LFW, Shopping Haul, Interview Nerves

 London Fashion Week
Guys and Gals, keep your peepers open for my future blog posts on LFW. I've been here, there and everywhere about London this weekend and I'm super knackered (but not too tired to hit the shops...cheeky). So I'll be writing up my LFW tit bits when I have stopped having the time of my life in the big smoke and have time to sit down and think it all out. Heres a quick sneaky peek:

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Interview

In other news, I have an interview Wednesday morning for an internship in the PR department at Benetton! And its an actual proper atleast 3 month position rather than just work experience! And.... It.... Is.... PAID. These are gold dust in the fashion world, with most companies treating you like lackies rather than nurturing you as a prospective employee and bother to value your time with a wage. I am super ecstatic about the fact that it is PAID. AAAAH. Not only because it will make me seem like an actual employee, but it means I will be able to afford the £450 monthly cost of commuting from Brighton. My stretched (to say the least) overdraft will certainly breathe a sigh of relief.

There would be nothing I want more than to intern in the PR department at Benetton, because I am sooooo eager to use my degree and skills I've developed from my previous internships. Ultimately, it'll be a real foothold on the career ladder and a step towards achieving my dream of working in the industry, rather than just another period of fruitless slaving with no real reward or recognition other than another bullet point on ones CV.

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Shopping

So today I was a very bad girl. The aforementioned shopping trip resulted in some most enjoyable purchases and fun times. Also visited Republic today, sad times as it finally breathed its last and fell into administration last week. Pretty sure the Brighton store is going to close even if the chain is saved, as all of the stock is being flogged big time. Thanks to Drapers I knew it was only a matter of time but its still sad to see another British company crack under the strain. Might do a little blog post on it, as it is such a massive issue, for those wanting to make it in the industry, aswell as hardcore shoppers who have to watch their hunting ground shrink by the day.
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Anyways I digress.
Back to the enjoyable purchases:

Attitude Stone Stud Boot, £48, Miss Selfridge.
(Btw for some reason my iPhone is playing me up, hence the sideways photos. Sorry for the spin out. Damn you technology.)
I live and die in my trust white converse trainers, so to finally find some boots that fit and are on trend is a total blessing and shock. Now I can be fashionable and super comfy, its win win! They look fab with skinny jeans (my other wardrobe staple) and since theyre beige and a nice short length they will look wicked with a summer dress a la festival Kate Moss when the sun decides to grace us with its presence once more. The gold detailing, with the teeny tiny smattering of studs and spikes is so me, and adds a touch of glamour and interest. This style of dune boote were a massive hit last summer with the fash pack, so heres hoping for another glorious reign of some comfy fashionable shoes. Amen to that.
All sizes are still in stock you'll be happy to here. Both instore and online. Go Go Go!

 Bowler, £7.99. Nail Varnish £2.99
Also in my shopping back of happiness was this cute bowler hate and gold flake nail varnish both from H&M. I love love loveeeee the bowler. Whilst I certainly do not have a face for sunglasses I do have a face that suits hats. Why not make the most out of this small blessing by purchasing trendy headwear I asked myself, and thus brought myself a bowler. Abit quirky, abit Brighton, I have a feeling the bowler is gonna be big next season as a cooler alternative to other hats like the fedora and Indiana Jones style hat. The nail varnish is a big hit in the Maskell household. Especially lovely over beige and pastel shades, it really pops and has a nice combo of small and big flakes to give abit of interest. Lovellyyyyy.
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All in all, quite a budget trip (thanks to expired student discount, gift cards and staff discount) and its good to know I'll for sure get cost per wear too. Good times all round one may say.
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As I said earlier, keep your eyes and ears peeled and ready for my posts on LFW coming soon!
x

A sneak peek at my Bedside Table

Kinda like 'whats in my handbag' but with a lamp involved. Thought I would share the acutely stereotypical feminine statement that is my bedside table. I was sitting in bed last night when happened to look over and was crushed by the epiphany of just how much of a massive cliche I am. Every possible girly item is crammed onto that small surface- shiny jewellery, pretty flowers, generic Eiffel tower, shiny shiny lamp, reflective tiny boxes to keep pointless rubbish in, big fake flowers, fashion mag and of course my lifeblood, my crutch, my love.... a tin of Vaseline. Take a look see:

This explosion of girlyness is compounded by my sickeningly baby pink wallpaper which also has metallic gold patterns inscribed upon it. Just to make it that more cute. As much as I want to spit on this veritable cornucopia of cute pinkness and denounce it as both frivolous and a complete caricature of what a woman's room should be like, well I can't. Because its me. And I happen to like the colour pink, shiny things and pretty aesthetics because they make me happy and content. Like a bedazzled soft cashmere lined womb (with pretty jewellery included as standard). So there. Take that the patriarchy.

For those who also want it to look like a unicorn vomited all over their bedroom:

 the lamp was like a fiver from Dunelm Mill, The boxes are vintage cigar cases from ebay and Vivienne Westwood, the jewellery stand is from Urban Outfitters, The fake flowers were a quid each from Tiger, The coaster I stole from a swanky London bar, Necklace from New Look limited collection and the creepy eye was from Kos. The country, not the extortionately priced retail sister of H&M.

