Style defines life............

Style defines life............

Vinway

a welcome message...... ok: never wear what everyone tells you to, wear what ever offends conformists, go for vintage, steal from the runway, couturiers will forget about La Croix by next season, fashion is clothing with 'style' critiqued by conformists and there will never be another like Lee McQueen 1969-2010.

Friday 27 November 2009

WEEKEND.............

GOT THAT FRIDAY FEELING..................................

 FAVOURITE LOOK OF THE WEEK

STRING THEORY:  Style to look out for in S/S 10: Gareth Pugh, Kors, McDonald and Westwood are defiantley and must keep and eye on. A retro step back to the 90's with a modern silhouette and fresh tones eeeeeeeeek I can't wait-bring on the body con!

 

Weekends here guys and i'm going to be out scouting all the fashion freaks, geeks and making some tweeks, while i'm out on the highstreet this weekend. Look out for my perfect ideal for Festive Fashion and where the hell are the Christmas sales starting! (Check out Selfridges 20% weekend off starting next week)

Don't forget to check in Monday when the battle of Justice Junk between me and FiFi will commence and we need all of you to vote for it to be a success!!

So to keep you all in tow this weekend and I'll chic you all on Monday!! Have a good weekend Whoop!!!

Chic you later x

 

Window wonderland

I'm just too excited now, getting in the festive mind set, Im more than impressed this year with VM, ironically enough stores are topping their VM from last year with an injection of Junk and Vintage Chic!

Check these out:

NYC Browns dispaly, Reindeer devine! Very classical and convential,giving us all a little bit of festive cheer to bycott the reccess!!

Below: A lovely medley of Selfridges quriky and quacky VM displays. Aiming for the novelty impact a big chicing heck!!

Ms Westwood keeping to her Punk/Swining inflence, back to the 60's with orb swing chairs, gotta love VIV! bravo x

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why not post me what you guys have found?

 

Chic you all later

x

Thursday 26 November 2009

Giorgio Armani

"“The goal I seek is to have people refine their style through my clothing without having them become victims of fashion.” Giorgio Armani"

http://educators.fidm.edu/educators/classroom-resources/fashion-qoutes.html

Tavi Gevinson

Tavi Gevinson: 26.11.09

Wonder blogger’ or media hogger??

I had to sit down when I read this yesterday. During my lunch time scour of anything fashionable, I came across the 'Vogue blog' and read about 13 year old blogger ‘Tavi Gevinson’. Labelled ‘wonder blogger’ I think its safe to say the ideal American fame lifestyle is setting into kids very, very early. Should we be promoting this fame ideal as a standard we should all strive for??!

It seems like people have lost sense of conventional ideologies, everyone is looking for fame and glory.


Should a 13 year old kid be in school, I was even more shocked to go on to see the press praising her. Reading over her blog ‘Style rookie’ I was shocked and amazed at the maturity funnelled into the writing, however the idea of a ‘wonder blogger’ to me is someone depicting every virtue of fashion, I found ‘style rookie’ to be blah, more quantity than quality. The recent McQ post’s were stunning, but let’s face it the images speak for themselves.

I guess this is one of those controversial topics where fame and glamour takes priority over conventional education and general conformism. until were mature enough to truly understand the how to make decisions and accept the consequences. Now many of you may be thinking hypocrite, but at 13 isn’t it subtle exploitation of a girl that is gifted creative author, rather than letting her develop her personal talent, the media have latched on to the non conformism of her choices and publicised young rebellion.

Too many teens are ruined by fame. Lets just hope this doesn’t go to her head….

Good Luck Tavi

If you want to check out her blog log on to http://tavi-thenewgirlintown.blogspot.com/

Chic you all later x

CLAIRE LOVE'S

I've always been a fan of Gareth Pugh, his futuristic, yet contemporary designs are fresh and exhilerating.

