I am the Resurrection

They say if you’ve lived in a city for 8 years then you can class yourself as a local. So if this is the case, then I guess I would be called a scouser? However, style wise, do I want to be?

In the sixties Liverpool was known as a city at the heart of trend setting and style. Yet these days, from an outsider’s point of view, Liverpool style is viewed as over done, orange, shell suits and fake. Now, I don’t have fake hair, my eyelashes are my own and I would class myself as pale if not pasty and pretty much everyone I know, that lives here, is the same as myself. And yes, from time to time the odd orange person does pass me in the street but don’t they inhabit every town centre? So why is there such a stigma in Liverpool? I cannot answer the question, I can only raise the debate, and give you my own personal spin on why I feel it’s time the myth about Liverpool’s shops and style is broken.

Since moving to Liverpool I have never been so inspired by style. My personal style has evolved and grown over the years, thanks to the many cultures that inhabit the city, there is a vibrant individuality amongst its people. There is so much music and art and music breeds fashion. Steeped in history the shops are also thrilling and interesting places to be, with a bustling vintage demand running throughout the city.

Out of the many fantastic places to shop in Liverpool, Resurrection is the stand out store. Resurrection began life as a little vintage shop in Quiggins, Liverpool, and has now over a few years developed into a 3-floor mega store. Still based in Liverpool, Resurrection has now relocated to the very trendy Bold Street. The store has a strong identity selling both to men and women, shoes, bags and accessories.

Resurrection stocks an array of garments, ranging from one of a kind vintage dresses to independent labels, and even clothes altered by the staff themselves. The basement and ground levels of the store are dedicated to men’s clothing selling brands like - Converse, Ringspun, and Ben Sherman. The ladies clothes are on the top level and apart from the fantastic section dedicated completely to vintage shoes, clothes, bags and coats they also sell Lipsy, Peoples Market, Sugarhill, and Religion to name but a few.

Myself I have been a customer for many years and with the electric vibe and friendly staff it’s a place that makes you want to continuously return to for that once of a kind piece. So if you ever visit the city be sure to stop by Resurrection to get a piece of Liverpool style and I guarantee not a shell suit in sight!

Chck out there website or follow them on Facebook

It's all in your Head.

Normally I don't seem to get any post, it all arrives for my very important boyfriend who has a proper job and therefore real mail, as appose to me who only seems to receive PCR (actors magazine) Grazia subscription and my pay checks, which really aren't all that interesting!! So you can imagine my pure delight when a big parcel arrived for me all the way from the states!! It was my delivery from Whichgoose. I first discovered her blog - in which she discusses her general happenings like moving house, how she's decorated it, what inspires her and such.

Whilst perusing the blog I discovered her ESTY shop, and I am so glad I did! She makes the most stunning nature inspired crowns, hair combs and fascinators, all hand crafted by the lady herself.

Her pieces are truly beautiful, very sturdy and all so individual. I am attending a wedding this sunday so I ordered from her the stunning Twig Wire Vine Crown and also the Ophelia Wire Hair Band. I am not sure which one I will be wearing this Sunday, but I know for sure I will be buying from Whichgoose again, I have my eye on several other pieces!

Check out her fantastic store on ESTY.

Ps - I am soon to be heading off to Edinburgh for a month as I am performing in a few shows up there for the fringe, it's all very exciting as it is truly the most vibrant place to be for the month of August. However I have decided to maybe post a picture each day, for the entire month, of what I wear whilst I am there? Let me know what you guys think? something you'd like to see?

A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Opera

My wonderful mother turns 61 this thursday, so instead of the usual BBQ at our house, I decided to take her somewhere really special, I took her to see Rufus Wainwrights debut Opera 'Prima Donna'. I guess you could say it was a selfish good deed... in the sense that my mum absolutely loved it, however it is me that is the massive Rufus Wainwright fan to the point that I named our family dog after him... a compliment, as we really do love the big, clumsy, mutt that is Rufus (the dog, not the man!)

I wore a vintage 40's salmon pink button over dress. I was in a show in my first year of drama school and that dress was my costume... I guess I must have liked it, as it now resides in my wardrobe and they sure as hell didn't give to me as a parting gift once the show was over!! I teamed it with my baby blue with pink heart, Vivienne Westward jelly shoes and a lovely vintage brown holding satchel that my friend got me for my 19th birthday.

Looking the part my mother and I took our seats and as usual the talk turned to what people were wearing and how it is a shame that people no longer dress up for the Opera, like they used to... just as I was saying this, a man walked in to the theatre wearing a top hat, complete with septa, and the most beautiful pink floral patterned jacket decorated with broaches. He proceeded to walk right over to us and after spending a few moments looking for his seat he sat directly in front of us just two rows down...I turned to my mum and said ' look now see, he looks the part... oh my god... it's him... it's Rufus Wainwright!!' I couldn't believe it, I am not one to be star struck but for me this was quite a sighting, this man is not just a musician, he's an artist, he talks to you through song, he's a creative force and a contributer... and he was sitting in the audience at his own Opera just two rows down?!

