"In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different".. Coco Chanel. I shall live and die by this quote. Be who you want to be, not who someone wants you to be, it honestly is the difference between being happy and not. I aim to blog about fashion and all that surrounds it.

Wednesday 18 December 2013

Lady In Red

As you'll know, it's final year craziness in my life at the moment. As part of a Competition unit we have had to undergo to build portfolio work and give us opportunities to meet industry standards. I have now successfully completed two Competition briefs with one still to go.  

My latest entry was for Harrods Star of tomorrow; Stylist.  With the deadline being Monday I feel like I can finally share with you my hard work. Im not going to lie, I stressed big time as I was so determined to do well and I did have a mini melt down and decided to reshoot, so I really do have to thank the patience of my model and makeup artist for sticking with me and letting me achieve what I did.

I adopted the theme of Lady in Red as it is rapidly becoming the new black and I kept seeing things online regarding the colour shift that inspired me. It's a striking colour and I think everyone can channel it one way or another. 


As the competition is directed at styling, I wanted to ensure the presentation of my final layout was also stylistically good. I decided to post it to the BFC offices at Somerset House rather than pinging it across in a email. With the dedicated support of my Mum she helped me get together all the pieces that I needed to make it the best I possibly could, whilst also stopping me from going completely insane and supplying a steady stream of tea.


So here it is. I hope you like it! Fingers crossed.. 







Styling, Photography & Layout Beth Dowdell
MUA Emma Dowdell
Model Chanel Shayler

Bx


Monday 9 December 2013

Clutch Craving

I am not lying when I say I have been wanting a statement portfolio clutch bag FOREVER.

And this isn't a jolly post of me going, And I finally have found the perfect one! No, this is me saying, I still need and want one in my life badly, and that I handed in my first final project at Uni today so I am deserving this little break of trawling the internet in hope I find the perfect answer.

I've found a few close contenders, but Nothing is hitting all my buttons, other than a few beautiful yet painfully price ones.






Black Asos Leather Clutch £45
Blue/White Maxi Clutch £97
Red Clutch, flat clasp fastening £19.99
Oversized envelope clutch, black £39
Asos Leather & Felt clutch, £45.00


Two-tone Leather Clutch, Victoria Beckham £425

Santa, If you see this, please work your magic. I've been so good this year. Promise. If anyone else has seen some beauties out there, link me up!!!!!


Bx

Wednesday 4 December 2013

We all got the Spark


Today, we handed in a Draft of our current project.. I have to admit. I feel like I have just finished for Christmas.. I can dream. Still another week to go of Uni for 2013, and then next year, I graduate. Oh god, oh god.

I felt like mixing it up a little today, I couldn't wait to wear this stunning little skirt from Retail Therapy Fashion, click here to see some more of their stuff! Christmas is coming and I can feel that this little scalloped edge, sequin skirt will be making many appearances. I feel so Great Gatsby, even though I still need to watch it, it's very on trend... Believe me ;)


Blazer | Next
Necklace | H&M
Top | River Island
Skirt | c/o Retail Therapy Fashion 
Cuff | H&M
Bag | Red Herring
Shoes | Customised New Look


Im literally in love with a bit of glitz, and even more so during the day than I first thought I would be. Mix it up a little and sparkle with me!!  Next, I think it's gonna be a knitted combo with this baby, keep coming back!!  For a variation of sequin wonders, check out Retail Therapy Fashion for more on Facebook & Online  :)


Photography, Hannah Byrne 


Bx

Monday 2 December 2013

Everyone needs some Retail Therapy...

So, this is a rather special post. After 150 religious posts here at Fashion Against Nudism, I have been asked to blog for Retail Therapy Fashion. I feel very lucky to be doing this as they're a local shop to me, and many-a-time sneaked something new home. 

In my previous post you would have seen my white tartan dress which is also one of their little numbers and now, we have a new shift dress. This isn't the normal cut of a dress that I would go for, usually I'm all about the figure hugging stuff, but I'm actually loving having something a little looser. 

 



I love the three quarter length sleeve's, in this weather it is not about having too much flesh on show and fa-reezzinnggg every time you step outside! So the extra arm length is fab, today I doubled up with a long sleeve top, sexy, I know. But so necessary. (It's all about the detail zip!)

Today was just a little casual look, but I'm sure you'll see this number featured again for a more sassed up evening approach! Thank you Retail Therapy Fashion for letting me blog some of your lovely stuff and you should ALL go to their facebook page or website to see the new thing's that have just landed in store!


