MOVING IMAGE

For our Fashion Communication 'Moving Image' module, we were asked to select a brand from Urban Outfitters and shoot a Fashion film in the style of that brand.

The brand I chose is Vivienne Westwood - 'Anglomania'.

As I am an avid Vivienne Westwood worshipper, I dived straight into the idea of using her Anglomania line as the basis of my fashion film

To support my fashion film, I also had to construct a Vivienne Westwood Anglomania research book, an installation sketch of how I wished the Anglomania brand to be presented upon the shop floor of Urban Outfitters and two A3 concept sheets of the theme I wished my Anglomania fashion film to exude.

Looking deeply into models and styling that Westwood usually uses, it became apparent to me that a 'scarecrow' theme was emerging. 

I was particularly inspired by the makeup applied at the Vivienne Westwood Paris Fashion Week Fall 2011 show. I thought that the black and white facepaint had a certain 'scarecrow-esque' look. 

From the 'scarecrow' theme, I then developed this into investigating 'the yellow brick road'. It can be noted that there are an abundance of gold references that can be made in association with Westwood - Gold label, golden runways, gold makeup...

In order for my Fashion film to incorporate both of these interesting concepts, I merged these two themes together and focused on having a 'scarecrow girl' as my main character who then snorts gold. This in turn, creates a fun and quite sinister fashion film that has an element of fantasy. I think it reflects Vivienne Westwood's style quite well, although it is as unique interpretation of her work as I wanted to avoid being too literal with pirate, punk and new romantics styles that I initially focused on.

STYLING

I tried to make my model Tatianna as scarecrow-like as possible, using nudes/greys/blacks, draping clothing and Melissa heels to emphasise the Westwood style. 

The makeup is clearly inspired by the show I referenced - Although I tried to make it look a bit rougher and more hatched so it looked a bit like hay.

So, here is my first ever fashion film. Hope you enjoy! (click on link to make it bigger)

xoxo

FINAL EIGHT...

I'm testing out my 'final eight' images from my photo shoot. 

We can only submit eight to be graded for the Fashion Communication module and I believe that the images below are my final choice. All of the photographs I submit will be in full colour, although I have featured my final eight in black and white too - just so I can examine the contrast clearly. 

All of these photographs are raw and unedited (other than duplicating the originals to black and white of course). There were others photographs I prefer, but I did not want several of my final images to have similar poses or costumes. 

The editing process has been really tough, I'm glad I didn't wait until the weekend to start planning out my final eight considering I stayed up until 4AM last night fretting over it.

With my sketchbook nearly finished and the end of the module nearing closer, I can truly say that I've really enjoyed the Fashion Photography course. At first I felt really threatened at the prospect of finding a location and model, styling them, coming up with a story/theme for the photoshoot and finding my own garments. Not because I prefer working in a team as I actually work better independently,  but because we were working on a six week time frame, there really was no room for error as it would have cost me so much time.

Reflecting back at Fashion Photography in hindsight, although I really enjoyed the actual photography on the big day of the shoot, I felt so in my element when it came to the styling. I get so excited when it comes to picking out elaborate garments that will photograph like a dream... Especially if they are vintage. 

One day, I'd love to be as big as Patricia Field. I'm currently OBSESSED with the SATC boxset and I always find myself pining over Field's styling of the famous SATC girls (particularly Samantha and OF COURSE Carries wardrobes).

This is so typically me and so bias as Westwood could do no wrong in my eyes, but this is my all time favourite Carrie outfit. I remember writing my Advanced Higher Art dissertation on this dress and I'm 100% sure I've dedicated a whole post to this in the past... 

YOUCH

Love this too...

I would definitely wear this. Its so wrong but so, so right.

I don't usually mix work and play with my blog posts, but I've not been too personal recently and blogging predominantly about University work. 

I often flit between ideas of what Fashion career path I'll follow. After working at Philip Treacy I was SURE I would work in PR upon graduating, but sometimes I like the idea of being a writer or a stylist. The prospect of being an accessories editor has always appealed to me also (I have a reoccurring dream that I'm chief accessories editor at Harper's Bazaar, I believe this is where the sudden accessories pang has stemmed from).

