Finalist for UK Fashion Blogger of the Year? Yes that’s me!

 

On Tuesday afternoon a giant grin took over my face. As most of you know I’m normally a laid back, rather modest character but on this day (in between random chuckles) I texted, tweeted and generally shouted about my wonderful news.

In a suitably perfect ending to 2013 I’d been shortlisted as a finalist for UK Fashion Blogger of the Year. What’s more my all time favourite fashion writer, journalist and blogger extraordinaire Liberty London Girl aka Sasha Wilkins had handpicked Frock Trade as one of the final five finalists – JOY!

So I trotted off to Birmingham on Friday to attend The Clothes Show Live for a suitably stylish blogger awards ceremony. The weather in Scotland was misbehaving (shock!) and storm-gate threatened to derail my trip so I was relieved to get an early morning train from Edinburgh and watched the sun rise gently over the East Coast as I raced down to join my fellow bloggers.

Having arrived safely at Birmingham’s NEC Arena I took some time to explore the exhibition itself. It’s safe to say The Clothes Show is mammoth. Celebrating its 25th year as the UK’s largest fashion and beauty event, from clothes stalls and beauty counters to industry experts giving master classes and exclusive fashion shows featuring the finalists from Britain and Ireland’s Next Top Model.

After a few hours of skipping around a brilliant variety of stalls including both established brands and emerging designers, I just had time to sneak in a light lunch of my favourite baked Camembert with crusty bread at the VIP cafe before the show began. It was time for Sasha to grace the stage and share her career successes with an audience of keen bloggers and fashion enthusiasts.

My fellow finalists and I smiled nervously as we awaited the imminent announcement of the competition winner. We’d had the opportunity to chat beforehand and I was so pleased to be sat alongside such genuine ladies (Miriam and Eshe I’m talking to you!). Before long Sasha had the trophy in hand and presented it to London-based blogger Miriam Bouteba (pictured below) of Remotely Fashion. Unfortunately Miriam’s partner in crime and co blogger Siobhan Sullivan couldn’t make the ceremony but Miriam beamed brightly enough for both of them and was a worthy winner.

The founder of The Olympic Games, Pierre de Coubertin once said ‘taking part counts’ and I’m happy to confirm he was right. My fellow finalists would probably agree that in the saturated world of fashion blogging being chosen as a finalist is a victory in itself. In light of this I’m sending many thanks to Sasha and The Clothes Show Live team for choosing Frock Trade – their vote of confidence will help both the blog and I grow from strength to strength in the year ahead.

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Quick! Designer Pop-up Shop This Weekend

What are you doing this weekend? If you’re not heading down to the Designer Pop-up Shop at Princes Square, Glasgow then you should be! Seven of the brightest and best Scottish designers will be selling one off editorial samples and seasonal stock at discounted prices for one weekend only.

Join womenswear designers Rebecca Torres and Joanne McGillivray, jewellers Georgia Wiseman and Rene Walrus and accessories designers Bebaroque, Rosie Sugden and Karen Mabon for an evening of fashionable bargains sponsored by Rekorderlig cider (my favourite!).

You already know all about Joanne McGillivray from my feature on her recent Spring Summer 2014 collection launch. The Scottish Fashion Awards Graduate of the Year 2012 makes figure flattering womenswear that’s impossible to resist. Her equally esteemed peer Rebecca Torres makes super slinky dresses that are most definitely guaranteed to make you look good on the dancefloor. Both ladies are, incidentally, taking part in another pop-up opening at House of Fraser, Glasgow in the coming weeks.

For the sparkle hunters, get yourself in on the Georgia Wiseman and Rene Walrus action. Both ladies are lovely and more importantly absolute jewellery geniuses – check out their websites and see for yourself.

Last and by no means least a trio of amazing accessories designers that make me happy in very different ways. The girls from Bebaroque have officially made hosiery (and the super tight body) cool. With Lady Gaga and Katy Perry on their customer database the Accessory Designer of the Year winners are definitely doing everything right. Whilst you’re snapping up some tights why not prep for the snow ahead with a scarf and bobble hat from Rosie Sugden, her silky smooth Cashmere is irresistable, snuggly and keeps you toasty warm.

