LBD X LFW DAY FIVE

DAY FIVE: LONG SLEEVE FASCIENNE DRESS, SCARLETT BLACK

Day five has come around all too quickly and with it, my final day of the LBD challenge. For the occasion, I saved one of the best til last - the long sleeved fascienne dress from Scarlett Black. I have a small obsession with leather detailing (I own too many leather sleeved coats, tops and pairs of trousers to count), so this dress jumped straight out at me when I was browsing the site.

While it's been sunny today there's very much a February chill still in the air so I was really glad of the sleeves! I wanted to keep this outfit really simple as I love the structured panels of this dress which give it a really, solid substantial feel. While its very different in style to yesterday's Peter Pan collar and flouncy skirt number from Fount, it still definitely has a 60s vibe with the slight A-line to the skirt so I added a Jaeger silk shirt underneath that I picked up in the sales (down from £175 to £48 - bargain!) which contrasted nicely with the simpleness of the dress and replaced any need to bling necklaces today.

Now, let's talk about pockets. Pockets are definitely one of the things I have missed during this challenge - I always keep my phone, security pass, change and god knows what else about my person so all through London Fashion Week I've been rootling around in my handbags for errant items. It's lovely to be able to shove all of my bits and pieces into the substantial pockets of this dress and indeed my hands when I've been standing in the cold queues outside shows waiting to go in. 

So, has this tomboy been converted to frocks? Quite possibly. I have loved the ease of rolling out of bed each morning and throwing on a black dress and opaques and suddenly being dressed. And funnily, a lot of people who I've caught up with over the last five days have enquired as to whether I've lost weight - so there's a definite slimming effect! Who knows, I might need to pursue this for a full edition of Thirty Days!

So, over to you guys: which has been your favourite dress from my LBD x LFW challenge? Leave a comment here or tweet me @adulescent and the team from LittleBlackDress.co.uk @teamLBD and let us know!

LBD x LFW DAY FOUR

DAY FOUR: PETER PAN COLLAR SHEER STRIPED DRESS, FOUNT

So today was what we like to call Super Monday - all of the big guns showed - Peter Pilotto, Burberry and Tom Ford to name but a few. With an early start on a busy day, I decided to wear the Peter Pan collar sheer striped dress from Fount for a nod to the current 60s trend.

Fount popped up on my radar last year with their great, affordable dresses - they have such a wide range of styles that there's something for everyone. The sheer stripes on this dress are what caught my attention - I'm a sucker for a good stripe to be honest, so this dress was a winner from the start plus it has a super flippy skirt.

I added a big jewelled necklace from Asos to break up the otherwise all-black outfit and added studded loafers from Zara for a tough-preppy edge. While I wish it was warm enough (slash I had a car to take me round) to go without a coat, an extra layer was definitely necessary so I took my 60s look through to outerwear with my favourite old cocoon coat from Reiss 1971 and some catseye sunnies from Agent Provocateur for a final retro touch.

The Peter Pan dress is available on Little Black Dress here.

Don't forget to follow me on twitter @adulescent tomorrow for the final (sob) day of LFW and keep up to date with the team from Little Black Dress at @teamLBD

LBD X LFW DAY THREE

DAY THREE: STYLE STANDARD ANTONIA DRESS, CHARLI

I challenge you not to want to wear a dress that literally has your name on it. When I came across the Antonia dress on Little Black Dress, it went straight into my selection of styles to wear during London Fashion Week and it was perfect for today.

I always call Sunday during LFW 'casual sunday' - this is the day when you'll often see the more laidback looks from editors - jeans, converse and comfy jumpers teamed with big dark glasses to hide the hangovers and tired eyes.

I was a little worse for wear after last night's Rihanna for River Island party so I wanted to wear something as comfortable as possible, which is wear the soft draped jersey of this dress came into play. Usually it's knee length but since those lengths don't suit me (fat knees), I added a belt to hitch it up a little and carry on the theme of knotted drape detailing from the neckline. 

I wanted to adhere to the dressed down feel of today so I threw on a beanie and my camo shirt from Zara for an urban grunge feel - I guess I'm still taking inspiration from Rihanna! While its been sunny, it still isn't that warm so I finished with my trusty leather biker, oversized All Saints scarf and my old Givenchy handbag to carry all of my essentials. While I was only going to the Topshop Unique show today, I knew I had to file copy so I needed to have my iPad, camera and notebook with me to give me a head start. 

