The selection of gourmet treats...

If I had known I might score a pair of new Louboutins for €80 I’d have arrived earlier. Instead, I took my time pitching up at La Rotonde, one of Paris’s hottest new venues; the restored 18^th century architectural gem combines a bar, restaurant and events space overlooking the Bassin de la Villette in the gritty-but-trendy Stalingrad neighbourhood. For a leisurely Sunday between girls, it doesn’t get any better than this: round trips to a scrumptious brunch buffet before exploring a vintage and designer treasure trove? Oui! And we weren’t alone; founder Tiyi Kalmery’s simple but enterprising idea to fuse food and fringues at her monthly Fashion Brunch has attracted a steady stream of Parisian fashionistas since the event launched last summer.

At €35, it may not be an outing for those on a budget (especially if you plan to do more than window shop), but the fee includes brunch and access to the friperie upstairs. Gourmets will be pleased with the excellent variety of sweet and savoury goodies – even the fussiest of eaters are catered to. If the city’s usual brunch menus typically go for around €20, rest assured that La Rotonde’s selection is considerably more exciting (and did we mention all-you-can-eat?).

After eating, brunchers are invited to head to the cosy galleries of La Rotonde’s upper floors; rails of vintage threads and accessories are complemented by the handmade jewellery and trinkets from emerging designers. Bold earrings by multiethnic label Bezemy Mailan stood out for their tribal-meets-80s-meets-Art Deco vibe. Meanwhile, shoppers hovered around the Dingue de Lunettes (Crazy About Glasses) stand, browsing an impressive range of vintage eyeglasses and sunglasses.

You’ll find pricey restored treasures on some stands, while others just wish to clear out their closets and this is where most of the bargains can be found; I snapped up an emerald green beaded blouse for ten euros, while my friend took a shine to a leather mini  for just five. And I had no qualms about parting with €80 for a pair of black Louboutin pumps (a gift for the seller who couldn’t fit into them, apparently) – never worn, the smooth red soles were still impeccable.

Many young designers set up shop here to test the waters and eventually make a name for themselves. Marion Labourdette is the charming créatrice behind Sage et Sauvage; offering jewellery fabricated using a curious melange of chains, tassels, studs, feathers and leather. Other highlights included Origami Gems (delicate creations involving the Japanese art of paper folding) and June (vibrant, ethnic-casual pieces crafted by a French-Cameroonian).

Whether you’re a vintage novice or devotee, there’s a good chance you’ll find that something special; between them, the Fashion Brunch stallholders cater to a range of tastes. One piece of advice: pace yourself at the brunch buffet, or at least be prepared to shop a while to aid digestion! After all, if both your wardrobe and tastebuds are satisfied, you know it’s been a good day.

Rails of vintage threads and quirky accessories complement the handmade jewellery and trinkets from emerging designers

Fashion Brunch is held on the first Sunday of every month from 11:30am until 5:00pm at La Rotonde, 6-8 Place de la Bataille de Stalingrad 75019 Paris. €35 buffet brunch and boutique entrance, €2 boutique entrance. For more information, see the Fashion Brunch website.

All photographs by Ibra Him.

Fashionista and Francophile, Milla Msa

Fashionista and Francophile Milla Msa is the lovely lady behind Not Just Another Milla, an unashamedly girly blog which features “tasty treats, style and frolics straight from the City of Lights”. Besides reviews of the French capital’s chicest hotels, restaurants and salons de thé, Mademoiselle Msa shares her latest beauty finds, her thoughts on the fashion editorials of Vogue Paris et al., as well as her tips on where to enjoy a scrumptious afternoon tea. A perfect mélange of fashion and food, Not Just Another Milla will add some of that utterly French je ne sais quoi to your day.

Over a chocolat chaud and macarons, we quizzed Milla about her favourite blogs, her love-hate relationship with her adopted hometown, and why Jimmy Choo’s creations are the most comfortable heels to run in. Follow Milla on Twitter @notjamilla.

When and why did you start blogging?

I started blogging when I moved to Paris… I didn’t know anybody and so I used the blogging as a way to kind of interact with the outside world. I was reading English and American blogs and I decided “Yep I’m going to start my own”. My blog was more about my discovery of Paris… I guess it still is the evolution of Milla in Paris.

What’s your blog about?

It’s definitely not a personal blog; I don’t write about relationships or family or anything like that but it’s still my view. I would never write about anything that I haven’t experienced. What I always try to do with my blog is be honest: if I like something I love it, if I don’t then you’ll know. I just want to give a first-hand experience of Paris, my Paris.

