tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26604634113266364972024-02-20T16:26:48.897+00:00beat up broguesElliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05427512526509870124noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660463411326636497.post-38208211256341541862012-06-07T12:28:00.001+01:002012-06-07T12:28:59.581+01:00The Big Smoke (part two)<img alt="londonoutfit2" height="876" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8157/7304096930_a1a4967b8b_o.jpg" width="620" /><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Velvet blazer: vintage. Top: Zara. Shorts: Topshop. Brogues: River Island (I think...?). Bowler hat: H&M. Bag: vintage Russell & Bromley. Necklaces: Urban Outfitters, vintage and family heirlooms.</span></div>
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There's something about the angle of this photograph that makes my legs look weirdly tiny in comparison to the rest of my body. I swear, in real life I don't look like this much of a Tim Burton character. But I took very few outfit photos while in London so we'll persevere and use it anyway.<br />
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This is the debut appearance of my velvet blazer. It's wonderful and it makes me feel like Hugh Hefner. Not that it makes me want to make millions of dollars from the objectification of women. Just smoke a cigar and maybe wear some monogrammed slippers.<br />
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...That was an odd tangent we went off on there. Moving on...<br />
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Second day in London. We headed down to the Southbank to go to the Hayward to see the new David Shrigley exhibition, which was predictably wonderful and hilarious and I would recommend it to anyone. Then we wandered around the book market and I picked up a biography on the Mitford Sisters for next to nothing. And of course we fitted in at least 10 coffee breaks over the course of the day.<br />
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<img alt="london5" height="465" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8019/7303973812_b7cfdf75bb_o.jpg" width="620" /><br />
<img alt="london6" height="465" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7097/7303973556_5cb9768593_o.jpg" width="620" /><br />
<img alt="london4" height="465" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8028/7303974206_2873d8694e_o.jpg" width="620" /><br />
<img alt="london3" height="465" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8009/7303974636_bf8e3e1923_o.jpg" width="620" />Elliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05427512526509870124noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660463411326636497.post-48250270671527295382012-05-30T21:37:00.003+01:002012-05-30T22:07:05.119+01:00The Big Smoke (part one)<img alt="outfit1_1" height="876" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7074/7294684450_7b34931ed4_o.jpg" width="620" /><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Blouse: <a href="https://marketplace.asos.com/boutique/throw-away-treasures">Throw Away Treasures</a>. Shorts: Topshop. Cardigan: Topshop. Coat: Dorothy Perkins. Boots: vintage. Bag: vintage Russell & Bromley. Belt: vintage. Necklaces: vintage, Miss Selfridge and family heirlooms.</span></div>
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I recently went to London for a few days with the family. My mum got to see <i>Les Mis</i> and I got to see the new David Shrigley exhibition at the Hayward - and an unexpected Jeremy Deller retrospective that I didn't even realise was on. So everyone won! And actually, I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy Les Mis too. Generally speaking, I'm not a fan of musicals with no dialogue - you know, with people just singing at you for hours on end. I've seen <i>Cats</i> three times and each time has been more painful than the last. However, <i>Les Mis</i> I liked. And I may or may not have teared up during 'Bring Him Home'. That's between me and the usher.<br />
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<img alt="outfit1_2" height="431" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8143/7294684046_9cd8e54acd_o.jpg" width="620" /><br />
<img alt="london1" height="465" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7085/7303975336_35d1647b60_o.jpg" width="620" /><br />
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<img alt="outfit1_3" height="431" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7093/7294683738_ab87c2cef1_o.jpg" width="620" />Elliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05427512526509870124noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660463411326636497.post-17418707796042122212012-05-29T14:49:00.001+01:002012-05-29T15:08:00.870+01:00Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes<img alt="changes" height="465" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7239/7294690628_f6622044e7_z.jpg" width="620" /><br />
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(Bonus points if you sang that title in the voice of David Bowie)<br />
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So, I know I went awol there for a little while. The last term of uni got pretty intense and I decided the easiest way to not go completely insane would be to give up all periphery interests: my social life, regular sleeping patterns and, unfortunately, this blog. But I'm finished for summer now so I'm all set to get back to regular outfit posts. But it's been a while since my last post and there are some changes afoot that I think I should update you all on:<br />
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<li>I got a summer job at my favourite vintage shop in Liverpool so that's pretty amazing. I very rarely finish a shift without having bought something so we'll see how the whole 'saving-for-next-year' thing works out.</li>
<li>I got a new camera! I now have a Fuji X10 - it's lovely leather case is in the photograph above, sans camera obviously. I was using that to take the photo, you see.</li>
<li>I changed my perfume. This may not seem like a big deal but I'm very particular about perfumes and I normally stick with one scent for years at a time. But on a recent trip to London, I tried Ofresia by Diptique in Liberty and completely fell in love with it.</li>
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And... I think that's about it. Told you I'd given up my social life.</div>Elliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05427512526509870124noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660463411326636497.post-1952419707032262562012-02-25T02:05:00.000+00:002012-02-25T02:11:06.939+00:00Tweed, navy, polka dots<img alt="tweedandpolkadots" height="712" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7052/6927239777_98ebc3cdf6_b.jpg" width="534" /><br />
