New Knitwear

It's that time of year again, to start bulking out the winter wardrobe with some statement knitwear and this is exactly what I have been doing! 

Although it's cold outside, you forget your umbrella so your hair gets wet and there's the risk of face planting the floor due to black ice... For fashion winter is amongst our favourite season! 

With the opportunity to indulge in layer upon layer of pastel shade jumpers over sheer strong collared shirts with the excuse that it's just to keep us warm (Ignoring the fact it's the hottest trend of the season and it's equally as comfortable) it's hard not to fall in love with laying during the most fashionable season! 

Here are two of my favourite pieces i've picked up from this seasons selection of knitwear on our very own high-street.

Fresh Mint

This fresh mint jumper is probably my best find this season, not only is it bang trend but because of it's pastel colouring its also a great transitional piece that I can wear right through till spring next year - The candy colour theme was so popular again this year that I'm sure it'll be in the fashion forecast for SS14.

Dress up this beautiful mint green jumper with a jewelled neckpiece. Mint Green jumper; Primark £8.00 OTT necklace; River Island £15.00. Image: Bloggers own.

So while I wasn't really out shopping for a new jumper - But we never are we? I couldn't resist purchasing this one at the unbelievable price of just £8.00 from the bargain fashion store Primark. It almost feels like i've got it in a prestigious 75 percent off sale but i haven't - it really was under a tenner!

Wear this pastel knit over a sharp white shirt for a more tailored look. Sheer white shirt; Primark £9.00

  

Fuchsia Pink

Again this jumper is a great transitional piece for those difficult in between season periods where it looks warm outside but it's really not.I was draw in by the colour but the weight and woven knit detail of this piece is as equally amazing. Although a bit more expensive this jumper has already been worn and worn and worn again but is still in great condition, unlike some knitwear which becomes unwearable after just a few washes! I purchased this Knitted Mix Stitch Jumper from everybody's favourite high-street store Topshop for £38.00. 

Knitted Mix Stitch Jumper; Topshop £38.00

It's undoubtable that Topshop has the BEST range of the seasons most popular colour with a collection of cropped knits, PVC pastels, and cute mini skirts in every shade of pink imaginable. 

Screenshot of just some of the 'pink' knitwear collection at Topshop. Image; Topshop.com

I earlier touched on layering your knitted key pieces and this is something I have been doing a lot, i love throwing my faux fur and knit mix gilet on over this bright statement colour jumper for a fashionable day look - I also add an oversized hat for glamour and I think my friend beautiful baby pug goes well with it too, his name is Arnie and he is such a fashionista already and the star of my friend and hairdressers blog. 

Wearing my fuchsia pink knit with a smart white shirt, black gilet and oversized hat.

Words: Nathalie Dawe

Fashion Mantra

I admit that I am one of those people who is guilty of instagraming everything and anything I find interesting, my new purchases and my next meal. I Instagram all these little things that make me laugh make me cry and make me cry with laughter. 

This little 'Fashion Mantra' is the latest in my addition to my Instagram portfolio I just love it! The bright lights epitomise the glamorous side to the fashion industry while the words themselve define the hard work of those who work around the clock to bring the catwalk to the high-street and promote the latest fashion must haves we demand to know about! 

Follow me on Instagram @nathaliefashionuk 

#Regram 

Words: Nathalie Dawe 

The Look Of Leather

With a new season comes a new trend, this trend usually begins with a designer and a sketchbook, its then brought to life on our catwalk and if we are LUCKY the trends key elements are interpreted by our favourite high-street brands for us high-street junkies to work into our OWN wardrobes and create our OWN style. 

And this season the trend leading the catwalk to the high-street was leather. It seemed impossible to walk down the high-street without brushing past a leather sleeve or being followed by the tapping of a chunky leather heel. 

So while it's still cold outside I've decided to take a look at some of my favourite leather key pieces from the season that have become staple wardrobe essentials.

