Wednesday, 29 January 2014

Lusting: Jump from Paper bags

Jump from Paper is a bag company from Taiwan which I came across some time ago by accident, and I am so glad I did. It was set up by 'Taipei-based design duo', Chay Su and Rika Lin. Their dream idea was to have a 2-D hand-drawn illustration of a bag in the form of an actual bag you could use and they have certainly fulfilled their dream. The bags look like cartoons and I am smitten in love with them. Their most desirable feature is the fact that they're so confusing visually. Take a browse through the images below and follow this link to the Jump from Paper website. What do you make of these bags?










Saturday, 4 January 2014

New Years Day Concert: Vivienne Westwood

This year, the traditional New Years Day Concert on BBC 2 hosted costumes designed by Vivienne Westwood and worn by the Vienna State Ballet. The tartan-covered costumes looked staggering and provided a slightly unusual Punk twist to the performances. Personally, I felt that the costumes reflected the well choreographed dances and, in doing so, provided the final finishing flourish. Below are some photographs of these costumes and with them are descriptions of my views on the designs:


What I liked the most about these designs was, firstly, that each couple had been given their own type of tartan. It made the couples appear as if they were from different clans or families matching with the traditions of Scottish heritage. The high knee socks and ruffles made the costumes seem slightly suggestive, especially for the females, which is what reminded me of Vivienne Westwood's relation to Punk. The feather in the one female's hat was a particularly favourite feature of mine as it stood out as part of the British hunting tradition. Overall I think the tartan costumes provided a brilliant display to work alongside the choreographed ballet.


The other dresses had more of a traditional style and seemed a bit toned down for Vivienne Westwood. This was most likely intentional as this piece of music was not as lively as the one which featured the tartan. The style of ballet was more classical here and, in my opinion,Vivienne Westwood did well to design pieces to fit this commission. 

Happy New Year everyone!


Friday, 27 December 2013

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.







Wednesday, 11 December 2013

Lookbook

I've just signed up to Lookbook.nu! Please take the time out to have a look at my profile, I'm hoping to post more looks on there soon. Here's the link: http://lookbook.nu/jessicaannie/ and here's my first post.


Thursday, 5 December 2013

What to Buy: Secret Santa

This is another year where I find myself involved in Secret Santa events as part of the lead up to Christmas festivities. Therefore, I thought it would only be right to post this helpful two-part guide, in case you're not sure what to buy for someone.

A. What are their interests?

It sounds obvious, and is probably the first thing you'd ask in this situation, but it's really important to consider. Below is an example of what you could buy for the following person; A male of 20 years, currently at university who is a friend of a friend. You've been told he's outgoing, into ski-ing and loves Doctor Who.

 
 
 
Some of the above items may be suitable for the person you've been given. I've included the links so you can browse the websites above for other items also.
 
 
B. 'Help! I've been given someone who I know nothing about.'
 
A lot of people find themselves in this situation but all you need to do is be open-minded. DON'T ask for another name, it'll spoil the nature of Secret Santa. DO find out about the person you're buying for - ask their friends what hobbies they have, their personality and interests. Either way, here's an emergency Secret Santa list for a female, just in case.
 
 

 
 
 
I hope this short guide has been a help to you, I've found it helpful to research these stores for my own Secret Santa buys, good luck shopping!