Fashions from the films

Let’s play a little game: Name the film?

White pleated halter neck






                                                                               

Black Givenchy floor length sleeveless gown

White bikini with knife garter.

Ruby Slippers




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All of these iconic outfits evoke memories of Classical Hollywood and the stars that wore them. Gone are the days of legendary costumes designers such as Cecil Beaton and Edith Head to who only recently are receiving acknowledgment from those outside of the industry. Nowadays film budgets have multiplied tenfold and it seems a product of that is that clothes themselves are often the selling point of the film. We as a general public are often going to see films about clothes and their makers “Coco before Chanel” “The Devil wears Prada” and “Confessions of a Shopaholic” are just a few examples.  All films that have such hype about the history, media and materialistic qualities surrounding fashion and films. Then there is the trend by-product of a film. “The Great Gatsby” is eagerly awaited to be released this summer with Baz Lurhman behind the helm of the spectacular feast for the eyes. There has been a huge desire by designers to rework the 20s for the modern day. The frills and thrills of the clapper era have been showcased by Ralph Lauren, Gucci, Roberto Cavalli and most memorably by Louis Vuitton. You can expect to see fringing, pearls, skull caps and furs up and down the high street with a gentle nod to the literary genius of F.S. Fitzgerald and the carefree era of the flapper girls.  

Television too is affecting the way we dress with “Downton Abbey” playing a part as a nation obsessed by period drama; it makes sense that British brand Burberry should doth the hat to the Downton mania and reinvent the English country pursuits style. As we spend our weekends away from the office fantasising we are Lady Mary in the country.

Another huge trend that was conceived on the big screen came from the work of Jacqueline Durran who won the BAFTA earlier his year for best costume for her work on “Anna Karenina”. Her decadence and over indulged Russian designs (with a little help from Chanel) drove the fashion houses into a frenzy obsessed by deep jewel tones, baroque and heavily embellished which suggest Russian royalty on the wearer. 

We are taking our inspirations more so from the films. It’s not just the red carpet that’s getting all the attention anymore. Because how many of us have a favourite film because of “that” outfit, “those” shoes or the removal of “that” dress. Film makers are aware we a nation who’s fascination and love of fashions is ever growing and they are responding to this. They do say art reflects life and what better art form than one you live in daily. So next time you go to the cinema you may well leave with more than half a tub of popcorn and the odd love bite.

Fashion's Night Out

After weeks of anticipation FNO finally arrived, heralding the start of fashion week, fashionistas and celebrities alike lined the streets of London to indulge in champagne, canapés, DJ sets and lots more surprises. I clad in silver sequin tailored shorts, teamed with a crisp white shirt and black blazer complete with KG black buckle ankle boots and a vintage doctor's bag I found at a car boot sale I was ready to go! Heading down Old Bond street to see exactly what Vogue had in store for us. It's fair to say that 2012 has been a year of big things, FNO did not disappoint. The queue for McQueen was insanely huge as with Chanel, both to be expected! So I jumped into DKNY where is was quickly presented with a flute of cold champagne. There was a good dance DJ filling the store with bass heavy beats. The highlight of this store was the Butter manicures including the new matte affect nail trend. After indulging myself on two glasses I though it time to move on. At this point I released maybe I should have eaten dinner. Salvatore Ferragamo was buzzing as I walked past and had a cheeky peek inside. Positioned next to Ferragamo was the Vogue stage that would have live music performances and talks, one of particular excitement was Nicholas Kirkwood who would talk about his designs later on in the evening.

As I made my way to Dior I was stopped by a camera crew and asked to give a few words on the excitement of the evening. Of course, always happy to oblige, I thanked the press team and organisers and just how excited I am for LFW, and I may just set up tent outside Somerset House in attempt to get in or at least catch a glimpse of the creme de la creme of fashionistas!
Dior was wonderful, as to be expected, the boutique of course looking like a princess' dream. The manikins clad in Hitchcock heroine dresses and silk scarves. Yet another champagne. Anymore and I may have splurged on the tweed peplum top, how Downton can you get! So I quickly moved on to Joseph! Where I feel in love with a beautiful leather pinafore dress....damn why don't I have any money?! So to cope with the fact I may never possess it I grabbed a Joseph cocktail, sweet and juicy and beautiful garnished with fresh flowers I browsed through the autumn/winter lines (arguably my favourite season, who doesn't enjoy wrapping up with scarves and coats and I'm all over hats this season) and who should I bump into but Henry Holland, wearing fantastic red tartan ankle grazers. He too was enjoying the evening and of course the cocktails.
Burberry was next on the list, and how glad I was we went in. A fantastic band played their debut tunes as flute after flute of champagne was circulated round the well dressed masses. Oh how I long for the trench coat complete with tweed peplum detail....I'm noticing a trend here! The store was scented wonderfully with Burberry body and I hoped to catch a glance of Christopher Bailey, as I did last year but to no avail. So I shuffled on down to Jimmy Choo and Mulberry. Mulberry was of course homing the Vogue party hosted by the innovative Alexandra Shulman. The red carpet made it clear that this was a private event....bugger!!!! So I strutted towards Coach and Armani finally ending in KG where I was photographed and filmed for a South African news channel, not at all bad.

