My current work encapsulates the other-world aesthetic of our young (and our youth), mixing memory and feeling with inspiration from the natural world, fashion, literature, music and film, a word, a phrase, a feeling or a friend. I draw using graphite and finish with water colour to define the composition.

For details on how / where to buy Leanne’s prints visit her website here.

Her collection of sweet French-made linen soft furnishings titled ‘La Cerise sur le Gâteau’ (or The Icing on the Cake) will bring a summery playful vibe to your home – tres chic!

The cushions are £50-60 and available in-store and online.

Images: Coco Amardeil

Join us for the Fused and Urban Outfitters Student Lockdown on Thursday 30th September. Receive 20% off clothing while listening to the Bigger than Barry DJ’s and get a goody bag (when you buy an item) with your new copy of the Fused issue. The event starts from 5pm – 8pm and there is no need to RSVP just turn up. See you there…

Get a massive 20% discount and enjoy some music from the Bigger Than Barry boys as well as wine from Barefoot and, for the first lucky customers, a goody bag!

No need to RSVP just turn up!

An ordinary closure becomes the latest designer decorative muse. So you may usually be on the defensive when told to to zip it – but this summer, it’s a style directive you’ll definitely want to follow. Yes, it’s time to put a zip in it and channel Siouxsie Sioux circa 1977. Zippers are popping up in some pretty unexpected places, and the effect is a tough-chic look almost anyone looks good in. Who’d have though that the humble fastening could this much of a stir?

When edgy punks stormed the catwalks of Spring/Summer ‘09 the key feature on almost every piece was the zip. A slew of celebrity hipsters have embraced the look zipping up in tailored looks with chunky fasteners. Zips have been spotted everywhere on the runways from Peter Pilotto to Phillip Lim. Alexander Wang sent his models down the catwalk dressed in a reconstructed off-duty style.

At Balmain, the look was pure glam punk with zipped up jeans and chainmail a-go-go. While at Yves Saint Laurent, Stefano Pilati went all-out ziptastic with chunky brass zips cutting through coats and skirts, oversize zip teeth on platform boots and ruffled zip clutches. You needn’t go all out, just use zips to give a renewed edge to your style and toughen up classic pieces like jumper dresses, boots and jackets. (Below: Zip sweatshirt, £42, Urban Outfitters).

Despite its pure functionality, the zip effect is in fact one of the oldest fashion tricks in the book. Not only is it a quick and handy way to bring definition and shape to almost any garment, it’s clean industrial look renders it a striking staple in its own right among punks and avant guardians alike. Even the simplest basics get a cool dose of downtown edge with the addition of an exposed zip. When working the zip effect, ensure that you keep things simple: With diagonal front zips don’t confuse things by adding long necklaces – let the zip take pride of place. On the same point, avoid metallic accessories and stick to block colour separates as an exposed zip is enough metalwork. (Zip vent minidress, £25, Lipsy / Zip front satin vest top £22 and Denim zip dress, £45 Miss Selfridge)

This is clearly a trend with an, ahem, zip code set to stay on our fashion radar. Jean-Charles de Castelbajac’s Autumun/Winter ‘09 show featured zip sleeves, skirts and pockets – and they were all on one dress. (Below: Tiered zip crop top, £25, Topshop)

Top image: Striped zip front dress, £32, Topshop / Zip front slouch bag, £25, Dorothy Perkins / Zip front boycon tunic, £32, Topshop.

Words: Megan McCluskie

Convenient (step in, zip up, and go!) and inconvenient (best to have a friend for trips to the bathroom) in equal parts, the jumpsuit is back on our fashion radar. Yes, while we once thought that it took a strongly fashion-forward woman to wear a jumpsuit, it’s now clear that it just takes a smart one. With even the most fervent romper-hater reconsidering their stance, why not bring out your bold side this season with the jumpsuit?

Jumpsuits have long been lurking on catwalks and in stores and show no signs of fading away. This season was no exception: From the fashion houses of Prada to Phillip Lim and Derek Lam to Dolce & Gabbana, the international runways were awash with this simple solution to fashion dressing. Various incarnations in the Spring/Summer ’09 collections ranged from shimmering evening silk to super-tight body con, and to utility cotton. Jumpsuits are now here to stay in full-length glory, and their shorter cousin, the playsuit, is also an ubiquitous trend. With a revival now in full swing, it’s time to embrace the onesie as a multi-faceted and multi-functional part of your wardrobe this summer.

You’ll find the humble jumpsuit has been reinvented to incorporate the best of this season’s trends. Be it voluminous and draped or sleek and sexy, jumpsuits have a new twist this season. New cuts take on a long lean look with on-trend cropped lengths and asymmetric, strapless, cowl and halter necklines. For day, short playsuits run the gauntlet from denim and flirty floral prints to popping brights and sleek sportswear inspired pieces. Add a slouchy boyfriend jacket and wedges for a chic city look. For a polished and pretty evening look, try full length versions in soft and fluid draped styles which channel the 1970s. Just add towering strappy sandals and statement jewellery.

Jumpsuits give you a long, lean line but if you are petite, try adding more visual height with a heel (stacked platforms tend to look best). If you don’t have skyscraper legs then save this season’s studded gladiator sandals for short-style jumpsuits. A V-neck or plunge-neckline will also give the impression of elongating the body. Experiment with varying styles for the jumpsuit remains one of the most versatile fashion silhouettes. A jumpsuit makes a statement so keep the look clean with minimal accessories. This is one look that may require finishing touches otherwise there is the risk of looking like a mechanic. Belt yours at the waist and turn up the legs if you think it’s too car mechanic.

