18 December 2008

Knitwear Happy Hanako Style!





Photos From; Hanako Narahira


As you lot probably know by now I don't and can't blog for the hell of it, I only ever write or sometime rant about fashion that really brightens my eyes and makes me feel all inspired and generally hyper. I get this this genuine need and burning desire to tell everyone about a gem then afterwards I self combust from too much innovative fashion constructions and regain my energy, for the next little surprise that comes my way! I'm always very inspired by the super comments I receive I love nothing more then passing on fashion info for others to than further explore and develop a romance with (perhaps the last is just moi?) I sometimes find it difficult to get my head around the fact that people actually stop by to read my pondering's and very much long entry blabbers on various a fashion subject. So before this post begins to sound like a over the top award acceptance speech 'Oscar style'...I'd just like to say a big massive genuine *THANK YOU'S* before festive fun takes over my world and I go and forget ( this isn't to say I will be neglecting my pc and keyboard during Christmas. Hell no way! I'm forever writing and consumed by fashion design, besides I don't want to miss out. Fashions face changes every day!).

For sometime now I've been very desperate and excited to feature one of my favourite fashion designer (or knitwear designer to be textile, scientifically exact!) Hanako Narahira. As a girl often blinded by colour and shape Hanako can do no wrong, this is some serious innovative and extremely modern take on knitwear. I only wish I could sit and observe just how this designer makes such delicate shapes and textures on the old knitting machine. Theres a combo of loops, hoops twists, chunky bright patch work style panels and plenty of cleaver quirky collars. With all the above combined Hanako Narahira's collection can only be described as an childrens colouring book re-worked in knit form (this is just in case your reading Hanako? A Prettyneons complement)...I really hope Central Saint Martins future fashion star continues to colour in and go over those restricted lines; one thing is for certain I simply cannot wait to see what this talented designer does next on that magical knitting machine... yarns away! ( Such a poor and very bad pun, *sorry).

visit; www.notjustalabel.com

15 December 2008

No I Will Not Grow Up And I'm Loving It!

Photograph by; Prettyneons.
Photo From; Harajukulovers.com (as you've probably figured).
Photo from; JohnnyLovesRosie
Photos From; Happielovesit


I'm going to blame my love on all things child like, very pink and super cute on the anticipation of Christmas being just around the snow covered corner (so not snow but ice at least with a haze of thick frosty fog, which is close enough). I got my crimbo tree yesterday and its blazing with lights and shining bright with other glittering father Christmas and reindeer decorations, oh and of course...twirly, curly, whirly strands of ribbon! Love it. The festive feeling has officially arrived in the pit of my stomach (I'm not talking about a dose of premature festive food poisoning). Its just that feeling thats similar to when your really little and desperate to go bed closing your eyes shut ever so tightly in the hope father Christmas might just visit you first and there for the big day will arrive quicker...So like I said just a moment ago I'm besotted with girly, colourful childish, fashion items that normally I would NOT even look at yet alone seriously consider and sure I'm aware how stupid I will look when the 2008 Christmas photo album appears on the table. With conversations highlighting and questioning just 'why on earth and what on earth possessed you (me) to wear that number? Your not 10 years old you know?'. Easy answer; the atmosphere of festive cheer! Honestly I really couldn't care less about your opinions on my johnnylovesrosey hair clip or Gwen's delicious cute's Harajuku tops. I'm convinced some of my (soon to be mocking me) close pals (even the most hard core 'rocker' all in black head to toe friends sort are lusting after some simple innocent and naive pink prettiness. Come on admit it already its plain obvious, haha!). I fear my friends may very much not include me when attending the next gig.Oh well...Gives me more reason to pin on an assortment of hello kitty badges and dress up in cheerful happielovesit bow dress and dance around to 'that' Wham Christmas tune. How could I go and forget the other fantastic festive tune by... Mariah Carey, theres no room for black leather jackets, studs and moody frowns around here. Get over it, its almost Christmas! Now where did I put those other sets of fairy lights?

Visit; www.harajukulovers.com
www.happielovesit.co.uk

10 December 2008

Is This The Cure To A Felder Felder Frenzy?

