ADIDAS X TOPSHOP

One of my absolute favourite projects I've worked on at Topshop has been designing the marketing campaign for Topshop's collaboration with Adidas last year.

So imagine my excitement when I heard months ago that there was a second collab in the works! After creating everything from the flyers and windows down to the swing tags, I can finally say that it will all come to life tomorrow when it launches worldwide in both Topshop and Adidas Originals stores.

Last week I was asked to take the seven pieces home and shoot some images, and to my absolute pleasure both brands are using the images on their social media channels and websites.

Soooo, if you see these on Instagram, please please tag me - @lsiss or let me know!

BARCELONA TAKE TWO

The second part of my Barcelona trip was spent with my boyfriend in the most amazing hotel - Yurrban Trafalgar. No photos I took will ever do the view justice... These were all taken on our room's balcony.

Squealing with delight and jumping up and down like a kid between photos, imagine my reaction when we went upstairs to the rooftop pool with 360 degree views of the city.

Wearing lace bralet - Topshop, white trousers - vintage and heels - &OtherStories

TOPSHOP UNIQUE

After two weeks deliberating and carefully crafting every graphic needed within the Tate Britain for Topshop's Unique AW15 show... Yesterday I finally got to see it all come together!

I won't go into all the last minute tweaks, technical hitches and model dramas (Kendall totally slipped as she walked in from the rain, shh!) Let's just say it was as interesting as ever, and I can't wait to catch a show or two tomorrow - Ashish is on my list!

My favourite parts of the whole day were watching the practice walk through (first picture), telling Julia Sarr-Jamois that she is my girl crush and brushing shoulders with Alexa Chung backstage.

Wearing my favourite coat - Monki, silk jumpsuit - Topshop and boots - Topshop

VARNISH

Working for Topshop, and sitting alongside the Beauty packaging designer - my main collection that has grown over the past few years is nail varnishes.

Admittedly, I have about three times what's pictured here... All stashed away in drawers and bags. But these are my top picks - all lined up neatly on my acyrlic holder.

You can buy the holder here - and there are bigger ones too. For £9, it's been one of my best storage buys for my flat!

PERFECT WINTER COAT

Before heading to Amsterdam last month, I searched endlessly for a warm longline coat - to no avail. I departed with just a leather jacket, secretly knowing I would need to buy one over there to brave the sub-zero temperatures.

By the end of the first day, we had been in over twenty shops, but I wasn't happy with a single one. As a final attempt, I dragged Gus into Monki. As soon as I saw it, I knew. Slightly cropped sleeves, perfect length and thank god - warm!

I've been back from Amsterdam over a month, and honestly haven't taken it off.

Coat - Monki, Top - &OtherStories, Jeans - Topshop Joni and trainers - Nike Huarache.

Couldn't help taking pictures of Gus's vintage varsity jacket we found over there (his surname is Walsh, so I couldn't let him leave without it!)

BAR

In terms of design, I absolutely love this set of earrings from Zara...

But the first pair I bought broke within a week, so I went back and bought a second set. After another week or so, that one broke too. Too angry to go back and even swap them - now all I have is this picture.

They went down in the sale, and now I know why!

TOPSHOP TRENDS

Here is my final look for Topshop's Fashion Week trends campaign that ran instore. I wore Topshop fur coat, Topshop Unique blouse from last season, Topshop navy scuba trousers and & Other Stories heels.

For Topshop's Oxford Circus store, I designed a pop-up fashion week space to hold the trends, which changed daily. It was sooo strange seeing my photo in the store that I visit nearly every single day!

CARAVAN

Working as a designer for Topshop, I'm used to creating the instore graphics and campaigns - but not featuring in them!

Still looking back at last Fashion Week while I start to get ready for the next one, above is a look at the day I was in front of the camera instead.

I turned up to King's Cross with my Topshop fur coat, navy trousers and Topshop Unique blouse nervous beyond belief. After a quick breakfast at Caravan, outfit checked by Rosie and Carly (pictured above), I was ready for my close-up.

 I'll post the final looks soon!

MY CALVINS

I spent months searching for the modern cotton Calvin Klein sets last year, until finally my opportunity came to snap them up when Topshop started stocking them in the Oxford St store.

I rushed to get my hands on both the black and white sets (and was elated to get staff discount!)

I heard a rumour that they'll be getting the grey set in Feb, but I can only dream...

BRAIDS

One of the best things about moving back to Lewisham is the twenty or so barbers and hairdressers on my road. Mainly Afro-Carribean, I took it as an instant challenge to find the best braids.

I'd only ever had two at a time before, but wanted to try four... I don't know what it is, but as soon as I walk in all the women getting their weaves done kiss their teeth and look at me blankly as if I'm going to ask for directions.

They usually tell me £40 or more for braids, thinking that I'll pay anything. These ones were too tight, and even though I love the back of them, I look like I have four horns from the front.

Took them out only an hour later, so all I have from this expensive experiment is this photo... My search will continue.

A LOOK BACK AT LAST LONDON FASHION WEEK

With London Fashion Week already in frantic preparation, here is a throwback to the last one. The past four LFW's I have designed Topshop's Somerset House space for the NEWGEN part of Fashion Week. February will be my fifth, as well as our UNIQUE showspace again this time round (I hope!)

Above are some details from setting up on the first morning of Fashion Week, including the beautiful Patricia - the best bit about Fashion Week for me! Can't wait to see what the next one brings...

DELICATES

It's in the details - Acne underwear packaging, Chanel nails & Topshop lace bra

AMSTERDAM FOUR

Here are my final favourites from Amsterdam -

1. Scandinavian Embassy
Coffee shop / cafe (I had the strongest hot chocolate ever...)

2. Patta Negra
Tapas restaurant that we went back to twice. Have the fried chorizo, patatas bravas with aioli and some cheeses / jamon - amazing!

3. Cafe De Klos
Best dinner we had - I didn't get a photo of a single dinner the whole trip, so that says something! We had to wait a while, but you can go to the bar across the road and they come and find you when a spot is ready. I had the ribs and Gus had the chicken, both barbecued to perfection with potatoe and salad on the side.

4. Cafe Bern
Absolutely amazing French restuarant. The best fondue I have EVER had. I read about this one on Hypebeast before I went, and took a loaf of gluten free bread with us. They toasted it for us, and I excitedly scooped the whole fondue up with the bread and their succulent steak. Order a karafe of their red wine - went beautifully with it.

5. Cannibale Royale
Book this one, because we were lucky to squeeze in. Dark, moody atmosphere inside with candles and lace curtains. The burger was tender and topped with bacon, cheddar, salad and barbecue sauce - I couldn't help ordering the jacket potatoe with crispy bacon and sour cream too!