STYLE FACTORY

shiny new things.....

2011-11-27T22:06:00.000Z

I was a very lucky girl last month and celebrated my Birthday in Paris with my Mum. (second year running - I feel a yearly ritual coming on). When I returned I was spoilt rotten with some gorgeous gifts (and I bought myself a few shiny new things too).......

Paper, Scissors, Stone

2011-11-15T22:00:00.000Z

I have always loved paper street art. It's probably not true, but there's something about it that makes me feel like much more effort and fore-thought goes into it than many other types of street art or graffiti.
There's something about creating the perfect piece if artwork with a specific placement or location in mind.
I found tonnes of this kind of work by Fred Le Chevalier around the Montmartre area in Paris. I couldn't photograph all of it but I was pretty much blown away by one specific alley of steps (above).

The quality of illustration, use of black, white and red and the actual content is just lovely.

I also found a few more pieces while out and about - would love to know who they are by.

Oh, and I also saw a Space Invader on the side of a building but I'm such an idiot that I forgot to go back and photograph it. Such is life.

Italian Hearts

2011-10-21T19:07:00.000+01:00

Italian Dogs

2011-10-19T22:15:00.000+01:00

Stars and Stripes-----------------------------------------------------

2011-02-06T13:20:00.000Z

If you visit any trendy gallery or pick up any style/art/culture magazine, click on any website that represents current culture movements, its pretty likely that you will be seeing the new genres of illustration. Hand drawn, imaginative, graphical, full of colour and stupendously quirky, the new breed of illustrators and artists are shying away from computer generated images (I always think of this as a massive cheat) and picking up their brushes and marker pens.

Sheffield is being ruled by this movement and none more prevalent than the Stars and Stripes Collective. Their work is everywhere. At the minute, their work is in Rotherham. Yeah, I know, Rotherham ain't that special, but when the cool collective of Sheffield landed in the empty unit on Corporation Street for the opening night of their exhibition, Rotherham came to life.

The evening was a buzz of friendly faces, a cute little bar, home baked goodies and an impromptu display of skating skills.

I didn't take too many photos as my shoddy camera isn't great in dim light but I did manage to grab a few images of my good friend Jane Faram's bird boxes. Check them out in person over the next two weeks.

Amber Le Bon

2010-12-05T20:49:00.000Z

I totally totally love Amber Le Bon. She always looks polished but effortless. I like that. There's an abundance of girls out there who wear way too much make up, fake tan and too little clothing. Ambers a great example of how to look elegant and classy but still young, fresh and fashionable.

Im kinda toying with going trying out more dynamic looks. Im not talking an image change or make-over because thats way too Sweet Valley High for my liking, but I always wear my hair the same and always do my make-up the same way (which slides off after about an hour). Id like to try some new things out but there's always that worry that it wont work, or some nob-head will point it out and embarrass you.

I kinda feel like I have a similar look to Amber (Im not talking looks here!) as I've got the same hair, face shape and skin tone and so she's a pretty good person to take inspiration from.

While Im on the subject of slating these girls who wear too much makeup, I want to bring up this thing girls do with their hair. What is with all this back combing and dry shampooing? Dont get me wrong, Im all for a bit volume but why would you want to wreck your hair and make it look like you haven't washed in weeks and accidentally spilt a bottle of talc in your bonse?
All I ever wanted growing up (besides a puppy) was super soft, glossy hair. And everyone on the planet wanted (wants) Jen Anistons shiny locks, so why do these girls do this? Seriously, it looks crap.
L'oreal must be quaking in their boots.

*Images were taken from google image search, sorry if Ive robbed them x

Winter wonders

2010-12-05T20:14:00.001Z

Since Boutiques.com has been such a disappointment to me in recommending items I should like...I thought Id do a post about things I like - which entailed me doing a lot of screen grabbing on topshop and asos - surely something boutiques is meant to eliminate no?

Anyway, Ive been looking at lovely things to keep me warm and dresses I could wear to work and then straight on to the pub for lots of Christmas shindigs.

Asos

Topshop

Zara

Watching The Flintstones this afternoon may or may not have influenced some of these choices but hey ho, you cant or wrong with black, leather, or leopard print. Fact.

Boutiques dot com

2010-11-24T20:12:00.000Z

There's been a lot of hype about boutiques.com and I had heard a few bits and bobs about it here and there, but didn't quite understand what it was all about. So Sunday morning, in my pj's with Something for the Weekend on the box, I logged onto boutiques and set up my own page. Ive got to say I still don't quite get what the point of it is.

Maybe my style isn't overly definable, but when browsing the style genres, I did find myself leaning more towards "Edgy" which incidentally is what boutiques picked out for me from my choice of loves and hates.

Ive been kind of left disappointed though, as my daily recommendations are pretty boring and well, not very edgy. I'm not the most fashion forward of girls and I don't take huge style risks, but surely the 'edge' filter can go beyond grey tee shirt and skinny jeans?

I understand that its dead good to have all these different items, brands and price points in one place and you can filter them according to what you are looking for, but surely I could just log onto my favourite shops website and use their filter?

Looking at celebrities pages isn't the most informative as Carey Mulligan clearly hasn't sat down and decided whether she loves or hates v neck tees. But I have been more suckered into the blogger pages such as Susie Bubbles page, maybe I'm just being naive, but hers seems perfect! Surely it took her hours and hours to build hers up?

Id love to know if anyone else has had a bash?

