bloggers over borders
A new project has been started to get the blogging world connected in a new way. I think it sounds pretty sweet and I am interested in how it is going to all turn out. It reminds me of having a pen-pal back in school. If you want to find out more about what this whole thing is about go here.
still winter on this rooftop...
It is still cold over here... that means tights and jumpers are still a must have.
I adore this look from the shoes all the way up to the little cheeky smile on Diwa's face. Those vintage-y looking brown leather shoes, grey ribbed tights, plaid crinkled dress and a-line red chunky jumper. I think the proportions are just right on her tiny little frame and I love the way the colours work together.
channeling a little Oliver Twist maybe... but i think we'd be more likely to hear her requesting fashion mags over dinner any day.
Cabbages & Roses plaid dress
Jigsaw red jumper
Grey ribbed tights from Hong Kong
Brogues from Paris
age limits?
dressing up like a little kitty in a hat with ears and an animal print jacket.
denim mini skirts.
i would normally think that dressing up like a kitten should be kept to the under sixteens. also, i have felt uncomfortable wearing denim mini cut off skirts ever since i turned 23... and would definitely say over 50 is seriously uncouth.
am i stuck in a conventional rut or should these things really be dropped at a certain age?
a little bit of rock n roll...
I am a sucker for all things rock n roll... admittedly it all exists in a bit of fantasy, you know, that one where you are totally decked out in Alexander Wang and you get to go to amazing gigs and jet around the world with all your cool band friends. Regardless of how far removed my actual life is from such an existence I am still utterly transfixed.
The whole rocker trend has been going pretty strong in recent months. Everybody seems to want to look as if they just rolled out of bed having had the most surreal night of their lives... messy hair, wripped jeans, lots of leather, club stamps on the hand, vintage t-shirts... you get the picture: a little worse for wear. This isn't going to be replaced come spring by all the romantic la-dee-dah lady-like outfits either... it's all about mixing a little bit of the hard with the soft and making it your own. And no, you don't have to pull an Alice Dellal to make it work... different levels of extremes for different people my dear.
In honor of my fixation and, more importantly, the recent release of my friend Allen Hulsey's new album here are some photos (along with some of the best designers of rock n roll gear: Alexander McQueen, Gucci, Diesel Black Gold, Givenchy and Prada) to get you in the mood...
Now, not only is Allen the model in the photos up above he has also just released his self-produced debut album called 2012.
He's the founder of the band Muj along with his friend, Emre Atabay, who he met while studying at Berklee College of Music in Boston. These guys have got some seriously raw talent. They have written and produced the whole album on their own. It's been described as encompassing the best of dance, pop, rock, world, trip-hop and techno. And if you are into Depeche Mode, Franz Ferdinand, Radiohead, MGMT, or the Killers you'll love their sound. Go here to sample a bit of their music.
They are going to be touring in Turkey soon, where Allen grew up... so if there are any readers from Turkey snatch yourself up some tickets soon.
When they make it over to the UK to tour I promise to invite you all... hey, maybe we can even live out our inner rock chic fantasies together? I'd love to hear what you think of their music and whether or not you'll let them inspire your rock n roll side this Spring...
i die.
I received an e-mail today that Mulberry has updated their website with their Spring/Summer 2010 collection. Am I the only person totally swooning over the new Alexa bag?! Not only is it perfect in every way but also named after the one and only Miss Alexa Chung... seriously, I die.
mmm... new purchases.
I recently picked up this crafty little mini mascara set at Sephora.
I have never found my 'perfect mascara' so instead of wasting a lot of money on designer versions that wind up making my lashes clump together I tend to picking mine up from the drug store. You really can get good mascara for under $5. But, I have always thought that there must be something more... and that I just had not been united with my perfect mascara yet. So, when I found out that Sephora was doing a pack of 10 mini versions of some of their most popular mascaras I thought this surely was the solution. Only $39 and I could test run 10 different ones... surely my soul mate would be hidden within the pink pink case somewhere?
Sorry to disappoint.... as of yet I haven't found 'the one.' Probably because I have only tried two so far... but both were surprisingly good. I will try out each of the 10 different ones over the next 10 days and give you a run down of how they each are at the end. Sound good? Do you have a perfect go-to mascara? Is it expensive or from the drug store?
