Z in my head

How does one know when she has a serious unhealthy impulse online buying (or clicking) problem, as in borderline addiction sort of problem.Answer-when despite having an almighty head spinning, head banging, brain bruising migraine she is remains determined to drag her virtual feet (and heavy head) around online fashion stores despite the bright monitor only contributing towards dizzy dead head.Ahh this is just a minor set back, nothing a little painkiller pill can't solve or dissolve rather (...I chucked two painkillers into my ginger and lime drink-sour? Very!)I down my drink and get myself all in a clicking-click-double click fashion frenzy. First stop Zara.Killer headache, errrm what killer headache?
Okays so the pain was still very much there, though once I began snooping Zara a/w lookbook it began to ease off. Isn't it amazing what a fashion dot com can do? Yep spoon full of Zara makes the medicine go down.
Gulp.






Works wonders, well for the head if not the bank account.Can't have it both ways,and although I'm always known as miss sensible in regards to spending wisely (sometimes) perhaps it's now time to begin making some rare exceptions? Live a little,live on the edge go punk rock wild,and flash the cash in Zara or on Zara.com ( you do realise the latter part is fantasy, in my sick head I have not one but two RED American Express cards, and Brandon Flowers on my arm)why do I fear Z com'in-it is not the most wise method of shop, that pesky basket is just so, well pesky. Plus when shopping online there is no visually impaired, rude sale hungry women elbowing you i.e there's no inspiration to get the hell out, exit and put that purse away!When online it's completely possible to over dose, as the virtual powerful and seducing basket can never buckle under the heavy weight of bulk bought clothes. And therefor your brain doesn't receive that all important, 'umm this basket is beginning to become rather heavy my arms hurt time to empty some contents and call it quits' signal. The signal which prevents a girl from abusing her card and avoid dangerous debt.
Nope I've not succeeded in convincing myself out of this one.
Heck, I've decided I'm filling up that Zara basket.Tonight while in my comfy sweats it's a date with my mouse,card and lack of willpower.Have you seen the kooky bunny T-shirt and shoes? Enough said no room for post dot com guilt. I will not allow an ounce of regret. See ya I'm off! Got my shopping list at the ready...








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Not Just Another Style Crush

I think it's safe to say we've all experienced a shallow style crush at some point in our lives, no? Like a one night stand they never last and never run too deep. It's simply fast and fickle burning lust, the novelty soon dries up and fades into oblivion.Leaving you with memory loss, 'err what? Already waaaay over it-next style crush please!'
Hence why I must clarify that Alison Mosshart is not just another style crush, I'm not out just to steal all the threads in her wardrobe or seek Mosshart fashion style images from google. All these things are invalid.Remember this is no stupid style crush (though I do admire Alison's fierce collection of gold boots and leopard print), I've been an obsessive Alison fan (some would say unhealthy. My mate txt me once late at night to tell me Alison Mosshart was in Vogue-I'd stopped buying Vogue as it was becoming boring for a short time. I chucked on some PJ's and hit the local 24-7 Tesco, raided the magazine shelf ripped through and discarded all the other glossy pages just to read the Vogue feature on Mosshart. Is this unhealthy behaviour? I don't know you tell me?), ever since I bumped into this ickle two piece band in some shit hole bar in Brighton: while taking shelter and avoiding a random and violent freak storm I've been obsessed like never before with the epic front woman.

I stood in the corner like a drowned rat sipping cola, gazing out the window annoyed with myself for not feeling in the mood to paint annoyed with myself for making certain bad decisions. When I hear these haunting vocals repeat- farewell my black balloon, before ripping into another more up tempo filled tune. I pushed my way forward through the crowd all high as a kite stoned out their heads,not much appealing to me being t-total!Finally I could see to match the face with the voice, to those heart breaking, frank and positive lyrics.This woman hidden behind long black hair,thrashing out her soul across the floor (there were no toilets at this venue yet alone a stage), I was so overwhelmed by the whole experience I gasped out loud while all the others which surrounded me just played it cool sucking in on a joint or two.The freak storm had gone as quickly as it arrived.I couldn't bring myself to exit, as the shy girl with long jet black hair, red skinny jeans and gold boots finished her set all I could do was stare. In awe I now realise.Before I caught my train home I had to get a name to put to the music to the unashamed woman who had stood up in front of strangers pouring her heart out over the guitar with such almighty guts.
Being the reserved, awkward individual I am I had to think about whether to interrupt these artists or not?This decision making took me 20 minutes and two pints of cola before I could gain the courage to investigate..."I could have wrote those words, you know the words in your song I mean, that sounds daft I know that sounds daft, er errm hmm what's your name-only I caught this gig by accident."
Bloody cool introduction I'm sure you'd agree? This is why I'm not in a band.
Not expecting any answer (I never speak loud enough), the woman stops doing what shes doing, "I'm Alison were the Kills, thanks!"
A fan was born, and now reborn all over again as at long last I have access to the new Dead Weather album I cannot stop singing 'Die by the drop', and in tribute to the almost mystical Mosshart I'm rocking leopard print mohair...though in all honesty, not rocking it quite like Alison would, another reason why I'm not in a band!

