Hats Off To The Turban

Does the winter chill mean that your head is feeling a little colder than usual? Then look no further than this seasons uber retro answer to keeping warm.

For those brave enough, the turban bags tonnes of style points, and on the scale of warmth, is the next best thing to a full blown fur cossack hat. They've already hit numerous runways, and inevitably Kate Moss has been pictured in a rather glossy number, yet they've still got the fresh, cool kudos.

If 'turban' is still sounding a bit too 'fortune teller', then a knitted version may hit the nail on the head. This orangey-red one from ASOS gives off that cool vibe, while still looking cosy and oh so wintry.

If, however, you are after the retro 'washer woman turned super model at the beach' look, then a head scarf may well be the answer. Tied further back from the face with a clear front knot, and appropriate 'up-do' for the hair, all that is needed are a pair of round frame glasses, a vintage bag, et voila, no time machine is needed. This look from Peter Som certainly pulls the look off, and to fantastic effect. And finally, if old hollywood glamour is what you're after, then look no further than influence from the 1920s. Black is the colour to wear, and fear not extra glitz, sequins, and even feathers. For when you want to impress, vintage is the answer, but finding one is the problem. For those of us who don't have the time, Carin Wester has a few glam ones in her latest collection, and Rokit Vintage has a more traditional, and accessoris-able version.

There are so many ways to jump on the turban-trend band wagon, even head bands for the less adventurous, but I know that mine will definately be worn with some horn rimmed glasses, lots of jewellery and gems, and a big (faux) fur, so that I can really be taken back to the talkies.

Photographs from http://www.asos.com, http://www.swingfashionista.com, http://www.carinwester.com/, http://www.rokit.co.uk/

Linking In

I was very happy last week when I snapped up a layered fringed chain necklace from Primark. But then I found out that Cornelia had taken metal chains to an entirely more adventurous level, and had decided to prove that I was being much too safe.

Suddenly, the clothes aren't important, but the chains worn with them do the work. With chainmail-esque designs reminiscent of Celtic embellishments, they are certainly worthy of some hype. They take fringing to a new level, and manage to even (gasp), make a plain dress or vest top look uber trendy. And the 'chain boleros'? Punky angel wings more like. How could you get more feminine-urban?

Photographs from http://www.corneliawebb.com/

Giving It The Sack

I must first make a rather embarassing admittance to having not blogged in a week or so and I must say, I am sorry. But let's move on from foot shuffling, looking-at-the-floor moments, to far better parts of life.

'Better parts of life' being defined as those wonerful accessories so natural to a woman that they could be considered an extension of our arm, and which shockingly have taken far too long to pop up in the natural selection process. For those among you still pondering on the riddle, the bag is the answer. The one thing I am in constant abundance of, and the thing for which I am afraid I may soon bear the title of 'crazy bag lady'. But only for bags would I bear that title.

And my, oh my what a delicious choice there is to pick from, as we all suddenly require that extra space for a) gloves, b) a nicer pair of gloves to quickly pull on when you're no longer in the 'don't care' zone, and c) that vitally important pillbox hat you were too afraid to wear at work.

With bags, there is no need to stick to 'rules'. There are always enough styles in fashion for the chic and savvy to find the bag for them, and size, in my humble opinion, has no importance. For example, I carry around with me the handbag of choice for the week, which I always tend to leave strangely half empty, yet fill up a shopper bag I unwillingly haul around alongside, so as to keep the 'cool' factor of the key bag of choice. There is no need to stick to solely one bag, so long as there is no issue of wearing them both in the same way, and having a disastrous clash or ending up looking like a dazed late night shopper on Oxford Street. Otherwise, remember how to wear your bag (that's whether to have it slung by your side, up in your elbow, over the shoulder etc.) and to keep the 'look' of your bag going. If you have an It bag, then walk like an It girl, if you have an 80s purse then mismatch your clothes for the vintage feel.

Never, must a bag 'just be a bag'. Where's the fun in that?

