What to buy a fashion lover for Christmas, on a budget: the gift guide

Well, this post needs little introduction. Like those Ronseal adverts, it does what it says on the tin - find some inspiration for appeasing the fashion monster inside your loved one with these gift ideas. There's a protest t-shirt for the activist fashionista, a free exhibition worth checking out, and a designer jumper that is incredibly good value for money. It's my excuse to play personal shopper, so enjoy!

Cost: I need change from a fiver

 [Image via Selectism.com].

One of the simplest ways to get into style at the moment is to pick up one of the limited edition Diet Coke cans or bottles designed by Jean Paul Gaultier (for inspiration, think stripes, sailors and corsets with lashings of bare flesh and copious tattoos). Perfect for adding a bit of thought to a Secret Santa present, unless you really want to give them that Selection Box. These little JPG beauties have been selling well on eBay as collectors flock to get a piece of the action.

Cost: under twenty, please

 [Image: Free Pussy Riot T-shirt at Amnesty].

Not only do you get a cool protest t-shirt designed by the very quirky illustrator David Shrigley, but you're actively supporting a leading human rights charity and standing up for women worldwide by promoting this cause. All this for £14.99? Yep, and it's available for men and women, so everyone's happy. Just make sure the recipient reads up on Pussy Riot before they wear it outside, in case anyone asks for an explanation - nobody likes a faux protester. FYI, two members of the controversial punk group are still in prison, despite the fact that they did nothing illegal in playing a gig at an Orthodox Christian cathedral in Moscow.

Cost: keep it under thirty

[Image: Tim Walker at Amazon.co.uk]

Tim Walker: Storyteller examines the work of a fashion photography legend with this huge coffee table book that ties into the Somerset House retrospective. If you know someone who gets giddy over magazine editorial and practically lives on the website Fashion Gone Rogue (ahem, me) then this will float their elaborately decorated boat and costs £24.30 from Amazon, saving you over £20 off the RRP. 

P.S. If you're utterly skint but like this idea then head up to Tim Walker: Storyteller at Somerset House and witness the free exhibition up close in one of London's best fashion exhibition venues. It runs until 27th January 2013 and promises to be a treat for fans of set design, creative photography and theatrical style.

 

Cost: under fifty but looks like I spent a lot more

 [Image: Michael Kors at theoutnet.com].

This Michael Kors jumper is a bit of a bargain at £43.75 reduced from £125, so you can keep label lovers happy without going bankrupt yourself. The sort of woman who'd wear this could be anything from a Nirvana fan who has recurring dreams about meeting Kurt Cobain, to someone who wants to add a bit more of a casual edge to their girly wardrobe.

It's also not one of those blatantly branded items that can leave you feeling a bit jaded (if you come out in hives at the thought of Juicy Couture tracksuit bottoms, you might know what I mean); this is versatile and wearable, but certainly not naff enough to be consigned to the 'dodgy Christmas jumpers' pile in the attic.

 [Image: Smythson at Net-a-Porter.com]

Smythson is known these days for producing nearly as many fashion accessories as stationery items, so if you're struggling to afford the latest bag from the brand (at least a few hundred quid, in case you're wondering) then downgrade to one of these journals instead. At £45 it isn't small change to most of us but it will definitely make an impact on anyone who appreciates the prestige behind the name and the cheeky slogan on this leather notebook.

Hopefully these ideas will help you cut down on pre-Christmas shopping angst and leave you more money for spending in the Sales.

How To Get London Fashion Week Tickets

Unlike some Fashion Weeks that make you pay for access, London has always been a bit more democratic when it comes to granting you a seat in the hallowed rooms of Somerset House. With no charge for tickets, there's no financial barrier to attending, however you can't just be any old Joe Bloggs (or should that be Joe Blogs, for the modern blogerati?) and expect to be lavished with invitations. In order to be considered for a pass that lets you wander around the exhibition area and the beautiful buildings within the Courtyard, you need to officially register as a blogger on the LFW website and have generated a serious amount of traffic on your blog, backed up by Google Analytics stats. So what about those of us who don't have a cult following? Where do we stand if we're not household names in the blogosphere?

