Milano Fashion!

This week I was in Milan to surprise my best friend for her 21st (check out the video here for her reaction)
I obviously couldn't go without a little window shopping of the designer boutiques.
Here are a few photos that I took of the current shop windows. I was a bit disappointed as I found the shop fronts quite boring. Prada's shop front looked horrifying with miss-matched mannequins and bright red eyes...scary!
Considering Milan's fashion week is only a few weeks away I was amazed that the shops didn't look more exceptional! I did like Dior's shop front with the understated silhouettes against the raw backdrop of trees. Take a look and see what you think!

Oh I couldn't help but add this photo from a shop window specialising in your house staff's uniform...hmm if only?

Jimmy Choo + H&M

The recession may be upon us like a dark cloud, but there is always a silver lining. Mine being the fact that designers are starting to feel the pinch (Vivienne Westwood, for example)and stepping into the high-street (shock, horror!) and as if you didn't know...Jimmy Choo is now partnering up with H&M!
The Jimmy Choo shoes, bags, accessories and clothes(yes clothes!?!) will be launched on the 14th of November 2009 at selected stores. The collection is said to be 80's punk and rock'n'roll inspired with a lot of electric blue, red and black colours. Whilst being very excited at finally being able to wear a pair of Jimmy Choo (lifetime ambition?..almost) I find it a bit sad that the Jimmy Choo is losing its untouchable position and that soon we shall all own a pair...I did say I was only a bit sad!

Sequins

Purple Dress Antik Batik, Panel Dress French Connection, Purple Hareem Trousers River Island, Union Jack Clutch Accessorize, Bow Front Shoes Kurt Geiger, Purple High Waisted Hotpants Topshop, Bow Jumper Topshop, Strapless Dress Oscar de la Renta, Dip Dye Sequin Dress Oasis, Silver Hoop Earrings Miss Selfridge.

Sequins are set to be big this Autumn in everything from dresses to accessories. I am loving the Bow Jumper from Topshop but would have to be very brave to attempt to wear the purple Hotpants! Purple is also set to be a big colour this season!

Vivienne Westwood @ High-Street Prices!

Yay Vivienne Westwood has finally released a pair of shoes at an affordable price! These PVC Peep-toe Heels with Red Heart come in three different colours, priced at only £78! Could it be that designers are starting to feel the recession too? Good news for us if so!

Katharine Roberts

Model Katharine Roberts
Photographer Paul Beket and G Gautier

Since the photo-shoot that Katie previously did for me for my Romantic Soul project in April, she has defiantly come a long way!
After sending the photographs from the shoot we did together she was quickly picked up by the Brighton Fashion Week 2009 to grace the catwalk of The Brighton Frocks Theatrical Catwalk Show. From there she has only gone upwards.
These photographs that she has recently done, proves how versatile her look is. What I love about Katie is that she is a lovely person to work with, happy to pose and give her own ideas whilst keeping it professional when getting attention from an audience.
One story I loved hearing about was this recent photo-shoot done in London, tourists were taking photographs of her and she gathered a crowd who were exclaiming in excitement about seeing a real model in action! She then went into the shop and got changed and when she came back outside nobody recognised her because she was no longer 'the acting model'.
Her Model Mayhem page has many comments from people she has worked with constantly complimenting her on what a pleasure she is to work with! Congratulations Katie :)

Erdem Autumn/Winter 2009

I am loving Erdem's new collection. With great use of bright, floral colours I think this collection has completely overshadowed the Spring/Summer look. Whilst I loved the romanticism of his previous collection I'm liking this new punchy attitude and clash of colours! I defiantly want to invest in a bright bell-shaped skirt/dress this Autumn, paired with thick black tights and ankle boots! Come on pay-day!

Jack Will's Uniform and first days.

