Amy's Fashion Fix

2010-04-23T08:15:00.001-07:00

This site has now moved to http://blogs.loughboroughecho.net/amysfashionfix/

Summer's coming

2010-03-18T13:36:00.000-07:00

IT'S official, summer is on its way.

How do I know? Bikinis are back on the shelves and I had my first joke sunglasses try-on of the year this week.

Now if I could only fit into a bikini without looking like a beached whale...

That's where Weight Watchers comes in. I've been doing this for almost three months now and had been doing pretty well (lost six pounds was very impressed) then the chocolate and other naughtiness beckoned and I'm back at square one. So seeing the lovely skinny clothes on the shelves has given me a new inspiration, watch this space.

Big bra'd beauties wanted

2010-03-16T13:50:00.000-07:00

THE Star in a Bra search 2010 is on.

Online retailer Brastop.com is currently scouring the country for naturally curvy girls, who have the chance to become the face and body of the new fuller bust brand Curvy Kate.

Despite the UK’s average boob size now being above a DD and the average dress size being a 16, many fashion brands still ignore models that relate to these statistics (although see previous post - well done Debenhams), Brastop.com is championing the UK’s shapely figures and their average 34G (yes I know!) customer by searching for a DD+ girl who is curvy, charismatic and confident with a fuller body and natural bust.

With more than 2,500 entrants in the first two years, Star in a Bra 2010 looks set to be even stronger with consumer awareness of plus size modelling increasing all the time. In the last 6 months several fuller figured shoots have taken place but the Star in a Bra search is looking to make real women modelling the norm, not just a novelty.

Laura Butler, Star in a Bra winner 2008, said: "Most lingerie brands either use stick thin girls or girls with fake boob and I could never figure out which bras would suit my shape.

"The Star in a Bra competition was a great opportunity for me to step into the spotlight and hopefully show how gorgeous a fuller figure can look in lingerie. It really kick started my modelling career and I still model with Curvy Kate and love all the shoots…and attention!"

We're going on a treasure hunt

2010-03-13T02:13:00.000-08:00

GET yourself down to Nottingham on Sunday, April 25, for the next Affordable Vintage Fair.

Now in its 5th year, the fairs were started by Selfridges stylist Judy Berger and his since toured the UK holding events for vintage clothing and accessories sellers to sell to the UK's vintage lovers.

Held at The Art Organisation, 21 Station Street, Nottingham, from 12pm-5pm, entry costs £2 and inside you'll find an Aladdin's cave of 40 stalls offering vintage clothing, accessories & homewares dating from the 1920s-1980s, boasting on average prices 40% lower than vintage available on the high street.

Judy Berger, said: "Nottingham is always a bustling fair with traders selling all aspects of vintage clothing and homewares.

"Over the last two years we’ve seen a huge increase in people coming to our events. People still like the high street but are tired of seeing everyone wearing the same thing. Our events are like treasure chests, you have to dig a little but you end up finding a true gem without having to spend a fortune."

Designers in the making

2010-03-11T08:45:00.000-08:00

I couldn't resist putting this picture up.

BUDDING fashion designers at Highgate Primary School in Sileby recently got to strut their stuff on the cat walk.

It was the culmination of a series of fashion based events that the school took part in called ‘Dress To Impress’.

Under the guidance of teachers Miss Hand, Miss Coaker and Mrs Ward the children learned about different types of clothes, materials and design processes.

They were also asked to design their own school uniform while Year One dyed, sowed and modeled their own creations on the cat-walk.

Miss Hand from the school said: “The children created some fantastic outfits and throughly enjoyed the topic.”

Welcome back old friend

2010-03-04T14:37:00.000-08:00

AFTER enduring years of ridicule from my friends about my love of Baby G, Rihanna has finally made the brand cool again by using it in her latest Rude Boy video.

Not a massive fan of the video - or Rihanna for that matter - but hey, Baby G's back! Slightly obsessed with bright watches at the moment (wearing a bright purple Nixon at the moment and had to stop myself from buying it in blue and pink) and this sure fits the bill...

Here's the video by the way in case you are so minded to watch it:

Get your Gagas out

2010-03-04T07:36:00.001-08:00

Now I'm not one for celeb copying but this is just funny:

New research by www.MyCelebrityFashion.co.uk, which works with high street brands to copy celebrity outfits, has found that 25% of 1,326 women would be happy to bear their breasts in the name of fashion - Lady Gaga styley.

Of the women polled, 302 said they would be happy to reveal their breasts under a lace top, although only 25 of them would go so far as to wear a lace dress and would opt to wear a pair of modesty concealing briefs if they did so. 85% of women said they would be willing to wear a lace top but would opt to wear a bra or boob tube underneath.

Andy Barr, marketing director of MyCelebrityFashion.co.uk, said: "We have definitely seen a growing trend in the popularity in the number of lace and other provocative items being bought from the site, so we decided to conduct a poll to see how just how much women out there were willing to flaunt.

"We are surprised just how many would show off their assets, but women out there are getting increasingly fashion focused and the majority of the population are not as surprised by nudity as they once were."

2010-03-03T15:10:00.000-08:00

ANYONE feeling rich and generous can buy me a Mulberry coat please, preferably one of these two as seen at London Fashion Week last week.

Thanks.

Now this is what I call advertising

2010-03-01T01:05:00.000-08:00

CAKES and sexy lingerie - what more could a woman want (other than a half naked man of course)

As women all over the country fight to shrink their shapes in the usual January diet frenzy (I should know I'm eight weeks into my new Weight Watchers regime), fuller figured brand Curvy Kate are celebrating the naturally curvy using plus size models (otherwise known as NORMAL sized women or, actually thin women with huge boobs) in their latest shoot with a delicious theme of Afternoon Tea.

