more musings on lookbook inspiration... because i should be doing other things

Though I had a lovely evening out in Will's company, eating sushi, planning summer jaunts to Venice, and generally putting the world to rights, I'm just a bit out of sorts. In honesty, I'm bone-deep-tired, seriously emotionally raked-over-the-coals, slightly (ok, horrendously) scared about impending exam doom, and seemingly incapable of getting up at a reasonable time in the morning at the moment... So not really happy skippy and photoshoot-y. Maybe this weekend!

So instead, I'm going to share with you a few Lookbook.nu inspirations again. I know... Unoriginal ;-D

- Just so simple... I love the shoes and that jumper is just too cute!

- Can I please BE this girl? That backdrop is to die for and the dress KILLS!

- So cute. I love the skirt and the sweet head tilt... 

- Fierce. I keep wondering about red converse. They can be hard to pull off, but done SO well here!

- I always love this girl's stuff... She has such adorable outfits, and the illustrations really float my whimsical boat. Gorgeous.

So, there you have it: the things inspiring me this evening. 

Oh, and These Mark Leibowitz photos from backstage at Galliano are Just Breathtaking!!!

I should be revising statues in 5th century Constantinople... Sigh. 

Toodles!!!

Xxxc

Vintage Loveliness, Family Goodness and Inspirational Architecture...

I have mentioned a couple of times in the last week or so that it was my confirmation on Sunday. It was lovely as my parents, several close family friends and my godparents came down to attend, and, of course, my best friend was there, as always. 

Getting confirmed while at uni was really important to me, as if I go into academia, I'll most likely do church history or theology, so being involved in college chapel life is a big part of what has made this year really, truly, one to remember. We have *the most gorgeous* early George Gilbert Scott designed chapel, adorned with truly beautiful carvings and a roof covered in paintings of obscure saints - this means I spend most of my time in there, neck craned back, staring at the ceiling, trying to identify the saints above me based on my very crude knowledge of iconography!

image copyright 2008 St John's College, imported from www.joh.cam.ac.uk/chapel_and_choir

Anyway, enough about that, here's the photos of *the dress* I wore... which is far more important ;-D 

Me, chattering away about something. Looking rather pale, but that's usual, so not giving away my completely shattering - physically and emotionally - previous 48 hours... Oh, the WONDERS of MAC concealer and foundation, NARS blusher and Max Factor mascara ;-D

These were all taken in the lovely gardens, overlooking the Cam, of the Master's Lodge in college... (The mothership is in green and my daddy is the big guy between Will and me.)

Since, I believe, it was Mother's Day *everywhere except the UK* quite recently, I thought I'd show you a picture of my mother and I... She's my rock and my confidante. I am quite a daddy's girl too, but I couldn't do without talking to my mum most days. Silly huh. She and I are quite different but equally, we are *exactly* the same in so many ways... Though she's far more *chic* than I could ever be! Something to do with the rail thin, ex-model / alpha-female, senior-partner-lawyer thing lol.  I also find the deathly pale vs. healthily tanned / nut-brown from 2 seconds in the sun contrast hilarious... Shows what years living in Jamaica will do ;-D

This is probably my favourite picture... Sitting between the two men in my life may have been a bad plan... ;-) Hilarious!

This silky floral shift dress is *absolutely* my favourite thing in my wardrobe now... It's vintage from the 1960s and, as far as I can tell, handmade. I love the subtle, wide boat neckline, the high waist (- mine falls higher than average, so "waisted" stuff often looks crap on me -) and the unusual colours - the orange flowers matched my watch and nails ;-D. It was perfect for the weather and the ceremony (though it was covered up by a massive floaty white piece of cotton  - a surplice - for the service - all members of college have to wear one on Sundays, Saints Days and for special services like this one... It's just college variant academic gowns for others!)

