Rachelspick
East Midlands

5 False Sterotypes About The Fashion Industry

The fashion industry can be perceived as one of the most superficial and  image conscious industry’s there is out there. With so many stereotypes surrounding gender, sexuality, looks, social class and so much more, it seems the industry has it all. There does not always appear to be much room for error, when it comes to wanting to work and be a part of the fashion industry. However, after studying it and being a part of it through being a blogger, I want to address some of these stereotypes that are slowly changing and those ones which just aren’t true at all.

1. The Industry Is All Fun & No Hard Work

I honestly think this is one of the biggest mis-conceptions about the fashion industry, as its just completley not true. Actually it’s the opposite. If you’ve ever watched Devil Wears Prada, or Ugly Betty, then you will know that’s it’s far from all fun, clothes and dressing up. Not that these really reflect that much reality, but they show that people who work in the industry work dam hard, no matter what time of day, month or the year. It takes so much vision and work to get a really good magazine out every month, it takes planning and creativity to get out a great range in the shops, and yes there might be some glamour and fun, but not without more than a fair share of hard work.

2. You Don’t Need A Brain To Work In The Fashion Industry

This is the stereotype that I feel like I am often subject too, as i’m studying a degree in fashion. So many people think fashion is an easy way out, and a way to breeze through a degree. But how wrong those people are, because if you haven’t got your head screwed on you will get eaten alive in the industry. There is no doubt the industry is tough and very dog eat dog, but to succeed you need to have grit, determination and a good head on your shoulders. Know what you want and work at it till you succeed.

3. It’s A Woman’s World & All The Men Are Gay

Again, this is one of the biggest false stereotypes I think I’ve EVER  heard about the fashion industry, because it’s just not true. Yes there may be a large amount of women that work in Fashion, as generally it’s an industry women are interested in and more likely to go into, but not completely. I suppose maybe men may have to work a little harder, just as you really need to be someone who gets on with women, but then to work in the industry you need to be sociable in general. However, some of the best people in fashion are men. Look at Henry Holland, Gok Wan, Tom Ford, Micheal Kors, Christian Louboutin, Mario Testino; the list really does go on… They have made such a massive impact on the industry, and really are true icons in what they do. So, it’s definitely not just a world made for women, it’s made for amazing and creative men too!

4. Fashion Is Just For The Rich Who Can Afford It All

For a long time fashion has been perceived as an industry which is purely for the rich and famous, who can have what they want and when they want it. However, over the last five of years I think fashion has really began to change it’s tune. Slowly, the industry is starting to work as one and consider all different styles and budgets. The premium high-street brands have massively grown over the last few years, as well outlet villages and seasonal sales. As women and men of all social classes and incomes want a piece of fashion. Whether that’s from a designer name, a high-street name or somewhere in between. Even Primark now advertises in Vogue, so the fashion industry really is becoming so much more inclusive now, than it ever has been before. 

5. The Industry Is Only For Skinny & Pretty People

This is something I feel so strongly about, as over the last year fashion and size stereotypes has really made a massive turn. Just look at the cover of this cosmopolitan magazine, where a size 26 model is on the cover and championing plus size fashion. Not that I agree with the word plus size, as I think in the industry plus size is exaggerated well too much and actually a lot of plus size models in the fashion industry are just average UK sizes. However, the industry is slowing becoming so much more accepting, and I honestly think this is such a positive and massive step forward.  

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20 Autumn Styling Tips

Autumn fashion can be extremly boring and unimaginative, when it’s cold and all you want to wear is a classic pair of jeans and throw on a jumper. It`s so hard to be able to incorporate a silhoutte into your look and play around with pieces, when your ultimate aim is to stay warm on a chilly autumn day. However, with a few easy tips, which are just quick change ups to the way you’re styling your looks, can completley transform your autumn style. It can go from drab and uncreative, to playful and stylish, with a few easy changes. 

