Climate Cutter.

 

 Oversized Sweat Jumper - H&M. Chunky Knit Scarf - Primark.
High-rise Ribbed Knee Leathers - MissSelfridge. Suede Leather mix Boots - Topshop.
Worn with Burgundy Leather Doctors bag - complete with raccoon tail, and a very glum looking facial expression.

Leather is definatly rocking my world at the moment, i own the, self named, Khaki cousins of these pants, along side some panneled leggings, a expanding collection of leather jackets and a fasination with all thing Faux-fur. Ive definatly gone overboard with this style at the moment, but im not going to stop myself, cause who doesnt love abit of leather with a nice chunky knit/bit of fur.

I finally posted again, I've missed it so much if I'm honest, and posting this look has made me realise how much I've missed it, despite being a new-comer and not being terribly popular, i still love it. I just haven't had the time as I've been so busy with deadlines (both now handed in, and the next one being in 3weeks). Pattern Cutting is definitely rocking my world right now and I'm definitely thinking of going into it a little more once I've left/once in in Australia in some sort of EC class.

Truth be told I've been in a 'dark-place' when it comes to mindset, but with this grey weather lurking in my skyline - who can blame me?

My countdown has officially started for my move to Australia. I have 37days until i leave and 39days until i arrive. I have an odd mixture of excitement and fear, all leading to me being rather bewildered and quiet most of the time as I'm left in a train of deep thought, fantasising about what its going to be like and how its going to be to see my boyfriend again.

Burning Bright

Milk-made cropped top - H&M. High-rise Pleated detail Capri - NewLook
Burnt Orange Platform Sandals - FrenchConnectionUK. Hard-case Clutch - NewLook.

This look was completely changed by the time i walked out the door. The ever reliable English weather resulted in about a 10degree drop to the temperature, put along side a ridiculously crease-easy pair of Capri pants and i found myself walking out the door in a grey drop front leather jacket, teamed with cream angora wool jumper and a pair of stone-wash jeans - if i recall correctly, i also has a scarf on?

Dreamy Nightmare.

 

Suede Wool Mix - Vintage. Drop-hem Shirt Dress - ASOS.
Purple Studded Pointed Mary Janes - Bronx. Paisley Scarf - H&M.

So very happy these last few days, they have been busy, so I've only posted two looks this week. This seems to be what i am averaging at the moment. I would ideally like to do it every day, but with college, project work, and actual work i find i don't have as much time to do the stuff i really want to do as much as i would like. Don't get me wrong i LOVE what I'm doing at college, but i hate my work at the moment and can't wait to leave, which is another reason why i am happy.

So i figured, why not share it with a bunch of strangers? My visa was accepted to Australia, I'm not sure if i have mentioned it on here before, or on my lookbook, i don't think i have, but i am now! So in 10weeks, there abouts, i will be moving there for a year to travel/ live/ be with my 'little love' - as i like to call him. Terribly excited to get out of England, this country holds such horrible memories for me, and seems to hold something over me that i cannot describe, so I'm glad to get shot for a while, to see the world for what it really is, and to move onto the next stage of my life!

Happy living!

Leggy Leopard.

JEAN CHARLES de CASTELBAJAC FW 2011-2012 PFW

Tweedle-de-{TWEED}le-dum.

Navy Chord Elbow Patch Blazer - ZARA. Leather Panel Leggings- Topshop.
Cropped Blouse - NewLook. Patent Anita Boots - ASOS.

I never want these boots to die, i am so fond of them, and i know my heart is going to break when its time to get a new bear as the leather will be far to crumpled and they will no longer offer me the support which i rely on during a long day/a fast paced walk/a run to the bus. I'm trying to put a limitation as to the amount of times i wear them a week, as i know they will be perfect for the colder weather, but every single morning i find myself yearning for them as i get dressed, they just go with everything (i feel). I think a pair of Steven Maddens or Jeffrey Campbell's are on the agenda, they just wont patch up to my poor little patent Anita's!

