Those Were The Days

On a rainy day autumn day, I thought to myself that I might get the old photos out.  I was bored and desperate.  Looking back to when you were a four year old kid living in the 90's with mummy dressing you, it wasn't the best of looks.  But damn sure it was fun and damn sure it was colourful.  Electric blue leopard print leggings, crazy patterned t-shirts and the little funky trainers that lit up on every step.  I also remember watching a video tape of me singing alone to my childhood favourites, Take That and wearing a pink polo shirt and dungarees with my natural peroxide blonde hair.
Other photos that I came across included fashions such as three quarter lengths denim jeans, dolly shoes, ponchos, baggy "Builder" jeans and Busted t-shirts.  I never use to be much of a fashion icon.  I use to think of myself as the a bit of a grunger wearing the two sizes too big jeans, oversizes t-shirts, trainers, no makeup and hair not attended to.
Even though I wouldn't be seen in any of these things now, these are the looks that get you to where you are today.  They create your own little fashion ugly ducking story.  The transformation is the most exciting part.  Although in 10 years I might look back on the photos of today and think, "What the hell am I wearing!"

I Heart New York.

One of my main ambitions in life is to visit NYC.  Fashion Week, Bloomingdales, Statue of Liberty, Central Park, SATC, Greenwich Village.  I want it all.  I've done Paris, but desperately want to go again.  I've done Milan.  But to be sucked into the New York scene for just a few days would be a dream come true.  I am doing a Fashion Moment on Edie Sedgewick and it has only made me obsessed with the city, (Edie Sedgewick is one of fashion idols).  I love London but New York is just the icing on the cake and in my opinion, the centre of the earth.  I would just park myself on a bench and watch the world go by.  Watch the bohemian girls in their baggy jeans, ugg boots and scarfs go and pick up their Starbucks and blueberry muffins - the business men rushing to Wall Street with their Armani suitcases on the subway - the yummy mummys pushing their prams with their Prada sunglasses firmly in place.  Watching Carrie Bradshaw and the girls in Sex and the City having lunch or shopping in Macy's just made me jealous.  So to end this fantasy blog, if anyone wants to buy me a plane ticket (first class if you're offering) then I would be very grateful.

Bye Bye Kate

The loving relationship that was Kate Moss and Topshop has now ended with the supermodel revealing her last full collection for the high street brand.
I think that Kate Moss was a positive thing for Topshop, although personally I never bought any of her pieces due to lack of funds.  Where I lived near Lincoln, Topshop was becoming less exciting, less original.  Topshop in Lincoln never had any of the "outside" designers in store so when we heard about the Kate Moss collection being local, it was needless to say an exciting moment.  It was a taste of London style yet posted all the way to Lincolnshire where fashion is not of any relevance. 
I remember a girl I knew practically running into Topshop when the collection was first in store and spending something like £60 on a sequinned jacket.
Now that Kate Moss will no longer be at Topshop, I don't think it's the end of the world.  There are so many newer, fresher faces to fill the gap and now living practically right next door to Oxford Street, there are so many other collections I can get my hands on.

Don't Look Back in Shock

A casual walk round town doesn't immediately spring up connations of being judged and glared at.  Well this very thing happened to me today.  Not knowing that I would obviously offend, I put on my feather headband (that I only bought 3 months ago may I add) as a little addition to my outfit and happily strolled into town.  I wasn't aware that this would turn into October Bitch Fest.
I walked past a group of girls that were clearly conscious of what they wore and made sure it was bang on trend.  Next thing I know, I hear "What the hell has she got on her head" and the phrase I never thought I would actually hear and have someone mean it, "That was so last month".  I say this a joke or sarcastic comment sometimes, but this actually takes the piss.  I wear a headband and suddenly I become some sort of fashion laughing stock not suitable to be out in public.
To be honest, I had a little chuckle and kept walking.  I will wear whatever I want and not have to be judged.  When I'm writing the next big trend, they will be sorry.

Here's a Story Kids

One of my favourite things about Vogue online is the "Today in History" page.  I love reading about fashion stories that happened whether in the recent past or many decades ago.  Some of these stories seem just like yesterday.  How does the time fly?

