Rants Raves and Everything Inbetween

Bravo

2010-12-06T03:30:00.000-08:00

This year's Outstanding Achievement honour at the British Fashion Awards tomorrow night will be given in the name of Alexander McQueen. And in my opinion, no one deserves it better.
When Michael Jackson died, awards were given in his name and countless dedications were made. Michael Jackson was the king of the pop world. Alexander McQueen was the rebellious, outlandish king of fashion and should not be forgotten about. It can be argued in his short life, he did as much for British fashion as Jackson did for music over his entire career.
At the awards tomorrow night, a film will be presented, directed by Nick Knight, featuring all McQueen's iconic works.

Not a Chance.

2010-12-03T06:44:00.000-08:00

It's not often that I oppose Vogue, but this time, I think they are really totally wrong. Today I read online that in these minus temperature, snowy conditions, that it would be a really good idea that we all brave the cold and go out with bare legs. Have they actually gone insane? I'm still cold with three pairs of tights on!
One of their alternative suggestions are fur snoods, hats, gloves and ear muffs. How are they meant to prevent you from the cold when you still have nothing left on your legs? They did make a valid point in wearing a long-ish skirt with knee high furry boots but still, an extra layer of tights or knee high socks should never be turned down in -3 weather.
What made me laugh was the fact that if you just do it and put a smile on your face, it somehow won't even seem to matter. When you fall down in the snow with your bare legs, let me see if you are still smiling.

My Decade.

2010-11-29T06:43:00.000-08:00

Being a 90s kid, you take for granted the times that you lived in. A lecture today, gave me more than I have ever known about the decade that I was born in and not just take it for granted as a time that nothing exciting happend. Whenever I think about the twentieth century, the 90s never seems to hit me as anything major. It is always the 20s, 50s and 80s that always stick in my mind as influential times. But the 90s had everything to give and even more.

Grunge was a huge part of the time. Even Colin McDowell has written a Fashion Moment on it. Alexander McQueen was the inventer of bumsters, a look that is still very popular with about 60% of the male population aged between 12-22.

It was the era of Britpop. Pulp. Is there anymore needed there? Common People and Disco 2000 are two of the most amazing songs ever.

It wasn't just a decade with one trend happening unlike the times that had gone before. Sportswear, tracksuits, minimalsim, camoflauge. It was all happening in the 90s.

I am very very proud to have been born in the 90s. The only thing I regret is that I was only 7 by the time it was over.

And then the loves.

2010-11-27T11:14:00.000-08:00

One of my favourite parts of winter is that you can practically go out dressed up as fool, as long as you look cosy. Bobble hats, chunky scarfs, oversized coats, thick tights and boots. You basically look like you are about to burst in a bubble of wool.
Even though you know it's freezing outside, the excitement is in layering up with as many winter accessories that you can think of. My favourite at the minute seem to be earmuffs. Cute and logical, they just make sense.
Walking to a Christmas market in all your new winter gear just has some satisfaction that stands with me. You get ready with friends and then go out in minus temperatures but it doesn't matter because you are all wrapped up with a pork bap in hand or a glass of mulled wine. It's your choice with that one.
Colour isn't even an issue. A bright orange hat, pea green coat and bilberry tights will work but I would advice this in the months from October to January.
It's less than a month till Christmas now and the excitement hasn't worn off in the slightest but I think now I appreciate the smaller things aswell. The family time, time with loved ones, seeing a smile on someone's face when they like the present you get them. This is probably one of the best times of year.

Hates

2010-11-25T03:12:00.000-08:00

A rant that I would like to get off my infected chest is when girls decide it is a good idea to wear leggings that have been worn and washed so much, that you can actually see their arse. The worse thing about it is that they aren't wearing pants. Shocking.
The other thing I have against this is when girls wear leggings as trousers and just a t-shirt. It really isn't a flattering look for even the skinniest of girls. If you are going to rock the faded, see through leggings look, at least wear a longer top or a dress and make sure you are wearing underwear. In my opinion that is pretty sound advice.
Don't walk around thinking you look good when actually you look common and tacky.

The Big Gossip

2010-11-24T07:48:00.000-08:00

The rumours on the grapevine is that Sex and the City might, JUST might release a third film. If this true, then I will be at Leicester Square the second they have a London premiere date.

The two SATC films that have gone already have been amazing. Me and my friends always like to pick out outfits which we want to wear for ourselves. Patricia Fields is a genius and that show would not have been the same without her. Her magic translated even better onto the big screen when the first film came out.

