Victorian

When you get a season that manages to make huge trends of both fetish and androgyny, what do you get? Gothic Victorian of course. Giles, Alexander McQueen and Tory Burch took a trip back in time with high neckline tops and dresses. Black buckled boots also make up this trend. 


Victorian Lookbook

Below are some Victorian themed links for both style inspiration as well as items that you might actually want to purchase.


Modern Lady. This pussy bow dress is also available in blue and pink but I would suggest the black because it is the most vintage inspired and will look awesome in the fast approaching holiday season with some sparkly tights and black suede ankle boots. I will be doing some Christmas party outfitting posts in the near future. This style suits curvy, womanly figures well because of the floaty material and the way that it flows around the figure of the wearer. It puts a modern twist on Victorian party-wear.
http://www.boohoo.com/restofworld/dresses/day-dresses/icat/daydresses/new-in/chelsea-pussybow-dress/invt/azz71125#

Vintage Victorian. This would probably be seen as vintage in Victorian times too as it reminds me of an Elizabethan ruff only slightly more understated. This season, all shapes and sizes of collars and chokers are popular. Peter Pan collars have a classic 1960s feel, especially when the outfit is monochrome or they add a luxe look in metallics. On the right, this collar from Asos is very Victorian, perhaps even Medieval or Renaissance. The colouring is opulent but the collar is sort of like a ruff. The outfit on the right has the correct amount of minimalism that nods towards good Victorian middle class schoolgirl; just swap the mini skirt for a maxi. Or perhaps the oh-so chic midi length with some cute ribbed socks. For a touch of androgyny go for a bow tie instead: a rising trend that can also be found on Asos. http://www.asos.com/ASOS/ASOS-Hand-Knit-Crochet-Collar/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=1725318&cid=4174&Rf900=2208&sh=0&pge=0&pgesize=200&sort=-1&clr=Yellow     

School Boy. The vintage brown satchel is so classic and quite similar to that of a Victorian school boy. You can even get your initials engraved into it so it can become a sort of family heirloom perhaps. I have just ordered the red one as I wanted to put an original spin on the classic and I also got my initials emblazoned in it to make it extra personal. I became aware of the brand through looking at various different fashion blogs. The fluro collection seemed to be very popular among style bloggers. I like it and even though I wanted to get one in an original colour, I did want it to go with the rest of my wardrobe so that it would be money well spent as they are not cheap, mine's a Christmas present. http://www.cambridgesatchel.co.uk/shop/collections/the-classic#

Lady. Wear with a black maxi skirt if you are really daring but this shirt will look good with a range of bottoms. A long, thin silver chain would look super understated chic with it. I know I said about the maxi skirt but I cannot help but imagine this shirt with some printed leggings and black suede ankle boots and a trilby hat. 

http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay
beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&
productId=4019480&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=
208524&parent_categoryId=203984&pageSize=20

Poor Boy. The chino has seen a phenomenal success on the high street this year which will hopefully continue onto next year as they are so flattering. The dark orangey shade of these from Debenhams remind me of chimney sweepers because of both the shape and the colour. This style in black is also very Victorian and black is definitely the colour for trousers this season. http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod

_10001_10001_103020540215_-1?breadcrumb=Home~Women~Trousers+%26amp%3B+leggings

Upper Class Lady. This detected this dress and instantly fell head over heels for it. For £789, to say that it is a little out of my price range is an understatement. Jack Wills is a classically British brand with sometimes Victorian looking items. This season it is a lot classier and more glamorous. Out with rugby tops and tracksuits and in with the maxi dresses and tweed blazers. http://www.jackwills.com/en-gb/product/belford-sequin-dress-012252002

