Sunday 29 April 2012

#10

This months wishlist (I can dream)...



red herring at Debenhams 

red herring at Debenhams

Topshop

Topshop 



Mango



Zara

Newlook


Whistles

What are you all after this month?


p.s. I'm after some nail varnish along the lines of this stuff:  However, I can't seem to find it any shops, which is a bit odd. But anyway, if anyone knows where I can get some I would be very very grateful.
Hope everyone's enjoying the rather storm-like drought and double dip recession we are now in! Yay. If only I could have all these clothes...

Friday 27 April 2012

#9

Hello! Welcome to post number 9, which I feel inclined to tell you is pretty much just me rambling on about the past week, some purchases I made and a couple of new experiences I've had! 
Last weekend, my lovely mother dragged me out of my painfully comfortable bed and treated me to a day out in Bath, resulting in two new pairs of jeans and an unexpected lunch at 'The Pump Rooms'. I'd never been to The Pump Rooms before and didn't really know what to expect so was in shock when I realised it was one of the most elegant places I'd ever seen and had been on my doorstep for 16 years without me ever visiting! It's surrounded by the Roman Baths, and seemed to be bustling with tourists walking through admiring the historic portraits on the high walls and grand piano(with live musician in black-tie!) at the front of the open plan space, not to mention the giggling ladies enjoying what the menu describes as a 'champagne afternoon tea'. It's easy to see the attraction, it is after all known to have been popular with the likes of Jane Austen (who apparently enjoyed a wild night out at a ball or two). Surprisingly, most dishes on the lunch menu were reasonably priced, I enjoyed a cream of carrot and tomato something-or-other soup with baked bread and a cranberry and elderflower spritz totally guilt free! Oh, and I also thoroughly enjoyed counting the number of Barbour jackets present on the backs of chairs while I sat there in my baggy top and battered skinnies. (There were a lot!)




 As much as I love my 'battered skinnies' mentioned above, they haven't been fitting as well recently and have developed a (luckily not too obvious) hole in one of the belt loops. Therefore I was in need of another pair and didn't feel too bad about making mum fork out for one, and it was her who suggested it in the first place! However, getting two pairs felt greedy yet wonderful and I have fallen back in love with jeans, realising they don't have to just be a staple piece and that they can even be the statement piece of an outfit. Here are the two pairs I picked up from Topshop which I really really really adore:






As I came out of Topshop after buying these beauties, I was approached by two people from Hollister who asked if I was interested in going in for an interview with them! This was a very strange experience for me and was surprisingly awkward considering I had not even thought about getting a job at this point! Furthering that, I'd never been a fan of the brand, I always thought they seemed rather shallow and overpriced for what they offered. I decided not to take up the offer after serious consideration for a few reasons, however the store manager really sold the idea of working there and my opinion of the shop has definitely changed. So, if you're looking for a job maybe go in and ask if they have any vacancies because it sounded like a lot of fun!


Sadly, my lucky week took a not-so-lucky turn when my dad informed me that my uncle, who had been severely ill for a long time in hospital, would pass away within the next 72 hours. This horrible event means that on Monday I'll be attending my first funeral (so nervous!). The dress code for the day is simply 'no black' so my new yellow jeans seem absolutely perfect for it as it will be a celebration of my uncle's life, and there is no colour that radiates happiness quite like yellow! It's a true representation of how what people wear expresses a lot more than their fashion sense. It's really difficult to know how to express all the thoughts and feelings you have when someone passes away, but after a few days of getting used to the idea, writing this little paragraph seemed like a nice thing to do, simply to pay my respects and remember the guy. Rest in peace uncle Bill, you are missed.
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Sorry to make things a little less up beat than usual on here! I will be returning shortly to share my current wish-list with you (it is ever-growing!) and share a little bit more of my life with you if anything interesting happens to pop up. And if my personal ramblings are far too annoying to deal with, please feel free to make suggestions on what you would like to see on this blog, they will be greatly appreciated!





Thursday 19 April 2012

#8

I think most girls, when the time arrives, develop a love-hate relationship with prom. There's the immediate joy of getting to dress up to the nines, falling in love with a dress and ultimately, feeling your prettiest. However, then comes the realisation that there is more to attending your prom than just getting to look good. The panic over not being able to find that perfect dress sets in and that's before you've even considered your shoes, accessories, hairstyle etc. Then (unless you're very lucky!) you've got the parents in your ear reminding you of your budget, which of course won't cover that dress AND those shoes AND the matching clutch, let alone the fancy transport and ticket costs. On top of all of this, there's the (almost constant) voices in your head debating whether your weight is okay, your nose is too big or your skin's too pale. Add all of this together and suddenly Prom is this big stressful and competitive event.

