'Indie'

The amount of; pardon my french (even though it's not french), bullshit in the fashion world today is sickening! We live in a society, in which we can't wear what we want without being put into a certain stereotypical dresser or style group. For example, I go out into town with some close friends wearing my Brook Doc Martens, some opaque tights, dip-dyed rough shorts and a white jumper and get called a 'wannabe hipster'. My reaction to this was simply, 'wow'.

This outfit for example, I love as a simply everyday look, but if I walked down a street, people would tag it as something, as they would do to say, someone wearing a pair of nylon tracksuit bottoms and some scruffy nikes.

I also recieved my 'Dutchie' bicycle today, which I am, in love with, fo' sho'. I rode it in the rain in my oversized school shoes and a very large long jumper and got the most amazed look from a man walking his two bulldogs. He was looking at me like he'd seen an elephant riding a bloody unicycle!

Of course, when it comes to fashion, there are always going to be stereotypes, from 'chavs' to 'poshboys' from 'hipsters' to 'wannabes', but all you have to remember is what you think looks good, and everyone else can take a look, have an opinion, and deal with it.

Anyway, on to the positives.

J'adore (now there's some French) ripped hems, dip dye, tie dye, tassels, stone-washed denim, bleached denim, dark green, lace and studs at the moment.

If I could pull these outfits off I would wear them until they fell apart.

POP!

♥ Re-united with polyvore ♥

I created a quick autumn outfit, despite the summer weather.

A sunset orange midi-pleated skirt, rough leather backpack, slouch jumper, floppy black hat (circa Audrey Hepburn period) and some grundgey docs.

Perrrrrfection.

Jil Sander, Farewell Raf Simons.

I apoligise for how late I am.

Pastels and tears were flowing down the catwalk, chasing the kitten heels, pacing there way to the end, ready to pose.
Honestly, this has to be my favourite collection. The soft pastel colours brought out a subtle yet bold emotional vibe, capturing the essence of the incredible pieces of pure fashion, strutting down the long, heavenly runway. The runway itself was a piece of art. Fresh and bright plumages of floral arrangements, enclosed in glass, seemed to make the upsetting atmosphere, brighten up and celebrate Raf Simons incredible farewell.

As well as many soft and romantic capes and dresses, the collection did include a few beautiful Navy Numbers , Black Bombshells and Pink Pows! (Please excuse my urge to throw in an alliteration, now and again). The utter simplicity and femininity of the gowns, coats and tailored trousers added a touch of how it should be. Nowadays, all you see is the same trend everywhere, all 'high fashion' extremes, including the likes of whips and chains. Whereas the softness really does have a huge impact on

 my emotions and love towards every single piece of this collection, even the metallic and bold pieces!

The most detail I could find, were a few simple polka-dot, lacey prints. But other than that, what really caught my eye? The plains and panels of each piece of clothing, with colours consisting of Camel, Rose and Powder blue. The sheer beauty and pallette of each model was absolutely beautiful.

Lacquered pony-tails, cascading down backs like sheer, fine waterfalls, rosy lips, soft expressions and edgy colar bones, thrusting themselves forwards, showing a stunning structure and expression of the feminine stance, stood out as a real show stopper, for me.

 When admiring the vast range of styles in this collection, you must look over the versatility of it. The silky night gown-like dresses almost clash with the classy coats, setting a romantic scene, circa 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' with Audrey Hepburn. The almost vunerable clutching of the seams add a spritz of awaiting a late date in the cold winter of 1964. The boldness towards the end of the show built up an ambience of excitment, almost letting us know, it's not the end of Raf Simons...

Goodbye Raf Simons and thank you, there is no doubt we will be seeing you in the future.

Mary Katrantzou for Topshop. SS/12

I have to admit, even though I am a great admirer of the colourful designer, and I see her name everytime I open my web browser, I always have to flip back and forth from google to my blog to write don't her last name.

Greek-born, Mary Katrantzou is famous for her bold and colourful prints.

Back in September 2011, her ready to wear spring 2012 collection was shown on a runway, and had a huge impact on the fashion world.

The use of abstract prints and bold yet fluid human forms included in the clothing, created a vibe similar to, say, Man Vs. Nature.

There are hints of a more structural design to the dress, but they are adressed to as a background state as the fluidity and bright colour of the designs shine through.

Her pieces vary from tailored trousers that add some zest in a dull outfit, to slightly more exagerated bowl-skirted party dresses that are created to stand out in the crowd and make everyone gasp and remember 'That woman with style" (Cheesy I know, but true?)

