Its A Feminine Thing.

http://www.missguided.co.uk/zilla-cross-over-tailored-dress-5

http://www.missguided.co.uk/brigitte-mesh-insert-bodycon-dress

To Beth, and every other woman.

Now lets be honest girls. Its New Years Eve tomorrow and we're all wondering what to wear, and how to wear it. (Yes even you 'I'm not arsed ones' are thinking it.) Well as per, I'm hear to advise but more importantly I'll be giving advice on how to flaunt what most men mistake where your eyes are. 

Breasts. Yes women have them. Whether you're a AA or a FF, when it comes to dressing up for a night out, its all about what makes them look good, and what stops them from looking bad. 

Now I'm a 34D, so when dressing for the occasion I tend to look for something that will emphasize them...in a good way of course. So I often opt for something that keeps them in tact, or with a plunge neckline and underlying support. Note, my New Years Dress will be keeping them in tact this year. Above, this 'Zila' Cross Over Tailored Dress is going on www.missguided.co.uk for £26.99. As you can see from the image above, the dress is tailored to wrap around the bust thus holding them in but still drawing attention in the right area. Below, the Brigitte Mest Bodycon dress for £15 from the same site. This type of dress is usually worn without a bra, so for all you small busted girls, fear not you can show your cleavage off with a cheeky nod. Often enough, if you've got a bigger bust this kind of dress may leave little to the imagination, so opting for this type of look with a small bust is a better option. 

Couple of tips;

1) Invest in a strapless bra, these are perfect for any bust and any dress. This will help you feel more confident when out on the town.

2) Feeling a little self-conscious? Two words. Tit-Tape. It does exactly as it says on the tin, and with the right kind you wont need to worry about the cheeky exposure or two. 

Now if you excuse me, I've got a dress to parade around in. 

 

http://www.asos.com/Reverse/Reverse-Dress-with-Cut-Out-Harness-Top/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=2005434&cid=11057&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=200&sort=-1&clr=Black%2fblack

http://www.asos.com/ASOS/ASOS-CURVE-Exclusive-Drape-Dress-With-Flower-Crochet-Trim/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=1871808&cid=14552&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Yellow

Boxing Day Finds

photography - my own

Miss Selfrdige Skirt - £10

Topshop Necklace - £6.25

Firstly, I apologise for the late blog...been a tad busy lately!. Anyway, as promised here's my blog on what I managed to savage in the Boxing day sales! Now I'm the kind of girl who loves to sleep...so when the mother suggested an early wake up call of 9am, I wasn't best pleased. It did pay off however! Arriving in town for around 10am, I (like many girls did) went straight to Harvey Nichols and found my dream bag! The Alexander Wang Rocco bag going from £700 to £500! Obviously its not the best of bargains but it was a navy blue one with silver studs. Yes I tried to convince the mother it was a worthwhile investment...no luck.

Back to reality however! I found the following pictured in this blog. Firstly, the gold chained, black feathered with the glitter tips necklace in Topshop from £12.50 to £6.25. Perfect when combined with this ribbed green mini skirt, originally £22 down to £10 from Miss Selfridge! I wore this skirt and necklace with my sisters black, embellished New Look top, Topshop leather jacket and Topshop black sparkly pumps! Very now. Below, the Navy high, waisted mini skirt is from River Island originally £30 down to £20. Girls, navy is taking over next season, from casual wear to party wear!. When teaming this with my white floaty shirt, this made me feel a bit like Gossip Girls, Blare Waldorf. To finish off this look, the heeled leopard print, ballet pumps from Topshop; Originally £42 down to £20. So, overall I blew roughly £57 on sales goods...not too bad eh! Given I took more then I spent, for someone like me this is a personal achievement of the year alone!

Now if I can just break into those pumps..

River Island Skirt - £20

Topshop Ballet Pumps - £20

Its The Holiday Armadillo!

Photography - my own.

Happy Chanukah, Merry Christmas and Happy Kwanzaa to all my viewers! Stepping away from fashion for the moment, I decided to do a festive blog to match the season! I alone celebrate Chanukah and thanks to my family I received some rather lovely gifts. Hoping all you guys out there have a great holiday and get everything you wanted! Now you've all been reading my blogs so I'm hoping some of you are wearing what you've read! (Grandma's home-made jumpers anyone?). For all you Brit's it's Boxing day tomorrow, so if I make out alive I'll hopefully be able to blog about my bargains!

