Dark Beauty

One work morning last week I treated myself to Grazia in Tesco, and I came across this amazing beauty feature. Ok, so maybe it is extremely typical of the 'Romantic Goth' A/W 08 look, but there are a few ideas in particular that I was eager to try.

This first look has crimpers which I was pleased to see (have started day time crimping as well now!). The blanked out eyebrows are very effective, but this takes a special wax formular which I don't have yet. Last night I attempted the eyeliner but it didn't exactly work out for me... I couldn't draw straight and my Dior liner had too thin a brush to get the bold line. I eventually abandoned the idea, I think that I need one of those eyeliner pens with a thick brush to complete the look neatly.

Ahh, next the black lip, but this is a glossy black lip and it has a polished high fashion look rather than Camden goth. I tried with my black lipstick and some juicy tube, but it simply did not have the slick look I required. YSL are launching a new black lipgloss in November, the same they used on the models last season. Apparently it has no hint of sparkle and can be applied to recieve a subtle effect or a rich black. I am going be running to Selfridges to pick one up and slathering it on until my lips are as black as below.

The last two looks champion the bold eye and nude lip look that I have grown so accustomed to. I now have a fabulous MAC nude lipstick called Myth, but before that I simply used a concealer stick to get the look.

I love the A/W beauty looks and need to stock up on the products whilst they are available in abundance!

Links A La Mode: The IBF Weekly Round Up

Links à la Mode : September 25th

• A Celebration of Curves - Look Book: How to wear jeans and costume jewelry to a 4 star restaurant.
• Add Bubbles To Taste - I have patent leather issues.
• Fab Fashion Blog - Just a fabulous crop haircut!
• Fashion Architect - a cheap solution for shoe storage… genius
• In Life and In Fashion - My Fall “Would-Like-to-Have” List
• Independent Fashion Bloggers - Schmoozing, sharing, ahem… research on Modepass
• Logical Harmony - The Best Casual Plaids For Fall : Inspired by Lauren Conrad
• Mademoiselle Robot - Who doesn’t want to be as cool as Winona Ryder?
• Or False Glitter - Crimping My Style: revival of hair crimping!
• PR COUTURE - PR is My Passion: Diary of a Fashion Week Intern
• THE COVETED - Interview with the Style Clicker street fashion of Europe

Past Caring

Lately I have been wondering how strongly my fashion choices are dictated by the opinions of others. Whilst I am not scared of blending in, I don’t think that I can bear standing out too badly.

Last Friday we went to an end of Fashion Week party in Beach Blanket Babylon in Shoreditch. I wore my French Connection white dress; I love this dress! When I put it on in the changing rooms I thought I looked like a Victorian ghost, an attractive prospect! It perhaps does look a little like a night shirt but that had not bothered me up until this night.

The venue was in Shoreditch, notorious for its avante garde fashion, yet above the club was a restaurant were some non East Londoners were dining. Standing talking to Bianca, I noticed a woman staring at me with a sneer on her face, she then nudged the guy next to her and did a not so discreet point over at me whilst whispering in his ear. I stared at her until she felt uncomfortable, but this incident upset me more than it should have.

We were in Shoreditch for goodness sake! There are far stranger sights than a girl in a white cotton dress, the boy next me had a blue face covered in glued on flowers! I know this, and I should have had enough confidence in my outfit to ignore her, but the unwanted attention unnerved me.

Similarly, last weekend I threw on something or nothing without a thought and wandered around Columbia Flower Market. Again, I received some funny looks, because this day I was sporting a pair of overtly shredded and holey pastel pink tights.
I hated the stares and retreated to Starbucks as fast as possible!

I am not a flamboyant dresser by any means, so I suppose that those who truly stand out must get the stares and looks on a far greater scale. Whilst I am not too fond of excess attention, I think it is the judgment behind these peoples eyes that I feat the most. But why should what they think matter?

It appears that even wearing something I deem inconspicuous will make me viable for judgment, so in theory I should wear exactly what I like, no matter how outlandish, as the results will not differ greatly.

Whilst I will not be found in a neon jumpsuit any time soon, these experiences have left me vowing to try and be true to my natural fashion choices. If I like it, wear it. I will get judged every day in London, so I may as well be judged wearing something I think looks fabulous.

