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

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

NEW YEAR…NEW YOU??

Posted on January 10, 2013 by vikkilondon

Happy New Year my dear followers! It’s been a while but I’m back in the blogosphere once again to bring you more ramblings about fashion, London and all the fun in between.

Every year in January we seem to hear ‘New Year, New You’ and other catchy power phrases all over the place, to encourage us into some type of personal life cleanse. Whether it’s eating better, getting fit, drinking less, this time of year it’s all people can talk about. I know you’re probably sick of it too, but I have to say that I’m one of those unfortunate souls that can’t help but get caught up in it all. I have just made plans with a close friend to start going running, my fridge is stocked with healthy meals and I’m determined to go to the gym at least 3 times a week (we’ll see about that one!) When it comes to getting fit, I find the magazines and adverts are great for that first initial boost and to get you dreaming about that Victoria’s Secret model body that you WILL achieve by the summer; but then there is nothing there to convince you that stepping into that cold London park in your old grey tatty joggers is actually a good idea, and in the past I have quite often ended up back on my sofa with a cup of tea!! SO what can you do to solve this dilema? Sweaty Betty. No that is not the unfortunate nickname of some scary muscular personal trainer, I’m talking about the clothes store. Since I have discovered the gorgeous sports wear from Sweaty Betty I just want to wear the clothes all the time and show them off, and what better way to do that then running round a park or showing off in a gym.

Let’s face it, men love gyms so they can flex their pecks and look at themselves in the mirror a lot without their girlfriends complaining, but why should they have all the fun? Move over gents, we need some mirror space please to admire our new floral printed capris while we work out! (Yes I did just say FLORAL Capri’s – they are AMAZING and in the SALE! Grab some now before they go!)

Whatever shape or size you are, feeling good in what you’re wearing will naturally increase your confidence and help you perform better. So if like me you have all these amazing ideas about getting fit etc and you’re not quite sure how to put them into practice, try spicing up your work out wardrobe and getting some bits that you really love. I know floral capris may be a bit too much spice for some but what about a new hot pink sports bra that can peek out behind your classic black tank top to just add a bit of personality to your look.

(Other colours available)

So give it a go and I’m sure you will feel inspired to take that first step into that park simply to show off your new gear…and suddenly, voila you’re achieving your goal! x

FROCKS, FUN AND A JOLLY GOOD SHOW! #WFW2012

Posted on June 6, 2012 by vikkilondon

It’s that time of year again folks, WINCHESTER FASHION WEEK IS BACK!!

Once again the student led organisation returns with a fabulous jam-packed line up which – I can’t believe I’m going to say this – is EVEN BETTER THAN LAST YEAR!! I know! How is it possible I hear you cry?? As last year headed by myself and Poppy Koumis was so fantastic…well this year’s Director Anna Ackroyd and team have done themselves proud and have created a show-stopper of an event.

So what’s in store this year? Well…

Graham and Suzie Brown of Urban Bird design are back with their fabulous pop-up shop open during fashion week, where you can find some beautiful creations from a range of talented designers.

The Brooks Shopping Centre are once again hosting TWO FREE catwalk shows on Saturday 9th and Saturday 16th June. Open to all, these two shows showcase the hottest trends from Winchester’s local retailers. PLUS new to this year, there will also be face-painting, nail design, a photo booth aaaaand a modelling masterclass with a top local model agency!! So all those wanna-be Kate Moss’s out there, head on down for some top tips, and watch how it’s done as our gorgeous models walk the runway during the show.

I am rather excited to announce that The Vintage Fair is returning to Winchester under the WFW umbrella! On Sunday 10th June you can emerse yourself in all things vintage from clothing to accessories and make overs to live music! This is one new event not to be missed!!!

One event you must act quick to get your tickets for is the Cath Kidston ‘Make do and Mend’ workshop.With assistance from the awesome tutors from Bobbin’s Sewing School of Winchester, you can learn how to make your very own Cath Kidston goodies!!! But like I say, places are limited so I suggest you book ASAP, this event is the talk of the town so will fill up fast!!! Click here to buy tickets!

