The Shiny Bright Lights Of Newcastle

Some call me too keen. Literally two minutes ago I got criticised for already publishing a 'Christmas' album on facebook. But I don't care. At exactly 6:30pm, the streets of Newcastle were gleaming with the shiny reds and sparkling golds of Christmas lights. The setting was perfect, crowds of people gathered around Grey's Monument to witness true Geordie and X Factor winner Joe Mcelderry make the switch. After singing the Wham classic 'Last Christmas', Newcastle was brought to life with Christmas cheer; Santas and elves running through the streets creating an atmosphere that anyone would enjoy.
Going with friends Bek and Andrew, we decided to wrap up all cosy and warm in our furs! I love winter fashion... even though finding the perfect pair of winter boots is a nightmare. This was the first of hopefully many festive occasions to come, and for anyone who missed out here are some pictures :)

Joe is there somewhere!

Sequins and sparkles!

Christmas is definitely on its way. The air is getting cooler, the nights are getting darker and the trees have been put up creating a festive scene around Newcastle. The other day I was in the lift of my accommodation having a lovely chat with one of the cleaning ladies. Dressed in my cosy red coat and my black boots (Mrs Klaus-esque, perhaps?) the cleaning lady proclaimed "Oh, you're making me so excited for Christmas right now!" It hit me then... Christmas is coming!!
I've always been one to get over excited around this time of year, and I especially look forward for the seasonal clothes to hit the high street!
So, tonight I have been browsing the web (as per) looking for the perfect festive outfits I could invest in for this occasion...If my poor student funds will allow it.
As usual, it seems sequins and sparkles are all over the high street. I am a complete and utter sucker for all things glitzy and glam so this is DEFINITELY my favourite time of year!

Here are some of my favourites...

My new Topshop short shorts! loved them so much I even wore them two nights in a row, oooops

The lovely Bek Eland in this beautiful Miss Selfridge dress!

Black embellished ankle boots.  River Island.  £95

Black embellished mini skirt  £45

Bright blue embellished cami.  Topshop.  £36

Gold sequin dress.  Limited edition.  River Island.  £60

Gold sequin longline cami.  River Island.  £65

Gold sequin sweetheart dress.  Dorothy Perkins.  £38

Light cream embellished shorts.  River Island.  £40

M&S Limited Collection.  £25 on sale.  (may have this already hehe)

Multi bead fringe dress.  Dress Up Topshop.  £175

Multi sequin clutch bag.  Monsoon.  £32.  (As seen in 'Vogue')

Ombre sequin prom dress.  Dress Up Topshop.  £125

Rouched sequin sash dress.  Rare Opulence at Topshop.  £165

Sequin beaded knicker. Topshop.  £45

Sequin bodycon dress.  Dress Up Topshop.  £58 (may also have this in a different colour)

Silver Samantha sequin dress.  French Connection.  £165

Square emb skirt.  Warehouse.  £55

Wonder black embellished wedge.  Miss Selfridge.  £85

Black lace detail ponti dress.  River Island.  £30.
(very Evita-esque I felt, definitely a possibility for an Xmas pressie... mum??)

University Life.

So I've now been at uni in Newcastle for approx 6 weeks and I have experienced so much since being here already! The lack of recent posts is a reflection of how busy I've been! Living with 3 other girls I thought could be challenging however I am sure I have THE nicest flatmates, Beth, Ash and Crissi which has made the transition to uni much easier for me! Of course I miss home as well, especially my mum who is my best friend, but it's nice to know that she's excited for me here!

