LFW Outfit

I think I must have been slightly confused when I put this outfit together. It's quite summery, but outside it was cold and pouring with rain. I guess I'm craving warm weather more than I thought!

 

My hair got completely ruined by the end of the day (grrr rain) and my feet got drenched, but this is probably my most favourite outfit. I bought the top, on sale, from River Island only 2 days before and love it so much. I'm wearing a Dorothy Perkins Cami underneath, Tesco flats and Zara jeans. 

I'm also in flats for the first time in ages! I've been living in heels/boots/sneakers for ever, and I'll be honest: it felt weird being in flats!!

I seriously love David from Toni and Guy for giving me this fringe!! My hair was directly inspired by Kate Hudson in Bride Wars.

Sherin xx

London Fashion Week: Day 6: Menswear

I do get quite annoyed when people claim that Fashion Week is over on Day 5 and completely ignore Menswear day. But it is an important day, so I decided to pop by Somerset House to see what was happening. Susie and I decided to come by and scope out hot male models, and ended up having a great day overall.

We had no shows planned for the day, so when Vitamin Water (I've been drinking gallons of the stuff this season) got in contact with me that morning, offering tickets to go see Cassette Playa, I jumped at the chance, and glad I did, because that show was EPIC!

Right before the show, I finally, after months of tweeting, met up with my amazing twitter pal, Tom. We'd been arranging to meet all Fashion Week, but never managed to find a perfect time, so we decided right before Cassette Playa (we were both going to the show). He was amazing in person and so hilarious. I'm so glad we arranged to meet up. He had some great comments about the show as well: 'The holiest of sh*t'.

The show was crazy insane and we all had mouths open by the end of it. I seriously still don't know what to say about it. The models had pink/purple dyed hair and some were painted gold. We were discussing afterwards that the collection could have gone horribly wrong, and if there were other models, it probably would have. But these models actually pulled the pieces off, surprisingly. The collection was full of bold colours, crazy prints and some wacky styling. I still haven't formed my opinions about the collection, so I'll leave you with some pictures of it. (Thanks to the PR company for the pictures, who I emailed frantically for them).

The collection was supposedly inspired by Ken (yes, Barbies Ken) as part of his 50th anniversary. The collection, clearly, is very urban, but it slightly reminded my of 'A CLockwork Orange' (the book version: I haven't seen the movie).

And to top off our Fashion Week, Susie and I decided to treat ourselves to some chocolate from Hotel Chocolat. You'll notice two are missing: I couldn't control myself enough to take a picture!

This is my last Fashion Week post. I hope you enjoyed them all and hope you didn't get too bored! Normal blogging will resume on Monday :)

What do you think of Cassette Playa's collection?

Sherin xx

Makeover Session

Thought I'd give a little break from all my Fashion Week posts and fit this little one in.

Last summer, while out and about, I was approached about a competition that a new studio was running. All I had to do was fill in details and I could win a whole makeover session, where you get your hair/make up done, and then have a photoshoot at Citi Studio, located in Liverpool Street, and I was lucky enough to win. After months and months of putting it off because of various commitments and priorities, I finally found the perfect day for my appointment and booked it for earlier this month.

I was allowed a free guest as well, so decided to take my mum because, let's face it, mums deserve to be pampered.
We got there at 11am and were greeted really well. To start off, we had our make up done. Mine was done by the very attractive make up artist. He did such a good job and really listed to what I wanted. A lot of times, when I get my make up done, I feel like the artist just piles it on, but he was absolutely fantastic to work with.

Next, I went to get my hair done. I wanted something different, so asked for lots of volume and lots of curls, and again, the hairdresser was great and acheived exactly what I wanted.

After we both looked great, we went to get some photos done. We were asked to bring a few changes of clothes, just so we could have lots of different pictures. The photographer was really amazing and we had a lot of fun posing and pouting for shots, both individual ones, and ones of us together. I'll be honest, I did feel a bit silly doing some of the poses, but it was all in good fun!

(my mum and I in a rare mother/daughter photo)

We had a few minutes to relax before we could see our pictures and arrange to buy them. Now, I wasn't a fan of this bit at all!! There were over 100 photos and the prices were ridiculous. They started at £80 a photo. That's right...1 photo!! I believe my mum and I both went pale at the same time and looked at each other, speechless. We had a look at all the pictures and they were all so pretty and well taken. After a lot of errming and hmmming, we did negotiate on the price a lot! I think they start high on purpose, and you can negotiate down. They still weren't justifiable prices, but at least it was a tad more affordable, so we could buy the few we really liked.

We settled on three pictures. The one above, and the two below. I had fun with the two below because the photographer put a fan under me, so that my hair and clothes were all windy...it was like channeling my inner Marylin Monroe.

Despite the pricing, it was a fun day and it's always nice to be pampered. I'd recommend the day to everyone, because we all deserve a fun makeover and it's a great way to spend a few hours. While checking out the website, I saw that you could win sessions, so give that a go if you want (you do have to pay for pictures though).
However, I feel that I should warn you: they do take you into a small room, when showing the pictures and you really do have to be good at negotiating to get the prices down, of have enough of a backbone to say no to buying any pictures.

