AN ALTERNATIVE IDEA…

Posted on May 18, 2013 by vikkilondon

Dear all,

I have been away from the blogging scene for quite a while now because of a very exciting project that I have undertaken which is taking up a fair bit of my time.

At uni this term I am doing a ‘fashion consultancy’ unit which means that we become fashion consultants for a brand for around 3 months. Always up for a challenge, myself and my awesome partner in crime Aoife, decided to steer away from the norm (many students work with major high street names such as John Lewis, HOF, Dorothy Perkins etc), and work with a company that would really benefit from the project and had what we called ‘heart’…this is when we came across ‘The Alternative Limb Project’. (Massive thanks to my lovely friend Fran who originally told me about T.A.L.P!)

‘The Alternative Limb Project’ is a unique brand set up by the amazing Sophie de Oliveira Barata. As you will notice from the images below, she is one talented lady! She makes bespoke alternative limbs for amputees reflecting the wearer’s imagination, personality and interests. From a leg covered in sparkle, to an arm with a secret compartment in it, the possibilities are endless! When we first visited Sophie’s studio we were blown away by her work, and I think you’ll agree, it’s pretty amazing!!

The performer Viktoria Modesta (seen above with the speaker leg and on the red carpet) is a regular client of The Alternative Limb Project and wore a dazzling crystallised leg sponsored by Swarovski in the Closing Ceremony of the Paralympics!! (below)

I could talk for England about ‘The Alternative Limb Project’ and how amazing it is, but to prevent this post being solely writing why don’t you check out the webpage here or this really great article on CNN.

As part of our project we are researching into the markets that may be interested in The Alternative Limb Project, and with myself being a volunteer and strong supporter of Help for Heroes, we are doing a lot of research into getting wounded servicemen interested and involved.

At this point I ask you to consider if you know of anyone who is an amputee? If you do, please pass on this post!! Re-tweet, share on facebook, email it – whatever you want to do! We want as many people to know about The Alternative Limb Project as possible! If you are an amputee and you’re reading this, whatever your thoughts, whether you like the idea of an alternative limb or not, please click HERE to take a short survey and tell us your thoughts!!

Thanks for reading and I shall blog again soon to let you know how the project is going. If you want to know more or want to message me, I have added a contact form to the bottom of this post. Would love to hear what you think! Have a great weekend x

VIKKILONDON ON THE OSCARS…

Posted on February 26, 2013 by vikkilondon

WOWIES I was impressed by the Oscar’s red carpet this year. I don’t know about you but I definitely thought there were a lot more hits than misses this year. With an ‘old-school’ Hollywood Glamour theme to the whole event, all of the celebs seem to embrace sophistication and glamour in their outfit choices and I LOVED it.

So I was back on BBC Radio Solent yesterday with the lovely Katie Martin, where we discussed the red carpet fashions at the Oscars, as well as some sneaky info on my goings on during fashion week.

Remember you can listen again to that interview here for the next 6 days on BBC iPlayer, so check it out if you’re interested (go to 1hr 17mins into the show). For those that are not in the UK, or fancy just browsing through some photos of beautiful gowns I have composed a summary Oscars post for your viewing pleasure…

COLOUR OF THE CARPET: NUDES AND PALESThere was a massive trend in colour for the Oscar’s red carpet with nudes and pale palettes being the colour of choice for everyone from Jessica Chastain to Anne Hathaway. Many magazines have reported today there being almost a bridal feel to many of the dresses, which I can definitely see. My personal favourite from this trend, but also from the whole of the red carpet for the Oscars 2013 is the beautiful (Oscar Award Winning!! Congrats!) Jennifer Lawrence in her stunning Dior Couture.

Yes she did trip up the stairs when collecting her Oscar but like I said on the radio yesterday, that doesn’t matter now, all we want to talk about is the dress!! You may remember in my Golden Globes review Jennifer Lawrence wore a very similar design, again Dior Couture, but in red. She has found a style that suits, and is definitely making a name for herself not only in the film industry, but the fashion industry too! Keep your eyes peeled as I’m sure she will be on the front of our magazines in the not too distant future!

MIDNIGHT BLUES:

Another colour choice for many on the red carpet was shades of midnight blue. It was also the colour of choice for actress Helen Hunt. I’m sure you have heard by now she wore a dress from H&M’s conscious collection!! This isn’t the first time H&M have appeared on the red carpet, as they have also been worn by the likes of Amanda Seyfried and Michelle Williams for previous award ceremonies. May I also just highlight this isn’t just any off the shelf frock, it is still custom made! I’m afraid you can’t pop down to your local H&M right now and purchase yourself a copy; but perhaps this is a hint that one day soon H&M may release a range of evening dresses inspired by the red carpet? We shall wait and see!! Anyway, going back to Helen Hunt…choosing an eco-dress from a high street brand is all well and good, but she obviously didn’t make this choice based on saving money or showing she is a down-to-earth celeb as the star revealed she was also wearing $700,000 worth of jewellery! WOWZAS!! So I guess this was all about attracting some attention? I think so. Lets be honest, it’s been a while since Helen Hunt was on our screens, so I guess she wanted to make a statement and say ‘HELLO! Remember me?!’ Don’t worry Helen, we remember you…how could we forget you!! After all, ‘What Women Want’ is an AWESOME film!!!!

