Saturday, 12 May 2012
Goodnight and Goodbye
Its a sad and sorry day today. After much procrastinating i've decided call time on A Game of Silk and Mirrors. I haven't done it the justice it deserves and with so much happening in my life i haven't found time to post. It leaves me frustrated each time i come to write and thats not good. So, what I've decided to is start afresh; via Tumblr for eclectic imagery that takes my fancy and Blogspot for Fashion musings. I know its a subtle change but i feel its for the best. Big thanks to my followers the past year <3
Friday, 16 March 2012
Video Killed the Radio Star
I have a confession to make, I'm cheating on this blog. Yup, i got myself a Tumblr yesterday (feels like a dirty word just to say). Lots of my blogger friends use both sites so i thought i would give it a go too. Despite only having used it for 24 hours I'm actually really enjoying it, far more image based than this blog. I think I'm going to use it as i type of interactive mood board and place for pretty things that I don't feel the need to talk about on here... I have a million and one things stuck in my head right now and I'm going to be super self indulgent and post pictures of Disney Princesses like I'm 14 all over again! Anyhow, if you enjoy visuals of an eclectic Fashion meets Disney meets Photography meets Whatever check it out www.paper-lashes.tumblr.com
Im in the process of shaking up my blogspot layout, so bare with me while I'm changing!
Im in the process of shaking up my blogspot layout, so bare with me while I'm changing!
Thursday, 15 March 2012
'I thought it might sober me up to sit in a Library'
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| Carey Mulligan as Daisy in Baz Lurhman's adaptation of The Great Gatsby (2012) |
'Razzle Dazzle 'Em'
‘It makes me sad because I’ve never seen such- such beautiful shirts before.’
‘It makes me sad because I’ve never seen such- such beautiful shirts before.’
-Daisy Buchanan's love of all that glitters is written all over The Great Gatsby , but it seems now that the Fashion World has fallen head over kitten heels for miss Daisy and her opulent Deco wardrobe. Since Cary Mulligan was cast in Baz Lurhman's remake of the American Classic, there has been a buzz of Fashion energy surrounding its December 2012 release. With Period Dramas such as Downton Abbey and W.E spurring on the revival and influencing Design houses such as Donna Karen and Dior, 1920's glamour is sure to reach fever pitch come Christmas.
Art Deco has been subtly influencing our wardrobe choices for the past few seasons already; from evening glamour to Sports Luxe. The Pyjama and Palazzo pants we associate with the 70's, well Gatsby's girls got there first. The Drop waistline has also made a reappearance via Chanel and VIctoria Beckham. Kate Moss' wedding perhaps the most famous homage to The Great Gatsby so far; Mossy announced her love of the novel and desire to have Gatsby meets Rock'n Roll nuptials,"I wanted it to be kind of dreamy and 1920s, when everything is soft focus'. John Galliano designed her twenties style silk chiffon gown, with top to toe beading and sheer panelling. Bias cut and fitting like a glove, Swarovski crystal blue lined Manolo's and lace veil completing the romantic look.
So how does the modern Fashionista work the roaring twenties? With ease is how. The loose line silhouettes and languid patterns long for relaxed tailoring, flirty above the knee hemlines and statement jewels.
Gucci has been the torch bearer for the 1920s, creating a showcase of jewelled and golden dresses, drenched in heavy beaded fringes, perfect for after dark glamour. Worn by Fash Pack favourites including Florence Welch, Anna Dello Russo and Camilla Belle. Collections from Victoria Beckham and Stella McCartney gave more accessible daytime looks. Beckham created easy to wear but oh so chic shift dresses with tongue in cheek monochrome prints and scallop hemlines whilst McCartney reinterpreted the lounge suit for the modern girl- delicately printed silk playsuits and trousers with wide legs, and contrast panel dresses with mannish fit smoking jackets over the top. Louis Vuitton championed delicate dresses and pale pastel colours all in soft focus for the most romantic collection on the catwalk.
Thats not to say the high street hasn't been a dab hand at interpreting 20's East Side cool. Zara and Mango have fabulous relaxed separates, pyjama trousers and paisley prints (wear with headscarf for a true Daisy Buchanan look). ASOS and Topshop Boutique are all things girly with sugar colours and peplum dresses perfect for Springtime weather, mint green angora knits and crisp white tennis dresses have more than a Louis Vuitton twist about them.
Daisy Buchanan's Wardrobe was all about tongue in cheek statements of glamour and romanticism. Even the most simple of looks can be accessorised Deco style. Minimal T-shirts can be updated with chandelier style earrings an slicked back hair. pyjama pants can be made evening ready with pointy toe court shoes. Loose structured shift dresses in pastel colours nod to the famous Flapper Girls.
