Minimal Colour, Maximum Success.

It's rare to see a unique brand in such a small city like ours - I can only imagine how hard it is for designers to establish themselves within the industry and when based in a city that seems to only cater for the masses (Topshop and River Island dominate the only shopping centre), its incredible to see someone achieve success with their own designs. I absolutely adore Ksuko, which is based in Royal Arcade just off the High Street. I have the pleasure of counting Ria, the owner and creator of all the clothes in Ksuko as a close friend, and her pieces are fantastic.
Each design is completely handmade, from hand picked fabrics which Ria sources herself from various locations - the fabrics range from hand printed delicate silk, to grungey leather and PVC, and are stitched by Ria, each piece is unique - I have never seen her repeat a design or style, and each piece seems to outdo the last. I used to live in crazy prints and bright colours, but I have fallen in love with moody navy hues and black, and would like to think its all thanks to some of the pieces I have purchased from the shop.

 

I had the privilege of working for Ria last weekend, and took a couple of snaps whilst I was there. the layout compliments the garments perfectly - metal scaffolding poles act as the rails, whilst there is gorgeous stone work on the floor to add a harshness to the soft white walls.

 

I of course had to try a couple of pieces whilst i was there - this beautiful fur trimmed coat is light weight and has deep pockets, making it perfect for wearing with a night out and throughout autumn. I also fell in love with this clutch bag, which is a mix of soft leathers and suede, and would be a great investment piece - an oversized clutch is something that never goes out of style. And as I have previously said, each piece is handmade and one off, so these are extra special and you would never have to worry about someone else having the same outfit! There is also various jewellery pieces which have a gorgeous Japanese influence.

 

 

I adore Ria, I have so much respect for everything she does - she creates some amazing pieces and has worked hard to established herself in our fair city. She is also the proud owner/mummy to this cheeky little devil - Rumer, the French Bulldog.

 

If you ever do visit Leicester, take time out to explore the boutiques and independent shops outside the Highcross Shopping Centre - and make sure you take time to visit Ksuko in Royal Arcade. 



 

Be Brave.

"There is so many faces to my personality. That is why I love fashion so much. It’s more like a different expression of myself. I don’t even know what I am.

For me, fashion is perfect, as it conceals a lot and I find it quite therapeutic. It helps me survive as i can make myself feel better hypothetically. I can hide my insecurities and think positively. Fashion is my mantra.”

- Anna Dello Russo.

 

Once, during an argument with someone, I was told that my red hair, tattoos and vintage clothes were a mere shield to hide my boring self behind - something I have fiercely denied ever since, but now I have come to think during recent drama that its true. People DO hide behind those things, almost like a jazzy updated version of medieval armour, protecting them from the insults and the dirty looks. It baffles me that still, after people fiercely battling for equal rights/free speech/individuality that every single day, there are comments and snide remarks on EVERYTHING and EVERYONE. You only have to look on popular Fashion Instagram accounts or Facebook pages to see hateful comments, and arguments between people who never have (and never will) met to see that everyone is pretty supportive of individuality until its a look/a person they don't like.

I guess what I'm trying to say, is that there's always going to be those people there, and they are hideous. They will forever make the snide remarks. It doesn't matter who you are, there is always going to be a problem with someone because of the way you dress, that you wear high street, that you wear couture, that you wear vintage, the style of your tattoos, the colour of your hair. But that's fine, let them do it. Be bolder, be braver, you will survive. Your clothes, your style, your jewellery - it will protect you.
I know it sounds ridiculous, I know I sound shallow. But fashion is an art form, and a pretty spectacular one at that. Its done a damn good job of saving people over the years. It's saved me, it can save you.
Be Brave.
Don't let the bastards get you down.
 

 

 



The September Issue.

