Moschino Cheap & Chic SS13

Yesterday, I got the incredible opportunity to work backstage at the Moschino Cheap and Chic SS13 London Fashion Week show. The show was hosted in a warehouse-esque buiding, located in central London. Ultra chic fashionistas' were lead through large iron gates, guided through a large industrial corridor, before settling into their seats for the much anticipated show. Pixie Lott, Kelly Brook and Alexa Chung, in her J.W Anderson for Topshop bat jumper, all took their positions in the FROW. 

Renowned for it's playful and exciting designs, this season was no let down. Tailored trouser suits were teamed with string vests, while pineapples adorned 70's style flares, bralets, and cropped shirts. Leather track shorts and bomber jackets tapped into the sports luxe trend. And you haven't even seen the shoes and accessories yet!

Lace up wedges in hues of yellow, orange, green and black, clashed perfectly with the busy attire. While neon lace sneakers created a laid back day look, to be worn by London's most iconic street stylers. Chequered box bags, over-the-shoulder pineapple bags and embellished bags, took central stage in the accessories department.

On the beauty side, finely plaited hair was unleashed to form shiny waves and electric blue make up was applied to the eyes, leaving the lips and face neutral. 

Christopher Kane

So I'm trying to try out more things with my blog to make it an all rounder fashion blog, not just a cliched 'what I'm wearing today' blog, instead incorporating profiles of current, past and future iconic designers of the industry, current fashion affairs, fashion and beauty tips and of course weekly high street picks... no blog would be complete without a list of their favourite obsessions!

So to kick things off, I couldn't resist a write up on Scottish designer Christopher Kane. After reading about him in this months Elle issue, I was intrigued by his relationship with older sister Tammy and how together they managed to transform an incredible, raw talent for detail into such a successful business, when the dream could have perished away after the death of their father. It's this strong relationship that is applaudable to the brands success.

After graduating from Central Saint Martins, where he spent his spare time interning with Giles Deacon and Russell Sage, Christopher set up his own label. His love of detail, more specifically different forms of embellishment, soon became his signature style. This passion for detail is something which can be seen through any of his collections; it's something which makes every season different; something to look forward to. He says 'It's always good to move out of your comfort zone each season, to learn new things and to challenge your senses'. Often designers get sucked in to designing the same style of clothing season in, season out, exquisitely made of course, just a little obvious.

However Christopher's style is exciting; appliquéd flowers, bronze brocade and glitter fringed appliqué all graced the S/S12 catwalks. I especially adored his optical illusional dresses made from bright plastic fridge magnet embellishments nude dresses overlaid in shimmering organza. With this form of innovation and creativity, it's no wonder why he received this years Scottish designer of the year award.

Facials and pretty manicures

Just recently my love of fashion has developed into the giant world of beauty and well being, which has basically come from my new found addiction to the gym (yes the GYM!) and the discovery of organic skincare brand Origins. Basically I've turned into one of these apple eating, Women's health reading, gym junkies... and I love it. Although the odd Galaxy crumble does occasionally find its way into my shopping basket, on a day when quite frankly nothing else will do.

A few weeks ago, a good friend who just happens to be the manager of the Origins concession in Milton Keynes, gave me a rather relaxing facial one afternoon and I was absolutely amazed by how delicate and soft the products felt on my skin, not to mention the glow.

To begin with she used A Perfect World Antioxidant cleanser with white tea to cleanse and help detoxify my skin from any impurities and my eye makeup was removed with Well Off eye makeup remover. Next she began to exfoliate my skin with Modern Friction Nature's gentle dermabrasion, which left my skin smooth and glowing without the usual irritation from many other exfoliators I've used in the past. Now that my skin was clean and smooth, A Perfect World Age defence treatment lotion with white tea was used as a toner which hydrated and prepared my skin for the treatments still to come. A Perfect World White tea skin guardian serum was applied before Drink Up, a mask to quench skin's thirst, was smothered over my face and left for 10 minutes before being gently removed by wet cotton wool pads. Finally GinZing was used to refresh and depuff my eyes and A perfect World antioxidant moisturiser was used to lock in the the skin's moisture and hydrate it throughout the day.