Oliver Twist. Baker boy hats are very cute. Although they sort of originated with Dickensian characters in the 19th Century nowadays they have been reinvented and can look quite glamorous. Like this one below with the opulent button and thin gold ropes. If you buy a plain one from a cheap/thrift/charity shop then you can get creative and customise it in a number of different ways, like adding a button or rope, or maybe some jewels/diamantés and ribbons. http://www.marksandspencer.com/Contrast-Band-Baker-Boy-Wool/dp/B0041Q20P2?ie=UTF8&ref=sr_1_8&nodeId=42966030&sr=1-8&qid=1322663006&pf_rd_r=1AGKSZZJ7250KN9FA15A&pf_
rd_m=A2BO0OYVBKIQJM&pf_rd_t=301&pf_rd_i=0&pf_rd_p=
215485807&pf_rd_s=center-3

The Hardcore Vintage. I have recently discovered an array of online vintage stores thanks to Paperdoll- Vintage. I think Adore Vintage is my favourite because it goes the furthest back in time and, as you probably know, I love the 1920s. However, it dates as far back as Victorian times as you can see here in this vintage blouse. It is perfect for 1950s/60s hooped dresses and swinging skirts. http://shop.adorevintage.com/worn-in-beauty-blouse-p-3227.html

The Individual Investment. Rice and Beans Vintage has a range of one off designer vintage items and lots of Chanel. This Victorian jacket is $600 but is a one off so no one else will have it. The same goes with everything else on this site. It really is all a piece of history. I will definitely be purchasing some Chanel from there in the future. It is vintage and a lot cheaper than you would get it in store.

Celine. The androgynous trend has not been phased out with the new season. This is a look that was sent down the runway at Celine's Spring/Summer show. I also think that the reinvention of the tuxedo for women would make a perfect Christmas outfit. I'm thinking black sparkly blazer, trousers and bow tie. I love bow ties at the moment. 



Chanel. Chanel is definitely my favourite S/S collection, not just because it's Chanel but because lots of clean cut silhouettes were presented. Everything was so neat and just so. This floaty maxi skirt to the left oozes gothic femininity. The collection featured rich embellishments and over-flowing ruffles. 


Givenchy. Just from browsing through the shows on style.com I can tell that suits are a massive up and coming trend. Givenchy took the classic suit and changed its colour and proportions until you get what I am predicting to be one of the next big things: the pale pink suit. 


(Runway images from http://www.style.com/)

IT'S CHRISTMAS. As of tomorrow my blog is going to be transformed into a Christmassy winter wonderland. I love Christmas so much and I want to show that through my blog and make it a heart warming tradition aiming to transport you back to your childhood with Christmassy posts, Christmassy music and decorations. The plan is to make it into an advent calendar style set up with a post everyday up until Christmas Eve. 


Sophie xx


P.S. Apologies if you do not celebrate Christmas. 

Prints Charming

Top, Everbuying. Trousers, Primark.

I was torn between three titles for this look which is annoying because I usually find thinking of a title the hardest thing. The first one that came into my mind was Prints-ess (pronounced like princess) but I thought that looked a bit weird and some people might not get it. Next I thought of the title that I did choose, Prints Charming. However, I woke up this morning after a lovely lie in and thought how I could relate the title to my life. For this I thought Striking Prints would be appropriate considering the fact that I am off school today due to the industrial strikes (yay.) I decided that at a glance Prints Charming was the best to use. 

When I first put this on this morning I was unsure. There are so many different prints on the top so was adding printed trousers really the best thing to do? WTF, fashion's about experimenting and once I moved the trousers from my waist down to my hips I don't think it looks that bad. See it on Lookbook.

Cheery Chiffon + Dreamy Dots

I wear this blouse so much. I purchased it from Topshop in January and at the time, although I liked it, I was not sure how often I would actually wear it. However, I have incorporated it into many outfits. If you even just look on my Lookbook profile I have worn it a couple of times. 
Today is the busiest day I've had in ages. I've kind of spent all my time inside until today. I am going out for a nice leisurely stroll in around half an hour (and will slip on my new Topshop leggings for that.) 
In the afternoon I am going to watch Breaking Dawn at the cinema with a couple of friends. I am so excited after having waited a week and nearly everyone else having seen it. 
Then I am going to see the lights turn on in my town and they have an awesome fun fair set up there. I will also be popping into Starbucks to get a Christmas drink (gingerbread latte.) 
I have my first ever mock GCSE on Tuesday so if I get a moment I will do a bit of revision but I have done most of it already,


Sophie
xxx

Pretty Passion Fine Fashion #4

Pretty Passion.

