Thank You Dr Martens NCL!

I'm so thrilled to mention I have a winning fashion film chosen by Dr Martens from a commissioned uni brief!

Last semester included a project assigned by Northumbria University Design School, the huge industry players Dr Martens and Newcastle lifestyle PR company OPR. I had created a PR strategy and promotional film based on DMs current campaign #STANDFORSOMETHING, with a twist for the Toon and posted it a couple of months ago!

The 60-odd Students from my Fashion Communication course all took to the creative opportunity so well and I'm sure it was one of our favourite modules since beginning uni in 2012. I loved developing my promotional strategy and creative concept - it definitely helps thats Dr Martens is such an admirable brand for me and I could explore its truly unique reputation!

Newcastle newspaper The Chronicle reports the win myself and fellow FashComm-er Courtney Stevens shared. Being invited along to the store was an absolute treat and the team were so generous as I was also spoiled by a £150 DMs voucher and a week for my film to be played in the Newcastle Monument store!

You can't blame me for being like a child in a sweetshop at the opportunity to pick anything from the DMs store to take home with me as a gift. I couldn't bare the thought of walking away without the absolutely drool-worthy bag I had fallen in love with when filming (it actually features in the video at 02:48!) My new beauty is a black/brown and burgundy backpack, which doubles as a handy tote, in the silkiest leather I've ever laid my hands on. Also with gold fastenings, a roomy interior and that smell that resembles cows in a field, I couldn't resist!

(I also picked up a classic tartan scarf and a cute leather coin purse)

I'm so grateful for the NU Fashion Communication team, Dr Martens NCL and OPR for this opportunity and thankful for their generosity! x

Scrunchie Mutt

What would you do at the beginning of summer, knowing you've got four months to keep yourself busy before returning to university? I'm dusting off my Janome and making something fun, pretty and that will hopefully make me some extra pocket money.

Following the success of the homemade hair accessories my FashComm girls and I had made for fundraising earlier in March, I took to my regrettably neglected hobby of sewing (or 'habber-dabber' to my sister) to make more delightful scrunchies for the overwhelming and unescapable 90s trend of the summer!

Never doing anything half-heartedly, I've become overly excited and enthusiastic about the prospect of my new 'mini company' Scrunchie Mutt. You can find my handmade products on the Big Cartel Shop and little updates on its Facebook page!

Each scrunchie is handmade, of high quality and has a name that reminds me of people I know. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have making and branding them!

Tees n Tings by Alice C

Today I received a handmade crochet halter top and I'm so so excited to wear it in Majorca next week! Considering how much these are going for on the highstreet and Depop at the moment, buying this beauty seemed like a great idea as it was only £13 and supports the creative ambitions of Bristol Uni student Alice Carlin. 

Here I'm wearing my croppie with simple Topshop jean shorts from years ago (I'm very glad I could never pull of those tiny ripped Levi's that are unfortunately still in abundance when a shred of sunshine comes out!) It's super soft, oh so comfortable and works well with a less-endowed chest. The only problem is that now I want them in all the colours she does, the rasta inspired black, yellow and red one is definitely one of the best!

The cute lacing at the back gives it size versatility, but this one is labelled a size 8

Join the TEES N TINGS open Facebook group here and get your order in quick, as new items get snapped up pretty quickly!

Native Rose

I was so chuffed to receive these wonderful shorts from my boyfriend for my birthday yesterday. One half of the bright silky co-ord from Native Rose.

Here I'm wearing them with a fuschia River Island jumper and an Accessorize necklace:

Scrunchies for Sale!

Handmade scrunchies in lovely spring patterns! Sold about 50 yesterday to raise money for the Fash Comm graduation publication. They are so easy to make and the fundraising group had a lovely girly day chatting and sewing. I couldn't resist the lilac gingham one and the pink hearts one!

My Lib

Managed to bag this Liberty London silk scarf for just over £10 on eBay after an obsessive hunt a couple of weeks ago. Wanted a floral or paisley number but this one stood out beautifully!

Today #4

Getting my prep on for uni with my blue and lilac checked dress from River Island.

Navy duffle cape - Topshop
Dogtooth blazer - Topshop
Tan leather loafers - Office
Gold bug necklace - Pull and Bear

90s Square Neck

Slightly obsessed with this 90s shape from Miss Selfridge at the moment, especially the striped dress. Below I'm wearing the black crop top and have found it a chore to wear something different that is as comfortable and flattering. I'm extremely tempted to get all the other colours for summer, and for £8 each, you can't really go wrong!

Stripe Mini Dress - £22

Black Mini Dress - £18

Mint Crop Top - £8

White Crop Top - £8

Nude Crop Top - £8

Today #3

The first signs of spring call for my summer dress! 

Worn with a black tee, navy socks with black lace trim and patent black monk shoes.

Yellow and blue floral dress - River Island

Black t-shirt - Uni Qlo

Socks - Topshop

Shoes - Topshop

Navy stone necklace - Accessorize

Sparkly Apple

Rimmel apple varnish with Louise Gray Topshop 'Hat Trick' gold/green sparkly polish on top.

