Strictly Come Scottish Charity Ball

In October, I spent many a late night organising the charity ball "Strictly Come Scottish". It proved to be a fantastic night and raised over £20,000 for CLIC Sargent, a charity in desperate need of support. It was the first big event I've ever organised so looking at the video has filled me with a great sense of pride. Some of the events team are climbing Machu Picchu in September and there are still spaces join the trek so get in touch if that's something that interests you. Here's to a repeat next year Louise and Stephen?

Victoria

xo

Creativity

Over the past few days I have spent time putting together mood boards for the staff room at work and I honestly forgot how much I love creating my own things. I know a mood board is pretty straight forward but I feel like I've spent so much time doing pointless things like watching tv when I could have been getting much more enjoyment from simply sitting down and get lost in my own creativity. Someone give me a new project!
Victoria
xo

Through Russian eyes

 

 

Moscow's Winzavod Centre for Contemporary Art have released their annual list of photos that show the "Best of Russia 2011". 365 photos have been chosen to represent a year in Russian life with the only stipulation being that photographs must be taken during 2011. It offers a unique insight into Russian life - one that is not always pretty. I immediately looked at the artistic skill of the photographers before realising the tragedy behind a lot of the photos. It still amazes me that a country that was once so powerful could now be so poverty stricken. Looking through the photos, I became fascinated by their culture and the many different influences that it seems to portray. Even if you view the gallery purely for it's artistic value, be sure to check it out!

Victoria

xo

Amazon opens a physical store

I was quite taken aback when I read that Amazon, one of the world's largest e-tailers, was to make the move into a bricks and mortar location. Using it's home town of Seattle as a trial run, the store will showcase their electronics range including the ever popular Kindle.With the idea that consumers can trail their products, I envisage it being a bit like the Apple store. However, in a world where traditional retailers are struggling to make ends meet, I'd love to know what sparked the move. I'm curious to see how they will maintain their low prices and if their success will be mirrored offline. It will be interesting to see if e-tailers manage to take a section of the market that traditional retailers have lost. Who will be next? Maybe ASOS? Please please please ASOS!

Victoria

xo

Sweet dreams

In light of the Superbowl last night, I'd like to dedicate this blog post to my favourite American symbol - the cupcake! I'll definitely be baking sometime soon...

If this has got your taste buds tingling, then head straight to The Hidden Lane Tea Room (Glasgow) where you will be lucky enough to indulge in the best afternoon tea in town!

Victoria

xo

French Connection S/S 12

It's not often that menswear collections capture my attention more than ladieswear, but French Connection's Spring/Summer 2012 is set to turn our men into particularly dapper chaps. With simple cuts, beautiful colours and striking patterns, I don't think it'll take much persuasion to get the boy to part with some of his hard earned cash. Have a flick through the mini clips on YouTube and see for yourself the quirky slant French Connection have taken with this season's marketing. I'm loving that such a good campaign is actually supported by excellent product. Well done!

Victoria

xo

Transparency

In this consumer driven world where not a whole lot is made publicly visible, I was pretty taken aback when I read on PSFK that ex-Hugo Boss designer Bruno Pieters' new venture, "Honest By", was to provide a cost breakdown of all manufacturing costs associated with products. Taking ethical fashion to a new level, they offer a plethora of information from how much the buttons cost to how much of a mark up is placed on items. As an industry that has been plagued with controversy regarding production processes, they also aim to educate consumers by providing information on this section of the supply chain. 20% of profit will go to charity chosen by the designers, while 80% will fund growth, including hiring new staff and expanding collections as "Honest By" looks to expand into more democratic products, engaging a wide range of people with the concept. They state that:

"We want to offer total clarity, because we are consumers ourselves. We want to give you the opportunity to shop with complete awareness of what you are buying. Only then, every purchase can be made conscious of its true cost."

Whilst I think this is a wonderful idea and I openly encourage fashion brands to consider their supply chain as a whole, it did make me question whether I would actually want to know how much of a mark up I pay for a brand name. I am fully aware the mark up will be more than I care to admit, so I'm not sure actually being aware of the true cost would make me covet the brand as much. What are your thoughts?