Check out his new S/S 10 collection, ranging from sexy chic to modernist cool, particularly loving the multi way jackets, they bring back the fascination to fashion

Bravo!! 

http://ow.ly/FGs1

Chic you all later x

Julien McDonald (Scuba Chick)

 

Got to love this dynamic body con fantastia!! The whole piece simply flows into one! I LOVE IT! x

MORNING MEDLEY (26.11.09)

MORNING MEDLEY

After a long night simply stunned over my discovery of Tavi Gevinson, ‘I pulled myself together’ and found this little lot for you……………

1) Move over Lily Cole, our stunning English rose, famed for appearing in every magazine we can think of plus a gladly geeky performance in St Trinians’ rumour has it a new Russian apostle has made it on to the fashion scene. Reported by our much loved Vogue Editorial, ‘Keats’ 18 year old Russian chestnut beauty is the new girl in town. Look out for her in the up coming McQ show!

2) TREND REPORTS: Now if you can’t be bothered to read a fashion journal here are a few designers to look out for in S/S 10.

Julien McDonald is swamping the runway in SCUBA CHIC!!

Range inspired by his passion for scuba diving. This quirky concept promises,

  • Sea Urchin Chic
  • Mother of pearl accessorising, maybe the odd Swarovski hot fix.
  • Splintered embroidery
  • Racy zipper closures body con and sharp silhouettes.

McDonald isn’t alone wanting to bring effortless chic to the catwalk this S/S, house of Kors, with be tousling with femininity, oooh how New Look.

Michael Kors has set his collection with a trip back to female modernism, looking at elegance, pastel shades and demure silhouettes- very Dior indeed!

Keep posted for pics guys these collections are not to be missed!!

3) If you haven’t already check in on my blog on 'Tavi Gevinson’ and wonderblogger! Defiantly one to get your opinions in on!

4) Monday is the launch for Justice Junk. Our challenges have been set and I can reveal my first challenger is no other that my Flannels co Fem, Fiona Ferguson!! Check back in on Monday to see what we’ve come up with. Let the battle commence.

Don’t forget to check out the new gallery from the recent McQ show images courtesy of Style.com.

Chic you all later guys

x

Wednesday 25 November 2009

Coco Chanel

"“I don't do fashion, I am fashion.” Coco Chanel"

http://educators.fidm.edu/educators/classroom-resources/fashion-qoutes.html

Manolo Blahnik

"“About half my designs are controlled fantasy, 15 percent are total madness and the rest are bread-and-butter designs.” "

http://educators.fidm.edu/educators/classroom-resources/fashion-qoutes.html

CLAIRE LOVE'S

CLAIRE LOVES

90's Blast or what!! I'm singing to take that as we speak........

Now there's not much from the 90's I would like to remember about fashion. Spandex and string vests were definatley something best left in that era, however I must say i'm loving these cowl neck scarfs. If you love the American Apparel Tube scarfs these will be right up you street, perfect addition to that ,monetary mac!!. A bit of a blast from the past from ye Olde America, Love it!!

http://ow.ly/FkhG

Chic you all later x

MORNING MEDLEY (25.11.09)

MORNING MEDLEY

First things first, just want to say a massive thank you to everyone who keeps checking out the blog, had over 500 hits in 2 days how amazing is that! Obviously I'm working full time on placement which many of you know by checking in on 'Placement Pout', however i'm going to work round the clock to get you guys the fashion low downs expected from ApparelJunk. Also a quick shout out to Natalie @Crystyled.com for allowing me to use her pic's on the blog, as you all can see, the girls an amazing talent, so thanks again Nat!!

 

SO what juicy junk have I found out for you guys this morning then...............................

EDITORIAL

This weeks selected editorial is an exposay!! Checking in on the predictions of LA Fashion week in Feb, what to expect and the up and coming designer Stacey Igel, If your into your 80's Rock Glam thats one blog you don't want to miss out on. Also coming this weekend is the long awaited Manchester VM, sorry guys my bad for the delay Iphone camera's just aren't sufficient for photo's eeekkkkkk!! So keep following for that exclusive.

