Fashion Moriarty

Things I've liked in February

2012-03-01T18:29:00.000Z

Macchiatos (above) I have a real thing for them right now. I think it's the heat and caffeine kick which you need to get going on a chilly morning, but it's not so heavy like a cappuccino, which is good now that we're coming into Spring.

Reading amusing, interesting and sweet articles which coincide with Valentine's day on Thought Catalog, Hello Giggles, The Simply Luxurious Life and The Guardian

Ridiculously cute Spring colours over at Liebesbotschaft

Seeing Zach Braff's play All New people, which he wrote and starred in alongside 3 other brilliant cast members at the Duke of York's theatre in London. We then found a very secluded Italian restaurant with delicous food. It's quote exclusive, so seems to be where most of the West End actors go. I can't tell you what it was called though, that would spoil the secret...

Being able to get up when it's not pitch black outside. I really can't function in the mornings without natural light!

Visiting Oxford for a couple of days. I saw a lot of classic student style about the town, especially this guy with the long grey coat and battered brown briefcase. So vintage.

The launch of the Hummingbird Bakery's blog

My epic last meal before giving up meat for Lent - pancakes with bacon, warm fruits, yoghurt and maple syrup, with just a sprinkling of icing sugar for decoration.

And one thing I haven't liked...

So, I was at a climbing competition on Sunday, and on reaching the top of a climb, I fell and landed on my ankle. it isn't broken, but is severely sprained, so I'm currently on crutches and have a "Beckham boot" on. Finding it a little difficult to accessorize, but otherwise I'm doing fine. maybe I'll do a few outfit posts on what to wear with crutches!

The best of Pinterest this week

2012-02-29T19:12:00.000Z

Sofia Coppola

I love this woman's work so much, she especially has a certain knack for commercials which make me want to buy whatever the hell they're selling. Have you seen the new one she's done for Marni at H&M? Just magical.

Backstage at Vivienne Westwood Red Label
The markings on this model's hands remind me of tarot cards. I'm not sure if that's the aim, but yet again the mother of punk makes something slightly unsettling into a work of art.

Luck

I think this struck me as an image because I was watching The truman Show the other day (remember the bit when he notices that Meryl is crossing her fingers in their wedding photo?). Why do people cross their fingers when they lie, but also do it for good luck? One seems quite a negative to use the sign, the other quite positive. Either way, I love this little sketch. I think I might print it out small to keep in a locket during exams.

Bang Bang Cauliflower

This is a recipe from That's So Michelle, which I really want to try because, in my opinion, cauliflower is a much neglected vegetable. It has so much great flavour! I'm also vegetarian for Lent this year so am looking for alternatives to some of my favourite meat dishes (many of which are Asian cuisine).

Film Review: The Artist

2012-02-22T18:09:00.000Z

What's it about?
In case you didn't know - George Valentin has Hollywood in the palm of his hand, he's the guy people go to the pictures to see, but not hear. He meets aspiring actress Peppy Miller just before the arrival of the 'Talkies', which his employers Kinograph Studios decide to focus on exclusively. Suddenly their roles are reversed as Peppy becomes the new star of the movies and nobody wants to see a film starring George, the actor who won't talk. If you want to know what happens next, you'd better go and see it.

Was it any good?
I was expecting to like it and the film more than lived up to my expectations. It was a full cinema, which created a lovely atmosphere and you could really feel the audience's approval at all the little funny moments, even ones which we've already seen a million times in previews. I'm not sure if it can really give the same thrill when it goes to DVD, but in the cinema everything felt just right. The music is excellent (it really had to be in order to accompany a silent movie), the cinematography intelligent and the acting superb.

I'm sure you've all heard so much about this movie, and it is bound to sweep all the awards categories. Let me just tell you that the hype isn't for nothing. It is a whole new cinema experience for many people, which makes a statement about a time of change in the industry. At its heart though, is a very sweet and human story. You will not regret going to see it!

But what about the clothes?
Mark Bridges has already received 5 awards for his work designing costume for the film, including a BAFTA. It remains to be seen whether he'll be handed the Oscar too, but I think it fairly likely - which is quote sad for the two films which have only been nominated in the costume category (W.E. and Anonymous) but I think The Artist really does deserve it. Not only did it evoke the glory of the golden age of Hollywood, it even depicted the rise and fall of the two main characters through their dress, especially in the scene on the stairs, as Peppy ascends in a brilliantly fresh white dress and George descends in a rather stuffy and old-fashioned looking suit. The achievement of producing costumes which maintain their full effect even in black and white is certainly laudable. I hope Bridges gets the recognition he deserves.

The Fashion Moriarty Guide to Oxford

2012-02-21T16:42:00.000Z

I've often felt that Oxford is one of those places where I just know I belong. My other places are Winchester, where I live, and Sorrento in Italy, where I would love to live on day and maybe brush up on my Italian! I was born in Oxford so I guess that explains my partiality to it. To anyone who hasn't been there (and some who have) the city probably appears to be a big old University town with some pretty buildings which they filmed harry Potter in. The truth is that this is only the half of it. Yes, there are beautiful streets to get lost in and grand old buildings to look around, but there is so much more to Oxford. After all, anywhere with that many students has to have a little bit of an alternative flavour right?

The Shops

Pictured above is Oxford's best and most welcoming haberdashery shop, Darn It & Stitch. Last time I was in Oxford with my friend Holly, we went in to buy ribbon and it turned out they were having a charity fundraising knitting session upstairs. We left about 2 or 3 hours later having learned to knit, given away money to a very worthy cause, eaten two home-made cupcakes each and bought one pack of home-made fudge.It was a fantastically enjoyable afternoon and we were welcomed by everyone there. Even when there aren't special events, the shop is a great place to find deliciously cute buttons, ribbons, wool and anything else you may need for crafting or perhaps customising some old clothes.

My other favourite places to shop are pretty much all in the same place: Cowley Road. It's definitely the trendier, more multicultural end of Oxford. David Cameron's student house was here, and there are all sorts of independent shops selling everything from board games to Fairtrade coffee.In terms of fashion, my absolute favourite place is The Ballroom, a vintage shop which also hires out suits and gowns for special occasions. I love the endless stock of men's cricket jumpers and pre-loved handbags. Further up Cowley, you'll find another shop Reign Wear, and a good selection of charity shops where you're sure to find a stylish bargain.

Food & Drink

Just looking at that continental breakfast from Puccino's makes me want to eat it all over again! Puccino's is one of my favourite places to eat because the atmosphere is great, the prices are reasonable and they put funny little messages on all their crockery, all over the menus and across the walls. It has a great personality, but is by no means the only good place to eat in Oxford.

Back on Cowley Road, if desserts and sweet treats are your thing then you don't want to miss Rick's Cafe. It has a smart but cosy atmosphere and apparently free wifi. But the best part has to be the Italian/French style cakes, puddings and, best of all, macaroons at 90p each. There are so many flavours - I think the one pictured was rhubarb and strawberry. George and Delia's is also good, especially for milkshakes, but can get overrun with students on laptops at certain times. In the city centre, I also love the Nosebag, where you can get a healthy but filling lunch of mixed salads, and there is plenty for veggies.

Other things to do

It's a bit obvious, but there are always the standard Oxford activities - look around a college, go to the Ashmolean museum, take a punt down the river (it was too cold to do that last time we went). The reason so many people want to do them is because they are genuinely worth doing. But if you've been there, done that, iI have a few recommendations. See what's on at the Playhouse, spend some time in the covered market (make sure you buy a cookie while you're there), walk through the Botanic Gardens or just move from one cafe to another, trying the coffee and reading a book. That's pretty much what I did, and it is simply bliss.

I Want It! Murder She Wrote - Gold Typewriter Necklace

2012-02-19T10:12:00.002Z

Was just browsing Etsy when I came across this. How cute is that? I love how much detail is in it, right down to the words on paper. It might be a bit of a chunky weight to carry around your neck but definitely worth it as a conversatio-starting piece. It's also the perfect gift for anyone who likes whimsical jewellery and is perhaps a fan of murder mysteries. It personally reminds me of a play called Deathtrap which I saw on the West End. So basically, I love everything about this necklace.

What the couturiers can teach you about Valentine's Day dressing

2012-02-14T11:00:00.001Z

Giambattista Valli

Lace is most definitely in - blame the Duchess of Cambridge. Or Sarah Burton. Together, they helped to launch lace back from the realms of granny net curtains and fussy table cloths to the ultimate romantic material. Perhaps if you're in a relatively new relationship, it's best to steer clear of white, you don't want to look like you're preparing to walk down the aisle already! On the other hand, you could carry a bouquet and wear a veil and some men still won't take the hint...

Bouchra Jarrar

A dress is not compulsory - if you haven't seen the whole of Bouchra Jarrar's collection, I recommend you check it out. It embodies that mood we've been feeling of a feminine but strong 40s style from Winter and takes it forward to a very professional-looking summer.Trousers are notoriously difficult to find the perfect pair of, but if you know you look good in yours, it can be a fantastically relaxed way to make a statement. That statement of course being: I wear the trousers in this relationship.

Elie Saab

Sugary pastels aren't just for little girls - it can sometimes be hard not to get swept up in the sweetness and romanticism of Valentine's day when it's everywhere you look. While it is important to maintain a level head and remember that it's been exploited by commercialism, I say that there's nothing wrong with throwing yourself whole-heartedly in the spirit of things. In addition to that, the spring collections we've seen of late have achieved an easy, ladylike elegance in lemon, rose, mint and lavender while not allowing the impression to be that of a princess/cupcake look. I think the key is to keep hair and make-up minimal, as above.

Valentino

You don't have to bare all to be beautiful - again with the 40s vibe. A high neckline, low hemline and exaggerated shoulders, all worn with flat shoes, may not be your idea of alluring. However, providing you wear a flirty print and a dress with some movement, the effect is both fun and flattering. The vital ingredient to any outfit though, has to be confidence, and providing you have that, you'll be fine.

All images from Style.com

BAFTA Costume Design nominees

2012-02-11T13:16:00.001Z

Last year's winner, Colleen Atwood, who won for Alice in Wonderland

Costume can be an under-appreciated art in the film industry, but it has seen an improvement in recent years. This year's nominees for the Orange British Academy Film Awards all reflect a nostalgic mood which has run through cinema recently, as all are period dramas, spanning from the 1830s to the early 1970s. There seems to be a particular fascination with the period from pre-WW1 to post-WW2. I think they're all worthy nominees in terms of costume, as each has had to achieve the look of an era while maintaining a character's individuality. Let's take a closer look.

The Artist - Mark Bridges

Mark Bridges has a pretty respectable back catalog including The Fighter and There Will Be Blood, but nothing has garnered quite such acclaim as this year's sensational silent movie The Artist. I think that the key to this year's success lies in the fact that his previous work has been more functional to the filming than central to the plot. The challenge with a black and white film is of course to capture the character's personality without the use of colour. It is not a challenge which arises for many costume designers these days, and I think Bridges has caught the golden age superbly considering this.

Hugo - Sandy Powell

Sandy Powell is an absolute goddess of the industry and has already won 3 Oscars for her work on Shakespeare in Love, The Aviator and Young Victoria. While Hugo is set in 1930s Paris, there is also an element of fairytale nostalgia (you know, the kind you see in Harry Potter et al) which makes it an interesting film visually. From the picture above, you can tell that the palette is quite dusty, full of golds and browns, but Powell has once again created a simple but beautiful wardrobe by mixing patterns and textures for an eclectic feel.

Jane Eyre - Michael O'Connor

Michael O'Connor was probably an obvious choice for this Bronte adaptation, as he is best know for his Oscar-winning costume design in the Kiera Knightley period drama The Duchess. While Jane Eyre requires nothing quite so extravagant, there is a sort of natural progression from one period to the other, and he is clearly a master of the full skirt. I have chosen an image which does not feature the title character, which is because I just adore this dress. Look at the way it matches the scene through the colours of the stripes which are identical to the shades of the framing flowers. It is a typical style of early Victorian fashion, but also avoids a common misconception we may have of this era being drab and dull. A very fitting (in more ways than one) wardrobe.

My Week With Marilyn - Jill Taylor

My personal favourite, I have already waxed lyrical on the excellent visuals in this film about the filming of The Prince and The Showgirl, not least of which were the costumes. I think the main achievement has to be the exquisite balance between orignal creations in the style of the time and painstaking recreations of outfits Marilyn was photographed wearing. Jill taylor has a huge collection of British films to be proud of under her belt already, such as Johnny English and The Full Monty, and I'm hoping that this year sees her receive the recognition she deserves.

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy - Jacqueline Durran

Even rather serious, grey films set in the Cold War need an outstanding costume department. Jacqueline Durran is another designer with more than one aesthetically pleasing British film on her CV, and here she has again worked her magic to make a set of costumes which fit the mood, setting and time of the film (unfortunately whoever did the shot above wasn't quite so historically accurate as I can see a plastic reflective bollard in the far left which I don't think they had in the early 1970s). However, I think if it does win, it will be less a reflection of this film alone, which, let's face it, is mainly about Gary Oldman's glasses, it will be more becasue another BAFTA is owed to Durran. She has won before, for Vera Drake, but only nominated for Pride & Prejudice and Atonement. While it is a great achievement in accurate menswear, I just don't see this film winning based on trench coats and suits alone.

And a quick note on the Oscars:

The first 3 on this list remain the same, but instead of Tinker and Marilyn, they have Anonymous and W.E. These are both worthy nominations and I'm not sure why BAFTA passed over them, especially Anonymous, which is filled with sumptious Elizabethan costume. Again, they fit in with the trend for period dramas, and I rather think they have a good chance (or let's hope so, because they haven't been nominated for anything else).

All images from IMDB

Snow Style

2012-02-10T18:53:00.000Z

Last night, we had the most pathetic smattering of snow. Nothing was cancelled (except for a few wimpy buses) but it was deep enough to start a few snowball fights. Now on a normal snow day most people wouldn't bother that much with what they wear - functionality in order to win snowball fights is the order of the day. But it wasn't really deep enough for that. So it interested me what everyone decided to wear today with a mix of style and snow-friendliness. Here are some of my favourites.

This is Amelia. While she is normally very well-dressed anyway, I was particularly impressed that she could pull off a pair of earmuffs! I also think it's very easy to fall into an odd mixture of different coloured clothes on a cold morning, so I think she's done well to gather an outfit which is so well-coordinated and also bucks the trend of dark colours for Winter.

Issy's floral Laura Ashley Wellies and my green ones

Wellies became acceptable footwear, especially for those of us who walk to college on an entirely uphill route (i.e. me) because it's better to pull a Kate Moss and rock your boots like you're at Glastonbury than to persevere with flimsy shoes and end up slipping and going round for the rest of the day with water on your bum...

Hats and scarves don't have to be boring. Issy had a lovely white woollen hat to match the snow and a cute patterned scarf to add interest to her look. We had a lot of fun frolicking in what was left of the snow during a free period, and while my ears got very cold, I trust that Issy's didn't.