Autumn Styling Tips:
  1. Style your hair in a sleek, low ponytail, as it adds a chic and put together feel to your look.
  2. Pair a basic grey tee-shirt and black jeans, with a piece of interest. This could be a statement coat, bag or even a boot.
  3. Throw on a feodora or a floppy felt hat, to instantly add an effortless glam feel to your outfit. 
  4. Layer, layer, layer. It’s all about creating a focus and dimension to your outfit and popping a shirt collar under a patterned jumper, is a super easy way to nail it. 
  5. Paint your nails in your favourite atumnal colour. This adds a sense of warmth straight to your look, and some of my favourites are burgundy, mulberry and burnt orange. 
  6. Work with a colour palette that you love and suits you. Just because it’s going into Autumn, doesn’t mean you still can’t wear pink or duck egg blue. It’s your style and you look so much better if you’re wearing a colour that suits you.
  7. ALWAYS add texture, as it adds depth and cosyness to your outfit. Not only does it keep you warm, but it also looks fab paired with other basics, as the main statement piece. 
  8. Gillets are the key to keeping warm in Autumn, when it’s still too warm to wear a coat, but too cold not to have anything. They are a great inbetween and I find they always keep me super cosy.
  9. To style up a classic bag, ready for Autumn, tie a silky patterned scarf around the handles. This adds pattern to your look and also updates a classic, neutral bag. 
  10.  Work on the philosophy, if tight on the top then loose on the bottom, or the other way round. I always think this looks the most flattering for a feminine figure, whilst still looking chic and elegant. 

11. Pop on a headscarf, whether it’s tied around your head or around your bobble, in a classic ponytail. This is bang on trend this season, and definitely an easy way to make a statement in an outfit.

12. Knee-High boots are an easy way to add feminity and a slight sexiness to a covered up autumnal look. 

13. High neck polo tops and jumpers are the new way to add feminity to an autumnal look. If you choose one that empasises the chest and neck, they can look beautiful, super elegant and an amazing basic for any wardrobe.

14. If you’re stuck on what coat to buy this autumn, a trench is a go-to every time. It’s chic, elegant and completley timeless. You can NEVER go wrong with a trench.

15. Add an autumnal lip to your look, but this year I’m loving nude’s, browns and anything in between. They are so 90’s, but they look so classic and I love how they pull a look together.

16. Change up your go-to skinny jeans, for a mom style or relaxed skinny. They are so much more comfortable to wear and look amazing paired with boots and over sized knits. 

17. Flats are super stylish too, in different patterns, textures and metals, they look beautiful on your feet and are comfortable too. What more can you ask for. 

18. Sunglasses are still so needed as we go into those bright autumnal days. So don’t feel stupid, if you still pair some of your favourite looks with a pair of classic sunnies. 

19. Skirts look beautiful in the winter, and the key is to stick to autumnal colours and get a great pair of thick black tights. Primark do some of the best!

20. Add a touch of animal print, as it’s so massive this season. A leopard print belt or a snake print shoe, is my favourite way to channel the trend. 

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East Midlands

My University Style Diaries: Colour Blocking And Leather Converse

My University Style Diaries

Nailing my university style is key for me, as I’m studying Fashion  I love how the way I dress can really portray a lot about my ethos as a future buyer and express my love fashion itself. So, creating a style that’s comfortable for everyday uni life, but also stylish and reflects my love for clothing, isn’t always easy. Especially if I’m having an Ugg boots and jeans kind of day. However, over the last year I feel I’ve begun to master it, and that’s why I’m going to be sharing some of my favourite looks with you,
 in this new style diary series. 

Personally, I believe that if you’re going to work in Fashion, you not only have to talk the talk, but walk the walk and ultimately look the part. I know I wouldn’t talk anyone advising me on style, or trust to buy the latest season’s collections, if they don’t know how to dress themselves everyday. So, I think it’s super important to put thought into what you wear, especially if you want to go into the Fashion industry. I feel that dressing yourself and finding your own style, helps you to understand colour palettes, how to put a look together and to understand the difference between style essentials and trends. 

