Usually when chainmail arrives in my inbox, the delete button is quickly selected. However in this case, when the subject ‘see-through-skirt-craze’ appeared, I couldn’t help myself but to click…
Scrolling down I was soon educated into the fashion craze that was taking Japan by storm. The see-through skirts. Measuring in at a respectable knee length and available in a variety of colours and designs, all seemed pretty innocent at first. Until the models turned around. There, on the back of each skirt is a print of bare legs and a pair of underwear.
Naturally there are a selection of different underwear on offer, sizes, shapes and design. Anything from novelty pants and trusty cotton briefs, to the slightly sexier thongs, and er…wedgies.
Viewing several photos of these skirts being paraded around Japan, it soon becomes apparent that these skirt designs bring not only a healthy dose of amusement, but also that of shock, and disgust.
So, when hitting the usual google in search of where and when I can purchase my saucy see-through skirt I was however met by my greatest fear. It was a hoax. Shame really, as let’s face it, this fashion fad would have provided a pretty amusing afternoon…
TRAID
A shop of pure excellence when it comes to second hand clothing, vintage one-offs, and quirky recycled outfits.
With 11 shops in Brighton and London, TRAID – Textile Recycling and International Development – is a charity with the aim to not only provide us with stunning garments, but also help fight poverty, and our landfill wastage.
Saving clothes from the tip doesn’t sound glamorous; however after being sorted through in a Brighton warehouse, clothes are adapted and altered by hand into new and exciting one-off designs – perfect for anyone after something a little more unusual. All funds in the store go towards fightin poverty around the world, and so far since TRAID was founded in 1999, they have raised over
£2million!
So, what are you waiting for? Go do your bit for the environment, help fight poverty, and gain a stunning outfit at the same time. Perfect.
Visit http://www.traid.org.uk for more information or to find your nearest store…
Australian Model Bambi shows off a perfect 'unruly brow'.
Big is beautiful, and this season the focus falls upon the brow. With permission from the fashion gods to banish the tweezers we are100% behind the new and improved rule of the brow – bigger is better!
The look first took place on our spring 2010 Fashion catwalks, with New York and London Fashion week both showcasing wild brows amongst not only the male models, but females also.
As with most trends it has taken a while for the statement brow to work its way onto the high-street, however now as we venture into Autumn/Winter the look is taking a strong hold. Think bushy, dark, and untamed. Ann Hathaway, Keira Knightly and Meghan Fox are just some of the celebrities that have successfully embraced the look over the years, so ladies, take inspiration!
The key to an unruly brow? Maintain shape whilst letting the brow grow out. If lacking depth, don’t be afraid to emphasise shape and bulk with an eyebrow pencil. To keep brows in place dab a small amount of Vaseline, or hair moose, lightly on the hair to maintain control whilst out and about!
If you want to take the look one step further perhaps opt for the ‘brush up’; a popular look with designers and stylists this season, and a theme seen perfected by the up-coming Australian model Bambi Northwood-Blyth. Making her name in the fashion world for her stunning, untamed eyebrows Bambi is understandably a huge fashion icon.
So, put those tweezers into hibernation this Autumn/Winter and let the brows do their thing.
Think Big, Bold, and Beautiful – however do steer clear of the mono-brow.
Remarkable Creatures, By Tracy Chevalier
REMARKABLE CREATURES
By Tracy Chevalier
Early nineteenth century, Dorset Coast, and Fossils; Combining these three elements with a rich dose of friendship, envy and love isn’t a usual book choice. However I am truly grateful for such a refreshing novel to have fallen into my hands this summer.
Despite being separated by age and class, Mary Anning and Elizabeth Philpot are two women brought together through the discovery of dinosaur fossils on the English Coastline. In a time of male dominance and strict religious beliefs, both Mary and Elizabeth are under scrutiny from their community and female gossips, along with the Church as they comb the coastline for ammonites, ‘crocs’ and ‘turtles’.
Gently bringing the reader into the minds of the nineteenth century this book explores the attempt to understand fossils and make sense of their place within religion.
