Fictional Style Icon - Vanessa Abrams

Hello there lovelies,

As usual, I've been spending my spare time obsessively watching trashy television shows. Hey, they amuse me while I run on the treadmill, and give me time to drool over my many, many fictional girl-crushes. In this particular instance I am talking about Vanessa Abrams - the wise-cracking, documentary-making, "Brooklyn Girl" of Gossip Girl fame. I am convinced that if she, you know, actually existed that we would be BFF's. Hopefully BFF's with a love of sharing the contents of our closets.


In particular I love the way that her character is style during Seasons' 1 & 2. After that they start straightening her hair, and putting her in cocktail dresses, and then I get bored. However, in Seasons' 1 & 2 her style is an epic combination of neon colours, print mixing, boho accents, and approximately one million pairs of different-coloured Doc Martens. I tried to find a screen shot of the episode where Vanessa dons a pair of lime green jeans - LIME GREEN JEANS -, but alas, no luck. You'll just have to use your imagination for that one.

10 Things We Can Learn from Vanessa Abrams:

1. No matter how many prints there are in your outfit, there's always room for a few more.
2. No matter how many colors there are in your outfit, there's always room for a few more.
3. No matter how many layers there are in your outfit, there's always room for a few more.
   
4. Alright look, let's just leave the lesson at more is always more.
   
5. There are an astounding amount of items that come in lime green.
   




6. Acid wash denim, wet-look leggings and animal print aren't "back in" - they never left.
   
7. Straightening your hair isn't always the best option - sometimes it needs to run wild & free.
8. Leggings, crazy handbags, and boots totally count as good investments.
9. Life is somehow inherently better when you own a Vespa.
10. When good people hang around bad crowds even I don't like them by the time Season 3 rolls around. Sigh.
    

What fictional characters are you crushing on at the moments? What non-fictional characters for that matter?

Until next time, xo.

Fictional Style Icons - Mercedes Jones

Hello there lovelies,

I've been on another obsessive Glee-watching spree lately (possibly because watching so much Farscape started making me dream about alien invasions every night), and I am majorly style-crushing. The object of my affections? Mercedes Jones, who is (acccording to Wikipedia) "a fashion-conscious black diva who resents having to sing back-up". I have a different description for her, and it is one word: fabulous.

I couldn't find a full-body shot of this ensemble, but it is amazing. Those suspender-looking things are exactly what they seem, and are attached to an equally amazing pair of high-waisted jeans. High-waisted suspender jeans? Where do I sign up!

The only thing better than animal print? Techni-colour animal print.

Another of my favourite Mercedes looks - that vest is freakin' awesome, and I'm digging the gold high-tops.

I love the style of this character, because she makes no apologies for being exactly the way she is. Mercedes doesn't hide in her clothes - she wears bright colours, and figure hugging clothing, and crazy eye-catching pieces in clingy materials - even though "fashion" dictates that she shouldn't because of her size. She is exactly who she is, and that isn't going to change. Of the many style lessons we can learn from Mercedes, there is one big one: Always be yourself and don't give a damn about the haters. They're always gonna hate.

Until next time, xo.

A Dose of Style - Kelly Osbourne

Hello there lovelies!

I'm writing to you direct from my motel room in Toowoomba, courtesy of a very shaky wireless connection from the next motel over. Anyway, lets move on to the pretty pictures! Today's does of style is brought to you by the infamous Kelly Osbourne. She is amazing, and I pretty much hero worship her. I loved her back when she had pink hair, and every tabloid was calling her fat or ugly, and many years later I love her still.

Love this yellow coat, and the fact that Kelly makes gumboots look great. I really like the way she has created a more polished, but still individual look for herself.

Rocking a slick black/white ensemble, made interesting by the addition of a crazy hat, chain bag and colourful nails.

Did I mention that she cleans up good too? Isn't this dress amazing? All the lovely details - I am a huge fan of making floor-length dresses sexy, and this one most certainly is that.

Little bit newschool Kelly, little bit oldschool Kelly. I'm really, really digging the spiky hair and glasses combo. Plus, the cute layering, and cropped pants that show off her beautiful foot tattoos? Gold, pure gold I say!

This one is really oldschool, but it remains one of my favourite outfit choices from Kelly Osbourne. I love the sleek grown-up outfit combined with the heart-shaped sunglasses. Again, note the cropped pants that show off the foot tattoos - a genius move.

