Marks & Spencer Womenswear Collection Spring Summer 14

Last week I was invited to the preview of the Marks and Spencer Spring Sumer 2014 Collection.  The SS14 Womenswear collection  explores both a bold and muted colour palette with vivid prints. The styling is quite sleek with clean lines and minimal designs. 

I know I don't usually share that much fashion on here, but I thought the collection was so lovely that I wanted to share some of my favourite pieces below and get you excited for some of what you can expect to see next year. The collection consisted of five areas (see below) and should be available from February/March 2014 both online and at select M&S stores.

White Out

Simplistic, clean and effortless with sleek sports detailing; White out is a chic contraction of linear and fluid draping, reaffirming white as a bold new colour direction for summer spring.

Fashion Styling in the Woods

I'm back from my lovely trip to Portugal, and honestly, after spending this week catching up with life I definitely feel like I need another holiday! But hey ho, thats life and I can't complain too much....

Now those of you that have been with me from the start of my blog might remember my initial foray into Fashion Styling - you can read all about it in this post here , well since then I have been so blessed and have had the opportunity to style a number of shoots and have also since become a personal stylist, but more of that in another post.

So I thought I would share a few images with you guys of a recent fashion shoot that I did (I did the styling, hair and makeup) with Mr LPM, you can see more of his work here.  If you would also like to see a few sample images of my other fashion shoots, check out my Fashion Styling Page here

I need the rest of this week to catch up on everything but will be back next week with some new beauty posts that I am working on for you guys. x

Pride comes before the flu! Cough, Sniff, Croak

Hey lovelies

I am so so sorry about going awol last week, but I have a good reason…. I have been ill and still am. You see, first up I got a stomach bug and now I have the flu! sob, sniff and cough! I tried pushing through it for a couple of days and that only made it worse – which is why I am now under strict bed and rest orders…..

The reason for the title is that only a couple of weeks ago I was happily boasting that I had missed out on the whole flu bug this winter and then what happens – I get it!!! Seriously pride comes before the flu…..

Positives from not feeling too great are

1) I get to lounge around in my favouritest (yes I know its not a word but my head is fuzzy so I think I'm allowed) Gap jumper that is like 5 years old and watch TV all day, without feeling guilty and thinking “hmmm, I should really be doing something more productive shouldn’t I?”
2) I sound like a bullfrog on crack when I speak – but Mr Lotions & Potions has convinced me that my voice actually sounds quite sexy – so I’m attempting to use my new found husky voice to convince him that ice cream would actually be quite beneficial right now
3) Everyone is being so sympathetic and making a fuss…yay!!

On a completely different topic – do you remember my styling post a little while ago? Check it out here meet me the stylist Well an online magazine has only gone and featured it! and one of the images is on the front cover! I feel so chuffed!!!! Check it out at remedymag and see pages 42-47 under the title Cirque de Minuit, also check out pages 48-49, it’s a feature on Mr Lotions & Potions himself and his photography….I feel so proud.

I promise to write again as soon as I feel much better.

Xoxo

#34 Vogue's Fashion Night Out

So last Thursday evening I attended the launch of vogues fashion Night Out – a global retail event that saw the collaboration between the international editions of VOGUE and Designers, Department Stores, High Street and Beauty Stores. An evening extravaganza held from 6 to 11pm it included a whole range of activities from in-store events, inventive window displays, makeovers, workshops, live music performances to model and celebrity appearances.

Armed with my list of stores to attend (mainly high street – which unfortunately didn’t match up with my expectations of what would be happening) I found there was a definite buzz of excitement in the air and more crowds than ever on the busy streets of London. People seemed to turn out in droves and all were very determined to have fun. From the girls and school boy plus back pack (don’t ask why he was out so late) and people on the street dancing outside Debenhams (I will post a video on this soon) to the crowds gathered in Selfridges for the Icecreamists lounge. Incidentally the queues were so long I eventually had to leave – but plan to go back and try out one of their amazing sounding boutique ice creams. Check out their website on http://www.theicccreamists.com/ and if you do want to go along don’t dally as they are only there till 1st November.

Thats my fab friend in the pic also known as Princess Tans

My absolute highlight of the evening has to be getting my Elemis goody bag filled with a couple of goodies I had been planning to get and meeting the lovely VVBrown at the Gap 1969 concept store on Kingly Street. She performed a few songs which were fantastic and in real life is even more stunning that you think and she was just so nice to everyone around her, happy to speak to and take pictures galore. Even though I didn’t manage to make it to all the stores on my list especially the designer stores where even more was meant to be happening - all in all it was a fab night – and with the news on the Vogue site about the success in retail sales – who knows it might just become an annual event.

