Imagination is more important than knowledge.

- Albert Einstein

DANGER McQueen sample sale!

Thursday was the seasonal Alexander McQueen sample sale held at Clerkenwell in London. This was the first time I had been to a McQueen sample sale and therefore did not know what to expect.

I arrived at the beginning of the sale ensuring what I thought would be an easy transition into the sale to find my season bargains and get out of there faster than you can say 70% off. How wrong I was...

What looked like a relatively small queue equated to half an hour, an hour and before I knew it I had spent two hours, yes, two hours waiting to get a glimpse of what I hoped would be worth the wait inside.

When inside it was clear as to why the wait had been so long, it was the calmest sale I have been to due to a strict one in one out system. I usually avoid participating in the fashionista games of sprint to the accessories line, for the exact reasons stated, but this was different.

I was pleased to see a great range of coats, dresses, casual wear and accessories and ensured I took my time after the unanticipated wait to get in there. After two hours browsing and trying on I settled for five purchases which seemed to make the taxing afternoon sufficiently worthwhile.

A stunning black velvet column dress (perfect for my week in Paris before Christmas!), a navy silk jersey dress, a cream blazer with black lapel and a pair of gold platform heels- job well done!

On waiting in the queue beforehand my friend had scorned at me when I questioned "Is McQueen really worth it?" On surveying my prized purchases I will have no hesitation in going through the rigmarole next season, maybe I'll bring my tent next time....

I'm dreaming of a Black Christmas..

Hannah Marshall AW09

Forget a White Christmas, a Black Christmas is much more fun. The Jean-Pierre Braganza & Hannah Marshall Black Christmas party was held at Seymour Place last night and featured DJ sets from Skin and Malcolm Pate.

I arrived decidedly too fashionably late hot stepping from my frenzied sample sale day, and consequently didn't get a look in at the black vodka cocktails on offer. But the atmosphere was still electric.

Jean-Pierre Braganza SS10

The invite only crowd was hip, draped in the uniform black, you could feel the fashion consciousness oozing from every corner and smouldering through the smoke covered room.

Having had a night out with Hannah over fashion week, she is refreshingly grounded, a regular girl from Essex with an extraordinary talent and a penchant for the darker things in life...

The designers' pop-up store collaboration opens on December 7 at 4-6 Seymour Place, Portman Village, London.

Here's a clip I didn't post over fashion week from the Hannah Marshall spring/summer 10 collection.

Raiding Cheryl's wardrobe

Another sample sale, another purchase. This time it was a more intimate affair at the house of Cheryl Cole's stylist Frank Strachan.

I picked up a Versace dress, Costume National cage shoes, black velvet dress and a couple of belts for the bargain price of £65!

Granted the dress has endured a Girls Aloud sweating in it but nothing a dry clean won't fix! I was extremely pleased with my purchases which are now queuing up in my wardrobe to make it into my Paris suitcase in two weeks time.

Frank was a fab host and a really nice guy along with his friends from Attitude who were lending a helping hand.

In my book of quotes...

To get the full value of a joy you must have somebody to divide it with.

- Mark Twain

Kurt Geiger step their game up

Kurt Geiger press day yesterday and very impressed by the new season's collection. Held at one of the grand rooms at Claridges Hotel Mayfair it mirrored the vintage glamour of the spring summer 10 range.

Re-establishing themselves as a high end brand they have sourced better quality fabrics and surface finishes and are producing the shoes in Italian factories alongside the likes of Nicholas Kirkwood and Miu Miu.

The brand re-positioning and conscious effort to step up on quality really shows in the latest collection.

Beautiful vintage inspired pieces such as 1950’s courts, 1970’s wedge and stacked heels as well as classic ballet pumps.

A favourite of mine were the soft leather platforms with denim inserts. I was pleased to accept a complimentary pair of shoes as seen above on the mannequin, however the press pair were black- naturally!

I’m sure many a press pack will be rocking these over Christmas and I can't wait for the full collection to hit stores!

Fashion Business Club meets Jonathan Saunders

Jonathan Saunders and Dolly Jones

The last Fashion Business Club of 2009 was definitely not to miss. Dolly Jones editor of Vogue.com interviewing designer Jonathan Saunders with the emphasis on the press and buyers influence in the design process.