Alex's boot is falling to pieces. I imagine this is due to thorough use, mainly in having a few epic snowball fights on the hill outside. I really like these, they look like the kind of boots you could go on an adventure in or just into town, and they'll probably last for ages - though evidently not for ever.

Oscar, Issy and I took advantage of the lack of people around and went for a photo session outside. The main aim of taking my camera with me today was to record Oscar's new coat (which he must have had for a couple of weeks now. So, I probably ought to talk a little about it...

Oscar's coat was elegant the cut was fine.

The tasteful style was the ultimate in good design

And this is why

It caught the eye

A king would stop and stare!

But seriously, while it's fun to randomly quote Joseph and His Technicolour Dreamcoat, I do really like it. There are two different coloured threads in light grey and dark grey running thorough it, so the overall impression is of a mix between the two colours. It is a good shade to wear with anything really, but it's far from boring, because interest is added in the smart collar and buttonhole. Plus, it has pockets - an advantage which much menswear has over any womenswear equivalent. It puts me in mind of two things: Sherlock's coat and the Fall 2012 collection from Berluti menswear.

Berluti

Sherlock

Read Dickens today

2012-02-07T21:24:00.000Z

From moodboard

Today, the UK is going mad for Charles Dickens. It is his 200th birthday, and we've already been treated to new adaptations of Great Expectations and the Mystery of Edwin Drood. More is to come, including another Great Expectation and a series of programmes on TV and radio. You might think Dickens has little to do with fashion, but I argue that EVERYTHING is to do with fashion.

Even today, Dickens characters inspire stylists, designers and general stylish people to dress unexpectedly. In particular, 'Miss Havisham glam' saw a surge in popularity in ast year's couture and bridalwear collections. His work has also been the source of many great films, TV shows and plays. All of these require costumes, and it must be a costume-designer's dream to land such a project. There is already a basic description and a style of the time to work from, but the characters allow much room for interpretation as far as wardrobe is concerned. Since many of them are larger than life, it makes sense for their clothes to reflect that part of their personality, and so be a little over the top.

So today, pay tribute to the man who is in part responsible for many of the best screen costumes of our time. Pick up a copy of something he has written and get stuck in to the effortlessly detailed character description. Who knows? Maybe it will inspire what you wear tomorrow.

Who DESERVES to be a cover girl?

2012-02-04T11:20:00.002Z

I tend to regularly check out who the new Teen Vogue cover girl is this month, even if I won't be able to get the magazine for another few weeks. The best way to do this is to look at their Facebook fan-page's profile picture, and by doing this, I tend to see all the comments on the design, clothes and -crucially- star of the cover. The March issue featured Kendall and Kylie Jenner. Cue an almost totally even divide of people who love the girls and are pleased to see them on the cover and those who see no reason for them to be there at all, disappointed in the choice. It got me thinking - how on earth do you decide who "deserves" to be on the cover of a magazine?

Liya Kebede on the May 2008 Harper's Bazaar (image from here)

The thing is, back in the old days all you had to do was be of model looks and build and be known to the editors, but not necessarily to the general public. Of course, a handful of girls went on to be supermodels, known by name across the world, but more often than not, it was less about the model herself and more about the photograph, the mood, the colour, the clothes. For me, this might mean that someone with no real ability except to pose nicely has made it onto the news-stands, but at least they're doing their job and doing it well. It seems somehow more innocent, in the sense that they are there to show the trends of the season, fashion at its purest, rather than to plug their new album/film/show like most celebrities tend to do these days.

Vogue December 1965 (image from the Vogue Archives)

Please don't think I'm naive or idealistic. I realise that this is just the way of the publishing world today, and the age of celebrity was bound to manifest itself somehow. I also have to confess to being a total sucker whenever I spot Emma Watson, Vanessa Hudgens or Karlie Kloss fronting the latest issue of some magazine I've never bought before - out comes the money and away I go with my shiny new magazine. But now we come back to the odd question of whether someone should be on a cover. Surely the main reason an editor would put them there is to sell copies? Is that all that should matter, or do they also need to be accomplished at what they do, have a great sense of style and be a role model to girls everywhere? There certainly seems to be this idea that cover stars, particularly for magazines aimed at younger audiences, should be a positive role model. I see the logic in this, but I think we're forgetting something about the roots of youth fashion.

Jean Shrimpton in the iconic 1962 New York shoot by David Bailey for Vogue

When teenagers started to make themselves known as a part of the fashion scene, a huge part of the aesthetic was the idea of rebellion. Against your parents, against society, against what was expected of you. We look back on images of young models and early celebrity cover girls who led far from wholesome lives (sex, drugs and rock'n'roll, you know, that sort of thing) and celebrate their ingenuity as an innovation in the way we saw fashion. So doesn't that leave the demand for a well-behaved, non-smoking, innocent cover girl looking a little, well, hypocritical? Besides all that, a lot of magazines are criticised when they feature someone who is deemed not to have achieved anything 'worthy'. Well how do you define that? Do they have to have been in an Oscar-winning film rather than a TV sitcom? Should they have produced a self-written and critically acclaimed album rather than appearing on the X Factor? What we end up doing is creating a divide between 'high' culture and 'low' culture to determine who gets that coveted spot. Some may say that none of those people have done enough to warrant this amount of attention and we should see politicians, doctors, lawyers, academics, philanthropists and entrepreneurs on magazine covers. The way I see it, we'll never be able to decide whose achievements mean they deserve this honour, perhaps it is best to admire instead the achievements of the magazine's team in terms of the design, styling, hair & makeup on the cover, and don't forget the quality of the written articles and interviews inside.

I suppose what I'm saying is, sometimes it's best not to judge a magazine by its cover girl (or boy).

I Want It! Barbour Caramel Canvas Beacon Backpack

2012-02-03T18:07:00.000Z

For me, backpacks bring back memories of being 11, a small person in a big school and dragging around all my books in a bag so large that if I lay down with it one, I'd just be stuck there. Like a tortoise. Despite this, I've seen the backpack gain some popularity in recent years. I think the key is not to go too oversized, but instead to carry your essentials in some cute but functional on your back. A subtle colour helps too, and the delicious caramel shade of this Barbour bag is right up my street. Not to mention that it is both en vogue and will pretty much go with everything.

In terms of the image it gives out, the unattractive clichés of overloaded school pupils and determined tourists have been turned to the backpack's advantage. It is the favoured luggage of many a stylish foreign exchange student, young traveller and Preppy university-goer. This Barbour number may be expensive, but my goodness is it gorgeous.

Things I've liked in January

2012-02-01T19:00:00.000Z

As the new month begins, I've just had time to collect my thoughts on the month passed. January has been pretty good for me, and I'm starting to feel that freshness which comes hand in hand with a new year, new season and a good dose of invigorating cold weather! These are my favourite things from the last 31 days.

Jane Keltner de Valle's foray into the realms of the hat world as she tries out Philip Treacy's new collection - in Teen Vogue

Shannon's 4 Ways to Guarantee a Great Monday over at The Simply Luxurious Life

Making it onto the pages of Teen Vogue and being included in Links a la Mode, twice!

The natural look of flushed cheeks in the cold

Getting excited for Winchester Fashion Week in June!

Avoiding being outside for too long by reading a book in a cafe

Learning how to use nude tones in make-up from Sali Hughes

The new Mulberry campaign

The return of colour. I mean, can there be a more joyful sight than this?

My Red Carpet Look

2012-01-31T17:51:00.000Z

Image from here

This week's IFB project is to put together what you would wear to an award ceremony if you were so lucky as to be invited. Personally, I've been through this thought a few times already in my head, following the storyline that I would be there on behalf of a small BBC film which I have written or directed. In this case, I would want to stand out, but not so much that I outshine any of my film's stars, and I'd also want to fly the flag for British fashion. So, if I chose from the Spring 2012 RTW collections, this is what I'd pick:

Dress by Issa, a favourite brand of the Duchess of Cambridge

Mary Katrantzou shoes. I think I'd have to practice walking in these beforehand!

Vivienne Westwood earrings. I love these, just the right amount of odd. I wonder if I'd be able to strike up a conversation with Helena Bonham Carter about them?

And to match the earrings, an Alexander McQueen ring

Finally, to carry my lipstick and a sneakily written acceptance speech, a Burberry clutch.

How do you define British Style?

2012-01-28T18:57:00.000Z

I'm currently writing an article about British style icons, and it has got me thinking about the collective British style. It seems to be cheeky, rebellious, but often respectful. At the centre of it is always some sort of view about the monarchy, the establishment. That's how I see it anyway, and that's how I've portrayed it in the collage I've made above.

I'd like to know what other opinion on British style are. If you have any ideas about how the UK is perceived in the international world of fashion, or perhaps how British your own style is, please comment below or tweet me @fashionmoriarty about how you see it.

I'm interested in views from every nationality, as it will be good to have all sorts of perspectives from both the inside and the outside. Thank you!

Links a la Mode

2012-01-26T18:00:00.000Z

Making a Connection

Edited by: Fajr Muhammad of Stylish Thought

Can you believe that it’s almost February. Fashion week is right around the corner and that means that the IFB Conference is right upon us. The IFB Conference has opened so many doors and channels for fashion bloggers to connect and expand their *ahem* influence. Fashion week is another great avenue to network and work with brands, the media and other bloggers. In our fast-paced digital (and fashion) worlds, connection is key.

Check out this week’s Link a la Mode and connect with our 20 selected bloggers. Read their post, comment and build relationships that will last past fashion week and beyond.

SPONSOR:
Shoes at Shopbop: Frye Shoes, Yosi Samra Flats, See by Chloe Shoes, Tapeet, Ash Sneakers, Sam Edelman Sandals, Steven, Wang Shoes, Pelle Moda, Vanessa Mooney, Loeffler Randall, Dolce Vita Shoes & Hunter Boots

PLEASE READ IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE
If you would like to submit your link for next week’s Links à la Mode, please register first, then post your links HERE. The HTML code for this week will be found in the Links a la Mode group will be published later today. ~Jennine

My week just keeps getting better. First I discover that my comment has been used in print inside Teen Vogue, and now my post about it has earnt me a place on Links a la Mode! Thanks so much to Fajr for including me, I am honoured to be included amongst such distinguished company and will be checking out all the other blogs as soon as possible!

The day I was in Teen Vogue

2012-01-23T20:56:00.000Z

Anyone who has been published in a newspaper or magazine at some point will know that buzz of seeing your name in print, no matter how small the text attributed to you is. I've known the thrill before due to the odd book review or article about vintage clothes, but never before have I been totally unaware that I would be featured until I noticed my name on the letters page!

So, it was a nice surprise as I sat drinking my coffee one morning this weekend to stumble across a comment I had left on one of Teen Vogue's Facebook photos a while back, right there on the letters page of my favourite magazine, an international symbol of young fashion.

Just in case you can't see, what I said was: "I was disappointed to see Alexa on the cover. She is very fashionable, but she's too skinny. When will the magazine have a curvy girl like Adele or America Ferrera on the cover?". Now before the Alexa disciples rip me apart, I have nothing against her personally. All I was saying is, if you look through the past Teen Vogue covers, all of the girls are slender, often insubstantial things. I usually rather like them nevertheless, and I understand that there is such a thing as the editor's aesthetic, but I just think there could be a few more role models for young girls who have talent AND a normal dress size.

Who would you like to see on the cover?

4 ways to survive the rest of Winter

2012-01-22T09:57:00.000Z

Find the best hot chocolate/mocha in town

What you see above is known as the mini mighty mocha. A shot of espresso with chocolate, served in a small glass and topped with a ridiculous amount of whipped cream, then finished off with a scattering of cocoa powder and two decorate coffee beans. It is heaven, and comes from my favourite cafe in town. It's proven that being outside for even 5 minutes a day can improve your mood, so why not make your daily trip to the place you know serves the best chocolatey pick-me-up within walking distance? Alright, it can't be all that healthy, but take a classic book with you to read and you'll at least feel that you've accomplished something.

Buy shoes

Just do it. Buy flats, heels, boots or flip-flops. Bright colours will improve your mood, but neutrals will be easier to wear all the time and show off to people at work/school. Wear them everywhere or just display them on a shelf in your room. Dance in your new shoes and listen to this awful and yet amazing Emma Roberts song.

Plan a short city break

OK, I admit it, the above picture of Oxford was taken in May last year. While I am actually planning a night in the city of dreaming spires with a friend, I doubt we'll be punting at any point (they don't even open until March). However, Winter is one of the best times to experience new and exciting cultural things. if you get away for a few days, make sure it is to somewhere with plenty of indoors-y things to do (museums, cafes, theatre, cinema, shops etc.) but also with some pretty places to walk through should the weather allow it. I find a change of air and setting can do a world of good.

Wear every coat you own

You may not have another opportunity to wear that vintage overcoat, fleece-lined jacket or snuggly fur until the end of this year! Don't just settle on your favourite and wear it every day, make sure all your cover-ups get a chance to shine and, if they don't work any more, you'll know that there's no point in them taking up space in your out-of-season clothes box and you can pass them on to someone else.

All pictures are mine except the Repetto one which is from here.

I want it!: ASOS Embellished Dress with fitted bodice

2012-01-18T21:25:00.000Z

I adore this. The art nouveau bodice, the swishy skirt, the subtle metallic shade. Every detail of this dress makes it perfect for any occasion. The best thing is, since the Winter party seaon is over, it's on sale, yay! Now it's £93. I'd consider that quite a lot, but the reason you could safely pay that much and know it was good value is that it transgresses seasons. Perhaps embellishment is traditionally something for the Autumn/Winter events, but this Spring/Summer has seen a load of really cool embellished designs (Balmain, anyone?)

I guess I'm also going through a bit of a 20s phase right now because I've just finished reading Mrs Dalloway. I don't always like 20s styles (on me anyway) because they're pretty shapeless, but this dress is the perfect compromise.

4 Reasons why Moriarty is better than Sherlock (sartorially)

2012-01-16T20:58:00.000Z

When he first appeared on our screens in the BBC's modern adaptation of Conan Doyle's classic stories Sherlock, wearing a perfectly chosen suit by Vivienne Westwood, I knew I was in love with Jim Moriarty. Not only that, I was inspired by his simple yet utterly dapper and charismatic style. So much so that I named a blog after it. Thus, Fashion Moriarty was born.

It may seem odd that I chose a male character to be the namesake, but my other two major influences from film and TV have been Sloane Peterson from Ferris Bueller's Day Off and Jamie Campbell-Bower as 11-12 in the remake of The Prisoner. Now, Fashion 11-12 doesn't sound that great, and the other connotations of the word 'Sloane' were not what I was going for.

But why not Sherlock? Or Holmes, Watson, Adler? All perfectly good names and stylish characters (well, perhaps not Watson...) but the there is something about Jim that caught my aesthetic's eye. So, let me outline to you exactly what I saw in him.