Mmmmm.... red velvet cupcakes. Good.
The taste of them on your lips all day without sacrificing the New Years resolution... real good.
This seriously tastes divine (not in a sickeningly sweet get-this-off-my-lips sort of way) and gives your lips a nice little tint of colour without looking like you have tried too hard.
Snowed in...
Apologies for the lack of posts... I can honestly say I haven't left my house once since Tuesday (and then I only just made it to the shops around the corner for some much needed supplies). No, I'm not sick or depressed... rather, I flew back from the States late Monday night and was welcomed home by a foot of snow the next day. That, combined with two essays to write for next week, serious jet-lag that sees me waking up at 4pm and no actual need to leave the house... means I basically just haven't. I am taking it as a bit of a luxury... Sunday I am back at work, and Monday back to lectures in London. So, while I have got the opportunity to be a lazy butt and stay at home I am going to savor the experience.
All this to say... that this makes getting pictures of people slightly difficult. Unless of course you want to see me layered in thermals and massive socks trying to stay warm? I will admit, it's not the prettiest picture...
Instead of that unsightly sight... here are a couple left-over photos from my time in the States.
Monotone and matching. Black and white accessories... on a 2 for 1 deal? Either way, I have to admit, coordinating with your best friend is actually kind of cute here.
Oh... the sheer and utter pain of it. In no circumstance is it acceptable to wear a ragged micro-short sweatshirt material tattered skirt... okay?! And, just for the record, pairing that unflattering monstrosity that should never have been worn in public (let alone in the confines of your home) with tatty faux-ugg boots and a hoodie when it's below freezing outside is not a good idea... it looks awful and you are going to freeze your bum off. Seriously, icey air is going to shoot straight up the back of that little number... dressing comfortably does not require one to look as if they just rolled out of a dumpster.
By the way... I am not even going to mention again how unnecessary bare legs are with ugg boots - I have said it one too many times already...
I know this is a shoddy photo... I am sure you are squinting trying to make out what is on that women's legs. Let me explain... they are terribly poor fitting tapered jeans. I realize this seems to be the staple item of clothing for a large majority of individuals in the United States... harping back to the glory days when Levi 501's actually were a good idea (emphasis on the were). They really are not good. I do understood that some people can pull them off... but most pear shaped women seriously and truly can not.
Tapered jeans are not hot.
Most women's hips and thighs are significantly larger than their ankles... there is nothing wrong with that. But trying to flatter that womanly curvaceous shape by hiding it under ill fitting denim that is way too baggy everywhere down your leg until it unexpectedly decides to seranwrap around your ankles is not a good idea. Women of America take note: bin your tapered jeans and go buy some boot leg ones... we will all be better off.
cindy lou who... is that you?
Really... does anyone have an explanation for this bun monstrosity that is taking place on top of this girls head? It's almost too good to be true in its gravity defying complexity. It's one part messy bun and one part Dr Seuess insanity... really, how is it staying up there?! It is practically bigger than her entire head!
The only explanation is that this poor girl has dressed up as Cindy Lou from 'How The Grinch Stole Christmas'. However, despite my appreciation for all things involving holiday cheer... this is one step taken seriously too far.
Remove that monstrosity from your head poor girl, and we will all sleep better tonight.
dear girl in cheesecake factory...
I hope you find my blog (sorry I didn't write down the address... I am sure you will have probably forgotten it by now). Just incase though...
This is the t-shirt I was wearing.
It is from Alternative Apparel - which is officially my new favourite brand for t-shirts. They are so soft and drape really well. The burnout range is my favourite... it's so soft and you will never want to take it off. Also, I totally think they have all the benefits of super expensive t-shirt brands (like the much lusted after Alexander Wang ones) without the $100 a pop price tag.
Buy with caution though - they are seriously addictive.
Some mid-western style...
Men's fashion can be a tricky situation.
I ran into this guy in the parking lot of the mall... not your average mid-western buffalo check shirt combination. UGG boots, diesel jeans... it might all be interpreted as a little bit metro - but I've got to say I'm liking it. I love that red buffalo check shirt and I think it is working.
