but whatever it is, this time of year always feels like new beginnings; time to make 'new year' resolutions. I feel inspired, enthusiastic and full of energy... which is a good thing, as it's almost time to get down to some hard work back at University!
Well, Vogue dropped on my doormat about a week ago now, but being me I wrote all my thoughts down on paper and never got around to blogging them, until now!
Finally, a whole issue of brand new collections, brand new adverts and brand new fashion feelings. Michael Kors' print advert completely sums up the Autumn atmosphere - orange hues, fallen leaves, men in chic black and women in cosy knit. Summer, pah! I'm so over you now. Maybe if I'd travelled (as last months Bazaar and Vogue so inspired me to do), then it might have been a different matter, but right now I'm looking forward to a family trip to Prague in September, and am definitely feeling that luxurious wrapped-up vibe right now. Time to start digging out my autumn wardrobe..!
Perhaps it's from having spent most of my life in the academic world (school, college, Uni...), or maybe it's because my body clock runs on fashion time, but whatever it is, this time of year always feels like new beginnings; time to make 'new year' resolutions. I feel inspired, enthusiastic and full of energy... which is a good thing, as it's almost time to get down to some hard work back at University!
Wednesday, 28 July 2010
Oh dear!
I am in need of posting a long awaited blog entry... but am just so tired today, it will have to wait until I'm in the right frame of mind!
In the mean time, how well would the aforementioned Grace Jones suit this ad campaign?!
In the mean time, how well would the aforementioned Grace Jones suit this ad campaign?!
Tuesday, 20 July 2010
Keeping up with the Jones'
Ah, Grace Jones...
Ever since I first saw her as a child starring as Mayday in Live and Let Die, I was enthralled by this strong, powerful, edgy woman. And last week she was a guest of Alan Carr, on his show, Chatty Man. Yes, she is a little bit mental, but I like that about her - she says what she wants, wears what she wants, and is who she is... and for a woman in her 60s she looks pretty hot! (once you get past the scary)
Ever since I first saw her as a child starring as Mayday in Live and Let Die, I was enthralled by this strong, powerful, edgy woman. And last week she was a guest of Alan Carr, on his show, Chatty Man. Yes, she is a little bit mental, but I like that about her - she says what she wants, wears what she wants, and is who she is... and for a woman in her 60s she looks pretty hot! (once you get past the scary)
Saturday, 26 June 2010
Glasto, peeling skin, and zinesss...
My mate Laura always finds a way to get to Glastonbury, and next year, I'm gonna be right there with her (I hope!)... I mean, I come from Somerset, surely I should be going to Somerset (and Britain's) biggest festival?! Festival fashion intrigues me. It's a bit like when you go backpacking - you have to pack light, while at the same time preparing for every eventuality, because obviously, when you pack wellies, fisherman's waders and a storm proof mac... it's going to be el scorchio. On the other hand, if you pack flip flops and a bikini... you can bet your bottom dollar it will be hailing all weekend! So, some first hand spying is needed! That, and I'd love to go to such an established festival... who knows, with the current recession, if it might end?
Speaking of Glasto, watching some of the highlights on BBC 3, I saw Edith Bowman interviewing Florence (of '...and The Machines' fame) wearing the most amazing dress. She can be described as statuesque; a tall willowy woman, with fiery red hair and paler than snow complexion - dressed in a long floating white dress - she was more than striking. She described the outfit as something you a woman explorer might wear in days gone by, and re-watching Lawrence of Arabia today I could just imagine her gliding over sand dunes on a camel!
Speaking of Glasto, watching some of the highlights on BBC 3, I saw Edith Bowman interviewing Florence (of '...and The Machines' fame) wearing the most amazing dress. She can be described as statuesque; a tall willowy woman, with fiery red hair and paler than snow complexion - dressed in a long floating white dress - she was more than striking. She described the outfit as something you a woman explorer might wear in days gone by, and re-watching Lawrence of Arabia today I could just imagine her gliding over sand dunes on a camel!