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<img alt="tweedandpolkadots2" height="712" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7050/6927240199_0e2534a11e_b.jpg" width="534" /><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Tweed blazer: vintage Burberry, Camel jumper: Next, Polka dot skort: vintage, Tan brogues: vintage, Bowler hat: H&M, silk scarf (tied onto bag): vintage, Necklaces: vintage and Topshop.</i></span></div>
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Look! Actual, real sunlight! My poor beaten up point and shoot digi camera didn't know what had hit it. Unfortunately, neither did I which is why I was stuck at home for the weekend on an unexpectedly sunny day with nothing in my suitcase but jumpers and tweed. But we persevere. If I can saunter around with bare legs in November and pretend I'm not freezing then I can wear wool and tweed and pretend I'm not boiling. Besides, it turned out that the sun was only superficial and it was actually really cold. Ah, good old England.<br />
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Anyway, I can't believe it's taken so long for this blazer to appear on the blog. It's quite possibly my favourite possession, aside from my Macbook and my lovely secondhand copy of Oscar Wilde's plays. The only downside is that I can't pass it off as an incredible find I just happened upon at a fair or charity shop - it was Etsy. But damn it, designer vintage in good condition is hard to just stumble across. I spent an arm and a leg on it but I wear it all the time and occasionally sit and stroke it in my spare time so, all in all, I think it's paid for itself. And I always get comments on it. They range from the complimentary (like the lady who stopped me on the stairs today at uni and told me it was "stunning" - she also asked if I made it myself, one of the hazards of going to art school is that everyone assumes you're super-crafty) to the bewildered ("Are you going horseriding later...?") to the slightly mean ("Ew, you look like a farmer). But anyway, here's some gratuitous close up photos of it's loveliness:<br />
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<img alt="burberryblazer1" height="402" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7052/6927240321_ba1890a159_z.jpg" width="534" /><br />
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<img alt="burberryblazer2" height="402" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7038/6781122584_d4eabb7265_z.jpg" width="534" />Elliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05427512526509870124noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660463411326636497.post-32741459046778317512012-02-21T02:46:00.002+00:002012-02-21T12:44:48.372+00:00Brown, green, stripes<img alt="browngreenstripes1" height="712" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7206/6913514555_c82389712a_b.jpg" width="534" /><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Brown car coat: Dorothy Perkins, </i><i>Breton top: Zara, </i><i>Green shorts: Miss Selfridge, </i><i>Grey brogues: River Island, </i><i>Black bowler hat: H&M, </i><i>Belt: New Look, </i><i>Necklaces: Topshop, This Charming Girl and vintage.</i></span></div>
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This is what I wore a couple of days ago to wander around town with my Mum, drinking a lot of coffee and planning elaborate crafting plans. We tend to do this a lot. Whole business plans are drawn up over skinny lattes: she'll set up an Etsy store selling purses made from vintage silk scarves, I'll start screenprinting posters to sell at print fairs, she'll make jewellery and start on the craft fair circuit, I'll start my own zine... but by the time the coffee is gone we've generally moved onto some other idea. That's the problem with being <strike>a bit lazy and easily distracted</strike> a creative person with lots of ideas.<br />
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Later I made some red velvet cupcakes and went to see The Muppets movie with my best friend - I gave it three stars, he got weirded out because the kid in front of us kept turning around and staring at him. Which I guess would be kind of off putting while you're trying to watch a film. Even without a small child staring me out, I wasn't entirely convinced by the film. I liked a lot of the self referential meta stuff ("<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Wow, that was such an expensive looking explosion! I can't believe we had that in the budget.")</span> but some of the cheesy dance numbers... I just don't remember the original films being quite so embarrassing.<br />
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I love this coat more each time I wear it - now it's getting a little bit warmer, the three quarter sleeves aren't as impractical and I really love the fact that it gives every outfit a bit of a 60s feeling. When my friend was driving us to the cinema, I noticed he was still wearing his leather gloves. Despite his protests that he was only wearing them because he was "cold", I'm convinced they're actually his driving gloves and with me wearing a car coat in the passenger seat, we were just like a couple in the 50s. He told me to be quiet and turned the radio up.<br />
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One more thing - I've only just realised that I can reply to comments on my posts! I can't believe I hadn't realised before! So I just want to say that I promise, I wasn't being rude - I was just being a bit thick. To help make up for it, enjoy my awkward face when our neighbour walked past mid photograph:<br />
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<img alt="browngreenstripes4" height="409" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7183/6913513953_08ac5532fb.jpg" width="534" />Elliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05427512526509870124noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660463411326636497.post-8365041317381794352012-02-17T23:01:00.000+00:002012-02-17T23:25:16.256+00:00Wishing...Thanks for all the lovely comments on my last post. I'll ask one of my friends to take some outfit photos for me soon. As for the suggestion of setting up a tripod and taking them myself, my room at halls is nowhere near big enough for that. Honestly, I have less than 2 square metres of floor space. Granted my second clothes rail takes up a lot of space but the amount of hanging space they gave me was ludicrous - although I suppose I probably have more clothes than the average occupant... Anyway, since the unfortunate incident when I attempted to do yoga in my room and ended up with quite a few injuries, I've resolved only to sleep and read in my room - it really wasn't designed for anything more strenuous.