So, keep it long and sleek for evening or short for a chic daywear style, but whatever you do embrace the jumpsuit to show off your finite fashionista credentials.

Words: Megan McCluskie

Strappy Floral Playsuit, £38, Silk All-in-One Jumpsuit, £38, One Shoulder Playsuit, £38, Topshop
One Shoulder Jumpsuit, £35, Dorothy Perkins
Denim zip short playsuit, £45, Miss Selfridge
Belize floral jersey onesie, £32 / Rapscallion by Sam Pleet Military Bustier Onesie, £65 Urban Outfitters

The spring/summer catwalks were bursting with rainbow and neon brights: Endless colour clashes were spotted at Alexander Wang, Dior, Richard Nicoll, Moschino and Sinha-Stanic. Front Row denizens Diane Kruger, Alexandra Richards and Lindsay Lohan have all been quick to get into the act wearing the same Alexander Wang number.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with unexpected combinations – just remember to choose fluid silhouettes. Try mixing fiery oranges and canary yellows with regal purples, or contrast lime greens with fuchsia and candy pinks for show-stopping looks. And whilst you may think that only black is slimming, bright colour blocking can also be a fabulous figure fixer: Look for colourful body-hugging frocks with dark panels running down either side – they act as an instant optical illusion slimming trick. Colour blocking adds definition to all outfits so keep the rest of your look simple. We suggest sticking to a maximum of three colours to avoid looking like a Fruit Pastille ice lolly.

Don’t panic if you’re too colour shy to dabble in daring brights: If you don’t want to colour clash your look try working in different hues of the same shade to hit the nail on the head. You can easily brighten up your act with block colour accessories. Go back to black with your outfit and let your accessories do the work with a clutch, bangles or shoes that tick the block colour trend. Try flipping the trend around and wear bright tights with a pared down dress. Why not dare to wear colour clashing clothing this summer?

Words: Megan McCluskie

One Shoulder Colour Block Dress, £38, Topshop
Colour Block Dress, £12 / Colour Block Clutch, £18, Dorothy Perkins
Colour Block Hard Clutch, £19.75, ASOS, www.asos.com
One Shoulder Colour Block Top, £24.50, Topshop
Colour Block Vest Dress, £20, Miss Selfridge
Free People Rainbow Stripe Top, £40, Urban Outfitters

With the onset of summer it’s no surprise that seasonal florals rear their head once again. However, this season sees a new take on the look as spring has sprung with a new posy of floral prints in eye-popping colours that bloom bigger, brighter and bolder. From traditional prints to more abstract designs, vibrant and brash florals feature in the collections of Alexander McQueen, Luella, and See by Chloé (below left image). With even Kate Moss adding more fashion clout to her current Topshop collection (above) by teaming with Liberty’s print designers – they of the iconic florals – we can be sure to see the floral trend in full bloom this summer.

If you’re interested in creating a memorable floral-centric fashion moment of your own that is daring and darling (without looking sickeningly saccharine), there are a few basic guidelines to follow.

First of all, colour is key: While faded florals are gracing everything from maxi-dresses to smock tops this summer, it’s the colour popping blooms that are really stealing the show. Opt for vivid hues in candy pinks, fiery oranges, canary yellows and bright blues. Just ensure your bright floral patterns aren’t too frenetic and perhaps leave it only to the daring fashion-forward to mix florals with stripes and plaids.

If all this petal power is a bit overpowering, you can tone down striking shapes with simple accessories and team bold floral print skirts with plain cotton tees. Indeed, while these big, vibrant, bucolic prints favour the brave you can still ground your choice by teaming prints with black separates (and the ever reliable black opaque tights). Try wearing cinch dresses with wide belts to give them a neater hour-glass silhouette. And remember that florals should always be worn above the knee; anything calf-length immediately looks like an outfit fit for a meeting at the WI – marvellous maxi dresses notwithstanding. Nor need florals be ditzy and whimsical – adding denim, a masculine blazer, studded heels or biker boots instantly give an outfit edge.

Check out our selection of florals that don’t favour shrinking violets:
Rose Bandeau Dress (middle image), £35, Dorothy Perkins, www.dorothyperkins.co.uk
Miami Floral Bodycon Dress (top image), £30, Topshop, www.topshop.com
Silk Floral Print Dress (left image), £325, See by Chloé, www.net-a-porter.com
Floral Tulip Skirt (right image), £35, Urban Outfitters, www.urbanoutfitters.co.uk

Words: Megan McCluskie

The Fused Bar at Urban Outfitters

Once again Fused is teaming up with Urban Outfitters in Birmingham to give lucky shoppers the chance to get your Xmas pressies in early with a 20% discount offer. From 5.00pm – 10.00pm on Thursday 27th November come along and get 20% off everything you buy.

Barefoot wine are supplying the drinks and Bigger Than Barry the tunes and the first lucky shoppers will also get a Goody Bag so get there early.

Date: Thursday 27th November
Time: 5pm-10pm
Address: 5-7 Corporation Street, Birmingham
Phone: 0121 633 2920

No need to RSVP just turn up with your mates.

Queue Outside Urban in October