And I found this thick, long, white fluffy dream...
Perhaps this fur wrap is too fanciful and outrageous for everyday wear in the street but I feel like a Marilyn Monroe-type goddess when it's draped around me. These photos don't really do 'extravagent' any justice, especially with
the Persil and the dog bowl stand, but take my word for it. This is the kind of mink shawl that fanciful ladies would wear with a long cigarette holder or to an elegant society ball about 50, 60, or 70 years ago. So, not quite a twentieth century accessory. Ahh fluffy thing, I love you and I wish I was born 70 years ago.
Does it seem to you (and here I speak for London although this might also be true elsewhere), that fashion has diverged into two major scenes? I don't want to generalise but on one end of the spectrum we have the clean-cut city it-girl look. This means skinny jeans and trousers, leather jackets, designer T-shirts slightly tucked in, small-heeled pumps, black heeled boots, expensive looking arm candy and overall your clothes look expensive even if they're just H&M (something I particularly noticed with a friend of mine). To show you an example, @Songofstyle on Instagram:
On the other end of the spectrum is grungy glam. I'm talking denim on denim, outrageous dressing up, thick gold chains, studs, animal prints and awesomely inventive jewellery. An example of this is donned by one of my favourite artists (potential girl crush alert!), Delilah:
If you're particularly interested in either, then here's a link to Aimee Song's blog (SongofStyle) and a quick SB.TV video on Delilah's fashion thoughts.
Maybe there isn't a divide in the world of fashion and maybe this is just a conflict of my own desires. I can never choose which look I'm going for 'cos I love both. Ultimately it seems that my style has developed from a mixture of the two, though I'm not quite sure if or how that works...
But there is definitely a spectrum. You just have to look at Tumblr or Instagram to see these two trends being drooled and gushed over. After that you can turn to the high street and compare Urban Outfitters (quirky and dramatic, left) to Cos (chic minimalism, right). Urban Outfitters currently have a collection called Oxblood, need I say more?
Please note that these are not my personal choices, I found these already made collages through google images and the Urban Outfitters Blog. These are only here to exemplify my idea but I don't think that these clothes are that great. I wouldn't say no to those buckled black boots though...
What do you think of this idea then? Am I right or is it just me? Do you know of any instagrammers or bloggers who particularly and beautifully represent these two different trends?
To finish off this post, I want to mention the clothing line that inspired this topic. I found Black Milk Clothing on Instagram (told you, I'm iPhone obsessed) and I got a little bit excited. Black Milk Clothing is situated in Australia, sadly for me, but they will post stock overseas. They have some very wacky ideas which you would have to be very brave and daring to wear. They have leggings and body-con dresses in almost every print imaginable, but their suspenders and catsuits are especially unusual and brilliant:
From the Black Milk Clothing website. Maybe wear these if you're uberrr cool or on Halloween?
So Black Milk clearly epitomises the grungy/swag kinda girl that I've been talking about. That's me for now, but soon I will write a post on the other trend; the decadent, fresh, city it-girl look which is so so different from Black Milk but which I'm lusting over.
Carnaby Street has been an iconic part of London for over 50 years. It was an epicentre of the swinging sixties and continues today as a trendy hotspot, serving as a gentle break from the large department stores just round the corner in Oxford Street. Its cobbled road only adds to its charming character although these also make it difficult for me to reach Cirque Du Soir, my favourite club which is located nearby, when I'm tottering round in heels or wedges. Every so often there are shopping events on Carnaby Street with discounts, live music, goodie bags and other exciting affairs. My friend, Ellie, and I recently went to one of these and it was definitely a fun way to do your Christmas shopping. I say 'Christmas shopping' but the buying-presents-for-other-people-than-yourself part kinda failed... oops!
