M.I.A.

Where have I been?.. It's not been here anyway! Admittedly, blogging has been neglected recently and this is the first of me dragging my butt to the computer to post something. It's not that I don't have anything to say, just my time has had to be focused elsewhere.

 

College - numero uno when it comes to consuming my time! Specifically source booking. The bane of everybody's life at the moment in HDFASH. If I wasn't so anal about everything being neat, I'm sure it wouldn't take so long but I can't help it, I'm a perfectionist.

 

Work - numero dos. As you'll understand, it's a necessity! Being a poor fashion student is bad enough on water wages. Extra work equals extra cash resulting in more fun, more clothes and more freedom! The sacrifice, less time.

 

But, this is me, back on the blog wagon hopefully! I'm going to at least make it more frequent than it has been anyway.

 

Love! x

 

 

Buy into Bey.

Please watch....

 

 

wow!

Beyonce Knowles is undeniably one of the World's most recognisable, distinguished and successful woman. To top this off, she is absolute siren and contemporary glamazon! Often I find myself asking how it is possible for  nature to have produced such a profound and iconic human being, who balances fame, family and love so expertly.

 

Beyonce is widely known for Destiny's Child, musical success and marrying Jay-Z, not so much for charity and humanitarian involvement.

 

So, why is she featured on my blog you may be asking yourself?  I had a thought - what is fashion and what makes it trendy?

 

Personally, I think Beyonce is the epicentre of fashion how-to, by combining style, class, sophistication, a pinch of sass, fire and attitude. Not only is her dress sense enviably effortless and seductive, her attitude and aura would allow her to wear a paper bag and still feature on the best dressed list.

However, the thought was that the 21st century has seen many 'famous' individuals brain wash society into thinking numerous things are 'fashionable' when its all a facade! Surely great fashion is more than status, a label or a price?

 

It is one thing wearing great clothes - you can be trendy but what about being a great person? Surely that is just as 'cool'. That is what I love about Beyonce. I believe that she has made it fashionable to be more than the clothes you wear. Its fashionable to be unique; profound; a humanitarian; to be cultured; to be determined and strong willed; to be 100% confident in ones self and capabilities; to be a dreamer; to be a fighter; to be strong; and to be present on this here earth with the purpose of achieving something phenomenal. She is a true inspiration and what she wears only ever compliments who she is. Fashion is attitude but make your attitude your fashion and stick to what you believe in, not what someone told you to believe in.

Now think of the trends we'd have if everyone bought into a slice of some of that.

Whether you like her or loathe her, no one can deny her astounding iconic status and Knowles has truly stamped her mark on the world and hearts of her fans and admirers.

 
Can you tell I heart Beyonce?

 

 

 

 

 



Freja Beha Erichsen.

Innovation.

If I were Superman, shoes and bags would be my Kryptonite!

It is an addiction I have always suffered however, the biggest problem is not my lack of control when it comes to purchasing, it is where to put them when I get them home!

 

When I moved house, I did not have the luxury of a large spare bedroom where I could house my many accessories. So I did this..

 

 

 

..dumped them on the spare bed - much to the dismay of my boyfriend.

Now, my OCD just would not let this settle with me as I need organisation and neatness. Facing this chaos daily unnerved me and I needed a solution fast.

Then it came to me!

I needed a clothes rail .. and I needed some hooks. Off to IKEA!

 

                          

                                                                                                       ikea.com

 

Now although I went to IKEA, I am sure you could source these items pretty much anywhere. The rail is just a standard clothes rail with bars along the bottom to form a shelf, and the hooks are S hooks that one would use in the kitchen to hang pots or untensils. Put the hooks on the rail, and the bags on the hooks - it is genuis!

The key is obviously to make sure the hooks fit the rail!

 

And it was like magic!!

 

Organisation and neatness! Ah I love it. Such a simple idea yet so effective. Now all my bags are hanging nicely and are accessable. The spare bed is no more laden with clutter and mess, and my mind is now at peace.

 

 

I am really proud of myself for finding a handy solution that not only saves space but preserves the quality of my bags.Just too good :) try it!

 

instant LOVE!

 



Nicole Richie - House of Harlow

 

Back to School.

 

Some times in life you think you have a plan. My plans very rarely ever materialise because I change my mind all of the time!

After session 2011-12 at college, I thought I had a plan - get a new job, work full-time, gain experience, have lots of cash.. Ok so 3 out of 4 wasn't bad. eek! However, there was a stark difference between a thought and reality.

