Good Afternoon,
Today I had a great conversation with a friend of mine about (surprise surprise) fashion. As two people who have spent some points in our lives living in London we were musing about how much freer you feel - fashion-wise - when you are there. For those of you afraid of fashion, of which there are many, you may think I am being ridiculous. The truth is though, in London confidence is the only fashion that people should follow. The conversation was started by the fact that my friend was wearing a beautiful sheer beaded top which when I asked where she purchased it from she replied with "New Look...in Oxford Street obviously". Why obviously? Perhaps we put too much emphasis on the 'London Look'.
London is no doubt the fashion capital of England and therefore you go into any store and will find a fuller, more comprehensive and often edgier range than you will anywhere else in the country. Is this because London people are naturally more fashionable than the rest of us or is it because we perceive them to be as such? I commented to my friend this morning that some of the outfits I bought whilst living in America I feel too self conscious to wear in Gloucester because I think them too 'trendy' or 'fashion forward'. The point with London is, you could wear a black bag as a dress, belt it and someone else in your office is bound to come in wearing the same thing the next day. And therein lies the freedom.
Being a fashion follower is obviously very different to a fashion leader. If you put a table filled with healthy foods in front of a person, she would eat these and lose weight. If you put a store filled with fashion forward looks in front of a person, she would choose an outfit people see as on-trend. In London the real fashion followers go into Topshop and buy a black dress but then pair it with their grandfather's belt, a watch they bought at a vintage store and a pair of shoes from a charity shop. They customize their looks; tie a belt instead of putting it on the traditional way, carry their huge bag as though it was a clutch, wear a pair of Tesco sunglasses with a Nanette Lepore dress. Then they walk out their house and people, including myself stare in awe. Knowing how to work it is the real 'London Look'.
Now I do believe you should all go out and look confident in whatever you decide to wear, but I must make a small comment.... If you have to question whether what you are wearing is appropriate for Tesco...it is not appropriate. I saw an ENTIRE family in Tesco at 8pm last week dressed in pyjamas. We are not talking the Stella McCartney pyjama pant suit either. The mother was wearing a fuchsia coloured La Senza dressing gown with slippers....In. Tesco. HAVE SOME PRIDE LADIES!!!! What I tend to do if I am concerned about what I am wearing is think 'where have I worn this before?' and then assess the current situation. If the answer is 'in bed', 'to the young farmer's ball' or 'that time I walked through London during Gay Pride and got glitter in places no human should have glitter' then I know it is not suitable to pop to Lidl.
Confidence is always the new black. Like Tim Gunn says "make it work".
Becky xx
Tuesday, 7 February 2012
Monday, 6 February 2012
Strike A Pose
Afternoon sleepy heads - I am guessing most of you/your boyfriends/friends/family (delete as applicable) stayed up to watch the Superbowl last night? And what a corker. The only time you can really say Spandex is the most beautiful thing you have ever seen heh? Having met a few American football players in my time...and a couple soon to be NFLers as well I must say, they are as partial to a little tight skinned bodywear as last night's half time act herself. The Superbowl must be the only sporting event where the uniform and the entertainment is camper than a weekend with Alan Carr...and I am guessing he wears A LOT less padding.
Anyway, I cant help it - all day I have been battling with whether or not to blog on it - but I have to...Madonna and the Superbowl half time show. You have most likely read everything you can handle about this already today, but she is a fashion in herself so I feel I have no choice but to comment.
The first three items to be commended on the agenda: Philip Treacy headdress, Riccardo Tisci for Givenchy wardrobe and Bulgari jewellery. It is impossible to look foolish when three of the biggest names in their respective fields are dressing you. This was perhaps Madonna's thoughts as she has worked with Tisci before and rightly so decided he was a better choice than looking like a 13 year old goth in her own line. Stick to what you know I suppose. Although I was, as always, in awe of the fashion on display here, I felt it a little disjointed. It appears that Ancient Egypt and the 300 movie have had a love affair and given birth to Madonna. Luckily it all made sense later when Cee Lo Green came on dressed like he was in Sister Act....huh? I just didnt like the transition between King Leonidas, cheerleader and then Whoopi Goldberg. They arent really related...or perhaps it is just me that thinks that? Judging by the press today it is not...
Dont get me wrong, I will forever be in love with the Madonna classics and if anyone bought me a Jean Paul Gaultier cone bra I would wear it with pride, but perhaps this is where Madge should draw the line. End on a high? If you have read my past posts you can see how I RAVED about W.E the movie Madonna co-wrote and directed; perhaps it is time for her to continue her journey into film and leave music to the people who accompanied her on stage last night - M.I.A, Nicki Minaj, LMFAO and Cee Lo Green.
