Her Style Ways

travel log

2010-08-01T11:42:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy summer...between travels, weekend getaways, Canadian visitors, working on the dissertation and helping with events and client accounts for Fashion Network...but here are some of my favourite travel pictures from this summer to give my family at a home a much-need glimpse! It's been a good one!

London-based fashion designers

2010-06-09T05:17:00.000-07:00

Some of my favourites:

1. Matthew Williamson- known to me for his silk mini-dresses, embellishments, flowy, printed cocktail dresses... things you'd want to have with you for those summer vacays! (I want his entire S/S collection now please!) Ibiza anyone?

Spring/Summer 2010 RTW

Fall 2010 RTW

2. Temperley London- Alice Temperley combines iconic British styles and elements to her designs (topping most of her collections off with hats and cool accessories). I love the mix of prints and how everything is so wearable. The new Alice by Temperley line makes for some more affordable options!

Spring 2010 RTW

Fall 2010 RTW

3. Burberry- if you asked anyone on the street what is one fashion brand which you would associate with Britain I think many people would think of Burberry's classic trench coats...simple but classic style. Christopher Bailey has been adding more sophistication to Burberry Prorsum with the last 2 seasons take on the miltary trend, draping, belts and more amazing outerwear...not to mention the nude wedges!

Spring 2010 RTW

RST 2011

4. Vivenne Westwood- and who could leave out the quintessential and iconic British designer...eccentric and fun, her designs and runway shows never fail to be different and unique.

Spring 2010 RTW

Fall 2010 RTW

London visit!

2010-06-05T04:18:00.000-07:00

I LOVE it here. Can't wait to make the move down to London come September!

tiered flower dress: zara, belt: vintage, sandals: italy

black top: topshop, ripped jeans: F21

Harvey Nichols, SKYY VODKA and Sex and the City

2010-05-20T04:18:00.000-07:00

A fabulous fashion and beauty event took place at Harvery Nichols in Manchester on May 13th to celebrate the launch of the highly anticipated fashion film of the year, Sex And The City 2! Harvey Nichols and Skyy Vodka hosted an evening full of fashion, beauty and cocktails. A fashion show with looks from the film, beauty demonstrations and a range of delicious Skyy Vodka Sex and The City inspired cocktails and American snacks were enjoyed. Those who attended left with a goodie bag with Skyy Vodka, cupcakes and a range of skincare products and treatments to look and feel just as fabulous as Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda!

Can't wait for the Sex and the City 2 UK release date! We already have an entire night planned for next Friday including a screening of the 1st movie and cocktails, celebrating Laura's 24th birthday and off to the cinema to see the new film!

music festivals

2010-04-29T14:26:00.000-07:00

All the style pictures from Coachella make me super excited for a) summer b) more sun c) music festival season to arrive in England!!

From ray bans and funky hats/hairbands on the top, to floral jumpsuits, summer dresses, jean cutoffs, graphic t-s and mixing prints in the middle, to gladiators and ankle boots at the bottom. All about the accessories that make it. Throw in some fringe, tan-tone purses and tribal print...just the epitome of my favourite kind of easy, breezy boho chic style!

Some of my favs:

Kate Bosworth got it right all weekend long

style.com; teenvogue.com; vogue.co.uk

Ahhh camping out fun- never been to a festival before- makes me want to buy my Creamsfield ticket RIGHT this second!

april updates

2010-04-27T14:14:00.000-07:00

After our Easter Euro trip it was back to Hull in Yorkshire with the Overvoorde family for the remainder of our break...had a very enjoyable time relaxing in the English countryside and fit in some day trips to York (where we went to Betty's for proper English tea and scones and did night time ghost walk/tour around the city) and Beverly.

Since being back in Manchester it's been very busy at uni! Just submitted my final marketing paper on Harrod's entry into Brazil: Strategies for entering into the emerging market- felt good to get it handed in. We finished classes last Thursday, so celebratory pints outside in the sun and shopping were rewarded!

Went to London over the weekend for a housewarming party. Made me realise how much I love central west London- we stayed in Shepherd's Bush and went to the surrounding areas of Holland Park and Notting Hill (beautiful Victorian townhouses and cute little shops/restaurants). Made us very excited to make the move down come September!

Now it's revision time...with my exam in a week from today. I'm also doing work experience as a fashion intern, helping with the brand directory and events for the only fashion-specific marketing and PR agency in Manchester. It's a great networking portal constantly expanding the Northern fashion scene...Check it out! They even have their own 'street style' section of trendy people walking around Manchester...
www.manchesterfashion.com

Then I'm looking forward to my ongoing visitors coming to Manchester (and a permanent summer one- my sister arrives in less than 2 weeks now!)

sunny goodbye to madrid

2010-04-22T13:43:00.000-07:00

top: urban outfitters, jean shorts: topshop, tights: primark, fringed purse: pull and bear, sunglasses: shop in marco island, FL, oxfords: the office

1. The Parque del Buen Retiro

2. Puerta del Sol Square
3. In front of the most beautiful post office @ Cibeles Square

At the airport back flying back to London, UK.

THE END :( SUCH an amazing holiday!

nights in the capital city of spain

2010-04-22T13:21:00.000-07:00

At the most expensive bar in all of Madrid, but SO cool and chic. Enjoying our 15 euro cocktails and living it up for the night!

Lucy's wearing nautical silk top: spanish ZARA, jean skirt: mine from mendocino, shoes: topshop

top and trousers: spanish ZARA (NEW purchases from barca), turquoise ring: street vendor, gaudi park, barcelona, shoes: river island

Lucy's wearing top: H & M, trousers: ZARA, shoes: topshop

dress: shop in madrid (NEW)

maxi in madrid

2010-04-22T13:05:00.000-07:00

maxi dress: mendocino (s12), jean jacket: zara, gladiators: target

Madrid consisted of sipping wine in the sun, indulging in tapas, paella and sangria (not to mention our morning latte and chocolate croissant deal!), lots of squares, statues, shopping, parks, pretty buildings and walking around!

picture 1 & 2- in the streets of Madrid

picture 3- in a pretty square surrounded by flowers

picture 4, 5 & 6- by the royal palace of Madrid

BCN

2010-04-20T09:17:00.000-07:00

Day 1: The boardwalk, beach, gaudi park...Barcelona is beautiful!!!! Such a vibrant city, I want to go back already!

fringed purse: pull and bear, sunglasses: market in florence '08, tuxedo blazer: urban outfitters, necklace: primark, skirt: diane von furstenberg (DVF), fav heart tights: topshop, leather sandals: market in milano

last day in italy

2010-04-18T02:40:00.000-07:00

At the top of the Duomo, Milano.

my take on mixing patterns this season (floral with leopard print- why not? contrast is fun) sunglasses: shop in marco island, FL, top: F21, jean jacket: ZARA, skirt: mendocino, socks and flats: primark

day to night

2010-04-15T05:49:00.000-07:00

Day trip to LAKE COMO- where George Clooney has a house and I'm not surprised why...half an hr train ride from Milan and we're in paradise! I know, I know the backdrop behind me looks fake! But it's not. Cute Italian homes/restaurants on the water/shops/gelato cafes, lake, mountains, alps, peaceful, perfect weather...what more could you ask for?

blazer: zara, scarf: marc jacobs, side purse: coach, jumpsuit: urban outfitters, leggings: ?, sandals: italian leather (market in milan)

peace earrings and flowered ring: LA

Eating the most delicious banana and dark chocolate gelato! I'm just a little bit obsessed with Italian ice cream -so yummy!

Taking my sherbet jumpsuit to a night out in Milano:

simply put the hair down, add a belt, a dressier purse and jacket and heels and voilà!

designer heaven

2010-04-14T10:42:00.000-07:00

MORE Milan fashion district- show rooms, shoes and neutrals, pastels and platforms. From Pucci to Prada. Fendi to Miu Miu and Chanel! This is only a taste...

milano day 2

2010-04-12T05:08:00.000-07:00

Our amazing shopping day! Lucy picked up a stunning Sportsmax dress and we both picked up some accessories from Marc Jacobs. Wishing we could afford to buy SO much more than that...

Outside the Duomo!
NEW terracotta blazer: H&M, scarf: H&M, top: Donna Karan (DKNY), jean skirt: mendocino, heart tights: topshop

milano day 1

2010-04-12T04:01:00.000-07:00

BRISTOL to MILAN, MILAN to BARCELONA, BARCELONA to MADRID. MADRID to LONDON. So this was our first destination at the beginning of an amazing Easter vacation. I had heard mixed reviews about Milan so my expectations were never set too high but the city definitely didn't disappoint! On the contrary...

