Alexander McQueen Savage Beauty

"I want people to be afraid of the women I dress"

Back in May I went to the Alexander McQueen exhibition at the V&A museum.

You may be wondering who he was, you may have heard of him as the creator of new fashion or as the man who pushed the boundaries but never broke the rules. By going to this exhibition I was able to have an insight into his mind and the work he created in the short life he lived. I also made me realise that there are no rules in fashion and that the trends of each season don't have to be followed. 

The Savage Beauty exhibition showcases his work from his 1992 MA graduate collection to his unfinished Autumn/Winter 2010 collection. Each room exhibiting pieces from each collection with dramatic staging taking you on a journey throughout his designing career.

"London is where I was brought up. It's where my heart is and where I get my inspiration."

Each collection that he did presented another thought of his which he was able to promote through his designs, such as freedom of thought, expression and power. 

To create these visions he would take an idea and create something original and that had never been seen before. I guess that's where we can all take inspiration from because its not all about copycatting and following everyone else. Why not create something that is personal to you rather that was someone else's? Of course I will take inspiration from other people and in some ways will still follow the crowd, but don't we all? But still this has really changed my perception of fashion. At the end of the day, do we want to be remembered as somebody who just followed others or as someone who has put something back into this work? That is where I admire his work greatly.

"People find my things sometimes aggressive. But I don't see it as aggressive. I see it as romantic, dealing with a dark side of personality."

As we were taken on a journey of his life, we went through collection after collections, each setting the bar higher and higher. One of my favourites was his "It's only a game" Spring/Summer 2005 collection, where the show was presented as a chess game where it was the east against the west, inspired by a scene in the film Harry Potter and the Philosophers stone. This really shows that inspiration can come from anywhere. Other designs that featured included armadillo shoes, tailored coats with black hair woven into the lining, dresses covered with dyed ostrich feathers and headdresses of butterflies, antlers and so much more.

"I think there is beauty in everything. What "normal" people would percieve as ugly, I can usually see something of beauty in it."

To be honest there is no way of describing his work to you. I can't recommend this exhibition to you enough, but otherwise even reading about him online or on the V&A website will give you some insight into his work.

Remember that there are no rules in the fashion industry!

x

Minimalism

I bought this bag at the start of the year after I had been searching all year for a handbag, but none of them took my fancy! Of course I found loads that I loved but most bags were out of my price range...(why are we always somehow attracted to the most expensive?!) 

Handbag - Topshop

I then came across beauty when looking through the Topshop website! I love this bag and I think that it is a great size, not too big or too small, just perfect! I love how minimalistic this bag is in black but the gold detailing on the zip and handles adds effortless style. I love having two straps, with a choice of how to carry the bag. The long strap is detachable and so it is easy to adjust the bag at any time.

I was especially draw to the bag because of the colour. Even though I love colourful bags in pastels and bright colours, black goes with anything and everything and can be used throughout any season. 

Inside it is spacious which means that I am able to fit many of my essentials, such as a pad of paper, phone and any added extras. Although this bag is spacious, I wouldn't say that it is big enough or strong enough to be used as a school bag with really heavy books

However, this bag is perfect for a day-in, day-out use for both practicality and style!

London Fashion Weekend & New Season, New Style | SS15

If you follow my instagram account you will know that I went to London Fashion Weekend last weekend. It was such an amazing day, surrounded by clothes in so many different styles - holographic, prints, dresses and bold and bright statement pieces... I could go on!

The first show that I saw was an SS15 trend catwalk show which was styled by theoutnet.com. This show was split into four of this seasons top trends - hyper florals, shimmer and shine, make it monochrome and that seventies show. 

I love all of the trends for this coming season, and it makes me so excited for spring and summer! There wasn't one trend which I liked more than the others, I just loved a bit of everything!! 

Hyper Florals 

This is definitely one to watch. I feel like this is a trend that keeps on revisiting each year, though now it is going to be all about the oversized petals and bright colours. With everything from dresses to mix and match separates to add a feminine feel to any outfit.

Shimmer And Shine

Sparkle and metallics are so current and stylish and add a bit of glam and girliness to anything. Whether a dress covered all over in sequins or a simple top embellished in sparkly detail it is definitely in this year!

