Scott Schumann, otherwise know as The Sartorialist, is world-renowned for his street style photography and blog.
For anyone who’s ever plucked up the courage and taken part in a bit of street photography themselves, you’ll know that it’s ruddy nerve-wrecking, stopping a super stylish person in the street and asking them if you can take their picture.
Sometimes you get that look that tells you, in no uncertain terms, that this person is way too used to people checking them out and they’re not too fussed about adhering to social niceties with little-old-you. These moments are often closely followed by an encounter with an all together nicer human being. One who is just plain chuffed to meet you and happy that you like their outfit.
But hey, Scott’s a pro and who wouldn’t want their photo taken by him. This incredibly cool short documentary from Intel takes us behind the lense to meet the man behind the camera. It really is very interesting to see him in action and I love that his eye roams from both the trendy young things to the builder, in his big builder’s boots!
Trendy Young Thing on The Street in China Town - image courtesy of The Sartorialist
Builder in his Big Builder's Boots on East 13th Street., New York
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Tags: intel, sartorialist, scott schumann, street photography, visual life
LOMO Oh-no
I know I’ve been missing in action for quite some time and for the purposes of this post I’d like to pretend that it’s because I’ve been working on developing my photography skills. That line of argument might work if the pictures I’m about to show you were any good but as is often the way with the art of LOMOgraphy – photos don’t always turn out as intended – but them’s the breaks!
My good friend bought me a Holga recently and I’ve been using it plenty but have only just got my first roll developed so thought I’d share them here.
Filed under: Photowizzardry | Leave a Comment
Tags: lomo, lomographyy
OK so my French certainly aint up to scratch but despite all that, I packed my bags and took myself and the fella off on a rather remote holiday to France. We decided that in order to avoid any holidaying disappointment, such as Swedish ash clouds and Greek riots, we would choose a destination based on whether or not we could get there entirely of our own volition and on an increasingly tight budget (hard times!). So we chose the beautiful Island of Ile De Re just off the west coast of France.
When I say we arrived in Ile de Re on our own volition, I speak the truth dear reader. With our own two feet via an early morning taxi to St Pancras, a Eurostar across the Channel, a high-speed rail down to La Rochelle, and a coach-ride over a bridge to our Island destination. From the bus stop it was a bit of a trek with our bags to our new home for the week, which was a rather delightful and rather secluded little campsite in the forest. If I wanted to I could quite safely claim, that we were actually a couple of eco-warriors turning our backs on the modern low-cost airline style getaway – but I’m afraid that wasn’t our initial intention (though that was quite a nice bonus!).
Camping is certainly one way to feel as if you’re living in a country rather than holidaying there. And I feel that after only a week we really got a taste of what it would be like to be a resident of Ile de Re…pretty relaxing for starters and oh so quiet. Now I get to the fashion bit, as while I’m running away with myself, this is not a travel blog. While I was there I did my darndest to keep up appearances and try to embody that French je ne sais quoi. Whether I succeeded or not, I have no idea, but I certainly wore an awful of a lot of Breton stripes!
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Tags: breton stripes, french fashion, french style, ile de re
I promise this isn’t a sign of me getting broody, I’ve just been innocently eyeing up an awful lot of terribly stylish and outlandishly priced children’s wear of late. Now is it just me, but whatever happened to the hand me down?!
Earlier this year Debenhams announced that according to an annual survey conducted by ASHE (Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings) British parents regularly spend up to a week’s wages updating their children’s wardrobes. Celebrity ‘mini mes’ such as little Suri Cruise, whose wardrobe is rumoured to be worth more than $3 million, are being blamed for parents’ obsession with trend-led children’s clothing.
Cute as she may be, Suri Cruise's heels and mini skirt combo not only sexualise the four-year old but may lead to future back problems, ingrowing toenails and various joint deformities - and is that a bleedin' Starbuck's cup in her hand to top it all off?!?
I hardly think we can blame a four-year old for our own childish obsessions. Apart from sexualising our children by forcing them in to heels and too short or too skimpy clothing, we’re failing to teach them the worth of things. At the risk of sounding like a proper old biddy, time was, you longed to buy your own clothes after years of being subjected to wearing your older brother’s cast-offs. Photos of my childhood have me looking like a child of the 70′s as we were given clothes from cousins 10 years our seniors. Despite my complaints as I approached my teenage years, I was able to buy my own clothes if I wanted to save my pocket-money instead of spending it on chips and battered sausages after school. So it was my mother and father’s good sense that taught me to sacrifice my love of greasy food if I wanted a new dress for the year 8 disco. And it’s a blessing that I can now afford to buy both!
That's me in the middle wearing flat t-bar shoes, grey socks teamed with stripey long sleeve tee and grey woollen dungarees - perfect for running around, face painting and generally being mischievous!
Apart from all that I just wouldn’t waste my money buying nice clothes for my kids (if and when I get some of my own)! They’ll only get them dirty or grow out of them in a week. I imagine I’ll follow my mother’s example and buy my future offspring clothes that are ten times too big and sit back and wait for them to never actually grow in to them. It’s the only decent thing to do.
So if you’re fed up spending your hard-earned dollar on your already spoilt little mites but you haven’t any charitable family members to provide the hand-me-downs, check out the following for some affordable alternatives…
- Take a look at Oxfam’s online collection of beautiful baby clothes. You can search by price, size and condition giving you the pick of the bunch.
- Ebay has a variety of virtual hand-me-down suppliers for both girls and boys, many of them selling the labels even Suri might lust after.
- For so called ‘vintage’ as opposed to second-hand clothes, head down to Beyond Retro in Brighton where they are currently trialling a children’s range before they start stocking them in their other stores. Rokit has a lovely selection of boys and girls clothes online but my oh my are they expensive?!
- Startrite Shoes had to get a mention to remind parents that may be inspired by Mademoiselle Cruise’s footwear that there is a far more sensible and healthy alternative. This is the one thing my mum always said we must splash out on as I have terrible feet: flat and with a low ankle bone.
- Free Range Baby is based in New Zealand but I had to mention it as they make lovely clothes out of vintage, recycled and reclaimed fabric. A worthy cause and they ship world-wide through Etsy
Filed under: General Musings, Vintage Dahrling | 1 Comment
Tags: hand me down, oxfam, second hand childrens clothing, vintage kids clothes
Come tomorrow the majority of us will shuffle out towards our local polling center to make our mark in one of the closest election calls in recent years.
With the Conservatives only a wee bit in the lead we could be heading towards the first hung parliament since 1974 and possible electoral reform. As usual there has been much talk of voting with your head vs. voting with your heart so I wonder who we’ve been listening to and whether or not you’ll be wearing your true voting colors tomorrow morning.
Oh how I would love to vote for the Greenies. They are the only party with social and environmental responsibility at the heart of their agenda and if I were still living in Brighton they might just have my vote. But now I’m back in London I’m afraid it’s back to the three horse race and a vote for them in my area would be wasted.
Cleggmania has hit the nation but I wonder what real difference that will make on the day. Are people ready to vote for the long-time yellow underdog or will the fear of a Tory majority scare them off.
I’m afraid I’ll probably be wearing red on the day. Though I’m not entirely happy with Labour‘s progress over the last 13 years they have made a positive difference in my local area and I wouldn’t be seen dead wearing Tory Blue.
