ROOT FOR THE UNDERDOG

For many people I know, owning their very own independent retail business is a dream occupation. Right now in university I am creating my own brand from scratch and it is by far the best project I've ever done. In reality, though, it's hard work going out on your own: you have to convince investors about your business plan, find a premises, set up online, decide on a brand, work hard on your brand, get staff who believe in what you do.. and that's just scratching the surface. Bad stuff can happen too, from the tangible - someone stealing a dress from your shop, say - or the intangible: things you have put many hours of brainpower and many units of cash can be stolen, too, like your brand.

Well, that's exactly what's happening to pals of mine Black White Denim. I've written about the indie retailer many times, and never have I been compensated - I do it because they're a lovely team who I consider to be my friends. They work hard and are excellent at what they do. It's just not fair that multiple retailer The Scottish Knitwear Group - which also runs stores for Pringle and Ben Sherman - is not only planning to use the same name for a Johannesburg-based outlet, but material sent out to potential partners also uses key phrases used in the Black White Denim mission statement - that black and white are the foundation colours and building blocks of a woman's wardrobe.

Black White Denim have written to the Scottish Knitwear Group to request they change the name, only to be told they would carry on with their plans. Black White Denim are now pursuing the matter through the courts, plus raising awareness through the press and blogs, just to show the Scottish Knitwear group they have bitten off more than they could chew. If you're a blogger, a journalist, a prolific Tweeter, another form of social influencer or maybe just someone passionate about independent retail, maybe consider dropping the indies a Tweet (@BlackWhiteDenim) to find out how you can help spread the word, or add a comment here. I'm so sick of the underdog getting trampled on in fashion and it's great to think that maybe we can help out this time.

I guess the Scottish Knitwear Group just think BWD are a little shop who aren't going to fight back. Well, the indies have already coined this a David and Goliath battle.. and I think we all know how that one ends.

I'm wearing:

Waiste beanie

Wildfox tee

Boyfriend's Gap jeans

Topshop jacket & boots

Forever 21 bag

ELIZA VALE

Eliza Vale is a quirky handmade jewellery brand designed by the Manchester-born, Dublin-based Katie Townend. Named after her great-grandmother, the brand launched in Autumn 2011 and is an eclectic mix of materials and techniques, including Swarovski crystals, silk, leather, cross-stitch and embroidery.

The current Eliza Vale collection is inspired by the 1920s - The Great Gatsby, flappers, and art deco. What I  like best about the collection is that the pieces can be worn by any woman, of any age, and any style. The jewellery fits my modern take on 1970s bohemian, as well as it would work for my mum and her leopard print and jeans groove. It also clearly is fabulous for the customers of Black White Denim, as the independent boutique have recently restocked the jewels due to popular demand. Black White Denim kindly lent me some of the pieces over the weekend, and as I played around with styling I found them to be totally versatile.

What do you do when you've been lent a bunch of precious jewellery.. wear it with your normal clothes? Well, yeah, actually. I'd wear the Roulette set in the daytime with a luxe tee. In fact skinny trousers, t-shirt and jazzy jacket is my go-to got-up-late outfit - the addition of some interesting neck jangle lifts the entire look from snore to ROAR. See, some days I can't even stay awake on my feet (as evidenced below) let alone choose a stylish outfit.

H&M via charity shop leopard coat

Prophecy kimono

Urban Outfitters t-shirt

Oasis pleather trousers

Topshop boots

BCBG Max Azria & Topshop rings

Eliza Vale necklace & cuff

Look closely and you'll see tiny specks of glitter trapped inside the clear acrylic jewels.. you could say the glitter is a metaphor for Daisy Buchanan, trapped in her marriage to Tom, stationary in her melancholy life. OR you could just say it looks real purty. Up to you!

So there you go, a glittery glam necklace casual-fied. But I'm not one to miss an opportunity to dress up, so I donned my very best Lanvin <3 H&M ballgown along with a Wildfox tee - see, they go with everything - to showcase the Tyto neckpiece. I channeled my inner Madonna and did a bit of a dance on my tie-dye bed much to my boyfriend's amusement.. or should that be bemusement? Whatever, I enjoyed myself.