Xoxo

#30 Vogue The September Issue

Oooh is any one else excited about the upcoming film on Vogue’s The September issue being released here on September 11th? It’s a film that chronicles the nine months leading up to the printing of Vogues September Issue and is centered around the editor-in-chief Anna Wintour. It apparently boasts appearances from many A-List Fashion Insiders such as Thakoon, Karl Lagerfeld, Stefano Pilati, Vera Wang, Oscar de la Renta, Mario Testino, Coco Rocha, Raquel Zimmerman, Sienna Miller, and from Vogue, Anna Wintour, Grace Coddington and Andre Leon Talley just to name a few.

I love the fact that she wore Prada to the premiere of the film in the US and having worked in an office where we literally gave each new starter or intern the Devil Wears Prada book and said to them this is your work bible – study it and you will know what to expect! – I can’t wait to see how everything pans out in the film! Especially after the information circulating about the comments she made about Sienna Miller’s teeth – apparently she criticised Sienna for her toothy appearance and unruly hair.

I’m sure many of you have already seen the trailer but if you haven’t check it out below

#26 La Geneve North Fashion Event

Yay everything finally seems to be working again in my blogging world – there are no more blue screens or word fiascos…phew!

So to finish off with my event posts for the week – last Thursday I attended the LGN fashion event at the exclusive Valmont Club in Chelsea. LGN stands for La Geneve North - an events company that specialises in organising fashion events for discerning clients. It’s run by the fabulous and inspirational Yolande Letshou who has an extensive background in fashion buying and journalism (I’m hoping to pin her down for an interview soon)…

The event itself was an evening to showcase collections of emerging and independent designers to an audience of buyers, press, public (fashion enthusiasts) and other fashion professionals.

There were four designers at the event and they all had some fantastic pieces:

First up was Petra Taoujni – whose collection consisted of digital print with exaggerated shapes such as big shoulders and collars. Check out the images below (sorry about the poor quality btw) you can also view more of her work at www.iqons.com/Petra%20Taoujni

Second up was Hannah Marie Hutchison – her evening wear collection has a Grecian theme running through the designs, so they can be draped to compliment and flatter the female form. Check out the images below and if you would like to view more of her work her website www.hmhcouture.com/ will be coming soon.

Next up was Monica Paracha - who creates fusion outfits and accessories that are steeped in eastern tradition but also infused with western trends. Check out the images below and to view more of her work, see her website http://www.monicacouture.com/ .

The final designer was Tanielle Lobo – and she also happened to be my favourite. I fell in love with her handbags and clutches which boated exquisite hand carved wooden handles of patterns combining art nouveau and Indian motifs. Her clothes and prints are bold, colourful and infused with embellishment and Indian craftsmanship. The fabrics are all hand-woven tweeds and silks from India. Check out the images below and to view more of her work, see her website http://www.taniellelobo.com/

# 24 Frock & Rock

Over the last week or so I have been to a number of fashion and beauty events which I will be posting about over the next week.

First up is Frock & Rock, a fashion event which included beautiful vintage dresses for sale, a swap area for you to bring along any unwanted bits and swap them for something else and my favourite area – a design your own frock area either picking from the selection of dress ideas available on display (from celebrities and shops) or with your own frock idea. These clever fashionistas also provided a range of fabrics, trimmings, stylist and on-site seamstress (to help you with your selections) all at fantastic and affordable prices.

It was a fab event with a few mini catfights as a couple of ladies (me included) all descended on vintage dresses and trimmings galore and was held at Shoki’s Shakes in Hendon who helped to fuel the event with amazing shakes/smoothies and some absolutely scrumptious cupcakes. I ended up selecting a cute little tea dress to be made for a friends upcoming wedding – so will keep you guys posted on how it goes. The event will be held every last Sunday of the month and the next one will be on 30th August.

To provide you all with a bit more info about the event I managed to get the fabulous Tope Abiola who is the brains behind the event to give me a mini interview about her, the idea, the event and her plans for the future. (Check out the picture of the 2 ladies holding up some fabric – Tope is the one on the left and they made the outfits they are wearing to showcase what F&R can do for you)

1) What’s the story/idea behind Frocks & Rocks?

