Long Live McQueen

Last night I decided to do a little after work window shopping and popped over to Dover Street.
About 10 days have passed since the opening of one of the most anticipated stores in London; Alexander McQueen's diffusion line, McQ.
Having sold the brand myself in my previous job, I was extremely intrigued to go and have a look at Sarah Burton's new venture.
I actually wasn't aiming to visit the store last night (I was on a mission to replace my paintball-destroyed Comme Play converse...) but as soon as I walked past the stunning window display, there was no way I was going to leave it another day to drop by. The breathtaking dresses in the window, mixed in with crisp autumnal leaves are beyond eye-catching. Luckily I had half an hour left before the store closed (7pm) to have a nose around the 3 tiered store.
I was immediately drawn to one of the collection's key pieces; the heavy knitted black and white sleeveless dress. An incredible piece which I had seen a lot of press about. Along with the exclusive catwalk pieces there were the beautiful read-to-wear kilt like skirts/dresses, stunning tailored white dress shirts, leather parkas, the infamous studded shoes, skull printed mohair jumpers and the list goes on.
To be quite honest, in the past, I have never been that attracted to the McQ line of Alexander McQueen. There had been a previous over kill of prints and dare I say it, the quality just wasn't there. Sarah Burton has done a complete switch around with this and after her incredibly inspiring debut McQ catwalk, it was clear to see from a new start what direction she wanted to take the brand in. The quality has improved hugely and the incredible fit and lines in the mainline collection have definitely filtered down. The prices may have increased with some pieces but this has not affected the popularity of the brand. It is clear Ms.Burton means business with this collection and is not letting it slip away like other diffusion lines.
As I was about to leave the store, extremely content with what I had seen, I was distracted by the extremely pleasant sales assistant who said he wanted to show me something. When I first walked in, it was hard to ignore the giant screen on the left hand side. However the sales assistant was about to blow me away with some new technology.....In the centre of the store there is a table with an empty touch screen on top and many bizarre looking black tablets aside. As the gentleman proceeded to show me, it became apparent that this was something special. You place the stencil like tablets on the screen and as you do either the catwalk or lookbook for the collection appears. You can then look through it, select your favourite pieces, email to yourself/friend, orrrr you can flick it from the table to the wall!! There you can watch the show/browse the collection on full screen. Some people may see it all as just a bit of fun but as technology develops day by day, why shouldn't it be interspersed into retail? I was mightily impressed by it all and it just makes the experience of shopping even more enjoyable!
The McQ store in my eyes has added another aspect to Dover Street and it will most certainly be added to my list on my visits to Acne,Dover Street Market and Wolf and Badger.

(photo courtesy of vogue.com)

APOLOGIES!!!

I have to apologise as I have been rather busy over the last few months which has meant I have not be able to tend to my blog! I have so much to put up on here and I will eventually get around to it!!
Please bare with me, give me a little time and I will get back into the swing of it with lots of exciting things to talk about.

Thanks!

xxx

Girl Power!

Listening to this new girl band - Haim - at the moment.

When I listen to their debut single, it brings out my inner 80's child and makes me want to jump on my bed and dance around...fun times.

Lang...the new Wang...?

So I've spoken before about my love of basic t-shirts (T By Alexander Wang).
I really do LOVE a simple, beautiful, plain t-shirt. This was confirmed recently when I was sorting out my wardrobe to find I own a ridiculous amount of white t-shirts!! Oops! Slight obsession me thinks...

A new diffusion line has recently landed in UK stores and I am really eager to go and check it out.
Helmut Lang's new line, simply labelled 'Helmut', is a cheaper range of his beautiful mainline staples.
Helmut Lang's mainline collection not only consists of stunning draped silk dresses but also of asymmetric t-shirts. These being repeated in various colours every season, without fail. Some may argue this is a lack of creativity, however I see it as intelligent branding and part of the identity of the label.
The superb quality and beautiful cut of the t-shirts is what draws loyal customers back each season to top up their wardrobes.
They may not provide the clean cut look of a classic Jil Sander however they give a perfect relaxed, comfortable feel which looks amazing with boyfriend jeans and Comme Play Converse, or with skinny leather trousers/jeans and a killer pair of Kirkwoods. It is exactly the sort of t-shirt you want in your wardrobe, that you can grab on an indecisive moment/in promptu night out, with the knowledge you will look half decent without much effort! You know we love the quick and easy look ladies!

