Secret Danger Sister

More Fashion Week Highlights

2012-03-02T12:31:00.002Z

During Fashion Week I was lucky enough to help out the lovely Kim Howells covering the shows for her blog while she was behind the scenes styling them. I got to see some truly incredible ones, and basically had the time of my life despite being flat out busy the entire time. As I had two pretty major projects for uni to work on simultaneously, it was an intense 10 days or so during which I went to shows every day, wrote up blogs, spent hours editing and uploading photos, wrote my dissertation research proposal and organised and styled my own photo shoot (the results of which I'm looking forward to putting up soon). I've blogged in more detail about the individual shows on Kim's blog, so here's a few of my favourite shots.

Getting dressed at Phoebe EnglishAfter the show at Phoebe English Cute pops of bubblegum pink at Phoebe English Louise GrayGrungy at Marques Almeida- glad backpacks aren't going away anytime soon...Front row at Michael Van Der Ham

Acne AW12 at London Fashion Week

2012-02-29T22:12:00.003Z

London Fashion Week was a pretty crazy time for me, which I will talk about more in another post coming soon, and I've only just recovered from the madness enough to bring myself to write about it again. In between my main duties covering shows for the lovely stylist Kim Howells (more on that later), I suddenly, thanks to my good friend Francesca Mullin, found myself with the dream ticket - an invite to the Acne A/W12 show at the old sorting office on New Oxford street. I saw pretty much every single fashion journalist and blogger whose faces I would recognise, and I'm not going to lie, it was a stylish affair. After the show had finished, suddenly waiters appeared with drinks and food and the whole place, including backstage area, turned into a massive party.

I'm not going to write a review of the show - there's already way too much coverage of shows out there - but one thing that always strikes me about Acne is how they know exactly what I'm going to want to wear way before I know it. I loved loved loved the flashes of neon and the shiny coats and jackets, and that green coat pictured below is also on my wishlist. I won't say anything else, but perhaps this year is the one to start saving up for A/w now, and one of those babies will be mine come September.

Piers Atkinson A/W12.

2012-02-10T20:26:00.004Z

A picture of me backstage at Piers Atkinson's new A/W12 lookbook shoot. Yeah, this is a sneak peak at one of the new pieces! So much fun and SO MANY good hats! Not sure why it looks like I have bleached my eyebrows/shaved them off as I most certainly have not done this.

Be still my beating heart...

2012-02-10T15:39:00.000Z

Just a quick one - the Weekday SS12 lookbook has been revealed, and although I'm sure this will have gone viral on the Scandi blogs within about 2 hours, I had to show it because I love nearly every single piece in it. The colours and shapes perfectly match what I want to be wearing this spring, and I'm even feeling the baseball caps, which shows how easily my mind can be changed about things. The concession in Selfridges is, as far as I know, due soon, but when, WHEN?

Here's a selection of my favourite looks. I am of course using the word 'selection' loosely, as it's pretty much the whole collection.

Too much dark.

2012-02-08T17:42:00.006Z

I've decided that I wear too much black. I practically live in my high waisted, black, skinny jeans which I always seem to wear with a pair of black leather shoes or boots (if it's black, leather, within my price range and goes on your feet then I am pretty much guaranteed to have it). Then I usually throw on a plain t-shirt and a dark jumper followed by a dark coat. Pretty uninspiring for the warmer weather (if we ever get any); so, even though right now it is -1 outside and I am sitting on the sofa with a blanket round my knees and tonsillitis in my throat I am planning to take drastic action with regards to my S/S wardrobe. What could be further from my plain black obsession than a Hawaiian shirt?! I've found an amazing brand called Karmakula (also just started selling on ASOS) which has every colour/print of Hawaiian shirt available to buy and for the very reasonable price of £26.95 too.

As this is my first foray into Hawaiian shirts I thought it would be advisable to attempt one with a slightly more muted colour scheme so narrowed down the choices to these three...

But then I realised that if I was planning on wearing a Hawaiian shirt, then this wasn't the time to be shy and that actually I preferred the brighter ones. So I ended up ordering the blue one on the left. I'll post a picture as soon as it arrives.

London College of Fashion MA showcase

2012-02-07T17:04:00.001Z

Last week I got to attend the London College of Fashion MA showcase. I've written a longer piece on it that will go up on another site soon (special secret project that I'll be doing bits and pieces for) but in the meantime, here are a few things that I got excited about:

Embossed latex - unfortunately I can't remember who by...
AMAZING pieces from Ana Rajcevic.This was pretty weird - it's basically a garment bag but with, added erm, anatomy?MA Fashion Artefact Ruth Holland, MA Fashion ArtefactRecognise this model?

The perfect camera bag

2012-01-31T22:41:00.000Z

From Urban Outfitters. Been looking for one like this for ages.

Winter Whites

2012-01-17T16:18:00.001Z

I can't ever think of wearing white before Christmas; possibly because all the feasting and making merry render such a pale colour wildly impractical. Come January however, and there's something so appealing about chillier hues, despite the lingering cold and dark evenings. They feel generally detoxy, virtuous and, to utilise some over-used fashion-speak, 'fresh'.

After getting my nails done (for the first time ever) last week I soon realised that the black with gold glitter I had chosen for them was hopelessly 'Xmas 2k11', and was seized by an urge to strip the colour off and replace it with a more serene shade (I went with a pale blue). Ever since I've been searching hungrily for garments in the white/cream/very pale blue spectrum, in particular a white mid-length (I'm also tired of the word 'midi') skirt, which Topshop have managed to successfully nail, combining calming pale blue with a thick fabric that lends a bit of structure. COS have also always been good at minimalist whites, and while there's not much to choose from at the moment, no doubt once the sales are finally over there'll be a fine selection to choose from.

Meanwhile, a couple of editorials kind of capture the vibe I'm thinking of at the moment - both of these 'white' stories have a chilliness added to them by the black and white (Vogue Germany) and the low wintry sun of the second (Fashion Gone Rogue). For now I'll have to be content with my own array of whites - a crisp white shirt and fisherman style knit.k

Shirt - The White Company

Clutch - H&M

Knit - AA

Nail Polish - Barry M

Sunglasses - Retrosuperfuture

Eye glasses.

2012-01-12T10:06:00.007Z

A few years ago, when I got the frames I currently wear, I was pretty daring and chose a big, thick rimmed, black pair. My Mum hated them, I hated them for a while, then I grew to love them. I am getting a little bored of them now though and need a change. I was thinking of trying to channel a slightly subtler "library look" this time round a bit like these sexy ladies.

I discovered an amazing company called Massada who do some really interesting shapes and colours. These are my main contenders...

But wouldn't these be FUN?

What with taking a risk last time round and it eventually paying off, I may just try out a pair of owl frames.

Spots and dots.

2012-01-05T17:13:00.006Z

I know that dalmatian print has been a big hit this winter, but I just can't get excited about it. There are some really nice items out there and I think it looks good, but I'm at a bit of a loss with what to do with it. Maybe it's because the pattern is just a little bit to irregular for me. I don't wear much pattern, and when I do I tend to stick with pretty bold, evenly spaced things. I love a dot. But regular polka dots are too tiny and fussy for me. I like a big, bold spot (but please, not on my face). There's something so satisfying about big, regular patterns.

I love this asos skirt and I wish more than anything that they would do a pair of trousers in the same material and pattern; I think I would faint with joy if they did a jacket and trouser combo! These Topshop trousers come close enough and I am seriously considering getting these asos shorts for summer even though they are for men. I have been using these tights to jazz up black silk dresses over the Christmas/New Year period. These socks are next on my list. Cool pop socks- who would've thought it?!

This image looks so horrible- I really do apologise. I guess all those different spots should never have featured on the same page next to one another. Trousers Topshop, socks, shorts and tights all Asos.

Ps. Us on New Year's eve dancing to Le Tigre trying to copy all the dance moves off a tiny laptop screen. Me in said spotty tights! Just turn the sound right down because we are drunk and we shout the words and just sound awful in general.

