Under the Spotlight: The Rework

Good morning, lovely readers!

I don't know about you, but I just love discovering new fashion brands and products - especially if they're unique and edgy.

Step forward, The Rework.

I only stumbled upon this brand a couple of weeks ago, but I have fallen head over heels in love with it!

The Rework is a local fashion retailer run by fellow Wakefieldian Michelle Jones, who invests in vintage pieces and - as the name suggests - reworks them to make them current!

I caught up with Shel (modelling the clothes in the first two photos above) to find out more!


Me: Can you describe what The Rework is and how it began? 

Shel: The Rework is a brand which, I feel, brings individuality and affordability to the fashion world! I think that, in comparison to the high street shops, we offer unique, individual items at reasonable prices for the quirkier individual. The Rework first started out on eBay, where I would buy and sell vintage items which are customised or 'Reworked' - and that's where the name came from!

Me: Where is The Rework based? 

Shel: The Rework is based in Wakefield. We don't have a physical store, we mostly sell online, but we have a stockist in Leeds - Audere Couture. They stock primarily menswear for us.

Me: How long has The Rework been in business?  

Shel: We started out in the summer of 2012.

Me: Who is The Rework customer? 

Shel: We have a wide range of customers, aged from 10 - 40! Our more adventurous items appeal to the younger and braver - but who doesn't love a pocket tee!

Me: What is your professional background, as the founder of the brand?

Shel: I don't have any background in fashion, other than being a girl who loves to shop! I am actually a qualified Accountant!

Me: What are The Rework's hero pieces, or best sellers?

Shel: The top sellers are the beanies and the acid wash logo tees.

Me: How would you want your customers to describe the brand?

Shel: Unique, Quirky and easy to wear.

Me: Also, what's next for The Rework?

Shel: We are in the process of getting some amazing new logo tees printed and, for the summer, we will have a lot of bright colours - along with some more weird and wonderful fabrics for the patches and pockets!

Me: Finally, what tips would you give to any young business entrepreneur starting out in the fashion industry?

Shel: Stay true to your own style and don't let other people get in your way!


Inspirational words there - thanks, Shel!

When first I discovered the brand, I couldn't help but buy into it. The pieces are great - particularly for street stylers! I recently purchased one of the dip-dyed tees and was then sent this amazing gold cross ring, as a gift:

Look out for these pieces popping up in a future blog post! I would like to wish Shel all the best, and believe me when I say that The Rework is going to go far! Take a look at their products, for yourself, on their website (which can be found here).


(Note: the information and images in this post are courtesy of Michelle Jones and The Rework.)

Debenhams Wedding Event

This weekend was the weekend of Debenhams' Wedding Event in store. This is where couples can come in and see what Debenhams has to offer for their big day, through consulting with staff and local wedding suppliers who set up stalls to demonstrate their services.

In the Debenhams where I work (Leeds White Rose), yesterday was the main day of the event (Saturday 16th February); however, we have been promoting it in store all week through posters and flyers. It has also been advertised on local radio stations.

On Friday, a few of us were asked to promote it further through dressing up in potential wedding outfits as we continued with our duties in store, in the hope that people would stop and ask why we were dressed so glamorous on an average working day and generate WOM.

I jumped at this opportunity as I love to wear pretty dresses (what girl doesn't?) and got to pick out my own dress from the many lines that Debenhams sell at the moment.

I chose a gorgeous light gold appliqued diamante flower number, by designer Jenny Packham, which could be a potential bridesmaid dress or a guest wedding outfit (find it here). I then paired it with my, recently purchased, gold wedges for the ultimate party outfit!

Dress - No.1 by Jenny Packham, Debenhams

Wedges - New Look

I also had the opportunity to get my make-up done professionally by beauty concession Urban Decay. I'd never had my make-up done by someone else before - but I thoroughly enjoyed the experience! Ahmed, my Beauty Consultant, really knew what he was talking about and gave me some skincare and make-up tips during the process.

He said he wanted to go quite subtle with my face make-up, to give the appearance that I wasn't wearing any make-up (when really I was - rather a lot of it!) and then accentuate my eyes through using gold tones to co-ordinate with the dress. He then used a lip plumping gloss, which tasted like After Eight mints, and this would have lasted all day if it wasn't for me being such a food monster at lunch.

