Tuesday, 31 July 2012

Paisley & Print's on the Runway

So, this summer it's all about pattern clashing! Paisley and other William Morris style prints have been making an appearance, including some other very bold yet gorgeous patterns from Prada & Stella McCartney! Which i absolutely adore, i think Paisley has always been timeless and i think it adds a kind of Pride & Prejudice sophistication. It's an elegant and almost higher class pattern. I've seen a few instances of Paisley working it's way onto the high street:

For example this lace & paisley tee from Topshop - £24 and an absolutely gorgeous find, complete with detailed cut out lace collar and a sheer metallic overlay (- which is also very popular!)

Also this Mink Pink, Empire Line casual dress in softer, warmer Fall colours, such as dusky pinks and oranges that I found on ASOS although a little steeper at £52 it's perfect for those summer BBQ's, cocktails out with the girls or a relaxed Autumnal get together with friends, wear with sandals, tights or wedges depending on what look you want to give it. You could also add a silver/rose gold thick, band necklace to add a little minimalistic elegance for an evening out.


Monday, 30 July 2012

The Power of Purple


The Power of Purple & Royal Hues 
has also been on everyone's lips at the moment, purple, the prestigious colour of the moment, emulating splendour, grandeur & luxury!
From purple polo necks to purple trouser suits, purple seems to be the key colour of Fall 2012 showcased at A/F fashion weeks and seen in many new collections.
Being noted in such Winter Collections as Dior, Erdem, Versus, Balenciaga. Prada & Christopher Kane seemed to love lavender so much that even their runways were lined with plush purple carpets & were even scented with Lavender!

You know a trend stands the test of time when it's worn boldly by celebrities on the red carpet, and none other than Diane Kruger shook her violet tail feathers in a gorgeous Prada evening gown at the MET Gala Ball - Purple is here to stay!


But my inspiration will be taken from Prada, Balaenciaga and Christopher Kane with their edgy, androgynous take on the colour purple! Taking it away from it's elitist roots & making it the colour of the fashionista!
The leather piping embellishment on the dresses amazed me & sheer accents paired with bold, oversized florals shown in the Christopher Kane collection really caught my eye, I absolutely love them. 


I loved all of Christopher Kane's additions to his collection & his combination of royal hues, reds, purples, blues & blacks with an edgy use of cut outs and silhouettes - Glam but Grunge!


This Prada trouser suit just sums up my three favourite trends for this year, the trouser suit, the power of purple & prints! Absolutely love this ensemble!


Make Purple your own this summer & invest in a key item such as a purple polo neck for a little regal modesty with a modern kick, invest in a purple printed bralet or purchase a sheer, floral number.
Here's a Polyvore set of mine to help you pick a couple of key items to ease you into Purple Haven. Metallic accessories will give this an edgier look & sheer accents makes the whole thing more dressed up! Choose a pair of Wine Velvet Wedges or black studded Nightcrawlers & your look is complete!



The Power of Purple


One teaspoon
$105 - generalpants.com.au

Miss Selfridge romper jumpsuit
missselfridge.com

Miss Selfridge mesh skirt
missselfridge.com

Dorothy perkin
dorothyperkins.com

Punk shoes
$140 - office.co.uk

Envelope clutch
$10 - target.com.au

ASOS eyewear
asos.com

Nail polish
jacob.ca

Palladium - Futuristic Traditionalist?

So, there has been a lot of talk about Palladium recently. It has been featured in this month's Vogue, despite having been mentioned on the website some months ago! It possesses a lot of positive qualities, it is lightweight & therefore more can be used on garments & as we all know, bigger is better! It's also in the Titanium family, so is very strong! It's also stunningly lustre which of course we love!
It has been on two designers lips in particular Lara Bohinc (featured in Vogue & Hunger Magazine) the luxury jewellery designer, who has previously worked with Gucci, Lanvin and Julien Macdonald. She has come up with her very own, (very expensive) jewellery range, though limited, it is absolutely gorgeous - The Palladium Fine Jewellery Collection has an exclusive 5 pieces, a choker, a cuff, earrings, a ring and a pendant necklace. She has also created The Palladium Collision Collection combining Onyx with palladium, for example these studs below! I love minimalism & elegance & these are the epitome of the both, juxtaposing timeless luxury with modernistic chic. I absolutely love this collection although you have to be willing to fork out £450 for these studs alone! The collection will be available here from the 12th of July - http://www.larabohinc.com/