Overall I was really impressed with the facial and already have a list of essentials that I will be purchasing from her. I particularly love the fact that all Origins products are made from 100% natural ingredients and essential oils, without the use of any parabens, phthalates, propylene glycol, paraffin or any other intoxicating substances which are ironically designed to 'cleanse' your face of any intoxicants. Unfortunately they do come with a pretty hefty price tag for a student and so I've selected my favourite two products that I will use on a regular basis to purchase; the Serum and the Drink Up 10 minute mask.

I then went on to treat myself to a DIY manicure after the purchase of the new MaxFactor Max effect nail varnish in Cool Jade, Juicy Plum, Mellow Yellow and Pretty in Pink. 

So what are your recent beauty discoveries?

Lilac blazer and Louis Vuitton

For a long time I've been looking for a jacket I can wear during the much cooler summer days we're currently facing (and lets face it, the many more windy days to come..). So recently when I went on a shopping trip to Bluewater, where I overindulged myself in florals, pastels and caramel lattes, I came across this perfectly preen boyfriend blazer in an on trend lilac shade. 

It's not something I'd usually go for, but recently my style has turned ultra girly, with great thanks to the sparkling carousel of crisp pastels, doily collars and full 50's skirts, that was the Louis Vuitton's S/S12 show, designed by the ever-so-talented Marc Jacobs. I absolutely adored the use of the laser cut on the garments as it added a gorgeous transparancy which eludes the elegance and class of a 50's housewife, whilst also creating this illusion of purity.

I particularly loved the ice white shirt with oversized floral appliqué detailing. It would look perfect tucked into a peplum skirt for evening chic, or even paired with a colour pop blazer and skinnies for daytime glamour. Regrettably a students bank balance doesn't really allow me to buy Louis Vuitton, but if I could, I'd have the whole collection... So me.

Fortunately the high street offers some amazing alternatives and I've found some great pieces to transform my wardrobe LV style.

Blazer Topshop, Blouse Primark, Skirt River Island, Loafers Topshop, Necklace Miss Selfridge

Louis Vuitton S/S12

1. Blazer from River Island

2. Blouse from Topshop

3. Skirt from Miss Selfridge

4. Bag from Topshop

5. Shoes from Topshop

In other news, I've recently started using ASOS marketplace to sell clothes, so keep checking https://marketplace.asos.com/seller/littlebow/collection 

What's your favourite summer trend? 

Mint shirt and Striped jeans

The S/S12 catwalks didn't fall short of Mint this season, with everybody from Diane von Furstenberg to Vera Wang triumphing the colour. I especially fell in love with one of outfits from the Tibi collection (pictured below); a flowing peplum zipped top was teamed with a sheer maxi skirt over a pair of chic knicker shorts and chunky cream heels; if only I lived in the sunny St Tropez where this could become part of my daywear, unfortunately I don't feel Northampton is quite ready for this just yet. 

But there is something oh-so-refreshing about the colour mint in any summer wardrobe. So for a more wearable outfit, layer it on even more mint, mix it up with some cute pastels or use it as a statement piece layered with a smart blazer. I've layered my plain mint shirt with a pair of vertical striped jeans from River Island with some nude buckled loafers from Topshop and clashing orange nails. It's such a simple look to rock, just don't forget the nails.

Diane von Furstenberg, Tibi, Vera Wang

Pastel dreams

I'm absolutely loving the pastel trend so much at the moment - and its an obsession which is only going to get worse throughout the spring. 

With it being pay week and bursary week, I'd be a fool not to invest in some of my wishlist! 

So here's what I'll be spending my money on...

