#LFW | BURBERRY PRORSUM AW15

It's no secret that the Burberry show is my highlight of any fashion week. Whether it's menswear or womenswear, time and time again Christopher Bailey and the team produce flawless collections. There's always a nod to current trends but it's always true to British-style and unique. 

I've found it incredibly hard to condense the collection into a blogpost without including all the looks. Seriously, I haven't said this in a very long time but there wasn't a look I wouldn't wear, which is incredibly rare. So here's some of the looks I was drawn to most. 

The Burberry Prorsum AW15 collection was not even slightly what I expected. 

There's a hint of 70s but we're talking 60s, bohemian dreams. Fringing, leopard, garish boho prints and ethereal midi-dresses. Deep, earthy colours were the theme of the show - bold and unforgiving, there's nothing wishy-washy about this collection. 

Let's start by talking about the camel trench-coat above shall we? Annoyingly, the picture doesn't do it justice but the entire back of the coat is drenched in fringing and in motion it pretty much stole the show for me. Thigh-high printed boots were a reoccurring theme throughout the show, with patchwork-esc prints, layers often overlapping which made you wonder if the boots ever ended. Texture, alongside prints [we'll get to that later] was key within the show. From short-fur coats, to shearling collars. 

I'm obsessed with the structured tops in contrast to the printed boho midi skirts. It's took the boho vibe and threw the girl with flowers in her hair into the city and Burberry do that oh so well. Then, there's those heels with the drop front and fringing...so much darn fringing and I'm not complaining.  

Empire lines ruled regardless of the style of the dress. I love the use of blue prints, added some freshness into the show compared to the darker more earthy colours. Print was an enormous part of the collection, completely in-your-face there was something about the collection that was totally free, whether it was the swinging of the fringing or the boldness of the colours - it's so reminiscent of the summer of love.  

According to Burberry, next AW capes aren't going anywhere. This time, instead of the geometric print we've all grown used to, it's print and embellishments with fringing [duh]. 

Of course, it wouldn't be a Burberry collection without the infamous trench coat. This seasons twists included colour blocking, suede blue and grey combination floral prints and layered fringing in a camel colour. 

I sat there at the end of the show and couldn't help but wonder what it must like to be Christopher Bailey and the creative team, knowing that they continue to produce the most incredible collections. Burberry really do set the pinnacle for British fashion and fashion in general. 

I would never have thought of these looks for AW and now I don't want to wear anything else. I love that there's a little bit of Saint Laurent vibe to some of the pieces but all in all, it's iconic Burberry thinking. 

Of course, you guys will know by the way I've spoken about Burberry in the past and this post, this collection has knocked all over fashion houses out of the water. 

If this is what autumn/winter looks like, bring on the cold. 

All photo credit to VOGUE.co.uk | see all the looks from the collection HERE

#LFW | TOPSHOP UNIQUE AW15

It's going to be an extensive post, so get cozy. 

I've got a problem with Topshop. 

Don't get me wrong, I love the brand. It's at the forefront of fashion and provides affordable on-trend clothes. BUT, when it comes to the Topshop Unique collections at London Fashion Week, I'm never wowed. LFW is the platform of all platforms to showcase true, edgy, British fashion and for the last few seasons I feel as if Topshop have fallen flat. 

Don't get me wrong, there are some stand out looks and interesting designs but it lacks anything unique, the very word in it's title. 

Topshop have most definitely gone in a completely new direction with this collection. It feels as if they're starting again. Reminiscent of what we'd see on the Burberry catwalk, the clothes are much more refined and demure. It'll be interesting to see how these pieces are translated into every day wear. 

INSPIRATION | watching the LiveStream we got to go backstage and speak to all those involved with the creation of the collection. Topshop's Creative Director explained that the collection is heavily based on "British models" and their "effortless style and individual spirit". Rosie, the Casting Director went onto add that the models were selected on the basis of "well-bred, refined looks" with the appearance of being "fresh out of an expensive boarding school". Another quote based the collection around a "wild girl from the Scottish high lands now living in the city." 

The collection began with a neutral shades, beige always a classic colour for AW. I love the first look above, it's such a classic look that I think the collection was aiming to reflect. It's a pretty plain colour palette but there's something fresh about it. I love the contrast of the thick knit with the lighter fabric of the pinafore. Fur is also an enormous part of the Topshop Unique collection. Whether it's fur cuffs or full on faux fur coats. Roll necks are back, tucked into A line skirts or high waisted cigarette trousers, placing emphasis on the waist. 

