Playboy or Oh Boy?

I apologize for not posting anything in the last few days. I feel like I have been away for so long!
So, I am huge fan of playboy magazine, Hugh Hefner and everything that he has done in his career. On the other hand I've always been a little dubious over Lindsay Lohan, although entertaining at times she can be a little bit irritating.
But when the two came together and the new January/February cover was leaked a few days ago, I was absolutely astonished! Lindsay is definitely channeling her inner blonde bombshell and absolutely rocking it at that! The shoot, which was inspired by photographer Tom Kelley's nude pictorial of Marilyn Monroe in 1949, channels true 50's Hollywood glamour, and so it should.
Although the cover is absolutely stunning, and the composition of the photograph is very well executed, there is still something a little awkward about the image. Lohan's face looks a little scared maybe? As though she's not entirely comfortable. Also, the way in which her right leg is sticking out, I think this could have had a better placement in the image too.



With the early leaking of these images, Hugh Hefner has released a statement suggesting that the issue may have an earlier release date than expected. Due to the high demand and interest in the issue it had been revealed that the magazine could be available from as early as next week!
Overall I say, well done Playboy! Not only have they produced another strong, talked about cover, but they have put Lindsay Lohan back in the books. Although, I'm not sure stripping naked in front of a camera will stop her antics it will definitely boost her popularity for a little while.



Oh La Lindsay! ;)

Signed me

Just a very quick post to tell you all that I have been given a weekly style piece on writing website Fight Apathy... or don't and my article on the House of Holland Pre-Spring 2012 film has been put up today! :)
It would be great if you could all go over and have a read and show some support. It's al pretty exciting!

Christmas Time!

It's that time of year again when the novelty christmas jumpers start appearing, and once something that was seen as an embarrassment is now a fashion statement that a lot of people are embracing! But gone are the days where you would only find these festive joys in vintage and thrift stores, or hidden at the back of a charity shop rail. As with everything now days, the high street has reproduced these yule tide designs and come december you can't get away from them.
I am personally a huge fan of the christmas jumper, and thought there was nothing better to write about coming up to xmas than a good old festive knit.
Here are a few that I found to get you started on your search for the perfect Christmas Jumper.


Knitted Reindeer Jumper £50 by Topshop.


Knitted Xmas Snowman Jumper £50 by Topshop.


Knitted Penguin Jumper £50 by Topshop.



Red Christmas Jumper £50 by Topshop.

As usual Topshop are pretty hot on the Christmas jumper trend, even having a 'novelty' section on their website dedicated to them. At £50 a piece they are a little pricey for what they are, but who wouldn't want a little penguin in a santa hat on the front of their jumper?! They're adorable!
The red jumper I like a lot, it's simple motif and classic old look is what should be in a traditional Christmas jumper.

I will leave you with some other Christmassy treats that'll leave you 'Rockin around the Christmas Tree' ;)


Christmas Jumper £35 by ASOS.


Reindeer Jumper £28 by River Island.


Macha Grey Marl £99 by Ted Baker

Henry in da House!

So, I applied for some writing experience with an online writing website, who basically have regular writers who submit an article once a week on a subject of their choice and it gets published on the website. http://fightapathyordont.com/
Well, I sent over my blog for them to look at and they loved it! So now I have a weekly slot on the brand spanking new style section of the website and today I sent over my first entry!
I thought I would share the article on here too before it goes live, I hope you enjoy! :)


Henry in the House!