This is the look i wore to the Post-modernism talk, despite posting another look with it, terribly confusing, to myself, so i suspect it may be confusing to you, as to what I'm doing with my looks at the moment, i just had a slight backlog (only by a day) so now I'm back up together with them. Busy weekend of 20hours at work, a lovely paycheck shall be received tomorrow, to which i cannot spend a lot as i am saving for Australia, but at least i shall be able to admire to ~ever-growing~ bank balance from the cash point. Maybe I'll treat myself to one or two items as mid-season sales are now arriving in fast fury!

My daily dose of Calcium.

Cropped Drop-back Blouse - Newlook. Black Galaxy Leggings - BlackMilk
Black Patent Anita Boots - ASOS.

In regards to my talk last night on Postmodernism, all i really can say is WOW. Such a large subject is done no justice by a hour long talk from two Americans {very knowledgeable Americans may i add} that one cannot understand particularly well. Confused comes to mind, so does mesmerised, and intrigued. I got the immense sense of 'If you don't understand, get out of my club', made even more so when peoples questions were left unanswered and told that they were not supposed to understand and our 'confusion was exactly the right response'. A trip to the V&A to get a better understanding on the subject is defiantly on the cards, day trip  by myself a think, as i cannot see any friend of mine wanting to be left feeling like their brain is about to shatter into a thousand pieces. Accompanied by a trip to the bookstore to get the book that has been published by those who spoke last night.

I took a lot of notes, ones which i thought would help me understand a little better. But a comment from the English art historian about summed it up with "You grasp a point, and think right i have it, then they rip it right back off you, and your left scrambling for another one" - this summed up the whole talk entirely. While i found the subject interesting, i did find myself wondering off  at a tangent with thoughts about a toasted Bagel with a quorn burger. However this was not what i had when i got in. I had steamed Quorn chunks with ground gingers, soy sauce and a few sugar-snaps, along with a mini-pitta to wipe up the delectable sauce that had been made from my creation. Heavenly best describes that!

I was hoping to come away from that talk, being thoroughly educated with a basic knowledge of the subject, whilst I've come away with a basic knowledge, I'm left questioning it and do not feel particularly educated. The only point I'm aware of at the moment, is that we are living in a post-postmodernist world.

Alexander McQueen. Erdem. Roberto Cavalli. Blumarine.

Senses overload. I feel myself brightening up a little. What with a move to Australia on the cards. Maybe the prospect of sun is opening me up to new textures, patterns, colours and styles. Oh i do love SS.

I don't believe in Make-up.

Grape Piped Sheer Shirt - Topshop. Black Coated Jeans - Topshop.
Black Suede Pointed Heeled Pumps - NewLook.

I do actually  believe in make-up, on days i can be bothered. I haven't been much bothered about anything this week, and that's shown by the lack of make-up adorning my face when i walk out the door. Accompany the lack of 'bothered' with the hint of illness and you get something like this. Wet hair, moisturiser application and me walking out the door. I was only going to sort out finance, so i figured i wouldn't be spotted for 'Next top model' on the way to the bank, ha!

Going to a talk tonight on 'Postmodernism - Style and Subversion', not just randomly travelling far out for the talk, we have the literature festival going on at the moment in my local town. I'm thinking the talk will be good, even if it isn't, the location will make up for it. Think Victorian, gold embellishment, tasseled, velvets, and your about bang on where i shall be. I am excited, i must admit, despite being an appalling listener and being easily distracted, i am actually excited to listen to someone speak for two hours about the subject.

Reminiscing...

...Can i even call it that, considering its the current season. I feel like I'm reminiscing, every time i come online I'm welcomes by a lovely array of S/S12 collections off style.com. Alexander McQueen's new collection caught my eyes this morning, i can only find the menswear show at the moment though, and they don't have the 'Move it' option on the slide show yet. I tried to also watch MiuMiu's new collection, but the live stream didn't work. Such beautiful collections, i admit...

But when i saw this show a few months back it blew me away, it was down to a t. From the draw-bridge, to the yellow brick road Esq. catwalk. Even the music was impressing me. I'm not normally a huge fan of the orchestrated sound-tracks as i prefer something with a bit more beat and a little more punch, but Chanel got it bang on, punchy Violinists, i loved it! So here you go, my favourite show of our current season.

Regenbogen

 

Sheer Wrap Top - Newlook. Tribal Plate Necklace - Topshop.
Tube Skirt - H&M. Platform Studded Clogs - Topshop.