I got the dress from a website called Love Miss Daisy Vintage, which I have to say, is probably the best online vintage emporium in terms of service and quality I've so far encountered. They have some really beautiful pieces, in great condition and which are extremely good value - prices range from £18 to £100+ for dresses... I stalk their new uploads most days, and yearn for quite a large percentage of things! Today, I gave in and ordered a skirt and completely unneccesary cocktail dress to compensate for the pain of revising the 1948 UN convention on Prevention and Punishment of Genocide! Laura of LMD is so so lovely, and you can add her on twitter (@LMDvintage ) to ask questions and just generally chatter! :-D This site is *seriously* worth your time, and they're featured in quite a few magazines and on celebs so the stuff is only going to get *hotter*! I'm greatly amused by the fact that my new dress is going to be in the July issue of Woman & Home hehe.

Thanks tonnes to the Novelista Barista, who gave me an award yesterday!

She has a really lovely blog, so you really should all check it out. I think the rules run to something like - I'm supposed to give out 15 of these, but I'm just going to give it to the people who immediately spring to mind, irrespective of numbers :-D

So, Claire, Laura, Winnie, Tina, Liz and Casey... Have this award, you are all AMAZING! 

Also, thanks to everyone who commented such lovely things on the last post... The location was in fact, not a castle or park, but one part of the (massive) gardens of my college, down by a stream-tributary of the River Cam. It's my new favourite place as it's sheltered from the wind and covered in daisies! Nice place to revise on a warm day :-D

Right... Talkking of revising, I should be doing that now... 

Xxxc

New Day, New Sun, New Photoshoot!!!

Hello all,

I'm still terribly behind and about to get more so as "exam fear" hits... Please bear with me while I try to balance huge amounts of work for finals with retaining a presence in the blogosphere. Will try to post 3 or 4 times a week still, but might remain behind on my Google Reader and replying to comments for a while. It's not that I don't love you and really appreciate you all commenting, but I just can't find the time to do everything! :-(

Anyway, apologetic rambling (it's getting to be a habit now...) over, it's time for A NEW PHOTOSHOOT!!!

Daisy, Daisy, give me your answer, do. I'm half crazy, oh for the love of yoooooou!

The outfit today was far simpler than usual. Or at least not as crazily coloured/patterned! It was sunny so out came the legs, and I've been on a bit of an emotional rollercoaster since Friday, so I needed some sartorially-induced-equilibrium...

I'm wearing a Zara top - bought in Florence, GAP men's cardigan, very old TopShop denim skirt, 2-tone Converse, vintage purple sunglasses, one of my myriad, anonymous tote bags containing revision for post-shoot, belly dancer's bell belt from Nomads in Cam and the interlinked, silver and gold, cast-hearts bangle I was given by my godparents for my confirmation... And my new favourite nail polish, which, in case anyone was wondering, is Manga from Miss Sporty!

In case anyone was wondering where I'd got to since the last post, I was in Oxford. I got to spend a bit of Saturday with the Lovely Lovely Claire from The View From Here, who has been my longest running commenter and blog friend, and we finally - after about 2 years - got around to meeting up when I was conference-ing in her uni town! 

We had an absolutely lovely few hours, sipping fancy fizzy drinks and munching chocolate coated coffee beans in "The Vaults" and then went shopping around town. She got some lovely things, including a gorgeous blue zipped top that I covet TREMENDOUSLY. I managed to be hugely indecisive and not quite fit perfectly into the couple of things I almost got. But we had a FANTASTICALLY lovely time. I managed to be out of it enough to leave the photography up to her - I really was Completely sleep-deprived, (see earlier rollercoaster comment and below photo - zombie!) and wish I could have been more on top form, but it was an excellent few hours spent in each others company, gossiping and getting excited about clothes together. Both of us will admit we're definitely solitary shoppers usually, but rather enjoyed the bloggers-together experience... At Last! Someone who understands! Someone who gets the need to be adventurous and who sees all the possibilities inherent in clothes! She's also covered the day on her blog, with pics of her purchases and an even less awake, touristy photo of me! (In case anyone was wondering, I was wearing a C&C California tee I bought in NY about 5 years ago which has held up SO well, a GAP men's cardie, an ICB silk pleated skirt, the fabled lace tights and Kate Kuba white leather boots mentioned in Claire's blog post...)

