Opinions please.

Revised luxury mood board- I think I prefer it.

Excitement for my portfolio.

I really need to post on here more- apologies for my lack of posts, I have been extremely busy. Work is beginning to be done on my portfolio, and I plan to post a page every time I have created a new one. Composition is the main thing that is drummed into my head, and after many tedious days of attempting to create triangles on Photoshop (It really is as simple as it sounds) I have finally found something that I can work with.

The first page I am about to post is most definitely not complete, a lot has to be done to it but I want to show you how I am planning to use the triangles. This page is on what luxury is to me, in a few weeks I'm sure I will be adding 'time'. I always start my work so early but some how time creeps up on me.

Film and Fashion.

Factory Girl and Dirty Dancing- films that are completely different but both have one thing in common: fashion.

The black opaque tights, chunky jewellery, oversized fur jackets and the ability to make smoking look stupidly cool, it was hard to follow Factory Girl as all I was paying attention too was the fashion. Edie Sedgwick the character being portrayed had an impact on people from just her dark eye make-up and cropped hair cut, but It was her choice of clothing that made her stand out and made her the fashion icon that she is today.

As cheesy as many of you may think, there is no denying that the fashion throughout Dirty Dancing shaped the 60’s and most likely inspires many items that you have in your wardrobe.

Such as the high waist; high waisted denim shorts with striped vest tops. High waisted midi skirts worn with shirts tied at the waist and dresses that are discretely pulled in at the waist that emphasise your best assets. The introduction of subtle colours such as palettes of pinks, whites and blues emphasised the shape and fit of the clothing without dulling it down with bland colours.

The two characters portrayed are worlds apart, yet they both showcase incredible clothing that has influenced the clothing I wear today.

Portfolio.

The huge price tag of Adobe Creative Suite was totally worth it. I know longer dread having to use Photoshop; in fact I actually look forward to using it. I am getting there with In Design and Illustrator- they are both incredibly clever, but I think a few more YouTube tutorials are needed. Looking back on my previous portfolios is complete torture. In fact it hurts my eyes.

My current portfolio that I have just handed in is a lot different to my previous ones. I have used a theme throughout, manipulating every image. I have used a ‘gridding effect’ which I believe worked rather effectively. I have picked out some of my favourite pages to show you- enjoy.

Here are some images.

I have indeed been abandoning you. I will attempt to write on you more often, but these last few weeks have been rather stressful. Anyhow, let’s open the New Year with some amazing images; Mum and Dad bought me various fashion books for my 20th Birthday, with ‘Unseen Vogue: The Secret History of Fashion Photography’ being my favourite.

‘Like it or not, we are all postmodern now’

Last year we were set an essay on postmodernism, and it’s shameful to say that a recent visit to the ‘postmodernism- style and subversion 1970-1980’ exhibition at the V&A has allowed me to finally understand it. In simplest terms, postmodernism is ‘A radical freedom of design, showcasing funny confrontational and occasionally absurd’ to me, translated too going against what is deemed as politically correct. So why on earth did it take me so long to understand this?

The exhibition was completely stunning, and introduced me to so many new artists whose work was truly inspirational. Vivienne Westwood- quite possibly the most postmodern designer out there showcased the subversive power dress. Printed with stills from blade runner encapsulating the post punk era, it was clear to me that her designs have influenced many other postmodern designers today.

The Lévi-Strauss dress, taken from the Autumn/winter collection in the 80’s was the oddest design I saw. To me, it was reminiscent of a crocodile, yet it made me understand that anything goes. The images of Las Vegas created by Robert Venturi and Scott Brown, and new architectural styles showcased the use of elaborate colours and buildings that were not your standard ‘boxes’ but exaggerated pieces of architecture.

My favourite section of the exhibition was ‘strike a pose’ showing that dancers, art directors, drag queens, pop stars and night clubbers influenced postmodernism. The hologram created by Edwina Orr and David Trayner of Boy George covered in polka dots, showed postmodernism at its finest. The images of Grace Jones, who turned herself into a subversive celebrity and the Talking Heads video translated into postmodern art.

