Knee high boots.

I think we fashionistas can all agree that knee high boots have been the biggest trend of the season for 2015. I honestly wish that knee highs could be worn all year round (well they possibly could with our less than tropical summer weather) but they are just perfect for these Autumn months. Even though fashion tends to not be about practicality...here's a few practical reasons why knee high boots are great for AW/WI:

1. If you are wearing tights they still keep your legs nice and warm so you A) don't have to walk like a penguin and B) you can walk without your legs chattering together which I believe is not only difficult but highly unattractive for people like myself who have a slight case of the thunder thigh.
2. Runner up in the biggest Autumn/ Winter trend, knee high socks, can leave small areas between the knee and thigh freezing and also fairly revealing but with these fabulous boots, slightly more is covered up and my opinion is that it adds an element of class and sophistication.

Ok, ok enough with the 'motherly' reasons why knee highs are better than ankle boots. I know fashion in the Winter can make you a slightly larger version of an ice cube but still we cant help but love those cute and rather snuggly accessories. Now for my second list:

1. I need to add my favourite outfit that includes knee high boots. Ok so step one, knee high boots in any shade, black, grey, tan or any material, leather or suede paired with some knee high socks, either in a matching or contrasting colour and a sweet doll dress that falls halfway down the thigh, now that is eye-catching!
2. You know those guilty pleasures, you know the ones I'm on about, fluffy socks?! Even though I am not an admirer of the rolled over the adidas trainer look, I am a fan of wearing these gift from the Gods under knee high boots! (And no one will even know they are secretly £2.50 from Primark). Can we just picture this a minute, sitting in your office at your work desk, in fluffy socks that yeah, you could have worn to bed and not a single soul knowing, now that is a Winter recipe I do enjoy!
3. Another point about these beauties is the fact they can literally be worn to formal or informal occasions or even to somewhere bang in the middle! Even if you are wearing jeans and a tee, knee highs can make your comfies turn from a 5 to a solid 10! Ready for a good shopping spree and if you want to head out for cocktails after you wont even look undressed, killing two birds in one stone as they say...

Seeing as this is a fashion blog, I should mention that so many designers are using knee high boots in their runaway shows. I have seen multiple models in these gorgeous shoes and they have been used in every way possible, with a short mini dress or skirt to leather trousers or a pair of your favourite denims, these boots will compliment any item of clothing that you decide to put on! If I haven't convinced you enough already (even though that's not what I'm trying to do) then why not have a sneaky look at New Looks website as they are extremely prominent in the high street market for this style of shoes.
Happy searching!

Designers take transforming 'rubbish' to a whole new level.

In commemoration of flashback Friday I thought I would share with you an article I wrote for the 'Fix Up Sharp' Clic Sargent blog about a Bristol based designer who makes amazing accessories out or recycled rubbish! Here we go lovelies:

The true definition of ‘upcycling’ is to reuse discarded objects or material in such a way as to create a product of higher quality or value than the original… but I view it as so much more than that! The environment holds many natural benefits for everyone who chooses to accept them, but especially for people who have incredible ideas about how to use the wonders of the universe. If people do not already know becoming a designer is VERY expensive. After buying all the luxurious materials such as silk, felt or cotton it can end up costing hundreds, but why not just go to your local scrap yard instead? Many people do not realise what great objects you can find from the natural environment, it really is God’s gift! By paying a small price and giving a lot of love you too can make amazing accessories from pieces of unwanted scrap.

Katcha Bilek is a Bristol based designer who is known for her initiative and imagination. The main materials which she uses to create her incredible designs are ones which she has found in landfills. Rubber, car seatbelts, inner tubes, bike tyres and rubber mats are just a few of the parts which Bilek uses for her amazing creations. Many of the accessories which she has crafted have included waterproof wallets, handbags and manbags, collars and purses, all durable and all lasting much longer than anything brought on the high street. Katcha’s accessories show a combination of functionality and style, all of them have a clean design and are strong enough to carry heavy loads which is always necessary. The real thing which Kathcha has noticed about her environment is the beautiful materials that you can find within it. She takes care to make her products seem like they have not been made from something which she has saved from a landfill. She makes sure that all of her designs are sustainable, lasting for the future, which is a key detail for upcycled items. Every single one of her designs have been made to be unique, they have been magically handcrafted by Bilek’s skilled hands. For up-coming eco fashion designers there are a number of different materials which you could decide to use for your designs such as wood, netting or aluminium cans. However, Bilek chooses to use wheel barrow rubber and lorry and tractor inner tubes which have been discarded. This really makes her work stand out. Katcha is a prime example of how far eco fashion has really come, she now has a global brand of upcycled products which are locally sourced.

You too can begin to create accessories from anything, as long as it is original and helps the environment. Many eco designers put so much effort into their crafts because they choose what they want to make them from, they know where the material have been sourced and they search for the most creative products to use. Everything eco is the future and fashion remains in the hands of the scrapyards!

A quote from Katcha Bilek to finish off- “I became so aware of the abandoned materials that were around me and it struck me that, with some imagination, they could be reconstructed into something beautiful and useful.”

Autumn colours.