For An Ethical Fashion Future

Working for, and with, African communities experiencing economic and social difficulties, Mayamiko strives for global sustainability and human equality. 

The Mayamiko Trust, a UK based charity, aims to empower women in disadvantaged African communities. Mostly working in Malawi, Mayamiko promotes the value of education and transferable skills, to encourage self-sustainability and rewarding workmanship. The Trust argues education, training and nurture is the key to reprieve such stark poverty by unemployment relief. By defending their honour and independence, Mayamiko helps the locals nurture and restore their communities through their own ambition and willingness to learn. 

The Mayamikans create beautiful, vibrant clothing and accessories, using traditional African techniques such as batik and tie dye. International demand for unique ethnic fashion pieces is at its highest ever, and Mayamiko aims to make their authentic, locally made items available for African textile lovers across the globe. 

My favourites from the 2013-premiered Mayamiko online boutique:

1. Ida Clutch in Vase Chitenje - £35

2. Ida Clutch in Sun Chitenje - £25

3. Ellina Wash Bag in Vase Chitenje - £25

4. Cushion Cover in Blue Dip Dye - £15
5. Mirror Tee by Eloise Rapp - £25

I definitely consider myself part of this fashion demographic and was thrilled to find their beautiful Ida clutches.

I won't lie, I personally didn't embrace the whole 'oversized clutch' trend when it blew up. Being quite petite, I assumed it would look like I was tottering around town carrying a huge laptop case under my arm. I've now been swayed. The Mayamiko Designed Ida clutch in Vase Chintenje is too loud to be A5 sized, so I love this piece as a statement, not just a handy holdall.

Being a bit of a compulsive clasher, here I wore it casually with an Aztec River Island playsuit with a loose black Uniqlo tee, tied to the side for a bit of shape. Black tights suit the season and bright yellow Office slippers pick out the primary colours of the playsuit.

Mayamiko products are special. Each is different; made with indigenous creativity and cultivated craftsmanship. Made from 100% Malawian cotton, this clutch is a perfect product of traditional African textiles and contemporary Western fashion. The progress the Mayamiko team have made with disadvantaged communities is so virtuous. With other projects set to develop in the near future (an accomplished fashion college), this admirable company is inspiring us to take more ethical steps towards a healthier, more sustainable and equal global fashion future. Are you on board?

www.mayamiko.com

GET INVOLVED

Vintage Fayre Finds

Vintage Aquascutum scarf and faux fur collar for £15! Bargain at Lou Lou's Vintage Fayre at Castlegate, Newcastle.

A New Sparkle

New cartilage piercing from Woody's in High Wycombe. Sunglasses from Asos

R Ring

Dainty initial ring from Daisy Jewellery with silver band and gold R.

Pre-Autumn Purchases

PREPARING FOR MY FAVOURITE FASHION SEASON

(and nippy Newcastle)

'Juste Parfait' Slogan Knit - Zara - £35.99 £9.99

My childhood involved much huffing and puffing over scratchy sock seams and itchy jumpers. I wouldn't have stood for this Acrylic/Alpaca mix but when the slogan is this cute (and it's a tenner), you just GET OVER IT.

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Crop Check Shirt - Topshop - £28 

Black (which I thought was blue when I bought it?) and white ✓ check flannel ✓ cropped ✓ 
I teamed this beauty with a red Topshop satchel and lipstick @ The Jazz Cafe last month

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Iridescent Clutch - Zara - £19.99

I've been on the look out for a holographic/iridescent bag for a while. After seeing the &OtherStories and Affix London  clutches, I'm glad I held out because I'm in love with this one from Zara's new collection. The orange version is just as tempting, but not as versatile. Classic shape with a futuristic shine - ADORE. 

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Black/Silver Cardigan - Dorothy Perkins - £10

One of my first purchases from DP whilst working there this summer. Another winter warmer to add to my knitwear collection featuring either sparkles or fluffy bits. Lucky this had both...

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Leopard Scarf with Fluoro Stripe - £19 £7.99

Finally from Zara, faithful as ever, an electric blue scarf with a zesty double stripe
looks awesome with leather and jeans.

Dots for Dotty P

Green spotty treggings from UniQlo, bright yellow patent slippers from Office for work at Dorothy Perkins.

Flouro for Holiday

Embroidered bikini from River Island, fluorescent leather sandals from Urban Outfitters

Shiny Shiny

Sparkly socks and patent Zara loafers for an interview in London.

Pendants

Hanging pendants in my room.
Scissors by This Charming Girl
Blue bow by Cath Kidston
Stone cross by Topshop
Round caged stone by Sphere of Life
Turquoise stone (not sure where from!)
Silver eagle with bomb by Tom Binns
Multiple gold rings by Topshop
Colourful pirate ship by Topshop
Rosebud (unknown)
Scrabble piece (unknown)

Hammer Time

Zara elephant print tee, Zara printed pants, Topshop mulberry cardigan, Dorothy Perkins tie-dye denim hobo bag.