Dress | c/o Retail Therapy Fashion
Coat | Primark
Boots | River Island
Necklace | Topshop
Bag | Red Herring 


Photography, Hannah Byrne.


All for now, back to the grind of InDesign, Photoshop and the world of dissertation writing. Go get ya'selves some Retail Therapy!!! 

Bx


Monday 25 November 2013

Modfusion

It's a random day, a bit like my life. All a bit of a jumble and making it work where possible, that's how I see this outfit today. Don't be fooled by these bright blue, beautiful skies that we're being treated too at the moment. There blimin' bitterly cold.  

I had enough of getting pee'd on every time I left the cottage for Uni with a hoodless coat so I decided, it was 100% necessary to buy a parka. There really wasn't another option, I promise you, my umbrella literally snapped and now jingles its metal arms with every step I take. 


I digress. Primark was my saviour. for £28 I got all this length, faux fur and a bit of a sheep-type lining. I cannot tell you how cosy it is. Honestly, I was shocked for a Primarni fix. But thanks guys! 

Parka Primark    Dress Retail Therapy    Necklace Topshop    Boots Fiorentini Baker    Bag Pull&Bear





Photo's by Hannah Byrne

Power to the Parka


Bx

Sunday 24 November 2013

Hey now, Rockstar (allstar) yeahh.

I've been slacking, I'm sorry. I really am.  Life is just one big jumble at the minute and I'm afraid that the blog has taken a backseat. I tend to find this my happy place and I am slowly coming back. 

This post was shot last week and I just haven't got around to uploading it. But I've been wanting a new pair of converse for ages, and these little lovelies are what my parents brought me back from DC back in October. They haven't had much wear as the weather's been a little crabby but, on this day. Hello, Sunshineee. It was time they made an appearance! 


I apologise for laid back, iffy look but, hey. I was in a casual mode. 

Sunglasses Ray Ban    Jacket Next    Jeans H&M    Shoes Converse Allstars 


Photography by Hannah Byrne


Back soon, and I couldn't resist.. Im a rockstar, allstar, hey!

Bx

Sunday 17 November 2013

KK

I have wanted some of these in my life since the programme was aired last year and when I went to buy some they had sold out, and since then to be honest I had totally forgot about them!

Until yesterday that is.  I was in my local high street and went in one of the shops I rarely go in and right there in front of me, a whole section of Portas' Kinky Knickers.  I couldn't walk away, obviously. It was a sign. I will admit, they was a little expensive but I'm not sure if that was the stores mark up price, but who cares. 

Made in Britain all the way!! 



Of you don't already have some, you really should help support the UK textile industry! Get that made in Britain label on your bum! 

Bx




Wednesday 13 November 2013

Close encounters of the furry kind


I opted for a change of location when doing a quick outfit post yesterday. I love our front garden of the beach but there comes a time where sea and stones start to take their toll. So instead, I ended up with concrete and squirrels. 




I bought this Kimono back in September before I did my week with River Island interning, although I don't think its actually made it onto the blog yet.. Life's still crazy and I don't think it's going to change much during this final year but I feel as if I'm starting to take it in my stride more (I have now officially jinxed myself), I've come to a conclusion though. And the show must go on.

I wanted a little kimono so long before finally committing and paying the price I did for this one. Im so glad that I waited as the beading detail and velour leopard pattern are stunning. However, Im not gonna lie, the tassels are a nightmare and have had many moments with a bead avalanche.   



I'm not a black lover and I'm seeing far too much in my wardrobe for my liking, but I think it's suiting my mood for now. I shall not give in entirely and I WILL get away from it. Long live Summer! Viva Colour!!!!

    

Kimono River Island   Top H&M   Leggings M&S    Boots River Island    Bag   Red Herring






Meet the local resident, I was genuinely afraid. He had this look in his eye as he scampered closer of 'I am going to lunge so hard at you!!' Proper cutie though!


Bx

Sunday 10 November 2013

Tartan Herring

It's getting chilly down here and I'm feeling like I'm getting some Scottish roots forming that I don't actually have.. I treated myself to another new bag thats too cute for me to even begin to describe. My second rucksack of the year and I'm still loving it, I got this one in Debenhams, Red Herring! What with that and my faux fur body, Ay, I'm well on my way.

 
 Earrings [H&M]   Bag [Red Herring]   Faux Fur Body [New Look]   Top [H&M]   Jeans [M&S]   Boots [River Island]









We only narrowly missed a tremendous down pour on this day. Winter is so inappropriate with its unplanned monsoon's and wearing Red suede boots is really not a good idea, but, all in the name of fashion, we shall not be beaten! 




