Katy Perry's New Look

If it weren't for that burst of candy pink hair, I wouldn't have recognized Ms. Perry here. Gone are her usual theatrical get ups with all the frills and thrills of a modern pop star's desire for the downright zany clothing. What we are left with, is a stripped down (simple in comparison to her quotidian style) version of the singer.
Minimal accessories, barely-there hair with no extravagant detailing and the pièce de résistance; a monochrome shirt baring Renaissance style faces with an essence of fun slipped in, as moustaches are added in. By now, I think you all know that anything Renaissance goes down a treat with me.

I adore this new, much more laid back side to Katy, complete with a retiring, modest smile. She was papped during the same night, getting cosy with Sky Ferreira - one of the newest "it" girls on the scene. Maybe Sky's grungy style is rubbing off on Katy?

Breton

As a "fashion/style/insert-your-own-interpretation-here", I have realized that I am obliged to include my own take on style, how I put together outfits and the like. This has prompted me to rekindle my relationship with my LOOKBOOK account. I don't know if any of my wonderful followers (I think you're all fab for choosing to support this drone of a blog) have any particular interest about the workings of my wardrobe but what is a style blog without, at least, a minute insight into one's personal style?

This outfit, aptly titled "Breton", is my go-to outfit. This picture is actually a year old, but the outfit itself is timeless. I can almost hear the exasperated groans in the minds of my friends when we meet up, as they think "Is she wearing that again?!" to themselves. When it comes to over-wearing a particular outfit or item of clothing, I'm guilty as charged. If an outfit feels good on, or I adore how it looks, I continue to wear it much to the annoyance of everyone else.

The most wonderful aspect to this ensemble is it's universality. The picture above was taken in July of 2010; there I stood in my notoriously awkward stance, bare-legged with slicked back hair and a pop of red on my lips to add colour. Tres summery, if I'm not mistaken? However, you can reverse the look to carry on it's legacy into the harsh months of winter. Additions of a pair of black tights under the shorts and a cute duffle coat and voila! 


As my first "personal style" post, I hope I did myself slight justice. Let me know what you all think and should I make similar What I Wear posts.
Also, please hype the look!

Chanel: Paris Bombay Pre-Fall 2012

"It's much more inspiring not to go to places than to go" 
Karl Lagerfeld on India, a place which he has never been but is clearly captivated by, judging by the Chanel Pre-Fall 2012 show in Paris. So much inspired was he, that the show was aptly titled "Paris Bombay" effortlessly capturing the collection's merge of the two cities. The Grand Palais was transformed into a feast for the eyes, and literally for the lucky spectators, as the catwalk was bordered by a lavishly decorated, parallel banquet. An occasion fit for a raja, perhaps?

What a wonderful collection this was. All senses are evoked simply by beholding the stunning images. The feel of silk saris against the skin in explosions of golds, burnt oranges, brilliant magenta's, the colour of the sweltering, setting sun. Exotic spices and inscences invade the nostrils and is that your mind just playing tricks on you or do you really hear the enticing melody from a snake charmer's pungi? Lagerfeld invites us to visit the enigmatic country of our dreams without booking a flight. We get to experience a culture so very different from our own, with very Indian characteristics featured throughout the collection; turbans adorning the men's heads, extravagant headpieces, humble sandals and ethnic jewelry. 


The contrast between Western and Eastern culture is simply divine, as typical Chanel tweeds, luxe jackets and accessorizing of pearls are littered throughout to create the culture fusion. The very "un Chanel" black rimmed eyes and dreaded updo's signify this as a step in a new direction for Chanel, without losing it's signature aspects.
Such a beautiful collection. I shall be dreaming in a vision of the mysterious far east tonight.

       

                                         

Taylor Momsen Ditches Grunge for the 60's

What is this? I almost didn't recognize Ms. Momsen before I looked a little closer and saw the black, rings around her eyes and wondered how the hell I had missed them.

I'm guessing this was an attempt by Momsen to venture out into the dark, unknown world outside of wearing an over-sized band t shirt over a pair of suspenders. The very Sixtie's mini was teamed with white go go boots - a far cry from her regular get up. I award Taylor attempt marks. For trying something new, I applaud her but the outfit was ruined after she unwillingly ditched her trademark panda eyes and also opted for chunky black accessories.

Back to square one, eh?

Renaissance Cherub Socks Appreciation

Fetish: [noun] - an excessive or irrational devotion or commitment to a particular thing. In this case, cherub socks. 

I'm sorry to once again quote the dictionary but this definition sums up my feelings towards these socks   totally.

As a big admirer of Renaissance paintings (three words: Sistine bloody Chapel), these cute little knee-socks have been catching my eye for the couple of few months, popping up on Tumblr now and again. And in the words of Verruca Salt "I want them". 

My desperate quest to have a pair (or twenty five) in my possession has so far proved fruitless, so if anyone knows how to get a hold of them TELL ME!!!

London Fashion Week S/S 2012 Favourites

My first Fashion Week post, or should I say, my first proper Fashion Week post. My own personal response to London Fashion Week which was a week ago so I'm well behind on making this, as I usually am with posts. Also, copying and pasting photos, as simple as it may be, is awfully time consuming!

