velvet crush.

Been meaning to post this for long ting but real life got in the way / I rarely spend my days out of my pyjamas.

A few footnotes:
why is it impossible to take decent lit photos post 4pm?
this is the only suitable place to take such shit lit photos in my house so deal with half a face / half an outfit.
I have misplaced my trustee bowler and henceforth apologise for exposing you to my crying out for a hair cut mop.

Dress and collar: TOPSHOP, Jumper: h&m

NICE DRESS THOUGH INNIT!?

Like / Talk / Love

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NEW IN:texture treats.

Velvet, wool, sequins and sparkles; I want to wear them all, ALL THE TIME

I have been more than a little bit norty in these past couple of weeks i.e. spending money I should be saving, on things I couldn't physically resist.

First up, I've done it; found the perfect LBD come LVD, killing two birds with one stone. I deserve a pat on the back. Clutching desperately onto the fact that technically, my student life ain't over yet (gap yah, y'know), I got this for a steal in their 20% off, student, weekend event, a while ago now; I ain't prepared to let that little luxury slip through my grasp, anytime soon. But look, its nice a pretty and velevet-y and sparkle-y. The perfect party dress, just need me some invites.

Velvet, glitter spot, skater dress: Topshop

Forever 21 are my latest proud pleasure. It is ridiculous cheap with stellar offerings. My first impression initiated thoughts of a budget UO store without the pretentious kooky bric-a-brac. Do we agree? It has taken Newcastle too long to introduce one of those to its streets, how long do we reckon it is before it gets its own F21? Another reason to move to London.

Sequin skirt: F21

Finally, h&m how I love thee. Top form they are. Countless times I have walked in and grabbed a staple that I had been longing for, to no avail. They have come up trumps too many times this season, I am somewhat anticipating the downfall. This is a cheaper and toastier version of that TOPSHOP knit that I had my literal heart set on. I bought this from h&m on Camden High St. so obvz I love it even more.

Fluffy knit: h&m

That's my lot for a while.

Another day trip to London beckons, I can't keep away.

Bloglovin' / Facebook / Newcastle Represent / tumblr / Twitter

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untitled.

A non-LFW, related post, woo hoo. What's occurring? Nothing, frankly.

As I have said before, this longer length deal is a new thing for me but its a grower. I never cottoned on to the whole maxi dresses and midi skirt trends (I blame my lack of a six ft model's bod) so this is the perfect compromise. Am so totally obsessed with this colour: lipsticks, creepers, boaters....

Dress: New Look

Forgive me for the bathroom photos, ultimate pet hate. 

I need a hair cut and a new facial expression.

I am currently struggling to compile an AW, staple wardrobe set. Why is it that when I am so totally bankrupt, I want everything. As soon as I'm not, nothing appeals. Anyone with me on that?

I do have a few things to show you though from a rare spending party, this week. In due course.

I am off to Manchester for a few.

Toodle pip.

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the LVD.

The 21st Century woman's take on the classic little black dress; a staple, evening formal, to day time meeting, go-to, wardrobe must that has stood the test of time like no other, prevailing as the firm favourite not just season after season but decade upon decade.

This autumn/winter, its latest rival comes in the form of the little velvet dress - lvd if you will. And not your cheap, bodycon, lurex varieties that did the rounds on the high street around about this time last year. No, this a/w velvet is back with a resounding vengeance that looks set to stack some serious staying power. Jewel tones, laser-cut and gem adornments compliment the luxury alluring fabric.

1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8

The material's new guise goes beyond wardrobe rails with some pretty plush, velvety shoes worming there way into high-street stores and designer lookbooks alike. And soon enough, onto my shoe rack I hope.

Like these babies.

SHOP

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the bitter sweet taste of freedom.

My apologies for the lax blog ting, this week has been hectic beyond words.

The reasons being:

I am done with uni forever. After a final week of twenty hour stints glued to a computer screen, eating double my bodyweight in the contents of campus' vending machines I am well and truly done doe.

To celebrate we went to the races. I won actual money.

My momma is admist a big move, even further into the depths of the Northumberland countryside.

