Versace for H&M

Getting use to the fact I won't be able to purchase any of these garms, due to an anorexic wallet.

This video more than makes up for it though....

Prodigious Paper Fashion

Kathryn Elyse Rodgers, better know as her abbreviated name Katie, is possibly one of the best illustrators I have ever come across. Period. 

Her work speaks volumes to me. Each piece has been created with precision, passion and what looks like a whole lot'a love. Her blog is a favourite of mine, and is a long standing member of my bookmark bar. 

I really enjoy looking at each piece in plenty of detail, taking in each stroke of the brush and curve of the pen. Her combination of both water colour and ink gives her images a fantastic depth, but still with an out-of-this-world feel. I have never seen illustrations that I feel deserve more merit.

I don't want to give to much away, I feel her own blog gives her work the justice it needs, and only an artist can truly exhaling the love and care that goes into a creation.

The images above are my favourites from a calendar I received last christmas. I look forward to the end of the month to see what new image I will be dreamily looking at when having mind blanks in my own work 

She is a true inspiration and her work makes me want to be a better illustrator. 

I salute you Paperfashion 

Check out her website: http://paperfashion.net/

Today I Am Wearing ....

For todays uniform:

So as winter hits the south coast, it was time to crack open the winter wear suitcase, and release the seasonal outwear from its summer slumber.

As its only october I decided to choose a relatively lightweight quilted style jacket. This bad boy may look thin, but with its 100% synthetic qualities, I'm usually well protected from the ever reliable chilly breeze.
This fine garment is from my old employer - Jack Wills - and I remember being quite forceful about purchasing it on the last day of the sale, after finding out it was the last one in the whole company.
+ The blue marl polo was brought while fighting the freeze in the Big Apple back in February. I found it amongst the racks and racks of discount wear in the famous Century 21. I had wanted this for a while and hadn't expected to find an American Apparel garm in such a store, I had even planned to visit the West Village store on Bleecker Street the following day.
+ My collection of black denim is ever increasing and I've found myself with a rather large selection of black jeans, all very similar in colour but all with a unique fit or wash, I couldn't be without any of them. This pair are not normally seen, and were purchased from Topman - probably with money I didn't have at the time.
+ My footwear originated from a rather strange place. After meeting a companion at the start of the summer, I was left with the generous task of selling his old All Saints uniform, with the promise of a free rummage before I put his old workwear on the likes of eBay. I found these rather nice black loafers. As we have recently seen the Micheal Jackson trial played out in the media, I teamed the loafers with white socks in a homage to the musical legend.

The whole look is a simple transition from picturesque sunsets and sandy toes, to autumn leaves and evenings closing in. Wrap up warm, its cold outside.

New Shoes

So with my 21st now behind me, and a fresh wad of money in my pocket, I decided to heads to the new Westfield shopping centre in Stratford. 

I have one thing to say about that place. Crowd control. The centre was buzzing with fresh faces all looking for what the centre had to offer. Something I wasn't so happy to find. With my belongings held close, and my walking speed reduced to zero, I shuffled my way from shop to shop. 

My first stop landed me at Pull and Bear. A shop I have only ever visited while at Stratford's sister centre, Westfield White City. The store reminded me of an All Saints/Zara hybrid. With earthy tones and urban causal wear, I thought the store was worth a look.

From the moment I stepped foot over the fresh hold my eyes were darting here, there, and everywhere. I was in love with what was on offer. 

With a pile of garments in my arms, I noticed these beauties high on a shelf. I had wanted a pair of brogue boots since there debut a few winters back. This pair called out to me from their high but not so mighty perch. I loved the light leather and simple design, not to OTT, but enough of a statement to ensure a bystanders wondering glance.

With a rummage through a selection of drawers I found my size and quickly headed - with array of apparel in hand - to the closest mirror. They fit! That was enough for me, and with my heat levels rising, I decided to head to the fitting room for the rest of the preview; if not just for a cool down.

I loved everything I tried, and slowly headed to the cash desk to pass over my birthday swiller, an act I didn't need to feel guilty about. 

With a stop off at a few more shops, and more parting with the cash, I soon realised that shopping had taken its toll, and I was ready to head home with a sandwich in one hand and an armful of shopping bags in the other. I quickly boarded the tube in prepare for the night to come. 