The modern 20's girl mixes playful pastels and print with strong smooths lines for a chic style that is both powerful and girly. Both super feminine but with a hint of androgyny (think loose lines, nothing figure fit), this style fuses glamour and leisure perfectly. The 20's girl is cool without even trying.
Art Deco has been subtly influencing our wardrobe choices for the past few seasons already; from evening glamour to Sports Luxe. The Pyjama and Palazzo pants we associate with the 70's, well Gatsby's girls got there first. The Drop waistline has also made a reappearance via Chanel and VIctoria Beckham. Kate Moss' wedding perhaps the most famous homage to The Great Gatsby so far; Mossy announced her love of the novel and desire to have Gatsby meets Rock'n Roll nuptials,"I wanted it to be kind of dreamy and 1920s, when everything is soft focus'. John Galliano designed her twenties style silk chiffon gown, with top to toe beading and sheer panelling. Bias cut and fitting like a glove, Swarovski crystal blue lined Manolo's and lace veil completing the romantic look.
So how does the modern Fashionista work the roaring twenties? With ease is how. The loose line silhouettes and languid patterns long for relaxed tailoring, flirty above the knee hemlines and statement jewels.
Gucci has been the torch bearer for the 1920s, creating a showcase of jewelled and golden dresses, drenched in heavy beaded fringes, perfect for after dark glamour. Worn by Fash Pack favourites including Florence Welch, Anna Dello Russo and Camilla Belle. Collections from Victoria Beckham and Stella McCartney gave more accessible daytime looks. Beckham created easy to wear but oh so chic shift dresses with tongue in cheek monochrome prints and scallop hemlines whilst McCartney reinterpreted the lounge suit for the modern girl- delicately printed silk playsuits and trousers with wide legs, and contrast panel dresses with mannish fit smoking jackets over the top. Louis Vuitton championed delicate dresses and pale pastel colours all in soft focus for the most romantic collection on the catwalk.
Thats not to say the high street hasn't been a dab hand at interpreting 20's East Side cool. Zara and Mango have fabulous relaxed separates, pyjama trousers and paisley prints (wear with headscarf for a true Daisy Buchanan look). ASOS and Topshop Boutique are all things girly with sugar colours and peplum dresses perfect for Springtime weather, mint green angora knits and crisp white tennis dresses have more than a Louis Vuitton twist about them.
Daisy Buchanan's Wardrobe was all about tongue in cheek statements of glamour and romanticism. Even the most simple of looks can be accessorised Deco style. Minimal T-shirts can be updated with chandelier style earrings an slicked back hair. pyjama pants can be made evening ready with pointy toe court shoes. Loose structured shift dresses in pastel colours nod to the famous Flapper Girls.
The modern 20's girl mixes playful pastels and print with strong smooths lines for a chic style that is both powerful and girly. Both super feminine but with a hint of androgyny (think loose lines, nothing figure fit), this style fuses glamour and leisure perfectly. The 20's girl is cool without even trying.
When the Magazine is published theres also going to be some stunning illustrations inspired by Erte to go with the article which i can't wait to see- as soon as i have more details i'll post them here. The Article was written for Miss HK Smyth, 3rd Year Fashion Promotion at UCA, see more more of talented Besties work at www.hannahsmythstyle.blogspot.com
Saturday, 10 March 2012
Small Town Girl
They say good things come to those who wait... so its with so much excitement i can say in September I'm (finally) leaving Harrogate, for London College of Fashion. I accepted my place this week!
Initially i didn't want to talk too much about my interviews on the blog just incase i wasn't successful anywhere. But it turns out i did well enough to be offered all three of my choices- which I still can't quite believe! Between coming home from London and finding out on the 7th i must have checked my hotmail obsessively every half an hour, it was all i could think about. And i still didn't have a clear idea of what my first choice would be between LCF and Westminster. I got the first email from UCAS at 7am to say something had changed- either i had a place or I didn't. You could honest to god see my heart beating out my chest i was so nervous! That was my unconditional offer from LCF, and i think in hindsight i knew then, it was my gut feeling of where i wanted to be. Over the moon doesn't cut it!!
Later the same day i also received an offer from Westminster too, but by this point i could quite take it all in, i was feeling more than a little shell shocked at my luck.
Ive spent the past few days mulling it over and weighing up the pro's and con's of both. I never really wanted Manchester Met as an option, it was my safety net and its always rainy there. I assumed Westminster would have been my first choice as i loved it at the open day so much, but there was such an energy coming from LCF drawing me into it. I really think I've made the right decision in accepting FdA Fashion Buying Merchandising, i think i could really be someone in a few years time.
So thats that, I'm upping sticks come September and moving to the big smoke, its set to be my biggest adventure so far. Ive realised i have so much in my life to look forward to; spending the next few months in our studio with the Boy, my 21st in July, London in the Autumn. This hasn't been a brilliant month for me but, life is what you make it, and I've got a lot of big ideas!
