Loving Lavender

Hi guys

I thought I post about the Blossom design that I worked on as part of Very. I previously had posted the design when it first came out on my blog dated 16th November  in Reds and Black for A/W 2011. Its been recoloured in Lavender for Spring/ Summer 12. I love when a print is recoloured as it gives a design a whole new look. This Blossom design is no exception.

Lavender mixed with Stone and Cream is a great colour combination. The Lavender works well with the naturals. I think mixing it back with Stone coloured accessories looks great in any room.
Photography VERY

PREMIERE VISION PARIS

Hi everyone well I have just got back a couple of days ago from Paris from the Premiere Vision Show. Its been a crazy week with taking the kids to the Lake District to hang out with grandma and grandad as daddy jet sets to Paris for the show.

Anyway I had a great time working with the design team from Sainsburys as we had back to back meetings with Fabric suppliers as well as looking around the General Forums. I love Paris walking around the streets and getting inspired by the shops which I will blog about in the next few days....

The highlight for me is staying with my friends Memel and Claire and meeting their two year old Julie who has the cutest french accent. I love the fact we always meet up when ever I am in Paris and its been nearly 21 years wow how time flies!!!
Anyway will be posting pics later in the week........

Austerity vs Luxury

Hi everyone I just wanted to let you know that I got invited by The Trend Boutique to speak to students from various universities at the French Institute in London.
I was amongst other speakers including
Sally Denton: The Trend Boutique
Debbie Laurent:from Front Foot Marketing
Eli Ankutse: co founder of Apetogentleman/ Nivan & Joshua
Lucy Norris: Creative Director Pret-a-Rever.

It was a great opportunity to talk to students about the issue of Austerity v Luxury in today's society. I was able to share my experience as a textile designer, designing for various markets including the Supermarket chains- ie Asda/ Geroge, Tesco and Sainsburys.
And how these chains are quickly catching up with the high street stores. The fact we all look at same catwalks and go 'Inspirationl' shopping at the same places- basically the design process is the same.

I hope I was able to inspire the students too to work hard- this industry is very competitive and you need to not only just have talent but network skills too.
It was a great seminar and I hope to do future talks to students......cause they are the future!!!!

Watch out for my Trend talk at The Design Forum on 1st March. Talking trend for Spring Summer 13 with W4D

DOLLY MIX VINTAGE SHOP......

I don't know about you but I LOVE vintage clothing. And a couple of weeks ago I was told about Dolly Mix Vintage shop by my lovely Caroline. So today I wanted to talk about the Dolly Mix Vintage shop in Leicester a Vintage Heaven tucked away on Cank Street.http://www.dollymixvintage.com/#

When I went in I was literally in Vintage Heaven. This shop has two floors filled with vintage clothing and Accessories from top to bottom. The shop is owned by Jackie Patrick and her daughter Catherine Howell who runs the sister shop called Pink Pigeon. Another great find and for a future blog.

What amazed me was not only the clothing but all things that sat with them IE old teacups and saucers.My favourite was the old type writer in the menswear department. The Bogart framed poster and old radios......there is a lot of history in this store. I am always drawn to the shirts and jackets and resisted buying the amazing vintage bags as I had purchased one the week before- but hey one can never have enough bags-its not just the ladies who like their accessories! Men there is so much in this shop.

The store is defiantly worth visiting you will not want to come out. They even have their own vintage stylist Claire who looked amazing. She is there to advise you on what to wear and any other questions regarding how to wear vintage!
The shop is setting up a vintage wedding room/ boutique for those that are looking for something special and not on the high street. These girls will certainly dress you up and make you feel wonderful.

Anyway if you are in Leicester pop by and I know you will not leave with out purchasing a bargain and a one off piece that certainly will give you pleasure.
Please note I have so many more pics to show but these are for another time. I will certainly be writing up on these guys again for more fab pics.....

Its Friday!!

Ok it's Friday- and I really did not want to travel today. Well despite having an early start the only thing to wear was my Faux Fur Hat, Zara Coat and Brick Red Corduroy.
But my favourite item is my leather Vintage bag from Pop Boutique in Liverpool. It's great as I carry my laptop in it and other essential items for a designer.
My shawl is from India and always makes me appreciate colour in fact Victoria the product designer almost swatched it for her trend board.
It is a beautiful blue colour and my thoughts of india come to mind everytime I wear it.
Anyway I'm looking forward to getting home so over and out. Embrace the cold you can still look great!!