I haven't purchased said simple t-shirts as they are preeetty pricey (looking at £100+)...gulp...but you can still catch some in the sales. This dilemma has also been made easier with this new diffusion line.
Although not a lot cheaper...they are worth it if you fancy a bit of a splurge on a decent piece of clothing.
There isn't a huge amount of Helmut in the UK stores at the moment (only seen it in Feathers and Start) however I had a notification today that it is heading to Matches very soon.

This is going to be a new competitor for some other diffusion lines and it definitely has potential to become my new...dare I say it.... T By Wang (sorry!) Really glad to see Helmut sticking to what they know best with this line and hopefully they will be adding to the collection with some classic Helmut Lang knits for Autumn Winter!

Keep your eyes peeled! Some examples below.

(photos courtesy of feathersfashion.com)

PLEASE PRESS PLAY!

I've been looking for some new music recently and I always think it pretty rare when you find a new album that you can listen to all the way through and really enjoy at least 90% of it. Normally I just pick and choose a few singles from different albums but I have to say I am LOVING Alt-J's debut album.
I downloaded this Cambridge crew's new sound, yesterday, and I found it extremely difficult to press pause when I reached my front door at work this morning! It definitely calmed my rage about the bus strikes....!
I think I will let you make your own minds up about this new album. I don't want to tell you what I think it sounds like or what it reminds me of or even what sort of genre it fits into. I want it to be a surprise!
All I can say is that if you don't give the album a listen, you are missing out.

(If you really want to read a bit more about them before you listen, give this Guardian review a browse.)

Below is one of my favourite tracks, Taro. Not the official video obviously but I loved the track too much not to share it.

P.S Please play loud!!!

Check it out, Check it out!!

I AM EXCITED!!

I know I am a bit behind with this, but after just catching up with my favourite fashion blogs, I came across something raaaather exciting on Disneyrollergirls page.

MARGIELA FOR H&M!!

H&M have done it AGAIN with collaborating with one of the top 10 (well in my eyes) fashion houses. And what a fashion house it is.
This will undoubtedly be another huge success for H&M and I am so pleased they have spread their wings to an 'edgy'(don't really like to use the word but my brain is limited this morning!) designer.
The collection will comprise of Men's and Women's clothing, as well as accessories (fingers crossed for bags and jewellery!)
I cannot claim to own a lot of Margiela clothing, one because I would need to win the lottery for some of it and two I admit some of it just doesn't suit me. This however is definitely NOT to say that I don't constantly swoon over their collections, and I am pretty sure I will be purchasing at least one item when it arrives in store in the Winter.
Margiela knows how to break boundaries and not just with their clothing, but also with their homeware designs and advertising campaigns.
Check out the video and image below for an example of their genius branding.
Whether you like their designs or not, Margiela will remain as one of the 'greats'.

Never thought I would be saying this in June but....BRING ON NOVEMBER!!

(courtesy of vogue.co.uk)

Sooooo......

......it has been a while!!!

I have realised that when things get a bit manic, it is rather difficult to keep up with important things like blogging!!
I am still here and I have a lot to talk about so be prepared over the next few weeks to be bombarded with information....oops! I've seen a lot of cool stuff over the last few months (I am waaaay behind!) and I can't help but share it with you.
One key topic to be featured will be my fantastic trip to Ibiza. This was a bit of a detox trip for me and I could not be more thankful to my very generous Aunt for letting me stay with her. It is VERY fortunate to know someone who has experienced ALL aspects of the island, for quite some years, and I was so grateful to be able to go and experience a lot of what the tourists don't!
As soon as I sort out my computer there will be pictures galore!

