Dazed by Ashley Smith

I was worried that Ashley Smith would become another of those 'flash-in-the-pan' models who hang around for one season then fall off the fashion radar quicker than you can say Chanel. Clearly I had nothing to worry about...

From left to right: Giles Deacon, Balenciaga, Chanel SS11 Shows

I wrote about Ashley back in May because her editorial for i-D blew me away and when I said Lara Stone had better watch her back, I meant it. She's already walked for the big boys and is scoring covers all over the show but it's her editorial in the October issue of Dazed and Confused that's caught my eye this time.

I've gone off Dazed in recent months but this issue is definitely worth a buy - as well as the lovely Ashley, they've well and truly re-vamped Daniel Radcliffe, with pretty impressive results. Love him or hate him, you can't ignore the fact that this is one of their most powerful cover for quite some time.

Will you be buying the latest Dazed? Having now proved that she can ace editorials and the runway, what do you think of the boob-alicious Miss Smith? I can't wait to see what she does next.

Photos from thefashionspot.com

Levi's: Shape What's To Come

 Last night something pretty special happened at Levi's flagship store on Regent Street...

In an industry where everyone is out for themselves (and lets be honest, the majority are) it's extremely difficult to establish yourself, to do what you really want to do. Through it's amazing online community, Levi's latest venture, Shape What's To Come, reaches out to everyone and anyone in need of a helping hand within the creative industries.

"Millennial women around the world can network and interact with peers and mentors to help them progress both personally and professionally in pursuit of their passions." Through the website, which launches on Monday, you can connect and collaborate with women who already have or are pursuing their dreams - an invaluable tool if you've got all the ideas in the world, but don't know where to start.

Six of the British Ambassadors, one of whom has an MBE (I felt extremely lazy after meeting them) got together to highlight the need for a portal such as Shape What's To Come. Pictured above with the lovely Annie Mac, all women have already realised their dreams and are on hand to help - whether you want to find work experience or set up your own business, these ladies will have it covered.

The evening also featured an exclusive performance and Q&A with the uh-mazing Shingai Shoniwa (above), lead singer of The Noisettes and Ikonika (below) - DJ, producer and now one of Shape What's To Come's Ambassadors.

The overarching message was that whatever your dream is, you can achieve it if your willing to work hard and  make sacrifices. It all sounds very profound but it really is an amazing idea - think of all those questions you've always wanted to ask about the industry but never had the chance; this, I believe, is what you were looking for.

For more information, visit the Shape What's To Come website where you can register for the launch on Monday and get more information on the Ambassadors and community.

All photos taken by me, do not copy/use without permission!

Back to Basics: Mary-Kate Olsen

It's been coming for some time, but Ashley Olsen move over - Mary-Kate has officially taken over in the style stakes. I didn't want to admit it, but she is definitely the more fashionable twin these days and their recent trip to Paris proves just that...

Sticking to what she knows best in black layers, MK came out on top. I know I've been talking of experimenting with colour recently but until there is a need to do so (summer isn't until next year, after all) I'm going to make like Mary-Kate and go head-to-toe black. Predictable? Yes. But you can't say she doesn't look smokin'.

There's a million and one black pieces out there just waiting to be bought - my winter coat included - but here are just a few pieces you could start with, I'm especially taken with the YSL heels...

Coat, Alexander McQueen. Heels, YSL. Bag, Marc by Marc Jacobs - all at Net-a-Porter.com. Felt Hat, Topshop. Silk Blazer, Issa at TheOutnet.com.

Do you have a favourite item in Mary-Kate colour of choice? I'm looking for the perfect black winter coat, so if you know of anything particularly special, let me know!

Photos from the fashionspot.com

Paris Fashion Week: Alexander McQueen SS11

I'm usually so consumed by Fashion Week (home and away) that I forget what eating/sleeping/having a social life is. This season, not so much. Yesterday evening, Paris brought proceedings to a close for another 6 months and I can't help but be severely underwhelmed by everything. Trust McQueen (or should I say Burton) to be my diamond in the rough...

