Norman Parkinson

One of my favourite photographers is Norman Parkinson.

Norman Parkinson (1913 - 1990) is one of the twentieth century's best known British portrait and fashion photographers.

He has worked for Harper's Bazzar and Vogue, revolutionising the world of British fashion photography.

Parkinson recognised how s studio setting, in some cases, stifled individuality, creativity and movement due to its stiff formality and professional restrictions. He therefore took his models out from this rigid environment.

He took pictures of glamorous women in various dynamic outdoor settings and managed to inject an easy casual elegance into his images.

His locations were dynamically varied, from the fashion capitals of the world to rural countryside roads. however he always manages to capture an essence of charm and sophistication, creating striking images.

I particularly love his photographs in which humour play a central role:

He transformed and modernised the face of fashion photography and his work has been recognised throughout the world making his style iconic of the twentieth century.

I discovered this photographer when I started collecting postcards and I found the postcards featured in Paperchase.

Winter Wellies

The snow clouds have returned to Aberdeen but luckily Santa was good to me last year and brought me Hunter's original Tall Gloss Wellington Boots in Raspberry! I have dug out and polished up my lovely wellies to keep my feet nice and dry.

The Hunter Boot story began in 1856. They were originally designed for trumping through Britain's countryside (and for jumping into puddles!), however they are now an established style classic and have become a fashion necessity for many, including festival goers.

Hunter have mastered the art of creating and manufacturing wellies using traditional techniques. All boots are made and finished by hand - all 28 individual pieces - and the brand have earned a legendary reputation for the lasting qualities of performance, durability and comfort, due to fine detail and workmanship.

Hunter boots have also been given the Royal stamp of approval, the Royal Warrant from HRH The Duke of Edinburgh and HM the Queen. So if they are good enough for the Royal Family then they are good enough for me!

And of course I kept the box they came in to add to my collection!

Jack Wills Christmas Handbook 2012

This week, Mr Postman kindly delivered my copy of the Jack Wills Christmas Handbook, 2012.

I love this brand and always look forward to receiving the Season Handbook; the photo-shoots never disappoint . . .

However it is important to remember, behind every brand there is a person, an identity, a story.

Jack Wills Summer Term 2010

Jack Wills was founded by Peter Williams and Robert Shaw in 1999.

Peter Williams

The company was named after Jack Williams, Peter Williams' Grandfather.

Jack Wills Spring Term Handbook 2010

The original store was 22 Fore Street, Salcome Devon. This address can be found written into the clothing labels.

The lifestyle brand juxtaposes Britain's rich history and culture with the wild university lifestyle, creating a clothing emporium for countless students.

Jack Wills Autumn 2010

With the delivery of the Handbook, comes the release of the Season video. Here is the 2012 Winter Season video, showcasing the winter range and epitomising what it is to be young and Fabulously British.

I will add this Season's Handbook  to my  secret stash!

Register online or instore to get your own copy.

The Lost World of Biba

In the early 1960's Barbara Hulanicki founded Biba. It became the place to be, offering something different for a generation of women establishing a reputation for innovative youth style.

Biba became hugely popular among budding fashionistas and stars of the swinging sixties providing fashion similar to Mary Quant but with a more affordable price tags.

From the exterior it looked private and mysterious. The windows were blacked out and never exhibited anything, the theory being that people would be intrigued to enter the shop. This theory proved successful and Biba became a popular fashion emporium for young women.

The interior featured Art Nouveau references and the blacked out windows restricted sunlight, heightening the legendary charged atmosphere. A romantic environment in which girls fell in love with fashion was created and many visited the iconic London fashion store for the shopping experience.

Clothes were displayed in an innovative manner, hung from coat stands scattered across the shop floor. Additionally Biba became the first store to allow customers to try make-up before buying it. This led to women rushing in before work, putting on make up in the store, then rushing out to go to work.

Sadly Biba experience financial difficulties and closed in 1975. However the brand has enjoyed a strong revival and is now available in House of Fraser. 

The collection features a range of coats, tops, trousers, dresses and handbags. All the garments retain their quirky character and hold significant vintage essence.

We do not have a House of Fraser in Aberdeen but on a girly weekend to Edinburgh I persuaded my friends to help me find Biba. To my delight, we found it and I bought a Biba notebook and even got a Biba bag to add to my collection! 

Magazine by Arcadia

Last week I walked into work and stumbled upon Magazine by Arcadia. I had never before laid eyes on one, but it was their 5th issue. (The previous issues must have got lost on their voyage to Scotland!)

For those of you who didn't know, Arcadia Group is home to BHS, Burton, Dorothy Perkins, Evans, Miss Selfridge, Outfit, Topshop, Topman and Wallis. This magazine successfully incorporates all areas and aspects of the company, presenting the various brands side by side.

 Flicking through the pages of this magazine you will discover the latest trends, season staples and style tips. There is also information on exclusive collaborations and collection launches. 

Contributors of this issue include Marie Claire Runway's fashion writer Chloe MacDonnell who wrote a feature on 'The Mac'.

Elle's Amy Bannerman also featured in 'Style Advisor'.

I mused over Miss Selfridge's journey to uncover the hidden treasures of Lille. Mulled over the interview with Topshop's Creative Director, Kate Phelan and followed the footsteps of Emma Newstead, an Arcadia Customer Services Operational Manager.

Naturally I swiped a copy from the staff room to add to my collection.

(Pop into any Arcadia store and ask a member of staff for details).

Dorothy Perkins & the Kardashian Kollection

 Dorothy Perkins have been working exclusively with the Kardashian sisters, Kim, Khloe and Kourtney Kardashian, to produce a range for the highstreet brand.

You either love them or hate them, but their collection does feature some beautiful pieces bringing you affordable glamorous styles. Here is cheeky sneak peak at what to expect.

 The collection contains items that epitomise their curvaceous style with figure hugging panel dresses, tight leggings and pencil skirts heavily featured.  There are also power shoulder jackets,  sequin bow shift dresses, tuxedo shorts and lace shoulder blouses. 

The Kardashian Kollection will be launched exclusively at Dorothy Perkins on Thursday 8th November 2012 and will be available on www.dorothyperkins.com and in 200 stores across the UK in sizes ranging from 8-16.

I have started saving some pennies so I can add to my collection of clothes!

Find out more information online at - www.dorothyperkins.com/