Glitter Bomb on My Sleeve !

As consumers splurge and do their part to help the economy in the best city known to man, Manchester. And without the technicality of the Royal family living in London, my brown eyes would suggest and put forward that the majestic and fashion forward city of Manchester be the capital of England.

However, this is not the meaning of this post. For people who decide to read this, to hear about my love turned to addicted love with the humble city I live in. I have to sometimes remind myself that this is a blog about the latest in everything Fashion, and that not everyone is like myself when it comes to Fashion. I believe when I was born into the world, I was wearing a pair of high heels, probably Valentino or Vivienne Westwood. I am for ever reminding myself ‘Michelle not everyone has the same Fashion knowledge as you’ or ‘Michelle not everyone can style themselves or others as good as you’.

I watched today as the crowds of people awaited for H&M to open (I know this because I was in that crowd). The crowd looked like a herd of sheep in a field grazing (which reminds me of the Graze box I have recently tried and would recommend to others). The fashion followers were awaiting the launch of the Isabel Matara Collection for H&M. When the barriers arose and the doors were flung open the droves of followers quickly scavenged for anything and everything they could possess. In my opinion it did not matter if the garments from the newly released collection that the followers had managed to rummage together did not match, if the garments did create a whole outfit or if styling had gone indefinitely out of the window (which infact on closer look were actually absent from the H&M Market Street, Manchester Store and I don’t suspect any of the lucky followers had even took time to notice this fact as they were too busy inspecting the Isabel Matara Collection). When it comes to collection itself on first look and actually I thought everything to be basic and all around highly generic. Matara probably designed everything with the average H&M consumer in mind, with ever garment in the collection going with another with collection that H&M had to offer. This piece of trickery was done intentionally, therefore making every garment profitable, which in tail would be the very reasoning why H&M would do collaboration with Isabel Marant in the first place.

Geek Chic - The Accidental Trend (All Over My Heart on My Fashion Sleeve)

It all started with just one man. One man who accidentally went out dressed up to the absolute maximum in what he thought was just a generally dressed up outfit that all fashionistas were when styling themselves for a day out in town to accumulate even more garments. His hair in a rugged but smart looking quiff held in place by a questionable amount of gel. A Ralph Lauren suit jacket just to prove that there was the consideration of appearing smart. And it successfully fulfilled it’s job, Prada chinos, with a simple salmon pink shirt from Topshop (with an accidental ketchup stain on the left side)

 But what he presumed (I was taught to never presume) was just an ordinary looking outfit came to be a trend. A trend that would indefinitely come to be duplicated all over the world. Actually in fact this trend was recreated all over the runways of London, Paris and Milan. It is evident to see that many designers drew inspiration from this what I would call accidental trend. 

So when you are next waiting for a bus or you are waiting in a queue to pay just think to yourself did you think about what you are wear because someone else could of.

Every season has a story! Every story has a season! (On a fashion sleeve)

Any fashion conscious or respectable person would understand the importance of a trend whether it be Missoni’s hectic print or the use of a selection of headwear worn by the models showcasing the creations of Alexander McQueen. Trends arise straight from the catwalk and slowly but surely work their way down the converbelt of fashion into our fashion brand stores where they are dissected and manipulated into profitable garments.

The very reason for me writing about this is through no fault of my own fashionable self I have noticed the ever increasing number of Cath Kidston merchandise roaming the street. I admit, I’m guilty and I’ve catched this bug as I pour of Peppermint and Lime tea from my Cath Kidston teapot into a Cath Kidston teacup with matching saucer.

House of Thrift (on a fashion sleeve) !

It has only recently become apparent to myself after a friend commented on my blog, that the name of the post has no connection with its title. But then again why would it if the blog post and it’s heading were about the same subject would it even matter that the two had totally different names. Who would notice or find it deceiving or concerning for that matter.

