Thats Mine! Now Please Back Off (Please?).

Photo from; Ebags.com



Photos From; AB-irato s/s '09

Um... so I'm not sure if you guys tend to occasionally (maybe occasionally is not the correct word, when I do this on a unhealthy daily basis, like brushing my teeth routine) go round and round the old webby doing a spot of 'pretend I can afford such items' shopping? But I sure well do. Its up there with visiting junk shops and drinking coffee. God how I take pleasure and enjoy to kid myself, 'yeah no price too big for me, I'm a frigging rock star, bring on the fashion goodies', of course I'm none of the above and in fact so very far from it and to be completely honest I'd make a very rubbish 'rock star' anyway, being very uncool ( I'm not awaiting violins to be played, for it is just fact) and a awful 'light weight' bloody hell I don't even smoke! I'm aware I'm blabbing and going astray here, back to the 'pretend shopping' topic. I love nothing more than to abuse my mouse and waste time on simply starring at stuff I will probably never ever in my whole entire life afford (or just perhaps I could If a) I stopped carelessly bashing my purse on cd's and tights b) avoided trains, oh those ticket prices are too killer, and not in a positive way). Reality can sure be a bit of a burden at certain times, and this is where the imagination and online fashion shops come in handy you can't beat escapism even more so when its in the lovely form of dresses, shoes and last but not least...(drum roll please...) necklaces. On my latest fix and colorful trip around the wonderful webby I checked upon AB-irato and to my surprise appeared in front of me their s/s '09 collection. Instant crush of the 24/7 kind, I simply can't stop thinking about the items and how I'd wear them? Where I'd wear them and just when will I get the opportunity to generally embrace and feel such garments brush against my skin? Crush or what? As for the heart rich jeweled clutch complete with a classic clasp:Oh the soft sound of a clasp 'clicking' open and closed...makes me feel all funny inside...However I've been wanting the Iglu & Hartly tunes to my selfish disposal for some time now and that time has arrived, and a lady can't have it all. One or the other.

visit; www.ab-irato.fr

Baubles KaPow!

Photo from; kapowwow


I'm beginning to think my taste for the unusual is beginning to get a little out of control, I keep seeing more and more Christmas decorations being thrown up around lots of various areas. Every time I see those Christmas lights I get all amused probably more so than I should...especially when I begin pondering over the possibilities of wearing Christmas decorations either in my hair or perhaps create a necklace out of old tree baubles (I've got this massive box full of really tacky 70's/ 80's style decorations. For some reason I often see such baubles in greasy spoon cafes or take aways...urm?). In all seriousness I've thought long and hard about exactly how I could casually throw in some tree baubles, I'm more then desperate to experiment. Everything about baubles I adore, the colours, the patterns with some mad snowman on, the shape...Oh the shape now were talking. My favorite tree bauble is in the form of a tear drop, you know the ones? Shape is the close runner up to sequins for me...

Hence why I'm most likely to go into a fit when ever I discover a item from Ka/Pow/Wow, these designers know how to play around with scale and structure like no other person on this earth. Inspired by fruity structures...how fantastic is that? Inspired by natural structures and form of fruit and coral, brilliant just brilliant all made from recycled bits and pieces...(I feel a Ka/Pow fit coming on, foaming at the mouth. Too much detail?). Ka/Pow's pieces are a stylists wet dream their so versatile, wear the ruffled pompoms as a hair band... or a belt...or a necklace what more can you ask for? Its pure fashion/ accessory manipulation magic! Each item has a secret surprise hidden in layers upon layers of ruffles with hundreds of little pleats twisting and a- twirling pain painstakingly hand crafted;wow indeed. These beautiful works of ruffled, frilly magic aren't just for the festive season, though you can't help but imagine how truly spectacular Ka/Pow/Wow's black and gold metallic Necklace collar would look with a simple black or dark jewel navy dress at that Christmas Party, of course. Maybe I won't have to drown myself in Christmas tree baubles after all and risk looking like a Christmas cracker?