Don't forget, you can follow me on twitter @adulescent and @teamLBD for the rest of London Fashion Week - tweet me how you'd style this dress or leave a comment below!

LBD X LFW DAY TWO

DAY TWO: BLACK PERSPEX SLEEVE MINI, UNIQUE COLLECTION

Now, it wouldn't be LFW if I didn't wear something a little bit crazy and a little bit more fash-wan for at least one day of the week. With another beautiful blue sky and temperatures creeping up, I figured it was time to bust out this beauty.

Little Black Dress collaborated with the University of Salford's fashion department for their Unique Collection. This dress was designed by Jessica Seargant and it immediately caught my eye with its Sixties shape, neoprene fabric and totally mental sleeves!

Since the dress itself was such a stand out piece, I decided to keep the rest of my outfit simple and let the dress do the talking. I popped one of my favourite striped long sleeve tees from H&M underneath to keep me warm against any sudden chills, plus I liked the way the stripes contrast with the perspex discs.

I admit that I also added a pair of leather hot pants underneath as the dress is definitely on the mini side and even though I'm only 5'3", I didn't want to take any chances. I'll leave the knicker flashing to random celebrities.

As its the weekend, I'm not dragging around my usual amount of stuff so I opted for my grey felt and leather document folder from Paperchase that acts as a wonderful clutch. I kept the rest of my silhouette simple with black opaques from Pretty Polly, my trusty knee high Dune boots are great for running around in and I'm keeping the sun out of my eyes with some big dark glasses from Kurt Geiger. For a little pop of colour, I've added a slick of red lipstick in two ton tomato from Clinique.

Don't forget, for up to the minute updates live from LFW, follow me on twitter @adulescent and the team at Little Black Dress at @TeamLBD.

LBD x LFW DAY ONE

DAY ONE: STYLE STANDARD CLEO SILK DRESS, SELECTED FEMME

So, day one of LFW has dawned and with it a busy schedule of shows and presentations. With that in mind, comfort was a key factor today so I picked the Style Standard Cleo silk dress from Selected Femme to form the basis of my outfit. Luckily the sun has finally come out and it seems that the cold snap has, err, snapped just in time (although I confess, I am wearing thermals underneath - just in case!)

For a relaxed day look, I've gone for a monochrome vibe - I added a silky pyjama-style top from Topshop over my dress as an extra layer and in keeping with my monochrome look, added comfortable creepers from Underground London - they add height without the pain of heels. Doubly important when you're on your feet all day but still want to be able to look over other peoples' heads.

To keep warm, I'm wearing my favourite leather sleeved Zara coat and then glamming up with my accessories - my big Baroque Prada sunnies are perfect for hiding behind and I've pulled my big Chanel out from the wardrobe to lug all of my gadgets, invites and other LFW essentials.

Finally, for a hint of colour I've added my big, chunky perspex and neon ribbon necklace from H&M - great for adding a pop to another otherwise dark outfit.

Don't forget, you can follow me and my adventures on twitter @adulescent and @teamLBD.

THIRTY DAYS X LBD @ LWF

Well, I'm back at promised! In 36 hours, the fashion circus that is London Fashion Week rolls back into town - running between shows, eating at ridiculous hours and staring agog at other peoples outfits are all part of the fun.

After last season's whirlwind project with Rimmel London Australia, I'd intended to take it a bit easier this time but let's face it, that was never going to happen, was it? When the people behind Little Black Dress got in touch with me and asked me to be their roving reporter, I jumped at the chance. So, I'll be running all over the cobbles of Somerset House and beyond for them this season - tweeting my favourite dresses, shows and gossip from the ground. All while wearing a little black dress.

Ah yes, well, there had to be a Thirty Days-type twist, didn't there? As a trouser lover (that sounds odd), Little Black Dress have challenged me to wear a series of Little Black Dresses for the duration of LFW. I took up this challenge because all too often, even at fashion week, I tend to revert to my safe uniform of jeans, jewels and flats - so this season, I'm busting out of the mold. Granted, I will still be in flats (my recent two dislocations have put paid to any form of heel in the near future) and I'll definitely be rocking some jewels but every day I'll be swapping my skinnies for something a little more lady-like. 

