H I G H F I V E

A few weeks back, I constructed a list of five influential and inspiration women (blog post here) and made the commitment to periodically list/rank five things that I like/appreciate and have relevance to my life in some way. Continuing the H I G H F I V E theme, this week, I’ve decided to list five things I’m relishing right now in fashion and beauty. And so, with no long, waffling introduction and keeping this post short and sweet, let’s get straight to it.

1. H e a d s c a r v e s  - A cheap and accessible wardrobe staple that can be used in a variety of ways to add colour and modify/transform a look. A simple silk/cotton headscarf can be used to instantly create vintage-inspired looks, whether that is homage to the 40s or 70s.  There is no particular hair length, style, or hair texture that better suits this look, it is just a matter of playing around and seeing what works best for you. Brilliant for hiding bad hair days and making style statements, as well as using practically to take the hair off the face and neck – I’m sold.

2. B l o c k C o l o u r – As a woman that has spent much of her 20s obsessing over printed fabrics, I can’t quite believe I’m about to shun the world of pattern and embrace the bright and bold, in its simplest form…in block colour.  Now, I’m not suggesting you opt for head-to-toe in acid yellow, but the point is to be a little daring in terms of colour choice and wear one garment piece that is bright and devoid of any design. You want the item to stand out from the rest of the outfit and so key to this look, is to keep everything else fairly neutral, simple and uncluttered.

There are plenty of bright and bold garments on the high street at the moment and so it isn’t hard to get your hands on some beautifully vibrant fabrics. However, the easiest way to create this look is via a pair of skinny jeans – all the high street staples (H & M, New Look, Primark, etc.) are currently stocking a range of skinny/slim fitted jeans/trousers in all the colours of the rainbow. Go on, be brave and rock this look.

3. B o l d T i g h t s  - Although we’ve had hints of spring this week, it certainly isn’t consistently warm enough to go bare legged. Besides, once you hit yours 30s, the thought of naked legs becomes increasingly less desirable. Like the humble scarf, I think tights are a cheap and accessible option for transforming an outfit and really making a statement.

I tend to wear bold tights with an outfit that doesn’t distract from the pop of colour provided by the tights (using the principle of the ‘block colour’ above) but recently I’ve been inspired by women wearing beautifully bold tights with equally daring and contrasting garments. I mean, who would have thought that canary yellow tights would works so well with teal and blue; orangey-red with electric blue; and fuchsia with leopard print? As with wearing anything rich in colour, it can be a little daunting at first but it’s worth the gamble, as these women demonstrate.

4. B a n g s – For me, this year, is all about the bangs. A big, fat fringe, reminiscent of the 60s and 70s, teamed with a rounded bob or thick, long, straight locks. I just totally love the look. I think a fringe that just skims the brows is flattering on most people and to be honest, I’m a little bored of the WAG/TOWIE look  - long hair, middle parting and a few strategically teased waves - *YAWN. A nice thick fringe also creates an instant vintage look, teamed with smokey eyes and a nude lip and you may as well rename yourself, ‘Mary Quant’.

Even better than bangs…is bangs with a bun. Whether it’s a messy bun, a knot or a side bun…if you have bangs and a bun, you are fabulous! I don’t currently have hair long enough for a bun *sigh (but I do have a rounded bob and bangs - yey for me!!) but when I was in my late teens, my hairstyle of choice was a side bun…in fact, I rocked a side bun on my wedding day. I’m so into buns right now, I may have to grow my hair…

5. R e d L i p s  – Those who know me well won’t be surprised that this has featured. I’m a complete lipstick junkie and red is my choice when going all out on the glamour stakes. What is new about this look, is that red lips, often used to create a 40s/50s look, is increasingly being used to create a more contemporary look, which I love. This fondness for this look is probably because it features all my favourite things right now - red lips, bangs, buns, collars and headscarves...not forgetting the bright and bold!

And so, this ends my H I G H  F I V E for this week. Short and sweet but i hope providing some inspiration.

Sunset

Looking through some old photos, I came across a photo I’d taken last year. Captured, was a striking, burnt orange and red, skyline which seemed at odds with the suburban life beneath it. I’d taken that picture in October and that evening I went into labour – it was as if the Gods were displaying that something beautiful was going to happen, under that auburn illuminated sky.

There is something so captivating about a sunset. The way the outside world is transformed - a tired and cold city-setting enriched and warmed with golden tones. Our eye line suddenly lifted, so that we take in the full view of the skyline. Suddenly the world we exist in expands and we are reminded how insignificant we are, compared to the vastness above. We become engulfed in its beauty, in total awe. 

