Shopping Spree: American Apparel, Topshop and Uniqlo

This weekend I went on a small-scale shopping spree, to buy some basics for my wardrobe. Here is what I came home with (from top left):

1. Uniqlo grey skinny jeans - I have been meaning to try Uniqlo's jeans for ages as so many people say they are the best on the high street. This has been confirmed!

2. American Apparel V-Neck T-Shirt - If these are good enough to grace the wardrobe of the Olsen twins...

3. Topshop grey round-neck jumper - The perfect style for lounging round the house, and dress-down days.

4. American Apparel bra - Super-comfortable and eye-catching. I love the bikini-esque feel. Forever summer!

5. More American Apparel V-Neck T-Shirts and bras - Can you tell there was a deal on? Buy three save 15%

Shopping Spree: American Apparel, Topshop and Uniqlo

This weekend I went on a small-scale shopping spree, to buy some basics for my wardrobe. Here is what I came home with (from top left):

1. Uniqlo grey skinny jeans - I have been meaning to try Uniqlo's jeans for ages as so many people say they are the best on the high street. This has been confirmed!

2. American Apparel V-Neck T-Shirt - If these are good enough to grace the wardrobe of the Olsen twins...

3. Topshop grey round-neck jumper - The perfect style for lounging round the house, and dress-down days.

4. American Apparel bra - Super-comfortable and eye-catching. I love the bikini-esque feel. Forever summer!

5. More American Apparel V-Neck T-Shirts and bras - Can you tell there was a deal on? Buy three save 15%

Kenwood House and

This weekend me and my boyfriend ventured to Kenwood House

in Hampstead Heath for the first time.

It is a beautiful old family estate once belonging to the Mansfield family,

and is now in the hands of English Heritage.

We spent the day exploring the house, and its impressive art collection,

and lounging on the lawns.

A perfect way to spend a lazy summer's afternoon.

Afterwards

The art collection was incredible featuring several paintings by Van Dyck, Vermeer, Reynolds, Gainsborough, Constable,

Interview with Ayah Marar

Can you describe your sound?

I came from the underground side of things so that will always be a big part of my sound. Big bass and synth sounds, generally quite dark but with big poppy choruses. I only sing what I know about, I'd say it's overground underground! Pop for the night.

How has your music evolved through the years?

I've become a lot more open to the notion that even the people I most admire take others into account when song-writing, it's like therapy you can share. I've also learned that there is a formula to good song-writing, and I've been learning to find a way to use my love of music and a stronger intuition when it comes to the way I write.

Who are your biggest musical influences?

I love Robyn, Erykah Badu, Gil Scott Heron, Biggie, a lot of early New Jack Swing, hip-hop and soul, but reggae comes top of my list if I had to choose a genre. Choosing a favourite artist would be like choosing a favourite of your own children to me.

If you could collaborate with anyone who would it be?

I'd love to work with Prince. What a dream come true that would be!

What are your career highlights so far?

It's hard to see things as highlights yet as I've really just started my personal journey, but touring the world with Calvin Harris and playing Glastonbury with Jack Penate are up there so far.

What makes London such a great place for music?

Diversity, fearlessness, gloomy days that are perfect for song-writing and real passion for what people love to do.

What are you listening to at the moment?

I've just bought Tyler The Creator's 'Goblin' and the new Young The Giant album. More out of interest or a performance that's impressed me than anything else. I like to know what's going on around me. Also loving C.W. Stoneking

Can you describe your fashion style?

Jersey and leggings are my friends. Otherwise, I love tailoring. Crisp lines, chiffon shirts, well made suit jackets. I'm old school when it comes to elegance and presentation, with a measure of bling and bright colours thrown in.

What are your three favourite items in your wardrobe?

I recently bought a thick denim shirt from Urban Outfitters which I've been living in, a gorgeous black rubber and gold Adidas watch and a face pendant necklace from Yunus & Eliza.

What is on your shopping wish list this summer?

The new Bebe glitter wedges, a bottle of Chanel no.22 and I love the bespoke lingerie at Sugarlesque.

Where are your favourite places to shop in London?

I refuse to believe any London girl can live without Topshop, otherwise American Apparel for the mix and match basics, and bits I've already got in my own wardrobe whether it's jewellery or accessories to make the looks my own.

What does the rest of 2011 have in store for you?

Lots of shows, the release of my first single 'Follow You' on Ministry of Sound later this summer, and world domination of course...

http://ayahmarar.com/

http://www.facebook.com/AyahMarar

http://twitter.com/AyahMarar

http://www.youtube.com/AyahMarar

Ayah Marar's single off her debut album 'The Real' is out on Ministry of Sound at the end of July.

Interview with Ayah Marar

Can you describe your sound?

I came from the underground side of things so that will always be a big part of my sound. Big bass and synth sounds, generally quite dark but with big poppy choruses. I only sing what I know about, I'd say it's overground underground! Pop for the night.

How has your music evolved through the years?

I've become a lot more open to the notion that even the people I most admire take others into account when song-writing, it's like therapy you can share. I've also learned that there is a formula to good song-writing, and I've been learning to find a way to use my love of music and a stronger intuition when it comes to the way I write.

Who are your biggest musical influences?

I love Robyn, Erykah Badu, Gil Scott Heron, Biggie, a lot of early New Jack Swing, hip-hop and soul, but reggae comes top of my list if I had to choose a genre. Choosing a favourite artist would be like choosing a favourite of your own children to me.

If you could collaborate with anyone who would it be?

