Saturday Fashion News

ELLE rethinks the print/digital divide, creating a ‘360’ team that embraces all platforms across the business. BoF. Kimye prove the doubters wrong, scoring a 20% rise on last months edition of Vogue with their wedding cover. Fashionista.com. Kim Kardashian stuns in Lanvin at the Met Ball… get all the action in one place. ELLE. 7 of the best fashion/beauty collaborations right now. Coco’s Tea Party. If you do one thing today, vote for the ME Association in the Direct Debit competition to secure £2000’s for bio medical research into a disease with no effective treatment or cure. ME Association.

Fashion in 5 w/ Jo Marsden from M&S

(M&S Style Edit).

1. I chose a career in PR because….

When I was a teenager I always said I wanted to work in fashion or PR (I actually wrote this in my National Record of Achievement!)– as it turns out you can do both. I always liked the idea of being able to combine my love of writing, working with people and organising events. It seemed like the perfect mix of everything.

2. What I love most about my job is…..

The day-to-day variety. One minute I am looking for a venue for an event, the next I’m dealing with budgets and the next day I could be having breakfast with a member of press to discuss the latest collection. Doing the same thing day in, day out would drive me insane.

3. If I could start my career again I would….

Nothing really! I started working in fashion PR while I was still studying for my degree at uni, which I think has helped fast track my career slightly. Even decisions which seemed awful at the time have probably shaped the person I am today and benefitted me in some way – even if I couldn’t see it at the time.

4. Above all else I value….

Friendliness and respect. ‘Treat others as you wish to be treated’ is something my Mum taught me and I try to live by it. More people should!

5. This year is all about….

Finding my next permanent role. I am currently freelancing and would love to settle back down into a permanent position where I can really get my feet under the table and get stuck in.

A big thank you to Jo, I totally agree- a little kindness goes a long way! x

Cheap Tuesday

If you’re new to Fashion Follows Her I should probably point out this isn’t a blog focused on super scrimping and bargains, you may have made a wrong click somewhere south of The Frugality. Occasionally and mostly by accident, I stumble across a real steal that fits perfectly into the ‘more dash than cash’ category. My latest purchases fall squarely in that category- a new pair of shiny pink bow flats from M&S for the slightly ludicrous price of £3.99 down from £25’s.

Pictured with a mix and match bikini from Tesco’s F&F range which is surprising good quality and quite flattering. Ideal for splashing about in the pool trying to tone up my thighs and bum ready for summer (the chlorine eats bikini’s for breakfast, they barely last a season so it’s not worth spending silly money on swimwear). Have you found any great buys recently?

Super Sunday Fashion Round Up

– An unlikely but interesting collaboration, Giles Deacon teams up with Ann Summers. I can’t help but admire an inspired lingerie and illustration combo. Fashion Lollipop.

– Rita Ora talk lippy, statement brows & Rimmel. Style.com.

– Liberty London Girl has just launch a very glamorous competition to win a 5* luxury holiday to LA, New York & the British Virgin Islands in conjunction with Tumi. Make like Charlie and find that golden ticket….. LLG.

– Kate Moss X Topshop has landed- shop the collection before it sells out completely. Topshop.

– Alexander Wang X H&M…. say no more! H&M.

A week of colourful collaborations. Happy Bank Holiday.

Price Wars: Mulberry Down, Coach Up.

Two luxury brands with very similar identities, totally at odds on strategy, so which one has the right idea?

Mulberry announced earlier this month that following other luxury brands by rapidly  increasing prices as the brands popularity grew, has left them out in the cold with the British customer. While the Eastern European market in still buoyant in the luxury sector, it seems the loyal British customer has been priced out of the market- ironic as it was in the UK where Mulberry (carried by Sienna Miller, Kate Moss & Keira Knightley) initially found fame. A large proportion of customers sought out Mulberry for the unrivalled craftsmanship, quality and timeless design present in each handbag. Being on-trend was less important than owning a bag that works with everything in your wardrobe and doesn’t buckle at the first sign of wear. The product remained ‘right’ but the price was ‘wrong’. Acknowledging the error of judgement, Mulberry will be introducing a more affordable range (£495-£700) in June.

