mywardrobeutopia

I love playing dress up.  I’ve decided that its something we never really grow out of, only grow in to.No matter what the occasion I absolutely love piecing an outfit together, sometimes I give it lots of thought, other times I like to think effortlessly (polite word for those can’t be bovvered days!).  But one thing is certain, I absolutely love to feel and look my best.

Image conscious? Perhaps.  Fashion obsessed?  Absolutely.  Hey, its fun and I really believe that clothes and accessories are something to be celebrated.  I have said it before, that I feel how you present yourself is a total reflection of you.  It speaks a thousand words before you say one, and your outfits are like your uniform.

They don’t have to conform, they don’t even have to be ‘in trend’  they just have to be you.

One particular outfit got me thinking about this, this week.  It was the blue midi skirt and rose gold shoe combo.  Before leaving the house I suddenly thought, um am I a bit too dressy for work?  I even threw a pair of ‘dressed down’ shoes in the car just in case I couldn’t pluck up the courage to wear the outfit in full.  However, I got in the car and thought – no, I am absolutely going to wear this.  What is wrong with being dressy?  And what is wrong with wanting to getting a little glammed up?  It doesn’t have to be for a night out, you could just be popping to the shops but if it makes you feel good then do it.

Fashion is to be celebrated and to be appreciated.  It expresses you and I love that.  I makes us feel better, makes us feel good and makes us feel confident.  And I love that too.

Here this is a round up of a few of my favourite looks from the month.

So get your glad rags on and show the world what you are about.  Even if you are just popping out for a pint of milk!

Debs Xo

So…I don’t profess to be a ‘model’, at all in fact.  What defines the word anyways?  To me, the evolution of image and our ever-growing acceptance of many different visuals of the human body means that the term ‘model’ can include and embrace art and beauty in a vast array of ways.  And I think that’s just fabulous.

I love my blog, it gives me the opportunity to embrace what I love – fashion.  I have worked hard over the years to love my body and accept myself for who I am.  I don’t think I am 100% there yet but I have made vast improvements in my thought processes since my youth, trust me.   What my blog allows me to do is express myself and to learn to love myself, and what is wrong with that?  Nothing at all.

Social media, allows us to think that blogs and people taking endless selfies (myself included) are vain and self-indulgent.  For some people that may be true, but I think that there are a lot of people like myself who suffer from confidence issues and use this platform as a way to be a little extrovert, have the opportunity to ‘model’ where in days gone by wouldn’t have been considered, have fun most importantly embrace fashion for the everyday lady or guy.

You’d be forgiven to think that when looking at my Instagram page, those little squares of modesty are a reflection of someone who is totally at ease with herself, however in my mind I am allowing myself to feel ok about myself and to think ‘yeah’ I can allow myself think I look ok today.  Too often we fall into bad habits of thinking that if we do this, we are far too self-absorbed.  But what ever happened to self-love?  What happened to looking in the mirror and thinking, yeah I look good and I feel happy about myself?   It unfortunately gets overtaken with Hmm yeah you look alright but….

I am all for changing this perception.  It’s not a happy nor healthy place to be and it’s not something I would promote to anyone.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying we should go around checking ourselves out at every window and car wing mirror Grease style.  But I am saying that we all deserve to feel beautiful and feel good about ourselves, no matter who we are, what we look like and whatever our definition of a model is.

Social media gets a bad wrap, and to be fair sometimes it deserves it.  In the modern world it has created a lot of negatives and there are far to many to go into here.  BUT there are some positives.  A massive one is the evolution of the blogger, now how cool is it that you can become an icon, a brand rep, a role model, a model and not have to fit into what used to be a stereotypical box?  We’ll always have supermodels and hallelujah for that,  nothing gets me more hooked than fashion week and the supermodel is an icon to behold and long may it continue.  But I think that it is so revolutionary cool that us everyday mortals can also have a little snippet of the glamour.

So to this end, I attended a ‘model’ school.  I wanted to get some tips on how to style and pose for my blogging photos and most importantly how to feel comfortable in front of camera.  I am ok, ahem, no let me change that, I am very happy with the results and I throughly enjoyed the day.  Because if you are happy and doing what you love, you are beautiful anyway.

The Model School was courtesy of Impact Modelling in Cornwall which is run by the lovely Juliet Matthews.  I had a fantastic day and we did role play, which is great for getting your confidence up and feeling better about speaking in front of a group of people and also in front of the camera.

There was a lovely make up artist on hand to make you up if you wanted it and also a fantastic hairdresser.  I did my make up for the day and the hairstylist curled it for me, I was so happy with the look.

We also got the opportunity to do a modelling shoot which included single and group shots.  Emma of Griffin Photography styled and shot our photos, she was incredible and I felt entirely comfortable in front of Emma’s camera.  Feeling at ease when you’re at the end of a lens isn’t an easy thing to do, but Emma made me feel myself from the start and I really feel that she got the best out of me.  I think my comfort and happiness shows in the pictures – I hope you agree!