The Jacket

The leather sleeve is something on the catwalk that has not gone un-noticed by the high-street again this year! Zara was amongst the first retailers last Christmas to launch the leather sleeve  re-inventing the Parker and the Mac  - after seeing it on the catwalk at Burberry and many more. Like the iconic leather jacket it's a look that has stuck with us as a wardrobe essential for AW13. However this year I'm struggling to think of a retailer on the high-street where I haven't seen a leather sleeve. I've picked out a couple of my Zara favourites from their outerwear range that have incorporated this trend.

Combined Faux Leather Coat £89.99 - Combination Parka with Faux Leather Sleeves £109.00. Images: www.zara.co.uk.

I've also managed to pick myself up a bargain this year from retailer giants Primark with this quilted sleeve and wool textured jacket with gold zip detail. I can't remember exactly how much I paid for it but for under £30.00 it's a bargain! 

Primark Quilted Sleeve Coat under £30.00. Image: www.ebay.co.uk.

Gold detailing on this jacket creates an expensive look. Images: www.ebay.co.uk.

The Chunky Heel 

These boots are just AMAZING! I cannot stress enough how they have transformed my daytime wardrobe! As a short girl myself (If you hadn't noticed already) a comfy heel is an everyday essential and these boots provide the added height without the discomfort of a back breaking stiletto. Although not genuine leather the chic leather look and feel of these platform lace up's are all you need to complete any outfit when teamed with a pair of high-waisted skinny's and a tailored shirt - I also love throwing a fur gilet on over the top to add a bit of glamour and if you want to pump up the volume even more try an oversized hat for a real Chelsea girl look. 

Topshop Astrix Platform Lace Up Boots £42.00. Images: www.topshop.co.uk.

The Trousers

Last year the leather trouser was another statement piece I lived in giving a more polished finish to any outfit, it's such a versatile piece that can be dressed up with a tailored jacket for dinner or dressed down with chunky knitwear for the day. This year i'm loving this high-waited version from Next for just £28.00 and the great thing about next is that they come in regular and longer lengths meaning they'll be suitable for everyone. 

Next Leather Look Skinny Trousers £28.00. Images: www.next.co.uk.

The Skirt 

Just because it's winter that doesn't mean you have to completely hide your legs away until next summer, I love wearing skirts because  they epitomise femininity - woman protested for us to have the mini-skirt so we should make the most of showing off our legs in all seasons. For AW13 I love quilted leather and this quilted mini-skirt from New Look is my latest wardrobe investment, I suggest teaming it with a thick pair of tights and black boots - I've recently been dressing it down with an oversized knitted jumper but i've fallen in love with it so much that last night I dressed it up with a tailored black shirt, super-high heels and a statement necklace. The skirts texture  makes the outfit look so much more expensive than it actually is but at £17.99 it's a must have!  

New Look Black Quilted Leather-Look Biker Mini Skirt £17.99. Image: www.newlook.co.uk.

Words: Nathalie Dawe 

Not got that dream job yet... So what?

So you haven't got your dream job yet? So what darling don't worry about it... 

How many of you reading this post have your DREAM job? How many of you have the job you worked your arse off to get but find yourself living for the weekend? And how many of you have your 'dream' job... But are finding that it doesn't quite live up to all that you had envisioned? 

The harsh reality is that we ALL fit into one of these scenarios... And if not now in the future we will have at some point found ourselves at the forefront in each of these situations WISHING, WORKING FOR AND WANTING MORE!!! 

Despite being in control of your own destiny and all that crap, we all have to make sacrifices, come to a compromise and live within our means just to meet the demands of the monthly finances and that is exactly what I am doing! I'm proud to say I pay my way, and I'm proud to say I work forty plus hours a week in a job I never wished on in my 'when a grow up...' presentation I gave in pigtails and a pinafore dress at primary school! I'm not going to make out I have these opinions because I was hard done by, because I never have been and in fact growing up I guess some would say I was pretty spoilt, and I've done my fair share of working for free to gain experience and being supported by my parents while I do so but I was also taught the meaning of gratitude and the art of appreciation.

