Polka Dots and Cappuccinos!

I've tried to come up with some fancy, intellectual deep sentence to start this blog post, in an attempt for you to somehow grasp the scale of philosophical pondering Hannah and I did while people watching from a window from the Costa of Huyton Village, but since I'm all out, you'll have to make as best use of this sentence as you can. 

Although our original intention for today was not to sip coffee and chat, but to instead take a trip to Matthew street, I thoroughly enjoyed our caffeine induced thoughts on pretty much everything more then a soggy august  day in the city center. The main subject matter ended up turning into analysis of the people around us, as well as our selves. I provided, what I hope to be insightful nuggets on subconscious self expression through clothing, where as Hannah indulged on the subject of conformity and new starts. I blame our church all girls schools partly for the way we've changed over the past few years. On my part, I think the regulatory and strict order of my school gave me a drive to be different and stand out, where for Hannah, it initially had the opposite effect of quite literally, conforming to the norm. (bet you can all tell my favourite subject is psychology)

But with her starting college soon, thanks to her 10 A*'s, yes, ten! It comes a time to break away and be bold. With this in mind as we strolled to New Look a little later in the day, I suddenly turned all random fashion TV programme on her and made her pick and outfit out for me, while I chose one for her! All photos taken of me are horrendously bad so i'll refrain from hurting your eyes, but since Hannah is super gorgeous its a must to see the before and after!

Here's the beautiful Hannah in her own outfit in which she looks like herself,

and here is her in the outfit I picked out for her. (Close friends of mine, note the Jess Corcoran pose)

Although Hannah was wearing burgundy jeans, me being a fan of colour, and texture and print made her tackle lace, polka dots and hot pink in a single outfit. Once upon a time i'm pretty sure that would have been too out of her comfort zone, but today she tried them on with little hesitation! She even bought the polka dot skirt, meaning i've successfully added 4 items of my own choice into Hannah's wardrobe over the past 18 months! 

This little style swap as a result of our deep wanderings was something I think we've both learnt a lot from. Although it may seem like its simply just fabric to some, it actually shows a lot about ourselves. I'm partial to throwing everyone into the deep end with everything clashing, believing I know whats best for them, revealing my selfish belief in myself as always being right.  Where as Hannah, who would have previously been more reserved was ready to take on the challenge set for her, probably brought about by her adjusting herself to the next few months of change and difference. She's going from uniform to whatever she wants to wear, different subjects, different friends, different time table. A lot of things are going to be new for her, and she's quite clearly relishing what is ahead. And as cheesy as it sounds, I'm so proud of her for leaving the past 5 years of familiarity for something different, as scary as it might seem! 

So I hope you enjoy college Han, here's to the many more Polka dots and Cappuccinos days we'll have over the next few years, don't ever change!

xxx

The sky is blue.

I'd say I'm back, but we all know i'm probably not.


Dear blog readers,
I'd like to say that I'm all fine and dandy at this present moment, but in all honesty I'm struggling to remember how to string words together into snappy little sentences that somehow inspire you. - In simple terms, I guess I can't remember how to blog.  Well not strictly speaking, cause I go on to blogger, click new post and type away, but you know what I mean...
Anyway, what I'm really trying to say here is that I don't know what to blog about. (I actually googled "Fashion" the other day, no joke)

Right now I really couldn't care less that Raf Simons has accepted the long absent position at Dior, and I don't have anything to say about things like LFW back in February except that I actually thought the Topshop Unique collection was pretty boring. This meant when someone said to me a few weeks ago "you haven't wrote about fashion in ages" I was caught a little off guard.

Because Something like this leaves me and my business cards in a bit of a muddle. Cause er, I'm a supposed fashion blogger, but I now longer like fashion. Okay, okay. Maybe the idea of not liking it is a little extreme. But I'm on the side of the line, if there is one of course,  of a fashion blogger who is know longer purposely embracing fashion.  An that my friends is an awkward turtle moment if you ever needed one...

Due to this, I've actually just tried to sit down and write a list of fashion related things I could blog about. And sure some might be vaguely relevant but still none of them really appeal. So i've decided to do what I always do, go of the beaten track and write about fashion in my terms. Through one of the most obvious things you could ever see. So here goes...are you ready?... deep breath and all...... 'The sky is blue...'

I joke, I joke. You can relax now, I'm not writing about the sky being blue, but it is something on the same level of basic fact. I'm dedicating this blog post to the fact that I'm not thin. HA, I know, told you it was obvious didn't I?