Cup sizes are available from DD to J and back sizes from 28 to 40 and bras retail from £26-30.

The AW10 collection is available to view online but annoyingly can't be bought from the website - although websites where they are available are listed on the site, such as Bravissimo.

Definitely worth a look though - go to www.curvykate.com

I'd rather make my own thank you very much

2010-02-26T15:49:00.000-08:00

AS nice as it is to see the friendship bracelet make a come-back after all these years, this new 'trend' kind of misses the point.

Aurelie Bidermann is not your friend (unless you know her personally of course), neither is Dior. I for one will only jump on this bandwagon with homemade bracelets - any offers most welcome!

2010-02-23T14:19:00.000-08:00

TAKE a look at this picture, notice anything unusual?

I didn't because these mannequins look like regular women and that's exactly what I will be saying to Debenhams when I am asked for my feedback as a customer.

Ok so we're not all size 16s but let's face it, although many of us would like to be, we're not uber skinny either. These show customers exactly what the clothes will look like - saving us the horror from the changing rooms when such a fabulous dress "doesn't look like it did on the mannequin".

Apparently normal mannequins are a size 10 but having worked in the fashion industry I find that hard to believe to be honest considering size 6s sometimes need pinning because they look too big.

The size 16 mannequins were unveiled last Thursday at the store's Oxford Street Branch and will eventually be rolled out across the country to get feedback from customers.

This, in my humble opinion, is the start of a long battle in trying to make stores show 'real' women and real sizes. Well done Debenhams (and Gok if this had anything to do with you)!

Oh, and if you want to see what they look like next to a 'normal' mannequin, here you go:

London Fashion Week

2010-02-19T13:31:00.000-08:00

I COULDN'T let this week (and February - oops) go by without putting something on here.

London Fashion Week began today (as if you didn't know already), having been opened by Sarah Brown.

Wearing Erdem skirt and top (didn't like it personally), Russell and Bromley shoes and jewellery by Astley Clarke, she welcomed the British Fashion Council's support for Backing Young Britain, which aims to create opportunities for young people struggling to find work in the recession...oops sorry downturn. The BFC is calling for fashion houses to give young people a foot in the door into fashion.

Wish I could have been there but alas the world of Loughborough calls so I'll have to settle with online viewing. But don't you worry fashion fans, the clever people at London Fashion Week HQ have decided to help us out by streaming the catwalk shows online.

See the next show at: http://www.londonfashionweeklive.co.uk/

2010-01-07T02:28:00.000-08:00

Becoming a little obsessed with http://fifi-lapin.blogspot.com/ It's one of those kick yourself moments where you think why didn't I think of that!!

Happy New Year

2010-01-07T02:19:00.000-08:00

Ok, new year new start. I am not going to promise to update this every week but I do promise to update it more regularly.
My other new year's resolutions are good ones this year, never mind that no chocolate no drinking lark I have joined Weight Watchers and am selling mounds of clothes on ebay ready to start the new year in style! So be prepared for updates on how both of those are going - contrary to common belief I WILL last longer than a month!
Hope you've all had a great new year (if there are any of you still left reading this, I haven't updated it for a while after all) and you'll be hearing from me soon.

This month's monstronsity

2009-08-06T18:15:00.000-07:00

Strolling around the sale in Topshop imagine my shock and absolute horror to witness these monstrous shoes priced at £50 - down from £95. If you like these please keep your opinions to yourself - or I might just be sick on you!

£10 fashion finds

2009-07-21T10:24:00.000-07:00

Oops it's been more than a month since I last wrote on here...

But fear not dear Fashion Fix followers, I'm back.

I for one am sick of the credit crunch but I will never be sick of beating it so here's another website to add to your list!

Why not take a look at http://www.10orless.co.uk/. You won't be finding any designer nuggets of joy like in my last Luella post but you will find high street bargains from the likes of New Look, Miss Selfridge and Peacocks all under £10. I even found something from Tatty Devine and Calvin Klein (a pair of socks before you get excited).
It's like a search engine, you click on the image and it takes you to the website, so no more searching through pages among pages of sale items you're not interested in - this does it all for you!
And before you turn your nose up thinking it's going to be the cheap tack no-one wants, think again. Ok some of it's horrible, I'll give you that, but hey if I wasn't so skint on lowly reporter's wages (yes I know feel sorry for me) I'd be buying some of it myself. Especially if I could afford to go on holiday as there's cheap bikinis on there.
It also has beauty products (cue cheap French Connection products if there's anyone's birthday coming up).
Take a look, definitely worth a try.

Where've you been all my life?!

2009-06-04T13:12:00.000-07:00

Reading through Elle this month (go out and buy it by the way there's a gorgeous Urban Outfitters bag - I got the stripy one) I turned to the workwear bit as usual. A lot of the time the stuff on this page is totally inappropriate for my job (can't wear shorts no matter how smart to go and speak to an old couple or a parent who's just lost their child) but this month it was the Elle edits that stuck in my mind, with many little bits that could just make some of life's annoying little quirks go away forever.

Firstly, Miss Oops the Rescue Sponge, the dry sponge which removes make-up marks and food stains from your clothes - absolutely perfect for the original Miss Oops here!
Apparently you just wipe it on the mark and it disappears. You get two in the pack and they're reusable - and cost just £8.
Take a look for yourself at http://www.boutiquevive.com/

Image: http://www.boutiquevive.com/

Next we have another ingenious invention (and this one actually makes me want to seek out and kiss the inventor), the handbag liner by Tintamar.

This crafty little invention means you never have to worry about forgetting something when swapping your handbags (which I do a lot).
It's basically just a bag with different compartments that fits inside your bag. It comes in different styles and different colours to suit your bag. They're quite expensive though, costing £23 for the basic bag. But hey, if you're anywhere near as forgetful as me and could use this everyday it might just be the item you're looking for.

