Shoulder to Shoulder

I am a big fan of shoulder embellishment - always have been.  Hence my feathered cape, fur cape, plethora of crystal shouldered tees and love for shoulder pads... I love the arrogance, the glam and the confidence that comes with strong shoulders, harking back to the days of the 'power suit'.

Images like this simply encourage my love of the shoulder embellishment and take it to a new level in the form of an ornamental decoration or costume jewellery.  I believe this is called Epaulettes but if anyone would like to correct me feel free.

Natalie Portman looking fierce

I have seen a few celebrities sporting the look from Natalie Portman to Gaga but I was completely sold after seeing a truly exquisite pair at the Scottish Fashion Awards.

My jaw literally dropped in awe of the breathtaking adornment gracing the ever so chic shoulders of Swarovski Creative Director, Nathalie Colin at this years Awards.  Laden with swarovski crystal naturally, the beautiful work of art cupped Natalie's shoulders connecting with sparkling chains garnishing the decolletage.

You can just about see Nathalie's shoulder decoration pictured here at the Scottish Fashion Awards 2011.

So this really brings me onto - how can I find me some of this shoulder bling?  I have toyed with making my own but can't work out the best materials to use.  The wonders of Etsy has led me to stumble across some absolutely stunning epaullettes but at sky high prices.  Is it worth it?

Absolutely stunning and ever so Gaga, I love the juxtaposition of the spikes and crystal while an array of chains drape the body.  You can find this for sale on Esty here.

Another stunning pair found at the same Etsy store have a more military feel.

I love how these ornamental creations can be worn over clothing or on bare shoulders.  It beats a statement pair of earrings anyday.  They can so easily transform the simplest of outfits into something quite spectacular and certainly attention grabbing.

 I am pondering over whether they are really worth the cost or if I can find a cheaper supplier elsewhere.  I have got to get me a pair of these one way or another so the search will continue until I exhaust every avenue.

Has anyone else come across these delights and can recommend a retailer?  Even better - any DIY tips?

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Scottish Fashion Awards 2011: What they wore

I have cavorted my own outfit for you and let you in on some of the highlights of the evening but here's a peek at what the other guests were wearing.

Shirley Bassey in Graeme Black (Sir Billi Tartan)

Samantha Cameron in a wonderful Christopher Kane dress
Event founder Tessa Hartmann in a gorgeous Holly Fulton gown

Brix in Christopher Kane and a swarovski crystal saltire clutch

Skins Freya Mavor won Style Icon of the year
wearing Pringle of Scotland

Henry Holland in House of Holland

There were some fabulous outfits that I am yet to spot photos of online, one of which is the creative director of Swarovski, Nathalie Colin, who wore crystal shoulder embellishments which are just to die for!

Along with the spectacular there were also the flops but I will leave that for you to judge.

And just for a bit of eye candy on a Sunday morning, here's David Gandy ...

You can check out David's blog on the SFA's on Vogue.com here.

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Scottish Fashion Awards 2011: The results are in!

My evening at the Scottish Fashion awards started in a cocktail bar, Browns, to be exact with the gorgeous Morven and Ann, all dolled up and ready to strut our stuff with the best of Scotland's fash pack.

Morven and Ann having a bit of cocktail action

Best cocktail ever!

Unfortunately for us the champagne bar had run dry by the time we arrived at the actual event but a little bit of mingling and scoping our fellow guests was fun in itself.

Dame Shirley Bassey received most adoration of the night in her Graeme Black dress designed with Sir Billi Tartan and a sporran handbag.  Dolly Jones, Hilary Alexander and Paula Reed made up the fashion glossy gliteratti.  Henry Holland, Jonathan Saunders and Holly Fulton were Designers of note on the evening with many of the guests sporting their threads.  David Gandy, Brix Smith-Start and Lulu also added charisma and sparkle to the festivities.  Guests of honour and both equally inspirational in their fields were Hilary Alexander who won a surprise award and the God-like Rankin who was thoroughly down to earth!

Ann and I posing in front of the media board

Before we knew it, the awards ceremony was well underway in the iMax cinema at the Glasgow Science Centre.  

The exciting winners of the evening were Jonathan Saunders who won Designer of the Year, Henry Holland - International Designer of the Year, Hilary Alexander - Fashion Ambassador,  Bebaroque - Accessory designer of the year, Harris Tweed - Textile Designer of the Year, Henrietta Ludgate - Young Designer of the year and the most prestigious of the awards, Rankin winning the Hall of Fame award.