My god he looked delicious, utterly eccentric, yet kitsch and classic all at the same time. As I sat gazing at the back of his head I was almost horrified when my mothers head came into my eye line. She was stood talking to bloody Wainwright! 'Sorry to interrupt Rufus, but I bet you've

never had this said to you before... we named our dog after you!! (Thank god she didn't show him a picture of the big bumbling mutt!) 'Oh my God' shrieked Rufus, 'Thats fabulous'...

Bless him for being so kind I am sure deep down he was as horrified and scarred as me!

His Opera was as wonderful as he, and as the lead diva sang the line 'I give you my autograph, my last act as an artist', I felt glad we never asked him to sign a crummy piece of paper or the lid to the box of our minstrels... him sitting in the audience showed he's just a normal man trying to live his life... as I dropped my mum home, I saw an excited tale wagging through the reflection of the door, we have Rufus the dog but at least I can say I met Rufus the man!

Occasion Dressing.

I remember when I was about 17 years old and I was going through my ‘be different’ phase, which involved me being ever so slightly non conformist when it came to an ‘occasion’. I chose to wear ball gowns in the day and jeans and scruffy tops of an evening. Round about this time we had a family christening, and I arrived to the merriments in jeans and a hole ridden t-shirt, much to my mother’s dismay, and she still talks about it today, how ‘occasion dressing is the key to style, and me turning up in jeans and a worn out t-shirt just showed how little idea I in fact had’. At the time I thought I looked effortlessly cool, but looking back…my mum had a slight point. I was dressed completely wrong for that particular occasion due to who was there and the venue we were in.

My style has evolved over the years for the better, hopefully. I still have the non conformist within, however I do tame the beast when attending someone's wedding or a celebration of the birth of their first child! I now wear lots of vintage, I dress up lots, very feminine and even though I don’t dress like this at the moment, I admire the way Alexander Wang creates that effortlessly cool effect in which his models look incredibly casual even when wearing a evening gown.

Summer is all about occasion dressing, or dressing right for each event you are attending, and if like me, you don’t like to wear the same thing twice then you really need to have a gander at Moonspark.

Moonspark stocks an array of dresses suitable for all summer happenings BBQ’s, walks in the park, festivals, picnics & party’s.

A personal favorite of mine from the website is this stunning Mina Lace Babydoll dress -£79.99. The lace, leaf detailing is utterly stunning and the embroidered trim and baby-doll style gives this dress and incredibly feminine finish. I am attending a casual garden party in a few weeks, and thinking this dress may just be perfect for that. I would team this with a bright block colour shoe, maybe hot pink, turquoise or bright red? The same with the handbag, however I would clash the colour of the bag to the shoes. I would then add a head piece to this look and finish with a vintage cape. Alternatively you just just put some gladiator sandals to this look and it would become an utterly charming day dress.

I remember when I first met my boyfriend, I went to a warehouse party - which much to my dismay turned out to be more like a rave, and I remember looking completely out of place in my vintage ball gown! However now, I would wear this off the shoulder Lipsy Zebra Print dress, £64.99. This electric multi couloured zebra print dress, is ideal for a summer evening out, weather attending a 'rave' or simply heading out to a bar, I would team this with a high thick gladiator shoe and simple accessories.

If you are attending a summer BBQ or casual house/garden party this summer, this lovely Full Circle 'Ginni' shift, dress £52.99 is perfect. I would add a thick rustic vintage brown leather belt with matching sandals.

All items can be found at Moonspark, plus by typing JLB20 into the discount tab at the checkout you get yourself 20% off. Also click on the highlighted links to taken to pages for the selected items.

Tea Party

I feel like for the last two months all I have done is work, work and more work! I have lived and died in my horrid work uniform, that consists of heavy black trousers, a red long sleeve top, a horrendous black gillet and finished with an embarrassing mexican hat! Not a good look, especially in the stunning weather we are currently having!

However, amidst all this work, there has been some play, I turned 26! Joy of joy! I figured instead of drowning my sorrows alone, I may as well make an evening of it and invite a few people around and get drunk with them instead. The day of my birthday was a pretty bleak day due mainly to the fact that not only did I discover 3 new wrinkles, but I also got ROBBED! Mugged whist at work! My brand new phone, along with a little dignity was stolen as I ran up the street, in flip flops, after the thieves shouting all sorts of profanities!

However I couldn’t dwell on my mugging for to long, I had to wipe my tears, fix my broken flip flops, pick myself up and host the English themed tea party I was planning to have that evening for my close friends & family to 'celebrate' me getting older. I had spent 3 days previous gutting my apartment, for quite a laid back person I turned ever so slightly physco trying to get it perfect for the tea party occasion. I had bought some beautiful hot pink tea roses for the dinner table; I also picked up some lilies for the window ledges of the apartment and my personal favorites Peonies. 
I was serving only light snacks for the guests nothing to heavy, as we were heading out on the town for lots of dancing so I didn't want to over-face people. I had bowls filled with jelly beans and gummy bares and lots of different shaped chocolates. I made cucumber sandwiches, and French Fancy’s which were scattered all over my apartment... no party is complete without French Fancy's.

