A Mystic Meg Moment

For the previous nine months it’s been hard trying to picture where I’m going to be in the upcoming 6 weeks, let alone 6 months. If my Boris Bike adventure (adventure makes the venture sound a lot more playful – in reality it was closer to a journey of merciless peril) is anything to go by, it’ll be into an early grave,  with the taxi driver whom I rendered into a cardiac arrest dancing all over it.

However, despite my inability to look into the future as accurately or with hair as good as Mystic Meg, I have been fortunate enough to gain insight into what array of trends you could be donning in the upcoming 6 months.

Thanks to the friendly folk at Avenue 32, I bring to you the top 10 trends to look out for the next season. Sadly I can’t predict anything that has more of an impact on your life other than what you might be wearing, however it’s the best I can offer (the only other thing I can definitely predict is you won’t be finding me on a Boris Bike around Islington anytime soon – Taxi drivers of London you can breathe a sigh of relief)…

 

1)      Team America

Evolving from the lux sportswear that has been trending this season, it’s time to pick a side and them then on whether it’s wearing a basketball vest or baseball top next season.

 

2)      All Faux One and One Faux All

With fur being such a marmite topic in fashion, you’re either covering every inch of your body in it, or tipping the red paint over it (the fur not your body), however, next season fashion is playing it safe with having faux fur take to the stage. Not a fan of the counterfeit feel? Well rumour has it the synthetics used to create the faux fur has developed so significantly it leads to the illusion of real fur- with no animals being harmed in the making. Lovely.

 

3)      Tarte Tartan

From traditional to abstract, artistic license to British Heritage, tartan is being hit at from all angles next season. So whether you’re punk or proper – you can make of it what you will.

 

4)      Song of Folk and Fable

Think the tales of Brothers Grimm… its Hansel and Gretel meet the designers such as Temperly, however hopefully more

 

5)      Sweet and Sour

Being an advocate for colour it’s a relief to see some vibrant eye candy sauntering down next seasons runways, with sultry sweet and vivid tones, these opposing attributes will provide both warmth and spirit to next season’s looks.

 

6)      That 70’s Show

Time to look in retro-spect. This isn’t playing the game of dress up though, apparently the 70s look for this season is a sexy one (So not your typical image of your Dad in flared trousers, sorry to conjure that).

 

7)      Knit-Wit

It’s set to be the new statement piece for next season. As much as this information may send a buzz of excitement through you – with the prospect of being in fashion AND in warmth, it may very well also put you in debt with the knitted masterpieces setting you back between 700-1200.

 

8)      The New Normal

If you’re a regular reader of this little blog (hello Mum, Pilks and Hardy) then you’ll be fully up to scratch on what the trend of ‘Normcore’ is (just scroll down if not). Quick 101 though, it’s the idea of dressing down (shaving off some minutes getting ready in the morning) and blending into the crowd. It’s casual camouflage.

 

9)      To Infinity and Beyond

Completely opposing the trend of normcore discussed above, inter-galactic is also set to hit the shops next season. I always did like Buzz Lightyear

 

10)   Black is the New…. Black?

Mainly focused as an evening trend, black is making a comeback.

If any of you feel the need to get ahead of the game on next seasons trends then search Avenue 32 (http://www.avenue32.com/) hosting an array of designers that will offer something you keeping with these trends. In the meantime you’ll find me dressed in my space suit in preparation for the upcoming season; I feel this trend is the one that will wear better against the roads of Islington whilst aboard my Boris Bike.

The Normcore Movement.

For years fashion has been an extrovert and outlandish realm, it’s always been about turning those heated bulbs of the spotlights and making sure they focus on you. If you look back to my very first blog post, I mention that at my first fashion week I witnessed one girl standing in the middle of the entrance to Somerset House, in the most ridiculous outfit she could clearly pull from designers whilst wearing shoes with platforms so big you could start building the foundations to a small house with them... but all eyes were on her. It was a battle of the bloggers to get her picture, with brawls and riots taking place to get to her. So I just stood back and merged into the background, in my charity shop bought shirt and wax jacket, kind of hoping that if I tried hard enough I’d eventually merge with the bricks behind me. Having never been one for show (I used to make my mum park round the corner from my school when she dropped me off, as our car was a red that was so vibrant animals actually ran away from it) yet having always been interested in fashion, I have often wondered where I can buy this jarred self-confidence from.  However, little did I know then when I was trying to become half girl, half wall that I could soon count myself as part of a new fashion movement slowly taking over known as ‘normcore’. 