We are currently one week into August - does this scare anyone else? The year has flown by. Granted, it has been 8 months of work, end of friendships, start of relationships, heartbreak, tears and new ventures and the craziest time and I cannot believe its now only 4 months to Christmas (urgh). The weather is slowly starting to creep back into dull and dreary and its now time to start planning our inspiration for Septembers outfits. Of course, I will be wearing a real fur coat throughout winter, I love this beautiful Emilio Pucci jacket - the long shaggy style reminds me of the iconic Kate Moss, who I am always envious of - how does she manage to look so effortless in winter when us lot have runny noses and windswept hair?! I have a beautiful French black rabbit fur coat that I shall be wearing throughout the season which is similar to this Pucci one, my first real Vintage find all those years ago! Next up is a handbag - I have a Vivienne Westwood heart shaped crocodile skin bag which I carry everywhere - but this vintage Chanel bag is to die for - the classic quilted style is timeless and I am desperately searching for one like this! I don't think I shall ever be able to afford one though!
The beautiful tan suede ankle boots are by Vagabond - I love their shoes and the chunky low heel will be perfect to team with thick tights and dresses. As for dresses, I've been lusting after Mary Katrantzou prints for ages. However, I can't afford the prices! A great alternative is the designer Emma Cook, who does some gorgeous graphic prints like this mini dress. A silk like this is still light enough to keep that end of summer vibe, but can be layered up with chunky knits and thick tights to carry you through to autumn.
I can't let go of my favourites - Baroque, Alexander McQueen and Egyptian. These gorgeous McQueen embroidered pumps are just perfect. As is this beautiful Rosita Bonita Scarab necklace - I've recently discovered Rosita Bonita and I am totally head over heels with their stuff!
Pull all outfits together with a slick of plum purple lipstick.
Done.

Overly Ambitious.

Having a very dreamy week this week - I had a long weekend in Whitby, North Yorkshire with Jazzy Jeff's Junk at The Great Seaside Vintage Fair and have been back working at Irregular Choice all week, and have spent this afternoon (after being tattooed) doing some internet window shopping, heres my ambitious wish list:

I bloody love a good kimono or cape. This gorgeous floral printed one is by Alexander McQueen, and is silk - I can only imagine the movement and softness of the fabric! Would look fantastic belted, teamed with black leggings (possibly the trusty American Apparel ones I live in) and this incredible Idriss Guelai Atelier bustier - almost plastic looking, with quite a harsh exterior - would clash perfectly against the soft silk (Although at over £1,000 I think its a little too out of my price range). It reminds me of the bondage trend which Louis Vuitton did so well a few seasons ago (who could forget Kate Moss striding down the catwalk smoking in those hooker boots?)
I recently purchased the most amazing tapestry buffalo platforms from ASOS, but spotted these 'Hyper' platforms online and fell in love! A snip at £75, they echo the grungey yet indie look of Jeffery Campbell but for a fraction of the price! The chunky wedge adds a harder look to the overall shoe, and would add a great twist to an otherwise 'regular' outfit.
Finally, these Susan Caplan Vintage Chanel earrings are just precious - what self confessed fashion lover wouldn't want some vintage Chanel in their wardrobe? I especially love the droplet style of these pieces, its almost like gold coins from the streets of Paris, but with a posh French twist.

My theory is, its better to be overly ambitious than just settling for whatever happens, so hopefully one day all of these beautiful pieces (As well as many more) shall be being worn by me, strutting down Leicester high street.
Keep dreaming Harriet...
 

French Summer

I've just received shots from my shoot with Jazzy Jeff's Junk that me and my photographer Joe Vozza did at the beautiful Café Bruxelles in Leicester last week. I chose the venue because of its gorgeous décor, it has a roof like the one in Beauty and The Beast and has an incredible French vibe, which I thought would work perfectly with the crazy 1980s clothes I was using. The clash between the smart French style and the bright and quite garish clothes works well, and in the final edited pieces looks wonderful.

I used a gorgeous Bulgarian model called Stassy, who was so natural and poised in front of the camera - she was a pleasure to work with, and as you can see from the shots, photographs beautifully!

Here are some of my favourite shots from the shoot, the rest can be viewed here. I've been sourcing lots of crazy prints lately - everything from 1980s Club Tropicana style to 90s Grunge. The final outfits are a mix of classy and crazy - sometimes adding a clashing print adds a twist to something that would usually be considered 'safe'. Summer has always been the best season to experiment in, so I chose lots of jumpsuits, light silk blouses and maxi skirts and dresses - most of which can be toned down with some nude flats and minimal jewellery for a daytime look, or maxed out with chunky heels and lots of decadent jewellery for evenings out.

Photography: Joe Vozza.

Styling by Myself.

Hair by Mikey Palmer.

Styling, Sequins & Shoes.