Photos; Music my ears are in love with, right now.
Photo by; Prettyneons.
Photo by; Prettyneons.
Photos from; Felder Felder S/S '09.
Photos from; Felder Felder A/W '08/'09

Do you know what? Right now I'm actually just in the one place...yep thats right no train jumping and running around like a crazy person feeling confused about where it is I'm needing to be, however this isn't to say I'm not still having a insane fit. I am. Though not over the complete pointless like running late or spilling coffee from a paper cup all over myself (as I often do, its very much become a habit.Grab drink. Trip over... dress complete with a nice coffee scented stain).You see I'm having a crazy fit of a different kind, a more berry, grey chiffon and punky pizzazz moment...otherwise more well explained as a Felder Felder all in a hot fuss fit! Oh deary me huh? So its not that much of a bigger deal? Oh but it is, it is a very big deal when your lusting over something your never have knowing I will not ever own such Felder frocks is making my condition that so much worse. As I simply cannot for the life of me stop going over to their webby and creating, 'what I'd snap up from Felder Felder if only I could' 'sets' (damn Polyvore I've been stuck on you for way too long now. Now please someone delete the site from my Google drop down list, this must be done and sorted at once...its such a great time waster though!) I very much doubt anyone out there (even the most die hard fashion lovers) cares and is really dieing to know just exactly which Felder Felder item I adore. Only this is self indulgent, non important and selfish post today, dedicated to just that; Prettyneons Felder Felder wantings ( and please don't think for one second you have to continue reading such an, me me me topic. You don't. Feel free to read more in depth concerning issues... but do you really need to read another the 'world is doomed and in dark debt' article?). Well I really should kick this whole Felder frenzy off with their chunky metal ring leather jacket which ultimately packs a Punk chic punch.Embellished to a whole new level with glorious bronze, gold and silver colored studs and large curtain style rings (this purchase would serve to be practical. Thinking about it, there may just be some crazy Christmas party's occurring. It only takes one drunk and hyper individual who has downed way too much alcohol, "hey hey what are you doing climbing the curtains? Get down!' and before you know it those curtains need to be popped back up. Well this is where the hoops from this leather beauty comes in handy)...Alright so I've noted the leather jacket, what next? I know the leather (Felder Felder defo enjoy using lashings of leather) fringe and same material panel double layered chiffon dress teamed with some Felder grey silk leggings. Perfect. Hang on this selfish extension isn't over yet...I'm taking that damn silk and (yep) leather cropped dress with defining body hug cut and strong shoulder features pleaseeeeee? Your find such a dress amongst their autumn winter 08 collection, while your seeking out that number could you please just see if you can spot also the pretty, frilly, girly whirly goth-esque berry bundle ruffled just above the knee skirt? Cheers! Stupid me. I almost completely forgot to include that nappa harness simple white dress from Felder's spring summer 2009 collection, I'm still thinking hard about whether I really want to try on the multi toned shades of blue dress? Pass me the nappa frock though, I need no more ponder over that Felder garment I'm going to throw on the leather jacket with that one! To keep myself all nice and warm...

Talking of warmth, I took some dead quick camera snaps of this other worldly deep orange with bleeding black sunset yesterday (or it could have been the day before?). The sunset was glaring in through the window, I noticed it while singing and dancing around to some MGMT and The Cure ( I placed their greatest hits into the player... As I was indecisive of which Cure cd to select, it was easier to opt for the hits combo). When I saw this sunset it stopped me in a heart beat, pity the spectacle vanished so fast like a doomed sinking ship. A shame because it managed to take my mind off of Felder Felder, hehe!

visit;www.felderfelder.com

06 December 2008

Guy In The Leather Jacket. What Is The Day Today?

Photos From; CheapMonday '09 Collection.