So, make sure to check back every day for my updates both here and over on LittleBlackDress.co.uk. 

Until Friday, head over to their site and read the little Q&A that I've done with them...

SATURDAY GEMS

Ah, a return to normal life on a weekend. With the last two taken up by Bestival and then fashion week, I was really, really ready just to chill out and do normal stuff this weekend but clearly, I wasn't quite ready to let go of some aspects of my previous weekends' wardrobe and makeup options.

Hitting the park with Holly the sausage in the glorious sunshine, I figured that it was as good a time as any to road test a new bit of bling. I picked it up last week when I got invited to go and check out the new flagship Primark store on the corner of Tottenham Court Road and Oxford Street. 

Let me tell you, that place is BIG - four floors and god only knows how many square metres of fast fashion. It took me a good hour to cover traipse around the whole building and that was without the crowds, although admittedly I was juggling a glass of champagne and a basket brimming full of clothes.

[above, L to R: champagne and empty aisles, the EPIC coloured denim wall]

I have to say, having the run of a virtually empty Primark was amazing plus this branch is the first to stock the whole of the Limited Edition collection, which when we saw it a few weeks ago at their press day had us all oohing and aahing - this necklace is part of it and at the knockdown price of £8 its a winning edition to my treasure trove of massive sparkly necklaces - I just wish I'd got it before fashion week. Still, just as good for strutting around the park in the sunshine as it would've been at Somerset House.

PS: What do you think of the new image style? Yay or nay? Drop me a note and let me know in the comments section.

Worn with: Parka and studded jeans, Zara; drop hem tee, Primark; Checked shirt, Old Navy; plimsolls, Converse; studded sunnies, Valentino; mini bag, NW3 by Hobbs.

LFW: DAY FIVE

DAY FIVE: Wine and navy oversized sweater, Brave Soul at Own The Runway

The temperature dropped for day five so it was back to the chunky knits and I finally got the chance to wear my new Zara coat that I bought in Poland in July (yes, July). While I thought I would be too hot in this outfit when I left the house, I actually regretted not taking my scarf as there was a chilly wind whipping around Somerset House today. My fashion flu abated enough to allow me to swap trousers for my navy silk dress which paired pretty well with this jumper that the lovely ladies at Own The Runway kindly sent me. It looks like it's knitted from tiny ribbons rather than wool, ergo its super soft and snuggly - perfect for the cooler climes of today!

While I'm sad to say goodbye to London Fashion Week for another season, I'm really quite looking forward to getting back to normal - eating lunch at a reasonable hour rather than 4pm, not spending inordinate amounts of time queuing and sitting on chairs with backs to mention just a few things!

Don't forget, you can see all of the photos that I took for Rimmel London Australia over on their Instagram - RimmelLondonAU and hopefully in a future issue of Grazia Australia! If you're reading this over in Oz, I'm actually in this week's issue so keep an eye out...

Goodbye London Fashion Week!

Worn with: black boucle coat, Zara; silk dress, Topshop Boutique; boots, Topshop; clutch, Christopher Kane; sunglasses, Kurt Geiger; necklace, Nocturne; rucksack, Ruxx Bags.

LFW: DAY FOUR

DAY FOUR: Neon stripe tee, H&M

You probalby wouldn't know to look at me but I am still dying of fashion flu. I have swallowed so many pills that I rattle as I walk/run from show to show. Once again, comfort became a deciding factor in my outfit for the day. I needed layers that I could peel off, so I started with this fine cotton long sleeved tee from H&M that I picked up the other week and then decided that rather than wear a coat, I could layer up jackets what could be easily peeled off when I got too hot.

Once again, I've been relying on my trusty Ruxx backpack that I was loaned for the duration of LFW by the lovely girls at Push PR. I love it so much that I'm giving serious thought to buying one. I forgot how nice it is to be able to evenly distribute the weight between both shoulders - especially useful when you feel as grim as I do plus the straightened sheepskin on the front is incredibly comforting to stroke or cuddle when I'm feeling particularly horrific at times. I never thought I could become emotionally attached to a backpack in such a short space of time but fashion week does funny things to people.