Pimms with Champaign was the drink of the evening. I chopped up fruit and placed it into a vintage tea pot and then placed the pimms and some ice into that – I thought it was a nice addition to the table plus looked kind of kitsch when pouring it into peoples Champaign flutes! The piece de la resistance had to be my cupcakes! I bought some food dye and iced them all in different colours, placing little roses, decorations and cherries on top.

If you are thinking of doing an English themed tea party your self, may I suggest a few things you must include;

Firstly you must look the part Looking Glass is a website that stocks the most stunning handmade, vintage inspired clothing. Inspired by Alice in Wonderland, the cloths are often floral, kitsch and incredibly feminine. The two dresses from the site, that I would suggest as perfect outfits when hosting a tea party is the; The Rose dress, £45.00, a 1950's style pocketed dress with a full skirt and slashed neck. The Gloria dress, £46.00, a floral tea dress made from chiffon with a full skirt and frill sleeves.

Be sure to have pimms, cherries, cupcakes, and cucumber sandwiches and as many kitsch looking jelly sweets you can get your hands on. I also have Laura Ashley floral place mats and napkins, which can be a nice finishing touch. Tea roses and pastel colours also add to the theme!

We ended up having a fantastic evening however it didn't end looking as classy as what it did when it began.

A True Carrie Gal

Like every girl on the planet I love Carrie, the character famously created by Sarah Jessica Parker, for the cult TV programme that was Sex in the City!

When I first moved away from home to go to drama school, I lived next door to the most wonderful vintage store that weighed the clothes so there began my love of very light, very cheep, vintage clothes and also the start of my ever growing vintage collection!

Now, I also love shoes, bags and all the other stuff that goes a long with creating an outfit, however I must admit, unlike Carrie, I don’t spend thousands on shoes! I wish I could, but unfortunately I don’t earn the funds, I don’t have the overdraft extension and I don’t have an understanding bank manager. So I always spend on my dresses, however my shoes are often a second thought…. not anymore!!

I purchased a lovely pair of Vivienne Westwood shoes and in true Carrie Bradshaw style; they are to be worn with my £20.00 hot pink vintage dress!

Mama Was A Rolling Stone – wasn’t she just!

So, as you know, I am pretty new to blogging however, I am not new to fashion and all that comes with it! So when I began blogging I started scouring blogs, online magazines, and online fashion stores, just to see what it is all about and gain some inspiration and ideas. Whilst stumbling, I stumbled upon this little gem! 

Mamma Was A Rolling Stone is ran by the very talented Bryna, a lady from Australia who has migrated over to America this January, not only does she run her own blog Mama Was A Rollin Stone but she is also the owner and creator of  an online store that sells vintage and vintage inspired clothing and accessories, called Rolling Stone Vintage Clothing. I wont ramble but her stuff is simply stunning, accessible and completely varied. Look and read for yourself…. I interviewed her!!

Tell us a little bit about yourself?

Okay, my name is Bryna. I'm 26. I'm actually Australian but I just moved to America in January. 

What led to you opening your online store?

For three years, I had been living overseas. When I returned to Australia and started to look for a job, I realized I wanted to do something different, something that I enjoyed. I have always loved vintage clothing and fashion and it just seemed like the natural next step.

Tell us about what your store in tales/ sells etc?

We sell vintage and vintage-inspired clothing, shoes and accessories.  We have an emphasis on vintage from the 60s-90s, especially 80s punk and 70s bohemian.  We literally sell everything from an 80s swimsuit to a 70s floral dress to a pair of 90s grunge boots.

Where do you think your love of vintage comes from?

I've always loved fashion. My earliest "vintage" memory is trawling Glebe Markets in Sydney, Australia and picking out these unique pieces to buy. I used to love taking something to school or out with my friends that no one else had.

What inspires you?

I am inspired by travelling, different cultures, fashion, style, good books, music, everything.  Travelling has probably been my biggest fashion inspiration – I have been lucky enough to spend a lot of the last few years travelling and I've never been so inspired.

Describe your personal style

I would like to think it is a kooky mix of vintage and modern, with a bohemian twist on some days and a more edgy, tough vibe on others. My closet is full of floral dresses, knee high boots and jeans.

Do you have a muse?

No one in particular – I am constantly inspired by different people. I love people who have many different things going on in their lives, like Lou Doillon, for example – she paints, photographs, designs clothes, acts. I would love to be able to do a whole lot of different things that I love.

What are your wardrobe staples?

Dark sunglasses, a great pair of jeans, a pair of leather boots, a little white summer dress and some ethnic jewelry.

Do you follow designers, if so which ones?

My long-time inspiration lies with Marni, Balenciaga, Anna Sui and Balmain.  I also love Luella, Etro and Isabel Marant.

Do you shop on the high street, if so what are your favorite stores?

