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.

Anglomania

Continuing with the theme of 'Internet Shopping', my most recent conquest is my best online buy in a long time, and also my favourite.

Two weeks ago i was trawling the depths of the internet, searching for christmas present ideas, when suddenly i stumbled upon a website which had 500+ designer names and brands, but the best thing was that all of last seasons stock was on sale for 40% off or more.
Me being the opportunist that i am, ran downstairs, grabbed my card and began some festive foraging.
My patience paid off, i found a pair of Anglomania Yellow Tartan 3/4 Shorts in my size.

They arrived a week later (Pretty good on DHL France's behalf) and they were even better in real life.

Top: All Saints

Trousers: Anglomania Ochre Yellow, VW

Boots: Seditionary, VW







I'm planning on buying a plain black shirt when i get back to the UK.
A plain top with these pants is definitely enough. If trousers have a busy print, it's best to balance it out with a neutral top, otherwise you can run the risk of looking like a patchwork quilt.

However i have just ordered a matching bow tie, as i feel it will give the outfit a finishing touch.
I managed to find a fantastic scottish website which has databased every tartan by name and number. A few dedicated minutes later i had managed to find a pretty good match to this Ochre material.

http://www.house-of-tartan.scotland.net/



Once i have the shirt and tie, this look will be a very smart/tidy outfit, something i'm not normally used to wearing (especially shirts) but i'm wanting to branch out more with the clothes that i wear. Broadening my horizons and all that.

Accessories:
So not only did i take a picture of this outfit, but i had the idea whilst putting it all together that i could add a few badges into the mix, just to show that they can be used in many different places on clothes to give different looks.
The only ones i have with me here in France are my 'Prince Charming' set of 6, so i picked the two i felt worked best with the look and went from there.


The thing i love about badges and brooches is the fact that you can put them anywhere. They can be used as a main focal point (Like a belt buckle, or the centre of the chest, like a pendant) or you can simply use them to spread a bit of colour around your look. For instance, i used the yellow crown and the orb because the colours tied in with the tartan. If you're wearing a shirt, you can even put them in the centre of your collar, usually where a tie would go. This is a great alternative to a tie or bow tie.

Squiggle me timbers!

Any fan of Vivienne Westwood can tell you that when you hear the word 'squiggle' you know you're in for some serious Viv-ness.

The print is available in a variety of colours, on different things such as boots, socks, notebooks, tops, dresses, bags and even wallpaper, yes, wallpaper.

It's a print which has been around since The Pirate Collection (1981) and continues to be as successful today as it was back then.
What I like about the pattern is that it is eye catching, unique, instantly recognisable and always gives an outfit an extra 'oomph.'

I recently bought Ben the Red and White Squiggle Pirate Shirt for his Birthday. The shirts are so well made. One size fits all, as you can tuck, pin and fold it to your liking.

Shirt: Red & White Squiggle, VW

Belt: Black and Gold print, VW

Trousers: Anglomania + Lee, VW

Boots: Seditionary Boots, VW






















I tied my belt a little higher than normal, not through the loops of my jeans, but around the top itself. This enabled me to tuck and tie the shirt where i wanted, so i could achieve my desired look.
I wore skinny jeans as i knew the shirt would balance the outfit out, with it being over sized and baggy.
The chunky boots contrast with the skinny jeans to make more of a statement. Plus, in my opinion, the straps and squiggles go together really well and give a very 'Westwood look'.


The 'Skull Keyring' was attached to my skinny jeans when i bought them. I added this to my belt to add more texture and depth to the outfit. The gold and black tie together well with the belt, jeans and shoes.
I love how this outfit has lots of different textures, prints and things going on.

'Organized Chaos'

Winter Warmers

Winter is once again upon us and I for one never normally dress for the cold.
Maybe it's because i'm a Northener, but i've never been a huge fan of gloves and scarves. That was until i got an idea in my head . . .

I don't have a clue where it came from, but a few months ago i woke up one day and said to myself: 'I NEED a mega thick scarf for winter.' And since then, it's all i've been able to think about.

