This Closet of Mine

Out from hibernation

2016-04-10T06:08:00.002-07:00

I haven't blogged for about 5 years now which seems crazy! I guess as I got older I got busier. It made me smile (and slightly cringe) looking over my very first posts. Looking back at pictures of the work I did at school and college I can see how I had the creativity and drive that has made me into the designer I am today.

A very quick recap of the last five years: I completed college having passed the BTEC Fashion Design and Media with D*D*D (Top grades!) where I developed a love for accessory design. I went onto the study fashion accessories (complete course name: Ba(Hons) Cordwainers Fashion Accessories: Product Design and Development) at the London College of Fashion. I am still currently a student but on a placement year at Kurt Geiger (I absolutely love it, as stylish as the Devil Wears Prada but without the bitchiness) I return to uni in October to complete the final year of my degree!

Does anyone still use blogspot? Let me know if you do!

The Start Of A New Project

2011-04-17T13:53:00.000-07:00

As soon as we hand in one set of projects, we straight away get a new brief. Well they do say ‘No rest for the wicked’. Our new one is called ‘Turning Japanese’. Just by the title of it I was getting rather excited. We are to produce a design package and garment that could be worn by the host/hostess of a Japanese themed club night. Our final outcome is to be a kimono, well something that resembles the shape of it. We will be able to use block pattern pieces that we can alter to suit the design of our kimono. We were asked to start our research over the Easter break. This could be on Japanese culture, food, art- anything Japanese really. Our research will help influence our designs and final piece.

I have always been fascinated and completely in love with Harajuku. A few years ago I went through a brief Decora stage (so quick that it ended before it really had begun) let’s just say people in England don’t understand it how they do in Japan. In addition to that carrying a whole load of plastic toys strapped around your neck not also weighed a lot but made moving safely a bit of an issue (there was always the possibility of getting strangled by a caught up hello kitty). I love how the use of bright colours, prints and animated characters, such as Hello Kitty are incorporated onto clothing. It’s defiantly clear that all styles of Harajuku (I’ll explain about the different Harajuku style tribes in my next post) play on the inner child inside of everyone. Out of all the styles Lolita has to be my favourite. It’s just so pretty to look at. What with all the pastel colours, cute motifs and Victorian style lace it’s so girly. I will consider using this as my main inspiration.

Our new sketchbooks open up to reveal pages that look like a huge fan. I decided to play on the fact that it opened up like this by trying to make the first pages look like they joint up to form a street. On the first set of double pages I wrote the lyrics from a Gwen Stefani song (Harajuku girls) where she basically is singing her adoration for the ‘Harajuku Girls’. It’s clear on her obsession with this style as it’s been used lots in her videos that feature her girls- Love, Angel, Music and Baby and her fashion and perfume line called ‘Harajuku Lovers’. So I thought who else is more deserving to appear on my first pages.

I started off by typing ‘Harajuku’ into google. I already had some knowledge of Harajuku fashion and the station but never really knew much about the area of Harajuku or how the popularity of it rose. Turns out it was a small village that became hugely popular after WW11. The area of Washington heights was built up of army houses that were used to host athletes in the 1964 Olympics. Shops were built to cater for the families that lived there which allowed youths to explore western culture. The area became popular due to people wanting to meet the Olympic athletes. The increase in popularity therefore inspired shops and fashion businesses to set up.

Harajuku station is where the cool kids hang. Not just a station it serves as a dressing room for people who cosplay and dress up in Harajuku fashion. As you can tell I haven’t really finished this page hence the big blank space in the centre of the station. I’ll either paint people onto it or use a photograph as I like to mix media. I have already started on other pages further into the sketchbook but for the sake of trying not to confuse everyone (and of course myself) I’ll scan everything in order so that it makes sense. So keep peeled because there’s more to come!

Commitment is not my strongest point

2011-01-17T09:38:00.000-08:00

So it’s been a while since I’ve last posted. Oops. Life is a bit busy and complicated at the moment. Im not sure if that’s a good thing or not really. I've racked up quite a few pictures on my blackberry- mostly to tweet but here’s a few of my favourite:

The Body in Art and Design

2010-12-21T14:38:00.000-08:00

When I say 'the body in art' what springs to mind? A detailed portrait or the flawless body of Michelangelo's David? A celebration of the human form perhaps or merely outlining the body’s perfection we all aim for. With his perfect six pack and the stance of a male supermodel he is enough to make any man want to join a gym. Possibly he’s the inspiration for many of Bruce Weber’s Abercrombie and Fitch campaigns. The amount of testosterone them adverts give off are enough to drive any women crazy. Not just a statue, he symbolizes that our bodies are worthy to be considered as masterpieces. After all we are just as beautiful as a haute couture dress.

