Miss Elle Woods woke up on a wet and windy morning to a very exciting message........a brand new clothing label, "Saut After" were getting ready for their launch & I was lucky enough to be invited behind the scenes of their first major photoshoot showcasing this fledging new label!!

Of course I couldn't say no and so I found myself travelling down to the Oh Yeah Centre in the heart of Belfast's Cathedral Quarter to find out more about this brand, it's designer & the creative direction the photoshoot was taking under the expert eye of the 4Fashion Team & Creative Director Connor Kerr!

The first thing which really struck me about the label's designer; Ross "Roscoe" Watson was how aware he was about his own personal sense of style & how he wanted to communicate his love of music & fashion through the clothes he wore. His street style maybe polls apart from my own personal style, but I could definitely relate to Ross' passion & love for expressing himself through clothes & his love of unique design!



Hard to believe that at only 21, this Belfast based DJ has not only set up his own UK based independent clothing label, but has fast become a player on the competitive underground fashion and music scene this early on.....his website, still under construction has already amassed over 7,000 hits already, perfectly illustrating how great the demand is already for his label!

Ross is typical of his age, a guy who believes his clothes should make a statement without looking as if he's tried too hard. He loves the effortless style of art t-shirts, tanks and sweat shirts all of which make up the core of his urban design label. The birth of Saut After began at his fustration at trying to find affordable, good quality clothes that were individual rather than mainstream. What's the point in spending a fortune on clothes that everyone else is wearing?
This lead Ross to create his own pieces and it wasn't long until he had people wanting to know where he was getting them!

His design ethos is to create a range of clothing with an urban edge, typical student style that can be thrown on in the morning to go to the shops or styled up at night to hit the clubs.
It's all about taking simple designs and giving them an individual edge, a look which makes a statement but isn't trying too hard. Street style stenciling & graffiti are mixed in with classic script writing maintaining a high end luxe feel to the looks.






When talking to him about his favourite designs Ross said :
"I have to say I love the Saut-After classic t shirts and vests .... These designs were the first ever designs I made even before I knew what Saut-After was to become so I think I will always hold them quite close! We plan to stock the classic range every season Along with an ever changing range Of other products .... For example this seasons new stock includes 'JACK KILLS' , 'Dicky Mouse' and our controversial 'DYPM' tee"



For Ross the way he dresses is an intrical part of his lifestyle, his tastes and interests are directly influence in his designs and he's regulary spotted sporting his design's whilst he DJ's at Rain Nightclub. In fact the name "Saut After" was originally conceived as his DJ name, but it wasn't long until Ross realised it was the perfect name to describe what he want's to achieve for his label, creating designs that young people want to be seen in!

Ross' outlook is far reaching, with hopes that once fully established in N. Ireland Saut After will become known throughout the UK and further afield. With it's roots in urban style and the underground music scene he would love to eventually see his apparel featured in music videos and worn by stars such as Rita Ora and Tinie Tempah.





When talking about his celebrity influences, Ross says "Saut-After's range is designed to suit such a wide range of young people but if I had to name it I would say the like of Pharrel Williams for some of his Billionaire Boys Club designs, Rita Ora for her over ll street style and Tinie Tempah again for his over style and because he an artist at the moment that is doing a lot for fresh uk design and music talent too."

Watching the 4Fashion Team at work during the photoshoot under creative director Connor Kerr it was clear to see how much everyone cound identify with the clothes, creating a unified look for Saut After's first major photoshoot!!





Great things are ahead for Ross & his label "Saut After" and I feel privilaged to have had a sneak peek at the begining of it all!
Follow Saut After on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook as well as checking out the website at: www.saut-after.co.uk

All Behind the Scene's photographs taken by Hannah McKeown (excluding Instagram photographs taken by myself)

Massive Thanks to Ross (Roscoe) Watson as well as the entire creative team:
Music Photographer: Carrie Davenport
Make Up Artist: Emma McConville
Fashion Hair Stylist: Connor Kerr
Creative Direction: 4Fashion Events
Models: Ryan Calderwood, Kat Kirk and Anna Holmes

Always ahead of the curve on the style stakes, Belfast FASHIONWEEK opened with a blast on Saturday 13th October showcasing highly covetable looks for yummy mummies and their fashionable kids! Style Stories in association with The OUTLET and W5 provided a fun filled afternoon filled with catwalk shows and workshops in W5's Atrium. The intent behind the event was to inspire young people with an interest in the many aspects of the fashion and beauty industry by giving them access to some of the best professionals in Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland is a hot house for design talent, with FASHIONWEEK even devoting one of it's nights to Northern Irish Designers (Saturday 20th Oct) and the hope is that events such as this will nurture our next generation of creatives and give them insight to what the industry is all about!
Top creatives in their field such as photographer Khara Pringle, Stylist Eve Brannon, current Miss Northern Ireland Tiffany Brien and an expert make up artist from Clinique gave parents and children a unique insight into their respective fields in fun and informative talks run throughout the afternoon!

