ABOUT ME    CONTACT    INSTAGRAM    TWITTER    POLYVORE    BLOGLOVIN    FACEBOOK

30.12.11

Friday Wish List

42

1. Jason Wu Leather-trimmed tweed bomber jacket - £1,665 from net-a-porter.com
2. Pleat Midi Shirt Dress - £50 from Topshop
3. Navy Spot Double Pocket Shorts - £34 from Topshop
4. Whistles Ceceile Stripe Top - £125 from asos.com
5. Leather Backpack in Tan - £40 from Topshop
6. Vionnet Embroidered suede sandals - £575 from net-a-porter.com
7. Native Skirt - £165 from allsaints.com
8. Oval Sunglasses - £12 from asos.com
9. Emilio Pucci Python Passport Cover - £215 from net-a-porter.com

I need to stop making wish lists because I can never get anything on them, but alas, I'm addicted. Saw some great pieces on net-a-porter this morning, including a Jason Wu tweed jacket (there were some beautiful Jason Wu dresses as well), some gorgeous Vionnet sandals, and a neon pink passport cover (and with my pending travels it's imperative to have a nice passport cover *cough*). Also Topshop keeps bringing in the good stuff, with this chic midi dress, polka dot shorts and backpack (all of which I shall be hunting down when I hit up Oxford Street next week). I then went on to asos.com and fell for a striped Whistles top (my mother is always telling me I need to wear more colour). Damn clothes...

Loes x

I Know It's Cold But...

DSCF3027
(Shirt, Shorts, Bangle from Topshop, Shoes New Look, Earrings Boutique in London?)

I really hate wearing tights, even in the depths of winter when it's really criminal to wear shorts without them. But these shorts happen to be leather (which means they're already warm) and brown (and I don't own any tights other than black), so I opted to make an outfit and then not actually wear it outside. I wore this back in the Summer and realised the shorts were too hot for Summer and too cold for Winter, so they're a pain the bum really, but I love them anyways.

DSCF3028

DSCF3010

I've had these earrings for so long, and I honestly can't remember where they're from, but I would hazard a guess at this really cool jewellery boutique I found in London a few years back. I love them because they're gold without being tacky, and the other gold ones I just bought (textured gold disc earrings from Topshop) weigh about 3 tonnes and really really really hurt my ears.

DSCF3020

DSCF3033

I'm going to a house party for New Years, and the dress code is 'smartish' (I know, right?) Considering wearing these shorts but I'm not decided yet. Thoughts? What are your plans for ringing in 2012?

Loes x

29.12.11

Thursday Wish List

41

1. Belted Jola Jacket - £140 from frenchconnection.com
2. Leather Leopard Satchel - £80 from asos.com
3. Pieces Zi Drip Earrings - £9 from asos.com
4. Helmut Lang Twisted-Loops cardigan - £220 from matchesfashion.com
5. Kraft Project Scrapbook - £10.75 from paperchase.co.uk
6. Dropped Back Sleeveless Shirt – £30 from Topshop.com
7. Balenciaga Gabardine Stretch Shorts - £255 from matchesfashion.com
8. The End of Everything by Megan Abbott - £7.99 from amazon.co.uk
9. Mace Suede Grey Toe Stud Boots - £36 from Topshop.com

I'm really interested in starting a scrapbook, as I'm going to start drawing more now, and I already hoard too many pictures from magazines and newspapers. Paperchase has a really cute selection of scrapbooks, my favourite of which is the one above. Also despite getting about 1million books for Christmas, I really just want to read The End of Everything (which I didn't get, sob). And don't you think the Helmut Lang Sweater just looks so comfortable?

Loes x

Editorials of the Year 2011

1. Escape Artist - Elle US September 2011 (Jeneil Williams by Laurie Bartley)
Escape Artist
Elle US showcased the colourful designs of Versace, Givenchy, Balenciaga and more in their September issue, with the backdrop of a tropical haven. I love this editorial because of the model choice, the styling, and one particular picture with Jeneil draped over a digger; it shouldn't work at all, but it just does.

2. Double Take - Vogue US August 2011 (Raquel Zimmerman, Arizona Muse and more by Steven Meisel)
Double TAke
Meisel photographed some of the world's biggest models (Raquel Zimmerman, Miranda Kerr, Candice Swanepoel, Arizona Muse and more) for the August issue of US Vogue, and displayed the top 5 trends straight from the runway. I loved seeing an Asian model in a US Vogue editorial, and any time that I see VS models in proper editorials is a good moment for me (apart from Candice's Ski Bunny editorial, that was hideous).

