2012 memories

As a fashion blogger, 2012 has been a year of growth and recognition - improving on my photography, making my acquaintance with new people, and establishing Unlimited by JK as a brand in itself. Here are some of my personal highlights... 

Hilary Rushford / Oliver Proudlock / Miami Competition / Kanye West /  Street Style
Dorset Troopers / Blogger Meets / London Fashion Week / 20th Birthday / Photo Shoots 
US Election / Brighton Fashion Week / Corfu Holiday / The i Paper party / Summer Ball
Pokesdown Documentary / Convention of the Dead / Princess Anne / Cosmo Blog Awards

(Follow the links to fall back in time!)

Love From Hetty & Dave

Cashmere slugs and leather cuckoo clocks - such things may sound like an oddity to most. However for Zoe Larkins, these curious objects are commonplace in her day-to-day life.

Zoe is the creator and designer of 'Love From Hetty & Dave', a specialist accessories label offering hand-stitched leather jewellery, along with a few other quirky crafts. More often than not, you can find her working at the back of boutique-cum-workshop in Pokesdown, Bournemouth, stitching yet another brooch or customised collar.

"Crafting is all I do," Zoe tells me, as she sews. "I literally am always making, sewing, or knitting – just anything that involves being creative. I don't think I'd do anything else. It's my hobby and my work; it's my passion.

"The thought of not creating stuff is my worst nightmare. I work all day here, then I go home and do some more work, because I love it. And if I don't do any sewing or something for just a couple of days, I feel like something is missing."

Blue Hues: blue shoes

A couple of months ago, I recall challenging myself to arrange a selection of outfits, each incorporating a mix of blue fashions. Regrettably, my personal style challenge never left first base, since I was reluctant to ever spend an hour taking photographs of myself again. (Am I silly for shooting my outfits with a completely manual lens?)
 

RIVER ISLAND SUEDE BROGUES (ALSO AVAILABLE AT ASOS)

Many blog posts later, I now feel confident enough to photograph my outfits in a third of the time, with perhaps better results. Hence I will be continuing my blue hues challenge as of next month, which will feature - among other things - two pairs of shoes that I have yet to officially feature on my blog.

CONVERSE ALL STAR HI-TOP SNEAKERS

I am still surprised by how much interest my taste in fashion receives (sometimes more than my street style photos), and as such, I hope I can offer more personal style in 2013. But unlike previous occasions, I will not make any promises - I cannot help that I prefer to be behind the camera than in front of it.

Christmas gifts and accessories

When it comes to birthdays and Christmas, my family have often found it fairly difficult to buy me gifts. Gone are the days when Power Rangers toys would keep me entertained; I am now a collector of fashion. However, buying the correct size has always been tricky. Depending on the garment and the retailer, I range from XXS to S. Therefore the items which are guaranteed to suit me regardless are accessories.

For Christmas, I was fortunate to be treated to a number of fashionable gifts, including a John Lewis leather wallet, ASOS satchel, stripy socks from Next, and yet another pair of Spitfire sunglasses. I was also gifted a fantastic book - The World's Top Fashion Blogs. Published in November this year, the book will not only be of strong interest to me personally, but also of great benefit to my dissertation.

On the street, Bristol

Spotted by the Clifton Triangle, Sara and Stephen had been been visiting the Bristol
Museum and Art Gallery. Sara wears Office boots, Topshop jeans, ASOS shirt, River
Island bag and cardigan, H&M jacket, and Zara necklace. Graphic designer Stephen
wears a Jump The Gun jacket, brogues from Office, H&M jeans, and Carhartt shirt.

Park Street, Bristol

Lowri is a legal advisor, specialising across most fields, but particularly enjoys
employment law and family law. She wears New Look shoes, Urban Outfitters
playsuit, Mulberry bag, Topshop coat, and her brooch is from a flea market.

Happy Xmas!

Happy Xmas, everybody! For reasons unknown, I haven't felt particularly Christmassy myself, however I'm very much looking forward to opening my presents tonight. While Twitter is abuzz with new iPads (albeit in the wrong colours), I'm definitely hoping for a couple of fashionable treats - perhaps some stripy socks, or maybe a new pair of shoes?

Normal blogging shall resume from tomorrow, but in the spirit of today's festivities, here is a picture of my cat, Chloe, in a Santa hat. (Although it didn't stay on her head for long!) I wish you all a wonderful day.