Siobhan McKeown, Marketing Manager at The OUTLET said: "W5 was the perfect setting for this event as we wanted to encourage children's curiosity and provide fun ways for them to learn about fashion and beauty."
"During the fun day children and their parents could hear talks by various experts including a Clinique make-up artist who chatted about the science behind make-up; while professional photographer Khara Pringle showed the children how using different camera settings can help capture striking images. The current Miss Northern Ireland, Tiffany Brien, talked about the importance of a nutritional diet for models and Eve Brannon, stylist at The OUTLET, talked about the educational side of the fashion industry."

Just as W5 prides itself on interactivity, this was carried though at the event itself with both parents and children getting the opportunity to quiz the experts on various aspects of the industry!
Stephanie Berkeley, Marketing Manager at W5 said: "The hand-picked experts were really put through their paces as the children were able to ask questions and really get involved. We hope their experiences have ignited a passion for fashion, photography and science within some of the young people who attended."

The day also included a fashion show previewing stunning Autumn/Winter ranges for ladies and kids on a dazzling pink sparkly catwalk, showcasing looks which can be found at The OUTLET in Banbridge plus striking designs from Lizzie Agnew whose unique take on fashion is inspired by the glamour of 1930s and 50s.

Models on the day included fabulous yummy mummies such as former Miss Northern Ireland's Gayle Williamson and Louisa Jane Brown, who is the perfect "yummy mummy" as anytime i'm down visiting her and my cousin she looks amazing! Also gracing the catwalk were Mrs Gerry Armstrong, Debby, and model mum KellyAnne McKendry.
I for one cannot think of a better introduction to the wonderful world of fashion for both parents & children alike.....if I was still a little girl I know this day would have truly been one to remember!



FASHIONWEEK continues throughout the week, with catwalk show's running from Wed 17th-Sat 20th Oct as well as their afternoon tea event on Sat 20th at the Merchant showcasing looks from retailer CRUISE. Style Sunday on the 21st brings FASHIONWEEK to it's stylish climax at James Street South Restaurant, the perfect excuse for the girls to get together for an afternoon of fabulous fashion, exquisite food (and lots of bubbly!).

For more information on events and also on how to purchase tickets check out the FASHIONWEEK website. www.belfastfashionweek.com

Images and Press Release courtesy of CMPR

There comes a time twice a yr when Northern Ireland's Fashionista's come together to check out the latest trends......from high street to high end designer.......and the very best from N. Ireland's best design talent......to see and be seen......it can only be West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK!!

FASHIONWEEK is my favourite time of yr, a hectic & fun filled week full of fabulous fashion, showcasing the very latest trends as well as an opportunity to catch up with all my friends & designers at the shows!!

And so.....as I finalise my outfits for the week I thought i'd have a bit of fun and style up my ultimate FROW looks!!!

So if the Fashion Fairy Godmother was to wave her magic wand, and money was to be no object, these are some of the looks i'd be sporting from the FROW this week!!
I hope you enjoy checking out some of the looks i've styled from Net-a-Porter & i'll see you all this week on the FROW at FASHIONWEEK!!!!!


This first look is all about keeping things uber sleek and sexy! I fell in love with these stunning Gucci stretch leather skinny trousers and worked the rest of the look round them!! I love the contrast of textures between the glossy butter soft black leather, the high sheen of the satin top mixed with the roughness of Louboutin's "scale effect" boots and  the python skin of Chloé's "Marcie" tote!!



The second look is quintessentially ME!!!! It's all about showing off the curves in a killer Hervé Léger body con dress!!! I kept the colour palette very much in keeping with the dress (Blush & Burgundy) and opted to mirror the graphic triangular pattern of the dress in my accessories, choosing the tapered straps of these fab Miu Miu sandals, the angular lines of Jimmy Choo's "Candy glitter print" clutch and conical shaped, rose gold plated jewellery from Eddie Borgo!!!




