Masquerade

With thanks to Nicki of Bournemouth Vintage, I was invited to the Masked Evening Salon at the Russell-Cotes Museum, where the lines between fashion and costume were blurred in Steampunk and Venetian masquerade.

Naturally, I wore my vintage military jacket with a gold mask. My attire, like most of the outfits and costumes at the gallery, seemed appropriate for the beautiful venue. For a few moments, it felt as if I had been transported back in time.

IKKONIK VINTAGE JACKET / TOPMAN BELT / PRIMARK TROUSERS / TOPMAN SHOES

Ziggi Sparks, Boscombe Vintage Market

She must have had cool parents to name her Ziggi Sparks - genuinely. Ziggi is studying Art & Design foundation at AUCB. Her shoes and top are from charity shops, her tights are H&M, her skirt was handmade from a curtain by a friend, her bag and headscarf are from a car boot sale and jumble sale respectively, her brooch was also handmade by a friend, and her woolly cardigan is a Laura Ashley hand-me-down from her mother. (Boscombe Vintage Market returns to The Royal Arcade this coming Saturday.)

Somerset House, London

Kate, a first-year fashion student, specialises in womenswear at the London College
of Fashion. She wears Topshop shoes, Urban Outfitters skirt, vintage bag, and her
lacy top is - remarkably - vintage lingerie. Nightwear for outerwear, perhaps?

Wild Street, London

Amber's style is as colourful as her mixed professions - DJ and fashion historian.
She wears shoes from Barcelona, Topshop tights and shorts, top from an African
market in Harlem (New York), 1960s paisley housecoat from a junk shop in
Brooklyn (New York), turban from Ridley Road Market in Dalston, and her
amber brooch was a present from a friend to match her name.

Tim Walker: Story Teller

I recently read that anybody who has studied fashion or photography at university will know of and adore the works of Tim Walker. Yet while I may be excused for studying journalism, I still feel ashamed to admit I had not heard of Walker until his exhibition, 'Story Teller', debuted at Somerset House last week.

And I say "ashamed", because once I had visited the exhibition earlier this week, I fully understood why Walker is so admired - his photography is, in every respect, imaginative and beautiful. His images, which have graced the pages of Vogue and Vanity Fair, are true emblems of creativity, drawing the eye to so much more than designer labels. He builds surreal and wonderful stories, and perhaps for a few moments, the fashion is forgotten.

Boscombe Vintage Market

Jessica's printed dress from Amsterdam, along with her vibrantly-coloured,
1940s style hairdo, wowed the traders at this month's Boscombe Vintage Market.
So much so, that she was awarded the title of October's best-dressed shopper.

The i Paper party!

My BAMMJ coursemates and I were invited to The i Paper's 2nd birthday celebrations in London last night, and lo and behold, I am featured in today's paper! Pictured below is the photo of myself and Rosanna Cole, which you can also see on the i Paper Facebook page.

At the i party - I wear: Zara blazer, New Look shirt, ASOS trousers, tie from Amazon UK.
Rosanna wears: Topshop dress, bag from The Cambridge Satchel Company.

The party was a great opportunity to meet with writers and editors from The i Paper and The Independent, and it was extremely insightful to hear their wisdom for us as aspiring journalists. I may have got more from the event had I not been so merry from a glass of white wine (hence the huge smile in the above picture!), but I could not have asked for a better evening with my BAMMJ friends. Until the next event?

Adidas NEO competition

Oh look, it's my face. However, there is a legitimate reason for my mad expression... Adidas NEO are holding a competition to send two lucky bloggers to Miami! And for the first round, they want to see my "NEO face" - the face I would pull if I found out I had won this amazing opportunity. So here it is in its wide-eyed and messy-haired glory. (Although I never know half the time what expressions I am actually pulling.)

So why a trip to Miami? In collaboration with Justin Bieber, Adidas NEO have launched the 'Find My Gold Shoes' competition, by which locating the limited edition gold sneakers hidden on the internet could win you an all-expenses paid trip to Miami to meet the global superstar. Adidas NEO are thus offering two bloggers the chance to report on the whole trip and win a pair of gold sneakers for themselves. Sounds pretty sweet, don't you think?

In any case, there isn't much you can do to aid my chances of getting into the second round - that is completely down to my speechless face pictured above. But if you fancy taking part in the 'Find My Gold Shoes' competition, visit the Adidas NEO Facebook page.

(Image source: adidas.co.uk/neo)

Leutton Postle S/S 13

A frenzy of block colours, geometric shapes, fringing and Perler Beads made for fun and unconventional fashion at Leutton Postle's spring/summer showcase. Winners of 2011's Vauxhall Fashion Scout Merit Award, designer duo Sam Leutton and Jenny Postle have created a collection that fuses seemingly random pattern into beautiful design. However, the irony of the collection is that its individualistic nature could generate a new trend for zany and expressive style come 2013. At least Leutton Postle can say, "We did it first."