My University style really reflects my own personal taste in clothing, playing with colour blocking and texture, as opposed to print or a lot of bold colours. Therefore, with this outfit I’ve chosen to block the lighter, nude tones from my feet up to my waist, then create a contrast with the black. This kind of plays on the traditional white tee and black jeans vibe, where the darker colour is on the bottom half. As here, the weather was still quite warm, I flipped that rule on it’s head and added a bit more interest to the look.

This is why I love these stone coloured, paper bag waist, cropped trousers from New Look; as they are a great basic for so many different outfits and occasions. They look great paired with converse for a relaxed everyday look, but also fab paired with heels and a graphic tee for a night out. I love their versatility and the fact that New Look them in so many different colours. So, there really is a pair out there for everyone. 

This cami top from New Look is a classic, essential piece in my wardrobe, and I honestly couldn’t live without it. It’s the perfect black, strappy camisole that looks good both in the day and at night, and also fit’s amazingly. I love how the lace detail around the neckline adds a bit of femininity, and again plays with texture, one of the key aspects of my personal style. Thank you again New Look, for such a beautiful piece, which I wish you bring out more of in a future collection, as I can’t find any other lace camisole’s that are amazing as this one. 

When it comes to the accessories, I like to keep them classic and that’s why I’ve paired it with my go-to everyday jewellery pieces. The star of my collection is this beautiful, rose gold, cluse watch; with it’s simple face and sleek design, that always adds a touch of chic to my outfits. Then, I’ve got my two silver, Joma Jewellery bracelets, which are super comfortable to wear and are an affordable everyday piece of jewellery to wear. Along with that is my loved Links Of London bracelet, which is not only a classic addition to my collection, but also a beautiful anniversary gift from Ed.

The shoes are the final element to my look and probably my favourite piece, as they are comfortable yet chic and super on trend. I love how I can pair them with a girly everyday outfit, and they will instantly fit straight in. They really bridge the gap for me, between a comfortable trainer and a fashionable shoe. Therefore, I’m always wearing them and they just about live on my feet. Thank you Converse, they are such beauties and worth every bit of the 62.99 price tag. 

Of course, I can’t forget about my latest designer purchase, this gorgeous pair of tortoise shell sunglasses from Ralph Lauren. They’re a super classic style, and are a match for any one of my outfits. I know I will keep them for many years to come and so far they have definitely been worth the money. You can read all about these beauties, in a blog post I wrote recently HERE. 

  • I wanted to say a massive thank you to one of my amazing photographers Elisha, for creating the beautiful shots for this blog post and really bringing it to life. 

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Styling Embellished Mules

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Building a wardrobe that’s unique and that has individual pieces in it, is something that’s key to my style. I love to have pieces that are classic, but also mix them with items that not everyone would buy or the latest on trend item. For me, that mix really defines my style, and I love to feed that through my casual, evening and special occassion wear.

The latest addition to my ever growing shoe collection is these beautiful Embellished Mules from NA-KD. They are a lovely satin pink colour, with silver embellishment across the front of your foot. They’re a style of shoe I’ve always wanted to try and working with NA-KD gave me the opportunity to try these gorgeous ones. So, now I’ve had these in my wardrobe for a few weeks I thought I would share how I’m planning to style them up.

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A Graphic Tee

The combination of this summer graphic tee and the embellished mules creates a beautiful combination, which I really love. The tee is really casual, yet still in classic monochrome colours and with a hint of sparkle with the wording across the front. As the shoes are the complete opposite and are very girly and more of a special occassion shoe.

So, the combination of two creates a really on trend and stylish everyday look. Which is exactly what I’ve gone for in the photos for this post.

-Have Fun with your graphic tee and find one that individual, different and reflects something about you!

-I find some of the best places to find unique graphic tee’s is ASOS, River Island and Mango.

-The best thing about a graphic tee is that it can be styled up or down and if you get the right one it can be a key player in your wardrobe.

