The Warehouse Party

Sometimes I think the best kind of nights are the ones where you never really know where you're going to end up. Just before Christmas, the party season starts, and this means warehouse parties in my home of North London begin to pop up all over the place. They start at wildly unpredictable hours, feature anything from indoor skateboarding to live music, and can be some of the best places to meet people and have a really fun night - usually one you'll never forget. They never get out of hand and are run by creatives and interesting people alike.

I always wanna stand out at the warehouse party, as everyone seems to go all out. This means that the H&M party collection stuff is perfect for this kind of thing as it embodies everything that is gorgeous about getting ready to go out - faux fur, sequins, glitter and my personal fave - tassles. I found this insanely gorgeous LBD with a twist, kinda fusing a bit of 1920's flapper girl style with the modern Shoreditch babe, and makes this bodycon with cut out lace inserts. I also picked up this beautiful black and white faux fur shrug to throw over the top to keep me cosy.

H&M: PARTY So as the party season is upon us, you will definitely be seeing more 'party wear' posts. I wanted to kick it off with H&M! This is my last collaboration post with them and wanted to show you guys how I picked an outfit perfect for an event that could also be worn casually during the daytime!

This time around, I went with faux fur, layers and mesh materials. I wanted to add a bit more texture than I normally would.I chose this plain black midi dress, then spotted this beautiful mesh overlay dress that would be perfect to layer on top! This creates a 'fairytale' look to the outfit - which I love and if you don't wear much colour like me, this still adds something a little different to the outfit. Playing around with texture is perfect for the party season as you can experiment and it surely makes an outfit more luxurious.

I also decided to pair this faux fur vest with the dress I created already. It just adds warmth and by mixing in different lengths you can create a silhouette that suits you. Of course, you can opt for a leather vest or even a maxi cardigan, play around with whatever you find comfortable.

What I love about this is that each individual piece can then be worn separately for another occasion and can be made to dress up or dress down. You can even wear the faux fur vest over your biker jacket for a casual lunch date. Or for another event you can mix and change up the accessories to create a whole new vibe to the look.

All the pieces I'm wearing are available in H&M now so go check them out!

2 holiday looks

Look 1:  I find the combination of cream and red so elegant, and incredibly seasonal too (my Westwood wedges have been waiting all year for this!). With this H&M playsuit, I can pull off a look that’s both sophisticated and comfy. This’ll be my life-saving outfit after I've eaten a kilo of Christmas chocolates.

Look 2:  For us at Stamp The Wax, Christmas means partying. And for me in particular, partying means sequins! I’m looking forward to mix-and-matching this H&M sequin top and its sister skirt along with other block colour pieces for both casual and formal looks.

STW Holiday Playlist

For the final instalment as blog ambassadors for H&M Divided, this week we've curated an Xmas blowout party playlist, inspired by the H&M DIVIDED party collection.

In the run up to your festivities, look no further than this 2­hour selection of boogie vibes to get you in that party mood. We handpicked the finest R&B and hip­ hop classics to throw some shapes to, along with a golden selection of electronic game­ changers to mix things up.

Expect jams from Andre 3000, J Dilla, Ashanti, Joey Bada$$, Isaiah Rashad, Eve & TLC, with the electronic grooves coming from AndrewAshong, SBTRKT, Moodymann, Fatima, DJ Koze and more.

Listen to the playlist below, and as always, head over to hminspired.tumblr.com to find out more about the H&M Divided collection!

A NYE Countdown Story

She crossed her arms and pulled her mink faux fur coat tighter around her shoulders at the invading chill which swirled about her body and pinched at her skin, as she thrust open the fire escape door to the roof. The plumes of winter air bought with it small flurries of white, as the bowing winter sky finally relinquished it's long overdue haul of snowflakes.

 The rings on her fingers sparkled and dazzled against the ice-cold railings, reflecting the string of incandescent fairy lights above her head and mimicking the rows of amber-lit windows on the streets below. The city had never looked more beautiful.

 A burst of laughter drifted from the door she'd just came through  and thoroughly oblivious couple stumbled up the steps, heavy-breathed and giggling, disappearing into the shadows. She gave a wistful smile and returned to the skyscape.

