Photo Diary- Autumn 2012

Puppy walks

Vintage fur coat, £10!

Prosecco in my fave glasses

And my fave Topshop jacket

In Pictures: Lana Del Rey for H&M batch 2

Henry Holland Dominates Glasgow Press Launch

DEBENHAMS put on a fantastic evening brightly showcased in Glasgow's The Lighthouse. I attended the evening to write up a review for The Glasgow Journal - a local newspaper I am fashion editor for. Huge fashion-star and designer Henry Holland graced the city with his presence, along with Louise Redknapp whose fantastic debut beauty collection launches in Debenhams later this month. 

Like a moth to the flame, I couldn't resist Holland's designs. Beautiful tweed was married with leather in a gorgeous statement jacket. An alternative to this seasons trophy jacket, the colourful jacket will be perfect for the winter months that are fast approaching. 

You can read my review in this fortnights The Journal around Glasgow or click to the online version here. 

NEWS: Specsavers searching for extraordinary spectacle wearer

ACTRESS Helen Flanagan is eyeing up gorgeous glasses-wearing guys and gals in Scotland as she launches Specsavers’ nationwide search for the Spectacle Wearer of the Year 2012.

Having played aspiring model Rosie Webster in Coronation Street, Helen knows what she’s looking for and is joining Britain’s most trusted optician* in the hunt to find ordinary people who look extraordinary in their glasses.

Helen, who has worn glasses since the age of nine, says: 'I first realised I needed to wear glasses when I couldn’t see the whiteboard at school. I was delighted as I was always nagging my mum to get me a pair. I love trying out new looks with my glasses. They bring out a different side to me.’

Since leaving Coronation Street, where she was last seen on-screen in February, Helen is keeping an open mind about future projects but definitely has more modelling in her sights and maybe even treading the boards in the West End.

'I love doing photoshoots, it’s probably the only thing I had in common with Rosie. We are both really girly and like modelling.

‘I really enjoyed the 1960s-themed shoot for this campaign – I wore lots of different wigs which made me wish I had long hair again! But the best thing about this campaign is that it supports anti-bullying charity, Kidscape. Anything that helps stamp out bullying of any kind, especially if it’s for wearing glasses, is a great thing.’     

Now in their fifth year of supporting Kidscape, Specsavers will donate £1 for every eligible competition entry to the charity, as well as all proceeds from a high profile auction led by Specsavers ambassador Gok Wan, which will take place at the competition final in London in October.

Every year, Specsavers scours the UK to find the girls and boys next door who look amazing in their specs. The competition is open to men and women aged 16 and over, who are current specs wearers or wear glasses for fashion purposes.  Specsavers and top London agency MOT Models will be specs-spotting this summer in city centres up and down the country.

One of Scotland’s specs wearers could follow in the footsteps of Lucie Stevenson, from Falkirk, who was crowned Spectacle Wearer of the Year 2011.

Lucie says: ‘The past year has been a whirlwind of excitement since I won Spec Wearer of the Year.  I’ve been down to London to do modelling shoots for some big high street names which is a dream come true, and even spent a month in my agency’s ‘model house’ which was an amazing experience and gave me the chance to meet new friends with the same aspirations.

‘I didn’t think for a second I would win but am so glad I put that entry form in now. For anyone thinking about it, I would urge you to go for it because I can vouch for the fact it can be life-changing!”

Regional finalists will be announced in June and the grand final will be held in London in October 2012.

Regional stars will earn a place on the catwalk at Britain’s biggest spectacle fashion-fest, with the winner receiving a one year modelling contract with MOT Models, a two week premier, all-inclusive holiday for two in Barbados courtesy of Almond Resorts and Virgin Holidays with £250 worth of spending money, a makeover with (and products by) TV celebrity hairdresser Andrew Barton, a year’s supply of skincare products from Simple, a fantastic goody bag including hair and skincare products, a £150 Specsavers designer eye care voucher and the coveted Spectacle Wearer of the Year trophy.

To enter, visit any Specsavers store or log on to:

 www.specsavers.co.uk/competition.

Feature: (Fashion) Girls On Film

SET to be a permanent fixture in Glasgow’s fashion scene, fashion brand ten30 are continuingly pushing boundaries and breaking the mould. 

Designer Alan Moore recently held a film showcase in the city featuring a unique live project inspired by the late Alexander McQueen. 

The film features a breath-taking model with porcelain clear skin and fiery orange hair. The model stands in a bright room wearing a piercing white dress. What comes next is captivating. 

