Attention! Tackling the Trends: Military

'It's now, or never'

Calyx & TeeBee "Elevate This Sound"

This time of year is a hard one to get your head around, the weather is changing and you contemplate swapping your wardrobe round and examining what knitwear you can salvage from last year. Whilst across the pond New York is currently in the midst of Fashion Week, showcasing the trends we will all be wearing come Spring/Summer next year. So bare with me while you fathom out this post. I am concentrating on the sudden drop in temperature and what we will all be wearing this season. (Next year can wait until another post!) 

Cast your mind back to February, when Fashion Week was highlighting the trends for this Autumn/Winter (Do keep up!) Military featured heavily in varying incarnations on the runway at both New York Fashion Week as 'Urban Utility' in more modern cuts and paired back colours at Alexander Wang and Victoria Beckham, and on home turf, khaki was spotted at Topshop Unique and Margaret Howell in London.

Image: Telegraph.co.uk

With all this going on my head, placing myself on a self imposed shopping ban for the month of September, not for any particular reason other than to test my moral fibre, was never going to be an easy task. Please don't be mistaken in thinking this is going to be an opportunity for me to gloat, because I failed. So early on too. I'd like to think it was for a good cause-literally.

This military jumper came in courtesy of the YMCA charity shop on the high street close to work at a bargainous £4.49. It was also retrieved from the mens section, though I don't think something such as this is gender specific. This jumper ticks the trend boxes as a genuine military item, it's better than any replica that can be found on the high street.

 

This is how I plan to wear the jumper, styled up with cut-off denim Levi shorts, a vintage belt, heeled M&S ankle boots and a serious spike necklace from H&M. Judging by the weather situation, the addition of tights will be greatly appreciated. I also think this would look great with a white shirt collar poking out over the top.

Which trends are you going to be wearing this Autumn/Winter?

KDx

Answers we guess

Rustie "After Light" Ft. Aluna George

Fashion should never take itself too seriously, I mean it's just clothes after all. And even then, the sole reason for wearing them is to cover one's modesty. 

But lately it seems that fashion is having a bit of fun with itself, and for once I don't think that the jokes on us. (Over exaggerated shoulders anywhere outside of the 1980s should not be 're-invented' in my opinion.)

Cartoon motifs are cropping up everywhere:

3.1 Philip Lim 'Ka-Pow' Print T-shirt at Matches

Truly Madly Deeply 'Bat-Ass' Tee at Urban Outfitters 

Lazy Oaf x Batman Exclusive Bodycon Dress in Logo Print at Asos

If we delve into the archives, it would seem as though Batman has always been a bit of a fave with the fash pack, just take a look at Alexa for Madewell in 2010 and before that, gone but not forgotten Luella Bartley and her Spring 2008 Ready-to-wear collection:

Alexa Chung x Madewell Sketch Book Tee via Cool Spotters

Luella Bartley 2008 Ready-to-wear via Style.com

Inspired and short of a spare £160 to get my hands on some genuine Philip Lim, I have invested in some t-shirt pens and will be scribbling my own designs-something I have put off doing for a while. In the mean time I created a little homage to superhero fashion on my toes, those that follow me on twitter will have seen this picture pop up earlier

Nails Inc Silver 'Montpelier Square,' Barry M 'Cyan Blue' 294 and 'Bright Red' 262, Rimmel Nail Tip Whitener and Sharpie Black Permanent Marker

The design was really easy to create, as the nail tip whitener has a thinner brush I could get the general 'pow' shape, I used a nail brush to sharpen the points and fill in the fiddly bits close to the white with the red or the blue. Once this was completely dry I used the Sharpie to outline the white and write my chosen Pow! and Zap! before letting that dry to add a layer of topcoat.

What do you think of cartoon clothing? (And that has nothing to do with Nicki Minaj's wardrobe) Cool? Or better left at school?

KDx

P.s I hope everyone is enjoying their Bank Holiday weekends, especially those (like myself) who are fortunate to have a 3-day weekend as standard. This time last year I was in a field at Creamfields, to date my only experience to which I base all camping trips on: muddy, boggy, damp, dank, cold, and grotty. But the music was amazing! Anyone fortunate enough to go I hope you've got a mega stash of babywipes!