Henry Hollands entourage so to speak brought an infectious party spirit to the awards, whooping in applause at Hollands win!  And, it was heartwarming when Hilary Alexander was surprised with her award as Fashion Ambassador, giving credit to her support of the Scottish Fashion Awards.  It was also endearing to listen to Rankin confess to his nerves on the evening and how proud he was to be picking up an award.

The evening progressed on to a wonderful 3 course dinner, interesting chat and lots of bubbly.  I was fortunate enough to be at a table full of characters from the world of fashion retail, journalism and tv.  I met the lovely Mark Hayes, GMTV stylist, who was so down to earth and kept us amused with stories of how he is often mistaken for Jason Gardner of Dancing on Ice fame.

Mark Hayes and moi

Morven chatting to Jonathan and Daniel of Garcons de Glasgow

Brix, Morven and myself
(grey blob is not hiding a nip, it's an error i couldn't be bothered to fix!)

After dinner we were treated to a wonderful catwalk show by Swarovski.  Sparkling models sashayed down the purple glitter catwalk in the most wonderful creations covered in bling.  I love my sparkle and I  lusted after every piece that pounded the floor before me.

Jonathan Saunders

Dolly Jones and Jonathan Saunders

Highlight of my night was getting to meet the amazing Jonathan Saunders who I mentioned in a prior post, I knew a long time ago in passing.  It was lovely to reacquaint myself with him and congratulate him on his award.

It was a long but fabulous evening full of glamour and sparkle.  It's fair to say I peaked far too early and by the time the after party got in full swing, I was probably tucked up in bed with a half eaten tunnocks caramel wafer from my goody bag, by my side.

You just can't buy class!

x

Scottish Fashion Awards 2011: What I Wore

Before I go into any level of detail about the awards like how fabulous Shirley Bassey looked,  how HAWT David Gandy is, how Henry Holland and his entourage brought the party, the lump in my throat when the wonderful Hilary Alexander won Fashion Ambassador or how much an honour it was to finally get to speak to Jonathan Saunders, I thought I would first show you what I wore to the event.

My evening started with a wardrobe dilemna - 2 weeks away from the gym had taken their toll and my jumpsuit had become a little tight round the edges shall we say.  I had to just make do and roll with it though.  This is the same outfit I wore for my birthday (I wore the same thing twice!! Quelle Horreur!)

Navy jumpsuit: Topshop
Shoes: Aldo
Fur Stole: Vintage Ebay
Earrings: Oasis
Rings: Karen Millen, Vivienne Westwood and some others picked up in stalls or abroad

I was hoping to wear some fabulous Warehouse accessories and a gorgeous Warehouse bag but unfortunately for me they were not in store.  I managed to make do with some last minute bits and bobs from elsewhere, including a cuff that fellow blogger Ann managed to pick me up after she learned of my accessory panic!!

Somehow I went from looking half decent and being quite pleased with my outfit to looking like a heffalump by the time photos were taken at the event.  Hmmph! Not quite sure how that happens but I'm hoping it's nothing the gym won't fix.

 For my make up I wanted a bright pink lip to match my nails which were painted in GOSH Flamingo.  I had forgotten what a fabulous shade this is!

I did my own hair up for the evening by trying to channel Chanel's catwalk look.  I literally scooped all my hair into a high ponytal, backcombed the pony to within an inch of it's life then scooped it all around the base, pinning with a few bobby pins here and there.  Naturally half a tonne of hairspray was added for extra peace of mind!

Face: Chanel AquaLumiere
Cheeks:  Nars Laguna, Nars Orgasm and a touch of Illamasqua Erzule
Eyes: MAC Brule, MAC Charcoal Brown (crease), MAC Blacktrack, Estee Lauder Blue Dahlia (Darkest blues mixed and layered over eyeliner).  MAC Haute & Naughty Mascara
Lips:  MAC Longwear Lipcreme in Love Forever

That's a lot of MAC!

I decided to forego false lashes but by the end of the night I wish I had worn them although sometimes it's nice to give the eyes a rest.

This is usually a failsafe outfit for me as jumpsuits are so comfortable.  Needless to say by the end of the evening my feet were killing me.

My fellow blogger gals who accompanied me to the do... Ann at Girl in the City and Morven from Cats and Rocking Chairs did not disappoint as they looked absolutely stunning.

More pics to come of all of us and a few schlebs too ;)

x

Scottish Fashion Awards 2011

Long time readers of this blog might remember I attended last years "Oscars of Scottish Fashion" ... The Scottish Fashion Awards at Glasgow Science centre ... I posted about it here ... here ... and here.


