Fashion's Night Out

After weeks of anticipation FNO finally arrived, heralding the start of fashion week, fashionistas and celebrities alike lined the streets of London to indulge in champagne, canapés, DJ sets and lots more surprises. I clad in silver sequin tailored shorts, teamed with a crisp white shirt and black blazer complete with KG black buckle ankle boots and a vintage doctor's bag I found at a car boot sale I was ready to go! Heading down Old Bond street to see exactly what Vogue had in store for us. It's fair to say that 2012 has been a year of big things, FNO did not disappoint. The queue for McQueen was insanely huge as with Chanel, both to be expected! So I jumped into DKNY where is was quickly presented with a flute of cold champagne. There was a good dance DJ filling the store with bass heavy beats. The highlight of this store was the Butter manicures including the new matte affect nail trend. After indulging myself on two glasses I though it time to move on. At this point I released maybe I should have eaten dinner. Salvatore Ferragamo was buzzing as I walked past and had a cheeky peek inside. Positioned next to Ferragamo was the Vogue stage that would have live music performances and talks, one of particular excitement was Nicholas Kirkwood who would talk about his designs later on in the evening.

As I made my way to Dior I was stopped by a camera crew and asked to give a few words on the excitement of the evening. Of course, always happy to oblige, I thanked the press team and organisers and just how excited I am for LFW, and I may just set up tent outside Somerset House in attempt to get in or at least catch a glimpse of the creme de la creme of fashionistas!
Dior was wonderful, as to be expected, the boutique of course looking like a princess' dream. The manikins clad in Hitchcock heroine dresses and silk scarves. Yet another champagne. Anymore and I may have splurged on the tweed peplum top, how Downton can you get! So I quickly moved on to Joseph! Where I feel in love with a beautiful leather pinafore dress....damn why don't I have any money?! So to cope with the fact I may never possess it I grabbed a Joseph cocktail, sweet and juicy and beautiful garnished with fresh flowers I browsed through the autumn/winter lines (arguably my favourite season, who doesn't enjoy wrapping up with scarves and coats and I'm all over hats this season) and who should I bump into but Henry Holland, wearing fantastic red tartan ankle grazers. He too was enjoying the evening and of course the cocktails.
Burberry was next on the list, and how glad I was we went in. A fantastic band played their debut tunes as flute after flute of champagne was circulated round the well dressed masses. Oh how I long for the trench coat complete with tweed peplum detail....I'm noticing a trend here! The store was scented wonderfully with Burberry body and I hoped to catch a glance of Christopher Bailey, as I did last year but to no avail. So I shuffled on down to Jimmy Choo and Mulberry. Mulberry was of course homing the Vogue party hosted by the innovative Alexandra Shulman. The red carpet made it clear that this was a private event....bugger!!!! So I strutted towards Coach and Armani finally ending in KG where I was photographed and filmed for a South African news channel, not at all bad.

My highlights would have to be the lindyhoppers on the Hermes stage, the renovate bus into a hair salon and the thousands and thousands of shoppers dressed in their finery. For this evening the streets of London became a world class catwalk where we showed the world why we are fashion capital of the world!

Cheers to LFW and to next year!

Thanks Vogue and all who took part! It's fair to say a champagne hangover hit me the next morning!

Xoxo

Interview Clothes

There's always the dilemma when you have to go for an interview as to what to wear. You want to look smart and sophisticated yet memorable and also comfortable as you're already nervous enough. From my experience there are a few things to beware of when dressing for a professional interview.