The highlight of the festival for me has to be, The Cirque du Fashion catwalk show. For two nights this will be a catwalk show to envy the Big Tops! The show will showcase some amazing local talent, with clothes and accessories provided by local students and independent designers. The Cirque du Fashion shows will once again return to the iconic Winchester Guildhall on Wednesday and Thursday of fashion week. Zoe and Gillies from Capital FM will open the show and we will get the first glimpse of the Capital FM Collection!!!!!! New for this year is WFW’s collaboration with Benefit Cosmetics!! Benefit will be doing the make up for our beautiful models and you can browse the range of products yourself at the Benefit pop-up shop!

WOW I have only covered a couple of days of fashion week and already I’m exhausted!! But I’m not going to spoil all the surprises. If you like the sound of the week so far check out more about all the events at www.winchesterfashionweek.com where you can hear more about…

A BA Fashion Marketing Taster session
‘La Fille a la Mode’ show at the Theatre Royal, Winchester
My favourite…THE FROCK SWAP!!!
Cocktail rings workshop
The return of the Fashion Photography and Illustration Exhibition

PLUS SO MUCH MORRREEEE!! It’s going to be a fantastic event and I think Anna Ackroyd and her team have done a brilliant job so support Winchester, support fashion and support the amazing team, come to WINCHESTER FASHION WEEK from the 9th-16th JUNE 2012!

See you there! x

p.s. Don’t forget the fabulous W/S magazine will be on sale during the week where images from my shoot from my previous post (‘VIKKILONDON STYLING FOR WFW‘) shall be revealed!! So make sure you grab a copy or two (or three!) and let me know what you think!!

WHAT I WORE…#VogueFest

Posted on April 21, 2012 by vikkilondon

Hello everyone, a quick apology for those who received an email notification about this post being up and it not existing yet! Slight technical issue my end – that’ll teach me from trying to blog from my phone!

Anyway! We are here now!

So I don’t normally do the whole ‘what I wore’ thing, however I thought I’d do a quick share to see what you guys think. I have a fairly simple style and most of my outfits feature a fair bit of Whistles (of course!) I didn’t really think much about what I was going to wear at the Vogue Festival but I went for the printed trouser trend for both days as I love it and it’s so easy to wear. Of course the Wisteria print trousers do feature…

Day 1:

So for day 1, I had no idea what to expect from the festival so I went for a casual and comfy outfit of printed Whistles jeans, topshop blouse, Zara coat and of course the Whistle’s Marianne satchel!

Day 2:

After day 1 I had discovered a formula that worked. So once again, the printed trouser was back, this time – the classic Whistles Wisteria Print trouser; with cream topshop knit, topshop tribal necklace, and the same Zara coat and Whistle’s Marianne Satchel.

Obviously there is SO much more to blog about from #VogueFest than just what I wore!! I have been manically taking notes over the past couple of days and I hope to share all the happenings with you over the coming week or so…it’s too much to cover in just one post so bare with me!

Good luck to everyone I know running the London Marathon tomorrow and have a good Saturday night everyone! x

VOGUE FASHION FESTIVAL…

Posted on April 19, 2012 by vikkilondon

WOW oh WOW this week has whizzed by! First week back at Fash School and things have been mental! Probably doesn’t help that I am a bit of a geek and like to get stuck in as soon as I get set my new brief! Anyway TOMORROW is the start of VOGUE FESTIVAL!! So excited, I don’t think it’s quite hit me yet how amazing it’s going to be! The fact that I’m starting my day with a talk by Christopher Bailey in discussion with Alexandra Shulman pretty much sums up how incredible this event will be!

