Fashion and Style Blog

Sunday 29 April 2012

Making a Peter Pan Collar- Step by Step guide!

 Peter Pan collars have been a big trend for this season, on shirts, dresses and blouses, but also a separate accessory that can be added to any outfit. I love this look, and  nearly every High Street brand has been selling them, pearl ones, lace ones and embellished ones, and prices around £15-20.
So, in the effort to one be creative and two save some penny's, I decided to have a go at making my own. This post is my step by step guide to making your own collar, and hopefully you will have as much fun as I did! 

 
*I need to point out up front that I am no expert in textiles, sewing or crafting, I just love creating things and having one off pieces that are unique, so if some of these techniques are a bit "different" I apologies, they were just the easiest steps for me! *

First step is to buy the material that you are going to use, I went to a local fabric shop, (there will definitely be one near you, google if you are not sure) and picked out a metallic leather, it is best to chose a material that will hold it's shape around the neck. 
Then it is fun bit of picking all the beads, lace and buttons you want to add to the collar, I am like a kid in a candy store in the Bead Shop, so for me this was probably the longest part of the whole process! In the end I went for quite neutral, metallic colours, so I could wear the collar with lots of different looks, but you can go for what ever styles you want, that's the beauty of it! 
You don't need to spend a lot my total costs were £5.95 for it all, so a real bargain!

Once you have these you are ready to start and below is the full breakdown of what you will need!
The material and beads/lace, A pencil, ruler, fabric scissors, fabric glue, needle and thread

Step 1- Get a shirt from your wardrobe and lay it out on the  Material. 
Draw a line with the pencil around the edge of the collar on to the Material to give you a template to cut around. 
Then cut along the line to give you your basic shape. 
Step 2- Once you have a basic shape, you need to create a curve to sit around your neck. 
Draw a line just about halfway across the material and bring it down at each side. 
Then cut along this line and you will have a shape that is curved and pointed at each end.
Step 3- The next step is to create a shape that will sit in your neck, the easiest way to do this is to use the ruler at the middle point of the collar and draw a triangle. 
Cut along this line and you will have the completed shape. ( it is best to check at this point that the collar fits around your neck and that meets at the middle in front of your neck)




Step 4- Attach fasteners at the front of the collar, to keep it in place around your neck, I stitched these on. 
Then I covered the fastener with one of the beads,(to make it look better) again, I just stitched this with a needle and thread.
Step 5- This is the fun bit! You can start creating the look of your collar, by using the fabric glue to stick on each bead/ button, you do have to be quite patient, however and let each bead dry for a few minutes before sticking on the next. Once you have stuck down one side, mirror the same pattern on the other side. 



Step 6- This is last step, take the lace for the edge of the collar and measure down each side. Cut the lace to fit the collar and then with the fabric glue stick down (carefully) along each side. 
Then leave it all to dry over night and you are ready to wear with whatever styles you choose! 




I hope these steps make sense and you can follow my idiots guide, which believe me it is! If I can make this then anyone can! I love creating and making things, especially jewelry, so if you like this post, I will try and write up a few more how to guides! 

Let me know how you get on with your collars and good luck! I am loving wearing mine, and it is great when someone asks you where is your collar from and you can say "me!". 

Hope you have all had fab weekends, even though the weather has been horrible! It is supposed to be getting sunny again next week, so hopefully we will be able to get our spring/ summer wardrobe back out!
More posts, this week, so stay tuned!

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Thursday 26 April 2012

New Skirt and Neons!















