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.