Now you may laugh, but this is actually a good idea; I found a wool throw in a homeware store here in France, it was pretty big, but it was exactly what i had in my mind. So i tried it on and wrapped it around me, it actually looked pretty good. However, that was where my good fortune took a nosedive.
Once i'd found out the price (€50) I decided i'd 'go away and think about it', because i figured if i waited i'd find exactly what i was looking for, plus i'm pretty big on impulse buying. After almost an hour of humming and harring i decided to go back and buy it. In the hour i had been away, someone had purchased my 'soon-to-be scarf' Not a good afternoon was had by neither myself or Ben (On my moody behalf)

So i gave up and started knitting. Yes, knitting.
I taught myself from video tutorials on Youtube, however realised how long it was actually going to take when six hours in i had knitted about 3 inches. I still enjoy doing it when i have spare time, but i don't think i'm quite ready to be knitting sweaters yet :/

FINALLY, after giving up all hope, by total fluke, i found this:

Pretty much exactly what i had in mind, except it is a snood.
€15, H&M.
Job's a good'un, bish-bash-bosh, Bob's your uncle.



Earring: Heart Orb, Vivienne Westwood

Watch: Market Stall, Leeds





This look is perfect for indoors or out, the chunky scarf gives such a warm look and feel to the outfit, it changes the shape of my silhouette pretty radically. It was the perfect statement piece i was looking for.


Coat: Witches Hoodie, Anglomania
Vest: Topman
Snood: H&M
Trousers: Topman
Shoes: Converse

The Cream Team

Beige, Creams, Pastels and Pale Browns are colours i really like to wear, for two reasons:

1. They make my eyes look brighter blue (Bit of a gay reason, i know, but you've got to make the most of what you've got, ha!)
2. They make me look waayyy browner than i actually am.
   I especially love this now that it's winter, because the only sun my skin is going to see over the next few months is a healthy dose of St Tropez's bottled finest.
   
   
   So, for this look i wanted to show a more toned down style. This is an outfit i'd probably wear for the High School. It's not as 'eccentric' or 'unusual' as some of my other looks, however i still feel it has a personal touch to it.

T-Shirt: Climate Change, Vivienne Westwood

Trousers: H&M

Belt: Skull, River Island

Watch: Random bargain I managed to pick up from Leeds Market for £3

Boots: Unbranded






















This entire outfit apart from the watch and belt was bought by Ben, however we share and share alike in the clothing department :D
Plus i've mentioned before about my 22kg luggage allowance, so a lot of my clothes will be making a cheeky reappearance for the next few weeks, until i get the chance to change them when i go home for Christmas.

Outfit 2
Again with the cream!
This outfit i actually bought whilst out here in France.
Now believe it or not, it's not true what people say about the French. They're not that stylish when it comes to designer brands, especially in the south.
However, i've managed to find the odd little 'diamond in the rough', or just bought it online . . .

I found a great website a few weeks ago: http://www.thenewyooxer.yoox.com/eng/index.php/post/9952/vivienne-westwood-for-greenup/
Basically, good old Viv in her quest to slow Climate Change has created the original ‘Tree-Shirt’ for yoox.com, supporting GreenUp’s European reforestation program.
Their motto is:  “buy a Tree-shirt, plant a tree!”
So that's exactly what i did.


T-shirt: Tree shirt, Green-Up
Jeans: Anglomania+Lee, Vivienne Westwood
Boots: Seditionary Boots, Vivienne Westwood

Skinny jeans normally aren't something i'd go for. They can be very 'hit and miss', it totally depends what you wear them with. Luckily for me i don't have 'sparrow legs', so when i saw them in a random boutique in Aix-en-Provence, i took it as a sign. (That, plus the fact that they were on sale)
So i tried them on, much to the disapproval of the sales assistant, who tried to usher me back into the men's section a number of times (you've got to root around if you want to find the good stuff)

 Surprise surprise, they fit! So that was me in a great mood for the rest of the day, plus i got a free 'key ring, bag charm, whatever-the-hell-I-want-to-use-it-for' skull thing, which i've already used for many a different thing.
I wear a baggier/larger top with skinny jeans to balance out my silhouette, so i don't look like a bean pole. Skinnier on bottom should be balanced with bigger on top and vice versa.

Finally, my boots:

I absolutely love these! Vivienne Westwood Seditionary Boots.
I bought them a while ago in Leeds and have definitely worn them in. The bottoms are made out of rubber, unlike the originals which are made from leather, but they're easily the comfiest shoes i own.