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Sunday, 4 July 2010

London Diary - Saturday 3rd July

As promised, I am going to keep a diary of my trip to London this summer, complete with pictures of each day's outfits!

There's not really much to write today though since I only arrived at lunchtime, having taken far more luggage on the train than I'm sure is allowed! (See photo for confirmation!) I now have an Oyster card, and I have to say I feel almost like a proper London citizen... Well except for the fact I don't have a clue how to work the tube. Watch this space! Saying that, my scouse accent is getting stronger by the day - I'm sure it's to rebel against cockney!

Fashion-wise London seems to be working the nautical look today, I saw, from my comfy chair in Pret-A-Manger stripes in pink, yellow, green, and the traditional blue and white. For the men they're paired with rolled up chinos or shorts and classic deck shoes, for the women, tiny denim shorts or jersey maxi skirts.

This afternoon proved that my poor grandparents officially have the patience (and energy) of saints, as I managed to drag them round every shop on Regent Street, Oxford Street, and into most of the posh shops of Bond Street. As a result, I was tested to the max justifying why people spend £200+ on trousers: amazing cut, beautiful fabric, you know the reasons! I think I persuaded at least Grandma, who thoroughly enjoyed the foray into Stella McCartney and the world of luxury tailoring.(The staff are lovely by the way...) Plus, she gushed at the interiors in Matthew Williamson - Result! I also got to see Vogue house, I could actually see rails of clothes in the windows!

But now, having seen the clock at 4:25 this morning, it is time for bed! Tomorrow I am meeting my friend Amy and heading to the New Designers show... ooo exciting!

Night! x

Tuesday, 29 June 2010

Clothes Show London 2010

Having been to the Clothes Show Live in Birmingham for three years on the run now, I'm starting to consider myself a bit of a veteran! But for the first time I was lucky enough to get to the Clothes Show London this year. I naively expected it to have the same sticking points as Birmingham: vast, crazy busy, full of the same clothes we've seen for three years running, and just too hot!

However... it wasn't! I have never been to Earls Court, so I didn't know it was dinky, but, I have to say it made for a rather more pleasant experience. The range of products on offer was more concise and the products themselves were less tourist tat, more luxury boutique.


As per usual, everyone walking round ate Snack-a-Jacks, Kit Kat Senses and drank Vitamin Water, all free in the infamous goodie bag. But as I've never seen before, fashionistas milled around amongst swarms of "helpers" with cameras and notepads, each tending to their own blog or website. Must be being down south! I was one of them, and you can read the Best Dressed report I compiled for Fashion Capital here.


Every time I've been to the Clothes Show, my favourite part has been the spectacle that is the fashion theatre show, and our capital certainly didn't disappoint, taking us on a tour of worldwide fashion capitals including New York, Paris, Milan and Tokyo. Every trend under the sun was showcased, from Lady Gaga inspired sportwear, to autumn/winter's ladylike elegance (left) , to an eyepopping set of sixties inspired pieces. A parade of bright red gowns (right) was a standout moment, reminicent of shows seen at John Galliano or Alexander McQueen. We were also treated to performances from hot new boyband The Wanted, a fabulously dressed Paloma Faith, and finally Esmee Denters.

As if this wasn't enough, as Platinum Ticket holders (ooo get us!), we were able to stay and watch the Clothes Show Style Awards presented by the oh so handsome George Lamb and OK! Magazine's fashion and beauty editor, Emma Gunavardhana. While Fashion Photographer of the Year went to Rankin, Johnny Blue Eyes won the award for Fashion Stylist. Though I rubbed shoulders with celebrity hairdresser Andrew Barton outside the venue, he didn't win the accolade for Best Hairdresser, which instead went to Jamie Stevens, whose clients include Gok Wan, Elle McPherson, and Kylie Minogue. Caroline Barnes, who won Make Up Artist of the year at last years awards, scooped the gong again, but George Lamb, last years Best Dressed Man, had his crown stolen this year by Holloyoaks' Ricky Whittle. Finally Paloma Faith won Best Dressed Woman, understandable when you look at her showstopping outfit, which started off covered by plumes of orange feathers.

Finally, I got a go at posing on the red carpet... just because I'm sad like that!

Sunday, 20 June 2010

Doodles... on photo paper

Here's a few doodles I did today on my new favourite (and expensive) drawing surface, photo paper. Some are a bit photoshopped, some are 'au naturel!'











Wednesday, 9 June 2010

Saturday, 5 June 2010

5th June 2010 - Polyvore - Romantic

I have just been recommended a site called Polyvore, where you can create mood boards and collections of clothes... I think I'm already in love! This is just the start of the numerous magazine-style trend compilations I'll be producing and posting to Parade!