DIESEL'S DAUGTERS: WORK EXPERIENCE

 In the week of 16th-20th October I partook in a week of work experience at Diesel LTD. 

Founded in 1978 by Renzo Rosso, an Italian designer, Diesel is a retail clothing company which sells casual luxury items to a main audience of male consumers, and a smaller proportion to female customers; a huge sacrifice they had to make after the women's department was failing to succeed. However, as they take further steps into catering for Generation Z their clothing is moving to a genderless category which we should all be very excited about!

After a LOT of pestering I was accepted for the placement along with my friend Liz (an aspiring designer who you can read about here) and I could not be more grateful for the time I spent there. Not only did HQ have an amazing, familiar atmosphere to it but the people who work there are so passionate about what they are doing, it inspired me to do whatever I can to find a home in the fashion industry. 

One of the most inspiring people who I met during the course was called Nigel Sam. Previously to working for Diesel full time he worked there for free on the side for 10 years until they persuaded him to work there as their facilities manager after he took over a sales event. The event usually sold £8,000 worth of stock in one day, but with Nigel's help it took a huge turn in profit to £30,000 in 30 minutes!

It is impossible to explain the talent that this man possessed, but he also has a natural ability to read us according to anything from our body language to our shoe choice. This also meant that we were able to practice interview technique with him which was insanely helpful. Zara look out - an interviewee is on her way! 

During my week at Diesel, the company were preparing for 'D-Day' and the first stages of launching their new season of clothing for SS18. This of course called for showrooms to be designed and models to walk. Although I was not strutting my little legs down the cat walk I was able to design a few showrooms and dress a few handsome (!!!) models. Fortunately for Liz and myself the showroom designs were accepted and the models all walked out on time in order...who knew dressing a model in 1.5 minutes into a new pair of clothes four times could give you the same heart beat as a light cardio sesh?!

The week was inspiring to be part of and it just makes me want to get into the fashion industry as soon as I can, hence the first blog post in a while. Although there was a definite sense of stress throughout the week when preparing for 'D-Day' and the press event the following week, the adrenaline made me so excited and as though I was actually part of Diesel HQ.

Before the work experience when I was calling the office yet again to confirm everything, Nigel had picked up the phone and had claimed 'Darling, if you don't have the best week of your life by the end of the work experience, I will eat my hat!' Nigel, do not worry you will not have to eat your hat this time.

PROM 2017

On 8th July I had my post-GCSE Prom night which three other girls and I organised for our year. 

Although it was stressful at times having to organise the mass event and attempt to pass my GCSE's at the same time, it was incredibly successful and I possibly had the best night of my life! I know not everyone is into partying and some find it really quite challenging to their anxiety, but it was so amazing to spend a few hours with my entire year where we just drunkenly ran around hugging and telling each other how much we loved and will miss everyone when we separate to attend our own colleges.

I learnt quite a lot from Prom and I'm just going to list a few preparatory tasks that you should aim to look after and sort out as well as some photos from the night.

Prom day is always going to be stressful especially when you have to take time over your makeup and hair with the knowledge that the photos taken that day will be circulating for quite a while. I personally did not have enough time to spend on my makeup as the lovely lady, Keeley, who was doing my hair was taking her time in making my curls look perfect. Also, if you have never attempted to put false eyelashes on before previously to prom, it's harder than it looks and takes practice and could quite easily ruin your makeup. Some of my friends decided to go and get their makeup done professionally which some really highly recommend, but if you're not used to the heavy application of makeup and are aiming for a more natural look then I would suggest avoiding anyone at MAC in particular as they are not well known for their 'light' looks.

Not everyone has their 'Say Yes To The Dress' moment for Prom, I'm sorry. Personally, I picked up the dress and was not at all convinced I was going to wear it even when I bought it, but with a cheeky bit of accessorising everything came together! Furthermore, your shoes are most likely going to be absolutely trashed at one point during the night so DO NOT buy some Louis Vuitton's for Prom unless you want to happily waste your money.

