30/11/2010

Tomorrow is December

I actually have no idea how I got to December. Not because I have a reckless lifestyle and take major risks but because time keeps flowing as you're fixated on something small yet huge to you. I can clearly recall the days of summer I spent in Hampstead Heath in my denim cut-offs, tank tops and usually with a Frappuccino. I don't know if I miss summer, I miss the time of summer when I felt so carefree that time didn't matter. I didn't need a phone or a watch. What you did need is sunscreen. With winter it's different, you need a hat and a scarf, and tights (sometimes two pairs if you want to wear a dress). The season is beautiful but uncomfortable. I hate how my day is limited no only by multiple layers but also by a lack of light. I love the night only not the kind where the roads are frosted and I am in danger of slipping and breaking something. It quickly becomes mundane and routine: get out of bed and shiver, pull on a variation of jeans/trousers/jumper/over sized jumper/ankle boots. There aren't many ways to keep warm either. Hot chocolate becomes sickening and drinking hot mulled wine is frowned upon in college. This brings me, kind of, to my current favourite perfume: Tom Ford's Black Orchid. The scent is very delicious, a little like mulled wine but richer with a more complex nature of scent. Some may say that it's too mature or an evening fragrance but it does give me positivity on a day when I can't seen because snowflakes are in my eyes. It's very luxurious, so much so that a dull outfit feels more...charming? Well, something like that. I'm now looking to get some Tobacco&Vanille fragrance from his Private Blends Collection so if anyone wants to make happier, I'll give you an address you can send it to...

19/11/2010

I am spoiling you! Two blog posts in a day? Yeah, it's a slow evening, don't judge me. Here we have a selection of what I would love my autumn wardrobe to look like. Scroll through and pull items that you think might look good together, most of it is pretty easy to style. Enjoy. Get your own Mini Editor from Polyvore

I Don't Really Like To Title My Posts

So, basically, as everyone has now gathered, I've pretty much abandoned my blog. Why? I cannot answer. I just wanted to post some outfit ideas that would really work for the kind weather I'm experiencing. (London weather is freezing but sunny, anyone else?)
Give Me A Perfect Autumn Day
I'm finding longer lengths to be really versatile and they inject a summer feel (which I really need on some days). Pick prints as they work great with chunky knits that should keep you warm and remember to layer tights under super long skirts, it's warm and no one can tell...

02/09/2010

Oh...My...

Lanvin has confirmed a collboration with H&M. I need to go and lie down.

25/08/2010

Coincidences

Last week, I went to Paris. It was only for a day but it was amazing fun as I strolled along the Seine and ate cheese in some tiny Parisian cafe. Interestingly, when discussing outfits between me and my friends, we never really touched on the subject of bags and yet when we all met that very early morning, we all carrying a variation of a brown, leather bag. Maybe fashion influences us in ways that we can't even imagine but I like to think of it as being on the same wave-lengths as the people that understand you most.
Somehow, I ended up wearing an outfit that was almost entirely from Zara. This was no intentional. Dress/blazer/shoes: Zara. Brown leather doctor's bag: vintage.

20/08/2010

Oh, Fashion, You Make Me Laugh

The cation in the corner of these images reads: "For a woman by a woman."
It's advertised by an 18 year old girl, you know, just saying...