So give me a few days and it will all begin again :)

Can't wait!!

(P.S Kind of enjoying wearing some of my winter jumpers AGAIN! "In June??" you ask....YES!! Ah well hopefully the knitwear will be replaced with cotton t-shirts and sunglasses again soon!
Enjoy the windy weekend!)

SPRING HAS SPRUNG!

...And I will be back shortly! Had a bit of a health blip but it's over and the sun is shining!!!!
 It's time to get excited :)

Mellow Yellow - Quite Rightly!!

Today is Marie Curie Cancer Care day.

This means it is time to dig out the yellow people!
I am sporting my VERY vibrant Cos jumper at work today. It is sooooo yellow that apparently it makes up for the other people in the office who failed the challenge this morning!!

According to the majority of people at my work, they don't own a single item of yellow clothing in their wardrobe...shocking!! Ok so I can understand it doesn't suit eeeveryone, but why not give it a go! Yellow was a pretty predominant colour for last season and a more pastel tone will be seen in stores for Spring/Summer. So step away from the black and bring out the brights!

Aaaanyway enough about the clothing, what's more important is that we are wearing it for a good cause. If you haven't got your yellow on, at least donate some money to the charity and sport a little yellow daffodil.

Don't be afraid of the yellow, wear it with pride!!

A Fond Farewell with a Warm Welcome Back!

So as you might have heard, there was a pretty huge announcement from the catwalk in Milan.
By far and away one of my favourite designers is leaving one of my favourite fashion labels.
Talk about double whammy!
The sad, although expected, news comes from Jil Sander as it was confirmed that Raf Simons is leaving. However don't join in me in my wallowing for too long, as he will be joining either Dior (most likely) or YSL. PLUS.....Jil Sander is coming back!!! Amazing news and I think incredibly wise.

I am really hoping there isn't a serious switch around in the designs of their clothing. I am sure the quality will remain but it is only in the recent few years that I have become a huge admirer of Jil Sander as a brand, and this has been down to the genius that is Raf Simons. Not only have I admired his work at Jil Sander but also his menswear collections. From selling the clothing at the Bluebird, I have witnessed his attention to detail and impeccable quality and cut of his clothing. He uses extremely clean and minimal lines when it comes to key pieces. Think back to his sell-out, over-sized, structured, silk skirts from Spring/Summer 11.
Simple but breath-taking. I can only hope he takes this quality with him onto his next venture, it makes him the stand-out designer he is today.

It is very sad to see him go, and by the incredibly rare standing ovation he received in his final show, it is clear to see this feeling is widespread. Saying this, it is also very exciting to hear the return of the woman herself. The german designer has been away from her fashion home for a while now, and I think it is a great decision that she has not been replaced with someone else and is coming back. Taken from a quote from a recent article in the Telegraph: "At the moment, there seems to be a craving for authenticity and clear visions. I am confident that this is the time for modern sophistication, for attractive, wearable fashion which is true to the new century." I really hope she comes back with a bang and sticks by her word on this.

Out with the old and in with the new, as they say. Or maybe it should be "out with old and back in with the old"...?! Ah well whatever it is, it's exciting!!!

Be kind Rewind! (NYFW Part Two)

Apologies for being so behind recently!!
I have got so far behind that I am going to have to cut down my posts so that I can fit everything in!
I was going to do a complete breakdown of every fashion week (and I will do a small analysis) but I definitely can't go into major detail. You actually may be relieved with this as I potentially might have bored you...

Sooooo I am going to rewind back to NYFW. Although I would love to waffle on about the Wang's patent leather coolness, Browne's gothic genius-ness (yes I'm making up words here), and Schouler's classic edgy-ness...I really want to focus on one of my favourite brands and another one that really stood out for me.

