le freak, c'est chic

In the immortal words of Take That, BACK FOR GOOD!

2009-12-03T21:44:00.002Z

So compadres, it's been a fair while since we at Le Freak have treated your eyesies and mindsies with an update on the hottest trends since 80's power shoulders, but I can indeed confirm that we are back and ready to rock yr socks.
Due to work commitments, SC's Zoe and Betti have been unable to update Le Freak as regularly as we previously did, but now that I, SCBetti have quit one of my jobs we will resume normal service and continue to bring you the best in new and alternative fashion!

So to kick things off with a bang, I thought I'd begin with a list of the top five things on my fashion Hot List this month...

1) Nail Art.
Permanent Le Freak style crush Audrey Kitching is a massive fan, and if its good enough for her its darn well good enough for us! I recently found an amazing nail bar in Cardiff tucked away in the miniscule Cardiff Arcade that does top-notch manicures and nail art starting at a mere £5. Yes! £5! I was so surprised when the little manicurist told me that I nearly fell off my seat. but anyway...nail art is a fun and fashionable way to keep yr mitts looking as good as the rest of you. Get down to yr manicurist pronto! Although I can't guarantee you'll get as good a deal as I did...

2) Chimney Sweep boots.
Yeah, at first glance they may look like something worn by construction site workers, but trust me, paired with some opaques (black, or a bright pop of colour) and a cute floral dress, they really work to add a bit of edge to an otherwise girly-girly ensemble. I'm wearing mine with black jeggings, floaty chiffon cami's and heaps of leather, studded jewellery to get the tough-girl balance just right. Well worth shelling out £60 for, this is a trend that just keeps on growing.

3) Classy nightwear.
Because a girl needs to look glam even when she's chillaxing with a cuppa in front of the X Factor. After all, who knows who may pop round at any given time?! I'm taking a leaf out of perennial style icon Audrey Hepburns manual and going for a bejewelled sleep mask and a simple tailored white dressing gown, as seen in Breakfast At Tiffanys. Obviously I'm not suggesting you wear full make-up and an up-do that resembles one of the models in the Elnett ads, but who wants to wear their dads mouldy old dressing gown and pyjamas that were seemingly constructed during the stoneage during their downtime. Not the Le Freak girls, thats for sure! 'They' (whoever 'they' are) say that the better yr underwear, the sexier you feel. I believe the same goes for pyjamas. Stay glam.

4) Faux Fur
Ahh, this old chestnut. It rolls around every year, manifesting itself in various jacket-and-handbag shaped forms. Love it or hate it, its not even close to it's death rattle yet. Leopard print is the obvious choice, but I saw a lovely dalmatian print pea-coat on the Miss Selfridge racks, and later, on a very fashion-forward young lady the other day. Fashionable AND functional (wearing one of these babies is like slotting yourself into a toaster), whats not to like?

5) Home-made.
What with everyone banging on about the bloody recession nowadays (note to the Daily Mail - the words Credit Crunch are getting very tiresome), its probably time we reassess our spending habits and question ourselves as to whether we REALLY need that Topshop shift dress, darling though it is. No, my buzzwords this month are make-do and mend, and having just re-discovered Crafty Sew and Sews haberdashery, will be spending the majority of my free time sat on the sofa, needle in hand, beading and applique-ing and slashing up various old-hat items in my wardrobe, thus giving them a new lease of life and saving myself a pretty penny in the process. For those of you who want to achieve the homemade look but are too ruddy lazy to get yourself to a fabric shop and do it yrself, Recycled With Love are a fab Cardiff based company who make all their clothes from second hand scraps, and will even make you up a custom design if you bring them some old fabric. Genius! (see above picture)

Back for good - Space Cadet Betti xOx

HIATUS!

2009-11-22T00:36:00.001Z

Until Space Cadet Betti stops working two jobs (ie in two weeks) Le Freak will be inactive xxx

I've Got Wood

2009-10-29T10:01:00.003Z

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

Winter Warmers

2009-10-21T19:35:00.003+01:00

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

Kristian Digby

2009-10-17T15:36:00.004+01:00

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

Style Crush: Sherilyn Fenn as Audrey Horne

2009-10-15T18:53:00.002+01:00

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.

Win and Fail 5

2009-10-13T11:49:00.002+01:00

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.

SELL SELL SELL!

2009-10-07T18:02:00.008+01:00

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

The Default is 'Rah'

2009-10-06T14:46:00.006+01:00

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!

A Sneak Preview

2009-10-04T17:34:00.003+01:00

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

Wallpaper Rose

2009-09-29T15:51:00.002+01:00

As we at Le Freak have once again been neglecting our duties to bringing you the best in new fashion icons and designers in favour of manically organising our club night, I thought it about time to introduce a new name onto your sartorial radars. Meet Louise Gibbs, aka WallpaperRose, a jewellery designer based in Newport who makes gorgeously kitsch, avante garde accessories at bargainista prices. Heres what she had to say...

1) Tell me a bit about yourself!

I'm Louise Gibbs, I'm 23, I live in Gloucestershire when I'm not at uni and I'm generally a bit of a geek.
I'm currently just entering my third year at the University of Wales, Newport studying Photographic Art. I've studied art in various forms through school and college, including photography, textiles, fashion and graphics and completed an Art Foundation. I've always been interested in design since I was a kid, I absolutely love going to exhibitions and visual thing in general. I have a bad habit of covering my walls with pictures. My Mum actually makes jewellery as a "hobby" for want of a better word, so any techniques I've aquired are from her! No actual training.

2) What gave you the idea to start designing and selling in the first place, and how did you set the ideas into motion?

I only really started making jewellery at the beginning of the summer- with the intent to sell- I was having difficulty finding Summer work and it was something I had wanted to have a go at, so had the time to try. Before actually making my own, I set up a BigCartel website (best way to describe it is like facebook or myspace- you essentially insert the information- thankfully you don't need to know how to create your own website!) for my Mum's jewellery- (my brother's band use Bigcartel to sell their merch- so I knew it was a fairly simple site to use!- this is probably way more information than you need!) and through that experience realised how easy it would be to maintain the website that it would be worth my while setting up my own and seeing if anything sold!

3) Describe your 'collection'.

I would say it's vintage inspired, a bit junkish with a huge appreciation for charms.

4) What influences you when designing new items?

It's generally a combination of what I see in shops- whats currently selling, what I find with regard to charms- and the potential I see as to what I can combine it with and there are a few other online jewellery shops I've come across who create beautiful pieces.
5) Have you experienced any adversity whilst setting up wallpaperrose?

Not so far- I hope not to?!

6) Do you hope to expand the business? If so, how?

Well, I don't really know about expanding currently- as this year is going to be a hard slog Uni wise, but so far I have a website limited to 25 items, this can be expanded to 100- which I would like to do and will probably consider in the not to distant future. I'm hoping to have a stall at Uni and might consider trying to sell at Camden at some point.

7) Who do you think your designs appeal to, and what market are you aiming them at?

I would hope my jewellery appeals to people who appreciate something a little more original- perhaps with a liking for vintage and kitsch. I wouldn't really like to discredit anyone from liking it- but I'm probably aiming at the 17-30 age group.

8) What significance do you think fashion holds to todays youth?

I think it's of great significance- but then has been since the conception of the teenager. It's used to express, promote, accept and challenge. It's something to follow or ignore depending on your view point.

9) And finally, what are your three golden style rules?
-Eyeliner is a must.
-Cowboy boots will go with most things.
-And I hate to be boring, but try before you buy. It's so heart wrenching having to take something pretty back because it just doesn't suit you!

More of Louises amazing designs can be found on www.wallpaperrose.co.uk, get there before the masses do!

Space Cadet Betti x

Win and Fail 4

2009-09-29T15:06:00.002+01:00

WIN - Following your own rules. Turning fashion dictums on their head, mixing it up and creating your own look is an ultimate win.

FAIL - Following the pack. Yeah, I get it, you're a fan of someone. But basing your entire look around your idol's persona is a massive fail (see Audrey Army - c'est tragique). Appreciate, don't replicate.

Dilemma Vs. Solution- Clothing Mathematics

2009-09-27T14:47:00.009+01:00

The Dilemma

You bought all these pretty dresses over summer, you flaunted your legs throughout and developed a lovely hint of tan (if you were lucky).
Now the weather has changed and the winter is looming, you're stuck with a bunch of clothes that you cant wear again until next summer strolls slowly around, Right? Wrong.

The Solution

Take one pretty summer dress. It can be floral or patterned or plain. As long as it still fits you.

I've got tonnes of these that I bought over the summer and left over from last year, and since Im going through a phase of only wearing dresses, skirts and shorts, this gives me the perfect chance to recycle last season. Score. I'm doing my thing for the environment.

+ Opaques or leggings. Both work equally as well. You could be brave and go for statement colour. Plum colours normally look really nice for Autumn, or patterned tights. But if you're a little bit stuck to the classics like me, thick black opaques are the way forward. I found a good pair of 120 denier tights in New Look for £5.

+ a long chunk knit cardigan or butch it up with a Leather biker Jacket. you can find these anywhere and everywhere these days. The mainstream has finally caught up with these wardrobe classics. It's about time too.

+ Shoeboots/Knee High Boots/Brogues whatever you find most comfortable. Oh hell, mix and match your footwear by the day. If you're really cool like me (ahem), then you'll own all of the above footwear anyway. So be adventurous, be daring and lace up.

= One freaking awesome Autumn/Winter collection. And I thought I wasn't that good at maths.

SpaceCadet Zoe

Le Freak Club

2009-09-24T18:32:00.003+01:00

First of all, an apology.
I've been very lax on the whole updating front (again), having been in Ibiza and leaving all the work to poor old Space Cadet Zoe. Who did an excellent job, by the way. Nice one.

Secondly, a bit of a news bulletin about future Le Freak, C'est Chic goings on! I promise I'll do a decent update soon, honest.

#1: LE FREAK CLUB! This is by far and away the most exciting thing coming up on the LFCC schedule. As you may have heard (we've done everything bar climbing onto the highest rooftop in Cardiff and shouting about it to all and sundry), we now have a weekly night at Cardiffs Buffalo Bar, during which we have free rein from the hours of 8pm-3am to do whatever the blazers we want. Which is mostly going to involve hosting an electro special, selling second hand and vintage clothes/accessories at a stall, putting on some amazing bands, playing pass the parcel, watching some kickass burlesque dancers, showcasing some of the best local fashion photography and so much more. I'm convinced the events manager at Buffalo is suffering from temporary insanity. Theres no other reason he would have allowed two wasters/blaggers like us to have our own night if he weren't. But he evidently is, and we do. Booyah. Monday nights starting October 5th - GET INVOLVED! Look for Le Freak Club on facebook for the event.

#2: NEW SHOOT! Thats right, SCZoe and I are in the process of arranging the next LFCC shoot, and what a spectacular its going to be. We've got some amazing shops and independent designers on board, a kickass idea, beautiful models, a professional make-up artist and Ant Vaughan, Cardiffs bestest photographer. Win. Its going to be a far cry from the last shoot, but thats all I'm saying. Also, look out for the vlogs we'll be putting up. We're filming the first one on the day of the shoot, and hope to do more after. Exciting times.

#3: NEW FEATURES! We've got some truly awesome features with independent designers, artists and bands lined up and ready to post, as soon as I get my lazy ass into gear and start sorting out my email inbox. Also, if there are any designers/band members/photographers and artists out there who would like to be featured, don't be shy, give us an email at lefreak-cestchic@hotmail.com :)

Thats all for now, I'll be back later for more fashion musings.
Space Cadet Betti xx

Style Crush: Princess Margaret

2009-09-22T19:34:00.003+01:00

Waspish waists, G&T's, luxuriously bouffant hair, copious amounts of cigarettes and a wild-child attitude. Princess Margaret was an ultimate style icon.
More to come soon....

Shopaholics Anonymous

2009-09-16T12:49:00.009+01:00

"I love buying clothes and accessories," you say "But I never have time to go shopping in town!"

Well turn that frown upside down, I've perused the interweb for some of the cutest online boutiques so you can get original fashion at a fair price. This is no Topshop.com.

First up is Shrinking Violet.

http://www.shrinkingvioletonline.co.uk/

For the best in your Kitsch alternative fashions. Be sure to check out the sale sections. This isn't exactly bargain basement, but they have some cute little aprons that would encourage even me to bake a cupcake or two. Oh and the Donald Duck stuff is more amazing than seeing a nun in a strip club.

Next up; Good friends of Le Freak- Kooki Two Bit

http://www.kookitwobit.co.uk/

Cardiff based online store specialising in everything and anything. This place is amazing, if you havent already been in the store itself, the website can give you a good taster of encouragement to get your scrawny ass down to Clifton Street. Personal favourite item is the Locket Ring in the Jewellry section. I want.

A popular site for the London Fashion tribes- Rokit

http://www.rokit.co.uk/
Guys clothes, girls clothes, vintage clothes, CLOTHES. Thats what I like to see. When I get some dollar I will be purchasing this black lace 50's dress and teaming it with a waist belt, opaques, some chunky shoe boots, and a shed load of bling for an edgier look.

The best of the rest:

http://www.steptoesantiques.co.uk/

http://www.poshgirlvintage.com/

http://www.myvintage.co.uk/

www.Oxfam.org.uk/Vintage

http://www.peekaboovintage.com/peek.swf

If you know any websites that you'd like to share with us, give us an email on lefreak-cestchic@hotmail.com

SpaceCadet Zoe

Le Geek, C'est Chic

2009-09-15T10:05:00.008+01:00

See what I did there on the title? Genius, I know.

I'm going to tell you something that I've been told by my mother ever since my brother used to mock me for getting A's; It is cool to be a geek.

This is just as true now as it ever was when I was 10 years old in my own little geek-phase. Just look at the likes of the fashion elite Florence Welch and Fearne Cotton. You can't even browse a magazine in Britain without seeing their faces emblazened on the best dressed lists. There's Kate Nash down there as well, just for arguements' sake. Dallas Green of Alexisonfire fame and Joseph Gordon Levitt in '(500) Days of Summer' for the gents too.

How do I do this trend, Zoe?! I here you ask. Well, its probably the easiest thing in the world.
Layers are important, think cardigans over shirts, Pullovers and smart jackets. Ladies may need knee high socks to team with their mini skirts and pretty dresses and EVERYONE in the whole wide world should invest in some Clear Lens glasses. I found this pair in Topshop for £15, but they can be found cheaper elsewhere.

So, In the altered words of Missy Elliott. Go, Get your Geek On.

SpaceCadet Zoe

Magic Moments - I Haunt Wizards talk to Le Freak!

2009-09-11T10:38:00.002+01:00

It's been a while since we at Le Freak have done an interview, partially because we've been running around like leprechauns on speed trying to sort out both our new weekly night at Buffalo (more to come on this, folks) and also the new Le Freak shoot. Its also a bit because we can't be bothered, but anyhow...
This week, we introduce the quirkily cool I Haunt Wizards, who blend post-ironic synths and beats with cool, disillusioned vocals. It works, and I predict them to be one of 2010's hot picks. For now though, until stardom comes knocking at least, we talk to Helen about her style do's and don'ts...

1) Hey, hows things and whats going down with the band?
Not bad thank you, finalising an album and rerecording all our old demos so its taking a long time! Coming up were recording a video for our first single of the album Along Came Polly, and after that who knows!!

