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. 

Swamp Witch

Wearing: Romance Was Born dress (worn as skirt), thrifted bloused, thrifted cardigan, Dr Martens boots and DIY fringe cape.

As I come closer towards the end of my candidature, as well as writing applications for my PhD and completing my thesis I've become more drawn towards problem solving through words as well as experimentation. I know what tasks I have to do but can easily feel overwhelmed and paralysed at the thought of not being able to write well. Dreaming of new outfits has been my escape from academia and through creating a different set of problems has allowed me to work different parts of my brain. The DIY cape was originally a decoration I used for my twenty-first birthday last year but couldn't bear the thought of throwing it away. I was also really inspired by Patience Hodgson's outfit from Splendour in the Grass this year, designed by the lovely Rachel Burke from I make it, You wear it. I wore it with a 70s aesthetic blouse I picked up from a thrift store last year, inspired by the discussions surrounding Slimane as the creative director for Saint Laurent. This outfit has undertones of a rockstar, reimagined with interesting colours and textures. 

Tom Guy 2013

When trawling through the Westminster Graduate archives I discovered the work of Tom Guy. The accompanying zine Guy made for this collection is truly something special, but first I wanted to curate this collection. The three-dimensional flowers and combination of sheer rhinestone decorated bodysuits exist in the same realm as Prabal Gurung 2012 and that dress Beyonce wore to the Met Gala. But the moodboard by way of small handmade publication proves Guy was inspired by something entirely different and is not derivative. In fact this pearly, iridescent wonderland was inspired by Britannica and satirically features the Queen of England and Buckingham Palace embezzled in gemstones rather than another designer. This of course thrilled my inner child, a magpie for all things shiny and plastic. To state the obvious, I loved each and every piece from this collection. I was charmed by that bombastic, flower embellished helmet which opened the show and from then on was smitten. It seems that as a graduate it seems that each designer can more easily achieve cohesion and as a result a bigger impact in terms of aesthetics.

*Images via Westminster Fashion

Fusion

Wearing: Vintage dress and coat, J.W. Anderson X Topshop sweater and fake Dior sneakers.

First of all, apologies for the weird purplish tinge to these photos, I've come out looking like some sort of alien which is cool! But also probably alarming to some hardcore Sci-fi fans who may try and hunt me down. Secondly, I am wearing something fake other than the faux fur coats I have so buried myself in this past winter. I have never worn a fake anything on this blog before, but I've come to the slow realization that I am not in the same stratosphere as my beloved Susie Bubble. I have not been touted as 'the next big thing' by Teen Vogue or the New Yorker. I am incredibly humbled by the readership I have cultivated over the last five years but pleasing other and being a faithful consumer has gotten me nowhere. Still, I respect everyone who takes the time to read my blog so I will definitely let you guys know when I am wearing something fake and when I have my hands on the genuine article.

Does this black match?

BEHOLD THE EMBODIMENT OF QUINN MORGENDORFFER THE ORACLE OF ALL WISDOM!!!

Wearing: Thrifted jeans and fuzzy cardigan, Deadly Ponies bag, Dr Martens boots, gifted bangle, Katzi stud ring, Alex Monroe daisy ring.

For the last several weeks I have been sorting through coal as large as boulders and finer than grains of sand. Consequently my clothes are often covered in a fine dirt at the end of the day and I consider myself lucky on days when it doesn't smudge my face. Wearing all black was the easiest way to combat but this still remain an air of mystery and elegance. However, this does not reflect my personal style and on these days I do not feel my most confident. Experimenting with texture allowed me to feel creative, but it's wearing my rings and bracelets that gave me my greatest satisfaction. Although it's slightly too big for my rather child-like wrists I loved the weight and gravitas of this ornate bangle and stacking my rings upon one another. Rather tentatively they matched the hardware of my handbag which really ties this outfit together.