Anyhow, tis the season to be jolly so here's to another year and many more! Also, if its snowing where you are I suggest breaking into those snow boots and building a snowman, sadly its just dark around Manchester...

Happy Holidays everyone!

PS I can upload moving images on here! Happy days...

My Ideal Look

http://fashionfinder.asos.com/womens-outfits/a-rocking-night-140395

So last night I decided to have a browse on ASOS for some potential ideas come my New Years Eve Party. Along the way I came across the section 'Looks'  where you can create your own look for a particular style or event. Above and below are the two looks I created last night, The above one is my idea of a perfect London Fashion Week outfit. The Tartan trousers with zip pockets teamed with a loose black top and tailored jacket, left me thinking about the latest Alexander McQueen collection, and I love it. Followed with these spikey heels and feather handbag, these accessories finish off the outfit as well as drawing attention to the main pieces such as the coat and trousers. 

Below, is my idea of the 'London Boy' look teamed with black chino's, pale blue shirt, Barbour Jacket and Nike's, this collection overall says smart but casual as the shoes and shirt give it a more laid back approach. 

Now if anyone could kindly buy me the outfit above for NYE, that'd be great! 

http://fashionfinder.asos.com/mens-outfits/london-boy-140405

My New Fix

http://www.missselfridge.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33055&storeId=12554&productId=4311545&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=208025&parent_categoryId=208022&pageSize=40

Now we all know I was a little obsessed with the Versace for H&M range last month...(PS new collection out in January) ahem. Unfortunately at the time of release not only was I enduring a 3 hour marketing lecture, but I also figured I'd quite frankly be beaten to death in a stampede for that must have dress and those die for shoes. So instead I just read the reviews and dreamed. Fear not though, due to the recent hype of the collection, high street retailers around Britain have jumped on the band wagon and started creating their own  collections. River Island and Miss Selfridge are to name a few. Above are the 2 garments I've had my eye on lately, both from Miss Selfridge they have the 'Versace' inspired print including the chains, bold shapes and colours. The dress is £35 and the top is £38...can't decide which one I want more but I do have £5 off voucher thanks to my recent purchase, and with a 10% student discount in mind I could make the most of this! Stepping away from the Versace hype, I've also had my mind on this dress (below). For £120 its one of those dresses you'd want to wear to a dinner party or ball. Its combination of faux leather and dip-dye chiffon print gives it an edge when teaming with accessories such as spikes, studs or even simplistic jewellery alone such as a silver bangle. Overall, Its the kind of dress I'd personally opt for when wanting to finish off with gothic/punk inspired jewellery as well as a pair of killer heels. Looks like I've got something to hunt for come Boxing Day!

When East Meets West.

http://www.lushfabglam.com/2011/12/chanel-pre-fall-2012-extravagant-paris.html

As most of you know, I'm a bit of a Chanel fanatic. So I guess reading this blog on the latest Chanel collection is nothing new. However, the collection alone is.
The latest show to be held and designed by Karl Lagerfeld is the Paris Meets Bombay Pre-fall 2012 collection. Upon watching the collection being showcased via the Chanel website left me feeling rather intrigued, for a start the collection alone presents a range of garments, accessories and make-up all with a middle-eastern approach. I can't help but fall in love with the garments! The way they are cut and designed really brings out a new approach to fashion. For example, the colours in this collection range from Gold, Silver, Cream and Bronze added with a hint of Pinks and Blues. Followed with the embellishment and detailing used, each garment carried out the Bombay effect; matched with head pieces, nose pieces, flats and heavy eye make-up this was able to bring out a true middle-eastern beauty. Each garment is tailored differently, some loose and baggy others fitted and with fur line trimmings. You can see from the images how some of the materials appear heavy and thick, think an embellished pashmina...and I'm assuming that's how comfortable some of the garments are. Also, there was barely a heel in sight! Instead there is the use of tall flat boots, embellished sandals and shimmering pumps (not to mention the odd glittery chelsea boot or two..). Overall, if the show hadn't been labelled ''Chanel'' I alone would have automatically assumed it was a catwalk show presented in the East, let alone the West. Oh and on an end note, the way the catwalk is laid out is something new, different and innovative. Instead of your standard runway it is in fact, a dinner party! Yes quite literally endless rows of food, wine and candle's lit throughout the show as FROWer's watched. (Thats Front Rowers for those who aren't aware.) Ah to be one of those lucky....



http://currentlylovingit.blogspot.com/2011/12/paris-meets-bombay-chanel-pre-fall-2012.html

New York, I Love You

Taken at Times Square November 2009

Last night the mother and I saw the latest film 'New Years Eve',  its set in Times Square New York, where the countdown to 2012 takes place. Two years ago the mother and I went to New York for 4 days and 3 nights, to celebrate my 18th Birthday. For years I had always wanted to go, when I finally got there I fell in love with it all! The skyscrapers, busy nights and historic views left me wanting to live there.