If you’re interested in tactical voting and how your vote could make the difference in marginal seats, check out the Mirror’s General Election Guide to Tactical Voting and save us from a Tory nightmare
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Tags: cleggmania, electoral fashion, green party, labour, liberal democrats, tactical voting, uk general election, voting colours
I managed to hot foot it down to Alternative Fashion Week on Wednesday and I have to say I was thoroughly impressed with the fantastic collections on show. As well as the daily fashion show the market was packed full of the usual delights plus up and coming designers selling their wares. I’m technically unemployed at the moment so I was hard pushed to avoid spending what little money I have left in the bank – but that’s always the way with a trip to East London’s fashion capital.
I think Havering College are my overall winners on the day for holding the majority of the best pieces and a spectacular tailored menswear collection. Here’s a selection of the one’s that caught my eye…
Andel Andic
Havering College
Havering College
Amanda Wai Yin Ng
Havering College
Elizabeth Hamlyn
As for my favourite pieces, two things stood out for me and both of them came from unlikely sources. The first an absolutely stunning dress from Amy Day’s latex collection – I know it sounds awful but the models incredible legs probably did their fair share towards convincing me…
Check out dem dere legs in Amy Day's latex creation
…and the second favourite, again might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I was ready to clamber on stage and de-frock the lovely lady in these colourful Maartje de Man leggings
Maartje de Man
Filed under: General Musings | 3 Comments
Tags: Alternative fashion week, Amanda Wai Yin Ng, Amy Day, Andel Andic, Elizabeth Hamlyn, havering College, Maartje de Man, Spitalfields
This week Spitalfields market plays host to Alternative Fashion Week. 70 different designers will showcase their work throughout the week and it’s free for all and sundry to attend. This isn’t the only reason the event deserves it’s ‘alternative’ tag, instead of supporting big names and big brands Alternative Fashion Week promotes up and coming designers from around the globe many of which ethically source their materials. Even the models that will be strutting down the runway are fresh new recruits, trained just six weeks before the event. The week is all about raising environmental awareness and supporting independent designers to regenerate the fashion industry. The event has played its part in the regeneration of Spitalfields itself, taking it from a run-down and deserted market building back in 1993 to the alternative fashion landmark it is today.
Starting us off is Lucie Ashworth with her couture latex and corsetry collection: Glamour & decadence of the 1920’s, Brighton designer Charlotte Haggerty with When I Grow Up – inspired by the carousel and Sini Moilanen whose knitwear collection Tramp in Disguise is based on the first organisms of the world. Interesting stuff I’m sure you’ll agree and there will be plenty more to tickle your fancy all week, for a full line up check out the Alternative Arts website
Alternative Fashion Week
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Tags: alternative arts, Alternative fashion week, charlotte haggerty, ethical fashion, lucie ashworth, sini moilanen
50 years of Dr Martens
Dr Martens
Dr Martens are celebrating their 50th year this month the only way they know how – by playing on the brand’s connection with fabulous music and releasing a series of tracks representing the spirit of the people who’ve worn the iconic DM’s since their inception in April 1960.
The DM boot began as a working class footwear essential designed by a German doctor come inventor, Klaus Maertens. Along with the help of a shoe making family from Northampton, the first DM boot was put in to production. It wasn’t long before the shoe became something more than just a practical piece of footwear; it came to be adopted by every subculture and outcast of society. First it was the skinheads but soon to follow were the mods, the punks, ska heads, Goths, them funny straight-edge punks, the Grungers oh and those fabulous Britpoppers. The Dr. Marten boot is so wrapped up in musical history, particularly that of the quintessentially British variety, that 50 years on 10 new artists recording 10 iconic tracks seems like the most fitting tribute one could think of.
The Noisettes have already released their version of The Buzzcocks, Ever Fallen in Love with Someone you Shouldn’t've, but we can still look forward to the likes of The Cinematic Orchestra and The Black Rebel Motor Cycle Club covering cult classics from The Human League, The Pogues, Neneh Cherry, Jeff Buckley and The Stone Roses. Something I’m very much looking forward to. Keep checking the Dr Marten website for new releases each month.
I’m a big fan of my DM boots and they tend to set the tone of my outfit, whether it’s 90′s indie girl or 80′s Oi! Here’s just a few of the bands and musical icons that inspire my 80′s skin girl look. Rolled up skinny jeans, fitted shirt/ v-neck jumper combo and DM’s essential – braces, shaved head and red laces not adviseable!
Jo Strummer, The Specials, Justine Frischmann of Elastica fame, Neneh Cherry, Sid & Nancy and The Sex Pistols: just a few of the musical inspirations behind Dr Martens fashion
Filed under: General Musings | 1 Comment
Tags: dr martens, jo strummer, justine frischmann, neneh cherry, oi, punk, sex pistols, sid and nancy, skinhead fashion, the buzzcocks, the noisettes, the specials
For some time now I’ve been just a wee bit obsessed with getting myself a tattoo. My ideas have changed over the years but since getting a pair of Tatty Devine Swallow Earrings from the boyf a while back I’ve been pretty much set on the idea of a bird on the inside of my wrist. I was convinced that no matter how popular them swallow tattoos already were I would always love mine. Alas those Sailor Jerry style tattoos have been done to death and can be seen on many a Suicide Girl wannabee around Brighton Town. So, I’ve finally settled myself on an altogether less loved bird, the common sparrow. This bird may be widespread in the animal kingdom but it’s less rife in the tattoo world and now that I think about “The Wee Sparrow” has been my nickname with my uncle since i was knee high to a grasshopper.
So while I mull over what exactly my sparrow is going to look like and just how I’ll feel when it’s permanently inked on my arm, I turn my attention to my love of all things ornithological. Bird prints were all over the Erdem Autumn/Winter catwalk this year and the high-street’s also been looking to the skies for inspiration. So here’s a collection of all things with wee birds on:
Erdem 2010
Erdem 2010
Erdem 2010
Vintage Swallow Print Silk Square Scarf, £15 Accessorize
Bird Print Corsage Vest , £14, New Look
Black Printed Bird Tea Dress, £38 Miss Selfridge
Karen Walker Bird Print Tie Trousers, £245 Karen Walker at ASOS
Emma Cook Heavy Silk Jersey Bird Printed T-Shirt Dress, £270 Emma Cook at ASOS
Bird Print Top, £30 Oasis
Bird-print quilted jacket, £137.20 Smythe at Outnet
Pink bird print ruffle tunic, £30 Dorothy Perkins
Bird Print Chiffon Dress, £27 Max C London at Spoiled Brat
Filed under: General Musings | 2 Comments
Tags: accessorise, bird print, Dorothy Perkins, emma cook, Erdem, karen walker, max c london, miss selfrige, New Look, oasis, smythe, tatty devine
I was completely unaware it was International Women’s Day so forgive me if this post is a little too obviously ‘bashed-out’. I decided to list a few of the women that have inspired me / made me feel inadequate. It goes without saying that my mum and granny be on the list but they’d be embarrassed if I elaborated on why. If only I could have an ounce of their courage, intelligence and wit I’d be a happy happy gal. So in no particular order…
Emmeline Pankhurst
Joan Baez
1. Emmeline Pankhurst was the first inspiration that came to mind simply because if it hadn’t been for her and the rest of the Suffragette movement, we wouldn’t even have the right to vote.
2. Not only do I love Joan Baez‘s voice and music, she’s an inspiration for me because she used her celebrity to highlight issues around the globe – and she was a genuinely informed political activist not just some spice girl posing as a UN ambassador.
