That Little Green Number

http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/TopCategoriesDisplay?storeId=12556&catalogId=33057

For those who have seen the film 'Atonement' would know what I'm about to say, those who haven't keep reading. When Keira Knightly was seen wearing this green dress, it was soon leaving people jaw -dropped. The one-of-a-kind number was worn in the film during a particular scene which captivates it's shape, style and fit. (It also landed Keira the Coco Chanel campaign) The colour alone could match anyone's skin type and shape. When I saw this I fell in love with but could never find one similar, until last night. 

When browsing on the Topshop website I found one with a very similar resemblance and fell in love with it. For £175 it may not be cheap, but its something you can wear both during and after Christmas. Girl's it time to look like Hollywood. 

Nailed It

http://nailasaurus.blogspot.com/2011/11/faq-inspired-by-fashion.html

Its time's like these I wish I had self-control. 

Those who know me, know what I'm talking about, those who don't? Well here's a hint..Upon a recent gander on the internet I came across endless images of detailed nail art...upon further inspection I found the source. The Nailasaurus is one of the growing make-up artists at the moment. With her craft, skill and creativity she is fast becoming recognised for her art. With endless amount's of idea's used, its amazing what can be done. Above are my personal favorites. With Movember soon coming to an end, this girl showed her support by drawing different kinds of mustaches on her nails, using a beige coat for emphasis. The one below, i've fallen in love with. I'm going through a stud faze, so seeing these made my heart melt, its something I've personally never seen used on nails before, and quite frankly I love it. It's bold, new and unique, something I tend to opt for in general. 

The annoying part about all of this for me? I chew my nails like there's no tomorrow...I'm kicking myself now given I went as long as 3 week over summer without biting them...still this could be my resolution...

Girl's take note, the girl behind this has the world at her fingertips...literally..

Get Your Knit On.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1352578/Latest-celebrity-trend-granny-chic-Comfy-cardies-warm-tights-tweed-skirts.html

If there's one thing I'm looking forward to next week (other then yelling 'Good Riddance' to my assignments..) is one of my closest friends house party. 

Now, you're all thinking it'll be a standard vodka filled house party..(obviously) however this party is with a twist. Its an OAP themed party! To celebrate Nicki's 20th the theme will be to dress like one. I'm rather excited actually! With this comes my next challenge, and I like a challenge. 

How do I pull off being an OAP but still wanting to look good? Ive given it some thought and  decided to rummage round at home for something knitted, baggy and..well old. Ive come across and old thick knitted wrap I bought from Topshop many moon's ago, thinking of teaming it with a high waisted skirt and possibly a shirt/blouse?  Not to mention layering it with endless rows of pearls..

Still, I've got a few days yet, I will be turning my hair grey...possibly wearing specs? I cant wait to portrait how I've been feeling this week! (Thank you uni..). The real question is what footwear should I use? I say this because we plan on going out like OAP's...I do like the idea of strolling up to a club in furry slippers..(at least I wont fall over and break a hip..) but I still like to feel sexy..hmm I'll have to keep you all posted!

Now where's my walking stick...

 

http://www.missyvintageblog.com/2011/09/granny-chic.html

One For The Boys

http://www.privatewhitevc.com/index.php/shirting-2/waffle-shirt-navy.html

http://www.michaelbastiannyc.com/

With thanks to a close friend for introducing me to the brand, Private White. 

Apologies for the late blog! I know its been a week..but I've done nothing but assignment work all week, and now I've come down with a cold! (Typical) I figured being forced to stay at home has given me the time to blog..

So, over the past week I've done nothing but scroll the pages of fashion sites for mens sportswear, which is why I've decided to put it to use and talk about menswear. 

My first find was a designer called Micheal Bastian. Unlike most designer's, his collection is more mainstream and approachable for the fashion conscious male, given the designs are simple but fashionable. His use of bold colours and layers in his recent Spring/Summer '12 collection has proven rather fashionable for me. The best thing about his collection is how he manages to give men an edge on fashion, by experimenting with tailored looks and colours combined.

My next find, was a brand closer to home. Private White VC. The Manchester based brand is what I'd refer to as a 'heritage' brand. Lately Heritage has become the new black, more and more retailers, designers, brands etc have started to sell heritage inspired looks and digging into their company history to bring back trends. Private White (aka Jack White) was an Englishmen and military hero, when returning back to Manchester he began an apprenticeship as a trainee cutter. Now, the brand has become recognised globally including Japan!. 

The clothes themselves are what I'd like to call 'Proper British' (ok i'm working at it..) The simple tailoring, handcrafted garments and authenticity gives this brand an edge. More importantly, boys it's right up your street. The brand creates garments with the use of neutral colours, perfect for those who like to keep it low key. As well as showcasing designs from previous decades. Vintage is the key for this winters approach guys, and with these designs you cant help but feel like a good ol' chap. 