I also mentioned on the airwaves the amazing Adele. When I watched all the red carpet interviews Adele was honest and open about how when choosing her dress for the red carpet all she wants is something that will suit her shape but most of all is comfortable; and I think you’ll agree it definitely pays off. If you haven’t seen her skyfall performance yet, check it out on YouTube, it’s beautiful and I guarantee you’ll get goosebumps!

So lets face it, Oscar’s night is all about the ladies and the frocks, but I thought I’d end this post with a photo of the dashing, hunky, gorgeous (…the list is endless) Eddie Redmayne! *queue fainting women everywhere* Enjoy x

MIRANDA KERR…

Posted on February 14, 2013 by vikkilondon

I have had a style crush on Miranda Kerr for quite some time now. So as I sit here in a rather boring Uni lecture, I thought it would be more productive to inspire you all, my lovely followers, as you all compose your LFW outfits, by compiling a quick blog post of some of my favourite Kerr street style looks. Let me know what you think! x

WHAT I WORE…

Posted on February 13, 2013 by vikkilondon

So I was just telling someone today how I’m not really a personal style blogger, more of a bit-of-everything kind of gal. However I couldn’t help sharing this outfit with you that I wore today. Ever since I bought this skirt from Urban Outfitters I have wanted to wear it every day (I have resisted though and managed to simply wear it every other day!) it’s such an easy piece to wear and an awesome print (completely on trend for this summer’s monochrome trend which is MASSIVE already!) Let me know what you think- and I may post a few more ‘what I wore’ pics as London Fashion Week approaches!! x

(Necklace – Topshop; Jumper – H&M; Skirt – Urban Outfitters)

MONDAY I’M IN LOVE

Posted on February 7, 2013 by vikkilondon

Love is in the air at the moment as Valentines Day approaches. I know it isn’t enjoyable for everyone (yes, I will be one of those sat alone with Bridget Jones, a ton of chocolate and a bottle of wine as my boyfriend is away training with the Army) BUT there is no reason why you can’t treat yourself on Valentines day, show yourself a little love and buy something gorgeous from the amazingly cute brand ‘MONDAY I’M IN LOVE’.

Set up by the amazingly multi-talented Kylie Malcolm, MONDAY I’M IN LOVE is taking ASOS Marketplace by storm. As soon as I heard that Kylie was releasing some special pieces ready for Valentines day I emailed her to find out more, and ended up falling even more in love with the brand!

Ok, firstly I’m in love with the name of your brand MONDAY I’M IN LOVE, but where did it come from? Were you inspired by the Cure song??
I listened to the Cure a lot and they have always been a big influence on me. My flatmate Tom, with whom I lived with for quite a while is Robert Smith from The Cure’s nephew. Whilst I lived with Tom it was a really important time in my life and of course the Cure provided the backing music to that period. Music has always been key part in my life, and the darker side of The Cure appealed to me. Also at that time I met my husband who came to my door after work on a Monday and I think I fell in love with him right then and there. So the song Friday I’m in Love has a huge meaning for me, but Monday was my day. The brand, I feel, reflects me and all my influences.

Wow! That just melted my heart!! What a lovely story! All of your garments and accessories have a vintage kind of look, is there a certain time in fashion that really inspires your collections?
Its hard to choose a specific era, I like beautiful garments from all times. I feel that there are so many different things from each that I like and each influence the brand’s style. If I choose to make a skirt that takes you back to the 60′s, or Victorian lace that gets given a new lease of life by being put with more modern fabrics, I am always trying to bring out my take on what is fashion.

So tell me about your valentines day pieces – what can we expect to see on the online shop?
The iconic heart of MONDAY I’M IN LOVE is the main focus. We’re working on tops, skirts, purses and bags with strong bright prints focusing on our brand.

(Photos from the latest MONDAY I’M IN LOVE Valentines photo shoot)

MONDAY I’M IN LOVE was launched in 2012 and already you’re selling on ASOS marketplace! What’s next for this fast growing brand?
I know?! This year has been quite a roller-coaster, the studio has had a constant creative buzz. This year we are hoping to get a new collection out each season and build the brand lmore. ASOS is a fabulous platform to build a successful label and we are delighted to be working with them. Obviously I am excited to broaden our retail options but no matter what, we want to stay true to the spirit of MONDAY I’M IN LOVE, so quality rather than quantity must always come first.

