Why We’re Worth It

"I think what I often see is that people are frightened of fashion and because it scares them or makes them feel insecure, they put it down. On the whole people that say demeaning things about our world, I think that’s usually because they feel in some ways excluded or not part of the ‘cool’ group, so as a result they just mock it. [Enjoying fashion] … does not make you a dumb person. There is something about fashion that can make people very nervous” Anna Wintour in ‘The September Issue’.

Fashion is often compared to art; both are subjective and value is placed on sometimes intangible qualities. The Mona Lisa is worth millions; footballers get paid outrageous sums of money for their profession and yet ours is often considered frivolous.

But here are the facts: Fashion is a multi-billion dollar international industry, providing over 100,000 jobs in the UK alone and is a vital part of our economy.

Fashion is part of our cultural zeitgeist, representative of political and sociological change. For example, the sex fuelled mini skirt of the sixties and the power shoulders of the eighties.

When the ‘fashion industry’ is mentioned one immediately thinks of the designer sector. But it also encompasses the high street fashion businesses, from which the majority of us purchase our clothes. Designer fashion is more often than not about fantasy; The high street then translates these fantasies into wearable pieces for us 'normal people' to tap into.

Those of you who have seen ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ will remember this little speech which to me, hits the nail on the head with such accuracy...



But whether you shop at Primark or Prada, you are still making a sartorial choice. Which is what it’s really all about, everybody has the right to choose.

Not everyone can be a rocket scientist (though who do you think designs the material used in spacesuits…) or a Nobel peace prizewinner.

People will continue to have their own opinions about fashion but at the end of the day we’re doing something that we’re passionate about. Am I right in thinking that having a job you love doing is every bit as, if not more, covetable than any shoe or bag?

Now Wearing: Grey sweater and black leggings. Mui stylish =P

Now Playing: After Hours - We Are Scientists

Now Coveting: Jeffery Campbell Lita Boots

Post written by Libby Jewell @libby_jewell

Want to get involved? Email us at uomfashion@gmail.com

Got the hump?

With A/W fast approaching, it’s time to ditch our playsuits and gladiators and start making that ever looming ‘winter essentials’ list (sorry student loan!). But if you’re baffled by the aviator/parka war, or can’t decide between the clog and the fur lined hiking boot, never fear. There’s one failsafe trend that will see you through the winter, is a timeless classic, and will go with your entire wardrobe – It’s time to embrace camel.

The perfect partner to the khaki and red hues seen all over the catwalk, here’s my pick of the high street best. So think leather, chunky heeled and belted for your effortlessly cool new shade.


Click for a bigger picture.

1. Tan Leather T-shirt, £75, Wallis.
2. Ruched Sleeve Blazer, £60, Topshop.
3. UGG Lynnea Clog Leather Ankle Boots, £200, Office.
4. Tapered Chino Trousers, £35, Topshop.
5. Leather Shorts, £59.99, River Island.
6. Pale Camel Martha Holdall, £45, Oasis.
7. Tan Tassel Trim Loafer, £40, Miss Selfridge.
8. Camel Military Dress, £35, Dorothy Perkins.
9. Borg Aviator Jacket, £50, A-Wear.

Now Wearing : White cropped tee and Whistles black hareem trousers

Now Playing : Gorillaz - On Melancholy Hill

Now Coveting : Mac Venomous Villains collection (all of it!).

Post written by Rozi Jones @rozijones

Want to get involved? Email us at uomfashion@gmail.com

Something for the Weekend...

Hi to all of you who have discovered us via our facebook page.

For those of you who are off to various festivals this weekend (Creamfields, Leeds, Reading, Clacton Air show etc.), hope you have a fantastic time and don some incredible festival get up a la Florence and Kate. Would love to see what you guys throw together. Send us your festival fashion photos to uomfashion@gmail.com and we will compile our faves into one of our upcoming posts.

For this post I have scoured Lookbook to find you a few of my favourite interpretations of the tapered trouser trend which is currently sweeping the nation.

Look 1


The use of dark accessories within this outfit pleases me immensely.

Look 2


I am in complete adoration of her hair.

Look 3


It takes a brave girl to attempt to wear mustard coloured trousers. I respect her more than she will ever know.

Now Wearing : Breton cropped tee, leggings, blue crochet socks.

Now Playing : Annie Mac. More specifically Danny Byrd - Ill Behaviour

Now Coveting : Charlotte Olympia shoes. Any of them. Yummy.

Post written by Stephanie Shaw @stefidoo

Want to get involved? Email us at uomfashion@gmail.com

Come Fly With Me

So hi there!
With the arrival of a new university year AND a new season upon us, I thought I would finally kick off the blog!
What better way to begin than with the hottest trend of the Autumn/Winter 2010/11 season...
THE AVIATOR JACKET.



So here we have Burberry, Acne and Topshop's interpretations of the trend.
But if you can't cope with spending upwards of £300 for one of these badboys, I happen to know that Topshop are planning on releasing a faux leather version of their Aviator jacket for £75!! Will be keeping my eyes peeled for that one!!!