As a treat for you all, with this being my first article on the site, I am going to share something that really has brightened up my day.
As a huge fan of the label, House of Holland I am regularly keeping up to date on the promotional tools in which they are using to enable their collections and brand is a cut above the rest. This is when I came across the Pre-Spring 2012 fashion film, put together by photographer Mariano Vivanco and featuring the beautiful model Eliza Cummings, it showcases the upcoming collection from designer Henry Holland.
The first time I sat and watched it all the way through I just thought, WOW! I must admit I did sit and giggle a bit to myself. This type of ‘music video’ is unseen these days, and although there are many platforms to show these kinds of music videos we just aren’t really familiar with them anymore. It wasn’t until I watched it through a second time when I realized the sampling in the song (relating to Postmodernism, which I am now an expert on 2500 words of an essay later) which related back to the 80’s. I then looked back at the ‘Buffalo Stance’ video by Neneh Cherry, and there is a lot of reference taken from the original 80’s video.
Everything about the short film, including the effects and the movement of the model relate back to 80’s hip hop. Especially the baseball cap and sunglasses.
As for the garments, I think Henry has done us proud again. After his last Bingo inspired collection, this sharp turn for everything loud and fun is a positive prediction for how the months of June - September are going to turn out. The block colours and insanely busy prints aren’t something that genuinely fit in with the trends seen on the Spring/Summer 2012 catwalk, but then lets face it, when has House of Holland ever conformed with the trend.
As well as the bright, blocked colours, the skull and bone motif is seen continuously throughout the film. With it’s excited, upbeat vibe, this particular pattern gives no better reference to the ‘live life to the fullest’ Day of the Dead celebrations.
I urge you all to watch this short film, which could definitely give the real music video a run for it’s money, and guarantee you will up off your seat dancing and miming along to the music (along with model Eliza Cummings, another comic moment!). And if you do get a chance, have a look at the collection available to buy at http://www.houseofholland.com

PRE COLLECTION SS12 from House of Holland on Vimeo.

No Guts, No Glory.

I admit, I have posted quite a lot today and there is definitely a range in topics that I have covered. But like I said before, I'm focusing on stuff I love now and producing work to the best of my ability based on that.
This is an article that I wrote just before the summer, luxury sportswear brand Sunspel teamed up with the famous Bethnal Green Repton Boxing Club to make a short film based on the life and experience of boxer, Ryan Pickard. Produced by fashion photographer Alasdair Mclellan, this was always going to be something quite different.
I wrote this article fictionally for the online fashion site, 'Business of Fashion' around May time but haven't had time to post it on here due to other commitments. It's an article I was really pleased about writing and the amount of research I put into it was quite intense. Anyway, have a look for yourself and enjoy.

BoF Exclusive | No Guts, No Glory.

After the recent death of boxing legend Sir Henry Cooper, it seems as good a time as any to pay hommage to the sport that took over his life. Alasdair McLellan has done just this by bringing together fashion brand Sunspel, and the young fighters from Bethnal Green’s ‘Repton Boxing Club.

Repton Boxing Club by Alasdair Mclellan for Sunspel from Sunspel Clothing on Vimeo.

British heritage label Sunspel has joined forces with British photographer Alasdair McLellan to create a short film on London’s rough and ready East End, Repton Boxing Club. Established in 1884 it shares a unique history and holds the stories of some of boxing’s greatest talents. This legendary Bethnal Green boxing club is housed in a former Victorian-era bath house, which is a stunning contrast to the rowdy activities in which it houses. Sunspel itself has it’s own rich heritage, founded in 1860 and specializes in fine underwear and t-shirts. McLellan has beautifully bought these totally different establishments together and paired them in, what has been proved to be, such a natural way for this film. As a master of luxurious wardrobe staple pieces , Sunspel have taken boxer shorts, polo shirts and t-shirts from their own collections and used them for the imagery of the fighters, emphasizing simple and classic dress for such a classic sport.
The creative director of Sunspel, J.W. Anderson describes the film and collaboration; ‘Alasdair was already working with Sunspel before I became involved with the company. It began when Wallpaper magazine asked Alasdair to work on a project with Sunspel, so credit should go to them. I am absolutely thrilled with what Alasdair brings to Sunspel and I think the film is a great insight into the young boxers lives and the Sunspel basics look modern and timeless on them.’
Young boxer, Ryan Pickard is the main feature in this film and shares his life, training and thoughts of this sport that is such a huge part of his everyday routine. Along with his brother, Ellis Pickard and friends Louis Cadman and Sam Lawson, these ‘proper lads’, dressed in Sunspel train at this historical club wearing pieces from the hand crafted label.
The film’s interview style is different to what you would usually expect from a normal filmed interview. Ryan is interviewed by his friends and family in a more informal tradition, in a place that he feels more comfortable and relaxed. Shots of the club are constantly shown on screen as the boxers talk about the history and what the club means to them. ‘Thick atmosphere and generations of fighters.’
The ‘wall of fame’ is there to inspire the boys, as something to strive to. People who have passed through the gym have their faces put onto the wall. Just like the Sunspel brand they wear, the Repton boys are all about loyalty and tradition to their heritage roots.
The film is subtle, exciting and, in a way, educational. With the 2012 Olympics just round the corner this is a perfect opportunity for boxing as a sport and fashion labels associated with sport to join together in this unapparent, yet magical collaboration of two of the worlds most successful industries, Sport and Fashion.
To pull off a collaboration like this is a credit to Alasdair McLellan, but as the Repton motto says, ‘No Guts, No Glory.’

