black velvet bow

My favourite item at the moment is this velvet bow hairband found in the kiddies section in H&M. It's love. Every outfit begins and ends with her. Quite liking my new black winter coat too. Nothing too exciting, but its got ruched, puff, dare I say slightly 80s' shoulders. My sober winter look prior to the upcoming sequin - party dress gluttony.

try again?

I know hats are not often the best idea, but Brigitte Bardot in cloche hats and winter furs and checks me want to try again with the difficult item.

images: the fashion spot

flowers, beads and...newspaper..

And yes so it continues..yet another post relating to hair accessorising..or in this case, sticking a whole pile of random stuff on your head. Maybe, it's the hidden hippy in me or the flapper trying to get out, or my mere desire to recreate a pre - Raphaelite look in the modern world, but regardless there's no stopping this love affair. With funds at an all time low for almost everyone, I'm determined, or at least it will feature on one of my numerous 'To do' lists, to make a proper piece of wearable, underline wearable, hair craft. Not sure quite what I mean when I say hair craft, sounds horribly cheesy, but lets just say if I had more money to my name, I would splurge on brilliant, glistening, foolishly ostentatious thingamajigs for my hair..silly, but it's very true. I will let you know, if this actually ever materialises into something more than a vison of flowers, leaves and sparklyness in my hair. In the meantime, there's always lovely hippy - dippy, 'Boho' flowers, like Kate Bush's above, or perhaps, the more sophisticated could take inspiration from Billie Holiday. Even better throw some beads in there too, and even a lone feather to dance in the evening breeze. Stud your hair with diamonds, what ever you think of really ala John Galliano..bar Christmas tree lights..could be dangerous..

yet more wallis simpson..i do tend to repeat myself!

florence welch (left), i love you!

i always love john galliano's collections, so much more fun in comparison to dior. brilliant, off his head stuff. he is pure fashion either way though.

mrs. simpson

I have wanted to post about Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor's style with months. Simpson was, of course, the American socialite divorcee whose love affair with the King Edward VIII of England forced him to abandon the throne in the hugely contemptuous Abdication Crisis of 1936. Beyond, such controversial issues the Duchess had immense style and impeccable taste. Her immaculately well chosen wardrobe was often significantly ahead of its time in details - charm bracelets and sequins, even a bold shoe - and always beautifully composed with her hair in lovely, Nordic coils with dressy hair pieces, brooches and regal pearls. Casual draped scarves, a siren fur stole and perfectly cut jackets - all hall marks of this remarkably interesting lady's style.

Sometimes I think how nice it would be nowadays if elegance was admired and sought after just as much as looking 'cool', indie and effortless was..

Do check out her fashion spot thread here.

duvet day

Due to horrific weather in Cork today, the city and county are submerged, college was cancelled..(and will be for another week..) Instead of wading through English and Masaccio notes in the library, I spent the morning...

eating pancakes..American style with syrup and bacon..

drinking tea..

cosied up in blankets...

..and perhaps, slightly juxtaposed with all that sweet comfy - ness, watching The Godfather.

images: flicker

like some fairytale

I remember as a child, way back when my mother read me bed time stories, there was this one book from the local library with the most beautiful, gilded illustrations. The story, I do not remember, a fairytale with twelve sisters, is the best description I can give, but those drawings I will never forget. I was utterly fascinated and did not want to return the book. Sweet faced, angelic princesses with romantic velvet and satin dresses, beads coiled about their slender necks and diamonds twinkling in their titian hair. Inky - gold framed their elegant silhouettes and shone bright as stars embroidered on an indigo sky. One image especially left a mark, the princesses sailing on quaint little river boats; drawing for me would, perhaps, never be the same again.

When I saw 'An Education' recently there was mention in the film about the Pre - Raphaelite artist Edward Burne - Jones. Annoyed with myself that I was not familiar with any of his pieces, I scurried off to the computer and acquainted myself with his work. On closer inspection I was reminded of the children's story book I so loved as child. There is something about his goddess, dreamy women that allow me to escape into my mesmerising memories of those illustrations. Thank you, Mr. Burne - Jones, I hold my memories very dear, indeed.

EDIT: After a quick google search the story I refer to is The Twelve Dancing Princesses originally published by the Brothers Grimm. I have no idea who the edition I refer to is by though, unfortunately.

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for the week ahead

random inspiration for the new week

Saw the picture on the left over at Discotheque and fell completely head over heels in love with the outfit. Beyond, that fuzzy - wuzzy awesome hat, the layering , red lips and white tights are flipping wonderful altogether. On the left, it must be well known fact now that I cannot resist a checkered jacket. I like the way she has the sleeves rolled up too.

I would love to be this cool for a day.

I really like the plaid paired over that odd lace effect trouser/legging. Makes me want to wear plaid again.

I love that preppy 1950s look of neckscarfs and blazers and pearls, sort of Betty from Mad Men. The image on the right is from Love. I love the paisley printed shirt, cutesy hair do and drop earrings; perfection in the details, certainly.

images: the facehunter, fotodecadent, LOVE magazine and streethearts