I'm committed to supporting myself and from time to time I have to support my loved ones around me too, honouring them with the same support owed so graciously from the support I've received in the decisions I've made. I also feel privileged to be able to provide for myself and treat my friend's to lunch every now and again or purchase a cute little 'just because it made me think of you gift' - soppy I know and many will say 'well that's just a waste of money' (usually my Dad, bless him he's the responsible one) but the feeling that you worked hard for eight, ten and sometimes too many hours a day; time you're never going to get back, for the feeling of opening that pay packet at the end of the month... Well that, that feeling I think you'll all agree is priceless (Sorry MasterCard). 

Whether our decisions and impulse buying be financially sensible or not (a lot of the time 'not'... but thats the fun part isn't it?) I'd like to take time to justify the 'work hard, play hard' mantra - I'm not just referring to spending £50 too much on a pair of shoes or purchasing that investment 'designer' hand-bag with a designer price tag (this is really a fashion blog after all). I am specifically talking about the forever increasing daily cost of living. I'm not the first to blog about this and I'll in no way be the last, but this post isn't me as an opportunist having a rant about the dyer state of our economy. It's more personal than that, it's about the snobbery thrust upon me from those who have no right to look down on you for getting up off your backside to do your not so 'dream' job. Those people especially who have had a career handed to them on a plate or were born with a silver spoon in their mouths, I've got friends who have worked hard for their position in the media and I'm so PROUD! But we all know those people that walk around with their nose so high in the sky that if they came across a bump in the pavement they would face plant the floor... And well we shouldn't but we'd have a little giggle at their expense wouldn't we! 

There's a famous quote by fashion model Linda Evangelista that reads "I don't get out of bed for less than $10,000 a day" I have a t-shirt with this printed on it, it's a parody that I should wear it for bed, or wear it at all but the Canadian model famous for her many Vogue Italia covers, I'm sure worked her arse off too and she was obviously just very LUCKY and very BEAUTIFUL!

Over time and more recently I've been challenged by much of my family, many friends, questionable friends and strangers who just want to strike up a conversation with me (That happens a lot - do I have a face that looks like I want to elaborate with you? Maybe!). They ask so what are you doing with your degree? Why are you doing that job? And the worst one! Oh the worst one is and where do you see yourself in 10 years? That's the worst question isn't it girls? The one we all dread! Well if we knew the answer to that life for the next 10 years would be pretty predictable and really damn boring! I publicly joked on twitter the other day that all my friends hate their jobs so we should just all give up and have lots of babies instead - I'm sure their will come a time for that... when you can say your children are your biggest achievement but thats not to come before the fulfilment that comes from working for a living and earning your OWN money!

It's perfectly acceptable to think you are capable of more but to think you are BETTER than a job, that really REALLY angers me and is just snobbery in it's entirety. I've had friends very good friends tell me not to 'waste' my capabilities, they have abruptly told me 'you know you should be working somewhere better' and 'you know you can do better' maybe it's a type of reverse psychology. I've been persuaded to think my job(s) are below me, but I thank those in my life that have taught me the value of equality, rather than the art of snobbery. I work in a call centre OFFICE a clean environment with some great people... REAL people not snobs and I'd like to think not people that are going to stab you in the back, I'm not saying I'm going to work there forever but at the minute I'm comfortable, I'd even like to assume from feedback I'm doing pretty well there and I'm having fun in my personal life so I'll say it again... don't worry about it darling! 

The harsh reality is that you should never think you're better than the job, did Sir Alan Sugar ever think he was better than anyone, or too special to rise before the crack of dawn... NO?! He too worked, and worked hard to build his empire that he has today - In my opinion your happiness is built by those around you, you probably spend more time with your work colleagues than you do the man you marry... and so i propose a question - When has snobbery ever paid the bills? The truth is that money DOES make the world go round and it does take the pressure off but thinking you are too good to do a job that disgusts me and I urge you not to take this opinion lightly we all have an idea about the jobs we enjoy and the jobs we hate and have left saying 'That just wasn't for me...' and that is perfectly fine, everybody is entitled to their opinion and likes different things but to leave saying 'That jobs just below me...'- Who the HELL do you think you ARE???

