Scarlet Fever

Topshop Beauty SS'13

Its rare, that a cup of weak sugarless tea can inspire a blog post, or rather the lipstick stain upon it, but thats exactly whats happened.

After spending the past few weeks of glorious sunshine in London and some shameless sun bed sessions (forgive me alabaster skin, for I have sinned) I have found myself with what I can only describe as a surprise tan and a multitude of freckles.... And now the dismal english summer has returned I'm finding myself pulling every trick in the beauty book to hold onto my 'fresh back from holiday' glow.

Enter Chanel Rouge Allure. Shade no 97 to be precise. 

I picked this SOS shade up in Paris, back in February while running around Chanel like a child in sweet shop. It was matched perfectly to the colouring of my skin (orangey base tones) so works a treat on this little tan of mine. 

Im keeping my skin as light as possible, and sweeping a layer of dark bronzer under my cheeks, my eyes defined with mascara only and a strong brow. It means the lip colour can really pop and I look fresh and healthy, something thats always hard to do on the 7.28am from Leeds to Kings Cross.

Im heading back into London as we speak after visiting family up North (I'm a country girl don't ya know) and this week is shaping up to be pretty hectic already which I cant wait to share!

Working 9-5

I was invited up to Hobbs head office for work last tuesday, and was lucky enough to get a glimpse of the new season collection launch. Having just revealed sales growth of 11.1% to £125.1m, with a team adamant on revamping the brand,  Hobbs London autumn winter 2013 targets the modern woman with fresh tailoring, beautifully cut silk separates and a focus on exceptionally crafted leather goods.

A lot of time and consideration has gone into reevaluating the brands image and targeting towards the modern woman; formerly renowned for good quality but sometimes dowdy suiting and separates, Hobbs London now offers more directional trend led designs and minimalist silhouettes whilst still retaining more traditional wardrobe staples worn and recommended by our mothers.

Its not unusual when working for a brand to lose sight of what made you passionate about it originally (sales floor dramas, customer tantrums, the stock room in sale) and seeing what autumn winter has to offer has made me all excitable again! I love the combination of the heritage looks with a strong nod to the catwalk (androgynous outerwear and dusky pinks) and the soon to be unveiled baby blue leather tote makes me go weak at the knees.

Top of my wish list is the mannish car coat pictured and the leopard pony skin clutch. I'll wear the coat as shown with slouchy angora knits and skinny leather trousers as a nod to grunge, while the clutch will be new go to carry all, giving me the best excuse to travel light!

A collection as strong as this also provides good faith in the British high street, which sometimes I feel is dying on its knees. Injecting new blood into brands like Hobbs keeps the British design aesthetic flag flying, but ensures it is absolutely current. I mean, we don't want British heritage design becoming part of British history.

Pieces available from now, visit www.hobbs.co.uk and make your very own wish list, or visit the flagship store in Longacre, Covent Garden

Modern Day Marilyn

Numero uno on my girl crush list, aren't these photos of Michelle Williams in the new Louis Vuitton ad campaign stunning? She looks like a brooding, gothic Marilyn Monroe for AW '13/14.

This is William's first foray into fashion endorsement, if you bypass a quick stint as brand ambassador for Band of Outsiders.

While always stunning this is one of the only Louis Vuitton campaigns I've fallen head over heels for (bar L'invatation au Voyage). I think its the simplicity of the images shot by Peter Lindbergh. They suit Williams modern-sirenesque features and the new bag Capucines and W tote make the brand accessible to a new minimal modern generation less concerned with overt branding.

The Capucines Bag

The W Tote

Visit Louis Vuitton for all the stunning colour options, the campaign launches internationally across September Issues.

Marant's World

Just a little note to express my delight at seeing the first sneak peek twitter snaps of Isabel Marant wearing dress and boots from her forthcoming collaboration with H&M!

