It's been a year!

It has been over a year since I last posted. I thoroughly got into third year research once I finished second year. The past year has been a busy and hectic one for me; my degree alone was madness but I also started a part time job working in alterations last summer. For months I had 6 day weeks and the day off didn't really count because I focused on doing university work. I do love a busy lifestyle and after finishing my degree I have struggled with what I now want to do with my life.

After going through and cleaning up the majority of my documents I have realised how much I've accumulated over the years; from fashion shows, exhibitions and displays. It's a waste just being hidden on folder so I will try to share pictures of the beautiful and weird stuff I have.

2013 Finals

I have just completed my second year of university. This last semester has been so busy! The amount of work I've had to do compared to last year is so contrasting, I did not expect to have this much work. Along with my practical work I was also on placement so I've been super busy for the last 4 months!

For my final I had to submit two outfits - each with two garments with toiles as well as finals and all the illustrations, technicals and specification packs etc!

My First outfit was a Jersey top and a leather skirt. I love working with jersey, just overlocking all the sections together, its really fast and simple to do. Then the finishing isn't too hard either, cover stitching all the hems and binding the neck line. I wish I could have all the industrial equipment at home. I would make so much just for myself. I had a few issues with the skirt. I made the waist of the skirt very tight, I wanted it to be really fitted and as a result it did not go on to the mannequin. I slightly cheated and pinned the front and back on to the mannequin hence why it looks a bit funny!

My second outfit was a leather dress and a cape! For my university work we had to have a technology in our garments. I chose laser cutting and made embellishments using this process. The embellishments were octagon shapes. I wanted to incorporate them more into my garments, not just as embellishments so I attached them to the front and back sides of the dress so they hold the dress together. 

I stitched the embellishments together. I thought they looked really unique in my garments, I've never seen anything like this anywhere! 

The cape has the embellishments on the collar! 

I really enjoyed making this cape. I pleated the top and rolled hem stitched the edges. This was the most expensive material I bought, at £15 a meter - Silk Organza!

I learnt a lot this year and my technical ability had really grown. I can't wait to do personal work this summer and make clothes for myself! 

Alexander McQueen Mens AW13-14

This collection reminds me of the 1920's; the slick hair waved back and all the fitted tailored suits. I love the modern twist on a classic silhouette. The picture above shows four outfits from the collection, all with pin stripes. However throughout the collection is patchwork detail. In the second outfit it is very subtle but the blazer and trousers are made using the process of patchwork, hard to notice because the material has been cut so well, the pin stripe is all in the same direction. The fourth outfit it far more obvious, however they haven't made the pin stripe in a random order; it is contrasting but works so well. 

The patchwork process runs throughout the collection. These suits have a variety of fabrics. The first outfit has similar colours, the second and third outfit is more contrasting. 

When I think of a 1920's suit, I always imagine them wearing a velvet blazer. I love how in the first, second and third outfit from the picture above contain velvet. The first outfit uses a variety of velvet, from red to maroon. The second and third outfit use it slightly, around the collar, I like how they have used it here, it hold the structure of the collar and borders the blazers well. They also contain patches of quilted material  here they have added another texture to the blazers. The fourth and final outfit from the collection contains patchwork with gold print. 

The only splash of colour throughout this collection is red! 

You have to admire the detail and quality in these blazers. The patchwork isn't random. It has been well throughout and planned. Imagine having to make the pattern for these blazers!

Fit me make-up!

Maybelline Fit me! I have recently bought this make-up range. I love how they have the foundation, concealer and powder to match. I got my concealer a few shades lighter then the foundation and powder. 

I have used this make up a few times and I really like it so far. In cold weather my skin gets dry, if I use moisturisers and make-up primers foundation always looks cakey on my skin. However with this foundation it went on really nicely. It matched my skin tone perfectly. When I was buying the make-up and looking at all the different shades, the one I bought had a very different tone to the others. I have no clue why all of the others were in such a different tone but this one does fit my skin tone perfectly. 

I don't usually use concealer but I did like this one and the powder. I really liked the powder. I have read and watched YouTube reviews on this and a few people have said their skin goes oily after having it on for a few hours. I found it to be fine on my skin, however I have always used it with a primer on my skin first. It may be different if I don't use the primer. 

Overall I really like this range! 

Carolina Herrera - Pre AW13-14

Oh wow! The prints throughout this pre collection are amazing! Embroidery, print and vibrant colours! My first pre collection with NO leather! However I am seeing a lovely bright red, emerald green and navy blue.

The models in this photo shoot are also perfect for these dresses! I am so excited to see what Carolina Herrera has got in store for AW13-14

Photos are from Vogue

Things I got!

Knitting book and a started knitting set. I really want to know how to knit, I'm finding it a bit tricky for the moment. 

Lady Gaga's Fame Perfume and shower gel. The gel is also black, it looks more grey in the lid. They both smell amazing! 

Owl gloves. The owls have little pom poms for ears. 

 Pin cushion

Mug with cable knit cosy. It even has a little button so you can take it off. How cute is that!

Mustache chocolate lollipops

Little hand warmer with cover. I love how the hand warmer is shaped as a hot water bottle.

I love owls and heres another owl. It is warmer so you can microwave it and it warms up!

My Christmas Tree!

Winter Accessories!

My favourite winter accessories are a Hat and Umbrella! I love hats and I don't care if they don't suit me well. If it keeps my ears warm in the bone chilling cold early in the morning, I will be wearing it! I am also a huge fan of ear muffs but unfortunately they are usually a bit too big for my tiny head and miss the top of my ears - not an effective way of keeping me warm! I love this hat I'm wearing. The embellished bow is what attracted me. You can't go wrong with neutral colours. I wasn't going to buy the hat, I thought I only like the bow I could make it, it wont cost me anything but it was a pretty cheap hat, from Matalan at £5. 

Another accessory I love during the winter is an umbrella. I love polka dots and I saw this umbrella hanging from a mile away! My previous umbrella had just broken so I was on a look out for one. I am so picky when it comes to the price of umbrellas. I do go digging and occasional find ones for £2 that last me a couple years. I did spend £6 on this one from Matalan. It is one of the most expensive umbrellas I have purchased. However it is much larger then my previous one and it's made pretty well, I didn't seem flimsy at all, seems quite strong. 

I think umbrellas are such a good item to accessorise with. When its miserable and raining a nice umbrella is a great way to brighten up your day! I usually go for bright colours but this one is black and white, still pretty with the polka dots. Imagine how lovely everyone would look if they had bright patterned umbrellas!