I really liked the result...

...It was very glam - and everybody else seemed to like it too!

I actually really enjoyed the day because I just felt like a princess every second that I was wearing the dress, and I've never received so many compliments on the way that I look in such a short space of time!

The promotion aspect of it was definitely successful as well, as I had so many double-takes by customers who then asked why I was dressed up and I was able to explain the reason fully to them and promote the event. It was a good idea by Debenhams, in that sense, and also a nice little reward for their staff for working so hard!

Thank you, Debenhams!


(Did you like my dress and make-up? Have you ever dressed up at work before? Comment below! Katie-xo)

S/S 13 Menswear Trends

I realise that I've been neglecting the men lately, as in the past I have posted about menswear trends as well as womenswear, and it's probably been a good few months since I wrote about anything menswear-related! Therefore, my apologies to the men!

This is my way of making it up to you, through a detailed guide of the menswear trends for the upcoming season of S/S 13. Ladies, it's worth a read - so that you know what to buy your other halves, male friends and family members for their birthdays and special occasions!

A/W 12 introduced a new nautical theme to men's fashion, called ‘Cruel Sea' (which I posted about in detail here), as well as new smart casual look through ‘Café Society Smart’, which involved teaming formal shirts and blazers with jeans and chinos. This season, menswear will experience a turnaround – from serious to playful - through ten key themes:

1. Metallics.

The metallic trend could be seen on S/S 12 designer catwalks, such as Bottega and Neil Barrett, but in small doses. This season it will be out in full force in the form of tailored shirts and trouser suits, according to designers Lanvin, Versace, Margiela, Neil Barrett, Burberry and Gucci.

2. Monochrome.

Guys, don't be put off by the fact that this trend is huge in womenswear at the moment. The ladies might be rocking it in the form of stripes and geometric prints, but the menswear monochrome trend is much more simplistic. Designers, such as Jil Sander and Lanvin, showcased their monochrome looks by teaming a white to with a black trouser - or vice versa.  Then Phillip Lim, Rick Owens and Raf Simons used layers to add more depth to the look without going overboard.

3. Summer sportswear.

Summer sportswear is making a comeback for both men and women, from last S/S 12. Although, again, menswear has a different take on it. Women will be dressing it up to make it look luxurious, whereas men will be going back to basics and using sportswear to introduce a fresh, new concept to the meaning of street style in the form of casualwear. This comes from the fact that baseball shirts, neoprene suits, sports vests, skateboards, utilitarian trainers and sporting jackets could be seen representing the trend on S/S 13 catwalks such as Astrid Andersen.

4.  Graphic prints.

New pattern textures have been introduced this season to update the bold and colourful prints of ages past. Invest in scorched surface patterns, that give unstructured tailored jackets a casual look, and cracked-earth prints, for a unique and edgy twist to a standard shirt.

5. Broken checks and stripes.

Designers have decided to mix checks and stripes, on different scales, for S/S 13 - in order to produce an original take on the usual check and stripe combos. Salvatore Ferragamo, Gucci, Daniele Alessandrini, Agi and Sam, Nicole Fahri and Dolce & Gabbana showcased some interesting striped pieces in pastel colours.

6. Neon.

Neon might have popped up here and there on the womenswear catwalks, but it was absolutely everywhere on the menswear ones! It varied from showing a hint of a neon hue in an outfit, to going full blown neon with every aspect of an outfit. Hot pink was the most popular shade, especially at Topman, through bright jumpers, blazers and graphic prints. Stripe details could also be seen at Sibling, as well as patterned trouser suits at Meadham Kirchoff.

7. Denim.

Denim is always a popular choice for S/S. But this season, it had to be THE material that was seen on practically every catwalk! A variety of washes and cuts were showcased, but the most popular was dark blue denim a la Bill Tornade. 

8. Volume.

Designers, such as Dior Homme, Etro, Lanvin and Yohji Yamamoto, played with proportions on the catwalks by showcasing loose tailoring, in the form of unstructured trousers and jackets, against slim-fitting separates. Don't be shy, guys. Be dramatic with volume!

9. Pastels.

Pastels is another key theme seen on womenswear catwalks first, however the specific colours of washed out lilac, mercury grey, tender yellow and blush pink dominated the menswear catwalks – with bold mid-tone highlights of arctic blue, vetiver green and burnt sienna at Qasimi.

