Pink

Yesterday, I finally took the plunge (or the dip hahaha) and dyes my hair pink. Its been a long time in the making but I am very happy with the results, even though it took me and my neighbour, Paige, about 3 hours! I took these photos in the garden this evening when the sun came out- this is just a casual school outfit although I must say I'm absolutely loving the silky pajama trousers- comfy, on-trend and shiny- what could be better?! 

So here I am wearing: 

sandals- Topshop

trousers- United Colours of Benetton

t-shirt-AndFinally @ Topshop

cardigan (in my hand)- courtesy of SP Diffusion more on that below

The rucksack is what I am using as a school bag these days and its my bag-crush (if thats even possible, then again, this is my blog and if I say bag- crushes are possible, they are). Its by a designer called Kate Sheridan and I picked it up at London Fashion Weekend back in February. She has some amazing other stuff and I distinctly remember driving Susie crazy (not that she showed it) by having to carefully examine each colour option before finally buying the printed one! Plus the fact that its survived my History of Art folder and various Art hardback books is a sign that it is capable of withstanding almost any weight! (Sorry, this looks a tad like an advertisement but seriously!)

Ignore my hair's unstraightened state- its a bit of a mess but I figured a back view was needed! The one below kinda shows how bright it is but doesn't quite do the neon justice.

Hair aside, even though it is rather distracting, I have much to report having spent the week doing work experience at SP Diffusion. To most, that may not sound much but to those in the know, they are the knitwear designers for literally all the highstreet shops we love; Topshop, Asos, River Island, Oasis, Monsoon, Debenhams... as well as designers like Jonathan Saunders and Henry Holland...the list goes on. I was lucky enough to spend the week with the designers and through endless swatch sorting and identifying, can now identify the yarn and colour of most jumpers I see, a handy skill! Aside from the swatches, of which there were rails and rails (now nicely organised I might add), I colour coded the wardrobe, which is even better than the famous Carrie Bradshaw because we are literally talking a room crammed to bursting point with amazing knitwear picked up from travels all over the world (who said being a designer wasn't glamourous!), I had a slightly weak knee-ed moment upon entrance!  I sorted samples, made mood boards and was able to go to a fitting at the Asos office. This, I think, was a highlight as not only did I get to sit in the fitting room with the buyers and technicians, which was fascinating because I saw the different stages of the garment and previous drafts being altered to fit the 'Asos customer' under the command of the buyer who commented on the garment and watched as all obeyed (such power!), but I also got to see the Asos office, which one cannot help but be deeply impressed by: Its massive, three floors of a huge building. Everyone who works there seems to be young, beautiful, well dressed and skinny and drinking Diet Coke! Its like walking into a version of Ugly Betty's Mode office! The SP Diffusion studio was also amazing but different- spacious, quiet and more...arty? I dont know if thats the word but there were clothes rails with amazing knitwear on them and horse print wallpaper, mannequins and ornately framed mood boards- again, everyone young, beautiful and oh-so well dressed. I was amazed at how few people are behind all that knitwear and how much they got done! Through sorting out samples, I also got a very sneaky preview into what is coming into shops soon, and I must say, I'm already preparing my bank account for the damage when this stuff hits stores! To make one of the best weeks even better, I was given some gorgeous knitwear to keep (before it hits the stores!!!). I honestly thought I would cry with happiness and I still cant believe my luck!  Overall, an amazing week- any doubts on fashion being my path have vanished and I honestly did learn more than I ever could have expected- I dont think I'm ever going to be able to thank them enough for having me!
Alas, now back to school, my borrowed fabulous fashion mini career is over and I am back among my fellow teenagers. Speaking of which, I'm nearly 17!
Let me know if you have any questions about the work exp and if you like the hair?
LBxx