Christmas Gift Guide 2014: Friends

            Gift Guide 2014: Friends by rionadoherty

         Clockwise:

Urbanears Humlan Julep

 Headphones £42.10

Easily the most fashionable (affordable)

headphone at the moment for those of us who can't 
afford rose gold Frends. They come in all colours
and they're also, unsurprisingly, cheaper on Amazon
than Urban Outfitters.

ASOS iPhone 5 Tres Amaze

 Case £8

A chic, safe option for that £10 budget present.

Not That Kind of Girl 

by Lena Dunham £11.89

The 2014 wish list's take on Alexa Chung's 

'It', though I should hope far less vacuous and 

a little more insightful... The feminist

book du jour has taken the world by storm and if 
you haven't read it yet, give it to a friend
(preferably a Girls fan)and then  borrow it. I STILL 
haven't read it and will probably be 

purchasing it for myself.

Beautyblender Make-up 

Sponge £16

A perfect, practical gift for a make-up

obsessed friend. (Is it just me who  had never seen
this before and was completely amazed?!)

Monki French fries tote £4.50

For a food and fashion loving pal.

ASOS Cloud Clutch Bag £12

Very cute and can be taken right through to summer.

The Leather Satchel Co satchel £60 

(reduced from £130!)

For reasons I remain unsure of, this 

Leather Satchel Co satchel is currently

 better than half price on ASOS?!?! Admittedly 
not a Cambridge satchel, but have you ever seen 
them at that price?! If you're looking for a 
big present, your friend needn't know...

Benefit ASOS Exclusive Cheek Me Out

£9.50

They're only 4ml, but with 31% off, this

 adorable Benefit set is another perfect

 item for a £10 limit kinda present. And

 everyone loves Benefit.

River Island Embossed Leather 

Gloves £17.50

A classic Christmas gift. I always feel 

like something I'm missing in life is a 

decent pair of gloves. Investing in a 

demure set of leather ones is worth it when you
think of how many £2 Primark ones you've picked
up, and then inevitably  lost, over the years 
as it's gotten cold. I'll leave you to decide 
whether they're for a friend or not.

Sloane Stationery Social Butterfly A5 

Desk Journal £25

A bit pricey for a journal (what do you

 expect from an item from a company called

 'Sloane'), but for a keen writer/scribbler/

social butterfly, a nice journal can make

 a very thoughtful present.

Vogue Subscription / 12 issues £29.99 / 

10 issues £19.99

I received the year's subscription as a 

gift from my parents last year and it is always 
always an escapist surprise when  it's posted 
through the door of my freezing student digs. 
Plus, a present that lasts a whole year = top friend.

Flamingo Candles Lemon & Lime Mojito Classic Jar

 Candle 400g £12

A mojito scented candle? Who needs Jo Malone or 
Diptyque???

ASOS floral briefs £6

Always a v cute present in a goody bag or

stocking. Everyone loves receiving underwear.

Summer Trends and High Street Copies

The Shoe

Adore it or abhor it, the Birkenstock is back. The fashion pack, including the Olsen sisters, were wearing them last summer but it took Givenchy’s £590 Barka leather sandals being launched on their Spring/Summer 2014 catwalk, with a close resemblance to Birkenstock’s classic Arizona style, for them to once again become a coveted item. The re-re-rebirth of this practical but cool German sandal is hardly surprising considering the 90s revival of the last two years; was it really going to get any better after jelly shoes? If you fancy trying it out for yourself, the popular Birkenstock Arizona sandal is only £64.95, and the Madrid black patent flats are £39.95.

The Skirt

The new season's pleated skirts are prevented from being too Gossip Girl by being of a longer length, and having a glam edge in metallic colours, as seen at Proenza Schouler and Haider Ackermann. Keep it cool by pairing with a plain black cami top, or have a gold rush and double up on the metallics. The perfect new season statement piece, they can be dressed up with strappy stilettos and a slinky crop top, or made suitable for the every day with chunky boots and a knit sweater. For a much cheaper high street alternative than those on the catwalk, the Demi Jacquard Full Midi Skirt from Boohoo is a steal at £12.

