Pleats and Pastels

 




Wow. So it has been about 4 months since I last posted, it feels/is a ridiculously long time, and I have to say I miss writing....labouring over essays for exam scripts simply does not compensate! But finally now I am free from the terrors of exam halls and invigilators (for another year) I can blog to my heart’s content (although my lack of a camera could make this a bit difficult!) The pictures for the next few posts will be taken by the lovely Victoria Hrun; a photographer and friend with an eye for capturing natural shots – I’m currently in the process of persuading/forcing her to create a blog so she can showcase her work!

In true Brit style, when the sun shines, the flowing summery chiffons instantly take pride of place in my crammed, overflowing, about- to- break wardrobe and what better occasion to embrace the pastel trend than when the weather is actually vaguely pleasant!

This summer, my brain has been absorbed by saccharine sorbet shades, blaring neon hues and the kitsch printed coordinates that are flying from the catwalk straight into the trusty high street (ahem, Topshop).  Coupled with my excessive holiday expenditure for this summer, there is a definite possibility it is definite that I will be bankrupt come September...the latest collections are just too tempting, not to mention all the seductive 15% discounts that keep flying into my inbox. How can a girl say no?

This look combines sunny lemon pleats with my favourite new super cute swan printed bralet; my personal nod to the 50s...an abundance of sun ray pleats seems to have appeared in my wardrobe – I’m blaming American Apparel’s new pleated skirts! More of that to come later...

Pleated Dress, Bralet, studded belt and loafers – Topshop

Vintage bag and earrings

Mum’s ‘James Allen’s Girls’ School’ Boater, from the 70s

Cat eye glasses – Aldo

‘Morange’ lipstick – MAC Cosmetics

Upon having a rummage in the state that we call a loft (honestly, we could be on the Channel 4 hoarding programme!) I came across Mum’s straw boater from JAGs, her rather lovely secondary school and just had to take it out with me for the shoot, it even had a candy striped ribbon encircling the brim; just too perfect!

...I have been noticing that my Mum’s clothes seem to be featuring more and more in my day to day outfits ...I should have been born in the 60s! Well actually no, the 20s are my favourite decade, but anyway, that’s just going off on a tangent! (Although I just have to tell you how ecstatically excited I am for the release of Baz Luhrmann’s interpretation of Fitzgerald masterpiece that is the Great Gatsby. If the pre released pictures of the Carey Mulligan are anything to go by, the fash-pack hype will be on steroids over her enviable bedazzled flapper dresses!) Ah, one can dream.

The perfect accessory to my look was my cat-eye glasses (serious bargain), punchy neon lipstick and of course, a glass of Pimms to refresh myself after such a taxing evening of shooting!

Unfortunately, I could not wear heels, so please excuse my short little legs, as a ridiculous ankle injury is preventing me from wearing anything above 1 inch! I’m sure you understand how intense my frustration is...a whole cupboard of shoes, but not allowed to wear ANY!

Love, Claira xo

Cartoon Strip: Part 1

After having finally discovered Instagram (preceding my new found love for twitter- yes I know it is shocking that I have only just joined the great tweet off) I think it's time that I nicely sum up the first 20 of my images. I apologise for the quality of some pictures, midnight in Covent Garden with an iPhone camera is not what I would call ideal photography lighting!

It has been a brilliant February for me, the highlight definitely being my week at USP Content in central London... which led to two inspirational shows: Midnight Tango and Spring Awakening. From lattes in a St Valentine's design on Ganton Street, to my first steak (Medium rare, of course) it has been a time of metallics, running in heels and most importantly, the start of my new personal target to blog regularly!

http://lookbook.nu/laclaira

The only downside of Instagram being that an internet connection is, of course, essential, so my current telephone technology - the first Nokia ever invented, (yep, that's right... no internet, colour or camera...and not even Snake II!) slightly hinders my online documenting of life.

Oh well.... I'll just have to skank off the free WiFi in Starbucks!

Love, Claire xo

The Heart Of the City: Martinis and Mini Skirts

So as I meandered my way down the maze of alleys, streets and back roads that make up the intricate lattice behind Oxford street, I was shocked at just how woefully limited my knowledge of London really is! For me, (prior to this day) London consisted of the theatres, Covent Garden and Oxford/Regent Street....and maybe Brick Lane if I'm feeling adventurous!

The Rabbit warren labyrinth that is London really revealed itself to me; the smells of the £2.50-for-a-shot-of-espresso coffee wafting around at lunchtime, the hustle and bustle centred around the never ending stream of bars and pubs, and of course, the delicately tempting rustle of the numerous paper shopping bags from the numerous shops that make up the fashion Mecca that is London!

So as it was my last day of interning at USP content- the most diverse, innovative and current production company, I decided that it was time to find the true heart of London.

 

Red Leather Skirt – Jolly Brown, Vintage

Cream Blouse/ velvet blazer/ heels/earrings/sparkly bralet – Topshop

Necktie – the market, My first attempt at Customisation!

Nails - hyppereal by Topshop

 

Turns out that I found it.... But not when I expected!

I wound up more discovering the heart-of-Italy-in-London at around 2 in the afternoon! This delightfully authentic traditional Italian delicatessen and coffee bar just called to me from Charlotte Place! The owner had opened shop the week before and was already hosting a roaring trade! Drying Parma hams hung from the ceiling, the smell of home roasted Italian ‘espressi’ filled the air, and the owner himself was so dedicated to providing the top service that I felt simply compelled to order a latte! (it only cost £1.90!!)

The company dedicated itself to 'food roots' - sourcing the most traditionally Italian products from the ham farms of Parma, hence the name 'In Parma'.

In the evening I ended up in Sophie's steak house, Covent Garden with a raspberry martini, plate of calamari and a permanent grin as a result of the brilliant company I was in.

