Absolutely Fabulous Fashion.

 

Edina gets a lot of flack for her forays into fashion. It would be true to say she does need to take notes from her friend Patsy; however I would like to defend her style choices. Take this picture for example. She has managed to pull together key season trends: nineties denim, block colour tights and a cool cocktail ring. Another argument is that Edina wears designer which suggests a savvy shopper. And you cannot say that she isn't original.This Christmas I am looking forward to her 2011 look.

She's Eclectic

When it comes to a woman's wardrobe, your spending can be divided into one of camps: outerwear or inner wear. I am can confirm that I am a member of the latter group. By this I mean I like to indulge in boots, coats and handbags but tend to neglect tops, belts and skirts. I may have been spending a lot of quality devoted to Strictly Come Dancing, X Factor and I'm A Celebrity of late but I did get a chance to see Queen Ri Ri at the O2. And in terms of outerwear styling, she did not fail to disappoint. The patent bubblegum pink and neon yellow ankle boots were definitely loud and rocked. They were carefully coordinated with her embellished bikini (this is not generally considered outerwear unless you are inhabitant of Honolulu). Most people would be fixated by Rhianna being half naked on stage but I was drawn to her fabulous footwear. It reminded me of a Carrie-esque costume circa series six of Sex and the City and I am guessing both these girls are fans of the outerwear.

Fashion memoir

I am a keen believer in the power of fashion being elevated by words. It is true that image is key in consolidating the appeal of a capsule look but stories are another way to captivate a fan. Carine Roitfield, ex -  French Vogue editor has decided to put together her fashion memories into a book. I am sure I am not alone in anticipating its release. It is like the discovery of an open diary, illicit and pleasurably invasive. It is the time of year when I am no more content that curling up by the sofa and indulging in a good book.

It takes me back to some key moments in my own fashion (or fashionable) life. Most people remember their first bike or their first family holiday. My memories are punctuated by fashion events. For me, style has often come from my environment and the people on the streets of London. I remember my first love affair with the high top boot was about ten years ago. I was sitting on the tube and an American women was sitting opposite me. I thought she looked so cool and original wearing high top Nike trainers with skinny pastel jeans and a French blue blazer. I made it my mission to create that outfit myself. Another memorable fashion moment was my absolute delight in discovering a vintage Chanel handbag five years ago in my local charity shop for £5. The shop owner must not have realised it was genuine and neither did I until I looked carefully at the lining. There was no mistaking the infamous gold back - to back c symbol on the clutch and the gold lettering inside the inner pocket. I still carry it with me to this day. I feel like Carrie Bradshaw. Another unforgettable time was queuing up for 3 hours to get into a Vivienne Westwood sample sale but remember that it was so worth it. I left with a pair of white kitten heel summer peep toe shoes with a green heart. I felt my spirits were elevated, better than my first kiss.

Fashion memoirs are what make you who you are. They are your style identity. They shape you. Noone can take away those moments away from you. Cherish them.

I need them, those Meadham Kirchoffs.

Descending upon the runway at London Fashion Week were hallucinogenic dolls trussed up in a magnificent splendor to the beat of a drum named Meadham Kirchoff. This design duo knocked the knee high socks off any contenders by creating a wacky and wonderfully entertaining buzz at the Topshop stage in Waterloo. Party frocks aplenty inspired in length by the sixties mini but in style by the opulence of the eighteenth century. If Marie Antoinette herself burst out of a cake at the end no one would have batted a feather pink neon eyelid. Hearts were not worn on sleeves but emblazoned across pastel pink and yellow prom cardigans. A theatrical costume from head to toe, even the glitzy platform wedges had pom poms attached. The models wore the costumes of dance. Skirts fringed in feather of the burlesque performer to the puffed out tutus of the ballet novice. They pushed the limit on brights creating a heady mix of colour clash. A merry go land of fun it enlivened the spirits of a country feeling the frosty claw of austerity. Meadham Kirchoff, ker-ching!

I want candy.

