Puppy Love

Remember the time when pleated skirts were for geeky school girls and corduroy was strictly for frumpy old men? This concept has been completely displaced by the new 'revive' era; re-worked vintage pieces for which the demand has shot up in the last few years!

Which was why when I spotted this burgundy corduroy pleated 'full circle skirt' amongst the American apparel vintage section I just couldn't say no! Part naughty school girl, part quirky act from le cirque, it was the perfect claret addition to my over flowing wardrobe (I can't face a clear out).

Part of my love for vintage stems from the fact that every piece has its own individual story with its previous owner, -a romantic notion yes, but one that still makes me happy!  So whilst fretting over the typical Girly dilemma 'I have nothing to wear' (despite a closet stuffed full of the damned things) I had to wonder, could the term 'vintage' extend to my mum's clothes from the 70s? And then I discovered this treasure.

My dad describes it as a blanket but I couldn't be deterred; I would be wearing the dogtooth blazer! It was my mum's that she picked up from a hidden away boutique in Paris so instead of wearing it as a tailored blazer (my stupidly petite proportions wouldn't allow this) I snipped out the shoulder pads (Gok Wan style) and ...voila! I had myself the perfect autumn coat.

Fedora, Chelsea boots, Dalmatian jumper, sequinned collar – Topshop, Blazer – Mum’s, Grey knee highs - Asos

My Cruella De Ville phase has still not finished ...the jumper is back! And just in time to wear for perusing the oh so fashionable Carnaby Street sales, where I picked up some Dalmatian slipper shoes!

I am slightly sad to know that the Starbucks Christmas cups will soon be over, this picture may be the last one of me holding vibrant red cardboard. On a more positive note, the return of a normal coffee cup will mark the New Year of 2012, a time for new resolutions, new fashions, and therefore (most importantly) new clothes! (I’m already eyeing up Topshop’s spring 2012 collections)

All photos courtesy of David Nyanzi, The Nyanzi Report

http://www.nyanzi.com/2011/12/claire-ganton-street-carnaby-street.html

Look forward to velvet luxe, towering platforms and Aztec glitter . . .all in time for NYE!

Claira xo

Can the Leopard change its spots?

YES. Is the obvious answer to this question. Despite the smattering of leopard print along the catwalks, Dalmatian spots have taken the fashion world by storm- just check out Topshop.com if you need proof!

So as usual, I committed another financial faux pas and emptied my bank account all for the sake of a few new rags... So worth it!

We all know the excitement you feel when you come home from work to find the biggest package EVER just sitting on the table waiting for you. Still, knowing this didn't take away from the huge bubble of happiness that popped up when I saw the fruits of my online shopping endeavours!

Going to Leeds last weekend was the perfect excuse for displaying my new outfit, (the shopping up there is awesome, jam packed with thrift stores, high street and even Harvey Nicks!)

Checked blazer- Flo's place

Chelsea boots and Dalmatian jumper - Topshop

Velvet shorts and bag - urban outfitters

Mummy's lipstick - slyly stolen!

Velvet shorts are my new wardrobe essential, great value and they go with everything!

Most recent obsession: the Chelsea boots; sufficiently heeled, matt black leather and studded (at the back)

My new Dalmatian jumper is fashionable ... And warm! Two things that rarely go hand in hand! Had to keep the peter pan collar visible (vintage styles always somehow manage to creep their way into my outfits!)

I had to buy it after seeing Topshop Unique's cruella devil-Esque fall collection!

Leather skirt to die for! Love the 1930s midi hemlines and the luxurious silks; the height of sophistication.

New booties that are on the must have list for this season; looks like my wardrobe is going to mélange of monochrome!

Claira xo