I absolutely am loving the autumn colours that are about this year and I am guessing that many people are with me (including a certain Jenner sister). Burnt orange, burgandy and khaki are very hot this season and I am super glad about this! Last night I happened to come across Miss Kylie Jenner in a burnt orange dress standing next to her extremely tall and beautiful sister Kendall. Burnt orange is literally one of my favourite colours at the moment and when I found that it was a hit this Autumn then I was on it! Last year I brought a gorgeous burnt orange pvc skirt from Primark for like £4 yes £4 (I had my eye on it till it went on sale) and I will 100% be wacking that bad boy out today! I think that burnt orange goes amazingly well with nuede or beige in the form of knee high boots or a soft cashmere turtle neck (or just a cotton one which I have but anyways!) Along with this burgandy, like most Autumns, is back...in....business. I feel like I mention Primark far too often but I promise that it is not the only place I shop, however I did pick up a lovely little dolly dress for £6 in this beautiful autumny colour yasss! God I love a bargain. Khaki was also a winner this autumn and j have already seen tons of online shops selling lovely bodycon midi dresses which are on point! I just love the colours at the moment even the leaves are following the trend! Just goes to show nature really is a beauty.

Bristol fashion week!

The time has come again...Fashion show season! Yes yes of course I attended Bristol fashion week for the Autumn/Winter catwalk and all I can say is that it was perfect. From scenes of Vogue to magical waterfalls, black veil brides and a trip to the desert, we embrace on a fashion journey to the comfy season of fall. What really stood out to me I hear you ask? Well all I can say is KM, Karen Millan! If we can just refer back to my gorgeous vintage cream Karen Millian dress for a moment here *sigh* ok moment over, but Karen Millan's clothing edition was wonderous. Of course monochrome is still in and Millan showed this off beautifully with triangular cuts of black and white in a skirt and top two-piece...lovely. Monochrome will never leave this earth and I am very happy about that because it is so elegant and classy, the perfect look for a catwalk. Nearing towards the more affordable fashion pieces, fur is still really in. Fur gilets have always pulled off any outfit, paired with a white top and black jeans or a shirt and black skirt, fur gilets make any look more formal and ready to hit the streets. Hobbs did a fantastic and utterly fabulous fur coat which would make cruella deuville fall to her knees. Another cheeky addition was suede and to be more specific camel color suede. This sandy cowboy look actually is very appealing and can be paired with anything. Typical its the suede skirt which has hit high street stores in the same shape as the uber popular denim skirt over the summer. I got the pleasure of seeing some outfits from John Lewis which followed this trend in a very successful manner. This colour seude will literally go with anything but I very much agree with the catwalk that knee high boots and a floaty white shirt top it off to a tee. As you know I absolutely adore going to fashion shows, in fact it is probably my favourite thing to do and I can safely say its been a while since I've not attended a Bristol fashion week show. One day ONE DAY I will reach you New York fashion week but until then enjoy Modo-Vitale my homies!

Permanent Pastels!

I bet you thought that pastels were a thing of the summer…I can tell you now that you are wrong. Even though autumn has now hit the UK, you do not have to put your baby blue dress into storage just yet! When we think of autumn we think of warm, humble colours such as red, orange, beige and noire but because pastels were such a huge hit in summer 2014 they have carried their way through to our windy autumn months. The autumn 2014 catwalk has seen the likes of Gucci, Christian Dior and Ralph Lauren all showing off their pastel palettes. Gucci showcased a range of mints and baby blues down the runway in the form of trench and fur coats. Fur coats are always an over emphasised product in autumn/winter ranging in neutral colours such as white, brown and beige but now they come in Gucci blue! (It really is a revelation.) High street shops such as Select and Primark have showcased a number of pastels in their autumn collections, such as, blue fur collars and pale pink felt box style coats. These shops have been inspired by Chanel and Ralph Lauren’s runway hits which featured a pastel blue biker jacket made from felt and Lauren’s pastel pink floating, tailored jacket (yes…it really does sound too good to be true!) Now pastels are an autumn/winter must have, they have merely been transformed to suit the ever-changing weather patterns. Pastels have been known to tame down and lighten up the harsh colours of winter, like Ralph Lauren showed with the pink tailored jacket being paired with a black turtle neck jumper and black suit trousers. They add a sense of softness to a rather harsh season. Not forgetting Dior’s marvellous pastel violet suit featured on the 2014 catwalk. This subtle violet creates a light-hearted effect, reminding us of that 0.P.I nail varnish colour we painted our toe-nails with in those hot summer months. Dior’s tailored female suit shows a perfect amount of cleavage whilst remaining classy and the fitted pencil skirt adds sophistication to this pretty pastel colouring. The top class designer has even added a pair of winter sunglasses as an accessory in that exquisite pastel purple to pull off this mixture of summer falling into autumn. Whilst pastel colours are remaining on shop selves but now in the form of coats and scarf colours, we can only wish that the weather to match will remain also!

Trudy the trench coat.

