Craziness continues...

I really need to be more routine about updating this blog. For trend alerts and celebrity style, be sure to follow my posts on Stilorama's fashion blog: http://www.stilorama.com/blog/

In other personal fashion/retail news, I have just started working at Oxford Circus's flagship Topman in the suits department. It's quite a change working in menswear but so far I am really enjoying the experience.

I have also signed up for a short course in Fashion Journalism at UAL's Central Saint Martins. I'm pretty excited for the 8 week course (starts in January) and am hoping to learn a lot while also meeting people who can teach me more about getting into the field.

Ok well this was just a quick post to remind myself that I haven't totally forgotten about my little blog!! I know I need to be more disciplined. So much to do and so little time!!!!


Nicola

Places to observe London fashion since LFW is long over

While there are still so many areas of London that I have yet to explore, I have definitely found distinct style and personality in three very different areas. My favourite is probably Shoreditch’s trendy, hipster attitude. Located in east London, Shoreditch used to be fairly run down and far from a hipster’s paradise. But as is the case with many cities, Shoreditch’s time has finally come and it is now an oasis of vintage boutiques, quirky cafes, and grungey but way cool bars. You can find great fashion inspiration while relaxing on a bench in Hoxton Square or taking a walk down super trendy Brick Lane.While some consider Shoreditch’s trendsetting scene intimidating, I believe it is a crucial place for discovering what’s next as far as fashion is concerned. Seriously, anything goes in Shoreditch as long as it’s understated. East Londoners aren’t trying to be cool. They just are.

Camden Town is not for the faint of heart fashion-wise. It is truly alternative with a punky twist, making it an extremely interesting area to observe. Think Doc Martens and patched denim jackets with leather accents….everywhere. Beyond the people that saunter up and down Camden High Street, the market is worth a long browse. You can find such unique, one of a kind pieces and prints at the market stalls, along with truly vintage leather jackets and shoes. Camden is certainly edgy with vibe all of its own.

Perhaps the most generic and touristy area to observe fashion is of course Oxford Street. I can’t avoid mentioning the fashion famous street though because it truly is a completely out-of-this-world/never-know-what-you-might-see/real-time-city-catwalk-show (phew!) Yes, you can truly be overwhelmed by Oxford Street so I’ve broken it down to this: If you want to shop, go early. Very early. Like morning while everyone else is in work early. If you want to observe, however, go mid to late afternoon. Find yourself a café with outdoor seating (bearing in mind the weather...meaning the rain), and just watch. If you try to observe people’soutfits while walking, you will get run over and essentially stampeded. Oxford Street presents a range of styles—foreign style due to the volume of tourists, high end fashion, fashion forward trendsetters hoping to be spotted, casual street-wear, and so on. Oxford Street is chaotic, it’s loud and it’s certainly fierce.


Nicola

Manuela Dack catwalk presentation s/s13

With a modern, geometric centrepiece featuring fresh white orchids, Manuela Dack’s catwalk presentation suggested a clean, tropical theme. The designer’s spring/summer 2013 collection consisted of mixed, flowing fabrics and varying textures featuring silks with leather and fringe details.

The first few looks consisted of fresh white pieces. The models’ hair was styled in goddess-inspired messy up-dos that complimented the loose movement of the garments. Several looks consisted of one-pieces that were softened by silks and fringes that also created movement. The simple elegance of the silhouettes suggested a tranquil and dreamlike atmosphere. The looks that followed included hints of colour against the white. Prominent colours for Manuela Dack’s spring/summer 2013 collection included blue and orange. The hint of colour provided the collection with an exotic flare and enhanced the fluidity of the pieces.

Manuela Dack’s spring/summer 2013 collection offered exquisite cuts and beautiful lines. It is evident that Manuela Dack’s precision, attention to detail, and pattern cutting talent have been noted as this is the third season that she has been awarded the Vauxhall Fashion Scout sponsorship. As her first presentation of her spring/summer 2013 collection, Manuela Dack’s signature is fluid, feminine, and seemingly tranquil.

