Samantha Merritt Design Portfolio

Samantha Merritt Design Portfolio Recent graduate from Southampton Solent university BA (Hons) Magazine Journalism and Feature Writing

Find me http://www.wix.com/samanthamerritt/samanthamerritt https://twitter.com/SamMMerritt http://www.linkedin.com/pub/samantha-merritt/46/4b2/92b http://samanthamariemerritt.blogspot.co.uk

COMPANY MAGAZINE A photoshoot with Company magazine in mind, I created a romantic theme

Get caught up in your own romance

fashion

119 WWW.COMPANY.CO.UK

The Frilly Girly Dress Dress, £40 Karen Millen Shoes, £70 Topshop

THE SWIRLY EFFECT Dress, as before

120 WWW.COMPANY.CO.UK

fashion

THE EMBELLISHED DRESS Dress, £45, Limited Edition, New Look.

Shoes, £40, Dorothy Perkins.

THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS Dress, £35, ASOS. Belt, £22, Topshop.

fashion

THE LACED MAXI DRESS Dress, £119, Zara.

THE ULTIMATE BLING left to right necklace, £8 Topshop. Bands, £3.99, H&M. Bracelet, £9, New Look.

Necklace, £12, Dorothy Perkins

MUSIC MAGAZINE A review of my experience at Isle of Wight festival 2011

2011 November 2010

Page 16

Unsigned Magazine

IOW popped my festival ch rry

EVENTS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY S. MERRITT

Wellies, mud, overflowing toilets, emergency wet wipes, half burnt beef burgers, strongbows in the morning, sunburn, laughter, friends, drunken talks with strangers can all only mean one thing...

T

MY FRIEND AND I ENJOYING THE SUNSHINE

he festival season was one not to be missed this year; being a student I only had enough money in the kitty for one venue. Isle of Wight has everything that I could have possibly wanted for my first real festival experience.

Thursday Get a lift close to the festival, but we still have an almighty trek to go set up our tents. But we finally managed to get there, tent, rucksack and alcohol in tow and met the longest queue in the history of all queues.

So we make the justifiable decision to crack open a can of Strongbow (it’s 11 in the morning) then sit out this huge queue whilst ogling at all the drunks dressed up. A lion, crocodile, man dressed as a woman, cat, crazy bride and some cave men all pass us in the space of about half an hour.

We finally get in, set up camp in the closest field to the main stage

November 2010

Page 17

Unsigned Magazine

EVENTS and, of course, it begins to rain.

My friend Danielle and I don the wellies and hit the fairground!

Friday Finally the music starts up, we head over to the main events managing to catch Jay Z, Calvin Harris, Doves and Florence and the Machine. All well and good but we want to see the lesser-known bands.

So it’s on to the Acoustic Stage where we get there just in time to see Stereo Son. An unsigned band from London and the southeast that formed in late 2006 after they met at university. They say that their music is “accessible electric guitar rock synth art fusion.”

They take to the stage and open with one of my favourites, ‘Still.’ A romantic song that seems to have a calming affect on the audience, both men and women appear to be mesmerised by lead singer Nick Ford-Young.

We set up to listen to the rest of the playlist, all worthwhile songs but they choose to end on a beautiful acoustic edition of ‘In her head.’ They were right to. As the song starts all couples seem to descend around the stage.

Seemingly intoxicated by the soulful sounds from just guitar and piano. A song, the band say is about staying with the person you love no matter what, certainly had an impact on this festival audience.

Next up were Fighting Fiction, a four man band from Bristol whose; “songs are written with anger and sung with passion,”

according to lead vocalist Jacob Glew. There is something about their stage presence that transcends to the audience, making them want to listen.

They come on after Stereo Son so the crowd are all in need of livening up. As they begin their set with ‘We will not forget’ they begin to remind me of a younger version of Clash and T. Rex with their evidently British sound.

And the set just gets better and better, ending on a high with a

Wake up in the blistering heat to a hangover, so what is the cure? Open up another can of Strongbow and head off to the main stage! We catch Biffy Clyro who gets the crowd going like nobody else has done so far, Vampire Weekend and Blondie.

The Arcadian Kicks were playing over on the acoustic stage in between Vampire Weekend and Biffy Clyro so we had to quickly make a dash for it. The Arcadian Kicks are one of the better-known bands from this stage.

A band consisting of two girls and three boys all eighteen years old, they have something that bands crave melodic magnificence.

Something that they manage to infuse with hard sounds of the sax and soulful acoustic guitar.

They were spotted by Jon Brookes from The Charlatans when he was judging one of the heats in the Surface Unsigned bands competition in Birmingham, 2007.