3. City Adventure - Vogue Italia July 2011 (Karlie Kloss by Stephane Sednaoui)
City Adventure
In a year where we saw Karlie Kloss reach the stratosphere of the modelling world, and her editorials were everywhere, this one was the one that stood out to me the most. The photography was excellent, as was the story. Shot in New York City, Karlie wore looks by Jil Sander, Bottega Veneta and more. As one reader commented on fashiongonerogue.com, this editorial exposed just how alien models can look against the 'normal person'.

4. House of Spirits - Elle US March 2011 (So Young Kang by Laurie Bartley)
House of Spirits
So Young Kang wore the season's best girly looks in the city of Los Angeles. Some of the shots were truly beautiful, especially one of So on the chair of a roadside café. However the shots I fell in love with showed So in a neon pink number, and then in white on a busy Los Angeles road at sunset. Props to Elle US for their embracing of more ethnic models, something US Vogue has yet to acheive.

5. Through The Woods - Vogue China September 2011 (Du Juan by Stockton Johnson)
Through the Woods
This editorial showcased the patterns and prints of pieces from Balenciaga, Chanel, Louis Vuitton and more, set against the absolutely stunning backdrop of China’s Moganshan Mountain. Du Juan is beautiful as usual, and I love the clashing of the clothes against the surroundings, espeically of the reds against the greens. In my opinion, Vogue China has produced some excellent editorials this year.

6. Edge of Forever by Max Doyle - Vogue Australia 2011 (Anja Rubik by Max Doyle)
Edge of Forever
Of all the Vogues this year, Vogue Australia jumped out to me as the one that was embracing the colours we saw on the runway; we saw this early on with Alina Balikova's latin themed spread. The colours however were shown best in the beach editorial of the year, Edge of Forever by Max Doyle. The picture I fell in love with was the sunset one; Anja Rubik really is a perfect model, and this really was a perfect editorial.

7. America The Beautiful - Vogue US June 2011 (Karlie Kloss, Arizona Muse, Isabeli Fontana, Raquel Zimmerman and Karen Elson by Craig McDean)
America The Beautiful
US Vogue didn't really set alight this year in terms of editorials, but the two I spreads that I loved (this and Double Take) capitalised on the magazine's ability to draw the top models. Here 5 top models wore looks from American designers, with Karlie Kloss looking like the perfect girl scout.

8. Love Story - Numéro China August 2011 (Du Juan by Vincent Peters)
Love Story
Du Juan wore ladylike looks in Numéro China's editorial set amongst Chinese back streets. I loved this editorial because of the sheer intensity of it, as well as the beauty of the lighting, the hair styling (which I tried and failed to imitate) and the fact that the models actually made the story look like a real love story.

9. On The Road - Vogue Spain November 2011 (Natasha Poly by Lachlan Bailey)
On The Road
This editorial was inspired by motorcycle culture, and gave Natasha the perfect bad girl style. There's only so many leather editorials we can take, but there's something about Natasha that didn't make me mind seeing one more, and when I did I fell in love with it. It's so simplistic, and I like the fact that she's on her own rather than with other motorcyclists. Also, Natasha helped to guest edit the piece; I love her even more.

10. Escale á L.A. - Vogue Paris August 2011 (Lara Stone, Isabeli Fontana, Natasha Poly, Arizona Muse and Freja Beha Ericsen by Inez & Vinoodh)
Escale a L.A.
Under the command of Emmanuel Alt, Vogue Paris was braced for a chance in direction. I liked the new; the first cover put out under Alt's reign was the beautiful one showing Gisele in Dolce & Gabbana's white lace. This was the editorial I liked the most, especially because it had 5 of my favourite models in it. There was great intensity to the work, and despite a lack of a thread, some of the pictures separately became my pictures of the year; Freja in the Gucci number, and Arizona in Stella McCartney both stole my heart.


And my personal favourites...
1. Master Class by British Vogue September 2011 (Freja Beha Ericsen & Arizona Muse by Mario Testino)
Master Class
2. Heat Wave by British Vogue June 2011 (Raquel Zimmerman by Josh Olins)
Heat Wave
3. Chic Mood - Vogue Italia August 2011 (Karmen Pedaru, Joan Smalls & Ming Xi by Emma Summerton)
Chic Mood
4. Sun Proof Summer - Vogue Japan July 2011 (Freja Beha Ericsen by Alasdair McLennan)
Sun Proof Summer

28.12.11

Topshop Sale Picks

Topshop Sale Picks

These are my picks from the Topshop sale. Unfortunately I've already spent all my worldly money and so can't take advantage of the reductions, but we can looks can't we?