As you know, Jazzy Jeff's Junk had a photo shoot with Labelled Magazine a few months ago, shot by Rococo Imaging. I styled and provided all the clothes for the shoot, which is being featured in Labelled Magazine later this month. I've received some of the shots from the photographers and they are beautiful, really well shot and edited (the styling isn't too bad either!).

Here are a few of my favourite shots from the shoot. We used the beautiful Taps Bar in Leicester - a cosy basement with lots of cubby holes and distressed walls, which I think worked really well with the colours and patterns of the clothes. I'm really excited to see them in glossy print! The models were fantastic and hopefully I shall be working with them again on further shoots. All the clothes in the shoot will be available on the facebook page as soon as the photos are published.

In other news, I've been working a lot on the online side of Tinfish/Irregular Choice - which involves lots of trying on the new shoes! Perks of the job and all that. Here are my favourites from Irregular Choice, called Slam Dunk. They have pigs on. And you can see my new foot tattoo which i'm in love with, and had it shaded and coloured later that day!

 

Stay Jazzy. H x

Smooth Styling: Leicester's Finest.

If your a true Leicester resident you will know about Kasbah Piercing & Tattoos on Silver Street. I first became familiar when I worked at Goldrush Vintage in Malcom Arcade around 3 years ago - Kasbah was situated opposite and since then, every piercing has been done by Charlie, and every tattoo by Che - and I shall continue to do so as long as i'm in Leicester!

Charlie and me bonded over a mutual love over Kasabian and mad clothes, and has been one of my closest friends ever since. He works SO hard at Kasbah (a family business) and also on his acting - and I am SO proud to say he debuted his role in HOLLYOAKS a few weeks ago! Part of the new Roscoe Family, he plays Freddie, and already has made a brilliant impression on every Hollyoaks fan I have met - he really deserves it, because bloody hell he has worked hard for it!

Now I work as a freelance stylist, i'm pretty chuffed to say that I've styled one of Leicester's finest - here's a snap from The British Soap Awards of Charlie (top right) and his on screen family. His suit is, of course, Alexander McQueen, styled with accessories from Jazzy Jeff's Junk. Hopefully he will keep me in mind for more of his appearances (well he best bloody do anyway)

And a little photo of me and him taken today in the glorious Leicester sunshine.

 

 

I'm wearing these American Apparel leggings to death at the moment, and teamed it with a handmade dress from Ksuko Clothing in Royal Arcade, Leicester.

 

If your a Hollyoaks fan (and even if you aren't) you can catch it on Channel 4/E4 every week day. Charlie is also featuring in the second Kick Ass film which is out this summer!

So proud of this guy.

 

LSF Charlie! Love H x

 

 

I.C LV in LC.

As most of you should know, Irregular Choice opened a store in Leicester in October 2012. I am lucky enough to work in the shop from time to time, and help run the facebook and twitter pages. I took some snaps last week for the page and finally I have the time to put them on here!

 

These are the beautiful Ali Ba Ba and Got The Hump limited edition heels - perfect for statement shoes, in gorgeous jewel colours. They have camels on. There is camels on these shoes, what more could you want from a pair of heels? The beautiful metallic on the boots would look great with an all black outfit, team them with gold jewellery and some sequins.

 

 

These are the beautiful Poetic License pumps, Anchors Away. I absolutely love the nautical theme, and these shoes add a cute retro look - I think they would look fantastic with a 1940s or 1950s tea dress and a bright red lipstick. The peach/grey/yellow palette gives a fresh twist on the classic nautical theme, and the cute boat charm adds that 'irregular' twist. Perfect for summer weather (whenever that happens).

 

 

I'm like a magpie when it comes to sequins and gold. This is a crazy neck collar piece that I am completely in love with. A decadent mix of beads and jewel colours, with a gold tassel. Reminds me of the Egyptian neck plates and all those beautiful glamorous necklaces worn by Cleopatra (real and Liz Taylor). I would love to make this a really trashy addition to an outfit - maybe to compliment a Versace style printed shirt? Or even a sheer blouse and gold disco pants? The possibility is endless. I understand this is not to most peoples taste but OH MY GOD I love it so much!

 

 

This is one of the recurring designs that Irregular Choice make - the Trinkletina shoe. Retro gingham fabric makes this shoe so cute! The Perspex heel gives the classic I.C look, whilst the bow and charms make it even more eye catching. There is also a matching bag, which would be perfect for a weekender as it holds EVERYTHING! I used to think matching your shoes and bag was incredibly tacky - however in this case I think tacky makes the outfit!