New tings

2010-11-08T17:59:00.000Z

Being skint sucks. Not that I've cut back on my spending habits. I'm pretty sure I should only be buying the things I really NEED. Peep toe ankle boots are perfect for Winter no? And a tea set is just what every girl needs right?
Anyway, the boots are from Kurt Geiger, scarf from TkMaxx, tea-set from an antiques store in Sheffield and 1950's print from a stall in Paris opposite the Louvre.
The print is actually the reason I went to a few antiques stores on Sunday in search of a suitable frame. Came home with a teapot, milk jug and sugar bowl instead.

Man I love this lass

2010-11-07T18:04:00.001Z

Natalie Hartley just gets better and better for me. I love her kinda quirky style and couldn't give a toss attitude but I just love love when she goes simple. This is how dressing should be; great simple, classic pieces that look so chic and effortless.
I strive for a wardrobe like this. And will also be asking my hairdresser for 'bangs'.

Images taken from Natalie's blog.x

Eye candy

2010-11-05T20:04:00.000Z

A few things that caught my eye x

Food glorious food

2010-11-05T19:46:00.000Z

Anyone who knows me knows I LOVE to eat! Im pretty much always grazing...well not grazing as such more constantly eating! So it was no surprise that I took photos of all the most exciting things we ate in Paris. Needless to say there were a lot of snickering waiters in the various cafes and restaurants we went to, all laughing at the daft British girl taking photos of her chocolate pudding.

Ive actually been toying with the idea of starting a new blog documenting what I eat everyday. Ive read a couple of similarly themed blogs but they people tend to eat the same meal over and over and theres only so many times you can see a (badly taken) photo of tofu and rice.

Aah memories

2010-11-04T22:39:00.000Z

The doors of Paris

2010-11-04T22:03:00.000Z

Doors and that

There's no signal out here..

2010-09-20T21:19:00.000+01:00

I assisted on a photo shoot last week and took a few snaps of the props. Don't tell anyone but I actually prefer these images to the final fashion shots! whoopsie.

Twitt twoo...

2010-09-12T20:13:00.000+01:00

Style Factory is now on Twitter! And it didnt take me that long to do and it wasnt too complicated! I feel like a genius!

All work and no play makes style factory empty of content....

2010-09-12T19:32:00.000+01:00

My new job has been crazy since I started and Im finding it hard to do the things I love, like blogging so Im going to have to designate a few hours on a Sunday as my blogging time otherwise I will never get anything done! Expect to be bombarded every Sunday with a stream of posts. I am also dappling with the idea of getting a Twitter account for the blog so that when Im out and about I can have a few tweets a day. Im actually totally addicted to Twitter now Ive been using it for work and wonder why Ive never used it before, its probably because Im pretty technologically illiterate and Im still struggling to figure out how to use the damn thing!

Maybe I will sort it tonight so long as it doesnt take longer than 5 minutes and isnt too intense!

Latest buys and wants

2010-09-12T19:21:00.000+01:00

Once again Ive been a very bad blogger as work seems to be taking over everything. Maybe one day it will actually get me somewhere!
So in the last month Ive bought a few new bits, heres a selection that again are bargains and mostly from TK Maxx.
Velvet leggings:Asos, Bag:TK maxx, Cushion:TK Maxx, Top:Natalie Encarnita (from work), Jacket:M&S (found by my Mum).

Theres also a few bits Ive got my eye on firstly because its starting to get chilly and Im all over Autumn/Winter like bees on honey and secondly because its my Birthday soon and I wanna drop some major hints!! FYI, the American Apparel nail varnish is spoken for!
Boots:New Look, Nail Varnish:American Apparel, Bag:AWear, Snood:American Apparel, Onesie:Some random advert on facebook!!

Warning Seriously deep post

2010-08-08T16:03:00.000+01:00

Do you ever get those times in your life when you re-evaluate the things you normally find important? Im having that time. Ive just started a new job and its pretty crazy so I dont actually have the time to stop and think about things, but thats all I seem to be doing.

When Im laid in bed at night thinking about work related things I didnt get done that day and making a mental note of the things I need to do tomorrow (I really need a notebook by my bed), my mind wanders off and I start to think that Im not really enjoying life. Ive never been the kind of person who lives life to the full, goes out every weekend and has a zillion friends, I tend to be the girl who plods along, happy doing whatever, hoping to have a fun filled time but always kinda falling short, always holding back a little.

Sounds pretty sad huh? I think that while Im re-evaluating these things I need to be more responsible for my own happiness and not rely on other people to make me happy (girls, you know what Im talking about). I guess this means looking at the relationships I hold and taking a step back, knowing that people aren't around you forever and the best relationship you can have is with yourself. ( I got that from Diane Von Furstenburg in The City).

Do you guys ever feel like that??? I made a pact with my best friend and scumbag that this would be the year we make some changes. We are already planning the trip of a lifetime for next year which will just be amaaaazing but I feel like I need to make a change right now, 26 is creeping up on me like a mo-fo and its scaring the crap out me. How do you make a change without moving city or cutting all your hair off??

My Hart(ley) skipped a beat....

2010-07-16T20:40:00.000+01:00

Clearly I am the biggest Natalie Hartley fan as the majority of my posts revolved around Natalie hartley wears in The Sunday Times' Style Magazine. Over the past few months however there have been no such articles and so I gave up visiting the site because it was too upsetting.

Imagine my delight when on Natalie's Twitter page (im not a stalker honestly) that I saw that she has a blog! Gasp! and its all focused around her column Natalie Hartley Wears! Gasp!!

Could. Not. Be. Happier!