2) How would you descibe your style?
A blend of eighties pop and modern day electro.....we call it Magical DX Glitch Pop

3) In terms of style, who and what are your influences?
Twiggy back in the day was my favourtie!

4) If you could changes wardrobes with one person, who would it be?
Kate Moss, just to be nossy!

5) Where are your favourite places to shop?
Mainly shops in the lanes in brighton as most of the shops arn't the usual highstreet so you can always create something individual that someone else wont have.

6) What items in your wardrbe hold particular sentimental value to you?
My white heels, wore them to play one of IHW first gigs a while back.

7) What significance do you think fashion hoolds to todays youth?
Everything...music and fashion are all most teens worry about,i know its what i do! Its there way of expression, fitting in and feeling confident.

8) What were your biggest fashion mistakes?
Chunky Skate shoes with skinny jeans.......bad move

9) And finally, your three fashion rules?!
Less Is More!

Style Crush

2009-09-10T11:50:00.003+01:00

Rose DeWitt Bukater- Titanic

Costumes designed by Deborah L. Scott

It was a typical Wednesday night, I was tired and slightly hungover flicking through the T.V channels to find something of interest. Beginning to feel frustrated by my freeview, I spied with my little eyes a film that I have loved for more than half my existence. Titanic.

James Cameron's depiction of the events of Titanic gripped the nation back in 1997, but for me, the most gripping part was the costumes (and Leonardo DiCaprio's pretty face).

Realistically, this isn't the sort of stuff that you could wear out on a regular basis, but some of the elegance in the costumes can be applied to a less O.T.T outfit. Think lace layering, Corseting, sheer fabrics, Embroidery and glamour.

SpaceCadet Zoe

Rule #1

2009-09-09T21:07:00.002+01:00

Don't try too hard to look "Individual" or you'll end up looking like you got dressed in the dark by an autistic child with no hands and a vendetta against you.

Example: The Dolly Rockers.

In theory they should have it right, I approve of little dresses with chunky boots, high waisted skirts and killer heels, big hair...

In practise, however, they look like a bunch of try hard prostitutes. They offend my eyes and after hearing their monstrous song 'Goldigger', the offend my ears too.

SpaceCadet Zoe

Kaya Scodelario Style Crush Part 1

2009-09-09T19:24:00.001+01:00

Look Up If You Love Me

2009-09-07T01:18:00.000+01:00

Hannah Murrays Marc Jacobs ensemble for Lulu Magazine. Practically perfect in every way.

The Lust List

2009-09-07T00:19:00.002+01:00

Below are my top eight most coveted items of Autumn/Winter 2009

Irregular Choice Cat Boots - £99.99. At this price I'll probably only be able to afford them when I start collecting my pension and applying for a bus pass. Until now, I'm just going to stare at them, open mouthed, through the Schuh window.

Yumi faux fur jacket - £89. 100% amazing, and timeless to boot. I'd wear it with postbox red lipstick, the skinniest black jeans and skyscraper lace-up shoots.

Minnie Mouse Ears - on eBay from £1.50 . Partially inspired by Louis Vuittons catwalk bunny ears, and also by Zui Suicide's cute as a kitten in a sock headgear on Paris Hiltons BFF. I may have to make a pair myself for added kitsch factor.

Jumper - £85, Marcus Lupfer for Topshop. This is a proper 80's throwback, which reminds me of something that Whitney from that tacky teen-fiction novel New Faces would have worn. This + stonewash jeggings + cherry-red ankle boots = massive win.

Alexander McQueen embossed patent leather brogue boots - too much to even contemplate. New Look are doing a similar (but nowhere near as hot) pair for £70. Hmm...Quilted Patent Leather Bag - Marc Jacobs. I literally love everything about this bag. This season, as you've probably guessed, I'm escewing my signature girly style for something with a bit more edge. This bag epitomises everything I'm crushing on this winter.

Uma Thurmans hair and Audrey Kitchings make-up - priceless. Ok, while hair and make-up aren't items per se, they're still top of my wishlist this month. I've been wanting to swap my signature black, pink and double-layered hair for something more classic for a while now, and Uma's graduated bob and short fringe is most definitely what I'll be asking Holly at Vidal Sassoon for next time I got in for a chop. As for Audreys make-up, well, what can I say? She looks like a cross between Cheryl Cole and a candy cane, and I mean that in the best possible way. I think its time for me to raid the Mac stand in Boots again.

Shredded ribbed tights - from £1 in Primark - reminiscent of the beginning of the 70's punk movement, and more recently of Effy from the third series of Skins. What an eclectic comparison...

I'm in dire need of a fairy godmother right now.

Win and Fail 3

2009-09-07T00:08:00.002+01:00

Win - Gold skirts - brocade is best. This beauty is from DKNY, but I gots me one for a mere £15 on ASOS.

Fail - Gold jackets. This offender is the reason the world is wrong. Mr Space Cadet got it right when he said it looked like the coat of a disco priest, a bit like Father Ted's get-up in the My Lovely Horse video, as seen below.

GET YR CHIC ON!!

2009-09-03T15:44:00.004+01:00

Project Mayhem - SUCCESS!
Our debut Le Freak, C'est Chic gig/jumble sale took place on August 25th at Cardiff's 10 Feet Tall, and what a night it turned out to be! Expect details of our next event very soon!
SCB xxx

The Seven Deadly Sins

2009-08-30T14:44:00.006+01:00

Lust

The Lace Trilby

Black dentelle lace trilby. Narrow brim. Black grosgrain ribbon runs around the crown with a bow at one side. Are you turned on yet?
I would have passionate relations with this pretty little trilby from Maison Michel.

Gluttony
My wardrobe in general.
I have so many clothes that I don't wear and yet I keep buying more. Wasting money on more clothes when theres people (inappropriately) running around the streets naked just makes me one badass sinner.

Greed
Designer Labels
Why spend over £500 for a dress when you can get exactly the same design without the label for a fraction of the price? It's all about the bargains, baby. It's simple maths, the less you spend on one items, the more you can buy. Goody!

Sloth

Pyjama Time!

Hell, if you're going to lounge, lounge in style. I'm far from the perfect example of this as my PJs either consist of my scatty underwear or a pair of leggings and a 118 vest. I've never pretended to be anything but style icon... ahem...
One person who does lounge in style though, is Dita Von Teese. "Sweat pants chafe me both physically and mentally", she said, so she hangs around the house in vintage slips and silk vintage dressing gowns. Probably with a full face of make up and flawless hair. Bitch.

Wrath

Crocs

THESE ARE NOT NICE SHOES! I would rather eat my own toe than wear these monstrosities on my feet. They make me so mad, I'd like to feed these shoes to a real Crocodile, enduce vomiting, get the remainder of these ugly objects, urinate on them and then send them back to the factory.

Envy

Everyone

I'd be here forever getting photos for all of it, so I'll just list them instead: Scarlett Johannson in the Louis Vuitton adverts in the pretty floral underwear, The outfit that Florence & The Machine was wearing on Friday at Reading Festival, Brigette Bardot back the the day, Twiggy's outfits back in the 60s, the beaded gowns in 'Titanic', The costumes in series 6 of SATC when Carrie is in Paris....I can keep going....

Pride
Knowing that I can make £35 by selling my old clothes and jewellery to friends.

It's not taking advantage, I swear! It'll go towards buying me new clothes so that I can get rid of some more of my old clothes. It's the circle of life, my friends.

by SpaceCadet Zoe

I WANT CANDY!

2009-08-27T17:59:00.003+01:00

I'm quite literally piddling myself with excitement after checking out the new range of peachy 70's and 80's dresses on my favourite vintage shopping site, Candy Says. I've been having a bit of a whimsical, Cecilia Lisbon moment and as such these pastelly beauts have had me manically checking my bank balance only to find that no, I can't afford even one of these dresses, let alone the four of them. Overindulgence of sequinned goods (*coughTHEALMIGHTYBLAZERcough*) is mostly to blame there...but I digress. My favourite has to be the cape-sleeved 70's party dress that makes me think of a fashion-forward Princess Leia, which would look outstanding with a pair of calf-length gladiators and a dishevelled, Diana Vickers-esque ponytail. As soon as I get my next paycheck that £40 is running straight out of my bank account and into the pocket of Miss Candy.

I'm also lusting over these insanely brilliant Henry Holland tights after reading a Style Bubble post about them. Not only do they come ready packed in a coffee cup (stroke of genius in my opinion), but they are also available in a variety of colours from classic black and white - my personal pick - to lilac and powder blue. I want.

Style Crushes du jour

2009-08-27T13:57:00.003+01:00

Melissa Marie - Millionaires

One-third of the uber-cool Californian electro band Millionaires, Melissa Marie is often left in bandmate Dani Artauds shadow for reasons unknown (possibly because of the 'fame' Artaud found as her scene queen alias DaniGORE). With her massively backcombed hair and extreme cats-eye flicks, Melissa looks like a young, less bolshy Amy Winehouse pre-crack addiction and dresses like a contestant on a Japanese gameshow. It shouldn't work but it does. Ever so well.

Win and Fail 2

2009-08-23T23:45:00.003+01:00

Win - Neon slogan tee's. A bit Klaxons, a bit Henry Holland, more than a bit cool (despite having been around since their 2006 resurgence).

Fail - Neon Shoes. "You're tacky and I hate you".

Get Cape, Wear Cape, Fly.

2009-08-22T11:35:00.009+01:00

What do a magician and a super hero have in common?

It's certainly not their love of lycra underwear.

If you haven't guessed from the title, there may be something wrong with you. It's all about the cape for me right now. This is pure and utter lust.

See how awesome they look? It's all about the vintage faux fur, the tweed and the thick wool. Its a Texture and Comfort party!!

If I can manage to get some dollar in the next 6 days and 18 hours, that first Faux Fur Cream Stole Cape is coming home with me, courtesy of Ebay.

I'll wear it with my electric blue leather buttoned gloves when the winter season truly arrives, teamed with a big fat smile on my face for added pizzaz.

Spacecadet Zoe

The Bare Necessities

2009-08-21T18:28:00.013+01:00

I've been doing a little thinking recently (a dangerous past-time, I know.)

One of the things I was thinking about is Style in general. What makes someones style unique? How is my personal style definable?

So he we go, I've raided my own wardrobe and found the best things to sum me up.

Essential Number One:

A pretty floral dress.

I used to be self confessed tom-boy after spending all my years up to the age of 11 wearing nothing but the pretty girly dresses my mother forced upon me. But y'know what, Mum, You're a genius, because after rebelling in my jeans, Ive realised that nothing will make me feel girlier or prettier than a floral dress.

Suitable for all shapes, sizes and seasons, this really is an instant classic wardrobe item to posess.

This one was purchased in May from New Look for £25 and amongst the other floral dresses in my wardrobe, I've pretty much lived in them the last few months.

Essential Number Two:

Fudging Awesome Footwear.

I'm a typical girl in this area, I own alot of heels that kill my feet but look amazing. I think this may be how the term "Killer Heels" was coined. I do tend to stay in flats the majority of the time, but when I do wear heels, I want them to be freaking immense.

The black heeled brogues stopped my from eating properly for a day because I spent the last of my money on them. They're also from New Look and a steal at £20.

The red pair feel like having vices on my feet, but theyre so damn stunning it brings another kind of tear to my eyes. I think I paid about £10 for these from a cheapy Cardiff shoe shop.

I used to work in SCHUH. I had discount to make me salvate. On my last ever shift, I used my last ever discount to buy the Black and White Irregular Choice shoes you see before you. I havent regretted it for one second. I love these shoes more than I love tea, and thats saying something.

Essential Number Three:

A classic pair of straight leg jeans.

For me they give the same effect as skinny jeans, but if you've got a larger posterior than would be suitable for the purposefully named "Skinny" jeans, then the straight leg is the more flattering cut for you.

I wear these half to death. Peruse Topshop for the best ones, just like I did. When it comes to jeans, the fit is really important, don't be afraid to go one size higher just to avoid that overhang (or is it just me that gets it?)

The better things fit, the skinnier you look anyway. Clothing sizes are just labels, no-one cares what size you buy as long as it looks good.

Essential Number Four:

The long length Cardigan.

I've got one in almost every colour. Oh look at me, I'm revolutionary with my style of jeans and a long cardi. How original.

But seriously, my casual wardrobe would be useless without them. The jeans and cardi rule also applies to guys.

The grey one you see before you was about £10 from H&M last year.

Essential Number Five:

The High Waisted Skirt.

Flattering? Yes.

Easy to wear? Yes

Smart & Casual? Hell Yes.,

You can't go wrong. I've got a nice collection going on. From A-Line, to Pencil, to Mini. Choose the cut that flatters you, or just go nuts and buy them all on a whim like I did. Hobo's do some nice patterned ones.

So the chances are, if you see me on the street, I'll be wearing at least one of these items. Or I may just be running around naked, as is the style at a nudist colony.

Spacecadet Zoe

Barbie Girl

2009-08-19T23:49:00.008+01:00

Makeup tutorial #2 - doll-faced.

The aim is to look like a cross between Twiggy and a porcelain doll. Read on to find out how to achieve this look in four easy steps...

Step 1: Base. Use a very small amount of concealer under your eyes, around your nose and on any blemishes. Then, mix a light foundation such as Maybelline Dream Mousse with a tiny amount of your usual moisturiser and apply a thin layer all over your face. The addition of moisturiser allows for a smooth, sheer finish, just like plastic!
Then use some translucent pressed powder all over your face to set the foundation.

Step 2: Cheeks! Sweep a light pink blusher (I always go for Rimmel as they have the prettiest shades) over your cheekbones, then pay particular attention to the apples of your cheeks. Big pink circles aren't what you're going for here, but a healthy flush is, so don't be too sparing. Next step - get hold of some highlighter. I find the pen applicators work best- Eyeko do a fantastic one fr just £3.99. Dot it along the top line of your cheekbones, then blend in until you get the desired highlighted effect. Again, you don't need to be too subtle here, as a nice shimmer only enhances the doll-like appearance.

Step 3: Eyes! Firstly, add a dab of highlighter onto your eyelids and blend well. Then use a small amount of translucent pink eyeshadow - Barry M do a great loose powder shadow in baby pink - and dust it lightly over your eyelids.
Grab a sharpened black kohl pencil, and heavily line the top and bottom inner lash lines. Clear up any slips, the eyeliner needs to look crisp and well applied. Next, apply a 2mm line of kohl onto your top lash line, leaving a 1/2cm space before the corner of your eye, and making a tiny flick at the end. Use a cotton bud to soften but NOT smudge the liner, then reapply another layer is neccessary.
Next, use a lengthening mascara on your top and bottom lashes (I find Collection 2000's lengthening mascara does the trick here), then use a mascara that builds up length and volume, such as Rimmels Glam'Eyes. Instead of just sweeping the brush upwards, try to move it horizontally across your eyelashes to get a slightly clumpier effect. Wait for the mascara to fully dry, then apply a coat or two more, depending on how dramatic you want your eyes to look. I usually go for the more is more approach, as when done correctly, the dollface makeup can make your eyes look stunning.
Finally, use a white kohl pencil on the inner corners of your eyes to highlight and brighten.

Step 4: Lips! Brush your lips with an old toothbrush to get rid of any dead skin and to increase the bloodflow, making lips redder. Then use a dab of nude or dusky pink lipstick as a stain, and rub in to the colour is subtle yet still noticeable. Then, use a long-lasting lipgloss - Rimmel Shock Gloss is my personal favourite - to make your lips look like PVC

...and now you look like plastic! Go forth and enjoy.

