How does one top a pencil skirt - made out of real pencils?

As the rain beats a steady, rhythmic pattern on the London pavements, the last thing one expects to see is a flame haired damsel riding a bicycle, in platforms even Naomi Campbell would shy away from, a black ring around one eye and a t-shirt that blares the words CLIMATE CHANGE or something to those odds. But if you had been in St. Pancras last night that isn't far from the image you would have seen, for it was the holy of all holies....Vivienne Westwood's SS14 collection. As a pale, red headed beauty walks onto the catwalk, hair covering her eyes, you wouldn't be surprised if it was Grace Coddington or Viv herself from 30 years ago. The shape starts to dance, moving around in an almost animalistic manner, swaying to the silent music....until she abruptly stops, lifts her head up and you realise it is the iconic, Lily Cole. Of course you understand now; the two women are trying to save the world one logo emblazoned tee at a time. The show that follows is quick and dirty - the way any Vivienne Westwood show should be. It is fashion in its purest form - wearable but with that elegant mix of eccentricity. As if the mad hatter were alive and well and designing for Ms Westwood himself. And the only thing better than that? My housemate was sat next to Anna Kendrick....Shawty get daaaahhhhhhn.


Vivienne Westwood Red Label - Vogue.co.uk

Now, some may say I am biased, but LFW is by far my favourite - Mary Katrantzou, Christopher Kane, Vivienne Westwood, Jonathan Saunders, Roksanda Illincic, Erdem, Marios Schwab....need I go on? Here are some of my fav pieces so far:

Peter Pilotto (Vogue.co.uk) - The AW13 collection was so spectacular I was considering selling a kidney to get even a tiny piece of it. Prints. That is the word I associate with PP - eye watering, hallucinogenic, utterly perfect prints. And what is this? Yes he has not only paired the on trend kaleidoscope print with a bell shaped skirt, but has made the entire ensemble pastel coloured. Incroyable.



Burberry Prorsum (Vogue.co.uk) - This is the show to be seen at. It may have gone through that strange chav phase, but now, you are only truly in fashion if you are watching the new collections strut down that runway - thank goodness they stream these things live now heh!! Pastels, sheers, lace, female boss suiting and underwear as outerwear was championed on the catwalks this season. Some of the outfits saw all of these things at once, proving the only way is Burberry. I wonder if they vajazzle??



Roksanda Illincic (Vogue.co.uk) - Taking a 50s housewife skirt and toughening it up is no mean feat. A Grease like flavour could be seen throughout the collection with high waisted, full skirts being worn with pretty tops and bows in their hair. Boxy shapes and monochrome brogues brought these pieces firmly into the modern day however, making an irresistible combination of...well... Danny and Sandy.



Jonathan Saunders (Vogue.co.uk) - To some, a trip to your Dad's wardrobe in the 70s, to others the perfect combination of the SS14 trends in separates. Block colours, knee length shorts, silks, boxy cropped jackets, sheer shirts...this man has thought of everything. But then again I supposed that's why he is one of the most recent British Fashion Council/Vogue Fashion Fund winners - keep an eye on this maverick, I believe the best is yet to come.



Mary Katrantzou (Vogue.co.uk) - If you haven't seen her pencil skirt (literally made with a pencil print) then you haven't lived. You know how Michael McIntyre is so funny because he tells us stuff about our lives we already know? Observational humour if you will. Well Mary does the same thing but with prints. A thousand mirror print flowers on a skin tight silk dress? Lipsticks chasing down the side of a bell shaped ensemble? It is real life....with a slightly less real price tag. My forever obsession - Brogue dress, mmmmmm.



And on that note I suppose I have to leave you with the Mary Katrantzou pencil skirt, which started out on the catwalk as this (telegraph.co.uk) .... yes they are real pencils...



And was translated into this (polyvore.com)...


See you tomorrow for more LFW fun!

Dress Like Victoria Beckham ....but by spending a lot less cash and eating a lot more burgers.

Hello!

How is everyone?? I took a little break from blogging because working is hard and I was tired when I got home...welcome to the real world right? But I am back and ready to annoy you all again. I had a wonderful birthday filled with friendship and love. I received a camera so I can take pictures of stuff I think is cool. To start with, I bought a few random pieces of clothing and will show you them!!

Top left is a really colourful tribal skirt!! It was from New Look and I believe was about £15. It looks so cute with a white sheer shirt or a champagne coloured sheer shirt tucked in!! Loads of gold jewellery and tan wedges??? Oh, go on then. The maxi skirt is a gorgeous orange and is from none other than my love - Tesco. £12 I think and the quality is wonderful. I wore this with a yellow and white polka dot top and brown ballet flats. Finally the two little things underneath are a black and (although it looks salmon) neon pink boob bandeau!! These are a god send!! I may be a little slow on the uptake, but finally I have arrived at the boob bandeau platform. I LOVE sheer shirts with bras showing underneath...so sexy. BUT, some of us have slightly larger...assets.... than others and a bra on show could be a little terrifying. So instead invest in a couple of these (£2.99 from New Look). They can also be worn under baggy vest tops and things with low armholes. So cute under white sheer shirts though. Just adds that pop of colour needed!!

