My Republic of Fashion

Mary Says What?

2012-02-24T19:29:00.000Z

Hello!

Let's play a game of Mary says.

1. The way to stay warm in the depths of Winter? Mary says to go for an over sized chunky knit and a pair of coloured trousers. Why not go for yellow. Winter means grey skies & chilly air. The trick with wearing a pair of bright trousers on a dreary day is to focus your eyes on them and then look up at the sky. Yellow trousers.Cheerful.Grey Sky.Depressing.Yellow trousers.Sun.Grey Sky.Is that the Sun I see? Smart.

2. The peplum is currently doing the rounds. Mary says, to hang on to that peplum, 'cause it's still going to be pep-ular(!) come Winter time. Next Season the peplum is more exaggerated. Mary says, 'Just Do It'! I say, yes please.

3. Mary says, to always hang up your clothes. Too lazy? Think of your clothes as karma. Treat them bad, well, what goes around comes around. Wrinkles so deep in your favourite denim shirt, not even an iron can tame them. Mary says, you should have hung that one up. But fear not, buy this hanger dress and it will always remind you to show your clothes with respect. If you don't have the thousands to purchase, just buy some hangers. I always prefer the black felt ones, as seen on the dress. I say, great minds think alike, Mary.

4. Fashionably late? Not so fashionable, says Mary. Buy yourself a watch and you will find yourself counting the seconds until Mary Katrantzou Spring-Summer 2013. For the time being, let next Season's amazing prints take your breath away. Count one-two-three and breathe.

5.With this particular dress, Mary says two things. (1.) The colour crimson is a must. On everyone. (2.) Mary says to blog more. It doesn't matter if you've had a shitty day, it's better out than in, right? Obviously, I need to practice what 'Mary' preaches. This typewriter dress will be my inspiration. Thanks Mary Katrantzou for another cracking Season. See you next time!

All Images via Style.com

Round And Round We Go With Louis Vuitton

2012-02-07T21:25:00.002Z

Here we go round the Merry-Go-Round,

The Merry-Go-Round,

The Merry-Go-Round.

Here we go round the Merry-Go-Round.

On a decidedly lacklustre Tuesday Evening.

What Merry-Go-Round? Why, the Louis Vuitton one, of course. Lace collars and Broderie Anglaise dresses. Pastel colours and all the rest. Easy on the eye. Elle and Vogue show Louis Vuitton's designs at their best. Alexa Chung and Lana Del Rey. Pretty in Pastels and all the rest.

Love the covers of Vogue UK and Elle UK for March 2012. Yes/No for you?

Louis Vuitton Images via style.com

Trousers Of The Month

2012-02-05T16:01:00.000Z

Hi There!

It may be freezing out and dare I say it, snowing in some parts of the World, but Floral trousers (and the rest) are always welcome. What do you think?

Striped: Primark/Colour: Zara/Floral: H&M

Bug Bling

2012-01-23T07:40:00.001Z

I see a Beetle & a Butterfly,

An Ant and just an ordinary Fly.

A Wasp features and maybe just maybe

a Cockroach, too.

Bug Bling, to you and I.

After that I don't know.

Do I sound like an Entomologist?

Eh, hello! That would be a no.

So there we go with another crappy poem.

Can I please present to you:

My Bug Bling.

Watch out now. Careful they don't sting!

(Ph. taken by me)

necklace: topshop

Fishtail Plait: Long May It Live

2012-01-21T22:30:00.001Z

The minute I spotted Sasha Pivovarova on the Jak&Jil blog this morning, I thought to myself; Good God, I love her hair. It seems the power of a Fishtail plait is not gone.

I wanted to 'recreate' this look. A tamer version, it seems. Bearing in mind that I am not a Russian supermodel....
Long may the Fishtail live, I say. And you?

1st Image via Jak&Jil, 2nd Image my own

What I'd Like To Wear. Friday, Saturday, Sunday.

2012-01-13T20:56:00.002Z

Pre Fall=Lust=Planning my ideal Weekend Wardrobe.

Houndstooth=Check. Literally.

Louis Vuitton 20s-esque dress=Don't mind if I do.

Mod Casual on a Sunday=Yes, please.

Pre Fall lusting when I should be blogging. Always. In my case.

Fashion Resolution Numero Uno

2012-01-02T19:31:00.001Z

Love this page from Glamour magazine UK (December).

And your Fashion Resolutions?

Glamour Magazine UK

My Favourites:

Images via style.com

Cossack Hat: Ask And You Shall Receive

2011-12-27T14:10:00.002Z

On the first day of Christmas

My true love (Santa) sent to me

A Cossack hat, to make my head warm and furry.

On the second day of Christmas

My true love sent to me,

Two turtle doves,

And a Cossack hat, to make my head warm and furry.