Find this at http://www.quirkybags.co.uk/

Image: http://www.quirkybags.co.uk/

Right I think that's enough of me selling things without making any money for it for one day. Now I need something to complain about again..

If I was rich....

2009-06-02T13:05:00.001-07:00

You know those when I win the lottery moments...

Here's mineTake one piece of lilac plain organza and one Luella Bartley and what do you have?

Costing (just) £595 this Gretel dress by Luella is exactly what I would buy if I won the lottery tomorrow. I would probably never wear it but who cares? It would look so pretty in my wardrobe! Actually scratch that - I'd find reasons to wear it! Anyone fancy lending me £600?

Image: courtesy of www.luella.com

The legendary Y-Front goes female

2009-05-23T00:55:00.000-07:00

For the first time in its 75 year history, Jockey, the original maker of Y-Fronts, is updating the brief by introducing a new range for women!

Now I've fashioned the girl-boxers like the best of them and have even bought men's boxers for bed but Y-fronts? Really?

I have to say actually the picture here doesn't do it justice, having gone on the Jockey website to see what the rest of the women's collection looks like they don't actually look that bad (but I'd recommend the bikini style not the brief). Still don't think I'll be buying them though..

When catwalks go wrong

2009-05-22T02:37:00.000-07:00

Just been sent this and had to put it on. Ooo the shame..

Advice needed

2009-05-15T02:24:00.001-07:00

I'm about to take some important exams, which will decide whether I get quite a substantial pay rise, and have a number of things I'm looking at buying to treat myself if I pass.

They are:
1. Perfume
2. A new work outfit
3. These really pretty shoes at Faith, should be £52 currently on offer with 20% off at £48 (which by the way is on lots of shoes at the moment but conveniently doesn't say when it's on til)

So, ladies and gents, here's my question for you:

You know what they say about men with big feet...big shoes of course!

2009-04-22T10:45:00.000-07:00

Am I the only person who, while trying to be a serious journalist and watch the budget yesterday, couldn't help noticing the size of Alistair Darling's shoes?!
Just a little something to brighten up the mood seeing as the government's made sure I won't be able to afford designer clothes anytime soon.

But all is not lost...TK Maxx, in association with Look magazine, is offering a £250 shopping spree to celebrate its new season of spring dresses.

To get the money though you've got to work for it - by telling TK Maxx why you deserve to be dressed up.

Entries so far include:

“Because I've been invited to the Cannes Film Festival and I have no classy evening dress to wear. I need your help so I can look amazing next to all the stars.”

“Being a new mum to my five month old daughter. I spend my days covered in everything. Wearing nice dresses is not an option most of the time. For my birthday my husband has got us a night away at a lovely hotel with dinner. A new dress would make the evening even more special. Especially since I can't fit into any of my old ones!”

Simply go to ww.tkmaxx.com and you'll find the competition on there. Good luck!

Chic-onomically friendly

2009-04-21T12:19:00.000-07:00

I promised you for an update and I hate to disappoint so here we are, the Outnet is here and I have to say I love it!

Net a porter has finally realised that not everyone is as loaded as Paris Hilton and has created a discount site. At first I was ever so slightly cynical (what can I say it's the journalist in me) but these really are discount prices.

Ok so some things are still stupidly expensive (you're not going to get much change for £200 on a lot of it) and yes some things are just truly hideous but I would recommend you save this to your favourites and pop back every now and again. I reckon it's going to be like TKMaxx - full of rubbish one minute and absolute crackers the next. You can also sign up for updates so you know when new stock comes in.

Have a look for yourself at http://www.theoutnet.com/

Can he fix it? You bet he can

2009-04-14T12:07:00.000-07:00

He's ba-aack.

I named my blog after him so it was pretty obvious I couldn't let the first episode in the new series of Gok's Fashion Fix let me pass me by without a post.

And this season has a new twist with the phrase "shop less, wear more". Women apprently only wear 30 per cent of their wardrobe so Gok's now challenging us all to limit our outfits to just 24 key pieces - yes ladies 24 (as opposed to 124)! This will certainly be an interesting series I'm sure.

Your capsule should consist of:

1 pair of well fitting jeans

6 tops

1 pair of trousers

1 skirt

2 jackets

1 coat or mac

2 versatile dresses

4 pairs of shoes

1 wide belt

1 pair of statement gloves

2 bags

2 scarves

NO WAY could I do that - how much washing would you have to do? And I find it difficult just to get rid of one item and I have two double wardrobes crammed with the stuff!
I do like the idea of slim-lining my wardrobe a bit though but maybe sticking to 50 items (although I don't even know if I could stick to 100). Let's have a go - if you manage it let me know :)

I'll just leave you with the awful quote of the evening? "It's so beautiful it's like an angel sneezed on it" - oh dear god someone pass me the sick bag (Not a Gok quote by the way, I don't think I'd be able to look at him the same way again)

2009-03-31T12:31:00.000-07:00

No I don't particularly like it either.

At a whopping £15,100, this Balmain one-shoulder cocktail dress, designed by Christophe Decarnin, has been chosen by handbag.com as the most recession-unfriendly item for 2009.

A dress for people with more money than sense, otherwise known as wannabe celebrities, who don't care about how trashy they look as long as it's designer.

Or maybe I'm just bitter because my reporter wage won't stretch that far...

handbag.com fashion director Belinda White said: “The Balmain dress epitomises self-indulgence and extravagance at a time when most people are worrying about their finances.

"It appears that despite the price-tag and the state of the economy, some people can still afford to stick two fingers up to the recession.”

