001 Ones to Watch - November.

Going to have a ones to watch - as in a handful of blogs to follow each month. Couldn't decide whether it was best to post at the start or the end of the month. Here it is now as proper blog posts are few and far between these days. I have a very welcome reading week next week so I'll be sure to be investing some time into some decent, reader worthy posts.

1. Style Scrapbook

Professional blogger, Andy Torres, shares outfit inspiration at www.stylescrapbook.com with her daily look posts. She complements the highest of high end with high street pieces. Andy, also gives informative reports of the latest runway shows she’s attended. A definite blogging pin-up, she shows how a passion like fashion blogging can be transformed into a very worthwhile, fulfilling career.
    

2. Ring My Bell

Secret Diary of Call Girl actor, Ashley Madekwe offers realistically affordable styling ideas at www.ashley-ringmybell.blogspot.com. Ashley’s favourites include Topshop and ASOS amongst the Miu Miu freebies. Her shoots are adorable.

3. LLYMLRS

Graphic student, Lily Melrose, the brains behind www.llymlrs.com, illustrates just how easy fashion blogging can be. Her recommendations and reviews on all things high street are invaluable. With a generous wealth of followers, Lily has earned an extremely credible reputation in the blogosphere.

4. Thrills and Frills

The twenty-something author shares her stylish musings at www.thrillsandfrills.blogspot.com picking out quirky fashionable finds. The amateur photography is a refreshing difference to the staged, edited illustrations that fill most fashion blogs. There’s a fine line between fashion and photography blogs these days.

5. Suck My Savy

Graham Haynes at www.suckmysavvy.blogspot.com provides a kooky style inspiration fix for the boys without being queer; a rare find in the male fashion blogosphere.

If you’re serious about fashion blogging and need a heads up don’t hesitate to email any of the above authors. In my experience, they’ve been pretty willing to offer their advice.

x

oh jeffrey..

Jeffrey Campbell was supposed to remain out of reach forever but he's only gone and made himself so very available.
Cheers OFFICE.

Not a Lita in sight though. That's probably a good thing.

follow my blog with bloglovin

Pretty please.

TOP THREE: Pick of the Pack

The backpack/rucksack/knapsack - however you choose to name it, preaches more school nerd than super cool style icon. However, this ninetys trend is back with a vengeance; the number one neeky accessory has had a stylish reinvention thanks to the guys at Tory Burch. Backpacks now come in everything from leather and suede, to canvas and nylon, in earthy tones. A refreshing revival of the functional padded, clunky backpacks that I was forced adorn to as a child.

Totally unisex - another worthy passenger on the boyfriend bandwagon.

Here’s my three favourites:-

 

LANVIN LAUNCH

Jumping on the bandwagon... 20 little days.



Catering for men and women, Albert Elbaz showcases his Lanvin Heart H&M Collection. Whilst the womenswear pieces cannot be faulted with their intricately detailed, gorgeous designs, the menswear range is somewhat of a disappointment. However, having said that, what percentage of the total male cliental for H&M even knows what Lanvin is let who Lanvin is and the significance of this collaboration? Harsh, but true. I bet you anything, if you ask the average Joe they wouldn't be able to respond with even a near guess to the correct answer. It is for these reasons I ask the question; why H&M? Surley the range would be more suited to the kooky backdrop of Urban Outfitters for example hanging amongst fellow well-established designer brands? To me, H&M seems a perculiar choice of retailing platform. Nevertheless I wait in anticipation for the real deal. 

Favourites

 

BUTTON UP

Afraid to admit it? Yes, me too. But there's no shying away from the fact that winter is well and truly homing in on us. With daylight saving having ended in the early hours of Sunday morning, it was the reluctant confirmation to the end of British Summer Time. Now definitely is the time to well and truly button up, wrap up to warm up.

Decisions, decisions...

The Trench

A perennial wardrobe staple, recognised by its timeless structure, sophisticated shape and colour and ageless appeal, the trench has had a stylish update. Designers and high street have toyed with fabrics, detailing and lengths. Admittedly not the cosiest of options but buy a size bigger to allow for layering up. The aim is to achieve more wartime hero and less Inspector Gadget. Bear that in mind when dressing a trench.