I have also worked all weekend which equals no free timey thus, no posty post.

The realisation of impending graduation is slowly killing me inside. What do people do with their lives beyond this point? The nine five grind has zero appeal. I wanna be a student on a lemonade budget with a champagne lifestyle forever.

Here is an asos dress I chatted about a few weeks ago. It looks better styled up to the nines but outfit posts are long and I'm tired. This girl looks pretty hot in it too.

Mesh dress: asos

Soon to be back on it, pinky promises.

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big up yourself Burton.

Sarah, that is. a.k.a the creative director at Alexander McQueen. The quintessentially British fashion house excelled themselves today, not once but twice. After huge speculation surrounding the pending dress decision, preliminary rumors were confirmed; Sarah Burton was the chosen one. In a year troubled with ups and downs for the fashion house, today was a moment to triumph and celebrate what the words; Alexander McQueen stand for.

Sister Pippa Middleton followed the bride's fashionable example and opted also for McQueen.

Kate sported a second McQueen, Burton beauty for the Buckingham Palace evening 'do. Lucky gal.

All in all, a great day for British fashion. And the country of course.

Bloglovin' / Facebook / Twitter

 Helen, 

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joookez.

Couldn't resist an April Fools related title.

OOTD / LOTD / WIW etc.. haven't seen one of these in a while.

Jumper: H&M, Dress: Primark.

Haa I don;t look too fresh I was tired. And I used the flash FASHIONBLOGCRIME. Left it too late in the day dint I. Not a big deal.

Being back in Newcastle means primark is on my proverbial doorstep soooo lotsa cheap clothes for meee. That place is impressing me much right now and I am not usually a fan of S/S. Man have the prices creeped up doe. You cannit really complain about paying fifteen quid for a dress doe, can you really? So I won't.

I need some new blogs to read #FF me..

@dressingyouup

Helen,

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summer's coming.

Reality is sorta sinking in. I literally have a matter of weeks left at uni. I am not too fussed about it to be honest.

I have beautiful things like this in my life so all is sweet as a nut.

Didn't want to distract from the beauty of this sooo here it is - the dress I have banged on about since forever, in all its prettiful glory.

Dress: tba

Also, no ELLE intern for me buttt hiyaa guest post.

Facebook / Twitter / Bloglovin'

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current cravings.

Thanks to Sarah, I managed to feast my eyes on this lovely lot. Shows how out of the loop I have been, I didn't have a clue.

Believe me if I had the means, every single piece would be mine today.

asos.com

I may just have tickets to London Fashion Week on the Friday when it all kicks off, the first (or second, I cannit decide on my favourite) would be the perfect piece. A girl can dream.

Ohh and by the way, I deleted about thirty comments the other day, totally by accident so apologies.

Facebook / Twitter / Bloglovin'

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TRENDSETTER.

As if another year end is upon us. Here are my favourite top five trends of 2010.

After much deliberation I eventually whittled it down to a measly five. There were mini-trends a plenty I would have liked to sneak in but I believe these five were the ONE.

5. Fashion Faux pas (pl.)

Socks and shoes? Double denim? SUSPENDERS!? Nothing could scream fashion police alert more than these three. That refused to be the case this year and in fact huge fashionable respect was gained with the sporting of one of these unconventional trends.

Whoever would think that the biggest going-out outfit dilemma would be which socks with which shoes? I don't know when, where or which genius decided that this cringey dad faux pas was suddenly cool but I think we all owe you a huge thank you.

Thanks to Henry Holland and Pretty Polly it was acceptable to rock suspenders out of the confinements of the boudoir. Provided the sell-out suspender tights weren't paired with anything remotely, stereotypically 'slag', they added a subtley sexy touch. I was definitely a fan. The whole of the high-street jumped on the bandwagon offering us their take on the trend. I bought mine from non other than Marks & Sparks.

Double denim sneaked its way into our lives, slowly but surely to earn a rightful place in my 2010 trend hall of fame. Please please please if you do try this at home, remember not to co-ordinate the colours. The term is double denim; two pieces of denim worn at any one time that is; not all over or matching denim.

