Merry Savings

I can't believe how quick Christmas came around, and we're at that stage already of saying farewell to 2010 and hello 2011. For now, forget the past and think ahead to New Year's Eve. Whether you're celebrating with lots of alcohol and friends or having a quiet one with the family, there's no excuse not to get dressed up for the occasion, after all 2010 was an outstanding year for fashion. If you've not bought your New Year's Eve outfit yet then you've been wise to wait for the sales because I've found a few pieces that will tempt the eye and leave you looking and feeling a million pounds, without spending it.

Make sure you shop around (there's still time) because the best things will be in the  places you wouldn't expect to find them. Don't impulse buy, instead choose investment pieces like that black maxi dress which you can dress up or down, plus a black dress will never age. Keep away from bright garish colours, save them for Spring, we're still in the Winter season so darker hues are good (navy, black, greys) If you do want to add colour, do so with your bag or jewellery. Luxury is key so opt for rich fabrics like silk, lace and velvet. Keep the sequins and glitter to a minimum, it looks tacky and I can guarantee they'll be on the floor by the end of the night. One last thing, be positive and smile! If you believe you're the best dressed, others will too. Happy partying!

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The Love of Zero

The Love of Zero directed by Robert Florey tells a story of love between a girl (Beatrix) and a trombone player (Zero). I stumbled across this video whilst carrying out research for my personal fashion project which is based on the 1920/30s. The film is impressionistic that expresses psychological reactions, which allows us to empathise with the characters. It is the set that I admire most which is prepared with paper scenery in different perspectives, and it reminds me of the sets created by Andy Hillman for Tim Walker photo shoots.

I created a mood board having been inspired by Florey's film. Keywords considered: monochrome; fantasy; movement; damsel; surreal

(please note: although creating the mood board myself on photoshop, I do not claim any of the images as my own)

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Long live the Queen

Tribute to Alexander McQueen by Nick Knight (Music by Bjork)

She was McQueen's right hand for 15 years and she knew him better than anyone so it was fitting for her to be assigned as Creative Director for Alexander McQueen. Sarah Burton showcased her first womenswear Spring/Summer 2011 collection for the design house in Paris and it was the most anticipated show on the bill. Burton has a lot to live up to but she intends to stay true to his legacy and this collection just proves she is capable of doing that. It was a beautiful show with an earthly and pagan-like atmosphere - the initial inspiration for the collection being raw power of nature. Although you can identify this is a McQueen show, I noticed less angst and aggression that would be apparent in Lee's work, it was much softer with emphasis on feminine shapes. The craftsmanship and detail was stunning ranging from hundreds of hand-painted feather butterflies to delicate leather ivy leaves and tailored suits with horse-hair spines. What's your opinion on Sarah Burton? Do you think she's done it justice?

My top 5 from this collection:

            

         

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Lady is red.

 Embrace the warmth this Winter - go red.

Karen Elson

Lily Cole

 

Tiah Eckhardt shot by Holly Blake for Dazed and Confused

My beautiful ginger friend Holly photographed by me.

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I've spent quite some time away from The Velvet Plum but my days/nights have been filled with heavy amounts of college work and I now have a job at a coffee shop which gets very tiring. I've also just set up a blog to display purely my art work, so I'll be splitting my time between the two. I've not posted anything on my new blog yet, but it wont be long before it's up and running so check it out and follow: Welcome Home.

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Photography Inspiration

Below you will find the exclusive photographs shot by Chadwick Tayler and styled by Fashion Director Karen Langley for the November issue of Dazed & Confused. Tyler said about the inspirations for the shoot: "Karen and I spoke about trying a story that very loosely was inspired by the resurgence of lo-fi art interpretations. There really weren't many references in the shoot itself. The inspiration came in the processing after the shoot. I worked with Aaron Amaro and Jon Banthorpe on the post production. We wanted to apply hand techniques to each image. There are a lot of reproductions on top of reproductions. Each piece had it's own technique applied from hand painted textures to open light scans three and four generations from the original. We chose Charlie because she was new and we wanted someone that had not really been shot before. She just seemed to fit the project."

