Party Frocks Winter 2011

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Now it's come to the end of the term and you might be scrabbling for cash while eagerly awaiting January's loan. It is the time of year when you might want to purchase a frock for the upcoming parties and festive occasions. Well we've had a scour for you and found two reasonably priced dresses along with some accessories. For those of you who didn't blow your loan during freshers week and have still got some spending money left, we've found a splurge outfit for you lucky so and so's.

Budget 1 : Velvet and Mesh dress from H&M is only £7.99. Difficult to say no to. Teamed with this feather clutch (which will also come in handy for SS12's Twenties trend), you've got a cheap and cheerful outfit that you can accessorise to the max.

Budget 2: Sequin and sheer blouse combined dress from Zara for £29.99. Stick on some black and gold nail stickers and you have yourself a sparkly, festive, still on a budget treat.

Splurge: This simple mesh insert dress from Urban Outfitters will look fab teamed with some killer heels, we've chosen these green velvet ankle boots from ASOS. What a way to show off your pins.

Hope everyone is doing well and not suffering too much from the weather and looming deadlines!

Want to write for us? Email uomfashion@gmail.com

Winter Warmers

As I'm sure you can tell, it's got to that time of year again. Central heating on, gloves in the bag are a necessity and moisturiser has never been such a relief. You may be considering a new coat to keep yourself warm this winter and we've scoured the high street so you don't have to. Fur trims, cocoons and boyfriend jackets are all huge this season and here are our favourite takes on the trends.

Click photo for a larger view.

From Top Left Clockwise:

Zara Brown Fur Collar Coat £99.99
M&S: Limited Collection Cocoon Coat £85
Zara Green Crossover Coat £99.99
Next Burgandy Fur Collar Coat £60
H&M Detachable Fur Collar Coat £59.99
Topshop Boyfriend Coat £75

Magical Mary Katrantzou

Name: Mary Katrantzou
Origin: Athens, Greece
First Show : Autumn Winter 2009
Twitter: @marykatrantzou
Facebook: Mary Katrantzou

I have to admit, I am a bit of a print-phobic. I feel much more comfortable wearing an entirely black outfit (so I often do), and being a fashion student, I should really start to take some leaps of faith. After discovering Mary Katrantzou, I have been inspired. What an amazing designer. Being someone who is always careful not to clash prints and colours, I am diving head first into my wardrobe and going clash crazy.

Here are a few of my favourite pieces from this season and next season’s collections.





Make sure you check out the rest of the collections...





Or if you want to click through them...
Autumn/Winter 2011
Spring/Summer 2012

Here’s just something I found that I thought was awesome and very representative of her talent...



Currently wearing: Purple open knit jumper over lace print dress (my one day of wearing prints this week), with some chunky ankle boots.

Currently listening to: Coldplay’s new album Mylo Xyloto, specifically Paradise.

Currently coveting: Anything from Mary’s collection! Or these Topshop Glitter Boots. Yum.

Want to write for us? Email us at uomfashion@gmail.com
It doesn’t matter if you’ve never written before!

Post written by Stephanie Shaw @stefidoo

Vivienne Westwood: The Mix

It was the ideal combination: Eccentric British designer + Paris location. Patiently sitting across from Britain’s forever boy wonder, Boy George, I let myself loose from any expectations of what was to come on the catwalk; it is Vivienne Westwood after all. This runway show for Westwood’s Gold Label AW 2011/12 officially entitled “World Wide Woman” really is for the woman who feels on top of the world. From the androgynous work wear to the mix prints, each look depicts the female pioneer. My favourite piece from this collection has to be the eclectic and empowering headwear, ranging from 1950s headscarves à la Grace Kelly and traditional baker boy hats to Native Indian helmets and full face masks. A little OTT for the streets of Manchester? Yep I thought so too, so how about adopting the XL trend, whether its knee high socks, maxi skirts (or even over the knee skirts), and oversized outerwear. A touch of fur for those who often brrrrr and mix prints for those who wish to go to university Westwood style; whether you mix oriental and ethnic prints or even basic prints such as graphics and stripes, this winter it is all about the print block! Already covered with gold, the runway was also bedazzled with sparkle from Westwood’s shoes and one piece ensemble made of gold paillettes. Westwood always did know how to shine! And she did so again with her finale; the final look for this line being a sublime wedding dress with which she even gave the crowd a chance to be ‘next’ when the model bride threw the bouquet. My favourite moment from this catwalk had to be the presence of Vivienne Westwood herself with her diverse mix of looks and models. I hope Ms. Westwood does not mind my personal minor adjustment to the title of this collection from “World Wide Woman” to “World Wide WOMEN”.

Voilà, I present to you my ‘Coups de Coeur’ from this collection:

Post written by Miriam Kildare

Mollie & Loela - Affleck's Palace

Now I'm sure you're all aware of the treasures that Affleck's Palace holds. One in particular is a brand new womenswear boutique situated on the 1st floor called Mollie & Loela. A new project between local fashion labels Mollie Brown and Loela.