By the start of next year the majority of the UK will know who Aung San Suu Kyi is, that is to say that the up and coming film about her life is to be a success. The Lady, directed by Luc Besson and starring Michelle Yeoh as Aung San, comes out on the 30th December this year. Human rights charities, such as Amnesty International have been fighting for her freedom for a number of years. Her story is so tragic and courageous that one may struggle to believe that it is all non fictional. She is also so inspirational, which is why she is this weeks Pretty Passion. She was featured in this month's Vogue (are you seeing a recurring Vogue theme here?) although I had heard a lot about her before that. The powerfully written article, however, persuaded me that she was correct person to choose for this week's Pretty Passion.


Fine Fashion.
This dress is so Valentino but without the couture price tag.Gowns and long dresses are such a classy way to define your festive style this year. The slit up the leg means that it's not too man repelling! Wear with high heels to maximise your height. Jewel tones such as amethyst, sapphire and, well, emerald are so hot right now. I recently bought an emerald top: read about it here. I have felt it in store (but have not quite yet got round to trying it on) and it seems like a comfortable material too. It is quite figure hugging though so it might be difficult to pull it off after Christmas!

In The Tropics

Top, River Island. Leggings, Topshop

I have a thing with taking inspiration from looks at London Fashion Week at the moment. I've gone very stately by basing this look on Samantha Cameron's outfit that she wore to the Erdem show. 
My favourite two shops at the moment are River Island and Topshop but funnily enough I think this is the only piece I have from River Island. I also loved their Prada inspired checked, buttoned shift dresses but I think they're sold out. I tried on a monochrome Peter Pan collar play suit and it was so beautiful but they have sold out of that in most stores now. I now have my eye on a burgundy patent gilet and a furry handbag. 
I purchased my Topshop leggings on Wednesday so if you click on the link then you can buy them. At £18 they are not the cheapest of leggings but if you have long slim legs I would recommend them. I bought size 10 and was afraid they would be too baggy but they are leg hugging as well as being the right length. I have spent so many months looking for leggings like this so the price was no problem as they are definitely worth it: Topshop clothing usually is. They are also really soft.

Wild West

Hat, Primark. Shirt, Primark. Belt, Pumpkin Patch from when I was like seven, it just about still fits! Jeans, Levi's.
The Do it all Denim look is still on trend. It was own clothes day at school and everyone said I looked like a cow girl. The look that I was originally going for was a more "Kate Moss at Mulberry during London Fashion Week" but a little dress up never did any harm. A few people complimented my necklace which was made by my best friend. I love it. All the beads are from her summer holiday in France.

Checks

Wilson tartan (a.k.a my tartan)

There has been such an array of checks and tartans in high street stores and in catwalk shows that I would be surprised if Scotland has any left! This winter make sure you mismatch the prints to make it completely of the present. By the way, if your surname has Scottish roots (like mine does) then it is more than likely that their is a type of tartan with your name on it (literally.) 


Whilst on the topic of checks, tartans and the like I feel I should mention tweed and my current love for it. I am adoring tweed skinny cropped trousers at the moment. I have pictured a marvellous outfit in my head. Picture this: a navy blue silk scarf worn as a headband, a navy blue jumper with some sort of animal motif on it, skinny tweed cropped trousers and heeled brown loafers. 


Meanwhile, on the catwalk this year Rag and Bone have been embracing cosy blankets; creatively reinventing them as skirts. Whilst Carven have presented a flock of tartan mini dresses: forget the LBD, LTD FTW. Louis Vuitton took a step away from fetish (well, sort of, they kept the hats) to a different sort of discipline with blue check coats that nod towards school girl. Oscar de la Renta really took clashing prints to extremes with a quirky evening gown. Bright red check paired with a bouclé jacket worked wonders at Moschino Cheap and Chic. Burberry incorporated both the checked trend and the out-sized look into their monochrome coats that shift slightly back into the 1960s. Step forward a decade and find fur scarf clad 1970s-esque models in more tartan at Sonia Rykiel. Missoni cheated on their trademark zigzag print with the new look that is checked- well, who can blame them, it is simply irresistible. Vivienne Westwood went for a kooky cool look by pairing one of her T-shirts for Comic Relief with a cute tartan skirt and blazer- geek chic all the way. Tory Burch wrapped up warm for winter with furry sleeves. Maxmara are all festive with a tartan sparkly coat. (Courtesy of Style.com) 

