Tuesday 29 December 2009

Winter Wooleyland


After a fun festive period i returned back to work today. Sigh. But matching wooleys and thoughts of festive mince pies have kept my spirits high all the same.

So much so I thought I'd share an image of my other half and me in our feastive knits, which we brought for each other as Christmas pressies by complete coincidence. Still though the first piece of clothing my boy has ever purchased for me and I have to say I'm impressed. Boys have taste, who knew?


Sunday 20 December 2009

Wednesday 2 December 2009

Love

Natalie Hughes decided to thank me for my blog post on her illustrations by creating a picture of Alice, which I had to post as I love it.


So just wanted to holler back at the Hughes Miester say thankyou for the fab pic.  I love it so much I need it to go somewhere on my blog somewhere permanently. Anyone got any suggestions?

Also I am aware of the fact that the last two posts are completely self indulgent.  So I thought i may as well continue by adding a bit to explain my recent absense online.  For the last month I have either been working like a bitch at Fabulous mag or moving my stuff to Brixton my new home (which I LOVE). And now I've finally moved I have no internet, which as I'm sure all dot com addicts can agree is quite frankly, unbearable. So when I am (finally) back online next week I'll definately be back with a bang. For now stay fashionably frugal. And get festive. I'm sipping a glass of mulled wine as we speak.





Tuesday 24 November 2009

You're not 25 forever

So for my 25th I decided to have a Musical themed birthday party as fancy dress is super fun. Between the midst of the dorothy's, the tin men and the Oliver twist's was me, Tallulah from Bugsy Malone. I wanted to share some pics on here and to say thankyou to one of my BFF's Hannah for hosting such a great bash for me. Next years theme is social misfits. I totally might go as myself...







Wednesday 18 November 2009

Little red number




Everyone who's anyone needs a little red dress. If in doubt do take note of this piece of Alexa inspiration at CFDA Fashion Fund Awards in New York City. Coming up top trumps yet again Alexa has combined this dress with super red lipstick, making the outfit more eye catching and as a result utterly adorable. I love!


Saturday 14 November 2009

Feminine Fancy



Last week I received an email regarding some illustrations that a friend of mine Natalie Hughes had designed. Before I had the chance to check out the images I became distracted by a pretty dress in another email and completely forgot to check them out.  So yesterday I took the time in between frantic face booking and severe spluttering (suffering from some kind of pig related illness) to look the images, and when I did I realised... her designs were actually really really good.  Quirky, fun and indulgent in all things feminine, I Love!






Natalie is a writer by day and an artist by night... When I asked her about her new found passion she informed me that ‘drawing waifish girls in expensive outfits’ was her perfect way to while away a winter evening. (I wish I could agree, instead I rely on painting by numbers)



As I’m moving out next month (ridiculously excited) I need some new artwork to decorate my wall... (I’m sharing with my boyf, and not sure he will approve.)  All the same, I’m totally investing.  If you, like me are interested in purchasing one of these beauty’s they are available on the ever adorable Honey Tree Publishing site. Also if none of the available pictures tickle your fancy as of yet, keep your eyes peeled.  I have a feeling this young lady is one to watch.


Monday 9 November 2009

Time out for Topman

"Model?" says the girl behind me raising a dubious eyebrow. "Oh no, definitely not, I hear there's free booze though." I stand in the queue, it's surprisingly long for a Wednesday. For a Wednesday? What does that mean? Maybe my brain has been programmed to believe that all Wednesday nights means Football at the pub. Well, not tonight. I raise a faint smile - Did she say "free booze?" I try to remain alert outside Oxford Circus at 7pm. It's dark, it's incredibly cold but as I finally make it up the escalators, it starts to make sense. This could be an X Factor audition.

The premise couldn't be simpler. A party held in Topman’s flagship store in Oxford Circus. Oh Top man, the mother of men’s fashion that is synonymous with successful branding in a nationwide 21st century fashion market. Just ask the cast of Hollyoaks.

Tonight, Top man have put a unique selection of new and limited edition clothes. Add a limited audience, some freebies, Time Out memorabilia, Rough Trade DJ's and free alcohol what you get is, a sort of shop/pub/ lock in… Cool kids vying to be seen, heard and let’s face it, get drunk. As I enter the second floor, with my camera clutched tightly, I start to recall my objective - Take as much new menswear as you can, document what's new, cool, super trendy, think..Tuborg? It's free? I take a bottle. Swiftly followed by another four.

