Oh My Love Student Edit #2: Gallery Trip

Oh My Love Playsuit* | Cos necklace | Primark boots | Zara bag & blazer(sale)

Apologies for the graininess of these photos! My camera seems to be misbehaving a lot lately and deciding the white balance off its own accord. This is my second look as part of the Oh My Love Student Edit, how cute is this little playsuit? As fashion students we're always encouraged to go and visit gallerys and exhibitions, so last Friday afternoon I took a trip out to Kings Road to the Saatchi gallery with my flatmate Nina. We had a wander round and saw some really interesting pieces, I'd really recommend having a look if you're in the area. What's great is that it's admission free, it's such a big place we didn't cover all the floors which is okay as I now have an excuse to return. I got Nina to snap these for me just outside the gallery then we went for a drink in the gallery cafe which was beautiful, we only had tea but I'd love to go back and try some of the food! I'm also wearing a few more new additions in this outfit, when my mum came down for a couple of days she treated me to this gorgeous bag from Zara. I've had my eye on it since seeing it in the Zara by Free Masons hall at Fashion Week and it's just the perfect size to fit everything in, I went home for a couple of nights this weekend and managed to survive with just this- thanks mumma. On said Zara trip I also picked up a new black skort and this blazer which I found in the sale for just £9.99! It's a size to big but for that price I couldn't leave it, it's still a nice fit and is perfect for brightening up AW outfits. Another triumphant purchase were these boots from Primark, the cut out and metal hard wear details made them just irresistible and they didn't quite break the bank either.

I had my first day at LCF today! I got talking to a few people on my course and we were given the low-down on what's coming up this term. I'm honestly so excited to get into the course now, it all looks so exciting. What are you guys wearing back to school/uni? 

WW #2 with John Lewis

Reiss jacket, coat & belt | Whistles jumper & pouch | Hobbs shoes | Adele Marie bangle

For this week's wishlist I'm featuring brands at John Lewis. With temperatures dropping the frosty season is most definitely on its way, so I'm in need of a few warmer pieces in my wardrobe. Investing in a few key quality pieces that you can wear with he rest of your wardrobe is essential for looking good affordably this season.  Reiss has a knack for making the most minimal designs look stunning in a way like no other. This leather jacket has a somewhat Saint Laurent feel too it, it's rare to find one without lots of hardware and the tailoring looks divine. The coat by Reiss is too another minimal yet bold piece, I'm loving pastels for AW and this icy blue is perfect for the season. The printed Whistles jumper is something I'd put under both jackets, dressing for AW means you need extra warmth and layering in a print in the mix keeps it stylish. The accessories I've picked out are just some key pieces that you could mix and match across this seasons outfits, I'm particularly loving the pony skin and gold belt! What do you guys think of these peices?

Oh My Love Student Edit #1, Out for drinks

 

Oh My Love dress* | Vintage jacket | New Look shoes (sale) | La Redoute clutch

I've teamed up with Oh My Love for their new student blogger feature, selecting their top picks for Uni life.  I've had my eye on this dress for a while, I totally over-wear my black cami top, so was excited when I saw something similar in dress form. What's awesome about this little number is the back, while the cut and colour ticks all the minimalism boxes, the delicate straps and metal hardware give it that bit of glam factor. It's so versatile I actually managed to wear this dress all day yesterday, just switching from a cardigan and ankle boots for shopping to a jacket and heels for drinks- also perfect for those still struggling with the summer to AW transition. For the evening I paired it with my new bargain heels from New Look, I wore these for the first day of fashion week but they were partially hidden by my jumpsuit which didn't really do them justice, these caged beauties are my new fave. I wore a denim jacket as we were only going somewhere local and I didn't want to look too dressed up, and also my new La Redoute clutch. They were giving them out in the goody bags at style lounge during LFW an I'm so glad I picked one up, pure studded heaven.

