Last weekend, I attended my first ever blogger's meet-up in Leicester, which was organised by the lovely Hareem. To say I was nervous was an understatement! I really didn't know what to expect or how I would react when meeting a group of people I had never met in real life before; as someone who is quite shy and a bit awkward around people I don't really know I was panicking a little that I would make a fool of myself. But I bit the proverbial bullet and decided to attend; and looking back, I really don't know why I was panicking so much, it was such a lovely day and I met some really nice fellow bloggers! As I have recently moved back to Leicester for my placement it was nice to find some local bloggers that have similar interests to me, I didn't realise there would be so many of us and it was nice to be able to attend something local rather than everything being held in London and not being able to go.
So last Saturday, we all met up early as Hareem had organised for us to see Highcross' Autumn Fashion Fix fashion show which was celebrating Highcross' 5th birthday; as a fashion student and blogger this was right up my street and I was really looking forward to watching it! The fashion show was held right in the middle of the shopping centre and the outfits and trends were taken from the stores in the centre, so it was exciting to see how Autumn's trends would be interpreted by the different brands.
We were each given a lanyard with our names and blogger details on, which was a fab touch and it made it a lot easier to remember everyone's names and where to find them online, it all felt very official!
We met up with the PR and she took us through to the stage area where she sat us all on the front row! I know it isn't exactly LFW, but it was so exciting to be close up to all the action and it definitely made me want to attend fashion shows in the future even more, it would be my absolute dream to attend Fashion Week one day! On our seats were various vouchers for some of the stores and restaurants within Highcross, as well as some perfume samples. We were also given a list of where we could buy all the different looks from, a very risky game as knowing me I'm going to go out and buy some pieces for Autumn!
I was really looking forward to using my new camera and getting some good shots of the models, I bought everything with me apart from the memory card which was still in my laptop, I was so gutted! So I decided to use my iPhone instead, I have the new iPhone which I had only started using the day before and I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the camera, especially the burst button option which took loads of photos in one go - perfect to catch the models when they are strutting down the catwalk!
Scene one: The red zone
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| (Outfits L-R) Outfit 1: Zara chiffon cross over back top £25.99, Zara chiffon wide leg trouser £39.99, Zara London wool overcoat £109, Zara statement oversized necklace £25.99, Zara black open toe strap sandal £39.99 Outfit 2: Ossie Clark at Debenhams full length red vintage inspired dress £169, Betty Jackson at Debenhams black and crystal statement necklace £20, Office black suede bow detail wedge £50 |
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| (Outfits L-R) Outfit 1: Next black suit jacket £64, Next burgundy shirt and tie set £28, Next black waistcoat £29, Next black suit trouser £29, Next black leather shoe £50 Outfit 2: Next black suit jacket £64, Next white shirt with black trim £26, Next red tie £12, Next black waistcoat £29, Next black suit trouser £29, Next black leather shoe £50 |
The first scene was all about red, dangerous and edgy the models showed us how to work this vibrant colour, not just as an accent but through whole head to toe outfits with different materials to break it up and add texture. Not the usual colour for autumn, but it is definitely an eye-catching and statement colour to ooze sophistication and confidence.
Scene two: Grandma's attic
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| Miss Selfridge midnight blue carpet print dress with tutu style skirt £45, New Look faux fur cream jacket £34.99, Miss Selfridge gold embellished statement necklace £16.50, Miss Selfridge black felt fedora hat £25, New Look berry shade crocodile skin shoe £24.99 |
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| New Look navy tapestry floral dress £29.99, USC burgundy copper sleeved bomber jacket £55, Tie Rack teal paisley print scarf £9.99 |
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| Bank blue and white floral t shirt £20, Bank navy blue cotton blazer £40, Bank burgundy chino £38, Bank navy, blue and white hi top converse £60 |
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| Levis navy and white arrow print shirt £70, Levis multicoloured aztec print chunky pullover £95, Levis green cord 511 trouser £75, Levis navy and brown beanie hat £28, Levis navy and tan rucksack £89.50 |
The next scene took a very different look, instead of being tailored, slick and polished, the vintage look has been created with an array of clashing patterns, colours and materials.Thrift shopping has never looked so cool, normal rules don't apply and anything goes; its all about a mix of leather, fur, corduroy, velvet and tulle fabrics in a variety of colours to create charity shopping chic.
