She Loves Mixtapes

Zhivago

2012-02-14T11:47:00.000Z

Winter is bliss. I can wear my warmest everything. I can be Lucy Pevensie, waiting for Mr. Tumnus on Lantern Corner. I can be Anna Karenina on a troika blizzarding through a Russian wood, faster than a breath on ice. I can be Lara in Dr. Zhivago.

Furry headband, c/o Rokit

Striped university scarf, Rokit

Cream cable cardigan, vintage

Cream silk blouse, vintage

Green pea coat, vintage

Belt, vintage

Skirt, DKNY

Satchel, vintage

Boots, vintage

Gloves, Roeckl

Fairisle Forever

2012-02-11T13:33:00.001Z

 Hooray for being back in toasty tropical England! After the -10/-20s of Berlin, I did in all seriousness exclaim "It's so warm!" as I galloped off the plane. Temperatures here rarely drop below zero, and I have been relishing every moment as it means people can fully appreciate my extensive collection of jumpers! It's like a second Christmas, especially when fairisle is involved. This one has made an appearance before, and yes it's the one worn by Hermione in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix! I'm joining her at Hogwarts next year, so it was a hand-me-down slash welcome gift. I wanted to keep her owl when it deposited the parcel on my bedroom window; so. darn. adorable!

P.S. Make-up? Straightened hair? I know, who even am I... I actually took these when I got home from a modelling job, so this rarity had to be documented... 

~

Fairisle jumper, gift from Hermione

Checked tartan shirt, Hollister

Jeans, GAP

Belt, Zara

World's loveliest shorts (and jumper!)

2012-02-03T22:08:00.000Z

Behold! A post filled with flattering shots of my giant ghetto booty, to express my love for these leather shorts I picked up in the Next sale for £7! They were originally £65, and have lovely laser cut lace detail and a scallop hem, which meant that they had to be mine despite being the last pair in a Size 14 (nothing a belt can't sort out). I never buy from the high street anymore as everything looks exactly the same, but these were a very pleasant surprise. The fuzzy jumper (to match my equally fuzzy hair) was 50p from a car boot sale, and I have not taken it off (since it has come out from the wash, of course) this week... 

In other news, I am going on an art trip to Berlin next week so if any of you have any recommendations on places to visit, the best second-hand shops, markets, even if just how to best cope with the cold, please do post them below!

~

Cream silk blouse, vintage Marks & Spencer (thrifted)

Scallop leather shorts, Next 

Belt, vintage

Black mohair jumper, thrifted vintage

Floral tights, Tesco

Glasses, 3.1 Philip Lim

A Study in Velvet

2012-01-27T16:44:00.000Z

I'm sure everyone has experienced that feeling of dread when entering yet another lesson in a subject you absolutely do not need in your life. For me, this was always Maths; I struggled as my brain attempted to process countless numbers, graphs and algebraic equations thrown at it mercilessly. My thoughts meandering in roundabout swirls, I drew revision spider diagrams that looked more like Joseph's Technicolour Dreamcoat than trigonometry formulas. Needless to say, when I got the impossible 'A' at GCSE I was thrilled to bits.

Since then, I have thrown all arithmetic out of my head; I'd rather daydream all day in my room than endure another lecture about the Fibonacci sequence. The equation of "high fashion = heels", therefore, has always been a mystery I've left for others to solve. As a fashion outsider, I marveled at how true the phrase "towering heels" was at LFW - it looked like people were tottering on miniature upside-down Eiffels on the cobbles of Somerset House...

Countless articles warn women about dangers of wearing heels, but who'd pass by an opportunity to look a little taller, slimmer and more confident? Well, yours truly. I loove high heels but regret wearing them after several hours, and have always longed for a practical solution encompassing both comfort and height... Fortunately, such a solution winged its way to me upon contacting famous shoe-pping website Sarenza on Twitter. The suggested Jeffrey Campbell Beebee ticked all the shoeboxes for me: "flatform" style, 5.5cm high, a gorgeous velvet Maryjane that would instantly transport any outfit into something stunning. The only thing stopping me from clicking the temptingly pink "Add to Basket" was the choice: leopard print or black? I couldn't wait to compile some outfits to go with them, even if just through illustrations before I "shoose"! Which pair is your favourite?

This is my entry for the wonderful competition run by Sarenza to become a Sarenza Brand Ambassador. If you're requiring some shoespiration, be sure to visit their website right.this.second. I have never seen so many shoes in my life, and rightly so: there are over 20 thousand pairs on the website with more being added every day. My wishlist could take up a whole post in itself, but for my entry I had to shoose (see what I did there?) just one pair - the beloved Beebees I hope to soon see buzzing around my feet.

Granny round town

2012-01-21T23:42:00.003Z

Love this vintage silk dress (Monsoon, but way way back), with its drop-waist, pleated skirt, and pointy double collar. Oh, and the psychedelic splashes of turquoise, purple, aqua and green, of course!

~

Headscarf/turban, vintage

Silk patterned dress, vintage Monsoon

Leather jacket, c/o Vero Moda

Oversized clutch, vintage

Shoes, vintage

Glasses, 3.1 Phillip Lim

Who run the World? HATS

2012-01-20T22:51:00.000Z

Today, after countless compliments, I proclaim: floppy hats do indeed rule the world! Best thing about this one? It flaps as I go up the stairs like a giant fruit bat...

Earlier:

~

Floppy felt hat, gift from Mama

Cream silk blouse, vintage

Black velvet skater skirt, thrifted vintage

Two-tone tights, from swag bag from Karl

Oversized clutch, thrifted vintage

Glasses, 3.1 Phillip Lim

2012-01-19T22:17:00.000Z

Miss Yuletide.

Toasty

2012-01-18T00:13:00.000Z

Didn't expect me to wear one of those, did you? Sometimes, I surprise even myself. Originally, this gilet was bought to be worn at the rink, solely for training purposes... What attracted me to Fat Face's version was the modest yet practical design: no flashy logos (dare I utter the J.W. word), no extortionate pricing, natural material content (the sound of Nylon alone makes me wanna vom), lovely navy colour and w-a-r-m-t-h. Down feather, anyone? Yes, despite being silly and buying a Size 14 which makes me a big puffy beast, I wear it everywhere now because it is so impossibly toasty. Coats are wonderful but, when you're like me and over-fill your school/uni bag with heavy Zenit film cameras and tripods and vintage books, you appreciate not having to lug around an extra few kilos on your shoulders. Besides, it somehow fits almost seamlessly with most of my wardrobe. Still not convinced? Just look at these Penfield cuties...

I am very interested to know if any of you have a "guilty pleasure" item that you wear out of comfort and not style? Kindly post your confessions below - don't worry, they are safe in my hands!

Feather down gilet, Fat Face

Oatmeal fairisle jumper, Czech flea market (10 FREAKING PENCE!)

Silk blouse, vintage

Burgundy velvet skirt, thrifted Topshop

Floral tights, Tesco

Gloves, Roeckl

Boots, Clarks

Material Possessions

2012-01-13T22:18:00.000Z

Cleaning out your sister's bedroom doesn't sound too decorous, especially when it involves rummaging in her wardrobe and chest of drawers. Before you all shun me, allow me to explain: in our house, there is an utter lack of space for clothes, which seem to almost permeate through walls and ceilings. Countless trips to car boot sales, charity shops and vintage fairs, hand-me-downs and samples all contribute to the wardrovalanche and general problem of storage, so we disperse clothing evenly(even if it does not directly belong to the family member in said room)!

Occasionally, when I am low on funds but high in desire of a new dress, I wander into a room and scour the place for something new to wear (it is surprisingly easy to forget what you have). On this occasion, I discovered the dress I am wearing in the photos with a squeal of excitement; I truly had not remembered seeing it before. My mum sniggered a little bit, because apparently it was originally a housecoat from Soviet Russia. Me being me, I protested that no-one over here will know, so I trust you all to keep it to yourselves...

Conversely, my little "hunts" around the house have also left me horrified at just how many unwanted items we own, clogging up/drowning our house. My mum and I have therefore joined forces in getting rid of it all, mostly by donating to charities and selling on eBay, in hope that someday we may breathe freely again! Having combed through my own wardrobe, I realised I own very little clothing that fits in with my style aesthetic/is of decent quality. Other blogs always make me a little wistful - as if the owners have an inexhaustible tunnel, connected underground to Net-a-Porter and the like, which regurgitates an unending stream of clothes! Every post parades a new acquisition, which isn't a problem - it's how expensive it is... I do not judge these bloggers at all; after all, that's what makes them so interesting. But nonetheless, having recently received the greatest ever gift - a place to read English at my first choice university, I've gone off material possessions. For a few days, at least. Then I'll be back to normal.