visit; www.kapowwowobjects.com

The Tale Of Tipsy Toes

Photo; Christian Louboutin

Photo; Troy Burch
Photo; Jerome C Rousseau
Photo; Jerome C Rousseau

Photo; Diesel

Shoes Shoes Shoes...for this is all that seems to run through my head these last couple of days, no matter how occupied I may be there is always just enough spare minutes (often when traveling, sometimes I feel like such a gypsy, give me a crystal ball already!) for me to ponder over the complicated yet glorious shoe. Oh the robotic texture and form of the Christian Louboutin...(Yep thats right the Louboutin shoe above reminds me of a robot foot. In a good robot way, not a big old rusty clumsy robot)...them there's the striking blocked Rousseau colour shoe complete with blue berry heel and gold patent toe.Not to mention the Troy Burch patent black boot ( bring on the patent, oh I feel a new phase coming on) yet another boot that for some unknown reason reminds me of a robot, I think it may be the strong shape and overall semi masculine structure, combined with a delicate gold features contrast contrast contrast ( I'm liking the 'triple' use of word today). Back down to earth with a almighty bump! I'm yet to reach that stage in my life where I can 'dip' into my bank account and splash out on such extravagant yet very worthy shoes. These shoes I've selected ( especially the Burch!) are with out a doubt worthy of every penny I'm not suggesting all 'designer' shoes are worth my weight in gold. However though some shoes are more then just for practical purposes ( running around, catching a cab etc...) certain shoes can be I believe a work of true art and are even capable of provoking debate...(anyone else remember those shoes without a high heel? Now you sure can't catch a cab in them, unless of course your extremely brilliant and skilled in a spot of balancing). Stick with me guys I'm concluding towards a final point here (*promise*) it annoys the hell out of me when sometimes people string together sentences such as: " Oh shoes are simply shoes, there's nothing else to them. No shoe on earth is worth more then £30, shoes don't even differ or change in style that often...wow big deal there's flats, high heels, wedged or all stars". Wrong wrong ...alright I shall discontinue repeating a word more than twice. Please though think about the time, thought and craftsman ship behind your favorite pair of shoes,that's of course if you don't already? Shoes are ART; that you can slip your feet into and 'paint' adventures with, no?

ADVENTURE CAKE ! CAKE ADVENTURE!

Photograph by; Prettyneons (well I would take such a random photo wouldn't I?! ).

Photographs From; Caroline Roughly Graduate Collection.


First of all I haven't a clue why I felt the need to snap a photo of cake, though at the end of the day I think it probably comes down to the colour's. Heck pink, yellow and a hint of red; red cherry in fact (just in case you may have lack of cake topping knowledge. I like to fill you in on these little worthless detailed facts just for the hell of it really). Its bloody freezing cold today I tell you that! This too is my excuse for pigging out on pink cake, cookies (much preferred to 'biscuits', there is a distinctive difference my friends. Distinctive indeed but that's another topic to blog about. If I ever find myself going that stir crazy and possessed by hysteria). Call me insane but there's something comforting about dunking cookies and drinking tea, yep I'm near enough to the stereotypical 'English' as possible ( if I'm honest, yes sometimes I'm sarcastic and have a dry sense of humor) except however I don't wear tweed. If anything I'm often walking around wearing a skirt ( hate jeans, got jean phobia have no idea why) and old BRMC tee. Sometimes it changes to other t-shirts like today I'm pushing the boat out and wearing a Be Your Own Pet tee (this influenced the use of 'adventure' for my poor title)...well that's enough if not way too much crap about my clothes, note to self; its uninteresting and there for dull...


Far from dull is Westminster fashion graduate Caroline Roughly I feel she...or her garments are most likely guaranteed to push me away and get me out of wearing lazy band tee's if only I could get my paws on some of the pieces. Mind you this would involve decision making serious decision making at that (this is a mighty difficult task, for someone who changes their mind faster than most people can blink). Lets say and pretend that by some 'miracle' Caroline Roughly's designs land right in my lap a cluster of multi colour's and sky high piles of frayed pom pom dresses with bright yellow softly sculptured blouses; Where do I start? God knows? I'd love to dress up in the whole entire circus-esq collection, there's no point messing about go for it I say. Jump through large ring hoops blazing with fire, balance your tipsy toes on a thin piece of rope situated above a pit, full with flesh eating lions...Second thoughts I might just opt for that pom pom ensemble?

