My Passport To Style | Celebrates 4th of July 2011 With American Fashion Pioneer Elizabeth Hayes

Hi Gals, to celebrate the 4th of July 2011, I wanted to share the view point of an amazing American fashion pioneer Elizabeth Hawes who was deffinately ahead of her time and to me is the epitome of what American independence is all about, I hope you enjoy flicking through the pages of her book 'Fashion Spinache' that the talented designer and seamstress from the thirties compiled, happy reading!!! 

 Hawes felt that the body and its clothes must work together. She thought that American women should not accept French fashion as the standard. Her goal was to bring stylish clothing with an American sensibility to the masses and believed that all women deserved to have beautiful and functional clothes. (Colette patterns)

 

Look inside the pages of this amazing book she wrote, to find out more

about incredible US fashion pioneer Elizabeth Hawes. All the stunning dresses below designed by Hawes, circa 1930

photo credits - Never Enough Time and Cate Writes  

                                   

Has Kate Moss Broken With Tradition On Her Big Day??

It's official Kate Moss is now marrried to Jamie Hince! As much as I recognise the talent of Galliano and the beauty of the vintage inspired bridal dress Kate Moss is wearing. I can't help but think that every article leading up to the wedding talked about Kate Moss breaking with convention on her wedding day! She chose to change 3 times durring her wedding day into dresses of varying shades of white. To me that lacks the certain rock n roll tone that fans may have be hoping for.

 Aside from this, from a purely stylistic perspective her blue pre wedding outfit would have been my choice for her actual wedding day. I admit I have a weakness for blue, but the blue dress aside from being breathtaking, is such a beautiful fit on Kate Mosses very slender frame and the colour is so pretty against her colouring, the suede boots are a dream.

 Judging from these two shots of Kate Moss in her bridal gown, the Galinanno dress does nothing for her waist and if you take a look at the back shot of her gown, although the yards of sheer fabric are a joy, the detailing of the lace dress minus underskirt showing beneath her long sheer veil creates the impression of a loose nappy, which is far from flattering! However that aside a happy bride always beautiful. Congratulation to them both! Happy 4th of July weekend to US followers!

  

                                  

Iconic Glastonbury 2011 Looks

Hi Gals, here are two of favourite iconic looks from Glastonbury 2011 festival, interstingly it's a bit of a sharp contrast between look one, featuring upfront Jessie J and the other look which features one of the behind the scenes presenters of the week the lovely Jo Whiley.

Jessie, J was born to wear edgy geometric designs and she look every inch the female super hero,this shot of her is so powerful yet still fun. Forgoing the cape was a smart move by Jessies stylist! 

What can I say, relaxed easy style, yet still impactful, 80s chic a go go, neon pink, white print on a black knit ups the Wham factor and flapping black fringing and aviators create a perfect look for Jo Whiley that reflects her down to earth yet up for anything attitude which has made her such a popular female presenter in the UK. Do you dress up or down for music events?     

                                      

Autumn/ Winter 2011 Runway Detailing

This may sound strange but generally Autumn/Winter 2011 runway collections are my favourite, as I revel in the use of varied texture in clothing, it adds character to even the most basic look. This Prada coat in exqusite peachy fur is shorn on along the length of the outer arm to reveal a runway (no pun intended) of nude suede and the elegant round suede collar and side fastening placket, punctuated with juicy lipstick red buttons.This is mirrored in the buckle detailing on the models belt. The clever architecture of this piece elongates the body and creates a regal decadence, not sure about the yellow clutch though! What do you think?

This sneak peak from Chanels fall collection could forcast that monotone will feature big in their Autumn/Winter collection I like the tone on tone grey tweed and floral fans ephasising the shoulderline of this coat, I am hoping for a elegant oriental 40s feel to their collection, watch this space!