Piggy's Little Shop. You would be wrong in thinking I have started up my own business. This is the title of a cornucopia of the sweetest treats from the the other side of the Atlantic on the website, etsy.com. My favourite is the Sesame Street Hello Kitty collection. I did not think the kitty could get any cuter. From a bee to a ball's foot, you can find it in the shape of a pendant necklace at this jewellery retailer.

I have a new girl crush...she's the Baume

  

I am crushing on the enigmatic shroud that enshrines Josephine de la Baume. She has killer curves, doe like eyes with echoes of Brigette Bardot and she is now Mrs Ronson. Her most endearing quality, aside from her Gallic good looks is her unconventional approach to fashion. She does not follow the rules. I read that she likes to wear pencil skirts when dressing up in the evenings. I am not sure why but it struck me as an unusual response. I accredited my incredulity to being touched by her heartfelt sense of honesty. Baume dresses for herself in vintage classic pieces. She is inspiring and refreshing in our highly prescribed world of disposable fashion. The only thing is I want to know my more, but then again that may spoil the allure.

L.A.M.B, bam! Thank you, Ma'am!

 

Kanye is another cool music maestro dipping his toe into fashion design. I would like to introduce one B.K (before Kanye) who tops the charts with her knack of knocking an outfit together. Gwen Stefani is the grand dame of trend setting so it was no surprise when she created her brand, L.A.M.B (Love, Angel, Music, Baby). I was chomping at the bit when my sweaty palms landed on a L.A.M.B handbag in TKMaxx. It was love at first sight. My eye met the handle strap, I looked at the price tag and my jaw hit the floor. I had to have it and of course it was a comparatively a bargain to boot. Graffiti style letters of the label are emblazoned across the bag, making me feel as though I have a piece of Banksy art on my arm every time I leave the house. It was like her having a piece of Stefani with me and the theory was that somehow that might breath cool into little old me. I mean just look at her boys - mini Gavin Rossdales.

Make mine a Swarovski and make it a double.

Those good, dear people at Swarovski know how to transform hello kitty to a blinging babe. She is taken from her cat form crysallis to a sparkling fully formed Hollywood megastar. From phone covers, to clutches and charm bracelets, they have done me proud with their latest collection.

I won't take liberties. I will just take on the world.

Liberty's back with a new range of designs on the Nike high tops. The fact that these are popular (selling out the first time around) is that they give women the choice of being ultra feminine and comfortable at the same time. Not many shoes can boast these qualities. Someone once said that you should buy a good pair of shoes and a good bed as you are in either one. I heartily concur. 

I distinctly remember a time when it was so difficult to find a pair of trainers for women. Pastel shades that would not be out of place in a Dulux colour chart from Wickes. It goes without saying that I  own a pair of Nike high tops (and the Nike ID App on my phone) but my yearning for a perfect pair was not unsullied by hours spent in Nike Town and Size?in a state of misguided confusion. Where were they? Make a sign, speak to me from the shelves. Having dimunitive proportions can be a blessing (slip passed bargain shoppers at the height of sale fever, over rows of seats at a LFW) but also a curse. My feet were subjected to the kid's section or indeed the rather scant woman's selection in First Sport. I knew that men had an unrivalled resplendent array of swanky sports shoes. It left me wanting. I am glad that, at last, such a luminary as Liberty's saw sense and collaborated a line in which all women can express themselves through their footwear.

American sweethearts

I have, admittedly, been influenced in my fashion choices by our kitsch cousin, America. I bought a satchel (I think they are the bags to be seen wearing this season). It is LongChamp but the style of wearing this bag came from my teenage years watching MySoCalled Life. The dress worn by Angela in the first pilot episode has to be my favourite LBD on screen.Angela, Rickie and Rayanne sneak out to go to a bar but end up getting drunk in the car park outside. Impure adolescence at its best.