 It gather it may seem something a little bit odd to suddenly start writing about, and also a little dated in the sence that the *fat girl revolution* (OH MY WORD, SHE'S A SIZE 10, AND SHE'S ON VOGUE, THE WORLD IS CHANGING!) lost whatever momentum it had a good few seasons ago. Chrystal Renn, please start eating again.  But I'm basically writing about it now because size and shape will forever be on the sidelines of the fashion industry and I promised my little FYI members that I'd make a commitment to trying to love who I am.

So here we go again...I'm not thin. But the difference enduring through this post that might make it somewhat bearable is the notion that I'm never going to be. Of course, I can lose weight but ultimately I can't suddenly make my boobs and hips disappear, so regardless of what I do, I can't have a body shape that fits in with the straight up and down figure that I desire
 A small but much needed a epiphany moment like this means dressing for my shape needs to appear on the cards, and therefore, I might as well blog about it. To keep fashion a more personal outlet, i must take into account what I look like, not just of what I like. So The photo/collageyyy thing that has been chilling above actually holds some relevance, and is not just there for fun, as much as you'd like to believe it is.  See my new leather skirt, charity shop bargain has helped me realise that fashion is about a bigger picture. (my clothes don't talk to me, don't worry.)  Its actually aided the thought process of learning that fashion is best when its fun, and its fun when its makes you feel good.

Fashion may of course be a dreamlike, creative bubble, but it occasionally needs a glitter free injection of reality and practically. I'm obviously still going to wear heels I can't walk in and blouses that cause colds, but i'm going to do it with a regard of who I am, not of what fashion is. There is no point in wearing something that you love, but that in all honestly, looks pretty terrible. Of course we all do from time to time, but we are best when fashion delivers what it should; confidence.

I may to some look a little bit crazy with things such as colours and prints, but when it push comes to shove, I've been too constrained in my overall choices. Fashion, clothes, getting dressed...Its all been half hearted. For some reason I've somehow failed to connect it all - being me, and living it out.
I think this is why a little part of the beating heart for fashion has stopped. I've lost inspiration - because I've lost the focus on diversity and versatility. I've lost who I am in the sea of pretty pastels, and i've drowned ever so slightly in the wave of self conciousness.

So here comes a commitment to myself of a future of pencil skirts and peplum dresses, because I like them, and in turn, they like me. There's also a promise to never ever wearing a drop waist, even if it does look good in The Great Gatsby remake, because well, I'm not Carey Mulligan. And I'm also obviously not Alexa Chung, or Zooey Dechanel, or Lara Stone.

I am in fact Jess Corcoran, ('the sky is blue')  and you know what? while writing this I've decided that fashion is alright. Granted, alone its not going to stop poverty or end wars but its taught me to be who I am, which has delivered a little bit of confidence over the years. And even though I'm over its infatuating qualities I am still learning from it. Because there's a gap between being who you are, and liking it. But fashion can help to bridge it.

The sky is blue, and I'm not thin. Its all just facts, but you can learn to love the obvious with a little help from some sparkle. And One day, I'll be living proof.

Etching impressions

 To say I'm excited about fashion itself would be a stretch, a slight exaggeration perhaps. Instead what does presently excite me though, is in fact style. Because of the element of it, the very essence of it, style to me is literally electrifying. Its totally elcectric, and just a tad eccentric. It separates us, it defines us, and its a powerful tool to express ourselves. See, were ultimately, fashion in pure terms is just a choice, a tick box, style is instead a natural impulse. You take part in the crowd of style, weather you love it, or even notice it. And In openly rejecting it, your almost embracing it. You just can't escape it, and that is what inspires my love for it.

Style is more then just the clothes you wear. Despite what some glossy pages might hint at, style is very much like a inherent being driving us all. Style is like a big mixing pot, fill it with everything you've openly loved, desired, and hated. Then throw in the stuff you don't want to need, and the things you wish you had never done. A huge blast of dreams, regrets and passions are all wound and binded into a scrapbook inside your brain. If you don't think you or others have style, look at the choices made in life.

 That is were style reveals itself. Sure, to be cliched style can be either the boxy type blazer or the leather jacket with the little black dress, but its also the two or three sugars in your coffee, the pocket you use more then the other, your preference for were you sit on public transport. Style is what make us who we are, above and beyond the little bubble of fashion and for that reason, I'm utterly fascinated by it. 