Picture taken in Poland 2009

Cambridge skyline 2012

Istanbul 2006

Years ago, back in 2003, my husband and I visited an exhibition at the Tate modern called ‘the weather project’. This incredible installation by, Olafur Eliasson, filled the Turbine Hall - if anyone has been to the Tate Modern you’ll appreciate how expansive this space is and thus the dramatics. There a huge, beaming sun illuminated the space. People walked into the Hall and were stopped in their tracks, totally mesmerised by the glowing yellow sun. The space was quiet. The room filled with people, totally transfixed and in some sort of trance-like state.

It was incredible to watch how people reacted and to witness a piece of art communicate to so many people. We sat for hours. It was as if the whole world outside of that Hall, no longer existed and the usual hustle and bustle of the City, was silenced. And there, surrounding a sunset, were hundreds of people, totally at peace and engulfed by the most magnificent sun. It has to be one of the most beautiful installations I have ever seen. I think that it is very rare that a piece of art can be all-encompassing, in terms of the audience it captures. Often, art and what is viewed as ‘artistic’ is very personal and at times elitist.  Olafur Eliasson, however, created a piece of art that was inclusive and welcoming. I think this is probably why I love any art that reflects the natural landscape and/or natural phenomena, because it is so relatable to everyone.

Relaxing in the Turbine Hall - soaking up the Rays.

Works by the likes of popular Impressionist Artist, Claude Monet and  the "painter of light" and forefather of the Romantic movement, J M W Turner beautifully capture the glow of a sunset. Each brushstroke adds texture and depth and illuminates the land in tones of burnt-orange, golden yellows and ruddy reds.  In Monet's 'Sunset in Venice', Venice looks ablaze against the Venetian skyline – it’s a stunning scene.



'Sunset in Venice' by Claude Monet



'Sunset' by J M W Turner

'Sailing and other Vessels at Sunset..' by J M W Turner

'Sun Setting over a Lake' by J M W Turner

It is incredible to think that Turner's use of colour had never really been explored prior to his work - with yellow for areas in sunlight; red through to deep ochre and sepia for shadows; blues, violets and blacks for areas in the distance. His painting techniques revolutionised the art world, inspired the impressionist movement and now hold a favoured place in popular culture. It is no wonder Turner is such a favoured artist amongst many, with his appreciation and ability to illustrate all the complexity and subtle variations present at dusk.

I've tried to convey what I find so beautiful about the setting sun, mainly with reference to a variety of visual prompts. But to end today's post, I turn to Poet Victor Hugo and an excerpt of his poem 'Sunset' (full version can be found here). I think this extract captures the esscence of a sunset and why I'll continue to take many photos of the evening sky...

The sun at bay with splendid thrusts still keeps the sullen fold;

And momently at distance sets, as a cupola of gold,

The thatched roof of a cot a-glance;

Or on the blurred horizon joins his battle with the haze;

Or pools the blooming fields about with inter-isolate blaze,

Great moveless meres of radiance.





Out with the Old...

After months of shapeless smocks, over-stretched Lycra and groaning at the sight of my wardrobe, its contents are now available to me. Eighteen weeks ago I gave birth to our wee baby girl and as precious as she is, I am relieved to have pregnancy done with and be able to reclaim my body (and wardrobe). OK, so life has undoubtedly changed and looking through my wardrobe there are a few questionable items that no longer sit with where I am now - a few dresses with hemlines a little too short;  the odd dress a little too snug; and being honest, a few  “what were you thinking” items.  But overall, I am thrilled to be able to rediscover my wardrobe.


Me post baby and modelling my new obsession, 'The Collar' (continue reading for more details)

Fashion faux pas aside, as I look through my wardrobe I’m impressed by the range of fabrics, colours, prints and styles I have invested in. I like the mix of High Street brands, with the odd high-end piece and plenty of vintage thrown in. I can also see how my style has evolved over the years and the various phases I have been through. One very prominent phase being my obsession with 50s styling and I must own a dozen wiggle dresses and pencil skirts, that I’m not convinced fit with my lifestyle now.  I’m also a creature of reinvention and I don’t like to look the same for long periods of times nor do nor do I wish to revisit my past through my wardrobe.  Some of my wardrobe favourites (apologies in advance for poor quality of photos - taken with iPhone (very quickly) with limited natural light):

In order to address this issue of 'outgrowing' my wardrobe, I am in no position to throw out the contents of wardrobe and start all over again. The clothing I do own, although I don’t wish to wear it exactly how I did before, still has plenty of life left in it. With a limited budget a complete wardrobe reinvention may be a little tricky and I’m very hesitant (and lacking in the skills department) to start cutting up my clothing and making new pieces and so I’ve been thinking about how I can regenerate what I have available to me, in the cheapest possible way.