I conclude with this statement - 'Hard work and working hard is admirable, but putting yourself on a pedestal doesn't and never will pay the bills darling...'

Words Nathalie Dawe

CIRCOLOCOOOOO STYLE - "No High-Heels Please..."

So last weekend I attended the much anticipated Circoloco in the Arena event in Birmingham... (Unfortunately as many of you may have been made aware of through the headlines and across twitter the event was cut short due to the selfish acts of one or two individuals who felt it was justified to spoil the fun for everybody else and ruin the life of somebody so undeserving of the experience that was thrust upon them, our thoughts are with them - I fully support the decision to shut down the event, as highly responsible and respectful to those involved).

However those that did attend in it's opening year at the arena (Birmingham) in 2012, and got to experience the location in all its glory, will appreciate how great the event had become, exceeding all expectations for the arena and giving it a lot to live up to in 2013. 

Following such a great experience during 2012 (Apart from sore feet) we know that it's not a place for high-heels (As we found out the hard way), but it's about the music and the bringing together of people from all over the country to appreciate the sound and atmosphere house music has to offer.

Launched as just a one day event in the arena during 2012, for 2013 organisers decided to extend the festival over two days this year- bringing more of the best house DJ's in the business, longer set's and a bigger crowd.

All of which meant we needed to plan a head. The weekend essentials needed to be packed into a weekend bag - or a suitcase, and an outfit prepared that was going to take us from day to night and sustain in wind and rain (because you can't rely on the great British weather, can you!) was necessary to complete the weekend wardrobe.

So of course I spent not just weeks but months planning my outfit or outfits... but it wasn't just me the girls did too. The outfit needed to be along the lines of the perfect mix-tape between Ibiza and festival. 

After much deliberation and a few too many shopping trips myself and my friend Lucy decided that throwing together SS13 key pieces should get us through the weekend without any 'what were you thinking?' wardrobe moments.

Circoloco In The Arena - Birmingham - Floral Kimono - Zara. Flaforms, Moto High-Waisted Acid Wash Hot-Pants and Gold Body Chain - All Topshop - John Lennon Sunglasses and Tassel Shoulder Strap Bag - Primark 

The OOTD...

Between us we selected a few of this SS13 key pieces including the throwback turtle neck, crop tops, kimonos, high-waisted leggings, short shorts, flat-forms and JuJu's (Yes those jelly shoes you had when you were still in primary school are BACK). Accessorising all this with body chains big BLONDE hair, over-sized John Lennon's (round sunglasses) and and across the body hand-bags with tassels all because we couldn't get our hands on a bum bag.

All in all it was an AMAZING weekend despite the very sad closure of the event.

Words: Nathalie Dawe

The Floral Clutch

Statement accessories have fast become an essential finishing touch to any outfit, with bigger, brighter and bolder designs creating a role reversal, as we build our whole outfit around the seasons ‘must have’ key piece, instead of trying to find the perfect pair of shoes or the right colour clutch to match our new dress. 

Delicate embellishment, metallic finishes and oversized fastenings are just some of the key features of the essential clutch bag for Spring Summer 2013. However it’s the pastel shades of floral prints that I have fallen in LOVE with this summer.

Perhaps one of the most versatile accessories of the season, it’s the pretty little things that catch our eye which is why the floral clutch is great for updating a simple outfit, and making that transition from one season to another.

Erdem, Mulberry, House of Holland, Vivienne Westwood, Christopher Kane, Gucci and Matthew Williamson to name just a few have heavily featured floral prints as part of their Spring Summer 2013 collections. Naturally epitomizing the season and creating a sense youthful dressing, the designers unveiled an eclectic mix of pretty pastel eyes, matching floral two-piece tailoring, blooming hair accessories and statement jewellery to complete each look.

Erdem - Spring Summer 2013

The high-street currently has some great offerings, having taken obvious inspiration from the catwalk, to ensure we can all inject at least a little bit of this trend into our summer wardrobe. So while you may not be brave enough to wear floral from head to toe, the clutch allows you to capture the essence of the trend making it such an essential piece for Spring Summer 2013. Work it into your wardrobe by teaming it with a block colour shift dress, a tailored all-in-one or simple city shorts and wedge heels.

