Blog Hiatus

Where have I been you ask? Why has there been no comparison shops, colour crushes or trend updates? Well, I have been extremely busy lately training for my new job and fitting in freelancing on my days off alongside settling back in to life at home. I am now writing three times a week on my other blog, This Haven, so I haven't had a chance to write up any posts for this blog. And, in all honesty, as much as I was dedicated to writing my comparison shops and colour crushes I feel like I want to take things a new direction, maybe more of a professional one. I still want to post about trends I am loving, designers and colours that I'm being inspired by and what projects I am working on, but in a different way and I haven't found the ideal direction of the future of this blog yet. I am currently so busy freelancing I am not going to be working on my own projects for a little while longer and once I begin to design again I can start posting again. But posting will be less frequent so it is not forced to write up about things and I don't have the added pressure alongside everything else that is going on. 

I have naturally just taken a step back from this blog recently due to a combinations of things, including all the other mentioned. Even though my new blog is a lifestyle blog, I want to control how much of my life I put online and make everything I write positive. But, once I find the direction I want to take myself as a designer with a blog to promote myself, I am sure you'll here about it. For now, I will be on a blog hiatus until I can sit down and think about what I am doing and where I am going as a designer and which platform is best for me to promote myself on. I've got a bit more confidence in my work recently, not only did I sell three designs to a big client but I've also been experimenting more with my theme, Dark Flora. 

Anyway, head on over to my lifestyle blog for a read up on all the things I am doing and look out for any posts on my Instagram @lisajaynetextiles as I still wish to utilise that medium of social sharing and promotion.

Thanks for reading and speak soon.

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New Theme | Dark Flora

(Sources 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5)

First of all, how on earth is it September already? This time last year I had only a couple of weeks left in my first placement and this year I have just started my new job it really is unreal how much can change or happen in a year. Speaking of which, due to the fact I've moved back home, worked constantly, working on my new blog and spent time catching up with friends this blog has been neglected slightly and there has been no weekly content. I am trying to figure out where I want to take this blog as I have had the same structure for about two years now and want to push it more when I start my own projects. It will take time so stick with me whilst I sort it all out. But I am back to freelancing and working on designs ready for Premiere Vision which I am hoping will bring some success for my designs. You really never know how PV is going to go and there is a lot of competition but all it takes is that one meeting and that one design for someone to pick it up.

So the new theme is Dark Flora which is a theme I have wanted to do for months. Of course it is me, I love florals and so is a great them for me. As with any new project that I haven't really had the chance to do before it comes with is challenges, so the best thing to do at the beginning is to breathe, turn on the music and design away. It will need a lot of working in to and patience to get the layout, colours and florals right. I have this imagined in my head like I do at the beginning of every theme but it is all just about making it fun and enjoying the process of working in to the designs, layering, varying scales and using filters. I've found that during my research I didn't want to look to much in to what other designers have done as I would feel like I had to replicate that rather than take my on approach on it. Some designs can be oversized, smaller, darker, brighter, blurred, layered or mirrored. It really is all about experimenting and if it is not right then just try again or ask for some help. I really enjoyed creating this mood board for it after being inspired on Pinterest for the layout. It really helps to have a mood board for each project and it never has to be a final cut before you start the project as your inspiration can change. Like the name suggest, it just has to replicate the mood or feel of the theme and to pick out little parts from each image.

What do you think of the theme?

Leave a Comment designing, florals, freelancing, inspiration, moodbaords, theme, work

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The Comparative Shop #12

1 | 2 | 3 | 4

This weeks print comparative shop features nothing but prints from Zara's new woman collection. As you might be able to tell from this post and the previous post I currently have a huge obsession with Zara. 

I'm currently planning a floral themed collection so am already looking for inspiration. This printed Zara dress (1) caught my eye and I was interested in the way the florals were drawn and laid out. I wasn't so drawn in to the colours but they hit the 70's theme spot on. The print is so well conceived in terms of scale, placement and repeat.

The paisley blouse (2) is nothing but visually stunning and something I would love to have in my wardrobe. I'm not ashamed to admit I was staring at this print on the website for quite a while trying to take in the beauty of it and wondering how the print was created. It's such an easy style of handwriting and seems so fresh for Zara in comparison to a few heavy repeats I've seen. Yes, they have done paisley before but I think it is the colours and the white base that makes this blouse seem so new. It is interesting how some of the shapes/elements are coloured in, but some just have an edge of colour and overall gives the print a good balance. 

It has been a while since I have been drawn in to looking at bottoms rather than tops but, after seeing these floral trousers (3), I knew they had to make the list. What drew me in was the block colour leaves and then I noticed the colour in the florals and on some of the leaves which made it even more interesting. Overall, I just like the movement and flow of the print which work and make the trousers a perfect day/night garment. 

Tiles ... a print I don't normally feature on TCS (I actually don't think tiles have ever made it on the list). I want and need this t-shirt. The colours, the print mix and the red sleeves and back are gorgeous and so beautifully curated and put together. Pretty much everything I can say about this garment.

What is your favourite this week?

Leave a Comment fashion, inspiration, TCS, textiles

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Let's Talk Fabric | Zara TRF New Collection

Top // 1 | 2 | 3

Middle // 1 | 2 | 3

Bottom // 1 | 2 | 3  

Zara, Zara, Zara. Oh how I am in love with this store at the moment. Firstly, their prints are on point with the latest trends. Secondly, if anyone is doing the 70s theme right this coming season it is Zara. And, thirdly, their fabric is to die for! On a recent trip to Zara to collect print inspiration I got more inspired by the fabric, its quality and its colours. 

The new TRF collection features - lace, denim, cotton, ribbed knits, suede, velvet, polyester, viscose, wool and faux fur. Not only are the fabrics soft to touch and dyed or woven in seasonal colours but they are cut beautifully. That wool coat (B2) for instance is coat perfection and the perfect autumn accessory. Denim comes in soft cottons that are frayed at the seams to give a natural, worn look (T2 & M2). Everything feels very oversized and boxy but fresh and exciting for the new Autunm season ahead that can be layered going in to the Winter season with messy hair, plaits and simplistic make up. I mean, who doesn't want to look like a Zara model with the clothes, hair and make-up!?

The collection as a whole makes me wish I could shop in Zara more, I think they are the main high street store easily translating catwalk trends and colours at the moment but still keeping to that Zara look and catering to the Zara customer. I seriously want to rave about these fabrics and looks!

What is your favourite? How would you wear these pieces?

All images copyright of Zara.

2 comments fabric, fashion, textiles

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