BOOTS MANOEVRE

A quick look through the street style shots on Elle.co.uk revealed a clear favourite for me...

I like the way in which the outfit has been constructed, the xl sizing of the shaggy faux fur monster coat and midi length skirt with clumpy boots shouldn't work, but does. This outfit's success is in the small details...a fresh face and unfussy top knot stop it from looking too calculated, a fairly plain skirt/tights allow attention to focus on the more extravagant details. The boots add an element of distasteful humour - verging on cyber goth - and a heel steers the outfit away from frumpy. My favourite of outfits are those that look thrown together, bohemian, but balanced, and this one ticks the boxes.

TRASHY TREASURE

TRASHY TREASURE

To continue...I'd like to share my favourite find of the day which is a fluro red stitched waiscoat (£1- charity shop)

I will wear it with a thin gold studded belt from the 70's (which I like to think previously belonged to a glam rock cover band). This will hopefully add to all the confusion between the traditional gypsy-esque flowers and the typically 80's trashy gold buttons. There must have been a transitional time somewhere between the 1970's and 1980's when people got confused about what they were supposed to do. Perhaps that was when some bright spark designed this treat, to please both. The End, for now.

CREEPY

Charity shopping can be a creepy experience, but one that is completely worth enduring for the amazing oddities that can be found. For starters there's the smells...a combined mesh of odours from the donations (like when you mix all the paint colours together and it makes brown). Then there's the anonymous crusts of god knows what on the jumpers, the horrible local radio station, the shoppers who get jealous when you find something and think the rail you're browsing has all the anwsers so push you out of the way to look (this happens A LOT).

Today I decided to go charity shopping down a street near where I live which has 3 or 4 really decent charity shops. I wore my creepers...they are actually faux creepers picked up on the high street for cheap. But I'm broke more often than not...so they'll do. I like the ugly donkey brown colour and the thick sole/pointed toe which gives them an unflatteing/clumsy feel which I really enjoy. Teamed with cigarette pants and black 'school' socks, I felt sufficently creepy and hit the charity shops. I was NOT dissapointed, finding tons of great stuff for dirty cheap, this included...

-An amazing red stitched waistcoat from the 70's (£1)

-An electric blue wool full length granny coat (£3)

-A hand knitted cardi (£1)

and I also really enjoyed bantering with the dears who worked there...thanks, creepy charity shops. I love you.

OXFAM RELICS: GROASE vs. DREAMY

I found this incredible bag that looks like it's about 100 years old in an Oxfam in Cambridge on Sunday. I did an instant swoon, and grabbed it before anyone else could fall in love. I felt like I'd found a relic from an Egyptian tomb, and the fact that it's completely falling apart, to the extent that when I wore it out for the first time on Monday, I was scared that it would disintergrate, makes me love it even more. It smells like a loft (tomb) and feels dusty. It has Camels embossed on the sides, and I'm VERY impressed with it...it's so groase vs. dreamy. 

I feel that everything should have an element of groase about it, to accentuate the dreamy aspects. Creepers, for example, are an essentially ugly shoe. but they are SO dreamy. 

The End. 

ONE DAY

SHOES AND CAKE

Despite the fear that my 'Blog' is turning in to a place where I occasionally come to show you (the reader?) a picture of a pair of shoes that I want and a short statement on why I want them, here are some shoes that I'd like please, thanks. 

(www.matchesfashion.com)

Soo, these kitty shoes are by Charlotte Olympia and cost around £485.00. As well as the above pumps they come in a wedge which is also a complete success, though the stilletto version doesn't quite do it for me. I love these shoes because A) They have cats on them, obvs. B) The cat face is nicely incorporated in to the upper shoe with the ears forming part of the shape C) They have a small chunky GOLD heel, sigh D) The cat isn't rendered in a creepy way, unlike some other efforts i've seen. 

Not being able to afford said shoes, I am forced once again to look at the alternatives...purchase some plain black pumps and get prit-sticking a kitty photo on to the front? 

My obsession with shoes featuring cats and dogs was born when a 13 year old me saw some shoes in 'Elle Girl' magazine (yeah, it was a thing). They were Black patent leather pointed toe  pumps with a kitschy image of a puppy inside a heart frame on the central front. I searched for them for years afterwards and to my delight/confusion recently found them on Ebay! 

