YOUR WARDROBE NEEDS YOU!!!...To refresh, re-wind and get a whole 'New Look'.

My mini venture back into the 1940's opened a whole new corridor of doors! It was all for the love of art and fashion of course (related to a college project we're doing at the moment.)

The 40's was a strange time for the world, not just the British.

High fashion came to a halt sadly for a few years, due to the war breaking out. Well known french designer Coco Chanel reported at the time that ''The war was not the right time for fashion''. And she was sadly right.

But when one door closes, two more open.

I never knew that much about the war, history was never a passion of mine. But one thing I am enjoying on this particular era is how fashion came out stronger and took a turn for the better.

It goes back to one of my favourite sayings, and it is so true; what doesn't kill us only makes us stronger.

The most iconic year of the 40's for me was long after the war in 1947, when french genius and fashion romantic Christian Dior brought out the 'New Look'.

It was feminine, it was brilliant, it changed the way women everywhere dressed and presented themselves. Self confidence was re-born again. That was what was so great about Dior at the time, the war had been so full of utility clothing and un flattering shapes and style. Women, and Men for that matter had to change the way they dressed dramatically threw the war and it was designers like Christian Dior and also in a way people like Norman Hartwell and Coco Chanel, they brought fashion back in action and made women everywhere remember who they really were at what gems they had to offer.

Whether it was a tight waist, full skirts, lower necklines or just the genuine originality of his designs, Dior certainly knew what women of the new age should be wearing and how they should be wearing it.

The look was at first only available those of high society HRH Princess Margaret appeared on the cover of VOGUE in 1949 wearing of the Dior 'New Look'.

'The New Look' is reported to be one of the most timeless pieces of fashion since it began (a long with the classic Chanel suit, Givenchy's Little Black Dress...) but then in my opinion great style never out dates!!!

Bettinia Grazziani in Christian Dior.

Susan Abraham in Dior while traveling to Paris.

One of Christian Dior's earliest sketches.

Missed me?! . .

If I was to be truthful, which I always am, I'm one of those people that was born incapable of lying to anyone about anything; blogging has just completely thrown me, at the beginning of the month I didn't even know what it was... thought I was getting the hang of it, then came the middle of the month, my personal life entered the ultimate coma and my mind down the same road. Inspiration to get out of bed, never mind write was rare. For this I apologise and am pleased to say I'm back, fresh, fighting and more myself with new and exciting ideas I hope you will enjoy, whoever you may be.

Merci, Grasias, Thank you, Grazi, Danke, Spasiba, Dank u (Bedankt).....


Now, back to FASHION!!!

The October issue...well, it's still September however!

This blog, titled the October issue, is due to an article I've been reading in the current issue of British Vogue today. If you have purchased the issue, check out the 'Fashion Invaders' article, its a comparison between Scandinavians subtle yet striking style and the forever in my heart French chic... That statement is the biggest clue as to what I am writing about today, on this truly British Autumn day as the weather is freezing, wet, windy and just plain terrible. I would give anything to be sat in a Paris cafe by the seine sipping a decaf munching on a warm pain Au chocolat, BUT ANYWAY! back to fashion.

This article has really grabbed my attention because french fashion is probably what first sparked my interest in what I adore, for example Coco Chanel is my favourite designer of all time and who I consider a huge idol to myself and probably many other fashionistas in the world!
I don't know what it is about the french but I have always loved and tried to steer towards there pretty, feminine shapes and that effortlessly chic look. For example flat doll pumps with a-line mini skits and round neck jumpers are something I especially love the look of. The whole concept of taking something as complex as the female form and just by applying fabrics and couple of fastenings, it is then turned into something as simple and elegant as you see strolling around the streets of Paris and beaches of St Tropes.

Scandinavian style is something that has only recently caught my eye, I adore its quirkyness and cuddle up cosy feel that it gives. Nearly every Scandinavian fashion designer, house or label is representing some of the best knitwear and winter tailoring you can buy! One of my personal faveourite faces of fashion is Freja Beha Erichsen at the moment and in my opinion she is the perfect example of a modern Danish woman. On the desiger side of life, I highly recomend looking up Acne if you do not already know them, which I hope you do!!! A less well known name, well names, that I really enjoyed browsing over were Heikki Salonen ( a new designer whom sticks to monochrome shades and simple lines within the designs) and shoes, a girls (and guys) best friend I love Camilla Skovgaard's designs, especially this season...her wooden look ankle boot plat forms are to die for in my opinion, so check them out!