Attendees at LFW, waiting in the Courtyard at Somerset House.

The answer is that you have to be savvy and look out for opportunities, either by impressing a PR company with your self-starter attitude and getting them to send you tickets directly (which, let's face it, is not going to be easy) or you can get entering competitions and be in with a chance of winning your way to rub shoulders with fashionistas. Last year I did just that and was sitting on the front row at Holly Fulton, thanks to Grazia Magazine. 

 One of the style-conscious men waiting in the Courtyard.

Holly Fulton AW12 - it was amazing to see in person.

 This time around I'm pleased to announce that I will be personally helping bloggers to win their way to Somerset House, thanks to renowned ethical designer Ada Zanditon who has teamed up with easyJet Holidays to shoot her forthcoming Spring/Summer 2013 collection in Cyprus. To celebrate this partnership, a blogger challenge has been set, showing how fashion and travel are closely intertwined. All you need to do is pick one of two fashionable destinations over the course of three weeks (you can enter for one, two or three of the weeks, so you can fit it around a busy schedule!) and tell them what outfits you'd pack to visit your chosen holiday spot. 

I'll be judging Week 2, which kicks off on Friday 24th August and pits traditional fashion favourite Milan against cool newcomer Palma, Majorca. After the competition has closed at the end of Week 3, there will be three lucky winners announced who will bag tickets to a London Fashion Week event (17th September 2012) with Felicities PR to see Ada Zanditon and other designers showcasing their new creations. They'll also gain access to the amazing Exhibition area, which I've worked at before and can honestly say is a hotbed of stylish new brands. Three runners-up will get goody bags from the event, getting a taste of the Fashion Week atmosphere. 

If you'd like to find out more and check out the Terms and Conditions of entry then visit the fashionable holidays page. Stay tuned for my judge's blog post where I'll be deciding for myself between the two fashion destinations and picking a favourite.

I'm really excited about seeing the entries and finding out what you lot would put in your suitcases for a fashionable break. Good luck!

[All photos my own - please ask before reproducing].

When All Else Fails, Dress Like Human Candyfloss

 Screw the 30 Degree weather, I'm wearing a sodding cape.

 I hate outfit posing and I loathe sticky summer weather, but last weekend I bought the most amazing top-slash-cape thing with ombre dye from H&M, and couldn't wait any longer to wear it (despite being called 'The Caped Crusader' by my colleagues all day - cheers, guys!). It's part of the Fashion Against Aids range, which is not only incredibly stylish but donates 25% of the profits to charity. It was incredibly easy to chuck on with some black leggings, which gets a big thumbs up.

No plants were harmed in the making of this photo.

To top it all off, I splurged on some creepers (also from H&M - I basically did Supermarket Sweep in there) in candyfloss pink, which have an amazing foam sole that makes them a bit like those chunky platform flip flops from the 90s that served me so well on family beach holidays as a child. 

Obviously when teamed with the top then everything goes a bit too pink and girly, but when you're in the grip of a furious summer heatwave (read: sweaty, flabby and grumpy - not what they tell you about in summer magazine editorials) then it's probably a handy distraction.

I promise not to make you endure any more photos of me for at least another month or so...

[All photos my own.]

Fashion Targets Breast Cancer 2012

 'Fabulous' t-shirt by River Island for FTBC.

I'm always keen to see the latest charity fashion collaborations on the market and Fashion Targets Breast Cancer has really excelled itself with the Spring/Summer 2012 collection. Instead of working on the 'target' logo exclusively, they've allowed different brands to really put their stamp on things. That means you get Jubilee-inspired crockery from Debenhams and a flower-filled odyssey from M&S, with no two products the same. Here are my top fashion picks from the range, and how they tackle the current trends.

'Amazing' t-shirt by River Island for FTBC.

The 'Fabulous' and 'Amazing' t-shirts that River Island contributed are the perfect example of how to give a charity piece longevity, so you can pull it out of your wardrobe season after season. These tees also struck a chord with me because I'm a massive sucker for typographic art and anything reminiscent of the great artist Ed Ruscha, whose love of a good enlarged capital letter is well documented.

