Returning to my second home...

Hello all,

For those who have been around these parts since the beginning, you will remember my first ever post, which I wrote after going to the V&A and seeing the fashion collection which was so inspiring to me that I decided to write. That was back in 2010.

Now five years later I am a member of the V&A and today I went there after work for an explore of a place I consider my second home. I can't really explain why I love it so much, it is just a place of wonderment - like an old curiosity shop for those of us who love the arts. For example, today I stood in front of a Raphael and couldn't quite catch my breath at the beauty of it. And the same goes for the tiny diamond broach made to look like a basket of flowers in the jewellery room that is one of my favourite places in the whole museum.

And it is a special place. Earlier in the month I was also lucky enough to see Savage Beauty, on the last day of the exhibition and I was so happy to see the best curated selection of work from a man that inspires me so much and that fashion sorely misses. I will write about it in more detail soon, as I still can't believe that I got to see Lee's final collection with my own eyes. I really hope that it comes back to the UK sometime in the future and I can take my children, and they will learn why talent that shines that brightly, should be cherished and immortalised forever.

So if you visit London, go to the V&A, the bookshop is awesome, you can have cake in the gardens surrounded by one of the most stunning buildings in the city and you'll see things that take some believing.

And if I ever need some inspiration, I know I will find it in that palace of joy, and that really is why going back there is like going home...

Love,

Amber x

Fashion Update!!

Hey guys,

So lots of things have been going on in the fashion world it is so hard to keep up! But I have picked my top 5 from all the stories:

First off things have been going down at Burberry, hot things. New couple on the block Sienna Miller and Tom Sturridge are the brands face for Autumn/Winter 2013 and the shoot was amazing. And super steamy! The photographer was definitely third wheeled as the loved up pair did their thing.

Secondly, it seems that all good things appear from Dior at the moment. I finally got myself a new mascara from the Diorshow range as it is simply the best! (queue the cheesy music) While also I found that they have re-branded my favourite perfume Miss Dior Cherie into simply Miss Dior and I was scared that I wouldn't like the new scent however I am pleased to inform the blogosphere that I loved it just as much as the old one! (It is not that much different tbh, slightly fresher but still fab!) 

Thirdly, my new fashion love: my legs! After loosing a bit of weight in the new year I realised just how fab my legs are and subsequently have gone a bit, no a lot summery. Today's purchases are two pairs of shorts and a fab skirt sure to feature in some outfits soon, ahh I love the sun! 

Fourthly, sing along now "And it was all yellow!" As with summer comes a colour of the season and this time round it seems that yellow is it. I own three yellow dresses from my not so long ago dress buying addiction and I guess I now have the weather to wear them! Again yay for summer! 

Finally, the men behind the label Dolce and Gabbana were sentenced to time in prison in Italy last month for tax evasion! I was shocked to say the least! This story is one of a string recently, where companies or individuals seek to avoid paying tax. Now I know nobody likes to pay it and it seems to not be the easiest thing to do despite living in a modern age, but in times of global recessions etc. I think that evading tax is shady behaviour and I hope that now it's a public interested issue, less of it will happen in the future.

So that's today's fashion update, it took a long time to come as I have just been made a captain of my college and the responsibilities piled up quickly as I had to help plan end of year social events, sorry guys, will be back on form asap as college finishes this week! 

Hope you're all enjoying the weather!

Luv,

LDN Teenage Fashionista xx♥

She's still Jenny from the Block...

Hey guys,

There are still more Fashion in Film posts to come but for a moment I would love to make a special post to an idol of mine: Jennifer Lopez.

Two days ago J-Lo was honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and her speech was so inspirational but she has always been an inspiration to me and maybe the best inspiration for the modern woman in general. To come from the Bronx in NYC to global domination and to still keep her feet on the ground, for me there is no better role model for women. I love that she doesn't just do one thing, she's not just a singer, she's an all consuming tidal wave of talent and kindness. I've never met her, if I ever do I will probably love her more if that's even possible.