'Tis The Season To Be Different

http://www.dsquared2.com/gb/women/shoes

DSquared2 is a brand I've been aware of for a while now, but never took note of properly until I came across this. Now we all know its getting chilly, and with the possible forecast of snow most of us take to this by investing in some serious winter warmers. These boots however, are on a whole new level. We all love to go Ice Skating at this time of year so imagine owning your very own pair of ice skating boots?? I have to admit, despite never being able to own let alone wear these boots, I do applaud Dean and Dan (the designers, geddit?) for their creative take on this season's approach. Its unique and edgy. More importantly it shows you can walk in these! Judging from the models anyway..Now if anyone has £1,709 going spare, I'll meet you in at the rink. 

Children In Need

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2058899/Mulberry-Louis-Vuitton-Erdem-design-Pudsey-bears-Children-Need.html

Theres nothing I love more then fashion and charity combining. So hearing about this little collaboration made my heart melt. We all know the charity Children In Need, and especially Pudsey's trademark yellow and polka dot style. However, times are changing and fashion is the way forward for this little guy. As you can see above, Pudsey has undergone one fashionable transformation! Designer's such as, Louis Vuitton, Mulberry, Giles Deacon, House Of Holland and more have all teamed up to design their own Pudsey bear to represent their image but for a charitable cause. On November 18th the Children In Need concert took place in Manchester with stars such as Lady Gaga and Ed Sheeran performing. To follow, on that day each of the bears where going for £200 each, where the money will be going to the charity. 

It looks like the designer's had a laugh too! 

Erdem 'It is a cause I believe in and it was fun to work with Pudsey. He was very pleasant!'  

Henry Holland agreed saying: 'Pudsey was great to work with and not as much of a diva as I had thought!'

How cute!? I'd love to have my own Pudsey, the bear's got more fashion credit then me! Off to Harvey Nichols I go..

Locked

Anyone who watches Made In Chelsea, or is in fact relatively in love with Ollie Locke like myself, would appreciate this. When hearing about Ollies appearance at Manchester's Missoula, on Deansgate Locks I just HAD to see him. Now I'm not one of those stalkers who would climb a 10ft tall brick wall to catch a glimpse..but when I saw Ollie I just had to dive in. And it was worth it. He was so nice! Throughout the evening he was hugging, smiling and greeting people, as well as signing autographs. Worth the wait! (these pictures where taken at roughly 2.30am). All in all, love this man. He's ten times better looking in person too! (and shorter...). I managed to get a few cheeky pics myself (yes I really am touching his cheek!). Meeting him was worth the hangover.  

Retro Feeling

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HO1OV5B_JDw

Credit to my sister Josephine for recommending this video to me. 

Lana Del Rey's new song Video Games is definitely something different. With the impact of 21st Century technology and the abilities to create music video's on a whole new scale, you'd be mistaken to think this video is something from 30-40 years ago. However, this was made in the present and as you can see not all is lost for the music industry. I love the contrast here. For a start the video itself consists of clips from different scenes, building up a particular scene. As well as this, there's a contrast between something good and innocent to something dark and concerning as we see clips of police cars and two happy women running in circles. The singer herself, I personally think is beautiful, and carries off the timeless approach well. Her voice is raw and deep, a good combination for this kind of song. Keep those ears of yours plucked for more guys!

Start Of An Era

http://losperrosnobailan.blogspot.com/2011/10/gareth-pugh-womenswear-ss-12.html

Gareth Pugh. Need I say more? Well looking at these images I'm sure you're thinking you don't need to hear more, Gareth Pugh has been on the scene for a good few years now. He's one of Britain's rising designers, whose designs have come across as artistic and show stopping.  With this, he's paved his way into fashion by opening up new possibilities for the industry and welcoming new opportunities on how to express fashion differently. 

Other designers such as Walter Van Beirendonck, the Belgium born designer whose first break through was in 1987 in London. Personally I've never noticed this designer until recently and now I've noticed him, I'm applauding him for his designs. They're so unique and its not just about fashion with him either, Walter thinks outside the box and expresses his creativity beyond clothing. People, watch out for these names. 

 

Sister Act

http://www.vogue.com/fashion/10-best-dressed/best-dressed-special-edition-2011-sibling-rivalry/

With the hype of the latest issue of Vogue, comes the bigger hype of whose been voted Best Dressed for 2011. I wasn't surprised to hear Mary - Kate and Ashley being voted Best Dressed,  given how  immaculate and stylish they are. As a child, I use to love the way they dressed and how different their style was in comparison to other child stars. Out of the two, my personal favorite is Mary-Kate which is mainly down to her style. I use to love how she'd dress differently and still carry it off. After I saw 'New York Minute' I tried to dress like Mary-Kate...well there wasn't much to do really! Anyhow, this issue also shows the rise of other famous and stylish sisters such as Kate and Pippa Middleton, Beyonce and Solange Knowles and more! Sister got it going on!