In retrospect, I was not prepared for what was to come. 

Oh My Kate Moss

Kate Moss for Rimmel Short Film from F.TAPE on Vimeo.

Kate Moss still looking amazing in her short video created to promote her new collection for Rimmel London. 

This is one video I most enjoyed. 

Today I Am Wearing ....

For todays uniform:

As I have neglected to continue with my personal style section of my blog, I thought today would be as good as any to start looking at my personal uniform.

With my imminent return to uni this coming Monday, I thought it was about time to think of some outfits I could wear over the autumn term.

With my recent post about DM's, I saw this as my opportunity to showcase them in a fall outfit.

I have chosen a bargain bin shirt from Abercrombie and Fitch, something that I hastily added to a pile I thought would make me money on eBay, but on later inspection seemed to have some potential.

+ My current favourite denim. A pair that I brought on a shopping spree and now have grown to love

+ To top the whole outfit off matte black boots, courtesy of Dr Martens.

With plenty of layers and the easy possibility to add my parka, this is definitely one for my wall.

The Kooples New Couples

The Kooples are a brand I have grown to be most fond of. I love there combination of both French and English heritage and there self proclaimed 'Chic Style'. 

The brand has recently selected a shiny new handful of a rather beautiful couples. All dressed in this seasons must have pieces from there seldom collection. The pairs all look perfectly suited and booted, and their clear love for each other is so obviously portrayed in this editorial, giving the clothes that extra bit of curb appeal, and the use of both a picture campaign and a rather personal filmed interview gives the brand a really relatable feel.

There recent addition of a gay and lesbian couple was an interesting surprise, and one that I was most fond of. I loved how they chose two perfectly looking couples that clearly didn't fit into any normal stereotype associated with us homosexuals. Something that is refreshing and a clear step away from the homoerotic advertising we so often see in the industry. 

The Kooples is a brand that knows style and knows what its customer likes. There designs are sleek and modern, but still pay homage to classic tailored styles that all style savvy couples will love. 

Lanvin Fall 2011 Campaign

What more could you need this winter than the new Lanvin campaign to shake off those winter blues. Amazing.

TeLOLgraph

This video of model Cato Van Ee is so interesting, I've watched it a number of times now and I love how her faces moves in reverse. The short film is the newest instalment in a series of films that the telegraph has commissioned about models.

I hadn't realised that the music had been reversed until reading the article, showing that when something works, you don't see its flaws.

Read the full article here: http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/news-features/TMG8722182/Cato-Van-Ee-performs-make-up-magic.html

First Heartbreak

The video to accompany DM's new campaign. Brilliant.

FIRSTANDFOREVER

Dr. Marten have recently launched their new advertising campaign, fronted by two well know faces - Agyness Deyn and Ash Stymest.

Both models known for their striking looks give the heritage brand a recognisable face, and define the look Dr. Marten stands for.

The couple who look like they were cut from the same cloth, and a pair I wouldn't mind getting in between myself, act like each others first love in this skinhead inspired photo shoot, which portrays the bleak life of the north in the late 1980's. A time when Dr. Martens were adorning the feet of all of those that followed the subculture.

DM's new campaign invites all to share there first experiences, with there website carrying the tag line - ' new experiences shape us. First times define us. Single moments stay with us forever.' The words create a kind of mantra that the brand want to impose on there admirers, and with the help of a social map, they encourage us to share our first with the rest of the DM world, an opportunity most have used to share there most treasured memories.

This being my favourite....

Georgina Langford

My first Heartbreak came after my first kiss, then two weeks of ecstatic romance, late night drives and mixtapes. We were 18, he broke it off because (he later admitted) he was falling in love with me

The whole campaign makes me want to spend my well earned pay check on a few pairs of what DM have to offer, and although I currently own a well under used pair of black eight hole originals, when can anyone have too many shoes.

I think Dr Marten just gave me the cure to the soon to come winter blues.

PRADA: A/W 2011

I know I'm a little late, but I am rather fond of what Prada and Steven Meisel have created here.

Inspirational Mad Men

With the news of Gaps sister brand Banana Republic set to release a Mad Men inspired capsule collection. I wanted to take a look at what all the fuss was about, and see how the early 1960's was making its comeback.