Another way of looking at this is to see how art has/can be incorporated onto our bodies. Take make up for example- used to enhance our facial features or is it something for us to hide under? As Coco Chanel once said “Nature gives you the face you have at twenty; it is up to you to merit the face you have at fifty.” So is it considered a great skill to cover up our imperfections? The art of the brush just how a painter paints a masterpiece? Yes everyone has flaws, even kate Moss. It’s what makes us human and individual after all. I like the quote “Scars are tattoos with better stories” (Toyota advertisement in Sports Illustrated magazine, 3 June 2002)
It speaks to me that we should embrace our bodies- every single part of it. And if we could have it our way then we would all star in a Bruce Weber billboard.

For people who like a little more permanent ink on themselves tattoos are a great appeal. I call it (in some cases) graffiti for the body. Because let’s face it, it really is. Some can be tasteful- even considered beautiful but others are just extreme. A paw print on your breast may be sexy when your in your 20’s but 40 years later are you still going to be rocking that? Maybe not. Taking it to the extreme is like anything really. Calling a dot on a page a piece of art can be considered just that.

Just like doctors who discover cures, artists who find modern ways of presenting the body are exciting. The work of Orlan is pretty fascinating. Her passion for her work is obvious. Who else would go through cosmetic procedures for something they did not believe in? I could not specifically tell you one of her artwork that I favor the most because there are just too many. Her work is more interesting than beautiful. That could be the point of it though. Not just a pretty portrait of someone to look at and forget about but more of a slightly unusual approach to representing the body that is quiet likely to get you thinking – why? And most strangely how?

In the world of art the human body is one of its main inspirations. Both in ways of actual art on the body and art about the body. It can be used to show what we think of as the “ideal” body and how it affects our self esteem. Say for example if Michelangelo's David had not been created, would our thoughts not provoke about wanting perfection and so would there be no need for make up? I guess no one will ever know the answer to that.

Possibly the best christmas card ever?

2010-12-19T13:07:00.000-08:00

Exciting stuff. And this is only the envelope

Inside was a hand written message along the line of "Merry christmas From the Mulberry Team at house of fraser" how thoughtful! The next time I make a "big" purchase from Mulberry, it will most likely be from there because of the great service they offer. Of course this card takes pride of place on top of the tv

Whilst on the matter of Mulberry I am liking the new mini alexa. The normal size one was too big for me when slung over my shoulder. Working out the proportions of the mini one it should be a good a fit. Still at £495 do I really need it? Actually scrap that question of course I do! This is what extra days and overtime at work equals. However first on my ever growing "to buy" list is a mannequin. Need to think of a catchy name for her
The Mini Alexa is literally just a smaller version (ooh and £255 cheaper)

The collars of this month

2010-11-16T13:58:00.000-08:00

DIY Miu Miu style. Simply stitched two lycra lace swatches I had around the collar.
Of course it needed a bow to finish it off

I went for the whole preppy geek look. Yes thats a Ralph Lauren jumper and shirt but as I explained I was feeling prep/geek. Actually had someone shout nerd at me! What ever happened to freedom of clothing. Its just as important as freedom of speech right?

Its like Uggs for your ears

2010-11-06T07:28:00.000-07:00

I figured its going to be a long winter and I have alot of waiting around for buses/trains so I decided to treat my ears. 100% Cashmere and sheepskin what more could I ask for?

They say good things come in small packages

2010-10-22T12:18:00.000-07:00

It arrived!
Not what I would usually go for but am soo glad I ordered it!
Haha so bad at taking photos. Theres a random stray hair across my face and nose!

I look very manly here. Ooh well
Blazer: Car boot (£1!!)
T-Shirt: Alexander Mcqueen
Leggings: M&S
Socks: Jack Wills (only like the socks because their warm. Not because they are Jack Wills)
Shoes: New Look (£5 bargain!)

My favourite photo. Mainly because im only half in it.
Ive been soo busy with college stuff these last few weeks.Its so exciting but very tiring! I worked out I spend 4 hours a day travelling (two hours to get there, then two hours to get back!) but I think its worth it. Am obsessed with twitter at the moment. According to nearly everyone I tweet complete crap (twap as I said the other day), which is true I guess but isnt that what twitter is for? Its half term now :D Got a project to do though which will keep me busy. Also planned to finally get to Bicester outlet village near Oxford. Anyone ever been? I shall blog any bargains I may find but of course it will probaly get posted to twitter first! Just to remind you all my twitter is www.twitter.com/VivaLaSophieG Anyone got anything great planned for next week?

