Portfolio Fashion Shoot Shenanigans

I have recently been exploring ways to ensure that I can achieve a professional finish for my looks and my styles to ensure that if ever I am asked to show universities or companies examples of my work, I will have smart and sophisticated shots! I have to say it was one of the most exciting and energetic things I have done all year and I mean when was I ever going to turn down a chance to practice all the tips that Tyra and the ANTM panel have taught me over the years (ily tyra)????



I decided to create a selection of outfits from different seasons, and included some of my new pieces for Autumn/Winter

  Here I wore my new boyfriend style purple oversized coat with a smart shirt and black jean and the cutest blue/green tonal bow tie and like who knew that popping the collar on a coat adds a completely new edge to it like bravo whoever did this it's so cute, thank you for the inspiration.

Also my new batwing jumped made an appearance in all it's ostentatious glory I mean never has a sleeve made me so happy it's actually mesmerizing. I like to create contrast in an outfit whether it be in terms of tightness and floatiness (excuse the english) or oversized and small, because it accentuates your waist or your legs or whatever body part or piece of clothing you would like to show, and it means you're not just straight up and down glamorous, you're in and out, curvy and colorful! This is shown in spades in the outfit with the batwing leaf detail jumper because the effect of having it tucked in means it's pulled in at the waist and the top half is oversized, and the legs and shoes are tight and contrasted to the top. It may sound convoluted but it's a sure fire way to ensure shape is created which is like the highlighter of the outfit. It makes it sparkle and shine because you're not just wearing the clothes, you've created shapes and contours for the clothes to sparkle on (yes your body can sparkle if you believe strong enough).

 The shoot was done by the gorgeously glam, Lauren Flood, and on my instagram account (link on my homepage #shamlessselfpromo) she is tagged in the pictures so ensure that you check her out and enquire about her amazing and professional services because why would you not want to be Kate Moss or Jourdan Dunn for the day??????? (or RuPaul i mean whatever floats your boat)





It's also a great way to show off what you can do with clothes in a styling format.
The course that I am applying for at university, Fashion Marketing, is a great course to get into the
fashion styling world and work for magazines and companies, helping them style
for the media to ensure they get the  most out of their clothes! I see clothes as being such an emotive item in retail as if they are used in the right way at the right time and at the right place, they can release emotions and feelings to the customer that will ensure they sell sell sell. I find this correlation so interesting in the fact that a window display or a picture in a magazine can make you feel certain emotions or feelings of happiness or of times gone by that makes you want to buy it and wear it and werk it!

I would also just like to say a huge thank you again to Lauren for helping me organise and take the pictures for this shoot, and would also like to say that I will now be working with the sensationally chic JackRabbitSlims Vintage shop in my local town and will be writing for their website and sharing all their amazing vintage and absolutely effortlessly gorgeous clothes they have to offer, so be sure to look out for that in the coming weeks (i'm sure i'll go on about it 2308408 times because i'm thoroughly excited about it) and will be doing some posts on their instagram potentially too so keep an eye out on social media my lovelies! (Links to them are on my twitter also just look in my pictures i'm sure i've mentioned them i usually do at least 762034 times a day).

Thank you again for reading my rambles and I am sorry it has seemed like ages since my last post I will definitely definitely definitely be posting more and keeping you up to date on all my shenanigans. Love you always,

leopardprintelephant xoxo

London Fashion Week - LPEs Highlights

London Fashion Week: 12-16th Septmber 2014 - SS15 Collections

Named as one of the most spectacular and outlandish fashion shows in the world, London Fashion Week has come and gone and left a whirlwind of Spring Summer surprises strewn all over somerset house, it's location in the heart of London. The collections this time around shone an insight into what we will be wearing in Spring Summer 2015. I have chosen a selection of my favourite outfits from the shows across the 5 day event to showcase my opinions on next spring/summers essential wardrobe. 

