Pretty Divine

//movin' out.

2011-11-26T09:21:00.001-08:00

for a long while now, i have struggled with pretty divine. three or four years ago, when I began this little blog, I couldn't wait to get stuck into this nouveau concept of 'blogging'. it seemed a wonderful, easy and exciting method of putting oneself out there creatively. recently, however, i've found myself holding back from pd, predominantly because of my chosen interface 'blogger'. i have a huge, a.d.d. mind filled with creative ideas and notions and images and i just feel that blogger has been holding me back this whole time. the infuriating use of images, the difficulty in co-operating with readers, the difficulty in simple customisation, blogger just doesn't suit me any more. when i wrote that first awkward post for pretty divine, i was an amateur at the tender age of 17, or whatever i was. but now, i'm looking for something more. something that inspires me to do more with blogging.
because, let's face it, i've lost it with this thing.

my plan of action will probably be to move over to wordpress. which, if possible, i find very exciting. i've used wordpress a lot for my work on amelia's magazine. i imagine this whole process will be very tricky, but i'm gonna give it a go, i've read it's thoroughly worth it in the end.

i'm also still contemplating a name change. i think i'm gonna make this next stage in my blogging journey a little more about me. it's gonna be a tad narcissistic. something that has always made me uncomfortable about blogging. one thing is for sure though, my blog will never be filled with awful outfit posts and pictures of moi. no no no. frassy, i love you. you do it well. but nuh uh, not for me.

let me know if any of you have ever made the brave move from blogger to wordpress. any tips would be greatly appreciated, it looks like its ganna be scary. tips from wordpress users would also be greatly appreciated :)

happy saturday!

PD x
listening to: - 'take care' album - drake
image: pinterest.com

#LFW photo diary

2011-10-06T15:20:00.000-07:00

Jaeger S/S 2012


Pixie Lott, Brix Smith-Start & Olivia Palermo

the beautiful St. Pancras hotel

Holly Fulton live on the outdoor screen. I had a ticket to the event and got turned away, was too cramped inside!

Izmaylova at Vauxhall Fashion Scout


Masha Ma S/S 2012 Snaps from LFW that almost got lost. Note: Meeting Ella Gregory of Coco's Tea Party was definitely one of my highlights this season. I've been reading her site for several years now and, in my opinion, she does fashion blogging at it's best. Love her!

PD x

listening to: - i'm with you (album) - red hot chili peppers
all images are my own - please ask before taking

## you had me at sea foam

2011-10-05T16:27:00.000-07:00

a few of the thousands of reasons i love 1950's sea foam green (and pinterest)

proven perfect for interiors, jewellery, womenswear and even menswear (those trousers!)

happy pinterest! follow me here.

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PD x
listening to: tunnel of love (album) - bruce springsteen
all images via pinterest

follow me on twitter here.

London Fashion Week S/S 2012: Masha Ma

2011-09-25T15:12:00.001-07:00

with models in white bandage-esque headdresses and white stilettos that were seemingly gaffa-taped to feet, there were certainly a few statement features kicking around in masha ma's s/s12 collection that made it's debut at vauxhall fashion scout on saturday 19th september, during this season's london fashion week.

masha ma used zip detailing extensively to structure and shape garments, something that's become increasingly popular amongst our lfw regulars; another being celeb-favourite krystof strozyna.

a strong underwater vibe ran throughout (ocean sounds made up part of the soundtrack) and i loved the fresh, natural and almost idyllic take on a futuristic design ethic.

with dramatic cutting showing unbelievable skill, masha ma is another designer showing at vauxhall fashion scout that i can most certainly see going the distance. here's hoping. because this was one of my firm favourites this season.

