STYLE ON THE STREET
This task for Hello Birmingham involved hitting the streets of Birmingham in partnership with a photographer to scope out stylish individuals to interview. I went out on location to the city centre of Birmingham several times to undertake this task, which involved promoting the company and then afterwards uploading the finished products to the Hello Birmingham Facebook page. These can be viewed in the photo albums at:http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Hello-Birmingham-Magazine/136937699714840
Hannah Tovey, who lives in London and works for the London Film Academy, looks super chic in this stylish outfit, perfect for a day out shopping!
Her style icons include actress Cate Blanchett, model Kate Moss and fashion designer and former model Chloe Sevigny.
Hannah’s favourite item of clothing is a Chloe dress she purchased from a market for £50, which is black with splashes of paint and frills.
She loves to shop in Topshop because of the boutiques inside, and says she likes to buy high end pieces mixed with high street purchases.
Describing her style, Hannah claims her look is individual, comfortable and classy.
Her style icons include actress Cate Blanchett, model Kate Moss and fashion designer and former model Chloe Sevigny.
Hannah’s favourite item of clothing is a Chloe dress she purchased from a market for £50, which is black with splashes of paint and frills.
She loves to shop in Topshop because of the boutiques inside, and says she likes to buy high end pieces mixed with high street purchases.
Describing her style, Hannah claims her look is individual, comfortable and classy.
Helen Green, a Product Developer from Wirrell opts for black skinny jeans teamed with a thin leopard print belt and a casual tee. Topping off the look is a fab detailed scarf, an accessory Helen says she ‘feels naked without’!
Claiming to shop at a variety of shops including Next, Topshop and Primark, Helen says her wardrobe consists of a mix of prints and patterns, and she adores beads and bangles.
Helen swaps clothes with her sister, as they share the same clothes size, which is a great tip- sharing with relatives/friends is a great way of trying out new styles or getting a different look when you’re bored of your own wardrobe!
Claiming to shop at a variety of shops including Next, Topshop and Primark, Helen says her wardrobe consists of a mix of prints and patterns, and she adores beads and bangles.
Helen swaps clothes with her sister, as they share the same clothes size, which is a great tip- sharing with relatives/friends is a great way of trying out new styles or getting a different look when you’re bored of your own wardrobe!
Jaineesha Patel from Birmingham is an Aston University graduate whose favourite places to shop include New Look, Topshop and Zara.Her choice of outfit today is simple yet chic- ideal for a shopping spree!
Jaineesha admires Cheryl Cole’s style, describing it as ‘glam’, and ‘chic’, and says she tries to follow fashion trends because she likes to keep up with the time.
She says she spends roughly around £200 on clothes per month, and describes her style as ‘simple, comfortable and quick’.
Radha Patel, a Nottingham Trent University student from West Brom looks great in this simple yet stylish outfit- we love the contrast of the navy blue blazer with the bright red scarf, and the cute brown bag really completes the look.Radha says she shops ‘everywhere and anywhere’, and she enjoys mooching around high street shops, including House of Fraser.
She loves her bags and shoes and feels it’s quite important to follow fashion trends, saying ‘it’s good for people to have their own style yet be aware of new fashion.’
Olivia Webb, a college student from Sutton Coldfield, looks super cool in this trendy outfit.
Amongst her favourite places to shop for clothes are Topshop, River Island and Urban Outfitters. She does follow fashion trends but prefers to go for a ‘more gothic look’ and says her style is ‘individual and quite dark’.
She jokes she spends ‘too much!’ money on clothes, and her favourite item in her wardrobe is this skull scarf from Bank, which she absolutely loves and is ‘obsessed!’ with.
Olivia's fashion tip is to not wear too many colours at the same time, because she thinks clashing colours look awful.
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| Olivia Webb’s cute funky necklace was a steal at just £2 in the Topshop sale |
Kirstie Bugajski, a sixth form college student from Cannock likes to shop in New Look and H&M.Her style icon is Diana Vickers, because she likes her vintage look, and this is definitely reflective in Kirstie’s choice of outfit here.
Her little tweed jacket from New Look is her favourite item in her wardrobe.
She describes her style as ‘vintage, unique and a little bit out there’. Kirstie doesn’t feel it’s important to follow the latest fashion trends, saying its best to be yourself, advising- ‘wear what you like, and don’t follow the crowd.’
Beatrice Hodgkinson from Staffordshire is a student from Warwick University, who looks effortlessly chic in this floral dress teamed with a snug brown cardigan. Beatrice shops in a variety of places, but a few of her favourites are Urban Outfitters, Cow and Topshop.
Beatrice doesn’t follow fashion trends because she feels it is too mainstream.
