A new love.

Pinterest. A site pointed out to us this term by a lecturer has become an immediate love of mine. Almost taken over weheartit.com in the addictive stakes, pinterest has a similar concept whereby people can 'pin' images on the web and add it to 'boards' that they create on the site. You can also 'repin' images that others have 'pinned' on the site and browse through other peoples boards and favourite images. It really is a great place for collating inspiration. Take a look HERE.

Christmas is coming...

Source: All from youtube

The power of advertising. It is amazing the way certain ads can make you feel. All of these, for me, deliver a multi-sensory experience. Particularly, I think you will agree, the Coca-cola ad which after being shown on the breaks of Saturday nights x factor managed to take up all of my twitter and facebook feeds! 

The above and a city break in London over the weekend have definitely got me in the mood for Christmas, a period I love more than any other.

Source: Various Google Images

A heavy focus within my current university project this term has been upon identifying myself as a creator. But a creator of what? This is the question that I have been tirelessly asking myself. Growing up I always knew I wanted a career within the widespread fashion industry, but only in the last year or so beginning my degree studies have I fully understood just how little this really helps me in defining my specific career choices. 

One of the tasks I am trying to get on with that will eventually be a part of my portfolio for this term is the design of a visual CV and business card/press pack. Truly deciding what it is that my self-promotion should say about me is a tricky task, especially as I am yet to really discover that myself. Finding something that truly depicts my design aesthetic as well as me as a person. With a couple of career paths in mind I'm finding it difficult to define my place in the industry, knowing where you want to be is hard enough these days without even thinking about how to get there!

That time of year

 

Sourced (In order): Asos (x5), American Apparel, Links, Urban Outfitters

It's that time of year again. My favourite time of year. Christmas. Which incidentally also means that its time to write my christmas list. As a poor poor student this is something that I have taken great pleasure in starting, given how very limited my budget has become these days. These are just a small number of things that I need in my life. Opting for a lot of black lately, I don't know if that's reflected from the grey weather we've been having here in lovely Nottingham or just the fact that I'm not feeling particularly creative when it comes to colour. Bright things never seem to feel right in the winter.
Can't wait to get home and sit in my christmassy lounge by the fire.

M Loe

So as you may or may not know, I am a fashion student desperately nursing a long term addiction to lookbook.nu. Whilst grabbing my daily fix this afternoon, I stumbled across something a little different. We're all familiar with the blogger who illustrates her looks as miffy bunnies, but this is something new I've discovered from lookbook poster M.Loe (check her out here). A recent development on her posts, she has begun to dress in the style of some of her favourite cartoon/animated characters and stick handmade features onto her face to replicate them. Just a bit of fun but really effective and picks her out from the rest of the users on there.

Lovers Rock

Source: Vogue Russia

Models: Adam Levigne and Anne Vyalitsyna

Photographer: Alix Malka

This shoot for the most recent issue of Vogue Russia, saw up and coming super-couple Adam Levigne and Anne Vyalitsyna pose for a shoot capturing the zeitgeist of classic rock: nudity teamed with sequin all in ones, blazer jackets, guitars and black and white seduction. Something I felt a little ambitious for Levigne given Maroon 5's debut album being heavily lenient in the direction of pop from what I've heard so far. However, saying that the majority of the imagery definitely captured the considered theme (some a little cliche, I felt) and   showcased the couple in a great light, both of them look amazing in the photography. I feel like they might be seen a fair amount more in this industry as time goes on, watch this space.

Milkshake Delight

Source: Fashion Gone Rogue

Not normally somebody with a soft spot for a great deal of colour when it comes to my own wardrobe preferences, this shoot by Jesse Laitinen really grabbed my attention. The brilliant sky blue compliments the candyfloss pink and create a concoction of 50s milk bars colour palettes that I was entirely drawn to. As much as I appreciate the colour contrast within the first image, the subtlety of the neutral ensembles that follow compliment the background equally as effectively although in a completely different way. The styling is tailored with a real laid back feel and is reflected throughout even the hair and make-up with the juxtaposition of slicked back and wispy frizz of her peroxide curls. A look that I wouldn't choose for myself but is absolutely captivating in this editorial and a lighter hearted edge to high end garments.

London Town

Source: All pictures are my own

One day over the summer me and a couple of my course mates Jade and Alice ventured to London town to take some street style photos for a Summer project at uni. I shall be posting these street style pictures when they are nearer to completion, but whilst we were there we also took some time out to pop into a few vintage boutiques (when in Brick Lane....) We stumbled across a newly opened vintage warehouse named Blitz, and this was vintage on a professional level. The shop was wonderfully designed and the decor was cosy and uniqe. Decked out in dark wood, with kitsch interior aspects, it was a perfect vintage haven. Although a little on the pricey side, the clothes were in exceptional condition and the variety was spectacular. I have never seen so much denim or patterned 70s shirts in all my life. I took a lot more pictures but I'm sure you'd rather check it out for yourself HERE

Week Four

My final week.

I cannot actually believe how fast the past month has gone. Although it has been exhausting undertaking this full time placement, it has been a very fulfilling experience, and a real education. I feel as though I have gained a thorough understanding of what it means to be a BA and have been given responsibility which I may not have been given in a different company. 

Athena for the final week went through one of my consumer profiles aswell as running through critical paths and range plans with me which I needed to consult with to track orders and organise the Best and Worst for this week. 

This final week was a lot of fun for me at Monsoon; I feel as if I have formed a great bond with people in several departments and in doing so have also gained some great contacts. This week I got to attend a fair in the reception/canteen area of the magnificent glass Monsoon/Accessorize building in aid of the charity that the company have set up. It was great fun as there was loads of old VM for sale, which meant I could buy some really quirky and unique pieces for the new uni house, aswell as raffles and stalls to take part in a few different activities. 

Drinks and a picnic were a lovely farewell from the team aswell as a card, I will really miss being a part of the team! I had a great experience from Monsoon and would without a doubt recommend them as a company to work for. One key thing I did learn from my internship would be that although I thoroughly enjoyed my experience and learnt so much, buying is not really the avenue that I would like to continue down. I feel that it is too business focused and logical for me and I would prefer something with more creative free rein. 

Week Three

I started the week in the Jersey department this time, so far my favourite few days at Monsoon. I was hoping to gain a little more responsibility as the longest standing intern, this proved to be right and I gradually took on more and more as this week progressed. I had to compile Best and Worst sheets, stickers and organise month’s worth of samples and lab dips.

Source: Monsoon website (These were a couple of the garments discussed in the office whilst I interned.)

Again, I was learning more and more about the role of a BA and I really enjoyed this for the reason that it really allowed me to form opinions about what sort of experience I would like to undertake next. The time I spent back in Trousers and Outerwear this week were spent doing more labels, meeting and greeting suppliers, liaising with stores to get staff feedback on product etc., carrying out trend research for SS12 product. 

I also managed to visit both the VM department and Press Office, which I really enjoyed, as I feel that although I have enjoyed my experience, I may be better off following a slightly more creative direction. The mock shops were particularly fascinating to see as I got a better understanding of how they determine VM and an insight into what the Monsoon store ‘re-vamp’ was going to look like.