Fashion Intern at Selfridges: Week One

So many of you have probably noticed the lack of posts this week. I have been SO busy, getting up at 5.45am and getting home at 9pm some nights, literally falling into bed so tired with my feet aching.. And i'm LOVING every second!
So I thought I was doing work experience within the Visual Merchandising department in Selfridges. But no. My work experience is taking place in the online content photo studios - even better! So instead on rambling on about how amazing it is, I will give you the low down of what I have done this week so far!


DAY 1

- Introduced to the team, made up of in-house stylists and photographers and also freelance stylists and photographers - everyone was so nice and welcoming!

- I was shown each studio (of which there are four) the IN room and the OUT room, and where the re-touchers, copy team and imagery managers are based. I was also given a tour of HQ and where the buyers for Selfridges are based.

- Then I was shown how to use the steamer, and was given McQueen scarfs to steam (talk about pressure)

- I was thrown straight into assisting on a women's wear shoot, where I was shown the process of styling on a shoot. We shot Herve Lager dresses, McQueen, Erdem and many other brands.

 The shoot prep room

Photo shoot essentials!

Day 2

- I was given the task of prepping all clothes for a men's shoot the next day (sounds tedious) but I enjoyed finding out exactly how the styling of the shoot works before hand. Having to remove all of the tags from the clothing (so they aren't seen in the photographs) making sure the garments stay with the correct pieces, and steaming all of the garments.

- Another intern started on tuesday too, Haylie, who goes to the uni I went to doing fashion styling! Shes nice and it's great to have another intern there!

- At the end of the day I had to return all of the clothing to the OUT room, to be collected and returned to the designer stands

There is a shoe rack full of neutral shoes (and all the converse colours you'd want!) encase any of the styling shoes aren't appropriate of the garments.

Me keeping busy! Embellished Collar Shirt - Republic. Jumper, H&M.

DAY 3

- Today was the men's wear shoot. I really enjoyed the shoot as an insight to how men's wear styling works.

- I was also shown the shoot guide lines for each individual product. This involves the crops and shots that have to be taken, for example trousers would be shot with a plain top, front and back, the details would be shot (max of two) and a 'life style' full length shot, which involves the outfit being styled with other garments.

*excited wrinkly forehead face*

DAY 4

- In the morning I prepped men's shoes for an accessory shoot.

- I then had the duty of prepping the most amazing clothes ever! I also got the chance to go to the shop floor with the stylist to pick all of the styling garments and even better, I got to chose the bottoms for a Wild Fox jumper that was being shot the next day! There were A LOT of garments, the priority garments for the shoot being by Christopher Kane, McQueen, Lanvin and Vivienne Westwood. We also shot Peter Pilotto, Wild Fox, J Brand and Theory.

 Christopher Kane Dress

 Peter Pilotto Skirt

 Just a small section of the beautiful garments

Diane von Furstenberg dress

Model Stephanie's Clothing Rack


DAY 5

- The last day of my first amazing week, I assisted on a shoot with two models, featuring all the clothes I prepped the day before.

- Firstly I got to go down to the shoe department with the stylist to see the process of picking up the shoes. I then had to unpack them all, oh gosh were some of them amazing!

- I was then taken through each look by the stylist so I knew which were the priority garments, and had an amazing day of shooting beautiful clothes!

Looks have been put together and are ready for shooting!

 Studio One ready for shooting!

 All of the amazing shoes!

The black velvet Topshop shorts I chose as the styling garment for the Wild Fox jumper!

A loser in my beanie, but a very happy (and tired) girl!

Just some of the pieces I helped assist with this week, on the women's wear shoots. Images courtesy of Selfridges.com

I've had such a great time so far, and am looking forward to my second week! Keep checking back for outfit looks and behind the scenes stuff! If you have any questions about what i'm doing, don't be afraid to ask, i'd be happy to answer them! Also sorry for the image quality, all photos were taken on my iphone!

I hope everyone had a love week,
Holly

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The Beginning of the Future

Hi everyone,

I don't have an outfit post for you today, because today is my Graduation! For those of you that don't know I finished university this year, graduating with a First Class Honours degree in Fashion with Photography (with thanks to mine and Nia's hard work towards our magazine DUENDE!)
I am so excited, and I can't believe how quickly it has come! I will share with you what I decided to wear today, tomorrow hopefully (I am writing this in the past, i.e last night and I still haven't decided what I am going to wear!).

I also want to say thank you to every single one of you, because I have now reached 100 followers! This really is a massive deal to me, as I have been working really hard since graduating to blog seriously and make my blog a part of my future and my career, but it wouldn't be anything without the support of like minded amazing bloggers (yeah I'm talking to you reading this!)