The words "high street" instantly transport me back to when I lived in London!  Living in London, my favorite stores were Topshop (obviously) and Miss Selfridge.  Now I'm in America, I love Topshop NYC, H&M, Forever 21, Urban Outfitters. Plus a billion non-high street stores!

What does ‘style’ mean to you?

True style, to me, means not caring what other people think. I struggle with this myself, a lot, but over time, I build up the confidence to wear what I want.

What is the best vintage piece you have ever purchased?

One of my first ever was a suede bag with fringe – I loved it until it died.  Also, an ethnic tunic and a studded dress that looks like it is straight out of Balmain's latest collection. I've also been struggling with wanting to keep the things I get in for the store – there is a sequined bandage dress that I just LOVE and a red and black leather bandage dress too.

Do you spend at lot of money on clothes?

I definitely, definitely do when I have money – London was an absolute killer for me! At the moment, I'm pretty broke as it all goes back into the business, so I'm struggling on a day to day basis not to go on a shopping frenzy!

Do you collect anything other than vintage clothing?

No, I don't collect anything else. But I do have a rather large box of keepsakes.. I have every train/plane/bus/museum ticket from every place I've ever been.

Do you have any advice to offer anyone wanting to open an online store like yourself?

Sure. Be prepared for many months of doubting yourself, spending money and feeling like you want to throw it all in. And also be prepared to love that you are doing something for yourself, love that you have forged your own path and love that when you get a sale or a write up in the press, it's because of all your hard work.

So do have a look at her fantastic online store Rolling Stone Vintage Clothing and also her wonderful and very informative blog Mama Was A Rolling Stone.

Ps.... Bryna is the model in the pics!

Tis The Season To Be Festiv…al Attending?!

The line-up’s have been announced, the portable BBQ’s are primed, and your trusty wellies are waiting with breath that is baited… oh yes…. festival season is finally upon us my children!!

Radio One’s ‘Big Weekend’ kicked things off in Swindon early May, and if you missed out on that, fear not there are plenty more festivals you can attend this summer!!

Now festivals aren’t just about camping in a miserable field & spending the entire time looking for a plug socket to plug your hair dryer into, it is an experience and one that will change you… me thinks.

I’m naturally quite bohemian, but I got a little high maintenance in my late teens early 20’s, I seemed to constiantly have a can of hair spray attached to my left hand, and I avoided the rain for fear of melting…just like a witch! So when attending Glastonbury last year, you can imagine there was slight apprehension. I didn’t get of to the best of starts either… myself, the boyf and some friends were all meant to be heading down to Worthy Farm on the Wednesday. However I had to finish up filming ‘Secret Diary’s (and the dreaded sex scene!) So when I finally arrived to Glastonbury on the Friday morning, having been plucked, preened, spay tanned, waxed and starved for the last month in preparation for the worst sex scene ever, you can imagine I didn’t exactly fit in amongst all the laid back farmer types roaming around worthy farm! I was greeted by a slightly exasperated boyf – image Woody Harrelson in ‘Indecent Proposal’ but without rubbing off the lipstick part… due to his raging frustration I’d spent the last few days in some compromising positions with another bloke! 

However all my worries quickly disappeared as the vibe simply swept me up and before I knew it I was pissing into a water bottle in our tent and experiencing quiet an insane moment in which some random hippy man washed my hair for me? However before leaving for Glastonbury I had fully prepared, I planned my outfits well in advance, made sure the ensemble suited all weather conditions, I didn’t comprise my style by buying a wet weather coat, instead I invested in a wax jacket which really made all the difference, plus a decent pair of wellies are essential.

Now you have the basics sorted its time to focus on looking stylish! This year I have decided I want to go feminine and a little cleaner, last year I was quite grungy and thrown together. 

So I have scoured the Moonspark website and found some stunning outfits that are going to make my Festival season all the more fabulous.

This stunning Peoples Market Owl Shift Dress is one of the best dresses I have seen in some time! Animal motifs are huge this year and this satin appliqué owl design is no exception. I also love the block colour around the neck and high and cut away shoulder. White for a festival is probably a no-go but I don’t care I’ll be wearing this with my lovely green wellies and woolly socks or if the sun decides to shine ill team it with gladiator sandals or biker boots!

The Sugarhill Leopard Print Pocket Dress is so effortless and easy going…perfect for a festival. It doesn’t matter if it gets creased in you bag you can simply accessorise that to your look. I’d wear this with a long brown leather belt rapped around my waist a few times. Heavy biker boots and lots of long necklaces.

The Max C Silk Baby Doll Dress is to die for! Again another outfit that wont hold creases and doesn’t weight anything so perfect when your slugging up a hill to find a place to pitch your tent. If the sun is out I think this would work with little flat shoe boots, and if the weather isn’t great team this beautiful dress with skinny jeans or thick black tights and your wellies and finish with a trusty wax jacket

All items and more can be found on the Moonspark website and claim your 10% off simply by typing “SUMMER” into the discount tab at the checkout

Happy camping!!

