Especially if you saw that I’ll be accessorising with a bubble-blowing pipe…magical. It is going to be a lot of effort creating this masterpiece of a costume, and it will be the pioneer of it’s kind (no beard before it has even been so large.) But if this Halloween you just can’t be bothered dressing up, or you don’t feel like scaring people too much (I like you) then get your hands on a t-shirt from choiceshirts.com. Put on your sweetest pout and prove that you’re simply “too cute for costumes”. Let’s make this Halloween about friendliness, not fiendishness, sorry Percy that Pumpkin’ll just have to wait till next year.

Maybe this shirt could be scary. Depends on who's wearing it

Getting a job in the fashion industry is not just about your love of shopping (though that doesn’t hurt). To break into such a competitive industry is tricky business. Living for the style pages, having a monthly subscription to Wonderland and being able to spot a Vivienne Westwood design from a mile off is a good start but to really stand-out in an oversubscribed industry you need that little bit extra on your CV.

Passion for the industry is key

Each year 4,000 graduates from fashion-related courses compete for around 500 jobs. The sector is very competitive and challenging to break into without knowing someone on the inside or having some relevant work experience. An internship is a great way to gain valuable experience, make some important contacts and ultimately secure your dream graduate job.

The concept central to every meaningful graduate internship is that the experience should be primarily about learning so that, on completion of the internship, you will be a valued and informed employee. A fashion intern should be indoctrinated into the fashion world, and leave the experience with working knowledge of technical aspects of the subject and a clearer view of the industry.

The fashion industry involves many different departments, businesses and processes with a vast amount of exciting possibilities available. With such a large range of roles from fashion journalism, event planning and buying to designing, styling and photography, your choices are endless. If you are unsure of which direction to take then an internship can be the best way to test the waters without having to commit to a job.

Once you have got an internship it is important to make the most of the opportunity. To prepare you should familiarise yourself with the company and the industry. Make sure you volunteer for projects that interest you and show lots of enthusiasm. Make sure you keep a diary of all your newly required skills so you can update your CV. Doing an internship is a great chance to develop connections in your chosen industry so ask questions, network and build a list of contacts.

I asked fashion intern Amy Sillince about her internship experiences, she had this to say;

“My internship experiences have varied greatly from working in PR agencies, to covering the shows at London Fashion Week, to merchandising brand’s websites and writing blog posts for them. I think it is the skills, knowledge and contacts that I’ve obtained during my work experience that makes it worthwhile.”

“I know I’ve spent every spare minute of my time doing something productive, and I can finally see it starting to pay off. I’ve had the most fun I probably ever will; I’ve met some amazing people who have not only become useful contacts but also great friends.”

Inspiring Interns actively match graduates and employers, eager to create opportunities where there is potential for interns to earn permanent employment. We have placed over 900 interns at companies since we were established in January 09 with most of our vacancies based in London.  We have a success rate of 65% of the interns we place being taken on permanently by the company they interned for and 93% of interns securing a full-time job within a month of doing an internship.

(Photo: A Linus Bike)

This morning I’m going for a bike ride. To the post office. To post a postcard with Prince William, Kate Middleton and a Union Jack on it to my friend in Germany. I’ll be dragging my pride and joy, with its squeaky front wheel, broken bell (ssssh, I don’t think that’s allowed), twice repaired brakes, replaced pedal, and wonky handlebars (this would be a good time to wish me a safe journey) out of the garage for my first ride of the summer. But before this momentous event happens, I had a chance to find some dreamy cyclewear that’s best shared with friends. Let’s become bike nerds together!

First up, it had to be a tee. This organic t-shirt available from CICLE details all the benefits of riding a bike. They don’t make these for buses. My favourite benefits have to be that it ‘feels like flying’, and ‘gives you legs of steel’ – however, ‘quiet as a mouse’ in the case of my permasqueek bike, might be up for debate.

The next one is lady specific. How cute are these pants? They’re stretchy, tear proof, dirt just brushes off them, there’s no need to roll up the old right leg, and best of all they’re stylish – so there’s no need to bring a pant change to your destination. Three cheers for Outlier.

London’s famous vintage cyclists Bobbins Bicycles have developed a helmet that is not only functional but super fun. The Mr. Ben bowler hat helmet will protect your little head from dangerous falls, but proves that safety can be stylish. There’s no excuses for not wearing a helmet now. Messing up your hair absolutely doesn’t count.

Happy Riding!