Initially i didn't want to talk too much about my interviews on the blog just incase i wasn't successful anywhere. But it turns out i did well enough to be offered all three of my choices- which I still can't quite believe! Between coming home from London and finding out on the 7th i must have checked my hotmail obsessively every half an hour, it was all i could think about. And i still didn't have a clear idea of what my first choice would be between LCF and Westminster. I got the first email from UCAS at 7am to say something had changed- either i had a place or I didn't. You could honest to god see my heart beating out my chest i was so nervous! That was my unconditional offer from LCF, and i think in hindsight i knew then, it was my gut feeling of where i wanted to be. Over the moon doesn't cut it!!
Later the same day i also received an offer from Westminster too, but by this point i could quite take it all in, i was feeling more than a little shell shocked at my luck.
Ive spent the past few days mulling it over and weighing up the pro's and con's of both. I never really wanted Manchester Met as an option, it was my safety net and its always rainy there. I assumed Westminster would have been my first choice as i loved it at the open day so much, but there was such an energy coming from LCF drawing me into it. I really think I've made the right decision in accepting FdA Fashion Buying Merchandising, i think i could really be someone in a few years time.
So thats that, I'm upping sticks come September and moving to the big smoke, its set to be my biggest adventure so far. Ive realised i have so much in my life to look forward to; spending the next few months in our studio with the Boy, my 21st in July, London in the Autumn. This hasn't been a brilliant month for me but, life is what you make it, and I've got a lot of big ideas!
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| Model outside of the LCF campus |
Sunday, 26 February 2012
Brief Encounters
A quick photo diary of my trip to London this week for my University Interviews. Ive been rushed off my feet these past weeks to have taken to Twitter and Instagram to blog on the go. These are some of my photos from the past few days.
Sadly i arrived the day after LFW ended (sob) so i didn't see anything or anyone in the Fashion World, but my interviews gave me the opportunity to meet some really great people with some fierce looks. It was also really lovely to spend some quality time with my mum who bless her came with me for moral support.
Top to bottom, left to right:
1, my Emilio de la Morena dress that i wore in to interview on the catwalk. 2, image of a Russian Convict in Tattoo history book- i love tattoos and black and white photography, this book was stunning! 3, self portrait of my very tired eyes on the train home after Westminster. 4, the gallery ceiling in the V&A resturant, the V&A is one of my favourite places in the world, i can't go to London and not spend at least a morning there.
5, Jack Daniels poster in Gloucester Road Tube Station, love the LFW theme! 6, from the V&A galleries a human skeleton standing next to an ape skeleton. 7, Mocktail in the Hard Rock Cafe, i took my mum here for dinner on the first night to celebrate passing the maths test and also for the amazing atmosphere. 8, window shot from Harrods of there current window display- taken on the way back from my Buying Merchandising interview i thought it was appropriate.
9, raspberry white chocolate latte and cheeky afternoon donut from Krispy Kreme, i am ADDICTED i got these whilst waiting for the 2nd part of my LCF interview in the Holborn shop to calm my nerves and the boy gave me a freebie one too yay! 10, little bit of afternoon shopping on the last day after Westminster got some lovely things but the service in Oxford Circus Zara was appalling. 11, map of the LCF campus in Camden taken on my phone. 12, attempting to put far too much in very tiny case on the way home! i had to buy the neon flats whilst there as my feet couldn't cope with heels 24/7.
13, 2nd part of the Harrods window installation- its so dreamy and atmospheric (rather like the cecil beaton shot next but one). 14, reading material on the train down to London. 15, Cecil Beaton from the exhibition at the V&A, i also saw the images of the Queen which were so stunning and made me see her in a totally new and beautiful way. 16, last but not least the epic picnic i had in my hotel room the 2nd night after being exhausted, if only i could eat like that everyday.
Overall i loved my few days away, its so nice to be in the capital again. Both interviews were challenging especially the maths test from LCF- it was brutal watching more than half the people get turned away then and there I'm so lucky it wasn't me. I know that I've done the best that i can so its just a case of watching and waiting now to find out. I managed to fit so much into the 3 days which is inspiring; seeing the Cecil Beaton exhibit at the V&A, all the major department stores new season collections (Harrods, Selfridges, Libertys, Harvey Nichols), being able to shop for while and get some great unique things without having to spend a fortune and having some quality time with my mama.
Sadly i arrived the day after LFW ended (sob) so i didn't see anything or anyone in the Fashion World, but my interviews gave me the opportunity to meet some really great people with some fierce looks. It was also really lovely to spend some quality time with my mum who bless her came with me for moral support.
