Layering Lace & A Knock Out Film

Happy Sunday everyone! I'm pretty spent after a busy week in Bristol so apologies that this post may be short, but I did get to do some wonderful things like visiting Dismaland (breathtaking) and seeing Me And Earl And The Dying Girl (heartbreaking) and going for long walks around the Bristolian hills and winding roads (feet-aching). I've had a very relaxing weekend to recover, and of course relaxing for me means playing dress up as you can see below, baking, cooking, going for walks, as well as planning my week around London Fashion Week...

Todays outfit basically celebrates the fact that Summer has greeted us again, although there's no doubt its visit will be brief. As soon as I saw the sun shining through my windows I leapt out of bed and threw on some Spring/Summer pieces that I haven't even had the chance to wear yet - thank you very much, English weather. I've had this Urban Outfitters dress for absolutely AGES but every time I wore it I just felt frumpy and like an old lady, but I don't know why I didn't have the idea to wear it open as a maxi kimono sooner! I can be a bit self-conscious about my upper arms (hopefully soon to change after taking up Boxcersize) and throwing this on as a cover up increased my confidence massively. I love layering up pretty prints and textures, so on top of a lacey top and this seasons button down denim skirt trend I was good to go.

As for my shoes, these JuJu cuties were a bargain £10 from ASOS last Summer. Honestly, the jelly material does rub on my feet and can start to hurt if I wear them for a long time, but for the photos they tied the colours of the outfit together in the lovely pastel-y way that I love. Whenever I'm feeling a bit braver I like to break out the holographic sunglasses too, a cheeky purchase from Zara in Vienna last Summer (is it just me or are European Zara's and H&M's infinitely better than the British ones!?).

This was the first time I had tried out my new GOSH lipstick in 'flirty orange' and I am obsessed. I love anything matte make-up wise, and this was no exception. For only £4 from Amazon I wasn't expecting amazing quality but had heard good things and wanted an orange tinted lip colour, so it was time to give GOSH a try - and let me tell you, the pigment is AMAZING. It has such good holding power and literally lasts all day, and that's basically the number one priority in a decent lipstick. I'm also still falling hard for my Benefit PORE-fessional primer which mattifies my shiny combination skin in a way that makes it feels just so smooth and delicious and really lets make up glide on easily. Honestly, I never used to be that into make up but it's becoming an increasing interest of mine - it probably goes without saying but it is a huge personal confidence booster and if I feel good outside, it can really brighten me up inside. Although sometimes I wish I had the confidence to go out without make up, I'm really enjoying trying different looks and playing with different ideas to match seasonal outfits.

Dress - Urban Outfitters

Lace Top - Topshop

Denim Skirt - H&M

Shoes - JuJu through ASOS

Cuff - Miss Selfridge

Sunglasses - Zara 

I just wanted to say a little bit about the film I saw last recently, 'Me And Earl And The Dying Girl'. I couldn't believe the impact it had on me - it's rarely that a film leaves me thinking about it for days, even weeks after. I was absolutely blown away. I had been wanting to see this film ever since it had been advertised in the tube stations, and much to the dismay of my film editor boyfriend, I rarely go to see films in the cinema - but for some reason I was determined to buy tickets for Me And Earl ASAP, much more than I normally am with any good-looking films. 

Initially I thought it was just going to be a sort of cute self-narrated indie flick (which it was, as well) and I had prepared myself for some potential heartbreak what with the 'Dying Girl' in the title - but it was so much more than that. It's also not a rom-com movie about love, like I had originally suspected - it's a film focused on friendship and pretty much life in general. With a knock-out cast.

The mixture of live action cut in with stop motion and animated footage was original enough, but the story just twists and turns in a way that is unexpected, hilarious, and ultimately very shocking. It's hard to say anymore without giving anything away, but I'm so glad I got to see it on the big screen like the directors intended, and it deserved every single Sundance nomination it received. I'm also about to buy the soundtrack which includes original music as well as songs from some of my favourite bands (who have also been known to tug on my heart strings) such as Explosions In The Sky. I can feel myself getting on a roll with this but I don't want to ruin the film for anyone, so I'll just say that the actors were incredible and you should watch it IMMEDIATELY if not sooner. Seriously. Do it. 

