Merry Christmas!

art by Cassandra Rhodin

 

Merry Christmas from Alex Does Fashion

xxxx

A Weekend in Clothes

Out & About in Quaglino's, Babble & Aura, Mayfair

& Gautama, Crystal Palace

Shoulders

Kris

Jacket: Ted Baker

Dress: Warehouse

Tailored

Me

Tailcoat: Topshop

Bodycon

Sarah
Off-shoulder bodycon dress: ASOS
Watch: Armani 
 
J
Jumper: Lyle & Scott
Shirt: Aquascutum
Hat: Vintage

Lace

Me

Corset: Sonia Rykiel at H&M

Stag Necklace: Poupette NYC

Stockings: La Senza

Boots: Office

Bag: vintage
Jacket: Zara

Do you know/are you a designer?

If so, would love to hear from you!

I'm currently working on a project for London Fashion Week February '10 with fashion events company Sunshine Grace and would love to hear from you if you're a fashion designer - undiscovered or established - for a chance to showcase your designs at this prestigious event at a fantastic location central to the buzz of fashion week.

For further details & applications, email info@sunshine-grace.com  or check out http://www.fashionmavericks.com/. Alternatively, you can email me for more info at alexdoesfashion@gmail.com.


xxx

Sent using BlackBerry®

Lacing

I don't want to even write this as I like to hold this store close to my heart. It's not yet a mass chain and even though its popular, its (suprisingly) not actually widely known, and stores are only in a few carefully selected, prime locations - I hope it stays that way!

One of my all time favourite shops is doing it again. And doing it hard.

When I lived in NYC, one thing I noticed was that there is no high street as we Brits know it. And although I get fed up of seeing the same 15 shops whenever I go shopping and having to venture out just go find some originality, you take it for granted that such a concept exists. For the best part of a year, I lived off a diet of H&M, vintage,  Junk Food tees and American Apparel. It got to the point where I could easily be wearing head-to-toe American Apparel several days of the week (and no, not the same items of clothing). During the colder months I lived in their ultra thick winter leggings and unisex v-necked sweaters which helped me brave the -10 degrees of snow, wind and hail. On 'skinny days' I would wear bodysuits (one variety of which I'm wearing in my profile photo). When I last counted, I owned 8 bodysuits - including one silver and gold lame ones, and would wear the silver under their loose fit tri-blend grey cardi to work, shopping, lunch or generally mooching around Manhattan. No kidding. A silver lame bodysuit to work.

American Apparel brings out the Fame child in you, it makes every step a Flashdance and it's that daring, body sculpting look that I love and adore. I've clocked up midriff baring cropped grey tees, stirrup tights, highwaisted non-existent mini skirts, jumpers, cardigans and more. I still bloody love the place.

Was browsing the site today (of course there's no store out in the bloody sticks where I live) and noticed that they have fascinating varieties of that lace trend that doesn't seem to be going anywhere. Check out the pics below, including the lace bodysuits and bras. Lace bodystocking, anyone??

I'm actually drooling. At the clothes, not the girls...

 

www.americanapparel.co.uk | www.americanapparel.net

My gorgeous friend Asha wearing lace to her birthday dinner a couple of weeks ago

 

xxx

8/12/09

I'm atrocious. So sorry, guys I've been absolutely rubbish. Three weeks without posting?! I'm ashamed of myself.

Good news, though, I got the jobbage! Woop woop for me! Had an embarrassing 're-introduction' to the other 150 odd members of staff today in the morning meeting which consisted of a cringey stand up wave and applause situation. Was also mildly horrifying to have to ask the girl who's job I stole (she was temping there and had to apply for her own job...and lost it to me) to ask for training! I put it off for about 3 days.

I should have started on Monday, but Kidswear, where I was working before, have a huge meeting to select the first part of their AW10 line, so I've been held captive until all the prep is over. But Ladieswear can have me all to themselves as of tomorrow. The new team is great and I can't wait to start! Whoopppeeee!!! May celebrate by swigging the pink bubbly Kidswear got me. I will miss them!