The other designer snapping up the qualities this metal possesses is Hussein Chalayan, the fashion designer associated with Paris Fashion Week, incorporating this new metal into his evening gowns & wowing the crowds with his innovative necklines. 
Palladium has been the shining star of his latest collection, 'Domisilent' combining elegant & slender fitted gowns with very edgy & geometric metallic necklines. Again using this idea of timeless elegance with futuristic elements. I think the combination is absolutely beautiful & I cannot wait to see Palladium be developed as the Precious Metail of the Future.
(Palladium has also been used in garments by the students at Central St Martins University.)

Saturday, 14 July 2012

Bikini & Accessories - Beachwear

As I just returned from Turkey and of course a bikini was an essential! I thought as I had trouble finding the right bikini for me and had to search high and low, this post would be relevant and might help you guys out so here goes...

H M bikini
High Waisted 50's Inspired
I love this high waisted ensemble, combining my favourite tropical print and 50's vintage, this cheap yet gorgeous bikini from H&M is perfect for those who don't want to nose dive into their savings yet want to make a splash on the beaches this summer! It's perfect for those of you that your trouble zone is your stomach and muffin tops! This is perfect for sculpting the waist and banishing those insecurities as you're covered up but still sexy, complete with a padded, halterneck top which just accentuates your chest... sorry... best assets... and thus draws attention from your stomach! However it works just as well on any body shape and that is why I think this vintage style bikini is one of my favourites! Sadly they didn't have it in my size!
Or for another high waisted option, this quirky little floral number combines the Bandeau & High Waisted option and is just wonderful for a smooth silhouette!

H M bikini



The Traditional One Piece.
When we think of ordinary one pieces, we think of unflattering and unfashionable, however the one piece has never been as big as it has been this year, coming back with a (big) bang! Especially when it comes to this cosmic/galaxy print one piece from Urban Outfitters, it's an edgy one piece that does all the talking. It hides all the problem areas if you're not feeling too comfortable with baring all but isn't frumpy and still allows you to get the perfect tan! Accessorise with an oversized, black shopper bag, Neon Wedges for that pop of summer colour & a floppy sun hat to top it all off!
http://www.urbanoutfitters.co.uk/wildfox-starry-night-swimsuit/invt/5745461900101/&bklist=




Or perhaps try an underwired and more supporting suit with more shape and thinner straps for a more 50's feel! Complete with a messy bun and red lips!
(Another from Urban Outifitters)
http://www.urbanoutfitters.co.uk/tavik-tie-dye-swimsuit/invt/5745471851021/&bklist=







The Monokini is also very similar to the traditional swimsuit but instead of being completely covered up and modest it's a sexier alternative, complete with cut outs and attention to detail. These two are interesting and keep you covered up and are subtly sexy yet elegantly chic. If you want this look pick a classic sheer, black number. The attention to detail then means you don't have to do a lot to finish this outfit off, perhaps a simple silver cuff necklace and a pair of black sandals et voila!

Left.




Right.
http://www.victoriassecret.com/swimwear/one-piece/push-up-cut-out-one-piece-very-sexy?ProductID=5026&CatalogueType=OLS




The Bandeau Bikini has also come back strong this summer with loads of vibrant prints and styles, this is for those with a sportier figure but who still want to look fabulous on the beach! The bandeau is brilliant and versatile as usually they come with straps if you need that little bit extra support when you're a bit more active at the beach but if you want an even tan and you've just settled down in the dunes to your summer novel it's perfect! This gorgeous 50's style bandeau from Motel Rocks is perfect for summer combining prints and that perfect streamlined figure, pair with a sheer black maxi skirt and cat eye sunglasses! 



