Forgive me farther, for I have sinned..

..It's been one year since my last blog post! 

I have moved to London to work for a major UK retailer within their online beauty team & I'm afraid it's been far too distracting. 

This Chanel advert has inspired me to start blogging again, & maybe even start bowling. 

Love S. x

Have you heard about Depop?

So as you may already know, or not, I sell via 'My Wardrobe' on Asos. As a bit (lot) of a shopaholic I find it is the only way to be able to fit new items into my ever full, actual wardrobe. The toxic mix occurs when, like me, you are a shopaholic who hates waste. If you enter my bedroom there is forever a pile of 'to sell' items that I just couldn't bare to simply discard. Every few months I make the trip to the charity shop to donate, were I usually find a number of gems that I simply can't resist, and the rest I sell on Asos.

However, one of my close friends recently introduced me to a new app, Depop. It is a blend of Instagram's interface, Asos Marketplace's photographic style and the ease of use of Ebay. I love it! It is by far the quickest way to list items for sale I have found and once I started this evening I simply could not stop. I am selling under the name @thestylingforecast so go check the items out.

It is a relatively new app so although I've found it super easy to use and made one sale I certainly will not be abandoning Asos anytime soon.

Here are a few items up for sale - If you don't have it go download the app and follow me!

S. x

Warehouse Fashion Shooters Festival

Been spending my evening online shopping and I've rediscovered a brand that I used to be an avid wearer of.. Warehouse. I've always thought of Warehouse as a place to get really great prints and they have loads of silk printed dresses scarves and kaftans currently but they are also have loads of summer brights which I got quite excited about. I'm currently working on my tan and have just bought some Xen-Tan to try out - I will let you know how that goes.

 

Jewel Section Plaited Cotton Bracelet - £8

Lux Pryamid Studs - £8

TEXTURED CREPE HIGH NECK MIDI - £36

Dial print maxi kaftan- £40

Round Crystal Frame Sunglasses - £16 (Definitely getting a pair of these!)

Whilst on the website I also came across the Warehouse blog and a piece on their Fashion Shooters Festival. It sounds like anyone interested in fashion, photography or blogging should be heading along. This takes place on March 22nd, next Saturday in Brick Lane. 

The event is FREE and sounds like there will be lots to do Elle Magazine styling zone, DJs, a token to make your own bespoke tee and loads more. 

And... as well as a nice day out, 25 lucky so-and-so's will win a load of prizes including the chance to shoot the final look for the SS14 campaign. They will be mentored by Helen Christensen who has shot the other thirteen looks. ~Incredible! 

Sign up here for your free ticket. Look forward to seeing you there - feel free to say hello! 

S. x

*All opinions and views mentioned on TheStylingForecast are my own (Sarah Hill) and they are mentioned for information, enjoyment and reviewing purposes only. 

Baukjen Shirt Dress

Little bit in love with these shirt dresses by Baukjen. This brand really focuses on easy to wear, effortless chic for busy women who still want to look super stylish..

You can see these shirts and all the new ss14 pieces Baukjen here.

Use code DEL134 for free delivery before midnight 17th March.

*All opinions and views mentioned on TheStylingForecast are my own (Sarah Hill) and they are mentioned for information, enjoyment and reviewing purposes only. 

Blow me!..

..is what I said to myself walking out of the Isabella Blow exhibition at Somerset House. The exhibition was not only a showcase of her personal style but also of her ability to spot and nurture new talent and the obvious friendships built out of this. It was an emotional exhibition spanning her life from her birth into the aristocratic Delves Broughton family to her untimely death at her own hands.

Doddington Hall, the home that Blow was born into.

This is a must-see for anyone interested in the fashion industry or the creative arts. Unfortunately the exhibition at Somerset House has now closed but one can only hope that this exhibition will tour the world. Blow had global fashion influence and was a key 20th century figure in the industry it seems only right that the exhibition travels.

"I do historical research, I find unbalanced people, I choose photographers and places to shoot them."

Blow.

This quote sets the tone for whole exhibition. Picking up on four key aspects of Blows life, her family history and the life she almost had, her own issues with mental health, and the way her life and her story were an inspiration for the artists and designers around her whilst she also found mutual inspiration in them.

When you enter the exhibition, you are faced with the haunting silhouette of Blow in front of you. It is a piece created by Tim Noble and Sue Webster that usually resides in the National Portrait Gallery. Formed using objects relevant to Blows life such as a stuffed woodcock, lipstick and a Manolo Blahnik heel. It immediately creates the presence of Blow and this is something that is felt throughout the exhibition.

