Sneak peek: Brighton Frocks fashion show

The best catwalk show I have seen yet, Brighton Frocks astounded me not only by
its fashions, but also for its theatrical glamour. Here is a sneak peek from last night's showcase. More photos to follow.

Bury Place, London

Chihiro comes from Japan. She wears Comme des Garcons shirt and shorts, trainers
from Japan, bow tie from a London menswear store, and bag by Stumper & Fielding.

Ledbury Road, London

Leon is a friend of designer Philippa Long. He couldn't tell me exactly what he was
wearing, saying he had thrown it all together: "...a little bit of this, a little bit of that."

Plan for Mondays, Bournemouth

Becky is a vintage trader for 'Plan for Mondays'. She wears a 1960s vintage dress.

Summer blue, Bournemouth University

Camilla Kay is a final-year Fashion Studies student at the Arts University College
Bournemouth, and will be showcasing her fashion film at Graduate Fashion Week.
She wears H&M straw trilby and sunglasses, Accessorize flip-flops, Jane Norman bag,
pastel dress by Johann Earl (Urban Outfitters vintage collection), and New Look belt.
One of my favourite looks so far - beautiful, quaint, perfect for summer.

Philippa Long, Notting Hill

Philippa Long is a new designer at the Wolf & Badger boutique on Ledbury Road,
London. She wears Topshop shoes, Accessorize bag, ASOS jacket, and dress from
her own latest collection. Philippa says the design is inspired by a dress she made
last year, using material she received from her grandma. (www.philippalong.com)

Today, I'm wearing...

I told myself that any birthday money I received would not be spent on house bills or university necessities; it's for me to treat myself and buy new clothes. So I did just that. Yesterday, I bought a pair of mirrored aviators and a navajo polo shirt from River Island. I very much love the mint-green colour, which is what drew my eye in the first place.

Suffice it to say, it's a good combination to be wearing today in the sunshine, so that's exactly what I'm doing. I'm also donning a pair of pinstripe UniQlo shorts and green Converse trainers. Most of my coursemates have completed their exams now, so I think we'll be hitting the beach. Again. The perks of living and studying in Bournemouth, eh?

Vintage shot glasses

These snazzy shot glasses are my second purchase from Judy's Affordable Vintage Fair.
I bought them from 'Oh My Kitsch', which stocks a selection of vintage homewares.

I was initially drawn to the OMK stall for its collection of quaint and beautiful teacups, for which I tend to have a fascination, but opted for the shot glasses instead. I'd say they are a tad more appropriate for the student lifestyle, wouldn't you agree? I love the colourful and retro pattern on the glass.

Juliette's Thread, Bournemouth

Juliette is the owner of vintage trade 'Juliette's Thread', which specialises in reworked
women's attire. She wears vintage shoes, Primark tights, and vintage 1970s dress.

Vintage Fair, Bournemouth

Amber, from Wimborne, is another girl I snapped at Judy's Affordable Vintage Fair
during its first visit to Bournemouth. She wears Underground creepers, dress from
Topshop, coat and necklace from a charity shop, and her bag is a hand-me-down.

Behind the scenes ~ AUCB fashion shoot: Part 2

Here is a further look behind the scenes of the Graduate Fashion Week photo shoot for the Arts University College Bournemouth. Headed by second-year fashion students, the shoot is part of an overall branding project for this year's GFW exhibition stand.

The location for the shoot was the downstairs bedroom of a Charminster student house, temporarily transformed into a makeshift studio. Upstairs, calico outfits were prepared by the stylists; their favourites captured on Polaroid film. The shoot itself went on into the early evening, but the photographic results were worth that time spent.

A job well done by photographer Tim Durkin, director Victoria Child, and everyone involved. I look forward to seeing the final product in print come Monday 11th June, when I will be seated for AUCB's Graduate Fashion Week showcase.

(Previous behind-the-scenes photos can be found here. Please visit the GFW website
to buy tickets for the AUCB catwalk show, 16:00, Monday 11th June, Earls Court 2.)

Vintage birthday picnic

Yesterday was my 20th birthday, and to celebrate, myself and a few friends gathered in Bournemouth's Central Gardens for a vintage themed picnic. The weather was beautiful
(I couldn't have asked for better), and I was delighted my guests did indeed dress up for the occasion. It was rather civilised for a student party, but very enjoyable all the same.
I wore a vintage military jacket from Ikkonik Vintage, plus my favourite Spitfire shades.