Who inspires you?

I’m always inspired by people who do things they don’t have to do. I’m not interested in celebrities at all, but when I hear about a celebrity doing something for charity…that’s quite inspiring because they really don’t have to. I like the average person on the street doing something nice for other people. It’s nice to see that the human spirit still exists.

What’s your day job?

Blogging is my day job!

What do your family and friends think about your blog?

My friends think it’s amazing, they love the idea of blogging… not that they think that the blog is amazing – they think the blogging is amazing just to rectify! None of them blog, some of them are on Facebook, none of them have ever used Twitter so when they see my blog it’s “Oh my God what is this thing?! How come you have comments? Who’s commenting? Who are these people, you don’t know these people?” So it’s kind of surreal for them. My parents think it’s really great, they think it’s fun and it’s a great way for them to see what I’m doing, which is really why I started the blog as well; to stay in touch.

Do you read any other blogs?

I love Cupcakes and Cashmere. There’s also an illustrator who designed the header of my blog, her name is Maya Beus. I love her blog because not only does she do the illustrations for it but she also writes about real topics and about her own personal experiences without giving away too many intimate details.

How do you use Twitter and has it changed your blog?

Twitter has definitely changed my blog. I use Twitter to promote my blog; I’ll add links to past posts but it’s also a great way to find out about other blogs, about people in Paris, people in London, people all over the world. I would definitely recommend it. If you’re not on Twitter you need to be!

What couldn’t you live without?

I think people can live without anything. We only need food, water, love…but I don’t think we need any materialistic possessions. But still, don’t come to my house and steal my clothes!

How do you stay motivated?

I like connecting with people. My favourite part of blogging is the comments. Being able to see what other people see through my blog and to interact with them. I always reply to people who comment on the blog, I think it’s a great way to stay connected.

Stylish blogger Milla on her travels...

Typical blog wardrobe?

I always wear lipstick when I blog, I don’t know why. It’s my blogger uniform I guess.

Blog soundtrack?

Complete silence.

Favourite European city and why?

It’s hard because I have a love-hate relationship with Paris actually. I love Paris in the winter, definitely. As long as there’s no rain and you can just walk around…it’s just the most beautiful place in the west.

What do you think is the biggest problem in British society today and what is the most positive thing?

Multiculturalism is very important and wonderful. That is the environment I grew up in and that made me very open-minded. I think when you grow up in a place that is multicultural you realise that everyone’s the same. I think the worst part is – and this is very British actually – we feel the need to be politically correct all the time, and often it’s to our detriment.

Do you ever get blog block?

Well it’s only happened twice actually and it’s usually when I’ve had a negative experience. I had a negative experience with another blogger once and it made me think about giving up blogging. I’m glad I didn’t.

Dream purchase?

Oh my goodness! A Birkin in camel.

Desert island blogs?

The Family Table; a lady in Canada…started the blog as a way to record family recipes for her children when they grow up. There’s a kind of innocence there, a family spirit, she talks about cooking healthy delicious food and I love it. And Style’N – she’s a working mum in Boston but she has the most fabulous wardrobe. It’s the perfect blend: there’s food, there’s fashion, there’s a little bit of travel and you get to peek into her world.

Is blogging a viable career?

I think it definitely can be and I think there are some major bloggers these days who can pay their rent and have a good life from blogging. I think it depends on what type of person and what type of blogger you are. I think to a certain degree you have to bend the truth but a lot of people don’t want to read the truth they just want to read the nice stuff. When it comes to fashion blogging I think it’s very easy to build a career from that. Things like travel and food however are a little bit more tricky.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

In an ideal world I’d be in Tokyo blogging about a wonderful life of food, fashion and travel…Alternatively I would be in London doing exactly the same thing! I lived in Tokyo before and other than London it’s the only place I feel at home.

Can you run in heels?

I can run in heels, I can spend 12 hours dancing the night away in heels but only Jimmy Choos – those are the most comfortable…well worth every single penny!

Milla's exploits in afternoon tea at l’Hôtel de Crillon and the Shangri-La hotel in Paris; and at The Dorchester hotel in London...

Resolutions Two and Three go hand in hand with each other and with Cosmopolitan drinking: wear lipstick and wear heels. It’s all too easy to slip into a uniform of black skinny jeans and a tee, it happens to the most fashion-obsessed of us at times, and I must try to regain some of my decorum. Especially as I am approaching spinster status according to many traditionalists.

