Lilly And The Owl.

Empirical Menswear

2011-02-16T14:46:00.000-08:00

Midi on my mind

2011-01-23T13:55:00.000-08:00

I've been keeping an eye out since last year for midi skirts to come in to stores, and now that they have I'm comparing every single one in sight, for the right one. Since we had the pleated ones a Topshop the only midi skirt we've had in has been the bright blue pleated skirt and the navy blue polka dot one (both pictured) I'll definitely be buying the polka dot skirt, probably team it with a basic grey t-shirt and wedges, maybe even a felt boater hat.

Since I've been searching around I've found loads more that I'd like to add to my wardrobe, Alexa Chung has also been sporting the midi skirt, from her collection with Madewell, if you ask my opinion her collection was great, just way way to expensive for what it was, $250.00 for a skirt come on now, i could of made 8 skirts with that much money. Anyway here's some of best ones I've found around on the Internet, i hope you'll be supporting this 50's look this spring and summer!

Rebecca Taylor

Alexa Chung, in Madewell skirt

Topshop

River Island

Primark

P.S Need these shoes!! what the hell Primark you surprise me!

Little update

2011-01-23T12:25:00.000-08:00

So here's some photo's from the shoot i did with Emily and Laura for my portfolio. Everything that Emily is wearing was made and designed by me apart from the hat (Topshop).

We did this, in the newly refurbished space, at the Custard Factory in Digbeth, Birmingham. It was a great location, initially i wanted to shoot my catastrophe garment (seen in first pictures, green wax, faux sheepskin jacket, with burgundy cord trousers) in a woodland environment, the whole project was about, an apocalypse happening and you being the only survivor. So my concept was that the survivor found a manor house to live in and hunt, giving that English countryside theme. The wax jacket, taking inspiration from Barbour, i made my own pattern and its fully lined matching the colour of the cord trousers, which i also made the pattern for.

The second garment (well not really a garment more of a head piece) was my hair project. This was entirely made for catwalk, so don't expect this ridiculous thing to be in shops soon. My theme was about the stereotype of hair and how we shouldn't necessarily judge what a person may be like from the style of their hair. Artists like Lorna Simpson really inspired me with her wall art of wigs, as if to say "how do you know that the Blonde wig doesn't belong to a man?".

The hair head piece consist of around 8 layers of hair extensions hand sewn on to hair comb grips, when i first made this, it did initially have handmade paper letters hanging from the top with words "who am i?" but unfortunately, from the previous end of year show at college, they fell off and i simply couldn't be bothered with the hassle to sew them on again and in a way, it does look better with out them and i don't have to spell out what my whole theme was, you can guess for yourselves.

Ritual Preview

2011-01-14T07:35:00.000-08:00

Just found this preview on Youtube for White Lies new album Ritual. I don't know what to make of it yet... I'm still deciding.

ALBUMS OUT 17th JANUARY

White Lies

2011-01-14T06:56:00.000-08:00

I've always been a fan of this band, Harry McVeigh (lead vocals) has a unique voice that simply gives you those tingling feelings when you here something so good. They're always being compared to Joy Division, Talking Heads and Interpol. Surprisingly enough these bands are also my favourite, so if you also like these do check White Lies out. Their first album "To loose my life" released in 2009 was a great success, leading them to festival tours and gigs in America and the U.K, but yet this band is sometimes forgotten about just like Interpol, it's a shame.

Tongues have been wagging since White Lies announced the recording of their new album "Ritual" in 2010 which is due to be released the end of January this year. Most of people doubt White Lies can produce something better than their first album and this is always a tricky one. The same thing happened with Vampire Weekend, with their second album "Contra", many people were disappointed and when you have such success on your first album its a lot to live up too (i talk like I've had experience, but it's true!).

In amongst all the hype, White Lies' new release "Bigger than us" is a great track. The video however is just mad, a girl trapped in a giant chocolate bar, well I'll just leave you to watch the video for yourself. Enjoy.....

Pretty Shocking

2011-01-12T13:50:00.000-08:00

I wish the summer would hurry up! I mean I've forgotten what it even looks like. Me and Emily have booked away to go to Gran Canaria in February and quite frankly i have never been so excited for a very long time. Since my new menswear project I've been looking at this years spring/summer collections and boy are they nice! Just a shame it will be a while till they're in stores, so don't throw away your thermals just yet folks!

For those of you that laugh at Primark for their rubbish £2 tops and child labour sewn clothes, well you may just be a bit shocked to know that collection below is actually Primark! Yes you read right! It's set to arrive in stores later this year in time for summer. I couldn't actually believe it myself, i was looking at this years high street look books and came across this! I would probably wear everything in this collection, despise what i usually say about Primark! The midi skirt has to be my favourite, it's set to be very popular this year as we're going all 50's inspired this summer!

