Outer Values

Did anyone miss me?

2014-01-06T04:45:00.000-08:00

What: Some time ago I've ditched the blog and submersed myself into studies and work and harmful habits (including risky pathological 'outervalues' choices). It happened because it was logical at the time. Also, there were some pretty creepy people trying to get friendly (WE ALL KNOW WHO YOU ARE). I'm nice but not that nice.
Now I'm back and I have some company. My company is very much like me- charming, Russian, tall, slim, beautiful, clever, modest! But in grander proportions. I call her my 'karmic sister', but to you she's Anastasia (BTW here you can find her wonderful instagram www.instagram.com/pinkypinkasso ).

Why: By popular demand, because the world needs me (and I'm better doubled).
Expect to see wholesome & cutesy stuff from Anastasia and all sorts of new twists from me. SOON. And often. And in Russian, too.

Hoarding: F-troupers, the ballad of leopard vs dalmation print, aka shoe-porn.

2012-02-21T01:14:00.002-08:00

What: You might remember my plum coloured patent leather bow-booties by F-troupe I posted about back in November... Well, seeing how friendly we got together, I decided to avoid the hazard of getting too attached to a shoe just to find out its tragic death at the most unexpected moment; I went to the store, picked two of the craziest pairs they had and took them home to join the ever-growing family of odd looking shoes. Considering we're fast approaching SS12, these AW11/12 shoes were massively discounted. Which is what? A win win!

Why: Because shoes have a life of their own and thus can add 'liveliness' to the most unimaginative ensembles.
The dalmation print pair will look great with light blue scruffy jeans and a faded red/ or neon loose-knit sweater or a beige t-shirt and a utility green parka on top; or with a black leather skirt and tights with an oversized casual t-shirt; or with black trousers and a blazer for a more sophisticated look, or with an LBD... But I think the pair will work particularly well with bare legs, nude/pink coloured dress and a denim jacket. Can't wait to show you!
The leopard print pair is a more standard choice and goes with everything we've all been wearing for the past 2 years- skinny jeans of all sorts, mini skirts, maxi dresses, black, cream, green, gold, red, denim, lace... and everything else, aside from any other 'animal' related references. Really. It's almost a safe choice.
While I understand how these might be 'a little bit' too much for some, for me they epitomise just the right mix of practical, eccentric and over-the-top ingredients for a perfect shoe. What do you guys think, would you ever wear something like these?

Outfit: Ghost world Christmas.

2012-01-02T16:43:00.001-08:00

What am I wearing: Charity shop salvaged ensemble. The leather skirt cost me 6 pounds and the cute yet absolutely ridiculous sweater was 4 pounds. Tell me just how much you love a good deal and I'll tell you I love it more! These two were meant for each other.

Why am I wearing what I'm wearing: By now, I shouldn't need to tell you that bright red and black leather is an obvious natural combination. What can be better than that? I'll tell you what: a bright red knitted cotton Christmas jumper with a Dalmatian and snowflakes all over. Oh yes. It doesn't get better than this. Top it off with clunky chunky grungy manly boots for 10 pounds and your own mother wouldn't want to talk to you. But you'd be so cool in my world. And that's all that matters. At least around here.

P.S. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

And this is an obligatory song to listen to after reading my post. Be sure to check it out ;)

Outfit: A grin on green.

2011-12-03T10:41:00.002-08:00

What am I wearing: Fluffy shawl, black leather, green fur and shiny plum shoes. Because I was planning to see the epic Nosferatu at the equally epic Prince Chalres Cinema. I was also planning to be the star of the cinema. What I did not plan is that while I was taking these pictures the tickets will sell out. Epic fail on all accounts, obviously. Inspiration comes from the movie I didn't see- the drama, monsters, vampires, frequent faintings, creepy castles & fair ladies.

Why am I wearing what I'm wearing: My imagination went wild again. I wanted to look Nosferatu-appropriate and interesting. I bet I succeeded in looking 'interesting' in a very english sense of the word. As for whether it was cinema appropriate I'll never know. Probably not. But thankfully in London no one really cares what others wear. Unless it's human foetus ear-rings. And even then. Everyone's too self-involved to pay attention to others. Trust me. I know.
Now, let's break it down- the dress- long, old-fashioned and boring? But what if it's velvet, fancy and fits- maybe not? But weird in the daytime, right? Right. How about a leather jacket on top to add a modern-day edge? I know, I'm full of brilliant ideas. And what now? Hairy grey shawl or a green rabbit-fur pom-pom scarf? Both. For 2 reasons- 1) I was afraid to get cold (it's good you didn't know I'm Siberian); 2) They're like pets I've never had- a rabbit and a British cat; and I love them both equally.
The shawl was given to me by my friend. It's from Russia. With love (... I can only hope!). It's super duper traditional and makes me think of my grandmother. It also reminds me of heritage and trends this season. Not because my grandma is trendy, but because it's a fantabulous idea to ditch British heritage obsession for one that's closer to your heart instead.

I was wearing:

Shoes- F-troupe

Dress- Laura Ashley (vintage)

Scarves, jacket and bag are somewhat brandless!

New in: F-troupe booties

2011-11-28T05:35:00.001-08:00

What is this? Comfortable, all leather (including soles) student-budget-friendly, funky boots by F-troupe. To me, it's a whimsical remake of Victorian footwear. Shiny plum leather, bows all over the front and a clever zip at the back is an unbeatable combination, even if made in China. Which they are.

