Construction at it’s best – Sid Neigum A/W 16 Collection

Looking back at the weekend just gone, I must say I had quite a busy one. Up and down for attending the Edeline Lee presentation last week Friday to Saturday driving lesson, watching Goosebumps and dinner and then Sunday relaxing during the day and finally finishing off the weekend to attend the Sid Neigum presentation in the evening. All in all I didn’t get any rest at all lol, but it was all worth it. This was a lovely ending to my weekend.

It is very rare that I venture out on Sunday evenings, but I thought this time I will make an exception. Like I mentioned before I attended the Sid Neigum show presentation in London. Sid Neigum is a talented conceptual designer from Canada showing his A/W 16 collection. His signature is very structured, architectural lines and origami inspired looks. Before becoming a Fashion Designer, he wanted to be a Physician and decided to take his knowledge of numbers and dimensionality and combined the two create collections innovative and inspirational. This collection was also sponsored by DHL Exported who support rising stars like Sid Neigum and many more.

Being in a crowded room surrounded by black walls and black ceilings, gorgeous models and floods of people snapping their cameras and iphones to get a good shot was quite an experience. Waiters were on the move, handing out glasses of champagne, organisers going to each model in turn to offer them a sip of water. So many people in one confined space was extremely hot, but worth it. I felt like I was a Fashion Photographer, shot after shot, after shot.

I was amazed and mesmerized by the beauty of the clothes, they were pieces which were unusual. How he nipped and tucked, unusual cut-outs and hems, piped edgings, foldings of fabrics, the construction was out of this world.  The colours were mainly black, white, grey and camel/beige. It was a very dark collection and Le Corbusier was also the designer’s inspiration. Mathematics and Architecture played a part in his role of being a great new generation designer of today.

Le Corbusier once said:

“Mathematics holds both the absolute and the infinite, the understandable and the forever elusive” Le Corbusier, The Modulor (1954)

Check out my pictures taken from the event:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edeline Lee A/W16 Presentation

Friday is a blessing in the week, it’s the day everyone gets excited because they know the weekend is approaching. My weekend started from early Friday afternoon when I left work at 12.30 midday to see the On/Off Edeline Lee Presentation at the The Vinyl Factory in London. I was so happy and excited to attend this event, it was my way of starting off London Fashion Week nicely.

Once I made my way to Marshall Road, I walked around the corner and saw a long queue of fur and fashionistas waiting so urgently to get into the building. Some were moaning about how cold it was, but managed to dress the part of February weather. I remember standing in the queue and desperately wanting to take pictures of the people in front of me, they were colourful as can be. Unfortunately I didn’t possess the bottle to snap the button on my Iphone. To be honest, I didn’t want to be put in an awkward position. So I saved my snaps for the event which was needed.

As I walked in I saw crowds of people accepting leaflets about the designer and the event schedule while dashing inside to get the best views of the collection. Some had large SLR cameras and lanyards around their necks explaining what company or publication they were from. The only thing I had around my neck was my yellow snood which was keeping me warm from the cold lol. I walked into the event and the only hint of thought on my mind was achieving good shots of the presentation and I collected some great shots along the way.

Oversized cream dresses with patch pockets, red flowy maxi dresses, oversized jumpsuits with patch pockets and black piped edging, black short crop jackets, red trench coats, white mid-length dresses with flower detailing, black oversized jackets with a tail and flowing all over the monochrome flooring. It was so nice to watch and see a young designer flourish further in front of all of us. Edeline’s work was displayed beautifully, minimal structured pieces with a chic comfort to the silhouettes, great panache and lighting to match. This was her signature theme and the execution was done very well.

As I was engrossed with the pictures, the smiles, and the flashing lights from the cameras, I managed to see a few familiar faces which court my eye such as renowned journalist Hilary Alexander, famous British blogger Susie Bubble and Post Pop Artist Pandemonia Panacea. They looked like they enjoyed the presentation as much as I did, everyone was laughing, smiling and so overwhelmed with the beauty of the collection and with a great event comes a goody bag with treats. As I was leaving a picked up a goody bag for myself and noticed there is more of this collection to see. I saw a side door as I was near the front entrance and found the second section to Edeline Lee’s collection.