Miss Karen Mabon is another creative whizz that you won’t see on the high street. Her perfectly illustrated silk scarves are cute and sartorial in equal measure. Race you to the checkout to bag one of these beauties!

Go on – support local independent fashion designers this weekend by visiting their pop-up shop on the Ground Floor of Princes Square, Glasgow.

Find The Perfect Party Dress (30% off!)

The festive season is fast approaching and Christmas trees are beginning to surround us. That can only mean one thing, the hunt for a Christmas party dress is on! Festive shopping is easier said than done with numerous shops and websites to contend with. Sometimes all you need is a helping hand and that’s where Frock Trade comes in.

Frock Trade can help you find the perfect party outfit with minimum fuss and maximum fun! With the help of local professional fashion stylist, Ann Russell (that’s me!), who was recently featured on Vogue.co.uk, you’ll experience a whole new way of shopping that leaves you feeling confident in your purchases and ready to let your hair down.

Have you recently lost weight? Want to show off your figure? Or find an outfit that brightens up your wardrobe? Come shopping with me in Edinburgh or Glasgow for a half day or a full day session and I’ll help you choose clothes that suit your shape, colours that compliment your skin tone and accessories that can be interchanged with several outfits.

Why not wake up your wardrobe with some honest, trustworthy advice from an industry professional. You can even treat a friend to their own personal styling session this Christmas – gift vouchers are available. Email Ann now frocktrade@hotmail.co.uk to chat about your requirements or say hello on Facebook or Twitter.

Joanne McGillivray SS14 Collection Launch

One of my favourite Scottish designers and all round lovely girl Joanne McGillivray launched her Spring Summer 2014 collection last week at Glasgow’s SWG3 (a former show space for Christopher Kane).

The Scottish Fashion Graduate of the Year 2012 showed her ‘Under the sea’ collection featuring dresses, shorts, a-line skirts and jumpsuits in aquatic shades of blue and green, complimented by jewellery from Euan McWhirter. Stand out pieces included a clear plastic rain mac edged in orange trim and an elegant sea blue printed jumpsuit.

The sold out launch party, attended by 200 fans of the brand, was a success with Clyde 1 DJ Diane ‘Knoxy’ Knox on the decks, bright blue cocktails and delicious Snuggle Muffin cupcakes.

Joanne has enjoyed considerable success since launching her debut collection in June 2013. She designed a sell-out dress for high-street giant Marks and Spencer and completed an internship under their Head of Design. This Christmas Joanne  will celebrate a bumper year with two pop-up shops. One at House of Fraser Glasgow from 14th-26th December and the other in collaboration with fellow Scottish designers from 21st – 24th November at Princes Square.

Here’s a snapshot of me with the designer (right). Read more about Joanne McGillivray in my ’10 questions with…’ interview here.

My Post-Engagement Checklist

If you follow @FrockTrade on Twitter you’ll have spotted my recent blog posts for luxury jewellery retailer Laings of Glasgow. As some of you may know my other half proposed recently and I’m really enjoying sharing my post-engagement tips with Laings customers and fellow brides-to-be. Find a sneak peek at my most recent post below – read the full article here

(Image above: photography-Hand&Rae, styling-Ann Russell, make-up-Ana Cruzalegui, model-Kristina@Colours)

YOU’RE ENGAGED! NOW WHAT?
November 1, 2013
He proposed! You’re engaged! You’re overwhelmed with excitement and can’t wait to tell the world. So what happens after you’ve said yes? Here’s our list of 10 things to do after he’s popped the question.

1/Share your happy news
Once you’ve recovered from the excitement of the proposal it’s time to share the news with your loved ones. Your parents should be the first to know (if they don’t already) so pick up the phone and plan a visit to show off the ring. It probably seems easier to send a quick tweet or post a status update but your relatives won’t thank you if they’re the last to know. Feel free to go online once you’ve had a proper chat with close family and friends.