Based on the true story of Mary Anning and her successful fossil hunting off the coast of Lyme Regis, minds are opened to the various perceptions of life, along with the strength of friendship. Not fast-paced, nor a dramatic page turner, but still one beautifully written novel that holds the readers’ hand through Edwardian Britain and into its perception of love, life, and friendship.
One Moment, One Morning by Sarah Rayner
One Moment, One Morning
By Sarah Rayner
Sold as a juicy chick-flick and perfect for some light summer reading by the pool, this book couldn’t have been more different…
Despite not providing a comical and light hearted read, this tear-jerking novel by Sarah Rayner still holds that much needed fast-paced-page-turner-appeal. Following the changes of three young women’s lives, this book accompanies their reactions when one moment, one morning, their lives get quite literally turned upside down.
As one normal train journey goes dramatically wrong one, the relationship between three women and their ability to survive love and loss is tested to the extreme. Throwing the reader into the depths of these women’s lives, this book focuses on the various ways of dealing with bereavement and the direct effect it has on family, and most shockingly, children.
Be warned; expect heartstrings to be not only pulled, but well and truly tugged as readers experience lives being thrown in the reality of sudden deaths, and the ways in which we deal with it.
Don’t be put off however. This novel is beautifully written, with an original and unpredictable story line which does undoubtedly venture into the sensitive area of bereavement in an unusual manner.
Enjoy, but do approach equipped with a box of Kleenex!
Break the rules this season...
Socks and sandals…sandals with socks. It’s a combination that over the years we have been driven to never replicate. Until now, when pairing heels with a pair socks forces the fashion gods to bow down and quite literally kiss our feet.
Every year each Autumn/Winter collection seems to edge its way into the typical layers, wool and fur combinations, and with leg warmers having made a bold comeback in the past, the time has come to break the rules. Reaching for that pair of socks has never been so admirable, or easy. Whether they are thick and woolly, cute turn-overs, or comical joke socks, this season’s look keeps feet warm, and on trend.
As for the heels in this tight twosome, anything goes…killer stilettos, cute peep toes, or strappy gladiators. So, grab the two, throw them together, and embrace the added comfort this season.
- Colourful Espadrilles have proven a huge trend this summer
Espadrilles. Comfy? Yes. Practical? No. The Spanish shoe that has emigrated its way onto the British high street. Clad with rope base and fabric top, the affordable and quirky shoe has unsurprisingly become a huge success in this summer’s footwear fashion. But, as always with these cheap thrills there are many downfalls…
Firstly, for weather practicality they fail hands down – especially in a country blessed with wet weather. These shoes not only absorb any nearby liquid to swell into un-wearable boats, but, also refuse to keep feet dry. Second of all, walking is not a possibility. These shoes may be comfy for casual wanderings, yet when in a rush, or at least a last minute dash for the bus, expect to find shoes darting in all directions.
However if the sun is shining, and trekking isn’t a necessity, then go ahead. Don the Espadrilles with pride, and good luck to you!
- Visor Sunglassses, Image by Georgina Whittle
Let us open the debate, ladies and gentlemen, upon the subject of sunglasses with built in plastic visors. Whether the glasses are an invention of pure excellence, or an attempt at a fashion statement that has gone horribly wrong, who knows…but having proved a rather large talking point you may finally put your worries to rest, as here is an extensive list of the pros and cons of the visor…
Taking the form of the fashionable Ray ban style, these sunglasses are far from the bold, classy, and streamline geek-chic accessory. Instead, these sunglasses, equipped with a fold down plastic sun-visor, cry out for attention from all angles.
But are these glasses a fashion do, or a fashion don’t? A trend setter, or a trend slaughterer? We shall let you make the decision…
Pros of the glasses:
– Reduction of sun-glare when reading in bright light
– Extended eye protection
– Easily folded away
– Adds vibrancy to outfit
– Talking point in awkward situations
– Stand out from the crowd
Cons of the glasses:
– You look like a tit.
I think I have made my point clear. So, from now on my £2 fluorescent pink sun-visor-ray bans shall be confined to the garden. Shame.
(Visor-glasses are available from Primark, retailed price of £2, in either fluorescent pink or white)
Sunset on Calis beach; Image by Georgina Whittle
Turkey is a country renowned for its cheap package holidays, English tourists, and genuine designer fakes. However strip away the facade, and instead you are left with the most beautiful country, blessed with stunning scenery and the most hospitable inhabitants.