Words can't even begin to describe Milan- the cobble streets, the architecture, the shopping, the fashion district, the food, the culture, the cathedrals, the squares...

blazer: zara, scarf: H&M, black top underneath: DVF, grey high waisted skirt: target, gold and black sparkly tights: topshop, fav oxfords: the office

The first evening in Milan we came across Via Della Spiga! Our first glimpse of the street, peaceful and lite up, was just filled with beautiful designer shops with window displays that just made you want TO DIE and that was it...I fell in love. It has to be my favourite street in Milan, if not the entire world!

no snow, but loads of fog in snowdonia!

2010-03-22T08:53:00.000-07:00

Went on a day trip to Wales, took a trolley train ride up the mountain. Here we're at the top!!!

sunglasses: faybans, turquoise earrings: market in italy, scarf: river island, jacket: joe fresh, purse: coach, leggings: topshop, boots: topshop

Then we headed to a cute little town in Snowdown mountain called Betws-y-Coed!

DUBLIN for st.pat's

2010-03-22T08:30:00.000-07:00

SO excited to be in Ireland to celebrate the day of the Irish! Here I am first thing in the morning on St. Patrick's Day all decked out!!

Wearing our matching green shoes and Ireland scarfs. It's funny how many stares we got rocking these in Manchester and Leeds on our travels the day before...once in Dublin it all made sense!

Craziness at the St.Patrick's Day parade filled with band pipers, weird creatures and St.Patrick himself!

Left the parade early to head to the GUINNESS factory

At the gravity bar about to get our first pint of Guinness with our tickets!

Temple bar district and backpackers pub crawl at night to finish off a really fun and memorable life goal of celebrating St.Patty's in Ireland!

karaoke

2010-03-19T09:37:00.000-07:00

rocking our funky topshop heart tights!

top and shorts: F21, blazer: urban outfitters, tights: topshop, platforms: the office, clutch: aldo

Had our own private booth for girls night (Lucy's friends visit Manchester) of karaoke fun at Tiger Tiger on Monday!

sunnies

2010-03-13T10:13:00.000-08:00

Went sunglasses shopping the other day with my BBF (British Best Friend as Paris Hilton would say) helping her to find some designer shades...you'd think with hundreds and hundreds in Selfridges and Harvey Nics sunglasses sections and with spring/summer quickly approaching you'd be able to find something amazing to suit you! SO much harder than it seems to find just the right pair for your face shape! ...

Then we finally hit the jackpot at Dior and Louis Vuitton at Selfridges. Never forget to check out the individual designer sections where they keep some of their latest sunglasses collections separate! These Dior 61 sunglasses are absolutely amazing on Lucy! She's definitely investing in them for our upcoming trip...

I wasn't having any luck finding a single pair that looked all that great (especially for the prices) but then I fell in LOVE with the Evidence sunglasses from Louis Vuitton. My eyes were immediately drawn to the funky take on the aviators, there was literally a gold glow radiating from these glasses, before I even tried them on I knew that they'd be amazing. They are actually male sunglasses, but I've heard that the Louis Vuitton 2010 sunglass collection is very 'unisex'. Of course I ask the price and they are £400! Would die to own these...I just imagine how great it would be to have these walking around Italy and Spain in less than 2 weeks!

style icon

2010-03-10T06:52:00.000-08:00

Imagine sifting through a wardrobe a fashion-girl can only dream of having...that is my Auntie Anna's designer closet. She has always had the most amazing clothes that I can remember admiring since I was little!

Imagine drawers full of Neil Lane, Cartier, David Yurman and every possible Tiffany & Co. item of jewelry, mixed with some amazing vintage pieces.
Imagine shelves of boxes and boxes filled with Stuart Weitzman, Jimmy Choo, Manolos, Louis Vuitton...I would die for just one pair!
Imagine a closet full of D&G, Diane Von Furstenberg, Nanette Lepore, Donna Karan, Burberry, Pucci...
Imagine trunk fulls designer handbags from Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Fendi, Kate Spade, Gucci, Marc Jacobs...

And this is only to list a mere few! I could go on and on... I was lucky enough to be able to go and get a tour of her designer filled walk-in-closet (make that closets) over the holidays back home.

Her gorgeous ETRO jacket!

My designer duds!

Does anyone else have someone close to them whose wardrobe they've always admired? Even strived for? It's great to have someone to connect to and share a love and appreciation for fashion with! Kind of what I think the fashion blogging world is all about...and why it's become so popular.

the lovely edinburgh

2010-03-09T13:30:00.000-08:00

Edinburgh is very NORTHERN UK so just had to opt for the warmest items of clothing I had here, maybe not the most fashion-forward, but definitely practical! So I did what I can with my 'Canadian' inspired gear, my long Olympic TNA jacket from Aritzia and some UGG boats...ACCESSORIZE! That is belted it with a studded vintage belt and wet look leggings and then put it with a vintage scarf and big earrings. Made it more ME. The wind made my hair go crazy this weekend!

What I predicted and more. SUCH a beautiful city!!! We did lots of cliff climbing (worth it for the views!), site seeing, the queens castle (of course), went on a really fun pub crawl and went to this famous dr and mr hyde pub for food. Overall just another amazing weekend trip!

FYI: So sorry for the delay in my updating, my macbook crashed a week ago so I've been having technical difficulties trying to sort that out! (you wouldn't believe how many problems I've had with it over the last 2 years!) Imagine life without a computer (makes it hard to do school work/NO new TV shows/movies/internet/skype/facebook...list goes on!) Makes you really realize how much we rely on technology today. Especially difficult when I'm not in my home country. I would die if I didn't have my blackberry or it'd be zero contact with the outside world!

CANADA in SCOTLAND

Love my Laura's -Laura Canada (LC) + Laura America (LA)

ravings and spring cravings!

2010-02-26T08:28:00.000-08:00

dress: mendocino, tuxedo blazer: silence & noise (urban outfitters), platforms: the office

vintage black dress (tucked into skirt), skirt: AA, earrings: house of harlow, ring: F21?

Clearly loving:

my vintage shoulder purse (handed down from my auntie anna) and my skinny leopard print belt.

Currently craving for Spring:

pastels, patterned dresses, wedges, flowy tops, printed high-waisted shorts...

Topshop Spring ~~needs~~ wants include:

Topshop wants by

EDINBURGH FOR THE WEEKEND! I'm picturing castles, Scottish accents, cliffs and perhaps some plaid...should be a fun time!!

comfort first

2010-02-21T06:58:00.000-08:00

Well sometimes...this was last Sunday going to the Chinese new year festivities! Wanted to just be comfy and warm so threw on my fur vest and citizen jeans, my breton top from river island and vintage pearls to spice it up a bit. I'm not a big jean fan/wearer but these ones are super comfortable and I loved the light wash of them (all year round kinda pair).

British things that I've recently experienced:
-crumpets and beans on toast
-pancake tuesdays
-cornerhouse cafe (saw 'a single man' there the other weekend) felt very cultural
-sankeys!
-pete tong
-orange wednesdays
...each week we're checking off places from our list of things to do 2010!

Medal Count

2010-02-15T13:01:00.001-08:00

Of course there's the 2010 winter olympics going on in Vancouver too! Hardly have anytime to follow them on TV but keeping track...GO CANADA GO!

blogosphere and fashion weeks

2010-02-15T10:17:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted anything in awhile but it's not because I've abandoned the blogging world- I've fully immersed myself in reading up on it and looking at fashion blogs around the world (not out of the usual...) I've simply been too busy looking instead of typing!
The difference is that I am officially doing my masters dissertation project on fashion blogs and marketing (something I've planned to do for awhile) so I'm constantly on the hunt for articles discussing the blogging phenomenon and reading academic papers on them.

I love coming across fellow bloggers in the literature whose sites I have myself visited many times before such as http://stylebubble.typepad.com/ and OF COURSE the Sartoralist...but the problem with doing a topic I'm really interested in is that I stubble across more and more amazing fashion blogs during my research and it's hard to stay focused! Such as mademoisellerobot.com and http://www.redcarpet-fashionawards.com/ ...the list goes on and on...when I do have a draft synposis to write within the next couple of days and the final dissertation proposal due next week!

The fact that February is one of the biggest months of fashion does not make it any easier! With all our favourite designers having just showcased their latest 2010 autumn/winter lines at NYC Fashion week (just have to get glimpses of the latest runway looks and trends) and London Fashion week is quickly approaching this weekend!

