Carpe Diem.

My blog is going on hiatus and I won't be blogging until after September 2012 because I'm going to be spending 10 weeks in Malawi doing voluntary work. I'm not sure if I'll even have any followers by then or when exactly I'll resume blogging but I'll definitely do a blog post about my experience.

Thank you to all those that have been following me! I've posted the above video because I'd like to think it perfectly encapsulates my philosophy on life (ignoring the Red Bull endorsement) which I'd like to pass onto you: never stop challenging yourself! x

Love can be found in...

I'm not really a romantic but I do have my Cinderella-thought moments.

Chic and edgy.

source: timetogetpaid; scott schuman and unkown.

I would like my style to be a beautiful mesh of all these looks.

Hold tight

"No man ever can keep that girl from moving on. Easy as she comes by, Easy as she's gone."

"...and don't you know I'd hold you. If I could find a way. If I could only catch you. If only you would stay."

The editorial on the left is from hero #7 and can be viewed here in its glorious entirety. The looks on the right are from twenty8twelve's s/s12 collection - the looks aren't exciting but the model sells them well.

The quotes under the images are from a beautiful song by Girls entitled 'Love Like A River'.

Summer breeze.

source: vogue, fashion in a crowd, unknown.

White-on-white in the summer equals a definite fashion winner (just make sure not to sit on grass). I think the woman in the top image on the left has got the perfect length trousers especially since their white. I really like the white blazer in the Mango look coupled with a belt - it tidies up the look if you need that formal edge.

For S/S look I'll probably always be a fan of the shirt blouse plus shorts you just can't go wrong with it.

I'm not a fashion serious blogger but I dabble in the arts (as is obvious) and I like to portray this in my looks: I call it being 'fashion conscious'. One of my favourite 'fashion conscious' celebrities is actress Kristen Stewart (the above image is unflattering) - she obviously knows what suits her and yet she couldn't care less if it was hot or not.

To be near to the sea.

source: scott schuman, visual optimism.

There is a nautical vibe to this post. I really like all these looks particularly the editorial looks - there's style ideas to be taken.

With the amazing weather we've been having I thought I'd mention a previous summer themed blog post that I still like: I heart summer.

Take a walk on the formal side.

source: visual optimism; fashionising.

All the above looks are of Donna Karen's 2012 Pre-Fall collection. The editorial image is from Harper's Bazaar June/July 2012 issue.

The top image on the right reminds me of this street style look taken by Scott Schuman: I like the contrast of femininity and masculinity.

For similar reasons to the top image, the bottom images are amazing. The man's style (because it's formless) oversized coat contrasts brilliantly with the model revealing her legs and her earrings.

You made me forget myself.

source: fashionising

All the above looks -and the top image, below, on the right- are from Chloe's 2012 resort collection.

The looks are practical yet fashionable. I can't stand impractical fashionable looks particularly since it means the chances of finding a cheaper replica or substitution on the high street will be near impossible.

The street style looking image at the bottom on the left is of blogger, The Golden Diamonds; her look, which is similar to a look in Chloe's 2012 resort collection, is perfect - it should make you think: 'why do I put so much effort into looking good when it can be that simple?'

Inspire me

Every once in a while write down what it is you are doing to achieve that long term goal your striving to achieve. If you find that you are way off course - don't worry; just re-map a new route to that goal but never give up: persistence and perseverance should, if they aren't already, be your metaphorical best friends.

Life is short but the only way to manoeuvre around it without wasting what little time we have, is to always set challenging long term goals. That way you don't find yourself, years later, looking back at it all thinking how aimless it was or regretting how long you spent bumbling at the bottom.

Interesting blog post on the topic: Why not...Invest in your dreams?

Overpowered

source: Vanessa Jackman, Vogue, TFS.

I like all the above looks - I can't think of anything else to add to that.

Off-topic: I like the trailer for Café de Flore.

MEN

Lacoste's autumn/winter collection: not only are the models admirable so are the clothes!

I think women can and should steal ideas from menswear collections by adding a feminine twist. If not for that reason, then you could guide a man in your life, who has money to burn and is unacquainted to style, to a shop of your choice such as Lacoste - what could go wrong? :)

Fashion driven women.

source: Stockholm streetstyle

I think looking "en-vogue" is partly about: what you're wearing; who you're wearing; but most importantly, how you're wearing it which includes that air of confidence mixed with a sense of individuality.

ッ

She wouldn't let go of either.

There's something intriguing about what women wear when saddled with power - the confidence with which they exude can make you question whether it's the power or their style. If you really think about that question you would obviously say it's the power and the journey taken to obtain it; but that doesn't stop thousands of women wanting to copy Michelle Obama's style or Kate Middleton's style.

Live it - it's all yours.

source: real life is elsewhere

Sometimes we need to be reminded of that simple, terrifying but crucial aspect of life: mortality.

As if it were autumn.

source: stockholm streestyle; scott schuman.

This predominately streetstyle moodboard is actual suitable for the current miserable weather.

Listening to: Roisin Murphy - Overpowered.

