Pre-Fall 16 Print Trend - Linear Oriental

Soft and delicate branches and stems form the starting point of this ultra feminine print trend. Staying true to traditional Japanese art, linear floral's in single colours are placed on muted grounds. Seen at Valentino, Tods, A.L.C and Tadashi Shoji, all these designers took the same approach to interpreting this trend for Fall. Silhouettes are kept simple, using silk as the main fabric of choice to evoke feelings of romanticism. Prints can either be highly detailed or loosely drawn - the latter of which creates a more whimsical feel. Key Colours: Blush and Wedgewood Blue

Phillippa x

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10 Things About Working In Fashion

For as long as I can remember I wanted to work within the creative industry and now working in luxury fashion is my reality. For the past 3 years I have been living and working in fashion/textile industry in London, prior to this I had spent some time living in New York. I thought I would share with you 10 important things I have learned along the way...

1. Keep An Open Mind When It Comes To Your First Job - I did a textiles degree and specialised in 'print for fashion', so naturally you may think I would have become a designer. However, whilst interning with the fashion brand Milly in New York after I had graduated, I realised there were so many other avenues within the industry that I could explore with the skills that I had. On returning to the UK I began applying for jobs keeping an open mind as to what opportunities may arise. Just remember that we all have to start our careers somewhere and the first job you get most likely won't be your last, so keep your options open.

2. Be A Team Player - Don't be the person that says 'that's not my job'... because that never goes down well in the workplace. Working as a team is key and stepping in to help out a colleague if they need assistance is always advisable.  Just because a task may not be listed in your job description, does not mean you are exempt from doing it. I've cleaned kitchens, tidied stockrooms and sat on floors whilst taping up boxes...but in the large scheme of things it is really not a big deal if it benefits the team. Be prepared to get involved and be pro-active.

3. Keep Up To Date With Everything Going On In The Industry - I avidly look at catwalk pictures, subscribe to fashion news letters, follow brands on social media and read fashion blogs, etc. Having this extra interest in the industry helps to start conversations and also shows you have a genuine love of the creative industry that you work in. You may work in design, but could also learn about visual merchandising or production for example. It is good to see the 'bigger picture' outside of your own specific role.

4. Networking - You meet so many people when you work in the fashion industry, so you want to make the right impression. When you get networking and talking to people you realise that the industry is, in effect, a small place. Chances are you will get to know people who have worked at the same places or know the people as you do, etc. Aside from my job, I have also met so many great brands through my blog and you never know what making these contacts might lead to in future.

5. Perks of The Job - I have been fortunate to travel to both New York and Paris with work...both of which were unexpected. After working in my first job for over 2 years, I was called in to the office one  morning and told I was being sent to New York, in three weeks time, on a sales trip. Why was I given this opportunity? Because I had always shown an interest in sales, even though it was not my job, and always volunteered to assist at trade shows if the sales team needed additional help. I essentially earned this opportunity through hard work and showing that I genuinely cared about the company I was working for. This was also the first time I had been back to New York since my post-graduate internship so I was very grateful for the opportunity and it subsequently became a strong talking point on my CV.

6. Internships - I feel like this is always a controversial subject to talk about, as we all have our own experiences of interning. For me, I knew that I wanted to do one long (3 month) post-grad internship as opposed to several shorter ones. My university did not offer a placement year, so instead I saved as much of my student loan as possible so that I could pay to do an internship once I had graduated. I had always dreamed of one day living and working in New York, so I set my sights on interning with my favourite New York brand, Milly. Still to this day, the internship is the best thing I have ever done. I was able to assist in so many different departments and work at events such as NYFW and Vogue's Fashion Night Out...not to mention I was living in Manhattan! When I returned to England I was ready to work, knowing I had enough qualifications and experience under my belt to properly start my career. I was later quite surprised by the number of people, who were suggesting I should do more 'unpaid' internships. This for me was not an option. Yes I wanted a job, and yes I love fashion, but like I just said I knew I was ready to work and plus I had no money to do further internships. I was not prepared to put myself in further debt (on top of my student loan) to do more internships. Some people may think this is stubborn, but I knew my skills and my willingness to work so decided to just keep applying for jobs everyday until something came my way - it took 5 months if you were wondering. I know people who have moved to London and done internships back-to-back for over a year in the hope that one of the companies will offer them a job. But with several graduates interning at the same company as you at the same time, the odds are still stacked against you and it is not to say the company will even have any vacancies at the time you are there. I guess what I am saying is, choose you internships very carefully. Only intern with a company that you love and ensure the internship will offer you the best possible experience that you are looking for...and make sure you are applying for jobs whilst you are interning, you don't want on rest on your laurels.