The store is breathtaking, I wanted to take the whole thing home. It's 'part Dickensian Curiosity shop with an eclectic mix of Victorian bric-a-brac.' Inside, they've got odd things like taxidermy animals, antique dolls, shoes and jewelry, imagery of circus sideshow acts (including a bearded woman) and of course, great shoes. Check it out if you're in town.

Why did I buy them? I like crazy shoes and I don't like heels. These make me think of grown up ladies shoes from Victorian England, dark magic, long velvet skirts, elaborate jewelry that represents something (think hair bracelets, perfume buttons, heavy sterling lockets, index finger serpent rings, seed pearls, immortalized insects, stuffed animals), big houses with low ceilings, small windows, beams and squeaky floors. Monstrous spiders, bonfires, smoke, fog, crunchy leaves and bad food by candle light.

They also make me think of little girls shoes from whenever, Luella (RIP!) and Vivetta. And bow-ties. And English gentlemen. I guess it's clear by now that pretty much everything makes me think of English gentlemen...

Outfit: Spinster

2011-11-10T00:30:00.001-08:00

What am I wearing? Isn’t a green summery silk dress with yellow dots that belongs to your friends mother, oversized fuzzy sweater, sequined shoes, and really old wool tights with holes a natural combination? Yep, I knew we’d agree on this one. But actually, come to think of it, even though the fabrics seemingly mismatch, I think the proportions and the textures go well together. I wanted to add something ‘normal’ to this, so my Prada bag served as a cherry on top of my ‘trash’ pile. It was supposed to add some air of 'seriousness' to my hopelessly geeky outfit.

Why am I wearing what I’m wearing? I spent first half of my day pretending to understand black-letter law and I was planning to spend the other half looking at art in a gallery and pretending I understand that too. I got so excited about the second half of my day I switched on my suppressed imagination and started having contradictory inspirational figures in my head, like a mix between Vivienne Westwood and Kurt Kobain. Think something crafty, salvaged, sustainable, effortless, personal… Keep thinking…. And… voila! You have the ultimate spinster ensemble. Well, not you, I do. Or maybe it’s more of a bad movie- stereotype of a college Art teacher. Maybe both. If I end up alone at the age of 50, we know why. And if I continue dressing like this, it shouldn’t come as a surprise.

Can you spot the holes? I see at least 3.

The view from my point of view:

I was wearing:

Sweater- Whistles

Shirt- Sandro

Dress- Vintage and not mine

Bag- Prada

Shoes- Converse

Tights- Wolford

Outfit post: Annie Hall double

2011-11-01T06:15:00.000-07:00

What are you looking at: Basically, I was very tired and in a rush. I had to face Portobello road on a Saturday. I was very tired and the idea of fighting off idiot-tourists didn't seem very appealing. But I had to do it. Did I mentioned I was very tired? Yeah... So, I guess, subconsciously, I decided that if I wear what I like and if it happens to be sufficiently bright and puzzling, the above-mentioned tourists will jump off automatically (or maybe they just wouldn't even dare coming close) and I would manage to keep my cool. It kind of worked. Or maybe I was just too busy trying to be cool.

What I was inspired by: Annie Hall, obviously. 1970s. Old eccentric gentleman in yellow corduroy trousers and green bow ties. Decent English weather, hence the cut-offs. Notting Hill inhabiting blonde girls. I guess they still like this type of shorts. Think Sienna Miller.

My company was charming. Wasn't it?

I was wearing:

Jacket- Zara

Shorts- Levi's

Shirt- Maison Scotch

Brooch- Sphinx, vintage

Shoes- Stubbs and Wootton

Bag- Kenzo, vintage

Hat- Borsalino, vintage

New in: 60's cufflinks

2011-10-28T02:50:00.000-07:00

When it comes down to vintage goodies- there surely is no shortage in London. All it comes down to is basically the experience you get whilst you shop. Some of us like to dig for treasures in hidden places, some of us like our treasures cleaned, packed and wrapped. I like both! But this time, for the later experience I headed to Hamstead Antique & Craft Emporium. It's quite an 'eye-candy'. I bought my cufflinks from a gentleman in Antium Antiques stall, who's catch-phrase seems to be- ' it's nice to buy something knowing that it wasn't made in China at 3 o'clock yesterday'. First off- yes it is nice to know that. But on a second thought- haven't I heard this before? From that same gentleman? At 3 o'clock a year ago? Exactly the same line. How bizarre!
I bought the cufflinks anyway. What do you think?

This is the box they came in with

And this, is the box I keep them in- isn't it great? Simple, yet so old-school and useful! I bought it from a Junk Shop, which is literally what it says it is- heaven.

Outfit: Vintage Ungaro

2011-07-01T04:50:00.001-07:00

This, ladies and gentlemen, is a genuine vintage Ungaro dress. I managed to dig it out of a charity shop for £30. It's super conformable and super flattering. It's also super versatile, I can wear it to high tea, school, work, and should the opportunity arise, to SE or E LDN. Now, that's what I call a good find!

It's got some sweet details too...

