Amelia's Fashion Land

Karl Lagerfeld on Lana Del Rey...

2012-02-07T21:25:00.003Z

"I prefer Adele and Florence Welch. But as a modern singer she is not bad.The thing at the moment is Adele. She is a little too fat, but she has a beautiful face and a divine voice. Lana del Rey is not bad at all. She looks very much like a modern-time singer. In her photos she is beautiful. Is she a construct with all her implants? She's not alone with implants."

- Karl Lagerfeld, Metro

Welcome to Miami...

2012-02-07T21:19:00.004Z

I wonder if it ever snows, rains or falls marginally anywhere under 10 degrees in Miami? Nah. Probs not! Exactly why i've decided to post the River Island Spring Campaign video. Clashing prints and bright colours. Versace eat your heart out.

What do you think? Getting those summer vibes yet?

Amelia xo

AW12 Men's Edit...

2012-02-05T13:23:00.004Z

Around 6 months ago I did an SS12 Men's Edit so it's about that time again (post Men's Fashion Week) to do another. Seems a little odd seeing as we've not yet hit Spring...but hey! It's snowing outside and is there a better excuse for me to look at male models on a Sunday afternoon - i think not!

Acne.

I spy driving jackets. I spy Leather. I spy...printed red trousers? In my eyes you can't go wrong with a pointed collar and a double breasted NAVY jacket. Brown leather trousers, hmmm, not so much. Bowling bag, yes! Cropped sleeve coat, no. But what this Swedish cult label is spelling out is L-A-Y-E-R-S (it is winter I suppose. Duh)

Carven.

I. Love. So it appears Tin Tin has had an influence on Madame Carven's French fashion house. I'm not complaining. I love the mixture of Teal and rich shades of wine red. Tailored trousers. Tailored jackets. Shirts and rucksacks. Tobacco camel colours are back too?

Louis Vuitton.

Not much to say here except cheekbones. Oops, i mean suaaaaave. It's farmer meets pyjama meets varsity meets BANKER. A banker trend hey? Who'da funk it.

Givenchy.

Givenchy. Just casually stitching male model's mouths up. Everything else is pretty self explanitory. Varsity jackets, graphic prints, thick stripes and smart coats. Add a star in for good measure.

Burberry.

Oh. There goes that farmer/banker style again...Quilted jackets have been the in thing for men for the past few years. I'd like to see someone take on the PUFFA. Yes with a velvet suit underneath, but of course. Tis the only way to wear a puffa jacket don't you know...

So there we go girls and boys (hopefully) a small round up of what's to come. Or indeed, what to wear now as I don't see the sun rearing it's pretty little head anytime soon.

Amelia xo

We are Titanium...

2012-01-31T21:46:00.004Z

I've got this friend called Lara Lain. She's kind of a big deal. I'm sure you know her already. If not imma divulge a little bit o' info...

I don't usually do the 'personal blog' thing, but I thought this would be a nice going away present for Lainy. She leaves for Thailand tomorrow and i'm going to miss her. Everyone always asks how we know each other - well, she organised that kinda massive LOOK MAGAZINE competition I won ohhhh about a year ago! Since then we've kept in touch. When I moved to London we met up a couple of times and then lightning struck. My world turned upside down and whilst struggling to find somewhere to live I confided in Lar. She was going through something similar and ever since we have been like THAT (imagine i'm crossing my fingers ok?)

It's said that once you find a good friend, you hold on to them. And we literally don't stop laughing, infact I don't think i've ever had this much fun (Giggsy, Shuggs and Mr Bean too)! We've done michelin star lunches, been backstage at the o2 arena, 5star hotel parties and SWANSEA (where she introduced me to NIK! Funniest welshy ever. Add ALYSHA to that list too) we've also been to some pretty rough places too... cough newham cough.

We've got some exciting things coming up for 2012 so hurry back LAIN! Keep an eye on Lara's blog I Feel Like I Dreamt It because she's doing an awesome feature whilst she's away :)

Amelia xo

What's heavier the dress or the model...

2012-01-25T17:38:00.009Z

Oh. Wow. Paris Couture Week 2012 will always provide an oooh / aaahh moment or 4 but boy does this take the biscuit!

Stephane Rolland created a 110lb dress (50 kilos) which was walked/dragged down the catwalk by 47 year old Yasmin Le Bon. The train is 45 metres and she had to have 2 rather dapper male assistants...meh, better than a poke in the eye!

Do we love or do we love? I tell you what i'm not loving. That weirdo pointless pony tale at the back of her head..............No love.

I've got some good posts lined up for the ol' Fashion Land blog. Admit it, you missed me didn't you.

That's what they all say...
Amelia xo

Images from the Holy Grail. Uh...I mean the Daily Mail.

He's Not That Hot Anyway...

2012-01-16T21:05:00.005Z

...ahhhhh no boy rant here i'm afraid. Just quoting the absolute GENIUS that is Moi Self Helpful Hankys. Now i don't use a hanky, I'm pretty sure no one I know uses a hanky. But i found myself wanting each and every one of these bad boys and can think of several people who would enjoy them too! They're too pretty to wipe your nose on... but i'll be getting atleast 3 for motivational purposes...plus they're only £10. Barg.

Available on My-Wardrobe on the 26th Jan.

Which one is your favourite? Fix your mascara (you're amazing) is mine :)

Amelia xo

Steal their Style, Sweetie...

2012-01-09T21:22:00.006Z

Well well well...me again! Major boo hiss to me for being so absent recently. Living in London, working hard and maintaining my social life (which deserves it's own blog truth be told) has been hogging my time! I promise to blog at least once a week from now on. This post is dedicated to my latest obsession - Absolutely Fabulous. It wasn't something I was ever that into growing up, but Lara has changed that!

In fact we are morphing into Pats and Ed the more time we spend together. We haven't figured out which one is which yet...so I thought I'd do this post as a 'What Would They Wear' type thang. So......which one are you???

Patsy.

Smoking, drinking, sexaholic Patsy. Fashion Director who hasn't eaten since the 1970's. Fan of a two piece and always flashing a bit of leg, sweetie.

Marios Schwab - Christopher Kane - Chanel

Eddie.

Eddie's style is a wondrous thing. Borderline garish with a slight hint of 90's ghetto. Not afraid to take risks (head to toe denim on the Christmas special??)

Stella McCartney - Acne - D&G

Bubble.

I loveeee bubble. She is CLEARLY a Meadham Kirchhoff kinda gal...anyone who wears a dress covered in telly tubbies would be!

Meadham Kirchhoff - Preen - House of Holland

Do you all watch Ab Fab? I loved the Christmas special. Especially Bubble's impression of P-middy!!!

Amelia xo

Take the plunge...

2011-12-08T22:19:00.004Z

Last Wednesday I went to the Wonderbra event of their new bra The Plunge, designed for all those dresses with the pluuuuunging necklines (you know the type. Think JLo in that green dress at those awards that one time...you got it!) We drank YUM cocktails, canapes and met the gorgeous Grace Woodward - who is so much more beautiful in real life. We even got our very own fashion illustrations!

Wonderbra says "Taking the plunge is all about challenging yourself to face your fashion fears and be braver with your look. With the Wonderbra Ultimate Plunge bra, girls can have the confidence to embrace the plunging neckline trend."

My fashion fear is going backless. The lovely Sarah from Wonderbra introduced me to the low back converter - can't flippin' wait to try them out!

Watch this genius videos of 3 girls taking a bungee plunge down Battersea Power Station - a.may.zing.

Powder Power...

2011-11-28T21:19:00.003Z

Micro trend all up in your face. Come Spring/Summer 2012 we'll all be dressing like we're the epitome of sophistication with an urge to be somewhere that requires taking a briefcase. Ahem. In fabulously feminine colours of course. Girl power!

Cacharel SS12

Paul Smith SS12

Proenza Schouler SS12

Celine SS12

I for one can't wait for Summer. I'm tres impatient. Once Christmas is over I will be well and truly on the countdown to colour. How about you?

Amelia xo

LOOK it's beauty-full...

2011-11-15T23:50:00.005Z

I have just returned home from LOOK Magazine's beauty launch. They have their own make up now don't you know...not to be avoided may i add! I spotted it in Superdrug on Sunday afternoon back home and spent a small fortune on as much as I could carry. Eyeliner, bronzer, lipstick - everything you can think of! This range is not only affordable, but it's the exact make up that you want - the beauty team at LOOK have designed the range with a lipstick wardrobe in mind, so you know there will be colours that you can't find elsewhere. Trust me!

The great thing about LOOK beauty is that a percentage of the proceeds go to Look Good Feel Better, the charity that gives make-overs to ladies diagnosed and recovering from all types of cancer. Their 'Look in a box' range make for great how-to products - just what I need. Hello Christmas list! I can't rave enough about this wonderful stuff. As Lara Lain would say 'it's just so creamy!'

Will you be trying the range? You MUST! It's not one to miss.

Amelia xo

Ooh La La Oasis...

2011-11-02T20:21:00.004Z

Oh hey you lot. Absentee blogger reporting for duty! Nearly one month with no blogging. How could I do that to you? Well I have been rebuilding my social life truth by told...and one of the events I went to happened to be the Oasis Argyll St party (in Karen Millen's old penthouse appartment, on the corner of oxford/regent street - oh wow!) I met some lovely people and it was amazing to catch up with Katy from Primark to Prada!

I met some lovely other bloggers too! The new Oasis store is absolutely beaut. They had a lady knitting big letters in the window - genius! Take a peak at the pics and the amazing bling from the goodybag!

Hope you are all fantabulous.
Amelia xo

PS Cosmo Award goss coming soon!

SS12 Men's Edit...

2011-10-07T20:17:00.003+01:00

Ooh la la monsieur. Excuse the sudden rush of testosterone forcing it's way down your throat. I've always been a little fascinated with stylish men. Aren't most girls? I've probably had about four men in total express a fondness for this blog (one being the effortlessly cool Andre. Who once told me he is a fan of 3 girls' blogs - mine, Primark to Prada and Man Repeller) and so, i dedicate to you the SS12 men's edit.

Marc by Marc Jacobs

The preppy style of Marc by Marc Jacobs rarely fails in my estimations. Tailoring came into its own last summer with every man and possibly it's dog dressed in chino's. So hands up who wants to don a brightly coloured chino and matching jacket? Well if you look like any of the below i say DO IT. Vintage checks and tartan creeps in with a more relaxed and slouched silhouette - that trend won't go anywhere either.

Burberry Prorsum

I love Mod Men. More of a style than a recurring trend? But Burberry Prorsum see's it through for SS12 with it's traditional parka jackets and trench coats in a rich palette of mulberry purples and rich navy blues. Particularly fond of a stripe or two. And a skinny trouser. And the hair. AND a white scoop neck. A firm favourite for me.

Christopher Raeburn

The ever expanding outerwear designer Christopher Raeburn experimented with a wider range of fabrics for his SS12 collection. He used separate jersey basics for men and women whilst continuing with his luxury parkas and recycled parachute jackets.

J.W. Anderson.

Hotbeads. Oh i'm sorry - where were we? J.W Anderson's colourful collection of popping pastel brights and shiny tailored pieces is somewhat in the shadow of the giant sequin structures that look just like those beads that you used to iron together. Wow. Can't believe i just referenced fashion to hotbeads - ain't gonna find that on Style.com kids! (for future reference, refrain from googling hotbeads. Porn-erific)

Michael Kors

Aww. The man wearing the sarong looks 100% pissed off. Kors goes khaki for SS12. Tapping into a little tie dye along the way (which has proven to be a hit amongst womenswear too) Orange and Khaki is quite the delight on the eyes. Tricky though. Not quite the same with a middle aged man in combat shorts and some sort of garish orange football shirt. Don't forget the jesus creepers.

What do we think girls and boys?

Amelia xo

Never trust a photoshopper...

2011-10-07T17:54:00.003+01:00

Hello! It's that time again where I sit here and apologise for being an absentee blogger! I'll spare you the deets - but I just HAD to show you this video I was shown at work this week. Basically...never trust a photoshopper.

Isn't that just the craziest thing?? How can you trust anything in a magazine after watching that? I feel like doing a Jamie Oliver and introducing it into education - show that to a bunch of kids and we could banish anorexia for good!

Amelia x

David Koma SS12...

2011-09-22T19:34:00.003+01:00

I'm slowly rounding up my favourite collections from London Fashion Week. David Koma has been a fully fledged obsession of mine for oh...around...2-3 years? Way before Chezza and Bey jumped on board.

You take one look at this and think. Yep. Everywhere will be selling sheer leggings with tribal cut out prints, and sheer dresses with the boob area cut out. Then you can all say, oh yeah Amelia said that would happen. (or not as the case may be!)

Who has spot any emerging trends? Apart from pastel shades...I can't wait to do my seasonal trend round up. Yeah buddy!

Amelia xo

Meadham Kirchhoff SS12...

2011-09-20T21:26:00.003+01:00

Meadham Kirchhoff are fashion's wild child. Unpredictable from one season to the next, where the only recurring aesthetic is amazingness. For SS12 Meadham Kirchhoff did roccoco on ACID! Like the whole collection was based on one phrase - let them eat cake - and so an array of cookie cutter pinnys, dramatic pastel furs, marshmallow tutus and goldielocks curls strutted the catwalk amongst a balloon filled runway.

Honestly get a look at this in full! In other news, I'm still up for that Cosmo Blog Award! Established Fashion Blog - Whodda funk it! (And get a load of Donna Ida in Best Brand Blog too! Woop)

Mary Katrantzou SS12...

2011-09-20T21:05:00.003+01:00

Mary Katrantzou appears to be filling a Luella shaped hole in my life. The beauty and creativity of her collections are awe inspiring to a point of thinking - how? Katrantzou's vision is second to none, the patnership between print, colour and cut is unlike anything on the London Fashion scene. It's safe to say i'm in love.

Watercolour florals in a popping poster palette, with puffed out silhouettes and soft tailoring. Asymmetric hem and necklines return again with the mini replacing the midi lengths. See more here.

Do you love Mary as much as me? Or am I just being overly patriotic?

Amelia xo

Cosmopolitan Blog Awards!

2011-09-20T08:27:00.002+01:00

To top off a stressful month I have just found out i'm shortlisted for a Cosmopolitan Blog Award!!!!!

I'm so overwhelmed. Especially as I will hold my hands up to not giving my blog the attention it deserves for the past two months, well I am BACK I tell you! Now, the competition is very very stiff - and whilst there is no way I could beat the likes of Disney Roller Girl - I would appreciate your vote all the same you lovely lot. And in return I promise to deliver the best god damn fashion blog you ever did see!

Lots of love to you all X

Hot Trend Alert for SS12...