A relaxed and chirpy Saunders expressed how his first Vogue cover in 2004 catapulted the brand to new heights. The support of fashion heavyweight Anna Wintour and press Style.com, Vogue.com and retailer Net-a-Porter were and remain contributing factors in pushing the brand forward.

He commended London's inspirational way of supporting designers out of college in a way not mirrored in other major cities.

Saunders attributed the camaraderie of British designers to the love of fashion, stemming from St Martins College of Art and Design where fellow students Christopher Kane, Richard Nicoll and Louise Gray honed their craft.

Alison Whelan, Jonathan Saunders, Dolly Jones, Courtney Blackman

Saunders admitted learning much business sense from buyers such as how to range plan and the importance of taking on board comments on sell-through.

And what of public perception through the press? Saunders remarked, "It is important to be aware of but equally important not be controlled by".

Courtney Blackman Co-founder of FBC was looking spectacular in a Jasper Garvida dress. Many other stylish FBC members were in attendance at the Swarovski Crystallized Lounge and no doubt eagerly anticipating the next meeting.

On 28 January 2010 FBC member and fashion and business expert Frances Card will be interviewing Liberty’s creative director, Tamara Salman

For information on becoming a Fashion Business Club member click here.

Images courtesy of Dave Wise

To buy or not to buy..

..that is the question.


I am very tempted by these, I tried them on at the weekend and spent 20 minutes deliberating the 'do I need them in my life' question in my own little warped fashion mind.

The mink satin platform is mirrored on the entire sole and gives it a luxurious look.

Besides, one more little purchase won't affect the deepening black hole of credit, it's so vast I can barely see it anymore, maybe it's not really there...

Office Grey Spacewalker Shoe

In my book of quotes...

Pleasure is the only thing to live for. Nothing ages like happiness.

- Oscar Wilde

Reebok Classics

Just got back from the Reebok party held at the Reebok Lounge, Great Eastern Street. The night was in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Reebok pump and the invitation only event had free flowing drinks and party tunes aplenty to get the people on their feet to the dancefloor.

The lounge is relatively small and I was informed it was well over capacity but who cares when the mood is right and people are having a good time! 90's basketball images adorned the walls with infamous players wearing the coveted footwear.

Well known faces such as Jade Jagger, Alice Dellal and Miquita Oliver were seen 'getting down' to the tunes, a very hip crowd comprised of Dalston ghetto fab and Hoxton cool kids all adorned with uniform gold jewellery, hats and high top trainers.

Unfortunately for my boyfriend no free trainers were on offer but I left with a new found respect for Reebok's party-throwing ability and look forward to the next event on their calender!

Arctic Monkeys heat up Wembley

The Arctic Monkeys played Wembley Arena last night and having not seen the band before I was anticipating what their live show would offer.

I wasn't sure what to expect from the set list but I was pleased to see they mixed it up well with enough new material to keep it fresh with frequent crowd pleasers such as 'The View from the Afternoon' and the effervescent 'I Bet You look Good on the Dancefloor' guaranteed to get the audience on side.


The sound was awesome and the performance by the band was as tight as it gets but where I feel they let it down was how static they were on stage. I would of liked to have seen them 'rock out' mirroring their lively crowd, at times it was more interesting looking at the growing mosh pits than the guys themselves.

Overall it was a great show but nothing that will stay with me forever such as Muse at the same venue in 2007. What cemented the show's success was a well compiled set list teamed with excellent sound ensuring for the mostpart the band had the crowd eating out of their hands.

Gladrags & Handbags

Yesterday my regular date at fashion events invited me along to a preview evening of a designer sample sale in Old Bromton Lane.

Now usually I am either too 'financially challenged' to purchase or left unimpressed by sample sales, however this event exceeded my expectaions.

In association with Harpers Bazaar the Gladrags & Handbags event is a three day designer sale of donated clothes and accessories from Burberry, Christian Dior, Christian Louboutin, Yves Saint Laurent and many more.


All proceeds are going towards a magical Christmas Day party for 2000 vulnerable inner-city children with Kids Company charity.