I enjoyed the Oompa Loompa who handed out sweets at the entrance of David & Goliath, the live music that got us dancing at Puma, among other stores, and of course, the 20% discount in every shop. There will be a similar night again this upcoming Thursday and if you're interested, go here to the Carnaby Street Website. I might be there :)
SHOOEEESSS. I would say these were a cheeky indulgence but £40 is a bargain that screams "BUY ME!". (£50 originally, £40 with the 20% discount). I bought these at Dahlia, a really great little boutique that's both reasonably priced and fashionably edgy. Ellie is quite a Croydon girl and I'm a typical London girl so our styles are very different, but we both found plenty of things that suited our styles and that we loved. Check it out for yourself, though I have to say that the stuff on the website doesn't do the brand justice. The super awesome jewellery, bags, shoes and skirts which I liked seem to be only in the shop. I do like, however, these from the website:
Black Shaggy Knit Cardigan £95, Bat-sleeves Diamante Blouse with skull buttons £55- which Ellie bought- (though I actually included this image because of the hat that the model is wearing. This hat, with little ears, surprisingly suited me and has gone straight onto my Christmas Wishlist (hint hint)), Khaki Button Back Studded Collar Blouse £50.
Hats with ears from Topshop. Also noted down on my wishlist teehee. Candy from David and Goliath mmm.
What I wore: leather skirt from Topshop, black bag from Bershka, blue long sleeved and paneled top from Whistles (the colour of the top in the first image, taken on my iPhone, is most like the top in reality compared to the other images), black boots from a car booty, earrings from Topshop, black fur jacket from Diesel. As I left the house I realised I was donning a high class, hooker look. Leather skirt, heeled boots, fur jacket, large earrings. Whoops :p
Ever since I received an iPhone as a birthday present in July, I've been driving my friends crazy with my instagram obsession. At every photograph opportunity I bring my iPhone out. If you've ever watched the amazing comedy 'Miranda', you will know what I mean when I refer to 'bear with' moments.
Well, tough titties my friends. I enjoy photography and I love my iPhone so instagram it shall be. If you have instagram please do follow me: @mamiedaisy :)
I've been chatting about instagram because I want to show you some of my favourite images and share even my even my basic, iPhone photography. Here you go, quite a bulky post-
Staircase at Somerset House, London
Reflection in a bulb
Westbourne Park Canal, London
Patriotism in the Olympics
Feeder Concert at BT London Live
Grasse, France with Max
I found these items lined up, exactly as seen, on Putney Bridge. Left to right: Computer hard drive (I think), phone battery, memory stick, telephone toy for children (I used to have the exact same one), pile of something. each item has been damaged, and I couldn't choose between whether it was art or vandalism. Loved it.
I have mentioned my scrap book a few times before but I have only written one post on it. It's basically a £5 black binder filled with articles and images of clothes or hot guys from newspapers and magazines. Oh, and a little too much Justin Bieber for my dignity.
When I'm traveling round London for example, I like to pick up the free 'Metro', 'Evening Standard' or 'ES Magazine' that are often floating round, which are major sources of random articles that take my interest.
Everytime I fill a few more pages, I will post them here. I often create outfits and inspirations using different items of clothing. Some of you might like what you see; a topless Jamie Laing? I don't see you complaining, cheeky! There are some things in my scrap book which you might not like nor care about; maybe it's only me that tore out the article on the Harrod's chocolate tap (seriously, chocolate tap!!!).
I'm already on my second book so I'm starting quite far in, but here goes:
Jessie J, my girl crush.
Jessie J interview continued. Some style ideas (not sure if I still agree with the top one oops!). The dashing Eddie Redmayne in the Burberry Campaign: of all the weeks to be off work... grr. (I freelance at Burberry).
Article on the Louis Vuitton AW12 collection- I always love the huge, grand, spectacle catwalks. The other article reads for itself. Please don't hate me!
When Justin Bieber was in London. Chanel's 'Métiers d'Art Collection' which I didn't particularly care for but included because it's Chanel. Harry Judd from Mcfly proposes (damn). Mcdonald's Monopoly Millions sticker, because the Mcdonald's Monopoly Millions is the highlight of my life; my friends and I get way too excited over it. The brilliant Sacha Baron Cohen and his ashes stunt at the Oscars. Some style ideas. Some favourite TV programmes of mine- 'Being Human' is a particularly amazing thriller while 'The Voice' showed me Vince Kidd; one of my favourite (and the coolest) artist around.
