ClothesPony

If I'm a star, then the people made me a star

2012-02-25T14:56:00.000Z

Photographs of icon Marilyn Monroe have been released after 50 years lost in the depths of a drawer at LIFE magazine. Taken by photographer Ed Clark, the images were shot in a Los Angeles park before Marilyn's rise to fame and quickly discarded as she was unknown and this particular roll was said to be over-developed and poorly printed.

Stunning.

Chanel

2012-02-25T14:35:00.003Z

I'm on the runway with some of the best models in the industry

2012-02-11T12:16:00.000Z

Casting director Douglas Perrett has released some early polaroids of models who we all now know and love, along with comments he had made at the time (in italics).

Miranda Kerr

"She never booked the job, was constantly overshadowed by her friend, a blonde Aussie."

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

"She had her eye on the big picture."

Candice

"Didn't like her, too Barbie-like."

Chanel Iman

"You realise how young these girls are. She needed a big hug that day."

Pics copyright of Douglas Perrett and taken from hurricanevanessa

Bravery never goes out of fashion

2012-02-10T20:33:00.000Z

Queen of print, Mary Katrantzou, has unveiled her debut capsule collection for high street King Topshop. Filled with vibrant print - mainly florals - the ten-piece collection covers all garments and prices range from £40 for leggings to £350 for the collection's stand out structured dress (above).

Despite having produced two lines for Topshop before, this is the first time Katrantzou has featured a full range featuring dresses, trousers, t-shirts and skirts.

The British Fashion Award winner said: "It's very exciting to work with Topshop for our third range together, They've been so supportive of my range from the very beginning and this range will be the most ambitious one we have done and the most fun.

"My idea behind the collaboration was to design for the Topshop girl a range that is as close to the aesthetic of my mainline as possible, with great control over the quality of design and production. I can't wait to see the Topshop girls in the bowl dresses and, for the most daring, to see them try the print on print layering."

The collection hits stores in exactly one week - Friday 17th February 2012.

Beauty is not caused. It is.

2012-02-02T13:50:00.000Z

Beauty is everywhere a welcome guest

2012-02-02T13:44:00.000Z

It is in collaboration that the nature of art is revealed

2012-01-27T00:41:00.000Z

All pictures from Fashionologie.com

Just as we are recovering from the beauty that was Versace for H&M, along comes an equally exciting collaboration - this time the high street store will be joining forces with Marni, for another sure-fire sell out collection.

Due to hit shops on the 8th March, the collection will be filled with full pleated skirts, dresses, cropped trousers and jacquard knits in a variety of hues and patterns, while men's will feature relaxed staples in subtle prints. There will also be a range of accessories.

As always with H&M designer link ups, the collection will be affordable and a big step away from Marni's usual high-end prices.

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication

2012-01-27T00:22:00.005Z

It seems Mr Lagerfeld has been a very busy man. Not only has his diffusion line, Karl, now been released - and, unsurprisingly sold out - but Chanel has showcased it's couture show, too...on a plane, with the aisle as the runway.

The show, held at the Grand Palais in Paris, built up a buzz before it even started, with journalists and buyers alike having been informed of the 'restricted seating' and trying to ensure they were one of the elite to board Air Chanel.

Fittingly, the collection featured many looks in sky blue, alongside the classic Chanel monochrome palette. Hemlines were long and texture was key. There was even an uncharacteristic flash of animal print and a lot of shimmer and shine. Eyes were heavily lined and hair reminiscent of the punk era - albeit with a new designer twist.

Guests including Cameron Diaz and Daphne Guiness chose sophisticated monochrome for their ride on the top fashion flight and the man himself wore his trademark sunglasses, hair in a ponytail and large collar done up to the very top.

As always, the epitome of sophistication and everything Chanel stands for.

All photos from Dailymail.co.uk

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THE BEST NEWS EVER

2011-12-28T22:43:00.000Z

Karl Lagerfeld is set to release a cut-price diffusion line, Karl, in early 2012! Yes, we can all have the Chanel look for a fraction of the price.

The 100-piece collection- which will be priced between £50 - £300 and available from Net-A-Porter.com - is set to be unveiled during Couture Fashion Week in Paris on 25th January 2012 - less than one month away.

The released images show classic Karl design - a monochrome colour palette, leather and a classic femininity with an androgynous edge.

The full collection is reported to be 'rock 'n' roll inspired, versatile and made of luxuriously delicate fabrics including silk for blouses and dresses' and will feature both evening and daywear. Expect dresses with low backs, metallic jeans, casual vest tops, hoodies, capri pants and t-shirt dresses.

Lagerfeld told WWD: "[The collection] is my today's taste and style and a reflection of how I think a great number of people would like to be dressed now.

"I just want not too expensive clothes that people may like and perhaps want to wear. That was my concept for a long time, but my business partners in the past wanted to be like Chanel or Fendi without putting behind what is needed to be like that."

Net-A-Porter.com has released a microsite dedicated to all things Karl, along with an app where users can find Karl and Karlify their look by uploading a picture and seeing it revealed with Lagerfeld's infamous white hair and glasses.

I know I'll be logging on!

2011-10-25T10:15:00.000+01:00

Photo from the December 2011 of UK Vogue

Louis Vuitton

2011-10-05T13:31:00.001+01:00

Picture from here

See a video with comment on this gorgeous show at Vogue.co.uk.

2011-10-05T09:31:00.000+01:00

Picture from here

How beautifully leaves grow old, how full of light & colour are their days

2011-10-04T19:31:00.000+01:00

Q: Whose AW11 collection is this?

All pictures from here

A: Primark.

Yep, the bargainous high street magnate. Who would have thought it.

2011-10-03T17:12:00.000+01:00

Get this stunning dress at Marks and Spencer

2011-09-21T16:42:00.000+01:00

On my birthday, I was in Milan for the collections.

- Eva Herzigova

Hello, Milan Fashion Week.

Wouldn't you think I'm the girl, the girl who has everything

2011-09-21T12:06:00.000+01:00

Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, some fabulous Disney princesses were transformed in to Vogue cover stars, ready to take the fashion world by storm.

Leading ladies including Snow White, Little Mermaid Ariel, Pocahontas and Aladdin's princess, Jasmine have appeared on their first ever Vogue cover, thanks to artist Dante Tyler Brown, who has chosen eight Disney stars to feature on the front page mock-up of the renowned fashion magazine.

Each Disney lady also has her own unique cover line, including Snow White's Her life after the dwarves - 7 men to 1 and Belle's Be her guest - An inside look at the Kingdom and her new life.

The illustrations won't be hitting stands any time soon - they haven't made it on to magazines yet - but it certainly is an inspired idea.

All photos from here

2011-09-16T13:34:00.000+01:00

“People constantly make the mistake of comparing London with New York, Milan and Paris and that's not what it's about. London has its own fashion identity. You come here to find the next Alexander McQueen or John Galliano.”

- Anna Wintour

Today is the start of London Fashion Week.

2011-09-16T13:29:00.000+01:00

2011-09-09T17:18:00.000+01:00

Buy them at Tophsop

2011-09-09T12:11:00.001+01:00

The Olympic Spirit is neither the property of one race nor of one age

2011-09-09T12:06:00.000+01:00

Picture from here

Fashion designer John Galliano was yesterday spared court after admitting racially abusing a couple in a Paris restaurant. The designer, who was fired by fashion house Dior over the incident, was instead given suspended fined totalling €6,000 (£4,250).

Galliano, 50, said he had no recollection of the events - blaming drug and alcohol addictions for his outburst - and denied being racist.

The designer went on trial in June over the attack on Geraldine Bloch last February and another in October 2010. Video footage of a third tirade was also shown. Galliano told the court he had been drinking champagne and taking valium pills 'like they were candy' on the day of the incident.

Following yesterday's verdict, the lawyer of one of the victims said Galliano was a 'sick man' who had seen his reputation and career destroyed, which is 'the real punishment.'

Galliano was found guilty of casting public insults based on origin, religious affiliation or ethnicity - which can carry a maximum prison sentance of six months, however the prosecution did not ask for the designer to be sent to prison.

Judge Anne-Marie Sauteraud said the low damages and fine were based on his lack of previous convictions and attempts he had made to overcome his drug and alcohol addictions.

2011-09-07T09:20:00.000+01:00

"New York City's Fashion Week and the fall fashion magazines that overflow the newsstands during that time make the city glow with the glamour, carnival, and creativity that drives department stores, luxury boutiques, editorials, magazines and fashion-crazed

women for months to come."

- Elizabeth Currid, The Warhol Economy: How Fashion, Art, and Music Drive New York City (New Edition)

Today is the start of New York Fashion Week. How I wish I were there again.

2011-09-07T09:08:00.001+01:00

2011-09-07T09:06:00.002+01:00

2011-09-02T15:22:00.000+01:00

Style is a simple way of saying complicated things

2011-08-31T10:14:00.000+01:00

Photo from here

Sarah Jessica-Parker does it again: her Prabal Gurung dress is sheer perfection. 10/10.

Fashion changes, but style endures

2011-08-19T11:50:00.000+01:00

Picture from here

It was 128 years ago today that Coco Chanel was born. The designer went on to leave a legacy behind her and will never be forgotten by those in fashion.

