LAST OF THE SUMMER WHITE
White Dress by River Island.
There’s nothing like a British summer! I know this shoot looks all sunny and effortless but behind the scenes we were dodging the rain, rushing for cover in between each shot. The location, a beautiful country house in Essex complete with rolling lawns and meadows was perfect for this boho style shoot. I love this look with its white flowing cotton and lace and really hoping for an Indian Summer so were can wear it a little longer – I’m not ready for heavy autumnal layers just yet…
White Dress by River Island. Boots by Hotter Shoes.
Textured top by Zara. Shorts by H&M.
Lace top by River Island. Shorts by H&M. Boots by Hotter Shoes. Cowboy hat, stylist’s own!
Lace top and duster coat by New Look. Shorts by H&M. Sunglasses by Rayban. Boots by Hotter Shoes.
White lace dress by River Island.
White lace dress by River Island. Bralette by Primark.
Hat and dress by Rokit Vintage.
FASHION STYLIST – BECKY JOHN. PHOTOGRAPHY – IAN HOOTON. HAIR & MAKE-UP – AMANDA ROBBINS. MODEL – MILOU GORT.
SWEPT AWAY
Cold shoulder top, New Look. Shorts, H&M.
When most people think of fashion shoots, they always imagine they’re terribly glamorous. Well, I’m afraid it’s not always the case. Working in fashion, you’re constantly shooting out of season. Our poor models are always baking in faux fur coats in the middle of Summer or freezing to death in bikinis in the depth of Winter.
Another myth is that we’re always jetting off to somewhere amazingly exotic – maybe Bali, Maldives or Fiji? No such luck, this time I was heading for the not quite so sunny Kent!
Dungeness is one of the most unusual places I have ever visited with its barren flat landscape and nuclear power station. On the plus side, this beachside location does have amazing light. Unfortunately for our crew, we plumped for the coldest, windy day ever – It must have been over 20 knots. I felt chilled to the bone even in all my layers of sweaters and puffa jacket. How our amazing model Ishika kept her act together in these flimsy cotton and lace little numbers I’ll never know. But she did, not complaining once as the wind practically blew her hair away. What a trooper! Anyhow all is forgotten when we look back at the pics. I love them and can now only think warm thoughts!
Ruffle top, and shorts, and sunglasses all by River Island.
Kimono and crochet dress, Primark. Bikini and sunglasses, New Look.
Bodysuit, Bershka. Lace duster coat, River Island. Sandals, Boden.
FASHION STYLIST – BECKY JOHN, PHOTOGRAPHER – IAN HOOTON, HAIR & MAKE-UP – ANNA DURSTON, MODEL – ISHIKA AT NEVS
THE SHINING
Sequin Cape and Jewellery, Top Shop.
I love anything shiny. I must have been a magpie in another life. So, this shoot was paradise for me. The clothes were all of a shimmer in gold and silver with a good sprinkling of sequins. Even the background was metallic – completing my total bling-bling bliss!
Sequin Bikini, River Island.Metallic Skirt and Jewellery, Top Shop. Visor, Primark.
Velour Hoodie, Zara Larsson for H&M. Sequin Bikini and Sunglasses, River Island.
Black Cropped Top, Forever 21. Gold Lamé Jacket, Top Shop. Sporty Shorts, H&M.
Silver Dress & Jewellery, H&M. Leopard Belt, Rokit. Visor, Primark.
Velour Hoodie, and Silver Shorts, Zara Larsson for H&M. Sequin Bikini and Sunglasses, River Island.
Biker Jacket, Forever 21. Bronze Bikini and Visor, Primark.
FASHION STYLIST – BECKY JOHN, PHOTOGRAPHY – IAN HOOTON, HAIR & MAKE-UP – ANNA DURSTON, MODEL – LUANNA PINHEIRO
THE LAST TANGO
Body and embroidered biker jacket both by New Look.
I love the drama of the tango – black lace, salsa dresses, Cuban heels and blood red roses. So, I was in quite a quiver about this Latin shoot. As you can see our South American model, Nohemi was perfect for the role. We had such fun creating this smouldering look – I hope you enjoy it too!
Lace body by Top Shop. Jewellery by Kaleidoscope.
Embroidered dress by Zara. Jewellery by Top Shop.
Dress by Lace & Beads. Embroidered bralette by River Island.
Floral appliqué and lace dress by New Look.
Lace body by Top Shop. Shoes by LK Bennett. Jewellery by Kaleidoscope.
Embroidered jacket by Zara. Lace dress by H&M. Jewellery by Accessorize.
Fabulous make-up by Anna – glowing skin, dramatic winged eyeliner and full red lips.
PHOTOGRAPHY – IAN HOOTON FASHION STYLIST – BECKY JOHN HAIR & MAKE-UP- ANNA DURSTON MODEL – NOHEMI HERMOSILLO
ORIENT EXPRESSED
LINGERIE BY RIVER ISLAND. DEVORE KIMONO BY FOREVER 21.