Recently, I was harking after a bag I could sling over my shoulder in a huff, after having a fight with my best friend/ bad girl of school a.k.a Angela in every school hallway scene. What is it with the fictional American high school? Does anyone actually ever get taught? This question has arisen from my careful research of watching the O.C, 90210 and Dawson's Creek. It got me thinking about the influence of American television shows and musicians on our fashion choices.  Clueless has to be blamed for the knee high sock and loafer combo, but also the brilliance of tartan miniskirt (genius).  Madonna for the studded black leather biker jacket and peroxide blonde hair, Katy Perry for prom dresses reinvention and fruit print fifties inspired halter necks. Screech from Saved by the Bell for colour clash and wacky t - shirts. Ahem.

On the subject of Mads, I thought she looked very vintage kitsch at the Vienna Film Festival. The cat's eye sunglasses were well accessorised with the dress which contained notes of the orient. A definite scene stealer.

I am laughing with Lanvin

I have to admit I don't understand the fascination for Blythe dolls. But I still admire their popularity. I do quite like these Lanvin dolls, I think it is for the mini designer outfit. I am impressed that you can create a winning look that tiny. Lanvin's A/W video does bring a smile to my face too. Funny fashion is so my kind of season.

Christmas is kitsch, but so is winter

When Shakespeare quoted: "This is the winter of our discontent", he must have been devoid of kitsch and cute fashion to distract his attention away from the appalling British weather.  Here are my tips on essential ways of keeping cute and cosy over the autumn/winter months:

1. Thick hello kitty socks under a pair of weather beating Dr Martens.
2. David and Goliath thermal pyjamas. (I have a pair with snow bunnies on them).
3. Fake furry animal slippers worn with Pringle socks.
4. A animal adorned jumper/cardigan. I have recently purchased one with swans on it.
5. Ear muffs - how could any kitsch blog not give these winter accessories a worthy mention? How far you want to kitsch them up is entirely your decision. Pink ones are cute but not too sure about animal shaped ones - maybe a step too far. I would not want you to look ridiculous or like a five - year - old.
6. Christmas jumpers/ arran knits. Just watch any Christmas episode of the O. C with Seth at his Chrismakkah event.  Baggy boyfriend looks nerdy chic or alternatively wear like Summer and match your boyfriend's jumper. These are a winter fashion staple for any girl.
7. Layering with graphic tees. Graphic tees are a basic in my mind, they can be worn under jumpers in winter or as a top in summer.
8. Patterned/funky coloured tights. If still want to wear cute dresses, tights are a girl's best friend when it is cold. If we have to wear them, they will be attention grabbing.

Next Stop Kitsch Central

Any kitsch fan worth their salt will know who the main cute players are: hello kitty, robots (so cute, especially pink ones with lipstick on) and pandas. Okay, these are just the ones that I find harder to resist. I bought the slippers and the oyster wallet from a Japanese panda devoted shop in London's Trocodero or kitsch Mecca. I was actually en route to the other shop housed in the same centre which sells hello kitty trinkets and novelty gifts. The place stopped me in my tracks and was a Caroline Von Please. I am considering creating a Hello kitty london guide seeing as I have already mentioned the Cybercandy shop in Covent Garden. Obviously Artbox would have a special mention, (King's Road, Chelsea) the official merchandiser of Sanrio products. Another place that caught my kitsch eye (I have a special eye that flickers when kitsch is within a one mile radius) is Paperchase on Tottenham Court Road. The size of a TKMaxx (another beloved retailer of kitsch accessories and clothing) yet full of, for want of a better word, stationary. I got the stickers, which I must say, show some girls who have nailed the 60's trend this season.

Fashion show off

Anyone worth their kitsch onions will know that Barbie and Hello kitty (Lady) are both separate icons of the craze but worthy of much blog attention in their own right - but by jove, a Lady Gaga Barbie dolled up (beg your pardon) in a Hello kitty couture dress? It was too much for my kitsch addled brain to consume (if that is at all possible). This coming from a girl who bought a book mark with a rabbit on it so that the ears pop out of the top of the page (see next post- London, Trocadero). But anyway, you are probably thinking that picture is yonks old even though it is a shiny and delicious example of what your blog holds up in high esteem. But it put me in mind of the distinct and rumoured possibility of the Lady Gaga Fashion range. Is she stylish or attention seeking? Or is that the same thing? To be fashionable are you simply showing off your wares? I am undecided but it is interesting to ponder. I wait for Lady Gaga's line with baited breath.