Tom Ford

 Ford is well known for his use of glamorous, aesthetically pleasing materials and textiles and converting such luxury textiles into a contemporary and modern style. For example, his work shows how you can still keep it extravagant and personal, yet it is still able to be worn for a modern day business woman.

This first piece emulates the 60s rock vibe with the choppy fringe and the smoky cream eyeshadow by Ford, which is still yet to be named. The simplicity of the sheer black shimmer caught the light of the monochrome heavy collection, and catches your eye from every single bejwelling angle. The use of layering also with the top section forming a crop top style piece with a floor length drape, on top of another long sleeved black shimmer piece, teamed with the tight fitting leg which contrasts against the drape of the top creates an effortless flow to the whole piece, and also creates length.


There is a fusion with decades here as it screams 60s with a sneaky splash of 90s as the hair and make up create the rocky 60s rebel look, but accompanied with the rigid shoulders and the square shapes created in the second outfit, it shows how Ford can mix and match from different collections (his own of course) to create a modern and up to date series of outfits.


A good example of this is the formal yet luxury outfit here using the silver and black hues to create a stunning monochromatic look. The cut of the jacket from the shoulder across the collarbone creates sharp lines to create the smart chic look, whilst keeping it rock and roll with the hallucinogenic silvers. The plunge dress with the dramatic v-neck on show is also highlighted by the strength of the shape of the jacket with its angles and formality, to further highlight the plunge.

The mirrored cat walk shows the reflection of the top trend of a lot of SS15 shows this week - flatforms. The platform is such a comfortable shoe to walk in  as it elevates the front of the foot so it is just as high as the back, decreasing the incline of the foot and making it easier to walk in. These black and white flatforms look delicious alongside this outfit, and monochrome will DEFINITELY be on everybody this spring/summer.

Tom Ford is one of the most celebrated and individually captivating fashion designers of the 21st century, combining luxury fashion with everyday looks and quirks. His SS15 collection further embraced this concept and showed us that we will be seeing a lot more monochrome and silver hues this spring. 

Topshop

 Towards the end of London Fashion Week the Topshop Unique Show captured the eyes of the media due to its high street credentials and the famous faces that were seen on the runway.

Cara Delevingne and Jourdan Dunn were the star studded duo who sparkled, showing the new SS15 Topshop collection. The whole idea and outlook of the Topshop show was to extend it out to everyone, even if you weren't at the show. Social media was a big focus of this years event, and Topshop took this concept and ran with it, creating their oxford street window display into a virtual shopping/blogging experience. Passers by were able to tweet alongside the hashtag for London Fashion Week and have their personal experience of the week posted onto the virtualistic window display.

Topshops Oxford Street LFW SS15 Display

Onto the collection, and it shows a complete contrast to what we will be wearing this Autumn/Winter, with SS15 showing a sporty/preppy contrast. Cara is sporting a very "just went of to play tennis and now off for a coffee with the girls" type of look, with the high 90s neck teamed with the frilly above the knee skirt. The detail of the white vest style design on the top creates the illusion that it is a higher and tighter neck, sinching in the top half of her body. The black panel creates the waist and the rest elongates down in sprightly spring frills.

"just went off to play tennis and now off for a coffee with the girls" type of look" 

The sporty vibe continues with this gorgeous pastel bomber jacket. It reminds me of the 90s shell suit look, but completely transforms it into a spring outfit with the use of pastels and deep blues. The effect of using one deep, rich colour amongst pastels is that it accentuates the pastel colours, projecting them out and ensuring everyone HAS to double check you. 

Frills appear to be the new essential addition to skirts for spring, adding a cute school vibe to the collection. Its very organic and wholesome, and is classic spring summer. Although Topshop could be said to not be very daring for the new and innovative London Fashion Week, for a high street chain I would say it is pushing the boundaries in just the right way. 

There is an SS15 Capsule collection straight from the runway HERE 

These fashion  shows needed to be filled up by somebody, and who else better to watch the new collections flutter down the catwalk than the fashion and social elite. Here are a few of my favourite outfits by the ever so glamorous London Fashion Week audience for SS15.