Where we are used to seeing it during SS collections, powder blue implemented into AW gave the collection a breath of fresh air, adding to that icy-country morning walk feel. Shown in both a suede suit and a more relaxed high neck knitted dress, contrasted with a printed shirt and/or a camel coat to bring out the colour. 

Botanical prints were a massive portion of what made up this collection. Instead of the stereotypical heavy floral prints, these were refreshing. Despite it being a winter collection, there was a lot of leg on show, with thigh splits and knee high boot combinations which isn't all that practical in a British winter... Brogues also making a return, as well as boots and shoes with block heels. 

Forget 50 Shades of Grey, it's all about green. I love the use of green within this collection, it gives it an earthy, natural feel. Botanical embellishments as well as prints added texture into the looks. We've also got the classic trench coat provided in a leather/plastic look [cough Burberry did it first] as well as the same material in a little mini skirt. The third look seems to incorporate everything the collection stands for, you've got a contrast in texture with faux fur and the leather skirt as well as the printed shirt. 

The AW15 collection also provided us with some unique evening wear pieces. Fluffy cuffed sleeves to the satin cut-out back dress in the first look is also seen in a pink/orange tinted combination in the third look above. Topshop definitely focused a lot of attention on clashing textures. The dress in the middle is pretty much a rip off of past Burberry SS collections, but it looked rad as hell in black. I like the unbuttoned neck adding a more laid back, edgy vibe. 

Overall, I love the concept and that Topshop did actually reflect the idea in the collection. There are some pieces in there that I can't wait to style during AW15 but overall, it's nothing ground breaking.  They're dominating the High Street world. Don't get me wrong, I understand it's a totally new look for Topshop, but I want to see them setting the president, laying down some of their own rules and representing that idiosyncratic Brit style. As a brand, Topshop are bold and I just never get that vibe in their Unique collections. I'm in no way disappointed, I just feel as if the Topshop Unique collections can give a lot more than they are. 

All photo credit to VOGUE.CO.UK. You can see the full Topshop Unique AW15 collection HERE

THE WEEK #3 | "USE MY PHONE CAUSE I GOT THE MONEY...NO WAIT MEMORY"

Right; let's start by saying I know I've been averaging a post per week lately but there's been a lot going on to get my head around mentally & I will fill you all in as soon as I get it straight. BUT good news [whether you care or not] is that over the next week, there's going to be a heck of a lot of posts coming your way. 

SO *plug* if you wanna keep up, gimme a lil follow over on Bloglovin HERE.  

ANYWAY, The Week is back and this week, I actually had a life.

[there's an explanation to the 1st row/on the right photo - read bellow - it's a piss take, I'd never do that stance seriously, I'm no Madonna]

 

1] A little #TBT post to the night of my 19th bday. It was like 2am or something stupid when I took this photo. Don't get me wrong, London is insane regardless of the time of the day but there's something about it at night that I love. Also, the moon looks so rad in this shot. 

2] *TAKING THE PISS* We were on our way home from a night out and I thought the lighting was really cool, so I said to Amber to take a picture and it came out as "use my phone cause I got the money" but I meant "because I have memory and you don't"...so long story short this pose is the "I GOT THE MONEY" pose. Cool story. 

3] On the last train home as per, but this wasn't your usual shitty city train - it was like the Hogwart's Express ladies and gentlemen. I also found the whole "quiet carriage" extremely difficult.

4] Yes, that's the same James we watched preform at a different venue just a couple of weeks ago *groupies r us* but he's a real good pal of mine and he's also insanely talented. 

5] I am going to bang on and on and on about this extremely pose-y selfie because this was a one-take-wonder lads. Usually selfies take me a good 30-40 attempts finishing in "I'll settle for that one" but BAM I was obviously in tune with Kate Moss that morning.

6] On Monday, my mate Kirsty and I took our pups for a little puppy-play-date. It's coming up to three years since I rescued my wolf-pup [Monty aka the German Shepherd] and it's whizzed by. What a legend. 

7] Let's start by saying I HATE seeing animals in cages. It really doesn't sit well with me but I found myself bored and in a pet shop and made friends with this parrot called Wally. He didn't like me but I loved him...ironically the story of my life.

8] Probably THE funniest situation of the week. I love charity shops, you can get books for like 10p in em, so I was in one, with my chewy drumstick and I went into this little cupboard decked out with books. ONLY TO FIND SOME OLD PEOPLE GETTIN' FREAKY. So I took a selfie. Duh. 

Hope you guys enjoyed this #TheWeek edition.