I have been on the search for the perfect trench coat for a while now and I have finally found it *ALL HAIL TRUDY* (yes I was that happy that I named it.) Whilst waiting for a dear friend of mine I choose to enter the magical store where all your bargain dreams come true...Primarni. Now I knew that there were trench coats in Primark as I stumbled across them many times but I was still undecided if they were the right ones for me. After originally trying on the one I believed I would buy, out of the corner of my eye I witnessed some twinkling gold buttons. I don't know if you will know this but beige and gold go absolutely perfectly together and of course Primark knew this was a certain fact and not one of those myths! For £25 I carried in my hands a lovely soft trench coat which fastens at the front, drapes at the back and feels like something you could cuddle. Trenchies are so classy that even the royal family wear them and if you we can familarise ourselves with their traits then we are onto a winner. For a long long time trench coats have been in fashion, for me and for women, anyone can pull one of these off. For a slight Persian feel this jacket is perfect and come rain or shine they top off any outfit. You can office up your trench coat with a pencil skirt and plain top or go for casual with some skinny jeans and a floral ensamble. There really is no wrong way to wear a trench coat (unless you wear two and then you are just being ridiculous). They are everywhere and I can guarantee that it will be one of the best and most worn purchases you will ever make. This is yet another item that is not going out of fashion anytime soon...in fact you could even pass it onto your great great grandchildren...if it lasts that long.

The feminine forties: The elegant recycled trend.

Transforming yourself back into the 1940's is all well and good...when you have the right outfit for it. As all of you know (and I don't think I should tell you again but here it goes) I LOVE VINTAGE and my long lined skirt was such a fantastic find. This French beauty I actually got for free... Yes free! Ma petite robe has served me well and in all honesty I never thought that A line skirts would suit me but I found myself a winner. Due to my little height restriction I told myself that these 40's beauties would not look good on me until this beige wonder reached my hands. There are so many patterns that go with long lined skirts such as stripes, florals or block colour, it is such an easy look to pull off and make look as vintage as possible! All of the popular Hollywood stars in this amazing era were wearing these fabulous items to show off their long, slim legs and small outlined waists. A tiny top adds a perfect simplistic look to this style skirt without loosing that old fashioned atmosphere. I love this masterpiece and even though it has been hugely popular this year and last I hope this look stays around and carries on being recycled because it is just so graceful and feminine. Any woman of any shape or size can wear this fashionable creation and I sure as hell hope they do!

The exotic bomber.

Nothing pumps up an outfit more than a colourful bomber jacket and mine was a fine bargain! Every single time I wear this style jacket I get compliments from the elderly women, to the teens, to the classy gents, they all love it! And I'll let you in on a little secret... It was £5 from Primark! This bomber has a silky texture with hints of Japanese patterns mixed with tattoo style colours and I must say that it is one of my favourite things to wear. Pairing exotic bomber jackets with other items can be quite difficult but I find that if you pick out some of the colours from the patterns and see if you can match them with a strappy top and skirt then it works perfectly! I often wear a lot of reds with my bomber as I feel that it fits in well with the Japanese theme. You can literally pick up one of these jackets from anywhere but the hard part is finding the pattern that you like the most as there are so many! The key is thinking about what you could pair with it such as if it had hints of blue then denim would look super stylish! Even though I found my brilliant bomber in Primarni, vintage bombers are also tres stylish and very retro! These literally work with anything because they look casual but then again unusual so it really will make your outfit stand out. I can guarantee that if you own a vintage bomber then you will never awkwardly meet anyone in the street and have to give them that gaze because they have stolen your look! And there you have it the classic bomber. Now I am fairly certain that my way of explaining why it is called the bomber jacket is because it came around as a fashion statement during the World Wars (well maybe not just a fashion statement, it could have just been to keep the men warm hey ho) and obviously there were quite a lot of bomb explosions happening during that time so that is where the glorious name came from! I believe it was the dashing males in the Royal air force that wore these style jackets at the time but even if it wasn't, War time fashion was truly revolutionary and most definitely one of my favourite era's of all time. 

P.s I do understand that I went from talking about Primark to the War but just roll with it, happy reading!

Addictive angels!

To celebrate the upcoming store situated in my home city of Bristol I thought I would share with you my lovely readers 7 reasons why I adore Victoria's secret...

1. Ladies I know for a fact that it's not just me who feels like a catwalk model when I have a pair of Pink panties wrapped round those luscious curves. There's something about wearing a pair of (almost) designer knickers that makes you feel like you could literally crawl into bed with David Beckham and be just as perfect as he is in those Calvin Klein boxers (Phwoar!)
2. Numero deux, YOGA PANTS... I may as well just not right anything more... maybe I should, yoga pants have got to be my favourite Victoria's secret item. My first beloved pair was from New York (where I could rudely told off for taking photos inside the Victoria's secret store but its just so instagram worthy!) and I can honestly say that I feel one million bucks every time I put those bad boys on.
3. You know those dogs you get when you purchase items over a certain price? I'm sorry but they had to be mentioned. Not only are Pink dogs an ultimate advertisement but they act as a cute décor item for you boudoir.
4. This number is going to be dedicated to the essential hoodie. My little zipped up wonder has Pink written across the chest in white writing with a delicate palm tree background layered onto THE SOFTEST black material and I swear it does not come off of my body for more than 2 days (whilst it's in the wash of course.)
5. The one, the only, sports braaa! The Victoria's secret ones are the best enough said.
6. You abso spooking loutley best have a Pink vest top or mama vitale will not be happy. The variety of colours that Victoria's secret offer in that glorious tank you would have to be mad (or severely colour blind) to not find one that you liked. From luminous to pastel to monochrome this Mrs Beckham sure knows what she is doing!
7. Last but far from least Victoria's secret sells a special formula that has been created by pure angels up in those fluffy white clouds, have you guessed it? Yes, the body spray. So many different flavours, but so little money, but wait they've got a new one!...still so little money, just get it!... ok heart you won this time (Pink lovers thought track if you hadn't noticed.)