 Textured Autumn/Winter look number 3 by Giorgio Armani has what I term the lickable effect, I am so inspired by Armani's in one sense simple colour palette in this fall look, which cunningly creates so much drama and has a almost gothic appeal. The wavey lines on the mac evoke visions of a mens comb being dragged through black paint. The subtle sheen on the models mac and accessories, give them a aristocratic vintage mexican feel, conker brown with large opal detailing I love!   

  

Images courtesy of Nina Garcia

                                   

Masters Of Style Exibition In London Celebrates Italy With The Goliaths Of Italian Fashion History

I'm thrilled to have been invited to a private viewing of Italian fashion designers at Somerset House in London to commemorate Italy's 150 years as a unified nation! The photographic exhibition entitled the Masters of Style, curated by the talented Colin McDowell and the indomitable Peroni Nastro Azzurro, documents the personal stories and journey of Dolce & Gabbana, Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Missoni, Prada and Salvatore Ferragamo.

The Italian sense of style is so deeply inbedded in their culture, that they understand perfectly that well tailored stylish clothing can change how we feel, help us evolve through out the diffent phases of our life and that fashion is ultimately an expression of character which can empower us all.  

Curator of the exhibition, esteemed fashion journalist Colin McDowell, says:


“The expression ‘Made in Italy’ has become a global codeword for an embodiment


of style, conveying Italy’s position at the forefront of international trends, inspiring


and influencing the designers of tomorrow as it has done for over half a century.


When it comes to self expression, effortless style and flair, nobody does it better


or more naturally than the Italians.”






Masters of Style will run from 1st July- 14th August 2011 in the Embankment Galleries, Somerset House. Open daily from 10.00 to 18.00, Late night openings until 21.00 on Thursdays. Cost £6, £5 concessions don't miss it!

                                                                                          

                                                                            

                                             

Festival Chic | I get A Makeover Courtesy Of Dita Von Teese



Van Mildert By Vivienne Westwood




With Ben and Jerry's Sundae festival coming up soon, like many of us, I'm contemplating what I might wear to rock out at a festval, franky the rock chic look as much as I understand its longevity at festivals is wearing a little thin and to be honest in my opinion really works best for boyish frames. I also have a series case of the boho blues with regard to festival wear. So right now I'm looking to a rather unusual muse for the occasion, non other than Dita Von Teese whoes interpretation of styling down her look for a recent festival she attended was to wear this rather natty rope belt! What better way is there to keep your hair from flying in your face while you rock out to your favourite beats than wearing it in a sweet net at the nape of your neck?




Dita Von Teese - Festival Chic



 My version of Dita Festival chic has to be teaming this stunning hand painted African print dress from online company Van Mildert in a flattering cut by Vivienne Westwood with a pair of these vintage style, red, Marilyn Monroe spat ankle wellingtons (yes this is what they are called! Dita would approve!) from the Welly Shop (no tights needed) a lightweight fitted raincoat in grey or lilac (check out Dita Von Teese artfully carrying her raincoat slung over the back of her satchel) or I could opt for these rather sleek black moc croc, (the Welly company also) the contrast of pattern and texture would look so festive and yet so chic!

Marylin Monroe red spats - Welly Shop





Black moc croc wedge welly - Welly Shop

 Choosing the right bag can often be a dilemma so I'm keeping it simple and emulating vintage hollywood cruise style and opting for this sweet but ample vintage camera case bag in white and tan to carry my camera, lipstick and money in, from online company Rokit in London you may fear for my welbeing, carrying such a small bag, however a small bag will not dominate your style and exudes inner confidence.

Good news regarding the final part of my festival chic over story, if you want to recreate Dita Von Teeses hair style but its just that bit too time consuming for you, the frizz factor is having a moment and with this stunning tribal print dress by Van Mildert you can unleash your fluff factor and still be the talk of the beer tent!  



Frizzy Up Do









                                   Sharon x

Game Set And Match | Stylish Swimwear Summer 2011

Hi Gals, loving these creative swimwear shots by Urko Suayo and vintage swimwear shoot, there is simply no other reason a gal would willingly endure a headstand and leave the phone of the hook than dunking her head into a vat of cream and strawberries for a rush of summer yummy! Game set and match!   