Two years later and I'm still in love with New York, lately with the constant persuasion for my mum and I to go back followed with, whether I will or can move away from Manchester for a year to work there got me thinking, and I'm liking that thought.

There's so much to offer out there, as a fashion student I would kill for an opportunity to work out there. Now I'm the kind of girl who loves the city life and could see herself being a part of it. Naturally at the time when I was there, I took part in being a tourist and saw all the landmarks, next time I'm there however? I'm hoping to get a lot more out of it. Lets see where it goes, and who knows what could happen?

For now I'm just going to reminisce and searching the web for placements, so far I've found a few summer internships...

PS. This was me two years ago with long hair, and decent dress sense.

 

Statue of Liberty...no I wasn't trying to do an impression..

Get Leggy

http://www.missselfridge.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33055&storeId=12554&productId=3835490&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=208064&parent_categoryId=208035&pageSize=40

Now I've got more time to shop around for new clothes etc, I finally decided to go to town with the mother yesterday and lo and behold, I came across this. Now I've been wanting some leopard print leggings for a while now, originally I saw a pair in Topshop but never got round to buying them, so I found these in Miss Selfridge for £20, (well £18 with student discount). They are so comfortable and fit really well! Perfect for those lazy days. They work well with black boots and slipper pumps as well as leather jackets and blazers. Note, you don't want to make the outfit look OTT, so its best to let the leggings do the talking and keep the rest of your outfit simple, particularly the colour palette (i.e. black and white.)

This season is full of colourful and printed leggings, so now is the best time to invest in them! For those Christmas party's and nights out id suggest investing in something darker like Wet Look Leggings.

Below is a pair I found on the clothing website, Ark. For £9.99 its hardly dipping into your Christmas budget. Team these with an embellished cream top and a pair of velvet heels and your night is set.

Off to Ark I go..

That Jumper

http://www.boohoo.com/europe/clothing/knitwear/icat/knitwear/knitwear/kimberly-hooded-fairisle-knit-jumper/invt/azz73937

It's that time of year again, where we replace the summers must have dresses and chinos for something comfier. Yes I'm talking about those knitted jumpers you get off your grandparents each year, but fear not they are making a comeback! Its rather chilly right now, and with the winter festivities upon us now's the best time to sit back by a warm fire and snuggle up. Which is why I've got my eye out for something like this top (above). Its going for 25 Euro's on Boohoo.com and its worth the buy, this season's knitwear is all about OTT winter inspired knits with bold designs and festive colours. Not to mention they are easy enough to wear with leggings, jeans, shorts and skirts, and combined with this seasons must have boots.

Gentlemen fear not, it's just as easy for guys to pull this look off too! Below is a cardigan sold by River Island on ASOS for £45, if you're the kind of guy who likes to look good but keep it to a minimum then this is perfect. The colours are mutual and easy enough to combine with jeans or chinos, for those lazy nights. More importantly, the quality is at a good standard for this particular garment, so fear not lads you wont freeze! 

Fancy buying one myself actually.. 

 

http://www.asos.com/River-Island/River-Island-Arowana-Fairisle-Cardi/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=1912687&cid=7617&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=200&sort=-1&clr=Navy

This Is Style '88

http://ohnotheydidnt.livejournal.com/64530950.html

Now we all know the film and show This Is England, well with the recent come back of the television show This Is England '88, I decided to look into the styles and designs used to recreate this particular decade. 

The gang featured in the show are known as the skin heads, so you wont be seeing them dressed in smart suits and pretty frocks, but that's why I love it. The girls styles in particular vary from outlandish to boyish. Lol's style has a more androgynous look, Doc Martins and Fred Perry shirts..the actress alone make me think of Agyness Dean and Robyn combined.  Her sister however, has a completely different approach, her's is OTT studs and spikes, teamed with white lace tights and and black hair. Rather enjoying it actually. The guy's approach consists of stone washed jeans, checked shirts/ band t-shirts finished off with a leather or denim jacket. All in all, for a show filmed only recently I applaud their stylists and garment designers. 