Other contenders were:
- Chanel Matrioshka handbag - £4,200

- Chanel pale pink quilted handbag - £2,400

- Christopher Kane scalloped silk dress - £2,136

- Giambattista Valli for Moncler Gamme Rouge jacket - £2,000

- Meadham Kirchhoff denim jacket - £1,715

- Balmain jeans - £1,200

- YSL cage booties - £1,100

- Louis Vuitton Tribal sandals - £1,100

- Louis Vuitton Graffiti trainers - £700

The Stella affect

2009-03-02T17:27:00.000-08:00

Stella McCartney has announced she's creating a capsule collection for Net-a-porter.com
I won't be able to afford it but I'm sure it'll be pretty, see for yourself when it comes out late Spring.

Who needs couch potatoes when you can be a lazy oaf?

2009-02-28T02:34:00.000-08:00

Anyone who likes David and Golliath clothing will absolutely love Lazy Oaf.

It was started by Gemma Shiel back in 2001 with hand screen printed tee's and a market stall in East London and is now available in more than 150 stockists, including Sheffield, Leeds and Nottingham.
It does women's, men's, accessories and other random bits and bobs - great for a present and even better for treating yourself (like I did when I visited the Carnaby Street store last week when visiting my friend in London)
This is just an example of the range on offer - but you have to see the website for yourself http://www.lazyoaf.co.uk/

Image: Lazyoaf.co.uk

swish a woo

2009-02-25T09:19:00.001-08:00

For all of those of you not in the fashion know-how, swishing is the new craze sweeping the nation.
It's where you get together with friends or just a random group of women (although friends might be a better idea - as my editor pointed out some random person might have fleas!) and swap clothes. Of course, swapping with friends who have decent fashion sense is advisable!
These events are everywhere - there's even one in Ashby de la Zouch on Tuesday for all you locals out there. There's also one in Derby today but sadly this was too late for me to go through my three wardrobes in the hope of finding something I could part with :(
With Spring coming up, this could be the perfect way of making some much needed space (and a lot of the events are in aid of charities so you can help people at the same time)
To find an event near you, go to www.swishing.org or - even better - if you're holding one, let me know I'd love to hear about it

And the tack prize goes to....

2009-02-20T03:00:00.000-08:00

As if River Island couldn't have got any worse as far as my tack-o-meter, the designers go and throw this monstrosity into the mix - and a ridiculously overprized monstronsity at that.

This 'Union Jack Oversized Tote' from River Island's SS09 WW Hero collection will set you back £150.00 - don't all rush out at once, there might be a bit of a queue on!

Photo: River Island Clothing Company Ltd

Jean genius

2009-02-12T18:14:00.000-08:00

Designers like Diesel have been doing it for years but let's face it, if you want to pay less money and you're inbetween sizes you're pretty much screwed - until now. Asda has announced the news women with a lack of money and a normal sized waist have been waiting for: inbetween jean sizes.

Available in sizes 11, 13 and 15, the £12 jeans are now on sale. Grab them while you can (unless of course you're larger than a 15, in which case you're still screwed I'm afraid)

Photo: ASDA

Ugging ridiculous

2009-02-10T17:47:00.000-08:00

As if men weren't becoming feminine enough, the clever people at Ugg have decided to kill all things I like about men once and for all by making these!!! Now I'm biased anyway as I'm possibly the only woman alive who doesn't like Uggs - I just think they're wierd - but come on would men actually wear these?!

Valentines D.I.Y

2009-02-09T18:29:00.000-08:00

This is all you're getting for Valentines Day because without sounding like a miserable old woman I think it's a total waste of time.

But if you do happen to be giving a card, save some money and make one with the help of the templates available from Urban Outfitters.

Go to http://www.urbanoutfitters.co.uk/icat/home

sample this

2009-02-06T05:54:00.001-08:00

I'm probably really behind the times but I've recently discovered sample sales, where you can pick up designer gear for a fraction of the price.

For those of you around London this month you might want to try...

- 'The Ultimate Sample Sale' at the 20th Century Theatre, in Westbourne Grove, on Wednesday, February 18 from 9am-7pm, offering up to 85% off women‘s clothing by Velvet, Lotus London, Paul & Joe, Amanda Wakeley, Temperley London, and more.

- 'Designer Sales Uk' at The Boiler House, The Old Truman Brewery, in Brick Lane, on Thursday, February 26 (Preview Day) from noon to 10pm, Friday, February 27 from 11am-9pm, Saturday, February 28 from 11am-8pm and Sunday, March 1 from 10am-5pm, with a range of British designers including Jean-Paul Gaultier, Gianni Versace and Vivienne Westwood and upto 80% off Biba.

For those of us not lucky enough to have London on our doorstep, there's also an online sample sale at www.catwalktocloset.com/ - and if you sign up to the newsletter you get these sunglasses for £10 to get you ready for Spring :)
Also take a look at http://www.koodos.com/, which not only has some great designer stuff for as little as £25 but also has a link to a bargainista's guide to London fashion blog. Obviously not much use to people like me who aren't in London but something worth checking out before you go on a trip down to the big smoke.

Comic Relief tees

2009-02-01T12:43:00.000-08:00

Stella McCartney is the woman behind this year's Red Nose Day t-shirts and they're pretty cool.
Unfortunately there's only two designs to choose from - The Beatles and Morcambe and Wise. But there's also a kids' version which is really sweet.
They're £9.99 (and for some reason only "at least" £5 goes to Comic Relief) but they're for charity so take a look at http://www.rednoseday.com/ and find out how else you can help raise money.

Defying the crunch

2009-01-28T17:47:00.000-08:00

Anyone who read my 'damn the rich' post will be glad to hear all those I grew so insanely jealous of at the Clothes Show helped it get more people through the door than the year before.
187,000 visitors flocked to the deals - 2,000 more than 2007 - and sales are expected to be more than £20m despite the credit crunch (well it's alright for some).

Anyone visiting London at the end of May can see the first ever Clothes Show London, being held at the ExCel Conference and Exhibition Centre from May 29-31.

