Cardiff Fashion Week- Beginning

Ever wanted to see what goes on behind a fashion photo shoot or runway show?  Are you itching to find out how to achieve that top model hair style or make-up artist finish? Want to meet the designers themselves? Well this week is your chance as Cardiff hosts its first ever Fashion week.  Models and designers will take place at various locations around the city, including Mermaid Quay and The Royal Arcade, from the 20^th to the 31^st giving us a whopping 9 days of fashion-filled fun. 

Event director, Claire Birt, shed some light on how the fashion week came about, “An official fashion week for Cardiff is long overdue. The city has a phenomenal shopping and fashion product and is listed as the sixth best shopping destination in the UK.” Anyone who has stepped foot in St Davids Shopping Centre cannot dispute that our Welsh capital deserves some recognition.

A selection of the events includes a chance to meet the designers behind the brand at Joie de Vivre on the 25/10/201 or go behind the scenes of a RedHanded  photo shoot at Mill Lane followed by catwalk evening at Mocka Lounge on the 26/10/2012. Boots will be offering many fashion tutorials including ‘Boots Most Stylish’ on the 23/10/2012 and ‘Boots Hair Styling Master Classes’ on the 26/10/2012. Retailers such as Debenhams, House of Fraser and John Lewis will also be taking part. The climax of the fashion week will be The St David’s Fashion Show spanning over two days starting from the 27/10/2012.

On the eve of Cardiff Fashion Week the city centre was struck by tragedy with many injured and a life lost during a series of hit and run attacks. A statement from Cardiff Fashion Week comments “The models taking part in the first Cardiff Fashion Week event on Saturday 20th October will wear a white flower as a mark of respect.”.

Hannah
XO

Anything Goes Apparel- Clothing with REAL attitude

 Tattoos, pin up girls, zombie horror films? Check out the killer range of printed tees and vests from Anything Goes Apparel for some alternative, quirky additions to your wardrobe. The online store caters for both men and women and frequently publishes promotions, savings and deals- bank balance friendly!
This up and coming brand definitely ticks all my boxes as it produces fun, sexy uniquely designed clothing at amazingly low prices- and when I say amazingly low I mean grab tees for less than £10 in their current sale! What impresses me further is the commitment and dedication of the owner as pretty much all of the profit made by one range goes straight into the designing and production of the next set of tees. 

 Martyn Brown started Anything Goes Apparel in February 2012 after playing with the idea of printing his illustrations onto T shirts- "I wanted to create designs that I would personally want to wear but also appeal to others so I went with my own interests of old school tattoos, pin up girls and zombie/horror films" With two ranges in seven months and a new winter range due to debut in November it is clear that Anything Goes is in high demand and has no intentions of slowing down.

However, running a successful alternative clothing company definitely has it's challenges, "On this new range of clothes I am trying to expand the variety of designs but also keep the hand illustrated, down to earth vibe that has been apparent in other ranges. The winter range will also feature garments I haven't printed onto before so this will provide new challenges". Martyn is also hoping to opening up the company to a new niche of customers and promises to bring in some ladies fit garments due to popular demand.
All designs are statement making and eye catching so show it off by making it the centerpiece of your outfit. The genius of these tees is the fact that even though the designs are by no means simple, they are still extremely versatile so you can work it however you want, whatever your style.  Rock it up with ripped denim and lashings of leather or make it casual with baggy knitwear and a cute headband. The mens vests would make a lovely little stocking filler for your other half as they are less mainstream and, I'm sure you'll agree, a lot cooler than the ones on offer in TopMan, FootAsylum etc. 

Wear your Anything Goes with pride!

Hannah
XO

Store - http://anythinggoesapparel.bigcartel.com/
Twitter - @Anything_GoesUK
Tumblr - http://anythinggoesapparel.tumblr.com
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/anythinggoesdesignandapparel
Instagram - @anythinggoesapparel

Let me impart some wisdom to the wise...... DO NOT MISS THIS!

My other half..

