Merry Christmas

Christmas just isn't the same anymore. Well it wasn't this year. I don't even think it has to do with us growing up and the excitement going, because last year's was wonderful. Maybe that's because I was in Paris up until Christmas eve, I dunno. This year I felt like I had no time to even start to feel festive, working up until the 23rd and cramming all the Christmas shopping in the day before, oh and the fact I spent the whole of Christmas day dying from a rotten hangover. Still, the holidays were lovely, and my friends were back, which was better than any present.

Pretty Lighting

Thirty Years On From His Death

John Lennon

God I Want This Coat

and her legs come to think of it...

Image source: lookbook.nu

Beautiful New All Saints Jacket Has Arrived

Tim Burton Twitter

So apparently tim burton is creating a new story for his fictional character stainboy, using twitter.

kind of like those drawings of people you used to do in class where each person would draw a different body part, and work their way up the body folding down the paper as you go.

so at the end, once you've unfolded the sheet, you're left with a completely out of proportion figure.

well this time, burton is asking followers to send tweets to his account, where he will select the best ones to make up the story.

pretty cool

check it out... twitter.com/burtonstory

Glastonbury Wonders

there are a few posts from my old blog, i don't really want to part with. they remind me of happy memories, it would be a shame to loose. so although they are a bit dated i'm gonna add a few in t...

This year was the 40th anniversary of Glastonbury, and oh what an amazing event!

This year's festival must have hit record temperatures as it was scorching the entire time, almost too hot at points, with nowhere shady to hide. 

The lineup was yet again incredible and highlights included Sunday's headliner and Motown legend Stevie Wonder, Gorrilaz, and the Scissor Sister's collaboration with Kylie. 

Personal highlights for me were definitely seeing Tegan & Sara for the first time, as well as Seasick Steve and Ellie Goulding. One moment I will never forget was dancing along with the rest of the crowd to Sunny Afternoon played by Ray Davies of The Kinks. It honestly felt like we were back in the late 60s dancing in a field overtaken by hippies. What else was poignant for me was seeing Mumford & Sons a year on to when I first saw them at Glastonbury in the Green Fields tent. The atmosphere was phenomenal and the chemistry on stage from all four members of the band was even better. A look of pure amazement and overwhelm was across all of their faces, as they genuinly could not believe how many people they were playing too. It was a beautiful moment that gave me goosebumps. 

I spent most of Thursday on my own but it was probably one of my best days even though there was no music. I spent hours in the healing fields talking to Buddhists and having a go at meditating with them. I really find it fascinating and their calm presence is inspiring. I also got to see When You're Strange which was fantastic! I'm gonna dedicate my next post to it. 

As for fashion, it was on top form again this year, with a massive emphasis on straw trilbys, cut off denim shorts and crop tops. So cute, and perfect for the blistering heat. 

Bon Voyage

This was something i found wonderfully inspiring from this summer's graduate fashion week...

Just the idea of a collection entitled Bon Voyage excites and impresses me, even before seeing the pieces. Phoebe bought me a 'bon voyage' necklace as a reminder of the breathtaking experiences we will encounter on our travels, so the phrase is one that I love very much.

Graduate Charlotte Sanders- Yeomans for Northumbria University is the genius behind 'Bon Voyage- the handbook of style'; an exclusive and comtemporary traveller's stye journal for any female wishing to travel the world in style. 

The journal is put together beautifully and includes travel information and inspiration incorporating photography and fashion styling, as well as still life shots. There is also a focus on the four major fashion capitals- London, Paris, Milan and New York as well as inspiring quotes from designers and blank pages for the traveller to make notes on their experiences. Bon Voyage comes in a satchel- type bag with a passport holder, note paper and a pencil, all with the Bon Voyage signature logo printed. 

It really is the perfect handbook for any fashion-focused traveller. I really want one for when I'm island hopping in Indonesia and tubing along the Nam Song river in Laos. Oh and there's also pages to attach photos to! Bon Voyage is a unique and beautiful way to document your life changing experience. It would be lovely if I could buy it before I set off in February next year!

When You're Strange

A film about The Doors directed by Tom Dicillo, When You're Strange is a beautiful documentary narrated by Johnny Depp. The film is a story about the band with a strong focus on lead singer Jim Morrison. Previously unseen footage gives an insight into the impact The Doors music had and the influence it had on fans and all people at that time.

Watching in a packed tent at this year's Glastonbury festival was incredible. The atmosphere was amazing, everyone clapped, laughed, sung... so so good. This film is an absolute must-see for any Doors fan.