I was never a fan of the show until I saw the first film which immediately got me hooked and I used to watch Comedy Central every Thursday night to catch up on what I had been missing out on all these years.

Carrie is my favourite character in terms of fashion but Samantha is unbeatable in terms of legendary status. I would love to do the some of the things she comes out with.
So if this film does come out, and according to Kristen Davis, all four actresses would be onboard, it would definetely be something to look forward to.

Landed

2010-11-23T04:54:00.000-08:00

The big news of today is that the Lanvin collection for H&M has gone on sale and by now, the Regent Street store probably looks a bit more bare and lot more messed up than it did just before 9 o'clock this morning.
The first person in the queue had been there nearly 12 hours in advance, at quarter to 9 last night. That is dedication considering it's bloody freezing outside. Even I couldn't do that and I consider myself dedicated.
Alber Elbaz must be very proud of himself.

TX Maxx Max Out.

2010-11-22T03:35:00.000-08:00

Why do TX Maxx think it's fashion to have what seems like hundreds of Michael Jackson t-shirts? Every other shirt has Micheal's holding crotch, tiptoed dance move plastered on it. The actual t-shirt looks identical to the Ramones band t-shirt with the frayed sleeve edges and even the grey colour is the same.
Don't get me wrong, Jackson was and always will be a legend but there is something uncool about having his face on your clothes as opposed to the Ramones or Rolling Stones.
But the other part of this rant is about the people who wear these t-shirts. I personally don't own a Ramones or Rolling Stones top but I do love the Stones logo. I like some of their songs but I wouldn't call them an all time favourite. Therefore the reason I don't own one. I hate the girls that wear these tops and think that other people must think that they are so into their music when actually they don't know anything about them and have only heard one song, which will be the songs everyone knows.
These are the girls that secretly listen to Britney Spears and Westlife in their bedrooms when their boyfriends aren't around. If you wanna make a fashion statement, do one that you actually believe in.

Style Icon

2010-11-15T07:33:00.000-08:00

Alexa Cheung, Emma Watson, Georgia May Jagger, Lily Cole, Tilda Swinton and Stella McCartney. Who wins?

These names, along with others are suggested nominees for the newest category at the British Fashion Awards, named British Style Award.

First off. Tilda Swinton? Are you joking? Quirky definetely but not worthy of a style award. I think Alexa Cheung is a bit dated now. The last two years she has been this amazing innovator of fashion but I think there are now so much more fresher faces with cooler, hipper styles.
Georgia May, relatively new onto the celeb circuit could be a winner but I think my vote would have to go to Emma Watson. I think over this past year, she has grown into her style and well on her way to becoming a fashion icon. She can mix red carpet glamour to understated, simple chic just walking on the streets of London.
To put your vote in for British Style Award choice go to http://www.britishfashionawards.com/britishstyle

Tilda Swinton

It's Magic

2010-11-12T10:44:00.000-08:00

Last night at the London premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, it was Emma Watson that stole the show. I'm a huge obsessed fan with Daniel Radcliffe but Emma aka Hermoine was the real star. She looked absolutely gorgeous.

When I first saw the images of her new pixie cut, I wasn't too sure about it. But now I see that it shows off her stunning facial features such as her cat-like eyes and radiating smile. It likes a ugly duckling story. In the first Potter film, she had this huge bush of hair and from that to this, is a hair transformation. I feel in a way that I have almost grown up alongside her, developing our own fashion style.

For the event in Leicester Square, she wore a black lace and feather cocktail dress by Rafael Lopez and simple understated earrings and ring by Solange Azagury-Partridge.

Picture - http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1329043/Harry-Potter-And-The-Deathly-Hallows-Emma-Watson-goes-casual-premiere-afterparty.html

Camden Goes 50's

2010-11-10T07:08:00.000-08:00

When in Camden, I couldn't help but notice a 1950's vibe going on. Black halter dresses, synched in at the waist, knee length and covered in polka dots seemed to be the new Camden style. Although all in black, there was something cheerful and playful about them. I could just imagine a typical Camden girl, tattoos and piercings galore wearing one of these dresses with think, black vintage boots walking into a pub and ordering a Jack Daniels and coke.

I always admire Camden and their fashion trends. It just seems like the opposite of what everyone else is doing. I have already said how much I'm in love with Camden so I don't think there is any need to spill my heart out all over again.

Oh Please.

