VW Dinning

[http://www.carscoops.com/2010/07/snazzy-vw-beetle-inspired-restaurant.html]

Loving my Lupo and finding the vintage beetle beautiful, this car inspired restaurant in Austria seems like a different and darling place to dine. 

Strawberries and cream - Christmas time dream

[http://www.savvyhousekeeping.com/strawberry-santas/]

Cookery isn't my forte- at all .. but even I can complete this cute Christmas craft. 

Santa when its seasonal or cream creatures otherwise - a fun food fancy fantastic for parties! 

Star Stay

[https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lifestyle-Fashion/224890264268221?fref=ts]

I am sure I wasn't the only one to have glow in the dark stars covering my bedroom as a child. 

I still find the night sky brilliant, big and beautiful. 

This hotel room as posted on Lifestyle and Fashion has a starry ceiling view, creating a perfect atmosphere for a spectacular stay.

Sunset, Santa and Stars

Beautiful image taken and sent by my Dad yesterday evening of our front garden with all its Christmas trimmings. With the added bonus of the sunset I truly love this picture. Magical. 

Festive fashion for the whole family

This is not a prezzy secret give away… but wish I'd seen them all before my big shop! 

Dad: 

Loves his knits and red! 

Debenhams

[lifestyle.ie.msn.com]

Mum: 

Cath Kidston crazy!

Cath Kidston 

[http://media.cathkidston.com]

Grandma:

Used to call her Pat Butcher… She believes- 'If God wanted you to have holes in your ears he'd have put them there himself'.

Mylu 

[http://www.rubylane.com/item/61838-1063334x20B20557/Mylu-Gigantic-Christmas-Tree-Clip]

Brother:

I have bought I'm cartoon socks on every occasion for years now! ..and he wears them without fail!

Alphabet Interiors

[http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/system/product_images/images/001/389/640/original_christmas-socks.jpg]

Sometimes you get that feeling

I don't know what made me read this …I don't usually even take a second look at things like this on Facebook … But I did …and as I write this I still have the feeling of sadness in my stomach and tears in my eyes. I am a sensitive person, but as my Mother says: 'I'm also hard', maybe this is the fashion influence inside me, I don't know. But for this post that is irrelevant. 

[http://inspirationaldaily.wordpress.com/2012/02/14/always-love-you/]

Love is a funny thing that I believe no one can explain. But this exceptional piece of writing that had me gripped from the start is the closest thing I to a definition in my eyes. This covers all types of love and its tendencies in life. I don't know if you'll find it worthwhile, but for me the 5 minuets it took me to read this has definitely had an impact on myself and my views. 

http://avmediastudio.com/blog/married-or-not-you-should-read-this/

Street style 6th December 2013

Fantastic Fashion marketing student Megan in wonderful wool coat Winter 2012 Topshop- Timeless individual piece … that I wish I had!

SIGNED FOR YOU next-door to me

This last week has been very exciting for our flat. One very talented flat mate of ours has been shut in her room working mighty hard in order to create merchandise for the rich and famous as part of a local competition. 

As if our University work loads were not enough, with Christmas deadlines coming up the ever ambitious Hattie Taylor-Gell has yet again surprised us with the sheer determination she has to get herself and her work known.

Hattie aged 19 has admirably set up her own sign design company

 SIGNED FOR YOU,

 of which the logo is shown above.

https://www.facebook.com/SignedForYou?fref=ts

Like it on Facebook ! 

Hattie's description of the business:

About

I am an aspiring Graphic Designer with a soft spot for branding, typography and anything hand-made.

Description

Signed For You is a little business set in North Yorkshire providing personalised gifts/decor/stationary for all occasions, creating something for everyone. Looking for a visual re-vamp of your own small business? Thinking of a new typographic tattoo? Or maybe wanting your own unique wedding invitations? Simply send a message with your requests, big or small. I will try my best to meet your requirements however quirky they may be :) H x

Above shows the ingenious creations of the artist. Her entry into a competition, which is usually only entered by established local business professionals, comprised of individually framed posters for each celebrity which addressed their key characteristics. 

Looking fabulous, there is no surprise these posters got commendations by the stars themselves, including EXAMPLE and Elisa Doolittle on the brand's newly created twitter account:

@signed_for_you 

Why not follow now?! 

 

[https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=683609965006502&set=a.682196265147872.1073741830.507547299279437&type=1&theater]

Never one to rest from chasing her occupational dreams Hattie has a stall for at Middleton Lodge's Christmas shopping evening Wednesday 11th December!

Support her and get some Christmas shopping done at the same time! 

I have no doubt this girl will go far- WELL DONE Hattie! 

Show Studio, Show Blow

[https://showstudio.com/img/blog_articles/8401-8600/8591_640n.jpg?1384874612]

We have recently learnt about Issabella Blow at University, due to her influence on and experience in the fashion industry, as well as the new exhibition at Somerset House on the late stylist, editor and muse (which I hope to visit).