Unfortunately, I couldn't find a full length picture of her most wonderful backstage attire... But her on-stage outfit was just as magical:
In other news, it has been awfully hot and sunny recently, and, much like dear Florence I am of fair complexion. I do not tan; I burn, peel, then return to my post burn colour... It's really not a good look! I am trying to embrace my pale skin and make the most of it - if only my hair was a little redder! However, in summer it's so difficult to pull of pale legs unless, of course, you are a 6 foot tall glamazon. Roll on Autumn when I'll be rocking the greys and navys with my golden hair and white white face.
Meanwhile, I am staying inside during the hotter hours of the day to save my poor skin, and indulging in pouring over both Vogue and Harper's Bazaar both of which I subscribe to, and multiple women's fitness monthly's in an attempt to inspire me to slim down for those Autumn lovelies I spy...
Meanwhile, I am staying inside during the hotter hours of the day to save my poor skin, and indulging in pouring over both Vogue and Harper's Bazaar both of which I subscribe to, and multiple women's fitness monthly's in an attempt to inspire me to slim down for those Autumn lovelies I spy...
Thursday, 24 June 2010
How good does this look!?
Someone give me a couple of hundred quid (some for the tickets, the rest for the designer bargains!)
Someone give me a couple of hundred quid (some for the tickets, the rest for the designer bargains!)
Tuesday, 22 June 2010
Monday, 21 June 2010
Paris?
Today I have been mostly...
...getting ridiculously burnt.
Don't you just hate when you wear factor 50 suncream and you still get burnt(!) Still, I had a wonderful day researching a possible trip to Paris with my friend Gemma. February is not only my 24th birthday, and my 5th Valentines with my Valentine, but also Premiere Vision in Paris! Oh, I so want to go! Prices at the moment seem very reasonable, and with the money saved from not going to New York it is totally do-able! Now to brush up on my French...
The afternoon was spent enjoying the sunshine and ice-cream in Markeaton Park with my friends Amelia and the aforementioned Gem. After a good couple of hours of gossip, the girls left, but with nothing at home waiting for me other than a football watching boyfriend, I decided to stay a bit longer to indulge in my favourite pastimes - people watching, and enjoying my natural surroundings. From where I was lying, the grassy ground seemed to contour, much like a body, and the trees with their silvery leaves rippled like water when the breeze caught them. I spent time wondering about how different photographs are from the naked eye, and whether two Muslim passers-by found it hot, dressed in headscarves and black.
Summer is a great time to relax... about fashion! It's pretty hard to follow fashion exactly in the Summertime, as depending where you are, the weather can be so different. And when it's so hot... there are only a few choices really. This is why I love it so much, because people tend to make their own fashion rules. The vintage comes out, and the hippy vibe is released! The stylish are most definitely separated from the rest. Autumn, Winter, Spring... the trends of the season are always wonderful, inspiring, and lust-worthy... but the Summer... every gal (or guy) can create their own wonderful image, without fear.
...getting ridiculously burnt.
Don't you just hate when you wear factor 50 suncream and you still get burnt(!) Still, I had a wonderful day researching a possible trip to Paris with my friend Gemma. February is not only my 24th birthday, and my 5th Valentines with my Valentine, but also Premiere Vision in Paris! Oh, I so want to go! Prices at the moment seem very reasonable, and with the money saved from not going to New York it is totally do-able! Now to brush up on my French...
The afternoon was spent enjoying the sunshine and ice-cream in Markeaton Park with my friends Amelia and the aforementioned Gem. After a good couple of hours of gossip, the girls left, but with nothing at home waiting for me other than a football watching boyfriend, I decided to stay a bit longer to indulge in my favourite pastimes - people watching, and enjoying my natural surroundings. From where I was lying, the grassy ground seemed to contour, much like a body, and the trees with their silvery leaves rippled like water when the breeze caught them. I spent time wondering about how different photographs are from the naked eye, and whether two Muslim passers-by found it hot, dressed in headscarves and black.
Summer is a great time to relax... about fashion! It's pretty hard to follow fashion exactly in the Summertime, as depending where you are, the weather can be so different. And when it's so hot... there are only a few choices really. This is why I love it so much, because people tend to make their own fashion rules. The vintage comes out, and the hippy vibe is released! The stylish are most definitely separated from the rest. Autumn, Winter, Spring... the trends of the season are always wonderful, inspiring, and lust-worthy... but the Summer... every gal (or guy) can create their own wonderful image, without fear.