2/ Get your ring sized
Try to get your ring sized as soon as possible. It wouldn’t be the best start to your engagement if the ring fell off your finger an hour after the proposal. Pop into Laings to have your ring size carefully measured so that your new sparkler fits you comfortably. The resizing process can take time so be patient and remember the most important thing is to have a ring that fits you perfectly.

3/ Get your ring insured
By now your ring should be sized and sitting proudly on your finger. Your next task is to get it insured in case bad luck strikes. If you have home owner’s insurance the best idea is to call your provider and add the ring to your policy. Ask your new fiancé to keep all associated paperwork in a safe place to ensure insurance valuations are accurate.

4/ Set an approximate date
If you’re newly engaged setting an exact date might seem premature so have a discussion about the time of year you’d like to get married so you can field date related questions. Something as vague as ‘We’d like a Summer wedding’ or ‘We’re hoping for the end of next year’ is enough to give people an idea of your timescales.

5/ Buy a wedding planner
Stay organised with a notebook, calendar or folder that you can fill with ideas, cuttings from magazines and wedding fair flyers that have caught your eye. When it comes to making bookings with suppliers you’ll have all the correct contact details in one place. Plus your planner will jog your memory if you’ve forgotten anything and help you visualise the overall theme of your big day.

Congratulations! Jane Davidson nominated for a Drapers Award

On today’s blog I’m giving a big shout out to my favourite local independent designer boutique, Jane Davidson who have been nominated for a Drapers Award.

Edinburgh Independent Retailer Jane Davidson have been shortlisted in the Premium Fashion category at the Drapers Awards 2013. The brand new Drapers Independents Awards have 15 categories covering a wide range of achievements in fashion retailing.

Scotland’s most exclusive independent retailer is owned by Sarah Murray, Jane’s daughter, and is based in a Georgian townhouse in Thistle Street. The store has expanded from one floor to four in the last 10 years and has introduced many high profile brands to Scotland including Jimmy Choo, Roland Mouret  and Victoria Beckham.

For Autumn/Winter 2013 Jane Davidson stocks Temperley London, Matthew Williamson, Roksanda Ilincic, Dries van Noten, Preen and Zoe Jordan exclusively in Scotland. Other key brands include Diane von Furstenberg, Theory, Escada, J Brand and La Perla lingerie.

The original shop was founded in 1969 in the Grassmarket area of Edinburgh by Jane Davidson, now Jane Hall. The original boutique sold only British brands including Jean Muir, Ozzie Clark and Jean Varon and was attached to a church in the Old Town.

Good luck to the whole Jane Davidson team at the awards ceremony on November 7th at The Waldorf Hilton, London. Fingers crossed! In the meantime check out my coverage of Jane Davidson’s Pringle of Scotland event for Vogue.co.uk

http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/2013/10/14/pringle-of-scotland-grace-kelly-collection-edinburgh-show

Womenswear Makeover at House of Fraser Glasgow

When I think about shopping in Glasgow I never forget House of Fraser. The flagship department store on Buchanan Street has been a favourite of mine since I was a teenager splashing my pocket money on sparkly tops and spritzing the perfumes in the beauty hall. Since moving to Edinburgh my visits to the store have been less frequent so I was really excited to be invited to a private preview of the new womenswear collections this week.

House of Fraser has had a makeover and with its new look comes the introduction of 18 exciting womenswear and accessories brands to the 2nd and 3rd floors. An invitation to join an intimate gathering of the most influential Scottish bloggers led me to Hugh’s Champagne Bar within the store. I enjoyed a few glasses of Mumm Champagne and some tasty treats amidst the company of the House of Fraser’s team and fellow fashionistas Thank Fifi, Bee Waits, Betty Swollocks, Glasgow Mummy and Lisa Ringrose.