I wanted to also give you some of her famous quotes so I guess its a bit of a J-Lo love fest. Did I forget to mention she is beautiful! Oh yeah and she works for humanitarian causes and is a business woman and has two of the cutest children ever. I have to stop typing or I never will so here I present the 2,500th Star on the Walk of Fame but I think the brightest star of them all. JLo.

"Doubt is a killer. You just have to know who you are and what you stand for."

"You can't plan life. There's bad things and its tough. Its hard every day and then something beautiful happens. Then its tough again and you are struggling and then there's a miracle, and that's really what life is. Its not just perfect all the time, but we have those amazing moments that make everything worth it."

Well it is safe to say I identify a lot with her and she is amazing.

Congrats Jenny on your star and thank you for being an icon,

Luv,

LDN Teenage Fashionista xx♥ 

Fashion in Film - Clueless...

Hey guys,

So this post comes with helping hand of retro, although this time it's the 90's that influenced my film of today - Clueless. 

Clueless, released in 1995, tracks the life of Cher and her friends. One of them being Tai, played by the late Brittany Murphy, who is the new girl looking to Cher to guide her through Beverly Hills life. The film itself is a romantic comedy based upon Emma by Jane Austen but the clothes worn by all the characters are something of legend.

Cher in the film has a wardrobe which is computer generated so she can see what her clothes will look like on herself and then select them that way, which I think is pretty genius and if my wardrobe gets any bigger is something I want. 

The matching plaid suits are particularly iconic, the shocking yellow one is quiet a piece of costume genius! Also, the tight, bodycon red dress with a Cher touch of a white feather boa is something that these days would seem avant garde but for her was perfect, centre of attention is Cher's way. 

According to GLAMOUR magazine this Clueless look is back in fashion, I'm not sure I'm bold enough to try but I can't wait to see it. I also discovered that the brand WILDFOX has created a Clueless them collection which you can see if you click here, it is cool how similar and in the style of the movie the clothes are and the outfits look super cute.

Hope you are ok, college is making me very tired at the moment!!

Luv,

LDN Teenage Fashionista xx♥

You did go to the ball but what did you wear Cinderella?

Hey guys,

So this week was the ever famous Met Ball which this year wanted those lucky enough to be given invites to dress "Punk" in an ode to the new exhibition - well this week provided me with the time to reflect on who wore what and my conclusions I will write down now.

I feel I should start with my idea of punk and the image I get takes the form of my mum when she was younger. Now I have been informed that fish nets and hair dye were the order of the time and that was punk being tame! 

So how did the social elite dress for it? Well it was more ball less punk, which I don't think is very sporting as its like going to a fancy dress party not in fancy dress! 

I like top 5's but I have to include in one section two women so I guess it is a top 6 in reality:

• Julianna Hough looked amazing in a custom Topshop dress and her hair was also bang on punk, I love the ripped bottom to the dress and her edgy heels just make the look! 

• Next to be bestowed my praise is model of the moment: Cara Delevingne. This lady is fierce and wow, look at her dress. Unlike Sienna Miller who put a studded jacket over a dress, Cara went for it in Burberry and she for me just looks naturally rebellious! 

• Sarah Jessica Parker, step right up! This was one of the most extravagant outfits of the night, a headpiece from Philip Treacy, the widest Giles Deacon dress and thigh high Louboutins! All the pieces by themselves channel punk, the headpiece was shaped like a mohican and the boots were the shiniest tartan. The wardrobe malfunction made it all the more punk! 

• So when I was talking to my mum she said that when she used to go clubbing there was always a girl dressed as a bride and I think Rooney Mara got the message! Not only did she wear a white floor length Givenchy gown but she managed to make it cool not creepy. I think she got the ball and the punk elements perfect! 