As part of the modelling school, you get to keep your pictures too which is fantastic for growing your portfolio, Juliet of Impact Modelling also gives lots of advice and tips for finding your feet in the modelling world.

I thoroughly enjoyed the day and it was fantastic to get advice and professional shots.  I highly recommend the modelling school, they run twice a year.  If you do go, remember to take your props!  Mine included;  flowers, bags (obvs), 4 changes of clothes, magazine and headphones.  I wanted to include things which represent my personality and my favourite shot is the one throwing the flowers in the air.

So get in front of the lens and don’t be afraid to be you, when you’re happy it shows in every picture.

Hope you like!

Photos courtesy of Griffin Photography and Model School by Impact Modelling

Debs Xo

 

So I’ve reached that all important milestone in my life, and it’s probably not what you’re thinking.  In fact I’ve actually been putting off this ‘milestone’ for quite some time.

I actually realised I needed to start thinking about this when watching the X Factor and realised I was in the ‘overs’ category!  I mean, come on!  Over 25, wow you’re so over the hill, absolutely past it and my god why are you even thinking you’re still young!?

I’m now actually a few, well rather a lot, years past that now and so the time has come….yep thats right, I chose my first anti-wrinkle cream!  Whoop!  Que deflating balloon…!

A major part of my beauty routine is trying really hard to protect my face from the sun.  I wear make up most days with an spf and when I am on holiday I cover up with high factor, shades and a hat.  So in theory, my face will look pristine whilst the rest of me will look like a 100 year old piece of leather!  Nah, not really I do wear lots of fake tan with an spf and I do wear cream a lot on holiday.  However, despite my best efforts I have been noticing those dreadful (and dreaded) lines.

These dearest things seem to form in the laughter lines around your eyes in the corners especially and also what I like to call my ‘wtf’ line, right in middle of my forehead!  Aren’t I lucky that my hated mono-brow from a teen has turned into a wtf line as an adult!

So time to do a little something to change up my routine and incorporate – drum roll – the anti wrinkle cream! NOooooooooooooo!  I was on a mission, pretty packaging and non-greasy – this is really important as I cannot stand greasy creams and I proceed to put it on and swiftly take it off as I can’t stand waiting 8 hours for it to blend in, only for you to wash it off when you wake up anyway, plus I don’t think its fair to my hubby for him to be sleeping next to an eel – even if he may like that.

Oh and another factor – the cost.  Seeing as now this is going to be a staple – did I actually just say that?  My anti-wrinkle cream is now a staple!?  So yes it needs to be cost effective as I will probably end up dunking my whole head in it.

I recently came across the Garnier collection, whilst pursuing the anti-wrinkle section in my dark glasses and a very large hat.  What drew me initially was the very classy packaging – dark red and the container is the perfect size for bathroom and for travelling.  The second was the cost – such a good price and the price point is such that you can factor it into your regular beauty regime.

And now for the most important bit – is it good!?  Well quite simply it’s fantastic!  The cream is really lightweight, non greasy, super absorbent, smells lovely and leaves your skin feeling fresh and pampered.  I have been using the cream now for about 8 weeks and I notice a difference to my so called lines.  They are fainter and less noticeable, especially when I am wearing make up.

I used to think that high street brands wouldn’t have that good as effect but this one is a great find.  I think it looks super glam too!  This one is definitely on the staples list and will sit nicely on my dressing table next to my dentures.

So seriously, for all those fellow ‘overs’ all is not lost, and this is more about preventative more than the fact that you are over the hill.  It’s great to get into a routine of loving your skin and also trying to banish those wrinkles before they appear, once they are there it is much harder to get rid, than to be pro-active and stop them happening to start with.

Someone said this to me when I was in my early 20’s, when I was far too young to even consider what a wrinkle or even a beauty regime was.  Mine included falling asleep with my make up on only to spend an hour trying to scrub it off in the morning along with having to wash all your pillows.  Or if I was feeling really rebellious, I would stay in the make up, add some more and go back out!

So love your skin, treat it like you do any other part of your body.  It will always thank you for it.

Debs Xo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is something so stylishly effortless and timeless about monochrome.

You can wear it formal or casual and still look super polished.  I love that monochrome isn’t something which simply a trend or a fad.  It’s something that has always been ‘in’ and in my opinion, always will be.

I styled this outfit last Sunday when I went to the Porthleven Food Festival in Cornwall.

My top is by AX Paris, the trousers are from Tu Clothing @ Sainsbury’s and my shoes are from Marks and Spencer.  I really like the touch of snakeskin from the shoes which add a different dimension to the look.  My sunnies are from Ebay.  Funnily enough, I searched high and low for these over a year ago and they were so hard to find, however they seem to be everywhere now and I still love them very much.

