Something NEW

I like making lists and filing things away. It's really sad but it's just the way it is. Therefore, imagine my delight when one morning a couple of weeks ago I conceived the idea of starting a new blog, seperate to Idea, You Gave Me A Fright Dear, with an aim to record what outfit I wear every single day, for a year. 

Why a year you ask? Because it's hard. I've started jogging and going to yoga classes recently, the jogging partly inspired by an article I read in a magazine about a woman who ran a mile everyday for a year. This goal of doing something everyday for a set amount of time appeals to my somewhat obsessive nature. But I can't commit to running everyday. Mayyybe every other day. It's JUST. TOO. SPORTY and EFFICIENT.

What I do do every day is get dressed. And what I do love is the art of constructing outfits. The shapes, colours, patterns of an outfit and how this balances the look out, how it makes you feel, how it makes you act. How your outfit is read by society, how it fits in with current trends, or doesn't. I find it all fascinating. 

This paired with a desire to 'dress up' more (as Vivienne Westwood said ''when in doubt, overdress'') lead me to start 'On Getting Dressed'. My brand new blog detailing every outfit I wear, everyday. And you now know how I like to file stuff? Well that's not limited to physical paper files. No. 

I will continue to write in this blog, when I feel like it. It will be like my bit on the side. My yucky secret casual blog where I write about dumb stuff like the top five men I fancy who are aged over 60... (Robert Redford etc). And the posts won't come thick and fast. They will continue to saunter in as and when they feel like it. 

In this way I've got a blog for fashion/my career and a hobby blog; which feels a lot like filing, and suits me well.

To finish, I'd like to breifly explain why I called this blog 'Idea, You Gave Me A Fright Dear'. I started it whilst I was at university studying fine art. Me and my friends were, let's be honest, not the most prolific bunch. It was more common to spot us in the pub then in any kind of environment that would be deemed useful (gallery, studio, exhibition). We could have tried harder, but we were too busy having fun. Therefore, when I did get down to some work and managed to sprout an idea about some performance art piece, it was frankly a shock. A surprise you could say. Therefore this name was born, fitting for a blog which ambles along doing what it wants, when it wants. 

If you'd like to see me try harder, check out On Getting Dressed HERE

Subscribe, follow, comment, see what you think. Expect fashion faux pas all over your screen.

PACK//UNPACK

With a trip around Asia scheduled for the end of this year, I have already started to think about what I'll need to invest in for the trip; what I'll pack, and having already done some travelling, what I'll leave out this time. I love making lists and have decided to format this thought process in to a list and share it with you. I guess it's really for the first time traveller, and doesn't include basic stuff like your passport, because you're not stupid. So here we go...

1) Padded bra - Don't go bringing any padded stuff. How do you think your boobs are going to fair under a load of polyester padding in a 30+ degree climate? Not very well.

2) Socks - I brought three pairs of socks with me when I went to India! I don't know when I thought I'd need these socks. I think it was just panic packing. However, I did wear one pair of socks for ten minutes during the trip, but only because I forgot what it was like to wear socks and they had become a novelty by then. So, yeah, don't pack socks if you're going to a hot country. Unless they're flight socks.

3) Decent Bag - A good bag is a MUST. And it needs to be a rucksack, not a carry bag or 'roll' bag. In the below picture, there I am with my giant roll bag, looking a bit ill as I quickly realise I'll now have this bag to lug around with me for the duration of the trip - throughout all my struggling to find somewhere to stay, roaming endlessly through packed out scorching streets, on the trains, on the beach, every time I change places. I learnt the hard way...the only choice if you're doing the kind of travelling where you move around and don't really know where you're going (what other kind of travelling is there?!) is a rucksack, like the one from Blacks below, and I shall be investing in one for sure. NB: A swishy good quality rucksack can always be found in the various trekking shops (or whatever they are, walking shops?!), so you should only be paying around £45 for one, tops. 

Blacks Alpine Aqua 60+10L Rucksack - £75 www.blacks.co.uk

 4) Guide Book/Lonely Planet Guide - Your initial bout of homesickness and culture shock may well be helped significantly if you bring along a book about the specific place your going, as it did for me. On the first night of my travels, arriving in India shit scared and alone, the ONLY thing that helped was reading my Lonely Planet Guide. It sure felt like a lonely planet then, and that's when these books come most in handy. To read about someone who has been exactly where you are, also as a foreigner and written about the do's and dont's is invaluable when you first arrive in a new place and throughout. Make sure it's specific to the place you are, a huge guide book about the whole of India won't help if you're just based in the South, for example.

