I Finally Lost My Camden Virginity.

It’s true. Despite shortly turning 21 years of age and being an avid fashion follower, I have only just visited the notoriously popular Camden Market and it certainly didn’t disappoint. The endless array of stalls, crammed in to what can only be described as a rabbit warren; bustling with hundreds of tourists and locals alike, weighed down with shopping bags and avidly hunting out the best bargains, caused great excitement for me and you can’t help but get swept up in the miraculous whirlwind that is London’s magic market land.

           The smells from the many food stands all merged in to one, tantalising your taste buds and luring you in to the grasps of the awaiting food connoisseurs, LITERALLY pushing their mouth watering treats at you with a fork. Chinese, Indian, Italian, you name it…Camden has it. For someone who loves food (I think I can definitely put myself in this category) you can sample delicacies from around the world in less than 50 footsteps. AWESOME. My boyfriend and I were drawn to “Dutch Dunkers”, small, pancake like balls topped with chocolate, nuts and strawberrys...Heaven.

Mediterranean Potatoes

Dutch Dunkers

When withdrawing my money from the cashpoint before commencing on my shopping spree, I had images of spending every penny on clothes from quirky little boutiques. Don’t get me wrong, there were plenty of them and all with rails full of unique and truly fabulous clothing, but I didn't get my purse out once. I think I was without doubt overwhelmed by the atmosphere and extreme nature of Camden town; wanting to see what was around every corner and inside every stall before finalising my purchases. I can assure you that when I next visit (hopefully I will have won the lottery by then) there is no way I will be holding back.

Jewellery Stands

Books, Books and more Books

Childrens Puppets

Hanging Hearts

I did however fall in love with a beautiful “Indian-style” shop that felt like you were entering Aladdin’s cave; it was full of skilfully detailed lanterns, cushions, candles and fabrics in rich colours with gold trimmings, that were just screaming out for me to buy them and give them a good home. I did just that in the form of some patterned, hanging elephants (random, I know).

My Favourite Indian Hideaway

Wandering around the market really got me thinking about fashion and individual style, as Camden is renowned for its unique selection of vintage, retro, gothic…in fact any style of clothing you can think of, drawing in customers with a massively creative and eccentric eye for fashion. I find it funny that we all say that style is a great way of expressing our personalities and showing off our differences, when in fact most of us are guilty at some time or another, of following the “in” trends and falling in to the trap of the massive dictatorship that is fashion.

When my boyfriend came out with the statement “Do you really have a style?” despite initially being hugely insulted, after thinking about it, I guess he was 100% right. I don’t think I could put a name to my fashion choices or put myself in a category, but personally I don’t see why anybody would want to! There are so many amazing garments out there, why limit yourself to just a few by categorically stating “I only wear vintage” or “I only shop in Topshop”. If fashion is all about expressing yourself which I truly believe it is, then don’t hold back just because it goes against everything you “usually wear”…make a statement and try something new.

Aside from Camden being an amazing day out, it opened my eyes to the importance of individuality and just being you. From now on, if I like something…no matter how “out there” and “different”, I’m buying it and wearing it with pride, as a part of me. You should do the same.

The Crown Jewels.

Autumn is one of my favourite seasons, there is something about the transition of the leaves turning from green in to shades of orange and red that excites me…Not only does it signal the coming of my birthday (highly important) but also a big change in the world of fashion; with new styles and colours hitting the runway left, right and centre.

A trend that has already caught my eye for the autumnal period…despite really only being half way through the summer (well England’s excuse for a summer anyway), is the incorporation of jewel toned colours. Nothing screams autumn like the rich shades of Emerald, Teal, Lime, Citrine and sapphire adding an elegant touch to your wardrobe and waving goodbye to the summer months in style.

It makes a nice change for the colder weather not to be weighed down with the usual shades of brown or black and for a bit of something eye catching and oozing with star quality to steal the spotlight. This trend certainly has potential and is one that everyone can adapt in their own way to be in keeping with personal style.