Small article on 'Sun, Sex and Suspicious parents'. For those of you who don't know, this programme features unlucky, young adults who excitedly set out for their first 'mental booze-filled' holiday only to find that their parents stalked them and caught them on camera having sex. Or so I exaggerate... but you get the gist. We all laugh, but I would not be happy if my parents did that. A few outfit inspirations. A Dolce & Gabbana campaign which I particularly warmed to.
Hellooo Chris Zylka. Yes, he pops out of the page doesn't he? Bit odd that he's shaving though. Basically a page full of style inspiration; Alexander Mcqueen SS12, pastel colours, full on prints, block heels and sexy glam as shown by Jessie J. Oh, and a mouth of glitter, because it's cool, duh.
Halloween may have passed but this is some seriously cool make up (and on the page coming up too). Honestly, you don't have to label yourself just do your makeup how you want and spend the night in the knowledge that you look like you belong in a Nick Knight photoshoot. An advertisement for Justin Bieber's tour (in the hope that I'll get tickets for christmas). More style stuff. Article on the Chanel Coutur collection to mark the label's 80th year; I think that the collection has its ups and downs. An 'up' would be the silver-blend red metallic piece (bottom right) while a 'down' would be the un-inspirational, been-there-seen-that-but-better two bouclé suit (middle right).
Final one for the day, and my inspiration for halloween: More totally sexy, too sick, creatively amazing halloween make up. Chanel logo, because it's a classic. Little post about Jack Whitehall, because he's a classic. Article on Diana Vreeland: past editor-in-chief of US Vogue and a very high-glamour, determined and dramatic woman, but sacked in 1971 because, as she put it, 'they wanted a different sort of magazine'.
Before I leave you, I mentioned Vince Kidd so I wanted to quickly expand on that. He's this new, edgy, sort of good-vibe, Camden-type artist who writes and sings like a G. His song, 'Sick Love' is actually played a lot at the moment on the radio and he's getting kinda big. He's got his own fanbase who call themselves KIDDS and I am definitely a Kidd. I've seen him live three times now and was even lucky enough to dance on stage with him. He's such a babe, I came over all shy for some reason but he just got me to scream into the microphone then pulled me up. So so so much love for you Vince. Here's two songs of his, a nice slow one, 'Good thing' and then his main tune, 'Sick Love'. I've posted both the original 'Sick Love' tune because the video is some dark, edgy, pengness, but I've also posted the remastered version with Lady Leshurr because that's the one he's trying to promote right now and that video's also pretty sweet.
If you want a close up on something from my scrapbook that you can't read but would like to, drop me a comment. Oh, and if you did actually want to read about the Chocolate Tap at Harrods or have a cheeky peek at Jamie Laing's abs, then I guess you'll have to keep reading my blog :p
Two music videos were released yesterday which are of particular interest to me. The first was 'Diamonds' by Rihanna, a standard mainstream tune but one that grows on you and which I now quite like. I'm sure you've heard it before.
The second was 'Give Me Love' by Ed Sheeran, one of my favourite songs and a particularly beautiful one to fall asleep to if counting sheep fails you. 'Give Me Love' is not a current song nor a new release, so the video was an unexpected but pleasant surprise.
Rihanna is one of my girl crushes and I absolutely love her; I love what she wears, I love her attitude and... I love what she wears. Maybe references to marijuana on her instagram or her overtly shameless sexuality don't quite make her the perfect role model for a younger audience but hello- this is the twenty first century- don't be so prude. Anyway, it doesn't matter because I LOVE WHAT SHE WEARS. Or did I already mention that?
What I particularly noticed in the music video was the fluffy, powder-blue jumper in a few shots, reminding me of the one from 'Only Girl in the World'. I love that jumper and it's currently my mission to find one like it.
