Thursday 29 October 2009

I've Got Wood

I know I cant be the only one lusting after the designs of Brighton based artist Zara Wood.

I stumbled across her designs a while ago when I saw her "Two for Joy" magpie print on Google Images (I'm a self confessed google addict and I don't care) and I knew that anyone who shared a love for magpies like I do needed to be checked out further. Then, after more time Googling, I found out that she had a line of designs with Topshop. Now, I know that Topshop can be the devil when it comes to both the prices, and the sheer amount of poser idiots that tend to shop there, but Woody's designs are colourful, fun and wearable. The collection can be dressed up, or down, but would undoubtably look best with a good pair of skinny jeans, some shoe boots and a worn leather jacket for warmth. Its winter now, dontcha know.


I just feel like I've been a bit selfish, it's taken me this long to share the good word with you fine peoples, silly me. In hindsight, it could be a good thing, because I discovered her amazing jewellery collection in the meantime too.

Words can't describe how gutted I was when I discovered that this Little Owl Locket was no longer available. And the Bunny Bow Tie Brooch below is just fairytale amazing. I adore them, and I will be wearing one of her jewellery designs before the year is up, finance permitting ofcourse.
For more info on Zara Wood and to peruse her collections yourself, visit http://www.zarawood.com/.

SpaceCadet Zoe

Wednesday 21 October 2009

Winter Warmers

It's that time of year again! The leaves are golden and crisp, providing a crunchy carpet to shuffle through on these chilly autumn days. The skies are grey and heavy with rain, but here in Cardiff we've been fortunate enough to see hardly a drop. Halloween is on its way, Christmas too. It's my favourite time of year as although everything around us is dying, the air seems fraught with anticipation! To put it simply, I love winter!

So I thought I'd dedicate a blog to the hottest trends of this season, and provide a brief overview of the pro's and cons of each one. Here we goesss...

Sequins - The bane of my boyfriend (he actually feels physically ill when he has to look at my sequinned blazer) and a trend that has been carried over from summer. Sequins are the forte of drag queens and fashionista's alike. For wallflowers who don't think they can pull off this seasons spangly trend with aplomb, best to opt for accessories with a bit of sparkle - such as the sequinned beret above. Those who enjoy throwing caution to the winds and full-on embracing any even remotely outlandish fad that comes their way, good on you! Bag one of River Islands gold sequinned tuxedo jackets, scour Primark and vintage boutiques for head-to-toe sequin-encrusted dresses and sparkle your way through to Christmas!
Pro's - Bang on trend, and versatile too. Go for chic and classy in black or bold and brash in electric blues, reds and golds.
Cons - Wear with caution. Just one foot wrong and you could end up looking like a cross between a bad drag queen and a Christmas tree.

Vampire Chic - It was a major feature on London Fashion Weeks catwalks, with designers from Gaultier to Jacobs falling over themselves to get in on the action. Films and TV shows such as Twilight and True Blood have set a decidedly gothic theme this season, and as a result the glossies and the high street are going to be chock full of lace dresses, victoriana and blood red lips from now until the January sales roll around. For the faint of heart, try a ruffled Victorian style blouse with your standard jeans and boots. If you want to go all out, however, almost anything goes. Try a body-con black lace dress with fetish heels and smoky, vampy make-up. Just remember that this seasons Vampire is about sleek, standout silhouettes and dangerously sexy details. Save the fake blood and white face powder for Halloween.
Pro's - Worked correctly, vampire chic can turn even the plainest Jane into a femme fatale.
Cons - Worked incorrectly, vampire chic can make you look like an act from your local pubs Halloween celebrations, or worse, like a dick. Leave the fake fangs at home.

Oversized Slouchiness - A favourite trend of mine. Nothing says 'winters arrived' like a chunky-knit, knee length cardigan, thick knee high socks and a long, bulky scarf. Oversized has been a recurring look for the past couple of winters, and shows no sign of dying out now. The high street has myriad jumpers, cardigans, sweater dresses and scarves all ready for your consideration, but for a truly original look, try knitting your own and adding some quirky details such as a corsage or some cute buttons. Better still, beg yr nan to do it - she'll probably be happy for a project to fill the time between drinking cups of tea from Royal Albert china and watching Countdown whilst polishing her collection of ceramic figurines. Personally, I'll be digging out the cardigans my mammy knitted me last year during a failed attempt to give up smoking, and jazzing them up with some pearls and ribbons.
Pro's - Oversized slouchy layering is so very now, gloriously flattering and cosy to boot.
Cons - There is the chance of looking like Bridget Jones, in the scene of the movie where her and Mark Darcy find themselves wearing those hideously unattractive home-made Xmas jumpers. Bad times.

