Yellow Fever

Being such a big fan of prints and patterns, i decided to put this outfit together . . .



Yes, it's a little chaotic and heavy on the eyes, but i actually like how congruous the look is.
The vest is an Active Resistance scribble piece from Vivienne Westwoods 'I am expensiv' range, it features a few of her slogans and images from the line up erratically scrawled all over the vest.

The trousers are the same ones i posted a few months ago. From the Anglomania range, they've had a good wear in already.

I added the braces and handkerchief just to give the outfit an extra tszuj.The shorts don't have belt hoops, or anything like that. Not that they need them, as they're pretty high waisted, however i decided to add the braces to give a more chaotic look. Plus the handkerchief at my stomach is a different way to make use of something you wouldn't normally put there, totally for decoration, but giving you a more unique result.


Vest: I am expensiv, Vivienne Westwood

Braces: River Island

Trousers: Ochre Anglomania, Vivienne Westwood

Handkerchief: Yellow Lion Head, Vivienne Westwood

Boots: Black Pirate boots, Vivienne Westwood



Scarves & HandkerchiefsI bought this handkerchief quite a while back and to be honest, I haven't really used it much.
The yellow in the photo has been washed out by the flash, but i assure you it is bright. I've always liked yellow and blue together, maybe it's a childhood influence from Saturday mornings watching X-Men, but when i saw this scarf, it was kind of bought on a whim, i figured i'd find a use for it in the future.

I was back home in England for Christmas, so Ben and I decided to hit the sales. Usually we avoid Topman and Topshop due to everyone ending up looking like clones, but we decided to have a look in anyway.
The clothes weren't the best, but we found that a lot of the pieces of jewellery were actually pretty decent (Designs, not quality)
So after looking around a little while, i discovered a Lion Head Brooch which looked like an antique door knocker. My friend had a necklace very similar which i've always admired, so i took an instant liking to it and bought it. Not realising that when i got home i would find that it worked well with the scarf i had bought from Vivienne Westwood some months back.

So for this photo i put the two together, continuing with the pattern theme I used a harlequin print vest to add more print to the photo.

Vest: Harlequin, Vivienne Westwood
Brooch: Lion Head, Topman
Handkerchief: Lion Head, Vivienne Westwood

A Non-Viv Related Post

As the title implies, i'm going to show some outfits which don't contain any Vivienne Westwood or big designer names.
I have explained previously that i like to mix designer with other brands. Recently i've been moving away from this process due to the fact that i've only really been buying things with a name on them. Not intentionally, it's just happened that way.
So i've decided to show some outfits i've put together without using any designer names, maybe the odd high street store here and there, but mostly just clothes i've had for a while, picked up online or found in small boutiques.


I wore this outfit for school last week (minus the socks.)

They have a pretty casual dress code, even for teachers and assistants. I find it difficult sometimes when getting dressed as i have to contain myself from wearing anything a little too 'out there' at the school.
For those of you who don't know, i'm currently an English Language Teaching Assistant in a high school in the south of France.

The students are really polite, but i do get some stares from time to time. Even this outfit couldn't be further from the french style of jogging bottoms and a sports top.

T-shirt: All Saints

Dungarees: Diesel

Socks: American Apparel

Boxing Boots: A Christmas Present from Ben's Mum and Dad






For me, this is a pretty average look, it doesn't thrill me to the point of joyous dancing, but it's something i put together nonetheless.
I also tuck the top of the dungarees inside the trousers so they look like an everyday pair of black jeans. In a way, it gives you a second pair of jeans for the price of one.

Instead of a coat . . .

Lately, i've been getting bored of the two coats I have here in France, yes, two! They're not a necessity, because it's still fairly mild, but it's always good to have one just in case.

This is one of my newest purchases. An idea i had about 6 months ago, but haven't been able to find the right one until my trip back to England for Christmas.

Shawl, wrap, large scarf. Whatever you want to call it, it's a great thing to have.

This one in the picture is a £14,99 tartan shawl from H&M. It was perfect for what i wanted it for. A large scarf.
But if you want a particular pattern/material and can't find it in a shop, why don't you try fabric stores? A simple metre of cloth can be turned into a really cool looking scarf/shawl. Aslong as you wear it with the confidence like you're meant to be in it, no one will even second guess you. 