Friday, 18 June 2010
United Nude and all things Shoes...
Yum. I just love United Nude shoes! I have been watching them for quite a few years now, and know that they deserve a blog mention! They have grown so much in the last year or so, now featured on ASOS.com and other mainstream websites. With their architectural beauty, they are definitely shoes for the individualist. I've yet to own a pair, but know that if I ever can it must be the Lo Res.
Speaking of shoes, and ASOS.com... I found these beauts! But, of course, Out Of Stock. And such a bargain, why they sold out is a mystery(!)
Speaking of shoes, and ASOS.com... I found these beauts! But, of course, Out Of Stock. And such a bargain, why they sold out is a mystery(!)
Friday, 11 June 2010
Gosh! Long time, no speak fashion friends!
I have been busy busy busy!
First there was...
The Wedding
My friend Kelly, and her partner Nathan finally tied the knot after many happy years together already. I was honoured to be invited to the reception, and have been excited about attending since I received the invitation in the post last year!
I have been busy busy busy!
First there was...
The Wedding
My friend Kelly, and her partner Nathan finally tied the knot after many happy years together already. I was honoured to be invited to the reception, and have been excited about attending since I received the invitation in the post last year!
My L.K. Bennett Buddies
The Dress
High, high heels... or flipflops?
The first Dance
The Fashion Show
One of the most fun experiences of my working life! After this, I have no doubt that I have chosen the right career path, and feel secure in the knowledge that I can do so many different things within the umbrella of fashion!
All the first years became dressers and runners for the Final Year Fashion Show. We were placed into small groups and given a model, and their running order (which designer, when they were on the catwalk etc.) I was paired with 2 girls from the other fashion group, one of whom I'd never spoken with before! So, you can understand I had some aprehension. I needn't have worried however, as both Kayleigh and Michelle were wonderful - we made a great team! First we had to find the rail with our designers garments on and choose an outfit, followed by the correct accessories. Having modelled herself several times, willowy Michelle quickly advised us to choose mainly dresses, and items with large neck holes! This was to prove important later on... We got ourselves and our rails organised very quickly, as both myself and Kayleigh are quite organised people (at least, I am when it comes to work... the less said about my private life the better!)
Unfortunately, our model Jane was running 20minutes late due to traffic, but I texted her to introduce myself and make sure she knew we were all ready!
Here's Jane:
One of the most fun experiences of my working life! After this, I have no doubt that I have chosen the right career path, and feel secure in the knowledge that I can do so many different things within the umbrella of fashion!
All the first years became dressers and runners for the Final Year Fashion Show. We were placed into small groups and given a model, and their running order (which designer, when they were on the catwalk etc.) I was paired with 2 girls from the other fashion group, one of whom I'd never spoken with before! So, you can understand I had some aprehension. I needn't have worried however, as both Kayleigh and Michelle were wonderful - we made a great team! First we had to find the rail with our designers garments on and choose an outfit, followed by the correct accessories. Having modelled herself several times, willowy Michelle quickly advised us to choose mainly dresses, and items with large neck holes! This was to prove important later on... We got ourselves and our rails organised very quickly, as both myself and Kayleigh are quite organised people (at least, I am when it comes to work... the less said about my private life the better!)
Unfortunately, our model Jane was running 20minutes late due to traffic, but I texted her to introduce myself and make sure she knew we were all ready!
Here's Jane:
see more here: Boss Models
and here: Model Mayhem
The dressing, on the 2nd of June, went fine, apart from a few minor problems, and one pretty big one... a neck hole too small for Jane's head! But we managed to get everything sorted, with a little bit of cutting here (by designer Raza) and a little bit of sewing here (by me... hope it looked ok!). I was running around like a mad person making sure the designers were happy, and knew what was going on.
Then it was the day! Friday 3rd of June. The first show also went without a hitch (for us at least), with none of the designers picking at anything we had done! I think this was mainly due to the fact that we had a great backstage system we had devised. Kayleigh (who was also a runner for the hair stylists) was responsible for keeping the rail tidy, and preparing the outfits for dressing, as well as rehanging the outfits coming off the model. Basically, we just threw stuff at her as soon as it was off Jane! Michelle and myself were the actual dressers, with Michelle (being tall) sorting out head pieces and jewellery, and me (being SHORT) doing shoes. It also happened that I was the only person that seemed able to put shoes on another person and do the straps etc. and Michelle was an expert at zip fastening (I didn't want to trap skin, argh, or worse... break the zip!)