I’ve admitted to being judgemental when it comes to other peoples styling options, which yes i admit is a very rude trait to have and I find myself being judgemental even when I am wearing a questionable outfit for example sportswear when I have no intension of going to the gym. But now more so than ever I have a reason for being this way. I recently started a internship with Spottin Style, this is due to the fact that since I finished University jobs have been highly scarce. Although this job is unpaid and at a internship level I am gaining social needs and putting my disgusting trait to good use.

My first assignment since I joined Spottin Style may not sound very glamorous however what I found out whilst completing it was eye opening and made me question the styling choice I had made before leaving the house.

Do any of us think about the hat and sometimes gloves we wear before leaving the house? I would presume that we didn’t think about it from a styling prospect. We are all guilty of this and we are more concerned with the question – Is it going to do its job and keep me warm? On my travel to certain destinations I spotted an array of hats from bobby to beret!

I bought a light pink beret because now after this assignment I definitely now will make a conscious decision as to what hat I will put on my head. I hope you do the same.

Sunday Jam (On My Fashion Sleeve)

So, what the hell are you suppose to write about or should I say blog about when you have been out of the blogging business for a good solid two years. I had already decided the name of this post (Sunday Jam) when I saw it in my Twitter feed. I instantly adored it, and for no apparent reason. So thank you to the person responsible.

I think/know I am the only person to blame when it comes to the lack of blog posts on this web site, but hopefully all will change as I intend to blog every day. I assume it’s just a guessing game of whether or not people will actually view/read this. This has always puzzled me when it came to bloggers and their intentions because many bloggers post about themselves which is basically like a diary for all to read. I definitely will post only the one time about myself and if I do terribly go on with myself I will keep it to a bare minimum, a paragraph I promise.

So as I have only this post to explain the reasoning for the absence from the blogging world I best get my move on. However seeing as it has been as long as it has I think no amount of explaining could forgive the substantial time it has been. To be honest with anyone who is reading this I don’t think I could conjure up a believable reason for my absence, so am not going to bother.

Enough of my rambling on let’s get down to business – I honestly feel like I just rushed everything. I returned to University to soon and after the eventful event basically tried doing to much to with the    hobbies that enjoyed doing paying the ultimate price. My rush back to university just goes to show how much I loved doing the course I was studying which I don’t think most students could say. My life and everything about it were in my eyes almost perfect. I was at university, studying a course that I was good at and reeping the benefits of, I was in a long, committed relationship with a boy who I could see myself with for the rest of my life and I would be totally and 100 % with that.

In some ways I believe I had it all to soon and through no fault of my own I have lost it all. If someone a year ago was to look at me I could honestly say I didn’y have my life together, however after two years I can without a shadow of a doubt say (even if people don’t believe it) that Michelle Makin has got her life together. It may be a lonely life but that won’t be forever..It might be a life where I’m not happy about my personal appearance but that is sure to change (believe you me). It also might be a life that I’m not happy with but element to element I intend to change. People are forever saying ‘we want the old Michelle back’ I’m getting there but just like all things it will take me some time.

I would like this blog to be one that is happy and fashion fuelled if that is possible but I think that goes to show I want and always want my life to be. Not that there is anything wrong with but I don’t intend to be a ‘happy-go-lucky’ sort of person but I believe this could be the reason why say for instance in a relationship although I do put my whole self in it I sometimes don’t agree with the way in which some females play their role in it. This might just be personal opinion however I do have a strong case against many women and the way they act when they are in a relationship.

I’ve done it. I’ve said in this post how I wasn’t going to go on with myself, I might as well on took a selfie of myself and uploaded it to Instagram. 

Bliss on my Fashion Sleeve !

