EASTER EGGS, FASHION BUNNIES & CRAZY CHICKS
Box of chocolate biscuits, £35, Biscuiteers Baking Company. Milk chocolate egg, £27 and White chocolate egg, £15 both Hotel Chocolat.
MY EASTER EGGSTRAVAGANZA – HERE’S TO A HAPPY & PEACEFUL BANK HOLIDAY…………
Easter egg biscuit, £35, Biscuitjes Baking Company.
HOPPING MAD
Cotton knit bunny romper, £69.34 by Blamo Toys at Etsy.
Supersoft bunny, £8, Sainsbury’s Home. Fluffy bunny ears, Poundland. Bunny costume and hat, The Little Distinctions.
CRACKING EASTER
Green bunny Top, £3.50, M&Co. Easter egg glasses, £4, Paperchase. Bunny Easter egg basket, £3.99, Hoi Polloi Gifts. Chick head boppers, Poundland.
CRAZY CHICKS
Pack of 18 fluffy chicks, Poundland.
SUPER STYLISH SKI WEAR
If I wasn’t snowed under with work, I’d love to jet off to some fabulous ski resort, perhaps Aspen, Courchevel, St. Moritz even Klosters. There are so many fashion opportunities slope side!
One brand that has really caught my eye is Superdry. They’re fairly new to the ski world but you have to admit this second snow collection dazzles, encapsulating glacier-cool style for downhill daredevils and chilled out skiers!
The range has covered all bases. For the hardcore skiers and boarders there’s the Full Tech collection featuring the Ultimate Snow Pants and co-ordinating Wind Bombers. This max-performance and thrill seekers collection comes in stylish denim blue, grey and black along with vibrant injections of fluro pink and orange. I love the Ultimate Snow Service Jackets and Ski Pants in Superdry’s iconic camo print as well as the girls zingy Ski Command Utility Hooded Jacket. There’s such attention to detail in this icy attire with fully taped seams, detachable skirts and cuffs plus the durable waterproof fabrics that give serious protection against the elements.
For chilled out skiers and free riders, the Semi-Tech Elements range is perfect. It boasts high visibility branding, detachable layers, inner skirts and snap tabs. Superdry’s best selling Arctic Windcheater and Mountain Marker Jacket are key in this collection both ideal for when the sun goes down and temperatures drop.
All in all, this super stylish snow wear is a winner, ensuring boarders, skiers and powder hounds get noticed even in a whiteout! Available in selected stores and online Superdry
Have a look at the amazing video below. To support the 2nd snow range, Superdry teamed with radical BASE jumper and extreme skier Matthias Giraud. As their official snow ambassador Giraud puts the collection through its paces in the snow covered mountains of Chile. Wow what an adrenalin rush!
https://youtu.be/_CHrHdUW23g
BEHIND THE SCENES OF A BABY FASHION SHOOT
Chelsea wears lace tunic, £49, Soeur at Smallable. Harlen wears cotton bodysuit £10.50 (pack of 2) Petit Bateau.
Hear the word ‘model’ and you’re most likely to think of a tall, willowy figure in striking clothes and Manolos. Well, they’re not always like this on every photo shoot I work on. This month I styled a gorgeous fashion spread for glossy magazine Baby London and our supermodels were newborn Harlen (photographed above with beautiful Mum Chelsea) and 4 month year old Lily and Hunter.
Lily wears cotton knit hat, £6.95 and dress, £29.95 both Gap.
So what exactly happens at a baby shoot you might ask. Well in my case so much happens beforehand. All the clothes and props have to be sourced and as magazines work 3 months in advance I always seem to be working in a different season from the one we’re in. For me it’s swimwear in Winter and faux fur coats in the middle of Summer. It can get very confusing! Anyhow I trundle off to Fashion PR’s who hold all the next season’s samples. Most days, come rain or shine, I’m staggering around the West End weighed down with clothes like a glorified bag lady.
Hunter wears cotton playsuit £91 and Lily wears embroidered cotton dress with matching bloomers, £112 both Bonpoint. Sheepskin rug, £75, The White Company.
After the clothes are sorted I start work on the ‘softs” as they are called in the trade. That’s all the throws, cushions, duvet covers and sheepskin rugs used to make a snug little room set for the baby. This is so important to bolster up babies that can’t sit up by themselves and also gives a soft landing if they’re a bit wobbly!
