It's the most, wonderful time of the year

I know, I know, we've just finished celebrating Halloween and Christmas has become the latest meme but I'm actually really excited to be celebrating Christmas this year! Aside from being able to use this holiday season to plan new content (both here and for science websites) as well as long-term employment, I've made so a lot of new friends this year. It's usually at this time of year that it's important to plan your events (including on whether to host or not!), organise Christmas card lists and the season's hottest accessories. I've been crushing on this metallic green dress from Asos and Christmas themed phone case from Skinny Dip, but what I'm most excited about is creating handmade cards for my friends, family and peers. I've also been toying with the idea of what my dream party invitation would look like, if you know, I weren't still living at home in a tiny house in the suburbs. I mean, a girl can dream, can't she? In lieu of a party invitation, I did create a mini Christmas-themed moodboard (expect more seasonal inspiration soon!) For party invites inspiration and cards without the snail mail, Paperless Posta have plenty of card designs for all occasions- including the silly season.

Ground control to Major Tom

Where does the time go?????? Like honestly, it feels like it should be April or something and not October- the spookiest month of them all. Unfortunately I have a big looming deadline hanging over me and my ability to get down and get witchy is seriously hampered. I hope to bring you lots of sparkly and new content next month, as well as December but for now all I can offer is a short moodboard.

1- unknown & 2- Emmanuel Beguinot shot by Susie Bubble.

Molly Goddard Spring 2016

When interviewed by Susie Bubble for Topshop's Youtube channel, Molly Goddard hinted at more of her tulle and embellished creations. The idea that something inexpensive such as tulle or calico being transformed through hours of work and various techniques shines through once more. Goddard's signature designs, loosely based on the designer's own baby clothes have carried her in good stead throughout several seasons at London Fashion Week. Last season saw an impromptu art lesson complete with live drawing class. The nature of the show in itself turned heads, but perhaps things are starting to slow down. We've watched each collection progress and mimic stages of adult life from infancy and now into college. As a sign of maturity, Goddard has gone one better, creating floral embroidery on apple green netted dresses and matching tights. As someone who still regularly tosses and turns at night lusting over Rodarte's spiderweb tights I have my heart set on owning some of Molly Goddard's hosiery. 

*Images via WWD

Shine bright like a diamond

Wearing: Turban Hats4Ladies (etsy), earrings and bracelet from Marina FINI, vintage blazer, Miss Shop dress and thrifted heels.

I wore this outfit a few weeks ago now when I went thrift shopping (and surprisingly found nothing I liked), but then went to a friend's house for dinner. Dinner was delicious and then we played a game of pictionary whilst trying to explain what it is we as student geologists do. Hanging out with friends is always nice AND I got to play with his pet cat Misery. Everyone agrees it's possibly the greatest name for a cat. Anyway crazy cat lady shenanigans aside, it's always nice to be able to dress up every now and then and this is probably the most heavily 80s inspired outfit I've worn since I first got into fashion at about age fourteen or fifteen. There's also a definite flair or sassieness, probably due to the influence of the ladies and gentlemen featured on Advanced Style.

Poison Ivy

Wearing: Vintage jacket, Romance Was Born skirt, thrifted top and heels.

Please excuse this throwback to an obnoxious 1980s game show host, minus the tall quiffed hair but I was in a mood where I wanted to wear lots of purple and green. This colour scheme also encapsulates many Poison Grass type Pokemon as well as the Batman villain and total badass Poison Ivy- ergo uninspired blog post title. Even though it's Winter the garden has remained lush and vibrant which has really inspired me to spend more time outside. By far the best part of this year has been spent learning more about nature, particularly plants and fungi, in order to better understand how ecosystems interact as a whole. Basically nature is great and so inspiring and I can't imagine a point where I'd be so jaded I'd be incapable of appreciating its beauty.
Also, it's about this time of year that someone either online or IRL tells me that I need to cover my dark circles or do something about the bags under my eyes. Huzzah! I've come up with the perfect solution (although I'm not the originator):

Today I thought I'd share my beauty tip for
1. Buy glitter.
2. Cover dark circles.
3. Free yourself from the patriarchy.

Mormo Fall 2015

We've waited well over six months for the release of Mormo's exciting monster-themed bag collection, with a few last minute technical glitches acting as the final barrier. I stumbled across this brand when flicking through Instagram and was instantly transfixed by the concept as well as realistic features of each bag. The account in itself is as good as any micro-blog and undoubtedly it's one of the driving reasons behind the brands success and hype. Mormo also strive to deliver a niche, luxury piece with a quirky sense of humour. Since I have a penchant for stuff that looks like other stuff, so naturally I wanted to explore the site more. There I found a lookbook which incorporated elements of a kid's restaurant menu, as well as vintage pastel gogo boots. Although it seems the lookbook has been ready for months now, but the production of these limited released backpacks and leather totes was much more complex. Mormo have not compromised on craftsmanship, an inherent element of the design of each bag.

The three mascots somewhat reminiscent of Nickelodeon's "Aaahh!!! Real Monsters" (come on, who else remembers that show raise your hand) include Spike, Snotty and Drool. While you'd hardly call them charming and I expect someone more conservative like my mother to cringe, each certainly has a unique character and unique element incorporated as part of its design. They certainly make a lively addition to any wardrobe, and serve as a delightful alternative for someone like me who is by no means a bag snob and relatively new to that aspect of fashion blogging. I've somehow managed to avoid purchasing a sensible quality handbag and continue to delight in discovering unique, alternative design. Although I was first attracted to the sleek patent leather and shackle-like hands of the Drool backpack I think I'm beginning to like Spike more! While it's not the most imaginative name, he does come with three different collars PLUS his namesake was a Buffy the Vampire Slayer heartthrob. You can totally see the resemblance, right?

If there's one thing I can't stand it's a copycat- whether it be an academic cheat or someone without an ounce of originality still able to achieve commercial success. I admire those brands who are able to ensure their designs remain relatively untouchable by combining their love of fine materials and quality. This is intrinsic to Mormo's business model, but one wonders what will be next once their much anticipated Fall 2015 collection launches. I suspect much of it will depend on the reception of their first drop, and concentrate efforts to meet demand should it exceed any and all expectation. Possible future direction for the brand include the expansion upon some of their motifs from this collection and possibly make leather cuffs or a pair of snotty earrings. This is all just conjecture because I have no idea what Mormo will do next or what they're capable as a brand. They came out of nowhere and I have the fear that they could fall into obscurity just as easily. I'm just hoping that they prove me wrong and create something even more spectacular. 

Images via Mormo