Scene three: Gothic lace
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| Reiss black bodycon dress with velvet panel £149, Reiss black shimmer fine lace style jacket £225, Reiss burgundy skinny pony skin belt £49 |
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| Warehouse white and navy graphic print bodycon dress £80, River Island statement midnight blue spike necklace £45, Office royal blue suede shoe boot £68 |
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| Next black embellished jacket £85, Next black cigarette trouser £38, Next black lace necklace £10, Next sling back shoe £32 |
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| River Island black chunky jumper with faux leather neckline £38, River Island black slim fit jeans £38, River Island black and navy suit jacket £70 |
Now this isn't your typical gothic look, think classic tailoring and formal wear with a dark twist in the form of lace, jacquard prints and leather panelling. The perfect party look for the winter months with a gothic edge that isn't over the top, the trend is also brightened up with bold statement accessories that add a pop of colour and contrast.
Scene four: Country trad
Time to grab your wellies and head off to the country manor, this trend is all about heritage and traditional patterns - think tweed and tartan in muted shades of oxblood, grey and olive, This is country but with a luxe twist, escaping the city has never looked so chic. It's very similar to the Grandma's attic trend but a lot more matchy-matchy and toned down; just using one print within the outfit and pairing with garments that compliment instead of clash.
Scene 5: Curves and coats
Boy meets girl with the garment of the moment; it's all about the statement coat. Pastel shades and pretty pink coats are brightening up this season and is becoming the must have trend du jour. Mixed with tomboyish tailored trousers, crisp blouses and sky high heels; this trend is the perfect pretty-tough combo for city urbanites.
Scene 6: Tartan twist
This autumn has been all about rocking leather, tartan and bad-ass chunky boots; the rebellious grunge look has been seen everywhere on the high street as well as on the catwalk and is perfect for casual days but also to dress up for an edgy night time look. Everyone has gone tartan crazy at the minute; including me! I think tartan shirts, pinafores, leather jackets and chunky boots is one of my favourite go to outfits. It's all about showing your inner rock chick this autumn.
Scene 7: Animal instinct
It was back to the Jungle with the animal instinct trend - full of bold animal prints and camouflage pieces, though it did seem a bit mis-matchy in some places where outfits didn't really follow the trend. Outfits seemed to vary massivley and I don't think you would guess this trend was animal themed if it wasn't for the leopard bomber jacket! But none-the-less that's probably too obvious to have all animal print everything, these looks would be perfect for festivals!
Scene 8: Shine
The finale went out with a bang in a burst of sequins and sparkle with this collection of lust worthy partywear! there was definitely an 1920's opulence about this trend and definitely put me in the party spirit. Glitz and glamour is perfect for this time of year, who doesn't like to celebrate the party season? It was a fantastic finale to the fashion show and I really enjoyed being on the frow for it, it was definitely a different way to spend my morning! Highcross put in so much effort into creating this for everyone and it would be fantastic if they organised events like this in the future, Leicester needs more fashion related events like this!
After the show had finished, there was just little over an hour before our reservation at Bella Italia, so everyone split up to do their own thing, so it gave time for me and a few bloggers to have a quick look round the shops and then we headed to Costa Coffee for a good chat to get to know each other before the meal.
We then headed over to Bella Italia and met up with the other bloggers for lunch; I'd never been to Bella Italia before and I was absolutely starving by this point, so I was really excited for some yummy food
As there were quite a few of us, we were put on a really long table, so it was quite hard to talk to everyone, but it was good to get to know the bloggers sat around me and have a good chat about blogging amongst general gossip.
