Where is your favourite name necklace from?

	Filed under: Shopping, Style and Beauty On: Thursday, March 20, 2008 Love: 1 Comment »

Enter these promotional discount codes at the checkout, to get money off! They’re limited to this Easter weekend, so get buying!
20% off at Lady Luck Rules Ok – “choccies”
20% off at Lazy Oaf – “eggsactlywhatiwant”

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She was an original wild child, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Edie Sedgwick and John Cale in the 60′s and has had a cult following ever since. New York designer, Betsey Johnson has one of the most unique collections around, that has become inspiration to a lot of the cutesy, rock’n'roll type stores that are popping up all over the web and big cities today.

And now ASOS have made the very wise decision to start stocking Johnson’s amazing range of bags. They’re like a little piece of heaven that I can just hook over my arm! They have the same kind of feel as the bags from designer, Pauls Boutique- quirky, unique, really busy and colourful. Don’t worry if you haven’t bagged your’s from ASOS yet though (they’re notorious for running out of stock quickly!) as there are Betsey Johnson stores all over the globe! Check out her website for stockists.

This Spring, team your sexy Betsey bag with blue denim skinnies, a black tee with button or ruched detail and some bright heels, and you’re set to go! (Make sure you have some oversized sunnies stashed in your bag for those unexpected bright days too.)

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Those of you not reading this through an RSS feed will notice a few changes to the website, due to a sudden burst of inspiration! I’ve grouped photos into different areas now and moved a few other things. There’s also a new addition, The Serial Shopper, which is a new fashion blog I’ve been wanting to start for a while now, and just never got around to doing. It’s going to include all kinds of fashion-related media, so have a butchers! Also, while I’m at it, I’m looking for fab new independent shops to review and designers to interview, so if you think you know of anyone, please leave a comment.

I realise I haven’t updated in a while, but I’ve been busy working and saving for New York (which I absolutely can not wait for! It’s going to be a great opportunity for photos and people-watching, as well as shopping every hour god sends! I’m going to get my grubby mits on a new Canon DSLR too hopefully.) When I haven’t been working (in my pyjamas, for Sport Relief!) I’ve been trying to sort out press packs, designing a beauty website for a friend and organising photography for a wedding. Busy busy busy! Talking of which, I really must press on.

	Filed under: Shopping On: Love: No Comments »

Fred Flare are currently taking submissions for 2008′s Next Big Thing, so I caught up with the creative mind behind Supayana, last year’s winner. I guess that would make Supayana the current Big Thing!

Hi Yana! So, has much changed in the last year since you won?
I’ve definitely gotten more recognition after being Fred Flare’s contest winner. I had a small mention in New York Times magazine and I’ve gotten lots of new customers. Another big change for me was quitting selling on eBay! I sell on Etsy now. It’s so amazing! That site is packed with talent! My store is supayana.etsy.com.

For those who don’t know, how did you get started?
I started selling my clothing on eBay, while I was in university studying Speech Pathology. In the beginning, it was just a hobby…something to pay my textbooks and to make extra money. When I graduated, I decided to stick with fashion because I realized I could actually support myself by selling my creations.

You moved from Moscow to live in New York for a while. Where are your favourite places to hang out and shop in the Big Apple?
I actually moved to NY when I was 4, so I’m way more North-American than everyone thinks! For some reason, in every article, people always want to talk about how Russian I am. I find it so bizarre! I actually don’t live in NY anymore (I’m in Montreal now) but when I lived in NY, I liked to go to Sugar Sweet Sunshine to eat banana pudding, playing Scrabble with my friends every week at Think Coffee, and going to Trader Joe’s. It’s my favorite grocery store in the world and I really miss it :-( As for clothing, I would say the Salvation Army in Sheepshead Bay (my parents neighborhood) is really good. It hasn’t been picked through yet. One time I found a Marc Jacobs shirt there! Sweeeeet!

You’re name’s Yana, but where did the “Supa” come from?
Oh man, so embarassing! I really liked that movie “Superstar” when I was a teenager. I really related to Mary Catherine Gallagher.

Have you always wanted to be a designer?
No, I was always torn between doing something creative and doing something to help others. That’s why I went to school for Speech Pathology. I decided that you only live once, and if I don’t indulge myself in my dream, then I would really regret it when I’m older. I figure I can still help society in other ways.

If you weren’t doing Supayana now, what do you think you would be doing?
Probably a Speech Pathologist, or maybe working at a non-profit for animals.

Do you have a day job, or is Supayana a full-time thing?
Yes, it’s the only thing I do for money, but I am also a full-time student (studying French)

Are there any collections you’re looking forward to for this season?
I don’t really follow other designers’ work religiously, but I like looking on style.com to see what everyone’s up to.

Who or what inspires your designs?
My friends, going to art shows, and the city.

What’s your favourite era of fashion?
20′s, 60′s, 70′s, 80′s….did I list too many? Haha.

How long does it take you to make an item, from first ideas to the finished product? Do you start with a sketch or just go with the flow?
It really depends on the item, but I usually just go with the flow.

I’m heading to New York in April and will be keeping an eye out for your work in Mini Mini Market! Have you got any plans to open your own store in the future?
I might open up a store here in Montreal…it’s way more affordable. BUT…that would be in the distant future…like 5 years?

What advice would you give to others who want to follow in your footsteps?
Don’t give up! Things are always hard in the beginning, but it will always get better.

Fab designs, a caring people-person and loves banana pudding. Could this girl be anymore cute? Check out her fabulous designs now, at her Etsy store, or one of her many stockists in New York. I know I will be!

	Filed under: Articles, Style and Beauty On: Wednesday, March 19, 2008 Love: No Comments »

Miss Moss’ Spring/Summer collection is finally here, much anticipated by Topshop lovers all over the land, but is it really worth queueing up to buy something from her prestigious range?

In short: no. If you just want something with her name on it, go for it, but if you’re actually looking for something to wear then shop elsewhere. Sorry Moss lovers, but the whole collection is so bland, uninspiring and extremely overpriced, not to mention ugly. Beaded Skinny Scarf for £35? It looks like a skimpy bit of rope. The worst item has to be the Mirrored Waistcoat for £65. It’s just so vulgar and unflattering. I’ve thrown up more aesthetically pleasing things.

There’s the odd nice dress, but nothing that makes you say “wow”. They’re the same kind of tunics we’ve seen a million times over and could buy for half the price in H&M.

I really hope Kate manages to pull herself back up with her next collection. Hopefully this hideous range is just a blip.

	Filed under: Style and Beauty On: Tuesday, March 18, 2008 Love: No Comments »