Style Update: All That Glitters...

2009-08-17T23:46:00.005+01:00

Oversized
Sequinned
Skintight
Elegant

These have been my buzz-words for the past week or so. I've taken the gamine look I've been obssessed with one step further to borderline androgyny.
As soon as I caught a glimpse of the Diane Von Furstenburg sequined blazer, I knew I had to get one. As the original was slightly out of my price range, I scoured the high street to no avail. Until saturday, when I found this beauty in Dorothy Perkins, of all places, and a snip at £70.

People, I am actually in love with this jacket. No hyperbole. If possible, I would make love to it.
After I purchased The Almighty Blazer (as it shall now be known), I realised it would be a purrrfect opportunity to debut my new acid wash jeggings - the ones that make me feel a bit like a glam-rock Jason Donovan.
For the Múm gig at the Reardon Smith Lecture Hall earlier this evening, I paired TAB with aforementioned jeggings, a simple striped vest top and bad-ass gogo boots, as welll as my trademark bow and best ever Camden find, as seen below...

In celebration of TAB, I also found a matching black sequined bikini for a mere £8, perfect for my upcoming trip to Ibiza. God bless end-of-season sales. Unfortunately, I'm going to have to go on the ultimate bikini body diet pre-hols, as otherwise there's a real danger of Greenpeace being called to a beached whale disaster as soon as I hit the sand. I blame too many Takeaway Mondays with Mr Space Cadet. I blame the Top Oriental chinese take-away. I blame the myriad bottles of pear cider I indulge in with ne'er a care to my waistline. Bugger. Time to drag the cross-trainer out of the garage, methinks...

In other news, I've re-ignited my love affair with Wellfield Roads chazza shops. I found this amazing tea dress three days ago for £2. It was floor-length when I bought it, but a quick hem alteration turned it from frumpy to a fab dress to wear with opaques, a leather jacket and a pair of biker boots for added edge.

Múm were great, by the way.
Over and out.

Dead Love

2009-08-13T18:39:00.006+01:00

It's been a fair bit of time since we at Le Freak featured an interview on our pages, so we thought it high time to bring another crazy-stylish muso type to the masses. This time, in keeping with our focus on male fashion, we spoke to Paul Marshall, superstar DJ, frontman of Cardiff-based rock troubadours Dead Against the Rest and winner of my coveted 'Most Stylish man I know' award to get the lowdown on how to rock his look.

Whats going on with your two main ventures, Dead Against the Rest and Barflys new electro night Supa Supa?
Alright thanks. The band have been taking a bit of time out because everybody’s going away on holiday, but we’ve started writing some more stuff and putting a more professional set together. We’ve got a hopefully got a couple of big things coming up towards the end of the year, on the 22nd august we’re playing at Maesteg town hall with funeral for a friend and kids in glasshouses – it’s a tribute gig for our guitarists sister who died in the Thailand plane crash. It’s sold out now, but it should be a really good gig. We’re playing hard rock hell as well at the end of the year, with the New York Dolls, which I’m well happy about. There are loads of old metal bands like WASP and Queensreich too. Supa Supas going alright, it’s pretty up and down but it’s quiet at the moment, so most things in Barfly have pretty much shut down until September when the students come back. We’re going to restart it then with a nice new repertoire, some new tunes! We’re trying to find some way of having it on a weekend, as it would suit it better to have it on a Saturday rather than a Wednesday when everyone’s got work in the morning – even though Hammertime is still busy, who knows why! But yeah, we’re going to go into serious advertising mode in august, so you’ll see it around town!

Who are your ultimate style influences?
It depends what mood I’m in when I wake up really. I think predominantly it’s always someone like Bowie, he’s a massive style icon for me because of the diversity in styles he’s had since he started all the way through his career ‘til now. I think he’s worn some ridiculous clothes, and even though I’ve worn some ridiculous clothes I wouldn’t wear some of it! You’ve got all the classics like Bowie and Mick Jagger and people like that. For a while Noel Fielding was really big on my agenda but then after seeing them live last year it just destroyed my idea of him, he’s just become too cool now. Its like he’s gone so far up his own arse…but that’s another story for another day. I think a lot of my style stems from when I was a mod, and there’s a bit of glam rock in there, with a bit of whatever I feel like! Bit of punk DIY in there as well, lets not forget that.

You're quite into customising your own clothes. Care to tell us a bit about that?
I was going to start my own customised t shirt range. im going to call my label Dead Love, I thought that was pretty cool. I’ve done a few already because whenever I wear my own designs out people keep asking me where I got them from. Its just spray-painting t-shirts really, they only last for one or two washes but I think that’s even better really, its even more punk. They’re real one-offs then, after you’ve worn it a couple of times and washed it then its done. It’s all about the design really. I’ve got things like old military jackets that I’ve pinned together – rather than chuck them out because they’re ripped, I’ll just pin them back together so they look a bit more punky. And with shoes, I’ll take a pair in a boring colour then spray paint them whatever colour I want.

How do you decide what to wear on a night out?
An outfit always starts with the shoes. I work my way up from the shoes. It depends what the occasion is though – if it’s a mid week gig ill probably wear trainers but then it’ll depend on what colour trainers I want to wear. Pink, probably. But if im DJ-ing, because the music takes up the forefront of it, I like to wear something that makes me stand out a bit – t-shirt, chains and beads, and its always about a nice jacket – a customised coat maybe. But it always comes back to the shoes! A good pair of winklepickers, the pointier the better!

Whats the dillio with your myriad tattoos?
Theres no real meaning behind them, I just really like them. The one on my elbow is a Roy Lichtenstein piece because I really like pop art, I tell everyone the girl on my arm is Amy Winehouse…but its not! I just love the old skool sailor tattoos, nice sleeves, and pin-up girls too. That’s what my tattoos are all based on. It’s normally when I see something that catches my eye and I think ‘hmm, that would make for a good tattoo, where on my body can I put that?!’ See, I never understand why people always feel they have to attach stories to their tattoos. I don’t know any of my friends who have meanings behind theirs beyond ‘yeah, it looks cool!’ I’m just glad they don’t have 24 hour tattoo parlours anymore, because guaranteed id be covered in shit tattoos by now, Skeletor or something like that!

If you could trade wardrobes with one person, dead or alive, who would it be?
Bowie, easily. Maybe not so much now, but 70’s era bowie was amazing, but I think im a bit too fat to fit into his wardrobe! Maybe Jagger, Keith Richards too, but that’s getting a bit greedy then isn’t it?

Do you have any items in your wardrobe that hold particular sentimental value?
Well, hmm! I’ll have to think about that one. I’ve got so many clothes I cant think of what I’ve got in there. Ummm, most of my clothes were bought for me by my ex girlfriend, so obviously they’ve got a lot of significance, but I can’t really think of anything off the top of my head. I’m sure there is though, I’m just being dense and I cant think of any!

What significance do you think fashion holds to todays youth?
To be honest I think its all about fashion these days. Everything. I mean, take music, its not even so much about music anymore as it is about fashion. Clubs are about fashion, in terms of which clubs people hang out at, and I’s not so much about whether you’ll enjoy the music, its more about whether the right people with the right haircut and clothes are there. It’s a bit sad in a way. It’s important to dress well, and to dress how you want, but everything seems to be based on how a person looks these days, style over substance, and that’s coming from me who dresses ridiculously! Because I’m a lot older than other people and I’ve seen a lot of changes in the way society is, you can tell people do take a lot more care and time over their appearance, where as back in our day it would be a charity shop pair of trousers, band t-shirt, out you go! But that’s Britpop for you…

What are your favourite places to shop?
Ebay is the best place to shop. Especially when you come home drunk and you think ‘I have to have one of these!’ and then you look it up and its there! Ebay and charity shops, definitely, because I don’t like to buy a lot of things from Topshop, as you can guarantee you buy a t-shirt from there, go out on a Saturday night and see a million other people wearing that t-shirt. Unless of course you customise it yourself. It’s so much better if you go out and search for something, because that way you can come across a gem in a charity shop.

What are your biggest fashion mistakes?
God, ive got loads. A white polo baseball hat maybe. Shell suits in the 80’s. Cut off denim jeans…but that was Monday. I also went through a phase in my early 20’s of just wearing designer clothes and buying for the name rather than the way they look, and some of the stuff was shite! A lot of people think that if it’s got a name on it then its really good, but no, its just rubbish. Everyone take heed – it’s not about the make, its about the way you look!

Finally, what are your three golden style rules?
Good shoes, good coat, good hair!

Win and Fail

2009-08-13T18:32:00.003+01:00

Cage skirts - win. I'm in the process of acquiring one.

Cage shoes - epic fail. Seriously, don't go there. Unless of course you actively enjoy looking like Julia Roberts' hooker mate in Pretty Woman.

Lifestyle Choicezzz

2009-08-10T19:27:00.002+01:00

I had a really good weekend.

Decadence, debauchery, dinghys and dancing, combined with geek chic costumes, copious amounts of red wine and a complete and utter loss of dignity.

It made me think about a few things. Like about how fashion shouldn't be solely about the way a person dresses. In my opinion, fashion encompasses not only what you wear, but also the way you view yourself, the qualities of yr personality, your lifestyle, and, most importantly, your ability to not give two flying fucks about what anybody else thinks.

This last point is the essential one. You look at all the major fashion innovators of the last century and you will see that despite their diversity they all had one thing in common. They weren't afraid to break the status quo, to shock, to express themselves, to have fun and to stick to their convictions. All too often, the fashionista pack will withhold from doing something that in their view will make them 'look stupid' or mess up their carefully put together outfit. All too often, these same vapid fashionistas who slavishly follow Vogues every word turn out to have zero personality, zero je ne sais quoi. There is no substance, nothing behind their dead, heavily made up eyes other than disdain for those who can't afford or are unwilling to shell out on the latest Balmain jeans. Can you imagine if Vivienne Westwood has balked at letting the Sex Pistols wear her designs for their first gig? The face of fashion in the late 20th/early 21st century would be completely different! And what if Dior had refrained from launching his 1947 'New Look' collection? The classic hourglass shape that was hugely popular in the late 40's and 1950's would never have come to prominence, and Paris would never have regained its status as capital of the fashion world after WW2! This is the difference between fashion innovators and fashion followers. Guts. Balls. Whatever you want to call it. Innovators don't pussy out.

Thats basically the Le Freak, C'est Chic ethos. Yeah, we have a passion for all things sartorial, but we don't follow the Catwalk trends to a T, and we don't let it get in the way of us having fun and doing what the hell we want, even if we look utterly ridiculous in the process. To us, fashion is about following your own rules, mixing it up (be it taking inspiration from sources as diverse as the pretty-punk styles of Audrey Kitching and Zui Suicide, vintage kitsch and glamour, or even looking at styles of everyday girls and guys on the street for a fresh take on what to wear), and daring to stick to your guns and wear exactly what you want. Long live originality. Let the good times roll.

I Think I'm Turning Japanese.

2009-08-06T18:01:00.005+01:00

I still remember the fateful day that I first tried sushi. I was with my mother, we were taking the giant leap together to try this fishy delight. As I swallowed the Californian roll, I was almost sick. This was not a love that was easily forged.
However, in the experimental phase that I was going through at the time, I decided to give it another go, and from that day on, I was hooked like a fish on a rod. From there, my obsession grew to include Miso soup and other Japanese culinary wonders.
Now I know what you’re thinking, what the fudgery does this have to do with fashion?! Believe me, I’m getting to my point.
Japanese culture has increased in popularity with the mainstreaming of anime cartoons, studio ghibli and some incredible Japanese films like Old Boy and Battle Royale.

The Japanese have always had such an individual outlook on everything. The entire culture is easily recognised in today’s western society. One thing that a lot of people have taken on is Japanese fashion.
Chanelling this look has been Gwen Stefani as seen here. Shes so obsessed she Japan-ed (yes, thats a new word) her whole perfume range designing it around little dolls. How cute, shame the perfume smelt a bit like baby prostitutes.

Think poker straight hair with choppy layers, knee high socks, bright bold colours and a bucket load of fun and you’re on the right track to Tokyo.

And here's how its done on the Catwalk...on the catwalk yeah, I do my little turn on the catwalk. Sorry, I had a little Right Said Fred moment there.

But I digress, This look is quirky and takes balls, but if you do it right you can look cuter than a wet kitten. My personal favourite is the white dress in the middle...If you'd like to purchase this for me, please feel free :)

Someone pass me the chopsticks please? If you need me, I'll be applying flicks with my eyeliner and straightening my hair.

Space Cadet Zoe

Burlesque to Impress

2009-08-03T15:51:00.007+01:00

The subject of todays blog is not a new one. No siree. In fact, the origins of burlesque are said to date back to the 18th Century, when the term was used to describe 'musical works in which serious and comic elements were juxtaposed or combined to achieve a grotesque effect'. However, the Burlesque that us 21st century guys and gals know and love owes more to 19th century music hall and vaudeville traditions (plus, notably, Lydia Thompsons 1870's dance troupe The British Blondes), and more recently Prohibition era shows by Billy Minsky et al, and 1950's pin-ups such as the infamous Bettie Page and Lili St.Cyr.

I could focus on the history and origins of burlesque some more and go on a hugely detailed ramble about the many stars of the different era's, but instead I thought I'd take a look at the modern-day burlesque scene, which has enjoyed a recent revival and is one of the biggest alternative trends of the 21st century.

Its been said before and it will be said again, but the resurgence in popularity of this old-skool style of performance can largely be attributed to Michigan born, self-styled ecydisiast Dita Von Teese. Possessing a passion for 1940's culture and lacy lingerie plus training as a ballet dancer and costume designer, and having worked from the age of 18 as a dancer at a striptease bar, Von Teese had all the ingredients to spark a burlesque revolution. She took her inspiration from icons of eras past - ranging from 20's silent movie stars Theda Bara and Clara Bow to Sally Rand, Rita Hayworth, Mae West and most notably the aforementioned Bettie Page. Her earliest performances at various strip-clubs were a precursor for what was to come - bemused by the other acts' lack of originality, she frequently appeared on stage in basques, eblbow-length gloves, Victorian fetish heels and teased beehive hair.

Her career rapidly took her from glamour to fetish model, where she achieved a reputation as a corset tightlacer, and was featured in various magazines such as Bizarre, Marquis and later, Playboy. She is most famed, however, for her lavish live performances and photoshoots, which see her dancing in martini glasses, emerging from a powder compact, utilising her ballet training en pointe and riding a giant carousel horse.

She is now widely regarded as an A-list celebrity, style icon to the masses and is hugely in demand for live shows. She recently released a book 'Burlesque and the Art of the Teese', which involved tutorials on how to achieve her signature look and photographs from her many fetish shoots.

Her rise to fame has launched countless burlesque dancers, performers, websites and club nights. Immodesty Blaize, Catherine D'lish, and New York burlesque club The Box's house dancers the Hammerstein Beauties are all making a killing, and websites such as Suicide Girls, which feature hundreds of alternative models in striptease mode, is virtually a household name.

Suicide Girls especially is helping to redefine the modern standard of beauty, as well as re-inventing burlesque for a younger, edgier audience. Whilst its models generally have a punk-rock/hardcore aestethic, with tattoos, mulitple piercings and outlandish hair and make-up being the norm, they still retain (for the most part) an air of the classic burlesque sensibilities.