I always like to style my outfits and give thought into what I wear, as much as anyone sometimes you don’t feel it or sometimes you just feel pants.  This outfit instantly gave me a lift and a mood boost and I felt good in it.  I went into the supermarket before we headed to the food festival and this lovely lady walked down my aisle and said “wow, I love your outfit, you look amazing!” she was so sweet and I felt very honoured.  Plus isn’t it nice when a stranger compliments you?  I’m all about paying it forward and moments of kindness.  You could, without knowing it, make someone feel better and smile if they are having a bad day and that makes me feel happy.

We went to the food festival, and then headed to the beach where we did this mini shoot, isn’t it stunning?  So lucky to have these kind of backdrops and opportunities to shoot amazing pictures.  We then proceeded to have a nap to sleep off our food (as you do) and then headed back to the festival for the music.

I just love the balance between simplicity and style of this look.  You look ‘made up’ without trying too hard but it’s comfortable and interesting at the same time.  The top has a cold shoulder look with a bat wing effect, which adds a girly touch.

Not sure what that orange thing is photobombing my pic, but its not my prop!

Anyhoo, expect to see this outfit a few more times over the summer from me!  I may mix it up with different accessories and shoes too, thats the other beauty of monochrome, it goes with anything and you can add additional colour pops to it – ow especially with a handbag, how dare I forget!? (hmm not likely!).

Enjoy your weekend Sunshines!

Debs Xo

 

Wowsers,  where does the time go?!    It’s over a year since I completed my second Bath Half Marathon, ever since, I’ve been wanting to write a blog about this race because its just such a fantastic experience.

As I started writing this, the 2017 Bath Half was well under way and I always get the familiar pings of “I wish I was there!”.

For anyone who is either a keen runner or just starting out, if you haven’t done this race – you must!   For me, Bath is breathtakingly beautiful anyway, so to run it and see it from another perspective was just fantastic.

The first time I ran The Bath Half, we were in the middle of moving house, so we literally drove up and back in 1 day!  How crazy is that!?  BUT I loved it all the same and I actually ran a really good time, it was my first PB, perhaps the early mornings are good for me!

My Hubby was incredible, he drove us all the way up and back and supported me on my run, cheering me on like a groupie!   And this is something he always does, I’m so lucky and grateful to have someone so supportive of my ventures.

The bath route is truly beautiful, and it gives you a real flavour of the city.  With every race I have done so far in a city, I always feel that they go right through the heartbeat of the place you are in.  You are able to take in such wonderful sights, amazing crowds and all the best bits.

There is so much preparation and effort that goes into the Bath Half.  From the PR material, newsletters, goodie bags, the runners village, the medals and the amazing photos you can buy, its a really special event and the whole city gets behind it.

The first time I ran we used the park and ride – such a good top tip!  There are regular services into the city and its a really good hassle free way of getting in.  The second time, we had a bus stop right near our hotel and were able to hop onto a regular service.  If this is your first time running Bath, or especially if this is your first time to Bath, make sure you know how quickly you’ll be able to access the city in good time for the race.  You normally want to give yourself at least an hour to be able to visit the runners village, get yourself zoned in, have a wee and most importantly stretch and soak up the atmosphere.

The runners park is full of tents with useful info, things to collect, lockers, charities, food and drinks stall, registration and loads more.  This is situated next to the start area.  To be honest, even if this is your first time, you’ll be able to follow the crowds and find your way to the starting area!

As you enter the city and the crowds start gathering, the atmosphere is electric.  There are smiling (and slightly nervous) faces all around, everyone is taking pictures, laughing, stretching and gearing themselves up for the challenge ahead.

Like migrating animals, everyone starts making their way to the main runners village.  There is always such an air of excitement with races and without fail I get butterflies every.single.time!  It’s a combination of hoping you’ll be ok, wondering what time you’ll get, will you get a PB, will you feel strong, the crowd, the roaring cheering, the press, but most of the overwhelming feeling of knowing you are doing something incredible.

Once you become a regular runner, its very easy to get swallowed up into expecting more; wanting faster times, PB after PB, improved fitness, longer distances, better nutrition, feeling stronger, the list goes on.  But at this moment, both the start and the end of a race, I always take myself back to the first time I ran and how this moment makes me feel I have done something very amazing and the fact that its not easy.  I was someone who had high blood pressure at 22 and when my gym instructor said to me, right run for 3 minutes, I looked at him with a perplexed look on my face and said “3 minutes, seriously?”.

So for all of you who are new to running and you’ll be running your first race,  trust me, you’ll be fine and you’ll find the strength to get through it.  You’ll look back at some points and wonder how you did do it,  but in those moments you feel like giving up, you won’t let yourself do it.  It’s only when I put it into this perspective that I realise how far I’ve come.

It’s amazing how quickly the time goes when you’re nervous!  So soon enough we’re all taking piccies with loved ones and friends when they go off for probably a pint and some cake and us runners make our way to the start line.  Each runner is categorised and you make your way to your designated section dependent on your expected finish time.  This is so not everyone is running to the start line in a stampede and gets the right amount of start line credo.

This bit always makes my tummy flip!  The waiting area for runners is designated right along Great Pulteney Street, which is absolutely stunning.  It is the widest Georgian boulevard in Europe and is the most beautiful start line.