I’ve googled extensively where the name ‘normcore’ actually came from for this emerging trend. Is it a combination of normal and encore? Or a way of expressing being normal from your very core? Nobody actually knows, and It’s a pretty shit word. I find it hard to take a motion seriously when the name sounds like it’s been put together by people just shouting words at each other and hoping for the best. However, the idea of ‘normcore’ is the idea of blending in. It’s about the rejection of the exhibition that fashion can lead us to and becoming a ‘blank canvas’..... It’s so uncool, it’s cool. It’s function over fashion, it’s choosing to not make a statement so much so that you are making one…. make any sense? 

What is it that makes ‘normcore’ what it is then? Think your Dad dressed for doing house jobs on a Saturday. It’s about the non descript, the completely ordinary, the un obvious and the practical. For example of this idea slowly seeping it’s way into fashion; heels are a out this season, and there is nothing more fashionable than keeping your foot horizontal. As Stella McCartney delicately puts “there is something about having the confidence to wear a shoe that is not 10 inches tall that sends a message” and that sums up normcore, it’s having the confidence to not have to be extravagant and far out in an industry that relies on being so, and it’s that that proves just how fashionable you actually are. 

With fashion being a pretty fickle industry, where majority it’s not what you know it’s who you know and what you wear, it’s somewhat refreshing for a movement to be going forward that focuses on substance over style rather than the other way round. In an age where the idea of ‘fashion’ has become overwhelmingly popular, where we are drowning in celebrity endorsements and trends, style has become what I like to call ‘photocopy fashion'... we just reproduce it rather than discover it.

However the movement of normcore opposes this. It’s the same as how minimalism came about as a reaction to abstract expressionism, just because you don’t paint the most intricate picture doesn’t mean you appreciate the subject any less. It’s more than a fashion trend, it’s a remark on the idea of fashion itself, and sewing the seeds that perhaps you don’t need to be obviously fashionable to actually appreciate it.

Birkenstock is footwear brand of the year, Veronika Heilbrunner regularly wears running tops and nike socks, and Steve Jobs is a normcore icon. It may have a uninspiring title, but the concept itself is the total opposite, and turns the idea of fashion on top of itself. Making me wonder not am I fashionable enough to be in this industry.... but am I normal enough to prove my worth?

So move over Lady Gaga in your carcass adorned dress and shift aside that peachy bum Kimmy K and your Louboutin dressed feet; and hello Adidas socks, hello black polo necks, hello comfortable footwear.... and welcome to fashion. 

Who Wears Short Shorts...

With his new album released yesterday and just for being possibly one of the coolest human beings to walk this tiny planet, what better person to dedicate this latest blog entry to than none other than Anton Bruhin. 

Jokes it's Pharrell. 

Musician, producer and fashion marvel Pharrell has proved himself to be a well rounded individual, he also appears to have discovered the secret to eternal youth, having reached the age of 40 with barely a crinkle to spy. 

As well as being a muscially talented and slick looking individual, Pharrell appears to be seeking to somewhat of a trendsetter. Not only does he have a illustrious hat collection for people to cotton on, but 

he is also partial to the tailored short suit.

Before we move on to the tailored short, let's just browse through some of Pharrells finer pieces from his noggin warmer assortment. 

The most recent addition, when seen from a distance tricks you into thinking 'by god! we appear to be near a small mountain range"

 

 

 

 

He looks like a fluffy pink cloud. Look at him ponder.

He just basically suits any hat.

ANY hat

Even if it has daisies on it.

Despite being a massive fan of the man himself and his versatile head, the tailored short is something i'm yet to be swung by as a whole....

 

 

You know that scene in 'Mean Girls' where they cut the boobs out of Regina's top? Well it's like someones gone and done something similar to Pharrell's trousers, and he's just gone 'meh'.

 

So where has this look sprung from? Is this something that is going to become more prominent in menswear as a whole? Tailored shorts is something that has already been on the runways, they featured heavily in Richard James SS'13 show in an array of dazzling colours. They also appeard in Junya Watanabe SS'13 collection as well as Raf Simons. However, it appears the tailored short suit is something that struggled to hit the ground running as there has been very little evidence of other leading male marvels jumping onto this bandwagon. Sadly it's still not aproppiate for office settings, as much as all the 50 somethings that work in my office would be able to pull it off, but in my eyes it is too bigger adaption on the suit for people to ride with. The suit is really the definition and signifier of a gentleman, which is hard to convey to someone when they are being distracted by your knobbly knees. 

We won't be seeing it in our work environments anytime soon and it should probably keep off the red carpet (imagine the burn if you fell), however hats off to Pharrell (get the link there?) for once again trying to push against fashion conformities. 

Love ya always though Pharrell. 

Red Carpet Run-Down: Brit Awards 2014

With the Brit awards fresh in the tabloids today I thought it would be both appropriate and predictable to base this post on nothing other than the event itself. 