Next week, we start our 'Still Life' module. I believe we will be photographing accessories so I have no doubt that I'll be in my element...

xoxo

P.S... Thank you to everyone who voted for me to win the Cosmopolitan Blog Award. It would be a dream come true if I won. I really do work hard to make this blog as unique and diverse as possible whilst documenting my own work to show you all. I'm really honoured and flattered that I have been nominated to win an award and no matter what the outcome will be, I will never forget that. I would recommend any First Year Fashion Communication students to do the same as I have done and blog as much as possible and enter competitions such as the Cosmopolitan Blog Awards. It's great to include on your CV, even if you do not win.

This blog started out as a minor piece of work that my lecturers asked me to start last year and it soon became a diary that followed my journey to where I am now - from an amateur clueless student, to moving to London to work at Philip Treacy to now showcasing my best photography work. 

I've had some great opportunities from people that have been inspired by my blog  such as the Cosmopolitan Blog Awards, being allowed to borrow vintage clothing to show on here and friends from back in Aberdeen asking me to show my photographs at charity events. Not to mention the amount of people who give me 'shout outs' on their blogs from all over the world and others saying they're inspired by what I've wrote and then decided to create their own blog or expand on their own.

Thank you to Cosmopolitan.co.uk for choosing me, I'm so happy that I'm nominated.

LOOKBOOK + VINTAGE TO HEAL THE SOUL

I'm having a very sad day today as my boyfriend went offshore this morning. He's not sure when he will be coming back, but by the time he does, I will be moved into my new house in Galashiels.

Just to clarify - I'm not moving house with my family or anything. Right now, I'm living in Aberdeen as it is my Summer break from University. Whilst I'm studying at University, I live in Galashiels - a town one hour away from Edinburgh quite literally in the midst of nowhere. 

In first year of University, we were provided with Halls to live in. Now that I have become a second year student, I have to find my own accommodation. So, for second year, I'm living in a cute house just minutes away from the University with three of my friends - they are also Fashion students. 

Our lovely house - photographed on a dull rainy day. Typical Galashiels.

Although I'm slowly beginning to warm to the prospect of moving back to Galashiels, I'll really miss being in Aberdeen amongst my friends, family and my boyfriend. I'll miss my cat Nina too as she's been a bit ill recently.

I'm nervous for what second year at University has in store. I hope that more of my strengths are exposed and my weaknesses don't drag me down too much. I'm trying desperately to have a positive outlook, despite not being an avid Galshiels fan. Although, one thing is for sure - I'm unbelievably excited for London Fashion Week, especially since my wardrobe has been revamped with gorgeous one-off-vintage pieces.

My most favourite pair of vintage shoes - where I walk, they walk.

The response to my LFW post has been amazing. I'm fuelled with confidence that I shall blend in with the coolest of cats in London. I loved searching for those perfect key items that would be Fashion Week worthy. I'll really miss rummaging through vintage stores every spare moment I have to myself. I've developed quite a bond with the store managers from some of the vintage stores I purchased pieces from, so it will be strange not popping past every couple of days to ask "anything new in?"

Collecting such wonderful vintage pieces has made me feel so lucky, I feel honoured to own some of the finds that I do! My eyes have been opened up to a whole new outlook towards what I think Fashion is. Since taking my vintage London Fashion Week challenge (find as many Designer-Vintage pieces as possible to look fierce for the big week), I've felt myself become such a vintage snob. I actually cannot imagine myself happily shopping in the likes of Topshop or Urban Outfitters comfortably any more knowing that there are so many undiscovered Vintage finds out there.

Maybe I should start a campaign? Lets all be original -  FU*K THE HIGH STREET!

... But of course I'm still allowed to pop past a Vivienne Westwood store once or maybe even twice a year (if I'm lucky). Lets not take being a vintage-fiend too seriously.

Since I'm missing my boyfriend so much, in order to divert my mind away from him for a short while, I've began Lookbooking! I posted a couple of looks a while back but couldn't keep up with doing it constantly as I was too busy with Uni work.

Old granny blazer (floral print blazer with shoulder pads) - vintage (ROKIT Covent Garden)

Cut out Blondie tee - River Island 

Cotton jean-style leggings - Topshop

Chancery bag - Vivienne Westwood

Skull resin necklace - Vivienne Westwood

Stone encrusted flats - vintage (ROKIT Covent Garden) 

Shiny pearlescent shoulder padded coat - vintage (ROKIT Covent Garden)

Oversized mohair multicoloured cardigan - vintage Jaeger (The Closet)

I alternated between three styles of jacket/cardigan so I had a wider choice of which look to upload. In the end I chose the first one as I found it the most dynamic and would therefore get more "hype". And of course, all outfits must be teamed with the Vivienne Westwood bag and necklace. The purples, blues and blacks of the necklace went really well with the garments and I felt that the lilac Chancery bag enhanced the other purple tones I'm wearing. Lets face it, regardless to what I wear, 9 times out of 10 I'll team it with my Vivienne Westwood gear. 

