London Fashion Week Round-Up

Yesterday saw the end of this season's London fashion week. Whilst I usually do my utmost to attend all the shows I get invited to, unfortunately this year I was only able to attend on the Friday and Saturday. Although I prefer going to shows in September when it's a tad bit warmer and the sun shines  a little brighter, I do have a general distaste for Spring/Summer fashion. Therefore, despite the cold, with the Autumn/Winter collections I was in my element and this season's offerings did not disappoint.

My fashion week kicked off with a Gothic and edgy collection by Jamie Wei Huang. Models walked seductively down the catwalk to, what I can only describe as, an Eastern European rock soundtrack. The colour palette was simplistic and likewise prints were relatively minimalistic. Chains, d-loop detail and leather however were heavily present giving the collection an underlying 'fetish' feel. Whilst it's undeniable that the collection was rather eccentric, it was the combinations of pastel pink and pretty fur that gave the collection a girlish/feminine feel that was both subtle and covetable. Watch my video below: apologies for the quality!

Day two saw the radiant contribution by Pavane; situated in the atmospheric Institute of Contemporary Arts this collection looked stunning against the backdrop of the exclusive and off location venue. The collection combined shades of deep emerald, charcoal grey and jet black with military style trench coats and floaty, pleated skirts ultimately coming together to create a divine AW15/16 contribution.

See if you can spot me on the front row of the Mariana Jungmann show.

 My favourite show of the season was by Mariana Jungmann. Her collection combined gorgeous AW shades of greens, greys and blues. Sharp tailoring came together with floaty skirts and subtle, laser detail. The neat tailoring complimented the minimal colour palette perfectly and thus created a very sophisticated and ready-to-wear collection. See my favourite looks below:

The show by Vin and Omi is also worth a mention purely because of its unique and wacky aesthetic. Set in a basement location this exclusive show proved to be a real feast for the imagination. The designs were other worldly and unlike anything else I saw this season. Plus, you might've heard that at LC:M this year it was all the rage for the male models to flash their private parts on the catwalk. Let's just say Vin and Omi followed suit with their presentation.  #freethepene 

Photo cred @VinandOmi

Photo cred @VinandOmi

Check by in a couple of days for my roundup of the utterly covetable collections from this season's designer showrooms at Somerset House.

O x

All I Want For Christmas...

People keep asking me what I want for Christmas. Well, isn’t it obvious? I want that man (the one and only love of my life Ryan Gosling) to be sat under the tree on Thursday morning ready to greet me with his infamous “Hey girl.” However, I understand he probably has other commitments on Christmas Day what with the new baby girl, time difference and living in a different country situation… So, just in case my mum hasn’t managed to get it all sorted, I’ve made a back-up Christmas list.

Now, before you judge my expensive taste, Christmas is, in my opinion, the season of decadence. If there's ever a time to indulge it's December. So, that said, my Christmas wishlist this year is a little unnecessary, hopeful and unrealistic. Still, 'tis the season!
Here’s what I’m hoping Santa brings me this year:

Necklace - Vivienne Westwood :£65, Bra - H&M  :£9.99, Top - Topshop :£45, Purse - Marc Jacobs :£105, Eau De Parfum 30ml - Giorgio Armarni :£45.50, Watch - Olivia Burton :£75, Foundation Primer - Laura Mercier :£29 and Book - www.amazon.co.uk :£12.50. 

What's on your wishlist?

O x

Say Whaaaaa? The Influx Of Slogan S***

If I'm completely honest, for a long, long time I was pretty much repulsed by the influx of slogan s*** that swanned in and dominated the fashion industry (I'm looking at you Moschino). However, as time went on I started to warm to them and, just recently, I decided they're actually pretty cool. For one, they're actually a great way to take something quite causal, like a simple t-shirt or clutch, and turn it in to something a bit more statement worthy. Plus, as the styles themseves are usually quite simple, it means the items have far more potential to transcend the ever changing trends than some of the other more seasonal items.  

If I had to pick an ultimate slogan piece it would be an Edie Parker box clutch (if you're unfamiliar with this designer then I suggest you google her now, she'll change your life... promise). But, as I don't have a spare £2000 lying around (sigh), I'd even settle for the massively iconic, bloggers' favourite, sold out 'Stressed, depressed, but well dressed' clutch bag by Zara. 

As I'm unlikely to get my hands on either items, I've devised a little lust list of my favourite slogan pieces available to buy now. The more tongue-in-cheek they were the more likely they were going to make it in to my wishlist. I know, I know, TOP BANTS. 

Well obviously...
New Look - £9.99

Why? Because YES, that's why.
Ohh Deer - £19.95

Missguided - £12.00

If I were to attempt to organise my life,
this folder would be far too fitting.
Happy Jackson - £6.29

O x

Baby It's Cold Outside...

I don't know about you BUT I've been feeling so festive lately! Maybe it's because the shops have started playing Christmas songs, my mornings have turned bitterly cold or my mother baked about 1000 mince pies the other day, but for whatever reason; the countdown to Christmas has officially begun. 