Looking ahead to spring

2011-12-23T20:03:00.000Z

This time of year is usually all about the sales, but in my experience these are usually best avoided. Most of the things that are actually worth getting either never made it to sale, or are not reduced by very much anyway. In the past I've succumbed, and I did manage to get a pair of Viktor and Rolf heels at a fairly reasonable discount - but it was still a massive splurge. Unless you have something really specific in mind that you know has gone to sale, I always think it's more fulfilling to look forward to the next season rather than the dregs of Autumn/Winter.

The grey dress from ASOS is a nice little transitional piece - it's not overly summery so will do well with a jacket and tights in the colder months, then with bare legs when the mercury shoots up a bit. The clutch would actually also be great now, in the party season - neon is tricky but the cut-out pattern is an impressive piece from a high street retailer.

The monochrome aspect of the second image wasn't intentional, but I like it, and clearly my concession to springtime involves no colour but rather a switch from white to black. Those snakeskin heels tick the 'height-you-might-actually-be-able-to-walk-in' box, and the splash of python also makes them a bit less prim than they would otherwise be. The midi-skirt on the right would be a great springtime purchase teamed with a grey t-shirt. (All Topshop).

Christmas presents for me

2011-12-20T15:57:00.000Z

In the mad seasonal gift-buying scrum, I still have to steel myself to shop for others and not myself. This year, my resolve has been weak, and I found myself bagging two clutch bags and a t-shirt from H&M, and a pair of shoes I've been after ever since I saw them in an Another magazine editorial (they're from Aldo, who have been stepping up their game recently). I think when handing over my card to purchases items for myself rather than my nearest and dearest, I justified it by reasoning that of course, I do need something new to wear for New Year's Eve, conveniently forgetting that as of posting this, I still have NO PLANS for the night of the 31st December. At this stage, it's looking quite likely that it'll just be me and the cat at home together watching the fireworks on TV and then Jools Holland.

Aborted haircut idea.

2011-12-12T16:38:00.004Z

Whilst watching the Wong Kar Wai film Fallen Angels the other day, I decided that I should get a 90s haircut in the style of the partner in the film. Remember when fringes were choppy and really long, hanging over the eyes so that you couldn't see? Oh yeah...that's probably why I shouldn't get a 90s haircut like that- I really need to be able to see. But Michelle Reis does look kind of cool when she's smoking and has to tip her head back to see under her fringe. Ah, forget it, I hate whispy bits of hair in my eyes more than anything. And I certianly don't want to have to revert to clipping it back like she does in the film because that looks rubbish. Abort.

B is for Bathtime.

2011-12-04T08:02:00.004Z

We actually finished 'B is for Bathtime' over a month ago, I just never posted it. We struggled with lighting when taking the photos because it was nearing the end of the day and there just wasn't enough natural light. So it all looks a bit dark and too moody for a cutesy, 50s style bathroom. I still like it though. Lauren put way more work into this than I did so she should get most of the credit. Isn't that floss just SO SWEET! 'C is for...' coming soon!

I'm thinking...

2011-11-30T19:03:00.001Z

Found this on one of my favourite blogs, Vanillascented, and it started me thinking (again) about getting another tattoo. I really like simple wrist and finger tattoos but good ones are so few and far between. So into this one - although it's probably pretty lame to simply copy someone else's.

Dressing for the occasion.

2011-11-26T17:13:00.006Z

My latest issue of 'Worn' arrived the other day so I took the opportunity lent to me by a couple of days off work to snuggle up and read through it with a cup of tea and a slice of parkin. I found one article in particular to be really interesting. Stegelmann wrote about her wedding and the obstacles she faced in finding a dress in the run up to the big day. She didn't want a traditional one (she wasn't having a traditional fancy pants wedding) but she found it difficult to be happpy with whatever she was finding. In the end she wears a really lovely, vintage, yellow silk wiggle dress. But what she learns about dressing is far more interesting than the actual outfit chosen. Here is a little paragraph that I really appreciate

"From religious leaders to garbage collectors, we all have outfits for everything we do. Our clothes help establish our place in the world. I hadn't wanted to care about what I deemed to be the superficial trappings of a wedding....I'd only considered what the wedding meant to me, to us. But, like so many other rituals, a wedding is for the guests. It lets the people who love us gather, celebrate, and acknowledge a change in circumstance. In some weird way, it holds the same significance as a funeral. We are pack animals and we celebrate (and mourn) together. And whether we're in white or black or yellow printed silk, dressing for the occasion shows respect and a willingness to participate. You don't have to look the same as everyone else, but you have to mean it."

She goes on to describe her brother overheating in his "buttoned shirt and necktie", her editors new gold shoes that had given her such blisters that "she'd actually left bloodstains on the heels" and her own narrow cut dress made her hop up and down the lawn but "there we were, breathless and blistered and grinning like idiots".

Isn't that such a sweet and truthful observation?! The number of times I didn't put any effort into my outfit choice and would wear my day to day clothes for special occasions now makes me cringe. My Mum still doesn't like what I wear, but at least now she appreciates that I put effort into the outfit and therefore that makes her happy. It's not about fitting in, it's about making the effort. I think that's the reason I always cry in teen films when a young person makes the effort of getting ready for an event and ends up getting crushed becuase teenagers don't always make the effort so it's that much more special when they do (massive generalisation there!). Classic examples are...

Ross in Friends getting dressed up to take Rachel to the prom when her date doesn't show up, but then he does show up and Ross is left behind....

That bit in Never Been Kissed when Drew Barrymore is all dressed up in her hideous pink monstrosity and thinks she's going to the prom with the cool guy but it's all a big joke and....oh....god....I cry EVERY time (not that I have watched this film more than twice).

Leather Rucksack

2011-11-16T18:18:00.001Z

My new schoolbag arrived today. It's big and leather and will carry all the things I need on a regular basis, like laptop and books. Took me ages to find a nice leather rucksack that looked like it was strong enough to carry all that - eventually found it here.

Grown up Lolita.

2011-11-07T11:01:00.004Z

Here are the results of a lovely shoot I took part in the other week titled "Grown up Lolita". I had just finished reading Lolita and also watching the 1962 film and thought that it would be interesting to play around with what she would look like a few years later. She's a girl who I imagine would grow up to know exactly how to wiggle her hips and pout over her shoulder at admiring male glances. Conversely I don't think she would ever lose her childish attitude to life (many debates could ensue regarding her stolen childhood and loss of innocence to Humbert Humbert but I don't need to go into that now). So with this in mind I paired clashing patterns, a t-shirt with a pencil skirt, a dress with frilly cotton socks- Lolita is getting dressed in grown up clothes but then stumbling and throwing on her usual comfort items. A pretty major source of inspiration were the videos for Lana Del Ray. She had the little girl, bit trashy, big hair, half grown up look I wanted to go for. I hope that sort of makes sense! I need to thank everyone on the shoot because it was such a lovely day and everyone was wonderful to work with. Each person brought out amazing ideas for every shot and I think we collaborated really well.

Photography: Christine Kreiselmaier
Model: Sydney Lima
Hair and Make-up: Jodie Hazlewood
Styling: Isabella Sumner
Styling assistant: Katie Tillyer
Photography assistant: Iona Vrabie

Walk in London Fields.

2011-11-04T18:00:00.005Z

My new dress matches the colour of the leaves so perfectly right now so I decided to wear it on a little walk to London Fields today with my friend Lauren. Although it looked cold out, it was actually pretty warm, so my Topshop coat with a H&M faux fur collar attatched was enough to keep me warm. I also dug out my favourite New Look clog boots for the occasion.

We stopped off in Hub, a brilliant little shop off Broadway Market and I fell in love with all the Won Hundred and YMC printed tops and dresses. Do I have a new obsession- printed silks? Yes, I think so.

Fashion 156

2011-10-30T13:14:00.000Z

I've been a bad blogger recently, but I have a good excuse. I've started interning at online fashion mag Fashion156 (check out their daily blog for me posting up interesting stuff about artists, photographers, designers and illustrators) and that combined with uni and work has eaten up most of my time. So because my boyfriend has borrowed my camera I can't do a proper post, but instead I thought I'd show you the sort of thing that Fashion156 do in their editorials, to give you an idea of what I'll be helping out with!

