Aquascutum in Administration

Just a quick post for those of you who like me, have always had a soft spot for Aquascutum. Sadly, this quaint, well-known brand went into administration today =( Read more about it on the BBC website http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-17744983.

They reported losses of £24 million last year, so its not much of a shock. I hope someone buys them out!! "Founded in 1851, Aquascutum's clothes have been worn by Cary Grant, Humphrey Bogart and the Queen Mother" (BBC). It's just such a shame that an institution such as this, may come to an end.. I am guessing someone will come along to save the day, but try to pick up any pieces you can find now - eBay, charity stores, whatever. I am sure when the pieces hit the vintage market (if you dont happen to have some 25 years + pieces already) they will be worth a fortune. Everyone loves a good defunct fashion house.

The house is well known for its suits, tailoring and the perfect trench coats. Indeed Burberry must have enjoyed a little the knowledge that one of their main trench coat competitors will likely not see another season.

Here are some current pieces for those of you who have not heard of the brand before (all available at harrods.com). It is a mixture of Burberry and countryside wealth chic:

£750

£195

£275

Secretly Danny from The Script is the love child of Kevin Webster from Coronation Street and Kevin Bridges.

Now many of you may be in an uproar about what I just said. Lets just have a quick look at the evidence...

Danny has some sort of mullet going on.....So did Kevin in Corrie in the early stages of his career....he blates would still have one now if all his hair hadn't receded after the trauma of Sally leaving him for the 19th time.

Danny is Irish....a mixture of Scottish and Cockney accents perhaps? I think so.

Danny lacks confidence on The Voice and looks to everyone else to see what they are doing....comedians are notoriously lacking in self confidence and Kevin Webster would be wrong to be confident about anything.

Danny has the same face as Kevin Bridges but younger and a bit more attractive.

Anyone/all of these men wish they were lesbians.



Kevin Webster PLUS...

Kevin Bridges EQUALS...

 Oh Danny what a lovely pair of Kevin dads you have. I rest my case.

In more important news it is my 23rd birthday on Saturday!!! People keep asking if I feel old. No. I'm going to be 23 when did that become old? I am just grateful I am past the age where I can be forced into partaking in the Hunger Games. Although Peeta can rub Vaseline into my head knife wound anytime he wants to. Maybe he should use less of the stuff on his hair though...just a thought. Anyway, for this wonderful birthday I should be finally getting a camera (my parents have not refused to buy me one before this, I have just not wanted one)...blogging peer pressure means I need one to show you things I am wearing and other weird stuff you will probably be confused about. So that's something to look forward to.

One of the things I feel it is my duty to show you when I have this camera is what NOT to wear on a night out. My wonderful best friend Becky turned 23 on Saturday and we danced the night away to celebrate. It was magical, couldn't have been better, no way it could've been ruined....except for the girl next to us wearing a shoe lace and nothing else. Or the girl who thought we wanted to see her thong (please note these references are not directed of any of the people we were out with). So to just clear some stuff up, don't wear it if you have to ask yourself or your friends if it is appropriate due to it being too low cut, too short, too tight or just a complete cat vomit mess... Here are my suggestions for nights out on the town looking seductive and fashionable but not causing grounds for indecent exposure.


This dress is just £12.99 and is all the shine you would ever need! Lets just tick off the trends....pleated, gold, skirt of differing lengths.... For this price you can't go wrong...and I cant see a misplaced boob in sight.





After telling you the best high street prints in my last blog...pick up this pair of scarf print shorts from Zara for £34.99 and team with heels. A fashion trend bonanza on a night out!




















Sequin skirt that is reminiscent of shells....two trends one (slightly high but totes worth it) price. £175 from AllSaints.

For all of you, like me, who like to wear black on a night out, but wish it had a little something more to it, look no further than this top with printed sleeves from Warehouse for £38. Would look the most cute tucked into a sequin skirt or scarf shorts....oh wait!!!!

Jumpsuit from Ted Baker £179. This has cheeky cut out back detailing and is silk. I want it. It's a shame I am short and would look like a convict in it. I don't care. I will buy it anyway. Fancy convict.



Who said an evening clutch had to be black or boring?? £12.99 from New Look



Finally look no further than Matalan for your shoes (£18 for both pairs of shoes and £20 for boots). These are stocked in local stores and not just London so make sure to go take a look. If a girl is wearing the right shoes....she can walk away from the creepy boy giving her the eye.

Hope this has helped my little friends!! Please help those less fortunate than you by telling them if they look crazy and showing them my blog. If you are one of those people...you are welcome.