Joyeux anniversaire Mademoiselle Chanel.

Fashion is for the consumer.

2011-08-18T21:22:00.000+01:00

Style is something you cultivate when you know who you are.

Former editor-in-chief of French Vogue, Carine Roitfeld, has styled - and appears in - the AW11 ads for New York department store Barneys.

Called 'Carine's World', the 56-year-old is photographed in the campaign with her daughter Julia Restoin-Roitfeld and son Vladimir Restoin-Roitfeld.

Other famous faces to feature in the campaign include Dasha Zhukova, Dior jewellery designer Victoire de Castellane, model Natasha Poly and Marie-Amelié Sauvé - Roitfeld's former fashion director at Vogue.

The photographs were shot by renowned photographer Mario Sorrenti and styled by Roitfeld, with designers including Rick Owens, Givenchy, Proenza Schouler, The Row and Balenciaga - all available in Barneys, obviously.

The images will appear in the Barneys windows and on Barneys.com from September 2, and will also feature as ads in glossy magazines.

All photos from dailymail.co.uk

2011-08-14T12:19:00.000+01:00

"It pains me physically to see a woman victimized,

rendered pathetic, by fashion."

- Yves Saint-Laurent

Our hearts are drunk with a beauty our eyes could never see

2011-08-14T12:06:00.001+01:00

The September issues of US Vogue has been released and includes some stunning photos from the wedding of Kate Moss and Jamie Hince.

The following images are all from Vogue.com.

The finest clothing made is a person's skin, but, of course, society demands something more than this

2011-08-12T10:42:00.000+01:00

Photo from here

Four months after the event, Grazia magazine has finally admitted to doctoring the photo they ran on the front cover of their Royal Wedding issue. Like we didn't already know! It was screamingly obvious that Kate Middleton's already tiny waist had been made even smaller in what seemed like an unnecessary move by the magazine.

Photo from here

Above you can see the original image - the new Duke and Duchess of Cambridge leaving the church, just married. Kate's right arm is lifted and her hand is gripping the Prince's. The magazine told the Press Complaints Commission that the image had been altered to remove the arm of Prince William in order for his new wife to be featured alone on the front cover. As you can clearly see from the above images, this involved 'mirroring' one of the bride's arms. Grazia claims that "an inadvertent result of the change was the slimming of her waist."

Grazia magazine has agreed to publish the following statement:

"Following a letter received from a Mr H about our royal wedding issue, Grazia magazine would like to clarify the process that led to our final cover image of the Duchess of Cambridge.

"We wanted a great image of the Duchess on her own, but all the photographs had the Duke in too. So we asked our reproduction house to remove him from the picture (common practice among glossy magazines).

"This would have left the Duchess with only one arm, so they copied over her arm to complete the picture. We would like to reassure all our readers that we did not purposely make any alternations to the Duchess of Cambridge’s image to make her appear slimmer, and we are sorry if this process gave that impression. Grazia takes the issue of women's body image very seriously and we would never 'slim down' a picture of a female role model."

Despite the - seemingly innocent - explanation, the PCC states that the magazine is still in breach of the Editors' Code, which states (clause one): "The press must take care not to publish inaccurate, misleading or distorted information, including pictures."

Tut tut, Grazia magazine. A slap on the wrist and 100 lines for you. Repeat after me: "we must not slim down princesses, we must not slim down princesses."

Practice safe design: Use a concept

2011-08-03T23:07:00.000+01:00

Photo from here

David Beckham is set to release a bodywear line for H&M. It is unclear whether the star - who has previously modelled for Emporio Armani - will appear in the line's ads (though women the world over are certainly hoping so!)

The footballer said in a statement: "Over the past year, I’ve been developing my Bodywear range with my team and I’m extremely positive about what we have designed and produced.

"The final piece in the jigsaw was a retail partner who has the vision and capability to distribute these products globally. In H&M we have found the perfect partner to collaborate with going forward, I’m excited and looking forward to showcasing the range to H&M customers from February."

The range is set to hit stores on 2nd February 2012 - just in time for Valentine's Day!

The life of every man is a diary in which he means to write one story, and writes another; and his humblest hour is when he compares the volume as it is with what he vowed to make it

2011-08-03T22:51:00.000+01:00

Photo from here

Grace Coddington has sold the rights to her memoir for $1.2million. Yes, US Vogue's creative director (and star of The September Issue) is set to release her life story.

Having grown up in rural Wales, Coddington's career in fashion began when she won a modelling competition (in Vogue, nonetheless) aged just 17; she was soon working with the biggest designers and photographers - including Willie Christie, who became her first husband.

Image from here

After a car crash at the age of 26, in which Coddington lost an eyelid and needed reconstructive surgery, she quit modelling and turned instead to behind the scenes work - eventually becoming junior editor for British Vogue.

Image from here

It was 17 years in to Coddington's time at Vogue when Anna Wintour became editor-in-chief.

After leaving British Vogue, Coddington moved to New York and started work as a consultant at Calvin Klein, moving to Vogue's US counterpart along with Wintour.

The rest, as they say, is history. The raven-haired creative director's relationship with her editor was revealed in 2009's The September Issue - the film in which Coddington, surprisingly, exited as the star.

Her memoir is sure to focus on her enviable career, as well as her personal relationships - especially that with Wintour.

There is not yet a release date for the memoirs, but the fashion world awaits with baited breath.

So I go outside for a cigarette with Kate, OK?

2011-07-01T23:36:00.000+01:00

She has this little jumpsuit on with little sequins. She looked gorgeous. Some dirty old man walks by and goes, 'Oh, you do that really well. You could be a model.' She goes, 'Fuck off! I’m too short!'

- John Galliano on Kate Moss

On a par with the royal wedding for most anticipated nuptials of the year, Kate Moss and Jamie Hince today made it official with a Cotswolds wedding for 400. Of course, all eyes were on Miss Moss - what would one of the most revered fashionistas of her time wear on her big day?

Early on, it was announced that the bride would be in Galliano (correct), with Louboutin shoes (wrong - she wore Manolos). The first pictures to be leaked were of the bride-to-be and her father in the wedding car en-route to the church. Despite it only being a head shot, the eagle eyed amongst us noted (from Kate's knee) that the dress was at least of a midi length, sheer and with embellishments.

It was a while longer until we saw the gown in its entirety.

The gown was not at all what I had envisaged, but was perfect for the new Mrs Hince; slim-fitting, a bit risqué in a classic way (in some lights the sheer bottom half is very sheer) and understated whilst managing to be eye-catching. I love the detailing at the bottom (it reminds me of mermaids) but were I to change one thing, I would have the dress at all the same density, rather than going from opaque to sheer.

I immediately noted that Kate Moss was wearing flowers on her temples - a look Lily Allen went for when she married Sam Cooper recently, could this be a new trend in wedding wear?!

All photos from dailymail.co.uk

The couple's gaggle of bridesmaids - including Kate's gorgeous daughter Lila - was just perfect and the couple seemed very comfortable surrounded by the girls ... how long until we hear the pitter patter of little Hince children?!

Guests reportedly included Anna Wintour, celebrity hairdresser (and Kate's best friend) James Brown, Sadie Frost, Naomi Campbell, Kelly Osbourne and Jade Jagger. Jamie's Kills bandmate Alison Mosshart is understood to have been bestwoman.

Husband and wife will reportedly celebrate their nuptials with a three day festival-inspired party - to be held in the grounds of their home - with food provided by The Dorchester and Ritz Paris hotels and entertainment rumoured to be provided by Iggy Pop, Beth Ditto, Snoop Dogg and Carl Barat. Oh to be a fly on the wall!

Congratulations to the newly weds.

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There is a time for work. And a time for love. That leaves no other time.

2011-06-27T21:47:00.002+01:00

Karl Lagerfeld has revealed that Lily Allen did wear her bespoke Chanel dress when she got married - to the evening reception rather than the church. Just one photo of the Lagerfeld creation has been released, in which the new Mrs Cooper looks positively glowing.

Chanel also released an original sketch of the dress, the caption on which simply read 'Sketch of Lily Allen's dress by Karl Lagerfeld. Photo of the fittings at 31 rue Cambon by Benoît Peverelli.'

Of course, the dress Lily wore for the ceremony was by Delphine Manivet. Continuing the lace trend that the Duchess of Cambridge started at her own wedding earlier this year, Lily looked radiant in a half sleeved, loose-fitting dress. The designer later revealed that the dress was purposely made this way, to accommodate the fact that Mrs Cooper is four months pregnant - as announced by her new husband during his wedding speech.

Congratulations to the bride and groom.

Creativity comes from a conflict of ideas

2011-06-27T21:29:00.001+01:00

H&M's next collaboration - to be released in November - will be with VERSACE.

I personally feel this is the most exciting of any high street/designer link up we have encountered since the phenomenon came about.

Some preview photos have been released...

Photos from BoyMeetsFashion

I am loving the rock chic leathers and studs and eagerly anticipating the rest of the collection already.

