match made in heaven.

Alexa Chung plus tba S/S '11.

What else?

Photo: http://ilovetba.com/shop/index.php/blog/alexa_wears_tba/

Any one, any one at all know when this lovely piece will be at my disposal? A few items have creeped onto the urban outfitters website but no sign of this pretty little lot.

Apologies are due again for me being so slack with this man. I don't have an excuse this time. It has been pure laziness and making the most of my last year of uni. I have literally a matter of weeks left.

The good news; it's reading week next week so I am going to well an truly 'get back on it'.

x

do you think i'm skinny?

The ugly side of fashion seems to finally be having a much needed reality check as designers are urged to ‘handle with care'.

This comes in the light of the news released on Monday that president of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), Diane Von Furstenberg has issued new guidelines to ensure that models are treated well during Fashion Weeks. The recommendations mainly regard the models’ health and safety, stipulating that healthy meals and snacks should be provided backstage for models. The guidelines also set out to protect the vulnerability of young models, stating that no model under the age of sixteen is to be hired by any designer. No exceptions.

Summary of the guidelines:

• Educate the industry to identify the early warning signs in an individual at risk of developing an eating disorder through workshops and encourage those who do show signs to seek professional help in order to continue modelling.

• Supply healthy meals, snacks, and water backstage and at shoots and provide nutrition and fitness education.

• Support the well-being of younger individuals by not hiring models under the age of sixteen for runway shows; not allowing models under the age of eighteen to work past midnight; and providing regular breaks and rest.

• Promote a healthy backstage environment by raising the awareness of the impact of smoking related diseases, ensuring a smoke-free environment and address underage drinking by prohibiting alcohol. 

What does this all mean for the industry? Is it a step in the right direction? Or a case of a little too late?

I am of mixed opinion. It is all well and good issuing guidelines but the real test comes down to whether they are actively implemented and to what extent. I think it will take considerable time before every single catwalk show worldwide is governed by these rules. Obviously, its encouraging to see the industry taking active steps to protect models’ well-being but it is a bit late in the day considering how many tragic tales could have had happier endings if something of this sort had been actualized years ago. Isabelle Caro, a French model is the most recent case. The most extreme case at that; she headed an anti-anorexia campaign at Milan Fashion Week 2008, in the hope of getting a law passed by the French government that would prohibit models from working in the fashion industry if they did not weigh enough. She died in November last year, weighing a measely five stone. It amazes me, that so many who had come before Caro (Ana Carolina, sisters Eliana and Luisel Ramos) had not provided the wake-up call the industry desperately needs.

The way I see it; there is no need to go from one extreme to the next as the introduction of special ‘plus-size catwalk shows’ (NYFW S/S ‘11 last year) could have equally detrimental effects on young girls’ perception of beauty. There is a distinct difference between slim and being anorexic. Neither sending a size zero nor a size sixteen model down a catwalk to parade beautiful clothes connotates healthy ideologies.

I could go into an elaborate size-zero versus plus-size debate but it would only be a regurgitation of what so many articles have already discussed so I shall conclude; it is undoubtedly a step in the right direction.

It remains to be seen as to whether all this will work which will only be demonstrated by a decrease in the rate of eating disorder patients but I do salute Diane for flying this flag. It’s about time.

What do you think?

x

living for the weekend.

I finally can, hurrah. Handed my notice in at work, never to return. I've never been happier, I feel free as a bird. Had one of the best weekends I've had in a while but now I must get my head in the books.

In other news, I am nervously awaiting that all important call from ELLE. 'Hiya Helen, we want YOU'. I wish. According to their sources they are currently making a decision. Eeeek. I sound like a broken record (I am aware) but I do really appreciate it as I've never wanted anything more. I promise to sort out a giveaway soon as a proper thank you.

Leather Jacket: TOPSHOP, Jumper: New Look, Denim Shirt: Vintage, Shorts, TOPSHOP, Booties: Dorothy Perkins, Necklaces: TOPSHOP and Primark

My task this week is to get well on top of uni work so I can properly start writing again and so you can see less of this mundane ramble.

Any ideas or suggestions as to what you'd like to see here, leave in the comments. Cheers.

x

p.s. my blackberry was stolen on Saturday night which means I am so out the loop with regards to responding to email / tweets / comments / messages / friends requests etc etc. so apologies are due.

new things.

Back to the 9-5 grind of uni. Okkk so it's more like I have to deal with a maximum eight hours a week. It's a grind nontheless.

Home was nice. Newcastle shops are sooo good. It doesn't take much to beat York though, wheyy.

Here are four items I bought whilst on my brief encounter with Geordie turf again. Sorrrry for the same shirt again. It's just coincidence and not that I'm a scruff. Promise. I have wanted a pair of these wedged desert boots ever since I can remember, I have um'd and ar'd for over a year but at a snip of 20£ in the Dorothy Perkin's sale, I couldn't resist. It was meant to be, clearly.

That shirt: Camden, Jumper: New Look, Skinny Trousers: TOPSHOP, Necklace: Primarni, Boots:Dorothy Perkins

I'm thinking about London Fashion Weekend, is anyone going?

The muchly anticipated deadline is looming. Judgement day or what. I have everything crossed. One last thank you to those who have voted. I can't extend my gratitude enough. One final plea. Thank you thank you thank you.

x

pretty pictures.

Boring day, boring post.

I have spent the day shopping in Newcastle. I'll show what I treated myself to at a later date. I am bored of the high-street or it may be shopping in general. It still don't stop me.

I am running low on inspo these days. I have a few ideas in the pipe line but am being too lazy to sit down and properly write them out.

Instead, here are some photographs of an artsy / inspirational / vintage nature.