Sidetracked

source: vogue

The above two runway looks are by Phillip Lim for S/S 2012. I really like the sharp 'V' neck top and it's very thin straps - there's another look in the collection with a similar top but the 'V' is deeper but it still looks great! The second runway look is just brilliant due to the stark colour contrast of the top to the shorts - and it works very well.

Style just happens.

Theyskens Theory is one of my new favourite designers: their designs are casual, boyish yet feminine - it's Parisian chic on the runway.

Most women (including me) only wear high-heels on three occasions: formal events, work and parties; and at most of these events we dress in anything but casual clothing.

Off-topic: I'm back to indulging in Radiohead...sad music should not sound so good! :/

Floating like a feather

source: streetstyle look (unknown); style.com

There's something fresh, clean and airy about these looks that I like: it could be the very faint colour; and the use of silk to create that very light and delicate look.

Good things come to those who wait.

source: stockholm streetstyle; the sartorialist; unknown.

I like women's looks that mix masculine and feminine styles. When I was in my early teens I really liked androgynous looks but as I age I think women should proudly show off what makes them the better looking sex: we can pull of biker boots (just like men) but can men pull of red heels ?? :)

The two runway looks are from Chloe's 2012 fall collection: I love soft colours.

The quintessential prep.

I bring to you the quintessential prep look courtesy of Sarah Vickers and her perfectly titled blog: Classy Girls Wear Pearls.

The "preppy" look can look really good (like the above images show) but it can also look over done or unoriginal; however, this can be said about the "indie" look; the "vintage" look; or the "in-trend" look. To maximise the potential of you always looking really good why not take all the really good looks from each clique?!

I have to admit, my fashion style changes with the seasons and the guys I like: I've recently been dressing a bit more preppy than usual because the guy I like is a quintessential prep (thankfully, not Ralph Lauren type); but he sort of changed his style when he liked me as he started adding dark colours to his wardrobe (it didn't really suit him).

I like her look.

I'm still wrapped up and it's nearing May but there are odd hours in the day when the sun does appear but not for long enough hours. :/

I'm currently reading The Political Animal by Jeremy Paxman (a TV presenter on Newsnight); and as one high profile reviewer of the book wrote: it's "lively, persuasive, excellent. Boisterous and funny, provocative and punchily written...an intelligent romp" - I whole heartedly agree.

I wish you'd make your mind up.

I think I'm adverse to change because I'm desperately trying to resist the new changes to Blogger. Everything is just really foreign to me and I don't see what's wrong with the current interface; but then again, I've managed to stubbornly resist Facebook...

Inspiration for May/June: femininty - my mentality is far more feminine than my appearance. I'm going to watch the film My Week With Marilyn tomorrow: I shall take notes... :)

Such a beautiful song: Basement Jaxx - Romeo (acoustic)

♥

I want a motorbike by Blitz Motorcycles!! This isn't my first post on the motorbike (and motorbikes in general)...

Bags.

source: garance dore; vanessa jackman; zara.

I'm not sure when I'll next be blogging but it may be a month from now.

Girls

I've just read about this new T.V drama, entitled Girls, in The New York Times and I'm intrigued! According to The NY Times:

The show is drawing inevitable — and apt — comparisons to “Sex and the City,” in whose long shadow it blooms. “Girls,” too, is a half-hour comedy (of sorts) about four women finding themselves and fortifying one another in the daunting, libidinous wilds of New York City. But it’s a recession-era adjustment. The gloss of Manhattan is traded for the mild grit of Brooklyn’s more affordable neighborhoods. The anxieties are as much economic as erotic. The colors are duller, the mood is dourer and the clothes aren’t much. It’s “Sex and the City” in a charcoal gray Salvation Army overcoat.

A spring in her step.

source: vanessa jackman: Stockholm street-style: coute que coute.

It's sunny but it's cold...

...I think the top two looks are perfect for the current British weather. The bottom two looks, taken from Filippa K's S/S12 collection, are perfect for more sunnier weather i.e. when the weather doesn't threaten to freeze your feet.

On the road to nowhere.

I've just finished reading Barack Obama's book: Dreams From My Father. It's beautifully written and slightly reminiscent of On The Road by Jack Kerouac but set in Africa. Running heavily throughout the book is Obama's quest to find out who he is, but more precisely, who his father was and how, as a man of mixed-heritage, he's to make sense of a racially divided world.

Listening to: Ray Lamotagne's cover of Crazy by Gnarls Barkley.

Take ownership of your tomorrow.

I've just finished reading a brilliant book by Herta Von Stiegal, entitled The Mountain Within: Leadership lessons and inspiration for your climb to the top, which is where all the above quotes have been taken from. I would advise everybody and anybody to read it regardless of where you see your life heading. The book offers timeless advise on how to metaphorically conquer the mountain within. Stiegal uses her experience of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro for the first time and failing and then taking on the challenge again but with a group of disabled people and succeeding as a backdrop to her leadership lessons of conquering the mountain within.

The leadership lessons are also supported with accounts from her own professional experience as a global business executive. Alongside this are a number of conversations with many of the world's most influential business leaders by the way the book is written in a very simple way and is organised in an easily readable way.