PD x
listening to: we found love - rihanna ft. calvin harris
all my own photography

follow me on twitter! @heyprettydivine

Ziad Ghanem S/S 2012 @ Vauxhall Fashion Scout

2011-09-24T03:02:00.000-07:00

what a spectacle!

i wish more fashion shows were like this; embracing the show element that little bit more!
and dammit, i love this little girl!

ziad ghanem's niece models a couture flower girl dress
PD x
listening to: delorean & m83

follow me on twitter! @heyprettydivine

Michael Van Der Ham - London Fashion Week S/S 2012

2011-09-19T06:38:00.000-07:00

print combination of colour washes and monochrome line illustration

knee-length skirts in pastel hues

intricate black line design on delicate white satin; graphic t-bar stillettos

Alexandra Schulman
Our very own Vogue Editor

Hilary Alexander
Fashion Director - The Daily Telegraph

No clue who this is - but she sat next to Harold Tillman and seemed pretty important! She was also wearing the most chic orange dress.

Anna Dello Russo
Editor-at-Large of Vogue Japan

Harold Tillman
Chairman of British Fashion Council

PD x
all my own photography

London Fashion Week S/S12 Day 1

2011-09-16T14:31:00.000-07:00

Outfit of the day - Malene Oddershe Bach @ Ones To Watch
Turquoise and acid yellow with under a wash of exotic print? I want it all.

Paul Costelloe began our London Fashion Week journey; bright and early as always.
Lots of nudes, heavy-hanging dresses and hemlines aswell as remixed old-fashioned curtain fabric. Playful colour-popping suits for the boys.

Krystof Strozyna was wearable, sexy and with lush colouring. But nothing too daring. Definitely expected more.

My favourite moment of Bora Aksu - the opening!
Aside from this rich cream prettiness, it was all midnight blues and rich autumnal tones and dramatic thick layers of fabric - did Bora know he was designing for Spring/Summer?
Chuffed I nabbed this season's Bora Aksu tights in ma goodie bag - result!

Bit of FROW action - Susie Bubble and Diana Vickers front row at Krystof Strozyna. Oh and Young Shields' Claire aswell - blog power!

---

Today has been hectic. I've seen no less than 7 shows, 1 presentation and enough 'mwah mwah dahling! you look so chic, is that Caroline Charles?' to make me throw up a bit in my mouth - but it's all been good fun! Once you get past the posers hovering nonchalantly by street style photographers, extensive waiting for shows to begin and the aching shoulders from endless free magazines you have no idea why you're hoarding, London Fashion Week is bloody brilliant! This post has only been moaning so far. It's the end of the day. Apologies.

Seeing Amelia every now and then was a lovely treat throughout the day! This time round at London Fashion Week, the hype and warmness that is spoken of her is even more overwhelming. Amelia's Magazine's presence just seems to grow and grow.

Favourite overall show of the day was undoubtedly Jena Theo. Sadly, no photos as of yet. But will have some soon. In fact, Amelia's Magazine have a great fashion photographer contributing this season and he's sending them over to me tonight. Will blog them soon. It was FAB. It was all sexy bed hair and ultimate lounge clothes that just scream casual seductress. I loved it. And the playlist was GREAT - Austra & Trent Razor! Best soundtrack to a fashion show I think I've ever experienced.

Time for bed. Had stir fry and cobra beer watching Breaking Bad (AWESOME US tv series) to half wind down this evening. Waking up extra early to get going again tomorrow.

And it's onto Day 2!
(Masha Ma; Jacob Kimmie; Jaeger London; John Rocha)

See you on the other side.
PD x
listening to: bjork
all images are my own
follow me on twitter! @heyprettydivine

the chilis @ the o2

2011-07-31T04:08:00.000-07:00

the red hot chili peppers make music that i get endlessly excited about. goodness knows how many times i've listened to their stadium arcadium album - the album that, controversial to some, made me fall head-over-heels in the first place.

after seeing by the way sung by anthony in harmony with that ultimate bass-line by flea, way back in 2006 in ipswich, i was well and truly besotted. it was summer, twilight, and anthony's words carrying across the stadium have stuck in my memory ever since.

with dates for their i'm with you world tour appearing in what seemed like every country but my own, i was beginning to lose hope that i'd be able to see them perform again in the near future without spending 2 month's rent travelling to berlin or brazil.

