B E S T I V A L countdown (part IV)

Hurrah, hurrah – I’ve saved the best for last. My pals and I are off to Bestival early to play with tigers, goats, lions and monkeys at a zoo on the Isle of Wight so this be my final entry before we lope. The zoo belongs to my friend’s lovably eccentric auntie. She makes the most delectable pine nut salads and the finest brandy cake – all without a sense of taste as she lost it when she was young. 

* Food drool*

Anyhow, everything about The Cure breeds sweet nostalgia. Love Cats was the theme tune to my first year at university and Just Like Heaven reminds me of my prepubescent sisters and I jumping around the living room when we were small enough to not hit our heads on the pearl lampshade.

So next Saturday is going to be a sweller than swell evening indeed because what isn't there to like about The Cure?

I. SIMPLY. CANNOT. WAIT. 

GET. ME. TO. THE. MUD

Must dash – off to buy a torch and some Simple baby wipes.

Twentysevennames A/W12

They may be half way around the world but the folk over at Twentysevennames have managed to shoot me directly in the retinas with their achingly cool collection.

Twentysevennames shattered all New Zealand Fashion Week conventions – eschewing the traditional runway show for their A/W12 collection and instead opting to show an exhibit of Guy Coombes’s campaign photos.

The chic camouflage and spin on classic striped and checked prints is phenomenally rad. <3

Rokit A/W 11'

Rokit’s authentic retro clothing is a goldmine of vintage treasures. With all the best clothing from eras like the 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s, through to the 60s, 70s and 90s – they accommodate any second-hand aficionado.

The unique London chain has just released their delectable A/W 11’ lookbook. Their English Heritage collection- in all its plaid, tweed and beaded glory- is charming enough to make prancing around all day in a damp, muddy field appealing.  Their feminine polka dot line is equally as covetable – with dainty collars and immaculate layering. And if anything tickles your fashionable fancy then head over here to shop - they even ship worldwide.

a weekend must

The raw realism of the late Corinne Day’s photography was unrivalled by any other fashion photography. Her iconic black and white shots of a teenage Kate before her rise to supermodel status are the most alluringly nostalgic of her shots. 

And now you can admire them – along with her finest work for the once cutting edge The Face magazine - at the Gimpel Fins gallery in Mayfair.

Adolescent Kate is not the only star to adorn the walls of the gallery. Lorraine Pascale, the model-turned-chef, also features along with the Red Hot Chilli Peppers.

 The exhibition runs for the next month, so make sure you pop by this wekend to take a peek at her legacy.

loved up with the lovely Lover

Yesterday Lover unveiled "The White Serpent" S/S12 Lookbook and it's got me thinking about which family member I could sell in exchange for one of those floaty chiffon dresses.

 

The Australian brand have catapulted to fashion notoriety after pulling the  sartorial heart strings of many celebrities. So it's no secret they’ve come a long way from their Bondi market stall roots. 

This collection debuted at Australian Fashion Week to mark the 10th Anniversary of the brand and it's utter perfection.

Designers Susien Chong and Nic Briand have wonderfully crafted simple contemporary femininity. I don’t dare try to pick a favourite piece as there is not one look in this collection that isn't gloriously blissful and spectacularly constructed. 

And if you wanted to know which family member I would trade in it would be my younger sister hands down. Cruel? Perhaps. But she's the only sister I have to contend with when stealing my t-shirts, blouses and dresses.  

B E S T I V A L countdown (part III)

The first time these guys captivated my eyes and ears was back in January 2007. The endearing Metronomy - along with their customised push light t-shirts - were supporting Get Cape.Wear Cape. Fly at the now defunct London Astoria.

Since that snowy evening I have subsequently experienced their idiosyncratic performances and unfathomable dance routines at Underage, a Lily Allen and Friends recording and at Benicassim. Throughout the years their lineup has been revised several times – most recently including former Lightspeed Champion drummer Anna Prior and bassist Gbenga Adelekan. Despite these new artistic influences, this kooky bunch have remained true to their enchanting sounds that are so far removed from reality.

Next week at BESTIVAL is my fourth experience with the inimitable band and gee whizz what an experience that will irrefutably be.

With their third album The English Riviera being released earlier this year, I’m eagerly anticipating buoying along to the seaside melodies of The Look and the hypnotising Love Underline, as well as being charmed by a performance of The Bay.

