Mountain Air

It's hard to put into words the feeling I get when I reach the mountains. That first breath of fresh mountain air, that crisp cold breeze that hits you in the face (sometimes quite aggressively if its -10 and snowing), and that first ski run of the holiday when your legs haven't quite remembered what to do and you get distracted by every beautiful view you see.

Mount Tremblant, Canada January 2016

This was my fourth visit to Tremblant and every time I go it's special and I never want to leave. Yes I love a beach holiday or a city break as much as the next person, but there is something so satisfying and cleansing about being in the mountains. I truly feel at peace when I get to the top of the mountain and look out all around me to snow capped trees and gorgeous views for miles. I may not be the best skier, the most stylish or the most adventurous but who cares? I go because I love it and it gives me a chance to just be. To be free and wild and scream and shout all the way down a mountain, green run or black, who cares?

My dad and I ski, we laugh and we love it. We stop regularly and refuel on hot chocolate and crisps, we tackle icy blue runs with stumbles and no style, we race down green runs like kids and we just have the best time. We snide at the children who are all amazing, we tut at the snowboarders who sit in the middle of the piste, we laugh at each other when we fall rather than offering help. That is what skiing and being in the mountains is to me. It's true enjoyment, even when I'm freezing, tired and every part of me aches, I still wake up the next morning, bundle on all the layers, stuff my feet into heavy boots and can't wait to get back out there.

My mum is the sensible one, she enjoys the 'Après Ski' lifestyle, of swimming and spas, walks and hot chocolates around a fire place. And I don't blame her at all. This is one of the best resorts to be doing such leisurely activities, where everything is on your doorstep and you can still come up the mountain for the day, enjoy the views, have lunch in the lodge and get the lift back down too (much to my mum's relief that she doesn't have to ski down). We opted for a family day out walking for 4miles around Lake Tremblant and looking back at my favourite ski resort, that's where we captured some of these gorgeous photos.

Canada is one of my favourite destinations to visit, especially Tremblant, and I am even desperate to come back and visit in the Spring or Summer to do lots of exploring and outdoor activities. I'm just a bit scared that I might miss that crisp cold air and snow beneath my skis.

Guest Blog on Fashion Heaven Inc

 

Last month I guest appeared on Fashion Heaven Inc where I wrote about my take on Athleisure and how I adore that sports apparel is now accepted as a fashion statement. Whether you go full tracksuit, just wear the trainers with your dress or mix the 90s trend in to your working wardrobe, there is something for everyone.

 

I loved having the opportunity to write for the guys over at Fashion Heaven Inc, and if you'd like to read my full article pleases click here. I'm hoping to write some more pieces and again write more regularly, I know I have promised this before but now I have a life routine! Yes that's right ladies and gentlemen, I have a full time job and have just finished my first week and loved it. I will be sure to write about it all soon.

 

Again, to read about how to Keep On Track This Season, head over to Fashion Heaven Inc, you might even find some jobs you're interested in!

 

 

Lessons Of An Intern

There is still such a stigma around internships in the fashion industry but for me I have only had great experiences. I am a firm believer in you get what you put into these sorts of opportunities and I go in with all the intentions of being indispensable. And I'd say so far so good, I've met some pretty awesome people and learnt a lot, and not just what Starbucks everyone wants and who has a weakness for mini eggs.

My time at Allsaints started in such a whirlwind that the fact it's ending already seems a bit mad. Within one email I had an interview the next day and by the time I got home that night they had called to offer me the position as PR intern. A week later and I was there, early and dressed in my best (give the best impression on day one and then slowly wind down into rocking the trainers), ready to learn everything and soak up all that I can.

What I learnt whilst there? Well where can I begin, other than patience, working super quickly and efficiently to get the latest SS16 samples to the glossy magazines, I also learnt how to conduct myself in a professional but still totally me way! From chatting with my amazing employers about how they have got to where they are, listening to them talk with fashion assistants at ELLE and Vogue, booking breakfasts with fashion houses and writing notes to accompany gifts to send to the teams, I've learnt how you can build relationships with so many amazing people in the fashion industry.