Colour Pop back to School

I always loved the couple of weeks before going back to school. I would see the signs in the shops (usually in Ireland as that is where my family holidayed). New shoes, stationary, all the paraphernalia associated with the return in September except the not actually being back at school (of course). This is the reason why I still love the teenage kitsch trends. I am really obsessed by friendship bracelets mixed with chain and charm ones, all together in accessory harmony. As you can see my efforts are all colour popping together. If I was fifteen again, going back into my magic time portal, I would wear as many as I could to school (without getting in trouble, in that case probably just two). Another colour pop trend which pleases me as many different rainbow nail colours on fingers and toes. I cannot believe I wore just one colour. Well, actually I can because I am sure I will return to cherry red as soon as there is a strong gust of wind.

Friday I'm in love

I totally agree with Robert Smith when he sang, "Friday I am in love". It is the best fashion day of the week. You get dressed up to the nines and pull out all the style stops. On every other day I am drab and bespeckled but Friday is my chance to shine. Topshop has an amazing collection from the company Eucalyptus, entitled: 'Friday on my mind.' And yes, it is Monday today but Friday is constantly on my mind. The collection is a gem with cute fifties style dresses in gingham and spots to add glamour to your last of the summer festival outfits. Seeing as summer will be over soon I suggest you go out with a friday bang.

The long and the short of it.

Trends always seem to appear as opposites, to illustrate my point, in the last few seasons alone we have had monochrome, spots vs stripes, feminine vs masculine, leather vs lace. What I trying to say is that it works. Opposites attract. The crop top and long skirt combination are a fashion marriage. It has replaced the (short) love affair with the long tee and mini skirt. Whatever you say about the crop, it is here to stay especially in the confines of the high street outline, Forever 21.  This girl that I pictured in Dalston recently epitomises the last few remaining days of the summer (after all we are in mid August, dears). That is the best way to wear the crop tee and long skirt combo, with the last hope of summer halycon days. 

Zooey looks kitshy cooute

I know that the most honoured guests at the Bafta's in LA last week were Kate and William but how much did Zoey look like the queen of kitsch in Oscar de la Renta? It is definitely not the first time she has managed to wear cute outfits, like this one she wore to the premiere of '500 Days of Summer'.

Zooey Deschanel leaving 2011 BAFTA Brits To Watch Event in Los Angeles!

Covent Garden von pleaseth me....

How is it so that when it comes to putting a masculine but flirty outfit together, those girls in the Far East just do it better? A couple of weeks ago I spotted the most amazing pair of Dr Marten boots that I may have ever lain my googly eyes on in Urban Outfitters, Kensington. They were a black brogue boot version.  I asked where the lady had acquired these comfy gems and of course they were a limited edition pair from Japan. The picture above, taken in Covent Garden market, I think demonstrates well the laid back casual chic of teaming together brogues with a girly edge. The tights are a good contrast to the print scarf which adds a flash of colour to the outfit. Top marks I say.

Another sweet thing in Covent Garden is the CyberCandy shop where all kitsch lovers descend to stock up on their hello kitty Pez or Jelly Belly beans. No self respecting hello kitty fan would eat any other snack. Another kitsch haven in Covent Garden is David and Goliath. I love how you can dress so unashamedly in cutesy outfits with speaking cupcakes as your bed is the only one to see the outfit.

Another fashion trend which please me this week is print clash. You cannot get away from prints in the shop at the moment and I do think it best to team floral print tops with bird print trousers. The more wrong it seems the better it is in my opinion. Naturally I have been wearing my print trousers with Doctor Marten boots as the weather has been so terrible. They seem to be the antidote to rainy and windy conditions with intermittent sun. In Cath Kidson they have introduced a gorgeous new range of bird print bags which are very classy, durable and grown up. Mine is the laptop case.

All Hail McQueen!