So there you have 7 reasons why I am like an excited little girl in the sweet shop awaiting the arrival of one of my favourite stores.

Vintage shopping...

To celebrate the purchase that I happened to make in a French vintage store named 'Ma Petite Robe' (extremely fitting) I decided to make a post about the joys of vintage shopping. I find it so much more rewarding than high street shopping and this is why...
1. When you actually find something you like you have most likely burnt off about 200 calories rummaging through the moth bitten clothes that still have the smell of a 1940's Narnia wardrobe.
2. Knowing that these clothes may have belonged to a 1920's pin up girl or model and now have ended up on your body brings a sense of utter pleasure.
3. After trying on multiple dresses that just do not fit properly (mainly because of the gigantic shoulder pads) and then finding THE ONE I am sure will bring you the same amount of satisfaction as running a marathon.
I don't know about anyone else but finding something in a vintage store just makes me proud of the history that has been conveyed around us and fashion has evolved so much and shaped society in every century possible that having items fit for wear in the 21st century is pretty amazing. Now for the moment you have been waiting for... My proud moment was finding a Karen Millan creme dress which was just €10 (no you did not read that wrong) and if it belonged to a French film star then that's an even bigger bonus.

Alexander Mcqueen- London.

So yesterday I had the privelege of going to one of the most wonderous places to grace this earth... The V&A in our capital, London. This was a truly amazing experience and that was all made possible by Mr McQueen. Honestly, my breath seem to escape me as I entered into the 7 rooms that posessed the most incredible items I have ever had the liberty to witness. I will take you on a virtual journey in case you do not have time to visit this sensual exhibition in the heart of the city. You enter... A black room possess you and you are surrounded by quotes, McQueen's very voice and of course the designs...Oh the designs. Perched on platforms the maniquns stand draped in the most sexual but radising clothing that McQueen's holy initiative created. The tie up heels, the corset dresses, the mesh tops, the tartan craze, you know of all of these, you must and it was all because of this man. From moving to an open room to creeping through to a space full of glass cases consisting of goose feathered dresses and bird skulls, just some of the imaginative materials that McQueen decided to use to create the most amazing effect that you could possibly imagine. Then we entered royalty. Everyhing, EVERYTHING, just looked so regal, swarovski crystals embellisng every peep of metal attire, the reds, the golds, the purity of white all contrasted with the gleaming of diamonds made me feel overwhelmed that something so beautiful could have been created by one mans mind. McQueen's fascination with the Victorian era and the Scottish revolution was truly evident through his designs as a peice of inspirtation. His skill, his incredible tailoring skills could be seen through every single one of his dress, jackets and skirts, all had the most perfectly formed creases and folds, all had a purpose and that was to be revoultionary. McQueen's ideas were one of a kind, the way he takes normality to a whole new level, the way he saw beauty and the way he produced it, all different to the previous misconceptions of how an item of clothing should look. The main room was absolutely breathtaking. Cabinets full of precious headpeices by the famous Phillip Tracey along with McQueen's orignials that have been timelessly presented down the catwalk in shows never to be forgotten by their onlookers. It really was a mystery that I did not want to be revealed. A corset made from ponyskin, a dress of pure shells, a red beaded draped swing dress, a beige leather dress in the style of Marilyn with precise cut outs of tiny flowers, an Edwardian dress covered in blood stains inspired by Jack the Riper, the paint splashed belt dress, the famous white bridal dress worn by Kate Moss herself, the alien shoes from his last collection, all of these were just a handful of what I had the pleasure of viewing yesterday as I walked through with a gleam in my eye. I have to say that Alexander McQueen is probably my favourite designer because of his imagination, his ability to overlook the conformity of our society and the ways he had with flattering the female body to look soemthing of a magestic goddess.

Hippie trousers.

Lets just get something straight first, what I actually mean is Harlem pants, but since visiting Harlem last year on my New York adventure I do not believe that this name is fitting so I have resorted to… hippie trousers. Yes, I like that much better. These now more mainstream loose fitting sensations are one of the comfiest items of clothing that has ever graced my body and  I know TONS of people that agree. My return from Gold Coast Oceanfeast has made me even more inclined to wear these hippie delights everywhere I seem to wander. Yes they are an absolute must for the festival season but even for the urban lifestyle they bring an element of comfort with more than enough style. Previously worn by our friends the hippie's (or shall I say trendsetters) these trousers have become so much more common to see worn by such a variety of people (I must add here that my nan owns about 6 pairs.) Now choosing a pair of these patterned pants is uber difficult, I spent the most of two days looking for my ideal concoction of harmonised patterns and colours and I can safely let you know my dear readers that I found them! *let the round of applause commence.*

Tropical tassels.