10. Loungewear.

Finally, loungewear could be seen through vertical stripes and silk fabrications, on mostly designer catwalks in Milan and Paris. Pyjama-style trousers showcased the trend on catwalks such as Damir Doma, Costume National Homme, Gucci and Acne, with a stylish twist being put on them through voluminous and dramatic fits, relaxed slouching and illustrative patterns. Ann Demeulemeester had the most exaggerated styles, teaming them with long robes and slipper inspired footwear.

Basically this S/S 13 is about being daring with your clothing, guys. If you're afraid about trying one of these new trends, simply buy a piece that represents it and then style it down with simple separates until you get used to it. Alternatively, if you're feeling brave, go all out and dress in one of the trends head-to-toe! Or mix a few of them together. You'll never know if you'll like something without giving it a try. And most importantly, have fun! Fashion is supposed to be playful.

(The content of this post was originally published in an article that I wrote for IDEAL magazine, which you can read here. Please note that the images do not belong to me and are courtesy of Pinterest. I am happy to give the individual owners credit if they would like to contact me.

Feel free to check out my other articles that have been recently published for IDEAL:

1. Top Ten Womenswear Trends of S/S 13.

2. Dryathalon: The Benefits of Alcohol Detox.

3. Top Three Diets That Actually Work.

Let me know what you think! Katie-xo)

Monochrome Just Got Sexy with Pretty Polly

In part one of my trend report for S/S 13 (which you can read here), I talked about how monochrome and stripes are going to be huge next season after being seen on designer catwalks such as Marc Jacobs and Versus.

Well, I found a certain sleeveless shirt in my wardrobe - from last A/W 11 - which consists of horizontal, monochrome stripes of different thicknesses. I haven't worn it for a while and, to be honest, I'd forgotten I had it (does that ever happen to you?) but I decided it was about time for it to be worn again!

Also, how awesome are these Pretty Polly tights? As are quite provocative, mimicking suspenders, I thought I'd team them with my black peep toe wedges with studded straps and dress up the look for a smart casual occasion. I then added a studded belt, to co-ordinate with the studs on the shoes, and fancy silver jewellery.

Sleeveless Shirt - Topshop

Denim Shorts - MOTO at Topshop

Tights - Pretty Polly

Wedges - New Look

The result was a sexy monochrome look, proving that different styles and trends can be mixed and still look fashionable together.

I've said it before, but I do love experimenting and clashing trends that you wouldn't normally put together. Try it - you might find that you come up with something really interesting!

(UPDATE - This look has been featured on Look magazine's 'Street Style Fashion' section of the website here.

What do you think to my look? Katie-xo)

Motel Rocks! AW12 Wishlist

There’s a brand that’s gaining more and more recognition lately, amongst bloggers and streetstylers, as the one to watch for edgy, trend-driven pieces.

Motel has been around since 1999, after an American road trip inspired the designers to bring back timeless pieces from vintage and second hand stores dotted up and down the California Coast, and make them accessible to British women. The brand has since progressed with the vision to ‘deliver garments that adhere to the nuances of the female form while keeping up with the mainstream trends’.

When I think of Motel, I think of bold, statement looks through prints and figure-hugging dresses. This means that Motel must be applauded for its ability to stand out in the mind of their consumer, and craft an image that is cool and reputable.

I recently became a member of the street team because I am growing to love Motel and their gorgeous, affordable pieces for our age group – and I am happy to share that love with fellow bloggers!

These items are currently on my wishlist:

POW! Long Sleeved Top - £30

Red Off Shoulder Skater Dress - £38

Sleeveless Playsuit in Vertical Square Print - £35

Turtleneck Crop in Square Eyes Print - £22

Sequin Plunge Back Dress in Iridescent Green - £58

Long Sleeved Off Shoulder Dress in Midnight Blue - £32

The ‘POW!’ long sleeved top is extremely cute, and I love the mono prints on the playsuit and turtleneck crop (SO on trend for S/S 13). The dresses are lush for nights out, too!

Keep up the good work, Motel Rocks!

You can visit Motel’s website here www.motelrocks.com and receive 20% off on your order through using my code ‘ispytrends’.

Do you shop at Motel? What’s your favourite piece from my wishlist? Katie-xo