So there you have it! My pick of this winters hottest fashions, laid bare for you to scrutinise. Take your pick of the bunch, mix it up, and most importantly, have fun! I'll be back later in the week (providing I can fit some time in between Swn Fest and my new enviable job at Benefit Cosmetics) to update and bring new fashion gems to you all!

Much love, Space Cadet Betti xxx

Saturday 17 October 2009

Kristian Digby

I'm fully aware that alot of people are going to think I'm insane for this.

Whilst watching the daytime television hit of "To buy or not to buy", I realised that I have an extremely unhealthy love for both the programme and it's presenter, Kristian Digby. One of the main reasons, is because of the way he dresses. I shit you not.


With his cool-as-a-cucumber mix of smart & casual, I think this is definately a style that the professional young gent should adopt.
Basically, its about wearing all of the stuff your parents would also wear to go to the office, but putting a modern twist on it. Also picture the male cast of Gossip Girl for inspiration (don't pretend like you haven't seen it, men.)
So, whats the best way to get this style?
Grab yourself a smart blazer, waist coat and shirt combo and mix it with Jeans. For those wanted to be extra special cool, don some battered converse for the ultimate eclectic fashion. This may seem like an obvious choice for male fashion, but it works so well. Now, to add the most unique touch to this, add your Kristian Digby smile.
Spacecadet Zoe

Thursday 15 October 2009

Style Crush: Sherilyn Fenn as Audrey Horne


David Lynch's seminal 90's series Twin Peaks was iconic and a cult hit for many reasons, but perhaps the most intriguing character was the sultry, quirky high school student Audrey Horne. Played superbly by Sherilyn Fenn, Audrey eschewed the 90's fashions of her contemporaries and adopted a 1950's style aestethic, complete with bouffant curls, patent brogues and knitted tops paired with high waisted, knee length skirts. It's a look I'm going to be channelling for winter, thats for sure. To get the look, see my polyvore set below. To get the attitude, think rebellious, smoking-behind-the-school-bikeshed, insouciant, mischeivous and above all sexy. Don't be afraid to dance to your own tune and embrace your inner Audrey.

Do Your Palms Ever Itch?



Tuesday 13 October 2009

Win and Fail 5

WIN - Faux fur gilets. The one above is £54.99 at H&M. Now, I'm guessing a few of you are sceptical of the win factor that the FFG possesses. Perfectly natural - I was too. Until I tried one on as a joke, that is. (Isn't it funny how many times those items you pick up 'as a laugh' often turn out to be the new most-worn thing in your wardrobe?) While not exactly versatile, these boho beauties look great teamed with a long-sleeved poloneck or chiffon shirt, fishnets and knee high boots. A word of warning, though. Try to seek out sleeker, more streamlined styles, or risk looking more caveman than chic.



FAIL - Of course, if you are under the (mistaken) impression that caveman chic is all the rage, you can think again. These boots are a solid reminder of everything that is wrong with the fashion industry at the moment. Don't go there, people. Uggs are like cold-weather crocs, functional, yes, but so very, very ugly, and wrong on every level.

Wednesday 7 October 2009

SELL SELL SELL!

Space Cadet Betti here, hoping you've all got yr purses at the ready!

I've got some left-over beauties from the Le Freak Club jumble sale that I'm ready and willing to sell on this here blog. Take a look and see if you fancy anything...to see a bigger version of the pictures, just click on the photo.


Beautiful unworn green rabbit and unicorn dress by Mina - £10. Size 10, amazing condition.



Vintage style fur shrug - £6. Labelled size 8-10 but will fit up to a 12-14. Great condition, only worn twice!


Authentic 1950's eggshell blue brocade prom dress. This is a one-off rarity that I've only ever worn twice. It needs a new zip or buttons at the back (the only reason I'm selling it is because I'm too lazy to fix it up) but its a show-stopping dress that deserves a good home and a lot of TLC! £15, fits a size 10.