I actually first came across Ohne Titel in the LN-CC sale. I fell for a pair of trousers with clever cross knitted detailing and slanted side pockets. Unfortunately they did not fit, great for the bank account but rather upsetting for my wardrobe (sniff sniff). My lack of purchase did not however deter me from researching more into this brand, as I was really impressed with the quality and quirky cut of their items.

Visualising riffling through my jam-packed wardrobe, I realise I have a bit of a penchant for unusual trousers....I have a few pairs that really are rather mad (and only wear them on days when I'm feeling a little more confident, but secretly hoping no one will see me on the street!) Most recently I bought a pair from the Fat Faced Cat in Angel (more on this gem later). I guess the best way to describe them is joseph and his technicolour summer trousers! They are cropped, sort of knitted, and ridiculously colourful! Love them!
Aaaaanyway I'm getting distracted with thoughts of how to wear these new trousers, and drifting away from Ohne Titel. It is linked in the fact that their AW12/13 collection was full of abstract knits. I absolutely love the first look from the catwalk and I really hope LN-CC will be stocking more of this brand next season.

The show started with bold monochrome knitted skirts and jackets, then moved on to incorporate navy leather and black fur tailored pieces, concluding with 3 great and very wearable dresses. In each look I can spot a piece that I could see myself in, which is pretty rare with most collections!
This NY pair have created, in my opinion, a pretty effortlessly cool collection for next Autumn/Winter. Alexa's work experience with Helmut Lang is evident in the cut of the jackets which are bound to be a great fit for all shapes. I'm loving the clash of a touch of fur and leather with the knits. It's adds a huge variety of texture to their prints but in a restricted dosage. Definitely a brand and style to keep in mind for next season.

I-Spy Fashion Friday

A few things to keep on the wish list for this weekend....

1. Yarnz scarf - How cool is this print?! I need this!! Bill Cunningham...legend.
2. Cos green shirt - LOVE this colour, everywhere for SS12.
3. Azzedine Alaia Dress - Oh the cut...swoon...
4. Charles Anastase shirt - Now that is a cute shirt. Perfect with cropped trousers and converse for a preppy spring look!
5. JW Anderson blue neoprene skirt - GREAT colour!!
6. Miu Miu velvet clutch - N.B i am obsessed with red accessories and this is too amazing. Something so vintage about it.
7. Nicholas Kirkwood wedge heels - Would love to be wearing these out this weekend. Spring is in the air and this monochrome print says it all!

Shaken AND Stirred!!

Soooo just between my further delayed NYFW reviews (apologies)...I thought I would add a bit of music for the weekend.

Tonight I missed out on tickets to see a new band which I am really excited about! What's more exciting is that I haven't completely missed out as they are fortunately returning in May, and the tickets are booked!!
I found Alabama Shakes, a couple of weeks ago, on a late night YouTube music rummage! As soon as I heard the lead singer, Brittany Powers, start to rumble away, I knew I was going to like what I was about to hear. After watching a few YouTube videos, I was hooked and couldn't stop listening.
If you are a fan of soulful rock 'n' roll, you will definitely be a fan of theirs! However it is not only restricted to this as their music is definitely infused with a touch of country and blues.
Brittany's gritty, energetic and incredibly powerful voice is extremely hard to turn your ears away from.
I am really looking forward to their upcoming album, Boys and Girls (due out in April). Although not that new in America, they have been creating more of a stir out there recently. I am pretty sure they will be welcomed with open arms to the UK music scene. If you are off to the Boston Arms tonight, enjoy!!

Shake up your Friday and have a listen to this.

In A New York Minute...Or Ten...! (Part One)

Well it's all been a bit manic in the fashion world in the last few weeks and it's only going to continue for the next couple or so as Milan and Paris are just around the corner!

I thought I would try and give you my belated NYFW round up, but in two parts. Little bit tricky when there is soooo much to talk about but I will try and keep it as short and sweet as possible!