• So finally are two women who did things right but the whole look was very wrong: Madonna and Nicole Richie. Both looked strange and kinda scary! However there were some elements of their outfits that were spot on, I mean I loved Nicole's hair and Madonna had elements of genius in the fish nets, the tartan and the pink shoes but she just didn't look good as an outfit. I'm sorry ladies, sack your stylists!!

So this was really late I'm sorry but my exams will soon be over!

Luv you all,

LDN Teenage Fashionista xx♥

Print will never die...

Hey guys,

Some say that print is a dying medium and with e-books and gadgets, there will be no point in carrying around heavy books. However in fashion we are slightly different, yes magazines produce E versions however I love to buy the magazine myself, having it on my phone just doesn't seem the same.

My room is groaning from fashion magazines and I genuinely believe the artistry that goes into a magazine deserves someone to pick it up and treasure it, every shoot is a jewel. I also have a huge amount of books that inspire my fashion sense in a conventional and non-conventional way.

My collection of books about fashion directly is pictured below and there is a wide range of themes:

Firstly, I have two books on one of my idols Miss Marilyn Monroe and her influence on fashion. Marilyn was very good at dressing her figure and one of the books focuses on her relationship with William Travilla who custom made some of her most iconic dresses - both are particularly interesting and contain some very stunning and inspiring images. (details: Dressing Marilyn, Marilyn in Fashion)

I also have three style guides; one 'The Bombshell Manual of Style' which is a very fun guide I borrowed from my mums library and is just a laugh, the second is 'How To Dress For Success' which I bought on my return to the V&A at the start of this year and it is very helpful in organising the smart style that every woman needs to master, finally is Lauren Conrad's 'Style' which is my go to book for the wardrobe organisation and what to put with what - it's also very helpful for beauty which most how to books do but this one is particular good with the drawings represent the face with the make up on that look realistic and easy to do. (details: The Bombshell Manual of Style, How To Dress For Success, Style)  

As well as these I have a number of fun books such as the 'American Fashion Cookbook' which has designers favourite foods and some fun personal anecdotes; 'The Princess Diaries Guide to Life' which is a good book for anyone interested in being a princess, covering fashion to proper decorum in social settings such as dining and etiquette; 'Edie: Girl On Fire' is a book about the iconic Edie Sedgwick who was idolised by Andy Warhol with some stunning images and inspiration; my 'Little Dictionary of Fashion' by Christian Dior which I wrote about when I bought it, the book is so interesting as it offers a complete A-Z of everything you could ever need to wear; My Chanel Fine Jewellery Catalogue which is good if I want to be hypnotised by diamonds for a few hours and finally my two books written by Madonna about the 'English Roses' which have a beautiful illustrations and all the girls have a good style that I still love even now. (details: American Fashion Cookbook, Edie: Girl on Fire, The Princess Diaries Guide to Life, Little Dictionary of Fashion, English Roses - and Chanel catalogue you need to get in Chanel stores)

It's fair to say I have a lot of fashion books and I just bought another one, Vogue on Alexander McQueen and this books is beautifully written and I think it is one of the best books I have seen about him. When I finish reading it I will do a proper review. (details: Vogue on Alexander McQueen)

My main issue is that I have a very long queue of books (although I have read Frankenstein, Breakfast at Tiffany's and The Great Gatsby so far this year) but my plan is to spend all summer reading in the sun.

So I hope you enjoyed this new angle,
Message me your favourite books, I'm always looking for a new buy!

Luv,
LDN Teenage Fashionista xx♥

n.b. I have used Amazon for the details of these books as it lists ISBN and author clearly, but I bought these across a variety of stores, book shops are amazing and I have no affiliation with Amazon.

The Need List: Updated

Hey guys,

I am terrible at shopping, I make a plan and then end up getting distracted by t-shirts or jewellery (just ask my best friend!) and so my wardrobe grows kinda awkwardly.

At the moment I am on a bit of a health drive and am getting slimmer which is very exciting but I will need to replace some key items soon or I won't be able to go anywhere! So I decided if I made my list public it may stick out at bit more and I will be less likely to ignore it.

