A Weekend in Antwerp

So last week I wish I could say with University "I jetted off to Belgium & Paris", however it was more like "I sat on a coach for 17 hours to get to Belgium". This was a disgustingly painful journey, especially knowing that I will only be at the first destination for a day and a half- was this even worth it?! As I sat on the coach waiting at Dover I did begin to doubt, why on earth did I agree to take part in this?! 

When we did finally arrive in Antwerp I was just thankful to be off the coach and to able to go to sleep in a clean environment. 

I regained my faith in the trip when exploring Antwerp, it was beautiful! The reason why we were there was to attend the 350 years celebration of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp & 50 Years Fashion Department Exhibition at the MoMu. This features the history and the related success story of Antwerp Fashion (Antwerp Six included). 

I have shared a few photos I took whilst exploring which I hope you like, my next post will be on the 50th anniversary of the Fashion Department.

Love (still recovering from coach "cabin fever") Charlotte x 

Instagram: chareastwood44

A Fashion Collab

Recently I have been collaborating with Rahul Jhangiani who is an MA Fashion Photography student at the same university as me. Shooting with Rahul has been fun and he knows his stuff so I'm always pleased with the outcome!

Below are some examples of our work together, as you can see Rahul puts a lot of preparation into his shoots.

(Leather jacket: Zara, leather gloves: Zara, leather look trousers: Topshop)

(Jeans: GAP)

Charlotte x

Instagram: chareastwood44

Spring Prep

Thank goodness Winter is nearly over, I'm itching to throw off my quilted jacket and hang up my boots! In my anticipation for the Spring sunlight I have been adding to my wardrobe for preparation. You can't be caught short- so it's necessary to be prepped for the season change (an excuse for a cheeky shop). 

New additions include: Vintage rework dress, Jewellery from River Island, Vintage Clutch, light weight Leather Jacket from Reiss, Strappey nude heels from Guess and a pink OPI nail polish to brighten up my look (Charged Up Cherry). 

Charlotte x

Instagram: chareastwood44

Looking Back Cont.

Second video below as stated in previous post (sorry I couldn't fit both videos to one).

Charlotte x

Looking Back

Happy New year! It’s been a long time since I have babbled on about my fashion orientated life- I do apologise. I promise you its not because I have been sat on my arse doing nothing, I have been a busy little bee- I have just finished the first 4 months of my MA course studying Fashion Design. It has been pretty intense to say the least but I really have enjoyed every aspect of it so far! 

Last week was my first massive deadline, this was module 1 of my MA which consists of research, research & more research! Thank god that it is now over and I can move onto the fun part- designing, making, branding and portfolio work!

Anyway, I won’t bore you with my research chat about techniques, processes and quite frankly keeping sane (almost)- but now I’m at the exciting part of my postgrad degree I began to look back on my previous year that we just left behind! The stage I’m at now reminds me of last year when I started making my first outfit to be put forward for The London Graduate Fashion Week Catwalk Show. The unknown was scary but still the idea and potential of showcasing to an audience at such a high profile was what drove me to that goal. 

I thought I would provide you with two videos one of which was my catwalk show and the second one is of The University of Northampton’s feature on Fashion One- I did manage to gain a cheeky interview so look out for the giggling/nervous designer- ME! CRINGE!

(Second video will be in follow up post due to size)

Charlotte x

Instagram: CHAREASTWOOD44

A Casual Transition

Today I truly felt it! Autumn is here- THANK GOD! I can’t stand the awkward transition of seasons; I never know what to wear as I’m either excessively hot or too cold in what I choose. Gosh what trials and tribulations I go through in everyday life!

I bought this fabulous biker jacket the other day from Zara; it’s just thick enough for the now-cooler climate to keep you warm. I absolutely love the shoulder detail which for me, categorically, makes the jacket stand out from all the other biker versions I’ve seen so far. Smashing stuff!

Boots: Miss Guided, Jeans: Gap, Shirt: Marks & Spencer, Bag: Calvin Klein, Scarf: T K Maxx

Jacket: Zara, Necklace: Marks & Spencer

Charlotte x

Instagram: CHAREASTWOOD44

S is for Skirt

  

Autumn Winter 13-14 has an innovative emphasis on the fresh femininity of the skirt- there is a shared theme with the design which gracefully skims around the womanly figure with longer hem lines.

I found this leather style skirt in the Armani Exchange which just called out to me and my mother, the soft fabric and unusual zip down the side made the purchase decision easy.

 

Crop sleeved top: River Island, Skirt: Armani Exchange, Shoes: Kurt Geiger, Necklace: Tiffany & Co

 

Earrings: Swarovski

Now I know I’m no beauty blogger but I just had to share with you my two favourite make-up weapons recently- great autumn colours for the season transition!

 

Lipstick: MAC- Brave, Eye shadow: Chanel- 73 LE BRONZE 

Charlotte x

Instagram: CHAREASTWOOD44