Back for 2011

2011-01-12T13:22:00.000-08:00

Hope you've all had a great Christmas and new years! i know its late but i wouldn't want to be rude! I have to admit, my wrist has been taking a bit of a battering from the amount of times I've slapped it for not keeping up to date with this blog. But fear not people, I'm back! I think, not sure how long it will last hopefully i won't slip up!

So another year has passed, so far things aren't going well for me, I'm really ill again, it's that time where everyone is feeling under the weather and run down. Plus university interviews are dawning on everyone for portfolio's so it's pretty much stress, stress, stress! Not to mention juggling a new menswear project but I'll manage, somehow!

Just before i go, i hope 2011 is a good year for you all and don't forget to keep checking this blog, because now i have my mac (didn't want to brag but...) I'll be updating more for you readers!

Never Been To Summer Camp

2010-10-15T13:20:00.000-07:00

Just thought i'd make a little post of what i've been listening to lately. Arriving shrouded in mystery in late 2009, members’ identities cloaked in the blithe guise of Swedish teenagers who’d met at summer camp. The shroud disintegrated soon enough, the band revealed to be multi-instrumentalist Jeremy Warmsley and journalist Elizabeth Sankey. Never appearing in their own music video's, Summer Camp use scenes from 1980's swedish films and photo's of that era. The music is nothing like you've ever heard before, instead it sounds like the songs have been thought about and carefully made into memories, taking you back to your favourite summer.

They appeard at many festivals this year and leed's being one of them, i was dissapointed that i never got to see this band, only because i didnt know who they were! I first heard "Ghost Train" whilst at work quite a while back, which is were they play the mojority of new bands that i listen to that are set to be big. I'd always enjoy listening to it when it came on but never knew who sang it, until now when i did a bit of song traking! And i'm so so glad i did.
Signed to label Moshi Moshi Records, just like Bloc Party, Friendly Fires, Hot Chip, The drums, Spectrals and Lykke Li. Which is quite a Reseme to have!

Summer Camp are yet to release a full album, but for now they have their EP Young, on it some great tracks, round the moon is another favourite, possibly because the video is just amazing, i really wish i could've been in that film! The music is very different to what you'd normally here on the radio, if your tired of listening to cheesy pop groups like JLS, Lady GaGa and other shit (excuse my french) like that then i'd definatly recommend this band and definatly one to watch this year and next.

Topshop Student Shop

2010-10-11T10:26:00.000-07:00

Don't forget tomorrow is Topshop's Student shop! 20% off EVERYTHING. Yes everything for 2 days only! (12th and the 13th of October) 6 till 10pm! We'll have a DJ playing great music while you shop, goodie bags and not forgetting a photographer to take pictures of Birmingham's best dressed people, to be shown on Topshop's official facebook page!!
www.topshop.com see anything you like on here? well get 20% off it instore tomorrow!!

p.s you don't even need a student card to get 20% off, how crazy is that!? (i know possibly defeats the whole object of a student night!)

get your best gear on and I'll see you there!

Topshop Awards

2010-10-11T04:47:00.000-07:00

This was a while ago now, Bullring Birminghams Topshop hosted are party for us employee's. Starting off with a shameful fashion show, displaying the best buys. Followed by awards, from best dressed to best newcomer. Then the party really got started once the dj's were set up and the drinks were flowing. The theme was hollywood glamour! here's a few photo's!

Winter wishes

2010-10-01T15:52:00.001-07:00

All Topshop, visit www.topshop.com To get your hands on them before i do!

Last week Update

2010-10-01T15:01:00.001-07:00

So as you may or may not know, i worked behind the scenes for Style Birmingham Live Last week/weekend! I had such a great time, free Harvey Nichols lunch, surrounded by gorgeous models and not to mention the unbelievably handsome George Lamb! He was so lovely a very genuine guy considering all the attention he was getting from my fellow college fashion students. Anyway thought I'd post a few photo's. Enjoy!

me and the lovely George Lamb

In trend: Model in smart camel coat by COS or Reiss

Dee and me backstage

after the first show, the buttons came off

Lace inspired ladies

models together In Osmand

Rehearsals

Osmand Collection

Model in Jaeger dress

Special collection s/s 2008 by Osmand

Model with special guest designer Osmand

Moody Blues.

2010-09-10T10:53:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling pretty blahh today! There's no other way to sum it up, I need a holiday.

Photography by: Elliot Hunt
For No Name Required

Something to look foward to.

