Halloween Costumes: 90s Edition

I may be having too much fun on Polyvore but I really can’t stop. Help me maybe? Or leave me here, I really don’t mind.

Anyway, with Halloween right around the corner here are some classic 90s character costume ideas for you!

Ah Audrey Horne. What a gal, amiright? Dominating, classy and very, very sneaky, she always looks amazing with an air of the ‘50s about her. Team a pink jumper with a tartan skirt for her classic look, swapping those saddle shoes for shocking red heels to sleuth around in. Add our own beauty mark with some eyeliner and wiggle your tongue to let people know what you can do with that cherry stem!

Tatum Riley had balls. No really: who makes jokes right to the face of an actual killer? Yeah, my point exactly. A neon yellow tee clashes wonderfully with the tartan pencil skirt and don’t forget to put your hair into some cute pigtails or super high pony tail – this is the 90 remember! Get some fake blood (in case someone forgot theirs) and as much beer as you can carry. Wench.

Helga Pataki couldn’t not make an appearance. Spruce up on your football based insults, beef up that monobrow and you’re on your way! A giant sparkly pink bow does wonders with the lighter pink dress and white accessories. And of course, where would Helga be without her heart shaped locket?

Mia Wallace. Dance the night away in a simple white shirt and black jeans. Keep those nails dark, your hair sleek and the prize shall be yours! A longline bra keeps your girls where they need to be and the target sticker is for emergencies only.

Ian Malcolm. Well, why not? Grab anything and everything black, draw yourself a six pack and you too could look like this:

image from here

Well, that about wraps things up for our 90s Edition of Halloween Costumes. I hope you’ve enjoyed it as much as I have. Happy Halloween!

About the writer: Daisy is an irregular photographer, wannabe writer and full time female. In between tea and toast breaks she spends far too much time on the internet blogging, tumbling and tweeting. She is unapologetic in her love of the Spice Girls.

Winter Wrap-ups

We’ve well and truly felt the bite of winter this week and I for one find myself reaching for my mittens and scarf more and more.

But I do love autumn and winter; from getting all snug and cosy and spending the day watching movies on a truly hideous day outside to braving the weather armed with umbrella, furry leopard print hat and wellies. It’s all good, you just have to be in the right frame of mind for it, especially if it starts snowing.

So, here are some winter warmers for you, hopefully they’ll do their job and you’ll be as toasty as anything for winter.

1. First up we have this navy plaid Swagger Jacket from Vivien of Holloway, which is amazing! It also comes in a variety of colours and looks super glamorous yet snugly. Do want.

2. Isn’t this Hooded Duffle Coat from Next cute?! The hood will help you battle against all elements and the navy blue will help you blend in with the rain when you get wet. Cause let’s face it – it’s gonna happen at some point.

3. This casual college jacket from Collectif is perfect for more mild autumnal days and comes in a small range of colours.

4. Now if this faux animal fur coat from Marks & Spencer doesn’t scream “I WILL KEEP YOU WARM WHEN WINTER COMES” then I don’t know what does. Lying carefully between tacky and not tacky this coat is definitely not for the faint hearted!

5. I love grey and although this shade is a little on the light side, this coat from Pepperberry is gorgeous and very much on my shopping list! Full skirts on coats just may be the best thing ever (besides functioning pockets) and this one definitely ticks all the boxes.

6. Now who wouldn’t want a jacket called ‘Wise Owl’? No one, that’s who. Smart, practical and a darker shade of grey, the oversized buttons are perfect – who has time for fiddly little ones when you’re hands are freezing?

7. Last up is this cute as a button Landlubber Cardigan from Hell Bunny. Another one for the gentler days of autumn, the anchor details are adorable and the sailor style neckline is always a winner.

About the Writer: Daisy is an irregular photographer, wannabe writer and full time female. In between tea and toast breaks she spends far too much time on the internet blogging, tumbling and tweeting. She is unapologetic in her love of the Spice Girls

Head Candy

Tired of hipsters walking around with their studded headbands or flower crowns? Yeah, me too. So I present to you dear readers, alternative ways to spruce up your tresses and possible ideas for Halloween which may I remind you is only 34 days away!

 

 

 

1. First off we have these fantastic Retro 3D Glasses Hair Clip by Sugar & Vice. They’re kitsch, colourful and give you the chance to run around like one of Bif’s gang in Back To The Future.

2. Do you like glitter? How about pink glitter? Or pink glitter in the shape of a feather? If yes to all of these, go for this Glitter Feather Headband by Janine Basil. This headband just screams pretty and is available in lots of different colours – if I had the money I’d get one for every day of the week!