He understands the science of suits

On the Westwood suit from The Great Game, Sarah Arthur (the costume designer for Sherlock) said: “[Moriarty’s] suit was Vivienne Westwood. Westwood can be very extreme but this wasn't. Originally I think in the script it was another make, but the suit was just perfect for him and the colour was different and unusual.” I agree. I don't think there's a better designer to clothe a super-villain than Westwood. Plus, if you saw the show last night, you can't have missed the ominous shadow which Jim cast as he came to visit Sherlock. The line of his suits works perfectly on him.

He thinks about the details

Last night, Moriarty stood trial for attempting to steal the crown jewels.On a trial like that, you know there will be press coverage, and a lot of it. Rather than just his standard workaday Westwood. He went all out in what is possibly the best suit anyone has ever worn on my TV. Such a daring choice of colour! Such an excellent cut! He looked so suave and perhaps a touch Italian. But the real reason it worked? The tiepin. And if you were watching closely, you will have noticed that Sherlock was not happy to get a tiepin because "I don't wear ties." That is where Sherlock loses style points. And that is why Jim is master of all he sartorially surveys.

He has no great big coat which could flap about in running scenes

And do you know why? It's because he has no running scenes. Jim is always calm, always in control of the situation and never, ever runs away. I know that the flappy coat has long been the cover-up of choice for cool BBC characters (Dr Who, Captain Jack, Peter Boyd) but maybe the sign of who's really in charge is whoever hasn't got a coat which will make it look cinematic when they leap from a building...

When he accessorizes, man, does he accessorize...

OK. Love letter over. Thank you for listening.

Links a la Mode

2012-01-13T17:52:00.000Z

Hooray! I made it into IFB's Links a la Mode for the second time, and I'm very pleased to be in such good company for this week's roundup. Plus, the picture from my featured post (a shot of magazines taken in a shop in Newtown, Sydney) has been included in the images at the top of the page! Thanks very much to Collette who chose to include my post on which magazines to buy each month, and congrats to all the other bloggers who made it.

Fresh New Start

Edited by: Collette Osuna of Statements in Fashion

Even though January is one brutal cold month in Michigan, it happens to be one of my favorites. It’s a brand New Year.....it’s the opportunity for each and every one of us to start with a fresh clean slate. What will you be taking on this year? A new hobby? Losing weight? Starting your own business? Bettering your blog? The ideas are only limited by your imagination, and I for one, cannot wait to begin this new adventure. This weeks links are chock full of awesome DIY ideas, product reviews, and ways to make yourself smile!

Have a fabulous month everyone!

THE IFB WEEKLY ROUNDUP: LINKS À LA MODE: JANUARY 12TH

Ethical Fashion Blog: What do you think about charity shop pricing?
Fashion is Evolution: How to make a clothing-tag specimen board
Fashion Moriarty: If you only buy 12 magazines this year <--- That's me!
House of Jeffers: Not fitting in because of the way you dress
Letter Kay Blog: How to wear leather leggings
Life of a Recessionista: Products I can’t live without
Life Style Flash: Things I hate about shopping
Marionberry Style: It isn’t easy being green
Nadalyn Margaret: All about brooches
Over 50 Feeling 40: Journalism 101 for Bloggers
Pandippo: Sometimes a simple dress is all you need
Paper Cloth: Things I learned from January J.Crew
Pretty Quirky Pants: DIY Beaded stretch cuff bracelet
Statements in Fashion: Twitter Tuesday: "Chuffed to Bits" for The Whitelist
Style Delights: Ten tips to be happy!
The Calvin Show: How to take great street style photos
The Dapper Bun: DIY Simple hems
The PVD Journal: How to take gratuitous photos of yourself
The Shop Hopper: Shopping Manifesto
The Window Shopper: DIY Getting your colors done

SPONSOR:
New Dresses at Shopbop: Just Cavalli, BB Dakota, T Bags LA, Nightcap, SoLow, Zac Posen, Malene Birger, Phillip Lim, See by Chloe, Nanette Lepore, Tucker, Cut25 & Parker

PLEASE READ IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE
If you would like to submit your link for next week’s Links à la Mode, please register first, then post your links HERE. The HTML code for this week will be found in the Links a la Mode group will be published later today. ~Jennine

Predictions for Spring/Summer

2012-01-11T21:12:00.000Z

This Spring/Summer, I can see an overall return to fresh, girlish vibes on the cards. Pastels may not be your thing, so perhaps a sunny burst of yellow will uplift your spirits during days when you're stuck in work/school and can see the summer beckoning to you outside. Pink gets a bad reputation for being overly girly, or sometimes tacky. I think the best way to wear it if you never have before is to find the palest shade possible. It looks so light and sweet that nobody could ever call you anything but ladylike.

Other trends this I think will emerge this season:

A renewed obsession with Marilyn

Following My Week With Marilyn and its very likely award success, I think fashion will fall back in love with Ms Monroe and follow her lead for elegant summer style.

Cycling

Of course, Le Tour will be on in the Summer, sparking, as many major sporting events do, an interest in it for the masses. Of course, this year is not just any year, it's 2012, and the Olympics are returning to London for the third time. With the track cycling, road cycling, mountain biking and the relatively new BMX events, I can see people getting their old bikes out and dusting them off for a ride. Plus, the stylish set may favour a classically beautiful Pashley (as above) to get from place to place in future, because what's the point of it if you don't look fancy?

Picnics and Garden Parties

Seize the day and take advantage of the sun for a barbecue with all your friends. Or perhaps a romantic hillside picnic. Or maybe even a gathering in the park with croquet, badminton and boules. Whatever you do, make the most of a warm day. And if it isn't very warm where you are, just take the picnic inside!

Collage is mine but all other images can be found here.

In defence of cupcakes...

2012-01-09T20:05:00.001Z

I was recently reading my copy of the brilliant Mireille Guiliano's French Women Don't Get Fat Cookbook and was just having a look at the dessert section when I read her comments on cupcakes. You see, living in New York City, Mireille has had the opportunity of passing that bakery from Sex and the City. She claims that not only are the cupcakes there full of disgusting amounts of sugar, fat etc. but that the customers don't savour their cakes at all: "people emerging victorious after their twenty minutes on line with a cupcake or more and then devouring it in under two minutes (more like one minute) flat out, right there on the street outside the shop. Forget the pleasure factor; that’s not savoring or experiencing pleasure. That’s a quick fix."

Now, I accept that quick fixes high in sugar and other addictive/ unhealthy ingredients cannot be good for your body. And I don't dispute that she may have seen the odd SATC fan desperate to experience the same Red Velvet that they know Carrie always enjoyed on the show. The thing is, I think that the girls on the show always seem to be discussing some important heart matter (or hot new crush) and so have to eat their cupcake slowly purely for the sake of the conversation.

In addition to that, I suspect that a certain degree of hype has affected how people relate to the Magnolia Bakery. It will forever be that bakery and therefore draw a certain type of customer. I would argue that it is an entirely different case at most bakeries, particularly when any hype surrounding them has worn off. It is important to savour something as rich a a cupcake, to see it as a treat so as not to make a habit of wolfing them down regularly. And honestly, can there be a more delicious, stylish or practical pleasure than the humble cupcake?

Remember everybody, cupcakes are there to be admired, savoured and treated with respect. And that is why they are so beloved to stylish eaters all over the world.

All pictures are mine except the SATC still which is from here.

If you only buy 12 magazines this year...

2012-01-06T21:13:00.000Z

I don't know about you, but sometimes I can go overboard with how many magazines I buy in a month. I have my regulars, but then I also have semi-regulars, occasionals and the odd impulse buy. I don't need them all. The thing is, I always worry about missing out on something one month which turned out to be really good. It got me thinking: if I could only buy one magazine for every month, which ones would they be? This list is the conclusion I came to. Perhaps if your new year's resolution was "buy fewer magazines", then you'd like to have a look too.

January - Vogue Paris
Many would argue that Paris is the best Vogue for editorials. I think there is definitely some truth in this, which is why it is ideal to get your hands on a copy of the Decembre/Janvier issue to kisckstart your year in terms of style inspiration.

February - InStyle
I plan my whole year around InStyle's hot list - the magazine's picks of the best trends, actors, films, exhibitions, plays, events and music acts. Normally, I pick one movie, on exhibition and one band to check out. This year it was Black Swan, Yohji Yamamoto at the V&A and Warpaint. The year before was Alice in Wonderland, Grace Kelly at tthe V&A and Marina & the diamonds. I wonder what this year will bring?

March - Elle
After September, March is the most crucial month in fashion. If you only have one magazine to get updated on the latest looks and trends for spring/summer choose Elle. Its features neatly and accurately predict what the hottest styles will be so that you become an expert on the season just as it begins.

April - Nylon
I know that March is supposed to be the beginning of Spring, but April is when things really start to brighten up. I think this month calls for something vibrant and young, with a good dose of movie reviews so you know what to see when April showers start. Nylon fits all these criteria, and often has the best cover stars too.

May - Cosmo
Now, by May you might be starting to think about Summer. In fact some of our hottest days last year were on the Mayday weekend, so the need for shorts and skirts and - dare I say it - swimsuits will begin to become obvious. Cosmo always has more of a health/fitness approach than many other magazines, but it is also big on encouraging confidence, which as we all know is the best accessory.

June - Glamour
Glamour often has a list of "Top 50..." in its issues, but the June one has the best. Top 50 Best-Dressed Celebrities (focusing on women but with top 10s of men and couples at the sides) is actually really interesting to look through, and whoever's style wins is bound to become a defining image of the year. Last year was Emma Watson, who toppled Cheryl Cole for the top spot. Who will be the best-dressed of 2012.

July - Company
Company is small and fairly light, perfect for carrying with you to the beach, on sightseeing trips or just out to a picnic in the park. It is also very up to date on what the hot music acts are right now, usually featuring a guid to the best festivals this summer, and they know what is big in festival fashion (though in my opinion festival fashion hasn't really changed since the 60s).

August - Harper's Bazaar Australia
This may seem like an odd choice for most readers (those in the northern hemisphere anyway) as any Australian August issue will obviously be filled with Winter looks. my logic on this one is that you'll be able to pick what you need for the next season in summer sales and while in interesting locations on holiday. After all, you're not likely to be in that place for long, you might as well plan ahead and stock up on individual finds.

September - Vogue US
I suppose kind-of an obvious one, but you simply cannot pass up the opportunity to buy the phonebook that is The September Issue. I bought my first one this year and it something I will keep for a long time to come. If you'd like to read my review of this year's September issues, click here.

October - Teen Vogue
Now, I love Teen Vogue, but the reason I've chosen it for October comes down to just two words: Young Hollywood. The best photographers and stylists come together to shoot the creme de la creme of young acting talent, often in an unusual location (2010 featured actors such as Logan Lerman and Hailee Steinfeld in preppy outfits sitting at desks and wondering around what appeared to be a 1950s High School). If you like keeping up with what's hot in the world of film and television, this is a must.

November - Marie Claire
I have no particular reason for this other than that I got the November 2010 issue (with Lea Michele on the cover) and really liked it.

December - Vogue UK
Alexandra Schulman is famous for her themed December issues. The cover is often stunning, this year was Gisele getting in the party spirit with a bunch of balloond and the year before was Emma Watson looking every inch the Christmas angel and debuting her new hair to the world. Plus it has all the best ideas on where to find stylish gifts.

Most of these are based on the UK edition of the magazine unless there is no UK edition or if otherwise stated.

I Want It! Redopin Galaxy Print Sweatshirt

2012-01-03T19:32:00.002Z

I know, I know, that whole Christopher Kane cosmic print thing happened a while ago. The thing is, I never really considered it as something appropriate for day before, but then I saw this. I adore the simultaneous coolness and nerdiness of this piece, plus you could definitely wear it over a dress if you wanted to, or just with jeans. It also reminds me of my favourite comedy show right now, The Big Bang Theory (sidenote: I saw a guy who looked just like Leonard Hofstadter today, he was even wearing a Superman T-shirt! It was awesome). Anyway, it's available from here if you like it.

2012

2012-01-01T23:57:00.001Z

This is the collage I made the old-fashioned way (glue, scissors and a pile of ruined magazines) to motivate myself to blog this new year. It's part of the new IFB project and may take some explaining.

The yellow is my favourite colour and definitely will be big this Spring, plus it has a lovely positive feel.
If you're wondering what Nichoas Hoult is doing on it, it's more his suit that drew me to the image. You see, this blog is named after Professor Moriarty from the Sherlock Holmes stories, or more specifically Jim Moriarty from the modernised version, Sherlock. I named it after him because I loved his sharp dress sense, in a suit very similar to Nicholas Hoult's. I'm excited for 2012 because the new series has just started being shown over here.

Other than that, this is just a purely inspirational collage which I hope will make me continue with the blog this year.

Film Review: My Week With Marilyn

2011-12-28T18:40:00.001Z

What's it about?
As you may guess from the title, the story centres around Marilyn Monroe, played by Michelle Williams, however, it is told from the point of view of Colin Clark (Eddie Redmayne), whose memoir the film is based upon. The story spans more than just a week, as it tracks the making process of a film by Laurence Olivier, The Prince and the Showgirl. Colin is 3rd assistant director on the production, so basically does whatever task needs doing, which in this case is often checking why Marilyn is late onto set again. Through this, he develops a special relationship with her and becomes one of the few people she can trust in the torrid world of fame and film.

Was it any good?
In short -yes. I was absolutely spoilt for choice in terms of the cast, which included some of my favourite British talent: Dominic Cooper, Eddie Redmayne, and Emma Watson. Of course, the indomitable Kenneth Branagh played a believable Laurence Olivier and Judi Dench's portrayal of Dame Sybil Thorndike created one of the most likeable characters in any film I've seen. Even then, most of the parts, big or small, were a recognisable face, Zoe Wannamaker, Simon Russel Beale, Julia Ormond, Derek Jacobi, Toby Jones and even Mr Carson from Downton Abbey made appearances. All were typically on form and added to the overall Britishness of the feature - it is a BBC film after all.

Now, let's talk about Michelle Williams as Marilyn. I've seen mixed reviews of her performance, and most of the negative ones focus on one fact - she is not Marilyn. Let's get one thing straight: there will never be another Marilyn. It's sad, but it's true, just like the fact that there will never be another Grace Kelly or Audrey Hepburn. I would describe Michelle's performance with just one word: ambient. She seems to give off light, just as the real Marilyn did. But what she also does is to provide an insight into a very troubled and scared girl with the outward appearance of a goddess. The events in the film also shows what it must be like to be that famous, and how lonely it can be. I hear that Scarlett Johansson turned down the part, so I don't know who would have done the better job , but I was personally very happy with Michelle Williams.

Overall, the movie is pleasantly attractive to watch. I think this is down to a mix of Simon Curtis' direction, the accurate depiction of the period and the English locations. They seem to have gone to the trouble of filming in the actual place the characters are supposed to be - Windsor Castle, Eton and Pinewood Studios all make appearances. I think that by using the real places instead of studios, the film emphasises the fact that it is a true story.

But what about the clothes?

