The Look Show AW11

Last month (I can't believe it's October already!) I was fortunate enough to attend the Look show for the second time, courtesy of Miss Selfridge. I was really looking forward to attending as every Look show seems to be different than the last, and I was excited to see what this one would bring.

Look's VIP area, post-show

Westfield Stratford City
The show was at the newly opened Westfield Stratford City in London. I might have made a massive faux pas in initially going to the wrong Westfield *facepalm* but despite this my boyfriend and I got to Westfield Stratford City on time. Westfield Stratford City is insane! As a shopping centre I think it is brilliant- huge stores, big and beautiful window displays (I love a good window display) and an incredibly tasty food court. But- and it's a big but- if crowds bother you, don't even think about going there on a Saturday! It might calm down in the future, but I don't think I've ever been in a busier shopping centre, ever. It took a long time to walk a few feet due to the amount of people behind, to the side and in front of you. If you're planning a shopping trip to Westfield make sure you wear something loose fitting and cool, because the glass ceiling makes it hot! I understand why there is a glass ceiling, as it is nice to give the impression of a natural environment and it makes the centre feel larger, but I think the heat might cause problems for some people- time to turn up the air-con I think! Also, speaking of a 'natural environment'- outside there were speakers on top of lamposts which emitted bird noises(!)

Our discount booklet on the train home

The Look Show
We went to pick up our passes and had a little browse around the shops before we went to the VIP champagne reception. This was different to Look's spring/summer show and was more an opportunity to socialise. We were offered canapés, presumably from the eastern food court, which were delicious! Then at 4pm we were directed upstairs to the show space, which was really nicely set out. My boyfriend and I were lucky that we were seated in the main area as I know some others were above by the balcony and didn't get as good a view. On each seat was a very generous goody bag which I loved exploring on the train home. As we filed into our seats there were more Look ladies handing out mini M&S pink champagne with straws.

We were seated on the back row near the screen and had a great view. We were also seated next to two hilarious asian guys; guys, you made our show experience that much more enjoyable! With other shows at fashion week the atmosphere is a lot more reserved but what was nice about the Look show was that people cheered during the show at looks they liked, when Sarah Harding of Girls Aloud appeared as did supporters of the other models.

Sarah Harding opening the show in a dress from Warehouse.

I loved the show itself, it's such a departure from fashion week not only with its atmosphere but also with its attitude. All the pieces on the catwalk were ready to wear and ready to buy- when we were checking the high street shops out after the show, we noticed in shops like Miss Selfridge the items that were on the catwalk were marked with a bright label. Another thing I loved about the Look show was its inclusion of curvy models that aren't your runway size 0. Look shows yet again that you don't need models that skinny to sell clothes. I mentioned above that the audience clapped and cheered for their favourite looks, and this was no different with the curvy models; the entertaining guys I sat next to loved the M&S monochrome dress pictured above.

Halfway through the show Dionne Bromfield came out and performed. She's a little thing with a big voice! It's hard to believe she is only 15! She was a great performer and asked us if we were having a good time. She is a prodige of Amy Winehouse and was her goddaughter.

My video of the end of Dionne's performance

The Looks
There were so many looks from the show that I loved but to avoid making this post too epic I'm just going to post a few of my favourite looks. When I first saw this coat from Urban Outfitters I loved it, and now looking back on the photos I love it even more. I think it might be my perfect coat- great for winter with a faux-fur collar and cuffs, and good for an hourglass figure with the nipped in waist. And pockets! My dream coat.

The red dress below is from River Island, and what I love most about it (apart from its Gucci-esque shoulder embellishments) is the way it moves. It's so stunning and glamorous, especially paired with the gold cuffs (also from River Island) yet it would be so comfy to wear, not constricting your legs at all.

I also loved this dress from Oasis, it looks like it might be really flattering for pear shapes and the print reminds me a lot of Mary Katrantzou. I also adore the last look from Urban Outfitters, it would be perfect for wearing to lectures. I'd have a hard time pulling off those trousers personally, but the jumper is so perfect for autumn/winter.

Urban Outfitters coat

River Island dress

Oasis dress

Urban Outfitters shirt, jeans, jumper and shoes

After the show we went back to the cloakroom and had a flick through our discount vouchers. We discovered a lot of them were only available to spend in Westfield, so we did a bit of shopping. We nipped over to River Island to collect our free piece of jewellery from a bucket for all Look Show attendees. Then we headed over to Next to spend our free £5 voucher. I got a lovely gold ring and my boyfriend used the voucher to buy some PJs at a discount.

H&M scarf, Palmers body butter, Label M curl spray, Burts Bees moisturising lip balm, Look's own makeup range: double hit lip and eyeshadow, Next perfume, Monsoon bangles, Kleenex tissues, Fizzy Popov pocket mirror, Make Believe facial tan

Last week Look had a special edition of their magazine which included all the fashion, beauty, celebs and gossip from the show. But if you didn't manage to pick up last week's Look, you can view their Look show special mini-mag online here.

You can also watch Look's own highlights from the show here:

To see what I wore to the Look show, click here, and to see my posts on last season's Look show, click here and here.