Gucci Fall 2011

Despite Gucci being a classic fashion power house that remains to be the name on everybody’s lips year after year, for me personally it isn’t a massive favourite. However, for Fall 2011, Giannini has excelled herself and created a 70’s time bomb exploding with rich jewel tones. The endless array of lavishly luxe, flowing fabrics, which boast a range of colours fit for royalty, mimic the elegance of the Autumn leaves falling from the trees, spiralling gracefully and weightlessly to the ground. She cleverly mixes the colours together leaving the runway models looking like forgotten treasures in the bottom of an old jewellery box.

Gucci Fall 2011

Gucci Fall 2011

Gucci is just one of many who have jumped on the jewel covered bandwagon; others include the likes of Pucci and Marc by Marc Jacobs. I am in love with this emerald green 70’s style dress, with the colour cleverly complimenting the chosen era perfectly.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Fall 2011

Pucci 2011

Pucci 2011

I have always wanted a rich Emerald green dress, it has been my dream since my first prom back in 2007 and with it still being unfulfilled, after attending numerous formal occasions…NOW is most definitely the time (and apparently green compliments red hair – so even more of a reason to splash out). Here are some highstreet favourites that will kick start your Autumn in style, in rich shades that will leave you looking and feeling a million dollars.

ASOS £40

Topshop £48

River Island £30

Topshop £38

If colour is not your thing and the prospect of being head to toe in eye catching shades fills you with fear, perhaps try experimenting with luxurious jewellery to achieve the look in a more subtle way. 

Topshop £5

There really is a shade to suit everyone, so go on, give Autumn a proper greeting and I promise you will look as good as The Crown Jewels.

Cakes AND Fashion = Bliss

Anyone who knows me knows I love a good bit of nosh and I have recently become obsessed with baking and making yummy treats for everybody; especially cupcakes – I ALWAYS get carried away with the decorating (and licking the bowl). I would say that eating sugary goods was almost as high up on the list of favourites as my love for everything fashion related. When flicking through the new season of the Elle Collections magazine I was amazed to find that the two had been combined and not only were clothes making it down the runway but astonishingly, mouth watering tiered cakes were also lighting up the catwalk…HEAVEN!

It was all thanks to designer genius Isaac Mizrahi who believes that fashion shows are not what they used to be and don’t have the entertainment and shock value that they did go back a few years, he states "I'm just having fun. And I want you to have fun when you come to my show." He certainly did not disappoint, not only did the dresses match the exquisite detailing on the cakes but he also incorporated cotton candy coloured poodles for that extra bit of show business.

      

I think you will agree that these 5 star indulgent treats certainly have the wow factor, but definitely put my cake attempts to shame...time to get practicing (maybe after a slice of cake).

Globe Trotter.

After 4 years of living in Zambia, my cousins finally arrived safely back in England this week… all be it with nowhere to live, no car and all their worldly goods crammed in to 18 suitcases. They had lots of really exciting and eye opening stories to tell from their big adventure, I even tried an African delicacy  and seeing their endless array of traditional African goods really inspired me and opened my eyes to the new native trend for fall 2011.

This season is focusing on Native American style, as well as the prairie girl look…why stop there? There are so many amazing fabrics, styles and interesting textures to explore from all over the globe and Africa certainly doesn’t disappoint.

All Items are personal and some traditionally African goods.

Travelling is so much easier nowadays and is certainly a lot more accessible than it ever used to be, thanks to Mr Easy Jet  (that is if you have the money of course, which with the current climate is a big issue). However, we potentially all have the ability to explore the world, whether it be the coves of England or Down Under in Oz and therefore, the fashion gods from above are incorporating different traditions from around the globe, in to garments on the runway.

Two brands that have been noted to be following this native idea within their latest collections, are famous double act Rodarte and the well known Chloe. Both however, taking a slightly different approach on the concept, with Rodarte looking at the more classic, pretty "House on the Prairie" look with aprons and feminine dresses; Chloe on the other hand incorporating South American influences taken from the likes of Brazil.    

