Saint Laurent Mens 2015/16 Re-create

The aspirational Saint Laurent image is about simplicity and French elegance with an alternative edge. Minimal accessories, oversized silhouettes on the top, and skinny jeans. And don't forget black - lots of black. I think that this kind of look is so easy in that it uses everyday pieces such as the white or striped t-shirt; but it's about how they are selected together.

Shoes Saint Laurent 2015 has well and truly kicked off the pointed boot trend. Above are my picks from  Topshop and Spy Love Buy. Jeffrey Campbell's Lug Shoes are gorgeous paired with any outfit and also fit with Saint Laurent's androgynous designs.

Skinnies featured heavily in the show. Above are Asos's slit knee jeans and All Saints biker jeans.

This Coat from BlackFive is a good place to start in getting the SL style: its tailoring and leather panel details are key to getting a SL-style look for £26. Mango's wool number is also another coat if you're aiming for something less structured and very versatile.

Though some of Saint Laurent's ensembles are minimalistic, there are always stand-out pieces and details such as sequins, prints studs to be seen, though chosen with taste! When SL have done prints, nearly always they are paired with black and leather. New Look's sequin crop top in black, best worn with either skinny jeans or a biker skirt from Only (for just £11!),  is perfect for a grungy evening or party look.

Lastly, I wouldn't choose jewellery in creating this look but instead, items such as bags or belts. Studded rucksacks are a common sight on the high street and add the 90s influence. If you're brave enough, you might also want to get yourself a beret - a key piece this show! Ties are also a firm favourite.

There you go - a few staples taken from Saint Laurent and you've got yourself an effortless yet immaculate look.

What are your favourite staple items? And are you a fan of Saint Laurent?

                                                                          Anna

Gothic Imagination

Last weekend my best friend and I went to see a wonderful exhibition called The Gothic Imagination: Terror and Wonder, held at the British Library. My excitement was a result of the combination of two of my favourite things: anything macabre, and literature. 

In anticipation, I couldn't have imagined that the exhibition would be so vast; it was so unexpected to find everything from Edmund Spenser's 'The Faerie Queen' to short clips from cult horror films. Just about every era in art, film and literature were covered - the evidence of gothic literature was to be seen everywhere, even if it was small. I really felt like I was in a time machine of all things dark. I left really wanting to write my own gothic novel or poem drawing from a range of all these influences.

Admittedly, it's so difficult to choose what my favourite things to see were - there was way too much to soak in. An Alexander McQueen dress, Charlotte Bronte's original manuscript of Jane Eyre, a letter from the supposedly real Jack The Ripper to the police, and the first publication of Dorian Gray would have to be some of my favourite things to have seen. Yet aesthetically, what I found most interesting to look at was the paintings. Henry Fuseli's 'The Nightmare' (below) was so beautiful to see in real life.

Though I could have easily chosen to wore something suitably all-black to such an exhibition, I had been dying to wear this Romwe jumper of Botticelli's Birth Of Venus. When's a more appropriate time to wear a full painting on an article of clothing than to an art exhibition? The photos don't quite capture the vibrancy of the colours; there's almost a metallic sheen to the fabric.

you'll have to forgive these photos, they're absolutely awful as I couldn't get any good ones! 

Jacket: Asos (men)

Jumper: Romwe

Mom Jeans: Bershka 

This would have to be one of the best exhibitions I've ever been to: and for £5 an adult ticket, well worth it for the multitude of things on show of British history; not just specific to the gothic! 

Anna

Thursday Thoughts #1 Style Freedom

I've decided to do a weekly blog post that is just a little bit random but something that relates to fashion in the broader sense, and just everyone. As I'm a person that is quite unapologetically opinionated I feel like it's just a nice thing to share some of my views and also communicate things with my follwers on that I'd love to hear from you about on, too.

This week's post is literally a ramble on personal style & beauty with a feminist slant.

Pretty much everyone will talk about beauty standards that are imposed on women, ideals that people are pressured to fit into.That's nothing new at all. Yet, with an increasing awareness in the media currently about women's rights, the notion that women wear make-up and dress for themselves is also (thankfully) becoming more prominent. 

I can't help wondering, even though I am a person that loves to dress up and loves clothes and loves eyeliner (why would I bother posting about x, y, z's designs on my blog then?) how much of this is actually a choice rather than the illusion of choice.

Unfortunately, though I strongly believe in the right that anyone should be able to, it's seen as outside the norm for a man to wear makeup or act effeminately. A man that does so is 'not a real man' or must in many people's view, be gay. As a female I can choose to wear makeup - without repercussions, but how much of this is down to the ability to choose because makeup gives us an advantage? It makes us more typically, conventionally attractive to some and conforms to what a lot of the fashion and beauty industry want to capitalise on: other people's fear that they will not be seen as attractive. The idea of perfection is absolutely everywhere in beauty advertisements. Flawless, photo-perfect, like new skin.. countless adjectives that imply that women's makeup is something to be used as a means to look well, bloody superhuman or something. The idea that if you have flaws, well cover them up now, buy away your problems. As well as that, there's a double-edged sword. You care about your appearance: you must be shallow. You don't care about your appearance: you're unacceptable. It definitely shouldn't be this way. 