They’ve come a long way from then.

Starting the set with ’19 days’ there is an air of KT Tunstall around the main vocalist, although a lot more edgy which I liked. They grabbed the audience’s attention straight away and never lost it.

Ending with ‘Standing in the Road,’ a rocky fusion of electric and acoustic guitar, was a hit. It had the crowd wanting more, but it was now time for one of my personal favourites Bombay bicycle club.

A well-known indie group from North London, they quite literally stole the show in the Big Top tent.

The atmosphere was electric as we moved our way through to the front of the crowd, getting punched and having drink spilled on us on occasion.

Kicking off their set with ‘Open House’ they set the standard for the rest of the bands at the festival.

A sudden change from subdued and mellow lyrics to an outburst of rock that had everyone around us head banging as though their life depended on it.

They closed up the set with ‘Dust on the Ground,’ more of an eerie and relaxing song that had everyone swaying. A very good set, and talking to people afterwards, it was most definitely one of the highlights of Isle of

Page 18

Unsigned Magazine

“A Lion, crocodile, man dressed as a woman, crazy bride and cave men all pass us in the space of about half an hour.”

November 2010

more well known song ‘Turning Rebellion into money.’ And with producer Mark Williams (Biffy Clyro, Bloc Party) on their side I’ve no doubt in my mind they will go far.

Saturday

Wight festival.

Sunday The day of rest…so I thought!

Waking up to another pounding headache, we struggle along to the main stage just in time to watch The Courteeners, Editors and Friendly Fires. But last and by no

in Taunton, Somerset, they did not disappoint.

By this time in the weekend we were all lagging from excessive drinking and lack of sleep or washing, so it was good to just relax and listen to their music.

Starting the set with, ‘Be My Animal,’ gave the stage just enough energy for them to not

EVENTS you immediately respond to. The crowd loves them and they’ve managed to create quite a stir from outside the stage.

Ending the set with ‘Prisoner,’ an edgier song with beautiful lyrics from lead singer Sarah McIntosh, no need for any fancy effects, just her and the guitar makes the audience happy.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY S. MERRITT

MAIN STAGE WATCHING VAMPIRE WEEKEND

means least, Pink.

Wired to a harness she plunges head first out of a box craned in the air. Talk about an entrance, and she just kept getting better singing hit after hit; ‘Just like a pill’, ‘Get the party started’ and ‘So What.’

But the party had to come to an end and the final act I wanted to see were The Good Natured. A band that I knew from back home November 2010

peak too soon.

Their music has an electronic/ gothic feel but the drums and guitar contradict this and give it an earthier feel. Picked up on by the likes of Steve Lamacq, Huw Stephens and Tom Robinson, they have received extensive play on Radio 1 and BBC 6Music.

This reflects in how they perform on the stage, and air of confidence without arrogance is something Page 19

After a hectic weekend you are left with…a mountain of washing, blistered feet, an extra few pounds in weight from all the burgers and a lighter bank balance.

So you ask yourself was it all worth it?

Hell yeah!

BY SAMANTHA MERRITT Unsigned Magazine

SPORTS MAGAZINE An analysis of the winners from the Laureus awards 2011

insider

And$the$ winner$ is...

IT was the Laureus World Sports Awards this week and we were there to see the best of the best grab gold

T

he Ceremony this year took place in Abu Dhabi and was broadcast worldwide from Emirates Palace.

The event plays host to the crème de la crème of the sporting community, previous winners including Roger Federer, making this a prestigious event.

Yes, it is great to have these iconic sportsmen and women all in one room. However the proceeds from the Sports Awards goes to almost 80 community projects around the world which have helped young people get into sport.

The Winners Sportsman of the Year Young Spaniard, Rafael Nadal has made quite a name for himself over the past few years - matching Rod Laver by winning the French Open, Wimbledon and US Open in the same year. Beating Novak meant he had named himself as the third youngest player to win all four. At the tender age of just 24, he is creating history. He won the 2008 Olympic men’s singles gold medal, which means he has achieved ‘Golden Slam’ (all four grand slams and an Olympic gold medal). We can think of no other sportsman who deserves this recognition more.

WORLD SPORT

Sportswoman of the Year She was nominated in 2009 and 2010, and has now come back Lindsey Vonn has proved that she is one of the greatest skiers of all time winning the Olympic Downhill gold medal in February in Vancouver. She may not have been so lucky, as Vonn herself has sportsperson. Her shin injury could have cost her the medal, but they had to postpone the event due to poor snow conditions. She has become one of, if not the most successful women skiers in World Cup history and has won three successive World Cup titles.

