NEWCASTLE FASHION WEEK // COMPANY FASHION SHOW

On Saturday 10th May I attended the first day of Newcastle Fashion Week and one of the main events, Company magazine's high-street catwalk! There were two shows available to attend on the day, starting at 12 noon and 2pm. Both catwalks were hosted by fashion features writer: Alexxsia Elizabeth, senior features writer: Carlene Thomas-Bailey and the amazing fashion designer Julien Macdonald, what an absolute treat! With some beautiful styles on show from a wide range of high-street stores including TOPSHOP (of course), Primark and Oxfam, to name a few; there really was enough fashion to suit anyone's tastes. I was especially impressed by what Next and Marks and Spencer's had to offer; amazing trouser suits, pastel dresses and heels.

It really was an amazing event and I loved every minute, but I have to say that being asked if we wanted to sit on the front row and have our pictures taken for Company's Street Style was the cherry on top of the cake. But that's enough bragging, (sorry! its not often I do!) I've promised myself that I will invest in a better quality camera after my birthday so I'm able to blog about events and include more vibrant and sharp pictures! Of course no event at the Assembly Rooms would be complete without a visit to their exclusive, 'BONBAR'; I chose my all time favourite amaretto sours and it did not disappoint. I've included a little mirror outfit shot of what myself and my friend Amy wore that day. I can't wait to attend 'Get into Fashion' this Friday as I'm sure it will not disappoint. Newcastle Fashion Week is really not one to be missed this year!



NE1NFW - NEWCASTLE FASHION WEEK

Having missed out on Newcastle's fashion week last year, I was determined not to let the same thing happen this time round. Between the 9th - 17th May, Newcastle will be hosting it's 4th year of catwalks, exclusive VIP events, retail offers and style spotting. It's a week not to be missed. Even before the fashion week gets underway, NE1 will be on the hunt for the city's Most Stylish; everyday Thursday from 10 April - 3 May there will be a team of fashion scouts out and about on Northumberland street and in Eldon square, looking to give away a £500 shopping spree to the lucky person who wins Newcastle's Most Stylish. Best get your glad rags on! The event that has me most excited, the Company Magazine fashion show takes place on Saturday 10th May, and as you can see I have already bought my tickets! Company Magazine will take to the catwalk to present the best in fashion from Newcastle. This is spread over two shows, 12pm and 2pm and is sure to be an amazing day! I cannot wait and can say that I'm already thinking of what outfits I can piece together. All events and information can be found on the week's official site. It would be lovely to know whether any of you are going to the events throughout the week!? Are you as excited as I am?

THE DUPE - PRIMARK'S OFFICE CITY BAG?

Bag - Primark £12

I was incredibly late to the 'Zara Office City Bag' bandwagon, hence why I do not own one!

My only good excuse as to why I didn't purchase one at the time is that I was probably forking out ridiculous amounts on DVD box sets; I'm looking at you LOST! So you can imagine how excited I was when my friend Lauren came into university draping this little beauty over her shoulder. She bought the bag in navy, yes that's right, the bag comes in multiple colours! Of course I felt an instant urge to go out and buy one for myself; dragging my boyfriend over to Newcastle city centre with me I managed to find the original black version and I'm so glad I did!

The bag is an absolute steal at £12, I don't own the original but from various blog posts and videos I've noticed that the Zara bag is slightly bigger and obviously of a better quality. Saying this, the dupe feels very luxurious for a Primark bag! They have tried so hard to recreate the Saffiano leather of the original, and hey, it works! Although the bag is less structured than the original, I think this can work to my advantage, allowing me to cram more books, a kindle, absolutely anything into it. There are three compartments to the bag, two which close with a zip and one with a magnetic clasp; allowing efficient organising if you have items that you want to keep separate. Within these compartments, the bag sports two holders that could carry a phone or ipod and a zipped pocket; ideal for placing a mirror or any loose smaller items.

I would say there are three ways you could carry this bag; over the shoulder: the bag comes with an adjustable strap which can be removed/added to the bag when necessary. On your arm: the handles of the bag are shorter than a regular tote bag, so holding the bag in crease of your elbow may be a struggle if you are wearing a thick coat. However, it can be carried perfectly in your hand; adding a little sophistication to your look. It may not be Zara but it's a brilliant copy! If you're lucky enough to find it in your local Primark, I would definitely recommend buying as who knows how much longer it will be around for! Especially for the mere price of £12. Lovely.



HAUL - THE FIRST OF MANY

 As promised, here's the haul of items I bought on Mother's Day! Please excuse my grubby jeans and focus on the amazing shoes! Primark, you can do no wrong! What was supposed to be a quick look around once again turned into an hour long spree. The thing that most attracted me to the shoes had to be their beautiful colour.  I don't think I've ever owned anything in a dark plum shade so I'm excited to see how I will style them. Not long ago I bought a very similar pair of woven flats from TOPSHOP. All was fine and dandy until those same flats met the rain on a night out and I'm sad to say they now reside in my bin. I know Primark isn't renowned for the best quality but let's hope they last longer than their TOPSHOP dupes.
My second item caught both mine and my Mam's eye whilst on our way out of the shopping centre. I think I even made a little gasp and dragged her over by the hand! What could be a little garish to some, looked absolutely lovely to me! River Island have created a colourful geometric print kimono in a lightweight material. I know I will get a lot of wear out of this item; dressed up over a cami dress or just slung on with a top, jeans and sandals. A little pricey but I do believe the beaded detailing on the sleeves and opening justifies the price. And I did get the seal of approval from my Mam which makes all the difference.
The last two items are of course from Zara. The top I am not too sure of, £25.99 is a very decent price in my eyes but I can't help but tug at the material when I have it on as it doesn't sit too well. The front, a crepe effect contrasts nicely with the faux leather at the back of the top. And of course I cannot compliment the colour enough. Spring is coming and we all need a pop of colour in our wardrobe. I managed to snap up the last limited x edition necklace as I was paying for my top. I love the classic gold layered look and think this necklace will look perfect with a casual slouched vest and long tousled hair.

Sandals - Primark £6
Kimono - River Island £40
Top - ZARA £25.99

Necklace - ZARA £19.99