True style though, is hard to ever grasp. It needs to be free from the pressures of judgement. The want to be truly yourself, must begin to out way the desire to be anyone else. Of course, our style is a collective mix of what we like about others, but we must not be afraid, when no one else is inspired by what we are. We need to embrace all that is us in our very core, and translate it into words/actions/colours, everything and anything. Style is forever powerful and mind blowing, and it it is just about you. Its something to enjoy, and to express yourself with. Style is why I loved fashion for so long.

     "Fashions fade, style is eternal" - Yves Siant Laurent

R.E.S.P.E.C.T

Every time I write a shopping list, the humble shift dress always appears so I guess that it could quite possibly be considered as being my fashion resolution for twenty twelve. I'm on a mission to fill my wardrobe with more of the classic style in order to begin to translate my style into a more cost effective investment.

See the beauty of the shift dress is in its drape. And although mine still may be a little bit big even with the aid of a belt, Its just the type of garment you can throw on and go. You don't even really have to much if you don't want to. I would of course recommend accessories with any outfit, but they are optional with an item like this. 

The strange thing I found when wearing this out today was the length; Its an appropriate one. 

Due to my habit of wearing everything high waisted, the majority of my skirts/shorts are pretty short. So much so that I spend most of my days just looking like I'm wearing a coat and black tights. So cue this dress to make me look a little bit more 'done'.

In my rebellion to this half hearted polished look I was eager to do anything  in order to make myself feel a little bit scruffy. So on went the beaten up old converse.

Sorry, but I don't think I'll ever do classy.

Until next time.

She listens like Spring, and talks like June.

I know, I'm such an organized blogger. When I awoke this morning/afternoon I had already concluded to wear my patterned tights that featured hearts in order to take some photographs to celebrate Valentines day.
Had you fooled there I know, I just happened to chuck them on cause my plain black tights wear being annoying. And I got home, and my camera was around,  so yeah, CLICK, FLASH, SORTED.

I'd say I was planning to do a themed post for Tuesday, but I honestly really wasn't...because even if I was...I wouldn't be able to do anything about it. This week, I'm off to Wales on a trip. All I'm saying is that in involves exercise...and that you really don't want to see the 'trainers' I've had to buy. They are black with purple stripes...now I mention it I feel a little bit ill...

Unfortunately, I'll be away from civilization and signal until Thursday evening...but feel free to text me/email me/tweet me, basically contact me in anyway you can so I do not go completely insane. Or if you need something new to read in the mean time, check out the S.O.S blog I'll be running from now until April.

I hope that all you readers have a lovely week,  and don't laugh too much at the though of me walking up a mountain in trackie pants.

The Unmistakable connection.

Honestly feels like ages since I've posted anything remotely fashion related on my blog! You may scroll down after this reading this and find that I've just spent the last few days throwing pictures at you and writing very little at all...you may also wish to note whenever various lines of words and phrases have surrounded you, they had no connection to fashion whatsoever. Well er, sorry about that one. Though I'd like to suggest photography and fashion regularly mumble to each other in a sort of constant, creative, inspiration conversation. New season trends will always gesture to the years gone by, obviously inspired by a once living image. Its simply natural to aim to repeat the success of the past, in an attempt to gain understanding of what a prosperous future may be.

See, People involved in the creative industries do not make a clear defined choice to become totally besotted with an image. When reaching for true inspiration, you cannot pick what you want to inspire you. You have to let it choose you, like an undeniable force of the universe pulling you until you can simply only admit defeat.  Take a look at the obvious references to 50's trends for S/S 2012, especially the more captivating of the lot, like Dolce & Gabbana's floral numbers which remind me a little of Louis Vuitton A/W '10 collection.  As commercial as the industry is, and as much of a dreamer as I am, I'd still like to believe these re awoken styles are ones that hint from real life images discovered by the teams themselves. I wish the photo's they found to have been the type they just couldn't avert their gazes from, the genre of the ones you have to make several copies of in order to pin them many places, scrapbooks, mood boards, even in your wardrobe.  Though I don't feel photography enters only the realm of fashion design,  but that it underpins the creative context of your own personal style.

                                                         D&G S/S 12 collection,style.com


I am forever influenced by photographs in magazines and on the internet, and i'm training myself to take more time to find what I really love about them. Anything involving a classic Hollywood starlet and red lipstick gets me every time.  As does blonde hair with dark roots. I see a photo of Elvis I'm tempted to cut my hair short just so I can try and form my own successful quiff.  And I also see the huge pull I have towards androgynous clothing due to various figures shot in the public eye. A picture of Henry Holland makes me want to go roll up my jeans and wear some brogues. We are inspired by others, who have been inspired by others.