Team of the Year went mad for their team in 2010 World cup. The Spanish team’s win against the Netherlands team team to win a World Cup outside of its own continent. Beaten in 2010

by Brawn GP Formula One team, they are the deserved winners at this year’s ceremony. Following the victory in South Africa, seven of the Spanish players were Player of the Year award. Their manager, Vicente del Bosque also of the Year award. With a great team and management under their

10

Who’s who (clockwise from top left) Lindsey V

belt we have big hopes for their future.

Comeback of the Year no wrong according to Laureus, Valentino Rossi has been nominated four times and won twice. He received the lifetime and has now been crowned king of the comebacks. He is not only well respected in the sports world but is also noted as the ‘people’s favourite’ when he won championship in Qatar, 2010. Hit with a nasty injury whilst training he was kept out of the season.

insider

Vonn, Rafael Nadal, Kelly Slater, Zinedine Zidane,Spain’s Football team, Valentino Rossi

Surprising many, Rossi came back with force when he returned just 41 days after the accident and Grand Prix in Sepang.

Lifetime Achievement Award He

is

an

inspiring

football

Zinedine Zidane claimed the Lifetime Achievement award this year. Previously nominated for Comeback of the Year in 2007 he has now earned one of the more prestigious awards just a mere four years later. He has been on quite a journey in his football career and announced his early retirement from international football after France was knocked out by Greece

in the European Championships in 2004. Zidane has claimed his stakes as a great football player being one of only four players to make over 100 appearances for their country - playing 108 times for France.

2011. He has prevailed at massive contests in Portugal, California and Australia and clinched the Rip Curl Pro Search championship in 2010. match the brilliance and agility of Slater? We don’t think it’s going to happen for a while.

Action Sportsperson of the Year The outstanding and indispensable Kelly Slater proved himself as a great surfer and one of the greatest sportsmen over the past 20 years. He became the youngest ever world champion in 1992 at the young age of 20, he then claimed the oldest at 34 in in the Laureus hall of fame winning this award in 2007, 2009 and

11

More winners...

World Breakthrough Sportman with a disability Verena Betele Sport for Good Spirit of Sport European Ryder Cup

WORLD SPORT

ELLE MAGAZINE My own version of a fashion spread in the high fashion magazine, Elle

ELLE edits

70s sequined jumpsuit, £120, by Oasis

Black Jumpsuit, £95,

by French Connection

P

JUM AROUND

Fur coat, £180, by Topshop

Everyone’s favou once again, and

Gold heels, £1,899, by jimmy choo

ELLE LOVES

Headband, £45, by Topshop

Gols cuff, £380 , by Lara Bohinc

Ruby drop earrings, £890, by Swarovski

Red jumpsuit, £55, by Rare

Brooch, £2590,

by Tiffany

Blue jum p

suit, £45 ,

by River Island

Belt, £600, by Vintage chanel

Pendant, £15,

by H&M

urite, the Jumpsuit is back d it’s now SEXIER than ever...

Clutch, £140, by Karen Millen Sequined playsuit, £75,

by Topshop

CONTRACT MAGAZINE Creating a new magazine for John Lewis, I put together the fashion pages

Section Trends

Spring into

Fashion Trousers, £95 Jumper, £35 Blazer, £179

F

Fashion week never disappoints, from London to Milan, New York to Paris we are always spoilt for choice. Here at GOLD DUST we have hunted down the best items in store that will need to be on your Spring/ Summer 2011 wish list.

Keep it simple this year, don’t try to match a print with another print, just pick one for a minimalist look. Some of the key trends are going back in time to 70s Chic and the everpopular Flower Power.

With the key trends, we are also seeing new trends appearing on the catwalk, snakeskin and colour clashing were all the rage on SS11 catwalks. Keep these key trends toned down with black of camel accents, or dare to wear head-to-toe vivid brights.

One of the major trends we found on the catwalk was ‘Safari.’ The likes of Burberry and Celine all had the urban jungle feel. What better way to dress for work than in sharp tailored clothes that fit beautifully? In store there is a wide range, this Reiss blazer works well through every season, not just spring. It is a definite staple in any woman’s wardrobe. The trousers, also from Reiss, keep to the tailored theme, easy to wear for either work or play.

