Style Crush: Prunella Scales

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.

"A FASHION IS NOTHING BUT AN INDUCED EPIDEMIC"

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...

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!

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

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

Arcade Eden

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

Kardiff Kool Kats

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!

© Copyright Betti Hunter 2009