Let your wild side out...

Hey guys,

I posted a teaser pic from this post over a week ago and for some unknown reason it has taken me a while to post it. Sorry!!!

Anyway this post features three of my birthday presents; my yellow camouflage scarf, my Marilyn Monroe handbag and my grey leopard tee in my outfit, as well as my beloved snake skin effect sandals from Clarks and my green shorts from New Look. Hence the name for this post is let your wild side out due to its safari style.

This is me in my outfit: 

       

N.B that I am also wearing my mums vintage bangles that you'll see close up below as well as the other accessories,

So when I was dressed, I headed onto Oxford Street to meet my friend Marie for a catch up and a light shop in the summer sales - can you believe you can buy winter jumpers already! It's not even stopped being sunny yet! 

Being a light shop I didn't splurge but I did buy this dress from Bershka for £20 which is beautiful and I can't wait to wear it! 

So I hope you're all having a good summer wherever you are, thanks to all of you for reading and liking this page, I really love you all! 

Luv,

LDN Teenage Fashionista xx♥

She's still Jenny from the Block...

Hey guys,

There are still more Fashion in Film posts to come but for a moment I would love to make a special post to an idol of mine: Jennifer Lopez.

Two days ago J-Lo was honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and her speech was so inspirational but she has always been an inspiration to me and maybe the best inspiration for the modern woman in general. To come from the Bronx in NYC to global domination and to still keep her feet on the ground, for me there is no better role model for women. I love that she doesn't just do one thing, she's not just a singer, she's an all consuming tidal wave of talent and kindness. I've never met her, if I ever do I will probably love her more if that's even possible.

I wanted to also give you some of her famous quotes so I guess its a bit of a J-Lo love fest. Did I forget to mention she is beautiful! Oh yeah and she works for humanitarian causes and is a business woman and has two of the cutest children ever. I have to stop typing or I never will so here I present the 2,500th Star on the Walk of Fame but I think the brightest star of them all. JLo.

"Doubt is a killer. You just have to know who you are and what you stand for."

"You can't plan life. There's bad things and its tough. Its hard every day and then something beautiful happens. Then its tough again and you are struggling and then there's a miracle, and that's really what life is. Its not just perfect all the time, but we have those amazing moments that make everything worth it."

Well it is safe to say I identify a lot with her and she is amazing.

Congrats Jenny on your star and thank you for being an icon,

Luv,

LDN Teenage Fashionista xx♥ 

Fashion in Film - Breakfast at Tiffany's...

Hey guys,

I have been planning this blog for a long time now and I have been thinking of ways to get my opinions on film and fashion into a reasonable post that do the films justice. So I have decided to a series this on 7 films that range from the old to the new, which have either changed or reflected fashion of the era they represent. 

Today's focus is the iconic Breakfast at Tiffany's. Based on the book of the same name by Truman Capote, both it and the film exude glamour and panache, however it was the film and Miss Audrey Hepburn which made a fashion statement. 

Audrey, as Miss Holly Golightly created an iconic look that defined an era. The little black dress, strings of pearls, dark glasses and the wide-brimmed hat became a style of its own. Jewels of Tiffany's were desirable beyond compare and everyone wanted to wear silk gloves and clutch a cigarette holder just to emulate one of the most desired look of the sixties.

The reason that I picked this film as the first one on my fashion in film series is because the style keeps re-entering the fashion scene and the workings of the genius' at the costume department under Mr Givenchy not only made an icon of Audrey, but made iconic fashion out of Capote's words.

So lets all cheer for an iconic fashion film, next one coming tomorrow!

Luv as always,

LDN Teenage Fashionista xx♥

Print will never die...

Hey guys,

Some say that print is a dying medium and with e-books and gadgets, there will be no point in carrying around heavy books. However in fashion we are slightly different, yes magazines produce E versions however I love to buy the magazine myself, having it on my phone just doesn't seem the same.

My room is groaning from fashion magazines and I genuinely believe the artistry that goes into a magazine deserves someone to pick it up and treasure it, every shoot is a jewel. I also have a huge amount of books that inspire my fashion sense in a conventional and non-conventional way.

