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

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

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/

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.

Hello Kitty.

The saying ‘what goes around comes around’ could not be more accurate in the world of fashion as the kitten heel claws its way back to the forefront of our shelves. Yes, love them or loathe them the controversial heel is back in time for the festive season... but will they be top of your Christmas wish-list, or would you frankly be happier with a lump of coal?

I have never been a fan of the kitten heel and have long considered them the ugly step-sister of the heel family. Despite being a tall 5’9”, nothing makes me feel instantly more confident and ready for a night out than my highest pair of Kurt Geiger’s. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for the stunted kitten heel. On a recent shopping trip to the haven I know I can always rely on, Topshop, my heart sank when I spotted several pairs of the unsightly shoe. I felt so let down and wondered if I’d walked in to Bon Marché by mistake. Even Topshop failed to make them appealing; they just scream ‘middle-aged’ rather than ‘million dollars.’

Considering I have a long list of heel-related injuries (killer heels did not get their name for nothing), the kitten heel would seem a sensible option for me to adopt. Yet the very purpose of a heel is to lengthen legs and define calves and the kitten heel fails on both counts; far from purrfect. Ok, they may be easier to walk in, may halve your number of drunken falls, will more than likely spare you a trip to A&E and may even leave you with a shred of dignity, but where’s the fun in that?!

In spite of my aversion, the 5cm heel has always had its fans since its first appearance in the 1950s. Audrey Hepburn can be noted as the heels greatest ambassador and Michelle Obama has made the kitten heel a staple feature of her look today. With designers Marni, Betty Jackson, and Missoni welcoming the heel back to the catwalk this season, and high street stores following (suitably) in foot; it seems that like it or not, we will be seeing more of the smaller heel around. Even style queen Alexa Chung has been spotted fashioning a pair and if they’re good enough for Alexa...

So, the question is: will you be reviving the heel of the 50’s this winter, or staying loyal to your 5 inch favourites? I know what I’ll be doing.



1. Christian Louboutin Souris Strass 70 Crystal-Embellished Pumps: £1,325
2. ASOS Scarlet Slingback Patent Point Kitten Heels: £30.00
3. Topshop Prim Premium Chain Point Court Shoes: £85.00
4. Zara Leopard Court Shoe: £59.99

Post written by Jacqui Kearney.

Berry Good Indeed

It’s all very well and good having the perfect autumnal outfit, but us girls (or guys, if that’s what you like) are sometimes pushed to find a great make-up palette to go with it.

For the colder months ahead, you need look no further than the runways of London Fashion Week, where ‘just bitten a berry’ lips were the name of the game. Not only do plum and berry shades look amazing with this season’s camels, but they tend to suit all skin tones as well. Unlike most lipsticks, the issue with darker berry hues isn’t really finding the right shade, but applying it properly, so take these handy hints with you next time you’re in Boots:

• Invest in a clear lip liner to prevent your lipstick ‘bleeding’ beyond your lipline. It’ll come in handy for your other lipsticks too.

• A slick of liquid eyeliner can look striking at night with berry lips, but this look works best when the rest of you doesn’t look too ‘done’. Nude eyes and skin - with dishevelled hair and no more than two coats of mascara – make sure that the focus is maintained on the lips.

• Don’t paint on dark shades. Instead, try dabbing the lipstick on your finger first and then pressing it onto your lips, as you would when applying lip balm. This will give your lips that natural, flushed look, as opposed to looking too gothic.


Click for a bigger picture.

Now wearing: High waisted indigo jeans and black body.

Now playing: In The Aeroplane Over The Sea - Neutral Milk Hotel

Now coveting: All of Illamasqua’s make-up on www.illamasqua.com – too beautiful!

Post written by Mary-Jo Hamer ahumandadrum

A couple of great finds...

Now, I hope that because you have clicked on this link, the following post will have some relevance to you and hopefully inspire you to change the way you look at your own style. Recently I have come across a couple of sites which have encouraged me to expand my fashion horizons and given me some ideas about how to reinvigorate my wardrobe.

If you are partial to a bit of vintage (and who isn't?!), you should find this first blog very inspiring. A woman from America has given up high street shopping in exchange for buying one garment from a thrift store everyday for a year. She then takes the garment home and reconstructs it. Here's the catch, her budget for each day is $1.

http://www.newdressaday.com/


An example of a before and after.

Another fantastic project I found is 'The Uniform Project'. I posted this on facebook a while back but thought I would put it in a blog because I love it so! A woman in NYC wore the same dress everyday for a year and basically accessorised like MAD. Oh how I wish I had her wardrobe, creativity and fearlessness! The current project sees a different woman taking on the challenge each month so check it out for some serious inspiration!

http://www.theuniformproject.com/


Click for a bigger picture.

In relation to our previous blogpost, this woman has a seriously enviable collection of socks and tights!!

Now wearing : Baggy t-shirt and leggings....oh how inspiring...

Now listening to : Mountainhead - 65daysofstatic

Now coveting: Anything from Cos but more specifically, their camel double breasted cape. Yum.

Post written by Stephanie Shaw @stefidoo

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

Topshop Student Shop!

On Tuesday and Wednesday, Topshop is hosting its infamous Student Shop. Some of you might remember the flurry and excitement of last year’s event, I know my fleeting memories include lots of elbowing, being weighed down with armfuls of jumpers and my poor boyfriend moaning at the lack of a ‘husband chair’. But it was all worth it for the 20% discount, DJ set and cute freebies a-go-go. So get your student IDs at the ready, dress to impress (I hear some lucky gals are getting snapped for the website) and head down to the Arndale Centre for 7pm with plenty of stamina.

In the meantime, I’ve picked out some of my favourite pieces to make the inevitable choosing process a little easier…


Click for a bigger picture.

1. Laurel patent buckle clogs, £68.
2. Sleeveless sequin dress, £65.
3. Knitted fairisle cardigan, £55.
4. Silk cowl back dress, £65.
5. Pleated wide leg trousers, £48.
6. Camel pleat long line shorts, £32.
7. Cropped aviator faux fur coat, £75.
8. Leather bound a-line skirt, £35.

Now wearing: A stripy shirt dress and cable knit tights.

Now playing: Bang Bang Bang - Mark Ronson & The Business Intl

Now coveting: Any and all of D&G's S/S '11 collection.

Post written by Rozi Jones @rozijones

Want to get involved? Send us an email 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