Tuesday 27 March 2012

The curse of the designer high street collaboration

Do you know what frustrates me more than anything? It's the day after a launch of a new 'designer' high street collaboration and everything is out of stock. Why? Those bastard bulk buyers (you know who you are) who decide they will make a quick buck by sky rocketing the price of what the item actually cost on ebay and other sites.  Surely the whole point of these collaborations is to offer people who cannot afford the cost of the real thing a bit of designer luxury on a budget? This is why I found Barbara Hulanicki's approach about her range for ASDA so refreshing.    

Her interview with Vogue in 2010 highlighted the need for simple stylish pieces at realistic and affordable prices. This dress for example is classic and should be a staple in any woman's wardrobe. Worn with flatties tights and pearls during the day and rocking out in the evening with some silver boots and a funky clutch. It's only sodding £18.00 can you go wrong?



The classic prints from the heyday of BIBA are all there too. This woman rocks saying a big fat 'fuck you' to the relaunch of BIBA at House of Frazer. Asked if it represents the true BIBA spirit her response was "No, It looks like House of Fraser. No comment,". She's right...the whole point of fashion back in the 60's was a thrift store mentality, cheap,  cheerful, something you could dress up. Today is no different, in a deep recession we simply cannot afford the bullshit prices of bulk buying bastards. Nor do I want to see carbon copy clones the day after a launch......boring. If anything my tip is to go looking at the collaborations from years ago they are dirt cheap now and remember the wise words of BH  'I want to do what I always have done - make clothes for young people living in bedsits'. 


Thursday 22 March 2012

Wine+Ebay=heaven





Prints rule and I'm trying to find something a little out there. Ahh back in the day...my imagination is in overdrive. I'm lusting after some vintage Kenzo at the moment, as the brand appears to be having a bit of a revival.

Tuesday 13 March 2012

Bring home the booties



Iris Barbee Bonner-what an effing genius. So cool...these boots are on acid baby... check her out at http://thesepinklips.com/wp/

Life on Mars


 'Space Man....I always wanted you to know'. I guess this has to be my favourite trend...a little bit of David, a little bit of leather, a sharp sprinkle of gold and silver and a lot of attitude. Who doesn't want to shine all day? My pick of the high street that will add a bit of Astrology to your day.





Steve Madden
£84.99
                                                             
Topshop
£38.00
Clarks
£69.99


Topshop
£45

Side lining



When I think of SS trends (Spring/Summer not the Nazi type) I think of pastel suits, Moroccan prints, sky high super friendly on my tootsies wedges and Olympic fever but I rarely take into consideration hair or make up. I've realised this for many reasons, my hair whilst polished and preened to perfection (only in the house mind you) resembles a greasy been riding on my stick Mombi (remember Return to Oz?) by around 10am. However I've heard wigs are making a comeback..??? Or just new heads in her case. Anyway I had a fringe put in a few weeks ago and tried to do a Celine and Dries Van Noten...not quite the same but I teamed it with the clash...monochrome jacket, tribal top and turquoise Hudson jeans. But my Angel Jackson bag has seen better days mind you...which is such a sodding shame as bold clutches are all the bloody rage.

Sunday 11 March 2012

Chocolate Handbags










Things I found out about Amsterdam. La Chouffee is the most delicious beer in the world. The Grey Area...no explanation needed (look it up)  15 inch black dildos (there's no need to be so greedy) fake fannys which seem to cost more than an actual shag (cost per use more economical I suppose) and happy drinking times at Cafe Belgique. The Jordann area seemed to have the most predominant concentration of vintage shops. One in particular had a focus on this seasons trends pastel dotty skirts, neopolitan ice cream loose fitted tops and bold clutches. The girls of Amsterdam have a relaxed vibe....anything goes. Stunning features (you'v seen Lara Stone right?) and are ridiculously skinny must be all the bike riding cause jesus christ they must get the munchies.

Sunday 9 October 2011

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.