Now, she is creating a collection for Topshop, hopefully the price may be toned down, but the quality and boldness will still be there.

The collection is available from the 17th February and will most certainly have an impact on the highstreet. Look out for Mary at London Fashion Week, even though it won't be too tricky.

Jean Paul Gaultier's tribute to Amy Whinehouse-Paris Fashion Week.

Who in the world would of thought, "Couture" & "Cigarette smoking, peeking bra's and beehives" would all be bunched together in one huge event.

The late Valerie & Back to Black singer was famous for her avant-garde tattoo's and dress sense, and has obviously been a big inspiration to Jean Paul Gaultier's latest collection this week!

Beehives, thick eyeliner and moles galore, all the Amy staples have been included in this truely memorable collaboration. Some may say Jean Paul has brought out the bad side of Amy referencing her dishevelled aesthetic, reckless attitude and penchant for smoking, but others say this collection is very moving and a great tribute. The classic Jean Paul Gaultier corsets and tight, waist accentuating pencil skirts add a touch of class, even with 'negative' added extras such as; cigarettes, hoop earrings, lazy eyes and relaxed stances. Some may see this entire collection as distasteful, and not respectful in anyway towards Amy and her fans, family and freinds, but some see it as an excellent tribute, out-lining how much of an inspiration Amy was to the community in fashion and music.

Amy Whinehouse's father, Mitch Whinehouse has expressed his dislike for the collection, and thinks it

 'glamorises some of the more upsetting times in her life' and close friends of Amy, such as, Kelly Osbourne has expressed her dislike on twitter, whereas front seat watchers like Beth Ditto & Dita von Teese, thought the tribute was incredibly moving.However, moving past all the negatives, I think the collection has most certainly shown a more relaxed and even a more wearable stane to couture, in contrast to the 'gaga' style outfits worn by plenty of models on the walk of fame, which usually include mad horns, nets and chains, oh dear.

But, we all have different opinions, I guess.
Rest In Peace, Amy Whinehouse.

Nails, Nails, Nails!

I've always had a pang in my heart for nail polish, nail designs, nail art and just nails in general!

I believe the colour of nail polish you wear sums up your personality in so many ways.

There are daring and risque colours like bold red and blazing yellow, yet there are softer colours like pale peach and baby blue. Nails can also correspond to the outfit you are wearing. Wearing pastel colours can mean you can add a pop by wearing a bold nail polish or a dark one, and if you're wearing dark colours like navy and black, you could wear a brighter colour like red or do the opposite of the last and wear pastel colours.

I am not however, a big fan or acrylic nails. In my opinion they look awfully tacky, unless short and natural looking with a small amount of gloss. Any added jewels or chains or whatever people put on there nails today are just pointless and will probably end up getting caught and being ripped off anyways. The opposite of 'Nailed It' in many ways...

I adore simplistic designs like easily done polka-dots and even just the odd coat of gloss or shine to give a touch of perfection to your look.

I do find myself painting my nails too often, ending up smelling of nail varnish remover from past failed attempts (insert extremely worried face here) seeming like a solvent abuser. To be honest, I don't see the big craze with french tips or certain brands. To me, a good nail polish, is a good nail polish, no matter the price (unless it's a ridiculous amount) or the reputation!

I always pay attention to people nails, I cannot ever understand how some people can bite there nails down to little stubs, it must hurt like crazy, especially with the added fact that you can't slick more than one drop of nail polish on those tiny, tiny slithers!

 I love naturally long and oval shaped nails with a high-gloss finish.

Simplicity is key.

Nailed it.



Dance.

Today, I was sitting out in Dance Class because of an injury, but I had a sudden epiphany.

In certain ways, dance genres inspire fashion so much, ballet shows elegance & poise, with light, long and flowing skirts in peaches and pastels, whereas it can be changed into darkness, inspired by "Swan Lake" with deep navy blues and blacks with glittering bodices and short, feathered skirts and tight gothic corsets.

The delicate ways certain styles of ballet outfit influence the fashion world has definetely had a huge impact on the way we dress ourselves today. Ribbons, pleats, lace and peticoats have been used multiple times in the fashion industry, creating beautiful art and photography by inspirations such as; Patrick Demarchilier, Jessica Claire and Jill La Fleur.

Chanel Spring/Summer 2012

Ranging from ice white to frosty blues, from deep navy shades to the blackest of blacks, Karl has really outdone himself this time.