~

Blazer, vintage via Superette Rummage Sale 

Dress, vintage

Beret, Cath Kidston

Tights, Jack Wills

Brogues, thrifted vintage

Owl brooch, vintage 

"Instant" Outfit

2012-01-11T23:17:00.001Z

It's a pity that you cannot see my outfit properly in this shot, taken with a friend's Fujifilm Instax (a perfect alternative to a Polaroid instant camera, since the film is in regular production and a lot more reasonably priced!), but I am posting it anyway because I love the light. The jumper - you can just about make this out - is a clashing battle of turquoise and burgundy, a sensationally lucky charity shop find at 99p. With a bit of mending on my mother's part, it was ready to wear and I cannot get enough of it, when it does finally get cold. Underneath, a simple cream silk blouse from A Most Marvellous Place to Shop, my newest discovery that lives up to its equally marvellous name two hundred percent. (Think amalgamation of vintage stalls, homewares, a gallery and cafe housed under one roof, and you won't be far off the mark.) While the quality is truly terrible due to me being unable to scan properly, the glint is my favourite Gogo Philip key around my neck. Again.

~

Two-tone sweater, vintage

Silk blouse, vintage

Jeans, GAP

Brogues, thrifted

Necklace, c/o Gogo Philip

Little Birthday Dress

2012-01-06T23:15:00.001Z

Hello there 2012! I have just been through the most exhilarating December in my life to date, part of the reason will be revealed when I actually believe it myself. It is, for obvious reasons, a month which all children - myself included - await with trepidation...why? It's not difficult to guess! It's my birthday right after Christmas, and, of course, it wouldn't be the same without the annual Bicester Village hunting trip. One of my favourites is Jigsaw's outlet store, which usually has a rail of heavily discounted press samples that I always rummage through. At first, when I tried on the dress, it had two strange flaps on either side; I soon realised that they were supposed to be tied together at the front, et voila!- my birthday dress was discovered. The material is a gloriously soft silk, and at £19 I could not resist. The tights I am wearing were another wonderful present which came from Bicester Village - I squealed as my sister handed me the Aubin and Wills tissue paper package... My beret was a gift from a stocking I won in a competition ran by the generous Rokit - the other goodies from there will be featured in upcoming blog posts.

Hope you all had an incredible holiday!

Dress, Jigsaw via Bicester Village

Tights, Aubin & Wills

Shoes, Clarks

Beret, vintage c/o Rokit

Key necklace, c/o Gogo Philip

Glasses, 3.1 Philip Lim

Dominus illuminatio mea

2011-12-10T22:37:00.001Z

The Lord is My Light.

Whistles SS12 Preview

2011-12-09T19:44:00.001Z

Photos from a preview of the Whistles SS12 collection last month. There were canary tropical prints too, but of course I gravitated towards my favourite territory - the dresses and blouses in dreamlike silks, and the odd leather T-shirt with scallops which, in all its impracticality, looked like the best thing ever. As you can see, the beautiful Rebecca and Eloise kept me company too!

The Ghost Parade

2011-11-17T15:50:00.000Z

The first thing you notice are the dinosaurs. No, first comes the light which floods the dinosaurs, cascading from a tall neo-Gothic roof faceted with clear glass like a nineteenth-century diamond. Cool autumn daylight makes the dinosaurs seem curiously less ferocious, and I bravely muster another step forward to examine them closely. Before I even start to read the plate, my attention is swept towards a monumental ivory structure almost the height of a house, an upside-down sharp pointed boomerang propped against a column for support. I notice little pointed ridges...teeth. The structure is an enormous jaw of a whale.

This is my fourth time at the Oxford Natural History Museum, and I am transfixed.

Above me, skeletons are flying through stillness. Whales, dolphins, countless reptiles have shed their silvery skins, their bones fixed, motionless beneath the diamond dome. A giant glass-eyed tortoise glances upwards from its tank in bewilderment. I retrace my steps, and arrive by what could only be described as a kaleidoscopic forest of butterflies. The opalescent wings of one are juxtaposed with the pair of another, an electrifying blue, as though it had collected an entire cosmic sky on its microscopic shoulders. 

Another case beckons, titled: Asteroidea/Ophiuroidea. You can guess what lies there - I yearn to remember the Latin name. In fact, I yearn to remember everything: that a swift spends all of its lifetime in flight, eating, feeding and sleeping in the air, the name of the dinosaur whose remains were dug up by St Edmund Hall College, how the Dodo bird became extinct, what inspired Lewis Carroll to write Alice in Wonderland... Not everything is hidden beneath glass; hundreds of stuffed animals are everywhere, and it is quite a while until I reluctantly stop stroking a fox's featherlike auburn fur and descend into the second half of the building: the Pitt Rivers.

It is darker still - to preserve the treasures safely enveloped in the arms of their protector - this giant cabinet de curiosités. It seems to be an assemblage of every possible and impossible artefact from every ancient culture in existence. The shrunken heads, or tsantsas, (look familiar? Prisoner of Azkaban production team must have thought the same) are always a popular exhibit, evoking timorous gasps or gaping stares of repulsed fascination (perhaps my reaction above fits somewhere between the two). 

Upstairs, the collection continues, merging ages past with the immediate present. The body modification and beauty gallery is a haunting reminder of just how much perception of beauty alters from culture to culture - from scarification to binding feet to fit Chinese slippers scarcely bigger than the palm of my hand, to whole-body tattoos and lengthening of skulls. Somehow, against this array, a pair of false eyelashes appears innocent and insignificant.

Another flight of stairs, and I am greeted with intricate keys of all shapes and sizes. I lean across and examine them all individually, as if to leave impressions in my already-dazzled mind. D'nnnnng. The gong is sounded. It is time. I am brought to my senses. The museum is closing and I am herded out, looking back longingly at all the things I hadn't had time to photograph with my eyes.

I walk out of the Pitt Rivers as the doors slide soundlessly behind me, and behold the skeletons once more. Only this time, they are bathed in shadow: the lights at the museum have been turned out. I pace past row upon row of skeletal deer, under whales floating above me, a ghost parade of bones glimmering in the faint golden light, like spectres. Everywhere there are secrets, secrets, secrets - I hope there will be enough to last me a lifetime of visits to this curious place.

~
Cream silk blouse, vintage 
Jumper, vintage, Papa's
Dress, vintage
Scarf, vintage 
Tights, Jack Wills
Boots, Clarks

Sketchbook: Carrie

2011-11-13T11:05:00.001Z

Pencil sketch of Carrie from Wish Wish Wish. I could draw all day from every one of her breathtaking photos; more illustrations to follow soon.

Elinkan

2011-11-12T14:58:00.001Z

Illustration of Elin Jonsson from Elinkan. Her beautiful blog makes me long for forties hair, pleated dresses and a Scandinavian road trip.

Frieze Please: Frieze Art Fair 2011 Highlights Pt.1

2011-11-09T23:28:00.000Z

Gillian Wearing, Self Portrait of Me Now in Mask, Maureen Paley Gallery 

 Cornelia Parker, 30 Pieces of Silver (with reflection), Frith Street Gallery

 Roger Hiorns, Untitled, Annet Gelink Gallery

David Noonan, Untitled, David Kordansky Gallery 

 Nathalie Djurberg, Animals, Gio Marconi Gallery

 Hernan Bas, Doily Pads, Galerie Peter Kilchmann

 Hernan Bas, Untitled from the series "a bunch of fairies", Galerie Peter Kilchmann 

 Hernan Bas, Two fairies (or, in the fairy ring), Galerie Peter Kilchmann  

 Unknown  

 Adam Fuss, from the series "my ghost" 

 Thomas Houseago, Earth Mask II, Hauser & Wirth

 Pawel Althamer, The Billy-Goat

Unknown with M's Feet, by me 

 Robert Mapplethorpe, Lisa Lyon

Unknown 

Michael Wutz, Untitled etching, Aurel Scheibler

 Tom Burr, Fading in a Manhattan Sunset, Sommer Contemporary Art

Part the first of my favourite artworks at Frieze 2011. I know, it seems like aeons ago but I wanted to post about it for a while. One way to describe Frieze would be systematic bombardment of the senses through the medium of Art in a white tent several kilometres long, with hordes of enviably dressed personages parading themselves (if they are important or famous) or meekly glancing over heads (if they are mere mortals). The colossal space is a dazzling patchwork of galleries from all over the world, showcasing artists from Magritte to Emin, from the Chapman brothers to Ryan McGinley. It is nigh on impossible to see everything, and to describe the variety of work on display, so I will let the photos do the talking. Part the second to follow, if I ever get to breathe again between preparing my own artwork for assessments, university interviews, reading and suspending myself in a state of nervous agitation to do with the aforementioned.   

Remember, remember...

2011-11-08T22:47:00.000Z

I hope you have all had a magnificent weekend. Sadly, my latest post on Frieze Art Fair that took three hours at least has disappeared, so in the meantime please comment and share your firework adventures, while I meticulously pick my brain and remember what I wrote. Any tips on how to prevent this would also be most appreciated...