Here it goes:

1. I will soon need new jeans however most girls will sympathise that getting new jeans is the most difficult task you can face (does my bum look big in these? Etc.) So I am planning to put this off until its crucial, also I love my jeans so am a bit sad about replacing them.

2. I need a new bag. My parents have been harping on at me to get a back pack for school as I do carry a lot of weight on my shoulders so here begins my search for the perfect one.

3. I would love some outfit variants, I want to take risks this season so need some extra pieces to help with that, in tones of grey to light blue.

4. I need new shoes, the situation is dire. I'm serious; wearing converse is great but they simply don't go with everything. I need pumps and a nice pair of black low court shoes I think.

This concludes my post of my needs in fashion,

Hope you enjoyed it!

Lots of luv,

LDN Teenage Fashionista xx♥

2012: A year when fashion went forwards by going backwards...

Hey guys,

So the end of 2012 is drawing near and I am taking this time out of my ridiculous work schedule to write the post about all the fashion trends we enjoyed this year - the highs and the lows.

It seems to be that this year fashion went backwards and drew inspiration from the past, such as 1920's flapper dresses, Leather and the body-con dresses (popularised by shows such as The Hour and Mad Men) from the 60's, Calamity Jane cowgirl style from the 40's, Militarian Chic inspired by Lara Croft made a return from the 90's and a lot of sequins strutted there way from the disco of the 80's.

It is an hour from midnight and I am reminiscing on all I have learnt from fashion this year. Basically this year was all about bringing back the past - the good and the bad. It was clear where the fashionistas were drawing their inspiration from: good times in their lives, the films they love and the things they always wanted to wear! Even though some styles were not perfect for me, it was nice to see style revivals that were so inspired and nice for me to experience as I was not around to witness them the first time.

Secondly, on my style look back, I have to commend some particular fashionistas whose styles rocked this year. Particular mention goes to Blake Lively who is stunning all the time, Rachel Bilson whose style in Hart of Dixie was seriously chic even better that it seemed completely unpractical for a doctor and finally, I could not forget Catherine 'Kate' Middleton - whose effortless combination of high street luxe and that infamous engagement ring made her a style icon. Everything from coral skinny jeans while playing hockey to that fab emerald green dress at sports personality of the year just made her stand out head and shoulders from the crowd.

So this year has been a hectic one for me but I have made new friends on the blogosphere and have lots new ideas to head into the new year with, I have some opportunities to guest write available coming up if anyone is interested and also would like to spend more time learning about fashion, I feel as if I need to go to Paris but hey we will have to wait and see.

So as I have put no pictures on this post which is not the norm, I will give you one of my beautiful cat Woozle who approves all of my clothes as I bring them in from the shops,

Have a happy new year everyone, here is to a good 2013!

Love as always,
LDN Teenage Fashionista xx♥

The Bucket List.... Version 0.1

Hey guys,

To celebrate a certain landmark (5,226 page views to this little blog) I have decided to write my fashion bucket list. My dreams for fashion and what I would want to own (or just seen) before I die. By the way this list accompanies my list of personal goals and everyone's dream for a better world.

Here it goes:

1. This is major one for me. I want to own a Chanel Handbag. I want to save my hard earned money and treasure it. I want to walk into the shop and leave a changed person.
2. I want to sit at Paris Fashion Week amongst the most respected people in the industry. I want to stand out and watch the shows as a person who sees the art in clothes. The beauty of a fast-paced world.
3. I want to find the perfect pair of shoes. I want to walk for miles in them. I will treasure them forever.
4. I want to go to Coco Chanel's apartment. I may pass out. It's one of the once in a lifetime things.
5. I want to get something from Tiffany's in New York. Looking like Mrs.Hepburn.
6. I want to go to Comic Con dressed as Padmé Naberrie. I am geek and by far she is the most fashionable. Well maybe Lara Croft but only if Militarian is in at the time.  
7. I want to travel the world and buy every outfit I wear in the country I go to. Leave with no clothes end up with the best styles from everywhere.
8. I want to go to New York. I have a kind of obsession with the place. I want to be there and be inspired.
9. I want to see the things that inspire designers. I want to see how the most beautiful of pieces steam from the most beautiful of muses.
10. I want to go to the places where fashion needs to reach. India and the middle east. I want to make fashion more than labels. I want it to change people's lives.