2010-11-08T09:15:00.000-08:00

I read today that Robert Pattinson may or may not have been approached to be the new face of Burberry. In my opinion, Burberry could do a lot better and also be a little bit more original.
Emma Watson, Pattinson's Harry Potter co-star was the face of Burberry. I know there is all the hype about the new film coming but does the label really have to go Potter crazy too? I think Pattinson is an obvious choice. Yes he evokes a typical, Burberry wearing, British male but there are so many unrecognisable faces that could fill in the slot as good as or maybe even better than him.
Personally I'm not a Twilight fan and I don't see the obsession with the film or the actors. I feel that if the a deal was signed, then Burberry would become very predictable on who they would get to model their clothes. I am actually a little suprised that Pattinson had already been selected and used in their campaigns before.
What I do respect Pattinson for is that he hasn't jumped on board the celebrity wagon of promoting himself in any way he can unlike some celebrities of today. According to what I have read, he turned down the offer to concentrate on his acting, calling himself an actor rather than a model. That i think is very respectable.

Fashion Art

2010-11-05T11:25:00.000-07:00

Fashion is an art form. Designers are the artists. Like any painting, fashion raises questions, evokes emotion and creates changes in the way people live their lifes. Every now and then we get something so fresh and innovative that it immediately creates responses whether they be negative or positive.
My response to footwear designer Chau Har Lee's is crazy positive. She has created shoes that are visually stunning yet still wearable. These shoes are truly works of art, but more like sculptures in their design. This particular pair are showstoppers. You would walk into any room and would cause the crowds to silence and stare at your feet.
Lee, who also designs footwear for luxury label Bally is not as well known as Jimmy Choo or Manolo Blahnik but I think there needs to be a change in this. Her designs are inventive and something that no other is doing. I would love to get my foot in the door with her shoes on any day.

Dear Julien, I Don't Like You.

2010-11-03T06:53:00.000-07:00

Designer Julien Macdonald made a comment to Vogue.co.uk saying about what his idea of a perfect model would be like. The essential components he described were "tall, sexy and have a dangerous personality". He then went on to say, "You're not going to find that person waiting at a bus stop." Bastard.
Kate Moss. Discovered in an airport. Erin O'Connor. Discovered at Birmingham Clothes Show. Lily Cole in Soho with a chance meeting with Benjamin Hart, an English actor. Christie Brinkley in a post office in Paris. Yes it's in Paris but there can't be something more common that a post office! Now all these women have earnt a hefty living for themselves with modelling whether they ever intended to or not.
You can find beauty anywhere, even a bus stop. You can find it walking down the street, down the frozen section in the supermarket, even in the pub. Julien Macdonald in my opinion, is too much up his own behind.
Kate Moss isn't tall but is sexy and definetely has a dangerous personality. Lily Cole may not have the dangerous personality but is tall and sexy. Just goes to show Mr Macdonald that you are not always right.

Today's the Day

2010-11-02T03:37:00.000-07:00

Today is the day that the Lanvin collection for H&M can be seen via video on the store's website. True to Lanvin style, there are plenty of ruffles and elegant feminine silhouettes. Thriller film "The Shining" seems to have been the main inspiration of the video. The hotel rooms and corridors, the moody atmosphere and the creepy little girl twins or in this case, two models dressed in maid outfits. The video seems to play out a few stories but the main feature seems to be the girl who rejects diamonds and flowers from her supposed lover presents to her because all she wants is Lanvin. In the end, she recieves a purple and blue floral, tiered, and of course ruffled Lanvin dress.
Throughout the collection we can see a lot of trompe l'oeil making the eye dance. Lace and ribbons seem to be the key to creating this illusion. Alber Elbaz, who is briefly seen in the video, has definetely worked his magic on this collection. It is true Lanin style but so attainable for the mass market that any women can walk in H&M on November 23rd and feel like a showstopper when she puts one of these pieces on. Pieces featured include trendy t-shirts, dresses, skirts, coats, shoes, jewellery, gloves and sunglasses meaning that you can get a complete outfit with this collection.
The video can be seen from today at H&M's website - http://www.hm.com/gb/#/start/

Pictures taken from http://www.vogue.co.uk/

Get Some Clothes On

2010-11-01T06:43:00.000-07:00

I have a real hate of girls who don't dress appropriately for the freezing cold weather outside and then complain about it non-stop. I know I sound old and boring for an 18 year old but seriously it's true. Yes love you have lovely legs but do they really need to be on show all the time when realistically, its Christmas next month. Wearing a pair of shorts with long knee socks can look good on the right people but seriously, cover up! Like my grandma would say, "You'll catch your death out there." Winter isn't the "sexy season". A pair of amazing tights look so much better than bare legs covered in goosebumps.
Another thing that annoys me is that these girls are wrapped up on top and exposed on the bottom. A typical outfit will be a slouchy hat, chucky knit scarf and khaki parka with shorts and long woolen socks. Its like two seasons splashed across one outfit.
So what is the solution? Be half naked and don't complain about it to me when there's a blizzard outside or the better option, put some real clothes on!