Just a little taste of NY FW:

DVF

Alexander Wang

Rebecca Taylor

Rachel Roy

Donna Karan DKNY

http://www.showstudio.com/collections/streams

RODARTE A/W streams LIVE 16 Feb 2010, 17.00 GMT / 12.00 EST

lately

2010-02-04T08:45:00.000-08:00

THE LIVERPOOL ADVENTURE

...is the only way to describe the spontaneous fun-filled weekend of the Beatles, Albert Docks, Liverpool 1 shopping, Cavern Club, cider and pubs and clubs. Loved it SO much that Laura and I decided to miss our bus and stay an extra night (where the true crazy part of our escapades began...)

leather studded jacket: topshop, sunglasses: marco island FL, pineapple jumper: thunder-egg boutique manchester, skirt & scarf: H & M, black leggings, oxford shoes: the office, purse: coach (birthday and christmas gift from my lovely sisters)

tuxedo blazer: silence & noise (urban outfitters), orange jumpsuit: urban outfitters (tucked into skirt), high-waisted pencil skirt: H & M, rings: LA and ITALY

hat and jeggings: topshop, striped breton top: river island (new liverpool purchases)

Laura and I loving life at the Cavern Club!

BACK IN MANCHESTER: been busy with loads of fun activities this week...finally saw Avator in IMAX 3D, went to the oldest pub in Manchester, made Lucy her very first box of American KD, went to the font for some "cheeky ones", went to 2for1 dinner at pizza express and the movie 'It's Complicated' (good spin on the typical romantic comedy and so funny)...and on top of that 2 full days of classes at uni. Having a girls night out tonight in Fallowfield and so pumped! Then going to visit Hull tomorrow morning for a weekend of R & R (staying with the Overvoorde family)!

MARCH TRAVEL PLANS: Booked trips yesterday to Dublin for St.Patrick's Day (life goal has always been to be in Ireland for it) and to Milan, Barcelona and Madrid over Easter Break!!!! Many things to look forward to! Just can't wait!! Living the life...

my berlin style

2010-02-01T08:57:00.000-08:00

It was all about layering as the northern part of Germany is absolutely freeeeezing this time of year, -7 and -8 degrees, and the type of cold where it hurts (and I'm from Canada)! Wishing I just brought along my proper TNA winter jacket instead...but here are some outfits and things I did on my trip

MMU IFM/SFB girls at the premium trade show...

i'm wearing... leather purse: coach, velvet skirt: gap (old), my vintage boots, feathered top: nanette lepore

took the subway around everywhere!

jacket: DLR, pashmina scarf: italy

went to the most amazing exclusive open-bar fashion after party at cookies!

earrings: vintage, bodysuit: wolford, purse: vintage claire haddad, trousers: zara, platforms: the office

saw the berlin wall and brandenburg gate

knitted sweater: holt renfrew, fur vest: tkmaxx, scarf: zara, jacket: DLR, black skinny jeans: express, vintage boots and coach purse

My fashion friends:

SS in germany

2010-01-27T04:53:00.000-08:00

STREET STYLE at the trade show

berlin fashion week 2010

2010-01-25T03:54:00.000-08:00

Mercedes-Benz FASHION WEEK

Premium International Fashion Trade Show

selection of brands, designers, talented newcomers, and latest/upcoming trends for 2010/2011

leather still going strong - with green hue alternatives

chunky cozy knits and cute little jackets

amazing clothes everywhere and buyers from around the globe

sequins, stripes and embellishments

in LOVE with this SUPERTRASH blazer (the colour, the silk and sequined shoulder detailing)

AH the newest collection

some great things in store from French Connection

Berlin bound!

2010-01-20T11:26:00.000-08:00

wearing my newly acquired vintage roni rabl sweater from NYC (thanks to anna's closet), urban outfitters black dress and an assortment of tiffany&co./london links jewelry

OFF to BERLIN for FASHION WEEK TOMORROW!!!!!

I'll be sure to take lots of pictures and have a full report when I'm back xxxxx.

a to zoe

2010-01-18T03:42:00.000-08:00

So I'm newly obsessed with the Rachel Zoe project!
I absolutely "DIE and go bananas" over Rachel's amazing vintage (designer) boho style, the shopping, fashion shows, designers and clothes featured on the show. It also proves that she IS a passionate stylist who really knows her stuff. I love her...if you love fashion watch it!

a to zoe by herstyleways featuring Hermes bags

gorgeous jacket (my guess is vintage chanel) and shoesss

signature style

in her studio...i spot lots of designer clothes!

brian atwood's killer heels

=heaven

brad (her assistant) is so fabulous and also has the most adorable style you can't help but want him as your own gay best friend!

"style is the best way to sort of say who you are without having to speak" RZ

outfit stylings

2010-01-14T09:27:00.000-08:00

cardigan: topshop, peace necklace: birthday gift from L.A., paris graphic tank: topshop, white shorts: hollister

lace top: aritzia, flowered high-waist shorts: urban outfitters, heels: white house/black market

necklace: primark, black tank: h & m, skirt: primark

dress: topshop, colourful flowered ring: L.A., necklace: birthday gift from my bff nic, heart tights: topshop, studded ankle booties: quiz

bowler hat w/velvet bow: vicki sather (auntie anna's!!), plaid top: gap (old), wet look leggings, black skirt: h & m

my holiday highlights!

2010-01-14T09:01:00.000-08:00

sometimes I find the best way...and really the only way to even begin to describe an amazing and jam-packed christmas break is through some pictures...

christmas eve in florida (note: the coordinated colours)

my beautiful sisters rocking flowery mini's on the beach

reunited!

5th ave in naples! (sisters wearing their new topshop christmas pressies from me!)

12 sterling girls sleepover reunion in caledon!

reality TV stars 09 (simple life and real housewife of OC)

mac frost week visit! classic quarters night

my party!!!

quality time with great friends from home!

home for the holidays

2009-12-21T12:17:00.000-08:00

ZARA top and trousers

trying out with 3 different pairs of shoes (primark flats, topshop shoes and river island heels)

favourite with the heels. very equestrian looking.

This is going to be my last blog post until the new year!
Going to be busy, busy, busy over the holidays.

FLYING HOME TOMORROW!!! Can't wait to see all my family and friends I haven't seen in nearly 4 months! Also can't wait for THIS (leaving for FLORIDA the following day for Christmas)...ah

Marco Island = paradise!

EVERYONE HAVE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY HOLIDAYS AND NEW YEAR!!! xx

birthday festivities

2009-12-19T03:59:00.000-08:00

classy drinks at cloud 23, christmas markets, christmassy birthday party and out on the town!

@ The Hilton: the girls and I happened to all dress chic in black and sequins...

wearing a sequined dress: mendocino, bf blazer: zara, new studded ankle booties: quiz

Birthday night: dressed as a Christmas present! ...wearing a lace top: forever 21, green sequined mini skirt: new look

it's beginning to look a lot like...

2009-12-15T10:43:00.000-08:00

2 days till my birthday
1 week till I'm home!
10 days till Christmas

Last night we had a festive dinner at the halls...sooo cute!

wearing a paper hat from my christmas cracker (haha), a vintage necklace (thanks grandmother!) and a trac top (from mendocino).
yum, yum, yum for home-cooked roasts!

Really looking forward to the Hilton for drinks and secret santa tomorrow night and my birthday festivites on Thursday! Trying to fit in working on those things called term papers among all this fun (such a jam-packed last week in Manchester!!!)

vintage throw and bow

2009-12-13T05:04:00.000-08:00

vintage, black dress: urban outfitters

Went to the Manchester Vintage Christmas Markets yesterday at the MET but didn't manage to pick anything up. Still on the hunt for that birthday dress! Also went to ASDA and got lots of Christmas decorations for my themed party on Thursday, soo excited!
Last night was the x-factor final, voted for Olly, and he made it to the top two wooo. Then had a fun girls night out at The Ritz, full of santas, dancing, fake foam snow, and a bouncy castle!!!

sequins and lights

2009-12-10T15:30:00.000-08:00

sun.sun.sun. --- that's right, there was actually a little bit peaking through today!

earrings: quiz, scarf: miss selfridges, jean jacket: zara, graphic tee: topshop, sequined harem pants: primark special edition, boots: topshop

The course girls and I finally went and checked out the Trafford Centre together, which is one of the largest shopping centres in the UK and definitely on my Manchester to-do list. Looked in every store shopping for a festive frock for my birthday party next Thursday -22 in 1 WEEK!- but didn't have much success. Errr running out of time and options...did at least get a few Christmas presents! Think I'm going to stick with my Arndale shopping in the city centre from now on though (same stores, but larger and less crammed selections).