Also coming this week Justice Junk and how I've re-vamped a sad looking 60's maxi into a stunning urbanite must have so keep checking in for that!

Check the time lads.........

Guy's this ones for you: Time to make the Toy watched move over, yes there gorg and every guy on X-factor has one, however this is the new must have time-keeper for the winter'! I spied with my little eye something beginning with G!!! , Launch of the G-Shock watch!! Check them out, best prices and places get to ASOS!!! AT £95 perfect stocking fillers for your fella's ladies.

Get yours here: http://ow.ly/FjI9

Burberry INDIA??

So you all read my blog on Burberry Vs Gucci for the battle of the designer twitter crown, well move over Gucci!!!! Burberry are set to open their first stores in India. So reinforcing the war for the twitter crown and my thoughts on Burberrys brand ethos, it seems i was proven right. Burberry are moving from strength to strength even in a global recession. What's there secret? Keep posted for more on this story. Defiantly a brand to watch!!

 

Claire Loves

Make sure you click on to Claire Love's today for an exclusive on a very important charity auction..... who knows who could be there!

 

Jedward in the Jungle:

This is far from Fashion Blogging but how could I resist? Whenever some on reads or posts about Jedward I can't help but sneek a peek in to Jedward land! Recent rumors suggest Jedward will be swinging into the Jungle in place of Jordon. Please let this be true!!! Lets see if they can swing better than the sing!! (WINK)

Check it out: http://ow.ly/FjCS

SO check back later guys for Placement Pout Instalment 2, Justice Junk and much more.

 

Chic you all later x

Tuesday 24 November 2009

Life

"Hi Guy's a little random quote out of here, but this just reminds me why we all work are asses off doing what we do to be successful. I couldn't find anything else that would mirror it better than this:'life is more the merely staying alive'"

twitter

JEAN COCTEAU

" “Art produces ugly things which frequently become beautiful with time. Fashion, on the other hand, produces beautiful things which always become ugly with time.” One for the Philosophical amongst us!Chic you all later guys x "

http://educators.fidm.edu/educators/classroom-resources/fashion-qoutes.html

BEDAZZLING @ Crystyled.com

BLINGING HELL!!

So if you checked out this mornings 'Morning Medley' you'd have found out a little about the bling craze that's getting everyone jazzing up their favorite gadgets. Everyone loves a little bit of bling in there fashion wardrobe, lets face it swarovski crystal hasn't had the best street cred, with it being a little bit princessey, not to conventional and down right flimsy when accessorising with?? Do we not think!

However it seems, Founder of Crystyled.com and Cheif Designer Natalie Daghestani has temped us all back on to the flambouyant and girlish scene,  Brava Girl!!

These styles bring us back to our roots! This brands quirky, personal styles are clearly statement must haves, yet they allow us trend setters to keep something individual as well! (5*'s indeed)

These are a defiante must have for the girlies for Christmas prezzi's and I'd be more than stunned if Goky Wan didn't have his blingalocious blackberry design on order! 

It seems all the radio 1 and TV personalities are deinately getting on the band wagon, Jo Whiley radio on iplayer lauch,  saw Gemma Cairney rated CRYSTYLED as “one of her top 3 websites , she states and quotes, ''they are currently blowing my fashion mind.” So definaltely a website we should be keeping our eyes glued too.

Check out Photo Archive for some must have pieces. Heres just a few of their designs, and keep following @ApparelJunk as we get an exclusive to Alexa Chung's new crystyled headphones, lets see if there anything on Fearnes!!

 FEARNE GLAMMING UP HER SET WITH CRYSTYLED STYLE!!  A definate hit in the making, these will certainly be topping the Charts, Christmas no 1 or what guys??

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Blackberry will defiantely be getting a facelift this Christmas!

This fast tracked brand defiantly is one to watch!