I of course learnt lots of other valuable skills but I think learning how important it is to build relationships within the fashion industry, knowing who works for who and that breakfast is the best place to talk business are the top ones. So as I get ready to sign off and head to Canada (YES I'm going skiing for ten days and of course I'm totally over excited) I will be reading my magazines, making notes of who is writing what and preparing myself for my new job in February.

Lean In 2016

New Year, New Me? Hardly, it's a tough start to the year but I will take that and use it to my advantage (as much as I can). January is always the month of fitness, diets, health and starting fresh. For me I think I have done a pretty good job at the end of 2015 to keep myself fit and I'm only going to continue and improve. Creating a healthier diet plan is now top of my list, so I purchased The Body Coach - Lean in 15 and am already loving the recipes. 

I managed to snag some great deals before Christmas during the Black Friday sales and treated myself to some new workout leggings and trainers. Purchased from the fabulous Sweaty Betty I deliberated over what colours and styles to buy for quite some time, but after some sound advice from the sales assistant and some bounding around the shop in the trainers, I opted for Asics Gel-Kayano. They are super comfortable, brightly coloured and with the special memory foam and gel base they mould to my feet. It's as though I have purchased custom made shoes (dream!).

So 2016, I don't know what to expect, what might or might not happen but I will tackle it with all I have. Starting tonight with my first class of the year, a solid 45minute circuits session to remind me what my body can do when I try, although after all that Christmas food and drink it might be a disaster.

And as for resolutions; read more, write more, travel more and believe. Things will work out eventually.

Why I'll Never Have A Floordrobe

I will never have a floordrobe. At least not a serious one. I can't comprehend how people get by in day-to-day life by hunting through a pile of clothes in the morning to get dressed. If I started my day on the floor digging through clothes I would probably give up all hope and get back into bed. I need order, nothing too complicated or regulated but a separate draw for trousers, jersey basics and jumpers, tops (as my dad would say "oh you've bought another top?") and then separate draws for underwear. It's a system and I'm a stickler for it.

After reading the Getting Dressed feature in ELLE this month it got me thinking about my relationship with clothes and I have to say some of the statistics made me chuckle and nod in agreement. Apparently we haven't worn 13.3% of our wardrobe... I could probably go a lot higher than that. I'm a hoarder. I admit it, and I have tried very hard to let go and to reshape my wardrobe. Especially seeing as we moved house in July and I did get rid of about three black bin bags worth of clothes (honest!) but I still look in the wardrobe sometimes and have the question "why do I have that still?". But guess what? I close the door and go back to getting dressed, that animal print playsuit I wore twice one summer stays in the wardrobe. Why can't I let go?

Maybe it's nostalgia, I can pin point when I wore certain items and it makes me smile about the memories. However I know (I mean I really know) that there is no chance of me wearing it again and I give myself a deadline. In July I said "Vicki, if you do not wear this playsuit over the summer months then come winter it is out, gone, bye bye." And yet, go check the back of the wardrobe now and it's still there. Face palm. I do clear out my wardrobe but I'm not ruthless, an ELLE top tip was "Enlist a good friend who you really trust to help with a wardrobe clear-out". I agree, it's a great idea in theory, but in reality I know my friend would make me get rid of so much, she is literally ruthless and would not understand my (slightly lame) excuses on why I want to keep said top.

I believe my real issue is the "what if" question. You don't know, maybe the animal print playsuit which is a little too tight will come back into my day to day style (yes I know, unlikely). If I had the money I would do a full clear out, cut it down to the basics, rid myself of naff tshirts and ill fitting jeans, I would buy all the classics from Zara that I love, the trend pieces from Topshop and some special pieces from & Other Stories. But until someone kindly hands me over those hundreds of pounds, I can't risk chucking out clothes and being left with nothing. Because if I'm honest I probably have about 10 max good outfits that I would wear regularly, everything else would not be seen out the house.