The actual fashion itself with magnificent. Tisci had created a hand embroidered gold cape that was draped to perfection over a black mini dress with studded belt. An embellished black coat finished off the look. The jewellery was simple gold and diamonds, hopefully not overlooked by those of us who dream in Bulgari. Finally the headdress was breath taking and I am looking forward to seeing how many knockoffs I see floating above the crowd at Cheltenham race week. If there is one thing to be said about Madonna - she certainly doesnt do things by halves. And lets be honest, who among us hasnt fantasized about being a goddess?
She is still a style icon and a business woman to be reckoned with. Dont get me wrong either, that girl looks GOOOOOD. The performance, as always, last night was spectacular and in most cases has drawn more interest than the actual final score (21-17 to the New York Giants, if anyone wants to know). The only issue is that nearly all the articles today have said that she is getting too old for this. Her moves werent what they were although in some ways her body is better now than it was in her coming out days.
I suppose the real and final question is: is 50 something too old to be wearing over the knee leather boots with fish net tights? I guess life is a mystery and everyone must stand alone when it comes to this issue.
Enjoy the rest of your Monday.
Becky xx
Anyway, I cant help it - all day I have been battling with whether or not to blog on it - but I have to...Madonna and the Superbowl half time show. You have most likely read everything you can handle about this already today, but she is a fashion in herself so I feel I have no choice but to comment.
The first three items to be commended on the agenda: Philip Treacy headdress, Riccardo Tisci for Givenchy wardrobe and Bulgari jewellery. It is impossible to look foolish when three of the biggest names in their respective fields are dressing you. This was perhaps Madonna's thoughts as she has worked with Tisci before and rightly so decided he was a better choice than looking like a 13 year old goth in her own line. Stick to what you know I suppose. Although I was, as always, in awe of the fashion on display here, I felt it a little disjointed. It appears that Ancient Egypt and the 300 movie have had a love affair and given birth to Madonna. Luckily it all made sense later when Cee Lo Green came on dressed like he was in Sister Act....huh? I just didnt like the transition between King Leonidas, cheerleader and then Whoopi Goldberg. They arent really related...or perhaps it is just me that thinks that? Judging by the press today it is not...
Dont get me wrong, I will forever be in love with the Madonna classics and if anyone bought me a Jean Paul Gaultier cone bra I would wear it with pride, but perhaps this is where Madge should draw the line. End on a high? If you have read my past posts you can see how I RAVED about W.E the movie Madonna co-wrote and directed; perhaps it is time for her to continue her journey into film and leave music to the people who accompanied her on stage last night - M.I.A, Nicki Minaj, LMFAO and Cee Lo Green.
The actual fashion itself with magnificent. Tisci had created a hand embroidered gold cape that was draped to perfection over a black mini dress with studded belt. An embellished black coat finished off the look. The jewellery was simple gold and diamonds, hopefully not overlooked by those of us who dream in Bulgari. Finally the headdress was breath taking and I am looking forward to seeing how many knockoffs I see floating above the crowd at Cheltenham race week. If there is one thing to be said about Madonna - she certainly doesnt do things by halves. And lets be honest, who among us hasnt fantasized about being a goddess?
She is still a style icon and a business woman to be reckoned with. Dont get me wrong either, that girl looks GOOOOOD. The performance, as always, last night was spectacular and in most cases has drawn more interest than the actual final score (21-17 to the New York Giants, if anyone wants to know). The only issue is that nearly all the articles today have said that she is getting too old for this. Her moves werent what they were although in some ways her body is better now than it was in her coming out days.
I suppose the real and final question is: is 50 something too old to be wearing over the knee leather boots with fish net tights? I guess life is a mystery and everyone must stand alone when it comes to this issue.
Enjoy the rest of your Monday.
Becky xx
Sunday, 5 February 2012
And on the seventh day...the wish list was created.
Good morning snow bunnies!
It is cold, it is Sunday and there is a plethora of bad programmes on the television. This means only one thing to cheer me up...shopping. On a day like today, where a tiny sprinkling of snow covers the ground, I have no interest in pushing my excited face up against the window of House of Fraser looking at pretty things I can't afford. So my friends, I decided today I would post the wish list. Below are items that I am recommending every girl should own and the items that every girl should wish she could afford to own. So turn away from Corrie, grab a PopTart and drool over your new wardrobe!!
S/S Day Date Wardrobe Essentials:
Dress
Splash - Prada Automotive Dress - http://www.prada.com/en#!/advertising-campaign-ss12/woman-print-campaign. I dream in Prada not in Bentleys
Steal - Friends of Oasis - City Print Peter Pan Dress - http://www.oasis-stores.com/City-Print-Peter-Pan-Dress/Dresses/oasis/fcp-product/8241006409 You need somewhere to chill once you have finished zooming round in your car right? Also looks so cute when the collar pokes out of the top of a jumper and skirt shows below.