Although prices will be lower than buying mainline Versace, I imagine they will still set the customer back approximately £200 (especially for the leathers!), so it's time to stop the frivolous spending in Primark and prepare to splash out on some investment pieces. From the look of these photos, it will definitely be worth it!

2011-06-27T21:14:00.001+01:00

‘Sometimes Geeks Can Be Chic’

- Anna Wintour

Difference of habit and language are nothing at all if our aims are identical and our hearts are open

2011-06-13T18:35:00.001+01:00

Photo from DailyMail.co.uk

Years of dreams just can't be wrong

2011-06-09T22:26:00.002+01:00

JUST IN - The Duchess of Cambridge looks amazing as she arrives at a charity gala this evening. She really is doing the UK proud by not only being a great ambassador, but wearing British designers, too (her dress is Jenny Packham and shoes are L.K Bennett).

Pictures from the Daily Mail

Close your eyes and see the beauty

2011-05-28T23:58:00.002+01:00

I've just spotted this stunning Alexa Chung editorial by Vogue Italy and had to show it to you...

All photos from Vogue Italy

Manchester City - FA Cup holders 2011

2011-05-24T21:47:00.001+01:00

Apologies for my absence - the last couple of weeks have been some of the most incredible of my life. And apologies to those of you who read my blog for the fashion as this post is going to be strictly football.

It has been 35 years since Manchester City Football Club last won a trophy, I have been alive for 24 of them. We have always been in the shadow of our Trafford neighbours; we have been up and down through the divisions, struggled for survival or hung around mid-table with no sense of purpose come the end of the season. Being promoted in '99 and qualifying for Europe was as exciting as it got for us loyal Blues ... until this season. Until the Sheik, Mancini, Joe Hart. Until Vincent Kompany, Nigel de Jong, Tevez and Silva.

Until we won the FA Cup.

It's tough to put in words just how incredible the last couple of weeks have been - starting with the FA Cup final against Stoke at Wembley and ending last night, with Man City's homecoming parade. Unless you're a City fan yourself, it will be impossible to comprehend how any Blue is feeling. It's a sense of pride and astonishment, disbelief and confidence. It's a feeling we've never had before.

To see just how much this means to the fans, one need only look at the footage from the seconds immediately after the final whistle at Wembley. Like most fans, I cheered briefly before being struck with a wave of realisation - our boys had just won a trophy. A trophy that meant we were winners of one of the most respected competitions in English football. My hands went up, over my nose and mouth - in that position that people take when there's five minutes left of a game, you're winning 1-0 and the opposition have a free kick just on the edge of the box - and I started shaking, tears running down my face. Chris - a friend of many, many years and another big Blue - gave me a hug and carried on celebrating. It took me a good minute or so to compose myself before joining in, and when Blue Moon rang out across the stadium, I joined in with tears still in my eyes.

There is a belief that this is our moment, that 'typical' City are slowly being left behind and that we can do it. We finished third in the league (joint second on points) and have automatically qualified for the Champions' League. I look at the league table and have to pinch myself - it wasn't that long ago that we were floundering in 10th, just happy to be in the top half of the table.

This season has also been great for Manchester in general - two of the country's top three teams are from Manchester, City won the FA Cup and United are in the Champions' League final. And although I can't bring myself to wish the red half of our fair city luck for the game on Saturday, I have never been more proud to be Mancunian.

Seeing our Blue boys lift the trophy and then watching it come home last night were two incredible moments that I am very proud to have experienced.

The Blue Moon is rising, boys and somehow I don't think it will be another 35 years.

Here's to the team of 2010/2011.

Thank you.

I own the copyright on all of the above photos. If you would like to use them, please just ask :)

Superbia in Proelia

2011-05-11T23:16:00.001+01:00

This weekend, I will be heading down to Wembley once again, to see my beloved Manchester City in the FA Cup final. It is likely to be a highly charged game and I wouldn't dare guess whose possession the much-coveted silverware will be in come Saturday evening, but I sincerely hope it is under the care of Roberto Mancini and the City boys. After a 35 year wait, our time is now.

Come on the Blues!

Have a lovely weekend all,

J x

A hundred hearts would be too few

2011-05-11T22:59:00.004+01:00

to carry all my love for you

Photo from here

Some might say I'm behind the times, that the royal wedding was a lifetime ago, that it's old news. But I don't care - I finally have the time to sit down and really write.

The 29th April 2011 is a date that will go down in history. The date that many will say changed the face of the monarchy. The date that we finally got to see the dress.

After months of speculation, denial and secrecy, Sarah Burton was spotted, on the eve of the wedding, heading in to the Goring Hotel - where Kate Middleton was staying. Her identity given away by last season's trapper hat. We knew the designer - McQueen - but Twitter was in a frenzy; was it vintage or new? High necked or low? Slim or puffy?

Photo from here

It wasn't until the next morning, when Kate Middleton stepped out of the Goring and in to the car waiting to take her to Westminster Abbey, that we saw the intricate lace detailing, the long sleeves and the low-cut v shape. Necks all over the world were craned as fashion followers tried to see further in to the car, but it wasn't until the now Duchess of Cambridge stepped out at Westminster Abbey that we got to fully appreciate the dress. Long, with a 2.7m train (short by royal standards), a full-flowing skirt (to echo the shape of a flower in bloom) and a delicious amount of intricate needlework, it was the perfect modern classic.

Immediately praised by the fashion press and adored by all, Princess Catherine's choice of dress wowed all who saw it and quickly became known as one of the nation's best kept secrets of recent times. Sarah Burton later revealed that not even her mother knew she was designing the dress and workers from the school of embroidery were told they were creating a dress for a period drama.

Photo from here

Burton said, of the exciting period: "[it was] the experience of a lifetime to work with Catherine Middleton to create her wedding dress, and I have enjoyed every moment of it. Catherine looked absolutely stunning today and the team at Alexander McQueen are very proud of what we have created."

The designer added: "The dress was just one component of a spectacular day and I do not think it is appropriate to comment any further beyond saying that I personally am very grateful and honoured to have been given the opportunity to work on this project and I wish The Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge every good wish for the future."

Sarah is, of course, right. The dress was just one aspect of what was a glorious day. We all watched it and know how heart-warmingly beautiful it was - from William whispering "you look beautiful" when Catherine reached the altar, to that 'Just Wed' registration number, with the Duke of Cambridge at the wheel and balloons trailing from the back.

Photo from here

The royal wedding was more than just a day for two young people to show their love for each other - it was a morale booster for the entire nation and fantastic publicity for the UK as not only a country, but a fashion capital, too. Designs by British fashion designers were worn in abundance and the quintessential Brit label, McQueen, placed itself firmly in to the history books. A great testament to the late designer and the great work that he, and Sarah Burton, did together.

I don't do fashion, I am fashion

2011-05-05T20:57:00.000+01:00

Oh, Marie Claire, you did it again - another stunning photo shoot with another gorgeous but seemingly moody celeb. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, it's the impeccably dressed Olivia Palermo.

All of the above photos are taken from marieclaire.co.uk

I splashed out and bought this issue today to see what Miss Palermo really is like. Disappointingly, the only impression I got of Olivia is that she is obsessed with fashion (tell us something we don't already know!) - she remembers every show she has been to for the last ten years and is kept awake at night with thoughts of kitten heels. The style icon even admitted that she looks at blogs and people on the street for style inspiration (if you're reading, helloooooooo Olivia!!!)

There was no insight in to her personality, only her wardrobe. But isn't that why we all love her?! Still, I'd love to get behind that immaculate front and see what the Olivia Palermo is really like.

Photo from here

In other news, Lanvin has today announced the creation of its children's range. The collection - which will host just 25 items - has been designed for girls ages between four and 10 and will include outerwear and accessories amongst the dresses, jumpers and tees.

Talking to WWD, a Lanvin rep said that the 'superluxury' collection offers 'a way to translate the universe of Lanvin ready-to-wear to the world of kids.'

By creating a children's range, Lanvin is going back to its roots - Jeanna Lanvin started the label in 1908 as a children's brand before expanding in to adult clothing when the mothers who formed her customer base demanded a range for themselves.

I don't know about you, but if I ever have children, they will be dressed strictly in high street - designer is just too expensive for a child who is going to spill their food down their front, climb trees and play out with their friends. And that is definitely what my children will be doing.

The collection will be presented in a June show and will be available to buy from November this year.

J x

It is impossible to fall out of love. Love is such a powerful emotion, that once it envelops you it does not depart...

2011-04-21T23:36:00.000+01:00

True love is eternal. If you think that you were once in love, but fell out of it, then it wasn't love you were in. There are no 'exit' signs in love...

Photo from fashionablysocial.net

Carine Roitfeld has revealed that she's not as 'fashion' as she's made out to be - she does wear flats and she - gasp! - doesn't change her handbag every season (I guess that makes me reeeeeeeeeeally unfashionable as not only do I live in my flat brogues, but I've been carrying around the same DKNY handbag since my 18th birthday - I'm going to be 24 very soon!)

In an interview with Spiegel, the ex-editor of French Vogue made some rather remarkable comments, including:

"The fashion industry certainly has its obscene sides. The cost of a coat can be obscene ... Of course, it's not like we're working in a hospital; we don't save lives every month. We just make decisions about skirt lengths, about an inch more or an inch less. That's all...