We’re just days away from June, just days, and the second J-beginning month of the year means one thing to me: it’s officially summer. To jump straight into summer without pausing to see if the sun will shine, let’s think about swimwear. This summer I will be tanning my mozzerella skin in the tropics of Manchester and Dublin, with a possible scorching weekend visit to a friend in Luxembourg with it’s many famous beaches, that’s right isn’t is? The pretty coastal country? So what better way to get in the mood than by drooling over lucious bikinis and all-in-one swimming costumes that I can neither use nor afford? Maybe eating some ice-cream? On the list for afterwards. One of my favourite summer smells is the lycra, sea-salty scent of the bikini, drip drying in the bath and you can tell that these summer-licious swimwear pieces from Anthropologie will not only look a million euros, but they will smell oh. so. summery.

Anthropologie’s 2011 summer collection reminds me of a Haagen Daaz advert, or that luxorious *crack* noise when a model goddess bites into a Magnum. You know what I’m talking about. I’m sure you’ll agree that this swimwear range would look great accessorized with a double-choc magnum, and maybe a glass of Sangria, go on, it’s summer – treat yourself!

This 1950s style swim suit would be perfect for those who aren’t fond of itsy-bitsy. With a halter-tie and polka dots its classy, stylish and with a splash of red-lipstick and a pair of cut off denim shorts – there’s not even any real need to go swimming.

Next up (again for the swimsuit lovers) is this modern and utterly sophisticated creation. The colour palette is clean and timeless. Wear with a floppy straw hat, factor 20 sunscreen & a classic summer read.

For those of us who are bikini ready, this combo from Anthropolgie’s vast mix-and-match range is stunning. The black top is beautifully tailored (can you say I bikini is tailored? really?) with a curving shape and ruffle details, and the bottoms add a summery splash of colour and print. I’d wear this with classic brown gladiator sandals and this pair of Ray-Bans.

But until that day I will sit here with my ice-cream and watch workout videos from the 90s. Happy swimming!

Are you a ghost story fan? Do you like to be scared half to death by Gothic plots, white shadows and uncanny mists? I do not like ghost stories at all, I scare far too easily, and in fact the other night I was convinced that there was a ghost knocking on the my third floor window after reading Henry James’ ‘The Turn of the Screw’ before bed (heads up, not a good idea) aaaaahhhh!!

Unfortunately, ghost stories are something I have to read for the time being, and living in an old creaky building is not ideal for vivid imagination and tense nerves, so instead I read at the library and simultaneously play calming songs through my headphones.

Instead of ‘ imaginary reading ghost stories in the library’ – bit long winded and ‘yawn’ sounding- maybe this outfit should have been called ‘imaginary ghostbuster’. The boots are stylish and sturdy, and with green silky laces you could definitely scare away a few of the ghosties, or alternatively stamp them flat. The same goes for the Butter London blue nail varnish. With a pair of these Ray Ban shades and a grey beanie hat you’ll stay undercover, aside from the fact that these shades are … phwowser!

Look!

The Swedish backpack by Kanken is not only effortlessly stylish and big enough to carry ghost busting supplies, but you’ll definitely have space in there for your ‘superfood’ smoothie, because to be an effective ghostbuster you need your vitamins.

Click HERE for outfit details.

And this is precisely what the company Formalitees and their concept of ‘Tie Tees‘ has looked to exploit in the most ironic way possible. They have invented a t-shirt with a neck-tie permanently attached to it, a simple idea that surprisingly has not been replicated as a product before. Its ideological motivation is a massive two fingers up to the establishment of suited professionals and multinational corporations. They want to reinvent the idea of the modern professional as ethical, egalitarian and ultimately non-conformist. Credit to them, its about time someone saved us from ironing our shirts and dry cleaning our jackets, slipping on a t-shirt every morning is much more ‘stylo’.

The question is, will it catch on? A predecessor of sorts was the tuxedo t-shirt, but although funny as a novelty item it didn’t necessarily have such a large ideological motivation behind it.

Hopefully more than a gag? (via flickr@thehanner

You feel that with the Tie Tee people might actually wear it for a reason outside a piece of fancy dress for a hipster rave in a ‘secret’ warehouse in Shoreditch. I’m not suggesting that suddenly the dress code for your next job interview is going to be strictly Tie Tee but rather that people might be willing to use it as a means to question what could be acceptable. I don’t think it is going to be challenging the suited establishment any time soon but how about that enigma that is the ‘smart-casual’ look? I’ve always seen it as a bit of a nothing dress code that tends towards under-dressing or over-dressing but never just right. So surely if anything epitomizes the smart-casual look then surely it is a tie that is smart and a tee that is casual. A fashion conundrum cracked.