I wasn't there, obviously. However thanks to the delights of social media, and predominantly the mail online, it's almost as if I was. 

The evening appeared to be filled with fire, Beyonce, James Cordon making every situation where he was interacting with other human beings extremely awkward and of course, some magnificent and mildly disturbing clothing choices showcased on the red carpet. 

For designers, having one of their pieces on the red carpet is extremely important. Even more so is getting it to attract the right amount of media attention, at a bid to broaden the body of potential clientel and gain the brand further recognition as an established label. The sad aspect of this whole process is that a designer could put a lot of funding and hours into creating these original one off pieces for the celebirty to potentially not even have them worn. The celebrity will have an abundance of designers doing the same thing for them, so will be spoilt for choice. Tough life hey?

With this in mind it all begins to make sense. When you look at celebrities sauntering down the red carpet in something that resembles Brighton pier, it makes you realize why some go to such extreme lengths to make their work stand out, Is it really about using their creative license to their full potential, or all about winning? Even those who are at the forefront of fashion still have to bare their teeth and fight to gain acceptance, when we all may have been thinking they'd just been smoking something funky and then let loose on a sewing machine. 

The Brits last night was no exception, and to highlight this here are 10 outfits that stood out for me the most at the Brits (followed by my thoughts to what the design could have potentially be based on)....

1. Fearne Cotton

 

This cheese grater.

2. Foxes

 

This flamboyant lamp.

3. Laura Mvula

 

These tasty looking meringues. 

4. Katy B

 

This net bag of tomatoes. 

5. Laura Whitmore

 

This six pack of Christmas tree decorations.

6. Rita Ora

 

This exotic minion.

7. Ellie Goulding 

 

This oil painting.

8. Jessie J

 

This jazzy chimney.

9. Lily Allen

 

This feather duster.

10. Myleene Klass

This drawstring bag.

(Amazing some of the things you can muster inspiration from)

Self-Indulgey

So it's been a while since the last blog, my new years resolution of blogging 3 times a week is clearly going really well for me, round of applause please.

So to get things going again here is a blog about something that may or may not muster rage from deep within you.

Let's set the scene, it's a week day night, we'll say around 9pm. You're tired, grumpy, and let's face it, look a little bit like shit. You've been working all day, your make up is half wiped off your face, your mascara has done that thing where it looks like it's decaying under your eyes, and your hair is tied up in what a friend of mine likes to call a 'donkey bollock' on top of your head. If you're anything like me you're wearing baggy grey tracksuit bottoms, a baggy t-shirt (one that could substitute as a tent for a family of 4) and slippers my Grandmother would turn her nose up at.

Which is why, it BAFFLES me, that when I log into my Facebook or swipe through my Instagram feed at this time, that at least one person will have uploaded a selfie of themselves; make up in tact, pout perfected, cleavage out and stating  how 'rough' they look, likely followed by a 'haha' to just highlight how utterly hilarious the situation is.

You don't look rough. You know you don't look rough. You also know you don't look rough because of the groupies that will then continue to comment and condone this behavior by making remarks such as 'no you don't babe <3' or 'gorgeous as ever'. If I tried to do something similar on a Wednesday night, donkey bollock standing tall, I can imagine comments would be more along the lines of 'WHY GOD WHY?!?!' or 'Who's the old woman?'.

Now I'm not bitter (I am, I clearly am) that some girls can maintain a high standard of care for themselves throughout the day without a hair moving out of place or a slight nipple slip from their strategically low cut top, however my question is where does this relentless energy to look sexy all the time come from?? And to be quite honest.... why?!

Now I joke about my coming in from work and morphing into something that should be living under a bridge guarding it from goats, but it's honestly as if the moment I step in the front door my clothes suddenly morph into some form of skin irritant and I just have to quickly be in my tent top. It's my happy place.

Maybe it's a different mind set, or maybe I am just bloody lazy. However some peoples constant perseverance for perfection and appreciation really makes me ask and wonder their motives behind it. It's the girl who has taken a selfie from her bed about to 'doze off', still with fake eyelashes on. It's the girl in the gym sweating it out on the tread mill, but also sweating out her just applied foundation and eyeliner. It's the girl dressed to the nines, taking a selfie of herself looking 'sad' at a FUNERAL. WHO ACTUALLY DOES THAT AT A FUNERAL?! (There is genuinely a tumblr page dedicated to these people).

