OOTD- Leave The Boy Alone

Today's make up: Sleek BB cream in "Fair," Mac blush in "Melba" and "Harmony," Nars multiple in "Copacabana," L'oreal Telescopic Mascara, Mac Studio Sculpt concealer in "NW15," Rimmel Expert eyeliner in "Black," Rimmel lipstick in "Pink Pout," Mac shadow in "Sable," "Cork," and "Brun."

To begin, I feel a disclaimer is in order: One should expect puzzled glances and frequent remarks of "but you're a girl" harked at them when wearing Boy clothing. That is of course, assuming that you're a girl and not indeed an actual boy (most items are unisex). Boy clothing and it's eagle logo is a somewhat interesting line considering that the majority of its pieces transcend the seasons. Personally, i consider Boy to be the sort of brand that people either think "is ok" or fall completely and utterly for the charm that such a simple concept appears to possess. I appear with the latter of these two options and whilst I only own the cut sleeved jumper pictured above (styled with a cardigan and coat) I consider the brand one of the most iconic around. Take a look on Boy's website - leavetheboyalone.com and you will notice that the majority of items for sale look very similar. This is the brands charm and the allure that entices the "Boy lovers" to sport the clothing. The jumpers in particular have a nonshalantness to them which is at the core of their appeal to prospective wearers. As a friend of mine summarised perfectly: "It's nothing special, but there is something about it that is just so hot." I feel it is this perspective that is integral to the charm that Boy (and often the wearer) alludes.

Customised Boy jumper styled with: Primark ribbed tights, Topshop camisole, Zara cable knit cardigan, ASOS leather trim coat and New Rock Trail boots. 

OOTD- Study time.

Just a few shots of today's face and outfit. This thick knit jumper has kept me warm throughout an afternoon of studying and has been paired with a fine knit grey and black sweater, shorts and knee high laced boots. The above make up is the foundation of this evening's look. I shall pair the eye make-up presented above with a deep lip and a slightly more "pulled together" outfit.

Claire xx

A Fringe Affair - OOTD

I present you with an ensemble of black bargains, my two favourite (socially acceptable) "b words." Let's take the fringed jacket to open, a find from Brighton vintage shop Dirty Harry. This jacket is an oversized fit and perfect for the days where the ends of your fingers are only attached to the rest of your person by a pair of stringed mittens and the thickest cable knit cardigan known to man. I've styled this jacket with a simple monochrome knit jumper from Topshop which is perfect for layering on cold winter mornings. Next up is a black patent bag to add a bit of pizzazz to the outfit and the option of a thicker, chunky knit cardigan (also from Topshop) for the cold blooded amongst us. If you look closely, a pair of headphones can be spotted between the jumper and bag. These Marshall headphones are not only handy to liven up winter walks but are the WARMEST ear accessories available this side of Russia. Lastly, i've included a pair of flatforms from Urban Outfitters, purchased for the bargain price of £16. These shoes have a creeper-esque sole and are saturated with silver spikes on both the toe and heel areas to add a bit of interest to the simplest of outfits. Whilst these shoes have quite the striking appearance, I tend to walk like a duck in them and receive a few dodgy looks from strangers as I waddle past.

Claire xx

No Drought?

I admit it, i only tried this product after it's glittering reviews from "cruelty free" bloggers. Now recently i have become somewhat conscious of my product's origins and have been trying, where possible, to choose vegan alternatives. Whilst I have a fair way to go until my conscious can rest alongside a complete collection of cruelty free products, I feel that any steps towards a more ethical existence signal progress. However, conducting a complete shift to vegan products is a movement that requires patience, dedication and the local money tree. My student loan would crumble under a revamp of even the bare essentials and whilst I am partial to the odd premium branded cosmetic, on average the cruelty free product is still more expensive. Take Tarte for example; yes, many of their products are vegan and of a good quality but the price tag suggests that an ethical lifestyle is limited to those who can afford premium cosmetics. Unfortunately, this limitation excludes much of the younger generation who are (arguably) the most important market to target.

Moving aside from my own little ramble on vegan products and onto the product that this post is was supposed to be about. Lush's "No Drought" dry shampoo claims to provide "a quick freshness boost" with it's grapefruit and lime scent for the bargain price of £6.50. Lush's website gives it's own rambling justification of why they made a dry shampoo which is sort of discouraging to those who look the product up. Despite this apparent justification, i bought a bottle of said dry shampoo at the company's London Victoria branch. The bottle is a somewhat clumsy shampoo bottle, somewhat resembling the old Body Shop shampoo bottles of my childhood. Yet, this burst of nostalgia is about as complimentary as i am willing to be about the packaging. Unfortunately, the bottle is clumsy and unattractive which I feel fits the age old "cruelty free stereotype." However, the bottle fails at it's singular function; to contain and dispense it's cream colour powder. The main issue with the packaging is the bottle's unpredictability. Unfortunately, one puff can lead to either no product being dispensed, or a little snow peak perched upon one's head. If you can look over this production flaw and dispense the powder into your hands, the dry shampoo smells lovely and does it's job relatively well. I bought this product because my other trusty versions are produced in an aerosol. After one too many being confiscated at gig venues, i felt this product would be just the ticket and for this purpose, it does the job well. I am not overly disappointed with the product and i would recommend it, particularly to anyone dressing up as a peak of the Snowy Mountains this winter. 