You can wear it over a coat, to add texture and layers. Under a coat as a scarf, again adding pattern and textures. Or even on its own over a t-shirt.
I pin it on one side (ignore the badges, i'm aware of the title of this post)
You can use a simple safety pin, even a paper clip, to pin the material in place.
Personally, i use pins and badges, as they give my outfit a bit more personality.

Girls get away with this look better than guys. It looks sophisticated and chic, when dressed up. Or even dressed down and casual, it's still a different and stylish accessory to own and wear time after time.


Laid Back/ Gymming it
These outfits are normally things i'd wear for the gym, or just lazing around in on a chill out day.

This outfit is literally theeee comfiest thing to wear on a lazy day. The top has a fleece/felty lining and is really warm, plus the bottoms are carrot cut and fit perfectly. I always tuck the socks over the bottom of the pants to 'seal them off'. It's like wearing a cocoon.

Jersey Top: River Island Sale





Jogger Bottoms: Topman





Socks: American Apparel

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This outfit is a little more styled up than the previous. I'd still wear it for a casual day or for the gym, but it's something that could easily be jujjed up with a few accessories for a night out.

The top vest used to be an XXL t-shirt before i took a pair of scissors to it. I cut down both sides and stitched them back together to give a baggy fit on the shoulders, yet fitted at the sides. I love the image on the front of the old movie poster for 'Faster Pussycat, Kill Kill.'

I double the vests to give more texture and pattern to the outfit. The colours tie in together and complement eachother quite well.

Under Vest: Topman

Over Vest: Vintage T-shirt

Jogger Bottoms: Topman

Socks: American Apparel

Shoes: Christmas Gift

Jewellery

If you haven't already guessed, I am a huuuge fan of accessories and jewellery.
 It can totally finish off an outfit or give a look that 'extra something-something'.

I know I talk a lot about Vivienne Westwood. It's fair to say that she is definitely one of my favourite designers. I look at her merchandise in a totally different way to other clothes and designers produce. Stepping inside one of her shops, for me, is like entering an art gallery. I'm instantly overcome with excitement, my senses prepare themselves for a creative feast. The materials, cuts, prints and even smells are unlike any other. When I step foot inside, I want to see everything. Appreciate it all. I want to see how it's made, how it looks on the hanger, the reasons behind the use of prints and patterns.

I'm pretty proud of my collection so far and how it's growing. Buying a new item is like welcoming it to the family. It's exciting. I'd rather pay that bit extra for something unique and well made, than £10 for a generic, mass produced t-shirt from Topman.

So yeah, I love the entire brand. In a way, the house of Westwood is my vice. I'm not a smoker, or a gambler, but this is what I could imagine the addiction to be like.


However . . .

A flaw i could pick at, would have to be the jewellery.
I understand that costume jewellery is better for designers to manufacture for price reasons, but if you're not really careful with it, it gets damaged. I have bought Westwood jewellery in the past and loved it. But it can easily tarnish.

It's only really been over the past two years that i've started becoming a fan of Alexander McQueen.
Yes the jewellery is costume, but from what i've collected, i've noticed that it's really well made.

My favourite McQueen has to be my four finger winged knuckle duster.
I bought this almost two years ago, it was my first ever McQueen purchase. I have recently found out that they have been recalled due to them being considered a weapon. Plus, the house of McQueen were sued by the Hells Angels for 'copying' their winged logo. They even forced them to recall and destroy rings which had been sold to customers, so it's no longer available or in production.
I don't have a proper photo of it because i couldn't bring it to France due to customs confiscating them. So this one will have to do for now . . .

Hells Winged Knuckle Duster: Black Swarovski Crystal Eyes, Alexander McQueen






OutfitRight, i'll get on with the outfit now.

For this look, i wanted to show that by simply using a patterned trouser and plain top, you can create and add to your look with extra detail and texture by adding accessories.

I included arm warmers and necklaces to the outfit to give a more personal stamp on the look. I like adding accessories and feel more myself when i have different textures and layers in an outfit.