Back To Black

I hate myself quite a lot for quoting Amy Winehouse (who by the way I do not care for in the slightest and wish would disappear from my Grazia and London Light)- but it is most appropriate. Me with a white blog? Ha I am far too goth for that

xx

Crimping My Style

Saturday I went for a lengthy large luncheon with Christelle in Soho and payed a visit to Argos. Clutching my purchase I impatiently waiting for the 55, a bugger of a bus that takes it time. Why so eager to return to my Shoreditch dwelling? Because I had just bought some new Babyliss hair crimpers. I had crimpers in the 90s, but my sisters stole them years ago and I haven’t seen them since. Now in my twenties the crimpers are back, and long may they reign!

My crimping fantasies started to return when I saw the Luella autumn/winter 08 show. The great gothic beauties had crazy big crimped hair and dark sultry lips; “interesting’ I mused. Then, on rediscovering Viktor and Rolf Fall 2005, I knew that I needed crimpers. Now.

I tested them out for Bianca's Las Vegas house party, and painted my eyes into a Cleopatra point, championing the Ashish SS09 look. Crimping takes time, and it is hard to get it in perfectly horizontal waves (especially the back) but it is worth it. It’s such an instant volumiser, and gives you more hair than any product ever could! Here, I did my whole head, but just crimping sections is a great way to add texture in a more subtle way.

Tonight boredom saw me reaching for my hot electric friend and I crimped away happily, testing a ‘tied up’ look with a textured fringe. I took these photos with photo booth, which I only realized I had yesterday!

My best discovery yet is that backcombed crimped hair = cloud hair! My hair shall never be flat again.

A Paler Shade of Dark

So long fashion week, hello flat shoes...I am bursting with fringy, crimping, leather and lace inspiration which I hope to apply. If I am brave enough a picture or two may surface on here, despite my reservations of the indulgence of self-portraits.

Regular passers by may notice that I have switched my background from black to white. I felt that black was becoming oppressive and harsh upon the eyes, which is perhaps an ironic statement from one whom lives in black but still. Its reign may be short lived as my mood which is growing darker every day!

I hope that the change is welcome to viewers.

xoxo

Links A La Mode: The IBF Weekly Round Up

Weekly treats..

• dramatis personae - The Pinup Experience
• Fashion Architect - Loving everything mustard-colored.
• Independent Fashion Bloggers - How to Take Gorgeous Self Portraits
• Logical Harmony - How to create an outfit from classic and preppy style items and turning it into a sexy and edgy look for fall.
• Mademoiselle Robot - An interview with accessories designer Elizaveta Yankelovich.
• MASH-World - The 80’s inspired Topshop Unique RTW show.
• Or False Glitter - Nicole Farhi and Emma Cook through the eyes of a Fashion Week novice
• ShopDiary - Get styled by Eric Daman and dress like a Gossip Girl.
• Tainted & Sweet… - So fresh and so clean…
• THE COVETED - Nagi Noda, I’ll miss your hair hats and poodle arms….
• The Life and Times of a Problem Child - The rise of male-oriented fashion publications in Asia…
• The Ongoing Project - Developing your personal style, Part

LFW SS 09 Day 6: Ashish

What makes a good show? I wondered to myself as I dashed to yet another during London Fashion Week. Shows are always interesting and inspiring- the degree of preparation and spirit each designer exhumes can never fail to impress. Yet what is it that makes you come out of the tent full of gushing compliment and praise? It was at on the final day that I got my answer, a ‘good show’ is one where you want to tear the clothes off the models back and claim them as your own. It’s a show where you feel that if you don’t get that jacket your life will not be complete; I felt so at Ashish.

There was a military feel at this show with excessive trenches and badges, not particularly to my taste but looked fabulous whilst juxtaposed against the shimmering dresses. This contrast entered into the styling, with unmade frizzy hair and black eyes against elegant gowns.

I am admittedly a terrible magpie, and Ashish satisfied my greedy eye with a host of glittered beaded dresses that caught the light beautifully as the models shimmed down the catwalk.

These beaded dresses were combined with fringing, and strands swished and swayed around the models legs with a stunning effect. This also translated into tops with ease, and there was one particular black jacket with beaded fringing down each arm that made me gasp in desire; as the model turned at the end the strands flung around her body with a life of their own (sadly no picture of it but this jumper has a similar effect).

Every new look sent Christina and I into desperate mutterings of ‘I WANT that!’, ‘I NEED that!’. Whilst appreciation of a show can be gained from designer innovation, or simply aesthetic beauty, the shows where you can imagine yourself cherishing the clothes, are the ones that you will always remember.