They are quite possibly one of the comfiest pair of trousers you will have in your wardrobe. Warehouse are great for the simple staples to your wardrobe, this jumper adds a splash of colour to an otherwise boring outfit. But it offers you comfort and sex

01 GOLD DUST MARCH 2011

Going on Safari

Photo Cresits

The hottest trends, straight from the Catwalk, all available in John Lewis

Jumpsuit, £87 Blouse, £224 Skirt, £55

Flower Power

70s Chic

Skirt, £55 Cardigan, £89 Dress, £200

Section Trends

appeal, with the low v-neck line you can go straight from work for cocktails with the girls or a dinner date with your man. A lot of celebrities have been seen sporting this trend, and we think it is one that is going to be around for more than one season.

For the more relaxing occasion, perhaps a weekend away or a lazy Sunday there is the 70s trend that keeps appearing on the catwalk. Stick to double denim, bohemian patterns or crisps blouses. This ultra feminine look keeps it simple, something that you don’t often see in the spring collections.

This high waisted Cath Kidston skirt and flowing Jaeger cream blouse go perfectly for a walk around town, team it with a big brown belt and sky-high wedges and you have a beautiful springtime look. French Connection’s jumpsuit needs skyscraper heels and killer legs to pull it off, for a night sipping wine in the spring sun it is a perfect and simple outfit. Equally you could pair it with sandals for an effortlessly chic spring daytime look.

The more colour friendly amongst us will say that nothing ever beats the ‘Flower Power’ trend. Most of the clothes look like they have appeared straight out of the 1960s, giving the feeling of freedom and relaxation.If you have a lot of money to spend on only one dress this spring then make it this Gérard Darel print silk dress. Nothing says spring better, wear with simple sandals and plain white cardigan for that spring feel. Or dress it up for the evening simply with heels and jewelry.

The cardigan from Hobbs is a simple design, the print also comes in a coat variation so head on to the website to see which you prefer. Team it with a simple white dress, or white blouse and jeans and you have a comfortable but fashionable outfit.

Skirts are always big for this season, Kookai have created a beautiful piece that is easy to wear with a plain white top and denim jacket for when it gets chilly in the afternoon. There is also a jumpsuit with the same print so if you have the legs for it, then it is a must have. Go back to the summer of loving with this romantic trend. You can wind away your Easter break by walking through the park or sitting on the patio of a cute little café.

Remember the more versatile the outfit the more you will wear it throughout the year, not just spring. Some of the best fashion, from the best fashion houses come out in this key season, so expect to be overwhelmed with some great pieces this year!

by Samantha Merritt

MARCH 2011 GOLD DUST 01

TRAVEL MAGAZINE Compiling the top 5 sights to see before you die

Top 5

to seE before

Sights

you die

by Samantha Merritt

Amazon Get your bucket list out, here at ESCAPE & EXPLORE magazine Rainforest we choose our favourite sights to see before you hit the hay...

Where?

Colombia, Peru,

1

Venezuela, Equador…you get the idea

happen to be dropping in

Breathtaking Grand Canyon

to South America at some point then why not check it out?

Obviously attempting to

How Big? 5,500,00

‘see it all’ is impossible

km² (pretty big)

within a DIY package

I

t was shortlisted in 2008

cannot miss out on this

as a candidate

to one of the New7Wonders of

There are

Nature boasting

some places

many reasons

near to

to visit this

you that

spectacular place.

offer you

The Amazon is

different

the place to go if

ways to see

you are an avid

Amazon Rainforest

fan of wildlife and want to see nature at its purest. It is home to more species of plants and animals than any other terrestrial ecosystem, with 30% of the world’s species being found here.

It is home to an array of wildlife such as the Scarlet Macaw bird and the Giant leaf frog. As well as mammals like the Red Howler monkey and the

this awe

Beautiful Jaguar

wonderful opportunity.

This beautiful abyss is facing deforestation so you would be a fool to not take advantage of it now, in all its glory. You only live once, there is a reason why this is ESCAPE & EXPLORE’s number one sight to see before you die.

Grand Canyon

jaguar. This is not just one

2

inspiring sight. You

Offering you an affect

can the rest of your family

no other rock can ever

can now tour the Grand

compare to, this epic place

Canyon in comfort with

consumes you as you are

air tours frequently flying

thoroughly overwhelmed

around. Want to get the

by the landscape you’re

best birds eye view? Then

surrounded by. This

this is for you. I would

amazing wonder played

recommend doing it by

home to many native t

foot though, you wouldn’t

tribes, including The

get the full affect a few

Ancient Puebloans during

100 feet up in the air. The

1200 BC. Don’t fancy the

grand lanscape keeps your

walk though? No problem,

eyes occupied so hold

sight to see, it is many, you

Where?

there are many places all

your breath and enjoy

will have so much to see

Arizona, United States

around Arizona that offer

the scenery. Oh but do

accommodation near by

not stand too close to the

to rest your lifeless legs.

edge! Self explanatory.

you’ll need to stop to catch your breath. So if you

PG 22/ ESCAPE & EXPLORE

How Big? 277 miles...a hell of a trek!