3. These Glitter Skull Hair Clips from Sourpuss Clothing are so sweet and the noses look like upside down hearts! (I’m all about noticing the little things.)

4. Feeling spooky? Well this Glow In The Dark Skeleton Hands Headband also by Janine Basil is just for you! Also available as a strand of stars, this glow in the dark headband is a great piece for celebrations, particularly Halloween!

5. Maybe you’re a bit more sophisticated. If so, this beautiful Leopard Print Fascinator from Pearls & Swine should suit you down to the ground.

6. These Glitter Hair Bows by Head Full Of Feathers are available in other colours, but somehow these slightly more neutral ones caught my eye. Here’s my theory: when you’re wearing one, at a first glance all appears normal with your hair, then with a slight turn of your head, the light hits the glitter and all is well with the world. Subtle and brilliant.

7. Next up are these adorable Floral Kitty Ears by Crown And Glory. I have the Liberace version of these and they’re so cute! The floral ones give a wonderful burst of colour and can liven up any outfit/make you feel more cat like. Meow.

8. Last but by no means least is this Glitter Storm Cloud Hair Clip from Luna On The Moon. Also available as a brooch, this slightly more understated storm cloud laughs in the face of our British weather whilst looking magnificent.

About the writer: Daisy is an irregular photographer, wannabe writer and full time female. In between tea and toast breaks she spends far too much time on the internet blogging, tumbling and tweeting. She is unapologetic in her love of the Spice Girls.

Inspiration: Badass Old Lady Hair

I can only hope I look this good when I get older. As much as we hate to admit it, there’s a certain stigma that arises when the word ‘old’ is mentioned. But then there are women like this and of course the fabulous Beatrix Ost out there to show us that getting old doesn’t mean playing it safe or sticking with tradition. Stay weird. Don’t be normal.

Until next time,

Daisy

Bikinis

If you follow our tumblr you might’ve seen the brilliant advice we reblogged a few weeks ago: “How to get a bikini body: put a bikini on your body”. Inspired by that here are a few of my picks for the summer.

1. Panache. Top £31. 30D-38G. Available from ASOS (the ASOS version is slightly different to the top pictured, with a heart replacing the buttons) and Tesco.
Bottoms £16.50. Sizes 8-20. Available from ASOS and Tesco.

2. Miss Selfridge. £26. Sizes 6-16. Available from Miss Selfridge.

3. Pour Moi. Top £24. Available in 32B-36F from ASOS and 30D-38G from Bravissimo.
Bottoms £15. Sizes 8-18. Available from ASOS.

4. John Lewis. Top £12. Sizes 10-20. Available from John Lewis.
Bottoms £12. Sizes 10-20. Available from John Lewis.

5. Zoggs. £35. Sizes 8-22. Available from Zoggs online.

1. ASOS. Top £16. Sizes 8-16. Available from ASOS.
Bottoms £12. Sizes 8-16. Available from ASOS.

2. Marie Meili. Top £14. Sizes 8-18. Available from ASOS. New Look have a few sizes left on sale here.
Bottoms £12. Sizes 8-18. Available from ASOS. New Look have a few sizes left on sale here.

3. H&M. Top £12.99. Sizes 34A-38D. Available from H&M.
Bottoms £7.99. Sizes 8-18. Available from H&M.

4. New Look. Top £12.99. Sizes 6-20. Available from New Look.
Bottoms £9.99. Sizes 6-20. Available from New Look.

About the writer: Catherine is a biology geek by day and cake baker by night. When she’s not in the kitchen you’ll be able to find her writing, tending to her tomato plant or curled up reading one of her many cookbooks.

Roadkill or Beauty?

I stumbled upon this article while reading the metro [Thursday 29^th November 2012].  Fashion designer/ taxidermist, Jess Eaton has created Road kill Couture. This is something I haven’t seen before and I think everyone should take a gander at it; it was shown at Brighton graduate fashion show this year.

All parts used are road kill – which when looking at a re-use/ recycling way is a good way of not wasting these animals’ skin as fur is still a problem. My favourite is the bird skull necklace/ shoulder piece, I really want one. According to that article in the metro Jess has even used a human rib cage.

From that I had to look at the website [http://www.eatonnott.co.uk/] the website showcases Jess works of art; and other items which look cute to me.  You can buy these items from the site, or have items commissioned for you; they also sell a lot of vintage/antique medical instruments.

