New York Christmas windows... Saks Fifth Avenue

The windows at Saks are also spectacular and this stores holidays Christmas windows portrays a theme of sensational snowflake scenes. Sakes Fifth Avenue is in close proximity to the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree so it was particularly crowded when I visited the gorgeous store. But as I am a huge fan of visual merchandising, I pushed past everyone to get a glimpse at the amazing visual displays! I was amazed and not disappointed!

The windows show snowy and frosty images and I was amazed to see how the children in the windows were extremely life-like.

One window consists of a banquet scene at Saks showing the snow and ice indoors—in the form of crystal chandeliers, snowdrift-coloured tables, and sparkling white table settings.

Another window shows a child, a puppy, and lots of snow which showcases children’s outerwear. The best thing is that the windows are just as amazing as they sound!

New York Christmas windows... Macy's

Macy's windows this Christmas has stuck with a classic theme of a magical Christmas.

Throughout the six windows, this store's windows show NYC traditions and landmarks, such as the Macy's Thanksgiving parade, the ice-skating rink at Rockefeller Center, and the department store's iconic wooden escalators. The windows pay tribute to the store itself and also to the amazing city.

I loved how each frame of the windows portrayed a open book and each visual display looked like a childhood dream. The Magic of Christmas was exceptionally demonstrated, through colourful and magicial scenes and I thought they were all beautiful! 
I just couldn't wait to go into the store!

Paul Olszewki, Macy's Director of Windows and Visual Marketing said, "New York during the holidays is so inspiring that I couldn't help but base the theme of this year's windows on the city itself and the part it has played in generations of holiday traditions".

Bergdorf Goodman

One of my favourite window displays in New York was Bergdorf Goodman.

This years Christmas windows celebrated the stores 111th anniversary and  inspired by Jazz Age fashions. It is every girls dream to walk past Fifth Avenue on a cold frosty morning and gaze into the spectacular windows! 

The windows unfold across five acts: Act 1 - “Tuning Up” features an all-girl orchestra, Act 2 - “Rhapsody in Feathers” presents white peacocks and a fan dancer, Act 3 - “Follies in Miniature” shows little antique mannequins from the 1940s. Act 4 - “Canine Daredevils” involves many dogs and one Alexander McQueen gown, and Act 5 - “The Mirror Kaleidoscope”finishes with a rotating starburst and two mannequins dressed in custom Naeem Khan.

Act 1

Act 2

Act 3

Act 4

Act 5

Christmas in New York City

I have been lucky enough to spend the week before Christmas in New York City. I know I would be jealous if I was reading this too! I have visited twice already, one with family and the other time with the fashion retail girls for a university trip.. which was not to be missed! But it was so fantastic to be in New York  at the best time of the year (for the first time)... CHRISTMAS!

 The place was magical, filled with festive fun and spectular sites. The frosty and snowy atmosphere added to the Christmas feel and it really was the perfect way to spend the happy holidays.

To me, New York was a winter wonderland, and it was an absolute pleasure to see the famous and fantastic sites, such as the Empire State Building, Grand Zero, Times Square, Chrysler Building, Top of the Rock, Rockerfeller Center, Grand Central Station, Central Park and the Statue of Liberty.

But the icing at the top of the cake for me was getting the chance to see all the incredible Christmas window displays! I am a sucker for big department stores so I particularly loved visiting Macys, Bloomingdales, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Aveune, Barney's, Lord & Taylor and the one and only Century 21.

Even walking past fifth Avenue made me feel like I was in a movie, and on more than one occasion I pretended I was in Sex and the City! (Little secret)

I even visited the amazing Plaza Hotel and pretended I was in Home Alone!

Here are some images of me in New York!

Times Square!

Century 21!

Romeo Beckham - New face of Burberry

The one and only Romeo Beckham has made his first modelling debut in the new spring/ summer 2013 Burberry Campaign. The 10-year-old appears in an advert, shot by Mario Testino, wearing a trench coat and shirt and tie. Burberry's chief creative officer, Christopher Bailey, says Romeo 'stole the show' The advert features a mixture of Burberry Prorsum, Burberry London and Burberry Brit clothing - with a focus on the brand's iconic trench and heritage outerwear. I think this campaign is brillant and Romeo is perfect for it!! Take a look at the new campaign posted underneath..