Wildfox tee

Lanvin <3 H&M dress

Pretty Polly tights

River Island hand chain

Eliza Vale necklace (in-store)

The pieces would make a fab Christmas present for any lady in your life, and Eliza Vale is currently exclusive in the UK to Black White Denim. You can check out their selection online or in the Wilmslow store.

Dotty's Diary: April-May 2012

Synchronise your diaries, fashionistas of Manchester! Over the next month there are plenty of opportunities to clear space in your wardrobe, add to it for bargain prices, do your bit for charity, and satisfy your arty urges.. all whilst looking fabulous, and more than likely supping on a goblet of champagne.


Do good and look good with TK Maxx's Fashion Exchange evening at the Birdcage, Manchester. I'm sure you all have plenty of clothes lurking in your wardrobes you no longer wear (not me.. not any more!) so Give Up Clothes For Good in aid of Cancer Research UK. A £5 ticket gets you access to the fashion show, stylist advice, "Pimp My Purchase" lessons, and of course the clothes swap - free to those bringing three items of clothing or more to swap, £2 an item to those without. The more tickets to this event are sold, the more items of clothing Pearl pledges to swap. Seriously, girls.. have you seen this lady's wardrobe?!

If you fancy heading into disco territory on the 26th then take yourself to Funky Town - or rather the heart of Cheshire, where independent boutique Bottega are holding a 1970s-inspired glamorous fashion show. Designers featured will be London-based cordwainer Cleo B, swimwear designer Melissa Odabash, and cool girls' go-to We Are Handsome. The fashion show begins at 7.30pm at Bolesworth Castle, Tattenhall, and is in support of Claire House Children's Hospice. 

I'm a big fan of indies and this is actually only ten minutes from my parents' house, so I am doubly excited about this one. Cleo B will also be holding their spring/summer shopping event in the Castle on the 27th & 28th.  

Another independent doing their bit for charity (take note, multinationals!) is Wilmslow wonders Black White Denim. BWD add a dash of pink by collaborating wth the Genesis Breast Cancer Prevention appeal by holding a two day sale at The Nightingale Centre & Genesis Prevention Centre at Wythenshawe Hospital, offering upto 60% off brands such as Acne, Carven, and rag & bone; only all of my favourites, then. With catwalks at 11am and 1pm on both days (featuring professional models and cancer conquerers) and 10% of each sale going to the Genesis Appeal, this is sure to be a day of feel-good fashion fun. I also heard a rumour of a celebrity appearance or two.. but you didn't hear that from me!

 

Racing season is well and truly upon us, next up being Chester Races. Chester-based boutique The éditeur are holding a pre-races fashion show on the 3rd, showcasing picks from the very best of races style. After browsing through their website I found a refreshing mix of designers (such as Michael Kors, Tibi, Halston Heritage, Sam Edelman and Rebecca Minkoff) and I look forward to seeing them styled up on the runway. The éditeur's niche is beautiful underwear, and they believe your undergarments should be the first consideration when dressing. Despite mainly owning faded Marks & Sparks unmentionables I agree; nothing spoils a perfectly put-together outfit like a visible panty line, or even a visible bra line. 

Enjoy a three-course meal plus fashion show at Chester Racecourse's 1539 Restaurant & Bar, priced at £25, booked through restaurant1539.co.uk.

 

 After a successful foray into musical endeavours, Spinningfield's Emporio Armani store are dipping their toes into photography exhibition. From the 4th-7th May 'Icons from Woodstock' will exhibit an exclusive selection of portraits by American photographer and artist, Elliott Landy. Ever heard of Bob Dylan, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, or Eric Clapton? ("yeah, duh", I hear you say) Well, these guys were merely rising stars when photographed by Landy. In 1969 he was official photographer for Woodstock Festival, where he created portraits using a special procedure invented by the CIA - infrared - with a strong contrast of bright colours. Eat your heart out Instagram. 

I am so excited for the next month in Manchester, and I hope that you are now, too. This is to become a monthly feature on Fashion Dotty so if you would like me to include your event for May-June, please drop me a line!

Black White Denim Get Intimate: SS12

Clients, press, and bloggers alike attended the Black White Denim spring/summer 2012 salon show on Thursday night. Greeted with both champagne and hugs at the door, the friendly atmosphere of the store was the ideal location for this intimate gathering.

