Just A Yorkshire Girl With Big Dreams

Hellooo! 

After a stressful final term of uni, I am back and I have passed my first year with a *drum roll please* A FIRST. I am so pleased with myself, for the first time in my life I can actually sit here and say.. "Amie, gurl have a glass of vino, chill out, because you have done well kid." People often ask me about the degree I am doing.. and they say "oh you're doing Fashion Journalism, well thats not a proper degree" or something along those lines. Well to those people.. 

1. It is a proper degree. I had to work just as hard as everyone else to get on their courses. 

2. Just because I'm not writing essays everyday, and I'm not doing exams doesn't make my course any easier. Our course relys on us working on 2 huge projects at a time and you have to put in 100% effort. always. You can be in the library for 8hours and still have only done 2 pages of a magazine/fashion edit in that time.. and its so bloody agrovating. It's hard graft..

3. It is achedemic. Just because we learn about the significance of a white t-shirt and a pair of jeans doesn't mean we're not clever or 'retarded'.. it's history. I learn more about the history of art/politics/social and economic issues of the world than anything else.. as this amounts to what we wear and how designers feel. In actual fact, designers/artists look to the issues of the world and make that into clothes in order for people to express how they feel about what is going on. To me that is the most powerful thing a person can do. But because these simple pieces have been passed on to places on the high street their meaning is lost.. and then to the average person it's nothing. But the simple white T-Shirt was actually a canvas for the people to state what they truely felt about the world and what was going on. 

I have so many more reasons but I think this gives it justice. I hope that people can see here that what I, and what many others who study Fashion Journalism, is that we learn about the history of what we wear today.. and as a journalist/blogger it is my duty to share that with you.. So stuff you closed minded people. It is a degree. *rant over*

So.. ahaha... I am back, and I have noticed this time has gone by and I haven't blogged.. at all.. and for that I have no explination other than I have been going out and partying way to hard... so hard that I havent been going home. *sorry mum* However, I am now back in Yorkshire away from my uni pals, and this makes me super sad. I ain't gonna lie.. but I do love being back home with the fam and friends! Its nice. But this means I haven't got as many resources to blog with.. but I have a few ideas for this summer which I feel may bring this place some character! I feel on here I want to include more of me.. which probably sounds highly bizarre and out there, but i do.. I feel like I want to include my personality more in each post.. to give you lot an insight into a yorkshire girls way of life, and how difficult it is to be a 'fashionista' when there's nothing but sheep and fields. 

The last time I was on here I was going to show you the styling shoot I did.. I got an A for that *woo* and that post is going to be up here next. However, I have become very keen on Men's fashion.. I have no idea why, but I really feel as though that it is something that isnt discussed very much on blogs.. especially by women. So I am going to give this a whirl, and plus that means many a hot men :D *woo* 

But for now enough talking from me.. here is some Inspiration :)

  

As always you can findthese images on my tumblr. 

Here I have ended my post with the orignal cast of my all time face film - Mary  Poppins :D 

Sorry this post this post was rather 'ranty' but I had a lot on my chest! 

thank you for reading

see you next week :)

Ain't No Mountain High Enough!

Hello Lovlies! This weeks word is: Galloon. Like balloon... but not! Again I love saying this word, it's so fun and it just rolls of the tounge! The meaning: "A very ornamental braid, made often in gold, silver, or other metallic colors that is flat and wide and has both edges finished in the same way. It is sometimes decorated with jewels or colored stones and has been popular as ornamentation for evening wear" little nugget of info for you there kids! 

Many of you are probably wondering why the title is "Ain't No Mountain High Enough". well, this is because recently I have been listening to SO much Motown that it's actually embarrassing. But I have to say, it's amazing. Music now-a-days is brill, but this is out of this world! You can't help but smile and dance. And I LOVE IT.

News...

Last week not much happened.. and then. I only went and lost my debit card in Croydon. I shall now be known as a gump and a loser for ever more.
Now I have to wait until my card comes back to me and I can then have some moneys.. I told my dad luckily he was understanding and has PROMISED not to tell my mum otherwise shit will hit the fan. not pretty. 

IMWNO.

If money was no option, this week I would be jumping straight over to Céline for their RTW spring collection. I think some of these garments are just LUSH and this off white felted merino wool sweater is just LUSH. Something that could be worn dressy or casual. I WANT IT NOW. 

