FASHION DOTTY

DIY: Tying the Knot

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Harradine) — Sun, 03 Jun 2012 14:30:00 +0000

I was on my weekly (who am I kidding, daily) window-shop in Zara a few weeks ago when my eyes fell on an interesting texture nestled within their all-white package. Heavy, with knots, fringes and weaves, all in the one non-colour. It wasn't love at first sight, but after a few more trips I realised it was the perfect beach-to-bar bohemian cover-up, that could easily be worn back in Manchester over a pastel dress or with neon jeans.

Sadly, this love was forever doomed to be unrequited. £60 for a Zara top will always be a bitter pill to swallow, love of my life or not. The more I studied it - daily visits, remember - the more I realised that actually, I could probably make an appropriation of this myself.

So I did.

I started with a mid-thigh length white jersey H&M t-shirt dress. I'd bought it well over a year ago and never worn it, as it was just a bit too see-through and clingy for my tastes.

I then cut up either side, and chopped the arms off. I cut really long fringes from the bottom hem right the way up to the top seam/collar - you should cut an even amount of fringes. Then I placed it over the back of a chair like it was being worn, but you could use a mannequin or a willing volunteer.

Work on one side first. Starting job is to tie each fringe to the one next to it. I used a very simple knot - I think it's called an ordinary knot but I imagine it's the one you're used to using.

Once you've done that from one side to the other, take the second fringe in and tie it to the next fringe along to make a diamond shape. It's okay that one will be hanging loose at the side - we'll deal with that later.

Carry on doing this down one side (alternately including the outside fringes) until you feel you've gone far enough to put your arms through (this is where a volunteer or mannequin would be useful). I went this far:

Then turn it around and do the same on the other side. After you've reached the same point, you can now work all the way around the tee - start with the side fringes that you had to miss every other diamond. So to explain better - attach the front left side fringe to the back right side fringe, then carry on making your diamonds right the way around - get your volunteer to turn, or turn the tee around the chair - until you reach your desired length.

Et voila! A simple, unusual DIY that really didn't take long at all - this probably took me around twenty minutes. Do remember that this was once a dress so you lose a lot of length doing this. Also, it's easy to get muddled up with your fringes, so just remember that if you're making a diamond shape you're doing it right - but if you do do it wrong don't worry! It will just add to the pattern.

Worn with a Sweaty Betty sportsbra and a complete lack of make-up. Blergh
This was simply meant to be a practise and I didn't expect it to come out so well, but I may well be wearing this top as a beach cover-up on my holiday. I think this knotting effect would look lovely as a trim or a feature on a t-shirt, and I'm going to have a go at doing different types of knotting and weaving, too. Let me know if you have a go and post a picture of your result!

Summer of Hope and Glory

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Harradine) — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 17:30:00 +0000

Last Thursday marked the launch of the Trafford Centre's Summer of Hope and Glory, celebrating everything British, and from May to August there will be events, treats and competitions, all fit for a Queen. You can celebrate your own Jubilee with Queen For A Day, win a summer wardrobe of shoes, get festival fashion and beauty tips at Mad for Mud'n'Music, and much, much more.

On the launch night I walked round with a British Shopping Passport which detailed the discounts being given out on the evening.

The launch night was a warm one, and I hate queuing for sweaty changing rooms only to find the outfit doesn't suit me anyway. I took the opportunity to try dresses on in the comfort of my own clothes with the Magic Mirror interactive screen outside Selfridges. You lift your arms to activate the screen, then you scroll through a number of dresses, changing the size and the position on the screen to suit. It's no replacement for actually having the clothes on your body but it's a fun gimmick, and seeing the colours and patterns near your skin are of course a benefit.

Check out the Trafford Centre website for information and dates - meet you in the Welly Wanging queue!

Tina Talks Fashion

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Harradine) — Wed, 30 May 2012 17:30:00 +0000

Growing up Coronation Street was a bit of an instituion in my household, and my parents enjoyed attaching the different characters' personalities to me: for example, demanding "Rosie and Sophie" go and wash their hands. They liked to call me Sarah-Lou the best (it must be the first-name thing) which was fitting as I did enjoy doing the stroppy teenager thing somewhat.

The Trafford Centre launched their Summer of Hope and Glory last Thursday, and Sarah-Lou (or rather, Tina O'Brien) was around to give fashion, beauty and style advice to Selfridges shoppers. I grabbed five minutes with Tina - which actually turned out to be more like fifteen, I could've easily gossiped with her all night - and we talked shopping, Kate Middleton, and patchwork denim..

Good evening! How are you today?

I'm very well thank you!

First things first - what are you wearing?

I'm wearing a dress from a little boutique in Didsbury - there's one in West Didsbury and Didsbury village - with some little gold flats. I think my necklace is Topshop.

So you're here tonight to give style and beauty advice to busy mums - tell me a bit more about that.

I think a lot of women end up putting themselves on the backburner when they have a child, so the kind of advice will be to don't forget about yourself!

Do you find you do get time to treat yourself or do you do it in a rush?

People are shocked at how quick I can get ready - I've learnt! But it is nice to every now and again to treat yourself. I didn't realise just how much better it feels just to have your hair done.

How often do you get to go shopping?

Ooh! More often than I should do..?! I probably go clothes shopping.. I'd say on average once every two weeks. Is that bad or good? I don't know! I used to go shopping every week but I've really toned it down, I've got a house now so I more shop for household things. But I did used to shop for clothes all the time - I'm one of these bomber shoppers, who thinks "oh, I just need a top", then I'll be at the changing room with [gestures to an armful of clothes] and end up spending a fortune.

Do you have any secret boutiques to shop in?

In West Didsbury there's some lovely little boutiques, so yeah.. probably West Didsbury! And there's some lovely little bars to go for a drink afterwards. West Didsbury is full of independents - it's brilliant.

Who are your favourite designers?

I love, love Jenny Packham dresses, and I love the dress that Kate Middleton wore with the sequins - I died and went to heaven when I saw that dress.

Where do you get your fashion inspiration from?

I'm one of these people who goes through magazines and folds the corners down of a page and take pictures on my phone and use them when I go shopping. I can never find the things I want though! When Scarlett [Tina's daughter] is in bed asleep, that's my half hour to read magazines.