Hunter wears cotton romper £39.50, Petit Bateau. Sheepskin rug, £75, The White Company.
Then comes the shoot day. The crew – photographer, digi assistant, make-up artist and myself arrive at the studio at least an hour before the tiny talent arrive. Babies get bored and tired very quickly so we try and get them in and out of the studio as quickly as possible. Preparation is key. The photographer perfects his lighting, the make-up artist lays out brushes and I hang up all the clothes and get to work on my room set. The heating is also blasted up so the babies are kept nice and cosy.
Once parents and babies arrive it’s all action! We tend to run around making tea for the parents and making sure they’re happy and relaxed as little ones feed off the vibe of their Mums and Dads and we want everyone to have a really fun time. We get cracking pretty swiftly, the babies are dressed, go through hair and make-up and before they can even gurgle they’re on set ready to go!
Harlen wears cotton bodysuit, £10.50 (pack of 2) Petit Bateau and organic cotton and merino wool booties, £24.99, Aravore.
To get those fabulous baby smiles all the crew have to have a turn entertaining the talent. I have a kit bag bursting with tickling sticks, blowers, cuddly toys and bubbles that even Mary Poppins would be proud of. The photographer takes the lead and then we all have a go, parents included, singing songs, reciting nursery rhymes, pretending to sneeze, in fact we’ll do anything to get a chuckle. The make-up artist and I, tissues in hand, share ‘Dribble Patrol” – drool is quite a liability in baby photography. Yes, I really look a picture of sophistication on kids shoots, armed with Kleenex and long tickle feathers, running around like a mad woman in Sahara Desert temperatures. We do stop for loads of breaks though as babies get really tired and hungry quickly – milk breaks always figure high up on the agenda.
And before you know it, it’s all over. The babies generally snoozing happily in their car seats are ushered out of the studio and the crew, shell-shocked and exhausted, start the grand clear up. It’s a mad way to earn a living but as you can see by the pics really rewarding too!
Chelsea wears silk chiffon top, £60, A Day In A Life. Harlen wears cotton smocked playsuit, £63, Annafie at Childrensalon
PHOTOGRAPHY – JONATHAN MALPASS. HAIR & MAKE-UP – ROSE ANGUS. FASHION STYLIST – BECKY JOHN. MODELS – GRACE & GALOR AGENCY
GHOST’S NEW INTERIORS COLLECTION
I’ve always adored Ghost clothes. In fact, I was wearing one of their beautiful black maxi dresses the day I met my husband at a barbie in South London. Needless to say their designs worked for me. So I was thrilled to find out that they are launching their first interiors collection. I can now feather our nest in their fabulous vintage style cushions, luxurious duvet sets and opulent throws!
The range is designed by iconic interior designer Sera Hersham-Loftus. As you can see in the stunning photographs by legendary Clive Arrowsmith that Sera’s designs draw close parallel to the SS16 Ghost clothing line. I love the dreamy tones of sand, dusty green, powder blue and silver in the collection which really work on these gorgeous satin and lace trim boudoir feel pieces. The images were actually shot in Sera’s house where her fabulous and unique sense of style is apparent.
Hersham-Loftus, founder of Sera of London has so much experience in the world of interiors. Seeking inspiration from all corners of the world and past decades, Sera works closely with 80’s punk style and 90’s boho fabrics. Her work is wildly romantic with a spirit of artistic reverie which I think is perfect for Ghost.
Sera explained, “My work as Sera of London has spanned over 22 years where my interior style runs parallel to Ghost designs. I have vintage fabrics from the 80’s and 90’s which I use in all my designs and I want to emulate this vintage feel throughout the Ghost homeware collection.”
Take a look at this heavenly collection yourself. It’s available in-store and online at www.ghost.co.uk with prices starting at £70-£350.
THE VALENTINE LINGERIE GUIDE
Red lace and silk bra, £45, 32B-36DD, knickers, £30, 8-14 and suspenders, £30 all by Tallulah Love.
With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, I thought I’d do a little research into lingerie and see what’s out there – in both sense of the words!
Red lace bra, £70, 32B-42E and matching knickers, £35, S-L both by Wacoal.