Part of the exhibition involves a fashion film by a very determined talent, Ruth Hogben, who is part of Nick Knight's famous Show Studio. 

This film, set to Bryan Ferry's - 'When She Walks in the Room', creates a celebratory, yet emotional and reflective allure, which I can imagine is very effective and emotional in the exhibition space. 

I highly recommend at least a look at the film if you can not visit the gallery. 

http://showstudio.com/project/isabella_blow_fashion_galore/fashion_film_ruth_hogben

Baileys, Ballet and a Ball

Baileys Christmas Nutcracker Campaign Ad:

[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-1XB00Ss8I]

I, like most people, get annoyed by the constant interruption of shows/ music videos by adverts. For that reason I rarely pay attention to them.. But for some reason this Ad caught my eye.

 A mini storey through dance of secrets, seduction and social celebration - I couldn't help but watch it all (, despite the fact Beyonce- If I were a boy, was waiting to be played)! 

It has put me in the mood for the festive season - Brill work Baileys!

[http://www.marketingmagazine.co.uk]

To Wear or Not to Wear

My new purchase - British Heart Foundation- Vintage section - £6. In fact, only my second clothing purchase since I have become a poor Uni student. But I just couldn't resist! PJ top, shirt or kimono, so many different ways  to wear it ( my justification )! Attracted by the colour and pattern, neither of which particularly compliment my complexion, I have established wearing it as a kimono with a plain dress under is probably my best bet. Whether it suits me or not remains to be decided… But (, I think,) it looks pretty cool in my room as an artistic piece whilst I decide whether I can wear it out or not! 

5am Inspiration

[http://www.icopop.net/tag/uk-funky/]

Striking. This image from Katy B's new single '5am' out on the 3rd of November caught my art conscious eye. 

Previous accidental products of photographs taken by myself have produced similar interesting effects, and these images have been inspirational to me on several occasions. I love how the red hair combines with the blue of the mac to create their secondary colour- purple. 

If you look deeper it could describe the blur of 5am to a person after a night out. 

I am a big fan of the metallic mac worn.. which looks suspiciously like a recent Burberry collection's piece. 

Now time listen to the single!

XX Marks My New Favourite Fashion Song

Yesterday I was introduced to an amazing piece which involved two of my most favourite music talents.

Kanye West vs. The XX - Touch The Sky ( Carlos Serrano Mix) 

Fantastic for fashion show catwalk music as well, safe to say this is my new favourite song!

Attraction of the Eye

Attraction 

Colour 

Pattern 

...This top from a past season Zara collection, worn by my lecturer today was admired by many in our class. 

Maybe it is the colour pallet or maybe just it's over all feminine, almost Indian inspired pattern, but apparently this has always been commented on since purchase. 

I can see this will be very inspirational to me in future. 

Zara is well known for its beautiful feminine pieces and prints on the high street market level. [http://www.zara.com]

Despite not being particularly basic because of its surface pattern this garment is certainly a wardrobe staple ... yes i am very envious haha! 

End of ST-ART Summer

Last children's charity craft event  for the summer at Brigg Farmer's market the other week. I had far too much fun being the big kid making the example wind socks.  ^ My fish also mistaken for an elephant haha! 

This summer has been super for ST-ART; with a great turn out to their 'Around the World in 80 Days' themed workshops. Hope all the kids enjoyed it! 

Lots more creative events will be occurring throughout the year including the popular lantern making and parade! All up to date information can be found on the website:

 http://www.the-ropewalk.co.uk/st_art/

Coffee, Cake and Charity - 3 Very Good Things

A house where I probably spend as much time as my own in held a very respectful event the other week. 

Unfortunately a treasured teacher and much loved neighbour who had recently passed away due to illness was the main inspiration for the coffee and cake afternoon.

Mountains of scrumptious sweet snacks were available, including the hosts famous chocolate brownies mm-mm-mmm yum! 

I was flattered to be asked to present some XPOSE's work at the event, which was enthusiastically greeted by the guests! 

XPOSE Exhibition at the event seated superbly next to the mouthwatering brownies!

The tremendous Tom on guitar and marvellous Megan on violin serenaded us on the lovely afternoon beautifully! 

Megan and Tom creating beautiful music for the guests

The charity event was a great success and a remarkable amount was raised for a very good cause - the St. Andrew's Hospice.

I'm very proud of the amazing people who were responsible for the day. Well done! 

Monsters - make beautiful Music

I have recently been introduced to the beautiful sound of Angus Powell...

https://twitter.com/anguspowell

His website says he:

'Sounds Like: Bon Iver, James Vincent McMorrow, Justin Nozuka, Damien Rice, Ray Lamontagne'.