Mint MOTO jeans - c/o Topshop

Tangerine strappy wedges - Topshop

 Chain Print Blouse - Miss Selfridge

Floral Blouse - Miss Selfridge

Lace Chiffon Dress - American Apparel

Crochet Detail Cropped Shirt - Miss Selfridge

Peach Shirt - Miss Selfridge

Mint Lace Dress - River Island

Lazer cut back dress - New Look

Hardcase Clutch - Accessorize

Pussybow Dress - New Look

Peach Blazer - New Look

What's your favourite S/S12 trend?

Emma Xx

Top picks... Office

After spending the weekend in bed full of cold, I had plenty of time to plan some new posts for my blog including a new weekly, 'Top picks', where I will be bringing you my favourite items from a different store every week.

So to start the ball rolling, I've decided to dedicate my first week on shoes. No one can resist shoes. Especially not Office shoes. So here's my top picks....

So what kind of shoe person are you? 

Hope you all have an amazing week.

Xx

Florals and Mulberry

The sun was out today, so my mind was set for spring. 

A floral blouse kept untucked, loose fitting coral knit jumper, pale pink jeans and some ballet pumps and I'm set for a day of lectures and boring assignment talk... At least I've got endless articles on LFW to read whilst I'm there... Hello Mulberry! 

I absolutely love the quirkiness of Mulberry and one day I will own an Alexa. I prey. My favourite outfit would have to be the opening look complete with the long haired coat clinched in at the waist, accented with a yellow snake skin skirt and of course the new Lily shoulder with chain handle. And good news for those who love a bit of heel throughout the day without the pain of skinny stilettos, as the wedge boot is back for AW12, so hold on to them ladies!

Oh and the must have accessory at Mulberry is no longer the bag, it's a Puppy! So all you dog lovers out there are completely on trend. 

Photos above taken from Mulberry blog

Xx

Flash mobs and cocktail dresses

Wow, welcome home Stella!

The only words I can manage after seeing Stella McCartney's surreal fashion show Saturday evening. I've loved Stella's designs for a while now, but this has put her onto a whole new level and as many people are saying 'gone down in fashion history'.

Too most it seemed like any 'normal-yet-oh-so-stylish' black tie dinner (vegetarian of course...). However unknowingly, the guests were surrounded by the new autumn winter 12 collections worn by one of the many models also sat eating dinner (trying stupendously hard not to spill a drip onto the marble print silk evening gowns).

A Jazz band, a six course meal and a hypnotised and levitated Alexa Chung later and finally those hidden models sporting the latest collection sprang into life, jumping on tables and performing a well choreographed ballet to Led Zeppelin. And if that wasn't enough professional dancers who had been acting as mannequins, some suspended from the ceiling others dangling from their optical illusion bandage dresses, were then added into the mix to create a show stopping spectacle.

And what a show it was for the ultra star studded audience.

 Alex Chung

 Dionne Bromfield

 Kate Moss

 Rihanna

Rihanna and the queen of fashion Anna Wintour

Above photos taken from look.co.uk

Sadly I couldn't make it (didn't want to go anyway...cough!), instead I spent the evening watching Take me out and eating love hearts. Oh the shame. 

However Sunday I decided to go shopping and came home with a Mac Book Pro and I haven't been off it since, until my boyfriend decided he wanted to spend all evening on virtual DJ. Not going to lie, I felt a little bit like my new toy had been taken off of me at Christmas. 

Along with this, I also bought some new bits and bobs to update my wardrobe including a candy coloured  knit that I may find myself living in for the next few months. Love it! So I shall be updating you with photos and outfit posts throughout the week! 

I hope everyone has been loving LFW as much as me (I want some Mulberry loving!)

Xx 

Blue and green

This week I've been rediscovering my wardrobe as I'm currently organising a vintage pop up shop at my university with my course and so it's inspired me to rework my old pieces into my new wardrobe.