As you've probably worked out already , I'm feeling a bit confused and baffled by what the day actually is? Does anyone else ever get that from time to time? I never forget the month or year (though it comes close to it sometimes!). Honestly I really lost complete track of the day like twice this week. On Wednesday I thought it was Thursday and today I swore it was a Friday! To my delight I realized it was in fact a Saturday, I suppose it doesn't help my memory when half the time I'm always on the go and often on a train or cab! Which reminds me I've got a huge volume of little random journey scrap book entry's to share with you real sooney...oh how I've run into a lot of fantastic and quirky characters lately, just here and there you know? I bumped into this person when I left my book on the train ( trying to rush around and jump onto another connecting train. About 12 platforms away, from where I was standing; I missed it). Any how all of a sudden this person runs up to me... (and I was thinking oh god, back off this bag of mine shall not be thieved. I will use my newly sharp sketching pencils as a weapon of self defense if I have to!)...this stranger turned out not to be the Xmas pinching type but rather a genuine sort who wanted to return my book back to me, I was so horrified that messy scribble of a book is pretty much my diary. I know I shouldn't carry it around with me everywhere if I'm concerned by its private contents, this isn't because its shocking. Only if some outsider was to see some of my notes, ramblings and drawings of all sorts they'd most probably be inclined to alert others and I'd be locked up in some sort of 'crazy unit'. To my surprise this kind stranger wasn't at all alarmed and instead began discussing the 'diary' with me (strange and funny situation, and was the very reason behind me missing that connecting train) "Hello excuse me, girl wearing the red hat"...I'm so glad I decided to wear my mad bright, red knitted hat ( must of been my gut instinct earlier in the day to chose the red hat that looks similar to some kind of contraception; When its bloody freezing cold and 5am in the morning, style awareness is indeed absent and very unimportant to me). *Bizare conversation with stranger continues*..."Um I think this belongs to you, does it not?"many pages of the book being exposed to what felt like the whole entire world, as they swayed and crunched up in the freezing cold cold wind. Pages that included my attempt at 'poems' (I much prefer the term 'ramblings') and drawings *embarrassing must cover my facial expression with my long moth ball curly locks, delighted by the fact I have such long hair.)..."Huh what? You shouting at me?!". "Yes sorry but I think you might what this, by the way its really impressive stuff, brilliant drawings. This lyric caught my eye as I picked it up its stunning. You an artist then?" ( I'm amused by the last question, and also assumed this was a case of 'classic sarcastic' whit. I usually have not so bad come back replies to such a smart arses. Only I was failing by this point, due to trying to work out where this guy was coming from? Is he being serious or is he having me on here?)..." Yeah its mine, and thanks for the constructive yet non sincere criticism. By the way I really couldn't care less what your opinions are, haven't you got a commute to be getting on with. Thanks" (like I said, I was uncertain of this strangers question)..."Well first of all I wasn't attacking or taking the piss out of you. Simply trying to return this book back to who I thought it belonged to? And is it so crazy to think your an artist, only that's what it looks like well to me anyway"... (If I was embarrassed before I'm now praying to who ever and begging them to open up the surface below my feet and swallow me up whole). My awkward reply something along the lines of this, "Oh god so so sorry, and thanks for my book I'm not crazy and have no screws lose as far as I know? Though to be fair your probably and more than welcome to think I do have mental issues...just what did you read in my book?" Understanding if not slightly pissed off response from where he stood, "That's alright at least I know for next time not to bother, joking I'm joking its no problem. I couldn't just leave it there so much hard work has gone into what ever this is, I won't go into what I read its deep stuff though and the use of words is amazing. So are you a singer, in a bad what? Those illustrations are really cool too!" (Ok is this guy talking to the same confused person, desperate to catch her train)..."Me in a band no, god no that's a funny thought though, um yeah the drawings they're just I don't really know. They're just the result of a bored, head forever occupied person, who is too easily distracted by crap half the time". "Oh right really I'd say they're the result of a person who has undiscovered writing talent and is good with pencils, and observing the mundane. The mundane that means nothing and little to most others. Have you got another train to catch do you want a cup of tea or coffee? I know I need one ain't slept since yesterday" Great a fellow night owl, "I can't really stop for too long, I'm up for popping over to the snack machine and siting on the step while I await the next train. If it ever decides to pass by that is, got another 30minutes to wait now!" Turning numb despite wearing gloves and a condom looking hat, checking through and double checking all the pages have remained the same from when I last had access to my scrap book, "Here you go I got you a Kit-Kat, take a break haha! That was lame wasn't it? I know I sounded like a dick head just then." So sat on a step discussing people watching and the shocking announcement I don't smoke (I always get this impression that as a 'creative' creature I should be using a form of toxic addictions to pull me through creative complications and 'blocks')..."You don't smoke, wow alright more fags for me to abuse" My respect for the law is eagerly expressed, "Hey surely you know its the law now to light up on train platforms and other various public areas? Go on stump it out!" Suppose the leather jacket should of gave me a clue about this person not one to conform I doubt "Jesus what the hell do they want to deprive us of next, the freedom to flick our middle finger or eat a calorie filled snack of the heart attack kind? I've been dieing for this baby all day, as far as I'm concerned they can throw me off that bridge...bloody England whats happened to this place hey? Fancy some of this Kit-Kat? Are you on myspace so I can stay in touch with you? Please?"