Varvatos

I can only apologise for my absence of late, summer has well and truly stolen me. Though I return bearing gifts, in the form of the new John Varvatos Fall/Winter 2012 campaign video - starring Paul Weller and Miles Kane. Am I forgiven?

John Varvatos Fall/Winter 2012

I'm With The Band

The band t-shirt is definitely a staple in my wardrobe, with Joy Division, Tom Williams and the Boat and The Vaccines tees being firm favourites of mine. Maybe it's the fact it's combining my love of fashion and music, or how they can lend itself to pretty much any outfit.

After seeing model Suki Waterhouse don this Je t'aime Miles Kane top, I was happy to realise it's actually being sold in the Miles Kane online store (and not just a product of a girlfriend customising her clothes). At £20 a pop, it's definitely at the top of the shopping list. 

If You're Not Busy...

Click here to read a piece I wrote for The Flaneur about jelly shoes. If anything, the piece includes two references to Destiny's Child "Bootylicious" and for that reason alone, it is worth a read.

Hawaiian Air

I don't know whether it's the fact that summer's approaching, which is making me want to venture into prints, but I've got a thing for Hawaiian shirts. Yes, Hawaiian shirts. There's something about them: the kitsch prints or maybe the 'so right they're wrong' quality they possess. Along with jelly shoes, tie dye and dungarees, they're another piece of nostalgia available on the high street right now.

If you like the idea, but maybe not the prospect of looking like Leonardo DiCaprio, circa Romeo and Juliet, then the shirt dress is the best option. This recently purchased number from ASOS ticks all the boxes - especially with its peter pan collar. 

If you're with me, head to ASOS for a plethora of Hawaiian prints.

19

Click here to read 19 magazine - created by university student, Georgia Burgoyne. There's a couple of pieces in there written by me, but the whole thing is edited by Georgia herself. This girl is talented! Check it out...

Sandy

Watching Grease a few days ago, I was reminded how great Sandy's outfits were. The girl looks ace with her peter pan collars, pastel shades and ribbons. Admittedly, much better than her leather-clad ensemble at the end.

ASOS - £48

We were probably meant to prefer someone cooler like Rizzo, or lust after the T-birds, but all I was wondering is where to shop, in order to channel my current style crush. It's probably better not to go all out with the matching cardigans and full skirts, but I think this mint green jumper from ASOS could fit the bill. 

Now I'm off to go buy some ribbon..

Schoolgirl Style for Spring/Summer

As the weather gets warmer, it becomes increasingly apparent that layering a long-sleeved white shirt underneath a black shift dress isn't going to fare well. What's that I hear (probably none of you) cry? How do you incorporate schoolgirl style for spring/summer? Here's how...

1) Relax the silhouette

Dress - Topshop

This dress still has the smart element that you want to maintain, but it's much less structured. The colour is perfect for the upcoming season and the pockets ensure space for your pens and pencils.

2) Never underestimate the sock

Socks - ASOS

You're probably already partial to pairing your socks with your cropped trousers, but there's no reason to leave them behind. There's a plethora to choose from: gingham, lace, or fringed. Team them with your brogues or penny loafers and you'll be top of the class.

3) The collar is your best friend 

Collar - Ebay

As previously mentioned, layering shirts underneath other garments won't be an option when the temperatures are at their highest. Instead, opt for a detachable collar. This means that you can keep your cool, but still look put-together. An A+ for accessories.

Flaneur

Click here to read my fashion moment on nerdy specs, just published on the Flaneur site 

I heard that you like the bad girls, honey, is that true?

Today was the day that Esther and I handed in our styling and imaging project - the photoshoot. We had to choose a trend, reference a decade and aim it for a publication.

The publication was i-D. The trend was pastels. The decade reference was 90s grunge, with a touch of Lana Del Rey.

Here are just a few of the (unedited) photos...

Click the photos to see the images larger.

Hello Spring/Summer!

As it's officially Spring, here's the new campaign video for the Vero Moda Spring/Summer 2012 collection - starring Alexa Chung.

A quick update...

Taken by Esther

Myself and Esther have teamed up for our styling and imaging project, which we shot yesterday. Luckily the weather was kind to us and hopefully we've got some good shots to work with. When the assignment is finished, I'll be sure to post the final product on here.

In other news, I've recently started contributing for The Flaneur and my Moshi Moshi gig review (recently posted on the blog here) was published on the site yesterday also. You should definitely check that one out...

What I bought today...

Top - Mary Katrantzou for Topshop

M 4 LDR

Lana Del Rey at today's Mulberry show

The Del Rey

As the music industry continues to be divided on Lana Del Rey, the fashion industry still embraces her. The American songstress has even had a Mulberry bag named after her. Inspired by her mix of old Hollywood/fun style, the Del Rey combines modern elements, with the traditional aesthetic that the luxury British label is known for.

There's no denying that Del Rey is making her mark in fashion and music alike. However, isn't this all too soon? It did take 4 years for a certain Alexa Chung to shift from her humble Popworld days to her very own Mulberry bag.

The bag has yet to lauch, so check out Mulberry's site to sign up for more details.

Best of the night: ELLE Style Awards 2012

1) Alexa Chung wearing Stella McCartney
2) Florence Welch wearing Erdem
3) Laura Carmichael wearing Christopher Kane
4) Poppy Delevigne wearing Mary Katrantzou for Topshop
5) Lisa Snowdon wearing vintage Couraggès
6) Tallulah Harlech

Prints Charming

Following the likes of Ashish and Christopher Kane, Mary Katrantzou is the newest designer to collaborate with high street store, Topshop. Her signature prints will be available online and in store from February 17th. I predict a fair few queues will be forming...

If you're not busy...

...check out Diversity In Fashion - a new blog created by myself and other UCA fashion journalism students. The blog aims to discuss the issues within the fashion industry such as age, weight and race and how this affects the large audience that it reaches out to.

Diversity In Fashion will also be working with All Walks - an intiative launched to celebrate diversity in the industry.

I'll keep you guys posted on the blog and the work we do so watch this space...

Read the blog, Diversity In Fashion, here
Follow us on Twitter
Find out about All Walks here

One Month Off

It's only a month left until the Marni for H&M collection hits stores. Click play to watch the new promotional video, staring Imogen Poots and directed by Sofia Coppola.

What I bought today...

Jeans - H&M

(It's good to have jeans that fit following all of the eating in the holidays)

V for Victoria

Play the video to see an introduction to Victoria - the new line by Victoria Beckham.

Spring/Summer Superga

Not only did Alexa Chung star, once again, as the face of Italian footwear brand Superga, she was the stylist. Being given the brief "go create" Chung and photographer Guy Aroch took to the road to shoot the brand's 2750 sneakers, with outfits of her choice. Job well done, Chung!