Skirt-Simply Be, Top-Primark, Belt-New Look
Necklace-(bought in Greece), Shoes- Primark

I always get excited when I get to wear a new item of clothing and I has been waiting for the right time to roll out my new Simply Be dip hem skirt and today was the day! The weather has been awful (hence the inside pictures) so I decided to cheer myself up by wearing something new! 
I am really happy with this skirt, it is soo comfy and a really good length at the front, so you don't have to worry about it being too short I think that is why I am loving the dip hemmed skirts this season as they allow you to get your legs out without going the whole hog!
To wear with it I have gone for old classics, in my fav wedges, that I have had for years, the cross over detail creates a really nice feature to the look, rather than just normal solid wedges. And my Primark neon Orange top has been a staple of this season, the perfect way to bring an outfit up to date! The necklace I have also had for years and I find whenever I wear quite solid colours I always turn to this necklace to bring the top half come to life, who doesn't love a big statement necklace? 

Well, we have officially broke the back of the week and it's Friday tomorrow! I am heading out for drinks with friends from work and then catching up with blog stuff over the weekend, my home made peter pan collar is ready and I will be posting my how to steps to make it, so stay tuned! 

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Wednesday 25 April 2012

Outfits of the Week!

Hi Guys, 

Today is the first post of my new weekly feature 
"Outfit of the Week!" 
Every week I ( and Katie) will do our best fashion spying on the big high street players and pick out one shop who we feel has the best overall outfit from there "new in" section. They could be dressy, smart, casual, but it has to be a complete look from head to toe, now I know we would never wear an outfit made up of completely one shop  
(although I have done that on occasion with Primark!) but this is more to find which shop is offering the most bang on trend items each week. 
Some weeks, like this one, there will probs be more than one shop, but it just gives you more fab fashion to choose from! 

This weeks winners are....

                                                            Miss Selfridge
                      Hat- £16, Top- £32, Leggings- £22, Clutch- £24, 
                          Cuff-£10,Shoes- £40

Metallic's have been huge this season and when I saw these sliver leggings, I knew I had the start of the very cool look, I like to mix styles and trends, so I teamed them with this gorgeous graphic print top, which ticks 3 boxes of being print, pastels and Aztec/tribal. The hat is brand new in stock and will no doubt fly of the shelves, so get it while you can, and how fab are these wedges? Not only do they tie in with the colour of the top, they look perfect with leggings and are great at giving the calves some definition! 

                                                               River Island


   Jacket- £55, Vest- £6, Jeans £35  , Bag- £65, Necklace £12, 
                            Shoes £50

This look was all about the Jacket, how amazing is the bright print, that will literally make any outfit look polished, River Island have been wonderful with prints this season definitely worth checking out.So, I keep it really simple after that and just put it was these light denim ( on trend) jeans and this bargain yellow vest! The shoes were the other main selling pint to this look, who would love to own these this Summer? 

                                                                    Topshop 
       Dress-£28,Bag- £32, Bracelets- £16.50,Shoes- £65 

I saw this dress, as soon as I hit the Topshop site, I love it, it is the perfect Summer dress, for either day or night.So, I had to style it like I was packing my holiday wardrobe, with big bold wedges and a raffia bag, nothing to structured or bold, this look is all about beach to bar casual! 

I hope you like my picks and this new feature, and if you have any ideas or suggestions for Outfit of the Week, please let me know. 
So, now you can hit the shops and buy them this weekend, after pay day. It is such a great feeling to know you can go shopping again without the post clothes guilt that comes with it towards the end of the month! 

Happy Midweek! 
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Sunday 22 April 2012

Slouchy Sunday!

Top- H&M Conscious Collection, Cardy- Dorothy Perkins
Jeans- Primark, Bag-H&M, Hat-H&M

 Today was just one of the those Sundays when you just want to throw on a big comfy cardy and go, but I couldn't resist the opportunity to road test my new top from the H&M Conscious Collection too! It was soo comfy and looked perfect with this relaxed look. 
It was a very chilled out day ( unlike all the amazing runners at the Marathon who were awesome, especially my bestie Lucy!) we go up and had a yummy breakfast in Manchester's Norther Quarter and then had a mooch around all the vintage and independent shops. There is such an amazing selection, we really are spoiled, it is an Aladdin's cave of individual and unique pieces it is a real fashion treat. My fav stop is the Bead Shop in Affleck's Palace, I literally could spend ALL day in there, I make my own jewelry and they have the best selection of beads, buttons and sequins ever!
We then hit the Manchester Markets and very difficultly avoided the cheese stalls, that looked and smelled fab and rounded it off with a Belgium lager in a Beer House, so all and all a good Sunday! 
It is great to have one of those days where you just go out and wander round your neighbourhood, we are normally so busy at the weekend it is nice to just stay at home and enjoy it.

