Thursday, 27 February 2014

Ethical and Local Fashion with MadeCloser


Many of my readers will know and I have featured several times, my love for independent brands and UK based fashion labels.  So much production is now filtering overseas it’s sometimes easy to forget in little ol Blighty that we do still have lots of talented individuals and businesses that produce and source all of their products from our own country.   Not only is this brilliant for our economy but it’s also giving us as a nation the freedom of choice in unique goods and services and keeping our much needed money in this country. 

With today’s hectic schedules and finding little time to go to the high street and seek out these wonderful independent boutiques and stores, convenience is becoming our best friend.  That might be in the form of doing all your shopping including clothing, electricals, gifts in your nearest supermarket or using the brilliant internet to buy online. 

The web is the perfect place to find unusual, unique, handmade goods and the influence of social media is helping these brands reach out to far more people than before but if like me sometimes you don’t have time to sit for hours trawling twitter, facebook or the net in general for goodies, then there’s a fab place just for you!  I have been introduced to the perfect website which has them all under one roof. 

ethical clothing, madecloser, made in the UK


MadeCloser is a website which enables you to find lots of products ranging from Fashion, Beauty, Gifts and much more from brands and businesses that make everything right here in the UK.  If like me you love to know exactly what is in your skin cream or where the ingredients have originated and care about how and where it has been made, then this site is perfect for you.  MadeCloser prides itself on supporting local and national economy and provides options for buyers and sellers through its unique marketplace and is actively involved in promoting self-sustainability and free will. 

I have found so many different brands on MadeCloser and one of my favourite finds so far is Nancy Dee.  This label brings together my two favourite things, vintage inspired designs and British ethically made pieces.   They have quirky designs with retro styles that are all made here in the UK.  Check out my favourite dresses from their collection.  Everything is free delivery too. 

ss14, vintage clothing, handmade clothing, ethical

ethical clothing, handmade, made in the uk, vintage clothing

ethical clothing, vintage clothing, retro, handmade clothing
Nancy Dee

This is the perfect website to find great fashionable items, at a great price and all sourced and made within the UK.  Take a peek at the website www.madecloser.co.uk and immerse yourself in quality brands whilst having a lovely feeling you are doing your bit for the local and national economy.

Would love to know what brands and products take your fancy, take a look and let me know!


Follow Elsie D on:





*




Sunday, 23 February 2014

OOTD - Lazy Sunday Neon Brights

Today I had a nice lazy Sunday so I didn't have to make much of an effort on the outfit front, so I decided on a nice comfy thick knit jumper and my bright floral leggings.  A crazy neon inspired outfit you might say but lovely and warm and super comfortable for lounging around.

Check out my comfy Sunday OOTD:


OOTD, neon, florals, ss14


Follow Elsie D on:


Saturday, 22 February 2014

OOTD - Winter Florals

I have been having one of those days today where I just don't know what to wear (actually that is most days!).  After having a huge tidy of my wardrobe I found this pretty dark winter floral light jacket that is a perfect little spring pick me up with lovely flowers and birdies, that also matches perfectly with my tattooed sleeve.

As this jacket contains so much detail I decided to match it with my basic staple black mini and shiny thick black tights, it is still very chilly after all.  I took the pictures of todays OOTD with my new Canon EOS 600d and it's such a fab camera.  I'm still a little scared to use incase I break it but i'm sure that will wear off!

So here is my OOTD, a AW13 trend Winter Florals:




OOTD

Floral Jacket - So Fabulous
Mini Skirt - H&M 


Follow Elsie D on:




Tuesday, 18 February 2014

London Fashion Week AW14 Day Five

The final day of fashion week finished with a host of fabulous designers including Simone Rocha, Osman, Fashion East and Zoe Jordan.  The event has been a huge success featuring 227 designers on the catwalk and presentations, 5000 press and buyers attending and numerous A-listers gracing the front row.

Check out some of my favourite frocks from day five:

Simone Rocha

Simone Rocha's collection created a romanticism of layers and dark shades.  The looks also featured tartan, a bit hit for AW14 and bold red colourings and peplum styling.

london fashion week aw14, simone rocha

london fashion week aw14, simone rocha

london fashion week aw14, simone rocha


Osman

Another cobalt and dark shade collection, featuring lots of layering and draping.  Beautiful feminine style and texture create lovely elegant but edgy pieces.

london fashion week aw14, osman

london fashion weel aw14, osman

london fashion week aw14, osman

Fashion East

This design collaboration is a special mix of emerging designers chosen by a high profile panel of experts offering support and mentoring to create a breath taking collection.  This fashion industry scheme has catapulted the likes of Simone Rocha, Meadham Kirchhoff and House of Holland to name a few.  

This collection has an edgy, funky feel with bold prints and a grungy style.  I really like the look of these pieces and it is one of my favourite collections of the day.

london fashion weel aw14, fashion east

london fashion week aw14, fashion east

london fashion week aw14, fashion east


Phew, it's been a crazy few days and I feel exhausted following the ins and out of this amazing AW14 season.  I'm definitely lined up for next season and I will be in London come rain or shine.  I hope you've like the snippets into my favourite collections and styles and as always please follow for lots more updates, fashionising and my fashion loves, here at Elsie Delilah.


Follow Elsie D on:


* Images from London Fashion Week highlights


Monday, 17 February 2014

London Fashion Week AW14 Day Four

I haven't been able to catch as many shows today as I'd like but I have loved catching up via the livestream and highlights.  I know some people are a bit fed up of the media circus that is London Fashion Week but I do love to see the different creations and how they will eventually filter down onto the highstreet for us mere mortals than can't afford the hefty price tag.