Bournemouth bloggers at the Benefit Boutique

I will say this now: I know zilch about beauty. I suppose that accompanying six female bloggers to the Benefit Boutique in Debenhams, Bournemouth, should have offered me some insight into the world of make-up and cosmetics, but alas it was all lost on me.

However, I must commend the Benefit Dorset team for getting in contact with Hannah in regards to yesterday's blogger meet. The boutique manager, Sophie, was very enthused to organise a special blogger event in the near future, so keep an eye on Twitter for further mention. In the meantime, I will stick to what I know best - fashion.

On campus, Bournemouth University

Features Editor for Pebble Zine and final-year BAMMJ, Joshua Saunders was very
pleased to join my League of Stylish Gentlemen. I do love the smart and autumnal
aesthetic of his outfit. He wears Next shoes, H&M chinos and wool coat (home-dyed
khaki green), Primark shirt, Topman leather tie, and River Island blazer.

Blue Hues: floral and blue

Following a healthy yet short-lived affair with the mid-season sales, I noticed that I have recently become rather fond of the colour blue. Therefore I have set myself a personal style challenge - to arrange a selection of outfits, each of which encompassing a palette
of blue hues. This week, I am incorporating ditsy floral print and brown leather.

SPITFIRE SUNGLASSES / NEXT POLO SHIRT / BEALES BELT / BEN SHERMAN CHINOS
RIVER ISLAND SATCHEL / TOPMAN SHOES / DANIEL WELLINGTON WRISTWATCH

Photographed by i Newspaper (again!)

This is the second occasion I have been photographed for the i paper. (Although I much preferred my swishier hair on the previous occasion!) I was featured on page 37 of last Saturday's edition, having been spotted for my eye-catching sneakers. I am very chuffed to have been pictured in the newspaper twice now. On Tuesday, I have a chance to meet with the journalists behind the publication, at the newspaper's 2nd birthday celebration.
 

The Royal Arcade, Boscombe

Tilly (left) and Emillie (right) are my youngest street style subjects yet. At only eleven years old, I was initally reluctant to photograph them (PCC codes of practice, etc), but after Emillie's mother asked me to take the girls' photo, it would have left them forlorn had I refused. In honesty, I thought it was sweet the girls had dressed trendy for their day at the Boscombe Vintage Market - if they keep up their enthusiasm, they will be fashionistas in no time! Tilly wears Doc Marten boots, Primark skirt, top from Lillies, necklace from a junk shop, Topshop headscarf, and Cath Kidston bag.  Emillie wears Tesco shoes, Topshop shorts, Zara jumper, and all accessories are from a vintage fair.

Japanese gentleman, London

I love Hide's styling of the dandy British eccentric; special mention to the
pinstripe trousers with contrasting polkadot cuffs. All items are from Japan.

Modelling for Specsavers Magazine

26th June, I did a spot of modelling in Bristol for Specsavers Magazine. The photo shoot was for a 'street style' feature, which you now see in the latest edition of the publication. Prescription glasses can be as much a fashion accessory as sunglasses or footwear, and after the shoot, I was very tempted to buy new frames - maybe the design I was wearing?

For my first modelling experience, it felt - as is always the case - very peculiar to be in front of the camera. But with my portrait in a glossy magazine, I won't be complaining. Except perhaps for the error in my age. (22 years old is still a long time away for me!)

On the street, Bournemouth

Johanna studies Fashion Design and Technology at AUCB. Her blue ensemble caught my eye among yesterday's shoppers, in particular her patched-up jeans. Funnily enough, I had photographed her before in November last year, although this did not click until I had uploaded these photos. She wears Converse sneakers, H&M jeans, Monki t-shirt, vintage bag from her mother, and all else is second-hand. Johanna told me most of her clothes are thrifty finds, due in part to her care and consideration for the environment. Unsurprisingly, she recently undertook an internship which involved recycling fabrics.

Tavistock Street, London

Marian Kihogo is a celebrity stylist. Her outfit is a colourful ensemble,
accessorised beautifully from head to toe. She wears shirt and trousers by
Georgia Hardinge, necklaces by Maria Francesca Pepe, Preen x Aldo shoes,
hat by Bates Hats, bag by Celine, and Oliver Peoples sunglasses.

Convention of the Dead

Earlier this week, an independent film production announced they were in desperate need of zombie extras. Hence last night, I was cast for a short scene in a hotel, and following twenty minutes in the make-up artist's chair, I joined the ranks of the living dead...

It really is crazy what a touch of make-up can achieve, although I am not sure "corpse" will become the new beauty trend any time soon. Under the spotlight, our zombified visages became ghostly and frightening. Our fresh wounds glistened, our bruises were dark and our stares were hungry.

The zombification was for comedy-horror 'Convention of the Dead', set at a science fiction convention in a Bournemouth hotel. Filming will continue for the remainder of this month, while the final movie will be released in early 2013.

