The Truth About London Fashion Week...


London Fashion Week 2015

Things I didn't know about LFW...

- You can get invites to shows even if you're not a MEGA blogger

The best way to get into a show is to contact PR companies. These are the people who have the tickets to give out. You may need to send out a few emails and introduce yourself to get your name on the list. It's all about who you know in this industry!

Apart from that, there are SO many things happening in London during Fashion Week, there are plenty of things you can do to get into the fashionable spirit. This season I seriously wish I had bought tickets to Cosmo Fash Fest as it looked ah-mazing!! For bloggers in particular there are always lounges set up for you to check, e.g., the Apartment by Reward style or Wearsima fashion app. The guys from The Bloggers Hangout also put on an event one evening. Be sure to check twitter in the run up to LFW to see what's going on.

- Just coz you gotta ticket, doesn't mean you're in...

Ergh! Sad times!! There were several shows where I turned up around 20 minutes in advance and despite having tickets, was turned away as the venue was over capacity. Not cool!! My advice, if you wanna get in, get there early!
London Fashion Week

- You will get street snapped

By fashion blogs, press, actual New Look (EEK!!!) and George at Asda, we were stopped several times in the Soho area! Sometimes they are on the hunt for a particular look and sometimes they just want to get as many snaps as possible. It can be a bit overwhelming when the place is SO busy, but don't be shy, and don't forget to ask where you might be featured :-)



- Your seriously on trend outfit will suddenly look seriously tame

Yup, if you're not based in London, you're going to have to travel to the big city and be strict on what you're taking with you. Once you've picked your LFW outfit, there's no going back! It's easy to worry about what you're wearing and if it's "cool enough" or too dressy or not dressy enough... (Ahh!) BUT! There are so many different styles and different people in London for Fashion Week, the best thing you can do is wear something that suits you.

Equinox Fashion at London Fashion Week

- There are bloggers eeeverywhere!

Just by chance, I managed to catch up with Stephi La Reine for lunch, Lucia Grace for outfit pics and Gail from The Equinox Fashion for fashion shows! Having a blogger buddy makes the days a lot more fun, so drop some tweets / texts before Fashion week and see who's in town. LFW is a great excuse to meet up with some of your online friends!

Also Spotted
- Nyane Lebajoa at the Maral Yazarloo show
- Kayla Hadlington and Amy Valentine taking outfit shots for each other outside Freemason's Hall
- Sarah Ashcroft catching up with a friend at Brewer's Street Car park.
- Zoe London DJ passing the queue for Pam Hogg

- You will see someone famous

A quick pit stop at Bill's for a coffee almost turned into an episode of Made in Chelsea as we spied Rosie, Hugo and Proudlock at a nearby table...They were then queue jumped to the front of the PPQ show, accompanied by the beaut Millie Mackintosh - who looked stunning in an LBD.

London Fashion Week

You will need comfy shoes..

Yes, you definitely need to look super stylish, but you also need to be able to get round to all the shows and venues in London. (Lucky trainers and pumps are totally on trend right now!) As a back up, maybe take some flats in your handbag and definitely a couple of plasters wouldn't go amiss. See what shoes I wore in my LFW outfit post!

- City Mapper is your friend

I admit it. London's transport is like a minefield to me... why is it so CONFUSING??! Luckily, I was given some great advice from PR girl Rebecca, who recommended the Citymapper app. It actually shows you which way you need to be facing before you start walking. Genius.

And finally, you will have a seriously cool time, see things you never thought you'd see, and want to do it all again the next season...

Here are just some of the stunning designs that I saw this season:

London Fashion Week
London Fashion Week Show
Made By Carpet London Fashion Week
Made By Carpet London Fashion Week
London Fashion Week
London Fashion Week
London Fashion Week
Fashions Finest London Fashion Week
Fashions Finest London Fashion Week

Featuring designs by Fabricated Fashions, Made of Carpet, I Love Four Season, Bliss Studio Textiles and Maral Yazarloo

So, is it how you thought it would be?