This one is from the current issue, the Cult issue, and has a sort of puritanical/Amish feel to it. I think the styling is fantastic and I love that they use loads of graduate and new designers so you get some really unusual pieces, often mixed with vintage and more established labels. This shoot also incorporates lots of my current favourite things like white collars, middle partings and leather harnesses.

They've done it again.

2011-10-30T10:54:00.004Z

Second week in a row I am obsessed with the Guardian fashion pages. Definitely going to get in on that grey spotted skirt and the green trousers from ASOS- great items without the massive price tags. If I could I would get the black DVF mesh top and the Marc Jacobs dress too, but as the cost would be higher than double my monthly rent I am going to have to give them a miss.

Good week Guardian.

2011-10-24T09:51:00.006+01:00

I was totally impressed by the fashiony bits in the guardian this Saturday. Loving the make up on this model. I always get a bit obsessed with purple lipstick as soon as the weather turns colder. I might try the clear skin/naked eyes with lipstick thing after seeing these images. Cool brushed up brows too.

These black and white themed images were also featured in the magazine. I really like the long, billowy, black waistcoat- might actually have to get my hands on one of them. Perfect for autumn cycling. I may even risk wearing a white polo neck under it (Polo necks terrify me. They cling EVERYWHERE. In my opinion you might as well be naked or in a wetsuit.)

I'm not a massive fan of the 4th look. It's a bit bulky and looks clumsy; grey shoes would've made a world of difference. But I DO love the mix of speckled greys.

guardian exits stage left.

*applause*

Fiasco Youth Issue.

2011-10-13T12:38:00.003+01:00

I assisted on a couple of shoots for Fiasco magazine recently working with the lovely Ali McNally. She has so much fun with the clothes and found some amazing pieces. On the first day poor Daniel was made to wear loads of glitter and sequined clothing yet he took it all in his stride (and I reckon he quite enjoyed it in the end!). Here is a link if you want to read the whole magazine.

The second day was all about shooting different youth subcultures. Here are the photos from that day.

This last shot was put together entirely by me (wahey!). I borrowed the bow tie off my good friend Gareth and the glasses were given to me years ago by a family friend who is an optician. They are actually NHS glasses from the 80s- she was amazed that I wanted them! The jeans that Jamie is wearing in the Grungy look are also mine. I now have famous clothes!

All the models were amazing, as were the photographer, make up artists and of course Ali. Here is a final shot that we did of Amaya- she looked too pretty for me not to include it in the post.

A parcel from Norway

2011-10-10T18:43:00.000+01:00

A package arrived for me last week from my friend Ada in Oslo. I told her about the Weekday shoes I wanted, and how they were on sale, and she got them for me! Thank you Ada!

H&M Conscious Collection.

2011-10-09T12:19:00.000+01:00

I was returning a dress in Selfridges yesterday and was trying to be as quick as possible about it by running through the store (I actually think a few security guards almost set off to chase me thinking that I had made off with a Mulberry bag) when I rushed past the H&M concession, stopped and had to do a double take. I hadn't paid much attention to their previous conscious collections as they were just a bit "meh"- boring with not much to set them apart from the rest of the shop. This was totally different though. Apparently the designers drew inspiration from Swedish folklore and 17th century clothing from Northern Sweden. It's odd that the collection features lots of white: lace, blouses and dresses in crisp cotton. Include the linen shorts and light, decorative jackets and you are looking at a summer collection. However, there are also some lovely grey, woolen trousers and a long cocoon shaped coat which are suitably autumnal. Unfortunately, I fell in love with the summery items. I may have to save them for next year though as the temperature outside has dropped by 14 degrees in the past week. Brrrr.

Summer Vibes and ice cream colours

2011-10-04T14:46:00.000+01:00

Yesterday was probably the last sunny day of the year and I ended up on the south bank drinking beer and watching the sun go down. I've been more into autumnal clothes recently, but as a last nod to the dying summer, I got out some ice cream colours to wear and put on some orange lipstick. The great thing about autumn light as opposed to summer light is that it's so much lower and warmer in colour, so if you combine that with hot weather you get dreamy pictures like these ones of the bridge and the London skyline. I know, it's a really close up picture of my face - it freaks me out a little too.

Peach t-shirt: Primark

Pink shorts: Opening Ceremony

Lipstick: MAC Morange

Weekday concession in Selfridges: wish granted

2011-10-03T10:37:00.000+01:00

Isabella was right when she said that all you need to do for wishes to come true is blog about it. Do you remember me banging on about Weekday a while ago? Read the interview with Henrik Aahen in full here, and you'll see that he's confirmed that Weekday will be opening a concession in Selfridges in the spring. Hurrah!

Going Out Shoes

2011-09-27T18:12:00.000+01:00

I've been becoming increasingly frustrated by shoe shopping for a while now, so I was pleased to find these in H&M the other day. The antidote to the stripper shoes peddled by most retailers these days (heels seem to get higher every season - since when was 5 inches considered normal for heel height? What happened to 3 inches? GAH) these are unfussy, classic, and just chunky enough to have a bit of edge to them, but still feminine rather than weird looking. Plus, I won't fall over in them like I did in these shoes, and I won't be taller than all the boys I know when wearing them. Win. They also have a pleasing 90s vibe to them, and I remember having a very similar pair in velvet (but with a lower wedge) when I was about 10 - my very first 'going out' shoes.

Wishes do come true...

2011-09-27T11:27:00.003+01:00

...you just need to blog about them. Remember this post? Well look what I found on asos today>>>

(Really sorry about the poor quality picture)

September Secret Danger

2011-09-24T14:17:00.000+01:00

The Secret Danger boys have started a new mix series, the first of which will be given out at tonight's SD. Each one is packaged up in a handmade sleeve and features the incredibly intricate artwork of Kyle Gregg. I have watched him create some of these beautiful and very delicate pieces before and it's really interesting how absorbed he gets into the act of drawing. See more of his work here. Come along tonight and ask John for a CD if you want one for yourself. But be quick, there are only a limited number of them! As usual Katie and I will be trying to stay sober and not have TOO much fun so that we can snap some photos of everybody there. Dress up in your glad rags!

Details: Plain metal jewellery and sequins

2011-09-24T13:26:00.000+01:00

Just a couple of things that I seem to be wearing all the time recently; plain gold metal jewellery from H&M, my favourite grey t-shirt (AA), blue sequin skirt from Zara and monster shoes from Viktor & Rolf that I hardly ever get to wear, but absolutely love.

How to dress like a babe off-duty.

2011-09-20T20:43:00.004+01:00

Everyone must've seen the behind the scenes Blade Runner shots taken with Sean Young's polaroid camera by now, as they have been knocking about on the internet for quite some time. Although I sort of hate the film (I know, controversial) I always thought Rachael was well cool. She would win in a fight with Pris by the power of her eyebrows alone. Both the characters's wardrobes have been copied an infinite number of times but I want to copy the backstage ones more. The outfit in these two photos makes me swoon. I searched for months. Mainly in Gap, promised by many to make the perfect t-shirts, but who clearly don't because they don't make this one. Finally my search has proved successful: I discovered an exact copy from Topshop Boutique. I am still looking for a leathery look, black, snake print skirt with a waistband just half and inch wide hitting at the narrowest part of my waist, made of a non-stretchy material and it has to be tight, but not too tight. For now I have ordered this skirt off ASOS, which by no means satisfies my skirt lust, but may just have to do for now.

London Fashion Week Day 1

2011-09-17T15:15:00.000+01:00

Some miscellaneous images from yesterday at London Fashion Week. I wish I had time to do a more in-depth post but I'm covering it for another website as well as working! I had Paul Costelloe and Corrie Nielson in the morning (I sadly had to miss Caroline Charles as I had a very important errand to run), followed by a screening of the Ada Zanditon collection in the afternoon and Basso & Brooke in the evening. As you can see, I was invited to PPQ but didn't get there early enough to be at the front of the queue - they were oversubscribed and shut the doors, leaving quite a few people out of the proceedings. Sad times.