Just a note, Drapers is a super informative and interesting weekly look at fashion from an industry perspective. Essential reading for anyone wishing to get their foot in the door (eventually god willing) of this illusive and notoriously tricky sector. 

They're got some great reduced subscription offers on at the moment so take advantage!

£40 quarterly (12 issues)

£175 per year (50 issues)

£75 per year (50 issues) special student rate

Click here to subscribe and for more info.

I'm tempted to do 'whats in my handbag' but things would certainly not look as chic as my bedside table. Alas, the dirty little secret that I casually sling over my shoulder daily is not filled with rainbows and smiles, but dozens of receipts for sausage rolls, tampons, 5ps, milky way buttons, about 10 old lipglosses and what can only be described as a collected general detritus lining the bottom. I have a horrible feeling it is a combination of left over chocolate from Easter, mixed with spilt vodka, festering orange juice, candle wax and cat hair. Might steer WELL clear of that one then...

'Shit Fashion Girls Say'

Whenever I feel slightly morose about my life or perpetual lack of funds to buy shoes, there are certain things I turn to. Cats-doing-cute-things videos on youtube, scented candles, internet shopping, biscuits, Jared Leto, musicals, pampering baths and BLAH BLAH BLAH etc etc etc. The following video is one of those things that never fails to be hilarious time after time. Enjoy:

 The BN1's best bits:

'We're doing like American beauty on a yacht, but tribal... and with a fishtail braid!' >0.16<

'It looked like Forever 21 had vomited all over her' >0.26<

 'OhOhOhh she is totally the Miranda... She is SUCH a Samantha' >0.36<

(The following exchange could literally be a play by play script of many of my conversations) 

'Do I like okay?'

'So amaze'

'You look so chic right now'

'Chic'

'So Chic'

'I know right'

'Mega chic'

'It is like super chic'

>0.43<

'Totes Wang' >0.51<

'She was wearing... Uggs.' >0.59<

'I HAVE NOTHING TO WEAR!' >1.18<

'Oh my god I'm totally tweeting that' >1.33<

'Hashtag totes amaze' >1.37<

Isn't is just HILARE?! This is truly utter unbridled brilliance in youtube form- racking up more than 1.3 mil viewers, this video is a true viral classic up there with numa numa and angry looking rodent thing. It is so very funny because it manages to capture the zeitgeist and is a timely replica of those working in the industry. The fact that I can clearly see myself in so many of P'trique's witticisms and find it utterly hilarious shows how cleverly written and informed this video is. I think the people that find it the funniest are people who understand and relate to the character; people who simply disregard fashion as a ridiculous preoccupation will just nod chummily, safe in the knowledge that this just affirms their suspicions. In my, admittedly biased, opinion these people are completely missing the point at this self-conscious prod at our own psyche and 'weakness' for a good pair of heels. Its not supposed to be a critique, but a good humoured mocking of how very silly we can look when discussing the completely foul nature of the devils shoe- the ugg boot. Lets all just watch and giggle; safe in the knowledge that its nice and healthy to laugh at ones self.

# TOTES AMAZE GIRLS

Statement Jewels: Spotlight on Mawi

If you're going to be wearing jewellery, make sure its a statement piece. Big, bold accessories have been standard pop for the last few seasons, but this season is set to raise the bar of extravagance higher still:

 

I'm surprised the models at Gucci managed to stay upright on the catwalk under the weight of all that embellishment. Frida Giannini went colour-block-seventies-crazy, going for the 'fake Liz Taylor' look with huge amounts of costume jewellery completing the look perfectly. It was definitely in the top 5 collections in The BN1's opinion, see it in all its glory by clicking here. The S/S 13 collecitons were awash with heavy adornment and statement pieces; contrasting with the trend for simplicity and white shades.

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Leading the pack is the favourite of both fashion eds and stylish celebs alike; Mawi Jewellery. Launched in 2002, this British brand has gone from strength to strength. With a background in womenswear and bag design aswell as jewellery design, Mawi Keivom is one talented designer. Having lived in varied countries, the designer's work embodies the looks of cultures from across the globe, creating an interesting and ultimately unique brand. She says:
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  "I lived all over the world, and it's shaped my aesthetic. The tribal cultures [of Manipur] are very different, people wear sarongs, they wear coral and feathers in their hair. If someone didn't tell you, you might think you were in Peru or Mexico, or people would think you were an American Indian. All the statement pieces are probably secretly inspired by tribal jewellery."
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Unsurprisingly, Mawi's aesthetic is inherently oriental and tribal, with looks inspired by ancient cultures. With themes such as tigers, spikes, studs and precious bright gems running through the collections, the brand is varied, yet at the same time succinct as a whole. Jo Adams from The Guardian describes the pieces as 'Instant Heirlooms', an insightful opinion on pieces that is are very much 'of the moment' yet has the weight of jewellery that you know will stand the test of time. Taking influence from the Orient (so 2013) and also the punk scene, has created an interesting mish mash of styles which has fully enticed the fash pack (a notoriously hard collective to please).
As the brand reaches the age of double figures, its very much a time of expansion and change. This year brings handbags yet again and also collabs with shoe designer Bruno Magli makes this an exciting time for Mawi. Keivom sums up the brand perfectly: 

"I'm very much about tradition as well, it's about mixing it up with this rebellious edge." 

