To tweet or not to tweet...

No other medium has so transformed the fashion industry, in recent years, than the overwhelming influence of Social Media. From Blogs to Facebook groups, Tweets to Vlog postings the fashion industry is connected virally through an endless stream of IM channels, networking platforms and websites. It is essential that you get connected!

In some ways, you already are, because you’re reading this Blog. But if you’re hoping to step into the fashion sphere in Manchester and in the UK you need to get your hands dirty. Reading Blogs is one thing, writing them is a whole other ball game.

Blog is an acronym for Web-log which was a craze that started out life as a means for cyber-geeks to pen their cyber-diaries. Since then this platform has been adopted as a legitimate form of journalism, particularly in the Political and Fashion sectors, and has reshaped the way people comment and communicate within these industries forever. I won’t need to tell you about the recent MAC-Rodarte controversy or the incident closer to home concerning that inappropriate McQueen Window at Selfridges Manchester Exchange Square, it was Bloggers that were on to it first.

To call yourself a Blogger gives you certain kudos, a certain status within the fashion industry; you’ll be able to get yourself the odd freebie, the five minute interview here and there and perhaps even a cult following if you’re lucky. But, to be a great blogger opens doors. Fear not as no one becomes Style Bubble over night, every Blogger started out with the same awkward website design, the same spelling mistakes and the same Blog posting we wish we could forget. Who does this lad think he is I hear you yell! Well I’ll be the first to admit, I’m no expert in this field but I am a dedicated apprentice and am endlessly fascinated by the ways and means being a Blogger has enabled me to enter the fashion industry within Manchester and the UK.

Though, I don’t just consider Blogging as a vital tool for the fashion student, to Tweet or not to Tweet, there is no longer a question. Get yourself a Twitter account and start experimenting. Twitter has attracted some of the most important figures in the fashion world from the instrumental Bloggers like @tavitulle and @StyleSalvage to the fashion assistants at your favourite Glossys @Grazia_Live and @StylistMagazine. Anyone who is worth reading is worth following (as no one will be your ‘friend’ on Twitter, they will simply allow you to follow them as one does a spiritual leader).

As a student of fashion and general newbie of Twitterland you’ll probably spend the first few months or even year of your Twitter career hopelessly following the likes of @Stefanogabbana and @vogue_london in a vain hope to get an @ mention. (The method of communicating direct to one-another is conducted by beginning your 140 character Tweet with @ followed by the recipient’s screen name). However, stay focused, Tweet well and check regularly so you’re on the cusp of the fashionable topics. Smart phones are obviously a must and the best applications are TweetDeck for iPhone and UberTwitter for BlackBerry. For other models use the Official Twitter Application.

To get you started on your viral career I’ve compiled a list of people to follow and read, a list I wish I had had at my exposal. You can tweet lists like this all day on a Friday carrying the hashtag #ff or #followfriday (hashtags enable you to participate in specific conversations and for those participating to see your thoughts, it also saves characters) This should at least get you a thank you in your Direct Message inbox. You should also download The Manchester Twitter Report from theEword and have a read.

Why not start with someone in your shoes? @jordanjmcdowell

This lady owns the digital airspace in Manchester, although not directly related to Fashion she is certainly worth a ReTweet @Sandy_Lindsay

You won’t get anywhere without following the Hub of Mancunion fashion @TheFashionNetUk

No one has a slicker account that @Harvey_Nichols and your local @HN_Manchester

Vintage is well represented with @Vintage_Threads

Stylist to the stars and direct to your mobile @YourStylist

Stylist @STYLISA started life in Manchester has recently moved operations to London.

Influential on a serious note @Drapers, @LEONBAILEYGREEN

Places to be seen @Spinningfields, @PiccadillyMCR, @AvenueThe, @traffordcentre

Post written by Jordan McDowell http://fashion-rambler.blogspot.com

In the Red...