If we talk of it all in biological terms, Its like the art and power of photography is at the bottom of the food chain, its the beginning, and things just don't thrive well without it. So For as long as I'm writing about fashion & Style, I'll also be both writing and taking pictures. I'm not saying I yet have the ability to capture images that will inspire others, but that maybe in order to write about fashion on a basic level, I have to unearth the complications of photography and what the images want for our future, even if they are from the past.

FASHION/STYLE: Something old...

I wish people would stop saying it, because number 1. it is not true, and number 2. even it was I wouldn't care.

Currently, my list of friends includes only the people on my side, the ones that agree I need a new dress. I am being completely honest when I say that I do not have a lot of dresses, and I wish people would stop telling me I did, I think I know my own wardrobe by now. You to would be utterly disgusted to open your closet and discover the utter lack of something to pull out and instantly partner with a pair of heels in order to create a seasonal outfit. I've nothing. Yes I've got dresses, but considering how often I wear them, they happen to be far to casual for festivities, come on...I wear wedges and suspender tights for an ordinary church service. Christmas means something show stopping, and then some more.

I had completely ran out of options, every single shop was filled with either horribleness or expensive loveliness. Though Topshop shot me straight threw the heart with the classic, "Sold out in your size."
And so precisely a hour ago I gave up and decided that If by midnight on the 23rd, I have not found anything, I'm going to spend Christmas eve like a 13 year old, and draw myself some dashing whiskers.

Then inspiration hit in the form of a very simple suggestion...VINTAGE. Why had my mind not virtually trawled the racks of Oxfam or Pop boutique so sooner? last years black velvet number had been a British heart foundation treasure after all. MENTAL NOTE: always think of other peoples clothing before you own.

I am kinda hoping clothing fate has been playing a part in this, yes I'm a totally believer in the idea of the perfect item that could change your life forever, (and I just like buying things to but shhhh!) so I'm casting all thoughts of ill fitting, cheap items aside and letting my heart take itself on a magical vintagey tour. Watch old bold street...

FASHION & STYLE: My favourite things.

Peter pan collars. Studded cropped leather jackets. High waisted vintage Levi’s. Black Doc Martens that are completely battered. Men’s cable knit jumpers. Bracelets that mean something. Huge Petticoat Skirts. Band T-shirts. Anything that involves a rainbow pattern, even though I know I am far too old. Shift dresses. Velvet. Blazers with a razor sharp cut. The perfect white pussy bow blouse. Anything involving sequins and glitter. EXTRA thick black tights. Men’s brogues. Excessively large bows on pretty much anything. Perfectly winged eyeliner. Polka dots, always polka dots. Red heart sunglasses. Black leather dresses. Baggy Cardigans. Satchels. Duffle coats. Pendant necklaces. My red converse. White lace dresses. Red lipstick. A smile.

THE LUST LIST: Velvet

Now Velvet happens to a fabric & trend that divides people. Personally, I've grown from a hater of anything of the sort to rather loving any velvet items I can get my hands on! particularly in my favourite colour....

This is why I want this dress, right now. Not only is it nipped in at the waist but it also has the cutest cut out heart panel at the back! I'd chuck on a leather jacket, a pair of opaques and some chunky ankle boots to keep things casual. Or go all out with an up do, statement eye makeup and skyscraper heels to complete a look for a party or event!

This dress is an item your wardrobe would never tire of! Its that crucial length for numerous occasions, and is a great addition to have considering were fast approaching Christmas.

I'm kinda making up excuses for you to go buy it now since I really want to convince myself to go spend fifty five British pound on it, why do you do this to me Topshop?!

I guess I'll leave you all to ponder as to part with your cash;  But I know this is definitely on my Christmas list.

FASHION & STYLE: The winter coat.

For the second or third year in a row (I honestly can't remember) I've been excluded from having to trail around every possible shop in the vain hope of somehow trying to find a partially reasonable excuse for a coat. I did last years winter months varying between two jewel tone numbers, a  purple cape ish design complete with a sort of very nontechnical "tie thing" that I never attempted fasten into a bow. And, a long vintage mint beauty stolen directly from the wardrobe of my nan. With both of these I was delivered a pretty safe cover up for the icy conditions of Britain (except when it rained, like wool school blazers, my green one absolutely stunk.)

