Disco Inferno

FLUTTER Jumpsuit

So, about a month ago I undertook my first official styling project for a 'disco' themed editorial collaboration with photographer, Matt Leach 

Model // Anna Charlotte Irving and MUA // Louise Burke.

 I wouldn't class myself, officially as a stylist-  well, sometimes, when I'm feeling confident in my styling ability, its a titkle I play around with loosely.. 

Yes, I do style all the look book shoots for all the collections from my line Dancing Dolls UK and long before I actually began designing and creating  clothes; it was giving style and make up tips to my peers, that partly got me into considering the fashion route. At the time, I didn't even know: styling was actually a job!

Now, I do. I do, also know, how hard and intense it is to be a stylist and to make as full time profession. Hence, why I don't really claim the title so lightly.

I curated the looks for the disco themed shoot, using pieces from the DDUK range- obvs- including:

• FLUTTER jumpsuit,
• GLITTERATI sequin cowl back gown,
• SPARKLE playsuit, 
• GLIMMER mini dress  
• GLOW cowl neck mini dress. 

Well, why would I look anywhere else; when I had all the pieces, I needed at DDUK HQ?! ;-)

I teamed it with lots of oversized jewellry, coupled with Anna's ma-soohive red afro and a Disco inferno was created.

 Below are my favourite edits from the collaboration. 

Thank you Matt Leach for the opportunity.

 Pieces used in this collaboration are available at www.dancingdollsuk.com. or contact us here to enquire about ordering any of the pieces, no longer available via the DDUK website.

Till the next time xo

GLITTERATI gown

SPARKLE playsuit

GLIMMER mini dress 

Now you see me

Remember, Rihanna in that Adam Selman dress at last years CFDA awards?
What dress, I hear you cry... and not because you don't remember it. But more, because, no one was allowed to forget it or the lack of it. She sent the media and Internet a blaze, when she settled for wearing that infamous, entirely sheer full length gown; to attend the CFDA awards, where she was awarded fashion icon of the year.
Whether you loathed it or loved it- it seemed everybody had an opinion on it.

Rihanna in 'that' naked dress at the CFDA awards 2014

Whilst the sheer trend has, every so often over the years has made an appearance by some desperate for attention celebrity or  supposedly epitome of cool fashion model. One could argue,  that now the need in today's society to share, pretty much everything and anything across some social media platform is what has resulted to this mass frenzy of acceptance of  publicly showing whats underneath your clothing.
Lets face it, the barely there and flashing your underwear trend was there long before Rihanna decided to add her own installment.
I mean, who can forget that moment, when Rose McGowan let it all hang out in her 1998 VMAs dress- if you could call it that. (yes- the sweet face actress best known for her character, in supernatural drama 'Charmed'). Or Singer Melody Thornton (former 'Pussycat Doll) in her version of the Emperors new clothes.

Melody Thornton, Rosie McGowan, Amber Rose in their version of the 'Emperors new clothes' over the years.

Some of us may have been championing this trend; spear heading even more opportunities to feed the insatiable desire to share everything with everyone; undergarments included, Others of us are definitely completing over it.
Even, we were slightly over the sheer amount (pun intended) of  celebutons, who opted for this trend during this years award season...and couldn't quite understand the mass appeal and attention, that Beyonce received, in particular for her Givenchy MET Gala ensemble. Then, we took a closer look- I mean the detailing on the dress though! Bow down- yessir!!

A close look on the intricate detailing on the Givenchy gown worn by Beyonce. Image courtesy of Beyonces Instagram page

 At the back end of the 90's, few designers-those of the more adventurous realm, including Dolce Gabbana and Fashions bad boy- the late Alexander McQueen had begun to experiment with sheer fabrics. By 2007, the trend was everywhere; and many Fashion houses were now sending nearly naked models down the runway. This of course, meant the ability to shock was slowly watered down. Fast forward to 2014; the see-through trend is no longer, just restricted to the runways of Paris, London and New York or to the brave  dare-to-bare celebrity.

Sheer trends on the runway

Its hot and accessible and at Dancing Dolls UK, we have definitely, concocted our very partly diluted additions. We first dipped our foot into sheer waters back in 2011, with our lace open back top, as well as one of our best sellers; the black-on-mesh all in one from our Beautiful Ugly AW11 collection.