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Contrasting Shapes

 

One way I’m really loving to wear these mules is by contrasting them with a different shape, such as this asymetric skirt from NA-KD. I love how the mules are so girly and soft against the foot, and then matching it with a sharp, straight edge or an unsual harder shape. It creates so much interest to the outfit and creates bits of detail everywhere you look.

-Think about asymetric pieces, such as a pencil skirt, off the shoulder top or a dipped hem. It’s all about creating contrast with the shapes within the outfit.

-You could also contrast your nail varnish or nail shape to add detail on the toes, which can really finish the whole look off.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you’re looking for the perfect new occasion shoe, then I would really recommend a mule. They have a lovely heel, elevate your whole body and make you look super feminine. There’s so many different types of styles and colours, and I’m really loving these beautiful ones from NA-KD.

*This post never would of happened if it wasn’t for the beauties at NA-KD for working with to share some of their beautiful pieces and to my amazing boyfriend, for taking the most beautiful photos for this post. 

 

5 Books Every Fashion Lover Needs To Have On Their Reading List

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Delving into a really good book is one of my favourite ways to relax and enjoy an escape from the world for a while. When I can mix my love for reading with my passion for fashion and style, that’s when I find some of my favourite reads, which I’ll keep in my collection for years to come. So, as I know so many of you are just as obsessed with all things fashion, just like I am, I thought I would share five of my favourite books that you all need to add to your reading list.

Inside Vogue | Alexandra Shulman 

This is the ultimate books for fashion lovers and is an absolute must read. It’s written by the previous editor in chief of Vogue, Alexandra Shulman, who was the head of British Vogue for 25 years. The book is in diary form and documents Alexandra’s life, events, and preparation for the 100 years of British Vogue celebration. What I really love about the book is how real the accounts are and how much insight you get into the whole Vogue world. I honestly think its an amazing book for anyone who loves Vogue, Fashion or is even interested in fashion publication.

If you’re interested in knowing more about the book itself, I’ve done a review on it HERE which you can go and have a good read of.

Vogue On Giorgio Armani | Kathy Phillips

It’s not just this book that I would recommend that you add to your reading list, but the entire collection of “Vogue On” books. Each one is focused on a different influential designer, looks back on their life and really focuses on what made they become such a big name in the fashion industry. There’s one for every type of designer and I would recommend reading as many of them as you can as they’re so interesting and super helpful if you’re studying fashion or want to in the future.

British Fashion Designers | Hywel Davies

Talking about designers, this book is focused purely on the most well known British Ones. The book looks at 27 designers, at all walks of the industry, both large fashion houses and the smaller more individual brands, and does a short interview with each one. They ask questions about their position in the industry, their fashion background and also how British design has influenced their own work. It’s a quick snapshot of each designer, but brings a really fresh and unique angle where as the “Vogue On” books look back at key pivotal moments in history for each designer.

Where Stylists Shop | Booth Moore

This isn’t a book that you would sit down and read from cover to cover, but more of an coffee table read that’s really interesting to just pick up and have a look through. I’ve always been so interested in shopping, clothing and styling it all, which is why I love doing Visual Merchandising at work, and this book is the perfect guide as to the best places to shop. It looks at hundreds of cities across the world and then picks out the true gems which you need to visit. Whether it’s a boutique, market or a couture house, its the places that only the best in fashion go to shop, so of course we all need to visit too.

Revenge Wears Prada | Lauren Weisberger

You will all know of the famous Devil Wears Prada, and this book looks at what happens after. This is a great novel to pick up, read and get gripped by, as you follow what happens after Andrea leaves the office and follows a different path, starting her own magazine. It’s such a interesting twist after the film and is a great read after delving into the original, which I would really recommend too. The whole series are the ultimate read for fashion lovers and this book is the hidden gem of the entire story.

If you’re looking for another amazing series to read, then the Shopaholic series is a great one for fashion lovers, who like a good easy yet fashionable read.

Do you have any fashion favourites you can recommend to me?

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