Bow wow wow yippee yo yippee yay

2011-06-27T05:15:00.000-07:00

This is what I wore a while ago to a picnic in Hyde Park. Sunny summer days are a rarity in England thus it is compulsory to gather all your food and your friends and go sit in the park before it starts raining.
I bought the shirt because it reminds me of snoop-doggy dog's outfits in his early videos. Where I come from, looking like snoop dog is super-duper cool whichever way you look at it. Even if you're white and female. This shirt is the real deal- vintage, american and XXL.
I paired it up with some levi's cut-offs because that's as far as my imagination could go with it, a pair of vintage ray-bans (?) I bought in India, and a pair of cream Tom's shoes...
The look wouldn't be complete without some bling, so I added a golden bracelet and a classic watch that reminds me more of Margaret Thatcher than of Snoop Dogg, but I had to make the best of what I had! Plus, it takes away the 'grungy' vibes that I have unintentionally achieved... at least a little.
What d'ya say, girlfriends?

Некоторое время назад я ходила на пикник в Гайд Парк и вот что я решила надеть. Солнечные летние деньки в Англии это редкость и поэтому в принудительном порядке нужно собрать всю свою еду и друзей и отправлятся в парк до того как начнется дождь.
Я купила эту рубашку потому что она мне напоминает прикиды Снуп Дога в его ранних видео клипах. В моих краях (не спрашивайте в каких!) выглядить как Снуп Дог котируется как ни крути. Даже если ты белый и женского пола. Рубашка что надо- американская, винтажная и ХХЛ.
Я решила ее надеть с обрезанными шортами Левис потому что кроме этого ничего к сожалению придумать не могла, винтажными солнцезащитными очками от Рэйбэн (надеюсь?) купленными в Индии и парой тапочек от Томс.
Мой "прикид" был бы незаконченным без "блестяшек", поэтому я надела золотой браслет и классические часы которые мне больше, если честно, напоминают Маргарет Тэтчер а не Снуп Дога, но пришлось использовать то что было! В добавок эти аксессуары убирают намеки на "я Керт Кобайн возрадившийся" стиль, по крайней мере чуть-чуть.
Что скажите, девушки?

Ironically, my picnic partner chose to dress in 20's style... That's why we're friends.

Иронично, моя подружка выбрала одеться в стиле 20ых годов. Вот поэтому мы и дружим.

I was wearing:

Shirt- Vintage

Shorts- Levi's

Shoes (not pictures)- Tom's

Sunglasses- Ray Ban (hopefully)

Now you see me, now you don't.

2011-06-14T16:15:00.000-07:00

Hello world,

I guess whoever’s reading this now has probably been wondering about what has happened to me and why did I disappear…

I could tell you that after losing my mind upon completion of my exams I’ve spent a month on a psychiatrist couch, explaining how and what do I think. How I see dead chickens on the street and how I’m preoccupied with criminals and CCTV cameras in my dreams. I could tell you that I’ve been taking medication to make me feel better… But you know that would be untrue! Ha! Or would you?

Instead, I’ve just been trying to take it easy. Trying to take it easy when it came down to matters that really mattered (as usual) but not shopping. I’ve been very serious on that front, and while we’re on the subject, I’d like to introduce my new little friend- 1970’s take on 1920’s Art Deco jewelry- citrine/marcasite ring. Isn’t it a beauty?

Здравствуйте люди,

Наверное те из вас, кто читает этот блог сейчас пытается понять что же со мной произошло и куда это я ичсезла...

Я могла бы вам сказать что потеряв рассудок по окончанию экзаменов я провела целый месяц на кушетке у психиатра, обьясняя как и о чем я думаю. О том как я вижу мертвых курей на улице и о том как я озабоченно думаю о приступниках и камерах общественного наблюдения в своих снах. Я могла бы вам сказать то что я принимала таблетки чтобы мне было лучше... Но вы знаете что это была бы не правда! Ха! Обманула ли я вас?

На самом деле все было намного хуже. Вместо всего вышепересиленного, я просто решила дать вещам идти своим чередом на какое-то время. Тем вещам которые были действительно важны, но к сожалению не тривиальным делам, как шопинг. Я была очень занята покупками и наверное еще более занята размышлениями о покупках (каюсь, каюсь!). Так вот, пока мы на этой чудной ноте, я бы хотела вам, товарищи, представить своего нового маленького друга- изобретение из 1970ых подражающее драгоценному изделию из Арт Деко эры 1920ых годов- это кольцо из цитрина/марказиита. Красавец, разве нет?

I like to think that my 'dressing space' looks artistically chaotic; in reality, I guess it just looks messy and gives an impression of me being lazy? In any case, I like my new addition to the mess, it fits right in!

Мне нравится думать то что мое "трюмо" прибывает в артистичном беспорядке; хотя на самом деле, наверное, выглядит просто неопрятно и создает впечатление того что я ленива? В любом случае, мне очень по душе новое дополнение в этот "хаос", вписывается как будто так и было!

Deterrence

2011-04-16T05:22:00.000-07:00

So what do you do, when somebody finally starts 'appropriating' your brain juice?

Being a pessimist, I have expected all the bad things that could happen to my blog- from not having any readers to losing access to it, with someone 'stealing' my photos/thoughts in between.

Today, I received a comment on THIS POST, from Raffi, bringing to my attention that a certain 40 y.o Australian woman, is using my photos not only as her profile picture on youtube, but also as her background image, and apparently, leading people to believe it is her, on those images. A little weird if you ask me, but harmless, for the time-being, I hope.

This experience, however, makes me wonder if I really want my photos to float in the deep seas of the Internet.

