Vogue's more dash than cash Nov issue

Flicking through this months issue of vogue, I was inspired by its "make do and mend" article. I didn't think it was possible to create clothes out of domestic household objects that were so couture. With items used such as rubber gloves, cotton wool balls and mops, the designs were so inventive and had such creativity that I couldn't help but examine every last detail. I especially liked the use of toilet rolls to create wedge heels.


The customising tips in the issue were also very inspiring and has encouraged me to become more creative with my clothes. Simple things such as adding ribbon and bows, changing buttons, creating rips and bleaching denim can all help turn old unwanted pieces of clothing into something entirely new and wearable, whilst also being a one of a kind piece.

If there is one thing I'm going to buy this month.....

If there's one thing that I'm going to buy this month it has to be a lovely pair of shoe boots. They look good with everything whether it be a skirt, trousers, jeans or leggings. However I haven't been very successful on my hunt to find the perfect pair and am debating between black or tan...hmmm decisions decisions.

Updating...

There are many ways you are able to update your look to carry you through season to season simply by changing your accessories.
Whether it be adding new jewellery, changing your shoes or your bag; you don't need to spend a lot to get a completely new look from what you already have.
Hats and scarves are a great way to turn your look more wintry, and adding dark and sparkly jewellery and accessories can help update your evening look, especially with the sequin trend which is "in" at the moment.
Adding coloured tights and long socks adds practicability in the cold winter months and also allows you to wear skirts and short from the summer, whilst still being fashionable.

Fashion & Music entwined

The link between fashion and music is always a hot topic for discussion. I tried mentioning this to my boyfriend once, but he wasn't having any of it, (he studies music and sound recording and was adamant that these two art forms had no connections). However, I believe that there is much more to this than originally meets the eye.
"If you see the difference between music and fashion, you don't understand either, they just blend together."

Although they are both two completely different mediums, one being visual and one being sound, fashion and music both develop and change together, they go hand in hand and are simply creative people expressing themselves. It is hard to see where the music starts and the fashion stops.

Within every genre of music, the artists have a certain connotation about them, they look a certain way. By the way that the artist dresses they are immediately associated with a certain type of music and visa versa, when hearing a particular type of music you can constantly visualise the artist looking a certain way. Dressing in a certain style to fit in with the music helps to promote this sound and completes the overall package. In a way it makes what your hearing more legitimate and believable. This is also the same when designers use carefully selected music for their runway shows. The music helps to establish and give a certain portrayal of what their collections are about, it's the first way to give the message.

As music changes and develops so does fashion, as fashion changes so does music. With every generation there is always something different. Something new and exciting is brought with them.

Even when looking at the past, you identify each decade with the music and clothes that were around at the time. The clothes reflect the music and the music reflects the fashion at the time.


Many labels use singers to promote their brand, they want their clothes associated with this person to give them a certain look and portrayal. Even fashion magazines are using musicians on their covers and styling them up on photo shoots inside. Popular music is fashionable, and designers want their clothes seen on these people.

Alexandra Shulman, editor of British vogue said: "The link between music and fashion goes back in London to those swinging 1960's, when Mick Jagger, wearing a dress while playing in Hyde Park, shook up society". In 1992 she put Bono with model Christie Turlington on her first Christmas Vogue cover and devoted the May 2003 issue to these entwined mediums. "There has always been a synchronicity between fashion and music. The style has always been as much a part of it as the sound".

Jefferson Hack, publisher of the magazine Dazed and Confused and publisher and editor in chief of Another Magazine says: "Music is the lifeblood, the oil of fashion". He believes there is no question about the power of the rock/fashion combo for his generation.

Having the visual experience at a live performance is very important. The likes of Karen O from the yeah yeah yeah's as well as Beth Ditto and Florence from Florence and the machine have all recognized this and come out in amazing costumes when they perform. Not to mention Lady Gaga and Katy Perry who regularly appear in fashion magazines for their crazy and quirky outfits. There is no doubt about it that they are trying to reflect their music through what they wear.

The way that these people perform on stage shows that they are completely relaxed and comfortable, which can also be seen with people who are completely at ease with their choice of fashion. It is all about throwing together trends from different eras and influences in order to create something completely unique.


Tommy Hilfiger also recognises the link between fashion and music saying: “The best artists have changed their music and image to keep on top. It’s important to know how to constantly reinvent yourself.” The whole reason he started designing was because of musicians. He wanted to dress like Mick Jagger and Jimmy Page, however he couldn't get his hands on what he wanted, so decided to start creating clothes inspired by these people.

Even the artists are starting to create their own clothing range in order to further their promotion; for example P-Diddy's Sean John label, Jay-Z with Rocawear and Gwen Stefani with Lamb, which because of their celebrity status, everyone wants to get their hands on and are extremely popular amongst their fans.

Singers and bands are constantly interviewed about their "look", often more so than their actual music. Singers often inject the vibe from their music into their wardrobe, using their costumes to aid with their performances if they are dressed the part.