In The Spirit

I had to do a christmas retail report for work last week, where i had to look for graphic inspiration on cards, gift wrap, bags etc. it really got me thinking about christmas this year. i'm so excited for it. more so than i have been for a good few years now. it's true, the novelty wears off the older you get. but this year means both my girls will be home, and callum. Beth will be back, Laura isn't away, my family will be around, and i don't have work. we can have evenings filled with mulled wine, stimulating conversations and amazing laughter. it couldn't come soon enough.

Fall

image source: lookbook.nu


everyone moans when autumn comes, saying how much they miss summer, me included. everything in summer just seems easy, relaxed and fun. granted, summer evenings are beautiful but i think autumn mornings can be just as mesmerising, the sun can be shining but it's freezing out, and the autumn colours. makes me want to go for a long walk. 

Grunge Roots

I love the sunbleached ends all the cool kids have these days. What looks almost like grown out roots, for a real grunge look. Celebrities started the trend with the most influential being Drew Barrymore, Rachel Bilson & Alexa Chung. I think it looks amazing with messy, tousled hair.

Revival Of A Wardrobe Disaster?!

Does anyone remember the awful 90s craze of the trouser/skirt?!

I certainly do. I remember distinctly buying one from the local market- cheap material in a pastel sky blue hue. Shocking to say the least!

Turns out the trouser/skirt might be making a comeback. Givenchy's SS11 show featured a number of them in everything from black leather to all over chiffon animal print.

Can't say I'm really a fan this decade either.

Winter Must-Have Accessory

I want these topshop unique cable knit thigh-high socks so bad.

they appeared on the aw 10/11 runway show last year and are absolutely beautiful!

so gutted they sold out online

really hope they get some more in stock.

Corinne Day 1962-2010

I was sad to read last night that Corinne Day passed away late August of this year. Day, famous for her nineties photographs of London 'It' girls depicting a grimy sense of realism that was more documentary like than other fashion images at the time. Supermodel Kate Moss became a close friend of Day's and appeared as the subject in many of her portraits. I love the realness of her photos and the un-staged postures of her models, they all feel so natural. Day definitely had a huge influence on the style of photography in the nineties. I think my next purchase is going to be a book of her work.

Happy Days

This weekend has been perfect. a beautiful restaurant, chocolate martini and lots of wine.

Pandora Charm

Ahh my pandora bracelet finally came and it's beautiful! 

Tickle Me Pink

So i started a blog some time last year with my best friend Phoebe, and we've had some cute posts that make for an enjoyable read. I decided to go solo and create my own because I didn't think she'd want me filling ours up with a load of crap about the previous weekend or my feelings towards say Gaga's meat dress (which by the way, I find disgusting!) but one day, if you have some time spare have a look at pleaseticklemepink.blogspot.com - it's wonderfully fun.

Stornoway

Matt told me about this band not too long ago so i checked them out at this year's Glastonbury and haven't stopped listening to them since. Apparently their first single came out last year- I can't believe I only heard of them at the beginning of summer. Their debut album Beachcombers Windowsill came out in May this year and they're playing a UK tour this fall with Southampton University as one of the dates- and I have tickets! they came through the post this morning. can't wait.

Fun Times At Fashion Week

image source: mpdclick

My First Fashion Week

Ah I went to my first ever fashion week last weekend and London did not disappoint!

the fashionistas flooding the courtyard of Somerset House looked bloody beautiful, touching on that British  eccentricity we in the UK are renowned for. It certainly made me proud to me British because lets face it, we do fashion better than either New York, Paris or Milan.

Henry Holland was amongst the crowd on the first day of the event. 

image source: jen cox for mpclick

Charlie Le Mindu

I was lucky enough to witness hairdresser & wig designer Charlie Le Mindu cause a stir at Fashion Week, sending stark naked models down the runway.

Sunday's show saw us transported to the glamourous city of LA and the eccentric lifestyle of the rich & famous, set in the city's iconic Sunset Boulevard. The pink champagne, groomed poodles and gala ball gowns found in LA were represented by a flamingo and pink colour palette, pink poodle headdress and a number of flowing full length human hair garments.  All over animal prints were key to the collection appearing on a number of leotards as well as a teddybear headdress, covering the models entire face.

Known for his very daring & innovative approach, creating couture clothing made entirely out of human hair, it's no suprise to hear Le Mindu's a favourite of Lady Gaga. He certainly knows how to put on a good show.

London Fashion Week Street

A few snaps I took at London Fashion Week for work.

image source: Amy Trayford for MPDClick

Bestival Street

A few of the street snaps I took at this year's Bestival. 