Heikki Salonen A/W11



Last but not least, the French side of the article, en france il y a mode manifique! - which is french for in france there is fantasitc fashion. The article covers style, interiours, Pin-Ups, music, scent and Screen Hits so make sure you buy your issue and check it out! My blog just doesn't do it justice no matter how much I try.

French style expands more and more every year where everyone who is anyone, or maybe even no one special at all is wanting a piece of chic. The french are so seductive with the way they look, you just need to think about there 'Pin up girls' and know that even the most disaplinned of men would go weak at the knees. Especially when you look at those like Vanessa Paradis, who's tiny frame, intense features and glowing gold hair got her a place on the Chanel stakes not to mention a dashing compainion to boot!
It's designers like Chanel, Chloe and recent addition to the scene The Kooples which is fabulous new house based in Paris with a brilliant concept and stunning tailoring as well as much more avaliable! If I could I would...

Summary, as long as you've got chunky kitsch knits, a tailored midi skirt and smouldering make-up on you've basically got Scandanavia couvered! As for the faithful French chic, just pack your pumps from Repetto, get that tailored jacket out you never know what to wear with, stick a flippy dress underneath it (sprits a little Coco Madamoiselle under your jaw line) and you'll be the perfect parisian before you've even put the kettle on!

The Kooples.



Country Bumpkin..OR..Country Queen?!

I've always had a kind of fondness for country casual chic, I am at heart a Manchester girl, which we all can agree is far from the country side in every way.  But since I have spent quite a large percentage of my life in the country side, Cheshire I may add which is pretty much fields everywhere you look! I think it is my curiosity as a person that has made me admire the way the Cheshire set dress and have become quite fond of it.

It isn't just Cheshire though obviously, my boyfriend is from a farming background of Shropshire and just by spending time with him and his social circle I have noticed key items that create the perfect country casual chic, instead of country bumpkin bore.

My key tips for this look, if you're interested as it is never a bad look in the Autumn/Winter season are:
-High top, flat leather boots.
-Polo neck jumpers.
-Sheep skin leather bomber jackets.
-Jodhpurs/skinny leg trousers (not denim though.)
-Chunky knit jumpers, or, a long in length, thin knit cardigan, it's all about wrapping up warm this season as a cold suits no one!
-Tweed and plaid textures/patterns.
-Fur coats.
-Quilted jackets and neck-a-chief's, this is something that must be like attending church on a Sunday if you're catholic when it comes to completing the countryside chic image...VITAL!

Designers to focus on that have quite often passed this brief are, Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, Burberry, Alexander McQueen and Dolce&Gabbana also joined the parade in Autumn 2010. If you really fancy going hardcore with your look, I've found that the brand Country Casuals has always got what you need on offer.

 Burberry Autumn/Winter 2011

Dolce & Gabbana Fall 2010

Tommy Hilfiger Menswear 2011

Ralph Lauren Autumn 2011

London fashion week!!! My favourite week in the year...Apart from new york fashion week, and milan, and paris...

2011, London Fashion week is upon us at last, its probably the one thing I really look forward to this time of year, even Christmas doesn't overwhelm me with this level of excitement. So many 'Best of British' designers all in one place at the same time, with equally amazing and breath taking shows yet entirely individual to the designer!!

The shows I am most looking forward too are possibly three of my most loved designers, all British...I think deep down British fashion has almost had the most impact on my taste and admiration to do well in the fashion world, there is something about it, the sophistication of a British designer just shines differently... Don't you think?!

firstly, Mulberry I am personally a huge fan, especially of her handbags but her collection all ways has my full attention especially in the Autumn/Winter collection, that's when I think the true richness of Mulberry comes out

Secondly, Burberry Prorsum Christopher Bailey does this label justice every year, and for what I have seen so far from the Autumn/Winter '11/12 collection no one will be disappointed at fashion week!

And thirdly, someone I am always thirsty for Henry Holland ESPECIALLY as it is his first show on schedule at London Fashion week so, like a young teen at her first boy band performance I really could burst with pure excitement, you would be mad not to feel the same...or at least look into why! He truly is one to watch!