Anything else we should know about MONDAY I’M IN LOVE?
MONDAY I’M IN LOVE is a new UK brand and I am trying to build a reputation for individual fashion. There are some things that really matter to me – I want people to look good and feel great but I really do want to keep things fun (or at least not too serious). Fashion should be enjoyed, not worshipped. Also, at this time of globalisation, and despite being on ASOS, I don’t want to loose that local feel. When I grew up, the local shop was familiar and honest, we knew that it was part of our local economy and brought goods from near by. We want to try to hold on to some of that local feel, certainly starting with honesty but also supporting our local economies.

A MASSIVE thank you to Kylie for chatting to me about her gorgeous garments!! Keep your eyes peeled for the February edition of Company magazine which has a style guide for the ASOS Marketplace and features MONDAY I’M IN LOVE. PLUS I have a bit of a vikkilondon EXCLUSIVE: Kylie is working on bringing out lots more gorgeous accessories as well as working on 3 NEW LINES: a vintage, contemporary and a men’s line. WOWIES what a busy lady!! Can’t wait to see more! Check out her website here and treat yourself this Valentines!!

much love x

TIME FOR A DE-CLUTTER…

Posted on January 20, 2013 by vikkilondon

So you go crazy in the sales, have a few extra bits and bobs from Christmas and suddenly your wardrobe is BURSTING at the hinges. Finding anything in there becomes a mission every morning. So this weekend why not attempt a de-clutter, but just a warning: you will probably create more mess in the process…but it will be worth it.

So last Monday, I was on the Katie Martin show on BBC Radio Solent, discussing this topic as well as some of the key trends to keep your eyes on so here’s a summary on what I chatted about:

- Invest in decent clothes bags!! Protect your cashmere and your intricately beaded items that you will keep for years but may only use once or twice a year. However don’t make the mistake of putting these in the back of your wardrobe and forget about them. Once you have your clothes bags, label them, use polaroids on the outside of them to remind you of what’s inside.

- I also used polaroids to organise my Mum’s shoe box collection. Keeping your shoes in their boxes also de-clutters your wardrobe but you can sometimes forget about those gems left inside. So once again add photos to the front of the boxes, OR invest in some clear plastic boxes to keep shoes in.

- As much as we all have that favourite winter jumper that now has holes in, there has to be a time to say goodbye. If you find it difficult throwing out clothes, get a friend involved in your de-clutter session. Someone like a sister or daughter is perfect as they will give an honest opinion of whether something is really past its used by date.

- Also with those old clothes that are too good for the jumble perhaps suggest a frock swap party with your friends. At least you can guarantee that they’ll be going to a good new loving home.

As for trends, there are several trends coming up for this year that you may already have within your wardrobe, just consider styling some old bits differently! For example…

Last year’s pyjama trend- keep those silk printed trousers and re-create for the MASSIVE suiting trend this year. Where with a smart plain jacket or team print on print for the summer.

Going back to the suiting trend, for the Radio Solent listener I suggested bringing suiting out of the workplace and into the everyday. Perhaps start by wearing your suit jacket with just a lace camisole underneath for a sexy evening look.

Monochrome is a MASSIVE trend for this year. Radio Solent listeners search out your classic white shirts and black and white basics and bring them to the front of your wardrobe. Consider teaming different pieces together and perhaps wearing whole outfits of white! The monochrome trend also brings out the sixties trend as seen in these amazing catwalk images from Louis Vuitton. So this season bring out stripes and checks in your outfit choices.

That’s just a quick summary of a few of the things I chatted about, and I hope it’s inspired you to tackle that mountain of clothes in the corner of your room that once was a neat organised wardrobe! Have a great weekend! x

VIKKILONDON ON THE GOLDEN GLOBES…

Posted on January 14, 2013 by vikkilondon

So today EVERYONE is talking Golden Globes and I just couldn’t resist joining in with a little Monday evening post! I know by now you’ve probably seen all the red carpet dresses, and like me have been drooling over them all day, but I thought I’d just bring you my top three.

In at first place is Michelle Dockery. Just look at that dress. It is the dress of dreams… I think that’s all I need to say really as the dress does the talking.

Second, is Rosie Huntington Whitley. I gave her second place because we all thought no one could beat Angelina Jolie with ‘that’ leg pose, but then Rosie has turned up on this red carpet and thrown Angelina and her leg out of the water. She looks effortlessly sexy and well…super HOT.