2010-09-06T08:59:00.000-07:00

25th of September put it in your diary kids! Yes its yet another vintage fair hosted at the custard factory and if you guys have been unfortunate enough to miss the last 4 vintage fairs well nows your chance! This time I'm helping my friend Lauri out on her stand, where we'll be eyeing up some bargains and cream tea and cakes! Make sure you don't miss out this time, and if your not in Birmingham around then they hold the same fairs at Nottingham, Sheffield, Leicester and as I'm aware also Manchester and Leeds, check out out there blog for more details http://www.thevintagefair.com/

Winter Warmers

2010-09-06T08:10:00.000-07:00

i think this season trend is the most I've been excited about in a while, chunky knits, mustard and dark red colours, sheepskin jackets and turtle neck jumpers, sounds like my kind of winter heaven. Along side Topshop and Zara, H&M have won my heart over with this seasons designs, they've taken some influence from the 70's. H&M's collection isn't that dissimilar to Chloe's obviously the only difference is the price! from mustard yellow turtle necks to knitted trousers, I'm sure you'll find a least one item that you'll love, but you better buy it quick, i have a feeling it will sell out pretty quick (after I've bought everything) so keep an eye out! here's a few photo's for you to dribble over.

septembers here.

2010-09-02T12:41:00.000-07:00

well its been a while, hope you've all enjoyed your summer holidays. I'm pretty sad its coming to an end, friends are off to uni and the second year of college is surely louring over me. (I'm only dreading it because i haven't even started my summer brief!)
If your wondering why i haven't been posting at all these past months its mainly because, my Internet has been broke, I've been living without it for the past 3-4 months, and now its back i can't get enough, I'm back to my old cyber geek self! so look forward to hearing from me more, I've have lots to share about projects I'm doing or plans i have.
I guess you could say I've been busy these past months, I've recently just got back from Leeds festival, which was amazing and am still amazed with how quick it came around as if you remember my first post was about Leeds and how excited i was and this was like 6 months ago. I had such an amazing time with the girls Amy and Emily and heather, i was drunk 87% of the time, crowed surfed, saw some amazing bands, smelt and witnessed the worst toilets ever! and managed to survive over 10 mosh pits. I've got some photo's to share with you too. I did manage to make to time for the dinosaur exhibition, it was ace! hope some of you guys got to make it! Me and Emily took a little vacation to Devon, it was so so so nice to get away! I've also started driving lessons I've had about 10 so far and its coming along nicely! I've just put in for my theory test so fingers crossed for that!
what else is there!? oh yeah me and Emily are helping out some guys from Nottingham promote there new company no name required, as of yet I'm not sure whats happening with that or when the launch is but all i know me and Emily did a photo shoot for them and are going to appear on t shirts to help promote it! how cool is that!? I'll show you some of the photo's from that too!

So Septembers here, the autumn winter collections are hitting the shops. Am i the only person that is happy about this, while i was in Leeds i bought two sheepskin coats for 20 quid and I've seen ones on the Topshop website for quadruple that!
also new season means new projects, this time it's royal blue. we're back to the strict colour scheme and everything royal so I'll keep you posted on that!
Anyway I'll try and keep this going now my life is back! i guess i just needed a break which has done me good, a lot has changed over the past few months and definitely for the better!

Hippy isnt the word

chilling by the camp in my new coat haha

strolling me and emily

Heather and me

me and amy at leeds festival

No name require shoot

lovely beach

on the boat in devon me and emily

Ready To Wear

2010-06-29T09:05:00.000-07:00

if you like dinosaurs...

2010-06-29T06:16:00.001-07:00

if like me, you love Jurassic Park, The Land Before Time, Dinosaurs puppet TV show, you like going to exhibitions and you basically just like dinosaurs, well have i got something to tell you!
Birmingham museum and art gallery have officially opened they're exhibition called T.Rex - The Killer Question, Showing you life size models of the giant reptiles, Fossils and films.

"T. rex – the Killer Question brings together giant moving animatronic dinosaurs, life size skeleton casts and real fossils that show the size and power of the T.rex and ask visitors to join the scientific debate as to whether the legendary dinosaur was really a killer, a scavenger

or even both."

promising to bring excitement and interesting facts on your day out, its £5 for adults and £1.50 but i think it will be worth it, well that's one day planned for the 3 months i have off!