Has Scarlett shown any interest in fashion?

She does.. but it varies. I'm bad with the whole matching thing. I know at the moment it's very fashionable not to match, but my mum was always very co-ordinated, and I've realised Scarlett is doing it already - she's like "mummy look, pink shoes, pink bag.. I match!" And I'm like, "oh my god! I've given it to you! I got it from my mum, now I've given it to you".

It's hard to clash - it has to be wrong, yet right. So you can't go wrong with matching! She'll be very chic one day, maybe the next Kate Middleton.

But sometimes she comes downstairs in ridiculous outfits and I have to be like "mmmmm! You look really nice!"

But you're encouraging expression! What was the pressure like for you to get it right, with growing up in the public eye?

I think I was lucky in that I started in Corrie before the explosion of all the magazines with circles of shame, so I think if I had been aware of all that when I was fifteen the pressure would have been bad. I didn't have that but God I made some shopping mistakes..!

Which leads us nicely onto my last question - have you ever made any real fashion faux pas?!

Oooh. Me and a couple of Corrie girls once dressed up for an awards do wearing denim jeans with patches all over them, with a bustier. Wait, it gets worse! We then got clip-in extensions. Yeah.. we thought it was cool at the time, at around the time of B*Witched.

I idly threaten to find a picture of this on the internet, and was surprised to be given permission to do so! So here is Tina's biggest fashion faux pas.. I hope she kept the outfit as it's sure to be in fashion once again sometime soon. [image source]

Since I dug that photo out I think it's only fair I show you the out-takes of the very first picture, including the Worst Photo Of Me Ever and one with a cheeky photobombing stylist.

[Insert Vengaboys Quote Here]

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Harradine) — Mon, 28 May 2012 15:19:00 +0000

Apologies for the silence as of late - I'm going to Ibiza on Thursday and this is all that is currently occupying my mind. I LOVE going on beach holidays and want to live in one. No, not live abroad - live in a beach holiday. Don't worry, you'll still be getting your Dotty fix while I'm away; I have a few posts scheduled, including an interview with Tina O'Brien and a DIY tutorial.

The main purpose of this post is to show you a photo I took earlier of my capsule holiday wardrobe. I'm so excited I've finally mastered the technique of a capsule wardrobe - and all but the neon dress and one bikini I owned already! Everything works together, and each piece can be restyled for wearing more than once. Extra bonus is that it all fits in a tiny holdall - meaning no checked baggage fee, and no lugging huge cases around in hot weather. Win!

I'm mainly going to relax, but will be going to a few low-key parties, and will also be street style scouting for newsicmoos - so if you're around, look out for the lady in neon brandishing a camera.

Enjoy the British sun while it lasts and I will see you soon!

Comfy heels that go with everything, five bikinis, four tees, one pair of shorts, two day dresses, one smart night dress, and a pair of Havaianas sandal-cum-flip flops. Sorted

A Sneaky Confession

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Harradine) — Wed, 23 May 2012 22:02:00 +0000

That's it... I admit it. This has been niggling away at me for some months now, and I've tried to resist it, but I really must confess.

I WANT SOME SNEAKER WEDGES.

Sure, I liked the Isabel Marant versions. Their chunky weirdness and awkward colour combinations had to be appreciated; but on other people, not me. And a select few people at that - Natalie of Canned Fashion being my favourite, as she doesn't take them seriously. As we ventured further into spring I found that they were being communicated to me via multiple mediums and I just couldn't get away: they're all over magazines, blogs, even people in the street. I really didn't expect them to filter down so quickly, especially not to the mass market. And then one day (yeah, today) I just snapped: I think I may need a pair. This ASOS pair would do the trick just nicely.

Will I resist? Only time will tell...

The Orange Revolution

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Harradine) — Tue, 22 May 2012 22:57:00 +0000

COS dress, Miista shoes, vintage clutch, belt & necklace
Along with the rest of the country I'm rejoicing over this week's glorious weather, and used the sunshine as the perfect excuse to wear a sunny dress. Hardly an orange revolution as the title suggests - far from it, as this is one of my favourite colours to wear. This evening I had an epiphany over its drapes, however; I've owned it since Christmas and this is the first time I realised I was wearing a piece of material on the wrong side. Duh. After a little repositioning it now fits and looks a whole lot better.
Wore this for a dinner with Annabel and Adam of The éditeur and Clare of tweet. Lots of exciting goings on - we dined with the new England football manager (well, sort of, he was on the other side of San Carlo), a prominent purchase was made from the online store during the main course, and arrangements began for an event, which will remain up our well-tailored sleeves for now.. but expect to be hearing lots about it in the very near future!

Chester: Retail At Its Best

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Harradine) — Wed, 16 May 2012 22:03:00 +0000

Growing up, Chester was my nearest city, and once a month or so I popped in for a quick shop. It wasn't as thrilling as going into Manchester, the big city of shining lights - or that's how I saw it, with its enormous Topshop and the wonder that is Afflecks Palace. I took Chester for granted, I think, and kept my blinkers on as I popped in to pick up an essential.

Today I visited Chester for the first time in over a year and saw it with fresh eyes. Whether it was because the sun was shining brightly (at last! Hoorah) or that the city really has changed, I walked around in wonderment, scooting up and down the steps of the historic Rows and rattling over the cobbles. The city centre was bustling with activity, with independent boutiques nestled happily between multis, and big-name retailers inhabiting beautiful Tudor buildings.

I spent a long time in Aliz Vintage, a store housing vintage Chanel and YSL pieces, along with fabulous lower-priced 1970s lurex dresses; two of which I tried on, one being too large, the other too small. Not my day! I was also treated to a tour of The éditeur, complete with a cup of tea and a slice of hat designer Laura Apsit Livens's birthday cake.

One disappointing discovery was the rebranding of Browns department store: it has always been a Debenhams but had a strong personality of its own, too. Now it seems Debenhams have clumsily ripped down the Browns sign to make way for their own branding, taking a little bit of Chester's retail history along with it.