I bought this blouse about 3 years ago and since completely forgotten all about it. I absolutely love the colour and print of the blouse and its sheerness looks chic without exposing too much flesh. I'm also a huge fan of high necklines and so the buttons to the top of the shirt are perfect for me. The high waisted denim shorts are also a pretty fail safe option as they tend to look good with anything.  

I'm a little bit of a lazy girl to be honest when it comes to hair, I tend to always wear the same style just out of simplicity rather than choice. As much as I'd love to be able to create some of the fancy styles they feature in magazines, the truth is I'm not someone who tends to spend hours getting ready and perfecting their hair. So the discovery of the 'donut' has definitely become a little bit of an obsession for me (along with my green jumper that I cannot stop wearing). It's so easy to do and looks amazing!

In other news its the official opening of Autumn Winter 2012 LFW (Yay!).

Bora Aksu combined childhood purity with feminine strength to create a collection of tailored jackets, sheer shirts and skirts in a palette of pastel pinks, cream, grey and fiery reds and oranges, taking inspiration from Henry Darger's novel 'In the Realms of Unreal'. Personally I'm not sure about the combination of colours, however the printed shirts and pussy bows are definitely my kind of style.

Absolutely love Fyodor Golan's use of glitter, unfortunately I may have to just use this on my eyes...

Although my favourite collection so far is Orla Kiely's 1920's nostalgic look. I love all things cute and vintage looking and so for me this collection is something I could see myself in. Patent satchels, silk blouses, retro prints and sequined collars.

And finally a huge congratulations to Alexa Chung on her new role... British Fashion Council's young style ambassador.

Enjoy your weekend

Xx

Little red dress and boyfriend coat

It's that time of year again when you see men hovering around the card and chocolates isle and the local restaurants are filled with 'lovey dovey' couples for one day, before returning to their usual unromantic ways. Even though I'm in a relationship, I still find the over-romanticised day a little cringey, although I do love being treated to dinner, flowers and chocs!

So today's post is dedicated to the valentine's date night and nothing says love like a little red dress.

This one from Miss Selfridge is perfect; not only perfectly fitting, but the cut out neckline is perfect for showing off that expensive necklace he's bound to buy you (hint hint!). I would accessorise it with this gold sequined clutch and knot stud earrings both from Accessorize, nude and black bow fronted shoes from New Look and of course an oversized boyfriend coat from Topshop.

Happy Valentines day!

Xx

Vibrant prints and coloured tights

I'm adoring a bit of Tropical print at the moment. However it's far too cold to take this look head to toe, so I've matched my tropical print skirt with a knitted green jumper and a sequined colour sheer blouse, making it a more suitable pick for the day.

River Island have created such an amazing collection based on the Latin American influence on Miami and the prints are just phenomenal. I love the use of colour and will certainly be buying a few items from their website. Although the look is fun, quirky and extremely bold, my style is much more relaxed and girly, so I'll probably be wearing a printed blouse with some cute denim shorts or invest in the printed jeans (Below) and pair them with plain tee.

Excuse my messy room... really should learn to shut my draws properly.

Xx

Pretty pinks and candy

Pastels and candy colours are definitely the colour of the season as Spring trends make their way into our favourite high street shops at the moment (I know, how can we even be talking about Spring when I managed to slip straight onto my bum as I attempted to fight off the ice from my car this morning...). I've got to admit I'm loving all the coloured jeans that are still coming through, I've got my eye on a beautiful mint green pair from ASOS, so as soon as my bursery comes through, a mega shopping spree plus holiday booking is in order.

I also don't think you can go wrong with a printed blouse for spring either, the blossoms simply liven up the winters muted tones we've become accustomed to through the dark days. And nothing says Spring like birds right?

I'm off to see Snow Patrol tomorrow with the mother... Never been a huge fan but I've heard they're amazing live so I'm a little bit excited!

Hope you all have a 'blooming' good Sunday!

(Couldn't resist the pun...however definately should have. Apologies)

Xx