My favourite throw over out if the three (if you will), is definitely the mohair vintage Jaeger - one of my LFW key pieces.

 I did not upload the image of me wearing this as I felt that I could achieve a stronger photograph and show off the cardigan better another time. I try to avoid posting anything on Lookbook that does not give the garment full justice. 

Purchasing my first cardigan for Fall has made me so excited! I can't wait to seek out some more vintage knits to cosy up in. 

I really enjoy Lookbook. I don't use it to seek inspiration on how to wear specific things like a lot of people do. I just like to upload outfits of my new clothes. 

I can see it as being quite dangerous if taken too seriously - as much as I admire those who get professional photographs taken in stunning locations, it gets a bit over the top when you can barely recognise the garments as the images are being over flooded with so much scenery and strong editing.

I don't go to great lengths by getting my photo's professionally taken or anything (clearly - my boyfriend does it for me!) or spend hours editing them but its those kind of "looks" I like the most. Simple ones with a nice brick background or something. I believe the clothes should do the talking - not that nice stream you've photographed yourself standing next to. 

I understand why some peoples soul purpose is to get inspiration or learn how a certain garment/pair of shoes should be worn but for me that's the fun thing with purchasing a new garment or a pair of shoes - learn yourself how it should look. Don't copy other peoples style! 

I also like using Lookbook to advertise my blog. I could do with some new followers! 

I find that Lookbook is helping me take my mind off of having to deal with reality - going back to University after a long Summer and having to say goodbye to my boyfriend for a few weeks.

Do any of you guys use Lookbook.nu for Fashion inspiration or to upload pictures? 

xoxo

SHAKE THE GLITTER!

One of my favourite song lyrics - "Shake The Glitter", courtesy of Katy Perry's 'Waking Up In Vegas' single. 

"Shake The Glitter" reminds me of shaking sequins. Like the feeling when you try on a gorgeous sequin outfit, particularly a dress. Its probably just me who does this but whenever I try on a sequin dress that is so laden with embellishment that it actually feels heavy, I jump up and down in it! I like the sound it makes and I love seeing the sequins dazzle and change colour with movement. 

I've decided to dedicate this post to all items that glitter. 

Everyone needs some glitter in their life. Surely you can reminisce with childlike naivety when you swoon over a pair of glittery high heels. Whenever I see a pair of glittered shoes I always think of Dorothy from the Wizard Of Oz - "there's no place like home!" 

Glitter and calf hair pumps

Glitter and suede peep-toe ankle boots

Glitter and suede bow ankle boots

Glitter and crystal brogues

All shoes above are MIU MIU. I want every single pair.

Vivienne Westwood Anglomania glitter finish jersey stretch dress

Anna Sui embellished tulle mini dress

Matthew Williamson sequin and feather hand-woven dress

Alice By Temperley sequined mesh dress

Oscar De La Renta sequinned tulle and silk-chiffon gown

Temperley London Long Poison embellished tulle gown

You don't have to understand it, but glitter makes me so happy. Not just glittered garments but make up too. I have tonnes of glittery liquid eyeliner and eyeshadow but I never have the courage to use it. 

Giles Deacon 

Vivienne Westwood Red Label 

Dior

John Galliano - THE MAN OF RUNWAY MAKEUP

My idea of a beautiful glittered outfit is this. If I was fortunate to own all the pieces below, I would be a very excited girl.

Markus Lupfer peacock wool sweater, Alexander Wang high rise metallic glitter pants and Pedro Garcia glitter-finish leather ankle boots. AMAZING.

I hope everyone has a lovely weekend! I have zero plans but hopefully my boyfriend comes back from offshore on Monday! (We've not seen each other for over three weeks now)... SOB SOB. 

I've got some exciting blog post ideas coming up over the weekend since I've got some spare time on my hands so keep your eyes open!

Thank you so much to those of you who regularly read my blog and comment - you know who you are! It makes such a difference when people are on here often and not just passing by. It makes me really happy to know you read what I have to say.

New followers please leave your blog links in a comment on my page! I can't look at your pages without a link :( 

Have a lovely weekend everyone,

xoxo