RITA ORA AT HOUSE OF HOLLAND 

MILLIE MACKINTOSH

SUSIE BUBBLE 

ALEXA CHUNG

Across the world London Fashion Week is seen as being eclectic and futuristic. It pushes the boundaries just to the point of collapse, and still continues to create hundreds of outfits that will influence what we wear in the following season. Fashion Weeks across the globe are so influential on what we will wear, down to the colours of our socks to the statement jackets, designers such as Tom Ford, Henry Holland, Burberry, Ashish and Mother of Pearl to name a few are all adding their stylistic flair to our lives. The fashion world as we know it would not be the same without them.

I'm so sorry this post has been a long time coming but I wanted to do my research and ensure that I made it as good as I possibly can for you all, again thank you for all your views like i've reached over 1,200 which is AMAZING so yeah you're all fabulous!

Thank you bbys, 

leopardprintelephant xoxo

Fashion Look Book - 'Black Is Back'

I recently purchased a pair of ASOS Black skinny jeans and they're one of the best things that I have bought in a long time. To some, the colour (or lack off) causes feelings of darkness and dullness but it is such a great way to smarten up a look and define your shape so you can show off your best assets. I have compiled three ways that I am looking forward to wearing my black jeans this autumn/winter for various occasions for you cherubs.



'that garden party with those fake bitches that you need to look hotter than' look

When I created this outfit i kept thinking "what would i wear if i wanted to turn up to a cute garden party and make an entrance but still keep it summery and floaty so if it's hot i can still breathe????" and this was the result. This top is also one of the best things I bought this summer as it's such a great statement piece and it's so versatile like it looks so good tucked into these black jeans and also looks so good just floating in the breeze. The autumnal colours of the top also make it a great transitional season outfit because it blends you back into autumn/winter, and the jeans also are a great summer/autumn transitional piece because it's just getting cold enough for jeans and black is hot hot HOT. I like the look because the tightness and slimming effect of the black jeans contrasting with the oversized top makes it look elegant and chic whilst the necklace and sunglasses add the extra dazzling icing on top of one very stylish cake.







"i want to look smart but also want to break some hearts" look

As you all know I am a major fan of a blazer, whether it be fitted or oversized, they're great additions to outfits because they just add a smart edge and a feel of Miranda Priestly style dominance. This black, red and blue woolen blazer is great because it has been darted in the middle which sinches it in above the waist to give it a more fitted style and gives your torso and waist some definition and shape. White shirts are always essential wardrobe fillers because like lots of items of clothing that feature on this blog, they're SO versatile and truly are the gift that keeps on giving. The black belt is again making an appearance to split the top from the bottom and just bring in the waist a little more. Here the jeans are a great addition because they act as a smart trouser more than a jean. Black is a very corporate and business bitch colour so a black jean is definitely suitable for a smart ensemble. The best thing about them is that they're so tight on my legs that it really creates a contrast, as we saw in the other two outfits, compared to the top. It tightens in the bottom half which exaggerates the top meaning you're legs will look KILLER. Definitely will be wearing this outfit a lot.






"buy me a skinny decaf soya mocha latte and tell me i'm pretty" look

FUR FUR FUR is my anthem for this season because I can't get enough of it (faux of course). It's so elegant and demands to be clutched and stroked at all times. This outfit makes me feel like a glamorous model who's got a million castings to get to but still needs a cute drink so orders their assistant to go and get their favourite tipple. I teamed the cream/off white faux fur jacket with a crazy abstract purple, black, white and teal shirt and a gold lion statement necklace. Here the jeans add the extra elegance and sophistication from the other outfits, to create a sleek and slimming effect to truly show off the legs. These ASOS jeans are amazing because they're elasticated and stretchy which means they have a slight high waisted feel, meaning they can be pulled up even higher, creating the illusion that your legs are even longer. The belt is also used gain to split the shirt print from the sexy black jean. It's true ok black is slimming and sexy and elegant and honestly is my favourite thing to wear with this fur jacket because who wouldn't want to feel like a world class model???????