For more festival information follow the links below;

Glastonbury 

Benicassim

Bestival

Isle of White Festival

The Second Coming

For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise again. 

- 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17

Erm…. not quiet as dramatic as the above quotation but almost… well for me anyway! Kate Moss’s second collection of the year has now risen and is on sale in a Topshop near you, and its good guys its really really good…. So good in fact I am currently on the phone to my bank in an attempt to extend my overdraft!!

This collection is based on her long summers spent in Ibiza, festivals, and the intermit finds she has acquired during her long and fruitful life in the fashion industry.

The high summer collection is a lovely mix of animal print, tie-dye, summer sequins and some beautiful limited addition pieces!  Its release is in accordance with payday so nothing (apart from dreaded rent) should be holding you back in your quest for the perfect summer wardrobe. Sharpen your elbows head into town and peruse this exquisite collection…or, sit on your arse, like me, and order from the comfort of your own home!

My personal favourites!!

The Tie-Dye blouse

A stunning multi coloured shirt costing £40.00, is perfect for festival season. I would tuck this into denim hot pants and team with gladiator sandals or my green festival wellies and a chunky brown leather belt. Accessorize with lots of dangling jewellery and a homemade daisy chain headband and festival hair!

 

The Macramé Waistcoat

This would work wonderfully with the above look or, teamed over a little floral dress. It holds quite an expensive price tag £60.00, however it is a statement piece and one that would last…. at least that’s what I keep telling my boyfriend and myself!

 

All over Sequin Cardigan

Perfect for high glamour festivals like Bestival or the Isle of White festival.

 

Weave halter Mini

Another statement piece and perfect for the long legged amongst us, it is simply divine, perfect for any summer holiday. On this occasion I would let the dress do the talking, and team it with my last seasons, black, gladiator sandals.

 

Kaftan Liberty print Dress

One of the many stunning dresses to choose from within the range! Simple hair, simple accessories and simple shoes are all you will need to accompany this outfit. Of an evening a clash colour clutch and skin coloured heels would work a treat.

 

I could seriously go on all day! I will stop there and let you go to the Topshop website and pick some favourites of your own!

Keep a particular eye out for the stunning vests and scarf’s that will be essential to your wardrobe if you are attending festivals this year!

Happy shopping

Fashion Disaster

Picture the scene, a few weeks ago I’m in Urban Outfitters whilst the boyf is trying on jeans. Lingering outside the changing room I have a quick peruse through the leaflets and flyers that Urban Outfitters display. (Bare with me this story is going somewhere!) I notice a flyer for an exciting evening for fashion networking held at the Fact and ideal if you have your own fashion label, if you’re a fashion editor or fashion blogger and just looking to mix and mingle with the right people. Perfect, I thought!! The opportunity I have been waiting for, a chance to promote my blog and hopefully, possibly, lead to me blogging for some independent fashion labels, designers and online fashion magazines as well as the two I already blog for Moonspark and Lookingglass. So I go online, I book my ticket and I get to work getting some business cards made so I can appear all professional whilst I’m there.

So yesterday in preparation I pop into the printers to see if my business cards are ready “not till Wednesday love”… fooking fabulous (the meeting is Tuesday evening)!! Now normally I’d stand and argue with the bloke until one of us was reduced to tears or submission, but on this occasion there was no time, I was now faced with the prospect of hand making…yes hand making 50 business cards! My printer is broke, so we are talking writing them out with my neatest gammy left-hander handwriting! I quickly reverted back to Sian of old, the Sian that did textiles A-level, the Sian that thought she could make anything ANYTHING!!! Inspired, I quickly scurried off to ‘paper chase’, to see if they had something remotely business looking…they didn’t. Instead they had tiny cards with little matching envelopes, lots of ribbons and heart stickers…I purchased the lot!  Like Mr. Wolf from pulp fiction I was home 9 minutes 37 seconds later and before I knew it my evening was suddenly devoted to hand writing my blog address and personal details onto the smallest cards I have ever seen and sticking tacky little coloured hearts all over them for decoration! The whole process took a pain staking 4 hours… the result, 50, not remotely professional looking, ‘business cards’.

So tonight was indeed the big fashionable mingling event, I got all dolled up and with my tacky business cards in toe headed off to the event. However when I got to the main desk, I was asked what enterprise I owned? Erm…. non? I looked around, no one looked remotely fashionable, it was then I was informed that the ‘fashion thing’ was a miss print and this was a business evening of mingling for business owners, market developers and web designers…which means me, a struggling actress who’s trying desperately to leave behind the depressing days of ‘Promo’ (see ‘the return of the chino’ blog for more information on my day job) and trying to turn my blogging passion into a full time career, ever so slightly out of my depth. So that was it… no apologies, no grovelling for the fact they never thought to send an email informing me of the misprint. ‘I made 50 business cards last night’ I explained to the slightly obtuse receptionist ‘by hand’. She was not the slightest bit bothered that I had several paper cuts on my fingers and multi coloured hearts stuck to places one should never get a multi coloured heart stuck! As the devastation engulfed, I turned on my heel, tale between my legs I headed for the exit leaving a heart shaped sticker trail behind me…. but then I thought, hang on…maybe I should go in, ‘mingle’ and just hope to god some other budding fashionista hadn’t been informed of the miss print either! No such luck…

1 person out of the 30 people in attendance has the pleasure of opening my glitter filled, tacky as hell, business card when they arrive home tonight….