Probably one of the easiest solutions is to simply 'mix and match' what I already own and create new ‘looks’. I've spent weeks throwing together various items and experimenting with new looks and have discovered that two wardrobe staples: the loose fitted, cropped jumper; and my plentiful supply of wiggle/fitted dresses;  actually work really well together to create an 80s inspired-look. H&M currently stock some fabulous bright jumpers, priced at a very reasonable £14.99,  which are very similar to the ones I already own and use to create this look. In addition, H&M sell fantastic, fitted dresses that work perfectly as the base garment  - although I would personally look for a fitted dress with a hemline which skims the knee and wear it with thick tights and a pair of ankle boots to complete the look.

I have also recently invested in a number of collar necklaces sold by the High Street staple, New Look, which I have worn with various dresses – this is a very cheap and effective way to update clothing and has completely transformed many of my wardrobe favourites (all collars priced around £6 to £8).

I’m a huge fan of shirts at the moment (must be buttoned up to the collar) and H&M has some very reasonably priced shirts in a range of interesting prints as well as bejewelled collars – these work great with pencil skirts, as well as jeans.

Jeans are a wardrobe staple and I’ve updated my skinny jeans by adding a turn-up. A turn-up worn with bright socks and brogues is an alternative to the standard ballet pump footware that everyone seems to wear nowadays (not to mention the military boot).

Jeans with turn up and brogues modelled beautifully here (minus the socks).

I have a fabulous pair of blue brogues from Clarks which I wear with various bright socks – Topshop always have a great selection of socks. To complete the look, a shirt worn with a tailored jacket or loose fitted cardigan (as per the picture above) looks great.

I have plenty of fantastic winter coats that I have worn-to-death. The simple addition of a  bright and bold scarf, worn over the shoulders or tied around the neck, adds much needed colour and 'finish' to your look. Similarly, adding a scarf to any outfit can redesign the look. Personally, I find looking in your local charity shop or vintage store a great place to start when looking for unique scarves. I also rate T K Maxx for a wide selection of silk & cotton scarves.  I have a wide selection of scarves, which I constanly use to accessorize and finish an outfit.

Adding belts is another great method to alter the appearance of an outfit  and every women, in my opinion, should own a selection of belts (in all lengths, widths and colours) as they are so incredibly effective in creating the illusion of an extensive wardrobe.  I often like to nip in the waist of a loose fitting shirt, or add a belt to sit around my hips to add shape, colour or texture to an outfit. I don't like to spend much money on such accessories and have been known to frequent shops like Primark, to pick up a selection of cheap and cheerful belts that I use sporadically, in may different ways - as demonstrated below.

Rediscovering my wardrobe is still work in progress. There are still an awful lot of items I'm still not entirely sure how to reuse (a number of jumpsuits I wonder if I’ll ever wear again). It has, however, been great fun to rifle through my wardrobe, reminisce about when I last wore a particular item and ponder how I am going to make it wearable now. And, in a 'throwaway society', where cheap clothing is readily accessible and trends are ever changeable, it is worthwhile (not to mention ethical) to squeeze a bit more life out of a garment. There is nothing more satisfying, when quizzed about your outfit, to be able to respond, very smugly (and safe in the knowledge that the person probing isn’t about to replicate your look – how annoying is that!!),  

"oh, this old thing...I got it 5 years ago".

 

High-Five - A Power List of influential females...

Today saw the release of BBC Radio 4, Woman’s Hour, ‘Power List’ which ranks the 100 most powerful and influential women in the UK at the start of 2013.

No.1, not surprisingly, was the Queen who has enjoyed a bit of a rival, in terms of popularity in recent years. Not sure if it’s the ‘Will and Kate effect’ which has enhanced the Royal Families popularity; or the Olympics has got us all feeling very British; or the fact a recession has brought us all together (a bit of war-time spirit sort of thing); or even the fact the Jubilee celebrations have reminded us all of how remarkable the Queen is; but Her Majesty is certainly riding high on a wave of adoration and support amongst her fellow citizens and beyond.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh and HRH Princess Anne, 1970. 

I could pick apart the Power List and certainly, some of those included have ‘raised an eyebrow’ (The Rt Hon Theresa May MP ranking second to the Queen?!) but I have decided not to even go there. This  post would inevitably turn into a long-winded rant and I think there is a time and a place to talk politics and why I don’t agree that a Tory figure should be deemed inspirational (although powerful they may be). In Theresa May’s case, I will accept that she is the most senior female member of the Cabinet and thus should be praised for that. I know from personal experience, through my professional work, how difficult the political world can be for woman and so, for that alone, I say: “hats off to you sister”. Erm, Moving on…

Inspired by the Power List, I’ve decided to create my own mini list - A list of 5 women that have inspired me. I may continue this as a regular feature as there are many woman I would like to signpost. I fear, however, if I were to do this now, this blog post would become very tedious.  And so, this is five women that instantly spring-to-mind as being somewhat relevant to my life, at a particular point, and in no particular order:

No.1. Frida Kahlo: Artist and Feminist.

