Too Stuck Up To Strut Select

If I mention Select, it conjures up many grotesque visuals for some very fashion conscious girls.
Images such 'chavs' 'sluts' 'tacky townies' or simply 'wrong', I wish I was only assuming such descriptive words for poor under stated Select, only 'tis fact. How do I know such knowledge? Easy I paid a visit to my local shopping town and approached various fashion addict girls to ask whether Select is a fashion go zone or whether they avoid it at all costs and if so what exactly were their reasons? I shall revisit this burning question shortly.

My town has many high flying and familiar retail signs paraded all organized in a nice tidy row, with Riverisland nextdoor to Topshop, Zara close to Next and so on. Opposite and slightly down the road of these popular fashion stores are the 'low life's' (as one fellow fashion fan informed me) of the fashion retail outlets, 'low life's' such as QS (quality seconds) TKmax, Baytrading and Select.
Yep all of the latter are bargain fashion shops cheap as chips frocks and plastic accessories, fill up your stylish bag with dozens of low priced items, fashion items of which have no famous faces flying their penny saving yet fashionable flag. Sadly this seems to be the key reason to as why fashion lovers reject Select (now apologies for sounding very 'my survey says...') eight out of ten girls said they prefer to receive their fashion fix at fashion giants such as Topshop, H&M and Newlook due to the garments being sported by numerous famous models, pop stars, presenters etc, etc splashed across their gigantic windows.
Tragic isn't it?

Obviously I'm not fashion naive I'm aware famous folk influence our wardrobe decisions( hence why fashion retail groups are eager to snap them up in the first place). What I failed to observe is to what extent, are we really that concerned and heavily influenced by a few recognized high profile people? Who of which probably only associate with said labels when required to plug, and soon after ditch and parade around in high end fashion items.
Apparently a huge percentage of girls would be willing and even 'desperate' to line up and 'camp outside' Peacocks or Select if either Kate, Lady Ga Ga, Alexa or one of the Olsen's ever appeared upon the shop windows display, 'Oh yeah, definitely I'd be there in a split second with my credit card at the ready, man I'd even sign up for a store card' excitingly revealed one girl.

So this may be very ambitious of me, however here is my attempt into convincing even converting some posh fashion consumers in to at least stepping through those 'vile' doors (I quote random girl standing in the line at H&M) over at Select.
You may be pleasantly surprised by one or two gem's (and if you've not the courage or are indeed just a bit too embarrassed to be seen dead entering Select just click and shop online).

Is it not time to bridge those obvious and blatant fashion gap's? There need not be shame in 'poor clothes' (once again I quote fashion snob).

All photos from:www.Selectfashion.co.uk

The Rolling Stones Denim & Me

So not too long ago I was trying to reach some kind of rational denim conclusion to as why I often avoid jeans and have a odd phobia towards the blue stuff in general (I've never had denim lurking any where in my wardrobe- ever!) well I'm proud to announce I've been converted, and can now accept the versatile brilliance which is denim.
I had two fantastic helpful sources one being miss daisychain (who could give a certain 'famous' TV stylist a run for his money, I tell you) who guided me through this difficult denim drama, with her valid advice on purchasing some well fitted jeans (cheers hun!). I shall now run to you in times of a fashion crisis...if you don't mind? Ha!
The second source, was more of an fashion reference and pure indulgence too...

all photos from: The Rolling Stones unseen archive

...I think it's safe to say The Stones were partial to a bit of denim in the classic flare cut of course: hence my decision to buy a pair of enormous high waist, light blue denim flares. I did attempt to seek out some similar to Mick Jagger's diamond shaped patch work flares (as seen above) but I'm afraid to no avail. Oh jeez did I receive some amusing feedback from numerous shop assistants, baffled to as why I was so stubborn on only trying on and purchasing patch work denim flares...I settled for plain flares ( DIY is my best friend after all).
Hmm I predict the shop assistants were more then ecstatic to see the back of me! With one assistant in New Look rambling on about how 'denim shorts are far more desirable' with celeb's such as Alexa Chung favouring them over other forms of denim...um yes and she just so happens to be the face of New look at the moment.
So Chung isn't my fashion inspiration 'tis Mick Jagger now officially my denim idol...?




At last the tales of denim have reached the end: wow denim sure has proved to be a whole different ball game and very unfamiliar fashion territory, how ever I've a new found appreciation for denim and acknowledged how it need not be dull as previously thought.
Though I will never bring myself to banish skirts and frocks forever, fat chance in fact.
I do vow to add a touch of denim into my out fit when ever I crave a change and a break from the normal, mundane ensembles of mine...if only to shake things up and not become too predictable too often!
I've a pair of straight peg jeans to experiment with yet: more silly snap shots to be displayed right here in the near future ;)

Pretty Dark Side

Skulls, I happen to really find them attractive. A bit odd ball of me? Perhaps. There will always be a place in my heart for skulls and other witchcraft wonders, in fact I've lost all count of how many skulls I've managed to consume since I was about fifteen years old. Can I please stress I'm not talking about real, hollow skulls! I'm describing the Gothic accessory variety, of which many of my friends abandoned once they ditched the whole rock & roll forward slash 'emo' phase.
I however never once intended to ever reject my rock roots, so to speak. Alas skulls and dice etc shall remain a permanent fixture in my mashed up psychedelic, feminine, grunge, punk rock cocktail of an wardrobe. After all skulls are a rather traditional symbol related to the 'dark side': rock music...Well that is until Claire O decided to mix things up!