There’s no denying that winter is well and truly upon us this week. Gloomy nights and grey skies can be depressing, but this season’s key colour will brighten up even the greyest of days.
Red is not only surprisingly easy to wear but it’s camel’s partner in crime, meaning that choosing your key A/W wardrobe pieces is easier than ever.
A red coat or jacket is an easy way to inject some colour into your winter wardrobe. But if you’re not feeling so bold, go for red accessories or even a slick of lippy to break up the otherwise muted hues seen on the catwalk.


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1. Red cape with hoodie, £60, Debenhams.
2. Knitted beanie with pompom, £100, Missoni.
3. Knitted stripe cocoon jumper, £40, Topshop.
4. Red wedge sandal, £44.99, River Island.
5. Pleat flippy skirt, £32, Topshop.
6. Red duffle coat, £50, Miss Selfridge.

Now wearing: Topshop knitted camel dress and tights (brr!)

Now playing: The Jacksons – Can You Feel It?

Now coveting: All of Topshop Unique’s A/W collection

Post written by Rozi Jones @rozijones

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Vogue's Fashion Night Out 2010

Last week, on September 8^th 2010 London's favourite designers, models and fashionable people hit our favourite town to mingle with the shoppers at Anna Wintour’s wonderful creation: Vogue’s Fashion’s Night Out. Expert styling from the Vogue team was a given, plus superstar appearances from the biggest names in fashion in all your favourite shops. And not just the mainstream stores; everyone from H&M to Chanel joined in.
http://fashions-night-out.vogue.co.uk/

Although I was craving some serious Kurt Geiger (I adore the DM-esque boots with red laces they have just released in the Autumn range) I didn’t fancy cramming into one of their petite stores so I stuck to my absolute brand favourites; Chanel and my newest fetish; Reiss. Knowing the show they’d put on would not disappoint. And boy did it not! Oh and of course a Vogue night wouldn’t be complete without a quickie at Louis Vuitton.

I began at Reiss and hit the scrummy free cocktails as well as one of the (many) old school photo booths installed in nearly all the shops participating in the Vogue fashion night. Not only those quirky highlights but they were offering hair styling, manicures, massages and make overs... ALL FOR FREE! Sadly, I had to rush off to the next place because dinner reservations were at 8!

Reiss’ Autumn collection is slightly veering from what I would traditionally wear, however, their leather pieces are really impressive. From the Crawford leather dress to the only available online Katrin skirt, Reiss in-house designers have really captured the hard-to-master look and I love it. Also, I must highlight the Becca bodysuit, I think a good quality body suit is now essential for your wardrobe and this one will last you another two seasons at least. This one is a gem!

And that’s what I love about Reiss, even if I don’t like every single piece of the collection, nearly every item can be dressed up or down and can suit any occasion. Plus, it looks good quality, it feels good quality, and by the heads you’ll turn in one of their LBDs and a cheeky pair of Kurt Geigers, you’ll know it’s worth the money.

For the most part it targets 25+ but the dresses are divine and key seasonal pieces are worth checking out... especially if you plan on an office wardrobe post uni... Nine to five doesn’t have to mean drab and dreary.
Yours truly even got papped for the Reiss blog and I’ve been keeping my eyes peeled for my internet debut. Speaking of the Reiss blog: http://www.reissonline.com/blog/ check it out.

Anyway, enough about Reiss... Next I moved on to Chanel, where I did have my make up done (their eyeliner is a staple in my make up bag). They used this awesome eye shadow set on me: I own about three of these... I don’t trust myself with eye shadow and often come out looking a tiny bit lady boy rather than lovely lady! But these handy things use complementary tones so you don’t really have to worry about the drag queen look. Complete with Chanel make-up we were then allowed to prance about in expensive Chanel coats, hats and accessories and pretend we were Jackie Onassis or Audrey Hepburn.

