Inspiration – Page 3

Flower power

Published on June 17, 2014 by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

Back in April I styled a campaign for Interflora that pushed the boundaries of petals beyond the traditional floral bouquet. Flowers were fashioned into a statement wide-brimmed fuchsia hat, a multi-coloured shrug, a pretty head garland and even a 60s style boxy handbag by the masterful hands of florist Neil Whittaker. They really were amazing and smelt divine. As a stylist my task was to add garments that would complement the pieces and not detract from their focal point. Below are some of the shots which can be seen online now, as well a behind-the-scenes video where can you can spot my polka-dotted back on several occasions.

Photography: Charlie Troman

Styling: Alicja Jasnikowska

Hair and Make-up: Charlotte Jones

Florist: Neil Whittaker for Interflora

Model: Ellie at MOT and Natalija at First

Video: Daryl Boyden

Also here are a few of my BTS snaps on the day, including some of my favourite shots that didn’t quite make the final edit.

Ellie as our own little Bree van de Kamp

Sometimes the accidental shots make for the most interesting images

Our model on day 2 – The gorgeous Natalija looking very Bridget Bardot in a bridal headdress

I love this shot! An amazing floral crown makes a unique wedding day look

Go to http://www.interflora.co.uk/content/fashion-flowers-to-wear/ to view all images and order your own flower hat just in time for Ladies Day at Ascot.

I ♥ Clarks (there, I said it)

Published on April 24, 2014April 24, 2014 by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

When I was a kid I lusted after their patent red Mary-Janes (the ones with the daisies) but was only allowed the sensible black pumps. And my favourite thing ever was being measured by the special electric foot-sizing machine (so space age it caused actual queues in the store). Now my love for Clarks has come full circle as this summer they have produced a collection that is pretty darn fantastic. Led by their cute ad campaign (great styling by Sophie Kenningham) the stores are currently filled with chunky block heels, fab two-tone sandals and some gorgeous brogues.

Here is an edit of my favourite styles – including the block heeled Susie Deva, which I have worn on every sunny occasion of late and has elicited numerous compliments.

The go-with-anything Susie Deva, £49.99

This season’s must-have sandal shape – the two-tone Romantic Moon, £49.99

Neon and embellishment in one with the Studio Punch, £49.99

Channel the 70s with the Scotch Glow, £44.99

Or opt for the colourful Scorpio Star wedge, £49.99

The Hamble Oak brogue comes in numerous colour options, £54.99

Flats with a minimalist edge – the Hotel Diva, £65

Anyone for golf? The Gin Crush in silver and white, £49.99

The classic Desert Boot reworked in pastels, £85

As well as tapping into this season’s trend for minimalist chunky shoes, Clarks products are also made to last, with many of the 100% leather designs featuring super-comfy padded insoles. If the last time you stepped into the store was when you were 5, perhaps it’s time for a revisit. Trust me, you’ll end up buying the brogues in every colour.

All above shoes from Clarks. In store or online now: http://www.clarks.co.uk

What I’ll be wearing to LFW AW14

Published on February 13, 2014September 26, 2014 by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

With one more day til London Fashion Week starts and the stylish masses descend upon Somerset House, I decided it may be time to start putting together my outfits for the shows. My style is a mixture of girly and masculine, with a strong emphasis on print and colour. And as you can see I’m quite a fan of animal print in it’s many guises. Most of these clothes are trusty favourites from my ever expanding wardrobe, but a few are current and are still available in store. Let me know what you think and which outfit is your favourite. I hope you like…

Look 1: Clashing monochrome prints – I’ll add a white roll neck under the top and pair with high-tops.

Credits: Fuchsia coat, Primark; Necklace and printed top, both New Look; Animal print trousers, H&M.

Look 2: Pretty vintage – I’ll pair this with ankle boots and a masculine black coat.

Credits: Vintage leopard print jacket; Pale pink pleated dress, Topshop; Acorn necklace, NW3.

Look 3: Boy meets girl – I’ll add gold chunky heel courts. Bow-tie or necklace? What do you think?

Credits: Varsity jacket, Urban Classics; Polka dot blouse, New Look; Boyfriend jeans, Nobody; Shoe print bow-tie, Topman; Vintage multi-strand necklace.