Also I bought a dress from the H&M Concious Collection. It was a bargain at £14.99 and is made of Lyocell - an eco-friendly manufactured fibre. The collection is really cute so if you havent looked yet...well what are you waiting for?!!!!

I made a completely ridiculous birthday list of things I would never hope to get: Louboutins, Chloe bag, Burberry trench, Louis Vuitton luggage. You know, the staples. It made me think. Am I going to go through life wishing I owned all the designer things I want, get really depressed that I dont have them and spend a substantially amount of money...and shame...eating and crying into a Terry's Chocolate Orange?? NO!!! Well hopefully not. Instead I have been looking up high street copies of all the things I want and dear friends, I will share them with you. Here are my favourites...

(Left) Matalan £14 vs (Right) Stella McCartney £955.

Mirror print is so in right now - Stella does the cutest pair of trousers and a top to go with this as well....

(L) Asda £8 vs (R) Victoria, Victoria Beckham £950 (Net-A-Porter).

Another great print, with just a slight variation in price...ahem. Bring a whole new meaning to crazy cat lady.

(L) Topshop £28 studded slippers vs (R) Louboutin (Net-A-Porter) £635.

Everyone has studded everything. Dont get left behind as the only one who doesnt go off when walking through the metal detector at the airport.

(Top) ASOS £35 vs (Bottom) Jil Sander £1,540

The ASOS trousers HAVE to be mine. I will buy them and I will love them more than anything. Like Kate Moss said - nothing tastes as good as paisley print feels...or something along those lines.

(Top) Zara £39.99 vs the oh so lovely (Bottom) Mary Katrantzou £1,105

I am her greatest fan and I would give the earth to have a piece of her clothing (literally it costs the earth) BUT you can find a whole host of Mary-a-likes at Zara. So look there and try not to cry too much when you walk past the neighbour you have that grows pretty flowers that remind you of MK's SS12 collection. Sigh. You will be mine, oh yes, you will be mine.

And those are my favs at the moment. Look hard enough and you can always find a good look-alike. Its all about being a ruthless...and penniless (boo) shopper. I will bring you more as and when I discover them.

Some tidbits for today before I go:

- In A/W look out for metal toed heels and pumps a la Chanel as these are an extension of the lady-like trend happening at the moment.

- Also look out for heels with see through sides as Beyonce was pictured wearing. These were in a few years ago and I had a gorge pair from New Look, which of course I gave away thinking they would never come back into fashion again. Alas, even I make mistakes.

- Tulisa was voted FHMs sexiest woman... think of this what you may, but she has taken a lot on the chin recently....

- Preen, Jenny Packham (pretty much 50% of Kate Middleton's wardrobe is by JP) and Roksanda Illincic (Colleen Rooney was seen wearing their 'it' dress of the season to the horse racing - it was hot pink and had massive sleeves) have all either done recently or are about to launch collections for Debenhams. They join the likes of Matthew Williamson who has been there for a good while now. Remember that collections such as these sell out quickly so keep your eyes peeled. They are not as heavily advertised as collaborations with H&M etc, so you have to do your research. Or wait for me to tell you and then buy me a gift as a thank you!!

- Tomorrow is voting day!! Remember to make sure you vote for someone you care about or not at all!! Dont just guess as we could end up with some nut job!! Remember fashion is only as pretty as the prime minister's wife that wears it...

Hope you all have had a good day!

Night xx

I Got Them Moves like a silver clad Georgia May Jagger!!

Hello!!

I have spent the day with many little people - not dwarves, actual children. I am not going overboard with this whole Snow White obsession I am going through...don't worry. Those of you who have children of your own, or nieces, nephews, friends with kids etc will have at one point or another realised how lucrative the kids fashion industry is. My niece has more than a handful of pairs of shoes and she is just over a month old. Although I would like to say she is a medical miracle and can walk at such a young age, this is not the case. Instead she is dressed in the cutest 'Sunday Dresses' (the only thing I can think to describe them as) with matching leather cut out ballet flats. Now she looks just gorgeous in them, but they were at least £30 and she will neither walk in them nor in 18 years time call out to her Mum and ask where they are when she is packing her stuff up to go to uni. So what is the point of all this finery? It is because our kids/nieces/nephews etc are an extension of us. People will judge us on what they are wearing. The problem is however, that I see this as a legitimate excuse to spend horrific amounts of money on clothing for my niece and will also do so for any children I have. I bought my niece a pair of Nike Baby Air Force Ones and Converse Baby Hightops - which by the way really aren't that much cheaper than adult ones.... She will be fly, I will be poor. Alas, I currently have no kids of my own, so until then I will have to spoil my niece and continue bringing you advice. And so, on to...

