Chanel-Esque

Chanel, Pearl, Grace, Gold, Classic Appeal

If I was going to have to choose a favorite brand, it would undoubtedly be Chanel. I love their timeless, classic appeal and am inspired by Coco Chanel's own story (which you can watch a series of stunning videos about on their website). 

For my media coursework I had to write an essay on gender representation in advertising, focusing on a particular type of product. I chose perfume and then decided to focus more specifically on a particular brand- Chanel (natch). We then also had to create our own adverts, based on the product we had been researching, and these are my results. 

My perfume 'Pearl' by the brand 'Grace' was, as you can probably see, heavily based on the Chanel N°5 campaigns- I even used the N°5 bottle and just re-branded it. I sincerely hope I did the brand proud.

Grace x

Side note: Mum, if you're reading this... thanks for modelling!

Modern Fifties

50s Glamour, Modern, Pastels, Denim, Retro, White, Blue, Mint

Sunglasses: Topshop, £16

Top: Topshop sale, £15

Skirt: Customised

Jelly Sandals: JUJU Jellies, ~£22

Chunky Mint Sandals: Topshop, £40

Bikini Top: ASOS, £14

Bikini Pants: ASOS, £8

Inspiration- B&W postcard, Tony Ray Jones 'Only in England' exhibition at the Science Museum; the rest from the Photographer's Gallery.

The Jean Formula

Jeans + White T-Shirt + Trusty Boots

Jeans: £40, Topshop

Cropped Top: £8, Topshop

Dr Martens: Pascal Croco Boot in Cherry Red,

£100, Dr Martens Site (cheaper other places)

'If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?' is a question everyone has been asked many times, I'm sure, and probably not answered many times. Can you choose a dish or just one food? Do you have to survive off your choice, or simply enjoy it?

If the question, however, was 'If you could only wear one thing for the rest of your life what would it be?' then the answering would be easy- the jeans formula: jeans + white t-shirt + trusty boots.

The cut might change, along with the length of t-shirt and style of boots- my current preferred combination being blue-washed mom jeans, a white cropped t-shirt and my deep red Dr Martens- but the formula will remain the same.

Grace x

Suit Cravings

Classy grunge, Slim cut, Simple, Pinstripe, Grey check and Black, Topshop

I'm a real sucker for some great fashion photography and Topshop is one of my favourite brands- I honestly think they could sell me a potato sack if they styled and photographed it well. Hey, at least I'm admitting to it! These are some of the best shots I have seen from Topshop in a good while and needless to say, I am now craving a suit and have thought of a whole host of places/events I can wear it to. 

My heart has been stolen by the grey check suit, although I'm not sure I can justify the price tag of £150 for it, so I will be hunting around. Wish me luck...

Grace x

Topshop Unique AW14

Pastel Lemon, Sheer Nudes, Patchwork Fur, Metallic Puffers, Undone, Pointed Shoes

'A palette of buttermilk, ginger, chestnut and champagne tones featured alongside offbeat pops of royal blue and scarlet' - Topshop blog, Inside-Out 

'Rebellious school girl. Fresh easy and cool.' - Topshop blog, Inside-Out

'Made for the achingly cool girl that was well equipped to face the winter chill.' - Topshop blog, Inside-Out

Topshop Unique has been my favourite show to watch every six months since I started watching the shows (on-line) a couple of years back. I am, as is probably obvious from my outfit posts, a big fan of Topshop as a brand and their designs are always spot on. 

This collection is no different with its stunning colour palette, unexpected shapes, 'achingly cool' styling and gorgeous textures. Everything you would want from a show and more.

All of these photos are taken from the Marie Claire website

Grace x

Modern Decadence

Tartan Velvet, Pearls, Gold Accents, Champagne Truffles, White Cotton

T-Shirt: £4, Primark (men's)

Pealrs: £2 Primark

Shorts: £32, Topshop (now on sale)

Hoop Earrings: Part of a £2 pack, Primark 

Boots: £42, Topshop

 Grace x

The Power of The Christmas Jumper

American Retro, Fluffy Kittens, Christmas Cheer, Bright Wool, Electric Red.

Mom Jeans: Black Wash, Topshop

Christmas Jumper: East End Thrift Shop

Necklace: Second Hand, Gift

Earrings: New Look

Lipstick: Velveteen Ribbon, Topshop

I will remember this year as the year I learnt the power of the Christmas jumper. You honestly have more fun just by wearing one, and, if you've got your hands on a particularly good number, it's a great conversation starter. I bagged this American retro knit for £15 at the East End Thrift Shop a couple of weeks back and am dreading when I have to pack it away- I'm really going to miss these kittens! 

So, no matter if you decide to sport a Fair Isle number, an American vintage pullover or a novelty elf/reindeer/Santa/snowman onsie, like many fashion articles have stated in these past couple of months, you will wear a Christmas jumper and you will enjoy it.

Meanwhile, have a very merry- and necessarily cheesy- Christmas!

Grace x

'Automatic, I Imagine, I Believe'

'Automatic, I imagine, I believe'- Thirty Seconds to Mars, The Fantasy

Over the last couple of weeks I've been studying self portraits, and below is my final outcome. It was inspired by the bottom two images, from a collection on Rookie Magazine called 'Creature Fear'. The photos were taken by Eleanor Hardwick, the collage work by Ben Giles. I love the styling in these shots, by Nao Koyabu, especially all of the playful vintage pieces she has put together. The modelling was done by Arvida Byström.

Final outcome and response to 'creature fear'.

Grace x

Soft Autumn

Soft Autumn vibe, ox blood red, subtlety, rough elegance, calm winds. 

In these photos I contrasted the glamorous Gothic necklace and floaty chiffon midi dress with the ox blood Dr Martens and oversize thrift shop tartan coat.

Coat: £15, East End Thrift Shop

Dress: £20, Topshop, sale

Jumper: £5, H&M sale

Boots: £100, Dr Marten

Necklace: £2.50, Topshop, sale

For my eyes I chose warm toned slightly shimmer shades, highlighted my inner corners with a cream shimmer shadow and then subtly lined my eyes with a matt black eye-shadow. My brows are filled in with a medium brown sleek shadow. Lastly, I stained my lips with a highly pigmented old deep red H&M lipgloss.

To get the subtle waves in my hair I put it into two plaits whilst it dried.

Grace x