In addition to this I also would like the Céline Dark brown fox and mink coat. It's just beautiful, and would be my baby from until forever more. again.. I WANT.

Inspiration...

 

 

as always all these images can be found on my tumblr! 

Thanks for all the support loves, keep on reading

see you soon. 

Is the Curvy Woman The Right Way?

Hey Lovelies! As you can see, I am still doing my Fashion Word Of The Week(FWOTW). This week it's appliqué. I love to say this word.. I sound so fancy! And that never happens, so I embrace this moment!
So what's the definition of this word I hear you say... "Cutting shapes from textile fabrics and attaching them to another fabric or garment in order to decorate the base material." Learn something new everyday, you guys do.

What have I been listening to this week?! 

Instead of doing an AOTW this week, I have decided to say what my ears have been loving... so here we go (In no particular order!)
1. Vance Joy - Riptide. AMAZING SONG OMGAAD. obsessed.
2. Katy B - Crying For No Reason. So glad she has come back, and this is such a tune
3. Clean Bandit - Rather Be. A band which I have loved for a long time now, So glad they are getting noticed. well done guys!
4. Will. I. Am. - Felling Myself. I am ashamed to have this on the list. sorry everyone.
5. Jungle - The Heat. Another absolute tune, I can't stop listening to this song! 
6. Gold Panda - Marriage. A song I loved when I was younger, and my love has been re-kindled
7. The Drums - Let's Go Surfing. Again, an old fave off mine! But its such a good song
8.Wolf Gang - Back To Back. This is one of my all time faves. Such a good song, and the best version? the acoustic version.. its LUSH. 

ANYWAY...
As you can probs tell by the title, I am going to be posting a story which I wrote for one of my uni projects. I love this piece, and it's very me.. Humorous yet factual. I aren't very factual really.. but lets swerve past that shall we?
This topic is something I am so passionate about. Just loving your body curves and all. I mean I aren't saying go be an unhealthy weight! but don't be a walking skeleton either. I think in this day and age there is a deep want to be SUPER thin.. when really, our bodies aren't meant for that. We are given what we are given.. and if you've got it.. FLAUNT IT SISTER.  

Eating my Percy pigs at home – the typical day. When I saw that Debenhams are introducing a size 16 mannequin to their high street store on Oxford Street, a question formed – why has no one done this before? As studies have shown, women are three times more likely to buy the clothes when they are displayed in their size.

More young women under the age of 25 are getting an eating disorder. It would appear that Debenhams are stepping in the right direction. Co-director of the campaigning group Body Gossip Natasha Devon states: we need to fight against the idea that there’s only one form of body shape. Love, I have tried. It seems that shopping to get good muscles isn’t as cool as going to the gym. It’s just the way it is – apparently.

      
Topshop, where the young women (like me) go to shop, are still using the not so average size 10 mannequins. This used to be deemed as a healthy, slim, achievable weight – but this now bares no relation to their customers. Personally, I think size 10 is sensible,a few curves but still slim. Winning. This is the weight that I hope to keep myself after going to the gym. I mean come on.. I will NEVER be an 8, my body isn't made for that. And you know what? That's okay. And if you're an 8/6/4, that's okay as well (jealousy is forming) everyone is different. *Preaching* 

Kate Moss, now designing a new range. I, personally, feel it will be made for the ‘skinny minnies’ of our time and I will look… well… dreadful. But hey, “nothing tastes as good as skinny feels.” right? I disagree. A bacon sandwich with ketchup will always be better than a rivita. 

what I ask you readers is..
Do you agree with the plus size mannequins? Or are you all for the thinspiration of this generation?
Let me know! 

Disclaimer: I should say, I don't want to offend anyone with this piece. I am putting my opinion across. 

As Always thanks for the support, Keep reading. 

See you soon :)

Guess Who's Back?!

Hello Everyone! Its been so long since I have posted. You're probably wondering why!
Obviously I am now at university, and not that this got pushed to one side.. I just wasnt feeling it, and I didn't want to give you guys some half hearted poopy pieces, that not only did I not want to read..But neither would you. So I took these few months off to find my voice, my style and the direction in which I want to write. And now I have that. 

What do you think of the place now? Its totally been re-done *FINALLY* .. Totally taking advantage of the uni computers and using all their products *teehee* 

This year.. 

