Cara Delevigne: absence makes the heart grow fonder

Her trademark "goofy" faces have rocketed her to online fame - as have her relations with the likes of Rita Ora - but her attempt at becoming not the straight-faced model is so drastically the other end of the scale, it puts her completely out of the bounds of "normality".

On the one hand she's crazy and unrelatable because who can copy this?

On the other hand she's an elite supermodel with job offers flooding in by the dozen. All the main shows at fashion weeks, H&M, Burberry.

I like her. I think she's coping really well with such pressure. Being (gulp) only six months older than me, she's accomplished more with more of a level head than I can ever hope to achieve. I cannot do anything but commend her.

Except, for me, she's become the Emile Sande of fashion. She's on tv, in magazines, I can't click a link without her being somewhere on the page and as great as she is and as much as I want her to high-five me and share a Desperado with - if she was to turn up in my local bar I would not only be not-surprised but a little pissed off.

We need a break Cara. I love you and that's why you have to leave.

Masion Martin Margiela for H&M

It’s been a mad A/W for H&M and it’s only just started. The chain have been bringing out the big guns this season to prove that they not only belong well and truly on the high street with their purse-friendly prices, but that designers, and even the catwalk, better watch out.

The first big campaign was the Lana Del Rey collaboration. Having the American icon model some of their signature A/W pieces led to phrases such as “I love my Lana Del Rey dress” being casually thrown about student halls all over the kingdom.

A little later H&M announced that Vogue Japan’s Editor at large, the inspiring and eccentric Anna Dello Russo, was designing an accessories collection for them. The collection sold out in under 24 hours and her iconic “Fashion Shower” promo video has nearly half a million Youtube hits – check it out, you won’t regret it.

Maison Martin Margiela is the latest house to collaborate with H&M. Upstaging the comparatively tame Marni for H&M 2011 collection, this latest collection features blow up coats, super-oversized jeans and necklaces made from a lock of hair: step aside fashion beginners this one’s not for you.

Certain pieces are there simply to change the way we think about fashion, the faceless watch, for example, is bound to be a sell out cult piece. But doubtlessly we can guarantee the success of yet another collaboration. So, on the 15th November when the MMM 4 H&M collection is released, we can predict more ‘out of stock’ notifications.

But what’s next for the Sweedish power-house? Maybe we’re on route for a line of Lagerfeld’s leggings or perhaps Wintour’s wedges. Either way H&M are doing extremely well for themselves and our student budgets.

First published by Spark* newspaper: http://sparknewspaper.co.uk/fashion-beauty/maison-martin-margiela-for-hm/

Make a bang at bonfire night

With firework night coming up and tickets to Reading Lions Fireworks Extravaganza selling like crazy, it’s only natural to start bringing a little pre-christmas sparkle into our winter wardrobes.

Ditch those studs, we need some real girly shimmer! Sequin shorts are hitting the stores in every colour and every style, from high waisted navy at Missguided to little golden hot pants at Ark.

For a night out on the town wear them with killer stiletto heels, a button down chiffon shirt (bandeau required) and a statement necklace, more glitter is better. Zara’s latest accessories collection is perfect for eye-catching pieces, see the art deco styles for an outfit with a bang.

Alternatively, ankle boots, a fitted blazer, loose fitting vest and tights will ensure explosive style for cocktails with the girls or even a blazing-hot date.

To go all-out disco-ball and achieve some super shimmer, this H&M skirt is the ultimate emerald beauty. A showstopper on all counts, pair it with a leather jacket and whatever else you like, it’s guaranteed nobody will notice anything else about your outfit except your sparkly booty.

The Reading Lions are holding their Fireworks Extravaganza at Reading Town FC’s ground at Scours Lane, on Saturday November 3rd, so don your sequins, brave the cold (thick coat recommended) and rock your shimmery pins under the starlight.