Photography by Hannah Byrne



Keep warm, 6 weeks 'til Christmassss!!

Bx

Friday 8 November 2013

Blow Me.

Wow-ah. To say it's been a little windy recently really does not sum up the weather down here on the South Coast. There has been several mornings recently where I've walked out the front door and nearly ended up at the other end of the street in a matter of seconds.

After a rather stressful morning in Uni and getting another new brief, we decided to come home and blow the cobwebs out with doing a outfit post as it's been a little while.


Well. My GOD! First of all having a tight pencil skirt on in this weather was not a good move, and second of all, thinking 'oh yeah, lets get the waves crashing in the background, that'll be pretty.' No. It was not pretty nor practical. However, it was absolutely hilarious.

So here's my latest salt splashed outfit of the day!  We have now officially decided, this is. Keeping up with The Cottage  #keepingupwiththecottage







Hat [H&M]    Top [Reason]    Skirt [Topshop]     Boots [River Island]    Bag [Red Herring] 


Photo's by Hannah Byrne
Editing by Myself

Wednesday 6 November 2013

Remember, Remember

I cannot believe how fast this year is going and how rapidly things are changing. It's already November and Fireworks have been booming left right and centre.

As a little treat and a much needed pick-me-up, me and the roomie, Hannah, trotted down to our front garden (aka the beach) with blanket, hot chocolates and popcorn for our little (but very public and free) firework display at the end of the pier. We set ourselves up down on the stoney shoreline and got cosy for the 13 minute display which I somehow took 258 PHOTOS!

Don't ask how. I had my new lens on and was pretty much like a kiddy in a sweet shop.









Hope everyone had a fun and safe firework night, it's my first without Fray for a good few years. It's certainly a lot colder without my man wolf.


Bx

Thursday 31 October 2013

Happy Halloween!

I am disgusted in myself with my sudden neglecting of the blogger-sphere.

However, please forgive me, what with my minor University breakdowns and visiting Frazer in France life has got all a bit too spooky for my own liking. In true Halloween spirit (or not for me this year), it's all about getting your spook on and I wanted to share with a little gruesomeness in warm up for tonight!


LET'S GET FREAKY!

  

Hair & Makeup by Emma Dowdell MUA


What's your plans?! Spooky cocktails, a chinese and some film's are in order for us whilst doggy sitting.


Bx


Tuesday 15 October 2013

Powder Puff Pink

Meet THE coat. Coat, welcome to the blog! I'm sure it won't be the only appearance it makes..

The sun was shining well one Monday and after another long testing day in Uni, I've started to discover the best way for me to unwind and relax is to pick up my camera and snap away. So once again, we trundled down to the pebbly beach and took it in turns to get our latest Outfit of the Day looks! Hannah snapped away once again, getting some lovely shots AND she's now constantly on Manual. 
Yay us for getting to grips with the technicalities of the SLR world. 



Coat Topshop        Necklace River Island        Jumper H&M        Skirt H&M        Boots River Island



I absolutely love Hannah's style of photography, she literally gets THE best close up's of little detail. Obviously, the fact that I have a new beautiful coat and my pretty Vivienne Westwood ring on certainly contributes, Sorry Han. 


- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 



I really dislike Winter and I will apologise now for the amount of time's I am going to complain about it until we next have a moment of warmth on this planet. 

But for now, let's bottle up them last few rays of sunshine and sleep with them in the bottom of our bed for extra warmth in our cold, rotting cottages at night! 
(No personal relation to my life there.....not one bit..)



Bx



Sunday 13 October 2013

Testing..

As we do, we make sure we swap and take it in turns to practice clicking away and mastering the lighting of a Studio set up. So, Here are Hannah's pictures of me from our studio session, obviously, along with some of my new purchases from the lock in last week in Brighton!  Which may I just add, made my dreams come true as I FINALLY got my 'Pin-ter-oat' (Pink Winter Coat), I have being crazy for one for literally a few months since I saw a spread in Stylist...


Take a look at Hannah's blog to see a different side of the story, she's alright ya know... probably should follow her you know..





Hat H&M.       Coat Topshop.       Top H&M       Leggings Miss Selfridge       Shoes Valentino, Red
Ring Vivienne Westwood











Coat H&M       Shoes Christian Louboutin

I love my shoes. Like, REALLY Love



Bx