...Contradiction no respect for authority yet full of social manners. No I'm not on myspace this isn't to be different or even awkward its just it passed me for too long and now I feel as if I shouldn't really have that social network 'privilege' you understand? I've got a blog thing on the go 'prettyneons' which is a more organized collection of my ponders, far more organized then my scrap book! And I appear illustrated complete with short hair and pink streaks, and I don't have a clue why I gave my illustrated self such features? Just did that's all..." He is aware of the blogspot yet not impressed by me being or not being part of myspace, "You aren't on myspace? You have to be. You should be. Ah yes I know blogs, interesting or not I find them to be like marmite personally... Some are really good others should not be allowed is that harsh of me? Its the truth though isn't it? I've got a friend well he was in our band, he has a blog updates it every single day do you do that then are you that obsessed too?" Smoke being puffed into my face with the last sentence, "Obsessed? Yes with fashion/ design. No I don't see the point of posting every day, I just can't post for the sake of it. It all varies on how inspired I am or what I've seen fashion wise that has fired me and motivated enough for me to blabber on about. Right now your ever so slightly scratched sunglasses are giving me a 'blog light bulb' moment, where are they from? No I'm not shallow we all think about what we wear even if we know this or not. But we do" Lighter makes another appearance and the kit-kat has had one lazy bite took out of it, "Prettyneons? Catchy you don't smoke do you sorry forgot...Prettyneons I really do think that's damn catchy stays in the head that title.; Your spot on it is pointless to blog on a daily basis your heart should be in it, with any writing whether its for a books, magazine, song whichever its all relevant. I hate fashion and style all that shit though I'm a fan of Brando's wardrobe, legend and Cash. Johnny Cash, don't know where I picked these up from the sun was in my eyes and I picked these up. Got these worn out jeans for free though some fashion industry types with nothing better to do than give away clothes with over priced ironically named 'cheap monday' tags. Don't mind these jeans wouldn't ever go out my way to purchase designer, give me a good quality harmonica and a new ash tray they've got more purpose!" Taking back by this guys fashion knowledge, knowledge that it seemed I might lack, " You wouldn't never of guessed who your style idols are, your ripping both of them off. And very well for that matter! Interesting seeing as you have no interest in fashion industry 'rubbish'. Must say I've not heard of them, the ones who gave you some free jeans. Cheap monday? Possible blog bulb moment. Perhaps? Will look them up. Cheers for that tip!" Pulling a 'is she sure or what?' face..."Go for it love. And I've seen what you've done there, questioning my fashion ignorance...or is he, am I fashion ignorant? Cash cannot be dismissed or Brando they kicked it all off didn't they? This is not however the cue for me to waste my money on designer shit, that will never happen. You got more chance of me putting this fag out or giving them up for the rest of my life. I've been lighting these for a good 28years ok maybe not since I was a year old but you know? Lets visit your blog bulb idea...take a photo of me and write about it most would jump at that opportunity joking I'm joking, groupies most likely would though...not that I do groupies and I really cross my heart don't I use to but your left feeling empty at the end of the day, its all shit. Anyway your um blog bulb, glad I could contribute towards your fashion/style awareness in some shape or other, promise you I will be checking up on your Prettyneon's 'blabbering's' and would you get it together and set up a myspace? Please? Tell me then do I have 'style'? Whats your fashion opinion on my old Stone Temple Pilots t-shirt from way way back". This transparent t-shirt was 'distressed' and layered over another black t-shirt which peered through the outer layer t-shirt in question, "Band tee can't go wrong with that one! STP as well can't fault it really. 5/10 for style you know that's all I live for to judge books by the cover. Can I make it clear there are various fashion sorts if you will; Don't paint us all with the same brush were not all style stuck up bitches. Are you band types all scruffy, misunderstood, complicated and rebellious drug lovers? Second thoughts don't answer that one!" Demand of mine ignored, "Hahaha, you've got a talent for comedy too well I say! Yes is the correct answer to those questions of yours, YES. That isn't a made up stereotype. Can't I have one more point added to that style score, after all I did fill you in on a unknown 'darling fashion label' did I not?" ..."Nope you can't have 6/10 that's greedy and only celebrity style can be such a high mathematical amount. I don't actually follow celeb fashion topics, my celeb knowledge is awful poor 'darling'. And its an aspect I'm working on, seriously so I have more in common with some of my friends...Looks like my train is here wait you can have 5 and a half, it is STP printed on there and I'm liking the use of layers mixed with some over large sun shades. Shades are a bit deluded though, its England. Its dark all the time and forever pouring down with rain. Shades aren't required for such weather, this isn't California or any where else tropical!" A fast reply shot my way, "How do you know the sun might decide to pay a visit? 'Prettyneons' your be caught out and will look like an idiot with that umbrella of yours haha, leave one of your books laying around again in the future won't you? Prettyneons, I will be for sure reading your blabbering's. Thanks for the score alteration means a lot to me"...No thank you leather jacket guy I really am besotted with 'Cheap Monday' you learn something new every day, apart from sometimes the actual day!