2009-01-26T17:42:00.000-08:00

Fantastic news for everyone who like me craves designer gear but can barely even afford Primark (which by the way I am now avoiding - or trying to - in an attempt to have better morals, mmm we'll see how long it lasts folks will keep you posted)

Net-a-Porter is launching a new discount website called theOutnet.com in April.

Net-a-Porter founder Natalie Massenet said she will buy in cancelled orders of designer goods and offer them direct to us lot with discounts of up to 80%.

Natalie Massenet told The Sunday Times: "We are very excited about this. It's time to give the sale customer a place she can call her own."

Ok so I'm not entirely convinced it'll be cheap as chips, it's still designer after all but hey it's worth a look. Register your interest at www.theoutnet.com

Eau de burger?

2009-01-23T02:31:00.000-08:00

Ok so I said I wouldn't leave it so long again - no excuse really other than Christmas laziness but I'm back now ready to face the new year and (hopefully) packed with enough opinions to punch even the strongest kangaroo.

As much as I hate to go with tradition and follow the crowd, I can't let my first post of the year pass me by without talking about the recession.

I couldn't believe my eyes seeing all the posts on my Google reader. I guess it was obvious to most people but I would never have thought the likes of Chanel would be affected by the credit crunch, plastering sale signs on its windows for the first time and laying off staff. What is this world coming to?
Nevermind we must remain positive - and so my only New Year's Resolution is to try and cheer everyone up!

So get ready for lots of money saving posts and quirky fashion stories I pick up on my travels.

Not strictly fashion I know but the first has to be Burger King's new 'scent'...

Flame is a men's body spray that smells like “flame-broiled” meat! For God's sake have you ever heard anything so ridiculous? And you can actually buy this for $3.99!Who on Earth would buy this?
I'm not kidding this is real, don't believe me? Watch this:

Sexy or whorish?

2008-12-14T13:45:00.000-08:00

According to Elle, "as Christmas approaches it's all about over-the-knee boots".
Does Julia Roberts in Pretty Women immediately spring to mind for anyone else or is it just me?

Maybe it's because I'm short (I'm on 5'2) but I just don't see the attraction in these. But if you do, Elle suggests teaming with leggings and leather biker jacket for an edgy, dressed-down look, or with a belted tunic.

For some ideas, go to http://www.elleuk.com/shopping/elle-edits/%28section%29/knee-high-boots-a-w-2008

Damn the rich!

2008-12-11T12:24:00.000-08:00

I went, I saw and I conquered (but not as much as I wanted to)

Imagine a room the size of a concert venue and fill it with thousands of women and screaming teenagers. What have you got? The Clothes Show of course!
A day's worth of fashion shows and bargain shopping cheap enough for anyone (even me) to be able to afford and for a minute I was officially in heaven. But unfortunately journalist's wages aren't as glamorous as everyone seems to imagine and so I was stuck with one t-shirt :(
Cue me scowling at every rich woman with six or seven huge bags of bargains - and secretly wishing I was them. Nevermind, I thought, I'm here for the experience.
And an experience it definitely was. Great for Hollyoaks and Shipwrecked fans with semi-naked men aplenty. But on a more serious note the clothes were absolutely fantastic.
The fashion theatre saw six or seven different scenes, each with a different theme, from beachwear to English classic and of course Christmas ball. The choreography meant everyone was kept well entertained - but it was quite hard to concentrate on the clothes with all the dancing going off.
The designer catwalk in the main room gave me more of the fashion fix I craved, showing six designers straight from London Fashion Week. Ever since chavs came in and totally crashed the whole Burberry scene Daniella Westbrook style I've been far from a fan but I liked pretty much everything in the Autumn/Winter collection (unfortunately). There was plenty of futuristic randomness that you would expect from high-end designers but by far my favourite - for the sheer fun factor - was Jean Charles De Castlebajac. He's a hard designer to explain but I smiled all the way through, especially with his Barack Obama I have a Dream dress. I think the best way of explaining is to show you so visit http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/daily/081029-castelbajac-on-backing-obama.aspx
The Maybelline stage gave everyone a chance to see the young designers of the future and the latest collection from New Look - which was unbelievably disappointing.

By 6pm I'd officially shopped til I dropped and my body was screaming at me to leave.
Overall verdict? Not enough freebies (in fact none spring to mind other than a voucher book with online discounts and the odd ones snapped up by the screaming kids at the various stages) but still a great day out. Bring on next year (although I'd better start saving now)

Clothes Show update

2008-11-25T20:00:00.000-08:00

Right I've seen the Coca Cola advert which, according to my colleague Shelley, makes it officially almost Christmas. There may be a credit crunch going on but there should always be room in the kitty for presents, no matter how small, there's no excuse for being a Scrooge.

One easy present would be tickets to this year's Clothes Show Live at Birmingham's NEC from December5-10. Tickets cost £24 for a standard ticket, which includes entry into The Style Show presented by Handbag.com and a seat in the Fashion Theatre, and £36 for a platinum ticket where you get VIP treatment with fast track entry and great seats in the Fashion Theatre, a goody bag and showguide.
To book you tickets call: 0844 579 3177 or buy them online at http://www.ticketswitch.com/tickets/web_finder.buy/clothesshowlive

But if your pennies really won't stretch that far, handbag.com has a competition running every Monday until December 5- so get entering!

Another idea would be a magazine subscription, and they're all offering Christmas deals to help you out. One tip though, hang on as long as possible as they get better the later you leave it. It is money well spent just for the warm fuzzy feeling when you see it waiting on your doorstep each month (and Elle do limited edition covers for subscribers).

Highcross Leicester

2008-11-20T13:29:00.001-08:00

A thousand apologies for not writing on here in over a month, it won't happen again.

It may have taken me a while but I finally visited it - and I liked what I saw!