Excitement aside, there’s a hideous rumour floating around on Wikipedia that the push lights have been replaced by pre-synced chest lamps and I can only pray to the stage Gods of St.Bestival that they’re as magical.

a superfluous splurge ?

 

"I love how your shoes are all just slight variations of each other" my pal Sophie said to me as we departed Sheffield University's journalism department for the final time in June. Yes her statement has a dash of credence but if it took three years for her to conclude this then my definitive shoe style surely isn't palpable - surely? 

I bought these simply chic black Chelsea boots this weekend from River Island. The elastic gusset detail, combined with the sensible two inch heel, makes for a comfortable wear. They are edgy and sure to be the staple of my autumn wardrobe. Unabashedly I’m not used to "wearing in" shoes as I usually source my footwear from eBay. So as I tip tap away I’m endeavoring to mould the exquisite booties to my feet by sitting cross legged on my rug and flexing my toes every four minutes. I cannot stop gazing at them.  

Spot the difference:  

These Pierre Hardy for Gap ankle boots have been loyal, dance proof “partying” shoes for years of dizzying frolics. Yes they're also black, yes they also have the elastic side and yes they also have the chunky heel. But why change a winning formula ?  

B E S T I V A L countdown (part II)

Sunday’s headlining act is irrefutably one of the most spellbinding icons of our time – the devout Goddess Bjork.

*Bravo Da Bank, Bravo*

Playing her only outdoor festival show in the world this year, the legendary songstress will be showcasing her innovative repertoire of songs and some inspirational new corkers.

Featuring an Icelandic female choir and a range of specially crafted instruments such as a bespoke pipe organ that accepts digital information, Bjork’s headline show will push the boundaries of festival experiences.

What a memorable extravagance we have in store indeed. And if she whips out the ole Marjan Pejoski swan dress then I can float on home a satisfied Bestivaler.  

last of the summer sale lusts

1. Checked mini shirt dress, £26, Beyond Retro, 2. Navy dress with cream checked dress, £35, Rokit, 3. Short camel pleat dress, £24, Beyond retro, 4. 1990's short sleeved polka dot dress, £25, Beyond Retro, 5. Spot lace tunic £16, ASOS, 6. Salon 3D embellished crop top, £26, ASOS, 7. Lace pinafore bib dress, £70, TBA, 8. Bouquet embellished top, £17, ASOS.

unbe-leaf-ably magnificent

Lorenzo Duran’s delicate cutaway leaf art is nothing short of spectacular. The Spanish artist uses leaves as his canvas and intricately cuts away segments in a technique akin to those of traditional Chinese Jianzhi, German scherenschnitte and Swiss paper cutting.

The splendour of natural objects inspires Duran to stunningly experiment with his creativity. And the detail per leaf is so complex that I can only marvel at the amount of time and attention each piece must require.

B E S T I V A L countdown (part I)

There are a mere 19 sleeps separating me from attending my third field party of all field parties. Despite marking the end of festival season (pardon the premature lamenting), Bestival is the epitome of escapism and perpetually pushes the boundaries of festival experiences - roller disco arena with Hyperdub anyone?

With too many DJs to compartmentalise into a “must see” list, I thought I’d divulge the live acts who have got me all giddy in anticipation.

The mythical folk that are Hercules and Love Affair are sure to be a spectacle on Thursday with their jacking house and overtly disco vibe.  

Having released their second album “Blue Songs” earlier this year, exclusive twists and treats from this record will no doubt feature in their set - hurrah.

“Blue Song”’s lead single “My House” is already an international club staple and hearing it reverberate through Bestival’s speakers is almost as tumultuously exciting as seeing what dazzling attire they will be donning.

That reminds me - must.pack.glitter. 

snappy snap snap

Photographer Marie-Fleur Charlesworth has been documenting her life with a camera since she can remember. But in the last three years she has turned her artistic hand to shooting fashion.

The London based photographer’s distinctively analogue style is wonderfully nostalgic. So wonderful in fact that she has caught the eye of several publications, with her work having been featured in Stylist, Ballad Of, Random, Pigeons & Peacocks and Ozon.

Extracting influences from Nabokov novels and of Wes Anderson’s Royal Tenenbaum’s family home, it’s no wonder she concocts dreamy, eclectic visions. Marie-Fleur’s images, in all their faded hue and frosted edging glory, conspire to craft poignant, striking portraits that unequivocally stir the soul. 

This dazzling new summer editorial entitled “About a girl” follows a frail blonde pixie on her secret garden frolics.