OOTD: LFW As Seen On Me

Topshop Salt and Pepper Coat on Rock On Holly

So, I mentioned in my London Fashion Week round up post that I made a little visit to ASOS HQ whilst I was down South. Whilst there, I was given an exclusive sneak peek at their new AW collection and picked up a few bits to wear during LFW. I couldn't resist picking up this fluffy scarf!! Faux fur is going to be BIG this season, so I felt like this was the perfect finishing touch to complete my outfit.

I love how this matched so perfectly with my Topshop coat too! This beauty is only £69 - a bargain for such a gorge, tailored piece. It feels really expensive and the fur scarf actually looks like a collar for this when worn together - a happy accident :-) 

The rest of my look was based on neutral colours and bold prints. I am developing a small obsession with snakeskin, and this skirt from River Island has already been a handy addition to my A/W wardrobe. Despite the bold print and leather finish, it actually matches really well with all the basics - white, black, grey. Simply add tights in Winter for a snuggly yet fashionable look.

To add a "blogger twist" to the look, I added a leopard print belt to the skirt. Risky, but I think the prints compliment each other... do you?!

Topshop Salt and Pepper Coat on Rock On Holly

Outfit: Cream Top - Zara, Salt and Pepper Coat - Topshop and Brogue Boots - New Look via Fashionchick, Snakeskin Skirt - River Island, Fluffy Scarf - ASOS

Accessories: Penny Backpack - Nica Handbags*, Retro sunglasses and Bangle Necklace - River Island, Navy Watch - Versus Versace, Mono Cuff Bracelet - ASOS

London Fashion Week Outfit on Rock On Holly blog
Versus Watch at LFW
London Fashion Week Outfit ft Topshop Coat
London Fashion Week Outfit on Rock On Holly blog

These New Look Brogue Boots were the only shoes that I took to LFW and they were the perfect choice! Smart enough for night, but comfy enough for day. These fit the 70s styling that is so current right now and can be paired with both skirts and jeans. Winner winner!!

Below: My fave Penny bag, worn here as a backpack - I like that this gave my outfit a preppy feel.

Nica Handbags Penny Backpack
London Fashion Week Outfit on Rock On Holly blog
ASOS bangle on Rock On Holly
London Fashion Week Outfit on Rock On Holly blog
New Look Brogue Boots at LFW

Hope you like this look, I wanted to pick something that was stylish enough for LFW, but also "wearable".

Let me know what your fave item is below!


London Fashion Week Round Up

London Fashion Week Round Up on Rock On Holly

LONDON FASHION WEEK.

Just me or is this LITERALLY all we've heard about for the past month?? As a Fashion blogger, it almost seems like a rite of passage to go to Fashion Week at least once in your life. I was lucky enough to be taken to Amsterdam Fashion week this year with Fashionchick, but LFW? This was something else!

Frankly, I found LFW an exciting but bewildering experience. Everything is last minute, everything is crazy busy, never on time and always further away than you think - especially in heels!! I had been really lucky to be sent invites to some shows, but I also decided to make the most of my time in the big city and organise some meetings. Here's a brief run through of what a Blogger can get up to at Fashion Week...

Drinks with Fashionchick for LFW

Thurs - Drinks with Fashionchick 

I arrived on Thurs PM for drinks with the amazingly awesome Fashionchick Team!! You may have heard me write about their site (like aaall the time!) It's an online store where you can browse all your fave brands in one place - think Sweaty Betty, M&S, Boohoo, Topshop... the list goes on. They always have cool competitions, on trend fashion news and really good offers - so make sure to check them out!! 

So, I turned up at Piccadilly Circus looking for a trendy bar called Flat 3, turns out, it was literally a flat. And the coolest flat, in the most central location ever! I was also really surprised (and practically screaming with excitement) when I walked in and saw the lovely Jasmin from My Berlin Fashion at the event! My Amsterdam FW buddy!! :-) Luckily we had a cocktail maker on hand to celebrate! 