Her favourite item of clothing is an old knitted cardigan she purchased from a charity shop, which she loves as it was cheap and no one else has got it!
Beatrice describes her look as individual, unique and comfy, and feels an important tip is to 'wear what suits you'.
Student Jenny Luisada, from Acocks Green, mixes it up by combining detailed tights with a snug cardigan, which stands out with its many hues of wintery blues. This layered look is great for the upcoming cold months, and the pearls add a sophisticated and classic twist.Various places Jenny likes to shop at include Primark, Cow and markets. She says her style is ‘different, unique and individual’ ...and she loves the style of ‘Effy’, the troubled yet trendy teen from drama Skins, because her look is quite ‘grungy’.
Unusually, Jenny claims she would never wear one fashion piece many would consider a staple item- jeans! She loves her necklaces and her chunky jewellery. She spends about £20 on clothes within the space of a month and doesn’t follow fashion trends- she dislikes mainstream.
Abby Deakin, a student from Worchester works this casual yet cute style whilst out shopping in Birmingham. Abby enjoys shopping in ‘Cow’, a vintage clothing store which can be found in Corporation Street in the City Centre or in Digbeth, and likes visiting this store because it’s different and you can ‘find one-off pieces and some great bargains!’ Abby believes it’s important to be individual when choosing clothes.
Natalie says her fashion is quite varied and changes her style all the time. She claims to have over 200 pairs of shoes and had just brought another two pairs to add to her collection!
She shops at Primark, New Look and Republic.
Sarah Tupper, a sixth form student from Walsall looks super chic in this stylish red Topshop blouse. Sarah states you should always wear what you think is nice and it’s important to just be yourself.
Her favourite places to shop for clothes include Forever 21, New Look and H&M.
Raya Chaundy, a student from Tamworth, is working this high waisted skirt matched with a floaty shrug and cute boots.She spends around £100 monthly on clothes, and a sparkly top from Topshop is her favourite piece of clothing. She loves to shop in Topshop and Urban Outfitters and likes ‘woollen things’ in particular.
Raya says she ‘kind of’ follows fashion trends. She describes her look as ‘individual’, and as her friends suggest and to which she agrees, ‘expensive’.
Kiera Harris, a student from Tamworth, certainly stands out from the crowd in a pair of great statement shorts, red lipstick and a bold choice of hair colour! The snug jumper is perfect as we enter the autumn season and temperatures begin to drop.Kiera's style icon is Marilyn Monroe because she’s ‘different’, and the H&M shorts she adopts in this outfit are her favourites, because they are 'comf...y and a nice colour'- she names them her ‘curtain shorts’.
Kiera doesn't like following fashion trends as she feels it’s boring and too mainstream, and says when choosing outfits you should 'be yourself'.
Words she uses to describe her fashion include 'weird, unique, unusual and individual', and she searches for unique finds via Ebay, trawling through charity shops and visiting Cow Vintage.
Lauren Saunders, a waitress from Tamworth, dazzles in this sleeveless denim jacket and black top, with a floor length floral skirt adding a splash of colour to this casual daytime look.Lauren describes her style as 'random and in your face', and thinks when it comes to fashion, its ‘best to be individual’. She thinks following trends means looking like everyone else, whereas she prefers to have her own style.
She loves her Vans and spends about £50 on clothes within the space of a month, and shops 'anywhere', from Primark to New Look to Topshop.
Nashaan Robinson is a college student from Birmingham who oozes sophistication in this fabulous outfit.She says her style is 'conservative, simple and unique'.
She loves her shoes- particularly her red heels, and one of her classic looks is a shirt and trouser combo, which she is rocking today! She isn't keen on jeans, but loves other forms of trousers, such as chinos. Nashaan shops 'anywhere' but her favourite place for clothes would be Forever 21, because it's ‘new and different’.
Terri Morgan, a Wolverhampton University student from Wednesbury looks effortlessly cool in this cute casual shirt, timeless denim shorts and great patterned tights- an essential for any fashionista’s wardrobe! Her favourite clothes shops are River Island and Topshop, and she prefers to be individual rather than follow fashion trends. Terri loves her skinny jeans, because ‘they are comfortable!’
Describing her style, Terri says she is ‘laid-back, trendy and edgy’.
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| Terri Morgan’s fabulous nail art also caught our attention! |
Teamed with a cute black bag and minimal accessories, this look is perfect for a shopping trip!
Shadeen, who purchases her clothes from H&M, JD and Footlocker, believes it’s good to have your own style, and states she would never wear ‘Toms’ (shoes). She loves to accessorise with bracelets.