Claire xx

The Book Club.

A collaborative shoot alongside my photographer friend, Chris. The model's chino and blazer combination was accessorised with a polka dot scarf and 70's vanity case to give an air of sophistication alongside the shoot's harbour setting. Feminine accessories work well alongside masculine tailoring if this look is what you're after.

Cologne Daze

A couple of shots from an amazing weekend in Cologne, Germany. I was sceptical about visiting Germany due to my inability to master even the basics of the language but my worry disappeared on realisation that the cocktail list contained some recognisable favourites. After an incredible weekend in the city for Amphi festival, I returned impressed not only with German efficiency but with Cologne's fashion forward ambience. The photos above are from the last day of the trip, taken outside the city's Dom Cathedral.

Skirt- H&M, Boots- Topshop, Jacket- Zara (customised with cone studs), Sunglasses- H&M.

Street Style Revisited.

"Soldier" on the streets of Rome, a uniform it may be but the red feather plume from this headpiece could have inspired any hat with flamboyant detailing, particularly those exhibited at last April's Royal Wedding.

Daniella, a student found pounding the pavements of Madrid. Dress, bag and hairpiece are vintage pieces from London's Brick Lane. 

Rebecca, student stopped on the streets of Brighton. Her preference for a vintage/high street style mix gives an eclectic, yet perfectly polished outfit.

Close up's of the full body shot above. The bag and jacket can be found in H&M and Warehouse whereas the fur stole was purchased from Brighton vintage store Beyond Retro and the shirt from North Laine vintage hotspot Dirty Harry.

A retro Mickey Mouse jumper from To Be Worn Again, Brighton.

Ella favours high street brands, her patterned fabrics and Carvela biker boots complement each other perfectly.

 Casual with Jeans, trainers and a chequered jacket mixed with a vintage band t-shirt.

Naomi's jeans and vintage Ralph Lauren polo is proof that casual can lead the coiffed.

Chain Of Flowers.

Black liner surrounding the eye area. Gel liner is perfect for the waterline, for staying power layer black eyeshadow over the gel to set. On the lid a combination of MAC “Satin Taupe” and Urban Decay “Dark Horse” (from the “Naked Pallette”) creates a modern twist on the traditional black variation. This look works best with a dewy base, I chose MAC’s Studio Sculpt in “NC15.” A nude lip keeps the style clean whilst retaining focus on the eyes.

Recommended eyeliners:

Liquid (Best for eyelids)- Rimmel Exaggerate in “Black”

Gel (Waterline)- Bobbi Brown Gel Liner in “Ink”

Pencil (waterline alternative)- Rimmel special eyes or Urban Decay 24/7

Cheers Darlin'

Camisole: £22, La Senza.

A quick note on the versatility of the slip camisole. I picked this sheer camisole up in the UK underwear store La Senza a few months ago whilst rummaging for a strapless bra. The simplicity of the design caught my eye but its complexity held my attention. The perfection of this piece has much to do with it's styling flexibility, the camisole works equally as well with a bralet as it does layered over a vest for a more demure option. Put simply, the possibilities for this piece are without limitation. As an advocate of vintage lingerie, the peach trim on sheer black body suggests an illusion of sophistication and good old fashion sex appeal. A brilliant alternative for the delicate, vintage undergarment.

As a child i knew.

Yes, i know it’s old, but in my eyes the Chanel Show from Autumn/winter 08 is yet to be surpassed. Not only was this particular collection innovative, polished and bordering perfection, the carousel setting was a mesmerising platform to showcase the designs of Lagerfeld and his team. It just goes to prove the old saying correct: "style never does go out of fashion."

Watch the video:http:  //www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KcWpBRLTBE&feature=related

A little something.

Just a little note on Promenade, a new digitised magazine from Brighton. The launch issue has been produced by members of the Sussex University Fashion Society and is hosted online by issu.com. Look out for my own piece within the magazine, as previously blogged ahead of publication.

Link to Promenade: http://issuu.com/promenademagazine/docs/december_issue

Paris, I love you, but your memory is bringing me down.

A snap shot taken on the Eurostar during last year's extravaganza. The city is indescribable, I miss the bumbling attitude, artsy air and the crepes, oh the crepes. A girl in one of my classes last term noted on a piece of paper: "I miss his smile," Paris, I miss your air of perfection. Sob story concluded.

http://www.tumblr.com/blog/aredhairaffair

Blue Glitter Sugar Skull.

C, 

A variety of looks using Mac's "Mixing Medium". The medium, when used on the lips as a base, allows colour pigment to form a strong, long lasting lip colour. Glitter can also be layered to create a   

unique three dimensional look. Items used above: Mac Mixing Medium, Mac Pigments in: Teal and Vanilla, Mac Glitter in Gold and Sleek eyeshadow in Black (from Bad Girl palette).

When Girls Telephone Boys.

Today's look took heed from the impeding freeze. Heavy on the leather, heel and hat this outfit's job is to talk me into Monday morning productivity. Together, we can do it.

Enter PO19.

Happy New Year!