2011-09-15T22:30:00.002+01:00

Last 'summer' (can we even call it that?) was about the ACID brights. And plenty of 'em. Next year it seems as though palettes are muted and toned down to adorable candy, pastel shades. Take Phillip Lim 3:1 for example, blocking his sherbet tones with crisp whites in softly tailored, loose pieces. I can see this trend all over the high street. What do you think?

The Shade Parade...

2011-09-07T21:49:00.002+01:00

From one insanely naff advert to one insanely amazing one...this is the new advert for Chanel nail polish and oh.my.god! Why has no one thought ot this before??? Just watch...

So flipping good right? I've just watched it about 4 times in a row! The finger dancing actually creates an illusion of dancing legs. Plus, is it just me or does that song remind you of Matilda?

Amelia xo

Not so magical Emma...

2011-09-03T08:35:00.002+01:00

Errrr hello! I'll explain my absence a little bit further on down but I just HAD to share the new Lancome perfume add with you. Now, I like Emma Watson as much as the next Potter obsessive but this advert is totally naff. Let me elaborate:

1. Music sounds like they've bought it from one of those sites where you don't have to credit the artist.
2. She's trying to be Diane Keaton.
3. HOW many times has this story been told before?

How dissappointing! I expect better of you Lancome and some originality at least! It's not that it's a terrible advert (cough cough) It's just...trés cringe.

Anyway, hello. If you follow me on Twitter (and haven't unfollowed from my pretty boring tweetage over the last few weeks) then you will have seen my plans of a blogging bank holiday were ruined by unforseen circumstances! However, my quota of depressed tweets for the year has been well and truly filled and i'm happy to announce i'm back in the game.

My Big Fat Mary Love (and a big fat catch up)...

2011-08-21T09:42:00.003+01:00

Hello! Only me! I hope you remember who 'me' is. Sorry for the lack of blog posts - it's been a busy few weeks! The low down of my past 2 weeks:

- I went from Intern to Online Content Editor in the space of a day for Donna Ida! ( Follow the FB and Twitter to keep up with me during the day!)
- My evenings are consumed with London house hunting - not fun.
- I spent 3nights watching the news from 7pm until 3am during the riots.
- I went on slim fast for a week (don't bother - it's pointless)
- I HAVE NO CLOTHES etc etc
- I've been reading a lot of the LOOK show entries (comment or tweet me your entries)!
- I reached 500 blog followers! (YAY - and HI!)
- I said goodbye to my mum and dad who are off traveling around Canada/Alaska until the end of Aug for her birthday (and feel bad for not giving her a card to take with her - so am dedicating this post to her HAPPY BIRTHDAY MUM!)

If you follow me on Twitter you would have seen me tweet about my mum's awe of Mary Katrantzou following an earlier post - the design genius herself retweeted me (amazing) - so as this post is dedicated to my mother bear I thought I would share why Mary Katrantzou is my favourite fashion designer.

Autumn/Winter 2011/12.
With a soft silhouette and luxurious print the AW11 collection was inspired by museums, vases and those funny egg things that Michael Jackson collected (you will know what I mean if you watched that Martin Bashir thing years ago!)

Spring Summer 2011.
Heavily influenced by a family background of interior design, Katrantzou's SS11 collection took skirts in shape of a lampshades and dresses with extravagantly decorated windows and 3D curtains.

Autumn/Winter 2010/11.
This one was inspired by the renaissance period and featured a lot of gold embellishments! I got to see this collection up close at FashionWeek - insanely amazing! (Check out my write up on Trendland.net)

Spring/Summer 2010.
This collection was inspired by the art of Glass Blowing! Which seems like a completely natural thing to inspire a collection come to think of it - I wish I had thought of this.

Autumn/Winter 2009/10.
Her debut collection as a New Gen designer - inspired by perfume bottles. Are you seeing why I love her so much?

Does anyone else share my love for Mary Katrantzou? Or are you still angry with me for not blogging in 2 weeks? Lots of love to all of you (esp you mum) Xxx

My Blogger Feature in Look Magazine...

2011-08-03T18:08:00.007+01:00

Hi fellow bloggers! What a surreal week! If you've followed me recently you probably know that I won a blogging competition with LOOK Magazine in February - and this week they did a feature on some of the bloggers who took part! I was one of them, and my feature is below! It's amazing! Although, just to clear up i'm not 'creating' anyones blogs - i'm merely enhancing from behind the scenes! But that's for another day :)

Oh and also, I technically didn't meet Olivia, but she did smile at us and say hi and thank you - weird, err... you're welcome Ol! And the 'package' was a t-shirt, a couple of days later hehe. But other than that - HOW COOL! It sunk in today that i'm actually in a magazine - pretty bloody surreal hey!

There was lots that I said in the interview that didn't make it in. One of the points was how grateful I am to everyone who reads my blog and comments on it! When I won I think I was a major underdog in the competition, in that I had nowhere near as many followers as the others - and it wasn't long before that, that it was kept as my blog for uni!

That's why I feel the pressure to maintain it for you guys!!! BUT i bloody love doing it. So I would like to say a big fat thank you to everyone of you reading! And I would recommend ALL of you going in for the new round of the competition - because it is one of the best things that has ever happened to me!!!

Amelia xo

PS Big thank you to Miss Lara Lain, Look's Marketing exec and my lovely blogging pal! We went for drinks on those balcony bits in Covent Garden this week (I thought they were strictly for posh people only - but I guess they weren't going to say no to a Marketing Exec and a blogger featured in LOOK were they...ha)

PPS Did you notice the lovely pink button top left? I'm going to try my luck at getting nominated for a Cosmo Blog Award (i'm sure you're all sick of hearing that!) But if you do enjoy my blog - I would love a nomination from you! X

Fashion Designers: Just how stylish are they?

2011-07-30T17:24:00.004+01:00

I don't know what it is about me but I am fascinated by anything 'behind the scenes' - I think that comes from being a general nosey parker. Who can I blame for this? TV? Internet? Yeah, why not! Soooo anyway my latest bout of nosiness sprung whilst researching into AW11 trends. Casually browsing through Style.com's round up of Chloé and I noticed Hannah MacGibbon wearing the largest flares with the BIGGEST turn ups known to man. See below. And so a blog post was born...Fashion designers. They create the worlds most coveted clothes, but how stylish are they really?

Pheobe Philo for Celine.

Pheobe Philo. She's a bit of a big deal where fashion houses in Paris are concerned. She's worked for Stella McCartney, Chloe and now Celine. Here she is at the end of her AW11 catwalk show wearing a grey polo neck, black trousers and trainers. Sporty chic? Where are the heels?!

Here's what Pheobe made...

Diane Von Furstenberg

Ah Diane. Can't say I can fault her. She's sophisticated chic and so is her brand.

Here's what Diane (and friends) made...

Hannah MacGibbon for Chloé.

Flares. Weird wedge shoe things. I'm sorry but I could eat my dinner out of those trousers! In fact I could eat a whole weeks worth of dinner out of those trousers they are so large! Now here's the shocker. Check out what Hannah made...

Louise Gray.

Yaaaaaaay Louise Gray. She's crazy cool. Now here's a fashion designer whose personality shines through their collections.

Here's what Louise made...

Miuccia Prada for Miu Miu.

Bonjouuuurnoooo Miucciaaaa. (said in bad Italian accent) She made Bananas cool for Prada, and her sub label Miu Miu is one of my all time favourites - I would happily dress all winter long in this collection (could I afford it). Miuccia Prada has an old school glamorous style, it definitely shines through the collection right? Here's what she made...

Emma Hill for Mulberry.

I don't know much about Emma Hill. In fact, only after my nosing around have I learned of the designer behind Mulberry. She looks stylish enough, in a very relaxed way! I love love love Mulberry. Love love loveeeeeeeee. So naturally i love her too!

Here's what Emma made...

Alice Temperley.

Alice Temperley looks like a pirate. But still, a nice lady pirate with a stylish head on her shoulders. She definitely shows personality in her dress sense. It's just not as polished as her fashion label!

Here's what Alice makes...

Mary Katrantzou.

Yasas! Greek lady Mary Katrantzou, possible the most creative female in the London Fashion scene (in my opinion) is surprisingly plain and simple in the way she dresses. Always scene wearing black, if she's saving the colour in her life for her collections - then I have no qualms as they're bloody beautiful to look at!

Here's what Mary made...

Vivienne Westwood.

All hail the fashion queen. I don't really need to say anything here do i? Everyone knows Viv is completely punk from the way she dresses to the way she designs - wouldn't have it any other way!

Here's what Vivienne made...

Sonia Rykiel.

Twit twoo. Check out miss glamour (maybe Mrs? I'm yet to nose into the life of this french designer!) It's actually Sonia Rykiel's daughter Natalie!

Here's what Natalie and Sonia make...

So that was long! Did you like it? Share your favourite designer style. Can't believe I've missed Stella out. I'm practically in awe of her life, maybe I could make this into a two parts blog post...hmmmm....

Amelia xo

Footnote: Hola! Bonjour! Hello! Hi! I am officially a rubbish blogger, no post all week. Hopefully I've made up for it with this post :) Just wanted to say a big hello to everyone, as i know I'm a bit crap at doing that. By the way - I'm a lot more interactive on twitter - feel free to follow me if you miss me! I've been so busy at the moment interning in London (hence the lack of posts) and I will admit i am the worst at replying to comments - so I would love to here from you on Twitter, I'm constantly emptying my thoughts onto it! Lots of love!

Blake Lively in Glamour

2011-07-18T23:19:00.003+01:00

Blake Lively appeared in the July 2011 issue of Glamour Magazine USA. Interviewed by her new BFF Florence Welch the gossip girl star opened up about her red carpet secrets and her desires to play darker characters!

I adore Blake Lively in this Brigitte Bardot style. Wish I could pull off a look like this day-to-day, oh to have long legs.

Amelia xo

SJP: 'I don't think about fashion all day long'

2011-07-18T19:52:00.008+01:00

I'm mourning. It has only just dawned on me that Carrie Bradshaw is not real. After reading the Sarah Jessica Parker feature in Vogue USA it is evident that SJP is miles away from her alter ego we all know and love. She is on the cover of USA's 'Age Issue' and the whole thing takes the 'I don't know how she does it' angle - SJP's new film.

"Bradshaw’s life is nothing – nothing – like mine. I loved playing her, and it changed my life in lots of wonderful ways, but I’m not a crazy shoe lady, I don’t think about fashion all day long, although I have a great respect for the industry.”

That is the quote that did it. What..? Crazy shoe lady?! You DON'T think about fashion all day long?! Ouch. That hurts Parker. That being said, SJP revealed in the magazine that she would be leaving Halston, the fashion brand where she was creative director. She is blatantly just acting nonchalant so the acting world welcome her back. Deep down she is probably covered in I Love Fashion tattoos and keeps deeds under her pillow to change her name to Carrie.

Here are some images from the photoshoot, shot by Mario Testino:

Wearing Chanel Resort 2012.

Wearing Bottega Veneta AW11/12.

Cover - wearing Burberry Prorsum AW11/12.

Wearing AW11/12 Marc Jacobs.

Wearing Proenza Schouler AW11/12.

Wearing Oscar De La Renta Resort 2012.

Please don't tell me I'm the only one who feels this way? Carrie was my career inspiration. I WILL have a column one day.

Amelia
xo

Take me to Paris...

2011-07-12T22:27:00.002+01:00

The list goes like this:

- Carrie Bradshaw in the final episodes of Sex and The City.
- The September Issue.
- Episode of the Hills where Lauren rides on the back of a French man's moped.

Now I can add Givenchy AW11/12 Couture to the list of things that make me dream about being in Paris. Shot against the embankment of the River Seine, an elegant and romantic collection full of fantasy and light.

Riccardo Tisci is god amongst his angelic creations for Autumn/Winter. Intricate detail and beading encrusted onto delicate sheer fabrics creating a contrast of soft and hard. Angels in armour strike again.

This is insane beauty at it's best. Givenchy remains a firm favourite for me. Trés belle.

Formed any favourite couture collections yet??

Amelia xo

A Reluctant Royal Crush...

2011-07-09T23:05:00.002+01:00

This is not a blog post about how OMG amazing I think Kate Middleton is nor her style, but more the 'Kate effect' that is gripping the nation. So you will know who has or hasn't read this if there are any comments saying 'WOW SHE LOOKS AMAZING' down below.

It has come to a point where I can't avoid her. She's literally everywhere. I've got a don't love, don't hate mentality when it comes to the royals, but I'm getting to the point where I am growing a small obsession with Princess Kate.

The reason it's a reluctant royal crush? Look how tiny she is! Pretty sure the circumference of her waist will be smaller than the measurements of her head. Every time I look at her I think, must diet. I won't speculate whether she has a problem, I just want to warn you all I'm developing a style crush (a long with the whole world) with someone whose shape and size I will never be - and I already have the Olsen twins filling that gap.

That being said, Kate and her personal shopper have done a great job styling this American tour thingy she's on - see, I'm only paying attention to the clothes! Favourites have to be the yellow and green dresses at the very top.

So...that was a little bit deep of a blog post from my usual 'check out this collection I can never afford' type post. Are we liking Kate? If you did read my thoughts, I would love to know yours too...

Amelia xo

Lily Allen's Elle Cover Aug 2011...

2011-07-05T21:49:00.002+01:00

When I first saw this Elle cover I thought - there's a Lily Allen Elle cover that slipped my radar - yet it turns out it is for the up and coming August 2011 issue.

Loved up Lily shows no sign of a baby bump in these editorials! She looks ever so glamorous with big barreled curls and body con Stella McCartney dress, making the most of her curvy body. Which probably fuelled this quote doing the rounds on the blogosphere...

"I hang out with models, the biggest pop stars and, you know, really and honestly, I hate saying this, but none of them are achieving those body shapes by being healthy," she says. "They're not just going to the gym two hours a day. They're not eating or they're taking speed not to eat. In America everyone abuses that Adderall stuff and people aren't normal."

This may be my fave Elle issue ever! I'm a big Lily Allen fan though. Glad that Elle have referred to her as Allen still. Have you seen she changed her name on twitter?

Amelia xo

Ps. Sorry if this post is a little...unreadable. London life is tiring!

Queen Bey behind the times?

2011-06-29T16:12:00.009+01:00

We all watched and drooled at Beyoncé's Glastonbury 2011 performance on Sunday - I wasn't at Glastonbury but I watched from my sofa, fascinated by her every move in that glamourific sequin adorned outfit. Which I have discovered is from the Autumn/Winter 2010 collection of French designer Alexandre Vauthier*.

Alexandre Vauthier. Autumn/Winter 2010.

L-R: Beyoncé at Glastonbury, and on new album cover '4'.