Do you guys have any style icons that have stuck with you throughout your lives? Or do you find your inspirations changing with every breeze? I only have a few who have remained with me, and Kelly Osbourne is probably the only one who has inspired me since my early high school days. I once used to wear a bright green skirt with bright pink fishnets all the time, because I saw a picture of her wearing the same thing. Thus, a love affair was born. Tell me about your copycatting phases!

Until next time, xo.

Fictional Style Icon - Chuck Bass.

Hello there lovelies,

I know the fictional style icons are usually women, but come on? Who hasn't totally wished they were a man so that they could steal Chuck's impressive command of sarcasm, and his wardrobe full of urban dandy style clothing? Once again, I have the sinking feeling that I may be the only person who has wished that. Ok, move along, nothing to see here, LOOK AT THE CLOTHES. For those of you who have been living under a rock, or who simply avoid trash television, Charles Bartholomew "Chuck" Bass is a character from the television series Gossip Girl (and originally from books of the same name). In one season he manages to morph from slightly psychotic borderline rapist into the shows' resident lovable scoundrel. And from what I hear, he managed to steal the hearts (and possibly panties) of most of the female fanbase along the way. One thing is for sure though - the man knows how to dress.

Things you can learn from Chuck Bass:

1. You should be able to use your name as a pick-up line/excuse for everything that you do. everything.
   
2. You can never, never, never wear enough purple. Seriously, what is up with all the purple?
   
3. Scarves are an essential signature piece. People should be able to tell that you're in the building if they find your scarf randomly draped over some piece of the architecture/furniture.
   
4. If you are in your teens, and you don't already own several fabulous suits then you're quite obviously behind the times.
   
5. If you can't find a way to make something match in your outfit, you're just not trying hard enough. As evidence, I submit this photo where the roses in the hand of Chuck clearly matches the hanky in his jacket pocket. Now that is committment to matching pieces.
   
   
6. If there's only one girl you can *ahem* "get up" for, then you probably love her. Just sayin'.
   
7. Cardigans, blazers, tailored pants, loafers, ties, buttondowns, cufflinks and so forth don't have to be boring.
   
8. When you're too important to smile a well-rehearsed "I'm currently in the midst of some deep brooding" look is one of you best accessories.
   
9. Yes, constantly having a glass of scotch/whisky/gin, or a mobile phone in your hand does count as accessorising.
   
10. You're not Chuck Bass. Obviously. Because he is Chuck Bass.
    
    

Now, without further ado I'm off to curl up on my couch with my own (rather large) glass of scotch and watch some more Gossip Girl.

Until next time, xo.

Fictional Style Icon - Spike

Hello there lovelies,

Now, I dare you to look me in the eyes and tell me that you didn't watch Degrassi Junior High and wish you had Spike's hair. I don't care how many times you deny it, you totally did. I know because I did, and that means everyone must have, right? Right? What do you mean you don't know who Spike is? Spike, (a.k.a Christine Nelson) is a character from the 80's show Degrassi Junior High, and Degrassi High, who is famous for becoming pregnant at the age of 14 following her first sexual encounter. Also, she's the token "punk" chick, and has a bitchin' hair cut.

Here is a list of things you can learn from Spike:

1. Too much hairspray is never enough.
2. The bigger your hair, the more awesome you are.
3. Band t-shirts never go out of fashion.
4. Men's vests are possibly the best thing you can ever wear.
5. Actually, if you can rob your Dad's wardrobe at all, then that's bitchin'.
6. You need a skirt that is half denim, half tulle.
7. Boots and leggings pretty much rock.
8. Being an adult is pretty hard, especially when you're only 14.
9. You can get pregnant the first time you have sex, even if you stand up straight after.
10. No matter how crazy your hair is, your mum will still love you.

For more detailed viewing of some Spike-tacular fashion choices, watch this short fan-made film clip to "I'm In Love With a Girl Named Spike", by Skankin' Pickle.

Love, love, love.

Until next time, xo.

A Dose of Style - Threads for Kicking Ass

Hello there lovelies,

It's time again for some pretty pictures of ladies in amazing outfits. These are a few of my personal favorite chicks, who always seem to look ready to kick ass (I know Lindsay Lohan is in here, but once upon a time she always looked fierce. Remember those good old days?). I love their edgy style, and the attitude they put into their outfits. Onwards!