1) Shoes, heels or not heels? If you can't walk in heels don't even bother! Boys never wear black trainers, it looks awful and always wear black socks!
2) Make sure what your wearing fits, too many people have I seen in too tight clothing or young boys in cheap shirts that don't fit which makes them look like school boys in their Dad's work stuff!
3) DO YOUR TOP BUTTON UP FOR CHRIST SAKE!
4) Jewellery should be kept to a minimum, no giant hoops or masses of noisy bangles, definitely no festival bands or heaven forbidden don't be dripping in "tribal" jewellery. I sat next to a guy once who had masses amounts of wooden beads and such like on, needless to say he didn't get a call back.
5) Make up should be minimal but make you look fresh and make it clear you take pride in your appearance.
6) IRON YOUR GOD DAMN CLOTHES!
7) Deodorant is a must but perfume and cologne to be kept light.
8) Hair: keep it neutral and out of your face. If you tend to play with your hair, tie it up! Boys, for the love of God go easy on the product, no one wants to hire a boy band reject, think Mad men rather than 5ive!
9) Boys for the love of God if you're wearing black shoes DO NOT PUT A BROWN BELT ON!
10) Think about your bag, do you want a briefcase, nice handbag or holdall? Backpacks are annoying as hell of the tube, plus you tend to look like a sixth former on a day trip out!!

So many things to think about and you're not even at the interview yet. Ladies don't be afraid of a splash of colour and gentleman that novelty tie may not be the best way to go!!

Xoxo

More Bridget Jones than Sex and the City

I think it's fair to say I have an unhealthy obsession with Sex and the City, hours and hours are spent with the girls arguing about who is who? I stand by my argument that I'm a Charlotte but others would say I'm a Carrie. Who doesn't get excited about the prospect of galavanting around New York or any city for that matter, drinking cosmopolitans, buying copious amounts of Manolos, having countless dates with the city's rich bachelors and then discussing the pros and cons of the date with the girls over breakfast! Sounds pretty good doesn't! But now after much consideration I feel I am more Bridget Jones that Carrie Bradshaw. I spend far too much time in my pyjamas, waking up fully dressed after downing cheap vodka with friends, complaining about terrible jobs and lack of dating life!
Admittedly we probably all have a Mr Big, I'm told about mine far too often and I have to say I'm not particularly happy about it, but you never know after ten years and two films it might work out? But we're probably more likely to have a Daniel Cleaver, that douche bag you just can't stay away from and are still very much hoping for Mark Darcey.
We remain unable to budget and often end up putting our foot in it. How many of us would prefer a night in with a cheap bottle of Spar wine and a giant tub of Ben and Jerry's in pyjamas than dragging our asses out to the latest hotspot in our brand new Prada to scout the bar for talent an free drinks! It's a toss up that's for sure!

It's sad to say but I'm definitely more spanks than Manolo's at the minute!

The Not So Little Princess

I've had a thought, an epiphany if you will. Remember when you were six or seven years old and mother dearest would dress you in your biggest, poofiest party dress, a dress made of satins, velvets and frills in all kinds of ice cream shades complete with huge bows. Now remember how you used to feel in that dress, oh lord how you would twirl and tackle unsuspecting boys to the ground during hour long games of kiss chase. Now if only we could bring back that feeling of innocence and overwhelming joy. Louis Vuitton has showcased a beautifu array of fairytale princess dresses complete with embellishments and frilling all presented on an all white carousel provoking images of Mary Poppins riding her magical horse through the countryside or romantic dates as the girls laugh and eat masses amounts of candy floss at the fair.

 Topshop also have a great new "Love to Party" collection in fantastic lemon yellows, powder pinks and baby blues and my personal favourite, mint green. Imagine feeling like that little girl again in your very own princess dress and you can make it all grown up with gloves, waist belts and your very own tiara.

 If grown men can play Xbox and make believe they are police cops or football managers to fantasy football teams (give me strength) then of course we can pretend, if only for a day we are beautiful princesses or fairy queens clad in our best attire as we twirl our way through the big city. When on earth did we become some cycnical, work obsessed,tax paying, binge drinking, non believing adults? A pretty dress is just what the doctor ordered. The other day I wore a 50s inspired mint green dress, complete with frilly underskirt, diamond broach and ballet pumps and I received so many compliments from people on the street and I felt great, I felt elegant and because of this I walked strong and proud....who doesn't want to feel like the Queen for a day? So I urge you all to discover your inner princess and dance around, even if only in private, you'll feel great. If this doesn't solve our economy's problems then I'll eat my powder pink silk tulle hat!

