ANYA HINDMARCH LFW SS17 RTW

Anya Hindmarch is well known to put a witty spin on her collections and that’s exactly what she did on Sunday morning at the Royal Horticultural Halls near Victoria Station. A space age colosseum formed her catwalk for her show ‘Circulus’ that was inspired by ‘close encounters of the third kind’. The models emerged from the UFO like structure wearing clean cut neoprene coats. “This season I’ve been preoccupied by the relationship between geometry and art” said Hindmarch backstage. The vast amount of tailoring and oversized pockets was proof of that. A palette of sorbet pastels was apparent on the array of duster coats that formed the collection. They varied in shape, some sleeveless, some clichéd at the waist with knotted belts, some with cut out shoulders and ruffled sleeves. Figure hugging and brightly coloured neoprene swimsuits made an appearance, paired with Anya’s trademarked silk scarves. Intricate leather geometrics adorned every item in the collection which was inspired by her circular vision. Each and every model wore thick pieces of fabric wrapped around their neck and head over slicked back ponytails, giving a modern twist on the classic alice band. Oversized boxy totes and pointed slides were paired with each longline duster coat on the catwalk – Hindmarch was overheard saying “the bags were inspired by how beautiful mathematics looks on the page” and if this collection is as much of a success as her previous one, the maths looks good.

HOW TO BE A SAVVY SHOPPER

Being a savvy shopper is more than finding bargains in the sales, it's about making the most of your money and knowing what it is you really want and really need. It's also about finding your own individual style, don't replicate someone else's - be inspired by it.

The most important thing to being a savvy shopper is 'know thy-self'. Only ever buy something that you feel confident in, otherwise you won't wear it. Always picture what you already have, will this item go with more than 5 items in your wardrobe right now? Imagine where, when and how you will wear it. Always be open to new trends, but only buy something that you love - aim for a multi-functional wardrobe that reflects your personal taste and unique lifestyle.

The most important tip is to clear out your wardrobe at least every 6 months, preferably seasonally. You're definitely not going to be wearing a turtleneck in summer or denim shorts in winter, so clear out your wardrobe and ask yourself, can I wear this again next year? If yes, put it away, but don't forget about it. This technique helps you identify what you have for this season, what you need, and most importantly, your wardrobe staples.

Basics and staples are essentially what make your wardrobe, a good pair of flattering denim jeans and a warm coat are items that will make up your everyday outfits. Basics such as camisoles are perfect for layering, especially during the winter. Core colours such as black or white are your best option.

The art of mixing high and low price points is one of the best qualities of a savvy shopper. Search for pieces that look expensive without compromising on quality - sometimes an investment is worth it. You know what it will be because you will love it, however, the best items to invest in tend to be handbags, coats, shoes and jeans.

Always be aware of current fashion trends- the 70's are huge right now. The best way to do this is to sign up to emails from your favorite stores, this way you will also get to know about promotions first.

Now you know what it is that you want, need and love - you need to make a list. Look online before you go shopping for each item, so you know which ones you like the most without impulse buying the first item you see, as you would in-store. Remember to only buy what you love.

Now for the best part, you've bought your new items and know your whole wardrobe. Take time to mix and match your outfits, add shoes, coats, bags and accessories - decide when and where you will wear these outfits. Keep practicality in mind. Create as many outfits as possible by changing one or two items, this process will also help identify any holes in your wardrobe, add those items to your next wishlist.

By following these simple steps and techniques, you will develop your own sense of style and find you have a little more extra cash to get things that you really do need.

ALEXA CHUNG IT BOOK REVIEW

I've been looking forward to getting my hands on Alexa Chung's book IT for quite some time and shamefully, I choose books by their covers and the faded pink binding made it irresistible to me. Unfortunately, it didn't quite live up to IT. Me personally, I can't seem to relate to Alexa in any way but I adore her effortless chic ways and her IT girl status makes her probably one of the coolest fashion icons in history. The best way to describe this book is that it's an autobiography/diary with the occasional 'how to look effortless and it actually be effortless' makeup/styling tips that Alexa 'spontaneously' threw together into a book in one day. It's cool and also totally uncool. The book includes a lot of random drawings that represent that grungy/dark and dirty side to her. I read it overnight, but there's something strangely alluring about it that makes me want to read it again. I love the cover, but the content just isn't to my taste, but if I were to write a book it would most definitely be pink too.

