Category Archives: Fashion

An Early Peak into A/W 2011 – Part One – It's all Colour…

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Ok, so it’s January 2011, the sun is still a counterpart to our day to day routines,  however, one thing that never stops, is FASHION!

Let’s take a little peak into this A/W trends – starting with colour. We all know Burberry has shown us the gateway to mulling rouges, purples and reds. This year is going to be a runway for diverse colours, and let’s face it, no matter what the season, fashion is a playground when it comes to experimenting with colour.

Lets break this down into themes – as this year will be prompting us with a heavy mix and match of moods in colour.

Olive and Gold – The Avante Garde of rich colour beauty. An array of strong, striking bronzes, symbolising the brash fire of a woman! These colours will play happy to patterns in tweed and heavy layed cottons and knits.

Let’s shift to a flurry of Blues and Greys – think Urban meets metropolitan. Minimalist silvers and heavier metallic colours, symbolising culture and diversity. Think striking navys – baby blues, of course conceptualised with the universal pallete noir.

The richness of darker colours – Plums, Auburns, especially on heavily layered georgettes and chiffons. Deep violets on silk yarns – edgy and all about the Winter.

Now let’s get a little girly – Vibrant Pinks on scarves, knits in a pallette of lighter colours, light coloured trench coats, and woollen enthused mittens and gloves – very girl-next-door! Also, rich pinks in the Autumn will be applied to sheer layers and as an extra to ruffled blouses and details on skirts. So delicately Autumn.

Greens – A colour we all connotate with nature, green will be a big colour this Autumn – Mustard and Apple greens. Think rich and natural – energising colours.  A labyrinth of scarves and jumpers – keeping the faith of the 60’s look.

Five of the Best Gloves AW10-11 {Fashion}

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You’ve got your faux fur, your cape, your hat with animal ears, it’s almost spring but not quite and there’s still a chill in the air. So chilly that writing emails on our berrys on the go becomes a chore too much. So what’s a girl to do for her frosty fingers? Well we’ve found 5 of the toastiest and we think you’ll like them too…

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Asos “Mango Balm Bow” Glove, £38

If chic and ladylike is something you’d like to call your sense of style then these might be the ones for you. Leather with a press stud fastening and bows on the wrists.

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Top Shop Rust Faux Fur Trim Cable Knit Gloves, £16

Old school nostalgia brought up to date with tactile faux fur trim. Thread them through your coat for that feeling of having never grown up.

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Asos Sheepskin Gloves, £19

Want your digits to be extra warm? These will probably do the trick. Sheepskin gloves from Asos with a thick pile cuff. Like hugging a sheep, but with less confusion and bleating.

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All Saints Ambrin Gloves, £25

These fine knit Cashmere/Wool gloves with ruching and tassle details are the sensible, stylish and yet somehow trendy option. Go smart, go casual, scrunch them up and pop them in your handbag without taking up too much room.

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Miss Selfridge Grey Long Button Gloves, £10

These woolen gloves from Miss Selfridge will keep your hands and your wrists warm. They also come in black you say?

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Spring & Summer 2011 Part Three – Fashion Accessories {Fashion}

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Who can forget those vital Accessories!  We all know that no matter what single piece of clothing we choose, we make an exaggerated statement by how we wear it – and what we wear it with.

Accessories play a huge part in 2011 trends. The two main accessory trends are Cat Eye Sunglasses – the 60’s favourite in the brightest of colours – and Tassels.

Yes, we’re talking Dame Vera and Elton John here – shapely and bold! This year, there is a mass of frames to set your eyes on. If you are anything like me, and base the finishing touches of your casual to sexy outfits on the ringlets round your eyes, check out a personal favourite – the selection by Giles Deacon – but for an equally stunning, but slightly more conserved look – the selection by Paul Smith.

Tassels – OK, they may have been slightly overplayed in the hand bag phenomena last year, but tassels on bags, and incorporated into jewellery will be a great thing. Tassels are feminine and elegant, an attachment to any well suited attire.