That said, today turned out to be the day I decided to break out my new Santa themed pjs.  I actually only decided to buy these because the tag said: “Happy Holly Days” and my childish humour found it ridiculously amusing. Pahaha.

Anyway. The festive feeling has hit me hard and now I'm dreaming about all things Christmassy; hot chocolates in front of the fire, slipper socks and onesie combos, matching faux snoods and mittens, Jim Carey in a green suit. You name it! If it's festive, I want it. See my wishlist below:

(Left to Right) Snood: H&M - £7.99, Snowman : Thornotons - £8, Felt Hearts: Next - £7, Mittens: New Look - £6.99, Soap: Lush - £3.10 per 100g, Bauble : Linea at House of Fraser - £4.20, Harper's Bazaar (December Issue) and Scarf: Topshop - £18. 

O x

One To Watch - Awon Golding

When I was at London Fashion Week earlier last month I got to meet some incredible designers at the British Fashion Council's (BFC) showrooms in Somerset House. This season specifically there was a huge selection of hats and head pieces. I think this stems from the fact that earlier this year, in February, the BFC set up their annual Headonism project and the focus was on headpieces. The result of such a renewed interest in headwear has meant that a selection of incredibly talented up-and-coming designers have all released really unique collections of hats and headpieces ready for SS15. One of these designers, who I was fortunate enough to meet, includes award winning London-based Milliner Awon Golding.

I remember seeing this at LFW this year and
yes; it is as incredible in real life.

What I love about her work is that each piece is, in its own right, really unique and stand-out. Yet, the collection still comes together to create something united and fluid. The fluidity comes from the inspiration for the collection; having spent an eclectic youth in India, Hong Kong and England, Golding drew inspiration for her collection from her Tangkhul Naga heritage. The collection combines bold colours, feather headpieces, intricate beading and the weaving of geometric patterns which are all inspired by the artifacts of the North-East Indian Naga tribes.

Before she became a designer Golding wrote for various Hong-Kong based publications as a fashion writer and editor. However she soon realised that she wanted to pursue something more creative and moved to London to accept an apprenticeship with Edwina Ibbotson, a renowned London milliner. It was around this time that she was awarded a Distinction in Millinery from the Kensington and Chelsea College. Following this she went on to design hats for the likes of high-street brands River Island and Topshop.

I'm a huge fan of geometric shapes and the only
hats I'll wear are floppy ones so this one is
a double whammy for me! 

When she eventually decided to set up her own label her creative flair and natural talent were recognised by The Honourable Feltmaker’s Guild and she was awarded first prize at their annual millinery competition in 2010. Furthermore, she was selected by Stephen Jones (renowned milliner) to feature in the BFC's exclusive Headonism project at Somerset House earlier this February.

A cheeky snap I took of the Headonism Project in Feb earlier
this year.

Now a well established designer Golding spends the majority of her time hand-crafting the pieces for her collection in her London studio. As well as releasing two seasonal collections per year, her hats are available to purchase at London's Liberty store and she also does private commissions for a wide range of customers.

For more information on the designer please contact Awon at info@awongolding.com, or go to: @AwonGolding or  www.facebook.com/awongoldingmillinery.

Thanks for reading my post and a big shout out to Awon for sending me the images of her amazing collection!

O x

Thanks to London Fashion Week I am now coveting...

Twice a year I head on down to London for fashion week. As well as running around for shows, queueing for what feels like the best part of the day and surviving solely off of weird vitamin drinks, I also get to go have a nosy through Somerset House at all of next season's collections. This year I was accompanied by one of my bestest buddies and the collections we saw were arguably the best yet.

For those of you who didn't get a chance to go, here's a little round-up of all the things I'm now coveting and a teaser look at next season's collections:

These statement necklaces by Nocturne are to die for!

I can't even put in to words how badly I want a Hemsley London bag.
 #wishlistproblems 

Zoe Sherwood and her amazing flying bird themed head wear. 

Shout out to these dreamy things for making me realise the potential in
 accessorising my shoulders. 

As a big tea drinker I feel this tea-cosy is more a necessity than an accessory
(ahem). 

Little wings and arrows came together to create the dreamiest of jewels
by Phoebe Coleman. 

HEMSLEY HEMSLEY HEMSLEY

O x

Book Review: Here's Looking At You by Mhairi McFarlane.

This is the first time I've written a book review and it's something new I'm trying out for this blog so any feedback or comments would be much appreciated! 

This is actually the second book I've read by Mhairi McFarlane. I bought the first one, You Had Me At Hello, on a whim as I was actually buying some books by John Green and it was on a 3 for 2 offer. However, that said, that whim buy turned out to be one of the best literature decisions I've ever made. And, in case you were wondering, the John Green books were, in my opinion, completely rubbish – sorry die hard JG fans. After finishing the first book I googled the author and realised she had this second novel published too. I purchased it immediately and began reading it practically the second it came through my door. 