Hope you have all had fab weekends and don't have the Monday blues too much!

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Friday 20 April 2012

Highlight of the Week- H&M Conscious Collection!

To say that the H&M Conscious Collection is my Highlight of the week is not strictly true, as it should have been about 3 weeks ago, but I have been so busy with Manchester Fashion Week and haring about visiting friends this is the first opportunity I have had to write a post on it. 
I am so excited about this collection, it has beautiful skirts, dresses, tops and shorts that will become staples for every summer wardrobe and still at a really assessable price.(Which is what we are all about here at Logan's Runway)Sometimes, when high street brands bring out new ranges and collections it is an excuse to put the prices up, but lucky for us this is not the case! 
The most important detail of this range is the fact that it is part of H&M pledge for a more sustainable fashion future and trying to make steps in reducing the effect on the environment. Over the past couple of years, more and more designers and brands have started to look at ethical clothing, but for a high street brand to launch a whole collection is very exciting.

It is hard to know where to start,I want it all!
Long Blouse £19.99 , Dress £14.99 , Dress £29.99, Shirt £9.99, 
Skirt £9.99
                             Vest £14.99, Skirt £14.99, Dress £24.99, 
               Bandeau Dress £ 19.99, Dress £19.99

The pattern on the skirts and dresses is bang on trend, the use of the pastel greens, yellows and pinks, allows you to team it with all the spring pieces you will already have and although they are florals (again) they are a funky and tropical and fun! 
The lace dresses and vests really remind me of Louis Vuitton SS12 collection, it is stunning and literally flying off the shelves when I was in the store, so i had to get involved and my first purchase was this gorgeous lace top which I will be wearing round the clock, when the weather finally gets better!  


   (Ok, so there maybe are some expensive pieces!)
               Dress £199, Dress, £199, Shift Dress £59.99, Dress £199

These are the really high end to the collection 4 dresses with the real wow factor, and perfect for any red carpet event. The first time we saw H&M's evening dress designs were on Michelle Williams at this years Bafta's and these are just as successful. Not for the normal shopping spree but if you have a really special occasion, these will knock most others out of the park. My fav is the purple detailed dress, the colours are amazing.

I am sure that most of you will already have been in to check this range out,it has been in the shops about 2-3 weeks. But if not then you have too, even if it is just to buy one or two pieces you could still have change of £30- bargain! 

I am sure you are as glad as me it is the weekend, I have had a rubbish cold all week so hoping to get rid of it and go for a shopping afternoon tomorrow to help my friend style an outfit for a wedding she is going to, I hope you all have great weekend planned too!

Happy Weekend, Happy Shopping!
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Wednesday 18 April 2012

Bright stripes!

                                        Jumper-M&S, Chino's- H&M, Jacket-H&M 
           Shoes-New Look, Bag- Viva La Diva, Necklace-Primark
          Nails- H&M Duo Lavender Frost (glitter over coat)
                                                                   Ring- Vintage
                                                                                 
This weather is really starting to annoy me, one day it is raining, next it is windy, then the sun comes out! It is becoming a real nightmare to know what to wear each day, which you can imagine is no good for a nightly clothes planner like me!
So, I decided to not let the weather get me down this morning and wear my bright stripey jumper, which always puts me in a better mood, this beauty is from M&S, not my normal shopping ground, but they are perfect for essentials and over the past few seasons have had some fab up to trend pieces, so if you haven't been in for a while, go and check it out. 
However, the highlight of my day was the first outing with my new brown suede bag! It is from Viva La Diva, they have such a fab selection of own brand and designer bags it was hard to know what to go for but I loved this duffel look bag, as I will be able to wear it to the office and wear it in the summer ( when it comes) with denim cut offs. 
What is it about a new bag that always puts us in a better mood, rain and wind outside but a new bag to walk outside with makes it fine? Fashion maths, eh? 

