London College of Fashion ' 'Your Future in Fashion' Seminar review

Yesterday I attended a seminar at the London College of Fashion called 'Your Future in Fashion'. It was for one day only, and I thought I would give a quick review about it. It was an intense but very informative day, focussing on informing students about key areas within the industry such as branding and merchandising, styling, trend forecasting and PR and media. The day was run by Toby Meadows, Fashion Business Consultant and best-selling author of 'How To Set Up and Run a fashion Label'. He was by far the best seaker of the day. He was very friendly, and encouraging but still gave very realistic advice to the students. For anyone looking for an overview of different areas of the industry that they might like to work in, this course is a great option for that initial information before making more specific choices.

I have included some pics of the school's John Prince's Street location, as well as some pics from a small exhibition they had on about innovative design with new materials and techniques.

Oscars 2012 - My Best Dressed

Hi guys! So I'm sorry I have been a bit MIA recently, but there has been so much to do! But I'm back with, of course, my breakdown of my favourite Oscar looks from this year. I thought this year was a great moment for Oscar fashion as I felt a decided movement away from your typical, Cinderella-1000-layers-of- tulle dresssing. Maybe this says something about the modern approach to red-carpet dressing, if, on the most glamorous one of them all, these stars are defining glamour and femininity as something more than just the typical 'big ballgown'? That's not to say that there wasn't fantasy, becasue that's what couture is all about, but its fantasy in a more forward-thinking way. So here we go...

 Jessica Chastain was my official best-dressed of the night. I think we all expected to see her in saccharin sweet confection, but instead she stepped out in this glorious McQueen gown. And she killed it. I love the dark glamour of this gown, but the fact that its insane gold embroidery gives it that regal elegance appropriate for a nominee to wear it what makes it the right choice for her. I love the easy but still glamorous hair and just thought this look was overall perfection.

 I think my first post ever was about Elie Saab, and you'll come to know how obsessed I am with his designs. It was from drooling over his collections on style.com (which, yes, I still do,) that I really first fell in love with fashion and the potential it holds for high-stake glamour. Mila Jovovich looked radiant in this bold asymetrical gown. I loved the red lip and that strong shoulder.

 Zuhair Murad is another designer who simply makes beautiful clothes that women look even more beautiful. Jennifer Lopez seems made for this gown, her body looks incredible (I mean, do I even need to say that) and its that dramatic, exuberant style we know and love about this multi-talented star which made this one of my faves from the night. I am a huge fan of the chic updo and love that she didn't over-do accessories. It keeps the look bold but clean, beautifully balanced by the romantic and soft shade of the dress.

 Michelle Williams in Vuitton. Such a gorgeous shade and just so innocent and sweet, but with a hint of sexy that is not vulgar or in-your-face. The tiers of beautiful chiffon are decadent but never excessive. Magical.

Finally, Gwyneth Paltrow in Tom Ford. This is not usually the type of look I like, I'm definitely more of a maximalist when it comes to fashion, but honey when Tom Ford touches something - you know it's gonna turn to gold. Or in this case, a white-hot, powerful statement that perfectly shows off Paltrow's Tracy Anderson-toned figure. I LOVE the cape. Its is so not easy to take risks on this carpet, but I think this one was sleek, chich and an overall winner.

Style Spotlight - Rachel Zoe

 Not only is Rachel Zoe, probably the most famous stylist around, she also displays her own personal taste impeccably on herself. I love her show 'The Rachel Zoe Project' - you guys should check it out, even if only for hearing the ridiculous but hilarious 'Zoe-isms'. She mixes a relaxed 70's inspired California chic, with a sharper East Coast sensibility.

This is Zoe in Marc Jacobs, I did the love the harem pant when it was having its moment, and with those killer platforms look amazing. The one thing I find quite signature to Rachel are her amazing jackets/coats/gilets. She really knows how to work outer wear to killer effect.

Simple, chic but still so dramatic. I love the olive Birkin with the black jumpsuit and chunky jewellery.

See what I mean about the amazing coats?

I love the flared jeans that Rachel works, mind you ALWAYS with a huge heel underneath to get that gorgeous line. The skinny has really doinated so much in recent years, but I think we shouldn't forget how fabulous, not to mention flattering, the 70's flare can be.

A gorgeous monochrome outfit.

I am loving these boots!

 The black ruffles are daring and sophisticated. All in all, definitely a fan of the Zoe Camp.

Style Spotlight - Kanye West

I am a huge fan both of Kanye West's style and his music. I mean, tell me you haven't got through those last minutes of a gym sesh without 'Stronger' to motivate you? I love how Kanye incorporates his innate hip-hop sensibility with a more dapper sense of style. This is a man who once said he would like to intern for Louis Vuitton and just this year debuted his very own womenwear line, at which the Olsen sisters were sitting front row. Suffice to say, he has a deep appreciation for fashion, and isn't afraid to take risks, something by now you will know I admire in people when it comes to their dresss sense.

Now, I'm usually not a fan of the 'high tops with a suit' look but I must say Kanye pulls it off. Love the white bow tie and shades- indoors.

 .

Love the LV scarf and striped blazer with jeans in a classic dark wash.

I love red statement pieces on men, either blazers as Kanye West has worn here, or red skinny jeans. Even a red v neck t-shirt with black skinny jeans could look awesome.

The colourful loafers really stand out with the basic palette of the rest of the outfit. I love how the chunky knit scarf gives it some texture though.