Not only do they create a great fanning sensation but they make you look like a 20's lampshade which in this case is a very good thing. I was extremely happy when tassels came back to recreate themselves in the 21st century and the main reason for this was the fact that they were used so frequently in the 20's  to decorate the boudoir's of the stylish women that I aspire too. Tassels have been seen on all sorts of things, kimono's, bags and in my case tops. I have recently purchased a gorgeous blouse (I must add that I have been waiting for this item to go on sale since March) from H&M and it is full of tassels galore. They add a chic vintage sense that I must say I adore. The mix of fashion styles make tassels really stand out as a statement piece and as I casually spin around to show off the movement of the tassle I am reminded why they haven't yet gone out of fashion.

Scandalous sports wear!

Ok so I have a new obsession that I must confess... I love buying sportswear! Now I believe that this started when I visited the city of dreams New York and with the most excited face I have ever expressed entered into Victoria's Secret, overwhelmed with the amount of sexy sports clothes, I left with a pair of yoga pants and a matching hoodie which I have thoroughly enjoyed wearing ever since. However I have felt this joy of buying sports clothes get even stronger. It honestly makes me actually want to go to the gym when I have just brought a killer sportsbra and a colour cordinated vest (of course) and shall I tell you where I get most of these from? No other but Primarni! I can say with my hand on my heart that their sportswear is abs-olutely lovely! (See what I did there?) buying any sports bra for £4 has got to be a winner, hey? So if you are struggling to get motivation to move away from Made In Chelsea and get your butt into that gym then go and out and buy a genuine sports luxe outfit because I can guarantee it will make you want to show it off. Sportswear has started to become such a major craze, topshop and misguided especially have copied catwalk trends and brought into the sports luxe style. I can tell you now it is actually fun to go shopping for the outfit which will get you noticed whilst you are running that chocolate cake off on the treadmill, because you have to keep the look of a fashion icon up all the time, right?

The car life'

Cars and fashion? No!... Yes! Trust me the two mix. Where do you think the hair bandanna and the pointed tipped sunglasses came from? They were made for driving! The bandanna stopping your freshly curled hair from going as flat as a pancake and the sunglasses well I don't think I have to explain what they are for. But these iconic looks have all come from people's love of cars and fashion! These seems to be the main hobbies for many people that I have met throughout my teenage years. Especially the vintage fascinates. The vintage car is always the main feature of a shoot which has been styled in the looks of the 50's-60's. Think about it... How many pin up girls have you seen with a roaring grease lighting replica in the background during a photo shoot? The answer is a lot! The roof down, the engine racing, the red lipstick and the floating scarf is the ideal look in my eyes! As a matter of fact, in the up coming weeks I will be posting many photos on my fantastic fashion blog of a vintage shoot which I am in the preparation of organising so watch this space! Or shall I say race...🚗

Rosey posey🌹

Florals have been the master of all prints since the fashion world was created and maybe even before that! I have an obsession with roses, not just the flower but the metaphorical print and all else that falls under. It is inevitable that every peice of clothing that has a rose print on it I will like (yes even if it is the most horrific dress in the history of dresses, I will rate it more positively because of the rose essence, I swear). This fascination with roses spreads even further from fashionable clothing to tattoos. Show me a light and dark, black and white shaded tattoo and I will make it my mission to be friends with you. This obsession with rose print tattoos could largely come from what people have been influenced by from high street stores. Florals always sell no matter if it's a print for flares or a blouse, everyone loves this pattern because it is so diverse! Did you see florals spread from winter to summer? I sure did! This is the great thing about this print is that designers keep it the same they just create jumpers with roses on and then move it to dresses in the summer... How easy! This could be the main reason as to why florals have never gone out of fashion. Now I have only just started to wear more flower prints because I love the hippie vibe which you get from them and with the festival season coming up then it's a must have edition to the ever growing wardrobe!

VE day celebration- Victorious evolution of fashion.

Recently VE day was celebrated in London where a massive concert was held to commemorate the lives which were lost during the War. Here the audience saw a range of male and female fashions from the 40's such as the promiscuous pencil skirt and the navy air force suits. As I'm sure I have previously mentioned that the 20's to 40's are my favourite periods of time in the history of fashion. I believe that through these era's fashion became a truly revolutionary statement. Why might you ask? I shall explain my dear readers... It all started in the 20's when our fellow Englanders were full of almighty depression due to the attacks on Great Britain during the first World War. This was a time in which Britain was trying to rebuild themselves...and so was the fashion industry. During this time the French designer Chrisitan Dior created his 'New Look' which was a symbol of helping Paris regain its name in being the fashion house of all houses, the designer of all designs and the label of all labels. Among this the roaring twenties in America had a major impact on fashion, War time trends were a thing of the past and lavish clothing was the 'in' look for this period of time, (by lavish I mean sparkly bits and feathers.) Now back to Great Britain, the victorious empire, due to the fact that trade in Britain was so good we have always been able to get our creative hands on richer materials such as silk and furs. From the 20's to 40's fashion became something which really tended to separate the classes, even more so then they were already. Only the super rich could afford this sumptuous style of fur collars and satin dresses with stitched buttons and a gold fastener. However the 40's really was the time for women to step into the World of work and out of their comfort zone, right? This meant that fashion had to change as well. Since women's positions were becoming more diverse in society, fashion had to create a whole new turn around also, and so came the glorious pencil skirt (ALL HAIL!) Everyone who reads this post I hope knows how far the pencil skirt has come. From being predominantly a work based item, that was seen formally around the office, to becoming part of a club outfit or a dinner date piece, or even just casually worn out with friends the pencil skirt really has travelled with time and has never gone out of fashion. This new love for clothing and fashionable trends from the first World War to the second really came from the low morale of citizens. Fashion seemed to be one of the only things that created something for individuals to focus on, something for people to make themselves, an identity, a hobby, a new way of life, a reincarnation leaving behind the bleak and dull atmosphere of the Wars and focusing on just looking nice. Even though major styles of the 40's are now accessorised slightly differently, the addition of the ship shaped hat and the chunky belt has now slightly vanished (I hope) but this influential item being paired with a loose fitting shirt or blouse is defiantly something I wish to see on more and more people! And no one can tell me that the most smartly, most handsomely dressed awards don't go the brave soldiers of the Great Wars.