 (go-go bargains at www.ebay.co.uk)

But now I'm all grown up and have my own money (sometimes) I don't have such a lust for them. I decided not to buy them, and instead have them preserved in my head as the mysterious dog shoes from yester-year. Similarly, when I was very young I swore that when I was old enough to make my own dietary decisions, I would go to a bakery and eat cake every day. I like cake, yeah, but I wouldn't go for a cake a day. The moral of the story: shoes and cake are the same. The End.

Continued Love Affair With Miu Miu

AH! Miu Miu! What to do, do? You continue to charm me. Last seasons kitty prints still make me feel all good and happy. Referencing polka dot ditsy print, cats, horses, and a hint of 'fairytale' (in the best way possible), the glitter booties and puppy/cat/horse brooches/shoes/dresses/shirts etc. look as if a child has dreamed up an idea of what they want to wear when they're older and then Miu Miu has made it. It's fun and pretty whilst also being fashion forward. Amazing! Here's one of the highlights...

(Image from www.shoeperwoman.com)  These Miu Miu kitty wedge stiletto's have a strong link to those goth/emo shoes that new age 'rockabilly' girls wear. Though unlike them, these aren't over-embellished...the strong statement shape and print is enough. mm.

SUBACULTA in to HIGH FASHION

SUBACULTA in to HIGH FASHION

I am beginning to develop an obsession with the idea that fancy dress/novelty can be transformed in to high fashion. I still get excited when I see those goth/emo and fancy dress shops selling fishnet stockings and stargazer hair dye...and equally excited when I see designer's incorporating such influences in to their collections. Picking out a few trashy accesories to work in to your everyday wardrobe can really refresh it. My main inspiration for this is the character of Enid in 'Ghost World'. Below are some examples of said 'trashy accesories'

1) Skeleton tights - £2.99 

To begin, some nice skeleton tights which could be paired with ankle socks and battered 80's stiletto's for an amazing trashy look which would only hint at the idea of costume. Or, they could be worn with a big wooly jumper and black leather boots for a kind of grungey/punky 'Kurt is dead' look. Either way, I'm going to buy them.

(Available at www.shop4fancydress.com)

2)  Stargazer Products (Hair Dye - £2.60)

 

Stargazer is the beauty range of choice for the young emo. And for me, When I was younger I used to buy the 'rouge' colour every two weeks to keep my hair looking peachy before going to hang with the emo's in cathedral square. Now I think I'd rather opt for the 'hair mascara' which is such an incredibley 90's idea. Stargazer also make fake eyelashes, clumpy black eyeshadow (much better than this subtle Collection 2000 stuff) and black lipstick - at pocket money prices. Yes, and yes. 

(Available at www.amazon.co.uk)

3)  Silver Studs - Around £9.00 for 100

Attach hundreds of studs to your best jumper/coat/bag and it'll look better. It's just a fact. Obviously their popularity has been boosted by the recent trend of fetish/goth and gaga and blah blah, but if you can just look past that and imagine how special you will feel when you are all studded up, then buy some. The best thing about them is that you can remove them if you get bored as most just attach with bendy pieces of metal. In this case putting hundreds on the shoulder parts of a loose knit oversized jumper would probably be the best way. Lovely Sid Vicious reference all over your outfit. 

(Available at www.crustpunks.com)

4)  Goth Boots - approx. £60.00

If you really want to go all out with some 'biker boots' then you might as well get them from a proper goth shop. You will probably have a better time when you buy them, and they will be more HARDCORE. Team these boots with a big jumper dress and you're ready to go!

(Available at www.therallyshack.co.uk)

I'm very affectionate towards this subculture and far from looking down on it and trying to elevate it to a 'higher level' I actually think that it's good the way it is. 'High fashion' or independent designers are also creating pieces that nod towards goth/emo influences. 

Bjorg's range of jewellery at Urban Outfitters embraces the idea of goth with The Craft-esque pieces, and I love it. It's very wicker, 90's, witchcraft. Maybe 'Spike' out of Buffy The Vampire Slayer might wear such things? I think if you're going to buy a ring for that special someone, it really should be this one...                              

Bjorg X UO Grip Crystal Ring - £69.00 (www.urbanoutfitters.com) 

Depicting a skeleton hand gripping a crystal, this one's a real keeper!

Similarly, this Bjorg X UO Caged Sand Amulet - £89.00 (www.urbanoutfitters.com) also has a strong witchcraft element...

Sonia Rykiel and Miu Miu are examples of designers who have also embraced this trend...Rykiel strongly referencing emo (see below).