The Coat

No longer reserved for the colder parts of the year, when a good coat is more of a necessity rather than fashion statement in Edinburgh, a simple, structured trench in a bright colour is the easiest way to brighten up an outfit and look instantly stylish. Pair with sunglasses (whatever the weather) and simply shrug over your shoulders. For the ‘fashion editor look,’ leave your bulky bag at home and take an oversized clutch, or simply carry the essentials. If you’re on a budget, ASOS’s ‘Yumi’ waist tie trench coat is a bargain at £45; its bright red colour will see you through every season. If you’re willing to splurge a bit more, then Warehouse has a delicate mustard yellow draped trench for £95 – for if you want a pop of colour but prefer a slightly more laid back look.

All White Everything

The classic, fresh look for spring and summer has returned but now it’s white on white, and so easy to wear it hurts. Be doubly on trend and bring pleats into play with the popular white American Apparel tennis skirt (£46), but don’t just pair it with any white shirt; this season’s white shirt is edgy and asymmetric, featuring mean collars, mesh panels, sharp sleeves and cut-outs, all of which were seen at Victoria Beckham, Paul & Joe and Valentino. Topshop’s £32 Textured Cut Out Shirt can be worn with a white tank, or if you’re looking to make more of a statement, go without; for a fun twist, look to Jessa from Girls for inspiration and go neon pink in your lingerie choice.

Art Attack

According to the Spring/Summer 2014 collections, the art of the clash is back (a fitting trend for the month of upcoming fashion and art exhibitions from Edinburgh College of Art; the ECA Fashion Show takes place from 23–25 April). Pop art-style figurines, violent brush strokes and extreme colour blocking were all seen emblazoned on clothing at Chanel, Prada and Celine; at Chanel, models donned sketchbooks as handbags. OTT is the game; think jazzy, trippy prints and Mondrian style colours and lines. The Geometric Print Trousers from Zara (£29.99) are artwork in themselves, and can be clashed with a cobalt blue or daffodil yellow structured shirt to highlight individual flashes of colour in the print. The phrase ‘less is more’ has never been more untrue.

Sports Luxe

A recurring favourite, and an easy trend to manipulate, luxury sportswear doesn’t require you to work up a sweat. Think simple American Apparel mesh t-shirts with suede shorts, trainer heels and a sleek ponytail to top it off – hoop earrings optional. Trainer heels, love or hate them, are having a moment once again; Kurt Geiger Carvela Black 'lady' mid heel wedge trainers are a chic sporty investment at £59 from Debenhams, with an even cheaper option being OLYMPIA-X textured wedge heel trainers for £30 from Dune London. Trainers aside, why not treat yourself to H&M’s luxurious green suede shorts, currently on sale at £40? Their chic colour and texture will take you right into autumn.

Riona Doherty for The Journal

@rionadoherty

Edinburgh Charity Fashion Show: What I Wore

If you didn't gather from my glowing review of ECFS this year, I really did have an incredible time. The event itself was pulled off effortlessly by the student team, and raised an incredible £20,000 for WaterAid, which, despite all the glamour and debauchery of the evening, is the true meaning of the entire campaign.

I decided to wear an outfit I've donned (and blogged about) before, my Forever Unique black Jules jumpsuit, a stylish, comfortable and incredibly versatile outfit.

Emily, myself, Vic (flatmates)

Not a great photo admittedly, I'll have to search for some more. I wore it with my black and gold peep toe ASOS wedges, which they no longer sell. My glasses (not an accessory, I wear them all the time as I'm practically blind) are from Gok Wan's range GW, and are a subtle tortoise shell print.

I teamed the ensemble with a neon yellow mini satchel from River Island to add a pop of colour to the outfit, also a practical choice to save me carrying the press pack around all night! Emily (left) had a similar idea colour-wise and paired her all black outfit with an oversized neon pink River Island envelope clutch.

And of course, the ultimate accessory to top it off - a press pass.

