What a Difference Three Months Makes

There are only so many times one can apologise and promise to change before the words become meaningless. I think I'd passed that point by the start of July, so I'm not even going to bother anymore.
I've been meaning to get back to this for a while, but with every thing that goes unposted I'm in need of a yet more awkward re-introduction (i.e What you're reading right now.)

Anyway, before I go further into a self deprecating ramble, here's a brief catch up of what's been going on in my life:

- I was back at House of Holland for Fashion Week, and I was working with Steve off of STR. After how I'd spoken about him on here, you can imagine how embarrassing that was. Oh, but before you say that of course he wouldn't have read it, he had. (Thanks for that Ruan.)
He was actually really lovely abut it, saying it was really well written and quite funny, and wholly agreed with what I'd said about some of the other people from the show, but I won't be bitchy and repeat exactly what was said (well, not here, but give me a couple of drinks and tell me how pretty I am and I may be less discreet.) I also met Zainab from the show, who was equally pleasant.

- I proceeded to make a drunken tit of myself at post-show drinks, so may not be back at HoH; well, not for a good few years anyway. But that's not my fault, what do you expect when you give a boy access to unlimited free prosecco and margaritas?

(Really, who uses red-eye correction nowadays?)

- I've spent most of first term on a menswear group project collaborating with Albam. Granted, the whole conservative, practical, outdoors-y influenced thing isn't really my style, but the designers from Albam have all been really lovely, attractive and supportive of my group's collection, so I can't complain really. The group work aspect, on the other hand, is making me want to die. Again, my group are (on the most part) lovely, but the whole concept just doesn't agree with me, especially the way my course goes about it, but I've ranted about that enough without going on at you too.

- I have developed a bit of a thing for sweatshirts, although that's begun to fade; I'm more about knitwear now. Slightly dreading the day I have to return the jumper I stole from Maeve, but then again, any excuse to go to London for a few days.

- I've finally begun to grasp the idea of layering, about a month and a half late.

I think that's pretty much it for now; I've just got back to Belfast for a few days before I head off to New York, but more on that to follow.

DSH. x

p.s. Who doesn't love getting death stares from a lipless Nicola Roberts?

Styled To Rock #3

Go Team Steve! Team Steve is great. We love Steve.

Also, fuck off Ricky.

Personal Winner: Team Steve forever and always.
Who I would have sent home: Ricky (for the usual reasons, plus being a dick to Anam), or possibly Jacqueline (for her team leader responsibilities, and ignoring Anam's complaints about the team dynamic. Also, her presentation seemed to be 86% "Our stuff is great.")

DSH. x

Who Wears Short Shorts?

Not me. Well, not often.

I've finally done it. After a year of plans for various T-shirts, jackets, leggings, etc, I've finally pushed through the laziness and made myself a pair of shorts.
I've been thinking about doing a cycle short kind of thing for a while (since I realised actual cycle shorts aren't particularly attractive, or generally acceptable daywear), and I refound a pair of trousers I've been looking to upcycle for a while, but haven't been sure what to do with; they were a straight leg, low crotch affair my dad had bought somewhere in London in the early eighties, in an odd woven stretch material (I couldn't find a care label when I was taking them apart, so I have no idea what exactly it is), so it all came together quite well.

While I'm thinking about the trousers; I'm a bit pissed off at myself for not taking a before pic of them, I always forget to do that in my rush to get started. I've left mother to keep an eye out for any from when dad first had them, so hopefully something'll come up.
I can't seem to find anything about the brand either, which I suppose isn't particularly surprising 30 years after they were bought, but if anyone has heard of Alphabet Clothing, or has any idea where I could find out about them please let me know.

So, yes, cycle shorts, had these trousers... yea. I was originally going to do a straight forward, vertical stripe, but I didn't have enough fabric from the trousers for that to work, and I think I like the multi-directional panels better; and although the french seams were a purely practical detail (so the seams between panels didn't bulge), I think they work quite well, although they can make the fit around the bum look slightly dodge from a couple of angles, but I don't think it's something anyone else would pick up on.
They're the first thing I've ever made for myself, and generally the first real, wearable garment I've made outside uni, and, apart from the slightly rushed zip, I'm really happy with them. They've definitely given me a much needed confidence boost going into the menswear project in October. Talking of menswear, I really need to get on with that research...