Wunderful And Kind... Summer '09

Above photos of fashion print designs...(in the process) by; Prettyneons

Photo's; Wunderkind s/s '09

My computer is driving me up the wall lately...don't worry I don't intend to bang on 24/7 about the poor conditions of all my digital devices I have in my possession what with yesterdays brief moaning and complaining about the old camera. Please feel free to ignore the technology rants of mine, though like I said this isn't becoming a daily feature. Why from today I plan to call it off. There all done now.

So I've been drooling uncontrollably over Wunderkinds spring/ summer '09 collection that consisted of a damn head pleasing whirl wind of soft, floaty fabrics (absolutely zero sequins, and yes I'm still very much getting treatment for that ever so slight addiction) such as chiffon's and best friend of the miss chiffon (giving fabrics a gender?) lace. Topped off nicely with plenty of free spirit frills, though Wunderkinds s/s collection is also very much full of the unexpected as well as expected? Just as you think you've sussed out whats going to spring up next, "right so I understand large, bold rose prints...Wait whats this then? Polka dots, damn fine Smartie like polka dots at that". Wunderkind kept rolling out these surprising punches, each one harder then the last! With combo's of big slouchy tartan patches and tiny elegant tartan bows, grown up,sophisticated fairytale lace dresses. With masculine, strong sculptural silhouettes followed by...prints of shy butterflies and like I mentioned before yummy candy like 'Smarties'... or to more non sweet tooth people polka dots. In dark blue, bright orange, lazy lilac, pale pink, lemon yellow and milk chocolate brown; intense yet soft colour way. I'd just like to thank this Wunderkind collection for reminding me to organise my own fashion print designs (see above). That I seem to be neglecting while selfishly seeking my dose of fashion. You may just spot a familiar friend up there in my prints...the flamingo, yet to leave my side!

visit; www.wunderkind.com

You Got To Shine On!

Photograph by; Prettyneons
Photographs; Peter Pilotto


Am I bad or what? Sorry's for the erm...'delay' between posts I feel guilty like I'm back at school desperately trying to justify the excuses to why my weekend home work is absent..."dog ate it, I dropped it in a puddle... Oh wait actually miss I did complete the assignment only silly me I've gone and forgot it, its instead left safely at home (again)." Of course by now I should be fully aware these lame excuses don't, by any means work and besides I own no pets yet alone a dog! Not to mention I'm no longer in education either and am happy to announce I don't miss 'weekend homework' also I don't have any desire or wish to revisit them damn; exam, tie wearing, stuffy class room days! That would be wrong and very foolish of me to endure such extreme conditions second time round...

Any how would you believe me though if I told you the genuine reason behind my absence (please note: this is not a weak and petty excuse). Right here it goes folks, I've been searching the vast land (ok...correction required. I've been sourcing out exciting fashion gems) armed with my not so desired piece of crap camera, which seems to have a complete mind of its own. What with it making the decision to as when it will zoom in or out...never mind how I chose to set the 'snap shot' moment, bloody thing seriously lacks 'mega pixels' ( new improved camera is being added to the Xmas list as I speak, or type even. Oh you know what I mean!). So when my camera would respond to my snap shot demands (five times out of ten) I succeeded in taking some photographs of really beautiful... and yes shimmering sequined objects (still very much hooked on all things 'sequined', tempted to feature the marvelous sequin with my daily make up routine/ look. Step too far perhaps? Why the hell not though!?). Would you just look at this magical and glorious clutch bag (above;top) sequins delicately hand stitched to create a spiderweb pattern. With a hint of rich emerald red and green sequins. This gem I discovered on display at a junk shop I'm baffled to as why and how this item found its way to a 'junk' shop? I'd love to know the story behind it, I tried my best to get some explanation however to no avail or reason other then; "some lady handed it in with a load of other stuff"*shocking*. There's absolutely no way on earth I could hand such an accessory into a junk shop along with some old jeans and ugly jumper! Nope never.Specially a sequined accessory...for awhile now I've been trying to search for answers and pin point to as where this sequin fetish of mine has stemmed from, and no it isn't the build up to decorating the Xmas tree (though I'm overly excited about that future day dedicated to embellishing those special festive branches!). I came to the conclusion its the result of witnessing Peter Pilotto