The new Coco Cocoon collection by Chanel is just divine, embodying French chic at it’s best. Lily Allen helped with the campaign. (Not really the first name that comes to mind when you think French chic and classic outfits, but each to their own! She still looks great in the campaign photos) Check out the latest campaign photographs. Beautiful! (Also I love the song in the background... Isn’t the French language dreamy?! :p)

It was getting late and my toes were getting squashed by the Louboutins, but we had just enough time to pop into Louis Vuitton. It’s not my favourite brand because I’m quite adverse to logos all over my things... However, there was a collection of head pieces in store, all made from Vogue magazines... And well the artist in me just HAD to go and have a play!

Now wearing: Uniqlo 80s style denim jeggings, skinny white vest and toe socks

Now playing: Mr Scruff vs Kirsty Almeida - Pickled Spider

Now coveting: Reiss online exclusive Katrin leather skirt... £350... please lotto, please pick me....

Post written by Melanie Astbury londongirlupnorth

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Designer Profile : ban.do

Lovingly handmade in L.A by 'can-do' girlies Jen and Jamie, the acessories label ban.do designs pieces of inspired, vintage jewellry. The company have three lines, ban.do (the original collection), Heart by ban.do (the cheapest accessories) and my favourite line, the enchanting Black Label. However, this line is a bit too dear for the average customer, as prices for these couture pieces start from $250 (approx £160!). And so, I am absorbing the wonders of the gorgeous head accessories and am inspired for a little DIY project of my own! A Primark hair band, a few flowers and feathers, et voilà! My own couture head piece.

Below are my favourite pieces from the collection. Be inspired!


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Now wearing: Shirt dress and cable knit tights

Now playing: Dreams by Fleetwood Mac

Now coveting: Chloe's high-waisted, wide leg trousers in nude...yum!

Written by Emma Walters

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Online Stores Galore...

Last week marked the launch of not one, but three brand new online stores. Now you can shop at Zara, Gap and Banana Republic from the comfort of your own home - perfect for those rainy autumn days when leaving your bed is just too much of a chore.

Just in time for student loans (sorry bank balance!), I’ve picked the best from zara.com, gap.eu and bananarepublic.gap.eu to help speed up the time until you’re wearing your lovely new purchases.

So say goodbye to being elbowed out of the way for the last one in your size, and hello to deliveries straight to your door (would a hunky postman be too much to ask, too?) Online shopping is definitely the new facebook.

Gap

Gap’s A/W collection fuses cosiness and style effortlessly. The hoodie-jacket mix (1) is your winter must have with its mixed textures and toggles, and their poncho (2) may just rival this season’s cape with its on trend colours and buckle. But don’t underestimate Gap, it no longer just caters for your woolly essentials, as seen by this ruffled tea dress (3). Wear with an aviator and boots in the daytime and swap for heels (with or without opaques) for a night out. Now we just need a ‘from office to bar’ lifestyle to match…

Banana Republic

Now available to us non-Southerners, expect big things from Banana Republic. Its collection nails this seasons earthy neutral colours, taking us from Summer safari to winter woollies. This perfect ‘going out’ bag (4), ticks all the boxes; animal prints, clashing textures and an over-body strap. Their cable knit cardigan (5) will be your wardrobe staple with its open design making it an easy layering piece. Finally, winter trousers are staying slim and neutral, but losing the military pockets. These slacks (6) look equally great made equestrian or teamed with strong, tribal prints.

Zara

Our winter saviour just got even better. Tweed is a massive trend this season and Zara’s blazer (7), teamed with geek chic elbow pads, is the best on the high street. Teamed with your Banana Republic slacks, you’ll put Zara Phillips to shame. These boots (8) are a steal, and are the perfect colour and style to team with your winter essentials, while their two-in-one dress can be styled up or down - just swap clogs and woolly socks for a high heeled shoe boot.



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1. Textured toggle hoodie jacket, £59.50, Gap.
2. Silky printed ruffle dress, £55, Gap.
3. Hooded poncho, £65, Gap.
4. Haircalf mini chain bag, £55, Banana Republic.
5. Short-sleeve cosy cable cardigan, £75, Banana Republic.
6. Heritage slim utility pant, £49.50, Banana Republic.
7. Harris tweed blazer with elbow patches, £49.99, Zara.
8. Flat sole ankle boot with buckles, £59.99, Zara.
9. Dress with cuts, £39.99, Zara.