NudeAudio

NudeAudio Move M portable speaker* | La Redoute clutch* 

In between shows at London Fashion Week I had a look around at the Fashion Scout exhibition at Freemasons Hall. Showcasing their new fashion and design orientated speaker range was NudeAudio. The cool display caught my eye and I got chatting to the lovely team about their products. The portable speakers feature a minimal design, making them suitable for the fashion conscious, which allows the majority of their budget to the actual audio technology. I have the 'Move M' model, I'm currently sat in my room listening to We Can't Stop (hehe) as the speaker is wirelessly connected through Bluetooth to my phone, and quite honestly it sounds like I've got a freakin' sound system in here. My flatmate just came in to see where I was playing music from and couldn't believe it was coming from this palm sized device! It's my new favourite accessory, the compact and stylish design make it perfect for slipping into your handbag ready to use whenever you need it, with up to 8 hours battery life you wont even need to charge it that often. The Move M is the medium size and the perfect one for me, and as the press release said 'the base to size ratio is going to give you the biggest bank for your buck', but do have a look at their website to see their full range of portable speakers! Big thanks to Tom for hooking me up with my very own.

nudeaudio.com

LFW Day 5

 Topshop Trousers | Vintage clutch | River Island ring | Primark jumper, sunglasses,shoes & blazer (lol)

The last day of LFW brought the most miserable weather of the week. I arrived to Ong Oaj Pairam in the spitting rain and then it pretty much didn't stop all day. My last show of London fashion week ended on a high as I managed to bag a FRow seat again, in addition to how divine the SS14 collection was. I then headed to Somerset House in hope of some street styling but to my disappointment there was a lack of  fashionistas stood around the flooded cobbles. Big thank you to Jodie for taking my outfit shots for me, manged to catch a little dry spot to do them in! I headed off soon after as I was due for enrollment for Uni, talk about a manic few days! But, they have been wonderfully amazing days at that, see you next season LFW!

First and only show of the day yesterday was Ong Oaj Pairam. And don't ask me how to pronounce that. I arrived just before the show started and took a seat on the second row, only to have a journalist turn round to me saying she had to run to another show so did I want her front row seat! So I was able to have an incredible view again and got some great shots, it's amazing how much more detail you can see just sitting a little closer. The collection featured bold brights, florals and fun prints, usually clichéd for spring but the trends were refreshingly delivered. Flowers and butterfly's were appliqued in leathery fabrics whilst gingham prints where used on sharp silhouetted jackets and skirts, juxtaposed with the sheer and flowing pieces. The collection also featured a couple blue and red striped numbers, hinting at a possible nautical trend for SS14.

LFW Day 4

 Ebay jumper | Zara Skort | Primark heels | Jack Wills sunglasses | Vintage clutch

Day four was a bit more relaxed for me today! I managed to have a cheeky lie in and headed off to Somerset house at about 1. I then managed to get on TWO wrong trains so didn't end up getting there until about quarter to three. Thank god for a bit of sunshine! I was able to get some really great street style shots today (will be featured in a later post) along with wearing something a little more fun. A couple of weeks ago I had an email from KTZ saying my tickets had been allocated, but an invite never arrived in the post, so I was convinced I wouldn't get let in and headed of to Fashion Scout for the Natasha Zinko presentation. I was able to get some good shots in quite a quick amount of time and made the last minute decision to peg it back to Somerset house determined to catch the KTZ show. I joined the queue and got chatting to a few people with e-tickets and I showed the lovely doorman my email and he let me walk straight on through. I was so looking forward to this show as it's my first at the BFC Courtyard Show Space, and nearly toppled over my pointy white stilettos with excitement as I walked through the door. It was everything I hoped it would be and I had such a good view for a standing ticket. Afterwards a group of us bloggers headed down to the Fashion Monitor Lounge at The Mayfair Hotel. It was the loveliest suite where press could unwind with a glass of bubbly, browse some clothes and have some beauty treatments. I particularly loved the La Redoute room, we were given a goody bag with the most gorgoeus studded clutch in it- I think I'll be using it tomorrow!

The SS14 collection from Natasha Zinko was a mix of dainty fabrics and classic yet structured silhouettes, pretty yet provocative. Models stood in and around a large birdcage covered in over-sized bluebells and fauna, hair in pretty curls with vampy make-up. Sheer detailing was a main aspect of the collection, but was also made very wearable combined with the structural shapes and silk tops. This collection is another that hints lingerie inspired garments will be big for spring.

