Lunch with the Girls

So me and the girls have planned a lovely catch up over lunch this week and I thought I'd be prepared and plan my outfit in advance of the occasion, hope you guys like.

I know floral patterns are often associated with summer/spring, however I feel that the greyscale tone of the print can make this jacket work for this season also. I've been looking for a floral jacket everywhere recently, but they have always seemed to bright for me, so as soon as I saw this one I instantly fell in love. I matched the blazer up with a high neck crop top as I felt it would show the necklace off against a solid black background.

Normally I'm not a fan of crop tops personally as I'm quite self-conscious about my stomach area, but to combat this issue, I invested in my first pair of high-waisted jeans from Topshop's new 'Joni' range. I've worn jeans in the past but never felt comfortable in them and ended up not wearing them, living in only leggings and skirts. I can safely say however, these jeans are incredible as they hide my stomach area without restricting me and I would recommend strongly to people like me that aren't used to wearing jeans. Lastly I added a vintage leather clutch bag given to me from my mother, alongside some simple black wedges to complete the look. Below I've listed where you can get most of the items from and the price.

1. Floral Tailored Blazer - Marks and Spencer £55 £15

2. Skinny Polo Crop Top - Topshop - £10

3. Short Necklace - Dorothy Perkins - £15

4. Vintage Clutch - Stolen from the Mother

5. Black Joni Super High Waisted Jeans - Topshop - £36

6.  Usher Zip Wedges - New Look - £19.99

Total Clothing Cost - 95.99 

(not including student discount)

To find more looks that I love and keep up to date with my life check out my tumblr and instagram -

http://softlydrawn.tumblr.com/ & http://instagram.com/emma_threlfall/

Anne Sofie Madsen - Cherrilee

Sorry I've been away for so long but university work has been holding me captive, even in the holidays. These past few months have been hectic, since my last post I've moved into my new place in Leeds, bought so many clothes I can't close my wardrobe, invested in a new camera, which I can't keep my hands off and am currently mid-way through my second year at Leeds University! Although to make up I have a lot to blog about these next few weeks!

I thought this week I'd blog about Anne Sofie Madsen's Spring/Summer 2013 collection- 'Cherrilee' . I've wanted to write about her work as soon as she debuted just over a year ago at Copenhagen Fashion Week. Since then she has become one of my favourite designer's and an inspiration to me. Her work never ceases to amaze me, with each individual outfit she creates looking delicately formed and like pieces finely crafted artwork. Although the theme of her collections change each season she states her concept always stays the same, wanting to show 'the well-known through the un-known and to use traditional hand craft methods and couture techniques within ready-to-wear'.

In her 'Cherrilee' collection she again simular to her previous work, shows her extreme talent for creating beautiful hand-drawn illustrated prints, intricate skeleton like embossments and heavily embellished stand-out pieces. Her mix and contrast in fabrics is what I love most about this collection. While her  cool colour palette works perfect together with a somewhat warrior like theme. There's no surprise from looking at this collection that her internship with John Galliano and work experience with Alexander McQueen, has inspired a couture twist in her work. I'm hoping she will become more known this time next year and people will start to appreciate her work just as much as I do!

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.