Unlike other retrospective exhibitions, that focus on an artist or designers work, this is personal. You get to know Blow from birth, through career, life and death and the emotion builds until you are faced with a final video. This is of Alexander McQueens 2008 collection 'Le Dame Bleue'. McQueen and milliner, Philip Treacy were both discovered by Blow and their work is heavily featured throughout the exhibition. They collaborated within the collection as a tribute, not to a colleague, but to a friend.

Polaroids taken by Blow. 

A piece from McQueens '96 'Dante' collection.

There is so much more that could be said about the exhibition but I feel that this was something that should be seen and felt in person. I've got my fingers crossed the exhibition travels for you!

S. x

Back in black..

Back in black at New Look... I want / need that backpack. Click the images to shop!

Egyptian Influence

NYFW AW14 Highlights: Day 4: Mara Hoffman

African inspiration has been influential within Mara Hoffman's collections since the brands beginnings as Circle in 2000. Circle ran for five years and consisted of one-off hand batiked pieces. 2005 saw the growth of the brand into Mara Hoffman and although the brand has grown it has managed to keep hold of it's original identity and influences, Egyptian influence in particular seemed to shine through in this collection.

Gold detailing was the common theme running through this collection and something we are noticing throughout NYFW, the gold 60s feel boots at Katya Zol are a good example of this.

The Mara Hoffman detailing gave a different feel with uniform gold arms cuffs, rings, collars and necklaces alongside gold nails and gold dipped hair. This all gave the feeling of a rich collection were the accessories played a key part in the strength of the look. 

This detailing was set off against deep jet blacks, crisp whites and creams all of which created a back drop for both the gold detailing and rich bright jewel colours within the garments. A splash of deep midnight blue was shown on the final piece of this collection and is a colour that seems to be coming through for the season. Whist a camel jumper indicated a subtle sense of humour to the brand. 

Mara Hoffman is one of our top brands, we love the influences from other countries and the strong sense of identity that has been carried through since the brands inception whilst still managing to offer something new. 

All the fun of the Vintage Fair

Last weekend I visited Lou Lou's Vintage Fair - www.thevintagefair.com - in Southampton's Guild Hall. The event travels around the country, from Bournemouth to Glasgow, like a travelling circus for vintage.

I have been to events like this previously vastly ranging in size from less than ten stalls to what felt like thousands. This event was just perfect, I spent about an hour walking around what I estimate to be around 40 stalls, picking out items I would like to go back to purchase. I find that shopping in this way has both its negative and positive points. It means you are less likely to impulse buy and then regret it when you see an item you fall in love with even more than you just did with the item you now wish you'd left however, it could also mean you miss out on an item as I did on this occasion. One of the first stalls was packed with brightly, coloured, 90s shell jackets. (Unfortunately I did not get the name of this stall so if anyone does please let me know so I can link there site and also have a look myself!) I instantly fell in love with a bright pink floral jacket (£20) but followed my rules of looking around the fair before committing to an item and when I came back at the end it was nowhere to be seen. Now I can't stop thinking about the jacket!

Amongst the stalls on offer I found two others that I knew were instantly my style. Mooch vintage - www.moochvintage.co.uk - that had an array of mens sports jackets Adidas, Fila etc. and Vulgar -www.vulgarsheffield.co.uk - which was a mix of modern and vintage.

I ended up being very controlled and treated myself to two t-shirts from Vulgar, one black 'Feline' and one with a gorgeous print on (I will upload images). I also decided to purchase a red vintage Adidas jacket because it was only £20 and I had just seen a new one in JD Sports for £50! Great item for gym or festivals! Bargain. 

 

I will look forward to visiting next time the fair is in town.

Rhinestone Cowgirl

NYFW AW14 Highlights: Day 2: Zimmermann

You would never know, from yesterdays show, that Zimmermann were the new kids on the block at New York Fashion Week. The winter collection being only the second they have shown at the event.

It's no surprise they look like pros given the 20 year history of the Australian based brand. Headed by sisters Nicky and Simone, Zimmermann was founded in 1991. Nicky, the creative force behind the designs, was influenced as a young girl by her mother and aunt who taught her to sew. Zimmermann had humble beginnings selling dresses, that Nicky created in her parents garage, at Paddington Market in Sydney.

The brand is now so synonymous with Australian swimwear that the Sydney Morning Herald stated, "If Sydney was personified, she'd be bronzed, brazen and wearing a Zimmermann bikini". 

This collection however, did not have a bikini in sight. The mix of a Western American influence which ran through the collection alongside exquisite Gladstone doctors bags brought images of Jane Seymour in Dr Quinn Medicine Woman. 

Black lace neck ties, which at first site appear a modest addition, are at closer inspection shown to be covering a gold ring inside. This was not the only 'bling' on show, a number of the pieces also had what appeared to be rhinestone detailing. 