Let me know if anyone's ever done this before!

Sherin xx

London Fashion Week: Day 5: Triumph

I do feel like I'm bombaring all you guys with Fashion Week posts, but there's so much interesting things going on and I want to share it all! Besides, only one more post left after this one, so please bare with me : )

Day 5 saw Triumph holding their first ever show at London Fashion Week, which was in celebration with their 125th anniversary. They were the first ever lingerie brand to hold a catwalk show during Fashion Week.

The new Shape Sensation collection is gorgeous and perfect for everyday wear, and a great curve creator. The collection included a lot of lace and sheer materials and was is part of the signiture style that you expect from Felder and Felder. 

I actually really liked the show. The models were so happy and enthusiastic, which is exactly what I want to see on the catwalk. They were clapping along to the music (Muse and The Killers), they were smiling and a few were even dancing along to the music while walking: I loved it.

The collection itself was gorgeously feminine as well. There was a lot of lace, which added sexiness to the black ensembles and I loved the pops of pink coming out from various pieces.

Sherin xx

P.S. Thanks to Triumph's PR team for a few of the shots

London Fashion Week: Day 5

I skipped Day's 3 and four due to eneral tiredness, but I was back in full force for day 5. I started my day pretty early as I had an appointment to get a makeover from MAC. They were doing complimentary makeoers, with goodie bags, but you had to book early. I went on Saturday to book, and the earliest I got was for Tuesday.

If I'm honest, I was a little bit disappointed by the makeover. They'd got my time confused, so informed me that I was late, and that they could only do a short one. Just as I was done, they told me that, in fact, I came at the right time. I also wasn't too keen on the actual make up look they gave me. I've had great makeovers from Benefit, Mary Kay and Maxfactor, so I expected something amazing from MAC. I asked for light smokey eyes and they gave me Taylor Momson. I'm not kidding: I looked like a panda that had got punched. And it was pretty rushed. So not impressed with MAC on this. On the plus side, I did get a goody bag from them. In it was a moisturiser cream, bronzer and eyeshadow.

My next stop was to check out all the exhibitions.I went downstairs to the Embankment Galleries and was really impressed at everything there. Some of the collections were fantastic.

I loved the shoes from Joanne Stoker. I thought they were really unique, and didn't actually look too uncomfortable to walk in (compared to the heels I was wearing at the time).

I also saw some gorgeous jewellery from Fiona Paxton. As you should know, I'm a huge jewellery fan and thought these items were beautiful.

I also saw this gorgeous piece from Shao Yen. Isn't it gorgeous?

The highlight of the exhibitions was definitely Paperself. They did the most incredible false eyelashes, made from paper, and tey were really friendly. I initially saw them when I was at IMATS, but the stall was constantly packed, that I didn't get a chance to get near them at all. I also know that Rachel went to check them out the day before and she loved them, so I knew I had to go down and give them a look. They kindly offered to do a free demostration and these eyelashes do look special. It was my first time actually wearing false eyelashes and these were very comfortable and looked fantastic!

As they're paper, they are also pretty delicate. As I'd never worn false eyelashes before, I had no idea how to take them off. I ripped them off, which wasn't very clever because a) it hurt and b) they ripped. I took the second one off carefully and it's definitely re-wearable. I picked up a press release and pictures while I was there, so will hopefully get a chance to look through them soon.

They're really unique and they will definitely make you stand out in any crowd. I can't wait to check out more designs.

There've also been some interesting campaigns going on, in honour of Fashion Week.
As you all know, the Vauxhall Fashion Scout is becoming a bigger part of Fashion Week every season. More and more upcoming designers are showcasing there, and it's gaining greater coverage. This season, Vauxhall Motors created the world's first car catwalk, which was a catwalk atop of 3 Vauxhall Cars (have I mentioned that my first car was a Vauxhall??)The car catwalks took place in some of London's most iconic Lanmarks, such as the London Eye.

Also, Radley, to launch their latest AW 'Grosvenor' bag, took 8 of their infamous Scottie dogs around Somerset House. They revealed the new bag, which is in the season's must have colour: burgundy.

Check back in a few days where I'll be discussing what I got upto for the rest of the day.

Sherin xx

London Fashion Week: Outfits

Most of the manic of LFW is now officially over, so I thought I'd do a round up of what I wore while out and about for Day 1 and 2. I am guilty of not taking these shots on the day I wore them! I had some free time yesterday, so I thought I'd re-wear the clothes for outfit shots! It also gave me the opportunity to show off my new hair style a bit more. I absolutely love my new fringe!!

Day 1:
I spent about an hour deciding what to wear! Rachel spent the night at my house and when she came in completely ready at 10am, while I was still in sweats, she took control. She raided my wardrobe and picked out this beautiful New Look dress, which I then matched with these New Look wedges.