"For 10 years, it was a hell of a lot of fun. But, toward the end, it unfortunately got less and less fun … The atmosphere [at shows] isn't as electric as it once was, and they now have about as much charm as a medical conference."

It's refreshing to see somebody being that honest and frank about the fashion industry. Sure it is glam, but it is bloody hard work, as I well know from just six weeks on the New York fashion scene and my aunty's stories from years on the fashion circuit in London, Milan, Paris and NYC.

As for the latter of Roitfeld's comments, regarding her almost 'falling out of love' with fashion, this I understand. If you spend long enough in any industry, it's eventually going to lose its shine. However, renowned 15-year-old (15 today if I'm not mistaken!) fashion blogger Tavi Gevinson has questioned her love of fashion, declaring "How depressing would it be if I was that obsessed with only fashion for three years?" This is the girl who started her blog at 12 years of age, has sat next to Anna Wintour on the front row of prestigious fashion shows - a dream most girls can only dream of attaining - and has contributed heavily to some of the best fashion magazines out there.

Photo from thestylerookie.com

Tavi's statement - made on her blog, obviously - read:

"Fashion Week is weird. It is very high schooly. Someone will take that and decide that it means Fashion Week highschooliness is getting me down hard without realizing how highschooly what they're doing is. I love fashion but it's disappointing when you have to sift through a lot of junk before you get to, like, the clothes, and the whole point of it all. It's more disappointing when the clothes aren't very interesting. Lately I've been looking to other places for a creative outlet and for inspiration. I miss following magazines and obsessively checking style.com the way I used to but something is different about it now. A year ago I got to go to Paris to interview John Galliano at Dior, and a couple weeks ago today he said he loved Hitler and got fired. Fashion photographs look more posed and the Rayanne Graffs I meet at school more inspiring. I only really miss being obsessed with fashion the way you miss any aspect of a former self, in a nostalgic way, not necessarily as part of a desire to go back. Now I'm more intrigued by mixing fashion with the other stuff I've been enjoying. What's that idea that one person had, about combining your ways of thinking so that you could hear a song as a color and taste a food as a pitch in a song? To me that's much more interesting than relating fashion to fashion, to like, combine mediums, and absorb as many songs and movies and stuff that I can and let all the references intertwine until it's something that makes sense to me. I guess that's what my moodboards are, and outfits are a way to translate it so it feels like part of my identity.
...
I guess the Anna Wintour thing just made a lot of that much more obvious. It wasn't until I got home that I realized how vast the difference is, and how one side of it is nicer to just visit every once in a while, get out of it what I get out of it, ignore or laugh at the rest, and bring the enjoyable stuff back home to add to my collection of all that stuff I'm trying to absorb.
...
None of this was supposed to dramatically hint at anything, other than maybe that my blog is turning away from fashion a little, naturally. How depressing would it be if I was that obsessed with only fashion for three years? That's how old my blog will be in a few days. Strange."

I don't find it depressing at all, Miss Gevinson. Look at Madame Roitfeld, she has carved a very successful career out of her love for fashion - a career which lasted much longer than three years! I understand the need to blog about life rather than just fashion - heck, my last post was about football! - but throwing away everything you have achieved with just the click of the 'publish' button, that is something I truly cannot understand.

Who knows, maybe one day I will get to live my dream - the dream Tavi lived as a teenager - and maybe I'll tire of it, too. But I have to say, I really can't see that happening.

What do you think?

Let your hair down in London city

2011-04-21T22:50:00.001+01:00

This weekend was quite simply fantastic.

As you know, I went down to London to see friends and to watch my beloved Manchester City BEAT arch rivals Manchester United in the FA Cup semi finals. This is predominantly a fashion blog, so I won't go in to a massive amount of detail, however the atmosphere was incredible. The half hour after we scored was intense - my heart was in my mouth as I waited for United to do their usual trick and score in the closing minutes of the game. But they didn't. Unless you're a football fan, you probably won't understand but it was quite literally one of the best days of my entire life.

Life seems but a quick succession of busy nothings

2011-04-20T10:55:00.000+01:00

I'm aware I have neglected my blog a little this week - it has been non-stop since I got back from London and I simply haven't had the chance to sit down and properly dedicate time to writing. Tomorrow night, however, should be the night where I get the time to regail you all with stories and photos from London, fashion news and perhaps even a review.

I do hope you're enjoying the sunshine and looking forward to the four day weekend (five for me!)

J x

Photo taken from Teen Vogue

Off topic

2011-04-14T20:58:00.009+01:00

City v Reading - FA Cup Quarter Final - 1-0. Copyright Jazmin Cabrera

This weekend I am off to see my boys in blue play our red neighbours at Wembley in the FA Cup semi-final. For the red team in Greater Manchester, Wembley isn't a massive deal, but the last time City (and myself) was there was the 1999 division two play-off. And who can forget that match?!

Video courtesy of daveyboybluemoon

I still get emotional watching it. I remember us being 2-0 down with just a few minutes to go and 12-year-old me telling my dad we could still do it. And we did.

Regardless of the score at the final whistle on Saturday, I'm just happy that we've moved on so much that we're back there - and this time not in a bid to jump up a division (though obviously I want us to win!)

Whilst I'm down there, I will be seeing loads of my lovely school friends who have moved down to the big smoke for work and they have assured me that we can do some of the tourist thing. I can't wait.

Have a good weekend all, see you on the other side and up the blues!

J x

They're taking photographs of you & the style of things you do

2011-04-13T18:58:00.002+01:00

As always, there is so much to share that I don't know where to start! This time, I'm mainly looking at photo-led stories I have seen recently.

Daisy Lowe looks stunning in the photos promoting her new swimwear collection for Peacocks. This is the point when I step away from the Doritos I am currently eating ... what are the chances of me looking like that by July?!

From the few photos I have seen, I am not mad on the collection itself - I'm a fan of bikinis rather than costumes and I'm not mad on the cut of either of the two above. Think I'll save my swimwear shopping for somewhere else...sorry Peacocks!

This shot comes from Burberry's SS11 campaign - shot on Brighton beach! The campaign showcases a series of British couples - and features a different one every month - showing off their Burberry finest. Sophie Kennedy-Clark and Matthew Beard are April's gorgeous faces, what I would give for cheekbones like that!

Jack Wills have been in the press recently after landing in hot water over the use of over-sexualised images in its catalogue. The brand has denied that the images are too provocative, claiming that as a label for over-18s, it is seeking to depict the 'positive, fun and sometimes flirtatious' nature of University life.

The Advertising Standards Authority disagreed, however, ruling that the images present a sufficient risk to younger teens, saying: 'Because we understood that younger teenagers could have both direct and indirect access to the catalogue and because we considered (one of the images) in particular to be overtly sexual in nature, we concluded that the catalogue was sufficiently provocative as to present a risk to younger teenagers.'

The catalogues are only sent to customers who sign up online or in store after confirming that they are over 18. However, Jack Wills have hit the headlines in the past for offering a 'Peekaboo Pole Dancing kit' for children.

In my opinion, the pictures are stunning and just the right side of sexy. I would understand the problem if it was 12-year-olds seeing the pictures, but 18-year-olds know all about the facts of life...and have probably done worse things themselves. What do you think?

J x

Summertime and the livin' is easy

2011-04-11T22:50:00.002+01:00

It has been announced that shopping makes you live longer. Score! Scientists in Taiwan studied 2,000 people and discovered that those who went shopping every day were 27% less likely to die over a ten year period.

The study, published online in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, says: "Shopping captures several dimensions of personal wellbeing, health and security as well as contributing to the community's cohesiveness and economy and may represent or actually confer increased longevity."

The scientists looked at other significant factors such as physical capabilities, age, gender and lifestyle, showing that regularly going shopping could be a sign of better health.

It seems we can skip the gym and hit the town centre instead, now how do I cancel that membership?!

Style is an expression of individualism, mixed with charisma

2011-04-08T20:58:00.005+01:00

Esquire magazine has joined up with my-wardrobe.com to launch the second annual search for the UK's Best Dressed Real Man 2011. Starting in this month's issue of Esquire, the campaign will encompass editorial, promotions, a Best Dressed channel on the magazine's website as well as regional style events and social media coverage.

The competition, which is open to every man in the UK, will be judged by a panel of designers, fashion critics and style icons. The shortlist will be announced in September's issue and the winner will go on to grace the cover of the high profile magazine the following month.

With this in mind, I've had a look at some male style inspiration...

I always say that if I were a man, I would dress really well.

And now for the beautiful women. Who has seen January Jones' (aka. Betty Draper) photo shoot for this month's Marie Claire? It is STUNNING.

I have always thought that January Jones seemed quite, dare I say, moody - she always looks it at least - but assumed that was just me associating her with her character in Mad Men. After reading her interview in Marie Claire, I'm not convinced that she isn't moody. Despite not being at the interview, I still distinctly got the impression that she did not want to be there and was quite guarded. A shame, really - it would be nice to see her smile.