Till next time xxx

Acid Green Daydream - London Fashion Week

Right now I'm struggling to sleep so it is the peeerfect time to browse some of the new SS16 collections that have been stomping down the catwalk at London Fashion Week. I was beyond THRILLED to see one of my favourite budding designers Molly Goddard showing work this year. 

This season the designer has combined her signature tulle ruffles with sleeker cut silhouettes, gingham prints and some even more vibrant colours than usual, showing off an array of dresses that combine a punk inspiration with girly milkshake decadence. Anything sheer, mesh, pastel or brightly coloured always wins my heart immediately, and Goddard ticks all the boxes. Last year I bought a handmade sheer neon green midi dress from an independant designer through depop, and I may have to break it out to LFW this year as my own little tribute to Goddard's translucent acid green daydream. I've been following this designer for a couple of years and she's definitely one to watch - how can anyone else make pastel tulle party dresses so relevant throughout the seasons!?

I couldn't agree with Vogue more as they sum up the blossoming designers vision;

"The fire behind one of London's most spirited new designers is certainly burning bright: The girlish frou-frou that she does so well is at home within a fashion season once again dedicated to homespun yarns, frills and youthful volume - and her new, wearable shapes are poised to reach a growing audience eager to get Goddard's playful look on days (rainy or otherwise) when there isn't a party to go to." - Vogue, Sept 2015.

Speaking of bright colours and ruffles, another one to watch is South London based designer Clio Peppiatt - I'm dying to see what she breaks out on this seasons runway. Sassy doesn't even cover it, I'm obsessed with her clashing prints, glitter and insane colours and wish I was brave enough to wear something like this every. Single. Day. Stay tuned!

I've been lucky enough to have been invited to a couple of collection launches this week as well as the launch of the new fashion marketplace Jiterbugg and of course London Fashion Weekend, (be still my beating bank account...) so keep an eye out as I viciously blog my way through some events that promise to be nothing but a dream - insert big heart eyes -.

Dismaland & Sequin Fantasies

So today's post is slightly different - I actually took these outfit photos last year but for some reason they never saw the light of day. So here they are! As you can tell I'm featuring this gorgeous vintage beaded vest which I borrowed from my lovely friend Izzy at uni, and we just always forget to trade back our clothes swaps.

I don't have too much to say about this to be honest, except that I wanted to feature it today because I have sequins on the brain. I was meant to be going to see Rocky Horror being streamed live to Everyman Cinema in Hampstead and I was all set to dress up like Columbia in a rainbow sequin dress with pink hair, but surprise surprise I am too sick to go. Absolutely gutting, but my brain is still filled with glitter and alien transvestite clothing so there you go - sequin vest, perfect accessory. I also wore this little number when I dressed up to see Rocky Horror live in Brighton a few years ago. It was definitely understated compared to what some of the other audience members were wearing!

So despite feeling a bit blue that I can't go to the show, I'm still fantasising about my glittery costumes and hope I can break out this vintage beauty again soon.

In the meantime I'll also share some photos from my trip to Banksy's 'Dismaland' yesterday. Wow. Oh wow. I knew it was going to be good but nothing could have prepared me for such a wonderfully, truly truly dismal experience. The attention to detail in Banksy's work is incredible and this was no exception - from the rude, distant staff creating an 'unforgettable' theme park experience to the custom made 'Dismaland' fliers (which weren't actually seen anywhere else) seen only at the bottom of the lake, this show kept giving and giving and giving. It was a small place but you continously notice even very tiny things that just keep you grinning the whole day.

Yes, there were long queues, yes it was pouring with rain, and yes the staff were super shitty, but this was of course the point (although the rain seemed to be luck on Banksy's park). And yet, it couldn't have been better. An array of political statements more extreme than the next, the visuals of the show were enticing and at times, hilarious. Although I loved the gimicky satirical elements like being photoshopped laughing into a scene of Cinderella's crashed pumpkin (reminiscent of Lady Di's crash) I have to say the actual art exhibition section was my favourite. A selection of astounding works from a whole range of artists, it was here that you could really appreciate Banksy's genuine artistic talent.

I am so grateful I had the opportunity to go and visit this wonderful installation, I don't think my pictures do it just justice!

Standing out in the rain enjoying the dismal park was probably what made me sick, but to be honest it was totally worth it. Now back to my sick bed... xxx