The third look is all about adding a bit of funky glamour into the mix!!! I'm soooo in love with this Burberry Prorsum tinsel-striped skirt and it's flash of metallic blue, so I thought i'd carry on the drama with a Versus shearling gilet and keep the top underneath simple with a silver satin top from Calvin Klein.
As I want the main focus of the outfit to be all about the skirt and gilet, I kept the accessories pared down with a pair of sky scraper heels from Yves Saint Laurent and a clutch from MICHAEL Michael Kors! The statement Lanvin earrings bring the whole look together with their pewter finish & dramatic blue crystal!!

What better way to round off FASHIONWEEK than with this super cool dress from Versus!! I love the funky tie dye print & lacing detail on the shoulder, taking this dress to a whole other level!! I carried on it's young and youthful feel with the Jimmy Choo "Sweetie" printed clutch featuring a print of a guitar giving it a rock 'n roll vibe that wouldn't look out of place on the likes of Lizzy Jagger!!
Of course diamonds are a girl's best friend and what better way to wear them than Solange Azagury-Partridge's Rainbow spinner ring!! The look is then perfectly pulled together by Nicholas Kirkwood's show stopping glitter sandals, combining the hot pink of the dress and clutch whilst as the same time reflecting the kaleidoscope of colours in Solange's stunning ring!!!




All items available from http://www.net-a-porter.com/

There's nothing I enjoy more than the changing of seasons as this brings forth with it the new season collections!! As these new trends start to filter on to the rails of my favourite boutiques i'm like a kid in a candy store mesmerized by all the new colours, textures and designs!!!

However if there's one thing i've learned about fashion & personal style over the yrs is that the key to looking good is "To thine own self be true!" Strange to be quoting Shakespeare in a fashion blog I know, but it's paramount when it comes to developing your own style asthetic!

Just think of the most stylish women in history......the likes of Audrey Hepburn or Coco Chanel, they wore the clothes they loved & the styles they felt most comfortable in....clothes that reflected who they were! It wasn't about having the latest "IT" Bag or following the flock, they wore what they loved, and we love them for it!!

So you may say if that's how I feel then why did I begin by saying how much I love the trends......
Well the thing about trends is they're not law, merely guidelines to what's hot right now, so instead of being a slave, pick out the one's which work best with your own individual style and put your own unique twist on them!!!
It's all about adopting the trends which work with your body type, lifestyle and personal style!!

I love being well groomed, chic & sophisticated.....it's all about the glossy finish of New York style or the effortless glamour epitomized by Italian women for me!!

Dressing down or God forbid "Casual looks" just aren't in my fashion vocabulary!! So I rarely adopt all the latest looks......when I hear that the latest trends are the "boyfriend" look or the "BoHo, peasant" look made famous by the beautiful Sienna Millar I run for the hills!!

So what trends am I loving from this upcoming season I hear you ask? Well.......
The buzz words for me have been leather & fur, opulence & jewelled tones! Even my favourite colour purple has been taking over the catwalks from Christopher Kane to Lanvin!!

While even I can be accused of falling back on my fail safe styles.......in my case it would be the uber fitted pencil dresses of Roland Mouret/Victoria Beckham or Herve Leger style bandage dresses! I do enjoy flirting with new looks, and expressing other sides of my personality!!

I for one adored the sexy but sophisticated looks that Tom Ford created during his time at Gucci, and it's been with this in mind that i've adopted this season's black leather & fur trends which dominated at the catwalks of Dior & Fendi this season!!

So when I was lucky enough to attend Victoria Square's AMAZING "Style Soiree" AW '12 Catwalk show I opted for Fur, Black Leather & Optical Prints!!

As i'm on the petite side I kept my fur jacket quite short & fitted, so I wasn't adding too much bulk to my tiny frame whilst the black leather belt cinched in my waist!
I balanced the look with a pair of skintight vintage leather trousers to show off my legs & a Karen Millen mirror print cardigan! I then carried over the teal hues of the cardigan into my accessories with my Marc Jacobs "Lou" Handbag & Links of London Bracelet to bring the look together!

I guess I managed to carry off the look as the ever fabulous Katrina Doran of Sugahfix (the go to website for the style conscious in N. Ireland) Style Spotted me at the event!!!! Plus my picture (with the stunning Hannah Goodall of The F.M.L. Blog) even made it into the Oct edition of "IN" Magazine!!