If you haven't realized, winter's here, so I start to concentrate on the things that really matter. I started with Footwear.   When did I start thinking it was a good idea to wear plimsolls all year round anyway? Few sights are less appealing that a bloke in torrential rain in a pair of sodden pumps or half dead trainers, no matter how 'rare' they are.  A good welted shoe is the perfect accompaniment for any sort of denim. And my god, designer brand Hudson has an impeccable collection that has made Top man the standard bearers of men’s footwear. All boots here are intricately finished and distinctively textured - Extremely practical for the winter months. But it's the brown suede boots that really catch my eye - These are more rough and ready than spit and polish (Hudson have cleverly treated them to keep the shine off) - Altogether, a winning return to solidity in the shoe department. Real lads should use shoes for just about anything - prissy pumps don’t cut it. All hail shoes of substance.



When my geography teacher, Mr Aldis donned one in 1994, the baggy cardigan became expressive of middle age and MOR conservatism. I made an oath never to own one. (but then again I was eleven and my most prized item of clothing was an eclipse bomber jacket)

Low and behold, the cardigan is now infallibly cool. Topman's very own, blue and green designs are suitably chunky with an attachable thick scarf. And it works very well. This much maligned garment has a flattering design and is becoming repositioned as statement menswear. Think classic Steve Mc Queen, modern Jude Law, even gangly Mr Aldis, these newly designed cardigans are must haves for those crisp winter days.




And so we cross over to Topman’s for your eyes only newbie collection; Tweed like the cardigans, the collection has taken on a rather cool edge. Topman Tweed jackets are having a moment. Outcome the connotations of posh farmers, Jack Tweed and weirdo’s (same thing) IN comes the notion of the assured, confident male. Admittedly, I’ve always had a guilty pleasure for Tweed; like brut aqua tonic it's overbearing but that doesn’t stop you from wanting it. Topman’s collection is reassuringly warm, smart and authentic. Gents - Cash in; Tweed could be the indispensable weapon in menswear’s winter armoury - Go mad for it. Hey, I'll even buy you a pint.

The evening concludes with the clothes that should really make a stand this Winter. Burberry's signature piece has always been the trench coat. Topman have a trench coat that not only keeps its authenticity but is an investment piece that only gets better with age. A timeless classic for £75, the price is truly head and shoulders above any other retailer.



Slim denim shirts are also making head waves. Ladies are said to love a man in a good shirt (by and large this affection does not always extend to the Crystal Palace home shirt or a Peter Andre style vest..) and men now seem to like denim shirts just as much. Topman's new design cleverly incorporates the classic denim shirt with a corduroy collar. Incongruous you say? Just try it, you'll know what I mean. Smashing stuff.




But I must confess. Topman's inventory is simply huge. It becomes apparent that a lot of the menswear here is just too easy to forget. Why? Because of practicality. A return to perennials in Topman's catalogue can only be seen as a sensible response to recessionary times. Don’t get me wrong, the gems which I’ve highlighted only reinforce this notion but the overwhelming force to compromise on fodder which makes us replace that jacket, with another… and another. Gents, we can avoid this- If we can assess the long term gains.

Well done Topman. You've done your homework. Dapper chap approves.  Practical and cool, what’s not to love? Now, let’s hope John and Edward ruin all your efforts by donning the range this Saturday…

Dapper Chap is a 26 year old actor with a keen eye for a bargain buy, otherwise known as Simon. Often be found bouncing up and down to a nostalgic hit from the 90’s at somewhere suitably indie, he also loves Hitch (apparently Will Smith is a genius) and swears by Barbour Jackets (trendy but practical, whats not to love?)

His hometown is South East London as it’s “incredibly creative without being incredibly pretentious” and when he’s not acting, dancing or sniffing out his latest investment buy he can often be found chowing down in his local pie and mash shop.

Monday 2 November 2009

The Teaches of Peaches




I have never disliked Peaches Geldof. I find her amusing and generally quite an entertaining spectacle.  So when I sat down to watch Ferne Cotton meets Peaches Geldof last night there was a part of me rooting for her to reveal to the world that underneath her tabloid persona she really IS nice person.

Instead Peaches revealed herself as everything that she claims she was not. By beginning the programme proclaiming she is not an it girl, she is in fact a ‘total geek’ with a love for scientology and Sci Fi, it became clear that for Peaches words and shocking statements are far more powerful than actions. 


My issue with this revelation was if this truly was the case then I suggest Peaches darling you practise what you preach, as I'm not quite convinced trend reporting for two hours a day on behalf of Nylon magazine makes one a expert on quatum physics.

