Rolling in the deep

As you know, I headed down to the Big Smoke to support my classmates, friends and university.

Having to get up at the silly hour of 4.30am, and being on a coach for 4 hours in total, I definitely had comfort at the forefront of my mind, however, being a fashion student at such fashion orientated event of Graduate Fashion Week, and just generally caring what I look like (how vain), I thought turning up in my pyjamas or onesie probably wasn't ideal...

Slipping into my slinky trousers, that swished and swoshed in the wind, like the waves of the sea rippling on the sand, I hopped up into my blue-hued shoes.

I love Libertys, the store, the brand and it's ethos, and their prints. So when they collaborated with Clarks (who always make shoes so comfy!), I had to nab my hand on a pair!

I'm a big fan of wedges, which are so versatile and a staple in my eyes, and in such a vibrant colour and print, I just couldn't resist their beautiful charm.

cardigan: Hannah's wardrobe, trousers: Matalan, top: Asos, wedges: Liberty for Clarks

With these trousers having the magical power of lengthening my petite legs, I contrasted this with a simple, black and borrowed a cardigan from my housemate, which I just love the sheer panels in.

Picking out the golden tones within the trousers, I highlighted this with some gold and bronze accessories, with a new addition of lil' initial ring adorned on my pinky finger (which I can't get over how cute it is!)

ring: Topshop, earrings: Topshop, nails: Warm&Fozzie (The Muppets for OPI)

While looking through my photos as well, I got reminded of two stunning and beautifully clever pieces by Jousianne Propp from the Manchester School of Art.

I love how she's used a hard material and has layered and transformed it into something delicate and beautiful. The mix of  materials also made me lust over her jumper.

On a completely different note, I've been watching the Britiain's Got Talent final tonight and cannot believe how brilliant all the acts were on there, and I especially enjoyed all the acts that got me in stitches and have loved the increase in comedy acts. (And I just love David Walliams in general and his cheeky behaviour!)

Did any of you watch it? What did you think?

Hope you're all well,
Speak soon,
A.x

GFW

On  Tuesday 4th of June, it was the University of Northampton's time to shine at Graduate Fashion Week.

After being a away for a little while, we definitely came back with a bang, and perhaps it's me being biased, but I truly felt like the work produced from our Uni was some of the most innovative, creative and professional that was there.

Although I didn't get selected for the catwalk for GFW, I was stupidly excited for the day, to see our stand and see everyone's work on the catwalk. Waking up at the silly hour of 4.30am, we piled onto a coach and made it to Earl's Court, and I couldn't have enjoyed the day more.

Being around everyone who has been beavering away at their collections, and knowing all the stress, work, and trauma they've all been through, I felt truly proud of each of every one of my classmates and friends, and what they've achieved.

I love my class and is one of the most supportive group of people I've known, so when it came to the catwalk, we were all cheering and roaring like mad men!

The stand looked fantastic and professional, with footwear's creations that were beautiful, and textiles' prints encased in globes that were stunning, and everyone's collection looked fantastic on the runaway, but if I had to pinpoint some out, my favourite were...

Kiran Bassan's fun and free use of colour and texture...

Iyesha Whitehouse's slick, sexy and streamline use of leather...

Mia Felce's playful use of print and layering with transparacies (that would keep anyone cheerful in the rain!)...

Emma Parker's beautiful and dreamy innovative use of different textiles....

and my dear friend, Hannah Podbury, and her calming and quirky mix of knitting, sheer devore and twisting and intertwining tubes (Jellyfish!)

I sound like such a mother, but I'm so proud of everyone for the class of 2013 and so happy for all those who got to see their dreams become a reality on the catwalk.

And especially for my friend, Kiran Bassan, who won the Zandra Rhodes Textiles Award! Who truly deserved it!

GFW was amazing, there was such a buzz and atmosphere, and there were so much talent there. I especially loved De Montfort's Contour collection and The University of Lancashire's display. Definitely go check out of the amazing talent on GFW online.

Have you been keeping up with GFW? Did any particualr collections catch your eye?

What do you think of University of Northampton's work?

Hope you're all well,
Speak soon,
A.x

Good weather, good food, good friends: Let the good times roll

I know all I seem to be posting about recently is how brilliantly the weather is treating the good ol' U.K, but it's not often we get so much glorious sunshine for more than a day or two, so I'm just soaking it all in!

There's nothing I love more than swirling around in a summer dress after I've slipped on some fun and flirty wedges. 

I've had this dress in my life since I was about 15, but being quite a chubby teenager, it was always a bit of a squeeze, but after becoming happy with my body and eating habits in my young adulthood, with healthy cooking and regular exercise, I'm now always happy to zip up into this stripey number.

dress: Kate Moss for Topshop, wedges: Nine West, bag: Topshop, jacket: from Madrid

With my hair up in a playful ponytail and boxy bag in hand, I threw my trusty biker denim jacket on, precariously placed my sunnies on my head.

If all the chirpy cheerful-ness weather wasn't enough, I had my 1st BBQ of the year, which means summer has now officially commenced!

There's nothing like a platter of yummy food with the blissful sound of sizzling to your years, add in a killer drink of Pimms, it just made it complete bliss to sit in the sun and enjoy this with friends.

Pimms o'clock!

Have you guys been enjoying the sunshine and having BBQs?  What does your summer style consist of?

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Hope you're all well,
Speak soon,
A.x