Bloggers Fashion Week Tag by Bloggers Love

So last night I attended the Bloggers Love Fashion Week event in Shoreditch, which consisted of a gifting lounge, a tea party, an Alice in Wonderland makeover and a fashion show. In the lead up to the event, Bloggers Love asked bloggers to take part in their Bloggers Fashion Week Tag, which of course, is Alice in Wonderland themed. I squealed a bit when I saw this because I'm a bit of an Alice in Wonderland geek. 

Are you more of an Alice, a Mad Hatter or a Queen of Hearts? 

Definitely a Mad Hatter. No question about it. He loves tea and cake and judging by his attire, his personal style is on point. Also, he's entirely bonkers. But shall I tell you a secret? All the best people are. 

If you could only take one of your possessions down the rabbit hole, what would it be?

Well I doubt there's wifi down there so laptop and phone would be pointless. I think I would take my Ipod. It seems pretty crazy in Wonderland so maybe some music could help me to stay sane. Not that I wouldn't mind going Mad Hatter bonkers, but throwing teacups to some Marmozets sounds pretty fun. 

If you could choose one Youtuber to have a tea party with who would it be?

Zoe London. We could have a mad hair colour themed tea party and get the Hatter to fashion us some wacky head pieces. 

How would you verbally slay a real life Jabberwocky eg. anxiety, confidence issues etc?

With a huge, long rant. I rant on here quite a lot about issues that irk me and when I've got something to get off my chest. So I'd either slay him with my reasoning or rant him to death. I definitely feel that when dealing with those issues, getting it off your chest, no matter how aggressively, and to whoever will listen, can be so therapeutic. 

Which brands would you add to your teapot to create your perfect Bloggers Fashion Week brew?

Definitely having some Lush in there for a nice smelling brew. Obviously it's got to taste nice, and it would be an added bonus if it was healthy too, so having some Slendertoxtea in there makes a lot of sense. Maybe if I put some Umberto Giannini in there, my hair would become luscious and voluminous upon drinking it. Wouldn't that be nice? 

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The Big Pink - OOTD

Ok don't freak out! Yes I am wearing pink. I'm still a bit surprised myself. 

Raglan Slogan T-Shirt - H&M 

Cut-Out PU Leather Skirt - Pretty Lavish 

Shearling Collar Biker Coat - Missguided

Silver Cleated Sole Shoes (only black available now) - H&M

White Packpack - New Look

So I was browsing the Missguided sale one day and stumbled across this coat. Usually, I wouldn't look twice at a pink coat, but there was something about the shade and the cut that stopped it from looking so 'girly'. I could actually see outfit potential, and ways in which I could add my own touch of grunge. The shape is also quite new for me too. I'm stuck in the mindset that because I have curves, everything I wear has to be fitted, but I'm slowly realising that actually, some shapeless garments can also look quite flattering. 

I think my hair helps with a coat of this colour. It's a good contrast and sets the tone for the rest of the look. It's faded a lot, and can barely be recognised as purple, but I'm actually enjoying the two-toned blue at the moment. 

As for the top and the shoes, they're the kind of pieces you walk past in a shop and think 'Oh come on, it would be silly of me not to.' The word mermaid gets thrown around a lot in reference to my hair, so I thought the slogan was very apt. 

I don't think I really need to explain my mentality behind buying the shoes. They're shiny, they're the same shape as the classic Dr Martens 1461 shoe, AND they have cleated soles. Need I say more? They're surprisingly comfortable, and actually, go well with a lot (I got them soo muddy whilst taking these pictures). 

I'm still getting my head around the fact that I own a pink coat, but I'm really looking forward to coming up with some looks that make it work for me. 

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Alexander McQueen Savage Beauty Exhibition at the V&A

 I must have typed and erased twenty or so sentences just trying to come up with a way of explaining the way I feel about Alexander McQueen.

I still remember the very first time I became aware of him and his extraordinary talents: I must have been 15 at the time, bored at home and aimlessly flicking through the endless reel of channels Sky had to offer, when I stumbled upon Fashion TV. I wouldn't usually have given the channel a second thought, but I found myself mesmerized by a fashion show unlike any I had seen before. As a teenage emo kid, I had relished in rebelling against the norms of fashion, sticking screws through my school tie and buying as much of Camden my pocket money could get me . My idea of  'fashion' at the time was whatever the popular kids who used to bully me were wearing, so obviously I'd never taken much of an interest.