Vis Com 5

2010-07-16T16:56:00.000+01:00

Clearly doesn't like being a Pirate.

My big fat doggie who I love more than anything!

Ho-siery. Apparently.

2010-07-16T16:49:00.000+01:00

On my recent previously mentioned trip to London I decided that I would fall out of my usual comfort zone and try something new. Little did I know that I would be courting soo much controversy and well..stares!

This was my outfit of the day, worn with my asos (henry holland rip off) suspender print tights and some Topshop ballet pumps.

My oh My how I underestimated the people of London. I figured that my outfit was nothing out of the ordinary but I couldn't have been more wrong.

Stares. Pointing. Gasps. Jaw dropping.

Guys, look over there, its a sex shop. Look over there, its James Nesbitt. Look over there, two men kissing.

Nope, gawp at the girl in suspender print tights.

Blimey!

AngloMANIA

2010-07-16T14:44:00.000+01:00

After thinking for a while that "yeah those shoes are cute" Ive now been convinced by a reputable source (pah) that I HAVE TO HAVE THEM!!

And now I cant stop thinking about them, in black though.

I was forced to try them on in Topshop Oxford Street and now they are all I can think about!

Vivienne you are a she-devil!

Available from ASOS for £70. Hint.

Weekly Pilgrimage

2010-07-06T18:11:00.000+01:00

Visiting TK Maxx is having a serious impact on my bank balance. Well, not serious, *slight. I am a tight wad after all.

New treasures.......

* All reductions!! Bag £13, cardigan £15, leggings £7. Boom.

Big enough?

2010-07-03T20:28:00.000+01:00

Everytime I go on Asos and look at bags I always "save" this in my "shopping bag".

Think its about time I bought it. You know, as like a laptop bag*. Any excuse.

* Yes I know a laptop wont fit in this bag but don't bloody ruin it for me.

Wardrobe overhaul update....!

2010-07-03T20:16:00.000+01:00

Ive been a naughty girl and been spending a bit too much of my earnings just lately! But not that much seeing as I'm dead tight and only want a bargain!

All the above items were bought at TK Maxx or in a sale so I reckon Ive got some goodies!

Im still working on the old wardrobe overhaul but I always end up wearing the same old same old every day. Theres only so many times you can wear a a combination of different black vests and leggings before people start to talk. And quite frankly Im getting bored, which seemingly manifests itself into a love of all things embellished! My inner Magpie!

Oh and spot the odd one out!

Shoes: Zara, Kurt Geiger, TK Maxx

Belt: Cow, Dress: Zara, Jacket: TK Maxx,

Jacket: H+M, Top: H+M, Vest: H+M,

Bag: Marc B from TK Maxx

I literally squeeled out LOUD on finding firstly the Marc B bag for £14!! and then the Zara heels in sale which I had drooled over a few weeks ago!

*Answer - yes, its the only non black/grey/gold item!! It will most likely sit with all the other brightly coloured items in my wardrobe that I never wear!

Vis Com 4

2010-06-30T22:42:00.000+01:00

On an average day you can catch me wearing pretty much all of this....well, except for both pairs of shoes!

Vis Com 3

2010-06-30T22:39:00.000+01:00

Way too many books to read.

Especially for someone who gets travel sick on the tram journey to work!

For my bessie........

2010-06-09T19:58:00.000+01:00

Love you scumbag!!!!

Recognise this? No its not the Angel Jackson feather vintage bag....its the ASOS £25 clutch!

xxxxx

Long time no blog...

2010-06-09T19:51:00.001+01:00

Havent blogged in ages....no excuse! Im just a bit slack!!

Anyways, Ive had my eye on those Henry Holland x Pretty Polly suspender print tights for a while - i know, late on the bandwagon - but I reckon that the ASOS ones are nicer! So ive ordered myself a lovely little pair and cannot wait for them to arrive! Ive just bought THE perfect skirt to wear them with too.......

Max C

2010-05-21T21:19:00.001+01:00

So you know I'm a massive fan of Max C bags from my cack-handed stealth missions in TK Maxx so you can imagine my excitement to find out that the new website has launched and you can order online! And its well cheap!

Im having bare trouble deciding which bag and which colour I want. Truth be told, I want them all!

I feel a trip down my local (and by local, I mean out of town) TK to see if I can grab some bargains!

And yes I like studs and quilting!

Angel Jackson

2010-04-27T20:58:00.000+01:00

Don't really need to say anything do I?

Thought not.

www.angeljackson.co.uk

Sheffield scenery

2010-04-21T20:12:00.000+01:00

Out and about in Sheffield today and so wandered round with my camera like a total tourist, looking up at the sky and at all the buildings, walking up alleys and backstreets in the hope I wouldn't get robbed for my £6 wayfarers and my panasonic lumix!

I know I'm not a great photographer but like I say, I'm all about the composition!

The first pic is my fave!

What you say?

Spring Pastels

2010-04-18T22:14:00.001+01:00

I saw this building on the way home from work... great colours..makes me think of spring pastels and that flash of blue in the roofing is just great.

I do love a half torn down building...especially when the residents have mad taste!

oh, and I do love a great composition!

Candy love

2010-04-13T18:45:00.000+01:00

One of my favourite blogs is come over to the dark side we have candy, by a lovely lady living in Amsterdam. Her blog consists of her daily outfits and every single picture is a real treat. You get a total sense of her style which reflects in each outfit, but she never looks the same. Absolutely love her hair and make up too!

Check out her site and become a follower!

Style icon!

Get involved....