Decorated palm trees?? ...reminded me of one of my favourite malls, the Millenium mall, in Orlando, FL!

Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree

Festive AND talking...

feet run out of ground?

2009-12-07T12:46:00.000-08:00

My weekend involved christmas movies, wine, free nando's, the font for drinks, full day of sunday shopping, sushi, x-factor...

faux-fur vest: TKmaxx, sequined pineapple jumper: thunder-egg boutique manchester cut-off jean shorts: abercrombie&fitch

but now...

supply chain term paper proposal and quiz tomorrow!

soo many term papers to work on!

still need to do ALL my christmas shopping and find a birthday outfit!

= stresssss

but then i just think:

the hilton & secret santa.

my christmassy birthday celebration.

home!

seeing my fam & friends.

FLORIDA.

christmas & the holidays.

...yup, that should get me through!

you've got the love

2009-12-04T05:51:00.000-08:00

Dree Hemingway for VOGUE 2010

Mila Kunis' for Blackbook

Blake Livey for Marie Claire

Claudia Schiffer

SJP

Lady Gaga

VS

2009-12-01T10:48:00.000-08:00

You know it's December 1st when...

The VICTORIA SECRET FASHION SHOW IS ON!
Gonna miss watching it when it airs this year...AND missing the usual tradition of watching it with my BFF.

SO enjoy the beautiful Christmasy sets, gorgeous models and music of the angels strutting their stuff on the catwalk!

the holiday wardrobe

2009-11-29T08:09:00.000-08:00

GAP, H & M and Anthropologie holiday campaigns.

Cozy knits, hats, scarfs, mittens and plaid.

Lots of good Christmas party and NYE outfit ideas.

Pearls, tights, lace, sequins, fringe, velvet...and of course adorable party dresses!!!

Tis the season to be jolly

Had the SUCH a fun day yesterday! Really enjoyed my first football match, the atmosphere is unreal, the fans are crazy and it was such a good game (tied 1-1)...then afterwards went to GBK for dinner and walked around through the Christmas markets. Manchester is sooo festive with it's christmas lights and decorations, ice-skating rink, roasted chestnuts, mulled wine....just so much to do in this city this time of year and there is such a great atmosphere in the air!

Watched "The Holiday" last night and it's one of my very favourite movies- such a cute and feel-good movie to get you in the spirit! Cameron Diaz's wardrobe in it is absolutely to die for too. She screams winter chic with her cashmere coats, sweaters and scarfs, chunky knits, cozy turtlenecks, leather boots, heels and party dresses!

The Holiday by herstyleways featuring Lipsy

on the brain

2009-11-26T10:47:00.000-08:00

I've started organizing a MSc charity fashion show. Got the theme and a team! Still need to decide on a good charity and secure a venue for next term but we're on the right track with positions assigned. I'm excited- it's going to be fun!!

4 term papers (fashion technology, marketing, business and finance) and selecting my dissertation topic to finish before the holidays. The question is can I do it?! Well I actually HAVE to submit the technology paper and a few proposals in December. But there's just no way I can write term papers over the holidays in Florida and then back home in Canada where I'm going to have so many things to do and people to see! So it's going to be work hard, play hard for the next month till I go home...OK, maybe more of just the work part starting soon.

BUT I have to share my current favourite places to go out in Manchester:

1) tiger tiger in printworks on a monday

2) queen of hearts (tarts) in fallowfield on a saturday
...
and now 3) canal street on a wednesday! had the most amazing love life night, dancing and singing the night away at my first gay bar experience (complete with drag queens and a cabaret show!)

It's John's much-anticipated birthday night out tomorrow. Making the usual cupcakes and dressing 'smart' (Lucy's British terminology) ...meaning I can finally wear my new Jimmy Choo jumpsuit! Then I'm seeing my very first proper football match on Saturday- Man City vs. Hull- so don't worry Daddy (and Jordan) I'll still save a Manchester United game for when you come to visit!

You know when you take a step back and look at your life and wonder where you would be if you just made one different decision? Your entire life path could change. Life is crazy like that. But then I also think there's destiny and that everything happens for a reason. For me, things would be completely different right now and I wouldn't have all these amazing new experiences and friends. All I can say is applying for this program was definitely what I was meant to do and I'm so glad I ultimately made the decision to come here. Now I can't even imagine not...

a moment, a love, a dream, a laugh

2009-11-20T14:45:00.000-08:00

I just adore this moment captured by the Satoralist.

How chic is not only the model
...but the girl snapping the picture as well!

Since I haven't been able to post any outfit pictures of my own (still waiting on that canon battery in the mail- come on e-bay!) I've decided to select some of my favourites that fellow fashion bloggers that I follow have been wearing lately. I really should be researching for my term papers...but this is far more interesting than trying to figure out how to relate the importance of needle and seam types to fashion marketing at the moment!

BLOG STYLE INSPIRATION:

my daily style.

lions, tigers and fashion OH MY!

this time tomorrow.

nana in los angeles.

the stylish wanderer.

karla's closet.

wheredidugetthat.

These are all looks I love and would totally wear myself.

Way to rock them girls!

street style

2009-11-18T06:48:00.000-08:00

http://stockholmstreetstyle.feber.se/

All about:

the black, greys and navy

leather, blazers and layers

One of my new favourite street style websites. Featuring fashion editors, models and everyday girls on the street (mainly outside fashion show events).

As for me, I can't even begin to dulge into my life as it's been a bit crazy lately. (Loads of school, quite a lot of fun, but also some stress --> let's just say there's been a bank nightmare with my Canadian debit card...!!! grrr RBC) However, looking forward to a mexican fiesta and twilight with the girls as a study break. NEW MOON so soon!

rain rain go away

2009-11-13T13:02:00.000-08:00

OK so one thing I could do without in Manchester is all the rain!!!!

Doing my marketing project on Levi's is proving to be a little bit more of a challenge in applying the theories- although there is plenty of history on them- they aren't as popular recently making it harder to conduct a situational analysis. Everyone else is doing Zara or H & M but I wanted to pick something a little different...speaking of which...

Fellow fashionista's tomorrow is the day we've all been anxiously waiting for!

....

That's right, unless you've been living under a rock for months and months, you'll know that Jimmy Choo is the latest designer teaming up with H & M to design a line of clothing, accessories, handbags and of course shoeeeees - following suit to fellow big names Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney, Roberto Cavalli and Matthew Williamson.

At select stores around the globe Choo's line will officially launch to the public!

LIKING: studded black mini dress, big leather purses

Like #1, #4, #6 and #7

Not a fan of the long cut open black dress and long fringes

She is modeling some of my favourite items I've seen in this little preview.

What is everyone else's fav look??? Are you all getting up early and waiting in line to get first pick?

This weekend seems to be the time for friends to visit- both my roommates have their friends from home here! I get to join them tomorrow too because my friend from Canada (who goes to Oxford) is coming too! YAY!!!!

always catching my eye

2009-11-11T05:29:00.000-08:00

...been too busy with school and shopping and meetings and errands and skyping to blog lately!

But here's the update on my weekend trip in a nutshell:

Where to even start...it was absolutely amazing, just crazyyyy, and so much fun! Way too many funny stories and good times were had. Took a long but exciting bus ride overnight through Dover and Cali (on the ferry) and then drove through France, Belgium and into Holland! We definitely made the most of our time there once we finally arrived! Managed to see all of the city- the pretty canals, the main squares, the red light district, sex shops, tourist shops, coffee shops, shopping and went to the sex museum, torture museum, Anne Frank house and the I amsterdam sign! So we were productive and yet had an absolute blast out on the nights (like the 6-bar red light pub crawl starting at 7:30 on Saturday)! It was freezing cold and rainy for the most part so we really had to bundle up. Even with the weather I thoroughly enjoyed exploring the city! I think in warmer weather I would do a bike tour and canal boat tour of the city as well- next time cause I definitely want to go back!! Devastated that my battery and memory stick somehow fell out of my camera and so I lost all of my pictures from the weekend. Could be worse right??! At least some of the girls had camera's too but there really is nothing like your own pictures! Hannah- "Is it too early to joke about that?"...That little unfortunate bit of luck aside, I can't help but smile when I look back at all the great memories, laughs and love life moments from the weekend and know that is is one trip I will never, ever forget!

Selection of photos: credit to Danielle

Had another fun night out with the dam girls at tiger tiger on Monday (wore my amazing new sequined harem pants), have the MSc programme committeee meeting today (as a student rep we have to attend and bring all of our course feedback from the students) and tomorrow evening is the Manchester Christmas lights switch on and Alexandra Burke (last year's X-factor winner and singer of the catchy single 'bad boys') in the city center! Then I realllllly need to dedicate my weekend to study!

dam dam dam!

