Bad Luck

Wearing: Asos blouse, vintage crochet top from Tunnel Vision, MarinaFINI earrings, Target shorts and Dr Martens boots.

In an interview with Leandra Medine of Man Repeller, Iris Apfel agreed we don't live in a glamorous world anymore. As much as I'd hate to admit if she's right- they're both right. Now and then Leandra wears something both glorious and outlandish, such as a gold blazer with matching shorts and Balenciaga boots but even the blogging world's brightest star rarely dresses with the same panache. I've been thinking a lot lately, about accessories and their relevance in day to day life. Both Iris Apfel and Leandra frequent garish bangles and bracelets, with little method to their madness. Medine has coined the term "arm party" for the collection of shiny bangles and bracelets she wears on her wrists. And Apfel appears to prefer wearing elaborate jewellery in lieu of going to the gym, or as a kind of armor. I'm citing both these fabulous women in this outfit, which seems fitting given that this bracelet is a gift from yet another fabulous woman- my mom. 

Katie Jones Spring 2016

Katie Jones is a true revolutionary, proving that recycled and reclaimed materials can be just as beautiful, if not more. By marrying ethical consumerism with vibrant colors and motifs her visually striking approach is distinct from any of her contemporaries. For Spring 2016 she's knitted up another storm of color and texture, proving that her material of choice isn't just for Fall. Vibrant crop tops, crocheted mini skirts and drawstring bucket bags are just some of the items she's lovingly crafted which seem perfect for a day at the seaside. The collection looks it's best and brightest in front of a festive cactus, hot pink backdrop and studio lighting channeling Marina and the Diamond's latest album, Froots. In fact, I wouldn't be at all surprised if some inspiration was taken from the British songstress. The whole collection is a mashup of British iconography, best described as a mashup of pop stars and British celebrities from two different eras, the present-day and swinging 1960s. In a single phrase: Twiggy meets Froots. 

In case the reference wasn't obvious, the intense artificial lighting and vibrant colors is reminiscent of Marina and the Diamond's latest album cover, and the bold eyeliner was championed by the mod model Twiggy. Their sum is greater than their equal parts and when combined, has created something just as iconic, playful and innovative. Leather patches, crochet, plastic and yarn are used as a highly unusual canvas, upon which, Jones has created a landscape of festive clothing. Every season she reinvents the humble denim jacket, emblazoned with her own range of iconography in the form of stars, hearts and flowers. If you were lucky enough to attend this year's Port Elliot Festival, you might have even attended her workshop and incorporated some of these leather offcuts in a Katie Jones inspired DIY. This season is no exception, although baggy jumpers and the most amazing pair of custom jeans were also in the mix. Basically, those jeans are everything I want and more from a pair of pants.

If you've read my reviews of her work before, you'll know I'm a big fan of her work and modus operandi. Sidebar: If you're particularly interested in ethical design, I recommend keeping up with Katie Jones on twitter or instagram, or by checking out the hashtag, #WASTENOT. While some designers struggle to make it a part of their business model, or only achieve some form of tokenism in their approach, Katie Jones ensures it's an integral part of her identity as a designer. The techniques she employs only promotes this knack for reclaimed and recycled materials, but it's so interesting that a young and relatively new designers has taken on this approach with such fantastical results. She's also really grown her brand laterally this season, putting greater emphasis on accessories, such as the pom pom earrings, hair ribbons and custom crochet sandals, a collaboration with Juju footwear. It's only a matter of time before she's able to make her work a commercial success, and I for one cannot wait.

Acne Studios Pre-Fall 2015

Conceptually, Acne are one of my favourite brands. They have an obvious cult following around the world and exude 'cool' from every pore. Yet whenever I scour eBay looking for cheap second hand pieces I always feel uninspired when the clothes are removed from their fantastical environment of runway shows and ultra chic look books. There isn't really a concrete reason as to why I feel uninspired when viewing the same object, other than curating and executing an idea is the key to any brand or blogger's success. It's for this reason that Fall collections are probably my favourite- since there are so many ways of layering and styling each piece. Acne have always done an excellent job creating crazy new shoes which seem strangely futuristic in comparison to their classic woolen coats. 

I'm obviously obsessed with the tongue in cheek 'Say No To Drugs' coat from this collection, but the tights and sneakers combinations is worth borrowing. Tbh I haven't bought a pair of chunky sneakers since I was in high school and styling them terribly but I'm kind of inspired now. Goodness knows I have to make the best of the next couple of months of mild weather before Summer starts and it's too hot to go outside. Another reason why I fawn over Fall collections but meet Resort/ Spring-Summer/ Cruise with some kind of dread and apprehension. For those with a 1960s mod fascination, Acne also made some slamming knee high boots with kooky concealed platform heel and silhouette. I wonder if these clothes are as dreamy in person as they appear under the intense studio lights.

*Images via Vogue.com

Victoria Rowe 2013

Fluorescent yellow has always been a colour which has both transfixed and terrified me. Periodically fashion bloggers will employ it in contrast to their own monochrome wardrobe and in the blink of an eye the shade will fall out of favour and vanish in an instant. Unlike those dime a dozen fashion bloggers, Victoria Rowe has managed to employ this tricky shade in the most clever of ways- paired with the sassiness of a Disney Villain. That's the impression I was struck with and couldn't shake- the smouldering eyeshadow, slick black boots and the sensational leather jacket all screamed evildoer. It seems fitting that while the world eagerly awaits more trailers for the latest DC blockbuster, Suicide Squad (not sure how to feel about the title tbh), I trawl the Westminster archives for a designer who inspires such beauty and darkness. Purposefully threadbare sweaters and skirts shrouded the body in multiple layers and removed the usual sweet and honestly tacky connotations of fluorescent yellow. Instead of resenting what that peculiar shade of yellow represents amongst commercial practice I have something else to consider now.

*Images via Westminster Fashion

Valley of the Dolls

Wearing: J.W. Anderson X Topshop sweater, Asos faux fur scarf, Karen Walker sunglasses, DIY skirt and J.W. Anderson pearl heels.

Today's look was in part inspired by the picket fence at my boyfriend's holiday home and the vivid photography of Alex Prager. It's also a continuation of this moodboard I made at the end of last year. Tbh I just really wanted to wear pastel tones, a killer pair of shades and most of all double J.W. Anderson.

HOW AMAZING ARE MY SHOES GUYS?? (I know I say that every time I buy a new pair but cmon)

The heels are made from real mother of pearl and they're the perfect combination of leather and brushed suede. Anyway, Alex Prager creates stunning visual films and photographs featuring vivid blue skies and women with porcelain skin. 

1, 6- Alex Prager. 2 & 3- Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds (1963). 4- Desiree by Alex Prager, 2008. 5- Bye Bye Birdie (1963). 7- Grease (1978). 8- Cindy Sherman's untitled film stills. 9- Despair by Alex Prager, 2010.