It was McQueen's A/W 2008 The Girl Who Lived in the Tree collection that I was watching and I was transfixed by the depth of his imagination. The idea that fashion could be so dramatic was new to me. Don't get me wrong, I'd seen couture gowns before, but they never evoked any emotion in me, only a desire to feel what it was like to wear something so exquisite. With McQueen it was different. With each garment I was reminded of historic eras and figures, exotic lands, and fairy tales from my childhood. I longed to know and understand the story and influences behind the collection. I wanted to get inside his head.

McQueen once said 'I came to terms with not fitting in a long time ago. I never really fitted in. I don't want to fit in. And now people are buying into that.' For a lot of 15 year-olds, fitting in and figuring out who you are is a huge social headache that can make things pretty shitty. So to stumble upon someone who was so highly respected and successful in the fashion industry as a result of rejecting conformity and exploring the components of himself and his imagination that set him apart from others was not only comforting, but inspiring. 

I followed and immersed myself in McQueen's past and present work, amazed that there was no end to his talents and lust for challenging conventions and making people think. 

There was a huge black hole in the world of fashion after his sudden suicide in 2010.Having followed his work so closely, I always got the impression that his mind never stopped and that his thoughts were sometimes quite chaotic. I think everyone mourned his talent and was saddened at the fact that such a personality had been lost. 

I was gutted when I found out the Savage Beauty collection was going to the Metropolitan Museum in America. Considering McQueen was British, and a lot of his work showcased how proud he was to have lived in London, I do think it's a shame that we've had to wait four years for the exhibition, but now that it is finally here, I implore anyone with a love of not only fashion, but art, expression and creativity to go and see it.

Featuring pieces from his early fashion career that have never been showcased before (not even at the Met) this retrospective exhibition is an opportunity to see up close collections that are mind blowing when viewed from behind a computer screen, but up close are simply surreal and outrageously intricate. 

Even though the drama of the shows themselves are gone, the V&A have done a spectacular job of recreating the tension and thrill, with music from the shows playing as you take in not only the clothes, but the striking rooms in which they are set. From a cavern with walls covered in skulls and bones to a room that looks like it's been lifted out of a royal palace, the garments look at home in these settings. 

You can't help but spend a good 5 minutes on each piece, trying to glue it to your memory, hoping you never forget the razor-sharp tailoring or the astounding craftsmanship. 

I do have a few gripes with the exhibition however. Firstly, some of the pieces weren't lit as well as they could have been. I can't be alone in wanting to see the shoes of an outfit, yet many of them were impossible to see due to the lighting only focusing on the main garment. Lighting was also an issue when it came to trying to read the notes that went along with the collections, which were almost always impossible to read. But the thing that upset me most, was that McQueen himself was missing from the exhibition. Those behind the exhibition have failed to mention the context behind each collection, which I feel is crucial to understanding the person behind the creations. McQueen used his work as a way of making controversial points about societal topics he was aggressively passionate about. That grit is absent, and as a result I feel we as viewers only get half of the story. 

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Little Black Dress - OOTD

After having a manic week in London on work experience, a casual outfit of the day was on the cards.

Beanie Hat - Primark

PU Leather Jacket - Missbehaver

Vintage Plaid Shirt - Rocket 

Little Black Dress Slogan Tshirt Dres - Chiara 

Over-the-knee socks - Asos

Boots - Dr Martens

So if you read my last week's 'Important Two Weeks Ahead' post, you'll know that I've had a very busy week commuting to and from London doing work experience at New! Magazine and as a result I've struggled to find time to post as regularly as I usually do. So apologies if it has been a bit of a ghost town on here.

Reaching a new level of tiredness inspired me to do a more casual outfit of the day post.However,  I do struggle to do casual in a stylish manner; it's usually just pyjama bottoms and an old oversized t-shirt so even this was a bit out of my comfort zone. 