2010-04-13T10:53:00.000+01:00

Huzzah...Ive finally managed to sort out an email address for the blog! So if for any reason whatsoever...even if its just to say hello then please send me an email...the process was so long and time consuming that I'd be gutted if no-one used it! Desperado!

Check it out to the left.....

Oh and thank you to the new follower for adding me! Much appreciated!

if you are on bloglovin, dont forget to click on this link or follow the bloglovin icon to the left to join my blog feed.

Natalie Hartley wears catch-up...

2010-04-13T10:42:00.001+01:00

Ive been a very bad girl and havent blogged in ages...which means Ive missed a couple of Natalie Hartley wears....luckily they are still available on times online! whoop..... what do you think to Natalies new fringe? not too sure myself....

Adidas Samba

2010-03-28T19:33:00.000+01:00

A pair of these bad boys in a 5.5 would be class too....

Alice? Alice? Who the.......

2010-03-28T19:25:00.000+01:00

Loving these Alice Pointers. No idea how much they are though! Boooooo

Lamp post graff

2010-03-28T19:19:00.000+01:00

Granted these arent the best photos but they do serve their purpose which is to see the lovely colour combo and textures on this lamp post down the park! I walk past it every day but it was only about a week ago that I noticed the graff on it! Im sure that I should be far more outraged as this vandalism (granted it is pretty rubbish) but im lovin the colours so I dont really care! Theres a dash of pale pink and a deep purple in there too which add a great colour clash to the green and yellow. You would be able to see them more clearly if it werent for the crazily high sun on my way home from work!

bejeesus....

2010-03-28T18:58:00.000+01:00

Exactly HOW amazing are these Nike Dunks? The right side or girly without being those nasty sky blue and white leather things most trainer stores stock as their "womens" selection! The fabrics and colours are amaaazing but why oh why are there only 22 pairs?? This means I will never own them! Oh dear oh dear. These pics are taken from the fantastic Susie Bubbles Blog, have a look and see how she's styled them!

Thankyou!!!

2010-03-17T12:38:00.000Z

I received THE lovliest present the other day, from some very special ladies.........a subscription to The Bible! Thats right, VOGUE will soon be delivered to my door on a regular basis!

THANK YOU SO MUCH!

This does however mean that the majority of posts will now be Vogue related! oh well......

I'd also like to say thanx to the new people following my blog! Please keep reading and feel free to leave a comment or say hello and get involved! Im trying to set up an email for the blog too so stay tuned! You can also follow my blog with bloglovin, just click on the link or use the icon on the left!

Peace xx

Fringing

2010-03-15T19:28:00.000Z

Its back! Hoorah! A lovely bit of fringing from Natalie Hartley wears,

Look Book

2010-03-07T20:17:00.000Z

Russian Mafia @LookBook.nu

Faculte de Medicine @LookBook.nu

I love mens sweaters @LookBook.nu

Nothing like you @LookBook.nu

May I never be complete @LookBook.nu

Mad Glitters @LookBook.nu

A few great pics found on LookBook.nu

2010-03-07T19:06:00.000Z

In ode to how much I love Natalie Hartley (no..im not her in disguise!) and because someone at The Sunday Times HQ is messing with my weekly NH wears fix, I thought I would do another little post on some of her styling. Style magazine has this week replaced NH wears with NH's Top Ten Trends....cool outfits and especially loving the photos, great backdrop creating great colour compositions! Im all about the composition!

Have I mentioned that Natalie has a website where you can check out some of her other work and you can also follow her fashion updates on Twitter!

Mish-mash

2010-03-07T18:52:00.000Z

I've got a habit of ripping pictures out of magazines so that I can refer back to looks that I like with the intention of keeping them in some sort of style journal (geek) but them just end up in a heap on my floor so I thought id stick a few of them on here...turns out there are massive similarities in each piccy!

The above photos are all taken from Grazia's Style Hunter section which is great because its a much more normal, achievable look than something thats been styled by a professional! Although Im sure they are all models and work in the industry....thats what Im telling myself anyway.

The next pic is from this months Glamour magazine. Im in loooooove with that gorgeous studded skirt. Think its designer? Wrong! River Island! Amazing..bet its sold out already. Loving the casual tee tucked in too.

The last two pics are from my Sartorialist book and are just super cute looks. Casual and simple.

Belated Hartley

2010-03-07T18:27:00.000Z

Super late Natalie Hartley wears! This is from about a month ago and luckily a friend of mine had a copy and thoughtfully posted it out to me! Merci!

Loving the denim spesh, sorry about the shoddy images!

Review

2010-03-05T18:16:00.000Z

Please have a look at a review I have written for Rooftops and Watertowers.......it's for an online magazine called tba-online who are concerned with all things creative.

Be nice to read some feedback!

Its soo cool to think that something I was asked to write has been used as an actual review! Fingers crossed it makes it to the paper edition!

If you are in Manc...head to Urban Outfitters and check out the exhibition!

Heartfelt appeal!

2010-03-02T20:38:00.003Z

Im trying to get more peeps involved in the blog...so if you read this then please follow me!

Click onto bloglovin below!

Or if you are on blogspot...just add me onto your blogroll! Please please!

Like I say...I like the attention...validates my existance!

Ta very much

xxxxx

Follow my blog with bloglovin

Cloth Surgeon

2010-03-02T12:14:00.003Z

I've been sitting on these photographs for a while now but I reckon now is as good of a time as any to show them off!

I took the photos waaay back in October for a mini shoot with Rav Matharu of Cloth Surgeon.