I can pretend that I laze around my house in cashmere sweats, cute black slips, hair perfectly bouncing away and a fresh face. But in reality it's trackies (or pyjamas if I'm really lazy) and a massive hoody, hair in a bun and the hope that I don't come across a mirror anytime soon. I don't care what I look like when I'm behind the closed doors, cosy inside in a world where no one sees, no one really cares and I can just chill and watch my box sets back to back hour after hour. It's much safer here. But I guess some days, I want that wow reaction. I genuinely feel better about myself when I put in a little effort, get a new pair of jeans that make my bum look good and put on some lippy. Sometimes just one or two wardrobe updates are enough to keep me happy. Other days, I think of the space I'm wasting with crap. I'm sorry little playsuit, you may have to go.

Images via Pinterest 

BURBERRY: All Cried Out

SPRING/SUMMER 2016

"Classic coats and functional pieces mixed with elements of regalia. English lace and floor-length satin dresses with leather biker jackets. The Rucksack, regimental tailoring and The Belt Bag in oblong and square. Capes and weatherproof silks are practical and protective."

Fresh and sharp, the Burberry collection that debuted in Kensington Gardens was a fabulous combination of light sheer dresses, in sweet hues, and classic trench coats. Burberry always deliver a show stopping collection, and deliver they did. With natural light gleaming through the glass conservatory, the models circling the live orchestra lead with Alison Moyet singing, the collection was nailed there and then.

FROW faves, Cara Delevigne, Kate Moss, Sienna Miller, Anna Wintour and Mr Cumberbatch looked divine as always and shared laughter and approving nods as the new collection washed past them. Highlights include the new rucksack (form an orderly line now) personalised with each models initials, the lightweight trench coat which is perfect for spring (the lace detail was a perfect update to a classic), and the gorgeous sheer dresses paired with knits to cover up.

It was definitely my favourite show from LFW, keeping to the brands roots and adding that little personal touch, I would love to own one of everything (please… one sheer dress, the trench coat and a rucksack!). Oh and Mr Leather Jacket, yes I saw you there, and I think we would get on really well, so if you’d like to join my fun filled wardrobe then please do.

All Images from Burberry.com

COACH: Walk Through Fields Of Gold

#CoachSpring2016, our runway show debut #NYFW

A video posted by coach (@coach) on Sep 16, 2015 at 11:20am PDT

They nailed it. Yup. Coach's womenswear debut was stunning, set amongst fields of gold it was prairie meets punk with leather and flowers taking to the catwalk. One of the greatest things about the 21st century is how advanced our technology is, that even though I'm miles away, in a different time zone, I could watch the show live! Okay it's not the same as being there, but to witness the hustle and bustle as the crowd arrives, spot Chloe Mortez turn up (looking beautiful with the new saddle bag), and spy all the bloggers and journalists I love on the front row, it's quite special. And then the show begins, and I can see look after look appear, in front of my eyes. It's cinematic genius.

A photo posted by EyeFitU (@eyefituofficial) on Sep 16, 2015 at 5:43am PDT

I'm probably quite biased now about my love for this brand, but it's just something about it that captivates me each season. As I have mentioned, the AW15 collection is to die for, shearling and leather punk look is just perfect for winter. It makes a plain black winter outfit more exciting and daring. They showed this collection last Fashion Week but only as a presentation to a select few, so last night to see their first show come together was exciting. The brand is celebrating 75years and under the eye of Stuart Vevers, Coach is only going to blossom more.

A photo posted by Nini (@ninuca789) on Sep 15, 2015 at 2:57pm PDT

As I say, set in fields of gold, the models stomped the ground around a centrepiece of on-lookers, watching and snapping pictures. Walking to blissful beats and closed by One Love (bringing me back a few years to the days I spent obsessed by Mary J Blige and U2 cover) the music totally encompassed the whole feel of the show.  Floaty, light but with the edge of punk that Coach manages to throw in each season with ease. 