My collection of books about fashion directly is pictured below and there is a wide range of themes:

Firstly, I have two books on one of my idols Miss Marilyn Monroe and her influence on fashion. Marilyn was very good at dressing her figure and one of the books focuses on her relationship with William Travilla who custom made some of her most iconic dresses - both are particularly interesting and contain some very stunning and inspiring images. (details: Dressing Marilyn, Marilyn in Fashion)

I also have three style guides; one 'The Bombshell Manual of Style' which is a very fun guide I borrowed from my mums library and is just a laugh, the second is 'How To Dress For Success' which I bought on my return to the V&A at the start of this year and it is very helpful in organising the smart style that every woman needs to master, finally is Lauren Conrad's 'Style' which is my go to book for the wardrobe organisation and what to put with what - it's also very helpful for beauty which most how to books do but this one is particular good with the drawings represent the face with the make up on that look realistic and easy to do. (details: The Bombshell Manual of Style, How To Dress For Success, Style)  

As well as these I have a number of fun books such as the 'American Fashion Cookbook' which has designers favourite foods and some fun personal anecdotes; 'The Princess Diaries Guide to Life' which is a good book for anyone interested in being a princess, covering fashion to proper decorum in social settings such as dining and etiquette; 'Edie: Girl On Fire' is a book about the iconic Edie Sedgwick who was idolised by Andy Warhol with some stunning images and inspiration; my 'Little Dictionary of Fashion' by Christian Dior which I wrote about when I bought it, the book is so interesting as it offers a complete A-Z of everything you could ever need to wear; My Chanel Fine Jewellery Catalogue which is good if I want to be hypnotised by diamonds for a few hours and finally my two books written by Madonna about the 'English Roses' which have a beautiful illustrations and all the girls have a good style that I still love even now. (details: American Fashion Cookbook, Edie: Girl on Fire, The Princess Diaries Guide to Life, Little Dictionary of Fashion, English Roses - and Chanel catalogue you need to get in Chanel stores)

It's fair to say I have a lot of fashion books and I just bought another one, Vogue on Alexander McQueen and this books is beautifully written and I think it is one of the best books I have seen about him. When I finish reading it I will do a proper review. (details: Vogue on Alexander McQueen)

My main issue is that I have a very long queue of books (although I have read Frankenstein, Breakfast at Tiffany's and The Great Gatsby so far this year) but my plan is to spend all summer reading in the sun.

So I hope you enjoyed this new angle,
Message me your favourite books, I'm always looking for a new buy!

Luv,
LDN Teenage Fashionista xx♥

n.b. I have used Amazon for the details of these books as it lists ISBN and author clearly, but I bought these across a variety of stores, book shops are amazing and I have no affiliation with Amazon.

Creating my own style, one shopping trip at a time!

Hey guys,

So on Monday I went shopping and bought some new stuff that I would like to share with you guys!

So my new style direction is a mash up of rock chic, distressed denim, and Militarian yet I add bits of girly in for good measure and I believe it is quiet unique.

This style direction influenced these purchases, the first being a Cinderella tee from Uniqlo that will break the toughness created by my new grey jeans from Forever 21.

 

 

Also I bought a camouflage jacket that has been embellished on the collar. This is again from Forever 21 and I was attracted to it because it meant I could wear a print I love in another way to just on my jeans that I have been wearing a lot! Also it makes my mum happy by me going out wearing a jacket and keeping warm!

 

Finally, I bought two necklaces also from Forever 21. (Sorry if it seems overkill but it is my favourite shop and the prices are very reasonable so I go there a lot!)

Back to the necklaces, well I do have a lot of jewellery so I have to be regimented about what I buy so I don't double up but with this silver Dream necklace and this cascade of flowers I have managed to buy two statement pieces, the silver one which is best for layering necklaces and the flowers for making a bold sparkly gesture to an outfit - all for just over a tenner!

I will post as much as I can this Easter but I am revising for my AS exams so it's tough to keep up!

Keep in touch, comment/tweet/message me on IFB and I will reply as soon as possible!

Luv as always,

LDN Teenage Fashionista xx♥

Yee-Ha! Fashion Gone With The Wind!

Howdy dear readers!

(Always wanted to say that)

Anyway, this post has been a long time coming but this season there is a particular overload of cowgirl/cowboy chic. And I have to admit I have been caught in the hype. Spurred (sorry, this post may contain a lot of puns) on by shows like Dallas and Nashville and go back to the re-release of Footloose (not as good as the original, just saying).

So how does all of this representation translate into clothes, well I will give you the break down:

• Denim. Shorts and Skinny Jeans. Pale blue for spring especially but anything goes. Acid wash is ok if you want to grunge up your look and ripped jeans if you want that "working all day in the yard look" Oh and Gents out there, it is the same for you guys! (just watch the shorts, please). The Levis I picked out were designed to go over cowboy boots in 1969!