There could be many reasons for this, it could be because of that slight high we get when we try with our appearance, knowing we look good and get that glorious inebriated feeling, and this could just be how they want to feel all the time (it is nice to feel nice after all). It could be something more deep rooted and a signifier of the pressure we can feel from the media, being constantly surrounded by air brushed celebrities who look flawless on the mail online being 'caught' going to the shops. I mean, I hate it when I'm caught going to Lidl in a full face of make-up, having just got a spray tan and my hair done, so bloody awkward when I just look so dam good.

If it is because of external pressures that some girls feel the need to flaunt themselves as this constantly sexier than Jessica Rabbit persona, then IT is a sad fact of today that females feel under pressure to prove their worth by seeking for these social media highs. There is no harm in looking good and wanting to share it with the world, you aren't hurting anybody. However, if you do do it just for the simple fact that you know you look good, maybe you have an ex boyfriend that you want to show what he's missing (imagine that in a sassy voice please), or maybe you're just quite vain, then if you're going to do it STOP lying to everyone. The fact you've posted the picture shows that  you don't think you look as rough as you've stated. You're clearly a confident person, so why not just go the whole hog and say 'it's 9 pm and I've still made the effort to look as good as I did when I woke up this morning". If not then please stop inundating my time line with your lies.

If you are one of these culprits, this genuinely was not meant to offend you. It was just an attempt to clarify why some people feel the need to do this, and to maybe reinstate that you don't need to. Without risk of sounding like a life coach, girls do not not need to be sexy ALL the time, but if you feel the need to do so and also promote it, then perhaps ask yourself why?

"Sweatpants are a sign of defeat. You lost control of your life so you bought some sweatpants".

See the title quote above and tell me, what kind of emotions and feelings does this bring to surface? Agreement? Rage? Upset? Revelation?

At first with me it was rage, but at the same time I was unsurprised. I have an extremely 'Marmite' relationship with the weird and slightly offensive persona of Karl Lagerfeld. On some levels I think he's brilliant, moving Chanel forward and bringing it into this century rather than leaving it where Coco left off. However from time to time he let's something slip that eptimises everything that showcases the fashion industry as materialistic, vain and venomous.

The quote above does exactly that, now,  just because we don't all walk around in the same 3 piece suit and dark glasses (which KL once described as his 'burka', if want a fine example of his political incorrectness) doesn't mean that when we slack on the style every once in a while we have completely lost control. KL is a man I can never picture wearing pyjamas. Try it, can you picture KL snuggling down in a pairs of PJ's? Nope, because I'm pretty sure he sleeps in a coffin, wearing that suit.

This is probably coming across as if I have some kind of vendetta against KL. I would like to emphasis that I  really don't, I just don't like the snobbery that lines his opinions and thoughts, and them imposes on the general public. Another favorite KL quote slap is where he exclaimed that he 'did not like'  Pippa Middleton's face, and that she should 'only show her back'. It just highlights why so many people are scared of or view people in fashion in a poor light. Even I was worried before studying it, I thought the whole industry was going to be full of catty, skinny snobs that wouldn't give me the time of day because I mainly buy from Primark, occasionally splurging on Topshop... but that really isn't the case.

Some of the nicest, most advantageous and creative individuals I have met are within fashion, and I'm pretty sure they own a pair of  sweatpants joggers (I can't type sweatpants anymore, I'm aware I'm not American). Genius as his collections may be, KL is not only inexplicably wrong with his joggers comment, but I would also like to point out that not everyone within the fashion will bare the same thoughts as him, so don't let it put you off. He is not a sign that fashion creatives are people to be avoided, just as much as joggers are not a sign of defeat. 

Now is one hour ten minutes left of work, and then I am going to go home, make a cup of tea and put on my comfy joggers. NOT because I have lost control or given up, but because they are dam comfortable and a representation of us all not needing to care about show at some point in our life.

23 Goldies

So this weekend something pretty big took place, something I never thought would happen and something I am finding hard to admit to myself. Friends reading this, no, it wasn't falling asleep on a strangers shoulder whilst taking the night bus home after one too many tequila shots on Saturday night (yes, that happened, and if by some chance you're reading this man of the night bus, your shoulder was a fantastic substitute for a pillow) but it was in fact the scary truth that I turned the grand old age of 23.

Now, I'm fully aware that 23 is not exactly what people might call 'old', but it is what I would like to call the age of purgatory. You don't feel old enough or ready enough to do anything serious, yet you aren't young enough to carry on making excuses to avoid doing exactly that.

So as I woke up this morning, bleary eyed, somehow still slightly hungover and wondering why on earth I didn't settle for being unemployed... I decided to research into 23 stylish older ladies (or 'Goldie's', as I've labelled them) who have aged with both style and grace, to prove to all of you who may be going through the same quarter life crisis as me that, maybe growing old doesn't have to be so bad...

(I'd have love to put pictures up, but my computer has fallen out with me. So Google it.)

