Fashion Enthusiast

Vanity sizing... Vanity or Misleading?

2010-04-25T14:35:00.006+01:00

Following up on the last blog the good ole people at Marie Claire (God they should really pay me for plugging them shamelessly!) have now informed us that shops across the UK, mainly our high street brands are sizing their clothes bigger then the size guides. So in actual fact they are going against the rules- Hold the press someone is actually rebelling against fashion?! There's a first! I like many of you probably knew that clothing sizes vary from shop to shop but now we have a term for it, its becoming more apparent.

Vanity sizing as its affectionately termed is happening with many of our favourite labels including Marks & Spencer and Topshop. It literally means that women are lead to believe they are buying a small size by making the clothes slightly bigger then they are. Flattering right? or Misleading? Lets just say you have picked up a size 6 (for those of us who are lucky to be that size) and it is slightly big for you as the sizing is made bigger, it can be seen as a disadvantage because when it does not fit you you can't just get a smaller size. This would only work for people who are 8 and above and hence maybe a bit misleading.

Lets face it you you want to remain your current size for as long as possible and don't really want to jump from size to size. On the other hand it can be flattering to know that your smaller then the sizes and in addition to this with regards to the last blog its about time that fashion becomes more 'real' and treats people as they are. Real.

Is this another indicator of fashion becoming about 'real' people? Milan has already banned models on the catwalk who have a BMI less then 18.5, Britney Spears released photo's of herself au natural (non airbrush)and now its been revealed that Vanity Sizing is in process. Here's hoping :) its about time we enjoyed fashion rather then letting it make us obsess over how we should look. Live for fashion but remember to enjoy it at the same time too :)

For full article please visit:
http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/news/world/451160/clothes-shops-flatter-women-with-vanity-sizing.html

Fashion in all its glory

2010-04-14T21:34:00.008+01:00

Just got this in my email from Marie Claire and just had to blog about it! I felt as my duty as a fashionista blogger to bring up this subject. It seems that Ms Spears has boldly gone where no female celebrity has gone before and let everyone see her in all her glory- without airbrushed pictures! Liberating feminist move or clever PR stunt? Being a cynical PR person it probably is the latter but I'd like to think its liberating too for women and Britney Spears too. Its liberating for women to see that celebrities are "normal" just like you and me and Briney must feel liberated too where she does not need to be worried about her body and clearly from the shots below she isn't.

It also shows how much she has grown up from that little school girl outfit we saw her in first, to the women she has become now. These pictures show that she is not only comfortable in her own skin but that she accepts all her "flaws".

These pictures also reveal the extent of air brushing that is done to pictures which then presents false expectations on womens body image. From the pictures we can see just how many inches are taken off from the picture (note the first picture below in particular) and how they look a bit unrealistic compared to her natural body which I think looks good anyway for someone who has had two children. If you compare the pictures you can see her 'before' picture is not bad at all and she looks great.

The picture which really surprised me is the one below where her bottom with airbrushing has decieded to defy gravity by being lifted a considerable amount and her legs have got stretched out and "toned" to the extent where they look a bit like chicken legs instead of "real" human legs.

I think if your going to use this airbrushing technique (and lets face it the fashion magazines are not really going to stop using this) then it should be a little realistic. I'll be the first to admit the airbrushing of her skin to even out the complexion looks good but I dont really agree with the 'trimming' that takes place as this is not what real women look like.

Its time that the fashion magazines and the industry took some responsbility in how images can influence women and in particular young girls in being paranoid about their body shapes. As I mentioned they in my opinion will never stop air brushing picures but surely a compromise should be reached where they have rules as to what can be airbrushed and how many inches of bottoms, breasts, legs etc can be taken off. This way the fashion industry can still be vain but in a better way where they create confidence in women's body shapes rather then have them obsess over unrealistic body ideals.

This would mean a lot of graphic artist's (is that the offical job title for people who air brush these images for a living??) will be out of jobs (sorry about that!) but they will be saving fashion man/woman kind :)

Whether a PR stunt or a liberating feminist move its refreshing to see celebrities or pictures of women in their natural state so the world can really see how images like these are heavily airbrushed. I watched a program last year on this subject and airbrushing takes around ten hours to do! Other fun facts about fashion airbrushing (quiete an ovbious one when you think about it) 99% of all images in Hollywood are airbrushed!