Never has the frightening and creepy skull been so, well girly and altogether elegant since self taught jewellery designer Claire O combined Peruvian skull beads with shades of coral pink desirable and simply shinny swarovski crystals. Claire's gems are inspired by both surrealism and structure. Other influences such as tribalism and Punk are obvious and evident in the form of skull charm bracelets, brooches and necklaces, many decorated with sterling silver fairytale like feathers and butterfly wings, freshwater pearl clusters and crystal hearts.

Claire O's dark jewel embellished and colourful skulls are appealing not only for fierce rock chic's who's haunt and hang out is the blacked out mosh pit, but also all those ultra girly girls with bright pink flowers in their hair who prefer parading around in frilly frocks on the sunny sea side.
Yep skulls are finally coming out to play!
All photos from: ClaireO

visit: www.claireo.co.uk

Over The Rainbow

Inspiration: Silk jumpsuit Marios Schwab
photo: fashion muse the lava lamp.

Now this post is with out a doubt inspired by my lava lamp. Yep my larva lamp, see I collect and am obsessed with lamps, light fittings, fairy lights basically any object which requires a bulb.
I do prefer the odd shaped, neon rainbow, alien variety. Lamps which are capable of creating multi coloured patterns and ghostly odd shadows drifting across my bedroom wall.

Fascinating stuff lamps, especially those neon green and orange jelly rocket lava lamps. Never did or could I of ever predicted the lava lamp being a source of style inspiration.
Its amazing the out fit ideas a night owl girl can think of when sleep deprived and just starring at a combination of various sparkly lights (not just for Xmas) whilst browsing around her fave online fashion webby freepeople.com (never too exhausted to plug and give shout outs, simply because I want to and I adore their stuff! If anyone from freepeople happen to stumble upon this post, please do feel free to chuck me some free stuff. Thanks! Oh I'm a size 12 / 14).


all photos: freepeople

That's all for now----night----- x

Fashion Makes Sense

photo: OK it was a massive charity shop binge.

Confession I've been indulging in my beloved and much preferred past time: one big charity shop binge, the total for this lovely lot added up to a purse friendly £13...yes you read correctly do not adjust your PC monitor:£13.
I've always adored working my way through rails, stacks and boxes of second hand fancy frocks and such, this is a habit of mine which is here to stay (or at least whilst the charity shops are up and running. Heard some upsetting news yesterday our local cancer shop has gone bang, and closed all boarded up. I'm nothing but distraught). I get this adrenalin rush the sort of rush similar to that off free falling, or swimming alongside sharks ( both I've not yet experienced, just a guess) Thank goodness I'm capable of keeping up such adrenalin antics, see I live in charity shop heaven, often filled and stuffed with stacks, and stacks (if not miniature mountains) of marvelous thrift treasure in good condition too (thank you the super rich youth who live near by: oh how the novelty of French Connection wears off rapidly with them guy's. Fine by me!).
My personal favourite second hand shop is Sense, as their far a few between and have such a wonderful worthy cause. Being a firm believer in Karma and being a good person I'm more then willing to donate pennies which are kicking about on my desk. Destined to go towards some pointless item such as, I don't know...another black or red nail paint! May I take this moment to plug Sense...

Alright, thank you plug finished!

Beyond amazed with this weeks discoveries, gems include a bright pink, mohair knit vest french connection it still had it's original label in tact. Suppose punk rock isn't for every individual, I tell you what, the Sex Pistols would be proud. There for I'm too beaming with punk pride...

photo: second hand cheap as chips French Connection vest.



Next to spill out of my supermarket plastic carrier bag is this, ditsy orange, lilac, blue paint spec floral print, smock number from Top shop. I know ironic giving Top shop and I do not see eye to eye: I've dedicated a high volume of article material picking on and bullying certain Top shop collections. This I really do fancy though, the button detail is delicate, it flares out and hugs the waist. Yep it was destiny we were meant to collide!

photo: Top shop debt free floral top, second hand charity find.


Two words- beach bum. I'm very eager to construct some sand castles parading around in this.
Not too sure where this originally would of came from, I'm predicting either Peacocks or Primark? One of the two: as it is familiar to moi I recognise it from some high street shop window? This dress is definitely lurking in the corner of my wardrobe memory bank...hmm ponder? The tag again remains attached, yet scratched, hmm puzzled? photo:Second hand dress, ideal for the sea side (when it's a bit warmer!)