Beyoncé - it's not winter, and it's not 2010. Yet frankly, I don't care because you are mind numbingly awesome - and lets face it a spangly gold sequin number can be carried through to all seasons if you are the hottest woman on earth. Alas, you have redeemed your style status with later appearances in London in your beautiful brights a la Spring/Summer 2011's hottest trend.

So there is my obligatory Beyoncé is amazing post. Did you watch the performance? Did you looooooooove it?

Amelia xo

*Alexandre Vauthier is a Paris based designer who has worked for the likes of Thierry Mugler and Jean Paul Gaultier.

Brunch with Wonderbra...

2011-06-28T15:41:00.006+01:00

What a busy week it's been - I have had to break my blog post every day routine to attend to my non internet life, which is shaping up quite nicely!

Starting off with a guest blogging opportunity for the wonderful Wonderbra! The rest of my week consisted of nerves mainly, due to getting my uni results back amongst other things! It was also my Birthday yesterday, and had a family celebration at the weekend and then went to see Derren Brown in London yesterday - That man is literally a genius, wish I could share the show but he makes you promise not to tell anyone! I got possessed though - no joke!

ANYWAY, back to business! I went to visit the lovely Sarah and Laura at Wonderbra who had created a mini Ibiza for us on a dull and dingey London day! They gave us (myself and 4 other lovely bloggers) a sneak peak of the AW11 collection as well as their summer staples - very exciting stuff! I never realised how much thought Wonderbra put into the support of their bras!

Yummy food and Beach hut.

Full effect billboard (but smaller, obvs)

Left: A/W11 Sneak peak!

Right: Classic T-shirt bra and Ultimate strapless - which uses a 'hand shaped' technology to literally hold in the boobs! Clever!

Left: The bra that wonderbra are best known for, reinvented in a lacey set. They use a 'comma' padding, which is removeable, so you can pad out wherever is necessary! Also very clever!

Right: The bra you can wear in 100 different ways, which really fascinated me!

(Couldn't resist a photo opportunity from the Millenium Bridge!)

So there we have it! A lovely morning. Can't wait to do my guest post - think I've got a good idea of what to do! But is there anything you'd like to see?

Amelia xo

Cara Delevingne video...

2011-06-22T17:10:00.002+01:00

How cute is this video of Cara Delevingne! Definitely UK model of the moment, having landed a Burberry campaign at just 18 years old! Delevingne says her style is 'confident and casual' and her fail safe outfit is 'jeans, a cool vintage shirt and a burberry leather jacket' - not going to lie if I could afford a burberry leather jacket I would wear it everyday too!

(video from telegraph)

One to Watch: Phoebe English...

2011-06-21T19:53:00.006+01:00

Phoebe English a recent MA Graduate from Central St Martins has been awarded the L'Oreal Professionnel Creative Award for her graduate collection. Inspired by surfaces and gravity English made the collection almost entirely from hair. With a vivid imagination and affirmed creative vision, Phoebe English is about to soar in an upward direction.

With the severe aesthetics of an all black collection the surfaces of the hair moving against gravity shows a softness to it. Thus fully understanding English's sources of inspiration.

I am already envisioning Florence Welsh or Cate Blanchette sauntering down the red carpet in the masterpieces! I will definitely be following her post-university adventures, and I hope to see more!

What do you guys think?

Amelia xo
(images catwalking.com)

Menswear: Sibling...

2011-06-20T21:08:00.005+01:00

Probably wondering why i'm regurgatating last winter's collections on you. But this video is too good not to watch - and i've only just stumbled across it! I saw the Sibling AW10 Collection in February last year, but this behind the scenes video from the lookbook makes me appreciate it that extra bit more!

Inspired by Finnish Prisons, where inmates had no uniforms and were forced to wear the clothes on their back at the time of conviction, until they literally wasted away. Once this happened they were forced to wear anything from ladieswear to decaying hand me downs.

The terrifying sound of the prisons explains the video, and just why they wanted to portray such pictures...

Sibling comic horror shoot from This is Real Art on Vimeo.

Sibling are knitwear design trio, recently sponsored by NewGen to display an installation for London Fashion Week. Their knits are colourful and well made "for a man bored with the grey V-neck option.”

Definitely check them out. They've had some incredible work!

Resort 2012 Emerging Trends...

2011-06-20T11:02:00.004+01:00

Far Away Prints.

Is this a designers way of telling us they need a holiday? The Resort 2012 collections are a wash with prints from the far east, Mexico and Hawaii. Hinting at a print heavy spring/summer 2012. Preen went with a Japanese inspired collection as a tribute to the people of Japan. Where as Henry Holland took his inspiration from Mexican holiday 'Day of the Dead' which is bang on for the predicted Aztec/South American summer trend. Has Prada paved the way for print heavy collections? I'm yet to see a banana in sight...

L-R: House of Holland, Givenchy, Matthew Williamson, Stella McCartney, Preen, Jen Kao.

Cigarette Chic.
No. I'm not condoning smoking. Just an observation of the chicest trouser shape in fashion lands. Continuing to be influenced by the 60s era, a mod trend has surfaced. Love Stella's canary yellow blazer, taking the masculine over feminine approach. Whilst Pringle displays with obvious Pierre Cardin influences with the cut out, high neck top. Louis Vuitton is explicitly displaying it's mod inspiration - nothing does quite say sixties like a vespa helmet.

L-R: Stella McCartney, Emporio Armani, Pringle, Mulberry, Louis Vuitton, Marc by Marc Jacobs.

Urban Bohemia.
Light and loose for the city girl, Urban Bohemia is a new take on relaxed tailoring and sheer fabrics. With slight 70's influences, pleats live on with Celine, and everything is floaty with The Row. The power of the trouser is evident from Burberry, Peter Pilotto and Helmut Lang. With an 'anything you can do we can do better' message to the boys.

L-R: Burberry Prorsum, Celine, The Row, Helmut Lang, Peter Pilotto.

Sports Aesthetic.
Sportswear we can all get along with. Racing stripes and Bomber jackets taken into the modern world, it's that good old argument of Fashion vs Sportswear. Alberta Ferreti does athlete on call, whilst Max Azria conquers Athlete off duty. Possible style tips for the 2012 Olympics - imagine a syncronised swimming team in that Michael Kors ensemble. To. Die. For.

L-R: Alberta Ferreti, Band of Outsiders, Michael Kors, Max Azria, Balenciaga, Prabal Gurung.

What do you think of my emerging trends for Spring/Summer 2012? Are you sporty chic or Mod pro? I'm a Mod Girl. Obsessed with the 60's. Forever and ever amen!

Amelia xo

Proenza Schouler Resort 2012...

2011-06-17T17:55:00.004+01:00

Proenza Schouler appear to be setting trends since their Autumn/Winter 2011 collection. Their aztec print style is creeping into Resort 2012 collections, and we are seeing similarities from the Proenza Schouler boys in collections from House of Holland, Jen Kao and Oscar de la Renta!

The pair who are bringing feminine power dressing away from the 80s and into modern times, have taken their cropped tailored jackets, 70s inspired wide leg trousers and shift dresses away from a regal SS11 and into a camo-delic (camoflage/psychodelic) Resort 2012.

With a colour palette of mango, tibetan reds and plum the nearly psychadelic prints resemble a desert horizon from warmer climes.

Retro stylings continue - looks like the 70's trend is for keeps - pleated skirts and button down collars are continuing to take over the resort 2012 collections.

Khaki greens and berry reds add an element of militarian chic to the collection. With a hint of animal print to continue the aboriginal aztec trend!

Who is a Proenza Schouler fan? I love the use of oranges and reds - a not so easy combination!

Amelia xo

Anna Dello Russo's Fashion Shower...

2011-06-17T12:12:00.005+01:00

I am speechless. I know this has been out a while now but I have re-stumbled upon it, and I tell you what - it has definitely brightened my day. It is so very very odd that I am actually in love with it? Prancing around in a Mark Fast dress, performing the weirdest dance moves - and why not? Afterall 'when you get comfortable, you never get the look'

Will you be making these shapes on the dancefloor? My favourite is the swirly finger face poke gesture. Genius.

Helena Bonham-Carter for Marc Jacobs: 'Sick'...?

2011-06-16T22:41:00.005+01:00

The images from Marc Jacobs' new campaign have been branded 'sick' by many a critic. Purely because her face has been adorned with measles fresh from the tip of a sharpie. Is this a clue to what new face of the brand, Bonham-Carter, has delivered?

Or is everyone just reading far to into it and it's a quirky metaphor for polka dots?

Amelia xo

Meadham Kirchhoff...

2011-06-15T21:28:00.005+01:00

Ed Meadham and Ben Kirchhoff form the creative design label Meadham Kirchhoff. Executed and crafted with extreme precision, the innovative designs from this forward thinking duo inject an individuality and unpredictable vision into British fashion. Claimed to be inspired by everything from feminism to Courtney Love, Meadham Kirchhoff have truly earned a space in my favourite designers list!

AW11/12

Reminiscent of Luella's AW08 Collection where Pagan chic meets Cruella De Vil. Layered lace fabrics with velvet pinnafores and folklore emboidery, the attention to detail is perfection. The true inspiration for this collection was infact uniform and uniformity. Explaining the school like uniform, hair bows and socks...with sandals!

Autumnal palettes of burnt sienna and pumpkin oranges in meticulously made woolen and knitted ensembles.

Halloween influences with chunky knitted menswear pieces - including a bewitching broom stick motif.

SS11

Hooray for multi-colours. Slinky, My little Pony, my Barbies after an appointment at Salon de la felt tip. The intriguing strangeness of Meadham Kirchhoff makes a name for itself standing out from any other Spring/Summer 2011 collection. Taking prints to a galactic new level, with exaggerated tie dyes and even new textures of paper snow flake cut outs.

AW10/11

Inspired by princesses and Courtney Love, this AW10 collection looks like dressing up box action on acid. Not afraid to take risks, this luxury label never fails to please me visually. In fact, I would quite like to ambush their brains.

What do you think of the unpredictable duo? Some say they're like marmite - whether you like it visually or not, you can't possibly knock their meticulous craftmanship.

Amelia xo

ACNE Resort 2012...

2011-06-14T19:12:00.002+01:00

Acne. The fashionably acceptable Acne that is. 'Ambition to Create Novel Expressions' in other words. The Swedish denim label founded in 1966 showed for the first time in New York, with a 1950s inspired Spring/Summer 2012 Resort collection.

An emphasis on retro stylings and feminine silhouettes saw wide leg trousers billowing beneath tightly fitted body concious dresses and skirts. Johnny Johansson (the founder) called it "Interrupted volume"- I call it bloody brilliant.

Using a rich colour palette of pumpkin oranges, aqua marine greens, denim blues and washed out florals in a mixture of taffeta, organza, silk and linen - the resort collection from ACNE is a far cry from the all denim brand it started as! Style.com has compared it to 'mid-century couture' - lets be honest it's darn right wearable in todays modern climes. I could be persuaded to sell my right arm to fund a piece or two.

My picks would be:
- the aqua marine box sleeve dress.
- the billowing white trousers.
- orange sheer shirt (and complete outfit!)
- lemon yellow biker jacket!

Are you an ACNE fan? I went into Bluebird on Kings Road today, which inspired me to do this post! Was drooling over the denim! ACNE also have their own newspaper, you can pick it up from Magma books in Covent Garden - and many other places around London i'm sure!

Amelia xo

Angelina Jolie for Louis Vuitton 'Core Values'...

2011-06-13T12:24:00.003+01:00

Squeal! The oh so quotable jedi of the fashion world, Hilary Alexander, has revealed Angelina Jolie's campaign for Louis Vuitton (via WWD) The campaign is a named 'core values' and is shot in Cambodia - where Jolie famously adopted her son Maddox!

What I love about this campaign is it's so earthy. Everything down to her make up, Pocahontas side swept hair, and no thrills khaki outfit - making a down to earth contrast against the absolute luxury item sat next to her, the Louis Vuitton 'Alto' carrier.

The reason for the 'core values' campaign is to celebrate Louis Vuitton pieces in realistic situations on real people - in this case celebrities. The bag in this shot with Jolie is actually 6 years old! How's that for recycling...

What do you think of the campaign? I like how stripped back and bare it is. It is apparently accompanied with a video - which will be released soon!

Amelia xo

Outfit Advice...

2011-06-12T20:32:00.003+01:00

Repeat of 'what do i wear to the look show' drama. Have some formal bits and pieces to attend to this week and need to look sophisticated ... whilst still looking like i write a fashion blog. I'm going to number the outfits, please comment with your favourites!

Outfit Number 1 - Similar shades colour blocked.
Number 2 - blocked and tie waist!

Outfit Number 3 - Blush nude tones.

Number 4 - sheer chic shirt.
Number 5 - drop hem shirt.

Number 6 - purple and teal.
Number 7 - orange stripe and teal.
Number 8 - cropped orange and teal.

My faves are 1, 3 , 5 and 8 so far! But I need a 2nd, 3rd or 50th opinion!

Absolutely horrendous photoshopping - i know! If you want to know where any of these bits are from tweet me :)

Lily Allen Wedding Dress...

2011-06-11T18:31:00.003+01:00

Lily Allen absolutely beaming and radiant on her wedding day today. Wearing French bridal designer Delphine Manivet.

Word on the street is she will be wearing Chanel for her reception. I wonder if Lagerfeld got an invite?

PS i did suspect a little bump under they layered lace vintage-esque gown, and rumour has it her groom confirmed she is 3 months pregnant at the wedding reception. If so I am so happy for her, I have been a massive Lily Allen fan and know pretty much every word to the 'Alright, still' album. Fact.

Amelia xo

What do you wear to interviews...

2011-06-11T17:14:00.004+01:00

Ah the life of a graduate. Freedom and all that jazz. Well, I spent the better part of three years in eager anticipation to finish university and the moment I 'finished' felt like a giant cumulonimbus cloud of doom assended on me raining down the pressure of finding a job! Yes I am job hunting. The CV is down. The CV is good. (Someone from Stella McCartney said it was impressive FYI. Unfortunately they don't take graduates for internships. Blast!)

In my opinion it's the pesky cover letter that is the hardest. In some ways it's the be all and end all of clinching your potential employer's imagination. Have the best CV in the world but if you drone on like a grumpy grumpus it's a sure fire way of your time and effort going straight to the trash can! Quirky cover letters, Mature cover letters, short and sweet cover letters - how do you ever know which route to take?

Well enough of that, we are all in the same boat sooner or later i'm sure! If you have been there, I would appreciate your advice! My friend Kirsty has secured a few interviews within Garment Technology and as the usual 'what do I wear' conversation came up - which it normally does when i'm around - she suggested I did a blog post of possible interview outfits! Amazing idea I thought! So here we are, outfit suggestions for mainly Fashion interviews.