So next time you find yourself obessing over eating too many carbs or you want that doughnut- take it because you may (or those lucky ones who may not) put on some pounds which will then make you obsess over how you don't have Britneys perky rear- remember that poor person who spent ten hours giving her a bottom lift and thus the fashion images you see are not real and have been altered drastically as you seen here.

A bold move from Ms Spears too and I do respect her for it, never really thought much of her before as I'm more of a aggy fan (not the one from the cleaning duo but I like that one too!) myself but I suppose I see her in a new more grown up light.

As usual fashion lovers please do let me know your thoughts as I know this subject always provokes food (excuse the pun again!) for thought.

For full article and pictures please follow this link:
www.marieclaire.co.uk/news/beauty/450528/pics-before-after-britney-s-airbrushed-candie-s-ads.html

Give it up for the old skool: Functional and Fabulous

2010-03-29T21:34:00.006+01:00

Amongst all the trends out at the moment, lets take a moment to go back to some good old fashioned functional fashion. After all Old is Gold :) and it always manages to creep back into fashion anyway. Take a look at bell bottoms (now given the name of boot cut jeans, trousers etc), shoulder pads (how very Dallas!) & prom dresses (Grease is the word!). These have now all become part of the staple diet that is fashion.

Its now time to add another staple to your fashion diet. I present to you some functional and fabulous beauties: The Madame Pump Adores. Never again have out of shape shoes with these ingenious shoe "trees" or shoe shapers. Entirely hand made and out of vintage components, ribbons and lace, its old skool with a fresh modern functional twist that every fashionista needs to look after her no.1 best friends.

Functional and fabulous is exactly what the makers of Madame Pump Adores describe themselves as, and judging by the images below (shoes are not for sale, only shown as an example) they live up to their motto as the shoe is in perfect condition.

Whats nice about these and thus old skool/vintage is, the fact that they bring in elegance, sophistication and glamour, which is refreshing if you want want something elegant instead of just trendy. In terms of accessories they are easy on the eye and don't look too 'mechanical' like most shoe accessories on the market and being handmade adds speciality to them, as its not mass produced by some machine.

So go ahead and pamper you shoes with some Madame Pump Adores because after all they deserve it, being on the floor all day can't be easy. Think about all the tough times they have gone through with you (being caught in treacherous weather conditions is one example) and they never talk back to you when you make fashion faux pas (yes believe it or not we have all made them). Remember old is gold, and don't be afraid of mixing old with new as opposites do attract :)

Add a pair now to your fashion collection: www.pumpadores.com

The Noughties according to Marie Claire

2010-02-23T17:34:00.005Z

While coming across this little news clip in my email from Marie Claire I was very interested in them critiquing trends of the noughties, as ironically most of these trends will have been probably been on their lust list afterwards. But any hoo you decide for yourself (The link is enclosed):
http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/fashion/ideas/25252/1/17/noughties-style-the-way-we-wore.html

Trend number one: Hipster jeans.

Now according to Ms Marie Claire: "Any trend which relies on the mantra 'the lower the better' should never be trusted, so step up the hipster jean as the Noughties' ultimate reigning denim disaster."

However I believe if worn right ( and sorry to be sizist) and with fab abs this look could work. In my youth I rocked this trend with the 'boyfriend' jeans, timberlands and a cropped top. It also works better if you show of the belly button rather then wear it quite high which gives off a 'tire' kind of effect (take note Ms Spears in link above). May I just add what happened to "If you got it flaunt it?"

Trend number 2: Velour tracksuits.

OK again half and half on this. They are a guilty pleasure of clothing as they are comfortable but the danger is when they start to look chavvy. This one is debatable.

Trend number 3: Combats with heels.

UGH UGH UGH and did I mention UGH! Why would anyone do this? You may as well wear trainers with a dress (oh wait Lily already did that) or why not wear heels with tracksuits? You just wouldn't would you? Me and Ms Claire are on agreement here then.

Trend number 4: Timberland Boots....

...are comfy and wonderful and cool! A definite disagreement with this one. They have been around for so long but its not till J-Lo rocked them in her Jenny from the Block video they became cool again. Although traditionally masculine and used for hiking, these boots have a lot more credibility then Marie Claire think. As a lover of Urban music (where Timberlands are a regular wardrobe staple) I think they ooze coolness, however only if you like that 'cool', 'urban' look (Like Girls Aloud who sport it in the link above) as they work most well that.