The photos are from the Corrie Nielson show - a kind of Victoriana/Japanese theme (I'll post a link soon to my more in-depth coverage of it). It was the first time I'd been to the venue (the old sorting office on New Oxford Street) and I have to say I was taken with it. The twinkly lights were incredible!

Anyway, I hope to post more soon - today I enjoyed the DAKS show and later I'm off to John Rocha and the Sibling presentation.

Fashion's Night Out

2011-09-14T14:12:00.004+01:00

Some belated photos from Fashion's Night Out last week. The photos are from the Miller Harris shop where Isabella's friend Amy is the visual merchandiser and had transformed the place into a magical garden, and Links of London, where the Art Wednesday team had graffitied up the windows and drinks were served in test tubes.

OIL SLICK - Autumn textures

2011-09-07T13:51:00.000+01:00

The cooler weather makes me think about different textures - smooth silks and satins, soft wool, tough leather and cool metal. Came across this dress the other day while having a clear-out - it's Kate Moss for Topshop, and I love the shiny effect it has in the photos, it almost looks oily. The bag was an ebay find, the knit is a hand-me-down in 100% lambswool, and the choker is a recent find in H&M. I'd actually wear most of them together - pairing the dress and knit in particular would be very Alexander Wang AW11.

Party last Saturday.

2011-09-05T22:37:00.002+01:00

We went to a house party last Saturday and we were all wearing new shoes- so we took pictures of them. Jenny was wearing some pretty impressive jewels on her fingers so we snapped them too. All normal house party behaviour. Then, just as a treat, we took a picture of ourselves. Guess which is which!Acne Pistol boots, Office boots, Opening ceremony's colab with Robert Clergerie black velvet heels (oooohhh).Rings and bracelets vintage and YSL.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer

2011-09-05T13:44:00.000+01:00

Everyone has their style icons that shaped what they thought was cool when they were growing up. Some can cite iconic looks such as the girls from Clueless, or maybe Molly Ringwald (or in fact any of the kids from The Breakfast Club) as being the look that they idolised. For me however, it was Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Between the ages of about 9 and 12 (and maybe secretly for a while after that) I thought that Buffy, with her clompy shoes, too-tight dresses, bootcut trousers and bad highlights were THE HEIGHT of sophistication. Didn't she wear a lot of lilac?

While much of the fashion on Buffy is utterly awful, some of it ticks the 90s comeback boxes in a big way. The crucifix trend of 18 months ago? If you're Buffy the Vampire Slayer you HAVE to have a crucifix - it's literally life or death. Crop tops too - I defy you to watch any episode of the first 3 series of Buffy and not spot a crop top. More recently we've been seeing plenty of split skirts (both mini and maxi) and spaghetti strap tops (a Buffy staple) in silk or velvet. Alexander Wang has just based an entire collection around the latter. Looks like she had the right idea, doesn't it? Apart from the lilac, which as everyone know, does not look good on blondes. Or anyone really.

The catalyst for this Buffy-related post came the other day after a trip to the Monki concession in Selfridges. I came home with a pair of chunky heeled boots, a pair of pink shorts and a scarf. As I was putting on the boots the next day, they suddenly struck me as exactly the sort of clompy boots that Buffy herself would kick vampire ass in. Chunky heel, platform, ankle length - it's got the slayer written all over it. I'll be wearing mine with a side split skirt from Carin Wester, and my favourite (incredibly Buffy-like because it looks a bit like animal print, and is also slightly sheer) vintage t-shirt. I'll also be asking for the box-set for Christmas.

Boots - Monki

Skirt - Carin Wester

T-shirt - vintage

Sunday 60's Inspiration

2011-09-04T14:31:00.005+01:00

We've got another photoshoot project coming up very shortly, which we're quite excited about. At the moment we're feeling pretty inspired by the 1960s, and here are some recent photoshoots that we're particularly taken with. I really love the composition of the top image - and am now going to have a wander round Soho/Carnaby street in the hope of finding a similar space.

The photoshoot will have a streetstyle element, but we're hoping to take it a bit further by making it into a real story. The shoot is in just over a week, and we'll post the results afterwards.

Images via Fashion Gone Rogue, V Magazine, Rackk and Ruin.

A is for Aristocrat.

2011-08-30T10:14:00.003+01:00

Remember when I posted the paper doll photos that I took with my friend Lauren? Well, we have decided to make it a regular, ongoing project. We're going to work our way through the alphabet making a scene to represent each letter. We completed 'A' the other day. Everything you see (other than my face obvs) is made of paper. Every time I laughed the whole jacket bobbed up and down, and having a papier-mâché balloon on my head made every rustle of the paper sound like a thunderstorm in my head. But it was SO MUCH FUN.

Party trousers.

2011-08-29T11:33:00.003+01:00

Ever since Vintage Weekend at Southbank where I saw one of my colleagues wearing a pair of cocktail print trousers- I have wanted a pair of cocktail print trousers. Considering the scarcity of cocktail print trousers I never expected to find a pair. Then, last Friday, something incredible happened. I went to the East End Thrift store in Whitechapel and I found a pair of cocktail patterned trousers. But these were no ordinary cocktail patterned trousers. These were lovely, black silk cocktail patterned trousers. They were the absolute perfect fit pair of cocktail patterned trousers. They had the cocktails embroidered on them with little beads as decoration. AND THEY WERE ONLY £15. Basically, I found the ultimate pair of cocktail pattern trousers. I got to wear my new party trousers to a party on Saturday. They made me so happy.

Old photos: działka.

2011-08-26T10:05:00.003+01:00

It's probably necessary to put these photos into context slightly. They are from around when my Mum was a young woman and I think most of them are taken at the summer house just outside of Warsaw. Summer houses in Poland are not what you would expect-I once had a friend telling his parents he was going to stay at my "villa" only to find that, although it has running, hot water and a basic kitchen, it was essentially a large hut in a forest. Poles tended (and still do very often) to holiday within Poland. It was cheap, the weather is normally good and there are a wealth of different geographical types of locations to choose from: the mountains, the seaside, the hills, the lakes. Many people bought small areas of land just outside the cities and would build summer houses on them so that they could take the children away for weekends. These are called działkas and my działka is still my favourite place in the world.

I'm not sure why anyone felt the need to wear those awful hats.

Although my Mum was never a girly dresser and always felt like a complete tomboy I occasionally come across a picture of her looking so at ease and wearing things which make her appear so laid back that she conveys a kind of comfortable grace. I love the rolled sleeves to just the right height and the jumper over her shoulders in the first picture. The second photo must have been taken after she had already come to live in England because she is already wearing her fake Manchester University jumper!

Acne Boots

2011-08-23T09:02:00.001+01:00

Finally bit the bullet and actually got the Acne Pistol Short boots that I have wanted for years now. I've become almost obsessive in the search for the perfect pair of boots and every year is the same story - each pair is somehow either too high or too flat, too clompy, or not clompy enough, etc etc ad infinitum. Suede lets the water in, and is easily damaged (tide marks in the rain) Proper leather solves this problem, but can be tough and uncomfortable - I have been bruised before, by a pair of particularly unyielding Dr Martens.

I worked out that last year I bought 3 pairs of boots, all of which cost between £80 and £120. Two of them simply fell apart after a few month's use - and when the sole is held on with glue, there is, sadly, not much to do once this happens. The others are just a bit too high for every day use. Shoes that are stitched rather than glued together, can be more effectively repaired, and therefore last much longer.

Old photos: young Mum.

2011-08-17T19:15:00.002+01:00

As promised, here are a few pictures of my Mum when she was a little girl in Poland. The first picture is her and my Babcia, her Mum, in the snow. My Babcia is my absolute hero and wore some amazing clothes back in the day. What's great is that although she is shorter than me, I am pretty much the same size that she was when she was younger and I can sometimes find the most amazing clothes in her wardrobes, which she quite readily surrenders.

Mum is on the far right. I think she is meant to be a snowflake if I remember correctly. Too cute! Wish I could get razor sharp pleats into my skirts like the girl in the middle has.