Night!
xxx

'Prints' Charming and His 'Eggselent' Followers

Hello Over Indulged Friends!!

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter, spending time with friends and family....and eating everything egg shaped in sight. I partook in the frivolous and ate and drank with friends and I partook in the meaningful, visiting Gloucester Cathedral which held a floral tribute to my late grandfather and many others friends and relatives past. Easter was therefore particularly emotional for me. But my dear friends, I am ashamed to say it was not only the marking of another Easter without my grandfather that made me a little down in the mouth. No, it was also that APPARENTLY, when you hit 22, people stop getting you Easter eggs. Ummmm, this has to be against civil rights??? I am sorry but the excuse that we now know the Easter Bunny isn't real, doesn't really fly with me. I know that half of Glos are carrying faux designer bags but I am not allowed to rip those poorly stitched Lukey Vuittons and Birdberry pieces out of their hands and set them on fire (the bags, not the people...) which to me seems the same sort of situation. My lovely Mother bought me a little selection of eggs from M&S which were delightful, my wonderful Father bought me a large egg, my Nan gave me an egg with a medal (also made of choc) and my other Nana made 2 chocolate cakes over the weekend on the "off chance" I would pop round....I did, three times. So I suppose you cannot compare my lack of chocolate to that of a third world resident, BUT, what happened to the times when your parents gave you 12 Easter eggs (with you managing to keep those bad boys going until mid July), a Steps CD and £20 to boot??? As I get older I find chocolate has become more of a necessity - especially since that study was brought out which says those that eat choc regularly are more likely to lose weight than those that don't - so I am pretty sure more eggs should exchange hands rather than less. I keep hearing the old chestnut that "22 is too old for Easter eggs" which I until today completely disagreed with... With my lack of choc causing a rumbly tumbly I bought some Love Hearts - old school cool - which like in the good old days I read before eating: "Be Mine", "Love You", "Fax Me" - obvi a 90s cast off. I kid you not when I say this though, at least 1/3 of the packet were "Grow Up". A short, sharp, chocolateless shock to the system. I think I'll stick to sweets that don't talk back next time. I hope you all enjoyed whatever sugary delight you got.

Now being in love with prints as I am and the fact there are SO many available at the moment in all different colours and patterns, I thought I would bring you my top ten. At least if you didnt get any choc this Easter you will be able to fit into these beauties...(Blurbs for each piece underneath image)



Matalan Scarf Print Blouse £16
http://www.matalan.co.uk/fcp/product/fashion-to-buy-online//Long-Sleeve-Scarf-Print-Blouse/51662&resultsPerPage=100&attrList=Dept,brand

Scarf Print: So in for S/S - all the celebs are wearing scarf print dresses, skirts and blouses. Team this shirt with denim shorts, a black maxi skirt or another daring print if you are brave enough!! This blouse manages to hit two trends with the scarf print and the fact it's sheer. Matalan has so much great stuff this season so look to them for other trends that wont break the bank!



H&M Striped Blazer £24.99
http://www.hm.com/gb/product/96893?article=96893-D

Stripes: You cant go wrong with a good striped blazer - well actually make sure the stripes aren't two thick, you don't want to look like Beetlejuice... Its a good staple for jeans and a tee but can also be worn over an LBD or even for work. Prints don't have to be terrifying or garish, so if you aren't into bright colours or loud patterns, try something like this from H&M.




River Island Yellow Sunflower Print Playsuit £25
http://www.riverisland.com/Online/women/playsuits--jumpsuits/playsuits/yellow-sunflower-print-playsuit-618259

Floral Print: Big, bright and bold flower prints are the best way to liven up your summer wardrobe. Team this playsuit with some cute sandals in the day before making an easy transition to night with a black blazer and black wedge boots.




American Apparel Polka Dot Leggings £24
http://store.americanapparel.co.uk/8328.html?cid=905-1310&c=Truffle

Polka Dot: I love a good polka dot and I love a good legging, so put the two together and what have you got?!! Fashion gold my friends. If you have got a black dress that needs livening up, are one of those fabulously toned people who can wear leggings as trousers or just want to dress like LMFAO then pick these bad boys up. They are my new Spandex crush.




Oasis Bird Print Trousers £45
http://www.oasis-stores.com/Bird-Print-Trouser/Trousers-&-Shorts/oasis/fcp-product/4450002868

Bird Print: I have always loved prints which incorporate animals, birds, fish etc. I think they are so eye-catching as from far away they can look more like a generic pattern; it isn't until you get close that you see the detail. Everyone is celebrating with our winged friends at the moment, so pick up a pair of wide legged trousers, harem pants or these loose fitting beauties and rock out with your chicken out...