The big sparkly taffeta dresses that you come across when literally typing into Google 'prom dresses' are unrealistic in many, many ways and if you ask me, they really aren't too flattering either. While you may think unless you get a big fancy dress you won't look good, you're wrong. Bigger does not equal better and most girls will be avoiding dresses along the 'traditional prom' line anyway. You can get plenty of flattering plain dresses and then use accessories to make it a little fancier! e.g. a skater dress and an embellished collar...
£48


£15

or maybe combine a skirt and top instead of going for the typical dress?
£22

£45
The great thing about these ideas is that the items you buy will probably be wearable for more than just the one occasion, making it a much more worthwhile investment.

Or try a different idea all together and rent out a dress for the day/night for under £100 with girlmeetsdress.com. Their dresses really are something special (red carpet material) so I'd certainly recommend taking a look at their website. The only downfall to this trick is that you'd have to be on the look out for potential spillages at all times!

And finally, if you are still stuck, head to shopstyle.co.uk. Simply type in 'dresses' into the search bar and just like that you are presented with 1139 pages of dresses to choose from, from all kinds of different shops, for all occasions and at all prices.
Good Luck!





Wednesday 18 April 2012

#7

I don't know about you, but having to walk/jog through the relentless showers England has experienced this week, dodging puddles and ending up with soaked feet anyway, has really made me start to wish we'd see a bit more of the idyllic spring weather I picture for so long every winter. However, as most of the country has already been declared in drought, I'm not going to be wishing the rain away just yet and instead am going to try and bring a little bit of sunshine to my blog by focusing on the truly controversial colour, yellow.


May I just remind you that this is a colour that Chris Martin sings about, so in my books that makes it a pretty good colour already. However, when it comes to incorporating the shade into our wardrobes, we all seem to try to avoid it, leaving it up to the models and runways to advocate. But what better way is there to brighten up your day than wearing yellow? Admittedly you might get a few suspicious stares if you're skipping through puddles and embracing the rainfall in a plastic-look yellow mac, with a plastic-look yellow hat and superbly yellow wellies on, but I'm convinced there are ways to make the colour a wardrobe staple, especially this year. Key yellow-featuring trends appearing at the moment include delicate laces and pretty pastels, and while these may not suit your mood on a rainy day, the bolder, heavier and wilder side of 2012 spring/summer trends just might!(and vice versa)







My top 3:
1)The blazer
Blazers seem to dangle in the wings of the fashion stage almost all year, every year. Whether they're with shoulder pads, rolled up sleeves, equestrian style, jet black or primary coloured, they're pretty much impossible to escape from, and I'm not complaining.


Team with your every day jeans (rolled up if you like), a white t-shirt, neutral heeled-sandals or flats and a floral bag for a day to evening look.


2) The Jean
Colour pop jeans have been a trend for a few months now, though over winter the most popular colours were darker tones such as maroon and dark green. Although wearing bright yellow jeans may be a scary thought, when paired with less in-your-face colours they can work wonders, and if that still isn't enough to convince you, go for pastel yellows instead.






3) The Dress
Yellow is naturally a day time colour but with yellow dresses, the colour in itself can be the statement piece for an evening event making it perfect for either or.

http://www.newlook.com/shop/womens/dresses/te-amo-lemon-belted-skater-dress_250935886
In really bad weather conditions, try the jeans with a baggy jumper/top, a casual dress with a wintery cardigan and boots, or the blazer also with boots and a less flowery bag! If all else fails, grab a pair of yellow wellies! Who knows, they might just make you happy to see the rain!

Thursday 12 April 2012

#6

It seems like forever since I was sat here at my computer, attempting to write something mildly interesting for you and enjoyably time consuming for me. Still, I am back after my 'not-so-inspired' break and planning to do a post all about Made In Chelsea (yes that reality television show featuring young, pompous millionaires).
I'm ashamed to say I have sat through two episodes of the new series, (admittedly whilst fuming and sulking at how these people seem to own my dream wardrobe) before coming here to have a little natter about the 'Made In Chelsea' style.

It appears however, that I am not the only one whose taken an interest in the 'Chelsea' look. Various magazines such as Glamour and Grazia have featured some of the characters wardrobe choices and River Island seem to have fallen head over heels with the style as they bought out a 'Chelsea Girl' department. The collection features 61 supposedly 'Chelsea like' garments some of which couldn't be more right, others that couldn't be any more wrong if you took a blowtorch to them.




Star of the show Millie Mackintosh is seen here pulling off both leather shorts and trousers, a very grungy look which I adore, however there is no leather to be seen in RI's collection. And below, she wears a large hat and fur scarf yet there are no hats in the collection and only one item of fur present in a rather hideous coat.