Shoes
Splash - Platform Tassel Loafer by Stuart Weitzman for Russell & Bromley http://www.russellandbromley.co.uk/ - Would look amazing with anything, especially above mentioned dresses. I love when great designers such as Stuart (who is VERY exclusive in who he works with) collaborates with high street companies. Be warned though - these shoes are still well over £200.
Steal - Topshop Python Wedge Chelsea Boots http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=4286579&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=208542&parent_categoryId=208492&pageSize=200 Snake skin is VERY in S/S12 but I am not a head-to-toe kind of girl when it comes to animal print. Choose one head turning piece and watch the boys fall at your feet!
Jewellery
Splash - Tresor Paris Andromeda Bracelet Cristot http://www.tresorparis.com/tresor-paris-bracelets/andromeda/cristot.html I cant help it, I am IN LOVE with these. It is small and sparkly, like everything should be.
Steal - Anything from Daisy Does Sparkle - www.daisydoes.net. Love the above Tresor bracelet but not the price? Here is your one stop shop for gorgeous sparkle that will allow you to continue eating for the rest of the month.
Bag
Splash - Mulberry Bayswater in Foggy Grey http://www.harrods.com/product/mulberry/bayswater-foggy-grey/000000000002677710?dept=az&cat1=b-mulberry&cat2=b-mulberry-for-her&cat3=b-mulberry-handbags I would never leave anything at home again....EVER.
Steal - Warehouse Diamond Oversize Bag http://www.warehouse.co.uk/diamond-oversize-bag/Bags-&-Clutches/warehouse/fcp-product/306256 Looks Mulberry, costs McDonalds - pick it up, never regret it.
All you have to do now is find yourself a date and let young love (and gorgeous fashion!) blossom!!
Becky xx
It is cold, it is Sunday and there is a plethora of bad programmes on the television. This means only one thing to cheer me up...shopping. On a day like today, where a tiny sprinkling of snow covers the ground, I have no interest in pushing my excited face up against the window of House of Fraser looking at pretty things I can't afford. So my friends, I decided today I would post the wish list. Below are items that I am recommending every girl should own and the items that every girl should wish she could afford to own. So turn away from Corrie, grab a PopTart and drool over your new wardrobe!!
S/S Day Date Wardrobe Essentials:
Dress
Splash - Prada Automotive Dress - http://www.prada.com/en#!/advertising-campaign-ss12/woman-print-campaign. I dream in Prada not in Bentleys
Steal - Friends of Oasis - City Print Peter Pan Dress - http://www.oasis-stores.com/City-Print-Peter-Pan-Dress/Dresses/oasis/fcp-product/8241006409 You need somewhere to chill once you have finished zooming round in your car right? Also looks so cute when the collar pokes out of the top of a jumper and skirt shows below.
Shoes
Splash - Platform Tassel Loafer by Stuart Weitzman for Russell & Bromley http://www.russellandbromley.co.uk/ - Would look amazing with anything, especially above mentioned dresses. I love when great designers such as Stuart (who is VERY exclusive in who he works with) collaborates with high street companies. Be warned though - these shoes are still well over £200.
Steal - Topshop Python Wedge Chelsea Boots http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=4286579&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=208542&parent_categoryId=208492&pageSize=200 Snake skin is VERY in S/S12 but I am not a head-to-toe kind of girl when it comes to animal print. Choose one head turning piece and watch the boys fall at your feet!
Jewellery
Splash - Tresor Paris Andromeda Bracelet Cristot http://www.tresorparis.com/tresor-paris-bracelets/andromeda/cristot.html I cant help it, I am IN LOVE with these. It is small and sparkly, like everything should be.
Steal - Anything from Daisy Does Sparkle - www.daisydoes.net. Love the above Tresor bracelet but not the price? Here is your one stop shop for gorgeous sparkle that will allow you to continue eating for the rest of the month.
Bag
Splash - Mulberry Bayswater in Foggy Grey http://www.harrods.com/product/mulberry/bayswater-foggy-grey/000000000002677710?dept=az&cat1=b-mulberry&cat2=b-mulberry-for-her&cat3=b-mulberry-handbags I would never leave anything at home again....EVER.
Steal - Warehouse Diamond Oversize Bag http://www.warehouse.co.uk/diamond-oversize-bag/Bags-&-Clutches/warehouse/fcp-product/306256 Looks Mulberry, costs McDonalds - pick it up, never regret it.
All you have to do now is find yourself a date and let young love (and gorgeous fashion!) blossom!!