On one hand- why not? Karla from Karla's closet does it, Chiara from The Blonde Salad does it, Leandra from The Man Repeller does it... Aside from these well-known blogs, some less known but nonetheless awesome bloggers share their personal style pictures/tips/thoughts without problems.

On the other hand- is it really worth it? It's no surprise that if you don't want others to steal your pictures, you just keep them to yourself. Not only it is your 'intellectual property', it is also your 'reputation', it's your online identity... Do you really want Godknowswho to save your pictures, use them however they want, modify them, discuss them with their friends?

I am really not sure this is for me.

In addition, the fact that I also write in Russian is another issue. Lately, I have been having referrals from quite shady Russian resources. Don't get me wrong, I love my culture, the history, the people, but although it is full of very intelligent seeds it is also full of very tricky people that I don't want to have anything in common with.
So, what do you do? Any thoughts/recommendations?
Come, reassure me!

Что же остается делать, когда кто-то начинает аппроприировать ваши мозговые соки?

Будучи пессимистом, я ожидала самые разные неприятные события которые могут случится с моим блогом- от того что у меня не будет ни одного читателя до того что я потеряю доступ/контроль к сайту, и то что кто-то начнет воровать мои фото/мысли в промежутке.

Сегодня, я получила комментарий на ЭТУ ЗАПИСЬ, от Раффи, оповествляя меня о том, что какая-то неопределенная 40летняя Австралийская женьшина использует мои фотографии не только как аватар но и как фон всей страницы, и очевидно вводит людей верить в то что на фотографиях изображена она.

Немного странно если вы спросите мое мнение, но безобидно, пока что. Хотя вопрос о том как Раффи нашел мои страницу и почему он/а решила меня об этом предупредить это отдельная тема для размышления...

Этот опыт наводит меня на мысли о том- стоит ли вообще выкладывать свои фото в широкие просторы Интернета?

С одной стороны- почему нет? Многие блоггеры так делают и все у них нормально, возмем к примеру Карлу из Карлас Клозет или Киару из Блонд Салата(понятно что я не хочу писать «зе» кирилицей? ) или например Леандру из Мэн Репеллер. Помимо этих популярных блогов есть так же менее известные но столь же любимые блоггеры которые вывешивают фото своего личного стиля/свои мнения/советы и все у них тоже нормально.

Но с другой стороны- стоит ли оно того? Не сюрприз то что если ты не хочешь чтобы твои фото оказались у кого-то сомнительного в руках держи их при себе. Не только они являются вашей «интеллектуальной собственностью» но они так же есть некоего рода репутация, онлайн личность которую вы потенциально подвергаете опасности...

Кто действительно захочет чтобы чертзнаеткто сохранял ваши фото на своем компьютере, использовал их как хотел и поправлял/изменял, обсуждал их со своими друзьями?

Я не уверена что это для меня.

В добавок, то что я пишу по-русски еще одна проблема. В последнее время у меня были некоторые ссылки с довольно подозрительных русских доменов. Не поймите меня не правильно, я люблю свою родину, Русскую культуру, историю, людей, но несмотря на то что там много очень умных людей там так же довольно много пакостных людей с которыми я ничего не хочу иметь общего.

Ну вот я и выразилась, что вы по этому поводу думаете? Какие-либо советы/рекоммендации?

Давайте, переубедите меня!

New in: Perfect little black dress

2011-03-09T01:14:00.000-08:00

Good morning dear readers! The sun is still somewhat shinning in England, which means I am somewhat happy... still! I have to rush to uni in a second, but wanted to leave you with something else for today (failing but still trying to keep up the 'regular' posting habbits!).

Sorry if I don't answer your comments/comment on your posts for the time- being... Keep posting, I promise to catch up.

About the dress- it is, like the cat-skirt that most of you seemed to like from yesterday's post, from Vivetta. In my view this is a great take on a timeless 'little black dress'.... winter-variety! It's made of beautiful black/blue velvet with delicate (but strong!) lace... I love the, what I think is, 20's design on top... Makes my hips look thinner, which is always welcome in my world.

The only thing I don't like about it (and this is just probably due to the size) is that the shoulders are a bit tight... so I feel slightly 'restrained'....

On the other hand, however, it prevents me from slouching, which I've been doing too much lately...

I am wearing:

Dress- Vivetta

Tights- John Lewis

Breaking the 7th proposition by Wittgenstein.

2011-02-11T16:10:00.000-08:00

Good evening!
As life gets busier and busier, I have less time to stop and think about things that make me happy...
By this time of the week I am not capable of constructing interesting stories, therefore I am just going to share some 'slice of life' moments with you for now.
All the photographs are merely snapshots, contain no artistic merit whatsoever, but I like them and it's my blog, so Alt + F4 if you want to do something else.

Добрый вечер!
Сегодняшний пост будет немного необычным так как под конец недели я совсем не способна рассказывать интересные истории и только и могу что мечтать о красивом освещении, вкусной еде и ленивых Воскресных полуднях...

I am dreaming of... having time to bake cookies! Мечтаю иметь время выпекать печенье!

beautiful light and light flowers... мечтаю о красивом свете и светлых цветах

pancakes for breakfast in excellent company... о блинчиках на завтрак в отличной компании...

Sunday roast! О выпеченном Воскресном ужине!

cute baby animals... о милых зверенышах...

waking up very early to see the sunrise... просыпаться на зоре чтобы наблюдать рассвет...