A photo posted by Buro 24/7 Singapore (@buro247singapore) on Sep 15, 2015 at 11:42pm PDT

Although some of the pieces were a bit too floral for me, one floral top mixed with denim or leather can certainly work well. It looks like SS16 will be all about the balance of fresh, bright flowers and tough colours. The teal leather skirt is perfect (literally, need it now) and I love the idea of a flower leather waistcoat, instead of an all over bohemian flower shirt. There was a long brown leather coat, it looked stylish and chic and totally spring appropriate, but at the back of my mind I could just remember one of my Bratz dolls from when I was a kid, and she definitely had that coat first (and it looked fierce)!


Until next year Coach. I leave, wandering through fields, picking flowers and wearing biker jackets.

Sunday Lounging - AW style

I may have mentioned before my love of AW collections. There is something so satisfying about layers and the many options of coats, boots, polo necks, thick tights and winter accessories. As fashion weeks kick off for SS16 (already, mad!) I'm reminiscing about one of my favourite AW15 collections from February. Oh and definitely check out Milli Mackintosh's new book for top style, fitness and food tips! (I can't wait to try out some of her recipes).

Shearling and leather are the two key ingredients to a fabulous winter outfit and Coach have completely nailed it. This week they will have their first women's runway show (SS16) but back in February they presented this seasons collection and it is to die for. Since purchasing my gorgeous bag back in May I have followed the trends of Coach and couldn't wait to see this full AW collection. The Swagger handbag has a berry colour update for winter (beaut), add this to a leather and shearling jacket and jeans and you have yourself a gorgeous outfit. Suitable to go from day to night, investment pieces like this jacket will never let you down. 

 

I can't wait to see Coach's next campaign but for now here is my current AW mood board with what images are inspiring me this season - expect lots of black and white, burgundy, shearling, rustic interiors and delicious looking food.

Autumn/Winter 2015 Mood Board

Sunday Lounging

Another Sunday, another week gone by. What a week, the one after holiday is always the hardest. Busy at work, missing the beach and back to the commute. But it has been a good week, I love to be busy and have challenges at work, it's the only way to learn.

This weekend my best friends sister got married and I went along to the evening reception which was spectacular. With such a beautiful couple it was without doubt that I knew this wedding would be picture perfect. The family always know how to put on a show, such a great bunch of people, live music (some fantastic karaoke from the family and friends), great dancing and a wonderful night.

So today bae has gone off on holiday for 5 days... will the cats away... I shop. Why not hey? New season is almost upon us, I've got my holy grail of September issue magazines in my hands and I have started the transition to autumn. Colours of autumn are always my fave, the blues and purples just work so well to make the daily black/grey outfit a little more alive.

Over at Jack Wills HO I have been lusting over our gorgeous damson colour for autumn and finally it landed in store. So I have snatched up my winter hoody (currently curled up on the sofa in it now... so cosy), I have eyed up some winter boots and can see suede is continuing for another season (yay!)

I hope everyone had a lovely weekend x

Wimbledon Diary

Here we have a day in the life of a Mornick Shirt Dress, taking it for a spin at Wimbledon with the afternoon ending up on Centre Court.

Wimbledon Whites (as we all know) are the essential uniform of all players participating in the tournament but also a huge style staple for spectators too. This year I decided to doll myself up and pull out a classic shirt dress from Jack Wills. Seriously, it's the perfect summer dress; light and breezy, smart but practical (my fave type of dressing).

Upon arrival the heavens decided to open on us (no!) so it was a quick pit stop for tea and cake (any excuse really). As we took in the grounds I got to catch a glimpse of the almighty Hewitt in a doubles match with the young Ozzy Kokkinakis. This is Hewitt's last showing at Wimbledon, so as you could imagine, the crowds were a plenty (people actually peering over the gates surrounding the court).

The first match we saw was the ladies, a three set battle (which very rarely happens in the women's game) whilst we enjoyed our picnic of sandwiches and a glass of Rose, very classy. We didn't have to wait long until the man that pretty much defines Wimbledon graced us on court. It was time for some Federer magic, the most suave and smooth player I have every had the pleasure to watch. With his glorious forehand and unstopable backhand he took control of the match from the start and played some highly entertaining crowd pleasing shots. 

After watching a first class Federer performance it was time for a Pimm's break. It was a much needed refreshment to wet the pallet for the last match of the day. We do tend to enjoy taking in the views and enjoy the sunshine once we have Pimm's in our hands.