Banana Republics Collection

The show which was originally aired in 2007, has gathered a number of both awards, and fans

as it now heads into its 5 season.

The style which has been so sympathetically created by the shows costume designer - Janie Bryant - has been seen in previous seasons by the heavy weights, Louis Vuitton being the most memorable with their Fall 2010 campaign.

This Same style has been seen by both Prada for their Fall 2010, and by Christian Dior for their Spring 2011 catwalk collections.

Prada

Christian Dior

Drapers mentioned in their autumn 2011 report that 'The influence of Mad Men star Christian Hendricks and Prada and Marc Jacobs' full length skirts with fitted tops from autumn 10 have filtered into contemporary and mainstream womenswear' Giving a hint that we will soon see this styles - made popular by the sitcom - hitting the high streets this winter.

So grab your grey marl socks, mid-length skirts and chunky knits and head for a productive day at Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce.

A Family Portrait By Miles Aldridge

I Just stumbled across this editorial for Vogue Italia and I must say I do like the composition and great use of colour. I love editorials with a bit of humour and depth, and they always insure I take those extra few moments to take the whole image in.

The full shoot is well worth a lasting look.

Creative Cultivated Variety

The next few weeks of my life will be dedicated to fining an internship, and although I don't know what career path I want to choose once completing my degree, I do know that having a visually appealing CV will make my talents stand out.

Here are some examples that some creative minds have already produced. Although in this competitive work environment, I think I'll be keeping my ideas under lock and key.

InSEXt

Earlier this week I styles and photographed an amazing graduate collection.

Inspired by bones and bugs, the clothes fit the female skeleton perfectly.

With a mix of trailered office wear, and over sized knits, the collection brings together smart and casual pieces, to make some inspirational and unique ensembles.

The craftsmanship is second to none, and the hand painted digital prints show the sheer hard work, and dedication, of a designer who will undoubtably go far.

Match Point

For todays uniform:

Today, my game of what to wear had hit deuce.

On the left side of the court we have a navy striped Fred Perry polo, not seen since I opened it on Christmas day 2009, found in my recent wardrobe rummage.

Paired with light blue tailored shorts,

a new pair of stripped tennis socks,

and

an ever reliable pair of Vans.

A look worthy of any Ball boy.

On the right side of the court we have a red striped Fred Perry polo, not seen since the days of early courtship in the SHAM relationship. This one holds the Grand Slam of my wardrobe, just for sentimental reasons

Paired with faded black cut off jeans,

A slightly older pair of granddad socks,

And

Trusty Dr Martens

A look worthy of any underdog.

After a tense few moments

As the game reached match point. The blue outfit hit an ace and off I went in my unseen polo, heading for the strawberries and cream. Leaving the unfortunate red, to head back to the happy days of my memory.

A New Day

The sun is shining outside and change is in the air.

My blog has been rather neglected for the last few months. However, I have now made it my mission to up the ante and get on top of the fashion world.

Today as the sun shone through my ever so strangely shaped window, I felt a new lease of life come over me. I have decided to sort my ever increasing wardrobe into something a bit more manageable.

Out goes the masses of Jack Wills workwear and tired knitwear, over used and worthy of a charity shop bin. Although much of it had been worn to death, I have found a collection of pieces worthy of an eBay bargain hunter and those prep wannabe types.

As I sifted through the masses of things I hadn't worn since the early days of my career as a trainee folder. I found some garments that were barley worn and worthy of a new lease of life. This is always a delight, the excitement of a new item, but without the guilt of spending your hard earned pennies on something that will be in the charity shop pile by the end of next season.

I now have to overwhelming task of arranging what I want to keep into style and colour order, pernickety I know, but well worth it when your in a rush, and once completed I can take a step back and look in ease at what will be gracing my body over the next few months.

I hope this inspires someone else to undertake this liberating task.

Hello Haircut

So I got my haircut, and I like it.

The Golden Twenties

So I have decided to return to the keyboard.

Last week was an overdue reminder of why I stayed in sunny worthing for the next 3 years.

My life may be more unorganised than most, but I did manage to pull myself together last week, and organise a piece of work that I had been putting of planning for weeks.

I hope the results are worthy of the walls of Julie Bentley's mezzanine.