LONDON CALLING...WITH TEA AND CREATIVITY

As mentioned in an earlier post, I was lucky enough to be invited to the book launch for Amelia's Compendium of Fashion Illustration. As it was my first event I have been invited to in my role as a blogger, I felt a mixture of anxiety and excitement all the way on my journey from New Brighton to London. (If you go on Google maps and search for New Brighton, Wallasey you will see how far I travelled!

I was lucky enough to have been invited for Afternoon Tea and also to the event held in the evening. Both were held at the fabulous 123 Bethnal Green Road, an amazing fashion Eco store, and also home to the Bunker Cafe (where the afternoon tea was held. 123 was the perfect environment for the event and it was lovely to be around so many wonderful and creative people. There was a great mix of bloggers, illustrators, writers, photographers, artists and musicians. 

Although it was not an exclusively female event, I did find it really inspiring to find myself in the company of so many creative women, all brilliant at what they do and passionate about their work.

MY LOVELY CUP OF PUKKA TEA

Style Steal - Drew Barrymore

I have always been a fan of Drew Barrymore's style. I love how she always seems to follow her own style instincts rather than play it safe like a lot of Hollywood types tend to do. I love this simple but chic outfit that she wore to The David Letterman Show, with a gorgeous sequined top and smart trousers. I also love that she has kept it simple, with plain grey YSL heels, and not made the outfit too matchy matchy. 

BELT, £7.99 - H&M

TROUSERS, £40 - TOPSHOP

SEQUIN JUMPER, £20 - ASOS

SHOES, £35 - BARRATTS

Drew Barrymore Image from Marie Claire UK, all other images from sites mentioned. Edited by me

Friday Bargains...

20% off at Spoiled Brat with Nikki Nakki Lou

When using discount code NIKKI20 

The lovely people at Spoiled Brat UK have given me the opportunity to share this exclusive discount code with my readers!

 

20% off all adult clothing at Tesco Clothing

(discount applied at checkout) 

Up to £15 off Dresses at Wallis

 

Nikki Nakki Lou 2010 Honours List....Part 9...

For services to magazines...

As much as I am obviously an advocator of the new media that technology allows (I wouldn't be blogging otherwise!) I am still a bit of traditionalist in that I love magazines.  There is something fabulous about magazines, sometimes beautiful and often a nice little escape, be it for five minutes snatched at the train station, or sat in the bath for a while (I am guilty of this on a regular basis!).

I am always impressed and in awe of the workings of magazines, and the number of people that are involved in each issue. When I was little I always used to try and make my own magazines and newspapers (that little girl would be pretty impressed with my little blog!).

STYLIST MAGAZINE

Stylist magazine is an amazing free (yes free!) weekly magazine. It is a relatively new mag, but it has fast become one of my favourite reads. I can't always get it as I live in the middle of nowhere and can only get it in Liverpool, but thankfully there is an amazing accompanying website too! It covers such a wide range of topics and has had some really amazing articles that have inspired me.

 Image sources - 1. Brand Republic,2. Potter Shots, 3. Caroline Kamp 

Outfit Pick N Mix - Blue Jean Baby

This week's Outfit Pick N Mix theme is the timeless classic that is denim. Whether it be jeans, shits, shorts, or jackets, there are a million and one ways to wear your denim.

1. CHICTOPIA, 2. CHICISMO, 3. FOLLY FASHION, 4. NEXT NEW FASHION

Rainbows Brite

Bright colours were seen all over the catwalks for SS11 in abundance. Bold colour blocking in tangerine, canary yellow, blues and jewel colours were layered for maximum impact. Even the traditionally minimalist labels like Jil Sander embraced the colour pallet, and had amazing structured pieces in a rainbow of colours. The dial was definitely turned on up the colour in comparison to last spring’s pale pastel colours. If you are a colour phobe, introduce the trend via accessories. If you are ready to embrace it, be adventurous, mix colours and go for it!

INSPIRATION

GUCCI SS11 (image from Brit Asian Style Blog)

RIHANNA (image from Look)

PALOMA FAITH (image from MSN)

JIL SANDER SS11 (image from Trendland)

Images edited by me

Style Steal - Felicity Jones

Love this outfit that Felicity Jones is wearing. The preppy look with a feminine buttoned up shirt is effortlessly chic.

SHIRT, £22.99 - NEW LOOK

BELT, £7.99 - H&M

JEANS, £40 - MOTO @ TOPSHOP

LEATHER BROGUE BOOTS, £50 - ASOS

Felicity Jones Image from Instyle, other images from the sites mentioned. Edited by me.