First published by Spark* Newspaper: http://sparknewspaper.co.uk/fashion-beauty/put-a-bang-into-your-bonfire-night/

A night out at the Oracle Reading

At 8:30PM on Tuesday the 16th of October 2012 the Oracle opened their doors to hoards of excited students.  Wallets bulging with ready-to-spend-cash, feet freezing from the hour long wait in the cold, the floods of teenagers fought the urge to sprint to their favourite stores but instead maintained a “we are British, the British do not sprint, the British walk, very briskly” attitude.

The atmosphere was instantly overwhelming.  Between the low lighting, blaring music and free drinks (courtesy of Lola Lo’s) it was as if the shopping centre had converted into a club for the night, but so much better.  The evening only got better thanks to the deliciously free food that was thrust at us; thank you Tampopo, you’re next on the Riverside list to eat at!

Diving into Topshop first was the best idea of the night.  The sale section was rampant with bargain hunters, tearing through the racks, picking up item after item; I’m sure I saw a fight break out over a cream chiffon top.  It was like feeding time but these shopping animals were not tame.

Half an hour into the Takeover, Topshop and Topman were one in one out, crazy by any standards, as both till points were queued round the store.  New Look received the same treatment not much later on into the evening.

Speaking of queues, hitting the kids section to purchase a super slick blazer from H&M cut a good portion of queuing time, making sure we didn’t miss out on Violet Class killing it in Republic.  The live indie music was a sweet contrast to the club feel of the other stores, Republic nailed its unique selling point for the night and drew a more alternative crowd.

The nifty little purple discount cards given to shoppers added to the ‘exclusive’ feel of the night, while acting as a cute (not to mention free) memento, replacing the space in our purses where our money used to be.

Overall, a successful night at introducing the freshers to the Oracle, getting plenty of new clothes unbelievably cheap and for Reading’s economy.  David Cameron will be so pleased.

First published by Spark* Newspaper: http://sparknewspaper.co.uk/fashion-beauty/a-night-out-at-the-oracle-reading/

Fashion forward sportswear

Maybe the Olympics has spurred you to want to be part of Rio 2016 or perhaps the looming new year and the expectation to get your butt into the gym for a new years resolution is driving you to the SportsPark. Whatever your motivation, you need to look damn good, and how are you supposed to achieve that when you’re sweating one out? Easy.

Now, ladies, you need to strap your girls down. If you’re in the A cup club good for you, but us bigger than Bs need a suitable sports bra to keep Thelma and Louise from causing havoc in front of the boys. H&M offer good quality support sports bras ranging from £9.99 to £14.99, where can you go wrong? And if you blow the new year’s resolution it’ll look super cute for next fresher’s sports night out.

If your lady friends are supported make sure your feet are too. We’re talking trainers without the word ‘wedge’ in front, whoever thought we’d see the day. Perfect for a yoga cool down these mint Nikes scream chav turned chic, but if you’re aiming for gold turn to Adidas for less comfort more swag as you glisten through your workout.

Layer up with a pair of three quarter length leggings and a simple t-shirt. If you’re feeling confident and want to channel Jessica Ennis rep the tighter tees. However if you’re more of a vintage gal, opt for an oversized slogan or band tee, this Topshop one is particularly apt.

Finally, pop some fun into both your workout and your outfit with some novelty headphones. Check out Skullcandy for best in-ear sound quality and colour range, these INK’D Rasta ones are definitely my favourite.

Now all you need is the gym-goers ultimate accessory, the membership, and you’re set. Happy exercising!

First published by Spark* Newspaper: http://sparknewspaper.co.uk/fashion-beauty/fashion-forward-sportswear/

The Oracle’s Student Takeover: Be Prepared

Firstly: get informed!

