Clichés and Cut outs

Jumpsuit with Cut Outs- ASOS

The oldest story in the book

This week's post is the classic tale of the teenage girl who spent more hours than she'd like to admit getting ready and what felt like a lifetime successfully applying false eyelashes (solo) for the very first time. But eventually, after triumphantly surviving an onslaught with DUO eyelash glue, I, like the dedicated blogger I am (hah), clambered (note. the heels) outside, fanning myself with my over packed clutch, to get a few photos snapped for the purpose of the blog. This slap dash photo shoot, which genuinely proceeded in trolley dash haste and speed, was rewarded with my hungover self confronted with a series of images which contained even more no-gos than usual. Long story short, I wanted to explain to you all why my  supposed 'outfit' post contains so little photographs of the actual outfit itself. The ASOS culotte jumpsuit (the obsession is expanding) was a purchase attempting to inject some change into my usual cocktail dress night out get up. Despite indulging my culotte adoration, the garment was, for me, a risky one with the cut out detail going strictly against my rules of  wearing anything tight or revealing around my main problem area (we all have them ey); something further illustrated by my long-term prohibition of  all things body con. Admittedly, I'm trying my hardest to refrain my sounding like some form of sob story, yet one of the main issues I've experienced with the blogosphere is the confidence and lack of shit it requires to put yourself physically on the screen, and upload outfit posts etc.  And in some cases, I've often found myself on a circular journey of post planning, photo taking, self hatred and some more post planning; probably explaining why the album of the above photos, alongside the other unmentionables, is entitled 'muffintop101'. Nonetheless I've promised myself that this time around, post hiatus, I'm going to try and post as many outfits as I can, and likewise not give a little shit about all that shite. 

I wore the jumpsuit with some extremely old, or well loved (whatever you prefer), Topshop wooden clog heels and a highly boring, yet highly practical black MNG clutch. 

Right, so long till next time, 

*walks to fridge*

Retried and Retested

Details-// Leather Culottes- Topshop/ White Shirt- Monki/ Denim Coat- Zara/ Platform Boots- Monki/ Cat Eye Sunglasses- Asos/ Watch- TRIWA

Out from Hibernation 

And so it's said that as hard as farewells can be, returns are infinitely worse and as I sit to write this post, I cannot but agree with such remark. Hard or not, it's happening (see, we're only two lines in and I'm already filling the blogosphere with shitty euphemisms) and StyleJam is officially back. My retirement from the world of blogging was an unconscious one, with the drudge of daily routine snatching away at my hours until what felt like a well updated blog, was transformed into an abandoned fashion wasteland. Now, don't get me wrong. It's not like I didn't try, or at least didn't think about writing; in fact I still have two half written posts about fashion shows and Cruella de Vil etc, etc. Planning the posts wasn't the difficult part, I actually I had a plethora of things I wanted to share with you all; it was just the implementation that was the problem, the lack of time, and admittedly at times the lack of motivation. To say a lot has happened since November would be perhaps an understatement- there has been university developments (Kingston University Art Foundation I'll see you in September), a religious inspired fashion show collection and even a sex dungeon (artistic, I promise), I've decided, with most of my Instagram followers getting unarguably sick of the sound of the words 'fashion' and 'show' to not focus too much on my A Level collection, 'Abraham', but photos can be found on @stylepreseve. 

My love affair with the culotte is one I haven't, thankfully, been able to shake; recently purchasing a leather pair (kudos to Topshop's sale) to go alongside my very worn, Asos jersey ones. Admittedly, I must say that when you wear them for the very first time you can't help but feel to an extent clown-ish, with some of my friends readily expressing their dislike for the shorts (you know who you are!) Clown resemblance aside, I'm now a proud owner and self-confessed addict, with the purchase of some denim ones the next thing on my summer agenda. Here I'm wearing my Topshop leathers with a tucked in over-sized, white, Monki shirt, however the look would undoubtedly be more flattering with a normal length, or cropped crisp shirt. My Monki platforms are also out here, treasured so dearly that they've been worn almost to death (and I've even had two pairs). If there's anything my wardrobe doesn't need it's an addition of outerwear of any kind, yet nonetheless I just couldn't resist the beckoning call of Zara NEW IN when they released this TRF denim coat- I've got a big thing for frayed denim at the minute. I found myself feeling somewhat Matrix-esque when I wore this, I don't know why; it must have been the collarless thing. 

Right, I'm off to plan next week's post- and that's a promise

Till next time,

The Long Road Ahead

The long road ahead

6574 days

[Better a month late than never...]