My highlights would have to be the lindyhoppers on the Hermes stage, the renovate bus into a hair salon and the thousands and thousands of shoppers dressed in their finery. For this evening the streets of London became a world class catwalk where we showed the world why we are fashion capital of the world!

Cheers to LFW and to next year!

Thanks Vogue and all who took part! It's fair to say a champagne hangover hit me the next morning!

Xoxo

Interview Clothes

There's always the dilemma when you have to go for an interview as to what to wear. You want to look smart and sophisticated yet memorable and also comfortable as you're already nervous enough. From my experience there are a few things to beware of when dressing for a professional interview.

1) Shoes, heels or not heels? If you can't walk in heels don't even bother! Boys never wear black trainers, it looks awful and always wear black socks!
2) Make sure what your wearing fits, too many people have I seen in too tight clothing or young boys in cheap shirts that don't fit which makes them look like school boys in their Dad's work stuff!
3) DO YOUR TOP BUTTON UP FOR CHRIST SAKE!
4) Jewellery should be kept to a minimum, no giant hoops or masses of noisy bangles, definitely no festival bands or heaven forbidden don't be dripping in "tribal" jewellery. I sat next to a guy once who had masses amounts of wooden beads and such like on, needless to say he didn't get a call back.
5) Make up should be minimal but make you look fresh and make it clear you take pride in your appearance.
6) IRON YOUR GOD DAMN CLOTHES!
7) Deodorant is a must but perfume and cologne to be kept light.
8) Hair: keep it neutral and out of your face. If you tend to play with your hair, tie it up! Boys, for the love of God go easy on the product, no one wants to hire a boy band reject, think Mad men rather than 5ive!
9) Boys for the love of God if you're wearing black shoes DO NOT PUT A BROWN BELT ON!
10) Think about your bag, do you want a briefcase, nice handbag or holdall? Backpacks are annoying as hell of the tube, plus you tend to look like a sixth former on a day trip out!!

So many things to think about and you're not even at the interview yet. Ladies don't be afraid of a splash of colour and gentleman that novelty tie may not be the best way to go!!

Xoxo

More Bridget Jones than Sex and the City

I think it's fair to say I have an unhealthy obsession with Sex and the City, hours and hours are spent with the girls arguing about who is who? I stand by my argument that I'm a Charlotte but others would say I'm a Carrie. Who doesn't get excited about the prospect of galavanting around New York or any city for that matter, drinking cosmopolitans, buying copious amounts of Manolos, having countless dates with the city's rich bachelors and then discussing the pros and cons of the date with the girls over breakfast! Sounds pretty good doesn't! But now after much consideration I feel I am more Bridget Jones that Carrie Bradshaw. I spend far too much time in my pyjamas, waking up fully dressed after downing cheap vodka with friends, complaining about terrible jobs and lack of dating life!
Admittedly we probably all have a Mr Big, I'm told about mine far too often and I have to say I'm not particularly happy about it, but you never know after ten years and two films it might work out? But we're probably more likely to have a Daniel Cleaver, that douche bag you just can't stay away from and are still very much hoping for Mark Darcey.
We remain unable to budget and often end up putting our foot in it. How many of us would prefer a night in with a cheap bottle of Spar wine and a giant tub of Ben and Jerry's in pyjamas than dragging our asses out to the latest hotspot in our brand new Prada to scout the bar for talent an free drinks! It's a toss up that's for sure!

It's sad to say but I'm definitely more spanks than Manolo's at the minute!

The Not So Little Princess

I've had a thought, an epiphany if you will. Remember when you were six or seven years old and mother dearest would dress you in your biggest, poofiest party dress, a dress made of satins, velvets and frills in all kinds of ice cream shades complete with huge bows. Now remember how you used to feel in that dress, oh lord how you would twirl and tackle unsuspecting boys to the ground during hour long games of kiss chase. Now if only we could bring back that feeling of innocence and overwhelming joy. Louis Vuitton has showcased a beautifu array of fairytale princess dresses complete with embellishments and frilling all presented on an all white carousel provoking images of Mary Poppins riding her magical horse through the countryside or romantic dates as the girls laugh and eat masses amounts of candy floss at the fair.

 Topshop also have a great new "Love to Party" collection in fantastic lemon yellows, powder pinks and baby blues and my personal favourite, mint green. Imagine feeling like that little girl again in your very own princess dress and you can make it all grown up with gloves, waist belts and your very own tiara.

 If grown men can play Xbox and make believe they are police cops or football managers to fantasy football teams (give me strength) then of course we can pretend, if only for a day we are beautiful princesses or fairy queens clad in our best attire as we twirl our way through the big city. When on earth did we become some cycnical, work obsessed,tax paying, binge drinking, non believing adults? A pretty dress is just what the doctor ordered. The other day I wore a 50s inspired mint green dress, complete with frilly underskirt, diamond broach and ballet pumps and I received so many compliments from people on the street and I felt great, I felt elegant and because of this I walked strong and proud....who doesn't want to feel like the Queen for a day? So I urge you all to discover your inner princess and dance around, even if only in private, you'll feel great. If this doesn't solve our economy's problems then I'll eat my powder pink silk tulle hat!