for more information visit, http://www.bmag.org.uk/news?id=106

Girlfriend in a coma

2010-06-18T03:33:00.000-07:00

God how i wish i was in one of those, i know i should be happy, i mean college is over, the fashion show went great (photo's will be up soon) and i have amazing friends. Not to mention England are playing today so I'm having myself a little get together at my house. But last night i received some bad news, i don't really want to talk about it much, just now i have a lot of time on my hands i thought about what i may write on my new post this week. I thought about what music i listen to the most on ipod and what gets me through the day, may sound very cliche to you but The Smiths are one of favourite bands, ever since my dad used to play his tape of their The Queen Is Dead in the car when i was little, but it seems every one of there songs relates to me at this point in my life. I'm laughing right now as i sound stupid, but it's true. The Smiths are amazing. Morrisey's voice in my ears makes everything better, everything simple. I found some photo's of him and the band, he's so very handsome.
My favourite songs are, How soon is now, please please please let me get what i want, Girlfriend in a coma, They're is a light that never goes out and The boy with the thorn in his side.
i do like this charming man, i mean they play it everywhere in indie clubs, but i just feel like some people only know that one song, and you call yourself a smiths fan, i strongly advise you to listen to the rest of they're music!
So when things go wrong for me i have The Smith's and Sian to help me through SHIT times.

Leather Summer.

2010-06-11T11:12:00.000-07:00

So when i eventually have money, i will be buying leather shorts, particularly high waisted ones. I know what your thinking leather shorts?! But believe it or not they're everywhere this summer, I've tried my luck in vintage shops for them, and have found some on eBay vintage rocket shorts, they're ace, but i always forget I'm watching them and miss out!
Asos have some pretty cool ones, they come in grey and black with a laser cut patter at the bottom of the shorts, as far as I'm aware they only have the grey one's on asos.com retailed at £55. But if you don't fancy paying that much for a cow, then try looking at vintage and charity shops, which is probably what I'll be doing, i think these ones below will be a last resort, i really want some to wear when i go Leeds's festival! (which reminds me i need to book my holiday off for that!)

Another shop that is getting with the trends is Zara, they're also donning high waisted leather shorts but in brown, they look exactly like the ones in Chloe's spring/summer 2010 collection!

I think Whitney from the hills, is a perfect example of why you should, buy your own pair of leathers! They go with everything, blouse's, shirts, old band t-shirts, Blazers... i mean i could go on!

World Cup?

2010-06-10T14:09:00.000-07:00

Believe it or not it is the world cup! If its not being rammed into your eyeballs by all adverts on the television, people are talking about and by people i mean men!
I have to admit I'm pretty excited, not as excited as some, but content! I've never quite realised thought until now, how commercial it all is, i mean there's England madness, wheelbarrows, hats, cups, shoe's, i could go on! You can't go anywhere now without hearing at least one football song, just the other day i was at the bank and I'm waiting in the Que, i hear a very familiar song, it starts to get a bit louder "3 lions on the shirt!" i look down at my feet and start to get flashbacks of a few nights before, picture it: In a club, at least 20 shirtless (sweaty, may i say drunk?) men chanting football anthems one after the other, banging on the ceiling and swinging tops around. Yes that did happen! I've just found photo evidence from that night but i think i should get permission of the people in it, they may be embarrassed!
But i do like it when i see the support that everyone has for England, its pretty sweet, just up my street people have covered the streets in hanging England flag buntings, its looks like one of those old English jubilee street party's! i think i may take a photo to show you guys!
I also found this photo of 1966 England Captain Bobby Moore with whom i suspect to be his Mrs, but regardless she sure puts these modern day "wags" to shame!!

Well however your celebrating the World Cup this summer, make sure you have fun! I'm not sure what I'll be doing this Saturday, I'm hoping to host a few of my own World Cup party's! So lets hope this weather brightens up! Hope you all have a great weekend, hopefully I'll start getting back on track with the posting! COME ON ENGLAND!!

Also remember girls, do not be offended if guys stop co-operating with you, there's nothing wrong with you, it's just they'd rather watch football than watch you try on clothes!

FIN

2010-05-25T15:36:00.000-07:00

I have to say I'm rather proud of my self, i have trousers to match the picture doesn't give the Burgundy (matches the lining inside the coat) cord any justice!

shame i haven't got my design sheets to show, will try and get those asap!

Next stop...

2010-05-25T11:13:00.000-07:00

Yes Paris!! BONJOUR BONJOUR!! i know more of the lingo. Me and my friend Sian have decided to go to the french capital in July. I've been listening to all songs that mention Paris, i know it's really sad isn't it but I'm really excited its all happening. Hopefully I'll find myself a french guy, to ja'dore me up!
I just can't wait for all the things me and Sian will see! and the places we will eat, although you can keep your garlic snails! oh la la!

Guess who's back?!

