Metallics shoot | From moodboard to magazine...

The last of my Barbados shoots was out the other week and I was really pleased with how I managed to achieve the original concept I had with this one. It doesn't always work like that and sometimes you have to let go of much-loved original ideas.

It was a metallics story, "7 days of shine" - how to add a bit of sparkle or shimmer to your Summer wardrobe.

Here is a picture of the original moodboard I made a few weeks before we shot when I was brainstorming story ideas:

And here's the moodboard from my shoot:

I never wanted to copy any of the shots form the moodboard but wanted to capture those mouthwatering blues, the warmth, and the shine of the clothes.

It was a long hard day that day - our final shoot on a ten day trip, but we pulled it out the (sequin clutch) bag. Thanks to a fantastic team.

All the clothes are High Street unlike all the designer on the original moodboard. Check out the cheap as chips white blazer from Primark...

Here are the final pictures that went into the magazine:

Styling Amelia Lily

It's X Factor season again, so probably a good time to tell you about a little lady who has been keeping me busy over the last few months...  the lovely Amelia Lily.

I started working with her management and record label back in Summer (aaah Summer, remember that?) when she was busy working on her first release and she was no doubt going to need a million and one outfits and they needed someone up for the job. Me. Hurrah!

I came up with a moodboard ( I LOVE moodboards, as you will learn) when I first met up with her crew, detailing a summery blend of LA cool, laid back street style, pastels, denim, piled-on arm candy, leathers, dip dye, and Summer's favourite - studs.

Amelia Lily's very own moodboard by moi

This trend is most definitely one of my favourites when it comes to styling, and lucky for us both it suited her perfectly and was similar to her own personal style, of which she has bags.

Her first promo shoot was amazing. We shot with Bella Howard who totally captured the cool of Amelia.

Looking gorgeous in promo shots. (© Sony/Bella Howard)

She's been a busy little bee over the last few months and recently her debut went to Number 2 - well done that girl. So there's been plenty of running around town getting her outfits for everythng from swanky parties, performances to TV appearances and red carpet events.

We had a little try on the other day and I love this shot of Amelia, taken at my agency office one evening, looking chilled out and gorgeous despite having been dashing around non-stop all day...

I always think this is one of the looks that suits her best - a girly dress (this velvet one is from Miss Selfridge), biker style boots (glitter boots from Bertie), bold necklace (New Look), topped off with a biker jacket (quilted stud shoulder jacket also from New Look).

And I love her hair here - My Little Pony a go-go!

Look out for more of Amelia in the coming months, she's a star. ★