HOW TO BUILD A FASHION CV

If you don't already know, the fashion industry is one of the most competitive industries there is - which means getting that job, is a lot harder than you think. The first step to getting that all important interview is having a CV that not only showcases your experience and skills, but creating one that really stands out. It's important that your curriculum vitae reflects your personality, and shows the employer that you're the one for the job.

Nowadays, you need a CV for pretty much anything, and in my case, I'm applying to University. I am currently a fashion student, interested in applying for Fashion Journalism, so it's essential I feature all my sales experience and blogging platforms in mine. It must also be creative, reflect me as a person, and advertise the best version of myself - stressful right? Not at all. We are in a digital age and with a simple google search, for example, "curriculum vitae template" you have the world at your fingertips... however, the best ones are usually ones you have to pay for, but if spending a tenner means getting that job, it's definitely worth it.

To make your CV creative you could do anything, experiment with origami, print onto fabric, or as I did, experiment with your technical creativity. I used Etsy for a CV template from The Resume Boutique, and used this template, priced at £12.22.

The template comes equipped with a two page CV, a cover letter and a references page, along with step by step instructions. Once purchased, you receive an email with a link to download and edit in Microsoft Word, and is compatible with both PC and Mac. After that, you fill in your details, skills and experience, and you're good to go.

Make sure that you show yourself off as much as possible, and if you don't have much experience, volunteering is never frowned upon and Universities really encourage it.



ECOFASHION - TOPSHOP RECLAIM TO WEAR

Topshop now has a brand new collaboration with a difference. Topshop have worked with Orsola de Castro and Filippo Ricci, who created Reclaim To Wear as a way of using up all the beautiful fabrics left over from designer collections. The industry is constantly fast fashion, and clothes are disposed with a cost to our environment, Castro and Ricci have collaborated with Topshop and have taken the best from the past and brought it to the future.

 

 

 "We had a New York style, clean aesthetic in mind. We took ideas from the fact that we were working with a jersey factory, then got inspired by laces and meshes we found in the basement. A lot of the looks were a happy accident – we had to forget the traditional design process and got very excited by what emerged as the final pieces."

 

All images sourced - insideout.topshop.com

 

Read more here to find the lowdown on Topshop Reclaim - http://insideout.topshop.com/2015/07/topshop-reclaim-the-lowdown

SUMMER ESSENTIALS

The Classic White Shirt - Polo Ralph Lauren Kendall Cotton Shirt - £100. MYTHERESA.COM

CARVELA Kiki knee-high sandals - £100. SELFRIDGES.COM

She Made Me Crocheted Cotton Halterneck Bikini - £150. NETAPORTER.COM

Inspired by '70s silhouettes, this set includes a high-neck halter top with cool crisscross ties at the back.

Linda Farrow Black Chunky Cat Eye Sunglasses -£395. LIBERTY.CO.UK

Bring a hint of '50s glamour to your summer wardrobe. With a clean, simple aesthetic, these cat eye sunglasses are a fail safe choice.

Frame Denim Le Skinny de Jeanne Distressed Mid-Rise Jeans - £210. NETAPORTER.COM

TOPSHOP Snake-Effect Suede Shopper - £38. TOPSHOP.COM

Generously sized, throw your daily essentials in this suede snake-effect shopper.

TOPSHOP Suede Button Front A-Line Skirt - £75. TOPSHOP.COM
Up your game in this season's suede with this '70s inspired A-line skirt.

Mules for SS15

There are some hot trends right now for spring/summer '15, and mules are one of them! I've seen many online and in stores and they're a pair of shoes that I've just had to get my hands on. There are some gorgeous ones in Topshop for £68, now £30. Also, Public Desire do several different styles, starting from around £19.99.

However, today I was shopping in Primark for my basics and found a pair for a show stopping price of £14. 

They appear identical to some of those in River Island and are sold in white and black.