One year later and little Ula has progressed to playing the part of a bigger snowflake- looks like she is wearing the same dress but has grown a few inches! I think she preferred pretending to be a knight as on the right. She was such a tomboy in reality.

Topshop boutique.

2011-08-16T20:18:00.003+01:00

So excited to go and see the new Topshop Boutique items! I practically live in their cashmere mix vests. Seriously lusting after all of these- what can I say? I have a black/white silk obsession. Topshop's blog just posted some behind-the-scenes pictures of the Boutique shoot. So sad I didn't spot them whilst I was at work as apparently they were doing it all on top of the Hayward gallery.

Particularly excited by the black dress with the slit in the middle at the back.

All clothes are Topshop Boutique, photos from Inside-Out.

MR. DANNIJO

2011-08-13T16:59:00.002+01:00

Bloggers representing brands is no new thing, but we have yet to see many creative ventures between those authors and designers. This beaut is a piece from the Man Repeller x Dannijo (the MR stands for Man Repeller) collection, and it's officially on my list. It also comes in oxidised brass, but for some reason there's no picture available of that one. Get it here (I actually might).

Old photos.

2011-08-13T13:19:00.006+01:00

Whilst I am at home in Manchester I have been going through some old photos. I will do a proper post when I get back to London but here is a little taster of what to expect. It's my Mum in a tree when she was younger and still living in Poland. Get ready for lots of photos of Polish people in really 70s clothing coming to a blog post here soon!

The countdown begins...

2011-08-06T09:05:00.004+01:00

In September one of our favourite Scandinavian brands arrives in London. Here's a couple of my favourites from their A/W 11 collection. See you at the front of the queue!

Recap: Plastic Seconds Colour Blocking Shoot

2011-07-21T17:48:00.006+01:00

Here's some of the highlights of the colour-blocking arm of the photoshoot we did for the lovely Maria of Plastic Seconds, which are now being featured on ASOS Marketplace! We were even put in the 'spotlight' section of their homepage last week, which is pretty cool. ASOS likes its product photos to be 'streetstyle', so this is our take on that, using this season's colour-blocking trend. As summer appears to be over, I thought it was high time I posted these before we fully enter autumn.

Clockwise from top left:
Pink top & green trousers: Zara
Green crop top and yellow trousers: Mango
Red jacket: vintage (Jenny's)
Black Platform shoes: Kurt Geiger
Purple midi skirt: H&M
Red cork wedge 'flatforms': Topshop
Blue top: Zara
All jewellery by Plastic Seconds

Weekday

2011-07-16T17:31:00.002+01:00

Recently I've been banging on to anyone who will listen about a Swedish brand, Weekday, that I wish would come to, or at least DELIVER to the UK. The fact that they don't is a constant source of frustration for me, to the point where I've actually been soliciting Scandinavian friends to buy things for me and send them in the post, at great inconvenience to themselves.

Weekday stock a mixture of their own brand, designer collaborations, and other cult Scandi offerings such as an extensive range of Cheap Monday products (far more jeans styles than are available over here, reigniting my perennial hope of rediscovering my favourite ever jeans that were discontinued here a few years ago). The menswear is pretty sweet too, offering collaborations with the likes of Eley Kishimoto, and a great selection of basics.

Also it's a friggin' STEAL. Another Scandinavian brand, Monki, is due to hit London in September - may this be the start of many similar imports.

Grey knit - Weekday
Snakeprint shoes - Weekday (only €20!)
Top - Stine Goya (available at Weekday)
Men's jumper - Eley Kishimoto for Weekday

The Trench Coat

2011-07-16T13:49:00.002+01:00

Summer for me has brought about something of a fashion conundrum. There's nothing in the shops, magazines or blogs about anything apart from bikinis, shorts and sandals, but so far our great British summer has seemingly brought nowt but rain, making it difficult to justify wearing such things. So, my thoughts start to turn, inevitably to the next season. I've been looking for a maxi length trench coat for a while now, to very little avail. Ideally I want a black one, but the only one I've found on the high street is this beige version from ASOS. It is, however, on sale, so I might just have to settle. For a dark one, I think I'm going to have to trawl the vintage shops...

Beige maxi trench - ASOS
Black belted coat - Weekday
Mauve (?) trench - Weekday

I have a problem.

2011-07-12T14:26:00.002+01:00

Today I tried on every single one of these pairs of shoes. I have a black boot problem. Shame I have no money to realise my black boot problem.

First 3 from Topshop, next 3 from Kurt Geiger last one Clarks.

Glastonbury.

2011-07-01T20:14:00.006+01:00

I was lucky enough to go to Glastonbury this year for the first time. It was also the time of my life (really)! I felt like a bit of a mess, but apparently Vogue did not think the same. They took my picture and also my friend Charlotte's picture. I learnt my lesson this time round and just told them that I work "at the Southbank Centre" rather than being a "visitor services host" like I goofily did when the Guardian asked-remember that?

Points I would like to make about this picture,
1. I was NOT sunburnt even though I look it. Charlotte made us reapply factor 30 suncream every few hours, even when it was raining.
2. It was very, very hot and I was a bit drunk.
3. I NEED to learn how to pose. I look like I'm carrying two invisible shopping bags. Next time there will be a hand on the hip, a bent leg, a little smile perhaps or even a look over the shoulder.
4. I promise you I am not actually balding, it only appears this way.

I would also like to point out that Charlotte was wearing a super cute PLAYSUIT, not top, from Topshop. More difficulties in going for a wee but she looked infinitely prettier than me as the frills danced about in the breeze whilst I stomped about in my wellies and boy outfit. Sad face. Again, will put more effort in next time.

Tucked in hair.

2011-07-01T17:55:00.004+01:00

I have let my hair grow recently and it is now at the longest it has ever been, which means I can do loads of exciting things with it like french knots, plaits, fishtail plaits, those weird inside-out ponytails and really super high ballerina buns which perch on top of your head. Although technically I can do these things with my hair, in reality I don't have the patience or skillz. I am much more likely to completely forget that I even have hair. It was in this way I invented my newest quick hair fix. Only to discover with a little bit of research that EVERYONE was doing it and has been doing it for quite some time now. Basically, I stand in the hallway before opening the front door...then I put a jacket on. Simple. The jacket sits half on top of my hair at the back and leaves the front bits to hang out under the lapels. It's messy, it's quick, it doesn't require any tools (other than an outer garment) and because of all this it suits me perfectly.

Whilst looking through all the resort photos which were released recently I noticed that lots of them had utilised MY NEW HAIR STYLE. Just check it out >>>

MaisonMartinMargiella did it...

I was probably subconciously channeling these photos, taken by the extremely talented Kasia Bobula backstage at Margaret Howell, when I started to wear tucked in hair. (You should definitely have a look at her blog. She likes fashion and Poland-what a good mix!)

The stylists for Celine did it to their models. And that's Pheobe Philo doing her post show approval walk at Paris FW with her hair tucked into a polo neck (bit extreme for me but you get the picture-if Pheobe Philo's doing it I should probably do it too).

I still have a way to go before I start tucking my hair into polo necks and chokers (surely it just itches?) but otherwise I am all for this new trend. Pretty hair is out of my life and unkempt hair is in! Although I do have two weddings to go to this summer so I may have to rethink that statement come August as I don't think my mother would approve of messy wedding hair.

Images used from knightcat and KasiaBobula.

NYC Swag

2011-06-19T22:37:00.006+01:00

A blow by blow account of all the things I bought while in New York would be boring, but the edited highlights are shown below. The shorts and top I bought at the Opening Ceremony sample sale, and were certainly worth queuing for an hour in the punishing midday sun for. I was so pleased to find a Peter Pilotto piece too, adding a little slice of hype to my wardrobe. So nice to be able to wear pink again now my hair is blonde! It was also satisfying that the two pieces work really well together as well as on their own. Now I'm back in rainy old London the summery colours don't work so well.

The cuff is a little souvenir from Trash and Vaudeville , which I was really looking forward to but found what was inside a little disappointing, and probably much more expensive than the equivalent in Camden market.