So, if you are looking for any information on marketing, business or web design do get in touch… after the two hour seminar I have just sat through, I am quite confidant I can fully inform you on the ins and out’s of customer care, relations within the market place, marking solutions and rejecting business professionally. Information on my future in fashion blogging?... I’ll have to get back to you on that one!

Bloody gutted...

Anyone want a business card?

Two 80's Legends

Last Sunday I was filming a part for a feature film called ‘Reuniting the Rubin’s’. I had originally auditioned for the part of a PR girl, however I ended up being cast as ‘Gill Davis’ a newsreader for TV news. Now, I didn’t have a big part, however it was still a very exciting yet slightly strange experience for me, as it was the first part I had played on TV/film, that didn’t involve me playing the sex object, the bimbo, a sexy receptionist, or, and most frequent of all… a prostitute! So to my complete glee, when on set, I didn’t have to strip down to my bare essentials, with nothing but a teeny tiny triangle shaped plaster to cover my modesty, in front of a 30 strong male cast and crew. There wasn’t one single suggestion of me shoving my face into my co starts groin, and amazingly no one asked me if I wanted daisy shaped stickers to cover my nipples?  Taking nothing away from my part in 'Secret Diary’s of a Call Girl', of course… it was just a nice refreshing change to not have that pressure…

So instead, on this occasion, I got to wear a power suit, however at the time I didn’t think it was…

I had been home the week previous to see if my mum had anything remotely business like for my character ‘Gill Davis’ to wear. Diane instantly looked enthused…darted up from were she was sat and led me straight up to my sisters old bedroom and straight over to the big sliding glass wardrobes…which seemed like a real novel purchase back in 1983, however they are now nothing but a complete death trap, as both wardrobe doors have lost their wheels and have become derailed and dismantled from their original tracks and are now two rather dangerous walls of glass that we have placed rather precariously over the hanging clothes, where in former glory days, they once stood. Once we’d moved the glass doors, mum began to pull out a succession of 80’s, shoulder pad clad, power suits all different shapes and colours and all carefully bagged up and protected. To be completely honest I’d normally of took one look, felt they weren’t right for the budding and ambitious journalist that ‘Gill Davis’ was fast becoming, and just hit the high street to purchase an Audrey Hepburn style, black Dress with a fitted yet quirky jacket. However due to my complete exhaustion, lack of time, and the black whole that is fast becoming my bank account, on this occasion, I had no choice but to let Diane win. So I swept up the dusty suits and headed off to London town.

My pick up time for 'Rubin's' was a painful 6 am, meaning I arrived on set ever so slightly dazed and confused. Avoiding the cooked breakfast BBQ that was taking place near the catering van, I headed to straight over to the costumer department to show them what I had brought and if indeed they thought it would work for “Gill”. To my slight shock the chap in the costume department seem quite pleased with Diane’s selection of power suits, that had not seen the light of day since 1990 when mum worked for Mars confectionery. He went with my mum’s cream, suit skirt and jacket ensemble, with shoulder pads quite reminiscent of Jessica Fletcher’s murder she wrote wardrobe, and paired it with a silk black shirt underneath. Feeling a little vintage…but in the bad sense I headed onto set to film my scene. It wasn’t until I arrived onto the set that I witnessed the true power of the 80’s power suit!

People began to ask me things…important things…. questions! Where to stand? What scene is this? What festivals was this film going to? When was the release date? The time…someone actually asked me for the time! A trivial thing to you maybe but a thing I am never asked. I think people see in my eyes that the time is something, normally I would never know so they never bother asking, but on this occasion I was asked the time!! Of course I didn’t know it, but hell…I was asked and that’s what’s important!

I felt the 80's power suit put me in a good mind frame for the entire day, I wasn't beaten down by the tubes on the way home, I didn't stand in dog muck, I didn't get into a fight or argument with an innocent by stander.... so I say bring back the 80’s power suit, bring it back and wear it proud! Or, if the fashion forward amongst you disagree, then I urge you to wear one in your personal time, every now and then, maybe when your tiding the house, or cooking even? It will enable you to assert importance in to your very essence…and I can grantee you wont regret it!

The other 80’s legend working on this film was Timothy Spall, a hero of mine, that first hit our screens in the early 80’s, and indeed never looked back. 

Bring back the 80's power suit and make Timothy Spall a 'knight' and I think the world may just be a better place...

 

 

 

Wedding bells, Butterfly's and the Perineum

My old friend Wikipedia speciously states that – People marry for many reasons but usually one of legal and economic stability. Well this wasn't the case at the wedding I attended this beautiful bank holiday weekend just gone. The marriage of my close friend Cal and her lovely husband Rob came about for one reason and one reason only and that was because they are so deeply in love. 