To round up this post with a statement of advice, it would be to run now from wherever you are and get yourself some sophisticated black skinny jeans. The versatility from them is exceptional and they're such a great way as I have said to create a sophisticated outfit and make yourself look drop dead GORGEOUS in the street or wherever you find yourself strutting in these next few months. I hope you enjoyed this post because I truly enjoyed taking the pictures and designing these outfits it's thoroughly enjoyable. Love you all to the moon and back you're my angels ily,


leopardprintelephant xoxo

New Season - New Wardrobe

autumn winter wonders by jamie-windust

My favourite time of year for fashion is arriving and the outfit ideas are already in full force as autumn is on the horizon. The fact that it's still warm but there's a slight chill in the air means you can throw jackets and coats back into the mix after going bare throughout summer. One thing I am extremely excited to start wearing again is faux fur. Last autumn/winter was when I first started getting back into fashion again, so now i am fully immersed in my own personal style, I can create some killer outfits for this season. Love the idea of bringing a bit of spring into autumn by looking for pastel coloured faux fur jackets, as I have done here with the pastel grey tones.

This outfit I have created to ease you into autumn still keeps a splash of colour from summer so the sun is not truly forgotten. A simple white shirt is transformed into a smart/professional outfit when combined with a classic black skinny jean, with the detailing of the rips making it more eye catching on the legs to define them and make them appear lengthened and longer. The red belt is added to co-ordinate itself with the other three killer items I have popped in. Whenever i'm adding colour to an outfit, I like to work in threes so the colour is defined yet still subtle. These three items consist of one main component (like the shoes here) and then two small accessories to keep the colour that you have chosen constant and running through the whole look, weaving its way through. You can see this here as I have added a pop of red in the form of the ASOS red chelsea platforms, the ASOS red belt and the Valentino leather tote bag. It all accumulates to add a hint of warmness and summer/autumn flare as we are still in between seasons. 

The jewellery and accessories I have added to the look are such a good way to make the outfit sparkle and make it either more casual, or more professional, dependent on the occasion you are wearing it too. The gemstone necklace I have added here makes the outfit great because without the necklace, it is perfect for work or college to make a smart impression, and then add the necklace and you are ready for a night out or a romantic meal with the bae. Necklaces are so versatile honestly they can just switch up an outfit so easily, and can be carried around in handbags or in purses, ready to whip out whenever necessary. The pearl bracelet that I added is also to make the outfit sophisticated and professional, because pearls are always a classy addition. 

This is one of my favourite looks that I will be trying to emulate this autumn, and I have been doing a lot of over time at work this month to be able to pay for my new wardrobe. I hope you have enjoyed this post and there will be a lot more Polyvore posts in the future, along with posts and pictures of my new and upcoming outfits modeled by yours truly.

Much love and glamour, 

leopardprintelephant xoxo 

Fashion Inspirations and Idols

The media can be a hive of negative and positive energy, taking the Z-List celebs to the heights of stardom, but it can also provide people with idols and inspirations to help themselves flourish. Personally I don't have one person who I idolise but have people who I value in the showbiz world for being themselves and being flawless.

Grace Jones

An icon of the 80s, Grace Jones was one of the main pioneers of breaking the gender binary and creating "confusion" amongst the public about whether or not she was in fact male or female. Her androgynous style and masculine clothing and styling made her a stand out figure of this period, with her images and music being very striking and forward thinking. She influenced the cross dressing scene of the 1980s and made sure that people knew who she was whether they liked it or not.
She is flawless and is SUCH a leading image for me, as still now to this day in her 60s, she is still rocking the androgynous fashions, and encompasses everything I love about fashion - the fact that it is for everyone and that it should not be defined by sex or gender.
She was, and still is, completely herself all the time, and has inspired many modern performers. A true icon through and through.