It took for push to come to shove before I sat myself down and had a think about what I really needed now, to get what I wanted in the future.

Truth be told, I still don't really know but I figured out what I didn't want and that was a good enough start for me.

So back I went and after my first week as a second year HD Fash student I feel like I've made a good decision. I'm not going to be disheartened about the fact that I don't know what is at the end of the road for me, all I know now is that I'm on a straight path. I have great lecturers, a lovely group of college girls and a new and exciting challenge in my midst.

I'm looking forward to see what the rest of the year and next has in store for me.

As for the future, well I'll deal what it has in store for me when I get there.

 

Makeup Tips and Tricks In 5 Minutes.

             

                              

I love an over zealous American!
Tyra Banks showing us ladies how to apply our make-up in 5 minutes. Ok, she's kooky and a little crazy but once you get over the overly enthusiastic tone, she has some great tips! A lot of girls would benefit from this advice considering badly applied make up is about as common as rain is in Scotland.

Enjoy!

The Cat and the Bags.

 

If you want to know how to model and make the most of the lightening, you don't need a Tyra Banks, Next Top Model education, you need to take notes from this guy! In fact, he is so well suited to the fashion world, when I told my sister I bought Hunter wellies, she thought I'd bought wellingtons for my cat!!

 

This is Hunter. Admittedly for those who know me, they expected 'The Dainty Hunter' to be about this little guy. Now, in all honesty, as cute as the little blight seems, he is named rather aptly! Hunter is the inspiration for the title of this blog, but why you may ask? Well, I shall explain..

 

 

I adopted Hunter from an Italian family I used to work with and maybe that is where his passion for fashion emerged, after all the Italians are famous for their love of all things designer. It might also have had something to do with how I used to carry him around in a bag as a kitten. See, Hunter loves bags! If there is a bag and he can get in it - he will!

So, whilst adorning his brown glitter collar this is what he gets up too..

 

Not the greatest of poses yet a classic example of Hunter getting snug in one of my Topshop bags, whilst lying next to a Fiorelli. He daintily slinks his way in and curls his way round, positioning himself perfectly within the body of the bag. Once, I thought I'd lost him, after calling on him for hours with no sight of him. Where was he? Hauled up in my Calvin Klein taking a casual cat nap!

 

Hunter has serious trend awareness only sleeping in the latest fashionable item. Only the best will do, although I occasionally find him like this ..

 

 

..adopting the security and safety of a plastic bag as if it were the womb!

The recreation of the womb - that is how at home Hunter is around a bag and this is where me and him connect so well.

 

I understand his love and adoration for a good tote, satchel or clutch. If I buy one and Hunter lies on it or sleeps on it, I know it was a great buy! Although.. he is partial to a snooze on the boyfriend's laptop carrier?

 

Hunter has been a great fashion companion over the last couple of years. He has opened my eyes and now I truly understand why the runway is called a Catwalk!

 

So concludes the story of the Cat and the Bags.

The furry little creature will no doubt continue his love affair with fashion.

 

I think we tired him out.

 

 

 

please be aware that this blog is heavily laden with sarcasm and is merely a comical post. I do not truly believe my cat is fashion forward. Although wouldn't that be a BGT hit!

Also, Hunter was not harmed in the taking of these pictures and willing got into the bags! I swear.

Naja Conrad-Hansen.

 

 

 

I love how the internet can thrust something upon you that once you maybe never would have discovered on your own.

Whilst searching for some inspiring fashion illustrations, I stumbled across the work of Naja Conrad-Hansen and was captivated.

"Inspirations comes equally from the worlds of fashion, hardcore music, and traditional art and design and in general observing the world around her. The illustration style is basically about 'finding some untouched areas of the mind and stimulating the eye and imagination."'

 

Check it out at http://www.meannorth.com/cv.htm



Season of Studs.

 

The mysterious grunge look is something that we all took notice of in SS12. Whether it was translated through leather jackets, festival fringing or heavy biker boots everyone had something that smelled of teen spirit and it appears this trend is set to roll its way through into AW12.

 

From this trend, one of my favourite accessories was studs. Studding anything was the easiest way to inject some much needed attitude into minimal garments.

 

Here are some AW12 cuties that have embraced the stud, that you can get your hands on on the high street!

 

 

1. Studded Jumper £35 - River Island  2. High Top Boots £65 - New Look  3. Studded Bag £85 - Topshop  4. Studded Slim Fit Trousers £39.99 - Zara  5. Bangle set £3.99 - H&M

 

A little extra..