We headed out to the after party at the Mash House (once of my favourite Edinburgh venues) once the show had ended on a high, IE the audience dancing on stage. All three of our outfits worked well for the show - after party transition.

I recently applied to the ECFS 2015 committee and after a successful application have an interview soon... It's an event I'd love to be a part of.

Whatever the outcome, the 2015 committee will certainly have a task on their hands trying to beat this year's show!

Bises,

Riona

Edinburgh Charity Fashion Show 2014 Review: ECFS Brings it Back Home

Bouncing back for its 13^th year as the most successful student-run charity fashion show in Europe, Edinburgh Charity Fashion Show (ECFS) this year reigns in patriotic prestige, far from the fashion week glamour of London, Paris, New York and Milan.

Image: Edinburgh Charity Fashion Show

This year the ECFS team decided to choose a theme close to home, with the concept throughout being ‘This Is Edinburgh’, drawing upon its history, architecture and weather (yes, the choice to honour WaterAid as this year’s charity was no coincidence).

Few venues could be more fitting, then, than the National Museum of Scotland – the securing of which easily being the show’s biggest feat yet. Ticket-holders flooded in to the sold-out show, held in the museum’s Grand Gallery with elegant overarching white pillars and high windows shrouded in violet light, perfectly setting the tone of elegance for the evening. 

The show itself moulds completely into the museum, for instance the extensive catwalk space encasing the Gallery’s centrepiece, a regal green cast iron drinking fountain, perfectly. A live band provides upbeat background music while guests chatter and laugh melodically amongst themselves, before chairwoman Safoora Biglari is welcomed onto the stage by the evening’s charismatic presenter, and we are all shown videos reminding us why we are here, reminding us of all the amazing work WaterAid do.

And the clothes? As one might assume, given the theme, the spectacular show kicked off with what is arguably the most recognisable and classic Scottish fashion: tartan.

Indeed, the first male outfit we see is a classic red tartan kilt, and the first female ensemble a spidery, gothic grey dress worn with a veil. This gothic theme continues to be prominent in the first half, as a symbol of perhaps a more ‘classic’ Edinburgh, but is quickly contrasted with the bright, summery clothes that follow – cobalt blues and daffodil yellows are brought together in androgynous masculine suit ensembles worn by the female models, including a particularly memorable yellow blazer and cropped ruched trouser combination. This is presented alongside bright blue t-shirt dresses, always keeping the clothes from becoming too feminine.

Then, however, comes the lace. Continuing the block colour theme in a more feminine fashion, the audience cast their eyes over delicate but loose floor length dresses with baggy t-shirt sleeves, bright pink lace kimonos, apple green blouses and orange football shirt-style dresses.

The more classic theme then returns towards the end of the first half, showcasing the male models in tweed suits, deftly posing with books at the end of the runway while being cheered on by fellow students. 

Image: Kirstin Macleod

Timeless tweed is given a contemporary update with backpacks and bright pops of colour peeking from underneath. Female models go business-like in brilliant white suits with plummeting necklines, contrasting black and white broderie anglaise style shirts and Vogue-office-suitable blazers, many of which teamed with bright red tartan socks poking out over white or translucent shoes, constantly reminding us of the show’s theme and Edinburgh’s influence.

After the ruthless auction has been completed in the interval and many spectators have had a glass of restorative champagne, we return to the show. 

Given the focus on Edinburgh’s weather, it is no surprise that the second half got very wet, featuring models making a splash in contemporary chic black and white swimwear teamed with oversized tote bags and two-pieces bearing loud statements such as ‘OVER’ emblazoned on the back of a pair of cotton shorts. 

The long hair of the models is damp and natural, making for a true laid-back, surfer look – this may seem an unrealistic inclusion for a theme based around Edinburgh, but we are reminded to think of Edinburgh’s beautiful beaches.

The boys aren’t quite as bold, bringing a Hilfiger-esque vibe to the end of the show in neutral loose crisp shirts, aviators, preppy, navy sailor like blazers and equally as oversized totes as the ladies. 