suddenly, i had 1 day's notice to panic as i heard they were doing 3 whole dates right here in landaaan. AH. at the o2, granted (much too big of a venue, in my opinion), but using my usual panicky desperate uncontrollably competitive techniques to get the best tickets feasibly possible, i knew i'd be there.

and now? 2 tickets for november 7th in 'general admission' on the floor. yes, i did itttt. this means i will be queuing for hours in order to get as far to the front as possible, with the squashing by raging moshers completelyy irrelevant to me. i. do. not. care.

this also gives me over 2 months to breathe in their new album, i'm with you, due for release on 30th august, in preparation. very very excited.

their new single above, the adventures of rain dance maggie, should keep me going until 30th august. it's going to be emotional.

PD x
reading: tim harford - adapt; hemingway - fiesta: the sun also rises
images via starpulse.com; clara balzary on the chilis' facebook

note: anthony kiedis' autobiography, scar tissue, is an amazing read. find my review on the reading list.

follow me on twitter! @heyprettydivine

for summer and beyond, please.

2011-07-02T05:45:00.000-07:00

i need these in my life.

these moroccan-esque bohemian babies look set to come back on the fashion scene as the ultimate 60s footwear.

i want mine in tan brown with a red/pinkish rug fabric, with denim shorts and a fringed loosely-worn top. they'd be perfect for bestival in sunnier weather & then trotting the streets of london in winter.

nicely-priced pairs can be found at www.kiboots.com
& for the more expensive - www.thecobrasociety.com

PD x
listening to: 'by the way' album - red hot chili peppers
images via honestlywtf.com

follow me on twitter! @heyprettydivine

GIVEAWAY WINNER

2011-03-18T08:36:00.001-07:00

congratulations to...

you've won the 'Christian Lacroix and the Tale of Sleeping Beauty' book.

email me your home address and i'll get it to you as soon as possible (:

thanks to everyone who entered!
another giveaway very soon.

PD x
listening to: landslide

* GIVEAWAY * (remember you must be a follower)

2011-03-11T14:05:00.000-08:00

wellllll this is actually my

first.

ever.
giveaway.
(woah.)

and i'll be handing over a brand new copy of 'Christian Lacroix and the Tale of Sleeping Beauty', fresh from the V&A bookshop yesterday, to one lucky reader.

want to be in the chance of winning this beautifully illustrated, quirky little memoir?

you must be a follower of this blog
& you must leave a comment on this post

the competition will close on wednesday

gooood luck :)
and happy friday!

PD x

#you're in my thoughts

2011-03-11T08:54:00.000-08:00

worriedaboutsatan in action at the old blue last

my first feature on russell & reid as editor!
hoooorah!

i interviewed a fantastic electric-duo named worriedaboutsatan before they went on stage at their most recent london gig at the old blue last in shoreditch.

they were lovely lads that made wonderful and hugely interesting interviewees.
you can check out the interview here.

i've also featured one of my favourite tracks of theirs on the playlist.
go check them out. like i said in the article, you will not be disappointed.

PD x
listening to: worriedaboutsatan!
image: my own, taken on the night

lfw unseen.

2011-03-10T14:01:00.000-08:00

outside somerset house

the lovely designer of beautiful jewellery line renaissance life

susie bubble being snapped in the main lfw foyer on the morning of day 1

the elle team, including editor-in-cheif lorraine candy, strutting in style between shows

PD x

listening to: beth and oliver - creaky boards (featured on the playlist)
all images: my own

pecan pie @ spitalfields

2011-03-10T02:20:00.001-08:00

my sister, molly, came down from cambridge to visit and, after a potter around spitalfields market, stopped at the gorgeous leon cafe branch they have there.
we tried their SCRUM pecan pie and tested the quality of the camera featured on my new phone. i wish she could be always be here in london. the day or two we spent together flew by.

spitalfields market, edited on my samsung waveII

just finished reading the absolute classic 'Utopia' by Thomas More. it was unbelievable. for it's time, particularly. a review will be up on the reading list shortly. i highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in politics/society in any way.