Nikki Nakki Lou 2010 Honours List....Part 8....

For Services to blogging...

 I know that I do a regular feature on other bloggers, but I really wanted to honour some of my favourites as part of my honours list. If it wasn't for these people, I may not even be writing this post!

SARAH SCRIBBLES

Passionate Fashion lover, people and style watcher, aspiring Fashion and Creative Writer. Sarah Scribbles is an amazing fashion blog which is hot on the latest fashion trends.

Wishful Thinking...

What I am lusting after this week...

POLKA DOT TEA DRESS, £25 - BOOHOO

BLACK GATHERED HEM TOP, £20 - NEXT

PERSEPHONE VINTAGE HAIR COMB, £10.75 - ECLECTIC ECCENTRICITY

POLKA DOT COURTS, £180 - KURT GEIGER @ SELFRIDGES

CORAL CREPE MINI SKIRT, £18 - MISS SELFRIDGE

Featured Blogger #4 - Polkadot Rach

One of the best things about being a blogger, is finding other bloggers. They inspire you, help you through the tougher times, and generally have a good laugh with you. I have made some fabulous blogging friends since starting Nikki Nakki Lou and I love sharing their amazing blogs with you.

This month,  I have asked the lovely 'Polka Dot Rach' some questions about her and her blog, Mon Polka Dot Cheri. I really love Rachel's blog, it is always a positive and lovely place. She is a fabulous lady, and is dedicated to her blog and her love of fashion. Rachel suffers from the condition Lupus and has used her blog to raise awareness of the illness.

 

Rachel Zoe Collection

Stylist Rachel Zoe is set to launch her debut collection for AW 2011. Alongside creating her first collection she has been a busy busy lady, with the filming of her new season of 'The Rachel Zoe' project and her pregnancy (she is now seven months!). She recently previewed some of her collection with WWD.

Image Source

Loving this week....

Nails Inc & Diet Coke Offer

Yes I am one of those crazy people who went to Boots  and bought 8 frickin' bottles of diet coke so I could get my mitts on the ltd edition Nails Inc polishes.  The colours are all inspired by catwalk trends, and come in Cool Caramel, Delicious Denim, Perfect Plum and Heavenly Heather Gray. 

I am so lucky as I managed to get all four, as the offer has been on since 12th Jan, and I only managed to get to Boots yesterday.

Spoiled Brat UK giveaway...

My mum always brought me up to share, and I love sharing fashion tidbits with my blog readers, and I love it even more when I can do that and have a giveaway. 

The fabulous people at Spoiled Brat have given me a £25 to give away as a prize for my blog readers (you are very lucky that I am not keeping it for myself!)

As well as all the fabulous brands that you can get on Spoiled Brat (Wildfox Couture, Evil Twin, and One Teaspoon, to name just three) they have now added up and coming brand Gold Saturn. Gold Saturn is an exciting and edgy brand that appeals to my inner rock chick. I LOVE their headbands and 'turbands', they have been added to my lust list!

GOLD SATURN STAR STUDDED HAIRBAND £40.99

H! by Henry Holland @ Debenhams SS11

I know I seem to live a weird calender, blogging about Autumn and Winter in the Summer and vice versa. But if you like fashion, then you can't help but look forward to the next season, especially when all the ad campaigns, shows and previews make you giddy with excitement (or is that just me?)

Well anyhoo, If you are a regular reader, you will know of my love for Henry Holland, and also of my love of his H! budget range at Debenhams. I think that it is one of the best Designer/High Street collaborations, and retains a lot of Henry Holland's signature style whilst being affordable.

If, like me you have enjoyed the previous collections, Debenhams currently has a look book on their site of what to expect for SS2011. The bold prints and casual, yet feminine pieces are definitely up my street!

Image from Debenhams Site

Friday Bargains...

Get an extra 40% off Edgy Glamour at The Outnet

Amelia's Compendium of Fashion Illustration

Amelia's Magazine has become one of my favourite websites since I started blogging. It was one of those happy accident online finds (I think someone on my twitter feed mentioned it and I clicked the link to have a nosey). The website instantly caught my attention with its stunning visual look. As a former Art and Design student I have a 'thing' for illustration and things that have their own unique visual identity.