Hmm...how to do this, where to start?! There are just too many great shows to talk about!
There are my usual favourites who did NOT disappoint by any means; Proenza Schouler, Helmut Lang, 3.1 Philip Lim, Oscar De La Renta, Marchesa, Rag and Bone, Doo Ri, Thom Browne and Alexander Wang (to be discussed in Part Two!)

Then there were the exciting new-comers such as Creatures of the Wind. Fellow bloggers went blog crazzzy over this new brand and when you look carefully through the catwalk show, you can see why. In my opinion it was a pretty playful collection but with a suave and edgy, country-like, tailored twist! Although on first glance you might be wary of its' avant-garde qualities, at a closer look it is a collection that is definitely wearable. They may not be 'safe' options in your wardrobe (i.e check out the red and black PVC dress!!) but they will definitely be fun and inspiring pieces to perk up those lacklustre wintery days!
My favourite pieces from the show had to be the cropped mint green (yes mint green is still around!) wide-legged trousers, the striped mohair jumpers and the incredible tailored jackets!
This creative Canadian duo bought something clever and diverse to New York Fashion week. It is a label that we should definitely keep our eyes on and I look forward to seeing their next deliveries at Dover Street!

(photos from vogue.co.uk)

All Hail The Stylists!

So on my day off, yesterday, I popped down to Somerset House to check out the fashion week scene (more on that soon...). I decided to dress myself up (a bit), as not only did I plan on heading down there, I also had another appointment in my diary.

Last night the Darkroom was holding yet another great event, the launch of Katie Baron's debut book "Stylists".

Due to my previously expressed admiration of this store, I decided it was definitely worth taking myself, my sore feet and sky-high Skovgaards (N.B my fav shoe designer), down to Russell Square for 8pm.
When I arrived on Lamb's Conduit Street, it was extremely pleasing to see such a good turn out. So with my camera in hand and bag full of free fashion week magazines weighing down my shoulders, I just managed to squeeze my way through to the pink champagne gaining a chance to browse through the book of the evening.
I have to say the book is visual beautiful and with Katie's extensive portfolio of experience, it makes a fascinating read. The book is exactly what it says on the tin; an eye-pleasing coffee-table book with stunning imagery of catwalk shows, commercial advertising campaigns and editorial shots from well-known, or as Katie discusses, previously not so well-known, fashion stylists.
Sometimes I think it is easy for people to forget just HOW important stylists are in this industry. When flicking through the pages of a chunky fashion magazine, quite often it is only the individual pieces that get taken notice of and admired. However it really is mostly down to the stylists (together with their collaboration with the photographers/directors) who make the adverts and photoshoots, what they are. Pulling together looks and stories for the likes of Vogue, I-D, Purple and Love magazine, needs incredibly creative and talented individuals. The result of their work ending in often completely ground-breaking images.
The book contains interviews with some of the industries key stylists including some of my own favourites; Nicola Formechetti, Tabitha Simmons and the undisputed legend, Anna Dello Russo.

If you are in need of a fashion fix then go buy yourself the book, a nice bottle of wine and sit and admire these artists' incredible work. 

Enjoy!

The author, Katie Baron (nice Acne dress!)

Inside the Darkroom.

Outside. Go and visit!

(Photos are my own.)

My Oh My, Marni!

I have to confess, I don't normally get that excited about high street x high end collarborations....HOWEVER, as many of you know, the next up and coming collaboration with H&M is Marni.
I am not going to lie, I am VERY excited!!

I am a HUGE HUGE HUGE Marni fan. FACT.
For me Marni is a brand that you know IS Marni as soon as you see it. Whether it be the leather, the wedged shoe, the print, the over-sized shift dress, the studded accessory...Marni's designs are endemic in the industry. There are a few brands who are able to continuously provide season after season of strong designs whilst still remaining true to their original style and cut of clothing, however Marni is definitely still ingrained in this category. Marni does not appeal to everyone, however there is no-one else in the market like them which is what makes them so special and unique. The qualities I speak about are something I always look for in a brand, their pieces stand out in all aspects including design and quality. Even if I cannot personally afford 90% of the collections(!), I still hold them as one of my favourite designers and will continue to admire them.