And then there was this little matching boy with him - identical buffalo check jackets...
So what do you guys think? Do you agree that the buffalo check is working? and do you think having a little mini-matching-me is okay? I think it is... especially during the holiday season (when a lot of normal no-no's don't apply... I was totally craving some plastic christmas tree earrings last week, sadly though, I couldn't find any).
Let's help blair...
Blair has declared that she is seriously lacking a fashion sense and wants help making these outfits more chic.
Blair, here are my recommendations for you...
Outfit #1. First of all Blair, ankle straps on shoes are a general no-no. They aren't flattering. It makes your leg look short, ok? Only wear them with trousers. Also, pointy toed shoes look pretty formal - like office formal... a rounded toe would work better with that outfit. The skirt is a decent shape on you (I feel like you could probably do better... but it's not bad). Also, you picked some nice colours - that sea green is working. But, it is pulling a little bit at the buttons and the white shirt sticking out the bottom looks pretty messy. I am going to assume the white shirt fits you well (meaning it doesn't pull at the buttons and gape when you move) so tuck it in and unbutton the cardigan. On closer inspection... I am unsure about the white shirt... I hope it doesn't have any obnoxious details... like a frill around the neck or some sort of light pattern on it? If it does... I don't like it at all. It needs to be a classic white shirt. (The key is to dress appropriately for the occasion... are you going to work? church? a kids birthday? I am confused... and that is really the first question you need to address when getting dressed). Also, get rid of that headband. It's cute, and I like it. But, you need to wear it with a sassy little black/red party dress - it doesn't work with that outfit. Put on some stud earings and a little charm necklace that hangs on a short chain.
Outfit #2.
That necklace looks like a dog collar and totally makes you look like you have no neck/chin. Take it off. I'm not sure about that cardigan... peasant bell shaped sleeves: generally pretty drab (especially when in knitwear and white... and worn with black suiting trousers). But I think there is some hope. Unbutton it and put a brighter colour tank top underneath with a nice scoop neck. I think that would help... but generally that cardigan isn't great - that shape scoop neck isn't entirely flattering - it's kind of awkward. Actually, the more I look at it the worse I think it is. On a positive note, the trousers are a nice shape on you - and I like the little leopard print pointy shoe poking out. That is pretty funky and looks cool. But the white cardigan just doesn't live up to the chicness of your bottom half. I think the central problem is that you need to get pieces that work for the right occasion... the top looks casual - maybe it would work over a little dress at the park in the summer - but it doesn't look very professional. Also, you really should pay attention to the fabric composition. Just from the photo it sort of looks like a cotton blend... something with a little silk will hang smoother and be generally more flattering. That is getting complicated though. For now, most importantly get rid of the necklace and open up that cardigan and put a little top underneath.
Outfit #3.
Lets start with the positives: you can pull off orange and the jeans are a nice shape on you. But, again... you look confused. You look casual from the ankles up and the pointy heels just really do not work. Let's be honest though - chunky knit sweaters should never have short sleeves... and to top it off it's pumpkin orange with a big fat roll neck. Oh Blair... why on earth did you buy that? Maybe on Thanksgiving or on Halloween (which is really the only time black and that shade of orange are acceptable)... but as a general rule - no. Ok, so the simplist solution is to take off that orange sweater. The jeans look good on you and I think just a simple black sweater with a scoop neck would be really nice and look totally chic and very put together. The head band is a little childish... I mean it's okaaay.... but personally I think you would look better without it. If you must keep the orange monstrosity wear it with darker straight jeans and maybe a long sleeve t-shirt that isn't black (like taupe maybe) and some more casual shoes, but that isn't really professional. Just a side note... tops that end at your widest point (straight across your hips) should generally be avoided - especially when in a bright colour like orange.
Outfit #4.
My favourite.
The blue is a great colour on you and the shape is very flattering. Simple and flattering... I think that is a rule to stick to. I would definitely swap the big earings for a long necklace - either a funky chunky one (maybe out of wooden beads) or a long chain with a pendant. Patterned tights are really in style at the minute - so also well done. Are those boots made out of a sort of stretchy fabric? If so, that is seriously ageing and should be avoided. I like that you've paired the dress with boots... but I am not entirely sure those are the best boots. Also, I think it might be nice to put on a dark grey cardigan that falls to about where your fingers are. That would add a bit of depth and interest to your sillhouette.
