Maria Francesca Pepe’s “Jewellery-Wear”

ARTICLE FOR TheLookhit MAGAZINE :)

Enjoy Xxx

 

Maria Francesca Pepe’s “Jewellery-Wear”

 

Cutting edge Italian born Jewellery designer Maria Francesca Pepe is at the forefront of fashion industry. Since the launch of her self-named brand “Maria Francesca Pepe” in 2008, Pepe has pushed the boundaries of ready-to-wear fashion, presenting a hand crafted, conceptual jewellery collection that is not only contemporary but functional too. Using a vast array of materials from metal spikes and chains to crystals and gem stones, her collections inspire and excite.

Inspired by London avant-garde, MFP’s designs aren’t for the faint hearted. Pepe’s creations are bold, daring and exciting, made with impeccable precision and care, each expressing a piece of the story in which they have been inspired from. Not only does MFP create gorgeous standalone pieces but she is famous for incorporating jewellery into garments, seen recently on celebrities such as Lady Gaga and Rihanna. The MFP’s fashion forward collections bring together a blend of the past and the present, mixing traditional arts and craft with today’s modern technology, creating strong and innovative pieces.

Pepe’s Spring Summer 2013 collection, in my opinion, may be her most original collection to date. Taking her designs in a new direction Pepe has designed an exclusive capsule collection titled “MFP-MAN” aimed at the modern man. Inspired by the mechanics of handcraft tools, the pieces are a mix of heavy chain and studded necklaces, leather bracelets and layered silver rings. With an extremely androgynous feel the collection could work well for both sexes. Dressed either up or down, each piece is multi-function, making a statement with any wardrobe.

The MFP collections have something for everyone, whether it be a simple classic piece that will last a life time or an off the wall creation to have you stand out from the crowd, don’t delay in finding the right purchase for you. Prices start at only £35 so there’s no excuses!

 

Check it out on the Lookhit website!

 

 

Fashion as Art: Brian Atwood Footwear

As a Fashion Contributor for online fashion magazine TheLookhit, I am constantly inundated with new and exciting topics to write about. This week has been no exception. Footwear Designer Brian Atwood is at the top of his game and by the looks of it, is only getting better!!!

Here's my latest article :) Enjoy! Xxx

 

Fashion as Art: Brian Atwood Footwear

Since the launch of his Milan based label in 2001, American born designer Brian Atwood has taken the Fashion Industry by storm.  Discovered by notable fashion designer Gianni Versace, Atwood soared to success making his mark in the business and pursuing his love of shoes, and is now a renowned footwear and accessories designer across the world for shoe lovers and A-list favourites alike.

Atwood’s lavish creations are most famously recognised for their bright bold colours, luxurious fabrics, varied textures and drop-dead gorgeous glamour.  Suitable for all occasions from casual boots, smart court shoes to dazzling platform heels, there is an option for all.

 

Brian Atwood’s “It” designs are his ‘Maniac’ Pumps. Since their introduction to the Atwood collection, many high-street brands have tried to copy the infamous design; however nobody has topped these creations.  Available in an outstanding array of colours, Atwood over the course of his career has designed over 140 variations.  His Fall 2012 collection has reportedly received the most coverage to date on the red carpet, seen on celebrities, not only in America but across the world, like the Kardashian sisters, Eva Longoria, Danni Minogue and Victoria Beckham to name a few.

The style of the ‘Maniac’ shoe is a beautifully crafted court heel, with either a built in platform or visible platform to provide comfort and ease to walk in.  Atwood’s most popular style of this heel is his nude and black patent leather pumps; nevertheless this season brings together a mix of studs, silk, beading and crystals which is equally exciting and chic and will bring any Autumn closet to life.

In the past recent months we have witnessed the launch of Atwood’s latest collection for Resort 2013.   It highlights the season’s trends and mixes together a bit of Atwood originality as well.  The shoes are statement pieces and will add panache to every outfit, embracing bold floral and leopard prints, suede and leather bases, bright and pastel shades and art deco designs.

