After sleeping like a baby, I was up with birds and traveling into central London for the 2nd day of London Fashion Week. I'd vaguely planned the days outfit based upon another mood board I'd created, so with a few variations again I was extremely content with the outcome.
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I know a lot of people would avoiding mixing browns and blacks, but for this look it some how worked and created a warmth.
My Outfit for Day 2:
What I'm Wearing: Coat - Vintage, Tights - Next, Bag - Fiorelli, Scarf - Tie Rack, Belt - Primark, Bow (attached to belt) Topshop Brooch, Loafers - Topshop Black Patent Loafers, Skirt - Topshop Paisley Skirt, Top - Black Topshop Body, Necklace - Topshop Gold
I got into the busy Somerset House early as Saturday tends to be the most hectic of days. Top designers such as Daks, Sister By Sibling, Clements Ribeiro, John Rocha, Moschino Cheap And Chic, Issa and House of Holland... to name but only a few.
I decided I'd kick start by grabbing a coffee from the Lavazza in the press room, then scamper off to locate the brand new store from The Cambridge Satchel Company.
You may or may not remember but I had the pleasure of interviewing the wonderful Julie Deane about her company, so finally seeing a store dedicated to the innovative satchels was spectacular. There were a number of various prints, designs and most certainly something for every kind of style and personality. The shop was designed perfectly for the brand and even had vintage bikes - which I suggested they create a satchel bike bag to go on the back of your bike. As a cyclist myself with a vintage bike... that would be fantastic!
I'm a huge fan of any delicate pastel tones and because I'm eagerly awaiting spring, I felt these satchels would be the ideal companion for SS13. I especially love the pale pink satchel below... maybe teamed with my initials? It may have to be added to my bag collection!
After seeing The Cambridge Satchel Company store in Covent Garden, I think decided to pop along to visit the team at The Apartment. After myself and Sophie from La Fashion Folie somehow managed to get lost, (again) we ventured up to The Apartment to be greeted by lots of smiles, cakes, and a number of brands exhibiting their items.
As you know I do love to bake so when I saw the glorious spread of cupcakes I simply had to photograph the display. Yes, they were as delicious as they looked!
There brands there were Next, Rimmel, Claire's Accessories, Superdry, John Frieda, Forever21, Russel and Bromley.
I then went onto the Zeynep Tosun show at The Fashion Scout Catwalk.
A collection with lots of tailoring, high necks and Victorian meets an earthy wild west twist. Plenty of collars teamed with ruffles, deep tones of red, mustard, orange, brown and black and gothic jacquard embroidered patterns.
The entire collection was extremely statement with many pieces fashioned
with luxe leather and garnished with sheer style but not in a dramatic
over the edge manner, but certainly a combination that would turn heads.
The majority of each look made the waist look minimal but being bold and daring
in other aspects, and although I personally favour a classic look I was mesmerized by how Zeynep Tosun’s AW13 collection won me over.
I adore Orla Kiely and seeing her presentation at London Fashion Week was one of my highlights. The dainty collection from her was just what I'd expected and it really brought it home for me by confirming you cannot beat classic style.
On entering all those viewing were greeted by a line of ladies in an office with type writers, in little 60's inspired dresses with big clipped up or beehive hair styles. Tea dresses in the office? Yes please! I even loved how they all had matching cups and saucers on their desks.
I certainly will be adding some of these darling little numbers to my shopping basket when they're available.
My next show I want to report on from the Saturday was of course, Issa London. I'd been invited along by LG to attend and for the first time in my LFW history, I'd been able to walk straight in and find my seat. Sat third row from the front was fantastic, meaning I could really see the items of clothing perfectly.
The show was extremely busy on the build up, with many celebrities filling the front rows. I met fellow blogger and writer Rachel from Lady M Presents, (pictured with me above) who had seen Issa before.
I'm a huge admirer of the designs by Daniella Helayel, so seeing these in the flesh was going to be an exciting event. The main reason I love Issa so much is because they tend to be garments which you can actually wear off the runway, and Daniella captures the essence fully of what a woman wants out of her clothes.
Kicking off the show was none other than Cara Delevingne and simply by having such an icon to set the scene, we all knew we were in for a treat.
Using the core inspiration behind the collection as 'the rugged homes of Native Navajo Indians', we immediately saw a combination of geometric prints, rustic tones, and cheeky feathers flowing from floppy hats - it certainly embraced it's theme and rode with it.
I love a range of clothing on the catwalk which you can visualize yourself wearing. A lot of designers can go extremely off the scale with their creations but Issa wasn't like that, it was a rare time I saw myself wearing the item and could definitely understand why Pippa Middleton is a fan.
Silky dresses dominated and floated their way down the runway, teamed with fitted jackets creating an utter chic effortless visual. The entire collection oozed tranquility and enhanced the core theme of being native, but somehow touched on a slight seventies vibe with flared dresses, wide trousers and the colours used.
Hats made their mark in an over sized style, complete with a feathers.
There were lots of layers and various fabrics with a variety of tribal, geometric, monochrome and vibrant angle prints.
It's quite unusual to find a designer that can cater for a wide age spectrum. I felt that I would happily wear any item off the catwalk, but equally so I could imagine my sister and my Mum working the garments just as well.
I believe Daniella really had hit the nail on the head with the
collection, being a bit daring but ultimately a risk that truly paid off.... I certainly cannot wait for AW13, so I can wear the look!
It had been long day but one where I had seen some superb creations, and met some wonderful people. I was in need of a good bit of dinner and a good nights sleep - ready for day 3!
Me after the Issa show
xoxo
