Young Republic.

Starting out in the fashion industry is tough; whether your strengths are through photography, styling, writing or designing, it is hard to get that initial step up on to the sparkling ladder of success...let alone working your way UP to the top.

Recently, I was lucky enough to be invited to check out youngrepublic.com, an internationally recognised online fashion destination, based down under and founded by Aussie dream team, Marianne sea and Andrew Yang.The unique site offers an avenue for independent fashion designers AND lovers to make a name for themselves within the industry, as I myself am desperately trying to do.

www.youngrepublic.com

Young Republic offers a one of a kind, eclectic mix of up and coming talent, catering for both men and women, through their extensive product range. Not only do they showcase mens/womenswear, jewellery and accessories; but also fantastic home ware, for the fashion forward.

Avid style fans and fashion followers worldwide, can shop the streets of their favourite cities from the comforts of their own sofa. Young republic is providing the world with access to fresh, new and unseen talent that will soon be pathing the paths of our fashion future; "We wanted to bring that exciting experience online" says co-founder, Marianne Sea.

After browsing the site and flicking through the pages of endless desirable design talent, I have fallen in love with a UK based brand, "Hey Jenny Jenny"; a small collection of quirky silver jewellery, inspired by everyday objects. The face behind the brand is Glasgow born Jennifer Nicolson, who has been creating shiny pieces of jewellery, fit for the magpie in all of us, since 2009; she describes her style as "interesting and playful" and the collection certainly doesn't disappoint, taking influence from birds, buttons and bold shapes. My favourite piece being the "Flora Necklace"...as soon as pay day arrives I will certainly be investing. Check out the full collection on: Young Republic - Hey Jenny Jenny.

Hey Jenny Jenny Jewellery Collection

Hey Jenny Jenny Jewellery Collection

Hey Jenny Jenny Jewellery Collection

If you are a budding designer with a collection to sell OR if you just love fashion and like to shop, make sure to check out http://www.youngrepublic.com/...I think this could be the start of a brilliant relationship.

Amy x

P.S. With all this talk of Oz, don't us here in the UK wish that we too were entering the Summer Season and not leaving it behind?! Trip to Australia anyone?

Autumn Wishlist.

My FAVOURITE time of year for fashion has arrived - not only is it London Fashion week (and I am desperately wishing I lived in the city or at least had money to get there) but Autumn and Winter fashion has finally started to hit the high street; with the shops being full of enticing woolly jumpers and new seasonal colours to tickle our fancies. 

With my internship well and truly occupying my thoughts and my final year of uni about to commence, my mind FOR ONCE has been distracted from adding to my wardrobe - I have even managed to stay out of TOPSHOP for a good month (OK maybe a few weeks), for fear of breaking my already non existent bank balance.

That is until my dad suggested a walk around Cheltenham...I tried on the entire contents of most shops on the high street and wanted EVERYTHING; they even had my size in most things, (this never happens)...which didn't help with my frantic urge to spend money.

Whilst managing (shockingly) to keep my pennies securely in my purse, I instead have created a LUST LIST of all my Autumnal wishes, to share with you guys...with the knowledge that hopefully, ONE DAY I may be able to afford to treat myself!

From Left to Right: Patterned Peter Pan Collar Dress, £38 TOPSHOP, Striped Baggy Jumper, £12.99 NEWLOOK, Lace Pleated Skirt, £48 TOPSHOP, Large Tote Bag, £38 ACCESSORIZE, White Peplum Tee, £32 RIVER ISLAND, Aztec Print Hotpant, £35 TOPSHOP, Red Platform Shoe, £110 UNDERGROUND, Lace Detailed Dress, £36 TOPSHOP, Floral Lace Insert Dress, £65  OASIS.

It may be getting colder outside, but in the fashion world, it really is hotting up...What are your Autumn lusts?

Amy x

Fifty Shades of Glitter.

Designer and high street collaborations are my new favourite thing; fashion names out of reach to an average Joe like myself, suddenly become affordable for a limited time only...I mean why wouldn't you love them, when sexy men (a.k.a David Beckham), meet with the likes of H&M, providing us with an endless supply of enlarged Becks and his...erm...golden balls!

Louise Gray, Scottish Fashion Designer

This Summer (can we call it that still?), a certain Louise Gray has sprinkled her magic all over the floors of high street leader Topshop. Her unique and quirky designs, exploding with glitter and colour, make it impossible not to smile inside; which is certainly a good thing with the weather being as it has been.

Something I admire about Gray, is her playful attitude towards fashion. So many designers get bogged down with the political elements and serious issues surrounding the industry, but Scottish born Louise brings a HUGE element of fun to her collections...appreciating that everybody likes to be different.

Louise Gray, Scottish Fashion Designer

Her style (and AMAZING blue eyebrows) can only be described as eclectic, with her new line for Topshop 2012 being exactly that! She cleverly incorporates colours, textures and hand silk screened fabrics in to her garments; creating a playful look that is fit for anyone with a big enough personality to fill it.

Louise Gray, TOPSHOP August 2012

Not only has she introduced some eye catching "glitter-tastic" outfits, but she has gone that one step further by adding a bit of sparkle in to our make up bags. I am in LOVE with the nail varnish selection and will definitely be buying in to the neon-glitter magic, that is Louise Gray. (Available in Stores from August 2012)

Amy x

P.S. As you guys already know, I am currently doing a Fashion Internship as part of my final degree; where a small team of creatives are launching a brand new retail experience for Solent University AND Southampton as a city. As the Communications Manager of this exciting project - I need as much help getting the message out there as possible, so please PLEASE take the time to check out our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/SOpopupshop

And follow our journey through the SO...Blog:http://so-blog.tumblr.com/. 

Much appreciated <3

official launch EEEK <3