TV on mute

I snatched some frock time today.I can't recall the last time I hunted out a banging bargain buy? To be honest I've bypassed many a clothes shop lately ever since army of kid's,teens and students ( man am I envious of their student discount card or what!Those were the golden days, 25% off here 30% of there, stuff that wardrobe to the point of explosion!Sigh)began summer break.Thankfully many are back in school chained to desk and being brain washed about further education being the only road to great success, err it's really not. Be bold go with your instinct and ditch teachers advice. But whatever you do my young teenage readers do not pay any attention to that further education University bollocks.
Should I start up an advice hot line?
Returning to the bargain buy's bit...
I began my journey sweating it out in a very over crowded Oxfam, indie kid's and flame haired Florence fans fighting over vintage lace dresses and beaded necklaces, urghh get me out of here already-I cannot move and never want to see lace EVER AGAIN.
Next stop Newlook: clog over kill,floral over kill and limp sagging harems hanging off the battered sale rail feeling all sorry for themselves.In fact the Mc Hammer pants are beginning to have an odd depressing effect on me too.Where's the exit door?
Third stop Primark, umm yeah less said the better.
I begin to lose all faith there's a pattern emerging here isn't there? One nightmare after another, I dislike most of the autumn/winter trends including all things sheepish. Probably because I live in the country and have already seen enough sheep to last me a life time. I don't know? All I know is I hate hate hate that stupid trend.
Fourth stop greasy spoon cafe, coffee and chips much needed right now.







Final stop home.Well that was the plan.Before I decided to drop into DP's.There is a God. I've been converted.
DP had the most healthy looking sale rail I've seen for week's all the others look ill, ill, tired, old and had it in comparison. But oh nooooo not DP's sale rail full of life and happy garments bursting off the rails filling my shallow soul with joy, sweet, sweet joy.I zoned out for two hours and even began humming JLS heart beat song without knowing it shameful,disgusting and **cringe** (...can I state I am not in anyway what- so -ever a fan of that repetitive factory tune crap),I quickly snapped out of whatever possessed me and rapidly closed my mouth before another JLS lyric escaped my mouth.
What didn't escape me was this little dress, ten quid price tag nice very pleasant surprise indeed when sales assistant informed me the original sale price had been reduced even further.I don't own any dress quite like this one, my reason for buying it is simple.I liked the TV static print I'm stepping back from bows,polka dots and ditsy florals.Plus TV static has always fascinated me..why do I sense I'm alone on this one?

The Lostgirl

Ever since I was pre-teen or treen if you like.I've been more than partial to vampire/ fantasy novels Buffy the vampire slayer dominated my life for two years (thankfully I was over the Buffy phase by the end of year seven, it's Trueblood that I now can't get enough of).I received my first ever A* in year seven for writing my own vampire story/essay, I also received frowns and "sit down emo" verbal abuse from the cool crowd when I had to read it out loud in front of my class.Digging vampire books wasn't considered 'normal' or 'cool' back then.The book that kicked my love for fantasy vampire stories was The Lostboys, my much older sister slid it under my door with post-it note instructions that simply read:You must read this, with your imagination I'm sure your enjoy it...will let you watch the film when your thirteen xx
I wished my life away from that point, counting down the days,hours,months and years to my big 1-3 birthday






Now 24 I still really enjoy watching Lostboys, my favourite part is the funfair scene with the vampire gang strolling around in all their swagger looking super cool in their layers of leather,band tags,pins,zips,studs,slashed tee's, washed out denim waistcoats, high heavy duty lace leather boots, fishnet fingerless gloves, strands of beads,necklaces and blacked out raybans.The characters rebellious style is immediately attention grabbing,and still even now when I watch this film I want to be in their gang and pinch the bad boy's wardrobe.
And today after watching The Lostboys late last night (due to the heavy rain beating down my window disturbing my transition to slumber land), I'm rolling with the black and red Lostboys theme. Vamped up with leather stud wrist bands,necklaces,and the all important vamp must haves leather and zips. Oh not forgetting a smudge of moody thick jet black eyeliner. I decided to ditch the plastic fangs which I got for last Hallows eve...I'm going for vamp not complete utter freak.

wearing,
shirt thrift
necklaces thrift
leatherzip skirt ?