Post your thoughts Chic you all later X

Follow the bling, at http://crystyled.com/ 

CRYSTYLED.COM

 

Courtesy of www.Crystyled.com

 

Claire Love's

KURT GEIGER- KATIE-JANE

KG- have always been able to pull out a few sexy slingbacks from time to time, but I have to say these will defiantly be making an appearance in my wardrobe! How J.Choo are these babies!! Bringing modern monologue mixed with peeptoe panache! How could you resist, particularly loving the vintage chic buckle, dress with tights for that urban cool look or even high knee socks to give a feel of 60's glam oooooooohh Well done!

http://ow.ly/F0sN

Post your thoughts and check back later for Placement Pout!

Chic you all later x

 

MORNING MEDLEY

MORNING MEDLEY (Morning Junkies)

So today, I found a few things to tingle you fashion taste buds:

BURBERRY VS GUCCI

It’s all about Gucci Vs Burberry in the war over social networking. Reports say that Gucci have jumped on the band wagon in an attempt to ride out their ‘ready-to-wear’ stock during the recession, whereas Burberry are simply expanding their orientation approach to customer targeting, check that out at Gucci Eye Web and Burberry Art of Trench. Check out chat for the full debate only at ApparelJunk, don't forget to leave your comment!

BEDAZZLING

SO the new trend appears top be ‘BEDAZZLING’ all the celebs have jumped on the band wagon. Blackberry’s have never looked so bling! Fearne Cotton got her Headphone’s bling up so check it out next time your listening to Radio 1 or of course you could just get your own at Crystyled.com!! Blinging Hell!!

MONOLOGUE

Here’s some thing I read on the grapevine: ‘Monologue’, hottest new trend to hit the highstreet. It’s basically monotone gone posh! Definitely one to watch though, very modern silhouettes and cutting edge tailoring, perfect look for work! Check it out here: www.asos.com 

CHOOSE LIFE

My fashion radar tells me these will be on the backs of any fashion forward geek out there! Mines already in the post!

 

 

 

 

 

 

FASHION REPORTS:

1) GILES DEACON COLLABORATES WITH WATER ISKLAR FOR 100 ONE OFF BAGS FOR CHARITY 'IM NOT A PLASTIC BAG ALL OVER AGAIN! CHECK IT OUT. http://ow.ly/F01F

2) APPAREL GIANTS SHOPDIRECT ARE SET TO RELAUNCH WOOLWORTHS BACK ON TO THE BRITISH HIGH STREET STAY TUNED FOR THOSE UPDATES, We'll be having are pic n mix before you know it!

3) BLACK LEISURE ARE APPARENTLY IN TROUBLE AS PLANS FOR A CVA ARE APPROVED! Watch this space for further reports!

Check back later for more from Placement Pout, the launch of Justice Junk and what I can do with a sewing machine, and a little delve into the past- Marie Antoinette!

Chic you all later x

Monday 23 November 2009

Ralph Lauren

"'I don't design clothes, I design dreams'Enjoy x"

Burberry Vs Gucci

  • BURBERRY VS GUCCI:
  • :
  • :
  • So, if your a dedicated tweeter like myself theres no doubt you will have come accross the battle of the designer social networking! Burberry Art of Trench Vs Gucci Eye Web! Personally I have to agree with the critics on this one, Gucci have always been at the top of their game and sought after high end benefactors to support their brand, their brand survives because of its massive commerical endorsements with top models, perfumes and Output ad campaigns. Whereas Burberry have always oozed class with their leap over Aquascutum to be the front runner of the must have classic 'Trench'.:
  • Let me know what you think? I simply think Gucci have begun to panic in the reccession as sales have slumped for all designer outlets and PLC's wereas Burberry are simply reinforcing a brand ethic that has been in place for many years while expanding their brand network.:
  • :
  • Post your thoughts guys:
  • :
  • Chic you all later x:
  • :
  • :

PLACEMENT POUT

Placement Pout

Here we go guys Instalment 1 of placement pout. Ok so as everybody knows from my Facebook and Twitter, I work on the website for Flannels Fashion so, rather than writing a logo book for this, documenting it is much more fun and of benefit to you guys to get a true insight in to the industry, I’m having an absolute blast on my placement, learning things I certainly couldn’t in a lecture theatre, as well as growing in confidence of my abilities. So here we go guys and don’t forget to keep checking in for the daily updates directly from the industry!