(images www.fashionindie.com and fashionforlife1 blogspot)

ILLUSTRATE ME, CHARMINGLY

Below are my three favourite items from illustrator KAROB's recent collection of homewares/gifts. She draws intricate, otherworldy illustrations on to beautiful found or home made objects resulting in one of a kind pieces that i'd be happy to fill my abode with. They conjur travel, storytelling and childhood in the most charming way. For one of these boho gems, head to Karob's etsy shop at:  www.etsy.com/people/karobillustration

1) Illustrated Hearts, Clay Cats and Birds Hanging - £10
Oh J'adore! I would weave this around my bed frame or have it hanging at a window. I may even fancy it around my neck on those rainy days when you need a reminder of summer sun

2) Hand-made Painted Clay Tile Mosaic Frame - £25

This chunky, boho picture frame reminds me of fruity boiled sweets and sea shells... it's like a trip to the seaside! A lovely item to brighten up any book shelf or dressing table

3) Illustrated Storage Drawers - £85.00
In love with this beautiful set of mini storage drawers... be it CD's, or perhaps (thinking outside the 'box') a drawer for your sewing kit, photos, jewellery, letters, souvenirs... anything would look stylish once in these. It's decorated with a creature in capped costume, I wish I had this cape... perhaps Ms Karob should move in to the clothing area next?

Love from, A Fan. X



FAVOURITE THINGS OF THE WEEK

1) Barry M Nailvarnish in RED GLITTER...  Wizard of OZ shoes for your nails... oh my... I am in fact wearing this right now, and am happy to say that it's the best ever

2) Evil Twin Young Blood Duo Colour Shirt... the colours are sort of ugly but amazing together, it reminds me of something I would have worn as a child in the 90's. As a child I had these John Lennon-esque round sunglasses and black patent leather boots which would have looked bitchin' with this...

3) Vaudeville & Burlesque Cat Print Chiffon Dress... Twee but amazing, reminds me of MIU MIU (LOVE LOVE) and could be twee'd down if it was paired with a big huge jacket of your dads 

4) Deena and Ozzy High Black Chelsea Boots... OHHH. I love you.

(Images belonging to urbanoutfitters.com and makeupsavvy.co.uk)

SEE ME ON THE TV, SLEEZY.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnvIFk2jmXU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eA65spfkFaA

I recently took part in a TV show called New Look: Style The Nation. It was a really fun, surreal day. My favourite aspects were meeting the incredibly interesting and inspiring girls also taking part in the show, who shared a love of experimental, innovative and alternative fashion.

CHRISTIAN JOY INFACTUATION

I have had a complete infactuation with designer Christian Joy for years, ever since I discovered it was her who was responsible for most of Karen O's on stage costumes (Karen O being the singer of the Yeah Yeah Yeah's if you don't know). Joy creates amazing, outlandish one off garments that are truly brought to life by Karen's wild stage persona. I'm pretty much in love with everything she has created so will try to keep the images to a minimum, though they are ALL incredible...

Joy flits between an array of themes, sometimes incorporating several in to one costume...glam rock/tribal/dominatrix/new romantic have all been touched on. And to prove that Ms Joy is no one trick pony, she has also created some more 'wearable' pieces such as the collection 'WHEN I WANT YOU IN THE NIGHT' showcased in NYC, which included graphic print tribal/african pattern inspired vests...

 

(All images from http://www.christianjoy.us/)

THE OWL AND THE PUSSYCAT

My friend Abi directed me towards her friend's new online vintage store 'The Owl and the Pussycat' recently, and to my delight I found a trashy 80's print t-shirt and silver sequin hotpants (which when worn together have now become my perfect trash disco summer outfit). The website has been updated so it's easier to manouver around, and by the looks of things the creator has been busy... what started as a small collection of vintage gems has now transformed in to a wide array of  items, some customised (such as the items below), some found. Here are my favourite pieces, which are available to purchase from the store at the following link - http://theowlandthepussycatvintage.tumblr.com/archive

 TYE DYE PANTS - £5 each

 

 THE OWL AND THE PUSSYCAT TOTE - £8

The creator of the site also offers a nice 'find' service... You contact her telling her what you're after, be it a glam rock jacket, or fringed bag (yes and yes please), and she will go on a hunt for you, free of charge, AMAZEEE!

ROKIT: Designer's Guild best of...

Below I have picked my 5 favourite pieces from Rokit's independent designer's section (details in last blog). The price and link to the items is also included in case any of the pieces take your fancy...