Getting a tad emotional now (cringe shields at the ready) today is the beginning of my future, I'm so excited to start my work experience at Selfridges tomorrow, and ASOS in december, and hopefully with your support grow my blog even further! I'd actually love to hear what you've liked and haven't liked so far, and how you think I can improve my blog. After all, this tiny little space in the massive universe that is the internet, is not only for me, but you guys too!

Thanks again everyone, with your kind comments, and sticking with my blog, you all make blogging worth while!

Your 'Cringe Queen' for the day,

Holly oxo

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My Style Inspiration

Check out where I get my style inspiration from @ my pinterest account!

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Today's Outfit

Now i'm not a fan of lace at all. Most of the time I feel high street lace just looks cheap and tacky. I was brought this lace top last christmas and have only worn it once since then. Having a major wardrobe crisis this morning, I thought 'sod it i'll wear something I haven't worn in a while', then I saw this sad little number screwed up in the corner under my 'tops I never wear' pile. Yes I actually have a pile for tops I don't wear. I know, why not throw them out? I have an attachment issue.

Anyway. I actually love the colour. I'm all for plain coloured, textured pieces and this top encompasses all of these qualities. I'd preferably wear in the evening with a silk bralet I own in a similar cream colour, however being in the studio today I have to be presentable. I opted for a white vest, which i'm not so keen on (I couldn't find my fitted cotton tee), but feel it creates a casual feel under the lace.

Obviously not having a girly style myself, I 'edged' the outfit up with my silver beaten collar necklace, tied my hair up, and wore with my ankle boots, and standard leather details.
Then I came across this topshop 3/4 length coat. This A/W 2012, coats have all been about clean silhouettes with stand out details, and although a little plain, the big collar and tailored fit is a perfect compliment piece for my current wardrobe. This coat I actually brought 6 years ago. I wore it to school. It was my school coat. *You get it* Back then I hated it with a passion, but being wool, my mum wouldn't let me throw it away. And am I glad of this now!

I would love to know your opinion because I still 50/50 on the lace top and coat. I guess today is a recycled outfit! How would you style the top for day and evening, and would you wear this coat? Let me know!

Lace Top, French Connection, Last Fall Season. Leather Panel Leggings, ZARA, £24.99. Beaten Necklace, Topshop £2.50. Wool Coat, Very Old Topshop!

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First Fashion Blog Post for KRUSH

What's your winter jacket style? Are you a Mary Kate Olsen or more of a Nicole Richie? Find out on my blog post for KRUSH here!

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Maison Martin Margiela For H&M

One of this H&M most exciting collaboration's yet, and this season's must have collection.
Maison Martin Margiela, a Belgian Fashion Designer has been breaking fashion boundries (without being the the spotlight) with his unusual silhouettes since 1985. This ultradiscreet designer has worked with names such as Jean Paul Gaultier, Comme Des Garcons and the Antwerp Six.
Here's my pick of what I believe are his more interesting and stand-out pieces from each collection since 2009.

Only have been launched yesterday, many of the pieces are selling out quickly! The Collection for H&M was surprisingly subdued compared to his more outlandish catwalk pieces. I feel he's comprised a balanced collection representing his strong visual style and silhouettes but highstreet, wearable (key word here) versions. Obviously with a higher price tag, here are my top picks form the collection:

3. Bodysuit, £29.99
5. Painted Jean, £59.99
8. Dress, £179.99
19. Trouser, £59.99
21. Leather Boots £179.99
22. Bracelet £29.99

My personal favorite is the 'missing watch face' bracelet, which is now sold out, gutted! I also love the large sweetie bag (see left image). The black trousers I feel would definitely be a great personal investment, as they are a wardrobe staple.
So would you buy any of these pieces? Are they worth the investment, or just a bit pricey for such simple (but well made!) pieces? Let me know!

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My First Online Article!

I am so excited to share with you my first online article for whoworeitbetter.co.uk! In this post I compare the Raspberry Dior Dress as seen on this A/W 2012 catwalk, worn in two completely different ways. It is definitely hard to decide who wore it better. Check out my article HERE to see who, what and where and let us know what you think!

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Today's Outfit

So here it is, as it says on the tin: Today's Outfit. Sporting less eye make-up (I'm trying to be brave and not wear eye liner for a week, but I just replaced it with the brightest lipstick I have...), my usual leather jacket, Studded Levi shorts (I had to get them out before the moths feasted on them) my "chanel" tee and my new favourite item: My completely tacky H&M necklace. I literally love it for it's tackiness. It reminds me of the kind of necklace you would get in a princess pack when you were younger, with the plastic jewels. I'm also a fan, if I don't say so myself, of my clashing pink and neon yellow combo (just blowing my own trumpet a tad bit there). In fact this whole outfit looks pretty thrown together.