(Alexa Pickle Green tote £1,100)

On the other side of the pond Coach is also experiencing a downturn in profit. In a bid to step outside the shadow of its competitors, Coach plans to raise prices. Maybe the fact the luxury market is over-crowded isn’t a problem that can be easily solved by changing your competitor. Looking at why your competitors are succeeding would surely be a better solution? A brief look at Kate Spade’s fearless approach to design and quirky styling quickly provides the answer to why this brand is growing so swiftly. Michael Kors isn’t quite so radical in design but boy this brand has embraced social media in BIG way.

Hopefully Coach has studied the mistakes Mulberry made and has a fool-proof plan to convince loyal customers that the extra cost of owning one of their lovely handbags is truly worth it.

Olivia P: Splurge or Save?

Two years on and I’m still in love with Olivia P; her grace, style and beautiful manners… what’s not to love?!!

Here I’m stealing Olivia P’s style, looking at the way Olivia has teamed a stripe clutch with jeans and a sweater. A box clutch is usually reserved for formal outfits and show stopping evening wear, so seeing Olivia mix a formal clutch with casual jeans is great. I’ve selected a Lulu Guinness clutch and a ASOS clutch for those with more dash than cash (like me!).

Image from Olivia Palermo.

Brand Intro: Muubaa

When all the planets align and the fashion gods agree, a brand that you admire makes contact and wants to collaborate- it doesn’t happen often but when it does, it feels like fate. So let me introduce you to Muubaa– a fashion brand that works wonders with leather, crafting pieces that are fierce but feminine, bold but not brash.

Leather is an investment piece but Muubaa moves past seasonal trends to create edgy items that will live comfortably in your wardrobe for many years to come. My current dilemma is whether to go bold and bright or nude and natural?

Which do you prefer…. bold and bright or nude and neutral, I just can’t decide?

OOTD: Bank Holidays’ By The Sea.

Suede Jacket, Mango, £119. Necklace, Tatty Devine, £150. Top, Velvet, £85. Rings, My Flash Trash, £32. Trousers, MM6, £259.91. Shoes, Nicholas Kirkwood, £495. Bag, Anya Hindmarch, £495.

Fashion in 5 with Alex Hill from White Stuff

1. I chose a career in PR/Marketing because….

I wanted to work in a creative industry. I gained a lot of experience in both these areas during my previous internship but I always wanted to work with people, so that helped me decide that PR was the route I ultimately wanted to go down.

2. What I love most about my job is…..

That I work in a fast paced industry; I am always busy. My job is extremely varied but it gives me the opportunity to work with people on a daily basis, which I love.

3. If I could start my career again I would….

I don’t think I would change anything, I’ve learnt a lot during my internships and I think it’s beginning to pay off now… however, having said that, I would like to be in this position maybe a year or so younger. So, if I could start my career again, I would’ve started sooner.

4. Above all else I value….

Respect and hard work; I’m a firm believer in working your way to the top.

5. This year is all about….

Being positive, I’m about to start my new job with White Stuff and I’m really excited about it. It’s brilliant to be able to join a company that really values people, communities and actively supports a variety of charities.

Thanks Alex.x

Fashion in 5 with Hannah Spicer from Monica Vinader

1. I chose a career in Marketing because….

I love mixing my creative and commercial sides. I was lucky enough to be involved with the very first ecommerce site build at Harvey Nichols, and since then have loved working in the digital world because it’s constantly changing. Last year I got to launch our cutting edge ring stacker tool online, which I’m really proud of. (which happens to be one of my fave online gadgets to play with!!)

2. What I love most about my job is…..

making customers happy. It’s great to work at a brand that values this above anything else, and every single person at Monica Vinader is measured on their customer service. When I read our customer reviews online, it makes me smile and I enjoy sharing them with my colleagues. I also love wearing the gorgeous jewellery!

3. If I could start my career again I would….

not change it. I really love the variety I have in my role, and have felt challenged throughout my career. The only thing I would change is to be more active. I sometimes feel like I am sitting staring at a screen all day long and I really enjoy exercise, so I have to make sure I find the balance by hitting the gym most evenings.

4. Above all else I value….

my family and friends.

5. This year is all about….

personalisation. I love being able to engrave jewellery with initials and dates that mean something to me, and it makes a great gift too.

Thanks Hannah.x