Let’s not forget shoes. This Spring/Summer sees the hotspot return of the Kitten Heel.

The dainty, chic look has made its mark previously, and this year is a fashion must-have in any fashion followers cupboard. The best thing about kitten heels is the versatility of wear.

They can be worn in the daytime with casual jeans or accompanied with a more dressed-up look in the evenings. From a minimalist look to a more retro, funky stance.

From neutral tones like greys and creams – again Stella McCartney perfects this – to more eye-catching pinks and striking reds – none other than the range from Prada.

To combine the kitten heel look with this summer’s festive season, look to Missoni’s collection. Their delicate detail and open-toe theme is both cute and so chic.

Spring & Summer 2011 Part Two – Fashion Trends {Fashion}

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Time to look at Trends. OK, this is a tricky one, as there are so many to choose from. I think a key trend this year will be Stripes, the bolder the better. I’ve personally been a massive fan of this trend. It goes with practically anything and has a friendly versatility to it. Dressed up or down, in Vintage, Urban and Street Wear. This year sees Stripes as the dominant trend setter, as it has always been popular. This year, (particularly blue and white) will play an integral part in the fashion scene. Jak and Jil have a great collection for stripe themed hats too – well worth taking a looking at.

Capri Pants – Yes, indeed a favourite of mine, I think these will be playing a dominant part of S/S 2011. Although we have all been a lover of skinny jeans, Capri Pants are a recognition of the trend, with that extra edge, especially in shiny, shimmering colours. The three-quarter length look will be particularly dominant this year. Balmain, again masters this look like no other.

Right, now for the season’s opposite – Flares and Bell Bottoms – Making wave with the 70’s look – yes, they are back! As mentioned, this year will spark off all things 70s and what obvious way to start your wardrobe collection, than to purchase a fashion classic. Together with wide leg trousers, this will be a dramatic comeback! Again, skinny jeans have been a intricate part of people’s clothing style, therefore, like all things in fashion, there is bound to be an ominous change. Derek Lam and Rocha are indeed the masters of this style!

Lace – Showcased in the specific tailoring of clothing as well as dresses and skirts. Lace is great. It’s chic, as well as girly and fun. Worn with practically anything – but be careful not to overdress it. Even lace in more radical colours are resolute to their simplicity, so it’s best not to try and overshadow a look this pure and feminine.

The return of the Jumpsuit – Though proving to be a fashion ‘must have’ last year, the jumpsuit has still been a ‘shall I? shall I not?’ trend. This year will see its casual to dressed up comeback – especially during the summer festival period. The basic designs and most versatile wearing, are by none other than sterling Stella McCartney – keeping the colours soft and simple – a definite for any lady’s wardrobe essentials.

The Jumpsuit will also be a fashion piece one can dazzle up and wear in the evenings too. Look out for Alber Elbaz’s designs for Lanvin. Beautiful, shoulder cut and sparkly. A refreshing alternative to any conventional evening attire.

Spring & Summer 2011 – Part One – Fashion Looks – Wear It Like You Know It! {Fashion}

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So here it is – the start of a fresh new year, with the fashion world upon us. For all you keen fashion lovers out there, prepare to be geared up for a wonderful selection of bright, uniformed, geometrics and an array of textures and bedazzling patterns. 2011 is indeed the year for dynamic fashion.

We see a variety of emerging and reinvented trends, year by year. This year makes a stand for some interesting themes.

Here’s a look into the Spring/Summer Key themes – Military meets Biker. Yes, the military style has been on the fashion scene for quite some time now, and even though this look is great; screaming versatility and can be worn on both a formal and casual basis, this year will highlight room for change.

Introducing the Biker/Motorcycle theme, I remember spying a biker jacket last year whilst strutting down the streets of Soho myself. This is a look that has been in the shadows of fashion since forever, and this year will be a crystal replacement to the military mode we are so used to. Quilted and zipped sleeves will also be a big look, with the added accessory of belts and shimmering bags to accompany. Alexander Wang and Balmain (a personal favourite) have a great range – for the more affordable take – be prepared to hoist River Island‘s asymmetric zip jacket – striking and edgy.