The Journey Back to District 12

Apologies for being so neglectful as of late, everything has been up in the air.
So the Easter holidays, full of chicks, chocolate eggs, hot cross buns dripping in butter and a time for family to feel obliged to come together....joy of joys!!! After spending the last twelve months in London living the "high" life it came to the time to start packing for my trip back home for the Easter holidays. Dilemma....what to pack. I've been so used to being able to head out in leather skirts, fifties dresses, fur coats and fantastic headpieces...that's London....it's fine...if anything its encouraged. Now Mablethorpe, hidden away in the deep realms of Lincolnshire is a far cry from London chic. If Mablehorpe was a wardrobe you'd find masses of hoodies with matching tracksuit bottoms, Ugg boots (well market knock offs) galore, SCRUNCHIES....I kid you not! Everything else is splashed with diamante spelling such delights as "BABE" "SEXY" "TOUCH ME"...as you can see it's not exactly "Vogue" winning territory. Now don't get me wrong, I had a wonderful childhood in Mablethorpe living by the sea in the quiet community was ideal. But at age 22 and launching myself into a fashion career I find myself a world away to the simpler ways of Mablethorpe. Packing proved difficult and decided on simple day dresses teamed with tights and boots, my trusty Trench coat, ballet pumps and my friend's "borrowed" vintage black cardigan complete with rabbit fur and beading embellishment, not the most subtle of items but I'm in love with it currently. So off I head, passing Butlins and seeing the masses of the young families getting off to enjoy their Easter holidays under the watchful eye of the red coats. I finally arrive in Mablethorpe...it's raining....fantastic.....it's cold....even better. To soften the blow a few friends from school are around and Francesca herself has ventured up from London for the weekend. We head out, having a cheeky bottle at Fran's first. We arrive in Mablethorpe onto the one street with pubs (NO CLUBS) on. As we enter the whole pub look up..... it's like a scene from "The League of Gentlemen" You could feel them sharpening their pitch forks ready to scream "Are you local?" into our frightened Chanel made up faces.
I was wearing a simple black dress with cut out details around the waist complete with gold finish coat, opaque black tights finished with a deep orange suede pump to give the outfit a pop. Well it would seem Mablethorpe wasn't quite ready for this. Fran in turn wore a brilliant pink asymmetric number complete with black Mary Jane platforms. Richard, our gay husband wore a typical chic outfit, shirt and jeans complete with chunky worker boots. So with clutches in hand we shuffled our way towards the bar. The only good thing about a night out in Mablethorpe is that a round of doubles will cost you £8!!!! The night went on and after several hours of bumping into people exclaiming "Oh you're in that London now are you...nah could never live there...too big!" it was definitely time to go home.
The week continued much in the same way. People actively stopped and stared as I wandered down the street and along the seafront. So I resided myself to the fact that Mablethorpe will never be a style beacon. That is until I head to the local COOP (I should add this is the largest chain store we have, the others being a Boots Pharmacy and the highly awaited Gregg's) I wander down the aisle, smiling to the townsfolk of my childhood and get to where I want...the magazine aisle. The May "Vogue" edition was finally out..........BREAKDOWN....SOLD OUT....how could this be? I then spent the next hour running from local newsagent to independent supermarket hunting for my copy. Who is buying "Vogue" in Mablethorpe? It took a visit to Morrison's 16miles away for me to find one....hallelujah!!!
I think it's fair to say I'm happy to be back in London and what better way to celebrate than STEPS at the O2!!!! 5,6,7,8!!! xoxo

That Chanel Advert,

This advert makes me smile every time I see it. I love the way Chanel is creating nostalgic feelings by presenting us with old Hollywood style stage performances. The colours themselves are highly decadent and suggest a uber glamour feel. It's the attention to detail, the pearl swings, the orange fizz performing a saute battu and the kick line working in perfect unison. This evokes images of Fred and Ginger dancing in ballrooms lit by moonlight or The Tiller Girls dressed in sequins in feathers. No doubt thousand of little girls around the world after watching this advert will try and recreate in a Kellogg's Blue Peter esque  finger puppet theatre. This is so much more than an advert, it's not purely trying to sell you something, it's a celebration of glamour and finesse all of which Chanel stands for. Every woman knows that a well manicured hand can lift your mood and complete an outfit. Chanel is offering you the chance to be a part of the legendary brand without breaking the bank balance. 
The music choice is genius "Little Bitty Pretty One" is so cheerful and very very catchy. Yes of course it does all remind us of the "magic" scene from Matilda but who cares?! It makes us want to sing, dance and jump around and if a nail polish can make me do that, well I'll be first in line at the counter!


xoxo

My Week of Wonder

I won't lie to you, this week has arguably been one of the best weeks of my life!!!