Resolutions One to Three are very easy to uphold and I implore you to join me. Get your ladies together, find a lovely looking bar with an equally lovely looking barman/lady, make a date and arrive in heels and lipstick. Very satisfying. And seeing my girlfriends is a Resolution I can’t even make as it should be a given. I favour the hotel bar – usually rather glam feeling and a little bad for some reason, I think it’s the knowledge you could always hammer your credit card and stay even though it will bankrupt you and you’d feel HIDEOUS in the morning. Always leave, but always give a little coquettishness as the door man hails you a cab.

Charles Anastase shows you how not to drink glamorously, Marilyn applies lipstick, old school hotel bar chic in at the Sanderson

I have not managed to avoid all cliched New Years activities of course and I have found myself in the gym everyday so far – Resolution Four is to get my LA stomach back.  Unfortunately shooting three films last year meant that my erratic eating and lack of exercise had a rather negative effect of my body and soul so that does need to be readdressed.

So, gym wear. There’s a thing to behold. Rows and racks of Lycra. Having just wrapped on a movie called Fast Girls (which I co-designed with the marvellous Andy Blake) I have a new found love hate relationship with sportswear. We were lucky enough to film at Lee Valley, which is where our Team GB athletes are training
before moving into the Olympic Village. I met Janette Kwakye who is the current fastest woman in Britain nonetheless and her style was beyond inspiring; layers of leggings, cropped track pants, oversized sweats and sports bras teamed with head wraps and jewels created such a cool laid back look. 1000 sit ups A DAY. I became in awe of these athletes – my do they look hawt.

My research for the film took me of course via the doyenne of sports fashion, old school American sprinter Florence Griffith Joyner. Flo Jo used to have her race outfits custom-made  – one legged catsuits, lace all-in-ones, and nails that Gail Devers would be jealous of. She was a true individual, pioneer and expressionist – and no one works metallic stretch lame like Flo Jo.

Flo Jo acing yet another race in red, white and blue with a sports-conscious hood detail; Gail Devers' talon-tastic maxi nails

Jamel Shabazz was my obvious choice for continuous research – the eighties hip hop movement in New York is perfect for sportswear inspiration – and he didn’t let me down.  Skinny harem pants tucked into fluorescent socks, layers of chopped-up logo-ed tees, dripping in gold. There is no need to conform to the endless repetitive fitness uniforms of leggings and tight vests, express yourself and don’t take it too seriously. Jees the gym is hell, at least have some fun – the Olympic athletes sure as hell do.

My current gym look incorporates navy blue Nike track pants with skinny legs (we had these branded as team USA for my Flo Jo high five) tucked into white towelling socks with white trainers, a black sports bra, American Apparel 50/50 vest and a cropped tee. I love this outfit so much I have worn it out, although it was on set so I blended in. Waitrose Weybridge next. Hold me back!

An epic 1980's New ork City hip hop-style Jamel Shabazz picture, alongside Flo Jo sporting glitzy metallic stretch lamé...

Sunshine brights by Mulberry S/S 2012

Gloomy old January; despite being perked up by the good intentions of New Year’s resolutions, a resolve to spend time at the gym and a  new health kick, the first month of the year is pretty gloomy, grey and a slight come down after the excitement of December festitivies.

So what better way to inject some positivity into the month than with a few colourful pieces to bring some sunshine to your wardrobe? Here’s our edit of some of the best brights this season, bringing a smile into getting dressed on those cold, dull days.

By Malene Birger Isara pleated silk-chiffon blouse

Vibrant as the greenest grass, By Malene Birger’s blouse is made in the softest silk-chiffon, adding a little ladylike elegance to outfits; pair with contrasting fabrics such as leather or velvet for a directional look.

ASOS plastic spike necklace

A simple white tee is all that’s needed to showcase this translucent fluoro acrylic necklace. It’s a must have for those days when nothing in the wardrobe seems to work – add this and you’ve got fashion-forward style to go.

Acne Shore CTN oversized sweater

This chunky sweater is a great transitional piece as the light cotton knit means that it’s perfect for spring and summer – investment ahoy! For now, layer over a buttoned-up shirt, and come spring, pop on over a flirty printed mini.

Haute Hippie jersey dress

Show-off style without revealing too much skin, this draped scarlet jersey dress from Haute Hippie is modern yet elegant. Keep accessories minimal and let the frock do all the talking.

Opening Ceremony suede boots

A shade of mustard so pungent it’ll make your your eyes smart, these yellow boots from Opening Ceremony are sunshine bright – guaranteed to make you smile.

