Fashion Event: Topshop A/W 12 Preview with Vogue Presentation!

I attended the Topshop A/W 12 preview on Wednesday night in Manchester's Arndale Centre, and it was a night full of fashiony fun!!

 Along with the Champagne, Canapes and Live DJ, we also enjoyed a 20% discount and a trend presentation from Vogue's Retail Editor, Ginnie Fraser. This presentation was a great summary of all the trends that will be massive this Autumn/Winter 12 season!

Makeovers and Manicures (ohh yes!)

 

Live Music

 

Trend Presentation by Ginnie Fraser

 

 

The biggest trend that was the top of Ginnie Fraser's list was all about Proportions! Anything from contrasting proportions such as super tight skinny jeans and oversized baggy jumpers or tees; to creating dramatic and unique proportions by adding lots and lots of layers!! 

 

There was also a focus on very opulent styles. Lots of Brocade style fabrics and embellishment will be huge as a way of shaking off all of the more simpler styles that were seen during the times of the recession.

 

 

'Vogue Picks' (Opulent Trend)

'Vogue Picks' (Opulent Trend)

 

Embellishment detail

 

Leather is still majorly on the scene this A/W season too, but be prepared to see it on a whole new level, in short, skirt and even full length dress form! However, if the thought of this seems a little OTT for you though do not despair! The classic leather jacket will work just as well, although try updating yours with some studded detail for extra fashion points!

 

'Vogue Picks' (Leather Trend)

'Vogue Picks' (Leather Trend)

 

'Vogue Picks' (Leather Trend)

 





However, my favourite trend has to be the 'English Genteel' trend with lots of tweed jackets and tartan prints! It has a very grown up, smart feel to it yet it is all about femininity and working strong fabrics in a more girlie way! The key shape for this look is hourglass, so it is all about creating feminine curves (thank god!), so cinching the waist in with a belt is a must! (Peplum styles will still be around to create the hourglass shape, however, also try to create the 'peplum effect' in new and different ways via layering and cinching in at the waist for a more creative look.)

 

'Vogue Picks' (English Genteel)

'Vogue Picks' (English Genteel)

 

'Vogue Picks' (English Genteel)

 

'Vogue Picks' (English Genteel)

 

'Vogue Picks' (English Genteel)

'Vogue Picks' (English Genteel)

 

Ginnie Fraser was rocking this amazing trend herself at the event, in some fabulous tartan pants and also one of the hottest colours for the season- khaki green. The colour pallette for A/W 12 are classic autumnal shades like the aforementioned khaki as well as deep plums and aubergines (yum yum!) 

 

Vogue's Retail Editor Ginnie Fraser with one of her A/W 12 trend picks (hearting the tartan pants!)

 

 

Vogues footwear picks!

 

 

The ankle boot is definitely set to stay all season, which I love love love! (Practical, Comfy and stylish- - - what's not to love??) However, to really nail this look, get a pair with some added detail such as buckles and studs. I am loving the Khaki green boot pictured above which nails two trends at once! Fab!!

 

And to finish up beauty.... 

 

 



In a nutshell, this season is all about the eyes! And the key word is BRIGHT! Have loads of fun with electric blue and other stand out shades to make your peepers pop! Mix it up and slick a bright eyeshadow onto your lashes for an interesting take on the trend! 

 

Louise Gray for Topshop also launched yesterday with a 6 piece clothing range AND a 12 piece make-up range! The British born designer who received Fashion Forward sponsopship this year says of her collection:

 

"My idea was to design for the Topshop girl a range that was young and fun, similar to both the fashion and make up I wear already. I want her to experiment with the product, be daring an enjoy it!"

 

It is safe to say it would be hard not to be daring with this collection and it is certainly lots of fun! The make-up range encapsulates the bright trend perfectly with vivid blue shades and plenty of glitter! Glitter nails are set to be big news too, which is a more wearable way to rock this look.   

 

Louise Gray for Topshop is now available in Topshop stores and online

 

If this isn't the look for you, then the other way to go is back to basics with a flawless base (primer will be your best friend this season!) and just a slick of mascara and you are good to go!

 

 

All that is left to say now is Bravo Topshop for pulling off a fantastic event! And bring on the A/W season and a fabulous new wardrobe!!

 

 

As always I'd love to hear your thoughts! What trend caught your eye? Or will there be any that you will be steering clear of?

 

Lots of love Fallowers,

 

Ciao!

 

Xxx 

 

 

 



Confessions of a Bad Blogger!

Ok, so I have been a very bad blogger indeed and have not posted for over a month!!

The reason for my absence was work commitments, which is a flimsy excuse I know but nevertheless true! I do now, however, have a brand new part time job in none other than Debenhams! It is working on the Jon Richard jewellery concession counter, which not only means I will have plenty of fab accessories to share with you.... but I will also soon be the proud owner of a staff discount card for Debenhams AND Jon Richard!! Hello lots of new purchases!

Not only that but I am off to an exciting fashion event tonight so watch out for my next post, where I will hopefully redeem my bad blogging behaviour!

Ciao for now!

Xxx

Pastel Parade...

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I- like most Brits at the moment- am seriously over this weather!!

Unfortunately I will not be jetting off to sunnier climates this summer, nor will I be attending any unbelievable festivals where I won't mind abit of rain spoiling my view to whatever amazing band is playing, as I am absolutely Skint!! (Capital 'S' included.) Therefore the good old British weather is all I have to look forward to right now and as this is failing to deliver, I have been checking out other ways to brighten up my days!

Que my new purchases!

Now, I know I said I am skint, but I think everyone can forgive me for a teensy splurge to cheer myself up! (Plus the bag was a gift, so technically the shoes where my only purchase!!)