Dresden Dressing

2011-10-19T23:11:00.000+01:00

I have just noticed a pattern in my holiday posts - I always seem to title them with the name of a place, and people read them expecting a detailed tourist guide and photos of that place, only to be disappointed by photos of (mostly) me. I vow this is entirely coincidental, and promise I'm not as narcissistic as it may seem - although some may argue having a blog is a narcissistic thing in itself. Real life sees me pottering about with a halo of frizzy hair, and glasses (which I almost always take off for photos). People can pay me compliments about my clothes, but rarely about my appearance, and it is only through this blog I've found out I have "nice hair" and "lovely eyes" - two revelations I have been blissfully unaware of until recently.

Yes, there are people who genuinely take the time and effort to look impeccable every day from floppy hat to toe, but I doubt that all people who blog (since London Fashion Week I have developed a curious distaste for the word "blogger") commit to these ludicrous standards of "perfection" day-in-day-out. In their posts, they post photos of themselves at their best - a very natural instinct of upholding a certain image. This is a good and bad thing: bad because people who see those photos retreat to their bathroom floors and weep that they are not beautiful enough, and cake themselves in make-up the following morning; good because it means that there is a lot of stellar content to intrigue and magnetise the online reader.

To contradict myself slightly, I don't think of blogging entirely as a facade, but rather a 'heightened reality' of the author. In words or photographs, I think it is important to stay true to oneself, and wear/say things you think are right. Otherwise, you risk obtaining a Jekyll and Hyde-esque split personality disorder. But then, most wouldn't want to document mundane things such as loitering by the fridge in your pyjamas, or snuggling on the sofa waiting for Downton Abbey to start (with no shame, I confess to the latter unreservedly), either... Returning to Fashion Week at Somerset House - in a place over-saturated with avant-garde outfits, with colours and eye-wateringly expensive shoes, it was almost cathartic to spot Hilary Alexander standing in a corner after Daks, dressed in simple blazer, shift and comfortable flats. The important people wear couture, the very important don't give a flying cahootle - because they have slaved enough to be respected and adored for exactly who they are. And yet... the meandering steep career path one climbs to earn that respect naturally calls for a meticulous upkeeping of a certain false image - in other words dressing to look the part - before shedding your skin and becoming yourself when you get to the top. 

I don't claim that I know the ins and outs of the industry - I'd like to think what I'm writing is ignorant and not true, and that most people are entirely unswayed and stick to what they like when it comes to dressing no matter how high up they are. It is, perhaps, just an impression I got at Fashion Week, my eyes heaving in despair at the sight of yet another Topshop dress worn with that exact same "messy" centre parting... But it got me thinking about appearances in general; for instance, where does one draw the line between "tailoring" ourselves to the outside world to fit in, and the old saying that nothing in an individual is entirely his own but borrowed from people, thoughts, ideas and other influences that surround us? 

Sometimes, when I visit a certain place, I do like to dress up especially to fit with the atmosphere that I imagine it possesses. For instance: Dresden. It was a bit of a trek from the Czech Republic (well, only two hours), but I've been waiting for that trip all holiday because of galleryisms, and seeing the architecture again... I wanted my outfit to be distinctively "arty", so my whipping out my sketchbook at every other painting in the Old Masters' Gallery and The Albertinum would look slightly more justified. Normally, I'd never wear a skirt this long, but thinking about the outfit made me choose something I wouldn't normally wear, and thus not being myself actually brought out my tastes in a new light. So perhaps sometimes it's not so bad to step away from whom you define/are accustomed to as yourself, and bask in the spotlight of the spontaneous and unexpected! Being yourself is not as simple as it sounds, if your style is anything like mine and constantly fluctuates from granddad jumpers to turbans and forties dresses... Is it more joyous, after all, to be a multicoloured caterpillar, than morphing into a glorious butterfly that never changes its form?

~

Glasses, 3.1 Phillip Lim 

T-Shirt, Aubin and Wills

Skirt, vintage

Belt, vintage

Clutch, vintage

Shoes, thrifted

Necklace, gift

Last of the Sunshine

2011-10-07T21:41:00.000+01:00

I don't know about you, but here in England we have just had a tremendous week. The cause? Sunny, even hot, weather in the middle of autumn. It's positively endearing, this British habit of professing to the world through a loudspeaker about the weather, should they (or is it we? have I become one of them?) be fortunate enough to be blessed with even a few days' worth of splendid sunshine. Is there really nothing else to talk about, when the country is going into financial decline? Perhaps that's exactly what it is, some sort of escapism from the dreariness of hearing 'NHS this, reform that' on the news every day. Yet this country is one of astonishing wealth and beauty, with so many traditions and achievements that there is no need for doom and gloom. I will say this until my tongue goes blue: beautiful, beautiful Britain, how lucky I am to call you my home! 

Am I getting cheesier than a Mature Cathedral Cheddar yet? If so, let us swiftly revert to the original theme of this post and act like nothing happened (unless the last reference has made you disappear momentarily in the direction of the fridge). A walk to the local lakes on one of those blissfully perfect afternoons was the perfect reward for slaving over my university reading/application all weekend. Boater hat perched proudly on my head and flower garland on my sister's, old wooden badminton rackets in our hands, me wearing a vintage wartime-chic Laura Ashley dress in a liberty print with a lace collar. The only thing reminding us we were not in the 40s were the cars and dog-walkers slowing down to throw us a bewildered glance or two. What a difference to my post a year ago featuring the very same place!

~

Dress, Laura Ashley, vintage

Belt, vintage

A View from Krumlov

2011-10-07T00:20:00.000+01:00

Having a bit of a whirlwind week, so here are some lovely summery photos to cheer up your autumn ~~evening~~ soon-to-be-morning. Isn't this always the way? Putting up photos from god-knows-when when you have truthfully nothing to post because all you've been thinking of is UCAS, personal statements, more UCAS, more personal statements, when can I watch the next episode of Downton Abbey as a reward... Anyway, I'll rant later, because right now, it is way past my bedtime. Behold Cesky Krumlov, a UNESCO-listed site, protected not only by the latter organisation but also by some lovely, lovely bears. It was one of those I-feel-like-I'm-turning-into-a-muffin hot days, but it was far too amazing to sit down and feel exhausted! Well worth the four hour drive from Karlovy Vary, oh yes...On the way back, I witnessed what could only be described as a skydome littered with stars. To say it left me quite breathless would be nothing at all.

Post to be updated with further photos upon awakening.

~

Boat print tee, River Island

Shorts, GAP, thrifted

Belt, vintage

Headband, Zara

Necklace, gift

Tote bag, Past Times

Handbag, thrifted

Holiday Film 5

2011-10-03T21:25:00.001+01:00

If I am lost, I always like to wonder into the Greenhouse. The faceted glass panes reflect the light, obstructing me from derision. Carefully, I lift the leaves of the tomato plants to see if they are ripe. Not quite. Just like my own cheeks, they are only beginning to flush in colour, merely asking for permission to belong in this world. Why would they have such a petty ambition, anyway? It's a strange, dark place; much darker, at times, than the warm bed of soil they are still half-blanketed in. But sometimes, when you push and push and your round head surfaces from underneath the soil, after months of darkness, of failure, it feels as though life is worth living. I can't say I feel like a tomato in the slightest.

Four Rosalinds

2011-09-30T21:09:00.000+01:00

Painted from photographs taken at LFW.

Jonathan Saunders S/S 12

2011-09-28T14:41:00.000+01:00

Sketchbook

2011-09-25T15:04:00.000+01:00

Feel like adding pressed flowers to everything, but finding it hard to find them among the piles of leaves. Any ideas?

Film: Orla Kiely SS12

2011-09-24T11:36:00.002+01:00

As promised.

Film 4

2011-09-24T10:58:00.001+01:00

LFW SS12 - Courtyard Style

2011-09-21T16:35:00.000+01:00

Every man and his dog were 'street stylin' it up at London Fashion Week this year, so I changed the title of this post to "Courtyard Style" to, ahem, stand out a little. Besides, I photographed only inside the Somerset House courtyard, which cannot, in spite of all its' beauty, be titled a 'street'. 

The Hills are Alive: Peter Jensen SS12

2011-09-20T23:44:00.000+01:00

A few of my favourite looks from Peter Jensen SS12. As I said before, I only endeavour to see shows by designers whose work I genuinely like and which fits my own personal style aesthetic - I was certainly very upset when I couldn't get a ticket to Jensen's presentation. However, on behalf of the lovely Laetitia (whom I was helping out over the weekend, photographing and reporting from various shows), I managed to go after all. As I took my place by the photographers, moments before the first model walked out, music began trickling through the crowd. It was a live pianist, seated gracefully in the corner at a blinding grand piano, pearls coiled around her neck. It was a beautiful touch to the start of the presentation, the classical soundtrack complementing the delicate clothes that opened the collection. A prelude of white softly entered, in an array of looks that incorporated sheer silk, peplum skirts, pan collars, and copious amounts of cut-out floral broderie anglaise fabric. Then, prints sneaked their way in, transforming the whole collection into a whimsical rainbow blur. Signature bunnies hopping from blouses to sunglasses, parrots, cheetahs and leopards on trousers/trenches, with alpine landscapes (my favourite) thrown in for good measure. Conclusion: Jensen is the god of whimsical rainbow blurs. All hail.