Urban Outfitters Renewal O&O Maxi Dress £48
http://www.urbanoutfitters.co.uk/renewal-o+o-animal-maxi-dress/invt/5416465084589/&bklist=

Oriental Prints: This particular dress reminds me of oriental prints on kimonos, rice paper paintings and those gorgeous vases (usually in blue and white). This is a stunning maxi that is definitely a piece to wear to drinks, dinner or a special occasion - and such value for money!! This is possibly my favourite piece of the ten items, it is so simple, yet so beautiful. Check out UO for all your print needs, because lets be honest, they don't really do subtle...




Topshop Morphed Tribal Shorts £35
http://www.topshop.com/

Tribal Print: Some of you might be yawning at this because tribal has been around for a while now. What you have to do therefore is find tribal but with a twist, like these shorts! Love the tribal colours, but go for a blurred look, or another pattern to make the trend fresh again. Zigzags are huge at the moment, so try tribal colours in this print for extra va va voom!

Warehouse Snake Print Skirt £40
http://www.warehouse.co.uk/snake-plisse-skirt/Clothing/warehouse/fcp-product/308234

Animal Print: Lets be honest animal print is always going to be around, so we just have to tailor it to the season. This season pleats and snakeskin are in....oh wait! Here is the perfect skirt for pairing with your highest heels and going partying with your friends. You know you want to...


House of Holland Bone Swim Suit £75
http://shop.houseofholland.co.uk/collections/new-arrivals/products/pc12-bone-swimsuit

Crazy Print: At the end of the day be who you want to be and say what you want to say in a print that you love! This says ... look how skinny I've got from lack of Easter eggs....





Cath Kidston Pinny Cardi £38
http://www.cathkidston.co.uk/p-18021-cath-kidston-pinny-flowers-pointelle-cardigan.aspx

Cath Kidston: If all else fails, turn to the queen of prints herself...

So go out and paint the town patterned!
Becky xx

And So The End Is Nigh....Zzzzzzzzzzz

Hello Friends and Readers.... I say that as though there is any of you left after I have not spoken to you in a week. I will let you know it is only because I have been involved in 12 hour work days and lots of other crazy things. For those of you wondering, I am loving London and I am loving my internship!

You may look at my title and shed a tear, for you know (after what should have been 26 days but was most likely a month and a half....) that the alphabet I have been doing will officially come to an end after this post =( BUT!!! I will be carrying on with my blog - they may have to be shorter posts, but I will try to post at least 4 times a week with interesting things such as: splurge vs. steal, get the look, interesting things I have seen in the fashion/interior design world, what I am wearing that day if it is particularly fabulous and just general things I want to report to you guys. I am also thinking of investing in a camera or taking more photos on my BB so that I can post fun pics. Hope you will all enjoy it! I may decide to do another ABC next season, but who knows where life will take me...

Interesting things coming up: Easter - the time where too few reflect on the Christian meaning of Easter; I am not particularly religious myself but I am sad when the meaning of things such as Christmas and Easter change to trying to get your warm little hands on as many presents as possible for the first and trying to get diabetes from the latter. I mean I am not afraid of a little chocolate myself and when my grandmother once told me that cocoa beans would run out and we would be left without chocolate in the world, I started a mourning period more severe than that which even Queen Victoria herself held for her late and beloved husband. So, whilst you are getting so hyped on chocolate that you start to think you can hear music and do that weird dance from the Inbetweeners movie, remember also that holidays such as this are a time to be with loved ones! Also....4 days of work, booyahhhh!! As I write this, my lovely room-mate who has offered me refuge for my next month of internship (from Chiswick to Brixton - I feel like Pretty Woman, but in reverse and with more clothes on...I get cold) is feeding me all manner of chocolate goodies whilst she makes Easter cakes for work tomorrow. I will never learn.

My birthday/the Queen's birthday - now for those of you who don't know my birthday and the Queen's REAL birthday fall on the very same day....and yet I am still waiting for my gun salute. In fact just a single party popper would be nice. It is my first birthday in this country in FOUR YEARS and so I am very excited to slip on a frothy party dress, pour my poor feet into the highest heels they can manage and wear enough rouge to make a party goer in Ibiza blush (I am guessing anyway, I mean they are too rouged to tell). I will then meet my other equally velvet lapelled, liquid silked, hair curled, haze of hairspray, shiny lipped, sparkly heeled, heaving bosomed, ID clutching little rascal of a friendship group for some, almost certainly unable to publish here, crazy times. I will no doubt be forgotten off the Queen's party list, but then she will undoubtedly be forgotten off mine. Harry is welcome, as always.

