A handful of the fifteen short descriptive pieces I wrote as part of my uni coursework...

TOO CHIC FOR A GEEK (Dover Street Market) 

He stands anxiously in the elevator; adopting a well perfected awkward stance as his eyes dart to the pair of carefully selected brogues on his feet.  His expertly messy curled hair drops dramatically over one of his eyes which are adorned with ironic thick rimmed glasses.  The shirt and tie combination he wears falls into the perfect balance of smart and casual, whilst his well-tailored trousers fall to an exact height above his ankle bone, which even Ozwald Boateng would approve of.  A distinctly drab, yet surprisingly stylish camel coloured coat completes the look, and warms his purposefully thin limbs. 

The ultimate geek chic, if not for the chiselled jaw and deep brown eyes which betray him as the school heartthrob he once was.  There is a certain air of arrogance and sense of purpose here which doesn’t quite align with the profile of someone who was tormented throughout their education.  His style may suggest otherwise, but he remains part of an elite crew to which only a select few are invited.                 

FRIVOLOUS FANCY DRESS (The Ritz)

Tea at The Ritz isn’t an everyday pleasure; rather a luxurious treat for which most will unwittingly adopt the dress and demeanour of a rather fantastical version of themselves.  Much like delving into the treasured dressing up chest that sits eagerly at the foot of the bed throughout childhood, there is a certain sense of adventure that is not wasted on adults when the opportunity arises to ‘play’ at being somebody else for a while.   

Those enchanted fairy tale garments transform a young girl into a dreamlike state in which she is a mischievous princess who charms all with her innocence and ethereal beauty.   In reality, her fondest imaginations might only be fabricated by a confectionary-esque costume, with a sprinkle of haphazardly selected props and accessories.  But who would deny her the luxury of make believe? In turn, the indulgence of fantasy should not be kept captive from those with their permanent molars.  

SUGAR, SPICE AND ALL THINGS NICE (Harrods)

Harrods, how you tempt me.  Row upon row of delicately coloured delights perfectly positioned.  You know that it only takes a glimpse of all those gorgeous cakes to make my mouth water and the hungry butterflies in my stomach begin their most dramatic dance yet. 

Fanciful frosting, wonderful wrappers and tantalising toppings are literally the icing on the cake, the cherry on top.  My life would be complete if only for one of your heavenly cupcakes. 

Travelling up several floors I discover you have gone one step further.  Pupcakes – a beautiful edible treat for my pampered pooch which is equal in perfection to my own sweet fancy.  Logic tries to tell me this is ridiculous; the dog won’t know any different.  It fails.  I’m too caught up in the lure of luxury at every step in your store.  Encapsulated in the fairy tale of your sugary fantasies, I don’t want to believe that it’s an elaborate web of lies yarned by flattering lighting, bedazzling food colourings and wickedly steep prices.  I’m happy to believe, if only long enough for a daydream.    

LULA GIRL (A Child of the Jago)

Impossible to ignore, she looks like she has sprung from the pages of a quaint photographic spread in Lula magazine.  Settling her teal pea coat on her left arm so that she can browse more freely, she reveals a delicate floral vintage tea dress which despite its obvious history, looks like it has been lovingly made just for her.  A lust worthy pair of pirate boots encase her feet, and her wrists are stacked high with an array of heirloom charm bracelets. 

Endless auburn curls, like a modern day Rapunzel, dance lightly down her back.  Blissfully free of suffocating makeup, her freckled, ivory skin contrasts to the thick, heavy eyelashes coated in mascara, which add to the doll-like quality of her face and give her a whimsical charm. 

Selecting items as they take her fancy before quickly returning them to their rightful place, she soon leaves as effortlessly as she arrived, leaving a last impression on all that have noticed her.