Make It Monochrome

Whilst wearing black and white nothing can go wrong, it is a colour combo that can't be beaten. Now back with oversized stripes and checks, head to toe monochrome is an any time and anywhere option. 

That Seventies Show

I love the seventies style, flared jeans, lace, fringed clothing and lots of suede. One of my favourite things about this trend is that you are able to mix bold and bright colours together. Time to be brave and embrace your inner creativity.

I also saw the Halston Heritage show. This designer was particularly popular in America and was labelled as the creator of luxury American fashion. Reinventing the jumpsuit, shift dress and the kaftan in the 1970s. 

Halston Heritage was a brand that I had never really looked into before, so all of the designs were new to me. Some were fairly simple in black, grey and white. This collection was all about ombre, jumpsuits and sparkle incorporating all of this season trends together and so there was definitely something there for everyone. Halston Heritage added a masculine touch this collection bringing in tailored trousers and suits. The dresses were amazing and so chic and elegant, with a plain gold or silver belt as a simple touch. 

Let me know which is your favourite trend for this coming season in the comments!

Let it snow

I took these photos a few weeks ago in the two minutes of snow we had here in London. Though to be honest it was more like a few flakes than a snow storm. 

This coat is from Topshop, which I picked up late last year. This coat is definitely a staple piece to my winter wardrobe and is great for a casual/stylish winter look. This jacket is amazing quality and the little details make it a great all-round winter coat. Though this jacket is lined I would definitely say that it isn't warm enough for a snowstorm but though it seems as if we won't have one here as far as we can see, it is all okay! However this coat is roomy and adding layers underneath is not a problem. Plus, as an added bonus it has a really fluffy and cosy faux fur hood.

Also, the colour is perfect. It is a really dark navy blue and so it can be worn with literally anything! Teamed with a pair of plain black legging and some boots, this outfit is simple & understated... the perfect cosy, casual outfit <3

Parka Jacket, Topshop - £78

I have also had so many compliments on this coat, so I guess that is a good sign.

What is your winter staple piece?

Sweater Weather

Cosy jumpers and oversized knits are just the best in the winter! 

This is one of my favourite outfits to wear around this time of year, so simple with the knitted jumper  front and the grey tracksuit material on the sleeves. 

Paired with a pair of plain black jeans and some nice boots, you have a perfect, cosy winter outfit!

Similar #1

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Black Jeans - Topshop

What is your favourite item of clothing in the Winter?

Sales, Sales, Sales

I hope everyone had a lovely Christmas and that you were all able to relax and spend time with your families and friends!

Thought I would do a little post about the post Christmas sales, and I have left some of my sale picks below for you to check out for some inspiration or a little nosey into some of what is on sale at the moment! But, you better hurry the sales will be over soon!!

White Blouse

Mesh Trousers

Tartan Trousers

Ripple Jumper

Floral Print Jumper

Jumper Dress

Printed Tee

Bomber Jacket

Rose Print Top

Slip-on Trainers

Clutch Bag

Beanie

Faux Leather Jacket

Khaki Top

Bodycon Dress

Leather Ankle Boots

Also, would just like to wish everyone a Happy New Year! Definitely a resolution for me will be more frequent posts... I shall try my hardest! I shall be posting pics on my instagram this year, so make sure you follow:

 HERTEENSTYLEFASHION

Let me know what you pick up in the sales, your resolutions & also any posts you would like to see in the new year in the comments below!

X

The Capital

I took a visit to London during the holidays, which is one of my favourite places to visit! The shops, galleries, black cabs, red buses... 

I was actually visiting London for the art galleries for my art coursework, but I thought it was a perfect opportunity to do an outfit post!

I love Autumn, maybe not the weather but definitely the clothing and style, where you can get away with wearing comfy oversized knits and boots..

I wanted this outfit to be comfortable and warm more than anything, so this knitted jumper was perfect! These jeans are my everyday staple, quite literally. I think it can be said that Topshop do some of the best jeans at an affordable price, they are good quality and fit perfectly. If I could, I would most probably have them in every colour!

Again... these boots are my favourite shoes and I simply wear them all the time throughout A/W. 

Black Jeans - Topshop

Knitted Jumper - H&M

Boots - Office

Bag - Asos

What are your favourite Autumnal staples?