Bring a disposable! Disposable camera's are so fun and easy to use and they do not break or get smashed easily so you never have to worry about dropping it like you do with your phone. Not all the photos always turn out, but the ones that do are great and then you have got that collection of photos printed out forever. Take loads of photos too as they are always hilarious to look back on and sometimes they help you piece together the night...

Do not worry if you don't have a prom date, unfortunately the guy I wanted to go with has a girlfriend and so she wasn't too pleased about him going with me. However, in the end I am so glad I didn't have to tag anyone along and I could be as free and wild as I wanted! (There was also no one telling me I like silly or was doing something stupid which is always a perk!)

Nails don't really matter. In the end as I said earlier I was really struggling with timing and I didn't actually paint my nails in the end, of course some find that getting your acrylics finishes the looks, but in the photos you can't even see the tiny details. So I feel you have nice nails anyway, just put a nice clean cut of nail polish over them and you're good to go! 

Finally, don't get stressed about Prom! It is meant to be a super fun night to remember, whether that is at the actual Prom or the after Prom, but just have a good time and don't get too caught up in the prepping problems. I hope this really helped and that if your Prom is yet to come, enjoy! and if you've been there, done that I hope you had a fantastic time.

90s BABY

 

I may not be a 90s baby (2001 for those wondering (yes I am still very foetus like)), but boy I would have loved to have been a teen then.

 

I am a huge fan of every era of fashion, particularly the 70s, and I am completely embracing the takeover of flares, footballer jackets and to put it simply, "waaavy gaaarms". A few vintage shops that have been constantly on my browser recently are 'Beyond Retro' and 'Rokit', but it is a well known fact that anything that classifies as "vintage" has to be severely overpriced. Read a post about some previous 'Beyond Retro' purchases here. A moment for my very empty purse. Thank you. However, there is a solution!

 

Charity Shops

I cannot express enough the importance of that Oxfam or British Heart Foundation shop down the street. Not only does the money go to great causes, but there are some great "vintage" finds there too. Also, sometimes the items just need a bit of a push in the right direction - so go ahead and do it! The amount of times I've wanted to get out some thread from when I was 5 years old and embroider a little flower onto the sleeve is insane. However, maybe it just needs a chop or tailoring.

 

Controversially, I did not actually purchase this dress as a charity shop, but Zara. Hey, it looks pretty 90s though, am I right?! This denim dress originally had a bit of a weird cut not going to lie, but off that came with my handy pair of material scissors. So have that confidence to be your own designer!

 

To add to "them 90s vibez", I paired this outfit with some killer hoops (yes they do hurt and I have been known to take them out mid-conversation in public...no shame), my beautiful collection of rings and some black booties, courtesy of my mother.

 

 

I also cut my hair shorter! Who knows, next time I might go for a pixie?

BOHEMIAN DISCOS || BLOGMAS

With their bright, bold, and beautiful attire, the 70s has to be my favourite era. I just wish I was tall enough to rock a pair of flared jeans!

It's no lie that 1970 trends have made a huge comeback that began around a year ago, but even so I have always admired with wide eyes the glammed hippie chic days that were framed in orange tinged photographs. Not only were the icons of the century performing, but the Saturday Night Fever was spreading! 

Of course we have the legendary Bowie, Cher and Joni Mitchell, but there's no way that this post would end without a mention to Vivienne Westwood. The Queen Of Punk is powerfully outrageous and is never afraid of shying away from any boundaries, my respect for her is truly immense. However, my favourite trend that I regularly suit up in is the 'Denim on Denim' dare, set by Debbie Harry. If only going to the supermarket in only denim, and killer platforms was acceptable.

On an inspired shopping trip, I bought a bell sleeved, cropped, chiffon blouse and oh my goodness, it is beautiful. It has an orange and yellow floral design printed onto it, stamped with a 70s trademark! 