Trend number 5: Trucker Hats

Never invested in one myself as this is one accessory I can't even pull off but as I said before if worn properly can look quite cool but only if your into that certain look as its not very mainstream. I'll let Marie Claire have this one.

Trend number 6: WAG Chic

The clothes themselves are OK but I fail to see how its a trend as the clothes are just normal apart from the fact that you have footballers wives/girlfriends wearing them. The only thing I can say is:(With referring to link above) Can someone please feed Mrs B a burger or something, that kind of skinny just ain't sexy at all.

Trend number 7: Ugg Boots

Hold the press, are these not one of the most popular pair shoes anywhere now? As Marie Claire have themselves pointed out "They might not be the most attractive of booties, but thanks to their sole-saving sheepskin lining, they soon became a fashion addiction that has endured the decade."

I don't own a pair myself but my FUGGS (Fake Uggs) do the trick I can only imagine the feeling I get from mine are similar to the ones the real Uggs give to the wearer. So whether we like it or not the Uggs are here to stay and so they should as I have been told they are comfy and keep your feet toasty, which is handy in this country!

Trend 8: Skinny Jeans

One of the best things ever! So versatile! Team them with almost everything from heels to flats and dresses to tops, these are here to stay and will be loved forever :)

Trend 9: Over sized Corsages.

Think I must have been sleeping through this trend or possibly knocked out by the size of them. In this case big ain't cool but rather medium sized or small may have worked better.

Trend 10: Wet Look Leggings.

Mmmmm this one is definitely a stumper. At first they look like bin liners but again if worn with certain things, they maybe 'pullable' but this one ain't for me.

Trend 11: Ray-Ban Wayfarers.

The Wayfarer (didn't even know they had a technical term) ooze that retro 90's glamour. Unfortunately not very versatile as you can only wear them if you wear the same kind of clothes. However they get a thumbs up from me ;)

Trend 12: Pint sized pooches.

Why anyone would carry anything that resembles a rat is beyond me but that's the crazy world of fashion. I wouldn't say this was a clothes trend as technically you don't wear them (I know a lot of animal activists will have something to say about that), but going back to what I said in the beginning of this: Why carry around a rat and one that looks starved too? So UGH to this trend too. Dogs are for walking not carrying and also dogs should be treated for what they are: dogs.

Trend 13: Prom Dresses.

This dress is vintage chic personified. They look sexy, glamourous and ultra feminine and would probably make any ladette feel like a lady. So Hooray for the Prom Dress!

Trend 14: Maxi Dresses.

In my opinion this dress is better suited to a taller woman as it creates a more feminine silhouette and brings down a 'bulky' frame. If however your petite it could end up looking like an over sized nightie (I am aware that Nicole Ritchie has worn one, which is exactly my point, need I say more?)

Trend 15: Gladiator Sandals

These belong in one place: The set of the Gladiator film set, best worn on Russel Crow. Not a very big fan of these but there are some in River Island: http://xml.riverisland.com/flash/content.php that do the rick. they are more feminine and nicer looking.

Trend 16: Boho.

Sienna set off a catalyst with this one didn't she? Great for a casual 'lazy Sunday afternoon' look. This look should stay that way and not come out from this category as it could go drastically wrong otherwise.

Trend 17: Bandanna's

Great trend for the beach or if your going to some urban music festival, oh and for bad hair days. So overall a good one.

Trend 18: Bandage dresses.

Again had no idea these had names. Too tight and quite unflattering (Mrs B need I say more?) Not one to wear if you have a big night of eating ahead of you. Not one for me at all.

So there we have it fashionisitas, you decide what trend was hot and what was not. Until next time happy fashioning :D

Hand bags to secure loans for cash strapped fashionistas

2010-01-16T19:06:00.004Z

Trawling through the Internet for my next possible opportunity to get into the fashionable doors of fashion PR I came across this article which I thought would be of interest to all fashionistas or even Women in general.

A firm, Yes Lady Finance (how appropriate!) in Hong Kong has started to offer personal loans to cash strapped Women in exchange for their designer handbags to act as collateral. The same rule we all know with non payment of loans applies here too: No payment, No handbag.