Miami

As a final-year journalism student, 2013 is looking to be an insanely busy year for me. However, among all my academic and journalistic responsibilities, I have been offered a massive opportunity, one which I could never have passed up.

I had to read the e-mail twice before I fully absorbed what was written. No word of a lie, Unlimited by JK is heading to Miami, where - as a reporter for Adidas NEO - I shall be meeting global superstar Justin Bieber.

Because the final details are still being arranged, I cannot tell you much about the trip at this current time. However, I can confirm I will be in Miami for the final weekend of January 2013, which is not long to wait.

I hope I can treat you all to a plethora of Miami street style upon my return, plus even more photos from the trip itself - hopefully included in those a couple of shots of and with Justin Bieber. I can imagine it will be a surreal experience indeed.

Sneak peek: Hilary Rushford photo shoot

Below is a teaser from my street style shoot with Dean Street Society's Hilary Rushford. The New York personal stylist was an absolute pleasure to photograph, and I hope my final selection of photos will reflect her charming personality.

Hilary even kindly permitted me to interview her to camera at her London home, which you will have a chance to see in early January. She was an exceptionally confident and friendly person to speak to, and I am delighted to have made her acquaintance.

(You can learn more about Hilary at www.deanstreetsociety.com)

Raincoat & Dr Martens

The one thing I genuinely dislike about the rain is how it discourages us from going outside. If I am stuck indoors, I feel I have wasted a day, even if my day has involved writing my dissertation and editing photos. I guess I don't like being confined. And now that I am back home in Surrey after three-months away at university, there is so much around me to re-visit and re-explore.

ZARA TRENCH COAT / TOPMAN SKINNY JEANS / DR MARTENS BOOTS

Of course, the solution is to wear waterproof clothing. But finding designs that are both practical and stylish was always a challenge. Zara won me over with their trench coat for the simplest of reasons - its hood. Why have a coat when you could have a raincoat?

My boots are an early Xmas present from Dr Martens, after visiting their Bristol store. The eight-eyelet Langston boots are very different to my usual style of footwear, but I am excited to take them for a stroll in Guildford this afternoon. I will review them in greater detail at a later date, perhaps in the new year.

Serge DeNimes | Oliver Proudlock, Dover Street

Oliver Proudlock is the creator of emerging fashion label 'Serge DeNimes'. The brand offers urban design in digital print t-shirts, hats, and a new line of jumpers only available at the 32 Dover Street pop-up shop. At the Serge DeNimes blogger breakfast, it was clear to observe that Oliver is extremely passionate about his brand, and as such, I wish him all the best in its continuing expansion. He wears Serge DeNimes jumper, necklace and snapback, Specsavers sunglasses, Mondaine watch, Diesel jeans, and Reebok sneakers.

(The Serge DeNimes pop-up is open until Sunday 23rd December at 32 Dover Street, Mayfair, London. Scroll down for an amazing video from the shop's launch party.)

Dahlia jewellery & Xmas blogger party

Let's play a game... How many bloggers can we fit in the Dahlia boutique? 

It came as a surprise to receive an invite to Dahlia's Xmas blogger party. The brand is very feminine, and let's face it, I am not their target consumer. However, the Dahlia team did thank me for attending, as they were keen to hear from a man's perspective.

My exploration of their cosy Carnaby boutique was limited by the hustle and bustle of at least a couple of dozen bloggers, but I came to adore Dahlia's vintage-esque dresses and cute collars. I was also particularly fond of the jewellery, which I could take a closer look at once the party had come to an end. The designs acknowledge the femininity one would typically find in jewellery, but incorporate punk-ish features, including skulls and spikes.

Paige Joanna, Bristol

Paige Calvert, blogger at 'Paige Joanna', is a final-year Illustration student at the University of Portsmouth. Of all the bloggers at #SWBXmas, I spoke with Paige the most. Fun facts - the girl has secret dance moves, and she likes to dare male fashion bloggers into drinking chilli vodka. In all seriousness though, Paige has a lovely character, as well as a true talent in illustration. She wears Topshop shoes, socks and cardigan, DSUK bag from Brand Village, Shoppalu shirt, Crown and Glory bow, and Izabel London dress.

