Vogue Fashion Night Out: Part One

Fancy late night shopping, with cocktails, fashion shows and free goodies and discount? I thought it sounded like fun so last Thursday I went to London where Vogue was holding its annual fashion night out and what fun!

At first I went to John Lewis on Oxford Street was treated to some champagne and a fashion show. I also had the privilege of doing some mini interviews with a few of the designers.

Loren Taylor is definitely one of the new designers to watch. From bespoke clutch bags to beautiful everyday handbags there are a few which I would absolutely love. My favourite is the red Immi bag which would be fabulous for the office. Not only are they gorgeous and practical but they’re also hand-made from the finest materials and only produced in small quantities. This means the bags are both well made and pretty unique!  Although they’re not Topshop prices (I’m going to have to save my pennies), they are surprisingly good value for the quality, designer name and the fact that they are handmade to order.



Picture used with the kind permision of Loren Talyor



And the designer Loren is so sweet, I wish I had spent the time to speak to her a little longer. I wasn’t really expecting to be able to actually talk to any of the designers so I was really pleased when she agreed to answer a couple of my questions. (Although this isn’t a direct quote because I didn’t have a Dictaphone). 

My question was: “What is the inspiration behind your Autumn/Winter bags?”

Loren told me about how she grew up in Africa, in the outdoors with a lot of exotic colours. When she travels she takes lots of pictures to keep as inspiration. She also told me how she takes inspiration from British fashion design and designers.

Immi Bag in purple

My second question was: “What is your favourite bag?”

Loren said her favourite bag is also the Immi bag but in white.

If you are interested in any of Loren’s bags they can be bought at www.lorentaylor.co.uk or from John Lewis.

I also managed to have a few words with Mischa Barton who seemed a little flustered, bless her!

I asked Mischa "what inspires you?" and she  told me what inspires her life was the charity work she does, in particular with children’s charities.

She supports some great charities including: http://www.savethechildren.org.uk/ and http://www.make-a-wish.org.uk/  Please support them if you can.

In terms of her bags she said she was inspired by Vintage bags that she has and sees in vintage fairs and also films but that she can get inspiration from absolutely everywhere.

My John Lewis Purchase of the night, perfect for my new job :)

Coming up in part two: More designer interviews and styling/phototgraphy by Vogue.

Hugs and Cupcakes,

Colours Therapy: How to Make Your Clothes Make You Happy

Hello Gorgeous,

Have you ever noticed that sometimes just by putting on your favourite top you have a great day? There’s no denying there’s a correlation between looking great and feeling great. But how about what colour you wear effecting your mood?  Is there a more literal meaning to the saying ‘seeing red?’ Well, according to the scientists at the Feng Shui Society, the colours you see can really affect your mood:

“Our bodies are stimulated and energised by some colours, or calmed and relaxed by others. Mentally and emotionally, colour works on a deep level, changing our mood and our sense of well being, as well as others' perception of us.”

so what colours for what moods?

Black: Associated with silence and death it can be a ‘heavy’ colour to wear. Black is often a sombre colour but it can also be sophisticated and can allow you to blend in and hide from the world.

Red: Has physical associations with the body and blood as well as love and romance. If you see something red it is even said to help circulation. Hence why so many people have it as a dating colour, in the hope they get their loved one’s blood pumping! Because of this it also represents vitality, ambition, power and prosperity.

Orange: Is a warm and happy colour. It frees and releases emotions and is fun and uplifting.

Yellow: Also a bright and happy colour, and is associated with the intellectual side of the brain. So, if you want to have an organised day then yellow is the colour for you. If also helps you be clear headed, alert and decisive

Green: Is the colour of nature, its balancing and calming. If you’re in a stressful situation, you naturally seek it out as it soothes and calms the emotions.

Blue: is cooling, calming and relaxing like the deep blue sea and can also help you to be reflective.

Purple: Is a deep rich colour which is spiritual, artistic and creative.

White: The colour of purity, it is a colour of protection and alleviates emotional shock and despair and is another reflective colour. However, it can also be very cold and isolating.

So next time you’re dreading doing a presentation at work, reach for the yellow dress for an instant pick-me-up. Or when you’re picking out a vest top for your yoga class, perhaps blue would be best?

Embrace the Feng Shui of fashion in your wardrobe and become one with nature. Oh, darn it’s that green top influencing me again!

Hugs and cupcakes,

Backstage at Dolce and Gabanna Summer 2012 show

Hiya guys,

Here's some backstage pictures of the Dolce and Gabanna Men's Sumner 2012 show. D&G comments about the features of the show:

FOULARDThe whole collection is characterized by the use of foulards as the central element in the making of blazers, bomber-jackets, t-shirts, trousers, shorts and accessories.

NEW PROPORTIONSBoth volume and fit get softer for a more relaxed style.

FABRICSApart from foulards, denim, washed linen and touches of leather have been used.

ACCESSORIESHand-stitched moccasins in foulard-printed suede. Raffia or foulard-printed hats.

Really this blog post is just an excuse to see lots of beautiful D&G Men















So Oriental style patterns everywhere, great accessories and bright colours. Perfect for summer!

Is your man into fashion? Or does he just stick to the classics?