An example the article gave was of a Louis Vuitton handbag valued at $2,600 (that's about £1,500) US dollars in the second-hand market that would secure an $1,800 (approx £1100) dollar three-month loan. This is good news for the second hand market in Hong Kong as this kind of business thrives here.

So I ask everyone this: Is the future for securing loans? Do we treat our Chanel's and Louis's like our homes when we want to secure loans? Can luxury handbags really be a strong enough collateral?

On the one hand I know if I owned a luxury handbag and it was held in ransom by a loan company I'd think twice about missing a payment. I believe if we had something like this in the UK it may just have a chance of working as this kind of thing will feed upon peoples vanity and may just make them work harder to pay of loans and take it more seriously.

However does this this mean we would need a guide on the type of loan and exchange of handbag?

Think about it, a life without Louis? Perish the thought!

Do let me know your thoughts, I have enclosed the link above.

Final Curtain: Clothes and Shoes FOSCAR's

2009-12-19T19:00:00.014Z

Finishing off our FOSCAR spectacular I have picked out some key pieces from my vast wardrobe (which always seems to be bursting at the seams!). Like my accessories if I see something unique in clothing it is something I will most likely buy.

Although it has to be just the right kind of weirdness as trends in clothing have such a rapid turnover I don’t feel its worth just buying something that is in fashion for the moment. I see clothing as an investment rather then something I will throw away as soon it has gone out of fashion.

So I will kick of with my first ‘investment’ with this fun little number found in Camden Market. Camden has always been a haven for me when it comes to markets and just about anything really. It can only be described as the ‘Aladdin’s Cave’ of markets, I have found some real gems here in my time.

I love the ‘fun’ feeling I get from this top the vibrant green reminds me of summer and as yet I have not seen anything like this in any high street shop which goes back to my point of finding gems in places like markets etc.

Its versatile too as you can wear a vest underneath it to so it looks like your wearing two tops in one but without sounding like an outdated cliché : “If you’ve got it, flaunt it” as the top is designed to be worn like this.

It’s perfect for girls who feel self conscious about their bottoms on show as it falls over it nicely.

So let the first drum roll start off this category as we present our fun friend with the Most Quirky FOSCAR.

The next piece I have picked out is definitely a one off as it was created by a fashion student at Southampton Solent University where I studied for my PR degree. It was part of their final year project and was sold to me at the pricey sum of £5, so not only couture but a bargain too!

I’d love to promote this designer so if you’re out there please get in touch so I can put a name to this gorgeous halter neck piece! Going back to our old cliché of having it and flaunting it I’d say this top definitely the top to do it in.

It’s totally backless* and very sexy as it still leaves a little to the imagination ;).
Its one size which means it fits anyone and you can wear it above the belly button or below making it longer.

This has to be a great little clothing investment as halter neck will always be in fashion and being a one off design too means that no one else has it apart from me . I am going to present this top the Sexy Couture FOSCAR.

Moving on to the high street now, this little number came to me one day browsing in one of the shopping centres in Southampton. Its kind of ‘punkyfish’ inspired with the zips and the stand out image print on the top. Like our fun little quirky number before its a long top and comes just above the thighs. However it has strings attached on the bottom sides so you can wear it quite short and tie the sides up or leave them long.

I love the zips on the shoulder blades as it gives you the option of wearing it off the shoulder or just as a normal top with it all zipped up. Again another versatile little number which allows the wearer options.

I am going to award this little number the Funky Versatile FOSCAR. It has an original design and I just love the stand out image of the tiger. Its grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreat (sorry I couldn’t resist!).

I have mentioned punkyfish clothing in a previous blog and earlier in this one too. I also made a point of punkyfish having a cutting edge look (which comes mainly from the punk era) and how recently they have taken a bit more of a ‘mainstream edge’. However the next item which I have purchased recently reminded me of what I love about the label and I’m sure many other punkyfish lovers will also agree too :)

One of the most unique items of clothing I have and how very versatile, I honestly think this is the way forward for fashion! This definitely deserves a drum roll too…
It’s a pair of jeans that can be turned into… a skirt!

Yes that’s right two items of clothing in one! Not only is it versatile but they are so funky and comfortable to wear too. (I am wearing them as I write right now!).

This skirt/jean combo deserves the Versatile Funky Combo FOSCAR. Like the tiger print top above its versatile and gives the option of wearing it two ways, in this instance, all together or separately.