A Mulberry Blur

2011-09-19T21:17:00.000+01:00

Need saving right now. (From the blurry cloud of failure and awkwardness that eats me whole.) Disappearing seems the only sensible escape.

Orla Kiely SS 12

2011-09-19T10:49:00.000+01:00

I didn't give you any notice that I was going to London Fashion Week, but here we are! Orla Kiely have invited me last-minute, and it was one of the few presentations I absolutely had to see. There aren't many designers I get excited about, but Kiely isn't one of them, because her clothes are right up my street: peter pan collars, high-waisted, girlish silhouettes that wouldn't look out of place in the sixties/seventies, muted pastel tones and prints that I dream over every season. (And sometimes, I think, this "cute" way of dressing is far less mainstream than "high fashion" on the catwalks.) This time was no different - prints were almost on every dress, ranging from navy and white cut-out lady silhouettes to multicoloured flowers sprinkled over taupe silk, bags embellished with Orla's signature logo, and two dresses with drop waists which were my absolute favourites (especially the peach one). The fun beach atmosphere was heightened by ice cream and macaroon ladies dotted around the room and sun loungers for the models as well as a screening of the film of the collection, directed by Leith Clark (the editor of Lula magazine, she was also at the presentation). Stay tuned - hopefully I can show you it soon.

Film 3 - Date with Brahms

2011-09-15T12:04:00.000+01:00

From this day.

Running Up That Hill

2011-09-13T22:52:00.000+01:00

Been running up that road, been running up that hill... 

I can't describe how it felt. I guess you had to be there. But I can tell you, that at that moment, I desired nothing more than sit day and night sewing the glorious patchwork of fields, of villages, of cities, with river threads of gold; darning with a needle made of neverending sunlight. So it would last on my cold autumn ivory walls.

Watch.

~

Top, H&M

Skirt, American Apparel via Superette Rummage Sale (RIP)

Belt, vintage

Sandals, vintage

For Sale!

2011-09-13T13:50:00.000+01:00

Here are some things I'm currently selling, all in near perfect condition but sadly not worn enough to keep! Simply email me here if interested. Also feel free to e-mail if you have any questions/want further photos & measurements. Shipping price will depend on your location and the weight of the item but should be below £5.

Strapless floral prom dress from River Island, Size 12, worn about 3 times, condition as new. £40 (will accept lower price offers)

BRAND NEW unworn Autumnal checked shorts by Connected Generation, Size L (fits 12-14) £10 (will accept lower price offers)

Genuine vintage Laura Ashley pencil skirt, IMMACULATE condition (looks unworn), Size 8-10, will fit small 12, £8

This post will be edited as I upload more items. Thank you for looking!

Film 2

2011-09-10T22:28:00.001+01:00

A little on Marianske Lazne, and a lot about being fortunate

2011-09-09T23:11:00.000+01:00

As you can see, I am in autumn denial mode, offloading photos from my summer trip onto this here blogge to transition into drifty hazy my-summer-was-amazing-land. For a few minutes only, mind; it gets too much otherwise. In fact, it bemuses me altogether how much people rant about "summer being gone", as if they have nothing to look forward to! I think each and every season is made to be admired for its own special attributes, so one shouldn't get too depressed about autumn and winter approaching (I hope none of you are). Note to self: compile a post with all things autumn to remind myself what a whale of a time I am going to have!

It's always good to look back on summer, though; especially to attest how fortunate I was, and am. Watching the news from across Europe was unsettling, horrific; as social networking sites like Twitter and Facebook exploded with news about the riots (which ended up reaching my town), I was sunning it up in Italy and the Czech Republic, running in forests and castles and taking photos. To be away from it all was a blessing and a curse: a curse because I felt so ashamed at what was happening and unable to do anything to help, except cheer on a few friends who went to clean up the streets. Admittedly, considering how fast it was moving this is a bit of a delayed reaction, and I feel very small writing this because so much has already been said, by people who are better than me at talking.

Equally trivial is the notion of publishing an outfit post in the approach to the 10-year anniversary of 9/11. Every year there are the usual reminders, images, footage, 2-minute silence, yet a decade feels like a particularly heavy, burdensome one. When it happened, I was a schoolgirl in Israel, a terrorised place trembling with explosions... I escaped that place too. It is an awful truth - terrible things happen all the time, and when they don't touch you - despite at times being so very close! - it makes you grow as a person because you're (hopefully) grateful for your good fortune. 

I don't do it as much as I should - sometimes I think about pretty dresses I can't afford and kittens and Turgenev and moths. I sometimes think about moths too. And Chopin. In Marianske Lazne, the Czech spa town where the above photos were taken, we visited his museum. Marianske Lazne is renowned for its musical fountains, elegant promenades, horse-drawn carriages and mineral waters. Which tasted like pineapple juice mixed with diet coke and dishwasher tablets. I wasn't impressed. 

~

T-Shirt, Zara

Belt, vintage
Shorts, GAP (thrifted)

Handbag, freecycled

Holiday Film 1

2011-09-08T14:17:00.000+01:00

First film developed. Self in Italy. Thank you Rebecca for inspiring me.

Ink La Mode

2011-09-08T00:06:00.000+01:00

Just trying out a new drawing technique. This would never happen a few years ago, but more often recently I've been noticing what others have said before me, that the blogging world is becoming an overcrowded place; and you have to be able to do something amazing - my personal suggestion would be cartwheeling down your street in an Alexander McQueen gown whilst juggling chocolate eclairs with one hand whilst belting "Don't Stop Me Now" at the top of your voice - to get you noticed. Charlie May from Girl La Mode doesn't need to do anything like that to get noticed and be proclaimed as amazing. She just is. From the subtle-yet-mindblowing minimalistic, urban-soldier-meets-damsel way she styles her outfits to her striking pre-Raphaelite face that I felt I simply must draw. Charlie is also an enormously talented and hard-working designer, about to launch her own label on the 14th of September. Personally, I can't wait to see the collection which I'm certain will be a well-deserved success, and will be sure to come down to see the presentation if I possibly can. (And so can you - read all about it here.)

About the drawing: ink and watercolour. I'm hesitant about displaying my art for all to see, since I'm very self-critical about my work (doodles in the sidebar are just for fun). In fact I don't think it really does Charlie justice, so please check out her blog to see how pretty she really is! But who knows, perhaps if I like something I draw it may end up here again.

Edit: just noticed the bizarre Chaucer quote in the corner - sometimes I just happen to typewrite onto sketching paper then forget all about it when I draw...

Birds in Bayreuth

2011-09-06T11:19:00.000+01:00

I love this dress. Can't believe I haven't posted about it before. It's Henry Holland for Debenhams, with a lovely swishing skirt and a front zip (thankfully, no little kid pulling accidents. yet), with birds flocking all over it. This was in the summer, on a day trip to Bayreuth in Germany, a city that always seems to be half-asleep in August, buried in a mossy blanket of greenery. In the autumn/winter, I pair it with a giant woolly mustard cardigan, turquoise tights and shiny black shoes. Most of my spring/summer things, in fact, I wear in the colder months too - only with tights. Some times more than one pair, depending on how cold it is, but as long as I am shovelling leaves or snow or walking, I am not frozen. 

More posts from my summer road trip to come - I find that travelling back in time helps keep the holiday blues at bay. 

~

Dress, c/o of Debenhams

Shoes, M&S (thrifted)

Handbag, thrifred 

I see land!

2011-08-21T20:09:00.000+01:00

In truth, what can be better than summer walks? Bathing in cool air, recovering from the blistering heat of the day. These evenings are one of my favourite things about summer, one of the things I will miss the most. Dressing in a long sleeved top was madness, but as it is a vintage sailing one, it felt fitting for the occasion. At once I was a sailor girl, hopping along the lake shore and throwing pebbles, laughing with my sister without a care in the world. The twin islands - Isola Bella and Isola Madre - in the misty sunset were a sight I'd love to behold time and time again.

~

Sailor top, vintage (thrifted)

Shorts, Ralph Lauren 

Flip Flops, Hollister

Straw boater hat, gift

Glasses,vintage,gift

Water and Tourists

2011-08-13T10:59:00.000+01:00

Isn't it funny how water changes everything? I've written about it before. Lake, sea, waterfall, puddle, river or tiny stream in the woods, it stirs something inside me; I really feel like I am, at last, in my element. 

And suddenly this lake in the south Italian mountains. 