16.11.09

9.00 am Claire Arrives at Flannels Head Office!

Ok so today, I’m in photography with our photographer Laura, (amazing talent that she is) she has agreed to let me have a go at shooting the web images today, eek I hope this goes well.

Usually I’m kempt the with dyer responsibility of making everything all nice, by steaming, booking in and making the mannequins look fabulous, suiting me fine, but looks like Laura has different idea’s today.

12.00 pm: So im taught how to use the camera- (and I can’t for the life of me stop taking my finger off the button when trying to focus the bloody thing!!), and learning how the make the light my friend. It’s difficult to pick up a new skill that seems really alien to you at first, but it’s a fantastic skill that will always look amazing on a CV! + I will always know now how to make myself look fab in pics lol.

To go along with this I have been entrusted with the descriptions of all the items on the website, this I must say had to be one of my favourite jobs, I always get to try on and handle all the pretty designer clothes: Loving the handbags btw- See by Chloe totes are the devil in disguise, they just make you want to buy them! http://ow.ly/Ez1e

3.00pm Finally have the hang of this hover and click thing!

5.00 pm Claire leave the office all exhausted and is homeward bound to blog to you kiddies.!

The point I like to make about a placement is that there is just so much you wouldn’t experience at Uni/Collage, hopefully this will give you guys a little insight into what employers are looking for!

Check back next week for the instalment 2 where you see what its really like to write a blog!

Chic you all later x

Loving these for Vamp-Chic/Rock style

LOVE A BIT OF LACE!

 

 

Lace definately isn't for the faint hearted of fashion so when I saw these I thought stuff the mittens on string, and Porto Gloves, get a load of this effortless chic gloves. Im thinking with trench coat or heavy leather biker!! Let me know what you think.

 

Chic you all later x

MORNING MEDLEY

 

Morning Medley (23.11.09)

Morning guys, hope you all had a good weekend, Manchester had a lot to offer this weekend check in tomorrow for VM at Harvey Nics and Selfridges, how are they riding out the recession, more Placement Pout and Fashion reports.

NEW MOON

So I saw ‘New Moon’ this weekend and for all you R.P lovers I’m sorry to say I was sadly disappointed! (Cry) this film definitely did not do the books justice, Bella I found to be tomboyish and unbelievable, the whole thing just felt rushed and inconceivable!  However ‘ Edwards quote’ Is this heaven did make me melt! I’m defiantly still team Cullen, and I would have loved to have seen more of the Valtori- Dakota Fanning, we should have seen more of you on screen, this little temptress defiantly made her presence known and I for one am looking forward to Eclipse!

A 2 thumbs up for the story, a 10 for the eye candy!

LONDON 2010 PURE

Upcoming in February 2010 we have Pure London. And I for one will there last years was very enlightening, introducing some very quirky brands like Saviour and Paradore! Check them out and I will make a trip to Bond Street to report the latest in Fashion Boutiques on my 22nd birthday weekend! Keep following for that story. http://ow.ly/EAor

JUSTICE JUNK

Also in this mornings medley we have a sneak peak into next weeks Justice Junk! Blog info into Paris Vintage, why Paris is so renowned for their couture, why they think Uggs are slippers and what Marie Antoinette really had to do with the fashions scene! http://ow.ly/EAnF

LANVIN INVESTORS

French front runners Lanvin have sourced a multi-million pound investor to fund their global expansion. Keep track of that, we could all use a little more sultry chic in our wardrobes. http://ow.ly/EAmI

KATE MOSS

Kate Moss range at Topshop is a sell out for A/W 09- keep posted for upcoming blogs for new S/S 10 range!

