Obsessions And Vintage Glamour

Can I just say that I have a new obsession in life, and that obsession is Downton Abbey. This always happens when I watch one of my mother's shows, I think I'm not going to like it, and then I'm hooked. I start wondering what's going to happen next and get emotionally attached to the characters #howverysad.

But anyway this had me thinking about how it must have been to live in 1912 (I still cannot believe that's 100 years ago #timegoesfast) and how it must been wearing those vintage (well not vintage at the time) items of clothing.




I love how all the characters both upstairs and downstairs dressed. Lady Mary, Edith and Sybil's clothes are beautiful and you can see the change through the years as the fashion (well maybe not Edith) becomes more relaxed. From tight fitted corsets at the beginning of the program in 1912 to Flapper dresses as they go through the 1920's. This is a great way to show how fashion evolved.

The gentlemen's clothing both upstairs and downstairs is amazing. I wished people dressed like this today. I'd love to go round wearing Flapper dresses all day long and men wearing tuxedos, how glamorous would life be? I'd probably go round thinking I was in a Bugsy Malone film, #borninthewrongdecade.
                                                                               

It would be nice to see this type of fashion make its way back in to our highstreet and wardrobes. But maybe not those corsets. To try and add some of this vintage glamour to your wardrobes the places to go are Vintage/ Charity shops, eBay and ZARA.

I don't know what it is about Downton Abbey that makes many people so interested but it seems to have a way of doing so. Their gripping storylines, impeccable dress sense and Maggie Smith's hilarious outbursts are probably what keeps me interested. I cannot wait for its return in September #happy.

How Supreme

The title refers to the new Little Mix photo shoot and not the amazing clothing. Little Mix seem to be everywhere at the minute. This is what always happens with X Factor winners you don't see them for like a year and then they suddenly pop up everywhere (they were on Styled To Rock and everything!). Well most singers have a photo shoot when they portray a character different from themselves, and Little Mix became iconic figures of the 60's. I loved the shoot, and thought they looked really nice, but you can judge that for yourself:

Here we have Perrie, who's usual style is rocker meets hippie. I love the way this photo is an iconic nod to the legend that is Twiggy. The mini beehive works and I love the jumper and Peter Pan collar. The pose works well and her make up is flawless.

This next photo shows Leigh-Anne, who's regular style is the most Urban of the group. This pose works very well and shows of her tiny and tall figure with the help of the stripes on this dress. I love this photo because she looks like Diana Ross. Her hair and make up work well with her face, so all in all a very nice photo.

Jade's regular style is very girly and flirty. This photo shows off her great beauty, but also pays homage to Twiggy. I love her hair in this photo because it reminds me of Amy Winehouse. Her jewellery is nice and does not overshadow her face.

The next photo is of Jesy, her regular style is sporty meets Urban and she has an obsession with leggings. I love this photo of her because it shows her weight loss, the dress makes her legs look really long. Her hair is nice and not as big as usual. I love the shoes (even though I have no idea how people walk in them) they are set to be the next big thing #futuretrend.

Little Mix's Usual Style:

Everywhere I Look All I See Is Collars

I know this is really late to document this trend, since we've been wearing them for months, but I thought I would still blog about it. We (boys and girls #genderincluding) have become obsessed with collars. From collar chains (thanks to shops like Topshop and River Island) to collar pieces to accessories that come on collars to patterned shirts with collars. This trend started early March and is still a key wardrobe essential.

Easy to wear in winter on oversized jumpers to summer wear, they are put on blouses, and even on nights out (for people who go), collar necklaces dress up outfits. If you are interested in the trend, and haven't been a part of it you can get this stuff from anywhere (literally). Just look at shops such as: Topshop, River Island, ZARA, H&M, Next, Matalan, F&F for Tesco, george for ASDA, Primark and try online at places like eBay.co.uk and missguided.co.uk.

I hope this helped, but knowing you fashion forward people you would've been looking at this stuff ages ago! #late.