One piece that I read today, October 25, was that all the way back in 2001, Karl Lagerfeld co-wrote a book alongside his doctor, Dr Houdret about weightloss.  I have made it clear previously about what Lagerfeld feels on "regular size" models being used in magazines...it's not a positive one.

The book, named 3D was provoked by the Chanel designer losing a staggering 90 pounds over a period of under a year.
However much I love Karl, I don't think it's his place to write a diet book.  BUT the book was in fact mostly written by Lagerfeld's doctor.  This can be seen as the up side. 
If I could buy anything that had Karl Lagerfeld's name on it, believe I would.  But somehow, I don't think I would rush out and buy Karl Lagerfeld diet and health advice.  Sorry Karl.

Leg Love.

When it comes to autumn/winter, I think that my best item would have to be a good pair of tights.  They can make your legs seems slimming in a pair of black opaques, they can be colourful and cherry on a dull winter's day and the most practical reason, they keep you legs warm.
One of the more fabulous reasons is that you can find a good pair of tights for about £3.  However, there is the down side.  I recently bought a pair of tights from Primark, put them on and they fitted like a glove.  But after walking round town in them for about two minutes, the dreaded happened and the tights were what felt like round my ankles.  I hate hate hate having to yank tights up every few seconds.  Frankly, it ruins your day.  When I was a school girl, I had this very problem.  My answer?  Put the tights on and over the tights, my tight fitting P.E. shorts would go on.  No one can see this fashion faux par and plus it keeps your tights in the same position.
This season I'm particulary loving knitted tights.  They look and feel so cosy and now they are so easy to find on the high steet.  Here are a few of my favourite picks.
 Topshop floral wool tights £12

 Dorothy Perkins purple opaque tights £5

           River Island brown animal print tights £7.99


  Oasis heart print tights  £10

Damned Weather

You wake up in the morning and the sun is shining on a fine October day.  Confident you have selected the perfect outfit,  a pinny, lightweight yet snuggly hoody, denim jacket and tights, you walk outside to only find yourself saying..."Bloody hell, it's freezing!"
See it's this time of year when the weather plays trick or treat with how you dress.  Take today for example.  Stupidly I thought it would be a glorious, warm sunny day, no need to overdress but knowing there would still be a chill in the air.  Now i know that sun and blue skies does not always equal warmth.
My advice is to carry with you thin layers.  Thin layers are so much more practical than carrying round a huge woolen knit and more thin layers actually keeps you warmer than one chunky jumper.
Hats are always my favourite item for the autumn/winter season.  Whether is a thinly woven one, to a big fluffy one with a bobble on top, hats will always look good and keep you cosy where you are meant to lose the most body heat.
So, to sum up.  Buy hats.  Not just one but three or four and wear lots of thin layers to keep the winter chill at bay.

Lanvin 4 H&M

I am literally so excited for the collaboration between Lanvin and H&M in November.  The first pictures were released on Vogue online today and from what I can see, the collection looks absolutely gorgeous. 
It has all the characteristics of any Lanvin piece such as uber flattering feminine silhouettes and a love for the understated yet one of their dresses can cause a loud crowded room to become speechless.
When speaking about the joining of the two, Alber Elbaz, artistic director  of Lanvin said, "...we share the same philosophy, we are both trying to bring joy and beauty to men and women around the world."
The best part about this is that being a student, I can't afford to buy a genuine Lanvin piece, but this new collection allows me to indulge in Lanvin but with H&M prices.
With London right on my door step, I wonder where I will be come November 23.

Never Let Go...But Let Go of this Dress.

Carey Mulligan + Vionnet.  This should have been a perfect combination but somehow at the recent premiere of Never Let Go in Leicester Square, this match in made in fashion in heaven wasn't so heavenly.
I have always been a fan of Carey's sense of style - down-to-earth, cool and effortlessly stylish whether she means to be or not.
Vionnet from its origins with Madeleine Vionnet, has always been exceptionally creative and imaginative and held in high regard amongst the fashion elite.
But this Vionnet dress that Carey wore for this red carpet event seems like a little girl dressing in her mother's clothes.  I usually agree with Vogue, this time I have to go against the grain and say this is one of the worst dressed of the week.  I think that the colours completely wash her out, making her fair skin look even paler.  The zig zag pattern on the midriff section also happens to make her appear slightly bloated, a bad thing for such a skinny girl. 
This is not to say that Carey shouldn't give Vionnet another go, but this dress is definetely not on my desire list. 
This makes a stylish young girl look dowdy in simple terms.
 Picture - Vogue.