One would have to blink several times to realise it is not the sea. The enormous expanse ceaselessly cascades and ripples far into the horizon, into the mossy hills that frame it; they glitter at night as if a sloth-like giant sprinkled them with gold dust. Lago di Maggiore is forever restless; its surface occupied with motor boats, swimmers, islands... We visited two of those islands, which may well feature in a later post (read: if I remember).

Many times during this adventure, yes, true wonder of an adventure, I realised this: no matter how enchanting a place, I never appreciate it fully, with all the chambers of my heart, that is, until I leave it behind. It's as if my senses don't know how to best deal with this kaleidoscopic flurry of countries, places, landmarks, exhibitions, experiences; the only way is to take everything in and unleash it only afterwards, a sort of backward emotional response. But then, it's easy for a traveller to sigh "it's beautiful!", but do they really feel it inside? Do they mean those words? Or do they just repeat them because they know they are meant to say them? What I am trying to say is how upset - even mad - it makes me when I see tourists busying themselves taking the perfect shot - "Me with _____(insert famous landmark)______, look how tiny I look in comparison!", almost forgetting to stop and really take in with their eyes (if not every vertebrae of their soul) what it is they are so busy trying to capture through their camera lens?! Tourists standing in a perfect semicircle or tortoise battle formation, herded like sheep by a guide parroting well-memorised words. Their faces are predominately in the state of hypnosis, staring at the umbrella or flag their battle lieutenant is hoisting, eyes occasionally flickering, mouths twitching at particularly impressive numbers. But do those numbers mean anything to them? Do these people remember a tenth of what they are told about those places when they come back to boast they've been there to their relatives, hungry for stories and those blasted tourist photos are whipped out again - "golly, you do look tiny in comparison"!

There is a lot more to be said on this subject, and by all means this is only my subjective opinion. It all sounds very negative, and who am I to judge these people? My only wish is that people - myself included - don't forget how lucky they are to visit these places, and that they do not switch off their senses when they go, and really try to learn something new, something that matters to them. Memories can be drawn out into stories that captivate, souvenirs - at most - gather dust on a shelf.

Am I being too harsh? I'd be interested to hear your views about tourists and whether one could avoid "touristy" behaviour!

Dress, Zara

Necklace, gift

Straw Boater Hat, gift

Swan Castle

2011-08-06T16:29:00.000+01:00

I've seen it.

Indescribable.

Brahms, roses and a ribbon in my hair

2011-07-28T10:14:00.000+01:00

Photos from summerhouse of the composer Brahms, white shingle and on a cliff, in case you were wondering. Rose garden. Last day today in Baden-Baden. Do not want to leave.

P.S. Can you spot the deer?

~

T-Shirt, thrifted

Skirt, DKNY via T.K.Maxx

Belt, vintage

 Sandals, thrifted

Leaving on a jet (car), don't know when I'll be back agaaain

2011-07-21T14:33:00.000+01:00

Off to travel Europe by car for the rest of the summer. Don't know when I next get a chance to blog but hopefully it won't be long! Pictured above is my travel bag, with a very apt design for the occasion. 

TTFN!

Ghosts and Bluebells

2011-07-20T04:19:00.000+01:00

Bluebell woods around Pluckley, rumoured to be the most haunted village in England. I was haunted by nothing but their beauty.

~

Outfit details, see previous post

Leeds Castle

2011-07-12T23:24:00.000+01:00

I just realised that in my last post I sounded like I hated the National  Trust (well, their staff anyway) and thought I'd put things right!  While there have been occasions where I was baffled by the prejudiced  (and sometimes outright rude) behaviour from staff, I must say on the  whole Trusty did us well and provided some smashing days out over the  years. Most recently, a very memorable visit was Leeds castle. I will  let the photos do the talking. One thing I will say, though: in the  right weather, it is a most perfect, tranquil spot that one must, if the opportunity arises, sprint to with open arms.

~

Sailor tee, thrifted

Skirt, American Apparel via Superette jumble sale

Jacket, c/o Vero Moda

Brogues, thrifted

Bag, freecycled

Necklace, gift 

Glasses,Philip Lim

Ascott House

2011-07-09T19:03:00.000+01:00

You may argue that 'Ascott House' is a misleading title, since there is not a house in sight in this post. While this may appear to be the case, the grounds of the house were far more deserving to be captured; especially since I don't care much for snooty National Trust ladies (really, is 4 to a room quite enough?!) whispering at me through their teeth to "not touch" (I didn't know you could 'touch' with your eyes!) and attempting to drill holes in me with their eyes. I'm far more flabbergasted by the great British countryside, and at Ascott the grounds filled with daffodils were a phenomenal sight. Oh wait, no daffodils pictured either. I rest my case.

~

Skirt (worn as dress), Czech flea market

T-Shirt, American Apparel (thrifted)

Sunglasses, thrifted

Wedges, Pierre Hardy x GAP, thrifted

Leather clutch, thrifted

Deer rings, gift

Shop The Mixtapes

2011-04-13T17:20:00.000+01:00

It's up!

Wanted to do this for a while, and since I'll be hit by the £9000 university fees figure I thought it was particularly suitable. Not a 'please give generously' by all means...

New additions will be appearing constantly so keep an eye out!

Miss me?

2011-04-12T21:52:00.000+01:00

...well, did you?

~
Hobo jumper, Dad's
Sailor top, thrifted
Jeans, Hollister
Shoes, thrifted
Bag, freecycled
Necklace, gift
Headband, Zara

Do You Hear What I Hear?

2010-12-24T22:01:00.000Z

Here is a supremely self-indulgent way of wishing you the best ever Christmas. I wish you infinite quantities of only what matters, and only when you need it the most.

~
Glasses,3.1 Philip Lim
Jumper, knitted by my grandmother
Snood,Hollister
Skirt, thrifted
Tights, gift
Socks, H&M
Boots, my father's
Million layers worn underneath: various sources

Gifts from Gogo

2010-12-18T22:29:00.000Z

Am I really the only one who has seen that film about the girls who befriended the C0ttingley Fairies? The first time I saw it was when I was around 8 years old, and didn't watch it until much later when we have already moved to England; somehow I remembered this one moment which must have struck an early DIY chord with me...When Elsie and Frances discover the room of her late brother, and one of them holds up a crown made entirely of keys. All I can say is since I saw it I've always had in the back of my mind somewhere the idea to recreate that crown, but of course since antique skeleton keys are so hard to come by, it hasn't happened yet. Perhaps I will save my meagre wages and attempt to bid on a big lot as soon as I can... but that's all in several donkey's years' time. It was as if Amy had read my mind when she sent me this necklace from Gogo Philip, which I opened with a severely atypical exclamation of "ohmyGAD, it's sooo coooAl!"... Love love everything about it, the matte gold chain, the weight of the key, the fact that it's an actual 50s key and not your typical cheapo tack. The only downside is that I keep knocking it on everything, and that the tooth could be more ornate, but this is nit picking - it's well sick bruv, to quote many people at school. Gogo is currently stocked in Topshop and online; many of the pieces are inspired by 80s costume jewellery, and you can tell just from the fierce lookbook shoot that le bijoux all make a statement without being overly loud. In short - go go get some Gogo! I had some other puns but somehow I forgot all the good ones...

Oh, and just to clarify: it is a mere coincidence that in the past couple of posts most items figurated were gifted to me. I don't get free swag every day, and nor do I get invited to any special events or press days or private skinny dipping sessions in pools of champagne (much as I'd like to, natch). In actual fact, I am amazed that I still get visitors, since I post so little... in any case, a velvety thank you if you've stuck with me thus far, I'm actually a bit upset I forget my blog and I look forward to *maybe* posting some of my artwork soon. *Maaaaaybe* .

~
Key necklace, c/o Gogo Philip
Leotard, American Apparel
Skirt, American Apparel
Fur coat, vintage

Snow covered ribbons

2010-12-08T22:33:00.000Z

Turning my back on the world as always. Back with a vengeance? As unlikely as me passing my A Levels at the moment. It's been a whirlwind of snow covered ribbons and magic that doesn't last, tears over Dobby, V&A sculpture gallery sketching, attempts to immortalise dead baby deer in oils, sulky suffering swollen knees, odes to forgotten songs and a constant incapability to catch up with the winds of nature and time.

~
Vintage Ribbon, Anita's Vintage
Key Necklace, c/o Gogo Philip
Jumper, c/o Hermione from Order of the Phoenix
Shorts, thrifted
Tights, Jack Wills
Gloves, Roeckl

Leather (for all kinds of weather)

2010-10-31T20:54:00.000Z

As I said in the post below, Vero Moda kindly gave me this perfection of a jacket last Friday, and it has not come off ever since (you can view it here in much fuller glory).

~
Lola Leather Jacket, courtesy of Vero Moda
Dress, Topshop
Tights, gift
Shoes, vintage
Wellingtons, mama's
Headband, Accessorize
Bag, freecycled

P.S. The 4th of November, 179 Oxford Street, be there.