I Don't Think I Ever Get As Stressed As I Do When I Watch Britain's Next Top Model

And Ireland's as well let's not forget, (I was gonna write that in the title but it was getting long already #lazy). This week on Britain and Ireland's Next Top Model they had a challenge in which they had to walk in a proper fashion show for Tresemme, and they all had to wear the same expensive gown in a strange setting #morecontextneeded. Not all the photos are shown because well I either don't like them or the model in them or they're just to down right rude to show #gross.

This photo is of Roxanne, I think she has a really good chance of winning, and she has the potential to do well after the show. This is not one of my favourite photos of hers, but I like the way she commands the shots and draws our attention to the dress.






This next photo is of Letitia who seems to be getting weaker as the show progresses (one of the problems with being a favourite at the beginning, people begin to surpass you, and once you're at the top the only was is down). There's nothing wrong with this shot, but she is relying too much on her beauty and not actually modelling the dress. (Also she and the male models look very orange in this photo #thisisnottowie).

This photo is of my favourite model Lissa. This is also not one of her best photos, but she still commands the shot and draws our attention to the dress (which is kind of the point). She looks very sophisticated in this shot, which clashes (in a good way) with the setting of the photo.

You know when you don't understand something and it really bothers you? This is the only way I can describe the model (so they say) in this photo. Her name is Madeline and I seriously have no idea what she is doing in this competition. Her photos are always poor and she has been in the bottom 2 four times #disgraceful. This week she gave another poor photo and was nearly sent home, but just made it by the skin of her teeth #gutted.

 In this photo Anita, who is progressing more and more each week. I like this shot because when you look at it your eyes go straight to her (which is the point). The reason Anita probably did so well in this shoot had something to do with the male models since she is obsessed with men. Well whatever the reason she did well this week, and if you squint your eyes she sort of looks like Cheryl Cole (which is always a bonus).

Photo of the week went to Emma, I don't know if I agree that it was the best photo but it certainly is very good. Usually Emma is not really noticeable but she stood out this week, but was that Emma or her hair and make up? Emma needs to make herself more memorable and fast since girls are getting cut every week and this was something she should've mastered in the first couple of weeks. But well done to her for getting best photo.

She's Got A Line For That

 

My birthday is coming soon #yayme and at the top of my list or very near the top is a Cath Kidston Day Bag. If you've read my early blogs you will know that Cath Kidston makes nearly every accessory known to man (if you don't believe me check her website www.cathkidston.co.uk #yourwelcome). I always wanted one of her bags and I'm not the only one, Cath Kidston has a very wide target audience from teenagers to mothers and even the elderly, she has something for everybody.

Her designs are very feminine, so if you're into all black this may not be the place to shop for you. They sell: wellies, phone cases, bags, bedding, furniture, fabric to name just a few. For our textile project we had to make aprons (which Cath Kidston does so well) and in the brief one of the designers we had to research was Cath Kidston (even though my apron looked nothing like one of hers because it had cupcakes all over it).

Her range of designs and patterns can please most customers so I'm sure you can find something for you, especially with school starting soon get yourself a new school bag (she's got a line for that).

#ORA

My new style crush has to be Rita Ora.
Her music is amazing and she has a great sense of style that fits her music. It's very urban and not too much glamour, a look that we can all try an achieve (I'm not saying we're all going to look like Rita).
The way Rita dresses reminds me of the way people used to dress in the 90's #verycool. Rita fits the new style of British up and coming singers (like Rizzle Kicks and Labrinth).

She's all about having fun and her clothes represent her personality. Her clothes aren't too girly but yet not so boyish, representing the way a lot of girls dress now.

She also dresses sophisticatedly, as we saw on the X Factor last night (they should have made her the proper judge #justsaying). Her hair and makeup are done very well. Her platinum blonde hair works with her skin colour, and dark eyebrows and usual red lipstick define her face and make her stand out.

If I could dress like anyone she would be near the top of the list and from what I see around the city I'm not the only one.