The slogan tee

I have noticed throughout the start of this year slogan t-shirts have been a massive hit! With high street stores bringing in everlasting stock (especially New Look) of this type of casual style, it must be a trend that is actually... Well let's just say easy to pull off! However, the slogan tee can be made to be as formal as you like, paired with leatherette leggings and some suede heels you can really go to town wearing a cotton tee, yes I know, groundbreaking! Now these slogans have various formations, from white background to black and a handwriting font to a bold and bright, you can actually find almost anything written on these tops (some terribly cringey). I'm quite liking how fashion is taking a turn to the cosy side of life, like the jogging bottoms with heels looks, I'm not sure I myself could pull that one off but other fashion bloggers have done a really good job at it! Just goes to show that fashion need not be something that is to hard for the individual to portray.

Bristol buzz-Fashion like no other.

Recently I have noticed due to my daily walks from Bristol Temples and back again, that individuals in Bristol really do have very good fashion sense! There is such a wide variety of groups within Bristol who each have their own individual take on fashion. Can you truthfully define fashion? Is it something that everyone posses deep inside? Is it an interest? Is it something the media is forcing people to have? All of these questions could apply to the reason as to why fashion is such a popular topic within society. I have been impressed day by day from the level of fashion all people I see on my commute. There is so much individuality which people expresses through their style, it makes it impossible to not stop and ask "where did you get that skirt from?!" With an increasing amount of people making their own clothes or merely transforming one peice into something completely different, fashion is becoming something much more personal than the trends shown on the catwalk. There has been a huge amount of vintage promotion in Bristol recently with fairs from Affordable vintages that happened last weekend at the Paintworks and The Vintage Kilo sale in March, I have increasingly noticed people in vintage shirts (read my other blog post for more information) in and around my typical area! This newly  recognised vintage craze has reached a much wider audience and now I see people who I would have never expected to wear vintage clothing... Wearing it! These fairs act as a perfect opportunity to gain a variety in your wardrobe whilst keeping in the height of fashion! It honestly makes my day when I see people that are dressed nicely and I am always inquisitive as to where they have brought their gorgeous items from, so do you want to make someone smile? Then make sure you have picked a killer outfit because you never know when you may meet Dolce and Gabanna on the street!

Tantalising twenties!

Anyone who knows me should have understood by now how much I am in love with 1920's America. Despite the fact the USA was hit severely by the Great Depression, the 20's really was the era in which some of the most iconic fashions swung into place! The jewelled headband, the sequinned dresses, the feathered skirts, all of these we still see in the modern fashion industry just with a few tweaks. I'm not sure about anyone else but as soon as I put on a 1920's style dress I just want to find the nearest Jazz band and dance with Sammy Davis till my hearts content. I believe that the most successful high street store to really pull off the extremely glamorous flapper dress is Miss Selfridge. During the past few years Miss Selfridge have taken a huge amount of inspiration from the roaring twenties and applied it to their clothing range. They have produced a wide variety of jewelled dresses in the flapper style, silver and gold headbands and more recently feathered skirts, dress and tops which typically have faux feathers lined around the hem. I loved seeing all of these styles in a very known height street store! The past is always re-entering itself back into modern day runways and this was one era of fashion that I was more than willing to welcome back! It is clear to see that a typical American 1920's woman took great pride in her new rebellious appearance, the red lipstick, the short hair, the beads dangling from neck to chest. All of which combined with the addition of fabulous Gatsby parties, prohibited alcohol and flapper girls, just seems like a recipe for ultimate happiness if you ask me! The colour, the accessories, the glitz, the glamour, are all reason as to why I believe the 20's was one of the best era's for fashion.

The Vintage shirt

Ever wanted to transfer yourself back into the early 1900's when what we now see as vintage was typical everyday clothing? Ever wanted to turn up to the shops looking like you have just stepped out of a 1920's cafe with your boo on one side and your gal on the other? How would it feel to know that this is all possible. In this day and age the only way we can buy vintage clothing is mostly from markets... which are amazing! It is like entering a magical land where all of your dreams have suddenly come true (I am being serious). All of the people are so passionate about returning the best of vintage to the modernists that now live on this earth. Whatever your taste, whatever your attitude, whatever your style, i can guarantee that there is a vintage shirt that would suit you! I absolutely love the patterns and designs of vintage shirts and choosing just one is the ultimate challenge. At the clothes show live in December there was a perfect little vintage stall that I had the pleasure of visiting. They had such a huge selection of vintage shirts that it took me an uber long time to choose just 3! I managed to bag myself 3 shirts for £25 which I thought was very affordable and I must say they look stunning! I have such a great time wearing these crafty little numbers out as I really feel like an individual, standing out from the rest of the crowd because not one vintage shirt is the same as another! Another amazing reason why you should wear a vintage shirt is the fact that all you have to wear with them is leggings, honestly this shirt looks absolutely great with plain black casual leggings! This means that it is so easy to look great because you don't have to put in the effort of trying to match the shirt with the bottoms (Which is a big struggle of life.) I now know why everyone in the early 1900's look great because it was quite frankly effortless! Needless to say I am now jealous of their wardrobes...