Coco Chanel
Vivienne Westwood
3. Coco Chanel wasn’t just a pioneering fashion designer, she was a woman who came from modest beginnings to become one of the most influential people of the 20th century.
4. Vivienne Westwood changed the face of the British high-street with her first shop Sex and continues to play a part in the international style stakes with her constantly evolving designs.
Audrey Hepburn
Mo Mowlam
5. Audrey Hepburn has always been a style icon of mine but she wasn’t just a pretty face. Her work for impoverished children as a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF made a huge impression on both her and the children she served.
6. Mo Mowlam was one politicians I felt I could trust and her work towards a peace agreement in Northern Ireland was always going to be close to my heart. Her passing away was a great loss to British Politics and perhaps Westminster might have more that just 20% female MP’s if she was still around.
Filed under: General Musings | 3 Comments
Tags: Audrey Hepburn, coco chanel, emmeline pankhurst, international womens day, joan baez, mo mowlam, Vivienne Westwood
At the risk of sounding like a pinickety old woman, Mark Fast’s choice of models and styling at his AW10 show seemed a little counter-productive to me. If he was looking to showcase the many wonderful shapes that make up woman-kind he might want to stray from a size 16 girl on the one hand and a teeny tiny waif on the other. If he wanted either girl to look their best he should have fitted their dresses to suit as the skinny model looked like her dress needed an extra bit of a filling while the more voluptuous model was stretching out of hers. Neither girl ended up looking their best!
I love a bit of body con myself, and though I am slim I struggle dressing my pear-shaped figure. I don’t want my size 8 top to bag-out while my size 12 bum looks like it’s trying to tear-out. So I’m speaking from experience when I say that both size of models could really have looked a little better in their bodycon knits. Mark Fast received a lot of publicity for his decision to use larger ladies but I wonder if all that attention is deserved when his designs do them gorgeous gals no favours…
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Tags: aw10 london fashion week, Crystal Renn, mark fast
My Little ♥Valentine♥ Post
I’m not normally one to celebrate Saint Valentine’s day. Just another Hallmark conspiracy to make us spend dosh on our significant other and send singletons in to a deep depression. But it’s been a long time since me and the fella have had some time to ourselves so we took this sunday’s celebration as an excuse to go out and stuff our faces! I wore a likkle bit of lace for the occasion, but I’m no hopeless romantic so goth-ed it up with black tights and boots.
Lace Slash Neck Bandeau Dress, £40 from ASOS.com
I was also very impressed with my beautiful roses which came in a pot rather than a vase – so as long as I remember to water them I can keep them – roses are for life not just for valentine’s after all!
Roses are for life not just Valentine's
Filed under: About Me | 2 Comments
Tags: ASOS, Lace, roses, valentines
Just a quick note in tribute to Alexander McQueen.
Though I didn’t know him and my shopping budget never stretched to buying any of his designs, I certainly did admire him from afar. I reckon his story, from son of an east-end cabby to an internationally acclaimed designer has inspired many a fashion enthusiast, from all walks of life.
Here’s what I will always remember him for…
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Tags: Alexander mcqueen, spring/summer 1999
Mostly Wearing…Brogues
Brogues are nothing new in my wardrobe but I am very pleased to have been wearing them a little more than usual. More than, say compared to last month when the only thing you’d find donning my ‘plates of meat’ were a pair of trusty Dr Marten’s keeping me upright during the treacherous icy weather.
Unfortunately my old pair of grey patent brogues are dying their death but I still can’t quite bring myself to chuck ‘em. Happily I have a new pair to ease the pain of my loss in the form of New Look’s brown leather lace-up’s. I’m not sure my particular pair are still available in store but they’re selling a rather tempting contrasting style online now for £40.
Anyway below are some gratuitous shots of me posing in my beloved brogues…
Filed under: Mostly Wearing | Leave a Comment
Tags: brogues, New Look
I ♥ Nina Chakrabarti
Just a quick note to big-up a wonderful illustrator that I’ve only just come across but who has probably long been on the radar of those-in-the-know.
Nina Chakrabarti spent her early life in Calcutta but came to London to study at the almighty art and design stronghold, Central St. Martins. Her work has a fluid feel to it that makes you feel like her pen was just planted on the paper and simply found root and sprouted ink. She’s worked with everyone from Topshop and M&S to Cowshed and Mazda.
Anyway, I have her fashion book which is just a completely beautiful book to give as a present to any budding fashionista. Full of her unique illustrations to colour in, cut out and inspire you to create anything from a sari to a headscarf. Get 15% off My Wonderful World Of Fashion by Nina Chakrabarti at The Media Bookshop
Drawings for the changing rooms of Marks and Spencer, White City
Series of interventionist doodles for I Want You Magazine
A life size wallpaper re-creating the kitchen wall of 23 Southey Road, London
I have visions of clothing collaboration in the pipeline. Any of these prints would look absolutely amazing on a body-con dress or playsuit. Fingers crossed but until then – check out her website if you haven’t already
Filed under: Booky Wooks, General Musings | Leave a Comment
Tags: nina chakrabarti
EcoChic Geneva Fashion Show
Exciting new sustainable fashion collections will be showing in the EcoChic Geneva Fashion show from tomorrow.
Featuring Eco-Couture collections from international designers such as John Rocha, Diane von Furstenburg and Alexandre Herchcovitch this event is set to boost the reputation and image of sustainable fashion once and for all.
The aim of the fashion shows and exhibitions is to spark the eco-fashion debate and promote the sustainable use of natural resources in fashion. EcoChic’s organizers said they will “address the many issues that consumers, marketers, designers and product developers engage with as they look to embrace more sustainable lifestyles.”
Ready-to-wear looks will also be showing from brands including: U2 frontman Bono’s Edun, Annie Greenabelle and Mia.
The collections have either focussed on materials and the use of more eco-friendly processing techniques or they have utilised fairer employment models or production processes that empower communities in developing countries.
EcoChic Geneva will take place on January 20-21, 2010 at the Palais des Nations, the UN headquarters in Geneva and the Exhibition will later be opened to the public free of charge until February 4, 2010. For more information visit: www.ecochicfashions.com
Filed under: General Musings | Leave a Comment
Tags: alexandre herchcovitch, annie greenabelle, diane von furstenburg, ecochic geneva, edun, John Rocha, Mia
Read more daily global glossyness for vintage lovers here: www.QueensofVintage.com
The Brighton vintage scene has been positively a-flutter of late, with new shops and old favourites stepping up to supply even more choice to the town’s ever-demanding population of vintage aficionados.
Brighton has long been known for its individual style and the sheer amount of beautiful boutiques on offer is a real testament to this. With so many shops to rummage through you could easily find yourself lost in the notorious labyrinth of lanes Brighton has to offer. So to help you find your way, here are just a few of my favourites from the fashionable North Laine area.
With three shops spread across the North Laine area, To Be Worn Again has to be your first stop for all things antiquated. To Be Worn Again mostly stock Sixties, Seventies and Eighties gear so there is plenty of denim, leather and printed tees and jumpers to take your fancy. The Sydney Street shop has a mish-mash of everything from clothes, shoes, scarves and bags to guitars so you’re bound to find something to suit.
However if it’s shoes you’re after, the Kensington Gardens’ branch is where it’s at, with pretty much a whole floor devoted to footwear. The warehouse on Providence Place is no longer open on Sundays but it’s certainly worth a rummage.