5) Weird travel cosmetics (don't go to Boots travel section) - Never used a tinted moisturiser with SPF 30 when you were at home? Well then, you won't use one whilst your away. Travelling isn't the time to try out weird and wonderful new products from the 3 for 2 bit in Boots travel section. Promise. Chances are you'll want to use the same stuff as always, but less. So if you use tons of products, then single it down to the bare essentials... and make sure you have sun protection that you can use on your face, wala! You're done. NEVER go to the Boots travel section before travelling. You'll discover a thousand things you think you need, like a special hot country face mask treatment etc etc, and you'll think HELL YEAH! No. Those special moisturisers and face masks will just drip off your face within moments of you putting them on in a hot climate, and isn't one of the charms of travelling going without and seeing how little you can survive on?!

6) A Good Book (Swap) - I got obsessed with Haruki Murakami on my trip. I read Norweigen Wood and then when I arrived in a new place and found that there was a make shift book shop on a beach that sold some of more his books, I was so happy! So, bring a good book, read it, then swap it with your travel companions/someone you don't know, a book shop, or with the place your staying. If you're doing the hostel thing, some of them have a book swapping service too, therefore bringing one book is your ticket to a wholeeee library of books without taking up space.

7) Thermal Tops - Sounds a bit crazy, but If you're travelling around a continent, you may find yourself in a boiling country at one point, and then in a coldish country next. I'm planning to go from India/Thailand to Vietnam. It will be Vietnam's winter when I arrive so I'll need warmer clothes with me. A country itself can also differ majorly in climate, especially if the terrain is mountainous in parts (cold in the mountains, warmer on the ground). This point is not tried and tested, but having thought about it, I'm going to buy two or three thermal cotton tops that fold up tiny in my bag, and should I get cold, layer them up. Lugging a coat around India doesn't sound good. You can get these tops very cheap from budget stores like Primark.

Marks and Spencer'sThermal Fleece Long Sleeve Top in Grey Marl - £17.50  www.marksandspencer.com

8) A Tablet - Yeah, you're going travelling to escape all that shit, right? Well, chances are you're going to want to stay in touch with you family and/or friends whilst your away. Whether this means the odd message or long skype conversations, a device like a tablet would be ideal. I didn't have anything on my travels, but what I didn't anticipate was that I'd want regular contact with people from back home at least for the first few weeks, and I must have spent a fair amount in internet cafes.

9) Nothing Too Precious - Contrary to what I have just written above, don't bring any precious pieces of technology, jewellery, keepsakes etc with you. Certainly don't bring your BEST £1000 camera (unless you're a professional photographer/safety genuis). It will probably get damaged or stolen, then what? Tears. Bring a semi decent digital camera that takes good enough photos, but if anything happens to it, it will be a pain rather than the worst thing ever. I am very reckless with my possessions sometimes, and this means I got my cheap-ish camera stolen within the first two weeks of my trip to India. An annoyance, but no tears. Would I have looked after it better had it been an expensive one? Probably, but I didn't want the responsibility.

10) Soap - How are you going to wash your clothes? Soap! Pick up a few bars of decent soap, enough to last you your trip (rough guide - one bar soap = 3 to 4 weeks) when you have enough laundry for a wash, fill a sink, any sink, with your dirty bits, fill with water, scrub clothes with soap, then leave soap in the sink with the clothes and the water, go out for the day and when you return, your clothes will be much cleaner then they were! Give them another scrub with the soap, rinse, and leave to dry on a balcony/window ledge/washing line. If you're somewhere hot, they'll be dry in no time. I recommend Faith in Nature Organic Coconut Soap, £1.39 for 100 gram bar. 

www.ecogreenstore.co.uk

11) Shoes - It's getting spring like therefore the inevitable onslaught of ethnic inspired clothes/shoes/accesories will soon be arriving in shops everywhere. Don't be tempted to pick up a pair of woven sandals especially for your trip. They'll be uncomfy and you'll be a fashion victim fool! The only good that can come of packing such shoes is that you can give them to someone when you get there. I did exactly that and ended up giving a bag full of stuff to some Indian girls who wanted it. Bring decent shoes. My parents are obsessed with 'Ecco' shoes, and I think there's something in it, they're designed to be comfy, sturdy and last for ever. Might be worth investing. A few pairs sometimes crop up on Ebay too, as they're bloody expensive to buy new.

