I don’t know how I got a ticket to this show. You’ve probably already read about the clothes on Style.com or a blog that’s more up-to-date than mine, so i’ll try and paint a picture of my own Charles Anastase experience.

First things first, you’re all thinking “ALEXACHUNG!!!!!” so we’ll address that matter first. Yes, I did take that photograph, whilst waiting for the bus infact (more on that later). She was very sweet, and looked amazing – her beauty was probably highlighted by the fact she was sat next to the Geldof sisters…but this show wasn’t about the celebrities, if I wanted to go celeb spotting, I would have been at the PPQ show (..I didn’t get an invite). So, on to more important matters…

It took me over half an hour to find Finsbury Town hall, the venue for the show. Everyone else would have gotten taxis, but I arrived by tube. I needn’t have worried about being late because I was early – far too early. I stood in an empty bar holding my mojito (I don’t even like them..) all on my lonesome, watching the place fill up with glamorous people who all seemed to know one another. I felt out of place again, but sucked it up and carried on, and did what I had gotten so good at over the weekend – people watching (or shoe watching, to be exact).

For the show, I was seated on the stage – I was grateful to be in the room at all so I wasn’t going to complain – it’s just there was no free huge swan bag in my place. Despite being so hard to find, the building was really quite beautiful – I can see why it had been chosen for a Charles Anastase show (just see the second photo and you’ll know what I mean). Apparently there was a shortage of seating, so I had 10 or so people shoved in the small space infront of me – that’s my excuse for having hardly any photographs. That and I was totally bowled over – again.

The rather haunting music started and the lights were dimmed, and that’s when the show began. It could have been over in a matter of seconds as far as I was concerned, each outfit came and went in such a blur – it was probably just me being overexcited. The models were teetering in extremely high black platform shoes, giving off a slightly darker vibe that was juxtaposed by messy ballerina buns and rosy cheeks. Charles Anastase had created something that I long for in my own wardrobe; sweet collared blouses given an edge by being paired with big black boots, floaty tulle alongside black PVC-like material. As expected, there was something odd about the whole collection, it gave off a hint of Alice in Wonderland, with mismatched pieces and things that didn’t quite fit. I loved the collection, not that it means i’ll be wearing what looks like a bedsheet out any time soon, but adding a gothic accent to an otherwise naively girly dress is definitely something to try if you want to give a gentle nod towards Charles Anastase SS10.

After the show was just as odd. I definately wasn’t going to be venturing back to the tube station in the dark, so I took the nearest bus and just happened to take the seat directly opposite Susie Bubble (she’s being interviewed in a picture above, if you hadn’t already noticed!). This was not only great because I got to meet one of my favourite bloggers (we got chatting about the show and fashion week in general) but at the same time she managed to direct me back home again. So thanks again Susie!

Take a look at the whole collection here.

P.S – I’m back for good – we have the internet! finally xx

my one and only street-style snap. she’s worth it though, right?

Completely overwhelming. That’s how i’d describe my first fashion week. I walked in to 180 Strand feeling completely out of place, thinking “Should I be here?”. Probably not (please see this interesting article on Bitchbuzz), but I tried to embrace it as much as I could. I had just as much right to be there as any of you girls – and I hope I used the opportunity constructively. Whether fashion bloggers had a place at fashion week is irrelevant – I was there, and tried to make the best of it, even without the Internet. There was no way I could report back with the latest fashion week news, but luckily you had Melle Robot for that. So here I am, offering you an outsiders perspective on what’s like to be at your very first London Fashion Week – turn away now if you’re hoping for an insight on the latest catwalk trends (although please do come back for my late late Charles Anastase review).

1. Everyone is tall and beautiful and has better clothes than you. You can turn up in what you think is your most extravagant going-out attire, and you’ll still look under-dressed. Girls in leotards with big hair, men in dresses, the lot. The crazier you look, the more pictures you’ll be in.

2. People can be really rude, but at the same time, very lovely. As soon as exhibitors see the press lanyard around your neck, they’ll automatically smile and offer you their business card, but first they’ll ask ‘where you’re from’. As soon as they realise you’re from a virtually unknown blog, they’ll probably ask you to stop taking pictures (minus the lovely man from Bodyamr and several other friendly exceptions).

3. Everyone has an iphone/blackberry. No joke. Once again I felt completely out of place (you can play “Snake” on my Nokia). Whilst in the bar waiting for the Charles Anastase show, I couldn’t even count on two hands the amount of people that were, most likely, on twitter. And another thing, people in fashion really do the whole *mwah* kiss on both cheeks thing.

All joking and sarcasm aside, I had a great time, even if I wasn’t there to work as hard as most of the people that had the same press credentials. Cheesy as it sounds, I felt completely inspired. I picked up every business card available & gave out as many as I had, took note of every brand (and some of them are affordable!) that I was sure you were going to love, and for a fashion student (yes, I can say that now!), it was an extremely valuable experience – lets hope that next time i’m visiting the shows and reporting to you from the catwalks to prove I deserved that press lanyard.

Don’t worry, that’s not all i’m going to say about the whole event. What do you take me for? Check back soon for Charles Anastase, Orla Kiely and lots of brands I think you’ll fall in love with. Hope you liked the pictures xx