Kensington Gardens, BN1 4AL | Sydney Street, BN1 4EN | 51 Providence Place, BN1 4GE
Much like To Be Worn Again, Dirty Harry’s on Sydney Street, is the affordable way to go vintage. Best known for its rails of bargainous shirts: from the Hawaiian to the lumber-jack. Dirty Harry’s is packed full of Seventies, Eighties and recent second hand wares across three floors.
The lower two floors are devoted to menswear and alongside the vast selection of second hand stuff there is also a select range of vintage-inspired designs.
Upstairs you’ll find the women’s section along with a very helpful shop assistant who will carry out free alterations on any baggy dresses that take your fancy. These are usually ready on the day as long as the poor girl isn’t swamped with demands.
6 Sydney Street, BN1 4EN
Stay on Sydney Street for the most veritable vintage shop in town. Specialising in luxury items mostly harking from the Twenties, Thirties and Forties Hope & Harlequin provides that retail rarity – a truly special shopping experience. The boutique itself is beautifully decorated and the clothes cleverly merchandised with stock changing most weeks.
Amongst the rails you’ll find everything from Ossie Clark to Vivienne Westwood but my favourite spot was a pair of vintage Terry de Havilland platforms. To complete their dreamy line-up, Hope & Harlequin also source a wide range of vintage wedding dresses.
Be sure to check out their jewellery collection too, including a range from millinery and accessories designer Lilly Lewis.
31 Sydney Street, BN1 4EP | www.hopeandharlequin.com
There’s still no need to leave Sydney Street as the ‘new kids on the block’, Wolf & Gypsy, provide yet another North Laine vintage venue. With such an attractive layout and a variety of select pieces you could be forgiven for shying away from the price tags – happily however looks can be deceiving.
This shop gets the balance just right so that you feel as if you’re in an up-market boutique while the vintage beauties on offer are still very much affordable.
Head here for truly one-off pieces that are still cheaper than their high-street equivalents
30 Sydney Street, BN1 4EP | wolfandgypsyvintage.co.uk | wolfgypsyvintage@hotmail.com
Speaking of ‘new kids’ Sweden/London luminary, Beyond Retro, has finally set up shop in Brighton; putting an end to my pricey pilgrimages to their East London Warehouse. You can’t beat Beyond Retro for the sheer scale of delights on offer.
Located in an old warehouse on Vine Street this shop is probably the biggest on my list with 3500sqft devoted to vintage wares. With so much space to work with, Beyond Retro is able to keep the most diverse selection of clothes and accessories. But don’t be frightened by its size as the layout makes for a real easy rummage with everything from jumpers to jumpsuits allocated on their very own rails.
42 Vine Street, BN1 4AG | www.beyondretro.com
There are of course plenty more wonderful shops in Brighton that I have missed off this list. If you’re lucky enough to have time on your hands to scout them out, see my Google Map for more suggestions.
All Photography by Louise Woodhouse
Filed under: Vintage Dahrling | Leave a Comment
Tags: Beyond Retro, Brighton Vintage, dirty harry, hope and harlequin, queens of vintage, to be worn again, wolf and gypsy
Dainty Doll does it for me…
You can find all my ASOS blog posts on ASOS Life and you can join the community here: http://community.asos.com
Having been blessed /cursed with very Irish heritage, my skin colour has always been a whiter shade of pale. On a good day it’s sort of rosy around the cheeks, but on a bad day it looks more like the translucent bluey skin on an uncooked chicken!
Luckily pale girls have enjoyed a little bit of a comeback of late, what with stars like Dita Von Teese and Nicole Roberts rocking that vintage glamour look.
But it wasn’t always this – I remember the days when ladies would resort to anything to avoid showing off their pale pins. Those were the days when Nicole Roberts fake-tanned herself to match the hue of her fellow bandmates.
Happily Nicole now embraces her pale and interesting beauty – so much so that she brought out her own line of beauty products to complement us pale girls.
I’ve been meaning to give her products a bash for a long while now and seeing as ASOS stocks Dainty Doll I was presented with the perfect opportunity to try them out. My eye was instantly drawn to the “white foundation” which literally is white and I thought I’d get the concealer in a “natural” shade while I was at it.
As you can see I really am pale, and I suffer from the kind of greasy skin you only really see on a teenager. The delicate skin under my eyes is just that – delicate – and as a result I have the bags of a woman beyond my 24 years. I also had a couple of spots this day, so basically my face was the perfect testing ground for Nicole’s make-up range.
With a little bit of the natural concealer under my eyes and around my spotty chin, i’m already beggining to look more doll-like. The concealer was nice and creamy and went on best using my finger and building it up slowly to avoid tide marks.
All that was left to do now was apply that shockingly white foundation!
I don’t usually use foundation so this really was a first for me. I prefer powder for less heavy coverage but as you can imagine the whiter than white foundation does not go on as it looks like in the pot. It’s very light – one of those creams-that-turn-in-to-a-powder-foundations that are perfect for a full coverage first timer. It’s actually rather glittery and as I was about to go out for the evening I was pleased with the shimmery effect on my face.
I think the most noticeable thing about my transformation is how matte it made my complexion – no longer do I have that oil slick over my face like in the before picture. The concealer has removed the pink tones aound my chin and forehead but even with the foundation over the top I’m still left with a bit of rosiness on my cheeks.
All I added to the look was a quick bit of lip gloss and some clear mascara over my brows and lashes and I was ready to rock!
Fancy getting some Dainty Doll make up? You can see more of the line here.
Love Clare x
Filed under: ASOS | Leave a Comment
Tags: ASOS, ASOS Life, Dainty Doll, make-up, Nicole Roberts
You can find all my ASOS blog posts on ASOS Life and you can join the community here: http://community.asos.com
There are many things about being an intern at ASOS that make me feel very lucky. First, being surrounded by rails of clothes is fantastic. Second, seeing the achingly beautiful models stroll always makes me smile. And third – and perhaps most important – is getting to speak to inspiring people that I would otherwise not have had the pleasure to do so.
Topping the list right now is fashion designer Olivia Rubin. She graduated from Central St.Martins in 2006 and has already achieved so much. She’s worked with designers from McQueen to Galliano and her clothes have been seen on the likes of Fearne Cotton and Cheryl Cole.
Since graduating from Central St. Martins your work has received impressive reviews; how important was your time at the infamous fashion college in giving you that extra push?
Central St Martin’s was key to developing my style. I had the opportunities to experiment and really push my creativity to all levels. I think the way in which St Martin’s encourage students to go beyond the commerciality of fashion and not worry about the wearability factor allowed me to find my own signature style.
What would be your advice to aspiring fashion designers?
You have to be 100% dedicated to fashion. I advise doing as many internships as possible with both smaller companies and a big name designer and committing yourself to that designer while you are there. Sketching and designing at all times is a must-I’m constantly thinking of new ideas for prints, designs, details-that’s what keeps me ticking…
You’ve worked with both Alexander McQueen and John Galliano, what was it like to work with such huge design icons?
It was an honour to work with such icons and I learnt such an array of skills at both designers- in particular the attention to every detail at both designers was incredible! At Galliano I was lucky enough to live in Paris and the combination of both was a great inspiration to me – Galliano’s studio was such a buzz of excitement and creative minds-it made me strive to one day build up my own successful label.
You’ve attained quite the celebrity following – what’s it like to see them wearing your designs and do they ever inspire the direction of your designs?
I always get a buzz when a celebrity chooses to wear one of my designs – everybody who has worn my pieces has worn them in their own individual way – it’s great to see. I think my designs have a certain versatility about them, I would hate to pigeon-hole my client! I just stay true to my design ethic and hope that my collections continue to appeal to the celebs that I dress.