The wedding took place on a glorious summers day in a beautiful church setting in Heswall and then resided to the very posh and very grand Thornton Manor, (far to posh and far to grand for the likes of me).

I was up, as usual, with the birds to begin the long gruelling process of getting myself ready. As a collector of all things vintage, when attending weddings I always go full out in the vintage department and this wedding was no exception. I wore a beautiful, vivid, emerald green, vintage dress, that I found in a thrift store a good few years ago.

The embroidered silk and the clean 1950’s cut makes the dress a real joy to wear. I added a tutu to the underneath of this dress to enable the skirt to kick out a little, plus when the evening drew near and the party begins, I was more suitably attired! I accessorized my look with the most feminine hot red, bow, suede shoes, vintage lace gloves and a beautiful 1950’s side hat complete with veil and pheasant feathers and of course, no outing would be complete without the source of all my powers…. my crocodile skin handbag!

My fabulous friend Russell also dressed to impress, with a blue velvet blazer, blue shirt, bright orange dickey bow, sky blue shoes. However when we pulled into the church both Russell and I had slight regrets about our outfits of choice! There were a lot of pastel colours, a lot of elegance, and a lot of class. I suddenly realised I looked like an extra from Bugsy Malone and Russell looked like a balloon making magician. 

Service to say we stuck like glue together all day, praying to god know one mistook us for the evenings entertainment! Before the church service, everyone gathered outside the church, in anticipation of the bridle party, and they didn’t let us down! The bridesmaids wore beautiful vintage inspired ivory lace, dresses with an ivory silk sash that tied under the bust, stunning yet simple jewellery and bouquets filled with pink lily’s and roses. The mother of the bride wore a beautiful mauve fitted dress and jacket with a show-stopping hat in matching colour. The bride herself looked breathtaking, timeless and classic, very reminiscent of Charlotte’s (sex and the city) first wedding. She wore a two tier, silk, ivory gown with the most beautiful embroidered detailing to the front and back, carrying a larger version of the bridesmaids flowers, she looked every inch the perfect bride…. a far cry form the girl that I used eat raw fray bento pie’s with at university. Her hair was elegantly swept off her face and held together by a floor length veil and the other half was perfectly curled. Her look was accessorised with pearl earrings and a stunning pearl bracelet.

After the photos, speeches and food, the festivities really began. Lots of dancing, too much drinking, and the strange moment, in which, I was handed a small cone of fish and chips and a cottage pie (still not 100% sure as to whom gave it to me and why?) As the evening rolled into the early hours and my liver got better acquainted it with its old companion Jack Daniels the conversation took an interesting turn, a particular conversation about the ‘perineum’ sticks in mind…. and I think the less said about that the better! 

Like all good things, the wedding had to end, and as I still try to cure my prolonged hangover the new Mr & Mrs embark on what I hope to be a long and very happy life together.

For someone that, before 2004 had never attended a wedding, I feel I have now made up for that, this wedding being the second of many I am attending this year. The more I attend however, the more I realize that, for me, a wedding is definitely something I am not ready to enter into as yet and wont be, I don't think, for many years to come. However, if I am anything as in love as what Cal and Rob looked on their big day then it will be a momentous and joyful occasion.

 

 

 

 

The return of the Chino?!

I am not addressing all of you when I say this, but some of us have a shitty day job, myself, I am no exception to the rules. When not Acting and Blogging I have to earn a crust, so I do promotions…yup…I’m the person that pesters you in the street to ‘sign up to the gym’, or the gal in the baseball cap in Piccadilly Train Station offering you coke zero at 7am. As well as sampling, sales and leafleting sometimes in promotions we have to don a ridiculous outfit in attempt to promote a product. You name it i’ve worn it. A Gorilla costume quickly springs to mind. I’ve worn an all-in-one, grass green, Lycia body suit, complete with roller blades, kneepads and a helmet, all in aid of promoting Nivea deodorant, yet I think my camel toe was the only thing promoted that day! The promotion that most sticks in my mind, was the Aero, ‘lovely bubbly’, hot chocolate campaign I did a few years back.