Carven jacket

In crisp cotton twill, this jacket from Carven is exudes that adorable brand of girly chic that the French do so well. Wear with spring’s eye-catching printed pieces or contrasting pastels for a touch of je ne sais quoi.

H&M earrings

With the upcoming release of Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby, and designers from Roberto Cavalli to Etro showing pieces inspired by the jazz age, the 1920′s is the decade to channel this season. There’s hint of art deco style to these dangly earrings – and it’s hard to say no to statement jewellery at this price…

Anya Hindmarch Valorie clutch

January probably isn’t the month to throw all caution to the wind and splash out on extravagant accessories, but who can possibly resist Anya Hindmarch’s glitzy clutch? It’s electric blue. And it’s sparkly. You have a whole twelve months to ensure that this is an investment rather than a frivolity…

Miss KG Audrey flats

Cute, girly pumps with petit heel and grosgrain ribbon trim, these are perhaps the perfect shoes for a day running around town in style. And they’re Dorothy red – we love.

The best brights by: By Malene Birger, Opening Ceremony, Anya Hindmarch, ASOS, H&M, Miss KG, Acne, Haute Hippie and Carven

Mary Katrantzou chats to Libby Banks

With a year in stylish features behind us, we round up a selection of our favourite fashion articles; from pieces on new brands breaking the mould to interviews with industry heavyweights and reports from the front row of fashion week.

Meet Mary Katrantzou

MyDaily has named her as a contributing editor; Katie Wright met with the London-based designer to talk fashion week schedule clashes, Topshop collaborations and famous clients.

Fashion à la Française

Emily Kafka takes a look at the crème de la crème of high-end high street fashion from France – add a little je ne sais quoi to your wardrobe with these labels…

Colin McDowell: The Face of Fashion Fringe

Alice Revel speaks to the renowned writer and commentator about Fashion Fringe, how to make it as a young designer, and the future of fashion in London.

Iconic Brand: Vivienne Westwood

Deirdra Eden Keane considers the maverick designer – a name synonymous with some of the most pivotal moments in British fashion.

Serious Style: The Business of Fashion

Katie Wright looks at how BoF has grown from a personal project to one of the most influential voices online, fusing the commercial and editorial sides of fashion.

Modern Muses

Elevated to near mythical status, the muse embodies everything that the designer wishes to encapsulate when creating a collection. So what makes a muse asks Katie Major…

Blogging in Heels: Outi Pyy – OutsaPop Trashion

Alice Revel meets Outi Pyy, the lady behind a fabulous Finnish blog showcasing the best in eye-catching, innovative design and DIY fashion projects.

The Stylist Superstars

Stylists are the new royalty of the fashion world, creating looks for celebrities and working with big fashion brands. Katie Major considers the biggest and brightest and why they’re at the top of the game.

Day in the Life…at London Fashion Week

Katie Wright chats to fashion week regulars from four different sectors of the industry to find out to find out how they got on at the Autumn/Winter 2011 shows…

The Orphan’s Arms

A strong identity based on fierce intellect, a quirky take on the 1800s and an appealingly off-beat sense of humour set fashion brand The Orphan’s Arms apart. Georgina Lucas  reports…

Reading in Heels: Ten of Our Favourite Fashion-Inspired Reads

From style guides to the trashiest of trashy novels, the fashion industry has inspired an entire library’s worth of books. Ruth Styles rounds up the ones worth splashing out on…

Draw In Light

Alice Revelconsiders the innovative British design duo’s totally unique pieces, created using free hand silk screen printing for an understated, elegant look with languid brushstrokes and fluid shapes.

A glamorous design from Debbie Huntley

Taming the Dragon: Fashion and China

With Prada the latest global fashion brand to set its sights on the Chinese luxury goods market, the fashion industry is looking east. Katie Wright takes a closer look at the new fashion empire.

The Last Word in e-Luxury: Net-a-Porter

With annual sales of $184 million and an estimated 18,500 visits per day, Natalie Massenet’s Net-a-Porter empire has cornered the market in luxury e-tail. Just how has she managed it, asks Ruth Styles.

Silken Favours

Alice Revel  considers Vicki Murdoch’s Silken Favours label, which offers exquisite, eccentric silk scarves illustrated by hand. These imaginative investment pieces are future classics for sure…

Dispatches from the Front Row

From Alexa Chung to, um, Kerry Katona, the last decade has seen celebs muscle into fashionista territory on the front row. But is that all about to change asks Ruth Styles…

The Killer Detail: Sous Les Pavés

Inspired by political protest and delicately embellished with eccentric, eye-catching adornments; the French label’s bags are all about the killer detail. Alice Revel considers a new, must-have brand.

