Tuesday, 21 December 2010

UPDATE



I just wanted to spread the news that our Freja has made it into Vogue's Best Dressed 2010. Would we expect anything less? I think not. Bravaaaa!

“Freja is the ultimate in boy/girl cool. She’s so down-played but everything she wears is exquisite. Every girl wants to look like Freja.” – Lucinda Chambers, Vogue fashion director.

Wednesday, 15 December 2010

Have Yourself A Merry Little Wardrobe

5 steps to Christmas fashion;

Skinny Belts

It's all about those subtle details that bring together an outfit and the skinny belt is just the thing!


Gilets

If you're a fan of layering then you'll be a fan of the gilet. Good to throw on with any winter outfit to keep you cosy through these chilly days!

Leather

It's sexy and it's so in. If you're feeling nervous about the powers of leather, soften with a cute blouse or shirt.

Low Heels

As much as I hate to say it because high heels are my saviour, any more than 3 inches and you are so last season.

Midi Skirts

Flashing less of the leg flesh, the better.

Tuition Triples

And so the Tories have successfully started what all us working class folk anticipated: a top-heavy society. I am not attempting to go into too much depth in relation to politics, as I would only be running the risk of sounding completely clueless in the matter. However with the tuition fees now trebled I can't help but think that 'making the rich richer and the poor poorer' is certainly the way things are going to slide in Britain.

I understand that we are in debt. Lots of cuts are needed aswell as taxes to be increased and one or two whips cracked to sharpen up the systems that people are abusing. Half of me also understands why the tuition fees have been increased; not only will it gain money for our country but it will also filter out all those who only go to university to avoid getting a job and facing the real world. However. Is a rise of 200% absolutely necessary? I'm not so sure. I mean with a price tag like that I really hope the education that future students will be receiving is worth every penny. All of us who have been already to university know that we have often wondered what our money (OK OK so some of us get it from Student Finance but we still have to pay it back) is covering, when the average amount of time physically spent in university is around 7 hours a week, whilst the rest of our 'education' is based on 'self study'. Oh right! Soooo, £9,000 a year is paying for what then, exactly?

They could start rolling off a list of what that money is needed for: use of all the university facilities, lecturers' wages, access to research resources, heating, lighting, blah blah blah... I don't know about you but I don't want to hear it. 4 years ago the fees were just over a grand. That worked for a bit, but then the government decided it wasn't enough and bumped the fees up (by 200% again by the way). That worked for a bit too... until now. Now apparently £9000 is going to be needed to be able to give the public a higher education. Yeah... for the middle class public. Working class girls like me won't get a look in.

I moan yet I hold no alternative solution; one could suggest making it harder to get into university, i.e. being less lenient on which A level results are accepted or introducing an entrance exam for all institutes, which would still filter out those who aren't really there for the degree; they just want a good time. That would then force them into getting a job and start paying taxes (because students are tax dodgers you know) which would collect some money for the country's pocket. But then it could be argued that this idea isn't fair on those who deserve a chance at higher education but didn't do too well in school. And so the debate goes on...

Do you want my advice? Save your money and don't waste your time. Although in some cases it helps, you don't need a degree to go far in life anyway, that's just what they want you to believe (with exception to those wanting to be doctors, dentists, etc... it would probably be best if you did go to university... if you can afford it) I'm not saying you should deny yourself knowledge and education; always be willing to learn, that's what really makes you smart. You can do anything and become anyone if you just put your hearts and minds to it. And in this world today, it's all about who you know rather than what you know.

Like I said, I'm no expert on politics and no doubt there are flaws in my argument but it's an opinion I am sticking by. Brush up on those networking skills I say, it will take you a lot further.

Lennon


I've been meaning to pay a small tribute to John Lennon this month to mark the 30th anniversary of his death. He died on the 8th December 1980 after Mark Chapman shot him several times outside his New York apartment.

Rather than write what many have done before, retelling what most of you already know, I have instead posted Lennon's infamous christmas tune to get you into the festive spirit. (Couldn't get the original vid 'cause of copyrights and all that!)

Merry Christmas everyone xo




Monday, 22 November 2010

Was that...?



So today I was stood on the train waiting to get off at platform 4 when I noticed a very nice pair of dark brown suede boots. After admiring them for a while my eyes slowly made their way up a beautifully trimmed suit, dark navy in colour with a cheeky little scarf to finish off at the top. I was impressed. This guy clearly has a bob or two in his pocket.

Then I noticed the lugagge which I swear was Tom Ford and I looked at this guy's face; it was Jimmy bloody Carr!

Surely not though I thought, not on a scabby Nottingham train? And on his own? Nah, it couldn't have been him. I had to keep a sneaky peek to double check until he copped me looking and he gave me that look... that 'yes it's me but please don't bother me' kind of look.

I never said a word.

Apparently Jimmy has a gig in Nottingham tonight so it was more than likely him who I saw on the train today. I kinda admire his 'no frills' means of travel. And what I admire even more so is that just last month I bumped into 'fashion guru' Gok Wan in Manchester, protected by security guards. Carr defo sported the better attire!

Tuesday, 16 November 2010

HELP!

I am an amateur at this blogging malarky when it comes to the technical shtuffs. HTML and I were once close acquaintances but it's been a while since I've messed around with it so we are now strangers.

If anyone would like to help that would be greatly appreciated!
xo

Monday, 15 November 2010

Hats off to you sir! I mean on...




A recent hat exhibition at the York Art Gallery and my 2 month long desire for a bowler hat has brought me to the keyboard front line to fire bullets of hat ideas in your direction.

In my opinion, we simply don't wear hats enough. I mean, we might dare to pop on the odd bobble hat when the days turn frosty but a part from that, there aren't many who would think of a hat as a vital part of their day to day look. Back in the day an outfit wouldn't have been complete without one. Take a look at some of the greats - My Fair Lady casted an abundance of hats, Coco Chanel's career in fashion began with making hats. Jamiroquai made a statement with always wearing a hat... Matt Cardle from X Factor seems to be following his lead...! And it's not as if the high street retailers are depriving us of them, there are so many out there right now to choose from.

To get your thinking caps on, up and running let's have a gander at a few familiar faces styling the head pieces:


Mary-Kate Olsen

Sienna Miller



Pete Doherty

Alexa Chung


Coco Sumner

You must also feast your eyes upon this AMAZING photo shoot taken for Vogue back in 2007 -'Paris Je t'aime'... a collaboration of the culture of Paris and hats... parfait!










So whether you're a floppy, trilby, bowler, boater, beanie, bell, trapper, hunter, cossack, beret, stalker or a bonnet (phew), don't be shy to get the hats out this season, they could be the key to those final finishing touches.


"Without my hat, I'm just your garden variety six-foot tall talking cat" - Cat in a Hat (my favourite hat quote!)