A Vero nice afternoon

2010-10-26T10:06:00.000+01:00

Vero Moda collection preview last Friday. What can I say, apart from youlovecheesytitles and: spectacular and more. This is the one occasion when my photos really don't speak for themselves - you'll have to get yourself to their grand London flagship store opening on the 4th of November and maul everything yourself because the detail and the quality is above and beyond. 'Fur realz'. Vero has always been a brand I have craved but never had the opportunity to buy, enviously flicking the pages of mother's La Redoute catalogue and bending the corners pretending I could afford the supa-high international delivery charge. I therefore felt marvellously honoured to be invited to get a feel for the Very line, Vero Moda's edgier child with numerous very fashion-forward yet surprisingly comfortable, 'sling on and go' pieces. Vast amounts of leather and black, with a few leggy jumpsuits, cosy knits in grey and cream and torn jeans thrown in for good measure (although I sadly left the latter well alone as right now anything trouser-like makes my legs mildly resemble those of a newborn elephant. Pass the weight watchers menu). Almost all of the pieces seemed very versatile and I am sure would transfer with ease across many a season. My particular love went to a certain leather jacket and a double breasted black jumpsuit the ladies convinced me to go for and I gladly succumbed to the pressure!

I also got to see a sneak peek of the spring collection which is yet to arrive in stores, which made me fall even further in love... Think Zara with a touch of Topshop but a quality that seems to far exceed the two; lots of trends transferred directly from the catwalk, i.e. these Burberry-esque lovelies:

...as well as this beautiful cape (shown here with the even more beautiful ladies), which I wanted to grab there and then before being told it was only a sample - cape embarrassment stories.co.uk. I'm returning for that one come Christmas, purse in hand (if my awfully inappropriate cape conduct was forgiven)!

I'm certain that the long-overdue arrival of Vero Moda's first London store next Thursday will be a refreshing addition to the high street. Of course, it only gets better - the first 100 early bird arrivals on the day (10am opening, but be there sooner) will get a special gold tote bag that entitles them to receive an entire outfit for absolutely free! Sounds like a dream? Head down to Vero Moda's Facebook page and follow them on Twitter for more opportunities on getting your hands on a gold bag...you have no excuse! I will be down there myself to document the excitement, as well as trying to steal this leather skirt without anyone noticing...

A makeshift sea will do...

2010-10-21T05:09:00.000+01:00

So many "water-feature" posts but I cannot resist...it's just too lovely to photograph! It's funny because I literally have not a single room in my house that I can take photos in, I wish our house interior looked like it came straight out of a Laura Ashley/Cath Kidston catalogue, but alas, no such occurrences planned for the foreseeable future. Like I sang at a recent Les Miserables audition: I dreamed a dream in times gone byyyyyy *choke*.

That is why I have so few posts with outfit photos taken in or around my actual dwelling-place. Believe me, I have tried long and hard; I have the loveliest wallpaper in my bedroom but the furniture arrangement is thus that it is near impossible to take a full length photo with my permanently zoomed-in lens (one of the downfalls of the "nifty 50", I do still love it a lot), note to self: must. buy. remote. Camera balancing on myriads of stacked books, tripod, chairs, my music standyounameiti'vetriedit all deemed futile, I'm sure we've all got a pleasant camera balancing story to tell...

The point, for believe it or not there is one in this waffly knackered-as-hell Monday evening post, is that I always make the most of photographing opportunities when I do venture out once in a while. I've always moaned about not having any pretty locations to shoot at within close proximity of my house, so you can imagine my elation when I suddenly discovered some lakes all of a 5-minute bike ride away! I couldn't wait to show my sister (as we both have a penchant for water features), and we finally ventured down with Pa last weekend for an idyllic walk in the streaming golden sun, blowing dandelions and swan-watching and wading through goose poo ...no, it really was most wondrous :)

~
Cat Print Dress, Zara
Cable-knit jumper, Vintage from Camden
Tights, gift
Shoes, thrifted
Locket necklace, gift

P.S. Shoe crisis slowly dissolving... Mama picked up these mint condition M&S beauties in a local charity shop for £3...I heart her for it.

P.P.S. She said the photos look like we are right by the sea. It made me miss tasting the waves on my lips so terribly.

Stripes, Macarons and Carry-ons

2010-10-10T17:38:00.000+01:00

A Belgian Laduree?

This post is part of my back-to-school resolution programme to be more organised and post more often...I've just had a complete re-jig of all my A-Level subjects, having had an epiphany at the end of last year that I won't be as passionate as I thought taking English Literature at university than Art, and that I missed the latter uncontrollably. Suddenly, I couldn't believe how I could ever find visits to galleries and museums boring, and over the summer I've become a ravenous artpig, devouring the Ashmolean, Pitt Rivers, Tate, the Dresden Art Gallery with such ferocity I'm a little bit scared the dinosaur skeletons and the Sistine Madonna are still standing... so I dropped two of my A-Levels (one very reluctantly) to take Art in one year. I shall withhold the details, just in case you're about to watch the X-Failtor (this will be the first and last reference to that dismal programme on this blog...although "Abbe & Leesaaa" was to date one of the most hilarious things in ma lyf) and don't want to be held up any longer... Just, in a nutshell, life's been majorly chaotic; I don't know when I'll next have time to blog but hopefully it will be soon. Oh I forgot to mention - after becoming really, really agitated and worked up about my results, upon my arrival at home I found out that I got 4 As! And a D in General Studies, but then again I've never been in possession of a lot of info on the impact of glass buildings and waste on society...

My sister took these photos of me in Namur, Belgium, where we spent the night on the drive back from the Czech Republic (we are yet to master doing it in one day). It's a shame we never spent more time there, as the riverside houses were a dream. Just can't get over how versatile this top is, I don't think I'll leave it alone for a laaang time! Oh, and I'm more than aware that those boots figurate in almost every bloomin' outfit post I do, it's just that I really have a shoe crisis atm, they are one of about 2.5 wearable pairs that I own....oh woe. I've been really into headscarves recently too, having been inspired by the turbands that have been springing up all over the place (note the lovely Jazmine right here), hence the weird concoction around my head (approximately 445602 more tries before I get it right...).

It is Papa's birthday today and I must make myself scarce before Mama's signature apple pie is all gone. Til' next time!
~
Striped crop top, Reserved,
Denim shorts, Firetrap
Boots, Clarks
Headscarf, vintage

See you when I sail back in my boat

2010-10-06T22:00:00.000+01:00

Photos from Lake Garda in Italy back in July. Breezy boat rides across the lake, frame of towering mountains, seagulls flying in triangles, sun shadows on green hills, narrow cobbled streets with fresh flowers on every window, diving head-first into freezing pools, listening to a roaring waterfall millimetres away, my choir singing in a riverside concert, visiting aquariums with nebulaic jellyfish, a sea of sparkling lights floating in the valley at night. I won't be lying when I say I'm going back.

~
Boat print tee, River Island
Denim shorts, Firetrap
Belt, car boot sale
Flip flops, Hollister

The answer is blowing in the wind

2010-09-17T03:25:00.000+01:00

These photos were taken in a stunning town by the name of Bayreuth, where we ventured at some point in our one-and-a-half month long road trip around Europe this summer (as mentioned in this post). Immediately after we arrived, it struck me how quiet everything was; that, along with a plethora of bikes and endearing architecture, caused me to excitedly observe that it was much like a German Cambridge! We visited a palace decorated partly in Italian style, with scrumptious pastel rooms in all the shades of the sherbet rainbow, and what turned out to be an astounding paradise of a park - I mean, it was so Mary Poppins. The lighting was a tad bland, y'know, just the usual golden fairy stuff that makes for pathetically beautiful photos. I can't believe I used that horrible, cliche word, but now it's done I might as well use it again: it. was. beautiful.
Take me back there any day... although I would be really upset if I learn that horse swing that was obviously intended for a child less obese than me has broken. It would be partly my fault.

On an un-related note, the top I am wearing in the photos was bought in the superbly inexpensive Zara-like shop Reserved for about £4, and it seriously goes with absolutely everything. I once read an Alexa Chung "Style Tips" feature in a magazine where she said if you love something, you should buy lots of it. So, so regretting I didn't listen to that voice of wisdom right now. Have you ever owned an item of clothing that you just wore to death because it was so versatile? The idea of investing in things that last has really grown on me in the past few months and I am in need of ideas; those scrumptious grey Alexander Wang jumpers look like a good place to start!

Oh, and, this was the view as we drove back to Czech Republic. Or maybe just the set of "Where The Wild Things Are".

~
Striped Top, Reserved
Shorts, Thrifted
Plimsoles, vintage
Scarf, vintage
Bag, thrifted

Where branches catch the Will'O'Wisps, the fairies dance.

2010-08-28T20:24:00.000+01:00

or maybe just a girl who loves burying her face in leaves and picking wild wild mushrooms.