I have two beautiful Chinese screens at home that had never been used on a shoot, so it was high time they were put to some good use. Opulent fabrics are abundant this season and I knew they would contrast wonderfully with the dark veneer of the screens. I opted for rich reds, pale petal pinks and some fabulous metallic little numbers to give a magnificent oriental vibe. Our model Sofie was perfect for this story with her glorious auburn hair. Make-up artist, Anna perfected her tresses evoking a pre-Raphaelite feel. Photographer Ian worked his magic with all sorts of innovative lighting and hey presto here are the fabulous images……..
LINGERIE BY MARKS & SPENCER. DEVORE CAPE BY TK MAXX. NECKLACE BY EAST.
LINGERIE BY AFFINITAS. KIMONO BY B by TED BAKER AT DEBENHAMS. JEWELLERY BY ROKIT.
DRESS BY AX PARIS. JEWELLERY BY ROKIT.
SWIMSUIT AND COVER UP BY RIVER ISLAND. NECKLACE BY ROKIT.
LINGERIE BY PRIMARK. ROBE BY BOUX AVENUE. NECKLACE BY ROKIT.
BEHIND THE SCENES…. RAILS OF BEAUTIFUL CLOTHES.
PHOTOGRAPHER – IAN HOOTON, FASHION STYLIST – BECKY JOHN, HAIR & MAKE UP ARTIST – ANNA DURSTON, MODEL – SOFIE NIELANDER
PARTY ON! – STEPHANIE PRATT’S EVENINGWEAR LAUNCH
One of the perks of being a stylist is going to some fab launches. Last week was no exception. I found myself in London’s cool nightclub DSTRKT to celebrate Made In Chelsea star Stephanie Pratt’s debut collection with eveningwear brand Goddiva. Provocatively named ‘French Kiss’ the range is hugely inspired by Stephanie’s time living in Paris, with romantic pastel cocktail dresses and sultry figure hugging evening gowns in rich vintage golds and bold blacks – oh la! La!
When it comes to eveningwear, Stephanie is the girl for the job. She has graced many a red carpet event. She was even spotted at the UK premiere of Fifty Shades Darker in one of Goddiva’s gorgeous dresses. From that moment the brand and Stephanie haven’t looked back. Stephanie was totally involved in her ‘French Kiss’ collection throughout the entire development process – creating mood boards, and fashion illustration sketches right down to fabric and production consultations.
Stephanie told me, “I am so excited to finally present this range; I am so proud of it. Goddiva have been an unbelievable partner and not just during business hours! I wouldn’t have been able to do this without them and I am so grateful that they let a first-time designer be so involved from A-Z.”
Way before her Made In Chelsea days, American born Stephanie studied at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles, so this has all contributed to her keen fashion eye!
If you’re like me, you always wonder what these television personalities are really like. Well I must say I can only report good things about Stephanie. She was so friendly and mingled and chatted with her guests, making time to stop and pose for photographs with mostly everyone in the room! She did look amazing too in a full length cream beaded evening dress from the range.
Well, I can’t wait to get hold of one of the “French Kiss” dresses myself. I love a bit of sparkle! The 40-piece collection is out on 1st March Find it on www.goddiva.co.uk
VALENTINE GUIDE 2017
Image courtesy of Boux Avenue.
It’s that time of year again. The loved up season. Here’s my quick and easy guide for any Valentine……
Valentine stationery by Paperchase.
It’s all about the card really, so get yourself pretty sharpish to somewhere professional like Paperchase, they have the best selection of cards and ‘love’ paraphernalia.
Dirty Great Love Story Photo by Richard Davenport.
Next, decide exactly what you’re going to do on the big night. I hate to be a party pooper, but if there’s one evening I can’t stand going to a restaurant….. they’re so overcrowded, overpriced and NOISY. Why not ring the changes and go to the theatre? I can highly recommend the Dirty Great Love Story on at the Arts Theatre London – ‘im indoors and I went this week, it was funny, clever and really warmed the cockles of my heart which is a good start on Saint Valentine’s Day!
Prosecco, chocolate and love poem Valentine set by The Great Gift Company. Popcorn Valentine’s set and Noodle boxes & chopstick set both by Sainsbury’s Home.
Sometimes I realise it is difficult to get out of an evening, especially if you have kids. I must say my idea of valentine heaven is to stay in with a good bottle of fizz, a big box of chocolates and I’m blushing declaring this but a book of romantic poems – Andrew Marvell SO does it for me.
Otherwise a fabulous film at home with popcorn and more prosecco than you shake a cupid at is lovely with me too!
Home accessories by Cath Kidston.