SUMMER!!!! - The best part of the year! Flip flops will become our best friends and our worst enemies....blisters are more unwelcome than Russel Brand in KP's house....and yet still more funny. Sunglasses will hide our tired little beer garden hungover eyes - those people who think they are awesome will wear Ray Ban Aviators or Wayfarers....those who are really cool will wear Oliver Peoples or a pair from Tesco. I myself LOVE Ray Ban's but wouldn't buy a mainstream pair - sheep shouldn't wear sunglasses. Bright colours, fruity cocktails and sun sun sun....well we can dream heh, I would pick yourself up a good brolly just in case.

DUH DUH DUUUUUUUUUH Z!!!!!!

Fashion Trend: Ze power of ze French.... now that my friends is the best thing I have ever written. I feel like seeing as this is my last post I want to leave you with an important message: if all else fails, dress like the French. Parisian women especially believe in tailoring to within an inch of their lives. They believe in chignons, berets, the perfect breton style dress or top, eating small portions consisting of fish and salad to keep so angular you would bruise if you bumped into them and they most of all believe in perfection. French women always take pride in what they wear - no loose hairs, no chipped nails, no lumps and bumps due to an ill fitting piece. Haute Couture is out of most of our price ranges, but the perfect fitting pair of black trousers isnt, the figure hugging LBD isnt, the way Chanel No. 5 hits the man behind you on the tube when you step off isnt...and well if you can't afford real pearls yet, there are some great fakes. What I am trying to say, is feel confident and beautiful in what you wear by taking time to think about it. Being into fashion isnt shallow, it just shows you care about your appearance. PS - for all you wondering I am thinking more Audrey Tatou and Marion Cotillard than Christina Aguilera in Lady Marmalade...


Audrey Tatou http://www.peoplestylewatch.com/people/stylewatch/gallery/0,,20304268_20671549,00.html

Marion Cotillard http://theclothingmenu.com/2010/02/jadore-these-french-fashion-icons/

Fashion Item: Everything from Zara...ever. If you read a little further you will see Zara is not my 
Store/Label and that is because it was too predictable. But, it cannot be left out. So what I thought I could do is share some great pieces with you....seriously, what else would I do with Z. For those of you who haven't been, Zara is an upmarket Mango/H&M with a HUGE range at mid level prices. Here are my current favs all available from www.zara.com


Floral Print Dress £49.99 - How Mary Katrantzou is this??!! I NEED IT!

Printed Trousers with Contrast Waist £39.99 

T-Shirt with Flared Waist £19.99

Suede Graduated Coloured Clutch £69.99

High Heel Sandal £49.99

Store or Label: Zadig & Voltaire - I have been waiting and waiting for Z so I could put Z&V as I am SO IN LOVE with them. The designs are like Winter Kate and Alexander McQueen had a love child - so floaty and so skulls on crack at the same time. I want everything, I can afford nothing. Not as terribly priced as many of the other designers, but still over £200 for t-shirts, sooooo... Here are the new things in this week that I am now going to pretend people will give me for my birthday. Do you think I can ask my great aunt to knit me a t-shirt with a skull instead of a tea cosy?!!! All items from http://www.zadig-et-voltaire.com/eu/uk/what-s-new-1/this-week.html


Cashmere Skull Tank £205

Double Ring Gaia Repossi for Z&V £475
(Also available in a cuff for £1,240 - £1,430)





Suede Clutch £220

Designer or Celebrity: Zooey Deschanel - My absolute style crush. You have to have something special to channel that sort of innocent, teacher from the 50s look. All I expect her to do is cycle on a bike with a basket whilst wearing floral 50s housewife dresses. #sochic. Sorry channeling P'Trique... For those of you who haven't been watching New Girl on channel four, you are obviously crazy...it is HILARIOUS and she wears the cutest stuff ever. Think sheer blouses with bright polka dot shorts and crazy printed tees with pastel jeans. Seeing her in something slutty would be as traumatizing as being reminded that your parents were once your age or finding out that delish strawberry creamy thing from Starbucks is infact your entire day's calories. Taking style advice from this little button therefore is not a bad idea. She looks French, she wears her hair slightly waved or in a messy chignon and has bright red vampy lipstick. Also, she is one of those rare funny and beautiful women who is obviously smart to boot. She tweets and she blogs at Hello Giggles - check her out....in all ways!!!!

Night dahhhhlings, sleep well!
xxx