Oh to have nothing but time on one's hands...
So what are this season's trends?
Free flowing, Just Got Out Of Bed hair with braids. Beads around the ears.
Cut-offs, cut-outs, crop tops. More beads.
Tiny feathers in one's hair and long necklaces.
Summery cocktails such as Piña Colada and my personal favourite, the Strawberry Caipiroska.
I actually need to start learning to whip up a few drinks, just for fun's sake, and I might just start with the latter. Want to join me? Here's how to whip one up yourself - a BIG thank you to the person who made the tutorial!
Hmm, what else is In right now...
Leather shorts, anything High-Waisted.
Florals (groundbreaking, huh?).
Boots during summer? And why on earth not?
This is officially the most boring list I've ever written. Even the shopping list this morning was more exciting. Damn the sun for not shining, ergo not letting me shoot the "Ode To Gold".
Sorry guys, it just ain't gonna happen today.
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Ode To Gold - The Start
I was planning on shooting another look today, however the idea was sadly smashed by a hefty amount of clouds hiding the sun - a prop which is fundamental for my "Ode To Gold", no sun no shimmer. And I need shimmer for the golden look.
While I was rummaging around my (Vintage-loving) grandmother's things, I found a pair of stunning 19th century Croatian earrings and promptly started filing through one of the closets to look for that golden dress, another miracle produced by the wonder that is Topshop.
Hopefully, I'll have more luck tomorrow.
So instead of shooting another look, I've been looking at old Gossip Girl episodes. I was never a massive fan, but as the fifth season drew to an end, I found myself actually interested in what was going on. Yes all the drama is brilliant, and Chuck & Blair and bla bla bla - but honey, have you seen THE CLOTHES? To be honest, I'm not liking what the first couple of episodes (the very beginning, series 1 episodes 1 and 2) have to offer. Clothes and accessories-wise, I much prefer the later creations (see seasons 4 and 5).
Here's a question: is it good cinema? I was asked this a couple of months ago and the person addressing me was surprised at how quickly I retorted something along the lines of "It's not good cinema, nevertheless it's a fantastic television piece". Think about it. All the drama makes people glad that their lives are a lot more calm and that they don't have to navigate the dangerous waters of etiquette OR they find it hilariously American, perhaps a little vulgar. Personally, I fancy the clothes more than anything. Yes yes, all the parties and the lifestyle and all that jazz are fun to look at, but can you imagine having to compete for power with someone like Blair, or set your beauty standards on someone like Serena? No thanks. I'd rather compare myself creatively with the crowds of Camden.
There is one more thing I'm itching to say... somehow the drama does not feel real. Don't get me wrong, I adore all the "she said this but she did that and he saw it and told her mum who's sleeping with his best friend" stuff, but I don't feel soaked in it.
This actually links quite nicely with a fashion AND a drama point: Skins. The British series set in Bristol, created by Bryan Elsley and Jamie Brittain.
And there is only one person that mixes drama with a unique fashion sense like a pro.
That, Ladies and Gentlemen, would be Effy Stonem (played superbly by Kaya Scodelario).
And since I know what I'm like when I start on Skins, I'll save my praise for Effy's fashion sense for another post.
While I was rummaging around my (Vintage-loving) grandmother's things, I found a pair of stunning 19th century Croatian earrings and promptly started filing through one of the closets to look for that golden dress, another miracle produced by the wonder that is Topshop.
Hopefully, I'll have more luck tomorrow.
So instead of shooting another look, I've been looking at old Gossip Girl episodes. I was never a massive fan, but as the fifth season drew to an end, I found myself actually interested in what was going on. Yes all the drama is brilliant, and Chuck & Blair and bla bla bla - but honey, have you seen THE CLOTHES? To be honest, I'm not liking what the first couple of episodes (the very beginning, series 1 episodes 1 and 2) have to offer. Clothes and accessories-wise, I much prefer the later creations (see seasons 4 and 5).
Here's a question: is it good cinema? I was asked this a couple of months ago and the person addressing me was surprised at how quickly I retorted something along the lines of "It's not good cinema, nevertheless it's a fantastic television piece". Think about it. All the drama makes people glad that their lives are a lot more calm and that they don't have to navigate the dangerous waters of etiquette OR they find it hilariously American, perhaps a little vulgar. Personally, I fancy the clothes more than anything. Yes yes, all the parties and the lifestyle and all that jazz are fun to look at, but can you imagine having to compete for power with someone like Blair, or set your beauty standards on someone like Serena? No thanks. I'd rather compare myself creatively with the crowds of Camden.
There is one more thing I'm itching to say... somehow the drama does not feel real. Don't get me wrong, I adore all the "she said this but she did that and he saw it and told her mum who's sleeping with his best friend" stuff, but I don't feel soaked in it.
This actually links quite nicely with a fashion AND a drama point: Skins. The British series set in Bristol, created by Bryan Elsley and Jamie Brittain.
And there is only one person that mixes drama with a unique fashion sense like a pro.
