The Process of Getting Into a Fashion Uni - My Experience

So I got my A Level results recently which meant that somehow I got into The London College of Fashion!! Honestly I was so surprised and genuinely like whaaaat, how did that happen! I was so relieved because a part from the obvious reasons why I wanted to go to LCF, I didn't have an insurance choice which I could have gone to; so that really was my only option. 

Anyway I thought I'd write a post about my experience with the University of the Arts London. I can only go of what my experience has been like and what I have done, as this could be helpful to others hopefully!

1) EPQ 

So the first thing, which I did was to do the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). If you don't know its basically a dissertation which you can write about whatever you like! As I knew I wanted to study fashion, specifically fashion marketing; I wrote my EPQ on fashion. I think that this really really helped me, as fashion isn't an option at A Level. So my question was 'Does Fashion Matter?' this enabled me to research the industry which I'm hoping to be in. I also included Frances Corner's book 'Why Fashion Matters' head of LCF. I think this definitely helped me stand out, as it was something different. So I really suggest doing EPQ on the industry you want to work in, if it's not an option at A Level; just so your university really gets to see your interest. Also it's something which is worth mentioning in your personal statement. 

2) Portfolio's 

Okay, so you know when you finish your GCSE's and you have such a long summer, and your kinda bored... well I brought loads of my favourite magazines, or even magazines which I've had lying around the house and I ripped and cut up into collages. It was and is a hobby which allows me to feel creative! Just rearrange the pages or the clothes and manikins however you want! to draw out some inspo. I brought a sketch book and stuck my collages into it, I also sketched different designs as well. When you come to apply to universities will want you to bring a portfolio to an interview, there was no interview for fashion marketing at LCF, or no portfolio needed. However I still brought it along to another fashion course interview. I also think that having these portfolio's is something to show your enthusiasm and your interest in the industry. Also it kills a couple of days! so go and get creative! 

3) Keep Up to Date

My last suggestion would be to keep up to date within the fashion industry. When I was at an interview the head of the fashion marketing course asked me 'who was recently in the new Burberry campaign?' and I had to tell him what celebrity's were featured in the advert. So from this I would definitely advise that you keep up to date with the industry and whats happening; so you know what your facing really. Two websites and one Youtube series I would recommend is: www.manrepeller.com and https://www.businessoffashion.com/ as they are both so good at informing you with any fashion info! Man repeller is also written in a quirky way which I like. The Youtube series with Alexa Chung on the British Vogue channel https://www.youtube.com/user/vogue/videos they are soooo good! So definitely check them out! 

So yeah! those are all of my suggestions, linked with my past experiences with getting into a fashion university! Hope this has helped. 

Mom Jeans and Style Crushes

The picture to the right is what I wore shopping to Cambridge. I've never had ripped jeans before, so I thought I'd jump on the bandwagon! I wanted to buy some jeans which weren't skinny. You know when your feeling more chill and want something more 90s and causal, quite lazy-effortless look. So I went to Topshop, the classic place for jeans. I got the 'mom jeans' with a rip in the knee. I really love them atm! they are soooo comfortable and I can chuck them on with anything. I paired them up with my camel coat, white tee, turquoise skull scarf and white trainers. 

OKAY, SO 

During February my favourite three events happened, London Fashion Week, ELLE style awards and the BRITS. I have chosen some photos of my favourite looks and people actually, two from LFW and two from the ELLE style awards. 

Above Immi and Suki Waterhouse at Topshop Unique collection. I love Suki anyway, but she's a vision of pink and fluffy prettiness!! It is such a great look for her and look's effortlessly gorgeous. Immi in a very classic look, blue trousers and jacket combo with converses, loves it. 

Pixie's look! at the ELLE style awards, hair up pretty minimal make up and an off the shoulder dainty floral dress. She's paired it with a leopard print bag, those two together a complete contrast but I rather like it. 

Olivia Palermo, there's nothing new to say about her amazing style! but I love this look so much. For me, this look says I really have my shit together. Japanese bomber jacket, white oversized shirt, leather slightly wide trousers and killer red court heels. Just WOW. Power style this one. 

This look, Lily Donaldson and Bella Hadid at the ELLE style awards. The reason why I really like this is because their both wearing black sheer dresses, with a fresh face. The contrast between the two I think works really well. They look so fresh, yet so put together and chic. 

The 411 On Your Wardrobe

I thought I'd write a post about information on your wardrobe. If anyone reading this is like me, which is not very organised at all! I have my own mess, if you catch my drift. I know where everything is, but its still kinda messy. I constantly spend my money on clothes, but then I feel as if I have nothing new to wear, constant struggle. So with that all being said, I thought I'd write about how to decide whether or not to throw something out; and what staple items could be in your wardrobe if your in need of some basics.

 

Tip 1 -  Deciding What Needs To Be Thrown Out = (aka the clothes which you've worn once).

 

Okay, so if your looking at your wardrobe right now, go through all of your clothes one by one. Ask your self when was the last time I've worn this? Do I even like this? Have I worn this in the last month? If you haven't worn that recently, then throw it out! I know you might be thinking about the sentimental reasons behind it, but it's just taking up space. ( I actually feel like the woman in 'Confessions of a Shopaholic' right now, you know the group leader Miss Korch).  If you don't want to do that, then make a mark on the hanger on the clothes which your not sure if you want to throw out. If you wear them rub off the mark, after a month or so then see which clothes you still haven't worn; as they will still have the mark on.