Rodarte Fall 2011

Chloe Fall 2011

With another key look for the autumn being all about eccentric and over the top outfits, with clashing colours and bold patterns, it seems to me that this could indeed go hand in hand with the new native image. Perhaps taking inspirations from various places you have visited around the world and combining them to achieve the ultimate traveller look.

The world is such a big place and I am constantly picking up bits and bobs from the likes of Spain, Australia and Thailand that can be incorporated in to my daily look. Even if it’s something small like a handmade leather bag or some intricately detailed jewellery its guaranteed to spice up your outfit and give an eclectic edge to your image.

If that’s not for you then the highstreet are scattered with gorgeous items from different cultures that will easily lead you in to the Native land. I personally have my eye on trying out a poncho (and hopefully achieving the look without looking like Ugly Betty) or failing that a traditionally patterned shawl.

River Island £25

Topshop £40

Why do your memories of travelling and holidaying have to stop when you step foot off the plane in England, give the Native trend a go and be as extreme and different as you dare to be.

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

The Last Space Shuttle Landing, 2011

So my boyfriend has a MASSIVE interest in everything space related and over the last few weeks I myself have got swept up in all things stars and planets. With the launch of the last ever space shuttle recently making its final star appearance at NASA; almost everyone has been a part of the space hype…only this time the stars are not only up in the sky but, this season are appearing on the fashion runways also.

Patterns and polka dots are everywhere at the moment, being a hit with both designer and highstreet names, but this astrological print is in a galaxy of its own, shining bright and leading the way in to the “new future” trends of Autumn 2011.

Dolce and Gabbana have outshone all others, with their out of this world incorporation of stars in their Fall'11 collection. The ultra feminine designs feature sheer fabrics and long flowing dresses, contrasted with tight figure hugging body-cons, that overall created an extremely sexy, star studded show.

Colours mainly mimicked the night sky, in deep blues with twinkling white stars creating an extremely elegant, feminine look. However, as the show continued splashes of colour in shades of blue, pink and yellow produced optical interest and a heavy cosmic contrast; which when combined with the dresses created the illusion and magic of shooting stars.

Even the celebrities became starstruck with this trend and Lily Allen was seen sporting a Dolce and Gabbana number on the front cover of the August edition of ELLE magazine.

Despite the D&G dresses being my object of desire, sadly they are a little out of my league and so I have had a look around for equally stunning garments, at slightly more down to earth prices…and it was mission successful! These three beauties can all be found on the UK High street and all for under £50 ; now if that gorgeous dress doesn’t leave you starry eyed I don’t know what will. If you aren’t brave enough to go out looking like a star constellation then maybe these tights could brighten up an existing garment, or even just opt for some star encrusted jewellery. 

Either way, the sky's the limit and it’s time to leave your head in the stars.

Topshop T-Shirt £32

ASOS Dress £45

House Of Holland for River Island £8

Do The Twist.

As fashion followers The Sartorialist is a style bible that regularly occurs on our computer screens and it is certainly saved as a FAVOURITE on my own laptop. Scott Shuman, born in New York is the genius behind this creation, who over the years has built up a strong reputation within the fashion industry, to make this unique blog a success.

For those who are not yet familiar with this prestigious site, Schuman’s career consists of wandering the streets of the world, discovering new styles and telling the story of fashion through the people that know it best… REAL people with a REAL and achievable image.  Sounds like the perfect job to me!

Sometimes we forget where our main source of style inspiration comes from and that it is in fact all around us! That’s right – we all play a part in dictating trends and fads, without even realising it. For many years, fashion was controlled by the catwalk queens, who spat out gorgeous, yet TOTALLY unobtainable couture garments; that not only cost a small fortune but also pushed the boundaries of what was acceptable and in any way achievable to the average high street woman. Obviously, with the extreme nature of the industry, this is still ongoing today, giving fashion that sense of magic and sparkle however; over the last few years a new source of inspiration has pushed its way to front of house.

                                      …The High street. The likes of me and you.