There is always an air of anticipation and all are eagerly awaiting that 10am start time.   When the runners start moving and you know you’re off, your whole body buzzes with excitement as you cross the start line and draw in the electric atmosphere.

Make sure you soak up every feeling of the start and finish line.  It’s something you will never forget.  Running the route itself its nothing short of phenomenal.  Every part of the route is lined with amazing crowds, volunteers, bands, families, friends and humbling stories everywhere.

A marathon will always be somewhere you feel an over brimming feeling of love.  No matter what the reason for someone making their trainers hit the tarmac, the result is the same – pride, happiness, thought of those they are running for and the most incredible sense of achievement.

What you’ll see along the way:

• The first mile is downhill down Pulteney Road to Churchill Bridge
• Two identical laps from Churchill Bridge,
• Green Park Station
• Queen Square (the most crowded spot for spectators on the course)
• Charlotte Street
• Upper Bristol Road
• Newbridge Road
• ‘Twerton Fork’ towards the City centre
• Lower Bristol Road,
• Churchill Bridge
• Green Park again for the beginning of the second lap.
• At the end of the second lap the runners pass across Churchill Bridge
• Back up Pulteney Road
• Finish in Great Pulteney Street.

The course if fairly forgiving (apart from one major hill!) UGH!  Its a great course to get a PB too.  I’m always so blown away with the bands along the route, its such a fantastic motivator and creates a wonderful atmosphere.  As with any race, you’ll feel like you want to give up, this comes in many forms and as weird as it sounds, I find the early part of a race the hardest.  The further I go, and the more my body gets warmed up, the more and more I want to push myself to finish the job.

The finish line is amazing!  The streets are lined with family, friends, loved ones and spectators and you’ll run a flat back along Great Pulteney Street.  Incredible!  Because you can also see the large clock, you’ll want to sprint to the finish line!  I don’t mind admitting that I have cried every time I have finished a competitive race.   It is completely overwhelming and its a mixture of pride, relief and also feeling incredibly humble.

You’ll be guided back towards the runners village, where you’ll proudly collect your medal, have a few proud pictures and pick up a well earned goodie bag with a treat or 3.

So the moral of the story is and as cheesy as it sounds, give yourself credit, remember how far you’ve come and always feel accomplished.  Because not everyone could do it, and if it was easy – everyone would!

My Top Tips:

• Plan your route into the city centre
• Tie your timing chips to your laces ahead of time
• Make sure you write your next of kin and details on the back of your number
• Take a warm top with you that you would happily throw away, to wear at the start line to keep you warm (there can be a little hanging around)
• Research restaurants before hand, and know where you want to eat the night before
• Take food with you that you have been training with.  I didn’t eat the breakfast available at the hotel, I ate what I was used to as I didn’t want to take the risk of something not agreeing with me!
• Have a wee before you go to the start line, you don’t want to be thinking about wee-ing too early on!
• Agree a meeting point with family and friends for after the race, as they wont have access to the back of the runners village
• Enjoy every moment – take it all in

My Bath Half 2015 – 2:21
My Bath Half 2016 – 2:18 – PB

Hope you had an amazing race – well done and congratulations!  You’re incredible!

Debs xx

 

This is a very different type of post for me, but I started thinking about this subject after a conversation with my Hubby on the subject of possessions.

So my question to you is this, if you had your own Museum that completely represented you, what would you put in it?

The more you think about this question the harder this becomes!  I’m thinking that this will evolve over time, and maybe even change depending on what you experience in life.  But if you were to choose now, so far, what would it be?

It can be anything you like, it can be things which you think represent you the best and when people see them, they instantly think of you!  It can be an experience that meant so much to you, a photo which speaks a thousand words, a ticket stub, an item of clothing/accessories, a card, a note, a letter, whatever you love and has the most value to you.

I guess my ultimate thinking is around what makes us feel like us?  Although most of us love the material things, I myself especially.  As a youngster, I didn’t have lots of ‘things’, we weren’t poor but we didn’t have holidays or the latest gadget, we were a modest family who had the things we needed.

As an adult, I do like to indulge, not because I’m spoilt and not because I’m greedy, but because I feel I work hard and I like to experience the good stuff.  I love my holidays and travel as you know, and I love love to shop.  I also love to treat others and see them happy too.  So yes, in short, I love to indulge in the material and to be honest in healthy doses there is nothing wrong at all with that.

But I am also fascinated by the immaterial.  Because what our travels so far have ironically given me, is those ‘moments’, those intangible, priceless moments which give you that warm feeling of happiness and feeling grateful.  Perhaps we can’t separate them?  Because some of the material, provides us with the immaterial?

It’s a great conversation piece and I would love to hear what you would put in your Museums!  So drop me an email, comment on this post or Instagram me!

