University of Salford, Graduate Fashion Week

Glasshouse

When a day trip to an unfamiliar city doesn't quite go according to plan, the only real option is to make the most of one's metropolitan surroundings. Gratefully, even on a grey and drizzly Friday, Sheffield had plenty for Paige and I to explore, from vintage shops and snazzy bars to hidden courtyards and striking modern architecture.

Among the latter was the impressive, vaulted glasshouse of Sheffield's Winter Garden, a tropical oasis of more than 2,500 plants smack in the heart of the city. Walking amongst the verdant vegetation, my coincidental get-up of a green t-shirt, leather backpack and Dr Martens boots made me feel somewhat like an intrepid adventurer beneath a jungle canopy - in which my mind naturally made stupid comparisons to the Pterodactyl enclosure of Jurassic Park. Albeit the only thing I would ever need to worry about swooping down on me in this particular greenhouse is a giant, inflatable E. Coli.

ASOS t-shirt, jeans and backpack | Dr Martens boots | Ray Ban Clubmaster sunglasses | Wristwatch c/o Skagen

MR PORTER Summer Social

It's a real pity the MR PORTER Summer Social wasn't held only a few days later, when the South of England was graced with soaring temperatures and continual sunshine. Had that been the case, I would almost definitely have taken full advantage of the designer gifts offered to MR PORTER's party guests - dressed a sunlounger with a Cleverly Laundry swim towel, pulled on pairs of Thorsun swimshorts and Garrett Leight sunglasses, then taken a plunge into The Curtain's rooftop pool. (Or is splashing about not fashion week etiquette?)

Alas, our perch on the Shoreditch skyline was a tad breezy, with black and white beach balls attempting to escape from the Moroccan-style pool and across the terrace. But beneath the shelter of a glass-covered event space, in which some of MR PORTER's favourite summer labels were showcased, no spell of wind was going to stop the fashion week regulars from winding down after a weekend of shows.

As per usual, however, I was far too focused on documenting everybody else having fun to let myself enjoy the party. For one, it's very difficult to operate a Canon 6D while cluthing a gin and tonic. Perhaps it would make a pleasant change to give myself a break one fashion week, and not attend without a camera surgically attached to my right arm. Although I think we all know that's not going to happen any time soon.