Most of the costumes appear to be accurate reproductions of outfits Marilyn actually wore around that time. They even made sure to recreate the wardrobes of Arthur Miller, Laurence Olivier and other characters based on people who were photographed a lot at the time. Aside from these, I think the wardrobe department did an excellent job of maintaining the dress sense of the age. I was particularly impressed by the outfits of Emma Watson, herself playing a girl in the costume department. She represented what I think of as the typical fifties girl, all full skirts and cropped cardigans. Plus she always wears the same necklace which gives her character an extra hint of personality.

If you can find a cinema where this is showing, go and see it! If not, it will definitely be worth buying a copy when it comes out on DVD.

2011-12-25T11:00:00.000Z

Photo by Holly S

IFB Project 27: Feature Another Blogger

2011-12-24T10:42:00.000Z

I love this week's IFB Project. In the spirit of the gift-giving nature of Christmas, Independent Fashion Bloggers has asked us to give a present to one of our favourite bloggers by featuring them on our own blog. While I doubt that my little page can really direct a whole load of people towards my chosen blogger, if just one reader checks it out and likes what they sees, I think it will be worth it.

So, here are the reasons you should check out Coffee, Light and Sweet

The photography is lovely
It reminds you that every weekend is an adventure just waiting to be had
I have found some of the most interesting articles, delicious recipes and useful ideas through Friday's regular links
It makes me think
It makes me happy
It makes me hungry
It is never repetetive or boring because the posts cover such a range of topics without losing focus
And (actually, this reason is just for me) Jillian is a regular and thoughtful commenter on my posts. Thanks Jillian, it's appreciated.

Merry Christmas to all my readers, I hope it's a good one for you all.

Alys x

P.S. All pictures cheekily nabbed from Coffee, Light and Sweet. Don't forget to check it out!

How to accept all presents gracefully

2011-12-23T20:23:00.000Z

Prepare a surprised and gleeful face in the mirror, one which looks spontaneous and genuine even when it's the exact same thing they got you last year, or something unidentifiable, or a pair of socks. Make sure to open your eyes wide and your mouth wider, then smile brightly. Remember, eyes and teeth darling. Eyes and teeth.

Don't just say the same thing to every present because people will start to notice if you exclaim that every gift you receive is "just what I always wanted!" Instead, just think of a few adjectives which could describe bad presents you've had in the past without offending anybody: "interesting", "very colourful" and "well that's just blown my mind" can all be useful.

Thank them sincerely and offer the hug/kiss/slap-on-back/nod that is appropriate to your relationship. It shows a certain amount of gratitude which spontaneously causes you to show affection.

Look at it and play around with it for a suitable amount of time before moving on to the next present. If you just rip it open, say "oh that's lovely" and discard it in favour of the bigger, shinier gift at your feet, you are acting like a petulant child from a home video TV show. Take some time to appreciate either the amount of thought that they went to or perhaps the stress when they couldn't think of anything and had to buy you this instead.

Remember, whether the gift is good or bad, a surprise or exactly what you were expecting, it does nobody any good to show disappointment to one gift and over-excitement at another. Christmas is not the time to upset anyone. Especially whoever's carving the turkey. They have a big knife.

Photo is mine

3 ways to feel comfortable in your party dress

2011-12-20T18:19:00.000Z

1. Ditch the bra - Now I'm not recommending this for every dress, just the ones you can get away with wearing without underwear. Often these are the constricting ones which don't actually require any extra support underneath, and you'll actually be able to breathe easier with fewer layers on. One alternative is to find a pretty but comfortable slip dress which you can wear below any party outfit. Look out for old-fashioned ones next time you're in a vintage shop.

2. Wear it beforehand - You know how sometimes when you wear the dress for the first time on the night, you begin noticing things you didn't in the changing room? Like how the sequins are really quite itchy, or the skirt rides up too far when you sit down? That's why it's a good idea to wear your new purchase for a good hour doing normal tasks around the house (being careful not to damage it of course) so that if any problems arise, you can find a solution, or if it's really that bad, find another option.

3. Find a good cover-up - The more extravagant the better: a fur stole, a feather shawl, maybe even mix things up a bit with a soft leather jacket. The point is less to keep you warm and more to keep yourself covered when feeling a little self-conscious. It can also act as the grand reveal for the outfit which lies beneath, so you enter in your amazing cover-up and then Ta-Dah! Everyone gets to see your amazing dress in all its glory.

Click images for source

IFB Project 26: Best of 2011

2011-12-17T17:45:00.000Z

A cloud of the words I use most on the blog, apparently

This year has been the first full 12 months my blog has seen. It feels like so much longer!To celebrate what has been a varied and exciting year, and also to partake in this week's IFB project, I have gathered together a collection of my favourite posts of this year. There is one for each month, except August, because I wanted to include my Sydney shopping guide AND the post I wrote on the London riots. Enjoy!

January

10 Reasons to Love Teen Vogue

February

London Fashion Week

March

Florals? For Spring? Groundbreaking

April

Happy Easter from Anna Wint-egg!

May

Yohji Yamamoto at the V&A

June

Alexander McQueen at Harvey Nichols

July

Things I Have Learnt from Legally Blonde

August

My Guide to Shopping in Sydney

Peaceful Protest

September

The September Review

October

Fashion = Happiness

November

The Occupy Movement and the Fashion Industry

December

Stylephile

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Happy Birthday Jane Austen

2011-12-16T12:11:00.000Z

Today marks the 236th anniversary of the day Jane Austen was born in Steventon, Hampshire. That's not too far from where I live, and it is in fact just a short walk from my house to where she is buried from Winchester Cathedral. Jane is a part of my local world, but I find it fascinating that she has touched so many people all over the world with her stories.

That's why today I hope to celebrate her life and work, if only by reading the first chapter of a book, watching a brilliant film/TV adaptation of her work, or even just using some of the Austen memorabilia we have scattered around the house (I'm actually using a Jane Austen mouse mat right now). I found the party layout above on Dear Lillie, and though I don't really have the time or resources to put that kind of tribute together for today, it's a great inspiration for the sort of thing I'd like to do to show my appreciation.

I want it!: Zadig & Voltaire Veda Sequin Jacket

2011-12-15T19:52:00.000Z

So... at £535 it's a little out of my price range. This fact notwithstanding, you cannot deny that a sequin blazer makes any party outfit an instant hit, and all without too much thought. Just throw it on over an LBD, jeans and a shirt, a silk jumpsuit, maybe even shorts or a skirt and voilà! Effortless festive chic. With a piece like this, you'll reflect every light in the place, and glitter your way to being the life and soul of the party. This would also be the perfect item to wear when throwing your own party, ensuring you really are the hostess with the mostess.

But then again, maybe all that is just my mild obsession with sparkly things talking...

5 classy gifts which DON'T cost a fortune

2011-12-14T18:55:00.000Z

It can be hard to find a meaningful gift for everyone on your list without splashing over your budget. While, many advertising campaigns try to goad you into buying the flashiest, most expensive gifts, it can often be the ones you've actually considered rather than opting for the highest price tag that make the best present. In other words, it really is the thought that counts. Here are some ideas to get you started.

blah blah notebooks - £6 each

Lipstick-shaped pen -£3 and Compact -£7

Beaded Skull Bracelet - £10

Typewriter earrings - £16

Detox votive candles - £11.50

IFB Project 25: Partywear

2011-12-09T21:02:00.000Z

This week, IFB asks what we bloggers wear to parties. Well, above is a picture of me at the last party I threw. I'm not sure what I'm doing or why, but I look like I'm having fun, and I think that's the key to what you wear to parties. Being comfortable and feeling ready to have fun is essential. Adding a few components to that can enhance your party experience significantly. Let me run through the party basics.

Sequins

I think nothing says party like a good sparkle, particularly at Christmas. This is a good piece to find in a vintage store, while keeping in mind the flapper 20s, or perhaps more of a Studio '54 look. My top is a find from a vintage shpo in Melbourne, Australia. I umm-ed and ahh-ed over buying it, but I'm so glad that I finally did.

Black

Such a classic. It can be a small component of the outfit (nails, tie, jewellery) or make up the entirety of it (LBD anyone?). Black is the colour of the night and thus the colour of the time of parties. You can never go wrong with it, so invest in a black blazer now.

Heels

So what if you'll end up taking them off within ten minutes of dance-floor action? It's the entrance that counts, and the first glimpse the other guests get of you will be of a tall party goddess with super-long legs. The more extravagant the better, because if you're not going to make a statement with shoes, when else can you?

An element of costume

That's what the hat and feather boa are about in the top picture. Mystery and intrigue are essential to your party persona, so throw on a mask, pair of glasses or maybe even a fake moustache. Just make it look chic, and you're sure to have loads of conversation starters with new acquaintances.

My Christmas list

2011-12-08T14:17:00.000Z

I adore this watch so much. On occassion, I wear two watches, one with the time in England, and one set to New York for blogging purposes. This would be all my problems solved in just one simple - if rather expensive - design. The little bird which flies around the edge of the face instead of a minute hand is a finishing touch which just makes it perfect.

This top reminds me of chainmail, but would obviously be a lot lighter. I think it could be a really interesting alternative to the classic plain white tee in most outfits. It would also arrive just in time to be part of a killer NYE ensemble - the shinier the better, I say.

OK, so it's a suitcase for kids. That doesn't change how awesome it is! I would love to be the proud owner picking this up off the luggage carousel: stylish, sleek and a little bit whimsy - what more can you ask for?

So what if my interest in this book has more to do with Rafa himself than tennis? The fact is, I was never interested in the sport at all before that 2008 final between Nadal and Federar. I don't think my nerves have ever been so wracked in all my life. Since then, I've been watching Wimbledon every year, hoping for something equally exciting (the only worthy one so far was that never-ending Mahut/Isner showdown) but also hoping to see Rafael win again.

This is too cute. I don't really know where I'd put it or what I'd use it for, because it doesn't really have a use. I just know that this is a ridiculously cool tribute to Karl Lagerfeld and I want it.

I'm building up a sort of London/Paris theme in my room, which this fits in with nicely. Does it matter that I already have several similar cushions? No, it does not.

And finally, I know it's a lot to ask, but can someone please get me Logan Lerman? Please?

Click Images to find their source and where you can buy them.

Disclaimer: You cannot actually BUY Logan Lerman... you could try though

Stylephile: Holly Baker

2011-12-06T17:03:00.000Z

Today I introduce a new series which I hope will become a regular feature on Fashion Moriarty. The Stylephile will be about exploring personal style and taste in clothes through interviews and pictures of the subject's key pieces. Please let me know what you think, and I hope you enjoy the first post!

Holly Baker is a language student and part-time model who has made several appearances on this blog mainly due to her proximity to my house. One day she hopes to have a job which will allow her to travel the world, but for now she has a decidedly British style - flirty florals, manly tweeds and vintage accessories. When she isn't conjugating French verbs, Holly enjoys reading classic books, watching movies on the sofa and playing badminton.

Who or what most influences your style?

I'm not really influenced by anyone in particular, but I do like Hermione in Harry Potter. I like her jackets, coats and jumpers, they look so perfect for winter. I also go to a lot of vintage clothing fairs and events with my mum, so I'd say I am influenced by classic style, especially the '40s/'50s.

Where do the majority of your clothes come from?

New Look, Primark, Laredoute and some pieces are special investment buys from vintage fairs or shopping sites like eBay.

How many pairs of shoes do you own?

Uum, I don't know. 11? 12? Actually probably like 14 or something. And my favourite ones are my prom shoes - the black ones with gold bits. I love them so much.

Who would play you in the film of your life?

I'm gonna say Hermione again.

So you mean Emma Watson?

No, Hermione the character. If only she were real, then she could play me.

Who would be invited to your dream dinner party?

Ooh, Ant and Dec, Audrey Tautou, Emma Watson, Professor Dumbledore and of course Joseph Gordon-Levitt. And Jesus, just to spice things up.

What will you never be caught dead wearing?

Ugh, leggings! That is, on their own, as trousers, with a normal-length top. Oh I can't bear them with that little bit of muffin-top you get, even if you're quite skinny. Or jeggings, or leggings and Uggs

What is your ideal outfit?

Jeans, nice boots, a smart top - preferably a shirt, with a cardigan over the top and a nice big tweed jacket

Describe your style in a few words

Warm, comfy, classic, seasonal and English

Blogger Playlist

2011-12-03T16:18:00.000Z

This week's IFB project is to gather together some tracks which you listen to while blogging for inspiration, relaxation and 'getting in the zone'. Mostly I listen to a playlist I made on We7 called In My Beach House (a selection of Jack Johnson and Jack's Mannequin for the beach house I own in my mind) Here is a small selection of some other songs I like to listen to...

1. Devil Wears Prada Suite - the main music which you may have heard in the background of the film. I love the business of it at the beginning, which I think encapsulates how it must feel running down the corridor of an international fashion magazine HQ. It helps me to get productive and remind me of what the blog is all about.

2. Plain White T's, Sunlight - I find the vocal harmonies on this track so soothing, plus it has a positive vibe which can keep me going when I need to do a post and it's a bad day.

3. Vampire Weekend, Oxford Comma - while I do my best to uphold a high standard of good grammar and spelling on the blog, typos still happen.This song reminds me that the little stuff isn't always important as long as my passion shines through. Plus, it has a fantastic video directed by Richard Ayoade, which I love watching.

4. Lauren Pritchard, Stuck - I saved the best until last. This is the first track on Lauren's album Wasted in Jackson. Her voice is so perfect and soulful that it always guarantees to uplift. And how does it relate to blogging? Well, sometimes I regret choices I made for this blog at the beginning of its life, but overall I love it as it is, and wouldn't have it any other way. So if I'm stuck, then at least I'm stuck with Moriarty.

I'm taking a tumble

2011-11-30T19:21:00.000Z

Collage by my friend Evie

So according to the Sunday Times Style, you are nobody if you don't have a tumblr account. Since I rely on either ST style or the Guardian Weekend as my weekly info on what's hot and what's not (and we didn't get the guardian this week because the Co-op didn't have any with the magazines still inside, I mean seriously, that's the only bit I ever read!) I have succumbed and decided to foray into this wildly popular new medium. If you would like to see my tumblr page, click here.

What to wear on a photoshoot

2011-11-29T16:29:00.000Z

Above is a photo of Jane Keltner de Valle at Paris fashion week, trying her hand at being a street style photographer. What's good about her outfit is its simplicity - a no-brainer piece which needs little or no accessories with an elegantly French air about it. Of course, a street style photgrapher must give off an air of being stylish and creative, but perhaps not to the extent that they drown out the style of their subject, so the bright, bold blue of this dress is ideal. Finally, the shoes are classic, well-made and completely practical. Nobody wants to be running in 6-inchers when they are late for a shoot!

Let's take a look at what photographers wear and what makes their outfits so fitting.

The accessories - Garance

Check out that roomy bag! Perfect for bringing all your kit with you without looking too bulky or unstylish. I also love her watch, which just screams expensive without being ostentatious, plus it has the practical element of ensuring she is on time to shows. And don't overlook the value of a small notebook and working pen (with a back-up just in case it runs out) for jotting down numbers, names and addresses.