The quote ‘like it or not, we are all postmodern now’ is one that I can finally understand. Some of you who read this may be thinking it sounds so simple and the fact it is, it really is.

Where have you gone?

Having just been to a lecture on commerce, culture and design, I practically sprinted from my lecture theatre down to Waterstone’s (quite possibly my favourite place to visit) to trawl through their extensive magazine stands, to find something obscure on what I have just learnt from my lecture. I knew that Waterstone’s wouldn’t disappoint, as I always manage to find a magazine that relates to my course. Such as ‘Ad-busters’; to me, a majorly controversial magazine, but something you have to read.

As I went up each floor, it became plainer to see that the magazine stands no longer existed. I passed a sales assistant on each floor, yet I refused to let myself asked them where it was as I didn’t want reality to hit. After looking confused/rather upset, I bought myself to ask a sales assistant. They told me the dreaded news that the magazines have left and he does not know when they will be bought back.

A rather over dramatic post, but why have you done this to me Waterstone’s? Please come back.

Succumbed to resolving the height issue

Having always been rather stubborn about wearing heels on a daily basis, I believe that I have now succumbed to the fact that if you get an appropriate pair, it makes one hell of a difference to your posture and of course my height. Having to be stringent now I am facing the dreaded bills and the fact that I do need to eat, the heeled boots in Topshop are going to remain a dream inside my head. After trawling through the majority of Nottingham’s high street stores, I found my boots in H&M. You are most likely no stranger to the fact that I do not like things to look new- so the shine that has just about faded on my boots did put me off at the beginning. Then again, what do you expect for £25.00? They are comfortable, practical and most of all match every outfit.

Then there is my silver midi skirt. Primark has stages of producing some amazing pieces, and this I believe is one of them. It falls just below the knee, is high waisted (of course) and matches beautifully well with black tights and my new boots. I honestly look like I am a few feet taller. Teaming it with a red patterned T-shirt and bright red lipstick, I feel like I am wearing a rather sophisticated outfit for an incredibly cheap price.

I fell a little bit in love.

I very rarely shop anywhere other than vintage shops and when I can afford it- Topshop. I am back in Nottingham now, back to the world of student living, where shops believe it is appropriate to offer us 20% off. How dare they do such a thing- obviously I am not really complaining, but it makes me buy more than I can actually afford. I am one of those terrible people who will buy something that I believe I really need and love, and then three weeks later I will hate it. It will sit in my wardrobe starring at me. So this year I told myself, buy staple items that you will not go off.

So I bought a bright red skirt.

River Island has always come across slightly tacky to me, they over-embellish many of their clothes. So when I saw the 20% off sign, I didn’t believe that I would be drawn in- oh what brilliant will power I have. I came out with a skirt that I have fallen a little bit in love with; it fits beautifully with my blouses and has a vintage feel to it. I wore it tonight with black brogues, black tights, a baggy grey t-shirt and an emerald green necklace I recently purchased from Topshop.

One day I will learn to actually take photos of myself in my clothing- but for now, you can see the beauty of my new items attached to my overly busy walls.

A sudden change in style

My previous post talks about my search for the perfect midi. Trawling through rails of clothes at my favourite charity shop looking for last minute buys to take back to Nottingham led me to my midi. It cost me £2.00. It came below the ankle, which I discovered was not a good length for my short height. Cutting and hemming the skirt just below the knee, the ruche black and white stripes and random flashes red sits nicely around my waist.

For me, everything has to be high waisted, in fact I don’t think I own anything that isn’t. A/W 2011 collections have completely drawn me towards midi pencil skirts, brogues and oversized jumpers; needless to say I know where my next lot of money will be going.

Oh Comely; the magazine that never fails captures my curiosity

The odd yet witty articles, the genius layout and the optimum fact that there is something to read on every page; to me this is something that all magazines should have. Oh Comely most definitely has this; yet the one thing that strikes me the most when I’m turning from page to page is the photography.

I have always been a sucker when it comes to beautiful photography. I am completely terrible at taking photographs myself; but looking at other people’s photography always catches my attention.