My photos from row zillion were once again awful so I have borrowed these photos from popsugar.com.

Coco de Mer Store Opening

This new store is in Chelsea and I can safely say it was the most uh…interesting store launch I have been to. It was packed out with free flowing pink champagne and canapés serves by terrified looking waitress. Why terrified? Well the entertainment for the night was decidedly strange; girls dressed as maids, taped together for no apparent reason writhing in the centre of the store.

We browsed through the goods on offer and were giggling like school girls, there are some things that will never cease to appeal to my humour, no matter how old and wise I grow. The literature in this store was most interesting.

Our second treat of the night was this charming man. He slid down the stair rail wearing a thong and then ripped it off and did some acrobatics before retreating. Naked. I had to try and adjust this photo to make it decent. Not having photoshop I used the iPhoto programme, and used a tool to remove ‘blemishes’ ha. Appropriate.

LFW SS 09 Day 4: Basso and Brooke 3.45pm

Queue, queue queue, all London Fashion seems to consist of is queuing, and there was a healthy wait to get into this show. I was mighty glad that I had popped home to change into some flat pumps, yes I looked like a stump, but I was not in pain.

Basso and Brooke encapsulate summer with their gorgeous bright printed dresses, but here I would like to focus on the hair and make-up. Each model had their hair scraped up into a sort of table top; square each side and flat on the top. The hair had been texturised with crimpers and I imagine that there was some sort of cardboard under their locks to hold the rigid structure.

Some girls had large over sized gold pins and combs stuck in the back, which contrasted with the cartoon like print belts, sticking out at angles. The hair and accessories really worked for the catwalk, and made a collection that is deliciously wearable look like edgy showpieces.

LFW Day 4 : Betty Jackson 10.45AM

This morning I dragged myself out of bed to once again make the trek to South Kensington for Betty Jackson. There was a ‘lovely spread’ before the show with pastries and cartons of juice (I took one for the road Ha); I always feel very self-conscious at these times, couldn’t bring myself to reach for a choccy croissant in fear of the skinny minnies around sipping Evian.

The show, like both others I’ve been to, opened with bird and nature sounds before launching into the music. The clothes began in dull colours, khaki, stone and black and the models were wearing high waisted briefs in black under long voluminous tops.


The colours moved into a bright orange, with high elasticized necks and clinging elastic waists. The models wore a bright red lip with a black band tight around the head, containing a messy nest of hair.

Towards the end of the show black lace resurfaced, it appears that the romantic goth look that is so big this autumn/winter is not going to disappear quickly. The lace was eventually toned down into sheer gauzy black (much like in Nicole Farhi) in the form of long sleeved tops. I very much hope this look filters down to high street and affordable prices, as it is demure yet summery.

Once again, I apologise for the quality of photos, I am not a master.

Dolce and Gabbana Store Launch

It is nothing short of miraculous that we gained access to this party; some simple door blagging and in we waltzed to the shiny interior, quite ironic when you consider the previous nights’ troubles when we were in fact on the guestlist!

The party was for the opening of the new menswear store on Sloane Street, and also was promoting the recent pictorial ‘Shepherd’ story campaign, which sees a beautiful man romping in the countryside with lambs-sounds a little dodgy, and indeed for the majority of pictures he is in some very grubby underpants! It’s a nice idea, the rugged handsome man caring for his animals, but reality broke through for me, and I couldn’t help thinking that a man that pretty must know it and in real life be a bastard. The dream was shattered.

The drinks for the evening were champagne and martinis. We sourced the door through which the canapés were coming and set up camp there to get first pickings of caviar and mini cheesecakes. This is perhaps all very un-fashion, but as I always say, when I can afford my own champagne I will be very modest at parties. At the moment I can’t, so lets enjoy the kind D& G hospitality!

Fashion Week Day 3: Nicole Farhi/ Emma Cook

After some pretty unsuccessful partying, I finally got to a couple of shows today. First on the agenda was Nicole Farhi at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. The venue is magnificent with a large arched glass roof letting in natural light onto the catwalk. I had a standing ticket and decided to perch myself on the upstairs balcony. A birds eye view.