'antique' markets of all sorts... иметь время на разнообразные антикварные рынки...

old books that tell us about the ways things used to be... мечтаю о старых книгах...

hot chocolate & people watching... о горячем шоколаде и наблюдением за людьми...

blue sky... о голубом небе...

+ blue sea! и голубом море!

trips to English countryside... о поездках в Английские деревеньки...

London mornings, in November... о Лондонских ноябрьских утрах...

empty streets and no neon signs... о пустых улицах без неоновых знаков...

nature and beautiful lighting... о природе и красивом освещении...

picnics in the summer! о пикниках летом!

Lazying around in the parks... О ленивости в парке...

long hot showers... о длинном горячем душе...

Russian-style cookies... О печенье как в детстве...

Beautiful flowers in beautiful light... о красивых цветах и солнце через окно...

Pretzels! О ватрушках!

Sunday afternoons... о Воскресеных днях...

tea... о чае...

and of course, silly photographs! и канечно глупых фотографий мне всегда мало!

Btw, I also saw Carrie, from wishwishwish.net on a train today! She's pretty and a good blogger, but I was too shy to say hello.
And now, the most important part- do you like these types of posts once in a while instead of 'nothing'? Or would you rather just see outfit photos, trend thoughts, designer finds etc.... Please let me know what you prefer, as sometimes I am at a loss as to what might interest you guys! Enjoy your weekend!

Кстати сегодня встретила блогершу из wishwishwish.net. Она очень милая и симпотичная, но я постеснялась с ней заговорить- а что бы вы сделали?
А теперь самый важный вопрос- как вам такие посты время от времени? нравятся или уж лучше ничего чем не о чем? Может быть вы предпочтете фото одежды, мысли о трендах, дизайнерах итд? Пожалуста дайте мне знать ваши мысли, иногда я правда не знаю что бы было вам интересней! Приятных выходных!

An obsession

2011-02-05T04:40:00.000-08:00

Classic shoes are my favourite. Most of the girls are usually obsessed with heels, platforms... Christian Loubitin's, Jimmy Choo's, Manolo Blahniks... Jeffrey Campbell's Lita's!
But I am 'in love' with the Belgian shoes. They are perfectly traditional and strikingly quirky. In my view these can bring a twist and sophistication to any outfit- a formal suit, scruffy jeans, shorts, and especially dresses- plain little black ones, summer frocks, and probably signature Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress, considering Belgian shoes have a classical slipper shape.
Belgian shoes were designed by Henri Bendel in the 40's and apparently gathered a large WASP following in the US. Apparently, they are still hand-sewn to this day in the country from which they've taken their name, and come only in 1 4 slightly different styles for women (Genius concept!), but come in every color and material. In my view the Midinette ladies range is the most versatile and up-to-date. They are available in colourful calf leather, animal print, metallic, suede, patent, croco patent, linen, lizard calf leather, ostrich, python, velvet... and wool!

Here are some of my favourites...

All photos are from the official website.

And here are some of my favourites from the Minstrel range. Strangely, the colourful ones are so neat and classical they remind me of nurses unifroms in the 40's...

Source

And now let's see how people wear these...

Here's suave looking Laurence Harvey wearing a pair of Belgian shoes in 1967, on a trip to the UK (try not to get distracted by Mia Farrow and her perfect dress!)

Source

Here's an impressive collection of Belgian shoes that belonged to notorious Bernie Madoff...

Source

And finally here are some lizard midinette's worn by someone called Rachel Chandlers that I found on the Purple Diary

By the way, if you didn't know... Olivier Zahm (the guy behind Purple magazine and Purple diary) hates bloggers! He 'ates' us all.

Voila! Hope you enjoyed this. Have a great weekend!

Outraging Public Decency

2011-01-28T03:39:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share a picture of Rick Gibson’s human earrings, but then I realized that his exhibition at the Young Unknowns Gallery lasted only a couple of hours and then he and the gallery owner were charged with and convicted of, outraging public decency. Even-though there are rumors that these earrings are currently held in the collection of Scotland Yard’s Black Museum in London, the museum is closed to the public… So, having read the Obscene Publications Act 1959, I have figured that I might be ‘distributing’ this ‘obscene’ image… even-though; personally, I don’t find it particularly offensive.

These earrings were made of freeze-dried human foetuses. The foetuses were given to Rick Gibson by a British anatomy professor and have been preserved for 20 years at the time he made them.

Now, Rick Gibson is an artist, the purpose of art, is often to provoke. And so is often the purpose of fashion. The more different and daring the piece is, the better. There has been a lot of controversy about the use of fur, outsourcing production to countries with little labour/human rights laws, and of course the issue of anorexic-looking models...

But regardless of these issues, we still buy and wear fur, people still shop at Primark (who makes those clothes?!), and anorexic-looking, does not mean the ladies are actually suffering from a recognized medical illness… The art has often been rather provocative and it hasn’t just disappeared. (There’s currently a Robert Mapplethorpe’s exhibition at Alison Jacques gallery- go shock your senses!). Actually, speaking of that exhibition- there are 6 empty frames on a wall, blacked out. Over 'the black-abyss' there are descriptions of what 'should' be inside the frame... In one of those frames they're talking about a man, a bull-whip, his anus etc etc... Fascinating? That's why it's been 'censored'... NOT. The problem is- the picture is hanging right on the opposite wall, full-size and what not... Weird, right? Censorship fail? Maybe? Maybe not... I was too embarrassed to speak to my teacher about it. Go check it out and tell me what you think.