4. The Nudist

Not literally. I mean in terms of colour palette, obvz. This is a trend which I cannot remember my wardrobe without. Sure to be crowned the new black of 2010, girly pinks were well and truly ousted with its arrival. Nude shades were everywhere this year, having dominated the spring/summer 2010 catwalks, from off-white through pale rose to gold. Delicious candy-floss shades in sheer and floaty fabrics gave glamour to girlish looks. Accessories were also big on this trend and it was even extended to the beauty counters with nude lips reigning supreme thanks to the Golden Globe awards.

3. Material Girls and Boys

Winter signified an epic switch to more substantial garments; those brave enough to weather the winter chills, thick enough to block the blustery winds. This winter we were kept snug with knits, leather, sheepskin and suede.

Nostalgic, fairisle knits made a comeback. Slouchy, waffle, or cable - chunky knits were well and truly embraced.

The leather jacket recieved a feminine update to become what would be known as the (SOLD OUT TOPSHOP) shearling aviator. But leather this year wasn't only in jacket form...

Leather and suede were no longer confined to the shoe lounge, extending their portfolios to the clothing rails of our high street. Shorts, skirts and jackets contributed to the main of the collections. Yet, the suede shoe trend fittingly remained. Ladies and gentlemen took their pick from so many variations of the cute dessert bootie.

2. SHE Wears the Trousers

The fashion industry jumped aboard, all hands on deck campaigning for girl power and urged us to man-up with a good old bit of power dressing this year.

Spring came laiden with variation of the unconventional, drop-crotch 'nappy' pant. I am, of course, talking about the harem trouser. The marmite of the leg department. I, personally, am not a fan but there were options a plenty to choose from: peg-leg, tapered, high waisted, statement prints, you get the idea. Pretty dresses and flouncy skirts were no longer the garment of choice for eveningwear, the statement piece was the jumpsuit. An outlet of the trouser trend completely misunderstood by the opposite sex.

Autumn got all grown up on us and saw a return of the previosuly favoured skinny styles in anything from equestrian lycra to country corduroy, ooh ar.


1. Hollar for a Collar

Admittedly a bias choice for the top spot but can you blame me? Yes, if you look at my hundred most recent facebook tagged snaps there is a running theme, slight obsession? Maybe. Bothered? Not at all. Kindly welcomed into my wardrobe by my only girl crush, dearest Alexa Chung, the collar emerged as the mighty mini-trend of 2010. Dresses, tees, shirts and blouses all got the collar treatment. Some stores stepped it up a level and even stocked separate collars you could attach to non-collared garments. Genius. A trend I hope will transcend through the seasonal trends of the next year; it remains to be a trend pulled-off equally by both men and women. Peter Pan or pointed; this one will show no signs of fading fast if I have anything to do with it.

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BRITISH FASHION AWARDS

I am fully aware that I am a week late with this but turning twenty one with my best mate this weekend amongst other important social calls has kindof took over my life up until now.

I returned to the deserted, cobbled streets of York on Thursday with thee biggest hangover. It is a world away from thr hype of London. Talk about snap back to reality. Severe dislike. But with having had the best experience in London so far. British Fashion awards attendee yes please.

So after all the deliberation what did I wear? I made a last minute (standard) dash to Oxford St. opting for a green silk tulip skirt, H&M with a delicate Meadham Kirchhoff for TOPSHOP blouse and these wedges in black. I accessorizied with this, these plus vintage pendants. My patent navy vintage carry bag completed the look.
Pictures of the whole ensemble will follow in the next post.

My plus one- up and coming British knitwear designer - Bethan Juliff and I, were like over-excited little girls. We had noo idea what to expect.

After collecting a glass of champagne we were shown to our seats and welcomed by an 'exclusive' goody bag. Sitting eagerly, anticipating the start of the show.

Claudia Winkleman presented the main of the proceedings. She fully embraced the current cape trend sporting a black, sheer number. After the formalities she welcomed Harold Tillman - head of the British Fashion Council to speak. He was full of admiration for the British fashion industry and praise for its progression over the last year.