Becky xx
Saturday, 4 February 2012
Meet my new boyfriend, Alfred.
Afternoon Campers,
Well this week has been pretty ridiculous. As you may have seen in my previous post, I was asked to write a guest piece for a local blog. I have written said guest piece and it has been published on their website http://www.jpfestival.com/p/festival-fashion.html. It is a piece about what one should wear if one were to frequent the Cheltenham races this year. It was kindly published by jpfestival.com - you should all check out their website for tips for the upcoming racing events.
The above blog proves that when you are starting out you have to take chances wherever they present themselves. This has turned out VERY well for me and will hopefully lead to future collaborations with jpfestival. Never did I think that one of my first experience with the fashion world, outside of uni, would be mingled with horse racing. But then I expect gown designer Bruce Oldfield and former Red or Dead designer Wayne Hemmingway didnt think they would be adding "McDonald's Uniform Designer" to their CVs. If this week has taught me anything, it is that we must step outside the box, because you get nowhere if you dont. In fact I was getting dangerously close to having to live in said box because lack of money seems to be an awful side effect of being unemployed.
One of my friends once told me the world would be better off if we all went back to trading goods and services, making money obsolete. I always thought this was a bad idea, mainly because I am not interested in growing a tomato bigger than my head to swap for someone's equally big swede as they do in some surrounding Cotswold areas...but now im thinking I would clean all the fake tan out of Donatella's bath tub if she lent me a dress. See, always thinking about new ideas. The one idea I cannot get my head around however is 'signing on'. We have all had friends who have done it and we have all mercilessly ripped them to shreds because of it. However, this is becoming a reality for university leavers; even getting a part time job, especially in the beginning months of the year is a struggle. Therefore we are left with two choices - wear items in our wardrobes MORE than once...or sign on so we can buy new things. Personally I think we should all just move to London and partake in swap-shop parties where you swap lightly worn/unwanted goods with other people of your age and fashion persuasion. I say we must move to London for this, because im not sure about you, but I have no interest in swapping a Moschino skirt for something with the word 'Kappa' on it - yes Gloucester we get it, it is much easier to run away after shoplifting if one is wearing a tracksuit instead of a properly tailored pair of cigarette trousers.
So, the dole, jobseekers, signing on, part of the Monday crew, post office mafia, whatever you call it, there is stigma attached. Why has it gotten to the point where we are afraid to sign on? The only things I am likely to get out of it are bruised ankles from the death on wheels trollie basket and a 70 year old boyfriend named Alfred who I have taken a shine to because he drinks JD in the queue at the Post Office and I am partial to whiskey. Sigh. The government needs to make it more accessible to people of our age as we are the ones in trouble at the moment. "Wait" you are saying, "before you pick up the wondrous cheque, dont you have to go to a meeting"? Yes my friends. Apparently you sit with a man who thinks because you arent working you are therefore a regular on Jeremy Kyle and perhaps a glue sniffer. Actually sir my education cost more than your house and im just a bit down on my luck at the moment. What job am I looking for? Anything in fashion please. I can get you a M-F 9-5 job as a game shooter or weekend work as a Rabbi (im not Jewish). Oh good, im all set. Perhaps a little more post education help would be the thing to look into.
Anyway, the Six Nations is on later so no more need to rant. Rugby shorts and the legs that fill them have always cheered me up. So Shalom friends, speak tomorrow.
Becky xx
Well this week has been pretty ridiculous. As you may have seen in my previous post, I was asked to write a guest piece for a local blog. I have written said guest piece and it has been published on their website http://www.jpfestival.com/p/festival-fashion.html. It is a piece about what one should wear if one were to frequent the Cheltenham races this year. It was kindly published by jpfestival.com - you should all check out their website for tips for the upcoming racing events.
The above blog proves that when you are starting out you have to take chances wherever they present themselves. This has turned out VERY well for me and will hopefully lead to future collaborations with jpfestival. Never did I think that one of my first experience with the fashion world, outside of uni, would be mingled with horse racing. But then I expect gown designer Bruce Oldfield and former Red or Dead designer Wayne Hemmingway didnt think they would be adding "McDonald's Uniform Designer" to their CVs. If this week has taught me anything, it is that we must step outside the box, because you get nowhere if you dont. In fact I was getting dangerously close to having to live in said box because lack of money seems to be an awful side effect of being unemployed.