The moment I saw the t-shirt on Facebook, I felt an instant attraction. The sort of feeling I get when I see I see an Anya Hindmarch collection. The process of ordering the t-shirt went smooth (like butter) thanks to the owner Laura Loves. Laura guided through the ordering process as I was insure what size to order, which is a girls worse topic to discuss.  At the time I was having difficulties with my blog, which I thought Laura would think are my own and that I was feeding her excuses after excuses, even though I wanted to show off my new t shirt in all it's glory.I was in fact eagerly waiting for it's arrival, waking up every morning like it was Christmas thinking to myself "Today the top will come !"
When the parcel containing the t-shirt I had ordered did arrive, I slowly opened it with precision even though it was just a parcel. It was obvious Laura had gone to much trouble when she wrapped the t-shirt even though it was the t-shirt I had ordered. The t-shirt was wrapped in Pink tissue, which I instantly adored. I was constantly asked where I had got the t-shirt from simply advising people to visit the online boutique of Laura Loves.

Back to the t-shirt at hand, not only was it comfortable to wear it also eye catching. I'm in love with t-shirt so much I have committed a Fashion Stylists' sin and wore it two days consecutively. To be honest I'm not worried about being judged knowing I'm in this very stylish top.

Have a look for yourself ! www.lauralovesboutique.com

Fashion doesn't die ! Just like love it moves on, without dwelling on the past, or what could of been

life without love is like summer without a dress !

As I said in a previous post I had decided to venture in to the world of online shopping. For once the money would be coming my way instead of out of my bank account as I am selling some Clothes and Accessories I have purchased but never got round to wearing or believed other would like to own. I am happy to inform you all, I have been successful in selling several items in an attempt to raise money for my final year at university, seeing as clothes, models and make up won't pay for themselves. This post is to show you two gorgeous tea dresses which would be perfect for a day in the sun. 

Vintage inspired tea dress.

Blue with White bows.

Click Here to Buy !

Vintage tea dress

Navy Blue with Cream polka dots

Click Here to Buy !

the love she left behind !

Check out this video and article from Vanity Fair about the disappearance and reappearance of two large filing cabinets containing Marilyn's personal possessions.

Read Vanity Fair Article - The Things She Left Behind

this is a man's world ?

Now more so then ever, menswear has played a predominant role in fashion. With men becoming more aware and conscious about their appearance and what they wear. In their previous runway shows designers including YSL and Dolce & Gabbana showcased drop crotch trousers for men in an array of fabrics such as Denim. HIgh street stores such as Topman and All Saints have adopted this trend as well as low cut v-neck, teardrop t shirts, scarfs, and braces. Pop culture influences such as pop bands JLS and The Wanted, and television reality show Geordie Shore have lead to these trends having a surge of male followers who unlike the average woman are not phased by the fact that someone stood right next to them is wearing the exact same outfit. Did I miss something here ? Since when are men more conscious about what they wear then women. And since when and why did women become attracted to this new breed of "males" ? In my opinion a man who has a knowledge of fashion is a keeper, and every woman loves a good six pack. But the fashion choices some men are making today questions their masculinity.

Gerodie Shore's Gary in a low cut vest !

Geordie Shore's James in an even lower cut vest !

Drop croth chinos.

Luckily Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana have put the masculinity back in menswear with their Spring 2012 collection. The influence for the collection was netting whether it be the net of an Italian fisherman or the net of an Italian footballer. Netting was apparent throughout the collection from jackets, to trousers to shoes. The collection consisted of silhouettes of casual, smart and sportswear in colours and tones of black and grey. 

Watch - Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2012 Menswear Collection

The design duo did what they do best creating beautifully tailored and crafted suits. Which were made even more beautiful by Dolce & Gabbana model, David Gandy. Like my mum says there's nothing better then a man in a suit.

I'm thankful I can count on two gay Italian men who know how to dress men !

This link is dedicated to my mum - Watch !

Photographs from Style.com and MTV

Videos from YouTube

Diamonds Are a Girls Best Friend !

I don't know whether it is because I'm a fashion styling student, I'm terribly spoilt or because I have a love for fashion, but I have managed to accumulate a large amount of clothes and accessories. To give you a rough estimate I have enough clothes to fill three or four wardrobes. So in attempt to earn some money (probably for more clothes) and to clear my over bulging wardrobe, I have decided to place some items on ebay. So far I have only put jewellery on my ebay page, but given time I will be selling vintage and high street clothing, and also accessories such as handbags and shoes. So keep checking my blog for news of new items up for sale.