Hot is an understatement in regards to the weather today. With Met Office claiming for a peak at 26degrees, it was easily tipped especially with the lack of breeze. To say the Studio i was working it today was like a sweat-shop, would pretty much sum it up. Currently working on my fashion illustration project. A LOT happier about this one than the last brief set, especially as i got to design my own Sketchpad, adorned in Leather and Velvet - two of my favourite fabrics, I've sat for the best part of the afternoon sniffing at the quality real leather and stroking the soft velvet. Material induced orgasm is quite possible!

These shoes killed, and I'm not going to like, i have 7 blisters and 6 very unhappy outer toes. I also twisted my ankle, managed to fall over on my hands and knees, yet some how lasted a whole day in them, only taking them off, to a very shocking site may i add, when i got through my backdoor! This was worn with a Tweed-blazer with velvet elbow patches, not the most suiting, but it was 7am in the morning, i was rushing and knew i wouldn't need it except for my wait for the bus. I also took along my Grey studded cross bag and there i was, flying out the door like a loony only to trip over straight away!

Cigarette Break.

Leather band Cigarette Pants - Newlook. Magenta Heeled Pointed Pumps - Newlook.
Complete with Topshop Faux fur with Quilted Leather Biker Jacket.
(Worn with basic vest, gifted silver chain and ASOS spikeclaw earrings)

So this post was promised yesterday, but i delayed within reason. This reason being my day was very busy and exciting (well for me) and i figured it would be best if i can ramble on about it from a reflective perspective the day after.


Having handed my first assessment in on Monday, we got straight into the next assessment, at college we have to do silly little qualifications to achieve boost our overall grade. One being the 'Working with others' assessment. For this we went to Birmingham Bullring shopping centre. Being country folk and not having an awful amount to chose from shop wise in my town centre i was terribly exciting about going. Mainly just to see clothes in person, i order most of my stuff online as I'm such a small size and not many shops accommodate for a naturally small bone-structure. Sending a group of fashion students to a city centre to do 'reasearch' is the most ridiculous idea i have ever come across, even an outside can tell you that its a ludicrous idea. I, for one, along with my fellow 'college buddy' did next to none in the research department, and hit the shops. I was surprised by how little i actually spent, coming back with only two pairs of shoes, a tweed blazer (oh my lord, its beautiful, also are the shoes) and two necklaces, i was also surprised by how 'anti-social' some shop assistance's can be, maybe I'm just used to dealing with the friendly country type from my town, but being a shop assistant myself, i would never speak to someone/ignore someone in such a manner as some of the shop assistants did with me. The perfect example being when i asked an assistant in Miss Selfridge Sto check whether they had a pair of leather pants in my size behind the sales floor. I was shocked when i received a muffled 'NO' and handed the item back hastily, to her not apologising and walking shuffling over very quickly, maybe I'm just overly caring when dealing with customers and when faced with someone who is not so, I'm left shocked, but any how, i was least impressed.

I lunched at Selfridges, a noodle bar named Ekachai, i normally have a dairy free, meat free diet, just out of personal choice, but i pushed the boat out and 'treated' myself to Tofu and Vegetable Pad Thai, and all i can say was...well it was just beautiful, so fresh and flavoursome, and not at all greasy like you can expect from similar places, the tofu was of an exceptional standard and i even enjoyed the ground peanuts (If you knew me, you would know i HATE peanuts.) I rate it possibly better than Wagamamas, which is a biggie, as i am a avid fan of Wagamamas. However i am paying today for my 'treat', in a bad way, but it was worth it for the sheer enjoyment of the fresh dish.

So all in all, a very exciting day. My  feet lasted all day in these pumps, adorned with a safari animal plaster on my right heel however, due to walking a long way in a pair of very new, very hard, black patent brogues during a trip to town with my sister last week. The pants, a little to big, stayed up all day, even more so after my rather large lunch and my jacket kept me cosy all down during my walk home in a downpour. Hopefully i can post some new looks with my new purchases in the next week!

Hanging Military

Khaki Chain mail Jumper - H&M. Washed blue Grandad T-shirt-Dress - H&M.
Anita boots - ASOS.

