Archive | November, 2011

Melody Makers and Style Shakers

22 Nov

I’ve been meaning to do a post for a while that looks at the styles of some of my favourite singers but it’s been hard to choose who to focus on.

The three I’ve decided to feature are all very different and in a way, appeal to different parts of my personality. We base our listening choices on our moods and this has been very true when it comes to these singers.

The Past

Imelda May – Vintage Crooner

I love Imelda for many reasons:

1) Awakening my ears and soul to rockabilly

2) Her Irish charm – she comes across so humble and down-to-earth and COOL. Check her out at the 2010 Grammy’s…(love the accent!)

 

Style: Pin-up girl, figure-hugging pencil dresses in stripes, metallics, leopard print and polka dot. Her hair is always worn in the signature quiff with a blonde streak. Oh and let’s not forget the hoop earrings….


The Present

Ellie Goulding – Sweet Songstress

Ellie has such a hauntingly beautiful voice and her lyrics are very real. Her style is simple and she hasn’t had to create an off-the-wall image to sell her music. I absolutely loved her first album and am looking forward to her future offerings.

I absolutely love the lyrics in ‘The Writer’, it’s a very true description of when you like someone and you’re not sure how they feel.

One of the reasons why I really respect Ellie is last year I went to see her at Union Chapel and her PA broke down. Absolute disaster? Not for Ellie, she stayed calm, asked the audience if they could still hear her without the mic and continued on with her set until the power came back.

Love this one too…

 

Style: Ellie’s quite athletic which means her dress is usually quite casual. Another reason why she’s so darn cool is as a big fan of running, she invites fans to join her on her morning runs when she’s on tour around the world. She’s very naturally pretty and her style is casual, classic with a bit of a rock n’ roll edge. To sum it up it’s very normal, most of her outfits could come from your wardrobe. Which means sometimes she does get it wrong but her fans adore her, so no-one really minds!

 

The Future

Janelle Monáe – Fierce and Fantastic

Janelle Monáe is just one of the coolest women on the music scene. Signed by Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs and produced in part by Big Boi of Outkast, Janelle’s album ‘The ArchAndroid’ is unlike anything you’ve heard before. It’s based in an alternate universe, Metropolis,  where a population of androids are fighting for their freedom. It’s almost like a film soundtrack and will really awaken your imagination.

The Tightrope…

At Body and Soul festival in Ireland…

 

Style: Janelle has championed the female tuxedo and it is hard to find a picture of her where she is not in a two-piece. Her androgynous style is distinct and not easily replicated.

 

I hope you enjoyed my choices. Let me know who are your favourite female singers and who you think has great style.

My dress and bag above are vintage. The dress will be available in the coming months on Miss Patina.  Accessories are borrowed and the shoes are Dorothy Perkins.

Sarah xx

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Versace for H&M

9 Nov

Last night, Donatella Versace launched her eagerly anticipated collection for H&M in New York. Not one to do anything low-key, it was a glamourous celeb-filled affair with performances from Nicki Minaj and the toughest man to pin down in showbiz – Prince.

Love that Nicki Minaj has suddenly become fashion royalty having sat FROW next to Anna Wintour at NYFW and is now bffs with Donatella – I mean, are they actually holding hands in this picture?!

(Sources: http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/news-features/TMG8877820/Versace-for-HandM-launches-in-New-York-with-a-little-help-from-Prince.html and http://www.popsugar.com.au/Versace-HM-Launch-Pictures-Blake-Lively-Jessica-Alba-Emma-Roberts-Chloe-Moretz-Abbie-Cornish-20336046)

The collection is everything you’d expect from the fashion house – colourful prints, opulent detail and figure hugging cuts. Versace certainly hasn’t toned down for the high street which can sometimes be the case with a designer collaboration. Instead, you literally can get the full Versace feel for a lot less. The pieces start at £19.99 for costume jewellery and run up to £199.99 for a man’s studded leather jacket.

At first glance, you might think the collection is too flamboyant for an everyday wardrobe but here are some tips on how to wear some of my favourite pieces from the collection:

The above leggings (£29.99) and trousers (£39.99) are very ‘Carrie’ (from SATC) – you can imagine her wearing them with skyscraper heels and a crop top. Let’s not get carried away though…I would recommend pairing these leggings with an over-sized, long-sleeved silk feel shirt – white for the leggings – black or white for the trousers.

If you are nervous about wearing something so tight-fitting just make sure the shirt is long enough to cover your bum and the top of your thighs. Pairing a loose oversized shape on top with a tight-fitting piece on bottom is figure-flattering.