Loes x

What I Wore Today

DSCF2995

(Blazer New Look, Shirt Topshop, Skirt Topshop, Tights M&S, Boots Vintage, Bag Zara)

DSCF2993

DSCF2996

DSCF2999

I got these boots from a vintage fair, and I loved them because they were suede and heeled (therefore on trend), but I really hated the embellishment on them so I managed to get them off; they still need a little bit of cleaning up though as you can see. I really need to find somewhere better to shoot pictures. Also I need a haircut! Desperately, but it's such a pain to style that I always end up just leaving it as it dries

Loes x

My Drawings

Untitled

Got a book for Christmas called 'Figure Drawing for Fashion Design' - it's actually amazing. Save the fact that I can't draw, I attemped some pictures from the book, and I don't think they turned out all too badly...

Loes x

Christmas Labels

DSCF2882

DSCF2881

DSCF2880

The bread maker works!

DSCF2963

My Mum got a breadmaker for Christmas, and for once our experiments with food have worked! We have bread! And it smells so amazing; I really can't wait to eat it :)

Loes x

Jason Wu Pre-Fall Backstage

AW 2011-12 Jason Wu Cruise Backstage

Jason Wu's Tumblr blog recently uploaded pictures from backstage at the Pre-Fall shoot; I love seeing the moodboards and the ideas that have inspired a whole collection.

AW 2011-12 Jason Wu Cruise Backstage

AW 2011-12 Jason Wu Cruise Backstage

AW 2011-12 Jason Wu Cruise Backstage

AW 2011-12 Jason Wu Cruise Backstage

AW 2011-12 Jason Wu Cruise Backstage

AW 2011-12 Jason Wu Cruise Backstage

All pictures sourced from www.jasonwustudio.tumblr.com/

Wish List for December

I've missed the boat on the Topshop pieces (as Christmas has already gone), but the others were only ever for me to fawn over, as they're are leagues above my price range. But it's okay to look right?

28th December 2011

1. Equipment Star-Print Blouse - £255 from net-a-porter.com
2. Proenza Schouler Framed Leather Clutch - £795 from net-a-porter.com
3. Azzaro Leeloo Embellished Open-Back Crepe Mini Dress - £2,760 from net-a-porter.com
4. Lanvin Neon Tweed Mini Skirt - £655 from net-a-porter.com
5. White Faux Leather Cord Shorts - £38 from topshop.com
6. Nancy Gonzalez Crocodile Box Clutch - £910 from net-a-porter.com
7. Supreme Extreme Platform Shoes - £80 from topshop.com

Slightly In Love..

Alexander McQueen Double Georgette Dress

With this Alexander McQueen Double Georgette Dress; it's so perfect, and the fact that me and white don't work well together isn't even important. I don't have £840 to spend on a dress, but if I did then this would be mine right now.

Loes x

Images sourced from matches.com, edited by me

Pre-Fall 2012 Collections

As my mother always says, I have peculiar taste, and I only like what I like. When it comes to collections I tend to only like about 10% of what I see (except Céline and Lanvin which I can't help but adore). I'm not one of these people who fall over Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada and the other 'big name' houses without knowing what I'm actually looking at, or how it relates to the label or previous/future collections.
So for Pre-Fall (which provides us with hint-dripped pieces regarding the upcoming Fall collections in February) there were a few collections which really sparked my interest...

3
1. Donna Karan
The signature style of Donna Karan has become workware, tailoring and elegance for the modern woman. Pre-Fall gave us a laid-back approach to workware, with loose fitting trousers, bomber jackets, long blazers, and belted dresses; the silhouettes (yeah I had to Google that spelling) were clinched in at the waist with thick belts, with my favourite piece being a black, white and navy dress with a flared skirt, pulled in at the waist with an oversized navy blue bow (very reminiscent of Miu Miu's collection for Fall 2011). For Fall I'm hoping for more of this palette, with a touch of the playful DK being dropped into the collection.

