LC:M Newgen S/S '14

London Collections: Men is just around the corner and with a lot of fashionista's already planning their outfits and getting excited about the event's busy schedule I think it's going to be even better than before. London Collections: Men is a 3 day event that celebrates everything great about menswear from catwalk collections to exhibition space and exclusive events hosted by the likes of Tom Ford. The highlights for me last season were definitely the Katie Eary show, which I had great seats for and also the controversial but mesmerising J.W.Anderson show. I cannot wait to see what they have to offer us next, something bigger and better I would assume.

Newgen is a sponsorship with Topshop/Topman that has supported London Fashion Week for over 10 years. When menswear was taken away from LFW and given it's own event LC:M Newgen followed and rightly so. Each season Newgen supports up-and-coming designers to give them that extra push needed to showcase their work and this season's designers have just been announced.

Agi & Sam

I love a design duo and Agi & Sam are one step above the rest when it comes to quality and creative flair. Their last collection stood out with it's bold prints and striking silhouettes, combining the right amount of heritage and modern together. 

Matthew Miller

After studying at the Royal College of Art Matthew set up his own label and has grown from strength to strength with each season. For A/W '13 his almost all black collection collection got great reviews as he took an anarchic take on classic tailoring. 'Born to Fail' was the slogan of the collection, although I don't think that is going to happen anytime soon. 

Astrid Anderson

Using hip-hop and masculinity as a crucial influence within design Astrid inserts a feminine touch with his choice of materials and colour ways. After only graduating in 2010 Astrid has acheived so much and won the Brioni Creativity and Innovation Award and the River Island MA Student Bursary Award. 

Lee Roach

After graduating from Central Saint Martins BA course in 2010, Lee's S/S 2011 collection featured in Selfridges 'Bright Young Things' initiative. Lee describes his signature as “Reduction and repetition.”

Nasir Mazhar

After working alongside with theatre costume designer, Mark Wheeler and training with Jane Smith, Nasir made the decision to go it alone and set up his own label. Not one to play it safe Nasir is definitely one to watch this season.  

Shaun Samson

With a MA from Central St Martin's it's no surprise with the success Shaun Samson has had in the fashion world. I went to his show last season and was transformed into a world of modern streetwear and I loved it!

Martine Rose

With a very retro feeling within her designs and influences Martine Rose has been allocated presentation and designer showroom sponsorship at S/S 2014 London Collections: Men. The only female out of the group, come on Martine, do it for the girls! 

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Summer Essentials: Cochinechine

CoChineChine is a luxury boutique that after nine years selling beautiful designer clothes in Hampstead recently launched their very own website. Stocking everything great from Kenzo to COMME DES GARÇONS, CoChineChine have a striking brand image to rival the likes of net-a-porter and my-wardrobe.com. Don't be put off by the prices, even if something remains on your wish list for a couple of months it will feel like an achievement when you do finally get to show it off. I have always been a huge fan of fast fashion and spending my money when I have it but I think it is always worth spending that bit more on your clothes. Even if you have to save hard it is worth it to get those quality and timeless pieces we all deserve. Here are my 'Summer Essentials' from CoChineChine. If you are in North London then pop in store, you will be welcomed with open arms.

1. Floral Print dress-Sophie Hulme

2. Orange Scratch Tee-Cedric Charlier

3. Paris Map skirt- Carven

4. Neon bag- Jas MB

5. Studded Sandals- Alexander McQueen

6. Phoenix Rainbow- Shourouk 

7. Forest Print dress-Kenzo

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Trend Watch: Floral Passion

1. MSGM Floral Print Top- £240    2. MinkPink Floral Blazer- £85  

                           3. Premium Floral Trousers, Asos- £27   4. Floral Clutch Bag    

                       5. Floral Print Trousers- H&M- £29.99  6. Floral Print Half Top- £32

This is probably the most girly style post I have ever posted and I'm sure I ever will! I wear a lot of black and dark colours but the weather in London today has inspired me to look to the Spring/Summer trends for inspiration. Floral prints are start to fill our high street stores and online boutiques already in time for Summer. The prints are mainly delicate with some heavier prints also making a huge impact. I am on the search for a floral trouser and blazer combo at the moment, as they were a huge hit at London Fashion Week, but so far I am failing to find the right one. To wear floral I would probably pick one of the above items and layer with a lot of black. Ok so I really can't take black completely out of my wardrobe...sorry! I love the blazer from designer, MinkPink and I have a feeling it will stay in your wardrobe for the next few seasons. Whether you want to wear floral top to toe or take a more subtle approach like myself, embrace it somehow. With floral anything goes and you can also recycle some old floral pieces from past seasons.

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Busy busy busy...

The past couple of weeks seem to have flown by.. There has been some bad news but also some exciting changes and I think it is all for the best.. I had a wonderful holiday in Tunisia and saw some wonderful sights- a 2 day trip to the sahara was definitely something I won't forget...

Me being a tourist at El Jem, Tunisia

Our wonderful All inclusive hotel in Sousee, Tunisia

The Sahara dessert, well worth a visit!

Me before my terrifying camel ride in the sahara!

Even though we went away for a nice break and mainly to sunbathe the weather around the pool wasn't  great.. Which in the long run was probably better because we went on a 2 day trip to the sahara and saw so many great sites! I'm not sure I would recommend Tunisia as a country for a holiday-you get to see some great sights but it is very poor and you get hassled a lot.

The fashion magazine that I work for pause is working through its winter issue at the moment and asked me if I would do the winter cover interview for them. I was honoured to be asked again and we started brainstorming ideas of who would be great for the winter issue. It was then decided that Vince Kidd from the Voice would be a great choice!! On Monday I went to London to interview him and all in all it was a great experience... Keep your eyes peeled for the Winter Issue!!

Me and the lovely Vince Kidd

A behind the scenes look at the cover shoot for pause!

Whilst on holiday we found out that Wahoo-the club and bar I work in and live above has shut down.. Even though this was awful news me and my boyfriend have decided it's a great opportunity for us to move to London.. So fingers crossed in the next week or so we will be living in the big smoke!!

Twitter: @katiehandybeith

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