Having attended the Derby Westfield opening back in October last year (the first in the country to be owned by the same company) I had high expectations. I'd never been to Leicester before so that was an experience in itself - it took a little while to find but then again my sense of direction has never been a strong point!

Inside I suddenly heard my former editor screaming in my ears - "it looks the same as every other bloody shopping centre, you could anywhere!" Yes you could be anywhere - and it is exactly the same as every other shopping centre - but it's definitely worth a look, especially with Christmas coming and sale days already beginning courtesy of the credit crunch (oh and the new House of Fraser outlet store offering up to 50% off which opens this Saturday).
Leicester's worth checking out too while you're there. Make a day of it.

Next up the new Westfield centre in London...

A very disappointing week

2008-10-16T12:15:00.000-07:00

This week has been one massive disappointment for me. Maybe I set my standards too high but what was supposed to be a fantastic shopping experience in London was so sad..

Contrary to popular belief I can admit when I'm wrong, and after all the hype generated by the fashion magazines about Patricia Field's collection for M&S I was really hoping I was this time, but alas it was not to be.
I have just one word - no make that two - for this collection. Truly awful.
This collection could have been gorgeous. Think Sarah Jessica Parker, Anne Hathaway and the good bits of Ugly Betty all rolled into one. And then mix that with the things that make M&S go wrong.
There were bits about almost all the pieces in the collection that could have been really nice but then each time it would be ruined by something trying to hard to make it look good, a common M&S mistake I thought it'd got over. Take the pink dress with frills - could have been fantastic but then there's just something about it that makes it horrible. Maybe it's the length, maybe it's the straps, I'm not sure. But I think you'd have to be a model to make it look good and let's face it if you're a model you can make most things look good.

So I've walked away from M&S and have turned to Primark in despair, looking for a friend that won't let me down (ok so I don't think of Primark as a friend I do have actual friends but you get the picture). I look to buy a t-shirt and suddenly the size I want, a size 12, seems miniscule. I had to buy a size 18 for it to fit like I wanted.
Don't get me wrong there's nothing wrong with a size 18 but what if I had been an 18? That's the biggest size there was, I would have had to walk out of the shop feeling bad about myself. How's that for service? And it's not just Primark, so many shops do this now it's ridiculous.

At what point did it become ok for this to happen and of all places at Primark?! It's about time shops started catering for real sized women - or at least made the right size clothes, a size 12 should be a size 12 as should be a 4, 6, 8, 10, 14, 16, 18 and bigger. Yes I know you can harp on about it til you're blue in the face, it'll never change. But it's annoying. Very annoying.

Rant over...

clothes show

2008-10-16T03:06:00.000-07:00

The Clothes Show Live and The Style Show in association with handbag.com website has now been updated, getting the ball rolling for this year's event, which promises to be better than ever.

Whatever your fancy - whether it be high street, boutique, vintage, designer, accessories, beauty, some relaxation or even a bit of everything - it should all be there, packed into Birmingham's NEC from October 5-10.

Tickets are now on sale from the box office on 0844 579 3178. Each one includes a seat in the catwalk show.

Have a look on the site now at www.clothesshowlive.com

Loughborough Uni: Best Dressed?

2008-10-15T11:39:00.000-07:00

Right the challenge is on!
New Look is looking for the best dressed students and I think Loughborough need to rise to the bait. The winners not only get the joy of being crowned the winners but a free gig on their campus from pop group Alphabeat.

Scouts will be scouring universities, taking pictures and uploading them on the facebook site as well as holding exclusive Best Dressed launch parties at your local store offering you 25% discount, free booze, guest DJs, New Look stylist & goodie bags for everyone - as long as you have your student card (damn them!)

So girls and boys get ready to look your best, I'll see if I can find out when they're coming to our town.

In the meantime, go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/New-Look-Best-Dressed-University-2008/

Shop of the month: M&S

2008-10-14T19:50:00.000-07:00

Never again are you to view M&S as the place confined to your gran.

It's gone sexy. No I'm not talking about the lady from the adverts, it's joined up with Sex and The City, Ugly Betty and The Devil Wears Prada designer and stylist, Patricia Fields, to offer us a chance to get some New York chic into our lives.

And with the launch being midnight tonight, it seemed only right that I use it to kick off the first shop/designer of the month feature.

Patricia said she chose the brand for her one-off ‘Destination Style New York’ line because it understood women of all ages. She wants to bring New York's hottest styles to every woman's wardrobe with her 35-piece collection.

Now I have to say right from the off that from what I've seen so far (and it's not very much as it's been kept pretty well under wraps) it's not exactly my thing. But I think some of it's going to be really nice so if you're looking for something special for a night out, it might be worth a try and well it's worth a look anyway - well you've got to really, even if it's just out of curiosity.

For all of you living in and around Loughborough, you'll have to travel to Leicester and Nottingham to see part of the range and Birmingham if you want to see the whole lot. Otherwise have a look online at http://www.marksandspencer.com/

M&S's green credentials aren't too bad either, helping to raise an extra £1 million for Oxfam since it started working with the charity in January.

In case you're out of the loop, the M&S and Oxfam Clothes Exchange offers you the chance to take your old unwanted M&S clothes to your local Oxfam shop in return for a £5 voucher to spend in M&S, redeemable against a £35 spend on clothing, home or beauty products.

So what are you waiting for? This is the perfect excuse to clear out your wardrobe, help charity and get yourself some new clothes for autumn.

Stocking filler ideas

2008-10-10T10:14:00.000-07:00

Yes I know I don't like the fact people are talking about Christmas already either but I'm writing this post anyway. You never know, if you're wondering what to get someone it might even help.

