Monday 2 March 2015

The Seasons Changed - OOTD


Duster Coat / Jacket grunge styling

Duster Coat / Jacket grunge styling

Duster Coat / Jacket grunge styling

Duster Coat / Jacket grunge styling


Duster Coat / Jacket grunge styling

Duster Coat / Jacket grunge styling

Duster Coat / Jacket grunge styling

Duster Coat / Jacket grunge styling

Duster Coat / Jacket grunge styling

Duster Coat / Jacket grunge styling

Duster Coat / Jacket grunge styling
Yay for warmer weather! 
I know it's not Summer temperatures yet, but I'm at that stage where I feel I can swap my fur coats for something a bit lighter. 
Beanie Hat - Primark
Eclipse Necklace - Rogue and the Wolf
Ribbed High Neck Top - New Look
Duster Coat - Primark
Check Shorts - Boohoo.com
Thigh High Socks - Asos
Boots - Asos
Rucksack - New Look

I recently purchased these plaid shorts in the sale from Boohoo.com and had been really looking forward to styling them. 

I see this OOTD as a transition outfit from Winter to Spring; I've paired the shorts with sheer tights and knee high socks over the top, something I've actually started doing quite a lot recently. I just love the school girl vibes that it brings, without it being too risque.

Both the grey top and duster coat have been staple buys for me. I realised recently that I'm extremely low on basics, especially for this kind of weather, so I went exploring in New Look, which is jam packed with reasonable yet good quality basics right now. Tops like this go with so much and are a great way of building up a capsule wardrobe (I'll get there one day). 

Duster coats are EVERYWHERE at the moment. I fell into the trap of thinking that because I'm short and curvy, wearing something so long and shapeless would make me look frumpy, but I was so wrong. Outerwear like this has a slimming and elongating effect, so don't shy away from cuts like this. It's the perfect outerwear addition for weather like this and this Primark one was an absolute steal at just £17. I just love the contrast in colour and texture with my grey New Look top. 

An outfit like this doesn't need too many accessories, but the Rogue and the Wolf necklace, and New Look rucksack bring some touches of added colour and detail. Also, I like the subtle hint that I may have some mad witch skills, or at least connections in witchy places.


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Tuesday 24 February 2015

New York Fashion Week: A Summary.

So fashion week season is well and truly underway, and whilst Somerset House is packed with the UK's fashion finest, I thought I'd briefly review what went on at New York Fashion Week with some of my personal favourites. Saying that 70s style is going to be huge for A/W 2016 is a ridiculous understatement. In this post alone you will see a variety of modern adaptations of the era; from 70s Morocco to 70s punk, just give it a few months and it will be out with the 90s choker and in with those bell bottoms. 
I'm also very happy to announce that an embracing of all things grunge, gothic and macabre is on the cards. I'm hoping the next time winter comes around I won't be alone in the witch-at-a-funeral look. We all know that the key to bringing a stylish edge to any one colour ensemble is texture, and both 3.1 Phillip Lim and Thomas Browne are giving us a textural masterclass with their latest collections. 
For the more colourful minded among us, do not fret. The cutester trend will be given plenty of inspiration from the likes of Karen Walker and Jeremy Scott and their playful Crayola palettes. 
If you're sitting on the fence style wise, do not worry, as there's one trend we can all abide by, and that's embellishment. Anything that can be glued, sown and stitched on is on the table. Think lace, feathers, beads, embroidery, over-sized sequins, pearls, patches etc etc. 
But before I give too much away, here are my favourite collections from New York Fashion Week. 

Carolina Herrera
Carolina Herrera AW15 New York Fashion Week
Inspired by water, this collection consists of cool blue and grey hues. The fluid hemlines and glistening fabrics emulate water's effortless movement. Graphic prints combined with textural fabrics and layering create a feast for the eyes. 

Karen Walker
Karen Walker AW15 New York Fashion Week
Cliche 70s with a modern twist. Bold prints in retro hues contrast strikingly with shearling coats and clean cut leather, whilst short hemlines are paired with classic knee high boots. 

3.1 Phillip Lim
3.1 Phillip Lim AW15 New York Fashion Week
An edgy collection with grunge yet sophisticated vibes. Distressed jumpers are layered with shirts and jackets and statement coats. 