"Beautiful, huh." a familiar voice appeared by her side, a bejeweled hand offering her a glass of champagne. She smiled at her best friend taking the glass, and the girl with bright white hair tied in a top knot beside her beamed. They paused for a moment before the girl glanced upward at the great clock-tower behind them. "Come on, we're going to miss it!" She exclaimed, grabbing her by the hand, champagne sloshing everywhere.

 In breathless laughter they descended back to the steel steps, and the warmth and vigour of the party washed over them. The party had already paused, gathered in tense anticipation around the big screen, and with each step they descended, a number rang out from the crowd.

  "FIVE." It was as though the cool night air had invigorated her realisation of just how beautiful the party was. The apartment was strung with fairy lights in every corner, and dotted around were candles burning softly in the top of wine bottles. "FOUR." She caught eyes with her sister across the room. She had made it after all. And even more surprising... she'd not come alone. Her sister shot her an 'I know right?!' look as she pointed surreptitiously to her tall, bearded plus one.

"THREE." The year was almost completely gone, a year of such monumental ups and downs that saying goodbye to it wasn't entirely unwelcome. The dawn would bring with it a new year, a fresh start, and she was ready.

"TWO." She finally reached the nucleus of her crowd in a dazzling array of coloured sequins, feathers and faux fur, her best friends illuminated the night. Upon seeing her they exclaimed a chorus of cheers that were instantly eclipsed by the roaring crowd's final yell. "ONE!" In a explosion of sound and joy streamers erupted into the air and confetti sprinkled from the ceiling, as everyone threw their arms around one another. She joined her closest friends in a tight embrace as music boomed into life, and looking round at each of their beautiful, smiling faces at that moment, she'd never been filled with such a profound sense that from then on out, everything was just going to be good.

- Scarphelia 

3 types of holiday party!

The Three Types of Holiday Party That Need to be on Your Radar

Party season is well and truly on its way. Whether you’re attending or hosting, it’s wise to know your way around the different types of party you will most likely find yourself at this holiday season.   

One – The work/school party

The chances are you are going to attend at least one of these over the Christmas break. And guys, it’s a good idea to have your wits about you as any of these can potentially charter on disaster zone territory. You may have had a crush on him (or her) all year long but declaring your love at the work or school party is honestly not the best idea! Hold back and woo them with your excellent taste in style and killer dance moves.

Two – The Sit-Down Dinner Party

The sit-down festive meal is the perfect way to catch up with friends over the winter break. It’s as simple as food + friends, always equals a really good time.

Whether you’re the one getting all Nigella in the kitchen or simply turning up to tuck in, always remember to check for any allergies and to bring the host a gift.

There is more on how to throw the perfect festive soiree on our first holiday party post.

  Three – The Family Party

The family party is an unavoidable part of the Christmas season but we wouldn’t have it any other way. Mum’s best cooking, unexpected but brilliant presents and seeing your little brothers face light up when you give him that game he hasn’t stopped talking about for the past two months are all part of this parties unbeatable charm.

It’s the one time of year that everyone seems to take a break from work and you feel nostalgia all around.

Easy Dinner Party Planning

How to host your first holiday dinner

There comes a time in every girls soon to be adult, or maybe you-are-an adult life where you take on the task of hosting your very own holiday dinner party.

Although you have watched your mum or dad prepare a big meal or seen your grandma add the perfect trimming to her Christmas turkey, you still feel the pressure.

But, do not stress. Remember this is all suppose to be fun times with friends anyway. Follow the tips below and you will pull off your dinner party with glamour:

1. Guest list: Do not aim too high. If it is not a potluck start with a group of 6-8, and remember you must have space at the table for them all.

2. Invitations: You don’t want to go the old, ordinary Facebook invite route. Write a nice invitation email or spruce it up. One of our favourite sites is Paperless Post an evite service that makes your feel like you have just sent a paper invite by snail mail. Ask your guests to RSVP and call out any food allergies/requests.

3. The outfit: I know you will likely be at home, but why not make this an excuse to dress up -- it is your first dinner party after all. Go with something cute, but comfy and that you can use for all the other parties of the season

4. Plan the meal: For a group of 6-8 you probably want 1-2 mains, with 3-4 sides, a starter and dessert. Remember starters are where you can go easiest –with the supermarkets’ finest pre-made apps and bits of cheese, produce and bread you can easily have a special spread.

5. Place settings: It's always nice to set the table. Get some flowers and nice table décor. Pinterest is the best for this kind of inspiration. And don’t be afraid of using plastic – it makes clean up all the easier!