I also admired the director's use of cinematography. Rather than playing with a clear-cut storyline, the video focuses on imagery, creating beautiful and symbolic visuals which are always lovely to watch and inspirational for any prospective artist. As MTV news put it, 'Unlike her Instagrams and album covers, when it came time to shoot the
video, she decided to rely less on exposed skin and shock, opting
instead to create something of genuine beauty.'
Yes, I've always enjoyed Rihanna's music videos.
With 'Give me Love' what I really admired was Ed's subtle modesty (which you can also read about in my previous post). You see, Ed does feature in his own video but only as a cameo. His decision to follow a specific storyline effectively highlights the difference between himself and Rihanna as artists; I don't want to generalise about nor discredit either artist, but if I had to I would say that while Rihanna focuses on the way her song sounds, creating commercial music, Ed is more of a heartfelt lyricist. He explores personal, emotional and meaningful experiences in his songs.
Ed referred to the video's 'gritty cupid vibes' and indeed when the girl pulls the feather out of her back...ewwww. It's a sweet tale about love however and the idea of a cupid who wishes to find love of her own is a tragic love story that follows after my own heart.
I also have to give a big thumbs up to Ed for the unconventional lesbian couple which adds a humorous twist to an otherwise haunting tale.
Often I've found myself conjuring images and production ideas when listening to music and often therefore record my ideas so that eventually I can create these videos in my spare time. I enjoy cinematography, photography, music and, I have to admit it, being a bossy-boots director. I especially hope to shoot 'Wicked Games' by The Weeknd. It's difficult to describe their music- spiritual and ambient R&B? ephemeral wave? Well, I hope to transform this into a sort of slow-mo music video, capturing beautiful and delicate imagery just like in 'Diamonds'. The beginning of the plan is pictured below, and to give you a better idea (because bad drawings on paper doesn't quite cover the flashing images and fragmenting quality that I want to achieve), I created a short and basic video using images from Google. I'm afraid that it does look a little amateurish and it is difficult to picture exactly what I have in mind but I am hoping that you will overlook this and get the overall picture. Think flashes of powerful images, light and dark, ephemeral movement, slow motions with the camera.
I bravely ventured this recent Tuesday night.
I went to a gig, on my own, for the first time. No, I'm not a lonely cat lady (or at least, not yet) but my friends are either enrolled at university far away or they don't like Ed Sheeran because they're weirdos. I, however, adore Ed Sheeran. When I can't sleep I often fall asleep to his music, and I have always maintained that my first dance at my future wedding will be to an Ed Sheeran song ('Kiss Me' or 'This'). So, on Tuesday, I turned up to the Hammersmith Apollo, bought a ticket outside which I had haggled down to £35, and experienced one of the best nights of my life.
Wow. Ed Sheeran knows how to write music, how to sing and how to work a crowd. If you ever have the opportunity to see him live, do it do it do it! I guarantee
you will leave the gig with a tonne of respect for Ed as an artist, even
if you are not a fan.
During one acoustic song, he asked the audience to be completely quiet and the effect was incredible. During another, he sang without the microphone so that it was truly acoustic and the result was stunning. Furthermore, apart from two collaborations with the warm up acts, he played on stage completely by himself; there was no drummer, no guitarist: just Ed, using his talent to strum and drum his guitar which he often looped to create backing music on the spot. He would effortlessly go from one beautifully gentle love ballad to a fast tempo gets-everybody-dancing hit. Two nights in a row, apparently, he broke his guitar because he was beating the rhythm so hard.
Without a doubt every single person in that room was singing or mouthing along and enjoying the performance.
The lowest point for me was when Ed told us all to 'turn to the person next to you, put our arm round them, and tell them you love them'. Thanks Ed, make me feel awkward haha! On the brighter side, I laughed it off (to myself, obviously) and he followed the lovey-dovey couples vibe (the room was packed with couples) with one of my favourite songs, 'This'. Hence I just swayed with the crowd and, again with myself, had an emotional moment.