The a/w '08 collection was eccentric and fulfilling enough (did you see the silk-satin tunic at Matches? Wow is the descriptive word). Though when my eyes marveled at Peter Pilotto's summer '09 collection a/w '08 was long stored to the back and archived away in my sequined heavily embellished, consumed head. The guy once dressed Westwood's window (need I say more?)...oh yep one more minor detail his design partner Christopher De Vos used to also be Vivienne Westwood's design assistant. They sure have progressed!

visit; www.peterpilotto.com

Sucked In Like A Magpie

Photographs by; Prettyneons


Now first thing first excuse me for this effortless, slacker attempt of a 'post', this shall not become a fixed regular or common practice today is just a one off *promise*. Do you really want to know the reason why this is such a pathetically lazy ponder...well I'm tied up at the mo due to putting my blood, sweat and tears into a sustainable skirt creation ( depending on what a individuals definition is of 'creation'? To me however this word can be applied when screwing things up when one has only good intentions of making a beautiful piece of work). Of course with any form of art appears uninvited challenges and (I hate this term...) 'mental block'. Which obviously means some problem solving has to be considered in the vain attempt to resolve the bloody, frustrating issues of (yet another character of 'block'...) 'creative block'. Damn you evil impostor how dare you tread pass! Away and banish your manipulative selfish useless motives! The above is a very long winded explanation to why I've merely posted attractive sparkles, for no apparent reason;other then they caught my eye and seduced me while stepping out my hub just getting some air. Does you good you know? Fires those lungs up makes you feel all alive and kicking. Sort of anyway? Do stare at the jewels above for as long as you may wish, hope it makes you smile like it did me a few hours ago...

I Heart You

Above Photographs; Antoine Peters collection
Photograph 'Colours Colours Colours!' by;Prettyneons.

The items in my photo; Skull bag, Numerous plastic bracelets, Ice cream Umbrella; All from various charity shops.

I'm afraid my wishing has indeed continued right through today though your be pleased to know my imaginative 'paper doll' dress up day dream has progressed (and I bet you thought I was going to say it had came to an end. Afraid not folks, though the gift ideas for xmas has, your be pleased to know). Yep my hopeful wishing has gone up a notch and reached a whole new vibrant level, I simply can't get enough of colour at the moment (in contrast though I'm still pursuing my 'Rock Goth' style ambition to no avail. Damn I'm a confused little creature aren't I? Perhaps I could be a multi coloured Rock Goth...erm second thoughts maybe not). My need, lusting (and wishing) for all the clashing colours in the rainbow has with out a doubt been further influenced by Antoine Peters

Fashion designer Antoine Peters vibrant creations has left me feeling even more deprived of colour (cheers Ant nice one!) the paint pallet consists of alert orange (whats wrong with using slightly quirky colour descriptions?) blinding yellow and striking pink; Its the playful details such as the off beat collars and panels thats got me all besotted and in a fluster, this guy is ticking all the; 'just what miss neon goes crazy pathetic over' boxes...Striking colours; Check. Imaginative use of panels; Check. Playful prints; Check. CHECK CHECK CHECK. Is there any elements Antoine forgot to incorporate into his designs? Me thinks not. He can do no wrong, in my eyes anyway... Oh I feel a infatuation coming on...needless to say some more wishing!

visit; www.antoinepeters.com

Wardrobe Wantings

Photograph; Carin Wester A/W 08
Photograph;Carin Wester A/W 08


You know sometimes, I have these moments where I simply stop and wish for certain items to keep my wardrobe company ( it must get lonely in that dark space from time to time). Well today I very much had one of those; 'I can only wish' moments, where everything stands still for a split second (alright then at least a good five minutes!) and I find myself having very vivid visuals in my brain. Visuals that consist of imagining myself as a 'paper doll' dress up, with no limits to an access of piles and piles of fashion goodies stacked up high to the ceiling that include; shoes, accessories and pieces from Carin Wester's A/W 08 collection (particularly the above, just in case anyone would like to buy me a Christmas present? You don't have to splash out on both. The dress will do just fine...oh go on then I will take both please and thank you). My 'paper doll' dress up day dreams often get out of control and become extremely imaginative maybe ever so slightly berserk? Though in all honesty when faced with Carin delights who wouldn't begin to get carried away in all the madness? Carin Wester's collections year in year out become more and more stronger and difficult to ignore (maybe I speak for myself there?) The garments are versatile and a blank canvas; they can be both elegant and edgy, thanks to the sharp cuts of each piece...So if you people's don't mind I'm going to continue my day dream and 'select' some good company for my ever so isolated wardrobe.