Cherry-red 80's shot silk cocktail dress. Its an American Vogue design that I picked up a couple of years ago in a Cardiff Antique shop. It turns any figure into an amazing hourglass, trust! The straps are a bit tatty but apart from that its in excellent nick. £10, fits a size 10-12.


Super-cute grey frog prince print hoodie, worn once (its too small for me!) I love this hoodie to bits. Its not too thick, not too thin and looks killer with a pair of opaques and a denim miniskirt. £5, fits a size 8-10.

Fun Motel tunic, worn twice. Uber-flattering and mega-comfy, and only £8! Fits a size 10-12.


Sweet Primark day tea dress, fits a size 8-10, looks great with boots and a biker jacket! Only £5...

Unworn vintage style New Look shoes. Size 7, 4 inch heel. A snip at only £15.


Sweet little Pop bag, pleather, postbox red. A mere £8!


Damson kitten heel bow shoes, unworn. Well cute, size 6, and only £15!

Lace pink ballet flats with a satin bow, size 6-7 (i forget!), unworn, in great nick! £10!


If you want any of the above, just drop me a message on bettiwasaspacecadet@hotmail.co.uk. Send me a postal order plus £2.50 p&p, and I'll get the item(s) in the post the same day. Happy shopping!

XOXO

Tuesday 6 October 2009

The Default is 'Rah'


Does it bother anyone else that the default style among fresher’s, and dare I say it students in general, is ‘Rah’?

I can appreciate that in the grand scheme of things these people are still young, but jeeez, surely they should have grown a personality by now?!


For those of you not in the know, please refer to urban dictionary for the definition of ‘Rah’: http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=rah

Key ‘Rah’ features: Backcombed/ Messy hair, Over-sized Sunglasses, Scarves, Ugg (style) Boots.

This year is my third as a student and regrettably I can personally inform you that this trend is not a new one and shows no signs of waning *sigh*. It does, however, give those with a stylish flare the opportunity to shine and revel in their individuality. Don’t question yourself! Don’t get sucked into the ‘Rah’s’ world. And for God’s sake, DON’T BUY FAKE UGG BOOTS! If you do feel yourself leaning towards them (as I will admit to myself), buy a genuine pair.


Here are some examples of how even UGG’s can deviate from the norm for the few of you brave enough to delve even slightly into the ‘Rah’ look:


Seee… It is even possible to be different and still maintain brand conformity. You just have to be willing to look.


Whether you are aware of it or not, ‘Rah’s’ are spreading further and further into common life. If it’s not the real deal it’s the wannabe’s. It is unfortunate that they have discovered the wonders that are festival weekends, Top Shop, Gigs and hot indie guys, but it would appear the ‘Rah’, for the time being, is here to stay. We can at least gain comfort in the fact that trends evolve. For now, however, I shall continue to snigger and mutter under my breath, knowing that these poor girls are all just longing to be Sienna Miller.


The first article by Rhian Force for Le Freak, C'est Chic!

Sunday 4 October 2009

A Sneak Preview

Le Freak Club's Launch Night (try saying that drunk) takes off in T minus 27 hours. As you all know by now, mainly because we won't shut up about it, there will be DJs, dancing and dodgy dealings in true Le Freak, C'est Chic style. Because I'm feeling nice today, I'm giving you a sneak preview of some of the stuff that I'll have on my stall tomorrow.


Cream Floral Cami with lace trim and cute wooden button detailing.



Bright purple satin shift dress with waist tie & Embroidered neckline. Warning: This photo doesnt give the colour justice.



Old School Red & White Dunlops. Comfy and cool. I loved wearing Duns so much that I had atleast 4 different pairs at one point.



Black satin Espadrilles. Vintage glamour in the click of a heel.



Ahhhhhh! My 50's style cherry polka dot dress. Want an hourglass figure? This is the way to get it.



Jewellery and accessories galore!


All of the above and bags full more all for bargainous prices. Come along, bring your friends, bring your purse and join us in a ruddy good time, kids.


If you want to reserve any of the above or want more details about the event, give us an email at lefreak-cestchic@hotmail.com.


SpaceCadet Zoe