Running in Heels: Debbie Huntley – Fashion Designer

At just 25, this talented designer has achieved what many others could only dream of – setting up her own clothing label. Viola Levy  spoke to one of the latest ‘ones to watch’.

The Rise and Rise of Fashion Bloggers

They tweet from shows, collaborate with designers, and front their own fashion lines; Alice Neal takes a look at the stratospheric rise of the blogger.

Blogging in Heels: Carrie Harwood – Wish Wish Wish

Alice Revel quizzes the wonderfully whimsical and fashionably fabulous blogger about her style, inspirations and blogging as a career…

Our favourite fashion film of 2011: forget stiff-limbed poses and blank stares, Alber Elbaz’ short film injects a sense of fun into Lanvin’s traditionally chic style.

Now, it has been noted that others have cottoned onto the stylish wonder of the witch of late; Marc Jacobs employed the true eccentric, fabulously Gothic, and all time style heroine of this column for his Fall 2011 campaign. My Lady Bonham-Carter. I loved to hate this campaign; the anti-fashion doyenne being lauded as fabulous by those who have claimed her in the past as dishevelled, crazy and mad. It never ceases to amaze me the hypocrisy of the fashion press, it happened with a silk jersey pantsuit many moons ago and I have never forgiven them – I was right; they caught up. Eventually.

Only in this case Jacobs’ love for a grungy Goth was to answer for so I have let him off. Moreover, he paraded Bonham-Carter as if she was in a mental asylum. Oh how I how an anti-fashion statement these days. With Polka Dots. So chic.

Juergen Teller's quirky photographs of the ever eccentric Helena Bonham-Carter for Marc Jacobs' Autumn Winter 2011 ad campaign

My love for witches was apparent at an early age – obsession with the two dimensional Meg and Mog rapidly grew into adoration for the scruffy Mildred Hubble in The Worst Witch. The Harry Potter sensation saw a more recent digress back into the be-caped school halls. I must confess the contemporary wardrobes incorporated into the series were of course necessary but it was Jany Temime’s interpretation of the real sorcerer’s clothing that was reminiscent of those childhood imaginings.

Dreams of boarding schools, untied shoelaces, kittens, capes, velvet and striped socks shape my style direction to this day. I won a Tiffany 12″ at a Halloween party (aka ‘Christmas for Goths’) at the age of five dressed as a bat – trust me, I’ve always loved a little devoré and ears on a headband. In the Festive spirit à la Jack Skellington, get a little witch involved for Christmas. Every December Mama Rowe gets a precise location for where to find this year’s perfect Christmas striped sock. This year its these lovelies from Happy Socks.

My favourite show for AW11 at London Fashion Week was presented by my fellow cat obsessives at PPQ . A monochromatic palette of soft silky blouses reminiscent of old YSL, high waisted pencil skirts and bad ass form-fitting LBDs covered in lace were right up my alley, however it was the feline styling that stole the show. A felt cat eared skullcap by the innovative and simply wonderful Flora McLean at House of Flora worn with a Mildred Hubble pigtail? Yes please.

Jack Skellington; PPQ's Autumn/Winter 2011 catwalk show with hats from House of Flora ; Midred Hubble from The Worst Witch

Black cats have long been the traditional go-to familiar for witches. Norse mythology has it that Freya, the goddess of love and fertility, rode in a chariot pulled by two cats which I quite fancy as a challenge to the scrutiny of the Congestion Charge. For now though, due to the restrictions of a fourth floor flat, I am wishing myself a Merry Kittymas in these; a luxurious and completely expensive choice without the responsibility of a pet is surely the divine velvet smoking slipper that goes by the name of the Kitty Flat by Charlotte Olympia? Add Ms Olympia’s stunning gold web earrings and beret for full glamour Witchery.

Top it all off, of course, with a chapeau. If Charlotte’s Web Beret and Flora’s felt Kitty are not quite your bag, there is always a creation to be found by Laetitia Crahay at the luxe Cat and Mouse Ear HQ – Maison Michel. Also as the head of accessories and jewels at Chanel, lets face it, she really does know best when it comes to all things accessoires, chic, Français et mignon.

Now I get to include The Olsens. No column is complete without at least one Olsen, but two, together, in chantilly lace animal ears? Too perfect. Mix it all together with a dash of Jean Seberg in A Bout de Souffle, a Breton stripe, some pearls and a cropped black trouser and there you have it – La Petite Sorciere Francaise.