Trend boxes ticked:

• 1990s Grunge - the washed out feel of the t-shirts means they'll look great with cut-off jeans and Vans, or creepers.
• Wipe-out - that whole 'surfing in Hawaii' thing could be done nicely if you paired this tee with H&M's neoprene wedge shoes, a salt spray-splattered fishtail plait and some hot-pants.
• Pale and Interesting - with the washed out palette of blues, pinks and purples, all you need to complete the look is a pair of pastel chinos or a toothpaste stripe pencil skirt and some vintage kitten heel shoes.

Ana Dress by Coast for FTBC.

If you're looking for the perfect Mad Men-esque outfit then Fashion Targets Breast Cancer can help there, too. This dress from Coast gives you a nipped in waist, hips and a defined bust (without flashing the flesh), finishing at mid-calf length. 

Trend boxes ticked:

• Laced Up - you've probably noticed that lace is everywhere this season, especially in white or cream. The overlay here means that the pattern really stands out against the dress fabric. To toughen it up, add some minimalist block heel ankle boots and statement rings.
• Cut and Paste - the patchwork element of layering fabrics on top of each other also gives a nod to another trend. I'd add sherbet-coloured socks and silver spike heels to create further contrast.

 Post-Surgery Swimsuit by Marks and Spencers for FTBC.

A more poignant example of the important work done by FTBC is this swimsuit designed for women who have been through breast cancer surgery and are dealing with a single or double mastectomy. The print used emphasises that you don't give up on fashion when you're adapting to a changing body, and you can still give a nod to what's feminine or what's current without losing your own sense of identity. 

Trend boxes ticked:

• Heavy Petal - the use of ditzy florals in pink, red, orange and jade green means that you get a gentle boost of colour. I like the way it could easily be a Liberty print fabric.
• Illusion Shapes - the pattern followed by the panel of red is the same kind of illusion created by Stella McCartney's polka dot dresses, giving an hourglass figure.

 Floral satchel and purse by M&S; tweezers by Shavata, both for FTBC.

And now for the accessories: Marks & Spencer continued the floral theme with this satchel and purse, both of which have brown leather accents. They tap in nicely to the trend of English Eccentric, with the retro print and the overriding practicality for summer days out. As for the tweezers by Shavata, these are a more traditionally designed item, using the 'target' logo once again, but keeping things clear and precise (much like your brows should be, once you've used these).

All in all, this is a really strong collection that appeals to women of all ages and is sure to perform well at the tills. Combining relevant colours and shapes with practical pieces that you could actually imagine sitting in your wardrobe, it's brilliant to see that charity can be so seamlessly combined with fashion. Don't forget that an amazing 30% will be donated to Breakthrough Breast Cancer from the branded products sold. Get shopping!

For more information, please see the official Fashion Targets Breast Cancer website.

Brighton Vintage Fair Photo Essay, Part II

 A flash of this season's lilac, but vintage style.

 1950s Riviera chic - this is how summer should be.

 The scarab beetle design of this clutch bag caught my eye.

 The view from the glove section...

 More sunglasses than you can shake a stick at.

 Nice bit of Coronation kitsch, in time for the Jubilee celebrations.

 A very quick snap of a stallholder (her very sweet child is just out of shot).

 A flamingo would set you back just a few quid here. Brilliantly quirky.

 Another very quick snap, this time of a dapper bloke who went for a flat cap and waistcoat look.

These playing cards formed the perfect backdrop to some paste jewellery.

Brighton Vintage Fair Photo Essay, Part I

 The entrance to Brighton's Vintage Fair today, featuring a period car.

 

 A visitor gazes at the costume jewellery on offer.

 These stallholders were brilliantly dressed and coiffed. I'm in love with the grey hat!

 Rock around the clock... 1950s chic on a mannequin.

 Trinkets caught the light at this stall.

 My best photo of the day: vintage shoes lined up for prospective buyers.

 The bargain of the fair: round tortoiseshell sunglasses for £5.

Dress: COS.

Lipstick: Accessorize.