One of my friends once told me the world would be better off if we all went back to trading goods and services, making money obsolete. I always thought this was a bad idea, mainly because I am not interested in growing a tomato bigger than my head to swap for someone's equally big swede as they do in some surrounding Cotswold areas...but now im thinking I would clean all the fake tan out of Donatella's bath tub if she lent me a dress. See, always thinking about new ideas. The one idea I cannot get my head around however is 'signing on'. We have all had friends who have done it and we have all mercilessly ripped them to shreds because of it. However, this is becoming a reality for university leavers; even getting a part time job, especially in the beginning months of the year is a struggle. Therefore we are left with two choices - wear items in our wardrobes MORE than once...or sign on so we can buy new things. Personally I think we should all just move to London and partake in swap-shop parties where you swap lightly worn/unwanted goods with other people of your age and fashion persuasion. I say we must move to London for this, because im not sure about you, but I have no interest in swapping a Moschino skirt for something with the word 'Kappa' on it - yes Gloucester we get it, it is much easier to run away after shoplifting if one is wearing a tracksuit instead of a properly tailored pair of cigarette trousers.
So, the dole, jobseekers, signing on, part of the Monday crew, post office mafia, whatever you call it, there is stigma attached. Why has it gotten to the point where we are afraid to sign on? The only things I am likely to get out of it are bruised ankles from the death on wheels trollie basket and a 70 year old boyfriend named Alfred who I have taken a shine to because he drinks JD in the queue at the Post Office and I am partial to whiskey. Sigh. The government needs to make it more accessible to people of our age as we are the ones in trouble at the moment. "Wait" you are saying, "before you pick up the wondrous cheque, dont you have to go to a meeting"? Yes my friends. Apparently you sit with a man who thinks because you arent working you are therefore a regular on Jeremy Kyle and perhaps a glue sniffer. Actually sir my education cost more than your house and im just a bit down on my luck at the moment. What job am I looking for? Anything in fashion please. I can get you a M-F 9-5 job as a game shooter or weekend work as a Rabbi (im not Jewish). Oh good, im all set. Perhaps a little more post education help would be the thing to look into.
Anyway, the Six Nations is on later so no more need to rant. Rugby shorts and the legs that fill them have always cheered me up. So Shalom friends, speak tomorrow.
Becky xx
Friday, 3 February 2012
Every Morning I Wake Up, Before I Put On My Pyjamas...
Morning Bloggers,
It has already been a very stressful morning as there was some kind of kitten fight club outside my window that woke me up in the wee hours. If they were wanting to re-enact a film couldnt they have chosen a quieter choice? Perhaps SATC? As my friend once said, the musical, Cats and the SATC gang are not so different; they are all just old moggies eating breakfast together and bitching because one of the group has gotten older.
Anyway. I was upset at being woken so early because I tend to go to bed quite late. Since blogging, it seems the idea for the next day's blog comes to me, fully formed in bed. The only problem is that this process refuses to start until somewhere around midnight. Last night I was thinking I have blogged about unemployment, fashion, movies and, well, chocolate. This made me think of the part in The Social Network where Eduardo asks Mark if they can put advertisements on The Facebook and Mark replies no because "we don't even know what it is yet". This is how I feel about my blog. Im not sure how far it will take me or if people will like it - although I must say I have had some really great comments from those reading it - but I also dont know what it is yet. It may end up being just fashion, because hopefully one day I will be employed....but at the moment I am enjoying writing my musings to you and I hope you are enjoying reading them!
So I thought I would some days put an upcoming trend that I am obsessed with vs one I am not. So first things first: prints have been MASSIVE for a long time now and everyone from designer to highstreet have jumped on the bandwagon. Birds, fish, tribal and polka dots have all been big and will be going into S/S 12, but the best one I have seen so far is the collection by Prada - dresses, shirts, skirts all in pastel colours with gorgeous car motifs. I. DIE. (http://www.prada.com/en#!/advertising-campaign-ss12/woman-print-campaign) I am especially loving...although still building up my bravery...to try mixing different prints. You have to be VERY careful when you do this otherwise you will end up looking like a cracked out Barbie. Leighton Meester is the QUEEN of mixing prints, so look to her for inspiration.
And the faux pas? The Pyjama Suit. Now, dont get me wrong I am not stifling creativity here. I just think this has gone a bit far. Us normal women - not a size 0, not 5'10" will look like we are late for a meeting and therefore thought clothes were less important than punctuality. Obviously never true...kidding. Probably. The girl in the link next to this statement however looks like we all wish we did when we got up in the morning. I dont think we need another reminder that we look less Heidi Klum and more The Gruffalo when the alarm goes off. http://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/spring-summer-2012/ready-to-wear/stella-mccartney/full-length-photos/page/2#/image/20 (for all of you that want to look at this ready-to-sleep-wear). I am in no way saying that Stella McCartney is not the best thing since Alli, im just saying that sometimes even I think things need to be reeled in a little...
