Amy Studt - Misfit [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

Paddington Bear Film Fashion via VOGUE by Laura Weir

"The launch of Paddington the film next week is set to send the nation into a warm and fuzzy spin, as we wrap-up warm and head to the flicks to be reminded of everything we cherish about our favourite marmalade-loving mammal.

Now, while we're not for a moment suggesting that you want to ape the dress sense of Paddington Bear (his wardrobe is rather limited, after all), we are anticipating that his moment on the big screen will trigger treasured memories of your most adventurous wellies or your cosiest duffle coats.

The duffle (named after a town in Belgium rather than anywhere in Peru) has been a Paddington signature since BBC cameraman Michael Bond created the character in 1956. In turn, the navy, toggled-up coat is now a favourite of British heritage brands like Burberry and Barbour, as well as a star buy in the autumn collection from outdoorsy label Hunter.

Perhaps you're more of a trench-coat girl than a duffle-wearer, and in that case is it Paddington's bag that will inspire you? Remember your first school satchel - have you found a bag since that was so practical and stylish? 

Has there ever been a woman (or bear) with such sophisticated choice in luggage, or even a character with such chic taste in hats? We think not, so here's an edit of pieces that, if you're lucky, might attract a few friendly Paddington stares."

And here are my personal favourites from the article:

^ Mulberry 'Alexa' Satchel

^ Marc Jacobs duffle coat

^ Eugenia Kim mini Pom pom wool beanie

^ Hunter red wellington boots

^ Louis Vuitton Orange Vuittonite Cabin Trunk

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TARTAN TREND

It's big, not new, well-stitched and goes well with Shortbread ... Tartan!

Last year, I couldn't believe my eyes when tartan started to become a trend for A/W, 'YES' I selflessly screamed in my head as I thought of my chosen Art & Design topic - Subculture: Punk - in my head. I decided to keep that theme running for this year and apparently so have a lot of designers.

Vivienne Westwood, who practically invented Punk, has dared to show a bit of Tartan this season in her collection:


1. Faded Tartan Whisper Jacket - Anglomania A/W 2014 (viviennewestwood.com)

"Vivienne Westwood’s Faded Tartan Whisper Jacket adorns a contemporary shape this Autumn/Winter 2014-15 and reflects the impacts of global warming. This wool-woven jackets subtle peplum cut creates a feminine silhouette which is enhanced by draping lapels and a single button fastening at the waist, while the asymmetric high collar provides a sophisticated finish."



2. A/W 2014 Red Label (style.com)



3. Gold Label A/W 2014 (viviennewestwood.com)


4. Tartan Colbalt Blue Satchel (forzieri.com)

"Winter Tartan Cobalt Blue Satchel is stunningly crafted in blue winter tartan and eco leather details in a folded design which conceals an outer pocket with golden orb detail to finish off the iconic look. Featuring double rolled handles, top zip closure, internal zip pocket and gold tone signature detail. Please note that due to the cut of the fabric the tartan design will vary from bag to bag. Signature dust bag included. Made in Italy."


I hope this has inspired you to buy some tartan this year, even if it's just a statement accessory.

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Fancy Overload

VIA http://www.polyvore.com/fancy_overload/set?id=139847294

Polyvore - Out to Kill

Out to Kill; Outfit via Polyvore. See more here -  http://www.polyvore.com/out_to_kill/set?id=139327881&p=2#fans

Weekly Inspiration via WGSN

 

WOW 2014 | Vivienne Westwood in conversation with Shami Chakrabarti

Oh, You Pretty Things

METALLICS

Here in Britain, we're soon to find out the results of the Scottish Referendum and whether we'll be together still (fingers crossed hey?) but, before we do I wanted to post about something I'm currently 'mad on' i.e. metallics!

I'm going to start with is this lovely piece from Meadham Kirchoff's AW14 collection. The striking snakeskin appearance and the use of extraordinary embellishments, such as the large buttons here, are features that appeal to me. But what truly stands out is the shiny metal coating which looks as if it's just screaming 'no. I will not conform to the norm' and that's what I appreciate most of all. Perhaps what has made this so effective is the use of a fairly plain, child-like model who makes this rebellious design increasingly so.

This design by Gareth Pugh has an entirely different concept towards the use of metallics. This design looks more at how metal is used practically and perhaps it's relevance to the industrial revolution. The piece is entitled 'mirrored conceptual surfaces' suggesting this is more an exploration of mirrors and potentially body image, which have led to the final design. Either way, I find it fascinating and beautiful within its own right.

This design uses asymmetric shapes and 3D details in addition to mirror metallic leather, which for a design concept such as this, is a great material to work with.

Coloured metallics are also intriguing. Above is one of my favourites from Balmain Fall 2013. I love how the top section of this garment appears very much like body armour of some kind and the gem embellishments really set off the look. The Gold Waistband makes a strong divide between the top and bottom sections and a statement through contrasting.

Here are some more coloured metallics outside of the typical Gold and Silver palette:

Rebecca Taylor, Fall 2014

Slick Knit Jumper by The Ragged Priest

Two-Tone Topshop Leather Clutch

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Avril Lavigne - Complicated

Snapshot Lookbook: Too Torn to Reveal

Dress - Izabel

Necklace - Topshop

Folded Make-Up Bag - Vintage/Thrifted

Gold Bag - Vintage/Thrifted

Blue Shawl - Vintage/Thrifted

Ring - Next

Flying Horse Earrings - Republic

Trainers - Reebok Classic

Nail Polish - Essie

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Blouse Haul

So, on Tuesday I decided to have an afternoon blouse haul and this is the result:

1. The Flower Print

Next

2. 50 Shades of Leopard Print

Next

Next

3. Stripes

H&M

4. Ethical/Folk

MANGO

5. Accessories

Loafers- Next
Bag- MANGO Touch

How To Wear House of Holland?

Joyrich - Collaboration with The Simpsons

To celebrate their 25th anniversary the animated series, 'The Simpsons', is causing addictive mayhem with their fashion collaborations for 2014. A well-known collaboration is that of Joyrich. This is the second time that this apparel line has merged with The Simpsons to create a collection.

The line features everything you could ever dream of for this collaboration, including oversized tees, varsity jackets and snapbacks with a Bart Simpson print (yes really).

As a massive Simpsons fan myself, these recent collaborations have definitely caught my eye. Apparel can be bought from Joyrich here 😍

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Outfit Post: Summer Song

'Aztec prints and indie rock music are central to this look. For summer beach lovers, festival junkies and party chic.'

Sunglasses - PRISM

Treble-Clef Necklace - Polyvore

Ziggy Floppy Hat - French Connection

Amara Oversized Shift Dress - Missguided

Skull, Turquoise and Pearl Ring - Bottica

Kimono - Select

Shampoo - Kiehl's

Black Jelly Heels - New Look

Aztec backpack - Mi-Pac

Outfit created via ASOS Fashion Finder, you can check out my new account here: 

http://fashionfinder.asos.com/user/JessieAParkes/profile

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End of year exhibition!

Last Thursday I was asked to display my A-Level work in an end of year exhibition based on the Subculture of Punk. I had a great time and received some great praise, opportunities and advice. Next year I'm planning on studying the same topic but in more depth. I've recently also been to a Felting workshop, a Summer Ball, Uni open days and one of my friend's music gigs so I've had a lot going on. I'm also planning on travelling to Zambia/South Africa soon for a few weeks on an Art and Culture trip but should be posting fairly regularly again when I return. Until then, here are some photos taken at the exhibition.