I couldn't resist the print of this 1970s dress - Jazz Age flapper with a Clarice Cliff edge.

[All photos my own. Please ask before reproducing].

H&M's Conscious Collection S/S12

 [Images via H&M]. 

 Even ethical clothing now involves 'doing an Angelina'...

This image reminds me of a cross between Peter Som's peacock blue dress as worn by Lea Michele, and Jil Sander's flashes of bright pink from S/S11. It's also a brilliant start to H&M's lastest drop in the Conscious Collection, which uses organic and recycled materials without compromising on fashionable shapes and details. I'm a big fan of the range (and I've blogged about it in the past), but this was a triumph in its use of designer influences.

 It's a floral cornucopia.

With fashionistas going bananas for intense flower-saturated fabric (take your pick from the very in demand Mary Katrantzou, Proenza Schouler, Diane Von Furstenberg, and Stella McCartney's petal-heavy adverts across the page of every high-end glossy magazine this season), H&M hit a no-brainer here. The garment's shape, with its below-the-elbow sleeves and short collar, keeps things retro and neat, which contrasts to the frenetic energy of the repetitive print.

 Beyond amazing, this dress is the cream of the crop.

I cannot describe how much I love this ruffle number, as hideous as it would probably appear on me. There's something amazing about making a life-size crinoline lady's outfit seem appealing, and the endless layers of rough-edged fabric running into each other are pretty spellbinding overall. This will definitely be getting some red carpet wear, especially as H&M has recently been enlisting A-listers to wear its designs for premieres. If you're not a film star, don't panic. This would make a great alternative wedding dress or an eye-catching evening look with a minimalist clutch and Paperself false butterfly lashes.

My own collage of product snippets, with original images from Perezhilton.com.

As you can see from this sneak peek of other designs, there's an emphasis on vintage styling and ultra-feminine dressing. I really think that S/S12 will be Conscious Collection's best season yet, with so many strong offerings that should be snapped up for their fashion credentials and their ethical origins.

Bethnal Green Social - the Affordable Vintage Fashion Fair

 [All photos my own - click to enlarge. Please ask before reproducing].

I spent this afternoon in Bethnal Green's York Hall, which had stepped back in time for the latest evolution of the Affordable Vintage Fashion Fair: the Bethnal Green Social. This was an event which combined vintage shopping with music and refreshments from the past - cue rockabilly and very covetable mismatched crockery. I've been to previous vintage fairs in Brighton, but today was about making it a whole experience and not seeing things so much as pre-loved, but more 'of their time'.

 Rails of clothing were ripe for rummaging. Bargains ranged from 50p charms and jewellery to £80 flapper dresses, £100 British Rail luggage racks and £200 fur coats, with something for everyone.

 The view from the hall's stage.

 If only they weren't in a size 8 - these shorts caught my eye. 1988 Olympics, anyone?

 New Cut Gang performed a brilliant acoustic set.

 Blogger and vintage fashion boutique owner Demelza Toy Toy had a brilliant outfit. I particularly love the way she blended her Moschino belt with shorts and pirate ankle boots. 

Check out her blog, Harper and Eye - it comes with recommendations by Vivienne Westwood and Grazia!

 I'm partial to a bit of menswear and this stall didn't disappoint. It blended casual knits and shirts with the kind of jackets and Panama hats that you'd (well, at least I'd) associate with upper class retro style.

 The yellow dress and blue shirt both reminded me of House of Holland's new A/W 2012 collection in the way that they add bold stripes to great effect, creating contours.

 I absolutely love this shopper's hair - the aqua streak is amazing! The orange tights are bold, jazzy and fun.

 This is a brilliant example of layering. I love how this stallholder has combined different elements of 1970s cool (tan belt, autumnal colours, chiffon, maxi-dresses and loose, wavy hair) but not managed to look like a slave to the trends. She's just enjoying her own style and wearing it in her way - in this case, with Converse.

Lastly, another touch of aqua, but this time not in hair. I wish I could have bought this dress but it was the kind of piece that only a 6ft model lookalike could have pulled off. 