"Kids Company aims to promote and support emotional well-being. Our approach is rooted in attachment theory and a belief in the importance of ’loving care’. "

The evening was bursting with a fashionable crowd vying for 'cheap thrills' with current season designer clothes at high street prices.

The Champagne was flowing which no doubt helped the invited guests to part with a little bit more money than they had initially intended, after all, it was for a great cause.


I had my eye on a Burberry Prorsum jacket which I was astonished to find was originally £2250 sold at £100...well it almost would of been a crime not to!

My pal Rob managed to talk me out of the fringed Louboutin purchase below, which in hindset was probably a good idea!


Sale fever seems to have taken over and I couldn't resist going back to have a peek today, you know incase anything had slipped through the net! I am pleased to say I picked up a bargain pair of stunning suede boots originally £195 bought for £50, an Issey Miyake dress for £50 and a pair of YSL Rive Gauche hight waist trousers for £50- bargains galore!

With new items being added every day it is well worth going over the weekend if you can its at The Music Room, South Molten Lane, London W1K 5AB. Get purchasing for a greater cause, no doubt I'll see you amongst the rails of Dior!

More info on the charity at kidsco.org.uk

Pixie & Alesha launch T's for the Trust

Last night was the launch of River Islands T's for the Trust, a collaboration between the retailer and the Prince's Trust with proceeds of sales going to the charity.

A range of t-shirts inspired by well known faces such as Pixie Lott, Kelly Rowland, Alesha Dixon and UK band Kid British were unveiled at the event.

The launch party held at the flagship store on Regent Street was complete with red carpet, paparazzi, champagne and canapes. Kid British provided the musical entertainment as guests browsed the collection of tees and the rest of the autumn/winter collection (with a 30% discount offered for the evening it would of been rude not to!).

Pixie Lott and Alesha Dixon made an appearance wearing their designs to kick the paps into a flashing frenzy. Pixie took to the stage to state her love of charity work and explained why she wanted to get involved with the Prince's Trust "it helps young people who may not of been exposed to certain opportunities in life- and being young myself it's a great opportunity to do my bit".

My preference was the Pixie Lott design and at £34.99 was the cheapest of the girls designs which go up to £99.99 for the all-singing, all-dancing Kelly Rowland tee seen below.


All t-shirts are true to the River Island signature and there is definitely enough studding, sparkles and fringing to keep the most hardcore River Island devotee shimmering in their celebrity 'designed' purchase.

Carhartt on the money

When it comes to knowing your customer and catering to them on a higher level than just the clothes, Carhartt is a streetwear brand which hits the creative nail on the head.

Last night I attended one of the free music events put on inside their Covent Garden flagship store. The rails are pushed aside the clothes stacked up and complimentary wine and beer is served to a clued up audience who love their music as much as their fashion.

As I walked up to the store with my fashion savvy pal we could have been forgiven for thinking we were at an exclusive golden ticket event by the brooding queue outside. However at this party everyone was welcome and the only ones turned away were those making the rookie mistake of not getting there on time.

The place was packed and long after the bar had run dry the place was filled to the brim. The pack outside not dwindling, despite capacity being reached, with hopes of soaking up the atmosphere through the glass panes.


The main attraction was 'Souls of Mischief' a hip-hop group made famous in the early nineties and hoping for a resurgence with a new album. The vibe was upbeat, positive and atmospheric.

The brand not only puts on established artists but supports exciting, hardworking up and coming creative talents that mirror the Carhartt brand profile and the customer it represents. Helping it identify with its core demographic and helping keep its ear close to the street, after all, what is a streetwear brand if it doesn't do just that?

Photos by Charlie Whatley www.charlie-whatley.blogspot.com

Fashion concious...with a conscience

Amongst the endless brands at press days, luxury label Rani Jones caught my eye for the right reasons.

Vivid splashes of orange and pink ran through a muted palette of soft greys. Bold shoulders and oversized jackets will look fresh in spring 10 which is an achievement in the ever-changing fashion landscape. It's a brand that I would wear for it's structured lines and seemingly effortless style, and the collection is looking significantly stronger for next season.



I am therefore pleased to say it caught my attention for these reasons and not because of it's much flaunted 'eco' label. This is an innovative fashion brand foremost and they work hard to achieve good business practice throughout the design process.