Triangle Cup Bikini
This fit suits petites more as there is not a lot of support and if you're jumping around in the water or on the beach, you don't want anything to escape! But if you can pull them off they're so simple and they're just timeless! This one from Motel Rocks combines a cute & flirty pattern also.
http://www.motelrocks.com/shop/products/Motel-Sherbet-Double-String-Bikini-in-Yellow-Ditsy-Flower-Print.html

Don't forget to accessorize!
This could be the make OR break of the outfit, so if you have a bold print, keep the accessories toned down and neutral or pastels. An oversized bag always looks good, especially on those days to the beach so you can keep everything in there too! Shoes, keep them comfortable but keep them chic!
Flatforms are of course  a perfect combination of platform and sandal at the moment and it's a good idea to invest in a pair! Such as this pair, cheap and still gorgeous from Boohoo for only £25! Or go for a bright cobalt blue or coral orange to add a little colour to your summer!
 http://www.boohoo.com/wedges/ophelia-black-suedette-ankle-strap-flatform/invt/azz62569



Sunglasses are of course a necessity on that cloudless summer day when you're travelling to the beach or when you're lounging around trying to catch a tan! There are so many variations of them at the moment too which is wonderful, i think i've invested in about 12 pairs this summer, I never really bothered with sunglasses before but they really can change an outfit.



I love the look of Circular Lens sunglasses such as these from Topshop, simple and edgy.




These Cat Eyes sunglasses from ASOS are gorgeous, combining the famous Olsen Split Lens and the elegant almond shape! 


Sunglasses that come in all different shapes and colours also seem to be very popular at the moment, I love these box shape Havana sunglasses, very futuristic a more casual evolution of the goggles we've seen on the catwalks earlier this year! http://www.farfetch.com/shopping/women/retro-super-future-havana-sunglasses-item-10201049.aspx

These Miu Miu sunglasses are absolutely gorgeous, wearable art i'd say but just beautiful! Although a little expensive, totally worth it! http://www.miumiu.com/en/US/e-store/dep/eyewear/cat/acetate/product/SMU10N_E1AB_F01A1














And to top off the Sunglasses of course the much loved Ray Bans that come in a wide variety of patterns and colours now and that anyone can pull off!

Find a pair that's right for you and work them!






Headbands seem to be a big accessory too especially for festivals but you can achieve a more casual look with studs or flowers - You can even DIY your own!


Floppy hat's are also big in this season keeping your Barnet protected as well as topping it all off! A simple black one can work wonders! http://www.forever21.com/Product/Product.aspxbr=F21&Category=ACC&ProductID=2000040827&VariantID=&utm_source=affiliatetraction&utm_medium=cj&utm_campaign=affiliate




Patterns
Patterns are bright, bold and very summery! They can work with any style bikini and in my opinion, the bigger & brighter the better! I'm looking forward to some colourful beaches this summer (despite the awful weather in England, as usual!) however
Mix & Match
is also wonderful, and if you can pull off mixing and matching patterns, and you combine the right patterns, just go for it, you're body is the canvas! Otherwise mix & match block colours if you're not that brave or just stick to bikini sets or a one piece, rock the monochrome!


And don't forget to go to FASHIONVOUCHERS.COM to receive vouchers and therefore discounts on your purchases! Who doesn't want a gorgeous swimsuit and who doesn't want discount! It won't hurt your ego!
http://www.fashionvouchers.com/stores/urban-outfitters/
There's also many more stores & brands you can find vouchers for if you just search!

H M bikini

So, off to Turkey on Monday, not long to go now! VERY excited of course, and as usual, being me, i left all the shopping till last minute so popped up to Exeter (sadly on my own as everyone was working!) and had a wander around the shops for a couple of hours, didn't pick up much for Turkey but picked up some gorgeous jewellery and a good fashion book!

Though in Turkey I will hopefully be rocking a more vibrant look with colour pops instead of my usual monochromatic look! Although i have got a gorgeous pair of flatform, black & clear sandals which are so simple but i absolutely LOVE!
Although sadly i couldn't find this beaut of a bikini!




H M bikini

H M bikini
They didn't have it in my size! Though i will be making a bikini body post!

Wednesday, 20 June 2012

Beach Bums and Bikini Bodies!

My bum has always been the area i've always wanted to get toned and perky, and I'm going to Turkey on the 16th of July... that's less than a month away and so i thought this would be the perfect time to get toned and get the perfect beach bum as it's going to be so hot i'll be wearing very little most of the time! 