Rosie Fortescue doesn't seem to stick to the floaty, flamboyant, hippy-esc style either, opting for leather and block colour over a white lace dress any day.





So is this Chelsea style made up entirely or just some form of stereotyping? Either way it seems to make us assume that a Chelsea woman is another species all together ("and on the 3rd day, God created the Chelsea woman"). You get the drift. Anyway, my point is that the only difference between your average working ladies style and the not so average and most probably not working style of the chelsea girl, is money. If we could afford it, of course we would dress like them. But while we do see the occasional bold print or cream lace on the show...






 ...this iconic Chelsea look that seems to have been created doesn't really exist. There are no boundaries to what the cast of made in Chelsea wear at least, and I applaud them for that.  That said, RI's collection is worth looking at and is none the less a home for gorgeous style. However, the girls style really comes down to good taste, class, diversity and unfortunately, money. But where the last one is not available to all of us, the first three are.


My River island Chelsea girl favourites:










Thursday 5 April 2012

#5

http://www.whatoliviadid.com/p/about-olivia.html - This is the blog of cosmopolitan's 'Best New Fashion Blog' 2011 winner, Olivia Purvis. From first glance, it's not hard to tell that this girl is a fairly successful blogger. She's got the artwork, the stylish format, the stunning clothes. But when you sit down and actually read what she writes, only then do you realise how talented she really is. I regularly check Olivia's blog (at the same rate I check Lauren Conrad's) and I thought that maybe, since I'm so infatuated with 'what Olivia did',  perhaps fellow bloggers and fashion lovers may also be interested in a quick interview with the girl herself. I am pleased to reveal that the light-hearted, bubbly and intelligent girl behind whatoliviadid.com seems to be exactly the same 'off-blog' as she appears 'on-blog' (excuse my made up phrases!). Enjoy...

The girl behind the blog


1) What made you first start your blog? 
I'd been reading loads of other fashion blogs, and after a few months felt totally inspired to start my own!

2) Was having a lot of attention for your blog a main priority for you when you first set it up?  
Oh my goodness no! I read loads of 'big blogs' and never dreamt mine would ever grow above my loyal 14 followers! I am still stunned by how many people say they read it!

 3) How has being a blogging success altered your life?
I wouldn't say it really has! It's given me several opportunities, which I'm hugely grateful for and I've met some amazing people but in terms of my daily lifestyle, minus more posing- it hasn't really!

4) You say you're on your gap year at the moment. What's the next step for you?       
I'm currently interning and just trying to get as much experience in the fashion industry as possible, I may defer university for a following year because I'm quite enjoying working and gaining work expo at the moment!

5) If you could only buy from 1 designer and 1 high street store again, which would you choose?     
I'd probably have to say Mulberry (those bags...) and Topshop!

6) Your hair seems to be perfectly groomed in every photo on your blog, how do you style it?     
Thank you! I just curl it with straighteners, back brush a little and add hairspray!

 7) Where would you like to be in life 10 years from now?      
Happy! If possible I'd also like to be working for a magazine, either styling or writing and with a lovely family.

 8) Have you always had the courage to buy and wear the clothes you love or was there a certain point in life where you found and became comfortable with your style?
I guess so! It's more a matter of my style evolving I think, and just becoming happier with what I chose to wear. I went through a phase of 'bright skinny jeans and high tops'- so I've never been a shy dresser, but more recently have developed a sense of style I feel more secure with.

9) Do you have any role models/icons and if so who and why?      
My mum! Literally the most caring, selfless, lovely, wonderful and best dressed woman I know.

10) What is one trend you are loving right now and one trend you have always loved?    
I'm currently loving pastels and prints, but I have pretty much always loved 60's style- block colours, boyish tailoring and contrasting ladylike shifts.

11) What's one trend you would never consider? 
I'll try (pretty much) everything once!

 12) What can readers expect from your blog in the upcoming weeks/months?        
I have lots of exciting things in the pipeline, including new outfit posts, interviews and a couple of cheeky recipes!






Monday 2 April 2012

#4

Ethics in Fashion
-inspired by Alexa Chung



The phrase 'Ethical fashion' covers a lot of different things really. If you searched for the dictionary definition you'd get this:

 "eth·i·cal

Adjective:
  1. Of or relating to moral principles or the branch of knowledge dealing with these.
  2. Morally correct."    