Black White Denim's MD and Founder, Jo Davies, explained to the crowd that Emma and Kirsty - the show's models - were both local mums who demanded their clothes be easy to style and hard-working; after all, like most of us, they suffer from a lack of time, along with a passion to look good. Jo considered different challenges a modern woman must face in her day-to-day life, and styled BWD outfits to suit.


Effortless Cool for School
These were touted as classic BWD looks. According to Jo, the J Brand Maria jeans (left) are "like wearing a pair of black opaques", and you can go down a size when trying. Bonus. The Zoe Karssen joggers are amazing - these were probably my favourite piece of the show. I'd never normally wear sweat pants but the almost-tailored cut and bat print are something special. Styled with modern ankle boots (rag & bone on the left, Acne Pistols on the right) these cool looks will set you apart from all the other mums at the school gate.


Shop 'Til You Drop
How cute is this Markus Lupfer knit? Worn over 811 J Brand Black Cherry skinnies (DID YOU KNOW: the 8 is the measurement in inches of the rise, and 11 is the measurement around the bottom of the leg! One of Jo's many insider tips) it's a super-easy look to thrown on before a trip to the shops. The Theyskens' Theory jacket on the right caused quite a stir in the crowd, with its boxy Chanel-esque shape with a twist; another snippet of info from Jo is that Olivier Theyskens' signature is a "V" shape on the back neckline and back hem of a garment, creating the perfect hang. BWD staff had to keep a sharp eye out when said jacket was passed around the crowd for us all to cop a feel!


More Than Just A One Night Stand


Husam El Odeh ringDespite its cheeky name, this theme was one after my own heart: yes, you want to get a new dress for a special event, but make it one you can wear again and again, for many different occasions. The digital print silk Acne dress may be a showstopper, but its little secret is its pockets; Jo can often feel "stiff and awkward" at a formal event, but having pockets makes her feel relaxed. The second outfit is actually a By Malene Birger jumpsuit - the leg split being between the pleat - which again sports pockets (hoorah!) and can be styled alternatively for your hols with a Theyskens Theory open-knit top and a pair of By Malene Birger sandals.




Jean Genius

Coloured denim. Seriously scary, right? Not so with the help of Jo. Take the colour of your jeans and wear a printed top to correspond; here we have J Brand Rivieras with an Equipment shirt on the left, Paige Verdugos and a Theyskens' Theory jumper on the right. For an alternative look, wear with a white tee, or a black blazer from a dramatic style. A word of warning from Jo, however: pastel jeans are difficult to wear, so if you have body issues, they may not be for you.

Cute styling details - ice-cream Acne Pistols and a Cinderela Bee Bea bracelet.




Queen Victoria
Oh, Victoria, Victoria Beckham. What a career turnaround. From singing dodgy songs with that one from Another Level, to creating beautiful, wearable dresses. Did you know Net-a-porter are the only retailer allowed to sell Victoria's diffusion collection online? That's why it's so special that somewhere local stocks the pieces. The dresses "totally speak for themselves", and the models concur with Jo that they are very comfortable to wear. Love, LOVE the cat print: notice how only one cat is electric blue. Style with electric blue shoes and clutch for a fashion-forward look. Cute!


Come Fly With Me
Jo solves the age-old dilemma of what to wear when flying by adding lots and lots of layers. Maxi dresses, leggings, cardigans and scarves can all be stripped off and thrown back on as and when necessary, and can also have alternative uses when in the middle of a long flight; as a headpillow or a children's blanket, for example. Get the look with the By Malene Birger striped dress and scarf (left) and a rag & bone maxi dress and 2nd Day scarf (right). Check out the back detail of the maxi:




I loved how many fashion insider tips and styling ideas Jo gave out during the show, and I do fear I have missed some. My best advice would be to pop into the Wilmslow store and have a really good chinwag with her! Her passion for style and her store are evident. The success of Black White Denim does not lie solely within its beautifully created stock - it is the friendly, knowledgeable service which keeps clients coming back again and again. To (cringefully) paraphrase Cheers, you've got to go where everybody knows your name - and that is not something you will get that from your average high street retailer.


BWD Vibes..






Super-cool store design & VM



Bloggers Pearl & Lawrence loving the BWD collection


A client's awesome Balenciaga shoes..


..Even more awesome hair from BWD's Libby


Yours truly, with Clare and Lawrence respectively


Can you spotty a Dotty?