Local burlesque scenes have also been booming, with a surge in popularity of specialist nights appearing across the country. Cardiff's premier burlesque night What The Butler Saw has been running its operations from Minskys bar for the past two years, showcasing myriad local dancers such as Lucy Purr, Dande Lyon and Miss Pretty S'vere as well as featuring house bands like Johnny Cage and the Voodoo Groove. We at Le Freak talked to WTBS's star dancer, Miss Lady Lollypop, to get the lowdown on her fashion do's and don'ts...

1) Hello there. Hows things, and whats been going on in the world of Lolly Pop?
Hi!!
I'm good thanks, just been working lots really, and preparing for the next show...

2) What are your plans in terms of yr dancing/what the butler saw for the next few months?
Well, the next show is the 23rd July, and its a Bedtime Stories theme so its all very exciting and I have been working on a routine with my friend Dande Lyon...

3)How would you describe your style?
Hmm, it depends on my mood and where I'm going but i think im generally a bit 50's with a bit of a modern twist. Although i wish i could wear pure 50's dresses all the time!

4) In terms of fashion, who and what are your influences?
Ooooooh many influences, I love Gwen Stefani for her kick ass style, and most 50's hollywood starletts, Immodesty Blaize as far as burlesque performers go, and Carrie in Sex and the City.

5) If you could trade wardrobes with one person, who would it be and why?
Hmmmmmmmm.....probably Carrie in Sex and the City!

6)Where are your favourite places to shop?
I like a lot of topshop stuff, little boutiques are great for one offs and I love finding gems in charity shops.

7)What items in your wardbrobe hold particular sentimental value to you?
I have a beautiful deep red floor length coat that was my grandmothers, its gorgeous!! and makes you feel like a film star!

8) What significance do you think fashion holds to todays youth?
I think its a massive part of growing up, discovering fashion and what it means to you, finding your own unique style. Its important for both people who are dedicated follwers of it and also people who rebel against it.

9)What was yr biggest ever fashion mistake?
Haha!! Well when I was a teenager, I wore big baggy jeans, which I loved at the time, but looking back, they werent very lady like!!

10)What are your three golden style rules?
Wear what you want, dont be ruled by what others think.
Heels will always make you feel like a lady.
Accessorise, but in a classy way.

You can catch up on all the latest What The Butler Saw activities at www.myspace.com/whatthebutlersaw !

burlesque to impress by spacecadetbetti on Polyvore.com

5 Easy Steps to Burlesque!

1) Acquire some red lipstick. The more garish, the better. OTT is the way forward.
2) Lace yrself up. Your burlesque attempts are going to fall flat on yr face if you don't own at least one corset or basque to create that hourglass figure/waspish waist. Remember, Dita's waist measures 16.5 inches. Think about that for a moment, then pull those laces a little tighter.
3) Do yr research. It's all very well to walk the walk, but can you talk the talk? 'Burlesque and the Art of the Teese', 'Burlesque: Legendary Stars of the Stage' and 'Pretty Things: The Last Generation of American Burlesque Queens' are all good starting points.
4) Learn to walk in heels. No, not pussy kitten ones. We're talking the full 6-inch platforms here. Marilyn Monroe used to file the heel of one shoe down to create a sexy wiggle while she walked. A good idea in theory, but maybe not in practice, at least until you've learnt to navigate your way down crooked pavements in a pair of killer fetish stilettos first.
5) Adjust yr attitude. This is not a trend for wilting wallflowers. Think Nicole Kidman seducing the Duke in Moulin Rouge. Think Jessica Rabbit. Think confidence.

Style Crush: Prunella Scales

2009-08-03T15:12:00.002+01:00

Yup, you read it correctly. My style crush du jour is 70's comedy icon Prunella Scales, most famous for playing John Cleeses' long suffering wife Sybil in the famed BBC series Fawlty Towers. No, I haven't gone mad. Check out her pussy-bow blouses, kooky dresses and big big hair. Makes me wish I was born 30 years earlier...

Yes, yes, yes. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to raid the Retro Road section of my local PDSA shop and buy 40 cans of Silvikrin hairspray. Toodles.

MAD HATTERS TEA PARTY

2009-07-30T17:35:00.016+01:00

Le Freak, C'est chic teamed up with Kooki Two Bit to bring you a feature celebrating British eccentricity, tea parties, lace hold-ups and pretty pretty dresses.
(Just click on the images to see the full sizes!)

Ello wears: Floral and lace crop-top - Kooki Two Bit, high waisted trousers - her own, boots - New Look.

Lala wears: teapot print playsuit - Kooki Two Bit, hat - charity shop, shoes - Primark, pocket watch - vintage.

Space Cadet Zoe wears: Cardigan - Camden Market, hair bow - Claire's Accessories, pearls - vintage, hold-ups and heels - Primark.

Rhian Force wears: Lace dress - Kooki Two Bit, fascinator - Julian McDonald for Debenhams.

Ello wears: Lace dress - @Fab, bowler hat - vintage, necklace and earrings - Primark, brogues - New Look.

Lala wears: Blue vintage prom dress - Kooki Two Bit, Marie Antoinette shoes - Kooki Two Bit, bracelets - her own.Space Cadet Zoe wears: Blue blouse - Kooki Two Bit, black high-waisted skirt - Hobo's, hold ups and heels - Primark, assorted jewellery - vintage.
Rhian Force wears: Pink dress and belt - Kooki Two Bit, floral brooch (just seen) - Night of the Living Thread (featured previously on the Eva Tomassi blog!), brogues - New Look, hairband - Primark.

Major thanks to Anthony Vaughan and Elliott Percival for their photographic skillz, Ello, Lala, SCZoe and Rhian Force for looking beautiful, Pica pica for lending us the venue and Kooki Two Bit for trusting us with their lovely clothes!

© Space Cadet Betti 2009. All photo's © ADVaughan photography.

Can't Stop Dancin'!

2009-07-28T19:08:00.006+01:00

It's been a good month since I featured a designer on this page. Not because I have no interest in the matter, you understand. Far from it. My hesitancy to write about up-and-coming designers is due to the fact that I only want to bring you, dear reader, the brightest, most original independent designers I can find. Designers who go against the grain. Designers who have something to say (aside from 'I'd like to stick my penis in Henry Hollands ear'). As you can probably imagine, discovering such designers is like pulling a solid gold needle out of a moldy haystack.
So its with a kick of my heels and a dandy grin that I bring you an interview Christopher George, the wunderkind behind the teeny-tiny Sally Can't Dance 'label'. Some of you may recognise him from his saturday stalls at Camden Market, where he sells slogan tee's for the thinking man and woman, as well as a handful of accessories, all sold with a good serving of irony. I personally discovered Sally Can't Dance a year ago as I perused Camdens stalls in the hot june sun, slightly drunk, ice cream in hand. A simple canvas bag with the statement 'Dear NME, we need bands not fads' screamed out at me and in a second I was converted to the SCD gospel. I've been a fan ever since.
But enough from me, I won't try and convince you any more. Lets hear from the man himself....

"I'm based in Hackney, where I've lived all my life. I won't say "I was living in Hackney before it was cool" because that'd make me sound like a wanker. I was though.
I've always been interested in art and design and, although my output over the years has been patchy, at the moment I can't stop doodling.

I've had no formal training with Photoshop or screen printing which are central to the operation. When I first started making T-shirts I was cutting stencils out of card and acetate and using fabric paints. I had some designs up my sleeve that wouldn't have been possible with this method so I talked to a friend of mine who was a dab hand with screen-printing and he helped me out. Since then I've been mostly self-taught (with bits of advice here and there from others). I've made some pretty big fuck-ups but I like getting to grips with the process like this. It feels more natural and it's nice to have "Eureka!" moments when you find a solution to an obstacle that's been bugging you.

I first started making my own T-shirts about seven hundred years ago. I was really bored of seeing the same old designs and slogans all over the place and I'd thought of a couple of slogans I'd like to make for myself. I came up with quite a few and friends of mine asked me to make them ones too and eventually encouraged me to try and sell them. I'm awfully suggestible.

My collection started off with slogans accompanied with appropriate images ( "I only listen to unsigned bands” was written on the white label of a “7 record, for example) but as things have gone on, I've moved more towards illustrations, usually with speech bubbles (sometimes I think I should've done a webcomic). The designs still have a similar, occasionally dark sense of humour to the original line-up but I'd like to think they're a bit more sophisticated. I'm currently phasing out those original designs, moving towards the future with my fingers crossed for flying cars and robot butlers.

I often find that boredom is a tremendous catalyst for creativity. My current best-seller was, for the most part, the product of a long, hungover train ride and my second best was born on a very quiet, rainy day at Camden Lock Market. They have their roots in anything from caricatured memories of my childhood, video games, music, movies, art. There's something horrendously satisfying about starting a drawing with only the slightest idea about what you're doing and coming out with a fully-formed design that people are prepared to give you money for.

I first got a stall in Camden Lock Market in 46 A.D. T-shirts had been invented the previous spring and I saw a gap in the market for T-shirts bearing comic slogans, so that summer I went to the market and I was put on a stall in between a chap selling amphorae and some woman selling leeches and fertility idols carved from mammoth tusks. I still am actually.
For all its faults as a market (all markets have their short-comings), Camden Lock is in many ways a good place to start: it’s not too difficult to get a stall as they allocate stalls for casual on the day, so you don’t need to book in advance and if you make your own stuff, they give you first choice of stalls.

Joe Public’s reactions to my designs never cease to amaze me – some people want to marry me (no, seriously), others want to punch me. My old “Smoking makes you cool” design ruffled many a feather, as some people perceived it as a call to arms rather than a tongue-in-cheek gag (http://sallycantdance.wordpress.com/2009/05/26/in-defense-of-smoking); “Leave me alone! I don’t like broccoli!” has resulted in lots of people giving me recipes for broccoli, most of which involve drowning out its taste; “Hang the DJ” elicits the occasional murmur of sympathy for disc jockeys... If a gaggle of creationists burns down my stall for “Oi, Noah! Wait for me!” I won’t be altogether surprised.

In autumn 2008 I decided to try out Brick Lane’s Backyard Market on Saturdays, instead of Camden Lock Market, and actually received hate mail (http://sallycantdance.wordpress.com/2009/07/28/bring-on-the-brick-lane-backlash-redux). That was interesting.

I also sell my T-shirts at UpMarket in the Old Truman Brewery on Brick Lane, where I've been trading for just over a year. When I first went to trade there, I was accused of going there so I could hit on East London hipsters. Lies and slander, I swear it. It's a good market: a nice array of very individual products, for the most part made and/or designed by the people working the stalls, there's some great food stalls and a relatively low level of mass-produced tat imported from Chinese sweatshops.

I’ve also got an Etsy shop (http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5699143) which I update once in a blue moon.

When I first started, it was more for a laugh than anything else. I was going to do it for two months and then go back to pursuing a career in journalism but things got a bit out of hand. In retrospect it was probably a bit naive to think that one could pour so much care and energy into a project like this and walk away from it easily. It would be nice to wholesale my wares, which wasn’t realistic when I was painting the T-shirts, but now I’m solely printing them I’m offering a higher quality product, so we’ll see.

I think catwalk fashion holds very little relevance for today’s youth. Whilst it is a bone fide art form, very few elements find their way into the lives and wardrobes of most people and if it doesn’t truly influence much outside its own world, can that really be said to hold genuine relevance? I’d say that street fashion is what holds real relevance for the majority as it instantly projects our near-tribal affiliations: it may take the occasional cue from the catwalk but personally I’d say it has more to do with the music scene.

Music and fashion go pretty much hand-in-hand and are defining factors of any generation. Thanks to music blogs, Spotify, MySpace, YouTube, etc. there’s almost no excuse not to be in the loop about what the next big thing’s going to be. The same goes for fashion: the proliferation of fashion magazines/supplements and dedicated blogs, plus shops like H&M, Topshop and so on (not to mention the upsurge in popularity second-hand and vintage shops have had over the last decade) all combine to make “cutting edge” street fashion more attainable than it’s ever been. I get punters barely in their teens at my stall who are really, really well-dressed and are superbly clued in on the latest, most exciting acts. It’s almost disconcerting."

Christopher George has a Sally Can't Dance facebook group which you should probably all join. I should also state for my own decorum that I wholeheartedly agree with the statement on the bag I bought all those months ago. Every single copy of NME should be rounded up and thrown on a bonfire, doused with petrol and set alight, along with Chantelle Houghtons hair extentions and Joe Lean and the Jing Jang Jong.

Coco Loco

2009-07-28T13:04:00.005+01:00

Whilst writing this article, I can’t help but mope. Its not because Im unhappy with life, its because Im unhappy with my financial situation. And writing about this subject is not going to help since I could never afford any of the things listed. Bah!

I was flicking through the typical gossip magazines, and realised something fantastic. The film based on the life of the legendary Coco Chanel is out soon. I’ve been anticipating this film since it was first rumoured. Not only because I’ve had a womanly love for Audrey Tautou since ‘Amelié’, but because Chanel’s fashions have been integral to everything stylish for freaking decades. And for that reason, I await the clothes-fest with anticipation.

Now I know that everyone and their Nan’s are going to be writing pieces on Chanel. But sod it, if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. Instead of gabbing on and on about the life and times of Coco Chanel, I’ve just chosen enough pictures to fill a wheelbarrow of my favourite Chanel inspired pieces, including some stills from the up and coming film.

Nautical Naughtiness? Yes Please.
It’s a pain free easy look to pull off at any shape or size. All you need are stripes, navy/black, white and red. And lets face it, everyone has something like this in their wardrobe already. All you have to do is jazz it up a little with big glasses, the possibility of a hat and a fat-ass quilted bag. Oh yeah baby.

I know I harp on about it all the time, but black can be the essence of practical elegance!!! And it makes you look posh an’ shit init. If you chuck it with some pearls, bruv.

Dress like a man, don’t look like one. Mix waistcoats, shirts and tailoring with pencil skirts, waist belts and bows. it’s the best way to power dress without looking like you’re trying to join Bros. (although that would be fun).
Quilted detail, monochrome, tweed box jackets, Audrey Hepburn round sunglasses, Cameos, Pearls, leather gloves….Oh god, I think I just wet myself a little…..

Coco Before Chanel is released on July 31st. I urge you to come and see it. Join in the masses of drooling.
SpaceCadet Zoe.

Top'n'tails

2009-07-28T00:10:00.002+01:00

Every man should own an Unconditional Ghost zip-up hoodie. Fact.

www.oaknyc.com

Style update: In which I try to forget about the epic airoplane fail...

2009-07-27T20:53:00.005+01:00

Shiny new fringe time!
I made a long-overdue trip to town (I haven't been to Cardiff centre in bloody ages as I am hugely skint, and window shopping would just depress me). But today I ventured to Queen Street and decided to pop into Vidal for a bit of a trim. I have missed the block fringe. Statement hair is the way forward. As you can probably see in the picture thought, my colour streaks need topping up. I'm in danger of looking like I'm going grey...