Now Wearing: Topshop lacey dress, leggings and loafers

Now Playing: Suburban War - Arcade Fire

Now Coveting: Those lush Zara boots.

Post written by Rozi Jones @rozijones

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

Animal Magic.

Fashion trends come and go, but it seems designers just cannot get enough of leopard print, and this season it is everywhere! Make a statement with Topshop’s faux-fur leopard print coat, or instead opt for accessories to give your look a subtle dose of animal print chic. From coats to sheer blouses, handbags to peep toe high heels, there is something to suit everybody. With vintage chic for daytime, and glamorous styles for night, this is a trend with lasting power. Below is a selection of what the high street has to offer…happy shopping!


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1. Topshop – £28
2. Mango - £37.90
3. Oasis - £65
4. ASOS - £55
5. Topshop - £85
6. ASOS - £16
7. Motel - £29
8. Topshop - £40
9. Urban Outfitters - £16

Now wearing – Denim cut-offs and floral blouse…making the most of the last few days of sunshine!

Now playing – The Count & Sinden feat. Mystery Jets – After Dark

Now coveting – The Mulberry Alexa as always, but more realistically a cape for the winter months!

Post written by Emma Beer

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(Hennes + Mauritz) x Lanvin = PERFECTION

When the news broke on 2nd September that H&M, the high street giant, confirmed its designer collaboration with French luxury designer Lanvin, my twitter went wild with tweets and retweets, left right and centre! A sure sign of victory to come.

Exciting news on the high street, based on H&M’s previous collaborations with Sonia Rykiel in December 2008 and Jimmy Choo in November 2009, amongst Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney and Viktor + Rolf, which all proved to be a success for the high street giant.

“When H&M approached us to do this collaboration, they asked if I could actually translate the dream we created at Lanvin to a bigger audience. It wasn’t a project about a dress for less. I think I loved the idea that H&M was going luxury, rather than Lanvin is going public. I thought it was a smart concept so I say “I do” says Alber Elbaz, creative director, speaking for Lanvin.


H&M have got it just right; With Lanvin currently being one of the most desirable labels on the planet but with price tags that only a fraction can afford, designer collaborations are definitely a smart choice for the retailer. Interest in fashion is ever-increasing and the desire for designer collections at affordable prices is escalating! Who will we see next join forces with the retailer?

Trend led, and on target, the latest designer collaboration with Lanvin for H&M will launch on November 23rd at 200 H&M stores worldwide.

Now Wearing: Striped shirt, velvet blazer, leggings and knee high boots

Now Playing: The Skints debut album – Breathe Build Believe

Now Coveting: Monsoon black leather jacket

Written by Liz Dean @LizzyD_89

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

A/W 10 Boot Trends

If you’re anything like me, you’ll already be on the hunt for the perfect winter boot. But with so many styles to choose from this winter, it can be a task in itself to work out whether a faux fur bootie will clash with your aviator, or a clog is going to cause disasters on cobbled streets.

But never fear, we have the lowdown on the most stylish (and surprisingly sensible) new shoe trends, and have picked the best from the high street. Affordable and versatile – who has to choose?

The Clog

Your summer staple needn’t be packed away yet. But for winter, think lower, chunkier heels and fur lined cosiness.


At £80, Topshop’s sock lined clog boots (1) will get you through the entire winter. Cosy and cool? Think Keira and Sienna in ‘The Edge of Love’ and wear with tea dresses and cosy knits. Next’s fur lined boots are a steal at £55 (2) and wouldn’t look out of place at Chanel’s furry A/W show, whilst Office’s famous sheepskin clogs (3) have been seen at countless catwalk shows and magazine centrefolds. Priced at £75, they look great with anything, from power suits to patterned tights.

The Hiking Boot

A twist on the ‘worker boot’ of last season, these boots has been revamped with a heel and hooked eyelets. And even better, the chunky heel and grip of the mountain climber’s favourite means you can bravely bear the snow. Wear with shorts or skinnies to maintain full impact.