Mary-Kate Olsen is, as most will know, one of my style icons. I love her, whether she's dressed up to the nines, or looking homeless. This look is great - the stockings, the boots, the blazer - it all fits in perfectly.

Daisy Lowe is a new, but solid contender for my style icon list. I love the way she combines completely different elements into the same outfit, and still looks seamless. Plus, that hair! I mean, doesn't it just make you want to scalp her? Ok, maybe I'm a little creepy.

Oh Lindsay, if only you looked this good more often. I remember a time when I religiously cut pictures of you out of magazines for my style books. These days, most Aussie magazines exclude you from their pages because of your lack of self-respect. Anyway, this outfit is great. The turban tops it off beautifully. Actually, my new obsession with turban-like headgear in fashion is probably blasphemous, but then, everything good is.

Ok Alice Dellal, I'm going to square with you. I have no idea who you are, what you do, or why you are famous. But your style makes me drool, and I admire you for having the balls to shave the side of your head. You light up my life, oh half-bald angel in leather. Yeah, I know, getting creepy again.

Eh, what's that? Mary-Kate sneaked into this post again? How did that happen? Don't worry, in a moment you'll be hypnotised by her awesome leopard-print scarf, and won't remember a thing.

Until next time, xo.

Crafty Goodness

Hello there lovelies!

Now, you may have noticed the lack of DIY-related posts lately, and I assure you, there is a reason for this. Two actually - my sewing machine has broken down again, and apparently learning to knit is difficult for an uncoordinated left hander! Luckily, my amazing parents are buying me a new one for my birthday, and I only have two weeks left to go before I'll be crafting like crazy again. But in the meantime, I thought I'd share the crafty goodness of other people with you all - even if you don't enjoy it, it will stop me from completely losing my mind!

People Who Inspire Me

These guys are my main muses - I love them so much! If I had more money, I'd probably buy everything in their stores. Alas, I do not (although, that just means that the rest of you are in with a shot of getting your hands on their stuff ay?)

What The Craft / Smarmy Clothes

This lady is pretty much the queen of T-shirt reconstruction. She takes regular old t-shirts, and turns them into complete fucking masterpieces. You may think I exaggerate, but I assure you I don't. She also does custom orders, and (while I'm yet to afford one, how sad) the level of customization being offered is second to none. At first glance you might think her pieces are quite expensive, but remember she's taking a t-shirt, and turning it into something completely new. Now, at this point, you might think this lady couldn't get any more awesome - but she does. In addition to her webstore, she also maintains a website full of free tutorials for fellow DIYer's, called What The Craft. Love, love love from me.

This shirt is for sale here.

Lipgloss & Black

This team of two DIYing sisters defines amazing. I love visiting their store, and marvelling at the unique ways they put items together, and give them their own personal spin. I first stumbled across Sam and Sylvia on a t-shirt surgery community on Livejournal, and have obsessively stalked them since (Sorry guys, I'm not that creepy, I swear). If you live anywhere near Toronto, unlike me, you can also find their pieces in an actual shop - a lovely looking little boutique named Perwinkle. If you get the chance, click on the link in the title, and check out the costumes they created for Halloween this year. They are possibly the best things I have ever seen.

Visit their Etsy store here.

Max California

Now this rocking lady is actually from my country - once again, I stumbled across her work on a t-shirt surgery community one day, and have unabashedly stalked her ever since. But you know, not in a creepy way. Max's t-shirt reconstructions are some of the most original pieces I have ever seen. I really admire her creativity, and her skill. Also, this might sound strange, but I really wish I had a baby right about now. Why you ask? Because this lady is designing/selling a super-cool range of baby clothes (in particular for little boys), and I just wish I had someone to dress in them! Also, she doesn't just DIY clothes - she DIY's pretty much everything. Inspiration much?

Visit her Etsy store here.

xannabotx

Oh man, has this girl got talent. Once again, found on the t-shirt surgery community and stalked. (Gosh, who knew I was such a creepy?) Ever since finding her there, I've fallen in love with her crazy, amazing creations. But what I find most inspiring is this - everything she uses to make her designs is second-hand. She is a master of upcycling quirky thrift store finds, and the only animal products in her garments are those already in the materials when they are found. I find this totally inspiring because I think working only with second-hand material would really stretch your creativity at times, but I bet it would make you feel great too. Hats off to you xannabotx!