KDx

Let me catch my breath

Disclosure "Control" Ft.Ria Ritchie

Seriously suffering from a bad case of holiday hangover. I'm sure I am not alone. In fact I know I'm not as I can pretty confidently vouch for the other 7 girls I went with. I love being at home, but I'd like it to be more of a pit stop between holidays, opposed to a long stop between short holidays. But enough of the post holiday blues.

What did we learn in Ibiza? 

Well, the last time I went to Ibiza, when I say last that was the first time three years ago at the tender age of 21, fresh out of uni as a graduate, practically still clutching my 2:1 degree.... I've noticed things have changed somewhat. Not least of all the fact that food is more important this time around. I cannot live on the yummy mallowy goodness of a flump and a pizza alone on a daily basis.When you take the time to realise there are restaurants selling damn good food at a reasonable price, you wonder why you would let the crap cut it. (The flumps were still welcome though!). Definitely a sign that my head is closing the age gap between itself and my actual age.

Ibiza fashion has changed. There is definitely a distinctive 'look' that has developed, both for the guys and girls; there are a lot of cross overs. Here's a break down:

Sunglasses: Only wayfarers will do. Any colour, preferably real, but it's hard to tell amongst the plethora of fakes being thrust upon you at every opportunity. So if you are going and you haven't had chance to buy your Ray Bons, or Rey Bans (other versions are available) ebay is the place to go. Buy them cheap and don't get attached to them.

Footwear: The ladies tended to lean more towards Converse hi-tops, but a few low tops still made an appearance. And for the gents, Nikes. A hi or mid Blazer, or a Dunk high top, but preferably in tonal colours, I saw a few green on greens, blue on blue and red on burgundys. Whatever they were they had to be suede-which considering what people tend to get up to in Ibiza is crazy. But then maybe it was a good sign if they managed to keep them clean? I have no intention of doing a shoe analysis.

Shorts: Were short. Both men and women had lost a few inches off the hem line. Ladies were flashing a bit of cheek at every opportunity, irrelevant to the perkiness of the behind, but always in denim. Ripped, studded, adorned with jewels and tie-dyed, just make sure it's denim. As for the boys, brightly coloured running style shorts cutting more at mid thigh length to knee length, worn with nothing but a ripped torso.

Bags: The bum bag was the bag du jour for both sexes, wore low slung in leather leaning towards the more 90s style, opposed to tourist practicality.

Socks: The curve ball look of the holiday that couldn't go unnoticed, despite my concern over awkward tan lines they were white, calf length with two or three sports stripes in varying colours.

So with that in mind here's a little holiday shopping list if you're planning on making a trip to the White Isle and want to look part of the set as soon as your Converse wearing feet touch down:

Stripe Calf-High Sock £7 from American Apparel

Nike Blazer Hi Suede Vntage Aqua Green £66.99 from Office

BDG Studded Cheeky Short £45 from Urban Outfitters

Colour Wayfarer Sunglasses now £3 from Asos

Teal Swim Short £22 from Topman

Bum Bag now £12.99 from Amazon

Converse All Stars £45 from Schuh

What do you think to the 'Ibiza' style? Would you rock this look on holiday? Have you ever re-visited a place and noticed how the style has changed?

KDx

But are you really too busy for a sun tan?

Dizzee Rascal "Holiday"

If the title of this post didn't give it away, then this might come as a bit of a surprise to learn that I am only 6 days away from my holiday. Not that I have mentioned it before or anything...

In-keeping with my holiday related posts (there may have been a couple already) I thought I'd ponder over the beach cover-up, one that will take you from beach to bar and back again.

Forget for a moment the kaftans frequented by middle-aged women disguising wobbly bits. This is about covering up enough to feel like you are dressed, without the added layers that are needed in the evening when the temperature drops a little.

The hidden gem:

Matalan Jersey Racer Back Playsuit £6

Now this might not look like much in the picture, but I discovered this on a 'on-the-way-home-from-work-trip' to Matalan a couple of weeks ago, and now it seems appropriate to share it. This lightweight cotton playsuit will work unbuttoned with a patterned strapless bikini underneath. I did have to buy a size up to get a little extra in the length to avoid any crotch traumas. (This being the reason I was put off trousers in the first place: awkward crotchal dilemmas.)