On the Third day of Christmas

My true love sent to me,

~~Watch this Space......~~

Sequin Delight? Too Right!

2011-12-12T20:14:00.001Z

*It is like that sequined jacket you spotted, say in Primark or Forever 21. You know you shouldn't. You know you should be saving your money for that timeless piece, but alas, the sequined jacket has powers of persuasion. *Buy me and you'll look beautiful and bright. You know, you just know, I am so right.* Taken word for word from my BlueGreen post.*

Turns out, I couldn't resist it. It may not be from Primark or Forever 21, not brash, but it is still just right. ~~Sequins for Christmas?~~ Sequins forever!

Sequin jacket from River Island

Burberry Man+The Others

2011-12-08T09:56:00.001Z

A Burberry Man is classic (generalisation/fact). A Burberry man is handsome (another generalisation). A Burberry man is fashionable (obviously). A Burberry Prorsum pre-fall 2012 wearing man is a player! (Fact. The proof is in this post.)

There is something about Burberry Prorsum. That something is the clothes. Question: Who reading this wishes they had a Burberry something hanging up in their wardrobe? Be it a classic trench, an edgy leather jacket or a luxurious dress.

However, Burberry man has decided he wants to mix and match and be a fashionable player for a while. Burberry+Jason Wu. Swit-swooo. Burberry+Chanel. Beautiful to look at. Burberry+Burberry. Two peas in a pod.

Player #1

Burberry: Looking good Jason Wu.

Jason Wu: You too, Burberry. Loving the coat.

Player #2

Burberry: Chanel, you are a vision in that dress. Be Mine.

Chanel: Pah. I don't do chat up lines, Burberry. Do you know who I am?

Burberry: But you look so beautiful....
Chanel: Get over yourself.

The Real Deal
Stay away girls. I'm wearing Burberry. He is wearing Burberry.Take that.

All Images via style.com

Come To Me Cossack Hat

2011-12-05T10:26:00.000Z

On my wish list this December: a Cossack. You know those furry hats? Yes, one of those. With a Cossack on my head, I can see myself walking on the snow in amongst a Winter Wonderland. A Winter Wonderland where Anna Sui allows me to pick any outfit from her Winter 2011 collection. A Winter Wonderland where my favourite Christmas songs are on repeat. A Winter Wonderland where hot chocolate is best served with a dollop or two of whipped cream. It would be rude not to, really.

And then I hear my alarm at 7.00am. Anna Sui outfit in wardrobe? No. Christmas songs on repeat? No. Cossack on head? No. Instead. Groggy eyed Witch who doesn't want to go to work. Not very festive.

'All I want for Christmas is you (A Cossack) and you (Snow)'. And what about you?

Rust Coloured Cossack from Topshop, Leopard Print Cossack from Asos, Inspiration Outfit: Anna Sui (of course!) via style.com

BlueGreen

2011-11-25T18:46:00.001Z

I love reading little notes about how colour can affect our day-to-day mood. Taken with a pinch of salt, of course. They are quite like Horoscopes. Not always 100% accurate. But they are too good to resist.

It is like that sequined jacket you spotted, say in Primark or Forever 21. You know you shouldn't. You know you should be saving your money for that timeless piece, but alas, the sequined jacket has powers of persuasion. *Buy me and you'll look beautiful and bright. You know, you just know, I am so right.*

Green is balanced, easy going and harmonious.

Blue is calm, soothing and peaceful.

A plait is a care free, easy to do hairstyle.

Mix these all together and what do you get?

A relaxed & stress-free person.

Yes to that.

BlueGreen for you?

Top Image via JakandJil

Bottom Image via The Sartorialist

Con-The-Verse

2011-11-22T20:54:00.002Z

As much as I like a pair of classic Coverse, I like them glammed up, as well.

Both Converse via schuh.co.uk

Living the Versace Dream

2011-11-17T13:18:00.001Z

Well, who nabbed a piece? Who couldn't care less? Who likes, but a). Doesn't have a H&M store near you or b). Can't afford a piece of Versace for H&M (it is fairly pricey, don't you know)?

I think the Versace for H&M collection is very flashy, it is obviously very Versace. Lots of print, studs, bright colour & leather. Oh la la? More like, ooh VersaceforH&M-la-la-la!

I have read many an opinion about this collection and the majority is saying nay. However, this collection is my guilty pleasure. If I drank tea often, it would be my cup of tea. But tea and Versace don't really go hand in hand. So, that's out.

Did I get something? I hear you ask. No, I didn't. I fall in to the above categories A and B. More's the pity. However, I still have my imagination and my crappy drawing skills....

'Here I am strolling along in my Versace for H&M pink palm print jeans, with my Hermès bag and my cut little dog. Clearly, I am living the Versace for H&M dream. Hi there!'