As I said, adore statement red pieces on men. Just something about that colour. Can't help but notice the awesome camof print LV duffel bag.

Style Spotlight - Lea Michele

This week the Style Spotlight falls on Lea Michele. Yes, I'm a Gleek, love the show. I dare you to watch an episode and not smile by then end of it. So hilarious and heartwarming. So is its main star, Lea Michele. Now she is known for taking risks on the red carpet and not being afraid to don a de la Renta with the best of them, and to go all out with colour. Which is why I love to see how her street style compares to her red carpet looks. She notably keeps it easy and breezy day-to-day, with cute shorts and jeans paired with blouses and statement bags. But her red carpets looks are kind of dying to be blogged about so I did. Enjoy! x

A pair of cute tailored shorts look sweet paired with a feminine blouse.

Sweet and simple - the printed skirt looks young and fun with a no-fuss white t-shirt.

Now I know UGGs are a touchy subject in the world of fashion, and whilst I'll admit they are not the most aesthetically pleasing shoe in the world, they are so comfortable (and yes I do own a pair). So I think Lea's outift is cute and casual, dressed up with a touch of Vuitton.

This is an adorable Jason Wu on Lea. Loving the kind of forties wave and red lip. It's a nostalgic look with a sense of modernity courtesy of the pointy heels and the American-sportswear feel of the black t-shirt top. The green clutch adds a joyful pop of colour to the  monochromatic look.

I love this bohemian red carpet look. The colours in the print are gorgeous on her.

This bright Michael Kors dress is such a brilliant colour and looks stunning. I love the simple strappy sandals, with a hint of silver to keep the look glam.

This look is from the 2010 Grammy Awards where lea wore Romona Keveza. This dress still has drama with the feathery tiers of fabric and the asymmetrical sleeve, but is youthful because of its length. The lovely stacked bangles give it extra-added oomph. Result = totally gorg.

Golden Globes 2012

Okay people, here we go with my best-dressed from the Golden Globes. I just adore awards season, and I'm so excited to blog about these amazing women, wearing these truly amazing gowns.

Who else could I begin with but Angelina Jolie? She looks breathtaking in this Atelier Versace stunner. Its is so modern and graphic with the swathe of red shooting across her collar bone, but she adds this soft femininity to it. Cray Cray, and so beautiful!

 Nicole Kidman looks gorgeous in Versace. This dress is all about the embellishment and showcasing that amazing physique.

 I cannot tell you guys how much I love Salma Hayek. I mean, how gorg is she? In Gucci she looked so sultry and glam. I must say, I loved that she had her hair down. She pulls it off as she has so much volume going on with those easy curls, and I love the hair colour. Coupled with the gold shimmer detail of the dress, she just glows.

 Charlize Theron, total red carpet crush. In Christian Dior Haute Couture she looks amazing, and I think she is a star who is never afraid to add that touch of high fashion on such a stage where the 'not-so-easy-to-please' global public will be watching. The gorgeous gathered layers cascading down the front of her gown are so dramatic, so Dior, and so Charlize. The Cartier headpiece is rather 1920's, adding that extra layer of exuberence to an already stellar look.

 Kate beckinsale is pure Hollywood glam in Roberto Cavalli. I love this colour on her, and the jewellery is so decadent. The gown has such a lightness to it and she looks ethereal.

 When I watched the actual awards show and saw Claire Danes go up to collect her Golden Globe in this J.Mendel number, I was freaking out. She looks so elegant in a simple and unfussy manner. The red lip really stands out, and the gown is anything but boring - if you take one look at all the drama going on in the back. Dreamy and sophisticated.

 Not only is Sophia Vergara hilarious, she is stunning as well. I adore her figure and in this fishtail Vera Wang gown it really is exhibited to its finest. This colour is so rich and the texture of the lower half of the dress so beautiful. It fits her perfectly. She looks a brunette Colombian Ariel. Honey, this is how all mermaids should look, lol!

 Love this feminine blush pink Gucci on Jessica Alba. The beading is what really makes the gown for me, its so intricate.

Last but not least Ms Lea Michele who, as always, is not afraid to really wow in front of those flashbulbs. She is in Marchesa and doesn't she look so amazing? There is a glamour in wearing this kind of metallic silver, and with the wavy updo and peek-a-boo deatil, she is daring, chic and everything that a young actress at the Globes should be.

Current Crushes

I adore Ralph Lauren. His preppy shirts and Rugby-inspired tops are so easy to wear and look stylish without having to try too hard. This is one shirt which I have worn so many times, especially when I have no idea what to wear.  I just throw it on with skinny jeans and either cute ballet flats or high-heeled boots and I'm good-to-go. Mr Lauren, you've saved my life countless times...

  As we all know, I love Juicy. This charm bracelet is one of my go-to's for adding a fun touch of glamour to an everyday outfit. I literally feel weird if I don't have any jewellery on. During the last exams I had, I still wore one of my other mini Juicy bracelets into the exam room, lol.

 A gentle browse through this amazing book  by Daniele Bott is enough to get your fashion fix. I mean who doesn't just freak out over Chanel?

I love to play up my eyes with my make-up, and as well as using eyeliner, the mascara has got to be perfect. I hate lashes that look spidery, and of course those nasty clumps that just make you look like one hot mess. This mascara has really worked for me, I have to apply it quite lightly to the lower lashes to avoid clumps, but they make my lashes so long and really dramatic without using falsies.