Under £10:

Asos Top With Extreme Dipped Back in Blurred Floral £8

If I hadn't already brought too much stuff to cram in to my case, then this would be next on my to-buy list. I think the brave could even get away with nothing more than a pair of bikini bottoms and sandals to take this from the bar straight to a club. This will also work back in unpredictable England with a pair of skinnies, or denim shorts.

Under £15:

New Look Stone Chiffon Side Split Maxi £12

Light weight, sheer enough to show some skin through and just the right amount of coverage. Again, another item that will work once the holiday has ended (Sadly, everyday is not a holiday,) tuck in a battered band tee, some ankle boots and a leather jacket and you're ready for Autumn.

And finally 

Under £20:

River Island Pink Floral Lightweight Duster Jacket £15

This for me is the modern take on a kaftan; add a belt and wrap it over like a dressing gown and you have a cute lightweight dress, or wear it open to show of your newly acquired tan. This can also be worn to dress up a bar outfit on you return home, white fitted vest, blue jeans and black pointed courts. Done.

I'm not one for wishing my life away, but I do hope these next 6 days fly by. I think I have my outfits nailed, whether or not I can take all I want to pack is a different story. Next on my to-do list is holiday nails, I need to decide on a Ibiza home pedi to tackle!

KDx

Swimsuit issues with my toes curled in the grooves

Friendly Fires "Jump in the pool"

Apologies for the blogger hiatus, I hadn't 'gone fishing,' I just have had a lot of stuff to get did. But back to the task in hand and what I do know, Ibiza is a mere 9 days away. 

In line with my suggestions of a statement necklace in my previous post here, you might just need something to wear it with. Admittedly in the impending heat I am expectant hopeful of, I am  planning on keeping clothing to a minimal. 

The swimsuit is having a bit of a moment in fash-land. In the land of everyone outside the warm fuzzy clothing bubble, it means that retailers have taken note and the design teams have given this often much neglected piece of swimwear a glam-over. For a long time the beloved cozzie was the go-to piece for anyone who didn't feel that they were beach ready or had something to hide, but this left the wearer widely regarded with suspicion, what are they trying to hide? Instead of allowing the wearer to remain inconspicuous, the opposite was the result; you can't help but admire the wearer who has chosen to swathe themselves in skin tight lycra in a bid to hide their most loathed attribute.

Oh how the tables have turned. Swimsuits have been cut-out, laser cut, laced-up, lace backed, criss-crossed, crossed-over and then some. These are cozzies to be seen in, and demand attention. Warning: Confidence not supplied.

Here are my pick of the bunch. 

Under £5

H&M Swimsuit £4.49

This arrived on my doorstep today, it has sold out online in black now, but may still be available in stores. I'm 5ft 10 and proportionally wise I can get away with it... just. It's fair to say I will be keeping my musical appreciative arm raises to a minimum to save my graces. I will be wearing this and channelling my inner 1950s film star, wearing it with a gold gladiator-esque vintage rope belt and cat-eye sunglasses. (I didn't say these swimsuits would be for swimming!)

Brigitte Bardot at Cannes in 1953 

Photo courtesy of the telegraph.co.uk

Under £15

Another sale bargain

River Island Pink Palm Swimsuit £15

This swimsuit looks like it could be a body, which is how I would wear it away from the pool, with some denim shorts, a cocktail in hand, an air of nonchalance and some pastel coloured wayfarers. Think Club Tropicana...

Another under £15

ASOS Lattice Back Swimsuit £14

I'd wear this one with a a statement fluro necklace and a pair of colour pop wedges in pink or orange to really play against the cobalt blue of this swimsuit.

And for the dreamers:

We Are Handsome Vacation palm sunset swimsuit £190

If I wanted to spend more on swimwear than my holiday, a couple of We Are Handsome swimsuits would easily do it.

I've just put a few things in my case in intrepid anticipation of the upcoming holiday in question. I thought I'd weigh it, just to see how I was doing...Already at 11 of my 15kg limit. I honestly thought I was right on the money this time packing. Amateur at work clearly.