Following an introduction to the brands from each concession manager my fellow bloggers and I were guided around the store to admire key pieces from each collection. We were pretty excited about being in the shop after hours and were even lucky enough to take home a special gift of our choosing. I picked out this gorgeous cobalt skirt from German label Hallhuber that will be perfect for Winter with a pair of thick tights, some chunky boots and a cosy knit.

Hallhuber is one of Germany’s best-known womenswear labels and is a welcome trend-led addition to House of Fraser. The modern outlines and feminine shapes are perfect for both everyday and occasion wear. It’s particularly popular with street style bloggers in Germany, Munich and Budapest. Another highlight was young womenswear brand St Martins that launched in 1997. None of us could resist the quirky lining within this colourful trench coat.

House of Fraser has successfully added a refreshing sartorial edge to its womenswear offering and I can’t wait for further fashionable developments from my luxury department store of choice.

(The 18 new womenswear and accessories brands to join House of Fraser this Autumn Winter are Alexander McQueen, Gestuz, Hallhuber, Hugo Boss, Kilian Kerner, Lavenham, Love, Marella, Napa Pijiri, Neon Rose, Noisy May, Norr, Paperdolls, Paul Smith Black, Replay, Sandwich, Worn By and Yumi) For more information visit http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk

Scottish designers celebrate Wool Week

As the weather gets colder knitwear shopping is at the top of my agenda so when I heard The Campaign for Wool had partnered up with 15 student designers and 10 top British fashion brands to create a series of jumpers I was excited to see the results.

Now in its second year, the Wool School offers student designers the opportunity to design a jumper which will be sold nationwide by some of the UK’s top retailers during Wool Week (14th-20th October). Students were selected from 12 leading textile and fashion universities with creatives from each retailer deciding on a design that would be sold by their label.  The Campaign aims to encourage young designers to engage with natural fibres and create innovative knitwear pieces whilst learning more about the wool production process.

Wool is such a integral part of Scotland’s fashion heritage that it seems fitting to have a programme that educates up-and-coming designers about the ways it can be crafted for a modern audience. With that in mind I was particularly pleased to hear that three young Scottish Designers Francesca Stride (University of Glasgow), Lindsay McQuarrie (Jordanstone College of Art) and Emma Lawrie (University of Edinburgh) had created winning designs for Pringle, Brora and Folk respectively.

My particular favourite is this modern boat neck lambswool sweater (pictured below) by Francesca Stride for Pringle. Its reverse intarsia is a modern take on the brand’s signature Argyle print. Having interviewed Pringle’s COO Tracy Chapman recently for Vogue I know how passionate the brand is about working with innovative fashion students and I’m sure Francesca will be pleased to see her design added to Pringle’s prestigious archive at the brand’s Hawick mill.

Visit www.campaignforwool.org for a list of Wool School stockists.

Fashion – My words in VOGUE

If you were to tell me as a young journalism student that my writing would appear in VOGUE I’d probably smile wistfully at the prospect. Today it actually happened! My coverage of the Pringle of Scotland capsule collection launch in Edinburgh appeared online at Vogue.co.uk. To see my byline on those news pages is nothing short of a dream come true so thank you to everyone that made it happen. Particular thanks goes to Pringle of Scotland, Jane Davidson and Anna Freemantle who co-ordinated and hosted the event. Here’s my first article for VOGUE in all it’s glory. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it!

http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/2013/10/14/pringle-of-scotland-grace-kelly-collection-edinburgh-show

Fashion – Hope Street Magazine

Last month I had the pleasure of contributing to an innovative new fashion magazine – Hope Street. The Scottish-based magazine will showcase look-books from new fashion designers, beautiful fashion films and fashion shoots from exciting new photographers and creatives.

The magazine is headlined by Scottish Art Director and Make-up artist Sara Hill who has collaborated with up-and-coming make-up artists, photographers, stylists and filmographers who are quickly gaining a global reputation.

My article looks at the top fashion trends this season including oversized coats, tartan, houndstooth patterns and pink. Read my Autumn Winter 2013 trend report below and visit http://blog.hopestreetmag.com to buy your digital or print copy of the magazine.