The clothes were distinctly floral, long flowing dresses with white and colour; some embellished with beads and stones. To be honest, it was not to my taste, but what I did like was the sheer undergarments layered under each piece. Round neck long sleeve transparent tops were worn under the dressed and gauzy leggings crinkled round the legs; this was to stunning effect, though I suspect that they may simply be show pieces to jazz up the catwalk.

The show progressed into Indian prints, and I am sad to say, nautical sailor stripes. It vexes me that every summer we are bombarded with the nautical, its done every season and needs something special to be exciting.

The beauty junkie I am, I also clocked the hair and make-up. A very strong orange blusher was stroked onto the checks, and the hair did not vary terribly from the trends last season; a matt voluminous scraped back puff.

It ended half an hour after time and I had to get my skates on to get across town to Emma Cook. I cursed London as I stormed down the strand, cursed that a bus takes longer than walking (even in 3 inch heels), cursed the surface area of the city, and finally cursed that I am too poor for a taxi.

It was worth the stress and the slight emergence of shine from beneath my face powder, for the show was wonderful. I am terribly devastated that I was unable to get better photos but those models walk so darn fast, no matter how soon I pressed the button I got a blur of a back. I suppose my words shall have to aid me to covey the show, though I never underestimate the power of the visual when writing about fashion…

The show started with a slightly rocky look, greys and beiges hanging off shoulder bones. The theme soon emerged, wonderful constructed ruffles, and half moon cup hem lines. Tassels shimmered and shook down the catwalk, one particular dress stretched them to construct the upper whilst the skirt fell in pretty swishing tiers.

Eye-catching fabric paneling was put onto dresses and trousers; I don’t know the type of fabric, but it was metallic and luminous in blue and purple, terribly bright and dazzling and picked up the detail in the clothes.

Finally, the rain coats. Plastic transparent macs were stitched into beautifully tailored coats with collars, trenches and capes and adorned with sparkling crystals. There was a glittering cape that I would die for! This was a particularly clever idea, as the clothes were visible through the coats, meaning the look was transformed by the undergarments. The coats served as a glossy coat of varnish, to enhance what was worn underneath. I regret I have no photos, and will be saving to desktop from style.com as soon as they surface there.

I spotted Suzie Bubble on the front row and was quite in awe as I lurve her blog! She looked very pretty but bless, sent a paper flying onto the catwalk before the final recall and had to scoot out onto the floor to retrieve it!

After the show I went home weary, I don’t know how people go from show to show criss crossing London all day, every day for a week! I am totally worn out after two back to back. That being said, more important people who get all the show invites probably can afford a black cab!

Two parties tonight, I think I am going to have a short nap…

On/Off Half an Hour Party

I have sat here and tried to work out how to set out my fashion week memoirs…I have come to the conclusion that I must do two posts in one day! Shock horror! I prefer to be methodical but it really is the only way.

Last night we went to the On/off party. I don’t intend to sugar coat any of my fashion week experiences, and it was a bit of a sham. We arrive at about 9 and through sheer perseverance got in at 10.15. The usual fashion hierarchy took place, most important go in first, the rest can que for infinity! So we stood, yes we are on the guestlist, yes we in front of the que, but hang on! ‘Lady Gaga is here’ with her militant lipsticked crew. In they go. That one from Skins is here! In he goes. A man in a wig is here! In he goes. ! All before us of course.

When we did get in it was straight for the bar and some champers. The walls were hung with stuffed animal heads and I saw this badger with a pipe which really cheered me up; a badger with a pipe is a queer but enjoyable sight.

Rhys Ifans was playing with his band; they sounded good but typical, and he was so playing the ‘rockstar’ I must admit I sneered at him slightly as he snarled into the mic with his sunnies on.

As we got in so late we only got that one glass of bubbly before the bar shut and the staff very pointedly started stacking out rows of bottled water. Ok we get the hint…

There was just time to look around the exhibition (which is still in the RCA) before leaving, and I fell in love with the Reem collection. Massive ruffled layers of indulgent lace and Elizabethan rumpled collars with little black hats. Divine.

Fashion Week Woes

One day into London Fashion Week and I have already had it 'up to here' (high). I have decided that whilst I love clothes, I don't necessarily love fashion...

Last night we attempted the PPQ party, I say attempted, as the militant purple PR door warriors were not letting anyone in; apparently RSVPing does not warrant a name on their golden list. There is only so long one can wait like a cattle outside a club (that looks pretty rubbish anyway) so I counted my free drink losses and had a cocktail elsewhere.