6. Shop: Go to the grocery store at least 2 days in advance. You do not want the headache of not being able to find that one key ingredient. Or just order online and don’t worry about lugging big bags from the store to home.

7. The playlist: Mood music changes the game – check out our Spotify playlist for some great holiday tubes.

8. Feel proud: You have hosted your first grown up dinner party!

NYC style Halloween!

As the nights darken earlier and the leaves turn their autumnal shade of golden brown, Halloween beckons. For us in the UK it's always been about trick or treating, and crudely made costumes for house parties, with houses covered in cobwebs and spiders. Right now i'm in America, in New York, where Halloween isn't just a holiday, it's a way of life. Walking round Brooklyn i've seen anything from pumpkins adorning household fronts, and fairy lights covering cars and p

Halloween is big news here, and it easily becomes part of daily lifestyle. H&M have created this insanely wearable Halloween collection this autumn, and I chose to wear this NY/LA (fitting, based on my location) bones top to add a little bit of spooky Halloween style into my every day clothing.

What do you think? I adore it, and I know I can keep it living on longer than Halloween... bewitching Christmas anyone?!’

A Halloween tale...

As any trace of summer begins to slowly retract from the day, the world begins a metamorphosis. The winds of change howl through the creaking branches, rustling the bright young shoots from spring and the stoic, year-long evergreens - a calling, a warning.

The trees, like the people, stretch up and shake off their summer garb, settling into tones more appropriate for the season; caramels, crimsons, ochre and pink. 

The world seems so bursting with life during the irony of it's spiral into the cold harsh winters of old, and as the people skip merrily across the cobblestones, a bewitching kind of darkness begins to follow. 

And on that final day of harvest, the last tenterhooks of summer clinging on before they finally release for the year, when the inevitably of winter is now entirely unavoidable, it seems the line between life and death becomes blurred, indistinguishable for just one night.

The breathless children hurry inside to light their little candles, carved orange lanterns to ward off what the dark beings forth. The shadows come alive and wreak havoc of their own while the air hums with a mixture of thrill and fear. 

And as the living gather together in celebration of being alive, the dead come forth to follow suit, only their own celebrations a little more macabre, before they sink back into the shadows from whence they came, to return again, the next All Hallows' Eve.

Track or Treat Playlist

 The third instalment in our playlist curation as blog ambassadors for H&M Divided, and this time we’re spooking things up in time for Halloween.

Inspired to do something different this year, we’ve selected two hours worth of music organised into a Track or Treat playlist, designed to keep you on your toes as you work your way through it.

Turn off all the lights and blast it out whilst you’re home alone (our bet is that you don’t get past the first Burial track without freaking). Alternatively, get dressed up, head down a dark dark street to a dark dark house party and make sure this playlist ghosts its way onto the main speakers.

On the ‘trick’ side, expect sounds from Aphex Twin, Three 6 Mafia, Balam Acab, Burial and Tyler The Creator. On the ‘treat’ side, look forward to some Dusty Springfield, Nina Simone, Michael Jackson and D’Angelo - all specially handpicked for the occasion.

Listen to the playlist below and head over to hminspired.tumblr.com for some great Halloween costume inspiration.

Bone appetite!

H&M Track or Treat

BTS at our Halloween shoot!

Here is a look behind the scenes at our Halloween shoot Even though we were weeks away from October 31st, there were enough masks, makeup, accessories (and of course candy!) to make us feel like were getting ready for a scary night out!

Reusable costume ideas!

So as Halloween approaches us quickly, people always ask yearly, 'What are you going to be for Halloween?' or 'Any costume ideas?'

I always opt for my all time faves and basics -- which I can transform from my daily outfits, make a few tweaks here and there and you can happily go to a Halloween party and fit in. 

I wanted to show you guys two outfits I styled together from their H&M range. One being totally inspired by Wednesday Addams and the other inspired by AHS: Coven. Apart from this being totally focused on Halloween, you can still wear these outfits out daily!

It all comes down to how you style them! First the first look, Wednesday Addams; I opted for this dress from their Halloween collection which literally is perfect. This dress with the white collar pretty much has done the job! I styled it with a pair of basic black brogues, hair in pigtails (biggest feature) and kept my make up pretty simple. I chose a shade lighter for my foundation, used a muted pink shimmer blush and kept my lips nude or you could totally goth it up and slick on some black lips! And if i's chilly on your way to a party then you can easily throw on a black duster coat!