Megan, The Briar Rose in Bristol

Twenty year old Megan McMinn is a fashion blogger at 'The Briar Rose Blog'. She is presently studying English Literature and Creative Writing at university, but is also a part-time model, having modelled for - among others - Yumi's Christmas lookbook and the Mod Dolly for Sketch Street collection. Photographed at the #SWBXmas party, she wears Dr Martens shoes, Kee Boutique dress, Romwe blouse, and Chicwish collar.

What I have learnt from bloggers

It has been a year since I was officially welcomed into the blogger community, when a friendly face named Bee plucked my shy and awkward self from the bar of a Bristol nightclub. MyStreetChic's blogger Xmas party was the first of many meet-ups to follow, from which I have gained confidence, knowledge, new friends and new perspectives.

Here are a few things I have learnt along the way...

Dr Martens, Bristol

Having missed their opening party for the US election, Dr Martens kindly invited me to their Bristol store this weekend, to take a closer look at the brand. The fashion label has expanded greatly from the traditional eight-eyelet boot that defines Dr Martens, and now features such styles as creepers, studded boots, patent leather shoes, and - my favourite - Wellington boots, which I predict will almost certainly overtake Hunter wellies as the must-have festival footwear. The brand has also collaborated with 'Craft Creative', offering free customisation workshops at their flagship stores.

Victorian gentleman, Boscombe Vintage Market

Andres, illustrator and graphic artist, came unwittingly dressed in Victorian-esque attire for the Boscombe Vintage Market. Each element of Andres' ensemble has been sourced via eBay, however he says he often buys his cravats from the vintage market.

Victorian family, Boscombe Vintage Market

Edith and mother Jessica were dressed up in keeping with Boscombe Vintage Market's recent Victorian theme. Edith wears a steampunk costume, while Jessica - who I have photographed at the market before - has sourced her outfit from charity shops.

Lulabop Victorian, Boscombe Vintage Market

Paula, from 'Lulabop', dressed in Victorian theme for the Boscombe Vintage Market.
She wears fur from France, vintage jacket, skirt and bag, plus an upcycled H&M hat.

Princess Anne, Bournemouth University

I had today the privilege of photographing HRH Princess Anne's visit to Bournemouth
University. The Princess Royal came to observe the university's many highlights and
achievements, including archaeological research, excellence in computer animation,
and the Media School's HD television studio. While the occasion itself was a fantastic
experience, I also learnt much from my mentor, Saeed Rashid, who has indirectly
swayed me into investing in Adobe Lightroom and perhaps even a new camera.

Snake in the woods

I am not normally one for impulsive spending, but when I happened upon a snakeskin print shirt during Topman's Cyber Monday flash sale, I found it impossible to walk away. My friends' reactions have been fairly consistent - "That is so you," they said. It is true I am fond of quirky garments, and this Topman shirt combines eye-catching print with my preference for smart styling. It is my new favourite piece in my autumn/winter wardrobe.

SPITFIRE SUNGLASSES / TOPMAN SHIRT / H&M TROUSERS / TOPMAN SHOES

The outfit pictured above (minus the sunglasses) is what I will be wearing to the BAMMJ charity gig tonight, where I will be singing solo for the Bournemouth crowd. Naturally, I am growing more nervous with each passing minute, but I suppose what I should be more worried about is slipping on ice en-route to the venue. If you live in Bournemouth, we are performing at Sound Circus from 8pm until 11pm. See you there?

On the street, Bournemouth

Coco is a set designer and illustrator. She describes her styles as a "twist on a classic", adding that Audrey Hepburn is a huge influence. She wears TUK creepers, Topshop dress, vintage scarf and jacket, River Island bag, Accessorize hat, and prescription sunglasses from the Gok Wan range at Specsavers - "They make everything look like the 70s."

Sci Fi inspired jewellery, Merle O'Grady S/S 13

Modestly displayed at the end of the Pop PR press day studio, Merle O'Grady's jewellery collection struck me with awe. I was captivated by the futuristic-inspired designs, crafted with metallic pearls and spikes, semi-precious jewels, and glistening Swarovski crystals.

The jewellery appeals to my fondness for science fiction, and I could already observe likeness to popular sci-fi culture, including a bracelet that resembles the exoskeletal armour of a Dalek (see final photo). O'Grady has designed each piece with earnest inspiration, and I look forward to previewing her A/W 13 collection next year.

(Merle O'Grady's S/S 13 collection is available to pre-order online.)