It was truly the heart of the city; by a 6foot long window, with friends after a rewarding and inspiring week of work.

The whole experience was topped off by the fact that it was the opening day of London Fashion week 2012... Swarms of ridiculously well dressed models, bloggers and just general fashionistas filled the streets of the West end and I could hear the sound of clicking stilettos from my office!

I am a self confessed TopshopAholic, but shockingly enough, although the Topshop 'dress up' range has been in existence for a number of seasons, this studded black velvet blazer is my first purchase from this collection. Pairing with my staple peter pan collared blouse and leopard hair heels, while playing it safe with ‘Le Smoking’ velvet jacket; I decided I could risk bringing out my newest thrift bargain: a red leather skirt!

Originally bought at a pencil skirt length, my customising fairy godmother, Anj, converted it into an A line mini for me!

What sartorial choices will you be making this season?

Love Claira xo

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

The Season's Hottest

With the arrival of the Christmas spirit comes the thousands of Christmas catalogues, each one glossier and more sequinned than the last. So as usual, instead of doing my English essay on tragic concepts in Death of a Salesmen, doing some shopping seemed a perfect distraction! (I have realised I am Queen of procrastination) All this was of course, under the excuse of doing 'Christmas Shopping' whilst I was really searching for a New Year's outfit/ outfits for party season!


I have made myself a promise not to spend any money on myself before Christmas, so I can save for presents and, more importantly, the massive sales that arrive in a rush before you've even finished opening the last gift! These party pieces are therefore, for me to feast my eyes on and for you guys to spend the money on! 


I've always thought it slightly odd (not that it stops me) that we all go on a spending spree straight after Christmas, despite the fact that we will have just received a load of lovely new additions to our wardrobes! Whether under the pretext of 'But Mum it had 85% off!' or 'I'm turning over a fresh leaf this year, therefore a new set of clothes are needed,' we are all guilty of post Christmas indulgence. This year, I have already scheduled in a day in Brick Lane, London to pick up some vintage bargains - blonde faux fur is definitely on the list!


1) This swirly print that has probably inhabited your Grandma's wardrobe is transformed into a super chic youthful piece through Michael Van Der Ham's inspired use of velvet upon deluxe silky fabric. The ideal way to brighten the black and gold that tends to dominate the party scene.

Devore Shirt by Michael Van Der Ham for Topshop, £110 

http://www.topshop.com

2) As I'm currently studying the revered work of F.Scott Fitzgerald 'The Great Gatsby,' the outfits of charming Daisy Buchanan and Jordan Baker are playing on my mind. Along with the influence of Kate Moss' Gatsby inspired wedding, I can't help but love every aspect of the 1920's. The refined elegance of this era again surfaces in 'The Beautiful and the Damned' therefore this stunning skirt is the way to play on the flapper girl of the twenties. Either go all out with a pearl collar and jewelled turban, or just ooze subtle sophistication with lurex socks and stacked Mary Janes.

Premium Vintage Embellished Skirt, Topshop £58

3) Talking of socks, these wine coloured lurex ones are absolutely necessary for anyone wanting to tick the shoes with socks trend this season. Pair with skyscraper heels in exciting textures, or for added glam, go double sparkles with some glittery platforms!

Lurex Ankle sock in Aubergine, Topshop, £4

4) Unfortunately, along with the sequinned season comes bitter cold and arctic temperatures. This cape looks to be warm and fashionable, something all us fashionistas are hard pressed to be able to find! The aztec printed knit will add a zest of colour to match the rosy glow of your cheeks from the icy air. I have been searching for a fairisle-esque knit to wear with my huge faux fur collar, for extra snuggly cosiness!

Aztec Wool Patterned Cape, Chicwish, £35

5) What a statement this shirt is! Incorporating the oh so sophisticated black and gold hues but not overdoing it with the white sections, Minkpink are, as usual, the apple of my eye! Vintage inspired but still keeping things nautical with the stiff collar, this would look amazing with simple leather shorts or some corduroy levi cut offs for day time wear. 

Excessive shirt, Minkpink, £55

6) Chelsea boot, burgundy and adds about a foot onto your height, Deena and Ozzy have created the ideal boot that transitions perfectly from day to night. The platform on the front means your feet won't hurt so no need to waste handbag space with a pair of flats for the journey home! Make sure you buy your scotch guard though, as velvet and water don't mix!

Deena and Ozzy Burgundy Velvet Chelsea, £120 (available from Urban Outfitters)

7) Apologies, my short addiction has once again reared its (beautiful) head! Such a brilliant price too for a pair of sequinned shorts, there are no questions in my mind as to whether to buy or not!

Copper Embellished Shorts, Topshop, £58

8) So I watched Sex and the City last night and Carrie's shoe fettish seems to have diffused into my system! As usual, Miu Miu have created the way to add an original twist to the classic LBD. Despite the high fashion calories these babies rack up, with banana heels and suede panelling how can you say no?

Miu Miu Glitter and Suede Peep toe ankle boots, £555 - available from net-a-porter http://www.net-a-porter.com/intl/home.nap


9) Fed up of suffering from the cold in thin tights or tiny shorts? These dark gold velvet trousers offer the party alternative. The high waist means you can add a sheer blouse, sequinned blazer and jewelled collar, all you need to finish is a glass of bubbly!

Farrah High Waisted Jeans, Reiss, £120


10) So finally, no outfit is ever complete without a statement clutch- where else would we put our burgundy lipstick?! This gorgeous little bag gently reminds us of Christmas time, but without becoming something that would belong to one of Santa's elves!

Reindeer Beading Bag, French Connection, £110


Of course, without the topping of a felt fedora, none of these pieces will have been done justice. if you haven't got yours yet, buy one now!


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