On trend key pieces from our high-street with the Dorothy Perkins
envelope clutch (Left) and the bold purse clutch from Coast (Right)

     

So while we have only had a hint of sunshine, in the past few weeks, the time has come to increase the contents of the accessory box injecting a mix of pastel shades and floral prints, so grab your bag because it’s time to go shopping! 

Piece created as part of my contribution to stylobalonline.com, check out their website for the latest news in luxury fashion and lifestyle. 

Words: Nathalie Dawe

The New Waistline

We’ve had the hipster, the high-waisted and the peplum but as we recap over the AW13 collections from London Fashion Week it is notable that the dropped waistline forms the structure of the new season’s silhouette.

Somewhere between the statement shift dress and the peplum – The dropped waistline incorporates a fitted top and structured bottom created with a peplum or a pleated stitch while the horizontal waistline sits just below the hips rather than around the natural waist.  

Featured as a key piece in the AW13 collections at Mulberry, Moschino Cheap and Chic, Alexander Mcqueen, David Korma, Temperley London and Christopher Kane. These designers have fully explored the innovative nature of dress design to enhance the female form and create a staple wardrobe update on a classic piece.

The Dropped Waistline from Alexanda Mcqueen (Left) Just Cavalli (Centre) Moschino (Right)

Although you may have become accustomed to cinching in the waist to meet the demands of previous trends – the drop waist influenced by an early 1920’s silhouette can help elongate the upper body, lengthening the torso to create the illusion of height.

The versatile piece can be worked into your own style by teaming it with a leather jacket, and chunky ankle boots for a cool day look, or style with sky scraper heels, an oversized clutch and a statement necklace for an evening outfit of the ultimate elegance.

Piece created as part of my contribution to stylobalonline.com, check out their website for the latest news in luxury fashion and lifestyle. 

Words: Nathalie Dawe

To The Point

Flat and fashionable – it’s seems too good to be true, a practical shoe that meets all the demands of the new seasons trend and can be worn for a painless 9-5 at the office. While we all love a sky-scraper heel nothing beats comfort and for that we applaud the fashion world for making it acceptable to go flat this SS13. 

We’ve seen the likes of Chloé, Marc Jacobs, Valentino and Dolce all treating their models to a safe journey down the catwalk opting for relaxed city-chic styling with a pointy flat as pairs of pastels, sharp metallic’s and rich embellishment stepped down the runway catching as much of the critics attention as the outfits themselves.

Designer flats - Valentino (Left), Chloe 
(Centre)Louboutin (Right) 

Such a versatile piece for SS13 – the pointy flat can be worn with a white tailored suit a chic wardrobe essential for the current season, also try injecting some colour into the look by choosing a pointy flat in a bold colour. Alternatively there is some beautifully embellished footwear available and teamed with a classic rolled up jean and button up shirt it provides the perfect update to even the most casual of outfits.

So while a sky-scraper heel can take you from dusk till dawn it’s the new seasons ‘must have’ pointy flat that will get you from one side of town to the other without breaking your ankle along the way – You might even be able to get to that important meeting on time!

Piece created as part of my contribution to stylobalonline.com, check out their website for the latest news in luxury fashion and lifestyle.

Words: Nathalie Dawe

A Chic Weekender

So i have been away from blogging for a couple of weeks! No excuse i've just been too busy as of late, partying, working and working some more. Although it might sound boring tonight I'm staying in (But with an exciting shoot to prep for tomorrow i feel it's acceptable) giving me chance to catch up on my blog and make final preparations for tomorrow. Last weekend however was far more EXCITING and the wardrobe had a lot more to say than this evenings pink dressing gown. 

We all know the 'Saturday night outfit' always takes a lot of planning, but last weekend I impressed myself by ordering a dress from ASOS.COM the day before, it was EXACTLY what I had been pacing up and down the high-street for and I even managed to order the right size. 