M

Marc Jacobs A/W12

Fashion Trend: Metallics and monochrome - these are the new non colours to be wearing. If you go bright in the day, make sure you go silver, gold or monochrome in the evening. Everyone had an abundance of these looks on the runway - I have told you about Gucci's gold extravaganza before. Georgia May Jagger is in head to toe silver on the front of March's Haper's Bazaar....so you know shit just got real. We have all moved on from a full on cleavage showing sequin dress a la Beyonce at Glasto, so if you are going for silver or gold...or even gunmetal as I have told you before...look for unique pieces - jackets, skirts, tops etc. If you are nervous just get a bag, shoes or layer on the gunmetal necklaces. Monochrome works for everyone and we all have black and white pieces in our wardrobes, so get working on that. With it being such an easy trend, try and make yourself stand out by wearing a crisp white shirt under a black evening dress like Marc Jacobs did for his A/W collection. Marc has got it in the bag - do what he does and make the LBD into the LmonochromeD or the LmetallicD - it's just fabulous dahhhhling. [Photo from http://www.littleblackdress.co.uk/trend-style/show-report-marc-jacobs-aw12/]

Sleeveless Maxi Dress
Henry Holland £120

Fashion Item: Maxi Dress - Henry Holland. I will NEVER allow maxi dresses to go out of style if I can help it. I am in love with them. I feel like a princess when wearing one and even though all of my body is covered I usually never feel sexier than when I am in a maxi. They are indispensable during festival season as they cover up an unwashed body - they are also a wedding staple. I on the other hand like to throw a denim jacket over them and go out shopping. However you wear yours, please make sure you have an arsenal of them in your wardrobe this summer because bare legs are so passe....well for me they are anyway and who else are you going to take fashion advice from heh? I am a Henry Holland fan because he doesn't take fashion too seriously, which is the point isn't it? So naturally I am gunning for this sleeveless bone emblem maxi. Not a bad price either... Also...it is sheer, YAAAAAAAAAAAY!! http://shop.houseofholland.co.uk/collections/ready-to-wear/products/pre-ss12-sleeveless-maxi-dress#!gallery

Necklace Marni at H&M
£34.99 

Trousers Marni at H&M
£59.99

Store or Label: Marni for H&M - It is that time of year again...when the designers reach down and pat us little people on the head by creating a capsule collection for a highstreet store. H&M is the daddy of these collaborations with Stella Mccartney, Karl Lagerfeld and Versace being among those to have created designs for them in the past. I am sure Marni will be just as great - especially because Sophia Coppola photographed and created a small film about the collection. Tantalizing trousers, daring dresses and adorable accessories are what is on the menu. Metallic separates, leather tops, detachable jewelled collars and plastic necklaces are all on my wishlist - what is on yours? (http://www.hm.com/gb/marni?cm_mmc=Newsletter-_-20120223-_-GB-_-marni#collection/ladies/1 - all images and collection from here). It is available online and from select stores from 8th March - get your fashion sneakers on girls and get ready to run to your nearest stocking store...

Leather jumper Marni at H&M
£79.99

Mary Kantrantzou A/W12

Celebrity or Designer: Mary Kantrantzou - you all knew I was going to do it!! Especially because I did not write mix prints as my fashion trend - but I REALLY wanted to. I thought instead I would roll it all into one. Mary K is the QUEEN of mixed prints. Not only does she do it by wearing different printed separates, she also mixes prints within one item of clothing - it blows my mind. The entire fashion world is literally raving since her LFW showing at the beginning of the week. She not only has the mixed print trend completely under wraps, she also is a gold medallist when it comes to shapes, different materials and general uniqueness. She has done a collection for Topshop which has naturally sold out online - but you can still purchase pieces in NYC and Vegas from March - TAXIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!! If you still haven't checked her out, do so now....or be left behind in a one colour, shapeless dress. http://www.londonfashionweek.co.uk/designers_catwalk.aspx?designerid=939&seasonid=27

Right, it is Friday, do you not have a LmetallicD to be wearing?
PS - Congratulations to one of my closest friends Alex Barnard on her great internship offer today!! This lady is going to be the next Rachel Zoe so watch out for her! Get it girl!
Becky xx



Pancake Day - Nuff Said

Happy Pancake Day!!

So the Brits is on tonight - I hope you are all as excited as me!! I am going to watch the fashion very closely and then report back to you tomorrow!! I know you all can't wait. Let us pray that Jessie J has decided more is more when it comes to the amount of clothing she wears....