The BN1's Edit

And yes, you'll notice in all my posts I tend to include the prices in the image wherever I can. Because although we don't like to admit it, even the spendiest of us checks the label first. You can just imagine these pieces slung over a simple colour block shift or equally with skinnies and a cable knit. Mawi is the go to brand to conjure up effortless elegance with a fash twist. Although the brand is famous for their big hitting necklaces, one should not forget their other pieces. 

Oh Em Gee these are just perfect- understated yet with an edge. Easily paired with a multitude of looks and styles to create an outfit that fashion editors would be totes jeal of.  

The rings don't disappoint, with a choice between opulent elegance and unusual punk styles. I personally am in love with the first one, which would also be most helpful should you be mugged. 

Bracelets too mirror the style of the necklaces, and would look great alongside the standard Michael Kors watch and array of friendship bracelets.

AVERT YOUR EYES
As these shoes are the most stunning I have seen in a while. They certainly take my fancy- Jewel colours, the sheen of satin and glimmer of stones all topped off with a stiletto heel is enough to make any self confessed fashionista's heart race.

The brand's recent forray into bags is the fairy ontop of the jewel-encrustated cake. So sparkly, so chic, so 2013! They would complete any outfit, and complete my life.
Must. Not. Buy!

Being the good girl that I am, I resisted the urge to splurge, pleasing my banker by buying these looky likies from H&M's trend collection. So Mawi, they're perfect to rock with any outfit and look alot more expensive than their £12 price tag. They serve to satisfy my lust for Mawi... Just.
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The brand will be showing at London Fashion week in the exhibition hall, should any of you want a spectacle of colour, sparkle and oh-so-covetable pieces during LFW head to the Mawi stand. That is if your resolve is strong or your Wang clutch is full of dollar.

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Read all about it

# http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2005/aug/21/shopping.fashion

# http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/fashion/features/mawi-ten-years-of-spikes-studs-and-panthers-8061274.html
 # http://www.britishfashioncouncil.co.uk/designer_profile.aspx?DesignerID=214

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Buy it
# http://www.mawi.co.uk/shop.html

A x

My Style- What does one wear to a sunday carvery?!

#T G I SUNDAY!

So the day of perpetual laziness rolls around once again, and the world breathes a sigh of relief or is too busy dying of a hangover to care. In honour of my nan's birthday the family got together and we headed off to the good old carvery in search of some classic sunday grub. For once the temperature climbed above freezing and the sun even graced us with its presence; luring me out of my jeans and into a skirt. With my big comfy coat/ sleeping-bag-with-arms once again ensconced in my wardrobe, I even slung on a light jacket! And shoes in no way suitable for icy conditions! I know, I know... I live life on the edge. I digress. Pondering my wardrobe this morning, my peepers were drawn to this skirt. I don't know if it was the combination of the recent dreary weather or the intensely sugary tea my dad made me or perhaps it was my excitement at a SUNNY DAY. Whatever the cause, today was definitely a print day:

Oh Em Gee my hair is getting nice and long now :o)

 - Jacket - H&M (Divided black concept)

-T-shirt- H&M (Trend concept)

- Skirt - Topshop 

- Booties - River Island

- Necklace - Dorothy Perkins

-Bracelets - Links of London

- Ring - Tiffany

 Most of these clothes are a layover from my autumn 2012 wardrobe, so they're probably sold out in stores- bad times. H&M has had a few great seasons (improved somewhat by my staff discount) and its a great place to buy trend led looks, aswell as basics for just a snippet of your monthly pay packet.

 The skirt is definitely the focal point of this outfit, and is balanced out by the neutral basics. Equally you could pair it with a clashing print for serious fash brownie points- a great look for summer. The pencil skirt-esque shape works well with the print and is a great length for both day and night. The fact that this still looks bang on trend over a year after I brought it, is evidence enough that print is still a strong look this season. If you fancy popping the print like me here are some looks that will leave you chomping at the colour-clashing-bit:

Print-spiration

 Final Line Up at Mary Katrantzou S/S 2011- A cacophony of print and colour.

Aztec and geometry in purple hues at Mary Katrantzou A/W 2011.

Peter Pilotto S/S 2013. Violent colours and print clashing at its very best.

More lessons in how to clash print and colour at Peter Pilotto S/S 2013.

 These two labels are at the forefront of the print trend, so work it perfectly. Luckily its not hard to emulate the masters by pairing prints with easy basics like I did. Or if you're abit braver and want to colour/print clash make sure you do it with ablomb and confidence, knowing you're the height of style. Just ignore the stares of old ladies and chavs on the bus, I doubt they've read Elle this decade.

 Here's some more pics of today for your peepers:

CARB OVERLOAD. Note the three yorkshire puds- spoilt!

 

Nanny rocking the polka dots and pastel pink.

 Hannah is pleased with her mountain of whipped cream.. I mean waffle!

A x