However, this doesn't really explain what it means to be ethical when dealing with what we wear. Ethics, and it's place in fashion relates to which materials are used, how/who makes the clothes, the way they are treated and general morals. Most big name shops in the UK do not have their clothes made in England. They come from all over the world, commonly the far east.
When on my work experience in London last year, I worked with a company who are pretty much the 'middle men' of knitwear in the UK. They work with ASOS, Topshop and Next to name just a few. While there, I learnt that most of the clothes were made by factory workers in places like China or Turkey. Towards the end of my week there, my supervisor was due to fly out to these factories and make sure they compiled with morals and legislation, which basically means making sure the working conditions are appropriate and that the workers get a fare wage for the hard work they put in. 
sneak peek inside my wardrobe

Since then I've tried to be careful where I shop but it's hard to know which shops are worth investing in when it's no secret that there are businesses out there, such as Primark, who have an awful reputation regarding morals and fair trade. To work around the fact that there is little information out there on the subject, I try to stick to the shops that my work experience company worked with, as I know the process behind how they get their knitwear and have little reason to suspect it's anything other than ethical. Unfortunately my only other rule, is "don't trust cheap shops". Never mind the fact there is little satisfaction to be had when picking up a poor quality pair of jeans for a tenner, as a general rule, clothes are not cheap and if a shop is offering you visually the same as another but at a much lower price, does that not make you suspicious as to what they do differently in able to charge that price?
I won't pretend to be an expert on the subject, in fact I could be entirely wrong about Primark but if I don't know where the clothes I'm wearing have come from or who has made them (and in Primark's case why it is so cheap), I don't enjoy it as much as a piece that I know has been made by a happy worker in good conditions with a fare wage. That said, there isn't much else you can do regarding where your clothes come from and I still feel rather guilty for my ignorance on the matter!

Alexa Chung


Alexa Chung, a fashion icon to say the least, has spoken out about the subject in a recent issue of VOGUE that grabbed my attention:

"I was first made aware of the appalling conditions factory workers are often forced to work under while filming a documentary in 2008 for Channel 4.The idea was to recreate a sweatshop environment in a makeshift Covent Garden factory, in which we then invited high-street shoppers to work. Most grumbled about the dirty water, sweltering heat, poor pay and forced overtime. A good few quit almost instantly. Questionable ethics isn't the only disturbing factor in the production of the clothes I love. Ecologically sound brands try to limit the vast carbon footprint that production and distribution create, while fair-trade brands ensure that nobody in the creative chain is taken advantage of financially."

Now you're probably wondering why I'm telling you all this when it seems there isn't much you can do about it. Well yes, unless you're going to go on a world wide tour of all clothing production lines and give them a good talking to, there isn't. But there are things you can do regarding the other area of ethical fashion; the earth.

Admit it, we're all guilty of running into our favourite shop, immediately seeing what our brain tells us is a 'to-die-for' item and then staring lovingly at our new purchase in our wardrobe, where it stays...for the foreseeable future. Okay so maybe it wasn't a 'to-die-for' piece after all but hey at least I'm up to date with the trends, right? Actually, wrong. No one suits everything, and taking the time to try on and browse clothes will not only benefit your appearance but is also much more ethical. (hooray!)



Quick and easy guide to being ethical 

You've found the most beautiful item of clothing in, like, forever and are ready to get in line and hand over your cash for it but should you really be investing in it?
here's a check-list to help you decide:

1) Do you own anything that you can wear it with all ready? 

yes = buy

no = hold back


2) Can you, on the spot, imagine the item being styled/worn                
      in at least 3 different ways?

yes = what are you waiting for? buy it!

no = maybe not


3) Do you love it because YOU love it or because it is just      
     ' trendy'?

I LOVE IT = yes

um... = no



Asking yourself these questions before you buy will enable you to spend your money on timeless buys, things that will last and be given opportunities to escape the wardrobe more than just once. It also, means someone who that item really suits can have it instead, which means 1 less has to be made. Most materials ARE NOT sustainable and we're all to keen to forget this, especially when it comes to clothes. When you finally are done with an item, don't just chuck it away. A charity shop will be entirely grateful for anything you take to them and it won't do your conscience any harm either!


"Statistics suggest that on average, UK consumers send 30kg of clothing and textiles per capita to landfill each year and that 1.2 million tonnes of clothing went to landfill in 2005 in the UK alone. Moreover, textiles present particular problems in landfill as synthetic (man-made fibres) products will not decompose, while woollen garments do decompose and produce methane, which contributes to global warming.
As textile consultant Kate Fletcher points out ‘Fast isn’t free – someone somewhere is paying’ It’s also clear that the environment is suffering too. .."
http://www.ethicalfashionforum.com/the-issues/fast-fashion-cheap-fashion


If Fashion addict Alexa can do it, so can we! Today I reworked my cream shirt (see #3) into a comfy and casual 'rainy day' look. I loved the layering effect it created especially with the rolled up sleeves. I felt it bought something new yet so simple to the outfit, which clenches my thirst for new clothes a reasonable amount!





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