For me, I think so far it would be; a picture of my wedding day, pictures of my husband and my family, pictures of my friends, our house deeds, my music playlist, my diary, holiday journals, metro ticket stubs from our first trip to Paris (it was also our first ever holiday together!), the tickets for our trip on the Maid of the Mist (Niagara Falls), my running race medals, a pair of trainers, my recipe book, an Audi badge, my London Fashion Week Ticket, a receipt for my Louis Vuitton purchase and my first Michael Kors bag (haha).  Am I allowed a Chanel lipstick in here!?

Oh my goodness, this is so hard!  Good job this post wasn’t ‘name 10 things only…’

I may need to give this more thought!…

Debs Xo

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blue was far from my mood today but this back drop is just gorgeous!  If I could insert the hand gesture for perfect in the emoji world I would!

I had a lovely rare day off with my Mr and lucky for us the sun was out.  We went for a stroll around beautiful Falmouth and had lunch on Gyllangvase beach.  Oh and yeah, a chance for some blog shots!  Anyone else’s partner the victim of having to taking hundreds of shots in various places to ensure we are happy with a handful!?  Another reason to love them for sure!

I’m blogging my look from today, this is one of my favourite winter looks.  This Zara coat is a few years old now and is still one of my firm staples.  I love love love it and will probably be wearing it until it falls to pieces!  I love that about clothes you just love to love.  They somehow become part of your identity and you feel you as soon as you put them on.

The compulsory walking shot!

As you may have noticed, I’m carrying (or cradling like precious cargo!) my beautiful new Michael Kors bag.  I knew that this beauty would fit me and my wardrobe perfectly, which is probably why I couldn’t stop thinking about it!

The colours are very me and go with probably about 70% of my outfits!  Its called the Brooklyn bag and is brown tan leather and suede with gold grommets.  I especially love the gold chain as it smarts up the bag and so I would definitely use it for a night out or a more formal  date.  The inside has built in card holders too!  Perfect if you don’t want to carry too much stuff around with you.

Lets also take a moment to appreciate that back drop though!

My gold necklace is from a local boutique called Plum.  Its beautiful and features hanging hammered discs and jewels.  It was £22, a real bargain and I love that I bought it locally too.  If you’re a fellow local, please check them out!  Their shop is in Truro, Cornwall and they stock some beautiful clothes as well as jewellery, candles and now feature books and cushions.

My chunky knit scarf is also Zara.   Again, something I wear over and over.  This for me was inspired when we went to Sweden last year.  I was in total awe of everyone and their fashion style.  It was mostly black ensembles with chunky knit scarves, gorgeous blonde locks and either tan or grey coats.  Um, yeah tick tick and tick (minus the beautiful hair, mine is more frizz chic!).

Oh shit, I just missed my bus!!

Well personally I think 1984 was the best year!  Obvs!

My sunnies are my new New York Prada beauties!  My first ever pair of designer sunnies and these are just fabulous!  Super versatile too, casual or formal whatever your outfit of the day, these go with everything.  I love that they are big frames, little frames do not suit me whatsoever and my faces always looks like it swallowed them up!   Love the Prada embellishment on the side, so chic!

The hut was empty so I left…

Before a little posing of course!

My jeans are from Matalan.  Perfect length and they are high waisted which is perfect for me.  Personally I’m not a fan of hipster jeans as my shape means that I spend half my time yanking them up!  Plus these are great for a little tummy tucking!  Oh and they are only £12.

My new boots!!  These are from Public Desire and feature a perspex heel, so unique I love them.  They also have a clear cut out at each side of the boot meaning that you’ll show a little skin even in winter.  Sexy!  Next time I want to try these out with tights and a skirt as I think they will go really nicely together.  It’s so nice to find boots which have a little something something about them.  Winter seems to last a long time, so when you find styles which beautify your outfit whilst keeping you warm, they are a winner.

So now I’m sitting here writing this in my comfy PJ’s!   Glam all the way!

Have a fabulous evening.

Love Love

D Xo

For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to go to London Fashion Week.

I 100% fall into the category of people who are mesmerised by everything Fashion (and yes Fashion with a capital ‘F’ because it deserved a capital ‘F’.

The Designers, the Models, the Photographers, the Writers, the clothes, the sparkle, the razzmatazz and the glamour.  Everything about this industry fascinates me and is one of the biggest reasons I started blogging.

Everyone talks about why they love fashion, all reasons vary and all are very valid.  Yes given, clothes are something we need to wear (unless you follow the naturist vibe!) but for me, they are a representation of you, your personality and how you want the world to see you.  They speak a 100o words before you have even said 1.

Outfits are a collective of how you want to be seen and understood.  They are mood boards, talking points, armour, confidence, perhaps a cover up at times and our own uniform for life.

It sounds serious yes, but not really.  It’s more a way of expressing your personal style and what’s inside your head and your style is your window for the world.  I love that we can experiment, mix it up, have fashion faux pas to our hearts content and discover style in many different ways.  I have a very eclectic style and love trying out new looks, colours, textures and trends.  I can be a bit out there at times, but thats just me and I love it!