Mr Dorian Gray.

The second year of university did indeed get off on the wrong foot. The project that I have been focusing most of my time on this year is this little gem...
It's a styling project which we were put into pairs for and told to choose a trend from the S/S '12 catwalks to focus a styled shoot on. We then had to fit this in with a magazine title and use all the ethics of our chosen publication to lay it out in our portfolio.
So, our concept was based around the idea of Dorian Gray, the man everyone loves to hate, but secretly wants to be. Heritage and the 'Old English Gentleman' trend was featured a lot on the menswear catwalk, and although there was a fear of it looking the same as everything else that involves suits in menswear, we liked the concept and we stuck with it.
There's not much else to say other than we were incredibly happy with how the shoot came out, and the outcome of the layout. Other than that I'll let the images speak for themselves..





Creative Direction & Styling by Samantha Potter and Jazmin Rickards
Hair & Make-up by Harriet Murrin
Photography by Jeff Boudreau
Model Matt Busbridge

Tattoo Age.

I’ve decided that I want to make my blog a little more diverse and write about things that reflect me as a person as well as things that inspire me from the fashion industry. As someone very close once said to me, ‘It’s time you started putting more effort into the things you love rather than stressing about things you don’t.’
One thing that influences and inspires most of my life is tattooing, not only as a culture and lifestyle but as an art form too. Now I know a lot of people have various opinions on the subject, especially when it comes to tattooed girls, but it is a huge part of who I am and the way I live, so I feel it’s a passion that I should write about.
After recently catching the documentary series, collaborating urban fashion brand ‘New Era’ and the guys from Vice TV, online I thought this would be a great place to start to introduce the ‘tattoo world’ into my blog.
‘Tattoo Age’ follows the daily life and cultural practice of artists such as Freddy Corbin. Troy Denning, Dan Santoro and Grime.
Each artist is featured in a 3 part episode explaining why they became as iconic as they are today. Freddy Corbin, who has been tattooing for just over 30 years, explains how intense the business is saying ‘It’ll be five years before you’ll be doing even halfway-good tattoos.’
The artists explain that the job of tattooing isn’t really a job to them, more of a ‘hang out’, and that the most enjoyable work is when they are able to put a lot of personality into their work.

The documentary mainly tries to capture the ‘whole small world to itself of tattooing culture, tattoo characters and tattoo ways of life.. that are unlike what a lot of people experience.’

Personally I enjoyed the series a lot, and although there were some artists who I’d never heard about before. I learnt a lot about the culture and ‘real life’ of tattooing that isn’t captured in more staged shows such as ‘Miami Ink’ and ‘LA Ink.’ Without sounding oh so feminist, it would have been nice for there to have been a woman tattoo artist featured as well, maybe even just to break down that stereotypical boundary of tattooed women and the job as a female tattoo artist. But this didn’t spoil it too much.
New Era doesn’t actually appear in the series, apart from apparently giving away their caps to customers who were interviewed, which is a good way of promoting the brand and associating themselves with the Vice audience I guess. A subtle but successful approach that is become more popular within fashion and beauty brands.

Take a look at the trailer here:



And follow the link to the ‘New Era’ website where you can submit pictures of your own tattoos, join facebook discussions and read up on personal bios about each artist. As well as watching each 3 part episode in full.

(Images and quotes taken from http://www.neweracap.com/en_US/Explore/TATTOOAGE.aspx and http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/fashion/new-web-series-on-tattoo-artists-set-for-launch-2306356.html)

Come Back!

I apologise to everyone for not blogging for what is near enough a year now! I have genuinely been extremely busy (if not a little lazy too). But now I have decided to make a come back and grace you all with my fabulous updates once again. In the coming weeks I will be posting a few special projects from the past year that have taken place as well as some more exciting things that are currently on the horizon.
As this was initially going to be a flying visit just to let you know what was to come in the next few weeks, I thought I would share some fashion high street 'must haves' that I have recently purchased and emotionally caused me to hit my over draft once again.