Now for the match of the day, seriously if you didn't see this match (or haven't even heard about it) then where were you?! Nadal vs Dustin Brown was just magnificent. There were some incredible shots, Dustin's dreads were flying across the court. Nadal was outplayed by unconventional, brave and superb play from Dustin. It's hard to say whether it was luck or just sheer determination to throw everything he had at the match and try many different tactics. It was one of the greatest matches I have seen and the crowd went mad for Dustin. Nadal just seemed to be totally deflated by the end, whilst Dustin was up on cloud nine.

The match went into the evening taking us to a night time browse around the shops, grab a little snack and perch on the hill to watch Mahut vs Dogopolov battle it out on the big screen. There was still a huge crowd about, everyone enjoying the last of a great day of tennis and watching the sunset.

Exhausted we hopped on the bus back to Wimbledon Station, taking in the views of Wimbledon town and looking out over London city in the distance. Such a fab day of tennis, glorious sunshine and a dress that can take me from Centre Court to dinner and beyond.

White for #Wimbledon? Taking our Mornick Shirt Dress to Centre Court today. 🎾😍 Ace!

A photo posted by Jack Wills (@jackwills) on Jul 2, 2015 at 8:16am PDT

A Nod To The Cowboys

A Nod To The Cowboy

When I flicked through my beloved ELLE magazines and saw the latest trends my instant thought was "really, flares... Not a chance" "suede, I don't think that's particularly practical". But I mulled the idea over and have been converted. From the 70s influences, the cowboys and the hippies, I tip my hat to the trend. Last week I purchased my first piece, a gorgeous zip front A-line suede skirt from M&S and I'm in love with it. Paired with plain black tee and my denim shirt it's the perfect summer piece, smart enough for the office but will be fun for the weekends.

Check out my latest Pinterest board to see my inspiration and what I love about this trend.

Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty

I don't think there are enough adjectives in the English language for me to express how amazing the Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty exhibition at the V&A is. I was totally mind blown by the whole experience. 

I always expect great things for exhibitions, the clothes on display are lavish and the photographs are fantastic. But what I saw at the Savage Beauty exhibition was nothing short of theatre. Each room you went into told a different story, mixing his collections but ultimately the themes focused on one of the strongest catwalk shows of his time. There was definitely an overriding quite deeply disturbing vibe throughout the exhibition which reflects the life McQueen lived and how he became inspired for his collections.

My highlights of the exhibition would have to be:

'Cabinet of Curiosities' - A beautiful room full of nooks and crannies showing of the exquisite gowns, headdresses, shoes, bodices and so much more. It felt like you were walking into the set of one of the Harry Potter films. In the middle of the room was the finished "paint dress" spinning around as it did in the catwalk show where it became painted by mechanic arms. That's a true work of art.

 

'The Window of Culloden' - I don't know if anything has ever quite taken my breath away like this illusion of Kate Moss, suspended like a ghost in a prism. The room just became quiet whilst watching her move so gracefully and looking so serene. It was a recreation of the 2006 show where Kate was projected across the catwalk as a hologram, looking just like a ghost.

'Plato's Atlantis' - This is the last full collection that Alexander McQueen created before his death in 2010. It's a vision of the future and my favourite collection. The digitally engineered prints of sea creatures, jellyfish and the huge armadillo skin boots feel very modern and 'out of this world'. To see the army of dresses side by side was a dream, I definitely can see myself rocking one of the dresses for a night out... Right?

 

 

Unfortunately you can't take photos in the exhibition but as it was a birthday day out I was treated to the exceptionally beautiful book that accompanies the exhibition. This is definitely a coffee table book, it's a heavy weight, indulgent page turner. Filled with beautiful pictures of backstage, the designs, catwalk shows and McQueens life. It's a beautiful memoir to celebrate his life and his work. It will defitnley be centre stage on my coffee table (one day when I get that beautiful Notting Hill home that I dream of). I highly recommend that you go book tickets right now to witness this fabulous collection (before it finishes at the beginning of August) which has been pulled together and presented in the most wondrous of ways.