The styles here are a mix of Rav's own clothing (his favorite pieces) and some of his creations under the Cloth Surgeon label.

Have a look at Rav's blog end of the beginning and check out his collaborative work with House of Billiam, a London based label who make bespoke hoodies from the widest variety of fabrics you will probably ever see!

Cloth Surgeon Graduation Collection 2009/2010

Im all about the composition

2010-02-28T21:11:00.000Z

For some reason there was no Natalie Hartley wears AGAIN this week! Something is going down and I dont like it one bit....if I start a petition will you sign it??Yes? Ill get on it then....

In the meantime heres a selection of gorgeous photographs styled Ms Hartley showcasing the hottest handbags of the season (Style Magazine).

I simply adore the photographs, styling, model, poses and colour tones used here. The actual garments and bags however are the last things I'm looking at although I think that supergirl style bodysuit and cape (Maurie and Eve @Urban Outfitters) is the shiz.

Rooftops and Water Towers.....

2010-02-28T20:50:00.004Z

Matthew Comer's exhibition Rooftops and Watertowers taken from the collection On the Road opened Friday night at Urban Outfitters Manchester to a roaring crowd as well as some roaring music! The exhibition will be displayed for the next few months so get yourself down and have a peek...while you are there you could treat yourself to a print of one the photographs for a great price! A piece of real New York in your own home until you can get there yourself! Sounds like a great idea!

I loved the contrast of city scapes and silhouettes. The black and white images are so striking and theatrical, almost summing up a real-life Banksy stencil, without the comedy political mouse of course.

Oh and i should probably thank my friend for taking and supplying photographs of a much higher quality than the ones I took! Hers are the better ones out of the selection! Thanks lady!xx

Cute packaging

2010-02-28T20:27:00.000Z

Super cute packaging on this little token from a friends visit to Thailand. Beautiful.

Keds x Opening Ceremony

2010-02-24T18:06:00.001Z

I love love love these Keds! Collaboration with opening ceremony creating these hamazing furry animal print pumps in leopard, cheetah and zebra. The downside is that they are only available at Harvey Nicholls London and cost £110!

Pretty though!

ooh and this pick is from High Snobiety! Thanks!

Fruitless

2010-02-24T17:57:00.000Z

My little trip to Matalan was completely fruitless as the boots of my dreams are SOLD OUT! Gutted! Not even on ebay! I guess £16 for an All Saints rip off is just too good to be true! hey ho, life goes on!

In my mammoth wardrobe overhaul Im listing what I want and what I really need to buy when I finally get paid! Along the theme of rip offs I found these gorge Topshop shoeses which are incredibly reminiscent of a certain pair of Vivienne Westwood's! I honestly think the Topshop version are nicer! And at £280 cheaper, you cant really argue can you!?

Heres a few other bits I like on the Topshop site, although not necessarily what I need!

Grazia on my doorstep

2010-02-24T12:15:00.000Z

When I got home from work my lovely Grazia was there waiting for me! Always a pleasure!
Found a couple of pics that I really liked..namely Miss Whitney Port and a great pic of Victoria
Beckham.....I wish she didn't get so much flak...I actually really like her! Whitney's looks are pretty damn similar to the last Natalie Hartley wears don't you think?

All four pics are from Grazia (Tuesday 23.02.10) but I couldn't be bothered messing with the scanner and importing them so the colours are slightly dodgy!

Thanks Grazia for perking up a 10 day work stint!

Off to Matalan later to see if I can find these amaaaazing boots! Ill post a pick if I buy them!

Elena Aristotle

2010-02-22T22:24:00.001Z

Have you seen the Elena Aristotle collection yet? Well, you should have! This clever collection is a set of beautiful everyday basics with gorgeous detailing and cut in some lovely fabrics and colours (err my style heaven!).

What I really like is how wearable each item is. A wrap dress you can wear on its own actually as a dress, or with jeans or tucked in, dressed up or down. The same goes for the bodysuit. Wear it with jeans in the daytime or with a skirt at night. The gorgeous jacket is equally multifunctional and should be every girls wardrobe staple! Its so nice to see a young designer making feminine wearable clothes that are instant classics. Too many graduates make fad - trend driven items that are too ridiculous to be seen wearing in public but are applauded for the individuality. The fashion industry should really start to focus on designers who can really see what a woman wants to wear and how she wants to be perceived, Elena Aristotle designs does just this (in my mere opinion anyway!)

Heres a mini interview with lady herself, discussing her collection, inspiration and what drives her own style.....

Elena, tell me about your collection.

‘Elena Aristotle’ designs are a mixture of masculine tailoring, Parisian chic and Grecian draping. Inspiration is taken from classic staple items such as the trench, tuxedo, wrap dress and LBD.

What is the philosophy of your brand?

Combining the greats of yesterday subtly with today’s trends to create wearable pieces that will last from season to season. I don’t agree with disposable fashion, where items are declared passé before they are even worn!

What inspires your collection and the way you design?

The idea of the ‘Elena Aristotle’ woman is what inspires me the most. She is confident, cosmopolitan, independent, elegant and desirable. Each collection is treated like a story and created with her in mind! With this collection I imagined her in Paris walking down the cobbled streets being admired. From that thought I envisioned what she would wear, and months of research followed! I look to the prodigious designers for direction, such as YSL for masculine tailoring, Azzedine Alaia for the body con fit and Madame Grés for fluid draping.

What would you consider is the current vibe or mood from street fashion?