The coat - Scott

I believe that this photo was taken in London, so it makes sense that Scott might need a warm cover-up. Something dark and well-cut can cover almost any outfit and still look sophisticated. This will probably be particularly useful during February fashion week in London, because it will be COLD.

The dress - Micol

I love this dress. I don't know if it's vintage, designer or what but it is so delicately pretty that I can't help but lust over it. I think this is an ideal thing to pack for a shoot because it requires no thought when you need to get up early - just throw it on! Plus, it looks like it's keeping Micol cool here, but I bet you could easily trasfer it to Autumn/Winter with a pair of tights and fur jacket. If you see something as gorgeous but also functional as this, invest at once!

(1) Teen Vogue, (2) Pinterest (3)Street Style Aesthetic (4) The Sartorialist

Operation Christmas shopping is GO!

2011-11-26T19:19:00.000Z

Some people hate Christmas. Not necessarily the day itself, but certainly the lead-up to it. The constant gift-buying, crowd-fighting, box-wrapping, dinner-planning and outfit-preparing can really get to you, and it can be tough to keep going. This week's IFB project is to provide tips for shopping survival, and I think this is probably the most difficult part of getting ready for Christmas, so in this post I aim to give you a few different plans for having the least stressful time possible, and you can choose which one you like best.

Plan A

Start the day early with your best friend in your favourite cafe. Have a filling brunch, you will need the energy. As you do so, make sure to plan out all the people you need to buy for and put potential ideas next to their names. If you can't think of something for someone, make sure to keep them in mind while you are browsing in case something pops up. Don't give in to panic. Walk with purpose but calmly. Stop at midday for a light lunch and again in the afternoon for coffee and something involving chocolate - perhaps cake? Enjoy the process of shopping and revel in the retail therapy. End the day with a manicure and dinner in somewhere warm and friendly.

Plan B

Convert to a religion which doesn't celebrate Christmas.

Plan C

Stay home in your pyjamas. Make yourself a big mug of hot chocolate with cream, marshmallows and all the trimmings. Keep a stack of credit cards next to you. Watch Love Actually while you work through your list by ordering things from online stores. If you are stuck for ideas, try notonthehighstreet.com or Oxfam

Plan D

Book a long weekend in Paris. Go to the ballet, eat amazing food and climb to the top of the Eiffel tower. Remember at the last minute that you cam here to Christmas shop and order a box of macaroons for everyone on your list.

Plan E

So you're stuck on what to buy? No problem. Everyone loves a classic novel. And if they don't, they're not exactly going to say they don't because 1) it would seem ungrateful and 2) they don't want to look non-intellectual. Plus, though they might already own a copy in one form or another (probably on their kindle) publishers are constantly coming out with gorgeous new editions. Who can deny the benefits of a good-looking book on their shelf? Here is my list of can't-go-wrong classics.

For the man: 1984 by George Orwell, Tinker, Tailor, Soldier Spy by John le Carre

For the lady: Mrs Dalloway by Virginia Woolf, Romola by George Eliot

For the young gentleman: The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde, Brideshead Revisited by Eveleyn Waugh

For the young woman: Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte, Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen

For the boy: Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson, The Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling

For the girl: Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfield, The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Plan F

Organise the shopping trip with military precision. Bring a few unwilling friends/boyfriends/boyfriends-of-friends and assign each of them a task to be completed by 1200 hours when you will meet at the coffee shop to reload on coffee and receive a new mission. Wear big boots to kick other shoppers out of the way. Avoid stress by focusing on the prize. Reward your team at the end of the day with a glass of mulled wine. Then tell them to drop and give you 20.

Plan G

Begin shopping in advance. It's a bit late for this year, but hey, you could always start at the January sales and stock up on all the gifts you'll need for next year! Of course it's difficult to predict what people will want next year, but buying jumpers, socks and chocolate in bulk is always a good strategy.

Plan H

If you're Miranda Priestley, have your assistant do it for you.

Plan I

Set out with every intention of getting the Christmas shopping done. End up buying this dress for your NYE outfit instead.

Plan J

So sometimes it can be frustrating when you have been shopping all day and feel like you're getting nowhere. Plus, the aggressive shoppers have made your life hell by not playing by the rules. Now, I don't condone this type of behaviour, but sometimes it could be useful to have a list of their dirty tactics so you can watch out for them... or perhaps employ them yourself...

[]Taking something from someone else's trolley (it's not stealing if they haven't paid for it yet)

[]Padding out your clothes and pretending to be pregnant so people will let you jump the queue
[]Pulling the button off a cardigan and asking to buy it for a lower price because it's damaged, then sewing the button back on when you get home
[]Spreading a rumour that they're putting out the new Sylvanian families set upstairs to get the floor to yourself

Plan K
Buy everyone you know Tomorrow, When the War Began by John Marsden. It is brilliant for all ages (above 14) and both genders.

Plan L
If you know you will get stressed over the shopping, just forget it and start making things instead! Foodie gifts for your friends who live close and little craft projects for those who you have to post to.
This is a recipe for Cherry & Coconut Florentines from BBCGoodFood:

140g light muscovado sugar
100g clear honey
200g salted butter
100g desiccated coconut
140g flaked almonds
300g glacé cherries , sliced
4 tbsp plain flour
250g dark, milk or white chocolate , or a mix

Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Put the sugar, honey and butter in a large pan and gently melt together. When all the sugar has dissolved stir in the coconut, flaked almonds, sliced cherries and flour.
Line a large baking tray with baking parchment (about 40 x 30cm), and roughly spread the Florentine mixture out to a thin layer - don't worry if you have small gaps, it should melt together in the oven. Bake for 10-12 mins until a rich golden colour, then set aside to cool and firm up.
Melt the chocolate(s) all in separate heatproof bowls over gently simmering water. Line a second large tray or board with baking parchment and carefully flip the cooled Florentine bake onto it. Peel off the baking parchment. Spread the melted chocolate over, if you're using a few types just leave a gap between each.
Leave aside until set, then stamp out shapes using cookie star cutters - if the cutter is digging into your hands (as the Florentine mix may be a little hard), rest a small plate or pan on top of it and push down on this instead.

And if you feel like getting crafty, why not check out Crafty Minx, Geek Crafts or PS I made this

Style Icon: Jane Keltner de Valle

2011-11-24T10:04:00.000Z

For anyone who doesn't know, Jane Keltner de Valle is the fashion news editor for Teen Vogue. If you have read an issue of the magazine, you may recognise her as the writer of the column Fashion Blogger, which you can read here. She is also a favourite of street style photographers due to her pristine and polished look, which I think keeps her looking professional whilst still maintaining that spark of creativity which is essential to her job.

I have been drawn to her aesthetic of late because it's getting pretty chilly here in England, and I'm finding it difficult to keep stylish without freezing my limbs off. Jane has several ideal outfits for traipsing through a cold Paris when she goes to see the shows and I have found valuable inspiration in many of her choices.

Anyone who reads her column on a regular basis will also know that Jane tends to avoid trousers almost as arule. While there is nothing wrong with trousers, I find that winter can often start a pattern of cold mornings resulting in boring jeans-and-jumper combinations. I love how she keeps her femininity the focus of all her outfits. While searching the internet for street style shots of her, I stumbled across her entry on The Coveteur. I tell you, who could resist the style of a woman with a wardrobe like this?

I want it!: Closet cross-over flare dress

2011-11-20T17:44:00.000Z

I know there's some rule about not wearing white in winter, but to be honest, all the winter wonderland displays make me want to wear white more than ever, then blend into the snow. I love this because it's tailored and quite versatile, so you can wear it with tights for the party season then go bare-legged and fresh once spring arrives! You can get this dress from Awear.

3 dresses for the winter ball

2011-11-17T09:38:00.000Z

The Sparkly Number

From French Connection

The Vintage Classic

From Etsy

The Little Black Dress

From Matches

11/11/11

2011-11-11T21:01:00.001Z

MCMXIV
Those long uneven lines
Standing as patiently
As if they were stretched outside
The Oval or Villa Park,
The crowns of hats, the sun
On moustached archaic faces
Grinning as if it were all
An August Bank Holiday lark;
And the shut shops, the bleached
Established names on the sunblinds,
The farthings and sovereigns,
And dark-clothed children at play
Called after kings and queens,
The tin advertisements
For cocoa and twist, and the pubs
Wide open all day--
And the countryside not caring:
The place names all hazed over
With flowering grasses, and fields
Shadowing Domesday lines
Under wheat's restless silence;
The differently-dressed servants
With tiny rooms in huge houses,
The dust behind limousines;
Never such innocence,
Never before or since,
As changed itself to past
Without a word--the men
Leaving the gardens tidy,
The thousands of marriages,
Lasting a little while longer:
Never such innocence again.
Philip Larkin (1922-1985)

The Enduring Romance of the Wedding Dress at Bath Fashion Museum

2011-11-08T18:32:00.000Z

I was in Bath the other week, so I thought it was probably a good idea to visit their fashion museum while I had the opportunity. I was unaware of what exhibitions were on at the time, but was pleased to see one called What will she wear? The enduring romance of the wedding dress which was designed to celebrate the royal wedding. I was especially pleased to find this exhibition as I have already missed similar ones in London and Melbourne.

It did not disappoint. Despite the overwhelming first impression being that the layout was rather creepy (a hundred Miss Havishams shut away in a glass case, scary) I enjoyed looking at the individual dresses and the way the styles have evolved over the years.

This Alexander McQueen has obvious similarities to Kate Middleton's gorgeous wedding gown, though I'm not sure whether this one was designed by Lee himself or Sarah Burton, as it was dated 2010. Either way, I imagine this is a star piece of the exhibition, since I myself was fascinated by being able to see the intricate lace-work close up.

Of course, Kate and Will are not the only royal wedding to have ever happened. This Victor Stiefel gown reminded me of the one worn by Wallis Simpson when she married the Duke of Windsor, though hers was designed by Mainbocher. While this is a decidedly 1930s style (the museum's dress was from 1934 and the Duke and Duchess' wedding was in 1937) it still has echoes in some modern wedding wear. In fact, Sir Paul McCartney's recent bride Nancy Shevell wore a gorgeous vintage-style dress inspired by Wallis' outfit at their marriage in October, designed by -who else? - Stella McCartney.

The Occupy movement and the fashion industry

2011-11-02T07:23:00.001Z

Protesters in the UK city of Bristol and, on the left, a rather stylish person representing fashion

Protests can be funny things. They start out with one small group of people's objection to something and their idea of how they can deal with it. As more people join the cause, as needs to happen if the movement is to have any serious impact, their beliefs and ideals can become confused and begin to spread over many different areas. Unfortunately, I think this may have happened with the Occupy movement, if only due to its global appeal.

In a search to learn more about what the protesters' actual demands are, I read the 9 points put forward in the initial statement of Occupy London, (you can find the full list here) and one in particular stood out to me:

"7.We want structural change towards authentic global equality. The world’s resources must go towards caring for people and the planet, not the military, corporate profits or the rich."

Now, I love fashion. Some people think of it in a snobby way, calling those involved with it superficial and stupid. This is obviously just a severe case of small-mindedness and lack of appreciation for beauty. However, this statement resonates with me and forces me to consider the fashion and retail businesses as they stand today. Can they really be using the world's resources to help people? Perhaps some people, like Mrs Moneybags who spends each Saturday afternoon perusing Harrods for a new designer dress. But she isn't alone - we in the West reap the benefits everyday of cheap clothing manufacturing costs overseas. And how do you think they get those production costs so low? It certainly isn't by giving each employee a six-figure bonus at the end of the tax year like the banks which Occupy seem so keen to put in their place. It's not even by giving them a fair wage and reasonable working hours. Exploitation is rife in the developing world, and the bigwigs at the helm of value high-street stores right up to Designer houses and their daddy companies.

By no means am I trying to attack the creatives who design the clothes I love, and in turn the shops which turn them into cheaper imitations which I can actually afford. Neither do I want to undermine those sitting outside St Paul's, or in Wall Street, or wherever else in the world they choose to occupy, in fact I admire their expression of free speech and hope that they at least make an impression on some politicians who could really do with listening. I would just like to suggest that, instead of demanding a long list of things which will take years to implement, we as fashion consumers make a positive decision next time we buy an item of clothing. Check up on the seller's human rights policy, see if that website knows exactly where its products and ask someone, even if it's Google, whether the woman who made your dress earned even a fraction of what it cost you for her hard work.

But please, never EVER stop enjoying fashion.

from Chanel News

Bristol in pictures

2011-11-01T17:01:00.000Z

Sale Alert!

2011-10-26T22:29:00.000+01:00

The UK website for Urban Outfitters has a lot of good prices on some fantastic pieces right now. here are a few of my favourites:

Skirt - £10

Tee - £14

Shirt - £15 (comes in 5 different colours)

Have you found any exciting sales recently?

Last night in pictures

2011-10-23T19:31:00.000+01:00

My table layout, decorated by the picture from the Fashion Moriarty header

Me setting up the photo booth

Oscar

Holly

Matt

Eden

Issy

I had each of the guests get their picture taken with a hat from the prop box. Above is just a selection from the range of sometimes gorgeous, sometimes funny photos that we got. As you can see, the red hat was rather a favourite of the evening! Once all the individual photos were done, it rather descended into chaos...

Issy, me and Evie... yeah

But dinner was a sophisticated and, dare I say it, romantic occasion which went very well. Sam Stern's recipe for bruschetta as a starter, a BBC goodfood spaghetti bolognese and finally a Hummingbird bakery cheesecake for dessert! Unfortunately, most of it disappeared before I could take a picture, but I think the pictures around the table show that everyone was contented.

Oscar & Evie pretending to be married

All of us

Then it was straight back into chaos...

Oscar's reaction to the suggestion that we watch Inception

Fall Uniform (IFB Project 18)

2011-10-21T23:21:00.000+01:00

This week, IFB has asked to know what we regard as our 'fall uniform' i.e. the clothes we end up living in throughout the colder months. For me, Winter seems to have arrived already, and very suddenly, so I already know which pieces I like to wear all the time. The outfit above is a compostion of the transitional pieces which I wear when the weather looks as though it could change at any moment, so my outfit needs to be versatile.

Shirt - this really is part of my uniform, if not because I wear it all the time layered up with jumpers, cardigans and blazers, but because it was an old school shirt as part of my uniform then! There are only buttons up to a certain point though, so it's not ideal on its own, however is the perfect staple for mixing into an outfit with a scarf to cover up exposed skin.

Jeans - Some days I have grand plans to make an interesting outfit, perhaps using one of the underused dresses or skirts in my wardrobe. Then I wake up and it's still dark and cold in my room, and these jeans look so inviting draped across the chair at the end of my bed. Some people dislike jeans (Taylor swift says they make her feel 'sad') but really, what's not to love? OK, on their own they aren't that exciting, but with something as versatile as this, the possibilities are endless!