La Roux for instance says that her look is influenced by David Bowie and the 80's, is it any coincidence that whilst her music is popular in the charts at the moment, so is her look in the shops. The shelves are filled with shoulder pads, body con and brogues.

Fashion and music have become so tightly linked that it is difficult to think of a singer that doesn't have a certain amount of style to them - even if a stylist may help them along the way.

Why I Love Fashion....

Ever since I was a little girl I have always had a keen interest in clothes. Whether it was dressing up or flicking through the pages of magazines, clothes have always inspired me and I can't seem to stop feeding my addiction. I would much rather not eat for a month if it means I would be able to buy myself some new wardrobe contributors.

From a young age I have always tried to experiment with what I wear. My mum used to let me dress myself as soon as I learnt how to. She would tell me stories which I couldn't remember of how I used to come down the stairs wearing everything I owned, whether it be 10 coats in the middle of summer or putting every single hair clip and bobble that I could find into my hair, making me look like I was dressed and ready to go to a Halloween party. Although she didn't mind what I wore, as dressing for yourself is meant to be a fun experience, often if other mums came to pick me up for play dates with their children, I would have to change to spare them the embarrassment of what I had on.

My mum nicknamed me "magpie", I was drawn to anything glitzy, sparkly or full of sequins and to be honest I still am. I love anything that is embellished with jewels or catches the light as it made out of sequins. Every time I enter Topshop I feel like I have stumbled across a treasure chest, like when Aladdin enters the cave full of diamonds and gold in search of the magic lamp for Jafar. My heart beats faster and a radar switches on inside my head as I scan the shop for the treasures that await to be uncovered. This is just one of the many reasons why I love clothes so much, they excite me. Fashion is forever changing, just like the weather, there is always something new and unexpected to hit the runway that makes you sit up in your seat, sometimes you think it'll never work, but it is often these things that you eventually love the most.

The one item of clothing I vividly remember from my childhood was a rainbow, metallic, shiny and sparkly jacket that was handed down to me (for obvious reasons from its description). Although it sounds hideous, you could not make me part with it, I was in love with it and I always felt special when I wore it. I believe that this is the way clothes are supposed to make you feel. They are meant to be empowering and make you feel good about yourself and like you can achieve anything whilst wearing them.

Through what you wear you can create a certain persona about yourself which you want to portray to others. I love the fact that you can reflect your mood through your clothing and you can achieve so many different looks just by accessorising an outfit differently.

Fashion is meant to be fun and exciting, but the main thing you have to remember is that, whatever you decide to wear, you must be comfortable in it, otherwise it shows and you will look awkward. Fashion is about an expression of self, so you have to always make sure you aren't trying to be anything your not. As long as your happy who cares what anyone else thinks of your outfit, after all everyone's different. What might be one person's worst nightmare is another person's dream.

Annie Mac Presents...

This weekend, me and my flat mate decided to take a much needed trip to London for a good night out. After an epic journey across the whole of London we went to KOKO in which the much-loved DJ Annie Mac was hosting the night. Tickets were unfortunately sold out but we managed to blag away onto the guest list and viewed the night from the balcony glad that we weren't in the midst of all the other sweaty partygoers on the floor. I have never been anywhere quite like KOKO and I was in awe of the place. Originally being a theatre in Camden ((http://www.koko.uk.com/content.php?page=2)- more info on the venue), it felt so glamorous and luxurious in all its red and gold decor, and the DJs on the night were amazing.


This night was definitely one of the best I have had in a long time and I am sure to go back there again.

Bilson vs Barton

Rachel Bilson
Is she more successful than Mischa Barton after the American teen drama series the O.C.?

Since the O.C ended a couple of years ago we haven't seen much of either girls. Yes they both regularly appear on many fashion pages in magazines, (Bilson being more successful than Barton) but there is not much that can be said for their acting careers.
Where as Rachel Bilson has starred in the films "The Last Kiss" and "Unbroken", neither film has been that successful and has bought her as much fame as the O.C. The same can be said about Mischa Barton. She too has had roles in films such as "Homecoming" and "Assissination of a high school president", but it seems like these two films have gone straight to DVD and haven't had much success either. Barton had a minor role as ex-head girl in the film "St Trinians" which was a big hit, however much of her publicity comes from the media questioning her weight, and her cellulite has been a much loved topic in gossip magazines for years.
With a recent trip to rehab after an arrest for driving under the influence last year, it seems that Mischa is in the tabloids for all the wrong reasons and that this party girl is spinning out of control.
After much hype of her starring role in the "The Beautiful Life", the series was cancelled after two episodes, showing that this actress' career is on the downfall.
Bilson is set to appear on the US show "How i met your mother" which is celebrating its 100th episode, and is getting much hype in the American news, (hopefully this will be a bigger success than Barton's show "The Beautiful Life").
Although neither actresses have has much success in their acting careers, it is safe to say that Bilson has managed to preserve a clean and professional profile, mainly appearing in the best dressed pages of fashion mags, where as Barton has been in the tabloids for all the wrong reasons.