Top 3
Zara Canvas Trench
Miss Selfridge Stone ruffle mac
TopshopContrast Panel Trench

The Cape

An unconventional newcomer to a cosy winter wardrobe, the cape has been welcomed with open arms by high street and designer alike. Having made a subtle entrance on the runways in 2009, designers have embraced the cape as an A/W '10 must-have staple piece. Texture plays a big part with capes in a variety of weights and fabrics from silk and wool to velvet and fur. The cape can cover all manner of sins when worn with the right outfit; the key is balance. Stick to skinny trousers for a svelte, sophisticated approach, or for an equally forgiving look, team with a dignifyed see-through maxi and tights. Stores are awash with reworked designer-inspired pieces that are tiered, cinched, collared and hooded.

Top 3
Asos Parka Cape
Miss Selfridge Camel Cape
Topshop Wool Buckle Cape

The Fur Coat

An absolute hit winter after winter, you needn't pay high end boutique prices for a classic that'll last you the years. Wear what you wish underneath, fur is luxurious, elegant and adds a touch (bucket loads) of glamour and class. If wearing second-hand clothing does not phase you (some people profusely oppose it), I have to say it, charity shops are your best bet and for cheap prices too. Ebay can also be a furry haven. But if you'd rather have the satisfaction of knowing exactly what you're getting, then your usual high street chains have a decent collection amongst them but with a heftier price tag.

Top 3
Ebay
Etsy
We are Cow - Stores in Sheffield, Manchester and Nottingham and Birmingham

The Boyfriend Coat

Having traipsed up and down the high street and scrolled through every thinkable online stores' outerwear offerings, I have concluded that I will be sporting the recurring mannish trend in my choice of winter wrap up. The style scale starts from an extension on the S/S phenomena; the boyfriend blazer - loose shape, straight silhouette, longer length but in a heavier fabric such as mixed wool. At the other end of the spectrum are the Pea Coat styles; characterised by broad lapels and double-breasted fronts. If you're feeling especially brave, opt for a genuine menswear piece. The whole idea is that they're meant to be oversized and look as if you've just thrown your boyfriend's coat on. This is the most appealing factor of this style - no rules apply- literally effortless style.

Top 3
Topshop Large Revere Boyfriend coat
French Connection Frozen Fancy Coat
Cheap Monday Lindsay Zip Pocket Coat

If I could have it my way, I'd have the pick of the high street's finest of each, but unfortunately that's not a move my ever dwindling overdraft will thank me for. But it certainly pays to invest in one trusty winter warmer. Take your pick.

i want..

I WILL GET.

Feast your eyes.

As much as I hate on the TOPSHOP bandwagon, every once in a while something strikes me and I become obsessed until it is in my possession.

This is beautiful. Very tba-esque don't cha thing?

It looks like it could've come straight from the back of a Victorian lady.

I want it now.

primark praise.

Today. Wandering aimlessly out of Primark on a thirty minute time-constrained lunch break, I stumbled across this beauty. For a tenner.

Collar  Jersey Dress

Ring any bells TOPSHOP?

I also snapped up a pair of these babies for a snip at 15£. Yes I'd rather they were Prada than Primark but they'll do the job quite nicely and my ever depleting overdraft will thank me in the long run..

Excuse the shitty Blackberry photography.

Black Suede Desert Boots

This only adds crudentials and justification of Primark's place in my subconscious, high street hall of fame.

Not so long ago I was greeted by this velvet skater dress whilst having the desperate cry all too familiar to the female race; I LITERALLY HAVE NOTHING TO WEAR TONIGHT. It was definitely true up until this miracle maker graced my eye-line.

Velvet Skater Dress

I had been on the hunt for a while and who would of thought it; Primark of all places would be the one to answer my prayers. Needless to say it was welcomed into my wardrobe with open arms.

According to reputable fashion forecasts embracing the Velvet Vixen is a must for A/W '10 so get on it. They also do the dress in a gorgeous ruby red. Jackets, bodycon skirts, leggings etc etc.in the same colours and a midnight blue complete the velvety collection.

If its not obvious yet, I am very impressed by the stores ensembles over the last few months. Consistently surprised but impressed nevertheless. Way back in April, I picked up this lovely lace shirt. Must say, it probably has been overworn- it is extremely versatile. Also a tenner.

White Lace Shirt

I suppose what I'm trying to say is - Big up yourself Primark.

It just goes to show that fashion finds are in the most unsuspecting places, you just have to be willing to put the effort into that find. Ok tackling Primark may not constitute effort in any other city but having to face the whole charva (chav) population of the North East in the same place at the same time - Northumberland St. Newcastle - can be kanny scary. So yes that is effort in itself.

One lesson I've learnt lately; do not underestimate the high-street.

