time to book

Today has been a very exciting day as I finally gave in my notice and can now tell everyone about my plans to TRAVEL. I've known for years that I would love to leave England and see the world for 6 months but before now it's always seemed a hopeful dream. But alas, today that all changed. Handing in my notice (which I finally did today) means I am even closer to making the dream a reality. So what's left is for me and Phoebe (my very best friend and travelling partner) to book our flights, which we are hopefully doing this weekend! Our proposed route goes: India, Camodia, Laos, Thailand, Indonesia, Australia, Fiji.

Although I am very sad to be leaving my job and new found responsibilities, I cannot express how excited I am! So this evening has been spent searching just some of the amazing sights we are going to see. Please don't get too jealous ;)

1. Kerala backwaters in India

2. Camel riding in Jodhpur, India

3. Phi Phi beach in Thailand (yes the place where The Beach is filmed)

4. Fiji

5. Melbourne at night

Nottinghill Carnival

For my birthday I went with a group of my friends to Nottinghill Carnival. It was my first time at the carnival, in the past I've always been at Reading Festival bank holiday weekend, so naturally I felt a little nervous after hearing stories about all the trouble that goes on. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find how nice everyone was. There was a real sense of community spirit, it was such a lovely day. In the evening we all went to Liverpool Street for drinks, followed by a few of us going to some warehouse club at Waterloo Bridge. It wasn't until I was sober the next day that I realised paying 20 quid to get in with the only option of a toilet being a portaloo, that it wasn't the best place I've been to. But hey-ho, I can tick off another lovely birthday.

I'm wearing a black shirt from Topshop; backpack from Topshop; vintage denim shorts from Beyond Retro; black boots from Topshop, Casio Watch, silver snake bracelet from Paris; silver rings from Topshop and Forever 21

That Time of Year Again

So tomorrow is my birthday. This year I turn 22, I remember thinking 22 was so old but now I've reached it, I still feel like a bratty teenager. Today, my wonderful Mum took me to Brighton. One day I WILL move there; I think it's one of the coolest places. We did a lot of shopping, hopping in and out of the numerous vintage stores in the city centre, and had lunch outside at one of the restaurants down the laines. Below I'm wearing a turban (found in a thrift store for a fiver. Bargain compared to the high street's £10 alternatives); and a vintage 80s shirt I bought for a quid at a charity shop back home.

Friday Afternoon

So this Friday was Josh's birthday. I took the day as holiday, (which for anyone that knows me, knows this is a big deal.) We spent one of the last of the English summer days soaking up the sun and enjoying a very tasty lunch by the lake. The breaded things you see are mushrooms- and possibly the best breaded mushrooms I've eaten. The garden was packed but that didn't stop a photo pose of the happy couple. Oh and the above image- my, very unhealthy but delicious none-the-less, dinner. I wish all my Fridays consisted of this instead of sat at my desk rushing to meet weekly deadlines.

cosmic love

I've been meaning to blog about this for a while now... I absolutely adore the cosmic print trend that's been so present in both womenswear and menswear in the past few months. Christopher Kane launched his debut menswear line for s/s 11 inspired by details and colours found in space pictures.The two orange prints below are just a couple of examples of Kanes collection, one taken from the original lookbook and the other from Copenhagen fashion week. Other designers also featured galaxy-inspired prints in their shows for this season including Juun J and Paul Smith. Now the intricate patterns have made their way into the wardrobes of the stylish folk; the lookbook.nu image above is a personal favourite. Must-have items definitely include the Christopher Kane dress (on the list for my birthday next weekend), the high-shine leggings from Black Milk and of course the Jeffrey Campbell cosmic Lita's.

All Black For Summer?

I think I was feeling a bit pessimistic (or gothic) today when I got dressed. An all black ensemble for the English summer? Maybe not the greatest idea I've had. Spent most of the day hiding from the not-always-present sun. Oh well. I'm wearing circle shades from H&M Vegas; oversized crop top from American Apparel; black maxi from Primark; wooden cross necklace made by a friend of mine, Corrine. 

Vintage at Southbank Street

The main reason I attended the vintage festival was to snap the coolest people for an Mpdclick street report. Although perhaps not a true vintage look, I can't help admiring the above girl's ensemble. She wears a 60s-style beehive and compliments a pair of tan suede shorts and feather neckline tank with an oversized cowboy style fringed jacket (which, i might add, i need in my a/w wardrobe.)  Oh and one last thing, how cute are the couple below?!

Image copywright: Amy Trayford for MPDClick

Vintage at Southbank

 

Last weekend I attended Wayne Hemingway's vintage festival held this year at London's stunning Southbank, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of the Festival of Britain held at the Southbank in 1951. The majority of the event was held across the 6 spacious floors of the Royal Festival Hall and encouraged visitors to partake in a number of vintage activities including dance classes, creative workshops, and tea parties, as well as the opportunity to buy the finest vintage clothing, jewellery, music and bric-a-brac. In addition, pop-up hair and make-up salons authentic vintage styles including 60s bouffant beehives and thick 50s-style winged eye liner. The event also included mimic clubs such as The Blitz Club and Wigan Casino injecting a nostalgic ambience of said classic venues. 

One thing I particularly loved was a bunting-style wall that featured in the accompanying exhibition on the original 1951 festival. The wall titled 'What did you do in the Festival of Britain? What did you do today? invited people to write down memories from 1951 and the present day. I lost track of time while stood at that wall, reading everyone's thoughts and experiences. My favourite read "Came with my boyfriend, now with my husband 57 years later and still happy together at 80-years-old." That makes me so happy.  

Roberto Cavalli Resort 2012

I am literally mesmerised by Roberto Cavalli's stunning Resort 12 collection, inspired by a plethora of prints developed over the past 40 years. Digitally printed floral prints appear, along with tie-dye techniques and a 70s toile du jouy print, all in a core colour palette of acid-tone hues; lemon, lime, rose, tomato and peacock. Many of the garments also feature intricate bead work and techno fabric embroidery creating an iridescent finish. The beauty of the stylised floral prints is further reinforced by the picturesque floral background. 

Image copywright: fashionising.com

More Treats From Vegas

Vegas Style

 

This weekend just gone I went to  Las Vegas courtesy of my sister and Virgin Atlantic. A last minute confirmation of a seat on the flight meant little to none preparation on my part. I didn't even have time to pick up a mag or bottle of water before boarding, but these little matters were soon forgotten once seated and enjoying a much needed glass of wine. 
Vegas is simply mad. I haven't experienced anything quite like it. By far the heaviest weekend had in a long while, and the hottest- reaching almost 50 in the day! Never will I forget losing my Vegas virginity. 
1. My beautiful sister in sunny Las Vegas. 

2. French Connection dress.

3. H&M two-piece.

27 Club Keeps On Growing

Sat in a hotel room in Vegas, my friend texted me to tell me the tragic news that Amy Winehouse had died. Not that I didn't believe her, but I had to turn on the TV to check; where the news was obviously confirmed for me.

I am personally a huge fan of Winehouse and her incredible and soulful voice, and it really is a huge shame that we have lost such a talent at the young age of 27.

Amy now sits within the infamous 27 Club, along with a host of other legendary musicians to die at 27, including Jim Morrison, Kurt Cobain, Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix. 
Amy's retro 50s inspired style has influenced many young fans to sport a similar beehive and winged eyeliner. I'm sure companies will find a way to make millions from her death; ebay is already selling fancy dress costumes and R.I.P pillow covers (why you would ever need/want one I have no idea).  Better still, lets remember Amy for her unique voice, inspiring songwriting and iconic style.

B+B Street

Image source: Amy Trayford for MPDClick