Well, I hope you like my attempt to pull me out of the mid week slump- Wednesday is my normal black day, and I hope you are enjoying dressing for these April showers! 
Not long till the weekend now, I do not have any concrete plans, but seem to have a lot to do, I always love weekends like that, you can go into Friday not knowing where the next few days my take you!

Happy Mid week! 
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Monday 16 April 2012

Coachella Fashion Picks!

If there is one festival I always wish I was going too it is Coachella. Not just because it always has an amazing line ups,  The Black Keys, The Vaccines, Artic Monkeys, David Guetta, Radio Head and Dr Dre and Snoop, to name a few at this years star acts, but, because it is always has the best fashion picks!
The style of Coachella is a wonderful mix bag of hippy, bo ho, preppy and smart, it is not like any UK festival, where you are very weather dependant, so it allows people to be more individual in their styling, which always brings an fab fashion line up! 

As this years event drew to a close last night, check out my fav fashionista's from the weekend! 


Kate Bosworth is without doubt my star girl, every outfit is so well put together, without it looking like there was too much effort put in. (we know there will have been tho!) Getting her awesome legs out and leaving the detail to the patterns and fabrics she has worn on top, this is a festival masterclass!

Vanessa Hudgens

Zanna Roberts Rassi

Emma Watson 

Lea Michelle

Harley Viera Newton

All of these lovely ladies have perfected the laid back glamour to a tie, I love the white dresses, shirts and t shirts, there is something so cool and chic about white at a festival!

Although, the was one loser for me.....


Katie Perry, is a stunning girl and can look so fab, but I am sorry, this look does not do it for me, the dress is great but the see through effect is not flattering, it is such a big trend at the moment, but you need to make sure you have got the right undergarments on. 
I do love the new longer length of her hair, however and the colour is awesome!

Well, I hope you like my picks, I wish I had been there!
But, we are just at the start of the festival season, so there will be plenty more style to come this summer.

I will also post my top festival wardrobe staples really soon! 

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Friday 13 April 2012

Manchester Fashion Week in Pictures!

Today is the last day of Manchester Fashion Week, it has been a great event and we have seen some stunning pieces on the Runway! I have loved being able to just pop down in my local area and see such a celebration of fashion and new local talent. 
I still have a couple of reviews left to write up which I will try and get up as soon as possible,so stayed tuned for them, you don't want to miss the Manchester school of Art, but in honour of the last day I just wanted to post some of my pics of the week, not just of the shows but the venue itself. 

                                               
I hope this gives you a feel for what has been going on this week, it has been fab and I can't wait for next years already! 

Well, I am off for the to visit all my Uni friends for a birthday weekender, both me and Katie have got new outfits for the occasion so hopefully I will be able to post some pics of them next week- providing they are not too drunken! :-) 
I hope you all have fab weekends and if you are shopping, you are in luck there are some fab fashion finds out there!! 

     Happy Weekend and Happy Shopping! 

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Thursday 12 April 2012

Runway Report- House of Herlihy

As you know, this week I have been reporting on Manchester Fashion Week and yesterday I went to the House of Herlihy show,a label set up by fashion student Sinead O'Herlihy in 2011. This was her second collection, a stunning range of digital print shift dresses and evening gowns. 

There was some beautiful prints and colours in this collection and all the shift dresses had a metallic sheen that was bang on trend. 
This was a real ready to wear selection of dresses, it was hard to choose a favourite, they all had great shape and would look great on all body shapes, this is defiantly a label to watch!