Only one slight issue: no pockets.

DSH. x

White T: H&M, Striped "7" T: House of Holland AW12

Styled to Rock #2

I found this week a little uninspiring. I think it might have been something to do with it being Rizzle Kicks (don't get me wrong, I like them, but nothing about their brief particularly excited me), maybe the fact that it was another menswear challenge, or maybe it was to do with the way the designers were behaving.

My first note was "Ugghh... Fuck off Zainab", so you can kind of see what mindset I was in from the start, followed closely by a "Fuck of Jacqueline".
I did feel sorry for Heidi being stuck with Madame J when they went for fabrics. I understand where she's coming from with the whole finding beauty in sorrow thing, but everything about Jacqueline just seems so OTT that I can't help but think it's all a complete affectation. Heidi's lovely though; she seems a bit thick and excitable, bless her, we can keep her.

Chanelle didn't start off particularly well either: Not knowing who was who in the Rizzle Kicks was just ignorant after they'd stood talking to the designers, saying their own names several times throughout the brief. Also, she seems to be fulfilling the archetype I hate most in competitions, that of the contestant with child. I am fully supportive of independent adults who choose to have children, but they shouldn't define who you are and what you do. It actually sickens me that she used them as her defence for why she fucked up. If you cannot cope being away from your children for less than two weeks, and that is affecting your work, you shouldn't be in the competition. If this were a work environment, and she was breaking down and making excuses based on missing her children - something which, I'd assume, she knew would happen - I'd expect questions to be raised as to why she took the position in the first place. There are now nine other designers on that programme, all of whom have some form of friends or family who they may be missing, and Chanelle should not have special permission for her actions because she happens to have children. Let's hope she changes her tune, and dials down the cockiness, before next week.

While we're on the subject of the people up for elimination, I was really surprised by how clueless Brett was acting with the mentors. I was liking her early on in the show, but from the moment I saw her finished look I knew she was doomed. I liked her concept, but it's like she just didn't listen at all to half the brief. Then when it came to defending it she seemed to have no comprehension at all of what was being said to her. It would have been so easy for her to say what the mentors wanted to hear, and she would have had such a better chance of staying in, but unfortunately that didn't happen. I can't quite figure out why they kept Chanelle because they "saw something" in her, when Brett clearly has so much more potential when it comes to the kind of stagewear they're meant to be designing.
It really was the same reasoning for the bottom two as last week: one played it too safe and missed the mark, the other designed more for their own aesthetic than the client, and yet again I disagree with the decision.
I also have issues with Ricky going from almost being sent home to almost winning, but that's more to do with his behaviour. His bashful 7 year old girl impression when they complimented him was sickening. That, combined with his accent, may land him in the camp of people I will never like, with Zainab.

On a lighter note, on to the winners: I like Steve, I don't think he's been given enough screen time, considering his great work both this week and last. I thought the hand painted cable on the T was a really nice detail, and a good way to introduce something a bit interesting, but keep the quite plain aesthetic that the client wanted.
I'm a bit disappointed with him presenting a garment in pieces at the mini challenge, especially considering he could have won it, but I'm not the best with time management, so I can't really judge (not that I'm particularly qualified to judge on any of the stuff I'm judging).

We all know by now that I'm not a fan of Jacqueline, but I did think there were some quite good ideas there. I thought the shirt was a tad Agi and Sam. I really didn't like the waistcoat, but I have something against corals.

Personal Winner: Steve
Who I would have sent home: Chanelle, for making excuses, or Ricky, for being Ricky.

Any Other Business:

• When the voiceover (Reggie Yates?) says "mentors" it sounds like "mentals". Lolz.
• I'm not liking the "Get The Look" feature on the STR pages of Living's website. Like many similar features, it gives you details of alternatives to what the mentors were wearing. If I want to know where I can get the shirt Henry was wearing, I want to know where to get that shirt, not a totally different high street alternative.

That's all for now. I'm considering putting up some stuff from the menswear project prep I'm doing, and I still have that BINTM rant to finish, so you may be seeing a lot more of me in the next couple of weeks.

Oh, and hello America. I've been getting an oddly large proportion of my views from the US this past week.

DSH. x

Styled to Rock #1

This isn't what I meant to blog tonight, but when I started watching it I couldn't resist.