And if you are eating in, why not go the full Monty in the kitchen and emblazon yourself in love print pinnies, tea towels, oven gloves and table settings. Cath Kidston is embracing the heart this year big style.
Clockwise – Pale pink, lace bra set by Wacoal. Floral print bra set by Freya. Red lace bra set by Freya. Pale pink with black trim bra set by Parfait by Affinitas.
Of course no valentine soiree is complete without the lingerie. I have selected a few sets here all which will give you a cleavage to die for.
Button cushion by Christian Lacroix at Amara. Red lips clutch bag by Lulu Guinness.
Last but not least, just in case Mr E (aka ‘Mystery’ – I still can’t fathom him after 16 years wed!) is actually reading this post and stuck for ideas this year – I rather like the look of either the Lulu Guinness lips clutch bag or Christian Lacroix button cushion. God loves a trier- I know, I know, dream on…….. Happy Valentines LOVE BIRDS!
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THE DENIM EDIT
Off the shoulder chambray dress with embroidery by Quiz.
Denim has a fresh new feel. This season we’re seeing it embellished with amazing embroidery and covered in 70’s style patches. Complete the look with little denim shorts, bralettes and ethnic jewellery. To echo this strong 70’s slant, we shot this denim story very much in keeping with the era with fab flared light, shooting through blossom for a Spring time look. I love it!
Denim bralette by b.tempt’d. Lace shirt by French Connection. Silver belt by Rokitt. Jeans by Top Shop.
Denim jacket with patches by Bershka. White cami by Top Shop. Shorts by River Island.
Bralette by b.tempt’d. Denim dungarees by Top Shop.
Chambray jumpsuit by Peacocks. Jewellery from a selection from Accessorize. Floral shoes by New Look
Embroidered denim jacket by Next. Denim shorts by River Island.
Embroidered denim shirt by Zara. White bikini by New Look.
Chambray dress by Quiz
Behind the scenes of our shoot. Rails of beautiful denim!
PHOTOGRAPHY – IAN HOOTON, FASHION STYLIST – BECKY JOHN, HAIR & MAKE-UP – ANNA DURSTON, MODEL – ISHIKA SHARMA
DISCO DIVA
Sequin catsuit by Top Shop.
Well, New Year Eve is nearly here. It’s one time of year you can go sequin crazy. I’m already in a sparkle spin and can’t decide whether to just wear my glitter bomber with a little black dress or go the whole hog-manay in a sequin jumpsuit. Decisions! Decisions! Anyhow, if you are looking for a bit of disco style inspiration, here’s my most recent shoot. Hopefully these little dazzlers will get you dancing until dawn. HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY!
Star glitter dress by Top Shop.
Sequin butterfly top by Rokit
Sequin bomber jacket and trousers by Top Shop. Bra by Rokit
Glitter dress by Rare London
PHOTOGRAPHY – IAN HOOTON, FASHION STYLIST – BECKY JOHN, HAIR & MAKE-UP, AMANDA ROBBINS.
THE BEST ACTIVEWEAR FROM 2016
Tara wears hoody by Zakti Active. Vest by Gap Active. Leopard print leggings by Born Nouli. Trainers by 361 Sports.
This shoot was so much fun. Photographer, Charlie Troman and I wanted to work with models that could really move. Enter stage Tara Blanchard, fitness model from LA, plus Gabriella Darlington and Portia Prince from Model Fit Life blog. I was bowled over how physically strong, fit and flexible all the girls were. Most importantly, they showed off all this fabulous fitnesswear so well. I’m definitely jumping for joy!
Gabriella wears cropped top and leggings by Nike. Trainers by Hotter. Portia wears cropped top and leggings by Nike. Trainers by 361 Sports.
Tara wears geometric print top and leggings by Sarah & Sorrentino at Style Sportif. Trainers by Hoka One One.
Gabriella wears cropped top, leggings and jacket by Gibson Girl. Trainers by 361 Sports.
Portia wears camouflage print cropped top and leggings by Ivy Park. Trainers by 361 Sports.
Tara wears orange cropped top by Lorna Jane. Leggings by Sixty Ninety at Style Sportif. Trainers by Hoka One One.
Gabriella wears cropped top and leggings by Lorna Jane. Trainers by 361 Sports.
Portia wears Pink cropped top by Gap Active. Print leggings by M&S Activewear. Trainers by 361 Sports.
Gabriella wears pink vest and blue print leggings by F&F Active. Hoody (worn around waist) Zakti Active.
Portia wears cropped top, leggings and jacket by Adidas. Trainers by 361 Sports.
PHOTOGRAPHY – CHARLIE TROMAN. FASHION STYLIST – BECKY JOHN. HAIR & MAKE-UP – AMANDA ROBBINS. FITNESS MODELS – TARA BLANCHARD, GABRIELLA DARLINGTON and PORTIA PRINCE.