2009-11-04T14:05:00.000-08:00

Outfit pics from my Louis Vuitton presentation last week (the girls and I dressed all chic in black and creams for it)

Found out (officially) going to Florida with the fam for Christmas!
We lived in the library all day.
Did errands for the dam tomorrow.
Made cupcakes for Lucy (and Hannah's) bday for the bus ride. (I know, turning into quite the baker!)
Still need to PACK.
Still need to decorate the cupcakes.
Still need to skype with my parents.
Don't know how I even have the time to post this blog right now.
It's 10 PM here.

Leaving right after class at 5 tomorrow for the student trip to AMSTERDAM!!!!!!! 5 of my girl friends are going and we're all in the same room together and I'm beyond pumped!

new KM collection

2009-11-03T13:50:00.000-08:00

Her new oriental-inspired collection launched a few days ago...I'm sure the little sisters back in Canada wouldn't mind one of these items as Christmas gifts! No Topshop back home and I hope it stays that way (just for the novelty of it)...it's already moved to NYC though so I'm thinking it's not long before they expand to more North American locations.

it's already november?!

2009-11-02T08:27:00.000-08:00

bow headband: primark, knitted scarf: h & m, tunic: F21, jeans: citizens of humanity, grey leather jacket: bik bok, leather boots: vintage, side purse: urban outfitters

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

My Monday at school consisted of clothing product development classes. Finally found out the prices and retail stores for the trousers we've been analyzing in our practical, a few surprises there...like the Primark pants seemed like wayyy better quality than the Dorothy Perkins ones yet they were half the price...OH and almost got body scanned in anthropometrics! We got all ready for it and into robes and everything but then only Lucy got to go before it stopped working-- defo gonna set up an appointment for another time to get all my measurements cause that's just too cool to pass up!

Getting reallllly excited for the Amsterdam trip in 3 days- leave this Thursday till Sunday!!! WOO

BOO!

2009-10-31T09:59:00.000-07:00

Just waiting for my spooky Halloween cupcakes to cool as I make this post (before I decorate them) and get ready for Kay's party! I wish there was pumpkin picking here- then we'd get to carve the pumpkin and toast the seeds mm

Thought I'd look back at a few Halloween costumes over the years of undergrad with my old housemates:

Halloween 2005- 80's girl

Halloween 2006- dressed as pimp's

Halloween 2007- cupid!

We were celebrations- christmas (angel), birthday (present), easter (bunny) and valentine's day (cupid)

Halloween 2008- prom queen's from different era's

Halloween 2008- baseball player!

We all dressed up as different types of athletes

I truly love playing dress-up! HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!!!!

fight (x4) for this love

2009-10-30T16:48:00.000-07:00

Been meaning to post these pics from Cheryl Cole's new single; outfits that the girls and I have been obsessing over since the video was released! Those of you from Canada/outside of the UK may not be that familar with her (Girls Aloud star and X-factor judge). She's all over the media here - loving the miltary style jacket and hat, leather leggings, Balmain jewelled and lace cut-out dress, Alexander McQueen striped sweater dress... OK, so what if it's a little 'dated' and the Balmain style is becoming oh-so-predictable I still can't help but love these looks and Cheryl looks fierce! (minus the leopard print pj-looking bottoms...)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMiy_UsrPDs

I think my favourite look of her's is actually towards the end of the video in the 80s-inspired sequin jacket with the pointed shoulders and side swept hair. What's your personal fav?

rip it real good.

2009-10-27T11:04:00.000-07:00

bird/feather headband: gift, black t: american apparel, cardigan: aritzia, leopard print skirt: mendocino, ripped tights: DIY, knee socks, shoes: the office

I think I aced my quiz in research methods today (see, those sociology skills do come in handy!) and good thing Kay and I managed to memorize those work packages late last night. Our 2 and a half hour break flew by today cause a group of us went to Fusion for noodles. Tuesday lunches out are becoming a tradition...but a costly one! We were talking forever about trying to define each others fashion styles:

Kay: so classy/chanel

Laura: girly and feminine
Huma: sophisticated and classic

Ray: put together and tailored

Cindy: colourful and funky

Lucy and I were much harder to describe! Apparently I'm vintage-y, boho, rocker chic? Just a mix of everything I guess. Lucy is gossip girl-ish (Blair) and trendy I think.

A few people are coming over to watch Hocus Pocus tonight- LOVE this movie and perfect way to get in the Halloween spirit!

Tomorrow we'll be at the library all today preparing for the big Louis Vuitton presentation! The 4 of us had the brillant idea of making shortbread cookies afterwards, with chocolate icing spelling out the LV and monogram symbols. Not only will this be an interactive thing to give out to the class but it will also symbolize brand identification and JP (our prof) will love it! haha

patterned tights

2009-10-26T09:44:00.000-07:00

flower headband: lemon, pearl earrings, brown leather bracelet: italy; rest prinkmark, top: F21, oversized chunky knitted cardigan: primark, high waisted jean skirt: mendocino, tights: H & M? shoes: topshop

I've always been a BIG fan of patterned tights and have been wearing them for years...try adding some fun and funk to your next outfit!

Can't believe Danny was in the bottom 2 on X-factor last night! (Yes I'm now addicted to watching the show along with the rest of Britain). My flatmate had some friends over to watch it and afterwards we finally explored some more bars in Fallowfield!

fairytales

2009-10-23T10:52:00.000-07:00

It's my friend's birthday tonight and it's a fairytale theme; "fancy dress" as they call it here...so I bought fairy wings, a wand and some pom-pom's (to put on some flats) to throw together a very last minute Tinkerbell costume!

Chanel has got to be one of my top brands of all time and Karl Lagerfeld just keeps on bringing it to us! Here's a few pieces from the R2W spring/summer '10 show in Paris Fashion Week.

This whole scene reminds me a whimsical, far-away place, almost like a fairytale. Maybe it's the clogs, pale pinks, silk ribbons, flowers in their hair or the fact that the set takes place in a barn. Hansel and Gretel seems to come to mind...

It's Friday so I like to make weekend to do lists:

finish reading fashion brands book
look through fashion marketing and clothing tech books (need to stop renewing them at the lib)
jot down notes from marketing books on LV
research on LV (get background info)
do my cultural web + 3 layers part for project
know what company (idea) for marketing term paper
research methods quiz in tutorial next week
shop/buy things for Madonna costume
get agenda/folders
organize hand-outs

(Good to write it all down so I remember and feel like I accomplished things at the end of it!)

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYONE!!!!

lucky star

2009-10-22T08:53:00.000-07:00

"You may be my lucky star but I'm the luckiest by far" ...guess that artist!

leopard print hairband: H&M, shirt: kimchi & blue (from urban outfitters), belt: mom's old (vintage), black skirt: costa blanca, bangles: primark, wet look leggings: vintage, flats: primark

We were actually productive on our breaks between classes today; chose Louis Vuitton as our company for our presentation in marketing next week and assigned parts, plus did a bunch of student rep things (made a facebook page, contact sheets etc.) and presented it in front of our class in tutorial!

A lot of people in the program seem super interested in me organizing a charity fashion show here and helping out! Woo INFUSION all over again but more fashion student help as loads of them have their own lines that they want to showcase. It'll be good! Gotta get organizing and set up a meeting soon for those interested!! Ah I love this stuff.

Just a little inspiration for my Halloween costume:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHOuzJ_Rf1E

...takes me back to when I was little and we had the entire box set of her 80's music video's and I would watch them over and over again.

Although maybe I should consider being Shakira for Halloween because I've now gotten approached a few times and asked if I'm Spanish and Shakira references. Just yesterday Lucy and I were walking back from lunch at Krobar through Curry Mile and a group of boys sang "Shakira Shakira" hahaha.

Thought I'd do my own little comparision for fun because anything to procrastinate actually doing school work right? What do you think?

milano oh ooh!

2009-10-21T13:43:00.000-07:00

MILAN FASHION WEEK (October)

Spring/Summer '10 Collections

Some of my personal favs:

ARMANI: loving the blue hues, blazers, belts, slick trousers and silk!

FENDI: neutral tones, skinny belts, ruffles, lace and sheer dresses

JUST CAVALLI: season of the cocktail dress! ...loving these mini's and cyper patterns

PUCCI: mix of everything in here; long sleeved mini dresses, sequins, one-shoulder dress, 80's pattern, sculpted shoulders, fringe, neutral shoes, sheer silk, classic crisp whites and hot pants (leopard at that!)