There is no doubt that Ed Sheeran's was one of the best concerts I have ever been to and yep, definitely having my first dance to 'This'. His music is so beautiful, his lyrics are clever and wonderful and I love him so so much. Who knows, maybe he'll be the one at the altar with me! (Although, don't tell him 'cos that's a little bit obsessive and weird).
I thought I would tell you about Tuesday evening because it was such an incredible night for me and I wanted to share my passion. After all, that's why I'm here! But, to make this a little more fashion related here is what I wore:
I recently bought the top from River Island, in a large size. The Scarf is fluff heaven and from River Island too. Coat from Paul Smith (mens, cheeky). Boots from a car boot sale.
Worn with a pair of Jeans. Little bit indie, but I thought it was appropriate for a concert :)
That's it from me today, but here's a little Sheeran to keep you going. (listen to 'Kiss Me' with good headphones or imagine it with a lovely bass)
About two years ago, a friend gave me a gift for Christmas. She was aware that I loved fashion and so she gave me a calendar on which every day featured an image from the fashion world. I kept my favourite pages and the images from the most famous designers. Now, I think that they would feel at home here, on my blog. Also they are quite interesting so I thought you would enjoy them too.
Versace Campaigns: from top to bottom: Gianni Versace 1985, Versace 1994, Versus 1996. It's quite interesting to compare the many diffusion lines of Versace; Versus was a gift from Gianni to his sister, Donatella, in 1989. (Gianni Versace was founded in 1978). I love to see once again the bright, baroque-like prints that Versace does so well. In fact, I posted something similar a while ago, just click here
Ah, and here we have Calvin Klein, founded in 1968: top left 1983, top right 1993, bottom left 1994, bottom right 1995. I particularly love the image with Kate Moss; it's simple, striking, forward and it is captured so well that I almost feel like I'm intruding on this great bond between her and the male model. I find it entertaining that even in 1983 the underwear company acknowledged the power and appeal of a tanned, toned and beautiful man. Speaking of which...
Now this is no Calvin Klein campaign but I just had to include this: Adam Briefs 1976. Oh so daring and oh so brilliant. Where I work, I am surrounded by re-touchers and it's fascinating to observe their jobs and what they are required to do. These days, the fashion industry perfects everything to the very last detail. (and I mean very very last little silly detail) A model with slightly hairier arms than usual? Her arms are edited. And yet here we see that in 1976 the requirements for a body model were not so extreme as they are today. I really respect that. It doesn't make me want to buy the boxers any less and instead it's the creative idea behind the campaign that really grabs my attention.
Top left: The Gap 1989, Top right: The Gap 1989, Bottom left: Christian Dior1977, Bottom right: Christian Dior 1977. Ah, Christian Dior my darlings. I absolutely love these campaigns and I think that they should bring them back. Okay so grammatically 'Explosive is Your Dior' makes no sense but it's brilliant, memorable and exciting. Badass women never go out of style. The Gap adverts are pretty simple but cute. To be honest I don't have much to say about them but I thought that Gap was worth including.
And last, but most certainly not least: Bill Blass campaigns. Top: 1966, bottom: 1985. I had never heard of Bill Blass until I found these but I absolutely love these images. William 'Bill' Blass was an American designer best known for his wearable designs. Bill Blass Ltd began in 1959 and continues today, although Bill himself passed away in 2002. You can find Blass collections since 2000 here at Style.com. I would love to know the inspiration behind the first image; you will notice that the woman is tied up at the front of the man's car. However, her sturdy gaze into the camera seems to assure us that she is not worried or upset. The great city backdrop suggests a sense of power and magnitude which is further echoed by the looming car and I really admire this photo. The second photo speaks for itself. I adore creative and minimal photographs. I also enjoy how the red and black indicate to the woman's sexiness but also stand out against the white background.
That's it, but I have plenty more of these and I will show them to you soon. Bye bye for now :)