7. Expect To Make Sacrifices - Working in fashion is certainly not your average 9-to-5 job. Expect to work late nights prepping for photoshoots, tradeshows, runway shows and getting samples ready for clients, etc. Then there's the 6am train to Paris and the Saturday morning flight to New York (meaning you are spending your weekend on a aeroplane). When you return from a work trip abroad you will have the dreaded 'jetlag', but there is no rest for the wicked so expect to be back at your desk the next day trying to stay awake. Tradeshows often take place over a weekend and during busy periods there might not be any chance of taking the time back in lieu, meaning you could be working for three solid weeks without a day off. But my advise would be don't complain about it. Remember that you chose to work in this industry, so embrace the fact that you have a job in which you get to travel and just get on with it.

8. Dress The Part - Fashion is one of the few industries in which you can really wear whatever you want to work. I like to wear stylish outfits to work, but at the same time I still want to be comfortable. I need to think about the practicality of what I am wearing. As much as I'd love to be, I could never be the kind of person who runs around the studio all day in a pair Gianvito Rossi's...I don't know how Carine does it! You also never know when someone important will turn up at the studio, which goes back to what I said earlier about making the right impression.

9. Work Your Way Up - We all have ultimate career goals: dream company to work for, salary expectations, ideal location, etc. Whilst its good to set targets and have things to aspire to, don't expect everything to happen overnight. Sometimes getting to where you want to be in life may take a little longer than expected, but I honestly believe that everything happens for a reason. In every job you have you will gain new skills which will benefit you though the rest of your career, even if you don't realise it at the time.

10. Have Fun - Be happy that you work in a colourful and vibrant creative industry, which is every changing, and depending on what your job is no two days are every really the same!

Phillippa x

Twitter - @Phillippa22
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2016 VMA's - Red Carpet

Last night the MTV Video Music Awards took place at Madison Square Garden in New York...who was your best dressed at this event?

1. Nicki Minaj - Bao Tranchi

2. Hailey Baldwin - Georges Chakra

3. Hailee Steinfeld - Balmain Resort 17

4. Rita Ora - Marc Jacobs

5. Beyonce - Francesco Scognamiglio Fall 16 Couture

6. Ariana Grande - Alexander Wang

7. Heidi Klum - Roberto Cavalli

8. Stella Maxwell - Moschino Fall 16

9. Taylor Hill - Moschino

10. Britney Spears - Julian Macdonald

Phillippa x

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Brand To Know - HVN

DJ and model Harley Viera-Newton, launched her namesake label HVN earlier this year, and the collection is now available from MatchesFashion. Having an astute eye for vintage dresses, her wardrobe is 70% vintage frocks, Harley set about designing her own line inspired by the perfect summer dress. The prints are playful and vintage inspired: gingham, cherries, hearts and florals are the main motifs in the current collection. Produced in New York so that Harley herself could oversee every step of the process, the line is made from luxuriously soft silks in feminine pastel colours. The aim was to create a line of dresses that were easy to throw on when you have no time to get ready and yet still look effortlessly chic...and this is exactly what has been achieved. With celebrity fans including: Alexa Chung, Margot Robbie and Martha Hunt, this is one brand which is sure to rise in popularity over the coming seasons. Price Range: £490 - £555

