Whimsical Beauty

I just wanted to let people know to be on the lookout for this amazing shoe designer, Beatrix Ong. Her shoes are not the 'deathly' spikes of Louboutin but something a little more out there and full of whimsy. The shoes are expensive but wait till the sale if you feel like purchasing a pair, prices are often reduced by up to 70%. Her designs can be bought from her website, Carnaby Street store or some branches of Jaeger.

Do not underestimate the heel height of these! This is Ong's take on the Victorian boot completed with a 12.5cm heel...basically, nightmare to walk in.

Dress(underneath): Kate Moss for Topshop

Blouse: Camden Market

Tights: H&M

Fashion&Flesh by Z♥LDN (Join.My.Blog.) featuring Fendi

Soundtrack: OneRepublic - All The Right Moves

I Painted It Red

I picked up this jumpsuit on sale and it isn't very flattering but it makes me feel happy so I shall wear it with a smile. I'm now very much looking forward to Spring and an opportunity to wear mt red velvet wedges.

Jumpsuit: River Island

Shoes: H&M

Belt/necklace: Dorothy Perkins

Lips/nails: Rimmel

Soundtrack: Owl City - Fireflies

Mommy, Why Don't People Dress Up For The Theater?

On Tuesday, I had the pleasure of going to a play, An Inspector Calls. Even though it is not a huge theatre but something a little more intimate, still, in the heart of Leicester Square so I decided to at least wear a dress. What I discovered upon arriving there is that no body else bothered to get their glad rags on. It was all jeans and semi-casual tops and somehow I found that upsetting. In an age where there is a dress code only for the most exclusive of events surely people (women) would cherish every possibility of dressing up? So, yes, excuse the rather dodgy poses but I shall always dress up for the theatre.

Dress - Reiss, gloves - H&M

Hat Talk

Hats. Yes, it seems like a good time to talk about them. You know with autumn looming and all? I've always found hats to be slightly romanticized in their nature, maybe due to historic nostalgia that is exuded when one wears a hat or the numerous 'tortured' indie boys who walk arounf with fedora/bowler/tribly hats. Nevertheless on a woman they add something mysterious and unarguably stylish since very few actually wear hats nowadays. My prefered hats are berets and crochet beanie types but I am not opposed to a floppy-brimed one that covers my face and obstructs my vision.
To summarise: Try a hat!!! Give Me A Chance To Get It Right by Z♥LDN (Join.My.Blog.) featuring 3.1 Phillip Lim tops

Autumn Look

Following the Burberry Prorsum show that was filled with trench coats albeit not as fabulous as mine I still decided that it was time for my brand new trench to see the world and face the chilly weather of London. Everyone knows that a trench coat is one of the essentials of a fully-functioning wardrobe and I only got mine a few week back. When I headed for the shops I knew that I wanted a classic looking trench in that beigy/khaki colour that Burberry does so well. What skipped my mind is that being fair skinned comes with many challanges and on of them looking deathly in anything neutral. The classic-coloured trench blent in with my hair and gave my skin a trange sickly tint so off I reached for it's vibrant option which made so much more sense. The moral of that superlong story? Just because it's a classic don't assume it will look great. Just think how many different versions of LBDs are out there. Classis also doesn't have to mean dull so look for something that suits first!

Trench - H&M

Blog Updates: www.fashionflesh.blogspot.com by Z♥LDN (Join.My.Blog.) featuring Marc Jacobs bags

Simple Does It

So I'm getting a tad bored of posting about NY fashion week (I will carry on, I just need a break) so I decided to show you one of my all time favourite outfits. It doesn't look spectacular but to me it's as good as it gets. I like it because it has a simple elegance, understated sexiness and casual chicness.

Entire Outfit: H&M

Get The Look:

Simply Does It by Z♥LDN (Join.My.Blog.) featuring Louis Vuitton accessories

Strong Shoulder

For this look I experimented with how accessories can totally transform an outfit (not exactly groundbreaking news) and decided to take pictures along the way.
The starting point is a simplistic white dress with strong shoulder details that gives a great silhouette and balances proportions of the body and I also adore the hemline as it hits at a very good position on the thigh.

Step 1

The next stage is adding an understated skinny belt in a contrasting colour (Chanel inspiration). This dress does necessarily need a belt because it is body-conscious but in my opinion it breaks down the colour block and continues to add structure to the body.