Look 4: Parisian chic – worn with fuschia jacket from look 1 and white Converse or flat pink pointy pumps.

Credits: Printed jacket, H&M; White shirt, New Look; Skinny jeans, Uniqlo.

Look 5: Glam meets utility – I’ll add silver courts or a chunky flat boot.

Credits: Faux fur jacket, Therapy at House of Fraser; Necklace, Primark; Boilersuit jumpsuit, River Island.

Shoes (L-R): Vintage black boots; Pink suede flats, Russell & Bromley; High-tops, River Island; Vintage gold courts; Animal print pumps, Hobbs.

Unless you have the luxury of a private driver chauffeuring you between shows, flats and comfy heels are fashion week essentials. Now I just have to decide what to wear when and hope the rain eases up, otherwise my frizzy Monica-in-Barbados hair will ruin every look.

Classy cupcakes

Published on December 19, 2013December 19, 2013 by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

I was recently introduced to these cupcakes by a fellow stylist, and they are so amazing that I thought they deserved a blog. Made by the lovely Suzi Diamond of Born Again Cupcakes, they are hand-designed and hand-painted to meet your exact specifications.

Christmas cupcakes, by Born Again Cupcakes

If you are looking to impress a fashionista or have a difficult client that you’re trying to woo, why not surprise them with some of these sugary treats this Christmas. The stylish fashion branded designs are my favourite (a tiny bite of Chanel? Yes please!) but there are plenty of other options to choose from.

Hand-painted cupcakes, all by Born Again Cupcakes

And as boys like sugar as much as girls, if your fella is into footie you will definitely score top marks by ordering this full box of 12. Just be sure to get the right team… no-one wants to see their enemy, even if they are topped with buttercream.

One for the boys! Football team, by Born Again Cupcakes

For more information on prices and to place orders go to: http://bornagaincupcakes.com/

Sleigh bells ring, are you listening?

Published on December 5, 2013December 5, 2013 by Alicja JasnikowskaLeave a comment

So apparently it’s Christmas soon. Or so I have been told by my housemates, TV advertising, magazines and every shop I have entered since ooh mid-November. Don’t get me wrong, I do like Christmas, but I tend to get excited around the 20th December* rather than a month before. Being a super organised stylist, I have nearly purchased all my presents (technically that is pretty festive) but I could take or leave mince pies and mulled wine (full of cloves-yuk!) and if you buy your tree too early it will be bare by the time Santa comes to visit.

Gold Glitter Cut-Out Pear Decoration £2.95

But before you call me Scrooge and banish me to the North pole, I was recently introduced to the ultimate Christmas decorations, courtesy of the fabulous department store Liberty, & I may have been converted. Their delicate glittery glass baubles and cute felt decorations are so chic it almost pains me to put them on a tree. And with prices starting at a very reasonable £2.95, these won’t break the bank either.

Turquoise Antique Effect Beaded Bauble £7.95

Beaded Jewel Peacock Bauble £4.95

Silver grooved onion bauble £6.95

Silver Glitter Tree Bauble £3.95

Gold Glitter Bauble £2.95

Gold Antique-Effect Glitter Paisley Bauble £3.95

For all those who are planning to dress their tree this weekend (this one’s for you Paola, Holly and Tash), they do a next day delivery service for £10 and offer free Standard UK delivery if you spend over £150. That is quite a lot of baubles, but hey, if you’re going to do it you may as well bring out the big guns. So for all you Christmas lovers, good luck with the tree dressing this weekend and try not to argue over the tinsel.

Glitter Cut-Out Deer Glass Bauble £3.95

Mint Green Holly Bauble £3.95

White Frosted Snowflake £2.95

Red Robin Felt Decoration £3.95

Christmas Pudding Felt Bauble £6.95

*I blame my parents who always left it until the weekend before Xmas to put up the tree, and tended to buy a huge 8 ft one that took about 4 hours to dress. We also added everything, including real apples(!), chocolates, stars, baubles, mini presents, little felt Santas and lametta (also known as angel hair – the Polish equivalent of tinsel). It was pretty awesome!

To purchase these gorgeous baubles head to http://www.liberty.co.uk/fcp/categorylist/dept/gifts_christmas_decorations