How cute..! Have you ever seen such a beautiful Superdrug?
Of course, I couldn't leave without taking a photo of the second most photographed clock in the world... especially so well contrasted against a brilliant blue sky!
I loved Chester's bustling mix of independent, British, and multinational retailers, all under wonderful 16th century rooves; perhaps Mary Queen of Shops should take a trip to Chester before she pronounces the Great British High Street dead and buried.

Carpe Calciamenti

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Harradine) — Sat, 12 May 2012 20:07:00 +0000

H&M via Red Cross shop blazer & jeans, Chris's tee, ASOS sandals, vintage (can we call ten years old vintage?) New Look pleather jacket
"Have you got any hi-tops?" asked Chris as I got dressed this morning. "Because you look very 80s, very John Hughes."

We decided today's bleached jeans and white tee was totally Winona Ryder in Heathers, but forget the hi-tops - I'd already been convinced to wear sandals by Bottega's Sam.

"I'm embracing summer, I'm just dealing with it" she tweeted. Well, I already tried that yesterday wearing shorts and bare legs, and ended up freezing; but today the sun tried its very best to come out, hence my ancient ASOS Surface To Air knockoffs took a turn around Manchester.

I don't own any sandals in-between Havaianas and heeled (or wedged) sandals, so I'm now on the lookout for a chunky pair of flat ones. I'm rather keen on the Acne Ambrosia (though the name makes me hungry - darned diet) but I'm not so keen on the price tag. I hit Zara today after hearing a rumour of something similar but no such luck. Any ideas, Team Shopaholic..? (that's you guys!)

PS. Google tells me "carpe calciamenti" means "seize the sandal", but I have a sneaking suspicion there isn't really a latin word for "sandal"...

Cotton: America's Spoilt Child

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Harradine) — Thu, 10 May 2012 19:45:00 +0000

I desperately try - and fail - to understand economics but some things just don't go into this pretty little head of mine, and that is one of them. I do understand that, generally, the countries who are good at doing something do it, and export it to the countries which need the goods. There's a policy called free trade which means that a government doesn't interfere with imports or exports; no adding tariffs to imports, or subsidies to exports. Yes, Adam Smith, I know you are turning in your grave over these clumsy definitions, but sometimes I need to break things down into Layman's terms to understand them at all.

For quite some years now the main issue surrounding free trade has been cotton. Surprising, when you think of the innocuous garments made from cotton: pyjamas, t-shirts, knickers.. the staples you wouldn't consider living without. However, ten years ago C-4+1 (the Cotton 4 countries - Chad, Burkina Faso, Benin, and Mali, plus Senegal), along with Brazil, took action against the subsidies America provides its cotton farmers. The subsidies stabilise the price of cotton for American farmers and the subsidy means they can charge less for their cotton than Third World farmers can, depressing the cost of cotton. The World Trade Organisation deemed some of the subsidies illegal - unsurprising, really, when you consider farmers in the C-4 rarely have enough money to feed their families. Since 2002 the American government have pumped $24 billion into the cotton trade, despite the WTO's ruling.

It is for this reason my blood boils every time I come across the Cotton USA advertorial in Vogue.

Images style.com
I have nothing against Louise Gray as a designer or as an individual, in fact I am rather keen on her whimsical, colourful designs, with her autumn/winter 2012 being the most wearable yet. We must also be realistic - in the current economic climate (I am so sick of that term) firms need all the financial help they can get. No, it is more the fact that Cotton USA have the money to be sponsoring anybody, whilst the C-4 countries are amongst the poorest in the world, ranked by the World Bank in 2006 as being between 173-193 out of around 208 countries (Oxfam America report).

The advertorial also implies that Cotton USA is of better quality than cotton from elsewhere: "US cotton is so versatile, and there is so much you can do with it", Gray is quoted as saying. I can't comment on the quality of different cottons - have you ever noticed that on your clothing labels it rarely, if ever says where the fabric is from, just where the garment was made? - though I'm sure People Tree would have something to say on that matter. They do not source their cotton, as most other fashion retailers do. They work with cotton farmers from the ground up to make sure everyone gets a fair pay, and the cotton they create is a heavy weight, thus is of good quality.

I've barely touched upon the cotton pricing issue. Most of it I honestly do not understand; the Oxfam report contains equations which make my brain hurt. I am more concerned now with what I - we - can do about it. I don't for a moment suggest boycotting Louise Gray: the designer's talent should be encouraged and nurtured - just not in this way. The first step is to make retailers and manufacturers aware of the situation; usually when I meet those in the clothing industry I ask about their supply chain, and where they source their fabrics. Some may think that is a bit sad, but others may actually go away and think about it and do a little research. I also go on about Fair Trade cotton a fair bit and would love to see more designers using that. Can you imagine a Louise Gray and People Tree collaboration? The results would be most excellent, with Gray's eclectic clash of prints, colours, and global influences, combined with People Tree's cotton knowledge and Fair Trade supply chain.

I hope this has given you food for thought. Once again, I don't claim to be an expert on ethical fashion, merely someone blundering their way along, trying to do their best for the world and everybody in it. If you have any suggestions or discussion points please do comment, as I would love to hear your view.

The éditeur's Exquisite Edit

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Harradine) — Tue, 08 May 2012 19:53:00 +0000

Tasty food, endless wine, and bohemian-luxe fashion; Chester boutique The éditeur sure know how to throw a pre-races party. Held at Chester racecourse's 1539 restaurant last Thursday night, I donned sequins for a mid-week night out with plenty of style credentials.

My table was a vibrant mélange of stylists, bloggers, and fashion industry insiders. Banter was lively, my only regret being that I was a little too starstruck to talk to the ladies from Alexander McQueen sat a few seats along. My time will come! Co-owner Adam was on hand to fill any wine glasses looking remotely half full (funnily enough I only seemed to drink one glass the entire night. My head the next morning said otherwise) and answer any questions about The éditeur we may have had. I was surprised to hear that the boutique had only been open for a year - they have already established a strong online presence with an impressive selection of designers in a short amount of time.