I'd love to work with Prince. What a dream come true that would be!

What are your career highlights so far?

It's hard to see things as highlights yet as I've really just started my personal journey, but touring the world with Calvin Harris and playing Glastonbury with Jack Penate are up there so far.

What makes London such a great place for music?

Diversity, fearlessness, gloomy days that are perfect for song-writing and real passion for what people love to do.

What are you listening to at the moment?

I've just bought Tyler The Creator's 'Goblin' and the new Young The Giant album. More out of interest or a performance that's impressed me than anything else. I like to know what's going on around me. Also loving C.W. Stoneking

Can you describe your fashion style?

Jersey and leggings are my friends. Otherwise, I love tailoring. Crisp lines, chiffon shirts, well made suit jackets. I'm old school when it comes to elegance and presentation, with a measure of bling and bright colours thrown in.

What are your three favourite items in your wardrobe?

I recently bought a thick denim shirt from Urban Outfitters which I've been living in, a gorgeous black rubber and gold Adidas watch and a face pendant necklace from Yunus & Eliza.

What is on your shopping wish list this summer?

The new Bebe glitter wedges, a bottle of Chanel no.22 and I love the bespoke lingerie at Sugarlesque.

Where are your favourite places to shop in London?

I refuse to believe any London girl can live without Topshop, otherwise American Apparel for the mix and match basics, and bits I've already got in my own wardrobe whether it's jewellery or accessories to make the looks my own.

What does the rest of 2011 have in store for you?

Lots of shows, the release of my first single 'Follow You' on Ministry of Sound later this summer, and world domination of course...

http://ayahmarar.com/

http://www.facebook.com/AyahMarar

http://twitter.com/AyahMarar

http://www.youtube.com/AyahMarar

Ayah Marar's single off her debut album 'The Real' is out on Ministry of Sound at the end of July.

Converse Press Day S/S 11

Last night I headed to the Converse press day

to see what they had on offer for S/S 11.

Every fashionista has a pair of Chuck Taylor's in their wardrobe

so I was intrigued to see their new styles to expand upon my collection.

The space was great and the presentation of the shoes was really imaginative,

from shoes hanging from the ceiling to sat on elevated chairs.

Anyone know the way to the WC?

The collection looked great, however in my opinion,

I don't think that the classic Chuck Taylor's can be beaten in the style stakes.

And who can argue with such devotees as Paul McCartney,

Jimi Hendrix and, the first lady of fashion, Michelle Obama.

However, the main highlight for me was the food.

Guests enjoyed typical American comfort food

from Moorish macaroni and cheese

to the perfect pastrami on rye this side of NYC.

It was such a perfect brand match - well done Converse!

NYC style, pastrami on rye

Converse Press Day S/S 11

Last night I headed to the Converse press day

to see what they had on offer for S/S 11.

Every fashionista has a pair of Chuck Taylor's in their wardrobe

so I was intrigued to see their new styles to expand upon my collection.

The space was great and the presentation of the shoes was really imaginative,

from shoes hanging from the ceiling to sat on elevated chairs.

Anyone know the way to the WC?

The collection looked great, however in my opinion,

I don't think that the classic Chuck Taylor's can be beaten in the style stakes.

And who can argue with such devotees as Paul McCartney,

Jimi Hendrix and, the first lady of fashion, Michelle Obama.

However, the main highlight for me was the food.

Guests enjoyed typical American comfort food

from Moorish macaroni and cheese

to the perfect pastrami on rye this side of NYC.

It was such a perfect brand match - well done Converse!

NYC style, pastrami on rye

American Apparel Dresscode and Hiring Policy

The American Apparel press office must be working through the night at the moment with all the rumours that have come to light recently, not to mention that the brand is already facing bankruptcy.


So, it seems that American Apparel have a strict hiring and dresscode policy. This week gawker.com revealed that applicants have to send in a full head-toe body shot of them when applying for a job. American Apparel moles have been coming to Gawker.com in crowds telling them exactly what goes on behind-the-scenes. One ex-employee reported that “The only girls that were not totally emaciated were forced to work back-stock. So as not to disgust the customers with their average-sized hips.”

Full details of the official dress code can be found on The Cut blog. Highlights include formal warnings for chipped nail varnish, girls being told to grow out their eyebrows and the best one of them all; mascara colour should compliment skin and haircolour. All dresscode ‘don’ts’ are justified with “It is not part of the direction we’re moving in”. So, I’m assuming that all those who support the brand for ethical reasons will think again. Suddenly bankruptcy for the brand doesn’t seem so far away.

American Apparel Dresscode and Hiring Policy

The American Apparel press office must be working through the night at the moment with all the rumours that have come to light recently, not to mention that the brand is already facing bankruptcy. So, it seems that American Apparel have a strict hiring and dresscode policy. This week gawker.com revealed that applicants have to send in a full head-toe body shot of them when applying for a job. American Apparel moles have been coming to Gawker.com in crowds telling them exactly what goes on behind-the-scenes. One ex-employee reported that “The only girls that were not totally emaciated were forced to work back-stock. So as not to disgust the customers with their average-sized hips.” Full details of the official dress code can be found on The Cut blog. Highlights include formal warnings for chipped nail varnish, girls being told to grow out their eyebrows and the best one of them all; mascara colour should compliment skin and haircolour. All dresscode ‘don’ts’ are justified with “It is not part of the direction we’re moving in”. So, I’m assuming that all those who support the brand for ethical reasons will think again. Suddenly bankruptcy for the brand doesn’t seem so far away.