Shifting into gear with the Fashion Career

So this year career wise it had been quite grey and full of uncertainty. Fortunately when it came to February, fashion week was round the corner and good timing, Wendy managed to get me in at Daks to be an assistant for 2 weeks helping out press and the design team. Sure some of it involved mundane tedious jobs but at least it kept me busy and I was getting a bit of income from it.

Fortunately after my 2-week stint, my recruitment agency managed to find me a temp tech job over in Camden with a supplier so at least it’s something related to my specialism, keeping my foot in there whilst finding the permanent job.

Few months later, still temping with the Supplier in Camden few rejections after interviews and no call backs from excessively flinging my CV to the vacancies it got frustrating. There were jobs that really caught my eye however I was still Junior or lacked experience in the Retail environment to work for a brand. The supplier where I had been temping at offered me a job; however there was another job I had my passionate eye on – All Saints.

I was so so determined to land this Job, sure the pay wouldn’t have been as much as the Supplier, but I was sick and fed up with working for a Supplier environment and wanted to get my foot into working for a brand, but how could I if nobody would employ me?!

When I told my mum about the dilemma, she was saying take the job with the higher pay – The Supplier. But I really didn’t want a permanent role with the company; I knew there would be no progression and the product is very dull for me – mature womens jerseywear

Where as working with a brand, I am working as the customer, and get to work with a collection and can see the process of the collection grow and develop. Whereas with a Supplier, it’s just an order of the type of style the Retail Buyers have placed an order on, sure they may change the colourway and print, but you don’t see a proper collection.

Fortunately there was light at the end of the Tunnel, I finally been offered a job at a company I feel I’ll be passionate towards, sure, it’s only contract but at least it’ll be good experience and a step into the retailer environment! ^.^ 

2011 BEGINS....

Well I will have to admit I can't believe it's now 2011, a year has gone by so quickly!

The long Christmas holiday was indeed a blissful one spending it in Devon with the folks, winding down to the slower easier pace, compared to the fast track rat rat of London

Was enjoyable to do nothing apart from relaxing and catching up with friends and indulging too much!

It's great to have time catching up, caught up even though via phone to two of my best friends from back in Secondary school times for a catch up, couldn't believe one of them has recently had a baby and the other has got engaged and still is as eccentric as ever!!

I was catching up with a good College friend and clubbing buddy Laura in Exeter too, she made me gain my Devonshire twang back for a while as her accent is very strong ^.^ She shared gossip with me about the devon happenings of the familiar people we know, some people had kids, got married, still with awful other halves when they should have broken up with them a long time ago *sigh* though, I suppose some people just really need that companionship.

Hmm.... I think it's so bizarre how some people are settling down already, but I suppose it just depends on one's lifestyle and way of life!  

The Long Season of Footbal

Ladies and Gents, we have hit the 2nd week of the world cup seaons now, and Big Brother, I don't think anyone's really giving a damn about!

The matches I'll have to say have been a mix of interesting and boring, my Brother even V+ a match last night and was fast forwarding some bits!

I have to say, when it comes to this sport, England can reall go all out in supporting their country with the flag of St George, and it's quite quirky when the England play, the band in the stadium plays the patriotic tunes of "Rule Britannia"

Thought I am not a fan of the football, I go for the environment and I'll be kept happy where there's Happy hour and with good company!

Feel good Sundays

It's always nice to have chilled out Sundays, where the sun is shining and being mildly dazed from the night before.

Dim sum is always good food to recover with from the night before! always good!

Afterwards, spontaneous as I am, ended up heading over to East London's Bethnal Green, as some friends asked me whether I was interested in Checking out a fashion exhibition. This place is hidden just a little way from Bethnal Green Tube station, called 10 Gales, such a quirky little place with the Gallery displayed downstairs, Powder room with a fun gas mask in a golden frame.

In the upstairs there was a little showroom like space displaying vintage clothing for sale and the little cafe bit, all feel good friendly retro environment I say, So kool they even have a hair dresser at the back giving haircuts for £5 bargain! She makes quite a good business!!

So the Gallery's exhibition contained some digital textile print works, illustrations, media pieces all very aesthetically pleasing ^.^ this place is definitely a wonderland place hidden away and is a treat to discover!I definitely wouldn't say no to visiting this place again, good choice as en route to Brick Lane! ^.^ Easy on the mind art and calming environment, Perfect Sunday!