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bookmarc

So the new term is well underway, but you may still may be feeling a little unprepared. Don't fret, it's never too late to get those essential  materials (pens, pencils, note pad etc.) but who's to say you have to settle for end-of-the-line goods, jazz up your pencil case with the latest designer stationary, Bookmarc! It's a small collection created by fashion designer Marc Jacobs to complement the launch of his West Village bookstore - also named Bookmarc. The items are priced around $8 and range from notebooks to tote bags. Sounds too good to be true, that's because it is, there's a catch; until you can fly to the U.S, you'll be waiting for your designer stationary, the new Bookmarc collection is only available in the Bookmarc store (400 Bleecker St, Manhattan). My tip, get searching eBay.

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I took this series of photographs as part of my art foundation summer project titled 'reflections'. Here's a selection of my favourite images of the shoot. Enjoy.

Copyright of Katy Jackson!

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What they are wearing on the streets...

Calf-length dresses

Style Scout

The Sartorialist

Face Hunter

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*GO TO CHECKOUT*

If you don't already know - and I'm guessing if you're a fashion lover like myself you'll be adding to your basket as you read this - H&M have introduced an online shop!! And just as I thought I was becoming more financially stable and beginning to limit my spending. I've had a browse and I'm quite impressed. There is an extensive range from clothing to lingerie to shoes and the A/W collection is also available, although the quantity of items is lacking compared to their stores. However, that didn't stop me making a list of 'must-have items', please see below:

Both £7.99

£3.99; £12.99

£14.99; £29.99

Both £19.99

£29.99; £39.99

Start shopping

Items on the list include a classic white shirt and a trench coat (two things Audrey Hepburn claims every woman should own and I agree with every thing she says) Also a pair of grey tailored shorts because tailoring and minimalism are key trends this season and to be honest I'm loving the whole "preppy" vibe à la Alexa Chung. I have to say I'm impressed with the heels at H&M, especially these wedges and these blue suede ankle boots, and they're not too high so they're suitable for both night and day. I couldn't resist wanting to update my wardrobe with this faux fur collar, I fell in love with it after writing my last post . It's going to look fabulous worn with a plain shift dress. OK, so I'm getting ahead of myself, definitely can't afford all this stuff but maybe someone reading would like to help me out (hint hint)

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9 - Shearling and Faux Fur

How the designers did it:

How we can do it:

Bring a touch of the 1930s to your wardrobe this winter with a classic brown leather and shearling aviator jacket. For something more cosy try a vintage sheepskin - most vintage shops will stock them now as they're one of this seasons must haves. Although Chanel went for the yeti look, I say keep the faux fur subtlee, a short coat or even a collar, like the one above from H&M and wear with an LBD for hint of 60s glamour (another key look this season) No matter how you wear it, just make sure you're seen in a bit of shearling or faux fur this Autumn/Winter.

Just a little reminder guys, Manchester's vintage fashion and textiles fair is coming up on the 26th September, so get saving your pennies! Always full of wonderful pieces and hidden gems, you may find your dream fur coat. For more information click here.

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pretty things.

A small selection of beautiful photographs, hope you find them inspiring.

None of the above images are my own and they're from various sources on tumblr. If you see an image that is yours and you don't want it on this blog then just let me know and I'll remove it.

I recently made myself a tumblr account, mainly to pass the time but also as a way of sharing my inspirations with you whether it be music, photographs or videos. It is more of a personal blog whereas The Velvet Plum is for my "serious"/detailed posts. Anyway, if you have a tumblr, follow me.

I have a few blog posts in draft mode waiting to be published so I'll get round to doing that asap, well as soon as I've finished my Art Foundation project which will hopefully be tomorrow as I start on Monday! (I feel like this is all I've been talking about for the past couple of weeks so apologies to my friends) I've only got two of my 'Autumn/Winter '10' trend forecasts left to give you -  shearling and faux fur, and traveller - and then a little something on 60s fashion today, inspired by the new film release Gainsbourg based on the legendary Serge Gainsbourg.

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