The collection was shown off on a runway, but not just any runway, a runway only a few thousand feet up in the air on an airplane.

That's probably where the eccentric, gravity defying hair styles came from.

The fact the collection was shown on an airplane could suggest the collection is based on an old air hostess uniform, recreated. The laid back stance of the models with hands in the 30's style pockets, short sleeves and block colours with slim tweed fitting shows a more eccentric version of 60's style air hostess outfits, without being too literal.

Glittering bodices and pale skinned models show an almost air/ice queen stance, a

nd as the pale court shoes show, Chanel has taken a turn towards evening and possibly formal wear, instead of producing couture day wear, as per usual.

Some of the outfits shown have ranged from more classy formal 'suits' to more glamourous, outstanding evening wear. There is also a reaccuring theme of a certain length of sleeve & the use of see-through fabrics and patterned leggings and tights.

The colour of powder blue, is very cleverly related to the sky, hence the airplane, so overall, I think this collection and the whole show was very well put together, and the verdit on the entire Spring/Summer 2012 collection is very positive.



Prada to launch 24 hour museum?

Do my eyes deceive me? Am I dreaming. NOPE!

Prada, the gorgeous Italian fashion label is working with a Milan-based artist and satirist Francesco Vezzoli to create a pop-up venue in Paris at Palais d'Iena.

There have been previous catwalks at Palais d'Iena, including the Miu Miu F/W 2011-2012 Collection as seen below:

I can just picture the sections of historic, contemporary and forgotten fashion gems that will be kept in the museum for only 24 hours.

It's open to the public on the 25th January and will include various tributes to femininity through classical sculptures.

Prada caused a sensation on Sunday (15th January) when Miuccia Prada - who has been at the helm of the Italian fashion house since 1978 - used some of Hollywood's hottest stars, including Jamie, Adrien Brody, William Defoe and Gary Oldman (SEX), to model the autumn/winter menswear collection at Milan Fashion Week.

Stunning new mens collection.

Mens fashion, who would of thought for a female to feel such feelings towards an androgynous look.

Grandad.

Nothing says winter like an over-sized, cosy knit!

Recently i've been searching all over for the pefect 'Grandad Sweater' to hide any indecent body parts and to overall look a little more kistch and cosy.

I have a pefect image of a very large grandad sweater in deep green with black opauqe tights & a pair of Doc Marten black boots or Ox blood brooks.

This is absoltely heaven.



'Chic street, New Year'

I've just been taking a peek at vogue's January Street Chic article & comlumn.

The amount of inspiring fashion on the streets of london is huge! I must of seen about 100 women who's outfit's I completely envyed and wish I could pull off!

 ^Alphabet tights & feathered bag.

 ^major example of Jill Sander's bold block colours for spring?

^Over-sized coat?

Jealousy is strong.



admiring urban outfitters.

I have developed a certainly new outlook on UO, as I used to not take that much interest in it,

but lately, I have realised just how amaze-balls some of the clothing is!

Urban Outfitters was created in 1970, and was known as 'The Free People Store' & has ranged from vintage to bohemian & hipster to kitschy.

This summer, I have a feeling I'll be spending a lot of my birthday money on clothes from UO, especially a new maxi or midi skirt, tribal spirts & high waisted, grungy style shorts with exposed pockets.

^Belted camel coloured midi skirt w/ button up denim shirt & brown ankle socks & T strap heels.

However, this is just one choice, this spring, go crazy with acid wash denim and plain white tee's with a few grungy accecsories, including, crucifixes, cuffs & maybe even dog colars, matched with some black wedges or your favourite pair of Doc Martens makes the perfect relaxed look!

I recently got a pair of Ox blood Dr Marten Brooks for christmas, and I wear them literally all the time! I can't wait to wear them in the spring with some cut socks and the above!



2012 fashion trends, already?

New year, new style?

That's the basic outlook of any fresh and 'new' fashion lover.

However, after 2011, an Iconic year for fashion, with ground-breaking designs & fashion shows, can 2012 really live up to the standards?

I don't think any new or 'original' trends have erupted yet, but there is definetely plenty of people to look out for, including Peaches Geldof, Mirande Kerr, Mila Kunis and even Lady Gaga, who seems to be going for a more sophisticated look nowadays.

 ^Peaches at the MAC launch in December.

This classy floor length black dress, a jazzy slit un-covering Peaches' newly toned legs, with a delicate white crochet colar, and a Mulberry clutch, really inspires me to think more sophisticated thoughts on plenty of new fashion icons, in a brand new year.