Red lace balconette bra, £27, 28D to 38J and matching knickers, £14, 6-18 both by Cleo by Panache.
Red mesh and lace push up cami suspender, £38, 32A-36DD by Next
It’s always fun to indulge in a smattering of RED around this time. I love the flamboyantly cheeky designs by Tallulah Love with it’s fabulous vintage feel. Other red siren lingerie I particularly like is the very alluring polka dot bra set by Wacoal. This underwired bra really gives a fab uplifting shape to any girl’s cleavage. The fun little number by Cleo at Panache is perfect for any loved up Valentine with its scattered heart shapes. This lingerie also sets my heart fluttering as it goes up to a magnificent J cup – bravo! The push up cami suspender by Next is a real show stopper and perfect to smooth out any lumps and bumps you may wish to conceal!
Black lace and silk bra, £117, 26D-36HH, knickers, £48, 6-16 and suspenders, £89 S-L all by Katherine Hamilton Intimates.
Black silk strappy bra, £111, 26D-36HH and matching thong, £51, 6-16 both by Katherine Hamilton Intimates.
Black lace bodysuit, £90.95, 32C-36E by Le Mystere.
Sultry BLACK is always a winner for Valentine’s Day. I’m a huge fan of Katherine Hamilton Intimates who do amazingly stylish designs that go up to cup size HH – yay! This brand uses such sumptuous silk and lace as you can see in the suspender set and on- trend strappy bra and knickers ensemble. The black lace bodysuit by Le Mystere is really seductive and particularly flattering with it’s slimming front panel that helps to accentuate and flatter your curves.
Leopard print bra, £30, 30D to 40G and highwaisted briefs, £15, XS-XL, Parfait by Affinitas Intimates.
Continuing with the vampy theme – I love a bit of LEOPARD. What better than this fabulous set by Parfait by Affinitas Intimates. The underwired bra gives you a lovely lift and those high waisted knickers are going to hide a multitude of sins!
Floral balconette bra, £32, 30D to 38K and matching knickers, £15, 8-20 both by Panache.
Coral lace underwired bra, £34, 30B -36E and matching knickers, £16 S-XL by b.tempt’d.
Lastly what’s Valentine”s Day with out ROSES? The floral print balconette bra set by Panache is so pretty and again should be commended for going up to a K cup. The coral lacy flower print lingerie by fab b.tempt’d brand also gives such good shape and perfect for low neck evening wear. And lastly if you want even more va va voom the rose print plunge bra set by Next will give you a cleavage to die for! Well I think we’re all set….. Happy Valentines!
Rose print plunge bra, £25, 32A-36DD and matching knickers, £12, 6-18 both by Next.
2016’s FITNESS WEAR GUIDE
Moulded Sports Bra Crop Top, from £40, sizes 28″ to 40″, cup sizes B-H and Matching Running Shorts from £18, sizes XS-XL all by Freya Active.
Oh dear! Having eaten my body weight in turkey and mince pies I now look like a Christmas Pudding. I’m 7lbs over my fighting weight, so the gloves are off and at last I’ve taken action. I hauled myself this morning to North London’s YMCA Fitness Centre. My first class of the year was the much needed ‘Body Conditioning’ with dynamic instructor Natasha. I knew I was in the deep end – Natasha is like a sexy girl version of Rambo, often wearing camouflage fitness gear complete with khaki bandana and today she wasn’t taking any prisoners!
As I was being put through my paces I really thought I’d better up my game not only fitness wise this year, but ever the stylist I needed to do some research into cool workout wear too.
Zone Sculpt Training Tight, £90, sizes XS-XL, by Nike.
First stop is Nike. I really love their fitness apparel. The new Zone Sculpt Training Tights look amazing. Modelled by talented tennis player Genie Bouchard these leggings seem like they would be a great fit as well as stand up to a vigorous training routine.
Mesh Back Vest, £7.99, Geometric Print Leggings, £17.99 both sizes XS-L and Trainers, £22,99, sizes 3-9 all by New Look.
Grey Zip-Up Jacket, £24.99, Crop Top, £12.99 and Matching Leggings, £17.99 all sizes XS-L by New Look.