2010-05-25T10:33:00.000-07:00

I'm back, i hope you've missed me! All my work has been handed in and my garment is 95% complete (I'm afraid i still can't scan my sketchbook to show you! but as soon as i get them back i will, plus i will take a picture of my garments later!) I'm relieved its all out the way, but there's still pressure with the fashion show. We're in college everyday 9 till 4 now up until Friday, helping the 2nd year and the foundation year with the production of the FMP's, its all very exciting stuff. Our theme for the show is saints and sinners, I've seen some of the photo shoots that the fellow fashion lab team have done for the catalogue and the hair and make up ideas for the catwalk, it's all coming together quite well. My part is to help choose the music, which is another thing i have to think about, there's the 60's black dress collection, sportswear, ugly beautiful... i can't think of the rest but if any of you folks have some suggestions be sure to comment and let me know!

Back To Square One

2010-05-08T12:03:00.000-07:00

I have been using this facial expression quite a lot lately, except my eyebrows are shaped in position where its more or less saying FML or WTF! This post would have been different if my scanner/douche of a machine would work, but clearly nothings going right for me this week. I was going to finish my coat pattern for my FMP but i can't seem to find it and now i know for sure I'm not going to have my garments sewed and ready for next Monday. Works taking the muggins as well, I've been put in for 7am till 11am, sounds okay but not when you have be up at 5am. Then Monday I'm back up for 7 again for college, guess you just have roll on with it i suppose, lots of early nights too! Work was rather interesting, too i checked out Topshop's new make up collection, it seems to be a massive hit, just to let you know, there are free make overs going on with professional make up artist but its only for a limited time so be sure to get down there soon, i hear the Polish coloured lip tint is brilliant! Lunchtime in the staff room was pretty funny too usually I'm always on my lunch when everyone else is still on the floor, but I'm dealing with a few "situations" as they say at the moment, so it was nice to get some advice from the girls from work, and hear about their situations, we also had a little input from a very nice guy who works on Topman, very sweet. Lunchtime was just like watching Loose Women! This was then followed by going for a Starbucks with my friend Rosie from work, it was nice to hear some sensible advice over a caramel light frappuccino (which, may i add is my new favourite thing, thanks Rosie!) Things have been made much clearer, i just need to decide now how I'm going to deal with it.
So now I'm off to do some needed sketchbook work, and hopefully I'll find my coat pattern! arghh!! And hopefully things will start going well for me!

There's no time like the present.

2010-05-04T05:33:00.000-07:00

You don't even have to say it. I know I've been slacking majorly on this blog! I have a strange few days and am so exhausted from work and college and more work, its all caught up with me to be frank. I've just started a new sketchbook as I've now changed my whole concept for my Final Major Project. My theme is hunting, i gathered i should do something different as everyone else in my class seems to have the same sort of idea (no offence guys), so i actually thought to myself "How would you survive, in an apocalyptic disaster?" i mean you'd need to eat wouldn't you so, i thought about hunting, i researched the things that they wear and turns out its pretty trendy stuff (sounded like my mom there! woah!) Using my Barbour coat also as inspiration, I've really enjoyed researching for my new idea. I'm trying to scan some images of my sketchbook to show you, but my scanners playing up so when I've sorted that out i will post some design idea's too!
To be honest i haven't been up too much, just work and college, Topshop have launched their new make up, i think it hit stores yesterday, so be sure to pop in! with every purchase of make up you get a free cute canvas bag but that's if they have any left! I'm not looking forward to my early shift on Saturday, i can just see it now, loads of 12 year old girls trying on make up and then misplacing it on the floor somehow it goes everywhere! joy oh joy! its uniform this month too! i know most of you guys would be like why the hell are you complaining its Topshop! but so far I've only found one item that i like and even then I'm having second thoughts?! so if anyone See's anything that would be suitable be sure to let me know!
Yesterday i was feeling pretty low, never the less I'm so grateful i have my friend Sian to knock some sense into me, she's the best at cheering me up. We went for tea at Starbucks and then decided the only thing that would make me feel better was to buy something!
God it sure did work, we headed down to COW on Digbeth before it closed and i managed to grab some goodies £8 suede leather top (beauty) £14 leather gladiators (so comfortable) and a men's shirt £3, so to me i reckon i had a pretty good day.
I'll post some pictures up of the new possession's and sketchbook, over the weekend, i know it sucks that I'm being so lazy but I've been a busy girl ;) If your not busy though you should check out ELLE photographer Andrew Woffinden, His photo's have been inspiring me a lot with this new project.

Happy Birthday!

2010-04-25T10:14:00.000-07:00

Today is my mom's birthday, despite me not buying her anything (don't worry I'm not that mean, i will buy her something next week, just there is a recession you know!) she's still got a smile on her face! We started the day by watching the football, Birmingham City vs Villa, always good to watch when it's a derby. But unfortunately Birmingham lost 1-0 to a penalty that shouldn't have even been given! Then followed by a drink over at our local pub, and back to our house for a BBQ! I can now officially say i am STUFFED! I feel a bit sick to after eating so much! The weather's been pretty nice again today too! Anyway HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!