Last but not least, while I was browsing the line up, a few new names, well, ones I hadn't personally heard of before such as David Koma a new designer from Georgia and J.W.Anderson who is a menswear designer from Ireland, but the one that really caught my eye, possibly because of her similarity to British heroin Vivienne Westwood.

Louise Gray . This new gem is lined up on the ''NEWGEN show sponsorship at London Fashion week'' studied and St Martins and Glasgow school of art and textile design. Her designs are new, quirky yet really refreshing. I can't explain how in words, you will have to have a look for yourself but the way her garments fall together with the many different patterns and colours.. a quick taster for you, her 2012 Spring/Summer collection is themed on; Freedom, technology, mirages and sunny days. Personally, that sounds like a pretty promising place to start!

In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different....

Coco 'Gabrielle Bonheur' Chanel.

Personally, if I am being honest, I think I owe my discovery and genuine adoration for fashion to this very icon. Even for a student such as myself, I find that it is traditional yet timeless designers such as Chanel that inspire us to do so much risk taking in fashion today.

Chanel, not only a beautiful and iconic woman, but she was also a daring one, a woman that took her generation by the brass and changed it for the better, it's almost like the factt that she couldn't go out and work for herself and be her own person, she had to be someone else's first, made her feel the need to rebel against the entire sex and free women everywhere from the tight grasp of such a sexist imprisonment, and instead of going about it threw politics, she chose clothes.

Coco Chanel didn't\pay any attention to what women were expected to wear, instead she focused on what they shouldn't and what made her feel comfortable, ignoring all traditions around her, she created a world of exquisite designs and a very, for the time, individual style.

For a brief period of time she was a hat designer for private clients with whom she made acquaintance with threw Etienne Balsan; the rich lover she lived with for while. This hat making then turned into a small boutique business which eventually branched into casual and sportswear, and then finally thanks to the funding of her first love Arthur Capel 'Boy' (a wealthy business man from England Chanel began an affair with who sadly died in a motoring accident) she opened her fist fashion house. "Maison De Couture Chanel".

To me Chanel isn't just a designer or someone that once had an idea and did something about it, she is an inspiration and to me iconic. She changed the fashion world as we know it, and even today her key ideas and style is seen all over every street we live on. Take the 2.55 bag for example is something that made a statement by itself, and her first collection tugged on so many heartstrings that it was not surprising ''Maison De Couture Chanel'' became such a success.

The key to being part of Coco to me is not just the tweed suits with braided edging, or even the striped blouse from one of her many trips with Boy to the seaside where she watched fisherman bring in there catch at the end of the day. Its the way a Chanel outfit shares her true love for life with you, and the romances she was having not only with the gentlemen in her life but also each and every texture, silouette and idea she was working with. Her creations just oused elegance and had an almost french etiquette about them. It's like she was almost being polite with her fashion rebelion. Coco may have been a head of her time, but she certainly got there in style.



Gareth Pugh

UHU GARETH PUGH... quite literally, we all want his attention when it comes to admiring his designs, ever since his first show in 2006 he has captured the eye of the fashion world with his legendary fashion-as-performance-art concept. His first collection stood out with its inflatable clothing and almost out of this world creations varying in all shapes and sizes.
His main colour theme you may notice is monochromes, black and white... harsh textures and eye catching patterns.
Very modern, theatrical and clean are probably the only things all the different years and seasons have in common, the rest changes from one mind blowing design to the next.

Personally my favourite collection Pugh has shown so far is the A/W 2011 collection, it's chic and modern edge is less theatrical and more high fashion but still has that fantasia edge to it. The sudden use of marine blues and metallic embellishment really brings a new light to Pugh as designer and also what is still to come from the ultimate magician of fashion.

5th september, first day at fashion college, no big deal...right?!

After working for the past two years on the high street and going from one college to the next trying to decide which course was right for me I think I have finally found the 1st prize winner!!
London road is a lovely campus with students to boot... As for the fashino course i can not wait!

I have never written or even read a blog before, so bare with me I'm the ultimate fresher to the online world!!!
(I couldn't even opperate a mac this morning!!!)

Threw the year I'm hoping to take you, the readers, followers etc (if there are any) threw a journey of what hopefully will be an insite to the stylish eye of myself and what tickles my fashion fancy. . . gallery visits, museums, catwalk shows and maybe even just specific clippings from my all time bible VOGUE, who knows... either way. it starts and ends here...

bon appetit x