Headed for the Business Design Centre, Islington and excited about the day ahead.   The inaugural Stylist Live event – or in SYW’s view the chance to jump straight into a live copy of one of our favourite publications.

As a massive Stylist fan (I was bereft when I no longer go the train in the time pre online version and the app and would beg and borrow others’ copies) I would happily pay for Stylist over a lot of the other monthly/weekly glossies out there. The reason? Great content, aimed squarely at the type of person I am, without pigeonholing me. Yes, I want to know the latest trends and fashion but I’m equally interested in culture, opinion, real stories and world events. Billed as an urban festival, Stylist Live had grabbed me (much like the magazine) as different to other exhibitions/live events. With its focus being on a variety of content from fashion to food to learning and the chance to interact with interesting people including the brilliant bunch behind Stylist Magazine. I was certainly not left disappointed by the promised “stepping into the pages” experience.

The distinctive Stylist logo outside the venue in big block letters made an arresting image on arrival and bode well for things to come. After collecting my free bag & bubbly (why thank you), I was delighted to find two areas designated for taking photos styled against a background to look as though on the magazine’s front cover. Even better I managed to ask someone to do the honours behind the camera as I was on my own.

After a brief meander (a.k.a scoping out the shopping opportunities), I headed to the learning labs – the areas given over to talks/lectures on a variety of matters from journalism to public speaking to setting up your own supper club. Turned out I was much too late to get into the 1.15pm or 1.30pm sessions (“How to start a business for £100”, whilst I have already set the business up – I was interested in the tech side of the talk & ”How to pitch a magazine feature” for my inner journalistic streak). Luckily I was able to get to the front of the queue for the talk I was most looking forward to -“How to be a Fashion Stylist” delivered by Stylist’s own Fashion Director – Alexandra Fullerton.

What better way to benefit from the wisdom than someone in the profession at the top of their game? Alexandra’s talk was insightful and instructive whilst being very realistic about the work involved in her job. Alexandra was very down to earth, so not quite was I was expecting and was very refreshing. Her answers to audience Q&A actually addressed the question posed (so many times this doesn’t actually happen). Although the question I really wanted to ask was where her leather leggings were from! The thing I took from her talk was embrace every opportunity that comes your way, be prepared to work hard and be determined. It boosted my confidence to know she didn’t think you necessarily had to have had a background in fashion to be successful in the field. As she explained if you are dedicated in one field it’s likely that you can transfer those skills as long as you apply yourself to gaining relevant knowledge and experience. Definitely worth queuing for. (Side Bar: the queues for the learning labs were causing a lot of consternation, but as it is only the first year I’m sure this is something that will be addressed at any future events given their popularity. Gave me time for some great aerial views and to spy the CrossTown Doughnut stand).

Next stop – the catwalk for the season’s trends, via a sugar hit with a Cross Town Seven Berries Doughnut. I managed to snag a great seat. As we went from Sweet and Sour through to 80’s Glam by way of Period Drama, I found a lot of looks that appealed both personally and ones I know clients will covet. It was refreshing to see not only brands that are accessible but also put together in a way real women would wear them.  Favourite picks came from Sweet & Sour, not a surprise as we rely a lot on colour in our wardrobe to add cheer to grey days.

Post fashion fix, a food fix – SYW headed to Delancey & Co for an NYC inspired lunch, hoping to pretend to be back in the City itself. Opted for the Big Bird – Smoked turkey, shredded iceberg, tomato, pickle, mustard – accompanied by a caffeine hit from Grind – just what I needed to power me up for the next activity – shopping!

Instead of the usual exhibition fare of stand after stand hard selling the same items, there was a great mix of independents anchored by some larger names.   I was making a beeline for BOB by Dawn O’Porter, especially after seeing her gorgeous outfit when she introduced Alexandra Fullerton.

But so much to see on the way, gorgeous coats at Helene Berman and to die for stationery at Post to name a couple. Interest really piqued though at By Grace Ambrose – Her stunning and unusual origami inspired necklaces in bold vibrant colours set in a boudoir themed stand really stood out. I can’t really describe the necklaces and do them justice so head to her website to see more. The beauty for me was in the simplicity of the product and in getting to chat to Grace herself.   I can’t wait to wear the new emerald green necklace I walked away with.

Finally made it to BOB’s stand. So many gorgeous pieces but fell head over heels with this slinky glitter 80’s inspired jumpsuit.

I will be wearing it as an outfit in its own right, with a tux jacket to an upcoming black tie wedding and also am seeing it styled with a cosy oversize jumper and boots for that perfect Saturday outfit –for when you don’t know where your day/eve will lead! Come to think of it, our new necklace will go perfectly.

Shopped out – time for the Stylist Inspires stage to find out what we will be eating in 2016 from Yotam Ottolenghi and Ramael Scully. Despite the kind of menus dreamt up by this team and at NOPI not being for me (due to the prevalence of spice) I found this talk hugely enjoyable. To hear two people who were just so passionate about food and what they do was so interesting and inspiring. Whilst I don’t think the title of the session really reflected the content, I could have simply listened to them discuss their world and engage in witty banter all night. It should have also carried a warning – “ you will leave this session starving!”

With the day drawing to a close I just had time to play dress up at Swarovski. Getting to try some of their pieces and then show them off in what I thought would be a photo but turned out to be a 7 second video – not sure about the outcome but see what you think.

I was very impressed with Stylist Live, I left brimming with ideas, inspiration and of course shopping bags. Well done to all the Stylist Team and everyone who made it happen, you could see the hard work that had gone into the event – roll on next year when no doubt it will be even better.