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But I figured that if I couldn't post the outfits I've been wearing, I could always post the ones I've been <i>thinking</i> about wearing. Most of which I lack both the funds and the climate to actually wear.
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Midi skirt: Marc by Marc Jacobs, Shirt: Acne, Brogues: Topshop, Bowler hat: H&M, Bag: H&M, Belt: Topshop, Necklace: House of Harlow.</span></i></div>
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I really feel like breaking out my chino shorts now that it almost feels like spring. And by 'feel', I mean I'm imagining that it's nearly spring. It's currently sleeting in Manchester.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Pyjama shirt: Olatz, Shorts: Subtitled, Slipper shoes: French Sole, Bag: Rebecca Minkoff, Belt: Miss Selfridge.</i></span></div>
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You know what I said about not wearing heels? I'd much rather wear slippers on a night out. I'm still searching for the perfect silk pyjama shirt too to complete the 'ready for bed' look.<br />
<img alt="trenchcoat" height="534" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7050/6889022625_4a07bbbf45_z.jpg" width="534" />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Trench coat: A.P.C., Lace t shirt: Oasis, Corduroy shorts: Only Limitless, Fedora: Topshop, Boots: Zara, Socks: Topshop, Necklaces: Hive & Honey</span></i></div>
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I tried to wear my trench coat a few days ago but I've come to the conclusion that it's no where near warm enough to leave the wool coats behind yet. So this is me living vicariously through making collages.
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Tweed blazer: Jigsaw, Silk shirt: Jigsaw, Leather skirt: A.L.C, Loafers: Aldo, Bag: Balenciaga.
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That Jigsaw tweed blazer has played on my mind since I first saw it about 10 months ago. It recently went into their sale but it's still way out of my student budget... pretty though. I'm also really craving a leather skirt but I think this a-line one is much more interesting than your usual pencil or bodycon skirt.Elliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05427512526509870124noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660463411326636497.post-51448406900924207572012-02-12T20:01:00.003+00:002012-02-12T20:01:38.383+00:00A bit of a quandary.<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/55109135@N02/6745087477/" title="wardrobe1 by Eleanor.Margaret, on Flickr"><img alt="wardrobe1" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7030/6745087477_a9f6a135d5_z.jpg" /></a><br />
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I thought I should explain why my blogging has been fairly sporadic lately. Aside from my lack of time/energy, the main reason is my lack of photographer. While I was home for Christmas I made my mum take outfit photos for me but once I went back to uni, I didn't have anyone to do it.<br />
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I haven't really told any of my friends at uni about the blog, mostly because I only met them a few months ago and I don't know what they'll think. I often get comments about being 'stylish' or - more often - 'quirky' and that's nice and everything but I don't want them to think I'm some fashion obsessed egotist. I mean, from the outside, won't it just look like I'm saying: "Hey, can you take some photos of me so I can put them on the internet and show the world how <i>unbelievably</i> stylish I am?" Which, of course, is not what I'm trying to do at all. I started blogging because I was spending so much time following other people's blogs, I wanted to join in. To properly be part of the blogging community. But I'm pretty conscious of how it might look to anyone who isn't part of it. Add to that the fact that I actually kind of hate having my picture taken and get ridiculously awkward as soon as anyone takes a camera out.<br />
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Any advice? I should just ask someone, right? And care less about what people might think? And just generally get over myself?<br />
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Discuss.Elliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05427512526509870124noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660463411326636497.post-78688011455844105122012-02-05T18:10:00.000+00:002012-02-21T12:45:56.521+00:00Camel, burgundy and my new (old) hat<img alt="camelburgundyhat" height="712" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7161/6824053605_1a4c174155_b.jpg" width="534" /><br />
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<img alt="camelburgundyhat2" height="712" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7164/6824055755_d642cc3129_b.jpg" width="534" /><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Flecked camel jumper: Next, </i><i>Burgundy skirt: American Apparel, </i><i>Felt boater hat: vintage, </i><i>Black loafers: Topshop, </i><i>Bag: Ollie & Nic, </i><i>Jewellery: Topshop and vintage</i></span></div>
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I got a new hat! Well, not new, but new to me so it still counts. I think it's a boater, but I can't be entirely sure. I'll be honest, my knowledge of hat terminology isn't the best. I got it from an incredible vintage seller I found on eBay called <a href="http://stores.ebay.co.uk/smallbutdeadlys-Vintage-Store?_trksid=p4340.l2563">smallbutdeadly</a>. They have some really great vintage hats (something I always have trouble finding) and for really good prices. Oh, and can someone <i>please</i> buy <a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vintage-1960s-Soft-Structured-Burgundy-Velvet-Beret-Style-Hat-/160701064245?pt=UK_Women_s_Vintage_Clothing&hash=item256a87a435#ht_5088wt_818">this</a>. Burgundy, velvet, 60s - perfect. Berets look awful on me but I thought I'd pass the link on because it's just too wonderful to be sitting there - someone give it a good home.<br />