 

 

 

 

Nicola

 

London Fashion Week s/s13

Photos that I took will attending London Fashion Week (LFW) representing Stilorama!!!

14 September-18 September, 2012

Me at Somerset House!

Somerset House

Setting up for the Zoe Jordan catwalk show

Zoe Jordan catwalk presentation s/s13

Zoe Jordan s/s13

Zoe Jordan s/s13

 

Eudon Choi catwalk presentation s/s13

Eudon Choi s/s13

Eudon Choi s/s13

David Koma on exhibition

Manuela Dack catwalk presentation s/s13

Manuela Dack s/s13

Manuela Dack s/s13

Manuela Dack s/s13

Manuela Dack s/s13

Manuela Dack s/s13

 

Manuela Dack s/s13

Manuela Dack s/s13

More to come!!!!


Nicola

In the meantime, DIY denim

Oh dear it's mid July!! I know I have neglected posting recently but I packed up my life into two suitcases and left Washington, D.C. I am now in England, just outside of Bath trying to get my life sorted as I prepare to get work in London (fingers crossed...) Hopefully, I will know what is going on job-wise by the end of next week...!

I have been keeping up with blogging for Chloe Chic and Stilorama (a new blogging gig I got for an online fashion magazine based in London) so I am still writing and expanding!! But I'd like to keep this blog up-to-date too.

Anyway, as always, being immersed in a (relatively) new and different place provides sparks of inspiration. I feel inspired to return to some fiction pieces and perhaps even a sort of memoir/beginnings of a potentially longer piece writing-wise so that is good. I also feel fairly inspired fashion-wise. While I haven't done much shopping at all since arriving in Bath, I still see trends emerging here that are just starting to hit the U.S. Right now, I am obsessing over denim vests. This trend is in full swing here in England (despite the weather and lack of opportunities to sport a vest). Denim vests are in all the shops from Urban Outfitters to Topshop, New Look, etc. I  know that American Apparel just got denim vests in the week I was getting ready to leave so the trend is slowly hitting the U.S.

While I don't think I will actually spend money purchasing a denim vest (out of fear that my now being in the UK will prevent enough wear out of it), I am considering a DIY job. I have a short, cropped light denim jacket that I NEVER wear so I am thinking about simply cutting off the sleeves so that I can just have a denim vest. Maybe I will look at my denim jacket in a new, inspired light. Who knows. Perhaps I just have this urge due to this new fueled serge of inspiration...either way, I'll let you know. A lot of things are changing and a lot of things are about to happen...I'm definitely nervous but mainly excited. Let's hope this inspiration kick continues for a bit!!

Also, I don't think I've put it on here before but I am on Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/nicolaroth/) and I love that the website provides a lot of different DIY ideas. Check it out!!

I'm also on Twitter @nroth13


Nicola

British Invasion

It's official: I move to LONDON on June 30!! Less than 10 days!!!!

British Invasion by nicola-rothery

Racing Green vintage top, $23
Fringe tank, $25
Denim short shorts, £30
Platform sandals, $1,040
Iron Fist platform heels, $70
Alexander McQueen skull handbag, £1,095
Silver chain necklace, $21
Costume ring, $4.95
Sunglasses, £2.99

Nicola

The 'London Look' through the past 6 decades

The London Look through the past 6 decades by nicola-rothery

In honour of HM Queen Elizabeth II and earlier this week marking her 60 years on the throne, I thought I'd explore British fashion during her reign (1952 until 2012) as well as some of the fashion seen during the Diamond Jubliee celebrations!

Queen Elizabeth II took to the throne in 1952, meaning she reigned through the fashion of the 1950's in Great Britain. The 1950's were still a period of time in which fashion was quite conservative. Women tended to wear longer dresses and skirts that cinched slightly at the waist and men wore wool suits such as the one below.