Loving K Popping tunes! I'm so dancing the night away to K Pop in April but def gonna wear shorter heels or with more platform!

New Tune from After School, can't wait till the album's out!

The Little Things (II)

The saying home is where the heart is, I think that can be true. It’s so refreshing to go home visiting the folks and catching up with friends, and winding down to the slower pace and breathing fresh green air; it’s definitely nice to get out of the city, sometimes it can be too much.

I couldn’t believe there are now so many students around Exeter now especially the international students, they look young & I feel old!! Even though there are times I don’t act my age! Hehehe

Its so nice to enjoy Devon in the sunshine, makes it so different though I think it’s a bit too extreme, I spotted a fair few people wearing shorts, tees and flip flops…. Springs here but we’re still away from summer! There I was in my jacket and knitwear!

It’s so exciting catching up with old friends, I managed to see one who I’ve known for 20years and a few from college days, time flies, people change, some have had babies and some still same old same old.

I couldn’t believe that Hog’s Head in the town centres become a pub with a dance floor called ‘The Chevalier” the place has indeed become like it’s nickname, the “Chavelier” so many of them!

Moving on to an old haunt Time Piece where all the kool indie Kids hung out, various genres of music played, though they played cheese & chart tunes on a Saturday…. Rococo & Arena play enough of that shit! I was catching up with old work friends, we opted for staying down in the bar, more chilled out environment and more eclectic tunes played, ranging from Hives, Jackson 5, ODB; I swear that “Baby I got your Money” tune is over 8years old! I remember one of my childhood friends being obsessed with that tune & was constantly playing the single in her room.

Catching up with people is always good, sharing fun memories ^.^

Sunday is always one of my favourite days in Devon, so chilled out. Winding down from the night before, though I wasn’t hung over only a few casual drinks & no clubbing, aren’t I good!

Well Sunday’s always car boot sale day and pop out with the parents having a walk around and seeing what findings we could find. Mum did better than me, finding things for 10p each, from crystal glasses to a big brolly, there were things I wanted but was still a bit expensive, there was so much vintage jewellery I liked but nothing cheap enough I would have wanted as a keeper. Though we did buy an interesting wooden figurine for 50p!! Still trying to decide what animal it is; is it a mouse, or a pig? Pygmy?

Nomadic Chic

Argh! I’m so slow with blogging, though I do admit it takes me a while to research and see what is strong enough to post! I admire those who are able to blog everyday! Once a week is enough for me methinks!!

I was actually contemplating whether to actually put this post down on my blog. I’ve been thinking about this for a few weeks now, my style is evolving, I’m really loving layering due to it looks really fun & the joyful cold we’ve all had to put up with, needed to warm up and layer up, but hey it looks good!

I realised since last week I’ve been doing a fair bit of interesting layering! & I consider it a bit more of “Nomadic Chic” I know I know what the hell am I on, I didn’t want to contradict myself in the English language but I think Nomadic would be the correct term, free wandering traveller, urban twists I would say to style! I miss my green knitted hat, damn it falling out of my bag in London bridge station, it’s now in a world of doom!!

For me, clothing wise I’m enjoying layering up knit wears mixed with jersey cardis, I do admit to wearing dark colours, so I add colour with the old make up or accessories, those who know me long & well enough, the plastic neon bead necklaces I’ve got ar

e always a winner!! ^.^ I am also going through a scarf phase really old pieces I’ve had for over 5years real textures to them & now I bring them back out & love them!

I really need to get my adobe stuff sorted on my computer, picture editing is so restricted without it!!

Layering has been a very popular look cold places in Europe do it well such as Denmark and Sweden but it's also practicality as well as looking good. Not to mention volume is a bit of a love love!

I find label wise would fall in the Nomadic Chic, def Rick Owen’s & I’ll say I’m feeling Alexander Wang’s pieces Gareth Pugh was the one who started it off, as we've got some development pieces with such interesting textured fabrics that made me think of his work , but don’t want to overwhelm with labels, it’s all about styling to make thinks piece together!! Though High end High street I would say likes of Religion, Bolongaro Trevor, grudgingly All Saints (mental note, need to find alternative to that label!) but come to think of it these three labels started out by the same people!

haha something amusing!

Been tidying bit of crap in my room & find my old note book with bit of uni notes fashion related bits and in one of the pages found this little saying thing that I wrote God knows how many years ago but I remember it was my Dad telling me this & I thought was Amusing!!