Bristol fashion week

So yesterday I took a trip to Bristol fashion week at the mall and I have to say that it was very good! Even Topshop decided to make an appearance alongside Next, Marks and Spencer, Superdry and John Lewis. The theme for this years spring/summer catwalk was holiday trips, featuring a gap year scene, a French and Italian scene and the prior to take off look. Now this years trends have not changed much since the last few years as monochrome and pastels are still a BIG hit! However there has been new additions of safari, including khaki shirts and tanned leather skirts and also flares (I am not a fan myself), for many years now we have been told by designers and stylists that the way forward, to show off our womanly figures, were skinny jeans and now we are reversing back in time to the flare look! Like seriously? Although, I must say, that the flares featured in yesterdays show were of very high quality and did not look THAT bad. I have got to say that my favourite looks were from Topshop which they based around sports luxe. This included skorts, see through macs (Which I love) and stylish crop tops. Now this section may have had something to do with the fact that Lucy Watson the glamorous gal from Made in Chelsea loves the sports luxe theme and it definitely showed through this section of the catwalk! However Lucy herself was sticking more to the safari theme, wearing a floral coral playsuit paired with tanned leather cork heels... tres chic! Floral has not disappeared either and it has come back with an explosive bang in monochrome and pastels. Floral's can flatter any shape or size and this was evident in the Bristol fashion week show as they always try and find models with different figures to walk down the runway which I find very refreshing! Even though this years female fashions are very pretty and ravishing the men's are hmmm... Let's just say that for men to be on point in the fashion world they now have to wear matching shirts and shorts, I mean what do you think about that? Co-Ords have always been a good look for the girls but I find it a bit overpowering for the men, yes the male models pulled it off very well, but having a host that wore all dark blue (yes, even his shoes) made your eyes go a bit funny after a while. Overall though the catwalk show was extremely successful and very bright adding the perfect steps towards a particularly awesome summer wardrobe!

Great Greeks

Greek key print has got to be one of my favourite prints! I just love the complexity of it even though it seems to be a simple design. Missguided (one of my fav online shops) has done an amazing job at creating this revolutionary Greek print and commercialising it to pretty much everything! They have created monochrome madness by designing black or white tops, crops tops, jumpers and skirts with the print in the opposite colour to the base... Genius! Picture the Greek empire in all it's glory, the Bronze Age, the golden age, the Greek key print age! These crafty people decided to come up with a design that would signify their superior race and so the key print was born. From temples to t-shirts this print is everlasting! Even more high street and online shops are embracing this genious design. The key print really does stand out from the rest, it is extremely edgy and urban which is why it fits in with monochrome and loose style clothing the best! It is my favourite print by far due to the fact that it is not plain or boring, it is unusual, it symbolises something and it really does stand out! So be different... Go for it! Embrace your inner Greek and shine among the fashion empire!

Flashback Fashion

Take a step back...a little further...just a bit more and stop! Now you have reached it, the 1960's, the glorious era of PVC. I love it, I really do and I am not afraid to admit it. My first PVC buy was last year in autumn from Topshop. It was lovely. A rose pink jacket that was a bargain at that! Since then I have loved anything that has had the PVC look from shoes, to skirts, to tops. With all the older fashions now coming back to the catwalk some seem much worst than others (lets just say flares for instance) but the 60's dominated style is a fashion that I will welcome back with open arms! I now own a gorgeous bright orange PVC skirt which was from Primarni for £3 (Yes wow!). So there really is no excuse as all of the high street stores are selling these sassy garments. When I put on my perfect PVC I automatically feel like I have gone back in time, I have stepped into a time machine and stopped in an era when FUN was everyone's middle name! Dancing was non stop and grooving was on everybody's minds! I can honestly tell you that if you decide to give PVC a go you too can enter this time zone of raunchy but exciting fashion! Even though this vinyl look was previously used just for raincoats it has now spread to more clothes then you can imagine, which I am very pleased about. I do believe that this material is not given enough credit, it really is marvellous! Not only is it waterproof, it is shiny, it is reflective and it looks so great! The best thing though is that it can easily be transformed from a party centric style to an everyday fashion! This is why flashbacks from the past fit in superbly with the modern day world.

Sailor stripes!