Now to unpack and re-pack. A cycle I am sure will continue throughout the week.

KDx

...And your ma' is good looking

Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong "Summertime" 

The official countdown to Ibiza has begun! (In all honesty it started as soon as it was booked in late January) 2 weeks and 6 days until myself and 7 of my nearest and dearest descend on the White Isle. It appears that we aren't the only ones with the Ibiza bug as I have already spotted Elle and Company magazine featuring Ibiza street style on their websites, which is just the kind of outfit inspiration I need. 

Of course, holiday style is just your style, but with less clothes and an awesome tan. However, I think there are a few key items that can really ensure your outfit still cuts the mustard despite the sweltering climate. (Lest we forget Monica Geller's hair in Barbados; sometimes a great outfit is all you can count on with an unknown climate!)

The statement necklace is a suitcase essential, besides the obvious bikinis and lashings of SPF. 


My top picks are:


Save: Under £10

H&M £6.99

Spend: Under £15

Forever 21 Circle Bib Necklace £10.65

Zara Necklace with chains and neon coloured stones £12.99

Splurge: Over £20

Urban Outfitters Sweet Scandal Neon Necklace £40

How to wear:

• Wear with your hair up to really show off the necklace, which is handy for when you want to keep cool. Personally I never feel as 'dressed-up' with my hair up as I do when I wear it down, so I hoping this will be the missing link. (Pardon the necklace related pun!)
• Keep everything else simple, a boobtube/strapless top will work for maximum impact and to really let the necklace be the stand-out item.
• A statement necklace can work during the day: Up the ante and add some pool side glamour to your bikini outfit and wear with your swimwear in the day.
• A bib style necklace such as the one from Forever 21 looks killer when worn with a plunging neckline or swimsuit.
• Go bold: This Miss Selfridge extra long necklace will look great with a white vest and denim shorts or a bandeau dress.
• A statement necklace is a great way to introduce colour for the colour-phobes.
• If you are feeling brave, contrast your outfit and your jewellery, colours that really pop are turquoise and coral, orange and pink, and cobalt blue and yellow.
• Don't forget: colour is less harsh with a tan, so what might seem a bit crazy in your 'light-bulb-lit-bedroom' with the rain hammering down outside will really work when you're sunning yourself is some far off climes. 

KDx

Take me out to the crowd

Frank Sinatra "Take me out to the ball game" Ft. Gene Kelly

The varsity jacket has been one of those creeping trends. Alexander Wang showed them in his Spring/Summer collection in 2010 and it kind of missed the masses the first time it surfaced on the market around 2011. The stores stocked them, they subsequently went into the sale; a trend to be filed away under 'fail' perhaps. However, it would seem as though sometimes fashion can sometimes get it wrong and they quite simply missed the mark and got their timings awry. Fast forward a year or so and it seems to be that their popularity is gathering pace as a streetstyle trend, having spotted numerous ladies choosing to wear their varsity jackets as a casual throw over, or to add some edge to a more formal outfit. The sportswear trend has been evident in a number of the Spring/Summer 2012 collections amongst the likes of Rag & Bone, Isabel Marant (who of course is also responsible for everyone wanting to wear concealed wedge trainers. If you had have said that before I am sure I wouldn't have been the only person who had flashbacks of this awful trainer-heel hybrid catastrophe) and our very own Stella McCartney, which is no surprise seeing as she has designed the official Team GB Olympic kit; which I feel is another coincidental factor in the rise in popularity of the varsity jacket, you cannot escape the pull of the Olympics!

Photos via Telegraph online and Vanessa Jackman

From models looking casual after shows, to bloggers visiting shows and Liv Tyler quite simply looking hot, the varisty jacket works on all occasions. Less formal than a blazer, but moreso than a hoody, the varsity jacket offers a spring jacket alternative to the leather jackets of winter and the plethora of denim jackets this time of year.

Topshop varsity jacket, Levi's vintage skirt, Converse all via ebay, H&M vest and Topshop belt

Jacket as before, Levi's cut off shorts (jeans brought from ebay) Urban Outfitters t-shirt and New Look studded loafers

Here are my varsity jacket outfits two-ways. Both pretty dressed down outfits, so I would like to experiment with a more dressed up look, maybe a pencil skirt and pointed court, or my H&M floral trousers as seen here. Those of you that haven't got to grips with the joys of ebay, you must! This cost me 99p with £4 postage. If that can't convert you then I can't think of many more persuasive sells!

