Q&A

How would you describe your style?

A: Classic and Quirky.

Who are your style icons?

A: That’s a tricky one! Definitely anything Patricia Field has managed to get her creative hands on…so Carrie Bradshaw would have to up there. Gwen Stefani and Sophie Ellis Bextor for their unique take on vintage. Diane Keaton for her effortless androgyny and other actresses that like to take risks, Tilda Swinton for example.  If I follow my classic and quirky style statement then I guess it would be a mix of Coco Chanel and Nikki Minaj.

What are your favourite brands?

A: Oh there are far too many to mention. I’m having a love affair with shoe labels at the moment. Irregular Choice would be right up there they have really expanded style and price wise over the past few years and they are so unique. Each shoe is like a mini fashion explosion! You could wear the most boring of jeans but add a pair of their shoes and you could easily become a style icon. Same with Natacha Marro her shoes are amazing very pin up, burlesque yet with a hint of Marc Bolan. Clothes wise, Chanel for obvious reasons. I also like quirky labels like Gharani Stok and Allanah Hill. I adore Manoush….they had a glitter tuxedo jacket a while back that sent shockwaves down your spine. You also can’t get more out there than designers like John Galliano.

What inspires you?

A: Street photography in new and exciting places. It could be large city like Tokyo or Paris seeing how the girls and boys stand out from the crowd. Vintage stores and charity shops…I will travel around and find the most unique treasure after hours of scouring through rails of unwanted and previously loved clothing. And I love to read (well I should say look as I don’t understand the language) Korean fashion magazines especially Elle Girl the photo shoots in there are very inspiring and take me to a whole new level of creative thinking.

Your top style tip?

A: I guess it would be to dress for your shape and if you follow fashion embrace this seasons trends in a way that works for you. Not everyone can get away with Aztec inspired leggings but you could make it work with a Navajo inspired jumper instead.

Also if you want designer pieces at affordable prices use discount websites like theoutnet and yoox.com and find out where your nearest dress agency is they are usually packed to the rafters with one off pieces. Don’t write off places like TK Maxx either, have a coffee ready as you will need to spend a good few hours fending off like minded bargain fashionistas who know a label when they see one.

Where do you buy your clothes?

A: Vintage stores and fairs. Occasionally ebay that’s my Friday night luxury with pizza and a few strong ales. But I love nothing more than shopping on my own and sourcing new towns and villages and raiding their charity shops. I have found amazing one off labels which the staff have not had a clue how to price correctly. But their loss is my gain, I found a full leather suit by the funky dutch leather label Arma for less than £20 a few days ago. I love the fact I can fund a new seasons wardrobe on a budget and I always stick to a limit of spending which can be very hard but it makes you use your imagination and your outfit options suddenly become bolder and alive.

Favourite fashion moment?

A: Anytime I have been in Paris or someone commenting on my style negative or positive at least I’ve got them talking.

Emotional Baggage....

One of the hardest decisions I will have to make before the start of the uni year will be what bag to carry around. It has to be big enough to carry a reasonable amount of stuff but fashionable enough to last through this Autumn/Winter season. I am also guessing it is going to have to be somewhat weather proof. I am absolutely lusting after Longchamp's Pony Patch bag in the larger size...very on trend and you can't go wrong with anything from the Li Pliage range. Classic, Simple stylish... everyone should own one. The pony patch does add a new twist, I'm just worried about the rain..however this could give me a new opportunity to purchase a polka dot umbrella.

I do already own two bags that are large enough for plenty of storage and essentials. For my birthday this year back in March my parents bought me a large iBlues (famous Italian label) bag I had seen in a small boutique near to my house. I had (they had I mean) purchased it as it seemed to tick the 70's colour block trend that was rocking the SS catwalks. It's the most delicious egg yolk shade and reminds me of having deviled eggs and sparkling wine in disposable cups in a daisy field at the height of summer. It also has several front pockets which are great for keeping your lippy and eyeliner in (although in the picture below this is the view from the other side). The handle is also comfortable. This bag also has the added benefit of the 70's colour blocking trend continuing through the AW season and is also in the style of snake/crocodile print (another big trend for the oncoming season). 

I also purchased at the beginning of the year via the genius that is theoutnet.com a Vivienne Westwood tartan bag it is definitely large enough to carry most of my bits and bobs and the print is really rocking the heritage theme gracing everywhere from Salvatore Ferragamo, to Burberry, Cacharel and House of Holland. The problem I have with this bag as opposed to other VW bags is the logo it's splashed all over the front and whilst no one should be ashamed of having a VW bag I am in two minds as I really do not like large logos unless it's something that is so in your face in an obvious sort of ironic kind of way...which I guess it is. Maybe it was one of those ideas that seemed really good at the time.

Who knew choosing a bag could be so bloody difficult!

Sorry....

God I know it's a been a while and yes I have lambasted myself with the notion 'fair weather' blogger. But believe me I have been busy.

I am back for my third year of uni next week and I am now not only panicking about my school wardrobe (it's a good thing heritage is back in) but getting things together for the shop well stall opening within the next few weeks. The good news is I will be blogging continuously the bad news is I will be blogging continuously. lol.

Well I thought it was going to cost an absolute fortune but to be honest I knew my creatively would come to light at some point. Those vintage pieces I subconsciously bought for myself that I cannot quite pull off or fit in to were obviously bought for a reason. So here I am with a handful of old Valentino, Prada, Oscar de la Renta and Escada and my loss is your gain. Pictures to come soon, alongside the inevitable website and Facebook page..., and if the above doesn't entice you then the champagne and cupcakes certainly will.

Watch this space.

What if?

What if fucks up everything.

Enough said.

Tell me about it....stud.

One item I have fallen in love with is Burberry's Studded Trench, and whilst this is technically a summer piece I am hoping with the lack of sunshine and temperature these past few months we may have (fingers crossed ) an Indian summer. I'm adoring the snakeskin belt too!

I cannot afford the real thing but I do intend to do some DIYing! Vintage Burberry trench's are going on ebay for next to nothing so I may as well purchase a few (well just in case something goes wrong! Which it will no doubt). This way at least I can throw in some skull and faux diamond studs and spikes.

I'm well up for rocking that fetish/glam rock trend.

The Power Jumper

Ahh the humble knit! Loving Sportmax, teaming an orange poloneck with a sequin skirt pure genius.

Warm and fashionable....what a winner.

Pick and Mix

I spent yesterday flicking through Vogue grabbing inspiration from here there and everywhere. But one article/photo session had me smiling and giggling with glee. My inner child had been released. Looking like a bag of dolly mixtures I sat in amazement. This doesn't go with that and that doesn't go with this....but it fucking does! A kaleidoscope of popping candy colour...the perfect antidote to all the prim and proper secretaries and androgyny. Whilst I love all that I also want to have fun. Fedoras were felt, bright and bold, furs were glam rock explosions, shoes were neon day glows that wouldn't look out of place at an 80's ecstasy party. It's time I dusted down my old Louis Vuitton clutches and team with argyle socks, dotty trousers and parkas covered in broaches and military paraphernalia.  Oh I love it all........