I must also praise ASOS.COM for it's amazing delivery service although it's let me down in the past I paid £5.95 for next day delivery having ordered my item around 5pm, and it had arrived at my front door by 9:30am the following morning!(The ASOS fashion fairy's had a very busy evening).

I had opted for a classic LBD with a deep V sweetheart neckline, from TFNC, at a bargain price of £38.00 it's definitely a 'buy it now' and don't feel guilty if you only wear it once item (Like a lot of the things girls buy).

TFNC Midi Dress with Plunge Neck - £38.00 - ASOS
Image: asos.com 

Ticking the boxes of this seasons key piece dress as a strapless, midi length LBD, I styled it with classic make-up and a chic Audery Hepburn-esque high bun. Helping to accentuate the neckline, dressed by a gold mesh rhinestone necklace; £16.50 from Dorothy Perkins. 

Mesh Rhinestone necklace - £16.50 - Dorothy Perkins
Image: dorothyperkins.com

LOUD Hi Vamp Platform Sandels - £58.00 - Topshop
Image: topshop.com

To give the overlook a slight-edge I opted for a pair of HI VAMP Topshop heels, with a thick buckle fastening ankle strap, at just £58, in comparison to the price points of other heels featured in the Topshop range; this is a great price point, accessorizing with my trusty gold metallic clutch bag (an item that seems to go with EVERYTHING).

Myself and the Stylish Lauren who wears Black Body; American Apparel and Printed Skirt from Sparkle 
and Fade; Urban Outfitters (Typical girls toilet photo)

So there we have it... a COMPLETE Saturday night outfit for under £100.00. YES! I'm shocked too but it appears it can be done! 

The AX Paris and etail PR blogger networking event 10/04/13

On Wednesday I attended the AX Paris blogger event at Circus bar in Covent garden.I was selected to attend the event from hundreds of contestants through a competition ran by the etail PR agency. The agency operates it's own blogger network and it's team of retail professionals focus' on creating traffic for already established webstores, and fashion and beauty blogs.

The event celebrated the lunch of the Ax Paris TV advert, to be aired for the first time this weekend on ITV2. As an attendee at the event, myself, other bloggers and members of the press got an exclusive first look at the advertisement and a first look at the latest collection of occasion dresses from AX Paris. The advertisement itself featured some of this season key styles from THE Ax Paris Spring Summer 2013 collection, with prices starting from as little as £22.00. 

Photo-booth fun at the AX Paris blogger event

Free canapes and cocktails were served throughout the evening - resulting in too much fun inside the official AX paris photo-booth alongside my partner in crime Alicia. 

Thank you for having us!

You can view the latest advertisement for Ax Paris and shop the new collection via the Ax Paris Website.

You can also sign to the etail PR blogger network by visiting the website via the link below:

http://etailpr.e-tailwebstores.com/signup.php 

Words: Nathalie Dawe

Sixty' s Shades

It's amongst my favourite era, mini skirts, big hair, geometric prints, monochrome and FUN accessories. Yes... the sixties were all about having fun with fashion! Which is why I'm so happy to see a little bit of a sixties revival happening once again.

One of my idols from the decade - Twiggy
Image - rememberwhen.gazettelive.co.uk

Twiggy is of course the ultimate style icon from the decade and undeniably an icon of mine so i've chosen some pictures of her for this post that i feel demonstrate the inspiration behind this seasons SS13 eyewear trend!

Twiggy - 60's Sunglasses
Image: fuckyeah60sfashion.tumbler.com

Just like Twiggy's style the sunglasses TREND constantly evolves but I'm confident in saying that this SS13 SIXTYS SHADES are a must for your summertime accessory box.

60's Fun - Twiggy - Sunglasses
Image: www.jarvisandjanis.com

So while it might be cold outside, if the suns shining the glasses are ON! (after all a pair of shades is supposed to make you better looking right?)

The high-street have already started to re-merchandise the floor with the seasons key piece.

Here is some of the most stylish sixties inspired eye-wear from Topshop for SS13! 