I will be at the whole festival apart from Saturday morning, so here is my schedule:

TOMORROW AM:

1. Christopher Bailey, designer, in conversation with Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman

2. My Fashion Life featuring:

Lucinda Chambers, Vogue fashion director

Marigay McKee, Harrods fashion and beauty director

Matthew Williamson, designer

Russell Marsh, casting director

3. Nigella Lawson, Vogue contributing editor and food writer, in conversation with broadcaster Kirsty Young

TOMORROW PM:

1. Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, in conversation with Alexandra Shulman

2. Too Young? Too Old? Does Fashion have an Age Limit? Panel discussion, featuring:

Lisa Armstrong, Daily Telegraph fashion editor and Vogue contributing editor

Laura Bailey, model and Vogue contributing editor

Edie Campbell, model

Pixie Geldof, model

Mary Portas, Queen of Shops

Anne Robinson, broadcaster

3. Stella McCartney, designer, in conversation with Kate Hudson – (CANNOT WAIT FOR THIS ONE! AHHHHH!)

Then a slight break on Saturday morning and I shall return for Saturday PM for:

1. Tom Ford, designer and film director, in conversation with Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman (WOWZAS TOM FORD!!!)

2. Ask the Models: A Q&A discussion with a panel of star models including Lily Cole, Jourdan Dunn, Eva Herzigova and Natalia Vodianova

3. Is it all about the Red Carpet? Panel discussion including:

William Banks-Blaney

Joely Richardson

Richard Young

Rachel Zoe

I’m so so excited and of course you can follow all the action with me via twitter @vikkilondon I will tweet as much as physically possible but will be manically making notes etc ready for a mighty follow up blog post so stay tuned!! If you aren’t subscribed already don’t forget you can subscribe NOW to vikkilondon.wordpress.com so you never miss a post!! Have a nice evening! x

BACK TO SCHOOL COOL…

Posted on April 16, 2012 by vikkilondon

Hi my name is vikkilondon and I’m a stationeryoholic. There I’ve said it. I’m obsessed. So of course going back for a new term at Fashion School is always exciting for me…NEW STATIONERY TIME!

However…this term, I’m using my stationery allowance (ok, I don’t actually have a stationery allowance but just go along with it…) to buy a beauuutiful new satchel! Old school satchels have become all the trend at the moment, and there are soooo many beautiful satchels around!

One of my favourite brands is Zatchels. They offer the classic satchel style in some amazing prints, patterns and colours! Check out a few of my favourites below…

How can you resist a polka dot satchel! This one is gorgeous and only £91!

Or perhaps this baby blue cutey is for you? Perfect accessory for the pastels trend of SS12. (£76)

Fluoro Florals anyone?? YES PLEASE!! (£113)

If you want a really classic and reliable satchel, The Cambridge Satchel Company is where it’s at. They also offer a really cute ‘Music Bag’ style. Aaaaand if you want that extra ‘too cool for school’ edge on everyone else…get your satchel embossed and personalised!!

The Music Bag style in purple (£85)

I love this silver classic! (£130)

However don’t forget how amazing the British high street is…my high street favourite WHISTLES has some gorgeous leather handbags and accessories this season…and their Marianne Satchel is AMAZING. All their bags are made in the same factories as the likes of Prada and Mulberry, so you’re guaranteed great quality.

ITS SO TASTEY! The Marianne Satchel (£195) - available also in black and brown

SO…which one do I chose??? Find out later this week via my twitter @vikkilondon where I’m sure I won’t be able to stop talking about my latest purchase!! x

WFW IS BACK!!

Posted on March 25, 2012 by vikkilondon

IT’S OFFICIAL!!

WINCHESTER FASHION WEEK IS BACK!! and it’s going to be BIGGER and BETTER than ever before!

The date is set. It is now official that the second ever Winchester Fashion Week will run from the 9th to the 16th June 2012. Following last year’s resounding success, an amazing new team of students and volunteers are busily working away on the south coast to make this year’s Fashion Week one to remember.

With this year’s theme being ‘Best of British’, Winchester Fashion Week will be working harder than ever to promote and celebrate the amazing local homegrown talent.