Talking of fashion... I went to T.K.Maxx today with a friend because I have heard that if you dig you can often find a good piece or two...and seeing as I am having a lack of money coming in, a good bargain is what I need. Mostly the stuff is from people I have never heard of. If you want shoes, bags or sportswear, it's not too bad. We went for a look through the knitwear and what did I find??? A SEE BY CHLOE dress for £70!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Alas my heart broke when I realised I would be hung drawn and quartered by my father if he found it....and he would. Apparently I get a look on my face when I buy something new - a look that says "everything is going to be alright". And seeing as I have been a stresshead lately I am sure he would know. So for now I must continue wishing I had said dress and be devestated that I don't. Way to be good with money Dad.

In WONDERFUL news though....I have found an apartment for the first month of my placement!!!!!!!  It is very kind of the people who have offered it up. So thank you, if you are reading!!! Now I have a place I will have to start thinking about other things such as food and wardrobe. Naturally I will be spending any spare money on clothes...I mean think of all the weight I will lose if I don't eat for three months - enough to look cute in the new clothes. "You bet your size 6 ass - Heh!! Size 4" will become my new mantra. Ohh 'The Devil Wears Prada' you always know what is right...except the cerulean belt thing. There were tons in T.K.Maxx.

Yay we move onto ...

K

BCBGMAXAZRIA S/S12
$598

Fashion Trend: Knife pleats - and pleats in general (what, there is a ton of things to write for P and I have to fit them all in somewhere!) Seriously though pleats have been gracing the catwalk. Very feminine, very chic, very old lady with a chunky cardi if you wear them wrong. Everyone from Roberto Cavalli to Burberry was showing them off. Luckily pleats can also be found on every shop floor on the high street - and perhaps even in your mother's wardrobe, so have a nose. Some of my favourite's have to be the ones from BCBGMazAzria, which are pleats in chiffon!!!! DO YOU KNOW HOW HARD THAT IS TO DO?!! Stop it babes, give me all of your collection. Can be found in dresses and skirts everywhere, so there is no excuse. Worn free flowing or tight to the body they will perk up even the dullest of office wear, party attire or even day to day coffee grabbing. Meet me at your favourite restaurant and bring your own knife...pleated dress. http://www.bcbg.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12617562&cp=2901570.3936812&clickid=cat_leftnav_txt&parentPage=family

DecalGirl Kindle Skin
Amazon.co.uk £17.99

Fashion Item: Kindle Case!! Now I am not condoning these because I LOVE the smell of a book. I love the feeling you get when you turn the page and I especially love being able to read the last line on the last page and ruining everything...what, we all knew what would happen at the end of HP anyway, don't look at me like that. BUT - a few people have made the point that you can carry round more that just one book in a Kindle, it is easier to hold and you can read it in bed without the light on. SO - if you are going to get one, you may as well look stylish. I almost bought this one from Amazon, just because it's cute. I can carry it back to front and pretend I have a Kindle - just don't show me up and ask me what I'm reading. http://www.amazon.co.uk/DecalGirl-Kindle-Skin-Doodle-Color/dp/B005Z446RY/ref=bt_atcg_mine_img_2?pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_s=center-1&pf_rd_r=1ZANM02JAVCQ11W9Q1W5&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=278742947&pf_rd_i=426479031

Store or Designer Mary Katrantzou - I am hoping you will let me off because her last name starts with the letter we are on today. I HAD to make her my designer because she showcased her A/W 12 collection at 9am this morning in London Fashion Week - breath-taking. Her S/S collection is filled with so many colours and print combinations you begin to think she has made one of those creepy eye puzzles. The structuring in her A/W collection makes me want to keel over and die because all my clothes are straight up, straight down. She is the new queen of prints and mixes them not with two pieces but all in one piece. I haven't thought something so wild and yet so feminine since Alexander McQueen himself was still head of his house. I really think she has one of my favourite, if not my favourite collections shown this Fashion Week. Every colour, every style, every pattern, every shape seems to be covered - she isn't just on trend, she is trend. http://www.londonfashionweek.co.uk/MaryKatrantzou

Celebrity: Karlie Kloss - the 'it' model of the moment. She has already been in Oscar de le Renta, Elie Saab and Dior Beauty S/S campaigns and that is only for this year....She is 19 and we all hate her - hate as in 'why am I not her, my parents obviously hate me'. She trained as a ballerina meaning she is graceful and has the body that most of us could only get on a 60 a day, no food diet. She has been ranked #3 out of the top 50 models; not too shabby for such a young age. She isn't a stranger to London or New York Fashion Weeks, so keep an eye out for her. She was in a Topshop video, at the beginning of the week, to highlight their 10 years of helping new designers into the industry - and can be seen in a Mary Katrantzou mini dress. Not that I told you Mary was where it's at or anything.

Now, all run, start watching the Brits and I will bring you a BRIT of fashion news tomorrow - haha!
Becky xx