Those Were The Days

2010-10-31T11:15:00.000-07:00

On a rainy day autumn day, I thought to myself that I might get the old photos out. I was bored and desperate. Looking back to when you were a four year old kid living in the 90's with mummy dressing you, it wasn't the best of looks. But damn sure it was fun and damn sure it was colourful. Electric blue leopard print leggings, crazy patterned t-shirts and the little funky trainers that lit up on every step. I also remember watching a video tape of me singing alone to my childhood favourites, Take That and wearing a pink polo shirt and dungarees with my natural peroxide blonde hair.
Other photos that I came across included fashions such as three quarter lengths denim jeans, dolly shoes, ponchos, baggy "Builder" jeans and Busted t-shirts. I never use to be much of a fashion icon. I use to think of myself as the a bit of a grunger wearing the two sizes too big jeans, oversizes t-shirts, trainers, no makeup and hair not attended to.
Even though I wouldn't be seen in any of these things now, these are the looks that get you to where you are today. They create your own little fashion ugly ducking story. The transformation is the most exciting part. Although in 10 years I might look back on the photos of today and think, "What the hell am I wearing!"

I Heart New York.

2010-10-29T03:44:00.000-07:00

One of my main ambitions in life is to visit NYC. Fashion Week, Bloomingdales, Statue of Liberty, Central Park, SATC, Greenwich Village. I want it all. I've done Paris, but desperately want to go again. I've done Milan. But to be sucked into the New York scene for just a few days would be a dream come true. I am doing a Fashion Moment on Edie Sedgewick and it has only made me obsessed with the city, (Edie Sedgewick is one of fashion idols). I love London but New York is just the icing on the cake and in my opinion, the centre of the earth. I would just park myself on a bench and watch the world go by. Watch the bohemian girls in their baggy jeans, ugg boots and scarfs go and pick up their Starbucks and blueberry muffins - the business men rushing to Wall Street with their Armani suitcases on the subway - the yummy mummys pushing their prams with their Prada sunglasses firmly in place. Watching Carrie Bradshaw and the girls in Sex and the City having lunch or shopping in Macy's just made me jealous. So to end this fantasy blog, if anyone wants to buy me a plane ticket (first class if you're offering) then I would be very grateful.

Bye Bye Kate

2010-10-28T03:23:00.000-07:00

The loving relationship that was Kate Moss and Topshop has now ended with the supermodel revealing her last full collection for the high street brand.
I think that Kate Moss was a positive thing for Topshop, although personally I never bought any of her pieces due to lack of funds. Where I lived near Lincoln, Topshop was becoming less exciting, less original. Topshop in Lincoln never had any of the "outside" designers in store so when we heard about the Kate Moss collection being local, it was needless to say an exciting moment. It was a taste of London style yet posted all the way to Lincolnshire where fashion is not of any relevance.
I remember a girl I knew practically running into Topshop when the collection was first in store and spending something like £60 on a sequinned jacket.
Now that Kate Moss will no longer be at Topshop, I don't think it's the end of the world. There are so many newer, fresher faces to fill the gap and now living practically right next door to Oxford Street, there are so many other collections I can get my hands on.

Don't Look Back in Shock

2010-10-26T07:28:00.000-07:00

A casual walk round town doesn't immediately spring up connations of being judged and glared at. Well this very thing happened to me today. Not knowing that I would obviously offend, I put on my feather headband (that I only bought 3 months ago may I add) as a little addition to my outfit and happily strolled into town. I wasn't aware that this would turn into October Bitch Fest.
I walked past a group of girls that were clearly conscious of what they wore and made sure it was bang on trend. Next thing I know, I hear "What the hell has she got on her head" and the phrase I never thought I would actually hear and have someone mean it, "That was so last month". I say this a joke or sarcastic comment sometimes, but this actually takes the piss. I wear a headband and suddenly I become some sort of fashion laughing stock not suitable to be out in public.
To be honest, I had a little chuckle and kept walking. I will wear whatever I want and not have to be judged. When I'm writing the next big trend, they will be sorry.

Here's a Story Kids

2010-10-25T08:54:00.000-07:00

One of my favourite things about Vogue online is the "Today in History" page. I love reading about fashion stories that happened whether in the recent past or many decades ago. Some of these stories seem just like yesterday. How does the time fly?