I seem to have been caught in somewhat of a fashion slump of late. I'm sure everyone knows how that feels? You search and search,but still your wardrobe leaves you feeling totally uninspired. It may have something to do with the fact that I'm having a bit of trouble fitting in my jeans at present. Don't get me wrong, I love being in a relationship, but I'm not enjoying the catastrophic effect its having on my waistline. Regular takeaways are not conducive to being able to slip into a pair of size 10 skinnies.
So to jerk myself out of my sartorial black spot, this morning I perused some of Cardiffs premier vintage emporiums and picked up a couple of bargains, namely a beautiful pillar-box red petticoat that cost a mere £5 at Curios, and a fab Vivienne Westwood-esque flamboyant, frilled blouse that, as my friend George kindly informed me, makes me look a bit like a pirate.
I've been looking for an excuse to wear the royal blue gogo boots that Rhi gave me last week, and found this the perfect opportunity. I found a great matching belt at Primark of all places, chucked on a pair of leopard print tights and a matching red and royal blue bag, and was good to go =)

Epic Fail

2009-07-26T17:34:00.002+01:00

PROPAH LOLCAKES.

Dreamers Come True...

2009-07-20T19:15:00.005+01:00

Realising that this blog was hugely female-oriented, I've decided to expand my horizons and include some insights from influential males from the music world. First up is Alex Morris of the kickass South Wales electro duo Dreamer. Fresh from recording a selection of new tracks, Alex kindly took a few minutes to answer my now-standard questions on his take on the sartorial world...

1) Hello there! Hows things, and whats new in the world of Dreamer?
Things are good! We're producing at the moment and putting out our new stuff, pictures songs etc the response has been great so far.

2) What are the bands plans for the next few months?
In the next few months as well as the releases and the usual gigs, we're showcasing in London, we're looking to do a free gig and getting in the industry to see us!

3) How would you describe your style?
We're going for the parisian electro look, vintage sport and 8-bit 80s gaming mixed in with the current trend of kooky tight jeans and leather jackets.

4) In terms of fashion, who and what are yr influences?
We're influenced a lot by the styles coming out of europe and the electro bands from there, particularly Justice. Bright neon colours and retrowear!

5) If you could trade wardrobes with one person, who would it be and why?
Matt Bellamy's wardrobe would be interesting! He's had some nice stuff in the past, he's a bit short though...

6) Where are your favourite places to shop?
Topman is always good for basic stuff, asos and h&m, but the best things are always found in vintage stores on ebay or in the cities, paris is good. Then modify them to fit or turn them into something else!

7) What items in yr wardbrobe hold particular sentimental value to you?
My custom nike dunks! Everywhere I go I get asked about them and I wear them to every gig!

8) What significance do you think fashion holds to todays youth?
I think the youth of today wear their colours quite literally, you'd have to go a long way to find someone young or otherwise who doesn't make some effort to dress in a way they perceive to be cool or at least socially acceptable. It's good that you can still outrage people though!

9) What are your biggest ever fashion mistakes?
Coming from Port Talbot I think everything I wore was a fashion mistake up until a few years ago! My biggest mistake was probably something skater orientated, layers and layers of random shirtage going on mixed in with ridiculously expensive and samey surfwear!

10) What are your three golden style rules?
I think the three most important things to get right are hair, a good interesting top and a remarkable pair of something on your feet!

(http://myspace.com/dreamermusic)

"A FASHION IS NOTHING BUT AN INDUCED EPIDEMIC"

2009-07-20T18:40:00.004+01:00

An epidemic which I quite enjoy being part of. However, like the creator of this blog, Miss Spacecadet Betti, I try to avoid the fashions that come under the heading of Pandemic.
This means that instead of following trends religiously and obsessing over labels and prices, I wear whatever the hell I feel like wearing when I wake up in the morning.

This week I've been feeling very Old, Old Fashioned and I've gone back a century or so to celebrate modern Victoriana Gothic. It all started when I saw this ring for £4 in a major high street retail outlet named after a bird. Because I didn't have anything else gold as I’m a notorious fan of the silver, obviously I had to get the earrings and the necklace to match. Before I knew it I was draped in Pearls, Cameos and antique look gold. In true Blue Peter style, here’s one I made earlier (a collage example anyway).

So you’ve got the Classic Bling, you’ve slicked on the eyeliner and smoked your eye shadow more than a bacon rasher. What next? You may ask. Well I’ll tell you, more ruddy accessories.

Now I admit that I may look a little odd dressed in black in the should-be-sunny month of July. But the weather was crap and my outfits reflected the mourning of the summer. That's my excuse anyway.
One bonus of this look is that you get to work monochrome to the max. Even if you are replacing white with a more faded cream to give it a bit more authenticity. It also looks epic with more nude and peachy tones.
The main key, to sum it up, is contrast. teaming floaty fabrics and light airy colours...with BLACK. Black all the way, baby. Lace, detailing and chiffon are all a big fat giant must to make Queen Victoria proud.

The hair can be worn sleek, with twists and knots held in place with pretty grips if the hair is long enough. This will accentuate any other hair piece that you wear. Especially if you’re feeling brave and you want to don a funeral classic fascinator, giant bows or a mini hat on a hair band (I saw one and wanted it, but wasn’t sure if I had the balls to pull it off without looking like I was in fancy dress.) I think the key is to be brave with the style, but keep to the easier to wear colours so they can suit all occasions and outfits.

The look as a whole is demonstrated perfectly in another sneak peak of our Mad Hatters Tea party Photo shoot modelled by the lovely Rhian (far left).

Black? Check. White/Cream? Check. Lace? Check. Headpiece? Double check. It’s been brought up to date with modern lines and simple statement clothing. On the whole, this really works and if done properly, you won’t look like you’ve modelled your look on the bastard offspring of Ozzy Osbourne and Jane Austen.

A blog by Space Cadet Zoe, the new recruit!

In which I meet my Nemesis...

2009-07-20T18:01:00.004+01:00

It's been another busy busy weekend as Space Cadet towers, hence the lack of updates once again. I'm not just lazy, honest!
It's mainly down to the fact that I've got a new job in a pretty little cafe that serves afternoon tea with Royal Albert china and fondant fancies, in addition to the job I already have at Pica Pica, Cardiffs premier cocktail bar and nuthouse. Lovely =)
It's also because I went to the amazing Alton Towers on Sunday. God, it was a blast. Air was definitely the highlight - the hype is right, it really does feel like you're flying. Nemesis was tamer than I expected, and Hex was a pile of bollocks. Srsly, don't bother.
I mention all this because I thought it fitting to do a little filler blog on the do's and don'ts of what exactly to wear to a theme park. Y'see, I'm ashamed to admit that I got it terribly, terribly wrong, and as such ended up getting the four hour coach back to sunny Cardiff absolutely soaked, more than a little grumpy and looking like Stig of the Dump. So here we go...

Do...bring a change of clothes
This is by far and away the most important point, even if you're expecting sub-Saharan conditions (don't forget that you're more than likely to come off the log flume looking like a drowned rat). Sods law dictates that the day you plan to go to your theme park of choice is the day that will see the heaviest rainfall since records began. I made the mistake of taking and wearing the bare minimum of clothes and consequently ended up looking like I'd fallen into one of the feature fountains. The best way to go about it is to pack a plastic carrier bag with a fresh pair of socks or tights, a warm hoodie, and a pair of shorts - simple but effective. If possible store the bag in one of the lockers just to make sure it keeps dry, if not tie a knot in the bag to make sure it's absolutely watertight and carry it with you. I cannot stress this enough - TAKE A CHANGE OF CLOTHES. It will make the journey home a zillion times more bearable, trust me.

Don't...wear jeans.
Everyone knows theres nothing worse than being stuck in a pair of post-torrential-downpour skinny jeans. Wet denim is possibly the most uncomfortable thing you can wear and takes hours to dry off, so it's a definite theme park no-no. Your best bet would be a pair of tights - easy dry for when you're walking around the park after a ride on Congo River Rapids, easy off when you're getting in the car on the way home.

Do...choose lightweight.
Heavy clothes will just weigh you down if/when they get wet. Wear a load of lightweight layers to ensure you a) look stylish (layering is still chic - just ask Mary Kate) and b) can whip them off as and when you need to, and then stuff them in your bag without looking like you're off on a camping holiday. A cute anorak is a good idea - no, not one of those awful hiking ones your dad picks up in the Millets sale. I'm thinking more along the lines of a sweet little number like the one below...

Don't...wear jewellery.
You're going on rollercoasters, not on the London Fashion Week catwalk. Yes, you may feel your outfit is slightly lacking in pizazz but trust me, you'll regret it when your favourite necklace is whipped off whilst going round the loop the loop, which is what happened to Space Cadet Zoe when she went on Speed (the ride, not the drug) last time she went to Oakwood. Unless you want to potentially cause a fatality, leave the jewellery at home.

Do...spend a little time on a nice up-do.
Picture the scene...you've spent an hour ironing your hair poker straight. You look fantastic, right? Until you get whipped around a triple corkscrew in the pouring rain, leaving you with matted strands of hair in your eyes and stuck to your Benefit lipgloss. Not a good look, I'm sure you'll agree. A neat and preppy ponytail, girly french braids, whatever. You'll still look killer, and you'll be able to retain your dignity throughout the day too. Bonus.

Don't...try too hard.
By all means, don't throw style to the winds and head off in a pair of scraggy joggers and your boyfriends oldest tshirt. But save your favourite dress for a night out, and stick to uncomplicated basics. A cute oversized t-shirt, long leggings, daps and a cardigan will work just fine. For instance, at Alton Towers I saw a woman in a faux-fur leopard print jacket, Balmain jeans and skyscraper heels. It was pissing down with rain and she was clutching onto her boyfriends arm for dear life for fear of falling over, mascara halfway down her face and foundation stains on her collar. Hot stuff. Do yourself a favour - keep it simple, or else risk looking like Barbara Windsor caught in the middle of Hurricane Katrina.

With these simple tips in mind, happy holidays!

Style Byte: Audrey Kitching

2009-07-16T15:59:00.004+01:00

Don't get me wrong, my general opinion of the whole Scene Queen phenomenon is that it is an abhorrent mess of anorexic attention seekers all aspiring to be nothing more than Madina Lake groupies. But I can't help but admire Audrey Kitching, who by all accounts is the original Scene Queen, and the one who inspired the millions of half-assed wannabe's such as Kiki Kannibal, Dakota Rose etc, not to mention Lady Gaga. Why do I admire Audrey over these other oxygen wasters? Simple. Audrey has talent. Not only has she forged a look that is completely her own (part 90's club-kid outrageousness, part New York socialite, part hardcore rock groupie, with a little bit of burlesque and a smidgen of irony thrown into the mix), but she's also designed her own range for American chain store Hot Topic, presents on Buzznet and creates funny inspiring videos that are a joy to watch. Plus she looks great, and I have a total style crush on her at the moment. She may be the total antithesis of the whole gamine thing I'm embracing right now, but her kitsch, colourful wardrobe and stylized hair and make-up in those oh-so-scene posed photos just make me smile, mmkay?

The Real Audrey... by spacecadetbetti on Polyvore.com

All photos courtesy of myspace.com/audreykitching

We <3 gamine

2009-07-15T21:10:00.010+01:00

The previous Battant article has inspired a post to celebrate all things gamine. I've been a fan of this simple, waiflike look since I saw Winona Ryder in her oversized blazers and stripey t-shirts in Girl, Interrupted, and my obsession with gamine-chic continued to grow after I a) watched Jean Seberg in the magnificent Breathless and b) became an avid Edie-phile. So much so that from the ages of sixteen to nineteen I sported a dark brown crop, palloured skin and took to wearing stripy boating tops and black skinny jeans on a regular basis. In hindsight, I probably looked a bit special, and people must have thought I only had two outfits on rotation, but I thought I looked the bees knees.

Two of my so-stylish-they-should-be-shot friends, Ello and Lo, have the gamine thing down perfectly. Firstly, they're blessed with being naturally rail-thin. Now don't take that the wrong way, I'm NOT saying that only stick insects can work the gamine look as this is blatently not true (I've seen pictures of the ample Beth Ditto working it as well as Winona). Traditionally though, gamine girls have a tendency to be on the skinnier side. Lo and Ello also have the requisite cute pixie crop which they empathise with striking make-up to get that all important eyes-large-as-saucers look. The two also have obscenely good fashion sense - high-waisted trousers, stripy litttle sailor tops and dapper brogues being the order of the day. Thumbs up girls. Thumbs up.

When it comes to gamine in the movies (as you've probably gathered, films are my main inspiration when it comes to how I style myself), I don't think Jean Seberg can be beaten. Her crisp white t-shirts tucked into high-waisted, turned up slacks worn simply with a pair of brogues and a winning smile caught me from the moment she appeared on the screen yelling 'New York Herald Tribune!' whilst walking the Champs D'Elysees, and she oozes Parisian chic for the films duration. However, in terms of my ultimate gamine icon, Edie has just pipped her to the post. Hers is a different breed of gamine - if Jean Sebergs look is the sister of Winona's, Edie's is their second cousin. She has the boyish haircut, the pale skin (sadly, this was probably down to her out of control drug habit), the waiflike appearance and startlingly dramatic eye makeup. Standard gamine boxes checked, checked, checked. But its the way she put her own twist on the look - the oversized chandelier earrings that she rarely left home without, and the opaque tights that she was almost never seen out of. Never afraid to break boundaries, she was frequently seen out in leotards, mens shirts and black leggings that just served to emphasize her skinny skinny legs (another side effect of her speed addiction, oh deary).

Its a ridiculously easy look to pull off, and one that I'm find myself revisiting of late. A pair of black skinny jeans (turned up, of course), an oversized t-shirt or shirt, a white vest, a pair of pumps or brogues, black eyemake-up and a pair of big-ass chandelier earrings and you're good to go. I channeled my inner Edie today with a pair of cocktail earrings, a crisp white shirt, black turn-ups and white pumps. I may not be going anywhere tonight, but as the scouts say, 'be prepared', right?

Jump Up! Battant get freaky and answer some qu's

2009-07-15T18:13:00.006+01:00

A few of you may remember my Top 10 style icons piece I wrote a couple of weeks ago. Those of you who actually read it will remember that I featured the uber stylish Chloe Raunet from London synth-led trio Battant, whom I saw play a killer set in Glasgows Sub Club. Well, I thought that it was only fitting that Battant have a feature to themselves, since I have developed a massive, massive band crush on them. The band answer my now staple questions about their takes on style du jour, and whats new in Battantville...

1) Hello there. Hows things, and whats been going on in the world of Battant?
Chloe: Things are good thanks. Our album has only just been released in the UK. We're doing a bit of touring here, getting ready for a larger tour this autumn and beginning to work on the next album.
Joel: Looking forward to going to St Tropez and sitting on a beach.

2) What are your plans in terms of yr music for the next few months?
J: Learn as many instruments as possible and try and write an album with my new found musical talents.

3)How would you describe your style?
CR: Musically? Raw, lean, unhinged, analogue pop. Fashion? I dunno… boyish?
J: A Larry Clark street rat.
Tim: Starving artisan chic

4) In terms of fashion, who and what are your influences?
CR: My father, circa 1952.
T: 1920’s French factory workers, beatniks, squat party ravers

5) If you could trade wardrobes with one person, who would it be and why?
CR: I don't think I'd wanna swap wardrobes. I quite like what's in mine and the thought of wearing someone else's knickers grosses me out.
J: Nice... Henry VII. Just to know what that would feel like.
T: Probably a young Gene Vincent or Eddie Cochran – if I could pull it off

6)Where are your favourite places to shop?
CR: I got a secret vintage spot in Paris – this lady who’s not open to the public but has the most amazing collection of pre-1960’s dead stock.
T: Second hand shops and markets.
J: Army surplus stores. Places that sell clothes that fit me. I'm quite small. Shopping can be a bit of a headache.