 

 

Finally, this is Dave the resident Tiger. Possibly the campest Tiger anyone will ever see - but makes an incredible talking point with customers and if anything makes me want to become a taxidermist.

All in a day.

 

Irregular Choice is located on the High Street, between Tinfish Shoes and Wellgosh.

 

If you've not visited yet, your missing out!

 

Intern Tips.

I've lost count how many times I've been asked how I got my internship at Alexander McQueen. Its pretty straight forward - I applied, got an interview and started. Pretty simple.
I get so frustrated with people saying 'well you don't deserve it' and various other nasty insults - at the end of the day, I've worked very hard to achieve what I have achieved and I believe everyone deserves the same, as long as they work hard for it.
Here is a couple of tips I swear by:

1. Confidence. Don't ever let anyone belittle you, don't take the insults to heart - in the industry there is a huge possibility that tempers are high because of overwhelming deadlines, fashion shows and press - everyone wants to create the defining moment. Its possible (believe me, I've been on the receiving end) that you will get snapped out, shouted at, vented at on a daily basis but just try to remember that you are there for a reason and you ARE helping out, its just that the brand/company want you to work your hardest for yours and their benefit. Be confident in yourself, smile and take it on the chin, I try and think that if I wasn't good enough I wouldn't be here. It's sometimes comforting to know that. If someone praises you, don't be cocky, be gracious.

2. Preparation. Research whoever you work for, get to know the ethos of the company and try and familiarize yourself with the past collections, press campaigns and collaborations. It helps in the long run, and also could help you in the interview, especially if your applying for something in the marketing/PR/archive areas. As an intern in the Archives of McQueen, I spent a lot of time with the past collections, and although I was passionate about McQueen beforehand, I spent evenings watching the show footage, researching the campaigns and themes to boost my knowledge when I was at work.

3. Stand Out. Make sure you are known - be happy and greet everyone (even if you don't get greeted back), offer to make tea or do a coffee run - its amazing how a coffee can cheer up the most tired of pattern cutters! No-one will remember the girl/guy who was quiet and shy in the corner, but they will remember the loud and bright one who rescued those long afternoons with coffee hits. I know making tea is an intern cliché, but someone has got to do it right? I love my clashing prints and bright colours - I don't think I could tone down that for anyone, and my tattoos were always on show - I got some great compliments and I'd like to think that it helped towards my confidence around the staff.

Apply for all the internships you like, and the ones your not keen on - even if you don't get the internship the application process and interview stage can help build skills and make you ready for your future - confidence is key, if you believe in yourself, others shall follow suit.

Raptusound: Smooth Styling.

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of working with a great Leicester based band, Raptusound. I was asked to style their latest shoot, by their photographer Scott Choucino, and I jumped at the chance. I've been trying to think of new ways to get more experience in the industry, and styling is something I love to do.
The location was a beautiful Victorian house in a rural village on the outskirts of Leicester - Possibly one of the most beautiful places I've seen! (They even had a pool, and a beautiful fountain which was like the one from Atonement). Although the weather was quite dull and gloomy, the atmosphere was great - the band are a group of genuine, friendly guys, and working with them was a pleasure.
The band consists of Chris, Tristan and Jack - they all play their own instruments, write their own songs and play some great gigs - a REAL band, playing real music.
(Click HERE to be linked to their website)

 

Some of the final images from the shoot - the guys wanted a 1920s style theme, so there was LOTS of slicked back hair and sharp suits. Tristan (final photo) wears a 1920s smoking jacket I supplied from Jazzy Jeff's Junk - and I must say, once that jacket was on he got into the 1920s Dapper mode almost instantly!

 

The final shots look incredible - Scott is a great photographer and I can't wait to work with him again. If you are Leicester based - Raptusound are playing a gig THIS FRIDAY at Crumblin' Cookie - Link to Facebook event here.

Lots more photos will be coming, and hopefully I shall be attending the gig on Friday so will be able to once again tell you all how incredible Raptusound are!

 

Alexander McQueen Sample Sale.

As part of my time at Alexander McQueen, I was able to work at the A/W Sample Sale. As I work in the Archives, I have been working towards the build up of the sale with my boss - sorting out the McQ pieces which have to be checked to see whats going into the sale, etc. I also worked at the venue with the Sample Sale with the wonderful Alex and Daniel sorting out the beautiful ballgowns for the sale.