The whole evening was a bit surreal, breathing the same air as Alexa and Naomi eeek. I think it'll be amazing to look back and say I was there when they honoured the late Lee Alexander McQueen with the award for Outstanding Achievement in Fashion Design. Only rightly.

And the winner is...

Designer of the Year - Phoebe Philo, Celine Creative Director
Model of the Year - Lara Stone
Designer Brand of the Year - Mulberry
British Style Award - Alexa Chung
Accessory Designer - Nicholas Kirkwood
Men's Wear Designer - Patrick Grant of E. Tautz
Emerging Talent - Meadham Kirchhoff (I obviously saw this one coming)
Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator - Nicola Formichetti
Special Recognition Award- Naomi Campbell
Digital Innovation - Burberry.

Alexa was a humble winner saying - 'Oh god, my face really big on the screen, erm well this is awkward'. She looked stunning in an S/S '11 Chanel piece. Bizarrely, she said she'd chose her Chanel gown as she liked “to look like a four-year-old”. Yet, still managed to look so effortlessly stylish.

Naomi Campbell made an emotional acceptance speech, talking about the need to use more varied races on runways. The London born model said ' what I've seen recently is that I've seen it go backwards. We need to raise awareness again and need to start using women of colour more.' Implying that eliminating racial preference is still something that very much needs addressed by the industry. She was very appreciative of the award.

Another highlight was the film shown to accompany Burberry's digital innovation efforts. Never would you think that the iconic trench could be manipulated in some 2000 ways.

It was over in a flash. It gave me such an enlightening insight into the industry and where it all starts from - a spark of genious creativity is what it all comes down to. The high street would be nothing without the raw talent of young, artistic minds. It is refreshing to see them recognised in such a manner. I think the sheer hardwork of designers and their army of helpers is very much underestimated as its often only the glitz and glam of the exterior that we see.

Maybe just maybe, I shall be sat applauding future winners sat between the camps of Mulberry and Burberry one day. But for now I am just thankful for the opportunity.

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christmas wishes.

I'm not huge on the whole laborious, over-rated affair that the festive season embodies itself as but the one thing I do still conform to is compiling a 'if I had all of you, I would be a very happy girl' list.

All I want for Christmas is all of you, pretty please. If you ask me. I reckon its pretty reasonable. Mammy may beg to differ.

ASOS, Burberry, tba, Olympus Pen, Chanel, Topshop, O&O

Cheers Santy baby.Throw in a trip to New York if you fancy.

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copycat.

Oh dear, oh dear.

My beloved tba has fallen sin to TOPSHOP's lack of creative imagination.
It has well and truly been caught in its copycat trap.

To be honest I see it as a recognition of BinBin's beautiful creations ; a flattery. In fact, I am suprised it has taken this long for someone to brave ripping-off her adorable designs.

I have never ever been a fan of those snidey features in chatty magazines that go a bit like; wow get so-and-so's designer look from New Look / Peacocks / mix of shitty, cheap sweatshops. No, you won't look like Alexa Chung if you buy every item on this page, nor will you look like Fearne Cotton next week or anyone you ever see on these pages, for that matter. Learn this please.

Yes TOPSHOP is by no means cheap and shitty (the sweatshop debate is one of great controversy); it is the holy grail of the high street - there's no shying away from it. Nice try Philip Green but it's not the same is it really? Also, labelling it 'exclusive' does not make it anymore designer. No thanks. I prefer the real deal.


Here's the culprit....

 

TOPSHOP Velvet Lace Collar Dress

Does not equal this or this.

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short and sweet.

This festive season's dresses are exactly that. Inspired by the original mini dress sihoulette of the sixties.

Made iconic by petite pin-up Twiggy. 

 

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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.

to be adored.

Favourite of the moment. Always.

I saw this dress on the asos website way back in January and just had to have it. I opted for the peach one although the black would be perfect for the December party season. The 150£ price tag is definetly justified. I will be treasuring this dress for a long time. I am a partial to a collar but this has to be my favourite. Their collections are so pretty and oh so delicate. A silk shirt is a compulsory investment.

I ♥ tba

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