Graduate Fashion Week with George at Asda

This weekend, I had the pleasure of being invited to Graduate Fashion Week as a guest of George at Asda to take over their Instagram account. George at Asda were the principal sponsor of GFW this year so it was a huge honour and also a little scary. The pressure! Luckily, all the George girls were as lovely as you'd expect and fully welcomed me as an honorary member of their crew! 

London Fashion Week SS15

Yesterday morning, Marie and I set off early to London to attend the Meadham Kirchhoff open casting call. They'd emphasised that model looks were not required, and the queue was made up of people of all shapes and sizes. Although it was a little nerve-wracking, everybody was really friendly. We just had to have a head shot taken and then walk twice up and down a little taped-out "catwalk" to the sounds of Madonna. They gave no indication of what they're looking for, and I'm pretty certain dumpy, bespectacled girls aren't it, but it was a really fun experience to have. Something to tell the grandkids!
After a quick sushi stop, we headed over to Somerset House to check out some street style. It was the first time I'd been to Fashion Week with somebody else, and Marie was the best person to go with as she's so disdainful of fashion. Walking with her saying "I just don't get it" repeatedly was hilarious!

When I last went, a couple of years ago, I put a lot of thought into my outfit and tried to look super stylish. I soon realised that I wasn't going to compete with the ultra-fashionistas though, so this time I just threw on my trusty Primark maxi skirt and body. It might not be super swish but I blooming love this outfit! It's so bloody comfortable. 

Marie looked a bit more fancy, with her pretty 50s repro dress and matching hair band. I forgot about the cobbles and didn't warn her not to wear heels. Seriously guys, don't wear heels! 

This outfit is honestly the stuff of my dreams. I need that jacket in my life! 

I approached this cute girl to ask for a photo and she surprised me by knowing exactly who I was! Turns out it's Ellie of Rose and Vintage and she has the most gorgeous glasses ever!

She's also bloody beautiful and a real sweetie.

Somehow, I always seem to be in the same place at the same time as Zoe of Zoe London, but never cross paths with her. Marie actually spotted her first, and commented on how great her hair is, but I chickened out of saying hi. After passing her a couple more times, Marie pretty much forced me to approach her. Thankfully, she is absolutely lovely and didn't make me feel like an awkward weirdo. Thank you, Zoe! 

It was great fun to be back on the cobbles, and to actually experience it with somebody else this time. I'm still holding out for taking Myles one day, for his unique fashion commentary. Maybe next season...

A guide to London Fashion Week

This week I visited London Fashion Week for the second time. As you can see from my post in September, it was terrifying the first time. Luckily, it was a lot less scary when I knew what to expect. So I figured, with my overwhelming fashion week experience of... erm... two seasons behind me, I'd write up a little guide of things I have learned.

The Outfit

This is probably going to be the first thing you think of. And panic about. Though it doesn't need the panic that you might expect. Start with one question: Do you want to be street style snapped or not? Take a look at my two outfits below. The first time, I played it safe because I was nervous. The second time, I had more fun with it. You can see it's still me. I haven't become a completely different person. I've just amped it up a bit. 

Needless to say, I don't think anyone noticed me the first time. All I got was two people asking me to take a photo of themselves with their own camera. Second time, there were moments where I could barely move for people wanting to take photos. Moral of the story: If you want to be noticed, have fun! Unless you're tall, skinny and modelesque, in which case you can pretty much wear whatever you want and still get noticed!

Shoes and Bags

Somerset House is cobbled. There are a fair few steep slopes and steps. If you don't want to break an ankle, wear flats. Pretty much everybody wears flats. It doesn't matter what kind: Doc Marten's, oxfords, ballet pumps, trainers... If it doesn't have a heel, you're good to go.

As for bags, you'll probably wind up with a billion newspapers, magazines and business cards. Take a roomy bag. Preferably one with clearly defined compartments so you can quickly access your phone, business cards and so on. 

Food and Drink

There are places to eat in Somerset House but there's not a massive amount of choice and the queues are normally pretty long. I find it much easier (and cheaper) to pop into Smith's on the way to pick up some crisps and a drink. If you'd rather eat on site, there are loads of coffee shops along Strand. You have more choice leaving Somerset House and popping 3 minutes down the road.

Spotting Street Style

If you're anything like me, you're going to want to snap some street style. The hot spot for spotting style is just beyond the Strand entrance to Somerset House, where the screen is. You'll spot this place immediately because it will be swarming with people. Find a vantage point (I like to perch up on the edge of the steps) and keep your eyes open wide!