~
Dress, Topshop
Tights, gift from Mama
Floral plimsoles, my sister's

Lemonade, Unicorns and Salzburg PART II

2010-08-16T17:47:00.000+01:00

Some more photos from Salzburg, and another outfit I dreamed up with the beautiful blazer. I cannot wait to finally, finally acquire a satchel so I can create an outfit that will enable me to pretend to be a 1960s girl on my way to school. Speaking of which, would anyone care to gift me this one for September?

~
Blazer, vintage courtesy of Make Lemonade Vintage
Rabbit Tee, Topshop
Skirt, thrifted
Tights, thrifted
Shoes, £1 from Brantano

Lemonade, Unicorns and Salzburg

2010-08-05T17:51:00.000+01:00

Ever been faced with the luminous prospect of an entire summer ahead of you, and not knowing what to occupy yourself with first? This year, I have found salvation in what my friend called a "journey of discovery" - a road trip around Europe with my family. The idea sprung like dandelions on a freshly cut lawn, when it was agreed I would go on a week-long tour with my local music service playing concerts around Lake Garda, Italy, and my parents would stealthily follow suit (well, as stealthily as an elephantine Toyota people-carrier can manage...). After the tour concluded, we lingered a while before heading to Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic...

These photos were taken by my sister and I in Salzburg, where we were painfully pressed for time. My mum was very keen to visit, as it is oft referred to as the home of music, having given birth to insignificant local celebrities, such as a little white-haired boy called something like Mozart, and Strauss. In true perplexed tourist fashion (a.k.a. not knowing where to look first), we stumbled across a fairytale palace, complete with a park with a fountain that rolled its eyes/stuck its tongue out at you, real wildcats glaring at us from the thickets, a mechanical theatre and a park complete with unicorn statues. In short, it was the perfect location to capture a vintage Daks blazer gifted by the delightful Emete at Make Lemonade Vintage, who offered to send it over and what could I do but happily oblige! It is one of those pieces that, once effortlessly thrown on, really makes an outfit - the fabric has a splendidly scholarly air with the subtle plaid, and the french blue goes with near enough everything in my wardrobe. If you haven't heard of Make Lemonade yet, I urge you to pay a visit as the pieces are brilliant and the prices even more so! It may well well crop up on this blog again so make sure you stay tuned.

MORE PHOTOS COMING SOON, SORRY TO KEEP EDITING THIS POST BUT I COULDN'T WAIT TO FINALLY BLOG AGAIN!

~
Double-breasted blazer, Vintage courtesy of Make Lemonade
White Rabbit Tee, Topshop
Skirt, car boot sale
Two tone tights, gift from Karl Lagerfeld
Boots, Clarks
Headband, Antique lace
Bag, freecycled vintage
Scarf, vintage

Northampton Graduate Fashion Show

2010-07-03T20:02:00.000+01:00

Yet another occasion for me to display my passion for fashion (and an occasion to use this cliche phrase) arose in the unpredictable instance of a school trip to the annual Northampton Graduate Fashion Show. I say unpredictable because it was not a school trip that went quite to plan... In a nutshell: I arrived in high spirits at the coach, brandishing my coolest two-tone Chanel style tights and a permission slip to go signed by the reverend mother. As I approached, however, my spirits faltered as I was scanned by several pairs of evil teacher's eyes (think Batman style red laser dots for pupils and you're on the right track) before my textiles teacher "greeting" me with a steely...."you can't go".

For a few seconds, I stared dumbly at her face, in utter disbelief as to how one can be so wicked and unjust. All attempts to reason proved futile as I heard the same phrase repeated - "You've missed the deadline. We can't add you on the lists. You've missed the deadline. We can't add you on the lists..". You can imagine how I felt when I stormed away in true moody teenager fashion...disappointed, flustered, and crying my eyes out (for some strange reason, for I am rarely one for public displays of hysteria). I was frustrated beyond words, as they could have just added my name to the list of people going in pencil and I was never rejected like this for a school trip before...After I'd calmed down a little, I decided to take action. I was in one of those moods when I knew I could do absolutely anything, and definitely wasn't going to give my teacher the satisfaction of not turning up. We had already gone the previous year, and it was fantastic. So, after grabbing a fellow friend of misfortune, I was soon winging my way to Northampton...

I applied to do press coverage of the show last-minute so I wasn't hoping to get a decent seat, but the super-lovely press lady let us have seats right at the front of the action so I could sit back and let zee Canon do the work...

As you can judge for yourself, a huge amount of emerging talent was showcased this year, the same if not better than the works at GFW. I posted only my absolute favourites, and even so this is a hugely image-heavy post! Romantic, "dreamy" and "flowy" were, naturally, perrenial favourites; if I could I would sing an ode to the above ~~trousers~~ works of art...there was just something celestially delicious in the way the fabric was made to move. I will update this post with details on the designers if it is of interest to people, right now my laptop's battery is about to collapse so I am typing away at the speed of lightning-charged rabbits...

Once a haven, always a haven

2010-06-15T18:29:00.000+01:00

If you've had enough of staring at my frizzy hair (please someone recommend something other than straighteners before I cry) and bruised figure skater knees, I understand and won't take it offensively. I will just pretend as though nothing out-of-the-ordinary has occurred and move on to a jollier topic... It is no secret that I have been won over Bicester Village many a time before, and my last visit during the half-term was no exception. As a rule of thumb, we do not tend to spend an awful lot when we go, but rather seek out little bargains that add just that extra touch of chic to an outfit. That is not to say that we never buy expensive clothes at all; sometimes you just see an item where quality and price have kissed and made up and you instantly want to hug it to your chest and never let it go. We usually stick to our firm favourites, but I make an extra effort every time to go somewhere different and unexpected (what made me wait in the QUEUE to the new Ugg shop on Boxing Day, I will never know). I must have been in a bit of a kindergarten mood as I cooed over the sweetest sweeties in Ralph Lauren Kids, and suddenly had the random urge to sneak in to Petit Bateau as well! There's something about childrenswear shops that's really welcoming and "happy", and I always find it a relief to go in there sometimes after particularly daunting experiences at other shops where I cry over unaffordable beauties (£100 for a stunning sample dress at Luella is apparently still too much :(( ) and make myself miserable. It happened that I stumbled across some darling things in there which I will not fail to show you in an upcoming post!

While we were there, I also got this Monsoon cardigan, reduced from £55 to a much more pocket friendly £16, and I absolutely fell in love with the shape, having always been partial to cardigans (I collect them like a crazy cardigan lady, srsly). The light camel colour worked so well with my outfit that I put it on immediately, tag safely hidden by the infamous frizzy hair (SIIIIIGH.) . Unless you are a teenage mutant ninja turtle from a galaxy several light years away on a spontaneous visit to this here blog, you will have seen the Miu Miu collection my dress was inspired by. Having seen it on several blogs, my hopes weren't very high when I ventured into my local Zara to look for it, but there it was... "Comeowme gemeowt meow" were the words I thought I heard uttered by the feline settlement staring at me, and somehow I found myself taking it home. I honestly debated with myself at great lengths whether to return it or not, because of the recent hostility that has been expressed towards outright copies of designer items on the high street. This deserves its own little wee post, so I shall save this rant and end on a happy note:

EXAMS and this week I'm starting my A2 year and it is not going to be fun but zomg, italy in less than uno montho, university open days ARE and something so important that can change my life that i'm reallyreally scared about and come close to peeing my pants every time i think about it will happen soon OVER! Squeee :D

~
Cardigan, Monsoon at Bicester Village
Dress, Zara
Brogues, T.K.Maxx
Ankle socks, T.K.Maxx

H!enry makes me wanna Run In Fields

2010-06-07T20:42:00.000+01:00

Psst: my English Literature exam's tomorrow and I'm supposed to be revising but I'm writing this post instead; aren't I a rebellious creature? To be honest, I've done a fair bit already so a little prolonged break won't hurt...cos' Dina said so. I guess I was just a wee bit too excited to control my desire to share with you the wonderful wonderfulness (English revision gives you such wide vocabulary you become slightly jealous of yourself) that was the Debenhams H! by Henry Holland event...

So the laaarvly folks over at Debenhams kindly let me tag along to a little viewing session at their Oxford Street store of the new H!by Henry Holland High Summer collection, which could only be described as wild'n'wonderful! Prints in eye-wateringly bright colours and unexpected juxtaposition of patterns, khaki/denim galore and basics with a twist all greeted a flustered, frizzy-haired me in the personal shopping area...At first I wasn't too sure on the frenzied colour scheme but probably only because it was all there in one place, but when I started sifting through and saw each piece individually it definitely worked. There were lots of great pieces including some giraffe print leggings, floral jersey blazers, khaki trews and slouchy tees with loud prints, perfect for lazing around on a hot summer's day... The icing on the cake was that we were generously allowed to take home two of our favourite pieces, and after many a dilemma I finally settled on this fun jumpsuit and a maxidress very much in the theme of the current utility trend!