However, I think is angelic voice is completely individual to the music scene at the moment.

His debut EP is called Monsters and is out now!  His tracks can be found on his website. I highly recommend you have a listen! 

I would definitely love to use the music at a future fashion show of mine! 

http://www.anguspowell.com

You can also follow him on Twitter for the latest updates! 

https://twitter.com/anguspowell

Nothing Like A Catchup In Fashion

Had such a lovely day yesterday returning to STELLA&ALF after too long ( gosh I missed that place)!
So much exciting stuff going on; new items for the collection and a new website to show these off launching very soon!
In the meantime I highly suggest you visit their blog!
http://stellaandalf.blogspot.co.uk/?m=1
.. Or even better visit them in person at The Old Tile Works, Barton!
I also had a great catchup yesterday with a friend of mine at the coffee shop restaurant there... Mmm - delicious!

Bloomin' Romantics

Womanly charm is the main key to the season for  female fashion.. 

This, like most major trends causes sub styles.. 

Mood, Romance and Florals accompany one another to create a sophisticated, yet sensually seductive style suited to the season. 

Burnt oranges, reds and blacks

Over ripe hues across dark silks and chiffons

Dark florals

Glamour

Sober skirt lengths

Severe Necklines

Givenchy

 Christopher Kane 

 Dolce & Gabbana

 Gucci

 Gucci

Anna Sui

[Images from Style.com]

Capes just for Captains?

Heroes wear them, vampires wear them, but should the metropolitan men of the world wear them? 

Well the fashion favourites seem to think so. Capes have hit the Autumn/ Winter 2013 Men's Catwalks heavily.

Valentino

Saint Laurent

 [Image 1+2 from Style.com]

[http://www.ealuxe.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/collage71.jpg]

They are not for everyone and can prove to be either very practical, or very unpractical depending on the wearer's lifestyle. However Fashion Fellas this is a must for you! 

Although Action Man is another trend this season, I suggest that you don't pair capes with Lycra Super -Hero suits to avoid style sabotage! 

INDiGO BEACH

I love finding new bands and have found that twitter is a great way to do so. 

Indie, Dance and Chart music are what I tend to listen to depending on my mood etc. 

The most recent band I have come to appreciate immensely is INDiGo BEACH.

They describe themselves as a:

'Pop // Indie // Rock Band, From Brighton and Lewe'

This is the music video to song that is currently my most played tune! Take a look! 

Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndigoBeachUK

Check them and more of their songs out: https://soundcloud.com/indigo-beach

Fashion and Alexander McQueen go together like Black and White

[Images from Vogue - Alexander McQueen A/W13]

Made-up to Perfection... Prizes!!!!

I have been informed of an exciting competition today hosted by the lovely, bubbly Tina Brocklebank. 

This talented lady knows everything worth knowing about make-up having studied and worked in that field for many years. 

The makeup artist is giving away makeup 'from Bobbi Brown, Daniel Sandler and MAC! (UK ONLY)

5 items (worth about £70!). For more info check out the event page!' 

https://www.facebook.com/events/644381842241072/

Having been transformed myself by Tina for a STELLA&ALF photo-shoot, and being made to feel amazing thanks to her and the fabulous clothes, I would use her any time that I need to look my finest. 

Weddings, Proms, Photo-shoots and lessons (,which I intend to book sometime in the near future!), she does them all! I definitely recommend you like her page to get the latest on her work, makeup trends, competitions and all you need to know about makeup ... and her contact details of course! 

https://www.facebook.com/TinaBrocklebankMUA/events  { images 1-3 from Tina's page]

http://stellaandalf.blogspot.co.uk/p/t-h-e-c-o-l-l-e-c-t-i-o-n.html {image 4 from STELLA&ALF website]

The New Woman

Arguably the biggest female trend for fall'13 is inspired by feminine allure. The new and improved image of the woman to be precise. 

Feminine form is the fascination. Flare over the hips to accentuate, along with breast hugging bodices, defines the sophisticated silhouette that this season is styled on. 

Hips and Hints of Skin

Alexander McQueen look to historical influences of different periods which celebrated the female figure. 

Peplum Pleats Paired with a Pencil skirt

Water fall frills flaunt the feminine form fabulously.

Who said women don't have charm? This season is all about their elegance and undoubted ability to impress. 

 Dusky Desire

Shoulders Showing

The careerist, perhaps inspired by those that the dress came from; with their off to work manner prevailing. This style covers the creative yet practical. 

Don't forget the clutch- that's key! 

 Clutch Clutch Clutch! 

Dipping V

The warm glow and dusky hues of rose and the like, head to toe of course also feature massively! 

Rousing Rose

The skirt this season .. as womanly signature sticks to the elegant emphasis, being longer in length, often showing just a flash of ankle to tease. 

[Images from:http://www.style.com/fashionshows/collections/F2013RTW/]