Considering she had some rather enormous boots to fill, Sarah Burton really encapsulated what Alexander McQueen is about. Although she added a more feminine twist to the collection, the edge and ingenious were still very much there. The amphibious and decadent military elements from the previous two seasons have been re-worked for the modern Mcqueen woman, and I completely loved it. 

Admittedly I wasn't so keen on the suits but the black leather and floral embellishment made Burton's début collection a winner. I'm already thinking about which leading ladies will be wearing these beauties on the red carpet:

What have been your highs and lows from this season and who would you like to see wearing McQueen's latest designs? It'll be interesting to see where Burton takes the brand, I hope she retains Lee's ingenuity and creativity because after all, that's why we loved him so much...

photos from style.com

Paris Fashion Week: Anne Valerie Hash SS11

It's pretty depressing seeing so much flesh on the runway when it's pissing it down 24/7 and the mere thought of wearing shorts gives you goosebumps. However, thanks to Anne Valerie Hash (and Fendi, of course) I'm actually looking forward to next years summer wardrobe.

Don't get me wrong, I love the sun but up until now the winter wardrobe has always been my favourite. However, Hash has pretty much banged the nail on the head, the layering is there (an essential during winter) as are the neutral shades, loose-fitting shirts and super short skirts.

The hair and make-up are spot on too: messy ponytail + natural face = summer ready. Seeing as camel has been tipped as 'the colour' for AW10, you could get the essentials for next season now - just check out Topshop's range of goodies...

Whether you try it now or next year, make sure you're wearing enough layers to clothe an army. What have you loved/hated about this season? I'm still rather out of the loop but London seems to be the best out of all the cities so far, then again Paris is quite an opponent...

photos from style.com and topshop.com

Spotlight: Mary-Kate & Ashley

No introduction needed...

In my eyes, these girls can do no wrong. I know I go on about Vogue (even though the British version is absolutely pants) but the international editions are generally really good. This feature from Vogue Nippon is just too cute, although it does make me wish that they'd come out of hiding more often so I can steal their style again - I've been clueless in their absence. 

Talking of cute, if you haven't seen the twins on the Ellen DeGeneres show yet, then check it out here - definitely going to hit up Nickelodeon for some Two of a Kind love!

Who did you want to be when you were younger, Mary-Kate or Ashley? 

photos from thefashionspot.com

Milan Fashion Week: Fendi SS11

The blogging hiatus is officially over! Following what I can only describe as the most hectic month of my life, I am back and it seems it couldn't have been more perfectly timed. London Fashion Week pretty much passed me by entirely (I attended one show that unfortunately happened to be rather rubbish, I'm looking at you PPQ), which is a shame seeing as I actually live here.

However, Milan has caught my eye, or more specifically Karl Lagerfeld has - it was only a matter of time before I was entirely seduced by Fendi all over again...

I'm not usually a colour girl, black suits me just fine and its been a great friend over the years, but if anyone is going to get me wearing the stuff, it's Papa K. The contrast between bursts of colour and sober neutrals is so perfect, plus those sunglasses are to-die-for.

At first glance, I wasn't all that taken with the collection, it looked a bit frumpy and for want of a better word, wrong. However, the accessories and minor detailing really do make it brilliant. There are some great pieces which I can see everyone worth knowing about wearing and I literally can't wait for these watches to hit the stores.

And if that wasn't enough to get me drooling, Karl threw a bit of Abbey in for good measure. On a more serious note though, how did I miss this change of hairstyle??! I know people have their reservations about the new 'do', many being that she definitely now looks like a crack addict, but I love it. Of course.

Does Fendi make you weak at the knees? Also, are you for or against Abbey's hair, it's sort of strange seeing her so pale but I'll get used to it, roll on Chanel...

photos from style.com