I was lucky enough to attend last year and it was fabulous evening where i got to indulge myself mingling with fellow bloggers, journalist, fashion writers, musicians and models.  

Vogue.com's Dolly Jones, the amazing Jonathan Saunders and event founder Tessa Hartman

The event is run in association with Vogue.com with all awards voted for by an industry panel.  However this year there is a surprise twist to the awards with the Fashion Icon Award being voted for by you! 


Sponsored by Capital FM, a shortlist of nominees can be voted for online with the 4 finalists being announced before the night and the winner presented with their gong on at the evening festivities.   This is the only award at the prestigious event that is not voted by an industry panel. 


2011 Fasion Icon Nominees are:

Gerard Butler
Tilda Swinton
George Lamb
Freya Mavor 
Karen Gillan
Laura McMonagle
Sharleen Spiteri
Sam Robertson
Amy McDonald
Kelly McDonald


It's an eclectic mix of nominees and not all will be familiar or an obvious choice for the title but as Tessa Hartman founder of the event observes "with the strength of social media, there are people on there that might not be high profile but again, are highly influential in their respective fields".


Last year's host, Laura Whitmore wearing Graeme Black



It's an exciting night for Scottish Fashion and you can show your support and have your say in who wins Scottish Fashion Icon 2011 by going to www.scottishfashionawards.com and registering your vote under the Fashion Icon tab.


The awards will be held on Wednesday 15th June and by registering your vote you will automatically be entered into a prize draw to win 2 VIP After Show Party tickets! Get your gladrags ready...! 


x

Scottish Fashion Awards: What I wore & FOTN

So when I was initially invited to the Scottish Fashion Awards asides from jumping up and down yelping like an excitable oompa loompa ... I made a conscious desicion not to panic over what to wear.

At the end of the day, no one would know who I was or be interested in taking my photo. There was no need to worry. Honest.

Well fast forward to Sunday 20th June, sitting in a hair salon having my hair lacquered into oblivion as I gulped back tears of regret. The thing is I wanted to turn up on the evening looking effortlessly chic ... not high from the fumes of hairspray with a contrived but bedraggled barnet. To be fair I did ask for a messy up do so I had only myself to blame for the stiff birds nest I left with.

With an hour left to spare I had to get home, tweak the barnet and apply my face. With 60 short minutes everything seemed to take so much longer than usual. An eyeshadow disaster (thanks to a dirty make up brush) and some botched false lashes later, I turned out this...FACE:
Mac Strobe Cream as a base
Estee Lauder Double Wear in fresco
Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer in warm ivory
CHEEKS:
Nars Laguna Bronzer
Bobbi Brown Apricot blush (my hg)
Topshop highlighter in sunbeam
EYES:
Urban Decay Shroom and Madhatter from the Alice in Wonderland Palette
Mac Vanilla to highlight
Clarins Mascara
Mac false lashes No.43
Bobbi Brown gel liner in caviar
Benefit Eyebright on waterline
LIPS:
Mac Angel
Dolce & Gabbana lipgloss in Candy

Also after some twitter debate, it was decided that Mac Vintage Vamp would be the nail colour of choice for the evening. It took about 4 coats but it looked lovely in the end.

As for my outfit - I made a decision to wear this French Connection dress right from the start. FC can always be trusted to turn out a stylish dress or two ... and this is no exception. It is quite new but I believe it is now on sale for half price, sods law eh? It's basically a classic LBD with a little twist of lace inserts on the chest, back and sleeves. The shape of the dress reminds me a little of Roland Mouret and is very flattering. Insert photo of very awkward posing:
I teamed the dress with Christian Louboutin Titi's which absolutely crippled my feet! Sob Sob. After long deliberation and twitter advice, I opted for a plain black leather bag. Nothing else seemed to look right. The only accessory was a large russian cocktail ring as the dress does most of the work itself.

When it was time to go, I forgot about the dodgily coiffed hair and mucky eye make up - I was just too damn excited! Can you tell?
x

Scottish Fashion Awards: What They Wore

One of the most exciting things about being invited to the Scottish Fashion Awards was the 'sleb' spotting!

Most of the guest list would only be known to a Scottish audience but with the likes of David Gandy, Paolo Nutini, Jonathan Saunders and Amanda Wakely joining the party, it was enough to get little old me all twitchy and giggly for most of the evening.

Of course, it was at times flabbergasting to see the adornements of certain guests. This is Scotland with Style naturally, however some of the outfits left a lot to be desired. There's just no accounting for good taste.