What has been the high point of your career so far?
I’ve had so many! This year has been the best so far-it’s included my first ever catwalk show during LFW… launching my online shop… seen my dresses on fab celebs like Cheryl Cole and Fearne Cotton who wear them so well… great press and sales…a nd I’ve got a couple up and coming projects to look forward to…
You’re well known for your bold and graphic prints, who or what inspires you?
I’m inspired by an array of random ideas.. .a lot of the time modern art influences my prints but I always try interpret images and research in my own way-to me strong shapes and intense patterns are the most striking to me-I want the prints to be the focus and transform a simple silhouette into something individual and modern while still remaining feminine.
What’s your absolute favourite item in your wardrobe right now?
That’s a toughie! I love all my wardrobe – I’m a bit of a hoarder! If I had to I’d have to say my new nude Miu Miu dress … the cut and colour are exquisite!
What can we look forward to in your next collection?
Think painterly prints, asymmetric draping, brights combined with nudes-it’s inspired by all things artistic.
You can check out Olivia’s AW09 collection on ASOS.com as well as her ASOS collaboration pieces
Filed under: ASOS | 2 Comments
Tags: ASOS Life, ASOSClareC, interview with fashion designer, Olivia Rubin
Black History Month
As black history month comes to a close I thought it fitting to rave about a brand I recently came across that combine style with important events in black history. TBG or are a clothing brand that was founded by two friends in Toronto in 1990. Early supporters came in the form of huge stars such as Mary J Blige, Ice Cube and Mos Def. After a brief break from the market the Too Black Guys are back on form with a collection that continues their subversive approach to design. Featuring images of popular culture seamlessly combined with a political message that packs a punch. They’re a hard brand to track down in UK retailers but you can pick up TBG’s graphic t-shirts and hoodies from Imperious Rex.
Brown vs. Board of Education by TBG
My favourite by far is the Brown vs. the Board of Education Tee. An ingenious tee which marries the infamous Bobby Brown circa ‘Don’t be Cruel’ 1989 with the historic 1954 United States Supreme Court decision in the Brown v. Board of Education case which abolished segregation in schools by stating that the “separate but equal” concept actually denied black students equal opportunities.
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Tags: Black History Month, Bobby Brown T-shirt, TBG, Too Black Guys
My First Morning at ASOS Towers
You can find all my ASOS blog posts on ASOS Life and you can join the community here: http://community.asos.com
After a month’s wait and a slightly nervous trip to London from my current residence in Brighton, my first morning at ASOS Towers finally arrived. It was purely on a whim that I applied to ASOS Life’s Next Top Intern Competition and I never expected to actually get it. But something about my incessant chatter and clumsy style of dress seemed to work for me and I couldn’t be more excited about my 4 month stint working with Ilana and Nat – the lovely ladies of ASOS Life.
Over the next couple of months I’m sure you’ll all get to know me well enough but just to start you off here’s a couple of facts about me:
- My name’s Clare – without an ‘i’ – although at the age of five, when asked by my teacher if my name had an ‘i’ – I proudly replied that i did indeed have two! Eyes that is!
- I currently live in not-so-sunny Brighton which is great but I have a hankering after the shiny lights of London where I am originally from.
- I pride myself on making a particularly good cup of tea. I put this down to years of practice with a very fussy Irish family. I feel this skill will come in handy above all others while working at ASOS.
Here’s what I made of my first day at ASOS…
When you first step out of Mornington Crescent and catch a glimpse of ASOS Towers it can at first appear to be a very intimidating place. As an outsider looking in, this building is absolutely huge and it’s doors are adorned with lots of super stylish members of staff sneaking out of the office for a cheeky coffee. Today I am outsider no more. My first task as ASOS Life’s new intern is to go undercover at ASOS Towers and give you guys an idea of just what goes on behind this almighty exterior.
As I imagined, the ASOS headquarters are as spectacular as one would expect. At every turn there a rails and rails of clothes to distract you as you walk by. Many a desk has a mound of accessories at the end of it. The walls are scattered with towering photographs of the beautiful ASOS models in all the latest wares. And literally everyone looks fabulous!
Arriving at ASOS Towers you are greeted by a rather glamorous reception – and a rather glamorous receptionist! You get the feeling that everyone in this place takes pride in what they wear but they’re not about to brag about it.
I wanted to take a couple of pictures of all the sartorial inspiration strewn around the office but it was an impossible task to pick out just one thing. So I went for a pair! At the tender age of 23 I still haven’t mastered the art of walking in heels so these are merely a dream of mine. But a mighty fine dream they are!
While wandering through the ASOS halls looking for more style inspiration, I spotted my favourite ASOS shirt on the back of this lovely lady’s chair. Louise who works in the marketing department had nabbed this wonderful shoulder pad sleeveless denim shirt and slung it over her chair for later. She told me this one was a bit small for her but I reckon she should take it home anyway as they’re selling fast and are currently on sale for a bargainous £14!
There are plenty of new products lying around the office looking particularly gorgeous, perhaps more so because of their current unavailability. I spotted this fantastic gold jacquard blazer on a rail of clothes almost ready to come out of the ASOS closet and in to yours. Watch this space as this one’s due onsite later this month.
As my first day draws to a close I can’t help wondering how this new venture, though very exciting, may end up having an adverse effect on my bank balance.
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Tags: ASOS Clare, social media internship
My interview with ASOS
After leaving uni last year I imagined myself landing some editorial work experience and clambering my way up the career ladder. Instead I landed myself a good stable job albeit in an industry i’ve never thought of pursuing but with half of my friends out of work I was happy enough to be employed. This put my career aspiration on the back burner for a while but in the meantime I established this blog as a way of building up my own body of work.
Last month I entered a competition with ASOS Life to become their “next top intern” and thought to myself that at least there was no harm in trying. You can imagine my surprise then when I actually got invited to interview and a week or so later I had been given the job! I’m due to start in a couple of weeks and I couldn’t be more excited about this opportunity.
Below is my introduction to the ASOS Life community as published on http://community.asos.com:
Why did we choose Clare?
Clare wowed us from the start with her fantastic blog post, where she told the tale of how she didn’t understand what style was until she grew up. She wrote:
“I think it’s true that with age comes a certain sense of style, which should stop you looking like a sartorial experiment gone desperately wrong. On the other hand if personal style is a trait in which one is lacking, ASOS is now on hand to guide you through the treacherous world of the latest trends, crazes and fads.” Read the rest of her blog post here …
Clare also impressed in her interview. Her down-to-earth style, awareness of social media, and good grasp of what we’re always trying to achieve with ASOS Life marked her out as our number one candidate. She not only loves ASOS and fashion, but she loves social media too. What more could you ask for in an intern?
Clare’s joining us in October, but in the meantime you can read more about her here:
Location: I split my time between my flat in Brighton and my parents house in South London
My style is: A little schizophrenic. I don’t wear just any trend but I am inspired by what looks good on other girls. At the moment I’m a bit obsessed with the new grunge look – however I remember the old grunge look so sometimes I worry that the child in me would take the mick out of what I wear now!
What inspires my style is: I’m not against celebrities but I find ordinary girls much more interesting. Living between Brighton and London there’s no end to the inspiration I see on the street. Often that’s where the next big trend can be found and celebrities are always way behind jo-public.
I can’t live without these brands: Having only just graduated last year, money is still an issue, so I don’t often buy designer. I will however invest in Fred Perry, People Tree, Dr Marten, Reebok and Tatty Devine. Anything remotely British!