1. Iris Apfel (A really life Edna Mode) 92
2.  Diane Sawyer (Pretty convinced she is an illusion or a robot to look this good at almost 70) 67
3. Sophia Coppola (Looks younger than me) 42
4. Helen Mirren (Not sure my Grandma could carry pink hair quite as well) 68
5. Elle Macpherson (Again, another youth illusion or robot) 49
6. Nioami Campbell (Even her age is too afraid of her to kick in) 43
7. Tamara Mellon (Mainly on this list for having such a great name, really rolls of the tongue) 46
8. Elaine Stritch (She just looks so sassy, owning that waking stick) 88
9. Mary Berry (As if she wasn't going to be on this list, plus who eats that much cake and isn't the size of a small rhino?) 78
10. Judi Dench (A national treasure) 79
11. Isabella Rossellini (Another robot) 61
12. Meryl Streep (Shouldn't even have to back this one up) 64
13. Julia Roberts (Big Notting Hill fan) 46
14. Kate Winslett (Read Glamour this month, speaks for itself) 38
15. Sandra Bullock (She's just so lovable?) 49
16. Glenn Close  (Two words, Fatal Attraction) 66
17. Eva Longoria (This woman probably wouldn't have to put too much effort into turning me) 38
18. Eva Mendes (See above, clearly something about Eva) 39
19. Jennifer Aniston (#TEAMJEN) 44
20. Cameron Diaz  (If you saw her skipping in the film 'Gambit', you'd understand) 41
21. Charlize Theron  (She joins the Eva's on the turning me front) 38
22. Halle Berry (Since when was she almost 50?!) 47
23. Carolyn Parsons (Couldn't not put my own mother in, the wee blond bombshell) 50
 

Baby Becks'

So 10 days into the New Year and I am finally starting my new year’s resolution of posting more blogs, better late than never is a phrase that is probably most apt here.

 

I’ve been mulling over the past 10 days what would be best to begin my sparkly new blogging persona with. What would be the best thing to write about to really get the ball rolling, and get people thinking YES this girls not only knows how to write AND she knows what she is talking about.

 

Would it be to do with prejudice within fashion? Would it be to do with the new original collections showcased at London Collections in Menswear? Would I perhaps really break writing boundaries and somehow link fashion with current affairs filling our newspapers today.... the big freeze in America? Political instability?Benefit fraud?..............

 

 

...................................... So here is a little piece about national treasure, David Beckham.

 

David Beckham, the man who has taken the two F’s by storm, football and fashion, is now launching a ‘mini-me’line along his H&M collection. Yes ladies and gentlemen, your son can now look as stylish as golden balls himself.

 

The collection will generally reflect his adult collection, being relaxed in style but also having a vintage sportswear as a key inspiration behind it (so really, just picture the adult wear but as if you’ve put it on too hotter wash in the machine). The collection for the baby becks’ will mainly consists of Henley tops, long johns, shirts and vests.

 

The S/S ‘14 campaign will be launched on the 2nd of February during the US super bowl, where an abundance of females and more than likely males will be tuning in to witness golden balls Becks performing‘impressive stunts’ in just his underwear, the marketing genius behind that campaign should most definitely get a pay rise.

 

The collection is extremely minimalistic, setting itself apart from a lot of clothes for young boys out at the moment that portrays pictures of diggers, dinosaurs and footballs, creating a more chic form of style for the tiny gentlemen. However, for a children’s collection It is slightly colourless and lacks character that children’s clothing should have on some level. Childhood isprobably one of the few times in many of our lives that we won’t care and it doesn’t matter what we wear, so let’s try and not lose that.

Spot The Difference...

There appears to be outrage spiraling through the fashion sections of online media this today, as it has been confirmed that a 2011 cover shoot for 'Flare' magazine (Never heard of it? Nope, me neither) of Jennifer Lawrence appears to have been Photoshopped...... Shock. Horror.

Now, I don't know if any of you can sense my sarcasm there, and if you did you're either a close friend of mine I've badgered to read this ,or, you are just as perplexed as I am as to why this revelation that magazines Photoshop images is suddenly a shock?
Firstly I am going to let you make your own judgement as to whether you think J-Law has undergone serious surgery or just a wee nip and tuck, see the link below for the before and after shots....

 http://31.media.tumblr.com/fc102cdefe8ef12581ed788573d3caa2/tumblr_mgy8i33akg1s405ijo1_250.gif

Now I don't want anyone to mis-translate what I am saying. I do not think that anything about J-Laws original image needed to be changed, I think she is a fantastic role model for young girls with regards to her image and fully back her outspoken and strong minded opinions on the pressure that is put on young women today with their body image. However, I also do not think that J-Law has been transformed into a completely different person here (the mail online is making out like she's metamorphsied into a twig) and think if anything she should be offended that people have actually believe there to be such a grand adjustment taken place. Yes, they may have smoothed the waist EVER so slightly and defined some features, but she still looks as breathtaking as she does in the original image. To the point where I personally have difficulty telling the difference. 