So it happened, I've finally reached the age of legality, a good 9,466,560 minutes (or 6574 days) after taking my first ever breath at 10:19, on the 16th October 1996. I should most likely change the I to a 'we' here, emphasizing the role of my companion of the past 18 years, my extremely patient, and not to mention doting twin sister. I won't lie to you and pretend that the sudden entrance into supposed adulthood has also seen a sudden growth in wisdom; for I feel just as foolish as I did the day before I guarantee you.

The day,  (very fortunately,) was extended into an almost week long celebration, with a (joint of course) 18th bash ending the 7 day party. Finding 'the dress' was no easy operation (no surprises there.) Actually, scratch that, it was an easy find; an in your face, theatrical marabou sort of affair. Anyone who follows my stylepreserve instagram will know what I'm getting at. Yes, yes, the highly sought after (and not to mention highly sold out) Kate Moss Limited Edition for Topshop off the shoulder feather dress. So whilst finding the outfit was considerably easy (a it's that or nothing sort of situation) accquring it was a different story entirely. Following multiple Ebay orders (damn you KM sizing) and a trip to the dressmakers, I had it- the dress of my dreams [insert insane price tag here] Spending my birthday money before I even had it, in a typical Sarah Curran fashion, I decided to get my make up done at Mac and YSL, allowing my face to be probed by foreign brushes and powders for the very first time; apparently booking a full face make over at Mac is easier said than done. Despite having only the whole day to get ready and prepared I still managed, in again, typical Sarah Curran fashion, to the be that girl, the last one frantically crawling into the taxi, praying to God she'll be able to at least fake a walk in her stilettos when she gets out. With this, spending a ridiculous amount of money getting myself ready, I still didn't manage to get a full outfit photo (or at least not one blog-worthy anyway- unless drunk late night shenanigans count?) and refuse to take more, afraid I'll taint my perception of my image on the night (no laughing!) I've included a few of the more decent/ not completely humiliating photographs of the evening- you can just about make out my Asos Heeled Sandals and Zara Croc box clutch in some of them...

I'm off to go and buy a bottle of Pino Gritio, or do whatever else it is that 'proper' grown ups do,

Till next time,

Can you Can you Forgive me

Shift Dress in Organza- Asos Salon/ Silk Shirt with Organza Hem- COS/ Organza Blouse- Asos/ Sheer Organza Panel Dress- Eleven Paris/ Organza Sequin Oversize Dress- Asos Salon

  
Can You Can You Forgive Me
So it's done, it's happened. Just pack my bags and send me straight to Lucifer for I have sinned; a prime example of the tempted, perhaps a mere victim, conforming to the horrors of referring to a song lyric on social media. Though it's not all bad, after all using PJ Harvey to excuse my prolonged absence from the blogging scene is as about good as it gets. The past two months have consisted of what appeared to be, at the time, a never ending series of exams, art work, biscuit eating etc. ( to an extent whereby if I pass McVitie's deserve a Thank You card!) The consequence of the extensive chocolate consuming, an action supposedly synonymous with not failing exams (praying), sees that I may be perhaps forced into delaying any possible outfit posts for the next few weeks whilst I drag myself and my thighs to the gym. Recently, despite previous distaste, I've found myself developing a love for organza; a fabric unmistakably everywhere this season. It appears to be following two main paths, the first a lady like Asos Salon sort of route, where it's used as an overlay etc. and the second, a modern grunge approach- think Phoebe Lettice and slogan tees. Either way, I'm hooked...and penniless. No change there I guess (gerrit?!)
Till the next time,

 

Tales of Old

Longline Blazer- Asos/ Neoprene Biker Jacket- Pippa Lynn/ Oversized Poplin Shirt- Zara/ Printed Dress- Zara/ Cotton Midi Dress- & Other Stories/ Culottes- Topshop/ Sandals with Buckle- Zara