01/08/2010

The Woman

August has just began but Elle, Vogue and many other magazines have shifted focus from bikinis to boots. Stores have also flooded with all things camel (arguably the new season's hottest shade) so this brought a thought into my mind about something that is supposedly back. The Woman.
This calls for an explanation. 'The Woman' is a trend that was conjured up on the runways of Louis Vuitton and Prada. Other designers clearly made clothing for women however it was those two that somehow captured the essence of femininity. Both collections displayed subdued hues, midi-length, some sort of hourglass shape and frills. These things could be viewed as synonymously womanly. I just want to know why in the A/w10 we're still regressing to the past when looking for something feminine. Prada seems to tell me that some ruffles on my boobs will do the trick of enhancing not only my bust but also my view of what it is to be a woman. Louis Vuitton just pushes all that you have (in the chest area) upwards and puts it on display whilst pairing those kind of tops with flared out skirts albeit, sometimes, in leather which makes it more interesting. Another thing to annoy me? The claim by magazines, that have bitten, chewed, and spit out the designer messages, 'curves are back'. Trouble is, they're masquerading under this slogan because what they really want to say is 'it's okay to have boobs this season'. Designers should dictate fashion and not body shapes but that's a whole other article.
Back to the clothes now. We all know that the times are hard with the economic downturn and design houses also suffer so they're reverting to old tricks to try and showcase collections that connote better times. However the 50's and 60's had troubles of their own so are the designers really just following the trend set up by Mad Men? I have never seen the show but references in fashion magazines have allowed me to conjure up a pretty solid image of the aesthetic that the show sells: glamour and sex in the location of an office in the 60's. Marc Jacobs has admitted to watching Jersey Shore so I can forgive if he's keeping the inspiration for his Louis Vuitton collection secret in a bid to not look like he just copied. Muiccia Prada on the other hand said that she has never seen it so all hail coincidences, I guess? Fashion is shallow 90% percent of the time, admitting to it would help.

I don't think what that aesthetic of Mad Men presents is practical because times have moved on and I just can't see myself wearing a dress where my boobs are decorated and pushed up with a bit of my midriff also exposed. Maybe I can't comment on 'The Woman' trend because I'm still a girl but my intuition tells me that these collections were produced as a dress up for those looking to emulate some sort of past glamour. I just don't appreciate being told what it means to be a woman (girl) and how one should dress especially if its evocative of an era where a woman had to dress a particular way due to a lack of choice.

I decided to choose a few looks that I feel would represent the modern woman a lot better or at least fits it more with the idea of your own identity.

First up, it's Celine. Now, I don't work in an office and yet I appreciate just how amazingly well the clothes would look in a formal, business environment. The clean lines that accentuate the body without making any particular part jump out and the new use of leather. The simplicity of this look gives it sexiness and an edge. There's modesty in the skirt length but a leather top definitely pushes the boat to say that women in the 21st century are not afraid of unconventional fashion.

Micheal Kors delivered glamour, comfort and luxury all in the shade of camel. He made separates which could easily make their way into the wardrobe of women who could afford them. His collection looked practical due to the nature of individual pieces and yet none of them were overtly sexual. Each look had the right amount of chic without becoming dowdy or dull. I think it was the first time in my life I didn't mind an image of myself working in an office, only if I could wear that collection though...

Out of all the looks I saw (and I obsessively clicked through style.com as soon as each collection hit the web) Isabel Marant was the one that actually made me feel something. You see, it's difficult to describe but as I flipped between the images, I had this innate inner sense of 'this is what the woman of today looks like'. I realise that all women look differently and still, it felt like every piece had a purpose. I found it strange how Marant's designs made me think of someone feminine yet strong. The looks just feel so easy going with great styling. There's no forced sexiness or attempt at modesty that's evident in corset like garments or cleverly placed ruffles. Marant made clothes for women with comfort in mind without taking away style. I never thought that exposure of the ankle via cropped jeans could be so cool.

I want to live in Isabel Marant's world. I want to be the woman that can choose to either wear a skirt or a dress or a pair of jeans without compromising my feminine side. I want to look effortless and pulled together. I want clothes that represent choice and don't force stale ideas of sexuality upon me. As I said before, maybe at seventeen I am too young to understand 'The Woman' but I know which woman I would like to be.

27/07/2010

Different Shades Of The Same Girl

Today I got to thinking about the importance and influence of hair colour on one's life. This was triggered by an article that I read in last month's (I think) British Elle. The article was written by a woman who dyed her hair from blonde to brunette. She went on to describe that she was happy because she no longer looked trashy in leopard print but builders stopped wolf-whistling at her so not all was good in brunette city.
At first I thought 'How dramatic' but after some consideration I realised how much my own hair colour affects me. I am naturally dark blonde and for about the past three years have been getting blonde champagne blonde high lights all over which brings me closer to the hair colour I actually desire (like Natasha Poly's) but don't have the guts to get. Bleaching my entire hair is a tad extreme for me. I love my hair that way and it's not because 'blondes have more fun' but because in my mind, I am supposed to be blonde therefore I feel my most comfortable and confident at that shade.