Check out the pictures below. This second collection was very sporty woollen inspired and showed an element of comfort, use of vibrant colours and lace. I felt some of the pieces was a surprise and not what you expect, which made this collection interesting and intriguing to watch. This designer is “one to watch”.

 

Check out the below slide for key shots taken.

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D.S.C.S.P.S

 

As the week came to a close, the tickets for London Fashion Weekend has finally arrived. Looking forward to treating myself to a goody bag, treats and seeing a show. Haven’t visited this event in ages so I thought why not this year to get myself back into that Fashion mentality I once had. I miss it. Plus I always believed attending events like this will provide me with inspiration for future ideas I would like to put to some use.

London Fashion Weekend is on the 25-28 February – if your interested click on the following link: LFW .

I have already booked the 25th off from work so I am all sorted. Another thing to add it’s a good way of using up some of the holiday which I have left so it wont go to waste.

This Friday coming up, I have also been invited to an On/off show for Edeline Lee at the Vinyl Factory in London. One day I turned around to my boss and asked him if he’s seeing any Fashion Shows this month, he kindly sent me a link to an On/Off show coming up for this amazing designer who’s making her Spring/Summer 2016 début collection. I immediately jumped at the chance and thought “great”. My boss shrugged his shoulders and said it’s womenswear and the fact that he’s a guy he thought why not send the link to me. Straight-away I sent an email to the RSVP invitation and they got back to me within 15 minutes saying “Hi Charlene, I have added you to the list.”

This is how my type of February should be. Drinks, Shows, Canapés, Socialise, Pictures and Smiles (D.S.C.S.P.S).

 

No, to resolutions but targets to achieve

In the last few years, I have grown into someone who know matter what faults or issues I face, I try my utmost hardest to move onto the next important thing to do. At the moment, on my current schedule is learning how to drive. In total, I’ve had 6 lessons in the last two weeks. Its going well, but I’m just trying to master coordinating with the pedals. So it’s early days that I can tell you how my progress is doing. Another important target is enrolling myself into a language class preferably Spanish. I have always wanted to learn ever since 2014. Why do I say this particular year!

2014 was the year everything changed for me and I felt I was rising in my career, at the same time I met some interesting people, Spanish, French, Italian and many more. They opened my eyes and gave me the push to want to learn a new language and I feel proud to call them my friends.

This week, as soon as I’m back from Bath, I’m going to look into booking my lessons for April. I feel it’s a nice start to the new year, achieve something and learn something new.

I don’t have resolutions but I have targets which I want to achieve. Targets to make me smile, make me happy. Only just last week out of the blue, my friend and I booked a 4 day holiday to Majorca for the Easter Break. I remember the other day I had a thought of not spending anything more than £300, but our holiday came up to over £400 and it was best money spent. Both of us need that break but doesn’t everyone lol. I prefer to seize the day when I can and I’m glad to involve an old friend who means a lot to me.

 

 

 

Positive February

It’s officially February. Already I have a good feeling about this month. I’m going to call it “Positive February”. And to start off the month nicely, my sister and I have started to put a deposit down for our weekend break in July to Rotterdam, for the carnival. By putting a deposit down today it has worked in our favour due to a “reduction in price”, woooohooo. Lets just say we had good luck over our heads. When it comes to holidays it’s always good to plan ahead, get the finances sorted, save up for spending money, have an idea what clothes your gonna carry, how are you going to get to the airport. That’s my sis and I, my travel buddy.