Items in this set

	Motel Scarlet Dress In Tartan Chiffon $86 - asos.com Chiffon dresses »
	Motel Scarlet Dress In Tartan Chiffon $86 - asos.com Chiffon dresses »
	Motel Scarlet Dress In Tartan Chiffon $86 - asos.com Chiffon dresses »
	Bank Shearling Boot $63 $39 - bankfashion.co.uk Foldover boots »
	Poppie Jones Quilted Crossbody Bag - Black $20 - dsw.com Tote handbags »
	Marc by Marc Jacobs Rose Gold Heart Stacking Ring $65 - my-wardrobe.com Rose gold heart ring »
	Mesh Textured Bangle Set $8.50 - wetseal.com Bangles jewelry »

Thankfulness

Thanksgiving is coming up and although I live in the UK therefore do not celebrate it, it is a good time to think on what I have to be thankful for. I started jotting down a list and here is what I came up with:

FAMILY. EDUCATION. IFB. EXERCISE. INTERNET. FOOD. NATURE. CITIES. TOPSHOP. PRIMARK. SUSHI. MEALS OUT. WARMTH IN WINTER. LATTES. STARBUCKS. BLOG FOLLOWERS. CHANEL. WE HEART IT. 

FAMILY- OK, this is kind of cliché but I really am thankful for my family and I am not usually the sort of person who says it enough. They are all really loving and supportive (most of the time anyway.) Aww, how cheesy!


EDUCATION- Bleurgh! This post just gets cheesier and cheesier but I am thankful for my education. Without it I probably would not have even started this blog and I would not be the same person who I am today. This is another opportunity to thank my family because they have always been very supportive of my education.


INDEPENDENT FASHION BLOGGERS- My go-to website for post inspiration. This post is actually part of an IFB project. They share fabulous tips and it is a great way to meet new people that you have things in common with and you can network and spread the word about your blog until your heart's content.


EXERCISE- In my 3 Steps to Temporary Happiness post, I mentioned that exercise can keep you happier for longer and this is the truth. I play tennis, jog once a week and go to the gym for an hour a week and I really treasure these times. Tennis is great socially too whilst the others are nice because you get a bit of solitude and you can just go and do it and forget about any worries that you might have.


INTERNET- Only this week have I really got into Twitter. I never really understood people's fascination with it until Friday, when I spent like the entire evening on it. I have lost count of how many other websites I am a member of but I love them all!


FOOD- Especially chocolate. I love food. At school if I have really bad lessons the thing that keeps me going and makes me excited is lunch or break. Sad? Na.     


NATURE- I'm not really a nature person but I guess I better be thankful for it because it's like keeping the Earth alive or something.


CITIES- I love cities. Every time I'm in one I feel so inspired. I find them more beautiful than nature: especially the shops; especially Selfridges; especially the shoe department. I really want to go to both Paris and New York soon. 


TOPSHOP- My favourite shop. Everything is so catwalk style but for affordable prices.


PRIMARK- Primark- Super affordable and chic items.


SUSHI- Nom nom nom!


MEALS OUT- I went for an Indian at the weekend and it was really nice. The restaurant I went to was so stylish as well. I just love the ambiance of eating out.


WARMTH IN WINTER- Like hot chocolates and snuggling up by the fire and watching a Christmas movie.


LATTES- Nom nom nom!


BLOG FOLLOWERS- what more is there to say? 


CHANEL- <3 <3 <3


WE HEART IT- Constant flow of inspiration.  


I am also thankful that this is my 200th blog post!

