Cavern Walks Style Master Class

On the 28th of November I had the pleasure of joining some of Liverpool’s most renowned fashion influencer's in holding a winter, style, master class in Cavern Walks, on Matthew Street. 

The night was my first publicised appearance speaking about the blog so it was both a nerve racking and FABULOUS experience all rolled into one.

The guests arrived and received a goody bag full of Cavern Walk goodies including a freshwater pearl bracelet from Christopher James Jewellers for the first 25 and an array of details on special discounts available  in stores on the night, such a lovely gift!  Whilst waiting for the night to proceed ladies sipped on prosecco and indulged in adorable cupcakes whilst listening to Twisted Elegance DJ, Alan Hartley, who spun a collection of musical stylings that got everyone in the party spirit.

The night started with a fantastic presentation and sartorial overload from the fabulous Sarah Holden, Editor of Cricket-Fashion.Com and the lovely ladies from Cricket.  The girls filled us in on the latest styles and trends for winter 2013/14 straight from the catwalks including clothes from Isabel Marant, Saint Laurent and Givenchy.

Sarah walked us through a variety of looks, for day and evening, exhibiting some of the most sought after designer pieces for this winter season.  It really was a treat for all the fashion bunnies in the crowd, including me.  

Trends included PUNK concentrating on pieces from Hedi Slimane's Autumn Winter 2013, Grunge, Rock and Roll collection for Saint Laurent, including these AMAZING Biker Boots currently stocked at Cricket and recently seen on Kourtney Kardashian and the iconic Tuxedo Jacket below.

Other trends included SPORTS LUXE, a popular look this season for both day and evening including printed trainers (above) and paisley printed trousers below from Balenciaga and a variety of varsity jackets including the one above from Saint Laurent and an amazing Scuba, Varsity version from Stella McCartney.  Oh and a bloody spectacular array of luxe sweatshirts from Givenchy, Stella and Matthew Williamson.    

Then Sarah gave us some tips on how we should be dressing for those fabulous Christmas parties coming up this season.  There were sumptuous dresses from Matthew Williamson including the treasured garden, jersey dress above and a gorgeous tartan, bodycon from McQ below. These were accompanied by some out of this world accessories including a variety of gorgeous heels from Jimmy Choo and Christian Loubiton and bags from Victoria Beckham and Saint Laurent.  Crickets stock of embellished, beaded bibs from Matthew Williamson are a DFA favourite and as they are sold out on NetaPorter and other leading stockists, Liverpool fashionistas should move fast to get your hands on these gorgeous baubles before they sell out.

Cricket also, now stock a full selection of clothes and accessories from Victoria Beckhams. See in store for further details.

All of the clothes from the presentation are available to buy from Cricket and Cricket-Fashion.Com

The presentation from Cricket was followed by an interview with Emma Johnson, a fashion columnist from the Liverpool Echo and Daily Post.  Emma filled us in on life as a fashion journalist and her current favourite trends for this season.  Emma looked lovely in an on trend mid length PVC a-line skirt (similar to those in our winter layering post) and a powder blue mohair cropped sweater.  Just lovely.

Then Sarah from cricket interviewed little old me! What a mad experience but so great to be able to speak direct to some of you readers! Crazy.

Sarah asked me all about the blog, how it started back in 2009 as a hobby and how it has grew since then to having between 2000 - 5000 readers a month from both Liverpool and beyond. 

We spoke about my biggest style influences including artists like Damien Hirst, designers such as Alexander McQueen and Kirsty Doyle and celebrities both local and international including Nicole Richie and Jenna Lyons and the beautiful city of Liverpool itself and how she is my biggest inspiration.  

I also gave away my secret spot to sit and capture the most fantastic street style shots in the city....outside the Quarter bar and restaurant near hope street!  Shhh dont tell anyone though!

We then moved on to my tips for Christmas dressing which included, Pale Pinks for both outer and evening wear and "Moody Blooms" which is my interpretation of the gothic floral themes we have seen from Cavalli, Valentino and of course Givenchy this season, finishing with how to pull off these looks on a high street budget.

I can honestly say the night was amazing and I would like to say a big thanks to everyone involved from Think PR, Cavern Walks and Cricket.

Look out on the blog for feature events from Cavern Walks.

DIY POM POM SHOES!

Last week I gave an interview at the Cavern Walks Christmas Style Master Class along with Sarah Holden from Cricket-Fashion.Com and Emma Johnson fashion journalist from the Liverpool Echo (full post will be up later).  Whilst I was there I was asked about the shoes I was wearing... a lot!  You guys loved them. 

Well they were topshop courts with a little added pazaz! I simply made two pom poms, like the ones you used to make at school and attached them with some tape to the inside of the shoe(that way you can remove them later with no damage).  I thought this was a clever way to fashion up my plain courts and can be done with any colour or style!  

Dress Fancy .. Not Fancy Dress - UCLAN Ba Hons Fashion Promotion and Styling Year 3 Students

I was invited up to Preston last week for a fashion presentation by the University of Central Lancashire's third year BA (Hons) Fashion Promotion with Styling students.  The show was inspired by the Victoria and Albert Museum’s ‘Club to Catwalk’ exhibition which chronicles the creativity of a group of influential young people in the 1980s.  Echoing an exciting era which launched designers, performers and magazines such as Katherine Hamnett, Boy George, Leigh Bowery and I.D. the team of student stylists had been challenged with reworking and upcycling clothes selected from 12 St Catherine’s Hospice stores across Lancashire and believe me they did a fantastic job!

‘Dress Fancy…Not Fancy Dress’ showcased the creative skills of the students who worked together on every aspect of the fashion show including the production, hospitality, music and marketing. I have to say it was a great event and showcased the students skills in an exciting and worthwhile way ...well worth the trip up the motorway. 

Course Leader Jacqui McAssey said, “I think it is fitting that these young people have been challenged to create a modern fashion show whilst acknowledging the creativity of 80s art, music and style. They were also highly motivated by the support they have received from St Catherine’s Hospice and have worked hard to produce a high quality event.”

As well as a fantastic set based on London's Blitz Club the students had also set up a pop up shop of upcycled vintage clothes, with all profits going to St Catherines Hospice. 

As you can see every part of the show was fantastic, from the lighting, the visuals, the music and of course the styling.  The students had really embraced the theme and the styling was a homage to 80's iconic designers such as Thierry Mugler, Westwood and Gautier.  I also loved the reference to Winona Ryder's character in Beetlejuice, and the play on this seasons laundry bag check, a clever nod to current trends whilst staying true to the theme.

A big well done to all the students involved. I thoroughly enjoyed the night and every aspect was extremely well done. I believe I may have just bore witness to early work from future super stylists! 

UCLAN is one of a couple of universities in the country to offer this type of course and it's not too far from Liverpool! If you would like anymore information on this course or other fashion courses available at the university see their website below.

http://www.uclan.ac.uk/