On another note - I am definitely having my work experience at Selfridges! I start next tuesday (as I have graduation monday, come to think of it I totally forgot about Graduation what the hell am I going to wear?!) So yes, that's exciting! AND my first posts go on the websites i'm working for this week, so I will be sure to share those with you too!

Have a nice day all!

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My Fashion Career (Or the beginning of it!)

Hi guys,

I have some very exciting news for you all (Well, exciting for me!). Over the past couple of months I have been applying here, there and everywhere for experience to further my career within the fashion industry, and i've finally reached some success!

Firstly I have been given a roll as fashion blogger for websites www.whoworeitbetter.co.uk and www.ikrush.com. So here's the low down. Who Wore It Better(.co.uk) compares celebs wearing similar outfits, where readers can vote on who they think wore the outfit better (with brilliant links to high street versions of the outfits!). I will be writing weekly articles for this site as part of the editorial team, and contributing to growing the brand.

Secondly, I am now in charge of the 'Trends' section of the website for clothing brand KRUSH. KRUSH are an affordable clothing line that supplies us with fashion forward clothing (honestly they're stuff is great, I wouldn't be supporting them if I thought otherwise!). So get your clicking fingers at the ready at check out the site: www.ikrush.com because I am CERTAIN you will find lots of things on the site that you will love, as I have.

Thirdly (I don't think i've ever had a thirdly before) I am waiting of a conformation e-mail from Selfridges Merchandising Department about starting work experience with them for 2weeks starting next monday. This is crazy I can't believe it myself to be honest.
FORTHLY (I know this is getting ridiculous, Can you even get forthly's?!) I am interning at ASOS magazine *slight panic attack with excitement* between the fashion and editorial department. A dream come true! I will be at ASOS from the 3rd of December, amongst all those yummy clothes for 4 whole weeks!

So what's in it for you I hear you say? 
I will link you to the posts I do each week for my online content, bringing you all the latest offers and products from KRUSH and hottest celebrity looks and high-street versions from www.whoworeitbetter.co.uk !
Of course I will also post as much as I can from behind the scenes at Selfridges and ASOS, giving you the low down of how each company works, as well as advice on how to make it in the fashion industry (from my first hand experience - man it is tough out there, but if I can get my foot in that tiny door you can too!)

Some of you may have noticed I have also put my e-mail address up to the right of my blog, under the deeply interesting description of myself... *Sarcasm intended* So if any of you have any questions about my work experience, my blog content, or just a general hello, do not hesitate to contact me!

Thanks again to all of you for following me, I honestly cannot wait to share all of my experiences with you all!

Holly oxo

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Get Her Style: Cara Delevingne

This face has literally taken over the 2012 fashion scene, not only from the catwalks, but as a fashion icon too. Cara Delevingne takes effortlessly cool to another level. I personally love her style for the way she keeps it simple. She picks one statement piece, whether a band t-shirt, an embellished jacket, or sequin dress, and keeps the rest block coloured and clean.
Here I have chosen my favourite 'off-duty' day outfits and elegant evening garments. Cara's Style isn't hard to recreate, it's just a shame that the majority of us don't have the face of a rock chick angel.

Get Cara's Style: My affordable highstreet picks:

1. Leather Biker Jacket, Topshop, £165, Buy it Here

2. People's Market Charcoal Skinny Jeans, New Look, £48.99, Buy them Here

3. Leonie Black Leather Look Buckle Bicker Boot, BooHoo.com, £30, Buy it Here

4. Leather Corner Plate Clutch, ASOS, £35, Buy it Here

5. Gold Paillette Sequin Shift Dress, Forever 21, £22.75 Buy it Here

6. Candace Lace Bodice Maxi Dress, Missguided.com, £34.99, Buy it Here

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Top Picks: iPhone Case

As social media begins to grow, and our iPhones are becoming part of our anatomy (hey, I bet a LOT of you have it on you 24/7, we all love a bit of temple run!) But seriously, our phones are now part of our blogging routine, a way we connect when on the go (and not so on the go... bedtime?).

As they are part of our everyday lives, they have to look as good (or not as good, depending on taste or opinion) as we do. So here are my not so obviously titled 'Top iPhone (4S) Case Picks'.

1. The Fun Girls Case: 'Moustache iPhone 4 Case' Urban Outfitters (online exclusive), £12, Buy it Here 
2. The OldSchool Girls Case: 'Dedicated Camera iPhone 4 Case' Urban Outfitters, £20, Buy it Here
3. The Edgy Girls Case: 'Light Green Hard Case Cover With Silvery Stud', Ebay, £6 Buy it Here. 
Tip: eBay sell LOADS of studded iPhone Cases, in a range of colours to suit everyone! I'm just partial to a bit of mint.