However, this lot got my vote of approval.
Laura Whitmore of MTV fame presented the nights awards and I have to say she really did a great job. She is absolutely gorgeous and throughout the evening she made 3 wardrobe changes no less. This is Laura wearing a Graeme Black dress (fabulous Scottish Designer) but for the award ceremony itself she donned a stunning green floorlength dress which was reminiscent of the art deco fashions of The Great Gatsby.
The distinguised and drop dead gorgeous, David Gandy turned up looking immaculate. I could have wept at his feet he is just-so-beautiful. I presume he was wearing Dolce & Gabbana but who knows? He'd have been as well wearing nothing as I spent the evening undressing him with my eyes ;) ;)
Diana Vickers... I just can't take to this girl at all. Loved her on X Factor but she just doesn't capture my attention the way she did back then when she was young, naive and charming. Despite this, I loved her style choice and thought she looked fresh and chic. Now I know my mum had a pair of curtain tassels that could make me a skirt and shoe combo just like this but quite frankly it would never be as gorgeous as LCF's Flett Bertrams creation. I have to admit, burlesque and nipple tassels do it for me, except this is far less rude.Model Jade Parfitt and designer Graeme Black. Jade wore Stella McCartney ... my favourite!Finally Mr Style Icon of the Year, Paolo Nutini was apparantly wearing Giorgio Armani while his model girlfriend wore a belted maxi dress which I *think* was Amanda Wakely. If anyone can confirm or correct this let me know.

Stay tuned for what I wore!!

x

Scottish Fashion Awards 2010

Last night, I attended the prestigious Scottish Fashion Awards at the futuristic setting of the Glasgow Science Centre. I went along to the awards with the gorgeous Ann from Girl in the City who I strutted the tartan carpet with.
Now in it's fifth year, the fashion awards are Scotland's most influential celebration of style and new talent in the world of Fashion. The best thing about it, all the nominees are Scottish, giving recognition to our fabulous homegrown talent.

With 12 awards honouring the likes of Scottish Designer of the Year, Scottish Communicator, Scottish Textile Brand, Scottish Fashion Icon and a Hall of Fame award, it called for an honourable and respected judging panel. We were not disappointed.

The Panel: Dolly Jones - Editor of Vogue.com, Hilary Alexander - Fashion Direcor for Daily Telegraph, Amanda Wakely - Designer, Brian Duffy - President of Ralph Lauren Europe (and a fellow 'weegie'), Brigitte Stepputis - Head of Couture Vivienne Westwood, Nathalie Colin - Creative Director Swarovski, Lucy Yeomans - Editor of Harpers Bazaar, Paula Reed - Grazia Style Director, Professor Wendy Dagworthy - Head of Fashion & Textiles at Royal College of Art and Richard Walker - Editor of Sunday Herald.

What a line up!

(Ann and I with Kingdom of Style's Queen Michelle & Queen Marie who were nominated
in the Scottish Communicator category)

Noteworthy winners included Jonathan Saunders for Designer of the Year, Holly Fulton for Young Designer of the Year, William Chambers for Accessory Designer, Cruise for Scottish Retailer, Session hairstylist Malcolm Edwards for Hall of Fame, Paolo Nutini for Style Icon and Jett Sweeney for Graduate of the year Award who wins an internship at Marks & Spencers and will see her winning dress design go on sale in store.

(Saskia, Ann and our mate Paolo ...schhwiiingg!)

The evening was hosted by MTV presenter Laura Whitmore along with an impressive array of celebrities and fashionista's who attended the glamorous gala such as Paolo Nutini, Gabriella Cilmi and David Gandy. The evening started with a champagne reception before heading to the IMAX Cinema for the awards presentation. We were then treated to a yummy dinner with quirky and elaborate table decorations featuring Barbie dolls dressed in couture saltire dresses.

The pièce de résistance was a fabulous Swarovski Couture catwalk show, designed by Swarovski's creative director and fashion award judge, Nathalie Colin. I also believe this was the first time the collection has been shown outside of Paris so I am delighted to have been present at such a stunning show.

The night was topped with an aftershow party and entertainment from Diana Vickers.

It was a fabulous evening with a wonderful time had by all. It really is fantastic to see Scotland's talent and creative genius nurtured and celebrated in such a way ensuring that Scotland are well and truly on the fashion map.

Thats all for now but don't worry there are more photos to come ... along with tales of hair disasters, make up woe and mangled feet thanks to the most expensive shoes I own!!

x