According to the OFFICIAL press release out this week:

“2012 can expect to see even more fashion revelry than 2011 with a timetable full of events for all ages. Exhibitions, creative workshops, addresses from fashion industry insiders, catwalk shows, a vintage day and a frock swap all culminating in the much anticipated return of Cirque Du Fashion Shows at the Winchester Guildhall as well as much, much more!”

I will try to get you sneak peeks into the inner workings of WFW as the event gets nearer, but I must say it all does sound jolly exciting!! So book that week off work NOW and write it all over your diaries/calendars/iphones etc 9th to the 16th June 2012 is a week NOT to be missed!!

In the mean time, follow the OFFICIAL WFW2012 blog here and check out my interview about the history of WFW and how it all started.

Have a great Sunday evening all, and I shall leave you with a few of my highlights from last year to tingle your taste buds…enjoy x

Team, Models and Dressers of the Brooks shows 2011

Glimpse of the WFW Exhibition at Theatre Royal, Winchester

Our WFW HQ in the Brooks Shopping Centre

One of my highlights of WFW 2011, interviewing Vogue's Fashion Director Lucinda Chambers

One of the photo shoots I styled for WFW 2011

Last minute prep as the models take to the runway at the Brooks Shopping Centre catwalk shows

Last year we had a fantastic lecture series with some wonderful guest speakers, more to come this year!

The Pop Up Shop was a fantastic success for WFW 2011!

As WFW 2011 took over the city posters and flyers appeared everywhere!!

CANNOT WAIT for #WFW2012

‘WHISTLES’ WHILE YOU WORK…

Posted on March 18, 2012 by vikkilondon

…do do do do do doo doooo!!

Hola everyone!! Sorry for the lack of posts recently, I have had deadlines, exams and a trip to Paris that have all distracted me! However I’m back and promise to blow your minds with lots of fashion related blogging!!

First up is a Whistles update!! The SS12 collection is insanely amazing and I think everyone neeeeeds to check it out!! While in Paris I wore Whistles every single day and everyone was alllways asking after the clothes. Because Whistles only make a limited number of each garment, even if it’s a best seller you won’t have all your work colleagues/friends etc wearing the same as you, which when you go to a Fashion School like me, this is FAB news!

There is only one place to start with Whistles SS12 and that’s….the WISTERIA PRINT…

I own the silk trousers but I want the whole set! The Wisteria print comes in silk trousers, top and blazer, and mix and matched together it’s perfect for the pyjama suit trend. If you’re interested though, act quick as they are flying out the shops!!! Whether you have the whole set or just one piece, it’s a perfect statement print for the wardrobe.

Wisteria Print Jacket £150,
Wisteria Print Trousers £125
(Wisteria Print Top - pictured in top image £85)

All the mags are talking about YELLOW as a big colour for this season, and Whistles have an amazing ‘Kill Bill-esque’ yellow dress, top and skirt that add a shock of colour to any outfit. Here is the dress, with leather shoulder detail and leather piping. At first it may not be something that you would initially think of buying, but try it on and you will realise the shape is great, it’s easy to wear, and so flattering.

Dotty Tweed Dress, £195

One of my favourite Whistles outfits from this season (that I also own hehe) is this: Light Blue Audrey Skinny trousers with Carrie Bold Stripe Sweater. The trousers have been such a handy alternative in my wardrobe, and are easy to slip on for a casual weekend look. The sweater is just one of the many many awesome spring sweaters in the SS12 collection. New knitwear is in stores regularly so pop to your local store and see what they have. There is always something for everyone.

Carrie Bold Stripe Sweater £95
Audrey Skinny Trouser £75

I’m not going to spoil all the surprises as of course we are only half way through the season so there’s lots more to come!! Don’t forget to check out the website here which has all the new items before they are dropped in store. Here’s just a few more images to wet your taste buds of some of the pieces which will hit stores over the next couple of weeks…enjoy! x

p.s. Faithful Whistles lovers take note, the Carrie pleated skirt from last summer will be back this year!!! It’s already in stores in light blue!!! So GO GO GO!! x

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