I know I was blessed to find two coats I liked equally and could swap depending on occasion. These days its not about the lack of choice, but the sheer volume of possibilities: fabric, shape, texture. These features among many others come into play when solving our coat identity crisis and its hard to know which one to go for. Black of course is classic, but arguably somewhat boring unless paired with clever wardrobe choices that bring an element of something more. How safe is print though? Can you risk a faux animal print number above a certain age? And with a lack of real curves, it is really advisable to buy one that drowns you and removes all hints of a possible waist?

Questions, questions. My rules are pretty much as follows... If your going for practical, keep it classic, choose colours that compliment your skin tone and hair and fit in with the rest of your wardrobe. But if your picking a fabulously quirky number with no real coat substance only pizazz, make sure there's room to layer warmer pieces such as cable knits and deliciously thick scarves. Shape is a crucial factor so do have your body in mind when trying on and be prepared to accessorise, I'm saying on no circumstances are you allowed to do something like Gok and hack it to pieces but depending on your frame it may be worth adding a belt.

A final word though: have fun with your choices. Do not let the coat either overpower you or under sell you. It is there to keep you warm and act as the ultimate outfit clincher, SOMETIMES. But remember. Don't let your coat do all the talking.

FASHION & STYLE: Oh My Mulberry

I’ve told myself far to many times to unsubscribe from the regular Mulberry emails that inform me of new products and items, but I just can’t bring myself to . It’s a well known theory that I spend most of my time gazing longingly at clothing and accessories I can only dream of buying. An obviously mathematically equation is that, the higher the price of the item, the more my wardrobe seems to need it. It’s ever the case on a Mulberry email day.

See, its okay if I get straight to my blackberry, I’ve the willpower to ceremoniously refuse to look. Though when my guards down and I’m sat unsuspectingly with my laptop, who knows my possible reaction to all the wonder and glory that waits. I just can’t help myself, accidentally clicking not only on the actual email but then the link to the brands online label itself, and then I’m caught. Hook. Line. and sinker.

As always in my girly tendencies I’m swayed to a dress. Now, alone on the ad campaign was somewhat bearable, deep breaths and a quick away glance when my eyes hit its smooth glossiness during a session of devouring a magazine. Simply flick the page and pretend that I haven’t even noticed It all. When someone says “Mulberry” you must whisper, “think the lily bag, don’t even think of the dress”. But oh my, its risky business when you find yourself directly admiring its true loveliness for the first time.

Take in the perfect shape and the smooth silk material. Its quality even so visible from a computer screen, the colour, like a bright crackling firework exploding to brighten up our lives that before this, we just couldn’t see true colour. Pared with subtle embellishments, a glorious peter pan collar above the 3 simple buttons; the dress makes perfect wear. Day time, Night time, anytime.

A simple versatility of this level is only achieved by a brand like Mulberry. Yes, you’re all going to hear about the “Alexa” again. It became the bag to have, yet placed on it was nothing over the top, its was simple, and because of that, it was beautiful. I feel we see that echoed in the creation of this dress, it can be a statement. Or it cannot. But regardless of the way you want to wear it, it’s something incredibly special. I wish so much for it to be mine, a hopeless wish it indeed may be, but one that hold substance. With an item like this it becomes not fashion, but style, and art. And owning a valuable piece of art like this, is well, priceless.
and don't even get me started on the shoes                                                                                Dress - Mulberry, £1,400

FASHION & STYLE: Put your hats up...

See, one way to start this short but sweet post would be to talk about my unrequited love and admiration for black floppy hats. Admitting at this point that I stalk all various fashion week street style photography in order to find fashion editors and bloggers alike wearing my dream hat, seems a pretty obviously statement don’t you think? Apologies to all, your probably boring to my millinery infatuation. Why I'm off away on  some hat nonsense when I already dedicated at least of a third of a lengthy AW’ 11 blog post may seem rather pointless to ‘some of you‘. I take that back, and have decided that ‘most of you’ fits the bill much more aptly. Unless you saw me run back into school last Friday lunchtime some what excitedly cradling my Primark bag you will have failed to heard the news that once against proves me, Jess Corcoran to be contradictory. I say one thing, then do another. Always the way.

I said this was short and sweet, so let me keep to the point. And being blunt is best; I bought a hat. Practically the very same hat I’d written about with a somewhat lack of hope just days before.See I said I was not ‘a hat person', I’d even sub consciously told myself  many a time that I was not ‘a hat person’. But high diet coke levels and a £6 price tag collided and before I knew it I was in the queue, undoing all them years of my head telling my head it couldn’t wear what it wanted.
　