Colleen Rooney is not at the top of my list for people I would feature on here but she's written - well her name's on the book anyway - a style book so I couldn't not feature it really. Now this isn't a review because I haven't read it all but from what I have read it's actually pretty good - as long as you can get past the idea of learning all about the daily routines of a wag .

It's got some good advice, including make-up tips, shopping tips and just general fashion tips, and it's littered with lots of pretty clothes to look at. There is a lot of "I do this" to the extent where I started thinking so what! but I guess you expect that really.

But for anyone who, like me, can't bring herself to buy anything with a wag's face on the front, Gok Wan also has his own book (actually he's got a couple) which might be worth a look. It's by the same publisher and actually looks pretty much the same inside but costs 50p more so I'll leave that one up to you.

Colleen's Real Style is available on Amazon for £8.99. Gok Wan: How to Dress is available for £9.49.

The Clothes Show Live 2008

2008-10-06T13:07:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again. The Clothes Show Live is returning to Birmingham's NEC from December 5- December 10. And with it celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, it looks set to be better than ever.

I'll keep this post short and sweet but I'll be putting regular updates on here every time I learn something new.
In the meantime, keep yourself up to date at http://www.clotheshowlive.com/

Freshers - welcome to Loughborough

2008-10-01T13:52:00.000-07:00

I couldn't let Fresher's Week go by without doing something specifically designed for you.

Ok, so you've got your loan through (maybe even grants) and suddenly you've got thousands in your bank account right? Wrong! Tempting as it may seem to have a splash out in Topshop and Miss Selfridge making full use of your student discount or even Primark, stop and think. Believe me I'm talking from experience (I still have clothes I bought in first year of uni I've probably worn twice). You get that money for a reason and technically it's not yours, yes go shopping but watch you don't get too excited with your new found fortune.

Now you don't need me patronising you, just watch the pennies or you'll see yourself totally skint by the end of the term with no money left for drink, clothes or even food! And ok so if you're from a big city Loughborough doesn't exactly offer the height of fashion but it's there if you look.

Meanwhile I want to hear from you, in the hope of maybe doing a fashion tip of the month for those on a budget.

It' s open to everyone. Whether you're out shopping and spot a bargain you think we should know about or think of a new way to reuse something old, I want to know. Contact me on amy_watkins@mrn.co.uk

London Fashion Week

2008-09-21T13:27:00.000-07:00

Ok so it's hard enough accepting that it's almost winter, never mind trying to take in the key trends for Spring/Summer 09 but I can't let London Fashion Week pass me by without doing something on it.

My cynical eye goes berserk watching fashion shows. Firstly because of all the emaciated models - I find myself having to stop myself from screaming EAT SOMETHING - and secondly because most normal people wouldn't be seen dead in half of the things you see on the catwalk (and well let's face it we couldn't fit into it either). Nevertheless, these arguments are old and boring now and well fashion shows are still really exciting no matter how skinny the models are.
I'm not going to go through each designer one by one, quite frankly because I don't have the time, but here are some of the things that caught my eye.

Whether you like bright colours and outlandish patterns or something more subdued and sophisticated, London Fashion week, in association with French Connection, had something for pretty much everyone.

Firstly, tights. Eley Kishimoto had matching tights down to a tee, with each pair carefully orchestrated to match the outfits. There were even dresses in this collection I could actually see myself wearing - as opposed to some of those by Christopher Kane were some of the models looked more like Christmas trees and House of Holland where some of the models just looked plain ridiculous!
Now I always thought Jaeger was a designer only fit for the likes of my mum - and even then she'd started turning her nose up at it. But with its new look, I have to say I'm jumping on the Jaeger London bandwagon. Some of next season's collection was beautiful and if I could afford it I'd even consider buying some of it. If you've got a wedding coming up, I'd certainly recommend having a look!

Something I was really looking forward to after last season's offering was Luella's collection. I have to say I was a bit disappointed as it wasn't quite as quirky as her last collection. Her ditsy prints are still here (as is the orange) and there are more of her signature dresses as worn by Alexa Chung. But although there's still the fun come to be expected from her, this season's collection saw a more grown up Luella girl, with an abundance of pearls and tailoring.

Definitely a must-read

2008-09-19T12:54:00.000-07:00

Thought I had to put this up.

Got a press release through from The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), which has produced a unique fashion workout designed to help people get the most out of this season's must have trends.

Firstly all you ladies (maybe even men - see last post) who have been wearing the sky-high stilettos in the shops recently, think again. Regular heel wearers can apparently shorten their calf muscles and throw their whole body out of alignment (argh) and bad shoes can cause bunions, blisters, pain in your ankles, knees and legs. The answer? Wearing different types of shoes of course with preferably with wider, chunkier heels, but if you insist on the razor sharp type...

"In your bare feet you can exercise your calf muscles and take them through their full range of movement. Standing safely on the edge a bottom step, drop your heels as far as they can comfortably go so that you are feeling a stretch in your calf muscles. Hold for 10 seconds then roll on to your tiptoes. Repeat this five times."

Next up is underwear.

How many of you are wearing the wrong size? Probably more than 70% of you! Wearing the wrong bra size not only looks bad but also puts you at risk of neck and shoulder pain, pinched nerve in the neck and sagging boobs - great excuse to go bra shopping eh?

As for using support pants as an alternative to exercise, that just doesn't wash with this lot. They say the key tp getting a smooth and firm bum is exercise - try these:

go for a brisk walk, taking big strides to work your buttock muscles;

standing on your left leg, holding your tummy in, lift your right leg straight back 10 times, without resting. Swap legs. Do the same, lifting your right leg straight out to the side. Swap legs ·

Standing tall, squeeze your buttock muscles as hard as possible, hold for 10 seconds and do this 10 times.

Bags are my biggest problem - and not just mine apparently with bag-related injuries on the increase (symptoms can range from headaches, postural problems, and neck and shoulder pain). A safe weight limit for handbags is to carry no more than a couple of pounds and backpack users shouldn't carry more than 10 per cent of their body weight.