Vile Velour

How was I not aware that velour seems to be making a very unexpected and very unwelcome return to the high street.  Out shopping recently, I couldn't help but notice the velour or "crushed velvet" items that seem to have become fashion.  How anyone can see this is as attractive or a good look is beyond me.

 Evans crushed velevt leggings      http://www.evans.co.uk/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/TopCategoriesDisplay?storeId=12553&catalogId=33054

It might be considered a winter, Christmas feel material but still, there is just no excuse to put this on your body.

Marks and Spencer wide leg velour trousers   http://www.marksandspencer.com/

There were scarfs, hats, cardigans and bags even adorned with the look and feel of velour.  There is only one set of distinct characters that pull off the velour look and they just manage to do it - velour tracksuit clad Scouse girls.

Vintage Disaster

My ambition this autumn/winter was to treat myself to a faux fur coat.  I knew that buying one from the high street wouldn't be a cheap and wouldn't have that look thats says "I've been worn since before you were born" kinda look.
So when in Rome, well in this case Portobello Market, I seized the chance to snoop round the stalls selling fake fur coats and jackets and stiff out a good price. £40 was my limit.
Wandering around for 2 hours, I spotted a gorgeous black fur coat.  It gets better.  Faux? Check. Under the budget? Check. Fitted? Check.  It even looked vintage.
So I came home happy with my vintage fur coat for £20 from Portobello Market.  However this doesn't end happily. When I got home I looked inside to see the label only to my horror that the coat was from New Look! Hardly the vintage thrift shop store.  But I just love that coat so much.  Immediately scissors came to mind, and that label was cut out in a flash.
So if anyone asks me where the coat is from, the reply they will get is, "it's vintage darling."

UGGLY?

It's officially autumn which means it's offically ugg boot season again.  There are two sets of people when it comes to ugg boots.  Those who think that ugg boots are just damn plain fugly and would never be caught dead in them and those who wear them with pratically everything.

Ugg boots came to us from either Australia or New Zealand, (there seems to be a dispute over who can claim the credit).  The boots exploded in the States first when they became a fashion staple when celebrities such as Kate Hudson and Sarah Jessica Parker were seen wearing a pair.  This led to world wide fame for the boots.  Though originally made out of sheepskin, there are plenty of cheap, animal friendly versions.  Primark anyone?

Personally I like ugg boots but I'm not an obsessed, must wear them with every outfit kinda girl.  They look amazing with a comfy winter outfit with knitted tights and a scarf.  A pretty floral dress underneath a winter parka would also suit. But don't get me wrong, I don't like uggs with skinny jeans.  That's just uggly.

Note : if you're looking for a good pair of quality, genuine ugg boots, this is what you want - http://www.australianuggboots.com.au/uk/?gclid=COXgrMyOzaQCFU0_4wodTkbCWQ

Just Dandy

"One should either be a work of art or wear a work of art"  Oscar Wilde.

If you don't know what a dandy is by definition, then you will certainly know one when you see one.  A dandy is individual, feel they are highly valid within society but more importantly are concerned with the politics of dressing.
One of the first and most noted dandys in history is George "Beau" Brummell, literally famous for being famous, he was the first to take the polictical stance that "I am the most important".  Groomed, shaven and dressed to perfection, this is your typical dandy.
Living within an hour of London and being at a university predominately about fashion, there many dandys about. One in particular that caught my eye was a tall, slim fellow with blonde hair, braided round the top of his head wearing what i think was a "nurse uniform" blue skirt, jade colour tights and carrying a wicker handbag.  He looked like the type that wanted to make a statement. 
He may not be to everyone's taste, but he definetely was a work of art.