I just think I'm freeee

2009-10-20T10:43:00.000-07:00

gold bird earrings: topshop, beige cardigan: old navy, victorian style necklace: (aka the 'laura secord necklace) mom's?, shirt: store in hamilton, skirt: silence + noise (from urban outfitters), skinny belt and grey wool tights: primark, shoes: the office, glasses: fendi

Oh Mondays. Couldn't be bothered to put my contacts in due to weekend exhaustion so I was dawning the glasses look. Better with or without? Appropriate for classes but I hardly wear them out! And that was the whole point in getting nice frames...

I've always been a big teal fan. Looks like LV, Versace, Balenciaga, Marni, Valentino and Marc Jacobs to name a few are too as this colour was on many of the models in their autumn 09 collections!

I picked up this skirt ages ago though around Christmas time; still love how I can transition it for day and night and practically all seasons.

Today we went out for lunch on our break to the Nando's in Fallowfield (mm peri-peri style chicken) -been meaning to try it as I've heard rave reviews from the other girls. We're starting to get a bit stressed about our term papers already as our lecturers seems to be hinting that we should start on the researching and topic ideas now (aren't due till December) but it's really hard when it's only week 4 and we haven't learned all the material yet! Plan is to have Wednesdays as our dedicated study days to prep from now on...

Exciting news: booked the AMSTERDAM trip today from Nov 5-8!!!! YAY!

london might just be my calling...

2009-10-19T08:30:00.000-07:00

GREAT weekend

Here are some highlights:

at the tower bridge

at the buckingham palace

some stylish london girls!

with my cousin and her law friends

in camden market

ALSO: Going to the Portobello market on Saturday (amazing vintage stuff, hand-made jewelery, leather, fur and sequined jackets) + the numerous Pret sandwiches and veggie sushi + the most amazing cupcake I've ever had in my life + dancing the night away at Gramaphone + getting to see many of my Canadian friends!

FYI: If anyone goes to Notting Hill this place is a MUST and get the red velvet!!

http://hummingbirdbakery.com/flash.html

flower power

2009-10-15T12:19:00.000-07:00

the trusty bf blazer: zara, knitted dress: vintage (gino rossi), quilted purse and flowered tights: primark, bracelets: italy, silver shoes: salt&pepper

Wednesdays are busy nights in Manchester. This is when all the sports teams always practice and afterwards they'll dress up in costume and go out at night. For instance, it was hilarious to see around 25 british boys (likely 'football' players) running through the streets dressed as girls! Met a bunch of my roommates friends last night and just have to say I love 5th ave!

Also got these free 'faybans' at the Man student union last night haha

Just got home from a 'boot camp' fitness class with the fashion girls! Such an intense work-out, felt goooood!

...I'm SO excited I'm going to London tomorrow for the weekend!!!!!

my pumpkin pie

2009-10-12T10:07:00.000-07:00

definition of some autumn fashion to me.

alexa chung-inspired mulberry. great colour for october.

just love this picture.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Hope everyone back in Canada is having a great long weekend!!!!
I'm not gonna lie I was feeling a little homesick because I knew all my friends from TO were home for the holiday, all reunited, and it's weird to think my family was enjoying a turkey dinner without me!
Mmm I truly miss pumpkin flavoured things- like TCBY's frozen yogurt and starbucks pumpkin spice lattes! They just don't have any of that here.

beaded cardigan: topshop, gold necklace: my grandmothers, grey skinny jeans: express, black tall leather boots: vintage (pop boutique)

This outfit is very simple, perfect for "wearing to uni" as the girls would say, I think the orange detailing in my new topshop sweater made me feel more thanksgiving-y (even though I'm all the way in the UK)

Today there was some power outage at the main campus which affected Hollings too so we got out of our last class early; went into the city centre, just window shopping and browsing (sometimes very hard for us to do), then went to GBK- gourmet burger kitchen- sooo delicious! I absolutely love it!! You can literally get anyyyy type of burger (veggie for me of course) with any additional topping you want (mm avocado!). I've now been to the one in Bristol, Leeds and then imagine my delight to discover the one in Manchester too!
WOW a lot about food in this post...I guess I'm hungry again haha!

Just got back from dance fitness and street dance classes- loving that they are just around the corner from me! Since it was the first week they were absolutely PACKED though and so hot (and I mean literally).

balmain boots and sequins

2009-10-11T10:56:00.001-07:00

Okay so I'm just a little obsessed...

Balmain Fall '09 collection

Kate Moss in VOGUE Paris Oct '09

Balmain Fall '09 collection

b&w exposure

2009-10-10T12:06:00.001-07:00

boyfriend blazer: zara, sparkly long vest: F21, graphic t: exposure for topshop, assortment of necklaces: accessories shop in montreal, " of bracelets: from all over, pearl and diamond one: gift from mom, leather leggings: student stop in manchester, shoes: topshop

Spend my day sleeping in and reading 'fashion brands' by Tungate in the Starbucks around the corner from me. OH and I figured out what I'm going to be for Halloween!!! HURRAY so I'm excited to start finding things for it. Apparently it's not as big a deal in Europe as in NA but we're all still students here so any excuse to dress up...

Tonight one of my roommates has her two friends visiting and Susi (from Greece)'s bf is here as well!

feeling grey?

2009-10-08T08:12:00.000-07:00

grey leather bomber jacket: bikbok (nearly 2 years old!), light brown dress: stolen from my sister's closet, skinny brown leather belt: h&m, scarf: camden market, plum lipstick, pearl and chain charm bracelet: h&m, grey wool tights: primark, silver shoes: salt and pepper (also old!), wooden hand-made ring: little shop in montreal, canada

I think grey is a great alternative to the traditional black leather jacket and leggings...although I have both- it's nice to be able to switch it up and mix and match the two hues!
People sometimes worry about grey looking too casual, but it's all how you pair it and it's the perfect colour for the autumn months ...and Manchester weather for that matter!

Stella McCartney Fall 09 line

My girl Whit mixing some black leggings with a grey monrow vest (and some amazing topshop shoes and a cream quilted chanel bag!)

On a little side note: in fashion marketing today we watched a video on GUCCI and I just have to say I love Tom Ford!!! The man's a genuis.

going in for the kill, doing it for the thrill

2009-10-06T15:35:00.000-07:00

It was a tough day- sooo sick with some sort of cold (damn FOAM parties; looks like the so called 'freshers flu' that was going around caught up to me). I am determined to get better ASAP hence the Sainsbury's trip to stock up on everything from medicines to soup.

My new amazing purchases:

My fashion business classes were tricky today (especially finance). Although it may not have helped that I was sniffling and sneezing throughout them so I'm a trouper! I just refuse to miss out on any of my classes (or this special sale). After they were done we went to Wagamama noodle bar in the Printworks for dinner then did some retail therapy. It was the much-anticipated Topshop student shop today!!

the full works

2009-10-04T09:45:00.001-07:00

Last night Maria and Danielle hosted a dinner party! It was so delicious, quac dip in a fresh bread loaf, Maria's mom's homemade Greek spinach and feta pie, and a pepper and mushroom pasta dish. We had such a good time!! It was so cool to look around the table and realize there were people from 5 different countries- Australia, Canada, Spain, Greece and France- new friends all together in Manchester.

Lucy and I are going to "the full works" pub crawl tonight (5000 students, 9 bars, 3 clubs, 1 t-shirt). We're part of the red team so we meet up at Pure Sessions first. It's gonna be sweet to get to experience nearly all the places in Printworks. I'M SO EXCITED!!!

On another note here are some of my fav stylish British celebs for fellow fashionista's:

How can Kate Moss always look so chic in all black? The alligator purse and tall boots are amazing.

Love love love Agyness Deyn's style. So unique and effortless. (This supermodel is actually from Manchester too!)

Kate Moss = perfect example of that London layering. One of the few who can pull over such a oversized menswear jacket. The colour of her prada purse is divineee.

you have my heart

2009-10-03T06:00:00.001-07:00

Saw this AD in my British VOGUE and it just reinforced my love for Chloe. So amazing- the fall colours, the delicate detailing in the long sleeved shirts, the velvet & silk, the high waisted pants, the tall boots and that cream purse ahhh.

we're SO 80's

2009-10-03T05:39:00.000-07:00

dresses: topshop, vintage, vintage!

long sleeved sparkly mini dress with shoulder pads: vintage, pumps: nine west

We had such a fun predrink on Thursday at Kay's beautiful flat. We watched Sex and the City and sipped on cocktails and wine and gushed over all the gorg clothes in the movie (we had all the seen it so many times before). Then we headed to the bar, cut the line, got lollipops and had such a fun girls night dancing the night away!