That’s right, designers are now sourcing new trends directly from us normal people and so they should! With the recession and in general, NOT living in the dream world of being able to afford the likes of Chanel and Dior; we are being forced to put together outfits that combine trends from this season, last season and even garments from your mums’ wardrobe. This clash of mixing old and new gives a personal and more grounded image, representing a new face of fashion that is beginning to affect the way we think in terms of style. For once the catwalks aren’t completely controlling the nation, but we are beginning to dictate a true sense of unique style to them.

Street style is a growing trend in itself that has stemmed directly from The sartorialist craze, which without a doubt will continue to grow and shape our impression of fashion in the future, check it out for yourself at http://thesartorialist.blogspot.com/.

P.S the REAL reason why I started writing this post BEFORE I started getting carried away, was to introduce you to the fun world of The Sartorialtwist. It does exactly what it says on the tin, giving us a slightly different twist on Schuman’s original photography. It is truly BRILLIANT and again pushes the boundaries of fashion and personal style. It is WELL worth a look…enjoy <3

http://thesartorialtwist.com/

Love The Skin You Are In

“Watching you lie there in hospital, comatosed in your own little world, unaware of your family peering over you anxiously, has left me heartbroken and destroyed. Hundreds of tangled tubes and drips surrounded your frail body, caught up in a war against yourself. Your body battered and swollen, hundreds of bruises clinging to your skin like a constant reminder of your battle to survive. Victoria Beckham and Nicole Richie saluting your slimming success from the front cover of the “Heat” magazine on your bedside table, ignorant to the fact that you are a casualty of the ongoing size zero war. I brought Annabelle to see you, thought you could do with the company...not that you were aware of her being there. Seeing you two reunited again after what seems like forever highlighted your similarities; it was like staring at two dolls lined up in a toy shop, both sharing that same dazed expression, disappearing waistline and flawless fresh faced skin. It was as if you had morphed in to a life size version of Annabelle. Somehow it didn’t feel like old times, like I imagined it to be, I felt lonely, outnumbered... it was me, Annabelle and you – my own china doll.” (Extract from a written piece “When We Were Younger” by Amy Kirk)

Body Image is a touchy subject for most, both women AND men and I myself am extremely insecure when it comes to my appearance. I would love to have a smaller nose, bigger boobs and ditch the child bearing hips but, I am slowly learning that you can’t always get what you wish for; that everyone else has their own insecurities and body parts they hate or wish were different and that we have to learn to embrace what God gave us. After all, the parts we hate are often the parts others love about us!

Issues surrounding image and weight have been front of the news as of late, with all of us suckers pining over the latest celebs dainty figures, scrounging articles for the best and most successful diet rituals. Go back a year or so and the size zero debate was rife, with the leading desire for most women to be a waif of their previous self. This prospect still sickens me and luckily the world is starting to pick themselves up off the floor and embrace a more NATURAL, curvy figure – which not only looks better, but provides an image of health.

Nicole Richie sporting the size zero trend

Beyonce looking healthy AND fabulous

Despite the viscous circle of the fashion industry, FINALLY coming round to a healthier mentality, it doesn’t stop us all from wanting the perfect bikini body this summer and with the help of omega, exercise and a healthy diet that ACTUALLY contains food, it is more than definitely within our reach. Exercise doesn’t always have to be boring…personal favourites of mine include swimming, dancing, jogging and now thanks to my “pro – cyclist” boyfriend (well... pro compared to me, who struggles with a lap around the park) I’m getting back on the old push bike.

Magazines and the media are ALL OVER body image this month and in particular ELLE have included numerous articles within their July 2011 edition, teaching us the tricks of the trade when it comes to aiding the appearance of our figure… WITHOUT dieting or surgery (sounds perfect to me - HELLO CHOCOLATE).

Advice I am certainly following is putting a highlighter cream or powder around the chest area, to give the illusion of bigger boobs…and for once I can actually see that it works! A personal favourite of mine is Benefit's "High Beam" coming in at a reasonable £18.50.

High Beam - £18.50, Benefit

So ladies, that beach bod is more than achievable and we don’t even have to work too hard for it! This year I am going to try and embrace what I was given and flaunt it with confidence, you should do the same…and love the skin you are in <3