F-L-U-F-F

This is my favourite item of clothing I have seen for ages! Its not only completely on trend with the extravagant fluff balls /fur attached to it but its fun , cosy and completely wearable!

I purchased this item the other day from Urban Outfitters online , it was everything I hoped for when I bought it but it was unfortunately too big for me and its selling out fast everywhere!

I love House of Holland , it never fails to be completely unique and their collections integrate well both in the high end and mass market of today!

I WON!

A couple of weeks ago I was shortlisted to the final three to take part a styling competition at GAP Manchester during Vogue's Fashion Night Out 2013 ( which was held in Manchester this year).

On Thursday 10th Oct I was asked to go to the Manchester GAP store at 3pm and was given 3 hours to choose my looks for a male and female model , from GAP's new range 'Back to Blue'. It was amazing being given the whole store to pick both clothes and accessories and to play around with different looks I may use later on ...  I wanted both my models to share the same style within their looks , I wanted to show texture through the knit wear , colour through accessories and a structured style through the outerwear ie. their coats.

At 5pm we were given our male and female model and we had a hour to dress them before they became live mannequins in store! It was a really fun but stressful hour because I had to run around getting size changes and adding finishing touches. By 6pm our models were all placed in store and the public , friends , family would come into store and vote via twitted their favourite 'look' ... this is my final look .. two weeks later I got the amazing news that I had the most votes and had won!!!!!!!!!

This was an amazing experience to interact with some brilliant people in both industry and just sharing ideas with the public

Dress of Downton

I have recently started to get quite addicted to Downton Abbey , I am not sure if its down to the drama itself or purely because everyone is so immaculate and elegant (both the men and women!).
By the time I got to series two of Downton I came to the conclusion that everything from around the 1920's revolved around possessions and how you were seen and how you presented yourself.
Everyone took so much time to present themselves well in their manner , appearance in their job and etiquette. This way of life translates hugely in their clothing from the house maids to the lord and lady of the House.
There have been some amazing costumes so far and here I will share my favourites! Enjoy..

Back to Blue

Through my University I have entered a competition with GAP. Its in relation with their new campaign Back to Blue' , once I carried out some research I got the feeling that this campaign was really about going back to what we know best , the important things in life and stripping back.

I made a Pin board on Pintrest of images that I felt related to this campaign and portrayed this message.
These are some of the images and Its up to you how you interpret them :)

Tart Tartan

Memories of 90's Clueless to my mum trying to force me to wear a tartan pleated skirt when I was little.
Tartan is a bold trend which enables people to relive those years where it was seen to be quite garish or tacky. But accompanied with the right accessories and accompanying garments tartan this season can be worn beautifully.
When wearing tartan I would prefer to move away from making it into a 'fun' outfit and make it more high end and elegant, I think it wears better this way and I believe the Tartan Trend is taking that direction.

dreaming of pink

Its finally back! The colour everyone longs to be able to wear and its fall so what a way for it to make a statement . A burst of pink now and then is vital in your wardrobe and I for one am extremely happy its evolved into its own trend this season. 
Whether it be worn as a subtle and dusty fluff or a dark and bold leather everyone should take this opportunity to wear it...
On the catwalk , in store , online and through street style the pink trend has shown how truly versatile it is .
I like how this season many have developed the trend into more of a dreamy wear , enabling it to be paired up with bold prints or mixing it with earthy colours to give it the for front of your outfit.
We have designs from the likes of  Chanel , Celine , Topshop and ASOS

Istanbul

In November 2012 myself and a range of about 40 fashion students from my University went on a study trip to Istanbul turkey.

The purpose of the trip was to visit various manufacturing companies which produced garments for the likes of M&S and Miss Selfridge.. we visited embroidery , screen printing , spinning and woven factories. All of which were so interesting to see (for example) the production of a dress from the very beginning to end! 

Not only was the trip purely about visiting the factories but we also were given time to explore the culture of Istanbul  I was hugely surprised at the contrast of the city ... we visited high end shopping malls with the likes of D&G , Marc Jacobs etc and a short drive away would be the amazing little markets and then the brilliant Grand Bazaar!

Grand Bazaar was my FAVORUITE place in the whole on Istanbul .. I loved haggling my way with the market stall owners .. getting my fake Mulberry bag for about £25 in the end ( from a previous £90 he was suggesting)! It was full of beautiful lanterns and jewellery (see pics below).

During 'eed' (when everything was closed) we visited Taxim Square which is like a british high street but we soon returned back to the Grand Bazaar which was closed by nearby we found a small fabrics and carpet market - this was great , I got some brilliant pictures of colour inspiration!

We also stumbled upon the famous mosques of Istanbul which were really striking and had an amazing feel about them .

Hope you enjoy a few of my photos!

A Snowman's Secret Journey ...

I'm home alone and have just seen the hugely anticipated annual John Lewis advert for Christmas . The story of Mr Snowman enduring serve weather conditions to find his wife the perfect Christmas gift from the perfect Christmas gift retailer ( John Lewis ) was fun , emotional and made me feel extremely nostalgic  The advert worked! I wanted to get the 3 hour train journey home to Wales , wrap up my family and whisk them off to John Lewis and re live the Christmas holiday shopping trips from my childhood.

 I loved it .. in fact I can't fault John Lewis . As a retailer John Lewis brings me comfort and when I was younger it acted  like a high tech emporium during shopping trips , whether it meant browsing through the electrical department with my dad or wondering through the endless designers in the woman's clothing with my mum.

It will always be one of my favorite retailers.

Coats of Purple Lipstick

Purple lipstick , it's everywhere at the moment! I have to say I did buy mine a while ago but it has taken me a while to find the confidence to wear it. I have now learned to love it - however grungy you may feel a first with it on it brings an element of femininity and class, with a somber and sophisticated tone.

Coats , ASOS 30% coat offer has nearly tempted me so many times to blow my budget for the month but I will just have to make do with my 2 year old trusty duffle , which ultimately has not dated one jot !

I was talking to a friend the other day and we both agreed during the winter months your coat dominates you and your outfits. Especially living in Manchester you seem to be living in your coat .. which is cosy at first but after a while you feel as if you are neglecting your outfit underneath! 
I advise anyone who is feeling the way I am to get a plain, statement coat and focus on what is left on your body for example boots or lipstick or a statement hat. This will then enable you to express your own style and enhance the style of your chosen coat. 

Starting Somewhere ...

I am a big fan of following individuals whose ideas and designs start as something small and develop into something huge .... some have made it! and some are in the process ... Good luck guys! 

http://www.grinillustration.com/          http://grin-illustration.tumblr.com/

Based in South Wales ... Illustration applied to fashion pieces . One of the most unique set of designs I have seen in a long time! ...