7)What items in your wardrobe hold particular sentimental value to you?
T: My LEVIS replica 1940’s air force jacket. I have had it years, it’s falling apart but I love it. Or my Churches brougues.
CR: An Edwardian leather utility bag I received from my lover last X-Mas, weird silk faux-bomber I bought visiting my sister in Taiwan, my gramma'sCowachan sweater
J: Anything that's been given to me by a friend.

8) What significance do you think fashion holds to todays youth?
CR: Same significance it's held for the past 6 decades. Superficial identity.
J: Ha. Invention, Re-invention and a lot of cliche.
T: Pretty much the same thing since the invention of the teenager – who you are, what you’re into.

9)What are your biggest ever fashion mistakes?!
CR: I've had my fair share of ropey haircuts but hold no regrets.
T: There could be a long list… the big dyed black glam hair was a low point.
J: I dyed my hair a bad colour. Then it went plum. That was pretty bad. Then i had to shave my hair off. That wasn't so bad...

10)What are your three golden style rules?
T: Pull up your trousers, wear proper shoes, no stretch denim
CR: 1) wear polka-dots with caution 2) have matching socks 3) make sure your shoe-laces aren't too long.
J: 1) Dungarees are fine. 2) If your mum likes it wear it. 3) Buy loads of accessories.

http://myspace.com/battantbattant

© Copyright Betti Hunter 2009

Sneak Peek!

2009-07-14T15:16:00.002+01:00

Heres a sneak preview of the Mad Hatters Tea Party shoot...more coming soon!

Arcade Eden

2009-07-13T18:46:00.007+01:00

Arcade Eden, a girl/boy electro duo who rival the likes of Crystal Castles and You Love Her Cos She's Dead, and who by their own admission sound like 'Santa, in Disneyland, on prozac, getting laid', let us into their mashed-up world of synths, sentiments and shiny things!

1) Hello there. Hows things, and whats been going on in the world of your music?

Things are pretty busy at the moment, we've been writing and recording alot of music as we're in the process of releasing our first album. We've also been lucky enough to play a few festivals this year which has been great.

2) What are your plans in terms of yr music for the next few months?

We're in the last stages of finishing our album, for which we'll be releasing our first single. We'll also be playing the mainstage of Rob Da Bank's Bestival which we're super excited about.

3)How would you describe your style?

We're a bit of retro inspired disco electro pop. We've always been really into vintage gaming so we always try to combine that influence into our music. We're into alot of music and hopefully this comes through in our music.

4) In terms of fashion, who and what are your influences?

We have quite a different style.
Larry: I take more influence from people like Clint Eastwood, Calvin Harris and Death From Above 1979 in more laid back retro inspired look.

Clare: I'm really into vintage. I get alot of inspiration from 1970's and 80's films and TV, i'm especially into the futurism style inspired by films like Space Odyssey. People from Farrah Fawcett to Karen O and Lady Gaga.

5) If you could trade wardrobes with one person, who would it be and why?

Larry: As mentioned before, it would probably be someone like Clint Eastwood in his classic years. The checker shirts, skinny jeans and a bit of leather! ...I'd leave the hats though :P

Clare: I really admire La Roux at the moment and the way she has developed her style. I've always adored 80s shoulder pads, metallics and wild make-up.

6)Where are your favourite places to shop?

Larry: I like alot of the mainstream shops like Topman but I also like a good dig around Brighton. I've found some great stuff there.

Clare: I like to root around vintage and charity shops...I like clothes with history and one-offs. I also do alot of my own customizing - I'm pretty handy with a needleand thread! I generally like to combine vintage with high street when I'm putting something together.

7)What items in your wardbrobe hold particular sentimental value to you?

Larry: I found this really great shirt in a shop called Dirty Harry's - it's a black western style shirt with these amazing embroidered roses on each shoulder. I save it for special occasions. I've never seen another one like it.

Clare: It's really hard because I have a few things I'm really attached to. But I guess one of the most sentimental would be a ring given to me by my grandma when she died which has been passed through the family for generations. It's really beautiful so I'm normally too scared to wear it out!

8) What significance do you think fashion holds to todays youth?

Fashion has always, and will continue to be vital to youth, as well as to music. It's about wearing clothes that give you confidence, and most of all having fun with it!

9)What are your biggest ever fashion mistakes?!

Larry: I once had the baggiest pair of bright purple jeans. They used to literally turn heads when I walked down the street, in a bad way!

Clare: Arh I once had a massive pair of knee high boots with metal all down the sides. They were really awful. They also used to weigh a ton...a big chunky mistake.

10)What are your three golden style rules?

Larry: 1. If its tight clothing, ALWAYS try it on before you buy it. There's nothing worse than getting home and struggling to get into your jeans. 2. If you've seen 5 people wearing it on the way to the shop, you probably shouldn't buy it. 3. Cowboys will always be cool :P

Clare: 1. Experiment, even if it goes wrong...it's all fun =) 2. Layers layers layers! Practical and a great way to mix it up... also a great help for unpredictable festival weather. 3. If it don't shine...it ain't mine! :P

© Copyright Betti Hunter 2009

"Letting Everyone Down Would Be My Greatest Unhappiness"

2009-07-13T16:47:00.008+01:00

I've received a couple of verbal slaps on the wrists these past few days for not updating this blog as regularly as I should do. I'd like to spin some elaborate excuse about being knocked unconscious by a rogue elk, waking up in the middle of an unfamiliar forest and being adopted by a pack of wolves with plenty of love to give but no broadband connection. Really I would.

Unfortunately the mundane truth of it all is that I have been partying partying partying, and have consequently been far too lazy even venture out of bed until 4pm most days. Win.

This volley of parties, lie-ins and copious amount of cake-eating may have wiped me out for a couple of days, but it did also get me thinking about an idea for this blog. Yes indeedy. As I was lying in bed yesterday morning, sleeping mask over eyes and strong cup of tea in my hand, I was reminded of the ultimate, original party girl, who loved to indulge in champagne, gambling and good times until the sun rose, and who would then collapse into bed until the late afternoon whereupon she would rise, get dolled up, eat large quantities of cake and do it all again. I'm talking of course about Marie Antoinette, 17th Century Queen of France and in my opinion the originator of glamour as we know it (although Stephen Gundle, author of 'Glamour, A History' vehemently disagrees, claiming George III, Prince Regent as worthy of that label. I say bollocks to Gundle, MA was lightyears ahead of her time).

Those not familiar with Marie Antoinettes history would do well to watch Sofia Coppola's biopic, which is based on what is generally considered to be the most historically accurate biography of the former Queens life - 'Marie Antoinette: The Journey' by Antonia Fraser. In fact, even those who could recite her history backwards should watch this film. It's immense. The attention to detail is so precise and the composition of every single shot is perfect. It's a film so beautiful that I could happily turn the sound down and just admire it like I would a Monet or Da Vinci. It captures the essence of Marie Antoinettes life at Versailles perfectly, whilst not adhering to the guidelines of your average period drama. Coppola injects kooky details, such as a modern soundtrack featuring The Strokes, Radio Dept and The Cure, and this blink and you'll miss it shot of the Queen putting on her shoes with a pair of baby blue Converse boots by her side.

In terms of style, this film, along with Ciao! Manhattan and Bande a Part, was a huge, huge influence on me. Kirsten Dunst was a brilliant choice to play the lead, and everything about her appearance in this film, from her waif-like figure to the elaborate blonde wigs and beautiful renaissance dresses inspired me to think about fashion in a completely new way. For the first time in my life I found myself drawn away from my staple opaques and mini-dresses to lighter, pastelly tones embellished with ruffles, beads, bows and embroidery, satin kitten heel shoes with diamante buckles and chiffon trim. Put simply, I did a complete sartorial about-turn in the space of 3 hours.

I put together a Polyvore piece of Antoinette-inspired attire. I'd like to think the late Queen herself would have approved...

Let Them Eat Cake by spacecadetbetti featuring Converse shoes

In other news, I've applied for an internship at Amelia Magazine in London. I'm keeping my fingers crossed, but I'm aware that I'm most probably hugely under-qualified (I'm guessing 5 years unpaid writing experience and no degree isn't hugely appealing to a prospective employer). Oh well, nothing ventured, nothing gained!

Mr Space cadet has also set up a blog that can be found at http://cowmare.blogspot.com
It's quite funny.

These Are Not Nazi Girls

2009-07-09T15:53:00.009+01:00

Poppy and the Jezebels

The Guardian called them 'devastatingly cool'. NME has predicted they'll be superstars. There's a lot of hype surrounding Birminghams Poppy and the Jezebels, most of it focusing on the 'four attractive teenage girls in a group - oh yeah, and they play music too' angle. However, those with their brains switched on know that PATJ produce intelligent indie pop full of witty diatribes and eloquent poetry, regardless of age and gender. Oh, and they happen to photograph well too. Following the release of their most recent single 'Rhubard and Custard' (which is a CHOON, fyi) we caught up with the Jezebels to see whats going on in their world, and their personal take on style as we know it...

Hello there. Hows things, and whats been going on in the world of your music?

Hello! Summer has been treating us well, we’ve just played the Isle of Wight Festival and are playing the 1,2,3,4 Festival in Shoreditch on the 26th July along with other gigs popping up round the country. When we’re not gigging, we’ve been continuing to record, rehearse and refine our travelling show... and whilst there are lots of interesting things happening in Jezebel world at the moment, we couldn’t possibly divulge it all for fear of breaking the spell ! In other words, watch this space, because the night is young... ooh! But take a look at the imminent issues of LOVE and Vice mags… we’ve just done shoots for them!

2) What are your plans in terms of yr music for the next few months?

School’s out forever! (at least for us) and we’re now spending all our time just writing, writing, writing... We’re busying ourselves by making forever bigger and better pop songs, experimenting instrumentally and generally making the most of our fab new rehearsal space. There’s a couple of new songs now that we just want to get recorded as soon as possible and get out there for people to hear.

3)How would you describe your style?

We’re not interested in fickle fashion trends or industry buzzwords, and instead just wear exactly what it is we want to wear, making it hard to exactly define our style. However, we’re all massively into vintage clothing, especially mid-century boutique designers like Biba, Bus Stop and Ossie Clark. We like to find pieces from designers like Barbara Hulanicki that were worn by young, exciting and excited people, something with a bit of history. It’s not a retro revival for us though, we mix these finds with handmade costumes from the internet, Topshop basics and Vivienne Westwood (when in the sales... !)

4) In terms of fashion, who and what are your influences?Women with strong, iconic looks- Nico in a white suit, Debbie Harry in Steven Sprouse, Poison Ivy in top-to-toe gold lurex, Patti Smith in a leather jacket, or nothing at all...

5) If you could trade wardrobes with one person, who would it be and why?

Liza Minnelli. You can actually purchase some of her old wardrobe off the internet, but it’s all thousands of pounds. It would be worth it though- everything is very Cabaret - sequins, ostrich feathers, glossy capes... It’s all over-the-top and terribly wonderful.

6)Where are your favourite places to shop?

Unless we’re visiting World’s End on Kings Road... the internet is the place to buy the most elaborate vintage outfits from the 30’s to the 70’s. However, we always enjoy a hop to Portobello Market where we buy cut-price sunglasses and Amber very proudly got an entire outfit for £2.50 !

7)What items in your wardbrobe hold particular sentimental value to you?

4 years ago I bought a leopard print fur coat from Topshop Vintage, and it is probably the one item I have most solidly worn these past 4 years, seeing me comfortably through every harsh English winter. Now the lining has started to disintegrate and the sleeves are coming apart at the seams, but I just can’t let it go !

8) What significance do you think fashion holds to todays youth?

For those who manage to ignore all the trite magazines that tell you how to look exactly like Victoria Beckham or Cheryl Cole, I think fashion remains what it always has been- a chance to experiment and create your own identity. The way you wear clothes can also be a form of rebellion, if you do it properly! It can be amazing how shocking some people find four girls in dresses who are playing their own instruments...

9)What are your biggest ever fashion mistakes?!

Mollie will always cringe at the old photos of us at our first ever gig in Birmingham- she wore a blue pvc skirt, lime green tights, a gold belt, neon beads...! She absolutely hates it now but I still think she looked fabulous!

10)What are your three golden style rules?

Mix it up ! – life isn’t a revival show.

Get a free haircut from the hairdresser at the shoot !

Raybans hide all sins!

Be My Baby and Brenda Dean Paul

2009-07-09T14:27:00.012+01:00

Anyone a fan of the Ronettes? I never used to be, until I listened to Be My Baby the other day for the first time since I was about 12. It inspired me to look for a few pictures of this talented yet troubled girl group, so I got on the old google images and my God. They rocked the socks! Winehouse has NOTHING on these girls. So I've decided to take some tips from Ronnie Spector et al in terms of hair and make-up. More is definitely more.

Its quite an easy look to achieve. If anyones interested, here's my way of looking like Ronnie in a jiffy. Just try to steer clear of any overbearing music tycoons, history has a habit of repeating itself...

Make-up
The base needs to be flawless and matte. I'm not a fan of powder (I find unless you have quite oily skin or a decent brand it tends to look rather caked on) so instead I applied a blend of Maybelline Mousse foundation and Maybelline Dream Satin foundation with a brush for a natural yet flawless look. I then swept a rose blush (NYC Colour) over my cheeks, emphasising the apples. I applied a thin sweep of liquid eyeliner with a slight cats-eye flick (too much and you end up like yr going to tie a torniquet around yr arm and break into a wobbly version of 'Valerie') and a LOT of black mascara - at least 3 coats, think Twiggy here! Finally, a smudge of highlighter (Benefit does the best ones) to accentuate the cheekbones and inner eyes, and a slick of Sexy Motherpucker Soap and Glory lipgloss produces perfect Motown glam!

Hair
Also relatively easy - if you have long hair, that is. Start by sectioning the top layer of hair and securing it towards the front of yr head. Now sweep the rest of the hair back, and working from the underside upwards, backcomb the roots, fixing with hairspray. When you have built up the beehive size you want, flip the sectioned top layer over the backcombed hair, smooth down and tame stray hairs with more hairspray. Then gather hair together and fix in a side ponytail. Now for the finishing touch, grab youself a pair of curling tongs or straighteners, whichever work better for you, and create some loose curls in the ponytail. Part your fringe on the side, add a touch of serum, et voila! You're good to go.

Expect to see me walking around looking like this >
for the majority of the next month.

In other news, I've been reading a book called Bright Young People (by D.J Taylor). It's an in-depth study into the decadent lives of the young 1920's socialites such as Robert Byron, Elizabeth Ponsonby and Brenda Dean Paul, and I have never been so wistful in my entire life. Ohhh, how I wish I could have attended their bath and bottle party - in which Londons brightest young aristocrats and bohemians rented out St Georges Baths and partied through til morning to the sounds of a jazz band. There were coloured lights illuminating the pools, giant inflatable horses and flowers floating in the water, and cocktails flowing all night.
The thing that got me the most though, was how far ahead of their time these people seemed to be. Take this picture, for example. Yes, its black and white and you can obviously date it due to the photo's quality, but everything else about it is completely contemporary. The poses, the fancy dress frivolity, the sheer abundance of fun. Even Tallulah Bankheads outfit wouldn't look out of place on todays high street. Their parties may have ceased nearly a century ago, but their legacy of decadent fun remains, and in my eyes, they were the originators of cool. Read the book, you'll see.