The foundation of the business is their dedication to finding the right underwear for their clients. If we haven't experienced it ourselves then we've definitely witnessed it - visible panty lines, ill-fitting bras and the really unattractive line a pair of hipster pants makes. Co-owner Annabel is passionate about lingerie; having cut her teeth working at revolutionary bra retailer Bravissimo she now ensures all clients have correctly sized underwear to complement their beautiful new outerwear purchase. She told me most women wear bras too large in the back and too small in the cup - I made a mental note to make sure I get measured as soon as possible.

Of course, the reason we were all gathered together was to see The éditeur's fashionable offerings (though my taste buds would tell you otherwise - I could easily wax lyrical about the food). The show was intended for those attending the races to peruse their options, but all outfits featured would be ideal for summer and beyond - I'm looking at booking a holiday to Ibiza and would love to pack each item for my holiday wardrobe. Might need more than hand luggage, mind you.

My favourite pieces were from Tibi - the brand sit perfectly within the throw-on-with-sandals vibe I'm feeling right now, and I ache to wear the pastel and black fleur de lis print on a balmy Balearic evening. The Patrizia Pepe white and lemon ombréd dress shows off a golden tan whether home or away, and I see cool girl extraordinaire Erin Wasson wearing this on an exclusive, deserted sandy beach.. oh, somewhere in the Maldives, perhaps.

Laura Apsit Livens' hats were on show, and The éditeur will soon be stocking these beauties - creating a one-stop-shop for any races- or wedding-goers.

There was also man candy.. uh, I mean menswear, courtesy of fellow Chester retailers Citygate. Again, there was a fabulous mix of summer daywear and fashion-forward suits ideal for any age.

I've now had the chance to attend fashion shows from a handful of the North West's leading independent boutiques, and what strikes me most is that each indie is utterly unique, with its own ideas and approach to retail. They recognise the need for omnichannel retailing and take calculated risks exploring avenues many global companies wouldn't dare to. The éditeur are a small team, yet are always looking for methods of moving forward: they have recently employed a photographer and a SEO specialist to make the website a force to be reckoned with in the fashion batt-etail-field. Speaking to Annabel and Adam, you can't help but feel their excitement for the boutique - and I look forward to finding out what they have up their sleeves for the next twelve months.

Still Life Interrupted: Elliott Landy

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Harradine) — Sat, 05 May 2012 17:40:00 +0000

Today we have a special guest post from Mr Dotty - that is, my boyfriend Chris. For his first instalment he checks out the Emporio Armani/Elliott Landy exhibition...

He left the house and anxiously checked the time again. As usual, he was running late after a conundrum rendered him paralysed in his underwear.

What should he wear for this thing?

Now that he'd sorted that issue out, the next, and completely beyond his control; a dog, wet after bathing in the canal, operating like a punctured fire hydrant with brownish spurts flying into the chilly air, launching itself towards him. Were chinos ever a good call with waterways and dogs in the world?

Then he was at Emporio Armani and the Elliott Landy collection, the rest of the journey competely uneventful and thus unworthy of comment. An extremely friendly woman greeted him at the door, opened by two pleasant and smartly dressed chaps, and asked his name.

'I don't think I'm on the list,' he said, too quietly. Fortunately greeters are used to people less confident than themselves (because by definition EVERYONE is less confident than them - that's their job) and said 'I'm sure you are (winning smile)'. A quick indicative glance at the invite list -

'Chris Green'
'Yes, here you are.'
As if it were the most natural conversation in the world (which it was).

He walked around the gallery in a striped t-shirt, chinos and brown boots (don't worry, I know where I am) supping from a complimentary Peroni, marvelling at the photography on offer. If I get the chance to tell people about this, particularly a large audience, I'm going to recommend everyone come and see it, he thought to himself.

Janis Joplin
A man in a suit walked over and asked if they were his pictures. He played along and said they were, and an amusing moment ensued where he adopted the persona of another man for his audience and tried to mimic his behaviours based on what sort of guy he thought Elliott Landy was. They grinned and went their separate ways, the set piece (and alcohol) having settled his nerves somewhat.

He spent the next hour or so checking out the remarkable images on offer. He scribbled down a particular irony in Landy using infrared, a photographic technique perfected by the CIA for tracing heat residues, in capturing some of the central figures in western counterculture, like Dylan, Joplin and Hendrix. He loved the effect the technique had in reducing physical movement to etheral streaks and curved flashes oflight, creating impressions of sonic physicality and in some cases removing the creator from the act. There was something weirdly profound in that, he felt.

Ornette Coleman & son
As he stared at a picture of Bob Dylan surrounded by warm hazy pink blossom, he realised how influential Landy had been in creating this artwork. It was as though as Landy were umbilically attached to the Summer of Love and now its ideas and philosophies were his lfeblood. He couldn't imagine the era of these legends being captured in any other way and that, surely, was the mark of genius that only a few possessed.

Mostly, however, he noticed he was really prone to monologues. He put it down to the influence of weblog culture.

John Lee Hooker
Elliott Lady's collection is available to view at Emporio Armani, Spinningfields until Monday 7th May. These JPEGs will be disappearing then so view the exhibition while you can!

Gossip And A Dressing Gown

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Harradine) — Tue, 01 May 2012 22:00:00 +0000

This vintage dressing gown was donated to me by my now-departed Auntie Jean, and has been hanging around in my wardrobe waiting for an occasion (and for me to gather the courage) to be worn outside the house. I've been easing myself into it lately, wearing it little and often, finding that it works a treat with my Aldo Rise shoes and lemon jeans; in the summer I'll be wearing it with cut-off denim in a relaxed pretending-I'm-at-a-festival fashion.

Yesterday I had a makeover at Illamasqua (thanks to Fashion Catalyst) and the make-up artist went a little crazy on me, as you can see here, then I went a little crazy and bought the deep teal lipstick she had applied. I was told that the eye perceives it as a sexy colour, especially when paired with white eyeliner, as it is the exact negative of the usual red-lip-black-lined-eye combo. I'm more into its quirky qualities than its sexiness but if it comes with the territory then I suppose I'll just have to cope. Please excuse my hair which is in the extremely irritating growing out stages of a bob, flicking out in all the directions I expressly don't want it to flick in. And yes, it's all one colour now!