The shoes did cause a bit of pain and my legs were cold, but apart from that I loved the outfit. I bought this dress over a year ago and have actually never worn it: I think it'll be perfect for summer (which really needs to get here now).

Day 2:
I decided to go for a slightly more comfortable and warmer look, especially since it was raining all day (didn't the clouds know it was Fashion Week? Jeez). I wore my Republic jeans, with my gorgeous Blue Inc shoes, a black t-shirt, a cardi from Fat Face (that actually goes with nothing) and my ASOS cape. After all the positive feedback I got when I first wore it, I decided to  give it another shot. I did feel a bit uneasy in it on the Tube, but then really felt at home in it while at Somerset House for Fashion Week.

I'd definitely recommend taking the more comfortable route when doing Fashion Week. I felt so much better in outfit 2 and was in a lot less pain by the end of the day.

Sherin xx

P.S. A friend of mine let me know about a very interesting competition that The London Insider is hosting.  Londoners, or those able to make it to London, will be able to win a personalised pair of Selve Shoes. For those of you who don't know, Selve do made to measure shoes, and also personalise them in almost every way. The winner will win a personalised pair of shoes, for free! Check it out for more details.

LFW: day 2, Part 2

Yesterday, I discussed how I spent the morning on Day 2 of LFW. This post will be how I spent the afternoon. I got my hair done and then rushed off to the Charing Cross Hotel, to catch Elliott J Frieze's show. I went last season and it was one of my favourites, so I couldn't wait to see the collection this year.
Before the show, we were treated to a (much needed) Champagne Reception at the hotel. I spent a bit of time chatting to an elderly guy, who turned out that he was Elliott's grandfather! He was so lovely to talk to and even complimented my coat (I decided to give the ASOS cape a second chance). I even got a story from Frieze's childhood out of it.
I also started talking to a very cool guy, who happened to be an Fashion and Art Film Director. He was really nice and so much fun to talk to. He was probably one of the most interesting person that I met at Fashion Week this year.

I had high hopes for the collection and it did not disappoint. Like last season, it was quintessentially British, filled with a lot of beige and white, with a nod to equestrian style. I love the preppyness and neutral colours in the collection and I really think guys need to dress like this more often!

My favourite from the collection was this last dress. I loved how elegant it was and how the back was longer than the front.

I then ran back to Somerset House and bumped into Rachel, Susie and Hannah. It was funny because I was on the phone to Susie, and as soon as I hung up, I looked behind me and there she was.

After talking for a while, I went to catch John Rocha, which was the show I was most excited for. I had a standing ticket and was near the front at the standing queue. Unfortunately, life isn't all too fair sometimes. I was in the queue for ages and we saw people come, late and even without invites, and get in the show. Which meant that the ones of us who had actually been waiting for a good 45 minutes weren't able to get into the show :(
But oh well: these things happen. Despite that I did have a pretty awesome day. I took yesterday and am taking today off and will be back at Somerset House on Tuesday, catching a few more shows and exhibitions.

Don't forget, I have a lot of pictures up on my facebook page.

Sherin xx

London Fashion Week: Day 2

After finishing Day 1 prematurely, I got up bright and early on Saturday, so that I could get to Somerset House to catch a 9am Craig Lawrence Live Presentation.
I got to Somerset House slightly earlier, so went to Toni and Guy to book a hair appointment for later that morning, went into the Press Louge, where I grabbed my Vitamin Water fix and the last chocolate croissant (score) and then ran to The Portico Rooms to catch the Craig Lawrence presentation.
The ticket was given to me by my London Fashion Week saviours: Vitamin Water, so a thanks to them is in order. I got there early, so managed to snatch a front row seat, with some pretty expensive water.

The collection was absolutely amazing and definitely my kind of thing. The heels were very very high and there were a lot of dark colours and a lot of slashed/ripped materials. The high heels made the models look remarkably tall and the ripped materials gave an added edge to the collection. It was a vey fun collection and I really enjoyed listening to the designer commentary while the models were showcasing the clothes.

My next stop was Toni and Guy. They were doing complimentary haircuts and I managed to bag myself an appointment. After Aussie, Toni and Guy/Label M are my most trusted hair products (I couldn't live without their Sea Salt Spray). My stylist was the amazing David and he did a fantastic job on my hair! I decided to get a full frontal fringe and centre fringe, so was slightly nervous about changing my hair to something so different from what I usually have (I've had a side parting and side fringe for years). David ensured me that it would suit me and was so much fun to chat with while he was doing my hair. First he blow dried my fringe and cut it so that it was just below my eyebrows. Next he used a round brust and a hair dryer to add the curls. The Label M hairspray worked really well on my hair and the shine mist gave my hair a lot of shine, that lasted all day.

 I absolutely loved how my hair turned out and am fully embracing my new fringe. Here's how it looked when it was done:

I'll be writing about the rest of Day 2 tomorrow, so come back and check it out. In the meantime check out the rest of my pictures from London Fashion Week on my Facebook Page.

Which collections have you been loving at London Fashion Week (or any of your local Fashion Weeks)?

Sherin xx