Vest: Chanel logo


Arm Warmers: Black Wool


Trousers: Grey tartan, Vivienne Westwood


Shoes: Black Seditionary

Necklaces from Top to Bottom

Skeleton, Vivienne Westwood


Gold Teeth, Sakdidet Road


Large Orb Tag, Vivienne Westwood


Bronze Chain


Gold Safety Pin and Coin, Alexander McQueen

Bracelets

Grey Leather + Charms, Pandora


J G Bolts, John Galliano


Gold Teeth, Sakdidet Road


Skull and Cross, River Island


Gold Skull Swarovski Eyes, Alexander McQueen













Rings
[Left to Right]

Fold out Knuckle Duster, Vivienne Westwood

Rebel at Heart Skull, Thomas Sabo

Silver Orb Token, Vivienne Westwood

Silver Russian Wedding Band, Independent Jeweller

Mad Hatters Top Hat, Disney

Copper Disc, Topman

White Skull, Topman

Double Wrap Around Skulls, Alexander McQueen

I have a lot more jewellery in England, however left it there due to only being allowed to fit my life in a suitcase. I'll post a blog in the future on how to combine certain jewellery and use it as other things for an outfit.

Gold Teeth, Sakdidet Road:I use these as both a necklace and a bracelet. They also go really well under the collar of a shirt in the place of a tie or bowtie. I hope that this piece is a first of many. The company have a fantastic selection of unusual and unique jewellery, the majority made from brass at very decent prices. Here is a link to their website: http://www.sakdidetroad.dk/
Or you can find them in most Harvey Nichols stores around the UK

Pirate Heart

Here's a quickie . . .

T-shirt: Heart, Anglomania + Lee

Trousers: Tweed

Belts: (i) Black and Gold print, Vivienne Westwood

(ii) Grey tartan, Vivienne Westwood

Boots: Tan Pirate boots, Vivienne Westwood

Handkerchief: Cat and Dog, VW

I wore this look because it's fairly simple. I added the two belts to give extra pattern to the outfit.
The handkerchief was a last minute addition just to brighten the outfit a little more.

My Pirate boots look like they've been pretty battered. You wouldn't think it by looking at them, but i actually take good care of them. I prefer them looking old and worn. In my oppinion they look better once someone has worn them in.
These boots were my first ever pair. They're around 3 years old.
You can fasten them any way you like and they'll always look great.
I'll do a more detailed post on boots another time. Talking about how to look after them, why you should get them properly soled and how to age them when they're new, etc.

Propganda

A few years ago, I saw a really unusual pair of pirate boots that I loved.They were cut from a pale blue material with huge 'Propaganda' written over them. I instantly took a liking to them and told myself that I needed a pair in my life. Unfortunately for me, I had seen them in an editorial and pretty much assumed that they were one of a kind.

Two months ago, whilst doing my online christmas shopping (sticking to my 'one for you, one for me' mantra) I happened to stumble across the exact same boots. They were going for £600. Now, I know I said I needed them in my life, but even I can admit that there comes a time you need to stop yourself before you spend your rent..

I e-mailed Lisa at Worlds End to ask her if she knew where I could get a pair. I couldn't believe my luck when she replied. Not only did she know of the boots I was talking about, but she told me that in the 'non too distant future' they would be making an appearance in the shop. I was chuffed.

Fast forward over a very hectic (but AMAZING) Christmas and New Year. Ben and I visited Worlds End whilst we were in London. They had the shoes in! I had to decide between a drunk denim shirt and the Propaganda boots. It was a no brainer. I bought the boots. (Along with a t-shirt, which i'll upload in another post.)

 

'Propaganda' Pirate Boots, Worlds End


Too fast to live, too young to die
I put this outfit together pretty quickly, but I liked the end result.
The jeans are high waisted, but on the reverse side of the material they are lined with 'iconically Viv' blue squiggles. After experimenting with the jeans; trying to fasten them in different ways, wearing them lower than normal as drop crotch, etc, I discovered a great way to fasten them which would show off the lining on the reverse side.



T-shirt: Too fast to live, too young to die, Vivienne Westwood
Jeans: High waisted/ Drop crotch, Anglomania + Lee
Boots: Propaganda Pirate Boots, Worlds End

I folded over the waist band and fastened the jeans in an asymmetric way. It gives a quirky look to the outfit by adding more texture and pattern.