Kirsty has been applying to roles that are more casual than most! Sportswear/loungewear - so I thought something with a pop of colour to lighten the mood. Jersey instantly brings a casual feel to an outfit, brogues give a hint of formality - but not too much! Thus creating the perfect balance!

(All Topshop. I do shop elsewhere I promise)

The coloured trouser is definitely THE thing for spring and summer. A pink or coral are lovely cheerful colours, they say the most important thing to do in an interview is smile. How could you not smile wearing these beauties!

(Shirt Desire Clothing, Trousers Zara)

Something a bit more chic perhaps? I love a pop of colour. My friend Sara went for an interview at New Look just after we finished uni. Wearing bright purple trousers, a silk turquoise vest, and a hot pink blazer. She got the job on the spot and is now a Buyer for the company! Colour blocking for the not so daringly colourful. In love with these trousers from Zara.

(Heels Asos, Flats Topshop, Top Topshop, Trousers Zara)

Second thoughts for teaming those boots with this outfit, maybe a Mary-Jane would have sufficed! I just can't get enough of those ASOS Ames boots! The rest of the outfit? Hubba hubba. Those trousers - can i get a bum shot please? Potentially great for the behind I imagine! Plus a leopard sheer shirt. Can't go wrong there! Do make sure you're comfortable though.

(Boots ASOS, Trousers ASOS, Shirt Topshop)

A mis-match of chicness. Wear how you will. I am merely here for inspirational purposes! I heart Whistles. This coral River Island skirt is a dead ringer for the 'Carrie' Skirt. That with the leather trim tee would be trés chic, non? Jumpsuit if appropriate, likewise with trousers. What's perfect is the cropped shrug/jacket - need to get me one of those babies! Oh, and the boots s'il vous plait!

(Jacket Topshop, Top Whistles, Boots ASOS, Skirt River Island, Jumpsuit and trousers Miss Selfridge)

So that's just a few bits and bobs I thought would work. Delete as appropriate! I hope you get inspiration from it! The most important thing to remember is to stay comfortable - and I would advice a 'dress rehearsal' I wore a new dress to an interview once. When I sat down the dress was hell of a lot shorter than it was standing up. Just saying.

What you saying kids?

Amelia xo

Beyoncé on Cover of Dazed & Confused...

2011-06-10T10:25:00.003+01:00

Beyoncé on the cover of Dazed & Confused, complete with ice cream cone. I would recognise that print anywhere - it's Givenchy AW11. As posted here. It was my favourite collection from Paris and it is worth a peek!

(Stylist Karen Langley)

Beyoncé is appearing in a lot of Givenchy lately, previously in 2011 couture for the Run The World video! Apparently her album has leaked as of late and is not doing good things to people's ears? I wouldn't know. I just want to stare at her.

Do you love it??

Amelia xo

House of Holland Pre-Collection SS12...

2011-06-09T21:39:00.003+01:00

Loving the latest painfully cool thing to come from the hands of Henry Holland. His music video inspired fashion film for the pre-collection ss12 has surfaced on the world wide web. With his latest muse Eliza 'You know what I mean' Cummings - who has a very Erin O'Connor look about her. From the video, we can expect a peruvian 'dawn of the dead' south american inspired Spring/Summer 12!

PRE COLLECTION SS12 from House of Holland on Vimeo.

House of Holland. Pre-Collection SS12 Fashion Film, shot by Mariano Vivanco.

GFW: Gala Gold Winner 2011...

2011-06-09T14:07:00.004+01:00

Can you believe it? Another awards ceremony to blog about! No red carpet here though. This is the graduate collection of Rory Longdon from Nottingham Trent, who won the George Womenswear Gold award - and £20,000 to set himself up as a fashion designer!

A Matrix chic collection with the use of zips and body con knits for a simply elegant yet dramatic edge. With the intricate detail, you can only imagine the sleepless nights involved during the creation!

I would love to get my hands on these flattering knits. Mark Fast better watch out!

More GFW updates to come!

Amelia xo
(images from Vogue)

Glamour - Women of the Year Awards 2011...

2011-06-08T11:38:00.004+01:00

Another award ceremony? Yep! We all love a bit of Red Carpet watching. Check out the trends of the Glamour 'Women of the Year' Awards!

Bold Brights.

Fearne Cotton in a mustard Miu Miu.
Katherine Jenkins looking radiant in red.
Hot Pink hues for Tulisa.
Kirsty Gallacher in a gorgeous green maxi.

A Print Thing.

Pixie Lott in House of Holland.
Leopard Print for Rachel Stevens.
Jameela Jamil in an Ada Zanditon mini.
Eliza Doolittle looking skinny in a sequinned LBD.

Daisy Lowe looking Curvilicious in a Carrie Bradshaw-esque outfit (Similar to Ashley Olsens earlier this month!)

The Saturdays Mollie and Frankie with neautral shades. Vanessa and Rochelle take on Monochrome, whilst Una takes it to a 1950s level - the ultimate glamour.

LBD Style.

Kim Kardashian in fish tail style maxi dress.
Louise Redknapp in a sexy cut-out LBD.
Casual chic from Gemma Arterton, with added rope accessory.
Paloma Faith in a Sheer layered creation - god i love her!

Should have stuck to the High Street...

Is it a tent? Is it a Teepee? No it's Alexandra Burke in a D&G beaut - not for her figure. Maybe it just didn't photograph well? Should have stuck to the High Street, your more a River Island kinda girl!

Crisp Whites

Caroline Flack gets a thumbs up from me. Simple yet chic.
White Romantic style mini for Lenora Crichlow.
Monochrome Mesh for Ellie Goulding.
Ethereal, Sheer, Pleated and Scalloped edges - that's 4 trends in 1 for the Diana Vickers.

Blush Tones.

Tess Daily and Rosie Huntington Whitely went for neutral blush tones for an understated yet glamourous look, and more sulking Balmain for Kristen Stewart.

Woman of Tomorrow...

Jessie J looking unrecognisable in Dolce and Gabanna sequinned dress. Head to toe Glamour, and definitely deserving her title.

Ahhhh it's Award Ceremony Central on the blog at the moment! Who has caught your eye for Best Dressed at the Glamour awards? Maybe they should have a Woman Blogger of the year award. #Justsaying

Amelia xo

Ps if you are on Twitter come say HELLO! @ameliakanaris
I'm also on Facebook and Blog Lovin' it's a social media fest over here!

(most images from Daily Mail)

Jessie J for Italian Vogue...

2011-06-07T17:25:00.002+01:00

I completely went off Jessie J when I saw her perform on Britain's Got Talent with no shoes on (Joss Stone-eque - ew!) But she's redeemed herself in my style stakes by appearing in this Gothic and edgy editorial for Vogue Italia, June 2011. Shot by the sex god that is Francesco Carrozzini and styled by Enrica Ponzellini.

This makes up for the bare feet right??
Amelia xo

CFDA Awards 2011...

2011-06-07T16:32:00.003+01:00

The CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) Awards 2011 took place last night in New York, and in attendance were a lot of pretty people in a lot of pretty colours!

From Ashley Greene's Neon pink Michael Kors creation, to Jessica Alba's colour blocked DVF dress (That's how you do it Cheryl...). Those American's coloured the hell out of that red carpet!

Awards went to the likes of Alexander Wang, Proenza Schouler and Marc Jacobs. With a Style Icon award going to Lady Gaga - in a bluntly cut Turquoise wig and dramatic Thierry Mugler masterpiece nonetheless!

L-R: Doutzen Kroes, Kenza Fourati, Leigh Lezark, Chanel Iman, Lubov Azria.

L-R: Cynthia Rowley, Linda Fargo, Ashley Greene, Jessica Alba, Zuzanna Bijoch.

Left: Kanye West and Pheobe Philo - who won International Designer of the year!
Right: Sofia Coppola who presented Marc Jacobs with the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Acheivement award!

Left: Alexander Wang with his Accessory Designer of the Year award.
Right: The Proenza Schouler boys with their Designer of the Year award.

Kirsten Dunst in a Patrik Ervell suit and Prada pumps. Hello topknot!

Karolina Kurkova and Marcia Cross - keen for some D.I.S.C.O ladies?

L-R: Whitney Port, Mirrana Kerr, Chloe Sevigny and 'Style Icon of the Year' Lady Gaga.

Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen who were nominated for the Swarovski Womenswear award (which later went to Prabal Gurung)

Hilary Alexander from The Daily Telegraph was awarded with the Eugenia Sheppard Media Award.

Amelia xo

MTV Movie Awards: Best Dressed...

2011-06-07T12:47:00.003+01:00

Oh to be an award winner from coolest of the cool MTV. Well i'm not fussed about who won what, but what I can tell you is that Balmain and D&G cleaned up on the MTV red carpet! Here is a selection of my favourite (and not so favourite) outfits from the MTV Movie Awards 2011.

Leighton Meester in Balmain.

Emma Stone (left) who won best Comedic Performance for Easy A. (Not seen it but absolutely LOVE this clip!)

Reece Witherspoon (right) in D&G Resort.

Left: Justin Biebers Beau Selena Gomez in Giambatista Valli.
Right: Rosie Huntington Whitely in D&G.

Left: Cameron Diaz in 3:1 Phillip Lim.
Right: Blake Lively in Michael Kors.

Hailee Steinfeld in Louis Vuitton suit.
Emma Watson in Marchesa.

Emma Watson in double Marchesa! HOW HOT IS THE GREEN!

Dakota's sister Elle Fanning in D&G. Cuuuute!

Now for the not so best dressed...

What was Jessica Szohr wearing! Well, an Alice + Olivia jumpsuit in the literal sense. But no no no girlfriend, that is painting all sorts of pictures around your private parts that do not need painting!

Nicki Minaj (gotta love her and her butt implants) but, not a fan soz and chips.

Kristin Stewart - this girl ANGERS ME! There she is just wearing Balmain, and looks uncomfortable as SIN! If you don't like it, don't wear it. What a bloody waste!

And the boobie prize goes to...

HELLO!
Mila Kunis wearing Balmain skirt and JT boob protectors? (Jeal)
(images from Holy Moly and Daily Mail)

So kids, what's your verdict?!

High Street Vs Catwalk: Crayola Colour...

2011-05-26T01:27:00.005+01:00

Brightly blocked colour was the 'in thing' all over the Spring/Summer 2011 Catwalks - and as expected the eccentric crayola colours have made their way onto the British High Street in affordable prices, to keep the nation bang on trend! So let me enlighten you to a Jil Sander and Gucci inspired look that won't break the bank balance!

Oranges and Lemons.

L-R: Giambattista Valli - Aquilano.Rimondi - Julien Macdonald - MaxMara.

All the best oranges are coming from Topshop and River Island. In fact River Island is great at the moment for any bright colours! Although prices are on the higher side because of the formal quality of fabric - silks and chiffons! Jersey basics are done best by Topshop, as always. Shapes are loose and curve skimming, with a suprising feminine injection from Miss Selfridge!

Aqua and Jade.

L-R: Haider Ackermann - Rachel Roy - Costume National - Versace.

Head to toe colour blocking in a turquoise tone of blue breathes a fresh breath into an outfit. Topshop and Miss Selfridge are leading the pack with on trend pieces such as crop tied tank tops and high waisted circle skirts in gorgeous shades.

Pinks to make the boys wink.

L-R: Carolina Herrera - Nina Ricci - Jil Sander.

The Jil Sander effect. Never has pink and orange looked so right together. These Maxi skirts are my favourite pieces on the High Street at the moment - they are from Topshop! Pleats look amazing in pink too for a three dimensional effect! Again, River Island have the best of the formal wear with silky shorts and blazers!

Deeper shade of blue/indigo/violet.

L-R: Issa - Victoria Beckham - Fendi.

Teaming a purple with an orange and a dark green and you will look fresh from the runway! Purples look best in a floaty fashion, river island for some great party dresses. A lot of retailers are combining colour blocking for you, in a dress or a playsuit! Never will you have to worry about clashing colours again!!

Are you a fan of crayola colours? Any colour blocking success stories to share?? Let me know!

Amelia xo
@ameliakanaris

PS it feels so good to do a proper post like this! Think I might make this High Street Vs Runway a regular feature!

Wildfox...

2011-05-23T21:32:00.006+01:00

Firstly I want to apologise for my general rubbishness and lack of blogging lately! Have been working my bum off for uni! A big hello to the new followers I've gained over my blogging absence, and to all of you who have left me LOVELY comments recently - i plan on returning them!! Uni is done now, exhibition is coming up! So it's all getting back to normal on the blogging frontier!

So this is Wildfox Couture's Summer 2011 Lookbook. Effortlessly American cool. I would happily blow my life savings on the whole summer collection. One day.

Beyoncé runs my world...

2011-05-23T15:59:00.004+01:00

Now this gives me what I like to call the heebie jeebies. Beyoncé is the one. If she had her own religion I would sign up. Major inspiration!

Beyoncé at the Billboard awards.

I love me some Jay-Z too, B.

Who Run the World (girls) video.

There is only one Kate in London...

2011-05-06T14:17:00.003+01:00

Chill out Kate. It's your turn next love.

Ha. I love that Kate Moss isn't afraid to make fun of herself! Inspite of her actually being one of many Kate's in London, this is a very clever piece of advertising for the Agent Provocateur Bridal range!

Amelia xo

(sorry my blog is lacking posts of late, been so busy at uni! Deadline is 11 days away and after that you have me all to yourselves. Lucky lucky people.)

It's a fruit thing...and a giveaway thing...

2011-04-26T19:49:00.005+01:00

Following from Prada's banana fever I thought I would stay with the tropical theme and feature some other collections with a fruity twist. The more famous would be Stella McCartney's SS11 collection. Big bold lemons, grapefruits and oranges on crisp white tailored pieces and beautiful feminine dresses with thigh high slits.

Slightly more overlooked is the Moschino Cheap and Chic SS11 collection. Their zesty lemon prints have inspired dresses from Primark and New Look (desperately trying to find a link of it) in a 1950s style with sheer floaty midi skirts, tea dresses and the added frill or four.

I'm very much a fan of these fruity prints! Do you think you could trade your colour blocking for a tropical print??

Just want to say sorry for being absent on the blogging front the past few weeks. Things are bit hectic to say the least, coming to the end of my 3rd year of uni and working over time to raise money for my moving out fund.

Meaning i've been a bit slack choosing a winner of my Giveaway....But I have picked! Well random.org has picked number 16.

Beth of Anchor and Roses!
Well done! If you can get back to me by tomorrow (27th), so I can get these Polaroid glasses to you asap!

Thank you to everyone who entered! I loved reading all your comments, and I plan on replying to all of you!