Urban Outfitters’ taupe hiking boot, £95 (1) will go with all of the neutral shades in your winter wardrobe. And with the lowest heel in our collection, you needn’t put comfort before fashion. DV by Dolce Vita’s suede hiking boot (2) may be a little steep (pun intended) at £115, but the texture, colour and style are all bang on trend. They’re available from Asos so ironically, no walking is necessary. Our last hiker boot is from New Look (3) and is priced at a reasonable £75. The striking tan colour has a reddish hue, one of A/W’s main shades, and is so versatile, looking amazing with camel and khaki tones and dressed up with a dress and biker jacket.

The Desert Boot

Possibly the comfiest of the winter shoe trends, the desert boot has made a long awaited comeback. Flat, heeled and wedged, this multi-talented shoe will be the savour of heel shunners nationwide. AND they look great with a pair of ankle socks – is there anything they can’t do?

Topshop’s Andrea boots, £65, (1) come in both tan and cream, so you can adapt them to your own winter wardrobe. These boots have quite a mannish feel, so dress them down with chunky knits or clash them with a girly dress and frilly socks. Office’s version, £78, (2) brings the ‘blue suede shoe’ into 2010. If you’re really brave, chanel Chloé with some colour-contrast laces and stand out from the neutral crowd. Finally, Barratt’s £65 boot (3) ticks all the boxes – fur lined, camel, chunky wedge. What more could you ask for? Wear with tweed and clashing textures for a look worthy of the catwalk.

Now Wearing: Topshop maxi dress

Now Playing: I Wish – Skee-Lo

Now Coveting: A vintage tweed blazer

Written by Rozi Jones @rozijones

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

The Leather Skirt: Don't Knock It Til You've Tried It

One great thing about fashion is that trends always keep coming back. It meant I saved tons of money when grunge came back in fashion. While most were spending their student loan on combat boots and oversized plaids, I could just trawl through the gloomy caverns of my mum's wardrobe.

However, one of fashion's pitfalls is that sometimes you just can't get on board with all trends, which in many respects is no bad thing. Being 'stylish' shouldn't necessarily be about wearing every trend moments after it hits the catwalk, but sometimes people seem to bash trends because they're scared of the reception they'll get when wearing them.

In this case, the leather skirt is a contradiction of sorts. A hot trend for Spring/Summer 2010, it's been hailed as something to hold onto for the colder months ahead. Great for those of you who own one and love it, but rather daunting for those who don't.

The problem with leather skirts is that they've been given a fair bit of bad press. As funny as 'Gavin and Stacey's Nessa is, she's hardly a style icon, but she's probably one of the first people to come to most sceptics heads when they think of this trend. Fishnets and knee-high boots aren't what we're looking for and with this in mind, I decided to compile my own (hopefully far more elegant) list of leather skirt 'Do's':

Do keep it simple: If you're going to go for the leather skirt, minimalistic hair and make-up are the name of the game. A cool idea is to team your skirt with a printed t-shirt (see the photo of Agyness Deyn), or a cropped white one.



Do think outside the box: One fantastic thing about leather skirts being on the scene is that you don't just have to go for a basic black number. Leifsdottir have done a gorgeous frilled one, which at £302.75 is probably out of most people's price range, but there are plenty of high street alternatives to choose from. Style.com's 'go-to autumn outfit' also includes a leather skirt in this season's camel colour.

Do be romantic: To counteract the toughness of leather, try teaming your skirt with soft fabrics in nude colours, such as a loose-fitting silk or chiffon shirt.

With these tips, hopefully you can rest easy in your leather skirt and look more heavenly than Hell's Angels.

Now Wearing: Vintage blue denim jacket, rose-print hanky hem top, black bodycon skirt and black tights.

Now Playing: The Knife - Marble House

Now Coveting: Acne Loose Tapered Trousers

Post written by Mary-Jo Hamer ahumandadrum

Want to get involved? Email : uomfashion@gmail.com