JAN/FEB 2011

PICTURE CREDIT SXC.HU

holiday, but you

on the beach,

has now become so

family, you are guaranteed

eating lobster and

much more. It’s visited by

a good time, and a jaw

drinking an ice cold

thousands of people every

dropping view. Get those

lemonade. That scenario

year, and this particular

walking boots on!

is something pretty close

sight is something to

to heaven. After you are

behold. With its epic

done with this part of

proportions and the

How Big? 344,400

Australia then how about

ability to view from outer

square kilometres HUGE!

continuing your trip?

space (something to

Off to Sydney you go to

bear in mind when you

The land down under can

continue your amazing

are travelling through

offer you many beautiful

Australian advernture.

the atmosphere) there is

3

Great BarRier ReEf

Where? Australia

sights.

Great Barrier Reef

Where? United States of America

How Big? New York, New York! Nearly 20 million

Sydney

PICTURE CREDIT SXC.HU/ S.MERRITT

5

New York City

Opera house,

people call this

animals

place home.

roaming freely, not

A treat for the

to mention

eyes, New York’s

the Minogue

skyline is probably

sister’s.

one of the most

However,

used in movies and

the Great

something truly

Barrier Reef

magical about

is something

it. Gone are

that you

the days when

simply cannot

you travel to

miss out on.

China to taste

Located off

the cuisine and

the coast of

soak up some

Queensland, Australia, in the Coral Sea,

of the culture,

The Great Wall

it is hard to miss. The reef supports a wide diversity of ocean life including some endangered species that would have the chance to snorkel with. Had to sit through

the number one place to go

Great WalL of China

4

Where? China

Finding Nemo with the

How Big? Stretches

kids? Then exploring the

for 8,851.8 kilometres

depths of this beyond blue ocean will be exciting and

Originally built to protect

a great experience for the

is the Great Wall. If you have a long break planned then save a day or two for this amazing adventure.

Whether you are on holiday with friends, your partner or the whole

Sights that didn’t quite make it...

tv programmes.

Easily identifiable for all the right reasons. It has lots to offer, not one sight but many. From the Statue of Liberty to Times Square, Central Park to Empire State; all make you fall in love with the Big Apple. The city that never sleeps is great when you have a lot of time to spare for it, step onto Broadway and catch a musical or visit the famous Central Park zoo. Whether you’re six or 60 years old you will find something that will keep you entertained for your whole stay. One of the most breathtaking

6. Egyptian Pyramids

views is of Times Square,

the northern borders

7. Colosseum, Italy

stepping out from a cheap

whole family. And after

of the Chinese Empire

8. Niagara Falls, Canada

you’re done exploring this

against nomadic groups,

9. Taj Mahal, india

beautiful sea then lounge

this particular landmark

10. Serengeti Park, Africa

PG 23/ ESCAPE & EXPLORE

yellow cab, and standing gawping at the bright lights and music playing.

JAN/FEB 2011

WEDDING MAGAZINE Writing text and doing my own photoshoot for local wedding dress store

SOUTHAMPTON

BRIDES NOVEMBER 2010 ISSUE 25 £3.50

FROM THE PUBLISHER’S OF VOGUE & GLAMOUR

Our list of the top venues within Southampton

10

FEEDING YOUR GUESTS ON A BUDGET NOT FINDING THE PERFECT DRESS? We have the person for you...

50

of the best honeymoon destinations Beautiful cakes you won’t be able to resist

SBRIDES FEATURE

Picture Perfect Wedding One of the most important days of a woman’s life is her wedding, we talk to someone who knows only too well what brides are going through

E

very woman dreams of her perfect wedding, I have.

Ever since I was a little girl I have been left under the illusion it is going to be a fairytale. With mice sewing the perfect silk dress for me and bluebirds singing gooey love songs in my ear.

We have Cinderella and Snow White to thank for that, but when we grow up and are newly engaged to our own Prince Charming everything seems to become too real. Brides now seem to be scared of planning their own special day.

But, we can be safe in the knowledge that people will be there to guide us along the way. From cake design to venue, from transport to the rings.

For a woman, though, one the most important thing is, of course, buying the perfect dress.

Andrea Kehoe is one of the people that you will get to know when choosing your dress. She is the proprietor of wedding dress shop Josephine’s near the centre of NOVEMBER 2010

Southampton, where she has been for 15 years now.

Andrea has been in the industry long enough to know how it works; “my mother started the business from home so I’ve grown up with wedding dresses,” she explains.