Will I be channeling this look anytime soon? I'll keep you posted..

Anti-Heroine

http://www.hm.com/gb/dragon-tattoo#path=1.1.1&transition=2&duration=500

Following the highly anticipated sequel 'The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo'' comes something new, fresh and now. 'Dragon Tattoo' is the new collection by Trish Summerville being featured in H&M. With mixed reactions in the media lately about H&M, this hasn't exactly caused a media circus. Upon a recent trip to the Trafford Centre, I noticed the collection at the H&M there and was rather impressed. Its not the collection designed for everyone's style, but there is a few pieces I feel anyone can pull off. For example, the leather jacket featured above is £100, its got a biker feel but with a futuristic twist (note the detailing on the upper arm). Below, the tshirt is £13, it might not be the weather for it...but the frayed detail gives it an edge, come a night out this can easily be accessorized with a layered chain necklace and heavy arm wear. My final and favourite find are these earrings below; now if you've been reading my blogs you'll know i'm going through a faze with these kind of earrings. For £2 I'd be an idiot to say no, it might not be your cup of tea, but on a recent night out I lost one of my gold swirled earrings...looks like I'm going to need a replacement... 

The Kate Effect

http://www.entertainmentwise.com/style/66150/1/Kate-Middletons-Zara-Dress-Causes-High-Street-Frenzy

Its one of those moments again. Anyone who is an amid Kate Middleton fan will be keeping up to date with her style every second. So imagine what their reaction was when they saw her step out in this number?

We all know Kate's main brand is Reiss, often resulting in a number of dresses being sold out in a matter of hours. (Anyone remember that particular dusty pink number she wore when meeting President Obama and the First Lady Michelle? It's £175 and still being sold.) 

Well this isn't another Reiss moment, instead this is a Zara moment. When reading into this I was a little shocked, one because she's not wearing Reiss and two because its Zara, and only a few days ago did I walk past the one in Manchester to see it in the window display. (None left on the rails of course..) I have to admit, I do like it and for £69 I think this is one of her most affordable pieces worn yet!. Teamed with a Ralph Lauren Jacket, Kate wore this to Gary Barlows concert at the Royal Albert Hall. If I was one of those girls who bought whatever a celebrity wore, I'd have shopped in every Zara in the world. (Well it is a global brand...) For now however, I'll jut sit back and watch the website restock the dress. After all, within a matter of hours the dress had sold out...

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2071581/Kate-Middletons-Zara-dress-latest-frock-sell-hours.html

Innovation

You will have to take roughly 8 minutes out of your time to watch this, but its worth it.

Following a 3 hour marketing lecture, comes the occasional youtubing. I'm not complaining however, given it keeps me awake, and I actually learn something! This is one of them. 

Fashion isn't just about pretty clothes and skinny models. Its about innovation, and this can be from a new dress to technological advances. Often enough, I see these technological advances appear on catwalk shows but this isn't any catwalk show. With the opening of new stores comes the opening of new ideas. Ralph Lauren are promoting the opening of their new store with 4D projections that sum up the brand, this is used on the building itself, to create an effect. It comes across as a bit of a mind trick, but this was done in front of a live audience to demonstrate the brand. Not to mention creating something memorable. I cant describe to you how I feel when watching this other than 'wow' and 'I wish I was there' feeling. What I can say however, is how amazed I am with the way the brand is marketed, its different but more importantly its new. This isn't the first brand however, theres H&M's store opening in Amsterdam and Adidas' too. Have a flick through Youtube and you'll see what I mean. Enjoy!

Feeling Nippy

http://www.corridor40.com/2011/12/blog/look-of-the-day-sheer-goodness

Flipping through the pages of Grazia each week always gets me in a good mood, but this I couldn't prepare myself for. Eleonora Crisi is known to the fashion industry as a fashion designer, blogger, photographer, store owner and (no surprise) Italian 'It' Girl. So does it surprise you to see someone with a reputation like hers, to be dressed like this? I'm not. 

BUT. This isn't a rant regarding showcasing what most of us aren't use to seeing. Instead, I'm blogging about Eleonora to applaud her. In reference to my previous blogs on women asserting what the Big Guy upstairs gave us, this is part of it. The garment itself should originally entail something underneath i.e. a Bra or top, but Eleonora is young, stylish and lets be honest, the girl has a good set on her. Naturally I'll never do this, purely because I dont have the balls to, but I dont have anything against it. My question is, should this sort of thing be carried out more often? After all this sort of activity isn't hidden away in the fashion industry when it comes to catwalk shows, most designer's showcase their collection with women not wearing bra's and revealing a bit of cleavage. Eleonora is young, and is capable of pulling it off, and given this was in New York there is no law prohibiting her from doing this. On the other hand, should this sort of activity be seen as offensive? After all on a religious/ cultural aspect it's not exactly kosher. Still, the girl has something going for her, more importantly there breasts. She's not indicating perfection she's just letting us know what she's got and that she's proud. 