It is a hassle to keep up with all the highlights, it takes about three hours every eight weeks and it takes quite a bit of money. Money has to be spent on the actual hairdressing as well as products because peroxide doesn't make hair pretty. So, at the end of June, I marched into Superdrug and picked up two boxes of light brown hair dye. I applied it the following evening. That was it, years of being blonde was erased by twenty minutes of questionable hair dye. I looked in he mirror and saw a stranger. I looked paler but didn't mind it. The hair looked good but I felt strange. The next day I wore my leopard print jumpsuit together with my newly brown hair (Karlie Kloss shade) and maybe by coincidence didn't attract as much attention as I usually do. You see, that makes me sounds like I'm attention seeking. That's not it, it was just an indication that I was now someone else. Anyone but me.

The brown washed off slowly revealing small traces of my highlights. I had the choice of making an appointment with my hairdresser or grabbing another box of dye. I went shopping. I looked to Casting Creme Gloss to find me a suitable shade and came across 'Sweet Honey'. It promised to bring out my eyes and add golden tones to my hair. The shade itself could be described as golden blonde so I grabbed that and ran home. There's a strange kind of excitement attached to changing one's hair colour and if you do it yourself, an element of danger too. I should tell you that as I type this, I have kind of gingery hair colour a la Vlada which was unexpected. The 'Sweet Honey' did not turn out as expected and yet again, I wasn't disappointed since my skin suits the colour and my green eyes look yet greener.

Why is it then that I want to call my hair dresser, begging for an appointment to get a full head of blonde highlights? It has to be a strange psychological attachment that I have to my old hair colour, to my old character. Sure, I may be over thinking the whole hair colour thing but I am free to do so. The moral of this story is two-fold: get your hair done professionally and really think before doing so.

20/07/2010

The Issue Of Size, Yes, Really

This isn't news to anybody but I was really angered by it last week hence the blogpost even thought I've pretty much abandoned my blog. Clothes shopping is usually fun, sometimes stressful and sometimes downright frustrating. This is made possible by the useless numbers stores print on their labels. I shall tell you a story. I wear size 8-10 which translates to 34-36 or a 'S'. I thought that this meant when I walk into a store, I can consult those indicators, buy and wear garments. Now, tops and dresses aren't really the offenders here. Trousers on the other hand are pure hell. I HATE YOU. Last week I ordered myself a pair of floral print skinny jeans from Miss Selfridge and went for my usual size 10 since that's the size I am in Topshop and they're sister companies, so you know, there's logic there. My jeans arrive and put them on only to realise that there's no way they're zipping up. Returned. Got a size 12. All is now good. A sale at United Colours of Benetton (not my usual shopping spot but it's a sale) prompted me to purchase a pair of raspberry coloured jeans. They looked quite small in store so I went for a 38 which is a 12 (not my actual size). Tried them on at home to find that getting them past my thighs is a problem. Returned. Actually, exchanged for a 42 and that's the UK equivalent of a size 16... I can continue but you will get bored. Sizes in stores are terrible and maybe that explains why I mostly buy my trousers from H&M who have been the only store to be consistent with sizing regardless of style. In Dorothy Perkins I have to get a size 8 because they're cut larger and Zara manages to make me feel constantly fat with an M feeling very snug around my hips. The point to all this is that fashion should be a tool to make you feel good about yourself. Sometimes I like to buy something pretty just because I'm feeling down however the effect is reversed when I have to buy a larger size. This isn't particularly about one size being 'fat' as opposed to another but it's not healthy for one's psyche. I am a certain size and would like to wear that size. Sure, cut out the label and all that, it sticks in your mind. I had a theory that perhaps stores like Zara and Benetton don't want certain sizes shopping in their stores and that's why their range is so limited. We all know that designers are 'Sizeist' and they're free to be so I guess. The high street cannot afford to do this because of their customer demographic and trust me I will think twice before buying trousers from Benetton ever again.

03/07/2010

And What Do You Know?