You'll find an eclectic collection of dresses, tops, skirts and accessories, all handmade and often handprinted making everything unique.

With prices ranging from £25 for a dress, and £15 for tops and skirts Mollie & Loela offer an affordable alternative to the high street.



Add them on facebook here and write 'uomfashion' as the personal message to be entered into a prize draw to win a £30 voucher to spend in the shop. The draw will be taken on Monday 14th March so get your entries in quick!!

http://www.afflecks.com/our-shops/mollie-loela/
http://loela.bigcartel.com/
http://www.molliebrown.co.uk

Finding Neverland

The Peter Pan collar has hit the high street again after celebrities such as Natalie Portman, Emma Watson, Nicole Richie and Agyness Deyn have worn the trend recently. The collar has rounded edges that meet or overlap and tend to be small.

Named after the Peter Pan story, this collar is proof that we never really want to grow up!



1. Black Daisy Print Peter Pan Collar Shell Top, £32.00 @ Topshop
2. Cream Peter Pan collar top, £29.50 @ Dorothy Perkins
3. Love Label Peter Pan collar lace dress, £38.00 @ Very
4. Peterpan Collar Jersey Dress, £25.00 @ ASOS
5. Spotty Dress, £28.99 @ New Look
6. Leopard Print Peter Pan collar top, £26.99 @ River Island

Post written by @lizdean1989, Liz Dean

Zahair Murad: Prince of Couture

From London to Paris: Sitting on the third row in the Salon Vendôme at the Hôtel Ritz, Paris, the lights go down and Zuhair Murad’s Couture Runway show for S/S 2011 commences. Unlike his minimalist and modern colour palette of white, cream, beige, nude, gold and red, and shorter length gowns seen in his previous couture collections “Romantic Intimacy” A/W 2010 and “Officer’s Muse” S/S 2010, Murad took couture back to the 70s (such as the S/S 2011 Prêt-à-porter lines did with the neon colour palette), with a multicoloured palette and XL floor length gowns. At the same time, Murad took us back much further than the 70s, several centuries in fact, with his elaborate incarnations of Athena, Hera and Theia: Greek Goddesses. I found this to be the theme for his S/S 2011 Couture line entitled “L’Hymne au désert’ which saw jewellery as armour for the body and the dresses themselves, including gold arm bracelets, XL gold wrist cuffs, and jewelled waist belts. Of course, the runway finished with Murad’s signature bridal couture…feel like getting married tomorrow? I do not blame you! If Haute Couture had a royal family, Zuhair Murad would certainly be a prince!

Voilà, I present to you my ‘Coups de Coeur’ from this collection:

Post written by Miriam Kildare

Student writers wanted for MFN

Manchester Fashion Network are looking for student writers to join their Editorial Team. The Manchester Fashion Network is the one-stop portal for the fashion business in the North West, a business-to-business network that spans the region and every corner of the industry. The Editorial Team are responsible for the promotion of the fashion industry within the North West and the interests of the valued MFN members and partner brands. As a member of the Editorial Team you will have exclusive access to some of the region’s top events, meet some of the industry’s most important business leaders and have invaluable experience writing for a respected online news portal.


If you’re interested in finding out more please email the Editor at:

jordan@manchesterfashion.com

MFN is a fantastic website for anyone interested in fashion and especially those who are looking to have a career in the fashion industry. So have a browse!!

http://www.manchesterfashion.com/

HAIL SARAH WAYNE

Despite its muted colour palette, the clothes from Sarah Wayne’s collection still manage to scream “va va voom” whether you are visiting the Eiffel Tower, Millennium Wheel, Rockefeller centre or even whilst reluctantly walking to your 9am lecture! So what exactly is it about this collection, created by the up and coming designer Sarah Ohana, which makes it appealing in an age where it is difficult for newcomers to distinguish themselves?

Well firstly the philosophy behind this designer’s collection is resonant of the modern day woman: « Sarah Wayne est une mode qui ne s’inspire pas d’hier et qui ne pense pas à demain, c’est une mode immédiate, qui accompagne le désir des Femmes de se renouveler tous les jours. »

My translation: « Sarah Wayne’s style is one which does not look to yesterday nor to tomorrow, it is the fashion of today, and aims to aid the female’s everyday desire to try out new things. »

With such a ‘here and now’ perspective on fashion, no wonder this collection transcends the rigged borders on the atlas, permitting it to be a collection for students, interns and young professionals alike in several cities around the globe.