During the 1960's in Britain, there was a slight shift away from the conservativeness of the '50s with the emergence of the Beatles and rock & roll. Women's dresses and skirts became shorter (i.e. the mini skirt) and the idea of 'mod' came into effect. Simple and geometric patterns became popular and brighter colours were embraced compared to the colour palette of the '50s.

In the 1970's, British fashion took yet another turn and as a continuation of the experimental '60s, bright colours mixed with floral and mixed patterns became popular. Bell bottom flared jeans and long flowing skirts and dresses (often associated with the "Hippies") graced London lounges and discos. During the later part of the 1970's, punk culture inspired fashion which then led into the 1980's. Doc Martens, acid wash jeans, and drainpipe cut trousers were popular wardrobe pieces.

Finally the 1990's and leading into the 2000's found elements of the 70s and 80's with a modern twist. Tracksuits became popular and flared trousers had a slight revival (1998-2006) before the skinny jean made its stay around 2007/2008 (up until today in 2012). While the 1990's were all about denim, the 2000's are seeing the comeback of 50's & 60's inspired dresses.

At the Diamond Jubilee (June 2012):

And just to feel patriotic:

Nicola

**Images from Polyvore include:

Colorblock sweater, $40
Mango cotton coat, £64
Checkered suit, $8
1970's Red And Blue Equestrian Print Dress
Vintage style jeans
1960's Ivory Crochet Mod Boho Dress
1970's Granny Square Hat, Poncho, Scarf Vintage Crochet Patterns GS6, $5
Blackbird Vintage 1980s Gripper Steel Toe Boot, $175
Vintage 1980s studded blue denim rocker jean jacket batwing sleeves..., $59
Vintage Flag, United Kingdom, $999

**Images also from the Museum of London

Beach Bum

 

Following my Memorial Day Weekend beach trip, I am definitely missing the sand, waves, and endless cocktails by the pool and being back at work is proving to be very difficult. I thought I'd post some fun beach pieces while also trying out this new 'program' or 'tool,' if you will, that allows me to create boards of pieces that fit a theme or a style that I like. So far I'm really enjoying this new-found program but I know I have a lot to learn! Anyways, back to my beach-inspired pieces! Neon was EVERYWHERE this year at Dewey Beach, Delaware so I've included a neon colour block beach bag. I've written about floppy hats previously so I also included a fun coloured floppy sun hat. This year on my trip, I sported printed crop tops or loose-fitting tanks during the days and then light-weight sweaters during cooler evenings around the beach house. The denim shorts serve as a great staple and when packing for the beach, you want to pack light so denim shorts match with everything. Wedge sandals were popular this year at the beach, and in general, mainly due to their comfort for wearing out to beach clubs. Finally, I found a cool picture of vintage bathing suits. I really like this style of bathing suits and while it is definitely making a comeback this summer (see some of Victoria's Secret's bathing suit styles), I am too chicken to try it...I stuck to my traditional string tie bikinis but hey, Memorial Day Weekend only marks the start of summer and the beach season so hopefully I'll have more opportunities to try the style out!!

Nicola

What's up, Doc?

Is it just me, or are Doc Martens/Doc-Marten-inspired boots making a come back recently?

Here are close ups of Dr. Martens in Cherry Red, part of the ‘Vegan Collection’ and the original, classic pair in black. (Side note: Is “vegan leather” the new phrase for ‘pleather’?! Vegan leather certainly has a nicer ring to it…but that’s a whole other blog topic…!)

Dr. Martens can be worn any number of ways: with skinny jeans, leggings, shorts, and even dresses with or without tights. By wearing the boots with flowing, patterned dresses or printed pants or leggings, you create that combat boot + floral dress combination that was fairly popular last fall. I absolutely love these looks:

  

Personally, I would pair Docs with a flirty, feminine dress. The pretty lace details or floral patterns along with the flow of the dress would create softness to the Doc Martens.