PD x
listening to: red hot chili peppers - stadium arcadium album
images: all my own, taken on my trusty samsung wave II

#the canals of our city

2011-03-09T05:48:00.000-08:00

Vivienne Westwood Pendant - £75

Vivienne Westwood Earrings - £62

both are available on urbanoutfitters.co.uk

PD x
listening to: beirut; john martyn
images: urban outfitters

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follow me on twitter
check out my tumblr

#dream up dream up; it was only a change of plan

2011-03-07T03:27:00.000-08:00

i am drastically changing PD.

if you look at the bar up at the top of the page, you'll see there are now additional pages for me to seperate my millions of musings in an organized fashion.

i've also had a huge, brutal cleanse of the sidebars. i'm thinking it looks a lot neater.

there will be blog posts as per usual, but i will now update:

# a reading list, compiled of the unforgettable books i adore, that i highly recommend. and of books that look utterly essential and that i plan to read.

# a playlist, of tracks that are somehow perfect, that i think you should listen to.

# a links page, of a select few links in each of their respective areas. links that i continually use myself.

# an 'important people' page, people you should read about or listen to because they're just plain inspirational and that's that.

# a page filled with my own photography.

PD x
listening to: neil young

LFW in pictures #sayyoulovemenow

2011-02-28T12:44:00.000-08:00

eun jeong

bora aksu

john rocha

kristian aadnevik

d-gnak

{ intangible } by ala disposition perfume launch @ jalouse nightclub, mayfair

PD x
listening to: darwin deez
all images: my own. ask permission & credit if want to use.

LFW in pictures #

2011-02-26T02:40:00.000-08:00

Samantha Cole

KTZ

Bunmi Koko

many more to come.

PD x

listening to: rihanna - loud
all images: my own

LFW ROUND UP #oh na na

2011-02-24T03:13:00.000-08:00

London Fashion Week is everything you think it is. Glamorous beyond belief. Flawlessly presented. Surreal. VERY surreal.

For me, FW commenced in Somerset House at 10am on Friday, Day One. And closed just before the very last show at 6pm on Wednesday. And even THEN i went to a swanky after-party at Jalouse nightclub. I experienced the whole shabang.The whole exhausting but exhilerating frenzy that is LFW.

FRIDAY, Day One.

Shows: Caroline Charles; Eun Jeong; Bora Aksu
Top Spotted Celebs: Entire ELLE team; Marina Diamandis; Twiggy
I Wore: Zara Camel Coat; Blue SuperSkinny Jeans;
Tan Brown Fringe Shoeboots; Zara White Shirt
Highlights: The Eun Jeong goodie bag; sitting behind Marina at Bora Aksu;
meeting lovely Jawhn Fashionu & Mini Jawhn

SATURDAY, Day Two.

Shows: Elliott J. Frieze, John Rocha
Top Spotted Celebs: Hilary Alexander, Scott Schumann, Garance Dore
I Wore: Frank Usher Vintage Ribbon Blouse; Skinny Jeans;
Leather Jkt; Suede & Ribbon Wedges (All Black)
Highlights: First dibs on seating at Elliott J. Frieze; The Elliott J. Frieze venue;
General Amaze at Frieze;Leif's 22nd Birthday & Much-Needed Tequila

SUNDAY, Day Three.

Shows: No shows, writing-up in the Press Lounge.
I Wore: Zara Tweed Jacket; Cream Zara Trousers; White Zara Shirt;
Office Tan Fringe Shoe-Boots; Pink Chiffon Bow-Brooch Pinned at Neck

MONDAY, Day Four.

Shows: Erdem; ala disposition; Bunmi Koko; Samantha Cole
Top Spotted Celebs: Hilary Alexander; Yasmin Le Bon;
Sarah Mower; Rebecca Lowthorpe;
I Wore: Jack Wills Cream Knit Cardi done-up; Floor-length Pleated Zara Skirt;
Brown Leather Fringe Bag; Black Suede & Ribbon Wedges
Highlights: Being street-style snapped by Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, Grazia & Oasis;
the Erdem Show; Bunmi Koko Show

TUESDAY, Day Five.