THE DULOKS!!!

2009-07-05T23:32:00.007+01:00

Kickass band the Duloks get freaky and answer some questions...

1) Hello there. Hows things, and whats been going on in the world of The Duloks?

Rah Dulok - Well Mar's been on vacation in Canada for a couple weeks, and Abi and I have been apart so NOT MUCH!!In Mar's absence though DULOKS BADGES have been delivered to Mar which I am pretty excited about and I've got some foetal song idea's for our 2nd lp which I can't wait to sing at them both when we are reunited!!!
Mar Dulok: Yeah world of the Duloks is slow right now. It's been 30degrees or more in London and the heat wears us out! We're gearing upfor a 10 day German tour in August... and a little self promotion hereI've been making a new podcast here: www.rockonlondon.com - you canhear old Duloks podcasts there too! Oh and RIGHT now I'm about to flyto Sicily to visit a boy :)

2) What are the bands plans for the next few months?

Rah Dulok - Writing new songs, personal development, practising songs,cupcakes and alfalfa sprouts, recording songs, looking at the RedRacer (the Duloks-mobile) and sighing, playing shows around, going toGERMANY then going to BESTIVAL!

3)How would you describe your style, as individuals and as a band?

Rah Dulok - As a band, I would describe us as bold colored retrosporty chicas! As an individual I'd describe my style as a mix betweenAudrey Hepburn, PJ Harvey and Dale Carnegie. I like to dress wacky forthe fun. That does me no favours...!
Mar Dulok: As the band definitely fun, colourful and fancy dressinspired. I was talking about style and "my style" yesterday with myflatmate and I have pretty much been wearing relatively the same styleof clothes ALL my life. You see the Dulok's shorts? I've been wearingthose since 1982 ! Apparently I had a couple pairs when I was like 1or 2 and I wore them til i was 5. My mom says they got REALLY smallbut I kept wearing them. I'm very simple in my style...mostly jeans,stripes, plimsoles, converse, hoodies & t-shirts but I'm wearing a LOTmore dresses now too. I'm branching out slowly...give me another 10years and maybe I'll wear a gown.

4) In terms of fashion, who and what are your influences?

Rah Dulok - It's hard to say who my influences are because I don'tknow that much about fashion! I always watch people around me and I'llnotice they've done something quirky with their make up or clothes andI pick it up and try it on me! Working for a VERY female company hashelped me so much in expressing my girlier style! I feel liberated!
Mar Dulok: North American indie kids I guess... cos that's pretty muchhow I dress. I don't have any specific influences but I spend a gooddeal of my time watching bands so people in bands are probably mybiggest influence or other people at shows.

5) If you could trade wardrobes with one person, who would it be and why?

Rah Dulok - It would probably be my friend Laetitia who writes theMademoiselle Robot blog (http://www.mademoisellerobot.com)...she's afashion blogger and friend that Mar Dulok introduced me to and she isso chic!! She has an adorable outfit for EVERY occasion. I'm prettysure that she would cry tears of dismay if she had to have MY wardrobetho which is very limited! She just recently set up a stylist servicetoo, called Mademoiselle Style http://www.mademoisellestyle.co.uk/ -check it out!
Mar Dulok: This is hard... I'm really picky... but I'm gonna say Beckyfrom You Say Party! We Say Die! Cos she has pretty good style. Ialways love what she wears on stage.

6)Where are your favourite places to shop?

Rah Dulok - I love www.asos.com - I love it SO MUCH! It's so easy forme to shop there and pretty reasonable cost too! I also love theboutiques in Kingly Court off Carnaby Street...Traffic People is oneof my faves, the bold colors they go with totally turn me on!! Ireligiously buy all my underwear from Marks & Spencers. This was atradition set in place by my mother and my daughter will do the same!
Mar Dulok: Canadian thrift stores like Value Village or the SallyAnne...it's a LOT of work to search out good stuff but when you dofind something good it's with you for a life time. In Britain I don'treally like the charity shops cos they're too small and over pricedand don't have enough stuff. I basically just shop the normal placesTop Shop, Primark, Uniqlo, Bricklane, Beyond Retro... H&M can be okbut there stuff is only for TALL people. I notice that with Primarktoo... more clothes need to be made for short girls like me. There's aLOT of us in the world.

7)What items in your wardbrobes hold particular sentimental value to you?

Rah Dulok - My mum gave me the dress she wore after the weddingceremony to go off on honeymoon and I love love LOVED it - I wore itto death and I miss it now!! :( The other thing I have is my Star Trek: TNG uniform that I wore loads when I was young but should havereally known better. I used to love Wil Wheaton you see, and he FINALLY emailed me last year 2008. So I will never ever get rid of theuniform. Le sigh.
Mar Dulok: Expo 86 t-shirts... I have a few and I collect them. I wentto Expo 86 when I was 5 and it changed Vancouver forever. It was apretty big deal plus it has the BEST logo ever. Such good pop art. Ihave an old sock which was from a pair of socks I borrowed from aboyfriend once when I stayed at his house. I kept the socks and worethem out so I kept the one sock even though it has a hole in it andit's my ipod holder / protector. Pretty dorky... but he's still one ofmy best friends and one of my favourite boys in the world.

8) What significance do you think fashion holds to todays youth?

Rah Dulok - I think this generation have access to cheap fashion -places like Primark make it possible to follow fashion week by weekwith pocket money - it's scary how quickly fashions change SO FASTnow!! Its funny how the goth / emo stereotype prevails for moody teenagers tho!
Mar Dulok: Yeah everything is a hell of a lot more accessible. When Iwas a teen there was one store downtown (in Vancouver) you could get a studded belt and it was $30 and that was a LOT of money in 1995. I had to save up to it. Now you can go to Primark or any high street storeand get knock off punk stuff for £2. It seems a lot less work now to look a certain way. You could change your style daily. The other difference is we've entered a generation ofhipsters...people who look cool but don't do anything! When I wasyoung if someone had dyed hair or converse shoes they were in a band,had a zine, put on shows, were an artist, etc... now stockbrokerswhere converse shoes. The world has changed... and with photo blogsits all about appearance and having the best pout at the coolestparty. Doesn't mean you actually contributed in any way...you werethere and were scene and that's what's important these days. Weird !

9)What are your biggest ever fashion mistakes?!

Rah Dulok - Probably wearing the Star Trek uniform in public....
Mar Dulok: I had a dog collar. I had blue spiked hair! I wore abaseball hat everyday when I was 13 along with oversized men'st-shirts and hippy shorts. I even had one of those little roundembroided hippy hats! Hahaha.... I can laugh now.

10)What are your three golden style rules?

Rah Dulok - 1. Personalise it! Add your own unique twist of motif! Mine include unicorns, stars and octopiis. They cheer me up!2. Dress to impress at work...it makes a difference I promise! It alsomakes you feel good when you turn in to the office all glossy andgussied up!3. Look after your feet..! If you destroy your feet in heels of anevening give them a lovely foot soak and pamper the next day..they'regoing to carry you around for a long time!
Mar Dulok: This is like our song Safety Over Fashion... which came outof a conversation I was having about how dumb people are for fashion.Definitely get rid of heels on drunk girls...they are a danger tothemselves and others. Heels in general make yr feet weirdly formedand ugly if you wear them too much. I have baby feet...soft and noweird bits cos I wear trainers. Wear the right SIZE. If yr skinny wear fitted clothes, if yr fat wearless fitted clothes. It's pretty simple. Every boyfriend I've ever hadwears baggy trousers at the beginning of our relationship and by theend they are in nice fitted jeans. They haven't lost any weight I'vejust convinced them to buy clothes that fit properly! My most important rule is wear something in your comfort zone. Youwill pull it off better, look more confident etc wearing something youfeel good about. Don't try too hard.

Pink Elephants and Lemonade

2009-07-03T18:21:00.009+01:00

Hello all,
Today was the day of the BIGASS FASHION SHOOT OF DOOM (DUHDUHDUHHH). Surprisingly, given my terrifically chaotic 'plans' and my propensity for leaving things til the very last minute it went very well. The models looked gorgeous, the clothes (for the most part) were perfect and our two photographers Anthony and Elliot were stars. Props to all involved =)
The pictures will be up ASAP, however, between now, then, and when I can be bothered to post the hilarious Duloks interview, I'll leave you with this...

I was reading over this blog (I think I may be the only one who does...) and realised that there are a lot of articles, but not very much about myself, which is kind of the point of an online journal (thich this is, of sorts). So I decided to shine a little light to all my readers, well, the two of you, on my own personal retarded take on fashion, and whats in my closet. Fun times.

Just to get things straight. I do not, and never will 'follow fashion' religiously. It's no fun. And thats what my wardrobe is all about. FUN. With capslock on and bold print too. Since my formative days as a teenage renegade with panda-eye make-up and flares bigger than Jesus' following I've never really given two or even one shits about what people think about what I'm wearing. "If I like it and you don't, fuck you" has been my credos since I can remember. I have precious few fashion rules that I follow: leggings should always be worn with a booty-skimming top or dress, all-black outfits rarely work unless you are a) Robert Smith or b) going to a fancy dress party as one of the members of Kraftwerk, and polka dots must be avoided at all costs (unless you honestly want to look like you spend your life shopping from the Next Directory). Apart from the aforementioned, anything goes, but my wardrobe is mainly made up of the following...

Fun Shoes
I'm one of those people who will neglect to buy basics in favour of any gaudy, brash prints and designs that leap out and catch my eye. My shoe collection is no different. The way I see it, you can be well and truly down in the dumps, but if you stick on a killer pair of hot pink and tartan heels and some mad-cool glittery tights you've got no option other than to man the fuck up and stick a massive smile on your face. Fun shoes rule, Hush Puppies suck. Period.

Statement T-shirts
Whether they're obscure band prints, retina-melting day-glo prints or raggedy home-made pieces of crap, my crazy-diverse collection of t-shirts never fails to light up my day. Simple things, I know...

Charity Shop Tat
I live for it, srsly. Chazza shops allow you to dress individually, stylishly, and on the cheap. My obscenely stylish friend RhianFORCE picked up this denim jacket for me from Barnados the other day for a fiver. Bloody fantastic, I'm sure you'll agree.

Day dresses
I'm not much of a fan of jeans anymore, I find them somewhat restrictive and quite depressing when I find I can no longer do the top button up after indulging in one too many Mars Bars. So my staple outfit is a cute minidress, opaques and kitten heel boots. Easy as jeans to chuck on and twice as stylish, in my opinion.

Kitsch Accessories
The odder, the better. Owls, russian dolls, teapots and bold jewelry all feature heavily in my dress sense. The heart shaped glasses were a fiver at Camden Market 2 years ago. I was devastated when I found out you can now buy them at Primark for £1.

Badges
Since I was 12, no outfit of mine has been complete without a button badge, usually a piece of band merch or one of the many randomly generated ones from the sadly now defunct vintage boutique Drop Dead Budgie.

This Friday also saw Mr Space Cadet take me for a nice meal at Gio's in cardiff. If you haven't already been, go. If the promise of smarmy waiters calling you Senora and shit Italian synth music isn't tempting enough, they also have a dish called Mafia Pesto, which is just wicked.
I decided to channel my inner Jason Donovan and wear my brand spanking new old denim jacket. Some people may say they're in danger of becoming passe all too soon. I say 'fuck you'. They add instant eighties koool to any outfit. Put with a cute white lace babydoll, hot pink and purple tartan heels, cats eyes sunglasses and of course, my trusty pocket watch, I believe I was onto a winner. Whatcha think?

Well, it's a sunday night and I'm off for cups of tea, PJ and Duncan and late night movies with Mr S.C. The only style I'm going to be thinking about is whether to wear my pink slippers or blue ones. Thankyou and goodnight.

TOP OF THE POPS

2009-07-02T12:34:00.020+01:00

Wow, its been a pretty long time since I last updated! Reason for this being I've been living it up in London, Brighton and Glasgow, watching spazzcore bands play in peoples living rooms, downing glasses of Bucky, dancing to some dirrrty electro beats at Subclub, smoking strawberry shisha and drinking Yogi Yogi Tchai, riding the Waltzer til I was almost sick, watching the moons reflection on the water from Brighton Pier, y'know, that kind of stuff. It was dandy =)

And now here I am, back to normality. On the long, arduous train journey back I had some thinking time, and inspired in part by the Nylon Book of Music (birthday present from the lovely George) I decided to put together a list of my top ten stylish girlies in bands, just for shits and giggles, like. In no particular order, here goes!

1. Chloe - Battant
I saw these guys play on Sunday at Optimo in Glasgow, and their minimalist electro-punk blew me away. Singer Chloe looks like Jean Seberg in Breathless, all pegleg highwaisted trousers, black hair in a gamine crop and little white daps. Simple but effective!
Download 'Jump Up!'

2. Leesy - Help! She Can't Swim
Yeah so, these guys may have gone their seperate ways a couple of years back, but the influence they had on the way my sixteen year old self dressed and thought about music was pretty huge. I saw them live at a tiny club in Mayfair about 5 years ago and remember looking at Leesy jumping about the stage in her sequinned shorts and ripped day-glo t-shirt and thinking 'I want to be her'.
Download 'Fermez La Bouche'

3. Kate Jackson - The Long Blondes
Yes, another band that have ceased to be (sadly due to guitarist Dorian suffering a massive stroke that left him unable to play), but in the short time the Sheffield five piece were around they managed to bash out a multitude of killer choons and establish themselves as darlings of the music press. Kate Jackson was their outspoken frontwoman who was always perfectly attired in 40's inspired pencil skirts, neckties and cardigans, yet somehow managed to make it look totally rock'n'roll.
Download 'Lust In The Movies' - if only because of its reference to my ultimate style icon Edie Sedgwick!

4. Millionaires
Dani Artaud, Melissa Marie and Allison Wonderland are three LA girls who make contagious-as-swine-flu electro-pop under the name of Millionaires. Dani and Melissa were former darlings of the abhorrent internet fad known as 'Scene Queens' but have since ditched the stereotypical myspace-whore appearance for a look thats part trailer trash, part glam-rock and totally original.
Download 'Alcohol' - ultimate party soundtrack.

5. Karen O - Yeah Yeah Yeahs
No list would be complete without the yelping, mad-as-a-badger-in-a-partyhat YYY's frontwoman. Whether she's rocking a spraypainted, diamante catsuit or a pink chiffon ballgown with neon stripes under her eyes, she's been the bedrock of cool since the band burst out of New York at the beginning of the 21st Century. A true icon.
Download 'Date With The Night' or 'Art Star' - the oldies are the goodies.

6. Joanna Newsom
The elfin-voiced harp-player has stolen hearts with her whimsical tunes and eloquent, perfectly penned lyrics. Her eclectic style complements her music perfectly - with Joanna anything goes, be that wolf pelt hats, tie-dye dresses or simple corduroy jackets. Her ethereal beauty just adds to her enigmatic charm.
Download 'The Sprout and the Bean'

7. Annie-Claude - Duchess Says
The keytar wielding, budgie worshipping frontwoman/resident mentalist of Montreals Duchess Says is more reknowned for her on-stage antics than her dress sense, but in my humble opinion the petite singers long straggled hair, ripped up tshirts and the manic glint in her eye are the epitome of cool.
Download 'Ccut Up'. Fuckin' mental.