Trench coat - classic, chic, easy to wear and infinitely interchangeable between daytime and evening. It can be a cover-up for your dress on New Year's Eve, or the trusty friend to your work outfits every morning. However you think you's use it, buying a trench coat is a solid investment and I would recommend you buy one if you haven't already.

Accessories - the bag is the perfect colour to go with most clothes and is also just the right size to hold the latest issue of teen Vogue. In this picture you can see my watch (for keeping on top of the time change) and my wallet with the map of the London underground printed on it (to make sure I don't get lost on dark, bleary-eyed mornings). The scarf is less part of the uniform and more part of my seasonal attire. Leopard is very now and a silk scarf can be worn so many ways: round the neck; in the hair; as a belt or any other way you choose. Just make sure the print you pick is on-trend.

As for shoes, my evening option goes well with the silk scarf...

And my daytime can be shown off to full glory or concealed beneath jeans whilst still keeping my shins warm...

4 ideas for a fabulous party

2011-10-19T21:13:00.000+01:00

I love parties. Not the "let's-get-a-6-pack-and-sit-around-in-someone's-lounge" ones, more the whimsy, creative, sparkling, glamorous, memorable, colourful ones. The ones in which everything is utterly fabulous. I will be hosting a party on Saturday, so in the preparations have been stumbling across many gorgeous entertaining and food blogs. I thought I'd share with you some of my favourite ideas, which I'm going to try and incorporate into my dinner party. All image sources can be found through my board on Pinterest

Have a photo booth

Perfect for capturing the best moments of the party, without having to stress about taking any pictures yourself. After all, you have other things to worry about. It can also provide a bit of an icebreaker, especially if you provide hats, scarves or masks for the guests to try on and be photographed in. Alternatively, you could get a few cheap disposable cameras and scatter them around the guests who will capture several completely different perspectives of the event.

Move the party outside

OK, so it's Autumn. Don't let that hold you back, you can have a party outside in mid-Winter if you like! Just tell the guests to wrap up warm and serve lovely hot drinks and food. I like mulled wine for a festive gathering. If possible, you could even have a bonfire to provide heat to everyone with the added bonus of being able to toast marshmallows on it!

Wear something sparkly

As the hostess (or host) it is essential that you wear something striking, but not too difficult to manage throughout the party. Long trains, flowing chiffons and tops that tend to fall down are too risky, so go for a dress or top in an easy cut, but covered in sequins! If you feel this is a little full on for you, just add an embellished waistcoat for a similar effect.

Decorate

Confetti, balloons, candles, whatever you choose! This is where you can let your imagination run wild as far as your budget allows. One word of advice though, the most striking party layouts often stick to one neutral base colour, like white or grey, and one or two hi-lighting colours like pink or yellow. Otherwise, feel free to run amock in the party supplies store!

Good luck with your event, however big or small it may be!

This time last year...

2011-10-17T20:11:00.000+01:00

On Saturday this week, it will be a full year since i put up my first ever post on this blog, 10 places to find vintage clothes. It's come a long way since then, but I still can't believe it's been a full 12 months since I started! This calls for some celebration, which is why I'm hosting a dinner party for this first anniversary. It will have delicious food, fashionable party games (check out the fashion face off game, below, isn't it gorgeous?) and hopefully a photo booth, so that I can share the festivities with the rest of my followers. For now, I would just like to ask a question - what are your tips for a perfect party?

I want it!: Jaeger Seam Jersey Dress

2011-10-15T17:37:00.000+01:00

I finally got around to watching the final episode of The Hour last night. I had been putting it off because we forgot to record the 5th episode, so there was an hour of vital plot missing from my knowledge. Eventually I gave in because I was comforted by the thought that, even if I didn't understand it, I could still admire Romola Garai's wardrobe. Today, I saw this dress (above) in a department store and it reminded me of the dress Romola wore in several episodes(below). It's demure, but still very exciting because of the colour and I desperately want it! Unfortunately, Jaeger is a little out of my price range... time for a trip to Primark!

Fashion = happiness

2011-10-14T09:42:00.000+01:00

Celbrities at the Chanel show (from here)

I saw this photo on my facebook new feed from the Chanel page and it just looked so happy that it inspired me to write a poem. I hope you enjoy it.

I like to wear nice clothes, be it trousers or trench coats or gowns.
I own handbags and satchels and purses, in pink yellow white green and brown.
I savour the touch
of a mock-croc-skin clutch.
And I know I'll be fine
If those boots become mine.
There's now way to fight it
I'm hooked and I like it.
Just give me McQueen
Or Whistles or Preen,
Chanel, Westwood, Zara,
J Brand, Primark, Prada.
I don't have a preference, as long as it's bright.
You may say I'm crazy , well maybe you're right.
Because clothes wear away and time takes its toll,
But there's light in my life if there's fashion in my soul.

The Sweetest Thing

2011-10-12T20:08:00.000+01:00

Just because I felt like making everyone feel hungry...

I apologise for the random and rather off-topic post, but I just rediscovered this song by U2 and listened to it for the first time since it came out (when I was 4). I'm also in a bit of baking mood, so I made the white chocolate and pecan cookies pictured above. I hope it prompts you to indulge in a sweet treat to help you get through the rest of the week. After all, it is Wednesday.

My outfit today

2011-10-10T18:22:00.000+01:00

Autumn is practically upon us! Well, at least the mornings feel like winter but by lunchtime it feels like summer, so logically, we must be somewhere in between. I got way too hot in this equestrian-inspired outfit by midday but it was useful in the freezing morning air. I chose this combination because it featured camel and forest green, two of autumn's best colours, plus I bought the jumper yesterday and wanted to put it to good use. It turns out every girl in the world has the exact same jumper, so I'll be sewing some suede elbow pads onto it to customise. The jacket is an old piece from Monsoon. It has sewn-up pockets which annoys me a bit as I want somewhere to put a pocket-watch, but it does give the whole thing a nice silhouette.

How are you making the autumnal transition?

Jacket - Vintage Monsoon
Jumper - Primark
Tank top (under jumper) - Primark
Jeans - Assign

IFB Project 16: Morning Make-up Routine

2011-10-08T08:48:00.000+01:00

Mid-morning in Paddington, Sydney

In the mornings, I long for a bit of sunshine to wake me up and a shot of espresso which jolts my dress sense into consciousness. Unfortunately, this doesn't always happen in English winter, so I can only dream and remember summer in Sydney while I wake up bleary-eyed in the darkness. On days like these, it's going to take me enough effort to even remember where my wardrobe is, let alone piece an outfit together, so my make-up needs to be really quick and simple.

Charity Wakefield in Sense & Sensibility

The look I often go for is a sort of English rose thing. Think Emma Watson, Keira Knightley, Carey Mulligan et al. My main inspiration for this is the spirit of the Jane Austen heroine, perhaps just after she's walked several miles and is looking rosy in the cheeks. Unfortunately, I don't have any BBC make-up artists at my disposal, so I have to be creative while sticking with the basics.

Over the years, I have narrowed the basic morning routine down to just two products. The first is Liz Earle's Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser (right). It really works, and my skin feels softer and smoother afterwards. It's a great base for any more complicated make-up looks, but also works fine on its own for any normal day. I adore this as it is rare to come across something which actually does what it says it does!

Once the skin is ready, it's time for a little colour. This can be either on the cheeks or lips for a refreshing look, as though you've just walked in from the bracing wind. I like Body Shop lip & cheek stain because it does both areas and you can achieve various different shades depending on how much you use. It is also better for the average day than lipstick because it will stay on a lot longer without all the hassle of blotting and re-applying.

When this is done, which takes about 5 minutes maximum, you can add eyeliner or shadow (I have a great palette of natural browns and golds also from Body Shop, designed by the London College of Fashion) or perhaps a hint of mascara. In fact you can build on this however you like, but for me, this is perfect for everyday use because it won't come off easily and keeps you looking fresh on those mornings when you really don't feel it.

Peppy Sherlock Theme

2011-10-05T13:00:00.005+01:00

I'm getting seriously excited about the new series of the BBC's Sherlock, starting hopefully in January next year, though there is no definite date yet. For those who don't know, it is a modern retelling of some of the Sherlock Holmes mysteries, though it is obviously altered and embellished dramatically. It was also the trigger for this blog's name, since Andrew Scott did such a suave performance as Jim Moriarty. Anyway, someone from the great mass of the internet made this video, which pretty much sums up my uncontrollable impatience for more, so I thought I'd share it with you - enjoy.

My outfit today

2011-10-04T16:43:00.000+01:00

Tuesday is just such a depressing day, don't you think? Obviously Mondays can be bad, but at least there is a certain level of promise of the rest of the week in them, plus the chance to discuss the weekend with friends you haven't seen since Friday. Tuesdays have neither the novelty of Monday nor the accomplishment of mid-week Wednesday. They call for an outfit which is both functional for the task of the day, and also adds a dash of excitement to an otherwise decidedly unsexy day. Perhaps a slick of red lipstick or a brightly coloured shoe? Oh, and don't forget the comfort food for mid-afternoon energy slumps.

Trench Coat - Debenhams

Top - Primark

Skirt - SES

Lipstick - No7 at Boots

Galaxy chocolate bar - Mars Company

5 ways to savour the day

2011-09-30T18:47:00.000+01:00

With the constant flow of work to do, places to go and people to see all working their way into a regular routine, it's easy to let the days slip past without really noticing them. I think the trick to enjoying these kinds of days is to shun the routines and replace them with rituals. Treat each day like it's a dream wardrobe and you can have any of the clothes you want from it, you just have to choose to wear them. To start you off, why not try one of the tips I've outlined below?

My friend Holly sharing a pot of coffee with me on my front wall yesterday morning

Have coffee outside and watch the world go by, you don't have to go to a cafe with al fresco tables. Just brew a pot, set out your fanciest crockery and add a biscuit on the side, then serve on a tray in your front garden/ back garden/balcony/local park. I find that this is especially enjoyable on a sunny morning when you can watch the light get higher in the sky but it's still cool enough to see the patterns the steam makes in the dawn.

A couple of boxes of herbal tea tied together make a lovely and inexpensive gift

Give a gift to someone spontaneously. If you do this fairly early in the day, you can watch the expression of surprise followed by delight on their faces and keep it with you throughout. Now it doesn't have to be a big gift, it doesn't even need to be a physical object. After all, compliments can brighten a day endlessly.

Visit somewhere beautiful. I know it's not always possible, but if you work in the city, for example, you are never more than a short and cheap bus/train/tram ride to something you can marvel at during your lunchbreak. Hey, you could even bring some sandwiches and eat them there, acting the whole time like you own the place. If you think there is nothing close enough for you to go to, I beg to differ. In the words of Madonna, "Beauty's where you find it."

Treat yourself on the way home from work or school or wherever. It could be a moment that you take to pause and look at the view from that bridge you always cross, or perhaps sitting on a nearby bench when a great song starts playing on your iPod. I know what mine would be, and it would almost certainly be cupcake-shaped...

King Alfred the Great

Watch the sunset somewhere with an incredible skyline. We all know how dramatic and beautiful it can be when the colours of a sunset mingle with the landscape, but if you want something truly jaw-dropping to behold, position yourself somewhere the buildings will create shadows against the sky. Above is the view from the bottom of Winchester's high street, and I like how King Alfred seems to be bidding the daylight farewell.

The September Review

2011-09-28T18:49:00.001+01:00

At the end of a long month, in which we have faced the change in weather from light and warm to dark and cold (and in the case of south west England, back to light and warm again. Very confusing) it is always comforting to know that the return to Winter months heralds an annual tradition: the September issues. Of course, most of these went on sale ages ago, back in August, but it has taken me until the end of the month to accumulate all the ones I wanted.

I just wanted to share with you what some of the highlights were for me, and the things I'll be taking away for consideration this season. Let me know in the comments which ones you've liked best and if you think 2011 has been a good year for the September issue.

American Vogue

Let's start with the big one, shall we? And when I say big, I mean literally 758-pages-long big. The US edition of Vogue is so hotly anticipated for this month, and the amount of effort that goes into its production process is just fascinating. If you haven't seen The September Issue, I would recommend it to anyone interested in fashion, or even if you just like a well-made documentary.
This was my first September Vogue ever, so I was very excited and in no way let down. My favourite features just had to be the Karlie Kloss shoot in China - it's as though you're going on the journey with her - and a piece by Janine di Giovanni called Women at War, all about women in Libya. It is articles like this which I tend to refer to whenever anyone declares Vogue to be superficial or airhead-ish, when they have never actually read a page of the magazine for themselves. Overall a triumph of an issue, I look forward to next year's!

Australian Harper's Bazaar

The theme of this issue seemed to be: cinematic. Its stunning cover is the best I have come across by far, with Karlie Kloss looking ethereal in a fuschia gown as she wonders the streets of Paris. It was photographed by Victor Demarchelier (son of Patrick) who is fast shaping up to be one of my favourite fashion photographers. In addition to the cover, Two For The Road, photographed by Will Davidson was one of the best story shoots I've seen in a while and played on my current love affair with all things 40s. Every frame seemed to have come straight out of a movie from the Hollywood golden age.

I think this issue may have been my favourite in terms of art direction, photography and just the visual elements in general. At the end of the day, you can have a magazine packed with in-depth articles and fascinating features, but it won't interest the average fashionista if it doesn't look good.

Teen Vogue

Always a pleasure, Teen Vogue feels light and youthful to me. Yet, as I'm sure I've said before, it does not patronise, and why should it? When it comes to high fashion, the girls who you see on the runway can be anything from around 16, sometimes younger. If those wearing the clothes are allowed to be young, why shouldn't those observing?

I sometimes feel that, in their efforts to make it concise, Teen Vogue ends up feeling sparse, which is why it is nice to have a fuller September issue. I loved The Comeback Kids, focusing on different eras and their fashions. I think it basically summed up how there was no prevalent period from the past in this year's collection, so the best thing to do is just go for whichever suits you best. I also thought it was cool that Shenae Grimes, one of my style icons, had done an internship at the magazine over the summer and specifically asked for no special treatment... except that they then ran a feature on her, but I'm sure it's the thought that counts!

Company Magazine

I often overlook this young, British magazine and class it as being a little more high-street than high-end. However, I was drawn in by its special price (£1), cover girl (Emma Watson) and the promise of a Young Hollywood feature (if you ever want me to buy a magazine from you, just say it has a young Hollywood bit in it and I'm there). I was then won over by the magazine's interesting and useful article on careers, Now I'm Grown Up I Want To Be. Then I was impressed by their sensitive and balanced pair of articles looking at the London Slutwalk and the movement in general. I can safely say that I will be buying Company again.

British Vogue

Less ambitious in size as opposed to its American sister, British Vogue still manages to retain standards this year with several beautiful spreads, my favourite being Light Work. It featured a gorgeous metallic jumper which I now long to own. I was also fascinated by the in-depth analysis that was The Turbulent Life of John Galliano. It was presented as any fair news article should be, balanced and with enough distance to show what has happened to the greatest degree of truth it can achieve.