Set to launch fall this year, this is perhaps the most eagerly anticipated collection in the H&M history, running on the success from the most recent release with fellow Parisian design house Maison Martin Margiela.

With the existing mainline, and diffusion E'toile spawning multiple fashion must-haves and cult products, suede high top wedge sneakers anyone? Or embellished print jackets for easy going trans-seasonal chic, my hopes for the high street include super skinny jeans, cowboy boots, textured leather and printed chiffon blouses. J'taime!

Isabel Marant for H&M launches November 14th in selected H&M stores and online only.

mad about the boy

As well as realising when I graduate I want to pursue luxury Menswear, a friend of mine also  pointed out just how much I love wearing boys clothing (!) I guess its something I picked up whilst working for Van Mildert. My go to labels are very androgynous and to some extent maybe my everyday style. I am a walking contradiction- make up and nails, but short hair and boys tshirts.

The core of my wardrobe being ripped skinny jeans, converse (or Celine type sandals) Zoe Karssen/ T By Alexander Wang tshirts and my ever faithful leather jacket. Other key buys for me are Topshop Boutique silk shirts and shift dresses and boyfriend jeans from Zara. I know I very rarely post pictures of myself on here but as part of my return to blogging perhaps I should?

Luckily my boy meets girl look seems to be right on trend for this season so here is my wish list for spring summer 2013....

Rag and Bone boyfriend jeans, Rodarte T-Shirt, Topshop Premium Sleeveless leather biker, Charlotte Olympia dice clutch, Celine fur sandals and Nike leather Blazers. 

Actually, i was fired twice, in two weeks.

Last Thursday as part of the Topshop Talks I attended an evening with Alexandra Shulman. For those of you who don't know, -you should, she is the editor of British Vogue.

Part interview regarding her 20 year career at the helm of Vogue, part promotion for her new book Can We Still Be Friends, it was well worth the 1 1/2 hour queue outside the teeny Edited space on Regent Street, already packed with the journos and sound recording equipment. On entrance we were seated on the 2nd row and given bottles of Vita Coco and boxes of Lola's Cupcakes as well as beautiful design notebooks featuring print samples from Topshop UNIQUE SS13. It felt much more like shows and press events I've attended than a public talk.

Talking to Justin Cooke (Topshop's marketing chief if you like to put a title on him) mixed questions were fielded, met with mixed responses. I can't say that Alexandra Shulman was the most personable woman in the initial stages of the interview but warmed quickly and was very frank and honest with her opinions on young women entering the industry and highlights (and lowlights) of her career.

As an aspiring Fashion Buyer I was relieved to hear that her journey to the top was marred with less successful endeavours in finance and the music industry (hence the title of this post), and afterwards I was privileged enough to spend a few minutes discussing the industry and my career hopes with Ms Vogue herself, ending in receiving a signed copy of her book.

For the full article visit the Topshop Blog, the book Can We Still Be Friends is available nationwide and is perfect for wiling away an afternoon or blocking out the early AM commute with tales of friendship, fashion and cracking 80's reminisces.

from Paris with Love

So, this is me back in the blogging sphere. I returned from Paris at the end of this month from a mix of trade and fashion shows. Controversial as it may sound but i don't like Paris. City of romance blah blah, I don't get it, its cold, its dirty and only occasionally chic.

Putting aside my feelings on the weather the main purpose of my visit was to attend Who's Next 2013 a prêt-a-porter trade fair. Whilst the fair itself wasn't revolutionary (compared to Pitti Uomo for example its far from directional) it did confirm something I've been thinking over for a while. I want to return to Menswear.

After nigh on 3 years as a Manager in Designer Menswear retail, I've definitly picked up a trick or two and that knowledge doesn't count for nothing. Having some time to clear my head over the past few months has put that into perspective. I love womenswear, but I can keep that for the weekend, Menswear is something I know.

Also, I saw Carine Roitfeld outside of the Armani Privé show, LOVE.