After a few more plunging swimsuits and over-the-shoulder sweaters, the show ends on a summery note, with models showcasing the final sundresses and sweater-shorts combinations, before erupting into an on-catwalk party, pulling up members of the audience to Luther Vandross – Never Too Much; an apt choice for Edinburgh’s one charity event that the public just can’t get enough of.

Edinburgh Charity Fashion Show is so much more than a mere fashion show, showcasing trends – it’s a fashion show, a charity fundraiser and a great night out all in one. A true triple threat of an event that will only be moving onto to even bigger, even better things.

Riona Doherty

@rionadoherty

Written for The Student

Packing For: Backpacking Around Europe

Packing For: Backpacking Around Europe by rionadoherty featuring a straw hat

On the 1st July, two friends and I are setting off to backpack around Europe for 2 weeks. First stop Budapest, then Prague, Berlin and Amsterdam. We're Interrailing but cheating the system by flying to Budapest first, thus only activating our 10 day train pass when leaving Budapest. We leave next Monday and  this Polyvore collage is literally as close as I've got to actual preparation for the trip.

Obviously the one major thing (that I've completely left out) is a Duke of Edinburgh-style backpack. When packing for travelling, the most important things to remember are:

• Does this go with several outfits? If you're not gonna wear it at least 3 times, don't bother.
• Can I layer it?
• Is it lightweight?

I LOVE denim but don't think I'll be bringing my dungarees. And I'll have to limit myself to only one pair of jeans, probably my Topshop Moms.

But here are my other picks... (going clockwise)

a) a nondescript wide brim floppy straw hat (the hat featured above is an overpriced one from Nordstrom). Straw because it's lightweight, won't make you hot and straw hat can get creased in the backpack and usually spring back into shape. To chic it up a bit you could tie a scarf around the brim, Breakfast At Tiffany's Sing-Sing-Prison-visiting style.

b) A bralet. Again, lightweight and just so easy to wear and layer. Also perfect with high waisted shorts, skirts etc.

c) A duffle bag. Not a necessity but I just LOVE this tribal festival style one from Accessorize. This one also has pockets inside and duffle bags generally are ideal for travelling - spacious, stylish and easy to hang onto and open.

d) A midi smock dress. Ridiculously comfortable and lightweight, can be dressed up or down and it's an entire outfit. I especially love the flowy shape of this one on ASOS.

e) A print pair of shorts is also a must, again very light to pack and a high waisted pair like these can easily be paired with a crop top.

f) A pleated midi skirt. This ASOS skirt comes in cream or green and is high waisted enough to wear with a crop top - I think it goes great with a denim bralet and ballet flats. Daytime look = sorted. I would say if you buy this skirt, that it is very see-through so investing in some sort of slip or thick nude underwear-shorts is essential.

g) A kimono. Kimonos are going to be huge this summer and are the ultimate beach cover up. This Topshop number can be dressed up or down, unlike some which are really only suitable for the beach. 

h) A bumbag. A seriously 'dad' accessory, but an essential nonetheless, and probably the most secure way to keep your phone and money on you. You can also sleep with it in your hostels. This studded one from Pieces (via ASOS) adds a modern edge to the 90s it bag.

i) Ballerina flats. The comfort of standard ballet flats, PLUS adorable leg ties that can be shown off with a midi skirt. Win win. The Office link I used on Polyvore was actually out of stock, but Miss Selfridge have sold them from time to time, and if you're really desperate you could go to a proper ballet outlet.

j) A hoodie. Whilst I'm not a huge fan of the drawstring hoodies that everyone in the UK seems to own (I can't help but think of Cher Lloyd), they're comfy and therefore ideal for travelling. I can't imagine the night time 8 hour train rides from country to country being too warm, or comfortable. The hoodie featured is an oversized Topshop one but I'd probably just pick up a cheapy Primark one.

k) A fail safe evening dress - specifically, a landscape dress. Landscape designs are HUGE at the moment and H&M have released an absolute steal for £15, when they used to only really be sold by more expensive shops such as American Apparel. The cut out design on the back also makes it stand out.

l) Comfortable but stylish sandals. You definitely won't be taking heels with you so a stylish pair of flats is essential for the evenings. This Accessorize pair are £29 and can work in the daytime as well as the evening.

m) A crop top. Invest in basic colour crop tops, they can be matched with other items so so easily.

n) A vest. Vests are also easy to wear when crop tops aren't an option, they can be tucked into anything, or in this case the 'extreme swing' fit looks great with print leggings or shorts.