Mischa Barton

Infestation

Before coming to lectures today, we decided to have a flat meeting about the horrific state of our kitchen.
Looking around, there is mess everywhere; sticky floors, an over flowing bin, piles of dirty dishes, in the corner a mountain of cardboard ready to be taken out for recycling and our window sill is chock-a-block with empty bottles and cans which are also waiting to be recycled. The problem is we never seem to get round to doing this and the pile of rubbish grows and grows as the days go by.
My motto is, use it, wash it, put it away. That way you don't annoy anyone by having your dirty stuff lying around and the place generally doesn't become a health hazard.
On walking into the kitchen today, we were overcome by a rancid smell. Someone had changed the bin, but hadn't taken it out, they had just left it in the corner of the room. This was where the smell was coming from. Picking up the bag a load of brown juice spilt all over the floor, that actually smelt like poo. We were horrified and decided that a mass clean up had to be done. We wrote notes to our two house mates that don't like to do their washing up and shoved all their dirty dishes in a washing up bowl outside their rooms.
We then decided to move the cardboard that was waiting to be recycled. As my house mate picked up some empty bags to put in the bin she let out a scream. Looking at the floor there were maggots wiggling around. We had seen some flies in the kitchen but we didn't think that it would lead to a maggot infestation.
I have never been so repulsed. Fortunately I had to go to lectures but I dread to think whats going to happen later when I return home.

The wonders of wonderland

As a child I loved fantasy and in fact still do. I was drawn to anything that seemed mysterious, mystical and magical, and I loved the story of Alice in Wonderland. Her adventures seemed so amazing and I longed to join in with her.

However now that I am slightly older, I now realise that there is a lot more to the story of Alice than originally meets the eye. It can be read as a simple but odd tale of a girl talking to animals or it can be looked at to having much deeper and darker meanings. There is a story behind every character in the book, which I love. Nothing is what it seems and that's what makes the tale so intriguing. Its a story that you can never become tired of, as there are always new details you pick on each time it is read.

When I was little I loved the Cartoon Disney Film however I am now extremely excited for Tim Burton's take on the story. With his trademark weirdness he is sure to bring something special to the fairytale. There is also an impressive array of actors playing the roles, such as Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter and Anne Hathaway as the White Queen, which also adds to the excitement and anticipation. This film is sure to be a hit and give a new and exciting view of the traditional story.

http://http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjMkNrX60mA

(Trailer of the new film to be released on 5th march 2010)

Youtube clip for Jimmy Choo and H & M collaboration
http://http//www.youtube.com/watch?v=v1wIXIXlOiU

Designer meets High Street

Chosen world wide by the A-list for their red carpet events, Jimmy Choos are on every fashionistas wish list. Made with exquisite detail and quality, and with a range of quirky and individual styles, combined with more traditional styles with their own added twist, there is something special about these shoes that never fail to disappoint.
However although usually out of price range, there is great news! The luxurious accessory brand has now teamed up with the high street store H & M to bring us an exclusive line of shoes and bags, as well as a line of women's clothing to match (rather than the other way round).
With shoes usually priced at £400 and bags reaching up to over £1,000 we can rejoice as we can get our mitts on the much loved designer brand. Prices for the special collaboration with H & M start at £30 for a pair of ballet pumps with the most expensive item for £170 (that seems more like it).
In the past H & M has collaborated with many designers before such as Karl Lagerfeld, Roberto Cavalli and Stella McCartney, not forgetting their very successful label with Matthew Williamson. However this could be their most exciting collaboration yet.
Hitting 200 stores world wide on November 14, be prepared to fight your way through the crowd amongst the stampede of shoppers trying to get their hands on a piece of Jimmy Choo.
Make a note of that date, it is an opportunity that can't be missed.
You will know where to find me!

Farnham life

As much as I love living in Farnham, I can't help but be slightly disappointed with the nightlife that this place brings, (or doesn't bring).
It is all very well having the many different nights at the SU, but after a while, things begin to become monotonous, and although differently themed, you feel like each night is a repeat of the last.
House parties are a great shout, although disappointing when the porter comes to shut them down telling us that we have neighbours, (they should know what to expect when they decided to take up residence next to a student village).
The old folk at Farnham need to accept that they are sharing their town with a bunch of students, and need to accept change, (nothing stays the same forever, they of all people should know this). Their outrage was ridiculous when they tried to put up a fight about The Barn receiving an alcohol license. There are so many pubs around here that one more place selling alcohol is not going to make that much of a difference.
Don't get me wrong though, I love going to Uni here, the course is great and the people are even better and so far,my experience has been a pleasant one, I just think that the SU should organise some trips to Guildford or London to provide us with a much needed good night out.
Saturday nights have never been that great here, I'm just glad that there are so many funny and interesting people to provide the entertainment. As for tonight there is supposedly meant to be a house party, as much as I am looking forward to this, i wonder how long it will last before we are all told to call it a night.