Where Sushi Meets East Meets Westfields

A couple of months ago I went to the new Westfields in Stratford a.k.a the biggest shopping centre in Europe. It was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. Oh yeah, and we had sushi for lunch which just makes everything even better. Above is the evidence but I, um, ate most of it before we had time to take a photo. 

Meet the Family

I live in the UK so do not celebrate thanksgiving but now is the right time to think about what we a are thankful for. One of the things that I am thankful for is family. I know it is kind of cliché but I am really thankful for my family and I'm not usually the person who says that enough. They are all really loving and supportive (most of the time anyway.) Oh my God, this is so cheesy, I'm going to stop writing now. So, here they are (some photos from our holiday in Cyprus with my excellent photo editing skills!) 

3 Steps to Temporary Happiness

Some people spend their whole lives looking for ways to cure sadness. However, I have already discovered this magic formula. It works for me so hopefully it will work for others too. Please note that this is probably no way to get real happiness that lasts for a lifetime (because it will leave you overweight and bankrupt) but more like a quick fix to boost your self esteem. It probably works best on teenage school girls!

The Chanel outfit that
inspired my buy.

1) Buy Something Nice.

A good bit of retail therapy never goes a miss. The night that I was feeling sad I walked home and stopped off in New Look with one key intention: to come out with something nice. I only had £15 in my purse but after about twenty minutes browsing the small store I found a beautiful emerald green silk top: very autumn/winter 2011/12 Chanel!

How to make the happiness last longer- Make sure you buy something that you really want or something that you have wanted for a while. Although it was a spontaneous buy, I did not feel guilty about it because I had wanted something jewel toned for a long while.

2) Eat Something Nice

Preferably chocolate as it released endorphins, I bought a packet of minstrels (211 calories yes!)

How to make the happiness last longer- Exercise: not only does this also release endorphins also but it will rid you of any guilt that could be there after the pigging out! I walked home from school (30 minutes) and played tennis for an hour.

3) Write Something Nice

Writing in a diary/journal is best because you can get out all your anger/sadness.

How to make the happiness last longer- Add some humour to your writing because then you can read over it the next time you are feeling sad and it will make you laugh!

Pretty Passion, Fine Fashion #3

Now that's all the band posts done and here is the weekly Pretty Passion and Fine Fashion.


PRETTY PASSION.

Rihanna

This weeks passion is particularly pretty. Robyn Rihanna Fenty was was born in Barbados in 1988. She is known as Rihanna. At school she was bullied because her skin was a lot lighter than that of her friends. She has had a phenomenal success and that is why she is so inspirational. I had never been a huge fan until she was Vogue's cover star in November this year. I read the whole article about her and now, every time I see a photograph of her I feel inspired. She is so beautiful and reinvents herself in so many different ways. Some people argue that she is not a good role model because some of her videos have been a bit raunchy but she says that she just likes to experiment with different ideas and that she is not always herself but by doing that she is being herself. As she is a hard working ambitious person and knows how to be successful. Almost every single she has released has been successful and all her tunes are so catchy. She is also a huge style icon and has had massive style transformations and hair transformations in her time in the spotlight. Hopefully she will be going for a long time into the future. 


FINE FASHION.

Versace for H&M Jacket

I am actually so upset that the Versace for H&M collection has sold out so quickly. There are only a few things still in stock so the items will be really rare. I had been stalking the collection for weeks beforehand but I have been at school and unable to go shopping. I was planning on going shopping on Wednesday because I have the day off but there will probably not be any left. I adore this jacket. It is my favourite item that I could afford from the collection. I can just imagine wearing it with everything. I will be stalking eBay in the next few weeks so if you have one but you do not like it or think I would appreciate it more, please, please put it on (:

Pop Music and Fashion Magazines

Rihanna's Vogue Cover

Lady Gaga: style icon of the music world

What is it with the fashion world’s fascination with pop and R&B singers? The answer is pretty simple. I mentioned a week ago, in my Pretty Passion, Fine Fashion post, that designers find awards ceremonies a good way to promote their latest collections. In today’s consumerist society we watch celebrities’ every move. Sites like Twitter make it easier than ever to do so. We are so influenced by what these people do that we, either knowingly or unknowingly find products endorsed by them more appealing. They are like Gods who have taken human form.