Step 2

Lastly I complete the look with a statement necklace that has elements of Art Deco whilst adding a luxury element to the otherwise simple look. When the items are put together the look achieved is completely different from the end result taking the dress from modern simplicity to timeless elegance and it makes me feel like a fashion editor on her way to a fashion show which can only be a good thing!

Step 3

Stud Wars

Remember I told you that I got a casting for JC/DC? Well, to the casting I went. Yesterday in fact, on Fashion's Night Out.
Deciding what to wear was a tedious process since I wanted to look like it was just me being me but I also wanted to look thin since you know, they're looking for thin. I ended up wearing this indigo number adorned with studs and a super-short hem and pairing it with yet more studs in the form of my 5" heels. This look undoubtedly drew attention to me whilst I walked down Oxford and Regents street. Also the shoes just about killed my feet.
I walked into the store only to spot Roisin Murphy (she sounds unfamiliar but I guarantee you've seen her face) try on shoes with her larger than life stylist. I look lost and the shop assistant ask if I'm here for the casting. I say yes and she gets me to fill out a form. Now I wait.
Standing there I check out my 'competition' and spot a girl with her 'book' from Select models: pretty but I'm taller. A man with a big camera walks into the store and I catch him looking at me...Nerves are really kicking in.
I'm invited to go downstairs where I meet the casting director and she says: 'Get Zhenya into the dress, please. No! Wait...actually, give her the jumpsuit'. I go to the changing room and pray that the jumpsuit isn't a sample 0 size. I put it on and result! It's actually big! I am also given funky shoes and asked to walk before 5 people. I do as I'm told but now reflecting upon my walk it was atrocious considering the shoes were 2 sizes too big. The casting director takes a head shot and a full length one.
The male photographer then asks if I mind going back up to the store so he can take a few pictures and obviously I agree. He picks out a position with natural lighting and asks me to pose. I try. *Click, click* 'Good' he announces. 'And one more...That's great'.
I go back to the changing room and give them the jumpsuit (which was oh so cute in white cotton with colourfull poppers on the front and a wide belt). I thank everyone and leave, praying that they aren't too judgemental upon my walk.

My favourite pair of shoes!

My Look Book: September 3rd

I was looking through the images on my camera and discovered this one I took on Thursday. I was going out for lunch in central London to my favourite sushi place which happens to be right by the Vogue house where I get to spy on what the fashion crowd wears in the office! The outfit wasn't really planned, all I knew is that I wanted to take my new brogues out for a spin. The jumper dress is from next and channeling one of season's hottest hues, red, while my retro denim jacket is just a good way to keep warm.

River Island brogues - £25 I accessorised with lace tights, a rosary necklace and my favourite studed bag from DKNY.

P.S. If you're wondering what language the track is I can reveal that it is Ukrainian as indeed am I. They're a great band, Okean Elzy.
Get the Look:

http://www.polyvore.com/www.fashionflesh.blogspot.com/set?.mid=embed&id=11911177 by Z♥LDN (Join.My.Blog.) featuring Melissa shoes

My Look Book: September 2nd

Ok, it's important that you know that I didn't actually go out dressed like this! I was a little bored and wanted to try the look out and see just how 80's it is. I have worn the bra top out with some high waisted shorts (all Divided Exclusive) and a cardi and well...people in Oxford Street gave me a few dodgy looks. This could well be a party outfit if I want everyone to take notice...

A bra top is one of those trends that emerged on the catwalk and was then forced upon many teenagers by the means on TopShop, I got caught. Of course it's an impractical and fickle trend by I really like it and wearing it under see through blouses is a good wat to use in Autumn. The key to not looking like a street walker is to keep it casual (not exactly what I'm demonstrating in the photo). Putting a skirt, tights and a cardigan/blazer with it is your best bet. Also avoid heels to keep it on the right side of sexy.

http://www.polyvore.com/www.fashionflesh.blogspot.com/set?.mid=embed&id=11857381 by Z♥LDN (Read.My.Blog.) featuring GAP shoes

My Look Book: September 1st

Yesterday I got enough energy together to go shopping with a friend and while I didn't buy anything good at least I got to dress up. The looks is obviously inspired by Balmain and the top itself is actually from Zara, What you can't see well in the photo is that the shoulders not only have pads but are also beaded giving exta glam factor. I put a grey, stripe t-shirt from Topshop underneath since I was wearing leggings and didn't was my bum-bum to show! I wore a wasitbelt to balance the proportion and accessorised with a simple silver necklace, plack flats a purple bag (not in the picture). I even left my hair all natural as the models at the Balmian show.