The style of the jeans is baggy (as the picture shows) and can be teamed up with a nice pair of Timberland boots (or equivalent) for that urban kind of look. For the gifted leggy beauties amongst us, the skirt is great to show of those long limbs or give the illusion of long limbs for those of us who aren’t necessarily blessed with the gift that Elle, Naomi or Kate have.

We now go to the high street where our good friend New Look triumphs once again with this cool hoody. Inspired by what looks like the layout of a comic book this is one of the most unique hoodies I have seen. I love the stand out print and it looks great with plain jeans and a top for that casual yet funky look.

Since buying this hoody I have to say I started to see a lot more of them. So not only unique but a definite trend setter too ;)

I present this hoody the Most Unique Trend Setter FOSCAR.

Staying on the subject of hoodies and hoodies that are unique, I am going to present the next two hoodies the Changing Public Perceptions FOSCAR’s. Before these hoodies, let’s face it when people thought of hoodies they usually associated it with anti-social youths who cause trouble (or CHAVS as they are affectionately known as) and often intimidate little old ladies.

But then across the pond six sexy ladies decided to make them sexy and fashionable again, in my opinion changing the perception of our once beloved hoody. Now when we think hoody we don’t necessarily get the image of “you best gimme your money yeaaaah before you get beatings yeaaaah” but instead we think ‘funky, functional’ and maybe even sexy.

Pictured below is head pussycat doll Nicole Scherzinger wearing ‘those’ hoodies from two of their best hits. I need not mention them everyone knows them because lets face it there’s a little pussycat doll in all of us ;)

So the most obvious stand out things about the hoodies are the fact they have the song lyrics on the actual hoody, so to really utilize the hoody you have to actually wear the hood and because it looks cool you wont be afraid of looking intimidating, and little old ladies are safe in the knowledge that you won’t be taking their purses but instead giving them something to smile about :)

# Shoes are a girls best friend #

And now ladies and gentlemen, fashionista’s and fashion lovers everywhere we finish our FOSCAR extravaganza with every girl’s best friends (apart from diamonds that is!), shoes! I present my top three pairs (like every fashionista I have an endless collection that would probably rival Carrie Bradshaw’s but I will feature only these three to save time).

All of them happen to be from the Rocket Dog brand. Now Rocket Dog are a funky brand that still maintain that funky edge but still appeal to the mainstream. They do this by creating ‘regular’ shoes as well as funky shoes. However this blog post is about unique things thus I have chosen to talk about my most unique shoes I have.

The first pair I am going to talk about is what Rocket dog has called ‘Rock a doodle do’ (love the names!). They have a crazy ‘graffiti’ design on them inspired by a rock ‘n’ roll theme, whereby the ‘messy’ design has the Rocket dog logo incorporated into it.

You know you have a special pair of shoes when people particularly strangers will comment on how great they are and this makes me beam like a parent who gets told their child is beautiful :)

As well as my ‘babies’ having a unique design they are also so comfortable (despite being 3 inches) and functional. They go with most things, mainly plain outfits as I stay away from wearing other printed things as the design of the shoes are ‘busy’ any way, but in a good way obviously ;)

The rock chic of all shoe glamour I am going to award these ‘rockers’ the Most Unique and Quirky FOSCAR.

Stepping in at number two are the gorgeous ‘Glam rock’ shoes. As the name suggests like the previous entrants they are inspired by rock ‘n’ roll but the more ‘glamorous’ side with the diamante’s on the shoe.

These shoes are great to wear with almost anything and being black helps too, so there is not much thought required as to what you can wear and if it clashes or not. Again like the rockers above they are really comfy, despite being 3 inches (I have worn these to work and gone on a night out afterwards and my feet didn’t hurt at all after the night ended- now that’s what I call rock ‘n’ roll!) and I was made to feel like a proud parent when I received complements too.

What I also love about these shoes, like some of my clothes and other accessories they are very functional in the sense that they are smart but still casual too. Thus they can be worn on a night out but also casually.

This is a very useful function to have with anything you own fashion wise, especially if you, like me in these hard times do not have the bank balance of Victoria Beckham, to splash out on multiple accessories or shoes for different outfits and occasions. Gok would be so proud :)

So staying on the theme of functional I am presenting these functional beauties the Functional and Funky FOSCAR.

