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.

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.

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.

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 (!)

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.

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 by Z♥LDN (Join.My.Blog.) featuring Burberry coats P.S. The picture of Ed Westwick is purely for my enjoyment.

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.