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The hat had a black veil on originally and, after prancing around in it for a few hours pretending I was Joan Collins, I took it off. As fun as it was, it wasn't exactly wearable and made me feel a little bit like a 1980s divorc<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 16px;"><em style="color: black; font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">é</span></em></span>e going to a funeral. Now it's perfect. My photographer (otherwise known as my mum) couldn't get a good close up shot of the hat so here's a badly executed photo I took of the back of my head:<br />
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You get the idea. In other news, today I paid a visit to the charity shop near my house to kill some time before I came back to Manchester. As well as having a lovely chat about uni life with the guy behind the counter, I found a scarf and a vintage suitcase I plan to use for storage in my bedroom - all for under £5. I felt kind of bad because the suitcase was in really good condition and I'm sure it was worth more so I put an extra few pounds in the collection box. That's the thing about charity shops, I always feel a bit guilty about finding bargains in them.
I just carried the case out of the shop with me, not really thinking of it but when I saw my reflection I felt so twee it was painful. Felt boater, loafers and a vintage suitcase. I'd been getting weird looks all day (wearing a hat is enough to elicit stares in my hometown) but then it was even worse - <i>every person</i> I passed did a double take. I must have looked like a WWII evacuee! When I got home, my mum said I looked like one of the Railway Children, which I think is probably a better comparison. But I didn't have any bloomers to wave on a stick, which was a shame.<br />
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<img alt="charityshopfinds" height="399" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7147/6824369417_cde1c91945_z.jpg" width="534" />Elliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05427512526509870124noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660463411326636497.post-77695668278429678122012-02-04T01:43:00.002+00:002012-02-04T13:35:50.496+00:00Girls on film: Pretty in Pink<img alt="prettyinpinktitle" height="304" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7032/6814275543_4a78a9ef63_z.jpg" width="534" /><br />
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I'm going to warn you now, this is going to be a very image heavy post. Once you start capping, it's difficult to stop.... Anyway, I'm continuing my series on filmic style inspiration with another classic (in my book, anyway): <i>Pretty in Pink</i>. I really love John Hughes and I often refer to his Brat Pack films of the 80s as 'when teen films were good'. Don't get me wrong, there've been exceptions in recent years. <i>Mean Girls </i>is of course incredible, as is <i>Clueless</i>, <i>Election</i>, <i>Easy A</i>... but for every <i>Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist</i>, there are ten <i>John Tucker Must Die</i>'s - a film that still haunts me to this day.<br />
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Moving on. I'm not necessarily a big fan of 1980s fashion - shoulder pads, neon, obscene amounts of sequins - but the new romantics/new wave style is one thing about the era that does really appeal to me. And I always appreciate fearlessness when it comes to wearing what you want and not letting anyone tell you it looks stupid. And that ethos is perfectly embodied by Molly Ringwald's Andie.<br />
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I mean, just look at those glasses. If that's not fashion bravery, I don't know what is. <i>Pretty in Pink</i> is entirely based on the whole poor-girl-meets-rich-boy trope but Andie isn't the kind of girl to let lack of funds get in the way of looking good. She buys from thrift stores and makes her own clothes, mixing styles that really shouldn't work together and just makes it work. The film opens with a montage of her getting ready for school in the morning to 'Pretty in Pink' by The Psychedelic Furs (see what they did there?) and it's so incredible that I've capped every shot. It's just that good.<br />
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<center><i>"Turn around, let me see this outfit. Is this your latest creation?"<br />
"Uhuh."<br />
"My God, what did that cost you?"<br />
"Oh, about 15 dollars for the shoes - second hand - and I made the rest."<br />
"Unbelievable!"</i></center>
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<i>"Where'd you get your clothes? The five and dime store?"</i></div>
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But the cool dress sense doesn't stop with Andie; her best friend Duckie (played by man who isn't Charlie Sheen, Jon Cryer) is also exceptionally good at the whole it-shouldn't-work-but-it-really-does style of dressing. This boy is basically a walking tutorial on how to mix prints and fabrics and look fierce whilst doing it. He also spends the entire film wearing that trilby (Trilby? Fedora? I'm not entirely sure) and the John Lennon-style round sunglasses. Amazing.</div>
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The prom is the cornerstone of most films set in American high schools and <i>Pretty in Pink</i> is no exception, featuring the greatest getting-over-your-man-whilst-making-your-own-prom-dress montage in film history (although, admittedly, that may be a rather small category):</div>
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And Duckie's prom outfit is incredible. Just look at the shoes!</div>
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If you haven't seen the film, I suppose you will have assumed from the way I'm writing that Duckie is Andie's only romantic interest. Unfortunately, he isn't. There's also this other guy. He's all rich and he has floppy hair and I hate him. This might be my long standing crush on Duckie talking, but I seriously don't understand why Andie would even consider this guy:</div>