Amelia xo

The High Street takes on Prada...

2011-04-06T19:24:00.003+01:00

Could you have imagined this time last year that Topshop would be selling Banana print leggings? Well that my friends is the doing of Prada. Asos are also jumping on the banana wagon with this cropped tee! Do you think you could get away with the banana leggings AND a colbalt blue stripe tank from Topshop? I challenge you! If not, these striped dresses from ASOS are the next best thing to a Prada outfit.

Miuccia Prada's Banana earrings. Replica's on sale at Punky Pins.

Clashing brights of Orange and Pink and contrasting black stripes are to me the definition of 'colour pop' - A lot of Topshops inspiration for fabric and prints seem to stem from Prada's Spring/Summer 2011! Check out the that Topshop midi bodycon skirt. It's a dead ringer for Prada!

Clashing colours work well, but so do colour blocks! I would try an accessory with a bright coloured trouser to start - or find a bright coloured jumpsuit! This colbalt blue rucksack is a premium leather bag from ASOS, and this orange satchel is on my wishlist from River Island.

Knits from Zara, and embroidery from River Island. Whilst in topshop white creeps in to seperate the stripes!

More Stripey knits from Zara, whilst Topshop Clashes stripes in their own way in a 2 in 1 dress! Asos get the bottle green into their summer stock with a leather satchel (that I want want want!) and a black and orange stripe dress (reminds me a lot of liquorice all sorts!)

Have you noticed the Prada fever taking over the high street? It's been creeping in for weeks now! Do you think you'll be buying into the clashing colours and thick bright stripes? Or even better the Banana print leggings??

If you do be sure to let me know, i'd love to see someone in them!

Amelia xo

PS Don't forget my giveaway for a pair of £85 Polaroid sunglasses!

GIVEAWAY...

2011-04-04T11:40:00.006+01:00

I did promise I would do a giveaway when I hit 300 followers and now at 313 followers I can finally reveal the beauty! Ta daaaa! The wonderfully kind Laura at Polaroid has let me choose some sunglasses for a blog competition, and I have chosen these pink cat eye frames that are competely on trend for summer!

So one lucky winner will get these beautiful 1950 Marilyn glasses from the Heritage range which retail at £85 (completely jealous of whoever wins!)! Polaroid sunglasses are by far the best sunglasses I own, my eyes feel lovely and safe when I wear them!

Before I get to the nitty gritty rules I just want to say a big thank you to everyone who follows and comments me. I get so excited by a comment so I'm hoping lots of you will enter this giveaway and fuel my little 'yay i got a comment' dance for a week or so!

I'm sure you know how this goes but hey ho...

The Rules:

To be in with a chance of winning the glasses you have to be following Amelia's Fashion Land via blogger, google friend connect, twitter or however you crazy kids do it! - cos i'll have my beady eye on you! :)
A comment on this post with 'enter me' and maybe a little something something nice extra so that i know i'm not being used for free stuff (although not that i'd blame you with this prize!)
Following and Tweeting about the giveaway with @ameliakanaris and http://ameliafashionland.blogspot.com in the tweet will count as an extra entry and I will track it in a spreadsheet, although please note if your twitter is on private and i'm not following you i probably won't see it :( !

All my entries are going to go into a spreadsheet (yay...) and then I will Random.org the winner on the 17th April - just in time for easter!

I hope you love the sunglasses as much as i do!! And if pink is not your colour, you may choose the black ones instead!

Amelia xo

Primark Summer 2011 Campaign...

2011-04-03T21:04:00.003+01:00

A second round of applause is in order for the Primark Summer 2011 Campaign! The Spring one was cute, but the summer one is hot!! Love the location. It's so much more than you would expect from Primark! Although warning luxury lovers, there are some extreme carbon copies within this campaign. Jil Sander's blocked brights. Stella McCartney's Tropical prints, and Marc by Marc Jacobs multi-coloured stripes.

Curve hem shirt £10 in store now, Colour block maxi skirt £16 in store April, Chunky MJ sandal £18 in store May.

Lemon print sundress £9 in store now, Sunglasses £2 in store now.

Striped maxi £23 in store now, Grosgrain wedge £14 in store April, Sunglasses £2 in store now.

Striped jersey midi £11 in store March, Cobolt wedge £20 in store June.

Pocket tee £10 in store May, Trouser £15 in store May, Red wedge £20 in store June, Oversized clutch £6 in store June.

Get me that Marc Jacobs-esque midi dress and chunky wedge immediately!

Are you repping any Primark Summer clothes this year? I've seen the Stripey maxi in store already and it is yum! (by the way can't believe I just said 'repping' - who do i think i am??)!

Hope you loves had a good weekend. Mine involved a Nandos. Which naturally a good weekend makes!

Accessorize SS11 Campaign...

2011-03-31T12:23:00.003+01:00

Here are some of my favourite shots from the Accessorize SS11 Campaign. I need to go on holiday immediately! I'm much more of an accessoriser when it comes to summer seasons because in general you wear less clothing! My head is wandering now just thinking about all the sandals, sunglasses and prettiful jewellery.

YAY. Summer!

'Sweetie Dah-ling I am SO 1950's right now'

From Accessorize I've got my eye on the daisy chain and spotted head bands, the floral print tassle (of course) bag! In fact all of the bags, and all of the gold jewellery! I'm such a sucker for gold. I wear a gold Casio every day, i like to keep things co-ordinated!

I'm so in the mood for an accesorize spree right now. They always have the best flip flops don't you think??

Amelia xo

Henry Holland and Land Rover...

2011-03-29T17:06:00.004+01:00

Possibly the most unlikely collaboration yet absolutely GENIUS! I've just seen this video which documents the pairing of the two brands to create Holland's AW11/12 Lookbook. The idea is that using the Land Rover and Evoque Iphone app, they travel to different locations in London, which on a map will look like the House of Holland logo - bloody brilliant.

Love the locations they've used, paints a perfect picture of London I think.

I'm so in to videos at the moment. In fact I had a tutorial at uni today, and think I may be doing something very excitingly video related! Hope you've had a good day fashion land readers! I'm planning a give away at the moment, it will all kick off as soon as I get to 300 followers!

Amelia xo

Ps trying to find a picture of the finished route, but it's proving rather difficile. Maybe that is part 2?

Yay for YAYER...

2011-03-28T19:44:00.004+01:00

YAYER, if you didn't know, is an online store that stocks vintage and modern clothing. The reason i'm a fan is because of the eclectic selection of on beat fashion. I'm normally not a massive vintage buyer because I don't think it particularly suits me, but there is no trend you can't find on Yayer. Florals, Brights, Fringing. Cropped shirts that tie at the waist and the infamous new skirt length otherwise known as the 'midi'. You have to be quick though, because trust me the best little gems sell like hot cakes!

I've picked out or 'styled' if you will some of my favourite Yayer bits into outfits. Also bought back a little blog feature that many of you loved from my Look Posts in February! The Pantone swatch...

The Floral and The Sheer.

Or should I say the Floral the Sheer and the BRIGHTS. A combination of this floral blazer, the turquoise (best colour ever) shorts, and sheer shirt could be the makings of the perfect summer day time look!

The Midi and The Cropped.

I love things tied around the waist at the moment, and the fact that it's pink is a bonus! Perfect to compliment a midi or maxi skirt, as well as the clashing print trend with polka dots vs ditsy florals!

The Fringing and The High-Waist Hotpant.

Tassles, Tassles, Tassles! Gorgeous Sheer fabrics and vintage high-waisted hotpants. My perfect outfit!

The Animal Print and The Oversize Knit.

Get your animal print on the go with a midi-summer dress, satchel, and colbalt blue knit! Three must haves in one outfit!

Do you guys like YAYER? I get so much inspiration from it! They're also lovely and active on

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#!/pages/YAYER/321292294137
and
Twitter: http://twitter.com/YAYERSHOP

so check them out!
http://www.yayer.co.uk/shop/

Amelia xo

Astrology Fox...

2011-03-22T16:16:00.006Z

I entered my blog into a Wildfox competition a while back, running with their 'Heart of Gold' Zodiac tees they picked a blog to represent each star sign! So you're looking at the Cancer Astrology Fox...For the competition they gave us our own Zodiac tee's mine says 'Imagine' which couldn't be further from the truth, i'm constantly day dreaming! I've wanted this tee in particular for AGES, but I couldn't afford it.

I'm not really an outfit post kind of blog, so if this thoroughly disappoints you...I apologise! The reason I used a webcam is because I didn't know how to work the self timer button on my camera. And if someone takes pictures of me I have like a Chandler face and end up looking like a weirdo - I'm open to any outfit blogging tips! Anyway, I thought I would use the opportunity as an Astrology Fox to let you know a little bit more about me!

The closed eyes were accidental, but this is me in my most treasured place. My room, with my laptop (on the twitter home page may I add).

As the blog name suggests, I am Amelia. I'm 22 and I live in Bournemouth (for now) I finish uni in June, and hoping to get into Fashion Online when I finish! My star sign is Cancer, and i'm quite typical of that! Sensitive, caring, quiet and creative. I'm such a water baby too. Hense sharing my pictures of my trip to the beach today!

Cancers are supposed to be firm on the outside, soft on the inside. People that know me know that I'm probably the opposite way around. (I worry a LOT) But nonetheless a typical cancerian! When i'm not doing anything fashion/uni related I spend my time with my family and loved ones.

L-R:
My pin board with lots of memories I like to keep hold of.
Me and my (Brother's) Canon.
A wardrobe full of clothes I never wear and need to ebay at some point.

I'm such a hoarder. Apparently this is a typical cancer trait because crabs hoard stuff to build houses? Weird...

Bournemouth Beach.

Little pug walking through town!

New Sunglasses courtesy of Polaroid. They're so fricking good.

So that's it from me. Now can someone tell me how to use the self timer button on a canon 400D???

Amelia xo

PS. I always wanted the cancer symbol tattoo'd on me, but it kind of looks like '69'.

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen US Vogue...

2011-03-22T13:25:00.004Z

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen for US Vogue April 2011.

Love these pictures. They look like they've been taken in the 1990's and styled that way too!

Amelia xo

(images from The Stylist Site)

London Fashion Week: Burberry Prorsum AW11/12...

2011-03-22T12:05:00.000Z

How many times can you re-invent a Trench Coat? Well I don't care, keep 'em coming Burberry.

The perfect Autumnal shades in a burnt orange and moss green. Palazzo pants appear to have morphed into a thigh skimming skinny flare! Fur and knitwear combined screams I'M WARM. Remember that one.

Livening up Autumn/Winter with a flash of bright colour. The duffle style coat makes a comeback. Not sure I am fond of the bold black toggles against the bright colour (looks a bit jane norman)

Big oversized checks creep onto the Autumn/Winter circuit (Peclers said this would happen - clever!) I love a lumberjack look. Not sure about it in a hot pink coat but I am loving the mandarin collar on the yellow and blue checked trench.

Fur is back. Those puffa jackets by the looks of things too. Lot's of purple, navy, brown and stone shades. Seems a neutral way to bring your wardrobe into winter. Not sure I wear any of those colours in the summer!

Where has all this Dalmation print come from? It was all the rage for Topshop's Unique show too. (Think that will be my next post!) All this crisp white tailoring has got Ice Queen written all over it! It makes me want snow - and I hate snow! Cute little waist belts tied in a bow to define the waist - Feminine is in. So who is going to buy one of those fluffy hats?

Verdict: Not my favourite Burberry collection. Although love the autumnal coloured tweed like fabrics.

Prediction: In 6 months time we'll all be wondering around in our bright pink duffle coats and furry dalmation hats, with skinny flares on....or not.

Do you love this?

Amelia xo

Paris Fashion Week: Givenchy AW11/12...

2011-03-21T18:00:00.000Z

All eyes and ears are surrounding Riccardo Tisci with the 'confirmation' he is taking over as head designer of Dior. The most recent collection of his for Givenchy is probably my favourite from Paris Fashion Week AW11/12. The mixture of florals, embellishments, leather and fur are enough to make you want October to come around again - or who am i kidding it's cold enough in England all year round.

The collars are my favourite element of the collection. As mentioned in my Wish list post, i'm loving everything with collars on. The exaggerated points and prints are so freakin cool too.

Take a look at some of the Givenchy accessories. Bowler hats with added bat ears, and furry Cat glasses. Must have for Autumn/Winter? Beautiful embellished cuffs and plastic looking ornate belts to contrast the heavily printed fabrics.

'I may be bad but i'm perfectly good at it...' S&M inspiration on Tisci's behalf? An abundance of leather, bat like silhouettes, sheer fabrics and black black black. Rivalling Christopher Kane's AW10 collection - minus the lace.

I love these prints. Pin up girls and panthers. So seductive! Such an amazing collection - why oh why must Tisci leave. Exciting to see it all progress though!

How do you feel about the whole Givenchy/Dior/Lanvin swap rumours?

Amelia xo

America's Next Top Model Vogue Italia...

2011-03-21T01:01:00.004Z

America's Next Top Model Cycle 15 was only one model's game from the beginning. Anne. The gawky looking 6ft2 girl. The phrase 'in the bag' comes to mind.

So these are leaked photo's from Anne's Vogue Italia shoot (released in May 2011 apparently)
Not seen any of these floating about the blogosphere as of yet. So enjoy!

How beautiful is the colour one! Must be from the 'Beauty' spread.
Anyone keeping up to date with ANTM cycle 16? I LOVE JACLYN!

Amelia xo

Wishlist: Count down to pay day...

2011-03-20T20:08:00.003Z

I get paid a week on Friday, and until then I am pretty much penniless. But a girl can dream, right?

Spots, stripes, A-line skirts and Palazzo pants. Something very 1950's about this wishlist. That with the popping bright colours I could be onto a winning look for summer! I am loving these cropped tee's that tie at the waist, I've already got one in blue but i'm going for one in every colour.

PS can someone please stretch my legs so that I can look good in Palazzo pants!

(Everything River Island except Polka Dot Shirt which is Topshop)

Got to love the 70's Riviera chic. Just can't escape it at the moment. Embrace it I say. I neeeeed this blazer in my life, and the shoes! And the hat! Oh screw it, I need it all!

(Jumpsuit, Shorts, Jeans and top - Topshop. Blazer and Shoes - River Island)

I'm not sure what kind of trend these bits would fit in with, maybe a floral/bright colour/preppy look. I'm in love with collars at the moment. And these Asos Floral Jeans have just been reduced to £28. (without a doubt they will go back up to £35 just before i get paid - because asos LOVE to do that to me lately) This turquoise drop hem shirt from Miss Selfridge has been on my Wishlist for aaages. Think it's a definite must for pay day.