What began as a printed biannual magazine, has become a fantastic online place for articles on some of the best creative projects that are happening in fashion, art, music, illustration, craft, design and photography. The site also promotes 'Creativity in the Climate of Change' which looks at environmental and ethical projects.

ILLUSTRATION BY JENNY ROBINS FOR AMELIA'S MAGAZINE

Amelia's Magazine is the creative baby of Amelia Gregory, who began the project from her house (and continues to run it from there). And it is clear that it is something that Amelia is passionate about, as everything on the site involves people who feel just as passionately as she does. She is someone I admire, as she has put her heart and soul into something that is so beautifully creative (something that I would love to do in my own life). She is also a photographer and used to earn her living shooting for the likes of the Guardian and Time Out. She clearly is a lady of many talents!

AMELIA GREGORY

So, in view of my admiration for Amelia herself, and the magazine, you can imagine how happy I was when I received an invitation in my inbox titled

INVITATION: Amelia's Compendium of Fashion Illustration LAUNCH

 I began to try and work out whether or not I could make it. I felt like the odds were against me, I live a looooong way from London, and have limited funds at the moment. So you can imagine the sheer joy when my mum came home from visiting my gran with some belated birthday money! Needless to say, I booked myself a train ticket as soon as humanly possible!

ILLUSTRATION BY NATASHA THOMPSON

So what is Amelia's Compendium of Fashion Illustration all about? Well, it is a brilliant new Fashion Illustration book, bringing together some of the best illustration from Amelia's Magazine and the best new ethical fashion designers. It is jam packed with inspiration for fashion designers, illustrators and anyone who is interested in fashion (including bloggers!).  And amazingly it is entirely ethical in production, it is printed in the UK using environmentally responsible vegetable inks on FSC approved paper.

The beautiful cover is designed by Arizona baaed artist Andrea Peterson, and I think it makes the book so visually appealing before you have even started!

The book is currently available for £20 (which is such a bargain!) at Amelia's Magazine.

The launch is on the 28th January, and I cannot wait! I will be sure to blog about my London adventure when I return...in the meantime, I recommend you get hold of your copy of the book!

Nikki Nakki Lou 2010 Honours List....Part 7...

For Services to creativity...

This probably sounds like a really strange category, but since I began blogging I have found some incredible people who are out there doing their own thing. They may not seem to fit together in a theme but each one of these choices is of a creative nature and I just had to share them with you.


SWELL VINTAGE

As soon as I found out about Swell Vintage I was in love! It is the baby of the brilliantly creative Frankie who hand makes the most beautiful jewellery from antique and vintage parts. Her work is truly stunning and everything is a one off piece. I am very lucky to have my own piece of swell vintage, and definitely want to get some more!

IMAGES PROPERTY OF SWELL VINTAGE

And Just to make you all a little bit jealous, here is my very own bit of Swell Vintage...

Lottie's Finishing School I is For....

As I am well and truly back into my blogging routine, it is time for the return of a blogging project that I have LOVED being part of, the fabulous Lottie Loves Finishing School. Lottie has been such an inpiration to me since I started blogging and being part of the finishing school has given me plenty of food for thought.

As the title above suggest, this post is all about image, and Lottie has set up the task of thinking about our own image...

Image source

Daisy Lowe to Launch Swimwear Collaboration with Peacocks

Following the success of her mum's five sell out collections for the budget chain Peacocks, model Daisy Lowe is to launch a Swimwear collection for them. The collection will be available in stores and online from May, and will be available in sizes 8-16, and cup size 32B-36DD. And the great news is that you will be able to buy the tops and bottoms separately, so you can get a better fit.

Image source 

"It was important from the start that my swimwear designs were accessible so my friends could afford them, which is why we've kept the collection under £18. I've sought inspiration from the things I love: family holidays in Europe, iconic 50s pin-ups and classic vintage shapes" 

Quote Source

Outfit Pick N Mix - Green With Envy

Inspired by Angelina Jolie's frock at the Golden Globes (don't worry this isn't another GG post!) I decided to theme this Outfit Pick N Mix post around the colour green...

Accessory Alphabet - Part 4

I know it has been a really long time since my last Accessory Alphabet post. But I promise you I have turned over a new organised leaf and really want to step things up with the blog. So I am well and truly back on the regular posting train (woo woo). You may also have noticed I have dropped the AW from the title, I thought rather than cram it all in I would just expand so I can complete the series of posts without you suffering any low quality rushed posts (I would HATE to do that!). So here we go...

J IS FOR JI JI KIKI...