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When she had this guy waiting for her all along:</div>
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COME ON!!</div>
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I also just wanted to add a few images of Andie's bedroom, which is pretty incredible. I noticed how cool it was much more on this viewing than I have before, probably because the stupid rules in my stupid uni halls means that I can't put things on the wall or change the curtains or do anything at all to make my room look less anonymous. It's all very depressing. So I'm living vicariously through the bedrooms of fictional characters in 80s teen movies.</div>
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Andie is also the kind of girl who lounges around in a silk kimono. I feel like there's nothing else I can do to convince you of her intense coolness - although I will leave you with a Polyvore set of Andie inspired items.<br />
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<img alt="prettyinpinkpolyvore" height="288" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7007/6814691905_24d439ae8c_z.jpg" width="534" /></div>Elliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05427512526509870124noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660463411326636497.post-41693075015736098512012-02-02T00:43:00.002+00:002012-02-21T12:47:11.686+00:00Brown, leather, lace<img alt="brown, leather, lace" height="712" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7157/6776073301_070ee8ef7f_b.jpg" width="534" /><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Lace t-shirt: Next, Brown leather shorts: River Island via ASOS, Cardigan: Miss Selfridge, Penny loafers: Topshop, Hat: H&M, Belt: vintage, Necklaces: Urban Outfitters and vintage.</i></span></div>
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This is from a couple of weeks ago. I made sure I photographed every outfit when I went home for the weekend, anticipating that I would be too busy/lazy when I got back to uni. So yes, it's the same shorts and shoes because they're all I took home with me. And those shorts look more and more crumpled in each outfit too. Sigh.<br />
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I need a nude coloured vest top to wear under this t shirt. I'm wearing a white one here but I think it looks a bit weird. Of course, it's not as bad as the first time I wore it and assumed that it was just a bit sheer, threw a nude bra on and strolled off to uni, only to get halfway down the road before I looked down and ran back to home to change. Not "sheer", just completely see through with massive holes in it. Nice one, Ellie.<br />
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I just realised, apart from a few of the accessories, I'm not wearing any vintage. Wow. It's pretty rare for me to be wearing clothes that have only ever been owned by me.Elliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05427512526509870124noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660463411326636497.post-20518001071149846922012-01-30T00:02:00.002+00:002012-01-30T00:06:17.175+00:00Turquoise, ruffles, leather<img alt="turquoiserufflesbrownleather" height="712" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7151/6776072931_ca6dd81219_b.jpg" width="534" /><br />
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<i>Ruffled blouse: vintage (<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Retro-Rehab/446652315110?ref=ts">Retro Rehab, Manchester</a>)</i><br />
<i>Leather shorts: River Island via ASOS</i><br />
<i>Swing coat: Topshop</i><br />
<i>Penny loafers: Topshop</i><br />
<i>Bowler hat: H&M</i><br />
<i>Necklaces: vintage</i><br />
<i>Belt: vintage</i><br />
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One of the pitfalls of using a visit home to take lots of outfit photos is that you have a limited amount clothes you can take with you - especially if you have a pathetic excuse of a weekend bag that barely fits anything in. But alas, we persevere.<br />
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I got the blouse a couple of weeks ago from Retro Rehab, on Oldham Street in Manchester. I thought I knew most of the vintage shops in that area by now but I'd actually never noticed this one before. I was offering moral support to a friend of mine who was getting her nose pierced but, once I saw it, I quickly forgot about my role of 'concerned friend' and took on the role of 'crazed vintage shopper' instead. And it's a gem of a shop! They have some really lovely stock and incredible prices, especially compared to a lot of the overpriced vintage shops in the Northern Quarter that cater to the Urban Outfitters hipster crowd*. The shop has a boutique feel, with lovely window displays and everything arranged really nicely - which is a particularly nice surprise if you've just come from Ryan Vintage, which is great for finding bargains but can resemble a bomb site.<br />
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They had a sale on but I controlled myself and only got one thing. It was really cold when I was taking the photos so I didn't take my coat off - but that really didn't do it justice, so I took separate photographs of the blouse of it's own:<br />
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The colour, the silkiness, the triangles, the ruffles, the fact that it was only £8; ah, it was love at first sight!<br />
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And in other news, I was given a Versatile Blogger award from the lovely Mandy of <a href="http://graceandviola.blogspot.com/">Grace and Viola</a> (her blog is named after her grandmother and aunt, amazing). I'm going to post my facts and pass the award on in a couple of months, once I've been blogging for longer and I have 10 bloggers to pass it onto. But I still wanted to acknowledge it because it was such a nice surprise.<br />