1) BK AND JIO

Black Fringed Necklace - £25

I love this! The ideal statement necklace, and with the fringing and anchor detail on the button, it incorporates two of my favourite things. Created by London based designers BK and JIO...

2) LITTLE WINGS

Native inspired headdress - £60

This incredible headdress costs £60, Brighton based designer Pippa Forster (working under the title Little Wings) can also create custom designs based on your specifications...nice.

3)CLEO FERIN MERCURY

Red Fringed Gloves - £18

I would wear these guys in the blustery English winter...part Michael Jackson, part Karen O, part AWESOME, they couldn't fail to cheer me up. Created as part of Cleo Ferin Mercury's western inspired collection 

4) ESTRADA MONKEY

'Be Bowtiful' Necklace - £20

This bow necklace by Erin Estrada aka. Estrada Monkey could be paired with a vintage lace dress for a Courtney Love babydoll look, or to avoid looking too twee (we hate twee), I would wear it with HUNDREDS of other necklaces and a lace shirt for a mad hoarder vibe...

5) AEM

'The Moose' Medallion Necklace - £54

I'll go for anything with antlers involved, especailly if it's gold and slightly trashy. This medallion pendant happily ticks all boxes. It has been crafted from recycled materials including gun metal by designer Adrian Eric Morales. At £54 it's not the cheapest of necklaces, but the ethics behind the AEM brand (independent, bespoke, recycled...) make up for the slightly hefty price tag.

(All available at http://www.rokit.co.uk)

IF YOU LIKE ME THEN WHY DON'T YOU GO AHEAD AND TELL ME...

I'd like to begin by sharing two good platforms for showcasing work that I have discovered... This would appeal to anyone creating homemade crafts/customising vintage clothing etc. and anyone who is an artist/textile maker...basically you creative types. The first is at the Urban Outfitter's website. They are currently looking for submissions of work by up and coming artist's to display on their website. I feel that Urban Outfitters is quite a cool brand and far from harvesting your talents to make money it feels much more like they do just want to give artists the attention they deserve. See details on the Urban Outfitters site or click this link:

http://www.urbanoutfitters.co.uk/projects/class-of-2011/page/class-of-2011/?cm_sp=Homepage-_-MainImage-_-110630_GraduatesShowcase

The second 'platform' has been created by Rokit (super cool vintage store)  and is called the 'Designer's Guild'. They are looking for independent designers to sell a selection of their stock on Rokit's online store... 

http://www.rokit.co.uk/index.php?page_id=1000411  

It seems like a win win situation...the brand gets a boost from cool individual collections and you get a chance to sell your bits to a wider audience, (the Rokit team also photograph your designs for you and put them on the swish website). So far there have been some beautiful bits and pieces including indian inspired head-dresses and kitschy trashy jewellery (of the best kind).

I will shortly be posting my top picks of Rokit's Designer Guild range...

Muchos Love.

LUCY IN DISGUISE

 FOR THE LOVE OF MOSCHINO

I've discovered this amazing Moschino jacket from the 90's, which has a 'Cruise Me Baby' label and gold Venetian Lion on the back. It's amazing. Soldier boy. It can be purchased from Lily Allen's online vintage store at http://lucyindisguiselondon.com/gallery/ ... failing that, why not recreate this gem at a lesser price, via fancy dress...

Not quite as good, but still... cheap n' chic.

get happy

BANDS THAT I SHOULD HAVE SEEN.

1) Nirvana

2) Hole

3) Pulp

4) Siouxsie and the Banshees

There's actually too many. So that's the end of that.

oh, and L7, for the violence.

MY FAVOURITE GIGS...in no particular order

1) 80's Matchbox B-Line Disaster - Moshed to death and beyond

2) Sonic youth - Because it's them

3) Pixies - see above

4) Yeah Yeah Yeah's - In love with Karen O always

5) Monotonix - Thought the front man was going to kull me right there and then

6) Modest Mouse - Only caught 'Float On' but that was enough...

7) Django Django

8) Jarvis Cocker - It was a DJ set, but it was amazing all the same, later that festival I would quietly watch on as Jarvis had a cup of tea with his family. Although I was too much of a whimp to approach him, and didn't want to disturb his family tea time...it was the best.

LIVE ART LIVE ART LIVE ART

In this performance I acted as a reluctant audience member, the performer's job was to try and convince me to sing karaoke. The wig reminds me of that scene in 'Lost In Translation'... The performance is slowly coming together.