 But, it was in 2014, were we really gave this trend, its DDUK injection;  bringing affordability and accessibility to this runway look, with our EVOQUE mesh panel leggings, PROVOKER catsuit and our BODY CONTACT bodysuit.
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Evoque, Provoker catsuit, Body Contact by Dancing Dolls UK

Don't worry, we still haven't quite reached Amber-Rose-on-the-red-carpet-of-the-VMAs-2014 standard...and lets hope we don't! But we've now added a dress to the mix: our own sexy, almost sophisticated NOW YOU SEE ME midi, as well as our, GARNET midi and ELLISON co-ord

GARNET dress by Dancing Dolls UK. Image by Matt Sheehan. Model Charlie Pardington @ Alan Sharman Models 

Rochelle Humes, Katie Piper and Pixie Lott at the BAFTA Awards 2015

Because, its fair to say with some of the celebrity heavy weights: Jennifer Lopes, Kim Kardashian and Beyonce at this years Met Gala 2015, along with the celebrity lightweights: Rochelle Humes , Katie Piper and Pixie Lott at the BAFTAs 2015 and the other celeb elites, including  Frederique Bel at the Cannes Film festival 2015; all adopting the sheer trend with gusto, this year. You better hold on to your knickers, ladies. This trend is sure to last a whole lot longer.

Jennifer Lopez in Versace, Kim kardashian in Roberto Cavalli, Beyonce in Givenchy at the MET Gala 2015

Shop our sheer looks here

Ellison co-ord set. Image by Talia White. Model: Shawna Leigh

Till the next time xo

www.dancingdollsuk.com 
Follow Dancing Dolls UK on Instgram, Twitter or Facebook 

Shoes wisely

 StyleFile with Paulinah Eboh-Sampson: 
5 tips on choosing the right sandals to make your legs look longer.

You can usually tell, the hottest trend; not only based on your Instagram feed, but also by what every other woman is rocking; whether for a night on the tiles, dinner date with bae or any other 'lets look hot' occasion.
Whilst everyone is apparently, wanting: "something different to wear".
The hottest trend usually guarantees; you'll probably wind up in some way looking like a clone of somebody else.
Although that hot trend is VERY tempting- it looks fire in those on line images, in the shop windows, wore by that fashion blogger on Instagram and on that chick; rocking them at that hip bar, the weekend before last- unfortunately, this does not mean, it will look good on you!

A great example, this Summer's must have footwear: the sandal- from the strappy to the barely there. 
(Move over cute, pointy stiletto pumps in every Summer shade available.) Sandals are every where! From Primark to Giuseppe Zanotti, I can assure you, there is currently a dope variation available in most if not all UK shoe outlets.

So while, you may be slaughtering your feet, dying to look uber cool in this trend- the styles of late certainly have an extra dose of added painful hobble factor, I must add- even by high heel standards. Are you sure you have the right type of sandals for you and your body type?

From giving style advice to my customers and the never ending, on going styling projects I embark for my line Dancing Dolls UK; working with so many different models of varying proportions with various body types. I have learnt learnt a few cheats about working with your assets; wearing the right heels for your body and- yes, sometimes,  I had to learn this the hard way: having to crop or re-edit images and even to re- shoot whole assignments, when getting the styling for a particular models body type, oh-so-wrong. 

I've highlighted 5 great tips on choosing the right footwear to compliment your outfit.

TIP 1
The midi and calf length pencil skirt is currently raining supreme as a must have wardrobe staple. Unfortunately, if you have larger ankles aka 'cankles' or a petite frame- especially curvy and petite. Its likely this type of skirt will cut off at your calf -the widest part of the lower leg, making your legs seem even larger and giving you a stumpy appearance. Que Kim Kardashian.
 If you have succumbed to buying a midi pencil skirt or few, then avoid wearing them with calf hugging sandals, sandals with ankle straps or cagey ankle high sandals....unless of course the short, wide and dumpy look is what you're after.
Instead, opt for a pointy stiletto style shoe (yes- you can still wear them and look on trend.) A pair of pointy toe heels ALWAYS elongates the leg. 

Kim Kardashian : She may be the queen of the internet, but she is also queen of championing the dumpy, stout look with her regular ill styled ensembles for her frame

TIP 2
 Wider feet? Well, unfortunately, your feet are just too wide to successfully carry off wearing dainty sandals, without looking like ducks feet in heels.

I know, it sucks to hear that, right? This means barely there sandals are not for you. I repeat (slowly shaking my head)- the barely there sandals are not for you!

For wider feet, when opting for an exposed sandal, such as the barely there style, try a T bar or similar style variation. The T bar running vertically down the length of your foot, creates the illusion of slimmer, more slender feet. Any decorative feature running along the centre of the design, also works well with wider feet.  