The actual sale itself was mayhem - as I have said in my previous post being an intern is tough and I feel working at a Sample Sale can either make or break you. Obviously, the team who run the sale are there to make sure everything runs smoothly, so tempers can run high. I was working with the wonderful Andrea on accessories and jewellery - I found myself very overwhelmed throughout my first morning, as people were like magpies for the jewellery, and there were some very rude people - but it needs to be taken with a pinch of salt. I was responsible for restocking the jewellery and accessories, and making sure people didn't walk off with it. Obviously rings/necklaces/etc are small and can be easily swiped so I had to be extra vigilant when people were trying stuff on. What amazed me was how easily people were spending money, and after I'd gained some confidence I asked a few people how they had known about the sale (as its invite only) and if they had been before. A lot of people were students from CSM, and surrounding Unis, obviously with student loans, some very, very VERY rich people who could afford to splash out, and my favourite people - the ladies/gents who had saved up money over the months to buy only one or two pieces.
 

The days can be long on everyone, working 9am-9pm isn't nice but you just have to grin and suck it up, as its a great experience, and you get to see some beautiful clothes!

Actually going to sale is brilliant, as you can get some real bargins from them, even if you have a limited budget, its nice to treat yourself!
I'm not going to lie and say it was easy, there was points where I wanted to cry because of rude customers and the overcrowded atmosphere, but overall it was mental, in a good way. Especailly the daily Starbucks run!

The Sale rounded off my first 3 months at McQueen, and I am now back in Leicester for the Christmas season, for a much needed 'rest' - however I have found that I cannot rest and have been throwing myself into new tasks, I'm determined to learn a new language in the New Year, and I'm focusing on my Vintage Clothing Business on my days off (Jazzy Jeff's Junk can be found on Facebook). I'm itching to get back to London and the beautiful big city, but even more excited about getting back to the Archive with my wonderful boss and the gorgeous clothing.
And a massive congratulations to Sarah Burton, who received her OBE today!

Life of an Alexander McQueen Intern - SO FAR!

Well, i'd definatly be lying if I said interning is a walk in the park. I'm currently working in the Archives of Alexander McQueen, which yes, is a personal dream come true - but it's not easy!

I've done about 2 and a half months so far, and I finish next week after the Sample Sale for Christmas.

When I started, I can honestly say I was terrified - for me, McQueen was not just a fashion designer, he was THE fashion designer, and its a true honour that I got the internship there!

 

Working in the Archives has been tiring, hard work but still its so much fun! Obviously, the archives contain all the collections, including the Fashion Shows, Pre and Comm collections, including Mens and McQ lines. Its a huge space, and It's incredible just looking through the collections, seeing both Lee and Sarah Burton's work. Occassionally, Studio need outfits for inspiration/reference so my duties include sourcing outfits from the vast collections, or from the Vintage clothing section (which is a personal favourite of mine, there are some real treasures in there!) which me or the other interns run over to the main HQ.

Occassionally us interns do have to do the errands, but it's not just making tea for everyone (which I'm sure is said a lot!), its incredible seeing all of this fashion history in one place, including all of the incredible shoes and accessories - I have tried the infamous Armadillo Shoes on, and they are incredibly comfortable, suprisingly!

 

Pulling outfits out for celebrities is a regular occurance, such as the glorious Naomi Campbell, however I am yet to meet the one and only Kate Moss - although if that ever did happen I'm sure I would collapse in starstruck awe and cry into the couture.

Next week, is the Sample Sale - something I'm incredibly excited about, but also scared stiff about! I can't wait to work in such a busy environment, and I'm honoured that its with McQueen.

 

I must admit, the commute from Leicester to London two days a week is hard work - getting up at 4am and sometimes not getting home till very late at night is exhausting and sometimes upsets me as I spend the rest of the week tired and not really up for anything, and the cost of travel is eating away at my very small savings, but you know what, I adore every second. I finish after the sale for Christmas, and then I'm going back in the New Year to gather some more experience!

 

If anyone was to ask about my interning - I would say think about it long and hard, because you might have to give a little more up to do so, but the outcome will be so worth it. It's a great experience and with a boss like mine, it can be hilarious!