Maybe the broader point to take from this is that t-shirts are comfortable and they should be pushed into more formal or professional spheres. It is time to push the boundaries of clothing categories and Indigo Clothing is happy to jump onto the bandwagon.

Das Right

Remember this post about Australian t-shirt designers Das Monk? Ok, I’ll let you off the hook, it was a long time ago. Well, this group are back on the horizon, and this time they’re on the lookout for raw, unadulterated talent. According to their website, Das Monk are hunting for the next visual genius to join their artistic group, and have launched a competition to aid their quest. Anyone, even you Grandma, is invited to join in, and the idea is that you create an artwork based on “DIS” (the prefix) disorder, discovery, distortion, dis…otherthingstoo. All open to your creative imagination. With fame, fortune, artwork on a tee, many people wearing said tee, joining the Das Monk group of artists and US$400 cash cash money prize on the cards, who’s not going to give it a bash? The competition closes March 15th 2011 though, so get your sketch on.

As we’re having a trip down memory lane…remember this post about clogs from the summer? Yeah! Thought you would. Well if your into both the clog and the jog, these Nike clogs might be your new best friends. They were actually intended for the Nike78 Exhibition, but I’m sure they’d be great for the gym too.

Can you believe that it’s approaching mid-year already? Maybe ‘mid-year’ is taking it a bit too far, but still, it’s almost March – and I’m still using each Monday morning to re-start my New Year resolutions. Back in December I promised to come to you with some exciting news in 2011, and here I am with it, and more importantly, an imaginary outfit that fits perfectly. I passed a big exam just before Christmas which means that I will (fingers, legs, eyes, ears crossed) be Dr. Kate of literature in the not too distant future. The exam went very well thanks, it was an oral one, but I’m sure I would have made an altogether more intimidating impression if I had worn the above outfit instead of the ‘plain as those little fairy cakes that have no icing on top’ black top, black trousers, black boots, and facial expression of fear outfit I opted for.

This outfit cries ‘French Intellectual’ or ‘let’s get cafe au lait and talk about philosophy’. It’s something I will never be as I am neither French nor intellectual, but it’s imaginary remember, plus one day, peut-être. Now, as every wise wannabe French Intellectual knows, you gotta keep them tones muted with greys, blacks and browns. An antique looking time piece is essential, as is a 1920s style hat which sweeps across the side of your face and makes you look impressively incognito. Their glasses are horn rimmed like Woody Allen’s, this achieves an instant intellectual status quick fix – the thicker/wider the frame the bigger the brain, trufact.*

*not strictly true

The French Intellectual has a deep leather satchel to carry around all their fountain pens and drags a stack of musty books behind them like an old horse. Everyone knows that under the French Intellectual’s thick, wise looking sweater dress is nice Elle MacPherson lingerie; even intellectuals have to be comfortable. And on her French, intellectual looking finger is a big, black, smoky diamond.

If only I’d been born in Paris…

Come over HERE for details about the items above

Someone I refer (worringly) a lot to over the festive period once sang these words. All together now:

When I was young my father said
“Son I have something to say”
And what he told me I’ll never forget
Until my dyin’ day.
He said “Son you are a bachelor boy
And that’s the way to stay.
Son, you be a bachelor boy until your dyin’ day

Yes, it’s Cliff the Richard again. The staple of the British Christmas. Anyway, to get back to the matter in hand – this song is the inspiration behind the latest and last imaginary outfit of this year. Oh don’t be sad, just wait to see some of the New Years treats I have lined up my sleeves. We might not have any money come Jan, but what the heck? We can still dream.

So this what New Year’s Eve looks like if you, a la Cliff, are a bachelor boy. Make a nod, say hello and welcome in your new outfit. For this creation I myself had to imagine that I was a bachelor boy, and I have to say it was an interesting imaginary exercise. In my head I was a successful bacho, living the life and having a laid-back New Year’s bash. Like my alias bachelor, let’s call him Kev instead of Kate, it’s clean, it’s polished, it’s relaxed. Kev says “Yeah it’s December, yeah it’s nearly January, yeah it’s still a little bit snowy and in the minus figures, but let’s have a barbie in the back garden, drink beer, pretend it’s summer and then have a rap-off”. With a pair of straight-leg dark-denim man-jeans from Topman the basis of your outfit its sketched. Add a bright blue, and quite probably “awesome” tee from Goodie Two Sleeves, damn fine canvas shoes by Supremebeing, and top it all off with a grey zip-hood (remember the way to wear these at the moment for ultimate trendy-wendyness is to keep it unzipped and just tie up the hood laces). A squirt of manly fragrance and a whopper of a watch-face to measure the minutes until the midnight hour will make you the lasting image of 2010. Isn’t Kev the king? Sometimes I wish I really was Kev, the ultimate batchelor boy; how I would strut in those shoes, and mould my hair into magical shapes. But then suddenly I remember heels designed by Vivienne Westward, Chanel’s new mink shade nail varnish, and the joy of wearing twirly dresses, and poof, once more I am thankful to be woman.