I need to get toning so i've found a couple of great videos on youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=JUpmaRzA8Q0 - UrbanOG, who also has some great fashion videos and tips and also has a brilliant website! http://www.urbanog.com for shopping, lookbooks etc! Brilliant all round!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ei6ITRr8nqY
After having done both of these, I stood up afterwards and i almost fell over when i was walking downstairs, oh no! I think i need to start running again! Perhaps i'll go to the gym or go for a run before or after work tomorrow...
I'm now ordering 3 DVD's off Amazon, these are the lengths i will go to simply to tone my bum!


 Although i'm so tempted to buy the Brazilian Butt Lift DVD and pack from Amazon..
Here's what i've done so far, in my underwear! Hopefully i'll keep it up and get lovely and toned by next month! Whew! So, how is everyone getting into tip top shape for the bikini season around the world? Let me know! I need all the help i can get!
Let me know all your hints and tips to a gorgeous body and HAPPY EXERCISING!

I'm Home!

Hey guys! I'm finally home, although it's gorgeous weather, i would like to be back up in Surrey with the family but, nevermind! Spent a lovely and long overdue night with Timothy last night which was lovely, he met me off the train etc and we watched Grayson Perry's show, i love it! I think his tapestries are beautiful and i especially loved the Upper Class tapestry 'The Upper Class at Bay' with the ravenous dogs 'upkeep' etc, i though it was a really interesting idea, the usurping nature of it and the constant need for 'fresh meat' and new ideas.
The weather is gorgeous and i'm annoyed i left one of my favourite charity shops buys up there a sheer black top with velvet patterns on. Pretty gorgeous. I bought 2 new hats, they are gorgeous! One of them is very 80's and the other is just sheer gloriousness! A big floppy hat! I will definitely get a shot of them for you along with my hauls! 


Trying to tease my friends away from revision but... it doesn't seem to be working! Any tips? 
What have you guys been doing on these sunny days? Or what do you do when it's not sunny?


Hopefully I can at least lure out my lovely friend who we're planning on going to the Fringe Fest at the weekend, which is a weekend of theatre basically, and it sounds really exciting! A more civilised way to end exams! haha, but there was one specifically interesting looking piece called 'The Way You Wear Your Hair' where you meet at the Theatre and then they take you to a secret location and this man tells you stories and has interactive kind of things, it sounds really exciting, although when i write it down it does sound a little... illegitimate! Never mind, i'm quite excited! Along with many other things of course! I shall photograph that for you guys!

Monday, 18 June 2012

Camden Town - A photographic journey... of sorts.

So, in the morning I briefly went Charity shopping in Oxted to pass the time whilst Lou was in the Doctor's, I found a couple of gorgeous things, though I only got to visit 3! I found a lovely jumpsuit from ASOS in there, with amazing back detail which i was very tempted to buy but I recently bought a black jumpsuit in Rome, so i wasn't too keen so i've just taken inspiration from the details of it and have added it to one of my designs! As I keep saying i'll definitely do a haul when I get home and have the time, busy, busy, busy! Very excited for Turkey next month though! Hopefully a 2000metre (2km) paraglide which i'm ecstatic about! I've been paragliding before but, not to the extreme!
Anyway, the ride to Camden was quite relaxed actually, although we got to the market quite late and managed to be dragged in by various cheery stall holders and several shoe shops!


I am loving the silver tipped soles of the Acne Wedges, and the silver capped pumps and heels. I'm actually in love and i've been looking for some kind of cheaper alternative or some kind of DIY fix that i haven't got round to yet.. (perhaps tin foil wouldn't have the right effect!)

They had some wonderful gothic shoes with the same kind of metallic rims which i just thought were beautiful but, i find it awkward and uncomfortable when the shopkeeper stands over you and keeps telling you about the item.. just leave me to it and i'll be more likely to buy it! You are the bain of my life!
A lot of studs also caught my eye but i know i can just DIY with studs so i decided against it!
I thought Camden would be a lot more individualistic but, it seemed quite average, i'm guessing it's due to the commercialisation and the tourism which i was annoyed about. I found some gorgeous handmade jewellery stalls (including headbands, studded headbands and festival headbands too!)