But the good's got to come with the bad, and the bad is STILL the location. Soo ready to come back to London. I can't believe I actually miss the place. I've been on that 19.31 Virgin Pendellino Service into Euston almost every bloody Friday. Sorry to keep whingeing on about this but this countryside town is so dead, everything shuts at 6pm! How do people shop after work?!

Anyway, enough about me. I soooo want the new Paris Vogue calendar that's out. Noticed that the French Vogue Calendar is out in its December Issue now. Can't wait to nab that (will have to wait til I take a trip out of the countryside). The pin-up themed 2009 calendar, shot by Terry Richardson, was sexy-fab, overdosed on supermodels, complete with a cover model in a seethrough catsuit was definitely a little attention seeker for passers by of my bedroom (not that there were many, mind you, just to clarify). I saw the pics online and 2010's even more sensually fabulous with models including Raquel Zimmerman, Natasha Poly & Iselin Steiro. I love anything shocking, me. Pics below for your pleasure...

Ouch! It’s so hot!

 

Moving Up?

Hey Fashion Lov-ahs,

Blondie

First of all, happy 21st Birthday to my sister, Leigh! Woop Woop! (although technically her birthday's over now, sorry Leigh).

As usual, I'm absolutely zonked (I'm sure you're tired of hearing that now) but I have had a MAD couple of days. Basically I was put forward to potentially move to another, more exciting ladieswear department in my head office (still not telling you where! Those that know, please do not comment! :P) but there's a few other people going for the same thing. Don't get me wrong, I love working where I am now, but it was an opportunity not to be missed, no?

I was helpfully given 2 days notice that my interview was at the end of the working day (today) so basically had 2 evenings to sort out a sh*tload of work, including my forever mounting pile in my inbox and tying up loose ends before the Assistant Buyer goes on holiday next week, when I will be undoubtedly be seeing to her task list as well. But it's all good in the hood because I LOVE LOVE my job and don't mind working like a madwoman. Not yet anyway.

So last night, my fabulous French housemate, L, and I went to our nearest branch of my company's store and she sat in the car bundled up in her scarf while I snapped pics of all the ladies' collections. I had to argue a bit with the jobsworth of a store manager who didn't want me to take photos "because it looks untidy" (stupid moose - should keep it neat then) but finally she gave up and I was free to roam, well, not for too long because L's patience is somewhat short when she's tired and hasn't had her soup.

The next day I toiled and worked in silence for a day or two to get work out of the way in order to prepare this AW09 trend presentation to show the lady-buyers. I got all the lovely designers and buyers in the company I know from different areas to be discreet in throwing me some useful info, resources and pointers. It was great, if I may say so  myself, although it bloody should have been after I stayed in the office until 1.30am, yes - you read correctly - last night.

I looked so pathetic. As the last dribs and drabs of the office directors and workaholics left at 10pm, I was there, alone in the building sitting cross legged on the floor in my knee high socks, slightly jittery from caffine (I'm detoxing at the moment so just one coffee was a shock to my system), skin translucent and pale with an under eye situation reminiscent of two giant bin liners, cutting away frantically at pictures from Style.com. The security guards which changed every hour (well, I think they did, but I'm having trouble recalling anything after 11pm) all felt a bit sorry for me, this 5"2 elf-like creature skulking in the corners of the design department, back and forth from the printer. They even offered me cups of coffee and interesting titbits that I had missed about the outside world whilst being cooped up in the building for so long (namely about the Jedward controvery and Katie Price entering the celebrity jungle yet again, this time for £450k). They all waved me a cheery goodbye when my extortionate black cab rolled up close to 2am and I felt almost sad that I would never see my twilight friends again.

Anyway, for the board I chose 4 huge trends for AW09: my 2 favourites are 'Fabulous 40's" - cinched waists, ladylike, Christian Dior's 'The New Look' and the like - think Veronica Lake or Dita Von Teese (above), for a modern interpretation. 'Made in the 80's is an obvious one but I love it: Balmain ("he's so hot right now"), shoulder pads, shoulder pads, shoulder pads, Armand Basi biker jackets and more shoulderpads. I had this hot pic of Blondie (top), Annie Lennox, The Sex Pistols & Madge (of course) for inspiration. Other trends were 'Velvet Luxe' and 'Woodland Trundle.'If I get it I'll post the pictures (there's still girls being interviewed, I don't want to take any chances!)