Even the guard is saluting the dress

Kate Middleton looks delighted and of course why shouldn't she ? She is marrying a prince and wearing Alexander McQueen. On the 29th April 2011 all eyes were on Kate Middleton as she approached Westminster Abbey. What dress would she wear for the most hotly anticipated event of the year? It makes sense that Kate choose Sarah Burton for McQueen; there is no doubt that this was a day when homage should be paid to a very talented British designer. And it certainly was a triumph. The dress suited an occasion which was all about elegance and sophistication. The fact that the train was shorter than the usual royal wedding dresses shows that Kate wanted the modern twist in the fairytail! 

zoo - landers

Picture the scene if you can, leopard kitty at the zoo. What could the fashionista be doing there? Trying to find identity in her own natural habitat? This is not the place to spot the latest trends, or is it?

Ha! You would be surprised how much people dress to become like an animal. If you think about fashion across the ages, can you think of any defining moment which does not feature animal print? Leopard print is a lasting style not a passing phase, think Bianca Jagger, Debbie Harry, Lauren Laverne and of course Juliette Arquette's character in True Romance. Leopard can obviously go terribly wrong e.g. barmaid in Coronation Street chic. I think Bret's character in Flight of the Concords is heavily responsible for the animal on t-shirts, so very cute. Recently, when I was visiting the zoo there were so many people who were wearing an item of clothing that reflected their surroundings: hello kitty t-shirts, jumpers with guinea pigs emblazoned across the chest, scarfs with bears on, snakeskin bags, cow print shoes, faux fur jackets and of course penguin suits (okay I made that one up).

So why this human obsession with looking like creatures? A lot can be said for the appeal of fabric. We love the feel of fur next to our skin especially in the winter months, but also the idea of it appealing to our baser instincts. In animal prints we act just like that, an animal. Playboy bunnies, anyone? No matter whether it be the svelte and supple tigress tight bodycon dress or the finch fluttering across your maxi the animal print says a lot about your personality. I am off now to sport my leopard print wedges at zoo nights. It's the place to be. Naturally.

looking betsey and yes I am well jell

Betsey Johnson will always reserve a special place in my heart (and we now all know that this post is going to peppered with references to her prints and designs). It is true, she manages to incapsulate the fifties era whilst bringing the wearer all the feelings and emotions of the prom night. This is the time when a girl can get away with dressing like a princess and not being classed as OTT (and dare I say it her wedding day) but the prom night happens to all of female kind. Johnson celebrates the dress up box rumage; a homage to layers of pink taffeta and silver sparkly shoes.

Johnson allows us to feel loud and proud; we can be outlandish and garish without shame. These tendencies should never be buckled up and surpressed (groan) or adorned in studs, in patent cerise pinks, neon yellows and clashing animal prints in pencil case highlighter palettes. Of course this is why the girls from TOWIE have managed to capture the public's attention. They are unabashed in their desire to want to make every occasion capture the magic of the prom dress night.

A leopard never changes her spots (sozza) so why should she stop wanting to enter back into dress up fantasy land? I remember when Deyn wore the Betsey Johnson prom dress it sparked a flurry of high street imitations (I immediately purchased mine from warehouse). Alexa Chung was then photographed wearing a shorter sexier more eighties version of the prom dress by Luella. The fact that it was these fashionistas wearing the prom dress made it even more enthralling as they not look fit into the stereotypical dress up girl type. The cool model/fashionista wearing girly bubblegum pink and ankle length socks? It proved that lurking beneath every girl is a dressing up box princess and that means Betsey Johnson is our Queen.

I heart London Fashion Week and all its glory

The green is a goddess this season and that was pretty well clear at the Bora Aksu show at Somerset House. In some parts of his design I am transported back to the 1920's - chilled glass of gin and tonic in my hand with head thrown back being regailed about one of Gatsby's latest jaunts in others I remain firmly in my seat 2011. Original dress styles with sheer fabric and wool patterns. There is the elegance of the summer evening party in black full length skirts infused with cheeky dicky bows. Femininity is at the heart of his collection but with a twist of the masculine to offset the classic cocktail dress. The hair was messy which I liked giving it a touch of English eccentricity.