Alice + Olivia
Alice + Olivia AW15 New York Fashion Week
The swinging Sixties meets 70s Rock 'n' roll chic. Bohemian elements are combined with rich textures consisting of strong embellishment (beading, feathers, lace).  Lace high necks and ball skirts in jewel tones integrate with floral jacquard, whilst chunky knits and over the knee boots create a strikingly feminine silhouette. 

Thomas Browne
Thomas Browne AW15 New York Fashion Week
Nothing like an Edwardian funeral for a fashion show.  Browne's theatrical pieces were all part of a  show staged in a mock 19th century surgical theater. Both the gothic and the macabre were brought to life with precise tailoring with sharp lines and cuts, and modernly inventive embellishment. 

Reem Arca
Reem Arca AW15 New York Fashion Week
 Rock 'n' Roll 70s meets 80s New Romantic. Embellishment was the key focus of this collection, with fur, embroidery, tulle, feathers, lace and beads taking center stage. 

Vivienne Tam
Vivienne Tam AW15 New York Fashion Week
 Mix Victorian inspired silhouettes with Asian prints and you've got something rather decadent. Baroque patterns with Victorian blouses and lace high necks makes for a modern take on a vintage look. 

Libertine
Libertine AW15 New York Fashion Week
This reminded me so much of the days when I used to hang out in Camden. It's the Cutester trend meets Wednesday Adams and I love it. Deconstructed plaid and whimsical, cartoonish motifs bring a punk element to the collection. 

Tory Burch
Tory Burch AW15 New York Fashion WeekAnother take on the 70s trend but this time with a Moroccon twist. Embellished skirts and printed coats in cool, neutral tones contrast with bursts of claret. 

Badgley Mischka
Badgley Mischka AW15 New York Fashion Week
 Muted metallics and glistening plaid make for a collection that's sophisticated and ornate with subtle, underlying punk themes. Boucle and paisley help to add a vintage feel. 

Vera Wang
Vera Wang AW15 New York Fashion Week
 An understated yet powerful collection with masculine tailoring. Wide-legs and loose fits create straight, urban silhouettes.

Rodarte
Rodarte AW15 New York Fashion Week
Tight leather trousers and textural slip dresses ooze sexiness, whilst Victorian blouses and embellishments of Ostrich feathers, sequins and tassels bring some class along for the ride. 

Jenny Packham
Jenny Packham AW15 New York Fashion Week
An elegant collection which divulges in embellishment and experimental layering. Bold textures such as oversized sequins, crystals and pearls bring something new to each garment. 

Naeem Khan
Naeem Khan AW15 New York Fashion Week
A mixture of intricate beading, ombre dresses and metallics. This collection is full of eye-catching pieces. 

Marc by Marc Jacobs
Marc by Marc Jacobs AW15 New York Fashion Week
I would happily wear this collection now. Neckerchiefs, blazers, punky plaid, tulle-petticoats and Creepers make for a collection that only the disparate youth can pull off.  

Wendy Nicholl
Wendy Nicholl AW15 New York Fashion Week
Like something out of the American Horror Story dressing room, this Puritan-style, witchy collection is sensuous and seductive, with a very present gothic edge. 

Delpozo
Delpozo AW15 New York Fashion Week
This playful collection brings childhood to the fore. Pinafores, capes and rounded silhouettes are reminiscent of Hansel and Gretel, but with a touch of charm. 

Jeremy Scott
Jeremy Scott AW15 New York Fashion Week
Imagine CBeebies had a high fashion make-over, and it will look something a bit like this. Coloured tights and patchwork dresses are matched with Mary Janes whilst childish cartoon graphics with  multicoloured stripes and zig-zags make your eyes hurt.  

Hugo Boss
Hugo Boss AW15 New York Fashion Week
Sharp lines and structured silhouettes create a stern yet elegant collection with a hint of androgyny. Colour block techniques and sequin panels direct the eyes and creates form. 

Marchesa
Marchesa AW15 New York Fashion Week
Like something out of Downton Abby this collection takes us back to the days of sultry sexiness.  Feminine yes, but fierce and strong also are the women for whom this collection was designed. 

Anna Sui
Anna Sui AW15 New York Fashion Week
Another 70s collection, but this one has hippy written all over it. Cropped flares and dungarees featuring bold prints are loud and striking, but there's a softness in the fabrics that's graceful and earthly. 

