A new work mini-adventure

I've been working pretty much full-time in-house on a fashion weekly since the start of the year, and although I miss the freelance life of lie-ins, "working" in a trackie on the sofa and the occasional solo spa afternoon (Cowshed is my expensive weakness in life), it is great to be working on an editorial team again. I'm doing what I love most  - planning, styling and directing main fashion shoots.

I'll post my new editorials here as soon as they have gone to press. But for the moment, a few tiny snippets of life on Southwark Street...

A very early start this morning.. The view of London is incredible from the canteen.

Leaving late... The coolest buildings are popping up all over the area around Borough.

Beautiful roses from New Covent Garden Flower Market used in a shoot.

A sneak peek at some of the accessories for tomorrow's story.

Mamas & Papas Spring 2013 campaign shots

I've just been sent the shots I styled for the new Mamas & Papas Spring campaign imagery for in-store and press. Feels like a lifetime ago we worked on these!

The brand wanted a slightly cooler, more trend-led look so I got involved to help and worked with the fantastic (and fun) photographer Peter Zownir and super-talented hair and make-up artist Katie Pettigrew.

From what I know of it, maternity wear can be a little unexciting and frumpy, but Mama's & Papa's definitely appeals to the younger, more fashion savvy mum-to-be. Think Banana Republic gets preggars. I love the monochrome stripe dress with pop of red. Perfectly on trend for even the un-bumped.

Here are some of the shots:

Those Brian Lichtenberg sweaters...

I've been TOTALLY suckered by popular culture and bought a Brian Lichtenberg sweater.

An Instagram hit and celebrity favourite, Brian Lichtenberg is an LA designer who's collection of tees, hoodies, sweaters and caps are emblazoned with logos that look like well known designers, with a clever play on words.

I'll blame one of my favourite Brit models Cara Delevingne, who has championed the label on Instagram, for my recent purchase.

A limited selection is available from Browns Focus in London (there were very few left when I was there and I thought I was going to have fistycuffs with a guy who wanted the same as me). My jumper was £100 from here.

Amazingly tacky, perhaps, but I love them.

Cara in her Bucci design, photo © Brianlichtenblog.tumblr.com

Miley Cyrus loves her Homies. Photo © Brianlichtenblog.tumblr.com.

photo © Brianlichtenblog.tumblr.com

How to wear:

I reckon I'll be wearing mine over an oversize denim shirt (here a men's one by BDG - a great denim brand available at Urban Outfitters) and jeans (again BDG - my faithful bright blues). Try gold jewellery like a Fendi initial charm (not as expensive as you think!). Roll with the 90s vibe and wear with trainers (mine are Nike x Liberty from Office).

My other FELINE. Always on trend.

The last shoots of 2012

A very, very belated Happy New Year everyone!

I've totally neglected my blog due to Christmas festivities/holiday/eating (the eating took up a LOT of time) and then some full-on work in the New Year. Poor excuse but it really has been non-stop.

I was expecting the end of last year to be quiet in the run-up to Christmas, but it was mega. I had cover shoots with an inspiringly fit Josie Gibson, a super friendly and super hot Mel Sykes, and the absolutely delightful Kimberley Walsh.

Here are the covers - and some backstage snaps - from the December shoots...

This weekend's cover of Fabulous

Me and Miss Walsh

The very HOT Mel Sykes

Wowser...it's Josie.

Josie has a quick pre-shoot try on.

Shots on the day

Photographer Pete "relaxing"

Just hanging out, on a ladder.

Topshop Limited Edition Christmas dresses

Topshop's Limited Edition Christmas dresses have just hit down in store and they are stunning.

They're not your usual sequin-all-over-never-wear-again one-off office party frocks, these are stylish wear-forever pieces. 

Buy them here - but hurry, sizes are running out! 

Prices range from £150 - £195 but I think it's worth spending a little more on a dress like this, and if these gorgeous lookbook shots don't convince you I don't know what will...

All pictures © Topshop 

Winter Sunglasses

One for them, two for me, one for them...

This seems to be how my Christmas shopping is going.

I couldn't resist these Marc by Marc Jacobs cut-out cat eye sunnies. Perhaps not the typical time of year to buy them but I have visions of frosty winter walks in the sun over the festive holidays. Plus I've basically got a bit of a sunglasses habit - these are my third pair by Marc Jacobs, but all my others are mega cheap High Street.

Marc by Marc Jacobs sunnies aren't too pricey compared to other designers. These are £115, but always try your opticians first like I did as they often give a discount. Result!

NICOLE SCHERZINGER

The shoot with one of the biggest names I have ever worked with is out today in Fabulous - the very beautiful and very talented Nicole Scherzinger.

Here are some of the shots...

Nicole wears What Katie Did and Spjkers en Spijkers

Wearing Miss Selfridge skirt, Marlies Dekkers bra top and LK Bennett shoes.

Looking stunning in Atsuko Kudo.
All pictures © Mark Hayman/Fabulous 

We shot in a beautiful glass location house to get the effect of natural daylight through the space... cue heavy rain, blustery winds knocking over outside lights and Nicole not being ready from hair and make-up till the sun was disappearing. However the shot still looks beautiful despite the rain.

The petite and perfectly-formed Nicole loved the clothes and we worked together to choose her outfits. The winners including a designer latex dress from Atsuko Kudo, bra tops from What Katie Did and Marlies Dekkers, skirts from Spijkers en Spijkers and Miss Selfridge (she was happy to wear High Street - hurrah!).

The sun sets on a VERY long, but very successful day in North West London...