What I'm Wearing Today

What I'm Wearing today: Well as you all know I tend to be broke twenty four seven even with the 5 jobs I have over summer, due to saving up for a new slr, yet I still seem to have enough to buy new clothes. Who needs to eat anyway? I'm absolutely loving this look, although should really save this for the Autumn/Winter season. This will fit perfect with this seasons trend:'Clans' for Autumn/Winter 12'. Having researched this trend for one of my University design projects I couldn't resist actually creating my own look for the trend itself.

The trend 'Clans' has inspired by rustic elements combined alongside intricate knit patterns, soft leathers and thick suede's, giving a sense of luxury within it's rustic inspired look. Colours consist of fiery tones of oxblood reds, harsh burgundy's, rich chocolate browns and darker tones of blacks and creams bringing warmth to a somewhat dull season. While tartan is another big hit with this trend.

This jumper is an absolutely gorgeous colour and again hitting upcoming trends next season, while the shine on the leggings are perfect if you can't afford disco pants (for example - American Apparel - £70) and want the look for less. I've never been a fan of pointed shoes before, however these suede look shoes seem to go with practically everything in my wardrobe and are a good investment as they work with both evening and day wear. As for the backpack, I found this ideal for when I go back to university as I can fit all my books and even my sewing box in, while again it seems to go well with everything, although the silver detailing is going to be hard to match jewellery with as most of it is gold or brass, still I recommend it for a laid back look to complete an outfit.

1. Burgundy Garter Stitch Jumper - Miss Selfridge - £35

2. Large Washed Clip Backpack - Topshop - £36

3. Shiny Nylon Black Leggings - Urban Outfitters - £25

4. Black Point Toe Boots - Topshop - £36

Total Clothing Cost - £132

Simply Statement

Following one of my recent blogs on 'Statement Jewellery' - I recently began my search to find the perfect pieces at minimum prices to lift up and brighten my dull monochrome outfits, which I practically live in, both day and night.

 I was surprised to find that the best place to buy Jewellery from was Debenham's? and Topshop who I had my hopes set up on were quite disappointing to be truthful with extotionate prices on Jewellery which brands included in Debenham's often produced identical pieces for a fraction of the price. Obviously I as a customer was happy because I was getting so much Jewellery for so little money, however I do wish I bought more now, buying a total of five necklaces and three pairs of earrings (some of which were only priced at one pound). I really do recommend having a look before the sales end. Brands include Miss-Selfridge, Warehouse, Dorothy Perkins, Diva and Miss Madame. 

(In the images shown the Jewellery has all been bought in the Debenhaman's Sale - the four costing around under £25, all but one being half price).

Mary Katrantzou

 Below are images from the Autumn/Winter 2012 collection taken from the Greek Fashion Designer Mary Katrantzou, who is currently living and working in Britain - thank god because her work is unreal, taking prints and patterns and structuring them into delicate masterpieces on the catwalk.

This is by far her best collection and goes perfectly with this seasons trend of opulent, over the top prints, not only that but she's brought feminine simplistic shapes back to the runway, letting the print take all the attention and focus from the piece. Owning one of these dresses would be a dream, although it would mean saving quite a bit as one piece starts from around £270 - £1,465 (on sale currently in Harvey Nichols); which is surprisingly not as high as I thought?

Lastly my favourite reason for being so madly obsessed and truly in love with this designer is the way she actually structures her signature pieces, using unusual objects that to us would not even be considered to be used on any type of clothing clothing, objects such as spoons, typewriter keys, clothing hangers, phone dials and for one dress she even embroider it all with yellow pencils. This is one designer I think will be getting more well known both this and next year, especially from the incredible collection she's produced this season, so have your eyes out on the look out for her work, as for me I'm just praying the high street snaps up and takes some inspiration before I do.

Statement Jewellery

So I've been away for 12 days in the lovely Guardamar, Spain and when going through my holiday wardrobe and snaps I realised I have far too many plain tops and dresses all needing something to make them anything but boring. Because of the hot weather I had to chose a minimalism style, mainly consisting of tight plain bandeau dresses, and plain block colour tees placed together with either my high waisted shorts or skirts. I really could have used a statement piece to completely change and finish my outfit, which has sent me since I've been back on a mad search to find Jewellery which will make my plain basics stand out this S/S 12.