“I’m not trained with the fashion of dresses but I understand them, it runs in my blood.”

“I’m not trained with the fashion of dresses but I understand them, it runs in my blood.”

Wearing a sharp black suit she seems at ease in her own shop, I cannot help but feel she seems a bit on edge. “Excuse me if I seem jittery, I’ve been here since quarter past eight and had to drop the kids off on my way. On my third cup of coffee already,” she laughs.

We sit in the comfy chairs, and I take in the surroundings. Rail upon rail of dresses catch my eye, 43

not bagged up and hidden away but on display in all their beauty.

“Costs more with all the cleaning of the dresses,” she jokes, “but the first thing I want a bride coming into the store to do is dive on in.”

“I want them to get a feel of the fabrics, look at what colours they like, what shapes they seem to go for. I feel that brides can be somewhat overwhelmed by weddings.”

She walks me over to some of the dresses, “Take this dress for example,” she picks out a 1950’s shaped ivory dress with appliquéd black flowers on the bodice. “We are seeing a lot of black coming in right now,” seeing the somewhat bemused expression on my face she explains.

“I know what you’re thinking, ‘oh my god, would someone really wear black to their wedding?’

Women can be timid when it comes to colour, but a dash of it here and there can work. We’re seeing a lot of 3D flowers around at > SBRIDES.CO.UK

SBRIDES FEATURE

NOVEMBER 2010

“The structure of the dresses is one of the reasons why we started working with them. They don’t follow the American theatricality or the English fairytale dress. They bring something new to the table.”

Andrea explains the differences between American and British wedding dresses; “With the Americans, there is a brashness about them. Almost like the dress is saying I’m here, lets get the party started now, and as I said before they love theatricality.”

“British dresses on the other hand,

fashion when actually it is ahead.

We will see something in bridal fashion that will not come on the high street until six months time.”

“Fashion in bridal tends to stay quite traditional though. We will be getting our Christmas window ready soon, which I am very excited about, and the only real difference we will be seeing is the introduction of wraps and capes.”

“Women don’t care if they’re cold on their wedding day. It’s not a matter of warmth but when you think of winter weddings you think of a big sumptuous INSIDE ANDREA’S cape. We see richer SHOP, JOSEPHINE’S colours coming in as well, deep reds and golds for the bridesmaid’s.”

“Well,” she continues, “I say for the bridesmaid’s, but the bride will then really like those colours and want to add some detail to the dress incorporating those colours into her look, which we from the likes of Ian Stuart, are can then do for her.” full and traditional ball gowns. It seems like Andrea has a good You can normally tell them a mile team here, “well it’s me and off and you say, ‘oh that must be a Michaela, she is the one that I trust British dress’ because it is more of to do all the alterations, being a a national identity for us.” couturier for the Queen I know I The British wedding dress industry can leave her to do anything and it does not work how mainstream will be stunning.” fashion does though. “We tend to With a wealth of experience, great work with two main seasons rather people working with her and than the four, one will be in March a friendly, if not slightly crazy, which is mid season and then personality there will be no need usually September which is spring/ for you to worry about your special summer for next year.” day when you go to Josephine’s.

“A lot of people think that bridal is behind your normal high street BY SAMANTHA MERRITT SB 44

SBRIDES.CO.UK

PHOTOGRAPHY BY S.MERRITT

the moment, which is another way you can play with colours.”

It’s not just colour that Andrea says is important, “I am helping someone make one of the biggest decisions for their special day.

They need to think not only about size, but how it fits, shape and if they feel comfortable in it.”

“Sometimes the bride will be standing in the dress and we’ll go off the subject of wedding dresses, after all they’re only going to be talking about the dress briefly on their special day.”

“This’ll go on for a while, we’ll end up talking about our dogs or something like that then I’ll say ‘oh, you seem really comfortable in that dress.’ Then her mother will chip in and say, ‘oh yeah, you do you know.’

It is just about making the bride feel as comfortable as possible.”

The conversation leads into what sort of designs the shops carries, “we have the Phil Collins collection.” Before I even think to ask, Andrea chips in saying, “no, not that Phil Collins. This collection is simply stunning, they’re feminine, flattering and well priced.”

“But the collection that has taken both the supplier and me by surprise is ‘Essense.’ An Australian company that we started dealing with back in September of 2008.

We are the only bridal shop in Hampshire who deals with them.”