Not only is the tweaking of this photo very slight, but let's be honest, we all do it if we can. I would like to know how many of the people who are demanding civil war over the changes of this photo have ever Instagramed a photo of themselves and filtered it to look flawless, or brightened the colouring of their Facebook photos to give themselves a healthy glow (I'll put my hands up, I do both). We all tweak and change images of ourselves to some extent, and for a publication that makes it business on imagery to make some tiny adjustment, I think can be forgiven.

So what's your opinion on the great Photoshop debate? Should J-Law be so outraged by these moderation's she should pursuit lawsuit? Or, do you think that it was almost 2 years ago now, and I'm not sure I even see a difference?

Scrunch Up

When my best friend once arrived in my presence wearing her hair tied up with a big bulging scrunchie, I firstly thought for a second I had been catipulted into an episode of 'Saved by the Bell', and then I proceeded to laugh a lot.

However, looks like she had the last laugh as a couple months later I was in exactly the position, and had a close friend laughing at me whilst repeatedly calling me 'quirky' pointing at what was tied on top of my head. I then tried to defend my beloved bouffant hair tie with similar lines that my friend had said to me whilst I had been raucously laughing at her. Ones such as "they are just so much softer on my hair!" failed to slide with my mate, and I progressively gave up.

She just loves scrunchies (almost imposed your face onto this, Joanne Pilkington).

However, despite myself having been both laughing and being laughed at, the scrunchie is top of the come back charts within fashion for 2013. With quite a few 20 somethings and older donning the retro accessory to hold back their locks, it's time to look back on what brought the 80s back without looking like you were dressing up for a themed party too much. With an array of celebrities, designers and the general public sporting the scrunchie, maybe it's about time we all let go of our hang ups for this elasticated gem and put our hair up with it instead.... here's to moving the scrunchie forward to 2014

Want to help the scrunchy motion? Look below for where you can get yours.. (you can even buy them in co-op)

http://store.americanapparel.net/rsa0504.html

http://www.saress.com/shop/scrunchies-3/

Commuter Chic?

You'll spy this on most commuter routes nowadays... and it's one of my pet hates. Men, and quite a few women, switch their patent kitten heels and shiny office shoes for a more practical option to support sprinting from the tube at two minutes to 9 to the office... the blessed trainer.

Now, whenever I've looked at this pairing on the tube early in the morning, I'm ashamed to say I'm more willing it to fall down the gap rather than mind it. However, a shoe designer has finally cottoned onto this formidable ensemble, in an attempt to modernize the look and cash in on the growing commuter trend.

Nike have paired with kooky design duo Agi and Sam (my fave fellas) to create a pair of Nike Air Max that celebrate Transport For London's 150th anniversary. Each style features rectangles of orange, brown, gold and black, with tonal beige (Air Max 90s) or black accents (Air Max 1s), and the signature Roundal (the London Underground symbol) on the tongue.

They aren't exactly the most the inconspicuous of trainer choice, especially if you are actually wanting to hide the fact you swapped your office foot for a pair of Nike lace ups early that morning, but if you dare to be bold they could be deemed as a great way to bring some style into your daily commuter outfit, and would certainly be a more cheerful form of footwear for your fellow commuters to stare at bleary eyed that morning.

Fancy grabbing yourself a pair? Jump on either the Bakerloo or Piccadilly Lines to Piccadilly Circus Tube station on 14 December, where 150 pairs will go on sale at 6am at Nike's pop-up kiosk in the ticket hall concourse.

Bunch Of Tarts

No, I'm not talking about Mr Kipling's sweet jammy delights that we all like to munch down on every once in a while (there's an innuendo in there somewhere..) but I am talking about the rise of scottish print this season.

You may relate tartan to either an Mel Gibson screaming 'FREEDOM!' at the end of Braveheart (great film), or a mohawked punk with more piercings than sense, but tartan is not one to shy away from this season with many high street retailers producing garments with the print design on.

Type in 'Tartan' to the search bar on the Zara website and you will be given 56 tartan print pieces of clothing flash up in front of your face, my favourite being this tartan zipped tube dress, even if the weather is in minus temperatures. I imagine it would team well with some black tights (100 denier, I don't cope with the cold) heeled boats, and a black oversized collared peacoat with gold accessories which would really jump out, a winter warmer for the Christmas party season. (i'm not a huge fan of the tied jumper around the waist that Zara have teamed it with, my Mother always told me that looked scruffy).