So therefore my advice to you: Do what you want. And don't stop doing what you want.

Please, never be afraid of being who you want to and wearing what you want. Stop all the comments inside your own head that claim a superiority when deciding outfits. And actually start living.

Be Taylor Monsem one day, A sugarplum fairy then next.

Let your inspirations shape you, and let the worries float away.

Your free, And beautiful.

So dress like it.

 

FASHION & STYLE: A/W lust list ramble.

Its one of those mildly annoying moments that occur every so often. it is in that time of reflection for new trends after hopelessly pining and having to admit to defeat and declare to yourself that as much as you want it, It just ain't going to happen. Okay so I'm going to be blunt and say I want a hat to be my key season piece.. But I'm also going to inform you, if you haven't already guessed that is, is that I can't have a hat. Purely for the fact I'm not 'a hat person'. As much as I wish I had the right type of head for a hat, its just not going to happen. Beanies and Beret's are my limits, after that I'm walking a tight rope into a somewhat dangerous territory, maximised entirely with the ratio of the whole hat/head affair I shamefully cannot fathom to completely get my mind around (I didn't say head, I thought that might have been a tad too far) "round peg, square hole" is a definite description if ever one was needed to fully explain the lack of hats in my life.

                                                                Images from weheart it. com
Though it is of course important for you to know that my hat cravings for A/W do not explore the whole dimension of the millinery industry but in fact they merely expand to the 70's type, wide floppy brim, in a classy black of course, a bow if I'm I'm feeling generous. If you could even call that an expansion is purely based on your cynicism. `In the past with street style it always seemed to be, the statment pendant concluded the outfit or the aztec printed tights where the real source of the wardrobe emsemble that was seemingly looked upon with awe. This A/W season the hat stood up,  the hat decided to stand out and add the extra, rather three dimension appeal to a outfit that 2010 A/W season ultimate buy of a praised camel coat couldn't achieve. Sure, everyone took the celine approach to dressing for a few months and we all may have looked classic and chic, but don't you think it was perharps on the boring side?

Don't get me wrong, I have admiration for those who can do the whole 'one piece' minimal dressing but in opinion, I find it rather boring. It may always look good, but what is truly the point of the whole idea of personal style if you can't have fun with it? Finally catwalk collections and the occasional haute couture garment have decided to agree with me on this one and have embraced the idea of indivulism into main stream high fashion for this season. If your going to sample the look for yourself note the clashing, wild graphic prints thrown at us by the likes of Mary Katrantzou. My personal favourite print is brought to us mainly by designers like Marc Jacobs, of   course If I could I'd pair my Polka Dots with the hat i'm dreaming of.

                                                                                                                                      

If I ever decide experimentation with some other key trends of the season I'll definately pair them. I'm thinking the more provocative elements seen combined with an androgynous edge. So maybe a pair of my beloved Henry Hollands stocking tights and heeled loafters? Although leather was seen doing most of the work for the majority of the suggestive borderline influences we've seen I still can't get my mind away from lace, I love the sort of innocent element about it than can seen to be corrupted with harsher fabrics to create a part way image of the examples we've seen. For me, trying out a look like this would definately lessen on the formalities and take a old photograph of Courtney Love in her slip dresses as an image of creative direction as oppose to the one of Kate Moss in leather seen in from the Louis Vuitton.

 As much as I love sixties, I think I'll be leaving that to the likes of Alexa in this months Harpers Bazaar. I don't think anyone can compete while she's printed on glossy pages in that absoutley beautiful Stella McCartney dress that we happened to see, though more discreetly on the pages of Elle a month earlier only with Kirsten Dunst trying out the look. And while were on the subject of new season trends...Stars have grew on me, But only if there they high end kind, and combined with my good old lace like the D&G dress we saw Miss Allen Sport on the July cover of the magazine as opposed to horrible cheap tacky stuff from New look covered in stars that reminds me all too much of being 12.

I'm sure I'll be blogging of more magazines soon..Adele is on Vogue and its out thursday! Until then!