With Balmain and Marc Jacobs translating 80’s power dressing, body con, acid wash jeans and the strong shoulder into modern eye catching pieces, the influence can be seen everywhere. The 1940’s is another that’s caught peoples attention. Zac Posen and Victoria Beckam’s designs are ones most are familiar with through the media attention.

Do you take any inspiration from this? (Street fashion)

I am constantly looking at street fashion for inspiration. These are the consumers and so it’s the key place to look at what trends most people are choosing to follow. People watching is market research for me! I always go with my intuition with my designs and never create anything I wouldn’t wear myself, but I have to keep up to date with what I feel people are wanting.

Do you feel that independent stores are on the rise, that customers are seeking something different and handmade rather than buying something mass-produced that is readily available across the country?

Definitely. Customers demand individuality, quality and something different. Independent stores usually stock garments that are manufactured in small numbers or even one-off creations, which is always an attraction.

How would you describe your own style?

At the moment I mostly wear the current collection. Everything can be worn both day and night so I mix and match everything and play around with shoes and accessories. I am forever rushing around all day so usually I wear skinny jeans and a heavy knit cardigan. Practicality is key these days, but I also have to be presentable. So if I have a meeting I go for suede loafers with tassels or platform boots with some skinny jeans and one of my long boyish blazers. When I’m out with friends I’ll usually wear a draped one-shoulder dress or short wrap dress.

What five things are on your wish list?

1. Velvet quilted bag: Lanvin.

2. I really want a chandelier and huge mirror for my studio. I love white, shabby-chic, country home interiors:

3. I’m only 5”3’ and have been looking for some nude heels for ages (they make you’re legs look longer..apparently!) and these Louboutins are perfect-

4. I only just started wearing lipstick for the first time this year! My friend just bought me the new YSL’s Rouge Volupte in Extreme Coral. It’s unbelievable and I want No.12 Forbidden Burgundy next!

5. I didn’t plan on having a symbolic logo for the brand, but I quite like the idea of it being an acorn…as they say: “Mighty oaks from little acorns grow”. Fingers crossed! This necklace is so cute-

What are your style loves and hates?
I love simplicity, clean lines and a good fit. This combined with a good dose of self-belief (not arrogance!) and composure is the style I love. A lot of people try too hard to be “fashionable” and can look as though they are in fancy dress.
“"Style" is an expression of individualism mixed with charisma. Fashion is something that comes after style.”
John Fairchild quotes.

26.02.10

2010-02-21T22:29:00.007Z

Off to Manchester of Friday to the preview night of Matthew Comer's new exhibition Rooftops and Water Towers.

This exhibition is just one of the projects taken from Matthew's On the Road series, a journey through America.

Rooftops and Water Towers is a photographic exhibition depicting the rooftops of Brooklyn and Manhattan, shown from 27th Feb at Urban Outfitters in Manchester...you should get yourself down if your around...its gonna be amazing!

Hopefully ill have a few pics for the blog next weekend...if Matthew lets me get involved!

In the meantime check out his website and online portfolio...Matthew is also a fashion photographer and shot publicity photos for tonnes of bands!

ps. stay tuned for some street style photos of Matthew and Annabelle of 408!

Wardrobe overhaul update....

2010-02-21T22:18:00.003Z

Chatting to my lovely friend the other day she kindly told me that she had read my post about the way I dress and the clothes I own and that I shouldn't go buying anything sensible because "that's just not you".

I don't really mean that I'm going to buy a black cardigan, grey boyf jacket and a succession of white tee shirts, but more like really good basics with a great twist. Things like tee shirts with a lovely cut - I recently bought a great one in dark grey with a little button on the back of the neck. Bread and butter pieces with a little bit of something (I hate to use this word but at least I'm not saying trendy) edgy. Maybe a cardigan with an interesting cut, or fancy buttons.

Any ideas where I can get spot on basics would be muchos appreciated. Ta.

Soft Tailoring

2010-02-21T22:01:00.007Z

No Natalie Hartley wears last week!! It was in the paper and I have a copy finding its way to me through our lovely postal system (thanks Natalie) (although not Ms Hartley!) however it wasn't online as usual, although I do think this was due to the coverage of Alexander McQueen's death last week (RIP), so I'm not in any way going to complain - the entire website should have been a dedication to him in my opinion!

So this weeks Natalie Hartley wears is soft tailoring. Looks great yet again. Love the nude heels with pastel tailoring and a touch of black (always a fave). Although I don't this is a trend I will be tackling any time soon as anything remotely tailored (aside from a jacket maybe) looks absolutely ridiculous and out of place on myself. The shorts are super cute but id probably wear them with a baggy boyfriend tucked in tee and some deck shoes. The jacket has an amazing cut but would defo be a jeans and vest combo for me. As for the shirt...Not A Chance.

ps. I'm officially the blogger with THE worst commitment. Apologies. Ill up my game through the coming week. I'm thinking of another Natalie Hartley wears, a wardrobe update, a third instalment of vis com and maybe a little bit of stylescout pics! You lucky devils!

Wardrobe overhaul

2010-02-14T19:14:00.001Z

After all this looking at my wardrobe and the way I dress Ive decided I need a complete overhaul. Oh dear! This is looking like it's gonna cost a bomb! In a previous post I realised that none of my clothes match, which Ive been told is the beauty of my style (compliment?). Apparently I can pull of wearing lots of random colours, prints and textures at once. I'm not so sure.

So in a further wardrobe raid I've found that I own stupid amounts of shoes that I cannot wear for one of three main reasons,

They simply do not fit
They rip my feet apart
I cant remember the third....but I'm sure there is one

ooh I know, they dont go with anything. So now I reckon I should start to be sensible and buy things to pull outfits together. Is the best way to do this to compile a list of really great basics? Think that's what I'll do. Any suggestions for what you think is a great basic, sensible, useful item please let me know.