Finally, the book of the Alexander Macqueen exhibition at the Met. I haven't been to such a brilliant exhibition for a long time, and felt quite moved at times, realising that the show must have been being planned for quite some time before his death. So, I thought it was fitting to buy the coffee-table tome to take home with me, despite the fact that I'm sure it almost tipped me over my baggage weight allowance.

Shorts - Opening Ceremony
Top - Peter Pilotto
Cuff - Trash and Vaudeville

Plastic Seconds & Secret Danger Sister

2011-06-18T18:10:00.001+01:00

A few weeks ago Secret Danger Sister collaborated with Plastic Seconds to shoot the collection for the lookbook and Maria's ASOS Marketplace collection. After much brainstorming, some serious clothes shopping, and an extremely early start, we did the shoot around Bethnal Green. Miraculously the weather held out and it all went swimmingly. This was the first SDS photoshoot, so we're pretty pleased with the results. Shuna, the model was incredibly patient while we changed her outfit a million times, and gave her a tent as a dressing room. Stay tuned for the "blooper" highlights, which involve Jenny chasing after a fly-away tent.

For the first part of the shoot we kept the clothes minimal and white, focusing on shape, silhouette and the contrast between the colourful jewellery and the plain white fabric. As you can see, the light got better later in the day, as the morning light was very blue and harsh, particularly against all the white.

These are some very edited highlights - there were so many lovely shots but it would be ridiculous to post them all at the same time. Keep your eye out for more in the future!

Credits:

Jewellery: Maria Papadimitriou

Clothes: Cos, Zara (white shirt is Isabella's, shoes are Katie and Jenny's)

Model: Shuna

Photography: Katie

Styling: Isabella and Jenny

Hair/Make-up: Katie

Plastic Seconds and Supermarket Sarah.

2011-06-17T13:25:00.014+01:00

Supermarket Sarah is a supercool web shop. A bit like a pop up shop full of weird and wacky and good stuff. She has a "wall" on the ground floor in Selfridges, where she sells a range of items, but I think her website is actually way cooler because each seller gets to make their own wall and each has the seller's style stamped all over it. You might have spotted her recently in the Guardian doing a "How to stay chic after three days in a field" feature in their festival guide and, although I don't expect to care much for a ruff after a weekend of being cold and wet (as is inevitably going to happen to me next week at Glastonbury if the weather doesn't pick up), I do wholeheartedly agree with her anorak, flip-up sunglasses and bum bags vibe. Check out her website here.

Pay particular attention to the Plastic Seconds wall, which features the lovely Maria Papadimitriou's upcycled jewellery. These two necklaces are my favourite items from the shop. As well as making jewellery, Maria does loads of cool internet stuff like blogging from here and illustrations for Amelia's magazine which you can read here. These are a few amusing collages she made for greetings cards sold at the ICA.

We did some exciting work with Maria recently which we should be ready to show you very, very soon!

Awsome party.

2011-06-08T16:32:00.006+01:00

Don't you just know that if all these people got together the resulting party would be the best party ever?

You go to the pub and these guys just happen to be hanging out at the bar...

You get chatting and they say they they know of a party round the corner and should we all go?
"Yeah" you say. So there you are on your way to to a party with Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman and Liam Neeson, you know, and these guys open the door...

Jeeze, it's only Terry Richardson and Obama's party!
Gwynnie is the first to spot your arrival and leaves Stella McCartney and Tom Ford to continue chatting about whatever it is they are chatting about to come and say hello.

You look round and spot that there are loads of cooler people around who you would much rather meet. There's Errol Flynn and Awesome Welles with their respective wives...

Dali and Coco in one corner...

Humphrey Bogart with Lauren Bacall (that voice!) and Marylin Monroe in another...

Old blue eyes and Grace Kelly are having a laugh playing with an old camera...

Then, "Oh my God it's Frida Kahlo!" Luckily, Josephine Baker looks just as star-struck as you at meeting her so you don't feel like a fool...

The Pauls stumble past you, already wasted and falling over...

Whilst Keith, Tina Turner and Bowie are getting more rowdy...

Suddenly, you hear voices from outside and everyone runs to the window. Hunter S Thompson, John Cusack and Johnny Depp have just pulled up outside and it is obvious from the state that they are in (and the blow up doll) that the party really has arrived.

Hours later, you wake up on a couch with the taste of stale party in your mouth. Other people are beginning to stir, some are already clearing up. You head for the kitchen and stumble across this...

It really was the most awesomecool party ever.

All these photos were lifted from this tumblr which I found the other day. I picked out some of my favourite shots and made a story. Head on over and make a story of your own.

Satchels in the Guardian.

2011-06-07T12:29:00.003+01:00

The Guardian did a quick stop, chat and snap of me the other day when they spotted my satchel. I come across as a right fool (visitor services host?! and I definitely didn't actually use the word ubiquitous) but I'm posting it anyway because it is one of those very rare "look Mum it's me in the paper" moments, and I never got one of those in Primary School.

Here's a link to the article online, as I realise my scanning skills leave a lot to be desired, if you wish to waste 5 minutes reading it.

2011-06-03T21:09:00.001+01:00

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90s slut not 90s schoolgirl.

2011-06-03T15:02:00.008+01:00

I have been a little obsessed with 90s slut fashion recently. I'm using the term 90s slut fashion to differentiate between the style that Monica from Friends or teen drama schoolgirls might have favoured vs the things I imagine Drew Barrymore or one of "the supermodels" would've flung on for a party. It involves more black, more skin tight stuff, more tight, high waisted jeans, more slicked down centre partings, more big hair in big waves rather than a tight perm, less knee high socks, less neat plaid (because there's such a thing as scruffy plaid which would require a whole different post entirely), less vest tops layered over tshirts more cut outs and cropped tops. It's sexy 90s not quirky 90s. So, here are some images that are really inspiring me right now...

Compare to these images below. With the machy-matchy plaid and woolen tights there is a definite lack of slut about them. (Note the girl behind Brittany in the 3rd photo- POWERFUL look there).

I wish I felt comfortable going out in this outfit in it's entirety as it is laid out here- but unfortunately I'm not. Instead I wear some of the items but then cover up a bit more with say, some black palazzo pants rather than the cycling shorts, or a big, black tshirt over the shorts rather than the polo neck top. The belt is actually my old belt that I had to wear for the Polish scouts (harcerze) when I was a kid but I pulled it out of obscurity a few year ago and I wear it all the time.

American Apparel top and cycling shorts, Dico Copenhagen shoes, old belt and topshop nail varnish in parma violet.

I also really want these beauts...

Givenchy shoes. Bra top, dress, tie dye shirt and shoes all Monki (Why do you not open a shop in London Monki?! Why, Oh why?

Unfortunately these are all impossible for me to attain either because of prices or location. Katie has just bought a black Carin Wester skirt with a big slit up one side though which is my next dream buy to go with my 90s slut obsession. That and some lip liner.

Secret Dalston: LN-CC

2011-05-31T20:21:00.008+01:00

Last week, while on a “fashion walk” around London’s east end, (that’s another story) I had the experience of visiting Dalston’s LN-CC - Late Night Chameleon Café - a concept boutique/event space/art gallery tucked away underneath an otherwise non-descript building on Shacklewell Lane. It opened last year and has fast become a figurehead for fashion in east London, offering a welcome relief from the all the over-priced pseudo vintage tat and influx of high street brands that permeate Brick Lane and Shoreditch. On this occasion, the group I was with was able to chat to the boutique's John and Charlotte, (John is the creative director) who explained a bit about the development. While the project has seemingly moved incredibly quickly, from conception to realisation, this growth is the organic result of a group of like-minded and creative people, which is why the whole thing works so well, without seeming pretentious or contrived (always a risk with these concept stores). The whole team has a long background in retail, and knew exactly what they want to do to try to evolve the business a little bit, while still retaining a workable shopping experience.

The interior is designed by artist Gary Card, chosen by the team because of their desire to see an artist that they love given a permanent installation space, and the result is a wonderland like maze of Perspex and wood, tunnels and a treehouse. The buying transcends “it” items and current fads or trends – you may well find things by major designers there that other buyers might pass by, which is perhaps because the pieces don’t necessarily fall into whatever trend is being peddled by magazines at the time. Everything feels like it’s been chosen because it’s special and different in it’s own right – no filler to be found here. Charlotte told us that they are soon to be expanding the womenswear section into a brand new room, which is exciting news for me and will definitely see me back there when that happens. My particular object of desire was the Maison Martin Margiela feather clutch bag, which I’d seen before online and was just as taken with in real life.

The reason for my ending up at LN-CC this time was actually not with the intention of doing any writing specifically on them, but I find it such an interesting place that I couldn’t resist. It’s completely worth a visit, and don’t let the “appointment only” thing put you off, its just so that they know there will be someone around to welcome you and give you a bit of info about the shop. It's probably one of the most interesting and modern places for fashion around at the moment, and I predict that we'll see some pretty good things from it in the future.

The Margiela clutch...

Ah! Now I know. I know that Miranda is a Botticelli angel.

2011-05-30T15:01:00.002+01:00

I have never really worn much white. I mean, I'm happy in a white shirt or a white vest: any more and I find it too girlish for my taste and I generally just look and feel uncomfortable. However, after watching the 1975 film, 'Picnic at Hanging Rock', the other week I have been strangely drawn to lots of white, pretty items.

Then I found these images from Danish Vogue and I was convinced that white might become my "new thing".

I want to be that mysterious girl in white! A young Mrs. Havisham would've looked elegant (shame about the going crazy part because that dress looks like fun to flounce in), and look at Ophelia- OK so she's about to die in a lake but at least she looks good doing it. And Valerie in 'Valerie a týden divu' is cute too.

Now, the more I think of it the more I realise that unfortunate things happen to girls in white. Just judging by these examples there is death, madness, dissapearances and attempted rape by an utterly terrifying clergyman. All that gleaming white innocence is too much to handle. Maybe I'd rather stick to black.

Secret Danger: May

2011-05-27T17:04:00.000+01:00

Come and see the boys doing their usual thing this Saturday at the Moustache bar in Dalston/Stoke Newington. The facebook event is here.

Again, watch out for me and Katie with our cameras. We promise to be a little less drunk this time! Is it possibly time for a Secret Danger Sister group shot?!

See you all there!

Paper doll.

2011-05-18T19:07:00.004+01:00

My friend Lauren works in art direction and is amazing at photography. The other day we decided to have a little play with making clothes out of paper and taking photos through different bits of glass to get different effects. These first few were actually done through a clear jar. Thought I would share them, as they turned out, unexpectedly, to be quite cool.

Life's a Bleach

2011-05-17T16:41:00.005+01:00

On Monday I finally took the plunge and trotted along to BLEACH salon to get my beloved red stripped out, in exchange for blonde. For those of you who haven't been listening to me consult them endlessly on this for the last month or so, red hair is a pretty difficult colour to maintain, and fantastically difficult and expensive to remove. To give you an idea, I had a consultation with another salon to discuss it, and they told me that I'd be better off just cutting it all off.

Bleach salon is without a doubt the best hairdressing experience I've ever had - it feels like hanging out in your friend's kitchen, if all your friends happen to be professional hairdressers and manicurists. They work with WAH nails in the underbelly of Topshop (but don't let that put you off, it's pretty safe from the prying eyes of customers). If you have a hair challenge - a dye job gone wrong or you want a colour that other salons will balk at, Bleach is the place to go. There was none of the lacklustre examining of my hair and tutting at my use of home dyes that I've experienced elsewhere. They didn't even scoff at my tendency to cut my own fringe. They're adventurous enough to try pretty much anything, but they're good enough at their job to know exactly how far they can push it.

My hair is now a bright golden blonde, and its amazing how soft it still is, considering what it's been through. Despite what other salons said, all the colour lifted out brilliantly, which just goes to show that nothing is impossible until you've asked Bleach.

Below you can see the stages that my hair went through during my afternoon in the basement of Topshop. First, the bleach bath (pre-lightening with a mixture of bleach and shampoo). Next, the main bleach application, complete with glamorous self-heating plastic bag. Finally - BLONDE!

If anyone wants to join me, I'll be back at the end of the summer for one of their temporary colour treatments - I've got my eye on a particular peachy shade of pink.

Fishnet stockings are too sexy.

2011-05-15T16:21:00.010+01:00

French Connection campaign / ASOS magazine November 2010

I really like this image from the French Connection summer campaign. I noticed it for the first time on the Waterloo and City line platform at Bank and have been a little obsessed ever since. Unfortunately, not even I feel confident enough to wear fishnet stockings with a white crochet dress and heels whilst sucking ketchup off my fingers on a curb. No matter how cool that model looks in the photo, I would definitely end up looking more like a hooker. Or worse, a try-hard. So instead I looked more to the image on the right as inspiration for a going out outfit involving fishnets...and ended up basically copying it.

Gap shirt, vintage skirt, fishnet tights from a Whitechapel market stall, New Look shoes, Topshop lipstick in Vamp.

(Sorry about the creases!)

She Sells Sea Shells on the Sea Shore

2011-05-14T10:50:00.003+01:00

Growing up by the seaside, I have always been fascinated by mermaids. Although said seaside happens to be the not so fanciful Blackpool, that has never dampened my love of 'The Little Mermaid', 'Splash' and the far too brief mermaid scene from 'Hook'.

Design trio Sretsis (spelling sisters backwards to reflect the collaboration of 3 siblings) have created a Spring/ Summer collection that my sea legs are lusting after. Stunning pearl and shell embellishments decorate delicate frills and sheer fabrics to make the whimsical outfits of my childhood dreams.

Available here!

The Trouble with Flares pt. II: Palazzo Pants

2011-05-11T11:54:00.004+01:00

I'm still pretty much on the fence regarding flared or wide-legged trousers, but went for these Primark ones because a) the print pleased me and b) at £12 it seemed like a fairly harmless introduction to this particular genre of trouser. They are however, pretty tricky to style, and the best I've so far managed to do is to pair them with summery clog-style sandals (you have to wear them with a heel or you really do look like a hippy) and a super-plain grey t-shirt. They're also surprisingly weather-dependent; aside from the fact that they soak up rain, they also look bizarre in anything less than blazing sunshine. The print also makes accessories impossible, and you have to be careful with hair and makeup to avoid looking like you're going to a 70s themed pool party. Having said that, if anyone wants to host a Boogie Nights themed bash, my costume is competely sorted.

Trousers from Primark, clogs from H&M, t-shirt from AA

The Cat's Whiskers

2011-05-05T22:16:00.007+01:00

I love Miles Aldridge's work, in particular this editorial 'The Vagaries of Fashion' for Vogue Italia May 2008. I wouldn't mind a feline serenade instead of my usual alarm clock.

The trouble with flares.

2011-05-05T18:31:00.008+01:00

I'm about to venture out in my new Topshop flares. I bought them quite a while ago, convincing myself it was a good idea and that I would look like one of these three...

What I actually found was that they are the most troublesome trousers to get right. You can't wear them...

in the rain
with flats
with shoes that are too bulky
with anything else that is too 70s
on a bike

Also, are they a day or night trouser? Are they meant to be dressed up (see above, can't wear them with flats) or dressed down (they seem to want to be worn with a laid back shirt but then they are SO TIGHT that I feel it's a waste not to show off in them a bit). No wonder everyone loves their skinny jeans so much! They are decidedly easier to deal with.

Here's what I actually wore them with in the end.

Topshop flares, causing a stir nail varnish and infrared lipstick, Uniqlo top, New Look clog boots, Mum's old leather belt and the necklace was a gift.

I would post a photo of myself wearing them but I'm worried I might look like Jessica Simpson so I'm testing the waters first.

Field Day Night.

2011-05-05T14:50:00.001+01:00

Ollie and John are DJing at this on Saturday. Amazingly, it's FREE. If you want guaranteed entry email the boys at secretdngr@gmail.com

See you all there!