Live on camera, the dress is then worked on with dye in an interesting manner. Moore says: “I had the idea for dying the dress for a while. The inspiration from ‘The White Dress’ came from a McQueen performance where he sprayed a white dress.

“I wanted to create something that was beautiful for that moment and gone the next. The way the dye moved and ran through the dress was incredible. 

“With the film, we wanted to capture that beauty but also add as much information as we could to it. The cinematography, the model and the soundtrack are all meticulously thought-out to show an understated beauty. The film is almost uneasy, something I have tried to achieve in all my shows. 

“I think the film represents ten30 well and is another example of our love for performance and beauty within fashion.”

A second film features a short interview with designer Moore himself. Giving an insight into his creative mind, the film is beyond intriguing: “I did the behind the scenes film as a way of explaining the thought process. Not just my thought process behind this project but behind the label as well.

Ten30 are one of Glasgow’s most promising creative labels. Proud of their Scottish heritage, the award winning brand boasts luxury fabrics and timeless pieces. The collection now focuses on wardrobe staples made to last the test of time: ““I have stripped everything back to 5 garments that will be on sale throughout the year. And that's all. This year I am focusing on more projects like ‘The White Dress’ rather than focusing on producing new collections.

“The five essential, non-seasonal, timeless pieces are clothes that every girl should own. Each garment is made from the highest quality silks, Harris Tweeds and leather and are all hand made in Scotland. 

“It is the subtle detailing, simple shapes and wear-ability that makes the pieces distinctly ten30.”

Visit ten30’s YouTube channel by searching ‘Fashion films from ten30’. Shop ten30 at www.ten30.co.uk/shop .

Credits: Photographer: Mark Osborne, Hair: Gordon Ritchie of Rainbow rooms, Make up: Sarah Vieira Da Cruz and model: Emily Morton.

Style Icon: Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman

I recently re-watched Pretty Woman as a grown girl who has been to Hollywood, it reached out to me on so may new levels. I loved Pretty Woman as a kid, although back then many of the key themes such as prostitution went right over my head- or my Mum promptly fast forwarded certain parts.

My most recent run-ins with Roberts has been in Eat Pray Love and lets face it, her laid-back-city-girl-on-an-expensive-summer-adventure doesn't really get the same style points as a hot young prossy chick in LA baby.

I was blown away by how amazingly beautiful Roberts was in Pretty Woman, and it wasn't in the scenes after her makeover. It was the stupid hat, the wig, the scabby boots and over sized Libertine style jacket that done it for me. Total style icon.

I loved her toned abs as much as the 90's dress revealing them. I find it really interesting looking back to previous decades and seeing the fashion we have rediscovered , back in its original form.

I'm absolutely not condoning you buy a replica pair of boots but as far as the wig, hat, twist-dress and blazer go.... my my my. Fire away.

In Pictures: Instagram 24th Feb- today

I feel like instagram has given me a platform for my photographs and it has also given my facebook a break! I am loving the 'photo a day' challenges and seeing how everyone else captures their day's through pictures! Here's what I have been up to...

FOLLOW ME @NADINEFASHION (private account so request an add and I will follow back!)

Debenhams press evening in 29, Glasgow

Topshop buys

Beautiful creative studios in Pollockshields!

A liquid lunch in Dundee

Sewing time! :)

Journalism staples. Coffee and Nikon.

Besties birthday

My Little Pony outfit

A saturday night outfit choice

Dundee sunset

Falling about

Love my new bowler hat

Love this album

News: Culture in the blender

If you too hate so-called geek chic and offensive camel toe legging girls then head over to my lovely journalism friend Victoria Irvine's new blog. It's more than a chuckle!

Look Book: Topshop's 50's Diner Inspired Shoot

The satchel isn't going anywhere, and this gorgeous grey and blue bag screams 'wear me'.

 TOPSHOP always deliver an exciting Spring range and this March's offering is by no means an exception. As the shop fills with florals and pastels, one may be in danger of thinking "Same old". But fear not little lambs (this post is all about the spring-themed), Topshop remains the queen of the high street by stepping back to the 50's.

Vintage inspired peaces in the palest of pastels scream American girl, and for me this look book shows that layering and child-like dressing is so right now.

THE accessory of the season, the satchel, has proved its staying power in the New York shows last month, and these shots deliver the it-bag in gorgeous blues.

Socks and layering tops over dresses is the best way to stay cool this coming season.