Weekend Record

2010-04-23T13:32:00.000-07:00

I'm going to try and start giving little reviews of bands, music and albums that i like and that are new, once a month. So to start with I'm going to share one of my new favourite bands with you, They're called Two Door Cinema Club, originally from Bangor in Northen Ireland and are like a mix between vampire weekend, Phoenix and Bombay Bicycle Club, so if you like any of those bands I'm sure you'll love them! Two door Cinema Club have recently just released there new album called Tourist History, which have promising hits such as Undercover Martyn, Something Good Can Work (which is due to be released as their new single and one of my favourites) and I Can Talk, their sound is unbelievably catchy and have that upbeat tempo that just shouts summer. I'm really pleased that these guys aren't just one hit wonders, they're very talented boys and am mega excited that they will be playing at Leeds Festival this year!
Don't worry if your not going to Leeds this year, you can always see these amazing guys at your local 02 Academy, later on this year.

Anyway I'll leave you with this brilliant video, its TDCC new song Something Good Can Work, which is available to download now! Hope you like it!

Next Thursday, i will be heading down to the Hare And Hounds in Mosley to check out another new favourite of mine Darwin Deeze from New York, he has amazing hair! Oh and that moustache! Any of you who fancy it, check out the Hare And Hounds website for ticket info!

Just to end the day

2010-04-22T15:28:00.000-07:00

Today was just perfect, no college, the sun was shining, catched up with all my programmes including cracking antiques, which is by far my favourite thing to watch at the moment, you guys should watch it sometime, its on BBC 2 on Wednesday's around 7:30-8, will have to double check! But to top my day off i met Sian to catch the last of the sun, we just took a walk round our local park, had the usual chat and came home for a much needed cup of tea! Suprise! Suprise! Sian got the camera out!

FML

2010-04-20T12:43:00.000-07:00

Not only do i have 5 weeks to complete my final major project, and by that i mean: i need to have 3 completed sketchbooks and 3 final garments finished. My Sketchbooks are looking pretty poor at the moment and so is my bank, but we've also just been told it's 8 weeks until our end of year show and the last to garments we have made have to be completed and ready for the catwalk, plus we also have design t-shirts, decide where were going hold the fashion show and help the 2 years complete their collections! I'm so stressed at the moment, i don't even want to think about all the work i have to do, besides that I'm pretty much broke again till the end of next week. It's not looking good at all! I guess I'm just going to have to buckle down and get ready for the next few weeks of being stressed to the limit!

Feeling Geeky

2010-04-19T08:25:00.000-07:00

Just a little update, This weekend we celebrated my best friends birthday Sian (from http://tea-an-toast.blogspot.com) it was her 19th and first the idea was just fancy dress, but i think everyone was a bit low on the cash, so in the end we all went dressed as geeks, it was an ace night! Definitely looked the part!

smiles for the camera

2010-04-12T13:00:00.000-07:00

okay so i have like the biggest and cheesiest smile going. But i figured if everyone else is posting pictures of what they wear, then I'll give it ago! ha yeah so I'm wearing: Zara shoes from eBay, Primark tights, vintage Levis, vintage leather belt, vintage Topshop yellow shirt, Friends blazer and vintage shoulder bag.

Better late than never.

2010-04-12T09:38:00.001-07:00

I've been slacking a bit on the old blog lately, although i have been pretty busing, working, sleeping, drinking and working. All kinds of fun stuff. This is my last week off college and thoughts of my project have been looming over me. Its called PROTECT, HIDE, MOVE, SEARCH. We have to pretend we are one of few survivors in an apocalyptic crisis of our choice, however all our belongings are destroyed no clothes, shelter, protection, nothing. We have to design a garment that will be able to protect and help us survive. We also have to experiment with textiles and work with a surface pattern to fit with the design. There's quite going into this project, we have to explain in our sketchbooks and about films, natural disasters, inspirational designers, design sheets, illustrations, annotation (lots of that) you name it! it has to be in there! and so being typical me, I've kind of left it to the last minute! i know it's my own fault but the inspiration hasn't been flowing, I'm just finding it hard to get back into the swing of things! But this weeks things are about to change and I'm going to commit and get some work done, so i might not be updating my blog until I've got a good few pages done and I'll be sure to take some pictures to show the progress. Until then folks, hope you have a good week!