8. Helen and Mira - Ladytron
I've never known how to classify Ladytron, but for those who've not heard of them I'll have a go. They're a four piece who fuse electro, ambient and goth-rock into a weird subgenre of their own that strangely seems to work. I saw them at Koko's when I was 18 and their gothic yet minimalist look inspired me to get a bowlcut and wear a black polo-neck for an entire year. No lie.
Download 'He Took Her to a Movie'

9. Debbie Harry - Blondie
This one doesn't really need an introduction, does it? Blondies peroxide hair and new-wave glam has stood the test of time, so much so that her influence can still be found in clubs across the world 30 years on. Both her style and her music just seem to be getting better with age.
Download 'Atomic'

10. Imogen Heap

I thought long and hard over this last one. there were a fair few ladies who could have taken this spot, but after much (well, 3 seconds) deliberation I decided that Ms Heap and her outlandish, devil-may-care attitude to fashion was the most fitting. A true British eccentric who thinks nothing of teaming a corseted ballgown with an entire gardens worth of foliage in her hair, shes as well known for her amazing dress sense as she is for her fresh take on electro pop.
Download 'Hide and Seek'.

Coming soon: The Duloks answer some questions, we talk to Dead Against The Rest's frontman Paul Marshall, and Kooki Two Bit help us out with a shoot!

Rolo Tomassi

2009-06-22T19:23:00.015+01:00

In a year where the quality of mainstream music is hitting a low not seen since the 90's boyband craze, its inspiring to see so many young bands turning the status quo on its head, ripping up the rulebook, doing things on their own terms and to hell with the consequences! Rolo Tomassi, a group of Sheffield upstarts with a nigh-on undefineable sound and more energy than a Highlands windfarm are doing just that. Having released their epic prog/post-hardcore/mathcore mash-up album in late 2008, and following a mammoth tour schedule that took them around the UK, Europe and even to the SXSW festival in Texas, things seem set to go stratospheric for Rolo Tomassi very soon.

Eva Spence, the bands diminutive frontwoman with a shriek that could stop hearts, found time in amongst the bands hectic schedule to talk about her personal style secrets, greatest fashion blunders and Night of the Living Thread, the range of accessories she sells at the bands merch stand. Here's what she had to say...

1) Hello there. How’re things, and what’s new in the world of Rolo Tomassi?
Hello! I'm very well thanks, I've just enjoyed two weeks off from Rolo after a hectic few months which included; a headline tour with Grammatics and Pulled Apart By Horses and some support shows with Gallows. Right now we're just getting ready for the festival season, in which we're doing a bunch of mainland Europe shows as well as Sonisphere and Underage festival in the UK.

2) At your shows you sell a selection of homemade accessories. What’s going on there?
I'd been very interested in textiles and fashion from an early age and had always intended on starting up a company at some point even before i joined the band!
When I was at college I studied an Art and Design, the course covered all the kinds of surface design I use in my designs. We firstly experimented with dressmaking but I realised after doing that aspect that I wanted to concentrate on surface pattern and design rather than actually making clothes.
My materials are sourced from various independent fabric shops across the country. Touring with the band has been an advantage for me because I'm able to find different fabric shops in different cities, and even different countries, which then enables me to make a wide variety of pieces which you can't get anywhere else, then to make my deigns is just a matter of picking fabrics, ribbons and buttons which I think would look good together.
I take my items on tour with me which is cool because I can showcase what I can do to people who might not know about the company otherwise, I get a lot of interest from fans of the band, and has been very popular with girls at shows, but also for guys coming to shows and wanting to bring something back for their girlfriends. Aside from this I am setting up a website but right now you can buy from my myspace page which is

www.myspace.com/thenightofthelivingthread.
At the moment I sell bags, hairclips, headbands, hairbands and badges and offer a custom made service in which I can make any kind of bag/pillow of the customers designs and ideas.
The bags are between £8 and £12, the hairclips are £3 a pair, headbands are £6, hairbands are £4 and badges are £4. The custom items vary in price so generally people get in touch for a quote.

3)How would you describe your style?
When I'm on stage I'm drawn towards dresses and skirts because I am most comfortable in them when we play instead of jeans. Aside from that I dress quite casually and try to lift my outfit with accessories.

4) If you could trade wardrobes with one person, who would it be and why?
Although there are certain celebrities who I think dress well, there's no one who I think I would want to trade with, I like what I've got!
Maybe someone like Karen O or Katy Perry as they have some pretty interesting stage outfits, I'd love for designers to design things for me to wear on stage.

5)Who are your favourite designers?
Clotheswise I love Fred Perry, I'm not sure if that brand classes as designer but they do the best staple wardrobe pieces which are very classic.
I am generally drawn towards things with cute prints and Lazy Oaf, a London based company make the cutest t shirts I know, I wear a lot of their items.
In terms of more mainstream designers I love Vivienne Westwood accessories, Dior jewelry, and Chanel make the most beautiful dresses if I could ever afford anything like that!
On top of this I find a lot of items online at

etsy.com which is an online marketplace for sellers who specialise in handmade products, there are some really talented designers on this website.

6)What items in your wardrobe hold particular sentimental value to you?
I wear a lot of my mums old clothes from when she was younger, most of them have been taken in and adapted to make completely different items from what they once were, but I really love some of those items as they're one of a kind. Other that that my boyfriend bought me some Burberry head scarves for my birthday which I love!

7) What significance do you think fashion holds to today’s youth?
I think fashion is very important today as it is, like music, a way of expressing yourself. It's a positive way of making a statement to who you are and I feel that where once fashion was something with limits, every rule has been broken. It's a very interesting and wonderful way of showing who you are and defining yourself.

8)Whats your biggest ever fashion mistake?!
Haha! I'm sure before skinny jeans were made available everyone had a pair of ridiculously baggy ones! It'd have to be those.

9)What are your three golden style rules?
For me as I wear kind of plain clothes I love to dress things up.
Hair accessories can really bring out an outfit, I have hairclips and headbands to go with every outfit I own!
As well as that I'd have to say jewelry, I have a big necklace collection and I love jewelry which stands out and looks original, I get a lot of compliments about various necklaces which I've collected from from my mum, vintage shops and charity shops. Again, jewelry is something which can drastically change the look of any outfit.
Finally I'd have to say that thrift/charity shops have some incredible finds in them. Again, it's about finding things that no one else has and wearing things that are truly original, since I've been young I've been buying things that are £1 and £2 and customizing them into something completely different. Some of the fabrics I use are from recycled clothes because you can get something completely different to anything anywhere else which are one of a kind vintage prints and they cost you practically nothing!

If you're feeling generous and would like to vote for Rolo Tomassi as Kerrang! Best British Newcomers, simply follow this link and type Rolo Tomassi in block capitals... http://awards.kerrang.com/BestBritishNewcomer.aspx

Kardiff Kool Kats

2009-06-21T17:54:00.005+01:00

Monday night was the album launch of hot-tips Viva Machine at Globe bar, so I shuffled along and decided it would be a killer opportunity to have a look at what Cardiffs kool kidzzz are wearing. High street reigned supreme, which is hardly surprising in a small city with a student population of about a zillion and a disappointing lack of independent retailers (srsly, you can pretty much count them all on one hand). Topshop, H&M and Primark were favourites, but not content with wearing high street straight off the hanger, clothes were cut, pinned, sewn, ripped, and sprinkled with avant garde accessories from the likes of PopSugar, Rocket Dog and Tatty Devine. Colourful shifts, jeans and prints teamed with classic cut polo shirts and statement hair suggests that in terms of style, Cardiffs key words are fun, fun and more FUN!

Emma Jane Clothing

2009-06-18T13:59:00.017+01:00

Three weeks ago I got cabin fever and decided to escape to London. So I hot-footed it to the train station, shelled out £60 for a one way ticket, and headed off to the Big Smoke. And once I was there, where’s the first place I went? Why, Camden of course! Shopping Mecca. So after buying a pair of killer heels and meeting my friend for a Kopparberg, I wandered off to the Electric Ballroom in search of a bargain.

That’s where I first discovered Emma-Jane. Tucked away on a tiny stall in the Ballrooms corner was the most fantastic selection of repro boudoir lingerie I’d ever seen. I bought some black and white stripy knickers, took Emma-Janes card and promised to get in touch. I caught up with her a couple of weeks later to find out more about a fashion renegade who eschews style rules and icons in favour of spontaneity and a DIY ethic. In her own words, “I just wear whatever I like, whenever I like!”
Based in East London, Emma Jane started out when her mother used to teach her to embroider and sew from an early age. Various attempts (some successful!) at making her own clothes led to her taking an O.N.D & H.N.D in Fashion Design when she left school, but from there the path wasn’t so smooth, as EJ explained:

“I found it hard to get into Fashion Design when I left college so worked in various shops for years! I got married a few years back & my husband was going to open a shop so I stayed at home sewing/designing clothes with the aim of selling the clothes when we had the shop! The shop never happened & I still had all the clothes I'd made, so eventually I decided to try to sell them at Spitalfields market as I discovered I loved being at home & making clothes! It was a success & I'm now selling my clothes from my website (www.emmajaneclothing.com) & from Camden's 'The Electric Ballroom', London!.”

Emma-Jane now has an impressive catalogue of beautiful home-made items ranging from baby-doll lingerie sets to gingham dresses and mens dungarees, all of which are one-off pieces made by the lady herself, dreamed up and bought to reality as she goes along:

“I design my collection spontaneously. I get the idea of what I'm going to make just by seeing the fabric, usually! I get inspiration from the fabric type/colour etc. & the design just comes to me from there!”

Despite the massive amounts of interest people have in her designs and the success of the business so far, Emma Jane has no plans to expand, claiming autonomy as her reason;

"I do everything myself,the designing, fabric buying,making etc..I don't want to employ anyone else!"

So for now, it seems, Emma Jane Clothing is going to remain the Electric Ballrooms best kept secret...

http://www.emmajaneclothing.com/ - check it out ASAP!

Strawberry Fields Forever...

2009-06-15T23:59:00.006+01:00

The hotter than hells mouth weather in Cardiff is prevailing, so today my thoughts were less on fashion, more on how to keep cool without being carted off in a paddywagon for indecent exposure.

Oh, who am I kidding? I'm always wired for costume over comfort. Still, I decided to keep it minimal today, opting for this cute-as-a-kitten-in-a-sock sundress that I found in a little boutique in Cardiff called @Fab. Its got a darling Cath Kidston-esque print with a magenta waistband and buttons, and I swear the uber-flattering 50's high-school sweetheart cut is capable of giving anyone who wears it the figure and proportions of Cheryl Cole. No lie, its magic, and was ridiculously cheap, putting me only £25 out of pocket.

Teamed with an oversized pearl and ribbon necklace from one of Camden Stable Markets myriad stalls, plus a pair of cream loafers from H&M, it was the perfect ensemble for an afternoon of strawberry picking with Father Dearest =) Bliss

Anna Sui

2009-06-14T14:54:00.006+01:00

As she's been my favourite designer since I can remember, i thought it would be fitting to kickstart this blog with a quick biography of Ms Sui, and a look at her new collection.

Anna Sui
b.1964, Detroit, Michigan
Moved to New York to study at Parsons School of Design.
After leaving Parsons,she worked for a variety of junior sportswear companies whilst designing clothes from her apartment which went on to retail at etseemed New York department stores Macy's and Bloomingdales. Encouragement came from supermodel friends Linda Evangelista and Naomi Campbell, and in 1991 she launched her first catwalk show to astounding success. Following the impressive reception her first collection received, she opened her own boutique at 113 Greene Street in Soho, New York. As word spread, Sui's reputation flew to stratospheric heights, and now her runway shows are world reknowned and anticipated for their unique music selection, background designs, and of course, the jaw-dropping designs themselves.
During her time as a designer she has won countless awards and accolades, most notably the CFDA Geoffrey Beeny Lifetime Achievement Award (past winners have included Ralph Lauren, Yves St Laurent and Diane Von Furstenburg. She was also recently named in Time magazines 'Top Five Fashion Icons'. She's built her career on "never pander[ing]" (attrib. New York Times)to the media and her critics, a strategy thats seen her profile expanding beyond all belief. In 2007 she launched a more youthful range, Dolly Girl, and in 2009 debuted a childrens line called Anna Sui Mini.
Her other ventures also include designing a line of mobile phones for Samsung, releasing a collection of 12 perfumes (my personal favourite being Secret Wish with the little fairy on the cap!) and for her fall collection premiered a line of exquisite Anna Sui shoes. What next?!

"If you're going to have a show, then have a show." - Anna Sui, 2009

Proust and the 'Paris of the Gay Nineties' were key inspirations for this collection. I've picked out four of my favourite ensembles, the best of which (in my humble opinion) being the insanely nu-dandy brocade jacket (almost a smoking jacket, to my eyes - not too sure on the mad-crow headgear, mind) modelled by the divine Agyness Deyn, which looks like its been pulled straight out of the wardrobes of one of Oscar Wildes hangers-on. Aapart from the standard Autumn-Winter monochrome affairs, there were some beautiful peacock and cerulean blue shades on show, embellished wonderfully with all sorts of brocade, embroidery and beading, and emitting a gloriously decadent vibe. Rose prints, soutache trims and black velvet were also sprinkled liberally throughout the collection, and in my opinion its beaten her slightly 'safe' spring summer collection hands down. Opinions/constructive criticism welcome =)

The yellow light of an opal

on the white-walled houses dies,

the roadway beyond my garden

it glimmers with gloden eyes.

Alone in the faint spring twilight

The crepuscle vague and blue,

Every beat of my pulses

Is quickened by dreams of you.

You whom I know and know not,

You come as you came before,

Here in the misty quiet,

I greet you again once more.

The dim grass stirs with your footstep,

The blue dusk throbs with your smile;

I and the world of glory

are one for a little while.

The spring sun shows me your shadow,

the spring wind bears me your breath,

you are mine for a passing moment

but I am yours to the death.

- Rosamund Marriott Watson

(I thought a nice poem by one of the reknowned 18th century decadents fitted the theme of this post rather well!)

Intro, one-two...

2009-06-14T11:44:00.001+01:00

So hi.

I came up with this idea a few months ago, but have only recently decided to bring it to fruition.
The idea: A girl with a passion for fashion so strong that she's willing to dedicate most of her day and a whole blog to it. I'm no stranger to the blogosphere, having written a whole load of teenage-angsty livejournal entries in the past, but I decided that at the grand old age of 21 I should give the self-indulgence a rest and get started on something people may actually want to read.
Hence Le Freak, C'est Chic. A series of blogs forthcoming, if you will, about every aspect of fashions present and past that interest and inspire me. Here, you can expect to find blogs and articles from across the fashion spectrum. I aim to bring to you, dear reader, some or all of the following:

Features and Articles about a huge range of designers, whether mainstream, indie, up-and-coming, amateur or otherwise.
Personal style updates, documenting my precarious tip-toeing through the world of style.
Fashion shoots featuring the cream of the crop from my local indepedent retailers.
Lady-on-the-street interviews, real fashion from and for real people.
Articles about fads and fashions from the past, present, and even the future! (If I can get access to a ruddy time machine, that is)
Interviews with various low-key fashionista rockstars to get their take on what is hotter than hells mouth right now.

So here we go. Lets get this started. Are you with me?