Ecco Offroad Walking Sandals Light in Black, £85  www.zalando.co.uk

And don't forget to have a good time, all the time. Even when you're sick.

Ok, that's all. If you have any of your own packing for travel tips, share them below!

DRUNK ON WORDS

Current obsessions/ items of note

1) Bunny Bissoux's Personal Blog

Image: Courtesy of Bunny Bissoux

(Artist, illustrator and obsessive fanatic. Raised in England but currently living in Tokyo and the internet)

 2) Show me the money

OH. I need some cash. I tried to take part in a paid medical test recently but I failed because my tiny, crabby lungs are too feeble. I have just endured a day of work at a large clothing retailer, and it was my first and last day. Let's just say, it was like being in hell (not Mordor). There's nothing like quitting a job after the very first day to make you feel fuzzy

3) Thinking about stuff and reading

I've been trying to make money and in the process of doing so I have been thinking a lot about how money dictates what you can and can't do, a shame really. Perhaps if you have money, you don't share this attitiude with me. It's only those who are broke that will find truth in this statement

4) Post Punk

Siouxsie, Slits, Raincoats, PiL. PiL are so much better than the Sex Pistols obviously. There was a really great documentary on Post Punk on BBC4 recently, which prompted me to want the below t-shirt and also to buy, in no particular order, the following on Amazon:

-The Slits (Cut)                                         

-Aztec Camera (Best Of)

-PiL (First Issue)

I always feel kind of lame buying 'best of' compilations. It's really sad, like saying I don't want to explore you in a way you want to be explored...I just want to listen to your greatest hits in a cold and mashed up order, and then discard you. Buying a best of CD is the music retail equivalent of having a one night stand

 5) Not buying

I'm going to delete my Asos, Topshop and American Apparel subscriptions. I might delete all of my Amazon wish lists, and I will almost certainly delete all of the items in my 'watched' list on Ebay (including above t-shirt). Spending money feels cold. Even at the time of handing over the cash, you know the item will not improve your life, it will not even mark it. Though...it does promise to, in some small way. I don't need nor want many of the material items which I have accumulated so easily and sneekily over time. It was so liberating living out of a suitcase. Fun fact: the more you have, the less happy you are

6) Ghost World

I've loved this film forever. Enid and Rebecca are so so mean. To everyone. Sometimes I get in a 'Ghost World' mood and I can be so horrible to strangers. So cutting with my brutal yet shallow insults. It's good to be mean for at least an hour a day

7) Storm Petrel

I'm on to the second book charting the voyage of Storm Petrel now, called 'Gambia and Europe Alone in a Boat'. My mum was reading it and I had finished the first book, so there was this horrible lost period where I was in literature limbo and I had to start reading 'Lolita' by Vladimir Nabokov. Thankfully book 2 was freed up later that same afternoon and so I am now happily reading that instead

LUSTS: ETSY TOP 10 MOST WANTED

Acrylic and pearls mermaid necklace, imyourpresent

Nope custom knitted hat, A. Darling Knits

Get your shit together vintage shirt, THRiFTBRiNGER

Ghost World brooch, nastynasty

Mermaid skirt, Caitlin Shearer

Purple Swamp hand printed stockings, Strathcona Stockings

80s metallic gold jacket, Hooked On Honey

Katie portrait plate, BeatUpCreations

Les Frites bustier, showboatClothing

French crown, NeverNeverTraders

IN LOVE WITH...Helen Melonlady

 

 

So, as mentioned in a previous post one of my current obsessions is Helen Melonlady and her YouTube channel. If you're thinking of colouring your hair pastel shades, she has the best technique in the world. If you're feeling glum, she will make you feel better. She's basically the best. Even the most cynical of you should subscribe to her channel, watch her videos, and let the enjoyment commence...

