Tis the season to be jolly

I know I'm a little late but Merry Cahristmas everyone! Hope everyone had a fabulous time! Here are a few snaps of my fav Christmas jumper because let's face it what is Christmas without a classic Christmas jumper?!

 

Vintage Knit

A chunky warm knitted jumper or cardigan is perfect now for the freezing winter months so I extremely was excited when it was time to drag mine out of my wardrobe. Last year I went to Amsterdam for a weekend with some friends and managed to find the perfect winter cardy at a cute little flea market, for a mere €8 I couldn't really say no! I love the patchwork detailing and the glitter thread used to run through.

Not only are the flea markets amazing in Amsterdam but they have amazing little vintage and retro stores scattered around the city. I honestly recommend a visit as the city itself is so beautiful and so chilled out, which is a complete contrast to hectic London! 

My Role Model

My love of fashion, textiles and sewing started at a very young age. I was always the child that was constantly dressing up and had my head stuck in one of those dress up colouring books. However the main reason behind my passion is my amazing nan! At the age of 7, my nan taught me to how to hand stitch and showed me all the different types of stitches. From then on I was hooked! Over the years through studying Textiles at school I learnt embroidery and how to create garments etc. 

My most prize possession is infact this old decorated hand sewing machine my nan gave to me when I found out I had got into uni to study Fashion Textiles. The machine was originally passed on down to my nan from her mother.  It's beautiful! It's not a singer one, but it does look very similar.

So whatever I achieve in my career I will always be thankful to my nan. She really is my role model and idol xx

Gold Plated

The gold plated trend has become one of my favourite trends this summer. Being shown mainly on shoes and belts, it transforms any plain, simple outfit into a very sophisticated, glamorous look. Originally seen on the runway from designers such as Giuseppe Zanotti and Balmain, the gold plated trend has made such a huge statement. Don't worry you don't need to fork out a fortune either to gain this look, I managed to pick up these sandals for £6 and this belt for £3 both from good old Primark! (Excuse the state of the shoes, I have worn these to death!)

I've had so many compliments on both these items, with many people assuming they are from Zara or Karen Millen....not on this student budget! Personally I think the look works best when worn with black, I've tried it with a black midi skirt and top as well as a maxi dresses and going out dresses. Add some dainty jewellery and you are set to go. Honestly, I currently swear by simple accessorising...it's the way forward! 

New Designers 2013

On Thursday I went up to London to visit the New Designers exhibition at the Business Design Centre in Angel. This event happens every year, being split into two sections: 1) fashion, textiles, jewellary and ceramics 2) product design, graphics, media and motion. It is a showcase of up and coming design talent from recent graduates across the UK.

 

Being a textiles student my main purpose was obviously for the fashion and textiles section. I have to say I was completely blown away by the incredible talent shown here. The level of skill was just outstanding! The attention to detail was truely inspiring and some of the portfolios I looked through were absolutely awesome. The prints and designs were so innovative and well developed, the most simplest ideas has been transformed into something of a whole new outcome. Some designers that particularly caught my eye were; Charlotte Lloyd, Cecelia Frank, Melissa Edgar and Louise Clarke. Their designs were just so beautiful and creative, I was amazed. I will definitely be keeping an out for these names in the future!

 

 

Collection of graduate print business cards

Although you have to buy a ticket to view the exhibition, I highly recommend a visit. Even if you are not a fashion or textiles student, it really is worth the visit, and if you are student well lucky you because you get cheaper entrance tickets. Overall the whole day has made me very excited for my third and final year at uni, although I would be lying if I said I wasn't terrifed! It is scary to think that in just one years time I will be showcasing here...fingers crossed! 

Check out these graduate collections:

ceceliafrank.com

charlotteemilylloyd.4ormat.com

louiserebeccaclarke.tumblr.com

cargocollective.com/melissaedgar

Summer Staple: The Denim Jacket

Now that summer has arrived everyone is rushing to get their summer wardrobe out but no summer wardrobe is complete without that staple denim jacket. It's the perfect lightweight cover up!

On the high street you can get a plain denim jacket from as little as £10. I was lucky enough to get mine from a local car boot sale a few years ago for a mere £1.50, but if I'm honest I practically live in it! It goes with everything from maxi dresses, to leggings, to floaty summer dresses and skirt, to even the double denim combo. It just makes an outfit look effortless. 

Some jackets can be a bit more pricey as they have been customised with that little extra detail. But why not give your old jacket a DIY update and customise it yourself, add some spikes and studs to it, or sew on badges, add some embroided trimmings to it. Anything will work this classic item!

Both these jackets are available from ASOS

Don't go fooling yourself thinking denim jackets are only for summer, they are very versatile for all seasons. Just throw on a jumper or a hoody and put your jacket on top and you are set to go for the more cooler months of the year.

Car Booty

With it being Bank holiday weekend my mum decided she was going to go on a crazy spring clear out of the house. We found so many old treasures as well as alot of junk so we decided we would do a car boot sale together and see how much money we could make. We set off early at 6am to head off to our local car boot and set up our little stand. We were quite lucky and had a good day selling with the sun shining. Whilst I had a moment I snuck off to check out what little treasures everyone else was selling. It's incredible to see what bargains you can pick up here, not only this but you can barter a little to get things cheaper.

Not only are car boots are great place to find some good bargains but are also little handy money making opportunities! So have a good clear out, take it down your nearest car booty and see how much money you can make to put it towards a new outfit.

It's true what the say another mans rubbish is another mans treasure!

Bonjour Paris

I just recently got back from spending a few days in Paris so I thought what better way to start my new blog than Paris. First things first - Paris is AMAZING! It is such a beautiful place, words cannot describe it. When it comes to fashion the Champs Elysees is heaven for every single girl, unfortunately it's not within the price range for the majority of us....a girl can dream! Whilst on my little wanders around the capital I did find some fabulous second hand vintage shops. One my favourites definitely has to be The Kilo Shop, this place is incredible! You pay for everything by the kilo rather than the price for each individual item. There is a wide variety so you are not stuck for choice either.

The Kilo Shop Paris Le Marais, 69-71 Rue de la Verrerie, 75004 Paris

Another favourite is L'Occaserie, it's the perfect place for secondhand haute couture. A room filled with vintage Dior, Chanel, Prada and more, it's like a mecca for every fashionista. However these big names don't come cheap, although it is second hand you are looking at roughly €350 for a designer handbag. I would still recommend a visit here just to see all the classic pieces. 

Obviously a trip to Paris isn't complete without a visit to the Louvre or the Arc de Triomphe, but nothing compares to the views of the whole of the city from the top of the Eiffel Tower, it is surreal!

Paris is a definite must visit for every fashion obsessed girl. 

Once Upon A Time

Once Upon A Time in land far far away lived a girl who was obsessed with fashion...and by this I mean little old me in my bedroom in my parents house in Berkshire...not so magical now.

I've always wanted to give blogging a go but never got round to it until now so here we go...

I'm just your average girl who loves fashion and has a major shoe addiction. I'm currently a student at Unversity for the Creative Arts, studying Fashion Textiles. Unfortunately being a shopaholic and a student is not very compatible so bargain hunting has now become my way of life, you could say ebay and charity shops are now my saviours! Whenever I have a spare moment I'm going to share with you my love, opinions and anything else to do with fashion as well as my little bargain finds to help all you students and anyone else who has the trouble of shopping on a budget.

Hope you enjoy :)

Sara xo