London Town

London is where I wanna be. Well London or Brighton, but that's neither there nor here. Today it's London. Kentish Town to be more specific. Dani has a lovely place in Camden i've had the pleasure of staying at all weekend. We've had the sweetest day- had a mooch around the Camden Lock & spent far too much in Topshop once again! Oh and I found the best shop with loads of little trinkets & antique furniture. I bought a Buddha incense burner- exactly what I needed to add to my Buddha collection. Lovely weekend.

I love them

This is a beautiful photo of me and my three best friends at bestival. it's been a long time since we've all been together & i'm so so happy we are a four again.

love you

Bestival

Bestival was bloody amazing- what a mini little Glastonbury it is!

So many things to see, music, sunshine, friends. Lovely.

What a perfect way to end summer.

My New Love

I'm aware that i have a new love every week but i have a feeling this one is going to stick with me all fall. One of the must-haves for the autumn/winter 10/11 season is the aviator jacket. Designers first introduced the trend on the runway earlier this year, with particular reference to Burberry's collection Burberry Cadet Girls. High streets have now got on board and shops such as ASOS & Oasis have their own collection of flight jackets.

but THIS is the one i want/need.

The burberry leather aviator jacket with a shearling lining and oversized collar. it's so beautiful, but alas, its almost £2000.

Beauty Beneath

I think the best portfolio and collection I saw exhibited in Earls Court today was 'Beauty Beneath' by Karina Lucy Jones for Northumbria University. 

Beauty Beneath is a conceptual lingerie collection that incorporates the primary function of lingerie, but that also has the ability to be attached to outerwear pieces, creating new garments, thus "redefining lingerie from underwear to outerwear."

The garments on display are beautiful, and were created with an inspiration from the beauty beneath the ocean. The materials used range from heavy cotton denim to light weight cotton denim, mixed with a luxury silk, giving it that sexy feminine look and touch. the colours include deep blues, greens, corals and golds and incorporate patterns and shapes found beneath the ocean from both animals and plant life. 

A lot of embellishment and embroidery can be seen on the garments including crystals, beads, sequins and lace. These are some of the garments exhibited today.

I Want These Shoes

Eliza Doolittle perfomed today at GFW and she looked so good! After her performance she thanked River Island for the outfit she was wearing which included fringed brown shorts and a yellow top with sequined trim. 

Both of which i love, especially when put together, but what i really want is her glittery Nike high tops. They looked so cool on her skinny bare legs, I'm not quite sure I could pull them off. This is what they look like.

After her performance I went and spoke to her and got a photo with her. Haha, so geeky, but I couldn't resist, she's lovely!

Graduate Fashion Week - Day One

So Graduate Fashion Week kicked off today at Earl's Court and there's so much talent! Really impressed with both University of Central Lancashire and Edinburgh College of Art's runway shows. Between both of them, only one graduate desgined a menswear collection, with the rest being womenswear and knitwear. One piece I really liked was this amazing gold jacket which was worn with the sleeves pushed up and laced at the front. Designed by Daniele Reed for University of Central Lancashire. Another was a really cute patterned jumpsuit with a sequin bra, by Rebecca Purvis for the same show. 

For Edinburgh, I saw the cutest white dress, sleeveless, with embroidery down the front. Would look so cute with bare legs and either gladiator sandles or Chanel clogs, Alexa Chung style. 
These are a few others I loved...

The photographer working with Anna at GFW is Nina Miljus, who is also a designer and studied Fashion Marketing at Northumbria University. Nina's work is incredible, her garments are beautiful and her photography and styling has almost an Alice in Wonderland feel about it, using cute hats and bunny ears. Check it out...

Sherlock Holmes... Style Icon?!

Capes are everywhere this season, from the AW/10 runway shows of Galliano & Paul Smith to the high street stores ASOS & Zara, you can't escape them.

Modern re-workings of the Victorian classics made famous by Sherlock Holmes can be seen with checks & tweeds and extra long tailored capes.

And the must have colour of the season?!... camel.

This one from Zara's a perfect example...

All Saints Leather

I fell head over heels in love this weekend. Not with a boy, but a biker jacket. All Saint's owain jacket is made from two-tone skin and has a heavily studded collar & lapel. Each jacket has a vintage indian panel at the back which is hand embroidered- making each jacket unique. I am adamant that I will buy one this season, but at £395, i may have to wait til next month. But like my friend's mum says,

"it's an investment piece...

Say It With A Cupcake

My lovely boss at work bought me these beautiful cupcakes for my birthday, they were sat on my desk with a card when i got in this morning.

how sweet.

They look too good to eat!

Photobooth Fun

Yeah we all took it in turns to have a go on photobooth. So nice to have so many photo memories of my birthday