STORE PROFILE: Hope & Harlequin, plus Anami and Janine

Image couresty of Google

The Brighton laines are great for clothes shopping, as we know. There are the regular favourites that cry out for our attention...and some more reserved little boutiques that are easily looked past but still very much worth visiting. One of the quieter ones is Hope & Harlequin, situated down Sydney Street on the North laines. 

It' s a smallish shop, but the collection they stock is so beautifully curated that it feels like a massive dream wardrobe. Concessions such as Anami and Janine (more about them below) sit next to vintage designer pieces, re-worked vintage, wedding dresses, accessories and some home-ware (though I failed to notice any home-ware due to my being in ore of a certain dress). Every garment I saw was a dream come true, from amazing 70's silk kaftans and beautiful chiffon dresses to super bright pops of colour in 60's vintage glasses. I just loved it in there. It wasn't your dirty dig for gold style vintage warehouse, but a carefully constructed paradise. 

All images property of Hope and Harlequin, background image Mendocino at FreeSpirit Fabric

The website (link above) only sells a fraction of what is in the shop, so if you're in Brighton, I would definitely recommend going in and having a look. It feels like what I imagine a super chic dress up box/classy 60s boutique to be like. They do have a section of 'sold items' on the website so you can have a look at the type of thing they sell and feel jealous - I've collected together my favourite bits above. These range from a 50's handbag and an embroidered vintage shawl to 70's platforms and a painted 1930's clutch bag. All good.

I was actually first attracted to this store by the dress in the window. The most beautiful and amazing dress in the whole world (below, RRP. £96.00). It's new but inspired by vintage shapes, with mermaids all over it swimming around little starfish and I just want it SO much. But times are hard, must be sensible blah blah. If I faked a wedding and had it as my wedding dress, would that justify me buying it? I'm obsessed with mermaids as it is, but when someone puts them all over an amazing dress, it's a winner.

I did a bit of research and discovered that said dress is actually by design duo Anami and Janine (which I would also highly recommend you take a look at). They sell on Etsy, as well as their own website, which is great if you want to shop online. All their items are handmade using similar fabrics to the mermaid one, on dresses/shirts/kaftans. You should check out the Laksmi Goddess Print Dress while your at it - realllyyy cool. They're collections include 'Grecian Goddess S/S 2012' and 'Harlequins in Wonderland'. These girls are awesome. 

So yep, for now I will just lust from afar at mermaid dress, and if I feel in high enough spirits I might do a special post dedicated to cool mermaid stuff I've found. I actually really want a mermaid tattoo, that's dedication. Ohh and, the pretty fabric used as background in the above images is by a designer called Medocini, and can be bought at the FreeSpirit fabric website. The fabrics are also all mermaid, fish, underwater themed (it's having a definite moment). 

Hope and Harlequin's Facebook page: www.facebook.com/Hope-Harlequin 

Anami and Janine's facebook page: www.facebook.com/anamiandjanine

STREET STYLE: FLORAL COORDS

I met the beautiful Marie last weekend, she was wearing a coordinated floral two piece from H&M teamed with fluffy oversized jumper and of the moment chunky gold chain. As mentioned in a previous post, I was dubious about the coord trend at first, but Marie's way of styling it was perfect. The mohair look jumper nodded towards grunge whilst her chain and pastel hair (surely two of the strongest trends of the moment), kept the look fashion forward and chic. Perfect!

Image: Camilla Gilbey, all rights reseserved

WILD IS THE WIND

SO HAPPY TOGETHER: COORDINATES

I would like to discuss the notion of the two piece - an idea championed by Topshop this season. The concept is a matching two piece combo which can consist of top and skirt/shorts/trousers etc. The suit is an example of a matching two piece, but it lacks the novelty value of the new two piece and therefore won't be included.

When I first saw this trend for coordinating I felt shocked - it was perverse. It went against everything fashion subculture stood for. You've planned your outfit to match? It's so prim, conservative, twee. How awful!  The two piece was to be found in charity shops, hung on a double hanger. I would always want one part of the two piece, such as the jacket that went with the skirt, but no way did I want that awful skirt! But, they would never sell me only one half, so I would either have to have both or leave both. They only play in a team.

