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Hi, thank you for checking out my blog, on here I post my own photos and write about trends I am observing within VM, also anything that interests me and most recently adding photos of things I buy. I am a recent graduate having studied Fashion Marketing and Communication at Nottingham Trent University and work as a visual merchandising manager...Please if you wish feel free to follow my blog or contact me.

Thursday, 27 May 2010

A Matter of Taste

Some people will tell you that food and fashion do not go together. These people don't include photographer Fulvio Bonavia, whose latest concept shoot takes combining food & fashion to whole new level. In the set of pictures he creates fashionable accessories using various delectable ingredients. So whether you have a preference for blueberry handbag, garlic gumboots or a parmesan purse, the shoot titled "A matter of taste" has something for you. I particularly like the blackberry chanel!! - Not too practical but looks soo pretty, and good enough to eat.





Recent Purchases

Recently I have been spending more than I can afford! But with such fantastic products on offer on the highstreet its hard to resist. Having been attending interviews and offered placements I keep finding myself buying more and more clothes! - Think I keep using them as my excuse for shopping! Well I need to look current with the trends right up to the last minute don't I?! Anyway below are my recent purchases:

This blue polka dot dress is such a perfect fit and ideal for the office in summer, a bargain from Primark (though lets not tell people in the office that!)

I absolutely love this skirt from Topshop, I managed to find it in the sale section of the Oxford street store - quite proud of this achievement! Its body con with a visible zip at the back, again good for interning.

This lace jacket has been so useful whilst we had some warm weather, its so lightweight to carry, can be thrown over a dress and instantly updates your look. At the same time though lace is classic and will last season after season. A great find from Primark once again.

For such a long time I have wanted a cream lace dress and finally I have found the perfect one!! It may not look it but yep its Primark.

To go with all these new clothes I need shoes, firstly the shoe of the season and most probably the next, brogues. And then the essential nude heels, peeptoe as this is the heel design of the season - this shoes are fantastic as they literally go with anything. They can combine with pretty much any colour - they are a wardrobe staple of mine.

I love this playsuit, I am a huge fan of this blue/grey hue as well as timeless polka dot so it was a winning combination for me. Can be worn in the day or dressed up for the evening with heels. A steal from Primark.

Denim shorts are a must have of the season, I found this great pair in Uniqlo.

Finally for my holiday to Ibiza I had to get this swimsuit - garesh bold colours and leopard print? Only in Ibiza can I pull this off! A bargain at half price in the Matalan sale.

Thursday, 20 May 2010

Topshop Make-Up


It was only a matter of time before Topshop brought out a beauty range, and what a range! Focussing on bringing us make-up staples as well as the latest trends in eye shadow colours, eye liner, nail polishes, lipsticks and mascaras. I am huge fan of the packaging, so clean, simple and in keeping with the brand's image. I have yet to purchase any of these beauty treats, but I have my eyes on the following:




Topshops next venture?....My bet is on homeware, how good would that be?!

Kate Moss for Topshop


The new Kate Moss range is out as of today!! - and this collection does not disappoint loyal followers like myself. Playing on an ethereal, bohemian and romantic enchanted look, it's luxurious, sophisticated and feminine. Intricate detailings range from lace, beaded embellishment, sequins, feathers and ruffles. Shes done it again! See my pick of the range below. Also check out her basic range for wardrobe staples.


Sunday, 16 May 2010

Shop Watch: London

Thursday I was down in London, and I had a chance to get snappy happy along oxford street and carnaby street. I spotted some exciting visual merchandising working the current display trends. See below:

Topshop:



Topshop Oxford Street are working multiple trends, from global traveller - with animal prints, aztec patterns and raffia bags. The cut-out trend I spotted last summer is a big design influence at Topshop, as can be seen from the swimsuit, to cover ups - this shall stay strong for A\W - for a 90s grunge look. Denim of course is huge this season and has taken prize position in their windows, with denim shorts and jackets. Kahi green, nude, pale pinks, tan and cream are the dominant hues. Styling is layered, they have used headscarves, tie-up sandals, sunglasses, clogs, wedge strapped heels and tan leather bags.

Urban Outfitters: Last summer I noticed the use of banners, in-stores and at Top Drawer. Urban Outfitter has now created an eye-catching and colourful window, with the simple idea of using lots of streams of banners, which I believe to be very effective.

H&M:

H&M have taken on the current tropical Brazilian trend as I call it. Using bright vibrant colours and patterns of tropical leaves, animal print and flowers/birds. I particularly like the added touch of the headscarves and chunky ethnic jewellery. The washline in the background is an added way of getting more merchandise in the window.
Diesel: Taking on the same tropical trend in a different manner, Diesel had flower arrangements on mannequins heads. Nude colours and distressed denim were the prominant trends here.

Liberty:


When ever I am in London, I always stop by Libery, here on their large poster they currently are tapping into the Alice and Wonderland trend, using large props that make up a tea party. From the out-of-scale teapot, cake stand and cupcake. The step-ladder also taps into the current trend for the prop. As for the side window, Liberty have cleverly used the current growing rural trend I am spotting, use a floral bicycle, wicker baskets and a white country sign.
Carnaby Street:




Some other trends that were apparent in London's windows were: the illustration trend, which is still going strong, the use of suitcases/the idea of travelling, bicycles, grass, items hanging from chains and hooks, denim, florals and stripes.
All own photos

The Elephant Parade

For anyone unaware The Elephant Parade is a charity event, where designers from all over the world have adorned fibre glass elephants. Each decorated by a different artist or celebrity, the elephants brighten and beautify the city, enhancing every park, street corner and building they grace. Running from May to July 2010, this is London’s biggest outdoor art event on record. With an estimated audience of 25 million, the aim is to raise £2 million for the Asian elephant and benefit 20 UK conservation charities.

The elephants are installed all over London to raise awareness towards the conservation of the animal, in India. And whilst I was in London on Thursday I spotted a few around Oxford Circus. Take a look at the ones I spotted, unfortunately I only spotted 6 of the 250 designs! However they are to remain in London over the summer, its my mission to photograph as many as possible!:





Saturday, 8 May 2010

Recent Purchases

Apologies for the lack of recent posts! - i know its no excuse, but I have genuinely been bogged with work, deadlines research etc. However I shall make up for this loss, starting with my exciting recent purchases.

Firstly - this bird cushion, I first spotted this adorable cushion in Elle decoration a couple months back, and I loved it instantly. Randomly I came across it in Nottingham's Tokenhouse - a lovely gift shop with a homes section, where I found this treasure.

Next Primark have some great fashion bargains, the other day I bought these gorgeous floral denim shorts, which I wore yesterday with the thin tan belt (teamed with a striped shirt and boyfriend blazor, completed with a matching vintage tan leather bag). Also in the hope that we get some nice summer weather I bought this blue rose patterned dress - which was a steal at £5.



Next with the intention of soon booking a holiday to ibiza, I got rather excited and started my bikini shopping. Having looked around yesterday it was H&M that impressed me, and i got the two bikinis below. One is a beauitful floral rose print (I can't seem to get enough!) and the other is a more vintage 50's styling in a polka dot pattern.


Finally my Topshop finds, with an interview nearing I was on the hunt for something to wear for this occassion, I finalised on this beautiful draped waistcoat with a black lace panel at the back, it can also tie at the back, though I choose to tie it round the front. As well as a summer staple I purchased a leotard, I am also planning on getting a lace one for nights out.


There are some fantastic finds on the highstreet, with so many wearable and feminine trends there just too much choice this season!