I was quite surprised when I heard, a while back, that Marni had confirmed their collaboration with H&M. I was rather nervous to see the outcome to be honest. The photos have finally been released and I am impressed. I might not be outside the store at 3am on the morning of the launch (March 8th)...but I definitely aim to purchase a piece or two.

Marni is the epitome of 'innovative' and still remains a true classic, which has been cleverly mirrored in the designs for H&M. I hope everyone else will appreciate their designs for what they are, as much as I do(!), and hopefully draw in more avid admirers!

(N.B Not just for woman by the way!! Marni for men is just as amazing!!)

Consuelo Castiglioni...I salute you!

Be still my beating heart....

     

   

 

.....oh Thom Browne, will you be my 'fashion' valentine??

(Thom Browne AW 12/13)

    

A man who KNOWS how to push boundaries!! 

I 'Heart' It!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! 

(not a fan myself...but everyone deserves a heart!)

The following print is from an exciting artist, who I very fortunately came across and have been in contact with recently.

The artist, Linda Zacks, resides in the ever so cool Brooklyn, NY. Her work focuses on a blend of colourful illustration and graphics with great prints depicting the 'darker side' of New York City! She has been commissioned for some incredible projects, including work for the likes of Sony, Target and various magazines. Hopefully we will be seeing her work on this side of the water in the not too distant future! (Will keep you posted!)

Hope you have a good day!

Personal iD!

Soooo I know this isn't anything new....but I finally decided to book an appointment with Nike iD and I thought I might as well divulge you in my experience!

I am personally not a huge trainers fan (apart from my beloved Converse X Comme Play that have been in the Thames and back...) however after having a lot of fun at home, expressing some creativity (i.e messing about with colours...) on their website, I decided why not?!
I was going to just buy them straight off the internet, however after reading a couple of articles I found the general consensus was to go into the store itself. So I called up at the beginning of last week to find out a bit more information and they told me I could come in when I like or book an appointment, and it should take about 30/40mins. Great!
I managed to drag myself away from sofa at the weekend to go and check it out. I have to say if you are thinking about doing this, definitely go into the store. It means you have the full experience and some of the colour swatches/schemes are COMPLETELY different to what they look like on your computer screens.
Something I realised from my Nike iD experience is that either I could potentially be a great shoe designer OR a complete and utter disaster at it...This being because I took over 1.5 hours, 3 x the suggested time slot!! Ooooops! I had every style of trainer and every colour/material swatch possible, laid out on the desk in front of me. I sort of blame it on my innate indecisiveness...but also just because there were sooo many options!
Do I go for cord, denim, suede, leather, dunk, air max, high, low, bright and crazy or safe and neutral colours...?!
JUST TOO MUCH!!!

I had SUCH a laugh with the, incredibly friendly and obviously patient, staff. We sat there at the computer and played away with all sorts of options. I thought I had FINALLY decided on the design of my 'Premium High-top Dunk' when I walked past the mirror and saw I had missed a design!! What had caught the corner or my creative eye, was actually a men's shoe. It was a vintage inspired colour palette on the Cortez. The colours were great and if I had been half a size bigger (this specific version not available to women) I would have bought them straight away.
Soooo it was back to the drawing board and we came up with a Cortez shoe that looked as close as possible, but with my own twist. It is an insanely comfortable shoe and definitely suits me more than the others, possessing a slightly more feminine, lighter and sleeker 80's feel. Dark blue suede (resisted the polkadots!), black leather swoosh, light blue lining, logo, laces...and I'm done! Phew!
I think they were glad to get rid of me after the whole designing debacle! The shoe will take around 5 weeks to arrive (a rather long time for a girl to wait for a pair of shoes, I know!) I am already excited though, and they were too! I have to say, looking at my personalised iD card, it really doesn't look like I spent that amount of time designing it! However as they say, it is completely your design, your inspiration and your shoe. Completely 100% unique.
You want, especially for the first time, a shoe that you will wear and be happy with.
(N.B If you are not completely happy you are actually allowed to send them back and start again. A great service, although should not really be available to people like me!!)