Yes the brand has ethical standards that they ensure they adhere to but at the same time they identify they are constantly working at bettering these and by their own admission the lines of 'ethical fashion' are blurred somewhat so they have their own guidelines which suit them and their customer just fine.

The problem with ethical fashion labels are they are grouped into their own sector, often thought of as not being as fashion led and for people with time to put ethical issues high on their day to day agenda- and let's face it that's not the majority of us.

This doesn't do much to encourage the mainstream retailers, the one's who have the persuasion and power to implement much better policies that are currently in place.

Brands such as Rani Jones are making head way for fashion brands to recognise at it's core that it is the retailers responsibility to note the impact it's business has on people's livelihoods. The more brands that initially start up with this ethos are going to make the fashion world a much improved and prouder place to belong.



www.ranijones.com

Yong has the X Factor

Featured at the Surgery PR spring 2010 press day and immediately caught my eye, was the collection from UK based designer Yong.

Yong's dresses scream glamour and urge to be worn with the highest of heels and an air of utter body confidence. Consequently it doesn't surprise me that Victoria Adcock, stylist to everyone's favourite clothes horse Cheryl Cole, had the dress below earmarked as the alternate option to the much talked about David Koma dress that eventually graced the Geordie one's shoulders on X Factor at the weekend.

Yong studied at the Edinburgh College of Art and was picked up by Liberty in his third season under his own label. Previous to his own escapade he had been at Alexander McQueen and had the prestige of winning Topshop Graduate of the Year.

With the seal of approval from Cheryl Cole surely not far away, this designer is set to be gracing many a red carpet in the near future. Start investing now for a sure fire fashion hit and get one up on the Cheryl-ettes by bagging it first.

Levi's & House of Holland

Levi's are going into their second season collaboration with House of Holland. Last spring Holland made over the iconic 501 jeans next season he will be taking the collaboration a step further by not only designing prints but designing whole new styles for the denim giant.

Press Days & Christmas Cometh

Yesterday I went on a little adventure into town to have a look at a couple of press days. Spring summer 10 may seem a world away as I woke up this morning to what felt like frost bitten toes and cranked the heating up out of necessity rather than comfort for the first time. Nevertheless duty and intrigue called to go and find out what is around the corner.

I went to see Exposure PR first (Aldo, WESC, Noir, Levi's, Ben Sherman, Terry De Havilland) guided by the lovely Gemma. I must say very impressed with Exposure's hospitality with a rustic feast of Parma ham, continental cheese and ciabatta bread with delicious custard pies for after- a definite thumbs up on hostesses with the mostest!

Next off to Surgery PR (G Star, Wrangler, Firetrap, Antoni & Alison) another impressive and easily navigated offering of brands, particularly taken by Rani Jones collection which I will delve into later and a glamourous collection from Yong one of whose designs was destined for none other than Cheryl Cole on X Factor.

There is nothing like browsing next seasons collections to make a girl want to dive headfirst into the nearest fashion store. I was in close proximity of Oxford Street and after literally being stranded in Oxford Circus (no tube due to the Christmas lights ceremony) what else is a girl to do but check out the current seasons offerings.

I decided not to hang around with the thousands of gaggling tweenie girls who were waiting to get a glimpse of the latest pop offering on stage and made a beeline for a safe space. Topshop came to my rescue and upon entry felt like a sanctuary from the screaming mob outside, making even the unlikeliest place- Oxford Street Topshop -seem like a haven of serenity.

Celebrating British Fashion

So last week culminated with the fashion party I have been working on for a few weeks. I am happy to report all went even better than anticipated and this one-off party may now turn into a regular date in the diary due to it's overwhelming success with networking playing a key part.

The great and the good of the fashion industry were there as well as a few people from the world of entertainment to add a bit of sparkle to the occasion.

Heads of House of Fraser, Selfridges, Liberty, Ben Sherman, Jaeger and many more mingled with designers Henry Holland and Betty Jackson. The evening was accompanied by the sounds of DJ Jeffery Disaster and classical quartet Stellini. Cocktails and Champagne were in full flow all night keeping the fashion pack well oiled.