'Trend-Hopping'

Today I decided to experiment with the 'Grunge Look'. I started with a Hollister polo shirt (£28), Primark super skinny jeans (£10), long white Primark socks (£2), Creepers (£23), Jack Wills bag (£34) and my new favourite purchase my beautiful army jacket (£24).

I tried this new 'Show Socks' look (I think that's the best way I can describe it) and I think it really works, especially with the Creepers but another show to pair them with is the Nike Air Max (this has been seen on the likes of Little Mix and Rizzle Kicks).

Well I enjoyed 'Trend-Hoping' for the day #funtimes.

WELLIES! Pretty Or Practical?

Remember when you were little and you had your little pair of Wellington boots for the rain or snow (well depending where you lived, you may not have needed them)? Well when did wellies change from being practical shoes to the latest fashion accessory? I blame the festivals. But now they are a staple part of our wardrobe, ranging in colours, patterns and prices. Let's take a look.

The first pair are by the very famous Wellington designer Hunter, their colours and patterns are so diverse that you will definitely find a pair that suit your personality. If you're looking at buying a pair be prepared to pay £50 and upwards. But for look-a-likes Topshop, eBay and River Island are the best places to go.

The second pair of wellies is by the famous bag designer Cath Kidston, these Wellington's are a continuation from her handbag designs, the designs are very flowery and feminine. The price range of these types of wellies are £38 and above.

The third pair are Vivienne Westwood ankle boot wellies (not exactly practical, but their beauty makes up for it). These are very expensive (ranging around £350 #yikes), but don't be discouraged I have a pair of these wellies and only paid £15 #bargain, Primark have these exact same wellies, but you'll have to hurry since you know how stuff in Primark goes #inasecond.

So for the next rainy day or festival you know what to do and where to go to get some wellies that suit your style and personality #yourwelcome.

The 'Grunge Look' The New Look

Did everyone get their GCSE results yesterday?? Yeah me too (was actually pleasantly surprised) just to show hard work does pay off.

Anyway because I have the most immense mother in the world, she bought me the army jacket I've been going on about for months. And if you've read my blog you'll know that the 'Camoflauge Print/ Grunge Look' is set to be the new print of the season. Surpassing the cheetah and American flag print. The style has already begun with the army jackets and now camouflage leggings are coming into play so get them before they sell out.

The perfect shoes to rock this print would have to be Creepers or Dr. Martens (if you want to stay with theme since people in the army wear shoes like Dr. Martens, see what I did there?) This trend is not going away fast so get a piece of it before it sells out. The best places to go are: eBay and Topshop, who are key leaders of the 'grunge' look. You've had your warning, so lets get ready for autumn #yourwelcome.

Channelling Clueless (Elle and Dionne Would Be Proud)

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pastels.patterns.pastels.patterns.

Watched Styled to Rock yesterday (for anyone that missed it was really good, iPlayer it).  The guests were Rizzle Kicks (who seem to be everywhere, I just wrote about them yesterday #weird). The task this week was to create a stage outfit for Harley and Jordan by incorporating their styles, but bringing their fashion sense forward.

Jordan's Style: Since he's a loud person he doesn't want his clothes to be loud, he has a very preppy style and loves pastels.
Harley's Style: He love's patterns but not to 'out there' patterns, easy clothes that he won't be constricted in.

Some designers created amazing clothes and some didn't. But Jordan and Harley's style got me thinking about patterns and pastels, and how these should be key parts in our wardrobes.

Patterns can be done so easily, too much pattern is weird unless done well. But you can accessorise with  Jumpers and shirts or even with accessories like tights, hats and rucksacks. For patterned pieces try places like: River Island, Topshop, eBay, Jack Wills and Primark.

Pastels are staple items and can be done with anything. You could even wear a full outfit of pastels and it would look on trend. Pastels are very spring and summer, so for autumn and winter try and wear a few pieces like pastel sweatshirts and jumpers, or accessories like hats and umbrellas. For pastels in anything the places to look are: Topshop, Zara, H&M, Jack Wills, eBay and missguided.co.uk

So these trends can be brought from spring to winter if done well and in moderation. Hope it helps #yourwelcome.