Exciting thought to think that someone somewhere is assembling my new pair of shoes and literally stamping my 'R-EBL' logo on it! I know it's no Christian Louboutin extravaganza...but I like them and hopefully they come out well. PLUS maybe it will start, probably to much future annoyance of the staff, a new addiction!!


Nike personalised trainers...Just Do It! (Sorry I had to get it in there somewhere!)

Fashion Week Mayhem!!

New York Fashion Week is in FULL swing.
I hope you have been keeping up to date with the shows! Very exciting stuff surfacing from the catwalks. Patent leather, Colourful furs, Red, Black, Slick, Powerful, Glamourous...its too much!!
Will be giving some of my own views v soon. Watch this space!

I-Spy Fashion Friday.

A few things for the weekend (mix and match, with some items from your own wardrobe, for some great outfit options!)...

1. Moncler Jacket
2. Acne Backpack (love this a bit too much...!)
3. Acne T-shirt
4. Ann Demeulemeester waistcoat (in the Feather's sale)
5. Felder Felder leather skirt
6. Carven jacket
7. The Foundry sunglasses
8. Margiela rings

Missing out!!

So tonight I was supposed to be heading to a new concept store, I accidently came upon recently, known as the Darkroom.
N.B This is a GREAT place and definitely worthy of many a blog post!!!!!
Tonight was the launch/private view of Hannah Martin's Labour of Love window installation, which I was really looking forward to. Unfortunately I have been struck down with the dreaded cold that is doing the rounds, so couldn't make it. Useless!
I am a big admirer of Hannah Martin's jewellery collections, of which beautiful prints from her sketchbooks are being displayed, as part of the installation. It is really exciting to hear the she has branched out into leather goods, exclusively on pre-sale in the store tonight.
I will be heading to the Darkroom, ASAP, to check out the window display as it is only running until 15th February. I advise you do so too!
The Darkroom stock some great jewellery pieces from very exciting designers, a long with modern interior goods, fashion magazines, and accessories for both men and women (in particular the awesome handmade Marwood bowties!)

Definitely a store to put in your fashionary!!

Hannah Martin's Labour of Love

An example of one of her new exclusive leather goods. Nice!

New Wave Photography!

Time to get cultural people!

Next Friday (17th February) is the preview night of the first exhibition, in the UK,
from United Creativity.
The exhibition promises some great work from young photographers based in Central and Eastern Europe.
If you can't make the opening night, definitely leave a space in your diary to drop in and check it out.
Not only is it an opportunity to check out some new talent, it is a chance to visit the truly fascinating, St.Pancras Church crypt!!

Diary...pen...17th February...Got it?! Good.

See you there!!!

T by AW 2012

I am rather a big fan of Alexander Wang and I LOVE his T by Alexander Wang collection.

If you want to spend a bit more on staple t-shirts or a jersey maxi dress with a bit of an edge, then this is the brand to invest in. They are beautifully made and a great fit (NB Make sure you handwash!!). Each season there are the classic black, white and grey T's and the masculine, striped, fine knit jumpers. The pre-season collection is full of popping bright blue and yellow pieces; including more sporty hooded jumpers and pencil skirts. Have already been very tempted...!

Over the last few years the popularity of his collections have increased dramatically and I expect this will continue for quite sometime. I know I will be posting about them in the future for sure!
I mentioned before that I had ordered an item from LN-CC, however this (sadly) did not work out...and so I returned to the Wang sale and purchased another item. I'm 99% sure it will become part of my wardrobe, just waiting for it to arrive from TheCorner.com!