Back to reality. If I did have the money and there was a H&M store near, I would go for either of these two dresses.

So, that's it. Thank God, says you? No more Versace for H&M. Apparently, there are rumours it's Tom Ford for H&M next. Just one thing: Why can't H&M just be H&M for a while. That's all.

Sweet 'Chanel' Dreams

2011-11-16T23:01:00.001Z

Sweet 'Chanel' dreams, everyone!

Dreaming of big fluffy pillows, a Chanel clog or maybe two. Just close your eyes and count to three. One (Chanel), two (Chanel), three (Chanel for you, oh, and you).

Dee Dee Taylor Eustace doesn't just dream about Chanel. She sleeps with Chanel. Scandalous!

All Images via the coveteur

Paws For You?

2011-11-14T21:02:00.001Z

Hi there!

I'm sure most of you have seen these Christian Louboutin 'Alex' shoes by this stage. They are certainly not hard to miss. 'Here are my shoes and the rest of me is coming after': that's my motto on this pair.

At £3,195 a pop, it just goes to show that a lion's paw should never be undervalued as a fashion accessory. However, and yes, there is a however, I am really not feeling these shoes. They are unique. Yes. They have red soles. Yes. They were designed by Mr. Christian Louboutin. Yes. For me? No.

Sarah-Jessica wearing a stunning Giambattista Valli couture dress and the 'Alex' shoes.

And your thoughts on these paw-shoes?

First Image via graziadaily.co.uk, second Image via fashion.telegraph.co.uk

Clothe Me In Prints

2011-11-09T20:54:00.002Z

Random fashion fact of the week: I love printed clothes with a difference.
Clothes, whereby you can make up some stories of your own...

Mary Katrantzou

Do you love nature? Do you love flowers? Do you wish you were a punk rocker with flowers in your hair? No? Neither would I, to be honest. However, this dress shows that you don't have to be surrounded by fields of flowers. You can live in an apartment block and be surrounded by acres of grey, yet when you look at this Mary Katrantzou dress, you can be transported to your wildest dreams, all about flowers, of course. So, if your life is void of colour, you can a). go to style.com and look at Mary Katrantzou's Spring 2012 collection, b). buy a Mary Katrantzou dress (lucky you) or c). buy a bouquet of flowers. Don't forget the cellophane bow.

Manish Arora

Why did Manish Arora choose this print? Why? Because the print conveys an image of people having fun at some sort of festival. A hippy-esque festival, at that. Oooh, fun. Praise the Lord. Praise all you mad festival lovers out there. Praise Manish Arora. Amen.

Versace

Ever wanted to swim underwater and witness (friendly) creatures of the sea with your own eyes? Imagine swimming serenely with your goggles and oxygen safely secure, when a). you run out of oxygen (disaster!) or b). a hungry shark discovers dinner (disaster!) or c). the most exotic thing you find in the depths of the water are a few bored looking fish (disaster!). Fear not, people. Instead of diving, you should go surfing. Versace's Spring 2012 collection is sea friendly. Look at the above outfit. What do you see? Starfish and seahorses. Underwater delight and you don't even need to get your hair wet. Versace style, perfecto!

All Images via style.com

Spot The Blue

2011-11-04T22:09:00.004Z

Catch these if you can. Jak&Jil gif-ified. Blue soles? (Hello, YSL) Yes, please.

All Images from JakandJil.com

Shoes Today. What Tomorrow?

2011-11-02T20:27:00.001Z

Hello!

Have you ever typed 'what do your shoes say about you' in to the Google search box? It's okay if you haven't.
I got a mad notion to do just that.

Apparently a 'Croc wearer is a health care worker who, after a long day at work, is able to come home without having to take their beloved Crocs off'. Generalising health care workers, anyone? Shame I am neither a health care worker nor or a fan of Crocs.

Someone who wears Ugg boots are just being themselves according to the same source. (Click here for the full article.) I used to wear Ugg boots. I loved them. They ~~were~~ are so warm and comforting. However, that was then (circa 2006, 2007) and this is now. The nearest I have to possessing a pair of Ugg boots are my leopard print Ugg slippers. I am looking at them right now. And yes, they are warm and comforting. Exactly what slippers are supposed to be like. (Not of the sexy kind, obviously.)

My shoe collection is small. I like flat shoes. During the day and during the night. Of course, I own some high heels. For ''special occasions''. Or those occasions when I am in the mood for wearing them. I know that when it comes to heels no pain, no gain is their motto. However, I'd much prefer no pain at all. I don't know what that says about me? Weak, perhaps.

I wish I had more jazzy flats, though. So, I paid Net-A-Porter a visit. Hello, Miu Miu. I would wear Miu Miu heels. I would wear Miu Miu flats.