The only downside to the brand is the prices, being that a pair of Atwood’s most wanted can set you back as much as £600.  But don’t let that put you off; if there’s only one investment you make in your lifetime, it should be to buy some shoes from Brian Atwood, it will be something you won’t regret.  My favourite pair has to be the blue suede and green pony hair raffia wedges.  With a wedge for comfort and pony hair to add a little texture, I’m going to start saving now!

Here is a link to the website!

Beauty Debate: Neon Streaks

 

Another addition I have written for the Lookhit Online Magazine :)

Enjoy Xxxx

 

Neon Streaks!

 

Rainbow hair, whether it is subtle highlights or bright dip dyed styles, is one the biggest yet bravest beauty trends this season. Celebrities love the craze, with the likes of Lady Gaga and Avril Lavigne taking the trend by storm having a new innovative streak each week. With the developing popularity of the trend there has been debate as to whether the streaks are a wearable addition to your wardrobe, or just a passing fad. Admittedly these streaks, especially the neon variety, aren’t for the faint hearted, however worn in the right way they can be a welcome accessory to your outfit.

The best example of how to wear the trend well and subtly is American singer and X Factor US judge Demi Lovato, who has worn both pink and blue dip dyed locks this season. Her choice of colours complemented her blonde hair, and demonstrates how you can wear the look with ease, without being garish.

For the braver amongst you look to American singer and celebrity style icon Katy Perry. This year we have seen an abundance of weird and wild hairstyles from the pop princess, ranging from all over candyfloss pink to neon streaked fuchsia and blue. With her enviable wardrobe and out there personality, these hairstyles help to create her recognisable persona. Perry is always one for making a unique statement and you too can use her style to be a season trendsetter.

When it comes to neon rainbow hair it is all about your pursuit of edginess and style freedom, if you have a 9-5 then maybe not such a great idea but for those of you who like a little adventure this is defo a beauty must.

Check the post out for yourselves :)
http://www.thelookhit.com/#!beauty-trends/cvqf

 

Style Obsession

STYLE OBSESSION

"OXBLOOD" Skirts

My weekly obsession is with the colour Oxblood. It's everywhere on the high-street, but I think it's shown best in a skirt. This week's post shows the colour trend in different styles, fabrics and shapes. Here's the best variations available NOW!

1. Leather Look PU A-Line Skirt, £25.00, Next
2. Oxblood Zip Wrap Aline Skirt, £32.00, Topshop
3. Oxblood leather skirt, £69.99, H&M
4. A Line Mini Skirt, £14.00, Matalan
5. Oxblood ponte pencil skirt, £20.00, Dorethy Perkins
6. Topshop Sequin Tube Skirt, £48.00, Topshop
7. Leather panelled pencil skirt, £80.00, River Island
8. PU Waist Band Pencil Skirt, £14.99, New Look
9. Boucle Zip Pencil Skirt, £60.00, Topshop

Stella McCartney Accessories

My latest article from The Lookhit online magazine:

 

Stella McCartney Accessories

Stella McCartney’s Falabella “Metallic” Accessories Collection is one to lust over.  With a mix of metallics, wools, tweeds, and metal chains, it’s sure to shake up every woman’s fall closet. The collection includes accessories of all shapes and sizes: shoulder, clutch, shopper and body bags, wallets, phone cases and purses.

From season to season McCartney uses the Falabella Collection as a basis for new and exciting variations of accessories.  The distinguishable features of each item are the metal chains that frame each design and the familiar Stella McCartney indented metal charm.  This season sees a mix of gold, grey, brown and red, to create a warm autumnal colour palette. As always the Falabella Collection includes a vast array of textures, and this season McCartney has pulled out all the stops. From faux snakeskin, tweed, faux braided leather and faux fur, this collection has it all!