Anyway gang, as always it has been a pleasure. My tip today is to email companies even if you dont think they have any vacancies as I did this and have been told to send my CV to one of them. Good luck and happy hunting!
Becky xx
It has already been a very stressful morning as there was some kind of kitten fight club outside my window that woke me up in the wee hours. If they were wanting to re-enact a film couldnt they have chosen a quieter choice? Perhaps SATC? As my friend once said, the musical, Cats and the SATC gang are not so different; they are all just old moggies eating breakfast together and bitching because one of the group has gotten older.
Anyway. I was upset at being woken so early because I tend to go to bed quite late. Since blogging, it seems the idea for the next day's blog comes to me, fully formed in bed. The only problem is that this process refuses to start until somewhere around midnight. Last night I was thinking I have blogged about unemployment, fashion, movies and, well, chocolate. This made me think of the part in The Social Network where Eduardo asks Mark if they can put advertisements on The Facebook and Mark replies no because "we don't even know what it is yet". This is how I feel about my blog. Im not sure how far it will take me or if people will like it - although I must say I have had some really great comments from those reading it - but I also dont know what it is yet. It may end up being just fashion, because hopefully one day I will be employed....but at the moment I am enjoying writing my musings to you and I hope you are enjoying reading them!
So I thought I would some days put an upcoming trend that I am obsessed with vs one I am not. So first things first: prints have been MASSIVE for a long time now and everyone from designer to highstreet have jumped on the bandwagon. Birds, fish, tribal and polka dots have all been big and will be going into S/S 12, but the best one I have seen so far is the collection by Prada - dresses, shirts, skirts all in pastel colours with gorgeous car motifs. I. DIE. (http://www.prada.com/en#!/advertising-campaign-ss12/woman-print-campaign) I am especially loving...although still building up my bravery...to try mixing different prints. You have to be VERY careful when you do this otherwise you will end up looking like a cracked out Barbie. Leighton Meester is the QUEEN of mixing prints, so look to her for inspiration.
And the faux pas? The Pyjama Suit. Now, dont get me wrong I am not stifling creativity here. I just think this has gone a bit far. Us normal women - not a size 0, not 5'10" will look like we are late for a meeting and therefore thought clothes were less important than punctuality. Obviously never true...kidding. Probably. The girl in the link next to this statement however looks like we all wish we did when we got up in the morning. I dont think we need another reminder that we look less Heidi Klum and more The Gruffalo when the alarm goes off. http://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/spring-summer-2012/ready-to-wear/stella-mccartney/full-length-photos/page/2#/image/20 (for all of you that want to look at this ready-to-sleep-wear). I am in no way saying that Stella McCartney is not the best thing since Alli, im just saying that sometimes even I think things need to be reeled in a little...
Anyway gang, as always it has been a pleasure. My tip today is to email companies even if you dont think they have any vacancies as I did this and have been told to send my CV to one of them. Good luck and happy hunting!
Becky xx
Thursday, 2 February 2012
Do It Like A Brother? or Do It Like Vivienne Westwood?
Dear Unemployed Friends,
I am specifically addressing this to you today as "There IS a light at the end of the tunnel" (to quote one of my favourite musicals, Starlight Express - no I have not taken on a position as Buffy the Buffet car)!!! Yesterday I was called by a company that I REALLY want to intern for and was offered an interview next week - score. Also, I was asked to write a guest post on a local but well known blog. I will not divulge the details of either until (hopefully) the internship is awarded and (hopefully) the blog piece is published.
So yesterday was a great day. I thought, why not treat myself to more chocolate than the body can handle? Side note - you may notice that this was also my treat when getting turned down for a job, what can I say, there is more than a slight chance I am related to the Vicar of Dibley...we've all watched Sharpe (Sean Bean) whilst eating a Crunchie have we not? Anyway, so as I dance round the aisles of Tesco looking to pick myself up some celebratory chocolate, whilst constantly having to tell passers-by that I am NOT Beyonce (body of Beyonce voice of Michelle McManus you wonder?....or perhaps the other way round after the chocolate run) I freeze in horror.....for that is right my friends I have realised I have a fashion interview in ONE WEEK.
For those of you who are unaware, a fashion interview is completely different to the normal interview. A normal interview you follow the moderate heel, skirt below knee, hair in a bun ritual - basically make your self as un-feminine as possible.You concoct answers about your weaknesses, your past achievements and basically create a SWOT about your life that if you were a fly would send you weak at the knees. In the fashion interview the above could cause you to not even be admitted to the interview room. Do you know what the fashion will be next week, month, year? No? Well I have to be wearing it, talking about it, living it at this interview. Do you know who Felicity Jones is and why she has been crowned 'England's new IT girl'? No? I have to talk about her as if she is my best friend. My hair, nails, shoes, accessories and most of all outfit have to be between the highest fashion statement and someone going for an interview. So I am thinking Madonna on top, Lord Sugar on bottom?? What is this fashion girl to do?