This cardigan is for sale here.


Other cool stuff

T-shirt Surgery - If you like turning your old worn out t-shirts into something new, this is your place.
Craftgrrl - Where all kinds of crafty ladies unite under one roof. There's always something interesting here.
Cut Out And Keep -Lots of cute projects and ideas to keep you entertained.
Threadbanger - I love their videos of "How To" projects. Way to make me spend forever on Youtube guys!
Ohmystars - Another great reference for those who are t-shirt surgery inclined, or just in need of some fresh ideas.
Craftster - I mainly lurk on the forums. And fanatically save pictures of things that I like. Now you know my secret shame.

So what about you guys? Got any more awesome crafting/sewing/t-shirt surgery inspiration for me? Seriously, I need some eyecandy to distract me until my new sewing machine is within my reach. Oh man, will that day be sweet. And full of sewing. First thing I'm making is the skirt-from-pacman-shirt that I've been planning. Anyway, I'm getting ahead of myself. Send me your crafty inspiration links, and I'll love you forever!

Until next time, xo.

P.S. To my lovely inspirers - of course, if you'd rather not be in this post just let me know and I'll fix it up.

A Dose of Style - Taylor Momsen

Hello out there guys!

I have to admit, I've got a brand new celebrity crush (well actually, it's kind of an old celebrity crush, but sssh!). It probably has something to do with my obsessive watching of a certain show, that I'm not going to mention by name right now, for fear of disppearing back into the black hole it has created around me. Anyway, I'm in love with Taylor Momsen - or at least her outfits. I'm loving the whole "hot mess" thing she's got going on. And besides, what better way to wind down from your first (horrifying) exam than by looking at pretty pictures?

The famous fashion week outfit. I love that this outfit says "You totally wish I was a hooker, but I'm not." Plus, I pretty much love anything to do with thigh-high stockings.

Argh, this picture is much too cute. The dress, the boots, the hair, the rocking out pose! It's all too much. I just have to love her, even if I have heard that her band sounds like someone torturing cats (anyone got any hard evidence of this?).

Someone is apparently too cool for school. And ok, I completely agree with that statement. There are just so many layers and textures going on here - it blows my mind (in an awesome way)!

I. Must. Have. Those. Pants. End of story.

Simple, but gorgeous. And oh my, what might that be? It's not a smile is it? Almost a smile? A smirk even? Come on Taylor, who wouldn't be smiling in this outfit?

Until next time, xo.

A Dose of Style - Leighton Meester

Hello there beautiful readers,

I know the blog entries have been a little light on for the last few weeks, and for that I apologise. I've been working alot and all my university assessment is due in the next few weeks- throw in a severe lack of sleep, The Boyfriend working crazy shifts, and us only having one car to get us both to our completely differently timed work shifts, and you have a recipe for a lack of motivation. I promise I'll be back up to speed in no time (just as soon as I've finished writing essays about psychological research, and lab reports about whether intergroup apologies facilitate forgiveness).

Now, without further ado, onto the style! I'm doing something a little different this week, and focusing on one person. I can't help it, she always looks far too good for me to ignore it. I'm talking about Leighton Meester, a.k.a Blair Warldorf from Gossip Girl - the girl who looks just as fashionable on and off the program.

I love this take on the women's suit deal. Leighton looks comfortable and awesome, which is always a great combination.

As much as I would probably hate this dress on anyone else, I feel that Leighton really rocks this crazy style.

I think I'm going to mug Leighton and steal this outfit. The cool dress, the messy-yet-stylish hairdo, and the bright red shoes all added together make one perfect whole.

Now this is my absolute favourite of Leighton's outfits. The black dress with the cut-outs makes me drool. I want this dress so badly, and despite all the critisism this outfit seemed to get, I think it's amazing.

Until next time, xo.

Fictional Style Icon - Veronica Mars

Hello there beautiful readers,

I have a major girl-crush and I have for awhile actually. So let me introduce you to one of my fictional style icons - Veronica Mars, a 17-year-old sarcastic psuedo-private investigator from the elitist and cutthroat town of Neptune, California. A once care-free, normal teenager running with the popular crowd, perfect boyfriend and fabulous best friend in hand. Until Veronica's best friend Lily is brutally murdered and her father accuses Lily's father, the richest and most well-loved man in Neptune of her murder. Veronica's mother walks out, her friends abandon her, and Veronica makes the change from high-school sweetheart to the bitter, snarky, badass and totally bitching girl I love, while trying unravel the mystery behind Lily's murder.