Visit; www.cheapmonday.com

03 December 2008

Lets Join The Circus?!



Photos: Emily Booth 'Circus' Collection.


I've been observing silly little things like I sometimes... alright often do, and lately its come to my attention that there are a hell of a lot circus posters pasted up everywhere, bus stops, shop windows, train stations...bins; You name it and there is sure to be a 'Crazy Circus Coming To Town' poster complete with clowns and other common circus images (though I have to say those dazzling decorated elephants are my personal favourite). Perhaps the unusual (even creepy) amount of circus posters has something to do with the fact I live in a quiet little town (and when I say quiet, I mean you can hear a pin drop and we have a odd yet I feel misunderstood character or better known as the 'local weirdo'...others are so judgmental. So what he is a little pale and elf like?)...I'm yet again straying off the track here, so let me spit it out. I want to join the Circus, damn it! All those posters have me wondering what it would be like? The thrilling stunts you could attempt, those smiles on children's faces covered in sticky chocolate and ice cream, the elephants becoming your beloved pets and taking them for a walk... Um maybe taking an elephant for a walk would prove difficult and indeed a little alarming I don't want to cause a scene.Alright alright I don't want to sign up to the circus so I can have a pet elephant and take it for Sunday strolls. Its for shallow reasons only;all those shimmering, multi coloured costumes complete with ruffles embellished, necklace/collars and dreamy large peacock feathered accessory head pieces. Surely its every girls dream to dress up circus style? Oh but what to do if your not so keen on dangling up side down on a piece of rope whilst wrapping your legs around your head? *Idea* invest in a cool va-va -voom, circus-esque statement piece from knitwear designer Emily Booth, looks like this designer is loving the circus as much as me if not more! Emily Booths 'Circus' collection is extremely fun and individual taking inspiration from all things circus, combined also with 15th century 'coat of armour' elements. The final effect are pieces which are diverse and exciting full of interesting,contrasting yarn textures and dramatic shapes; "I focus experimenting and pushing the boundaries of structure under the restraints of a domestic knitting machine yet creating such textures and high quality expected of a industrial knitting machine. Why work this way? Well its more of a challenge (enjoyable and worth while one) plus it really tricks people. Who often assume such results can only be produced from an industrial knitting machine!" Emily Booth certainly has an eye for detail and colour her designs are very versatile wear them as a combo collar necklace (suitably warm for frosty chilly winter)...or as a belt, however you wish. One thing is for sure this talented designer (and knit wear trickster) is my new obsession, and I so want a Booth clown-esque ensemble now! Please?

ps, I'd like to say a huge thanks you's to Emily Booth for letting Prettyneons have a little sneak peek.