I Khaki

Time to face facts...autumn is arriving she's not one for turning up fashionably late rather the reverse, autumn is outside our front door right now (or where I live anyway's England duh) it's pissing down out there, and on the way to work (which is what I should be doing now)I counted seven yellow crisp leaves scattered on the ground.I fiercely stepped on them in a bitter where-the-heck-has-summer-gone? rage.
I can no longer deny it's that time once again. Time to begin upgrading the wardrobe for wet windy and sometimes warm sunny autumn.
Autumn is the most tricky season to adapt to style wise. Because autumn has a split personality, one day it could be dribbling with rain drops, the next minute sunrays make a sudden appearance beating down on the wet ground.How is one suppose to keep up?It can all become a little exhausting and tedious, constantly peeling off layers just to put them back on again one by one then on again then off, um yeah so you get the idea already.







Back to the autumn wardrobe conundrum,I cannot commit myself to purchasing yet another distressed biker jacket.Year in year out this has always been my first autumn item of choice.I'm not Marlon Brando.If I even see another leather jacket within my personal space I may scream and construct an leather jacket bonfire one of which would make Guy Fawkes blush.I'm running out of the confides of my comfy fashion zone. Fuck yeah I'm feeling daring!
I've purchased a khaki trench coat.Okays so that might not be your version of daring, but for me it's as brave (if not braver) than free falling only the khaki is the dominant force as opposed to gravity. I'm a khaki trench coat virgin. I always consider the khaki trench coat combo as too conservative, too nineties brit pop, too Oasis brothers and too anything but me.However I need to give the leather jacket a deserved break.The thought of having any utilitarian fabric near my skin makes my skin, well it makes it crawl, I shudder with the thought of zipping up any sort of active wear, parka or trench coat.However while grabbing one very over priced sandwich at M&S
this trench coat caught my eye and those Chloe runway images of Freja Beha and Katie Fogarty ( aka the two most drop dead gorgeous gals) effortlessly working khaki popped up in my minds eye. I ditched the sandwich, dug my double digit size out and now have Khaki trench for erm lunch.And to my surprise I'm not finding Khaki too hard to digest.Though I don't look quite as cool in Khaki as those Chloe girls.
Nevertheless while I'm feeling all adventurous I've decided to continue with the Khaki theme and am now deciding whether to go for the khaki kill, and buy these £25.00 lace up's from Peacocks? No don't worry I'm not about to champion Peacocks again, and break yet another fashion pledge off my FPL (fashion pledge list).So honestly what do you think?Khaki trench the new biker jacket?Yes,no perhaps? Opinions below please...

Romance is born...again

So I don't know whether you remember when I sat and wrote a long list of fashion pledges, ten fashion pledges to be exact.Admittedly I knew from the get go that I would probably end up breaking five of those ten after five minutes.And I did.
Number seven off my FPL (fashion pledge list)being never to mention Romancewasborn after penning four posts on Luke Sales and Anna Plunketts kooky creations ...did I just use the term kooky? How sloppy of me.For that is such an insult towards Luke and Anna's creativity and talent.Romancewasborn is far more than kooky, kooky is that tweed wearing,lilac haired chain smocking, mumbling insane fifty something woman waiting for the 3A down my local bus stop who hisses like a cat at passers by.
And to my knowledge there is nothing lilac or cat like about romancewasborn. Though one thing the crazy bus stop catwoman and romancewasborn do have in common. That is both are insane,just in different measures (thankfully)lilac looneytunes is insane as in mental health insane and romancewasborn is insane as in oh-my-good-god-genius insane.TAKE DEEP BREATH...Renaissance dinosaurs the fitting forename for Rwb's ss10 collection come on is this not reason enough to fall head over hills in love with Romancewasborn? Assuming you haven't already swooned over past collections.
First thoughts of mine after seeing Rwb's summer collection was how more ready-to-wearable their latest ready to wear ss10 collection was/is.With familiar mass appealing elements such as fringing,dip dye, metallic pleats,exaggerated shoulders,exposed zips,leathers,high waisted denim and dramatic silhouettes it was obvious that this collection was going to kidnap the hearts of not just I and Romancewasborn silent army of fans but also a much bigger crowd,the global mainstream fashion audience.After many a post gushing over Romancewasborn, and writing love letters to Luke and Anna (I'm guessing they must have sent my electronic love letters straight to spam world)I'm ecstatic that these pieces will be available in department stores and that at looooong last the secret is out.
P.S...Romancewasborn I love you.