The ‘Must Have’ staple item from this collection is the Falabella Metallic Tote bag. The shape can be worn in two ways, as a classic handheld tote using the smaller handle or folded over as a shoulder bag. With the piece being seen on celebrity friends such as Jennifer Lopez, Victoria Beckham and Kate Moss, this has fuelled people to purchase the bestseller favourite. Available in gold, dark grey and beige, you could buy one for each outfit. Details include a top snap closure, a chain strap (with an additional longer chain for versatility) and an inside zip pocket.

The Stella McCartney Falabella collections are renowned for their eco-friendly properties and are all 100% Polyester.  Whilst some people argue these accessories aren’t worth the money they cost, the quality of the designs, structure and materials are flawless and are certainly worth the investment.   

 

 

Keep up to date with my weekly articles not only here on my blog but on The Lookhit website: http://www.thelookhit.com/

Here's a Snapshot Edit of this week's post

 

 



The Embellished Collar Trend!

So as some of you may or may not know, I am currently writing as a Fashion Contributor for The Lookhit online magazine, so I thought I would share my latest article that I wrote for the website:

 

The Embellished Collar Trend

Elegance, opulence and edge epitomises this season’s must have accessory for your Fall wardrobe. From simple and feminine to studded and spikey the embellished collar is a perfect way to show your personal flair and style.  With designers like Marni, Rodarte, Jason Wu and Oscar de la Renta all having interpreted the trend in their collections, this accessory adds panache to every outfit.

Making your Fall closet staple items versatile enough to wear more than once is essential for fashionistas alike.  The embellished collar brings with it both versatility and variety.  What’s more some are detachable so you aren’t limited to what you wear it with. Available in a vast array of fabrics, colours and sizes there’s something for everyone.

The collar has been seen before on the catwalk and although the trend isn’t necessarily new, it’s only now it has come into its own as a stand-alone accessory.  Depending on the day, situation or location, you can choose from a range of options to suit your style and make a statement.  With this trend almost anything goes- beads and pearls create an ultra-feminine look, studs and spikes are chic and edgy, and jewels and sequins suit the more glamorous and sophisticated customer.  Shapes differ with the traditional pointed collars at the forefront of the trend, complemented by the bib and peter pan collars. 

To style up your everyday outfit, you might consider a simplistic pearl embellished collar or adorn your own shirt collar with removable metal collar tips.  Similarly vamp your evening ensemble by adding a studded collar to make a punk rocker transformation.  One of the best parts about the embellished collar trend is that the collars aren’t only designer articles but available across all high-street brands, which means you can find this trend at any price.

The article along with loads of other amazing fashion finds are available at http://www.thelookhit.com/ Here's a Snapshot Edit of my article from the website:

 

 

Slogan Sweaters!

High-street vs Designer Slogan Sweaters!

 

It's a never ending trend which just keeps reappearing. From Alexa Chung to Laura Bailey, celebs are taking the trend by storm and I am just loving it! So as my usual finds are from the high-street, this time for a bit of change I've researched both designer and highstreet slogan jumpers to see whether you have to splurge or whether you can budget, to pull of the look.  Enjoy!!! xxxx  

 

Designer Slogan Sweaters

 

1.  'Je t'aime Jane' merino wool slogan sweater, £258.00, Bella Freud

2. 'Ride It' sweater, £63.95, House of Holland at Harrods

3. 'My Bags are Packed' Jumper - Sky, £140.00, Wildfox

4. 'Pop!' sequin sweater, £305.00, Markus Lupfer at Farfetch

5. Angel Turtleneck Knit - Uniform Navy, £220.00, Wildfox

6. Ho! Ho! Ho! knitted sweater, £220.00, Lot78 at Net-a-Porter

7. 'Kate Mouse' blue slogan sweater, £135.00, Simeon Farrar at Young British Designers

8. Totes Amaze! sequined merino wool sweater, £305.00, Markus Lupfer

9. Boys cotton-blend terry sweater, £95.00, Zoe Karssen at Net-a-Porter

 

High-street Slogan Sweaters

1. NY Burnout Sweat, £28.00, Topshop

2. GREY 80S SLOGAN JUMPER, £18.00, Peacocks

3. Ax Paris Love Jumper, £25.00, Republic

4. U Print Sweater By Unique, £70.00, Topshop

5. Mock Collar Striped Jumper, £16.00, George @Asda

6. Inspire Black So! Knitted Jumper, £22.99, New Look

7. Skint Jumper, £40.00, Illustrated People

8. Loving My Jumper Slogan Jumper, £32.00, Lipsy

9. Chunky Wide Jumper, £20.00, Topshop

 

Which ones are your faves??