Hello? Is anyone actually there? Hello?!?! Please....Anyone? I'm being a tad dramatic but after such a long break from blogging I don't actually expect anyone to still care about my writing. I've been on a strange fashion lull, that's not to say that I've avoided fashion magazines or shops, I just haven't felt any real pull towards it. Collections floated by me and I couldn't care less. It was strange. However, my Vogue (British) arrived in the mail today. Once again, no excitement swept over me as I glanced at its slightly bland cover albeit with the lovely Freja on it. I started turning the pages and something magical started happening, as if all the colours and pretty metaphors lifted off the page and I inhaled them causing a fashion revolution inside my brain. I genuinely felt inspired as I turned the glossy pages and witnessed the new season take shape before my eyes.
I wanted to start with a post on the Gucci pre-fall campaign. That image just makes me want to live it, it's probably one of the only times I've really understood what the phrase 'buying into the lifestyle' means. The scene is so idyllic with the lounging beauties, sleek clothes, vintage car and elegant man. Clearly, this is as far removed from reality as possible, because lying on a car cannot be that comfortable and yet somehow, maybe if I purchased that dress I could live like that too? Dreaming is healthy, I won't hear anything otherwise.

25/04/2010

Pensive

I'm really lacking style inspiration as of lately. Whenever I peer into my wardrobe I get a sense of longing for a sheer, swallow-print Miu Miu blouse, a chiffon Givenchy dress or one of Prada's silky jackets. *LOUD SIGH* That won't happen, probably ever. So, I was surprised at how much the following images delighted my style instinct. The look is faultless: florals, lace, colour, rings...If I see this girl on the street, I will rob her of that outfit. Be warned.

23/04/2010

Material Possessions: You Don't Actually Need But No One Stops You Lusting

I really love this image. I want to have all the items in it. It sums up the kind of lustful obsession that we have with certain fashion items and nothing is better at illustrating that point than the Mulberry Alexa or the amazing Miu Miu shoes. At least I already have the Chloe perfume, the rest will surely follow (!)

20/04/2010

Tattoos Are No Longer Permanent, Words Still Are

I really do love tattoos. I think as long as they're tasteful and meaningful, there shouldn't be a reason not to get one. I also love seeing them photographed, it almost brings the idea of a tattoo to a higher realm and somewhat removing the negative connotations that can sometimes be ascribed to them. These tattoos are not my taste but I can appreciate the beauty of them.

16/04/2010

The Sun Is Out But I'm Still In Shivers

ARRGGH! This inbetween-season confusion is not fun. One minute, when the sun is out, it's lovely and warm, then the wind appears from no where and you find yourself freezing in a chiffon dress and a denim jacket. So, this bring me to...trench coats. I know, it's an obvious choice but seriously, they're lifesavers. They're light enough to just carry on your arm and are long enough, in most instances, to cover the whole outfit so you don't have to worry about matching it. Also, lace and denim? I was afraid it's a little too 80's but it seems when worn with other very non-80's items, it can look both: cute and sophisticated. The one is the set is a D&G but I think a DIY project could produce something very similar (much cheaper too). I'm Beginning To Miss Him I'm Beginning To Miss Him by Z♥LDN (Join.My.Blog.) featuring Burberry coats P.S. The picture of Ed Westwick is purely for my enjoyment.

10/04/2010

You Make Me Feel...Something

I don't know what it is exactly but these images kind of sum up London summer style. The careless pairing of denim and lace would look perfect somewhere on Portobello Road.

30/03/2010

In This City, We Need New Perspectives

This post is a follow up from yesterdays musings on palm prints I decided to see how I could make them work in the current greyness of London. Tell me what you think.

29/03/2010

Got A Secret, Can You Keep It?

I shan't apologise for my long absence as life (read: coursework) has been the main occupant of my mind. However, I need to tell you that I have been brainwashed or perhaps just socially conditioned. I do not remember the last time Prada showed a collection that hasn't received rave reviews; when I first saw the palm prints, instant hatred flared inside. Few weeks later? I'm a little bit in love. 'Why?' I hear you cry. Possibly because it's a reminder of a simpler, more laid back lifestyle. Actually, it just looks quite pretty.
If you, like me, would like some tropical prints try Topshop as so far it's the only place I've seen that has done a semi-original yet Prada inspired print.
P.S. I'm also currently loving Rude Boy by Rihanna and Pass Out by Tinie Tempah. Suprisingly, I have not fallen and hurt my head :/

12/03/2010

Women Don't Want To Hear What You Think. Women Want To Hear What They Think - In A Deeper Voice.