I’m so impressed how many high street chains now do active wear. I suppose it’s not surprising as fitness activities are getting more and more popular. Last year in the UK over 6 billion pounds was spent on sportswear. One of the stores that really gets it right is New Look. Their range boasts an urban stylish look, mixing block colours with geometric prints in leggings, cropped tops and tracksuit tops.
Pink Cropped Top, £3.50, Neon and black Vest, £5 and Leggings, £6, all sizes 6-18 by Primark.
Tie Dye Crop Top, £5 and Leggings, £6 both sizes 6-18 by Primark.
Other amazing value workout wear is found in Primark. I don’t know how they do it. I like how they mix vibrant, neon coloured crop tops and vests with sleek black leggings. Their tie dye collection has a certain Ibiza cool about it with prices starting at £3.50!
Orange Bra Top, £12, sizes 32B-38D and Matching Leggings, £16, sizes 6-18 and trainers, £22, 3-8, all by F&F
Neon Zip Top, £16, leggings, £12 both sizes 6-18 and trainers, £22, sizes 3-8 all by F&F
F&F have a brand new Active range which I think is brilliant. They’ve got everything covered from cycling, yoga to high impact sports with stylish comfortable designs using quick drying fabrics in strong prints and zingy colours.
Long Sleeve Running Top, £49 and Full Length Seamed Leggings, £45, both sizes 8-16 by The White Company.
Seamed Racer Back Vest, £39 and Shorts, £30 both sizes 8-16 by The White Company.
The White Company are also doing their first sportswear collection this season. As you can imagine it is so tasteful, mixing monochrome, black and white with charcoal. The quality is beautiful and quite honestly I can’t wait until it hits the stores.
Moulded Sports Bra, from £38, sizes 28″ – 40″, cup sizes B-H and Capri Pants, from £43, sizes XS-XL all by Freya Active
Lastly, but most importantly I turned my attention to the ever essential sports bra. Lingerie brand Freya too have a new active range. These bras and crop tops are fabulous, designed not to be hidden under sportswear but to be very much on show co-ordinated with matching shorts or with stylish black Capri pants. Technically they are brilliant – perfect for high impact sports with strong supportive fabric, wide curvature wire and wide padded straps. They also go from a B to an H cup so all us ladies can get active, such good news. No excuses now. On your marks…Let’s go!
CHRISTMAS ANGELS
Merry Christmas to you all. I’ve delved deep into my stylist’s archive and found these beautiful ‘Angel’ pictures that I styled with Photographer Richard Burns and Hair and Make-up artist Sally Kvalheim.
I love this fabulous feathered- wing, angel image. It was shot at the end of the day when the light was amazing.
This shot is really special to me as it’s of my daughter Lily-Belle. She really enjoyed dressing up and having her hair so beautifully styled by Sally.
This is one of my favourite images. It’s so simple but really powerful and alluring. Here’s to an amazing and creative 2016!
THIS YEAR’S BEST XMAS JUMPERS
Sleigh Bells Jumper, £19.99, 6-18, New Look.
Hooray! This Friday (18th December) it’s Christmas Jumper Day. So wear your most favourite festive sweater and donate to Text Santa to help 3 amazing charities – Macmillan Cancer Support, Make-A-Wish UK and Save the Children. Here’s my pick of the best Yuletide knits……
WOMAN’S SELECTION Clockwise from the top – Red Reindeer jumper, £12, 8-22, George at Asda. Green robin jumper,£49.95, 6-20, Joules. Red Santa Baby Jumper, £20, 8-18, Very. Bah Humbug Jumper,£26, 6-22, Dorothy Perkins.
Stag Xmas Jumper, £25, XS-XL, Burton Menswear
MENS SELECTION Clockwise from the top. Grey Penguin Jumper, £25, XS-XXXL, Next. Blue Skiing Penguin Jumper, £12, XS -XXL, Primark. Green Reindeer Jumper,£25, XS-XL, Burton Menswear. Polar Bear Jumper, £30, XS-XXXL, Next.
Red Reindeer Jumper, £14, 3M-3Y, M&Co
KIDS SELECTION Clockwise from the top. Red Father Xmas Jumper, £8, 9M-3Y, George At Asda. Light Up Polar Bear Jumper, £14, 1-8Y, Primark. Red Patterned Xmas Jumper, £12, 12M-8Y, BhS. Blue Robin Jumper, £36.95, 3-12Y, Joules.