All the same her leather jacket was hot. As was her short blonde crop. Also working at Nylon, living in Brooklyn, nice work if you can get it.  Highly amusing and slightly appalling the programme has me glued to it the same way a car crash does. I can’t wait to see the second instalment.  


 

Thursday 22 October 2009

Wildfox Chic


I’ve decided forget being a lady, I want to be a Wildfox.

After spending yesterday afternoon browsing on my new favorite thing coggles.com I stumbled across a brand I was unfamiliar with, Wildfox Couture. Now Wildfox features a lot of print T shirts which is something I’m generally not so sure about, but after browsing their online collection I’m converted.

Quirky, fun and of course wild, the style of clothing is a mix of American Apparel chic meets Urban Outfitters geek. Very LA, I imagine the Wildfox girl awakes after a night on the town embracing the day with a early morning run, followed by breakfast eggs (over easy of course) with a shake, before finally strutting in to work at 9am looking THAT good. Phew. I love her because she looks so goddam good but I hate her because she has everything I want/need/adore.

Shabby chic at its best Wild fox is comfy is all about mixing everything together to create a meshed up fresh combination of couture, and although it’s nothing like my own traditional style, it somehow works.



Take this love potion T Shirt for example, it reminds me of the Chanel no.5 logo (which natch gives it instant street cred), plus it’s just really darn cute. I loves it.



Plus this T Shirt is what I need right now. I’m really into vampires at the minute (I mean True Blood, the vampire is hot right??!) So this design and shape is perfect for right now and bang on trend, plus it was in Vogue last month (as you can see in the caption below) which instantly ups the anti. I want!

Monday 19 October 2009

Covert Candy


I looked in my wardrobe last week and suddenly realised I’ve become a statistic. Like the vast majority of women, I wear about 20 per cent of the ridiculous amount of clothes that I own. Like many people I have been meaning to eBay these items or head down to Brick Lane to sell them since I can remember, but I still haven’t got round to it.


The problem is I can be incredibly lazy (and generally hung-over) on a Sunday, therefore the last thing I am inspired to do is get up at 6am to sell my stuff on Brick Lane. So when I discovered Covert Candy I was mildly ecstatic to say the least. Covert Candy is essentially an online swap shop that allows you to swap your clothes for online credits. The idea being you use those credits to purchase clothing from the site at a later date, or even in a few months time if nothing immediately tickles your fancy (pretty neat hey?)


For me this is a fantastic idea, as I have checked out item to item clothes swaps online, and found them slightly impractical, (what are the chances that you and another person are going to want each other’s exact items?) so this way you can gain credit from your old clothes today and purchase brand new ones, for free later.


Plus I love the fact it’s such a good way to make use of those old garms. I feel sad every time I open my wardrobe and see my once favourite All Saints dress hanging up and looking incredibly lonely. (I’m a bad owner so I’m definitely sending that dress to a new home) Also if more of us fashion savvy souls get involved, then the vaster (and of course cooler) the selection of clothes will be. So what are you waiting for? I’ve gained 25 credits today and I’ve already seen a dress and a pair of shoes I need... So get

swapping!




Thursday 15 October 2009

Dapper Chap


So last week I got to talking with a fashionable friend of my other half about male fashion and the fact that I really know too little about it. He volunteered some information and we got to brainstorming which has led to a new column on my blog titled Dapper Chap.

"I still have my feet on the ground. I just wear better shoes"



1996. I'm opening the door on my way out to school. As I bounce out the door full of anticipation of what today could bring my mum pulls me back to reality grabbing me by the shoulders. Her x ray eyes examine my carefully composed outfit. She looks at me and utters the words "Good hair, good teeth and good shoes and you'll always stand out". I laugh, embarrassingly. I can't work out a witty response as most 14 year olds would. I try and shrug my shoulders, ignore what she said and carry on bouncing through my day. But somehow I can't. Thirteen years later, the message rings true. It's probably the most resounding thing my mum has ever said to me.

I'll be honest. The subject of good shoes in this day and age has always fascinated me. I guess I'm hearing too much.. brogues are in, DM's are out and deck shoes never went anywhere (By the way, if you're wearing plimsolls, now’s the time to get rid) Says GQ. Too many opinions, far more contradictions. Confused? I mean if Rick Edwards and Nick Grimshaw wear plimsolls at 7am on a weekday then who am I to judge?!! I mean it's gotta be cool..right? I prefer not to be coerced by the status quo. Let me wear what I want! I now have wet socks.
Interestingly, when asking my girlfriend what was the first thing that would attract her to a guy, she replied 'decent footwear by a mile'

'What? Not the good looks, that vintage t shirt, The Italian PERFUMERIE?!''