(Cardigan, Union Jack tank, Lace Shirt and Red Jeans - Topshop. Floral Jeans - Asos. Denim Shorts and Turqouise shirt - Miss Selfridge.)

Needless to say I'm getting broody for a shopping spree (Must make up a word for that soon...Sproody??) Hope everyone has had a good weekend! If you went shopping, please tell me and make me utterly green with envy.

Amelia xo

Paris Fashion Week: Chanel Accessory Report...

2011-03-17T00:08:00.005Z

A cross between shabby chic and vintage elegance with Chanel's AW11/12 Accessories. I can only imagine the type of money one of those hair pins costs! Is Karl Lagerfeld bringing back Biker Boots for next winter? Can't they just go away...please! And as for the mid-heel, well as a girl of 5 foot 2 I can not conform to a mid-heel.

It wouldn't be Chanel without that trademark frayed tweed tailoring and quilted something or another. But this collection had added styling with an array of fingerless gloves in knitted and lace fabrics. Hence the shabby chic. Can you imagine wearing thousands of pounds worth of embellishments mixed with fagan-esque gloves and boots? Something for the weekend perhaps...

I'm often drooling over Chanel accessories (I'm not sure I'll ever be able to afford any) but maybe it's the vintage ones that truly are the best. What are your thoughts?

Amelia xo

(Individual images from Vogue)

Backstage Stella McCartney AW11/12...

2011-03-14T18:57:00.005Z

I seem to be obsessed with the backstage goings on of a fashion show. Having put on an end of year show last year i'm not too sure why. It's all drama, drama, chaos, bitchy, drama - and that's just from a handful of Second Year fashion students! Can you imagine the atmosphere backstage at Stella McCartney...? I put together these images ( Vogue) to give a different representation of a Collection report.

Accessories bring a vintage glamour in satchels complete with eye popping gold chains, chunky gold cuffs and a velvet mid-heel court shoe. Alterations being made up until the last minute. Never envy a seamstress. Even if they are working in the company of Jourdan Dunn.

Make up and Hair take sophisticated chic on board with black winged eye liner and side parted buns. Natural skin, lips and nail polish. It's all very...Stella McCartney. They look just like her!

A collection with spots is always a firm favourite with me. They way Stella uses irregular, loose and masculine shapes and turns them into a feminine depiction of beauty is inspiring. Gold Lamé and Blue velvet and Galactic Prints, which were big themes from my Peclers Fabric Round up are shaping up to be big trends for Autumn/Winter 11-12 already!

Have you noticed any emerging trends for AW11/12 yet? Let me know...

Amelia

PS. Just wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone for continuing to follow me on my blog and on twitter. As a thank you I'm organising a blog giveaway for when I hit 300 followers! So tell all your friends :)

My LOOK Prize Haul...

2011-03-07T16:53:00.009Z

I can't even begin to explain the excitement I felt last Friday waiting for my LOOK prize haul. I know you probably do know, but I won their blogging competition - and for doing so I get a fantabulous load of goodies! I feel like I've had a 2nd Birthday or Christmas...I woke up at the crack of dawn in fear of missing Mr Postman! I was hoping to get a video in of me and my big box of stuff, but when it arrived I was all alone and there was no way I was waiting 10 hours for someone to come home before I opened it!!

When I took this little baby out of the box I knew it was probably the most expensive bit of skin care I would ever hold. It's an Active Radiance Serum from Murad. I've been using it for about 4 days now and my skin already feels brighter! (that's what it's for) I reeeeally don't want this to run out!

White Stuff Satchel. Ahem. Premium Leather Satchel...oh my god it smells amazing. Obviously that's not the only reason to like it! The size is perfect and it's just the cutest thing ever! I need to get some big chunky knit vintage cardigans to wear with it!

Frey Wille scarf! The print is kind of Op-Art/Pop-Art. Feeling it as a head scarf! That is if my mum doesn't steal it from me, she's got her eye on it! It's soooooo silky too! Can tell it's beautifully made and probably very expensive!!!

Probably the swishest pair of hair straightners I've ever seen! They're incredible too, they've got a special plate that actually makes your hair shiny! Screw you heat damage I'll use my Cloud Nine Iron and have shiny hair too!

Oh yeah floppy hat yeahhhh! I fricking love this hat, I spent most of Friday wearing it! Everyone tells me i'm a 'hat person' - is that a compliment? Now I'm considering buying a holiday just so I can wear the hat...AND the sunglasses (just you wait)!

Wow i LOVE this jacket! From il2l, who specialise in leather what else can you expect but amazing leathery goodness. It's my first REAL leather jacket. It's got an amazing vintage feel, but in a modern way which I love in clothing. I think I'm going to designate a whole blog post to this jacket so I can get more pictures of it/in it! What do you guys think - outfit post ahoy?

Polaroid 'Polarized Sunglasses' I was so excited when I saw these because I actually wrote about them in my Dissertation! (It was about digital technology and the affect on the exclusivity of fashion - there's a link there somewhere, trust me!) These have the whole cat eye shape going, which brings my sunglass collection a little more on trend for SS11 !

mmmmmmmmmmm tassles. mmmmmmmm suede! I'm sure i've blogged a fair few times about how in love I am with both tassles and suede. This bag is from River Island, i've never seen it before - which is cool because I hopefully won't see anyone else walking around with it!

Many a good time was spent playing with these nail varnishes! HOW cute are the colours! Totally summery! I feel I can get some good nail art on the go now! You can't really tell from the pictures but they finish is so nice and glossy! And i'm such a spaz at painting my nails (as you can probably see) but the brushes are pretty easy to use!!!!

I always used to say how I LOVE perfume but couldn't afford it because I was too into buying clothes! Yet somehow in the last month i've managed to wangle 3 free perfumes! My only problem now is which one to wear...I think i'm going to smell good for the rest of my life. (3 perfumes last a life time - right?)

SO there we have it! I also get £50 spoiled brat vouchers and a dress from French Connection worth up to £150. Exciting! I'm going to try and do some outfit posts wearing some of my goodies, probably not ALL at once though. Thank you EVERYONE for their really kind comments on me winning, and everyone involved in putting the prize together!

Amelia xo

Who can take Galliano's Dior Crown...

2011-03-02T18:59:00.008Z

As you may well know fashion house Christian Dior has cut ties with their head designer John Galliano after the release of THAT video. Speculation is already circulating the fashion world with rumours of a predecessor! The main suspected/desired designers seem to be Riccardo Tisci of Givenchy, Stefano Pilati of YSL, Alber Elbaz of Lanvin and Christian Lacroix. I thought in order to get a feel of the designers using the Dior design aesthetic (of Galliano's designs) I would, yep - you guessed it, get photoshopping! I like to call them my frankenstein hybrids of
Dior vs Designer.

Can the look of Dior change that much with a new designer?

Tisci for Givenchy is so beautiful. His most recent spring/summer couture collection was a vision of beauty and he captures the brand perfectly. Seeing as he's not been at Givenchy for long it's a long shot he will up and leave for Dior. Both companies are owned by LVMH luxury goods company, givenchy is their second largest money maker in the apparel division - after Dior! Most similar to the Dior Couture collections which Riccardo Tisci does so well.

Stefano Pilati for YSL is super chic, a lot cleaner in silhoutte and tailoring than the embellished gowns and glamour of Dior. Could this choice in designer change the Dior Aesthetic completely? I found Pilati's designs went with the Dior Resort Collection - which has a more of a sixties vibe like the more beatnik style YSL!

Alber Elbaz is a morrocan born Isreali fashion designer currently for Lanvin. Obviously this design giant is massively talented, but could his Isreali roots be a desirable quality for Christian Dior to redeem themselves of any mis-conceptions Galliano may have left with the brand? Do you think he would want to rid Dior of their demons? These Dior designs are from the Fall 2010 collection - combining well with the deeper lanvin colour palette.

Christian Lacroix's Fashion house went into administration in 2009, so could this be his comeback? What does he do now does anyone know? I think his parisienne chic glamour works perfectly for Dior. This collection is a Spring/Summer 2010 couture collection - nearer to the time where Lacroix was still showing in 2009. Can you even tell the difference! (yes, probably!)

So, any idea's on a contender for the new Dior Design job? Could it be YOU! I hear the odd's on it being Katie Price is 1000/1 - there's a chance...

Amelia xo

(PS Some of these Dior/Galliano dresses are reminding me of My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding!)

The LOOK Show Winner...

2011-02-28T17:35:00.002Z

Move over Oscars ... I only went and bloody won The LOOK Show competition! I'm completely over the moon! This is just a quick post to say thank you to everyone who has followed me on here and on Twitter since I became a finalist! I have had the loveliest comments from my LOOK Show posts and the past 2 weeks have been crazy - and amazing! Probably the best experience of my life!

Massive thank you to Lara for everything (stay tuned for my winner post with all the goodies!!!) and obviously Kate the online-ed for choosing me! I don't know how she did it, I had some very stiff competition!

Thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you!!

Amelia xo

The Oscars: How did I do on the outfit predictions...

2011-02-28T11:33:00.010Z

Oscar time again! You may remember this post I did back in January, Paris Spring Couture vs Oscar Outfit Predictions. So how did I do... Well 3 of the actual dresses I predicted appeared on the Red Carpet, and 1 complete outfit/person combination came true! Not too shabby.

Natalie Portman in Rodarte. Similar cut to the Alexis Mabille SS11 couture dress, perfect for flattering that baby bump! Apparently Rodarte was a last minute choice - she had planned on wearing Dior, but as she is Isreali she changed her mind (rightly so!)

Mila Kunis - How annoyed am I. At the last minute I changed the Elie Saab dress for Mila and put it on Blake Lively? (Why did I think she would even be there!!!?)

My Predictions:

Scarlett Johansson in an an all over lace Dolce & Gabanna number. I like the wine-red shade of the dress, but I can see her pants...

Florence Welch at the Elton John after party wearing the Valentino that I envisaged on Anne Hathaway! It looks just as beautiful.

My Predictions:

Michelle Williams in Chanel Haute Couture (as seen below) Although I think it's been slightly tailored for her. It looks amazing!

Nicole Kidman wearing Dior despite the John Galliano Controversy. Can't say I'm a fan of the dress! Think she could have done a lot better!

My Predictions:

My Favourite Oscar Picks:

Hailey Steinfeld in a nude Marchesa gown. Rumour has it the 14 year old helped with the design?

Florence Welch in another Valentino gown on the Red Carpet. Love the tiered silhouette and the shade of pastel yellow.

Cate Blanchett in Givenchy Couture! It looks absolutely incredible, when I saw the spring/summer couture collection I loved it, but didn't think it would be wearable!

Amy Adams in L'Wren Scott. She has an amazing figure and this really does it justice. I love the colour with her hair. Very glam!

Mandy Moore in Monique Lhuillier. I think nude and sparkly is a common/boring choice for oscar dresses, but she pulls it off and looks so demure and elegant!

Hilary Swank in a Gucci sequined and feathered masterpiece!

My 'You should have tried harder' Picks:

Halle Berry in Marchesa. Strapless, Nude, Tulle, Sequins, Next...

Reece Witherspoon in Armani Privé. I think it adds years on her!

Gwyneth Paltrow in Calvin Klein. Like the cut and the fit of the dress but the metallic appearance isn't working for me. I was expecting better things Gwyn!

Anne Hathaway in Valentino. Just a bit bland really. Although she did have 7 other outfits to redeem herself. I haven't seen them all. If you get a chance google her hosting job - cringe!

PS. The madness of Helena Bonham-Carter in an ensemble not too dis-similar to the Jean Paul Gaultier Couture I predicted. Well I suppose anything 1880s vampire-esque would work for her!

Hope you enjoyed my predictions! My ultimate favourites are Cate Blanchett, Mila Kunis and Michelle Williams! Did you have any? Which red carpet dresses were your favourites?

Amelia xo

The LOOK Show Part 3 - The aftermath...

2011-02-23T12:18:00.008Z

Trends from the LOOK Show...

If you live and breathe fashion you'll know the Seventies is one of the biggest influences of spring/summer trends. If not I will excuse you, that rock you've been living under must have limited fashion resources. The 70's era has inspired Palazzo pants, midi skirts and jumpsuits to claim their rightful place in the forefront of fashion. Not to mention the ditsy floral and polka dot prints. Not just in clothing, accessories take on the 70's with floppy hats, oversized sunglasses (not that they ever really went anywhere) and cork wedges and chunky heels!

Top tip - Create a high waist. It will give new dimensions to an outfit and add a retro feel.

Best Place to buy on the High Street - Monsoon, Mango and River Island.

The perfect colourways for Spring and Summer, fruity hues are making an impact on fashion in a big way. The perfect choice for a feminine outfit and extra cute in a floaty fabric. The palette can be layered with sheer fabrics and even lightwear knits, to acheive a perfect cocktail of colour. The light shades are also good for clashing prints, as nothing looks to heavy in a lighter colour.

Top tip - Peachy pastel shades with deep reds make an excellent colour combination.

Best place to buy on the high street - Mango, New Look and French Connection.

Double Denim. One of those trends you can easily get wrong, but get it right and you look oh so chic. With this season being big on the 1970's we can't escape a denim ensemble. Although it doesn't have to be 70's inspired. I loved the way Uniqlo used denim in a preppy/nautical way. Nothing new, but very wearable!

Top Tip - Double it up with dark skinny jeans and lighter shirts. Denim in a similar wash in jeans and a jacket can look a bit Justin Timberlake and Britney rather than the more desirable Chloé.

Best places to buy on the High Street - Marks and Spencer, Uniqlo, Mango.

Animal and tribal prints are great for day wear, evening wear and even beach wear! Not just the usual leopard prints but also snake prints, heading into a more western direction like the Mexian/Navaro fringe trend i recently blogged! Tribal influences are featured heavily in jewellery and accessories with aztec inspired pendants and bracelets! Not to mention the amount of tassles and saddle bags there are about!

Top Tip - Animal prints, in my opinion, look better either in subtle shades or looser fits. And the higher the quality of the fabric the better!

Best Place to buy on the High Street - Warehouse, Next and Marks and Spencer.(All great quality!)

There's no better way to stick your middle finger up at the rain than a bright colour. Just like Jil Sander take a bright colour or 3 and wear them all at the same time. Just like Prada take multi-coloured stripes and rock it! Colour blocking can be acheieved with rainbow stripes or more subtle blocked colours! Mini trends within coloured clothing are pleats for a more 3 dimensional texture, stripes and bows!

Top Tip - The brighter the better!

Best Place to buy on the High Street - Warehouse, River Island and H&M.

Florals are an amazing way to incorporate lots of trends in one. You could have a 70's floral, in a bright colour with a clashing alternative print and boom 3 trends in 1! Florals will be seen in lots of midi lengths and cute tea dresses for the ultimate feminine summer party look. It's a trend for anyone, it was great to see the Curvy Model finalists in this trend! Just looking at all these ditsy prints makes me want to go flip flop shopping!