Victoria

xo

It's the little things in life

Flicking through Springwise, my heart melted at this lovely story from Ljubljana, Slovenia. Library visitors were offered a mystery package of three books, created in line with a variety of different genres. The brown paper packages all contained one novel from a contemporary writer, one classic, and one “easy to read” novel introducing the reader to a different style of reading. Personally, I think there is nothing better than holding a book and getting lost in it's story. I love that the likes of ebooks have given readers the chance to carry their library in their pocket, but it takes away the notion of sharing and the symbolic meaning of giving somebody your favourite book.

Having visited (and fallen in love with) Ljubljana this summer, it comes as no surprise to me that this wonderfully artistic city has offered such an project. Their cobbled streets are full of independent book shops in every shape and form and their dragon guarded bridges ooze ideas of a fantasy land. If you haven't visited the city yet, add it to your list! (as well as Glasgow of course. It was ranked 12th in the New York Times "places to visit in 2012" after all...).   

Victoria

xo

I'll be back soon!

I have to admit, I'm ashamed at my lack of blogging. I would like to blame being hospitalised with a kidney infection but seeing as that happened after the new year and my last post was the 5th December, I don't think I can. However, top of my lovely new year to do list (which I haven't got round to starting yet) is to become a better blogger. Expect the first post of 2012 in the next few days!

 Victoria

xo

Harvey Nics

The past few years luxury fashion retailer Harvey Nichols have entertained (or shocked depending on your inclinations) the nation with their witty and sometimes shocking Christmas viral adverts. Whilst this year they seem to have toned it down a bit, it is yet another stroke of creative genius. Also, if you've ever been in Glasgow on a Sunday morning, it manages to perfectly sum up a fair few sights...

Victoria

xo

Inner mosher

Today I embraced my inner mosher and spent the day listening to heavy metal (particularly Slipknot). I wish my fashion choices had been as cool as the bag above when at 13 years old I first thought anything covered in studs was "like the best thing ever". Unfortunately, back in the day that meant sparkly studded bracelets... This time round however I have just purchased a leather look dress and deep green velvet dress to get me through this Christmas party season. Here's hoping I can accessorize better this time round!

Victoria

xo

Source: weheartit

Glasgow girls rock X-Factor

Obviously I like to see Glaswegian talent flourish but I was particularly happy when I heard design duo Obscure Couture (Jennifer Coyle and Lyndsay Pagan) were featured on this weekend's X-Factor! Since their debut last year, I've kept up to date with this pair's work as their off the wall creations continue to amaze me. With X-Factor being a bit of blur the past few weeks, their colourful collections could not be more apt!

 Follow them on twitter and facebook

Victoria

xo

Vintage

 With Remembrance Day vast approaching, I love looking at old pictures and soaking up the Zeitgeist of that era. 1940's fashion has always inspired me as these women managed to look so glamorous when they literally had nothing. The elegance that oozes out of them almost makes you forget what horrible times they were living in. To me, it's particularly interesting that in our own (albeit extremely different) difficult times, elements of 1940's trends have appeared on the runway. Midi skirts, waist belts and mens tailoring have all been huge trends this season and certainly reflect the harsh economic times we are living in. 

  

Here's to sticking together and pulling through it exactly like these strong women did before us.

Victoria

xo

Alter ego

Last summer I worked as the marketing assistant for new company Kennedy Purple, working under the alter ego "Ms. KP". Living a very contented life with a new designer bag every other week, I started the blog The Adventures of Ms. KP. Kennedy Purple offers every woman a touch of glamour with affordable designer rentals, providing not only handbags but jewellery and accessories too. With the festive season vast approaching, be sure to check them out to become the belle of the ball!

Victoria

xo

Local talent continues to triumph

Before I start anything, sorry I haven't posted in a while! Last week was chaos as 'Strictly Come Scottish' finally crept up, thankfully blossoming into a wonderful Saturday night. We don't have an exact figure for the amount raised yet but I'll be sure to let you know when we do. It's looking good so far!

I've always championed the local design talent we have here in Scotland believing it to be an untapped resource that is often over looked. Harris Tweed however have managed to establish a reputable name for over 100 years now, continuing their production using local resources in the picturesque islands of the Outer Hebrides.