 

When I saw this picture of Jessica Alba and Francesca Versace I just about died!

They both have the perfect balance of edgy attitude and alluring sexiness.

 

 

LOVE!

 



Year One.

Looking back, I don't know what all the fuss was about. Tantrums, tears and all that goes with a room full of teenage girls panicking because their patterns aren't finished and the deadline is hours away. 

I don't think we quite knew what the first year of Fashion HND had for us but we found out soon enough. 

Here is a look at some of what I achieved throughout 2011-12. 

Commercial Design was a module I found really exciting. I loved the analysis of themes and trends. The development of my own was challenging but I produced a good standard of work. 

Although manufacture is not my favourite part of course, this project was a great learning experience but far the most stressful! 

Excusing the 20+ panels, endless machine screw-ups, a tear and beading this dress was fairly easy to whip up - can you hear the sarcasm? 

I am sure at one point I threatened to burn it! Oops. 

And finally, graded unit. 

I must admit, once over the initial shock of the task in hand, I enjoyed GU 1. 

Probably the most satisfying piece of work I've done. Strange how at one point you have no idea what you're doing and then suddenly it all falls into place. 

So one year down and another to go. 

Wonder what 2012-13 will have in store? 

African Paradise

Being of African descent, I'm often captivated by tribal and geo inspired fashion.

Just loved this photo.

http://reservedlife.co.za/african-fashion-today/2012/03/27/

Let It Rain.

One of my favourite quotes is, "Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, it is about learning to dance in the rain" and I've learned to do just that!

Unfortunately, in Scotland, soggy summers are a staple but that doesn't mean style has to be compromised!

Today I'll be battling the elements in these three stylish saviours.

Pictures belong to Barbour.com, Hunter.com and Radley online

Celebs Steal My Style.

Wedding outfit shopping has to be one of the world's most laborious tasks! So, naturally I was shocked when after 10 minutes I stumbled across this stunning River Island beauty on ASOS, which I thought would be perfect for the occassion.  

Now I must admit, I normally avoid online shopping like the plague but this time, I made an exception and I'm glad I did.

This dress had everything; perfect length and colour, bold print and it complimented my Topshop Gladiators Heels perfectly! It was a bargain at £40.

Then this happened..

picture from glamourmagazine.com

Usually it is us meer mortals emulating celeb fashion, not the other way around! So I was surprised to see Tulisa wearing this River Island number.

However, I love to see celebrities rocking high street fashion and Tulisa's alteration of the hem length makes this dress perfect for going out at night. It just goes to show that it doesn't matter what the label or the price is - just wear confidence with your outfit!

Just so we get this right though, I bought mine first.





House of Dereon.

Like most people, I tend to be a little sceptical of celebrities trying their hand at.. well, anything other than what they are known for. However, Beyonce and Tina Knowles' House of Dereon has surpassed my expectations and earned respect as a reputable fashion brand.

It is a far cry from Tina's Destiny Child creations!

picture supplied by The Official Home of the House of Dereon

After the success of SS12, this preview of AW12 had me excited.

The contrast of bold prints and colours combined with light, flirty fabrics is effortless.

picture supplied by The Official Home of the House of Dereon

Numerous celebs have already been spotted wearing HOD and unlike Victoria Beckham's collection, you won't have to rob a bank to get your hands on it!

What's not to love?

Shop AW12 now!

www.houseofdereon.com

New Treads.

picture from www.riverisland.com

Love at first sight? Definitely!

I saw these River Island wedges and could not take my eyes off them. I knew they just had to be mine. They are everything I love in a shoe and the minute I had them on my feet, it was a match made in heaven.

At £50 I could not complain.

Whether its with jeans, a slouchy tee and my leather jacket or out at night with a simple LBD and statement jellewry, they are just simply perfect.

Love!

Nailed It.

338 - Silver Multi Glitter     333 - Black Multi Glitter

Need to accessorise? Well this is one of my favourite ways!

If like me, you change your mind like you do your underwear then chopping and changing needs to be affordable and accessable.

I picked up these two beauties for a meer £5.

The immediate injection of glitz and sparkle will set off any look and when you get bored, or fancy something a bit brighter or tamer, it is simple enough to change.

Love!

The Dainty Hunter

Jada.

Currently: 22. Living in Scotland. Merchandiser for Debenhams.

Previously: Fashion Business student.

My blog is all about my life; what I like, love and perhaps the occasional dislike.
Fashion favourites. Trends. Inspiration.

I love to travel. Complete nature-buff.

Enjoy!