So, since I've had a bit of trouble when commenting on TV fashion competitions before, I feel I should start with a disclaimer:

These are purely my opinions, based on the edited footage of the contestants that I have seen. What I write may bear no resemblance to what they are actually like in real life.

Now that that's out of the way, I'll thought I'd start with a few notes on the designers themselves. With it being the first episode, it's all very introductory, so it only makes sense to give first impressions:

*Spoiler Alert*

"Madame" Jaqueline  - Ok dear, we get it, you can tone down the dark and mysterious thing; we all like the odd serial killer docu-drama, but there's no need do go all princess of darkness about it. Also, enough with the hats. I like a hat as much as the next flaming homosexual, but it just looks try hard. No one can pull off going from huge fuck off headdress, to Minnie Mouse ears, to Bride of Frankenstein veil thing in three days. Apart from Gaga, but she's the exception that proves every rule.

Meganne - I understand where she's coming from on money being a big advantage when starting in fashion, but if she goes on about it too much the good points could get lost and she'll just come across as angry at the world.

Zainab - One of her first words in the programme was "fierce". I have therefore written her off as a human being.

Sally - She seemed ok, if a little cocky, but starting with "I don't do menswear" just made her look like she was making excuses from the start.

Chanelle - I like her messiness. 

Ricky - The fact that he has adopted an American accent having grown up in London annoys me. Also, the way he presented his own backstory just made me think "token ghetto contestant".

Ben – Seems like he could be interesting. Back story,without it being forced down your throat.

Red Hair Girl (Who I later discovered is Brett)– She may become my favourite.Not seen very much of her, but I like what I’ve seen of her personality.

Heidi – *Love* her! She could be a little too enthusiastic in person, but I love the mess that her brain seems to be. Not a fan of the breakdownthough. After 2 weeks of running around, trying to franticly pull a project together,fine, but not on day 3.

On the subject of the programme as a whole, I liked the fact that they started with menswear, even though I'm by no means a Kanye fan. Also, I think the way that it's being judged is great; the way it's being shared between Rihanna and the mentors keeps it more objective, and means it's harder for people to overpower each other, as is common in other shows. (The judging of competition shows is something I take great issue with, as you will find out in the next few days.)

Now, on to the final looks....

(Sorry about the photos; I did try and get some good head to toe shots of just the final looks, but this is the best the Living website could provide. Will go through the show again and try and get some decent screen shots.)

Meganne – Ehh. Didn’t excite me. Liked the contrast fabricsleeves, but that’s nothing new. Agree with Henry – Good shape, not so goodcolour combination.

Sally – Yea, I like it. Love a bit of leather. I’d definitelywear those jeans. To me, it fits the brief very literally, although the jeans may be a bittight.

Oh, and what's with Lysa's comment that “A midriff on a man is never a good look”? Fuck that; when Istart getting near my target torso I’ll be all about the cropped Ts.

Zainab – No particularly strong feelings. It’s safe for thebrief. I do like the texture of the jacket.

Ralph – I like. Very much appeals to the bikewear phase I’mgoing through. As Henry said, more Will.I.Am than Kanye.

Chanelle – Fur, yes; gold, no. There seems to be too much and not enough, bothat he same time.

**This photo seems to have been taken post-comments, so the original levels of gold aren't fully represented.

Steve – YES! Like the shiny, like the sheer, like theharness, like the sleeveless, like the DMs. Ticks so many boxes for what I’mlooking for atm. Just give me it all, now.

Anam – Not at all flattering. There’s baggy, then there’spossible fatty.

Brett – Shiny! Rubber! KILT!!! <3 From the little bit Ican see of the legging they look like the sexiest thing ever.

Heidi – Really like what she did with the shorts. Wouldn’t bemy sort of thing, but I like.

Ricky – Looks good. Simple, but still powerful enough. I’ddefinitely wear both pieces (with a few minor changes), but not together.

Jaqueline – Yea, it’s nice, there are good ideas there andlooks to be made well, but fabric choice looks a tad cheap to me, andit’s totally wrong for the brief.

Ben – Don’t like the purple print, especially with the orange, but am a fan of thecrossover section on the trouser. It’s risky and different, but I think itstill works for the brief. Clever interpretation of brief.

