Shock Tactics

I found myself ushered into the G Shock 30th anniversary party last week after a casual friday night stroll down Brick Lane. Part of 'G-Sessions', a series of pan-European events featuring local artists as 'ambassadors' across a range of disciplines including art, fashion, design and music. After touring Milan, Paris, Berlin and Barcelona, London brought the event series to a close.

Holding up in Dary Walk in temporary premises, the pop up store showcased all the G Shock classics plus the limited edition anniversary timepieces . London based producer/singer Ghostpoet featured as London ambassador bringing together  team of creatives who have 30 days to create an artistic piece and watch to mark the anniversary date.

“CREATIVITY TO ME IS A COMBINATION OF NOT ONLY THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX BUT ALSO CONSIDERING THAT THE BOX MAYBE NOT A BOX AT ALL, NOT LIMITING ONE'S THOUGHTS AND GOING WITH WHAT'S IN YOUR GUT ALSO COME TO MIND." 

Ghostpoet

Having only G Shock branded water available in a totally alcohol free environment, the event had an amazing vibe, fuelled by new music talent and kids freestyling and dancing inside and outside of the warehouse space. The pop up space will be used by G Shock throughout August for events and workshops.

Club to Catwalk

Perhaps the ultimate in Throwback Thursday, I spent my day off this week being taken (yes, taken, chivalry isn't dead sugar) around Club to Catwalk, the V&A exhibition charting the rise of club culture dominated fashion.

From the sublime to the ridiculous, the obvious to the unexpected, the V&A takes you on a magical tour of the seedy underworld of early 80's London fashion scene and the impact it has had on modern day dressing today.

So I might be a total 90's baby, but thats not to say I don't appreciate a journey back a decade further, fully immersing myself in the dugeonesque video space watching old film footage of the london club scene and glimpses of glam fetish and new romantics and being in total awe of Adam Ants gold fringed leather jacket- my inner fetishist was in heaven (!)

All the usual suspects were in attendance, Westwood and McLaren, the New Romantics, a handful of Goths and Cyber Punks with a sideline of political satire from Catherine Hammnet.

Crop To It

Throwback Thursday
Miley, Beyonce, Coco... Its obvious what Im talking about, the sudden outbreak of crop fever. Pixie cuts, paige boy cuts, high fades, short hair isn't just for the boys anymore.

But this isn't a new craze, despite the sudden celebrity hype and media outcry (remember the VS backlash when Karlie went high fashion with her tousled bob?!) It was a whole other generation of leading ladies that started this one. 

It was way back in '67 that the pixie cut first broke global headlines when Vidal Sassoon cut Mia Farrow's hair for the film Rosemary's Baby. The media reaction so strong a line in the film was even included to mention the Sassoon cut, and in the 40+ years since actresses' have sighted Mia Farrow as their hairspiration; Emma Watson, Carey Mulligan, Natalie Portman to name a few. 

Scarlet Fever

Topshop Beauty SS'13

Its rare, that a cup of weak sugarless tea can inspire a blog post, or rather the lipstick stain upon it, but thats exactly whats happened.

After spending the past few weeks of glorious sunshine in London and some shameless sun bed sessions (forgive me alabaster skin, for I have sinned) I have found myself with what I can only describe as a surprise tan and a multitude of freckles.... And now the dismal english summer has returned I'm finding myself pulling every trick in the beauty book to hold onto my 'fresh back from holiday' glow.

Enter Chanel Rouge Allure. Shade no 97 to be precise. 

I picked this SOS shade up in Paris, back in February while running around Chanel like a child in sweet shop. It was matched perfectly to the colouring of my skin (orangey base tones) so works a treat on this little tan of mine. 

Im keeping my skin as light as possible, and sweeping a layer of dark bronzer under my cheeks, my eyes defined with mascara only and a strong brow. It means the lip colour can really pop and I look fresh and healthy, something thats always hard to do on the 7.28am from Leeds to Kings Cross.

Im heading back into London as we speak after visiting family up North (I'm a country girl don't ya know) and this week is shaping up to be pretty hectic already which I cant wait to share!

Working 9-5

I was invited up to Hobbs head office for work last tuesday, and was lucky enough to get a glimpse of the new season collection launch. Having just revealed sales growth of 11.1% to £125.1m, with a team adamant on revamping the brand,  Hobbs London autumn winter 2013 targets the modern woman with fresh tailoring, beautifully cut silk separates and a focus on exceptionally crafted leather goods.

A lot of time and consideration has gone into reevaluating the brands image and targeting towards the modern woman; formerly renowned for good quality but sometimes dowdy suiting and separates, Hobbs London now offers more directional trend led designs and minimalist silhouettes whilst still retaining more traditional wardrobe staples worn and recommended by our mothers.

Its not unusual when working for a brand to lose sight of what made you passionate about it originally (sales floor dramas, customer tantrums, the stock room in sale) and seeing what autumn winter has to offer has made me all excitable again! I love the combination of the heritage looks with a strong nod to the catwalk (androgynous outerwear and dusky pinks) and the soon to be unveiled baby blue leather tote makes me go weak at the knees.

Top of my wish list is the mannish car coat pictured and the leopard pony skin clutch. I'll wear the coat as shown with slouchy angora knits and skinny leather trousers as a nod to grunge, while the clutch will be new go to carry all, giving me the best excuse to travel light!

A collection as strong as this also provides good faith in the British high street, which sometimes I feel is dying on its knees. Injecting new blood into brands like Hobbs keeps the British design aesthetic flag flying, but ensures it is absolutely current. I mean, we don't want British heritage design becoming part of British history.

Pieces available from now, visit www.hobbs.co.uk and make your very own wish list, or visit the flagship store in Longacre, Covent Garden