"Footwear. If the guy doesn't have decent footwear, he's not worth it"

Ouch.

So if a guy has 'decent' footwear, he's worth a shot?! irrespective of looks, charm and sartorial elegance??!"

"Yep"

The worst part is, it seems she may be right.

Statistics prove that 56% of women from 21-29 see good footwear as an instant turn on. But fear not - after extensive research, I have pleasure in revealing what not only looks good this season, but more importantly blends in with your everyday attire.
Firstly, with the autumn months in full flow, it's best to have footwear that isn't bright and colourful. No, I’m not being miserable, I do believe footwear should almost become reflective of the season - autumn brings out many shades of orange, ochre, browns, greys and black so your footwear should really reflect that as it's a lot more natural. You'll be able to react with whatever jean or jumper you may be wearing. A dark brown pair of boots will really set an outfit off well, instead of a green pair of trainers.

Secondly, this might also sound obvious but your colour choice of footwear will reinforce the whole look you're going for. In short, don’t wear yellow unless you're dressing up as a lemon.

Thirdly, good sturdy autumn boots don’t have to be expensive, but I’m increasingly finding out that the more you spend the wiser your investment. Good boots should last you years, so the next time to open your mouth at a pair of £150 Poste boots (My favourite brand at the moment) you should

a) take a moment to consider the long term gain
b) remember that boots can be utilized better than trainers (fact)
c) Close your mouth, I mean really.

Poste boots are a perfect place to start for autumn footwear. Admittedly the prices aren’t cheap but the quality speaks for itself. Incredible attention to detail and super stylish tailoring that compliments those skinny jeans as well. Apparently, the purveyor of style, Jude Law fully endorses the brand. Enough said. This is my personal fave;



Amazing suede colour and compared with boots from Dior Homme for £300 plus, it’s a very good price indeed. Tip: Always good to do an online hunt for Poste boots. Ordinarily, these are £120 but ebay might be selling them far less.

But lets not get too carried away. In these recessionary times, 120 notes can get you a fair bob.. Hudson are now showing a great range of boots and shoes at Topman as well as the army surplus stores (A £35 pair of black army boots and magnums will last a lot longer than a pair of £250 boots from all saints.. )
Then there are these more casual A/W shoes.
Available on the Gram store, these are perfect for seeing you through those chilly winter months.

So, the proof's in the pudding; good shoes and boots will make you stand out. In fact lads, we're spoilt for choice. With so much to choose from like Hudson, Reiss, Deks, Gram and our own army, it's little wonder that many of us are ditching the converse et al for the more mature, sophisticated boot.

"you're not nineteen forever" sang The Courteeners. Too right.
Now, quick march!

Dapper Chap is a 26 year old actor with a keen eye for a bargain buy, otherwise known as Simon. Often be found bouncing up and down to a nostalgic hit from the 90’s at somewhere suitably indie, he also loves Hitch (apparently WIll Smith is a genius) and swears by Barbour Jackets (trendy but practical, whats not to love?).

His hometown is South East London as it’s “incredibly creative without being incredibly pretentious” and when he’s not acting, dancing or sniffing out his latest investment buy he can often be found chowing down in his local pie and mash shop.

Tuesday 13 October 2009

Monday 5 October 2009

H and M online!



So, It’s happened. H&M are have announced they are going to launch an ecommerce site... Next year! Always one to trust for style tips and fashion advice, it fills me with relief to know that one of my favourite high street shops has finally decided to join the dot com era. Phew.

The current H&M site is well, a bit of a shambles. Although the site has many different functions, which includes dressing the models in whatever you fancy, or undressing them if you like, (when you haven’t dressed them in your suited attire the models are in nothing but their panties and bra, saucy) the current site still has a long way to go.

The music is annoying, the selection of clothes are currently not great and the site itself is not easy to manoeuvre around. But, the new site sounds promising. Plus H&M always has killer pieces at bargain prices, so its unlikely those lovely people at H&M will let us down. Its dues to arrive 2010 so watch this space, as I predict big things...

Sunday 4 October 2009

Paris Fashion Week - Lanvin

I couldn't help but notice whilst flicking through Paris fashion week pics that Lanvin had some awesome pics of a very sleek up do that I have a feeling EVERYONE will be imitating this spring.

Adding a twist to the current slick up ponytail that was hot this summer Lanvin has made his look more laid back and loose. I Love!