• Checked Shirts. These will always be around, always. I have not yet seen a season in three years where these haven't popped up. Last summer I rocked my faded red and blue shirt that tied at the waist and it was so nice between pool and lunch, (if you are currently in Arctic weather and have forgotten what summer is it will come I promise, it is finally sunny in London although bitterly cold) I digress, but the point is find a style that suits and rock them, undone with a vest underneath, tied, buttoned up to the neck, this is the time to experiment.

• Neck Scarves. Traditionally seen as girly but if you are rocking a Stetson guys, a triangle tied round your neck will complete your outfit, very Clint Eastwood.

• Finally, the shoes, well the boots. Since I watched Footloose (original) I have lusted after Ariel's red cowboy boots and have come very close to buying many pairs but may get my self some after all this time. They are cool on guys and girls, just hunt on the internet for the best style for you. I want to wear mine all the time so no heel for me, but again with this style let your personality shine.

So here we go, Toy Story style, I can't wait to be a blonde Jessie!

Lots of luv,

LDN Teenage Fashionista xx♥

If it ain't broke...

Hey my beautiful readers, those new and you who have been here from the beginning,

I had a hellish week, yet after the best weekend I have had for a while I am feeling very rested and ready to take on the world again tomorrow for 6am (urgh! coffee is my master in the mornings)

I have just checked my stats and found out that this little blog, that I am very proud of, is nearly at 16,000 page views which is mad because only a few weeks ago I looked and it hadn't even hit 15,000. I want to thank you all for sticking with me throughout the past few years, I turn 17 this year and can't wait to spend another 3 years writing away for all of you and letting you all see my style grow with my age.

So this post has been a while in the pipeline and it was buried underneath the stress of mocks and work experience, coursework and the worst cold I could of caught from a packed inner city tube train.

Back at the start of this new year me and my best friend went to the V&A which you may know was the starting inspiration for this little blog, many years ago. I couldn't believe how much the fashion department had changed since its renovation that prevented me seeing the clothes last year, it was beautifully organised and just as inspiring as it was back then. I will use all of the photos in upcoming posts but for now here is a few that caused a brainwave.

I was able to draw certain parallels with this years trends - see if you agree:

 

Now this pattern seems familiar - did I hear a Louis Vuitton dress squeaking? This suit is from Foale & Tuffin in 1964 but hey, monochrome is timeless.

 

 

 

Summer bathing will also hark back to the vintage age, these suits from Finnigans and Neyret from the late 1930's scream chic cover ups for the beach, back from a time when modesty was king. (Although cotton material and water, maybe not)

 

 

Also with this pyjama Pucci dress from 1968 two trends are ticked, one old from the Miss Stella McCartney who made us all dress down in our pj's for work every day; and one constant trend in psychedelic prints that will be with us every year in fashion.

 

 

 

Finally, when all is said and done it seems that fashion has again gone backward, this time to the era when women's skirts grew so they couldn't fit through doors. This luxurious purple example (from Monsieur Vignon 1869-70 and the coat and tails from 1855-75) is not to the Georgian extreme but still its the way fashion is headed. (Top Tip: if you are getting any building work done, go for door frame extensions)

 

So that's how I believe some of the trends are formed, by seeing what worked in the past, well what's the phrase "If it ain't broke don't fix it"

 

Although I love the new trends, I do hope things change slightly though or I will be wearing gowns wider than I am tall and wearing wigs that have fruit in them. Please fashion gods, do us proud.

 

Lots of love guys, you mean a lot to me,

 

LDN Teenage Fashionista xx♥

2012: A year when fashion went forwards by going backwards...

Hey guys,

So the end of 2012 is drawing near and I am taking this time out of my ridiculous work schedule to write the post about all the fashion trends we enjoyed this year - the highs and the lows.

It seems to be that this year fashion went backwards and drew inspiration from the past, such as 1920's flapper dresses, Leather and the body-con dresses (popularised by shows such as The Hour and Mad Men) from the 60's, Calamity Jane cowgirl style from the 40's, Militarian Chic inspired by Lara Croft made a return from the 90's and a lot of sequins strutted there way from the disco of the 80's.

It is an hour from midnight and I am reminiscing on all I have learnt from fashion this year. Basically this year was all about bringing back the past - the good and the bad. It was clear where the fashionistas were drawing their inspiration from: good times in their lives, the films they love and the things they always wanted to wear! Even though some styles were not perfect for me, it was nice to see style revivals that were so inspired and nice for me to experience as I was not around to witness them the first time.