I tried on a size 10 and it fit like a glove, even though I'm more than "blessed" in the, ahem, chest department. The lines in this jumpsuit make for a super-flattering fit, and I loved it so much I wore it to a family outing in a countryside meadow, followed by a friend's barbeque. The photos did not turn out very good I'm afraid, as the parents are still a wee bit rusty with the old DSLR (repeat after me: half press to focus before you take it mum...), you can see more photos here and on Kirsty's adorable blog as she got the same one! It was fantastic to finally meet her, Carina from Carina100, Reena from Fashion Daydreams, Fiona from Save Our Shoes, Amy from Wolf Whistle and of course Selina from Flying Saucer who I frightened a bit when I went "ooooooh, SELINAAAA" instead of a proper greeting (shabby first impressions galore, I'm so sorry!)...

~
Floral Playsuit, courtesy of Debenhams
Leather plimsoles, Vintage via Rokit
Pastel Socks, gift
Jewel headband, Bicester Village

Dark, Dark Tale

2010-06-01T19:57:00.000+01:00

Lo and behold, my new ~~nightie~~ dress from Topshop. It was on sale and pretty, which justifies an otherwise unjustifiable purchase...anyone else notice the ke-razy pricing recently? I mean, it's always been overpriced, but for the original £55 price tag it could've been made at least partially of a more luxurious fibre than cheapy viscose - i.e. silk. And the sailor coat I bought? All of the buttons have now fallen off; I am now having to force my poor shivering hands to crawl out of the pockets and ensure optimal coat-body connection. And the buttons had pretty anchors *sadface*. Just sayin', Topshop, if you make such lust-worthy clothing at such turn-off pricing, you could at least make it of better quality than Sir Philip Green's doormat. But ho hum, for all I know it could be made of spun gold encrusted with diamonds; of a man who spends $50 000 000 on a b-day bash on the Maldives with a "few" close friends, anything can be expected. Maybe he's bribing good old British Standards Institute to avoid all the quality checks, with doormats of similar nature. But I digress; is it really obvious from this post that I've recently taken my AS textiles exam? I was really frightened of it but it turned out to be an absolute breeeeze of the breeziest variety. Apart from a rather embarrassing moment where I got the care symbols for "do not bleach" and "do not dry clean" mixed up. Even with my cheating when I sneaked a glance at the care label of this very dress..... deary deary. But I finished on a high note (or shall I say, buttonhole) and waffled lots about bloggers and online fashion communitiez and victorian ladies not being allowed to expose their ankles, so it's all gravy. I would show you my final garment but it's plus horrifique, srsly. Maybe just a sketch will suffice, when the coursework gets back from moderation...

It really is a relief to get back to blogging as most of my exams have now been and gone, with just the dreaded English coming up after half term...but never fear, I shall acquaint myself with the darling butchie that is Carol Ann Duffy (or even become best buds) and I am sure I will be a happy bunny in August. Speaking of which, less than 2 months until I sail off to Lake Garda! 2 measly months! EEEEEEEEEEEEEK :D :D

It's been larvly to catch up with y'all, but now I must get back to revision. Pinky promise more outfit posts as this is my free week, hip hip hooray! Oh, and before I go, do you like my new Mulberry Alexa? Just kidding, of course, have£695dustinroundme?never, it's a vintage Freecycled baby and I think it is a worthy alternative. It's an antique and really good quality, wish Freecycle posted those every day instead of chicken poo and nappy stackers (I kid you not)...

~
Dress, Topshop
Ribbed Tights, T.K.Maxx
Boots, Clarks
Vintage Bag, Freecycled
Pilot Hat, H&M

I wouldn't normally ask this, but...

2010-05-29T08:26:00.000+01:00

Please could you vote for me here? http://apps.facebook.com/frockmewithtkmaxx/entry/136/news/

It only takes about 2 seconds, and I really, really would like to go to New York :(

I feel really bad asking but I would be really grateful if you could.

xxx

Just keep Bathing

2010-05-25T22:13:00.000+01:00

Sometimes I think I heart England too much, especially when I visit places like this village in the middle of the Wiltshire countryside, where one could dip their feet in the river and stare at the tiny houses stacked atop one another for days on end.

That day was our last before we had to leave, and it was so,so perfect. My family are National Trust geeks at heart who never tire of slowly trotting our way around every possible crumbling building (thank god there are plenty of them) in this country, whether previously inhabited by Churchill, Hardy or Jane Austen. Thus, we found ourselves at the gates of Dyrwood Park (a property with a PARK filled with DEER, as the name doesn't at all suggest), where I:
♥ Listened to my mother play an antique piano in a magnificent hall
♥ Discovered a minuscule pond with a tres amusant family of frogs and toads who busied themselves with a game of water statues (just like musical statues but in water and without the music).
♥ Marvelled at length and came very close to attempting to eat numerous very realistic plastic food artefacts, including steak, cheesecake, onions and frighteningly plump chicken legs.
♥ Discovered the simple pleasures of Staring At Ceilings.

Then, we wanted to make the most out of a beautiful spring evening and drove off whilst munching on delicious date-and-almond (my favourite are cranberry and pecan, if you happen to ever struggle for a birthday present) Dorset Cereals chunky slices, to find ourselves in a place called Castlecombe. The rest, as they say, is history...

~
Dress, Vintage
Tights, Gift
Boots, Clarks
Belt, Vintage
Straw Boater, Amazon

P.S. Whatever you do, you cannot argue with me that a place with a house named "Unicorn Cottage" and a river so transparent you can see through the webbed wings of the millipedes is not heaven on earth. Ever.

Sail Away, Sail Away, Sail Away...

2010-05-18T21:24:00.000+01:00

Just a quickie before I soar off into the daunting world of exams. I miss you all.

♥
Dress, H&M

Move Over Blair Waldorf

2010-05-01T06:01:00.000+01:00

Well, I know my style is far less impeccable than her's, but I thought this blazer (bought for myself as an early Christmas gift) is so Blair! It took a fair deal of chasing it around on the internet as it originally sold out, so you can imagine how happy I was when it finally arrived on my doorstep. I am still experimenting in how to wear it, apart from the typical jeans and a shirt...any ideas?

~
Joules Welland Blazer
Cream Lace Dress, H&M
Grey Tights, Gift
Boots, Clarks
Checked Skirt, Select

Forward to Time Past

2010-04-18T12:55:00.000+01:00

The Easter eggs have all cracked and the hares been and gone, and finally I am back to my little corner of the tinternet to tell you about my holiday adventures! *puts on super-patronising voice* Iiiits story time children....

During the holidays my family and I went for a little (far too little for my liking, as I later discovered) getaway near the city of Bath, because we loved it there so much last time we visited (remember this wee little post?). We stayed in a manor house-turned-hotel in the middle of the Wiltshire countryside, with sunsets from my parents' balcony so stunning they left me speechless, a courtyard lit by fairytale lanterns and an outdoor heated swimming pool which was pure bliss at night. All you had to do was lie on your back, and there it was, the sky! Glimmering at you with myriads of minute eyes, each brighter than the last, the sort of beauty no photograph could ever capture but must be felt on the tip of the eyelids and every cell on your skin; detected, compressed, memorized, and stored away safely so it can be with you in an instant should you summon it on a cold winter's night. I could almost touch it....
Almost.

~
Photos are of my sister in a vintage Nicole Farhi jumper found in a freecycled bag of fabric offcuts, and an Accessorize mask.

~
Sailor Coat, Topshop Striped jumper, Ralph Lauren

The Trees Have Listened

2010-04-05T16:07:00.001+01:00

Two Sundays back I visited Home with my family. I took a walk through the woods, stood on the marble staircase and felt my hair rise in the breeze. Aslan let me ride on his back but when he turned to stone I realised it was time to go. What a shame.

Stone Bridge, Stone Globe and Roman Temple
Tall boys with windswept hair they rule the fields;
My family and I they warmly welcomed
The leaves curled inwards and pianos singed.

Wandering through, along the river's path
Lay something Dead. its breath
Stung me like nettle soup.
a withered "ahh" on glass, it disappeared and gasped
Ripples of water - two,three,four - and mute
Gazes of passers-by on branches without wood.

The morning dew slivered with spring romance
And it was joy, and it was assonance.

~
Sailor Coat, Topshop
Oatmeal Cardigan, thrifted
Denim Tiered Dress, H&M
Specked Tights, gift
Boots, Clarks

Lost

2010-03-16T22:36:00.000Z

I am aware I have not been posting. I am aware I am currently a disorganised mess. I am aware that I am working to improve this. I am aware that I owe you all an apology the size of a mansize kleenex tissue. More than aware.

I am aware I have been mumbling,
Along the cobbled street.
Left-right, half-drunk and stumbling
Will-o-the-wisp, wallflower, weed.

Aware that time is lost, days/hours
There's no tick tocking back, and no return, yet doubt did plant its seed

But somewhere it's uncoiled,
Somewhere it's started, rumbled,
I am aware:
Change here I come, take heed.