An array of photographs entitled ‘Stacy in plaits’ shown in issue six are completely brilliant. They capture a girl who portrays a sense of innocence in each photograph. She wears a different blouse, and has a different style of plait in her hair; who knew that something so simple could be translated into such beautiful photographs.

From picking up Oh Comely for the first time in a magazine shop in Manhattan, I become curious even at the sight of the front cover.

Stand, observe and then breath.

It seems that my childhood memories are completely slipping away; I have been to St. Ives many times, yet I just don't remember it. As i walked around with my parents last week, they pointed out where we used to stay, the walks we used to go on, and the restaurants we used to visit with my Grandparents. Granted, the last time I went I was about seven, but you always remember little snippets of your childhood. The views are breathtaking and certainly not boring, I have never seen a sea so blue, and even on a cold day you don't mind sitting on a beach staring out to sea.

Would I have rather been abroad sunning myself? This year, I really don't think so. Being able to get away and forget about reality for a while was amazing. (There were also some overly gorgeous surfer men).

The Iconic Beauty.

On a monthly basis, the media manages to catch her with a cigarette in hand, dishevelled hair and little make up in the hope that the majority of people will judge her for ‘losing her touch'. Yet to me, I can still see the complete and utter beauty of Kate Moss. She is the element of utter cool, her carefree lifestyle and utter compassion for what she does always translates into her iconic photographs.

Mario Testino has never failed her, especially with his most recent photos of her in Vogue. It seems that this month is all about sophistication; each photo creates the illusion of a different type of silhouette, each of which she pulls off magnificently. With red lipstick in tow, and her hair pulled back off her face, it is easy to see why so many people have fallen for her.

These are yet another range of photographs to add to my overly crowded walls.

If only I was a little bit taller.

I am completely and utterly in love with the midi skirt. The way it looks so elegant on, disguises your thighs and hugs you beautifully at the waist and the optimum fact that it seems to go with everything.

I told myself that I could definitely get away with the midi skirt. I rarely go out the house without wearing something high waisted in order to make my short legs appear slighter longer, so a high waisted midi skirt must work on my body.

I was wrong; being the fantastic height of 5.2 does have its major disadvantages. I tried on a sophisticated navy high waisted pleated skirt which fell just below the knee, and to my total annoyance it just drowned me.

I am however not going to give up; my friend Bethany always tells me that I should use my short height to my advantage by simply buying a pair of heels. According to Vogue I am going to have to be very careful with what pair I buy. I love running; therefore my calves are rather muscularly, therefore I need to avoid ankle straps and bold colours.

Personally I see the midi skirt as a total revolution- the photos accompanying this month’s Vogue article ‘The subtle allure of the midi’ by Lachlan Bailey are breathtaking. The model is beautiful, with Lachlan managing to catch her at the most fantastic angles. (If only I was as tall as her)

By the time summer is over, I will have bought a midi and I will most definitely have photographic evidence to show you.

Who knew?

Middle parting, wavy hair, red/ orange lipstick, vintage or high street blouse, high waisted bottoms (always), thin pair of tights, a pair of brogues, a charity shop bag over my shoulder and with my charity shop black cardigan in tow (The best £4.00 I have ever spent) and I’m out the door.

I would be completely kidding myself if I said I was individual. When I was look back at old photographs of my Mum, I become rather angry at the fact that she didn’t save me any of her old clothes. She looked completely stunning, and I found myself incredibly jealous of her outfits and well, her.

Then it dawned on me; this must be wear I get my style from. As I turned from photo to photo, I noticed that half the clothes she was wearing are currently sat in my wardrobe- just in a different colour or pattern.

I have always envied the way the likes of Alexa Chung, Fearne Cotton and Kate Moss dress, yet now I can see who I really envy. My Mum dresses and looks as beautiful now as she did back then. I guess I’ll be the one to remember to save my clothes for the next generation.

Hello middle partings.