Do the same with Topshop and you'll get a grand total of 136 tartan delights to peruse upon, from trousers to pyjama bottoms, River Island 121 items, Forever 21 a disappointing 3 items and ASOS unsurprisingly taking the lead with 154 tartish wonders, so it's safe to say you're spoilt for choice on this one.

So why not pay homage to William Wallace this season and tart yourself up, whether it's in a scarf or a two piece suit, you'll be playing the bagpipes and eating short bread before you know it.

Berardi, Born and Bred.

With this Christmas party season fast approaching, I'm sure a lot of you out there will be looking for that certain party dress that makes you imagine Westlifes 'When you're looking like that' playing behind you as you strut through your office shindig. 

Well Ladies, a man creates those exact type of dresses, one that fit and form any body shape making you the apple of every co workers eye to try and get under the mistletoe, and he goes by the name of Antonio Berardi,

              
   

Firstly a quick biography of Berardi; Born from Sicilian descent his parents moved to England in the 1950's and Berardi was brought into this world in 1968, growing up in the same sticks as Maggie Thatcher (they probably weren't neighbours) Berardi was raised in Grantham in the glorious county of Lincolnshire (so not only is Lincolnshire famous for it's sausages, flatlands and me, but it has also produced one of the most influential and credited womenswear designers of our time). Berardi studied at Lincoln College of Art and Design before going onto Central St Martins whilst also working as an assistant to John Galliano. In 1994 his graduate collection caught the attention of Angela Quantrell, a buyer for Liberty (London fashion holding group), and from there on his career skyrocketed.

Berardi once stated that his ideal client is “a woman who is aware of her sexuality, sensuality and who appreciates the meticulous nature of what I do” and that his trademark pieces are “dresses that fit like a glove, and tailored jackets that don’t close but which also fit like a glove”. This is all illuminated in Berardi’s collections, using advanced fabrics and manufacturing techniques he creates sensual, figure loving and striking pieces that help enhance and transform the female silhouette. Below is a form-fitting and complimenting structure panel detailed sleeveless dress by Berardi, and a black and cream panel dress. They are perfect for both the body conscious, and those looking to highlight their assets.

                       

  

               The other superb element to Berardi’s design is that it focuses on making a woman sexy without having to show too much skin; not only is the idea of displaying too much surface area unwelcome for some, but winter is upon us ladies, and Berardi provides the perfect solution to both of these problems. Less is definitely more with him, showing less flesh but still creating a sensual presence by strengthening the contours of the female shape with his designs.

His designs are well loved by a wide variety of celebrity clientele including; Victoria Beckham, Julianne Moore, Sarah Jessica Parker and Gwyneth Paltrow. Gwyneth wore a Berardi dress to the 2008 premiere of Two Lovers, a gorgeous silhouetting white body and black lace panel, that went onto win Harpers Bazaar ‘Dress of the Year’ in 2009.

It’s safe to say that Barardi is a pioneer of body form and hard tailoring, making his pieces an essential staple for any woman’s wardrobe to crack out when those festive invites start coming around again.

Little Boys Lost

           

For the past 3 months I have have been learning the ropes at a luxury clothing boutique in the kooky area of Shoreditch, so I thought I would introduce to you 3 of my favourite men in London.. Ben, Gary and Mao-Cho (the dog)..These three are the clever and creative team who have brought Lost Laundry to the edgy East End of London.
 
However, many of you may browse the online site or shop not knowing the journey that this lovely little business has been on, so I am going to enlighten you on how it has grown from a small weekend stall in Camden Market to the exquisite boutique it is today.
 
The Lost Laundry begun back in 2006 when Gary has his own stall in Camden Market, selling second hand pieces of clothing. Around a year later this evolved into an online business, which Ben joined in 2008. The name ‘Lost Laundry’ derived from the concept behind the business, which is the idea that everyone has something in their wardrobe that they have bought but never worn, lost at the back of their closet (we are all guilty of this, I have several items which have gathered more dust than my windowsill). So their original business was like a shelter for clothes, re-homing all the beautiful yet unappreciated attire from around London.
 
From this the business developed into the boutique you’ll find if you stroll along Cheshire Street (just off Brick Lane) today, keeping the name but expanding the stock, opening in 2012, which instead of selling on second hand items brings new past season designer clothing with an emphasis on runway collection pieces to the streets of Shoreditch.

                                        
 
The shop itself is an inviting and quirky establishment, with an inviting atmosphere, stunning stock and luscious smelling candles Lost Laundry is one of a kind and a fantastic break from the over large and over crowded high street stores you curse and swear at on a Saturday morning. Selling mainly one off individual pieces, it’s more a treasure trove than boutique, and a great place to find one off mesmerising pieces that no one else is likely to own.
 
