The Mighty Winter Coat Hunt

#1:River Island | #2: Monki | #3: Topshop | #4: Monki

My current winter coat is grey, woollen, double-breasted, a little oversized, smart. But it's 2 years old, bobbly, not very oversized anymore, and is getting more boring by the hour. It's time: Time to hunt down a new *winter coat*. It's always a big ordeal for me: I have to find one has a balance of warmth, prices, and style. I could take the easy way out and go for a parka which I would love very much, but I'm not so sure I want to join the khaki brigade. It seems a little too... easily done? If I'm going to be wearing my next winter coat for 2 years again, I want it to be something that is different, but still plain so I can jazz it up with different scarves/hats/gloves/whatever. Plus, I tend to go for more formal jackets.. Ya feel? The parka life chooses you, not the other way around.. It didn't choose me.

So, without further ado, here are my top 4 styles of jackets that I've been considering..

#1: The Woollen Slouch Coat

Seen in a variety of dark, dull yet versatile colours, prints and knits, this jacket screams 'fashion editor' to me. It's very business-as-usual, but I think the slouch makes it a little more casual and street-friendly. I can only imagine how fabulous this coat would look with a stole 'round the neck and a massive black leather bag over the shoulder, strutting down to your Nylon Magazine office, frappucino in your leather-gloved hand and... Okay, stop Bronagh. Calm down. This jacket basically embodies the kind of life I'd like to have, that's all - Although maybe I'm a little too sensible for it: They always seem to be made of very thin material, which isn't much use in our current climate. If anyone knows of a well-made, fairly priced coat in this style, let me know!

#2: The Oversized Bomber Jacket
This one's the most casual of the lot, and perhaps the most cozy looking. It's zips right up to the chin, ensuring maximum neck/chest warmth, whilst also looking chicly baggy. It may be a little too casual for some people's liking, but it seems like a nice variation from a parka. Although, I do think it could be snazzed up with the right accessories: Lotsa fur, cough, ladies and gents. It also seems to be the shortest in length of the coats I'm discussing in this post. PS: It's got a hood too. It's funny, I never even noticed this until I was scanning over the post after writing. Evidently, I'm incredibly sensible and observant.

#3: The Double-Breasted Business Coat
This one may be in the same family as coat #1, but it can be pulled off in a lot more colours, e.g. beige. It's also very similar to my current coat, although my current coat has some pleats, unnessecary buttons... it looks kinda china doll-like, next to the little number I've pictured above. This coat is the big sister style, it's a progression. Again, this is another coat that would look good worn with a wide range of hats, scarves, etc. It'll look good formal and casual too, although it depends on what casual means to you: That is, if casual means leggings and a hoodie to you, the coat might look a little muddled. Do you see my issue?

#4: "The Minimalist Tent... Oh, I mean Coat" Coat
This one's very different; It may look a little strange in theory, but it really comes to life in practice. It's completely plain, leaving space for any accessory you can dream of, and looks awesome formal or casual. If you're up for something a little more interesting, this may be for you! This is another one of those progression coats, that has matured over time: You'd easily see a pale pink version of this on a cute toddler, wouldn't you? Well, start taking notes from the little ones - They're onto something.

What kind of winter coat are you wearing?

Modern Sophis, Part 2: Plastic is Perfect

Image in top right hand corner is from Jalouse Magazine//All other clothing:Burberry//Holographic sandals:Miista//Heels:Jeffrey Campbell//Clutch:Shourouk @ Net-a-Porter.

Okay, I won't lie: I spent a lot of time, perhaps too much time, trying to find examples and pieces for this part of the series, concerning the more shiny, showy stuff that's quite new to our ideas of sophistication. Perhaps it's not as in fashion as I thought! Anyway, it's not really about how fashionable it is, it's about my appreciation for the style. I sort of jumped on this concept - I was immediately inspired by the Jalouse shot above, and thought, 'this would make a perfect post'. I guess not, but nevertheless, I must finish this series, and I must try my best. Here goes:

As we saw in Part 1, modern ideas of sophistication are quite minimalist and masculine, in black and white. But, now comes the more glamourous, colourful part: Shiny plastic everything, in any colour possible. Pencil skirts are massive in this style, either clinging to the legs or gradually jutting out slightly from the hips. Holographics (which I did a previous post on) look awesome with this look, and I must say that I am heavily lusting over the Miista sandals above. Sheer and transparent plastics are also a big part of the idea, as it's all about experimenting with different materials. As this concept is heavily reliant on how textures look, reptiles and leathers are also great, as well as looking luxurious. Anything goes, colour-wise: You can wear all brights, all neutrals, all deep colours, or mix colours for more balance. Wearers can also balance out the overpowering sheen with a more matte texture, such as the Burberry rubber top pictured above, which would surprisingly match a lot of colours, as it's flesh-coloured.

If you want to try a less risqué look, I would suggest wearing one or two of these modern pieces with more 'safe' items, or wearing a 'safe' outfit with all shiny, plastic accessories. I also think this style would look great with long, wild and shaggy fur, if you really wanted to emphasise glamour and luxury. This style is definitely more feminine than the style in Part 1, but why not mix them together? We could be onto a winner..

Which style was your favourite: Part 1, or Part 2?

Eye Drama, feat. A-Morir, Asos, Wildfox

All sunnies found on: Asos, Wildfox, A-Morir

If you're like me and rely heavily on the internet for fashion inspiration and, well, everything, you'll have noticed the recent abundance of Gaga-esque glasses on anyone who is anyone. The dramatic eyewear was hinted at last year with rounded glasses, wayfarers and bigger than usual cat-eyes, as a nod to decades gone by. This year, however, we made them our own. We grew a pair, and we embellished, recoloured, and even slightly reconstructed our sunnies into something that is definitely not for the faint-hearted. To say I'm delighted at the newfound extremities would be an understatement!