Blair, this is the challenge. Re-create the outfits according to the recommendations (as best as you can) and re-take the photos... I would be interested to see/hear what you think.
Anyone else have any ideas or suggestions for Blair?
Click here for her original post.
summertime...
Sadly, I haven't had any time to get new photos this week... I am locked into an essay nightmare that wont end until Monday. In the meantime though, here are some oldies that I snapped back in the summer. Hopefully it will remind you of warmer days and sunshine that were filled with less stress and more time outdoors with bare legs and tanned skin, rather than inside staring at essays... oh, well they remind me of that at least.
This guy is pretty rad, right? I am really feeling the whole retro hairstyle look at the moment. And I happen to know someone that wishes they could have tattoos like that (in their dreams at least).
Gladiator sandals. You don't normally see them on boys. I wonder if next summer they will have fizzled out, or be on everybody's feet - including the boys in our life. Personally, I would like to be the only person in my relationship wearing them...
Is it just me or does everybody seem to have tatoos on the outside facing bits of their arms/hands/fingers? Cheryl Cole, Joe off XFactor, Rihanna, Lindsay...
I initially thought Amy Winehouse. With the bare feet and beehive backcombed hairdo. But all the plasticy pink accessories are so not Amy. But it does remind me of another equally classy socialite...
Who likes to adorn herself in plastic pink paraphernalia.
I realize nothing truly horrible is happening... yet. Don't you just think the slightest gust of wind, or for that matter movement, would send that skirt northbound and we would all be able to see her knickers? Well, lucky for her she was well composed when I was around... but I'm sure a few people got a peek at her panties that day.
I like everything she's wearing. I'm just not sure if I like it all together. The boots are pretty fierce, as is the dress, jacket and bag, and her hair is looking pretty impeccable. But all that ethnic-y boho pattern and fringe and detail is just a bit much for my poor eyes. And what is with that bright green tie hanging down her back? Please tell me she is not wearing some sort of tie-tied jumper contraption. Yah, officially its all a bit too much.
Drinking wine and looking fine...
Red leather jackets. Is it a short-man complex that you try to over compensate with a wannabe macho, 'let me sell you something out of my boot', jacket? Red leather is almost always tacky and cheap. This is no exception. (He was wearing it with a red velvet shirt, by the way.)
Whoa now. If your going to wear a cutsie racer back pink top with frills down the back at least bother to wear the right sort of bra. And no, I'm not oblivious to the trend of showing off your bra in a sort of edgy bad girl way, I totally get that. Click here to see how it's done.
But this isn't working for her, she just looks tac-tastic.
Edwardian style in a velvet blazer.
Oh, this look really bugs me.
First of all, clearly this is not very warm - why would you want to have a quarter of your leg out when it's freezing outside? I am sure we have all been known to sacrifice warmth for style, so I could almost let her off the hook for that... almost.
Except that this is really ugly, so there really is no justification for it. Not only does it look stupid it's also unflattering because it cuts her leg into multiple segments making her look stumpy. It's not hot.
Bill Cosby sweaters anyone?
Don't, under any circumstance, wear nude tights with open toed shoes. Okay? Just don't do it.
Bad posture. Not hot no matter what you wear.
Floral jammy bottoms...
Oh, it's just painful. It really is.
I totally get comfort dressing. I also get that by Friday some of us are suffering a little bit and are ready for the weekend. But come on people, that does not make it okay to wear your wrinkled jammy bottoms out - with heels! Have a little self-respect for crying out loud, this is a serious problem.
The coat is adorable. It really is, the more I look at it the more I am loving it. The little black ankle boots are very cool too. So why, why, would you ruin something that was almost so good by leaving on your floral pajama bottoms (she better have left those on, because if she actually decided to put them on we are going to have a whole other issue to tackle).
Don't be so lazy people.
I get that it is just Starbucks, but it's still outside. Your local coffee shop isn't your kitchen, okay? Put on some jeans next time.
Or, if you want to be a lazy butt then stick on some sweats - but not with heels. That's just stupid.