The evening show was hot, sweaty and fast paced, but immensely exciting. What a buzz!
See some of the fun here!
forgive the bad quality... I only had my phone!
The Results
After a very disorganised couple of hours... we finally received our results on Wednesday the 9th. I didn't do quite as well as I'd hoped, but then, I'm a perfectionist! The good news is that I passed everything, and am ready for next year, as well as averaging out at a 2:1/2:2... Gives me something to improve on!
We also received Summer Holiday Homework... Haute Couture! Goodie! I will keep you posted!
The Trip
A trip to New York has been organised! Well, partially organised. 3 weeks ago we were told that it would go ahead if at least 20 people could get a deposit of £300 in by Wednesday 9th... quite a feat! Embarrassingly, I had to borrow some money from my mum... but a trip to New York is worth it! I just hope enough people manage to find the funds. Without my family's generosity I know I wouldn't have been able to go, so I understand if people can't find the money, especially with such short notice!
and here: Model Mayhem
The dressing, on the 2nd of June, went fine, apart from a few minor problems, and one pretty big one... a neck hole too small for Jane's head! But we managed to get everything sorted, with a little bit of cutting here (by designer Raza) and a little bit of sewing here (by me... hope it looked ok!). I was running around like a mad person making sure the designers were happy, and knew what was going on.
Then it was the day! Friday 3rd of June. The first show also went without a hitch (for us at least), with none of the designers picking at anything we had done! I think this was mainly due to the fact that we had a great backstage system we had devised. Kayleigh (who was also a runner for the hair stylists) was responsible for keeping the rail tidy, and preparing the outfits for dressing, as well as rehanging the outfits coming off the model. Basically, we just threw stuff at her as soon as it was off Jane! Michelle and myself were the actual dressers, with Michelle (being tall) sorting out head pieces and jewellery, and me (being SHORT) doing shoes. It also happened that I was the only person that seemed able to put shoes on another person and do the straps etc. and Michelle was an expert at zip fastening (I didn't want to trap skin, argh, or worse... break the zip!)
The evening show was hot, sweaty and fast paced, but immensely exciting. What a buzz!
See some of the fun here!
forgive the bad quality... I only had my phone!
The Results
After a very disorganised couple of hours... we finally received our results on Wednesday the 9th. I didn't do quite as well as I'd hoped, but then, I'm a perfectionist! The good news is that I passed everything, and am ready for next year, as well as averaging out at a 2:1/2:2... Gives me something to improve on!
We also received Summer Holiday Homework... Haute Couture! Goodie! I will keep you posted!
The Trip
A trip to New York has been organised! Well, partially organised. 3 weeks ago we were told that it would go ahead if at least 20 people could get a deposit of £300 in by Wednesday 9th... quite a feat! Embarrassingly, I had to borrow some money from my mum... but a trip to New York is worth it! I just hope enough people manage to find the funds. Without my family's generosity I know I wouldn't have been able to go, so I understand if people can't find the money, especially with such short notice!
Tuesday, 1 June 2010
Please, please, PLEASE...
Somebody buy me this!
Not only is it one of my favourite prints ever, not only does it seem to sum up my feelings on style and fashion, NOT ONLY is it a poster from my favourite city, San Franscisco, NOT ONLY signed by Scott Hansen himself... but the show was on my birthday - 愛してるよ。
I think I need it to live...
Somebody buy me this!
Not only is it one of my favourite prints ever, not only does it seem to sum up my feelings on style and fashion, NOT ONLY is it a poster from my favourite city, San Franscisco, NOT ONLY signed by Scott Hansen himself... but the show was on my birthday - 愛してるよ。
I think I need it to live...
Thursday, 27 May 2010
I'm an English(wo)man in New York...
Why, oh, WHY! Today we went in to University for a meeting about our responsibilities as dressers and runners backstage at the Graduate Fashion Show. As exciting as that was, all I could think about when I came away was a TRIP TO NEW YORK! Our tutors are trying to organise one for November this year... So what's the problem? £650 would be my problem, half of that by two weeks time!