All images from Vogue.co.uk


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Friday 20 February 2015

Burn the Witch: The Fashion of AHS Coven on a Budget

 I have joined the army of American Horror Story fans, finally! As a horror fanatic, it took me a while to come round to the idea of a horror series, expecting it to be tacky and cheesy. I couldn't have been more wrong. The series has been very classy and well executed, and is now high on my list of favourite TV shows. 

The biggest debate surrounding this show is which series is the best. Everyone has their favourite, and mine was most definitely Coven. I love all things macabre, but I'm fascinated with the Salem witch trials and the history of witches in general, so it was fascinating to see the theme brought into the 21st century, whilst still holding onto traditional notions. 

One thing that I think brought the characters to life and reflected their witchy personas was the wardrobe choices. I was green with envy as I watched the season, wanting practically every item of clothing. I did a little bit of research and found that a few of the most iconic pieces (Misty Day's red dress, Madison's black maxi dress) were from Free People. Obviously these items are now sold out, and many of the other items featured in the show are out o my price range, so I decided to put together a post about how to achieve the look of each character on a budget. I can't be the only person who wants to be Madison one day, and Misty the next. 

Cordelia

Vintage Black and Gold Dress: Modcloth 
High Neck Sweater: SheInside
Floral Midi Skirt: SheInside
Pearl Necklace: JulesB
Pointed Heels: Asos
Peplum Top:Choies
Sunglasses: Dior

Zoe
Floppy Hat: Topshop
Slogan Tee: New Look
Bow Shirt:Mango
Distressed Sweater:Zalando
Skull Ring:JulesB
Vintage Sunglasses:Topshop
Buckle Boots:Wallis 

Nan
Bow Dress: Romwe
Collar Necklace: Blue Fly
Hair Bow: Black
Frilly Socks: River Island
Brogues: Office

Misty
Dr Martens Heeled Boot: Modcloth
Floral Maxi Dress: Romwe
Long Lace Dress: H&M
Boho Earrings: Boticca
Silk Scarf: Overstock
Turquoise Belt: Forever 21
Bowler Hat: Nordstrom
Sequin Cami: Abercrombie
Maxi Skirt: Chicwish
Necklace: Revolve

Madison
Cleated Sole Boots: John Lewis 
Pagoda Umbrella: Brollies Galore
Silver Bodycon Dress: New Look
Lace Maxi Dress: Miss Selfridge
Studded Hat: H&M
Velvet Choker: Topshop
Faux Fur Headband: Oliver Bonas
Fluffy Crop Jumper: Boohoo
Sequin Hotpants: John Lewis

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Monday 16 February 2015

We Mermaid For Each Other - Valentines OOTD

Grunge style with metallic skirt and bardot top.

Grunge style with metallic skirt and bardot top.

Grunge style with metallic skirt and bardot top.

Grunge style with metallic skirt and bardot top.

Grunge style with metallic skirt and bardot top.

Grunge style with metallic skirt and bardot top.

Grunge style with metallic skirt and bardot top.


Valentines Day is a brilliant day to dress up in your finest, whether your celebrating with your other half, your family or your friends
Choker - Regal Rose
Ankle Boots - Asos

I spent Valentines Day at the boyfriend's in Essex, and we had a lovely, relaxed day that consisted of going to the cinema (no we did not go and see 50 Shades of Grey, I'd rather bathe in my own vomit) and then out for a lovely meal at The Rose in Brentwood where Kurtis had booked a table.
It was very chilled but very romantic and it was lovely to spend some quality time togethe.

For a Valentines Day such as this, I didn't want to be too overdressed, but still wanted to look like I'd made an effort, so this combo was perfect.

I've has the bardot top since Summer, and even though it's nothing special on its own, it can add a formal, elegant twist to an outfit. There's something about having the decolletage on show that I think is actually quite sexy. I obviously had to grunge things up a bit with my Regal Rose choker.

Where to begin with the skirt! I was lazily scanning the H&M sale one evening when this gem showed up. It was the only thing in the sale worth a second glance and it had to be mine. The word 'mermaid' has been thrown around on a few occasions in reference to my hair, so I thought it was apt that I owned this skirt, reminiscent of a mermaid's tail. There's more colour in this skirt than all the 'colourful' things I own put together.