Visit;www.carinwester.com

Sex Studs Rock & Roll!

Photograph From; Punk The Whole. Story by Deborah Harry.
Theme Mood Board by;Prettyneons.
Photograph; Gucci
'The inner Rock Goth was always there?'
Photograph by; Prettyneons.


First of all I know I'm a girl of contradictions from time to time, what with 'wheres the fun in fashion gone?' shortly followed by me being seduced by the darker, more serious side of fashion...I can't exactly put my finger on to why all of a sudden I'm gravitating towards all things Gothic or should I say 'Rock Goth' (as after all the catwalk and numerous fashion designers has demonstrated various shades of Goth. Not just the more common Adams family Gothic style. Not that the Adams family are at all common; its just me myself prefer the Winona Ryder 'Beetlejuice' style). My over night interest in the edgier, jet black fashion Gothic underworld has perhaps been fueled by the fact I purchased 'Edward Scissor Hands' on dvd for only £2! (Halloween has long gone...however you have no idea how very long I've longed to replace my video version of this film for a dvd format, as the video is well and truly worn out!)...Ok so combine the brilliant costume from 'Scissor Hands with flicking through the pages of a fashion magazine and discovering 'that' multi-textured, tassel, chunky studded bag from Gucci ...Now it all makes perfect sense, doesn't it? Shear random occurrence of events!

I feel almost compelled (especially after seeing those Gucci trousers lined with perfect square studs) to literally throw myself into a studded frenzy ( seeing there is no way on earth I'm ever going to afford the real thing). I've bought bags and bags of studs all in different shapes and sizes, to line an old pair of black jeans with, though being a bit of a perfectionist I'm sketching up various stud 'formations' and placement! Wish I could just let myself go in the genuine true spirit of a Rock & Roll 'sister'.Only I really cannot- not-plan before the lead up to customizing a piece. Beautiful results often come from wild mistakes. However I loath shopping for jeans (more of a dress and skirt girl) there for am more aware of the dreaded consequences if this 'Rock Gothic' experiment of mine goes wrong! Possible and amusing result post on the way?

PS, On a very unrelated note; *sorry's* for later then usual post... my computer went bust! Ugly mean and damn aggressive 'Virus'. All better now (touch wood).

Where Has The Fun Gone?

Photograph; Whereareyounow?
'Lucky Dice' Photograph by; Prettyneons
Photograph; Whereareyounow?


Wow, its Friday everyone (just in case you didn't already know I thought I'd fill you all in, no probs). So I'm really feeling the not so positive atmosphere of late, I don't why or what even the reason is behind the large amounts of touchy, moody people (alright so I am aware of the credit crunch that is literally biting everyone, I'm not naive) I seem to be coming across every five minutes. Today was a bloody prime example of this current tense situation. It all began when this morning I decided to pile on the big clashing chunky bracelets piled up high to my elbow, for some reason I don't find this heavy use of accessories at all discomforting. Probably because I've been literally drowning myself in an array of plastic dressing up bracelets, bows and anything else I can wrap either around my wrists, arms or neck (the neck area is decorated with care. As it so easily could result into a ugly choking hazard). Since I was about four years old maybe even younger? Though I had no idea or visions back then that my passion and obsession with accessories would lead to a riot in the middle of the street... Today I was on a research trip and mission to find some beads and to also collect photographs for a theme mood board (I know right. Exciting stuff I get up to, though I really do love nothing more then creating theme mood boards. I kid you not my friends). So any how and by the by I accidentally caught this girls chunky knitted cardigan with my fruit themed bracelet (gorgeous cardigan this girl was wearing, had large ladders and other Punk style distressed features). To cut a long story short; all hell broke out, though straight away guilt kicked in and I automatically poured out my apologies. Not enough it would seem. For my sincere sorry's weren't going to pull me through this embarrassing scene. The girl just stopped and starred at me for what felt like forever and then said "oh thats ok you don't know how to use your eyes! Maybe you should remove the crap from your hair?"... Fine I'm use to digs in this context by random strangers passing me by on the street, after all style is suppose to provoke right? It couldn't possibly be because I like to dress up for no particular special occasion and have some 'five year old' *fun*.