I have always been a lover of nautical themed fashion. From Fred perry, to Caroline James to the online fashion shop bohoo.com all following the nautical trend. Even though this sailor look links to the brighter days of summer, in fact this look can be carried on throughout those autumn months. Stripes are key to pulling off this sweet sea look. From pin stripes to thick stripes to the navy stripes you can truly find any that fit for you! I find that the nautical style  is topped off with some beautiful gold patterned buttons, in the vintage style they go beautifully! If you want to go even more upcycled chic then add a thin rope belt around the waist or stomach... Go on go to the beach, it's a good excuse to find one! The colours that fit in perfectly with this nautical style are red, white, black and navy! From the luscious dark blue to match the colour of the ocean to the pure white which can be found in the form of sand on Caribbean beaches. Absolutely lovely! Now my personal favourite of this whole look is the feature of the symbol of the anchor! I am such a huge fan of anchors and really feel they add something so magnificent to this kind of outfit... It really does get an ahoy from modo vitale!

Fur shawl

Fur, Fur, Fur!

There is no better way to chic  up your wardrobe than adding some soft and silky fur. Now I am not saying it has to be real... Oh no! Nobody wants to be wearing thumper or bambi but faux fur is just as good! I do not know about you but whenever I see an image of a red fox gliding through the forest at night with the midnight moon shining on its back reflecting off that gorgeous ginger fur I think wow I wish that I could pull off that style as well! What if I told you that I could and not just me but you too? My idea is as followed... take a trip to the nearest craft shop whether it be hobby craft or fabric land and buy some lovely faux fur that has been dyed perfectly in all different vibrant and toned colours.  Next find some fabric glue and rummage through that cupboard of yours until you get right to the back and discover the cardigan that has been untouched for months. Well from here on it is easy... well kind of easy...all you need to do is create a neat line around the neck of the cardigan with a pencil or washable ink pen, lay down the fabric glue, stick that beautiful fur on top of it and bingo! You have yourself a cardigan that will probably be worth 10x more than what you first brought it for and not only that, Dior and Channel will be begging you to make more! I love fur, I love everything about it. The feel, the look, the fact that it can make any piece of clothing look so much more expensive and of high quality even though you have just brought it off the high street! Fabulous fur will always be welcome in my wardrobe!

Turtleneck from Primarni

The life and love of the turtleneck

The life and love of the turtleneck

 

 

Turtleneck, roll neck, polo neck, whatever you decide to call it, the timeless essential of this folded collar has returned. Let me take you back to imagine a young woman or man in the 15th century rolling around in the depths of Asia, spotting a turtle and thinking "Wow that neck is something, the way it comes out of that shell, just wow, I am going to recreate that and then maybe Edward IV will notice me when my carriage takes me back to England." (That probably didn't happen but considering the turtle neck came into style in the 15h century I thought why not?) Using a turtle as inspiration for an item of clothing seems to be unheard of but do remember that animals are a key feature in the designing world. I mean you cannot tell me that no one has ever seen Michael Kors or Ralph Lauren walking around New York zoo? Well if they haven't maybe they should give it a go! If you have not wore a turtle neck this Winter then you are truly missing out. It is like a scarf and a top in one! Can you ask for more? With the likes of high street stores such as Primark selling these marvellous creations it is not difficult to find one. This roll neck top really is one of the comfiest fashion statements out there, especially if you find a polo neck knitted jumper, now that is a treat! I doubt that this item will ever truly leave the fashion world behind. It seems to keep making an endless comeback, in the 60's the turtleneck was a huge craze. In fact 60's fashion has been very much cooperated into the 21st century, I mean how could you not?! It is merely impossible to forget that your collar MUST be folded, or else you do not seem to be following the ULTIMATE trend that Marks and Sparks has not stopped producing since the 1800's (Now that is something!)So now I must tell you that if you have not owned one of these everlasting top's then go buy yourself one now, if it is only from Primarni, please do, because let me tell you when we reach 2150 they will still be the height of the craze, yes even then. The timeless turtleneck, need I say more?

Kate Spade- The handbag of dreams

Once upon a time a woman was walking down the street when a handbag fell into her hands, she asked herself was this handbag sent from God or was it a mere coincidence that this spectacular piece of bright fuchsia leather came across her path. Well a little birdie told her that this handbag was not made by Jesus' own carpenter hands, oh no, but it was a Kate Spade original from none other city than the city of dreams. Let me tell you this bag contained dreams alright, dreams of one day having enough dosh to have the wardrobe that Kate Moss would kill for. Dreams of being a style icon. Dreams of going to the BIG CITY. I hear you ask what did the woman do with the bag? Well I can assure you that she did not let it go that easily (I mean who would?). Once she held this bag the way she viewed her life ambitions changed. Her plain black handbag from New Look's high street store was just not the same anymore, her baby blue bag from Select could not compete on any level and her leopard print Pauls Boutique... well theres no need to explain that one any further. The woman suddenly had a strut in her walk, a spark in her eye and a bright coral tint to her lips. Can a handbag really do all this to one person's life? Yes, sure, well the right one can. This bright pink handbag, (KATE SPADE) handbag created a whole new identity for this one individual, she viewed herself differently, passers on the street viewed her differently, the handbag made this happen. Kate Spade, the handbag queen, makes these bundles of joy to do exactly this. She worships each bag made which then creates a falling domino affect to the rest of the human race. The colours, the design, the finish all wonderful, all beautiful, all magnificent. If you want a handbag to change your life then this is the one. Take control of your true identity, your future and your existence on this earth. I know you may think I am over emphasising this story, that I may be exaggerating Kate Spade's magic but truthfully these handbags are one of a kind, each glance you take of them makes you want more and more. So go for it take the Spade and dig up your new fashionable future.