Christmas Jumpers from £12 all by Next.
CUSHIONS – HOME IS WHERE THE ART IS
I do love a cushion. I feel my sofa isn’t ‘dressed’ until it has quite a few adorning it and as for beds, it’s always nice to have a plethora of cushions strewn over them in wild abandon!
ABSTRACT CUSHIONS
So I was so excited when my fabulous friend Susi Bellamy told me she was designing a range of cushions. She described them as “Art for the Sofa”. I knew they were going to be beautiful due to Susi’s fashion and art background, but in fact I really was mesmerised by them with their strong design and captivating colour.
CUSHIONS AND ARTWORK
I’m always intrigued to know what Susi is up to. Having first laid eyes on her when I was 5 years old, we have spookily enough gone to the same primary school in Cardiff, the same senior school in Bristol and then blow me down when I started London College of Fashion there she was in the same Fashion Journalism class as me. I’m still trying to work out who’s stalking who!
ABSTREACT CUSHIONS
From those London College of Fashion days. Susi too went on to be a Fashion Editor on magazines working with such photographers as David Bailey and Norman Parkinson.
MADONNA COLLECTION
After marrying lovely husband Michael, the Bellamy family grew quickly and always seemed to be on the move. From London, to The States, Suffolk to Northumberland – I can tell you it’s made quite a hash of my address book.
MADONNA COLLECTION
But it was the family’s move to Florence that seems to have had the biggest impact on Susi’s work. Having always been very creative, it was when they moved to Florence that her art really flourished. Taking inspiration from the ancient palazzo walls, Susi created her stunning abstract work by layering and marbling rich and vibrantly coloured acrylic paint. The iconic paintings of the early Italian artists were also a huge influence with Susi’s Madonna collage work. Coupled with a strong flair for interiors, designing cushions using this artwork was a natural progression for Susi. Each cushion is 50cm square, the design is printed on silk like polyester and retails at £95.
SUSI’S ARTWORK
Moving back to The UK, Susi has now completed a MA in Fine Art from Northumbria University and works in studios in Newcastle.
I’m really proud of my friend and all her amazing achievements so far. I don’t think Susi’s plans stop here. She’ll always be one to watch!
Take a look at her website www.susi-bellamy.com There’s a special Christmas 20% discount to SuperStylingUK readers. Just use the code susi20 at the online checkout.
SUSI BELLAMY
KIDS FASHION – FEATHERED FRIENDS
DRAYDEN wears Headdress, £450 by Astrobohemia. Leather flight jacket from £658, 4-14yrs by John Galliano Kids.
It was the hottest day of the year when we did this beautiful kids shoot. So in June I trundled down to The Factory Studio in Clapham with the car crammed full of fabulous feathered and textured clothes. It was a bit of a nerve wracking shoot as it was being filmed by Channel 4 for a documentary about the kids model agency Bizzykidz. Luckily I was styling with a fantastic team that I have worked with for years – Photographer, Daniel Pangbourne and Hair & Make-Up, Sarah O’Keefe. Here are the results…..
DRAYDEN wears metallic bomber jacket, £100, 2-14yrs by Someday Soon. Jeans, £104, 4-16 by Diesel Kids.
LEILA wears dress from £185, 4-14yrs by John Galliano Kids. Feathered cape, £45 by Top Shop.
LEILA wears dress from £112 and coat from £145 both 4-16yrs by Diesel Kids. Boots by Beyond Retro.
EMILY wears headdress, £350 by Astrobohemia. Dress, £195, 3-12yrs by Marie-Chantal. Shoes by John Lewis.
JACK wears leather flight jacket from £1090, 2-6yrs, Stone Island. Striped sweater from £113, 3-4yrs by Bonpoint.
JACK wears jacket, £149, trousers, £55 and hat £40 all 4-16yrs by Scotch Shrunk. Boots by Hugo Boss.
MAISIE wears dress, £238, 4-16yrs by John Galliano Kids. Jacket, £124, 3-14yrs by Stella McCartney Kids. Shoe by Bonpoint.
MOLLY wears glitter dress, £75, 4-13yrs by I Love Gorgeous. Feather gilet, £90 by Top Shop.
MOLLY wears sequin dress, £95, 4-13yrs by I Love Gorgeous. feather birds stylists own!