I had this Little Black Dress slogan tshirt dress on my Pinterest for ages, but when I saw it was in the sale for £4 it was a no brainer really. I could see it dressed both up and down, and thought it would be a handy but simple addition to my wardrobe. 

I love how wrap-around shirts are becoming a statement feature, and I really think this vintage plaid one that I picked up years ago from Rocket helps to cut into the monochrome and bring some colour ( and it kept my bum warm). 

This is a really basic outfit so there isn't much to say about it really other than if you play around with a few basic bits in your wardrobe you can actually come up with something new and even bring an edge to something you thought was stuck in one particular style. 

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Milan Fashion Week: A Summary

The Italians are know for their passion, their romance and powerful expression, and at this season's Milan Fashion Week, designers poured their hearts into their collections, allowing us to feel as they felt. From celebrations of motherhood to sensuous displays of the female body, these collections encourage us to express ourselves and our emotions through our clothes. 

Here are my favourites: 

DSquared2

If you want to know how to make the garments of Canadian Indian Tribes fashion forward, than look to DSquared2. The influence shouts out at you through a hodgepodge of mismatched layers, textures and styles. This collection features the obvious components of tribal garb, from draped ponchos and peasant dresses to tribal patterns and trims, tassels and fringing galore. However throw in some sparkling jewelled accessories and heavily embellished sandals and you've got yourself a collection that people can't take their eyes off. 

Salvatore Ferragamo

Salvatore Ferragamo demonstrated a sleek exploration of geometry in their latest collection. Lines and rectangles in a variety of forms featured a range of fabrics from leather to tweed. The look was very lustrous and tactile, with sheer chiffon inserts and fluid silk dresses. contrasting with wooly capes and ponchos. 

Trussardi

The androgyny of this collection was edgy and dark. With short, slicked back hair reminiscent of the 90s, the sleek silhouettes of the models were constructed out of minimalistic leather in neutral , earthy tones of grey, beige, teal and brown. Oversized coats billowed over feminine dresses and camisoles whilst boned tops and corsetry maintained an element of rigidity and form. 

Dolce & Gabbana

In a collection titled Viva la Mama, Dolce & Gabbanna celebrated mothers of the world with a unique runway show that not only featured stunning garments, but baby bumps and toddlers too. I can imagine it must have been quite hard to focus on the collection with so much cuteness and emotion going on, but Dolce & Gabbana made sure their pieces not only stood out, but reflected the concept of the show. The rose is a signature motif for the designer duo, and was out in full bloom for this collection. 40s style skirts and white shift dresses were embellished with embroidery, sequins. lace and innocent Crayola scribbles, whilst others featured prints of the Madonna and child. With a predominantly female audience, I don't think there was a dry eye in the house. 

Emilio Pucci

There's a definite love for velvet going on this season. Velvet blazers, capes and hot pants featured in the Emilio Pucci collection, and contributed to the 50s vibe. The monochrome psychedelic prints might have had a part to play too. Oh and the thigh high boots. AND the flared trousers. So basically the collection oozed 50s glamour. 

Antonio Marras

Collections like this demonstrate why fabrics are the dominant feature. The use of upholstery fabrics and tapestry prints set this collection in a realm of formal bohemia. The symmetrical embroidery is romantic yet meticulous, whilst the hues of pale pinks, dusty blues, crimsons, and blacks keep it feminine. 

Roberto Cavalli

Animal prints are a given when it comes to Roberto Cavalli. In this collection however they blend in with the other prints. They are not the main feature. It is in fact the textures and silhouettes that do the talking here. Knitted and silk dresses adorned with ruffles, frills and ribbons make for tangible garments that billow and move as if alive, contrasting with the rigidity of military parkas, cargo skirts and corduroy. 

Ermanno Scervino

Houndstooth rules this collection. You'd think it'd be boring seeing garment after garment of the same pattern, but the variety of creative ways in which it is displayed keeps you guessing. There was no overarching style that tied this collection together. It is more an exploration of fabrics, shapes and patterns . 