London Fashion Week Outfit on Rock On Holly

Fri AM - Meeting with PR company, Visit to ASOS HQ

So my day started like this: Get up, Shower, Get Ready... get rained on. Frizzy hair and Fashion Week is so not a good combo. Ergh.

After navigating the bus to Soho, walking 10 minutes in the wrong direction and then walking back, I eventually made it to my first meeting with a London based PR company. It's so nice to put a face to a person that you have been emailing and Rebecca was really, really lovely (and had beautiful frizz free hair - no fair!!) We had a nice little chat over a cup of coffee whilst she showed me some of the gorge jewellery that they will be showcasing over the next few months - cue lots of drooling over Versace and lusting over pearl bangles...

London Fashion Week Round Up on Rock On Holly

Next stop - ASOS HQ.

Remember Devil Wears Prada? Where they raid the showroom and turn geeky whatsherface into a stunning gazelle like model? I feel like that's what happened to me, except my hair wasn't so shiny and Lucy from ASOS wasn't a bitch. She was actually really, really lovely and normal. She also took me into the ASOS showroom where I was able to have a sneak peek at what's coming up for the Party Season and pick up some trendy bits for LFW. More on all that later! 

Time for lunch! My next stop was the Wearisma Lounge which had been set up as a bit of a resting station for Bloggers to catch up during LFW. Whilst on my way to the venue, I dropped Stephi from Stephi La Reine a text and as luck would have it, she was also in need of some kind of food. We settled for Taco type things in Wahaca and talked all things bloggy. Stephi is one of the bloggers that I met at my very first blogger event (way back when!) so it's really cool that we've stayed in touch :-)

Tip: I would definitely recommend that you check out Stephi's blog at this point, as she has something cool & crazy coming up involving washing machines. (Yes, you read that right).

London Fashion Week Round Up on Rock On Holly

Down to the Wearisma Lounge...

Just as we'd finished lunch, right on cue, Lucia appeared! YEY! I love this girl. She reminds me so much of one of my other friends, and has definitely taught me the art of perfecting a good instagram photo - just check out her feed!!

After a busy morning, we were both relieved to head down to the Wearisma lounge for a bit of a chill, a mini make over and a bottle of Vita Coco :-)

To fill you in, Wearisma is a shopping app where you can upload your outfit pics and then other people can shop your look right through the app. The team have been working with bloggers and testing the app over the past few months, so when it officially launches, it will be awesome!

London Fashion Week Wearisma Lounge on Rock On Holly

Friday PM!

After some Blog pics and Street Style snaps, it was finally show time! Yes, up to this point, I had been in London for a total of 24 hours and hadn't actually seen a show yet?! However, I had managed to wangle some tickets to see Ashley Isham, PPQ and Pam Hogg - not a bad start for my first LFW.

In all honesty, I was a bit oblivious about which shows were good and where they all were... (This is where you need experienced blogger buddies to help you out!)

I also have to admit, I was completely star struck as I watched Millie Mackintosh, Rosie Fortescue and half the MIC cast, strut past us into PPQ. And despite queuing for about 45 mins for Pam Hogg and not getting in due to a full, venue, I did have a blast with my mini bottle of wine and Danielle Vanier & her stylish stylist Joel!


London Fashion Week Round Up on Rock On Holly

Woo! So is this how you imagined London Fashion Week to be?! Let me know if you've been before or if you're planning on going next time...

Stay tuned for Day 2 very soon!


OOTD: London Fashion Week - Day 1

Navy Boden Coat and Striped Trousers on Rock On Holly

I am extremely proud to admit, that I am now the proud owner of one very beautiful Boden Coat. This beauty, has been sitting in my wardrobe for a couple of weeks now, but I knew that couldn't just whip it out for any old occasion... It had to be a special occasion. A very stylish affair! Cos darling, this is mohair dontcha know!