Now the end is here, and so the FOSCAR’s face the final curtain but they are definitely going out with this cool, funky number. Rocket dog have called them ‘Klash’ (the fact its spelt with a ‘K’ instead of ‘C’ just shows how cool they are!). Ironically they do not clash with anything but go with everything being white. I now hear my Mothers advice with why you only need two pairs of shoes: “You need just one white pair and black, they go with everything”.

Well Mother was right about one thing: you do need a pair of white shoes and for me it’s these ones :). Comfortable but still stylish they go with everything and if need be can be worn on a night out especially if your outfit has a rock chick chic look going on.

Like the shoes before it has the same design with the diamantes but instead of suede like material its canvas instead so it oozes casual as well as dressy/funky.

And so we face the final drum roll and FOSCAR. Before I reveal the last FOSCAR, I’d just like to Thank God, my stylist… Sorry I got carried away there! Well it is a prestigious fashion ceremony we have just witnessed ;)

On a serious note though I hope you enjoyed reading about my unique fashion items as much as I enjoyed writing about them.

So finally we end the FOSCAR’s with presenting my personal wardrobe staple white shoes with the Kool but Kasual FOSCAR. Functional yet stylish these pumps can be dressed down or dressed up and any fashion accessory that is capable of doing that is worthwhile investment to have and hold onto ;)

Until next time, Happy Fashioning :)

FOSCAR's cont. Necklaces and Bangles

2009-12-09T10:41:00.008Z

I hope I have left you hankering for more FOSCAR action? I know I have been hankering to write more since the last time :) We last left off at the Rings category and now I present to you the category of Necklaces and Bangles.

I own many necklaces and chains but my most unique and unusual one I have is this red little number I brought while on a trip to Madrid last month. As I mentioned in my previous blog you don’t have to find great pieces in shops or big chains. Sometimes the best pieces are from small shops or even market stalls. Additionally some of the most unique stuff can be found abroad too.

Modelled here by the wonderful banister at home, the necklace to the untrained fashion eye looks like it could be a belt (I did try to see if it could be two accessories in one but it only opened as far as my shoulders- Please do NOT try this at home) but once you know its necklace its not hard to see why I fell in love/lust with it.

As the pictures show you can wear it at any length and looks great with a plain outfit or top, to accentuate the necklace. As well as accentuating something this necklace in my humble opinion would be great for un- accentuating something such as unsightly bulges or flat chests because of its length which comes up to the waist when worn. The beauty of it being of course the option to wear it at any length.

Its made out of real leather and steel and was quite a bargain at €18 (roughly £20 at the time of writing) whereas an upmarket boutique would have priced this slightly higher. Good news for all high street honeys who like a bargain as well as a great fashion find.

After a long time of no drum rolling here’s goes: This Necklace will receive the FOSCAR for Most Unique Necklace.

Bangles

For this category I have picked out four key pieces from my jewellery box. I will start the first one off. Although quite common in India and with its ‘eastern exotic’ look I felt that this snake arm bangle is unique as the arm bangle still has not crept into the western jewellery box just yet as its cousin the regular bangle has.

Brought in Spain (a sign that its probably slithering its way in a jewellery box near you some time) I snapped it up to replace my silver one I had originally brought India. This was is slightly different to that one as its more defined and the colour is different too.

I love the green gem for its eyes which really makes it stand out. It’s definitely a winner if worn with a plain coloured top or outfit as it adds to it like our leather necklaced friend.

Like its partner the snake cocktail ring from the previous blog its definitely a conversation starter and also deserves the Best Statement Piece FOSCAR. At this point in time you’re probably thinking why I seem to have an obsession with snake’s however I would like to point out the irony that if faced with a real life snake I would not be so keen for it to wrap itself around my arm or my finger!

Coming in second in the bangles category is this multi-coloured marvel again from what seems like the new fashion capital of England, Ilford in Essex. I love the versatility of this cuff as the many colours means it will go with most things and when wearing saris or salwaar kameez it’s really useful to have as an accessory as a lot of Indian clothing is bright and vibrantly coloured.

It’s a versatile little number and good for girls who don’t really like wearing bangles or who just want to wear that one piece without having to wear any other accompanying accessories.

Thus I feel it fit to deem this baby the Most Versatile Accessory FOSCAR.