The AW13 trend for oversized coats is seen to continue within the collection with the pieces sporting structural silhouettes and popped collars, a trend that seems to be having a revival. Usher will be pleased.

A 50s shape is present with full circle skirts and off the shoulder dresses. Backs and shoulders are really having a moment presently, as is tartan which is seen muted by Zimmermann in tonal greys. 

We can't wait for the next collection by the girls from Bondi beach. 

Punk AW13 Trend

Our second of the key trends for Autumn Winter is Punk. Seen at shows like Junya Watanabe, Holly Fulton and Givenchy. Versace also created their own take on the style and rebranded it is 'Vunk'.

Punk originated in the 1970s with separate beginnings in the United States and Britain. In New York punk originated from the music scene with bands such as Blondie, The Talking Heads and The Ramones. Whilst in the UK Punk emerged from political roots with unrest created due to hard economic times and record youth unemployment.

CBGB was a hub for punk in New York, US during the 70s.

The punk fashion style was mcuch influenced by the UK punk movement in particular by Malcolm McLaren and Vivienne Westwood who opened their store SEX in London. McLaren managed The Sex Pistols who wore the look. This included safety pins, bondage trousers and slogan t-shirts. It was very much a D.I.Y look. 

The iconic SEX shop at 430 Kings Road existed until 1980 when it was rebranded by Westwood as The World's End, this shop remains there today.

To wear this trend for AW13 key pieces should be structured blazers, skirts, leather boots and tapered trousers. This can be topped off with jewellery to give an edgier look. Think multi layered necklaces and spikes.

Tartan features heavily in this trend as does leather. Don't be afraid to layer leather upon leather either. In fact layering works well in many aspects of this trend whether it be garments or accessories. Don't go overboard by layering garments and accessories together though.

For colour tones think red, white and black with dashes of mustard and the odd splash of blue grey. 

Do: Wear with attitude and confidence.

Don't: Cut in a mohawk.

Take a look at our Pinterest board for more inspiration. 

Next week we will look at the trend Oversized.

Shop all the AW13 trends coming soon at www.thestylingforecast.com

Pink, It's Like Red But Not Quite AW13 Trend

'Pink, It's Like Red But Not Quite' 
is the first of our six key trends for Autumn Winter 13.

Seen on the catwalks for Autumn/Winter in shows like 

Simone Rocha, Thakoon and Marc Jacobs.

Simone Rocha AW13

Thakoon AW13

Jonathan Saunders AW13

This is a pink that ranges from baby to hot and everything 

in between.

This is NOT a girly pink. Think STRONG. Pink was originally the colour for young males due to its closeness to red.

Wear this trend with clean lines and minimal accessories.

NO bows or frills required!

Get some more inspiration from our Pinterest board.

Shop the trend coming soon!

Images: Vogue.com

Changing Seasons

As Spring / Summer begins to draw to an end (although hopefully not too soon!). The official date is September 21st so we're hoping for lots more sun till at least then.

Our Spring/Summer 13 key trends Pretty in Pastel, Monochrome, Flower Power and Iridescent Adolescent are also coming to a close - Don't panic, you can still shop these trends here.

Over the next few weeks each Monday we'll be introducing the key details of our six key Autumn/Winter 13 trends. These are Punk, Pink, Femme Fatale, Gold Rush, Oversized and 

High Shine!

We'll be bringing 'Pink, It's Like Red But Not Quite' to you this Monday.

Shoreditch Fashion Show

Yesterday we had the pleasure of attending 'Shoreditch
 Fashion Show' at The Hoxton Pony, Shoreditch (obviously!). This was the second event, held by the founder Wynter Heayes (@Wynter_HStyle), of what is set to become a quarterly event not to be missed. 

The theme for this event was 'Urban Tribe' with three designers showcasing RainboWarrior, Beata Guzinska and Kelly Jordan. Think African inspired with religious and spiritual imagery and bright splashes of colour. The feeling given off with the neon lighting and the underground vibes of The Hoxton Pony (@TheHoxtonPony) mixed with wafts of incense and tribal style music was one of slight danger as though you were somewhere you shouldn't be, perhaps even witnessing a real tribe. 

I guess that is the point though, these collections appeared to explore the notion that we all want to belong to something.

That we ARE all in an 'Urban Tribe'.

RainboWarrior. Photography by Tori Clarkson.

This video gives a quick glimpse at Kelly Jordans collection.

This was followed by live music and dj's. We just can't wait for the next event which we hear is going to be a halloween special.

Explore fashion:
Shoreditch Fashion Show
RainboWarrior
Kelly Jordan

Explore music:
Sahara
R.A.N