The Journey Back to District 12

Apologies for being so neglectful as of late, everything has been up in the air.
So the Easter holidays, full of chicks, chocolate eggs, hot cross buns dripping in butter and a time for family to feel obliged to come together....joy of joys!!! After spending the last twelve months in London living the "high" life it came to the time to start packing for my trip back home for the Easter holidays. Dilemma....what to pack. I've been so used to being able to head out in leather skirts, fifties dresses, fur coats and fantastic headpieces...that's London....it's fine...if anything its encouraged. Now Mablethorpe, hidden away in the deep realms of Lincolnshire is a far cry from London chic. If Mablehorpe was a wardrobe you'd find masses of hoodies with matching tracksuit bottoms, Ugg boots (well market knock offs) galore, SCRUNCHIES....I kid you not! Everything else is splashed with diamante spelling such delights as "BABE" "SEXY" "TOUCH ME"...as you can see it's not exactly "Vogue" winning territory. Now don't get me wrong, I had a wonderful childhood in Mablethorpe living by the sea in the quiet community was ideal. But at age 22 and launching myself into a fashion career I find myself a world away to the simpler ways of Mablethorpe. Packing proved difficult and decided on simple day dresses teamed with tights and boots, my trusty Trench coat, ballet pumps and my friend's "borrowed" vintage black cardigan complete with rabbit fur and beading embellishment, not the most subtle of items but I'm in love with it currently. So off I head, passing Butlins and seeing the masses of the young families getting off to enjoy their Easter holidays under the watchful eye of the red coats. I finally arrive in Mablethorpe...it's raining....fantastic.....it's cold....even better. To soften the blow a few friends from school are around and Francesca herself has ventured up from London for the weekend. We head out, having a cheeky bottle at Fran's first. We arrive in Mablethorpe onto the one street with pubs (NO CLUBS) on. As we enter the whole pub look up..... it's like a scene from "The League of Gentlemen" You could feel them sharpening their pitch forks ready to scream "Are you local?" into our frightened Chanel made up faces.
I was wearing a simple black dress with cut out details around the waist complete with gold finish coat, opaque black tights finished with a deep orange suede pump to give the outfit a pop. Well it would seem Mablethorpe wasn't quite ready for this. Fran in turn wore a brilliant pink asymmetric number complete with black Mary Jane platforms. Richard, our gay husband wore a typical chic outfit, shirt and jeans complete with chunky worker boots. So with clutches in hand we shuffled our way towards the bar. The only good thing about a night out in Mablethorpe is that a round of doubles will cost you £8!!!! The night went on and after several hours of bumping into people exclaiming "Oh you're in that London now are you...nah could never live there...too big!" it was definitely time to go home.
The week continued much in the same way. People actively stopped and stared as I wandered down the street and along the seafront. So I resided myself to the fact that Mablethorpe will never be a style beacon. That is until I head to the local COOP (I should add this is the largest chain store we have, the others being a Boots Pharmacy and the highly awaited Gregg's) I wander down the aisle, smiling to the townsfolk of my childhood and get to where I want...the magazine aisle. The May "Vogue" edition was finally out..........BREAKDOWN....SOLD OUT....how could this be? I then spent the next hour running from local newsagent to independent supermarket hunting for my copy. Who is buying "Vogue" in Mablethorpe? It took a visit to Morrison's 16miles away for me to find one....hallelujah!!!
I think it's fair to say I'm happy to be back in London and what better way to celebrate than STEPS at the O2!!!! 5,6,7,8!!! xoxo

That Chanel Advert,

This advert makes me smile every time I see it. I love the way Chanel is creating nostalgic feelings by presenting us with old Hollywood style stage performances. The colours themselves are highly decadent and suggest a uber glamour feel. It's the attention to detail, the pearl swings, the orange fizz performing a saute battu and the kick line working in perfect unison. This evokes images of Fred and Ginger dancing in ballrooms lit by moonlight or The Tiller Girls dressed in sequins in feathers. No doubt thousand of little girls around the world after watching this advert will try and recreate in a Kellogg's Blue Peter esque  finger puppet theatre. This is so much more than an advert, it's not purely trying to sell you something, it's a celebration of glamour and finesse all of which Chanel stands for. Every woman knows that a well manicured hand can lift your mood and complete an outfit. Chanel is offering you the chance to be a part of the legendary brand without breaking the bank balance. 
The music choice is genius "Little Bitty Pretty One" is so cheerful and very very catchy. Yes of course it does all remind us of the "magic" scene from Matilda but who cares?! It makes us want to sing, dance and jump around and if a nail polish can make me do that, well I'll be first in line at the counter!


xoxo