Without spoiling too much, basically what the novel is about is about an incredibly attractive, single, History professor called Anna. Anna thinks she's moved on from the bullying she suffered when she was at school and is quite content spending her free time going on dates, helping her younger sister plan her wedding and hanging out with her two best friends. That is until she's assigned to work on a project with James Fraser, the orchestrator of her school humiliation, and her trust and confidence is put to the test once again. James, who fails to recognise Anna as the girl he mistreated in school, is going through a messy break-up with his wife Penny and the work project he is assigned to create with Anna becomes a distraction from his hectic home life. At first Anna acts coldly towards him but over time the two become friends and Anna begins to develop romantic feelings towards James.

I will say that this book has plenty of ups and downs, Anna's younger sister going off the rails being one of them and James' bitch wife being another. However, what would a romance story be without its fair share of turmoil?! What I love about Mhairi's writing style is that she is completely hilarious, hits the nail on the head again and again when it comes to accurately describing situations and feelings and, on the whole, remains very contemporary. For me, the way her characters react, think and talk is so realistic it actually makes the book.

Now that I'm getting older I've realised I can no longer read books aimed at teenagers as I feel they're just a little too 'young' for my taste. However, for any women in their twenties/thirties looking for a really funny, light-hearted and addictive read I would whole heartedly recommend this writer.Trouble is now I've read both her books, I'm a sitting duck waiting for a third!

Have you read any of her books or have any book recommendations for girls in their twenties? I'd love to hear your thoughts! Leave a comment below.

O x

Edeline LEE SS15

I was lucky enough to attend London Fashion Week for the second time this September and got to see some really amazing shows. One of these included the Edeline Lee SS15 presentation which I reviewed for styleldn.com. After a hectic four days (I didn't stay for the full five) and after viewing and reviewing countless fashion shows, I can honestly say that this one was one of my favourite collections! Admittedly this was partly because one of my best gal pals got to come see it with me, but it was also one of the most interesting, unique and creative shows I'd seen that week. For one, she didn't use too much floral print or pastel colours and thus her show didn't look like every other Spring/Summer line I'd seen that week. Plus Edeline Lee really pushed the boundaries with her demonstration this year and, for me, seeing her devotion and hard work in such a literal way was really something special. It's collections like hers that make all the hustle and bustle of fashion week worth it for me. Snaps for Edeline Lee!

Here are some of the snaps I got of her gorgeous,upcoming Spring line:

If you fancy having a read of my  full review then head on over to http://styleldn.com/edeline-lee-ss15/.

O x

Do it better in Helene Berman.

The good thing about turning our back on Summer is that we get to say hello to an entire new season and, if we're all being honest, AW fashion is waaaaaaay better than summer fashion anyway. Personally, I LOVE everything about AW. I love the ankle boots and array of faux fur, the influx of burgundy, wine red shades and grey, grey and more grey. Yet, above all of that, the thing I love most about AW fashion is getting to pick out a statement coat to see me through the season. This year I've gone with designer Helene Berman. Don't know her? Well you should. She's only an utterly fabulous up-and-coming British designer with a passion for everything heritage! It gets better; I bagged this fabulous piece from the ASOS sale for only £41! Jammy b**** you say? Hell yes. In case my enthusiasm for my latest buy isn't demonstrated accurately in this post, see the following images for an inkling:

#OOTD I'm wearing Jeans by ASOS, coat - Helene Bernam at ASOS, crop top by Topshop, faux fur snood -unbranded, shoes - H&M.

O x

Sunday, Bloody Sunday.

So how have I spent my week? Well, unfortunately following my return from London Fashion Week my life has been incredibly hectic. Realising just how much work I have to do and how much I need to sort out has just left me feeling incredibly hopeless and unmotivated. Wanting to pursue a career in fashion journalism and living in a small town really DON'T go hand-in-hand and the realisation that the closer I get towards reaching my goal the further away it feels has hit me sideways like a speeding lorry. Needless to say, I'm seriously lacking in motivation and teetering on the edge of depression.

(insert grey cloudy overcast here)

However, there are some positive to draw from this week including the fact that I've gone down a jeans size and landed a new job working within retail. So, to celebrate I bought myself a new pair of black skinny jeans from ASOS and some super chic loafers from Matalan. Plus last night was date night and I got to go to the cinema AND eat McDonald's at midnight in the passenger seat of a car, (a very nice car I might add).

Here's a little snap of me standing on the driveway with my 
newly purchased goodies earlier today.

I'm hoping this new job will open up some doors for me and, at the very least, help me save up enough money so that I can go and do an internship in London sometime after the new year. If that doesn't work out though at the very least I can now afford some new clothes. And after all, retail therapy is the best therapy there is, am I right?

After reading this I imagine you're probably think I'm a complete and utter tragic twenty something with the most embarrassing life. Well, you're right. But, Monday brings with it a new week and I'm going to do what I do best; throw myself back in to work and quit my bitching. This week WILL be better and hopefully by next Sunday I'll have something better to blog about, (she says).

O x