So that's my list. What's yours?

Luv LDN TEENAGE FASHIONISTA xox

The Day a Modern Prince Married His Princess ♥

Hello fellow fashionable people,

Once upon a time a young Kate Middleton bumped into a Prince of Wales in St.Andrews, A decade later they made their vows in one of the most beautiful weddings the world had ever seen. For fashion this event was to shape the bridal trend as much as Diana's gown had all those years ago.

For the other guests there were many hats like satellite dishes, Tara Palmer Tomkinson took royal blue to a new level with rhino horn hat, Samantha Cameron colour blocked in brilliant green Burberry and a clashing orange cardigan, Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice showed that Vivienne Westwood and Valentino are fabulous but the hats they chose errm not so much and the Queen herself looking radiant in a yellow Angela Kelly dress.

However, what we were all waiting for was that dress, Duchess of Cambridge's (that's her new title - it's Kate btw) Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen wedding dress that stole the show. It was beautiful and jaw-droppingly amazing in every way. With a 50's style it was perfect for the vintage fairytale setting of Westminster Abbey. Catherine the Commoner-no-more wrote a love story and today she won a Prince, no, in fact he won her as she truly is a Princess; Intelligent, Beautiful and Loving.

So with a tear in my eye I welcome to the world a new royal and her man,

One day they will rule England and I will be there to write the next chapter in the best loved story in Britain today...

So here's a toast to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge - Catherine and Prince William, Kate and Wills,

Lots of love, blessings and well wishes,

Princess (in my dreams) LDN TEENAGE FASHIONISTA xox

Fashion is growing up!

Hey guys,

When we were younger, fashion was all about princesses and fairies. We all donned fairy wings and sparkle in order to out-shine our friends (all though with a good nature!) Our fashion idols were Cinderella, Belle and Tinkerbell. Disney Store was our Topshop and wands were our Mulberry Bags. But now this is no more. We have grown out of our dresses and wings and head for the workplace. Be that school or office.

New Season fashion has followed suit (pardon the pun). From pencil skirts to cream blouses, pleats and sharps have been re-invented to sharpen and smarten our dress sense. The greatest designers have made magic on the catwalks and here is the finest. For the best check out the Chanel and Dior goddesses for the best.

But if you are like me and can't afford a £300 skirt/shirt etc. then the British highstreet is giving  as good as it gets.

So fashion has deffinatly grown up although there is nothing like being a princess at heart ♥

The Notebook: My glimpse at pure beauty ♥

Hey guys,

I have just finished reading 'The Notebook' by Nicholas Sparks and it is a piece of writing Genius. They way the story is structured and it's beautiful ending is enough to melt the polar ice caps. It truly inspires long lasting love, even in the face of adversity. What has this got to do with fashion? Well sometimes I look at an outfit (This mainly applies to dresses) and I see the sheer beauty in it. Especially, Haute Couture. I know those dresses are extortionate in price. But just looking at one can take away your breath.

While flicking through the Vanity Fair I came across this editorial where, with Emily Blunt as his muse, Michael Roberts shoots Couture. Everything from Chanel Couture to Dior dresses. For more info see here: Vanity Fair . I recommend you do as it is truly a beautiful piece of art.

"You are my best friend as well as my lover, and I do not know which side of you I enjoy the most. I treasure each side, just as I have treasured our life together."

Nicholas Sparks (The Notebook)

Lots of Love,

 

LDN TEENAGE FASHIONISTA xox