Ash, Beth, Crissi and me - Flat 57 Girliess! <3

Of course the main reason I am in Newcastle is to study! Absolutely loving my course at the moment - Fashion Communication! I was destined to work in the fashion industry since I was little as I've always had a passion for it and I'm so glad I followed my heart! I find the course fascinating, focusing on journalism, photography, branding and installation at the moment is giving me skills and confidence to pursue a career in this field. And with the possibility of a trip to New York Fashion Week in February I am literally about to burst with excitement!! The girls on my course are lovely as well which makes my lectures even more entertaining and enjoyable! A recent photoshoot with Megan and Vicki turned into cocktails at the Slug and Lettuce on the Quayside - I will definitely be doing this more often!
I think Photography is something I'll definitely pursue as I have a particular interest in styling and like to think I have a creative eye, so here are a few of my photos I have taken so far to end this post! I will keep you updated about anything exciting that happens here, as I'm sure there will be many more exciting times to come!
But for now, bye from Newcastle! xxx

The always stylish Mr James Steen posing for my 'Portrait Within A Portrait' assignment

Megan looking lovely on my 'Creative Portrait' assignment. You know she's a good friend when she wears heels for me just after twisting her ankle <3

At the scenic Quayside in Newcastle!

My fave :)

Packing for Uni!

Starting my BA Fashion Communication course next week, so excited! It's finally occurred to me that I should actually start packing... HELP!

Is it unreasonable to take ALL my Vogues???

Hats off to you...!

So, it seems that hats are the ideal accessory this season, according to this months Vogue.

I notice that Gucci in particular is using the hat to accessorize the current 1940's glamour trend that is taking over the catwalk. Whilst I like the simple glamour of the trilbys designed by Gucci, personally I love the flamboyant furs and feathers although I'm not sure I'm brave enough to wear them on a daily basis!

This new fashion craze reminds me of a photoshoot I took a while ago using my friend Alice to model a selection of vintage hats including a particularly interesting Victorian bonnet!

Jessie J - Style Icon

LOVE LOVE LOVE the dress Jessie J is wearing in her new music video 'Who's Laughing Now'.
The dress is by designer David Koma, nude in colour with large black spots running down both sleeves. His Autumn/Winter 2011 collection shows a recurring theme of spots (which I love). I'm going to keep my eye on him!

Jessie J is definitely one of my style icons. She's adventurous with both her style and her singing, and doesn't care what people think.
"But thank you for the pain, It made me raise my game, and I'm still rising" -  lyrics which make her role model material. She is definitely an inspiration, and after seeing her perform live at V fest last week (amazingly might I add) she is a new favourite artist of mine.

David Koma dress

P.s.

Have to mention Benefit's fabulous new 'they're Real! BEYOND mascara'. Never had a mascara like it, I shall even consider ditching the false eyelashes on a night out!

I was first introduced to Benefit when I lived in Florida (where everything was half the price), and was particularly drawn to its funky packaging, like most 15 year old girls would be. Been a fan ever since!

Brogues are here...Again.

So, I've been searching for my very own pair of brogues for a while now and finally I have found the perfect pair. Whilst being a hit on both the catwalk and highstreet in the Autumn/Winter 2010-2011 season, it seems that this fashionable shoe is yet again ready to fill the shelves of many highstreet stores around the country. Being a "heels girl" looking for some mid-heels I could wear throughout the day, I anticipated that it would be hard to find a pair of brogues to suit my taste, however I stumbled across this lovely pair today in Dorothy Perkins. I also have a thing for anything patent, so they were pretty much a perfect find!

My Introduction

"Gucci Gucci Coo" - 3 words that were to change my life forever. I may have been only 2 years old having my cheeks squeezed by a kind auntie but little did she know that this was the start of a 19 year love affair with the fashion world.


Aged 3, Mum says I insisted on fairy dresses and sequin shoes. Aged 8, it was all about Catwalk Barbie and staging my own show with my collection of dolls. Bored in a maths lesson, my favourite doodle was intertwined double C's. By age 14, my friend and I began styling photoshoots - wishing we could be Anna Wintour. I so hoped for a school blazer that somehow would compare to a Ralph Lauren one I had seen in Selfridges, but had to make do with a woolly jumper instead.


Five years later I have never been more certain that a career in fashion is for me. Lancaster to Newcastle here I come, with hopefully a few stops in New York and Milan on the way.
Carrie Bradshaw watch out - I too will go to the Met Costume Institute Gala as a paid up member of the fashion community!