I want to see Parsons, and Mood, The Fashion Institute of Technology Museum, DVF!!! So many things to do, obviously not all related to fashion... but, yes, a lot related to fashion...
Back to the meeting today, we got a list of our duties, our schedule, what's expected of us etc. (See fellow fashion fan Lucinda's blog for a much better explanation!) I'm really looking forward to it! I love the backstage buzz, I used to get from the theatre. I'm quite interested in working in the theatre, I would just love to design costumes and set. Wonderful! I can definitely see myself working in such a creative environment, with (hopefully!) like minded people!!
I want to see Parsons, and Mood, The Fashion Institute of Technology Museum, DVF!!! So many things to do, obviously not all related to fashion... but, yes, a lot related to fashion...
Back to the meeting today, we got a list of our duties, our schedule, what's expected of us etc. (See fellow fashion fan Lucinda's blog for a much better explanation!) I'm really looking forward to it! I love the backstage buzz, I used to get from the theatre. I'm quite interested in working in the theatre, I would just love to design costumes and set. Wonderful! I can definitely see myself working in such a creative environment, with (hopefully!) like minded people!!
Wednesday, 26 May 2010
Currently reading...
YES! and DOUBLE YES!
and, this..!!
Am now going to take a stroll downtown, and have a browse of the shop windows. No buying for me! Must save my money... but I can dream...
and, this..!!
Am now going to take a stroll downtown, and have a browse of the shop windows. No buying for me! Must save my money... but I can dream...
Tuesday, 25 May 2010
All that glitters is gold...
WISH LIST.
.................................................................................................Vivienne Westwood and Melissa;...............
.................................................................................................a match made in heaven.............................
.................................................................................................Ultragirl Bow Shoes £70..............................
................
.....................................................
............................
.................Delicious Shimmering..................................................................................................................
.................Shorts, Vero Moda.......................................................................................................................
.................£30.................................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................Olympus Pen Camera..............................
......................................................................................................£500+.......................................................
.................
................................................
..........
.................Guerlain Rouge G Le Brilliant.....................................................................................................
.................Lipstick £27...................................................................................................................................
.....................................
...............................................
...............................Moschino Cheap and Chic........................................Makebelieve Self Tan................
...............................Scarf Watch £92.......................................................£30..............................
.................................................................................................Vivienne Westwood and Melissa;...............
.................................................................................................a match made in heaven.............................
.................................................................................................Ultragirl Bow Shoes £70..............................
................
.....................................................
.............................................Delicious Shimmering..................................................................................................................
.................Shorts, Vero Moda.......................................................................................................................
.................£30.................................................................................................................................................
.....................................................................................................Olympus Pen Camera..............................
......................................................................................................£500+.......................................................
.................
................................................
...........................Guerlain Rouge G Le Brilliant.....................................................................................................
.................Lipstick £27...................................................................................................................................
.....................................
...............................................
...............................Moschino Cheap and Chic........................................Makebelieve Self Tan................
...............................Scarf Watch £92.......................................................£30..............................
Wednesday, 19 May 2010
Feeling Green
As those of you who know me well, well know, I have very strong opinions when it comes to the environment, food, and health. I believe that local, organic, free range and fair trade are always best. I can live without meat, and therefore don't feel the need to buy cheap Tesco chicken for my Sunday dinner. However, can I live without my fast fashion? My monthly fix of that must have dress, top, shoes, *insert item here*? Actually, yes, I can. I am a seasoned charity shopper, and vintage hound. I love clothes by People Tree, shoes by Melissa, and jewellery by Made.
I am writing this with a slight feeling of hypocrisy, as recently, due to a slight funding issue (I'm a poor stinking student, so sue me! As the American's would say... only don't, because I have no money) I have been a frequent Primark shopper. Named 2005s least ethical clothing company, the Primark big-wigs have done much to redeem the situation, but does the fact that they now have a website page devoted to how 'ethical' they are fool people into a false sense of security? I know that it makes me feel a hell of a lot better when I'm buying a £10 pair of jeans to think "well, they support human rights, so that's o.k then... isn't it?". No. We have to remember that this does not necessarily mean that even though the workers are being treated within regulations, that they aren't being paid a LOT less then we would in this country for the same job. But I could write about this all night, so to my point...