My calendar for this month:

1. Paying for my driving lessons tomorrow. Lessons have already been booked for this coming Wednesday but because as you do, you wait until pay day comes in and I wanted to wait until all the bills have come out and then work out what I am left with for the rest of the month.
2. Looking further into enrolment for language classes preferably Spanish.
3. Take more pics and post them up on the one and only social medias.
4. Make more of an effort with the gym, I’m paying for it so why not.
5. Book my tickets for London Fashion Weekend for the 25th-28th February. http://www.londonfashionweekend.com 
6. Looking at exhibitions and seeing what’s around London such as Scoop London, Liberty in Fashion at the Fashion and Textiles Museum and the Audrey Hepburn exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery.
7. Booking tickets for the Frock Me Vintage Fashion and Textiles Fair on the 7th Feb.Frock Me Vintage
8. Haven’t been to a Buymywardrobe.com event in a while, so I’m choosing this month to treat myself to a ticket.
9. Look more into what I’m going to do about my last 6 days of holiday. I do have a couple of ideas but still deciding. It’s either treating myself to Antwerp for a long weekend for the Easter period or utilise the holiday to more driving lessons. I will keep you informed.
10. Prepare for my mini trip to Bath with my good friend Natalie.
11. Catching up with friends I haven’t seen in a while.
12. Putting myself first, getting out a sketch book and start sketching again. This is my main priority out of the points I have mentioned because I am looking to re-invent my fashion label and see where it takes me.

Everyone needs an outlet other than their main employment, but happens when you come home. I, on the other hand choose to be active as much as possible and be involved with something I love doing such as sewing, sketching or blogging. So this month, I’m going to put myself first, enjoy, stay positive and keep an open mind.

First and Foremost, my last January Saturday

It’s pay weekend and I’m feeling very relaxed. It goes to show you, after a busy week at the office, all you want to do is relax and chill out. First and foremost, my original plan was to get up early, get my nails done and catch up with my close friend at the Design Museum. That would of been my ideal Saturday. Instead this morning I woke up early and got my nails done, did some shopping for the week and came home. I really wanted to see my friend today, but unfortunately due to the nature of my neck pain, I decided to do couple of things close to home and rest for the afternoon. Not the ideal Saturday I had in mind but something always creeps up at the last minute. Instead to sooth my neck, I’ve been putting some Voltarol gel on it to numb the pain, hopefully it will make it easier for me to turn my neck lol. It’s amazing how muscular pain creeps up on you.

Its always a nice feeling when your seating in doors, you know it’s very cold out and watching through the window at the dark afternoon sky outside, I just count my blessings I’m surrounded by the comfort and warmth and of course the lovely comfort of a cup of tea. Where would I be without my tea! I’m afraid to even think about it.

For the rest of my comfy Saturday evening, I have chosen to relax in and chill with mum. Currently she’s lying on the couch and I have to force her to go upstairs and sleep, this woman is stubborn lol but I guess that’s where I get it from lol.

My Ultimate Party-Drink

For the past couple of evenings now, I’ve been tucking into some delicious baileys, can’t help it. It soothes me just before I’m ready to go to bed. The smell is so powerful, refreshing and after a little sip you just want more. I literally pour myself half a glass and take little sips so it can last long. I’m so crafty lol. I love my Baileys.

I remember the days of my twenties, this would be the only drink in my hand when I was out partying with my girlfriends. Ask any of them. Don’t ask me why I took this drink under my wing, but when I was on the dance-floor the smooth taste and the moves I was doing just blended together and for years it was my ultimate party-drink.

I wonder if other people like myself have a party-drink? It’s so sad I’m even talking about this, but does anybody out there have a favourite drink they pick up from a bar? Don’t worry you can have two drinks or even three, lol.

Another question: what makes your favourite drink stand out from the rest?

Third question: how does it make you feel when your on the dance-floor?

I’ve always been a person that doesn’t need a drink to enjoy myself, it’s an accessory in my hand like for smokers it’s an occasional cigarette in between their fingers. All you wanna do is have a puff and enjoy. For me, Baileys is an accessory I like to sip.

Open to more questions and answers…….

 

January – So Simple Sweet

It feels good to start the day with my morning tea and Sainsbury Oat So Simple-Sweet Cinnamon porridge. This starts my day every morning while shifting through emails to check what needs to be done first.  Work load is a little quiet, not many shipments are coming in but I am still keeping busy. I have managed to book myself into body combat and body pump session at my gym for after work so I’m looking forward to the boost of energy after the daily queries to deal with. Getting the muscles pumped up and working for the rest of the evening gives my a real buzz and gets me in the mood for the ultimate workout. It’s officially the month for fitness and eating healthy.  Today for lunch I’m having soup and crackers on the side. In terms of flavour, to be confirmed lol. Waiting for the sandwich guy to turn up and offer us his lovely selections of soups. Gym kit is fully packed and prepared so bring on combat for later!!

