Skinspiration

I've been working hard on a photo shoot for Durham One this Sunday. I've spent the whole day running around, looking for props, picking out clothes and hauling them around Durham. I spent the rest of the afternoon putting looks together in my room and brainstorming shots. Hopefully it will be a success! While trying to set the mood for the looks, the photographer for the shoot e-mailed me saying that it should have an Effy-from-Skins-feel. I've never watched Skins, so I googled Effy and I absolutely loooove her look!

Her character is played by Kaya Scodelario, a Brazilian/English actress best known for role as Effy Stonem in Skins. She landed the role with no prior acting experience, and is now well known for the role. She has a contract with Models 1 and has also appeared in music videos for Plan B (one of my absolute favourite artists right now!).


She is soo gorgeous it makes me hate her! Those cheekbones! Just not fair! I like Effy's grunge-glam look and the sort of dark mood she conveys. I especially like the messy up-dos and the bangles. Kaya herself is a lot softer, more glam and girly, but equally stunning! 


New style crush. 

Major Girl Crush

I have been listening to Adele's album "21" on repeat for about a month now. I cannot get over this girl's voice! Her first album "19" was incredible, but this one is quite frankly mind-blowing. Her old-school voice is so unique, and I absolutely love every single song on the album. There is kind of a country/soul/pop vibe that runs throughout it, and complements her voice so well!  It's quite rare to find an artist who can genuinely transport you to another place and make you feel something so specific just by singing a song. Every song on "21" does that to me. I have goose bumps now just listening to it! You absolutely must listen to "Rumour Has It", "Don't You Remember", "Take it All", and "Someone Like You".

If you haven't heard Adele's performance of "Someone Like You" at the Brits last Tuesday, have a cheeky listen now. As James Corden said in her introduction, if you've ever had a broken heart, you're about to remember it right now. Be prepared to get the shivers!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qemWRToNYJY

She is a great role model: beautiful, charismatic, and most of all unbelievably talented. Adele, you are officially my new girl crush!

xxx

Topshop Unique

Just stumbled across this video of the Topshop Unique Fall/Winter collection from this week's London Fashion Week. I think what makes this collection so appealing is that it looks up scale but is also wearable and affordable for those of us who aren't lucky enough to be able to fill our wardrobes with Haute Couture.

I have a major crush on the ribbon lace-up ankle boots and the silk jumpsuits. Loving the fur trend from the new collections, I am already mentally debating where to get my fur coat Christmas present for myself next year! 

Check it out: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5ij1I4HjVs

xxx 

In a New York minute...

New York Fashion Week for the Fall/Winter 2011 collections came to a close last week and now London Fashion Week is in full swing. Looking back on the runway shows from New York, I was blown away by certain labels and their stimulating and fresh new creations.

Here are ten of my favourite looks from last week's New York Fashion Week:  


Alzutarra does grunge chic. 
Described as an "overnight sensation", Parisian designer Joseph Alzutarra showed a fresh, feminine collection with a grunge-grit undertone.

Models showed off earthy mahogany and autumnal tones in flowing feminine dresses, sheer panelled tops and elegant fur coats. I particularly likes the furry stilettos paired with each look. Smudging the sexy, feminine sillhouettes with an underlying grunge tone somehow works for the collection. Love the lace up boots paired with the ultra-sexy silk dress, as well as the heavy fur utility trend parkas over sheer dresses and beaded flapper shifts. Something tells me Azutarra is one to watch...! 


PS: Loving the postbox red lips!

Pictures: Fashion Gone Rogue 


Gorgeous textures and colourful Navajo prints from Proenza Schouler. 
Designer duo Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez showcased an inspired new collection featuring textural contrasts and eye-catching colour inspired by Native American culture. 

The designers explained that the collection was mainly created from the inspiration of a road trip through Western America. McCollough elaborates, “The experience really got us interested in Native American culture – its art, textiles and handicrafts. We liked the idea of creating clothing that took direction from Native American blankets – we also researched early American textiles and construction and included elements of both in our designs, but with a modern edge.” (Source: Vogue.com)

Models worked the runway in simple, minimalistic sandals, in keeping with the collection's traveller-Navajo theme. 


I absolutely the layering of elegant black blazers, waxed leather tops and flowing hand-painted velvet trousers. Drooling over the tailored blazer on the bottom right! The feminine red trench coat is one of my favourite pieces from this collection, giving the outfit a perfectly on-trend pop of colour. 


Pictures: Fashion Gone Rogue 


Fur, feathers, and pleats galore at Vera Wang.
OK, so I've always had a soft spot for Vera Wang. Her eponymous perfume was one of my very first and all-time favourites. And I will admit, I decided the first time I saw a Vera Wang wedding dress that I will most definitely be wearing this label if I get married one day.


 Enough about me, though. All of that aside, my heart actually skipped a beat when I saw this collection. I am still drooling over the soft pleated dresses, gorgeous fox-fur trim, feather embellishment, more pleats, and beautiful stoney hues. The inspiration for the collection is "the grace, romance and effortless style of iconic American women who fascinated the English aristocracy during the 1930s". (Source: Vogue.com)

Pictures: Fashion Gone Rogue 


Nomadic Glamour at Oscar de la Renta
Oscar de la Renta got it spot on with a luxurious (as always) collection of funky prints, feminine fox fur and some seriously stunning embellished evening gowns. What more could a girl want? Love the furry headwear as well, it looks a bit like Durham town centre on this catwalk... i have saw soo many girls over Christmas rocking these huge fuzzy hats!

Celebrities will be spoilt for choice for the Oscars! How cool is the skirt on the top right? Amazing. And I absolutely love the black evening gown seen on Karlie Kloss. It is sooo elegant and feminine. I want it!!! A girl can dream....

Pictures: Fashion Gone Rogue 

I absolutely adore fashion week and seeing all of the new trends for the upcoming seasons. Take note of the hotlist for Fall/Winter 2011:

1. Pleats, pleats pleats!

2. Navajo themed prints.

3. Rock chick themes are strong with textured leathers, biker-style jackets and shiny trousers. 

3. 70's patterns are everywhere! Whether its disco ball sequins or psychadelic prints, the 70's are in next season! 

4. Feminine elegance is back for evening wear. 

I'm already excited for my favourite London fashion week looks! 

xxx