KDx

My home, is where you are

Paul Van Dyk "Home" Ft. Johnny McDaid (Wippenberg Remix)

I own a lot of stuff. Having the (extra) day off today meant I had ample amounts of time to get my life into order. I amass things throughout the week, and it's not until I have some free time I find that I am able to integrate these items into my bedroom and get them accustomed in their new home, now I am not just talking about clothes here. It's a known fact that I love stuff. Period. I buy things because I like them, not necessarily because they have a purpose, just because the thought of not having them is so overwhelming I can't leave them behind. (Charity shops play a big part in my conspicuous consumption). So as can be imagined the issue of storage comes up a lot. I'm fortunate to have a big bedroom, but as us girls know it isn't merely an issue of size. Make of that what you will... *ahem* How you make use of the space you have available will ultimately save you time, and help you keep on top of what you have. 

I've always been interested in interiors, you spend so much time in your house/bedroom, so I think it only right that you invest some of this time in making it fit for purpose. This could be a creating a calming environment to relax in after a busy day, or providing a space that allows you to work from home and let the creativity flow. For me it's a feast for the eyes, I'm a magpie by nature, and I like busy, not messy, but full. I think my need for things to be on display stems from momma bear, we are in stark contrast. She likes clean, simple lines, everything has a place, and that place is generally out of sight.

I look around for inspiration all the time, I like the mix of old and new and it just so happens it is so readily available. I do admire the sleek American aesthetic towards decoration, as can be seen here at Cupcakes an Cashmere. I particularly like the way that The Coveteur "takes you inside the closets of internationally influential cultural forecasters, showing us what culminates in their personal style - one item at a time." In their own words. It's a visual buffet of delights! I urge you to take a look, although be forewarned, I cannot be held responsible for any feelings of lust and envy that will undeniably ensue throughout.

The backdrop to many of my outfit posts is this rather sizeable unit:

It's pretty old now, and I think it comes courtesy of those storage solving Swede's at Ikea. This is the most similar design, if not the same available here, not sure how much I paid, but retailing on their website for £79, it ain't half bad for the amount of stuff it houses. If I were to go through every cube, item by item, I'd bore myself, but a few notable things you will see is that I use my shoes as an ornament-they are beautiful though right? Why can't you use items of clothing or accessories as decorative touches? My thoughts are if I love it so much, and you're not currently using it, why not enjoy it by looking at it? The same goes for the vast amount of jewellery I have, which artfully 'clutters' the majority of the top of the unit.

 

Now these are definitely old, but a relatively new purchase, either birthday or Christmas, but since getting rid of my low bed in favour of a high cast iron framed bed, I needed something of equal or greater height. These are perfect, draws and cubbey holes; extra space for stuff stuffing. Again note the shoe 'display'. A great way to store and display jewellery is through cake stands, these two are genuinely old, but the high street is full of them, from New Look to Next, John Lewis to Wilkinsons, and start upwards from around £8. If you are a bit of a bargain hunter like me, then it's always worth checking out your local car boot and/or charity shops as they do tend to crop up, but since the influx of cupcakes and kitsch kitchenalia coming back onto the radar, they don't tend to stay unsold for long.

Inspired by using suitcases as permanent storage, as Jen over at a little bird also demonstrates in a number of posts, I went in search of some of my own. Again, since changing my bed, I have now gained a wealth of extra space I can put things, however, knowing that whatever I put under my bed would be seen, suitcases seemed ideal, and a little quirky, this is what I came away with:

 

The top one cost £7.50 at a carboot, and the bottom one cost be a bargainous £2 off a man at a market, literally. They now live happily under my bed and are currently and quite comfortably housing the bulkier part of my winter wardrobe, which judging by the forecast for this weekend might have been a bit premature of me...

Anyway, hope everyone has some fun plans for the Jubilee and extra long weekend, did I mention I have 6 days off? Not that I am playing top trumps of time off or anything!

KDx