Daydreamin'

It's my first day at fashion college tomorrow - I'm doing a 9-week evening fashion journalism course at LFC - and, to put it mildly, I'm crapping myself. What are they going to ask me? Do I know enough? What should I know? Designers? Trends?? Photographers??? The most famous fashion editors in the world - past and present. Ever????? Agggh!

Ok, firstly, I think I should calm down; I'm coming here to learn after all. If I was already a world famous fashion journalist I wouldn't need to do a course, would I? And no one else in the class is going to be a top journo yet either. I hope. Gulp. And secondly, I need something to take my mind off it. In moments like this, one would probably go for the sauce and hope their cares wash away with the numbness of booze... (Tempting. Very tempting. I do have a bottle of wine under my desk...) I on the on the other hand am deciding to soothe my brain by pouring over the most beautiful fashion images I can find. I've just found the prettiest picture of Diane Kruger in an ethereal Valentino gown from last year's Césars (the French version of the Oscars). With her appliqué blooms and sequin embellishments she looks so summery - almost looks like lemon sorbet on legs! And then the polar opposite, a very sassy Daisy Lowe and Julia Restoin Roitfeld with her delectable beau at December's British Fashion Awards.What's not to love? ♥

[Images: Celebutopia, style.com, British Fashion Awards]

Embellish

Unless you've been living in a hole for the last six months or so, you'll have seen embellishments everywhere this season. From sequins and studs to badges, chain mail, zips, lace paneling, glitter, appliqué and more, it’s almost a glutton-fest for your fingers to touch all this textile-icious finery. I love fashion ornaments like no other – in fact, my friend’s often call me a magpie as every time I flick through a vintage jumble rail or pour my way through the heaving throng of Oxford Street’s Topshop, I am instinctively drawn to the glitteriest or most textured garment I can find. (I think it’s because I adore thrifty, mix-match style and I’m a sucker for an original find – plus I loooove mixing different textures and colours together.)

But now, without even meaning to, I seem to be moving away from the twinkly, 3D trend I once championed. My oh-so-garish 80’s sequin cocktail jacket, which I wore at every opportunity when I first got it (not kidding), has been cutting a lonely figure in the bottom of my wardrobe since the end of summer. And my pretty, flapper-style sequin beret? The same fate has bestowed it. But why…?? I think I just get bored of things. (And far too easily in my opinion, especially due to the state of my bank balance.)
But by discarding some of my former favourite pieces, this does not mean it's the end - but a new beginning. HURRAH! Beautiful embellishments are still on the agenda, but in a subtler way – less feminine and more grunge. Think Kurt Cobain mixed with Sienna Miller and you’re on the right track. I’m doing away with brightly coloured, full-length sequin panels and introducing delicate embroidery, dirty gold studs and clusters of chunky, jewel coloured rings. Deeeeelightful!
Ps. There's a whole webpage dedicated to rock chic jewellery on Asos at the moment... enjoy! http://www.asos.com/Women/Ctas/Rock-Chic-Jewellery/Cat/pgecategory.aspx?cid=9530&affId=1257

[Knight cat, fashion canvas, tfs]