A Thousand Words

http://www.uniquescoop.com/2009/09/photos-that-changed-world.html

'A picture can say a thousand words'.

The other week I was in Urban Outfitters and came across the book section, one of the books I found was based on photos that changed the world. Upon further inspection I decided to have a browse. I was aware of a number of images which have become iconic but some not so much. We all know what this image symbolises, it was after World War II when everybody around the world took to the streets to salute the end of combat. Here is a nurse receiving a kiss in Time Square off a sailor..who was seen kissing every girl around him..And with that she slapped him. Good girl. 

Below, the iconic film from 1961 'Breakfast At Tiffany's' featuring Audrey Hepburn. This iconic film captures true love in a different light. Here, the images of 'Holly' and 'Paul' kissing in the pouring rain after she searches for her pat cat she had dumped. Beforehand, Paul had presented her a box with a ring in it. 

http://www.cameranaked.com/FamousFilmKisses.htm

Wild Thang

http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hot-black-lips-from-the-runways-to-celebs-the-adams-family-kiss-is-back#!/photos/40865/3

Spending my entire Saturday since I woke up, in my bedroom doing 2 assignments is pretty depressing. (I even said no to going out tonight. Ouch.). Which is why i'll be making up for it come tomorrow night as I hop down to Birmingham for a 'Welcome To The Jungle' Event. So I was thinking of what to be and figured going as a tiger would be my most cost effective approach given I already own a tiger print dress (and the ticket was £15...). With that, I've decided to go for the face painting approach too! Ok, I wont have the time it takes to do this kind of face painting (below) I was thinking of doing the sides of my face and possibly investing in some black lipstick (above) to complete the look. I have to admit I quite like it at the moment, whether you'll see me wearing it on a standard night out or not is for you to wait and see. Now where did I put my tail...

http://elaborateeyes.com/category/animal-face-painting-designs/

Timeless Pieces

http://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/style/articles/2011-11/09/gq-watches-best-mens-bi-metal-steel-strap-watch-guide/oris-tag-heuer-carrera#ContentTop

 left: Artelier Complication by Oris, £1,380. Carrera Heritage Calibre 6 in steel and gold by TAG Heuer, £3,195.

Before my 20th birthday I decided I wanted to invest in something that was classy and timeless (like me, of course). So when I stumbled across a few jewellery stores I noticed some rather gorgeous watches. In the end, due to my previous camera failing on me, I decided to invest half of my birthday money into a new a camera and the other half on clothes (no surprise eh?) Still, I haven't stopped looking around. I believe a watch can sum you up based on style and presentation. For me, an ideal watch is sterling silver chain with a sapphire or oyster face. (A personal favourite of mine is a Micheal Kors one going for £195.) For now however, I'll make do with my £15 Fuchsia Watch. And gentlemen, I believe the best kind of watch you can ask for should have a leather strap with some serious detail on the face; I know a friend who likes his watches and I have to admit, owning a men's watch gives it that added look. How many days is it'til my 21st now?

Les Classiques Gents Bi-Colour Quartz by Maurice Lacroix, £795. At Beaverbrooks. 

One Flirty Little Secret

http://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/girls/articles/2011-11/10/gq-girls-victorias-secret-fashion-show-models-pictures-photos/alessandra-ambrosio#ContentTop

Right, I'm going to lay my cards on the table and be honest here. If I could have the opportunity to parade my assets out in the open, in front of hundreds of people it would have to be this. Irregardless of my size. Lets be honest girls when it comes to catwalk shows, Victoria's Secret is definitely one of the sexiest, stylish and jaw dropping shows of the year. With supermodels such as Alessandra Ambrosio (above and my favourite model), Heidi Klum and Miranda Kerr (The wife to Orlando Bloom...jealous me?) on the catwalk, you have no reason to turn around and claim its boring. It's not just the show that creates brand awareness, its the idea of how to present the underwear which gives it an edge. OTT wings, detail, trains and costumes gives this brand the flirty edge it deserves. Now if you excuse me, I'm off to grab myself a set of wings and some heels...

Bring Back Polaroids

http://wardrobetrendsfashion.com/?attachment_id=204
http://iconolo.gy/archive/still-life-polaroids-andy-warhol/11

Lately, I've started seeing a shift in fashion. With the fast paced industry constantly bringing out something new, some people are bringing back something old. Now I'm not talking clothes here, I'm talking about Polaroids. Polaroids are one of those thing's which have been associated with fashion for decades; There's no fancy artwork involved, photo shopping or effects, just simple photo's captured and printed there and then. I'm no professional photographer but I know a good picture when I see one, and for me these are the best type of photo's. I cant put my finger on it,  but if you get my gist you'll understand what I'm talking about. Sadly the camera's themselves are no longer in production...however with the technological advances you can still capture images and edit them into a Polaroid style i.e. iPhone etc. So not all is lost, I've managed to do something similar with my Fujifilm Finepix camera! Ok so I attempted it.. 