One piece that I read today, October 25, was that all the way back in 2001, Karl Lagerfeld co-wrote a book alongside his doctor, Dr Houdret about weightloss. I have made it clear previously about what Lagerfeld feels on "regular size" models being used in magazines...it's not a positive one.

The book, named 3D was provoked by the Chanel designer losing a staggering 90 pounds over a period of under a year.
However much I love Karl, I don't think it's his place to write a diet book. BUT the book was in fact mostly written by Lagerfeld's doctor. This can be seen as the up side.
If I could buy anything that had Karl Lagerfeld's name on it, believe I would. But somehow, I don't think I would rush out and buy Karl Lagerfeld diet and health advice. Sorry Karl.

Leg Love.

2010-10-23T02:22:00.000-07:00

When it comes to autumn/winter, I think that my best item would have to be a good pair of tights. They can make your legs seems slimming in a pair of black opaques, they can be colourful and cherry on a dull winter's day and the most practical reason, they keep you legs warm.
One of the more fabulous reasons is that you can find a good pair of tights for about £3. However, there is the down side. I recently bought a pair of tights from Primark, put them on and they fitted like a glove. But after walking round town in them for about two minutes, the dreaded happened and the tights were what felt like round my ankles. I hate hate hate having to yank tights up every few seconds. Frankly, it ruins your day. When I was a school girl, I had this very problem. My answer? Put the tights on and over the tights, my tight fitting P.E. shorts would go on. No one can see this fashion faux par and plus it keeps your tights in the same position.
This season I'm particulary loving knitted tights. They look and feel so cosy and now they are so easy to find on the high steet. Here are a few of my favourite picks.
Topshop floral wool tights £12

Dorothy Perkins purple opaque tights £5

River Island brown animal print tights £7.99

Oasis heart print tights £10

Damned Weather

2010-10-20T06:48:00.000-07:00

You wake up in the morning and the sun is shining on a fine October day. Confident you have selected the perfect outfit, a pinny, lightweight yet snuggly hoody, denim jacket and tights, you walk outside to only find yourself saying..."Bloody hell, it's freezing!"
See it's this time of year when the weather plays trick or treat with how you dress. Take today for example. Stupidly I thought it would be a glorious, warm sunny day, no need to overdress but knowing there would still be a chill in the air. Now i know that sun and blue skies does not always equal warmth.
My advice is to carry with you thin layers. Thin layers are so much more practical than carrying round a huge woolen knit and more thin layers actually keeps you warmer than one chunky jumper.
Hats are always my favourite item for the autumn/winter season. Whether is a thinly woven one, to a big fluffy one with a bobble on top, hats will always look good and keep you cosy where you are meant to lose the most body heat.
So, to sum up. Buy hats. Not just one but three or four and wear lots of thin layers to keep the winter chill at bay.

Lanvin 4 H&M

2010-10-19T11:16:00.000-07:00

I am literally so excited for the collaboration between Lanvin and H&M in November. The first pictures were released on Vogue online today and from what I can see, the collection looks absolutely gorgeous.
It has all the characteristics of any Lanvin piece such as uber flattering feminine silhouettes and a love for the understated yet one of their dresses can cause a loud crowded room to become speechless.
When speaking about the joining of the two, Alber Elbaz, artistic director of Lanvin said, "...we share the same philosophy, we are both trying to bring joy and beauty to men and women around the world."
The best part about this is that being a student, I can't afford to buy a genuine Lanvin piece, but this new collection allows me to indulge in Lanvin but with H&M prices.
With London right on my door step, I wonder where I will be come November 23.

Never Let Go...But Let Go of this Dress.

2010-10-18T09:02:00.000-07:00

Carey Mulligan + Vionnet. This should have been a perfect combination but somehow at the recent premiere of Never Let Go in Leicester Square, this match in made in fashion in heaven wasn't so heavenly.
I have always been a fan of Carey's sense of style - down-to-earth, cool and effortlessly stylish whether she means to be or not.
Vionnet from its origins with Madeleine Vionnet, has always been exceptionally creative and imaginative and held in high regard amongst the fashion elite.
But this Vionnet dress that Carey wore for this red carpet event seems like a little girl dressing in her mother's clothes. I usually agree with Vogue, this time I have to go against the grain and say this is one of the worst dressed of the week. I think that the colours completely wash her out, making her fair skin look even paler. The zig zag pattern on the midriff section also happens to make her appear slightly bloated, a bad thing for such a skinny girl.
This is not to say that Carey shouldn't give Vionnet another go, but this dress is definetely not on my desire list.
This makes a stylish young girl look dowdy in simple terms.
Picture - Vogue.