Preview: Judy's Affordable Vintage Fair Glasgow Sunday 18th March 2012

Judy and her vintage are coming back to Glasgow on Sunday 18th March 2012 at  Glasgow University Union,  32 University Avenue, Glasgow, G12 8LX. Open: 12:00 - 17:00. Entry: £2/ £1 Student Card/ OAP

Read my previous Judy features at The Skinny here.

In Pictures: Debenhams Spring / Summer Press Event

In the impressive 29 venue in Glasgow, Debenhams transformed the space with light, pretty pastels and florals for their spring / summer press evening. 

Designers mingled with journalists as waiters offered canapes and wine on trays.  A great buzz filled the room, new partnerships giving Debenhams a fresh lick of paint.

The first of its kind for Debenhams in Scotland, the event at first glance mirrored stereotypical  floor-length gowns and pieces that wouldn't be touched by the under 30's. 

After wandering further around the room, surprise pieces from Red Herring and Principles stood out. The brands not known for being the first choice on the high street, oozed youth and fun. 

A second great combination from Red Herring came in the form of great tailored harem pants and a fun tropical print sleeveless shirt. Tied in a knot to reveal just enough midriff to bare the Scottish spring chill.

I love the small detailing in the print on these trousers. They create the harem trend with the rouched waist, yet they are much more flattering than the shapeless harem trousers of last season.

I love this dove print bag by Principles, its cute bow clasp is an added bonus.

H By H Holland is a bit of a weird one for me. I wasn't impressed by his previous AW 11/ 12 collection and I have to be honest and say it was again a bit iffy for me.The shoes and accessories line were a pleasant surprise. I love the pastel striped flats and they would look perfect with a pretty summer dress for lunch with the girls.

This leopard print milti-coloured bag reminds me of Vivienne Westwood's bag range and I really loved the lime green- a key colour for Spring / Summer 2012.

There were a couple of things in the woman's wear clothes line from H Holland that did win.  A great denim two-piece covered in cute little hearts was music to my ears. I can see this at festivals in the summer, or cider days in the park. I loved how youthful this two-piece was, but at the same time its extremely wearable. Denim will forever excite me, especially in March when my denim jacket has been collecting dust in storage since the leaves fell in September.

I caught up with the lovely Jonathan Kelsey at the event who has created an outstanding shoe collection for Debenhams since joining the long list of designers in Spring 2011: "Creating a shoe collection for Debenhams has been really exciting, but handbags has been something out of the ordinary for me.

"I am really excited about being involved with Debenhams and hope the success of this collection will mean there are many more to come."

A beautiful navy blue ruffled and structured prom-style dress remained a focus of the evening. The Debenhams staff gushed about their excitement of Jenny Packham getting involved with the store. A gorgeous bridesmaid dress and jewellery range offered elegance with a modern twist. With Kate Middleton speaking of her love for the designer, this range is sure to be a sell-out.

All in all, Debenhams proves its high street spots are well earned with fantastic collaborations and designer partnerships. I will be stopping by more often.

Feature: Girls get down on their knees (and it's not to pray)

TODAY marks an exciting date in the romantics calendar. 2012 has 366 days instead of the usual 365, and with it comes a tradition that goes against (almost) every proposal story that exists. 

On this extra day in February, apparently over-eager ladies around the world can get down on one knee un-judged. For me, ladies, down-on-knee and un-judged in the one sentence screams 'aye right'- please excuse my slang. 

This weird and wonderful tradition dates back over 2000 years. And unsurprisingly it has Irish roots. 

Accordingly to an old Irish legend, St Bridget struck a deal with St Patrick to allow women to propose to men every four years. This is believed to have been introduced to balance the traditional roles of men and women in a similar way to how Leap Day balances the calendar.

Personally, a proposal from a woman- who is more times than not the only romantic in the coupling- just doesn't work. Largely speaking, the guy would probably be embarrassed, unappreciative of the gesture and obliged to say yes.

Maybe I am just bitter because romance to my lovely better half means a few desperados and a cuddle? If I got down on one knee today, there's no way I would be met with gushes and appreciation. And what's more, I would never want to give up the day I have been waiting for since the day I knew he was 'it'- the proposal. (I can wait a few years longer if you're reading this darling.)

What it boils down to is, if it's not broke don't fix it. Wait a while. It will happen. Guy proposes to the lass in a nice restaurant, you get a nice ring and you can change your marital status from 'in a relationship' to 'engaged' on facebook. Oh and don't forget to tweet a pic of your newly manicured nails and update your instagram.

If your one of the brave ladies who is grabbing this right by it's Irish horns, then best of luck to you lassie. I hope it's worth it.