Second look, we are focusing on the AHS: Coven girls. Think black, basics, jeans and fedoras. Effortlessly cool. I'm focusing on Taissa's character of Zoe Benson, whose straight slick hair, tom boy cool and gives us fedora envy. I paired this loose vest with the long sides with these awesome black stretch skinnies as she pretty much wears them all the time. Having some long and loose fitting pieces seems to be the style tone through out the whole season and when I saw this vest I actually choose a size medium instead of small to make it extra baggy on my body. Tying it all together, is this black fedora, H&M does awesome styles also, if you are feeling a wide brimmed fedora or a short brimmed one. Of course, we can't forget the boots, I paired some cut out boots with a slight heel to add some height and a leather jacket as I thought a long coat would cover the sides too much as I wanted them to be on display.

With these looks, like I said, you can definitely wear them more than once and adapt them into your daily outfits. These H&M pieces will also last for ages in your wardrobe and with the collection being reasonably priced, it sure wouldn't hurt your wallet! Let me know what you guys think!

Back to school playlist!

Continuing on with our playlists as blog ambassadors for H&M Divided, this week we curated an ultra-swanky soundtrack inspired by H&M DIVIDED, a collection perfect for students.

As another university year begins, we’ve decided to arm all you students out there with the highest quality 2-hour selection of golden vibes to accompany the fresher’s week pre-party shenanigans. What’s more, it doubles up as a perfect hangover cure too!

Along with plenty of brand new feel-good vibes, we’ve included some dusty 90’s Hip-Hop and steamy 00’s R&B to get your feet moving. Expect sounds from Erykah Badu, Pharrell, Little Simz, J Dilla, Biggie, Slum Village, Hackman, SBTRKT, Kaytranada, Flying Lotus, Ashanti, Fantastic Mr Fox and more!

Listen to the playlist below, and as always, head over to hminspired.tumblr.com to find out more about the new range.

 From 22nd September to 5th October, students with a valid ID can receive a 20% discount at checkout from any H&M store using the freely downloadable UNiDAYS app. Head to here to download the UNiDAYS app:

Spotify Playlist is below and also here

Uni days!

I think the first few days at University for me were a bit of a blur. It all seems to whiz past so quickly when you're just settling in to a new place and learning the ropes. It's exciting, but it's overwhelming. 

One of the best parts of heading to Uni is being able to pick up a new wardrobe, something a little more grown up after your teen years wearing uniform at school - it's now the best chance to express yourself how you see fit. My Uni was so free on clothing, you could really wear anything you wanted, and I absolutely adored that. Of course you wanna be as comfy as possible but you need to set your style firmly into place. For me my uni style was a casual yet still professional version of myself, I always wanted to present myself in a professional capacity. I don't wear enough skirts - or any skirts tbh - at all in my wardrobe, so when I saw the H&M DIVIDED collection had landed in store I took it as the perfect opportunity to pick up this super cute, super flattering wine red skirt. 

  The new collection is perfect for students has got loads of cute bits to keep you feeling stylish yet comfy at Uni, and I also picked out this fluffy jumper to go with my wine red skirt. The necklace is also from H&M - win! It's so good when you can pick up loads of bits in one go and I definitely felt that with the student range. Pop into store and take a look, it might just enhance or take you back to your uni days...

Fashion on a student budget!

Today I wanted to introduce you to the H&M DIVIDED collection, perfect for students. Even though H&M is already pretty affordable to students and have a lot of awesome deals on, the pieces from DIVIDED are based around fashion and comfort for your busy days. All items (apart from the bag) are from H&M DIVIDED! I don't go to university myself but have already gone to college, so I wanted to style an outfit that is fitting for both. I wanted something that's smart casual and interchangeable. Which means (if you guys don't know already) where you can mix and match another item into the mix. I'll give some examples of these later on in the post.