EDIT: I have just read that Versace have honoured January Jones by naming a collection of their eyewear after the lady herself. The January J collection is new for SS11 and sees January front the campaign (she's still not smiling!)

January said: "Versace is an iconic brand that has always represented women in the most flattering way. It appeals to me that they make women look and feel sexy, classic, timeless."

The collection is available in stores now.

That's what I love about Sunday

2011-04-03T21:40:00.002+01:00

I have been eyeing up this bag from ASOS for absolute weeks. I have long needed a colour pop clutch and I love the size of this one, it is a definite must-have in my eyes...but at a cost of £55 I can't seem to justify it - especially with this month being a very expensive one. It is my birthday soon though, so do I buy it now and get money for my birthday or do I ask for it as a pressie and hope it's still in stock? Ohh the dilemma!

Walk, walk, fashion baby

2011-04-02T12:27:00.003+01:00

Liam Gallagher has 'dissed' Jay-Z, the brave man! Comparing his Pretty Green clothing line to Jay-Z's Rocawear range, the Manchester man said:

"You're going to be f***ing arrested wearing his gear and you're going to pull a really nice-looking bird wearing mine."

Controversial!

I do love the Gallaghers - we're from the same area and went to the same primary school (many years apart!), so I feel very proud of them!

Carine Roitfeld has revealed to the world what Life After Vogue looks like. The ex-French Vogue editor has announced that her first project after leaving the world of magazines will be with department store Barney's; Roitfeld will serve as guest editor and stylist for the store's autumn advertising campaign. The highly regarded ex-editor will work alongside photographer Mario Sorrenti and Barney's creative director Dennis Freedman and will work on editing the store's catalogue and newsletters. She will also oversee the shop window displays, which will be unveiled in September.

Roitfeld told WWD: "It's a new kind of project for me. It's good to have a new life, because now I can do projects that I never dreamed of before.

"For me, Barneys has always been the biggest name in luxury department stores, so to be able to participate in this project with them, and be visible during the next fashion week in New York, is my dream come true.

"To a French girl, it's a big, big dream."

Photos of Alexa Chung's new Superga campaign have been revealed and boy does she look gorgeous (as always!) I love Alexa's style and beauty and these photos are phenomenal; from the make up to the style and from the model to the photography. Gorge.

Lily Allen and sister Sarah have turned designers with a range of 18 dresses for pre-fall from their Lucy in Disguise label. The collection takes inspiration from vintage fashions and embody 'a time-traveling fashionista who's inviting you to explore her wardrobe,' according to Lily.

The Capone dress (above) is a flaper-esque twenties dress, featuring beaded tulle and sequins. Can't wait to see the real thing.

An update

It has been reported that Dior won't be announcing their next designer until Autumn. It is rumoured that Riccardo Tisci is at the forefront of the line for the job.

Go behind the scenes at Chanel's short Coco Mademoiselle film, featuring Kiera Knightley, here.

And read the WSJ piece about Anna Wintour, here. An extraordinary woman.

On the internet, nobody knows you're a dog

2011-03-29T21:05:00.000+01:00

"Over the next 30 minutes, approximately 22,000 blog posts will go live, 2.3 million Tweets will fly, and Facebook users will post 2.77 million status updates and 41 million pieces of content"

Quote taken from http://blog.journalistics.com/2011/media-has-changed-its-time-for-pr-to-catch-up/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+JournalisticsBlog+%28Journalistics+Blog%29

Fashion fades, only style remains the same

2011-03-24T21:34:00.004Z

Being a huge Chanel fan, I thought I would follow on from a previous post - which featured the brand's new short film - and share a couple of other Chanel-related bits I have recently come across.

As if he's not busy enough, Chanel designer Karl Lagerfeld has added another string to his bow by linking up with Diet Coke to create limited edition Summer packaging.

The girly special edition pink and white bottles will be available to buy from June 2011 and are being tipped as the ultimate Summer 2011 accessory. A diet coke fan and a definite Lagerfeld devotee, I may just drain the contents and leave the bottles on my windowsill to cheer me up on a grey morning!

Over at BoyMeetsFashion, writer Jai'me shared his photos of the Selfridge's Chanel cinema (check them out - they're great!) The cinema was installed specifically to promote the new short film as well as special behind the scenes footage. It looks like a great, luxurious experience and the photos are fab. It's times like this I wish I lived in London - I would LOVE to go.

And whilst we're here we may as well have a bit of a perv over some of the highlights from Chanel's fall 2011 show (any excuse!):

I love, love, love the grungy look to this collection - it's how I like to dress in my day-to-day life and seeing one of my favourite designers embody it is incredible, especially so because Chanel has always been the brand I lust after but would never feasibly wear. Until now. If only I could afford it! The tailored edge to the collection is something I am definitely going to try out, too.

On a final Chanel-obsessed note, I'm watching Lily Allen's programme as I type (I Sky plussed it). The singer turned shop owner was a face (and avid fan) of Chanel; it seems I'm having a high fashion filled night!

Dame Elizabeth Taylor

2011-03-23T22:09:00.000Z

A true Hollywood icon.

Rest in peace.

Photo from Telegraph.co.uk

Too much information running through my brain

2011-03-22T21:21:00.002Z

There has been SO MUCH fashion news over the last few days and so many things I want to share, so get comfy and prepare for a fashion news bulletin...

Anna Wintour

The incredible Anna Wintour graces the cover of The Wall Street Journal magazine this April, looking every bit the fierce fashion editor we all know and love. Ms Wintour is groomed to perfection with not a hair out of place in her trademark sharp bob and is sporting - unsurprisingly - a pair of Chanel sunglasses. Her dress of choice is Prada, while her photographer was none other than Mario Testino (of course!) The piece looks at the world's most prolific magazine editor - discussing her reach and power within the fashion industry. Where can I get hold of a copy?!

Kiera Knightley for Chanel

This video from the Telegraph website shows the new short film for Chanel Coco Mademoiselle. A great little film, but not being a huge Kiera Knightley fan, I feel the role would have been better embraced by another actress. Thoughts?

Relief for Japan

My massively talented auntie Maria Cornejo and uncle Mark Borthwick have teamed up to create a capsule range of limited edition t-shirts to help Japan. The tees boast of a selection of Mark's atmospheric images and go on sale tonight at their Evening for Relief to Japan (held at the Bleeker St Zero+Maria Cornejo store). All profits will benefit the fantastic work that Doctors Without Borders are doing in Japan.

Mrs O

In other Zero+Maria Cornejo news, Mrs Obama was today seen leaving Chile wearing head-to-toe Zero - a Chilean designer for a visit to Chile, how very fitting and ... pre-planned?!

More ways to help Japan

Returning to the topic of the tragedy in Japan, Simeon Farrar is helping the cause by giving away his 'Kate Mouse' tee to all that donate just £20 to Save The Children's Japan appeal.
The tee had a waiting list of 300 back in December and has a retail cost of £90, but if you log on to Simeon's website, make the donation and then email the receipt from your donation to japan@simeonfarrar.com, it's yours for free. Kate Mouse t-shirt, say helloooo to my wardrobe!

I haven't yet mentioned Japan on my blog and I don't believe the right words exist to adequately convey the tragedy that has occurred over there. My thoughts and prayers are with all affected and I hope things turn around for them soon.

What's my name?

2011-03-19T13:41:00.005Z

This week has seen an influx of celeb photos; from Emma Watson for Lancome, to Rihanna's first US Vogue cover and Daisy Lowe's new campaign for her mum's Peacocks campaign. Each one gorgeous, each one different.

Emma Watson looks gorgeous in this shot from the set of her new ads for Lancome. In a look that is completely different to her norm, the actress rocks slicked back hair, red lips and a tough yet girly look with a nude dress and tough leather jacket.

The next day the starlet rocked some white, lace shorts (I want some!) in an androgynous yet girly look - not one everybody could pull off, but one I will certainly be trying to imitate in some form (a form that would suit me!)

Years after allegedly being axed from the front cover of American Vogue (due to her nude photos being leaked!), Rihanna will finally grace the cover of the style bible this month. In a shoot by Annie Leibovitz, the 'Only Girl in the World' singer rocks an almost mermaid-esque look with a skin-tight sheer dress from Chanel's pre-fall 2011 collection. Looking surprisingly risqué for an American Vogue cover, but surprisingly tame for the extroverted singer, there's no doubting that the singer looks quite simply stunning.

Featuring on the front of this 10th annual shape issue, you can see Rihanna talk about her body demons and see the shoot in action in this video, taken from Vogue.com. I can only wish for her confidence - the girl's an inspiration!

Daisy Lowe modelling Pearl Lowe's new Peacocks collection. I haven't seen the collection in its entirety but according to the Telegraph, the new spring/summer range is "a reprise of her (Pearl's) favourite retro looks, inspired by the French Riviera and Brigitte Bardot. The six 'frockettes' simply ooze vintage charm, while drawing attention to the cleavage and waist in a sweetly sensual manner. The capsule range includes a classic LBD-with-lace version of Pearl's 'Bow' dress, which Daisy wore early last winter, shortly before she was named to Vogue's "Best Dressed List", as well as an update of last season's polka-dot dress, in a romantic black-on-white pin-dot, and a selection of vintage-style florals."