 

Long Live McQueen.

So yesterday was possibly the most nerve racking, emotional, and most amazing day of my life. I finally had my interview at Alexander McQueen, to be an intern in the Archives. I've been preparing for months, trying to keep myself calm, because lets face it - it's a huge deal.

I've worked so so hard on my degree, and have put 200% into every piece of work I do, and I can finally say that it's starting to pay off! The interview itself was not as bad as I thought it would be, and I got shown around the archives of one the greatest Fashion Houses in the world.

Getting to see key collections, couture pieces, custom made gowns was a dream come true. I even got to see my favourite collection, VOSS from S/S 2001, which was more lovely that I could ever imagine - the feathers, the intricate stitching and general beauty of the garments was incredible.

I can finally see a future coming together. I start in two weeks, i'm so excited!

Hometown Glory.

So, its that time of year when everyone is either going back to/starting university. I always feel a sense of emptiness when this happens - not because I shall miss the people going, but because I feel i've let myself down by choosing to stay in my hometown, Leicester.

Yes, i've chosen this myself and I should live with that, but sometimes I do wonder what life would be like if I'd accepted my place in either Manchester or London to study fashion. Although I am studying Fashion & Costume here in Leicester, the city itself lacks the glamour and excitement I feel I would have felt if I was in another city.

Although, Leicester, despite what some may think, is a beautiful city. Beautiful Victorian style buildings, Cathedrals & Churches and abandoned factories litter the area, making a distressed and interesting landscape. Many successful people have come from Leicester, including the incredible band Kasabian, who have done ridiculously well and can now consider themselves Rock GODS. Many students from the surrounding Universities & Colleges have had flourishing careers and achieved wonderful grades (I'd like to think myself included), showing that its not where you study, its how hard.

I've built some strong relationships, built a business, fell in and out of Love with the city countless times. Fallen out of Sophbeck at 7am, been glassed, been tattooed, been pierced, been bruised, but i'm at home, and i'm finally feeling OK about it. Maybe, in the future I will leave and go to a bigger, brighter city.

Overall, I guess i'm trying to say, is: Leicester, I Love You.

Stay Jazzy you Crazy Kittens!

H x

Alexander Goldbear.

Anyone who knows me knows how much i adore Alexander McQueen. And Haribo. So think how i felt when the two were combined!! A New York magazine, Twelv, have created a dress made entirely of Haribo Goldbears!

The magazine's Editor-in-Chief, Hissa Igarashi and Fashion Editor, Sayuri Marakumi, spent three weeks constructing the 220-pound dress for its debut issue- dedication to Fashion or what!

The dress was inspired by the late Alexander McQueen's dress which was dedicated to his dear friend Isabella Blow, who tragically commited suicide (I still haven't got over the loss of either of these brilliant minds).

 

 

Stay Jazzy you Crazy Kittens!

H x

Wir Liben

So, i've finally got a few more photos from my Fashion Show. It was SUCH an emotional week, but i spent most of it running off adrenaline and heaps of tea.

I was incredibly nervous walking down the catwalk, especailly because my beloved parents and best friends and boyfriend were there to see it on the finale night.

Every single nightmare, death threat, panic attack, blood, sweat and tear has been worth it though because i received a DDD* grade for my whole course

AND

the Outstanding Acheivement Award

AND

Sustainable Fashion Award!!

I cried ALOT when I was called on stage to collect my awards, my heart was in my throat and I was so overwhelmed I sobbed during my speech! It was the best end to my 2 years of this amazing course.

Because of this course, I finally found something I adore, and I have places at both Manchester and London Universities, but I'm not going until next year as I am planning to spend time in America travelling around the different states. Also, I'm having a brilliant time with Jazzy Jeff's Junk right now, and I don't think I can part with all my stock!

Fashion Show.

Backstage photo of my Collection, entitled 'Wir Liben' (We're Alive in German).

Photograph my Dad took of Me on the Catwalk last night at the Fashion Show. It was incredible having my friends and family there to see it.
It was an honour to be awarded the Outstanding Acheivement Award, and the Sustainable Fashion Award for the collection. I cried a lot, but mainly because its been the best two years of my life.
Hopefully, I will be able to continue working on pieces similar, and concentrate more on Jazzy Jeff's Junk Vintage. Also, with the talk of an Internship, and placement work, it's hopefully going to be a very bright future.