How to avoid the same dress disaster by Harvey Nichols

Although I am a big fan of John Lewis's Christmas ad and still get emotional when I watch it, I absolutely love this years Harvey Nichols Christmas advert! The hilarious, festive party shows the dilemma ( which most girls can relate to) where two other women turn up to the party wearing the same dress! We all know that can be every girls worst nightmare!

The advert shows the two women giving each other threatening looks before a laser light shoots out, and the girls battle it out whilst destroying every bit of the venue!

The luxury store is sending the message to viewers that this disaster can be avoided by going to Harvey Nichols and finding a truly unique and gorgeous dress! (which no one will be wearing) 

Harvey Nichols’ Group Press and Marketing Director, Julia Bowe said: “The ‘Same Dress Disaster’ is something that every woman can relate to; it’s happened to the best of us, especially during the party season.”

Take a look at the video below!

Kate Bosworth is the new face of Topshop!

It has finally been revealed that the new face of Topshop is the stunning Kate Bosworth! 

I couldn't believe it when I heard that Topshop, (possibly my favourite ever high street store), is launching a festive film! The film was inspired by Michelle Pfeiffer's, directed by Michael Polish and features Kate standing on a grand piano in a jazz club singing the Christmas song that everyone knows and loves, Winter Wonderland. Kate looks a million dollars in a party season burgundy sequined dress and embellished pumps.  

Kate Bosworth reveals: 'This project brings together two important aspects of my life: cinema and fashion. I have always been a fan of the Topshop brand and it has been an honour to work with Sir Phillip and the team. I hope everyone enjoys watching it as much as we did making it.'

Kate Phelan, creative director of Topshop, said: 'I think Kate looks effortlessly cool in this film, her voice is spellbinding and I can imagine every girl will want to be wearing Topshop this Christmas when they see her performance.' Watch the Topshop video below to see the complete film where Kate sings us a Merry Christmas!

VM at home

Last week I returned home to Essex where I knew I had a long and depressing week of writing a report for my universty work. However when I came home to see a new empty dresser in my back room I was SO excited that i can dress it up and use my VM skills at home!

I had to make do with the accessories that I had at home but I really enjoyed being creative and getting into the festive mood by adding Christmas touches!

Take a look at the dresser posted below!

My Magical Day In London

As part of my course, the lecturers suggested that it would be a great idea for us fashion students to spend a day in London. We were given a list of places to visit, such as different markets, high end luxury retailers, vintage shops, exhibitions and department stores. So one guess where I went – Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Liberty’s and Selfridges. My dream day! It was the perfect excuse to go home, take a break from this never ending uni work and see my family and friends, whilst also heading up to London to take awe into every single window display. 

 Harrods Christmas windows 
I don't know if anyone reading has seen what the Visual Merchandising team have created, but If you are one of those lucky Londoners that can regularly go down to Harrods, I am sure you will agree that it is unquestionably magical and spectacular!
The Harrods’s Christmas windows have been turned into a world of Disney princesses, each window for a different princess. Some of the biggest names in fashion have created their visualisations of the iconic fairy tale dresses, and I really felt as if I was taken on an enchanted and magical journey as I was passing each window.

 Oscar de la Renta – Snow White

Missoni created a Mulan-inspired kimono gown

Escada's bold creation based on Aladdin's Princess Jasmine

 Princess Tiana gown by Ralph & Russo - The Princess and the Frog

Valentino –Belle's ball gown 

Ariel by Marchesa – A Little Mermaid

After my exciting trip to Harrods, I thought where should my next stop off be? It had to be Liberty's! (I couldn’t give it a miss) Liberty’s has always been one of my favourite department stores, and I would undoubtedly describe my experience there as walking into a magnificent tradition English world. As my mum is completely obsessed with countryside houses (which is why my family house is covered in beams), it is no surprise that she is another big fan of Liberty’s. I have wonderful childhood memories of visiting Liberty’s department store and since then I have developed an absolute love for the store.  

As it is Christmas time, I couldn’t wait but to go up to the third floor and take admiration of the Christmas gifts and decorations. I could literally spend all day there. Here are a few pictures that I took of Liberty’s.

Children In Need

It's the night of Children in Need, and we are all getting ready to raise as much money as possible for this great cause! 

Pudsey Bear Auction

As posted earlier, you will know I am mad for the designer Pudsey Bears!
Last night the Pudsey Bear designer collection raised a whooping total of £150,000 for Children in Need at Christie's in London! - I can't say I'm surprised!