If you’re feeling brave – pair the above ensemble with this gilet (£39.99)…

I love the buckle belt in the middle and also again the length here is elongating and flattering. I can see multiple ways of wearing this – perhaps with leather trousers for a rock chick look or wear with a poloneck and trousers.

Next on to the dresses and here is my selection:

This above dress at £79.99 is an absolute bargain. It is 100% wearable and a staple wardrobe piece that you will have for years to come. This dress is understated sexy but will create an amazing feminine silhouette. Versace have also created shoes for their H&M range and this dress would go perfect with these for £69.99:

The above leather dress at £179.99 is one of the key pieces from the collection. It’s a very beautiful cut that is classic and simple while there is still plenty of detail.

The above £79.99 silk dress is sure to be a sell-out with it’s body-con bustier detail and nipped in waist. I would recommend this dress if you have a more boyish body shape.

Here comes the colour…

This red dress at £79.99 is absolutely stunning! The print panels down the side are slimming and this would be a great dress for a special birthday or occassion.

The above £79.99 chinese print dress is a key item of the collection. This print features strongly and this is a daring piece to be worn with confidence.

If I could buy one item…this would be it. At £99.99, I think this dress is so unique and beautiful. I picture this on Kate Bosworth with very delicate accessories and her hair in a scraped back bun. I love how she always looks understated even when wearing extravagant pieces.

If all the above is still too flamboyant for you, there are also accessories to choose from that can add Versace magic to a more classic look.

These scarves are £24.99 and would look great worn over a blazer for work or play.

There is also some gorgeous costume jewellery such as this leather bracelet for £29.99.

Or there are chain handle bags like this one for £69.99. I am a sucker for studs so I chose this one from the lot…You can view the full collection here. Versace for H&M becomes available on the 17th November at 300 retailers and online.

My outfit today: Lace top: Primark, Faux Fur Gilet: H&M, Leather look trousers: Miss Selfridge, Boots: New Look, Chain: H&M

Let me know what you think of my selection and whether or not you are excited about the collection.

Sarah x

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Who Stole My Thunder?

2 Nov

Stolen Thunder are a really exciting British jewellery brand that are getting lots of press attention at the moment. They are renowned for their quirky handmade wooden jewellery featuring slogans such as ‘I love chips’, ‘Pardon my french’ and ‘blah blah blah’ as well as allowing you to customise jewellery with your own messages.

As we head now into Winter months where we will spend most of our time covered up, it is nice to wear eye catching jewellery to embellish our look. Wearing unique items from innovative jewellery labels will help you to achieve this.

The Heritage Collection is the latest range from Stolen Thunder and is antique-inspired at affordable prices. The heritage trend is huge this season with a focus on tweed, earthy tones, blazers, capes and knee-high boots. This takes inspiration from a traditional British countryside, classic look. This trend is a result of  the world focus on Britain’s Royal Wedding and the upcoming Olympics.

This British countryside feel is very much reflected in Stolen Thunder’s Heritage Collection. Here are some of my favourite items:

This typewriter is £35 and dipped in 18K gold.  It would be a perfect gift for any budding journalist….(hint, hint!)

This ring is a symbol of strength and is £45. I really like anything nautical themed so this caught my eye.

An owl to me is a very ‘London’ symbol – I have never seen so many owl themed clothes and jewellery before I began trawling the capital’s markets. This charm necklace is £35.

This is my favourite piece in the Heritage Collection – it is romantic and elegant at £50.

This necklace is very, very cool – an eagle claw clutching a black Onyx stone. It is quite fantastical and powerful and is £45.


Lastly, I really like this classic wishbone shaped ring which again has a mythical feel to it. The love heart decoration is very ornate and dainty. This is £47.

There are variations on many of the designs with there being a wishbone necklace and a rose pendant necklace. Also, there are hedgehog and hare charm necklaces which you can view here. 

Stolen Thunder has many celebrity fans too including Jameela Jamil, Marina Diamondis and Eliza Doolittle. Their website is great, very personal. You can read blogs from all members of their team and also they write about clothing labels and trends they love so it’s also good for a little inspiration.

Lucky for us, they are offering a 10% discount to readers of http://www.seemywardrobe.com if you use the code ‘treat’ at the checkout. Maybe you could start your Christmas shopping early or just buy a well-deserved gift for yourself! Get shopping here.

In my wardrobe choice for today, I am wearing a Miss Patina dress, Zara blazer and Kurt Geiger boots.

Sarah xx

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