As I type away, I’m looking down at my nails and thinking I need a re-do, it’s that time again. The horrible look of my gel nails growing out, the cuticles look untidy and they desperately need a polish and reshaped. My calendar for this week is not so jam-packed but very easy breezy. As soon as pay day kicks in, I will be taking a trip early Saturday morning with sis to the nail shop and bringing my two-toned gold/green polish from the renowned H&M of course which I love with me. I get comments about this polish all the time, but looking down at my nails in it’s tacky state is just not the right look to be displaying.

 

Tomorrow evening after work, I’m going straight to Camden, London to see the lovely Teedra Moses at the Jazz Cafe with my girlfriends.  I can not remember when was the last time I set foot in Camden,but it has been a while and long overdue. The only problem is Camden is a destination for quirky shopping and treating yourself to little trinkets. So I’m going to restrain myself and keep what little change I have in my pocket till pay day, it’s going to be hard but on the other hand I have been looking forward to this date since we sang our hearts out to my friend Helen’s stereo system at the Xmas get-together. That was so brilliant. It was three of us singing and we knew all the words, we were so in sync.

Girlfriends Unite!!

 

Movitation and Instinct

Sometimes I wake up in the morning and feel I miss that creativeness I used to hold so dearly. Putting pencil to paper and paper to the table. What’s stopping me, why can’t I start and I have no idea. I believe it’s due to lack of motivation. I need to stop moaning and get that motivation back. So for the last two days I’ve been off from work and I’ve been concentrating on things that need to be sorted out such as sorting out repayments for student loan, organising language courses in Spanish and French, contacting the RED driving school to book my lessons, even going through ideas to re-invent my label. Loads of things to do and so much time to do it in.

So I feel I am getting my motivation back slowly, but surely. Things take time at the end of the day but I am willing to put the effort in. I believe the best thing to do is focus on one thing and the rest will follow. Motivation and instinct is my key words for this January. Yesterday I put that into action and focused on things which is on my list to do. In the afternoon, I visited a good friend of mine and her gorgeous baby boy and another good friend came round as well. It was a nice afternoon. It was about focusing on things that make me happy and enjoying myself.

2016 is a fresh start to make this happen and this is what I aim to achieve.

 

 

Celebrate Xmas In Style

As you all know November is coming to a close in a week’s time and the amount of things that arises in your social calendar. It can get overwhelming. If it’s not your usual Christmas party which you get glammed up for,  it’s the buying of the presents, making the effort to visit Winter Wonderland with your friends, wrapping of the presents and of course the food shopping list. So much things to do in the month of December. The one thing on my mind is deciding on frocks to wear for my Christmas parties. I say Christmas parties as plural because this year in particular I have two parties in my diary. The main head office party and my warehouse Christmas party in Northampton.

I have a few ideas in mind such as Harvey Nichols, ASOS or Missguided. Like any other girl, I have chosen to look different outside of work than turn up to the party in work attire. Some people might say it’s just a work party, but I choose to make an effort because I have been at Harvey Nichols for nearly a year and its the first time in a long while where I feel happy and enjoy what I do.

So why not Celebrate In Style.

Check out my ideas for party frock season in December:

                 ASOS Beaded Mesh Bodycon dress £180            

        ASOS Closet Tie Back Pencil Dress £50.00

              Missguided Monochrome Midi Dress £28

                     Missguided double strap midi dress purple £30  

                

 

                  A: FINDERS KEEPERS –  Atlas black cut-out stretch piqué dress – £132.00                     B: KARL LAGERFELD – Louise Black eyelet embellished dress – £295.00                           C: DKNYPURE – Tonal grey printed crepe dress – £250.00

How can you decide when there is so many styles to choose from, what’s your opinion, what do you think!