So, I saved this little beauty for the super stylish few days that I spent down South for London Fashion Week. Now, the weather was pretty grim on the friday, but this coat kept me warm and dry as I rushed around London to get to meetings and shows!

This was my first time down to LFW, but it was really cool to get right into the thick of it and feel the fashionable buzz in the big city :-) I managed to cram a lot into my 48 hours in the big city, and I had actually only packed this one pair of boots to see me through. LUCKILY, they were perfect. No blisters or sore feet here! *Smug Face*

I love the 70s / preppy vibe that these red brogue boots have and the block heel was just high enough to be comfy but to make me feel a bit smarter than flats!

To complete my LFW Day 1 look - Stripes, stripes and stripes. These wide leg Topshop trousers are sooo comfy, I felt like i was in my PJs all day!


Navy Boden Coat and Striped Trousers on Rock On Holly

Outfit: Striped Dress (Worn as a Top) and Striped Trousers - Topshop via FashionchickNavy Mohair Sienna Coat - Boden via Fashionchick, Belt - ASOS, Brogue Boots - New Look via Fashionchick


Accessories
: Brown Pearl Bangle - Rebecca Jewellery, Versus Versace Watch - Versace, 
Penny Tan backpack -  Nica Handbags
Personalised Rock On Holly Bracelet - Wearisma goody bag :-) 

Rebecca Bracelet
Navy Boden Coat and Striped Trousers on Rock On Holly
Navy Boden Coat and Striped Trousers on Rock On Holly
Navy Boden Coat and Nica Backpack
Navy Boden Coat and Nica Backpack

FYI, You may be seeing a lot of this Nica backpack on the blog soon... This spacious bag was a lifesaver during LFW! It was big enought to fit in a notebook, DSLR, Make Up Purse, Phone etc, but also is extremely versatile in that it can be used as both a backpack or cross body bag - LOVE it!

Navy Boden Coat and Striped Trousers on Rock On Holly
Versus Versace Watch

Have you been following the London Fashion Week antics so far?!

Keep an eye out for my LFW round up later this week...



OOTD: The Black Dungarees

Black Topshop Dungarees

Ergh, the gosh darned 70s vibes are everywhere aren't they??

Right at the start of the Summer, I was convinced that this was one of those trends like flares and snakeskin that I would never, ever wear.. And yet, inevitably, the high street has brought out winners yet again. Not only do I own 2 pairs of flares, 1 pair of beautiful snakeskin boots, a snakeskin skirt (no regrets) here I am rocking 1 of my 2 pairs of dungarees...

Is it time to admit I love the 70s??

My blue pair have been awesome for Summer, I wore them for my rose gold leather jacket blog post! However, I do think that that for A/W, this black pair will breathe a whole new lease into my highly 70s styled wardrobe. Imagine them with chunky boots, a striped tee and a leather jacket? So rock chick. Or what about, strappy heels a bandeau top and oversized earrings? A great night out look.

Now it's worth pointing out that Topshop have a whole, range of dungarees, and mine are the Moto black denim dungarees. These may be temporarily sold out in your size online, but the black slim leg dungarees are very similar. And so concludes my lesson on dungarees.

Seriously, how many times can I write dungarees in one blog post????

Black Topshop Dungarees on Rock On Holly Blog

Outfit:  White Ribbed Tee - Primark, Black Dungarees - Topshop

AccessoriesTan Bag and Copenhagen Trainers - Topshop, Buckle Cuff - Reiss Luxe Knit Sweater - Sweaty Betty (in hand) all via Fashionchick

Black Topshop Dungarees on Rock On Holly Blog
Black Topshop Dungarees on Rock On Holly Blog
Tan Topshop Bag
Black Topshop Dungarees on Rock On Holly Blog
Black Topshop Dungarees on Rock On Holly Blog
Out of the Blue Hair Bleach London on Rock On Holly
Black Topshop Dungarees on Rock On Holly Blog

What do you think of the dungaree trend? Would you dare to try??