The collection hits the stores on 31 March 2011.

Manchester Blogmeet 08.03.11

2011-03-15T22:42:00.002Z

As I mentioned in a previous post, one of our clients, I Love 2 Love was the sponsor of March's Manchester Blogmeet. In my role as PR Account Exec at Conker Communications, I spent weeks organising the event; preparing press releases about a very big announcement, sourcing cupcakes and speakers and arranging for jacket samples to arrive.

On Tuesday 8th March (yes, I'm a tardy blogger) I left work at a little past 17:15 and made my way to And The Dish Ran Away With The Spoon to pick up the gorgeous, exclusive IL2L cupcakes they had generously donated. Upon receiving them from the lovely Anna I was impressed at not only how gorgeous they looked, but the exquisite smell, too. I couldn't wait to get to Common and get tucked in.

With a little help from my lovely boyfriend and one of my best friends, I filled the car with cakes, leather jackets, press releases and a rail (which was never actually used) and made my way to the venue. I arrived five minutes before kick off due to the lack of parking in the Northern Quarter and the room was already buzzing. I have to say, I seemed to make quite an impact as I rushed in, flustered with my arms filled with leather jackets - very embarrassing!

After eventually getting set up, meeting our lovely speaker Paul from Spearfish (who organises Eurocultured...more on that later) and fab blogmeet organiser Ian, I treated myself to a cupcake and calmed down a little before the big speech (and fab video).

The big news that I Love 2 Love announced is as follows:

IL2L has entered in to a charitable collaboration with the amazing people at The Factory Foundation, which will start at this May's Eurocultured festival in Manchester. The pair will host a festival after party at Revolution, Oxford Rd where there will be competitions and offers amongst many other exciting initiatives. The collaboration will then unveil many other great plans throughout the year.

To keep abreast of it all, follow IL2L and Conker on Twitter.

After a couple more hours of schmoozing, eating far too many cupcakes and having a generally enjoyable time with a huge range of Manchester bloggers, the blogmeet was over seemingly as soon as it began. I had a fab time and it was lovely to put faces to names and meet a whole new host of people. Here's to the next one!

All photos copyright of Jazmin Cabrera

Emmanuelle Alt's first Vogue cover

2011-03-12T10:50:00.002Z

Gorgeous, soft and very...English?!! Not as striking as I thought it would be, but very in line with the Vogue editor herself, who has declared that she prefers a simple style, doesn't wear make up and never exercises.

Gisele - wearing Dolce & Gabbana - looks stunning as always.

What do you think?

I can sing a rainbow

2011-03-07T22:41:00.002Z

I spent Saturday morning painting with my seven-month-old god daughter and my best friend. I took some gorgeous pictures of them both, but don't really want to plaster pictures of a near-naked baby all over the net, so you can have the detail pictures instead...enjoy!

And then it was lunch time...

MANCHESTER BLOGMEET
As a part of my work, I have been organising for our fab client I Love 2 Love to sponsor this month's Manchester blogmeet (more info here: http://blog.il2l.com/il2l-manchester-blog-meet).

After numerous press releases being sent back and forth between four different people over a period that spans weeks, finding a guest speaker, commissioning And The Dish Ran Away With The Spoon to make special I Love 2 Love cupcakes and getting jacket samples sent over, the big day is nearly here - and you can expect a very special announcement. If you're going, come and say hello - I'll be the one with the camera round her neck and a million press releases and leaflets in my arms, huddled around the cupcakes and stressing about where I'm going to put the rail. Can't wait!

I'll put blogmeet piccies up later on this week.

That's me off to bed to watch MadMen - I'm seriously addicted!

Night all, J x

Galliano fired after 'anti-Semitic slurs'

2011-03-01T21:11:00.006Z

There's no avoiding it - John Galliano has been sacked by Dior.

After five days of controversy and uncertainty, the French fashion house has released a statement confirming the expulsion of their star designer.

The reason? A film - brought to public attention last Thursday - which allegedly caught the designer shouting "I love Hitler" and hurling anti-Semitic abuse at a couple in a Paris bar. The 50-year-old designer was arrested and suspended from his job the very same day.

Natalie Portman - the face of Miss Dior - today condemned Galliano, saying: "As an individual who is proud to be Jewish, I will not be associated with Mr Galliano in any way" and it was only a matter of hours until Dior released the following statement: "Today, because of the particularly odious nature of the behaviour and words of John Galliano in a video made public this Monday, the Christian Dior house has decided to lay him off immediately and has begun dismissal procedures against him."

Galliano had worked for Dior for 15 years - his first dress for the brand was worn by Diana, Princess of Wales to mark the design house's 50th anniversary. He was widely viewed as one of the world's most talented designers and his dismissal has ignited speculation over who will replace him.

A spokesman has confirmed that Dior's AW11 show - set to be revealed this Friday - is still planned to go ahead. It is unclear whether this is true of Galliano's own brand show this Sunday.

Blog makeover!

2011-02-28T09:56:00.001Z

As you may have noticed, I spent my Sunday night getting obsessive over Blogspot and treating ClothesPony to the makeover it so badly deserved. I started the blog probably about two years ago and hadn't touched it in nearly a year so it definitely needed a bit of modernization.

I went for the clean, white background with simple text and photos and very little clutter - just how I like everything in life, tidy!

Let me know your thoughts - I know it looks better, but does it look good?

J x

Sunday night and now I know

2011-02-27T20:50:00.002Z

I can't believe it's Sunday again - the weekends just fly by, though that could have something to do with the fact I stayed in bed almost all day yesterday! In my defence, I have been ill all week and had no time to stop, so Saturday was spent online window shopping and sleeping. I did, however, manage to move in the evening and the boy took my for a meal at a great Syrian restaurant in Withington after which we went for drinks in the bar we went to on one of our first dates. Was a great night and lovely to spend some time with the boy - we work completely contrasting hours at the moment and supporting different football teams means one of us is always at the football when the other one isn't. He should just give in and become a blue (not really, I know he would rather chew his own arm off)!

While I was perusing ASOS, I fell in love with these looks (below) - can't wait for pay day (and some sunshine)!

Today was spent at the match and what a waste of time that was; we were awful. The less said on that the better.

On another note, some of you may have noticed that in 2.5 months time, I will be running the Great Manchester 10k run in aid of children's cancer charity CLIC Sargent - a charity that is very dear to me. If you could spare even a pound, I'd be eternally grateful - and for every donation I get in March, I'll donate an extra pound.

Training hasn't been going too well - in the last two and a half weeks, I've been to the gym once! Between a dodgy knee, residual pain from a PT session and a cold, everything is going against me but I WILL be back tomorrow. Definitely.

Anyway, dull post from me and no pictures but as my weekend was mainly spent in bed, what can you expect?!

Back to the grind tomorrow, I sure am glad I like my job!

LFW Men's Day

2011-02-26T14:14:00.001Z

And on to the men!

Topman

Omar Kashoura

MAN

James Long

E.Tautz

Oliver Spencer

Hardy Amies

Tween

So that's it until September. London fashion week was, overall, a great success. British fashion has always been renowned for being great and this season's collections have just reinforced that tag. Collections were varied - from gothic looks to bright hues, striking prints and nude tones, anything goes. A huge trend for women was oversized men's tailoring and the maxi length appears to be back before it has even gone.

Onwards to Milan!

LFW Days four and five

2011-02-26T13:47:00.000Z

A very, very delayed post. I have been so busy recently it is quite simply unbelievable, I'm not even sure what I have been doing! Anyway, now I'm ill and doing, well, not much, so it's time to take a look at the final women's days at this month's LFW.

Peter Pilotto

Basso and Brooke

Burberry Prorsum

Paul Smith

Giles

Julien Macdonald

Mary Katrantzou

Marios Schwab

Aquascutum

Roksanda Illincic

BodyAmr

Fashion East

LFW Days Two and Three

2011-02-20T23:55:00.002Z

I really wish I had the time to sit down and blog in detail about LFW. I'd love to meticulously go through each show one by one and reveal my honest opinions - hits and misses. However, due to my hectic schedule at the moment, it was almost 11:30pm before I could even start this, and I must get to bed so I shall continue in my previous format and simply post the pictures of the looks I have liked best from the last two days in British fashion.

A few trends seem to be emerging, namely masculine tailoring and unconventional proportions; jackets are long and wide but structured and teamed with equally wide but short trousers. Textures are clashed and fur is still big. Hair and make up follows the trend of masculinity, or if not then angular and fierce- there's nothing girly or dainty about AW11. Hats also feature heavily - the more stand out, the better.

Kinder Aggugini
I love everything about this apart from the awful shoes!

Jaeger London
Again, I love this but the shoes ruin it - overkill.

Issa London
Not my style at all, but how sexy is this?!

House of Holland

Clements Ribeiro

Jonathan Saunders

Margaret Howell

Mulberry

The one thing I wish were different about this look
is the colour of the handbag. Too much pink!

The last two days have restored my faith in LFW - although by no means has every show been great, there have been some fantastic looks and the standards just keep getting higher and higher. I've loved reading everybody's tweets live from the front row and hearing all the celeb gossip, too - Olivia Palermo really is doing the rounds this season, isn't she?!