60's Oval Monochrome Sunglasses - £16.00 - Topshop
Image: www.topshop.com

60's Oval Sunglasses - £16.00 - Topshop
Image: www.topshop.com

Tortoise Shell Sunglasses - £16.00 - Topshop
Image: www.topshop.com

Glitter Round Sunglasses - £18.00 - Topshop
Image: www.topshop.com

Round Catseye Sunglasses - £16.00 - Topshop
Image: www.topshop.com

Round Revo Sunglasses - £12.00 - Topshop
Image: www.topshop.com

I've already purchased and fallen in love with mine a steal at just £16.00 - Topshop really are setting the bar high with the BEST range of eyewear currently on the high-street, offering a style to suit everyone and you get a free glasses case too! 

Sixty's Shades for the Easter Bank Holiday - No make-up cover up!
 Sunglasses; Topshop. Glitter top; Primark. Chunky necklace; Primark. Kimono; River island  

Words: Nathalie Dawe

Education VS Industry!

Further study? or Get a full-time job? A question with two very different outcomes and no wrong answer but the final decision will undoubtably carve the pathway to your future.

I seem to have found myself stuck right in the middle of this very debate once again - EDUCATION or INDUSTRY? I want to achieve the very best in my career and apply my skills to industry gained from always being a good girl (well most the time) and working hard in school/university/internships but with so much to consider alongside the cost involved in either completing MA studies or unpaid work placements and internships, it seems somewhere near impossible to move forward in an industry that requires you to spend so much and earn so little. 

Securing a paid role within the fashion business is amongst one of the most challenging tasks for a young fashion professional post graduation - employees ALWAYS want experience - so again I question how valuable a 2:1 Bachelors degree with Honours and 3 years studying at university really is? 

I recently attended and blogged about a post-graduate event at The University of Birmingham - The Postgraduate Study and Funding Fair is open to ALL students and graduates considering postgraduate study, although not really that helpful for someone looking to progress onto a fashion focused MA the fair did help me explore postgraduate study during an unbiased lecture which helps students and graduates to fully asses if graduate study is right for them by asking...

- Will your post-graduate study give you an ADVANTAGE?

- What about the cost? Is their FUNDING available?

- Is your course REALLY essential to your industry?

- Is the course VALUED by potential future employers?

- Is the university HIGHLY-REGARDED?

For those of you that regularly check back with CHIC-BOX MEDIA you will know I recently touched upon these key points from the lecture - and well I still don't know the answer or even if their is a RIGHT answer to the questions proposed. 

STILL CONFUSED?

In contrast to the postgraduate study and funding fair I also attended the Manchester Fashion Networks Recruitment fair in association with the leading industry magazine Drapers. This was quite a small event which gave students and graduates the opportunity to have one to one conversations with recruiters including Selfridges, Matalan and Tesco and the Digital, Creative and Marketing Recruitment agency Orchard. 

Talking with industry professionals is undoubtably the BEST way to gain an insight into what recruiters are really looking for, with every employer wanting something different from their applicant.

Having done my research into postgraduate study and available recruitment roles alongside applying for numerous positions only to be rejected for the standard 'experience and qualifications not being as closely matched as other applicants' I've come to the conclusion that it's not necessarily about education over industry and vice versa but in fact a balance between the two that prepares you for employment - BUT while recruiters are still expecting more and giving less (in terms of wage) it still seems that it is only the wealthy who can afford to live in our capital at the centre of the fashion industry and work for free OR those that can complete MA studies without needing to consider the financial implications that will occur by taking on such a demanding role. 

Although their is support for individuals wanting to complete postgraduate study but are worried about funding the course costs in reference to the professional careers and development loan, this is still something that needs much consideration as it WILL need to be paid back. 

So while all of this is getting me a step closer to making my FINAL decision regarding postgraduate study I'm not quite there yet. However talking to existing MA Fashion Marketing and Communication students at Nottingham Trent University's postgraduate School of Art and Design open evening has given me the confidence to believe that if you REALLY want to do it it can be achieved.  

Please share your views regarding the on-going Education VS Industry debate -  and hopefully you can help me get one step closer towards my future pathway.

Words: Nathalie Dawe