Images: weheartit.com

Again, a huge thank you to all of you who have voted for me to win a sixth month, paid internship at ELLE magazine. Dream come true? Too right. Keep on spreading the world to everyone in your life. It takes literally two seconds to cast your vote HERE. I have managed to maintain fifth position, let's see what we can do. Two little days left. I am becoming quite anxious.

Ooh and also any ideas for a giveaway? Lemme know in the comments.

x

one love.

This blog was never intended as a sell-out, high end fashion wannabe but with the Paris couture shows in full swing, I couldn't resist re-posting these images from the season's Chanel offerings.

All Images -Vogue.co.uk

Pastel, frilled and feathered dresses in soft tones of lilacs, pinks and blues, whispered innocence but waist-less silhouettes percolated the Grecian allure.
Glittering evening versions fell to the floor, adorned in sequins, crystals and delicate embroidery detailing.

Coveted Chanel pieces were evident in the form of the traditional bouclé wool suits that played out at the start over narrow trousers which were also intricately sequinned and crystalised.

Mr Lagerfield has hit the nail bang on the head with this collection, perfectly channeling S/S '11 through pretty, sheer dresses in monochromes and floor-skimming, pastel gowns.

Three words: pure, girlish, elegance.

Karl Lagerfield... marry me? Or design me a dress as a freebie at least.

 

p.s. thank you all so much for voting for me to win a sixth month paid internship at ELLE magazine. If you haven't already, it's not too late. If you like what you have seen on are you dressing up or dressing down? or just want to show your support then 'PICK ME' to win here.

dead to the world.

I had planned to do this on Friday but my camera was outta juice. It was my Little Kirst's twenty first on Thursday night so we standardly put on quite a show. I managed to man up the morning after and throw this together. I am so bored of my wardrobe. I am compiling a wish list as we speak. Someone gimme some dollar dollar cash?

 

Cardi: Mummy's, Jeans and Pearls: TOPSHOP, Shirt and Bag: Vinatge, Loafers: M&S, Lace Socks: New Look

I have finally had my hair cut, so I am no longer sporting the wannabe ballerina 'do. Although I will miss it.

Thank you again for voting for me in the ELLE intern competition. I am still fifth which in itself I think is a decent achievement. Not to big myself up or anything. One week today and I promise you will hear no word of it. I just really want it and need your support. CHYAZ.

VOTE HERE 

I take back what I said yesterday about the high-street and the flatform. Today on my lunch break, I accidentally ended up in TOPSHOP's shoe lounge (absolute devil, its literally the shop next to my work). Moral of the story; they've jumped on the badwagon. Here they are. I like them. I want them.

Maybe just maybe the flatform trend will actually oust the wedge / platform this year.

flatform.

It seems that these bad boys have (literally) been creeping their way into our lives for the past few months. I have to say I am a fan. I caught my first sight of the marmite-esque item back in June 2010 when I was dressing backstage at clothes show London. One of the stylist's many pair of  helping hands, sported the same black pair every other day that week. I was intrigued by them. Literally couldn't take my eyes off them. First impressions conjured up images of those shoes the hospital force you to wear for foot fatalities. Plus memories of my sixteen year old, I love My Chemical Romance, emo phase. Not a good mix. That was dimnished when she teamed them with a simple, sheer-y jumpsuit. They were platforms but flat. How does that even work.

TUK - original creepers

 

Derek Lam

 Cacharel for opening ceremony

 Doc Martens

However, I do I think the high-street will be reluctant to jump on this bandwagon. A guarenteed case of better late than never.

Fashion innovation at its best. Fashion can be so so disposable. I am as guilty as the next person; if I had three wishes one would sort me out a disposable wardrobe. It is so refreshing to be overwhelmed with pure originality. For a change.

yum yums.

I am increasingly becoming obsessed with doc martens. Do I, don't I? It's the question of whether they will look hot to trot or transform me into a lesbian.The short hair doesn't help my case.

Boots and shoes aside. The quintessentially British brand have only gone and extended their portfolio to the bag department; a marker of their 50th anniversary.

Highly covetable and incredibly collectable with only a measely 350 being released worldwide.

Boohoo. They should def take this mainstream.

The cherry red would be my pick.

Thank you all so much to those who have voted for me in the ELLE intern competition. I am fifth according to today's counts. One week today and I'll stop blagging your heads about it. But until then please please please please pleeeaaase keep spreading the word, to literally everyone. I am etenrally grateful, it is just the sort of break I need. 

VOTE HERE.

To show my appreciation for your overall support in my blog etc., I am in the process of organising a giveway so watch this space. It should be sorted mid-week. If I get my arse in gear. 

cape cod kwassa.

^^ what does that even mean? Who knows but my seventeen year old self was a massive fan of Vampire Weekend, what with them being dead indie.

Exams are done doe.

I need to actually start making an effort to post regularly again. Everything gets a bit crazy at the beginning of term but I am back on it so will try my best.

I know I'm about three months behind with the cape trend and to be honest I persisted I would never cave but I couldn't resist this at a snip of £20. I maintain that they do make you look like you're wearing a blanket / tent. But it's a warm one. And I think it looks pretty alreeet. And obviously, no outfit is complete without a peeping collar.

Cape Cardi, Jeans: TOPSHOP, Shirt: Camden Market, Loafers: M&S

For those of you who commented on how lush this shirt is (here), lucky for you TOPSHOP have provided. Copy me here.

And OH, have you seen their lookbook for 'GRADUATION'? I need to compile a wish list asap, I cannit keep up. Too many beautiful things.

On another note; thank you all so so much for voting for me. I am currently fourth. EEEK.
Keep spreading the word by 'PICKING ME' HERE. Tell all your bro's and hoe's.

I am praying to god I get it.