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Hi from hiatus girl

My blog has been blank for how many weeks?Ekk boy do I feel like a complete slacker, truth be told I lost all creativity in all areas:photography,drawing,writing the lot. And it was very unsettling, strange and very unlike my normal self who can't go five minutes without contributing to my scrap book.All the above was the effect of losing my beloved and only nan and biggest inspiration, however my creative soul has returned as it occurred to me how nan (bless her socks)would encourage me to keep my chin up, stay creative and continue to dress up...this often made her smile followed by a poke at my outfit and these little words,"look at her,very pretty girl- don't get a tattoo."
Not that she had anything to worry about.As much as I like the idea of having a tattoo it seems like such an impossible commitment.My favourite colour changes on a constant and daily basis,how on earth am I expected to dedicate myself to getting inked?

Anywho's now I've escaped the clutches of epic creative block I have posts coming out of my ears!Catching up on comments I noticed a list of questions from various readers (probably ex-readers this blog has been neglected for so long), if you are still reading here's the belated Q&A...

You've began outfit posts will this be a regular feature?
Yep there will be the odd outfit pic, but I don't want to document it day-in-day-out
*yawn* no one wants to read/see me in/wearing clothes everyday,besides I'm camera shy and awkward.

I was shocked to read you've never watched Gossip Girl, do you have any TV addictions?
Heck yes I sure do! True Blood,Being Human (I've dedicated whole Sunday's to BH boxsets),Mary Queen Of Shops and The IT Crowd other then that I opt for books most of the time.

What are you listening to right now?
Zarif.

What is your fave highstreet fashion shop?
Umm it varies and depends, this month I may be crushing on Zara next month I may snub Zara and convert to Peacocks.

Where do most of your wardrobe items come from?
Over half is vintage/thrift and dug out from charity shops and I combine these with bits and pieces from the highstreet.

You clearly adore fashion but if you could have a shot at any other career what would it be?
Well I caught the drama acting bug back at uni as most my mates were in the performing arts (my fellow fashion peers were highly strung and highly deluded...not everyone can become editor of Vogue-hence why I avoided them).I use to hang out at the drama block stealing my friends scripts: it was the only time I ever escaped my crippling shyness when I invaded the stage trying to act. Ah yes I missed many a fashion project deadline thanks to the D-bock.Despite one drama tutor almost convincing me to give acting a shot,change degree and go to auditions I always came crawling back to fashion and all it's elusive elements.Acting is tough my friend always use to be given the same sort of roles which I imagine must become old and frustrating.

Have you ever met any prettyneon readers before?
Yes and it freaked me out (no offence) I was at Brighton train station inserting coins into a vending machine having forgot all about posting an outfit post weeks before.When this stranger just begins chatting away to me being English and polite I didn't want to be rude and walk away.For ten minutes I was baffled, when suddenly the stylish stranger said,"I follow your blog"
...Oh that would explain things then.Surreal I just never expected that to ever happen you forget how small the world is don't you?

Flats or heels?
Flats are safe but heels are fierce.

Pet hate?
I'll tell you what gets on my last nerve a size 14 being classed as plus size, I saw this in Topshop,a shop full of young fashion hungry teenagers it's dangerous.Come on now.And we all wonder why so many very young girls and boys are sticking their fingers down their throats?Urgh don't even get me started, things could get ugly!

Three things you couldn't cope without.
Comedy,books and chewy Vimto bonbons

Your a big bookworm so what book are you loving at the moment?
Cryers Hill...must be made into a film!!!The book cover inspired today's outfit too!









You have a thing for granny bags but what is your most beloved vintage bag?
I am indeed partial to old and odd granny weaved basket/tapestry bags, but if I had to pick just the one it would be the red leather shoulder bag I picked up at The British Heart Foundation for £5 (as seen in photo above). It was made in England, that's reason enough to adore it: how often do you see bags and other accessories made in England now. Hardly ever- if ever at all?

What is your biggest fashion weakness?
Tights.Opaque,transparent,patterned,coloured,fishnets,lace it doesn't matter I'll take them all...and yes I do put them in the freezer to stop laddering.