Spring has sprung

Oh, who am I kidding?! I could lie to you and pretend I'm currently sitting outside, amongst the blossom, reciting Wordsworth, but I'm not; I'm in the dark, sulking at an army of bare trees, wrapped in thermals and pondering, as I have been for days, the notion that staring at my history textbook will somehow constitute effective revision (-it's got to that stage in the year again.) No, no, I refuse to believe it, Equinox or not (impressive accidental rhyme for you there...) it certainly cannot be spring...right? With this, the favourite of my seasons (no, I'm serious), comes the annual and highly anticipated horror of transitional dressing; a feat when you struggle to appropriately clothe yourself on a daily basis. This month's Wishlist (notice the sudden incision of colour- singular) mainly consists of hopeful/ faded desires with the doubtful expectation that it will become suddenly socially acceptable to venture outdoors, in the rain, in culottes or linen. I must mention that since compiling this list and publishing this post, I've actually purchased two of the 'necessities' shown above; perhaps the first ever example of a successful Wishlist. The Zara Printed Dress felt like a justified alternative over the jersey basics I so desperately require (I mean £25.99 TRF bargain, c'mon) and the ASOS Longline Blazer, or 'dressing gown' as branded by few brutal friends, is already a much loved survivor of an onslaught with some white oil paint -classic.

Hurrah for 'Spring',

Hope you've missed me, 

*currently googling for credible dances to make my trees blossom. help.

Patience is halfway to happiness

'Better late than never', 'Be patient and understanding', 'Patience is halfway to happiness'; all credible excuses, right? So I'm little delayed with my 'weekly' post but this time I have an excuse- promise. The past few weeks have consisted mainly of three main things; sewing, wrapping willow (?) and excessive coffee drinking. Sleepless nights aside (apparently I work more efficiently at 4:30 am) I've finally managed to finish my Textiles AS Level final piece. From our initial provided title of 'tailoring and haberdashery' I decided to focus on the concept of using things generally concerned with the construction of a garment e.g. dressmaking patterns, dressmaking logos, the use of lining fabric, as mere embellishment. In addition to this I've also looked heavily into Elizabethan Clothing, the emancipation of women (with the role of war) and the decline of the British Textiles industry; looking at designers including the theatrical elements of Alexander McQueen and Issey Miyake. For my piece I created a rope wrapped willow cage skirt (unintentional tongue twister...) and a dress decorated with dressmaking symbol screen prints, hand-stitched symbols and embroidered/painted logos. To create a distressed look symbolic of the decline in British Industry I burnt my fabric and used 3D texture paste to recreate the look of mould. Above are a few snaps from schools fashion show where I, and fellow textiles students, modelled their pieces. After a multitude of textiles stresses and realted incidents, the most memorable being setting off the fire alarm and thus causing the mass evacuation of my school (during exam week...), I feel like it's time to hibernate-literally.

Till, next time 

 

Unfinished

Wishful Thinking

Front Zip Shirt- COS/ Leather Moccasins with Chains- Zara/ Printed Mermaid Skirt- Zara/ Gold Plated 'Fly Away' Mini Drop Earrings- Asos & Wear That There/ Premium Shamen Mix Print Mini Dress- Asos/ Peplum Hem Pencil Skirt- Asos/ Premium Sheer Stripe Crop Jumper- Asos/ Block-Coloured Shirt Dress- COS/ Leather Pephem Skirt- Asos/ Gold Plated 'Today Tomorrow Whenever' Bracelet- Asos & Wear That There/ Premium Top with Buckle Detail- Asos

 It's reached that devastatingly crucial part of the year (if we're in it enough to call it that) where I, and hopefully I not alone, have fritted any finance the long-gone festivities may have brought. As a direct consequence I've had to resort to extreme window shopping, and, despite the temptation to rebel, face the realisation that my bank balance and this seasons 'must haves', will not be seeing eye to eye anytime soon. Despair aside, and after refraining myself from beginning this week's post with the greeting 'Yo Bitchez', I decided to compile a relatively short (if you'd only seen the extent of the initial...) wishlist. Any avid and weekly reader may have noticed the stark difference between this list and my previous; there's no such thing as too much picmonkey experimentation! Regardless of my resounding love for 'Arabella style bling' I've found myself quite recently, becoming increasingly infatuated with minimalistic jewellery. Unsurprisingly (I'm sure you're all well aware of my Asos obsession by now) I've found myself in what I can only describe as a 'I want, I need, I must have' sort out state with Asos' and Wear That There's jewellery collaboration (pure genius if you ask me.) Pardoning the unforgiving £65 price tag, the 'Today Tomorrow Whenever' bracelet has particularly caught my attention; apparently my recent possession of a watch has transformed my previous dislike for wrist accessories. I have also noticed that this wishlist features something else that differentiates it from the rest- colour. It appears that with 2014, my love for all things monochrome has begun to fade, leaving me with a somewhat eclectic mix of fabric desires. Hurrah.

Till next time,

Ps: I'm almost ashamed by the amount of Asos featured in this post (I should be their chief advertiser I swear): I may even have to make a resolution to go cold turkey for a while.