Work started at Piccadilly train station at 7am, which meant I would need to leave the house at 6am to get there on time. Now, I have naturally curly hair, which takes extensive blow-drying, normally I’d never wash it night before and go to bed on it wet, but for some reason this particular night I did just that, thinking to myself that I could re-wet it and blow it at 5am in the morning and it would all be fine. So I set my alarm for 5am, only to wakeup at 6.40am!! I darted up out of bed, got dressed and literally just left the house…. not even shutting the front door (my sister actually had to drive round to the house to shut it!). I managed to make it to Piccadilly by the skin of my teeth arriving at 7.05. When I arrived I noticed I got a few funny looks from the other staff members, one guy actually asking if I was ok because, “I looked a little insane”? I excused myself and headed to the toilet and I couldn’t quite believe what was staring me back in the mirror. I looked like Aileen Wuornos from ‘Monster’. My hair was in this crazy, matted ‘crusty the clown’ style, I didn’t have a scrap of make up on my face, and trust me, I need make-up. However things took a slight turn for the worst when handed my work outfit for the day. A mans shirt, brown in colour, and CHINOS! Men’s size 40 waist, chinos, because I was late (by 5 minutes) there were no women’s chinos available, so I was left with the dregs. Matters were made worse by having to ask a particular celebrity, (whom I have a slight school girl crush on), who just so happened to be walking through Piccadilly, if he’d like a “lovely bubbly hot chocolate?” He looked me up and down with slight looked of disgust and fear; he seemed ever so concerned by the crazy, outback, murder look, I was channelling and politely declined!

Service to say chinos and I didn’t really get of to the best of starts. So you can imagine the dread that engulfed my loins when reading this week, in one of my favourite weekly glossary’s, that Chinos are indeed making a come back!

Chinos, the trouser made famous by Bill Gates, your dad, your doctor and your slightly pervy neighbor, are now being worn by fashion icons like Kylie, Selma Blair and Carla Bruni!

So if you are tempted to follow the footsteps of Kylie and Selma, please, please, please follow these simple guidelines: 

·          Buy chinos that suit your shape, don’t just buy them because they are a new trend. If you are a little heaver in the leg and bum department go for a looser fit chino.

·          If you are a skinny mini, you can be brave and experiment with different colours and more of a slim-fit with a higher waist.

·          When wearing your chinos keep to the theme, a floral top just won’t work, so keep it simple yet masculine.

·          Wear a boyfriend cardigan or a sky blue shirt tucked into the chino, white tees and navy tees will complement the khaki colour.

·          Roll your chinos up to expose your ankle

·          Team the look with gladiator sandals in the day and a chunky brown leather heel in the evening.

·          And if you ever get asked to work for Areo ‘lovely bubbly’ simply say NO!

      Chinos are available at;

       Topshop

       gap

       jCrew

 

The Death of an old Friend.

Close your eyes…. I want you to think back to when you were about 13 years old…. what was the one store, that when hitting the high street with your mates on a Saturday afternoon, was as essential to your shop, as 8 hour cream is to your under eyes now? You remember it surely? Think hard think back! The smell when you first walked through the door (kind of like a library but without the books), the racks beyond racks of unorganised cheap clothing, the miserable Saturday girls that so clearly didn’t want to be there? The painfully tight, printed t-shirts they would mass-produce and we would all wear to underage discos?  It was a place you’d buy your favourite dress from, wear it once, and after washing it, would unfortunately shrink and would only be suitable for your Barbie doll’s. If my description baffles you, you clearly have fonder memories of the place then I do… or, maybe not as good a memory as I? The store in question is Bay Trading… good old Bay Trading. God this store almost feels like family to me, I spent so much time with it as a child! 

When I was growing up, my parents didn’t give me pocket money, so I spent most of my childhood attempting to make money by any means possible (like Del Boy but without Rodney and Uncle Albert.) I would wash your car for you, I would knock on your front door, clutching an old mans flat cap, filled with copper coins from my dad’s jeans, and say “ want me to brighten up your day with a little singing” hoping you would indulge me... it never happened! I would sell you homemade Rose perfume however, I would normally have stolen the Roses from your garden minutes earlier! Needless to say, I spent the majority of my childhood pretty skint. However one thing my parents, mum in particular, were always happy to do, was to buy me clothes…one catch, they were always from Bay Trading. I remember every Saturday I’d head of with my indulgent mother to Birkenhead, first stop Bay Trading! This place, and my mother, were single handedly responsible for making me spend my early teenage years looking like mini prostitute. Bay Trading was the only place that indulged my Mel B obsession by stocking a leopard two-piece, which consisted of a tiny crop top, mini skirt and matching headband! There was the bright yellow, lycra ensemble I lived and died in for an entire summer. Not to mention my mock Tommy Hilfiger halter neck dress, that led me to kiss at least 3 boys at the underage disco, AKA, The Planet dance.

However I was struck with a slight glint of sadness to discover that Bay Trading is now going in to administration. It has become the next victim to fall fowl to the credit crunch that is working its way through our high street like a vicious cancerous tumour. Maybe the reason for my sadness comes from this and this alone, or, maybe it’s the fact that I never quite got my vengeance on the place for making me into a leopard wearing, hooker age 13? Yet the more I look back the more I think, compared to all the other 13 year old Bette Lynch’s, (my friends) I always looked quite on trend, quite in fashion and 'well turned out'. So maybe for it's time Bay Trading wasn’t all that bad?

With the departure of Bay Trading, comes the eminent loss of 1,000 jobs across its 268 stores nation wide! This is the biggest grievance of all. The closure of Bay Trading, like Woolworths before it, is sad, for us, because it’s an institution closing, but even worse for those who work there. We still have our memories but they no longer have their jobs.