I'm lost for words as of lately so I'll keep this short and illustrate my point with pictures instead. I've been crushing on the pale shade of blue, denim and the idea of spring which would allow me to burn my winter coat. The following outfits just scream spring to me and I really hope to wear something similar in the coming months.
It's 5 O'clock In The Morning, Conversation Got Boring It's 5 O'clock In The Morning, Conversation Got Boring by Z♥LDN (Join.My.Blog.) featuring DKNY outerwear Slow Down, Lie Down Slow Down, Lie Down by Z♥LDN (Join.My.Blog.) featuring Miu Miu bags Hope It Gives You Hell Hope It Gives You Hell by Z♥LDN (Join.My.Blog.) featuring Mulberry bags
Soundtrack: The Cave by Mumford & Sons

27/02/2010

Start To Run Into The Trees

I recently did a photoshoot for an up and coming magazine. The shoor took place in South-East London on a freezing Saturday morning in the middle of the woods. The hair and make up were inspired by Luella S/S 10 and the shoot itself, to me, was reminiscent of Mulberry's 09 campaign.
All clothes & accessories: Vintage

18/02/2010

I Haven't Thought Of You Lately At All

recently, I've found myself to be quite detached from fashion. I've been shopping and looked at all the latest offerings from New York fashion week and I still cannot connect to it like I did last season. The reason to me is obvious and I don't want to keep talking about it but it changed the view I have on fashion, maybe not for long but certainly for now.
I decided to not do what I usually do (review quite a few shows from each fashion week) but just go with it. If there's something nice I'll post it, I don't have much time or care for negativity. This thought brought me right to Proenza Schouler and their departure from the nu-rave-surf aesthetic into a grown-up school chic. When I first saw the collection I immediately though of Taylor Momsen with her love for thigh-highs, gothic lips and bleach hair: all elements combines on the catwalk created a great look. As for the clothes, simplicity ruled with statement scribble print that added a care-free element to the otherwise stern outfits. This collection is exactly what I want to wear today and not next season as it incorporates style and a sort of warmth without compromise on flirtiness and comfort (as long as we discard the hosiery that is).

11/02/2010

This Is The Beginning Of What Will Mark The End

No amount of words or clever metaphors can come close to describing how sad Lee McQueen's death is, not just to the fashion world and his family but also to individuals that truly admired his work and him as a person. He was the most talented British designer. I, amongst others, loved every creation thought up by his wonderfully strange mind.

05/02/2010

It Was Not Your Fault But Mine And It Was Your Heart On The Line

It took a long time but I'm finally here. Indeed, it's time for me to tell why I disliked, well, Chanel. I understand that saying you don't like Chanel is like saying air isn't necessary for life in the fashion world but their couture show was just so...blah. Do you wonder what Coco Chanel would say about her brand now? Sure, it's about evolving with the times except it needs to remain, at least, nice. For the first time in my fashion life (around 3 years) have I had negative thoughts towards Chanel and to be honest this collection just pissed me off. It floated somewhere between dowdy and Lolita land whilst the fabric, in many cases, remained stiff. Some looks were OK but usually it's the majority that's a highlight whilst 1 or 2 are bloopers. Take Exhibit A, the model looks fat and she's half my size. Wearability points? None. I have to stop because I can taste the venom on my lips...However, the hair was kind of cute.
Exhibit A
What happened here?!? This is Valentino! To start with, it looked like Herve Leger pret-a-porter and why on earth would Valentino, the brand the designer himself (obviously), do that? Gone is the glamour and understated beauty; it's been replaced with sherbet coloured mummy-bandages. I was genuinely upset to discover that this is the direction Valentino will be headed in. I applauded their ready-to-wear but thought that couture would remain true to the house's history. Clearly it's out with the old and in with the new.