Derelict Photoshoot.

So last week I styled a photoshoot for Jazzy Jeff's Junk. It was marvellous weather, although we found it difficult to find a decent location.
Eventually, we opted for the burnt down factory near my college in central Leicester. The shots taken were incredible, take by Joe Vozza. I wanted the derelict buildings and muted colours of the wasteland to contrast with the brightness of the colours, and it worked so well. My models were my friends, Jess Butterfield, Zoe Sweeney & Alice Trice-Rolph (I was also in afew cheeky shots).

TO USE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE CLICK HERE!

These are afew of my favourite shots, what do you think?

11 Key Pieces.

Found this on my Tumblr blog harrietmaymann.tumblr.com, from A/W 11.

So i read in Grazia about the 11 pieces they feel should be key items this season. I’ve decided to do my own spin, vintage style.

1. Grazia says -Oversized Men’s Watch.
Instead - Oversized Jewellery, and lots of it. It’s definatly a ‘less is more’ trend, and i guess this is more personal choice. When it comes to accessorising vintage i do feel you should add lots of jewellery to complete a look.

2. Grazia says - White Jeans.
Instead - 1970s Levi’s Jean’s cut into shorts. Definatly a firm favourite at Gold Rush, and work so well during the summer with cute loafers, dressed up at night and with thick tights in winter. White Jeans are vile, unless your channeling George Micheal in the Wham! days (a strong look, thats a given).

3. Grazia says - Tailored Trench Coat.
Instead - a Moleskin or Fur coat. Vintage furs are ridiculously beautiful and no two are ever the same. I live in my Rabbit Fur coat during winter, it’s warm and makes an outfit.

4. Grazia says - LBD.
Instead - A 1940s Tea Dress. I know little black dresses are timeless, but i just think the cuts and tailoring in tea dresses are beautiful. If your as pale as me aswell, then you know that some black pieces can make you look like the walking undead, and sometimes colour is needed.

5. Grazia says -Aviators.
Instead - 1970s Tortoise shell framed rayban style. Just a little more individual chic, a little less C List celeb.

6. Grazia says -Turtle Neck Knits.
Instead - A Thick Grandad Knit. Go to your charity shops and raid the men’s section for some thick button down oversized cardigans. Definatly worth an investment, an oversized knit can pull an outfit together to create a ‘just got out of bed and threw this on’ look, and can even look good thrown over a jazzy night out outfit instead of taking a heavy jacket or coat.

7. Grazia says - Tailored Trousers.
Instead - High Waisted 80s Trousers. I own about 5 pairs, in bright jewel colours, tie-dye and peacock print. These style trousers define hips and create a more hourglass silhouette, whilst steering clear of the boring black-straight leg cut look.

8. Grazia says - Dark Jeans & a Tee.
Instead - anything else. I feel unless your a young teen, or an off duty supermodel, this look is a little tired, when there is so much vintage to play with, why look for an alternate for this?

9. Grazia says - Blazer.
Instead - Oversized Silk Shirts. Silk shirts add an extra texture to an outfit and come in loads of patterns and prints. Just beautifully cut to give a more playful alternative outfit.

10. Grazia says -Sexy Heels.
Instead - Platforms or Shoe Boots. If like me you hate the thought of tottering around on stilletos alnight, then definatly go for a chunky platform. Iif your wearing dresses from the 60’s and 70’s then give an extra boost with some thick black platforms or suede chunky heels.

11. Grazia says - Structured Handbag.
Instead - Saddle bags, or snakeskin bags. Saddle bags can fit a life in them, and snakeskins are beautiful for an evening bag. Again, very individual and personal choice.

Treasure Hunting.

Disregard the size labels in Vintage Garments: sizing has changed dramatically. Always try things on.
Do not be a label snob. Remember that many exquisite items have lost their labels over the years, unknown companies are still being discovered. Judge quality by construction, cut and fabric.
Check the stitching. Real Vintage pieces are better quality than contemporary counterparts as they were made before the days of mass production and machine finishes.
Factor in the price of Love. When viewing a piece, be aware of potential costs. A garment may require careful attention to be revived. People sometimes don’t realise the amount of care and effort needed to restitch a lining in a tattered jacket, or hemming a dress so it sits beautifully well.
Be Patient. You have to look through a lot of rubbish to find a treasure.