Possibly the most fun bag to wear is the traditional handbag, or 'purse' as it may be put. This version with a herringbone and gold style clasp shuts with a click, as if it needed to be more sophisticated. On top of the feeling it induces, of fantasticly prim formality, it fits right in with the 40s/50s looks seen on Prada and Louis Vuitton catwalks. And there isn't a better bag to wear with a glamourous fur coat, fur hat, and say, silk gloves for that extra just-dined-at-the-Ritz touch? (Bag, vintage)
If you feel that sticking to tradition isn't quite fun enough, then these bags by Ilaria Venturini Fendi for Yoox are perfect. Including enough colour to brighten up anyone's day, and a gold chain for the fashion edge, they would fit perfectly on the arm of a cable knit worn with an ankle length skirt. The best bit (well, maybe not quite the BEST bit), is that they are made of recycled Venetian blinds. And everyone knows that when somethings eco-friendly, it TOTALLY wipes any buying-guilt away. Perfect! (Bag, Yooxygen for Yoox)

If you want something a tad more vintage, and perhaps don't think that pastel florals go quite well enough with your tan loafers and parka, then this white and gold number is the one. As an over-the-shoulder bag only big enough for a purse and phone, it's perhaps not the most practical, but who cares about practicality? The straight angular shape adds that 80s touch for the edge, yet its simplicity means that it's perfect for capturing the androgenous trend. The camelion of bags. (Bag, vintage)

But possibly topping the list of bags, is the one that you can carry everywhere, that fits everything, and that somehow always looks good. That, is this bag. A beautiful shade, and leather, so the more it's used, the more worn it gets, and the better it looks. The handle is not too long, so you can artistically drape it by your side for fashion points, and then hook it over your shoulder when your arm is near to dropping off. And, for that extra 'pizaz', it just about goes with everything. Within reason. Capes, tick. Cable knit, tick. Short trousers, tick. Long woolen skirts, tick. Blazer, tick, tick, tick. What more can I say?

Unfortunately part 1 of the bag search must end, but no doubt more will come. Being a 'crazy bag lady' and all.

Photographs from http://www.dazeddigital.com/ and http://www.branded.net/

Best Foot Forward

I am in a situation of temporary crisis. With every outfit I painstakingly choose for the day ahead, I am without the fantastic heels to finish it off. Sure, there are the masculine loafers and leather boots that I used to be just happy with. But now? My legs are crying to be lifted, by loafers, by wedges, by anything! So it was time to find my pick of this seasons heels, and just hope to god that someday I would be able to afford any of them.

1. The Ultra Modern Wedge

I admit that I am not normally so attracted by something so sleek, but how could these be called anything but beautiful? Making animal print look luxe not brash, with a huge platform for added height and a standout stripe design, they are the perfect pair to do with the infamous fur coat (faux, please) and those off-black tights you have been dying to wear. Thank you, Charlotte Olympia.

2. The 70s Loafer
Yes, it's back. Is anyone really so suprised?

There couldn't be a better shoe to wear with ribbed socks and peg legs, and when the Chloe 70s look is so popular, the loafers just had to get their heel back. This mustard yellow pair from River Island are perfect for teaming with a camel blouse and high waisted trousers for that dinner party in NY circa 1976 chic (just think panneled wood walls and mirrors...)

3. The Military Heel

This season military is back (well, isn't it always?), and so what better to pair with your buttoned up coat and rolled down socks or cigarette trousers than a huge strapy, lacy heel. And what better than a right-on-trend shoe from a hip young designer. Eudon Choi, we salute you.

4. The Ankle Boot

When the open-toed stiletto sorely needed an update, the ankle boot was there. Warm enough for winter, and chic enough for day-to-night wear, it hits the practicality vs. fashion nail on the head. This Christian Louboutin pair are cut open at the front for an extra modern touch, yet sadly, at over £900 pounds a pop I think that they will remain safely on my wish list.

Photographs from www.vogue.co.uk, www.riverisland.com, youngbritishdesigners.com and www.barneys.com

Going Lulu

Anna Della Russo, editor of Japanese Vogue, once said 'Don't go too far back with vintage. Find your look in contemporary brands.' To me, a person more used to belting an 80s power blouse than buying boutique, I decided to take this advice to heart. And so where a better place to look than the S/S 11 Fashion East Catwalk, the 'official' home of the next big thing. But what has Lulu Kennedy turned out this year for the beady eyes of Fashion Week?