Buy - Karen Millen Swarovski Teardrop Earrings

Buy - Karen Millen Swarovski Bracelet

Video clip from YouTube

Money Can't Buy You Style !

The infamous white halter neck dress worn by Marilyn Monroe in the 1955 film The Seven Year Itch was recently auctioned off. The dress was previously owned by Debbie Reynold's whose dreams of establishing a Hollywood Museum of memorabilia were never fulfilled. Reynold's purchased the dress for $200 (£123) however at auction the dress became the most expensive dress ever sold, fetching $4.6 million (£2.8 million).

The most expensive dress was previously coincidentally also a Marilyn Monroe gown, that she wore while singing 'Happy Birthday Mr. President'

Photograph from Google Images

Videos from YouTube

My Loves ! My Lusts !

So the Summer season should be upon us, although looking out of my window this statement is questionable. And my new summer wardrobe is slowly but surely building up. I'm dedicating this edition of My Loves ! My Lusts ! to my favourite items I've bought so far. I'm sure there will be more to come !

Cream Sheer Cape Top, from Yayer.

Floral Midi Skirt, from New Look.

Brown Pleated Midi Skirt, from Primark.

Tan Brown Suede Loafers, from asos.com.

Red Bow Jelly Shoes, from Miss Selfridge

Blue Silk Scarf, from TK Maxx

What key trends are you following this Summer ?

What have you bought for your own Summer wardrobe ?

I love my job !

The weekend of the 11th and 12th June I worked with my university, The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan). On this weekend we created a fashion styling event called the 'Stylists Closet' which in a previously published post I explained was an opportunity for the general public to receive style consultations and fashion advice. The two day event was a huge success with a chance for us to give out free advice and tips to the general public and to bring awareness to the university and the wide range of fashion courses they offer.

During the two days I was able to gain hands on experience in Personal Styling, with the help of the fabulous Emma Jade Parker and Steven Spencer who have worked professionally in Personal Styling for many years.

I carried out 15 minute consultations to a few women which included a face shape, body shape and colour analysis. As I completed each consultation I gained more confidence whilst carrying them out !

I think the whole event was made all the more better by the fabulous job that the Interior Design team did in creating a vintage travellers theme to the whole event. I especially adored the various coloured and shaped lampshades hanging from the ceiling. Here are some photographs of the interior decor which was sourced and designed by Interior Design students from UCLan !

Photography vs Filmography

Since the first issue of Vogue was published in 1892, magazines have been at the forefront and the chosen media for which we view the fashion world. Whether it be an interview, trend pages or an editorial feature it seems that fashion followers prefer flicking through the pages of a publication. However, as technology and social media advances we are now able to receive and view fashion in arguably improved means of media. Fashion has gone digital with many publications, such as Dazed&Confused having not only a published magazine, but also an online presence and a phone application. In a world where we can now access the internet on the go anywhere and anytime on iPhones and iPads, we are able to gain news and information much faster and more conveniently. I guess the questions are; which do people prefer ? Do we prefer models and the clothes they are wearing to stand in statuesque poses or watch them in movement ? Will technological advances affect the publication world ?

To help answer these questions I have chosen examples of fashion photography and fashion film. 

This editorial feature from Fashion156.com is a retro inspired day out at the beach.

This fashion film directed by James Carver-Grenside is Fashion156.com's latest film, At The Lakes.