I ordered the Monte Carlo pizza and a side of chips; the Monte Carlo is shredded duck, spring onions and a sweet plum sauce, back in Manchester there is a fantastic Italian called Croma and it's version of this pizza is AMAZING, so I had high hopes! Tbh the pizza wasn't that great, it was quite bland & dry; definitely wasn't as nice as the ones I've had before, I wish I had gone for a pasta dish instead! The chips were nice, but I'm not sure if I'd go back again to try something else, I've been to so many wonderful small Italian restaurants both at home and in Manchester, so I guess they'll always be better than a chain; though Pizza Express is always a shout!
But anyway it was great to just hang out with everyone and get to know some local bloggers, it wasn't long before people needed to leave, though me and Sophia (@TattooedTeaLady), Leah (@peachesandsmoke), Amy (@theamygirl), Becky (BeckyParkes_) and Lucy (@Teainteacher) decided to stay on in Leicester and have a shop around for a few more hours, which was really fun to see all of their go to beauty products! I didn't really buy anything on my shopping trip, but it was nice to just hang out with the girls!
Before the meal, the lovely Hareem also gave each blogger a goodie bag that was PACKED, I couldn't believe how generous she was, it must have taken ages to organise and I can't wait to try everything out!
Derma V10 and Pure products
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| Ted Baker winter bloom dress £159, Hobbs tweed herringbone overcoat £289, DKNY tan box day bag £49 |
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| Zara blue and burgundy sheer blouse £29.99, Zara burgundy check trouser £29.99, Zara navy wool tweed overcoat £79.99, Zara black blue and burgundy twin handle bag £39.99, Zara oxblood heel £39.99, Zara pearl and crystal statement necklace £19.99 |
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| Ted Baker navy paisley shirt £90, Ted Baker grey wool blazer £250, Chester grey fine check trouser £150, Bertie tan leather brogue £110 |
Scene 5: Curves and coats
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| River Island pale pink wool coat with black faux fur collar £65, River Island pale grey and white shirt £25, River Island black pinstripe jumpsuit £40, River Island black felt bowler hat £20 |
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| Reiss blue ice silk shirt £110, Reiss blush suit jacket £225, Reiss blush suit trouser £110, Reiss camel coat £350, Reiss camel clutch bag £125 |
Scene 6: Tartan twist
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| Karen Millen black fine knit roll neck with white sleeves £85, Karen Millen red tartan wool skirt £99, Karen Millen black leather biker jacket £295, Karen Millen black studded twin handle bag £225 |
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| USC Katy Perry print t shirt £35, USC navy green and burgundy tartan dungarees £24, USC transparent lace up 'Doc Martin' style boot £30 |
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| New Look navy and red tartan skirt £17.99, New Look white cotton shirt £12.99, New Look black printed vest top £7.99, Bank black safety print scarf £10, New Look black 'Doc Martin' style boot £30 |
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| Bank grey 'Bowie' print t shirt £22, Bank red black and ivory tartan midi skirt £25, Bank black faux leather biker style jacket £60, Bank black Doc Martin boot £90 |
Scene 7: Animal instinct
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| Gstar khaki zip detail playsuit £140, Gstar camouflage oversized coat £250, Gstar midnight blue lace up brogues £125 |
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| Vero Moda animal print satin bomber jacket £25, Vero Moda faux leather quilted hot pants £36, Vero Moda black felt bowler hat £18, Vero Moda black faux leather rucksack £38 |
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| Superdry denim embroided detail shirt £49.99, Superdry pale grey tweed skirt £44.99, Superdry navy military style jacket £104.99, Superdry tan leather ankle boot £79.99 |
Scene 8: Shine
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| Jonathan Saunders black and white chiffon blouse £45, Jonathan Saunders black tux trousers £50, Jonathan Saunders black tux jacket £85, Faith black satin jewelled shoe £70 |
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| Ariella London champagne floor length sequin evening dress £295, Steve Madden pewter crystal shoe £99 |
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| River Island black and silver lurex floor length dress £45 |
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| Lipsy champagne strapless embellished dress £120 |
After the show had finished, there was just little over an hour before our reservation at Bella Italia, so everyone split up to do their own thing, so it gave time for me and a few bloggers to have a quick look round the shops and then we headed to Costa Coffee for a good chat to get to know each other before the meal.