Follow Me

2010-10-18T04:37:00.000-07:00

Got a bit of a thing for J Holiday

2010-10-14T11:33:00.000-07:00

Grab my body baby

Hold my heart, don't break it

It is yours

J Holiday - It is yours

Black Sparrow here

2010-10-02T14:07:00.001-07:00

Black feather cape: Topshop

I got these bird wings (as i like to call them) for £10! Reduced from £40 in my local topshop which is luckily an outlet. Thats about the only good thing about my local town.

Ohh and I have twitter at last so follow me on:

http://twitter.com/VivaLaSophieG

College days off become shopping days

2010-09-29T13:06:00.000-07:00

Omgosh im so behind on blogs! Theres a million and one free stuff I have to blog. Ill get round to it soon! Anyway went to Westfield today (college day off) finally brought a new purse. Have been eyeing this one up for months now!

Photos are bad as cannot find my camera and so had to use blackberry (yep I gave in and got one in the end) camera which is crappy. Talking of blackberrys its amazing how many people in the train carriage I was in had them. I figured about 50% were blackberry people and 20% iphoners. So weird!

OOh back to what this post is about:

They stuck one of the stickers on the bag. So cute! Its so small compared to the bag that my bayswater came in
Ooh yhh I managed to get a Miu Miu newspaper thing (free of course) I need to open it later!

The box it came in. I dented it somehow :/

Here it is! Its part of the Margaret range inspired my princess margaret. I love love love the emblem. The purse is kinda heavy due to the hardwear

It says "We believe in tea and cake" So true! Nothing beats a good cup of tea and a slice of cake

Has space for cards and coins

Just had to take a picture of my yummy men before I devoured them! I think gingerbread people are actually quiet sexist when you think about them. Why ginger bread men and not women?

College girl

2010-09-16T12:45:00.000-07:00

I offically am a fashion student at Reading College. I have the student card to prove it! I feel so grown up now as we are given alot of freedom and responsibilty. On the first day(Tuesday) I was really surprised to be given an assisment due in tomorrow (Friday!)The brief was to, in a group, design and make an outfit to a theme of our choice. We choose an African Tribal Carnival theme. I think with only the two days we have had to make it, it looks really good! I made the main front part of the top which was attached to a back panel with the bow on.To be honest its all amazing! I was lucky to have been part of a great group who all had different strengths which helped to create our outfit
As you can see the neckline is really low we thought it linked in with our carnival theme as carnival costumes are normally show alot of flesh. I added darts to give it a tighter fit

Our headress(if thats what its called)! The leaves are beginning to brown :( But as someone said earlier it gives it a "rustic" feel

Love love love this bow!

If you go down to the woods today

2010-09-13T12:06:00.001-07:00

I went to the woods today with my Nan to take my dog out. Was fun until it started to rain! Came back and uploaded these pictures and managed to fiddle with the photo settings somehow

Hat: Accessorize
Coat: H&M Childrens
Bag: Mulberry Bayswater
Shoes: Office

Ohh I forgot to say earlier I start College tomorrow!

I love MJ

2010-09-12T13:10:00.000-07:00

Marc by Marc Jacobs keyring although the keyring only actually says Marc Jacobs on it. How much do you think this was considering its Marc Jacobs? Well it was only £3! Yes you heard right £3! Keyrings in general are normally at least £5+! So this is rather reasonable. Plus it came with a mini Marc by Marc Jacobs store bag. The shop once had lots of cheap stuff like the bracelet and belt that I got for £1 (featured in a post agees ago) however it seems that they have got rid of it all in return for bags priced £300+ :( On an upnote though there is a bag called Sophie! I like it but its a bit to small for me and I have no idea how much it costs. Im guessing about £300+ which sucks!

I wear my heart near my sleeve

2010-09-08T13:44:00.000-07:00

My new everyday bracelet :D I love to layer it with my other chain/material ones. Now I can have a bit of designer on me everyday! Its an off-white-grey colour. I would have prefered it in blue but they are selling out quick so I thought i'd get this one for now. I love it! Its like a mini belt but on my wrist. I purchased this beauty from the Miu Miu store in Westfield. That shop is amazing. Just looking at it makes my heart race! The Mini Miu Miu bags are so cute but very impractical for me as I carry a tone of crap around with me. Ohh well I can still dream!