Versace

We're all aware now that the 60s and 70s are going to be huge for next A/W, but just in case you hadn't got that already, Versace made sure it was crystal clear. Red thigh high boots with mini dresses, bell bottoms and capes are as retro as it gets. The Greco patterns are bold and psychedelic and brilliantly cut into the loud primary colour palette. 

Emporio Armani 

Emporio Armani went sat in the middle of feminine and androgynous with a relaxed tomboyish collection. Drop waist and swing dresses on top of trousers with masculine footwear is a look I can see Alexa Chung and Kristen Steward pulling off brilliantly.  The jewel tones of amethyst and ruby are feminine enough to balance the collection out. 

Philosophy

In stark contrast to the above collection is Philosophy's ultra girly and elegant mix of Victorian lace and sheer ruffles. The pastels and creams gush innocence whilst the dungarees and high necks bring a vintage feel. 

Dondup

An effortlessly cool collection consisting of androgynous styles mixed with grunge femininity. 

Prada

There was a youthfulness to Prada's collection that reminded me of school. The 60s flavour was sweet, with salmon pinks, pea greens, mustard and teal. These jarring colours were playful and prim but crisp as a result of sharp lines. Empire line dresses were ladylike and reminiscent of the 'doesn't she look grown-up' days. 

Just Cavalli

Another take on the 70s trend with fluffy skirts and fuzzy coats. Spirited florals and textural maxis contribute to a vintage look that is free-flowing and frivolous. 

Philipp Plein

A monochrome collection with a solitary flash of orange that mixes the sports luxe trend with evening-wear pieces. 

Black snakeskin and leather were the central fabrics, with panelled bras, bomber jackets and understated mini and maxi dresses in both matte and shimmering versions of the textile. 

Francesco Scognamiglio

Tank dresses and negligees in powdery lilacs, pinks and blacks left little to the imagination with lace and sheer organza exposing the female form. Calling this collection sexy is an understatement, but it's been executed with class and sophistication.   

Alberta Ferretti

Viewing this collection is like being transported through time, with a glimpse at some of the most iconic eras in fashion. A variety of historic styles have contributed to pieces that would not look out of place on a Brothers Grimm princess. I say this because despite not being able to pinpoint a specific period of time as the influence behind this collection, there's definitely a Germanic feel. The folksy ruffles and frills and royal colour palette contribute to the opulence whilst the lavish embroidery and embellishment demonstrate incredible craftsmanship synonymous with historical fashion. 

Luisa Beccaria

This fashion season there have been a lot of vintage looks, but none as sultry and sensuous as this one. There's something about the charcoal palette and light, delicate, translucent dresses that's alluring. You'd also expect the beret's to throw the look off completely, but they actually cement it. 

Stella Jean

Inspired by the Indian Himalayas, this collection is bold, bright, and full of print. Textural and sturdy overcoats and puffed up and out skirts create voluminous silhouettes which contrast with the blanket and pleated maxi skirts which billowed down the runway. 

Vivetta

A groovy selection of pieces reminiscent of the early 70s, but channeling a Nordic vibe with fresh, airy hues of white and blue and floral prints like those found on traditional Scandinavian dresses. The attention to detail can go unnoticed if you're not looking, but everything from the floral prints on the shoes to the quirky pop-art style collars builds a look that is youthful and charming. 

All images are from Vogue.co.uk

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An Important Two Weeks Ahead

So today is a bit of a big day for me. 

For the next two weeks, I will be doing some work experience at Northern & Shell, which is the publication house for the New, Star and OK! magazines. I'll be working in the fashion departments and learning lots about working in such an environment. 

This is a pretty big deal for me. Since volunteering as editor-in-chief for my 6th form magazine, I've known this is what I want to do, and despite my lack of a formal fashion / journalism education, I've spent a good 5 years getting stuck in and contributing to as many publications / websites / blogs  as possible. 

That, in fact, was the original purpose of this blog; to get into the habit of coming up with interesting and well written content whilst targeting a specific audience. To be honest, in just a matter of weeks this blog became so much more than that and it is now my virtual, online baby that takes up every bit of mind space that I have. 

I really don't know what to expect from the next two weeks, but whatever happens, I know I'll come away having learnt some valuable things and met some awesome people,. 