These 3 pieces I personally want. [2 above, 1 below.] I know this is all slightly creepy, not to everyone’s taste but all pieces have been re-worked into something wearable for the living to reuse and treasure. They are also completely unique and different which is hard to come by within this postmodern paradox.  The first and second images are hair fascinators; the third image is of Human bones placed onto a silver necklace.

Going back onto the subject of using road kill for fur, feathers etc. I am personally ok with this if found already dead. I find this whole idea of using and reusing bones, skins of animals is fine just like how it is fine to have someone’s kidney to use. It wasn’t until I had a glance the other day on yahoo’s news section I noticed that faux fur is not just sometimes made from cats but also other animals and is actually just fur. This is appalling! The whole point of faux fur is that it is not real but synthetic.

[ http://voices.yahoo.com/the-truth-fur-industry-1878688.html ] Here I read that other poor animals are also used in such a way for real fur.

Another article I have read was this one http://www.urbanette.com/the-truth-about-faux-fur/

‘ What’s scary is the source of the real fur. As if the mislabeling of real fur as fake weren’t bad enough, HSUS claims that the majority of real fur is actually raccoon dog, a canine (yes, dog!) species indigenous to Asia, where many American garments are produced. Although the raccoon dog bears a striking resemblance to the raccoon, make no mistake about it: it is in the canine—as in dog—family.’

I now feel rather ill about that piece of faux fur I had on my coat I bought from primark, I have never liked any sort of fur personally, and always take it off. But to now find out it isn’t fake at all but real is rather heart wrenching as I am a HUGE animal lover. I get upset if my dog has a cut or something, could never imagine wearing him.

I feel us and future generations need to stop this fur trade – how should I start? This brings into questions the fibre I use. Are the lambs wool I use been from a well looked after sheep? Are the alpacas, rabbits etc all roaming free? As a future design and hopefully teacher! I need to start thinking where my own items I use for my art comes from. How am I even affecting the environmental around me? How can we make a change? I think that should be where I shall start.

About the writer: Kera-anne is currently in her final year at London College of Fashion studying Surface Textiles specialising in Knitwear who loves nothing more than baking, writing and playing the occasional Nintendo game. She wants to give something new to future artists who are yet to taste the confusing fruit that is the fashion industry! When working on a project she tends to go for the darker viewpoints as the work always leans toward the obscurer side of art.

Top Trends

I try not to wear the latest, most ‘hottest’ new fashion frenzies, as I like to set my own individual style stamp on the world. However, that doesn’t mean I don’t like to follow it! I always have my nose pressed firmly to the high street, taking a look at the latest, most popular lines! So here’s what I sniffed out!

Peplum Dresses:

The world has gone crazy for these recycled beauties. I say recycled as they seem to keep popping up! Like the Mike Tyson of dresses, originating from Greece, they were a huge hit in the early 1940’s then, after a 40 year break, blew up again in the 80’s, and now as popular as ever, they are back!

There is no surprise at their charm as they give an amazing silhouette, creating tiny waists and hourglass figures. There is a massive range out there, from extreme couture to basic but effective. They certainly get a thumbs up from me.

 

Block heel platforms.

Now I am a HUGE fan of these, and although I’m pretty sure they will indeed go out of fashion as quickly as they came in, I have still started my own little collection! They are edgy, stylish and can be dressed up or down. They’re also surprisingly comfy! At the right price of course!

PU Skinny Jeans.

These seem to have the marmite effect on a lot of people. And I love marmite 🙂 Again, these shiny beauties have a real edgy appeal. With the ability to be worn with an oversized jumper and flats for a smart casual look by day, then teamed up with a sheer top and killer heels for an eye catching night time look, these jeans are a bit fab! With a range of colors,  they suit many different shapes, sizes and styles. A real statement piece must have.

Cigarette trousers.

This has been a real turning point for me as, up until VERY recently, I point blank despised these things! However, it seems I have been converted! And it’s all down to one fashionista that I met this month, who I shall not name as I’m totally jealous of her and don’t want to admit it! The various styles and patterns that are constantly popping up are great! A look for every occasion. Such a smart, sophisticated garment! Two thumbs up from me!

So, what’s your latest fashion fancy?

www.topshop.com

www.missselfridge.com

www.boohoo.com

www.internacionale.com

www.office.co.uk

www.riverisland.com

www.dorothyperkins.com

www.hm.com

About the writer: Alex is a drama graduate and self taught photographer. She started out by photographing her friends unique style and was soon approached by others wanting to be shot by her. She has recently been offered representation and has been listed as a photographer for Vogue Italia. You can find her on twitter, facebook and her website.