Hannah Stanley, a Birmingham student, projects vintage cool in this classy floral print blouse, cinched in by the high-waisted tight leather shorts. The timeless black dolly shoes are a classic item all self-respecting fashionistas should own. Completing the outfit is the super trendy hat, which adds a subtle hint of colour against the otherwise all black outfit. It also happens to be Hannah’s fav...ourite item in her wardrobe, and she got the stylish headwear from New Look.Hannah says she loves to browse through charity shops because you can find a variety of items, and she describes her style as ‘unique, inspirational and edgy’. Not one to follow fashion trends, Hannah prefers to adopt her own style. A fashion tip she offers is to ‘wear what you feel comfortable in’. She enjoys accessorising, particularly by adding necklaces and bracelets to her outfits.
Robyn Fielder, a Solihull student, makes a wise move as she cosies up in this snug sweater as the wintery months loom ahead. She certainly stands out from the crowd in this super cute olive green knitted jumper, with adorable teddy bear detail. Robyn, stating she ‘loves her jumpers’, purchased this unique item from the Oasis market. I love how she has combined the chunky sweater with the fabulous statement tights (a great alternative to plain black), comfy shoes and a cute patterned bag.Robyn refers to her fashion sense as ‘quirky, weird, fabulous and chic’- a great summary. She says she spends about £30 monthly on clothes, accessorises with necklaces and dislikes following fashion trends as she prefers to maintain her own individual style.
Robyn’s style icon is Kate Nash- idolising the English singer’s fashion due to her ‘quirky’ style, and enjoys shopping at vintage shops, Topshop and the Oasis market.
Daisy Inkersole is a college student from Dudley. She maintains an individual style by wearing this Architects t-shirt, which is also a clever way of expressing her musical interests. ‘I love buying band t-shirts off the internet,’ Daisy claims. Other band t-shirts she owns include A Day To Remember and Greenday. She also shops at the Oasis market and H&M.Discarding the idea of following current fashion trends, Daisy states doing so is far too ‘mainstream’. Individuality is clearly reinforced here, with her friends describing Daisy as a ‘little metal head punk’ and a ‘fashion rebel’. When asked about fashion tips, we were bombarded with some very outlandish suggestions! ‘Stretch your ears’, ‘dye your hair’ and ‘have facial piercings’ were amongst some of the style gems offered by Daisy and her mates- tips offered to fellow fashion rebels and the brave!
When it comes to accessorising, ‘lots and lots of bracelets!’ is the way forward for Daisy. So what wouldn’t she be seen dead in? ‘Nan clothing,’ she replies. ‘Indie kids with their nan clothes- the cardigans!’
The leather leggings and lace-up boots add a rocky edge to the outfit, and the bold blue headpiece tops off the look nicely, adding a splash of colour against the greys and blacks.
Emily Larsson from Sweden works in telemarketing, and works this super casual look.The minimalistic yet effective accessories add a girlie vibe to this laid-back style.
Buying her clothes from H&M and New Look, Emily says she doesn’t really follow fashion trends: ‘I prefer to wear what I like. Whatever I feel comfortable in, rather than just going with the flow.’ Comfort is clearly the key is this instance, because Emily likes her style to be relaxed, chilled out, and cool.
Emily dislikes the tight trouser/leggings look because she thinks they show too much. Her tip is to wear what suits you, and her most precious item of clothing is the leather jacket she is wearing here- from a store in Sweden, which she claims to wear with everything!
Marissa Laing, a student from Hampshire, looks effortlessly stylish in this cute outfit.She buys her clothes from stores such as Republic and H&M, and says she follows fashion trends to an extent due to the fact they were so accessible to her- by working at Republic, she was able to get her clothes cheaper via a staff discount! She spends roughly around £50 on clothes a month, and loves the flower hair accessory she is rocking in this super chic look today.
Marissa says the denim jacket she is flaunting here is her best fashion purchase, which she purchased from a catalogue. She has matched this timeless item with on-trend brown brogues, which are well-co-ordinated with the beige trousers and skinny belt. The belly-skimming top adds a girlie feel to the look.
A piece of clothing Marissa says she would never wear is Harem pants, because she said they remind her too much of something from ‘Aladdin’.
Nellie Procee is an Art Therapist, originally from the Netherlands. Posing around a posse of friends, Nellie looks super chic in this season-appropriate attire- the matching gloves and scarf teamed with the cute tailored navy blue and gold embellished jacket is a subtle yet great fashion statement. The simple yet classy up-do simplifies the busy outfit and works well.Nellie shops for clothes at H&M, and Dutch shops such as Ursula and We. When asked about fashion icons, after a bit of thought Nellie said she likes the style of Courtney Love, claiming to like the contrast between tough and sweet, and liking the dresses she wears.
