The DMU @Art_and_Design #GFW2012 (Graduate Fashion Week) Pop-up shop went down a storm with Highcross shoppers, so many fabulous and unique little pieces to choose from… (watch this space over the coming weeks for my feature on some of the very talented DMU young fashion designers and the pop-up shop itself.)

The shopping centre also saw the arrival of the Style Lounge Weekend, which was just the injection of prints and colour needed to inspire us to get our Spring/ Summer 12 wardrobe’s in shape. Let’s be honest… the weather hasn’t been bad lately either, so who’s going to blame you for getting yourself a cute new pair of shoes, a matching dress and handbag?

It got me splashing some hard earned cash on some glitzy new pieces anyway… have a look at some of the photographs I took at the event and see which are your favourite SS12 looks by Stylist Anna Moor.

Behind the scenes, the Highcross Style Lounge team were busily prepping for their weekend of Live Fashion Shows. The models, whose hair was immaculetly styled and coiffured by the guys and gals at the Rachel Hammond hair salon at Highcross, were being beautified by Make-up artists Rebecca Yeates and Olivia Proctor (who were also on hand ready to perfect the pouts of many a Highcross shopper in their role as ‘Lipstick Girls’.)

Schedules and timings were being perfected by Event Manager Christian Russell and his team, whilst the very best of SS12 Wardrobes were being readied by Stylist Anna Moor (My full interview with Anna will be up on the blog over the next few weeks) and her assistant Amanda Malawer.

The day was split into several ‘Looks’:

• Pretty in Prints and Pastels - how to do it well. Featuring clothes by: John Lewis, Monsoon Fusion, Blue Inc, Argento, Warehouse, Reiss, Luke 1977, Vera Moda and Carvela at John Lewis
• A run down of Holiday Day to Nightwear - your packing essentials. Featuring clothes by: Blue Inc, John Lewis, Luke 1977, Hobbs, Reiss, Monsoon Accessorise, USC, Argento, Warehouse.
• Summer Garden Party to Evening Soiree - making heads turn. Featuring clothes by: Luke 1977, Reiss, TM Lewin, John Lewis, USC, Hobbs, Guess, Warehouse, Monsoon Accessorise, Dune at John Lewis, Carvela at John Lewis,
• Hot Work Looks versus Sophisticated Workwear - making an effort in the office. Featuring clothes by: TM Lewin, Luke 1977, Hobbs, Monsoon Accessorise, Carvela at John Lewis, Warehouse, Dune at John Lewis, Reiss.
• The perfect way to play with Colour blocking - both day and night time looks. Featuring clothes by: Jack & Jones, Ted Baker at John Lewis, USC, John Lewis, Hobbs, Argento, Guess, Vera Moda, Dune at John Lewis, Reiss, Gstar, Monsoon Accessorise.

Photography © Lucie Kerley

THE BEST OF THIS SEASONS FASHION COMES TO HIGHCROSS

The stylish and savvy from all corners of Leicestershire will be flocking to Highcross Leicester next week as Highcross hosts its un-missable fashion event.

The opening of fashion week is marked by the arrival of the Highcross Style Lounge. The lounge, which will be in place on the lower mall outside Debenhams, will be in situ from May 14 to 20 and will accommodate a selection of mannequins, each individually dressed by some of Highcross’ most stylish retailers. Next to each unique mannequin there will be a telephone, which - when picked up – will tell inquisitive fashionistas all about the outfit on display, as well as  key trends for SS2012.

Fashion week will also see De Montfort University taking over unit on the west mall, as fashion students will be utilising the space to showcase their latest designs in a pop up style shop. The students - all in their second year of study at DMU - will be exhibiting work from their portfolios, as well as providing a range of individually customised vintage clothing, accessories and homeware that will be available to buy. Profits made will go towards funding the students’ final exhibitions and their presence at Graduate Fashion Week.

The pinnacle of fashion week will take place on Saturday, May 19 and Sunday, May 20 as the style lounge comes to life.  Stylist to the stars Anna Moore, who has co-ordinated fashions shows and catwalks across the UK, Italy and France, will be presenting her guide to this season’s most popular trends and wardrobe essentials, as well as interacting with the audience through a series of live Q&A’s.

Saturday 19 May 11am - 4pm (each session lasts 20minutes and will start on the hour)

Sunday 20 May 11.30am - 3.30pm (each session lasts 20minutes and will start on the half hour)

Photo: © Lucie Kerley

Gurvinder Rupra, marketing manager at Highcross, said: “Highcross’2012 fashion event is set to be a hive of exciting and vibrant activity to get shoppers ready for the summer.

“What with the Style Lounge and expert advice from top stylist, Anna Moore, our shoppers have the opportunity to get exclusive fashion tips as well as an insight as to what to expect on the rails for the rest of this fashion season.

“De Montfort University students will bring another level of cutting edge fashion, with their truly unique clothing and accessories. We’re excited to be supporting the students during our fashion event, and are looking forward to seeing some of the fashion stars of the future showcase their work at Highcross.”

Please visit www.highcrosleicester.com for further details. 

Text: Highcross Press Release

All other photos: © Gurvinder Rupra

Our Slow Cooker is one of our favourite household appliances and so very cheap too! We have the Cookworks Signature 6.5litre Slow Cooker and it is MASSIVE! Perfect for a family-size chicken or joint of beef… Yes I know there’s only two of us… it’ll be chicken butties for lunch tomorrow!

I had a scout around and found that @johnlewisretail @Highcross do a fantastic Crock-Pot Slow Cooker in Brushed Crome for just £22.95 and it has a ‘liberal’ 3.5litre capacity. 

Crock-Pot 37401BC Slow Cooker, Brushed Chrome £22.95, John Lewis.

They also do this swanky Saute Version too which has a larger 4.7litre capacity.

Crock Pot Saute Slow Cooker, £44.97, John Lewis. 

There are some fab One-Pot wonder cookbooks out there if you want to get the most out of your SLow Cooker. John Lewis have this great Kitchen Classics Slow Cookers Recipe book by Jane Price, £9.09.

Debenhams also do a great 3.5litre Slow Cooker SC2BS in Brushed Silver, £22.50

If you need it a bit bigger then check out their Morphy Richards version.

Morphy Richards 6.5L slow cooker - 48715, £33.30 Debenhams.

We make lots of yummy food in this: Chilli Con Carne, Spag Bol, Stews, Veggie Casseroles, Roast Beef, Pork, Lamb, Chicken, pie fillings, to name but a few!