My Top Statement Fashion Jewellery

In order going across from left to right - Prices including student discount.

1. Horn Spike Silver Collar Necklace - ASOS - £15

2. Woven Black Necklace - MHQ -$34

3. Warrior Chain Gold Collar - Topshop - £30

4. Tribal Bead Necklace - Forever 21 - £8.90

5. Cupchain and Cord Statement Necklace - ASOS - £15

6. Spike and Black Bead Collar - Dorothy Perkins - £16.50

7. Gold Triple Prism Necklace - Antropologie - £38

8. Mende Silver Loops Necklace - Love Martini - $23

9. Black Wooden Horn Necklace - Forever 21 - £4.90

10. Feathers and Stones Necklace - Forever 21 - £9.90

11. Multi-Spike Silver Charm Layered Necklace - ROMWE - £19.30

(If you click on the brands you'll get a link for the individual pieces)

Saving the Galaxy;

I am obsessed with the weird and unusual when it comes to fashion, creating a statement garment while making it look effortless. I have been in search for designers who have been daring enough to do this but not taken it too far. Below is some of Christopher Kane's Spring 2011 'Galaxy' Collection based on bright astronomy prints. Although this is last season's collection it seems that the high street have only just clocked onto this vibrant trend!

Check out Christopher's 'Galaxy' Collection and just trust me you won't be disappointed. Not only has this collection finally inspired the high street this Summer/Spring 2012 but also designer Jeffrey Campbell has created a whole entire shoe collection dedicated to the Galaxy too, which are absolutely beautiful and I would kill to own at least one pair! 

My Top Galaxy Print Sites
1. Jolie Moi - http://www.joliemoi.co.uk

I found this designer in London's famous Camden Market, and bought a gorgeous pleated dress from her, then checked her site as soon as I got home, noticing she designs incredible galaxy print dresses at fair prices, definitely worth a look, for a stand out summer outfit!

2. Sheinside Clothing - http://www.sheinside.com

Okay so this site is insane for astronomy print clothing, type in galaxy to the search bar and you will not be disappointed! I'm amazed by the chiffon cardigans and skirts, and plus the prices aren't too expensive, check it out girls.

3. Black Milk Clothing - http://www.blackmilkclothing.com

This site my friend introduced me to today, it sells practically everything with a galaxy print on it, from gorgeous leggings to swimsuits to dresses, the reason I've put it second however is because of the prices, but if you're willing to splash out on just one statement piece this summer, check it out.

4. Romwe - http://www.romwe.com

This site is a bit of a jumble to find what you want, however after a few scrolls you will be able to find some amazing galaxy prints, from which my favourite is deffinantely the skirts, one which is on my wish list! Surprisingly this site it well known for lookbook users, wanting galaxy pieces on there blogs as I researched most buy from here.

Bankrupt Wardrobe;

Above shows just some of my shopping purchases from over the past few weeks! This coming from a student who is in debt 24/7, I don't know how I did it to be honest, but was it worth it? Yes.

This only shows half of it, but surprisingly most I got on sale (Topshop sale is insane btw and worth checking out), plus not forgetting my student discount which is always a bonus, however this week has been far too hectic making me sort out my entire wardrobe realising I have no more room, so ebay has been my savour. Thank god I have two wardrobes and two chest of draws in my new student house next year! 

Through writing this blog I've realised I do love and wear Red, Cream, Grey and Black clothing far too much, but autumn is around the corner and luckily the big fashion trend 'Clans' is coming out where all these colours are vital! I must say the best of my purchases was the Leather Jacket, as it was a perfect fit, style, colour, texture and price, I don't think I have put it down since I bought it and recommend having one as a key item to everyones wardrobe, as it goes with completely everything.