 

I leave, breathless and inspired.

 

"I think there is beauty in everything. What "normal" people would perceive as ugly, I can usually see something of beauty in it." - Alexander McQueen

 

 

 

 

What's your Swagger?

This birthday was spent having a fabulous girls day in London with my mum. We visited the V&A museum to see the Alexander McQueen Savage Beauty exhibition (literally amazing, more to come on this later), went for high tea and then lucky me, got to go handbag shopping! 

Ever since seeing the Coach SS15 campaign back at the beginning of the year, I have been dying to get my hands on one of the beautiful Swagger bags. This bag is my new love, the periwinkle colour is perfect for summer and brightens up my typical uniform of black jeans and jacket.

For the Coach Swagger campaign they have created a #WhatsYourSwagger tag which has encouraged designers and bloggers alike to customise their bags and show what they carry. So I have taken the time to dig deap and find all the beauties I tend to carry around on a daily outing. Now I have one Swagger, I am already desperate to see next seasons colours... One for every season right?

COACH

I could ramble on for hours about Coach and their history, their collections and their bags (the Swagger... yes please!). To try shelf some of my ramblings I will just have a little outburst of love for the latest SS15 collection and a quick whisper of that AW15 presentation at New York Fashion Week.

Under the new direction of creative director Stuart Vevers, the brand has gone from strength to strength in just two years. Coach had it's debut presentation at NYFW last February and since has blossomed. We could have predicted that his designs would be a sell-out, after all he is the man who brought us Bayswater, Emmy and Gisele when he was at the helm of Mulberry as well as reinventing some of the classics at Loewe.

After seeing the latest campaign in all my magazines and reading about the brand in 'The IT Bag Superhero" article in ELLE (March 2015) I have been completely obsessed. Something about the simplicity of the campaign really spoke to me. Pastel colours are always a win and to have a classic IT bag at that more affordable luxury price range is just perfect. Just this weekend The Sunday Times had a article dedicated to the '300 club', applauding luxury designers for some of their pieces being in reach of the average working class women. We don't all earn thousands, we can't justify saving up for three months just for that £1000+ handbag, so for me to see that the Coach Swagger Bag is retailing between £325-£475 gives me hope that I can actually invest in a luxury bag, without completing draining my bank.

This latest Spring/Summer collection combines the subcultures of music, skate and surf. As always, inspired by the streets of New York, the brand stays true to its heritage, exploring luxury and street-wear. They define the collection as 'A journey across America', the dreamer, the optimist, the ideals of spontaneity and an effortless cool. The new Swagger bag is exploring a modern elegance, a classic shape which will hold all your necessities whilst still looking sleek and stylish. They're calling it 'streetwise sophistication' and I want one now. I feel that I could really rock streetwise sophistication, I'm thinking a Swagger bag mixed with sportswear, adding heels for some night time glamour.

 

The Coach Swagger Carryall in Pebble Leather, Periwinkle colour (ah adorable name!) is top of my wish list. Right up there with a new apartment to live in and the dream job. That is how much impact this bag is having on my life right now, I've always been a bag enthusiast but it recent years have cut down on my purchasing of high-street bags, opting to wait and save for one of the IT bags, but never quite finding the guts to spend all my hard earned cash in one swoop. But now, I think the time might have come. The cornflower blue (that was my initial colour observation, but Periwinkle has definitely grown on me) is classy, it has the power to transform an outfit because it adds colour to a monochrome look but also it can combine and clash with any colours you wear too. The size of the Carryall looks perfect too, I can fit my Ipad Mini, phone and essentials without looking like I'm lugging a sack around with me. This fresh and vibrant campaign has got one bag lover on side, how about you?

And so, to a brief applause for the Fall 2015 presentation at New York Fashion Week. This was my first glimpse into a Coach show and it was something to behold. Biker boots and shearling jackets, what's not to love about this glam grunge look? Now make sure you go explore the full collection here.

Fall 2015

Spring 2015

All Image credit to http://uk.coach.com/