I'm done with the huge fringe. The fringe that has damaged my hair, and took an hour out of my day to create. Its time to try something different; I'm used to clipping my fringe back, and over the last few weeks my parting has managed to creep its way into the middle of my overly large forehead, Okay I'm exaggerating here; its not an abnormal forehead but having a centimetre less of it would be fantastic.

Now all I'm waiting for is a dramatic hair growth.

Praise for the Designer Forum.

This post is going to be short and straight to the point.

The fashion journals. Beautiful pieces of art in themselves; pages of sketches by designers, fabrics that you can touch, and descriptions that are so detailed that you can actually vision what the clothes and accessories will look like.

The websites, one word; WOW. Trust me, you will not be able to find anything as detailed on the internet.

Thank you Designer Forum.

Barcelona. One of the best trips EVER.

Back when I was in secondary school, me and my best friend Becky took an art trip to Barcelona with the school. Whenever we look back at the photos we cringe slightly, it is crazy to see how different we looked. Our dress sense was indescribable, and the poses not much better. We took endless amounts of photos of paintings in art galleries, buildings, statues, anything that caught our eye, without knowing the meaning of what we were taking.

I am a big fan of street art, there will always be something quite cool about it. The fact that people don't care if they get caught, they merely just draw how they feel. It doesn't need to be neat and tidy, it just needs to have a creative edge and mean something to them.

Kind of like mine and Beckys relationship, we have both surpassed caring what people think about us. We both wear what we like (Good clothes now I can assure you),we both do as we please- yet we both have a creative edge. She has the better wardrobe whereas I have the better drawing skills!

I knew that one day the pictures I took of street art would come in handy, I see it as a new trend, such as using it in shops to form displays, some people even go to the extent of having a professional graffiti artist paint there room. Keep on drawing please street artists, your art is something else that inspires me.

If I was a colour.

If I looked to my friends and asked them what colour I would be, they would say black. My wardrobe mainly consists of black and white clothing, because I believe that these colours look best on me. Don't get me wrong, I love colour, I wouldn't leave my house without bright statement lipstick. Black and white explains my personality, one day I'm up and the next day I'm down, its odd because I'm never somewhere inbetween.

Summer is approaching, and the last few items I have purchased have been rather colourful. I love love love the trend of clashing bright colours, it creates such a bold statement, and emulates a quirky personality- which when I'm on an 'up day' I have! I am going to start by adding brighter lipsticks to my already vast collection, then begin to add brighter statement pieces to my outfits- who knows, I may be able to carry off this trend too.

Elle and Vogue's April issues had some fantastic photos of this current trend, therefore I have used some of these photos to create two mood boards that show off the 'clash of colour', both of which I will be using for my portfolio.

The fear of white walls.

From a very early age, whenever I went to a new place, it would be my prerogative to find a souvenir to remind me of that specific place; Even if the souvenir was a tacky fridge magnet or an ‘I love London T-shirt’. Mum and Dad used to call them ‘the tacky shops’, me and my sister took every opportunity we had to go in and have a good look around, leaving our parents outside trying to figure out where to go next.

Since the beginning of my fashion course, I have come to the realisation that collecting such items could potentially help me. With the exception of fridge magnets and T-shirts, collecting endless amounts of postcards, and taking photos of everything that catches my eye, could be collectively put together to create something visually pleasing. My Dad has taught me that I should carry my camera with me everywhere, if you just stop where you are and look around I can guarantee that you will see something beautiful. Such as the graffiti that lined the walls in Barcelona, the mosaic patterns on a random street lamp in New York, Covent Garden’s tube stop, and even Nottingham’s market square.

My obsession with lining my walls with endless amounts of magazine pages started when I came to university, as much as I hate to rip a page out of Vogue, those pages deserve to be looked at. Every time I enter my room, I stop and look around. After each briefing on a new project, my walls give me inspiration to create new ideas. Added to my walls are endless amounts of obscure postcards I gathered from New York, my own work, flyers; the list could go on really. I guess I have a slight fear of ‘white walls’ I need to be surrounded by pictures and things that remind me of being at home. Thank the lord my parents let me go into those ‘tacky shops’ if it wasn’t for them, I would literally be staring at a blank canvas.