I hope September has been a good month for you. I'm now looking forward to wearing metallics, colour and 40s-inspired pieces for the winter months. What will you take into account and into your wardrobe?

Autumn/Winter wishlist

2011-09-27T16:33:00.000+01:00

This is about the time of year when I realise that none of my clothes are appropriate for the weather except for a few hoodies and pair of jeans. BORING. I want a wardrobe filled with bright leafy colours - berry, mustard, forest, chocolate - and luxurious cuts and fabrics. In short, I am looking for some stylish but exciting staples for the colder months, and they should look something like this...

What is in your wardrobe for the colder months? Do you stick to a colour scheme, or just go with the flow?

All available from ASOS

Some links for your coffee break

2011-09-24T15:25:00.000+01:00

I don't feel so good today, emotionally or physically. My dress sense also seems to be taking a brief holiday so I think a fashion post might be a bit of a stretch. I am hoping to go into town either today or tomorrow and visit Cafe Monde, my favourite place in the city, to have a Mini Mighty Mocha. They are such a gorgeous treat, which always look amazing (as you can see above) but don't last me very long (as you can see below!)

What do you do on a day when feel a bit... bleurgh? So far, I've found that being productive helps, though I can't keep that up for too long. Also, putting on a great CD (I have Vampire Weekend playing right now) or film can make you feel better. I'm thinking the best remedy might be some fresh autumnal air though, so I'm on my way out any minute now.

Even better, why not grab your own mocha and browse my list of the best articles from the past couple of weeks? If you're also having a bad day, I promise they'll lift your mood instantly!

Top 10 shirts and blouses at The Guardian website

An interview with Jane Lynch (aka, the best thing about Glee, Sue Sylvester) in the LA Times Magazine

Why not... be more productive? on The Simply Luxurious Life

Style.com's review of the 3.1 Phillip Lim Show S/S 2012

The Beauty Department: Fall For This

How to be Miranda Priestley's assistant

2011-09-21T18:24:00.001+01:00

Following the success of Things I have learnt from Legally Blonde a while back, I thought it was about time I shared some of the important lessons gleaned from one of my other favourite films: The Devil Wears Prada. I started off trying to use moral messages learnt from the film, but I decided it was way more fun to create a guide for how you can become a successful assistant to the editor-in-chief of a glossy magazine.

Missing a phonecall from Karl Lagerfeld can cost you your career

If you don't know how to spell Gabbana, people will just hang up on you.

Don't drink the punch at a designer's party - it's lethal

Everything you wear has been chosen for you by a small group of editors and stylists

It isn't scientifically proven, but apparently cellulite is one of the main ingredients in corn chowder

You'll take what Nigel gives you and you'll like it

It's useful to know Patrick Demarchelier's number off by heart

We all have those times when we want to slip into a dress which is just that little bit too small. All you need is a little Crisco and some fishing wire...

A brilliant outfit can increase you in anyone's estimation. Even Gisele's

There is a balance to life: when your personal life is hanging by a thread, that's a sign you're doing well at work.

Fashion is not about utility. An accessory is merely a piece of iconography used to express individual identity... and it's pretty

This is a Shu Uemera eyelash curler. Try to remember that and maybe you won't embarrass yourself in the beauty department

If you don't like the person you are becoming, just walk away. Preferably towards a fountain you can throw your phone into.

You know what they say. Tiny man. Huge ego.

When an editor views a designer collection, there's a scale. One nod is good, two nods is very good. Smiles are rare. If she doesn't like it she shakes her head. Then of course there's the pursing of the lips, meaning catastrophe.

All images are not mine and property of Universal I imagine

Personalising your winter coat

2011-09-19T08:27:00.002+01:00

Often during the Autumn/Winter season, it can seem that everyone is wearing the same coat as you. Whether this is because it is the latest must-have from the collections or because it is a timeless investment piece which everyone has a version of, it can be a bit annoying. Especially when you love your coat so much and feel like you should stand out in it. I believe the key to standing out (in a good way) is to have total confidence in your outfit, and often when a coat comes into the mix, it is about making it appear that you have been wearing it all your life. There are a few tricks you can use to do this, so allow me to share 7 of the best with you...

Roll the sleeves up

Stylists have known this trick since the dawn of fashion, and it is already in common use for blazers, jumpers and anything which needs that personal touch. It is particularly useful for anything with quite masculine tailoring, as it appears to fit better to your body. Plus, how else are you going to show off your arm candy?

Let it hang open

Though your coat is obviously an essential part of your outfit, you probably don't want to cover up the rest of the clothes which you painstakingly picked out this morning. If you have a trench coat or other coat with a belt you can tie, try tying it at the back to both keep the belt out of the way and create a subtle waistline. This will also prevent the coat from slipping forward and covering up your outfit.

Don't do up the buckle

You want to stand out, right? Everyone will be wearing the coat as it is supposed to be worn, so mix it up a bit! Knot it, tuck it in your pockets, take it off. I tend to tie it at the back as this accentuates the waistline and stops it getting in the way. Do what you will, but never take the trouble to do the buckle up all perfectly. After all, you are a busy woman, and if you have time to do your coat up properly, people will begin to assume that you can handle all the demands they place on you. It all adds up you see.

Use a different belt

Often trench coats come with a belt which is the same colour and material as the coat, and this can cause problems when attempting to create a striking silhouette. By using another colour like red or blue, you can draw attention to the waist, which will now be neatly cinched in. This is where I go back on what I said previously - this time it's best to do up the buckle. It will create a better line and show off any features of your chosen belt to full advantage.

Put a scarf on under the collar

Strangely, I picked this trick up while watching the largely forgotten Lindsay Lohan and Chris Pine film, Just My Luck. As you can see in the photo, she wears a silk scarf under the collar of her coat. This is then tucked into the belt, but you can only see that in later scenes. Though her incarnation is perhaps a little girly for some, the basic principle can look very stylish when executed properly.

Wear something sequinned underneath

We all know that Winter is less about throwing strange colour combinations together and more about trying out different textures against eachother. I have a bit of a soft spot for all things sequinned, embellished or sparkly and the contrast between these and the smoothness of a trench or heaviness of a wool coat makes for a dazzling effect. Only let a little bit show through and let the curiosity of others do the rest.

Hang it on your shoulders

WEather is unpredictable (especially in England) so you never know when you will need to throw on a coat and put up your umbrella when the net second you could be throwing off your coat and putting on your sunglasses. On a practical level, draping your coat over your shoulders without using the sleeves is handy for quick-change weather. It also looks incredibly stylish and perhaps a little bit dapper. If dapper is the look you're going for, try it.

My Guest Post at The Language of Fluent Beauty

2011-09-16T22:48:00.000+01:00

Recently, I have been very busy adjusting to a new, much larger school and taking on a greater workload, which is difficult after about 3 months of summer holiday. This might have shown in the briefness of my posts. For this I apologise and assure you that I have several good features on the way.

In the meantime, why not check out the guest post I have written for the language of fluent beauty? It is part of her around the world Wednesday feature and shows the progression of a trend which I picked up on the catwalks and tracked all the way to my home town.

Have a good weekend!

Sunny side up

2011-09-14T21:30:00.000+01:00

I've been putting together this series of photos for a while now (there are probably loads more, but I think these are the best three so far) because I am no longer doing art as a taught subject, so I am looking for some other creative outlets like this photography project.

What I like about it is that they show my travels around the world. the first one is next to an Italian coffee in my hotel in Naples, the second is outside on a cafe table in Perpignan, France, and the final one is just at a table which was for sale outside a supermarket in Southampton!

I'm thinking that this could really be a good way of sharing with friends and followers where I am in the world, plus I'll build up a portfolio of shots, some of which are pretty good. I particularly like the reflections in the lenses. The umbrella reflected in the last one looks cool and if you zoom in on the second, you can actually make out a Carte D'Or logo!

What do you think? Do you have any artistic projects going at the moment?

A classic wardrobe

2011-09-12T13:35:00.000+01:00

Recently, I've been thinking about my clothes. The ones I used to own, the ones I own currently, and the ones I want to buy.I think this has been brought on by the books I've been reading (pictured above), particularly To Die For, which hilights our obsession with fast, disposable fashion. While I don't think my attitude towards clothes is too wasteful, I am guilty, as most of us are, of buying things I don't need for a quick fashion fix. The other two books, Dreaming of Chanel and French Women Don't Get Fat (the latter purchased out of sheer curiosity) have started to bring me around to a French way of thinking. I am now yearning for the kind of classic wardrobe owned by many a stylish Parisienne. The kind that lasts for a decade or more, and needs only occasional updating with key seasonal pieces. And so begins my quest, and what better way to start it than with a list! One that outlines exactly what I am searching for, and who could be better to illustrate it than Scott and Garance?

A clutch for day

Some of you may have read about my first attempt to use a clutch for day, and though it worked OK, it wouldn't suffice for a whole day. I think the key to the ideal day clutch is something rather large, made of soft material in a bright colour, so as to add a hit of cheerfulness to an otherwise monochrome outfit. Then, of course, you can find a nail colour to contrast.

A classic trench

Ah, the trench coat. It has been through so many different incarnations, various cuts, linings, lengths and colours have all been tried out on this timeless piece. But to be truly timeless, it should really be of the original style, and only personalised by you and the way you wear it - rolled up sleeves, tied at the back etc. Though it would be nice to be able to afford one by Aquascutum or Burberry, I have recently purchased my own trench coat, from the humble but nevertheless institutional British high-street store Debenhams.

A white shirt that goes with everything

When I finished school a few months ago, I was so eager to get rid of my uniform that many of my white shirts went straight into the charity bag. This is not something I regret, many were too small or dirty, but it does leave me with a bit of a hole in my wardrobe. The white shirt can always be paired with a skirt, jeans, worn under a dress if it's the right one, or even worn as a dress if it is long enough. I think Garance has said it all in her lovely picture (above).

A wear-anytime blazer

This is one thing I do not really need to look for more of. I currently own one black blazer, two striped ones and one cream one. They are my life-savers, I wear them all the time and yet they sometimes make me feel more formal than I need to be, but I would always rather be overdressed than underdressed. However, I suppose I don't yet have a navy blue one... now where is my purse?

A perfect pair of jeans

Can such a thing really exist? In my experience, the answer is: probably. I have one pair of blue jeans which are as near perfect as it's going to get in the near future. And you know what? I didn't even have to pay through the nose to get them. They are actually from Tammy, a teenage store which used to be popular in the 80s, but now is just an extension of the BHS brand, but I got them second-hand from a friend. I'm not sure, but i think the fact that they had been slightly worn in by someone else is what made them so good. They are incredibly comfortable and I wear them with anything.

A business-like pencil skirt and comfy heels

I have recently developed a thing for pencil skirts (I blame Romola Garai in The Hour) and now wear them out often, even though I have no office job to go to. I am particularly proud of my find at the local car-boot sale: an Yves Saint Laurent skirt and jacket set for just £15! I haven't worn the jacket yet, buyt the number of outings the skirt has been on make it already worth the price. If you are looking for a skirt, I recommend walking around the dressing room in it to test whether it rides up or not.

As for heels, I have yet to come across a pair I can spend more than a few hours in without them giving me hell by the end (except wedges, but they don't count). I have heard that if you really want a comfortable heel, you have to pay for quality, preferably Italian quality.

A perfect Breton or Mariniere top

Finally, there is of course the Breton. As Garance says in her notes (above) it should really come from Brittany to be authentic, but I am not sure I can wait until my next trip to France. To be perfect, it should look well on your shape, so think about what you need in terms of neckline, length, sleeves and stripe thickness. I will be on the lookout for one with a very square neck and 3/4 length sleeves.

And there you have it. Just add a dash of red lipstick, a croissant and an air of confidence et voila! You are now ready to take on the world as a Parisian would. Au revoir!

A talking point

2011-09-10T22:01:00.000+01:00

No post ideas which can be successfully completed before bedtime tonight. Normally I'd pull an all-nighter to get it done, but I need to get my sleeping patterns in line before school starts on Monday.

Instead, here is a random photo I took a while ago, where it was I can't recall, but I hope you enjoy it. Thus, I leave you with a question to ponder:

They say that all women eventually turn into their mothers, maybe not in all areas, but is it possible that you are beginning to dress like her? Has age and maturity made you make sartorial choices similar to hers, or rebel against her style?

I rather like this talking point idea, perhaps it could become a regular feature...

What's in my bag? -Running errands

2011-09-08T22:10:00.000+01:00

I often feel like I want to use a clutch for day instead of evening, but I usually decide against it in favour of something more practical. However, the day came when I decided that it was never going to be practical to take a clutch into town with me, so I should just do it. This is a mock reptile-skin yellow clutch which I got from my favourite vintage shop in Oxford, The Ballroom.

Library Card -I've been eyeing up the book To Die For by Lucy Siegle for a while, but have never been in a bookshop which stocks it at the same time as having enough money on me. When I spotted a copy in my local library, I knew it was the perfect solution

Shopping list -I decided to make a marshmallow bar thing, so I had to have the ingredients. The shopping went smoothly, the baking was... unsuccessful!

Phone -where would I be without my trusty, out-dated, had it since I was 13 mobile? Only after leaving it at home when I was in Australia can I now appreciate how perfectly sized it is to fit inside my hand.

Hair clip -for emergencies when my hair would need to be put up, and this is the nicest-looking way to do it. One never knows when one may be expected to attend a formal event!

Cash -But of course, how is one to go shopping without money? It is like playing tennis with no racket.

IFB Project 12: Nail Fun

2011-09-06T14:49:00.000+01:00

Many will know how much I enjoy participating in IFB Projects, but I have to admit, when I saw the assignment for this week, my heart sank. The challenge was to show off your current nail design and explain why you had it, but you see, my nails are completely bare, and almost always are, unless I fancy a spot of blue for summer or maybe some red for evening. Then I thought "Well, this IS my current nail design. And it goes with everything." So I decided I would participate after all.

Of course, one advantage of having bare nails is that it plays right into the minimalist trend (a bit last year, but it's a fairly enduring style) and of course it makes life a bit easier. In fact, the main reason I don't wear a lot of nail colour is that it stresses me out how quickly it can become chipped or scratched, especially with my regular rock-climbing.

P.S. Did anyone else doing this project find that your hands look really weird all of a sudden once you try photographing them?

Rupert Grint and Tom Felton for Band of Outsiders

2011-09-04T14:00:00.000+01:00

I don't usually just share pictures on my blog, but these were equally interesting, hilarious and cool to a high enough degree that I just wanted to show them to you.

I rather like what appears to be the theme: two eccentric young men somehow get the run of a stately home for the weekend and do whatever the hell they want. The photographic style, as though someone has a fairly old, rickety camera, adds to that mood too. I have to say that I tend to prefer the ones with Tom in, but that's because I am a self-confessed Tom-Felton-lover. Besides Rupert needs to look a bit silly in some of his, since I'm positive he's going to be a great comic actor.

Pictures nabbed from here, visit it if you want to see all of them.