Networking

London Fashion Week is the perfect opportunity to network. I have to admit, I'm not very good at this- I'm far too socially awkward! I can assure you, though, that everybody there is really nice. They all share your interests after all, so they'll be happy to chat. Everyone you talk to, give them a business card. If you take someone's photo, give them a business card. If someone takes a photo of you, give them a business card. Just don't hand them out willy-nilly. It's a waste giving them out to people who probably won't give it a second look. 

So there we go. My little guide to fashion week. I hope it's helpful and, if you have any questions about LFW, let me know in the comments. 

London Fashion Week AW13

It's that time of the year again- London Fashion Week. After attending last season, and finding it absolutely terrifying, I was very pleased to discover that it's a lot less intimidating the second time round. 

Somerset House is so beautiful, especially in such bright sunlight. 

I spotted this girl walking over Waterloo Bridge. I loved her pastel creepers and two-tone tights.
I bumped into her later and the rest of her outfit was just as cute. I love the ombre jumper. 

Aren't these tights adorable? I love the tie dye socks too. 

What an incredible sequinned top! I love flamingo-print clothing!  

Everything about this girl is perfection- Her stunning hair, those gold cigarette pants, the tartan jacket, that hat... 

What a beauty! Incredible trousers, cute sunglasses, adorable hair and a lovely face too. Jealous, me? 

You know I love a bit (or a lot) of backcombing! This gorgeous tartan cape was a charity shop discovery. Great find! 

Polkadots! Polkadots own my heart. Especially monochrome polkadots. And particularly monochrome polkadots teamed with Converse. 

Beautiful clashing of floral prints. I love the tapestry bag and the hat is gorgeous too. 

Cobalt blue is such a key colour this season. I can't wait to embrace it myself. 

How pretty is this plait! I'll definitely be trying a classic braid when my hair's a bit longer. 

Too. Much. Fashion. Inspiration. 

I didn't stay long before my fingers succumbed to the cold and I headed home, snapping some photos of the beautiful setting sun as I crossed the bridge. 

London Fashion Week Street Style pt III

Ok, so it's time for my third- and final- installation of London Fashion Week street style. Can you believe I only went for one day? I don't even want to imagine how many photos I would have ended up with if I had been all week!

I love Hannah's 90s grungey/ No Doubt look. The bindhi and choker is a genius touch of accessorising and the vintage kimono is just stunning!

Here is Hannah again, this time snapping a photo of Kavita.

Stella's look made me think of Black Swan, but prettier. I love the contrast of the girly tulle dress with the badass black eye make up. Plus, the dress is Topshop and I love to see girls rocking the high street!

What a stylish gathering! I particularly love the bright blue dip dye hair set against the vibrant orange hat.

Some great menswear! The sunglasses are amazing and snappily matched against the shirt. Also, check out the super funky guys behind him!

Who would have thought of contrasting your hair colour with your coat? Such a striking look. Primary colour perfection!

There are really no words for this. Just fantastic! The glasses, hat and bow tie contrasted against the flamboyant coat and platform heels is certainly eye catching!

Cute, cute, cute! This is the perfect example of making sheer look chic. I'm also in huge awe of the clever top-hosiery matching skills!

I tell you what, I can't wait to see what I spot next season!

London Fashion Week Street Style pt II

Ok, time for the second installation of my London Fashion Week street style posts. Enjoy!

Why have I never thought of matching my tights to my hair before like Amber Jane? The black cherry hairband is the most adorable thing ever!

Crazy sunglasses and a great, eclectic mix of prints.

I love the Minnie Mouse buns. I've been considering doing this lately but I'm not sure how it will look on me. This has inspired me to give it a go.

More hair/accessory colour matching. Genius, I tell you!

Such a stylish couple! I love her head scarf and his jacket.

Speaking of amazing couples, I love this early-90s throwback pair.

Bizarrely, the first thing I noticed was the amazing stripy Converse. Then I spotted the William Chambers hat. Quite a show stopper!

Colour block tights were everywhere. The girl on the left has matched her bag to her jumper with abstract primary colours. Vintage perfection!

Just the prettiest top! I love the pastel colours and floral print, plus the sharp silhouette keeps it from looking too casual.

I never thought I needed an orange bowler hat... That was until I saw this!

General fashion nutrition for the eyes.

Tomorrow I'll be posting my third, and final, LFW street style post. Keep your eyes peeled!