Anyway, this is why I have been AWOL for the best part of the week (re: facebook replies etc...sorry....), although life has been somewhat updated via Twitter (twitter.com/alexdoesfashion). But it's all over now so I can rest. I wore my fave frill high neck black silk shirt & puffball skirt that I got from Barami in NYC, and my Mum's turquoise stone necklace to finish it off. Whoever told you that it doesn't matter what you look like on the outside probably didn't look good.

No offence.

I was happy with how it went, so I will let you know what happens (a few weeks wait I'm afraid) - pray for me guys! And if it don't happen, it means God has bigger and better plans for me... :)


Ciao Bellas

x

PS. Are we excited about Jimmy Choo @ H&M tomorrow?
PPS: I have updated the music because I felt Blondie was a fab choice for the theme of this post :)

Are you a designer who wants to showcase in London Fashion Week?

Sorry I haven't posted for a week.

I'm absolutely zonked and have so much to do aaaggh!
The problem with trying to do a zillion projects (fashion related) at once, means that you leave yourself little no time to even plan the first one. Methinks I need to start walking before running. I'm so impatient... details of projects to follow!

Actually, I'll let you in on the first one (excuse the blatant plug).

Do you know/are you a fashion designer that wants to showcase your designs in London Fashion Week?

If so, let me know!

I'm currently working with fashion events company Sunshine Grace (sunshine-grace.com; fashionmavericks.blogspot.com) scouting designers to show off up and coming talent in February's SS10 Fashion week.

We have a fantastic venue, The Strand Palace Hotel, which is within minutes of Somerset House, surrounding the home of the event. If you think your designs cut the mustard, apply via email at AlexDoesFashion@gmail.com - serious entries only please. For further details just email the address above or check out fashionmavericks.blogspot.com.


Tell a friend to tell a friend!

x

I want a David Koma!

I'm feeling ill today (boo) and wasn't going to post, but I couldn't go to bed without giving a little mention to David Koma, the designer of our Cheryl's controversial dress on Saturday's (or was it Sunday's?) XFactor.

I absolutely loved the dress, but not everyone did - infact, at work I was the only one on the desk that didn't think it was an outfit reminiscent of a UFO meets Gary Glitter (before the dark times).

However, David Koma is officially the New Hot Thing On The Block and methinks we have more to come. And hopefully he may be the one to replace the godawful Henry Holland in London's cluster of fresh design talent and join the other spandex-hungry Brit geniuses such as Marios Schwab and Julien McDonald.

Koma, a Central St. Martin's MA student, leapt straight out of school, sauntered down the runway and landed fashionably feet first into London's exclusive Browns Focus. Deservedly so, though, as whether or not it's your cup of tea, the talent speaks for itself. And as for me, fantasy, undiluted bodyconsciousness, eighties revival and unashamed exhibitionism is everything my heart desires. So glad I found him.

....hold on, could he be the new answer to my estranged Tom Ford??? OK, deep breaths, calm down. Let's not get ahead of ourselves...

Pieces have been in store since Summer, after being on the AW09 runway, but don't bother trying to buy one; since Chezza stepped out in one they're all sold out. You'll have to get behind me in the queue.

www.davidkoma.com

x

Style Profile: Julia Restoin Roitfeld

I'm not really into obsessively fawning over celebrities, or one to queue up for hours to buy Kate Moss @ Topshop just because her name's on the label (I mean, come on, £85 pyjamas?!), however although I do not wish to imitate anyone's style, I can, however, admire.