This weekend I will shop as if my life depends on it - and really I suppose it does; happiness anyway. Will my nails and eye make-up match? Will I wear a dress with statement tights or trousers with a statement top? Shall I display my enjoyment of vintage or do I go for fresh off the highstreet, Alexa Chung eat your heart out look? All I can say girls is when we make it and I mean REALLY make it, we will be free, saved. Why is this you ask? Because my fellow fashionistas....Chanel may be expensive, but when you can afford to drop a couple Mulberry suitcases filled with cash, you will realise Chanel makes a suit for every occasion and she is willing, for the right price, to share these wonders with you.
Keep trying.
Becky xx
I am specifically addressing this to you today as "There IS a light at the end of the tunnel" (to quote one of my favourite musicals, Starlight Express - no I have not taken on a position as Buffy the Buffet car)!!! Yesterday I was called by a company that I REALLY want to intern for and was offered an interview next week - score. Also, I was asked to write a guest post on a local but well known blog. I will not divulge the details of either until (hopefully) the internship is awarded and (hopefully) the blog piece is published.
So yesterday was a great day. I thought, why not treat myself to more chocolate than the body can handle? Side note - you may notice that this was also my treat when getting turned down for a job, what can I say, there is more than a slight chance I am related to the Vicar of Dibley...we've all watched Sharpe (Sean Bean) whilst eating a Crunchie have we not? Anyway, so as I dance round the aisles of Tesco looking to pick myself up some celebratory chocolate, whilst constantly having to tell passers-by that I am NOT Beyonce (body of Beyonce voice of Michelle McManus you wonder?....or perhaps the other way round after the chocolate run) I freeze in horror.....for that is right my friends I have realised I have a fashion interview in ONE WEEK.
For those of you who are unaware, a fashion interview is completely different to the normal interview. A normal interview you follow the moderate heel, skirt below knee, hair in a bun ritual - basically make your self as un-feminine as possible.You concoct answers about your weaknesses, your past achievements and basically create a SWOT about your life that if you were a fly would send you weak at the knees. In the fashion interview the above could cause you to not even be admitted to the interview room. Do you know what the fashion will be next week, month, year? No? Well I have to be wearing it, talking about it, living it at this interview. Do you know who Felicity Jones is and why she has been crowned 'England's new IT girl'? No? I have to talk about her as if she is my best friend. My hair, nails, shoes, accessories and most of all outfit have to be between the highest fashion statement and someone going for an interview. So I am thinking Madonna on top, Lord Sugar on bottom?? What is this fashion girl to do?
This weekend I will shop as if my life depends on it - and really I suppose it does; happiness anyway. Will my nails and eye make-up match? Will I wear a dress with statement tights or trousers with a statement top? Shall I display my enjoyment of vintage or do I go for fresh off the highstreet, Alexa Chung eat your heart out look? All I can say girls is when we make it and I mean REALLY make it, we will be free, saved. Why is this you ask? Because my fellow fashionistas....Chanel may be expensive, but when you can afford to drop a couple Mulberry suitcases filled with cash, you will realise Chanel makes a suit for every occasion and she is willing, for the right price, to share these wonders with you.
Keep trying.
Becky xx
Wednesday, 1 February 2012
I love men, but not as much as I love my Louis!!
Afternoon Bloggers,
For those of you, who like me, are unemployed, you know that the most excruciating part of this lifestyle is the boredom. People think sitting at home watching "My Mum Is Actually My Grandfather" or "My Brother Is Under The Delusion He Is Eminem and Has Impregnated Everyone Within An 8 Mile Radius" on Jeremy Kyle all day everyday is a break - but it isnt. It merely reminds you that the people on the television may be ...unconventional...in their ways, but at least they are getting paid to be so.
So, what does one do when she has all this time on her hands? Movies!! My friend Kate and I can usually be found on an Orange Wednesday pooling our resources - she is also part of our job hunt crew - watching a film. Together Kate and I rather resemble David Dickinson, as I relish a bargain and she shares her colouring with a Satsuma. I joke, she has been known to resemble a cross of Audrey Hepburn and Zooey Deschanel....see K, it's not all horrible! Anyway... last week we found ourselves enjoying the delights of W.E. Now, if you are not going to see this movie because you dont like the fact it is written and directed by Madonna, PLEASE reconsider. It would be the same injustice as if we didnt eat chocolate because we knew it would make us fat - not acceptable. The movie is poignant, moving and there is not a cone bra in sight. In fact, the costuming in this piece is rather beautiful. There is one line in the movie where Wallis Simpson admits she is neither beautiful, nor clever but that she dresses better than any woman she knows and that if everyone in the room looks at her when she enters, she knows she will have made Edward proud. For those of you who dont know W.E is the movie about Wallis Simpson and her marriage to Prince Edward. It has been deemed one of the most tragic love-stories of all time.