Kitty-inspired accessories as seen at Charlotte Olympia, Chanel, on the stylish Olsen sisters, and at luxe brand Maison Michel

Carrie Harwood: the face behind the blog

The face of the wonderfully whimsical Wish Wish Wish is none other than Carrie Harwood, a very fashionable gal who moved to London from her native Somerset to study Fashion Design, Styling and Promotion. Since the début of her blog in 2008, Carrie has seen a fairly stratospheric rise to prominence, winning the Cosmopolitan Blog Award for Best Fashion & Style Blog in 2010, and gaining thousands of followers and fans in the process. Why? It could be her beautiful retro-tinged images, photogenic looks and chic sense of style, or perhaps the fun, friendly – and approachable tone of Wish Wish Wish – assuring us that despite her popularity, Carrie’s fashionably-shod feet are very firmly on the ground. We took a moment to find out all about films stars, sweaty gigs, but above all – all about Carrie!

When and why did you start blogging?

I started my blog in 2008, when I was just 17. I had always existed on the internet in some form, making websites or posting my pictures on Livejournal, so it seemed like a natural progression. I read blogs, and thought: ‘Hey, I can do this too!’

What’s your blog about?

The world of Carrie. It sounds terribly narcissistic, but when I began, I didn’t have many people reading; it was just like writing a diary – somewhere to post my thoughts. Now I’m blessed with lots of lovely readers, and my blog has really become my creative outlet. It’s my passion, I get to direct, style, and model in my own mini-photoshoots.

Who inspires you?

Everybody from other bloggers to 60′s film stars and fashionable people that I see on the streets of London – they all inspire me in different ways.

What’s your day job?

I’m currently still at university studying Fashion Promotion! So it’s very interesting getting to see it all from a blogger’s point of view as well – the way brands are becoming aware of us, and our value and potential.

What do your family and friends think about your blog?

My family are very proud of everything I’ve achieved with my blog, that and it’s also a useful tool which lets them see what I’ve been up to if I’ve left it a while without calling. As for friends, most of mine have blogs anyway – and so of course they understand when I have to stop to take pictures of cakes… or flowers, or something!

Do you read any other blogs?

Yes, of course. I read lots! I couldn’t possibly name my favourites either – it’s like picking your favourite child. There are blogs I have read for years and years!

How do you use Twitter and has it changed how you blog?

Usually to post useless things like what I’m having for tea, but at the same time it’s a great way of letting your followers know you have a new post up, or talking directly to readers or other bloggers. It’s such a useful networking tool!

What couldn’t you live without?

My computer… and camera. Typical blogger.

How do you stay motivated?

By reading other fabulous blogs that inspire me to try and create equally as beautiful content; and by the sweet readers that email me, thanking me for the time I put in. It can be difficult to stay motivated, but the rewards make it worth it.

Blog soundtrack?

I strangely listen to music that really really doesn’t fit with my blogs aesthetic at all, but it makes me happy. You’re probably expecting me to say something boring like She & Him because Zooey Deschanel is ‘like, my hero’. But that couldn’t be further from the truth – there is nothing I like more than going to sweaty, loud gig where I can shout all the words until I lose my voice. Arcane Roots – Left Fire, is my soundtrack!

Favourite European city and why?

I fell in love with Paris when I was there. It used to be London, but I think living and working in a city can take the charm out of it sometimes. Paris is just so beautiful, and everybody looks wonderful too. I can’t wait to go back.

Do you ever get blog block?

There is always something I’m itching to post about or photograph, the problem is a lack of time, not a lack of ideas!

Dream purchase?

A 50mm 1.2 lens. I’m such a blogger.

Desert island blog?

Eek, tough! Hjartesmil – her photos are beautiful, as are her words.

Is blogging a viable career?

Yes, I don’t see why not. If we’re producing work that is just as good as other photographers/art directors/stylists/journalists etc all at once, then that should be acknowledged. It’s a bit of a touchy subject at the moment as nobody really understands what’s ethical and the right way to go about it. Watch this space…

Where do you see yourself in five years?

As long as I’m doing something I love, I don’t mind!

Can you run in heels?

Nope – I’m rubbish in heels. Brogues all the way!

On Wish Wish Wish, Carrie styles, snaps and stars in her own photoshoots - these are some of our recent favourites...

From Style Rookie to FROW favourite

September 2009, 13-year-old self-confessed ‘style rookie’ blogger Tavi Gevinson takes a week off school to sit on the front row at New York Fashion Week. International press has a field day, speculating the blog is a publicity seeking hoax, after all, the fashion pack grumble, how could a teenager write so eloquently about clothes?