The April Issue

2010-04-07T10:25:00.000-07:00

So i bought the April issue of Elle magazine last month and has only just decided to read through it properly, and in this months issue they featured a small interview with a guy call John Paul Thurlow, he's an artist which in his spare time draws magazine covers for fun. His work is pretty amazing, you can check it out on his blog johnpaulthurlow.blogspot.com. On his blog he talks about how he plans to draw the cover of every magazine he owns (he's a slight magazine junkie) and also for those of you that are in London on the 11th of April, its the opening of his first exhibition, which will show 20 drawings from his Covers series. The event is in the afternoon from 3 - 6pm, at 10 Newburgh Street, off Carnaby Street, W1. There will be booze, cup cakes, a live band and various events and seminars happening through the day. I'm not sure whether its free or not but there's more information on his blog, so be sure to check it out!

Photo of the day.

2010-04-06T09:55:00.000-07:00

The sun is out! (well least it was earlier) The flowers are out, I've started taking the dog for longer walks again and this photo has given me an idea for my fashion project!
THE INSPIRATION IS BACK!!!

How to make.

2010-04-06T07:57:00.000-07:00

I guess i got a bit bored today, I'm still not feeling any better so i wanted to do something other than sit in front of the t.v. I love origami, its amazing what you can do with a piece of paper. Anyway i made some swans today just to hang around in my room, i also did some instructions for those of you guys that want to make some of your own too!

so firstly you need a square piece of paper and fold it in half like the picture below:

Then on each of the ends, fold them in towards the half way line, so you get a kite shape (see picture below)

once you've done that turn it over and fold inwards again

Once that's done, bring the pointy side up to the big end and fold like below

Then fold the little point down to make the head/beak

so your almost done, all you need to do now is fold in half (see picture below)

Hold it in your hands and lift the neck up and fold in place

and...

There you go!

You can make how ever many you want, sizes big and small. I think they look really cute hung around your house or bedroom!
here's what i did with mine

Just a little example, Hopefully I'll learn some other origami animals and will do another how to post!

Just one of those days

2010-04-05T13:29:00.000-07:00

Well today, lets just say I'm not in the happiest of mood's, i haven't been for the past two day's, i have to admit. Partly because I'm ill and the other reason well i really don't have a clue, recently i just feel unhappy about most things, i honestly have no money till the end of the month after buying my Leeds ticket which i know is my own fault but still it doesn't help. I also have a feeling I'm going to be stuck in the house most of the Easter holidays and really i should because i have my end of year project that's needs doing and i need to have my final design ready for the first day back, i literally have 3 pages in my sketchbook, there's just no motivation or inspiration coming my way. Work wasn't highly pleasant either, it was so hot (i work at Topshop in the bullring Birmingham, for those of you that have been there will understand, our changing rooms... AWFUL!!), i was trying to avoid customers asking me where things were, i didn't want to speak my throat felt like it was sand paper! In the end i had to help a lady pick out some outfits for her holiday. i was with her for 2 hours, discussing how she wear things or what she could wear it with, don't get me wrong i love style advising and its kind of where i want to go with my career but today of all days when I'm ill i don't feel like talking!! Thank god she was so nice and understood. For the rest of my shift i felt horrible, i nearly passed out i was so hot! the whole shift just dragged, but I'm home now, in my pajamas, cup of tea in hand. i think that's enough ranting for one day, hopefully I'll be in a better mood for tomorrow and will have some exciting news about my project :)

Happy Easter.

2010-04-04T12:38:00.000-07:00

Easter's not really a big deal for me anymore, god! when i was little i used to brag to all my friends about how many easter eggs i'd been given! The occassional over exaggeration of the amount i recieved! I spent my sunday with my friend and her dad and val (sian's dad's girlfriend, who is may i add, hillarious! watching her sing and dance to lady gaga -bad romance has probably been the highlight of my day!) we took a trip down to a carboot sale in Coleshill which is around 20 minutes away from were we live, i was so excited because i havent been to a carboot sale in ages and from what i've seen on bargin hunt, i thought i'd have to hire a van to bring all the amazing things i'd bought for like 20p. But i was surely mistaken, i think i hyped myself up for it slightly too much. So that was a big flop, i didn't mind though sure was nice to get out of the house for a change.
About half an hour after being there we decided to leave as the weather decided to rain! The mud was awful!!! On our travels back we decided to stop off at lovely little pub for a drink, then headed back to sian's for (as sian's dad was say) Girly Time!! haha! 4 cups of tea and Nick and Norah's Infinite playlist later, i got home had a lovely sunday roast and re-uploaded my music to my ipod (my computer crashed and wiped off all my music, such a pain)
anyway here's some photo's HAPPY EASTERR!!

Typical British Carboot sale

Yeah nearly got run over by this!!