Chanel S/S 11 ctd

This is one of my favourite pieces from the Chanel spring/summer collection.  This navy blue knitted piece can be worn as an oversized jumper or long dress.  Rounded neck line and upward triangle hem at the bottom, this a variation on a simple ordinary jumper dress.  Not an overly summery look, you could still wear this on a crisp spring day walking through the park with a pair of opaque black tights and black leather ankle boots.  The leather gloves seem to be a key feature in this season's collections but always have a little twist.  This model wears a pair with zips but other include constructed holes and patterns cut into them. 

Chanel S/S 11

Today is the day when Karl Lagerfeld reveals his spring/summer collection for Chanel and personally, I couldn't be anymore excited.  Karl Lagerfeld is my favourite designer for the work that he has done with Chanel, now also my favourite label.
Chanel shows are considered pivotal moments in each Paris Fashion Week.  Last season, Lagerfeld put on a spectacular show for his autumn/winter collection using a real iceberg shipped over from Sweden. This time around, nobody knows what to expect from a designer who is always reinventing and creating masterpieces.
Lagerfeld started designing for the label in 1982 and is probably the best know designer for Chanel since Coco Chanel herself.  He is credited with bringing Chanel into the present day but still keeping the original Chanel sensibility and distinctiveness.  However, some have argued that the fashion house is more Lagerfeld than Coco.  I agree.  But this is a good thing.  Everything needs change and to be put into context with the modern day and that is exactly what Karl Lagerfeld is doing.
Let's just see what he brings us this time.

Camden v. Brick Lane

Now living in the south and within an hour of London, I have taken the opportunity to immerse myself in different types of London culture.  Originally from Lincolnshire, I used to only go to London as a tourist so I have already done Big Ben, The London Eye and Buckingham Palace.  I've even seen a few West End shows in my time.  That was all well and good.  Now actually living here, and studing fashion journalim, I wanted to see the more cultural sides our fine capital has to over.
Portobello Market.  Loved.  Oxford Street.  Adored.  But the real question is whether Camden Market is actually better than Brick Lane and Spitalfields Market.
Camden definetely has a vibe, a vibe that I really like.  More laid back than Portobello, (a good haggle is always worth a go there), Camden offers ultra cool, hip everythings.  Clothes, bags, jewellery, novelty gifts, candles, you name it and you will be bound to find it in Camden.  Whether it's in the market itself or down in The Stables, this little nook of London has a variety of very distinctive flavours.  On one street you find a goth wearing a black fitted corsets with huge, chunky laced up boots and hundreds of facial piercings and on another you will find a cute little vintage girl wearing fur and long cotton socks selling badges.
Brick Lane aka "Banglatown" (not my phrase), is a lot more vintage.  Everywhere you look there is vintage.  Everywhere you look is also food.  Mostly curries, you can easily find Spanish, Ethopian, French, Chinese and Mexican food so you never will be wondering what to have for lunch.
Both have similarities.  Both have trendy bars and clubs.  Both are individual.  Both you can find a good bargain.  But in my opinion, Camden is a clear winner.
But that might just be because the day I went to Brick Lane, was the day it never stopped raining.  Perhaps it's better in the sunshine.

Size 0. So last season?

Paris Fashion Week.  Probably the most anticipated event in the fashion calendar.  Always entertaining, always memorable and always changing.  For the second day of Paris Fashion Week saw plus size models going down the runway as well as former models and even more shocking, perhaps even scandalous, ordinary people picked off the street with no previous modelling background. 
I can only imagine Karl Lagerfeld's reaction to this.
It was he who commented on German magazine Bridgitte, hiring "normal" every day people to model the clothes in the magazine opposed to professional models, stating that he was outraged.  Julien Macdonald is another example who will be writhing in his Welsh boots.  He stated that if a plus size model won Britain's Next Top Model (on which he is a judge), it would be a disaster.
But with the likes of Balenciaga and Zac Posen adopting this new approach to fashion and their catwalks, will maybe Mr Lagerfeld and Mr Macdonald swallow their pride and follow suit or keep their oh so strong opinions.
I love change.
Isn't the fashion industry all about change and moving with the times?  Maybe the time is right to take on this new view that it doesn't have to be just a size 0, professional model that struts her stuff down the runway.