1, my Emilio de la Morena dress that i wore in to interview on the catwalk. 2, image of a Russian Convict in Tattoo history book- i love tattoos and black and white photography, this book was stunning! 3, self portrait of my very tired eyes on the train home after Westminster. 4, the gallery ceiling in the V&A resturant, the V&A is one of my favourite places in the world, i can't go to London and not spend at least a morning there.
5, Jack Daniels poster in Gloucester Road Tube Station, love the LFW theme! 6, from the V&A galleries a human skeleton standing next to an ape skeleton. 7, Mocktail in the Hard Rock Cafe, i took my mum here for dinner on the first night to celebrate passing the maths test and also for the amazing atmosphere. 8, window shot from Harrods of there current window display- taken on the way back from my Buying Merchandising interview i thought it was appropriate.
9, raspberry white chocolate latte and cheeky afternoon donut from Krispy Kreme, i am ADDICTED i got these whilst waiting for the 2nd part of my LCF interview in the Holborn shop to calm my nerves and the boy gave me a freebie one too yay! 10, little bit of afternoon shopping on the last day after Westminster got some lovely things but the service in Oxford Circus Zara was appalling. 11, map of the LCF campus in Camden taken on my phone. 12, attempting to put far too much in very tiny case on the way home! i had to buy the neon flats whilst there as my feet couldn't cope with heels 24/7.
13, 2nd part of the Harrods window installation- its so dreamy and atmospheric (rather like the cecil beaton shot next but one). 14, reading material on the train down to London. 15, Cecil Beaton from the exhibition at the V&A, i also saw the images of the Queen which were so stunning and made me see her in a totally new and beautiful way. 16, last but not least the epic picnic i had in my hotel room the 2nd night after being exhausted, if only i could eat like that everyday.
Overall i loved my few days away, its so nice to be in the capital again. Both interviews were challenging especially the maths test from LCF- it was brutal watching more than half the people get turned away then and there I'm so lucky it wasn't me. I know that I've done the best that i can so its just a case of watching and waiting now to find out. I managed to fit so much into the 3 days which is inspiring; seeing the Cecil Beaton exhibit at the V&A, all the major department stores new season collections (Harrods, Selfridges, Libertys, Harvey Nichols), being able to shop for while and get some great unique things without having to spend a fortune and having some quality time with my mama.
Saturday, 25 February 2012
Black Mirror
Ive been asked for a Portfolio of work on a Brand of choice and analysis of the performance, target market, current collection etc etc- with only 2 weeks notice (trauma) I chose the launch of VICTORIA VICTORIA BECKHAM. I found it really challenging project just because I've been unable to take time off work (14 days straight with difficult boys- no thanks), but I'm really pleased with the outcome. I went super formal with presentation style- A3 mounted on card, professionally printed, I wanted LCF to know I mean business.
The amount of time I've spent exploring the Collection has meant I've ended up falling in love with it! Until the interview I'm living and breathing Brand Beckham. The sister line she's has created is so unexpected and different from the mainline minimal glamazon, but so chic and Beckham nonetheless, its full of tongue in cheek personality and quirk which j'adore. A huge departure from the corset dress she's famed for, but so much more accessible than the Mainline and cheaper too, about £400 for a shift dress. Meaning in the not too distant future i could have my very own if i save save save. Ive fallen head over heels for the cutesy film that filmmaker/animator Quentin Jones has made for her, to the extent it gets stuck in my head on repeat.... OBSESSED.
Monday, 20 February 2012
The Lady is a Tramp
Dress by Emilio de la Morena, from Rocca Boutique in Harrogate. This has to be my most indulgent purchase ever, it was a true cinderella moment when i tried it on- i absolutely fell in love!
The fit is unbelievable, its made of such a heavy weight silk that despite it being a little too large on my waist and hips it hangs and moves perfectly, the peplum looks really fresh and it doesn't really need accessorising as the print does all the talking already. Morena trained as an architect before doing an MA in design and it really shows in the construction, and his Spanish heritage makes for a subtle sexy take on contemporary womenswear.
Originally £861 from SS'11 despite buying with a hefty sale reduction this is still the most expensive thing I've owned but I see it as an investment. I'll style it with black tights, boots and leather sleeve blazer for my interviews and then for upcoming family occasions i'll add some earrings and wear bare legs and sandals. Job done.
Although i know it wasn't necessary to wear Designer to my interviews, in no way am i a 'Fashion Victim' there was just something about it i had to have. Of course, if i don't get a place i'll be kicking myself for the spend, but in the mean time, its been hanging in my wardrobe for just over a month and i can't wait to wear!
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| Emilio De La Morena SS11 |
just after writing this i tweeted my love of the dress and Emilio de la Morena tweeted me back whoo! EXCITED. posted in retrospect as I've been so busy with work and travel.
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