I did try out the red Viktor and Rolf eyes though, and I am defiantely 'luvin' it'. I manage to make it look gothic, but hopefully the glossy lips cancel out too much emo. This photo was taken by fellow blogger and friend Bianca; you can see the look on my face. I am not particularly pleased in waiting, boo to the PPQue!

Now, to dress for another day of denied access!! I heart fashion week

From Japan with Love

Today I have been busy without achieving anything. I went to the salon, got my hair dyed a shade darker and a little side fringey cut in. Then I traipsed around the shops literally all afternoon and made a single purchase, that red eyeshadow. Then ,when I returned home for a Saturday night with X factor, I found a lovely surprise waiting for me in the kitchen, a large letter!

I do not believe that there is much as pleasurable as getting a letter in the post with a hand written address, and I instantly recognized the writing on the envelope, it was a letter from my family in Japan. By my ‘family’, I mean the people who hosted me when I went on a Japanese exchange four years ago. We have written to each other ever since, and it is always such a joy to receive a letter!

They visited London last month and took me out for supper, and the latest letter contained a host of photos from the evening, as well as some from four years ago; they are all carefully laminated, and were accompanied by a long letter and a small packet of nail stickers.

The physical is dying out. These days we rarely hold a photo in our hands, or touch the marks a pen has scratched onto paper. Everything is viewed via this screen, everything is pixels and unreal, its sad. There is something so personal about a letter, which a slap dash typed message can never convey. I’m sure the connivance of E-communication will never be enough for me to abandon my rustic love of letters.

Links A La Mode: The IBF Weekly Round Up

Links à la Mode : September 11th

• AuctionDivaFashion - I Want To Dress Like A Celebrity - Fergie
• Clutch 22 - DIY: Connected Necklaces
• eye4style - Interview with fine jewelry designer, Wendy Brandes.
• Fashion Journalist in the City - Valentino: The man, the movie, the party
• In Life and In Fashion - Back to Boot Shopping. Why should kids have all the fun?
• Logical Harmony - A great fall look featuring a cropped leather jacket inspired by Audrina Patridge of The Hills.
• Mademoiselle Robot - A quick guide to clever thrifting.
• Or False Glitter - Love heels, HATE pain
• poetic & chic - Eco-Totes are the current breed of “It” bags. They may be light on price, but their messaging is heavy with implication.
• PONY RYDER - Origial interview by Pony Ryder with fashion photographer James Mountford.
• Retro Chick - How to wear it: Tartan
• Tainted & Sweet…: - All Black Italian Vouge feautureing Plus Size Black Model Toccara
• THE COVETED - Ooh la la, French Vintage

Tick Tock

I have missed a couple of days posting, apologies; on the eve of London Fashion Week I have been fretting over show invites and chain calling bitchy PRs who really don't want to give me tickets...

Everyone knows that time flies when you are having fun but it also hurries when you don't want to, and this evening Becky reminded me of something terrible! Our student cards run out in October! Oh yes, I've already entered the adult world of council tax and salary tax, but it was was so guilt reducing to make a purchase and get that 10% off.

Now I am having a panic, and thinking perhaps I should buy that French Connection £270 jacket, because buying it now I would get a lovely £27 off. And Topshop! Should I stock up a little whilst I get my discount?

I miss being a student. I miss waking up at 1pm then having a nap at 4. I even miss the library and the funny men in the cafe! Sometimes I think I should give up the fashion milark and become a scholar. And keep my student discount!

Sweet Nightmares

I have already expressed my love of The House of Viktor and Rolf exhibition, but I am particularly enamored with one season that I had quite forgotten about.

Fall 2005 casts romantic visions with dreamy girls gliding around the runway to the emotional wailing of Tori Amos. Each cosily packed into duvet like dresses with their hair spread across pillow headpieces, it created a blurry sleep world, that stage between sleeping and waking, and harked at the ultimate manifest of the ‘duvet day; fantasy.

What I am most inspired by, is the make-up. Red rimmed eyes with red stung lips. In the show it seems to work as a sensual rosy vision, and indeed it does look beautiful and serene.

But red eyes? Red eyes could be sleepless eyes that have open for hours, or weeping for hours. There is something sinister about the rouge rim as well as beautiful, and I find it rather fascinating. I have already tried a pink rim like the Rodarte girls, but red is darker, bloodier and more dramatic. I think a visit to MAC is in order before fashion week.