I have a few tidbits of gossip for you. Firstly I have recently started writing for the newsicmoos Fashion pages; there are only a few pieces up so far - including one about awesome up-and-coming shoe designer Cleo B - but we have some exciting bits in the pipeline, so stick with us for cool music and fashion crossovers.

I was photographed ages ago so I assumed it would never go live, but last week I had a picture and a tiny write-up about me in the London Evening Standard.

Sarah Harradine is an international fashion marketing student from Manchester. Sarah is wearing a customized denim shirt from New Look, an ASOS skirt, Topshop Boutique coat, a Versace for H&M neck scarf, Zara bag and Kurt Geiger shoes.

“I’m very trend-led, so I tend to look at an editorial or a catwalk and then find a way to emulate it through high street purchases. My favourite designers are Miuccia Prada and Christopher Kane, but it’s the people on the high street that are the most interesting.”

So there you go!

Finally, and most excitingly, details dropped about London store LN-CC's latest giveaway a few days ago...

LN-CC are offering flights to London (who cares that you're in Essex? Travel in style), a three-night stay in a hotel, and fifteen thousand pounds to spend in store. Can you imagine what you could do in LN-CC with that much money? I can, and it involves a whole load of Haider Ackermann's shiny tailoring. Enter here by providing your email address and that of two friends you feel may be interested in the retailer. Feel free to use my email as one of those interested parties, but I will be expecting an Ackermann-shaped thank-you gift if you win..

Stay tuned this week as Fashion Dotty takes another road trip to Cheshire to visit The éditeur's pre-races fashion show, and Mr Dotty will be making a very special guest appearance, playing reporter for the night at Emporio Armani's Elliott Landy exhibition!

Take Me To Funky Town

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Harradine) — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 14:20:00 +0000

Those of you who have seen me in the past few days may have noticed me whistling the Lipps Inc classic and strutting along a little more wiggle than normal. I haven't suddenly become a massive Shrek fan (in fact I've never seen the film.. how bad is that?!). It is because I was whisked away to a Funky Town - or rather, Bottega's glamorous Seventies-themed summer fashion show.

The crowd were not only glossy-haired, well-heeled (literally - see McQueen, Louboutin, & Marant above!) and gorgeous, but were also very generous. The event was in support of Claire House Children's Hospice and at first count raffle tickets and donations added up to £700 but this was before the real shopping began. With 10% of each purchase made from the Bottega and friends collections available, it was the perfect excuse to shop - and yes, I may have made a purchase. But I had to do it. For charity, darling..!

The Grade II listed building Bolesworth Castle was the evening's venue, which just so happened to be shoe designer Cleo B's family home (read more about Cleo B at Newsic Moos very soon). Bottega have recently started stocking Cleo's collection and the evening proved to be a fantastic showcase for the pieces - in fact the first two looks were dedicated to Cleo's Rockbox and Jam Master Jay espadrilles and Sucker MCs casette heels.

All models wearing Des Petits Hauts Gold Katarina midi skirts and Sucker MCs shoes.

The Jam Master Jay is a classic with a twist - a raffia sole and heel, plus cool metallic and suede straps. Me likey.

'I'm in Miami Girl' was surely just gratuituous, giving us a chance to gawp at the babe-licious models. So full of attitude and sass, and each one different to the next - perfect casting! I think I'll leave this look to that sexy lot, though I'm sure I could find an inventive way to style the printed We Are Handsome swimsuit.

To me 'Le Freak C'Est Chic' was the most wearable and on-trend look of them all. Bottega stocks a fantastic edit of the Olsen's Elizabeth and James label, and each model was attired in at least one piece from the brand. My mum's favourite (did I mention my mum came along? She loved it) was the floral pyjama pants, and I was rather partial to the floral midi-maxi dress - it had a great movement and fluidity.

The 1970s references were coming thick and fast as we reached look 5, 'Saturday Night Fever'. A tight-fitting, one-shouldered top tucked into high-waisted flares. A floaty kaftan top, a tassled obi belt. On paper these may sound costume-like but the modern accessories (namely Cleo B) and neon accents kept the looks modern.

I really wish I could dress like 'Last Night A DJ Saved My Life' every day, though trailing hemlines in wet Manchester may not be the most practical. This look mixed vintage and modern pieces, though you would be hard-pressed to spot the difference. Can you see the Blank cross body necklace in the first look? Genius idea!

Awesome looks, beautiful venue and an atmosphere abuzz with lively chatter - the perfect platform for Bottega's wares and Cleo B's goodies.

The name tags were a lovely touch!
I like to think I dressed appropriately to the theme - this French Connection velvet jumpsuit doesn't photograph so well but it fits like it was made for me. I adore it. Accessorised with Terry De Havilland wedges and hair styled by the rain (thanks for that) I felt like a 1970s diva. And how on-trend is my mum?! Sporty tailoring, coral, and a scarf-print blouse. I reckon she's secretly been looking at the Philip Lim 3.1 spring/summer show on style.com without telling me...

You'll find Bottega in Tarporley village centre. I recommend you take a day trip; eat at Bottega's Birdcage café, then visit all of Tarporley's other treasures - numerous castles, top tea rooms, and more striking scenery than you can shake an SLR at.

Milanese Window Shopping

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Harradine) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 12:30:00 +0000

You know you've got visual merchandising fever pretty bad when other people come back from their holidays with window display pictures for you. This happened when Paolo Feroleto took a trip to Milan for Salone del Mobile (which to non-design-heads is Design Week) and in-between snapping pictures of furniture managed to sneak in a little window shopping. Please enjoy Italian Louis Vuitton, Miu Miu and Stefanel windows, and my favourite, Moschino's harlequin clown. A new Manchester window shopping will come as soon as the weather clears up!

A Blog About Blogging

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Harradine) — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:12:00 +0000

Right guys, please don't be shocked, but I am going to use the naughty "b" word now.. Hold onto your hats!:

BLOGGING.
Blogging is the swear word of fashion media. To some, it is everything; others abhor it. Me? I started Fashion Dotty as a means to an end, but now it is more like an unpaid, all-consuming job, although when people ask what I do I still pull a face and put on a silly voice to say "I'm a blogger".