                                   Sharon x

Mirror Mirror On The Wall Who Is The Fairest In Blogging Land?

Little Frost and his Snow Queen

Dear Gals,

Although I admit its not yet quite the season for the Snow Queen, this incredibly stunning picture, holds the clue to some exciting news I have just received which is my inspiration for penning this post. I am fasinated by how evocative traditional folklore and fairy tales are in the world of art, fashion and film, hence why I love Vivienne Westwoods theatrical brave clothing line. If I was ever lucky enougth to create my own clothing label it would have a sprinkling of fairy tale vision running through it, without being sickly or gothic, think elegance, drama, flamboyant cuts and rich colour and textures.

 Speaking of fairy tales yesterday the the lovely Torie Jayne informed me that I was the very lucky winner of a beautiful silver mirror inspired by a hat Philip Treacy created for a famous Royal from Juliettes Interiors. For me the mirror pictured above has Snow Queen written all over its swooping silver feathered edges, I love pieces that transport you somewhere magical! Yet this mirror is still very contemory in nature too. I shall imagine being swaddled in an ivory synthetic fur, bathed in the glow of northern lights, nose stinging with cold in my solid ice dressing room every time I look at this slightly haughty but very striking piece.The Perfect antedote to feeling hot and bothered in your dressing room, a mirror with the power to help you feel like a cool Russian princess even on the hottest of days!   

Phillip Treacy in studio working on a new hat design 

Camilla Parker Bowles

                                     Sharon x

Adding A Little Mystery Is Good For Your Soul As Well As Your Closet/Wardrobe

Dear Gals,

Hope your having your perfect weekend, todays post is a little bit of fun and mystery click here to join in! 

  love, Sharon x x

Meet Jaggy Nettle | Not A Rock Star Much Better!

Dear Gals,

Hope you have been enjoying some Fashionable Frolicking and all in all having a lovely time whatever your doing right now. 


Recently something pretty splendid happened to me now I know this word might seem a little OTT on a style blog, but really there is no other way to describe it.


I don't know if you have ever had one of those defining moments in life where it suddenly seems like the world has paused for a brief moment and you have caught a rare glimpse of something or someone that you discovered that is completely in sync with what your about! Well this happened to me when I came across independent UK clothing label Jaggy Nettle. After what seems like a lifetime of teasing from friends regarding my passion for natural fibres and their production, in particular my obsession for Harris Tweed. I finally have been introduced to the beautiful trilogy of woven fabric's that make up Jaggy Nettles designer collection, cashmere sweaters, Harris tweed high tops and blazers and denim that is pure genius as its designs are unisex, what a wonderful idea, we have unisex perfume so why not jeans?


Here are a few images and a copy of the statement from the about area on their website jaggynettle.com that I first fell in love with. All hail Jaggy Nettle for supporting the production of Harris Tweed and for elevating natural fabric production again, fighting against the tide of mass production and nylon, through their collaboration with masters in fabric production and then coming up with designs that lovingly showcase the weave of their golden trio to perfection. Don't know about you gals, but tweed high tops, beautiful contempory cashmere and unisex jeans made by an artisan family in Japan are my idea of fashion nirvana.

                                         About Jaggy Nettle                                     

                                                                         

It’s about designing and refining a silhouette to perfection.

It’s not about seasonality or trends.


It’s about making the best jeans in the world.


It’s about Scottish Cashmere.


And Tweed.


And print.


It’s not about half V’s or tapered trousers.


Or beards.


Its about bespoke, hand made, heritage, 100%, tradition, ltd edition, Made in UK, Made in Japan, pure, hand stitched, hand signed, hand numbered.


Not about 40,000 of this and 70,000 of that at 80p a unit.


£28.99 retail on the High Street the following Wednesday.


Not about that. Super clones.


Not about morphing into a country gent over night.


It’s about perspective.


About keeping your head up.


Its not about what it’s about.


It’s about what it is.