Oh yes, and what do you think- where shall we draw the line between art and beauty, decency and standing firm by our moral values? Morality and ethics depend on our culture, so what is decent somewhere in America might not be viewed as such in Iran, for example. What is censorship like in your country? What is it affected by?

I am SUCH a student... I know, I know.

Fruit cocktail

2011-01-23T02:28:00.000-08:00

Looking back at what I have decided to pair my new purple jeans with, I feel like it's a terrible fashion faux pas. But then again, who cares? I admit I am a dilettante.

As I was dressing up I was only sure of one thing- I wanted colour, and I wanted to wear my ~~purple~~ blueberry trousers. Naturally, I thought pink is the best colour to go with ~~purple~~ blueberry, so I opted for a sweater of that colour. Very eurotrash, isn't it?!

Then I remembered it's January outside, so I wrapped myself up in this black/raspberry coloured silk pashmina that my boyfriend gave me last Christmas. And for that extra bit of oddness, I dug a big hat out of my wardrobe and topped my outfit with it! Ha! I believe that made the outfit look rather bohemian. As a consequence, I had a big clash of 'styles'...

What do you think?? Is this too strange, or moderately bohemian?

I thought that this wonderful tree very much complemented my mood at the time.

I was wearing:

-Wrangler jeans

- A.P.C sweater

- Russell and Bromley boots

- Indian pashmina

- Daniele Meucci hat

- Vintage bag

YSL and Jean Mahie

2011-01-15T11:54:00.000-08:00

my YSL Arty Ovale ring and my 'erotic' ring by Jean Mahie

At first I was reluctant and unwilling to buy this chunky piece of metal with a chunky piece of glass attached to it. But as I gradually learnt about Jean Mahie jewellery, I gave in and bought the hyped up YSL Arty Ovale ring
The story of who Jean Mahie (Jacline Mazard) exactly is, is rather long and irrelevant to what I want to communicate. So I'm not going to say anything apart from the fact she was a law student at some point (as your humble narrator is!) and that she makes the jewellery with her father in law. If you want you can read more about her HERE and HERE.
What's of substance is that all the jewellery is hand made, no pieces are identical, they are inspired by ancient ruins (Jean spent her childhood in Tunisia playing among them) and look like exquisite artisan pieces.
Jean states: “Each item is strictly one-of-a-kind, and sometimes I have to reinstruct new jewelry department managers there are no more like the last one. I cannot copy myself.” source

The jewellery that she and her father in law make is very alluring and unique, and unsurprisingly rather expensive. What is perhaps surprising is that it reminded me of those mass produced chunky metal rings with big pieces of glass attached that all the hype was about. And this is when I gave in and ordered one.
It's true that there are many knock-offs everywhere, but this is something different. These now 'iconic' rings really evoke the feeling of YSL couture jewellery collection, and I don't think YSL would stick their name onto something they wouldn't want to be remembered for.
Therefore, I concluded that for the price YSL ring is retailed for, it is definitely worth it and I think it is a real statement piece in its own kind that will be remembered.

A Jean Mahie lapis and diamond ring via beladora

Yves Saint Lauren Arty Ovale ring

Jean Mahie cuff bracelet via beladora

Yves Saint Laurent Arty Dots ring

Jean Mahie avant-garde ring via beladora

Yves Saint Laurent Arty Floral ring

Can you see what I'm getting at? Do you agree with me that it YSL rings although, in a totally different league are still unique and iconic in their own way? Do you think it's a waste of money or a valuable addition to your treasure box?

1.1.11

2011-01-04T14:07:00.000-08:00

The sky was usually grey and the streets were unusually empty. However, a Chinese meal on a New Years day wasn't such an original idea as the place was packed.
As for me, I was unusually jolly and wore my usual number (you have seen a very similar one HERE) that in my view, persistently reminds me of a 'french exchange student', because it's a rather plain ensemble with a touch of oh-la-la in a form of little details- my bright scarf, knitted gloves and a little handbag with strong lines... I really enjoy carrying a tiny handbag with me while I can. It's a lovely feeling to swing your little bag in one hand and hold the hat on your head with the other when the gust of wind blows or when you suddenly need to speed up. Makes me feel very feminine indeed.

I was charmed by this church during the walk to a fromagerie and a book store... that were both CLOSED. Sleepy Hollow?

This is the top that I wore underneath; it was one of my Christmas presents.

I was wearing:

- Vintage Hudson handbag

- Manoush sweater

- Paige denim trousers

- Russell and Bromley boots

- Fullcircle coat

-Peruvian gloves

-Scarf bought in Argentina

-Vintage hat

I was also charmed by my clever fashion student friend's argyle vest... Lately I grew tired of them, but this is such a cool twist, don't you think? I think I might try to replicate...

Outfit: Uptown Top Rankin'

2010-11-30T16:39:00.001-08:00

Hello dearies!