There's always time for a holiday

2011-09-02T14:34:00.001+01:00

Summer seems to be almost over. Did you enjoy it? I can't say I'm at all dreading the colder months, all those new Autumn/Winter fashions to play with! However, we are making as much of what's left as possible by going to the Isle of Wight for a couple of days (it's not very far from us, you just get a ferry. The plane photo is irrelevant) then I get an extra week off before starting college! In all honesty, I'm looking forward to getting on with this academic year, which I know will be one of the best ever.

How about you? Are you savouring summer with a last-minute holiday, or will you be keenly anticipating the onset of Autumn?

Book Review: Dreaming of Chanel

2011-09-01T19:21:00.000+01:00

Dreaming of Chanel is a non-fiction book where Charlotte Smith tells the stories of just a fraction of the pieces in her collection of antique and vintage clothing, which was bestowed on her by her godmother. Though there are many dresses, hats, suits, bags, shoes etc. featured in this edition, it is in fact the sequel to Dreaming of Dior (something I didn't realise when I bought it) and still it doesn't even cover half the collection!

This book is gorgeously illustrated by Grant Cowan, who makes every turn of the page an exciting moment. Once you have absorbed his stunning representation of the piece at hand, you can then find out the story of the object's wearer. Sometimes the stories are tragic, sometimes funny, often moving and each one reads as a small autobiography in itself. This is the kind of book you could have on your coffee table, available to pick up and flick through (with clean hands of course so as not to damage its gorgeous cover and pages) then settle on a particular page to read without worrying about whether it will make sense in relation to the rest of the book.

This is an absolute must for anyone who is interested in clothes and particularly those who like to know about the history of garments. However, don't pick it up expecting a novel about Coco Chanel or anything like that. While a Chanel suit is one of the pieces mentioned, the stories are about the women who wore the clothes and, on occasion who made them, though they are often unlikely to be anyone we have heard of today.

Read it if you like: Dreaming of Dior, A Life in Frocks or just generally the history of fashion

Marks out of 5: 4.1

The Hour

2011-08-31T10:55:00.000+01:00

People living in the UK who are aware of the programme The Hour, will know that I am way behind in both watching and loving it. Set in the late 50s/early 60s, the show follows a news crew as they attempt to launch a new current events programme. But there are some darker obstacles in their path than just the ratings. It is at once mysterious and thoroughly entertaining, plus there are so many familiar faces that I keep pointing at the TV and shouting: "He was in History Boys!" or "He was in Torchwood!".

I have to confess though, that despite the excellent characters and complex storyline, the main joy I take in watching it is gazing in unashamed lust at the wardrobe of Romola Garai. Pencil skirts, kitten heels, blouses and brooches, it's all very Mad Men but with a bit of an British twist. I blame the show's make-up department for the fact that I have been wearing bright red lipstick for the past few days.

American viewers and others from around the world who have yet to see The Hour may recognise Romola from her brilliant performance in Glorious 39, or her thoroughly relatable turn as the title role in the latest adaptation of Emma. She is probably my favourite actress of the moment, and my admiration for her just makes me want to copy her style even more.

Much as I love the scarves and the dresses and the shoes and the twin sets, if I were able to steal just one thing from her wardrobe, it would have to be this fantastic trench coat. It's the kind of piece you slip on without even thinking about it, then just look effortlessly elegant in.

It's not just the women in the show who have inspired me sartorially though, Ben Whishaw (Brideshead Revisited, Perfume) and Dominic West (True Blue, The Wire) both have some stunningly gorgeous suits. West's are more fitting and statuesque whereas Whishaw's are a bit dishevelled and less presentable. I have a real thing for looking in the menswear department right now, seeking out blazers or shirts which won't look ridiculously oversized on me.

Gosh, men just don't wear suits enough any more do they?

All pictures nabbed from elsewhere, and are probably property of the BBC.

Who says I have to wear black?

2011-08-29T10:52:00.000+01:00

As I was browsing the new posts which had appeared overnight in my blog feed and sipping my morning coffee, I came across this photo of Emma Watson on The Vogue Diaries. Up until now, I had been preparing myself for autumn/winter with plain transitional pieces in brown, navy blue, and of course, black. Granted, the picture of Emma was taken in LA, where even their winter is bound to be warmer than most days in British summer, but it inspired me. Why should we hide in all our darkest clothes all winter? The world is going to seem grey enough without what we wear adding to the gloom. Of course, the classic LBD and black blazer are must-haves, but I think by now we all know the good a little injection of colour can do.

Therefore, perhaps a set of 3 basic principles is in order. I would like to share with you my view on what those principles are, with a little help from some of my favourite street-style photographers. Prepare yourself for the 'Three Fs' of wearing colour in Winter

1. Faded

taken by Phil Oh of Street Peeper

OK, so not all of us have enough of Emma's confidence to carry off that lime green number, but colour can still be flaunted all through winter without the risk of looking like a road worker. If you want to ease into the trend, try some muted shades like mustard, maroon and forest green. This lovely young gentleman obviously know that, in order to stand out from the greyness of London in the rain, he needs this pop of a mustard-coloured shirt. It also goes well with the blue, demonstrating how you can wear your winter staple colours with a stylish flash of colour here and there.

2. Fashion

from Tres Awesome

September is the most exciting time to be taking inspiration from the catwalks, but as we all know, the best outfits often take an element of what we see on the runway and downplay it. When searching for a way to get your hit of bright colour, perhaps look at what your favourite designer is doing. This lady seems to have taken a cue from Christopher Kane, Louis Vuitton, Alexander Wang or someone else showing cute clutches this season and introduced a perfectly complimentary shade of orange into her outfit. Try a bag or scarf if you are worried about overdoing it. Notice also that she is wearing nude shoes, just as Emma was in her dress, which can help to reduce the OTT impact of colour.

3. Fun

by Wallace Chapman of Street and City Photos

My favourite thing about autumn/winter has to be coats. All different cuts, lengths, materials and of course, colours. When aiming for high-impact colour, this girl know the way to go: colour-blocking with a gorgeous shade, then breaking all the rules by wearing an almost-but-not-quite-matching bag. Then, as if to cement her rebellious attitude, she adds a pair of blue wayfarers. It's always good to know the rules of fashion, as it allows you to break them properly.

Evolution of Fashion Media (IFB Project)

2011-08-27T10:11:00.001+01:00

I'm really starting to get into IFB projects now! Every time I feel stuck for a post idea, a project comes along and I jump on it. This week's challenge is to show the evolution of fashion media through a list of your top ten magazines/fashion sites/blogs. I have risen to the challenge and am looking forward to sharing some of my favourite sites with you.

1- Teen Vogue

I must have ranted about Teen Vogue enough on this blog by now, but in case you haven't seen that, my main reason for loving this magazine is its stark contrast to publications aimed at teenagers in the UK. Far from being patronising on any subject from style to stress, TV addresses the reader as an equal on both intellectual and creative levels.

It must be for this reason that so many of its readers start out young and carry on buying it right through to their college years. It is mature but without losing its appeal to the younger market.

This year, I will no longer have to wear uniform to school, and will hopefully be sharing the outfits I do wear on this blog. The August issue of Teen Vogue has given me countless ideas from its back-to-school style pages

2- The Beauty Department

When I first heard that Lauren Conrad had set up a beauty site, I probably rolled my eyes and moved on with my day. It wasn't until recommendations started popping up on other blogs which I read that curiosity took me to The Beauty Department.

In collaboration with her make-up artist and hair stylist, Lauren has made what I can only describe as a godsend. I am totally clueless when it comes to hair and make-up. Clothes, I can do, but when it comes to hair curlers, I'll run a mile before attempting to use them.

The easy-to-follow tutorials have saved me from looking like I've just rolled out of bed in many a blog photo!

3- John Lewis Edition

Again, something I have extolled the virtues of countless times, especially in my post about in-store magazines. If you don't live in the UK, I doubt you will have come across John Lewis or indeed Edition. Basically, it is a big department store with several branches across the country and a clientele of rather middle-class people.

Edition is a free publication which you can pick up in any store and I can honestly say it is the best free magazine I've ever come across. Despite an obvious bias towards their own products, the fashion spreads are often on par with other, glossier fashion mags. They've also managed to nab some big names like Jess Cartner-Morley for their fashion column and Toby Young to do interviews. The variety of the content is always bound to give me an idea for a new post.

4- The simply luxurious life

The Simply Luxurious Life is a fairly recent discovery, probably discovered through another blog's list of what they were reading that week. Since then, I have been addicted to their go-getting attitude and commitment to ladylike elegance at the same time.

Of course, the very purpose of the blog is an inspiration, the constant quest for luxury, no matter what your budget, is something I firmly believe in. I also have to say that, despite my blog having 'fashion' in the title, I am prone to talking about food, travel, books etc. SLL moves between all these topics seamlessly and I would like to aim for a similar balance with my writing. In short, I admire SLL in the way I would a big sister if I had one.

5- Street peeper

Mainly I check out the London pages, especially in the run-up to a trip up there for the Theatre or an exhibition etc. However, in the month or so leading up to my flight from Heathrow to Sydney, I was constantly checking for updates on what people were wearing in Melbourne and Sydney, desperate not to be picked out as "not from round these parts".

If you don't already visit street peeper, it's main advantage is that it shows you how to wear current catwalk trends in an everyday way, through the example of people on the street. You will always find me browsing the site on a day when I just cannot think what to wear, it's the perfect antidote to lack of fashion inspiration.

6- Sunday Times Style online

Whenever my family happen to buy a Sunday Times, I rip straight into the supplements and fish out the Style section. It's probably the best fashion supplement in any of the newspapers and I love a flick through its pages on a Sunday morning.

But we're not subscribers to the Sunday Times, and sometimes I miss out on having this week's issue in my hands. This is where the website comes in. Plenty of the feature that I will have missed are shortly available online, with the added bonus of behind-the-scenes videos and links to other articles and web pages. If you like ST Style, you should follow them on twitter too for updates and so on.

7- Fashion Gone Rogue

Do you want to see editorial shoots from the world's best magazines, photographers and models, often before that issue is available in your country? Look no further than Fashion Gone Rogue. It's perfect for inspiration when putting together an outfit or maybe even taking photos for a blog post.

I find it is a good way for deciding which magazines to buy this month, based on their main fashion spread. This is a particularly helpful tool in September! Plus, you can still enjoy the shoot and keep up with the work of your favourite stylists, models and photographers without buying every single magazine.

8- Instyle

My first issue of InStyleHudgens July 2009 issue. I probably bought it mainly for the free beach bag that came with it, but since then, I have read and re-read that copy. I loved the in-depth interviews with admirable women such as Michelle Obama, I loved the sophisticated travel section which included tips on what to pack and I loved the inclusion of British talent who I had previously thought were unknown to everyone but me.

Since December 2009, I haven't missed an issue. Sometimes I toy with switching to something else, but then the BAFTA issue comes out (InStyle hosts the official BAFTA after-party) and all those new young British actors and actresses get featured in their fashion spreads. I don't think I'll stop reading it for a while to come.

9- ASOS Fashion Finder

When I'm bored and feeling like I need a creative outlet which doesn't involve my fingers getting covered in paper cuts and glue, I head to fashion finder.

You can create outfits, personalise your profile (mine is pictured) and surf the best new products from one of the largest online fashion stores around. ASOS is definitely thinking in the right direction, by combining shopping, blogging, inspiration and social networking all on one site. I think that this kind of thing will be the future of fashion media. If you would like to know more about it, you could read the post I wrote when the site first opened.

10- Vogue

I buy too many magazines. It's a shame that there can be such a thing as too many, but it's true. Sometimes though, I can't resist a bit of the old favourite. I've pretty much limited myself to one copy of Vogue every two months and I waver between the British and American editions. Again, I like the intelligence in many of the articles, which someone who has never read it may not expect.

But the main reason that I, and many others buy it, is its history, reputation and standing at the top of the fashion food chain. I think you always remember your first Vogue. Mine was last October, about to board a flight to Naples on a school trip and I needed reading material. Spotting Carey Mulligan, one of my favourite actresses, on the front of the American edition, I picked it up and bought it. After the two-hour flight, I had practically devoured every word. Vogue is something which will stand the test of time and the onslaught of the digital age, no matter how many fashion blogs there are.

Fashion Moriarty

Things I've liked in February

The best of Pinterest this week

Film Review: The Artist

The Fashion Moriarty Guide to Oxford

I Want It! Murder She Wrote - Gold Typewriter Necklace

What the couturiers can teach you about Valentine's Day dressing

Giambattista Valli

BAFTA Costume Design nominees

Snow Style

Read Dickens today

Who DESERVES to be a cover girl?

I Want It! Barbour Caramel Canvas Beacon Backpack

Things I've liked in January

My Red Carpet Look

How do you define British Style?

Links a la Mode

Making a Connection

THE IFB WEEKLY ROUNDUP: LINKS À LA MODE: JANUARY 26TH

The day I was in Teen Vogue

4 ways to survive the rest of Winter

I want it!: ASOS Embellished Dress with fitted bodice

4 Reasons why Moriarty is better than Sherlock (sartorially)

Links a la Mode

Fresh New Start

THE IFB WEEKLY ROUNDUP: LINKS À LA MODE: JANUARY 12TH

Predictions for Spring/Summer

In defence of cupcakes...

If you only buy 12 magazines this year...

I Want It! Redopin Galaxy Print Sweatshirt

2012

Film Review: My Week With Marilyn

IFB Project 27: Feature Another Blogger

How to accept all presents gracefully

3 ways to feel comfortable in your party dress

IFB Project 26: Best of 2011

Happy Birthday Jane Austen

I want it!: Zadig & Voltaire Veda Sequin Jacket

5 classy gifts which DON'T cost a fortune

IFB Project 25: Partywear

My Christmas list

Stylephile: Holly Baker

Blogger Playlist

I'm taking a tumble

What to wear on a photoshoot

Operation Christmas shopping is GO!

Style Icon: Jane Keltner de Valle

I want it!: Closet cross-over flare dress

3 dresses for the winter ball

11/11/11

The Enduring Romance of the Wedding Dress at Bath Fashion Museum

The Occupy movement and the fashion industry

Bristol in pictures

Sale Alert!

Last night in pictures

Fall Uniform (IFB Project 18)

4 ideas for a fabulous party

This time last year...

I want it!: Jaeger Seam Jersey Dress

Fashion = happiness

The Sweetest Thing

My outfit today

IFB Project 16: Morning Make-up Routine

Peppy Sherlock Theme

My outfit today

5 ways to savour the day

The September Review

Autumn/Winter wishlist

Some links for your coffee break

How to be Miranda Priestley's assistant

Personalising your winter coat

My Guest Post at The Language of Fluent Beauty

Sunny side up

A classic wardrobe

A talking point

What's in my bag? -Running errands

IFB Project 12: Nail Fun

Rupert Grint and Tom Felton for Band of Outsiders

There's always time for a holiday

Book Review: Dreaming of Chanel