 Giles Deacon's Pudsey Bear was sold for the highest amount of £24,000 by Isabeli Fontana, and Louis Vuitton came closely behind with a mahoosive total of £20,000.

The Tom Ford-designed bear sold for £12,000, the Burberry bear went for £9,000 and the McQueen Pudsey sold for £8,500. I had no hope of taking one home! :(

Models such as Cara Delevingne, Liberty Ross and Kristen McMenamy came to the auction to help raise money for the cause. I don't know about you but I wish I was there!

Abbey Clancy with the Norton & Sons bear

Chloe Moretz with the Versace bear

Clara Paget with the Gucci bear

Elizabeth Saltzman with the Tom Ford bear

Isabeli Fontana with the Jonathan Saunders bear

Jade Parfitt with the Burberry bear

John Lewis Christmas Advert 2012

Give a little more love this Christmas

The christmas advert war has began and I'm sure your all agree that John Lewis's xmas ad's never disapoints! Everywhere I go, from chilling at university with the girls, or going home to my family, or evening passing the streets, the John Lewis advert is brought up!

The advert begins in a family’s garden, with two children making a snowman and snow woman. The next day the snowman mysteriously disappeared, and we are then taken on a journey across a mountain, river, city and road to follow the determined snowman in the search for the perfect gift for the women he loves.

The reason for the snowman’s journey isn’t shown until right at the end, when we see him return on Christmas morning. The snow mans little face expressions give a strong sense of how he is feeling, and when you watch it you really feel the love in his eyes! It really is a fantastic and inspiring advert that will make you want to head down to John Lewis and buy your loved ones Christmas presents. 

 

This advert is definitely one of my favourite John Lewis adverts and I am brought to tears every time it is played. One of the main reasons for this is the song played in the background called 'Power of Love'. The stunning song is sung by Gabrielle Aplin, a 20 year old singer signed to Parlophone Records.

Self Promotion

As one of my University projects, I was asked to create business cards and postcards which I can hand out now to industry contacts, and to also give out once I have graduated and about to take on my journey and search for the perfect job. (Hopefully a Visual Merchandiser at a department store!) I can only pray!

It is a great way to begin my career in the fashion industry, by handing them out at fashion events such as Graduate Fashion Week, and even taking them along to interviews! (One way to hopefully impress)

I have chosen to take my own photographs of fashion styles and trends that inspires me. I really feel this will give an immediate image and representation of my personality and briefly show how I style myself!

I have even taken a picture of my fur scarf and statement necklace that I know I will be wearing for the whole winter! - That sums me up in one!

I hope you like them!

 

Front of the Business Card

 

Back of the Business Card
The QR scan code will take you straight to my blog - Exciting!



 

Image for the front of the Postcard

I have used my own quote "Style Lasts Forever" to express my personality even more!

Pudsey Bear's Fashion Makeover

Children's In Need's Pudsey Bear has been given the ultimate Designer Makeover!

Pudsey Bear has been given a designer revamp by 30 top luxury designers such as Victoria Beckham, Burberry, Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, Louis Vuitton, Gucci and many more. (Pudsey is one lucky bear!)

Pudsey Bear will be showcased at Selfridges in London and Manchester from October 24 to November 14. Pudsey will also be auctioned at Christies on November 15th with all the proceeds going to the children's charity.

I need to get my hands on an adorable Victoria Beckham Pudsey Bear!!

They are just too cute to miss out on - So get yourself down there!!



  Victoria Beckham has designed a female Pudsey - Look at the cute pink dress!

 Designed by Prada - Look at Pudsey's trendy shoes!

Versace has designed a gorgeous gold and leopard print Pudsey Bear!

Burberry has designed a classic English Pudsey! I love the umbrella - Shows English weather for sure!

I couldn't resist going down to Selfridges in London to take a look at the amazing Pudsey Bear's in real life. Each Pudsey Bear was sitting in an individual shelf and I was lost for words with how breathtaking they were.

Not only were the cute Pudsey Bears placed in store for everyone to see, they were also beautifully positioned in the window. I found it amusing how the bears looked like they were chilling in a living room, watching TV together and having fun. The christmas tree, decorations and fairy lights added to the Christmas feel. 

Helping With The VM!

I have had a very exciting weekend! I was asked to come home to London and help create the new November window displays at The Art Shop in Wanstead!