Giuseppe Zanotti sandals

TIP 3

Go nude- if your skin tone permits it; as in wear nude coloured heels- not literally, obviously. The nude hue will always make those pins look even longer, as it disguises where the leg end and your feet begin.

TIP 4
Go for a higher heel, as high as you can manage it. Just be sure the heel height is in correct proportion to the design of the sandals, so that means DO NOT at any time settle for the kitten heel...like ever! The only part cute in those two words is its relation to the animal. The heeled cruise liner style shoe is never a good look!

TIP 5 

Rupert Sanderson heels

Strappy, gladiator or calf high style sandals: These types of silhouettes are best complimented with trousers, circular midi skirt, a mini skirt (above the knee)- either pencil, but preferably an A-line or skater style ensemble to allow you to cheat on having the best pins in town. 

There you have it. You're shoe game knowledge is fully equipped, so shoes wiesly..... 

Follow my personal blog for more style tips from my regular StyleFile  
Like, share, follow

Till the next time Paulinah xx
#teamDDUK
www.dancingdollsuk.com

Disclaimer: I do not owe the images used in this blog and where possible/known credit has has been issued to source . No copyright infringements intended.

Photo credits: Fake leather, Walk In Wonderland, Haute pink pretty, Kirsty Doll, Glamradar, Kristina Bazan for Jimmy Choo

Peaches & Cream SS15- Behind the scenes

You may have seen a few of the gorgeous finished edits starting to float across social media from my brand: Dancing Dolls UK's latest collection 'Peaches & Cream' for Spring/Summer 2015.
But, with so many pieces from the collection, I think it'll be a while before, you see the full range. So...whilst, we wait for the rest of the images, myself included. Here is my favourite behind the scenes image from the set of the look book shoot last week.

#bts #behindthescenes 'Peaches & Cream' #SS15 #peaches #cream The new collection for #Dancingdollsuk #handcrafted by Paulinah Eboh-Sampson. #photography by: @taliawhitephotography. #model : Shawna Leigh #fashion #fashiondesigner #mumpreneur #entrepreneur #femaleboss #girlboss #handmade #couture #instafashion #swimwear #

A photo posted by Paulinah Eboh-Sampson (@dancingdollsuk) on Mar 4, 2015 at 10:20amPST    

 ABOUT THE COLLECTION
"Peaches & Cream" the SS/S 15 from Dancing Dolls UK; focuses on the manipulation of the DDUK impression, with a variety of added new designs.
Using the palette, as the reoccurring focal point for the collection, rather than a collection derived from emotional or physical inspirations.
You will note candy flossed shades of creams, pinks and whites; complimented with varying shades of peachy hues, from pastel tones of damask through to vibrant coral. All accented with dashes of jade and stone.

Look out for our very  first, special curated selection of wedding guest ensembles, specially dedicated to the bridal season, with gorgeous bridal guest attire and the modern bridesmaid in mind.
Model: Shawna Leigh @ Dream street models
Photographer: Talia White
Make up & styling: Paulinah Eboh-Sampson
Garment assistant: Marisa Scott

Can't wait to see the rest? ....Ah ok- well, here's a few more sneaky behind the scenes images, captured by my current intern, Marisa.
Enjoy!

You can follow my work via the official Dancing Dolls UK instagram page and keep an eye for the new collection, which shall be strolling all our usual outlets over the coming weeks.

Till the next time xo

Peaches & Cream S/S15

“Peaches & Cream” the upcoming S/S15 installment from Dancing Dolls UK; focuses on the manipulation of the DDUK impression, with added new designs. It uses the palette as the reoccurring focal point for the collection, rather than a collection derived from emotional or physical inspirations.
You will note candy flossed shades of creams, pinks and whites; complimented with varying shades of peachy hues from pastel tones of damask through to vibrant coral. All accented with dashes of jade and stone.
Look out for our very first, specially curated selection off wedding guest ensembles, specially dedicated to the bridal season with gorgeous bridal guest attire and the modern bridesmaid in mind.

Peaches & cream will be available via the Dancing Dolls UK website and our usual outlets from early March 2015
We shall also be offering a limited range of chic hand bags, contributing to the appreciation of the collection. These bags are of very limited availability (Like seriously limited- we'll only have 10 available) and will be available online with the launch of our collection in March. If you wish to pre-order one of these beauts, contact us by emailing us at enquiries@dancingdollsuk.com

Available in 4 colours: jade, white, stone and pinky-peach 

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and/or Twitter for seasonal offers and discounts.
Until the next time xo

Go Compare

Pfion wears ACID major skater skirt in sulphur green from the DDUK SS14 collection. SCHEMER skirt from the 2014 party collection by AQ/AQ No copyright infringement intended on AQ/AQ image (right)

Our 2014 Party Edit is done, dusted and almost ready to roll out- which can only mean, finally- its beginning to feel a lot like Christmas, for us at DDUK HQ. And, its definitely time for us to get you to start considering (or hopefully, reconsidering) where to bag the best buy party wear, this season. One, that you won't find every other chick in while you're out, of course!