This post isn't for me to blab gormlessly about the whole thing, but to let you guys know that it may be a little bit quiet on here for a while. I have no idea how busy I'm going to be and what my hours are so content may be a little bit scarce for the next two weeks. 

I do have a post or two ready for the next few days, and I am hoping, if I have time, to update you guys on how the work experience process is going in the hopes of helping anyone out there who is looking to do the same kind of thing. If that's the case watch this space because even if I don't post about it in the next two weeks, I definitely will once it's all over. 

Wish me luck guys!

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My Hair Care Routine

Dyeing your hair is a commitment, and requires your constant attention. Since going purple, my hair has taken over my life, but I get a lot of people complimenting me on how healthy it looks, so I thought I'd put together a post all about the products I use and steps I take to keep my in good condition. 

I will say now that the commitment definitely applies more so to those who bleach their hair before dyeing. In fact, in all honesty, if you're not prepared to invest in conditioners and masks and frequent trims to keep your hair healthy, don't do it. Not only will your hair dry out and break, but the colour will look awful as a result. The more effort you put into your hair's health, the more you get out of it. 

Catwalk by TIGI - Headshot

You're probably reading this now and thinking 'There's no way I can afford that!' But before you panic and feel that expensive hair products are your only hair saviors, this product is here to actually inform you of the amazing deals TK Maxx do on hair products. I bought this salon sized bottle from there for just £12.99. When you take into consideration the fact that a small bottle of Aussie conditioner is £5, this is a steal. TK Maxx actually do a variety of salon products, from TIGI and Sebastian to Fudge and Wella, all at majorly reduced prices. Obviously the stock in each store is going to be different, but they do have a good selection online. It's definitely worth putting your money towards products like these. We all come out of a hair salon wishing we could make our hair feel that good at home. It's all down to the products they use, so now you can. I bought this particular bottle because of its intense conditioning qualities. The more intense the better I say! 

Schwarzkopf got2b Guardian Angel Heat Protection Spray

I've been using this product for a good few years now. I don't blow dry, straighten or curl my hair that often, but when I do I know that it's imperative that I use this. Not only does it smell amazing, but my hair doesn't feel brittle or dry after. You wouldn't get something out of the oven without oven gloves, so why apply heat directly to your hair? This is applicable to everyone with hair really, but for us with dyed hair, applying heat actually opens up the hair shaft, so colour can escape. Another one I'd recommend is the Tresemme Heat Protect Mist, as it has colour fade protection. 

Tresemme Instant Refresh Dry Shampoo

Dry shampoo should be your best friend if you've dyed your hair, particularly if you've gone quite a bright colour. These colours fade so quickly, that sometimes the best way to make the colour last that little bit longer is to postpone washing it. I'm not suggesting you go two weeks without washing your hair, but if you wash your hair every other day, whether it's due to grease build up or just habit, you could maybe push it to once every three days and use dry shampoo in between. Now I know Batiste is probably the most popular, but I just don't get on with it. I find it quite claggy and drying and a bit sticky. Tresemme's is light on the hair and it doesn't feel like I've got anything in my hair after using it. I also find that this one lasts me so much longer than Batiste. 

 L'oreal Elvive Extraordinary Oil: Coloured Hair

I wouldn't say this product is a must, but it's definitely handy to have around. There are days when my hair just isn't happy - maybe I've styled it too much or it's been a pretty cold and windy day and it's just been battered around a bit. That's when I use this gem. £10.99 seemed a lot at first, but I know Argan and Macadamia oils are a big thing at the moment and they're something like £12 for a bottle 1/5 of the size of this one. You only really need one pump and a quick ruffle through your hair, paying attention to the ends and you've got a quick moisturising fix. 

Other Steps

Another trick of mine is adding an equal amount of conditioner to the dye every time I dye my hair. Vegetable dyes like Directions are pretty concentrated anyway, so there's no harm in diluting it a bit with some intense conditioner. 

I also add a bit of dye to my conditioner, just so it's getting a top up every time I do wash it, and for a treat - if it needs it - a bit of the L'oreal oil too. 

I hope you've found this post useful, and it would be awesome to hear about any tricks you guys might have for keeping your hair in tip-top condition. 

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