A light spring

Spring is the start of soft colours, light clothes and delicate pieces. That's why...

...I really like Zara's April lookbook - it's light, breezy and feels very appropriate for the current sunny weather we've been having in England.

If you're a jeans girl, like me, but you don't feel they look great in hot/warm weather why not buy a pair of white jeans? They look great.

I'm loving this song at the moment: blitz kids mvt- water (dirty disco youth remix).

Feeling blue.

source: vanessa jackman

One word for the streestyle look on the left: perfect. Going off-topic now...

My current mood towards life is apathetic bordering low; however, I'm an optimist by nature so I'm doing my very best to not linger too long on the negativity. Everyone has their own way of escaping negativity - some healthier than others.

My way of escaping negative feelings involves: trying to objectively understand them (which I do through excessive exercising and sometimes carrying out extensive internet research if the solution to the feeling is out of my depths); reading highlighted pieces of texts from books that have inspired me; listening to my favourite up-lifting songs, such as, the above quoted lyrics from Frank Sinatra's song My Way; and blogging (it reminds me not to take life too serious).

I'll melt with you.

My first time using the word 'fierce' for a look goes to the top image on the right.

Yes please to the young Johnny Depp look-alike pictured above. I don't like how Johnny Depp is desperately trying to cling onto his once charming and youthful good looks he should grow old gracefully (i.e. let go of his bandana) and dress a bit more like Brad Pitt.

Torn between two.

I think you can tell from my blog that I like formal feminine looks like the two top images but I also like mixing this with casual feminine looks like the two bottom images.

Looks that catch my eye tend to be: refined (not O.T.T for the sake of it); sophisticated (I'm a serious person by nature and I want my looks to reflect a bit of that); not so colourful (I don't really like to draw attention to myself; plus I think dark coloured clothes can be just as eye-catching depending on how they're worn); small detail (It shows there's something more to you: I have a typical grey tee that has been sown together down the centre at the front - it always gets peoples attention even though it's a thin line); the fit (the fit of a garment onto a person's body can turn a simple item into a stunning item).

The woman that made fashion.

"Well I don't know which is worse: doing your own thing or just being cool." -Bob Dylan

Looks from Yves Saint Laurent's A/W 12 collection accompanied by a beautiful editorial from Vogue Italia.

Do you feel what I feel?

Red: the colour of love.

I may change my blog name...!! Any ideas - drop me a message.

Don't be predictable.

The most interesting people live interesting lives because they are not one-dimensional.

Those interesting people then become intriguing when you can tell that they selectively choose who to share their private world with.

Reworded text in the above image: The woman had two sides - and he liked how he had to discover both.

Listening to: Ed Sheeran - Drunk (Rudimental Remix).

I want to touch the sky.

I'm in a summer mood.

Her vs. Him

To the left: New Wave Women's Editorial. To the right: L'officiel Hommes Italia March 2012.

"Love is all there is, it makes the world go ’round. Love and only love, it can’t be denied. No matter what you think about it. You just won’t be able to do without it." -Bob Dylan

How to be noticed.

Carven's fall collection + street style looks by Streetfsn.

I like seeing people who mix match clothes and items together to create an eye catching, unexplainable but brilliant look.

The two looks on either side of the middle image on the bottom row caught my eye because of the fur.

I can't give up.

I'm still hooked on the previous post about Olivia Palmero.

Listening to: Adele - Rolling In The Deep (Jamie xx shuffle)

A must see YouTube video: KONY 2012

Reach for infinity.

Grace, elegance and confidence creates that elusive feminine beauty that Olivia Palmero oozes.

The unreadable

source: coute que coute and visual optimism.

Fur + silk = Hot!

The above collection is by Nina Ricci.

Great cover to Chris Brown's song: Labrinth - Beautiful People; and my favourite advert of 2011.

There were no rules.

source: streetfsn: unknown.

Pay close attention to detail.

Everything went her way.

- That colour! (Balenciaga AW12).

- Leather has never been so fashionable (Rad by Rad Hourani AW12).

source: real life is elsewhere: coute que coute.

- The trend: the Angelina Jolie leg (a dress with a side split) - in reference to a stunt she pulled at the recent Oscars.

- Spring is always about patterned garments.

- I love the above two women's autumn looks (set in a house) by Christophe Lemaire.

Listening to: Jamie XX - Far Nearer

Sunday read.

source: styleclicker; TFS; and others (unknown).

"I'm a mess. I'm a wreck but you wouldn't know cause I'm at my best when I'm with you."

If, like me, you're a big fan of Stella McCartney then you should know that the New York Times has written an interesting, in-depth article about her which you can read here.

OR

You can read this inspirational, light-hearted blog post by the Simply Luxurious Life on how to revel in being a woman.

Classic item

The classic short sleeved blazer is feminine, subtle and elegant.

I have a cropped black blazer from Gap that I wore a lot last s/s. I'm surprised that it's really uncommon to see someone wearing one.

I think Coco Chanel started the trend with her jackets - she believed women's wrists were elegant and attractive.