And of course, she does this while wearing some majorly kick-ass threads. Veronica always manages to walk the line between tough and sexy - while accessorising with her amazing camera, and various other spy gadgets. Her outfits are stylish, yet practical. A good mix when your days may include chasing down fugitives, finding a class mates missing father who is now living as a woman, or dealing with the normal rigours of high school and teenagerdom. But what really does it for me is her attitude. No matter what people say about her, or what people do Veronica doesn't give a crap. She's insanely intelligent, freakishly witty, incredibly gorgeous and has lots of crazy connections in low places - like her buddy Earl down at the impound lot. What's not to love about a girl like that?

Veronica Mars got me through my teenage years, all the way back in 2004, and I don't think I'm going to get over this crush anytime soon. I will stop short of dying my hair blonde and becoming a private investigator - I'll keep the private investigator part for my own imagination. What fictional characters are pushing your style buttons this week?

Until next time, xo.

Influences & Icons

Hello lovelies,

Since I've only just begun writing here, I thought I should probably spend some time figuring out what I'm all about, and making sure people can get a good idea of who I am/what I like.

When I think of fashion, I think of standing out from the masses - someone can be extremely stylish, and still be entirely generic. But the people I admire are the ones who aren't afraid to try something a bit different, even if they end up on the "Worst Dressed List" every time they walk out of their house. To illustrate what I mean, I've picked a few celebrities who tend to embody what I love about fashion.


Firstly, Scarlett Johansson. Not only do I think she is the hottest chick to ever walk the face of this planet, but she always looks great too. She always does something a little bit different, and still looks appropriate for the red carpet. She always does things with attitude, and I think that's important to pulling off a great outfit. Even when her boobs are pushed up and into your face, Scarlett always manages to look stylish, not skanky. Plus, if you're into her old movies you'll know she rocks the goth/punk/grunge look like she was born for it.


Kelly Osbourne has been one of my style icons for years now - I will admit that my worship of her resulted in a rather unfortunate period involving bright pink fishnet stockings, and panda-eye makeup, but hey I love her! Sure, sometimes she looks like absolute shit, but she works it with so much attitude that you'd never say that to her face. And then, when her outfits work, they work. I feel like I can relate to her more than other celebrities because she's a normal size person, and her weight goes up and down, just like it does for the rest of us. And even when it's in the "up" phase, she still has the balls to pull off some of the craziest (and most amazing) outfits I've ever seen.


Someone else I love is Mary-Kate Olsen - not so much Ashley. I know that Ashley looks amazing alot of the time, but she always looks very polished and perfect, and personally I hate that. Anyone can throw on a few classic pieces and a pair of Ray-Bans and look like they own the world. But it takes someone incredible to make dressing like a hobo cool, and to stick to your guns when everyone is telling you that you look like you've crawled out of a dumpster. Mary-Kate could make pretty much anything look good - and make you want to run out and buy exactly the same thing. It probably also has something to do with the fact that I'm very partial to layering, and grunge clothing. And crazy knitted hats.

Agyness Deyn was someone whom I was loathe to admit I had such a girl-crush on. Mainly because she seems to be everyone's new style icon. But hey, I have to admit - the girl got game. I can even forgive her for making millions of dollars a year being skinny and beautiful, that's how much I adore her outfits. If you ever need lessons on how to match clashing patterns, look her up on Google. She'll give you the inspiration to wear that thing sitting in your closet because you're afraid people will ridicule you if you wear it in public. Agyness will wear it, and make the haters wonder why they didn't think of it first.

And lastly, in what people seem to think is quite a surprise, I love the style of the RnB singer Rihanna. She may seem like a strange choice, but she isn't really. I love the way she works slightly gothic elements into otherwise normal pop-star outfits - the photo shown to the left is a particular favourite of mine. She's another one who has that whole "attitude" thing working for her. She always looks a bit like if you say the wrong thing she's going to plant that stiletto heel where the sun don't shine. Plus, I've gotta appreciate the attention that this chick pays to her nails - almost every shot you see, her nails are immaculate, and painted in the most outrageous colours or patterns. She's inspired me to start giving myself regular manicures again.


And there ends the list of the fashion loves of my life.


Until next time, xo.