My favourite three things in the world are: My Princess Pashley bicycle, because it takes me to work on time and carries my shopping. My ASOS studded leather jacket, because it’s one of my more expensive purchases but it’s worth it because it makes me look cool. And…My cat Rodney, because he’s blind with a gammy leg and someone has to love him!
And my most hated three things are: Angry bus drivers who cut me up when I’m cycling. Obviously they’d win in a fight against my bike but if they ever stepped out of their cab for a minute I’d give them a run for their money! The new trend for ridiculously high heels. I can not and never have been able to walk in heels and it makes me jealous when anyone else can. And…Magazines that simultaneously point out celebrities’ cellulite and hold a feature on super skinny girls. I blame them for most things in life!
My favourite bit of ASOS.com is: a hard one…The magazine and newsletter are probably my favourite feature of ASOS as they save me time shopping around. There is always something in them that I want and there’s often a special offer in them to tempt me to loosen my purse strings. Other than that, I’d have to say ASOS Life as I don’t know of any other retailer doing anything like it and it’s a great way for customers to get in touch with any problems they have, order-related or otherwise.
Filed under: About Me, ASOS | 3 Comments
Tags: ASOS Clare, social media internship
Even though ordinary joe’s are still unwelcome to most of the important events at London Fashion Week the British Fashion Council does maintain a fabulous website that will keep anyone up-to-date with all the latest happenings.
I already had a keen eye on rising star Erdem Moralioglu since seeing the pre-collections. And I was not disappointed! His water color prints inspired by kimonos and all things japanese complemented his feminine tailoring perfectly. I was particularly excited by his tea-dresses and ruffled crop top.
Erdem tea-dress
Erdem ruffles
The great controversy of the week had to be Mark Fast‘s show. The media frenzy would have you believe that Fast’s stylist and creative designer walked out over the decision to use plus size models. I imagine the reasons behind their decision to leave was far more complicated than that but there you go. Either way Fast has received valuable press coverage ever since and the debate on whether plus size models have a place in the catwalk rages on. controversy aside, Fast’s range is exciting. He brings knitwear up-to-date with punk styling – sexy on any size and shape!
Mark Fast's luxury knitwear on plus size model
Controversy aside - Fast's range is plain sexy
I was also excited to see NEWGEN winners: Louise Gray, Danielle Scutt and Mary Katrantzou. There were a couple of pieces from Gray’s collection that I loved, but some pieces look a little unfinished for my liking. However her slouchy tees and oversized jackets look amazing. Danielle Scutt’s collection looks impressive. Her pieces had a fantasy feel with her models looking slightly Swedish milk-maid – in a good way (if that’s possible!). Finally there was something that reminded me of Alexander McQueen in Mary Katrantzou collection, completely unique though her prints were. All in all the NEWGEN ladies did not disappoint!
Louise Gray's collection
Danielle Scutt's most milkmaid esque model
Something of McQueen in Mary Katrantzou's collection
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Tags: Danielle Scutt, Erdem, fashion week round up, Louise Gray, mark fast, Mary Katrantzou, NEWGEN, ss10 london fashion week
Not being officially good enough to enter the forbidden grounds of Fashion Week, I decided to hang around outside and take pictures of those who were.
Somerset House is a fitting backdrop to the prestigious event that is London Fashion Week and I thought I’d be glad to just to mingle among the crowd and take pictures of the sartorial glory on display. Upon arrival I was at first stunned to see so many trendy people all in one place and then terrified at their almighty power. There were no open exhibitions which was a damn shame as I think Joe public would appreciate a taste of the fine taste within. I felt a tad out of place until I started taking a couple of pictures and seemed to settle in nicely as I realised that the beautiful weren’t all that scary….well some of them were.
The Beautiful People milling around at Somerset House
Faye & Lauren
While I was standing around twiddling my thumbs and plucking up the courage to approach someone for a photo these lovely ladies working for Elizabeth Lau approached me to take mine. Well wasn’t I pleased as punch that they returned the favour and let me take a picture of them too. They seem to have consulted each other on their outfits as they pair up rather well – what a wonderful medley of knits they’re displaying, perfect for the weather as it’s on the turn.
They also inspired me to take a look at Lau’s delightful collection. Although her website, www.elizabethlau.com, is on the blink there are enough pictures to see where these lovely ladies get their inspiration from.
pint-sized lady in a vintage hat
This is one of my favourite outfits of the day. Her hat is a vintage find and is perfectly placed at a tilt so her pretty eyes shine through.
Super-chic super-slicked hair
This wonderful lady had a confident stride and a perfectly slicked hair do to match. This is the ultimate in power-dressing style. As my sister always says, dress for the job you want not the job you have. I bet this lady got the job!
Another fabulously dressed photographer
Red Herring studded gladiators
So there were lots of lovely looking people about to photograph but the photographers themselves weren’t too bad either. I love this ladies gladiators and narrowly missed buying a pair myself a couple of months back – i had to get a close up just to make me feel worse about missing out!
London Fashion Week proudly celebrating it's 25th year
The Lovely Lydia
I like Lydia because she mistakenly thought I might be allowed in to the hallowed grounds to see The Lingerie Boudoir exhibition she was promoting. I’m so glad i took this picture in the spot that I did as it frames her perfectly. Lydia rocked her bodice like a real lady and I love her for it!
Just a couple more fabulously dressed photographers
I had my eye on these ladies taking pictures not far away from where I was standing when I couldn’t take it anymore. I had to turn the camera about on them. Perfectly coordinated in matching tailored harems, one dressed down with an oversized t-shirt and converse trainers and the other dressed up with some pearls and an amazing lace bolero. Two perfect examples of how to wear this look.
Beautiful Lady
This was my lady crush of the day. Super tall, great hair and lovely looking face. I love that she’s pretty much wearing a pair of waders and a loose fitting cardigan but she makes it look great!
The one that got away...
This lady appeared in the background of one of my other photographs and I don’t know how i missed her. She’s wearing my favourite DM’s and a waistcoat but you can’t miss those dark eyes and fiery hair. So fierce!
Two hats for the price of one
It took me ages to figure out that this gal was wearing two hats. In the spirit of Stephen Jones‘ current Headonism exhibition this millinery creativity had to be celebrated with a picture. She’s also sporting some DM’s – me thinks they are well and truly back.
From across the pond
This lady had heads turning the minute she stepped out of the show. Wearing an Alexander McQueen dress and classic black Louboutins can’t go wrong but my, oh my check out her fantastic hair – very stateside!
Going Gaga
This lady has the gaga look and pout down to a tee. Ok so not as eccentric as Miss Gaga but maybe this is the look she would rock if she were going to Sunday lunch. Either way this was my favourite outfit of the day!
Oh my Geisha!
Leather tassels and anklets
This woman was the sweetest looking lady of the day. She fashioned those beaded anklets herself and I can only imagine the hair-do was her own handy work too. She must have been tired of the attention as I saw everyone rush to take her picture – well deserved complements I say!
Filed under: Happy spotter | 2 Comments
Tags: follower of fashion, Happy spotter, london fashion, London Fashion Week, Street Style
What Carney Wore…
Day 4 at fashion week I could mostly be seen hanging around outside feeling a little out of place. I carried on regardless, taking some lovely pictures of some very lovely ladies.
but here’s what I wore…
no pass around my neck but looking on the bright side...