A shop that I find really captures the boho chic of the 70s is Glamorous: 

"Inspired by high fashion, contemporary night culture and vintage; with fabrics sourced from across the globe Glamorous will have a design to suit any mood or occasion ... We believe fashion should be individual, accessible and most of all affordable". 

PRETTY IN PUNK || BLOGMAS 1

Pretty In Punk is a new collection that Zara recently released, and I am feelin' it! 

It's all about going against the rules and drawing your rebellious side outside the box. The collection consists of some bad ass studded leather, classic rose print, frills, frays, and fishnets and the editorial is insane! All the clothes and accessories are bold and empowering and hopefully I will be able to grab a few more items from the season before Christmas. 

The photo shoot was a bit of an experiment inspired by multiple artists, including Nan Goldin and Juergen Teller, however, they do also kind of remind me of 2000s MySpace! Nan Goldin has regularly used vivid reds throughout photo shoots, producing fiery image and then has continued to edit each photo with tinges of other colours, such as brown or pink. Unlike Goldin, Juergen Teller's use of colour is delicate and he chooses to decrease the saturation, remove the brighter colours and replace them with subtle tones, emphasising a greater contrast between the lighter and the darker tones producing again a vintage effect.

The top in the post is from the Pretty In Punk collection, and the trousers are from Tommy Hilfiger, a recent ethical purchase. One of my favourite bloggers, Tolly Dolly Posh has really influenced me to shop outside the usual market and to instead hunt elsewhere, in charity shops. And I have become obsessed. Not only are you making great ethical choices and often donating to brilliant causes, but there's so much variety for such a great price. I have also started taking my charity shop finds and adjusting them to suit my style, whether that's giving a pair of denim jeans a frayed trim, or adjusting the waist line with my grandma's sewing machine.

In the photos I wanted to express a vintage punk vibe with a hint of side eye stares, and daring colour. I actually found it really hard to edit these photos however, as I wanted the bright colours without incredibly flushed cheeks, but also a disposable camera filter effect, but not so much that it would drain the image(!!) Nightmare.

BEYOND RETRO

Beyond Retro is a trend-led vintage fashion shop which using beautifully crafted reclaimed materials, produces a growing line of apparel and accessories. 

To emphasise their passion for original design, the company take inspiration from all eras and guess what? Through the process of reusing old charms, they manage to take care of the planet at the same time! Each item of clothing is boldly individual whether it's lace hemmed, chopped and cropped, or purely 90s. You will never be in fear of someone matching you in your silk, suede, or leather attire.

From my summer expedition to Brighton, the girls and I hunted down Beyond Retro. After at least an hour of searching through the masses of wavy garms, I came across a line of sport shirts where I picked out the top pictured above. The quality is very high for secondhand material and definitely has that funky edge which could be easily tucked into your favourite pair of jeans, paired with a thick leather belt.

I am definitely planning on heading back to continue my journey through the (sometimes blinding) padded shoulder shirts, and I always like to recommend a visit to anyone passing through. The only thing I would be wary of however, is the prices which have a tendency to range quite dramatically. Just be careful to not break your bank account which my lovely friend Daisy was very close to doing! You can find Beyond Retro in Brighton, Brick Lane, Dalston, and Soho in the U.K.

SILVER BUCKLED SANDLES

I unwrapped these silver buckled platforms for my birthday in May and they have constantly been on my feet; therefore a blogpost was definitely needed! 

This pair of kickers are really the dream shoes and are definitely made for walking, as well as standing a lil' bit taller (always a bonus). Not only are they super comfy with padded soles, the buckles mean they are easily adjustable for a snug fit and blister free comfort, which is something I often struggle with being constantly on the move.

In addition, they go with pretty much everything and anything due to the light grey colour palette. From cigarette trousers and shredded skinny jeans to a smart figure hugger or pleated skirt, an outfit completed. I would also looove to see these platforms styled with culottes for the autumnal period which is very much so creepin' round the corner!!! EEEE!