For more information on The label and Sinead, here is the link to the website http://www.houseofherlihy.com  

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Day two Manchester Fashion Week Outfit's!

Yesterday was another great day at Manchester Fashion week, it was the day I was most excited about as it was the Manchester school of Art show which was showcasing 6 of the most promising designers from their award winning fashion courses. So, there was a lot to live up too and it did not disappoint, the designs were unique and daring and I will do a full review of the show very soon- you will love the pieces! 
 I also saw the beautiful House of Herlihy show, which is a independent label set up by Sinead O'Herliry in 2011, this was a stunning collection of digital printed shift dresses and evening gowns, which I will also review here asap!

Apologies, I am in a hurry again today as I am heading back down for my third day at the catwalk and so just wanted to quickly pop up what I wore for my second outing, my partner in style, Katie joined my yesterday, which was great, so her outfit is there too!

                                Leggings- Topshop, Vest-H&M, Shirt-Primark
                    Jacket-H&M, Ring-H&M, Hat-H&M
           Necklace-No Angel(An Independent Manchester Shop)
                     Shoes-New Look, Bag-Primark

After being a bit more glam on Tuesday for the Misguided shows, I wanted to be bring it down a notch and went for my Topshop print leggings, which I am loving at the moment, the monochrome colour has been perfect cos I have been able to wear so many different colours with them. However, as I have said before, if you are a pear shape like me it is best not to wear patterns or prints on the top half too so I choice this black loose sleeveless shirt from Primark, it was comfy and it falls really well so you don't have to play around with it all day pulling it down or up. 
The accessories I decided to keep simple and the gold charm necklace was my first pick, it adds something to the look but does not dominate it which is always best if you have loud leggings on!

Wetlook Legging-Boohoo, Tribal Vest-Newlook, 
Jacket-Primark, Vest-H&M, Boots-Primark,
Necklace-New Look

All you lovely keen followers will know we have posted this tribal New Look vest before, a few weeks ago but when you love a top, you can't stop wearing it! (The secret is to be able to style it in different ways)This time Katie wanted to dress it up with a blazer, this is a really good look if you want to try the tribal/Aztec trend but don't want to turn it full on! The colour of the blazer is really important though, try not to always go for a black,it's so easy I know but, Katie wanted to pick out the orange and browns of the top and felt the Burgundy was going to work best, we are all about the colours at the mo! 


Well, I hope you liked our picks, I will go know and get myself ready for more shows, this afternoon we have Mulberry, Flannels and Ted Baker so very excited! 
Will give you the full round up tomorrow!

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Wednesday 11 April 2012

Day One Manchester Fashion Week Outfit-Missgiuded Dress!

As you know this week is Manchester Fashion Week! I reporting for you all week on all things glam and gorgeous on the catwalk, but off the runway us mere mortals need to impress on the clothes stakes too!

Here are a few pics of my outfit choice for the first day, I went for a Missguided dress, as it was Missguided day! I bought this dress ages ago and have been waiting for the right time to give it a premier and yesterday was the day! I hope you like! 





                                                   
                                        Dress- Missguided, Necklace-Topshop
                 Shoes-Newlook, Ring- Primark


This Missguided dress was a complete bargain it was only £17.99 and is a really comfy Jersey material so you can move around freely in it and not feel restricted. I teamed it with a really bold necklace to give the look more edge, this necklace had some lovely comments in one of my previous posts, it is a classic and one I pull out again and again.  
The spilt is a little high, but that is what makes the dress stand out, so go on flash that thigh!! (if you are a bit worried about this you could stitch or fabric glue down the spilt until you are happy)
As you also know I am all about the curves, and I think dresses that can show off a waist, bum and hips is great, being around the models it can sometimes make you feel self conscious about having shape, but don't worry- the size 10/12 is the new 0! It is all about making trends work for you and your body shape, that is what I love so much about styling.

I am just getting ready now to head back to The Avenue for my day of shows, so stay tuned for a round up of today's events! 

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