A tip from Nellie comes in the form of a make-up suggestion- ‘Try the smoky eyes look!’ and also ‘you can never have too much hair spray!’ One particular look she would never wear is a ‘catsuit or a playsuit’ because she believes they look cheap.
Nathanael Jegunma is a buyer from Islington in London, and describes his look as ‘easy, casual and chic’.
He believes it’s definitely important for both guys and girls to follow fashion trends because it makes you feel good!
He keeps up to date with new trends by reading GQ magazine, a publication specialising in men’s fashion and style, brought to readers by industry experts.
Nathanael spends around £200 on clothes monthly, and the leather jacket he is rocking in this look is from AllSaints, and happens to be his favourite item in his wardrobe! A tip from Nathanael is to ‘always wear what you feel comfortable in!’
In the United States he owns his own store, 'Magnolia', a boutique selling jewellery, shoes and dresses.
David purchases clothes from H&M and Zara, but when it comes to handbags, he loves his Louboutin! Another of his favourite designers is Moschino, which is whe...re his bracelet is from- at £900, and from one of Moshino’s first collections, it's his favourite accessory.
David says his style icon is Charlise Theron, who models for Christian Dior, and says he has a ‘designer wardrobe’.
Describing his style as 'classic and glamorous', David feels it’s important to follow the latest fashion trends as it is ‘a way of expressing your personality and lifestyle’.
Not really revealing where he shops for clothes, Dom says he has shopped at Selfridges in the past, and his mates give him clothes. He eventually said JD is one place he goes. Describing his style, Dom says it is ‘new vintage chic with an element of pizzazz’.
Woman-wise, Cheryl Col...e does it for Dom in the style stakes, saying she ‘wears some great dresses’. His style icon however, would be Samuel L. Jackson, as he ‘still rocks the Kangol hats’. His top tip, not so fashion related, would be to ‘always brush your teeth twice a day, and keep clean and washed’. A great tip nevertheless!
He shops online for clothes, on websites such as Urban Outfitters. He would describe his look as ‘street’, and his style icon is radio and TV presenter George Lamb- a wise choice, seeing’s as though the silver fox has been the face of Style Birmingham for two years running now. ‘He always looks smart,’ Nathan states. ‘He’s always well-presented and well dressed.’ Nathan says he would never wear any clothes from All Saints or Abercrombie and Fitch.
ARTICLES
Here are the articles I constructed during my work experience at Hello Birmingham, a company which explores Birmingham and all the city has to offer. My articles vary on topics, from sport to business, so I covered a diverse range of subjects.
SHOP 'TIL YOU DROP
(This is an article for the 'shopping' section, published on the website)Looking for an exciting shopping destination? Then Birmingham will be right up your street! Home to one of the largest city centre shopping malls, the Bullring, you are guaranteed an amazing shopping experience, whatever you are looking for.
Located in the heart of Birmingham, the Bullring boasts over 160 stores. Relaxing in stylish bars and dining at spectacular restaurants will further supplement your shopping expedition.
One of the Bullring’s main assets is the sensational Selfridges, an iconic department store encased in a modern, sophisticated design. Here you can purchase designer brands such as Gucci and Vivienne Westwood, treat yourself to some luxurious home products or take a trip to the Food Hall. If you’re feeling peckish, taste some divine delicacies at Yo! Sushi or tuck into a Krispy Kreme for a sweet treat.
With retail space over three storeys, the Bullring promises something for everyone, whether you’re a fashionista hunting for a chic new outfit, a gadget geek scoping out the latest gaming product, or a food lover keen on indulging in culinary delights. Parking is easy with three car parks and over 3,000 spaces available.
And this is just the Bullring- we aren’t even scratching the surface when it comes to the fantastic shopping opportunities here in Birmingham! Try The Mailbox for lavish designer-label heaven, hit the high street for a bargain, or scale the markets for unique bits and pieces. The UK’s second city is the shopper’s paradise, so come to Birmingham and treat yourself!
HIGHER EDUCATION IN BIRMINGHAM
(Here is my education article, published on the website)Interested in furthering your career, developing your skills at college or university or securing some work experience? Well, Birmingham has plenty of exciting opportunities available for you; whether you aspire to become a primary school teacher, seek a plastering apprenticeship or fancy studying psychology at college...
If higher education is something you’re considering, then Birmingham has three fantastic universities that are worth investigating, one of these being Birmingham City University.
Having achieved Skillset Media Academy status, the university’s school of media is viewed as the UK’s number one media department offering a course both theoretical and production based. One highly sought after placement exclusive to this university is a two week scholarship scheme at Sky.