Yes, I can totally empathize when you buy that dress from TOPSHOP then two weeks later every Tom, Dick and Harry has it but at a snip of the price you forked out for it. But..... fashion is all about adding individual flair anyhow, so as long as you accessorize said dress with your creativity no one can rain on your parade.

a/winter wish slash hit list.

I've decided to do a seasonal hit list and make it a regular feature. I'm currently racking my brains on ways to improve my blog. I think having 3-4 regular features a month is the starting point as I think it's the best way to maintain reader interest as it facilitates consistency. Personally, I think that's what fashion blogging is all about; finding your niche and running with it. So watch this space.

Back onto this post - yes I'm very aware we are in the full throes of a/w so a bit behind on that front but here it is anyway. A wish list in that I can only dream in owning the entirety of it but a hit list in that each item is an absolute lust have. 

In no particular order...

Bare in mind this is not an exhaustive list- I don't think any girl's could ever possibly be described as that.
Call it what you will: wish list, hit list, the bare essentials etc etc.

I'm off to Bristol tonight for the week on a crash course come privaleged behind the scenes insider into the world of journalism.

Will keep you posted.

shop 'til you drop.

Shopping review for my university newspaper, Fresher's edition.

Helen Turnbull gives us the heads up on where to shop in York.

Embarking on your university career can be a daunting time to say the least. A whole host of questions surface.. Will I fit in? Will I make friends? Bla bla. But if you're anything like me, you'll also be contemplating; "what array of beautiful boutiques await me and my precious loan pounds?" So here it is; a guide to shopping in York for the Rah, the Hipster, the Indie Kid and everything in between.

Firstly; the Rah. Arguably this is pointless as any established sloane is well acquainted with the means that manifest their sterotype, in their native Southern counties. But for anyone from further north than York, Jack Wills is very ‘public school’ and ‘preppy’ -esque and comes as a standard for York university. The collections are marketed as classically ‘British’ in style, inspired by traditional British heritage and country pursuits. Think polo shirts in every colour under the sun and too much tweed. You pay good money for the 'fabulously British' quality of their collections. If you don't make the Uni rowing team cut then you can always pay a £69 plus, one-off fee for a lifetime membership to the J.W.R.C; in the form of a hoody.

For the budding fashionistas: a high-end, high street equivalent to Topshop; Sarah Coggles. What started out as a quirky York Market stall has amalgamated itself into a modern boutique store. The store collaborates with the best new designers and established fashion houses. Boasting over 200 collections from Cheap Monday to Vivienne Westwood you have to be willing to dig a little deeper to fork out on oh-so beautiful investment pieces. Men's and women's are separated into neighbouring located on Low Petergate.

If you still can't resist the pearly gates of Topshop/Topman however, then here's one final reminder that their annual 20% student discount, lock-in event is taking place from 6.30-9pm next Tuesday and Wednesday. Just remember the student card, they can be arsey when they want to be so I'd say it's worth investing in an NUS.

For those of you who are keen on your ethical issues here is one I'm not familliar with myself but stumbled across on researching this piece; One: Responsibly Gorgeous. The exclusive boutique prides itself on the fact that its York's only ethical fashion thrift store. The boutique offers fashion that is made using organic, recycled, vintage and eco fibres coupled with fair trade manufacturing their collections are unarguably, responsibly produced. Their pieces are luxurious with fabrics including cashmeres, alpaca and merino wool, 100% organic pima cotton, hemp and pure silks. So if world peace and tree hugging are your scene, be sure to check out this place. As the boutique is a niche, prices tip the scale at the higher end but its all for a good cause (saving the environment and all that) and there is the odd bargain to be had. Visit the store at 1 Grape Lane, located in the heart of York city centre.

For the hipsters and indie Cindys look no further than the travelling Affordable Vintage Fair. You must have been resting under a rock if you are oblivious to Judy and her team's vintage fashion and homeware extravaganza that has swept the UK in recent years. York's next is scheduled for 17th October at the Hospitium, Museum Gardens. Simply turn up on the day with a bit of cash, pay a measley £2 entry fee and let stall after stall of vintage delights greet you. With stalls selling an eclectic mix of both affordable and collectable vintage items dating back to 1900 there is something to tickle everyone's fancy.

However, if you feel overwhelmed with the assortment of alternative choice then there's always Mr.Jack Wills who's gilet you can throw over anything and with a strong clique of dedicated followers you'll have no trouble finding a hoards of fellow fans.