That's all for now,

J x

LFW Day One

2011-02-19T13:53:00.006Z

As much as I wish to be there, I'm not so I am left following all the London Fashion Week news through a mixture of Twitter, blogs and londonfashionweek.co.uk (from where all pictures are taken).

Some of my favourite looks so far include:

Corrie Nielsen

Jean-Pierre Braganza

Eun Jeong

Sass & Bide

In all honesty, I have been distinctly unimpressed by most of the collections I have seen so far. There is a lot of masculine hair/make up in most of the shows (something I will not be buying in to!) and hats feature heavily - neither of which are a bad thing, but also neither of which have had me pulling on my coat and running to the high street to see how I can emulate the look. I have also noticed an Oliver Twist sort of theme thrown in amongst other collections which boast of short, tight dresses with oversized coats/throws over them.

As much as it pains me to say it - being a huge fan of British fashion - NYFW is winning the race so far.

Roll on today.

J x

I join Company Magazine at Downing St - 15.02.11

2011-02-17T20:22:00.002Z

It's Tuesday morning and my alarm clock goes off a little later than normal, I go down the stairs, get some breakfast and set about replying to work emails. Come 10am, I jump in the shower and start thinking about what to wear. I quickly change my mind just before I have to leave the house and settle on black skinny trousers, rolled up to show my ankles (how I like trousers best), heeled brogues, a cream jumper and a black brocade jacket with 3/4 length sleeves and leather pockets. I throw on a large brown, patterned scarf and my satchel bag and head off to the train station.

Come mid-afternoon I'm in London, perusing the incredible Topshop store, meeting a friend for lunch and - at 3:30 - making my way to Company HQ. I'm going to meet the Prime Minister.

I was the last one to arrive at Company HQ after an issue with lunch, rain and Google Maps, but I was just in time. Being in the offices themselves was amazing - Company is the type of place I dream of working in the future, so to see where it is all made was a dream come true. The office was (sorry guys) a little messy, but it was the kind of mess you want in your life - shoes, dresses, bags, coats, you name it! It was heaven. We convened in what I think was editor Victoria's office, collected our fab art department-made badges and were briefed on what was going to happen. Catherine (Bennion-Pedley - Company's Senior Writer) and Deputy Ed Emma were lovely throughout and helped to keep the exciteable bunch of girls in front of them quite calm. Catherine herself said she felt like a school teacher!

After a few minutes and some last-minute taxi organisation, 18 of us made it in to our cabs, headed for Downing Street. Eeek!

After a very quick cab ride - and a lovely chat with Company's Art Director and two of the other girls - we pulled up outside those famous black gates and made our way through the hoards of tourists hanging around the gates. We had our names checked off by security, passed our bags (and bodies) through security and made our way over to the big, shiny black door (which, incidentally gets changed in its entirety every six months - they have two on rotation - and gets polished twice a day). We made our way through, handed in our mobiles (but not our bags, surprisingly) and entered the cabinet room - a long, yellow room with a huge table, about 20 - 30 chairs and gorgeous chandeliers. There we indulged in tea/coffee/water out of very fancy cups and tried to hide our nerves and excitement whilst we waited for Home Secretary Theresa May to make her way down to us.

When she entered the room, the Home Secretary was very polite, introduced herself to everybody and when asked, told us that her shoes were from LK Bennett. After a brief chat, we were ushered outside where we got in to formation, ready for the Prime Minister to join us for a photo. A lot of squeezing up and taking one step left later, we were ready, the door opened and David Cameron walked out. I have to say that in real life he is taller than expected. He also doesn't look as 'plastic' as some say he does - though his face is very crease-free! When asked, David Cameron informed us that Downing Street's new cat (the news of the day) was called Larry and that the press had been there all day reporting on his progress (Larry's not the PM's!)

Picture courtesy of Company Magazine. I forgot to take my glasses off all day and look ridiculous!

As we went back in to number 10, myself and a couple of the other girls introduced ourselves to David Cameron, who was very cordial in return.

We entered a different room to any we had been in before and took our seats (some worth £250,000!!!) around the Prime Minister and Home Secretary. David Cameron cracked a few jokes (he's a very funny man!) before we got down to the nitty gritty of the campaign.

For those of you who don't know, Company's Get Home Safely campaign has been going for 13 years and aims to help women get home safely after a night out - avoiding dodgy taxis, rough buses etc.

We had a quick chat with the PM - who kept promoting the new crime maps - before he unfortunately had to leave but not before cracking a joke about leaving us in the company of Queen Elizabeth I and another portrait that looked like a famous person (but I can't remember who!)

Five of us (myself included) had questions to pose to Theresa May during the meeting, which covered the range from street lighting to Get Home Safely apps (my question). It seemed to me that the Home Secretary kept bringing everything back to the crime maps and also saying that it was down to local governments to do something about certain initiatives, when surely there must be more that they can do?! She did, however, seem to take on board everything we said and made some great comments, so I have high hopes for changes being made.

You will be able to read more about the meeting, in detail, in April's issue of Company Mag (out mid March, I think).

After the meeting, the people at Downing St very kindly offered to take us on a quick tour. We saw the room where the G20 was held (narrow but long with impressive silverware, high ceilings and regal decoration) and the 'small dining room' where state breakfasts are held. We were then shown the only room in which the ceiling differs - Margaret Thatcher had it decorated in gold detailing and hidden in the top corner of the room there is a carving of a man climbing a ladder with a bale of hay on his back. Mrs Thatcher said this man was a thatcher so now there would always be a thatcher in Downing St!

Finally, we made our way back in to the hallway, where we had photos taken on the famous staircase- lined with photos of previous PMs (all of which have to be taken down when adding the latest one). And, yes, it was just like Love Actually - I could almost see Hugh Grant shimmying down the stairs, miming "Jump! For my love, jump in! and feel my touch..."

As we left, we took the obligatory photos outside of 10 Downing St (well, you're only there once!) and started on our night walk back. Luckily for us, the rain held off and the wind had calmed down. Company's official photographer followed us on the walk back to Company HQ, snapping pictures along the way. I found it hard to ignore the camera and it made me feel like a celeb, speaking of which, people in the streets were all craning their necks to try and see who the celeb was...

After a great chat with Catherine about all things Mad Men, fancy TV parties, swimming pools you're not allowed to go in and, obviously, the PM, we found ourselves back where we started. The readers thanked all at Company, were given a copy of this month's mag and off we went on our own merry way.

I met two fab friends - Rodge and V - for a quick bite to eat, small glass of wine and half a Spurs v Milan match and got back on my 9pm train from Euston. I spent the next two hours thinking back over everything that had just happened and trying to believe that it really did happen.

Meeting the British Prime Minister and Home Secretary at Downing Street was truly a surreal, once in a lifetime experience and I cannot thank Catherine and the girls at Company Mag for inviting me along. So, once again, thank you all.

All change

2011-02-14T22:52:00.000Z

It has been a long time since I last blogged and life has been all change since last April. I spent the best part of last year travelling around South America with the boy and not long after getting back, I got myself a fab job in PR whilst doing some freelance fashion writing also.

The blog is going to take a slightly different turn this time around. I'll still focus on fashion news- that is my love after all- but I'll also randomly blog about my life- things that I've done and seen, random photos that I take and things that I overhear. It's going to be the contents of my mind just spilled out on to the page. Hopefully it'll interest somebody!

As a quick catch up, I have a few bits I want to mention...

Last Thursday I got an email from Catherine at Company Magazine (whom I had done some writing for in the past), asking me if I would like to go with her and a few other readers to meet Home Secretary Theresa May - and possibly David Cameron - at 10 Downing St. Left dumbfounded, I was not going to say no, so tomorrow I'm off to London as part of Company's 'Get Home Safely' campaign (read more about that, here: http://www.company.co.uk/help-advice/taxi/ ). What's a girl to wear when going to such an important meeting?! I'll let you know what I decide on!

It's such a fantastic opportunity and something I'm very proud to be a part of. If we make even one little bit of change, or stop one person from putting themselves in danger after a night out, it'll all be worthwhile.

Nobody can have escaped the fact that today is Valentine's Day. The picture above is one I took on my iPhone in Tesco- gorgeous colours, don't you agree? The boy and I don't really buy in to being told when to tell each other we care so we just exchanged cards and small gifts - I got a bunch of flowers and he got a chocolate teddy bear with his name on it. It's the little things!

And finally, today was also the day of my auntie's show for NYFW. I personally think it's her best collection yet and am coveting 99.9% of it already - I best start being nice! Favourite looks include:

See the entire collection here: http://www.wwd.com/fashion-week/fall-ready-to-wear-2011/review/zero-maria-cornejo-rtw-fall-2011-3487694

And that's that for tonight, I've got to get to bed - tomorrow's a big day.

It's good to be back.

Night all x

Teddy Lagerfeld

2010-04-30T01:53:00.000+01:00

HOW amazing is this?!

You can buy one here (a teddy that is, not Mr Lagerfeld himself):

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/store/catalog/prod.jhtml?itemId=prod70630003

(for just $989...)