Good Friday

2010-04-02T09:54:00.000-07:00

That litterally sums up my day. Last Night was good fun catching up with friends, eating giant burgers and chips and re-discovering my talent at pool (apprarently its not a sport in the olympics, gutted!). Feed Night also turned out to be pretty interesting, Paul Scott from Make Architects www.makearchitects.com gave a talk and presentation about the work he and his company does. Some of it close to home, any of you guys heard of The Cube www.thecubeiscoming.com that is being built right by The Mailbox, 5 years into production its still not finished but paul showed us a few of his designs of the finished product (click image gallery on link) and it looks pretty amazing compared to the typical glass modernised buildings. Paul also talked about the work they did for the University of Nottingham Jubilee Campus:
www.makearchitects.com/#/projects/0058/ for those of you that go there or have been to visit may recognise it. What i liked most about Paul's talk, was the fact that the company had there own sort of style, like each project they had done was different but they all kind of looked the same, if you get what i mean! I also liked the fact that they looked at ways of creating buildings that would benefit the planet and wouldnt add to global warming, basically being more efficient. For those of you guys that didn't go you missed out it was a good insight and showed you many more career paths that you could take, meaning if you studied fashion or graphic design, it doesnt mean that becoming a archutechure is out of the picture. Anyway have a look at the links, their work is awesome! Also if you want to know about the next Feed nights Follow their blog: www.thisisfeed.blogspot.com
Back to Good Friday, after going the gosta green (which i have to admit is a great night for students) me and sian headed back to hers and it was cup of tea! and then straight to bed. We had the most deserved lie in, we've just broke up from college you see! we didn't wake up till half 12 today and refused to get out of bed unless it was for tea or food! so the time is now 6:30pm and we've only just decided to get showered and ready! Not sure what our plans are for later, but seeing as we're both broke, i'm sure we won't be dining at the ritz tonight!

enjoy the rest of you day!

Later today...

2010-04-01T06:38:00.000-07:00

Well I'm sitting next to my best best best friend Sian Judd (heres the link to her blog its pretty damn cool www.tea-and-toast.tumblr.com) i haven't seen her much this week so sitting next to her in the studio browsing blogs and writing new posts have been pretty fun. Minus the fact that the chair broke on me and i ended up falling through (Sian thought it was hilarious and managed to take a photo, which i will upload later). so yeah anyway later today I'm going to another one of the colleges feed nights, there actually pretty interesting, I'm not sure who he is i just know he's an architecture, so we'll see how that turns out! and then I'm off too Gosta Green, I've never been but its suppose to be a lovely pub in Birmingham, I'm meeting up with a few friends to have few sneaky drinks! its all fun around here!

i will post more tomorrow...

Your my cup of tea

2010-04-01T05:01:00.000-07:00

so i love tea a bit too much, but it just tastes so good. I normally have around 4 cups a day morning, midday, afternoon and evening. I found this picture on www.weheartit.com and just had to say how much i love tea. My friend from work also told me about a Tea Appreciation society, that love tea almost as much as i do, they sell the cutest things, bags mugs and yes of course they sell tea! http://www.teaappreciationsociety.org

Thursday

2010-04-01T03:56:00.000-07:00

Production skills is my only lesson on a Thursday at the fashion lab, and what most of us didn't expect to be paraded around the studio, was a dead rabbit. I know what your thinking, why the hell was a poor dead rabbit in the studio, don't worry it was all done with good intentions. Fashion students were given the opportunity to enter "fashion against fur" competition. Each student had to come up with a unique and eye catching poster that would put across the statement that using real fur is wrong, but it still happens everywhere in the industry. There was however a slight disagreement between first year students and second year, as some students thought it was the wrong environment to be taking pictures of the dead rabbit, as some people are more sensitive about the subject than others. To be honest, i think if a little warning was given then i don't think some students would of reacted the way they did (i mean come on who really wanted to see a dead rabbit at half 10 in the morning) but i have to admit, it has had a big effect on the class (in a good way) so maybe the campaign (if they win) will work.

Any of you who are more interested in the subject or just want to see more of the students work then just follow the links. http://jessica-butcher.blogspot.com http://emiilyliike.blogspot.com/

What i'll be doing this summer.

2010-03-31T10:40:00.000-07:00

I'm really excited about this year, because I'm going to my first ever... yes first ever! festival at Leeds! I have to admit i was slightly put off when i saw who was headlining but i was soon persuaded by the likes of The Cribs, Mumford and Sons, Delphic, The Maccabees, The Libertines, Phoenix, Lcd Soundsystem, Klaxsons, Foals, Biffy Clyro, The Drums, The Big Pink, Paramore (Gasp for breath) and there's still more yet to be annouced later on. If the line up this year is anything like the past ones, i think i may wee myself, I'm just praying for vampire weekend and seriously good weather. I can't tell you how excited i am, I've already started planning my summer outfits! For those of you who were also lucky enough to get a ticket i shall see you there!