The Countdown

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUxEQbtw6GU

So the countdown has finally begun for the official launch of the Versace for H&M collection! (3 days infact). With that comes the hype of not only viewing the collection via Vogue.co.uk but seeing it live on the catwalk! H&M's designer collaboration in the past has gained attention, however only lately have I seen these collections showcased on the catwalk, with FROW 's (front rower's) such as Nicki Minage and Blake Lively making an appearance, this collection is clearly triumphing in the industry. Not only that, but H&M's reputation will definitely start to sore now. Watch this space guys.  

Something New

Thoma Stenko 

Coat; Louise Grey 

Mask; Katie Eary 

Chi Chi Lou 

http://www.fashion156.com/issues/the-headwear-issue/fashion/women/womenswear-editorial/

If you where to ask me what my favourite part about fashion is, I'd say its the art behind it.  

Now I'm not talking about your standard dress from the high street, I'm talking about the designers whose experiences, creativity and influence leads them to not just creating a garment, but expressing a true form of art. The best thing about art, is how there's no limit, with fashion there is no limit either. So what happens when you combine an artist and a designer? You get something new, raw and exciting. For me, it was Lee Alexander McQueen's collection that opened my eyes to a whole new view on fashion; his theatrical catwalk shows and outlandish garments gained him the recognition he deserved. So when I cam across the Fashion156 website I was astonished by some of the pieces shown. They're new, interesting and a breath of fresh air (given the constant repeat in fashion.) Now dont dismiss these pictures and clothes straight away, take time to look into the style and what that is trying to convey. 

The Statement Piece.

Credit to Daisy Houliston for fixing this necklace for me, its one of my all time favourites.

Its been a good couple of weeks since I last went clubbing, so when a friend of mine informed me he'd be in Manchester this week and suggested a night out, I just couldn't say no.  With that, I then thought this would be a good opportunity to show off my new tweed hotpants! And so I did. Being the only girl on a night out with the lads definitely got me thinking about to how to look. I went for a sophisticated approach with a hint of sex appeal    by teaming my tweed hotpants with a simple black vest top and black blazer (all from H&M.) Originally I wore black tights but decided to bare my legs instead, thanks to these sexy heels (below from New Look) My legs took over the outfit, and for someone whose 5''8ft it has its advantages.  However, I felt something was missing and then it clicked, a statement bib. The one above I bought years ago from Topshop on sale, its something you either love or hate. I've received so many compliments on it I just had to wear it last night to complete 'the look' (and it really did). Only downside to last night? I 'misplaced' my Role -up pumps, standing bare foot outside is not cool. 

Big Girls You ARE Beautiful

On the flight back from Zurich, I decided to read the latest of issue of Cosmopolitan featuring Kelly Rowland on the front. Now anyone whose reading this knows which article i'm talking about, its the one where she's displaying her toned stomach and legs. Originally I thought 'This is my ideal body' however, I then came across an article in this months latest Elle magazine, where the writer discusses plus size women who are fashion conscious   but can never find their size. The writer herself, is a size 12 on top, and 14/16 on the bottom. To me, she sounds like most average women in the UK (average size is 14 and bra is 36D.) So what does this say if the average sized woman struggles to find fashionable clothes in a country recently applauded by the fashion industry? Now I'm no skinnie minnie girls, in fact I average out a size 12, a 34D, and roughly 5''8ft so I dont struggle with clothes   

but I do have my hang-ups such as my hips and stomach, however I refuse to let them stop me from wearing what I love! I'm old fashioned in a sense, mainly because I prefer to be a girl whose got breasts, hips, bum and thighs. I think its time we all stop aiming for a particular look for the sake of fashion, those who are tall and lean are born that way but shouldn't be accused of anything more. Girls its time to show the world what we've got like Crystal Renn and Sophie Dahl did. 

Keeping It Simple

http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=2639972&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=208523&parent_categoryId=203984&pageSize=200

As constantly mentioned, I was paid from work and followed it through by spending my money 'wisely' in Topshop the other day. Ok, so I suppose I don't need another pair of shoes or a new dress but in my defence...I needed some retail therapy. Whilst browsing the rails I came across this stripy number from Topshop for £22, its simple but durable. Worn with these sparkly slipper pumps which are also from Topshop for £20, below (the picture doesn't do them much justice), bare legs and a blazer, this will give you the Alexa Chung feel (well I felt it anyway) come your next night out. My Bonfire night consisted of me wearing this dress with my leather jacket, black tights and studded slipper pumps, as well as changing into a pair of black faux snakeskin boots for the mud.  See, you can mix and match!