So what did I actually buy? (Shown Above)

Black Leather Cropped Jacket - Warehouse - £50

Cream Elongated Back Sleeveless Blouse - Topshop - £15 

Black and Gold Feather Earrings - Topshop - £5

Cherry Blossom Perfume - L'Occitaine - £38

Black Liquid Eyeliner - L'Oreal - £9

Sunglasses - Topshop - £14

Sparrow Gold Earrings - River Island - £1.50

Black Vans Classic's - Office - £40

Red Zebra Print Scalf - Boutique - Free Gift from Shop

Grey Jersey Dress - Topshop - £28

Black One Shoulder Maxi Dress - Topshop - £15

Gold Peace Sign Earrings - Topshop - £2

Skull and Cross Necklace - Topshop - £10

Grey Sleeveless Jersey Top - Topshop - £10

Black Cut Out Back Dress - Topshop - £29

Red Tie-Dye Top - Urban Outfitters - £28

Black Silver Studded Shoes - Topshop - £24

There are many more but I've put on my blog my favourite and best buys, from which I highly recommend all of them! Every girl needs to splash out once in a while, I think just next time I'm going to splash out much, much less.

A Splash of Pattern

As some of you may have noticed I have been a slight tumblr addict these past months. It has literally been a Fashion Inspiration saviour for me throughout my first year at Uni' and back at home, which I recommend to other bloggers, stylists and designers, so much so I have decided to use some of my favourite looks and styles I have found, with pictures of myself in my very own looks coming soon too, once my camera has been fixed!

Images taken from - http://fashiion-gone-rouge.tumblr.com and http://morven-catsandrockingchairs.blogspot.ca/

Both of the street styles I have found I feel are perfect for both evening and day, whilst they have also both made somewhat dull toned colours vibrant and stand out with splashes of pattern incorporated. The first look I am truly in love because I've always been afraid of clashing patterns but this seems flawless, possibly because the shirt and blazer have used similar tones. As for the floral blazer itself (similar one available in Zara), it seems perfect for this summer's 'Calypso' trend, paired with black skinny jeans and gold studded black heels I think is gorgeous and wouldn't mind trying this look myself! 

The second look however, the clutch and chunky jewellery, is what makes this somewhat simple outfit stand out. It has always been known that in order to make simple shapes in pale tones brighten up, colour or pattern will almost always be needed with accessories or shoes, but not too much. If you would like the clutch itself I have been eyeing up an almost identical one in H&M, get shopping bloggers! 

To find more looks that I love check out or follow my tumblr -

http://sofltlydrawn.tumblr.com/

Printed Trousers

Printed Harem and Tapered trousers are huge this S/S 12, despite the trend slowly coming to an end and being pushed behind by the holiday florals, military greens and religious prints that are currently in store trends at the minute. Here are 3 of the top trousers that I found online, which I think at least one pair will be essential to your wardrobe this summer, as they are perfect if you want to contrast with a bright blazer and heels or if you want to compliment them with a plain white or grey basic top, either is easy to style both for evening and day time from which I have given an example shown below of how to style.

Clothing Shown Above: 1) Topshop: £28 . 2) - Topshop: £35 . 3) H & M: £14.99 - Other good places to find these styled trousers are www.forever21.com and www.urbanoutfitters.co.uk.

The look above I have created for an evening look, however it can easily be changed to daytime by changing the clutch to a basic long strapped handbag either white to match the outfit or a bright colour to make the piece stand out more such as a pastel green bag, while shoes can be changed to basic pumps for a more chilled out look and easier if wanting a more casual look.

After my job interview with Topshop yesterday, I must admit I have become slightly mad over the stores new looks and clothing they have added recently (as you can tell from the pieces I have put together above). They have seriously upped their game with some beautiful collections including their extremely summery and popular 'Calypso' trend.

Clothing Shown Above: White Blazer - Topshop . Off White Embellished Vest - Topshop . Studded Clutch - Topshop . Silver Necklace - Topshop . Heel Shoes - ASOS . Tribal Trousers - Topshop .

Grundge Meets Sporting Life

Woke up this morning thinking how much I wanted to try and make this seasons sporting trend, my own, by putting my own unique touches to it. However it seemed almost impossible without changing it completely! As we all know the Olympics are happening this summer hence why there has been such a wide surge of sporting garments from draw string shorts to mesh elongated tops and vests, with the bralet becoming extremely popular, this trend screams relaxation, but yet still I felt that the trend was weak. I thought of only using specific elements and moods from the sporting trend, such as the dropped waistline, mesh fabrics, structured silhouettes, managing to maintain the relaxation feel. The trend I chose to place these elements into would be this SS12 grunge look, which I am absolutely in love with and it never seems to go out of fashion!