I haven't posted in what might be a year in Internet time... but I have been doing what we all do, studying, working, sleeping and 'being tired'. All at the same time.
Some of the highlights since my last post were... a man in a fur hat walking down the road with a brief case in one hand and a mouth harmonica in the other; a shifty man in a military-style hoodie with a huge rubbish bag and an equally huge TV inside; Old pictures of Venice by Canaletto and his rivals; Stories about antique spectacles; a vintage 'salad' green lamb fur coat by Prada that I have mentally already bought... but physically it might not even fit me. Opening a glass door of a cafe and having wind blow all the delicate snowflakes inside... A very magical moment, but unfortunately I couldn't see anything, as I was holding the door... so my imagination constructed the rest of the 'picture'.
Last but not least imprint that I still have in my mind was left by two chocolate labrador puppies being clumsy, silly and playful on a curb. (how little do they need to be happy and give happiness!) It was like watching a faulty tape, they jump back up on the curb, fall off, bite each other, jump back up again... Fall off, bite each other. And people were stopping by in astonishment. Magic :)

Now to the outfit.... As I am very busy with the routine, I have no time or energy to occupy myself with any sort of sartorial dilemmas. So, I follow 'the roots', as described by Althea and Donna in their 'Uptown Top Rankin'' hit, in my khaki parka, shorts, a very traditional wool sweater and suede boots. (ok, sometimes I swap this for a khaki dress!)

I guess my recent 'obsession' with khaki and parka's and all things 'roots' could also be linked to my love for gangsta rap[pers]. Those individuals always seem to wear some sort of a laid back number with a hood.

She looks like such a gangster, too.

I was wearing:

- Gap faux fur parka

- Same indian scarf as before

- Russell and Bromley boots

- Wolford merino wool tights

- Zara sweater

- American Apparel khaki shorts

- Gucci tote bag

Outfit: Same.

2010-11-15T05:44:00.001-08:00

Recently I have been very lazy and ill.
I fear that I might have only been ill for the first couple of days though. Then, I presume, laziness took over and led to boredom... Which allowed my hypochondriacal tendencies to thrive and provide an excuse not to do much.
My laziness covered a vast number of areas from not doing homework to glum outfit choices.
So here's what I wore on Saturday and Sunday.
Yes, I did wear this bag, shoes and jeans all weekend. But isn't a good blogger supposed to demonstrate how the same pieces of clothing can be matched to produce different results? (all nod please :) )

-Russell and Bromley shoes

- Gucci bag

- Levi's jeans

-Dents gloves

- Super soft and warm cashmere scarf from India

- Vintage hat and coat.

Hoarding: My goodies

2010-11-09T16:48:00.000-08:00

Here are some knick-knacks I found at the market and in what used to be my 'favourite charity shop' in the area, during the past week.

Victorian gold-plated silver spectacles.

I admire them for the conservative design, scarcity and the use of traditional products that aren't used nowadays (lens are actually glass and the 'nose pads' are actually cork).

Notice the cut of the lens? :)

I can just imagine an old gentleman (say, a doctor!) in a black wool suit, with bushy eyebrows, curious eyes and a snobby nose, secure these glasses on his nose, lift up his chin and carefully read some fascinating books by the candle light on the left and a fire place on the right. With maybe a thick carpet underneath and a dog beside him :)

However, I do not intend to wear them in the traditional way; my idea is to put a golden chain through the little 'loop' and wear these as an accessory to complement my paleness and law books.

Speaking of law books...

I doubt my Criminal Law tutor will be impressed to see me with this, but I think it is good leisure-time reading not only for people interested in legal history, but for anyone interested in some thrilling controversial stories. It is, however, as thick as most other law-related books... And rather stressful.

I love the old grainy texture of the paper

The book has lovely old-fashioned illustrations. This one comes from the case of Mrs Dyer: the infamous baby-farmer of Reading [1896].

For those of you who are interested in gruesome details, here they are, for those who aren't, just skip the paragraph:

This case is about an old lady, who posted offers of adoption in newspapers saying that she loves children and all she wants to do is to care for them and make them happy. What the lady said was however completely different to what she did. She took the babies and the money (in the old times women who wanted to give their children away had to pay money for them) and then disposed of the babies in the most cruel ways (threw them in the river, strangled, dumped etc). The bodies of over forty babies have been discovered, all in advanced stage of decomposition. However, one of the bodies had been wrapped in a sheet of brown paper and on this, the name and address of Mrs. Dyer were deciphered. The lady pleaded insanity, but it wasn't accepted. One of the witnesses against her was her own daughter. Mrs. Dyer was sentenced and executed on June 10th 1896.

Strangely enough, the story emphasizes what the people wore to court and to the execution. The case illustrates that although there is nothing that can be said in mitigation of Mrs Dyer's crimes, it must be remembered that she herself was a fearful product of the times. The society that pilloried the unmarried mother and did little or nothing for the unwanted child, also had blood on it's hands.

Thankfully, we have moved on since then...

A little clutch I thought would be good to use either to store make-up or to go to lunches with on sultry summer weekends.

Vintage medium sized Bally clutch

It has a little strap in case I feel inclined to use it.

I saw a lot of Bally shoes around, but never thought they were very cool (because I saw so many). Now that I've got a bag, I've decided to show some interest and all the vintage bags I see online have some sort of metallic label. Does that mean that mine is fake? Or is it just older? Any thoughts?

A small patent leather Eros clutch from 1950's in perfect condition.

It even comes with a little manual, which makes me smile

C'est tout! What do you think of my finds?