I was looking for a way in which I could combine my interest in styling, fashion and design together. I know as a woman, I would see an outfit in a runway show, a store or on a celebrity, dream and fantasize about it but never get around to it because of the hassle of where to get the right fabric, I need a dressmaker etc. Or I would see an outfit but would want to add or remove details to suit my frame or personality. A customer of Frock & Rock would be able to create an outfit, get styling tip/help and fabric all from one place. We have trimmings, embellishments, beadings, stones to help make your design unique. We also sell Vintage dresses at affordable prices.Another element to Frock & Rock is swapping where you can bring unwanted items (bags, shoes dresses) new or in good condition and trade it in for something else.

2) Tell us a bit about yourself

I started working in retail from the age of 15 as a sales assistant. I loved working in the fitting room as a sales assistant, helping customers to make the right decision, meeting people and making sure excellent customer service was achieved. I also worked as a weekend manager for a small boutique in north London and there I gained experience in management and merchandising. I started making my own clothes at 19, customising t-shirts. I can hemistich quite well so if I had a party to go to, I would customise a t-shirt by using sequencing, adding another bit of material, rip up some jeans or make a dress. I started taking orders for clients around this time as well. I did push it aside for a while but I never stopped drawing and I definitely didn't stop creating my own outfits. I also did short courses in St Martins to study fashion and sewing.

3) How does F& R work - in terms of getting clothes made?

When you place an order and we get straight to work immediately. I have dressmakers working with me. Our aim is to finish on outfit in 1 and a half week/2 weeks for fittings. We also do express jobs. Customer service is key for me. I want a customer to come to me and leave extremely happy and content that she has gotten her money worth.

4) What are the prices like?

Vintage dresses costs between £15- £40. To get an outfit designed and made with Frock & Rock, we are fair and not overpriced especially in these times. A girl still has to look good! Prices start from £35 for a skirt and £40 for a dress, this is excluding the cost of fabric, which starts from £10/ 3yards.

5) How often will F&R be held?

It will be held once a month, the last Sunday of every month. I accept orders in-between though.

6) What are your hopes for the future for it?

Wow, God willing, I pray to grow. To get more stylists on board. I would like to open up a store here in London and in Nigeria and God knows where else. I would love to style and get my hands on some our Nigerian celebrities. I would also love to have events where as a woman you can get everything you need for a day or night out. So from hair, your eyelashes fixed, eyebrows done, manicure and pedicure, jewellery, an outfit, shoes and bags. The whole works...basically get Frocked & Rocked. I am obsessed with the transformation of before and after. Absolutely love it

7) Are you involved in any other projects? If so what?

At the moment no, this is the beginning of something I believe to be great so I want to nurture and pour my everything into it.

8) Do you have any style rules or secrets?

Always wear what shows off your best feature. So if you have a beautiful neckline, wear an open neck, if you have long legs like me.. Lol..show it off and that doesn't necessarily mean the shortest skirt. If you are a plus size, wear clothes that show your waistline. it tends to be the smallest part, so use a belt or a wear a dress with a waistband.Black is sexy but colour can be sexier. Colours that work well on dark skinned are purple, olive green.Skinny jeans aren't for everyone. Do not think by pilling on, you are hiding it. Biggest mistake

9) What are your favourite beauty/make up products that you just can't live without?

I love my blusher raisin from MAC and my YSL mascara.I also can never leave home without Vaseline. For my lips and if I haven't got any makeup in my bag and I have to rush somewhere I apply it on my eyelids. I actually don't know if that does anything but it makes me feel better and prettier.

Thanks so much Tope that was great….

For more info check out the group page on facebook http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=862460178&ref=ts#/group.php?gid=120349457343 or you can email Tope at topeabiola@gmail.com

So ladies hope to see you all at the next event. Just don’t start a fight with me over a dress we both love.

Xoxo

#12 Giveaway - Win a free ticket to Buy My Wardrobe

Do 10 free tickets to a fabulous fashion and pampering event sound good? Thought they might. Do you remember my earlier post this week about the Buy My Wardrobe event happening this Saturday 25th July? Well the lovely people at Buy My Wardrobe have kindly donated 10 tickets for a giveaway! So the first 10 people who reply to my posting with either a comment under this post or by sending me an email to lotionspotionsandme@gmail.com will win a ticket. Good luck…

Xoxo