Clothes are passion of mine, but equally accessories are too.  They have the ability to take a style from zero to hero and jazz up an otherwise understated outfit.  So more often than not, you’ll catch me in the shoes/handbags/jewellery sections first!  Plus, I am a magpie and I have a special sparkle radar!

So yes, without further ado – LFW!  I can’t tell you how excited I was to be going, it’s one of the most fun and happy days I have ever had and I felt like I was in an environment where I really belonged.  The setting for LFW was absolutely stunning.  Saatchi Gallery is located in Chelsea and the grounds are beautiful.  I felt giddy with excitement waiting in the queue and couldn’t wait to catch a glimpse of all the beautiful things!

Saatchi Gallery

I booked the 9am – 12pm session and what I didn’t realise is that there are limited spaces in order that shoppers can browse without the gallery being absolutely packed to the rafters.  I enter the gallery and am immediately filled with inspiration about how beautiful the building is.  Clothes are on the ground floor, shoes are on the second and accessories are on the top floor.  I’ve a lot to get through as I am also attending a fashion show at 11.30am!  So excited!

The clothes floor is filled with well known designers as well as up and coming designers, all of which fit equally and flawlessly together.  The fusion and buzz around me is so well tuned to the event, what I notice is that everyone I speak to is super friendly too.

Sometimes this industry gives the opposite impression (if you listen and are influenced by the negative or the devil wears Prada effect!), however I have so far experienced friendly and welcoming people who share the same passion you do and are happy to be just as excited and into it as you are.

I sift the rails and quickly spot things that I love (which is quite a lot!).  I did have my eye on a beautiful metallic rose gold dipped hem skirt, but there was only 1 and when I went back to get it – someone was trying it on and bought it – so word of warning, if you love it, get it!   You will regret it, as a lot of designers, especially the up and coming ones, only carry 1 each of their designs.

Keeping with the metallic theme, I have spotted a beautiful grey metallic bat wing top at Armani Exchange – I make sure I get that one!  Also, if you weren’t already aware, items at LFW are marked down too, so you’ll be sure to grab a bargain.  My Armani Exchange top had 25% off, its absolutely gorgeous.

You could go crazy here, there are rails filled with so many delights its unreal.  Imagine going into a bakery and it being filled with all your favourite cakes in one shop – its like that!  And its hard to keep disciplined, so my plan was to really hone in on the things I wanted and also good staples that I knew I would wear again and again.

Its hard though, frills (to be a MASSIVE trend for 2017!), texture, sparkle, faux leather, faux fur, bargains and delights everywhere!  It’s not long before I spot a beautiful faux leather skater skirt, which has the most unique laser cut circles on the outside layer.  Simply stunning.  I decide that this is my next purchase and plus its a staple (tick) and it goes with my Armani Exchange top (tick tick).

Next stop, shoes!  Ah shoes!  The wonderful, beautiful, satisfyingly divine world of shoes!  The ‘pop up’ shoe capsule is located on the second floor and it’s crammed with beauties from top end to high street.  I spy a pair of striped canvas flats (yes I did say flats!) which are perfect for a hot getaway.

After browsing the collections for ages, and trying my best not to buy a pair at every stand, I decide to head up to the top floor and peruse the beautiful accessories.

I walk through the doors and am immediately besotted with all the sparkly and shiny things!  Jewellery is the one big wow statement factor you can make and add some va va voom to your outfit.  If I’m having a month of budgeting and spend my spare pennies on my home or holidays, instead of clothes,  I’ll buy a statement necklace or earrings, because I think they can instantly revolutionise an old outfit and bring it back up to date.

I spy the John and Pearl stand immediately.  I follow this brand on Instagram and love love love their branding, pieces and story.  Go check them out at: https://www.johnandpearl.co.uk.  Their pieces are modern, bold, statement and very chic. And also – unique.

A gold hexagonal bracelet catches my eye so I quickly snap it up, one of my close friends loves it and i wanted to buy her one, but I’ve since found out that it was a limited edition line for Glastonbury and they’ve all sold out!  Wah!

The stands are crammed full of goodies and I am in love with anything sparkly and dreamy.  There is lots of ‘trend’ jewellery around such as personalised necklaces, midi rings, rose gold (love love) and chokers (love love love).   As I am strolling the stands, I come across the Rosie Fortescue Jewellery stand, and OMG there is Rosie Fortescue!

I am usually so shy when it comes to seeing celebs but I bravely ask for a selfie (in fact I think my words were “would you think I was lame if I asked you for a selfie!!?”.  Rosie was really lovely, happily posed for my selfie and didn’t think I was lame or weird (I hope!).

Rosie’s collection was just as gorgeous as her, beautiful midi and stack rings in all colours, heartbeat rings and bracelets (the ones worn across your top palm) and gorgeous bangles.

This collection reminds me of something for the modern woman.  I find it hard sometimes to find jewellery which is a good balance between trendy, classic and fun.  But Rosie seems to nail this effortlessly, allowing us to channel our inner cool by combining crown topped and stackable rings and kite designs.  The collection also reflects classic glamour with “take me serious” endeavours reflected in the gold choker and matching bangle.  These designs take you from day to night in a wink, and scream “where did you get that”.