The styling is immaculately whimsical too – with over the knee socks aplenty, draping white chiffon dresses, rope scarves, frilled off the shoulder tops and paisley maxi skirts. And all of this sartorial bliss is spectacularly accessorised with bold, black balloons for an eerie twist.

playing with podiums

Antipodum's Summer/Spring 2011 

Love the sheer (excuse the pun) perfection of these floaty shirts and skirts. The eye boggling, hand printed jackets and button-down dress look like they've been plucked from a mood board for the stair sequence in The Labyrinth - fantasmical. And the multiple bug prints are a healthy supplement for my not-so-healthy love for bug shaped jewellery.

dreamy

The highly desirable Opening Cermony has collaborated with Hawaiian label Reyn Spooner. And with the campaign shot by the equally desirable Gia Coppola – of THE Francis Ford’s bloodline - this concoction is a juggernaut of inevitable perfection.

This new film entitled “22” features a flock of nonchalantly beautiful teenagers dressed in striking pieces from the brand's creations. And the sanguine, sweet soundtrack by Best Coast cajoles us along in what can only be the most dapper 2 minutes and 17 seconds of film on my Twitter timeline today.

colour my life with the chaos of trouble

1. MOTO Pink Jamie Skinny Jeans, £40, Topshop. 2. MOTO Red Seven Eighths Jeans, £38, Topshop. 3. Acid wash pink jeans, £32, Urban Outfitters. 4. Pink belted peg trousers, £29.50, Dorothy Perkins. 5. Peach belted peg trousers, £29.50, Dorothy Perkins. 6. MOTO Yellow Seven Eighths Capri Jeans, £38, Topshop. 7. MOTO Camel Twisted Seam Tapered Jeans, £40, Topshop. 8. Mint green jeans, £29.99, Uniqlo. 9. MOTO Cornflower Baxter, £40, Topshop. 10. Blue Cigarette Leg Crop Jeans, £38, GAP. 

I own two pairs of jeans and they haven't seen daylight since winter. I find jeans can be creatively constraining and, in times of park lolling, constraining for when those impulses to cartwheel kick in. But these jeans, with their bold hues, inject drama into man's longtime, loyal staple. The rusty pink MOTO Jamie jeans (1.) are at the top of my "Must.Want.Need" list and there is something suitably summery about the lustrous cropped styles. Perhaps these fresh designs will prompt a leg dressing overhaul.

 

baring all

 

So serene. 

These images - captured by Ryan McGinley - are a Mecca of liberating splendour. I cannot stop scrolling back and forth through his collections on his website. 

In the past decade this American’s work has travelled more than a BA pilot - with his creations embellishing the walls of exhibitions in Vienna, Madrid, Milan, Berlin, Amsterdam and Paris to name but a few.

 

The captivating, dreamy filters and wide open spaced backdrops render watching Grand Designs inside on a Saturday morning as the epitome of claustrophobia.

To Black Park I must lope.

lust list

1. Cream flower crochet insert sundress, £34, Topshop, 2. Rose belted high waisted shorts, £30, Topshop, 3. Denim A-line skirt, £7, Topshop, 4. Juniper black block heel court, £15, Topshop, 5. Miss Dior Cherie, £34.99, Debenhams, 6. Dino Tee, £30, Tee and Cake, 7. Retro round glasses, £5, Urban Outfitters, 8. Metal kiss ring, £6, ASOS, 9. Spot shift dress, £35, ASOS.

erdem.wow

It’s back to boarding school cool with Erdem in this luxurious editorial for Because magazine.

The varying brown tones of the immaculate Marni fur collar, chic Rocha jumper, pulled up socks and glossy curls conjure cappuccino-like layering.

The explosive dark paint splashes on the knee-floating dress emulate the wild rages of Erdem's muse - a paint tearing artist’s wife. The glistening gold chains of the Stella McCartney bag and the Louis Vuitton necklace and bracelets inject high-voltage glamour.

Most distracting though are the twisted light and dark copper coloured suede Miu Miu shoes.

My smurf blue v-neck secondary school jumper and black elasticated nylon trousers seem pretty darn naff right now.

thursday finds

Americans are notorious for super-sizing many things but beauty products aren't typically one of them. This new piece of public art weighs 400 lbs and has a 7 ft strand of hair made from powder coated steel entangled through it. This larger than life comb stand was created by Knowhow Shop LA for the city of Roanoke and it probably excites me a tad too much.