Question: What do your shoes say about you?

Answer: That I am a Miu Miu-er. (Explanation: Buys Miu Mius shoes. Flats & heels alike. Feet give out if any other brand is worn.)

Miu Miu shoes via Net-A-Porter
All other photos taken by me

How Bazaar!

2011-10-17T20:22:00.002+01:00

What would the movie World do without Tim Burton?

What would the fashion World do without Harper's Bazaar?

Mix the two together. Throw in Tim Walker and some serious fashion designs. Think Givenchy, Versace, Chanel....
And how Bazaar, we have Halloween Bazaar.

I just love this editorial! And you?

Images via harpersbazaar.com

Love-Aby

2011-10-13T14:53:00.002+01:00

Hush fashion conscious people, don't you sigh.

My Republic of Fashion is bringing you a love-aby.

( Lullaby+what-I'm-loving=Love-aby. Oh My!)

Feeling a bit drab and pale? Why, oh why!

Don't worry. Go vampy. Vampy nails, vampy lips.

Who cares what people say.

Hello there! I'm your Halloween witch.

Funky patterns for you?

For me: yes. But for you...

Yay, nay. Yay, no. Hell Yes, hello!

Rihanna rocking in Armani.

Fashions new glamour in a blonde wig.

Just one question:

Do you dig that silk Privé dress?

So, hush fashion conscious people, don't you sigh.

Now what's your love-aby?

All photos taken by me

Polo For Your Thoughts

2011-10-07T08:04:00.004+01:00

Polo neck, Turtle neck, Roll neck. Call them what you like. They all fall under the same category: neck choker. I find polo necks (I am Irish, so no turtle neck for me) restrictive and a bit suffocating. 'What is that thing around my neck? Oh, it's just my jumper. Fabulous.' I haven't worn a polo neck in about three years. Yes. They really are no friend of mine.

In fact, I found a photo of me, possibly the last time I wore a polo neck. I mean, my face says it all. I look moody, grumpy, sulky. Any more adjectives you can throw in there? Clearly it restricted any happy emotions that I might have felt, especially since it was Christmas time.* The polo neck went and it hasn't been seen since.

However, everyone and everything deserves a second chance, no? What with the resurgence of polo necks, I quite fancy toying with the idea of ' 'I dunno' making a polo purchase. Toying being the key word. So, I picked some neck jumpers that look like they wouldn't choke me too much. Word of warning; these polo necks are of the lets-rob-a-bank variety. Always fun.

That teal Reed Krakoff (Net-A-Porter) polo neck looks so comfortable. A neck jumper made out of merino wool, my neck feels cold just by thinking about it. Then if you want something a little edgier, just go for that Joseph (mywardrobe) polo. Leather and wool. Your neck will feel very special with this on. Inspiration is Isabel Marant. I would happily wear that polo poncho garment. Smile firmly on the face.

*I can be a bit moody at times, with or without a polo neck. I'm sure the polo helped, though.

Isabel Marant Image via style.com

Imagine

2011-10-04T21:03:00.003+01:00

Imagine a World where CHANEL is a big part of your life. Imagine going to a show. Imagine going to a space designed as an aquarium. Imagine touching that mint green feather dress. Imagine meeting Karl Lagerfeld. However, thanks to the internet, Chanel can be a part of anyone's life. Just look at a collection, any collection and your imagination is running riot. Even cold fishes are in awe. And why wouldn't they be?

Another beautiful collection, no?

Images via style.com

Forever Young. Forever 21.

2011-10-03T20:09:00.002+01:00

Zooming in and out in my leopard prints.

Up and down.

Raiding the rails.

Why, oh why, is there so much choice?

It was my first time ever in Forever 21 today. I don't think I have ever been so over whelmed in my life before. Do you remember the first time you stepped in to Forever 21? Did you also feel like a kid in a candy store?

It would have been rude of me walking out the door without a yellow bag, wouldn't you think so?

P.S. Could I have any more padding in my shoes? Clearly doesn't work, though, since my feet are a-stinging. #newshoesproblem

Curly Sue Friday

2011-09-30T22:05:00.002+01:00

Straight hair go away.

Come again another day.

But if you don't, I don't care

because I will always have my disco curly hair!

I love big curly hair. I am lucky enough to have naturally frizzy/curly (when it wants to) be hair. However, disco curly hair, it ain't. Disco curly hair? Think Beyoncé, not Psycho Bob.

Carolina Engman Image via Fashionsquad.com

Lily Cole normally a straight haired gal looks fantastic with her curls and high fashion in Harper's Bazaar Turkey (October). Carolina Engman, the super stylish blogger also shows us how it's done.

Lily Cole Image via Fashiongonerogue.com

On my to-do-list: Youtube disco curly hair. I want! And you?