Starting off with the top half. I've gone for some layers, thin layers so you don't get too hot. I've first put on a navy loose vest, then layered on the white shirt and finishing it off with this grey mix knit cropped sweater. What I love about this sweater is how comfy, warm and lightweight it is. So you can deffo take it off & tie it around your waist if you are getting a bit hot. I kept the colour palette pretty simple, no bold prints or bright colours. I find that wearing these colour is super easy to mix and match. Moving onto the jeans, I picked up this pair from H&M for only £14.99! Even better that the quality will last you for a good time period and the fit is so flattering! They also have an offer on at the moment where you can buy one pair and get another for free! So definitely take advantage of it! I went with black, as again you can pair it with other pieces and it goes with EVERYTHING! In your university or college wardrobe you should definitely invest or choose pieces that will go with a lot. Invest in the garments that are going to carry you through the years.

To go with the jeans and sticking with the comfort aesthetic of the outfit, I opted for slip ons. You can also however, pair with basic flats, sneakers or boots if you wanted to wear some heels for the day! These slip ons are a bit different than some others that I have seen. These ones kinda look like fur but it's kinda more on the fluffy side. They were also a saviour at LFW! I was wearing heels all day and Oli picked the slip ons out for me and they ended up being super comfy. Think these have over taken my love for my mesh slip ons. The texture of these really adds an element of smart modern to the outfit.

Oh & don't forget the bag! Here I've just paired it with an oversized bag to be able to fit all the books and notes in for the classes. Oh & a laptop if you guys take one. H&M DIVIDED also provides some awesome back packs too if you are wanting to switch things up a bit! Just make sure it's a decent sized bag and everything fits! Right, last thing! H&M are also doing a student discount. This only works in store and all you have to do is show your UNiDAYS iD on the app at check out for 20% off! This is valid till the 5th October 2014!

Magic Autumn

'There's something truly magical about autumn. With the remnants of an Indian summer trickling through into golden afternoons and candlelit garden parties which stretch way into the wee hours, the twinklings of a morning chill signify an introduction of thick cosy jumpers, cascading layers and humble earthy tones to match the delicately curling leaves as they begin their annual departure from the season.  September also brings another tradition - Back to School. The dormant academies and institutions of summer now become bustling with life and excitement once more, as the desire to learn, collaborate and explore swirls in a tantalising mixture of creative curiosity among fertile eager minds. Here, the building blocks of character are found; the books that will go on to become firm lifetime favourites, the illuminating conversations that will become truly unforgettable, the teachers and mentors that will forever be remembered as having changed your life.  And most of all, the autumn symbolises a transition.  As the landscape and climate begin to change, whether returning for a new school year or taking that first plunge into University as a first-year, the autumn brings with it a sense of resounding promise of something new, a chance to turn it all around, a fresh opportunity to immerse yourself in knowledge, experience and discovery, and to become the person you've always wanted to be.'

The last of the Grey Girl

The grey girl collection from H&M has got to be one of my favourites yet. It's relaxed and textured fabrics approach lean entirely within the black, grey and purple spectrum, making this a punk's paradise. When I first was told about the Grey Girl range, Brody Dalle, Kathleen Hanna and Courtney Love sprung to mind, and that's the way I went with my styling on this. We're talking old school, attitude girl punks, the ones that paved the way for this trend to continue into the future, the riot grrls and the innovators of music. Relaxed clothes that almost slide off the shoulders, messed up hair and smudged dark makeup.

You can't go anywhere in the Tottenham Court Road end of Soho without walking into several guitar shops and old venues - those of which are the last of their kind, yet to be bulldozed by the Crossrail. 12 Bar Club is one of the oldest. Back in the day The Libertines used to pretty regularly perform here, making their mark on Central London in the only way they knew how - in grubby, old damp venues like 12 Bar. But it's not without it's charm. Some of my favourite places in London are the ones that are almost falling down they're so old. Many nights spent in the Crobar round the corner, drinking whiskey until the early hours, crammed in with a load of sweaty rockers.

Now i'm not saying the age of Brody and her peers has gone, but it's rare that a high profile punk girl comes out as raucously raw as they did, back in the day. A lot of rock and roll's most hedonistic ways are slowly dying out in shape of corporate 'pop punk bands', and even girl fronted Paramore aren't the rock and roll babes we so wish they could be. Of course, the punk girls are there somewhere: Alice Glass and even closer to home; Becca Macintyre from Marmozets both smash shit up on the daily, but I do long for some more punk rock grey girls in popular culture. For Patti Smith and Pat Benetar newbies to come and show the boys where it's at. There's room for new grey girls yet, and god knows we need them. Turn off Taylor Swift for a bit and try Bikini Kill, there's a grey girl in you yet.

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