Firsty, i would like to apologise for my appalling up-keeping of this blog. First of 18 (in the space of 9months) assessments was due in on Monday, and leaving it to the last minute, i was left acting like a ravage dog upon discovery that finishing it off to my perfectionist standards was going to take a lot longer than i first thought. Alongside a 24hours sickness bug jumping upon me at 4am on a Saturday morning after getting up for work, I'm sure you can understand that i have not had much time to spend my days as i would prefer to.


This was pictured Thursday, snapped just before jumping out the door and tottering to my bus-stop to begin my journey to college. Cheltenham is hosting their first ever fashion week next year. Sure, it wont match up to London, Milan, Paris, NY. But it can have a go cant it? Focusing strongly on promoting independent and aspiring fashion designers. The woman organising said event (Sam) kindly gave up some of her precious time to come visit the fashion group for the day. Chatting to her has really got me excited about it, and i pray, just pray, that she will consider me out to help. Even if i have to sweep the floors i will (OK i may not, but id love to work with the stylists'. So fingers crossed.


This is a promise from me to keep my blog updated, you have my word, and i have some exciting words to write about today, (Tuesday, as this was the post for Thursday)...terribly exciting!

I'm not Crunk.

Bandage Bralette - TOPSHOP. Pinstripe Pencil Skirt - TOPSHOP.
Cut Ankle Buckle Boots - TOPSHOP. Solid Bib Necklace - Warehouse.
Worn with ASOSrevive Aqua Cocoon blazer and a mock-snake clutch in patent and matte mix.

Patent Anita's managed to make an appearance in my late night - slightly drunken - photo last night. I went out, drank just two glasses of wine and came back trollied despite eating a meal (OK maybe it was just a salad - but i did have some olives too!). Drunken photos somehow came out better than the sober photos I've posted on this blog before. I'm not sure how that happened, perhaps my bodies less ridged, or i have these secret digital SLR skills that decide to show themselves only once I'm slightly intoxicated.

This morning wasn't as pretty as these photos though, I'm debating whether i shall post them, but then i think, what the hell, I'm not posting it for my face, I'm posting it for my look. Not many hours sleep and a still slightly drunken body didn't lead to the best day ever (however i did speak a lot and made some new friends at college, they probably think I'm weird though, but that's OK, because i am?)

Unnecessary Necessity.

 Fitted Blazer with Nude Satin Trim - H&M. Loose Loop Jumper - TOPSHOP.
High-rise Chord Shorts - H&M. Cut Ankle Buckle Boots - TOPSHOP.
Snake-bite Earrings - ASOS. Silver Bangle - Gift. Grey Leather Studded bag - M&S

Despite the fact its now turned to autumn, the fashion studio i spent my days in is so ridiculously hot i hate to account for the humidity that i will be surrounded by all day. Despite the loose loop style of the jumper, and the small shorts, i was boiling all day, yet once stepping outside i found myself jigging on the spot as i toked profusely in the rain.
This bag, despite not being from the most fashionable shop in the world (marks and Spencer's) is incredibly spacious and good for my to wang my sketch book in during my manic rush in the morning to get out the door. The grey is a bit of an impromptu colour, not matching with any of my outfit, but when you've got more documents that you can handle then you just have to go with whats best. I really need to purchase a black one, i wasn't feeling my burdangy doctor back yesterday morning, and its not big enough to fit the silly amount of stuff i take with me.
I also went out in public with lipstick on for the first time ever (that i can recall). I'm not so sure if its my shade, I'm thinking a browny/dark red/Burgundy colour will fit my style/skin tone. Despite what the images translate, i am actually of quite an olive skin tone, the sun just loves me, but i don't need it much at all. I rival all my friends skin-tones just after they went abroad this year. Has anyone got any ideas of where i can get the sort of tone I'm talking about? After spending 20minutes looking in boots i think i may need to take a trip to mac, but being in a little town, i don't have one close by!