My inner goth made another appearance today, hence this long distressed, black knit Buddhist Punk top. With only minor damage: the seam is torn inside, I've mended it now. Taking me only five 'ickle minutes. I cannot believe how others simply discard such items, because of such insignificant frays and such. photo:Close up of second hand Buddhist Punk top.

Of course with all the over whelming bargain finds and general excitement, I got carried away ...grabbed this tribal style top as the print is fierce yet pretty. Paid for it, rushed home looked at it (this time with attention) and it's a size 8! *Sob heart out*
I'm not a size 8, will never be a size 8 or any other single digit size tag for that matter. Single digits aren't in my DNA, so I just don't know what to do? The charity shop won't take it back (dilemma) plus it was the most expensive item out the whole lot too. Even has a ASOS label and tag attached: tip top condition no marks, lose nasty threads zero. Isn't just sods law huh?
photo: ASOS top with belt---could duoble as a cool head scarf, no?
photo: I'm giving away this top £6 and a SIZE:8.

Are there any lucky SIZE 8 'tribe' fashion blog lovers out there? If so feel free to drop me a email, and you can grab this for £6 and lets say £1.50 p&p (UK). My email is: PRETTYNEONS@LIVE.COM
First come first served, fair?
Give it a good home :)

Well thats enough showing off with my charity shop gem's!

I Don't Do Denim...But

photo:Kirchhoff, is to blame.


By browsing through the numerous fashion posts on my blog, it is clearly evident I'm not a huge fan of denim in any shape or form. For not once has the likes of denim been featured, If my memory is correct there isn't even a hint of the blue stuff to be found any where on prettyneons.
Denim has been kicking around for donkeys years, so when fashion magazines categorize denim as a current trend season in and season out year after year it does half irritate and grate on me. Reason being: denim is a stable in everyone's wardrobe (boy and girl) across the land: there for how on earth does denim do it? You know manage to creep in and be apart of a trend feature, when it never disappears: when was the last time denim was ever even slightly absent? Um never me thinks is the correct answer to my own burning question. Perhaps this is the very reason behind the lack of denim on my little prettyneon blog, I'm sick of seeing it cannot stomach jeans or jean skirts had it up to hear (pointing at my head). Plus I never EVER want to be reminded of the time when I pasted up Bewitched posters on my pony pink bedroom wall- 'never forget' they say: nope please I am desperate to escape that pre- teen awful, awful music phase. Of which conjures up many shades of denim.

However I'm a contradiction plus I'm more then due to confront my denim demons. Once and for all...Now I've tried time and time again to shake off the Kirchhoff denim outfit which remains stored in that damn wardrobe fashion memory bank of mine, I realise all this time I've been in deep denial. Denial as the 'Kirc ensemble has me secretly (or not so secret anymore) longing and desiring denim! There I confessed. I do do denim, though whether denim desires me is another matter? I do not suit trousers and so jeans are out of the picture really. I'm lucky as with jeans I never have too much of a struggle and drama with, I know my size and shape so trying them on isn't a issue. However I often feel too tomboyish (as I am a bit tomboy) wearing jeans or trousers in general, so I feel its easier to fake a dose of femininity and girly girl in a cute skirt. Dresses are also extremely effortless none of that 'which tee to wear' conundrum, a dress is within my comfort zone. Grab a frock and cropped coat or blazer and off I trot, fooling all into believing I adore chic flicks and facials ha ha...I detest all chic flicks!

So anywho's I'm going to challenge my skirt wearing self and take a huge almighty step outside my garment comfort zone, I'm choosing not to ponder over the yet tragic and dire denim results: Here are the deadly denim items I'm going to purchase and experiment with: god help me, here it goes folks...



Faded blue 7o's high flare £25 Debenhams



Dark Blue high waist big flares £40 same as above
Bleached out & trashtastic £35 Riverisland







Dotty denim £40 Cheap Monday



Denim button dress £40 Miss Selfridge (hey its still denim: and there for is valid, OK?)

Denim jacket £55 warehouse (lurvvvin this, I've gotta say!)


Right-e-o I shall keep you posted on which exact shape and style of denim I opt for, eek help!?
Jokes, no I'm determined to be positive towards this daring denim mission...may the denim drama unfold.



PS...Does denim strike fear in anyone else? Or is it only me? Just curious as I feel like a denim outcast! x

Goodie Bag!

I'm back...obviously hence this post. Thank you all for the birthday wishes, chucks you've made me blush. Just thought I'd very quickly share with you this beautiful red leather weaved, shoulder bag, complete with leather strap buckle. It's as vintage as can possibly be, dating back from the 1940's. I'm one very lucky girl indeed to own such a darling bag. A birthday gift from my parents which I will treasure until the day I die.






I truly adore bag's which are works of art and have real excellent craftsman ship and high quality: a designer label is irrelevant and worthless in comparison.
My mind wonder's when admiring this bag, the stories it could tell ?

PS...I shall be signing off with much peace & bows: yep my comment thing is now functioning, its good to be back x