So, what did I buy at the Bethnal Green Social? Well, as there's been a glut of photos in this post, I'm saving the shopping for a later instalment, but I can promise you that I didn't come away empty-handed. Amongst my finds were some amazing Dr. Martens-esque white boots, a hilarious 50p ring with an evil-looking cat on it, and a gorgeous teal crimped dress that I may well be wearing to London Fashion Week on Tuesday. 

Three reasons to go vintage, if the photos didn't convince you:

1. It allows you to be more individual and you don't end up wearing what everyone else has. Although I love fashion and seeing what's going to be big, I really don't want to look like a clone. If you want to know how to dress less like a shop mannequin, go to a vintage fair for inspiration.

2. It's ethical. What some people see as dated or uncool is another person's retro, and it doesn't need to be thrown away just because it's slightly faded or torn. One bugbear of working in a charity shop was that we had to reject anything that was looking vaguely tatty or tired, which was a shame because it was still perfectly good to wear. Vintage fashion stops this needless waste.

3. If you really love a certain style or piece of clothing, why not go back to its roots? Being able to get your hands on a Victorian blouse or a 1960s miniskirt means you get to hold a piece of history in your hands (sounds naff, I know, but it's true). In my case, I don't know the origins of rings with evil-looking cats on, but I'm holding out hope that mine is one of the earlier ones...

For more information on vintage fairs around the country, please see Kate Mulloy's very comprehensive Vintage Fair Directory. 

Save the Model Sanctuary

Founded in 2008 by model Erin O'Connor, the Model Sanctuary is an initiative that appears during every London Fashion Week to provide support, stability and advice to those on the catwalk, who we often naively assume are extremely self-confident and happy. The thing is, their industry is sadly often too closely linked to the media's unattainable beauty ideals, which can be unhealthy and unsustainable - I'm talking diets of coffee and cigarettes, little sleep and a negative self-image. What the Model Sanctuary can offer is anything from yoga classes to psychological and nutritional therapy. It's all about improving the lives of people who actually don't earn mega-bucks and don't live an utterly glamorous life all the time - they just partake in it as part of their job, and they are often only teenagers. When they get rejected at castings they are still just as vulnerable as the rest of us, if not more so, because their body is their livelihood.

I think it's really important that the Model Sanctuary continues to do its good work, which is why I was disappointed to read that O'Connor is struggling to find a premises for the A/W 2012-13 Fashion Week this February as the normal location has already been rented out. It would be such a disappointment if the service had to be reduced or drastically altered to accomodate a smaller or less private space. Here's hoping that a suitable building can be found. 

For more on the Model Sanctuary, please visit www.erinsmodelsanctuary.com and see their accompanying Tumblr site. 

H&M's Conscious Collection AW11: Eco Fabulous

[Images via H&M online].
Now available online and at Selfridges London, the current Conscious Collection from H&M is heavy on florals and soft fabrics but light on environmental impact. H&M is really into its stride with this deep patterned dress, skirt and shoes, which use organic hemp. At under £50 for the dress, it doesn't break the bank and yet it could be designer.

I cannot describe how much I love these ankle boots - they're flirty and feminine but they could easily be worn for a crucial meeting with headstrong, minimalist tailoring. The background colour on this print is a gorgeous blue-green and it feels really fresh. Meanwhile, the sturdy heel isn't going to snap off and it will give your feet plenty of support. I'd wear these with cream ankle socks and a midi-skirt, or maybe a t-shirt dress in a plain colour.

It's safe to say that the lace effect won't die as a trend any time soon. We're still being given bright colours on the high street, but this ivory shade is much more grown up. Made of a delicate organic cotton, it boasts a scalloped edge and 3/4 sleeves which give it a 60s vibe. If only my hair wasn't so blindingly platinum blonde then I'd give this a go.

The full range can be seen (and bought) at:

http://www.hm.com/gb/conscious-collection#1/0

You can also see a behind-the-scenes video with the models from the promotional shoot, and find out which pieces they had their eye on. I really feel that H&M is investing properly into this initiative and I'm so glad that it can combine ethical fashion with the high street shopper's price point.