I am not arguing that women should not care about their appearance. Rather that both genders should have the option to not give a damn or to care and should not be motivated by the need to be accepted by others. Appearance is a wonderful medium to express the personality - people that don't conform to trends, or couldn't care about fashion (it's ok not to!) are also making their own statement through their lack of fancy appearance. I can admire both - Kristen Stewart's no-makeup, converse, jeans and old t-shirt airport ensemble to Dita Von Teese's meticulously crafted signature look.

Through style one can create onself to present to the world. Unfortunately, I just feel that our modern life has just latched on to how appearance can be used to express to dictate women's self esteem. In a lot of society it's maintained that appearance is everything but there is also a double standard that to care about appearance is frivolous. The pages of Glamour and other publications feature 'Do's' and 'Don't's pages with fashion mistakes - oh my goddd she wore this print with this other clashing print, the world is going to end. I've never cared to read in a magazine about how to wear something just right or how not to wear something.. the whole point is you learn yourself through trial and error, and whilst of course magazines can offer inspiration, I really would like to rip up every Do and Don't page ever put into print.

Fashion rules are oppressive, and they ruin the whole point. In the end, I think a lot of fashion is arguing over subjective opinions of what makes something good. It's simply taken too seriously, come on, it's something to enjoy, but there are much more serious things to care about. 

My final thoughts? Are that views of how a person presents themselves has got to change.  Women shouldn't fear stepping out the front door with no makeup on, just as they shouldn't fear overdressing because it's something you enjoy doing. No one should be defined by how they look because as the true, but cliche saying goes, it's what's inside that counts. There should be a celebration of how creatively people can choose to dress, rather than style being an elitist game. I like Dita Von Teese because she breaks the rules; her beauty philosophy is that beauty is not about looking pretty but rather creating glamour. It is manufactured - she used to be blonde, dressing conventionally etc. Through style and beauty you're able to show yourself asides from genetics and natural beauty, which I think is something important. Something that can be used or not - either fall victim to the countless influences that tell you what to be, or choose what you want for yourself.

                                                         "One is not born, but rather becomes, a woman."

LCM so far: favourites

One recurring item that was seen across most designers on Friday?

Barbour

Trainers.

Both Coach and Barbour showed that current fashion really is a complete amalgam of the casual and smart outerwear and footwear. 

Amidst all the trainers (which I'll admit, okay, I have a slight aversion to), classicism was restored by Joshua Kane. It's difficult to describe how much I love these designs! In a couple of words, I see Kane's pieces for A/W 2015 as Dandy-esque, very Oscar Wilde. Not only are the tailoring, checks and waistcoats are perfection - it evokes nostalgia for a time I wished I lived in where men dressed like this.

J.W Anderson I loved the shape and silkiness of this ensemble. Though I love Kane's fitted and very structured tailoring, there was something beautifully simple about this 60s neckline and button-up. 

So far I've seen a lot of free flowing silhouettes, exemplified by Astrid Andersen but also at J W Anderson. I love the texture of this shirt contrasted with the sportswear and trainers. Again, there's the blurring of lines between different eras, casual and smart.

Christopher Shannon's pieces were wonderful in their quirkiness. Jeremy Scott and Moschino both popularising the use of loud slogan prints and applique, Shannon also featured jumpers with 'Thanks 4 nothing' and 'broke'. 

What I like is that his designs are very grounded in real life fashion, creative and original. Puffa jackets and oversized sweatshirts are everyday style staples, though Shannon adds his edge with characteristic British eccentricity.

With Joshua Kane being my personal favourite from Friday's shows, I was admittedly disappointed by Topman.  I can see the variety of 60s/70s influences coming through, but it just wasn't to my liking. Fur and yellow tartan? I'll pass.

Who are your favourite designers? And which shows are you most looking forward to seeing from at LCM? Let me know!

You can keep updated with the collections at LCM on its section on the Vogue website, here 

Anna

Street Style Article for Noir Online

This time last year, I had written this article for noironline, an online magazine I have really enjoyed working for. I thought it would be worth sharing! Having always been inspired by the way others express themselves,  and London being a hotspot for unique fashion, I suggested that I would do a Street Style piece. (Lucy, the editor, is amazing at letting people have their own creative freedom, I was allowed to choose and write as I pleased!) In retrospect, I'm quite proud that I had the courage to stop strangers on the street, asking if I could interview them and take their photographs, but they were all so lovely.

