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,

Brand New Discoveries

Nico Cut Out Mid Dress/ Cross Flower Blouse/ Candy Stripe Top/ Candy Stripe Skirt

Wien Stripe Trousers/ Text Trousers/ White Lyon LS Top/ Lingo Bracelet/ Fine Blouse

Gold Dolce Lace Crown/ Silver Octavia Stud Ring/ Gabrielle Vintage Baroque Cross Earring/ Pixie Lott Lauren Rhinestone Choker Necklace

Brand new discoveries

I am an addict. 

I am an addict, switch off Mozilla and shut down the app, I'm officially hooked; psychologically dependant and completely and utterly (hopelessly, even) infatuated with the mystical world of e-commerce. My ASOS addiction (the first step's acceptance, right?) began, as many of you may be aware, a long time ago; with expansive wish-lists and lusty musings plaguing StyleJam ever since. Facing this realisation I decided it was time for change, for a refreshing incision of variety; despite not promising to actually give up my favourite fashion site anytime soon. Above I have compiled 3 collages of my favourite/ most longed after products from some new brands I have discovered; 'Sister Jane', 'Weekday' and 'Rock N Rose'. I know what you're thinking. I cannot fake ignorance. Any avid ASOS shopper, like myself, only has to quickly glance at the above three to realise that these brands are in actual fact available on ASOS themselves. Call me a cheater but I promise, swear to God even, that initially upon my discovering them, these brands were not available through ASOS. Firstly there's Sister Jane, a cutesy (yet undoubtedly eccentric), vintage inspired brand, selling some killer co-ords; their 60's style 'Nico Cut-Out Midi Dress' is particular favourite. Then there's Weekday; think an amalgamation between COS and Monki, with a modest price tag (excluding its Cheap Monday stock- duh!) Despite being stocked on ASOS, their website is well worth a check, with extensive jersey staples and effortless silhouettes. Although when it comes to jewellery I'm usually minimalistic (watch, studs, studs, watch etc...) Rock N Rose's crucifix earrings have been a natural exception to the rule, whilst their selection of lace crowns had me reminiscing over Dolce and Gabbana's opulent (and highly memorable) AW13 collection.

Upon writing this post I did face some inner turmoil regarding the inclusion of Marks & Spencer; ok, ok, I know, no I am not alien to one of the largest brands known to man (and to OAPS...) It's use here, was not ever to be considered as a new brand, but perhaps as a face-lifted, and somewhat revitalised old one. Ever since the unforgettable pink coat phenomena of year god-knows-what, M&S has had a refreshed position in High Street fashion; becoming increasingly, more and more popular with younger audiences and boasting a greater selection of on trend pieces. My mind was quickly altered however once I began to properly consider the store's position as a brand. Has Marks and Spencer's been reinvented? The answer: no, but unmistakably a change has occurred, and suddenly the shop commonly associated with our grandmas, is finding its garments in our wardrobes too. Its values and morals as a company remain completely (almost) identical to those of 5 years ago, yet more urban. The question is this, are we just becoming more and more (contradictory to the renewal of skateboards and 90s throwbacks) mature in our fashion decisions?

See you soon (I promise) for a typical, generic and highly expected post on fashion week,

Till then, 

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,

 

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

Fight or Flight?

'Fashion has dictated feathers high in the pecking order for autumn, but can plumage translate from catwalk to high street?'- The Telegraph

Ok, so it may not be the most practical of fashion trends, or the most washing machine friendly to say the least, but I for one cannot think of anything more glamorous than the noble bird feather. I have, over the past few weeks, found myself somewhat reluctant to invest in the trend, allowing all, or what little sensibleness I have, dictate my wardrobe. So I ask, when did fashion, and I mean our fashion, our domesticated day- to-day life fashion, get so boring? That's the thing about feathers, they're impractical. They're in your face, appealing to all aspects of romanticism. Loud and extrovert, they epitomise fun fashion. Maybe feathers aren't something you venture to your local Asda in and they're certainly not weather friendly- but they're dangerous, it's a trend screaming out to our inner SJPs, our inner Cher's from 'Clueless.' This time, with Santa's cooperation, I'm just going to do it. So what will you do? Will you fight, or will you flight?

  .High Street Edit.

Marabou Feather Bag- Topshop/ Ruffle Feather Sandals- Topshop

Suede Sandals- & Other Stories/ Tseri Feather Trim Dress- LK Bennett

Thanks for reading,

 * Thought I'd finish with a few snaps from Lumiere at the weekend-

Waking the Dead

Leather Kilt- Asos/ Silk Top- &OtherStories/ Black Ankle Boots- Zara/  River Hi Vamp Sandals- Topshop/ Sneakers- Zara/ Angora Jumper- Asos/ Printed Dress- Zara/ Salt & Pepper Longline Coat- Asos/ Sqaure- Cut Shirt- COS

With the summer rapidly dwindling away and sixth-form vast approaching it has suddenly occurred to me that in just over a week I'm, for the rest of my existence, going to have to find something to wear, every day, in the chaotic haven that is my wardrobe. Panicking at this I've decided that a shopping trip is an important 'back to school' necessity. As an, you may call it, avid shopper, I've learned that I cannot be trusted shopping spontaneously. For me, a shopping trip requires, like the rest of my life, strict organisation and restrictions. Dazzled by all that sparkles, far too many times have I left a shop, in which I most likely entered for a pair of jeans or a jumper, and returned with a cocktail dress and a pair of stilettos; if anyone's planning a black tie event I'm your gal! Faced with the realisation that I cannot turn up to school wearing a floor length gown and a pair of KGs I've been (attempting to anyway) planning to purchase sensible and versatile items for next year; this can be seen reflected in my most recent wish-list (excluding the Topshop Vamp Sandals!)

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. 

The Jewellery Tree

Square Cut Crystal Necklace- Zara

Drop Earrings- Asos/ Necklace Charm- Vintage

Spider Neckalce- Asos/ Peacock Hair Pin- Vintage/ Chain- Asos

Jewel Necklace- Zara/ My Great Grandmother's bracelet

What was initially meant to be a quick post showing you my latest purchases and my lovely Arabella Golby style bling (can I call it that?) quickly escalated into me taking multiple photographs of my entire jewellery box, whilst using the setting of my father's garden to full advantage. Jewellery wise I'm rather indecisive; I cannot make up my mind if I should be minimalistic with my accessories or indulge myself in extremly pretty, yet highly impractical (not to mention heavy,) jewels. For now, I think I'll just continue to adorn my bedroom with such treasure. After all, diamonds (or glass whateverrr) are a girl's best friend.