Opinion: Elsa Schiaparelli

2010-11-05T17:03:00.000-07:00

Among my outfit and purchases posts I would like to share with you the things I find interesting and inspiring. I'll start with a woman I came across quite a while ago thinking- how come I've never heard of her before?! (so do not read any further if you are familiar with her already!)
Her name is Elsa Schiaparelli, an innovator and an outstanding contributor to the fashion world of the early 20th century. She was Italian, and her biggest rival was Coco Chanel. Unfortunately Schiaparelli couldn't adapt to the changes of the world after WW2 and thus had to close her business. But while I bow to the elegance and chic of Chanel trademark pieces, I admire Schiaparelli designs all the more, because they're a relic of the past. An important relic of the past, boundary-less and imaginative.

To give you an idea of what exactly is so memorable about her, here's an excerpt from Wikipedia:

''Her career began with her introduction of graphic knitwear to the world of fashion with knit patterns and emblems. These led to her fanciful prints of body parts, food, and many more unusual themes. She was the first to use brightly colored zippers, appearing first on her sportswear in 1930 and again five years later on her evening dresses. Not only was she the first to use brightly colored zippers, but she was also the first to have them dyed to match the material used in her garments. She was the first to create and use fanciful buttons that looked more like brooches. They came in the shapes of peanuts, bees, and even ram’s heads. In Parisian fashion, she invented culottes, introduced Arab breeches, embroidered shirts, wrapped turbans, pompom-rimmed hats, barbaric belts, the “wedge,” a soled shoe that would trend through the 20th century and into the next, and mix-and-match sportswear, the concept of which would not be fully recognized for another forty to fifty years. While her innovations in fashion design were numerous, it was her creation of the runway show as we know it today that was most influential. Her modern idea of a fashion show included a runway with music and art, and the use of elongated, shapeless women as models. She believed that this boyish figure would best display the clothing. Many people do not realize the true sum of her impact on fashion and the fashion industry.''

The most fascinating thing for me at the moment is her shoe hat!
Which I suddenly felt inspired to write about when I saw this photo on The Sartorialist blog.

Isn't it amazing? I WANT that hat. All of them, in fact.

Here are some other avant-garde designs by her:

Marlene Dietrich

Lobster Dress. Collaboration with Salvador Dali who painted the lobster onto the fabric

Bow sweater designed by Elsa Schiaparelli for her AW 1927 collection. Doesn't this remind you of Marc Jacobs and Sonya Rykiel and well... all the other quality print sweaters?!

Unfortunately I never came across any of her most interesting pieces, because they're so scarce... but I once found a scarf designed by her in a little shop in Chalk Farm in London. The scarf was however really unimpressive, orange, silk, small... and way overpriced! So it was a no-no.

Outfit: Lenghty Halloween vibes

2010-10-30T13:14:00.001-07:00

Due to the lack of time and original ideas this Halloween, I wanted to dress as the usual witch for the fancy dress parties I was invited to. Because I'm a witch practically every year around the 31st of October, I try to create variations on the witch theme, sometimes with Morticia Addams in mind, sometimes with Dracula's brides. This time, however, in addition to everything else, I was inspired by the old ladies who never throw anything away and rarely go out of their 'museum' homes... but when they do, they put on half of the staff they own. I, too, have a hard time throwing things away...

In addition, I wanted to put together something that reminds me of old-times (Halloween, is, after all a holiday of ghosts of the past)... Brilliant Lou Salome came to mind! Being a fan of Nietzsche I recently read 'When Nietzsche Wept', by Irvin Yalom... I was captivated by the portrayal of Miss Salome... Smart and independent. Noble in her manners, well- educated... good looking. Why she didn't like Nietzsche is a mystery to me, because I personally would marry him any day of the week. But tastes differ!

Last but not least influence was the bohemian couple of Sean Lennon and his stunning girlfriend Charlotte Kemp Muhl. I admire the 'supremely confident a touch disinterested' facial expression of miss Kemp Muhl and the way she wears furs!

Cannot wait to read your comments... :)

- Laura Ashley vintage velvet dress

- FailsWORTH hat

- Swarovski robot necklace and bracelet

- Arrogant Cat top with silver ish beads

- Russell and Bromley well-worn brown 'lacey' boots

- Vintage burgundy leather bag

- Happy loves it crystal rabbit ring

- Brand-less jacket and I cannot remember where other rings are from...

- I am also wearing Chergui- Serge Lutens parfume, that smells a little bit of old powder and a little bit of herbal medicine... perfect :)

And now some of the 'inspirations'

Bag lady

Photo Source

Brides of Dracula

Photo source

Morticia Addams

Photo Source

Sean Lennon and Charlotte Kemp Muhl

Photo Source

And last but not least- Lou Salome, Paul Ree and Frederich Nietzsche

Streets of London

2010-10-30T04:54:00.000-07:00

Hello dear readers! Now that autumn has come in all its glorious beauty, with cold air and sunshine, there's no choice, but to cover ourselves with multiple cosy layers. I notice many cape-shaped coats (especially in camel) these days, but it seems a bit boring to fall for the trend and embrace it in exactly the same way we're being proposed to embrace it. So, here I snapped a couple of photographs of my friend Lisa that I wrote about earlier here, as I quite enjoyed the way she put her ensemble together for a crisp yet sunny October afternoon.
Do you like the way she mixed traditional autumn colours and fabrics? Personally, I'm a little bit surprised the top is fleece and not wool, but perhaps it gives a touch of contrast to the practically all-wool outfit.

-Nicole Farhi coat

- Vintage wool trousers & brief case & necklace

- Uniqlo fleece top

- Gucci black suede boots