Male or female, if you are looking for something that is going to be original, unique and an investment then Lost Laundry should be your first port of call in London! Not only could you be introduced to that coat you’ve been searching for the upcoming winter or THE dress you’ve been seeking for your works Christmas party, but also you’ll get to meet a really friendly dog!

http://www.lostlaundry.co.uk

                                                            

Queen of Cakes and Clothes

Having been bed bound of late I've found myself being caught up in a bake off bonanza, fashion may be my first love but in joint position with that is baking.

This has consequently resulted in me, amongst many others, being an all time (number one I'd like to think) Mary Berry fan. Having bought all her recipe books, any magazine she features in and watched every bake off episode, cooking programme, or biographical documentary on her (remember 'fan' not 'stalker') I have also come to notice than not only is she an goddess in the kitchen department, but the wardrobe department as well.

Mary (like her cakes) always manages to look elegant and stylish, ageing gracefully unlike no other. Wearing eye-popping and floral blazer, boot cut jeans, delicate and pretty scarves and accessorising with dainty pearls Mary modifies 'prim and proper' - decorating herself as well as her baked delights.

                                      

So if you're if the age where you feel that you should be wearing more function over fashion, and want to compliment your now wise and cultured self, I would take a look into Mary's wardrobe as well as her cook books - looks like we can learn more than how to make the perfect Vicky sponge from her!

Small and Mighty

Logos, we are all familiar with them. Whether its the two tiny Cs that depict Coco Chanel, the top hatted pheasant of Jack Wills, or the polo player of Ralph Lauren, we will all be relatively familiar with one or two fashion brand logos. However these emblems may be small in size but mighty in power, as they could be the key to why you out there are more inclined to purchase that particular label. 

Chanel Logo

Jack Wills Logo

Ralph Lauren Logo

As well as being an important element of brand and design, logos have a significant effect on customers. The logo of luxury goods is symbolic, and are significantly influential on customers. 

I did a bit of research into what could convince a person to buy by a particular brand, and there is the theory of Conspicuous Consumption, which is the description of lavish spending on goods and services that are acquired mainly for the purpose of displaying income or wealth, helping to attain and maintain social status. 

Is a bit of a lude thought.. we may think we are buying these luxury goods and fashion labels because we like the quality, the style or the colour, but sub consusously it is because it holds a modest tag that sets us slightly above everyone else in society. 

Another thought leading on from this is does the exposure of a logo on a product make it more desirable? Imagine you are propositioned with two Mulberry handbags (i’ve been dreaming of that scenario happening to me for several years now), they are both legitimate, made the same, shaped the same, same style, same level of quality... the only difference is, one carries the tree emblem on the outside, and the other doesn't. Do you opt for the more modest version, that doesn't display the logo that can represent the costly nature of it, and just take it for the quality of the make, or do you opt for the one that does state the designer, making most people you walk past with it whip their own handbags over their shoulder. 

Mulberry Logo

As much as I would like to able to say I was that person who would be happy with quality alone, I wouldn’t. I’m only human, as are you, and I don’t think i’m in the minority with this thought. Logos may be sometimes viewed as representing ‘quality and taste’ (i really hate that phrase, as let’s be honest money doesn’t always buy taste) and a society of a higher stature, but it could also represent the love you hold for that particular label, whether you’ve bought it through saving for years, or can afford it with your monthly pay packet. Either way, both these thoughts example to us how important and powerful the small figurines of the fashion industry really are. 

Trick or Treat?

With what is possibly the most commercialised day of the year coming up, it's time to get your broomsticks and vampire fangs out, as Halloween is upon us.

I've never been a fan of Halloween, I once made Marmite cakes with an old school friend one year to give to all the trick or treaters (completely fell through, the marmite seeped out the bottom and we were just left with what was predominantly sponge that had a tangy kick to it - GBBO, I wouldn't recommend) however a certain designer has managed to create an entire capsule collection based around the holiday which has made me much more susceptible to the pagan festival.

Charlotte Olympia has created turned her signature Kitty Cat pumps into a menacing feline, she's created pumpkin clutches and bat heels to help us all do the day in style. The collection is fun, endearing, yet entirely chic - a hard combination to make and one of the reasons Charlotte Olympia remains one of my favourite labels.

Kitty Cat pumps that bite

Pumpkin clutch

Bat heels

However, like everything nowadays it all comes at a price - and a pretty hefty one at that. I would make sure you had quite a few Halloween party invitations stacked up for years to come to make an investment out of them!