When faced with a choice between the Bazaar and the Campbell. What is a girl to choose? Both are perfect (for me) one being patent leather and the other being suede, these both rival the title of my most 'loved' outer shoe material. Yet ones budget does not stretch to both pairs, despite receiving a hefty tax rebate cheque in the post last week. While the Campbell's are significantly cheaper (at £107.97, £63 cheaper that the Bazaar's are, originally priced at £600, yet now resting at £180 in the ever tempting sale) the Bazaar's just look so beautiful and well...bondage? I'm a definite fan of the bondage Esq clothes when it comes to my personal style, not because i think its sexy, i think femininity is far sexier on a woman, i just like feeling fierce and dark, i guess that kind of reflects my personality?

All i can do is ask for help and much needed opinions, before i have a bondage meltdown and buy both pairs in a moment of sheer weakness. 

Telescopic

Drop hem racer back vest - H&M, Black galaxy leggings - Blackmilk.

 Anita boots - ASOS. Earcuff (np) - ASOS.

Unfocused image joined with the focused. My brother keeps messing with my camera and i never know how to change it back (despite studying photography for 18months), i mainly only studied film photography, so give me a film SLR and I'll know my stuff, give me a digital one and I'm a complete technophobe! Might commission my brother to give me some lessons on it, and its really dis-heartening when you cant properly use something you feel passionate about. I much prefer film photography and will most likely go back to shooting with my film camera and just paying to get it developed/ developing the film without prints then using my scanner to scan the images into my laptop.

This is yesterdays outfit, I'll post today's later/tomorrow. These boots have been attached to my feet for the last week as college involves a lot of walking and when i put on my topshop cut ankle boots i was shocked as to how uncomfortable they were compared to my Anita ones from ASOS {pictured} (and my topshop ones are comfortable.

The feeling of these leggings was really great. Id definatly reccomend blackmilk leggings, not only for the look but for the pure comfort. They stayed tight all day, didnt wrinkle anywhere and stayed in place on my hips. Being a size 0 its quite hard to find clothes that fit and i was abit worried when i placed my order, but they are so elasticated that they mould to whatever shape. I felt like i was walking around in just my underwear all day, which was actually quite lovely if im honest. I had a problem with the seem twisting on the left thigh, which made it stick out abit, but it could be easily twisted backaround and stay in place once done.

Vertex.

Oversized racer back pocketed vest - H&M. Fitted blazer with nude satin lining - H&M

Leather panel leggings - Topshop. Anita boots - ASOS
Spike claw earrings - ASOS. Chain - Gift.

Another day of college, really am loving it, I'm glad I've finally found my thing after dropping out of another college where i was studying fine-art, photography and business. I got a lot of compliments for this today, which i was very  flattered by, especially when i was told that 'no-ones ever looked so good in panelled leggings'. These boots are such a dream, they have a big heel, but also a big platform, and the block design of the heel makes for a very steady, very comfortable, shoe. Team that with the support the cut is giving to the ankle and you've got the perfect boots for the daytime. I rocked these from 7am - 6pm. Walking rather a few miles and at no point in time did my feet say ouch.

I teamed this with a olive green oversized woven scarf  from H&M and my burgundy doctor bag from TOPSHOP. I really am feeling the colour at the moment, but i guess i made it more 'me' by adding in a completely mono-chrome outfit, felt so comfortable in this today, and the leggings had a good stretch so didn't go baggy despite them being a size to big for me.
Hoping to be able to post some of my fashion work on this blog soon, just so i can document my progress and possibly get some feedback from people, constructive criticism is always helpful when doing such a competitive course.

Seasonal change.

The contrast between A/W and S/S collections always excited me. I wish i would get a copy of a clutch from the Givenchy Spring/Summer 2012 collection to show you just how beautiful it is, and how severe the contrast is (My left mouse key is broken on my laptop, so print-screening and cropping being the usual choice and google not throwing up any easy numbers to save i am unable to post, however Givenchy Spring/Summer 2012 accessories pre-release section will throw you an example). The panther print black satin minaudiere from the current A/W11 collection when compared with the OBSEDIA minaudiere in paradise flower printed satin showcases exactly what i mean when i say the exciting contrast between one designers seasonal collections. Admittedly, i am a big fan of darker shapes and tones, yet when faced with a beautiful fabric, both graphically and technically, i find myself stuck between which colour palette i should actually go for. Currently finding myself drawing more towards the coloured palettes, but perhaps that's because I'm happier at the moment. I'm a firm believer than mind set affects palette choice.