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*it amuses me that I wrote that as if I wasn't firmly part of 'the Urban Outfitters hipster crowd'.Elliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05427512526509870124noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660463411326636497.post-39014239091165954282012-01-23T16:56:00.000+00:002012-01-23T16:58:46.249+00:00Girls on film: Annie Hall<img alt="anniehall1" height="285" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7026/6749243041_edbd363566_z.jpg" width="534" /><br />
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So one thing you should know about me is that I like blazers. A lot. And brogues (hence the blog title), loafers, hats, shirts, trenches, pea coats... basically all menswear. I find that menswear-inspired clothes are much more classic than girly styles, and that really appeals to me. This probably not the right attitude for someone who claims to be interested in fashion but I don't really like trends. Don't get me wrong, I'm not anti-fashion and I'm not claiming never to follow trends. It's just that I tend to develop long term relationships with my clothes. I don't really go in for impulse purchases - when I buy something I know exactly where it's going to fit in with the rest of my wardrobe and that I'll be able to wear it for years to come. And I know that a navy boxy blazer is going to stay in my wardrobe much longer than a frilly party dress. Not that I'm entirely adverse to a frilly party dress - I'm just likely to wear a boxy blazer over it.<br />
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The other thing you should know is that I'm a huge film buff and, honestly, I'm more likely to find style inspiration in a movie than I am in a copy of Vogue. So I decided to start a new feature, looking to favourite films of mine for style inspiration. And where better to start than <i>Annie Hall</i>, one of my absolute favourite films of all time and quite timely since I touched on Diane Keaton's style in an outfit post a few days ago.<br />
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For anyone who hasn't seen the film, it's a romantic comedy from 1977, tracking the relationship of comedian Alvy Singer (Woody Allen) and Annie Hall (Diane Keaton) from their meeting through to their eventual break up. It's hilarious and touching and if you've never seen it a) what have you been doing with your life?? and b) you really should see it. Also, if you're not familiar with Woody Allen as a comedian/director then it's a really good starting point.<br />
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<i>"I love what you're wearing."</i><br />
<i>"You do? Well, uh, this tie was a present from Grammy Hall."</i><br />
<i>"Who? Your 'grammy'? What did you do, grow up in a Norman Rockwell painting?"</i></div>
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The film has become iconic not just because Woody Allen is one of the funniest men to ever walk the planet (that's a completely objective fact), but also because of Annie's quirky, menswear inspired outfits. Diane Keaton chose the costumes she wore in the film ("I did what Woody said: I wore that I wanted to wear, or, rather, I stole what I wanted to wear from cool-looking women on the streets or New York. Annie's khaki pants, vest, and tie came from them.") and they pretty much reflect her personal style. Blazers, waistcoats (or 'vests', if you're transatlantically inclined), ties, crisp tailored shirts and that iconic hat. The outfit above is probably the best known from the film, from Alvy and Annie's first meeting, introduced by friends to play a doubles tennis match. Anyone who will wear an outfit like that to the gym, only to change once she gets to there, is definitely my kind of woman.<br />
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I think the collars are a large part of what draws me to Annie's look. Whether they're buttoned right up with a man's tie or open and turned up with a scarf tied around her neck, she really knows how to work a shirt. I really like the scarf with the open neck, it softens an otherwise pretty masculine look. And, while we're on the topic, I really love Alvy's wardrobe too. It's almost entirely tweed blazers, plaid shirts and his signature glasses, but he always looks really great.<br />
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Couple's who start to dress alike are usually a little bit creepy but this is just adorable. And, if you think about it, it actually makes a lot of sense. If you've got a lot in common with your other half, why wouldn't you have similar aesthetic tastes too?<br />
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<i>"Oh, come on Alvy! You never want to try anything new."</i></div>
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<i>"What do you mean? I suggested you, I and that girl from your acting class should sleep together."</i></div>
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<i>"That's sick!"</i></div>
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<i>"Yeah, I know it's sick but it's new!"</i></div>
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Diane Keaton is a master of layering and there's always so much going on in her outfits, but it never looks too fussy because of the simple, masculine cuts, very Margaret Howell. In fact, every new Margaret Howell collection seems to reference Annie Hall. I don't know whether this is intentional, but you could certainly imagine Diane Keaton wearing Margaret Howell:<br />
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<i><a href="http://margarethowell.co.uk/collections#/collections/womens-autumn-winter-11-">All from margarethowell.co.uk</a></i></div>
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<a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=42684061" title="Annie-Hall inspired Polyvore set"><img alt="anniehall10" height="300" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7009/6749685649_713f756074_z.jpg" width="534" /></a><br />
