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,

Spring/Summer 15

SS15

Generic blogger FW post x1000

Yes. It's that time of year again (or so it was until 4 days ago anyway) where you I, fall asleep every night clutching Vogue's never-ending features on the fashion world's latest and the spend the days living in-between the phone alarms, alerting me to the beginning of Erdem's botanical fananza etc. Above, after facing much inner turmoil, struggling to decide which designers to include (Dior, Erdem, Celine and House of Holland- no brainer, nearly made the shortlist...) I've compiled a few of what I consider notable collections this season. Firstly we have Alexander McQueen, that should be enough really. McQueen's powerful and very much refreshing Spring Summer Collection (Paris Fashion Week) is something in-between oriental and space alien/ astronaut; or Samurai Warrior- Geisha Girl as Vogue seemed to put it. The models were cloaked in a palette of red, black and blossom pink with enlarged floral prints contrasting the stiff lantern sleeves, aggressive hairstyles and angular (not to mention at times scary) black masques. Then there's Christopher Kane (a collection dedicated to his late mentor Louise Wilson OBE), taking London by storm mid-September with his use of cord, rope and coils embroidered and threaded through/ onto his dresses. The SS collection also featured a series of silk dresses, bursting with tulle, something duped by Kane himself as the 'controlled explosion dresses.' Westwood's (unsurprisingly eccentric) collection was rife with historical references (something which undoubtedly enhanced my love; with Dior also taking nod to history the day before) and, as expected, costume drama. Only Queen Vivienne could pull of a collection featuring upturned picnic basket hats (yes, really) and Eve (of Adam and), Little Bo Peep, Snow White, amongst various other mystical characters were also present in her latest designs.

Dolce & Gabbana, a brand which promises two things (and never fails to bring them); opulence and attention to detail. The design duo's collection, showcased in Milan, 'cited the Spanish

influence on Sicily between 1516 and 1713', with evident references to flamenco dresses and bull-fighting costumes. The garments, all centred around a black/ white/ red colour palette, were ladened with embellishment (no surprises there), fringing, lace, polka dot and floral prints; whilst models wore their hair in severe buns, adorned with carnations. One outfit which did particularly strike me, was their heavily embellished gold basque/ corset, gold crown/ carnation duo (see far right); something which almost immediately, and somewhat unfortunately, reminded me of something in-between Beyonce's World Tour Advert and Geordie Shore's most recent 'Queen Vicky' ad- no offence to Bey of course. The collection came to a close with a parade of models, dressed in crisp white shirts and high-waisted, again heavily embellished, red shorts; a beholding finish to Milan's Fashion Week. So there we go, another fashion week I have not attended, and a another week of crashing my computer over the Vogue website; time to pretend/ lust over/ sulk over the clothes I'll never be able to afford (sell my right arm?)

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.

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.

Checkmate

From Louis Vuitton's structural and ladylike approach to the trend to Asos' punk revival style kilt, checks (including plaid) are the pattern of choice for this summer. Be it large or small, geometric or horizontal, Jacobs or Ebay, the trend can be injected into the wardrobe of anyone of any age with the use of a mere silk scarf or pencil skirt. I myself have challenged the trend by purchasing a Vuitton-esque Zara jacket (see below) and digging out a tartan skirt from a lifetime ago. Today, after shamelessly visiting the cinema to watch 'Monster's University' where coincidentally I was taught the life lesson of being fearless, I visited Topshop and was exposed to the trend full frontally with an array of leggings and tops cloaked in the pattern; following this I decided to Google the term 'check.'  The word check is apparently derived from a Persian word meaning 'king,' and this, alongside my newly found enthusiasm brought about by Pixar's film, has made me feel that as subtle as checks can be, this trend should be worn boldly, gallantly and confidently. Marni here I come.

  My top high street picks for challenging the trend:

Midi Kilt- Asos/ Check Print Skirt- Zara

Check Crop Top- TheShirtGirl/ Checkered Jacquard Blazer- Zara

Wide Leg Trousers- Asos/ Monochrome Check Print Shirt- Topshop

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-

June Wishlist

As I sit here and write this I am accompanied by a 'to do' list as long as my arm. Last week, I'm not sure if I mentioned this or not, I ventured, for the very first time, into the workplace at Nigel Cabourn Headquarters for a week of work experience. I spent the first few days, which by now feel like a world away, plagued with sweaty palms, butterflies etc. (you know how it is) However, since then and since becoming comfortable there I've enjoyed it hugely; so much so that I'm going for an extra week this week too. Long gone are the regular and familiar school time playground breaks and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't shattered by the end of each working day. I'm planning to put together a post containing work experience outfits, but I'm afraid you'll all have to wait a little longer for that (and for the long awaited, and long discussed, blog makeover) For the time being I thought I'd entertain you all with, and pass the time prior to MIC, with my June wishlist.

Lapel Fur Collar Coat- ROMWE

Oversize Peplum- Asos

Perspex Clutch- Fashiondac

Orange City Bag- Zara

S Alpha Ring- Daisy London

Melange Jersey Sweatshirt- COS

Shell Top- Asos

The Hitlist's return

 I cannot tell you enough how glad ecstatic I am that summer is finally here! The beginning of summer and the end of exams, ohmagawd someone pinch me, can only mean one thing; more blog posts! I won't gabble on explaining and apologising to you all for my lack of weekly posts; I'm getting bored of it myself. I thought I'd kick-start the summer, although as I write this it's raining outside, with a hitlist (and yes I have made it a single word...)

I've missed you- I promise,

Long days, late nights

7 days. That's how late this post is, I'm sorry I've never been great at time tracking. It's weird because I'm sitting here, at my kitchen table, and I wouldn't believe you if you told me it was Saturday night already; I don't know where the past 7 days have gone. This week has been pretty monotonous to say the least. 

The metallic shoe- whatever you think of them and however controversial they may be, it cannot be denied that anyone wearing a pair will not be ignored. Personally I can't think of a better way to make a statement than with a pair of shoes and today I thought I'd show you my metallic footwear picks. Recently I've seen metallic shoes, silver in particular, popping up all over the high street and although I myself have resisted the urge to invest in a pair (they're at the top of my wishlist) I think they're really versatile and a great piece for Summer. If the thought of wearing such shoes intimidate you I recommend a more subtle pair, like these Two tone Flats. So far I think Zara hold the title for supporting the trend the most (well there's a surprise) but Asos have some nice pairs too.

Flat Lace Up Shoes- Asos/ Gold Shoes- Zara/ Townsend- Jeffrey Campbell/ Hometown- Asos/ Patent Sandals- Zara/ Pumps-AlisonsMan/ Two-tone flats- & Other Stories/ Crossover Sling Backs- Zara/ Laminated High Heels- Zara

Hope you're having a good weekend,