(NB: at London Fashion Week, if you are not a stylist, buyer, journalist or such, it is de rigueur to answer "I'm a blogger" when asked what your occupation is)

I'm ever-interested in the whole blogosphere - what drives it, where it is going - so was curious to attend The Fashion Network's evening with Navaz Batliwalla - aka blogger DisneyRollerGirl - last night, chaired by Manchester's premier fashion blogger, Jordan McDowell.

First up was a question about naming your blog. It was pleasing to hear that Navaz struggled to name her blog, too; she has a fascination with 1970s roller girl imagery, but unfortunately "RollerGirl" was taken: so another interest, Disney, was tacked onto the front. I think we can all relate to this - you struggle to find a name that isn't taken, and find yourself stuck with something, anything. Darned Internet.

A gorgeous image from Navaz's Shoots tab

Navaz studied fashion promotion & illustration, and, like so many others, didn't get her dream job as soon as she left university. After years of work experience, working as a fashion assistant, then going freelance, she got the call we are all waiting for - come work as fashion director of CosmoGIRL! During her time at the magazine, Navaz started her blog - which was anonymous for the first three years - which began as a way to showcase her work and interests which did not fit the CosmoGIRL! demographic. PRs started sending emails to the anon blog's address and opportunities arose, so Navaz decided it was time to go public - as well as realising she was providing an honest opinion, which readers trusted her for, but "why should they trust you if they can't see your face?"

There are not that many pictures of Navaz's face on the internet, but rest assured she is petite and unintentionally super-cute, with the most adorable lisp. Her way of speaking made me warm to her, and she spoke a lot of truths regarding blog views (namely, don't worry about them), brand-blog relationships, and self-promotion. Most bloggers have it in the bag, with their multi-channel approach; Tweeting, Tumbling, and Pinning, to supplement their blog posts, which should come "whenever YOU want". Navaz stated that you have to stand out to take your business forward. You can take that statement as a retailer, designer, or blogger; concepts like in-store galleries and social media stunts (such as Jonathan Saunders' #ShowUsYourSaunders hashtag, which Navaz thought was "quite sweet") are things that have stood out recently.

The Starworks babes #ShowingTheirSaunders

All great points well made, I thought. DisneyRollerGirl believes the best blogs are those with varied content from day-to-day, posting about stuff you love; love that shows through in your writing and photographs. I think you can take this further by exploring subjects you are genuinely passionate about with your blog; treat it as a giant sketchbook, exploring ideas and sharing them with like-minded individuals. I don't think this is easily done with sponsored blogs, or those who are sent items for free. As @Fashion156 tweeted today, "sponsored blogging is going to kill the credibility online media has established. #ReadersAreNotIdiots".

So where am I going with this blog post about blogging? I'm not entirely sure. What I do know is that I need to start being proud to be a blogger. Bloggers are both guinea pigs and power-houses, pushing the fashion industry forward with their style and opinions, however well formed. Blogging should no longer be an embarrassing word, but a word to be encouraged and celebrated.

Images fashionwelike.com, disneyrollergirl.net, Starworks

2022NQ

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Harradine) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 17:20:00 +0000

Manchester's Northern Quarter is a hub of art and creativity, so it was no surprise when new gallery 2022NQ opened last week. The concept of the gallery is a little different to normal, however; the space is to be used for club nights, creative socials, and film screenings - plus Manchester Fashion Network will be using it for their annual recruitment fair (graduates and students, take note - speak to employers about junior positions and get feedback on your portfolio). You can even hire it out for events at the weekend, or simply treat it as a regular gallery and pop in for the exhibitions.

Saturday night was the first of the monthly guest DJ nights, with Horse Meat Disco. There's currently an exhibition on by fashion photographer Matthew Comer, which I was planning to see anyway, but was expecting to be shoved into a neighbouring room for the clubnight; fortuitously it was in the same space as the photographs, and taking a turn around the room to view the artwork was the perfect foil to the rest of the evening's debauchery.

Another pleasant surprise was the crowd. Extremely good-looking and fashionable, there didn't seem to be a drop of pretension, a problem many other Manchester venues are affected by. In fact, 2022NQ suffered only minor niggles caused by the venue being full to capacity, such as toilet queues and an overburdened cloakroom. I'm sure these will be ironed out quickly and the venue will excel in its various endeavours.

2022NQ is always open and is at 20 Dale Street, Manchester.

All Rise For J.W.Anderson

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Harradine) — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 18:57:00 +0000

Along with the rest of the fashmosphere I am keeping a beady eye on J.W.Anderson's rise to fame, particularly those paisley print pyjama pants (accidental alliteration, there; I think I like it). Of course, to me his collections are completely inaccessible price-wise, so I am very grateful to Aldo Rise for the chance of purchasing a piece of this up-and-coming designer's history.

I suffered a great internal battle choosing between these and the Preen pair, but in the end the fact that these are nothing like I've ever owned before - plus the heel hair - won me over. Worn with an outfit thrown on this morning to pick them up (Zara shirt, Vero Moda sweater, charity shop jeans) I'm looking forward to wearing them with a plain white tee and leather skinnies, à la Elin Kling.

Dotty's Diary: April-May 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Harradine) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 20:50:00 +0000

Synchronise your diaries, fashionistas of Manchester! Over the next month there are plenty of opportunities to clear space in your wardrobe, add to it for bargain prices, do your bit for charity, and satisfy your arty urges.. all whilst looking fabulous, and more than likely supping on a goblet of champagne.

Do good and look good with TK Maxx's Fashion Exchange evening at the Birdcage, Manchester. I'm sure you all have plenty of clothes lurking in your wardrobes you no longer wear (not me.. not any more!) so Give Up Clothes For Good in aid of Cancer Research UK. A £5 ticket gets you access to the fashion show, stylist advice, "Pimp My Purchase" lessons, and of course the clothes swap - free to those bringing three items of clothing or more to swap, £2 an item to those without. The more tickets to this event are sold, the more items of clothing Pearl pledges to swap. Seriously, girls.. have you seen this lady's wardrobe?!