Spitfire sunglasses, Ikkonik Vintage jacket, Topman belt, Primark trousers, Shoe Zone boots.

It's my 20th birthday!

I am now twenty years old - isn't that something? Time has flown by, but I'm glad of it, because being a teenager was beginning to feel too young, if such a thought is possible. Now in my third decade of life's great journey, I have a lot to look forward to - my final year at university, graduation, kick-starting my career, perhaps meeting someone special, settling down, getting a cat... All wonderful stuff, eh?

Today, I am having my Wonderland tea party in Bournemouth's Central Gardens, with a vintage-esque dress code for all guests. I even bought myself teacups and saucers for the occasion. I am very excited, as you can imagine. I plan on eating lots of cake, taking a hundred photos, and strutting/dancing around in my vintage outfit, which I have been saving since the Easter weekend. I will show you some of my photographs tomorrow.

To those of my friends who are joining me today, I thank you kindly for your attendance. I hope the good weather will hold up, and that we all have a good time. To those who are unable to make it, you will be missing out on some very special Creme Egg rocky road!

(P.S. Remember, you can also follow me on Twitter: @unlimitedbyjk)

Wolf & Badger new designers party

One of the perks to being a fashion blogger - invitations to cool parties! With thanks to designer Ekaterina Kukhareva, I yesterday attended the Wolf & Badger new designers party at their Ledbury Road boutique, Notting Hill, which introduced the new luxury labels to feature at their stores for spring/summer 2012. Tasty mojitos* were a plenty, along with a flock of stylish guests, some of whom I photographed for my street style.

(*Technically, the cocktail was a "Swedish Spiced Sunset", created by 'The Lonsdale'
bar in Notting Hill. The recipe can be found here: facebook.com/BriskaUK)

Behind the scenes ~ AUCB fashion shoot: Part 1

These are the first behind-the-scenes photos from yesterday's shoot in preparation for AUCB's Graduate Fashion Week showcase. In order of appearance below, models were Josh Paul, Charlotte Rogers, Kerrie Lobb and Olivia Huntingford; make-up and hair styled by Amy George. More behind-the-scenes photos to feature soon.

Vintage Fair, Bournemouth

I photographed Helen the previous occasion Judy's Affordable Vintage Fair came to
sunny Bournemouth. Her retro fashion still catches my eye. She wears shoes from
Pokesdown vintage shop 'Clobber', shorts and headscarf from charity shops,
upcycled denim jacket from Kaotichandbag, and blouse from Beau Vintage.

Pocket Watch

I bought this watch from a jewellery stall at Judy's Affordable Vintage Fair. I believe it is meant to be worn as a necklace, although by tying the chain through a button hole in my waistcoat, I can wear it like a proper pocket watch, with the watch actually resting in my waistcoat pocket. This should always be accompanied by a vintage tie.

A Rosie Outlook, Bournemouth

Rosie, whom I first met at the MyStreetChic.com blogger party back in December, is the
blogger behind 'A Rosie Outlook', where you will find photos of her lovely vintage-esque
outfits and tales of her seaside adventures. Rosie wears Office shoes, Boohoo dress,
and Primark belt and cardigan. (Click the link in red to visit her blog!)

On campus, Arts University College Bournemouth

Maria is a third-year Illustration student, originally from Norway. She wears Converse
trainers, ASOS sunglasses and dress, Idle Minds jacket, and Seil Marschall rucksack.

On campus, Arts University College Bournemouth

Kristi's pink hair and patterned skirt caught my eye as she walked into AUCB, where she
studies Illustration. She wears Specsavers glasses, Miss Selfridge necklace, Primark
hoodie, Be Your Own Hero t-shirt, River Island bag, vintage skirt, and Topshop shoes.

18 months more

Unlimited by JK turns eighteen months old today, which would infer I am now the author of an established fashion blog. Therefore, if it is not too boring, I want to speak somewhat about how I have done so far, and also what I plan and hope for the future in terms of my career. I would love your input and advice too, which you can offer in a comment below.

Later on this month, I will be turning twenty years old, and shortly after, I will finish my second year of my journalism course at Bournemouth University. Both of these dates are meaningful in the sense it won't be long until I have to officially pursue a career. I have a few friends in the third year who are currently at this stage, finishing their dissertations and seeking employment. As such, knowing I only have a year left is fairly daunting.