2
2. 3.1 Phillip Lim
The bags at Phillip Lim jumped out at me the second I saw this collection, especially a Pashli bag in transparent brown plastic. The next thing that jumped out? White. Two white shift dresses peaked my interest, one belted at the waist, one with a high collar and worn with a jumper over the shoulder, as well as a pair of navy tailored trousers. But my favourite piece was a beautiful oversized long grey coat with a folded collar which reached just below the knee. I'm hoping that Fall will yield many more coats in this style; style.com has tipped the cartoon prints Lim created to be a big trend for Fall.

4
3. Jason Wu
Whenever it's time for Jason Wu to roll around at fashion week, I'm always anticipating the signatures of tweed, feathering or baroque details. Here we got tweed blazers, baroque detailed capes and a distinct lack of feathering, but maybe Fall's not the season for it. My favourite piece was a navy blue top scattered with green pailettes, paired with navy and black panelled trousers, and teamed with what else, but sunglasses. There were also a few pieces reminiscent of Scottish fashion; navy and red check two-piece outfits. So for Fall I'm anticipating a distinct change of direction for Jason Wu, as well as a few killer winter coats; I'm still thinking about the grey baroque coat from last season.

1
4. Reed Krakoff
Reed Krakoff is fast becoming one of the designers whose work I look forward to seeing. And rightly so I suppose as this pre-fall collection yieled my favourite coat of the season, a knee length piece in two-tone grey which was perfectly tailored. Three dresses also stood out, nipped at the waist and cut to the knee; these provided an intriguing marbeled green detailing. All outfits were paired with leather gloves in varying lengths; Krakoff's sleek designs are making me anticipate a fast paced Fall collection, hopefully one in which there will be a lot of green.

5
5. Proenza Schouler
Pre-Fall at Proenza Schouler saw a palette of green, blue and red at the fore. The key looks were those of the longline tweed coats in shades of red and green, paired with clashing oranges and blues and adorned with black buttons. Quilted black bags were hand held to the side, with satin courts worn on the feet. The best of the collection? A pair of electric blue tailored trousers, a tomato red long sleeve sweater, and the tweed coats. After the aztec prints of last Fall and the craftsmanship of Spring, I'm hoping for big things from Fall 2012. After the colourful eel skin skirts that formed the finale of the Spring show, and the palette offered up here, I'm hoping for a bright take on fall.

I already know that my Fall predictions will be wrong, but I'm hoping for a resurgance of white (though maybe not quite as extreme as Alexander Wang SS11), with lots of blue and green, as well as some beautiful tailored coats; despite my inital dislike for them, I'm also very intrigued to see if the cartoon prints materialise in force...

Loes x

Original pictures sourced from style.com, edited by me on polyvore.com

27.12.11

Bloglovin'

I am linked up to the platform Bloglovin', so if you are too, you can follow me on there

Loes x

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Christmas

DSCF2737

So I hope everyone had a beautiful Christmas, ate too much turkey and watched too much television. I was annoyed because I missed two things I wanted to watch (Madagascar 2 and The Gruffalo's Child - yes I have the mentality of a ten year old) but my Mum cooked one of the best Christmas dinners I've ever eaten, with all the trimmings, and the most perfect roast parsnips that I've ever tasted so I was appeased; I ate so many that it was actually a task to get up from the table. My Uncle also bought us some vintage red wine, and made us Cassis Royale which we had with our meal, and it was lovely. I was a little tipsy, I must admit.

DSCF2791

DSCF2786

DSCF2780

DSCF2759

DSCF2749

Presentwise, I got a Cath Kidston laptop case which is so snug inside for my VAIO, Chance by Chanel perfume which makes me smell regal even though I'm far from it, lots of make up, a Topshop Beanie Hat, a new purse courtesy of River Island, and LOTS of books. This means that I have to revive my adoration of reading...one that I have lost since I went to university and got piled under with academic reading. My lovely brother bought me lots of fashion related books, including Nina Garcia's What To Wear For Every Occasion, 100 Years of Fashion Illustration, 100 Ideas That Changed Fashion and more. But my favourite one by a mile was a book that gives step by step guides to creating fashion drawings. I started right at the beginning (good place to start methinks), and drew some eyes and facial features. I was pretty happy with them actually, as for once they looked like eyes at least.

DSCF2837

DSCF2878

DSCF2863

DSCF2854

DSCF2730

DSCF2732

Last but never least...what did I wear? About 4 different outfits actually as I kept getting changed, but in the end I settled on my rasberry Topshop jeans, sheer chiffon Topshop shirt and just for the sake of these photos, my M&S black cloche hat.

DSCF2830

DSCF2822

Hope you all had a very peaceful Christmas!

Loes x