Just over two years later, this incident seems perfectly normal. As the current darlings of the fashion world, bloggers tweet from catwalk shows, collaborate with designers and front their own fashion lines. The Gevinson episode perhaps pinpoints the moment when fashion blogging shifted from a niche hobby to a force to reckoned with. But why do the opinions of a bunch of bedroom critics matter to the world’s top designers and how did we get to this state of affairs?

Cast your mind back to the dark old days of the early 2000s when social media meant chatting about last night’s TV, only teenage boys knew how to build websites and Facebook was a mere twinkle in Mark Zuckerberg’s eye. It was in these distinctly un-technically savvy times that the first fashion blogs were conceived. Originating in the USA, most of the fledgling fashion blogs focused on insider tips and advice. Kathryn Finney’s The Budget Fashionista, set up in 2003, gave scoops on forthcoming sample sales and where to bag a must-have item at a bargain price.

Across the pond, it didn’t take long for Europeans with a passion for fashion to start their own blogs. Two blogs still that are going strong today started life almost a decade ago. In 2002, fashion journalism student, Gemma Cartwright founded Catwalk Queen, as part of a college project. Dedicated to news and gossip from across the fashion world, the blog is now run by digital giants Aigua Media but Cartwright remains at helm as Editor-in-Chief. A year later saw the beginning of My Fashion Life, Michele Obi’s site which aimed to combine magazine-quality content with the opinion of a blog.

Fast-forward to 2005 and the growth of social media and advent of easy to navigate blogging platforms such as WordPress made blogging achievable for even the most technically inept. A blog became a prerequisite for anyone serious about fashion; a way of kick starting a career and gaining industry recognition.

Scott Schuman had more than 15 years of fashion experience when he set up The Sartorialist in 2005. His professional quality photos of people on the street across the globe set the standard for street style bloggers and caught the eye of industry insiders. Now Schuman works for glossies including Vogue and GQ and has collaborated with The Gap, Burberry and Kiehl’s.

Similarly, in March 2006, Londoner Susie Lau’s Style Bubble went live; a blog which focused on up-and-coming fashion talent. After receiving over 10,000 hits a day and being name-checked by fashion editors, Lau gave up her day job in 2010 to work full-time on her blog and take on freelance writing projects.

Although it there are now hundreds of fashion bloggers, making the transition from bedroom blogger to fashion mogul is still possible. The latest ‘It girl’ of British fashion is Bip Ling. Ling started blogging about fashion, music and art in 2008; thanks to this exposure, she was signed to Storm model agency and has since shot features for a host of glossy magazines and newspapers.

And the love affair between fashion and blogging is not just one-way traffic; designers and brands have kept their fingers on the pulse of the blogging phenomenon. Today, the line between blogger and fashion industry is thoroughly blurred. Popular bloggers, including Tavi, are often sent the latest lines in the hope of a free plug on blogs. In the US, bloggers have to state when items have been given to them for free, though the law varies in Europe.

On the high street, H&M has an established history of collaborations with celebrities (alumni include Madonna and Kylie) and high-end designers such as Lanvin and, more recently, Versace. However, the shop has also enlisted the talents of one of Sweden’s top fashion bloggers, Elin Kling. Kling designed a nine-piece collection for the company and there are rumours of further blogger-designed lines in the pipeline.

Emily Johnston with her Coach tote bag

Following the fashion giant’s lead, footwear brand SIX invited bloggers including Face Hunter and The Cherry Blossom Girl to design their own pair of shoes, while US accessories brand Coach’s latest must-have was designed by blogger Emily Johnston, aka Fashion Foie Gras.

On a more creative level, earlier this year, the Peroni Collaborazioni project paired up fashion designers and bloggers to pay tribute to Italian style. Featuring bloggers such as Susie Lau and Disneyrollergirl, the project aimed to create new pieces of clothing or jewellery inspired by Italy.

Fashion bloggers are everywhere. Keen to champion this latest trend, print and online magazines have jumped aboard the blog bandwagon; British Glamour magazine’s Style Tribe showcases the fashion inspirations of ten fashion bloggers, including Mademoiselle Robot, The Clothes Whisperer and Park & Cube. While over on the UK Vogue site, the ‘Today I’m Wearing’ page follows the pattern of many street style blogs with daily descriptions of outfits and photos often taken in front of the blogger’s bedroom mirror. The only difference between ‘Today I’m Wearing’ and other street style blogs is the blogger is a fully paid up member of the fashion A-list such as Olivia Palermo, Lily Allen or Alexa Chung.