One thing I cant get my head around? She's walking around New York in December, where temperatures have probably reached as low as 2 degree's. How she hasn't contracted pneumonia baffles me....I catch a cold whilst wearing a coat and snood! At least her feet are warm though..

 

Modesty or Controversy?

Timeless Piece

With thanks to one of my oldest friends Kayla Wyner, for buying me this as a 20th Birthday gift. 

Jewellery for me, has always been one of those things that will never go out of style. Looking back, when I first started to take an interest in fashion I would often opt for quirky jewellery, that stood out with an outfit. In fact, the first thing I ever bought from Topshop alone was a pair of guitar pick inspired earrings that where red and gold (looked a cross between a heart and a pick anyway...)

So when I hopped down to Sheffield on saturday and saw Kayla (after almost 3 months). She presented me with this. I have to admit, I love it! Its exactly what I'd buy, in fact I was going to at one point. The best part about this necklace is the originality it has; its at a perfect length for me and goes with everything. More importantly, It's unique, something I always opt for with jewellery. As well as this Kayla also bought me a pair of dove earrings, something I've owned in the past. Again, something I'd opt for. 

Thank you

The Real Deal

http://www.hm.com/gb/product/92926?article=92926-C#cm_vc=SIMILAR_TO_PD

As some of you are probably aware by now, H&M have caused a uproar after recently being discovered for using computerised models to advertise their underwear and swimwear collection. The Swedish clothing brand have gained a lot of attention in the press lately for the Versace range hype. However, this is a world where when something good happens, something bad will follow. Naturally this news isn't disastrous, but it does make you think, if the brand resorts to using computerised models to model the underwear etc, are real women not good enough? As you can see from the above images, the ''model'' has the same pose, posture and shape but with a different head and skin tone. I love H&M but when it comes to underwear, it just doesn't cut it for me. I applaud brands and designers who use REAL women when modelling their underwear, such as Figleaves. Girls don't let the models stop you from wearing and flaunting what you've got. We've got a lot to offer after all...

http://www.figleaves.com/uk/product.asp?product=figleaves-intimates-Ruby-dd+-Non-Padded-Balconette-Bra&product_id=FIG-AW102123&size=&colour=Lilac/Purples

Its All Snood To Me

Im no poser...honest.

As a fashion student, observing trends and styles is just one of those things for me. Seeing everyone around me wearing these throughout the winter season got me thinking, why am I not wearing one!? Upon further research, I decided to have a gander on the high street to see what was best to buy. River Island and Topshop have done some promising styles, especially for colour and fabric. However, I live in Manchester, and we've had some pretty rough winds and chilly nights lately. So on a shopping trip to Primark over the weekend I came across this little number. Its SO comfortable, hands down it beats all my other scarves in terms of comfort, durability and style. It got me through the mad dash on saturday as I legged it through town to grab the Sheffield train that night. Even in Sheffield it was one comfy number. The best bit? It was £5. Girls grab it while you can!

Snood; £13 from River Island. A personal favorite 

Furry Instinct

http://www.riverisland.com/Online/women/accessories/hats

Remember when we where kids, and our parents use to dress us in the cutest of winter knits? Including cuddly animal knits? Well its time to get back in to this feeling as the latest winter accessory is looking cute.

Across the high-street there has been a number of cuddly hats to wrap up in, but River Island's latest range has given winter a twist. Above is one of there hats for £16, I tried it on earlier today and to be honest? I actually liked it! Now I'm one fussy girl when it comes to hats, can never find one that fits or looks good! But these are just too cute. Below the tiger one is £19, if you know fashion and have a good sense of humor then this the best one, personally I'd applaud you for wearing it. 

If however, you aren't a big fan of this particular style, below are a couple hats for a more simplistic approach to the cuddly look. I personally find this grey beanie hat adorable, for £15 its hardly breaking the bank.  Or for those with a darker side, this furry black number with pointy ears just screams 'meow'...at £18 its something to consider. Go on girls, give in to your inner child this winter.