Heikki Salonen

A lesson in how to wear structured, tailored pieces, but somehow still do grunge. Geeky sandals, oversized T-shirts, then fantastically crafted jackets, this layering at it's most effective. The young designer told Topshop of his collection 'Less story telling, it was more about the mood, really defining what we want to say with our work. It's wearable, and loveable.'

Felicity Brown
When you hear the name 'Felicity', you imagine floaty fabric, silk, and summers days. Which was exactly what this collection was. The most extreme of the three designers, in my opinion, with a look that seems like couture sized down for the 'ordinary people'. This is escapism with clothes, but sans the long floaty dresses and 10 grand price tag. My favourite outfit of the collection was ironically, the least stylised, and the most wearable. I loved the frayed silk edging on the blue top and pink skirt, worn with nude shoes continuing the silk theme, and dark rounded sunglasses. This simplicity is how to show clothes off to their full extent.

Simone Rocha

She told Topshop, that her collection was 'inspired a trip to my grandad's graveyard in Hong Kong, and a traditional Irish morning. White and cream would bring it alive, and I could really play with the textures.' And I certainly think that this paid off. It is a great collection which I can definately see catching on. There are directional, shirts and jackets, with an office feel, but then worn with floaty sleeves and translucent layering, all in pale, pretty hues. I shall be copying the shirts and floaty skirts over body con, and I can imagine that half of East London will be too.

All That Jazz

At a time when jumpsuits and playsuits are once more back in fashion, isn't it time to get back to our roots and remember where they all came from?

Right now, I would have to scream out 'Yes!', then triumphantly lindy hop round the block a few times, just to show off the swishing lines of my beautiful new find. 'Beautiful new find' being a fantastic pair of hight waisted, wide legged trousers, in a 'silk like' (polyester...I know...) feeling material, which just move so elegantly that I can only wonder why all trousers are not like this. Yesterday I was deliriously happy with the paper bag, slim line, skinny fit trousers, jeans, and wonderfully short-legged formally cut suit pants that are back on our models. But today, I have had a revelation. What happened to 'proper trousers'? Don't get me wrong, I seem to never wear anything that isn't slim fit, and even now can't stand anything that isn't hight waisted, but where are all the wide legs, and tailored creases?

And so I was very happy to find Christian Dior's S/S11, full of this beautiful cut, shown of to their best with billowing blouses and very stylised sailor hats and red lippy.

These 50s/70s look inspired me to do my own search for the vintage look these were based on. After scouring the internet, and finding a fabulous vintage clothes shop based in London, Merchant Archive, these three were my pick.

1930s silk jumpsuit, Merchant Archive London

50s style 1970s sailor jumpsuit, Merchant Archive London 1970s silver jumpsuit, Merchant Archive London

Photographs from www.vogue.co.uk and http://www.merchantarchive.com/

In for the Old, Out for the New

As a vintage enthusiast, I was very happy on finding Vagabond NYC, an online vintage boutique specialising in avant garde and luxury from the 60s and 80s.

On my first browse of the site, I set my eyes upon this very cool jacket, an 80s Kansai Yamamoto Canary Sports Jacket. The trend for vintage sports jackets is back at the moment, and I think this number would look particularly good with a pair of bright cycling shorts, and some bright 80s courts, with a flash of gold for good luck.

And next I thank Gianni Versace for this stand out printed jacket. The beautiful curved collar adds to the great shape, and manages to make a youthful statement jacket look sophisticated.The glasses pictured are a great feature, yet don't detract from the look of the jacket. Lycra leggings would finish this off, with some wedges just to bring it up to date. But do take note, this jacket closesly resembles a tracksuit top. Loose the neckline and the pattern, and thats not couture, that's just chav.

Photographs from of www.vagabondnyc.blogspot.com

Cover Story

So winter is drawing near, and it is once more time for the annual coat search. As the weather gets rapidly colder, the sudden fear of 'practical shopping' dawns on me. I love whimsical shopping (too much), but it seems that whenever I actually need something, I will never find it. And so my apprehension to go on the hunt begins. After searching around my humble highstreet in a fruitless hunt for the famous camel cape, I have hit a fashion wall. Yet I will continue, and when I have found it, my only problem will be the shoulder bag/cape collision of impracticality. But then who said fashion is practical?