Keep tuned for LFW posts to come and of course more OOTD's! 

INSTA - TUMBLR - BLOGLOVIN'

POLICE & FLASHING LIGHTS, THE RAIN CAME DOWN SO HARD THAT NIGHT

Let's face it, I can re-create ASOS covers all I like but I'm most comfortable in jeans and a leather jacket. 

Today, it's all about MOM jeans and although I absolutely love the aesthetic I find them so damn hard to style. I threw this look together and it's by luck more than anything that it's worked, but I've got to admit, I took a little inspo from Alex Gaskarth's look during his stage invasion of YMAS at Reading last year [here]. 

 It's quite a clumpy look but I love that vibe. It's got a grunge/boyish feel and that's the zone I'm most comfortable in. There are elements within this look that help to break it up and lift the initial heaviness, the plaid shirt adds texture and breaks up the outfit smack bang in the middle of the body, you've got the sheer element and cut outs of the Topshop tee and the daintiness of the layered necklace. Broken down, there's definitely A LOT going on but I'm loving it. 

Oh the mane of mess [aka my hair] is back, I gave up on straightening it because it really can't be tamed. 

THE LOOK

leather jacket - H&M

cut out tee - TOPSHOP

mom jeans - TOPSHOP

plaid shirt - DOROTHY PERKINS

boots - DOC MARTENS 

watch - MENS CASIO

necklace - H&M

NYFW | ALEXANDER WANG FALL 2015

What better way to spend Valentine's Day than with Alexander Wang?

Wang knows how to put on a show, with the coolest front-row, venue and soundtrack - this years Fall collection was no exception. 

On first look, there's one word to describe the collection: punk. With subtle nods to the grunge scene we're all too aware of, it's all about metal-metal-metal. A bold idea convicted excellently, proving just why Alexander Wang is one of the greatest fashion designers, ever. 

To me, it's a massive relief to not see any 70's influence and Wang's vision unphased by the trend in this collection. 

I thought I'd switch things up and start with my two favourite looks of the collection before pulling Wang Fall 2015 apart. 

No one does androgynous better than Alexander and maybe that's why I love the brand so much, so I was really surprised to see the look on the left. Although it's never lacks the punk inspiration, there's a little bohemian influence within the look; the fringing, the halter neck top and I really like it done the Wang way. 

If I could pluck the bomber-look jacket off of the runway and literally run away with it, I'd do it in a second. I love the stitching detail and the slightly oversized fit. Teamed with the satin look jogger styled bottoms and the chunk, punk boots it's such a bold, strong look that would knock anyone out instantaneously. Sports-luxe is a trend Wang never seems to set aside and I think he seamlessly blended it into the newly inspired punk influence. 

Wang very much focused on texture within this collection, mixtures of chains, studs, cut-outs and velvets. The actual cuts themselves aren't anything new but the attention to detail is. As always with Wang, to keep the feminine edge to an otherwise androgynous collection, he places emphasis on the waist with high necks and bold shoulders. Drenching everything in metal, teamed with of black [of course], the collection is the edgiest we've seen from Wang in a long time.

Sheer elements, tailoring/structure dresses and metallic bomber jackets. True Wang sports-luxe creations hidden within new trend pieces. 

The punk influence I aforementioned for me was most evident within the shoes. The platform sole, the chunky buckles and studding detail. Embroidered ball-barings into the fabric of the clothes, it's something you'd see in Camden, London and that fxcking rocks. I really do see a British influence in this collection. 

In my opinion there's definitely a 90s mix to the grunge/metal based collection. Maybe it's the blue trousers and the over-sized jumper above, but here and there I feel as if there's subtle hints. I wouldn't be surprised if grunge style was used to relax the harsh punk elements that Wang expects to see this fall. 

-

Alexander Wang is my highlight of NYFW. 

The collections consistently reinvent themselves but there's trademark Wang elements that you'll never be without. No doubt a trendsetter for Fall 2015, Although some of these pieces are extremely bold and clumpy, I think Wang presents a realistic way to style punk. I am really excited to see people's interpretations of the collection and experiment with punk elements myself.

see the full collection & VOGUE's thoughts HERE

[photo credits: VOGUE.CO.UK]

MARQUES ALMEIDA & AN ASOS INTERPRETATION

Ever since the latest ASOS mag landed on my doorstep, I've been obsessed with this look. It's not an idea I'd usually gravitate too, but there's something effortlessly cool about it.