The Extremes

 So after three weeks of thinking I'd lost £65 to Asos when my return got lost (and with it being me, I'd lost my proof of postage) I was delighted, to say the least, when they did, eventually, receive it and my exchange was on its way. I've decided to go all Camilla Ackley on your arses and ordered myself this 'Extreme' Asos Smock to wear day-to-day. The smock, which has reaffirmed my monochrome obsession, has been my post-Christmas saviour; its extreme oversized fitting (so much so that I had to re-purchase it in the size below) is welcomed over my ever-so-tightening Topshop Leighs. For all of you beady eyed 'Into the Fold' fans, you may have noticed that we both appear to have the same Asos Longline Salt and Pepper Coat and today on her Instagram I also spotted her in my new Zara TRF cape- the theory 'great minds think alike' springs to mind...

  PS: Pardon the quality/ quantity this week's of photographs- it was very dark when they were taken and I've been unable to find the time to do them again.

what i wore

            Extreme Jacquard Smock-Asos/ Phelvin Boots- Topshop/ Longline Salt & Pepper Coat- Asos/ Ebony Twist Brasco Chrono Watch- TRIWA

365

Happy New Year! I honestly cannot believe it's a new year and I still haven't even wished you all a Merry Christmas yet! Despite every single shop on the face of the earth advertising NYE dresses, I managed to resist and spent the night in, cloaked in a onesie and drinking Prosecco out the bottle. I'm currently wrestling with, or whatever pitiful amount I have left, of my Christmas money- I didn't even attempt to save it again this year. I face the same ultimatum, however, I do whenever I have spare change; do I purchase something practical, something that will be wearable with a top or a pair of heels I already possess, or do I buy something which goes with not one single item in my wardrobe? I usually opt for the latter and leave the house, clothes resembling Bridget Jones on a bad day (not that I could ever condemn the fictional character...) Amongst my sale shopping I'm trying to predict the upcoming trends of 2014, snakeskin and gingham are a good bet, but I wouldn't hold me to anything. Since an outfit post is completely out the question for the next week or so, apparently I resemble more of a Christmas pudding than a human being this precise moment, I thought I'd leave you all with a collage of festivities and gifts.

Festive Edit

As I write this I am facing a stark reality; Christmas is in 7, yes 7 , days and I would be lying to you if I told you I was, like usual, organised this year. With the tree still absent from the household and not a single Christmas present purchased or planned, it's safe to say I'm panicking. Festive anxiety aside, I have been eyeing up this year's Christmas jumpers (apparently I'm still the only one without one.) The biggest question, however, is it too late to buy one after Christmas?  Is it 'fashion suicide' and/or the essence of all things frugal to be caught wearing one following the festive season? For the moment I don't think I can justify joining the 'clan' whilst my already pitiful bank balance screams the names of all my necessary gift recipients- Christmas is about giving after all...

Regardless, I've compiled an edit of my favourites (you know just in case anyone's feeling generous) so, knock yourself out.

Fairisle Jumper- Fred Perry/  Chelsea Girl Cracker Jumper- River Island

Vintage Renewal Sequin Bells Jumper- UO/ Christmas Snowflake Cardigan- Dusty & Dylan

Abbingdon Crew- Jack Wills/ Jacquard Sweater- Zara/ Kemplay Crew- Jack Wills

Ugly Sweatshirt- Zazzle/ My Bells Jumper- River Island

Merry Christmas ya filthy animals

*Ps: I couldn't help but notice the controversially increasing number of rude/ inappropriate Christmas Jumpers this year- I am a fan.

Hide and Seek

Camo Printed Sweater- Whistles/ Printed Dress- Zara

Terrazo Printed Structured Dress- Whistles/ Camo Shirt- Asos/  Terrazo Printed Box Pleat Skirt- Whistles

It is a rare occasion indeed when I have to chew, swallow and digest my own words. Last Hitlist’ I commented on the increasing unpopularity of military colours, particularly khaki. I was wrong. This AW13 camo is making its comeback. This time however something is different; long gone are the days of the familiar and somewhat common jungle jackets, camouflage has gone ladylike and boy do I love it. This winter it’s all about camo ladylike dresses, pencil skirts or even kilts (if you’re asos anyway.) It seems that this time however it’s not just Khaki which is popular, with colour ways such as black/white, burgundy/navy, burnt orange/forest green etc. ruling the high-street, particularly through the likes of work-wear favourites, Zara and Whistles.