Ji Ji Kiki  is a cute little accessory website that I stumbled across when searching for bird accessories (I have an obsession with bird themed things, it's like an illness). They sell a mix of retro, kitsch and vintage jewellery, accessories, home ware and gifts.

'proud as a peacock' vintage necklace, £14

'matryoshka moments' Russian doll clutch bag, £16.50

diamante owl ring, £8

heart of gold white rabbit broach, £8.50

black & white cassette tape necklace, £8

Trend - Miss American Pie

The new slant on femininity this season combines 1950s Americana with a slightly modern edge. The All-American girl is making a comeback, with preppy styles and Letterman jackets making a comeback. Whilst the Letterman jacket is probably more of a 'grower' there are other ways to get the preppy look. Try cute A-line skirts, brogues paired with ankle socks, and cardigans. A word of warning though, veer away from looking like you are dressing up in a tacky 50s costume by giving the look a harder, modern edge.

Inspiration....

Images from Vi.sualize US,  college fashion, pins and curls, bloglovin' best coast, heroes blogspot, flavorwire,

blog goggles, corridor 40 - all via google image searce

Collage edited by me  

BFC Announce Fashion Forward Winners

The British Fashion Council have announced the Fashion Forward sponsorship for 2011. The announcement was made last week that Todd Lynn, Peter Pilotto and Meadham Kirchhoff had won the sponsorship, the first time three winners have been awarded the sponsorship, with it usually going to one designer.

 Peter Pilotto, Christopher de Vos (Peter Pilotto) Edward Meadham, Benjamin Kirchhoff (Meadham Kirchhoff) and Todd Lynn

 Image From BFC Website

Style Crush: Carrie Bradshaw

This month's Style Crush is dedicated to a fictional character. People don't have to be real to be a style crush! I have chosen to blog about the lovely Carrie Bradshaw, of Sex and the City. Yes I know that people hated the second film (I have never managed to bring myself to watch it) and there seems to be a negative tide against SATC of late, but I don't care. Sex and the City introduced a whole generation of women to Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik and the Cosmopolitan.

Style Steal - Jamie Chung @ 'Burning Palms' Premiere

For this week's Style Steal I have chosen someone I have never heard of, but I really liked her outfit so you will have to forgive me! I looked her up on Wikipedia and she is apparently an American reality TV star, so there you go. If you are a regular reader of the blog, then you will know that I am a lover of leopard print (in fact, I am writing this post wrapped up in my leopard print slanket...I kid you not!) so it was a good excuse to go nosing for a leopard print frock...

LEOPARD PRINT MAXI DRESS, £39.99 - RIVER ISLAND

VELVET COURT SHOE, £60 - SCHUH @ VIVA LA DIVA

LEOPARD HEAD NECKLACE, £10 - LOVE HEARTS AND CROSSES

Image of Jamie Chung from Look.co.uk, all other images from the sites mentioned. All images edited by me.

Wishful Thinking...

As the crazy festive dust settles and life gets back to normal, I am trying to get the blog back into a routine, which means the return of the regular features (as well as the exciting possibility of introducing more). And on that note, it is time for the first Wishful Thinking post of 2011. So what am I lusting after this week?

CHIFFON FLORAL DRESS, £36 - RARE

OATMEAL OVERSIZED JUMPER, £14 - MATALAN

VINTAGE BOW HEADBAND, £17 - ROCK N ROSE

BLAZER, £69 - AMERICAN APPAREL

BEADED LACE JACKET, £59.99 - RIVER ISLAND

Etam returns to the UK

French brand Etam has made a comeback to the UK, and they are doing it in style with the gorgeous Natalia Vodianova on board as face of the brand and designer of an exclusive collection of lingerie.

You can get your hands on some of these gorgeous pieces right now online at Etam with free delivery. And whilst I cannot promise you that us mere mortals will look as good as Natalia, the collection is most certainly a plus for our underwear draws!

Dorothy Perkins SS11

I don't know about you, but after the little sneaky peak of Topshop's SS11 collection, I am already planning my spring wardrobe in my head! To continue with a look at what the high street has to offer for the next season, here are a few of my picks from Dorothy Perkins SS11 preview (for more please have a look at Look.co.uk) While not as strong in its' signature pieces as the Topshop collections, as usual Dottie P's has some great basics on offer and some fabulous dresses.

Nikki Nakki Lou 2010 Honours List....Part 6...

For Services to Accessories....