On the street, Boscombe

I admire the wintriness of Toon's Sherwood country jacket. The khaki wool with
windowpane pattern offers a classic outdoorsy look that is on trend this season.
Toon also wears Union shoes, DSquared² jeans, and his hat is second-hand.

On campus, Bournemouth University

Typical that the most fashionable people on campus do not even attend Bournemouth University... Tatiana (left) studies Fashion Illustration at the London College of Fashion. She wears Giuseppe Zanotti sneakers, Topshop jacket, Topshop Unique jumper, vintage vest, Cos trousers, Carharrt hat, and Ray Ban glasses. Caroline (right) studies Commercial Photography at AUCB. She too wears Giuseppe Zanotti sneakers, Zara jacket, Rick Owens shorts, top and scarf, bag by Alexander Wang, and Maison Martin Margiela blazer.

Bjørg jewellery S/S 13

There is a raw elegance in Bjørg jewllery, shaped with the three precious metals of gold, silver and bronze. The pieces are surreal in their designs, and I am left pondering over their meaning and inspiration. Perhaps that is the point. I was particularly fond of the spectacles, with gold leaf trapped within the lenses. Bjørg's collection also implements dip-dyed horsehair in neon yellow.

Edita, London

Edita is a journalist and blogger at 'Pret-A-Reporter'. Her vintage shawl is
fox fur, once belonging to her grandma. Her lipstick is Chanel, Ballet Russe.

Jane Bowler S/S 13

Jane Bowler's "Undercurrent" collection reflects an aquatic theme. A palette of blues, greens and coral hues are blended with plastic discs that resemble scales, some with a translucent or reflective quality. Studded bags, a collaborative project with Lauren Moore, add a punkish vibe. The following photos take a closer look at the details in Bowler's spring/summer collection.

On campus, Arts University College Bournemouth

Delphine is a 2nd-year Arts & Events Management student. I especially admire her
snugly wrapped H&M scarf with houndstooth pattern. Her blazer is also H&M.

On campus, Arts University College Bournemouth

Tsveta is a 3rd-year Film Production student. She wears H&M jeans, shoes from Bulgaria, coat, jumper and shirt from charity shops, and bag from a Boscombe vintage shop.

Pebble Zine, Issue 2

The début issue of Pebble Zine was a hearty success, attracting more than 2,000 readers. The positive comments, including those from my blog subscribers, meant so much to the team and I, and it spurred us on to make the next edition even better.

Clockwise from top left: Culture Jodie Packwood, Fashion Tash Salmon & Lauren Anthony,
Beauty Sophie Crockett, Features Hannah Smithson, Lifestyle Briana Millett.

For this new December/January edition, we have reduced the number of pages from 240 to 186, for a more manageable read. In contrast, our team has grown to incorporate more writers, designers, photographers and marketers. We have also included clear title pages to distinguish each magazine section, and used fewer typfaces for a more consistent style throughout the publication.

Highlights of this issue include interviews with musicians Benjamin Francis Leftwich and Ryan Keen, independent designer Jennifer Morris, and also the valiant Scott Westwood, the man who walked the length of Britain without food or money.

Furthermore, in keeping with this issue's theme of 'brothers and sisters', we also discuss the winning partnerships of famed film-makers, the Coen brothers, and twin fashion designers, 'Spijkers en Spijkers'. And since it is December, we have thrown in some Christmassy treats too.

If you fancy contributing to Pebble Zine, or if you would like to advertise in our February/March issue, please do contact us. We would love to hear from you.

(Follow @pebblezine and @pebblezinemusic on Twitter)

Interview with Joshua Castro

During the next four months, Unlimited by JK shall serve as a platform for a multimedia feature, focusing on the rise of the British menswear industry. Dylan Jones, Chair of the 2012 Menswear Committee, described menswear as a "sleeping giant", but the relatively recent addition of 'London Collections: Men' to our fashion calendar suggests that the giant has finally awoken from its slumber.

My first interview was with Joshua Castro, store manager at Wolf & Badger. The Ledbury Road and Dover Street boutiques hold a wealth of fashions from independent designers, including menswear collections by Lou Dalton, Fox Hunt Menswear and Serge DeNimes. Having been familiar with the Wolf & Badger brand for some time, it seemed a good place to officially begin this journalistic venture. You can watch my interview teaser below.