Secondly, on my style look back, I have to commend some particular fashionistas whose styles rocked this year. Particular mention goes to Blake Lively who is stunning all the time, Rachel Bilson whose style in Hart of Dixie was seriously chic even better that it seemed completely unpractical for a doctor and finally, I could not forget Catherine 'Kate' Middleton - whose effortless combination of high street luxe and that infamous engagement ring made her a style icon. Everything from coral skinny jeans while playing hockey to that fab emerald green dress at sports personality of the year just made her stand out head and shoulders from the crowd.

So this year has been a hectic one for me but I have made new friends on the blogosphere and have lots new ideas to head into the new year with, I have some opportunities to guest write available coming up if anyone is interested and also would like to spend more time learning about fashion, I feel as if I need to go to Paris but hey we will have to wait and see.

So as I have put no pictures on this post which is not the norm, I will give you one of my beautiful cat Woozle who approves all of my clothes as I bring them in from the shops,

Have a happy new year everyone, here is to a good 2013!

Love as always,
LDN Teenage Fashionista xx♥

Fashion Round Up! Exciting Week!

Hey Guys,

So this week has been a bit mad and its not over yet but I have been dying to post and the opportunity presented itself.

Firstly it has been all kicking off in the world of awards with some of the most prestigious being dished out and nominations received. Sunday night was the night when it all kicked off with film stars flying to my lovely city and our own London girl Adele flew to America to kill it at the 54th Grammy's.

The BAFTA's presented an opportunity for a group of the best actors, actresses, directors and behind the scenes teams to gather in London and win golden masks, and they didn't need telling twice! The Artist swept the board with 7 awards and for a good reason as it has made the wider world wake up to the beauty of classic old films and inspired a love of the flapper dresses.

Also the British film Tinker, Tailor, Solider, Spy did really well. The co-writer, Peter Straughan, on picking up the Best Adapted Screenplay made me laugh when he said "Thanks for The Artist for not being adapted from a book" Staring a hugely fabulous cast such as Benedict Cumberbatch and Gary Oldman which has made me want to stick on my trench coat and go spy on fashion (wait I do that already oops!)  There was also a very good feeling in the Royal Opera House as Brad Pitt attended with the lovely Angelina Jolie and also a fetching George Clooney showed up too.

Secondly and also on Saturday but across the pond, the music industry gathered to celebrate the 54th Grammys and  the dazzling occasion was tainted with sadness as the industry reeled with the death of the great Whitney Houston just 24 hours before. Despite the sadness the show was to go on and Adele, London's finest was showered with six out of six awards and performed for the first time since a throat operation that threatened her career but I never had any doubt about her recovering and storming it when she did. And she did. 

Finally, Green with Envy moment. Blake Lively receiving the entire Louboutin Spring collection from the shoe designer as a gift for his favourite muse. Everyone can be jealous now I think.

Onwards and upwards!

Whitney Houston R.I.P the world will always love you.

Luv,

LDN Teenage Fashionista xox

Trend Round Up 2011...

Hey guys, 

Again a long absence, I am not very good at keep this updated am I? This year the fashion world went through many stages, at the end of 2010 into early 2011 the edginess that had been growing came through and heels went high and spiky and the dresses became black and sharp cut, some even had literal jagged edges!

Then in Spring as new life was born so was the word 'Eclectic' and such came the clashing of patterns and colours down the runways, although this took its time to get to the high-street. Meanwhile all the shops latched on to the bold brights and the 'new' trouser style (MASSIVE LEGS) none of which really took my fancy - I discovered a love for dresses and vintage and managed to rack up a huge amount of them and now my closets bursting lol! Along with wide leg trousers kicking out the skinny legs, mini skirts got kicked out by maxi and midi length which was a boggling minefield of creating your own dresses out of lengthy skirts and coloured shirts, which was both inventive and individual.

As we headed towards summer, well all the rules got torn up and most went back to nautical with a blink of an eye and little miss sailors and dolls came flooding back - I spent my summer in a pool and then my silk maxi so I can't really comment. When I landed home along came the loafers just in time for back to school to remove the brogues to the bargain bin. Every girl wanted to max out the men shoe trend - I stuck to pumps.

As autumn came so did an out of this world trend walked the runways and the shops turned to burgundy and autumnal colours and vintage waltzed back into fashion. Stars were bought along by D&G and they made a huge impact. I got myself a starry ring and ooh over the bags wishing I was amongst the stars and supernovas. Skinnys also came back as warmth was needed and knitted cardigans much taking reference to cricket jumpers flooded to the shops and then we were lead up to Christmas when..... out of nowhere came FUR! Fur jackets are all the rage right now from River to the Top of the Shops and we all want to be abominable snowmen for the winter time. Where do I sign up?

