Designers Directory || Vista rooftop bar at The Trafalgar

It's always handy to know where a good rooftop bar is on a sunny day in London, we stopped for drinks and snacks at Vista. A beautiful venue that overlooks Trafalgar square whilst also showcasing the perfect London skyline backdrop. As me and Kate agree, the whole rooftop was 'so Papable!'.
Luscious green vines grow to form arches that lead through into private little dining areas and wooden boxes of sweet smelling flowers decorated the pathways. THAT VIEW! what else is there to say? Get a table booked next time your in London town. 

View the full Designers Directory here

The Trafalgar, 2 Spring Gardens, Trafalgar Square, London, SW1A 2TS

www.thetrafalgar.com/vista-homepage

Designers Directory || London - Mayfair & Harrods

Visiting London is different every time. Even the route we travel via varies and on this occasion we found ourselves right in front of Big Ben. A view that never gets old :-)

I usually find new and exciting places to try out in London through reading up on my favourite fashion & lifestyle bloggers. For example Sarah Mikaela, Lucia Thomas Howard and Hannah Crosskey all supply fantastic information ranging from where to grab a great cup of coffee, which is the best rooftop bar with a view, to what exhibitions are worth a visit. And these ladies don't just know London, it's knowledge spreading across the globe! 

So here are my staple destinations whilst I'm in town.

M A Y F A I R

You'll find:

 Dover Street Market - The fantastic department store that houses a fantastic mix of power brands such as Comme des garcons, Repossi, Céline, Alexander Wang and much more.

Victoria Beckham - Having recently opened a new concept shop on Dover street, the store layout alone is a great excuse to go in and have a nosey.

Whistles flagship store - This store is a must if you are a huge Whistles fan like me (sat here typing this blog post dressed head to toe in Whistles pre fall 2014!)

H A R R O D S

There are so many departments and interesting things to see and do at Harrods but when I'm in need of a mid day pick me up I head to the Godiva chocolate cafe on the 2nd floor. It's very difficult to order anything but the chocolate sin cake, photographed to the left below. The magazine & book section is also a department that can't be missed, they carry a fabulous range of international fashion magazines and trend reports.

What London hotspots do you regularly visit?

Rianna X Elder Tote

Recently I made a trip to Media City to photograph the fabulous Kate Millar. 

Emerged in the absolutely breathtaking architecture, it was also the perfect opportunity to document my own personal style. For me, the tote bags prove the most practical for my hectic lifestyle. I do not travel lightly, whether I'm off for a browse around town or boarding a flight. I need a lot of stuff. The usually culprits attached to me at all times are my Nikon bridge camera, Nokia Lumia 1020 (which gives the Nikon a run for its money - it's a phone with a 41 mega pixel camera) definitely more camera than phone. The world could possibly crumble when I'm without my iPad and I'd also be lost without a filofax. I have 2! One for business and one for pleasure. This Alexander Wang leather sleeveless jacket was an amazing sale purchase, i live in it! There are cashmere roll ups around each arm hole which are held in place with a shiny stainless steel popper button. This quilted dress was a recent purchase from the Primark section in Selfridges, Trafford. It was around £16. 

wearing

Zara boots (similar here) | Primark at Selfridges white quilted dress | Alexander Wang sleeveless leather jacket | Elder Tote | H&M stacking rings

Style in focus || Kate Millar

The career path into the fashion industry can start in a very similar place for many of us. Myself and Kate Millar both studied at the same university, both held down part time sales assistant jobs throughout uni, both completed a prep year in Art Foundation studies and both graduated with a portfolio of work geared up to set us off in the unpredictable and exciting trade called ‘Fashion’.

A few years on its safe to say we are still fully immersed in the fashion industry . . . and very happily too I may add!

Although our paths may be very samey, we’ve drifted down separate channels and our own personal styles have evolved from what they were once upon a time. Kates eye for high street fashion is impeccable. If I’m going on holiday and have left it to the last minute to shop a summer wardrobe, I go to Kate. She can tell me which shop has what, in what colour and how much it is. Even better she can alert me to which website is best to buy it from online. 

We caught up last week in the beautiful (and extremely windy) urban landscape of Media City where we put Kates styling skills to the test. What would she choose to style with her Rianna Phillips Affinity portfolio clutch bag? As always . . . her outfit options didn't disappoint. 

 

Tell us a little about your job

I work as a Menswear Fashion Designer at a suppliers in Manchester called Whispering Smith, working for a suppliers means getting to work with loads of different brands which is great as your always working on something new

What made you want to be apart of the fashion industry?

I've always been quite a creative person with a love for fashion and styling so I think it was a natural progression into design. I also have a fashion blog which I love as it helps to keep me up to date with all the latest trends and inspirations along with documenting my own outfits - www.beyondfashion.co.uk

Where do you shop?

I'm obsessed with online shopping at the moment, I'd say my favourite is Missguided...they're always so up to date with trends. I'm also a big fan of Boohoo, ASOS and Miss Pap. Not to forget my favourite from the highstreet which is Topshop.

What are your go-to staple pieces in your wardrobe?

1) Black leather jacket that has a detachable fur collar. Ideal for a day to evening look and can be styled together with almost anything.

2) Gold chain necklaces...I'm getting quite a collection but love the really chunky ones which are perfect for adding an edgy look to any outfit, especially as I wear a lot of girly pastel shades.

3) Vintage denim over-sized shirts, I have so many but they're great for throwing on over a dress or co-ord for a simple and easy outfit.

4) Topshop Joni jeans, I think these could be the greatest jeans ever made, so comfy and I love the high waist fit...perfect with a crop tee.

What is your most treasured possession in your wardrobe?

I would say some of my vintage pieces but picking just 1 is so hard!! I also have a charm bracelet that was passed down to me by my Grandma, it's so beautiful and intricate...they don't make bracelets like it anymore. 

Where are your favourite places to grab a bite?

I'm a massive fan of afternoon tea and love any excuse to try out a new one...I recently went to 'The One Aldwych' in London for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory themed afternoon tea which was so fun and quirky.

Outfit 1

Trousers Misspap

T-shirt Off Dutee

Cat watch Thrift Store

 Hat Missguided 

Shoes Misspap

Black fur pom pom River Island

Leather jacket Topshop

Clutch bag Rianna Phillips

Rings & Necklace Kates own (mix of topshop and h&m) 

Outfit 2

Skirt  Missguided

T-shirt River Island

Fringed leather jacket Misspap

Grey fur pom pom River Island

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Landscapes || Tatton

T E X T U R E   G A T H E R I N G  -  C H E S H I R E 

October is the perfect time for an Autumn walk. So off we went, clad in full winter attire which between us all consists of Office knee high suede boots, creamy white Reiss quilted sweater, Burberry check cashmere scarf, 7 for all mankind skinny silk touch jeans, Whistles C'est Chic sweater, ASOS parka &  Burberry sandringham trench. Prepped and ready for any unpredicted Cheshire weather conditions, we strolled around the picturesque grounds of the private gardens occasionally catching glimpses of the neo-classical mansion. The green houses were works of architectural art in themselves and I had soon racked up over 200 photographs on my Nikon.
Tourists in our own county, dining in the gardeners cottage is an experience not to be missed.