Starting last Saturday: I won the a competition posted in Vogue for the BAFTAS and Lancome where in which I got to take myself and a friend to the Style Suites in The Savoy Hotel, usually reserved for the nominees. We had a make over by the Lancome artists and sipped copious amounts of champagne and indulged ourselves on rich chocolates. The photographers took lots of snaps of us and we came away with a fantastic goodie bag with:

• Lancome Regenerist Night Cream
• Lancome Primer
• Lancome Eye Make-up Remover
• Lancome Dolly Eyes Mascara
• Lancome Colour Rich Lipstick

Pretty good, eh!?

Well after leaving the Lancome suite, Kasey and I decided to peak into the other suites. We had the pleasure of meeting Charles Worthington and his stylists in a mirror clad room. Next we saw the Aspreys diamond selection and the Ginge and I fell in love instantly with an Emerald Ivy piece. The suites were all individually designed and were all stunning as they faced the river and the sun shone brightly through the huge windows in each room. 

So here we have it, Ginge and I at this point are all dressed up, make up done and full of champers. So we decided to head to the American Bar. I had a vodka Martini with olive and Ginge had a raspberry concoction. We sat for an hour absorbing the atmosphere and enjoying the olive selection. Later on wondering along South Bank, dressed in fur coats, heels, dresses and sunnies; I think it's fair to say we looked like Eddy and Patsy! We fell into another bar at the BFI and enjoyed Amaretto and vanilla cocktails with brown sugar and cinnamon frosting (delicious) whilst watching people at the weekend book sale. I think it's fair to say we all know where this day is going....we were D.R.U.N.K. Happy Hour made sense, we headed across the river to Embankment to a cool little place called Opal, and hallelujah it's HAPPY HOUR! Cocktail after Cocktail, jug after jug. Miss Amanda shows up to join in the fun. We danced, we laughed, we flirted with Parisian men. Good times had by all. Wonderful day...horrendous hangover! Chocolate and a bowl of olives does not a meal make!

Sunday...pretty uneventful, hungover, ate half a box of cereal, made a roast dinner!

Monday: I attended the "Madame Tussauds Love Shack Valentines Party" in aid of the "Merlin's Magic Wand" a good night was had by all, we drank and to be honest we danced like lunes!! The tunes were good and the company better! The blush room was decorated like a 50s American Prom, balloons and floating candles in the waterfall...amazing!

Tuesday: The day all singletons hate!! Valentines Day has crept upon us again. I went to work, enjoyed observing the men on their commute home frantically run between Hotel Chocolat and the florist at London Bridge Station. In M&S I did in fact see a man pick up a cauliflower in a fit of despair. I understood his thinking it has flower in the title, I can work with that. To be honest if a man bought me a cauliflower I'd be very happy....you can't eat flowers!!! I'd make a lovely cauli cheese and snuggle down with him on the sofa, it's a win win! However, I came home to find my housemate Craig had bought me some lovely pick roses and bought wine, we made dinner together and enjoyed the delights of Bridget Jones. So I sat with a gay, eating carbs and chocolate, drinking wine, crying over Bridget Jones....Low point...nah, this way no one gets pregnant!

Wednesday: I attended a Superstar magazine in association  with London Fashion Models. A networking event held in Baku, on Sloane St. Everyone was dressed up to the nine and mingling with one and other. I met photographers, designers and models a like. The complimentary cocktails with pomegranate undertones were to die for. Luckily for me I stayed sober and make some great contacts.

Thursday: Not much happened, early night: sensibly!