Click Here - At The Lakes

Personally, I don't think there is a better feeling then the excitement of when Vogue magazine comes through the letter box. If I'm bored, stressed or in a bad mood it instantly lifts my spirits. I giggle each month as my Vogue magazine is delivered because the envelope has 'do not bend' and 'handle with care' written on it as if I was having the holy bible sent to my house. (Vogue technically is my bible as I read it religiously and look to it for help and advice!). On the other hand I do enjoy being able to browse through fashion photography and fashion film from the internet which I can look up at my convenience. I love nothing more then being on a train and being able to browse through the latest issue of Dazed&Confused thanks to my iPhone application. I think the direction that technology is heading we will see the way we access fashion follow the same path. However, in my opinion no matter how technical and digital the world becomes there will still be those who will still purchase, cherish and love nothing more then a hard copy of a fashion publication, me including ! 

Share your opinion and comments on this topic.

Photographs and Film courtesy of Fashion156.com

Fall in Love with Michalis Christodoulou !

Social networking sites such as Facebook, Linkedin and Twitter have been a god send for those in creative art careers. It has become the most successful and effective way for people to connect. Fashion bloggers, online stores, Fashion designers, PR companies, online magazines and companies have been able to network, making their careers and business thrive. Whilst on Twitter I decided to follow a Fashion Illustrator called Michalis Christodoulou. I checked out his website and after looking through his portfolio I was highly impressed ! 

Fashion illustrator Michalis is based in London. His hand drawn illustrations are created using a mixture or ink and watercolours. His work consists of editorial and fashion advertising commissions. In my opinion Michalis' strongest illustrations are those of catwalk shows. 

Here's are my favourite illustrations by Michalis.

Alexander McQueen A/W 2009/2010

Christian Dior Couture S/S 2011

Marc Jacobs S/S 2011

Christian Dior Couture A/W 2010/2011

Michalis' illustrations have been featured in several publications including Ballad Magazine, Amelia's Magazine and he currently works for online fashion company Dressipi. Michalis Christodoulou's illustrations look timeless and effortless however every detail of the garments is present. His ability to capture the elegance and glamour created by designers such as Jean Paul Gaultier and Christian Dior portrays just how talented he is. I predict I'll see alot more of his work soon !

Make sure you have a look on his website !
Follow Michalis Christodoulou's success on Twitter !

Photographs courtesy of Michalis Christodoulou. 

my love for you returns !

my heart on my fashion sleeve is back !

I'll be publishing more posts and more of my own photography, 

as well as usual features such as My Loves ! My Lusts !

What does everyone think ?

Photograph by Milton Greene

rebuilding my heart !

I have decided to reinvent, redesign, reconstruct and overall spruce up my blog ! 

So unfortunately I won't be publishing any posts for a short time !

However, keep up to date with my heart on my fashion sleeve on Facebook and Twitter !

Look out for the launch of the all new my heart on my fashion sleeve !

Key Silhouettes !

Silhouette Masterpiece Theatre by Wilhelm Staehle courtesy of Fashion156.com

my evergrowing closet !

For the second year running, UCLan's International Fashion Institute brings you the Stylists Closet.

In the Summer of 2010 UCLan hosted the Stylists Closet, a one day event wear the general public could come and recieve professionally advice on trend and style tips. Working the event was Personal Stylists Emma Jade Parker and UCLan's very own Fashion Promotion/Fashion Styling students, plus professional make up artist Natasha Litwinenko. Due to popular demand and the high rate of success it achieved the event, it is being held once more, however the closet has gotten a lot bigger !

This Summer the Stylists Closet is being held at Manchester's The Trafford Centre on 11th & 12th June, where Emma Jade Parker is being joined by Stylist Steven Spencer, and of course Fashion Promotion/Fashion Styling students (including myself). Confirmed shops participating in the event include Next, Mango and Marks & Spencers. So if you have any queries or feel confused by this years Summer/Spring trends and knowing what will suit you and your bodyshape. Click Here to book an appointment. A visit to the Stylists Closet consist of a private and tailored consultation with a professional stylist, a hair and make up make over and a look through the rails of this season's must have trends.

To keep up to date with news of this event be sure to follow the event on Twitter by following @STYLISTSCLOSET.

More posts about this event will follow !