Thought I’d provide a close-up of my brave face (it was tough milling around with all those fashionistas) but also of my favourite charms. The sunglasses were purchased in Brighton’s North Laine but my most proud possessions are the variety of charms on my necklace. The crystal skull was from Ebay, the mini harmonica was from Berlin and actually plays a tune and the crowning glory is my babushka charm which I picked up in a bead shop off Seven Dials near Covent Garden. As for the Clare necklace, that is a staple of mine courtesy of Argos. It never comes off, apart from the one time it broke as the original chain was rubbish. It’s now on a more substantial chain to hopefully keep it safe!
In my leathers courtesy of ASOS and Dr Marten
Here’s the rest of my ensemble. My boyfriend and everyone else around me doesn’t seem to get the DM’s but I’m a great believer in their triumphant return to respectable society – no more just a skinhead/grebo footwear icon. The dress is Oasis and can be found in the sale for £12 and the studded leather jacket is ASOS and has been surgically attached to me ever since I bought it.
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Tags: ASOS leather jacket, babushka charm, Clubmaster, dr marten, follower of fashion, Street Style
London Fashion Week begins…
London Fashion week begins today and aren’t we all peeing ourselves with excitement. It’s only the 25th anniversary of the event so expect big things. Olde English favourites, Burberry, Pringle, Jonathon Saunders and Matthew Williamson are about to make a long awaited return to celebrate. And to mark the occasion LFW has also changed venues in to the heart of the city at Somerset House.
I’m not cool enough to be invited yet but I’ll be keeping a close eye on the footage from this week and I’ll be bringing you my particular favourites – a gal can dream!
Check back here over the next couple of days when hopefully I’ll have had a spare minute to put something of interest up.
LFW moves to the heart of the city
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Tags: follower of fashion, London Fashion Week
The Sartorialist
- The Sartorialist by Scott Schuman
The Sartorialist has arrived – ’nuff said…
But no sooner had this book hit the shelves it sold out. Scott Schuman’s collection of photography is what the fashion intelligentsia have been waiting on tender hooks for and it would seem they got there pretty sharpish. Schuman has seen huge success with his highly influential blog and is now one of the most sought after photographers in the world of fashion. The Sartorialist started as an outlet for Schuman’s growing interest in the more-often-than-not fabulously dressed general public. His eye for spotting the individual quirks in the people he photographs has marked him out against all other street style photographers.
The beauty of Schuman’s blog and this book, a collection of his favourite photographs, is that the images are not only of the fashion elite but of regular Joe’s too. The images do not discriminate against age, class or nationality and perhaps the most captivating images are of those you’d least expect. I think my favourite has to be a photo of a stroppy little girl in Paris on page 51, who with her purple specs, pink leg warmers and silver foil dress, sparks off more charm than any size zero clothes-horse ever could.
The value in this book as opposed to the blog are the short notes made by Schuman providing the story behind the image. One that sticks in the mind is of an old guy in Harlem wearing a sharp-as-hell suit who Schuman stops expecting to hear that this suit had been in this mans wardrobe for ever. Instead it turns out that the old guy used to be a drug dealer and when one of his customers couldn’t pay her bill she chucked the suit at him in recompense. What’s more, Schuman’s lense focusses on the man’s shoes which turn out to be a DIY black and white wingtip job, seemingly the guy used a bit of tip-ex to complete his look. This story like many of the others validates the reason behind Schuman’s quest to document the eccentricities of the average person on the street. My only complaint is that I would have liked to see more stories like this.
- Sunday Morning in Harlem
For this reason The Sartorialist is more of a celebration of self-expression than a look-book of fashion design. After looking and re-looking through the book and reading all the stories I still spot something new each time I’ve flicked through. Schuman’s book serves as pot of inspiration reminding me just how fabulous the people around me are. Beauty is most certainly in the detail, something Schuman seems to notice all to well!
The Sartorialist has only been out for a week and is already out of stock at the publishers. Email info@themediabookshop.com to find out more about it’s expected availability.
Order your copy of The Sartorialist by Scott Schuman at The Media Bookshop and get 15% off the RRP
Filed under: Booky Wooks | Leave a Comment
Tags: fashion books, follower of fashion, sartorialist, scott schuman, Street Style
Burlectric
SeOne pulled out all the stops last night as they hosted the fashion-meets-music club night of the century. Headlining the event was Roisin – bow down to her eccentric loveliness – Murphy, looking as fabulous as ever and providing some mahoosive tunes to liven up the night. Apparently Razor light graced the crowd with a DJ set but I can’t say I noticed them – me thinks Johnny Borrel was busy that night!
The venue was spectacular and was donned out in all it’s finery ready for lots of trendy young peeps to fill its dance floors. And I must say that everyone looked blooming lovely. Perhaps not as lovely as the Burlesque Ladies but clearly everyone had made an effort. Twas a bit pricey at £25 a pop for a ticket but i’d say it was worth it just to see Miss Murphy up close! But if that wasn’t enough there was also a fashion show featuring young designers from Saint Martins and other local London colleges. Designers included Faye Colette Bamber, Kate Underwood, Victoria Jenson, Blandine Bardeau and Kate Eary whose designs have been seen on everyone from Kate Moss and Lady Gaga to Kelis and the lady of the night Miss Murphy. All this on a cutesy-boo teacup carousel.
Faye Colette Bamber
Blandine Bardeau
Victoria Jenson
Roisin Murphy rocks the stage
the lovely Roisin...
Victoria Jenson in her own splendid design with my mate who looks rather a lot like Katy Perry in this picture...
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Tags: Blandine Bardeau, Burlectric, Faye Colette Bamber, follower of fashion, Kate Eary, Kate Underwood, Victoria Jenson
Berlin: Vintage Style Guide
Berliners are well known for their individual style and with the copious amounts of fantastic vintage outlets around the city it’s not entirely surprising. You only have to look at the classic examples of Berlin street style on the Still in Berlin blog to see what i mean.
There are shops, markets and boutiques to suit every vintage fashionistas budget and here are jut a few to tickle your fancy…
Flea Market at Boxhagener Platz - Picture by Katja Boettcher
Music Man - Picture by Katja Boettcher
boot-iful bric-a-brac - Picture by Katja Boettcher
There are plenty of Flea Markets in Berlin for you to spend hours rifling through. Boxhagener Platz is one of the smaller but more charming ones in the city. It’s located in the eastern locality of Friedrichshain and ike most markets it only runs on a Sunday but it’s surrounded by a lovely little square full of cafes so you really can make a day of it. Sunday is still traditionally a day of rest in Germany so do like the locals do, sit down and have a massive brunch and then take your time sauntering around the stalls.
ACDC man rocks the karaoke at Mauer Park Flea Market - picture by Katja Boettcher
crowd enthusiasm - Katja Boettcher
Mauer Park is one of the most popular flea markets in Berlin and is located in my favourite area of Berlin, Prenzlauer Berg. Mauer Park can get really busy and due to it’s popularity it’s not the best place to pick up a bargain, but it’s definitely worth a wander around. The further in you walk the cheaper the wares. Right at the back of the market are stalls packed full of second hand clothing. Not particularly well organised, these stalls could be potential picking ground for gems, or they could just be old grotty clothes – depends on your luck/patience to rummage. When you’ve finished scouring the market, you absolutely must check out the karaoke to the side of the market. Over the years this weekly event has become a Berlin institution and it’s great fun. The crowd are far more supportive than an English crowd could ever be. Expect a mix of the good and the not-so-good singers but most of all expect to find yourself hanging out there for quite some time as you find yourself pulled in to the chilled out sing-a-long atmosphere. If you’re interested in the quality of contestants check out the numerous videos on YouTube
Oder BarfuB
Just down the road from Mauer Park is Oder BarfuB which simply means “Or Barefoot” which is exactly what you should wear if you can’t find a pair of shoes in this shop to tickle your fancy. They are a shoe specialist but they also have a variety of quality vintage clothing from across the decades. This is one of my favourite shops in Berlin and has plenty to offer in the accessories department; from fine leather gloves and boots to glitzy earrings and clutches. A must-see!