If you fancy heading into disco territory on the 26th then take yourself to Funky Town - or rather the heart of Cheshire, where independent boutique Bottega are holding a 1970s-inspired glamorous fashion show. Designers featured will be London-based cordwainer Cleo B, swimwear designer Melissa Odabash, and cool girls' go-to We Are Handsome. The fashion show begins at 7.30pm at Bolesworth Castle, Tattenhall, and is in support of Claire House Children's Hospice.

I'm a big fan of indies and this is actually only ten minutes from my parents' house, so I am doubly excited about this one. Cleo B will also be holding their spring/summer shopping event in the Castle on the 27th & 28th.

Another independent doing their bit for charity (take note, multinationals!) is Wilmslow wonders Black White Denim. BWD add a dash of pink by collaborating wth the Genesis Breast Cancer Prevention appeal by holding a two day sale at The Nightingale Centre & Genesis Prevention Centre at Wythenshawe Hospital, offering upto 60% off brands such as Acne, Carven, and rag & bone; only all of my favourites, then. With catwalks at 11am and 1pm on both days (featuring professional models and cancer conquerers) and 10% of each sale going to the Genesis Appeal, this is sure to be a day of feel-good fashion fun. I also heard a rumour of a celebrity appearance or two.. but you didn't hear that from me!

Racing season is well and truly upon us, next up being Chester Races. Chester-based boutique The éditeur are holding a pre-races fashion show on the 3rd, showcasing picks from the very best of races style. After browsing through their website I found a refreshing mix of designers (such as Michael Kors, Tibi, Halston Heritage, Sam Edelman and Rebecca Minkoff) and I look forward to seeing them styled up on the runway. The éditeur's niche is beautiful underwear, and they believe your undergarments should be the first consideration when dressing. Despite mainly owning faded Marks & Sparks unmentionables I agree; nothing spoils a perfectly put-together outfit like a visible panty line, or even a visible bra line.

Enjoy a three-course meal plus fashion show at Chester Racecourse's 1539 Restaurant & Bar, priced at £25, booked through restaurant1539.co.uk.

After a successful foray into musical endeavours, Spinningfield's Emporio Armani store are dipping their toes into photography exhibition. From the 4th-7th May 'Icons from Woodstock' will exhibit an exclusive selection of portraits by American photographer and artist, Elliott Landy. Ever heard of Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, or Eric Clapton? ("yeah, duh", I hear you say) Well, these guys were merely rising stars when photographed by Landy. In 1969 he was official photographer for Woodstock Festival, where he created portraits using a special procedure invented by the CIA - infrared - with a strong contrast of bright colours. Eat your heart out Instagram.

I am so excited for the next month in Manchester, and I hope that you are now, too. This is to become a monthly feature on Fashion Dotty so if you would like me to include your event for May-June, please drop me a line!

Hanne Gaby Odiele: Street Style Icon

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Harradine) — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 12:42:00 +0000

Models look great: that's pretty much a fact. On the runway, on the street, putting the recycling out; the old adage applies that they would look amazing in a bin bag. However, few understand fashion as innately as Belgian-born model Hanne Gaby Odiele.

Adored by designers and street style bloggers alike, her delightful mélange of designer and vintage look effortlessly chic completed with a dash of humour. Attempting to create a formula for Hanne's dressing ethos proved to be near impossible - imagine if we could simply follow a few steps to look as polished as that every day! - though I did try to put together a few guidelines for creating Odiele-like outfits..

No guarantees of success, but fashion is about having fun and expressing yourself: Hanne's bag exactly. Try out different combinations from your own wardrobe, and most of all, enjoy it!

Images: altamiranyc.tumblr.com, blog.stylesight.com, streetpeeper.com, candicelake.com.
Two from Pinterest - please inform me of credit required!

This Weekend I...

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Harradine) — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 17:36:00 +0000

Click to read my thoughts on Aintree's Ladies' Day fashion.

My hair-spiration was Alexa Chung, in actuality it's probably closer to Steven Tyler.

"He's totally an up-and-coming designer so they are practically an investment", she said to her boyfriend, to convince herself as much as he.

Dotty's Styling Factory

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Harradine) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 12:45:00 +0000

The fashion industry in the UK is worth approximately £21 billion to the economy, and employs 816,000 people; however I think young people are unaware of the scope for different careers the fashion industry holds. As a teenager I thought that designing was the beginning and end of fashion - how I thought those magazines I worshipped dropped on my doormat every month, how clothes arrived in stores, or how window displays were made, I don't know; the designers obviously magicked everything there with the power of their minds. Even now I am frequently astounded by the jobs available, with thoughts along the lines of "you get to do that for a living?!" - starting with the buyers, merchandisers, and marketers, and stretching all the way to stylists, photographers, and editors. I especially love all the new media and etail job titles - Social Media Managers, Corporate Social Responsibility Assistants, User Assistance Architects, et al. Mindblowing..!

So when The Style Factory gave me the opportunity to run fashion workshops for teens I was delighted to pass on my fashion career-related knowledge. The Style Factory makes the fashion industry accessible for young people, running pattern making, recycled fashion, and even "create your own fashion label" workshops in the North West, and for two days this week took over an (enormous!) empty unit in Runcorn's Halton Lea shopping centre for Fashion In The City. As well as the t-shirt printing, headband making, massages and make-up tutorials already running, yesterday I held styling and visual merchandising workshops using clothing from Room31.co.uk and a couple of props I'd brought along myself. No prizes for spotting the difference I'm afraid.

It was inspiring to find that kids are enthusiastic about window dressing and working in the fashion industry. They were incredibly creative, using scraps of fabric and rubber gloves to make ingenious displays. By far my favourite moment of the day was asking an 11-year-old girl what they would like to do as a job one day. "This", she said. I hope that I helped inspire her to pursue a career in the industry I love so much!

Camera Bagscura

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Harradine) — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 21:40:00 +0000

A day of coffee, cameras, and cake is pretty much my ideal way to spend a bank holiday Monday; throw in a couple of a designer handbags and I am yours completely.