A wonderful Vintage shop also caught my eye, called Berty & Gerty  who, i'm rather glad have an online shop http://www.bertyandgerty.co.uk/! The girl in there was wonderful and we ended up chatting for about half an hour about vintage fashion, charity shops and fashion blogging in general which was really nice and she let me take a few cheeky snaps before her manager came back because she knew what it was like so that was pretty cool AND it kind of swayed me a little towards millinary, I have a book on Stephen Jones, and i saw some wonderful hats and i'm a little more prone to hat designs now!
Just my size!
 After this we headed to the Stables, where we got locked in pretty much but still searched around for a while! I found a gorgeous bronze/silver hand bracelet!

This was my OOTD, which can also be found on my lookbook! http://lookbook.nu/sadiefox
This was just as we arrived and i hadn't gone shopping yet...



This is me after, when i found this gorgeous black feather jacket, i thought it was beautiful and the way it moves with me when i walk is beautiful!



Hirst - Polarities and lifecycles.

So, I went to the Tate Modern today to see Hirst's exhibition, although I was exhausted as I haven't been getting much sleep and I was so worn out. I usually don't get much sleep but because i've been rushing around this weekend it's caught up with me a little bit so had a little nap earlier and hopefully i'll still be able to sleep tonight because i'm travelling back home tomorrow. Which i'm not overly happy about but Tim's meeting me from the train so.. not a bad result!
Anyway, typically my camera's had no battery and neither did my auntie's today so no photos were to be had which was a total shame as there was a lot of interesting architecture so instead i resorted to sketching little bits of it.
I enjoyed Hirst's exploration in polarities and the juxtapositioning of serenity and confinement and the lifecycle, it was brilliant. Although took me about ten minutes to get into it because I was quite tired but as soon as i started thinking and writing it was really good.
I thought the 'In Formaldehyde' installations were amazing, the delicacy and the precariousness of time and the lifecycle seemed to be key themes. I also really enjoyed the contrast of the flies and the butterflies, i thought it symbolised opulence, freedom and life in contrast to death with the flies, I also thought perhaps it related to the class system. It was distressing having the confinement of the building and the butterflies flying freely, living and dying in the room, the detachment from reality was unsettling but also very ethereal and the butterflies lifted my spirits a lot, it was quite incredible!

                                            http://www.b-sidebywale.com/blogwp/2012/05/damien-hirst-tate-modern/
The suspension of the shark, the sheep and cows in formaldehyde created this contrasting sense of serenity and immortality combined with the harsh reality that these animals are dead and yet they are timeless. The dove was also mesmerising and is obviously a symbolic piece!

 

Anyway, it was a lot of fun, then headed back via embankment got some expensive, bland food which promised a delicious tummy filler but no.. apparently not! Then headed back to London Bridge station and came home.

Sunday, 17 June 2012

Camden Town

Got back from Camden at about half 9/10 tonight, had so much fun! Went round the market (will post pictures soon!) which was just wonderful, found a couple of bargains a gorgeous feather crop jacket and a cool pair of retro 'natural born killers' stylee glasses which i LOVE!
I'm now tired and watching Snog, Marry, Avoid downstairs at my grandma's house! Also met a wonderful girl called Kayleigh Marie in a vintage shop called Berty and Gerty which was just gorgeous and we ended up having a chat for about half an hour about fashion, blogging and vintage fashion, it was a lot of fun, but then i had to go because they were closing! Got a Blondie Vinyl which i'm really happy with and a Jefferson Airplane album, i just LOVE 'White Rabbit' by them... check it out on Youtube, it's quite pyschedelic and i just love it! Bought a necklace that doubles up as a headband.. kind of, 2 gorgeous bracelets, a nose ring, 2 t shirts, a suede bag and...erm, i can't really remember... perhaps that's it? I will post a haul for sure! I took photo's and gained a lot of inspiration from it too, did a couple of designs. Saw loads of amazing styles too, beautiful hair and clothing.. brilliant, i need to get myself up here, i'm made for London!
So excited for the Damien Hirst exhibition tomorrow! AND, it's 2 for 1 as we're getting the train up, i'm so excited, shark in formaldyhyde will be pretty insane, and we're also going to a Bahaus exhibition which will be wonderful!
I'm so awful at bartering though, and didn't eat all day so had roast beef when i got back... which was really good actually! mmm..
Should post pictures when i get back tomorrow night... more photo's and i'm also going charity shopping around here tomorrow morning, though not in London sadly, which would be amazing but don't really have time sadly..