Inside-Out - The Official Topshop Blog

Free Range 2009

If you're around the Brick Lane area, make sure you pay a visit to the Free Range exhibition at The Old Truman Brewery. Taking over every nook and cranny of the warehouse, this is Europe's biggest graduate art and design show, and definitely worth a visit. 

Packed with the work of budding photographers, designers, artists and illustrators from the UK's top art and design colleges, it's the perfect place to wander round, soak up some inspiration and clock who's going to be the next Tracey Emin! Enjoy and let us know whose work you love...  

LITTLE BOOTS STYLE HUNTS AT DOT-TO-DOT FOR US!

I've spent the weekend in Bristol and Nottingham at the Dot-to-Dot Festival ...the weather was lovely and the local Indie scene were out in full force, so Topshop asked me to go round snapping the best dressed - I did my best, although think some of the outfits are up for debate!

One thing there was an overload of this weekend were 80s vintage looking floral print dresses, some of which verged on being a bit mumsie for my liking, but I thought this girl's was great! She injected some youth into her look with the length and shape of the dress, coupled with a washed-out denim waistcoat and chunky gold chain - my fav.

This guy was my second fav, probably coz I'm a right sucker for anything a bit tie dye / psychedelic / fantasy. Full points for having the guts to pull this one off ...nice and summery. Love the gold laces on the trainers too!

I'm still not convinced by the current East London boy trend of trying to look like you have a house in the country, but I think our Dan pulls off this tan Barbour brilliantly.

We had a few bus invasions after the gig - hot girls after my sexy band mates a usual - where I saw lots of cheques and plaid. I love how summery and fun the colours were on this one - with the cute denim jacket and Love necklace. Great hair too! Now get off our bus...

I'm totally obsessed with sequins, so had to snap this girl. I think I have the same skirt in pink maybe? Actually no ...I think its a boob tube worn as a skirt, extra points for reinvention. Love the headband.

Is that a vintage Viv Westwood handbag I spy? I hope so. Love the mix of vintage and modern ...and these girls just look so damn cute!

Couldn't decide if this Wild Adventures t-shirt was genius or disaster but in retrospect have decided on genius ...although judging by his facial expression, maybe he was also having second thoughts?

These girls were too cool to stand up, but I really like the pink blazer on the left with the red lipstick and the hair on the girl in the middle - pretty awesome, although looks like you couldn't really do it in a hurry!

Another case of genius or disaster ...this time I think I'm gonna go with just plain disturbing, but its our friend Dennis so I'm allowed to say that!

And if all else fails ...take a leaf out of these guys' book.

Can't believe I even attempted to write about fashion for five minutes, I have no idea what I'm talking about but thank you for reading. Although personally I would never trust someone who uses an inflatable unicorn as a fashion accessory...

Boots x

To read more from Little Boots, check out her blog!  

A NIGHT IN EAST LONDON WITH STAG & DAGGER

It's not every day you find yourself getting excited for a series of intimate gigs across your favourite hang outs in East London, but with Stag & Dagger, that's exactly what we got!

Dodging the crowd in heels at a fast speed proved rather tricky – it was impossible to see all the acts that we wanted to, but our pick of our favourites started with Phantom who were playing at Café 1001. They kick started our night surrounded by a sea of balloons and their music was great and a definite must see if you ever get the chance!

Next up were We Have Band. They have already firmly marked their place on the festival line-up and now we know why! When a band has a hot front girl, in an all in one tight black playsuit and painted on eyelashes, it’s hard not to take your eyes off the stage. Their hit 'OH' got the crowd dancing and by the end of it, everyone left in a sweaty mess. But that didn’t stop us, a quick reapply of make up and off we went to see the secret Jack Penate set, where in an intimate gig hall we had front row seats.

Style wise, there were loads of vintage treasures from old leather jackets to 90s style high waist Levis. Topshop was high up there too with loads of girls sporting our bodycon skirts and cutesy floral dresses toughened up with leather jackets and plimsoles. We even spotted a couple of guys in our ultra skinny Pippa jeans!!

As soon as we arrived at Jack's gig, and found Adele on one side and Mathew Horne to the other, it was a given we were in for a night to remember. And when Florence and The Machine arrived for a surprise performance with a herd of intriguing characters, things got even more exciting.

But as soon as Jack arrived, greeting his band mates with a slap on the back and looking ultra cool, the atmosphere turned electric. And as more and more people arrived, we ventured straight to the front... the best way to end the night and couldn’t help but get drawn in by Jack's energy! No wonder he and his band are getting such recognition.

Stag & Dagger has such a great way of making the unknown become the known, and we can't until next year... next time round, we think we'll remember to wear our flats though!

143 = I LOVE YOU

143 is a shopping experiment, created by three friends who bonded over a great idea during London Fashion Week and have made their dreams of opening a pop up shop come true.

Featuring an edited selection of international products chosen by Avi and Damian (the lovely couple behind underground brand Silver Spoon Attire), and art directed by the rising star of London's creative scene, Kate Moross - this is one pop up shop you won't want to miss!

From a huge ice-cream lamp which lights their candy den to the embellished headbands by Pas Commeles Moutones (as seen on Gossip Girl) and Arckiv's retro sunnies, we love the store and everything in it.

Supported by iconic brand Gio-Goi, this is a fresh and playful shopping experience. Forget being followed round by a pushy assistant or not knowing about any of the brands instore, the creative trio behind 143 have made a beautiful A5 catalogue explaining the story behind all of their products.

Take the lego inspired pieces by Dee & Ricky who are twins from Staten Island, New York, and have created their famed LEGO goods for the likes of Kanye West and accessories for Marc Jacobs.

Or the exclusive Rolex inspired watch rings designed by Melody Ehsani (famed Hollywood jewellery designer), Mariel Haenn (fashion stylist for the likes of Ciarra and Rianna) and Melina Matsoukas (notorious video producer responsible for the recent Beyonce 'Single Ladies' video).

Only open until Saturday 30 May, make sure you get down to London's Newburgh quarter. Whether you're after one of Kate's graphic tees, a custom made piece from Silver Spoon Attire, or just a little something to make you smile, you're certain to find a piece you'll love. Just remember - its cash only!

HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW?

Florals have been a massive trend for SS09 and with gardening being the latest hot hobby, we headed down to Chelsea Flower Show and then on to Kew Gardens to do a spot of 'research'.

Check out our pics of the amazing flowers for inspiration...