SBRIDES FEATURE MODEL WEARS DRESS FROM THE ‘ESSENSE’ RANGE £1,099

NOVEMBER 2010

45

SBRIDES.CO.UK

VINTAGE MAGAZINE Creating a magazine that wasn’t yet on the market, I interviewed local vintage store owner and it made a great piece

e g a t n i V Very

Fashion

So new it hasn’t even got a sign yet

Delicate underwear & patent shoes

PAGE 18

Page 16 January January2011 2010

and car boot sale, grabbing that bargain is paramount.

One lady who knows how to set up a successful and fashionable vintage shop is one Catherine Wright, who founded Hepwright’s in 2009. Currently situated in the bright and lively part of Bedford Place, Southampton, near the nightlife and furor of students, she is finding her new business is booming.

Catherine has been dealing with vintage clothing for over six years but has only just decided to finally open her own store, “I never really found the right place, I already knew the person who was in this store previously so I was straight in when they sold up.”

As customers bustle in and out she explains, “I haven’t found time to put prices on the clothes yet,

Photography by S.Merritt

Selection of gorgeous jewellery

Bags, shoes & There was a time when the most clothes galore fashionable thing to do was buy everything from new and brag about where you got it from.

Zara, Topshop, River Island, a lot of ‘Oooooh’s’ and ‘Ahhhhs’ would then insue from your friends, neighbours, even random people on the street.

All well and good, and some people still find this the way to go with fashion, but nowadays the tables have turned. Fashion has turned more eclectic and rustic. The ‘just rolled out of bed look’ has become key, baggy is better and menswear or womenswear…who can tell the difference?

Vintage shops are hard to come by, actually scrap that, GOOD vintage shops are hard to come by.

It is the revival of the charity shop

Vintage mags & even more clothes

Fashion

Knits, scarves & hats

The lady herself, Vintage Fashionista, Catherine Wright

sorry, I said I would do it Monday, but I just find myself not having the time. I have been so busy, but I WILL get it done at some point.”

Surely it’s a good thing that Catherine has not had time to put prices on everything: “It’s been really busy, a lot of people have come in and said how great it is to finally have a little vintage shop here. Some people have even come in and said ‘Oh we were going to set up our own shop, but you have done it so well.’ The responses have been really lovely.”

I find myself burrowing deep into a huge plastic box Catherine has just struggled to bring out for me to rummage through. “I always pack things in too much, just can’t help myself sometimes.”

The shop has a cosy feel and as I rummage through the never-

“ I haven’t found the time to put prices on the clothes yet, I’ve been so busy!”

ending pile, Catherine starts chattering to herself, “Cosy, cosy, cosy, yummy maltesers and coffee.”

It is clear she is somewhat eccentric; her selection of clothes also proves this. From “cosy, cosy” knits to beautiful handbags. From a fox hair shawl to evening gowns.

The most expensive thing you will find in the store is an exquisite dress, bejeweled with flowers, of course I fall in love and send an immediate text to my mum to ask for my present for my 21st birthday. No reply.

Being a mother herself, she hopes her daughter’s will take over the business someday, but for now they are more interested in the labeled clothes. “I have one who is 19 and the other is 10, the youngest has not got the slightest

interest in this yet.”

“At that age you want to brag to your friends about what labels you have hanging from the clothes so you’re with the ‘in crowd.’ I am more of a ‘rummager in a charity shop’ kind of person.”

So, if you’re looking for a new place to find some hidden treasures Hepwright’s is definitely the best place in town. Coming away from chatting with Catherine I feel refreshed, the whole place is warm and inviting where each fashion piece has a story to tell. Oh, and not to mention I am £40 lighter, just had to get the jumper I found when rummaging. Perfect way to beat the winter weather.

Written by Samantha Merritt

17 January Page 2010 17 January 2011PAGE 19

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SHAPE UP | 23

MENS HEALTH MAGAZINE A look at some of the top gadgets men should be looking out for - 2011

TRENDS

The MUST HAVE gadgets of

2011

As we say farewell to 2010, 2011 greets us with a whole new array of up to the minute gadgets (whether we really need them or not). From something we really need (a new Ipad perhaps) to the most stupidly pointless gadget you could never need but on this New Year occasion, want.

The Phone we

posted though!

could

talk

about

GUY VERDICT – “I really like it,

the iPhone, however with such

I think it’s something that I would

Prices start at £439

disappointment from the iPhone4

use more than say the iPhone or

www.store.apple.com

we’re just going to wait for the new

a Blackberry.” Tom from Somerset

GUY

iPhone5 this year to say just how good they Droid Motorola

Pro

much everywhere now).

VERDICT

–

“It’s

a

revolution for Apple and I don’t

The Ipad

know where I would be without it!”