It took me a matter of days to creep in to this trend and look at it with objective eyes. It's actually deeply rebellious and subversive. I've often given the advice ''never match your shoes with your bag'' and similarly ''don't coordinate your outfit, it looks too polished and considered''. But what could be more unconsidered than buying an already constructed outfit? Scrap what I thought before...from here on in, I'll be matched. The best coords are those with 1950's/60's inspired abstract or graphic prints. The shapes that work are the ones that subscribe to the 'show your legs and cover your top or cover your legs and show your top' rule. 

All images: Topshop

Above I have collected my favourite two-pieces from Topshop's current range. They're beautiful and chic. The value for money is another obvious bonus. You can get two pieces for as cheap as one, and let's face it, they don't always have to be worn together. If you're having an 'off' day and you're feeling a bit too sleepy to challenge opinions, the seperate pieces will still work individually. It would be tempting to trick the outfits in to thinking you'll always wear them together, before you buy them - and then seperate them as soon as you get home, but I think this would be a big mistake.

In your less fashionable circle of acquaintances you may be seen as some kind of loser for wearing matching clothes. But this is the beauty and joy of coords! Two pieces are no longer only to be found inside granny shops in strange seaside towns, and soon your friends will realise. So, to continue a well loved and may I also say, practical, outfit solution, I will be seeking out a matching shirt and skirt combo in all charity shops I come across. Hello, sweet subversion. 

Back to the start of the two piece:

80's Orange Aztec Print 2 Piece - babushakas clothing at Asos Marketplace  
60's Lilac/Purple Wedding 2 Piece - LizziesVintageFinds at Etsy
70's Crop Top/Trouser 2 Piece - madam popoff vintage at Asos Marketplace
80's Rosey Floral 2 Piece - VINTAGE STYLE ME at Asos Marketplace
70's Black/Red Flora and Fruit 2 Piece - LizziesVintageFinds at Etsy
90's Floral 2 Piece - ArsenicKitty at Etsy
90's Leopard Print Morgan 2 Piece - THERAVENSWRITINGDESK at Etsy
Polka Dot 2 Piece - House Of Jam at Etsy
60's Watercolour Floral 2 Piece - Sandra at Etsy

CURRENT OBESSIONS 4

1) TEFL
2) Selling all my Earthly possesions on eBay
3) Martha - my cat (ongoing)
4) MAC lipstick
5) The Who
6) Buffy the Vampire Slayer
7) Growing my hair LONG
8) Topshop's 'Astrix' boots in grey
9) 'The Voyage of Storm Petrel: Book 1'
10) Helen Melonlady's YouTube channel
11) Morning lay in's
12) Cake

A LUSH LOVE

My dear and talented friend Abi (aboids4abi) has just got herself a job at Lush, and as a Lush employee she will learn to have an in depth knowledge of products, their benefits, their bad points and who they're suited to. So, to be a helpful friend and also because I really love writing beauty reviews, here's a top five of my most beloved, tried, tested and consistently used Lush products:

1) BOHEMIAN

This soap is beautiful and simple. It's made from just lemon oil, soap and glycerine. You can plop it in the bath for a bit to give the bath lemony scented joy (don't leave it in there for too long though, expecially if your bath is super hot, as you'll have no soap left), or use it as a regular soap in the bath/shower. Another plus is that it makes the whole bathroom smell amazing! For me the name and smell conjurs images of 60's hippies making their own soap, did they do this? I hope so. When I smell it I think of San Francisco, The Beatles, sunshine. Soap is much better for the environment than shower gel too, both in terms of the packaging and how it reacts when it goes down the drain. I always go for a nice big £6 or £7 pounder. Hunk of dreamboat.

2) VANISHING CREAM

Having crappy skin for 75% of the year, I struggle to find facial products which don't make the face dwellers more angry. It's a dull subject really, so I won't elaborate- see below for my Clinique review and more in depth moans. Anyway, this stuff is divine. I've been using it as a night cream for the past 4 months and it has improved my skin both in appearance (far fewer spots) and texture (soft and matte). This product prides itself on being easily absorbed - it is. I personally wouldn't use it as a day cream as it would probably be a little too heavy for a base under makeup, but yep, night cream all the way. At first I was sceptical when it was given to me as a tester by a Lush employee, as in the past some Lush skin care products have definitely made my skin worse, but this stuff is different. It smells so good too, like lavendar and rose essential oil. It has no cocoa butter in it which can be too heavy on some skin types and clog pores. No wonder it's Lush's best selling moisturiser. I can't sing it's praises enough, as you can tell.