Heres my list so far,

Black skinny jeans
Flat black boots
Grey/black shoe boots
Comfortable black/grey ballets (I reckon Kurt Geiger's are best)
Black/grey and white t-shirts and vests
Black cardigan
Oversized red lumberjack shirt
Sleeveless denim shirt
A great statement necklace - preferably gold (I'm addicted to my gold ring necklace from DP shown in a previous post)

In my journey for a sensible wardrobe however I went on Topshops website. Bad idea. Yet again I've been drawn to completely non-sensical items.

However, I might not be completely off the mark here. The jacket is black and so can be worn with anything. Yeah? Justifiable? The tee shirt is super cute and can be layered up with jeans, leggings or tucked into a skirt.

I did manage to find a few good basic items like this beautiful box satchel bag with emerald lining, some lovely tailored harem pants and this amazing belt.

V

2010-02-14T18:31:00.000Z

Happy Valentines Day!

Hope you all had a lovely day and got spoilt rotten by your loved one! I am the eternal singleton and so am incredibly bitter and cynical about this day, luckily its my Mums Birthday so I got to make a lovely new batch of cupcakes to take my mind of this depressing day!

The last ones are coffee and walnut icing! Oo-eer!

ps. how amazing is my cakestand!x

Vis Com 2

2010-02-13T16:37:00.000Z

In line with the old vis com posts, this being the second, these are a couple of images of bits of my own work, a mish-mash of repeating pattern, photography, composition and painting.
I would really like some feedback on these! Im dead shy about my own work so please tell me what you think! Try and be constructive though eh!

Vis Com 1

2010-02-13T16:28:00.001Z

I figured that whilst I've been posting about things I've seen, what I like, looks I like and so on, I haven't really said too much about myself.

I really don't like to talk myself up and Im not one for self portraits (Im seriously camera shy) so I thought Id try and do some kind of visual communication (thats surely what these kind of blogs are about no?) and post pictures that display parts of my personality!

So get ready for lots of random bits n bobs of me!

Twelve handbags seriously aren't that many!

Man flu for girls

2010-02-12T21:29:00.005Z

Sorry for the lack of posting...Ive been under the weather all week and stringing a sentence together has been nigh on impossible!

Although I have managed to ramble out 'another honey and lemon drink please'.

Having all this time on my hands however has given me a few ideas for posts....ill be back on form tomorrow with lots of nonsense to bore everyone with!

Which reminds me...Google analytics tells me Ive reached over 100 views! Yay! I'm a total blogging novice so I'm well chuffed with myself! Please leave more comments and follow me, I'd like the attention!

Suede

2010-02-07T11:27:00.005Z

This weeks Your Style, Natalie Hartley wears is all about suede.

Not generally something I wear, not because I don't like suede but it normally only comes in accessories and jackets. The suede garments here are the shirt, the trench and the shorts. The first two outfits are completely my kind of look, although I wouldn't wear the trilby or so much red! But that trench. Oh lordy do I love that trench! And its John Rocha at Debenhams.

I quite like the idea of the All Saints shirt (first pic) with its wired seams so you can mould the collar to whatever look you like. Personally I'm a huge fan of rolling up a sleeve so the wiring would be most helpful. But that trench......

Butter IS better

2010-02-06T17:52:00.011Z

After having a read at a blog called Delicious Delicious Delicious (which looks just that) I felt completely inspired to make use of the Cupcake Baking book I got for Christmas and make some buns/muffins/cupcakes.

However, my enthusiasm is not quite met by ability to bake. Needless to say, it didn't go well. I do though have some gorgeous bun holder thingies which I also got for Christmas - yes, I LOVE CAKE get over it!

The first attempt I made from the book of dreams was the one below - vanilla flavoured sponge with pink icing. DO NOT trust the quantities in the book! Unless you like really really runny icing! Buns tasted class though so crisis averted.

This time, I opted for chocolate sponge with yet again pink icing because, well because I like pink and that's all that's in the cupboard.

The buns/cupcakes came out more like muffins. What am I doing wrong? I blame the book.

So I figured Id teach the book a lesson and not follow the recipe for stupid runny icing. Great idea.

Until you find out that bitter chocolate muffins do not mix well with lemon icing.

Step up my Mum who tells me to make the icing with butter and icing sugar and a little bit of milk instead. Genius! Thanks! But where were you 20 mins ago?

Voila! Lots of magical (if not very neat) chocolate buns/muffins/cupcakes with a pink butter icing.

At least I tried!

Only anarchists are pretty (so says the sticker)

2010-02-06T13:53:00.003Z

I took these pictures an age ago...I have no idea when or where but I'm sure they are mine because they were on my camera!

I'm constantly attracted to this kind of image, a negative pallet with flash of colour. The sticker is pretty cool too. I like the random pattern created by layers of posters, paper and paint combined with lots of English rain!

Pretty sure there will be a tonne of these kind of posts to follow....

Postcards from the past

2010-02-03T17:49:00.004Z

I went to the Vivienne Westwood exhibition at Millenium Galleries Sheffield. Part of the V&A, the exhibition was a history of the lady herself and chronological journey through her designs and collections, focusing on her influence on fashion trends. I absolutely loved it and so my cousin bought me several postcards which were printed to accompany the exhibition.