Hugs and Cupcakes,

All pictures courtesey of Dolce and Gabanna facebook page

The Best of Zara



Kate Middleton in a blue Zara dress (still available now if you like it, it's the Halterneck dress £35.99)



Heya guys,

Zara has been thrust firmly into the spotlight as a favourite high street brand of Kate Middleton. Although they don't have as many stores as Dorothy Perkins, it still has a good range with some very fashionable pieces alongside some classics. It must also be mentioned that they have a fantastic environmental and animal welfare record so you can feel good as well as look fabulous.

Here I round up my favourite pieces of this seasons collection.

Flared raincoat £79.99. Will never go out of fashion and is similar to many of the famous Burberry trench.

Take on the Block colouring trend with this 'Halter Neckline Dress,' £39.99. It would look fantastic with white accessories.

A smart classic blazer: £49.99, will dress up any outfit.



Openwork Snakeskin Slingbacks £59.99 will go perfectly with this summers trend for white and Monochrome as seen in Chanel's Cruise Collection



Butterfly Scarf £19.99. Some lovely scarves by Zara, and the Butterfly motif has become really popular at the moment.

All pictures were from Zara. These prices are subject to change so don't blame me if they do :)

What have you been loving in the Zara range at the moment? Do you shop there often?

Hugs and cupcakes,

Fashion A-Z: A is for Armani

Heya Divas,

My friend and I were chatting today about how in a perfect world I am going to find Armani's grandson, make him fall hopelessly in love with me and that will be my happy ending. But in the meantime here's the essential info you-need-to-know about Armani guide

The godfather of Italian fashion design Giorgio Armani once said:

"Women want to be sexy, so ... I will make them sexy.”

A bold statement perhaps, but for someone who has been working in the fashion industry since the 1960's and launched his own brand in 1974, it's no wonder he has such conviction.

"Androgynous today means that men and women have the same attitude towards what they want to wear, ... It's not unisex dressing, but more the idea that you can see a jacket on a woman in this show, which you can just as easily see on a man.”

Armani restructured the jacket for a softer tailored look by eliminating shoulder pads and linings which can be suitable (pun intended!) for both men and women. He took a timeless look at made it his own. His style is elegant and understated. It plays with layers of texture and colour they have a timeless quality which is emphasised by nostalgic advertising. His style has been described as a post modern which is suited to life in the city.

Key Design Features:

Fall 09 - showing a little detail can make a suit as feminine as a dress.

Women:

• Peter pan collars on simple blouses,
• Navy blazers with matching skirts or tailored trousers.
•  Gabardine denim

Linen suit from Summer '09

Men:

•  Navy blazers,
• Crumpled linen jackets,
•  Leather blousons (1980)
• Oversized coats.

Both men's and women's designs include subtle patterns, textures, monochrome colours, optic whites, and easy lines with a twist such as low slung buttons on double breasted suits. He also designed a range of sportswear including Reebok, fragrances and a range of childrens clothing called 'Armani Junior.'

Hugs and Cupcakes,

Pictures are Forever

Heya Guys,

Way back in January I did a photo shoot with my Friend Mel, who is an awesome photographer witht the theme 'Something extraordinary, in the ordinary.'  So we decided on a summer clothes photoshoot in Winter with Mickey Mouse ears. It was sooooooo cold, it was actually snowing the day before.

It reminds me of a quote which is apparently from Brad Pitt when he was filming on a cold night and he said, "cold is temporary, movies are forever." So that was really going through my mind when we did these pictures. Enjoy!

Of course, as we were shooting this in January all of these clothes are last season so won't be available in the shops anymore.

Hope you like these final versions,

Hugs and Cupcakes,

Jenny from the Block: Muimui Spring Summer 2011

Hey Girlies,

Are you enjoying the sunshine? I am, barbeques, sitting in the sun reading, relaxing, bliss!

I've just seen the fantastic backstage pictures of Muimui Spring/Summer 2011 Collection. Everything is just fabulous and shows the block colouring trend replicated in highstreet stores such as Dorothy Perkins.

I recently bought a bright yellow halter neck top which I am rocking with a pair of denim shorts from River island. The best thing about brights? anyone can pull it off, just find the right shade for you. It also doesn't have to break the bank as you can update your wardrobe with a bright vest top. I love seeing how all the top designers have inspired the trend, so enjoy!

Here the block colouring is reflected in the makeup with statement pillarbox red lips, dark eyeshadow and huge lashes. Rememeber to apply with a lipstick brush for a smooth edge!

All backstage pictures from Muimui

I hope you all have a wonderful easter, and remember, go for the brightest top possible and you'll be trendy what ever you do!

Hugs and Cupcakes,

This Season's Must have Trousers: The Flare

Heya guys,

This is the last post in the 'How to Wear this Seasons Trousers' series and it's having a look at the Flare.

http://blog.shopbop.com/

The Flare:

The great thing is that the flare is super flattering for most body shapes. If you're curvy it will emphasise your curves and if you're not they'll make you look more curvy. (Sounds great, eh?) You can also get highwaisted versions to flatter your tummy too.  They've been all over the runway the past two seasons and have been popular with lots of celebrities too so you don't have to worry about them looking dated.

 

They look fabulous if you want to go with the whole 70's trend and get a bit Boho but they really are so versatile you can put them with anything.

 

Have you got any great ways of wearing your flares? or do you think they're a bit dated?

 

Lert m know what you think!

 

Hugs and Cupcakes,