3) LUST SOLID PERFUME

Mmmm. This particular scent is described as 'sexy jasmine', it's other main notes are ylang ylang, rose, vanilla and sandalwood. It's quite a heady smell and perhaps it would need to grow on some people, but I have loved it from day 1. I would be it's groupie. It's a warm, unusual smell that also reminds me of bohemia, forests, hippies, festivals. I particularly like the solid perfume as its very portable, easy to whip on when your out and about, and the solid aspect gives it an enduring yet subtle smell. I would always choose Lush scents over designer or fashion house fragrances. I do like a select few of such perfumes, but most of them are so pumped up with alcohol and chemicals that you're left smelling like a vodka drink. Lush wins again.

4) WICCY MAGIC MUSCLES

This solid massage bar is my favourite for giving massages to 'one's boyfriend', but also to my own back if I can reach. It packs a punch with cinnamon, peppermint, and softer tones of shea butter and coconut oil. It has these cute seedy beads that you can use to give a good massage to achey shoulders and knotted muscles. It would be ideal for people who jog or go to the gym, unfortunately I hate sports but not to worry! It has a wonderful moisturising effect too, it lasts for a long time if you keep it well (i.e. in a tin) and works wonders on over worked bodies. The ONLY downside is that you have to tidy away the little blighter seeds that have escaped.

5) EMOTIONAL BRILLIANCE 'AMBITION'

This is my absolute favourite red lipstick, and I've tried a few. My need for red lips and desire to be Courtney Love began my voyage of discovery in to red lipsticks from an early age (like 14...15, not when I was a baby). Basically what I'm saying is...I've tried them all and this one wins. It comes packaged in a little glass bottle with a screw on lid, the texture is thick and almost powdery. I have tried applying it straight to my lips for a thick, high pigment effect and also applied it with a lip brush over a thin layer of balm. Both techniques work very well, it just depends on what you want. To apply straight to lips you must have a well moisturied and flake free pout otherwise your lips will dry out further and the colour will get stuck in the flakes. OW. Lush's beautiful makeup range is based on an 'emotional brilliance' philosophy, so each colour is associated with a different mood, state of being or feeling. Do investigate further, there's a game featuring this idea on the LUSH website which I would recommend. Note: In the above picture, you can see 'Ambition' on the right and 'Bubbly' on the left, which I also bought. Bubbly is lovely too, pink and glittery for Spice Girl moments.

Lush, I love you. Abi, good luck!

*top image courtesy of Lush and www.fanpop.com

ZEITGEIST

The idea of an icon is strange. How does one achieve such a status? How you dress, what you do, your personality, how well you capture a certain subculture or moment in cultural history? Through the years I have formed attachments with several popular figures deemed icons. Below is a list of them and why...

1) Courtney Love

Image: blogging.la

My Courtney obsession was born from my obsession with Cobain (see below). It's been the most long lasting and corruptive of all my icon obsessions. I bleached my hair and wore babydoll dresses, aka nighties. I smoked and hoped my voice would croak like hers. I made sure my nailvarnish was always chipped and wore big cotton granny pants, just because on her definitive 'the babydoll look' list that she wrote to Kim Gordon, it said you should. This lasted for several years. I'm still a fan.

2) Kurt Cobain

I bought all the Nirvana albums, a rip off Cobain t-shirt (I have two now, one is a bed shirt), the Nirvana boxset, live albums, an unofficial book, Cobain's biography, A Nirvana book, a Kerrang special full of Nirvana posters - bedroom walls plastered, every music magazine with Kurt on the front. Did you know I even dyed my hair with food colouring, just because Bain did? It's true. 

 

3) Siouxsie Sioux

Following the footsteps of a rag doll dance, we are entranced, spellbound. I made a card featuring her face for my Dad's 50th birthday. He likes her too. Contrary to popular belief, I didn't dye my hair Black because of her. But I was inspired by her band and her music videos and style. She's super cool and I especially love when she was with the sex pistols in that interview before she was famous. You dirty sod.

6) Lynda in 'Wish You Were Here'

Image: getfilm.co.uk

The only fictional character to make my list. Just wow. Kapow. She rides a bike and wears a tea dress. She has a stinking attitude and says 'up your bum' a lot. She reminds me of my sister actually.