Laverne Cox

To me, Laverne is one of the most inspirational women on this planet at this time. She is a leader and figurehead of the transgender movement, not just across America, but across the whole world. Her openness and her ability to 100% be herself is awe inspiring as she has no issues about telling people how it is, and displaying the different genders that there are across the spectrum that many people have been unaware of for decades. She has helped so many thousands and millions of people worldwide get the correct medical assistance in going through the changes of the physical transgender transformation that they need, and I for one think she is groundbreaking. I know this subject shouldn't be made into such a big deal because at the end of the day, it's natural and it's just something that happens in real life, but due to the fact that there are millions of ignorant people in the world, it is still a hot topic of debate. How hilarious, someones personal GENDER is hot topic of debate between people who don't know anything about them! Pfft people can be hilarious.

Naomi Campbell

A woman of colour who has stormed the world in the modelling industry, strutting her stuff over catwalks from Milan to Paris, Tokyo to Amsterdam, she has done it all. She never fails to tell it how it is and get straight to the truth which i admire. If you're shit she will tell you, if you're amazing she will tell you, and I love that quality in people. Yes, the truth can be hard to hear sometimes but if it's from a person who has your best interests at heart then it's such a nice thing for them to do because they are looking out for you and willing you to get better. She has never stopped doing the thing she loves, after having hurdle after hurdle thrown at her: her skin colour, her age, her attitude, her ability to walk (lest we forget her infamous fall in 1993 for vivienne westood), and she overcame all of this negative criticism to get to where she is now, the host of American, British and global television series "The Face", a global icon and inspiration and an all round, flawless woman.



All of these people have shown me that by setting a goal for yourself and having a vision for YOURSELF and looking after YOURSELF, you will achieve everything that you want to. It doesn't mean that you're selfish to do things for yourself, if you want to be a top model, an actress, a singer, then you can do it because you believe in yourself and you have set the bar high for yourself and you're not going to stop working for it, and that's what these three women have taught me. Never limit yourself because you can never achieve too much.


leopardprintelephant xoxo

Hello!

Okay so this has been a while in the making and I am so excited to finally be writing and perfecting this fashion, lifestyle and styling blog! Here I will write about my experiences with fashion, the things that I love to wear, outfits that I love and different ways of wearing different items of clothing to make sure that you're looking your hottest! This is also a personal thing for me to write as a way for me to document my fashion life and how it changes over time.

I'm Jamie, i'm 17 and i'm from the UK and to be perfectly honest i've been into fashion for a long long time, but have really found my fashion self this year. For me fashion is a way of experimenting with your personality and your emotions and your feelings and projecting them onto your body in a way that makes you feel comfortable. I don't see fashion as having a gender or men and women having to wear mens and womens clothes because i mean lets be honest, if i were to talk into the mens section of a high street chain then it's predominantly dull, brown, grey, blue, with the odd splash of colour here and there, but the womens section is so more creative and experimental and edgy that i think 'well why not wear that' if i love it and i'll feel comfortable in it then wahey go for it!
I still associate myself gender wise as a guy and obviously if you have any questions based on that subject feel free to drop me a question on my email or on my instagram because I am always happy to answer!




Wearing clothes and buying clothes, shoes and accessories aren't a way of me trying to fit in or feel regimented within society at all, it's all for myself. I will wear something that makes me comfortable both physically and mentally, and i will rock it and i think that's one of the best things about fashion, is that it's a personal emotion that it makes you feel. It makes you feel happy and confident and strong and even if people think you look ridiculous it's fine because i know and we know that we are stronger than them mentally and emotionally because we feel happy in ourselves and what we do which is just the best feeling and that's all down to CLOTHES!




I hope you love my blog as much as I will love making it, and just hopefully this is the start of something amazing! Make sure you check out my instagram on the sidebar there and enjoy!

- leopardprintelephant xoxo