My favourite thing about these interviews and photographs is that you see how personal people's aesthetic is to them and how it is a translation of the things they love, the places they have been and what makes them who they are. It was great to hear about how Grace's style had transitioned through the years until she found what was best for her, whilst Brett dressed like his musical idol, Nick Cave (I love Nick Cave). Sammy's style was undoubtedly the most eye-catching, and her sense of freedom I think is really admirable. I agree with her comment about London and growing confidence. If you're satisfied and comfortable with what you wear, who cares about anybody else? 

I hope you guys liked my articles! Let me know which street style look you like best, and do you take inspiration from others'?

Anna

Leopard Lady

I titled this blog post to pay homage to a random guy singing on the street yesterday who, as I walked past, began to sing 'leopard print lady' at me and made up a song. As I walked back from the cafe me and my friend went to, he again sang 'Leopard, here she comes again..' quite hilarious really.

Playsuit - Urban Outfitters Sale

Coat - Topshop (my mum was kind enough to give me this for Christmas, after begging!)

Rings - Camden market + Shop Dixi.

When wearing animal prints, I love to wear something simple. They can be quite tricky to style if you want to focus on just the one statement piece. Opting for black is the norm for me, but when with leopard print I like the contrast. This playsuit was a really nice find in Urban Outfitters; at first it looks like a dress, as the shorts are loose, and it has a nice collar. The best thing is it's not too clingy, but has nice slits on the back area that subtle and elegant.

My best friend and I enjoyed some divine cereal in Brick Lane's cereal killer cafe. I highly recommend it; they have such a selection of different cereals. And for chocoholics, well, this is definitely your thing!

How do you wear your prints? And have you found anything in the sale? Let me know below in the comments!

Where I see Fashion

A few weeks ago I stumbled across an amazing website run by Biancca Luini, a fashion design graduate from Italy. Her website, Where I see Fashion is an inspirational and highly imaginative collection of images that pair designs with anything from Cathedral architecture to plants and the natural world which show striking resemblance. What I like most about scrolling through her blog is that it captures just how much creativity can be found around us that we might often overlook. In a world of 'fast fashion', where we often obsess over labels, it is reassuring to be reminded that consumption aside, fashion too, like classical paintings or architecture is just as much as an art as it has always been, drawing on a multitude of influences.

The Beautiful People

 'Academy Of Holy light t-shirt': Actual Pain

Pleated Skirt: H&M

Heels: Ebay

I have to admit I am not of a naturally photo-confident disposition, so I have cropped my vacant facial expression out of these photos! (My dad's funny remarks were on point: 'Anna, please refrain from looking like you're addicted to botox!)

I adore these shoes, as they are a take on Steve Madden dynemites, which I have lusted after, but the price tag just isn't justifiable for me. Accompanied with frill white socks, and pleated mini skirt, they're quite school-girly in a grown-up way.

Would you like to see more outfits? (I'll stay away from the botox, I promise.) Let me know!

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Paris Fashion Week A/W 2013: My favourites

Ulyana Sergeenko is becoming one of my favourite designers. I adore her amalgam of traditional Russian folk style, with extra luxurious, elegant touches. I do not advocate the use of fur, but (wishing it was fake), Sergeenko uses it so flawlessly, again - and sticks firmly to Russian tradition, where fur coats and hoods are always worn in the ice cold winters.
My mother is Russian herself (making me half Russian!) , and she too adores her designs.
It has been said many times as Sergeenko has gained more popularity - her pieces are often described as 'fairy- tale like', and I have to agree with this statement. Looking at the pictures of some of the white gowns transport me into a world of Princes,  magic and dances.

The high collar and long, black sleeves feel very Victorian. I love the hold-ups that make this feminine and add a provocative touch.

The models were made to look as if they were crying (or perhaps some could fake tears, I don't know). my interpretation of this is that Ulyana is trying to convey that life in Russia is hard. The headscarf, is also traditionally worn by Russian women in villages.  There is a contrast in her designs that are much more extravagant, featuring richer fabrics, lace,  fur, black and white colours, compared with some other pieces which are more simple but still gorgeous.

.

 I like the sleeves here.


Ellie Saab I feel like with Ellie Saab, the same things are churned out, over and over, in different colours with every show, with minute changes made. It can get very boring,  but there are a few gems. These are two dresses that I liked.

Versace. This black dress is beautiful, sexy and classy - there's not a single detail of this dress that I don't like. The caged bralet is very 90s Gianni Versace, plus the shoulders and shape of the dress are so flattering.

I feel like it's worth mentioning Valentino: I liked almost everything, except the colours! For some reason, I have an aversion to the golds, beige and light earth hues paired with black.

Nothing extraordinary, but I like the lace detailing.

Zuhair Murad It has been a great task to narrow it down to three favourites for this designer:

My inner goth is screaming.

Lovely peplum, colour and structure.

So: those were a selection of some of my favourites from Paris Fashion Week: I know I am a bit late in writing this post, but as it is my first of my blog it seemed to be a topic to write about that came to mind.

What were some of your favourite pieces? Or disappointments? Let me know!