In third place is Jennifer Lawrence. Red was a big colour at the Golden Globes in terms of fashion (and of course the carpet) but it seems the name on everyone’s lips today is Jennifer Lawrence. She looks classic and glamorous and I think this was a great pick for her as she begins to become a massive super star in the film world. (For those who haven’t watched Silver Linings Playbook yet, you MUST!! It’s amazing and made me cry so you will LOVE it!)

I must say, I found it so hard selecting my three favourites, especially with my all time fav girl crush Kate Hudson looking amazing in Alexander McQueen and Marion Cotillard looking stunning in a strapless red Dior Couture number. Let me know what you think of my choices! x

p.s. For those of you who have discovered my blog by listening to me on BBC Radio Solent today, WELCOME!! I shall be posting about what I discussed on the show today either later tonight or tomorrow so subscribe to my blog to hear about the post as soon as it’s published!! Enjoy! x

LONDON COLLECTIONS: MEN…

Posted on January 13, 2013 by vikkilondon

Lace lingerie, hot pants, and frilled skirts, just what you’d expect from the…men’s collections?? From the 6th-9th January last week London showcased the men’s collections and there were some surprises in store. Menswear met womenswear during the catwalk shows as several designers used this opportunity to explore their brand creatively and show that menswear is definitely not dead, but constantly evolving.

It was J W Anderson’s collection that initially caught my eye. Frilled boots, frilled shorts, frilled dresses, frills were everywhere!! Not to mention the what-looked-like frilled rubber gloves!!

Then, thanks to twitter, I heard about ‘hotpants at Versace’ so I just HAD to look up the collection. Versace had more than hotpants though, Donatella dressed her gents in full men’s lace lingerie!

I think the quote below from style.com summed up this collection perfectly:

“Challenging conventional notions of sexuality was something of a Versace signature in the golden days. Donatella just found new ink for her pen.”

Finally, the other collection that really caught my eye in this theme of mens Vs. womenswear was the fact that Christopher Shannon chose to use a couple of female models within his menswear show!

So what do you think about all this gender confusion? I personally think that it’s great that menswear is being explored so liberally as womenswear has been weird and wacky for many years (think Alexander McQueen, Viktor and Rolf) so it’s time we sat up and paid more attention to the menswear collections. Who knows if it will ever make it onto our high streets but maybe one day? As the future style king maybe Romeo Beckham will surprise us in a few years in a frilled dress? His Dad did the sarong skirt a few years ago so maybe he will follow his lead?!! Leave a comment and let me know what you think! x

All catwalk images from style.com.

STAYCATION…

Posted on July 31, 2012 by vikkilondon

Hello vikkilondon followers! So I have had a bit of an unexpected break from blogging recently, I have been distracted by a mini trip to Florence, THE OLYMPICS and making the most out of my staycation in the UK. Ok, ok, staycation plus a trip to Florence is a bit of a contradiction but basically I have the travel bug BAD. I love to travel more than anything in the world, and I normally use the summer to do a big trip (in the past it’s been Oz, Fiji, etc) However this summer, thanks to the Olympics holding me back (why would I want to runaway from this once in a lifetime experience on my doorstep!) I have stayed in the UK for pretty much the whole summer (minus Florence) and I’ve had a jolly good time too!! Thanks to some new friends I have been on camp-outs, cook-outs, swimming in rivers, IOW festival, been a tourist in my own town and had an utterly fab time! I also plan to head down to Cornwall over the next couple of weeks as long as the weather holds out!

I recently found this feature on Vogue.co.uk that I wanted to share with you all which has some great ideas on having ‘fashion fun’ during your ‘staycation’. Check out the feature HERE and let me know what you think!!

Also because I have starved you of vikkilondon posts for so long here’s a cheeky Palermo treat as I know we are all massive fans!! Here she is leaving the Dior Couture show in Paris looking AMAZING in a leather peplum top.

If you’re a leather fan keep an eye out at Whistles as their AW collection is looking amazing and has some leather treats in store!! x

OH MISS PALERMO…

Posted on June 29, 2012 by vikkilondon

Oh Olivia Palermo, if only we all had your wardrobe…oh wait…that jacket…I HAVE IT TOO!!

Don’t you just love those moments! You buy something, then the next week a celeb/fashionista wears it and everyone’s desperate to get their hands on it; and FOR ONCE instead of being one of those, ‘IF ONLY I’d bought that…’ people you are a “oh yeh, good choice fellow fashionista chum” person. I have just had one of those moments seeing Olivia Palermo in this Zara contrast sleeve jacket. I bought mine a little while ago (I wore it for my WFW shoot as can be seen here) and NOW Miss Palermo is rocking that look too! Just thought I’d share this image with you because it is an awesome jacket, comes in handy on all occasions AND Zara have just gone into SALE!!! So keep your eyes peeled because this jacket is a keeper if you can get your hands on one!! Good luck searching! x

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