Maison Martin Margiela @ H&M

 

Maison Martin Margiela

@ H&M

H&M always surpasses my expectations for designer collaborations! and this months' is not different. In stores now is the latest best yet, since Lanvin, designer collaboration.

 

I am beyond excited at this revelation, however it appears that I might have to be jet setting to see this in the flesh, because as of yet it is only available in France! What a bummer. Gives me an excuse to travel. In the words of H&M "Epic is just one word to describe it."

Here's a Snapshot Edit of the amazing collection.

 

 

 

In Selected Stores NOW!!!

Style Obsession

STYLE OBSESSION

Wedge Trainers & Wedge Boots

I know I said I was going to make this a weekly post BUT I couldn't resist for another week sooo... For those of you who are buying your winter boots, here's two styles which I am LOVING this season!
 
For the day: Wedge trainers & For the night: Wedge boots

The wedge trainer is a casual way to dress up your day time outfit. Available across the high-street in almost every store, you are bound to find a style that suits. My favourite are the two tone studded design which seems to be repeating itself everywhere. I've picked out my faves below.

 

1. Black camo print stud heeled trainers, £75.00, River Island
2. ACROBATICS Leopard Wedge Hi Tops, £45.00, Topshop
3. Anderson Stone High Top Wedge, £45.00, Miss Selfridge
4. Wedge Hi-Top Shoes, £15.00, Primark
5. DENY Studded Wedge High Top Trainers with Suede Detail, £42.00, ASOS
6. Gold high shine high tops, £50.00, River Island
7. APPLAUSE Multi Buckle Wedges, £85.00, Topshop
8. Beige velcro wedge high tops, £50.00, River Island
9. Black high top wedge trainers, £49.00, Dorethy Perkins
10. Black wedge trainer, £15.00, Primark
11. ACTIVE Wedge Trainers With Suede Detail, £32.50, ASOS
12. Lambert wedges, £65.00, Kurt Geiger

The wedge boots are a stylish and ultra-glam way to be comfortable and chic for a night out! There are so many on the high-street atm, if I had enough money I would buy them all, but for those who can afford at least one this season, here's some to get excited over.  

1. Walker Lanay wedges, £180.00, Kurt Geiger
2. Red Truffle Spike Stud Wedge Ankle Boots, £38.00, Debenhams 
3. Black snake wedge ankle boots, £48.00. Dorethy Perkins
4. RACHEL D - Inside Zip Wedge Boot, £64.00, Dune
5. MIISTA-MARRE Wedges, £165.00, Topshop
6. Two tone wedge boot, £20.00, Primark
7. Friderike Studded Wedge Boots, £37.99, Missguided
8. ATTEND Chelsea Wedge Ankle Boots, £60.00, ASOS
9. LOTTIE wedge, £95.00, Nine West
10. Monolith Boot, £175.00, All Saints
11. Black Suede Stud Lace Up Wedge Boots, £39.99, Quiz
12. TIGER Studded Wedge Shoe Boots, £65.00, ASOS
 

Enjoy! xxxx

 

I LOVE Electric Sheep

So I've just been researching for my next blog post, ("Slogan Sweatshirts") and I came across a brand based here in Newcastle, where I live, called Electric Sheep. They specialise in printed t-shirts and sweatshirts, with slogans relating to Newcastle. Their range is sold both in Topshop Newcastle aswell as the Oxford Street store.