But how to begin describing a country with such flare, danger and passion is a challenge; almost as challenging as fending off Turkish waiters, provided with free side orders of sleaze, cheese and charm. So, passports and sun cream at the ready, and prepare yourself for a list. A list that shall expose the real Turkey, the Turkey stripped nude of the fake designer bags, England beach towels and drunken hen parties…
Turkish Baths. Belly dancing. Sunsets. Raki. Ottoman pots. Turquoise. Lucky eyes. Blue lagoon. Heat. Insects. Massage. Mud baths. Cicadas. Watermelon. Snorkelling. Sunburn. Turkish Lira. Turtles. Sulphur water. Carpets. Pine trees. Islands. Waiters. Cocktails. Sand. Rock tombs. Flip flops. Religion. Boats. Flags. Saunas. Rocks. Turkish coffee. Blue crabs. Fresh fish. Fig trees. Diving. Culture. Fabric. Tea pots. Broken seatbelts. Mountains. Carpets. Red moon. Turkish delight. Dust. Bites. Bottled water. Salty water. Fishing boats. Ice. Bubble massage. Apple tea. Lamps. Markets. Bartering. ‘Cheaper than Primark’. ‘Cheaper than chips’. Pita bread. Gorges. Mosques. Rivers. Language.
So, get cramming that into one holiday – and don’t forget a healthy dose of Raki (47% alcohol, best served with lemonade) to heal any sunburn, tiredness, or awkward situations involving Turkish waiters – trust me, it works!
A pet lizard creates the perfect festival accessory.
Glastonbury – The festival renowned for its trend setting ability. The chance to flaunt outfits and ideas as muddy paths and grassy fields turn themselves into catwalks to pay homage to the weird and wonderful world of fashion. This summer as the heat rose and the festival celebrated its 40th birthday the trend setters, and er…rule breakers, were out in full throttle!
Forget hunter wellies, straw hats, floral shirts and fur coats. Instead of opting for the classic festival look, don’t be afraid to step outside the box, and throw your imagination around to compete with the Glastonbury garishness.
Household items appeared to play a large role this summer, how about a set of fairy lights draped across the body, or perhaps a large lampshade – complete with floral covering and pink tassels? Hats were a massive trend, with precariously balanced objects creating shade from the sun, and head-wear to be proud of. If you are the owner of creative talents and fancy a bit of DIY fashion, then experiment with a roll of gaffer-tape. Empty beer cans and inflatable animals were amongst the head-wear witnessed…along with wigs – a highly desirable item to hide un-washed hair.
Disguising in fancy dress is a successful festival option. This year one fond character found running about the fields in the classic red and white stripes was Wally from ‘Where’s Wally?’. The costume may be easy, however tolerating the shouts of ‘I’VE FOUND HIM!’ every few minutes is not.
If clothes aren’t really your thing, then how about donning a pair of nipple tassels?! Fit for men or women who don’t fancy getting their threads dirty. Available in varying sizes, shapes and styles, the most popular witnessed upon the um, assets, this summer were glittery flowers. Just remember the sunscreen!
As for the slightly more sensible outfits opted for this summer, playsuits and leotards made an unsurprising appearance amongst the fields and tents. Despite neither being portaloo-practical, they are hugely comfortable and fashionable. And, as the temperature dropped at night, creating layers with denim or gingham shirts were a warm and popular option, along with the knee high socks!
And finally don’t forget to accessorise – Whether it is a statement bag, head scarf, or oversized glasses, to the more unusual vuvuzela horn and stuffed toy animals. You heard right, a stuffed toy animal. How about a bright orange two metre long lizard to be exact? Dragged along in the dirt via a dog lead and ready to trip over any unsuspecting pedestrians.
The catwalks of Glastonbury are greatly entertaining. So, my advice to you; pitch up a chair and be inspired by the braveness, and many mistakes amongst the festival tracks. However do choose inspirations wisely, as lampshade hats are not easily accepted outside the Glastonbury gates.
Georgina Whittle 