I did this with backpacking in mind, but I'd say it's a generally good guide line for most holidays.

Where are you off to this summer?

Bises,

Riona

Desperately Seeking Serena ('s Swimsuit)

Obviously I still haven't got to terms with Gossip Girl ending. To be honest I don't think I ever will. I was rewatching a few Season 1 episodes the other week (as usual) and was reminded of my infatuation with Serena's ruched halterneck swimsuit in episode 12 School Lies.

This swimsuit seems to be one of Norma Kamali's swimwear collection and I've been searching for a similar (and more affordable) one for weeks...

A - River Island Black Body Jewellery Halter Neck Swimsuit, £35

B - ASOS Plunge Backless Suit, £35

C - ASOS Cupped Bandeau Swimsuit, £24

Though it only comes in navy, B is my favourite and definitely bears the most likeness to the original. If you like to bling it up a bit, there's River Island's art deco-esque A option, and if you don't quite want to take the plunge (literally, har har) then C is a safe option.

I will definitely be investing in the plunge backless suit to take abroad with me this summer.

Serena's character is generally styled very well, especially in the summer, so here are a few other photos for wardrobe inspiration:

Bises,

Riona

This Is The One: Gig Wear

• 

This Is The One: Gig Wear by rionadoherty featuring high rise jean shorts

The ultimate gig questions "coat or no coat?" "Bag or pockets?" are truly up there with the questions of life. I was at the Stone Roses' Finsbury Park gig last night (hence the title - the best song of the night and possibly the best five minutes of my life) and though I wore dungarees and a crop top I thought I'd share some other ideas...

Bumbags especially are so ideal as you don't have to carry them, but another option is a parka/denim jacket with inside pockets. However, choose shoes carefully as more often than not they'll end up like this:

Above all though, without wanting to sound patronising, comfort is everything.

Everyone knows Ian Brown isn't exactly renowned for flawless live performances, but if you're heading up to Stone Roses' second gig tonight, don't even waste a second doubting their live abilities - they're everything you hope for and more.

Bises,

Riona

Vogue/Kurt Geiger Secret Garden Party

Last Thursday, Hannah and I forgot about our English and Media exam related worries to lose ourselves in a chic evening of heels, Pimm's, cake pops and strawberries, courtesy of Kurt Geiger and Vogue.

I obtained an invite through Vogue, who advertised the event in last month's issue, the aim of the evening being to officially launch KG's summer collection, with Vogue's retail editor Emily Zak presenting her take on the summer trends. There's nothing I love more than a good free event. And people from Vogue were there. So despite our A Level English exam mere days away, off we went (prepare for lots of shoes).

Taking advantage of Starbucks' Happy Hour promo

The queueueueue outside the Covent Garden KG store

Guests were invited to participate in a game of croquet in heels upon entry...

Flowery Pimm's

Hannah's judgin

Ladies from Nails Inc. offering manicures

Cocktails which were grabbed from the poor waiter's tray as quickly as they had arrived

Hannah being chic

Myself... Wearing the black Jules jumpsuit from Forever Unique with heels from eBay and leopard print clutch from H&M

Hannah doing what she does best - being sasseh

An acoustic set from Ria Ritchie

Not just strawberries and cream. Strawberries filled with cream.

Emily Zak presenting the summer trends to us - flats, low heels, neon and animal print.

