A bit o'music for a funkin' good Friday!
Thanks for reading! Here's to lots more posts this year! x
Friday, 1 February 2013
Hitting the 1 year!!
Just realised my blog is 1 year old!! Woohoo!!
A bit o'music for a funkin' good Friday!
Thanks for reading! Here's to lots more posts this year! x
A bit o'music for a funkin' good Friday!
Thanks for reading! Here's to lots more posts this year! x
Saturday, 26 January 2013
I Dreamed a Dream....
....of Haute Couture!!
Have you been watching the live streaming of the Haute Couture SS13 shows in Paris?? I really hope so.
I have to confess (as previously stated not being a fashion pro...) that I have really only previously skimmed through the Paris Couture shows. Yes, yes, shocking I know.
This time round has been different for me for some reason. I have taken a lot more notice of each show.
I am not even a huge Chanel fan, however I was mesmerised by the show. I've always admired Karl's work but something about the slightly sinister but graceful display of genius craftsmanship, completely grabbed me (plus the distracting thought as to why Rita Ora was sat on the front row. hhhm...) Just the set alone, which the Chanel shows are renowned for, was so ethereally beautiful. I think it was the high-rise trees staring down at the twig-like models that did it for me! It was actually a very simple set (compared to previous Karl extravaganza's) however very bold and striking.
Then there is Valentino. Again not a huge fan but when it comes to Haute Couture it cannot be ignored. It stood out to me as a definitive Haute Couture collection. Every piece was extremely special and that is what you expect when it comes to these collections. Check out the exquisite detail on the dresses below. I love love love the shape of the white floor length gown and if you would ever want to be seen in a jaw dropping red dress, that has to be at the top of the list!
It was another enchanted evening when it came to Raf Simon's collection for the house of Dior. Raf continues to step up to the challenge as Galliano's predecessor and it is clear he is not a man to doubt, even when it comes to couture. This was a more modern and "Simon's simplistic" take on a Couture collection which may have its criticisms, however the essence of the classic french couturier craftsmanship was still evident throughout.
Another exciting addition to the couture fashion week was Maison Martin Margiela. They are brand new to this section of fashion and as usual they had their own take on the meaning of couture. Using previous designs as inspiration the fashion house's individuality exploded down the catwalk from the get go. Masked models took their first strides in paint stroked dresses and finished off with feminine beaded silks. Maybe not your usual couture outfits but definitely something different and worth taking note of.
Hundreds and, in most cases, thousands of hours are put into the production of these individual stunning couture outfits and there is of course a price that comes with them!! But why not I say. Ok, there is not a chance in hell that I would be able to afford a piece of couture like the ones on the catwalk but I don't judge couture for its prices. When there is this amount of detail, time and effort put into each piece, it can't be anything but extortionately expensive. The kind of women who are there at the shows are there to buy a piece of history and I believe some of these SS13 collections are providing them with that.
So there we have it. I decided to go with my first proper post of 2013 as being devoted to the beauty of the fashion world that is Haute Couture. It deserves it right? I think so. Check out the live streams of the shows and I can guarantee you won't be disappointed.
(photos courtesy of vogue.co.uk)
Have you been watching the live streaming of the Haute Couture SS13 shows in Paris?? I really hope so.
I have to confess (as previously stated not being a fashion pro...) that I have really only previously skimmed through the Paris Couture shows. Yes, yes, shocking I know.
This time round has been different for me for some reason. I have taken a lot more notice of each show.
I am not even a huge Chanel fan, however I was mesmerised by the show. I've always admired Karl's work but something about the slightly sinister but graceful display of genius craftsmanship, completely grabbed me (plus the distracting thought as to why Rita Ora was sat on the front row. hhhm...) Just the set alone, which the Chanel shows are renowned for, was so ethereally beautiful. I think it was the high-rise trees staring down at the twig-like models that did it for me! It was actually a very simple set (compared to previous Karl extravaganza's) however very bold and striking.