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<i>Click through to Polyvore for item list. There's a lot of Jigsaw in there - I feel like Annie Hall would wear Jigsaw.</i></div>Elliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05427512526509870124noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660463411326636497.post-71186376745108046762012-01-22T23:21:00.002+00:002012-01-23T01:08:34.581+00:00Red, brown, leather<img alt="redbrownleather" height="712" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7154/6745088651_cea26e9171_b.jpg" width="534" /><br />
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<i>Black bowler hat: H&M</i><br />
<i>Red jumper: New Look</i><br />
<i>Brown leather shorts: River Island via ASOS</i><br />
<i>Black penny loafers: Topshop</i><br />
<i>Necklaces: vintage and Topshop.</i><br />
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I've been such a bad blogger, haven't I? I started back at uni two weeks ago and since then it's just been work, work, work. Not that I'm complaining - our latest brief has been really challenging for me and I've really enjoyed coming up with a solution for it - but it hasn't exactly left a lot of time for blogging. I think sometimes when you're working in a creative field, the last thing you want to do in your free time is something else creative. So I've been spending most of my spare time either in Starbucks or wrapped in a blanket watching <i>Roseanne</i>. Standard. I don't normally get burnt out like this, so I'm hoping it's just taking me a few weeks to readjust to uni. I'm going to try harder, you have my word.<br />
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Now, onto the outfit. One thing that's changed during the last fortnight is that I'm into hats again. You won't know this, but a few months ago I used to wear hats almost every day. Then when I moved away to uni, I just stopped. I don't know, I guess because I was moving to a completely new city and meeting so many new people for the first time, I just didn't want to feel anymore conspicuous than I already would. And if there's one thing that a hat does, it's make you conspicuous.<br />
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But the other day, I was running late for a lecture and it was raining (it's Manchester, so that's not surprising) but that annoyingly fine rain that doesn't really justify an umbrella but will still ruin your hair. Then out of the corner of my eye, I saw my old black bowler and it just made sense. And I've barely taken it off since. I've been reading Diane Keaton's memoir (I finished it a couple of days ago, highly recommend it) and so I think that probably influenced the hat revival. She really is the ultimate hat wearer.Elliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05427512526509870124noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660463411326636497.post-47963124230333009282012-01-07T17:13:00.004+00:002012-01-08T15:31:26.290+00:00Yellow, black, plaid<img alt="blackyellowplaid" height="712" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7015/6653672177_6b706b17a0_b.jpg" width="534" /><br />
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<span style="font-style: italic;">Black cardigan (worn as a jumper): H&M<br />Black pleated skirt: Jones & Jones<br />Yellow plaid scarf: Urban Outfitters (the mens section actually)<br />Camel coat: Dorothy Perkins<br />Tan brogues: vintage<br />Wide tan belt: vintage<br />Necklaces: vintage and Urban Outfitters</span><br />
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Apologies for the slightly out of focus second photo - would have retaken it but it was freezing! Anyway, lazy outfit for a lazy day. Well not lazy actually, I was busy doing uni work and complaining about the fact I shouldn't have left so much to do in the last few days of the holidays.<br />
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Moving on from my organisational inadequacies, how amazing is this scarf? Remind you of anyone? <a href="http://i3.squidoocdn.com/resize/squidoo_images/-1/lens3153202_1236594671rupert-the-bear.gif">I'll give you a clue.</a> I decided not to go too far with the Rupert the Bear theme and go for a plain black cardigan and skirt, instead of the red jumper and matching yellow trousers. I have a bit of a thing for unconventional style icons. I have absolutely no interest in what Cheryl Cole is wearing but I quite enjoy dressing like cartoon characters. Ah well.<br />
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I threw the coat on as an after thought but looking at the photos I'm not sure that mustard and camel is a very good colour combination. I never really wear yellow and I've had a bit of tricky time styling this scarf since I got it. Any tips?<br />
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Oh and I've just realised this is the first time the titular brogues have made an appearance in an outfit post. Now you can see that 'beat up' might actually be a bit of an understatement.Elliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05427512526509870124noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660463411326636497.post-23593166900051423712012-01-06T21:43:00.007+00:002012-01-06T23:08:44.224+00:00Polka dots, navy, rust<img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7003/6648108873_0df4b182e1_z.jpg" width="534" height="713" alt="polkadotsnavyrust"><br /><br /><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7019/6649589309_0f7c387458_b.jpg" width="534" height="712" alt="polkadotsnavyrust2"><br /><br /><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7020/6649453061_a61be84296.jpg" width="534" height="414" alt="polkadotsnavyrust3"><br /><br /><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7023/6648114795_fbf0d5f140_z.jpg" width="534" height="414" alt="polkadotsnavyrust4"><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Navy polka dot blouse: vintage<br />Rust coloured wool skirt: Topshop<br />Tan tassel loafers: Russell and Bromley<br />Navy tights: New Look<br />Belt: vintage<br />Grey swing coat: Topshop<br />Necklaces: This Charming Girl, Urban Outfitters and vintage</span><br /><br />Today I was told I look like a 1960s secretary. I immediately decided I was fine with this. Although, I don't really see it - surely a pencil skirt would be more appropriate if I was going for the whole 'Mad Men' look? But I'm not really into pencil skirts. I think they look amazing on some people but whenever I try one on I feel like I'm trying too hard to be sexy. I don't really 'do' sexy. My style usually fluctuates between a male 1940s film noir detective and a 9 year old girl. Actual grown up lady isn't really part of my arsenal.