So now onto how to wear it. I can't say that my signiture look is minimalism, yet the cape calls out for clean lines and simplicity. And so to Phillip Lim I look. His A/W10 catwalk was a masterclass in how to wear a great coat, and in fact, a display of every kind of cape possible (even a shirt-cape combo).

This has to be my favourite coat of the collection. It's clean lines, short cut and striking black colour make this piece stand out. The minimalism is sustained with the unusual neckline and three straps, making it almost straight jacket-esque, adding that avant garde touch that makes designers different. The high waisted camel shorts and clean white shirt bring this look together. The mirroring of the buckles on the boots to the buckles on the coat shows you that you never need to accessorise again.

Being brutally honest, I don't wear black. I mean, the occasional belted coat with tights, but that's as far as I go. Criminally, I have always thought of it as being too dull for a full outfit. But now I realise just how wrong I am. This coat is at once simple and complicated, both short and long. The buckles add the interest instead of a fold-back neckline that it seems all coats have now. But clearly it's time to move away from the 1940s military coat. The wing detailing adds volume, and makes a simple coat become something oh-so-much more than that.

Ok, so technically the next two don't count in my coat search, because they aren't capes, but they were too good to ignore. This coat verges on 'cape' with its wide shape (no belt-duly noted), and contrasting edging, yet is far more practical. The buckles on the wrist tie in simple detailing (key to minimalism) yet this coat still has the ability to be worn with layers. The dress has a vintage feel, and I love the fringed shoes, which bring an outfit seeming almost relaxed, to a high maintenance status.

This look is my final choice of the collection. Tackling double denim, fur, flying jackets and boyfriend coats all in one, it has to be hailed as a fashion win. I love the denim jacket, and it works perfectly with the shorts by just showing a small gap of bare flesh inbetween. The sheer tights make this look edgy, and the oversized coat worn as a cape has a relaxed feel which brings this together.

Coat dilemma averted? Thank Lim for that.

Photographs from www.vogue.co.uk

Hot off the Press

If there was one word to describe the YSL SS Ready-To-Wear collection at Paris Fashion Week, it would be sleek. Yet underneath the clean lines, block colours and billowing blouses, the thing that stood out for me was the hair and make up.

Each model's make up was very much concentrated on the dark red lipstick, and the hair was in the style of the swing era, reminiscent of styles from the 20s, and 30s.

And a knee length straight skirt in a thick beige material, which a broad shouldered blouse?

Could this be a 40s revival in the making?

Photograph from www.vogue.co.uk

Fashion Just Suits Music

For me, fashion is at the forefront of music. A band don't just have a sound, they have an image, a 'look'. Of course, music does not depend on fashion, but I believe that some of the coolest, most fashionable icons around at the minute are in the music industry. While the fashion men do luxe, labels, and blemishless imagery, the indie boys do hip new things. For a female fashion icon, I look to Alexa Chung. For me, she hits fashion on the head. Yet for male fashion, I look beyong the pages of Vogue, to my iPod. But let's forget 50s baseball jackets, straight leg jeans and old Rock n Roll T-shirts for now. The real question is, who can pull off a suit?

First of all, there's Mark Ronson. Possibly one of the coolest, most fashionable men to walk our streets. Always hitting the right end of retro, and a man who knows exactly how to wear a suit. Think red's too bright? Think again. Thin black tie (always thin dontcha know?), sleek angular hankerchief, clean white, retro red. Exactly.

Next in come indie's hottest new band, The Drums. Ok, so we know that they can do surfer chick, and so easily look like Brooklyn's coolest crowd, but how do they tackle the suit? I think the highlight of this shot, is singer Jonathan Pierce's look. Choosing a piercing blue to contrast with the clean white of the shirt. I particularly love the trousers. The high waist and short leg are not only very of the moment, but my personal favourite trouser cut. Traditional white socks and brogues? Modern vintage right?

So now let's forget the colour and the clashing ties. Hurts get crisp, up to date formality bang on. Doing the 'no tie' look without coming off all Ralph Lauren, these guys can do old fashioned clothes and still look ultra modern. In an interview with The Times Style Magazine, singer Theo Hutchcraft said 'It's glamour in the old sense of make-believe and escape', and admitted to choosing Marks and Spencer over Topman. Well, amen to that boys.