Punk Fashion – Again, this look has been in the mix of a la Rock meets Boy George, largely appealing through 2010. However and somewhat measured by the ‘crowd’ it is most suited to, probably because this look is one that is pretty hard to master, but continuously influential in the fashion world.

2011 will make an iconic stand in Punk Wear – more so in the way it will be experimented with, within other genres. Renowned brand Balmain are at the top of their league when it comes to this look – a real one to look out for – if you can configure the art of Punk to your wardrobe collection, you are doing pretty well! Think Chuck Taylor’s and Motorcycle boots! Treat yourself and take a trip down to Camden Lock and Soho, and be dazzled by the sheer range of punk enthused clothing – at a much more affordable price!

The 70’s Look – 70’s style is all about glamour, so it’s no wonder the striking geometrics and elegance of the bohemian look, are making such a comeback. Flowing dresses, silks and satins being prominent, creating a look of sophistication and feminine, earthy glamour. Faye Dunaway, Angelica Huston and Bianca Jagger are just a few examples of the range to this unique glamour.

The key to winning this style is confidence and boldness. Being experimental is a must. By day – sophisticated block patterns, deep colours. High waisted Wide Leg trousers, accompanied by cute, silk/satin blouses in lighter colours, rolled up sweaters and turtle necks – indeed a Farrah Fawcett look by day. For the evening – silks, satins and metallic patterns. Beautiful dresses with low neck cuts and sexy slits.

The 60’s Fashion Spot – 2011 makes a gateway for one of the most illustrated and sought after looks of all time. Be prepared for bright colours, fresh looking pastels, an array of florals and pinks. Check out Louis Vuitton and Jayson Brunsdon for inspiration. High waisted floral and checked skirts – pinstripe dresses in calming colours, high waisted belts in a multitude of reds, yellows and greens. Bold accessories which make for completion of this look will include heavy beads, 60’s cat-like glasses and sunglasses. Think Jacqueline Kennedy, Twiggy and Edie Sedgewick.

Does My Bum Look Big in This? {Fashion}

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It has always been a wonder to me, as to many women, what drives our ideas of fashion? Is it the flamboyant array of sensual, yet edgy, designs we see displayed on city catwalks? Our individual idols, who we worship as fashion martyrs? Or do we simply see something, ask our peers and then deliver the asking price? Maybe the likes of Gok Wan could educate me.

This brings back memories of the days when my girlfriends and I would casually take off on ‘therapeutic’ shopping sprees, leaving with the good intentions of attending to our wardrobe essentials and returning with more than our arms could carry. Ahh, classic tale isn’t it?

The days of  ‘does my bum look big(ger) in this?’ are days I can personally look back on and laugh, it is now more appropriately replaced with ‘I like this,  I could wear it with a tie.’

It’s true to say that the days of periodic, segregated fashion are long gone. Replaced now with a much more dynamic, hybrid idea of ‘what to wear.’  In the streets of London, you will see women comprising jeans teamed up with kaftans, eastern designed jewellery with boho flair. This was even more evident in the Middle East. The women looked effortlessly elegant combining low cuts with hijabs – beautiful and dignified.

‘It’s not what you wear, it’s how you wear it.’  We’ve all heard that and yes this is true, but i’m not referring to the lady who situates herself permanently on the right side of the Gucci counter, because her friends do. Sense my sarcasm here? Good.  It’s fine to experiment, but not essential to conform. For example, I wouldn’t wear leather trousers because other girls do,  but if  I myself find something interesting to wear, then I will do,  so all within reason.

What we wear is an illustration of what we feel good in, hence, want people to see.  Being experimental and flamboyant by nature can easily be represented in the clothes we wear,  It’s all down to choice. Anyone can be confident, regardless of shape and size. We are all judges of what looks good on us and what doesn’t.  Now I’m remembering the days of let down sweatys. Thank God the polaroids are gone.

