Inspiration at the Textile Fair

Today I went to the Warner Textile Archive, Textile Fair in Braintree. If you don't know what the Warner Textile Archive is, it's really worth checking out. It's an amazing collection of beautiful and historically important textiles. You'll be astounded at how significant Braintree was in the world of textiles and the vast amount of historical items that were made there.

It was a fantastic day. I promised myself I wouldn't buy anything - but somehow seem to be over £100 lighter when I left! I managed to pick up some amazing pink and black tafetta which I'm planning to make into a skirt. I also couldn't resist some quality black silk which I've no idea what I'm going to do with, but feel compelled to make huge, crunchy bows from.

Can't wait until this is a skirt

Really didn't need this, but I love it

There were many talks from such inspiring artists and crafters but my favourite was from Hannah Elgie from Make Do and Mend in Chelmsford. She explained how her shop and courses started and showed us some of the amazing things that can be made at them. I've already done some courses with here and now I'm defo booking in for some more. I'm particularly interested in the machine embroidery one, but really want to give them all a go.

I also spent an obscene amount on the most amazing books, a complete compendium of fashion in 2 huge volumes which will be a great insipration resource.

Our little stand at the fair

The wonderful Hannah Elgie from Make Do and Mend, Chelmsford

A Bumpkin Goes to London Fashion Week

I took a trip to the big smoke in February to London Fashion Week and had such a fab time. In my capacity as a magazine publisher, I was lucky enough to secure a couple of tickets to a handful of shows, and once there, managed talk my way into a few more, even managing to get seats and free stuff at some, which was a lovely treat. Some of the PRs organising the shows kept assuming I was someone else, franticly thanking me for attending the shows and asking me to let them know what I liked and didn't like?! Also, I got papped by about 6 photographers at once with my partner in crime, Louise - not sure who they thought we were, but we were happy to go with the flow....

The 'one' ticket to the Pam Hogg show

Cute cups at Somerset House cafe

Free sweeties - look cool, taste horrible

My favourite shows were PPQ, Henry Holland and the exciting Meadham Kirchhoff - jeez, if I could, I'd wear their clothes all day, every day. They sure do feed my inspiration and make me feel like anything goes when it comes to style.

My ultimate favourite show was Pam Hogg - partly because it was such fun trying to get in with only one ticket between me and Louise, and partly because there was such a kerfuffle outside, with one over enthusiastic show-goer getting pretty aggressive and eventually being escorted from the premises! I'm a huge fan of Pam's style and her music and totally loved her bonkers show, just as much as I thought I would, with Jamie Winstone making an appearance on the catwalk. 

Pam Hogg - Wildlife - LFW SS 2012

Getting into the after-show party on a school night was an added bonus and Louise and I just couldn't resist staying up way too late, sipping those free cocktails! There was a brilliant 1960s DJ set in the private Mayfair club where we rubbed shoulders with the likes of the lady Pam Hogg herself, Jo Wood, Nick Rhodes and Kate Nash, while Janice Dickinson showed everyone how her bra was constructed in the loo... what a lovely night.

Pam Hogg cocktails