One particular brand I discovered while looking (and lusting) online at sunnies, was A-Morir. I immediately fell in love with their eyewear, although their prices were just as huge as their glasses! I would highly recommend anyone with a much bigger budget than mine to check them out. I don't know what I'd been doing before I discovered their brand, and was surprised that I had only found them recently - their eyewear has been worn by practically any celebrity you can imagine, including Gaga herself - several times.

Black Leather

Well, as Morticia Addams says (according to Tumblr), 'Black is such a happy colour'. If I'm completely honest, I couldn't agree more. You can look at black as a colour of doom and darkness and depression, but I prefer to look upon it as a void of possibilities: Black is a colour of real texture. I have never to my knowledge come accross a black piece of clothing that had a texture that didn't suit its colour. For example: A black, faux leather bag would be considered something of a staple for any girl, right? Well, what about a neon yellow faux leather bag? Not so much - although as a slight extremist, I quite like the sound of that. Long story short: Black lets a textured fabric speak for itself, without any fuss. Velvet never glistens more beautifully than it does in black; Nor does leather.

Ah, leather. Black leather, in particular. It never fails to fascinate me how it shines, how it moves, and how the designers use it (shoutout to Givenchy.. Cough). They somehow morph some leather pieces to cling to the curves, while other garments are starched and shapless - but still shiny, and yet still completely matte. All praise black leather! Until faux leather garments are in abundance in Penneys, however, I will just have to stick with a beat-up charity shop trench that screams 'I AM FROM THE MATRIX' and my Dr Martens. One day.

Looking Beyond Your Skater Skirt

Pieces are from the following shops - Clockwise, from top right: Topshop/Monki/Topshop/River Island/Topshop/New Look/Forever 21/Topshop/Boohoo.com

    Now, I have nothing against a good skater skirt. They're damn versatile, and these days, you'll find them in every colour of the rainbow. But, nothing exasperates me more than girls taking the skater skirt and sleeveless cropped turtle neck as a formula for complete and utter success.  It sort of drains me, to see 5/6 girls wearing the same outfit in different colours. Don't get me wrong - of course, you all look stunning, but doesn't anyone find it a bit boring? I'm not one to dress up and go out places (computer lyf), but just say I decided to, one day, I would probably go mad. Isn't dressing up beforehand 80% of the fun? I would certainly think so. 

   

Of course I understand the concept of time moving in trends; Last year we were all adorned in bandage skirts and baggy vest tops (including myself - cringe). But, hey, there's no harm in looking around and appreciating some other options! In a nutshell: Have fun with your clothes. I've come up with a few of my favourites, at the moment:

  

 If I were going out somewhere, I'm 90% sure I would be dressed in some way vampy. Sheer fabrics, velvet and lace trimmings scream luxury, and give an otherwise plain, black outfit new life. Think sheer maxi skirts (they were everywhere a while ago, I still love them), and dresses that either cling or flow; it works both ways.  

   

Disco pants are always another good option, and are a piece I have yet to invest in. It seems that they have run their course, but why not make a comeback?! They'll go with just about any top: a bralet with a baggy jacket over, or an old, ratty band shirt. 

Summer is coming, and with summer comes the pretty, fitted summer dresses. Many may consider the summer dress to be rather girl-ish, but they can really be changed in an instant by the choice of shoes, accessories, etc. If you take your prim little dress and pair it with the badass Chelsea boots pictured above, it'll have a completely new lease on life. Guaranteed. 

  

..Which leads my on to my next point: Shoes are everything. Life as we know it. It doesn't matter what the hell kind of outfit you have on if your shoes are awesome - That completely contradicts what I have said in this entire post, but I am a believer in shoes. Especially big, black clunky type.

The last thing you need for your outfit? Well, any species crop top will work: Button-up. Baggy. Bralet. Long sleeved. I even have a Nike one. I find them to be quite flattering, and they're great for layering, too. The great news is, if you're really skint, you can make one yourself from an old t-shirt. It'll look rad.

Hairspo

Hair isn't an area of high expertise for me, as I currently in short supply of it - If you'll pardon the pun. But, I sure do like to look at other people's hair, in sheer envy. I love to look at what hair stylists have managed to create on the runway, and their works of art will never fail to amaze me. Above are some styles I really love, and would replicate on my own hair in a heartbeat, if I had the skills. And if it were acceptable in society to wear 1,000 pins in your hair at once.

Hope everyone is having/had a lovely Saint Patrick's day!

Spunky Seapunk.

Hello everyone! It's been a bit of a while, hm? Sorry about that, I'm still preparing for exams that start up this coming Tuesday.. Oh, the joy of exams. I'll be back with floods of posts very soon.. promise!

 

Have you ever found that how you would like  to dress and how you actually  dress are two completely different things? Well, I certainly find that a lot. I don't know whether this is down to not being able to afford the clothes I like, not having the guts just yet  to wear the clothes, or my ideas getting lost in translation somehow. Anyway, I thought I  would share with you how I would fancy dressing, if I had the willpower, an endless supply of cash and the ability to not give a crap if people stare. I'd probably go seapunk.. No, not probably - definitely. 

Seapunk, pastel goth, nu-goth, cyber goth, whatever name tickles your fancy, is one of the many innovative style tribes that has emerged from the depths of the internet. It's based on a perfect balance of clunky peices and daintiness, and black mixed with pastels, neons, pixelated patterns and some iridescence - A little tacky, in essence, but it's just so right. Its key pieces include baggy tie-dye shirts, black platforms (the chunkier, the better), bindis, holographic sunnies and anything with aliens on it. Think 90s Gwen Stefani, along with Charlotte Free, Azealia Banks and Grimes. They've all got it nailed.