Top Tip - Wear the print accordingly to match your body shape. For example, Pear shapes wear print on top and blocked colour on the bottom and vice versa for top heavy girls to divert attention!

Best Place to Buy on the High Street - Dorothy Perkins, New Look and Mango.

Goody Bag.

The contents of my goodybag took up a whole lot of carpet space when i emptied it out! I've shared out a few bits with my mum already, the New Look scarf and Monsoon Jewellery were right up her street - on the basis that we can share it of course...

This Galliano perfume is yum! I think that and the Sunglasses and Label M mousse really got the OMG's out. I might do a give away of some of these bits, which would you like to see in a give away? I've had so many new followers in the last couple of weeks I feel the need to reward you!!

Shopping the LOOKS...

The day after the LOOK Show I spent a fair few hours in Westfield shopping centre! As it was just across the road from the hotel it would be rude not to, and I had so much inspiration from the show! I wanted to look in the shops that had impressed me the most - unfortunately didn't take many pictures because some of the shops look at you like your a loon if you get your camera out! The accessories in Next and Dorothy Perkins really did it for me, some gorgeous floppy hats in next and I need these nude shoes from DP. Only £38 - bargain!

Dorothy Perkins.

Next.

Next.

L-R: River Island and Hilton Slippers.

What I bought...

Following the current trends throughout the show I was in love with this peach colour, the blazer was £14.99 from H&M. I saw a girl at the show matching a peach blazer with a deep berry red jumpsuit. I tried to find these tapered trousers from New Look, but to no avail! I will keep looking!

I also bought the outfit above from River Island, colour blocking brights - check! It also had a preppy feel to the outfit, somewhat reminiscent from the Uniqlo show! Now all i need is a massive purple umbrella...

Over and Out...

So that's all from me on the LOOK Show blogging. I've had an amazing time as a finalist for this competition! Thank you to everyone involved, and I hope you have enjoyed my LOOK round ups. I'm so excited to be able to write about this competition on my CV! I finish uni in May and I'm looking to get into fashion online - so if anyone wants to snap me up, I make a great cup of tea and I am a LOOK Show blog competition finalist don't you know...

Amelia xo
(Best viewed in Firefox)

February 14th - Summer Inspiration and LOOK Show.
February 15th - Festival Fringe and LOOK Show Ramblings.
February 16th - LOOK Show Outfit Potentials.
February 20th - The LOOK Show: Part One.
February 22nd - Bare with me (Featuring LOOK Show video).
February 22nd - LOOK Show Part Two - The High Street's Hottest.

LOOK Show Part Two - The High Street's Hottest...

2011-02-22T15:16:00.014Z

New Look.

Opening the show for New Look was Victoria's Secret model Petra Nemcova. Capturing the playful brand image by strutting her stuff with a constant smile. New Look delivered ditsy floral prints and beautiful bright colours to give you that summer feeling! Incorporating the shades of the season - Tangerine and Berry reds - into sophisticated tapered trousers and sheer shirts. Loosely tailored blouses and crochet knit jumpers were tucked in to a high waist to accentuate the feminine form. Creating light layering and playing with the infamous Seventies trend for Spring/Summer 11. For the accessories New Look represented brightly coloured duffle bags, gorgeous gold necklaces and sunglasses in a size Mary-Kate Olsen would be proud of.

Colour Palette: Shocking Pink, Acid Orange, Electric Blue, Tangerine, Berry Red and Crisp Whites.

Dorothy Perkins.

I've never seen High Street do floral that could look so designer, but the Spring/Summer range for Dorothy Perkins could give Christopher Kane and Jonathan Saunders a run for their money! Taking on board the summer colours with a pastel/acid twist yet still in completely wearable summer shift dresses. The cute Scalloped edge makes plain white tops and block coloured shorts stand out against the average hemline. Similarly to New Look, everything is sinched at the waist, giving the collection an elegance - as well as the crew cut neck lines and 50's style shirt dresses. My favourite piece from Dorothy Perkins was the mint green uneven hemmed dress. With minature floral embellishments and a sheer fabric that pratically floated down the catwalk.
Accessories to match the floral prints with brooches, floppy hats, boxy handbags and elegant strings of pearls.

Colour Palette: Tangerine, Aquamarine Green, Orange Sherbert, Crisp White and Sky Blue.

Uniqlo.

Uniqlo is a shop I rarely shop in, as there is no store in or around Bournemouth! I was aware of the preppy nature of the label and this range at the show did not disappoint! I love preppy chic, and uniqlo used a combination of bright colours against neutral shades to highlight a new kind of spring styling. The brand used a variety of ditsy prints and nautical stripes to create the clashing print trends arising this season. Loose fitted chinos and more tailored coats and knits gave the collection a casual yet classy element...with a hint of double denim. One of the more realistic collections for an English Summer, not only because models walked with Umbrella's, but for the appropriate lengths and styles of clothing. Accessories were minimal and preppy with clear lens glasses and plaited tans glasses.

Colour Palettes: Creamy floral prints, Khaki's, Beige, Stone, Denim, Navy, Lilac, Baby pink and teal.

Monsoon.

Monsoon to me is towards the higher end of high street stores. Which was totally evident in the quality and craftmanship of the collection! Luxurious fabrics in silks, and manipulated chiffons into pleats bought to life a floaty spring/summer range. The models walked tall in glamorous silk jersey jumpsuits and cute paisley printed shift dresses. Prints were styled amongst dip dyed basics to give the 70's edge. The swimwear definitely perked up Shayne Ward - yeah i saw where you were looking Ward! Accessories took a tribal influence with feathered headbands, gold necklaces and tassled bags. Also a sophisticated glamour with hand held fans and heavily floral embellished belts!

Colour Palette: Navy, Violet, Aquamarine blue, orange sherbert, and pastel shades in pink and lilac.

Marks & Spencer.

Marks and Sparks! The kind of place synonymous with Percy pigs and Bridget Jones pants...Well not anymore! Easily one of the collections that had impressed me the most!! The collection went down a 'Nu Egypt' kind of route with Grecian style swimwear, crisp white shirts and blazers and animal print in bright colours (Think Burberry Prorsum SS11). They played with different textures including denim and leather for a variety of spring/summer looks each with an air of sophistication! Accessories made the most of gold with long line necklaces. Dark sophisticated sunglasses to rival Victoria Beckham and bright pink beach bags - a must have for a fashionista on holiday!

Colour Palette: Neutral shades - pale terracotta, beige, crisp whites, indigo, camel.

H&M.

H&M was colour central. Epitomising the word Summer. Did you know Olivia Palermo's dress was an H&M number? The Striped cropped tee reminds me of a Marc by Marc Jacobs collection! I love it paired with the two-tone pleated skirt, perfect for daytime chic. Satin and silks form the perfect looks for evening wear. The tangerine pastel colour strikes again bringing a two piece skirt suit into 2011 with retro stylings of knee high socks and T-Bar shoes! Cute bows incorporated into the outfits in belts and jacket fastenings for a demure playful feminine style. Colour block trends were evident throughout the H&M Range, with combination's of yellow, blues, greys and terracotta reds! Accessories were retro Vs tribal!

Colour Palette: Aqua Blue, Pastel peach, Turquoise, Indigo, Grey, Lemon Yellow, Pink sherbert, Terractotta.

Mango.

I must admit Mango nearly took my breath away. The asymmetric pleated dress alone was enough to make you go 'oooh' (Just watch it in Slow-mo on my video!) I found the styling of mango incorporated just about every trend going for Spring/summer!!! Floaty fabrics, Ditsy Florals, Midi Lengths, Peach Blazers, Accentuated waists, animal print and that 70's edge. Definitely a favourite for me. I love the layering of stripey luxe knits and floral shirts, not to mention the clashing prints. The yellow ditsy dress is to die for, and the python print silk shirt is the kind of glamour I'd love to pull off. The use of neutral shades vs Bright colours gives the range a vibrancy and sophistication I would associate with European chic - Well it is mango. I'm definitely shopping here more often! Waist belts galore in the accessories list, as well as oversized sunglasses and bright coloured clutch bags!

Colour Palette: Dusty pinks, Chambray Denim, Beige Grey, Canary Yellow, Camel, Peach.

Next.

Next love a print or two! In my notes from the show I've written what could roughly be translated to 'leafy' - well if by that I meant an ethnic/tribal arrangement of patterns then yes. Leafy it would be. I'm in love with the playsuit - the shape of it was everything you want in a playsuit. Good sleeve length, Good hem length, good neckline! And the Bow waist belt topped it all off! I shall definitely be purchasing this one and wearing it with my cropped leather jacket! The burnt orange sheer shirt is another favourite - the creative use of the contrasting neck tie illuminates the outfit - Palazzo pants at their best! Another concotion of tribal accessories with the added use of bows and tanned belts! I have about 8 tan belts - they are essential after all!

Colour Palette: Burnt Orange, Vibrant purple, moss green, dove grey, crisp white.

Warehouse Luxe.

Warehouse luxe oozes a sense of sophistication, crisp white tailored jumpsuits with cut out detail, and colour blocked midi dresses give an 80s vibe. As does the use of Flourescent yellow, stripey rainbow brights and animal prints! I'd call it 80's luxe. They even have crimped hair! I love the soft tailorings from the collection, It all looks so easy to wear. The majority of the garments are made from jersey, a spring/summer staple fabric! Definitely a brand you could make the day-to-night transition with nearly any outfit! Floppy hats and boxy satchels are about as far as the accessories went! But the fabric does the talking for you!

Colour Palette: Rainbow Brights, Canary Yellow, Berry Red, Crisp White, Animal Print, Dusty Pink, Black Leather.

River Island.

River Island is one of my favourite high street shops. In my opinion, the quality of their clothing has gone from strength to strength recently. I work part-time in a rather large R.I store and you still get the odd diamontéd garm or two, but the majority has developed in an elegantly stylish manor! I see elements of Marc by Marc Jacobs in outfits with clashing floral and striped prints. Influence from Jil Sander with colour blocked brights, Miu Miu style swallow prints and Erdem with classic floral shift dresses. I want want want the polka dot jumpsuit, but I think it will need a foot or two cut from the length (If you read this R.I a petite range would be much appreciated!). I love the crochet knit jumpers as dresses with bright vests underneath. Perfect for the phase inbetween Spring and Winter, where it's too cold for bare legs, but too warm for coats! There is so much wearable stuff from the range seen at the LOOK Show. It makes up half of my wish list! Love the envelope style clutch bags, Big sunglasses, oversized floppy hat, and scarf tie waistbelts!

Colour Palettes: Vibrant Violet, Navy, Acid Orange, Yellows, Peach, Florals.

French Connection.

French Connection was the OOOOH and AAAAH collection of the show for me. The perfect finalé! The crisp white pleated maxi dress was divine! I love the powdery colours that make up the colour palette. The utilitarian blue boiler playsuit would be a great night time outfit for a hot summers night! As well as the floral printed jumpsuit. French Connection's use of leather and scalloped edge combination is a good contrast between hard and soft. The pretty embroidery on the shift dress was the perfect detail for a formal dress. Accessories in gold, bright orange, white and blue make for a colour co-ordinated collection.

Colour Palette: Crisp White, Navy, Pastel oranges, tanned leather, colbalt blue.

I think my favourite collection has to be Mango. I was so impressed by all though, and suprised by many! Marks and Spencer and Next aren't places I would usually shop in, but after seeing the show I'm going to make more of an effort to check them out! The same with Mango and Uniqlo!

Which is your favourite?
Amelia xo

Bare with me...

2011-02-22T00:22:00.002Z

Whilst I'm adding my final tweaks to my LOOK Show posts I'll leave you with my photo booth picture! Got to love a wind machine!

In the mean time check out Part One and my LOOK show movie! The rest will be up tomorrow!

The LOOK Show - Part One...

2011-02-20T23:12:00.016Z

After a week of mentally brainstorming outfits and pretty much smiling non stop, The LOOK Show finally arrived on Friday and felt like an absolute dream. It's now safely stored away in the 'Favourite Days of all time' section of my brain! I am one of those people/freaks that like to organise everything to the finest detail. I had my outfit sorted (Popular outfit number 3 from the post below!) I had a suitcase full of clothes and shoes, and made sure to street view everywhere I was going ... I just re-read this sentence and you must all be thinking JEEZ GET TO THE GOOD STUFF! I have about 4 blog posts worth of material coming up - So where do I start...

...The LOOK Show took place in the beautiful Victoria House in central London. The venue was perfect and completely decked out with bright orange LOOK logos, bartenders in Hawaiian shirts and smartly dressed waiters. Making the most of the champagne and canapés (thanks m&s) myself and my friend Sophie stumbled upon the New Look photobooth - They gave me a hat to wear inside and as soon as I put it on I was poached by some satorialist style photographers - It's a shame I am a little awkward in front of cameras. I like a pout - who doesn't - but my face morphed into some questionable poses!

When the time came for the show I felt so proud of myself and my little blog for getting this far! Something I could definitely get used to...!! Sitting on the front row was amazingly surreal, and I had some good company. Sara to the left of me, and nneoma and Lara to the right! With Kavita and Maffionista a little further down! Everyone was so friendly, and I met some lovely bloggers. I think that's the amazing thing about high street fashion. It appeals to everyone! I went to the show excited about seeing H&M and River Island and came out most impressed by Marks and Spencer and Mango. As I'm openly addicted to high street fashion I feel lucky to have been able to sit so close because you truly experience the texture and cut of the fabric, it makes all the difference to see something in motion - and now I want to buy it ALL.

So if you missed out this season on tickets I've put together a VERY amateur video as a memento of the day. Sorry it's a bit wobbly!

CELEB COUNT...

Shayne Ward.
Emma Willis (STUNNING)
Sophie Ellis-Bextor.
Marina Diamandis (and her mice...)
Olivia Palermo - Yes, the Japanese were right... she has a small face!
The Stylist man from Lorraine - who keeps me entertained when i eat my breakfast.
The Hair and Beauty Tutorial girls from LOOK.co.uk! I wanted to talk to them all day!

I missed Keisha Buchannon and Jaime Winstone - which is upsetting because I'm massive fans of both! It's funny how celebs are so much smaller than you imagine in real life! Olivia is minuscule!

THINGS THAT MADE ME SAY 'WOW!'...

Champagne.
Marina's jumper.
Look Good Feel Better.
Chocolate Fountain.
The Galliano perfume - hooray for that in my goody bag! Oh which reminds me...
THE GOODY BAG!
The amazing top knots.
The gorge models.
Umbrella's for Uniqlo - although the superstitious fish wife in me was thinking eeek!
Alexis Jordan's bum and Topshop trousers!
The M&S Styling.
The white pleated Maxi by French Connection.