Emily Zak looks effortlessly chic and summery in a Derek Lam maxi dress

After having asked to take her photo, and having gushed admiration at her amazing career, I asked her a few questions about succeeding in the fashion industry, such as her stance on a university degree vs fashion experience. She was on the side of the degree, and not any old fashion journalism degree, she favours 'classic' subjects, such as English, History etc and seemed to think the true way forward is, of course, internships. Having spoken for ten minutes and collecting my coat about to leave, I realised I'd made the excruciating faux pas of not even properly introducing myself. I tried to salvage this rookie mistake by tweeting her the following morning, but it turns out there are several Emily Zak accounts, each with very few tweets and followers, so I got a reply off an Emily Zak I hadn't actually tweeted... But it seemed to be her all the same.

Little did we know there was a promotional shopping night event going on at the Seven Dials in Covent Garden, just down the road from the KG branch, so we had a wander round there...

Our free American Apparel headbands

And rounded off the night with how all chic nights should end - Pret.

Obviously, the 6 inch heels came off and the ballet pumps went on the moment I stepped out of KG

Cute.

So the moral of that story is - always buy Vogue.

Bises,

Riona

Wish List Wednesday

Wish List 1 by rionadoherty featuring a slip dress
1) Boucle Blazer - ASOS
2) Floral Pinafore - Topshop
3) Chanel case - Etsy
4) Petite Hexagon Strappy Dress - Topshop
5) Glass Teapot - notonthehighstreet.com
6) Cameo Charm Bracelet - ASOS
7) Hi Top Floral Converse - Schuh
8) Poem Platforms - ASOS
9) Neon Yellow Transparent Clutch - Bershka
10) Nude Sling Backs - Topshop

Looking at the A/W'13 collections we first saw a few months ago, and particularly looking at Anna Sui, it's fair to say preppiness is making a comeback. Think Blair Waldorf with a bit of a bohemian twist. The ASOS boucle textured blazer featured above could very easily fit into the Anna Sui collection -

- with a fraction of the price. If you're looking to be on trend this Autumn (or are still mourning the end of Gossip Girl... *despairing emoji*) this is a great place to start.

2) Festival wise this summer, the way forward seems to be an ensemble of clothes we used to wear as children. The recent 90s revival has seen scrunchies (to quote Blair Waldorf, I have never owned a scrunchie), jelly shoes, crop tops, dungarees and pinafores worm their way back into our wardrobes, though I for one am avoiding the jelly shoe craze. I love the print on this pinafore and would pair it with a plain white rolled-sleeve t-shirt with DMs at a festival.

3) An iPhone case with a Chanel nail polish design, with a choice of around a hundred nail colours. There is nothing not to love here. Especially for £5.90.

4) Yep, you guessed it - THIS IS REALLY 20S AND I LIKE THAT. I love the back especially.

5) Firstly, a glass teapot is an incredible idea. Secondly, the idea of blossoming tea just about blows my mind. And obviously this is best experienced in a glass teapot, so get your blossoming tea from House Of Blossoms (more reasonable prices than anywhere else I've seen) and throw a tea party with a twist. Bound to impress.

6) Whether it's real gold or not, Rose Gold is most definitely having a moment. For £6.50 this is most definitely not real, but Rose Gold + Cameo = chic. 

7) The fresh colours on these floral Converse just scream summer. I need.

8+10) Block platform heels are everywhere at the moment and I think they look especially good in nude. Now, they are real leather, but I do think £85 is a little pricey for the nude sling backs... If you're not bothered about real leather, there are several identical pairs on eBay (which were on eBay way before Topshop were selling them, and also retail on Missguided for £35ish) for a little as £27.92! I certainly can't tell the difference...

Just search for 'nude block platforms'

9) Similar to the current 'trend' of doing an Anna Wintour and carrying no bag at all (iPhone 5 and credit card are the chicest of essentials, carried by hand of course), we also now put our possessions on show to the world. Transparent bags are a pretty stupid idea, but I love them too much to care. With the Bershka bargain above you can choose between transparent neon yellow or neon pink. It's very similar to one The Londoner donned a while back, except hers was an iPad case and a little more expensive. A big selling point of this clutch - IT'S £10.

Are you lusting after any of the above?

Bises,

Riona