You can find more zombie portraits on my Halloween Filckr page and also on Facebook. In the meantime, keep an eye out for more spooky-themed blog posts this month.

Wellington Street, London

Shelley Jones is a freelance fashion photographer and film maker, having recently
showcased her fashion film for designer Jayne Pierson at London Fashion Week.
She wears H&M shoes with Topshop socks, vintage blouse from Paris, and
her skirt and bag are from St Cyr Vintage at Camden Stables.

Ekaterina Kukhareva S/S 13

Ekaterina Kukhareva's summer collection was my favourite showcase during London Fashion Week. The Central Saint Martins graduate presented vibrant and zingy knitwear with a 1960s aesthetic. I adore the geometric patterns, and found it especially inventive that she blends knitwear with beachwear. If I were a woman, I would absolutely invest.

"I really hope the guests enjoyed the atmosphere, the music and the collection itself, of course," said Ekaterina. "I really wanted to make them feel as if they were back in 60s."

On her next collection, Ekaterina commented: "I haven't start working on the collection yet, but I have some thought for the fabric, as I tend to start working on the samples and swatch designs first. All I can say for now: there will be lots of pop-up colours."

Boscombe Vintage Market

Middlesex University student Alexandra wears shoes from Debenhams, River Island shorts, H&M jumper, New Look jacket, and bag from 'The Paper Bird' in Cornwall.

Daniel Wellington

It had been two years since I previously wore a wristwatch. A quality timepiece is the essential accessory for any man, therefore I am exceptionally pleased to have been sent this beautiful watch from Swedish watchmakers 'Daniel Wellington'. Details are key, and the Classic Sheffield is arguably the perfect finishing touch to the look I aim to achieve.

Succinctly, the Classic Sheffield is exactly what I have been looking for in a wristwatch - analogue, simplistic yet contemporary face, black leather strap, and an element of class. One could reason its design makes it the quintessential watch for the modern gentleman. As I found last week, it looks splendid against the sleeve of a dress shirt or formal jacket.

Alternatively, Daniel Wellington watches can be worn with a selection of interchangeable straps, of which the traditional choice is the classically British, striped nylon, Nato strap. The watch itself is purchasable in either a silver finish or, as I have preferred, rose gold.

Darryl G, Somerset House

Darryl G is a New York based, freelance stylist. I was awed by his Giorgio Armani
sunglasses with flip-up visors. His baseball cap is from American Apparel.

Somerset House, London

If you have read Pebble Zine, you may have seen this handsome chap amongst
our fashion pages. Tom, from Goole in East Yorkshire, is a London-based fashion
designer, but during LFW, he had been asked by a friend to escort models between
shows. I was most impressed by his gingery locks and facial hair - his moustache,
he claims, has a natural curl. He wears a Wings+Horns cardigan over a Dior shirt.

Today, I'm wearing...

You must have noticed by now that I very much love my terracotta blazer. Nominees were asked to "dress to impress" for tonight's Cosmopolitan Blog Awards, and my jacket is ever at hand to serve such a purpose. Its rich autumnal hue will guarantee I wear it more often this season.

As always, my toughest sartorial decision was whether to wear a bow tie or a neck tie. Asking around, the majority leaned towards the former, but I eventually decided on my vintage paisley tie. I am also wearing this evening a new Daniel Wellington watch, which I collected today, but more on that at a later date.

However, in all fairness, the outfit matters little this evening. I am really pleased to have been shortlisted for "best established fashion blogger", and whatever the result, I will be returning home with confidence. May the best blogger win.

Pebble Zine, Issue 1

The debut issue of Pebble is finally here, and I could not be prouder. Since I was approached to be deputy editor back in May, there has been a mixed bag of emotions, from excitement to anxiety, but months of hard work saw us publish the first issue of a brand new webzine, for which you can find a copy below.

Culture editor Nick Reilly, Features editor Joshua Saunders, Fashion editor Tazz Gault,
Beauty editor Beth price, Lifestyle editor Georgia Scarr, Music editor Sally Rose McCormack.

My published contributions to the magazine are mostly photographic, including a London Fashion Week street style feature on pages 49-61, our lingerie shoot on pages 74-87, and a natural beauty shoot on pages 220-231. But of course, do have a read through the whole magazine! We have plenty of pages in which to immerse yourself.

Our next issue will be published in two months. If you represent an independent and/or emerging brand, and you would like to advertise or even be featured in the magazine, do get in touch. All relevant contact details can be found at www.pebblezine.com.

Aisling, Somerset House

I first met (and previously photographed) Aisling at the Bloggers' Picnic in Hyde Park.
She wears Tory Burch shoes, American Apparel trousers, French Connection shirt,
By Malene Birger coat via 'Wish Want Wear', Mulberry bag, Mui Mui sunglasses,
Forever 21 necklace, and Michael Kors watch. (See her previous photos here.)