Pastel colours have been on the scene for a little while now. They were all over the S/S 12 catwalks in a variety of delicious shades from mint green to lavender to baby blue.

The Shoes....

I picked these up in Faith at Debenhams, and you have to admit they look good enough to eat! They not only rock the pastel trend but also tick the colour blocking trend off the list too! Despite being quite tall I adore my heels and love a shoe that stands out- and these will certainly make a statement whatever the outfit!

Shoes...Faith at Debenhams £45.00

The Bag....

As I mentioned earlier, this was a gift, bought for me by my sister- and doesn't she know me well!! I have been after a decent sized clutch bag for ages now but just didn't seem to be able to get my hands on one that I particularly liked, then hey presto in walks the sister with this beauty! I love the envelope style and the colours are not so bold that I would be limited to what outfits I could team it up with. It is an all rounder bag- as in it could smarten up a casual day time outfit yet I would not hesitate to use it for a night out of cocktails with the girls!

Bag... New Look £15.99
I have also compiled a little 'Pastel Wishlist' with some other delicious looking pieces out on the highstreet right now... Scrummy!!

1. Mint Green Studded Collar Dress Topshop, £56.00. 2. Turquoise Stone Necklace River Island, £15.00. 3. Colour-Block Bag Asos, £45.00. 4. Sandals H&M, £24.99. 5. Pink Shorts H&M, £9.99. 6. Smoke Lava Print Leggings Topshop, £20.00

Have you bought into this trend? Or have you also been spending to banish some bad-weather-summer-blues?? As always I'd love to know your thoughts!!

Ciao for now Fallowers!

Xxx

Nailed!

Ok, so this is a very special blog post- why? Because....it is my very first blog post from my brand new shiny iPhone! That's right I have joined the brigade and picked up my new BFF yesterday after waiting what felt like forevvvver for an upgrade!

It has lived up to all expectations so far being a hundred times better than my old Blackberry, so it is safe to say I am one happy lady right now!

But, on with the post!

Nail art is crazy at the moment and I for one am a sucker for it! I can spend many hours (and a lot of patience) jazzing my nails up to match my outfit with an array of different varnishes and art pens! I love my nail art so much that the thought of using Nail Wraps felt like the cheats way out, however, this week I succumbed!

I was in a bit of a rush and I had some Nail Rock Wraps in my drawer for ages and decided- what the hell lets try these bad boys out and I have to say, I am more than a little impressed! They were easy to apply and much quicker than having to wait for various nail varnishes to dry! I have had them on for almost 5 days now and bar a few scuffs along the edges of the nails they look as good as when first applied! I have also received lots of compliments about them when I have been out and about which is always a bonus!


They have instructions on the packet to aid application although I suggest you cut them down as well as file and shape them as this was much quicker and had a neater finish. What do you think? Are you a fan of the stripes? Let me know and share links to any other nail wrap designs you have tried I'd love to see!

Nail Rock Designer Nail Wraps £6.50

Benefit High Brow...

Ok so I am a bit of benefit fiend! My most recent bene-purchase was this- The Benefit High Brow Pencil!

It comes in a linen-pink shade that suits all types of skin tones and is used as a highlighter pencil under the eyebrow to give the entire eye-area a lift. Its become a staple part of my make-up kit especially for a big night out! Try it out and let me know what you think!

Benefit High Brow- £14.00

Berkeley Square Lip Balms

"When true lovers meet in Mayfair so the legends tell...and a nightingale sang in Berkeley Square"

My mum recently went to Wales and came back with this little treat for me!

Chapped lips are the bain of my life so I love trying out a new lip balm and this Brand New little set from the Berkeley Square Cosmetics Company is so gentle but really effective. It has a natural base of Beeswax and Sweet Almond Oil so it glides on smoothly with no stickyness or harsh tingling some other lip-balms have. They come in two flavours- Rose Petal and Fig&Cherry. So far I have only tried out Rose Petal but it has come everywhere with me and my lips have been chap free ever since! I sometimes find that after using a lip-balm my lips become more chapped after the initial effects have worn off so I am constantly topping them up and overloading them with balm, however, I only have to apply this a couple of times a day to achieve the desired effect!

I also love the 1920's style packaging which is a unique partnership between The Berkeley Square Cosmetics Company and the Illustrated London News. The illustrations are original designs from four artists from the era whos original work appeared in publications such as The Tatler, and are used by the company to represent different flavours and fragrances of their products.

15g Singles... £3.95
Twinset... £6.95

Xxx

Vanity Case!

Oh Ebay how we love you!

I have been dying to get my hands on a really good sized vanity case for all my make-up for months as I have literally been having to use 3 different make-up bags, a drawer AND a box to house all my prods! This was getting to be a right pain in the proverbial as I was having to cart as much round with me as I could fit in my shopper and the rest was being left behind to gather dust in the drawer! Well, not anymore!! Thanks to the absolute god-send that is ebay I managed to pick up this beauty at just £19.38!

The aluminium frame and black leather makes it look really grown-up and professional- a much more fitting case for any girls beloved make-up! The handle means its easy to cart round to the boyfs so I never have to go through another 'forgotten foundation' disaster pre-party again and the inside means I can organise everything into sections so its easy to find when I am in a rush. Obviously its a little large for taking the basics about but I will be keeping hold of my old make-up bags for when I just need a few bits in my bag. I've had it for a week now and it really has made life so much easier and I still get excited when I open it up to all the beauty treats inside (a little sad I know!). It is a must-have for all beauty lovers and I suggest you get on ebay and place you bids! You won't be disappointed!

 Xxx