• As always, you will have my weekly inspiration. Whether that be a photographer, Stylist, Musician or just general Photo's. 
• Hauls/Uni Room updates/Uni House updates/Beauty reviews/Designer bits... just bits of everything!
• You will also find that I will be posting more "newsie" pieces/Articles on designers, as I want to share with you my fashion writings that I do at uni. And I think we can all benefit from it! 
• Again, you will get my weekly updates/ramblings on what I am up too, my projects at uni, boy probs, weekly outfits and all that shabang *I should add, that you can find my daily outfit updates on my Tumblr, which is linked in the side bar!*
• You will also find, that I will be posting things that I do to get more "cultured" so.. Good old movies, exhibitions and all that gumpf! 
• Then finally, The usual the AOTW (Artist Of The Week) and IMWNO (If Money Was No Option)

I hope you guys stick with and bare with me while I get back into the swing of things around here. Now I have the technology and equipment..things could get fancy! 
Review Of The Past Year. 

This is so late..Am I ashamed? nope.

2013.. watta year it was indeedy!
1. I moved away from home.. and I realised I can actually live on my own, and I don't need my lovely mum all the time! 
2. I am living near London... (Pretty mega)
3. I've met some amazing friends, who I know I will be friends with for a long time! 
4. I patched things up with old friends
5. I started to shop less.. and exersize more.. SAY WHHAAAT.
6. I realised I am strong enough and I can cope on my own. I have found my voice and I am finally feeling me again. *deep* 

2014? 
1. More blogging. More. More. More. 
2. I have already joined the gym. Do I get brownie points for this?
3. Possible work placement?
4. Finish my first year at uni *whoa*
5. I will turn 20. I am now an adult.. which means I can no longer get child tickets for things. bummer.
6. ... I am sure there's more, but right now I can't think of anything!!

Thank you all for your support, and thank you for reading :)
see you soon! 

Interview with Kathy - Stanford Row

Hello everyone! Hope we are all well, as mentioned the website StanfordRow have asked me to re-write up the an interview with a new upcoming designer Kathy Wilson.. So here we go!!

If you are familiar with or have watched Joe Zee’s (Elle creative director) “All On The Line” on the Sundance Channel then there’s a high chance you will be familiar with Kathy Wilson. In Season 2, Episode 3; Joe Zee helps Kathy renovate her line from sedate to stylish and I got the chance to write the interview which allows us into her world and see what inspires her.

With designs which have captured something quite unique and display the quality and technical skill which fills people with the appreciation for her craft and furthermore, her creative mind, what can she tell us about her work? “My atelier launched after I designed a jacket for Stevie Wonder that he wore to the President Obama's first White House Correspondents' Dinner. I am a menswear and womenswear designer who started on red carpet pieces for celebrities under Richard Tyler Couture.  I love doing gowns and suits but after researching where the market was moving, I decided to launch a contemporary line during my participation in a reality show.” With her working in her own work space in Brooklyn it must be hard to make bespoke designs but she seems to think this way is best for her, “I sketch and drape on my dress forms here.  Then I get my samples done and take sales appointments out of my showroom in New York's garment district.”

However, the Question on everyone’s lips; what made her want to design bespoke garments? “My introduction to bespoke clothing came from my first job at Richard Tyler.  It was where I learned how to measure and make beautiful clothes inside and out." With a now ever growing appreciation for clothes and the way you can piece them together, I want to know what are her thoughts are on bespoke items: “I love bespoke clothing but it is very hard to find customers that understand the artisanal quality and care of this type of work.  Most consumers follow trends and don't have a sense of quality that bespoke customers understand." Never has someone said it better! At Stanford Row they are really passionate about helping people becoming more confident and swarvé/savvy dresser. However, I feel that the bespoke clothes are beginning to be appreciated more and more by the consumer. I would like to know in this current climate what is her most pressing challenges that she faces? “"I find that Americans are all about sales.  Black Friday and getting a great deal has programmed people to only buy things on discount.  It turns people in hoarders instead of people that love things that they can hold onto and resell later on." This is the reality that is faced by most people. As it seems, there needs to be a transformation of peoples thinking, one genuine item at a time. The thing that we find the biggest difference with bespoke as opposed to mass produced, is the relationship. Suddenly, you have a relationship with the person making your garment as opposed to no relationship at all. So how does Kathy work with her clients? “I generally have clients that see my work and then make request for a suit or a dress.  Then I ask them what their budget is because I want to make sure I go under budget.  I proceed by asking them what they like and don't like about their body.  I ask about fabrics, colors, cuts, and then I take their measurements.  I create three sketches and then they get to pick which one they want to make.  Sometimes, they make all of them." This is something that most people are missing out on when purchasing everyday garments. This, personally, is what excites me about the process; you can discuss figures and flaws and tastes and really get it right.