 

 

So I thought I would share some of their designs here, prior to my next post, as their designs are really great. The clothes are really reasonable and are available for both male and female customers. Enjoy Xxx

 

 

 

 

1. I Bridge NC Sweater, £30.00

2. Somebody Loves Me, £23.00

3. Almost Heaven, £23.00

4. Let's Get Geordie, £23.00

5. Big Newcastle Heart - Leopard Print, £23.00

6. City Girl, £23.00

7. NCL Scene Sweater, £30.00

8. I Left My Heart, £23.00

9. Good Times Bad Times, £23.00

10. I Bridge New, £23.00

11. NCL Smile, £23.00

12. NCL Heart Sweater, £30.00

 

**Images found on the Electric Sheep Website**

 

 

Style Obsession

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STYLE OBSESSION

Patterned Trousers

 

So I've decided I'm going to do a weekly post called "Style Obsession." Here I can share my favourite fashions of the moment, so please comment below to see whether you agree and share what your "Style Obsessions" might be.

So this week I have been shopping around for some patterned tailored trousers. I am all for the Patterned Suit trend which seems to be everywhere on the catwalk and on celebrities. But for me it seems a bit much- I don't think I would pull it off. So for all you 'not so brave ones' ,like me, here's some Highstreet trousers to choose from. Enjoy Xxx

 

 

1. Dandy Wallpaper Trousers, £40.00, Topshop

2. Multi floral trouser, £38.00, Dorethy Perkins

3. Floral Jacquard Trousers, £50.00, Topshop

4. Paisley Printed Trouser, £17.00, Miss Selfridge

5. Printed Trousers, £16.00, Primark

6. Printed Trousers, £24.99, H&M

7. Patterned Trousers, £14.00, Primark

8. Grey leopard print tapered trousers, £28.00, River Island

   

Christmas Stocking Fillers!!

So seeing as Christmas is trending on Twitter already I have taken it upon myself to start my Xmas shopping! Whilst I am usually one of those people who are wandering aimlessly through town on Xmas Eve, this year I'm going to try to get ahead of the game.

I have found THE perfect gift for someone like me 4 years ago, if not now to occupy yourself over Christmas.

 Introducing "The Fashion Designer's Kit" from the Seedling Collection.

 

 

It includes everything a Fashion Designer could need: assorted printed fabrics, a wooden mannequin to test out designs, a sketch book, coloured pencils, basic patterns, sewing needles and cotton ribbons. With all your equipment there is a tips and instructions book to get you on your way.

 

Available for just £39.00 from Liberty London!!

 

 

 



Jordan Askill for Topshop

A new Jewellery line for Topshop has emerged and I can't get enough of it. Inspired by Ancient Egypt, Jordan Askill brings a new, edgy look to the store with her sculptural designs in the form of hearts, clouds and panthers.

 

 

 

1. Gold Panther Cuff, £80.00

 2. Charm Necklace, £65.00

3. Cloud Ring, £25.00

4. Heart Ring, £25.00

5. Charm Bracelet, £50.00

 

 

In selected stores now!!!  



I want a coloured bouffant!

Hairspiration!

 

So I've been scouring the internet for some ideas to vamp my hair. The extent of my drastic hair cuts vary from having a trim and having the odd highlight, and when people say they're having their hair dyed i pressume they mean going from brown to red or vice versa. This is my ultimate goal to do at least once in my life....I want a coloured bouffant!!!

Here's some ideas for you brave ones. Xxx

 

Bag yourself a Backpack

It's like we've travelled back in time! Everywhere I look I am seeing someone wearing a backpack. However it's not the conventional Adidas/ Reebok bag that we had 10 years ago in the first year of senior school, they're all sorts of colours, textures and fabrics! The highstreet stores have gone crazy for them and here's a selection for you guys to sort through. Xxx

 

 

 

1. Black and Leopard Rucksack, £35.00, Miss Selfridges

2. Texure Leather Rucksack by Unique, £400.00, Topshop

3. Jocasi Pink Quilted Leather Backpack, £99.99, New Look

4. Studded Denim Backpack, £35.00, Topshop

5. Camilla Quilted rucksack, £38.00, Accessorize

6. Kingston Luxe rucksack, £45.00, Accessorize

7. Black quilted RI rucksack, £30.00, River Island

8. Dark brown leather look rucksack, £28.00, River Island

9. Tan Leather Rucksack, £68.00, Visconti

10. ASOS Leather Backpack with Pointed Flap, £55.00, ASOS

11. Indigo Geo Print Rucksack, £27.00, Accessorize

12. ASOS Premium Leather Backpack With Zip Detail, £120.00, ASOS

 

 

 

 

Show me your Wardrobe!