Before, you click the link for the same on line store, you ALWAYS go to; with the same outfits as last year- it may be in a different colour, but still...(yawn(. Or strut on down to the usual high street chain stores; you frequently visit and frequently see EVERYONE else in, buying their matching ensembles. Why not go compare, what we got to offer, to what's hot on the high street... O wait, we've done it for you!

We're here with a little nod and wave to re-introduce you to Dancing Dolls UK, in case we need re-introducing.

We are that sexy, urban chic womens wear brand, specializing in handmade womens wear; an independent brand under the creative direction of Birmingham based designer, Paulinah Eboh- Sampson.

We:

• provide limited edition handmade womens wear at affordable prices- our prices are compared against the leading high street retailers, including TopShop, Asos, New Look and River Island to bring a competitive price to our customers.

DDUK bodycon midi skirts avail in any fabric/print (subect to availibility). Prices from £25-35

Similar style midi skirts by some of the leading retailers- unlined and in limited fabrications

• make our garments to order, (processed within 3-4 working days) therefore they can be tailored to fit your exact requirements.
•  also offer a made-to-measure service, where you can have any of our garments re-created in a fabrication of your choice.
• produce all our garments by hand- made in the UK, so not sweat- shop- *ish going on round here
• offer limited runs on our designs; meaning the chances of finding someone rocking the same outfit, as you on a night out are slim to none.
• process our payments via Paypal;  the most preferred way to pay online because it is safer and faster. PayPal stores and safeguards your card and bank details, enabling you to pay online without entering your sensitive financial information every time you shop. You speed through checkout in just a few clicks, PayPal takes the payment from your card or bank directly, and your payment details are never shared on the internet. (All Paypal payments are also covered by the Paypal buyers protection)
• operate 14 day money back guarantee on customer returns (provided garments are returned unworn with tags intact)

Cos, we understand, you all live busy lives and as we’re creatures of habit, you’ll be tempted stick to the same monotonous routines, shop at the same places, buy the same stuff- even when we realize they’re not that great, are pretty mundane, predictable, just plain lame and boring or you really just don’t care for them!

This party season, why go for the normo option? Sainsbury’s favourite catch phrase spring to mind: try something new today. Shopping independent is like the worst kept secret in modern fashion.

Saturday 6th December is the official ‘shop independent’ day, a great time to support small and local businesses; including us obvs. #SupportSmallBusinessses

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Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and/or Instagram for the latest deals and offers we'll be rolling out for it.

Our PARTY EDIT is available to buy from Dancing Dolls UK from the 01st December 2014. 

Till the next time xo

Dancing Dolls UK: Diary of a fashion Intern

So, just what is a fashion internship with Dancing Dolls UK like?  What was so good?

Our latest blog entry features our very own intern, Rosie Billington and her journey, as a fashion intern at Dancing Dolls UK. With some many on going horrors stories from fashion interns, about their time with Fashion houses, magazines or PR  companies.

We decided to put our selves out there- not only to get some feedback on the placement platform we offer to fashion enthusiasts, but to help us improve them. Its always a bit of a scary prospect; to ask someone else to judge you and the service you work, tirelessly on.

Maybe, we'd all turned slightly mad or were feeling super brave at DDUK HQ to ask for a detailed analysis on placement process. Had our two positive reviews from previous interns, left us a little over confident?  Or are we close to joining the elite group of Fashion establishments in the Birmingham, providing worth while fashion placements for Midlands based budding fashionistas?

Explain your understanding of your roles and responsibilities whilst at Dancing Dolls UK.

As a design assistant intern at DDUK my roles and responsibilities were a wide variation of: pattern drafting, cutting, pinning, sewing, over-locking, hand stitching, application of surface decorations, fabric buying, assisting with photo campaigns, attending events on behalf of the brand and generally supporting the entire process of running a fashion business.

GLISTEN midi dress in process

What were the highlights of working with Dancing Dolls UK?