I hope you make the exit from 2010 a wonderful event, whatever you might have planned. For myself it will involve lots of sitting around a big table eating food, drinking beverages and going ‘chink-chink’ with friends, and maybe even the occasional popping of a party-popper. Listening to this song on repeat all night will be essential, you’d think it would date – but it remains a classique. I’ll miss the way twenty-ten rolls off the tongue, but here’s to twenty-’leven.

Click HERE for the outfit in all its fullness.

1.    Embroidered patches. Choose one that makes a bold statement like an electric guitar or a skull and crossbones.  You can either iron or sew these items onto your shirt in a visible location (Indigo offers embroidery on a minimum of 20 items).

2.    Glitter. Glitter fabric paint and pens can make an ordinary t-shirt look extraordinary by highlighting certain areas of a design.

3.    Printed ribbon. You can cut slits into your t-shirt and lace the ribbon through the holes.  This can create a wide range of looks depending on the size, colour, and location of the ribbon.

4.    Fabric pens paint and pens. There are a large variety of these items to choose from.  In fact, when it comes to painting on fabric, you can brush it on or spray it on depending on which method you prefer.

5.    Buttons. By now, you probably know how to sew on a button to your clothing.  Rather than stop at one, why not fill a whole t-shirt with these colourful accessories?  You can create a pattern ahead of time by drawing on some paper or make up your design as you go along.  Either way, you’ll have a whole lot of fun with needle and thread!

A book like 99 Ways to Cut, Sew, Trim & Tie Your T-Shirt Into Something Special or Generation T: Beyond Fashion: 120 New Ways to Transform a T-Shirt can give you all sorts of inspiration when it comes to decorating and embellishing your tees.  You can pick up a copy at your local library or purchase one at a brick and mortar book store or an on-line retailer like Amazon.  That way, you’ll always have it on hand in case you need new ideas on how to wear your t-shirts.

A few simple snips of a pair of scissors or stitches of embroidery floss can significantly alter the way that your t-shirts look.  Experimenting with different arts and craft supplies can be a fun endeavour that has measurable results at the end.  If you’re looking for a way to jazz up a plain t-shirt, consider using some of the items listed above.  Not only will you have something cool to wear, you may discover just how creative you really are in the process.

Christmas does feel like an imaginary kinda time, so I thought it only appropriate that the season should be marked, not just with hairy silver tinsel, twinkly lights and too much Cliff Richard, but also with an imaginary outfit. I am drooling over this one, more than ever. I’m not sure how glamorous Christmas is where, and if, you celebrate it – it’s not so glam in my ‘hood, but I think there is a little bit more attention paid to clothes and general tidiness.

Picturing a Christmas Day watching Queenie’s speech in this outfit? I am. These Vivienne Westward shoes are unreal, b.e.a.u.t.i.e.s, and while they may not be great if the snow is still hanging around…who cares? Get someone to carry you to the turkey. I’m sure Viv would agree with me. The sparkly sweater dress is ideal for combining cosy and sparkle, which is exactly how Christmas should be celebrated. On a side note, it has intentionally been sourced for its non-clingy qualities, so you can squeeze in that extra mince pie with cream.

A horsey handbag will be perfect to carry around a stack of Christmas cards and festive treats, and a quick whip of Benefit lip shine will stand you in fine stead for any sneaky-under-the-mistletoe-wink-wink, I won’t spell it out. Your Christmas outfit wouldn’t be complete without a beautiful and delicate knot ring by Bario-Neal jewelry design. My finger would suit it too well, far too well. And finally, ensure you are the Queen of the dinner table with a high-quality crown, none of this paper-cracker riff-raff darling.

As always, click HERE for more details on the clothes.