This moment has been re playing in my mind revolving round and round like a carousel for the last few hours. Its not so much the girls remark but the fact that not many individuals seem to have a personality has this resulted in us forgetting our sense of fun and freedom? Sure money is tight I'm not exactly rolling in it myself. Why not have fun though in both life and style? It doesn't cost anything...just a bit of imagination ( gosh, I'm sounding like Mary Poppins, I'm flying around with my umbrella as I type, spoonful of sugar anyone?)... On a lighter note I'm pleased to air my delight on the brilliant designer Josie Beckett aka sustainable fashion label Whereareyounow?. Now these creative bees know how to have some fun! The whereareyounow? team use a real colourful pic&mix of discarded materials. The list of unusual materials is a long one I've tried to edit the ingredients down; scarves, belts, ties, ribbons, necklaces and my personal favourite...tea towels! Yep tea towel skirt with an old piece of tie stitched in (for example) to make a pocket, genius. Genius further more as none of the recycled garments appear recycled, the range of mini dresses and skirts do look ultra playful and super girly. Combined with the one-off eclectic sourced fabrics, resulting in pieces that are innovative, unique, appealing and most importantly Fun!

Visit; www.whereisjosienow.com

Only In My Head; Chapter 2

'Fears aren't always ugly' by; Prettyneons
'Fears aren't always ugly' by; Prettyneons


I've been in hiding staying well and truly within my comfort zone; these four walls ( that isn't an exact clear description of my flat, though its small and similar to a box it has more than four walls. Just). Why? Why have I been in hiding did I commit a petty crime? Oh no, I've not broke the law. Its for a reason far less daring and well I suppose it would be fare to say pathetic... (especially coming from someone who is a spontaneous, frill seeker by nature).Fire work night. It frankly scares the living shit out of me, explosions and thundering bangs! Run hide save your life, these are the thoughts that ring through my head come around the 5 November year in year out since the day I made a sharp exit from my mothers womb. On fire work night sometimes I wish I could cruel back into the womb, I'm pretty much sat under a table with a tin of red bull clinging on to the table cloth for fear of my dear little life. I know grow up right? Your not a child get some guts your stupid woman. The only part I do like about fire work night is the combinations of colours and patterns that burst and light up the sky, if only the sound could be put on mute. God if I feel terrified how on earth must cats feel? Thats another blog for another day...

So while sheltering under the kitchen table I finished a drawing which I began over a month ago in my...'only in my head' scrap book ( a fact my friend often likes to point out and make clear to myself. Sarcastic dude). I find theres a pattern going on in my scrap book, its kind of like a story organized similar to a story book, in regards to it seems to always have chapters each with its own conclusion...or better term ending. This chapter ended with lines and colours influenced ( from afar) by the ever exploding fire works, which can please *STOP* now. 5th November has been and gone. Thank God, as now I can cruel back out from underneath the table!

Haven't Changed My Clothes Since Yesterday

Photograph; Blue Bird.
Photograph; Blue Bird.
Photograph; Museum, Vintage Fashion Exhibition.


I know I know the 'Vintage' debate who really cares? For this is an fashion favourite topic, covered and done over and over again by just about everyone; yet some how the discussion on vintage is never quite done then dusted (so to speak). So if you don't mind (and well if you do, find another blog to amuse yourself with, for now). As I'm not about to hold any punches back, and here it goes...