Hear the one about the ten-year-old fashion designer?

2010-04-30T01:48:00.000+01:00

No?

Introducing Cecilia Cassini.

See more about the child prodigy here:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/04/29/cecilia-cassini-ten-year_n_557008.html?ref=twitter

The NEW NY Fashion Week

2010-04-30T01:44:00.000+01:00

"This September, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week will not just have a new home at Lincoln Center’s Damrosch Park, but also many additional features – including a new façade.

On Thursday morning, executives from IMG Fashion, which owns Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, Lincoln Center, the Council of Fashion Designers of America and The City of New York unveiled specific details for the new tents, which will be inaugurated during the spring 2011 collections from Sept.9-16.

Guests will enter the tented lobby through a new façade created by architectural firm Diller Scofidio + Renfro. The entrance and façade, which is 60 feet wide and 70 feet high, will be located in the corner between the Metropolitan Opera House and David H. Koch Theater. The lobby will feature sponsorship areas, digital signage and seating areas for guests. The Lincoln Center shows will feature four main venues: The Theatre, The Stage, The Studio and The Box Presentation Space. The Theatre venue, with an all-black interior, will have seating for 969 people and the option for a straight or U-shaped runway; The Stage venue, in white with gray capeting, can seat 740, with stadium-like bench seats; The Studio will be the smallest runway venue, for 369 people in its gray environment, while The Box space is designated for presentations and events, with an ability to accommodate 125 people.

There is also an additional venue called The Courtyard, a glass encased outdoors space that could be used for informal presentations."

Taken from:
http://www.wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-weeks-new-look-3055008?module=today

Looking for a new bag?

2010-04-20T01:38:00.001+01:00

Look no further.

The bags at http://www.cambridgesatchel.co.uk/ are at the very top of my birthday list.

Small screen fashion to big screen fashion

2010-04-20T01:32:00.000+01:00

MAY 27th 2010.

Any fashionista worth their salt knows what happens on May 27th. Yes, that's right, SATC2 hits British screens!

Take a peek here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjWl-82Yau4

I am SO excited.

And speaking of tv series making it to the big screen... rumour has it our favourite bushy-haired, braced lady from Mode may well be coming to a cinema near you. Yes, that's right, talks are underway to make an Ugly Betty film. Yes please!

New York Fashion Week Feb 2010.

2010-02-18T01:10:00.000Z

My favourite looks follow (pictures courtesy of Style.com)

Derek Lam

Diane von Furstenberg

DKNY

Jason Wu

L.A.M.B

Marc by Marc Jacobs

Michael Kors

Mulberry

Narciso Rodriguez

Preen

Rag & Bone

Vera Wang

Victoria Beckham

VPL

Zac Posen

Zero+Maria Cornejo

Alexa Chung for Madwell

2010-02-18T00:54:00.001Z

Yes, ladies and gentlemen, it's the news we've all been waiting for...

Alexa Chung has released her very own collection.
Her first foray in to designing is in collaboration with Madwell and, as expected, includes lots of bare legs, ankle socks and general Chung-like inspiration.
The best news? Madwell is a high-street brand. Fashionable AND affordable.
Bravo.

WOW Lucie Jones!

2010-02-13T02:04:00.001Z

XFactor starlet Lucie Jones has done her first shots for top model agency Select. And what a set of stunners they are. The 19-year-old Welsh beauty has come a long way since her girly days under the watchful eye of Simon Cowell. Here's to a bright future.

Doing housework is sexy...

2010-02-13T02:01:00.001Z

...and very á la mode judging by these photos of global superstars Victoria Beckham and Madonna.

Somebody pass me the marigolds.

3D Fashion

2010-02-13T01:55:00.000Z

Not content with straming their London Fashion Week show live online, Burberry has taken it one further and is going to throw 3D parties, where guests can watch the show in- you guessed it- 3D. The selected guests will experience what is akin to a front-row view of the show, even able to take in textures and tiny details.

The parties are by invite only, but anybody can watch the 2D show on the Burberry website on 23 February.

RIP Alexander McQueen

2010-02-12T00:13:00.001Z

The saddest news I have heard in a long time...Alexander McQueen has been found dead in his flat after reportedly hanging himself. The 40-year-old designer's mother (both pictured above) died just last week and it is thought that McQueen was in a "bad place" after her death.
His McQ NY Fashion show, due to show this afternoon (Thursday), has been cancelled.

RIP

Can't get to LFW 2010?

2010-02-06T18:32:00.000Z

Don't worry!

During 19th-24th February ALL the shows are going to be streamed via the
London Fashion Week website.

And, Marc Jacobs is going to be streaming his New York show here on February 15th.

It looks like streaming is the new black.

Enjoy!

Kate Moss for Longchamp

2010-02-06T18:14:00.000Z

The new collaboration between fashion icon Kate Moss and label Longchamp is an interesting one. I wondered where it would go, and now we can finally see. It is, I think, quite a grown-up collection. Classic, but still with that look of Ms Moss herself. The two below are probably my favourites (I'm not a very girly dresser- preferring a bit of grunge in my outfits, so they probably suit me best).

I imagine both the fashion label and the fashion-forward model will do very well from this collaboration.

See the rest of the collection here:

http://www.front-row-view.com/2010/02/kate-moss-for-longchamp-lookbook.html

Vogue presents Karl Largerfield

2010-02-03T23:29:00.000Z

Photo from and full article at:
http://www.vogue.com/voguedaily/2010/02/couture-spring-2010-behind-the-scenes-with-karl-lagerfeld-at-chanel/?mbid=fbvps

New Look's New Face

2010-02-03T23:20:00.001Z

Following in the steps of Lily Allen and Alexa Chung, the new face of New Look is Gossip Girl's very own Taylor Momsen. Word on the street is that she styled herself (hence the rock chick look) and took piles of clothes home. Can't wait to see the full campaign!

David and Victoria Beckham.

2010-01-29T19:53:00.000Z

These magazine shoots are simply stunning. Who needs an Armani contract?
It's nice to see Mrs Beckham looking a little softer. And when did Mr Beckham get so many tattoos?!

Emma Watson's brother, Alex, for Burberry

2010-01-29T19:50:00.000Z

What a good looking family.
I still think they look a bit young to be advertising Burberry, though.

Gossip Girl

2010-01-12T12:44:00.000Z

Blake Lively, you look FABULOUS on this Esquire front cover. Wow.

Jimmy Choo for H&M 14 November 2009

2009-11-16T14:29:00.000Z

A rainy morning dawned all over the UK, but it didn't deter shoppers from queueing for the latest H&M collaboration. This time, it was Jimmy Choo. His fierce shoes were the draw for most of the ladies in the queue, and being sold at a fraction of the usual designer price, it is no surprise.

But it wasn't just the shoes that were hot hot hot. The soft leathers, striking indigos and on-trend accessories sold out in record time, too. I went for the leather jacket (£150), which unfortunately is now going for a reported £400 on Ebay. It's a shame people do this- don't see it as a money-making scheme, leave the clothes there for the people who want them!
Luckily- in the Manchester store at least-it seemed H&M were better prepared for this collection than the Matthew Williamson one- I heard one employee saying they had kept stock back and when I went the next day there was still a lot to be had. Good work. Good collection.

Heaven

2009-09-01T03:19:00.000+01:00

I've just been to see The September Issue.

It is superb. A frank look at what it is really like putting together the world's best selling issue of the world's best-selling magazine...
And it totally 100% reinforces that that is what I want to do.
Will someone please mention me when Grace Coddington's job becomes available?
Thanks!

Take a look at this!

2009-08-21T20:25:00.000+01:00

Spotted on Style.com:
Kate Moss and Scarlett Johansson looking like sisters.

A mere coincidence? Or some clever marketing/copying on somebody's part? One can only speculate.

Full article: http://www.style.com/stylefile/#high-street-showdown

Emma Watson for Burberry

2009-08-21T20:13:00.000+01:00

2009-05-08T18:09:00.000+01:00

Here's my auntie showing that the fashion world isn't all glamour.

Only a few hours before the show, at her new space on Bleecker Street, does a manic calm set in when she realizes that some things—like dresses that show up at the last minute—are simply beyond her control. She sees it as mental preservation. “When Fashion Week gets into my head, I get really annoyed with myself. I find it quite polluting of the brain. I like the fact that the night before the show, I’m cleaning up the cat litter.”

Read the full article here: http://nymag.com/fashion/look/2008/fall/mariacornejo/

2009-04-15T00:49:00.000+01:00

I love Alexa Chung.

She looks amazing here.

2009-04-14T22:17:00.000+01:00

It has finally been exposed that Marilyn Monroe wasn't a (modern day) size 16 at all.

It's hardly surprising. Look at the pictures here, the woman is perfect. She's voluptuous, but she's not overweight. She has an ample bossom, a tiny waist and womanly hips. The Times article describes her as 'a real-life Jessica Rabbit'. They're right.
As an aside, how stunning is the first photo above. I'm sure every woman everywhere would love a photo like that of themselves. Ms Monroe had thousands.

The article: http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/fashion/article6044724.ece