I have to say though, I was unaware that in some instances weavers still work from home until I saw extracts from Lara Platman's new book "Harris Tweed: From Land to Street". I love the idea that it is still so ingrained in the indigenous culture that has become synonymous with the brand. I whole heartedly agree with Lara's notion that weaving is an art form due to it's line by line construction.

Recently Harris Tweed celebrated 100 years of the orb stamp of certification, a symbol I feel keeps the company fresh and modern. Controversial music icon Pete Doherty received  a different kind of attention after he wore a bespoke Harris Tweed suit (designed by Glaswegian based Marina Maclean)  at a Parisian guerilla gig in 2010  whilst Matt Smith made his screen debut as BBC's Dr. Who in a vintage 1960's Harris Tweed jacket. Although the BBC have recently chosen to use a Chinese replica in more recent episodes (something which is beyond me with such an excellent resource on your doorstep), Harris Tweed should not suffer the fate of recent times as many high profile designers such as Chanel and Alexander McQueen choose to integrate this fabric into their collections.

Lara Platman's new book "Harris Tweed: From Land to Street" is available to buy on Amazon. It will definitely be on my Christmas list!

Victoria

xo

Source: BBC

Elsa Schiaparelli

I was extremely excited to hear Elsa Schiaperelli's work is to be celebrated at The Met this Spring. For me, she is a monumental pioneer of the fashion industry who is often overlooked in favour of the likes of Chanel who have sustained longevity. I feel she deserves more recognition as she was the first to create the modern catwalk and the wedge shoe which has been a favourite amongst the fashion pack for a good few seasons now. Her collaboration with surrealist artist Salvador Dali cumulated in four key items, my favourite being the shoe hat pictured above. However, in today's society with the likes of Lady Gaga consistently making post modern statements, I can't help but feel her style would resonate with the youth of today.

Time for a comeback?

Victoria 

xo

London

Sorry for the lack of blog post. I took wee jaunt down to London this weekend as the sailor got a day off (fastest 18 hours of my life!). Shockingly, I had never been to London so I decided to turn his day off into a mini break for myself. I absolutely loved the city and can't wait to go back and see some more of it with someone else. 

What struck me most (through the endless hours of people watching that I probably wouldn't have got had I been with someone else) was how fearless Londoners are. Not only in their fashion choices, but in the way they run at the subway doors, cycle in front of cars and get on with their daily lives surround by a constant flow of bemused tourists. However, it was their outlandish fashion choices that got my creative juices flowing. Unfortunately I forgot my camera so I have no first hand pictures for you but I'll leave that to the professionals...

Source: The Guardian

Source: Face Hunter

Source: slamxhype

Victoria

xo

Sexual attraction

 

Doing some research for work today I stumbled across (what I think is) a ridiculous article on the BBC Scotland website about how the contraceptive pill alters your attraction levels. Apparently being on the pill makes you more attracted to reliable, caring types. I can safely say looking back on my ex boyfriends, that definitely isn't the case! My favourite quote of the article was definitely:

"Dr Roberts added: "Choosing a non-hormonal barrier method of contraception for a few months before getting married might be one way for a woman to check or reassure herself that she's still attracted to her partner."

I didn't have the heart to tell my ginger boyfriend that not only can he not donate sperm, but if I wasn't on the pill then I might not actually be attracted to him...

What's your thoughts?

Victoria

xo

Source: BBC Scotland

Mr Button

 

I have no words to accompany this picture apart from "get me some of these now!"

What an awesome idea!

Check them out at John Caswell Design

Victoria

xo

Long distance sucks...

At the moment I'm currently battling two long distance relationships; one with my boyfriend, one with a best friend. Whilst there's the obvious reasons I miss my boyfriend, there are so many reasons I miss my friend too. She's such a positive, bubbly person that I know she would be making dealing with the separation from my boyfriend 10 times easier if we were still seeing each other every week. Separation from anyone is difficult but it's amazing how quickly you can adapt and change what you consider normal. Long distance sucks no matter who it is with but it genuinely does make you appreciate the person more when they are there. My friend is coming to Glasgow tomorrow for one amazing night out and I get 18 hours in London with my boyfriend new weekend. Bring it on! I feel like a kid at Christmas :)

Victoria

xo

Photo source: we heart it