Here we go round the mulberry bush

2010-09-06T14:38:00.000-07:00

I managed to pick up a copy(s) of the Mulberry lookbook for this season. I absolutely love the print on the cover!

Im on the hunt for a faux fur coat for this winter. So far the only ones I have seen cost way over my budget (I become a fully fledged poor student next week) Im determined to find one though. If your out there please let me find you soon!

That Alexa...how my heart beats for you!

Doesnt that look like fun? Wonder how many tries that took to get her photographed mid-air? I swear jumping photos take forever to take.Well to get the perfect one where everyone is raised off of the floor in some kind of jumping pose

Mulberry Stickers! Who would of thought it? Plus they are free along with the lookbooks! One I've stored away and another is proudly stuck on my new notebook for college. The black spots are all fuzzy which is a bit weird to feel but im not complaining because after all its mulberry and best of all free! (Annie and I are loving free designer books at the moment which I'll explain about in a later post)

My new addition!

2010-09-05T12:56:00.000-07:00

Good evening! Got my gcse results last week and of course, after much waiting and deciding, my bayswater!

Lovely mulberry bag. Is hugeee! Was a bit of a struggle to carry it round the shops

Dustbag! My nan was rather impressed with that to be honest.

All wrapped up

Hate the lock tag thingy on it reminds me to much of one of them "real leather" tags you get on cheapy bags. Have taken it off but now am hunting for a bag charm. Theres a lovely louis vuitton sweetie one but not at £230!

The lock which im so scared of twisting to much and snapping it off!

One of the buckles that can expand/dexpand (is that even a word?)the bag which is pretty handy considering how much crap i carry around with me

Overall i am in love with my bayswater. Was loving the Alexa though. This beauty cost me 2 A*'s 3 A's 6 B's and 52.5 hours overtime...Was it worth it...Of course!

I hold my love in my hand

2010-08-11T13:23:00.000-07:00

Just 14 days and this baby is mine!

Your so yummy

2010-08-01T12:03:00.000-07:00

So damn cute! Annie had to buy one aswell. We just couldnt resist the cuteness!

Who said that all that shimmers is'nt gold?

2010-07-28T07:01:00.000-07:00

Miu Miu Spring/Summer 07 trainers

Hey Doll Face

2010-07-26T01:10:00.000-07:00

Blythe dolls

Really want one to dress up and photograph

Telephone

2010-07-23T19:00:00.000-07:00

Im phoneless. Stupid screen became disconnected to keypad. Serves me right I guess for commiting some serious phone abuse: Dropping, sitting, eating over it and getting it wet. Ohh well an excuse for a new phone I guess. The blackberry is calling me but then the iphone sounds interesting. I need to figure out which one will last the longest.

It must be Miu Miu love

2010-07-16T14:09:00.000-07:00

So much to catch up on like the clothes show, prom and general stuff. So busy with a college course at the moment but went into town afterwards today and brought these (photos dont do them justice but i'll post pictures of them on sometime in the future):

Omg im in love!Case is a bit of a random colour but looks so rich! They were £40 from tkmaxx and supposed to be £120! I think it has swarvoski crystal on as the crystal part catches the light how swarvoski crystals do. I tried to google them but couldnt find anything great to tell me. Anyway I love them! They are'nt the sort I would normally go for but they are nice.and Miu Miu after all.

Wooo!

2010-06-21T00:38:00.000-07:00

Im back! Just one final exam tomorrrow then i'm done!Woop! Theres alot of exciting stuff happening at the moment/this week:
1. The Harvey Nichols sale- Im debating on ordering this Marc by Marc Jacobs bangle (the top one). Its £15 reduced from £21. But I need to save my money for friday.
2. Which brings me onto The Clothes Show on Friday! Looks good and apparently Katie Price is going to be there (Not that Im a hugee fan of hers but still). Iv read mixed messages about it. Some people say the stuff that is on sale is really good whereas others say it is just over priced crap. Hmmm I'll have to just wait and see!
3. I start my job! Working in the fashion accessory department in Daniels in Windsor. Im kind of scared because I have no idea what to expect and really don't want to get fired on my first day!
4. Annie and I finally get to go to the Ritz as my birthday party thingy (just 6 months late!) Better late than never?
5. Winchester university trip- I dont really see why I'm going but it should be good. I know I'll take to much stuff (as always) so I'm looking for a smaller case to take.
6.SUMMER!!! (Please please please let us have a hot one) Summer= random days out!