At London Fashion week the people trying to get into the shows become a spectacle, even the cobbled polluted streets become a catwalk. Who can wear the most attention - seeking outfit? But where does it cross the line from being fashion or flashy? Loafers covered in diamonds wore by a man at the front row were eye catching but did I think they were a trend? I am not so sure.. Does the person wearing the outfit dictate the trend? Possibly so. Perhaps if Olivia Palermo or Alexa Chung were wearing the diamante loafers I would feel differently. I would be ordering a pair or at least looking for the high street copy. I know that maybe there a some things that I can never pull off such as ballet pumps or leggings or fur coats (and I mean dressed with anything).  As much as I want to cry at failing to wear these longstanding trends I embrace my love of others that seem to flatter my shape and caress my curves such as boots, pencil skirts (forever friend) blouses and the trench. I remember longing for a beige burberry trench from camden market. It was the only thing I ever wanted and before that the only thing I ever wanted were LA Gear high tops with pink and black sparkly laces. The latter clearly indicating my ability to bling from a young age. I look back at my life in clothes but I am quite certain I will never be appealing in diamond covered loafers. Leave that to the front row. 

sixth life - (Sir Dr Marten)

Leopard Kitty will never forget two important fashion moments in her life: her first pair of Dr Marten boots aged eleven and visiting the Covent Garden store (Mecca). Dr Marten is not just a style statement but an ideology. A hint of the nerd or art student,wearing Dr Marten boots has a certain feeling of risque because of the obvious punk associations but also that they are tough and hard wearing. People do not see them as feminine footwear, the angry opposite to the dainty stiletto. But that is a good thing. Will the dated stiletto heel endure the London streets of black ice, snow and puddles? No. Do they cause you pain when you most need comfort and security? Of course not. Long before Daisy Lowe and Agyness Deyn wore the beautiful boot as a trend I was stomping around not realising how important they would be to me in years to come. I remember my first visit to the store. The smell of leather, veritable feast of colours, patterns and possibilities. At seven years old I looked at my cousin's pair enviously when she came to see Nirvana play at the Reading Festival in 1990. I have now got 3 pairs: pink patent, iridescent purple and standard black. I rarely wear any other boot on my foot. Wear with floral dresses (Luella springs to mind) in the Summer and skinny jeans, band tee,(Religion) a woolly jumper in the Winter. They are immutable, steadfast and ever - lasting. They are a part of me. My heritage. My identity. Sir Dr Marten I salute you.

kitty's adventures take an unexpected turn

Kitty is on a balcony overlooking the city skyline as it reaches dawn, still top to toe in LV she allows her Chanel silver padded chain bag to slink down her wrist to fall into her hand. Still 5 lives to live but where will the next adventure lead her? Despite the change in seasons a biker jacket for the cool end of an evening is a must and kitty is wearing her Burberry. A true Brit girl at heart this jacket has the endurance to last many a night on the prowl. A clash of high octane glamour with a tough octane edge.

leopard kitty's first outing- 9 fashion lives

If I had nine fashion lives what would they be? Naturally my first choice would be the Queen Bee Westwood. A fan for many a year, hunting a bargain in her sample sale (I will never forget the warm glow of finding a pair of sweetheart white open toe fifties shoe in size four whilst girls behind me clamoured over each other to catch a glimpse of anything so nearly beautiful on offer). Whether it be day or night a designer with impeccable taste. The soft pastel coloured ruffling fabrics in her Red Label collection for Spring Summer are both beautifully cut to fit the feminine form however still exude effortless comfort and style. Perfect for rolling in the hay.

A leopard may never change it's spots but in the case of Prada this season I could be persuaded to change to stripes on occasion. The candy striped Mary Jane's would look simply sweet combined with a Westwood dress to offset the summer days spent daydreaming in the park. However perfect this outfit for the day leopard kitty loves a night on the tiles.....

A lend from Louis Vuitton would begin kitty's third life on a trip to Orient via studio 54. Wearing a  1920's inspired black (to disguise her in the night) sequined flapper dress not out of place amongst the                  Broadwalk Empire she quickly says hello to Blondie and Halston as she skiddaddles to an afterparty