So I've been catching up with the latest programmes on tele (I watch so many that I need to record half of the weeks on the box) and my latest craze is "Show me your Wardrobe" on Sky 1, presented by Jackie Dixon and Zara Martin. For those of you who havn't seen the programme, AKA been living under a rock, the premise of the show is to see inside the wardrobe of your favourite celebrities. Every girls' dream right?

 

 

 

This week's episode was looking into the coverted wardrobe of Whitney Port, reality star turned designer. If you missed it, here's a Snapshot Ed!t. Enjoy Xxx

 

 

 

Next on: Fri 16 Nov at 8pm , Sky Living HD

 

Kirsty Ward = Jewellery extraordinaire

I genuinely don't have a bad word to say about Jewellery Designer Kirsty Ward. I've loved her work and constantly followed her collections all throughout my years studying Fashion Design. This seasons' collection however, for me, is her best yet. With a simplistic idea of recycling everyday materials as the basis for each collection, she moulds wire, twists copper piping and even get the odd nuts and bolts somewhere in there too. Is there anything this woman can't do??

 

 

 

Not only is she a Jewellery making Wizard, she complements her accessories with a stunning clothing line, which is equally beautiful.

 

Disorder Magazine wrote a feature about her, which has comedy value too! Well worth a read. Enjoy Xxxx

H&M Nail Varnish

 

If you're a nail varnish lover like me, you will really love H&M's Nail Varnish selection. I'm an avid user of this collection and I am LOVING their new colours. With over 15 colours, of what I have seen so far, I would thoroughly recommend!!! They are easy to apply, quick drying and leave your nails with a beautiful sheen! At only £2.99 each.
I have picked out a few of my faves below Xxx

 

Who's looking forward to ♔ MIC tomorrow?

I have definitely been a bit MIA this week! So I'll start off with apologising for the lack of posts. I will be more attentive this week....However I have just been reminded to clear my schedule for tomorrow night, as it's the new episode of the new season of Made In Chelsea!! I am beyond excited, especially at the prospect of new characters to lust over. Xxxxx   

♔ Monday 15/10/2012 10pm E4

http://www.e4.com/chelsea/

Check out my board on Pinterest! Here's a snapshot:

 

Worth a Read!

So I've just finished reading the L.A. Candy Series written by former Hills star Lauren Conrad.  I had heard great things from others who had read them, so thought it appropriate to read them.  If you were a fan of both Laguna Beach and The Hills I would definately recommend the trilogy. There's a fine line between these fictional stories and those characterised by the stars themselves in the Reality television series. In short, the plots on paper pretty much sum up the 4 years worth of plots on film. Anyway they are a great read, and I would thoroughly recommend them to anyone who loves romantic trashy novels like me. Enjoy x 

Pinterest

I'm all over Pinterest at the minute. I have always been a keen collage/moodboard maker since a very young age, and if you were to see any of my bedrooms throughout my University houses, you would recognise just how OTT I can sometimes get. Over the recent months I have really been addicted to the site and still am nowhere near tired of pinning. Here are a few SNAPSHOTS of my boards:

 

 

Be sure to find and follow me....Happy Pinning!

 

INTRODUCTIONS

So I thought it was about time I ventured further into the realms of social media. Thus hence the introduction of my 1st Fashion & Lifestyle blog. As a recent Fashion Design graduate of Northumbria University, here you can find "a snapshot edit" of my day to day activities as I try to branch out into the treacherous yet wonderful world of what I love, the Fashion Industry.