To learn more about the brand, take a look at the below social media links:

Website - http://www.hvnlabel.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hvn/

Phillippa x

Twitter - @Phillippa22

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Fitness - Outfit Inspiration

For this post I wanted to showcase the best of high performance and designer sportswear. I regularly put together street style outfit inspiration posts, so I thought I would introduce some active wear outfits to my blog to switch up my content. Many people find that if they invest in more expensive fitness clothing it motivates them more to workout, to justify the money spent. I also find that whilst some lower price point active wear looks great, it is not as durable.

Outfit 1

Outfit 2

Outfit 3

If you have enjoyed this blog post, then head over to my Pinterest page (details below) and take a look at my 'Sportswear/Activewear' board for more of the best luxury work out clothes.

Phillippa x

Twitter - @Phillippa22

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Street Style Trend - Midi Skirt

For a long time now I've been a mini skirt kind of girl, favouring a 70's style a-line teamed with a slim fitting polo neck or shirt as my go to everyday outfit of choice. However recently I've found myself being drawn to midi skirts, with more volume and a fuller silhouette. This is no doubt something to do with the countless street style shots of the likes of Pernille Teisbaek, Yasmin Sewell, Laura Bailey and Mira Duma wearing this look with sartorial perfection. Whereas a mini skirt may be about creating an elongated look and a slim silhouette, a midi is about creating volume by styling with oversized knits and loose fitting cargo shirts. Layering is key to nailing this trend, so don't be afraid to mix textures and play with different fabrics. This look also works best in muted colours - khaki, grey and black. To add height to your outfit wear with a statement ankle boot or killer pair of heels and for maximum street style kudos go all out with your accessories: large sunglasses, scarves worn around wrists and a standout bag.

Now that you know how to wear this look, I have put together an edit of the best midi skirts from both the luxury and high street market. Altuzarra is a fail-safe option for the perfect striped skirt whereas this season Christopher Kane has a great selection of pleated, metallic and appliqued styles. I have found that on the high street New Look has the best variety in terms of style and fabric, as well as some good designer dupes. Happy Shopping!

For more street style looks head over to my Pinterest page (details below)

Phillippa x

Twitter - @Phillippa22

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Print Trendboard - Scribble

As seen on the runway at Vika Gazinskaya and Milly, this print trend is spontaneous and carefree. Gone are the structured repeats and clean lines and in are loose brush strokes. To add an extra dimension to this print trend, splice up the lines and piece back together or use multiple colours on top of one another. Silhouettes are kept simple, as to not distract from the chaotic lines.

Phillippa x

Twitter - @Phillippa22

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The Best of Fall 16 Couture

A quick overview of the best Fall 16 Couture shows which we saw last month, with key words to describe each one...

Fendi

Fairy Tales, Illustration - Kay Nielsen, Crochet, Mink, Trevi Fountain, Applique, Enchanting

Elie Saab

Expressive, Bird Motifs, Chantilly Lace, Velvet, Floral Embroideries, Plunging Necklines

Zuhair Murad

Gustav Klimt, Boho Gypsy, Ruffles, Vienna Secession, Macrame, Attitude, Colourful Embroidery

Atelier Versace

Draping, Blush and Mint, Asymmetric, Pleats, Cut-Out Shoulder, Knotted Fabric, Silk

J Mendel

Keith Haring, Geometric Motifs, Fur, Gold Beadwork, Off The Shoulder, 1st Couture Collection

Dolce and Gabbana

Muse - Sophia Loren, Naples, Floral's, Renaissance, Extravagant, Ornate, Embellished

Chanel

Bell Skirts, Paillettes, Duchesse Satin, Organza, Tweed, Knee High Boots, Embroidery

Ralph and Russo

Nature, Enchanted, Woodland, Flora, Volume, Femininity, Ruffles, Butterflies, Micro Beading