FASHION & STYLE: Oh Zara,

its rare, especially for a high street collection.  Though if that moment does appear, its worth talking about.
I'm thinking about the second when you walk into a shop and realise that you want to buy EVERYTHING.
Not in a shopping spree barely thinking about it, grab it all kind of feeling, but a sense of knowing how the amazing quality and design have been pared effortlessly together, creating items for your wardrobe that could not only stand out, but yet become interchangeable and almost essentials for day to day dressing as well as more formal affairs. Think of your dream collection: one that incorporates garments perfect for displaying a taste of your own personal style with still a definite nod at new season trends and key pieces to see you positively smiling into the coming months.

Out shining all the other attempts at this is Zara. A brand that always delivers a high level of craftsmanship but one that tends to sway towards more classic, neutral based tones, only adding a pop of colour of a hint of leopard every so often. That works exceptionally well, but when they do expand there collections limits its breathtaking. I walked into Zara and wanted to cradle every garment, to positively exclaim at its individual beauty yet nearly perfect well roundness as a whole collection.

the Zara TRF collection is obviously aimed at a more casual, slightly younger customer who looks to Zara to provide edgy basic tees, strong denim pieces and explosions of colour, be it through playful modern accessories or versatile dresses and trousers detectably less fitted then seen in the Woman's collection. The theme of strong textures and prints are various elements I obsess and crave in the hoard of clothes they tempt me with for A/W & the advertising itself clearly displays everything the brand aims for with its collection...

I love the flirtatious high spirit mood evoked by the clothing and atmosphere it delivers back to us as possible buyers. Although the clothing is of course marvelous, it is not to be taken to seriously. Its definitely a collection for having fun with fashion while still holding onto the threads of designer influences as opposed to becoming a boring fashion slave to scared to live and embrace the fabric as opposed to letting it dictate there lives. Take a look inside the store if you don't believe me, you'll be missing out if you don't.

FASHION & STYLE: and the Queen...

After getting into the blogging spirit as of late I've decided to introduce some regular posts, to keep things consistent for you an all, I know - I'm just that kind. So hence I bring to you the first post of "If I were a millionaire", Instead of billionaire like, because Bruno did that one too well.

Basically Its Just a hopeless sort of ramble about what clothes/shoes, things in general I'm racing to get my hands after, that are all expensive for me to buy. To you they may seem reasonably priced but remember, I'm a bargain girl at heart, I bought some clothes for Sixth form the other day and practically cried because they weren't reduced. (Don't be to distressed though...Topshop skirt for a fiver)

So here goes, me being lazy and a lack of time means I basically just searched Topshop dot com for lovely treasures I wished I possessed.

Yeah so er, I'd like to own these right now please. Absolutely no regard for if I could even stand up in them, Let alone walk.  But that's not important because there very beautiful. Here I feel the need to quote Jessie J, "with your heels so high that you can't even have a good time" but really, If they look good, surely its fun? If I had £80.00 going spare I'd definitely snap these up.

This vest reminds me of Christopher Kane's collection for the company not so long ago, And in the regret of not buying any of it then I'd like to wear this right now, with everything from Jeans to chunky Knits - Maybe not with the shoes above though. At only £20 I could probably stretch to it.

For re creating an 'Alexa' look this is perfect. Warm and 

simple yet still comfy and a great investment purchase for the new season soon to be upon us. I'd either pair it with Jeans and ballet flats or all out with a wide 50's style skirt. If I could be bothered to spend £36.00 that is.

And these, just because I'm yet to find my own perfect pair of shorts. After many failed attempts on denim hunts over the years I hold some vain hope for these.

                                                     

FASHION & STYLE: When should you trust your instincts?

Think of the item of clothing that you've always wanted. The garment your wardrobe just appears lacking and lifeless without. I'm not talking about a current 'must have' item in these sentences so forget your Chanel bags, Chloe shirts and Celine coats, I'm appealing to you to think of the item you've never found but always wanted.

Let me take a humble leather jacket to explain my principle to you. Everyone wants one, everyone needs one. And in your head you've probably got some detailed thought up idea of your own little version that somehow the shops can't seem to provide you with, no matter how many times they bring one out, its always similar, but never quite perfect.

So when you find that item, the perfect one,  you buy it don't you? Of course you do. You've been waiting for it for all of your style seeking life. Perfect shape, style, colour and texture. Someone finally scanned your brain and decided to make your dream product. But here's were the title of the post comes into play: what do you do if you find your item while paying at the till and have little seconds to spare before its time to leave, do you buy it? can you trust your instincts?