<br /><br />I accidentally matched my nail polish to my outfit too - I love it when that happens.<br /><br />Oh, and I just want to say thank you to anyone who's started following. I'm still really new to this kind of blogging but all your lovely comments have been really encouraging.Elliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05427512526509870124noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660463411326636497.post-46443789824973389172012-01-05T20:49:00.006+00:002012-01-05T22:18:17.440+00:00Leather, red, print<img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7023/6643118473_a96c2785da_b.jpg" width="534" height="712" alt="leatherburgundyprint3"><br /><br /><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7030/6643177641_6f6124d6b5.jpg" width="534" height="534" alt="leatherburgundyprint2"><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Cotton reel blouse: Cooperative (at Urban Outfitters)<br />Black leather shorts: vintage<br />Grey swing coat: Topshop<br />Black penny loafers: Topshop<br />Red tights: New Look<br />Necklaces: vintage and Topshop</span><br /><br />I'm completely in love with this blouse. I saw it a few months ago and thought the print was amazing (cotton reels! Seriously?) but I put my 'responsible student' hat on and walked away from it. Luckily, it was on sale a few weeks later so I nabbed it then. I'm not usually one for ruffles but I loved this too much to let it go. <a href="http://www.urbanoutfitters.co.uk/cooperative-silk-printed-blouse/invt/5110462171753/">It's still available on the website, in case anyone's interested.</a> As much as I love classics like polka dots and stripes, I can never resist a quirky print.<br /><br />The leather shorts are probably my favourite piece in my wardrobe. They seem to go with everything and they're good for toughening up pieces that might otherwise seem a bit twee - like a ruffled chiffon blouse with cotton reels on it. I remember my friends and family being a bit perturbed when I brought them home. My best friend worried that I'd 'look like some kind of dominatrix' and my Mum was unconvinced because they were at least two sizes too big for me. But I altered them myself (a fact that I'm still immensely proud of) and now they fit perfectly. Although my family still affectionately refer to them as my 'lederhosen'. They don't really get it...<br /><br />And the red tights make me feel like Anna Karina and that's always a good thing. I threatened to break into the dance from <span style="font-style:italic;">A Woman Is A Woman</span> at least three times today. Speaking of Anna Karina, I'm thinking of starting a style icon/inspiration type feature so I can properly talk about the people who's style I admire. Or, as I like to call them, 'women I want to be when I grow up'. What do you think?Elliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05427512526509870124noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2660463411326636497.post-14047869910750751432012-01-03T17:26:00.006+00:002012-01-04T13:37:38.073+00:00Fur, stripes, burgundy<img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7172/6629062479_8ac8f3af2e_b.jpg" width="534" height="712" alt="furstripesburgundy"><br /><br /><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7149/6629442911_3100203741_b.jpg" width="534" height="712" alt="furstripesburgundy2"><br /><br /><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7142/6629064593_513fdc2c3e_b.jpg" width="534" height="712" alt="furstripesburgundy3"><br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Faux fur coat: vintage<br />Black and cream striped top: Zara<br />Burgundy chiffon skirt:American Apparel<br />Black boots: vintage<br />Necklaces: <a href="http://shop.thischarminggirl.com/">This Charming Girl</a> and vintage<br />Brown leather bag: Ollie & Nic</span><br /><br />Well, this is me actually keeping a new year's resolution. Generally, I'm against the whole concept of new years resolutions; the way I see it, if you want to change your life then do it now, don't wait until January. But I've been talking about starting a style blog for months and I thought the beginning of a new year would be a good place to start (finally). I decided on the name, created and designed the blog months ago but I guess I needed that extra push to actually start posting.<br /><br />So hi everyone! I'm Ellie, I study graphic design in Manchester and I like clothes. Those are the basics and you'll learn everything else along the way.<br /><br />Now, onto the outfit. This is what I wore to meet some family for coffee and then wander around the sales with my Mum. I think it'll become apparent within a few posts that I'm a sucker for breton stripes - blame it on my overexposure to French New Wave films. This skirt is one of my favourites too. I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with American Apparel; it's really overpriced, not particularly good quality and the ads are really annoying. But I really love simple, plain coloured basics and they have literally every colour you could ever want. I got this on sale, there's no way I would have paid full price for it. Then there's my trusty vintage boots (the only waterproof shoes I own. Seriously.) and my faux fur coat because this is England in December and I don't have a death wish.Elliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05427512526509870124noreply@blogger.com6