Alberta Ferretti

Fringing, 1920's, Silk Feathers, Pearls, Shell Motifs, Delicate, Fil Coupé, Gold

Schiaparelli

Circus, Surrealist, Gold, Astrology, Cubism, Butterflies, Jacquard, Sequins

Valentino

Elizabethan, Ruffled Collars, Brocade, Poetic, Metallic, Capes, Ecclesiastical

Christian Dior

Monochrome, Pleats, Paisley Print, Full Skirts, Embellishment, Gladiator Sandals 

For a more in depth look at the couture collections, then head over to my Pinterest page and follow my 'Couture Fashion' board (details below)

Phillippa x

Twitter - @Phillippa22

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On Trend Now - Tie Dye

It's a classic style print that comes around each year but always reinvented for the new season. Seen on the runway at Valentino, Dsquared2, Issa and Thakoon, to name but a few, there was no escaping this trend on the catwalk. Instinctively you may associate tie-dye with beach holidays or 60's hippies, but this season tie-dye prints come on outerwear and evening dresses making this print trend sophisticated but still fun at the same time. What I love about this print trend is the variety of tie dye prints we have seen. Swirling psychedelic trippy tie dye prints were present at Paco Rabanne, whilst over at Burberry a poppy motif was given the tie dye treatment. Traditional Japanese shibori dying techniques were used by Raquel Allegra, whereas Altuzarra created a more subtle and wearable tie dye texture.

If you are looking to shop this trend then you really can choose to either go all out and make a bold statement or opt for something a little bit more versatile. Moving away from high summer pieces, I have rounded up some of the best transitional tie dye garments and accessories currently available from both the luxury and high street market. Your go to luxury designer brand should be Raquel Allegra for perfect tie dye prints season after season. BooHoo has the best selection coming in at a lower price print if you are looking for something super affordable.

1. Burberry £1395 / 2. Raquel Allegra £660 / 3. BooHoo £15
4. Vans £60 / 5. Jaded London £45 / 6. Valentino £2790
7. Topshop £34 / 8. The Elder Statesman £1135 / 9. Proenza Schouler £220

Phillippa x

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Interior Trend - Copper and Marble

For this blog post I thought I would show you two of the biggest interior trends of 2016 - Marble and Copper. You can't step foot in an interior shop or read an interior lifestyle magazine without seeing these two trends, so I wanted to put together this edit showing you the best pieces currently available from both the luxury and high street market. You'll find everything ranging from lighting to wine racks, candle holders to clocks and cake stands to fruit bowls. So whether you want to go for a big statement piece or just add an accent of marble or copper into your living space, there is plenty to choose from.

There is something very modern and industrial about this trend, which I love. For interior inspiration look no further than Pinterest, a quick search and you'll find plenty of styling idea's. I also have lots of dreamy interior images on my own Pinterest, including the below.

If you have liked this interior edit, then be sure to follow my Pinterest page (details below). I have numerous interior and home textile boards which will inspire you!

Phillippa x

Twitter - @Phillippa22

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Brand To Know - Hayley Menzies

Based in the heart of Notting Hill, London, designer Hayley Menzies launched her eponymous label in 2011. With a penchant for fur and cashmere, Hayley Menzies pashminas, scarves and handbags are timeless classics. Born out of a love of creating beautiful accessories and a want to capture the true essence of Portobello, the brand creates must have pieces which will give you an effortlessly cool luxe look. With a studio/store located on the highly desirable Portobello Road, you can also shop the collection online. International stockists include: Bongenie Grieder (Switzerland), Holt Renfrew (Canada) and Space 519 (Chicago). 