We then headed over to Bella Italia and met up with the other bloggers for lunch; I'd never been to Bella Italia before and I was absolutely starving by this point, so I was really excited for some yummy food
As there were quite a few of us, we were put on a really long table, so it was quite hard to talk to everyone, but it was good to get to know the bloggers sat around me and have a good chat about blogging amongst general gossip.
I ordered the Monte Carlo pizza and a side of chips; the Monte Carlo is shredded duck, spring onions and a sweet plum sauce, back in Manchester there is a fantastic Italian called Croma and it's version of this pizza is AMAZING, so I had high hopes! Tbh the pizza wasn't that great, it was quite bland & dry; definitely wasn't as nice as the ones I've had before, I wish I had gone for a pasta dish instead! The chips were nice, but I'm not sure if I'd go back again to try something else, I've been to so many wonderful small Italian restaurants both at home and in Manchester, so I guess they'll always be better than a chain; though Pizza Express is always a shout!
But anyway it was great to just hang out with everyone and get to know some local bloggers, it wasn't long before people needed to leave, though me and Sophia (@TattooedTeaLady), Leah (@peachesandsmoke), Amy (@theamygirl), Becky (BeckyParkes_) and Lucy (@Teainteacher) decided to stay on in Leicester and have a shop around for a few more hours, which was really fun to see all of their go to beauty products! I didn't really buy anything on my shopping trip, but it was nice to just hang out with the girls!
Before the meal, the lovely Hareem also gave each blogger a goodie bag that was PACKED, I couldn't believe how generous she was, it must have taken ages to organise and I can't wait to try everything out!
Derma V10 and Pure products
Derma V10 Deep cleansing nose strips
Derma V10 Rejuvenating day cream
Derma V10 Lipcare jelly
Derma V10 Black Mascara
Derma V10 BB Cream in Medium
Pure Cucumber and caffeine eye roll on
Skincare/Health products
Steam Cream Handmade moisturiser
Oh! Melissa moisturiser samples
Blanx White shock toothpaste
LEOR Vanilla facial exfoliate creme
ARK Skin protector primer
Skinetica Anti-blemish skin cleanser
Alison Claire Peppermint and witch hazel foot cream
Alison Claire Rose Geranium body lotion
Skin revivals Harmonising Balm
Beauty products
Veil Cover cream sample kit
Smooch Duo eyeshadow in Dirty Martini
Smooch Duo eyeshadow in Purple haze
Accessorize Intense glitter nail polish in Jupiter
Accessorize Intense colour lipgloss
Accessorize Intense colour lipstick in Smitten
Stargazer Neon hair mascara in orange
W7 Big lash mascara and pencil eyeliner
W7 Lipstick in Ruby Red
The Ultimate Fix Nail polish fixing spray
Nail products
Angelica nail colour in Mulberry
Angelica nail colour in Angel
I told you there was a lot of goodies! It just seemed to a bottomless bag and I'm sure you will see a few reviews of some of these products very soon on the blog when I've had a chance to use them! Overall my first experience at a blogger meet up was fantastic! Now that I know there is nothing to worry or get nervous about, I can't wait to attend more and meet other bloggers as well as catch up with the ones I met at this event!
seems like you had fun. I wish i was there :)
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Hey! I've nominated you for the Liebster blog award!
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