After finding the holy grail of sale items, I'd caught the bug and was on the hunt for the perfect pair of shoes to go with it. My lucky streak was not yet over, because I soon came across these beastly boots. The subtle crocodile skin texture contrasts brilliantly with the skirt, whilst continuing the reptilian theme.

These two items only came to £33, which is an absolute bargain when you consider I've got a whole new outfit out of them. I can't wait to play around with this skirt some more. I'm thinking some fishnet tights next.

To finish the whole look off, I found this Barry M nail varnish that matched the skirt brilliantly. You can't tell in the pictures, but it's actually quite iridescent, even though it does have a matte finish. This is from Barry M's Silk Nail Effects collection in Forest. 


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Thursday 5 February 2015

The VIP Experience with Jaw Breaker and Voodoo Vixen

London Edge Voodoo Vixen and Jawbreaker Blogger Programme

London Edge Voodoo Vixen and Jawbreaker Blogger Programme

London Edge Voodoo Vixen and Jawbreaker Blogger Programme

London Edge Voodoo Vixen and Jawbreaker Blogger Programme

London Edge Voodoo Vixen and Jawbreaker Blogger Programme

London Edge Voodoo Vixen and Jawbreaker Blogger Programme

London Edge Voodoo Vixen and Jawbreaker Blogger Programme


London Edge Voodoo Vixen and Jawbreaker Blogger Programme

London Edge Voodoo Vixen and Jawbreaker Blogger Programme

London Edge Voodoo Vixen and Jawbreaker After-Party 2015

I don't mean to keep boasting about the amazing time I had at London Edge, but I was spoiled rotten and made to feel so welcome that I feel it's only right to give it a mention here on my little corner of the internet. 

So Jawbreaker and Voodoo Vixen were the hosts of the after-party and invited me and some other bloggers to be their VIPs for the day. Prior to the event we had to choose a dress from either brand which we would receive at the event, and get our hair and make-up done to match. 

Many bloggers got their dress and changed into it straight away, which meant London Edge was a sea of A-lines and victory rolls. It was like I'd gone back in time. 

As London Edge is an alternative fashion trade event, it was so interesting to see everyone's personal style, so I decided to change into my dress last minute. I've always loved vintage fashion, but I feel it's a style you need to commit to 100%; hair, make-up etc and I've only just mastered a fishtail plait. So I was intrigued to play around with it and see how I could make the style fit me. 

So after the blogger meet-up and looking at all the amazing brands, it was time to go get my dress and get dolled up.

The VIP area was like a mini salon, with a hairspray haze and hair grips used by the dozen. I take my hat off to the team though, who had been on their feet doing hair and make-up since 6am, but were some of the loveliest ladies I'd met that day. When it was my turn to sit in the chair, I had no idea what I wanted. I'd seen so many victory rolls , and wanted something different, so I told the lovely Nicola Abraham that she had free reign over my hair and could do whatever she wanted. I'd seen her do the hair of some other bloggers and knew straight away that I was in good hands. It was quite a weird experience having my hair done but having no idea whatsoever what was being done to it.

As you can see from the pictures above, she's one very talented lady. The end result was so me, and gave the vintage dress the grunge twist I never could have achieved myself. I was hoping to wear my Dr Martens with the dress but wasn't sure how it would look, but when I saw what Nicola had done to my hair, it turned out the boots would work perfectly.

It was also quite fitting that in the goody bag I received at the blogger meet up was a pink Miss Candy Floss hair piece which contrasted wonderfully with my hair and matched the dress, AND worked perfectly with the hairstyle Nicola had created.

 I was a little bit worried about the dress because I'd only seen one picture online, and I wouldn't really know what it was like until I'd seen it, but I was actually really pleased. I chose mine from Voodoo Vixen, and it's their Adeline dress which is an elegant floral patterned flare dress featuring cherry and cherry blossom motifs. It fit me really well and the material was really good quality, which surprised me as a lot of the vintage dresses I've come across in the past are amazing to look at, but are really poor quality.

The after-party was a lot of fun, with drag-queens, burlesque acts and magicians. The Jawbreaker and Voodoo Vixen crew really had pulled out all the stops. I only wish I could have stayed longer, but with luggage and a two hour journey home, I'd had a very long and eventful day and my feet were crying out for a rest. I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who organised such an awesome VIP experience and made me personally feel so welcome.

Until next time London Edge!



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