Worn with: sunglasses, Kurt Geiger; leather jacket and black jeans, both Topshop; green cape jacket and studded loafers, both Zara; gold necklace, Dorothy Perkins.

LFW: DAY THREE

DAY THREE: Studded loafers, Zara

I am sick. Fashion flu has snuck up and struck - I am not a happy fashion camper today. I woke in the middle of the night to a stuffy head, a runny nose and generally, feeling very grim indeed but the shows must go on.

As such, today has been all about comfort. Sunday is generally a bit more of a laid-back day at LFW and coupled with my flu, I threw this outfit together with both of these aspects in my (fuzzy) mind after prising myself out of bed. I figured a statement shoe and one of my big, bold necklaces would distract from the germ-fest plus I would simply hide behind some dark glasses - noone need know I was dying of flu.

Worn with: Grey cut-out back sweater, Sparkle + Fade; neon stripe tee (underneath), Giles for New Look Menswear; khaki jeans, Topshop; Wayfarers, Ray-Ban; rings, Chanel, Daisy Knights, Monica Vinader and custom by my dad; necklace, Nocturne; bracelets, Chlo-Bo, Daisy Knights, Monica Vinader & Links of London.

WHAT I'LL BE DOING AT LFW

So, as I mentioned in my previous post, I have news! Those of you who've been around the block with me will know that every season during London Fashion Week I run another blog called Postcards From London, posting images from my adventures at the shows and beyond.

Well, this season the lovely folks over at Rimmel London Australia have asked me to be their London Fashion Week Style Blogger, as featured in Grazia Australia (keep an eye out Aussie readers, I'll be in Monday's issue!). I'll be running around all over the place, snapping photos for their Instagram, @rimmellondonau. If you don't have instagram, you can still follow me on the instagram viewer webstagram [here].

 So come join the party, see the shows and beyond through my eyes (slash lens). I'll also be tweeting at @rimmellondonau and posting daily roundups to their facebook page, [here] so please do check it out and get involved!

I'll also be posting here and tweeting at my regular account @adulescent when I have time so keep checking back and if you're at LFW and you see me around the tents, come say hi!

AUTUMN: DAY NINE

DAY NINE: Printed maxi skirt, Forever 21

Day four of London Fashion Week was also maxi skirt day on the Express fashion desk so I thought I’d get our lovely fashion assistant Simona to hop in the photo - funnily enough, the basis of our outfits is the same (maxis plus biker jackets) but I think you’ll agree when I say we wear our looks very differently!

Worn with: bat tee, Zoe Karssen; suede biker, unknown; biker boots, New Look; hat, Littlewoods; sunglasses, Ray-Ban; bag, Prada; Afghan blanket scarf, Weardale Cottages.

Simona wears: pink maxi, Minnie’s; ballet pumps, New Look; leather biker, Asos; Tilly bag, Jaeger; belt, Gap.

AUTUMN: DAY EIGHT

DAY EIGHT: Mohair cape, Prada

Found this while rummaging in some of the wardrobes, decided it was perfect for an allegedly laidback Sunday at the shows. Forgot the whole no-shoulder-bags issue with capes, ended up lugging my tote in the crook of my arm. Not good, I may have fashion week induced tennis elbow.

Worn with: Grey tweed & leather trousers, Topshop; Black silk tee, Gap; Nude ballet pumps, Office; Hat, Littlewoods; Stingray clutch, Salvatore Ferragamo; Gold aviators, Ray-Ban.

AUTUMN: DAY SEVEN

DAY SEVEN: Blue leopard scarf, Louis Vuitton

I was misled by the sun in the morning and naively wore a suede jacket. That’ll teach me not to carry an umbrella to fashion week.

Worn with: Sheer maxi skirt, Topshop; grey tee, H&M; Wayfarers, Ray-Ban; jacket, unknown; gold brogues, Office; Stingray clutch, Salvatore Ferragamo

AUTUMN: DAY SIX

DAY SIX: Leather detail blazer, Miss Selfridge

Also known as day one of London Fashion Week, I decided to start comfortably with jeans and this blazer with another nod to the masculine trend.

Worn with: sheer blouse, New Look; grey jeans, Miss Selfridge; gold chain, vintage; gold brogues, Office; Wayfarers, Ray-Ban; belt, Gap; Leather bag, Chanel.