FOTOAUTOMAT
Take a break from your vintage wanderings to capture your sartorial wonderment in the good old fashioned way. Hark back to the days of waiting outside the Woolworth’s photo booth with your mates and park your chassis in one of the many FOTOAUTOMAT’s that are dotted around the city.
Thrift Store
Thrift Store
Thrift Store is a particularly well-put together vintage shop on Kastaniener Alee in Prenzlauer Berg. It has both men and women’s second-hand wares and has quite a lot of punk influenced gear. Great printed tees and jumpers, leather boots and bags and stonewashed denim. Very much in style at the moment so quite a good find!
Waahnsinn Berlin
Wahnsinn Berlin is a happy mix of vintage clothes and bric-a-brac. A real snoopers paradise! They have their own blog where you can check out there wares for yourself.
Tukado
Tukado is one of my favourite shops in Berlin and it’s not even a clothes shop. It is in fact a bead heaven! For all those who love making their own jewellery or even customising old clothes this shop is an absolute must-see.
Calypso
For all you shoe lovers out there (I’m more of jewellery girl myself!) Calypso is your Mecca. It is packed full to the rafters with all sorts of shoes from across the decades. You really must pop inside to see what I mean as this picture does them no justice. In fact I’m not quite sure why i took this picture or what this display table is all about – these shoes are hardly the pick of the bunch more like the runts of the litter! I assure you Calypso has a comprehensive collection of fantastic shoes which you can also purchase online: www.calypsoshoes.com
Filed under: Vintage Dahrling | 1 Comment
Tags: Berlin, calypso, flea market, follower of fashion, oder barfuB, thrift store, tukado, vintage, waahnsinn berlin
With it’s booming population of international bohemian-types it’s no wonder that Berlin is quickly becoming a major centre for culture and the arts within Europe and beyond. Having also launched it’s first ever fashion week two years ago it’s no surprise that Berlin is also the one to watch in the world of fashion. The city is full of DJs, artists and designers alike and with this in mind I took my camera and a note book down one of my favourite streets – Kastanienallee in the eastern locality of Prenzlauer Berg to document the best that Berlin Boutiques has to offer.
Creme Fresh - 21 Kastanienallee
Creme Fresh is your first stop after stepping out of Eberwalder Strasse. Well it’s your first stop if you don’t count picking up a Bratwurst for yourself at Konnopke’s Imbiss under the station – mmm! This shop is typical of many Berlin boutiques stocking a variety of International and local designers e.g. Bench, Fornarina, Blutsgeschwister and Berliner Raum to name but a few.
Eisdieler - 12 Kastanienallee
Eisdieler is a lovely little shop with very friendly owners, who will be all too happy to tell you about the high quality of their fabrics and the curious incident of the hacking of their temporarily disabled website! Check out this shop for unique designs on a variety of hoodies, t-shirts and trainers or a pair of fabulous vintage sunglasses. Expect the website to back and running later this year…
Jimmy's - 3 Kastanienallee
Jimmy’s has two shops within Berlin and stocks a mix of the international and the local. Check out Jimmy’s for Danish designers Numph, Japanese designers Ato, and German resident designers like AemKei and Gesutz.
Zartbitter - 1Kastanienallee
Zartbitter is particularly fabulous for all things denim and stocks all the gooduns: Lee, Revolution, Dr. Denim and Meltin Pot. However you ethical fashion hunters will be very pleased with Dieser Laden as they also stock Berlin label Armed Angels, which describes itself as a “social – fashion – revolution”. Armed Angels donate one euro from every purchase to one of a variety of projects which aim to improve the situations of young people around the globe. On each product is a unique code which customers can enter on the www.armedangels.de website and donate to the project of their own choosing. Lovely!
Riccardo Cartillone - 101 Kastanienallee
Riccardo Cartillone is the creme-de-la-creme of shoe shops in Berlin. There are ten branches in the city and every one of them is packed with the a fantastic collection of shoes that could easily lead the most frugal of ladies to open their purse strings for a special treat. Check out their website to see what I mean.
Mr & Mrs Pepper - 91 Kastanienallee
Mr & Mrs Pepper previously known as Sgt. Pepper stocks it’s own designs along carefully selected other pieces. It’s signature pieces are retro with a modern twist and very Berlin indeed!
Schöne Maid - 90 Kastanienallee
Schöne Maid is a really quirky little boutique full of lots kitsch retro designs as you can probably gather by it’s little pink flamingo guarding the entrance in this picture.
God Bless You - 31 Kastanienallee
God Bless You is another uniquely Berlin shop. Inside you can find quirky designs for both men and women (I was particularly tempted by the sleevless green cardie in the window display!) but you can also pick up a large variety of iron-on-patches to make do and mend the clothes you have. My favourite was the massive growling tiger patch, which reminded me of Tatty Devine’s perspex necklace version.
Supamat - 32 Kastanienallee
Supamat was a particularly cool looking shop with some wonderful computer keyboard button chairs outside! I was particularly taken by their collection of Jim Rickey trainers, but also expect to find ethical designers Kuyichi, CHEAPO and Modström clothing stocked here.
Greta+Louis - 43 Kastanienallee
Greta & Luis is another Berlin institution and has five shops around the city.
Anuschka Hoevener - 47 Kastanienallee
German designer Anuschka Hoevner holds a showroom on Kastanienallee. Hoevner is known for her structural designs, turning big balls of wool into enviable design features. My favourite pieces were from her Spring/Summer 09 collection using nautical style ropes on sleeves – making a feature of the shoulder which is so on-trend and looks mighty fine!
Pale Blue Eyes - 51 Kastanienallee
Pale Blue Eyes describe themselves as providing “cutting edge swedish design for the young and old, bored and wierd who enjoy the swell and glamourous, waggy and spiffy, ostentatious, dressy, spauncy and flashy” but even this quirky desciption does them no justice!
Kauf Dich Glucklich -
Kauf Dich Clucklick or “shop yourself happy” is the shop for doing just that. It’s a cafe right by the park but up above it’s a beautiful boutique, selling all sorts of things to make oneself happy. I couldn’t help but join in a little so bought myself an oh-so-cute harmonica necklace that actually works – both as an instrument of music and happiness!
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Tags: Anuschka Hoevner, Berlin boutiques, creme fresh berlin, Eisdeler berlin, follower of fashion, god bless you berlin, Greta+Louis berlin, jimmy's berlin, Kauf Dich Glucklich, mr & mrs Pepper berlin, Pale Blue Eyes Berlin, riccardo cartillone berlin, schone maid berlin, shops on kastanienallee, supamat berlin, zartbitter berlin
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a likkle bit about me…
Full-time Social Media Marketeer, occasional blogger and accomplished tea drinker - FollowerOfFashion.com is a place for me to exercise my sartorial side and hope someone else bothers to have a read!
Toonage!
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- Closure of The Media Bookshop
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