Laura "You dance just like Britney Spears!" the rest of the girls "OMG you do!" hahaha

Last night just stayed in Fallowfield and went to BAABAR!

peacock green

2009-10-01T07:41:00.000-07:00

peacock feather in hair, black cut off shirt with zippers: silence + noise (urban outfitters), black bodysuit, green coloured skinny jeans: F21, gold necklaces thick gold chain: vintage, rest: H&M, black patent flats: primark, rings gold heart w/diamonds: gr. 8 grad, baby blue linked: topshop, gold bangle: primark turquoise bracelet: h&m

Here's my weekend reading:

4 hour lecture in fashion marketing today; then a break where Lucy, Laura, Kay and I picked up our tickets for TIGER TIGER Lollipop tonight and hit up the library to pick out some books related to our classes...oh and a tutorial with good ol' Jon Spragg (we won the treasure hunt so we got chocolate prizes haha)!

IN THE MORNING (Let Your Love Come In) ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6tuohhCGz4 'EGYPT' is playing tonight apparently...never heard this song in my life (and neither have my British friends) but it should be packed and lots of fun!

the september issue

2009-09-29T13:11:00.000-07:00

skinny black hairband: ?, my thick side messy braid (trying out the wang), assortment of gold & black bangles: H&M/Primark, gold rings: gr.8 grad ring/H&M, purple ring: F21, oversize jean "boyfriend" shirt: silence + noise, layering shirts-> black tank: H&M, light yellow tank: abercrombie, lace top: kismet, flowered high waisted shorts: urban outfitters, sheer black tights

SO I think I like listening to my teachers here more...because they all have the English accents of course! We had classes from 9 till 5 today (with a break in between) on research methods and fashion business, so studying things like globalised supply chains and retail rankings. They make it really interesting with examples of UK retail companies, such as Marks & Spencer.

One of the highlights of Dr. Redfern's class ("he's lovely" as laura would say in her Irish accent) would be him talking about the new VOGUE trends including velvet, charcoal colours, 60's cuts, leather, 80's glam/shoulder pads, and teal blue as the new black.

FYI: Anna Wintour "The September Issue"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tq4wo4JYy2s&feature=fvst
---gotta see it!

After lectures were over Cassie, Lucy and I went into Piccadilly Gardens to get a few things in the shops and headed to the vintage sale event @ no angel ltd. where they were giving us cupcakes and champagne and I found just what I was looking for!!!

Day off school tomorrow...gonna run some errands and then brush up on my fashion reading!

I LOVE MY LIFE.

poletastic

2009-09-28T23:00:00.000-07:00

Had my first day of 'official classes' in fashion technology- 2 lectures and 1 practical! Got some intro's into garment preparation, product development and anthropometrics (more interesting than it sounds- all about clothes and human body shape). In our practical we were split into groups and looked at 8 different pairs of trousers (with all the labels taken off); we had to analyze what we thought the quality, style, store seller, price range and materials used for each pair! Got off at 2PM so that was sweet.

Going to a pole dancing lesson in the city tonight with some of the girls- should be interesting...but fun!!!!

Here's a simple outfit for a night out in Manchester:

black lacy shirt: F21, 3-coloured skirt with zippers: primark (but looks like a mod-style dress!), silver bangle: market in italy, nailpolish: danielle's from boots, assortment of silver bracelets & rings...

I wore it out with my black booties from TopShop (wasn't in a pumps mood). Ideally, I'd put it with some Christian Louboutin black ankle boots with the silver studs ahhh now that would complete the look!

guilty pleasures

2009-09-27T13:26:00.001-07:00

Went shopping today in the city center...bought some great pieces at Urban Outfitters and Primark (of course)! I want some things in one of the vintage shops but they're having a 25% off sale on Tues from 6-9 PM so i'll hold off till then.

Here are some window displays that caught my eye/some UK stores I'm currently liking:

HARVEY NICHOLS- a department store and definitely the highest market of all the deptartment shops on high street...even the name sends a rush through me! I fell in love just looking at the colourful window displays. To be honest, I didn't even go inside because I knew it would be too tempting to buy one of the beautiful things in here.

ALL SAINTS- one of the coolest store window displays...with a collection of old sewing machines behind the glass! This store sticks with neutral and darker colours (no bright patterns or anything really) giving it a much darker, edgy, grudgy feel. There's lot of chunky knits, leather purses, scarfs, cotton shirts but with a funky cut to them, clunky boots and choker necklaces at the back. A bit of the pricey side but I love its stuff nonetheless.

TOPSHOP- gotta love this place! I seriously could buy out the entire store if I wasn't a poor masters student...They have the most amazing sequined dresses in, some really hot tops, nice blazers/jackets, vintage-inspired tops (and an actual vintage section)...not to mention the greatest accessories and shoes- but it's overpriced for what it is a lot of the time- I'm still doing that double the £'s into $'s thing! But I like looking even just for inspiration, the whole place screams Kate Moss's style, no wonder she has a line for them! Wasn't too, too impressed with the Christopher Kane stuff though (other than some killer platforms), there wasn't much and it all kinda looked the same.

RIVER ISLAND- the window display caught my attention and they have some cute pieces in here. I remember the one in London too when I visited 2 years ago (I picked up a long cami with small buttons at the top)- they have a lot of good accessories too. Prices are moderate, not as much as Top Shop, but then again I don't think the style of the pieces are as nice either so I'd rather spend that extra bit more!

LIPSEY LONDON- ahh the cutest dresses in here! We carried a few of their dresses in Mendocino and always sold out of them so fast. Any time you need a great cocktail dress, birthday dress, semi dress, have an event coming up or even just want to look really hot for a night out check out this place. They also carry a few jackets, nice tops, skirts etc. The prices aren't bad (especially for a nice dress!) ranging from £50-150.

On another note, tomorrow is my first day of fashion marketing, strategic fashion buying and clothing product development classes (official classes now I don't even know?) but I start at 9am (until 5?) and I still don't really know what to expect...but that is expected right?! haha I will keep you posted on how it all goes. We have Wednesdays and Fridays off so the fashion girls (plus hopefully our amazing gay fashion friend, Ray!) are going to plan a night out for either Tues or Thurs this week!

Also, my friends from home have been asking me to post pictures so I made a facebook album with some of my adventures so far...to give everyone a more visual sense of what I've been up to haha!

updating the fall wardrobe

2009-09-26T15:32:00.000-07:00

My 5 favourite fall trends:
-black studded leather bomber jacket
-leather leggings
-ankle hardware booties (with buckles)
-long-sleeved mini-dress
-military style jacket/vest

rocker chic by herstyleways featuring Balmain shoes

...I'm currently loving that biker chic look but obviously mix & match pieces...never wear all these items together or you'll look too bad ass!

Trends I adore on the runway but aren't as wearable:
-super high sculpted shoulders
-thigh-high boots

After examining my closet here are some essentials I need for Manchester weather:
-some chunky coloured knits
-a warmer tweed jacket
-more scarfs for layering
-probably some hunter rain boots (or wellies as they call them here)

Some current things I'm liking in my closet:
-my chain strap purses
-my chunky chokers
-my sequined dress
-my flowered tights

this girl is ready for the weekend!

2009-09-25T20:20:00.000-07:00

braid and twists in hair, pearl earrings: mom's, acid wash cropped jean jacket: zara, flower shirt: H&M, blue shiny mini: american apparel, black leggings, tall black boots: pop boutique, mustard chain purse: primark, beaded bracelet: market in siena, italy, heart ring: murano glass in venice, brown bracelet with gold: BCBG

Just got in and my feet hurtttt...so much walking today!

We had a fashion treasure hunt for school so we had to walk all around the city and especially in the shopping districts (city centre) finding out things like the name of a fabric place, a costume institute, details of museums/fashion venues, department and boutique names (and whether they were low, medium or high end), two designer stores on king street, labels and their sections in Selfridges to name a few...the list goes on! We got bonus points if we proved we went into certain places so we got leaflets and things (we wants to win) and called our team name the 'fashionistas' hahah we hand in our final list of everything on Monday.

We even fit in lunch at the sushi bar in Selfridges, I've never been to one before, sooo cool!

Just have to report that I LOVE the vintage here (there is a whole street of shops) and I adore Vivienne Westwood's store! I still have to check out TOPSHOP, All Saints, NEXT, River Island, Harvey Nicol's, Lipsey London...and everything else here! AH so I've decided I am going on a personal dedicated shopping day tomorrow and it will be my own homework because I want to learn even more about all the UK fashion stores here. After we finished our scavenger hunt Lucy and I went vintage shopping...I tried on the most amazing long sleeved black mini dress with studded details and one of those cropped tops that are longer at the sides (so 80's I love it) -have to go back!