As well as the philosophy behind the collection, there are the clothes themselves!
The first look in the picture above: denim shirt with badge, classic black mini, neat black blazer and ribbed tights is an optimal look to denote 'school girl all grown up'. The second look: Checked shirt, ripped silver tee and fitted black trousers is très urban chic. Last but not least, the third look: Lace top with padded shoulders and black trousers defines the style of Sarah Wayne’s collection, a style I like to call “Relaxed Luxury”. Why? Because for each look there is a combination of classic pieces put together with a casual modern twist.

So, how can we accessorise this collection with the words “relaxed luxury” hanging admirably over our heads? For a bag, a satchel à la Maje (below).

However, on a student or young professional’s budget, a satchel chez Topshop or chez H&M works just as well! And for shoes? These wedge ankle boots from Blowfish keep that ‘relaxed luxury’ look going to your feet.

1. Leather Look Satchel £14.99 H&M
2. Washed Leather Satchel £50 Topshop
3. Blowfish Heigal Boots £64.99 Schuh

For all the Wayneuses (and everyone else): www.sarahwayne.com

Post written by Miriam Kildare.

The Spring Fashion Show

Hi all! I recently received an email from a group of organisers about a fashion show which I thought would interest you! So here is the info they sent me!

It's an annual show for charity in Manchester with 2011's show on 11th Feb at Bar 38 on Deansgate. You can see the website here with a variety of photos and info about the show http://www.springfashionshow.co.uk

They have previously had a extremely successful Spring Fashion Show in Manchester in 2010 and it's sister show in Leeds, The End of Summer Fashion Show in 2009 & 2010 http://www.endofsummerfashionshow.co.uk

Their previous shows have been a great success gaining attention from a number of editorials and websites, as well as giving the designers and models etc involved in the show experience in the industry and a chance to make those valuable contacts. They have had some great success stories from people who've volunteered in the shows.

The charity they have chosen to support is Unicef, a recognised charity giving support to children all over the world.

The venue of the event will be at Bar 38 in Manchester and not only will there be a show, but there'll be a fashion market open from 5pm with a variety of goodies for sale, ranging from jewelery to clothing to cakes!

Have a look at the Facebook event if you are interested.

This is the video of last years Spring Fashion Show:

Spring Fashion Show - Manchester 2010 Part1 - The Video from victoria rosso on Vimeo.

Body Armour

If, like me, you’re obsessed with armour jewellery at the moment then you need to know about American-born Armor. New York-based designer, Sandee Shin, has created an inspiring range of jewellery that flits between simple minimalism and dramatic, cutting edge fashion. So whatever mood you’re in and whatever look you’re modelling, you are sure to find something for every occasion.



Each creation is handmade to order in New York and shipping is available to the UK. Prices range from around £80 to the slightly pricier, but many of the pieces are multi-functional and can be worn in multiple ways so if you’re strapped for cash, invest in one item and get creative!

Alternatively, Topshop and ASOS have produced some great, cheaper options so there’s no excuse not to don your armour and join the chain gang. Clad your hands in magnificent metal for the perfect way to toughen up your LBD, and add instant edge to your jeans-and-tee combo with detailed shoulder chains.


1. Topshop Armour Ring: £16.00
2. Topshop Armour Ring: £14.00
3. Silver Armour Ring: $65.00
4. ASOS Statement Articulated Metal Ring: £15.00
5. Vivienne Westwood Armour Ring: £150.00
6. Silver Pointy Ring: $50.00


Post written by Jacqui Kearney.

Knock knock, remember us?

It's been a hectic few weeks as I am sure you are all aware of! What with end of year deadlines, christmas shopping and starting the slog that is revision, uomfashion has had to take a backseat!

Just a small post for you today as I know you must get back to the books!

I hope you all had a great christmas and that new years wasn't a big letdown like it usually is! For those of you who also attended Warehouse Project on nye I think it's safe to say it'll be difficult for future new years to match. If you didn't manage to make it to a Warehouse Project this year you may be happy to hear that Ape are throwing a big night at the Apollo and it just happens to coincide with the end of exams. Check out the facebook event if you are interested!

I recently wrote my new years resolutions and decided I was spending too much money on high street clothing. In order to correct this, I've decided that vintage and second hand shops are now the only place I am allowed to shop in for the entirety of 2011. This will inevitably be difficult but I intend to rework some of these clothes a la New Dress A Day. I plan to write up some of these sewing adventures in blog format and I hope that they will inspire you to be creative and make one-off pieces with shapeless things you find in charity shops.

If one of your new year's resolutions is to further your fashion career or do something creative then why not write for our blog? It will look great on your CV (confirmed by Rachel Studd) and it may be an outlet for some ideas you already have but aren't sure what to do with them. Get in touch with us at uomfashion@gmail.com!

Good luck in your exams!

Now wearing: Pretty boring revision outfit livened up with a chunky knit red scarf (bought for mum at christmas but have used more than she has!).

Now listening to: Twin Atlantic - Audience and Audio (current favourite band)

Now coveting: Topshop's SS11 collection after seeing the preview!