Thats the very thought I grappled with today. I was at the front of the H&M queue in the process of buying a pair of pants when I spotted a lepoard print scarf in the boxes that are purposely designed to make you buy things at the till. (there always stocked with link rollers, socks and bobbles) Now i've wanted a lepoard print scarf for about three years. I've a really skinny one but like the leather Jacket image, its just not my perfect design. In the boxes I found one, the perfect little version i'd stored in my head. And I didn't buy it. I walked away.

Are you thinking, "BIG MISTAKE!" or contemplating and agreeing with my decision. The items are there to be grabbed and bought on impulse, but the majority of our impulse buys we regret. We see an item and are momentarily captivated by its supposed beauty and charm, then seriously regret it after parting with our cash. So when you do see your pefect item can you trust your instinct to buy it on impulse?

I did not want any fashion regrets, I did not want to leave my wardrobe lifeless and lacking forever. I'd found my lucky charm, my security blanket of a scarf finally. After a moments pause and reflection during a browse of boots I ran back to buy the scarf, my scarf. With only one left, I claimed it and bought it as quick as I possibily could. I know in the future to trust my instincts. Now to find my leather jacket...

FASHION & STYLE: Girl meets boy- A size 6 step to far?

There I was, some sort of story half planned in my mind as a entered the queue.  Constantly trying to reassure myself that I was not deluded and that yeah, it was in fact totally acceptable. I was just taking androgyny to the next level- obviously. I'd already prepared myself for future questions among the likes of "Ooh, where are they from?" with a quick barely audible monotone response of "*cough* Cedar wood state" before I turned on my flat soles and ran. Yes, I did, don't judge me. I bought myself a pair of shoes, mens shoes. Its somewhat okay though (isn't it?) I mean they are only from Primark. Admittedly, the price did take a huge chuck of there selling point, £15 reduced to the very three pound coins just sitting leisurely in my purse, what girl could possibily resist the charm of such a discount? In my haste I just sort of snatched them and hoped for the best.

I mean every girl has, or at least should have worn an item of clothing stolen from a male she knows, but no - you don't need to show me the hoodie you took to prove it. Though in the idea of actually buying something intended solely for males, I feel oh so slightly nervous. Cardi's, yep, Blazer, yeah. However a pair of shoes? I just don't know.


In theory adorning your feet with masculinity in a definate thing to try out occasionally, hello brouges and loafters. With A/W providing the ultimate seal of approval I just took a leap, like dip dying all over again.
See, I'm both loving and hating my feet sizing in unison. If they were just a tad smaller I would not have been able to buy them, therefore this blog post would have been non exsistant and if my feet hadn't have been this size, I would not have been able to wear them. Take the dilemma into your own hands and be the jury if you'd like, but I do urge you to try out some androgyny come september. Maybe just not a pair of actual man shoes.

STYLE/RELIGION: Is it worth the risk?

For all my loud fashion experiments and trials in clothing terms, I'm unexpectedly cautious when it comes to other matters. I've worn my makeup like true war paint at times, bold & bright and garish uncompromising colours have patrolled my face at times unsuited to the occasion, but when it comes to my hair, I rarely stray from my typical look. Not that I have a standard hair appearance, the only common theme is the obvious lack of significant brushing, if any at all. Full fringe and a few highlights aside, I've never really changed my mane, only let it grow back to its original length. For all those who don't know or are too blocking out the somewhat painful memory, I chopped it off in late 2009, leaving me with shoulder length hair. Now its back I've been somewhat desiring change (I know, I can't help it) so I took the plunge and dip dyed.

In saying I, I of course mean a friend painted my locks with the horrible blue paste that absolutely stinks, while I sang along and swayed to John Mayer, moaning that I was turning ginger. The finish result is quite a sudden change, I debate forever about  my hair you see and the "only child" label is joined of course by a overprotective parent clause meaning It was a spur of the moment decision, I bought the dye and ran before I could be stopped.

But hey! It worked pretty well, my risk payed off. This was the type of decision that required trust...trust in the person and in the outcome. Sometimes its hard to embrace a decision and leap whole heartheadly into it. Having faith and letting someone else guide you instead of you making every single move on your own is a pretty big step. You've guessed it yes, I'm no longer talking about my hair...I'm talking about Jesus. Its suprising how well you can relate the two I guess, so I want you to apply the message of risking dying your hair into the risk of trusting Jesus. It maybe quite scary, especially if you are new to the idea of it, and if your still unsure weather its something you even want to do, its very hard to suddenly stand up and try it out. But its worth it, its fun. Be a little reckless with your hair, but definately jump and follow God.