Talking of such opportunities is first year Media and Communications BCU student, Sarah Elhassine: “The course gives students the chance to work in the industry, which is great as it will be really beneficial for the future.”
Birmingham also boasts two other long-standing universities- Aston University and the University of Birmingham. Our multicultural city also has a wide selection of outstanding schools and colleges who pride themselves on being cosmopolitan in nature, with students of differing ethnic groups.
With the UK’s largest student population outside London and a numerous amount of educational institutions offering an extensive range of subjects, Birmingham makes for an excellent place to study, no matter what your future aspirations may be.
GET SPORTY IN BRUM!
(This is my sport article for Hello Birmingham)Whether you’re a participant or an observer, there are plenty of fantastic sport opportunities in Birmingham.
Home to two of the oldest professional football clubs in the world, Birmingham City and Aston Villa, and with international cricket taking place at Warwickshire County Cricket Club in Edgbaston, Birmingham boasts great sporting venues for spectators to watch exciting live games.
Enjoy up to three hours of live greyhound racing every Friday or Saturday evening throughout the year at the Perry Barr Greyhound Stadium. Experience the thrill and exciting atmosphere of the spectacular races from the spacious trackside areas or from the Skyline Restaurant, where you can indulge in a three course meal as the dogs cross the finishing line.
If you prefer getting involved yourself, there are numerous options out there for you. Whether you enjoy sweating it out at the gym, showing off your footie skills or shooting some hoops in netball, getting active in Birmingham is easy with so many facilities and clubs available.Alison Nicholas Golf Academy, situated just outside the Birmingham city centre, provides both indoor and outdoor facilities for those wishing to take up golf. The centre promises a fantastic golfing experience regardless of age and ability, catering for beginners or experienced players.
Birmingham provides a wide range of activities to those interested in shaping up or taking part in a sport they love. Joining a club is also a great way to get fit, meet new people and improve your health.
DISCOVER BIRMINGHAM
(Here is my Travel & Holidays article for Hello-Birmingham magazine)There’s so much to see and do in bustling Birmingham, which makes it a great place to travel to. With historical artefacts such as St. Martin’s Church in the Bullring to the entertainment complex Star City, there’s always something exciting to do.
If you fancy an unforgettable day trip, head to the ThinkTank, the captivating museum of Science and Discovery at the Millennium Point. Be educated and entertained as you explore everything from steam engines and weapons to extinct animals and intestines. With four floors of exhibitions, you can admire the historical collections, get involved with hands-on activities and learn about how science and technology has affected our past, drives our present and will change our future.
To discover more about Birmingham’s history including its diverse communities, take a trip to the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. Examine collections of fine art, archaeology and more, and learn about the city’s history of migration, work and social life.
Head to the National Sea Life Centre to admire the freshwater and marine life. Located in Brindleyplace overlooking Birmingham’s canal network, the centre is located in a picturesque and tranquil environment. You can hold crabs at the touch pool, explore the transparent underwater tunnel and watch feeding demonstrations.
A vibrant and friendly city, multicultural Birmingham attracts a vast amount of tourists with its sensational attractions. From museums, cathedrals and galleries to thrilling theme parks, shopping centres and nightclubs, the UK’s second city is a fabulous place to visit, no matter where your interests lie!
THE CITY OF A THOUSAND TRADES
(Here is my article for the business section of Hello-Birmingham)Home to the likes of HP Sauce, Typhoo Tea, Bird’s Custard and Cadburys chocolate, Birmingham has a range of successful brands to its name. Earning its reputation as a significant centre of trade and market innovation, Birmingham is now one of the greatest industrial cities in the world.
History reveals how Birmingham has always strived to run original industrial developments- Mercer Street was renamed to Spiceal Street in the 18th century as a result of the rising meat and grocery trades which had began to dominate the area.
The thriving market industry has always been booming. The Oasis Alternative Fashion Store offers unique clothing items and services such as tattooing and piercings, and Bullring Markets draw in huge crowds for everything from fresh fruit to antique bargains. The Jewellery Quarter is another asset to Birmingham- here one third of the jewellery in the UK is manufactured.
Revolutionary urban planning also plays a substantial role in the development of Birmingham’s flourishing business industry; the old Bullring was refurbished in 2001, marking its transformation into a modern, sophisticated retail centre. With its new and unique design, the iconic Selfridges department store signifies that Birmingham has always been at the forefront of creative change.
The economic growth of the city has strengthened over time, and its ever-growing importance as a manufacturing centre means that business in Birmingham will continue to constantly change, always improve and persistently be ground-breaking.