 6) Milla Jovovich

She's beautiful. The Fifth Element sealed the deal for me.

7) Chloe Sevigny

Image: Marleymumbles.blogspot.co.uk

Mega babe. I love the way she puts clothes together; she has designed for Opening Ceremony which was a great match. She composses outfits in a way that reveals just the right amount of skin - bare legs = cover up top, and vice versa. Her outfit compilations are always toughened up with sassy details. She was the model of choice for Miu Miu's Autumn 2012 campaign (swoon), and she went out with Vincent Gallo (Brown Bunny). I love her. She's rebellious in all the right places.

8) Alexa Chung

An obvious choice, maybe. But she's still on my list, and she deserves her iconic status. Her witty and intelligent personality is reflected in her choice of clothes. No stylist doing all the work. She has a tomboyish figure and she plays with gender, age and shape through her choice of outfit. Little girl dresses and mary janes, tuxedos, men's t-shirts and mini skirts. I quite liked it when she was going out with Alex Turner because they looked like brother and sister.

9) Edie Sedgwick

Image: wornjournal.com

Died in tragic circumstances - consolidating her iconic status. Friends with Andy Warhol. Mega babe. Factory Girl is a great film too, and Sienna Miller makes a good Edie. Her influential short hair/Black eyes/big earring combo is a classic, not to mention her tights as outerwear style. I got particulary obsessed with her when I first moved to Nottingham for University. I wore black tights as trousers around the house several times in those first months. I don't know what my housemates thought. Probably that I was a genius.

10) Twiggy

You could say 'UK's version of Edie', but you'd be wrong. Twiggy had a style all of her own...super skinny, mini dresses, massive eyes. Her voice surprisingly rough around the edges. I was skinny skinny when I was growing up, and I used to get bullied at School. Twiggy made me feel better. I painted a picture of her on my lampshade.

I like it when people make fashion mistakes.

AN ODE TO GROUPIES

When I think 'groupie' I'm thinking empowered femmes...not some sort of wimpy, dependent drug girl. Much more Penny Lane in Almost Famous than 1980's prosey there to 'service' all members of the Motley Crue. Eww. I'm under no illusion about what a groupie is ultimately there for... and deep down I know that it's a trashy concept that can't exist alongside any sort of feminist values - but let's not allow that to ruin the alluring images I have in my head concerning the groupie. Besides, I'm sure close up it was all a bit of a mess - but if you stand far enough away, like in the year 2013, it's glamorous.

Pamela Des Barres - groupie extraordinaire & writer of  'I'm with the band - Confessions of a Groupie'

Empowered femmes from the 70's in big faux fur coats, paisley print and tea dresses. Tassels and velvet. Unkempt hair and last night's blue kohl eyeliner. The odd sequin, a kimono over jeans and a vest. It's the most desirable of all looks - carefree and thrown together whilst being incredibley chic and interesting. It looks as if you didn't spend any longer than a minute pondering what to wear, you pretty much picked up clothes from the night before off the floor and threw them on - along with a big afghan coat. There's something vile about an outfit that looks overly composed and polished, which is why one of my pet hates is matching shoes and bag with each other.

Another key element to the 70's groupie style is to look eclectic. Each individual item is mismatched in a way that suggests a life that is disorganised, exciting and bohemian. The wearer looks well travelled and full of intrigue. A look achieved through travelling with a touring band, perhaps. Going back to the film 'Almost Famous' - I'm really rather infactuated by it and have watched it yearly for the past ten years. The girls in the film have spot on style and the existence they live in is very appealing in comparison to modern reality.

Marianne Faithfull - mega babe

 The look was highly influential - and it's reach can still clearly be seen today in the likes of Kate Moss or Sienna Miller, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, to name but a few. Take the grunge trend; it's essence is equally as thrown together and similarly it's foundation is built on music and the style of those who make the music. Courtney Love and the Babydoll/Riotgrrl look was just another more modern reincarnation with slightly different elements but the same core ideas. Without groupies, fashion would be horrible today.

Vintage suede lace up heels, Etsy: FLUTTER AND ECHO VINTAGE

Kate Moss-channeling 70's glam & groupie glamour

Vintage 70's coat, Etsy: sugarshackvintage