Over the past year and a half, my blog has benefited my confidence and journalism, and it has provided me with something I very much enjoy doing. I generally don't get anything in return besides a sense of accomplishment, but it continues to offer me new and exciting opportunities. My eventual goal, however, is to become a nationally renowned fashion blogger, photographer and journalist - ambitious, but achievable.

But of course, it is going to take more than my blog to get me there. I have a degree to finish, an NCTJ diploma to complete, and plenty more work experience to undertake.
Contacts are useful too. I have made dozens already, though I could indeed have more.
If you know of anyone yourselves who you could put me in touch with (photographers, journalists, PR officers, etc), it would be extremely appreciated.

So all in all, I am essentially asking for another eighteen months more of good fortune and wonderful opportunities. When I graduate next year, I want to live in London (hopefully with a few BAMMJ coursemates), photograph stylish people everyday, have a paid job as a journalist, and - most importantly - continue to enjoy myself.

I hope you have enjoyed the journey so far too. Thank you for your all your support along the way. Feel free to contact me if you ever want to chat, ask me any questions, discuss any job opportunities, or even just to meet up for lunch.

(P.S. If you haven't done so already, please nominate me for "best new fashion blogger" in the Cosmopolitan Blog Awards! Nominations close on Saturday 30th June 2012.)

Bournemouth's Affordable Vintage Fair

It's back! Judy's Affordable Vintage Fair is returning to Bournemouth this Sunday at the Hotel Picadilly, packed with fashion for both the stylish lady and the dashing gentleman. This is one vintage extravaganza you do not want to miss.

Once again, I have been asked to be the resident style scout for the day. If you dress to impress, you could have your photograph taken and see it published both here and on the official Vintage Fair Facebook page. What's more, you could also receive a special goodie bag and gold medal from either myself or the Vintage Fair team.

As for what I'm going to wear, however... I'm a little bit stuck for choice at the moment. I have a very vintage outfit planned for my birthday the weekend after, but I don't want to spoil the surprise before then. I have, of course, a number of vintage ties to choose from, although not enough in my mind. I am sure I will pick up a few more at the fair.

(For more details about Judy's Affordable Vintage Fair, see vintagefair.co.uk)

Cosmopolitan Blog Awards

Hi, everyone. I hope you are enjoying your Bank Holiday weekend. I would like to ask you all a small favour, if you don't mind - that is to please nominate me for "best new fashion blogger" in this year's #CosmoBlogAwards.

Unlimited by JK is my pride and joy, and to have recognition for my blog would be amazing. With potentially hundreds of entrants, the chances of me winning are small, but I would be extremely happy to at least be shortlisted. And you can help make this happen by clicking this link and nominating me.

Likewise, if you would like me to nominate your blog in the Cosmopolitan Blog Awards, you can leave a link in a comment below, and I will go check it out.

Thank you very much!

Star Wars Day ~ Dorset Troopers feature

May the 4th be with you! Today is Star Wars Day, and to commemorate, I have had published a feature on the Star Wars themed voluntary group, Dorset Troopers, who
I photographed and interviewed at Pokesdown's Valentines Fayre back in February.

Dorset Troopers at Pokesdown Valentines Fayre.

The published version of my feature can be found in the Daily Echo newspaper, in which it has been sub-edited half to death, and includes a byline of "Troy Kent". How the names Troy and Joseph look or even sound alike is beyond me. I was pleasantly amused by my coursemate's response on Twitter (@OscarTollast): "If I was a sub-editor with a sense of humour, I'd at least change your first name to 'Clark'."

The original and full version, however, can be found beneath the below image, plus a page layout in the design of Telegraph Magazine, which I created as part of my final 2nd-year university assignment. This feature includes quotes from Dorset Troopers, PDSA pet chairity, and Julia's House children's hospice.

New journalistic alias, perhaps? Misspelt byline in the Bournemouth Daily Echo.

On campus, Arts University College Bournemouth

Carrieanne, from Weymouth, has applied for a place on the Fashion Design & Technology
course at AUCB and was waiting for her interview when I approached her. She describes
her style as feminine, but edgy. She wears New Look earrings, Urban Outfitters t-shirt,
and all else is from Topshop. The pattern on her skirt is what caught my eye first.