 

Tip 2 -  Key Staple Items

 

So next is what staple items could be in your wardrobe if your in need of some basics items. By this I mean once you've cleared out the clothes which you don't want or need, then you can start a fresh. A good tip which I've heard time and time again is, to invest in some basic items. By this I mean clothes which are wearable constantly, items which you can layer and clothes which are good for any outfit. These staple items are clothes which in my opinion, are pretty useful for any wardrobe if your starting again. The first is a couple of plain V-neck t-shirts, perhaps white, black or grey. Plain t-shirts are so useful and wearable with anything. There causal but also can be dressed up. Just an item which are pretty useful. The next is a good pair of jeans, you can't go wrong with a pair of Topshop jeans. Even though they are quite pricey, they last for bloody ages! The next is a good quality leather jacket. I'm a vegetarian so I don't wear real leather, but faux leather jackets are such a good staple. Leather jackets are great for all of the seasons, you can layer them; or wear a pretty shirt underneath. The last staple for me, is a hat. I frickin love hats. There are so many types of hats, that you can find ones which fit your mood for that day; and what outfit your feeling. I have a baseball hat if I'm feeling causal, fedoras if I want something more fancy and structured, and a leather peak cap if I want to give more of a city vibe.

 

Enjoy, H x

 

 

 

 

 

Non-mainstream Fashion Mags

 Hey! Today I thought I'd write a post on the non-mainstream fashion magazines. I'm such a magazine hoarder, its a joke. I have probably around 50 odd magazines in my desk draws, magazines which I think are too special to throw out, or magazines which were for a season's collection. Whenever I go to London most of the time I pop into Selfridges, (my favourite department store evaaaa). I go to the magazine section, by the cards and the sweets and I always look at the non-mainstream fashion magazines. I think there are some which are really underrated, and some you can find some really interesting articles and photography. So that being said, I picked up NYLON; with Elle Fanning on the cover. I really like NYLON, I like Elle's work and her general persona. For me whoever is on the cover of a magazine is a big deciding factor, before I buy it. Some may not be that bothered, but for me it has to be someone who I resonate with; someone I think 'yeah there pretty cool'.  I also like Dazed & Confused, POP and i-D Magazine. They all feature unique and up to date fashion, with art and the music culture built into the magazines. It gives you a taste of something different to look at.  My advice would be to definitely check out these types of fashion magazines if your interested. If your going to London or maybe just a large WHSmith or something, to look at the non-mainstream, fashion magazines. They show edgy and new fashion, and I just find them really interesting. Below are some pictures of the magazine selection in Selfridges.

Enjoy, H x

Chilly Inspo

Over the Christmas period we went for walks as a family, I thought I'd write a post about what to wear if its chilly. Here in England its bloody cold! I would normally be up for it, but Christmas has been and I'm feeling the warm weather now anyways! The photos below my sister took, I was wearing my classic camel long duster coat, which is a staple for me. I was also wearing black jeans, which again is a classic item and a must, which quite a few people wear. Then I added my jade green fedora which I love, its one of those pieces which I will cherish when I'm 80. Lastly my ankle wellies, they are black and glittery. I wore them to a festival last year, so they have lots of memories!

Enjoy, H x

Just Some Messages Which I Hope Make A Difference

So this post is not fashion related at all, but I just wanted to show some photo's which I got off tumblr. I go on tumblr quite a bit, its like my little out let you know? Looking at photo's which inspire me, or quotes and messages that I can completely relate to, or the odd photo or message which I just think its kinda cool. So here you go, here's some messages which I believe make me feel inspired and give me a kick up the arse!

Enjoy, H x

My Favourite Looks Currently

 

 

So I thought I would write a post about my favourite looks from the past week. Above is Rosie from: http://www.thelondoner.me/ I love this picture. I think its because when I'm older and working in my favourite city London (fingers crossed), I imagine that to be me. Coming out of a taxi with my puppy from stopping to get a hot chocolate, on a chilly weekend morning in November. I would be going to a restaurant for lunch; possibly meeting someone or friends who knows. I particularly like this outfit as it is causal but smart and chic. The court heels, skinny jeans, polo neck top with a long structured coat with a belt; with the collar up. My sunglasses to block out the heavy night I had before... ahah and my hair up as I'm clearly not feeling styling it today, because I would have been at a yoga class in the morning.

I love this picture it basically has most of my aspirations within the picture, I know that sounds as if that would be hard... but its the stuff I imagine, you know? Looking at a place or a picture and picturing yourself there and your life, because that's the only vision of yourself you see. That got kind of deep quick ahah but to sum this look up its confident and she looks like she has her life down!

 

 

 

Above is Gigi Hadid! I love Gigi's style anyway regardless, but this picture of her recently just really shouted out to me. I like how she has paired what she is wearing and her style for that day. It's very much get up and go look, causal; I like it. Black jeans, black boots, black and white polo thick neck jumper. With her hair up and wide rimed black square sunglasses and her black backpack. I just love this look, causal city girl who knows her ambitions and is going out to get them.