For more information about where to shop Hayley Menzies and to see the full collection, take a look at the brands website http://hayleymenzies.com/ or follow their dreamy Instagram @hayleymenziesportobello

Phillippa x 

Twitter - @Phillippa22

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How To Wear Denim Like Bella Hadid

She's the model of the moment, who along with sister Gigi, is currently taking the modelling world by storm. Recently unveiled as the new face of Dior, as well as fronting campaigns for both Balmain and Givenchy, there is no stopping Bella's star power. Off the runway Bella has a natural flair for fashion, hitting up the sidewalk in some seriously enviable street style looks. Her ability to rock cool denim pieces with effortless ease has made Bella one of 2016's hottest street style icons. So whether it be boyfriend jeans, ripped skinny's, a frayed skirt or a zip-up mini dress, Bella knows how to wear denim to perfection. See how you can get her designer denim look for less...

Outfit 1

Outfit 2

Outfit 3

Outfit 4

Outfit 5

Outfit 6

For more Bella Hadid outfit inspiration head over to my Pinterest page and check out my 'Celebrity Street Style' board (details below)

Phillippa x

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Outfit of The Month - August

August is my favourite summer month to dress for as the super hot July days are all but gone and the cool summer evenings are here. Retailers have now begun merchandising their fall collections meaning you can start to wear a few more darker colours and introduce pieces into your wardbrobe that will also be great for the start of autumn. For this outfit I have based the entire look around a Kate Moss for Equipment shirt dress. This is one of the most sought after collaborations of the summer and perfectly suits my style. I have teamed it with a military jacket from Burberry, it adds a sophisticated edge to the casual silhouette of the dress and I adore the gold button detailing. Boots come courtesy of Sophia Webster. I'm an ankle boot kind of girl and I love the playful butterfly motif with gold trim on the front. The bag is from J.W. Anderson. As one of the most desirable London Fashion Week designers I have been lusting after this bag all season. To finish off the outfit I have accessorised the look with a skinny scarf from River Island. This is one of the biggest trends of the year and adds a rock 'n' roll feel to the outfit.

Phillippa x

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Pre-Fall 16 Print Trend - Colourful Folk

Now that we are into August retailers are beginning to have their first major drop of the fall collections. Taking inspiration from: Andrew GN, Alexis Mabille, Matthew Williamson and Zuhair Murad, traditional folk mofifs have been reinterpreted with a nod to oriental patterns. Key colours such as blood orange, teal and fuschia are used in harmony with each other to provide a platform in which to elevate the impact of the intense prints. The prints in question are both all-over prints and borders and have been hand-drawn and or embellished. Styling has traditional folk vibes, with hand crafted jewellery and unkempt hair. 

Phillippa x

Twitter - @Phillippa22

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On Trend Now - Skinny Scarves

Kate Moss has been rocking them for years and now they are the most sought after fashion accessory of the season...skinny scarves. With plenty of rock 'n' roll attitude and major street style kudos, a skinny scarf is a versatile addition to your everyday wardrobe. Seen on the runway at the likes of Chloe and more recently at the Louis Vuitton Cruise 17 show, they can be worn to look edgy or add a hint of Bohemianism to your outfit.

A skinny scarf can be tied and styled in several ways around the neck, but can also be tied around your waist and used as a cool alternative to a belt. It is all about keeping your outfit fairly classic. You don't need to wear bold colours or print, opt instead for a simple shirt and leather pants or denim jeans and you have your outfit sorted. As well as Kate Moss, you will also regularly see Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Alexa Chung and Pandora Sykes staking their claim on this trend.

So where are the best places to shop for skinny scarves? Easily the biggest champion of this trend is uber cool scarf brand Rockins. They have countless different styles including printed, embellished and fringed. They do come at a more premium price point but if you will seriously fall in love with their collection. Other luxury brands who have jumped on board with this trend include Givenchy and Alexander McQueen. On the high street head to River Island, New Look and H&M for styles that come in at under £10. I have put together this edit showing you my current favourites...

If you want to see more scarves, take a look at my aptly named 'Scarves' board on Pinterest (details below).

Phillippa x

Twitter - @Phillippa22

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