There were some fabulous dresses doing the rounds it was like Christmas (parties) had come early! Glitz and glamour with a few seasonal sequins thrown into the mix for good measure. Unfortunately I made the rookie error of not taking my camera, however I anticipate getting hold of a few pics asap.

The aim of the evening was to celebrate the British Fashion industry and it was great to see the most influential people in the business come out to support the event- roll on next years!

Image credit:Dennis Oulds Getty Images

In my book of quotes...

Reading after a certain (time) diverts the mind too much from its creative pursuits. Any man who reads too much and uses his own brain too little falls into lazy habits of thinking.

- Albert Einstein

Size zero, who's to blame?

Last week I attended an evening of debate surrounding the topic of size in the fashion industry. Held at the Institute of Contemporary Arts and focussed around the ‘Real People Catwalk’ it was an interesting event to attend with industry insiders such as Hilary Alexander making up the panel.

The 'Real People Catwalk' was the idea of Elaine Foster-Gandey founder of Designer Sales UK (DSUK). This is the second event Elaine has hosted, the first being at one of the five DSUK sample sales she holds per year at the Truman Brewery in Shoreditch http://designersales.co.uk/.

Elaine uses her customers as models and although they didn't have size or age in common they all had one thing- personality! they were loving that catwalk and weren't afraid to show it!

Although I wasn't convinced on the styling of the show, particularly the models who I feel were not made to look at their best I tried not to let that take me away from the issue. However, I feel if a fashion show is to be taken seriously and put into context with the larger sense of the fashion world it needs to be meticulous in it's execution or risks more hurdles to face in the long run.

Following the show there was a debate from a panel including Hilary Alexander Fashion Director of The Telegraph, Eleni Renton of ethical model agency Leni's Model Management, Elaine Foster-Gandey of DSUK and writer Dariush Alavi.


The debate threw up some interesting points and I found I took a lot from the session.

Hilary pointed out that it is the clothes that are the main focus of a catwalk, the models are not supposed to be registered as the designers emphasis wants to be on the fabrics, cuts, styles not necessarily on the personality of the model.

An audience comment was that the catwalk is condemned too much when it is the wider media scrutiny from celebrity obsessed titles such as Heat that consistently point out the weaknesses in public figures, with no one ever accepted as getting it right. People are either too fat or too skinny. It is these ideals that are increasingly being cemented in our society by the growing number of celebrity fodder magazines clogging up the racks.

Eleni of Leni’s Model Management spoke a lot of sense throughout the debate. She pointed out that it is not about seeing size 20 people on the catwalk it is simply about the image being portrayed as a healthy aspirational one. We all want to see beautiful creatures walking down the runway or in our magazines, and a size 20 just as equally as a size 0 is not aspirational to most people.

For more information on the panelists visit
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/fashion
http://www.lenismodels.com/
http://dariushalavi.com/

Desperately Seeking Madonna

I happened to switch on to Desperately Seeking Susan whilst browsing the numerous brain-numbing shows on my freeview box and I settled on the 80's easy watching flick starring Madonna and Patricia Arquette.

Now I know it is a shockingly bad film but I swore my allegiance to Madonna many, many years ago and seeing the positive in most of her work you have to appreciate the outfits in the movie.

It inspired me to route through the archives and watch some of the Virgin Tour from 1985. Flashbacks of me dancing around my living room to an audience consisting of my mum, dad, nan, grandad and other close family- you can't beat a captive audience!

Britney, Lady Ga Ga, you can keep the imitations. As with everything, I'd rather have the original....

Spring 10 over and out

As the last fashion party champagne cork pops in Paris it signals the end of another season. Hundreds of shows, thousands of photographs and millions spent in the respective capital cities on copious amounts of champagne, cocktails and whatever else took the fashion packs fancy.

New York seems a world away as the fashion week trail blazed on to London, Milan and Paris.

London's 25th anniversary fashion week was celebrated by the return of Burberry and Matthew Williamson as well as a well documented visit from fashion's all seeing eye Anna Wintour.

Wading through the collections has been much less tedious thanks to video footage of the catwalks. The frantic clicking from one image to the next has been replaced by being able to see the fluidity and movement of the clothes and experience the pace and atmosphere of the collections in a much more 'real' sense. As seen below in the impressive Givenchy collection covered by Style.com.