*Thanks Claire... Here's to our next jaunt! ;-D*

So a good weekend... My confirmation also went swimmingly, and I had a blast with all my family down. I was wearing my New Favourite Dress which I will endeavour to post if any of the photos came out well, and if they ever make it to me - they're on the parental camera...

Wish I had more energy, but I think that's all for tonight! I've become someone who goes to bed before midnight... Scary times!!! ;-)

Hugs,

Xxxc

Since you were all so patient...

It's a PHOTOSHOOT DAY!!!

Yay!!! Also, it's T-B's 22nd birthday today... So everybody think good birthday vibes for him! He has hardcore revision supervisions this afternoon, so is not having the best birthday this time. HAPPY BIRTHDAY LOVELY!!!

Red, White and Blue...

Lots of images... Sorry ;-D 

This is probably my favourite photoshoot so far, which is saying something! 

So, I'm wearing a Topshop skirt, anonymous cream seamed lace tights, Kate Kuba blue suede heels, falling apart and well loved Venice tee I bought there aged about 12  - the first visit of many - I've tried to find the same shirt since but no luck, vintage navy suede belt, gold rose necklace from Clares Accessories, GAP men's cardigan and my vintage tooled leather bag.

We went for a wander across town to the Granta meadows, Darwin Island and the bit of the river past the sluice. It was excellent fun. And we saw ducks and cows too! The latter roam free on the meadows... That got me childishly excited! You'd think I didn't grow up with a farm behind my house! (Remind me to post a pic of me in green overalls with a pitchfork some time! ;-D)

I also just wanted to say thank you tonnes to everyone who's been so supportive these past couple of weeks... I've really, truly appreciated it. This place, in exam term, can get horrific. I've now got 3.5 weeks til finals, so stress is going to set in again in a week or so I guess. Joy of Joys. But I'll try to post at least a few times a week as I hated being away SO much!

Oooooh, and I *think* I'm also going to be the fashion editor for our uni newspaper in Michaelmas term of next year (that's October to December). How cool!!! I get pieces every week and a twice termly glossy magazine to produce!!! Woop! Now I just have to hope I get on my 4th year course ;-D - which involves revising... Hmmmmm. Maybe I should do that now...

Right. I'm off. Going to the theatre tonight, and off to a conference in Oxford (and seeing the lovely Claire while I'm there) for Friday and Saturday, and I'm getting confirmed on Sunday! (I have the BEST outfit...) So, family's descending. Actually, rather yay! Thus posting might be sporadic, but I'll do my best. Twitter-ing is likely, especially as I may need an outlet for yeeeeep-ness, as staying with the *I-shouldn't-have-this-crush*-crush - Oops! (Before you say anything... It's totally platonic, blah blah blah. Seriously. There are many reasons as to why it's a DEFINITE should-not-would-not-could-not situation... Some of which some of you may have picked up on, but I won't go into detail lol.) Got to love my dramas! ;-D

Also, one final thing... I'm featured on Layers of Meaning as part of the Through Her Eyes series, throughout May. The first post came out on Wednesday, and there'll be three more. If you click on the button in the sidebar, it'll take you to just the series' posts, so check it out if you like! :-D

Hugs!!! 

Xxxc

Geekiness...

I was planning to post properly this eve, but due to unforeseen breakdown of right arm, I think I'm just going to go to bed. Typing hurts. Stoopid nerve damage.

Despite pain, I will say this... Just been to the 10 past Midnight preview showing of the new Star Trek film... And it's phenomenal. I may be a (closet) trekkie (born and bred, thank you very much, blame my dad ;-D) but even from a normal-film-POV, it's amazing. It had me going from laughter to tears to on the edge of my seat breathlessness in the space of a few frames. If you can, go see it. It's worth it. Even if just for the cute cadet's uniforms and the ungodly hotness of Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto and Karl Urban... Yum. Seriously. Plus Simon Pegg and his tiny green sidekick? Hilarious!!!

Hmmmm... I have to be up for a 9am meeting... And it's gone 3am... Oops!!!

Night!!! 

Xxxc

Quick fantasy...