It's all Good for Vintage

This year was a momentous year in the eyes of Morecambe's own Wayne Hemingway. Perhaps not only for him, but for the vintage fashion set, the retro enthusiasts and the lovers of the past. For on the 13th, 14th, and 15th of August, a very special festival tried it's first year at Goodwood.

Vintage at Goodwood was the place to be this year. Forget Glasto or Reading and Leeds, this was a very different kind of festival. And one I have already deemed to be my true home.

I must however admit, that before arriving I was expecting it to be all a bit pretenious, with models and bloggers alike strutting around in designer kit, and immediately posting their photos on their facebook, making sure to tag all the famous pals they ran into.

But the reality couldn't have been more different. Sure, there were fabulously dressed gals grouped in great bunches, swooning over the theming and shopping, but these weren't just the cream of the fash world crop, these were the ordinaries- whom I must say looked anything but ordinary.

It was an opportunity for anyone, young and old, to embrace dressing up all day long, and had certainly been set up for so, from the 'changing huts'- kitted out with chairs and mirrors- to the make up girls and STYLE Magazine makeover rooms.

But apart from the glamour of appearance, the venues were what a vintage enthusiast like myself would deem perfect. No doubt a vast amount of money and time had been pumped into making these places perfect. From an atmospheric 40s ballroom, chandeliers and all, to a lively 80s warehouse party, everything was covered.

Perhaps, yes, there were issues. There were problems with the deluxe accomodation, and a guide would have certainly helped me from missing out on so much, but let's remember, this is their first year, can't we cut them a bit of slack? And after all, there's free hair-dos, jive lessons, plenty of vintage shopping, tons of trendy people, showers, and a beautiful entrance in a forest decked with fairy lights. What more could you ask for?

Ice, Ice, Baby

There seem to be two key colours on the Autumn-Winter 2010-11 Ready to Wear catwalks. Black, and camel (and white in the solitary seeming case of Chanel). Of the catwalk collections I have viewed, I would say that Chloes' neutral tones and loose shirts seem to appeal to be the most. I was shocked by Chanel's eskimo-esque designs, and by how they struck me as remarkably un-wearable, yet was still attracted by the furs. Stella McCartney's looks were in my opinion quite unoriginal in their head-to-toe black.
And so, this Chloe outfit, although not my favourite, struck me as one of the most interesting. It has managed to make traditional style snow boots and an oversized colourful fur coat look cosmopolitan and fashionable. The trousers seem to look at once both like jogging trousers and part of a smart work suit.
This is one of the moments when catwalk makes the ridiculous wearable, something that I do not think Chanel managed to do. Yet when I think about it, I do not think that is something that Chanel should have to do. While some labels specialise in the crazy, some set the high street trend. Although when I think about it, I don't have much belief in snow boots reaching the shops. Yet again, what are UGG boots?
(Photograph from www.vogue.co.uk)

The Foot of The Matter

In my opinion, men get the better share of shoes. While women stereotypically fill their wardrobes with numerous pairs of wedges, stilettos and sandals, I still have great belief that once a great everyday shoe can be found, a person need only own one or two pairs.

While I hipocritically own many pairs of shoes, I recently understood the power of a how a really cool shoe can work for every time of day. It all started at the Clarks sale, which yes, I know, does not sound like the palce where a 'really cool shoe' could be bought. But yes, it happened.



These beautiful sailor style loafers took my eye, and have constantly been on my feet ever since. Capturing preppy, classic style, they seem to compliment any outfit with their leather lined, tan tones.
But still, I crave more of the footwear originally designed for men, now seen on the feet of Coco Sumner and Topshop workers. But after my searching long and hard I have discovered that is tremendously hard to find these rare shoes.


Brogues, loafers, and deck shoes are now all on my wish list. And to my luck, I found a section on the Topshop website entitled 'Brogues and Loafers', which also stocked deck shoes. So, I've found all the shoes I desire, but no doubt, next month they'll be a different shoe on my mind. So I'll just have to admit it. Girls love shoes.
(Photographs from www.clarks.co.uk and www.topshop.com)