Summer Lovin'

Here are some of my current loves and lusts for Summer! I'll be reviewing A/W 13 preview collections very soon, so watch out!

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Holographic Nails In Moondance- £6, MOTO Pink Crochet Hotpants- £35, Spotty Casual Crop Top- £29, Rachel Dress by Jones and Jones- £65, Martie T-Bar Geek Shoes- £32, Nano T-Bar Clog Sandals- £45, Dip Dye Crochet Cami- £32, Edge Paint Satchel- £28

Black Floral Mini Dress- £25, Black Suede Cross Front Wedge Shoe- £28, Navy Pinafore Playsuit- £10, Tan Buckle Cross Wedge Shoe- £32, Multi Florence Floral Headband- £3

 Print Top- £9.99,  Jacquard Skirt- £12.99, Denim Waistcoat With Crochet Back- £9.99, Oriental Print Jumpsuit- £19.99, Embroidered Dress- £19.99, Fantasy Twist Jersey With Open Back- £12.99, Oriental Print Trousers- £15.99, Jacquard Linen Dress With Full Skirt- £15.99

Pleated Floral Print Dress- £18.75, Floral Print Wedge Sandals- £24.75, Cat Graphic Cropped Tee- £12, Lace Trim High-Low Dress- £19.75, High-Low Georgette Dress- £24.75

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Do It Yourself!

Being a fashion and textiles student plus a HUGE follower of DIY fashion, it's so nice to see dressmaking providing an innovative platform for anybody, of any level. There is so much inspiration around as of late, from a range of accessible sources and you don't even need to leave the house to get creative. Make do and mend is an attitude that I definitely consider and encourage within my own wardrobe. 

Having the satisfaction of saying that you were able to fix or create something yourself is such a feeling and even if you aren't skilled in the technical side of dressmaking, there are so many tutorials out there on YouTube and other fashion blogs that can help you begin and ultimately develop. The throwaway culture within the fashion industry mainly accounts for the disposal of old and unworn clothing, which are replaced with more innovative styles. Though instead of throwing away all unworn clothing, we can take designer/high street inspiration by customising and creating new pieces from such clothing, yet something that can also be turned into an item that becomes totally original. 

Scouring social media for research is something I'm always inputting into my degree work and I've been inspired by the creativity and uniqueness of those who take part in DIY fashion. The one thing I really admire is how different and creative every person is. There is obvious inspiration from current industry trends and that's why I love picking up on this and turning already owned items into innovative pieces. I was going to share some of my favourite DIY focused blogs but there are just too many to choose from! However, P.S.- I made this... is probably my favourite. Some of the projects are so simple yet effective and on trend, with the added bonus of video tutorials providing an extra walkthrough whilst you carry out the project. Pinterest is also a great source of inspiration which brings up a multitude of DIY results from fashion, textiles/craft and homeware.

Below are some ideas from P.S.- I made this... and other inspiration from across the Internet. 

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I'm hoping to try out a DIY sunglasses project as I'm currently living in a beautiful heatwave so I'll post a tutorial sometime soon! xo

                                                     

A Few Of My Favourite Things...

Making wishlists and collated some of my current loves on Photoshop. Might make this into a weekly thing!

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Cat printed clothing and accessories were huge around 2 years ago with designers such as Chloé and Lanvin at the forefront of head to toe feline inspiration. With Charlotte Olympia and Jeffrey Campbell providing uber cute footwear, retailers like ASOS and Topshop are reinventing graphic design through a range of products from iPhone covers, collar tips and knitted jumpers.

Top from L-R: 

See By Chloe Jersey Dress with Fat Cat and Mouse (£78) ASOS 

I Love Crafty Feline Fatale Kitty Collar Tips in Black (£12) MOTEL 

Petite Meow Cat Shell Top (£15) TOPSHOP 

Issa Cat Wool Sweater (£130) MATCHES FASHION 

Bottom from L-R:

I wish I knew where this is from! I found the image of model Barbara Palvin wearing this cat design and I read that it's a bodysuit from Kenzo but I couldn't find anything further! 

iPhone case. Designed by Leah Goren. 

Paul & Joe Cat Collection Blusher Sticks (£21) ASOS 

Cat Ears Watch (£14) ASOS 

American Apparel Illustrated Cat Print Oversized Shirt (£36.50) ASOS 

Consisting of sisters Alana, Este and Danielle, Haim are described as a group whose sound is reminiscent of "nu folk meeting 90s R&B". The addition of drummer Dash Hutton provides a consistent California-esque echoing the vibes of Fleetwood Mac. Tracks "Forever", "Falling" and "Don't Save Me" are already climbing up vast summer playlists and with a string of concerts and festivals under their belts already, Haim are fast living up to their title of BBC's Sound Of 2013.

When H&M added homeware to their existing product catalogue, I was excited to see if I would be able to inject the same amount of cheap chic into my bedroom interior as apposed to clothing H&M houses in my wardrobe. From lace and quirky cushions to kitchenware ranging from animal printed plates and pastel cake stands, the Swedish company could be on the way to rivaling counterpart Ikea. 

Drowned myself in Glasto highlights on BBC iPlayer for the past week, the festival season has begun everyone! Cara, Alexa and co kicking off the season with leather jackets, Ray-Bans and Hunters! 

I've been a fan of Katie Rodgers and her illustrations for a while now and after recently looking through her work, she's re-inspired me on the fact that you can turn any hobby into a worthy career. Katie began Paper Fashion in 2009 and has since designed for fashion labels such as Coach and Kate Spade. The use of watercolour technique and splashes of glitter within her work provide both texture and intrigue to her images, making them beautiful interpretations of her own inspirations.

You can check out Katie's work and connect with her via:

WEB: www.paperfashion.net

TWITTER: @paperfashion

INSTAGRAM: paperfashion