I remember seeing some of her work in a New York gallery when I was only 18 years old. I was just really discovering ‘Art’, having left the confines of village life in rural Lincolnshire, where Art was something “posh people in London enjoy”.  At the time, I didn’t fully understand that her paintings were self-portraits (and why that was) but I was fascinated by this artist that featured the same female subject in many of her paintings. There was just something intriguing about the subjects’ expressionless face but the emotion evident in their eyes. I loved the vibrant and ornate backdrops to each painting (which hold clues to their meanings) and I loved the influence that her Mexican heritage and associated folk culture had on her work. Having learnt more about Khalo’s life - the traffic accident in her youth that caused persistent health complications in adult life and isolated her in her prime; her volatile marriage and so on, I found her incredibly inspiring. Frida famously said, "I was born a bitch. I was born a painter." – I love the spirit that she had.

The Two Fridas (1939) exemplifying the ‘loved’ and ‘unloved’ versions of Frida.

Self Portrait with Necklace of Thorns - The thorns digging into her neck are symbolic of the pain she still felt over her divorce. Hanging from the thorny necklace is a dead hummingbird, which in Mexican folk tradition, were used as charms to bring luck in love.

Self Portrait as a Tehuana – painting used to lure her former husband. His portrait on her forehead to represent that he was in her thoughts. The leaves in her headdress are supposedly representative of a spider’s web and thus the notion to ‘trap her prey’.

No.2. Dame Vivienne Westwood: English fashion designer and businesswoman, largely responsible for bringing modern punk and new wave fashions into the mainstream.

Anyone who knows me well will vouch for how much I love Vivienne Westwood. Not only because she is an incredible fashion designer who has genuinely set trends and been tremendously influential in British design and cultural movements (namely punk); but also because she beautifully tailors clothing to compliment a woman’s form, whilst advocating ‘individualism’. Whether it’s the 18^th century, Francois Boucher inspired dresses; her bold and rich fabric choices (tartan being iconic);  asymmetric tailoring; or her signature elevated platforms – Vivienne is constantly reinventing.

To me, she is a magnificent creature, the embodiment of exquisiteness and eccentricity. Sometimes, us woman, get to a certain age and decide that we now must ‘blend in’. That experimentation with our fashion, hair or makeup in no longer allowed. That we must now dress head-to-toe in Per Una, put the hair dye away and wear our hush-puppies.  Well, Vivienne sticks two fingers up to that! With her bold, orange hair; red lips;  corseted tartan dresses with a hem line a little suggestive;  and her mega, platform heels teamed with bright tights, torn and laddered – she is ace. I intend to go all Vivienne when I ‘come of age’. Anaaaarchy!

No.3. Tracey Moffatt: Australian photographer and film maker. 

Not only does this woman produce some beautiful work but she also uses her art to tackle controversial issues such as domestic and sexual violence, inter-racial relationships and ‘the stolen generation’ - which saw the removal of Aboriginal children from their families by the state, between 1909 and 1969. I saw her work whilst in Brisbane, Australia in 2003. I appreciate the dramatic and theatrical sense of her work and how visually appealing the images are. But perhaps more importantly, that behind the ‘theatre’ is hidden a very dark and poignant message.





Above, 'Something More' series, 1989.

'Up in the Sky', 1997.

No.4. P J Harvey: Singer Songwriter. 

There was a time, when all I would listen to is P J Harvey.  The particular album was ‘Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea’. The song, 'The mess we’re in’, featuring Thom Yorke – a beautiful song.  I also really liked, ‘A place called home’. She is such a talent.

No.5. Margaret Atwood: Poet, novelist, literary critic.

I think there comes a time, in most young women’s lives, when they reach for a Margret Atwood book. For me, that was ‘Surfacing’ published in 1972. Surfacing is a beautiful book about a woman returning to her hometown (to find her missing father) and all the feelings and memories this evokes as she grapples with the person she is, with the world she now exists in. Over time, she increasingly feels separated from herself and the modern world and seeks solace in the wilderness, where she goes a bit mad. As per usual Atwood literature, this book raises issues around gender roles, the role of religion, perceived power of man over woman, morality, social pressures and so forth. But it is beautifully written, as are many of Atwood’s books. I’d also recommend ‘The Handmaid’s tale’ – if you like, ‘Brave New World’/ ‘1984’ type books, this is of similar ilk (a controlled state where modern civilisation is rejected).