Todays shows included designers such as Christopher Kane, Erdem, Huishan Zhang and Peter Pilotto. Check out some of my favourite pieces from each collection below:

Huishan Zhang

This collection saw intricate detailing with monochrome colouring.  The texture of these pieces was amazing and the show created a glamourous luxe feeling to the audience.

london fashion week aw14, huishan zhang

london fashion week aw14, huishan zhang

london fashion week aw14, huishan zhang

Erdem 

The signature style of this collection saw eye catching graphics with luminescent colour and unique style.  Perfect for ladies with a creative individualism to their style.  

london fashion week aw14, erdem

london fashion week aw14, erdem

london fashion week aw14, erdem

Peter Pilotto

This striking collection presented bright colours, beautiful design and had an arty feel to the pieces.  The dresses were defined and beautifully structured and created a unique feminine look.


london fashion week aw14, peter pilotto

london fashion week aw14, peter pilotto

london fashion week aw14, peter pilotto

london fashion week aw14, peter pilotto

Check out the last day of London Fashion Week tomorrow and my favourite pieces and pictures all here tomorrow evening :)

Follow Elsie D on:


* All images from London Fashion Week livestream and highlights

OOTD - Mixing Prints

Haven't done a OOTD post in a while so thought I'd share a little post on mixing prints.  I love prints and as I've said before I love cardi's and have so many different styles and colours.  This outfit yet again is a mixture of lovely donations from my sis in law and some sale bargains, I lucky never to have spend a fortune on clothing!

Mixing prints is never a bad thing and adds a little spice to your outfit and getting creative adds some interest to our sometimes drab winter wardrobes!  Check out my OOTD and this cute print dress from H&M.



OOTD

Cardigan - Papaya
Dress - H&M
Shoes - New Look


Follow Elsie D on:




Sunday, 16 February 2014

London Fashion Week AW14 Day Three

Today saw a star studded range of shows including the gorgeous Cara Delevingne showing off her new collection for Mulberry.  A-listers hit the frow for Vivenne Westwood's romantic inspired collection including Jessie J and Paloma Faith.  Other designers today included Temperley London and Paul Smith to name a few.

Check out some of the pictures from todays shows:

Temperley London

This collection oozed strong femininity and displayed gorgeous patterns and colours for AW14.  Blue featured once again and is a beautiful bold colour for the season.

temperley london

temperley london

temperley london


Mulberry

The model of the minute Cara Delevingne showcased her new range in collaboration with famous handbag designer Mulberry.  Beautiful bags as always, little bit out of my price range but one can dream.

mulberry, cara delevingne

mulberry, cara delevingne

mulberry, cara delevingne

Red Label by Vivenne Westwood 

My favourite collection of the day and a big hit with A-listers.  This love heart, romantic inspired collection featured lots of bright bold reds, tartan and a fabulous triangular design on tights and tops.   The collection had a strong feminist feel and the skirt suits reminded me of the 40's Land Girls style smart suits.  No expense was spared with a live performance sound track and Jessie J and Paloma Faith looking gorgeous on the front row.


red label by vivenne westwood

red label by vivenne westwood

red label by vivenne westwood

red label by vivenne westwood

red label by vivenne westwood

red label by vivenne westwood

red label by vivenne westwood, jessie j, paloma faith

red label by vivenne westwood, frow


Check back tomorrow for lots of lovely pictures from Day 4!


Follow Elsie D on:



* Pictures from London Fashion Week livestream and hightlights



Saturday, 15 February 2014

London Fashion Week AW14 Day Two

Day two saw a great selection of designers and one of my favourites Orla Kiely presenting a cute vintage style collection.  Other designers I managed to catch included Emilia Wickstead and Sibling which had a fabulous collection of knitwear.

Check out some of the fab styles from these designers:

Orla Kiely

This presentation saw a lovely collection of colours, patterns and textures with a vintage 60's twist.  I love this collection as it's something I could see myself wearing and these designs will filter onto the highstreet beautifully.

london fashion week aw14

london fashion week aw14

london fashion week aw14

Emilia Wickstead

Hot pink, dusky pink and dark leather look styles appeared in the collection of Emilia Wickstead.  A range of beautifully structured dresses completed this lovely range.

london fashion week aw14

london fashion week aw14

london fashion week aw14

Sister by Sibling

If you love knitwear then you will love these designers.  UK born and bred designers Joe Bates, Sid Bryan and Cozette McCreery created an awesome display of funky knitwear which is another collection I could see myself wearing.   Although the models had some wardrobe malfunctions towards the end of the show, the designs made up for the little hiccup.  The bright colours and pretty designs broke away from the traditional. classic design and created a fun, quirky feel brightening up the catwalk.

london fashion week aw14

london fashion week aw14

london fashion week aw14

Julian Macdonald

I'm hearing lots of lovely things about the Julian Macdonald show happening this evening, glitz and glam as always.  Take a look at the fabulous front row girlies including Abby Clancy, Eliza Doolittle and Nina Nesbitt.

london fashion week aw14, julian macdonald, frow


I'll hopefully catch a few more shows tomorrow as apparantly Cara Delevingne has designed a collection exclusively for Mulberry which is due to be revealed tomorrow.



Follow Elsie D on:



*All images from London Fashion week live stream and highlights