Your designs are obviously gorgeous, you have been spotted by a notable person in need of an outfit for a special event, who would you really like to dress in your designs? “My dream client is Angelina Jolie because she is a beautiful person on the inside as well as on the outside.  That my ideal client in general.  I want to dress people that make a difference in the world in a positive way." This is a lovely thought! Which item from your range on Stanford Row would you tailor make for them and why? "I would make her the Iris dress because it combines softness with the purple silk burnout fabric and some edginess using the black lambskin leather.  It is feminine but conveys strength." This is an ideal dress for her and she would look stunning. As it shows off her cleavage and then accentuates the hip. So how did she get here? Were there any key moments? Can she see the trail?
"My mom owns a salon in the Silicon Valley that I used to help out at in order to spend time with her.  As a result, I was surrounded by very successful women that inspired me to design for the woman I wanted to become. When I went to FIDM in Los Angeles I landed an internship with Richard Tyler and got hired after my third day as an intern.  I started working with celebrities before I graduated and learned all about impeccable tailoring from him.I left my job there to be with my husband during his military service.  It took us to Japan where I got to live for three years taking in fashion inspiration.  I designed gowns for some of the military wives and learnt about manufacturing overseas. When I came back to the states, my husband suggested we go to New York to help me get back into fashion.  I had many custom clients and made a profit on my first orders. Then I got a request from Stevie Wonder's people to do a jacket for him.  When I delivered it, they decided that he would wear it to the White House Correspondents' Dinner the following day. It was the best day of my professional life. I met Stevie Wonder's wife for lunch at Villa Blanca in Beverly Hills to deliver his jacket.  Afterwards, we walked to her studio where she asked me if it would be okay to have him wear it to the White House.  Then she showed me the collection she was working on for Michelle Obama and I got to touch all of the dresses and give her my thoughts.  It was amazing." So who has inspired here to get to where she is today? “Richard Tyler. In the way I finish my custom garments.”Lastly what would she say to the people who are thinking about taking clothes out of the mass producers and entrusting it into the tailors, dressmakers and specialists out there today? “I would tell them that they will not look at clothing the same way again. Having clothes made for you is special, and wearing them makes you feel powerful. Where mass production makes us fit into average, bespoke empowers us to be fully who we are."

I think it’s fair to say her journey is both inspiring and well deserved. If you too have been inspired by Kathy’s designs click here to find her online at StanfordRow.com where you can find designs tailor made to you! 

Thank you so much for reading - Nextweek LFW/StreetStyle

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New Home/The Upper East

Hello everyone! Hope you are all doing well!

As you can probably tell by the title, I am now at uni! Starting life in Epsom.. living it large! pretty much had two nights out in a row and I am dead.. literally! met some of the most amazing people at uni, I dont think I have ever ever felt so at home :) it feels so nice, however, I do miss my family!
Alongside this is exciting things a-happenin with the blog, I was luckily enough to be chosen to do a review of a designer for Stanford Row, so I shall be sharing that with you all soon (y) and also with uni we have to do a street style project, which I am very excited for, and also I am going to a closing event and going to LFW so there will be some sneaky pics of that soon

So.. I went to the bloggers love event at Leicester square with one of my close friends, and it was so amazing! I had such a giggle, and the view from the Penthouse was just incredible, I cant think of anything else that would've made it more perfect :) 
The designer that I was viewing was the creation of the website www.theuppereast.co.uk, it's a great website which sells everything from underwear to makeup and the best bit is that all the items are original and so amazingly cute. Below is a sneaky look into what the website has in store for you all...

 

 

 

 

 

AOTW: 
This week's artist, since being away from home and family, is my dads favourite Simple Minds. They are a band which was formed in Scotland in the 80's and they are most famous for their song "Dont You" which is featured in thr film "Breakfast Club" which promoted them in the US.
Below is the song which me and my dad like the most, and what reminds me of home.. Sad but true haha!! 

Lots of very very very exciting posts coming your way guys, next week is an Interview with a designer from Stanford row, and then LFW and street style!

Have a good week everyone, 

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