Opt for a wider strap to spread the load and switch sides regularly and use your hands and shoulders. Wrap-around backpacks are good in that they keep the weight of a bag close to your body reducing the risk of injury.

The last tips are about belts as they're apparently great for improving your breathing. Here are some of the physio's tips:

Breathing in through your nose, bring the air into your tummy and let it push against your belt. Hold for five seconds and release. Do this three times every hour. This will promote deeper breathing, help you take on more oxygen and facilitates the elimination of carbon dioxide

If you feel your midriff beginning to bulge above and below the belt, counter the sagging by standing or sitting tall, lengthening your spine and draw your belly button towards your spine without holding your breath.

So there we are, fashion and exercise all rolled into one! Think I deserve a rest now..

Metrosexuals gone mad!

2008-09-12T06:04:00.000-07:00

We've been getting all girly in the Echo newsroom this week.

Make-up has been the hot topic of conversation after I discovered Superdrug has started stocking a range specifically for men.

Products from TAXI London include the aptly named Manscara and Guy-liner, with a concealer and lip balm available sometime this month and are, according to the company "essentials that a guy would perhaps normally borrow from his other half."

Now call me old fashioned but I hardly class eyeliner as an essential for a man and have certainly never been out with anyone who's borrowed mine (or at least not that I know of)!

I thought I'd drawn the line at skinny emo boys stretching (and, no doubt, seriously injuring themselves) into 15-year-old girl's jeans but nevertheless, it's out there - although all you local boys wanting to rush out for your Manscara and Guyliner (both £6.50) will have to go to Leicester or Nottingham I'm afraid, Loughborough's just not metro-friendly enough just yet.

Apparently, the range of male grooming products stocked on Britain's shelves has doubled in the last three years, with the UK male grooming market now currently worth around £700m annually and predicted to rise to over £820m by 2009.
This I can believe, especially after a quick survey round the newsroom to see how much Echo men spend on grooming products, including the essentials like shampoo and shaving foam.

One member of the newsroom, ahem Colin, uses more products than his wife, spends more time in the bathroom than her and spends about £40 a month on products - more if he's getting his nails done!

Suddenly I'm having flashbacks (or should that be flashforwards) to me one day in the future sharing foundation with my nearest and dearest, with "Have you taken my eyeshadow again" arguments instead of "you look fine without it" ones. But then maybe I'm just being sexist - if it was the other way round I'd probably be the first to start shaking my bra in defiance!

I did actually find myself asking Colin for beauty tips - at least now I know where to go for hand cream.

And I have to admit, he's got pretty good skin so he's obviously doing something right. He says he got it from his dad who, now in his 80s, looks more like 60. As much as I hate to admit it, maybe more men should be moisturising? Come to think of it I'd better start...

I took to the streets of Loughborough to see how much the rest of the men in the town spent and what people think of men in make-up. See my article in this week's paper.

High Cross Leicester

2008-09-10T14:05:00.000-07:00

I'm sure I don't need to remind you all to watch out for the latest news on the Loughborough Echo website but just in case you've missed it, I thought I'd remind you of the articles written by my colleague Matt in the last couple of weeks. The good news is Highcross Leicester is now open, offering all you shoppaholics something else for your bank managers to worry about. The bad news is what it could to Loughborough. See Matt's articles at http://www.loughboroughecho.net/

Don't be shy, get in touch. I've not had chance to get to Highcross yet but I'm interested to hear what you all think of it (particularly compared to Loughborough and the surrounding areas). Let me know either by commenting on here or dropping me an email at amy_watkins@mrn.co.uk
I'd also like to know which towns/cities you like to shop in and which shops and designers you prefer.

Things to look out for

2008-09-04T12:33:00.000-07:00

I love French Connection's Autumn/Winter 08 collection.

Not the best label for a tight budget but for something extra special, it's definitely one to look at. I epecially love the coats, dresses and shoes - the things you can get away with splashing a bit more on.

Grey coat £160, black and white knit dress £75 (also in black), Grey knit dress £70 (also in black)

(image courtesy of French Connection)

For something a bit cheaper, Primark wins for me every time! These three are just some of my favourites.

Tartan tiered blue dress £14.00 (but should be warn with something underneath - it scratches!) worn with hooded PU jacket £15.00 in store now. Ladies trilby £3.00 and opaque tights £2.00. Scarf models own.

Two in one belted shirt dress £12.00

Platform town shoe £12.00 due in store end September (I have similar ones and they're surprisingly really comfy)

(Images courtesy of Primark)

Upcoming vintage events

2008-08-30T13:47:00.001-07:00

Trawling the pages of Facebook, I've found some events that might be of interest for all you fashionistas out there.

Firstly something a little bit different, the Awesome Autumn burlesque fashion show at the Victoria Quarter in Leeds in aid of the organisation Thyroid-Disease.Org.Uk on October 5. No ticket information yet but sounds pretty interesting. For more information go to http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=78014800200 or email info@burlesquefashionshow.co.uk.

Sticking with the vintage theme, The Affordable Vintage Fashion Fair is stopping off at Sheffield Hallam University's Student Union on Thursday, October 4 from 11am-4pm, followed by Leeds University's Student Union on Friday, October 5 and Liverpool's John Moores Union on Thursday, October 11. With tickets costing just £2, might be worth a look.

Welcome

2008-08-28T07:51:00.001-07:00

Welcome to what will soon be an all-singing, all-dancing brand new Loughborough Echo fashion blog.
I'm new to this so be patient with me but I'll do my best to gear it as best I can to all your fashion needs and point you in the right direction to what's out there. Feel free to email me with suggestions at amy_watkins@mrn.co.uk or simply post a comment on here.

Amy