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.