The next two items are just ordinary bangles but with a difference. The first set is from Pakistan and the other set from India. As I mentioned before bangles and jewellery from India is bright and vibrant to complement the clothing. The Pakistani’s also share this belief when it comes to clothing and accessories.

I love the colour of these bangles but what makes them so special and unique is the end bangles are joined by a chain of leafs, giving the illusion of a cuff. I have not seen anything like this here yet but I am sure that it will be coming to every fashionista’s jewellery box soon.

So this definitely deserves the FOSCAR for the Most Unique set of Bangles.

Now we come to our Indian arm bling and I given these the Most Stylish FOSCAR. Although just an ordinary set of bangles I like the two end bangles which have the ‘pendants’ on the end of them. Like the bangles above it they give the illusion of wearing just a cuff rather then a set of bangles. Unlike the set above I have started to see other bangles creep like these into our high street shops. Just for the record I had mine way before Miss Selfridges started stocking them ;)

Please do tune in next week where the FOSCAR’s will finish off with the categories of Clothing and of course every girl’s best friends (after diamonds that is!) Shoes! 

Fashion Oscars (FOSCAR's) Rings

2009-12-09T09:58:00.018Z

As mentioned in my first blog I like anything that is unique and weird looking (well weird looking to others but ‘fun’ or ‘wacky’ for me :). Some of the things I am going to be writing about maybe from the high street but it’s the uniqueness has made it stand out and thus made my Fashion Oscars Hall of Fame. This particular blog will focus on rings I have and over the coming weeks I will focus on other fashion items I have that are unique to me.

The first item I am going to start the Fashion Oscars (FOSCAR’s) with is the oversized snake cocktail ring from Miss Selfridges. This ring has been nominated for Best Lone Accessory and Best Statement Piece.

This little number makes a big statement and in my opinion should only be worn as a lone accessory because of its size. If worn with anything else the ring would drown all the other accessories i.e. bracelet or bangles.

It has a great vintage feel to it but with a modern twist with the bling and being the size it is. Definitely a conversation starter and so far I have received observations such as “God that’s a small ring, can hardly see it” (!) or “OMG your ring is huuuuge”, which is why it’s been nominated in its categories.

And now (drum roll) this ‘little’ number has won the FOSCAR for… Best Statement Piece.

Coming in fast behind my reptile friend is what I can only describe a ‘totem pole’ look ring from the Limited Edition range from New Look:

This ring has been nominated for the Most Unique Looking category. The wonderful thing about this ring is that it is disguised as something that would found in an upmarket boutique or niche market stall but in actual fact it’s from a humble high street chain.

This has delighted many an audience when I have told them where it is from and kudos to New Look for pushing their brand ahead of their competitors by reaching out to a new market but not alienating their existing one.

Thus I think it’s only fair to give a special award to New Look for New Audience Recognition and Best Updated Brand. Although the next piece is not in the running for an FOSCAR I just love the look of it and again it’s from our purse friendly high street chain. Again it looks like it should belong to a little boutique.

Not forgetting our Totem Pole friend who definitely deserves the Most Unique Looking FOSCAR.

Next high street beauty I brought with the matching necklace as one has to co-ordinate you know ;) but mainly because it had to go with a sari I have too. It’s got more then one colour which includes my favourite colour jade green in it.

Not only a beautiful set but a multi-talented piece as the colours means it goes with many an outfit! Accessories like this are great for going with certain outfits or to brighten or update a plain outfit. FOSCAR awarded to this TopShop piece for All Rounder Statement Piece.

Moving away from the high street chains whilst on my travels I have found the best things can come from shops that are not are not particularly big or have other chains. Just before I got married last year I was in Ilford, Essex when my Aunty and I were in a fabric shop where she decided to occupy her time and mine looking at the same fabrics in ten shades.

I left her to barter with the sales assistant while I stumbled upon a basement full of delight. Rings, necklaces, bracelets, anklets and handbags adorned this tiny space. It was here I saw this ring and knew that not many people would have seen it and it was not mass produced by some huge chain.

This ring deserves the One off Piece FOSCAR as I have not seen anything else like this anywhere yet or in a high street shop either.

Staying within the small shops category I found this quirky little number in my own home town and first thought it was a brooch or something that a tie is held with. To my delight I found it was a ring and have had many complements for it. This little number gets the Most Quirky FOSCAR.