Lately, WhatOliviaDid has become my bible for inspiration. It blows me away how amazing Olivia's wardrobe is and one thing [amongst many] that she nails are looks built around denim skirts. So, plenty of inspo for this particular OOTD then, eh? 

I discovered Marques Almeida through TOPSHOP and after looking into their brand, I've been lusting after their pieces for ages now but totally unaware of the label [eg: Kylie Jenner's ace denim shirt-dress here]. I've wanted an A Line button up skirt for a while now, so when I saw this from the Topshop collaboration, I snapped it up. I don't own any deep blue denim so this is a great investment piece for my wardrobe, I love the distressed edges and the silver hardware. Annoyingly, it's miles to big around the waist for me, so aside from this post I usually wear it a little lower on the hips but other than that it's the skirt of my dreams. 

I'm planning to do another "Shoe Collection" post soon so we can drool over these sandals properly, but how gorgeous are they? Dorothy Perkins are on-pointe with their shoes at the mo. 

THE LOOK

sunglasses - DOROTHY PERKINS [last spring/summer]

shirt - TOPSHOP [sale]

skirt - MARQUES ALMEIDA X TOPSHOP

sandals - DOROTHY PERKINS 

necklace - H&M 

HAVE A SMOKE, POUR A DRINK, STEAL A KISS IN THE DARK

Today's been a tease. It's been so damn sunny [cold as balls in the wind, but we'll overlook that] and all I want to do is fast forward to mid-June. 

In a moment of madness, I decided to make good use of the January sales and stock up for summer. [Right now my wardrobe is looking pretty cool, but pretty chilly]. I've been obsessed with this print for ages now and as soon as I saw this dress in the sale on Missguided I snapped it up. So many fashion bloggers claim M/G to be their holy grail but I've had so much trouble with them in the past so I was super reluctant to buy this BUT it's exceeded all my expectations. 

I love the faux-shirt sleeves that tie up, you guys know I love tying a plaid shirt around my waist so this is right up my street. It's rare you'll see me in a dress but this piece has a real laid back vibe to it, I cannot wait for summer to throw it on without tights and just a pair of VANS and go. 

It's still pretty darn chilly so I threw on my Topman bomber jacket that never seems to leave my shoulders at the moment and of course, the chunkiest boots you'll ever see from Topshop. Oh and let's not forget the most hideously beautiful sunglasses you've ever seen. I'll be wearing them until they inevitably break, so get used to 'em. 

THE LOOK

bomber jacket - TOPMAN | dress - MISSGUIDED [sale] | boots - TOPSHOP [sale] | sunnies - NEW LOOK [sale] | layered necklace - H&M | watch - CASIO [mens]

THE WEEK #2 | THIS WEEK SUCKED

January was just going too damn well. This week just sucked. Luckily it got better, but it was just one of those weeks.

1] I hate to admit this because we all know how Taylor Swift makes me feel [extremely uncomfortable] but Blank Space is an absolute anthem [especially when drunk] so I caved and purchased it. That's it T-Swizzle, 99p and that's all you're ever getting from me. 

2] In the midst of random snowstorms, these Dorothy Perkins sandals were a risqué purchase but they have got me dreaming of spring regardless. Keep your eyes pealed because I'm pretty darn sure there going to be in a million trillion OOTD's to come. 

3] In a desperate attempt to organise the chaos that is my wardrobe I rediscovered an entire cupboards worth of clothes that I'd completely forgotten about. I'm not 100% sure this helped the overall cause, but look at it this way...there's plenty of material for new blog content...literally *not even sorry for the Dad joke*. 

4] For a brief 10 minutes there was enough sunshine to make me completely forget we're in January. Also, how rad would it be if my legs were actually that long and skinny? Damn you shadows. 

5] Reunited with the love of my life, Jack Daniels on a last-minute Friday night excursion. 

6] *MELTDOWN* The tickets to see All Time Low at their acoustic gig in Kingston arrived and I went into meltdown. I cannot believe I am gunna be seeing the guys, let alone at an intimate gig. Bummed out it's the "early show" but I will be seeing my soul-mate Jack Barakat none the less. 

7] Saturday night we planned to head into town, but apparently all trains were replaced by buses. If you know me, I will literally walk bare foot across shattered glass instead of getting a bus. I hate 'em. In an attempt to soften the blow, in our drunken state we headed to the back of the bus and [although I complained about it smelling of Nans] pretended we were on tour. #TOURLIFE.

8] The first last and only photo of the weekend. 

Next week is shaping up to be a whole lot better than this one but it can't always be brill can it? 

How was everyone elses' week?