Sunny day's plus Vivienne Westwood make me happy!

Now after the Armageddon of a day we had yesterday (day's which often make me consider emigrating) I was pleased to wake up to a clear blue sky. After residing myself last night that it would not stop raining solidly for at least 5 months I had a spring in my step and skipped (well alright walked briskly) off to work in the knowledge that the sun was shining.

At the moment I am helping to organise a fashion party for the end of October. Today I had the hard job of picking one Vivienne Westwood frock, from the many beautifully crafted pieces, to feature on the night. It will be displayed on the evening alongside other iconic British brands such as Matthew Williamson and Burberry.

Now the dilemma I have is what to wear to a British Fashion party that will be inundated with fashion insiders flaunting their fashion know-how.

Well I have two weeks to decide so my eyes are peeled for an outfit fit to wear alongside Westwood and Williamson..let the shopping challenge commence!

Making an entrance...

Anyone with me on this look?..no?..ohh alright then..Ghetto Chic I'm rocking it this season. Now I realise this is not quite how a metallic trend should ever be worn and before anymore of my fashion cred' goes out the window I must point out this was in relation to the 90's extravaganza birthday I attended on Saturday (see previous post for lowdown!)

Now I do like to get into the swing of things as you can see and the party was fab, although I must admit I felt a tad over dressed on initial entrance. My friend hadn't filled me with confidence when an incoming text read "are you nearly here, only a few people have made an effort!" as I was en route in my metallic gold outfit and gravity defying chav jewellery. Oh well 'never knowingly under-dressed' I strolled on in and headed to the dance floor as soon as you could say 'running man'.

Partied until the early hours. I have to say hi-top trainers definitely do have their merits on a night out, can't see me making a habit of it though, an entrance just isn't the same in a pair of flat shoes that make my feet look 3 times bigger!

Anyway 90's party weekend over and time to head back to the future, 2009 beckons... well kind of, I'm not giving up my stonewashed denim anytime soon. :)

Bring on the 90's party!

So mid week, after my party slump from fashion week I am picking myself up and looking for some inspiration for an early 90's ghetto fab party I am attending on Saturday.

Now we are not talking mid 90's grunge fashion that I'm dipping in and out of at the moment anyway. I am talking full on Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Saved By the Bell with a bit of Salt-N- Pepa and MC Hammer thrown in for good measure.

Hi-top trainers, mammoth sized gold chains and earrings (if they look disproportionate to the size of my head I'll be getting close) and cycling shorts- a trip to American Apparel should cater for all my needs!- But maybe this isn't distasteful enough? hmm..

Think I'm going to go for a Salt-n-Pepa vibe, when it comes to 90's ghetto fabulous it doesn't get much better than this...


Once the outfit is sorted it is a matter of hair and make up... initial thoughts backcombing.. second thoughts- crimping! If that doesn't scream 90's bad taste I don't know what does.

While I was on the 90's vibe I stumbled across a couple of classics, Anna Wintour and a shockingly fresh faced Kate Moss circa 1993. I'm pleased to see Anna's haircut has stood the test of time, you have to love her dedication to the 'do.

Just when I thought shiny trousers had no more fashion miles...

....Topshop go and bring out yet another update, we've had wet look leggings, pleather trousers now its the turn of PVC. I'm liking the gold zip detail but, make no mistake, these are not for the faint hearted and need to be worn tight!

I'm going to side-step the potential of looking like an Angelina style 'bad ass' villain and wear mine with some chunky, playful heels and go baggy on top in my oversized Madonna tee. Stay clear of the off duty hooker look!

Pucci dress to impress

This is one of my favourite looks from the Pucci spring 10 show. Love the trousers, loose fit with the popper detail at the side and they're cut slightly up the leg to make them more flattering and feminine.

Great shoes, we've seen a lot of footwear with ties around the ankle. Looks set to be a move on from the multi buckle strap shoes we are seeing at the moment.

I thought the Pucci collection was really beautiful mixing up some great casual day pieces, sharp tailoring, sexy mini dresses and grecian style evening dresses.