Pssst: I have some exciting news soon
Pssst x2: also, something else exciting

I was surprised when I arrived that there were only about 50 people in front of me, and was chuffed I got a wrist band for the first two sets allowed in the ‘pen’! 2 hours of queuing in the cold had paid off! The queue started to build up about 8am and was round the corner before the doors opened. I spotted a guy with a pillow and sheet who had clearly slept there, later spotting him at the till with a 1.5k receipt in his hand! What he wanted with all those dresses I don’t know! well I do… ebay! One of the canvas shoppers is currently on with 21 bids and at £25.00 (£2.50 in store!) and the £149 tutu frock is currently available as a buy it now, for £300!!!

I could cash in on these beauties, but they are far too precious and I don’t get up that early for anything but beautiful dresses! And not just one beautiful dress but three, one t-shirt, earrings and a lippy!

You haven’t seen your parents for months, but they’ve come over for a visit. You’re meeting for lunch, and you have to show Mum that you’re washing behind your ears, and Dad that you’ve inherited his innate sense of style.

So here’s the perfect outfit for lunch with the folks: Arrive wrapped up in a stylish black jacket from French Connection, with an over-sized watch around your wrist – good timekeeping is something your parents taught you. They’ll be proud when you’re early. You avoid jeans because you know they look scruffy in the eyes of your well-turned-out mother.

Instead, this pair of coffee coloured chino slacks by Dr Denim combine comfort and class. Your shoes from Camper are on the cusp of a trainer, but a little bit smarter. And of course, you have to have your wallet with you…I mean you can’t expect your parents to pay for your grub all the time can you? Well, you can at least offer.

Though if you do have this Ralph Lauren wallet they’ll probably let you pay. Most importantly perhaps is the vintage belt from Diesel, you don’t want your classy chinos falling down in the city’s finest restaurant now, do you.

1.    Determine what items in your wardrobe need a facelift. Anything with an ounce of life still in it can be reused and repurposed.  Don’t discount the value of a stained t-shirt or holey sweater.  With the bad parts trimmed away, there are a lot of things you can do with a recycled piece of clothing.

2.    Drag out your sewing basket, fabric paint, and stencils. Beads, buttons, fringe, iron-on patches, fabric pens, and scraps of fabric can be used to embellish your clothing which gives them flair and makes them look new again.

3.    Draw out a design on paper. It is always easier to plan out a design if you have it sketched out on a piece of paper.  You can even create your own custom patterns and cut them to size this way.

4.    Start cutting, sewing, embroidering, and stenciling your duds. Got an old pair of jeans with holes in the knees?  Why not add a colorful patch and bring them back to life.  Want to do something special with your old t-shirts?  Cut them into squares and sew them together to form a funky new scarf.

Additional Sources of Inspiration

With a little bit of imagination, you can create a whole new wardrobe without breaking the bank.  In fact, entire books have been written on this subject.  Why not check out Megan Nicolay’s Generation T: 108 Ways to Transform a T-Shirt or AlterNation by Shannon Okey and Alexandra Underhill?  Both provide plenty of inspiration for Do-It-Yourselfers.

You can also check out your local arts and crafts stores for patterns and embellishments.  They typically have everything you can think of that can be used to adorn jackets, shirts, pants, and skirts.  They also have a large selection of fabrics in every style, color, and pattern.  Let your imagination run wild.

When it comes to dressing to the nines while still paying heed to a budget, the internet is a great resource for gathering ideas.  Do a simple web search and prepare to be blown away by the unlimited options provided to you.  Recreate the ideas that you like the most or come up with something completely your own.  When it comes to refashioning your pre-existing wardrobe, the sky is literally the limit!

I’d like to introduce you to something my imagination has been working on recently, just for you: the imaginary outfit. I have been busily imagining scenarios that you might find yourself in and the perfect imaginary outfits for said imaginary occasions. Oh, and I’ve also been imagining the amount of money in your bank account. Yes, it is all very imaginary, but I hope you enjoy….

Here are your instructions for maximum enjoyment:
1. Look at the image
2. Close your eyes and lets your imaginings wander
3. Click on the link that says “HERE” which will direct you to my ‘interactive set’
4. From here you can find out where all the items are from if you hover over the things that you like, and you can see links to the websites where I found them if you’re keen for a purchase.
5. Create your own sets and share them with me! Go on.

So, here goes. Numero Uno. The first one is for the ladies.
This imaginary outfit is for your ‘November Walk in the Park’

Click –> HERE: YES ME, CLICK ME, CLICK ME

Doesn’t it make you want to fill that handsome little flask with coffee, slip your hands into a lovely pair of fair-trade red-rose mittens and pound the pathways of your nearest park?