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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Oh, You Pretty Things

How To Wear House of Holland?

DIY: Material Pleated Flowers

1. Start by measuring a template for the size of flower you would like, for a quick-fix you can use a circular object such as the sellotape roll I used for this example.

2. Draw around the template about 6 times onto your desired material (6 is the amount I would recommend but you can use more or less than this amount in order to get different effects).

3. Cut out each of the circles and keep one to the side for your base.

4. Using a needle and thread, knotted at the end, go through the centre of the base circle.

5. Pick up one of the other circles and fold this in half.

6. Fold this circle again into just under a quarter.

7. Then, whilst holding the folded circle in place, thread the needle through the bottom, original centre, and take the needle through both the folded circle and the base one or two times ensuring it is securely attached.

8. Repeat stages 5-7 for the remaining circle until all the 'petals' are attached. Once complete your finished flower should look similar to the three featured below!

Thanks for reading my D.I.Y. on material pleated flowers, I hope it was of use to you. If you need any ideas on where to use these types of flowers, I have used them myself on a dress I recently designed and I am also using these particular flowers featured as party decorations.

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Monochrome Moment

I've currently really got into monochrome. The majority of a lot of people's wardrobes is black but why should we complain? Teaming it with white gives a fresh, slick appeal which I'm personally fond of. I particularly like patterns and Moschino do it best. For a more affordable option try Topshop's 'Make It In Monochrome'.

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Promo: whatiwear.com

Some time ago I received a lovely message from whatiwear.com explaining how much they liked my blog. It was so nice to gain feedback like this! According to whatiwear.com, this is what they are about:

"What I Wear is a fashion website which features lots of different fashion styles from real people around the world. Through What I Wear, every member’s contribution will help to liberate other person to be free of their own limiting doubts. We do believe that everybody deserves to be a star and stands in the spotlight."

Quite sweet really, so if you get the chance, check them out and why not post some looks on there yourself?

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Topshop Wishlist

With the New Year approaching fast, so will be the January sales. So I'd like to share with you a wishlist for one of my favourite stores, Topshop. I particularly like their leopard print items and 'Little Miss Grunge' partywear (most items below are from these sections). My style icons currently include Haim, Pretty Little Liars and The Bling Ring.

Petite Satin Duchess Bow-Back Dress

Faux Fur Animal Print Coat

Leopard Shimmer Tee

Mesh Sweetheart Mini Dress

Antique Pendant Necklace

Casper Bag

Bobble Lace Crop Top

Lux Seam Cigarette Trousers

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Snapshot Lookbook: Sports Luxe

It's the right time to dig out your old converse and be sporty, before Winter hits us.

 

 

T-shirt - New Look

Waterproof Watch - Next

Nail Polish - Barry M

Gilet - New Look

Leggings - New Look

Trainers - Converse All Star

Necklace - Handmade (Santorini, Greece)

 

 

 

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Dress Spy

+Dress Spy is a website (http://www.dressspy.com/) which has been running for sometime now but which I only signed up to recently. I have to be honest in that I am more impressed with the site than I initially thought I'd be. Upon signing up to Dress Spy I received an e-mail confirmation message which included the following information:

"Our site features:

- Get inspired by asking "What can I wear to ..." any event.
- Create your own looks by combining 100's of fashion items and accessories
- Vote for looks on the site and chat with other users
- Set up "going out" events and invite your friends to talk fashion
- Enter our competitions to win prizes for the best looks
- Check out the latest fashion news, trends and styles from our experts"

and also;

"Experiment with our great fashion features such as:
- Entering our look of the month competition
- Inviting friends to join you and vote for your looks
- "Ask the style expert" in the news section
- Style a friend using our tag function

...and much more besides.

You can also find us @ https://www.facebook.com/DressSpy
https://twitter.com/dressspy @DressSpy
http://pinterest.com/dressspy"

I have to admit that it was a lot of information to be confronted with however the majority of opportunities available makes it seem worthwhile to sign up.

On the site, as seen above, you can create your own looks, my first look is featured below.

 

I wanted to create a look that would feature most of my favourite items for A/W13 at the moment. Jodhpur boots, dark eyes, tie-dye and patterns are all items/trends I'm currently into. Let me know what you think of my look (Autumn Ethereal), you can visit it via this link.

Another feature of the site is 'My Wishlist'. It means that if there's a look you like you can add it to your wishlist to remember it. In addition to this you can set up events, attend events and win prizes in competitions as well as 'liking' your favourite looks.

If your thinking of signing up to Dress Spy or already have come and visit me! You'll find my name as JESSICA ANNIE PARKES.


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#GetInMySuitcase

For #GIMS I thought I'd show you a typical Summer 2013 outfit of mine;

• Sunglasses -Fashion Outlet (local store)
• Earcuff and Earring set -New Look
• Wedged heels -New Look
• Bag -River Island
• T-shirt -New Look
• Shorts -Pieces
• CD -Mumford and Sons 'Babel'

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Snapshot Lookbook: Rise from the Dust

Top left;
- Vintage locket necklace
- Barry M Silver Multi Nail Polish (lightly applied)

Top (and bottom) right;
- Noisy may @ Vero Moda Crop Top
- Original Rayma Balance Bracelet
- River Island 'New York' Perfume

Bottom left;
- Prue Leo Hi-Lo Skirt from Vero Moda

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