(Me with the LOVELY ladies from Look Good Feel Better.Charity!)

WHAT'S ON MY WISH LIST...?

New Look Berry Red tapered trousers.
Dorothy Perkins acid bright orange floral sun dress.
Uniqlo double denim combination - complete with umbrella for an inevitable rainy summer!
Monsoon clashing prints short and jacket.
M&S camel coloured skirt.
H&M Pink pleated skirt and ditzy floral midi dress.
Mango peach double breasted blazer and ditzy print yellow dress.
Next burnt orange sheer shirt.
Warehouse leather shorts.
River Island polka dot jumpsuit and bird print palazzo pants.
French Connection Coral midi dress and Cobalt boiler playsuit!

New Look.

Dorothy Perkins.

Uniqlo.

Monsoon.

Marks & Spencer.

Alexis Jordan.

H&M.

Mango.

Next.

Warehouse.

River Island.

French Connection.

Sunday Girl and Lizzie ( I couldn't not take a picture of her HoH! Debenhams top!)

We arrived in the hotel room after many failed attempts with the door key! With these cute little cupcakes and champagne staring at us in the face! Well it would have been rude not to...

What I wore. I went with popular demand with the outfit you helped me pick from this oufit post! Thanks for your help guys!

Goody Bags! Many an 'OMG' squeal whilst rummaging through these (they are immense...but i'll save that for another post as it's 4.09 am. Uploading videos is slowwwwww!)

Stay tuned for Part two!

Amelia xo
(All these pictures are my own, yay me!)

LOOK Show outfit potentials...

2011-02-16T19:30:00.003Z

Here are some of my potential outfits for the LOOK Show on Friday! 2 Sleeps now! eeeeeeeep! I've had a bit of a nightmare trying to find something to wear! I ordered a few bits online and they were huge, so had to return them! The peg leg trousers and Stripe top I wanted wouldn't have arrived in time as i'm off to London tomorrow anyway, i'm hoping i get a spare second to trawl around some shops!

What do you think? Any winners in this pile? Answers on a postcard (or comment) :)

By the way i apologise for a) the state of my room and b) the quality of photos. I have no idea how to do outfit posts and have no tripod. So the quickest thing was to do the old iphone in mirror trick!

Spring/Summer 2011: Festival Fringe and LOOK Show Ramblings...

2011-02-15T23:25:00.007Z

Only 3 sleeps until the LOOK Show... In a strange sort of way I wish it was more. The run up to the show is so exciting! Everyone is going mad for tickets on Twitter - and I don't blame them! Lara announced on her blog that the supermodel Petra Nemcova is walking in the show! So roll on body envy over that Victoria's Secret Angel... I also found out that Alexis Jordan (Jay-Z's protege) is performing! Although one of the most exciting things was Wildfox hinting that some lucky so and so's will be getting a little wildfox gift in their goodybags - please oh please let it be me!

I don't think i've actually stopped smiling since I found out I was a finalist! I feel so lucky and overwhelmed to have come this far! I'm hoping to meet some bloggers whilst i'm there - in fact some of my favourites are going Gem Fatale, Fashion Champagne, LLYMLRS and other finalists i heart vintage, maffionista, twentyteneightfour and Sarah Luxe.

If you follow me on Twitter then you'll know i'm still trying to find an outfit for the show! I'm probably over thinking it now but as it's a show of all the hottest trends on the high street i thought i should incorporate some sort of trendage into my outfit. One of my faves for SS11 is the Navaro/Fringe trend. I just bloody love it. I think i'm a former mexican from a past life...

Here is some of the best fringing I have seen from the SS11 Collections...

Mark Fast, Missoni, Unique, Roberto Cavalli.

Ralph Lauren, Elie Tahari, Lanvin, Gucci.

Roberto Cavalli, Dior, Roberto Cavalli.

There are also some great bits on the high street. Topshop have loads of Tassled items in at the moment...Suede bags, Crochet dresses, Fringed crop tops and lots of jewellery.

I would probably wear, what my boyfriend calls my 'pochahontas' cardigan! As seen below :)

What do you guys think of the trend? Would you try it? It's total festival wear no?
I'm going to update the blog tomorrow with another one of my favourite SS11 trends. So keep posted...

Amelia xo

Sunday Summer Inspiration and LOOK Show...

2011-02-14T09:13:00.005Z

I was supposed to post this yesterday but just didn't get round to it. What with the rain and everything I wasn't in the most inspired of moods anyway! This morning on the other hand...hello sun!

I'm so excited for warmer climes its unreal. I've lost a bit of weight recently, and for once the thought of going bare legged or sleeveless isn't terrifying me! It's nice to have a bit of self-confidence in your body, especially at summer! So these Jil Sander palettes are making me swoon. I think it's something about the use of Purple and Orange that got me. (oh Luella)

Jil Sander SS11.

In other news, I found out I am one of the finalists of the Look Magazine Blogging Competition! I'm so overwhelmed by it! I can only imagine the amount of lovely talented blogs that entered so i never expected to be a finalist! Just to get to this stage is a prize in itself! So i've been on a complete high this weekend! Although I have not stopped thinking about what i am going to bloody wear to the Look Show! Aghhhhhhhhh.... any suggestions followers??

I've put a few looks together for inspiration!

Amelia xo

P.s Happy Valentines Day!

So perfect I wanna die...

2011-02-07T20:36:00.002Z

I am so obsessed by this photo tonight. It's the latest from Olsens Annonymous. They are so perfect it makes me wanna die... Toying with the idea to spend a lot of money for Ashley Olsen's hair.

Summer Wishlist...

2011-02-03T15:52:00.004Z

I think just about everybody is feeling the need for heat at the moment. Now that January is dead and gone for another year we're moving into that transitional phase between winter and spring... seriously - what am i supposed to wear????!

Too cold still for bare legs, and too windy for Palazzo pants (not a good look in the wind i'm guessing?) So I thought i'd put a few looks together whilst mentally preparing for pay day tomorrow - woohoo! I'd like to take the time to rename this phase 'Springter' - or something a lot better....

Collars and Sheer fabrics are the in thing at the moment. This Dress from Urban Outfitters looks like the easiest thing to wear ever. Throw on a bit of leather and some chunky heels for that Chloe Sevigny vibe.

Hat- Asos. Shoes, Bag, Jacket - Topshop. Dress - Urban Outfitters.

This is where my obsession for anything Topshop is revealed... The whole americana hippy side of the 70's is one of my favourite trends for SS11. Heavy gold jewellery, snake print and tassles. OH the tassles.

Everything - Topshop.

Nothing like a bit of grunge. An outfit for the colder days...Love these killer heels. There's something about these sunglasses i'm not sure about...I used to wear them all the time as a child, but they just remind me of Ozzy Osbourne now. Anyway, trying to channel a Mary-Kate Olsen/Pixie Geldof hybrid in this look! Can you tell?

Jacket, Satchel, Scarf - Urban Outfitters. Jeans, Shoes, Sunglasses - Topshop.

Ahh colour blocking. I love these clashing colours! There's that sheer shirt rearing its see-through collar again, oh and tassles! A new favourite...

Trousers - Zara. Bag, Shirt, Shoes - Topshop.

Have you guys tried out any Summery looks this year yet?

Amelia x

Sunday Summer Inspiration...

2011-01-30T18:56:00.003Z

Summer is at the forefront of my mind at the moment. It's all I can think about. I hate that it's so cold when the wind blows it feels like it's stabbing your cheeks with a million little ice swords!!! I'm in outfit limbo in the mornings when it's sunny but you know it is blatantly sub zero outside. Not to mention all the beautiful spring/summer collections coming onto the high street. Colour has never looked so appealing.

So I thought to inspire you a little I would add some snippets from one of my favourite SS11 collections, Jonathan Saunders. I plan on mixing a lot of bright colours and prints this year - i'm already mentally shopping for my new wardrobe! So expect some kind of wish list post this week!

I hope you all had a great weekend. I went to see Black Swan...Having originally seen the trailer in August 2010, I was so excited to see it! Now I'm a bit disappointed - i think it's slightly overrated. Don't get me wrong it is a good film - just didn't give me that WOW factor like it has with many others!

Amelia xo

Paris Spring Couture 2011 vs Oscar Outfit Predictions...

2011-01-27T21:09:00.008Z

Killing two birds with one stone here. I could not let the Paris Couture collections pass me by without a collage or 3 (thank you for the compliments on them by the way, they take forever!) whilst I was going through them on style.com I was imagining which celebrity would be worthy of wearing it on the red carpet. Then I got to thinking about possible Oscar outfits, and wham bam thank you mam. Now I will admit I don't know anything about the Oscars, or who is going to be invited, I just fancied getting creative!

I know this post is heavily favouring the stunning Elie Saab collection - which is by far the most beautiful! To be honest the rest seem a little bit...mediocre. Chanel is chanelling 1999 with those Skirt/Trouser/Skouser type things, Dior was a bit frumpy, Valentino a little to sheer and Givenchy is beautiful - if not a little unwearable. If I was a stylist I would dress everyone in Elie Saab. Budget permitting of course...

What do you think of my predictions?
I would love to see Blake Lively in that Elie Saab dress...and I was so torn between several dresses to put on Anne Hathaway she could easily wear any of these. My favourite of the bunch has to be Mila Kunis in...Elie Saab, and Helena Boham-Carter in Jean Paul Gaultier ( I was tempted to photoshop some different coloured shoes on her - legend!)

Sorry about the horrendous photoshopping! Those celebs do like a fake tan though.

ZANZAN...

2011-01-25T23:26:00.003Z

Possibly the most beautiful sunglasses I've seen...I've heard the name floating about but when Megan Trimble (half of the creative team behind ZanZan along with Gareth Townshend) emailed me about the Spring/Summer 2011 collection I couldn't not share with you.

Completely hand made and original in shape and colour Zanzan sunglasses only sell in the best boutiques (stockists include Liberty and Start London) They couldn't be more bang on trend for SS11 with the new styles made from 70s acetate - some pairs are even one of a kind!

If you have a spare moment I would recommend looking at the workshop section on their website - beautiful photography of the whole process behind making the sunglasses!!

Anyone else super excited for summer now?

ASOS Spring/Summer 2011 Campaign...

2011-01-25T15:02:00.004Z

I've just made a mental 'save for later' basket of all the pretty summer things I will inevitably end up purchasing this year. I love the use of ochre and lemon yellows against the neutral beige blacks and browns. Bumble Bee-esque. My favourite part of all are the accessories. I might need to go to some sort of English Garden Party for a day out with that delightful hat! What do you guys think? Are you as much of an ASOS obsessive as me?

Bandeau Playsuit £38.

Pleated Colour Trapeze Dress £46.

Premium Tailored High Waist Cropped Trouser £40.

Blogs of Note...

2011-01-24T09:23:00.006Z

Well what a funny old weekend it has been. I hit 101 blog followers (THANK YOU ALL!) I really appreciate everyone who is following me and my ramblings about fashion. I'm currently at half way point of the dissertation - which is mind numbing. So I thought I would recharge my brain by paying some attention to the blog.

I spent most of my Sunday slumming in my PJ's, writing, checking twitter/facebook/asos/ every half an hour. It is no lie I am slightly addicted to internet shopping (Kristabel at I Want You To Know shares my asos addiction!) And one of my main sources of style inspiration comes from Style Bloggers. I respect them so so much for doing what they do, as we all know image and style can be the main source of criticism by the judgemental..

So I'm sharing some of my favourites. It will be interesting to see whether you guys share the same!

Cats and Rocking Chairs.
A new addiction of mine. The thing that I wanted to look at was the HAIR. Massive hair crush. I wish I had a natural brown with my ombré...it seems to be a bit more orangey. I love the relaxed feel of her style, casual denim, loose fitting shapes. If you want to acheive the 'i just threw this on and look amazing' style - take note!

LLYMLRS.
I'd like to consider LLYMLRS as my hair twin. Although she may be offended... because mine never looks as good! I believe this girl has that natural style for mixing and matching. And her clothing colour palettes make for very pretty blog content. Have been following her for ages - What I like the most is that she wears predominantly High Street clothes!

Sarah-Leigh's Style Files.
Sarah-Leigh is a versatile blogger. It's not just style, she also takes the loveliest photos! What I like about Sarah is that she takes photo's from her night life and holiday life as well as just day wear! Not many bloggers do this in my opinion!

She's Called Claire.
A blogger on a mission. The lovely Claire has challeneged herself to wear vintage for 365 days! She's up in the double figures now, i've been following from pretty much the beginning and it's so inspiring! I am such a crap vintage shopper! Advice needed...

Strutt.
Probably my favourite of all (and I secretly want to be her!) She's a fashion graduate with KILLER style! and a knack for customising clothes. She also makes her own stuff - with a lot of leopard print love!!

Young Shields.
Such a pretty girl. Major face envy, her style is just quintessentially lovely! I think that's all I need to say!

Gem Fatale.
Gem Fatale is like a beacon of talent! Style blogging - yes. Also nail art, tuesday tips, and for a short while posts dedicated to bitching about items! Hilarious writing style and really engaging! Think she's going to be famous!

I'm sure there are MANY more! I follow a bajillion blogs because you are an inspirational bunch :)

Other Blogs worth following:
CowBiscuits.
Dressing Miss Dolly.
I Want You to Know.
Quite Quaint.
Louder Than Silence.
Fashion Zen.
If you are not in Fashion.
Dreaming Spires and Old Car Tyres.
Ironic Fashion.
London Town's a go go.
Sarah Betty.
Diamond Canopy.
A Daisy Chain Dream.

I'm sure I have forgotten some so stay tuned for a part 2.

(I hope the style bloggers photo's I have used aren't offended by me using them - all credit due)

A Designer Life...

2011-01-20T18:26:00.006Z

'If you could wear only one designer for the rest of your life, who would it be?'

If you are following me on Twitter (www.twitter.com/ameliakanaris) you may have seen me ask my followers this very question a few weeks ago. A variety of answers came back including Chanel (of course) Temperley (decent) and Vivienne Westwood (woah) and even though I asked the question I couldn't for the life of me pick just one.

This is not your run of the mill 'Whose your favourite Spice Girl' type question - Baby -no no. It's as if I could answer it I would actually get to wear the designer for the rest of my days. I immediately thought DAMN YOU LUELLA! ( I want to remain faithful but your choices may be a little limited in a few years) and then my brain chased around all my favourites...

Richard Nicoll
Christopher Kane
Chloe
Miu Miu
Burberry Prorsum
David Koma
Unique
Erdem

No I can not pick just one. Can you?