So what will the new year bring? Maybe a firework of colour?

Best Wishes,

LDN TEENAGE FASHIONISTA xox

When you wish on your birthday....

Hey Guys,

Last Friday was my birthday yay! I am still a teenager but just a year older! I got some super cool birthday gifts and some of them were so fashionable it's incredible. I got this amazing silk scarf dress (see below) It's so flattering for summer and such a cool print in a bright colour I love it.

I also got bought several bags - a pink mini clutch and the massive handmade satchel you can see in the picture. I cannot say how much I love it and its size. So on trend too as I saw Agyness Deyn (possibly the biggest trendsetter ever) with a bright green one. I went for one more my style and vintage from zatchels.com.

I also got a Betsey Johnson necklace to add to my large accessories collection. Its a mouse as that's a nickname my mum gave me from a young age. It is so cute in a vintage style and I have already worn it several times.

I got several other presents of sentimental value and that I honestly love and cannot wait to wear/enjoy and can safely say this birthday was one of the best I have ever had. With my best friends I went to Lush and had a fabulous party there with lots of cake and bubbles (not a usual mix) and I have to give credit to the guys at Lush Romford for truly being amazing and honouring me with a LUSH Legends box as a gift. I now own a good proportion of their shop and will always be a loyal customer of theirs. Trust me guys, if you want a good shopping experience and have your life changed, these guys are the people to see.

Also I wanted to share a present I got from my girls ellie and baylee. I think it says everything.

Finally Happy Birthday Me!

Lots of love guys,

Keep wishing,

LDN TEENAGE FASHIONISTA xox

See the light....

Hey Guys,

It's the end of the day here, soon people will be dreaming the future and wishing for tomorrow. I find this time of night, just as the sun sets, my most productive time. This is when I think of the people I want to be near and the things I need to accomplish.

When you see things clearly you can come across some startling truths. You see the truth in your heart and who holds it at that moment. You see the career you will take one day. You see the outfit that will make you great.

I am not materialistic but often my dreams revolve around a person or a thing. Sometime I can't sleep as my mind whirrs with random thoughts so I have to keep a notebook just to make sense of it.

Sweet Dreams Fashionistas,

LDN TEENAGE FASHIONISTA xox

The Day a Modern Prince Married His Princess ♥

Hello fellow fashionable people,

Once upon a time a young Kate Middleton bumped into a Prince of Wales in St.Andrews, A decade later they made their vows in one of the most beautiful weddings the world had ever seen. For fashion this event was to shape the bridal trend as much as Diana's gown had all those years ago.

For the other guests there were many hats like satellite dishes, Tara Palmer Tomkinson took royal blue to a new level with rhino horn hat, Samantha Cameron colour blocked in brilliant green Burberry and a clashing orange cardigan, Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice showed that Vivienne Westwood and Valentino are fabulous but the hats they chose errm not so much and the Queen herself looking radiant in a yellow Angela Kelly dress.

However, what we were all waiting for was that dress, Duchess of Cambridge's (that's her new title - it's Kate btw) Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen wedding dress that stole the show. It was beautiful and jaw-droppingly amazing in every way. With a 50's style it was perfect for the vintage fairytale setting of Westminster Abbey. Catherine the Commoner-no-more wrote a love story and today she won a Prince, no, in fact he won her as she truly is a Princess; Intelligent, Beautiful and Loving.

So with a tear in my eye I welcome to the world a new royal and her man,

One day they will rule England and I will be there to write the next chapter in the best loved story in Britain today...

So here's a toast to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge - Catherine and Prince William, Kate and Wills,

Lots of love, blessings and well wishes,

Princess (in my dreams) LDN TEENAGE FASHIONISTA xox

My Vintage Day in the Angel ♥

Hey Guys,

Today I went to the Angel in London with my mate Ellie and we went round all the vintage shops, it was tres chic! After walking up and down the shops for hours, Lunch at Starbucks and FRAE frozen yogurt I am incredibly tired but never too much to blog for you all.

I wore  a mix of preppy and sporty chic:

^Top: NEW LOOK, Skirt: MISS SELFRIDGE, Trainers: PRIMARK^

I got a really pretty vintage dress for summer and a cool polka dot shirt that I will post when I sort an outfit out for them ☺

Anyway till next time,

Lots of love,

LDN TEENAGE FASHIONISTA & Ellie xox