Danielle's friend is visiting tonight and we're going out of course! Having some drinks with the girls first then heading to Cambridge halls to predrink. Time for me to eat some dinner and get ready!

fresh fest

2009-09-24T18:00:00.000-07:00

"SKULL IT" -Danielle
(aussie word; meaning finish your drink; or as we call "CHUG IT")

Last night turned out to be a crazy night! Went over to Danielle's to see her place...and her new items from her shopping spree at Primark...and so we could head together to the usual big predrink with the gang (we basically live there) in the Cambridge halls. Got sooo lost trying to find Danielle's street and ended up walking around in heels for ages just to take a 1 minute cab in the end but that's a whole different story...Perry's friends came down to visit. We took our sweet time pre-ing and went to the student union bar and then another bar and proceeded to have a post jam back at their hall till 5 AM...

Oxford Rd was sooo packed today- students everywhere and flyers being passed out like mad cause of the fresher fairs going on at both Universities (kinda like MAC's clubsfest except there are sooo many nightclub promoters that hand out stuff ALL the time). It's so crazy that Man Uni and MMU's main campus' are only a block away from each other! Makes it always such a happening area!

I am still dying right now...but I'm impressed with all the errands I managed to get accomplished this aft. I've barely been home. It's Thursday so of course we have to go out again! All I can say is that the Brits like to drink!!!! May as well take advantage of going out as much as we can before the school work starts up right? I think I just need to take a nap first...

were the words to transpire

2009-09-24T17:58:00.000-07:00

cardigan: american apparel, tiered flowy top: F21, high waisted belt with gold detailing: mom's old vintage belt, cut-off jean shorts: abercrombie, black tights, tall black leather boots: pop boutique in leeds (vintage), side purse: urban outfitters, scarf: coach

let me be your supernova

2009-09-23T16:50:00.000-07:00

quilted purse with chain: primark, boyfriend blazer: zara, long white tank: F21, murano glass necklace: got in venice, ripped acid wash jeans: jbrand, scarf: H&M, black boots: topshop

Today was another day of intro's to my program- picked up my student ID card, finalllly got a letter from the uni to open a bank at NatWest and learnt all about our course work and what our classes will be like! Jon Spragg is our quirky British senior lecturer in international fashion logistics and strategic fashion buying. He's such an adorable and funny man... "I'll be like your Dad throughout your MSc course". We are going to have a class trip to either Berlin for fashion week, Turkey or Paris to see a fashion show/go to a factory/attend fashion events of some sort. We all can't waitttt for that and to see what the staff decides on! Either way I fully intend on traveling to the major fashion capitals while I'm abroad like Paris, Milan and London! I'm the IFM (International Fashion Marketing-> you'll hear me use this a lot) student representative so Lucy (the SFB (Strategic Fashion Buying) rep) and I get to attend meetings and be the "voice" for all us masters students in this program... Jon goes "are you sure you all want a 'foreigner' as your rep?" haha...
Debating whether to go out or not tonight. It was another long and tiring day...I'll have to consult with Danielle, my partner in crime, to see what she thinks!

sister sister

2009-09-22T11:01:00.000-07:00

(L) necklace: F21, print dress: F21, studded belt: vintage, heels: spring, bracelets: H&M.

(R) top: club monaco, high waisted jean skirt: mendocino, gladiators: her own.

Styled by me

This was the weekend before I moved to the UK. My little sister is my everything/biggest supporter and I love her to death and miss her!!

new friends :)

2009-09-22T10:07:00.000-07:00

I already love the girls I met today in my program! We all get along so well and I'm so excited! I was dead tired this morning and waking up at 8am was not fun to say the least. We went on our field trip to Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet to observe fashion retailing in the UK. Basically we were supposed to observe brands, promotions, merchandising positioning, consumer behaviour and the marketing mix. We're going to go into the city centre later and compare those shops with the outlets. It was kind of hard for me to compare the stores here because I'm not familiar with ALL the stores and brands in the UK yet. But the girls kept me up to speed. "Do you have this in America?" ..."Oh sorry I mean Canada" haha! We were there for farrrr too long- our bus didn't leave till 5 pm so it was 6 hours of walking around and just browsing the shops. We found that there was no visual merchandizing/interesting store displays, older consumers and families and no high fashion in terms of trends or edgy designs. Everything is very simple because it is pretty much the designer reject stuff that gets shipped to the outlets to sell but there are significantly cheaper prices here. Laura ended up getting the cutest Karen Millen purple dress with jewel embellishments on the sleeves for only £49! (originally £180) with our 10% IFM discount too. We all bought some inexpensive stationary supplies (aren't we great students? ...although of course we were all tempted with some gorgeous shoes)

Things I'm looking forward to with my new MSc fashion friends:
-pole dancing classes
-shopping for pole dancing gear (haha Lucy)
-"diva" dance classes
-sushi bar
-the 20% off Topshop event in October (they open the store up late at night and give out free champagne!)
-planning out a fashion show with Cassie
-night out on the town with everyone!!!

all settled in!

2009-09-21T07:27:00.001-07:00

So this is my very first blog post! I've decided to create a blog about my experiences here doing my masters in international fashion marketing at MMU and everything fashion wise as well! This way all my friends from home can follow what I'm up to and then I can always look back at this- remember the days when you'd write everything down in a journal?? (then knowing me I'd lose the journal and all that writing would be for nothing! haha) Here I can post pictures and things as well.

Here's an update of what I've been up to so far:
I moved across the pond just over a week ago now and I'm starting to get more and more comfortable in my new city! The more I see of it, the more I love it! Manchester is such a vibrant city with so much to do- great shopping, restaurants, theaters, museums, pubs and clubs. It is the perfect mix of the old with the new. The fact that there are 2 large universities here and a bunch of colleges makes it very student based and a lot of fun! I'm living in a flat in Fallowfield (just outside of the city centre) with 3 other housemates. This is perfect because I'm just a 10 minute walk to my campus and there is a Sainsbury's grocery store and strip of different pubs and restaurants just across the road.

Last week we had welcome activities for international students- on Thursday we went to this place called Tatton Gardens which was beautifulll and there was a BBQ and irish dancing (it was jokes!). It was great because I got to meet people from all over, Australia, France, the states, Sweden etc. mainly people doing exchanges this semester at Man Met. On Friday Danielle (my new aussie friend!), Sara (from Phili/going to school at Ryerson) and me decided to go with the Alton Towers option aka a super fun theme park and the biggest in the UK. Picture a much, much prettier wonderland in the English countryside. We all felt like little kids again going on a school field trip and had an absolute blast!!!

I then spent the rest of the weekend with my parents cause it was their last few days in the UK so we shopped, dined, drank some pints in some very traditional English pubs and walked all around the city. It was so nice having them here, helping me get all settled and they got to familiarize themselves with Manchester as well (...and kept saying how lucky I was to be living here!) We even went on the big wheel in the city centre (had to be done!)

On Saturday night, after I said my goodbyes to my parents (tear), my roomate, Becky (from Norway!) and I ventured into the city to have a predrink at Sara's hall. Danielle and her roommate from Greece met us there too. We had a predrink with all of Sara's new flatmates who just moved in!! Played never have I ever which seems to be a favourite of the Brit's and was a hilarious ice breaker. We then went to the MET which is in the student union building where it was a fun night of 1.50 pound VK double fisting, shots with irish guys and lots of dancingggg! It reminds me exactly of the old 1/4's @ MAC awww.

Sunday we were supposed to get together to watch the Manchester United vs. Manchester City game but were all too tired/hung over to make it to the pubs in time to see it! Ended up just walking around Fallowfield with Becky and Danielle- it was a gorgeous, sunny day and it was entertaining just to see the jam-packed pubs and the fans going crazy in the streets! Danielle and I bought tickets for some fresher events which included a camo party @ the birdcage that night so we took a bus into the city centre to go to Primark (most AMAZING store) and find some cheap army gear!!! It ended up being quite the adventurous night! Had my first day of induction week for my program today...there are events going on every day this week and then we'll find out our schedule for classes later. ROUND 3 TONIGHT ahhh this is freshers week after all! It's an 'i heart ibiza' UV rave tonight! It better not get too out of control though because I have to be on campus for 9 AM tomorrow! Us IFM masters students are going on a field trip to cheshire oaks retail park. Woo I think this is definitely the field for me...going to UK's largest outlet centre as part of my program orientation? love it!