With the fashion and blogging spheres fully assimilated, has blogging lost its credibility? One of the major attractions of blogs was that they sat just outside the fashion industry. Their independence was refreshing and they offered a more personal take on fashion than traditional media. The good news is that there remain many informed, well-written, well-shot fashion blogs, finding them is the tricky, yet ultimately, fun part. So perhaps the question is how much longer will the notoriously fickle and fast-moving fashion industry continue to value its army of bloggers? Fashion may move on, but fashion bloggers look set to follow its every move.

Peroni Collaborazioni showcases fashion blogger Disneyrollergirl and designer Shaun Samson

Chiara Ferragni Suede Pumps – True, every girl lusts after a pair of classic Louboutins. But maybe those famous red soles are becoming just a little too ubiquitous. Chiara Ferragni is the blogger behind The Blonde Salad, and she has most definitely proved both her fashion credentials and excellent taste with her own collection of shoes.

British Fashion Council Designer Postcards – Perfect for scribbling those thankyou notes and keeping in touch with fashionable friends, this stylish postcard pack offers cards created by 20 young British designers, including Louise Gray and Michael Van Der Ham. Plus proceeds from sales of the limited edition packs go to the Princess of Wales Charitable Trust.

SONIA by Sonia Rykiel Scarf – In the designer’s classic stripes, this scarf is available to buy by the metre – so you can choose to go super long, or opt for a cute mini scarf. And the variety of colours means that it will coordinate with practically anything.

The Fashion Game Book – A fabulous book to while away those idle moments when there’s a lull in festive proceedings, Florence Müller’s compendium is packed with fashion quizzes, games and trivia on designers, looks and trends.

Anya Hindmarch Valorie Clutch Bag -This glitzy black leather clutch provides a sparkling finish to any evening ensemble – it’s a key piece that will endure well beyond the Christmas party season.

Desirable gifts from Chiara Ferragni, the British Fashion Council, Anya Hindmarch, SONIA by Sonia Rykiel and Florence Müller

Topshop Boutique Metallic T-Shirt – Topshop Boutique’s tee breathes new life into the phrase ‘luxe basic’. It’s an essential item for the daytime metallics look, and the slouchy fit makes dressing down shimmery fabrics easy peasy. And did we mention that it looks a lot more expensive than its price tag?

Christian Lacroix Notebook – The A5 size is ideal for popping in a handbag and keeping note of important fashion information on-the-go. Christian Lacroix stationery transforms even the most mundane to-do lists into an event, darling.

Sabbia Rosa Short Slip – The French brand’s luxurious underwear isn’t cheap but it is deliciously decadent – made in the softest sensual silk. This polka dot slip is flirty, pretty and sexy in equal measure – perfect for a special night in, or lazy Sunday morning.

Yves Saint Laurent Gold Brass Ring – Every bit as desirable as the brand’s sumptuous Arty range, this ring really makes a statement. She’ll wear it with anything – and everything.

Survival Kit: Fashion – Assouline’s beautifully-packaged gift set contains four books on inspirational fashion houses. Yves Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, Lanvin and Emilio Pucci are represented through iconic images, providing a chic way of escapism when those kitschy Christmas sweaters get a bit too much!

Stylish Christmas shopping picks from Topshop Boutique, Christian Lacroix, Sabbia Rosa, Yves Saint Laurent and Assouline

Sparkle, shine and shimmer with our pick of the festive frocks from Vionnet, River Island, Topshop, Ann Demeulemeester and Reiss

You probably won’t have much cash left over for gifts if you opt for Vionnet’s ineffably elegant sequined silk-chiffon dress, but it is a true fashion investment – with draped light-as-a-feather sheer chiffon and dazzling sapphire shimmer.

Choose a festive flash of colour in a flirty Sixties shape with River Island’s cut out detail jewel neck dress; wear with vertiginous platform heels and accessorise with a retro-inspired eggnog!

The chances of being left solo under the miseltoe? Zero, if you’re sporting this show-stopping sequin dress from Ann Demeulemeester. With a plunging neckline and thigh high hem – it’s a frock to wear with bags of confidence. Wow factor guaranteed.

Can’t wait to hit the dance floor and shimmy around to a festive playlist? Go for Topshop’s flirty rainbow lurex cross back dress; the full skirt and bow detail are too pretty for words.

Bored of black, black and more black? This slinky silk frock from Reiss in a statement sky blue colour is a simple, standout piece – plus the flattering cut ensures that if you overindulge in the mince pies, no one will be any the wiser!