Accessories can make or break an outfit, and every girl needs a go to place when they are in need of an accessory or two. Here are my picks for the best places on line to get your fix.

QUIRKY BOUTIQUE

After discovering Quirky Boutique via Facebook and local fashion fairs, it has become a firm favourite of mine. They specialise in alternative, tattoo inspired and rockabilly accessories, gifts and cards. Most of the stock is from sources that are not mass produced, so you often find something unique. 

Topshop SS11 Collection

Yes folks, I know it is winter but if like myself you are suffering from January blues, a little sneaky peak of what we can be wearing this spring can lift that mood. I have been looking around the Internet at the previews and wanted to share with you some of my picks. So starting with Topshop, this is what SS11 has in store for us...(For more images from the collection visit In Style.co.uk)

Nikki Nakki Lou 2010 Honours List....Part 5...

For Services To Music...

Continuing my series of posts in which I pretend to be really important and share with you some of my favourite things from last year, I give you some of the music that I have loved this year...

ALBUMS...

 Vampire Weekend - Contra 


Amongst the sea of indie bands that have popped into our consciousness in the last few years, Vampire Weekend have given us something a little different. Whether you love them, or hate them, they have their own sound. On first listen, their 2010 offering 'Contra' didn't grab me straight away, but after a number of listens it became more and more enjoyable and ended up being one of my albums of the year.

Watch a Video of Vampire Weekend performing 'White Sky'

Bag yourself a bargain...

If, like me, you find the thought of the jumble sale that is currently your local high street fills you with dread then the best way to do your sale shopping is online at this time of year. As always I like to share bargains with my fellow shop a holics so I have had a nosey at some of the sales currently on....

 

EXTRA 50% OFF OFFICE GLAMOUR AT The Outnet...

SKIRT, MARC JACOBS - NOW £301 + EXTRA 50% AT CHECKOUT!

COTTON DRESS, MCQ - NOW £168.75 + EXTRA 50% AT CHECKOUT

Nikki Nakki Lou 2010 Honours List....Part 4....

For Services to Vintage fashion....



Vintage has become big business in the last couple of years. This has led to vintage clothing and vintage style clothing becoming more widely available. In the last year I have found some really good vintage sites and you are lucky that I am willing to share them and not keep them to myself!
Love Miss Daisy

Love Miss Daisy was launched in 2008 and specialises in affordable and stylish vintage items. They also offer some amazing bridal pieces and have have also branched out into home ware and haberdashery.

Nikki Nakki Lou 2010 Honours List....Part 3....

For Services to Online Shopping....


Being a Fashion addict has never been so easy as it is today. I can feed my addiction without even having to leave my home! (This may not always be a good thing!) As part of my new year honours list I thought I would share with you my pick of the best fashion sites....

 ASOS - ASOS has been a firm favourite of mine now for several years. It has gone from strength to strength and now sells a staggering amount of things. I can always find something on the ASOS site, whatever I am looking for. The delivery service is fantastic and it has a whole host of fashion articles and blogs to inspire. Recently, ASOS Marketplace was launched where people can sell directly to each other.

Nikki Nakki Lou 2010 Honours List....Part 2....

For Services to TV...

As I explained in my previous post, I have decided to share with you some of my favourite things from 2010. For the second installment, I have chosen to pick five TV programmes that I have enjoyed this year....

Ugly Betty - I was sooo upset when I found out that they had cancelled 'Ugly Betty'. I had loved it from when it first aired in the UK (although I had my reservations about the premise to begin with, but once I realised there was no immediate 'let's make over Betty' I felt better). It always seemed to keep the balance of happy and sad, there were so many occasions when an episode had my crying with laughter one minute, and sobbing my heart out the next. Now that the show has ended I am weirdly happy that it finished. It finished on a high, with all the loose ends tied up, and I liked it that way to be honest. So long Betty!

Nikki Nakki Lou 2010 Honours List....Pt 1 - Beauty

If it is good enough for the Queen, then it is good enough for me! I have decided to do a series of posts honouring some of my favourite things from 2010. I usually look forwards this time of year but as my blog started in 2010, I thought it would be nice to write about some of the things that made me smile...

For Services to Beauty...

N.Y.C Colour Wheel Mosaic Face Powder - The first powder I have ever stuck with. It is great to use as you can build up the colour slowly. I use as a general powder and often layer it up as a blusher. It leaves a natural colour (which as someone with mixed race skin I often struggle with with powders). Plus it's a bargain as it only around £4!