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*

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,

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.

One year on

A year ago today at approximately 2 minutes past 1pm I published my very first post on StyleJam, 'Introductions.' Although I only set up this blog a year ago it was something, as I mentioned in my very first post, that I'd wanted to do for a very long time. 365 days down the line I still consider myself new to the blogging world, but I've noticed a change in myself throughout the period. As the year has progressed I have allowed myself to become more and more comfortable on here, using blogger amongst other networking sites to voice my opinions; believe it or not but it took me 2 whole hours to construct the mere few words on my very first post! I wanted to thank you all for your page views, be you a new reader or an old friend, your follows (on GFC, twitter, instagram and bloglovin,) your lovely comments and general support.

Thank you,

With massive thanks to my gorgeous twin sister, Emma

Sometime

Although I've only just got back from my holiday I should, by now, be experiencing a severe case of post vacation blues; I must admit however it's difficult to feel so down when the British weather is even giving Portugal a run for its money! My time away consisted of numerous days at the beach, a place I left resembling a lobster-like creature (shamefully after bragging about my tanning skills) and finishing with a few days in Lisbon for cultural activities...and shopping.
I thought I'd share a few snaps of my trip to welcome you all back to StyleJam-

Sweet Spring

Ankle Strap Sandles- Zara TRF/ Floral Printed Dress- Zara/  So Chaud Lipstick- Mac

I feel cheated. It's spring, my favourite season, and right now I should be sitting gazing out my window at the pink candyfloss like blossom trees which line my street; in reality they are bare. Although it may not feel quite like spring I am, rather disappointedly may I add, aware it is. To be honest I haven't exactly been embracing the change in season and I am still very much in my winter wardrobe. When I saw this dress on the Zara website, I'm sorry- the high street store has become a guilty pleasure of mine (as I am sure you are all well aware), I initially thought it a tad mumsy. Since then however I've become more and more in love with this garment which even makes me feel 'springy'.  Highly influenced by the outfit the model is wearing in the picture above, ideally I think this dress would look great with these, you guessed it, Zara TRF sandals, Orangey Mac Lipstick and braids. For some reason or another I can see myself wearing this at a wedding. Someone get married?

Monochrome Trousers/ Zara Sandals

This week I did something very unusual. For the first time in years I did some spontaneous shopping; for me, shopping is always a very organised and planned experience. Since a disaster in the Zara changing rooms over a pair of checked cigarette pants, an experience which I do not care to relive, printed trousers and I have never been the greatest of friends. After the changing room antics I have envied anyone I've seen wearing bright, colourful fabrics in the form of trousers; so much so that I even surprised myself when I decided to order these asos checked beauties. When the trousers arrived I would be lying if I said I wasn't intimated by their bold print, which the asos photograph certainly hadn't prepared me for. After much debating I, hesitantly to say the least, decided not to take them back. Armed with the last £30 in my bank account I rushed over to Zara to see if they had anything to aid a short legged girl preparing to go out in what felt like a very outlandish pair of trousers. I bought a pair of black ankle strap sandals, which thankfully even I can walk in; although I did have to use all my willpower to avoid buying multiple pairs of metallic goodness. With the shoes, I think the trousers work (yes, even on a midget) and I teamed the look with a Topshop high neck tank (please excuse the button slip.) If you haven't noticed by now I'm also wearing Hoop earrings. There was a time in my life where hoop earrings were considered 'chavy' and although this may still be the case; I feel here they are both necessary and acceptable.

Can you tell which ones were taken on my iphone?!
On another note, I have a favour to ask you all. No, don't worry it won't take you long. I decided, as it seems I haven't before, to mention my bloglovin account. I would really appreciate it if any of my current followers, or anyone who likes this post, would follow me on bloglovin (I've heard rumours they're getting rid of the GFC)

Thank you!
Hope you enjoyed reading and I'll see you week, just before the dreaded art exam (save me!)

Fashion Week

This week I thought I'd share not only some of my favourites designers from LFW ( WANT to go next time *hint*) but a fashion show a bit closer too home too. Do you remember my Francis Bacon inspired Carcass Dress? No, I didn't think so. Well I wore it for my school's annual fashion show; which went quite well considering my lack of co-ordination. Here of some behind the scenes snaps.

We are so Cara Delevinge

LFW- My thoughts

After spending hours going through multiple designers' shows from LFW, I've picked three which, to me, really stood out. I'm going to try and make this as brief as possible, homework is calling.

Henry Holland's House of Holland collection never fails to impress me and I certainly love his take on AW13. The youthful and, dare I use the word, urban edge of Holland's clothing I think is really effective; the mixture of rather restrained and classic garments with playful colours and patterns. The word 'psychedelic' springs to mind (I'm thinking Scooby Doo's Daphne: Austin Powers) when analysing the collection and I must myself admit that the bright colours seen in his nostalgic 70s/80s garments will not fail to brighten up what I predict to be a rather dull upcoming winter.

 If it were not for the show title on my photograph source I do not think I would have ever predicted this collection being Erdem, which I feel is a valid enough reason to blog about it. For AW13 Erdem's garments have moved away from the usual and very much expected pretty and ladylike style and moved towards a gothic, but may I say, extremely elegant look, with the occasional addition of acidic florals or feathers. So it appears it's all about the reliable and much loved black. Love, love, love.

Christopher Kane AW13, need I say more? Velvets, feathers, camouflage and 3D flowers, Kane certainly brought it to fashion week. Since becoming a massive fan of Christopher Kane (not that I've had the pleasure to wear anything of his) I've noticed that there is never anything in his collections which I wouldn't wear; occasionally, or frequently, when I fall in love with a designer's collection it is often very common for me to feel indifferent or not blown away by an item or so. The unpredictability of Christopher Kane's garments really attract me, I don't think anyone could envisage what's coming next.

May I also just take a moment to say how beautiful I thought Anne Hathaway looked at the Oscars? Top marks!

Zara Purchase or something like that

I managed to escape my weekly routine and get to Zara, eventually! After spending forever trying to choose between multiple 'must have' items I settled for a Jacquard Pattern Top, which has never been of my back since.
So far I've spent the weekend celebrating my little brother's 4th birthday; which has involved eating unhealthy amounts of cake!
Here are some photographs, pretty bad quality ones may I add (must fire cameraman...)

And some with the birthday boy himself:

Smiles!

See y'all soon