(center image fashion156.com)

From the hamsa symbol on my blog you can most probably tell I have a soft spot for religious and cultural signs, so the KTZ show obviously was a hit with me. The ethnic inspired collection featured graphic monochrome prints, statement jewelry and a variety of textures and fabrics. Using mainly a monochromatic palette with hints of soft pinks and bold reds the garments were strikingly beautiful. The cultural influence was evident as masked models walked down the catwalk, but was brought up to date with sheer details and bold accessories. The stand out piece for me was a jacket heavily embellished with studs, in the shape of a hamsas of course.

Watch the final walk on my instagram and stay tuned for the last day of LFW!

LFW Day 3

 Bank dress & shoes* | Primark chain & jacket | Ebay clutch

I'm writing this on my now shattered iPhone. Worst fashion week disaster ever. At the end of an amazing day I was having my photo taken and dropped said iPhone smack down onto the cobbles of Somerset house. Smooth. Anyway, LFW day three started at Freemasons Hall with Fashion Scouts Graduate Show Case and Drinks Reception. There were some really interesting new designers exhibiting there work, many rust graduated from Universty of The Arts London which is exciting for me considering I'm about to start at UAL's London College of Fashion. I then met up with F'row buddy Mel from Fashion 156 and we headed over to the Topshop show space for the Sophia Webster presentation. It was just before the Unique show started and a PR miss directed us towards the show tent where we very nearly got into unique, sadly a very handsome door man asked for wristbands, so close! We went on to the 'Secret Garden' which was breathtakingly beautiful, flowers, butterfly's and shoes- what more could a girl want? The Sophia Webster presentation was unlike anything I've seen before and I think my favourite part of LFW so far. Afterwards Mel and I headed out and got snapped by Company magazine on the way to late lunch at Nando's. I then headed to Somerset House for some end of day street styling which was cut short due to the iPhone tragedy. Bar that, I had a fabulous day.

Walking into the Sophia Webster presentation was every bit like walking into the secret garden. Beautiful flowers tumbled down from each corner and covered every archway. Colourful hanging baskets featured a Sophia Webster SS14 shoe placed in the middle of them whilst the models perched on quite literal flower 'beds' made up as bugs and insects. It was like a bugs life come wonderland slumber party, as models with antenna styled hair flitted in and out of cute and cheeky poses the air was filled with beautiful sounds sang live by Katy B. Her signature fun and girly style was evident across an array of the insect inspired prints featuring butterfly winged heels and polka dot peep toes. The count down to spring begins here as Sophia Webster nails it for next season.

My top picks from Fashion Scout's Graduate Show Case this morning, there was such a diverse range of designs throughout the exhibition this season. I loved the glitter and leather graphic pieces by Sadie Williams, up close the fabric is just amazing, along with the intricately structural pieces by Min Wu and pastel shades in Xaio Li's collection.

Only two more days to go! Check out my instagram for videos and live updates from LFW :)

LFW Day 2

 Topshop skirt | American Apparel top | Primark chain, blazer and shoes | Rianna Phillips

Day two was spent mostly by myself! I bumped into a few blogger faces throughout the day but to be honest I really enjoyed milling around Somerset house and Fashion Scout just soaking up the vibrant atmosphere. My day started with an amazing presentation from Hellen Van Rees then straight into the Lug Von Siga show. Inbetween that and Zeynep Tulson I managed to grab some lunch at Pret and have my make up done buy the lovely Bodyshop team at Fashion Scout, I've now a new found love for orange lipstick! After a coffee and a chill in the press area to charge my phone I was ready for Tahir Sultan- who were not quite ready for us! But, the 45 minute delay was worth it in the end as I had my first Front Row experience! There really is nothing quite like it and I'm still buzzing from the show.

First up this morning was last year's Merit Award winner Hellen Van Rees' presentation. Whilst I love my catwalk shows, it was the perfect way to display this designers work. Getting up close to the garments you could see the amount of work that had gone into the intricate hand-woven fabrics and detailing on the garments. The simple silhouettes and layering gave the collection a futuristic feel, combined with the textural materials Hellen Van Rees got the right balance down to a tee.