As with Organic and free range chicken, not only is ethical fashion better for the environment and the workers, but yes, it's better for you too! And, for those of you who say, well, I can't afford to buy *insert ethical goods here*, then I say... then don't buy at all! If we all boycotted cheap chicken, and badly made clothes, then the retailers would realise that Britain wants good quality in all senses of the word. They would have to lower their organic and fair trade prices, and ethical fashion would be available for all!
Disbelievers, get a load of this... Ethical Fashion is In!
Marie Claire's 'pick of the ten chicest ethical fashion brands'
Your 'ultimate source' for all things eco-fashion
Palvika - A local eco fashion entrepreneur!
Proof that green is coooool man
The style rookie knows how it's done
Stay green fashion fans!
I am writing this with a slight feeling of hypocrisy, as recently, due to a slight funding issue (I'm a poor stinking student, so sue me! As the American's would say... only don't, because I have no money) I have been a frequent Primark shopper. Named 2005s least ethical clothing company, the Primark big-wigs have done much to redeem the situation, but does the fact that they now have a website page devoted to how 'ethical' they are fool people into a false sense of security? I know that it makes me feel a hell of a lot better when I'm buying a £10 pair of jeans to think "well, they support human rights, so that's o.k then... isn't it?". No. We have to remember that this does not necessarily mean that even though the workers are being treated within regulations, that they aren't being paid a LOT less then we would in this country for the same job. But I could write about this all night, so to my point...
As with Organic and free range chicken, not only is ethical fashion better for the environment and the workers, but yes, it's better for you too! And, for those of you who say, well, I can't afford to buy *insert ethical goods here*, then I say... then don't buy at all! If we all boycotted cheap chicken, and badly made clothes, then the retailers would realise that Britain wants good quality in all senses of the word. They would have to lower their organic and fair trade prices, and ethical fashion would be available for all!
Disbelievers, get a load of this... Ethical Fashion is In!
Marie Claire's 'pick of the ten chicest ethical fashion brands'
Your 'ultimate source' for all things eco-fashion
Palvika - A local eco fashion entrepreneur!
Proof that green is coooool man
The style rookie knows how it's done
Stay green fashion fans!
Thursday, 13 May 2010
Spring has sprung...
Wow, we've been having great weather (after a bit of a dip, but we're willing to forget that, Mother Nature, as long as you keep the sun out and the breeze blowing!)
I'm going to share a few pictures with you that I have been taking since I notices spring had first sprung (unfortunately the cherry blossoms have now gone. Brief, but beautiful):
I just love flowers and leaves - the vibrant colours, the delicate shapes and textures... It's a great source of inspiration to me, pretty much anything I design is somehow influenced by nature or science fiction, but that's another blog...
Here's my favourite summer song... Roll on summer for more inspiration!!
I'm going to share a few pictures with you that I have been taking since I notices spring had first sprung (unfortunately the cherry blossoms have now gone. Brief, but beautiful):
I just love flowers and leaves - the vibrant colours, the delicate shapes and textures... It's a great source of inspiration to me, pretty much anything I design is somehow influenced by nature or science fiction, but that's another blog...
Here's my favourite summer song... Roll on summer for more inspiration!!
Tuesday, 11 May 2010
So much to write, so little time to write it!
Well, perhaps I over exaggerated with the title of this post, as, although I do have a lot to write about (as usual), I actually have quite a lot of time now to write it all! A week ago, I couldn't even tear off the plastic from my Vogue and Harper's Bazaar subscriptions as they came through my door (like I usually do!) for all the work I had to do, but now it feels so good just to relax and indulge. And check out my 'VIP' cover!
Today the 1st years, 3rd years and lecturers from both the fashion department and textiles (not forgetting the lovely technicians, Lyn and Nureen!!) all congregated up at the Kedleston Road site, for a day of absorbing others inspirations, dreams and creations.
The 3rd years have just completed their final collections (all apart from 2 additional outfits that need to be made for the final degree show, can't wait!) and have put together presentations to give us all an insight into their thinking behind their collections. I will update later with more information on a few of my favourites.