Short post today, honest! I'm trying to be on a shopping ban (and failing miserably, as I keep needing "essentials" like moisturiser and exfoliating gloves and new mascara... EPIC FAIL!) so am keeping myself happy with fantasy shopping... Like fantasy football, except more fulfilling methinks!

Creatures of Comfort, as ever, yields much inspiration... (Yes, I'm still yearning for *this* Bernard Willhelm dress...)

The PAM Zanbil Dayglo dress... For crazy moments when I want to run and jump and shout!

The PAM Geo Phantasm tank dress... Because sometimes it's going to be crazy warm and I'll still want to run and jump and shout in a crazy moment! 

The Sunshine and Shadow Purple Lights tank dress... For slightly more sober, probably at work, moments, when I need purple dashes in my life, but also need to be taken SERIOUSLY!

The Sunshine and Shadow Green Culottes... Because I haven't had a pair of culottes in ages, and want to feel like a Girl Guide again... ;-D

Each and every one is, of course, well out of my price range... But, hey, isn't that the fun of it??? ;-D

Until tomorrow!

Xxxc

Apologies for unexplained hiatus

Once again, apologies are in order: I've been away for a week, and missed y'all tonnes! Basically, post-dissertation hand-in, I completely crashed and pretty much just slept for the past week, interupted only by migraines and horrendous stomach pains. Oh the joys. I *think*, cross fingers, that that's all done now, so all that's left to do is get back on the horse; work-wise (4 weeks to go to finals!!!!!!!) and blog-wise!

So... Fashion show coverage as promised. I thought I'd highlight one of the bigger names first: Katherine Hamnett.

Having been a huge success in the 80s, with her slogan tees, distressed denim and clothes made out of parachute silk, this decade has seen her company relaunch some of those seminal designs for the fashion-conscious-but-ethical consumer. They only use organic cotton, and ensure fair prices and ethical working conditions. (More on the organic cotton initiative can be found on her website *here* and at the EJF page *here*) She's basically one of the unsung heroes of a lot of recent trends: Balmain's distressed jeans, those iconic House of Holland designs; all hark back to some of Hamnett's original design ethic...

So having her tees at the fashion show was extremely interesting. They were shown a couple of times on the runway: most impressively, in pink with a tweed skirt and knit scarf

They were also shown on the first dance group who performed: the amazing SIN (Safety in Numbers) Cru who are a hip-hop dance group, based in Cam, but world-reknowned, performing on ads and programmes for clients like Top of the Pops (oh... nostalgia...), MTV, Adidas and Levis, as well as ranking well in international competitions. And I have to say, their routine was IMMENSE :-D As, of course, were the tees they were wearing ;-)

The "Choose Life" tee, in vest-dress form, can be found in the Hamnett e-shop in black and white *here* - sooooooo cute! 

According to her website:

"Katharine Hamnett's original CHOOSE LIFE t-shirt brought her worldwide fame. It was her biggest seller in the eighties and now it's back and available in 100% organic cotton.

CHOOSE LIFE first appeared in a Buddhist exhibition that Lynne Franks, of Ab Fab fame, hosted. The CHOOSE LIFE t-shirt embodies an all-encompassing statement about ideal behaviour.

It's not about the anti-abortion lobby. The US anti-abortion lobby attempted to appropriate CHOOSE LIFE. We are taking it back and promoting its real meaning. Ours is authentic and I believe in a woman's right to choose.

I'm a big fan of Buddhism. To portray the message more clearly, I suggested writing it in huge letters on a t-shirt that could be plainly seen on a 35mm contact sheet.

CHOOSE LIFE was relevant then. CHOOSE LIFE is even more relevant now.

CHOOSE LIFE is a message forever.

CHOOSE LIFE over WAR

CHOOSE LIFE over DESERTS

CHOOSE LIFE over EXTINCTION

CHOOSE LIFE over everything you do"

Admirable sentiments in my opinion...

I'm supposed to be revising now, so until tomorrow! 

Xxxc

P.s. I am so ultra-behind on GoogleReader and comments, so once again, bear with me!!! :-)