Pop Magazine

One of the main perks of being a singer is that you can get away with wearing totally weird, wacky and wonderful outfits in all your music videos. Lady Gaga, Queen of Music Fashion says “I'm mostly inspired by shapes, and using the body to create iconography. Leather culture and high-street punk fashion. I would say perfecto jackets occupy most of my fashion thoughts.” Gaga has built herself up as a brand using fashion. If she does not dress as she does then she would be like any other singer of this generation.

Adele's Vogue Cover

Another successful artist is Rihanna, who was Vogue’s cover girl for November 2011. In the photos for the magazine, she had blonde hair and wore grown up, sophisticated outfits. Adele was the magazine’s cover girl for October 2011. I was proud of Vogue for featuring a girl with curves on the cover. She is really beautiful and a true inspiration.

I have never purchased Pop magazine but it is one of those magazines that looks so nice, like Love or Vogue. This is because their covers are so stylish. In the past they have featured Sienna Miller, Drew Barrymore, Lindsay Lohan, Jourdan Dunn, Tavi Gevinson, Naomi Campbell, Elton John, Kylie Minogue, Britney Spears and many, many more.

Guitarists and Folk Music

Emmy the Great

After playing guitar for four years I finally managed to find the sort of music that is really for me, my niche. I had tried classical on my acoustic nylon string guitar and I had tried rock on my pink electric guitar. However, for Grade Three last year I decided to have a go at folk guitar. So, this year I am taking Grade Four folk guitar and I have to buy a steel string acoustic for Christmas. I love the sound of it and the possible tunes. It produces a Taylor Swift-esque noise. I just wish I was better at singing.

Folk music is very suited to busking in a park. The scene is just so picturesque; especially when one is wearing a trilby hat, a loose knit jumper, a floral skirt and a chic pair of ankle boots.

Alex Winston

The good thing about guitars is that they sound just as good on their own as they do in a band. Emmy the Great and Alex Winston both started out by playing the guitar on their own but they now both have recorded albums and perform with backing bands.. They are both incredibly chic and stylish. In the world of fashion, music is nodding in their direction.

The culture of folk is an ever growing trend. In a recent Vogue issue they featured a huge spread on all the different parts of the culture and the different roles that people play; from witches to, well, guitarists. Oversized blankets have gone from hobo freak to hugely chic.

Inspirational People: Lily Allen

In her video for No.1 single, The Fear.

For many people, Lily Allen seems to have faded from view in the past year or so. At the start of 2010 she decided to take a break from music to focus on her family. In 2008 she miscarried after four months. However, the then twenty three year old really wanted to become a mum and when she got pregnant again in 2010 she did not want to take any risks. Her last album, It’s Not Me It’s You, was released in 2009. Not Fair, The Fear and 22 were the three most successful singles from her second album. She later on featured in Just be Good to Green by Professor Green. Recently a new single has been released featuring one of her songs from It’s Not Me It’s You that has part of the song, Who’d Have Known. This single features Wiz Khalifa. 

In Chanel earrings and with pink
hair too!  Lookin' good. She almost
makes the burger look stylish.

To give up music must have been a huge sacrifice for Lily as it had been a prominent aspect of her life for over eight years and she was absolutely devastated when she miscarried again at six months. Friends at this time were worried for her as she was so distraught after her loss. However, she found hope through none other than fashion and her and her older sister, Sarah. They opened a boutique in London called Lucy In Disguise. It sells vintage and retro clothes. When it first opened in September 2010 there was a lot of speculation over its success. Sarah Jessica Parker apparently visited and left with nothing and it is said that the siblings’ understanding of fashion and retail is flawed. In July this year they were forced to close their boutique in Covent Garden but it is not necessarily over for Lucy in Disguise. The pair may reopen in another location in the future. 

Although she has slowly sort of faded out of the mainstream media, the singer turned fashion designer is still controversial. A lot of people dislike her but she has not let that stop her from achieving her dreams and that is why she is so inspirational. 

New Song: