Boots, glorious boots…

So it’s been almost a month now since I swore to prepare better for winter; fashion wise of course. To my surprise, I have actually managed quite well. It’s been a joy to stock up on fluffy furs and winter warmers to keep the cold out. I have completely fallen in love with my two tone faux fur Cossack hat that I got for the bargain price of £5.00; double the love! I am even contemplating stocking up on other colours and have my eye on a version complete with cat ears by Topshop (mentioned in my ‘A long lost love’ post); dreamy. But after starting an assignment based on Prada’s AW11 Campaign, I realised I have something missing. What am I going to do about boots?

Now I know that I have just announced my recent acquisition of the darling Saxon boots that I have been pining over for the past 18 months, but again there is that the issue of style over substance; a concept I am yet to prioritise properly. Although I do love my little booties, I need something a little more practical that can be relied upon as my trusty wardrobe staple during these harsher months we have to come!

My biggest dilemma is what style to go for? I wish that I had the bank balance to create a collection of three or four, but unfortunately I have the impossible task of narrowing my choices down to only one single style. Do I go pixie or riding, Chelsea or wedge? But it doesn’t stop there; I've then got to decide patent or matt, suede or fabric. And then we have the issue of colour. I would normally stick to my old faithful; black. But do I go for a shade of brown this year, maybe take new my found love of animal prints boot bound or even go for a pop of colour?

I’ve made a little selection collection, but now the problem is how do I narrow it down? Take a look at how far I've got any maybe you lovely readers can help me decide? I’ve even included a little tribute to the Prada beauties that started this whole thing off!

Clockwise from left: Prada Boots, Miu Miu Peep Toe Ankle Boots Topshop Tan Fur Boots, Zara Flat Leopard Boots, Topshop Black Ankle Boots, Topshop Riding Boots, Urban Outfitters Black Heart Boots, ASOS Green Velvet Chelsea Boots, Zara Brown Brogue Boots, Miu Miu Peep Toe Ankle Boots, Prada Boots.

Oh to be as decisive in fashion as I am in life!

The Bewitching Beauty of the Black Swan

After an evening of the ever thrilling Black Swan, I felt so inspired by the beautiful costuming that I just had to dedicate another post to the beautiful art form that is ballet.

Amy Westcott, the official designer behind those beautiful Black Swan costumes, collaborated with Kate and Laura Mulleavy, the Sisters behind the label Rodarte, to produce 7 of the intricate tutus seen in the film. Although there has been some much noted controversy over who deserved the right to be credited for the costume design, I believe all the designers involved should be extremely proud of their breath-taking work; these costume really are a ballerina’s (and surely a fashionistas) dream!

In fact, the costuming for Swan Lake in itself is so detailed and elaborate, particularly for the Swan Queen, throughout many of the well-known ballet companies in the world, including;

The New York City Ballet

The Royal Ballet

Even as far back as the origins of Swan Lake in 1877;

and the Ballet Russes in the 1930’s;

Albeit the costume is that little less detailed but they still portray that necessary innocence and beauty required to set Odette off at the pure, virginal Princess she was.

Even after 15 years, the beauty of ballet never ceases to amaze me!

A long lost love...

Have you ever had the feeling that you’re missing out on something? That there was once something you longed for and now it seems to be forever out of your reach? It’s like a sort of sinking feeling, it can be very distinct. It may not be with you all of the time, but it’s there and every now again when something triggers the memory, it lets you know that it’s still there, waiting and hoping.  

Mine has been with me for around 1 year and 10 months now. I must say, that’s a very long time for me, as usually these feelings come and quickly go. I often fall head over heels in love with that to die for dress or those gorgeous leather boots that just aren’t stocked in my size (if in stock at all), nor are they going to be in the foreseeable future. But then a few weeks, or often days, of mourning my loss have passed before I seem to have forgotten all about them and have set my sights on the Faux Fur Animal Ear Cossack Hat that I just have to have! I guess that’s just the fast paced relationship turnover that we fashion folk have with our passion these days. But not this one particular item, this one hit me hard.

I first saw them in my local store, but the memory that has forever lived on was experienced in Topshop Birmingham Bullring; it’s where I felt my first connection. The feeling of the soft, bright white leather embracing my teeny tiny tootsies was heavenly. The flash of the killer back patent heel, the oh so feminine masculinity and feeling like a Rat Pack Siren had me completely hooked and I’ve always looked back. I’ve lived with the regret of not whisking them away with me while I had the chance and have searched in hope that some lovely lady no longer has love for her (size 4) heels and would carefully guide them over to my deserving feet.

Let me introduce you to the Topshop Saxon Boots I fell in love with in January 2010. Can you blame me?

Unlike many other lovesick females that have been longing to be reunited with their ultimate desires, I, my lovely readers, have found my fairytale ending. Yes, that’s right, I have been able to locate myself a pair of my must have heels and am now holding them in my possession this very moment as I type. It has been a very long journey but I am glad it’s finally over. There is nothing like owning a piece of fashion that you really love. My lesson is learnt; when it’s love at first sight there is only one direction for me to head – to the till!

Cheating on Fashion with Music

I have a confession. Although fashion will always be my greatest love (other than my other half may I swiftly add), I have an ever expanding soft spot - or maybe the word obsession would be more appropriate, for one of the most quirky and original bands of today; The Drums.

That’s right, I fell head over heels for 60s-esque, beach boys sounding indie band around 18 months ago after seeing them featured on Channel 4. I was sucked in by the robotic moves of the fresh faced frontman, Jonny Peirce, the eccentric crop of Connor Hanwick’s wild hairdo and that tambourine! The iconic tambourine that The Drums are infamous for was first introduced to me by Jacob Graham as he bounced around the stage during the performance of my all-time second favourite tune ‘Best Friend’ (my first favourite by far has to be ‘Make You Mine’ from the Summertime EP). They were unlike anything I’d ever seen before and I was hooked.

After very sadly missing their UK tour last year, I was ecstatic when my lovely boyfriend informed me of the 3 intimate gigs they were playing in London to celebrate the launch of their second studio album, Portamento. 9am, Friday 15^th July and there I was; impatiently waiting to get my hands on 2 tickets to see The Drums at XOYO, London in September. I got them, we went and oh what an evening it was...

Starting out nearer the rear of the room, some of the shots I got weren’t the greatest. But after we moved a little closer to the band, my shots got just that little bit better. Hanging around after the gig had ended, I queued in line to get myself a T-Shirt (as all loyal fans should) and was hoping to get a few sneaky shots of the band themselves and boy did my persistence pay off. After spotting Connor and new guitarist Myles Matheny and failing to get a decent snap, I asked Connor for a photograph, to which he cordially obliged and even engaged in small talk about their upcoming UK tour (the highlight of my evening).

Of course, this being a fashion blog, I'm most certainly about to share the details of what attire was careful planned out, worn and then covered in various alcoholic drinks as I was dragged through the crowd closer to the front of the stage. Going to an indie gig, we do as they do, so I carefully adapted my preferred classic style to suit my indie surroundings – which may I add were a fashion goldmine in themselves. Walking through the door I couldn’t take my eyes of the pure style of almost everyone in the room.

So hear lovely readers, is what I wore…

Clockwise from left: ASOS Lace Dress, Topshop Suede Slippers, ASOS Quilted Bag, Topshop Over the knee Socks, No7 Speed Dry Nail Colour in Siren, No7 Moisture Drench Lipstick in Siren, ASOS Vintage Look Chain… Among various other jewellery and of course my ‘Grace’ necklace that can be seen in the shot with Connor.

Two weeks today I shall be attending the first date of The Drums 2011 Tour at the HMV Institute in Birmingham and I am very happy about that indeed. Look out for what I’ll be wearing this time!

Animal Prints; A New Appreciation

For the majority of my life, I haven’t held the greatest opinion of animal prints. Of course, there have been some high points and fond memories where I've sang the praises of leopard print, particularly in my starting stages of fashion.

At a young age, I had the majority influence over what I wore. My wardrobe mainly consisted of ‘Tammy Girl’ for the tweens, swiftly moving on to New Look as I hit my teens, right before I discovered my mecca, also known as Topshop. Hands down my most enjoyed pastime is Topshopping; I am a loyal Topshop girl, have been for the best part of 8 years and will be for as long as my figure and youthful face shall let me!  

Back to the prints; my earliest memory being a cousin’s christening I attended at the tender age of ten. For this particular occasion, I chose a t-shirt style leopard print dress with black patent clogs al la Tammy Girl; a little outlandish even for me (particularly with the fringe and flick-out bob I was sporting), but nevertheless I adored the look.

Over the years, I then moved on to conjuring up the cliché images of animal print gone wrong; Bet Lynch, Scary Spice and Kat Slater style (all English celebrity icons, known for their incessant leopard print wearing)! I must say, this prejudice has been extremely prominent in most of my fashionable life; it’s been a very difficult image to shake. Until now (or should I say the past 18 months).

That’s right, I am now a fully-fledged leopard print loving, zebra print needed, animal print addict; and damn proud of it. I have found myself noticing the animal printed accessories, shoes and coats more and more over the past 18 months. I find myself getting excited over mixing prints and becoming drawn to the less traditional prints; I think this one can be credited to Topshop (surprise, surprise) for the gorgeous Dalmatian flats I am now in possession of. I’ve even contemplated wearing an animal print dress; which, as those of you who know me will know, does not in any way follow my traditional style!

So here it is; my salute to prints – my new found fashion love. In keeping with my love of this trend, I have selected each of the pieces from some of my favourite stores; Topshop, ASOS and Zara.

Clockwise from left: ASOS Leopard Skater Dress, Zara Leopard Trousers, Zara Oversized Blouse, Topshop Leopard Waterfall Skirt, Topshop Snake Skinny Jeans, Topshop Snake Ballet Pumps, Topshop Dalmation Flats, ASOS Leopard Wedges, Topshop Zebra Hotpants, Topshop Leopard Boots, Topshop Ponyskin Holdall, ASOS Leopard Watch and Topshop Snake Platform Sandals.

AW11 through the eyes of Minty Belle

Each season, there are so many looks and trends shown in New York, London, Milan and Paris you’ll never have to worry about any dreaded lack of inspiration. In fact, there can often be too many looks to choose from, inevitably leaving fashionistas and striving style hunters searching for the perfect pair of latex and leather stripper heels all in the name of the AW fetish phenomenon. As much as I take inspiration from the well deserving queens of style a la Anna Dell Russo, this type of trend embodiment simply just isn’t me.

Call me boring or call me simple, but I have a very defined sense of style that hasn’t changed much in the last 6 years that I have thought of myself as a slave to style, a child to couture and a follower to the fashion industry (you get the picture). As a mere girl of 22, I still have a lot of room to grow but I have always been very strong minded with what I like and the eclectic mix of styles that suit me best; feminine shapes, blacks and darker shades, soft tailoring, neutrals, indie bohemia a la Miller and classic style a la Moss.   

Being a self-proclaimed fashion addict, I have a strong appreciation for fashion as an art form and the tremendous talent each designer exhibits each season. I admire the beauty, the detail and the extravaganza of each collection. But as with anyone, not all trends that arise on the runway are appealing to my sense of style nor would they suit my body shape. For Autumn Winter 2011, I have taken quite a wide range of inspirations from the collections when compiling my wardrobe for the season and I thought you lovely readers might like a little insight into how I dissect the trends into suitable pieces to suit my personal style.

So here it is, my style inspirations for AW11…

Printed, patterned & perfect

From left: Vivienne Westwood, Kenzo, Erdem, Mary Katrantzou, Paul & Joe.

40’s femininity

From left: John Galliano, Miu Miu, Alexander Wang, Chanel, Donna Karen Collection.

Borrow it from the boyfriend

From left: Aquascutum, Moschino, DSquared2, Moschino, Gucci.

Dot the i’s and cross the t’s

Clockwise from left: Moschino Cheap & Chic, Lanvin, Yves Saint Laurent, John Galliano, Yves Saint Laurent, Sam Edelman, Miu Miu, Jimmy Choo.

All images sourced vogue.com/gorunway.com

Go from field to fresh with Guy Fawkes

Autumn. It’s my favourite time of year. There’s just something about the browning of trees and walking by an assortment of golden leaves of all shapes and sizes. When the dark draws in, I get that sudden buzz of excitement of knowing Christmas shopping isn’t too far away. Being able to pick gifts for those you love among cheery music, twinkling lights and the most amazing smells of roasting chestnuts, pig roasts and fresh donuts; it couldn’t get much better. I even love that smell that autumn has. You must know the one I mean? Of fresh mornings, frosted dew and the cold; pure freezing cold air! When I sense that smell, I know winter is right around the corner.

Being November 5^th, it’s one of the most celebrated occasions autumn has. I say autumn, but we’re most definitely on the home straight into winter now! Guy Fawkes Night has got to be a metaphoric landmark for autumn and winter’s approach. The entire weekend is fuelled by family, friends, fireworks and bonfires; not to mention copious amounts of hearty food and alcohol to make standing out in what often feels like the arctic, a little less painful.   

Now, the usual attire for the whole affair is based on practicality. As a child, I have painful memories of muddy fields, cold ears and sporting layering so extreme it most certainly wouldn’t have been considered as on trend as it is today (picture small child with durable jeans, various amount of socks and tights, at least 3 jumpers and overcoat complete with attached mittens, scarf and hat).

As cold as the evenings get this time of year, it’s so easy to feel like teaming an oversized herringbone blazer with some form of textured leggings, chunky wool socks and Hunters. Whilst going for that gorgeous heritage look is still as darling as ever, it can be a little bit cliché for events such as these; you’re fully aware of having to wrap up warm and having to face awful under-feet conditions for at least an hour before heading towards the local. But instead of going for that same old safe bet, why not take inspiration from one of Guy Fawkes Night’s most known assets; fireworks!

I’m not talking about those little tees with artistic motifs supposedly resembling fireworks, or even an explosion of colourful separates cleverly pieced together; quite far from it actually. The look I’m going for is much more understated than that; more neutral with little pops of colour in subtle pastels and metallics, carefully complimenting the warmth of the beiges, whites and nudes.  

With the theme of fireworks in mind, I've taken further inspiration for the glorious world of art.

Clockwise from top: Jefflie Berman, Rosemarie Foire, Kira Ayn Varszegi, Theo Dapore, Sydney Harbour NYE 2008, Chibi Lilie – DeviantART.

Pretty much bypassing (well, almost) actual fireworks themselves, there can be so many beautiful pieces and collections in modern pop art and photography. Modern pop artists such as Rosemarie Fiore have captured the illusion of fireworks with bursts of colour, mixing harsh neutral tones and soft pastels in clean cut shapes; the exact take on the bright light show I am going for!

Clockwise from top: Santi at Nordstrom sequin clutch, Chanel Coco Rouge Lipstick in Chintz, Chanel Le Verns Nail Colour in Peridot, Topshop Jumpsuit, Rodarte for Opening Ceremony booties, Maison Scotch at ASOS Jacket, Topshop Glitter Blouse.  

Using a neutral tailored jumpsuit for the base of my outfit, I’ve decided to celebrate my childhood hatred for layering with the sequined blouse and cropped jacket. Bringing in a little inspiration from the traditional bonfire pallet, fresh pops of peach, mint and gold can be found in the clutch, booties and nail polish; giving the overall look a little spice.

Et voila, the perfect celebratory attire. Complete with comfort and warmth, ready to take you from bonfire to bar.

Style Crush: Nicola Roberts

photo credit: nicolaroberts.co.uk