I CAN AFFORD CHANEL.

Well, the title may seem misleading as being a poor student I probably still won't be able to afford any collection by Karl Lagerfeld. My budget will pretty much only stretch to Primark right now!

However, the prospect of a less expensive offspring of Chanel excites me incredibly!

Yesterday, a page was launched on www.net-a-porter.com to launch Karl Lagerfeld's new collection 'Karl', which will be released on 25th January next year. The site shows previews of the collection - monocrome colours, pleated skirts, and tailord suits; pieces clearly showing similarities to those of true Chanel.

The new collection has already raised hype, with a countdown on the main page counting down the days until the collection is released. People who are interested in the release can sign up to 'Karl's Kult' where they receive emails about the collection and the chance to enter competitions.

There is also the opportunity to download a new iphone app, where people can play 'Find Karl' (imagine Pacman without the creepy ghosts) where you have to collect all of the Karl heads before the timer runs out. The winner will win up to £1000 to spend on www.net-a-porter.com, with Karl choosing the winner himself next month. 

Another exciting element is to 'Karlify' yourself, by uploading a picture wich will then transform you into an aviator and white collar wearing, white headed man. Supposedly. Again, Karl will choose his favourite in January.

So there it is, another exciting collection to look forward to! It seems Karl Lagerfeld seems at home with making collections for people who can't afford the elaborate prices of Chanel. In 2004 Karl was the first to collaborate with international fashion brand H&M, with the aim to create mass appeal for the brand. However, he claimed he would never work with H&M again. 'Accusing the Swedish retailer of "snobbery" for producing minimal numbers of his designs, it had defeated his intention of making clothes available to the thousands of people who could not afford to shop at Lagerfeld Gallery, Chanel or Fendi.’

I personally can't wait to for this new collection, so my student loan can go away if it thinks it's going to get in the way of this post-Christmas indulgence!



Evita. My Fashion Icon.

Ok ok ok, I think it's about time I write this on here. Some people who know me, in particular Miss Victoria Fawcett, know that I seem to have a little obsession with Evita. It's not really an obsession, more of a fascination I believe. It's not so much about the musical film either (starring Madonna) but more so the life of Eva Peron herself - a true fashion icon.

 At the age of just 15 Eva Peron moved to the city of Buenos Aires in Argentina (also known as the Paris of South America) to live her dreams as an actress. It was here that she fell in love with Juan Peron, who became President of Argentina a year after they were married. She was an inspirational and powerful woman. Starting off as an actress, her links with politics soon led her to successfully push for a woman's right to vote and the legalisation of divorce. She particularly specialised in helping the poor classes, spending millions to improve their lives.

She is also inspirational in the fashion world. Similar to Gabrielle Chanel, Eva was one of the first Argentine women to wear trousers in public. What she was most known for, however, was that she wore clothes designed by some of the world's most influential designers. As Eva did so much work for the lower classes, apparently many designers would hide the fact they designed for her, worrying that this would annoy some of their most elite clients.

She was loved and loathed in Argentina. Some of the upper class thought of her as a hypocrite "for wearing Dior and diamonds whilst allying with the poor". However, the majority of the lower classes found her an inspiration with her "rags to riches" story.

After her premature death in 1952, Eva Peron still has influence over the fashion industry. A 2010 collection by Jorge Ibanez was inspired by Evita; with fabulous ball gowns, hats, diamonds and lookalike models. The whole show oozed Eva's glamour, and there was even a dramatic ending. Valeria Lynch, the first Argentine singer to play Eva Peron in Andrew Lloyd-Webber's musical production 'Evita' sang 'Don't Cry for Me Argentina' on a balcony overlooking the catwalk - wearing an Ibanez suit of course.

Eva Peron is definitely my favourite icon of past times, as I admire her dedication to society and the fashion industry. Upon being asked what he would have designed for Eva if she were still alive today, Ibanez replied without hesitation "I would have made her a black velvet dress with a touch of crystals. It would have been fantastic." A dress which I believe sounds the epitome of early 20th century glamour.

Jorge Ibanez himself with models from his 'Evita 2010 Collection'

Colour Story.

Christmas is two weeks away, I'm going back home to sunny sunny Lancaster (or maybe not) next week and FINALLY most of uni's first semester deadlines are over! Thank God for that.
The project I've enjoyed the most, and I'm probably most proud of is Photography.
The last photoshoot I did was named Colour Story. Focusing on the colour red, I went for a wander around freezing Newcastle (which ended up turning into a lunch date with my friend Bek in M&S) snapping anything that caught my eye. Of course, using Bek as my muse.

FINAL PRINTS

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!