Firstly I would just like to say that River Island have stepped it up a gear at the moment. When I lived back at home I would always walk past River Island and admire what was in their window displays, enticing me to go and have a look around. But I was always greatly disappointed with what was actually on the rails. It wasn't until the last couple of months that I have been venturing inside again (as this seems to be one of the only places that my boyfriend will buy his jeans from) and have discovered some little gems hiding away in the corners of the store.
After a recent trip to the new Westfield's in Stratford (which I must say was a complete anti climax and hyped up a lot more than it should have been) I did indeed come out with these garments...


Black fairisle midi tube skirt - £20
I'm not usually one for tight fitted clothes, but this simple body-con tube skirt caught my eye straight away! With it's cool aztec inspired print and high waisted fit, it was the perfect piece to dress up or down. I've pretty much worn it to death at the moment, with a shirt tucked in and some brown brogues and tights for drinks with friends or the more formal occasions. Or with a jumper, leggings and some nikes (and it even goes well with my swanky HMV uniform for when I'm at work). I genuinely suggest everyone invests in a piece like this!



Cream owl embellished sweat top - £30
Another piece that I did buy from Westfield River Island was this GORGEOUS Owl jumper. Everyone who knows me will know that I absolutely love owls. From the tattoo on my foot, to the gold owl pendant I wear around my neck, I adore them. Well, as soon as I spotted this hanging on the rail I grabbed it. There wasn't even any need to try it on. Even if it didn't fit, I was going to keep it anyway. Like the previous skirt, both these pieces are featured in the 'River Island Loves' item on the website and I can definitely see why. When I went to the tills to pay for this particular jumper the sales assistant couldn't stress more about how she was waiting to finish her shift so she could buy this jumper, and that it had only come in a few days ago. The embellishment and beading is amazing and really brings out the whole design against the light beige colour of the material. This is the perfect winter jumper, and everyone should own it!

GUESS Press Day.

A good friend of mine was invited to the GUESS press event for their new Spring/Summer '11 collection at their Knightsbridge store yesterday and I was the lucky girl who was asked to go along with her (heck out her amazing blog! http://becausewearingblacklooksmysterious.blogspot.com/). As this was my very first PR event I was exceptionally excited to see what it was all about and how this side of the fashion industry worked, and I can say now I was not disappointed one bit!
As we walked in we met the lovely Charlotte and were given some press wristbands, we were made to feel extremely comfortable and can definitely say that the GUESS PR team are some of the nicest people I have met in the business. We were quickly given a lovely glass of champagne (even if it was 3 in the afternoon, I was told that this was more than acceptable so I wasn't complaining.) After standing around chatting for abit we were given a make-over and then got a little souvenir photo of ourselves wearing some GUESS jewellery, this included one of the pieces which I instantly fell in love with. A gold chunky watch, resembling something that would traditionally worn by men, but with my masculine look that I was rocking that day it definitely fitted right in and I did feel sad parting with it after our photos were taken.

We then had the opportunity to go around and have a look at what the new collection had to offer, and to my surprise amazingly reasonably priced! Another few of my favourite pieces included these new friendship bracelets which are very in at the moment, like the others we have seen before they have their simplistic look but with the kitsch fun look that GUESS always provide with their collections.


After meeting yet more wonderful people and looking at the rest of, what can only be described as a classic but fun new collection from GUESS it was time for us to leave, we had spent alot more time there than we thought we had which just shows how much there was to look at and what a good time we had.
As we left we were given some GUESS press goodie bags, not only was this incredibly nice of them, I was also crazily surprised at what they had given us inside.


A gorgeous pink quilted clutch bag along with a dainty daisy necklace on a silver chain, it has the GUESS name across the front and small dimonte's around the edge of the flower. This piece reminds me of being young with the small flower motif, which again gives that fun yet classic a grown up look. There was also a pair of hanging earrings, rounded with stones around the edge and a kind of bronze colour in the middle. I'm not usually a huge fan of earrings, but these are something that I would look to find in a vintage shop which is, for me, really appealing. And lastly is a gorgeous silk GUESS scarf, with the famous motif that is easily recognised covering it. The quality of it is luxurious and could be used to accessorise in a number of ways, as a head scarf, around your neck or even tied onto a bag. I definitely felt incredibly lucky when we left!





Our little souvenir photo from the team! Thanks for a great day guys! :)