The next two pieces I found in the British Heart Foundation charity shop and as every good fashionista knows (or should know) the best bargains could be found in your local charity shop. Although not second hand items these rings were designed by the BHF to sell in their shops. They are sweet and pretty numbers and as well as feeding my desire for cool accessories I also contributed to a charitable cause which I recommend every one should do.

These beaded beauties get the Best Bargain from a Charitable Organisation FOSCAR.

Last but certainly not least we have the ‘Liquid’ ring from what I can describe as the happiest shop in the world called Octopus. If you have not been to one of these shops its something you should definitely do, even if you do not end up buying anything. They have a few stores scattered round mainly in London but there is one in Reading, Coventry and Bath. (If there is any more please do feel free to comment and let me know).

Going to this shop is an experience in itself as the stuff in there is the wackiest, and most original I have seen so far in any shop. The things in this shop you would never ever think people make or wear but people definitely do the latter.

So back to my liquid ring purchase, I fell in love with the colour as it’s a bright vibrant green and size wise it’s a bit smaller then the other rings featured on here but the fact it’s not got the normal stone or gem inside it, is what makes this a great purchase.

I discovered this shop believe it or not watching Coronation Street. The character Fiz Brown had a handbag in the shape of a watering can (yes you read it right, a watering can) and over the next few episodes she was carrying various odd shaped bags such as a bag shaped like a car and a tea pot!

I fell into lust with the watering can handbag instantly so hunted high and low for it and eventually came to the Octopus shop. So one thing leads to another and I ended up buying the watering can shaped handbag. People think I am crazy and I do get looked at when out but so far have only heard positive comments about it. I think people appreciate that people like me have the confidence to buy things like this and be proud to wear them at the same time, even if they do not have the confidence to do so themselves.

So we have a couple of FOSCAR’s here. The first one goes to the Liquid ring below for being Most Wacky but Cool along with the watering can handbag. I’d also like to award a FOSCAR to Octopus for being the Most Innovative Shop out there so far.

The next blog continues on with the Neckaces and Bangles FOSCAR's.

Virgin Blogger

2009-12-09T09:15:00.000Z

As the blog suggests it is my first time and I have finally after a lot of inspiration have got the courage to write about what I love most- Fashion :) I like to think of myself as a fashion enthusiast, I love most fashion but my forte is anything weird or unique. This is stuff that is usually pushing fashion boundaries and that people would not normally wear or like.

Examples of these brands are:

- Irregular choice. As the name suggests this shoe brand is not your Clarks regular type shoes. The brand has wonderful quirky designs that are not really for the faint hearted or someone who follows the mainstream fashion trends. Shoes include designs of wacky and unusual prints. My favourites include the court shoe with the tape measure as a bow. See link:

http://www.schuh.co.uk/womens-black-and-white-irregular-choice-court-tape-measure/1106337270/

My favourite at the moment from Irregular Choice and which I am in Lust with are the boots with an image of a ladies face on them. The price I am not so in lust with as I am not working but I hope Santa (i.e. my husband) knows how good I have been this year and fills my stocking with them :D.

http://www.schuh.co.uk/irregular-choice/womens-black-irregular-choice-possibly-maybe-lady-calf-boot/1555007050/

- Punky fish. This brand is inspired from the Punk era, so loads of slashes etc in the clothing. Remember to explain to your Mum if she still does your laundry that its supposed to be like that and the washing machine has not chewed it up, as my Mother thought when she first washed my punky fish slash vest. Mum's God bless them :).

Although recently I have to say I am a bit disappointed with Punky Fish as they have taken a bit more of a 'mainstream' edge, which I can understand, as they want a more mainstream audience but I still feel they should still give their old Punky Fish enthusiasts such as myself what we love about them: Out of this world, edgy and unique fashion so not to alienate their existing audience.

As mentioned before I like to call myself the Fashion Enthusiast so as well as liking weird and wonderful fashion, I am also a high street honey (No not the FHM type that likes to strut around in her birthday suit) but one that is a fan of brands such as New Look and Warehouse.

I have to admit despite all the negative media attention I am partial to a bit of Primarni (Primark), let’s face it in this economic downturn we have to rely on cheap chic. Who says recession can’t be chic ;)