Next up was the Lug Von Siga show. I have had some serious luck with my seating today and managed to get right at the top of the catwalk on the second row enabling me to get some great shots. I fell head over heels for the SS14 collection, starting off with tasseled trims then moving into monochromatic tribal embroidery across a variety of striking silhou ettes. It was refreshing to see the cultural influences of the Turkish designer's hometown through the rich prints and fabric manipulation. Personally my favorite show of the day.

My afternoon show was for Zeynep Tosun. The collection had an all-white start, with flowing silky fabrics layered with hints of fishnet coming through along hems and necklines, lingerie come sports luxe. For SS14 Tosun stuck to a neutral pastel pallette, whites through to nudes, navys and pale pinks letting the intricate detailing and decadent fabrics do the talking. The collection titled 'Hidden' was designed to 'dentoe concealed sexuality', and that it did- the dominant prints put a contemporary spin on 1920's influence and made for a stunning spring summer collection.

Now the last of the day is perhaps most exciting. I got chatting to a lovely journalist in the queue for Tahir Sultan, and after a delayed start we were let into the gallery show space and managed to get on the front row! I just about managed to contain my excitement enough to enjoy the collection, the view was incredible. Starting off with loose and embellished tailoring with muted hues quickly soon transformed into bright, heavily embroidered pieces with bold floral prints. The neon trims gave the collection an instantly up to date feel, Sultan nailed the colour combinations for spring summer.

London Fashion Week Day 1

Zara jacket (sale) | Topshop jumpsuit | New Look shoes (sale) | Ebay clutch

What a day. I'm currently writing this from my new room in bed with sore feet and aching legs but I've had such an amazing day. I started off by hitting Somerset House at about 11 and wandered around taking pictures and having mine taken. This jumpsuit seemed to be a real hit! A couple of highlights were getting interviewed by MTV and photographed for Cosmopolitan, super exciting. I then met up with mega babe Lolli form Girl Stole London, who's been an angel at showing me the ropes this season. We went to register and bumped into more bloggers in the queue, after a lovely to catch up with Jamie and Laura we headed back outside and onto the cobbles for some outfit shooting, big thanks to Lolli for shooting mine. We then met up with babein' blogger Kavita and set off for the New Look refuel lounge. After quickly returning from the Yeashin show I indulged in all the treats from brownies to detoxing cactus smoothies provided by the fabulous New Look team! It was so nice to be able to relax for a bit with lots of other bloggers, eating food and listening to cool music put on by their awesome dude on the decks. After a much needed chill and downtime I headed off to my last 3 shows which were back to back! 

The Yeashin show was full of pastels, pleats and plaits in the hair. Taking a very pretty step into SS14, Yeashin sent doll-like models down the catwalk, with feminine frills delicately placed here and there the candy coloured garments looked good enough to eat. A great start to my shows!

Up next at Fashion Scout was Apu Jan, I'd been excited for this one since the awesome invite popped through the door. Showing us monochrome will be back again for Spring Summer Apu Jan sent a black and white pallette down the catwalk with red and pink hues coming through on floral digitized prints. Someone needs to get me one of those hats, in love.

After that gorgeous tasseled collection (that I was able to get up close and person with in the FS exhibition!) that won her the Fashion Scout Merit award I was dying to see what Yulia Kondranina had instore for SS14. I was instantly drawn in by the head-to-toe white start, featuring digital prints and cut out shapes then moving on to a monochromatic finish with hints of red and purple. Pure bliss.

 

And onto what was probably my favorite show of the day, and not just because Poppy Delevigne was sat front row about 10 feet away from me (and literally rubbed shoulders with at the drinks reception). I somehow managed to get a second row seat and had the most incredible view. Ping He worked with black and white hues, again showing us monochrome's going to be big again for Spring Summer. The elegant but structural pieces made for an absolutely divine collection, and don't even get me started on those insane beehives, job well done Toni & Guy.

Watch some video clips from the shows on my instagram and stay tuned for day 2 action, but for now I need to sleep!

(all photos are my own)