Keep posted for tomorrows Morning Medley

Chic you later x

 

Sunday 22 November 2009

Claire Love's

Omg, I've defiantly got to get on of these for winter! http://ow.ly/EEKH

Think R.P would love a bit of this - vampire chic or what! Colour very anti-fashion for this season, just another reason to show your fashion forward edge!

Chic you all later xx

WARDROBE ANTICS!




ApparelJunk Editions

Every blog needs a little reminder we get all out style from, I though the first editorial piece at ApparelJunk could open up a little bit of who I am. Were going to take a little sneak peak into a few the favourite pieces in my wardrobe, who inspired them, and a little bit of learning on their history (yawn) oh well we will all be educated! Here we go!

Any woman out there who says they don’t have a date killing in their wardrobe is lying, being the eccentric person I am here’s my very favourite dress and what she’s all about!





First a little bit of rocker vintage! I love the heavy embellishment on this waistcoat, the buttons are particularly what stands out for me, very 20's cuff link. Along side, a very chich smock dress with delicate embellishment! Timeless...............

Next:

Very Vampire Chic with a modern twist














The ‘Little Black Dress’ was originally created by Chanel, and considered a classic. Purchased from H&M, I would describe this as purely a fashion item as it provides no practical function; therefore it is purely a statement garment. This is one of my most favourite items; its ruffled bottom creates a drastic statement which conveys boldness. The ruffles create a rather poignant focal point. The colour itself is one of audacity and bravado. The ruffles hear relate well to the crinoline used in the 19th century, Victorian era, to enhance female figures. ‘Female silhouettes often resembled billowing bell shapes’, making them very desirable to the opposite sex, these were extremely uncomfortable and I believe they were clearly statement garments.

Next I thought a little bit of the quirk that’s im my personality is defiantly conveyed by the next piece, I’ve had this for 2 years and would wear it everyday if I could get away with it! LOVE IT!!

Got to love the PRINTS!







“Prints were extremely popular in the 80’s but dated back to the early 18th century then being referred to as Fashion Plates”. This cotton/elastine dress is one of my more vintage pieces. Purchased from Topshop, it has mauve and grey pattern and conveys the impression of extremism in personality. It takes on a corset like silhouette and I feel it has no obvious practical purpose; however it could be suggested its practical function is to create a statement. Looking at the use of corsets in the Baroque period, 17th century, its function would be to, “make women perfected sex symbols”.  On the other hand it could be conveyed as a purely fashionable item. These corsets were not like those of the Victorian era that stood along side the crinoline and bustle, “The factor of comfort was taken into consideration during the Baroque period”.

And finally: No girl would not have a tunic in their wardrobe, there the ultimate effortless chic dress when you want to kick back or keep demure on a date. Here’s my must have tunic!












The shape of the garment does however mimic the silhouette of tunics from the Ancient Greeks, “the clothes are simple and basic”, based on a rectangular shape. The neckline of the garment however is closely related to the corset of the Baroque period. ‘Women continued to wear the mantua, a simple T-shaped dress, opening at the front’ (Kimberly Chrisman-Campbell 2007 p.7) highlights that the female bust line has not changes over this time; I feel the shape of the neckline here can be applied to Laver Law and this would suggest after over  150 years after being a fashionable item it has maintained a beauty about itself, this I feel is because the shape is flattering to the women’s bust line, its enhances the femininity of the woman.


SO there you have it a little peak into the world of Claudie Flannels! Check back soon for the next editoral where we take a step back in time looking at the fabulous inspiration that the Crinoline gave when Dior launched their ‘New Look’ in the 1950’s taking female fashion back to its feminine silhouette, with a modern twist in an attempt for the fems of the west world to take back their femininity after the war!

Keep following

Chic you later x