My Style: September 3rd by Z♥LDN (Read.My.Blog.) featuring Repetto shoes

My Look Book

I only have until Friday to enjoy my freedom since college starts! Today I was being completely lazy and instead of being out there, shopping (because I have no idea what to wear to college) I stayed in and read my highly disturbing book (A Clockwork Orange if you're interested). I also managed to find a pair of retro Ralph Lauren jeans and cut them into my new favourite shorts. The shirt is H&M men, the belt is 'vintage look' from Primark and the socks are last year's from River Island. I'm not sure if I'd go out like this but the day I spent in my outfit was very cosy and warm.

My Style by Z♥LDN (Read.My.Blog.) featuring Forever21

Booties!

With Autumn loudly knocking at our doors and every glossy magazine flooding us with the latest fall trends I decided that it was a good time to go shopping. The shop of choice? Suprisingly, River Island. I was never really a fan but lately they ditched the UV vests and embraces ripped denim, studs and chunky knits.
I came across two pairs of boots that I fell in love with. This first pair is rather practical with it's colour and the buckles. I like it's industrial look and I will be able to pair them with 85% of my current clothes.

A lot of people remember these Chloe boots that emerged last year and even after all this time fashionistas are chasing these elusive shoes. Now I am not going to chase them because I can't afford them but I did find an alternative.

What a fabulous coicidence! I'm sure River Island came up with this totally original design by themselves and only then realised the similarities these boots share with the Chloe pair. Either way, I love them.

Now, my question: which pair do I choose?

My Look Book

This was a quick outfit I threw together for a family gathring. The dress is a vintage ebay find as is the locket that can't be seen that well and the second necklace is from a market in Camden.

www.fashionflesh.blogspot.com by Z♥LDN (Read.My.Blog.) featuring Jeffrey Campbell shoes

Inspirations

This collage was made by me on the numerous occassions of rainy days in London. Now, I would never take my scissors to Vogue or Elle but I will happily cut up the fabulous inserts that come with them like the ones that came with this month's style bibles. All my favourite looks and trends from the shows feature on this collage that has now found it's home on the inside door of my wardrobe therefore whenever I open looking for an outfit I can draw inspiration from it. Colourfull hoisery, sequins for daytime, over sized necklaces, big knits and THOSE shoulders - it just gives me something new to think about when I am getting dressed.

London's Gem

Nestled in the heart of London's posh area, Notting Hill, is a magical place by the name of Portobello Market. This place completely surreal due to numerous market stalls lining the streets as well as many little shops comfortably sitting on it's high street. Portobello is mainly a plave for independant boutiques and vintage stores but if you're after something more expensive, not that the vintage here is cheap, you can find Preen and What Katie Did alongside other designer gems.

This is a great shop for all your vintage jewellery needs: Dior, Lacroix and many other popular brands with afforadle prices.

My other reason to freaquently visit Portobello is it's Hummingbird Bakery, London's answer to Magnolia in Manhattan. The cafe is an amazing place to make a stop for coffee and sample the imaginative freshly baked cupcakes amongst other baked goodness. The bakery became famous for it's cupcakes and it's easy to see why. This particular specimen is 'Red Velvet' cupcake named after the vivid colour. Now, the simple outfit I wore when I went there. Cut off denim shorts paired with a floral cami, layered necklaces, a blazer and completed with a pair of gladiators.

My Scents

Scents play an important part in getting dressed and creating a look since scents have the ability to set the tone: a spritz of something rosy may inspire you to be romantic with your outfit or an edgy scent can add a different dimension to a simlistic look. It comes across as strange to talk about a scent as part of an outfit because it is not visible but it can make you feel good when you don't think you look it. Scents also have the ability to take you back to a particular place in your memory be it a holiday or a great party, it can remind you of people, places and emotion therefore to me perfume will always play a big part in my wardrobe.

'Scents On Shelf'

My Scents:

• Philosophy 'Falling in Love'
• Gucci 'Flora'
• DKNY 'Be Delicious'
• Kate Moss 'Velvet Hour'
• Calvin Klein 'Euphoria'
• Clarins 'Par Amour Toujour'
• Valentino 'V'
• Christian Lacroix 'C'est La Fete'
• Kate Moss 'Kate'
• Moschino 'Funny'
• Estee Lauder 'Sensuous'