Colour Correction

2011-04-28T10:24:00.003+01:00

The recent warm weather brought out lots of bright colours, and I was going to do a post in kind, but now that the sun has receded somewhat, and rain is threatening for later in the week, I decided to revert to a more realistic April colour scheme. There are a couple of bright bits - note the lipstick, and nail varnish, but it would be a lie to claim that I generally stray far away from the neutral aesthetic of black, camel and grey.

Cape from ASOS, leather doctor's bag from a market in Florence, necklace from Made @ Whistles, playsuit from Opening Ceremony, sunglasses from Retrosuperfuture, lipstick is Girl About Town from MAC.

April Grazia.

2011-04-26T20:56:00.006+01:00

I know everyone must get Grazia/get a chance to see Grazia but I had to post these from the issue that came out today because they happened to particularly catch my eye. I love the styling, love the lighting, love the model (her face has so much expression) and I love the white and greens which are really fresh. The 1st and 5th images are like my dream outfits.

Secret Danger April: Highlights

2011-04-26T10:22:00.002+01:00

Scenes of fun and high-jinks at the April edition of Secret Danger. My photos don't do it justice, which probably has a lot to do with having way to much fun in the sun beforehand, and forgetting how to use a camera.

Read between the lines

2011-04-25T13:11:00.015+01:00

The glorious sunshine means that today I am taking my outfit inspiration from a deckchair.

H&M top, Vintage St. Michaels skirt, New Look shoes, Barry M 145 lipstick and cyan blue nail paint

Rene Gruau illustration

Deckchairs http://www.omnotom.blogspot.com/

April Secret Danger.

2011-04-24T17:25:00.005+01:00

SECRET DANGER TONIGHT.

2011-04-23T12:46:00.005+01:00

If you fancy coming down to moustache bar tonight watch out for me and Katie with our cameras capturing all the fun!

This is what Ollie and John say about what they do...

"We spend the evening fleshing out a backbone of House, Disco and Techno with whatever oddities, unclassics, classics, secret danger re-imaginings, and flavours of the month that we feel like. Ollie on the warm-up and John from midnight-ish through till the end.

Turn up nice n early if you can: bedroom favourites, weird shit and entrance cava. Plus always nice to have a chat ...before it gets rammed so come up and say hi. Happy Hour runs until 10.30."

Added bonus this month as the bar is back to pre-VAT increase prices. What better excuse to come down? Check out the Secret Danger Society blog here.

Sinead Evans.

2011-04-18T14:40:00.006+01:00

One of my friends from back home in Manchester has made 300 individually screen-printed album sleeves for the band CYMBALS. See how good they look on sale at Saturday's performance at The Victory on Kingsland Road!

She also designed these lovely blue and orange posters for The Secret Danger Society's monthly night at Moustache bar.

Have a quick look at her working hard in the studio and answering some questions about herself here. Also you should check out her other work on her blog here. I wish I could hang out with Sinead all the time: especially because she lives in an awesome house with awesome people. Wouldn't you want to drink coffee with her every day?

Agyness Deyn by Tim Walker

2011-04-18T12:46:00.003+01:00

We haven't seen too much of Agyness Deyn for a while, but here she is chillin' with some cheetahs in the May issue of Vogue UK. Shot by Tim Walker, I think the most amazing part of the shoot is the location - an abandoned town half buried with sand in the Namib desert. Looks and sounds like total fantasy, but thanks to Vogue its been made real, which is what repeatedly sets it apart from other magazines.

P.S. Spot the reference to Keira Knightley in Atonement in the last picture.

MAWI

2011-04-09T19:00:00.004+01:00

I love fashion parties. Everyone stands around glaring at each other for a while, but after a couple of cocktails someone breaks the ice by saying “I just love your trousers” and suddenly it’s all smiles and swapping hair dye tips. It was pretty difficult to frown for long at the Mawi jewellery party on Thursday - to celebrate the opening of their new shop in Arnold Circus they had decked the whole shop and part of the street like a funfair.

The interior was festooned with balloons and those gumball type machines where you get a present; only instead of rubbish jewellery it was the stuff of pirate’s dreams. Outside, a marquee with added bunting housed a popcorn machine, and an arcade game where the prize was a £50 Mawi voucher. Personally I’ve got my eye on the necklace that looks like those floating WWII mines strung together but unfortunately the £50 just doesn’t stretch quite far enough.

Party time.

2011-04-09T10:57:00.001+01:00

Just a quick post to share what I will be wearing out tonight to a friend's house warming party. With the hot weather we have been experiencing recently I have decided to keep it quite simple and un-fussy. These are pretty much the girliest shoes I own and they are brilliant because I can cycle in them.

Jacket from Reiss, vest Topshop Boutique, shoes New Look, high waisted trousers H&M, Necklaces Tiffany and a gift from my Babcia and Dziadek (Polish Grandma and Grandad).

Club Tropicana, drinks are free...

2011-04-06T22:27:00.000+01:00

Oh yes please, especially if served in fresh pineapples like on this pretty fruity vintage skirt! Team with a bright blouse and huge 'plankforms' to capture the essence of Stella McCartney, Prada and a 70s Pina Colada.

Vintage skirt, blouse, hat and shoes, Topshop socks, Barry M mint green nail paint.

Entertainer and civil rights activist Josephine Baker was the muse behind Prada's bananas.

Josephine Baker, Prada SS11

Now whilst others may look to Carmen Miranda for more tutti frutti inspiration, I must admit that I prefer Ted 'fruit of the loom' Danson's take on the trend in the film classic 'Three men and a Little lady'. He truly gets the balance just right.

'If you like pina coladas and getting caught in the rain...'

Art Wednesday

2011-04-03T22:58:00.001+01:00

Art Wednesday is a really cool online magazine which you should all have a look at. To boot, they sell stuff too, like these brilliant pastiche-couture t-shirts. Mine's a double C please.

Les Diaboliques

2011-03-31T18:40:00.000+01:00

You know it's going to be a good film when the leading lady enters onto her first scene wearing a pair of supercool ray-bans 6 years before Audrey Hepburn did it in Breakfast at Tiffany's and way, way before the Blues Brothers were doing it in in the 80s (not that I know if they were making it cool or uncool as I've always thought the film looked kind of lame and so have steered clear). And you know that it is this leading lady your eyes are going to be glued to throughout the film when she lights a cigarette with a cardigan slung over her shoulders compared to her co-star who enters looking like Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz crossed with Bo Peep fluttering a fan and wrapped in a knitted shawl. Now, I'm not saying smoking makes you cool BUT smoking does make you look cool. I love her costumes too. It's the fact that Simone Signoret's wardrobe is so limited that makes her my best dressed film character of all time. Her outfits are all pretty similar: dresses belted at the waist with either that cardigan over her shoulders or her baggy mac but it's details like the white, diagonal pockets on the first outfit or the scrunched up sleeves of her mac that lift them out of "Yeah she looks alright", to "Oh my God I want to cut all my hair off, dye it and put my hands in my pockets all the time so that I look just like her". I'd also have to grow a proper pair of breasts and a set of hips to look that "smoking" (and I mean that to sound like when Jim Carey says it in The Mask). Basically, you should watch this film because it's an education in how to...

a) wear a belted dress,
b) make flats work with a pencil skirt,
c) roll up your sleeves,
d) turn a scrunched up old-man mac into a good thing.

It's also just a really, really good film. Go watch.

LFW re-see: Jayne Pierson

2011-03-31T12:29:00.000+01:00

I was lucky enough to be in the front row for Welsh designer Jayne Pierson's catwalk show at London Fashion Week. Annoyingly, this was the only show I had my camera for, and the battery died halfway through.

Entitled 'Kingdom of Shadows', the collection clearly wasn't giving up on the gothic vibe that we've been seeing for a few seasons now. Black, black and more black was broken up only by the blue and silver of the gown above.

While I'm a bit over the Victoriana look, particularly in such extremes as this, some of the details really stood out. The corsetry of the afore-mentioned gown would not have looked out of place in a Vivienne Westwood collection, and the velvet detail over the sheer fabric that you can see in the third shot was really delicate and interesting. It's only the designer's fourth season at LFW, and it seems fairly certain we can expect some exciting things in the future.