Shows: Kristian Aadnevik
I Wore: Zara White Pleated Dress; Fr.Connection Black Embellished Cropped Jkt;
Black Sparkly Tights; Black Suede & Ribbon Wedges
Highlights: Cocktails & Outdoor Nighttime Show for Kristian Aadnevik

WEDNESDAY, Day Six. (Menswear!)

Shows: D-GNAK; KTZ; Ala Disposition Perfume Launch @ Jalouse
Top Spotted Celebs: Louise Rednapp, Paul Wellar
Highlights: Sitting front row at D-GNAK chatting to Paul Wellar;
90s madballs at KTZ; Dinner & Drinks with Caroline

Met many-a wonderful person including Christopher Hooton from the London Metro,
Hannah Newton from London town's a go go, Abi Marvel,
Diary of a Dead Barbie's Mummy & Son & two interviewer ladies for Vogue.

Do we really have to wait until September?! Not fair.
Photos to follow.

PD x
listening to: radiohead's new album, who isn't?
image: my own

#life is my friend, rake it up to take it in

2011-01-28T12:07:00.000-08:00

i'm literally light-years distance from the world of phone-nerds. i barely know anything when it comes to mobiles. if i can text and phone on it, i'm interested. and that's as far as my specification goes.

but honestly, this phone is NICE. it's named samsung wave II, apparently. my new little piece of luxury. it's pretty big but i like that. the camera is of a very high quality (hence the above snaps i took in my room today ^). see that? those came from a mobile phone!

okay, enough geek jargon. reason im talking about technical stuff is that the now project launched today. and i've been assigned as one of their 'vip's. the phone was complimentary for me to snap away all day everyday, documenting my so-called 'now' moments.

the idea is that you guys and anyone & everyone all around the world gets onto the facebook app and uploads their 'now' moments. select winners recieve the new samsung wave II and a place in a special exhibition at the london design museum. (i'll be there!)

it's a great way to promote your talent if you aspire to a life in photography
so let me know if you post a snap, and i'll vote for you.

get on it! >http://bit.ly/TheNowProject.

PD x
listening to: - robyn, worriedaboutsatan, frightenedrabbit. leif's music influence.
all images: my own.

//*drink in london, dance in paris, let's chase our love, let's chase our love.

2011-01-24T09:44:00.000-08:00

somerset house

audrey of befrassy.com

elliott j. frieze

street catwalk

team amelia

snippets from london fashion week september 2010.
once again, i'll be repping amelia's magazine reporting on shows & exhibitions and february 18th really couldn't come sooner.

PD x

listening to: chris brown/rihanna/the dream
images: all my own

Lako Bukia

2010-12-27T06:01:00.001-08:00

a few snaps from the day i previewed lako bukia's innovative a/w 2010 capsule collection:
CUBART.

the shoes were most definitely the highpoint of the day! ^

a highly talented, forward-thinking designer that is one-to-watch.
liberty of london were previewing the collection & asos are also showing interest in selling her work.

http://www.lakobukia.com/
her official website

www.notjustalabel.com/lakobukia
this offers a great profile on bukia & is a site where you can buy the shoes

Merry Christmas,

PD x

listening to: the tallest man on earth
all images are my own

round my hometown

2010-08-23T02:17:00.000-07:00

i love cambridge,

for it's beauty,

for it's streets,

for it's hideaways,

for the people i've met,

and for all my memories.

i'll truly miss it when i move to london.

PD x

listening to: all bob marley
image: my own

vanity fair goes gaga

2010-08-06T15:21:00.001-07:00

it was merely a matter of time.

PD x

image: via fashionslam.blogspot

all of this can be broken

2010-08-06T13:24:00.000-07:00

daria & lily in boho travel-chic

i threw creation

to my kin

have the silence broken

by a whispered

wind.*

laura marling - devil's spoke

PD x
images: via fashionslam.blogspot & bohemianpunk.tumblr

TOPTIP;

i found this really cute website: designspongeonline.com
make sure you check out the mini city guides.