"If I marry a White Guy, He'll cheat on me,

If I married a Black Guy, He'll hit me

If I married an Indian Guy, He'll starve me

And a Muslim will have me Killed"

Damn.... this is a bit Racy!! Hmm... Dad's joke here isn't very PC

well that strikes of a few races of guys, I take it my Dad doesn't want me marrying into! hahaha! well if all else fails I'll just take a Civil Partnership with Mimi HAHAHAHA!! since she wants me to serenade her singing KC and Jojo I don't even know the song!

Wedding of Simon & Novanne

Weddings are indeed a happy and memorable occasion.

Catching up and sharing a loving event with friends and family. The Registration office was a lovely Tudor building, very heritage.

As the bride and groom started signing the marriage certificate, the tears started from the Best man, and Grooms parents; which set the Groom and Bride off crying as well, such an emotional moment.

Evening dinner was held at the Guildhall in Coventry a very Traditional English location, next to the old Cathedral I think my history isn't that great!

Typical me being with the "cool" table, sat with a good bunch, we had a lot to talk about many interesting discussions, jokes and anecdotes to share, lot of laughs! Very sociable! I think we were the loudest table stuck between the Bride/Grooms who were at the top & other tables around us, they seemed much quieter than we were. The Lewis the Best Man and his Mum, were glad we were having a good time & knew we would be the best and lively table of the room!! (yes to the under 30s table!!)

After the dinner Groom & his old School mates went out to the court yard for a celebratory cigar, typical me I can't say no & decided to join the manly session! First time I've ever smoked a Cigar! Not bad! Though Yan my best mate who was also at the wedding said I'm becoming like my dad!

Dancing in the Hall was good! Lewis did some breaking with his crew who were really awesome & I couldn't get over one of the members did such a sick job with pop and locking, and he's 42!

DJ played chart tunes and of course classic floor fillers from the 90s! definitely couldn't say no to Dancing to Wigfield's Saturday Night, which I finally remember the moves

to, the Macarena, it's a must and YMCA!

fun fun times & congrats to the Happy Newly Weds! I wish them all the best

First dance was to this classic Chinese Love song ^.^

White Devon

I was a little bit pessimistic coming back down to the Shires this weekend because of snow and ice affecting train travel, but it’s all been smooth riding there and back.

Despite my mad antics in the club (well maybe its normal actually!) Exeter in the snow is quite pretty. As I walkedabout from home to Town, passing the signature building of Exeter that's the Cathedral.

Met up with one of my old school mates from Secondary school days, ended up buying a pair of shoes (1^st pair for the new year) these are heavy-duty practical shoes, Dr Martens! Quirky floral pattern, can go with other things, apart from the skinny’s I think skirts and stripy tights! Hehehehe quite punk rocky styled I know, perfect for a gig! Or my look when I was 17…..

It’s just lovely taking time out of the Capital and winding down to the easy pace, though I was still fast walking around the town shopping but as I I walked home I saw a dead black bird in the snow lying in the snow, was quite a sad thing.

Simple things were so relaxing to do, one which isn’t teaching Mum how to use the computer to surf the net and look for cheap travel tickets; doesn’t help that my old computer brought in 2002 is VERY Slow! As teaching mum how to surf the Internet, I noticed a fat bird in our garden that was hanging about in our garden rummaging in the snow for food, when I was taking a photo of it I saw it poop! Hahaha! Mum thought I was nuts. It’s so cute I want it as a pet! Surprised it hung around the garden for quite a while, and then moved to the front.

I couldn’t help myself with the inner kid in me to play out in the snow in the back garden, might as well do it, no one else was gonna play in the snow, well I can’t imagine my parents having a snow fight! Even though I didn’t take enough time making my sculptures I cracked an attempt at a snow Penguin and Rabbit…. Damn, I think I did a better job at snow bunnies when I was 17!

Hmm as I’m travelling back to Londontown I see a guy hand writing letters to people, its quite an aesthetic touch, with very beautiful joined up writing, it’s quite sad how hand writing letters is a very rare thing these days and the thought of receiving letters; now days it’s all electronic and digitalized, txting, e-mails and instant messenger, man I sound like an oldie!

ooh definitely want to share this song with you guys even though I know it's a pretty old tune, but it's just my favorite song to have playing on a Sunday. Drake is was last years Next big thing, a bit like Kanye and Lykke Li is a Swedish Indie Electroish artist. Drake did a mash up with her song

hope you guys enjoy it!