I am super into Rose Gold at the moment so I go for a rose gold stack ring with clear stones.  It also compliments and sits naturally against my existing jewellery, which is always a winner because if you are like me, despite having a jewellery habit, I always seem to have the same staples!

So if you’ve noticed a theme, it’s that I have bought something on every floor!  Haha!  Well I wouldn’t want to leave any of them out, that would be cruel – and a waste!  But, I have stuck to my plan of buying an all encompassing outfit and things I will wear over and over, so yeah I deserve a pat on the back for that.  And double brownie points to me for enabling myself to look (and drool) but walk past the handbag stand.  It’s all to do with willpower (and the fact that I am saving for a Michael Kors bag when I got to NY, but thats not the point!).

Before I realise, 11.30am is fast approaching, that can only mean 1 thing – catwalk time!  Do you remember being a kid and feeling giddy at the thought of Christmas or a day out or a treat?  It was like you couldn’t keep your feet still and you were so hyper that you might explode?!  Well yeah, that was me,  it was exciting enough to experience the shopping, but the show – wow – now this is something else!

This is my first experience of a designer catwalk show, and it didn’t disappoint.  The crowd is slowly building and there is a real buzz about the runway.  Fashionistas, fellow models, photographers, designers, press and fashion obsessed bunnies like me take our seats.  The area reserved for the catwalk shows I think is a viewing area for the gallery, it’s perfect!  A long narrow room filled with what can only be described as pews, ready for us to watch gods and goddesses grace the glamour filled room.

The show I see is by the designer Sisley and it is incredible.  It’s also got an edge to it which I absolutely love.  Not afraid to be daring and not afraid to be bold, but equally chic and glamourous.  Texture plays a massive part as does different hem lines, often combined in 1 outfit.

Prints and colour play a big part and lots of purple filled the catwalk.  I love that belts have made a comeback, and often pulled an outfit together as the centrepiece.  The show is masterfully created and the music creates the perfect backdrop and heartbeat to the show.

What can I say, I simply loved it all!  There is something enviably delicious about the catwalk world, as each model effortlessly graces the runway, you can’t help but feel a cinch of enlightenment about the popping bulbs from the press at the everest of the catwalk and them being adored by fashion lovers everywhere.  As stressful as putting together a show must be, the rewards of a successful show and being able to wear such beautiful robes must make it feel like one of the best jobs in the world.

Thats why I love this industry.  To me, it feels like a second nature, a love so great that it would never feel like work.  The show lasted 30 mins and I didn’t want it to end!  As we clapped the beautiful models along for their finale,  I was so happy to have been apart of London Fashion Weekend 2016.

I left the gallery with a big smile on my face, one of the best mornings ever so far!  Its given me my first real taste of the fashion show world, and I can’t wait to do it all again.  More and more please!

D Xo

Ps: Some of my Gorgeous Goodies! Xo

Rosie Fortescue Jewellery Stack Ring in Rose Gold & John & Pearl Bangle

Armani Exchange Metallic Bat Wing Top & Es Givien Laser Cut Skirt

The Little City with the Big Dreams Xo

This year was my 3rd year being involved with the Truro Trend Fashion Show, and each year I feel more and more proud.  I look forward to the show so much and am always so excited to see the outfits and trends for the new season.

To me, the fashion show represents a collective of real community spirit.  It feels like the city is one big family and the shops, owners, designers, models, and most importantly, the gorgeous attendees of the show have all come together to support each other.

For 1 night of Truro Trend Fashion Week, the cathedral is transformed into a stunning fashion spectacle.  As always, the catwalk snakes along the nave of the cathedral and provides as the epicentre for the show.

I have to say, I have made some amazing friends through being involved with the fashion show and I am so grateful for this.  Friends who I am convinced will stay friends for life!

My day of fashion fun started at 4pm, when I visited the very talented and amazing ladies at No8 Hairdressing in Truro.  They transformed my locks into the most amazing high quiff with a back plait.  The ladies worked their magic for 4 shops and everyone looked amazing!  The show oozes professionalism and its really amazing to be apart of.

Sue at No 8 styled my hair in a lightning speed 30 minutes!  Sue is an amazing stylist and cuts and colours my hair outside the fashionista world too!  She is fabulous, I feel totally at ease and have so much confidence in her to know that whatever she creates, its going to be beautiful!  Below is a picture of my hair,  we joke that the blonde bit is a golden curl!  My Cruella twist!

Next up – Make Up!  I head to Jaeger to be beautified by the amazing Hannah of ‘Made up by Hannah Symons’.   Hannah is amazing at what she does and she is one of the most loveliest people.  She adds colour and smoke to my eyes to make them stand out on the catwalk and we go for a bold lip.  I love my eye palette, its very classic and I think the make up compliments the hair perfectly.  Like Sue, Hannah is so natural at what she does and makes you feel completely at ease.