By mixing an elongated black skirt with an elongated mesh jumper it gives the elusion of a taller physique and thinner silhouette keeping a relaxed feel. I added a simple leather jacket and studded handbag to rock the look up a bit while the simple but gorgeous wedges make black the new summer colour. I finished off with simple accessories to not over compensate the outfit and keep simplicity as the focal point. Hope you guys like it!

Clothing Shown Above: Leather Jacket - Topshop . Mesh Knitted Jumper - Topshop . Skirt - River Island . Handbag - Danielle Foster . Necklace - Moxham . Wedges - Jimmy Choo . Bracelet - Eudon Choi.

Moxham London Visits Leeds

Today was truly inspirational; I met with fashion accessories designer Madeline Moxham, who similar to me attended Leeds University. She came in today to show other students like us what years of hard work and dedication could achieve from which she has definitely inspired me to look into my future of what I want to achieve in the Fashion Industry.

Her brand Moxham is currently based in London, offering customers beautiful statement fashion accessories from unusual cuffs to gorgeous shoulder pieces, to which can be worn as both day and evening accessories, taking inspiration from Egyptian Mythology and the repetition of striking motifs.  She states she likes ‘the balance of working hard but having fun’, which from her collection seems almost impossible to believe she ever leaves her studio!

It is crazy to think that she started from where I am now and has achieved so much in the space of a few years. She took a year in industry working for famous fashion brand labels such as ‘Aquascutum’ and ‘Felder Felder’, which she found extremely influential in her final year and led to her interest in designing garments with unique surface detailing alongside simple silhouettes. Once leaving the University of Leeds and completing her year in industry she moved to Nottingham at which she worked for a branding agency, this then making her realize that she wanted to set up her own brand from scratch. Shortly after this revelation she was accepted an MA at Nottingham Trent looking into decorative arts which gave her the freedom and the base to realize her unique talent for designing accessories and not just garments. 

After finishing her MA she began to work on her business and focus on how far her skills could get her, she knew moving back to London would give her that extra step closer to starting up.  From this she now has a stunning company, collection and website filled with images of her amazing accessories and handbags to which you can buy online at Bengt (www.bengtfashion.com/designer/moxham) and Kabiri (www.kabiri.co.uk/designers/moxham.htm). She has also been seen  in popular fashion magazines such as ‘Grazia’ and well known blogs such as ‘In Detail’ and ‘Lust and found’ – Check her out, her work is incredible and there is not one piece, which I do not love from her current collection!

Her next collection is just coming out for SS12 which I am absolutely in love with, as her statement pieces were in so much demand last season she has updated them with new summer colours such as bright yellows and baby pinks which are gorgeous! And I am absolutely obsessed with her large clutch bags especially the tan one that is definitely a must have this season!

She updates her blog almost everyday and her website is a must to check out! - www.moxhamstore.com

SS12: The Fifties Arrives

I have just finished a design project based on Womenswear for Zara, choosing the trend 50's Twist new to SS12. This trend is perfect for this year as it consists of minimalist shapes such as cropped jackets/tops, playful gathered and pleated skirts, and high waisted shorts/skirts/trousers. The colour palette however is defined by light tones of candy coloured pastels such as baby pinks, mint greens and sky blues, appearing in most high street stores this season, alongside quirky unusual prints. 

Although personally the key item I think to have in your wardrobe for this season, which I recommend from this trend would be a pastel toned blazer, possibly for an evening look placed with a simple elongated pencil skirt and cream lace top tucked underneath while for day time this would go well with skinny black jeans or even wet look leggings, with a loose fitted top and wedges this will be the perfect look for the summer.

Clothing Shown Above: Blazer - Topshop . Wedges - ASOS . Ring - River Island . Top - Topshop . Earrings - ASOS . Leggings - Topshop . Bag - Topshop . Necklace - Topshop.