Today the 1st years, 3rd years and lecturers from both the fashion department and textiles (not forgetting the lovely technicians, Lyn and Nureen!!) all congregated up at the Kedleston Road site, for a day of absorbing others inspirations, dreams and creations.
The 3rd years have just completed their final collections (all apart from 2 additional outfits that need to be made for the final degree show, can't wait!) and have put together presentations to give us all an insight into their thinking behind their collections. I will update later with more information on a few of my favourites.
Friday, 7 May 2010
DEADLINES.
I am done! And am now writing a quick update before the 12am deadline for this very same blog. I am not going to stop writing, however. I am absolutely loving having one place dedicated to me and fashion. When I write journals they just seem to overflow with every emotion and thought. I love that this can be more concise.
Anyway, last night I was up until 3.30am working for my Tech. Fashion 2 deadline which was at 4pm today... yes, yes, I should be in bed right now, I know...
I had the live election results on in the background, which was keeping me amused as David Dimbleby struggled to keep his temper in those early morning hours. I think I too would have been quite frustrated at some of the faffing that was going on across the country! I hope you voted. As a citizen of a democratic society, I feel so lucky that in some small way I can have my say. Especially as a woman. Don't waste your vote! Women have struggled for this privilege for us, and many women (and men) across the world right now are silenced and disenfranchised by their governments. Ours may not be perfect, but at least we don't have to die for our say.
So! Hand in today, and with my friend Gemma, we worked hurriedly to complete everything in good time. She did a lot better than me, I have to say!
Until next time, blog, it's Alice, signing off...
Anyway, last night I was up until 3.30am working for my Tech. Fashion 2 deadline which was at 4pm today... yes, yes, I should be in bed right now, I know...
I had the live election results on in the background, which was keeping me amused as David Dimbleby struggled to keep his temper in those early morning hours. I think I too would have been quite frustrated at some of the faffing that was going on across the country! I hope you voted. As a citizen of a democratic society, I feel so lucky that in some small way I can have my say. Especially as a woman. Don't waste your vote! Women have struggled for this privilege for us, and many women (and men) across the world right now are silenced and disenfranchised by their governments. Ours may not be perfect, but at least we don't have to die for our say.
So! Hand in today, and with my friend Gemma, we worked hurriedly to complete everything in good time. She did a lot better than me, I have to say!
Oh, and then there's this, bad newssss bloggers and journalist wannabes!
Until next time, blog, it's Alice, signing off...
Monday, 3 May 2010
Last week, and 3rd year work...
Gosh! I have been working so, so hard for hand in on the 7th of May, which is quickly (far too quickly) approaching. I'm afraid I have neglected my blog a little, and feel awful about it (and no, not just because it is also being marked from the 7th!) Technical Fashion 2, is most definitely NOT my strong point, and I feel as if I have to work doubly hard just to sew to the same standard as the weaker sewers in the class!
I have been helping my 3rd year, Nina, with her collection, mostly tracing patterns for her to neaten them up. Time consuming work (I've probably clocked 15 hours just doing that alone!) but it feels good to know that I am taking some of the burden off her shoulders. Myself and Sam Neal (the other 1st year) helped out at a salon near Nina's flat, where her first photo shoot was taking place. There wasn't much for either of us to do I'm afraid, but I helped with the styling (not Nina's favourite thing!) and documented it all for you guys (lucky). Sam helped with all the pining and dressing that had to be done for the speedy costume changes!
It was good fun, and I managed to make a few contacts in the form of a model, and a make-up artist... handy!
I have been helping my 3rd year, Nina, with her collection, mostly tracing patterns for her to neaten them up. Time consuming work (I've probably clocked 15 hours just doing that alone!) but it feels good to know that I am taking some of the burden off her shoulders. Myself and Sam Neal (the other 1st year) helped out at a salon near Nina's flat, where her first photo shoot was taking place. There wasn't much for either of us to do I'm afraid, but I helped with the styling (not Nina's favourite thing!) and documented it all for you guys (lucky). Sam helped with all the pining and dressing that had to be done for the speedy costume changes!
It was good fun, and I managed to make a few contacts in the form of a model, and a make-up artist... handy!
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