Wallis confessing that she dressed to make her husband proud makes me think. Throughout history there has often been the misconception that women dress to please the other sex. This is not true. Yes, Audrey Hepburn may have worn that long black sheath to impress her sugar daddy in jail and yes Marilyn Monroe may have worn a white dress that happened to become the thing of men's dreams, but who really has the control here? As is shown in that well known scene in The Devil Wears Prada where a cerulean belt becomes the starring actress, there is never a moment when most of us women do not calculate to the point of perfection what we will be wearing and why. Style is not a thing only some women have - if you wear only jeans and a t-shirt, then that is your style. Those who deny they follow trends, are merely making their own. Fashion for women is all empowering. It is one thing that men will trail behind us in. They may make more money as the CEO, but we will we be the one turning heads as their assistant CEO in the new to die for McCartney trouser suit; cut so perfectly to our body shape you almost feel it rude to look at us.
Everyday I wear a dress, or jeans, or sweatpants, or a t-shirt or a cardigan, but it is my choice. If a woman walks into a room and everyone stares at her, she should not be worried if her husband is proud, but more is she portraying the seductress, business woman, best friend or daughter that she wants to be seen as in this outfit? So if today you want to look classy like Wallis or you want to look businessy in pearls like the Iron Lady, make sure you remember to be proud of your beloved partners, but to be proud of your Prada more.
Becky xx
For those of you, who like me, are unemployed, you know that the most excruciating part of this lifestyle is the boredom. People think sitting at home watching "My Mum Is Actually My Grandfather" or "My Brother Is Under The Delusion He Is Eminem and Has Impregnated Everyone Within An 8 Mile Radius" on Jeremy Kyle all day everyday is a break - but it isnt. It merely reminds you that the people on the television may be ...unconventional...in their ways, but at least they are getting paid to be so.
So, what does one do when she has all this time on her hands? Movies!! My friend Kate and I can usually be found on an Orange Wednesday pooling our resources - she is also part of our job hunt crew - watching a film. Together Kate and I rather resemble David Dickinson, as I relish a bargain and she shares her colouring with a Satsuma. I joke, she has been known to resemble a cross of Audrey Hepburn and Zooey Deschanel....see K, it's not all horrible! Anyway... last week we found ourselves enjoying the delights of W.E. Now, if you are not going to see this movie because you dont like the fact it is written and directed by Madonna, PLEASE reconsider. It would be the same injustice as if we didnt eat chocolate because we knew it would make us fat - not acceptable. The movie is poignant, moving and there is not a cone bra in sight. In fact, the costuming in this piece is rather beautiful. There is one line in the movie where Wallis Simpson admits she is neither beautiful, nor clever but that she dresses better than any woman she knows and that if everyone in the room looks at her when she enters, she knows she will have made Edward proud. For those of you who dont know W.E is the movie about Wallis Simpson and her marriage to Prince Edward. It has been deemed one of the most tragic love-stories of all time.
Wallis confessing that she dressed to make her husband proud makes me think. Throughout history there has often been the misconception that women dress to please the other sex. This is not true. Yes, Audrey Hepburn may have worn that long black sheath to impress her sugar daddy in jail and yes Marilyn Monroe may have worn a white dress that happened to become the thing of men's dreams, but who really has the control here? As is shown in that well known scene in The Devil Wears Prada where a cerulean belt becomes the starring actress, there is never a moment when most of us women do not calculate to the point of perfection what we will be wearing and why. Style is not a thing only some women have - if you wear only jeans and a t-shirt, then that is your style. Those who deny they follow trends, are merely making their own. Fashion for women is all empowering. It is one thing that men will trail behind us in. They may make more money as the CEO, but we will we be the one turning heads as their assistant CEO in the new to die for McCartney trouser suit; cut so perfectly to our body shape you almost feel it rude to look at us.
Everyday I wear a dress, or jeans, or sweatpants, or a t-shirt or a cardigan, but it is my choice. If a woman walks into a room and everyone stares at her, she should not be worried if her husband is proud, but more is she portraying the seductress, business woman, best friend or daughter that she wants to be seen as in this outfit? So if today you want to look classy like Wallis or you want to look businessy in pearls like the Iron Lady, make sure you remember to be proud of your beloved partners, but to be proud of your Prada more.
Becky xx
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