There have being many highlights of working with DDUK, I have attended many exciting events with Brand owner, Paulinah such as Leeds Fashion Show, Midlands Fashion Awards and Birmingham Fashion Week. I have taken part in the brands look book photo campaigns, including assisting with styling the looks and hair styling. I played part in the construction of the SPARKLE playsuit, worn by up coming artist Hatty Keane for the opening of International pop group JLS’ farewell tour. Other garments I have contributed to the production process, have being featured on the home page of the ASOS Marketplace website.

Dancing Dolls UK (circled image) featured on the home page of ASOS Marketplace website in Apr 2014

How much responsibility were you given during your placement; and how has this been good/bad/satisfactory for you over the last year?

I have been given great responsibilities of taking part in the making of garments purchased by a business’ most important aspect; the customer. I feel that brand owner, Paulinah has the faith and confidence in me that I can carry out tasks; using my skills and that they are up to the required standard to be sold to her customers- the people who keep her business going! I have had important responsibilities such as buying fabric from different fabrics stores around Birmingham; where I have being trusted to use the companies money to pay for the fabrics. I have also being trusted to take orders to the couriers for dispatch to -customers. I feel the responsibilities I have being given is a great working experience for myself- giving me a good insight into some of the other aspects of running a fashion line.

Singer Hatty Keane pose with JLS singer, Ashton on the JLS Farewell tour, wearing Dancing Dolls UK SPARKLE Playsuit

What do you consider your most important achievement over the past year?

My most important achievement over the year is gaining the skills and confidence to branch out, to produce garments of my own. At the start of my placement, I did not know which path I wanted to take on the fashion road, I wanted to pursue Fashion styling, as it is something, I think I would have excelled in. However, I have no experience in this area and in hindsight, this pursuit was largely due to my own lack of confidence in pursuing a career as a designer. 11 months later, I now, know I want to design, make and sell my own garments. I arranged and styled the photo campaign, for some of the garments, created by myself up to this point- the feed back, I have received is great. Also, all the customers I have sold garments to are extremely pleased. I feel without this placement I would just be a lost sheep not sure of which direction to take.

Model: Christy Jenkins Photography by Alice Corless Styling/Hair/Make up: Rosie Billington Clothing by Rosie Billington

To what extent will the skills you have developed assist you with your degree and beyond ?

I hope the skills, I have developed will benefit me, when I return to my final year studying Fashion Design at Coventry University. All of my garment production skills have improved dramatically over the past year and I feel I will be going back to university in October as a different student, I am now more confident within myself and my work. In my second year of university, I was put off sewing and pattern cutting, as it was not something I fully understood . I, therefore focused on other areas within the industry such as accessories and jewellery, not because I wanted to but I felt I had no choice due to the level of my ability at that time- I felt I would struggle to much.
I no longer have the same worries or fears and do not feel the same level of apprehension going back to uni. In fact, although I am anxious, I am also extremely excited about creating my own collection in my final year.

In terms of personal development, how well do you think the company invested in you?

Brand owner, Paulinah has persistently supported me throughout my placement. She has advised me on all aspects of running your own small business, from the best and cheapest places to buy fabrics and equipment, to pricing the costs of garments, as well as how to market and advertise a fashion brand.
I feel that working with Dancing Dolls UK I have gained some extremely useful experience, which I would not have received solely from a degree in fashion.

CANDY Mesh panel dress- A solo project, I worked on for Dancing Dolls UK; from pattern draft to construction #MadeByApprentices

Rosie Billington and former fellow fashion intern, Yasmeen working at DDUK HQ

Is there any part of the fashion business, that you would have liked more insight/experience into whilst working within the company?

I am very pleased with all the skills I have learnt from my placement at Dancing Dolls UK. Although, perhaps it would be better to work more in depth with other types of fabrics, aside other than stretch (jersey, lycra) as these are the main fabrics, used in the DDUK studio. I hope to progress a little further within pattern cutting, before ending my placement. This is very likely, as we will be working on the new collection before the conclusion of my placement.

Were there many opportunity’s to get involved with company projects outside of the working hours? If so please give examples.

I have had opportunities to attend a variety events, which Dancing Dolls UK, was involved in; including Leeds Fashion Show 2013, Birmingham Fashion Week 2014, The Clothes Show Live 2013 and Midlands Fashion Awards 2013. These events, were great insights into the industry and a great way of seeing how such events can be used to my advantage -getting involved and socialising with like minded people.

Follow Rosie Billington on Tumblr

Showtime: Dancing Dolls UK on the runway at Leeds Fashion show. Image by Becci Hull Model: Lara Mcgrath

Looks from the Dancing Dolls UK 'FACADE' AW13 collection .Backstage at Leeds Fashion Show 2013