4. The Bold Girls Case, 'Moonshine Print Shell' Topshop, £8, Buy It Here
5. The Alternative Girls Case, 'Printed iPhone Case', Free People, £20, Buy it Here
6. The Glam Girls Case, 'Adorned iPhone Case' Free People Exclusive, £28, Buy it Here


So which iPhone Case are you? Fun, OldSchool, Edgy, Bold, Alternative or Glam?!
Or have you got some other, maybe even better options for a different kind of girl?! Let me know!

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Today's Outfit

Today's outfit was easy enough to put together right (because it is like, just a jumper and leather pant's) and after my faffing about for an hour deciding whether this was 'effortless', or 'insert another overly used descriptive word here' enough to post, (meh) I decided to anyway. After all, this is my personal style blog, and if I decided to wear a camo vest and slacks one day, it would still count as today's outfit (don't worry this combo would never happen in real life, or more to the point SHOULDN'T HAPPEN in real life, yes i'm talking to you 6pm pug walker lady.)

Here, I have made my look individual, by throwing on my silver arm cuff and rather heavy necklace, (because, let's face it, noone else ever does that!) put on my doughy-eyed stoned look, (yeah I meant to do that, it wasn't the sun I promise) and then checked out that interesting patch on the floor that every personal style blogger seems to find. Strange stuff...

Another day with at least a 50% black outfit, obviously a flash of leather, and some kind of silver accessory. What can I say, it works for me! (Or acts at least as a fail safe!)

Have a great weekend loves!

Holly x

Statement Necklace, Forever 21. Stripped Jumper & Loafers, Both New Look. Leather Trousers & Silver Cuff, H&M. My creativity with this outfit, Priceless.

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H&M: The Grey Concept

If you know my style, you know that I love simple garments, especially in black and muted colours. I had to share with you all H&M's new collection 'The Grey Concept' (Find it Here) released on 1st November. Driven by youthful rebellion, mixing stylings and fabrics from rock and grunge, this edgy collection by Divided is perfect for Autumn/Winter 2012 layering.

It doesn't really matter what your style is, from statement pieces to chic basics, there is a staple for everyone. The best thing about this collection is the prices have stayed the same. Affordable urban style, which I love H&M for.

I personally love the leather jacket Here, and the grey maxi dress Here. (See below also)

What do you think? Will you be buying anything from this collection? Or is it just not for you?
Let me know what you think!

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Today's Outfit: My Little Sister

Today I thought I'd post something a little different. I want to share with you someone who is very close to my heart, (and my DNA genetics) who's style I love... My younger sister! 

Georgia, 18, is currently studying at Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication doing Graphics (we're like, such a creative family yar). This is her usual type of outfit, laidback with smart twists. She's similar to myself with not having an outrageous style, (some may call it simple, 'effortless' or maybe even boring, but believe me we've both learnt from our fashion mistakes. Thank you facebook) and the fact that we're constantly steeling each others clothes has nothing at all to do with the fact we dress similarly... *I can confirm the outfit below is completely owned by my sister © Georgia Corsie 2012* for those of you that are remotely bothered.

Ah yes, and i've been trying to convince her to dip dye her hair pink (I cheated and Photoshopped her hair) so those of you that agree it looks, wait for it, amazeballs (That Towie *%£! is taking over the world, it's addictive) let us know so I can convince her with your lovely comments and officially/potentially ruin her hair. Thanks in advance!

Converse AllStars, Office. Leggings, Topshop. Rose Knit Jumper, H&M. Cream Button-Up shirt, H&M. Rings, Pandora. Bracelet, Links.

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Follow me on Instagram!

Follow me now on Instagram's new online profiles. Here you can see personal photographs that you don't find on my blog!
http://instagram.com/holsdols74

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DIY The Cross Jumper

Here are just two of the many pieces myself and Nia (the lovely lady I created DUENDE magazine with) created a day before our photoshoot was scheduled, because our stylist disappeared of off the face of the earth! The theme was 'light' and 'space'. It's so easy to do, and you can create endless shapes!

Give it a go, and if you do, send me the link!

Also look out for an outfit post of how I personally style this jumper very soon, as I wear it quite often!

Holly x

Here are the finished pieces in our photoshoot 'The Periastron' with our lovely models Joris and Beth!

As well as some of the images from the shoot, I thought I'd also share with you the behind the scenes video from the photo shoot for anyone that is interested! It was a great day, the models were brilliant and we were so lucky with the weather! Considering the pressure we were under (After having to get all of the clothes the day before!), we both were very pleased with the outcome! What do you think?

'The Periastron' © DUENDE Mag UK 2012

Check out the website here: www.duendemag.co.uk

Check out the whole magazine and rest of this photoshoot here: Duende Mag

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