Julia Restoin Roitfeld is a model (currently the face of Tom Ford & Jil Sander's latest fragrances), creative director and the daughter of Carine Roitfeld, editor of French Vogue. Originally from Paris and while her mother is a style maven in her own right, Julia's 'carefully thrown together,' image, complete with blackened khol eyes, body con pieces and sky high platforms is a look I've always embraced myself (ask anyone I know). However, she also has the piercing, almost feline, green eyes and a great red lipsticked pout, plus the small benefit of having the wardrobe of a Vogue legend to work with. I mean, who else could team a £30 American Apparel dress with a £900 Alaia belt? (well I might if I had the cash). Other key Julia-isms include motorcycle jackets, a lot of black, microminis, mussed up hair and anything with spandex to complete the look.

I've always admired Julia's chic Parisian-in-NY look, as it's is one that isn't afraid to be sexy, but still maintains taste whilst managing to enhance her curvy (in a fashion context) figure. And why not? She looks great. She keeps fashion playful, as it should be, and doesn't take it all too seriously; she's a lot more experimental than the average Parisian woman, as their fashion is a lot more conservative. However, she now resides in NYC where she can gallavant in any gladrags without noses being turned up at the flashes of skin. She was a friend of my ex-boss when I worked in Manhattan and I remember having to send packages of dresses for her. We then kept a close eye on the NY Social Diary to see if she ever wore them, so that we could snap them up for the press folder, because she looked great in everything.

Anyway, Julia rocks - and here are her best bits.

x

Jealous? Me?

Le Weekend avec L

Feeling a bit French today. My chic Parisian housemate is attempting to revive the A grade French student that once was me. It's almost all forgotten.

...speaking of which, whilst holed up in the almost-countryside that I'll be residing in until the New Year, the memories of brighter and better cities does teasingly slink through the mind. I did a quick stop in Paris in August and I almost forgot how amazing it was. Why does everyone look so good?! Even L, said French housemate has her cute mahogany bob thing going on and always stands poised.

"It is very class, no?" is her current favourite phrase, one used frequently during our laborious trawl from one end of Selfridges to the other dans le weekend when I took her back home to London for her first time in 10 years. I accompanied her at a necessarily militant pace as she clocked up the Euros, grabbing off the shelves everything from Links of London jewellery for her sister ("this is big brand in London?") and patent courts in the designer shoe lounge ("ahhh this is good price" - WTF? Really?!).

My shopping bag consisted of a Clinique foundation; the queue in MAC was too long.

Me and 2 girlfriends took L out to Ghost, Farringdon on Samedi and you could almost see her physically recoil at the half naked dancers in skirt-tankinis dancing on the bar and the too-small lurid floral printed New Look bandeau dresses stretched to their limit and bandaged over the thighs and backsides of London's finest wannabe wags. Standing in her high necked 30's style cocktail dress, opaque tights and towering stilettos (the new additions from the shoe lounge), she whispered to me with distaste, "these girls are like prostitute, no?" Indeed L, indeed. Although I suggested 'tramp' may be a better word to use in English.

Bedtime?

Should really be in bed now...was bored so attempted to make cut out shoulder pads using an old strepsils box. Did not work. May have to start saving the 7 or 8 grand for the Balmain, at which point it will be out of fashion. Ridiculous.

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Blake in Balmain...

Absolutely KNACKERED. Trying to apply for jobs etc for when I return to London from this God-forsaken countryside but am really lacking the motivation...Gossip Girl series 3 is calling....
 ...speaking of Gossip girl...so my friend Folu brought this to my attention....we know Balmain is stiilllll rocking it this season, however I feel this look is somewhat lost on Blake Lively. The dress is hot, the girl is super hot, but somehow this seems this particular shoulderpadded dream is one that only works on girls with the boy figures and not so much on the girls with the girl's figure (i.e.with the boobs and the bum...)?

The First Post

So this is my first post. I'm absolutely exhausted. Hard, but fun day at work. Aside from the humungous pile of fabric approvals in my inbox, was a mad morning with buying trade meetings so had to Diet Coke it the rest of the day.

However, stayed on top of things and eliminated inbox in time for me to get home and salivate over this fantastic Alexander McQueen knuckleduster clutch I spied on Net-A-Porter....


I will be taking donations. £795 anyone?

x