So pampered, prepped and preened, I head to the cathedral for rehearsals at 6pm.  The place is buzzing and gaining the momentum of people setting up their stalls, the bar being stocked, models practising their strut on the catwalk and all the organisers making everything look like its seamlessly fallen into place. I have to give a special mention to Charla who organises this amazing event every year with Truro Trend, without her and her team, the whole thing literally would not be possible – amazing achievement every single year.

I rehearse shaking my stuff on the catwalk to get a feel for the runway again.  It never fails to amaze me just how beautiful it is and the impressive stature of how it aligns the naive of the cathedral.  It really is and quite rightly so, the centre piece of the entire event, it works so well!

Before we know it, 7pm arrives and we gather backstage to start getting ready.  My first walk is for Jaeger and I am modelling a gorgeous cashmere jumper, super stylish but super comfy black joggers, a black 3D art pendant, a soft gilet and  high heels.  This was styled for me but the amazing and lovely Aimee, store manager at Jaeger in Truro.  I was so excited that the hanging rails for Jaeger are perfectly organised and each of outfits have our name tags on – so chic!  So fashion show!

This outfit is a perfect style combination and showcases the effortless interchange between casual and smart.  The joggers add a sporty chic element to the outfit, and wearing them with heels convinces me that this is a look I should explore more often.  The jumper and pendant are so versatile that they can be perfect for work, drinks down the pub or even paired with a faux leather skirt to ooze city style.

As always, the time whizzes past, and before we know it, we are heading to the catwalk!   I still get butterflies, but I am super excited too and can’t wait to showcase these beautiful clothes.  Music ready, models ready, in 3…2…1…we are off!

The cathedral is packed full of fashionistas and the crowd are buzzing, cheering us on as we make our way to the top of the catwalk.  Its such an amazing feeling knowing that you are apart of something so special, something unique, and something which has the potential to grow for the community every year.

My next outfit is for the gorgeous boutique store, Plum.  Plum is owed and run by the gorgeous and super sweet Sam.  Outfit number 1 for this chic store is smart casual, and I wore light grey jeans by Maison Scotch, a stunning check shirt and a utterly fabulous woollen coat.  I could totally see myself in this outfit, the jeans were super comfortable and its a perfect transitional coat from Autumn to Winter.  I would wear this outfit with heels for a glass of fizz with my Mr, lunch with the girls or with ankle boots for a shopping day.

The crowd are such a joy to see and I can’t help but give a air fist pump as I walk along the catwalk!  It’s a fab feeling and when you are in an environment where everyone has come together for the same mutual appreciation of fashion,  you feel all warm and fuzzy!    The fashionistas are in town, and I am loving every moment of it.

Each label does their one run along the catwalk and 30 lightening quick minutes later, we are ready for the interval.

During the second half of the show, I am modelling for Plum Boutique first.  Now, this outfit is simply wow.  It’s a long sleeved lace cream blouse, which I wear with only a black bra underneath and a black midi length skirt with a split to the thigh.    We set off for our second run along the catwalk and I love love love modelling this outfit.  Its incredibly feminine, shows just the right amount of skin and oozes glamour.  Sam finished the outfit off beautiful with a long length pearl and gold necklace.

I felt the need to shimmy along the catwalk in this beautiful skirt!  I’m not normally so brave, but wearing this exuded my inner lioness and made me feel fab – so I shimmied and sashayed all the way up and back along the runway!

There’s nothing better than clothes that make you feel ‘you’, like an outer skin and something tangible which speaks a thousand words about you, without you having to say a word.  That is exactly how I view this outfit.  I view clothes not as a necessity, but of an expression of ourselves.  They say a lot about us and give us the opportunity to tell the world who we are.

My next and final outfit of the night is for Jaeger.  This is another outfit which is very me and I would happily wear this as part of my daily wardrobe – a very glamorous and chic part of my wardrobe!   Its a mid length pinstripe shift dress with a calf length gilet (which is reversible – 2 tops for the price of 1!).  Amy finoshes the look of gorgeously with a pair of grey Carvela ankle boots – so beautiful!

I feel so comfortable, chic and sophisticated in this outfit.  Its so versatile and would suit all ages and styles.  I guaranteed it will sharpen up your work wardrobe, and everyone will be asking where you got it from.   I particularly love the length of the dress,  its sassy without making you feel conscious that its too short.

As the rest of the labels make their way down the runway on their second sashay of the night, the Truro Fashion 2016 is almost at close.

We all gather backstage and take to the catwalk for a group fashion show finale!  There is a fantastic atmosphere and the crowd are so amazing, and give us all a big hurrah.

One thing I am always certain of – I can’t wait for the next, it just keeps getting better and better and I am so proud to be apart of our little city with the big dreams.

Lots of love Sunshines

D xxxxxxxxxxxxx

 

 

Coming soon – My blog on The Truro Trend Fashion Show 2016…

Wednesday 5th October 2016

The Little City with Big Dreams x