I always find it interesting how a style that once had a certain connotation can come back full force, creating a brand new, refreshing look. What I mean in the case of Doc Martens is that back in the 1970s to very early 1990’s, only hardcore punks and other subcultures in the UK wore Dr. Martens. Furthermore, Dr. Martens even look like a workers boot. I suppose this notion is similar to the whole leather jacket phenomenon. Before fall spring/fall 2009, only bikers, rockers, and punks sported leather jackets. Not anymore—everyone has a leather jacket and again, the ‘hardcore’ connotation that is historic of the leather jacket is toned down by pairing with floral tops and dresses. In my opinion, the same goes for Dr. Martens.

 

If you aren’t into flirty, lace-detailed frocks or coloured, patterned leggings you can still rock Doc! Check out some of the more colourful, patterned boots and wear them with black pants or leggings. I am in love with these fun floral patterned Dr. Martens because they offer a truly feminine touch to the classic boot. These would look great with plain, solid colours on top, allowing for the boots themselves to stand out.

I definitely appreciate and respect the brand's reinvention and twist on women’s fashion. I think it’s safe to say that these boots truly are a timeless addition to any wardrobe. Welcome back, Doc Marten!

Nicola

I've been slacking but here's to keeping my promise...

I know I've been behind in my blogging, but as promised, here is a photo of the new colour block bag that I bought (see previous post):

My new bag by Vera Wang



Better late than never!!


Nicola

Colour block bags

I don't tend to focus on accessories, especially handbags, but I recently purchased a fantastic colour block bag by Vera Wang. Colour blocks in bright hues are a huge trend this spring and summer. My new bag is a mid-sized orange block, yellow mini block, and grey-gold metalltic block and detail. It's bold due to the bright colours yet simple due to the blocking and simple straps. I'm super excited to tote it around the rest of this spring and definitely into summer! (Photo to come, I promise!)

For now, here are some other examples of colour blocked accessories:

Marc by Marc Jacobs

Spring 2012 colour block trend from the runways

Nicola

Summer Festival Fashion!

As an (almost) every-genre music and concert enthusiast, I thought I'd post some pieces that I'd wear to this spring/summer's hottest music festivals. From this month's Coachella in Indio, California to Lollapalooza in Chicago to Bonaroo in Tennessee, even to international festivals such as Glastonbury in Somerset, England, music events and festivals are fantastic opportunities to not only explore new artists and musicians, but also funky fashion!

Poncho/sweater mini dress--Free People

Maxi dress--American Apparel

Nylon "Figure Skater" dress--American Apparel

Denim shorts--Urban Outfitters

Shorts--Urban Outfitters

Shorts--Urban Outfitters

Sleeveless shirt/denim vest--Urban Outfitters, Urban Renewal

Crop top--Free People

Purse--Urban Outfitters

Purse/satchel--Urban Outfitters

Festival-goer at last year's Glastonbury Festival in England

I think it's interesting that in today's music festivals, especially electronic music festivals such as Ultra in Miami or Electric Zoo in New York, the fashion is reminiscent of that of festival goers in the 1960s and 1970s-- Woodstock and the Hippie counterculture. Bohemian fabrics mixed with florals and sometimes fluorescent/neon coloured crop tops with denim are popular among today's festival attendees. Fun-coloured sunglasses and a practical purse/handbag are also necessary accessories. Concerning footwear, it depends on the festival. For most American festivals that take place in the summer, sandals that actually strap (i.e. not flip flops) usually suffice but I would suggest a cute pair of ankle boots, despite the heat, to better protect your feet from being stepped on. At Glastonbury, it is more common to see people wearing Wellington boots (or, rainboots) due to potentially wet weather and/or grounds.

While I haven't bought tickets to any festivals yet, I am hoping to go to at least one summer concert this year!!! And when and if I do, I will be sure to check out the fashion.

Nicola