One of the things I had not guaranteed on buying so soon was my uniform for Jack Wills. Although we get 75% off it was a bit of a shock being told that we needed to buy our uniform after our trial. However, they let me come back later and I'm glad as I needed the support of my mum helping me to choose an outfit and her loaning money.
The rules were very strict, we had to stick to the handbook and choose an outfit that had been styled (in a very strange way) to the exact colours and style (luckily we don't have to wear the outer garments!). This proved very difficult as many of the sizing was completely out, the top size might have said an eight but it was more like a twelve and the jeans might have said a size ten but were more like a six. I would have loved to buy one of their ditsy dresses but unsurprisingly all the best outfits had gone. I chose this plain white top (they say dress) and begged to wear shorts underneath as it is so short, so I've been allowed these very tiny pair of shorts...cellulite be warned!

So I started my first shift yesterday! I was very nervous as didn't know what to expect and was very self-conscious wearing my tiny dress(top!) and shorts, thankfully they let me wear my leggings! The shifts are only four hours a day, something I am very pleased about as the work was very boring and tedious. I worked yesterday 11-3:00 and today 8-12:00 and everyone seems very friendly. The reason I am finding it tedious already, is because of the constant refolding of clothes. Today I had to replen a shirt aisle which had 5x5 style of shirts hanging and 60 shirts folded above. Each shirt hanging had to be buttoned up to the neckline and the left sleeve had to be folded up in a special way. Then the folded shirts above, had to be removed from their packages (unfolded, paper and card taken out including pins and plastic button protectors) then they had to be refolded exactly the same way as the other shirts with the Jack Wills logo visible, whilst doing this many people would grab the pile you had just done so you would have to re-do them...you see where I'm going with this?
Anyway, despite this everyone seems pretty friendly and hopefully I will get the hang of it soon enough I will be able to fold in my sleep! Oh well its only a six week contract!

Red Patent ♥ Wallet

Yay, I have finally bought something with my money to keep my money in! Ironic? I know!
Now I'm earning all this hard earned cash I needed something to put it in didn't I? After walking all over town with no luck, (damn those sales) I finally ended up in one of my favourite shops in Brighton Lanes, Lulu Rose. Red Patent with white fringing and gold heart emblem I had to have it! Check out the poka-dot inner lining as well! The selling point for me however, was the clip on strap to turn this wallet into a shoulder bag and all for under £15, yes please!

I got the Job!

Ok so I haven't mentioned that I went for an interview last Friday. The reason being that I thought it very unlikely that I would get it. However I got the confirming phone call this morning and as from this Wednesday I will be a
Jack Wills employee.
After the very scary interview where about 20 of us
(yes 20!) had to sell three garments in pairs (I had to sell a candle, shampoo and leggings) to the group and play a game involving a very big pair of knickers, I felt my chances to work for Jack Wills very slim but I pulled through and got it!
The contract will be for 6 weeks which is ideal as I am heading back to sunny Bournemouth at the end of September to start my 2nd year!
For those of you who do not know of Jack Wills here is some information:

Jack Wills was established in 1998 in Salcombe, Devon. Their target audience is between 18 and 22 aiming at the 'student' age. The Jack Will's Brand is particulary preppy, focusing on sports style including polo, rugby and rowing. Their brand is typically British and inspired by traditional British Heritage. The Company has a policy that they do not have too many stores and do not have stores in shopping malls, the reason being that they want to be exclusive.
Jack Wills is therefore promoted through word of mouth which includes events and tours. They also brand alot of their clothing to make it reconsiable as the Jack Wills signature. Jack Will's is about having fun and living the student life!

New H&M in Brighton!

Its been a month since the launch of the new H&M store which opened on the 25th of June.

I have finally given in and gone for a visit
(without purse in hand).
I was not disappointed, three floors of Women’s, Men's and Children's wear including maternity, underwear and accessories. It was my little bit of heaven.
What was great about the store was that it was split into smaller sections which gave the feeling of exploring smaller caves within one great big cavern. Yes I did get lost, but who can complain when you are surrounded by beautiful pieces of clothing at very affordable prices. I literally danced across from one garment to the next. It was only when my brother grabbed me by the cuff of my coat and dragged me out the store that I was brought back to reality. Yes I have no money and still a way long way from getting out of my overdraft I know I won't be able to afford anything yet, but that won't prevent me from entering those shiny new doors for very long.