Like “The Oracle Student Takeover” Facebook page and secondly sign up for queue jump by RSVPing to the event. If you don’t you’re guaranteed to be left standing out in the cold while watching all the people who planned ahead snap up the free Krispy Kreme doughnuts. Like a far more glamorous freshers fayre, there are freebies, opportunities to win spot prizes (£10 vouchers? Every little helps!), even complimentary cocktails. Time to get your Carrie Bradshaw on and shop, shop, shop! Do not forget to check in at the HMV entrance to the Oracle, without your exclusive discount card how are you going to get that bag you’ve been eyeing up for weeks?

The ones you need to know:

Topshop and Miss Selfridge (concession in Debenhams) are both offering 20%, which is double their regular discount, so persuade yourself that the jacket you’ve always wanted isn’t that expensive now, what are student loans for anyway?

For ultimate bargains, and topping up your A/W12 wardrobe with trend pieces at rock bottom prices, hit up Republic and New Look. Again, both offering 20% off. The big name and one of the busiest stores on the night, run over to H&M first to ensure you grab the sizes you want before they’re all gone! Cheap, good quality and stylish, we’d buy the whole shop without the extra 20% off but this makes it so much sweeter.

Top tip: queue upstairs?

There’s a till point downstairs in the kids section, swing by that one to avoid any unnecessary waiting; use the time saved enjoying a complimentary facial in Lush. Now onto shoes, my weakness! Office are offering 20% off for one night only. Last year I left with a pair of fringed, suede stilettos which became my favourite statement winter piece. Nothing says Christmas like red fringing! If beauty’s more your thing, Urban Decay are offering 10% off while the Body Shop are offering 20%! Who said we can’t pamper ourselves now that we’re students.

Above all have fun! This is a free event totally different to any freshers activities, with live music and an electric atmosphere it’s a great way to get to know a different side of your new friends as well as their wardrobes. I went with three friends last year who I now live with, so remember, students that shop together stay together.

First published by Spark* Newspaper: http://sparknewspaper.co.uk/fashion-beauty/the-oracles-student-takeover-be-prepared/

Staple, statement or fad?

A woman’s wardrobe should ideally divide into three simple categories: the trends, the awe-inspiring and the classic. Or, in fashion terms, the fad, statement and staple. This quick guide aims to tell you where to buy and how much to spend on clothes and accessories to keep you in the stylish loop of campus fashionistas.

Fad or trend pieces are the in and outgoing pieces that survive one season at a time, often decades apart. Spend your absolute minimum on these (anything over £30 is a waste) if you can’t ignore them completely and want to stay on trend. The neon trend is possibly the best trend any of us could have followed this summer. Last seen in the 80s and even resurfacing briefly during the early Spice Girls period of the 90s, for a total low-cost raid elder relatives wardrobes, if that fails, find any small accessory you can. Go for a neon yellow or pink for maximum output for minimum input, H&M earrings, or a Primark satchel should satisfy your trend craving for a teeny price, with the bright colour blasting any outfit into 2012 with a bang. Speaking of accessories, the category where “statement” gets thrown around a lot. A study was conducted into how many times a street style blog used the phrase “statement necklace” it happened more frequently than Nick Clegg manages to disappoint.

Embellished clutches, engineering-required earrings and extravagant arm parties are a safe bet, but I’m a firm believer in shoes. Make a good shoe a statement piece and it doesn’t matter what else you’re wearing. Budget £30-£70, see Topshop and River Island for the ultimate in outrageous yet wearable style.

Finally, transcending trends, understated but timeless, see: staple wardrobe. Like a staple diet, we’re talking your basics, your can’t-live-withouts. How to tell if it’s staple or fad? It would suit anyone from Marilyn Monroe to the Cheeky Girls (believe it or not). Yes, your basic staples should consist of t-shirts, jeans, leggings etc, but cut the boring stuff, we’re only interested in one thing. No budget, it’s priceless. No specific store, once you find it, you’ve found it. Flattering on any shape or size, designed with power and sexuality in mind, the symbol of eternal glamour. The only staple piece a woman needs is her little black dress.

First published by Spark* Newspaper: http://sparknewspaper.co.uk/fashion-beauty/staple-statement-or-fad/