One genre of fashion that is a definite yes in my book is Boho. It is fabulous, I cannot keep count of how many scarves, necklaces, skinny jeans and boots I keep in my closet.  It’s not just that it ‘looks’ good, but really represents the modern, streetwise young women of today.  Classy, sexy, diverse and relaxed.  It may initially have been labelled as a ‘celebrity look’, but then again, when it comes to fashion, what style isn’t?  Choicewise again, I’d team this up with vintage (I hope Gok is keeping notes). I so love vintage shopping,  it’s always the sneaky shops that play happy for me and the variety keeps me searching for hours.

So this again brings me back to my initial question. Who dictates our choice in fashion? Do our choices run deeper than what ‘we’ think looks good? Well, we can all make decisions on what we think looks good, but there are other factors that contribute to taste.

Take a young Muslim lady. She may have been bought up to believe that what looks exquisite does not involve wearing hotpants and a tiny t shirt. Instead,  she would feel teaming up traditional clothing (that covers both the legs and shoulders) is both feminine and beautiful.  Some may look to magazines such as Asian Woman, to derive their sense of what looks good.Therefore, it is not just individual thought that conducts the way we dress and what we see as fashionable, but exterior influence too.

I’ll stay with the belief that confidence in choice and awareness is everything. Whether it be a religious girl walking down the street or a cosmopolitan chick with an A to Z style list in her handbag – choice works in line with confidence and the words ‘I am individual’ are of upmost importance.

Best and Cutest Hats With Ears AW10-11 {Fashion}

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It may seem that the UK’s been turned into one massive cosplay convention. Hats with ears, and sometimes eyes and noses have been cutifying the heads of the nation’s children for a while…but now they’re boldly worn by adults both male and female alike. We’ve rounded up some of the best on the high street.

River Island Ladies Knitted Panda Beanie, £12.99

Similar to the one seen on the head of Katy Perry, River Island have stocked on cute panda beanies in various different colour.

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River Island Ladies’ Bonnet with Mouse Ears, £19.99

The River Island website simply describes it as “a brown fur hat with mouse ears”. What more could you possibly need to know.

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River Island Men’s Grey Furry Trapper Hat, £19.99

Go on guys, be brave and show everyone you have a sense of humour. Keep your head warm at the same time. You know it makes sense.

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River Island Leopard Print Hat, £16.99

Raaawwwwr, pretend to be a dangerous yet adorable predator in this fluffy leopard print fut hat with pom poms.

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For the chicest offerings of hats with ears take a look at TopShop where you can pick up their beanies with bear and cat ears for between £12-14

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Asos Furry Ears Beanie, £10

Asos keep it plain and simple with this furry eared knit beanie which comes in Grey and Black.

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Best of the rest:

DeLux have the animal hats market down to a tee, unfortunately it’s not widely available in the UK but there are pieces on the internet if you look hard enough…here’s the cute lemur and skunk (complete with mohawk!) both £14.99

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For more cute Nepal and Peruvian style hats head on down to Accessoryo where you can drown your kawaii side in sticky syrupy sweetness. The Penguin Hat will set you back £13.95 and the It’s a Dog’s Life Peruvian Hat is £12.50.

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Main Image used under creative commons from La FruU

Eliza Doolittle and www.bitchingandjunkfood.com collaborate.

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Eliza Doolittle and www.bitchingandjunkfood.com

If there is any type of person that would perfectly represent Bitching and Junkfood it has to be young indie British songstress, Eliza Doolittle.

Having sported Bitching and Junkfoods signature cut of denim shorts at a string of events and in her recent film clip, “Rollerblades” as well as featuring Bitching and Junkfood as one of her “favourite labels” in press, the Bitchy girls have now created a pair of customised fringed shorts for Eliza that appear in her new video, Skinny Genes.

The Bitchy girls and Eliza are now in discussions to develop the relationship with exciting new projects in negotiation, stay tuned.