London Fashion Week AW 2012....Backstage at Margaret Howell

Backstage at Margaret Howell, London, Sunday 19 February 2012.

Low ponytails pulled effortlessly to one side under pom pom topped Tam o' Shanter's and low-riding beanies, freshly cut slices of crimson streaked blood orange and wedges of crisp winter apples, sleepy eyed models sipping welcome cups of freshly brewed coffee (show start time is 9am), boxes of brown and black preppy penny loafers, utilitarian canvas backpacks, refined twinsets, knee-length gently pleated skirts and mannish blazers (evoking images of the young Mitford sisters in the 1930's), heavy wool military-inspired coats.....and one Paddington Bear navy knee-length duffel coat, flushed rosy cheeks (a brisk walk in the country on a winter's day perhaps?), wool pants with front pockets and track-pant hems, tales of acting and photographs (we loved seeing you back on the runway this season Dorothea Barth Jorgensen).....These Are a Few of My Favourite Things from backstage at Margaret Howell AW 2012.

[JUST FINISHED] DIY SASS & BIDE INSPIRED NEON NECKLACE

Put your hand up if you D.I.E.D when you saw this neon yellow necklace on the runway at the Sass & Bide SS12 RTW show? Ummm me me me! Well good news - on the weekend I got crafty and created my own collar version which I'll be posting shortly. If you follow me on instagram (username: apairandaspare) you will've already seen a sneakpeak. Once I get some pics of me wearing it I'll be posting, along with a tutorial!

DIY STREETSTYLE | #LFW

The cobble stones of Somerset House are, to me, the alltime background for amazing streetstyle. There's something about that grey brick that makes everyone's outfits pop - and when the sun shines (rarely) the cobble stones do too. Can't believe a year ago I too was shakin my tail feather on those cobbles,  it feels like a lifetime ago - remember this? Enough reminiscing, here are my fave DIY inspiration pics from the streets of SS12 London Fashion Week.

Left: Amazing dress that takes 3D flowers to another level! Colour photocopy the print of your dress and then cut out the flowers and overlay them on the dress, using padding so the flowers sit up. Right: Gorgeous Kit plaits her hair with a scarf, fantastic!

I love these square style rings, check out your local plumbing shop which may have some square fixtures like these? I have been on the lookout for something similar, will keep you in the loop if I find some!

The perfect cut off shorts (make them yo'self!) paired with a simple yet elegant outfit of blazer and white shirt. I'm dying over the mulberry fedora.

This shirt just screams deconstructed to me - you could cut and re-sew a few shirts together in varying denim colours. Or for a simpler version, swap the pockets of a few different coloured denim shirts.

Simple bag update - tie a scarf to the handle. Was so happy to see so much of the lovely Peony in all the streetsyle snaps!

Monotone paint splattered boots, yes please! Geez, I don't think I'll ever get sick of looking at these, this style of boot is so so soo flattering. They're the perfect compromise between flats and heels.

Collar tips, easy peasy! Erica and Lauren of Honestly Wtf show you how here.

This pic reminds me of making a dress by attaching some ostrich feathers to a knit. Edit: Thanks Kit for letting me know this pic is the lovely Shini!

Images: The Style Crusader, Style Slicker, Tommy Ton for Style.com

Stay tuned for my DIY Streetstyle Roundup of Paris and Milan Fashion Weeks.

DIY ON THE RUNWAY - BURBERRY SS12 [inc BEADED HEELS!]

I'm so delighted to see that the Burberry SS12 collection is an extension of their resort wear that I fell in love with a little while ago. I couldn't resist tooting my horn about the inclusion of wedges with coloured bead embellishments - similar to the ones I made here inspired by the high heels in the Resort collection. It's great to see a look sticking around for long enough for us to have a go at making it! Why not have a go at making them yo'self?

Other Favourite DIY inspirations from the show:

• Wooden bead embellished belts and and collars 
• Straw hats with wool pompoms
• Raffia oversized collars
• Sunglasses with threaded rims
• Coloured wooden shape embellished trench coats
• Coats with knitted sleeves

Images courtesy of Style.com and The Blonde Salad

DIY ON THE RUNWAY - TOPSHOP UNIQUE SS12 ARM CHAIN

A lovely take on the body jewellery that's been popular for a while now, this gold arm adornment could easily be made with some bangles and chain. One of my favourites from the Topshop Unique SS12 show.

Images via Oracle Fox

DIY ON THE RUNWAY - SASS & BIDE SS12

The Sass & Bide girls have killed it with their SS12 RTW collection shown yesterday at London Fashion Week. Their eye for accessories, flowing fabrics, textures and colours seemed to me to be a perfect sequel to their amazing AW11 collection (blogged about here). I'm so happy to see that pops of colour, bright accessories and hints of tribal aren't going anywhere. And of course my DIY brain was working overtime as I was checking out these images of the show. My DIY inspiration picks? Neon accessories, thigh high split skirts, draped fabrics over dresses and tops, peplums and cage bustiers are on my list for the coming season.

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