One of THE gifts for Christmas, Apple produced record sales in

Michael from Romsey

the lead up to it for this immense

The Stupid Gadget

gadget! It’s not secret that Apple

Google ‘stupid gadgets’ and

creates such products that make

you’ve got yourself an afternoon’s

even the manliest of men squeal

worth

with excitement. Enticed into a

stupidity. From a Swiss Army

little fantasy world, nothing this

Mouse to Gangster CD Stereo

of

pure

laughter

and

are! Apart from

good can be real, surely? Yes

Apple, there are a lot of new phones

it can! For me, there is nothing

out there. Forget Blackberry and

better

HTC and pay attention again to

iPod, Macbook

We at Junk have chosen one of

Motorola. Yes, really. They have

pro and iPhone

the funniest stupid gadgets out

brought out a new Motorola Droid

3GS later I am

there! Our lady Prime Minister

Pro, now being hailed as the new

still left wanting

herself is to thank for this. Need

Blackberry except it obviously

more! And so

to crack your nuts? Then this

has Android. Mainly for business

I turn to the

is the gift for you, whip it out at

than

Apple. An

people, but anyone will love this

unnecessary stuff to play with!

Christmas or any old time in fact

sleek beauty, you can edit word

sleek,

and excel documents right there

and

and then. Perfect when you have

it gives you

to commute places and you don’t

have your laptop away from home

Find-me-a-gift.co.uk £6.99

have your trusted iPad with you!

GUY VERDICT – “I love this!

This phone is so new it is not

and work. So small Appleand iPad slim you can take it pretty much anywhere

It is so completely unnecessary

yet available here, we’ll keep you

and still keep in touch with people

but I still want one!” Ryan from

Pg.14 Februaury 2011

JUNK

fast

and you will have great fun with

precise,

your mates at a drunken party or two.

www.find-me-a-gift.co.uk/ www.motorola.com

Yes,

Maggi e crack ing th e nuts

TRENDS

The Kindle

from March 2011. All

laptops out there are by

models

with

far Apple’s own creations.

blogs!

digital radio, Bluetooth,

They have not had a new

the days of taking a

What more do you need?

USB connectivity, voice

one for quite a while now,

mountain of 10 books on

£111 from Amazon.

control, airbags galore

but we’re hoping for some

a n d

hell

news on that later this year!

of a lot

Having recently acquired a

more.

Macbook Pro myself, I now

Long

gone

are

holiday with you just so

the

newsstands

you

have

thousands

and

access of

to

co.uk

come

a

you can get a bit of time away from the

www.obviousmag.com/www.apple.com/www.amazon.co.uk/ ford.co.uk

girlfriend! Here

ord The new F

Focus

know why everyone says

at Junk we’ve

nothing beats a Mac! Not

found the best

only is it super speedy but

Kindle to upload

it also offers you a hell of

all

books

a lot more! From a built in

onto. It is the most

webcam to a nifty touch pad,

up to date version

it has everything you could

your

G

Y

want from a laptop. Yes, it is

GUY VERDICT - “I’m

VERDICT – “Ford have

a tad more expensive than

not normally a big reader,

FINALLY made a Focus

the normal everyday laptops

the

but the kindle make it so

that actually looks good,

but you get so much more

woman in your life and

easy there’s no excuses

it’s big enough for the

for your money! Oh, and not

have some you time) It

anymore.” Steve from

whole of my family to

forgetting there’s no need

and can hold up time

to

ignore

U

Southampton. it around and as you pop

for security as Apple are like a ‘people carrier’ so

well known for their secure

there won’t be keep your

computers! So you save yourself a bundle that way.

into your local Starbucks

The Car

you can whip it out and

The car of 2011 is

head down and drive

get on the internet with a

actually a Ford Focus,

moment at all!” Sam from

Apple.com

nice cuppa. It’s one of the

but hear me out, its sleek

Winchester.

prices start at £1,020

best out there as you can

new design means, yes

also read magazines and

it is perfect for the family

The Laptop

international newspapers

however it is no longer

Of

upgraded, I’ve used Apple

embarrassment

Apple product! I cannot

since I was at college so it’s

to have one of these

help but fall in love with

the easiest thing for me. I

resting on your drive.

every

wouldn’t be without it!” Gary

This new generation

these laptops. The best

G Kindle 3

single

it’s

a Macbook pro which I just an

an

course

GUY VERDICT – “I have

one

of

from London.

of Focus keeps the

The laptop dreams are made of, Macbook pro

front wheel drive but is powered by a new family of engines. It’s already big in Europe and North America, of course we never before

they

hit

appear in showrooms

By Sam Merritt

JUNK

Februaury 2011 Pg.15