Since when did vintage become an item of clothing that was only just from yesterday? Or a little bit old, dating as far back as last week... Do you understand what I mean? I personally believe the word 'Vintage' is used too carelessly without thought or even respect for that matter. No don't worry I'm not about to copy and paste the definition of 'Vintage' from the dictionary (thats patronizing for us all and one of my pet hates. Pretend Mr know- it- alls. Besides were grown ups and this isn't a dissertation!). It just annoys the hell out of me and really gets me ticking, how the word vintage is thrown around like a old rag doll becoming frayed and fragile at risk of over doing it. As someone who really doesn't adorn vintage too often I'm baffled to as why I care and am so concerned about it? Please don't get me wrong I do own a few vintage pieces like this Disney t-shirt from way back in my older sisters day (we have a huge age gap between us, this is a fantastic thing; Not only when it comes to adopting some second hand clothing, but to music as well. I've been with out a doubt influenced by always growing up around older people). Like I said though I'm not a dedicated fan of vintage thinking about to as why not, I figure its because discovering a piece of true vintage is so very difficult and challenging. For in my eyes true vintage garments should transport a person back in time to another decade whether this be the multi coloured psychedelic period or the mellow times of the hippy.

So I was more then ecstatic when I had and felt just this sort of time travel experience, when I stumbled across Blue Bird on ebay which is the nearest thing to a time travel experience I myself have ever occurred or for that matter, even secretly peeking through my older sisters wardrobe (not been caught so far, touch wood). For Blue Bird are genuine the real deal their gems aren't unworn, unstamped 'just from last year' vintage garments. Their wide range collection of used and designer items have soul and personality running through the stitching, Blue Birds treasures are from a real mix of decades such as the sixties, seventies and eighties (embrace the eighties, come on it wasn't all bad. The eighties do get some abuse and there are some great items to be found from that time plenty in fact). Blue Bird have wonderful gems from the Mod and Boho years and of course partnered with that there an array of mini dresses and fab 'rock star' over sized glasses. Just in case the sun does decide to come out.

www.stores.ebay.com/shop-blue-bird

I Like To Watch Candles Burn

Photograph by; Thomas Nutzl
Styling by; Antje Winter


'Last Night' by; Prettyneons

I like the night (not in a vampire way) as suddenly I find myself wide awake I've been this way since I was a child. That feeling you get (I speak for myself?) when the whole world is asleep and your suppose to also be in abstract slumber land, however your still up and in notion while life is on pause for others...always feels like a combination of magic and naughtiness (suppose thats from childhood. When your meant to be in bed asleep, yet really your awake reading or drawing under the covers with a torch: yes this was a tricky task to practice). I'm almost wide awake most nights no matter how exhausted I may have been feeling during the day, that exhaustion soon fades and very much disappears to god knows where?

Yep so you guessed it I begin to walk around at a lose end not totally sure what to do with myself, can't play my guitar or drums in fear of being a pest to neighbors above ( Live in an flat, sometimes annoys me when sleepless nights do occur). Pretty much read all of my books and tv I have not much patience or attention spam for (unless theres a interesting documentary on or amusing comedy) Oh I know I'll whack some music on...(what cd to chose? BRMC will do just fine) and get some pots of ink out and twigs from under the kitchen sink. There is where I also discover a magazine (please don't ask me how or why a magazine is under the sink. As honestly I haven't the faintest!). with a feature that includes one of my treasured, adored stylists Antje Winter ( I get excited by certain stylists similar to how people might be over the moon if they hear their favourite band being played on the radio). Which makes me feel slightly ashamed to as how this ever got shoved under the kitchen sink in the first place? I'm loving the various textures and different shades of black in this photograph (by Thomas Nutzl) so divine and elegant with an killer edge, just genius isn't it? This photograph no doubt influenced my need to dramatize and highlight features of the flowers I sketched at my bedroom table, splashing thick dark ink around swapping (while also occasionally tapping away to the background music) various thin sharp twigs for fat cigar like ones. Not knowing my limits I'm pulling out old skirts and dresses, in an attempt to select just one of the following garments to customize. By of course painting black fabric paint (in the same style as my ink and twig drawing) onto the surface of my old dress, which is still drying I can't wait to embellish over the top of it. Now I need to decide what sequins and beads I'm going to abuse for the decoration; shape, colour and feel is so important to me when I'm embellishing a garment. Its too easy to chose the wrong type of sequin and risk spoiling the design, no one wants to appear similar to a Christmas tree (that in mind, the clothes I often throw on make myself look like just that).