What’s The Buzz?

So first comes reality t.v shows, then comes perfume and now it seems the latest celebrity fad is a clothing line. The most notorious, of course, being Kate Moss’s range in Topshop, following in her footsteps is Rihanna with her range exclusive to River Island, the Kardashian collection which is soon to hit Dorothy Perkins and my all time FAVORITE celeb range, Lana Del Ray at H+M!

Now I have a bit of a hypocritical opinion on this one! A few months ago I would have been stood here with a very sour face, telling you how all these celeb ranges were ridiculous and yet another avenue for the rich to get richer, that there was no passion behind the products and the celebs were not even the actual ‘designers’. I would be saying all these things and truly meaning them…… until Lana Del Ray’s range came out!

It’s a kind of chicken and egg case with this one. I love the clothing but do I just love it because I love Lana? In which case, these celeb ranges are in fact working. They cater to their fans and the fans buy! “If I buy these Halle Berry shoes ……my feet will look like her” “If I buy this Christina Aguilera Perfume i am so gonna smell just like her!” I won’t even start on the Towie products.

However, fad or no fad, they are out there, they are happening and they are working. There have been a few sneak peaks of the up coming ranges which I of course had to share with all you Yellow Buntingeers! Take a look and see what you think!

What celeb range do you love or what celeb would you love to see a range from?

Images from:

http://www.ecouterre.com/kardashian-kollection-kaught-for-using-sweatshop-labor-in-china/

http://theberry.com/2011/08/19/where-did-the-kardashians-get-their-clothing-line-inspiration-from-themselves-13-photos/

http://entertainment.topnewstoday.org/celebrity/article/2807663/

http://leoniecumiskey.wordpress.com/2012/07/19/lana-del-rey-hm/

About the writer: Alex is a drama graduate and self taught photographer. She started out by photographing her friends unique style and was soon approached by others wanting to be shot by her. She has recently been offered representation and has been listed as a photographer for Vogue Italia. You can find her on twitter, facebook and her website.

Stars on the High Street

How annoying is it when you see your fav celebs looking spectacular in some fabulous outfit that you would LOVE but know you could never afford without a lottery win?! Well fear no more my friends, for I’ve found out a little secret that may just help us admirers out……CELEBRITIES SHOP ON THE HIGH-STREET TOO!!! Yes you heard me right! I’ve been doing some star stalking and spotted some very familiar faces in some very familiar outfits! Feast your eyes on these beauties!

Enjoy!

Rhi Rhi sporting a gorgeous H&M knitted dress.

The one and only Miss Perry in a colourful Topshop blazer.

Angelina in a sexy and sophisticated H&M jumper.

Our favourite diva has to be Marina Diamonds here in a vintage style dress from Topshop boutique. Stunning.

My favourite of the Middletons, Princess Kate, in a sophisticated Zara dress.

Beyonce Knowles here in eyecatching leggings from Asos.

Kelly Rowland sporting a dalmatian cardigan from Topshop.

My personal style icon, Fearne Cotton in a cute number from Topshop.

J-J-J-Jessie in a fantastic playsuit frim Asos.

 

Jenny from the block wearing a waterfall jacket from a store in our block: Topshop!

Cat Deeley looks magnificent in this delicate beaded Zara dress.

A great festival dress from Topshop, modelled by Alexa Chung.

So there you have it! Celebs hit the high street too. They probably buy more… Close the store so they can shop in private… Have an 8 man entourage and a lot of free stuff thrown in, but other than that they’re just like us!

I’m still so in love with Marina Diamonds dress, I’m fishing the Topshop website as we speak! What’s your favourite look?

About the writer: Alex is a drama graduate and self taught photographer. She started out by photographing her friends unique style and was soon approached by others wanting to be shot by her. She has recently been offered representation and has been listed as a photographer for Vogue Italia. You can find her on twitter, facebook and her website.

Fashion in the Industry

Since I’ve been doing my freelance fashion photography, I’ve had the pleasure of working with a lot of interesting and unique people from many different professions. They have also each had their own individual styles that I felt really reflected the industry they worked in. I thought it would be interesting to interview just a few of them and find out just how much of their fashion represented their profession!

Name: Alex Harries

From: Barry

Age: 28

Profession: Actor

YB: So Alex, how did you get into acting?

ALEX: Just through watching movies and having a general fascination with people and stories really.

YB: How long have you been acting?

ALEX: Seven years professionally.

YB: And what made you want to get into the industry?

ALEX: I liked the idea of being able to get paid for being someone else.

YB: What has been your greatest accomplishment to date?