Clare of Tweet managed to combine all four of these interests (though my other two favourites, shoes and cats, were sadly missing) this past Easter Monday by hosting a meet-up for fashion bloggers to play with MyBag.com handbags, whilst learning how to use Lomography cameras. I say learning in the loosest sense possible; I fear we were all rather giddy. Fuelling up on cupcakes at Sugar Junction then sitting still through a presentation about the history of Lomography is probably not the most conducive cocktail for taking on new information, but I am proud to say I now know what all the little plastic cameras do and how they differ, and got to snap a roll of film for myself.

I'm waiting for my fish-eye film to be developed - I'm not particularly good at the patience thing but needs must. If you are as impatient as I then you can check out these rather less charming digital pictures I got of us all being daft with bags and cameras..!

Featuring a Lilifi leopard satchel, Cambridge leather satchel, DVF sunglasses, and Lomography cameras from the new store on Oldham Street

L-R Nicola, Florrie, Charlotte, yours truly, Clare, & Amy

Clare's friend Clare, confusingly not a fashion blogger

Obsessed with this outfit

I'm renaming this blog The Shoe Stalker

Pret A Portas: #TeamMary Hits Manchester

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Harradine) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 12:12:00 +0000

Last week, as I'm sure many of you are aware, Mary Portas threw a bit of a shindig in her new House of Fraser concession in Manchester. I unfortunately was unable to attend (as I was working one floor down at Oasis.. but I made sure I said hello to Mary, natch) so I asked the very lovely Alice, one of the Mary shop's resident Style & Service Specialists and Design Management for Fashion Retailing student, to give a little run-down of the very successful evening and the key trends emerging from Mary's collection...

Image from Mary Portas's Twitter

"The evening had a great turnout. We invited 150 customers who had visited us the previous week and all of the Mary team who were involved with the design and development of the concession; the designers, visual merchandisers, interior designers, illustrators and of course Mary Portas herself!

Manchester HoF's visual team and their new best friend

"She was also joined by her wife Mel, editor at large of Grazia, Peter, her business partner and her Kinky Knickers machinists. Mary was wonderful with anyone who wanted to speak to her; she really had time for them and was eager to educate women about her philosophies.

The Pret a Portas Cocktail:
One part simple chic
One part edge
DECORATE!

"The layout of the store makes this all possible. Carefully crafted messages guide you through the store and to the dressing rooms which are fitted with bells, allowing the stylists to provide the best possible service to their customers. For Mary it is all about being ready in ten minutes and looking amazing, and these messages are echoed all around the walls of the concession. Pret a Portas is a way of dressing, a philosophy and a service experience. She aims to provide a service to women who have been truly neglected by the British market place. Mary’s collection provides women with a mental checklist in order to avoid the mutton moment in front of the mirror, when you realise you are dressing like your daughter!

"The collection has been expertly edited by Mary’s team in order to ensure you are able to dress stylishly without any fuss. With help from House of Fraser’s in-store stylists you can edit your trends while working with your proportions. Yellow is such a staple colour for this season and the Mary team have pinpointed this with a highlighter tunic top, a scuba inspired yellow vest and a low-waist dress. The tunic top was bought by MEN reporter Deanna Delamotta with navy ponte leggings, also worn by Mary. These leggings are amazing. The stretchy fabric is wonderfully forming and high waisted, perfect with any of Mary’s tees, tunics or knitwear. Team this with one of Mary’s limited edition silk print scarves or some jewellery from Tatty Devine to top off the look.

Image of Deanna from the MEN

Alice (right) in her very stylish Mary garbs

"Check out the entire lookbook here, or of course come into House of Fraser to see it for yourself. Investing in Mary is a real confidence boost for women, so be sure to take a trip to House of Fraser Deansgate for a truly unique Mary experience."

Totally Surreal, Man

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Harradine) — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 13:23:00 +0000

Surrealism, n. Pure psychic automatism, by which one proposes to express, either verbally, in writing, or by any other manner, the real functioning of thought. Dictation of thought in the absence of all control exercised by reason, outside of all aesthetic and moral preoccupation.

In the 1930s Salvador Dalí created an installation for America's Bonwit Teller department store entitled "Narcissus". It was soon removed due to complaints from the general public; clearly it was far too outrageous for its time. Although no photographic evidence of the window appears to exist it can only be assumed the display was inspired by Dalí's painting, "Metamorphosis of Narcissus" (1937).

One also guesses the new Harvey Nichols Manchester displays was inspired by Dalí's paintings and the works of other surrealists, such as Delvaux, Magritte, and and Kahlo (top to bottom, below). The windows are utter dreamlike perfection, featuring tree people in D&G, skeletons in a Givenchy-clad clinch, and mannequins chillin' in Burberry next to an awesome interpretation of "The False Mirror".

This is by far my favourite window display I've seen - and as a visual geek I've travelled far and wide to see many - and I am so proud to say it is in my home city of Manchester!

Big Green Saturday

noreply@blogger.com (Sarah Harradine) — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 16:16:00 +0000

Yesterday was the Chorlton Big Green Festival, and it certainly lived up to its name! I was pleasantly surprised just how much there was to do and how many people were in attendance. You could have a go at spinning wool, decoupage and woodwork, learn about everything from Greenpeace to organic dog food, and buy gorgeous, Fair Trade, preservative-free coffee, chocolate and ice cream. I took a tenner but could have easily spent that four times over.

I also popped in to see the Stitched Up gang to drop off three bulging bags of clothes and rifle through their wares. I went back just before leaving the festival to see if anything of mine had disappeared yet; turns out a lady had just taken an old Cos dress of mine that just never fit me right, and was overjoyed. Result!

Onto something not so green: Inditex, the company responsible for Zara, Pull & Bear, et al, pledged to join in with Earth Hour 2012.

This meant switching off all lights from 8.30pm to 9.30pm on Saturday 31st March, so Zara were to turn their window lights off for one hour last night. This picture was taken at 20:45 yesterday..

Whoops

I'm not sure of the efficacy of Earth Hour; the amount of energy used to switch said light bulbs back on at at 9.30 probably outweighs any benefit gained during that one hour. Still, it is a poor show considering their pledge. Better luck next year Zara - perhaps you could shut up for the day and pop along to Chorlton's Big Green Festival?