Then there is Valentino. Again not a huge fan but when it comes to Haute Couture it cannot be ignored. It stood out to me as a definitive Haute Couture collection. Every piece was extremely special and that is what you expect when it comes to these collections. Check out the exquisite detail on the dresses below. I love love love the shape of the white floor length gown and if you would ever want to be seen in a jaw dropping red dress, that has to be at the top of the list!
It was another enchanted evening when it came to Raf Simon's collection for the house of Dior. Raf continues to step up to the challenge as Galliano's predecessor and it is clear he is not a man to doubt, even when it comes to couture. This was a more modern and "Simon's simplistic" take on a Couture collection which may have its criticisms, however the essence of the classic french couturier craftsmanship was still evident throughout.
Another exciting addition to the couture fashion week was Maison Martin Margiela. They are brand new to this section of fashion and as usual they had their own take on the meaning of couture. Using previous designs as inspiration the fashion house's individuality exploded down the catwalk from the get go. Masked models took their first strides in paint stroked dresses and finished off with feminine beaded silks. Maybe not your usual couture outfits but definitely something different and worth taking note of.
Hundreds and, in most cases, thousands of hours are put into the production of these individual stunning couture outfits and there is of course a price that comes with them!! But why not I say. Ok, there is not a chance in hell that I would be able to afford a piece of couture like the ones on the catwalk but I don't judge couture for its prices. When there is this amount of detail, time and effort put into each piece, it can't be anything but extortionately expensive. The kind of women who are there at the shows are there to buy a piece of history and I believe some of these SS13 collections are providing them with that.
So there we have it. I decided to go with my first proper post of 2013 as being devoted to the beauty of the fashion world that is Haute Couture. It deserves it right? I think so. Check out the live streams of the shows and I can guarantee you won't be disappointed.
(photos courtesy of vogue.co.uk)
Tuesday, 22 January 2013
Getting Back My "Fashion Groove"!
Well there isn't really any point in me apologising for the lack of writing on this blog recently.
I apologised a few times at the end of 2012 and I'm not quite sure what happened...hhmm...
All I can say is, 2012 was probably one of the fastest moving years of my life!! Where did it go?!
Aaaannyway I won't bore you with excuses. I have decided to get back on with it and fire up that fashion spark again (some new clothes in the sales have definitely helped! :p).
I'm not going to go straight into a fashion focused post as I have a few decisions to make on where to start. What should my first fashion post of 2013 be about...? Paris Couture (wow!), the sales (hhmm depressing..?) or something completely random like a new brand (& Other Stories perhaps?) Well we shall see what brain comes up with I guess!
To start off though I want to get a bit of new music back on here. Ok they aren't THAT new but new to my playlist and I have a feeling they will be on repeat for quite a while. Not majorly upbeat but I think the guy has a great voice and plus the name of the band is pretty topical right now!
So here we are. I introduce, Snowmine.
I apologised a few times at the end of 2012 and I'm not quite sure what happened...hhmm...
All I can say is, 2012 was probably one of the fastest moving years of my life!! Where did it go?!
Aaaannyway I won't bore you with excuses. I have decided to get back on with it and fire up that fashion spark again (some new clothes in the sales have definitely helped! :p).
I'm not going to go straight into a fashion focused post as I have a few decisions to make on where to start. What should my first fashion post of 2013 be about...? Paris Couture (wow!), the sales (hhmm depressing..?) or something completely random like a new brand (& Other Stories perhaps?) Well we shall see what brain comes up with I guess!
To start off though I want to get a bit of new music back on here. Ok they aren't THAT new but new to my playlist and I have a feeling they will be on repeat for quite a while. Not majorly upbeat but I think the guy has a great voice and plus the name of the band is pretty topical right now!
So here we are. I introduce, Snowmine.
and a bit of an acoustic sesh...
Tuesday, 25 September 2012
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)
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)
Monday, 24 September 2012
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
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
Thursday, 5 July 2012
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.
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.
Friday, 29 June 2012
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.
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)
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