ALEX: Greatest accomplishment to date would be playing Johnny in Athol Fugards ‘Hello and Goodbye’.

YB: Who is your favorite actor?

ALEX: I have a few. Robert Duvall, Rod Steiger and Montgomery Clift.

YB: Would you say your style represents what you do for a living?

ALEX: My style might sometimes reflect my profession yes.

YB: What would best describe your dress sense?

ALEX: 1940’s conservative with a small c!

I love how Alex has that traditional ‘smart gentleman’ feel to his look. You don’t tend to see a lot of men in nicely fitted shirts and jeans lately! A real casual, mature style makes Alex ready for the spotlight!

 

Name: Sisi Claudette

From: Cardiff

Age: 24

Profession: Dancer

YB: So Sisi, how did you get into dancing?

SISI: I first got into dancing when my mum took me to ballet class when I was 4. I then started tap dance when I was 8 and carried on until I finished school and was introduced to hip-hop and jazz funk. My music taste then changed from pop to R’n’B.

YB: How long have you been dancing?

SISI: All in all 20 years but more professionally about 12 years.

YB: And what made you want to get into the industry?

SISI: I was very much inspired by watching American dancers on YouTube. They expressed beats and lyrics in their moves. They were so full of character. I desperately wanted to be part of that. I didn’t want to be the admirer, I wanted to be the admired and travel around the world!

YB: What has been your greatest accomplishment to date?

SISI: My greatest accomplishment so far is that I have explored so many different styles of dance and been lucky enough to be part of the UK hip hop championships. Also training and performing with amazing dancers from Cardiff.

YB: Who is your favorite dancer?

SISI: My favorite dancers are Luam, Nika Kljun and Camilo Lauricella. They have all inspired me to train hard and improve. Id love to one day fly to the US and meet them!

YB: Would you say your style represents what you do for a living?

SISI: I like to mix and match clothing depending on what mood I’m in.

YB: What would best describe your dress sense?

SISI: Well I love vintage shops and hauling out oversized sweaters, denims, watches and bags. My favorite place of all is Urban Outfitters as I love their high street style and edginess. Even though I can only afford their products occasionally!

Sisi’s petite frame carries the urban edge off amazingly well! With such a stunning face and striking features, this raw funky look is to die for! Definitely top on trend, Sisi has the fashonista moves!

Name: Tayce Szura Radix

From: Newport

Age: 18

Profession: Model

YB: So Tayce, how did you get into modeling?

TAYCE: I took part in a photo shoot for a family friend who was a photographer. After that I was hooked! I loved the experience of doing a shoot and I guess Iver always wanted to do some sort of modeling.

YB: How long have you been modeling?

TAYCE: About 2 and a half years now.

YB: And what made you want to get into the industry?

TAYCE: I got into the industry on a professional level when I was spotted on Facebook and asked to walk in London Fashion Week. Soon after that I signed a contract with an agency.

YB: What has been your greatest accomplishment to date?

TAYCE: Linked to the previous question, my greatest accomplishment has been walking at London Fashion Week. I had such a great time and it was a real honor.

YB: Who is your favorite model?

TAYCE: Hmm I have loads! I cant really pick one but some of my definite favorites are Dudley O’Shaugnessy and Shaun Ross. I like models that don’t have that stereotypical modelesque look. I like people with an unusual look.

YB: Would you say your style represents what you do for a living?

TAYCE: Well I know I don’t dress like the typical model who’s off on castings in jeans and a t-shirt, but in a way my style does represent my profession in the way that I love fashion and I exude that through my clothing choices. The only way I could describe it would be that I don’t dress like a model at a casting. I dress like a mannequin at an Alexander McQueen exhibition as mad but beautiful as Platos Atlantis.

YB: What would best describe your dress sense?

TAYCE: My dress sense is mad crazy couture, avant-garde, futuristic goth and eccentric with aspirations like Lady Gaga, David Bowie, Jeffree Star and Grace Jones.

With Tayce’s bold, brave style, he definitely turns heads when he’s walking down the street as well as the catwalk! I love how Tayce is not afraid to bring high fashion to the high-street and mix a bit of couture in with day to day wear, creating a completely new look. With his beautifully androgynous features, Tayce is able to experiment with many different looks and styles. Certainly one to watch out for on the runway!

 

About the writer: Alex is a drama graduate and self taught photographer. She started out by photographing her friends unique style and was soon approached by others wanting to be shot by her. She has recently been offered representation and has been listed as a photographer for Vogue Italia. You can find her on twitter, facebook and her website.