In terms of the mentors, I love Nicola in her big pink sweatshirt and Lysa’s halfscraped back, half fringe thing. I’m liking Nicola a lot more than I expectedto actually; I've thought she's come across a bit cold the last few times I've seen her, but she seems really natural and friendly. And when it comes to Henry we all know I'm a fan anyway, so there's no point repeating the obvious. 

Personal Winner: Brett

I would have sent home: Jacqueline, for straying from the brief. Or Ricky for his accent.

DSH. x

I Just Called to Say...

Evening all. I shouldn't really be writing this now, if I'm honest; I have nothing in particular that needed urgent posting, and I have to be up in about 6 hours, but oh well.

I would love to be able to say that I'm a bit late posting my photos from the Opening Ceremony launch on Thursday night, but the closest I got was mum being oddly rude to the door staff. I would explain, but every time I think about it I feel thoroughly ashamed, plus I don't think anyone would really benefit from it, and if she ever reads this, I don't think she'd be too pleased about me mentioning it as it is. It's nothing momentous anyway; if it had been I'm sure there would have been coverage of it elsewhere by now.
While we're on the subject, the OC pop-up is lovely. It's great to see a good balance of mens and womenswear, with the more interesting pieces not just confined to the womenswear. There was a rubber top, very similar to my H&M sleeveless T in shape and colour, that I would happily further bankrupt myself for. I'm actually feeling confident enough to wear sleeveless things without jackets now, which is fantastic considering how hot it is. I'm not saying I'm willing to walk about topless (sober, anyway) but I've lost most of the awkward areas of fat that were prone to bloating, and what look to be stomach muscles are almost visible. I'd highly recommend an internship to anyone looking to do those last bits of pre-holdiay toning without the excessive gyming and dieting. I have noticed my food intake lowering, but I think that's more to do with not having time to snack.
Sorry, I promise this isn't going to become a thoroughly homosexual "Abs Watch" diary of any kind, I just felt it was relevant to personal style development.

Oh, also, I can't say very much, but as you may have seen on twitter I got a present in work today. :) One of the design guys was telling me about what's been going on with SS13, and since one of the ideas that I liked has been scrapped, he gave me one of the artwork ideas. I can't show you it, or tell you too much about it now, as it's still collection relevant, but it will definitely be appearing alongside my show bloggings come September.

Anywho, I feel better now that I've have a wee catch up. N'night,

DSH. x

Spotted

Of course, the week I sleep in every day that I'm interning is the week I pop up all over the HoH interwebs. 

On Thursday I crashed Maggie's HoH On Trial feature on the blog...

I absolutely love this goat-sleeved coat from AW12/13, it may be my favourite piece from the collection. 

Perhaps not my best angle, but again, I love these leather cycling-inspired caps from the same collection. I know I say this on twitter all the time, but I would seriously consider becoming an escort, just to get my hands on one of these hats; although, considering the slogan, perhaps rent boy may be more appropriate.

Then, come Friday, before it all got a bit hectic towards the end of the day, I inadvertently became the poster boy for "Dress Down Friday" on Instagram.

I may have lied earlier when I said the other coat was my favourite piece from the collection. This all goat piece is absolutely amazing in real life! Plus, the fact that they're sized a bit big and I could fit in a 6 gives the extra confidence boost that could make you fall in love with anything.

Oh, I also broke up the general running and sorting on Friday with a bit of pattern cutting, so it was a pretty good end to the week. Hopefully now that the design guys know that I can do it they might throw other bits and pieces my way. Having said that, I still have to go in tomorrow morning and sew up the sample I cut, so let's hope nothing goes drastically wrong there.

Might be another quiet week from me; the Drama lot are coming down for a visit tomorrow, then Mum's down towards the end of the week, and I'm back up to Nottingham on Sunday to finally move out of the flat, but I'll be back when I can. Hope you all have a good week too.

DSH. x

Photos 1-3: Shirt from Zara, jeans from H&M, necklace from Topman and shoes are Converse.

Photo 4: T-shirt from American Apparel and jeans by Cheap Monday.

Oh, and my glasses are Prodesign Denmark. Yes, they are prescription, before you start thinking I'm so horribly affected and "hipster". H off of Steps has the same ones. :) Not sure why that makes me so happy, but I like having the same glasses as a famous.