I wouldn't normally write a post about myself but this is a fashion blunder worthy of a blog post. Girls, if you've committed this crime then I totally understand your pain- if not then count yourself lucky.
It's 20 past midnight, me and Rhys (my other half) have just staggered home from a "quiet" night on the town. A few glasses of vino, lots of gin and a vat of cider and I'm a little worse for wear. He's worse mind - he's currently trying to change the channel with my mobile phone. We've been out for our anniversary and went for a meal at tapas bar along the seafront so naturally I wanted to look nice......
Following my last post, I decided to go for an oyster nude chiffon shift dress from Nautilus. It had a high empire line so the material fell loosely under my bust hiding my lovely food baby. I accessorized with tan wedges, belt and bag complete with a low bun and sleek 20's hair do and minimal make up (bar some fake eyelashes).                                                    
 We arrived at the restaurant, ordered too much food, drank too much cider- everything was fine! Right up until my bladder felt a little full and I needed to pop to the ladies. So I excused myself and gracefully waltzed up to the ladies room. Now, the way the restaurant is set out, the entrance is in one corner and the toilets on the adjacent wall to the left of the entrance. We were sat diagonally across from the entrance so in order to reach the toilets I had to cross the dining room in everyone's view.
I sat on the toilet having my piddle thinking to myself "Awwww this is nice! Nice food! Nice dress! Nice drink! Just nice!". Now I don't know if you girls think the same but once I'm out and had a few drinks I think I'm the Queen of Sheba- I'll have a little pout in the mirror and think I'm "it" when I'm really far from it. I go back through to the dining room and EVERYONE is staring at me and I think to myself  "Awww how nice people are actually taking note of me, maybe for once I've actually emerged from my house decent looking". I sat down and continued my meal, everything was cushty. Oh no....
A woman, wearing leggings, uggs, and a lot of foundation approached me and Rhys from the other side of the dining room. She parked herself right next to me on my chair ( I was like "What the f...) and she blurted "I'm so sorry, I'm only telling you because I'd be really, really, really embarrassed..." then I was thinking "Oh F*** my F****** life what the F*** have I done????" and she took my hand and looked my in the eye and said "Babe, your dress is tucked right into your knickers and everyone can see your arse". BOOM. I was so shell shocked the only words I could muster were "Oh.. Thanks" and she walked off. I turned round to Rhys in untter disbelief, stood up, turned round to show him and sure enough there it was- a full moon. For everyone to see.
I was so mortified we had to wait til everyone in the dining room had left before we could make a dash for the exit! If I had one piece of advice to avoid a complete and utter wardrobe malfunction......
ALWAYS CHECK YOUR DRESS ISN'T TUCKED INTO YOUR KNICK-KNACKS ONCE YOU'VE HAD A PIDDLE LADIES! <3

Hannah
XO

We're all big babies! The evolution of the onesie.

Cheryl looking super comfy but super stylish!

My bunny onesie from Primark at £9.99- not bad!

This item has been around for awhile! The onesie was originally designed for infants and babies combining both a top and trouser garments that the little tot couldn't pull off easily. It became popular in the 1950s as a means of keeping an infant warm, happy and clean.


The onesie first took America by storm before eventually crossing the Atlantic being readily available to us! Allegedly, the adult styles were a recreation of pale blue long-johns as seen in cowboy films (a style that is recreated a lot in TopMan if you want to get your man one for Christmas) however I remember first seeing them in the simple snowflake/Christmas patterns in Primark or New Look normally found in the sleep or nightwear section of stores. Now, due to booming popularity, it is available in many styles, patterns and colors. If you're feeling creative try http://www.the-all-in-one-company.co.uk/ for a one piece completely unique to you (although it's a little pricey for me).


If we sent the onesie to do a Jeremy Kyle DNA test with the jumpsuit there'd definitely be some biological similarities. Just look at the onesie Cheryl Cole was papped wearing! It looks so comfortable but you definitely can't say she's just waltzed out in her PJs. One thing I'm not so hot on is the body stocking Lorna Bliss wore to her X Factor audition- at least she has balls! And I suppose that's what fashion is at the end of the day and if you think you look great then that's all that matters!

The Stocking

 I'm also seeing the onesie used as an option for fancy dress- minimal effort yet maximum effect! Although it will get quite hot when you're busting a move on the dancefloor...



Hannah
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Blog virginity taken!

This will probably be the most boring post ever but I have to start somewhere!
I'll tell you a little about me first...

My name is Hannah Richardson and I was born in Newcastle Upon Tyne on the 9/12/1992 making me the ripe old age of 19. I am currently a student studying BA (hons) Communications at Cardiff University therefore I am your typical scrooge when it comes to spending.

If it's one thing I love more than fashion it's chocolate cake!!

And I love my puppy too!!

Unfortunately I have an addiction to fashion- whether it be highstreet best sellers or the crazy but genius combinations seen at the recent London Fashion week 2012 and this does not mix well with the budget I'm on! I've set this up because so you girls can see my best pick of products and items accessible and available to everyone of all budgets.

I have three years of fashion retail experience working for brands such as New Look, SuperDry and my most current position is supervisor at BANK fashion. I have worked with many mainstream brands but I love exploring online boutiques and having a nose in charity shops!

As for the hair and beauty side of things well what can I say! Guilty as charged! My hair has been so many colors it would give Joseph and his technicolored dream coat a run for his money. I've had the pixy cut AND extensions- been there done that! I have to admit I wear a lot of make-up, even to the gym!

I'm a down to earth girl trying to afford a champagne lifestyle on lemonade wages bringing you my findings along the way -
I will do it one day!!!


Hannah
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