Am already excited to see what's next to pop out of Alexander Wang's magic hat!
Check out his Spring 2012 T by AW video below!!

Get cosy!

This past week we have experienced some unexpected winter weather!
It was only a couple of weeks ago that I was discussing with my friends how we haven't had a proper winter and so haven't had the chance to REALLY wrap up!
HOWEVER as the snow is falling I think now is definitely the time to dig out those seriously chunky knits. Either it's your typical thick aran wool jumper, cheesy nordic christmas pullover or a ridiculously amazing Jil Sander cashmere sweater (the sweater of all sweaters I might add, thank you Raf Simons).
I know the SS12 clothes are taking over the stores at the moment but there are still sales going on and there are still some great knits floating about.
Some of the key winter jumpers/sweaters that really ticked the boxes for me came from...

Jil Sander... 

Jonathan Saunders....

and Alexander Wang

(I treated myself to the very cosy pink one on the right!)

Wear them with skinny black jeans, your heavy duty DMs, a bobble hat and you are set to hit the crazy wintery conditions!

Enjoy wrapping up!!!

Take note!

Whilst rifling through various different blogs a few weeks ago, I came across my ideal notebook. Go with me on this one....
If you are a fashion fan like myself, it is definitely something you should keep in your Proenza satchel or vintage backpack, to help you remember those random fashion ideas/prices/brands.
I am talking about the 'Fashionary'. It is a fab little notebook that has pages of information on sizing, care labels, shoe/hat/bag styles, pattern cutting, international fashion weeks, the list goes on!
Having worked in the fashion industry but never actually studying it at university....I am already finding it incredibly useful! It is really meant for sketching/designing however I am using it as my general fashion jotting pad.
I made a slight mistake in thinking you can't buy it over in the UK and so ordered it from Hong Kong...however this is untrue and it is available from a store (I am yet to check out) in Old Street, London! (http://www.3939shop.com/)

Go grab yourself one, in preparation for fashion week, and get scribbling those ideas!

Just before I go....Night x

Fingers Crossed!

Got a text from LN-CC to say my delivery should be arriving today (Friday)!!!
(N.B Rather impressive service in my opinion! Not many companies out there text you to get you excited about your deliveries! Will be talking about this store in more detail soon...)
My fingers are firmly crossed that my new purchase fit!
A bit of cobalt blue should (hopefully!) brighten up my winter wardrobe. Definitely a feature colour of the season just passed AND the exciting season coming up.
Will keep you posted on the verdict!
Signing out zzzzz

Bored this weekend??

Ever since I was about 5 years old I have had a HUGE passion for wildlife photography! I used to repeatedly sit for hours with my Dad turning pages of the same African wildlife book and would never get bored of it!!
My reason for telling you this is that last Friday I managed to get the final ticket to the late night opening of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year Exhibition.
I have to say, even though a little cramped, it is DEFINITELY worth a visit. Some of the most incredible photography I have seen. Simply break-taking.
So take yourself off to the Natural History Museum and have a look around.
The exhibition finishes on March 11th, so not long left! There are no more late night openings I believe, so definitely use a freezing cold Saturday or Sunday afternoon to squeeze in and have a browse.
Two of my many fav pictures have to be Daniel Beltra's horrifying image of "Pelicans in Oil" and Cyril Ruoso's "Tiny Warm-Up."
Enjoy!!


http://www.nhm.ac.uk/visit-us/whats-on/temporary-exhibitions/wpy/index.jsp

Happy Birthday!!

So today was my Mum's Birthday! I thought as my first proper post I might as well to use it to dedicate it to my Mum and also to say a VERY Happy Birthday!! 

I have to say my Mum is definitely someone who has developed her own style over the years. She has even worn things that even I thought were pretty daring! I am very lucky to have such supportive parents and I have to say she has definitely had an major influence on me in that she has always encouraged me to continuously develop my own style! So a BIG 'Thank You" and here's to my very stylish Mum! xxxxxxx

The beginning...

Coming very soon....!