Topshop Unique

I adore Topshop Unique's mashup of Egyptian and Ghetto/Street. The scarab details against the turquoise, black and gold work perfectly together, with a very authentic Pharaoh feel to it. The Elizabeth Taylor as Cleopatra motif on sweatshirt material stands out the most for me. It's simple but effective as it's a face everyone instantly recognizes. The second I saw this shiny-material dress, I immediately thought of this outfit Edie Sedgwick once wore which, what looks like, similar material. It could possibly the inspiration for it?

Christoper Kane

Christopher Kane's incorporation of two "at the moment" trends was another stand out for me. The very preppy cricket sweater vests over the metallic trends that resurface every Fall and Winter go wonderfully, especially in their pastel hues. LOVE!

Kinder Aggugini

This is a designer that I, so ignorantly, have never heard of before but I'm glad I have as what I've seen of his collection from LDW are lovely. The different textures (silk and velvet) go wonderfully with the peter pan collars, floral decorations and 40's style shapes of the dresses -for the two on the left anyway- and contrast, not clash, with the modern Converse-tipped heels. Note to self: look out for this guy in the future.

Meadham Kirchhoff

As they say, save the best for last and I'm not going to go against timeless clichés. The event that was Meadham Kirchhoff's show was, by the far, the single highlight of LFW. The clothes, the little ballet dancers, the pastel colours contrasting innocently with the bolder colours, as if they were chosen by a child who was given the privileged to dress herself (a style conscious child, at that). Everything about this was perfect. The outfits remind me of if a baby Harajuku Girl was in infant nursery. Everything is so fun and childish but not in an immature way. I'm really not doing it any justice, you'll have to watch the video below and decide for yourself, if you read down this far and didn't get put off by my bland choice of words and personal expression.

And to end this, I'll go back to the 'ol cliché generator by departing with:

That's all for now folks!

Gaga's Toned It Down

First of all, may I apologize for this seriously belated post? I've only just come back from what I can only call "hellidays" down in the countryside where I was deprived of internet and a general feeling of connection to the outside world.

After all Lady Gaga's notoriously outrageous get ups, from that meat dress to sky high McQueen Armadillos to the Lobster hairpiece, Gaga has continued to shock the media, her fans and the world. But the most shocking outfit of all has been the most simple of all since her Red and Blue days as Stefani Germanotta.

The singer was papped after a recording session in a Versace LBD with minimal accessories (a velvet clutch, a gold cuff and her red talon nails) and no sign of any horn inplants. In fact, there was no sign of anything particularly "Gagaesque".

Considering the fact of her ever-changing wardrobe since she was thrust into the limelight after the success of Just Dance around December 2008, seeing her in a simple, almost demure (for her) outfit has had the biggest impact yet. And it looks perfect on her - no need for any more steaks!

90's Vintage Versace Revival

Thanks to Lady Gaga, the jewel patterned clothing of Versace is having another heyday. Gaga has been seen out in many beautiful ensembles recently along with her turquoise hair style du jour.
The mainly primary coloured pattern has been copied for scarves mainly which Urban Outfitters and American Apparel both stock. I bought one from UO which is ten euro cheaper and the scarf is much bigger - i'm a cheapskate at heart.
Despite the terrible Irish summer weather, it's much too warm to wear it as a scarf so I fashion it as a big bow/bandanna on top of my head.
These designs are so pretty, but quite hard to wear so kudos to Gaga, as once again her brave style choices leave her ahead of the pack, daring head to toe of these silk creations.

Spring/Summer 2011 Trends

Think "spring" and your mind will instantly conjure up images of fresh, blooming flowers and new life. The days are getting longer and brighter - much like the ankle skirts at Jil Sander at Milan Fashion Week.

These almost almost ~clichéd~ thoughts can be reflected from the catwalks of many designers this season. 

The two main trends you'll see, will inevitably be brights and botanicals. After the cold, dark, dreary winter months, bright colours and suitable fresh floral patterns emerge from their hibernation, to once again take their place in our wardrobes as season staples.

At Milan Fashion Week, Jil Sander showcased the neon brights trend. Raf Simmons presented a feast for the eyes - while not going overboard. On display, were an array of playfully clashing colours in vibrant hues but keeping that trademark minimalistic touch of former designer, Jil Sander, herself. 

My favourite look (and the easiest to replocate for theose who want to stand out but are perhaps, a little too retiring) is the simple, yet effective, combination of the plain white tshirt and an ankle length, acid-coloured skirt - which are everywhere right now. All the girls were given powerful, pink pouts. The clothes and lips were so very attention-grabbing that neutral makeup was the way to go. 

Neons are simply to wear, considering you don't go overboard and keep things relatively low key. As the saying goes "a little goes a long way". You don't want to end up looking like a crossbred between a clown and a glowstick.

Jil Sander

 On the completely other end of the scale, we have the pretty, feminine florals that return time and time again at this time of the year, which I, personally, never tire of. Whether you want romantic florals with an edge, like Erdem at London Fashion Week -who is fast becoming a favourite of mine- or the kookier leafy prints, as seen from House of Holland, florals are easy to work into any wardrobe but there is a downside. Florals can be as dull as watching paint dry - going with more unique patterns, prints and shades can save you from looking like your mother's withering bouquet, neglected in the corner.

Erdem

 

House of Holland