These two are my favourite. I think you can get a real sense of the time from the pictures and what I like most is the grouping of colours, the pinks, fuchsia, sky blue and yellow grouped with shades of the grey pavement.

I think that is what attracts me to most things - the grouping of different colours to make a composition.

Ahoy Sailor

2010-02-02T19:33:00.006Z

Such a schoolboy (or should that be schoolgirl) error that I didn't find these Topshop beauties before I published that last post. My enthusiasm got the better of me. But wouldn't these be great with those cut offs? Yar.

Too cool for school

2010-02-02T19:16:00.005Z

I'm really not one of those people who loves the summer. My ideal everyday outfit is a simple vest, pair of skinnies and some gold sandals. Not too hot to sweat off my make-up and ruin my hair and not too cold that I'd need a jacket and sensible shoes. Just. Normal. Weather.

I reckon these Topshop Club Tropicana cutoffs would be perfect with a slouchy deep grey tee and sandals or pair of crisp white sneaks. Oh and some wayfarers.

Take the rough with the smooth

2010-02-02T09:28:00.016Z

The sartorialist is everyone's favourite fashion/style/photography blog. No question. There are so many reasons why its so popular and everyone has their favourite shot.

The photographs I go back to time and time again are

Photographs of impeccably dressed women with a look I'd like to steal.
Photographs of amazing men, for whatever reason. (outfit, looks, attitude, great beard, beautiful shot)

So I started to look through the photographs I loved and found that there are some serious similarities. Clearly I like a beard! But all the men in these pictures have a similar feel to them, a retired double o agent who can fly a plane, kill a man with his bare hands and wrestle a bear whilst wearing a bespoke suit and reciting everything there is to know about fine wine. A real man! Daniel Craig anyone? Perfectly attired and coiffed but never of the metro sexual kind. Effortless. This seems to reflect in what Mr Schuman achieves in his style too. Is it a conscious thing that he too dresses in this way and has that old school Hollywood glamour attitude or does he simply photograph what he knows and loves?

Anyway here's my pick of The Sartorialist's men (from the last year or so anyway). The last pic is thrown in for good measure because he looks freakishly like my big bro, minus the tattoo. All photographs taken are taken from and by The sartorialist - and not by myself, shame.

Stealth @Tk Maxx

2010-02-01T12:13:00.012Z

Another glorious trip to Tk Maxx the other day and yet again, a good trawl through the handbags. This is not a lie....every single bag I picked up and caressed was by Max C. (except the purses, which I did treat myself too!whoops)

Oh and this belt too - no idea who its by but it was just lovely but, sigh, too small!

When I got home I had a little look on the world wide web and found that there are quite a few stockists, namely usc and asos! Happy days.

Where's the answer?

2010-01-31T21:15:00.004Z

I often ask people what their style is. Taking someones photograph or interviewing a designer, I ask what the style of their collection is and then what their own personal style is, what they are influenced by. And I've been thinking lately, whats my style? What am I influenced by?

And I have no idea.

I don't think I have a specific style and I don't think I'm particularly influenced by anyone or anything. I wear what I like, what I'm comfortable in and I never really worry if it matches. So rather than think about what my style is, I can only define it by what it isn't.

Nothing I own matches.

I don't own anything sensible.

Ive just acquired my first pair of black shoes.

I own one black coat.

I do not own a plain white, black or nude bra.

I only own huge, ridiculous, impractical bags - even clutches.

I do not have a sensible cardigan.

I own one t-shirt/top with sleeves.

All of my jewellery is offensive, big, brash, gold and clashing.

My feet and my shoes are not very good friends.

I do not wear pretty or cute or frilly.

I do not wear 'themed' outfits ie, cowgirl inspired.

I do not wear sexy.

Ive only just bought a pair of heels. (at 25)

I could go on. The point is, nothing in my wardrobe is defined. I own a lot of coloured, patterned dresses, tops and cardigans, but have nothing to wear with them. I would love to have several pieces that will tie everything together. But what should they be? Something to work on I think.

My ideal look would be a perfect blend of the two looks below. Taken from this weeks Sunday Times Style magazine, these pictures were styled by James Jeanette Main.

I love the simple stylish combination and execution of a tee, cardigan or leather jacket, slouchy pants or leggings and nice scarf. Just perfect. Exactly how I want my style to be.

To the maxi

2010-01-31T21:02:00.006Z

I've really never understood the whole maxi-dress trend. I always think they make you (for the record I mean anyone) look short, fat, uncomfortable and covered in a hideous pattern.

I would never suit something full length. I'm pretty sure Id look like one of those people in a comedy sketch smuggling something under their skirt. Its not a look I will ever try. But I do quite like Your Style, Natalie Hartley wears, take on this look. Instead of styling the bog-standard halter neck, gathered under the bust, brightly printed efforts, she's gone for an altogether different ensembles. And I quite like it. ( sans the clogs on the last pic)

Wish List

2010-01-26T17:25:00.005Z

I really want a nice big cream oversized knit, kinda like a Starsky and Hutch-esque mansized cardigan with big woodeny looking buttons and have been trying to find one for a while. I know that the best place to get one would be at a vintage (second hand actually) shop (to which there are now tonnes popping up in Sheffield) but I'm a bit worried that the quality of knit wont be great and that it will be all bobbly!

I have found the above one from Topshop which in a larger size will do just the job (although I would like the whole folded over collar thingy) but I don't really want to spend that much money. Step up Primark men's department. They've got just the jobby for only £20 which I reckon is a pretty good price considering I'll wear it until my dog won't even want to cuddle on it! Happy days!