Friday: LFW began and I couldn't control my joy when a photographer from Wednesday's fashion event emailed me asking me to accompany him to a show for LFW for Francesca Marotta.....but more of that to come! Squeee! After the joy that was my 1st LFW SHOW!!!!! I went to a manager's leaving party from Madame Tussauds and it was Friday, so many a drink was had!!! I found myself dancing like a maniac to a Whitney Tribute in 2 Brewers in Clapham Common surrounded by Drag Queens and the rest of the gay community. They were lapping up my Yellow brocade tulip skirted dress, under which I places a simple white silk long sleeved shirt and paired it with a black and gold Versace esque belt and high heeled buckled ankle boots. They loved it in fact, so much so that I met a director by the name of Damian Foxe and we talked for a while and he invited me to help him on a shoot.....Amazing!!! I hope I came off well, I was clearly on the wrong side of sober...that Gordan's gin will get you everytime!!

Saturday:  Lazy day, shopping with my housemates and a nice early night 

Sunday: I woke up late and had a prep day for Bertie and I would be attending "The What's On Stage, Theatre Awards" at the "Prince of Wales Theatre" so we got all dressed up, I had "Some Like it Hot" playing whilst I painted my nails aubergine with a gold glitter finish. I wore a black vintage beaded dress complete with cropped black blazer, opaque black tights teamed with VERY high maroon Miu Miu heels. We had a fantastic night and thought Sheridan Smith, Alan Davies and Jenny Eclair did a fantastic job. Drinks were had and Kimberley Walsh of Girls Aloud fame complimented my dress. She looked fantastic in a strapless red cocktails dress complete with nude sling-backs. But I was well behaved as it was a school night and headed to bed nice and early!

So that's my week, my liver and bank account hates me!! But god, it was worth it! xoxo

  

Interns Ahoy!

Dear Fellow Interners,

A lot of people of recent have been asking me just what's its like to be a intern, in particular a fashion intern. Speaking honestly I can say they are pretty difficult to come by. Following sites such as http://www.fashioninsight.co.uk/ and http://www.fashionunited.co.uk/fashion-jobs/search-results/intint These two sites have proved very useful to me, offering me a huge selection of what's really out there. Besides applying to jobs and sending numerous CVs out to anyone who utters the word fashion or internship. Blogging is a fantastic way of being noticed and even making money. People such as http://www.bryanboy.com/ has gained international fame with his hard hitting, witty and stylish approach to blogging. The same goes for http://www.thestylerookie.com/search?updated-max=2011-04-06T23%3A00%3A00-05%3A00&max-results=5 Tavi, started at the tender age of 11, she is now the editor of Style Rookie Mag and attends fashion shows all around the world. Blogging is about giving you personal view of the fashion world. You don't need photos from the front rows, as many of us don't have access to these. Instead post shots of what you like to wear/watch etc taken inspiration from Vogue's "Today I'm Wearing" and showcase you're own personal style. After starting your blog you need to showcase it, Twitter is the perfect platform to gain followers and post links to your page, so jump on the tweeting bandwagon, it's addictive and may take over your life but if you want fashion news from say NYFW within 2 mins of it happening over there, Twitter is definitely the way to go!
Once you've got the intern ship, you need to:

• Do your research, look at the company and find out the day to day running.
• Plan your outfits, you're working in fashion, people take note!
• Be careful what you say about the company online.
• Don't stop applying for other positions
• Make friends with your boss and people within the fields who could help you climb the ladder.
• NETWORK NETWORK NETWORK, go along to that event/lunch/coffee meeting etc
• Update your CV regularly with things you are learning.
• Keep a diary, to keep you organised and keep you up to date.
• Be patient, don't expect to become Anna Wintour over night!
• It's not going to be like "The Devil Wears Prada" as much as you might think/wish it would be.
• Don't neglect your friends and talk fashion all the time, they won't thank you for it.
• Go that extra mile for your boss, see what she does and plan ahead.
• Keep a sense of modesty but receive compliments when given
• Have fun, this is the most happening and exciting industry in the world!!!

There you have it, my guide of what to expect and how to get into the industry. My twitter @Cloella is regularly updated with experience and the pros of my position in a showroom agency. I myself am still looking and working towards working in publications.

Good Luck, have fun and work hard!

Cloella xoxo

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