That, Ladies and Gentlemen, would be Effy Stonem (played superbly by Kaya Scodelario).
And since I know what I'm like when I start on Skins, I'll save my praise for Effy's fashion sense for another post.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Lilies
How very exciting, my third post today and first one with pictures!
I thought it's such a beautiful day over here, why not construct a simple, early evening outfit while I'm at it?
So here it is, the No Fuss, No Stress, Let's Have Dinner At A Nice Place outfit - please note that my wilder inspirations will arise in about a month or so, when I'm back in the UK.. I'm usually a little more creative:
White Dress with Floral Detail and Corset Back by Topshop
Black Ankle-Bound High Heel Shoes by Office
Red Over-Sized Clutch by Next
Red Nail Varnish (barely visible) by Topshop
Pictures taken by myself and my sister Flea.
I thought it's such a beautiful day over here, why not construct a simple, early evening outfit while I'm at it?
So here it is, the No Fuss, No Stress, Let's Have Dinner At A Nice Place outfit - please note that my wilder inspirations will arise in about a month or so, when I'm back in the UK.. I'm usually a little more creative:
White Dress with Floral Detail and Corset Back by Topshop
Black Ankle-Bound High Heel Shoes by Office
Red Over-Sized Clutch by Next
Red Nail Varnish (barely visible) by Topshop
Pictures taken by myself and my sister Flea.
All The Road Tunes (Part One)
Cruising down an empty highway, windows rolled down and feet sticking out seems like the perfect location to blast out a couple of Road Tunes. These are mine:
Taste It by Jake Bugg (which I mentioned for kicks on shopping trips as well)
Born To Be Wild by Steppenwolf (the Easy Rider opening song!)
Escape by Rupert Holmes
Riders On The Storm by The Doors
Big River by Johnny Cash
All Along The Watchtower by Bob Dylan
Chupee by Cocoon (reminds me of the South of France)
The Passenger by Stars (My favourite band in the entire galaxy. If my life would be composed by only one group's songs, it would be them, without the shadow of a doubt - I love them.)
Blowin' In The Wind by Bob Dylan
Come Fly With Me by Frank Sinatra
Don't Let Me Down by The Beatles, covered by the Across The Universe cast
Final Countdown by Europe
And with this I conclude Part One of my All Time Favourite Road Tunes - Part Two to be published soon!
(Disclaimer: I do not own any of these songs.)
Taste It by Jake Bugg (which I mentioned for kicks on shopping trips as well)
Born To Be Wild by Steppenwolf (the Easy Rider opening song!)
Escape by Rupert Holmes
Riders On The Storm by The Doors
Big River by Johnny Cash
All Along The Watchtower by Bob Dylan
Chupee by Cocoon (reminds me of the South of France)
The Passenger by Stars (My favourite band in the entire galaxy. If my life would be composed by only one group's songs, it would be them, without the shadow of a doubt - I love them.)
Blowin' In The Wind by Bob Dylan
Come Fly With Me by Frank Sinatra
Don't Let Me Down by The Beatles, covered by the Across The Universe cast
Final Countdown by Europe
And with this I conclude Part One of my All Time Favourite Road Tunes - Part Two to be published soon!
(Disclaimer: I do not own any of these songs.)
Doing The Fashion Thing
As far as drowning myself in the absinthe of fashion, I'm just getting started.
I adore the British High Street Fashion mixed with a little Vintage, topped up with a few European twists (think Berlin, think Amsterdam, think Málaga) as well as the latest "Vogue talents" (see Alexander McQueen and Marchesa - my current top 2 choices).
Just recently, I had the pleasure to stumble upon the Marchesa Spring 2012 collection. It's like stepping into a jazzy and deliciously frivolous dream. If you have the chance, look it up, it's worthwhile. My favourites are definitely the 1920s inspired and golden gowns.. Oh to lose one's self in an afternoon of frills and thrills!
Back to British High Street, let me just say that there is no place like Topshop.
You walk into one of their shops, expecting fairly little (if you haven't visited or heard of them before) and you waltz out after about five hours, feeling elated and perhaps a little concerned that your wardrobe will never be the same again. Before Topshop and I met, my dress style was dull and plain. I dressed because I had to, not because I particularly enjoyed it. Oh yes, and I probably would have been arrested for indecent exposure in public, or something like that. Anyway, I dressed like everyone else in my area and I hated it:
Where was the creativity? Where was the originality? Where was the struggle to find that one item of clothing that would put a smile on one's face every time she or he wore it? Where, where, where?
And then, it happened. I met Topshop and fell hook, line and sinker. I was in love and this love has never disappointed me. Scratch that, it has never greatly disappointed me - there were angry mutterings against the prices, I do admit that. Nevertheless, Topshop has always found a way to make my wardrobe glitter with pride.
Back in the day when I lived in a country without Topshop, I dreamed of jumping in a cab once I touched down on British soil and proudly direct the cabbie "to Topshop!". The fare would have killed me, no doubt. But then my soul would have swayed itself to Topshop. Bit of a creepy image, someone's soul happily floating around the lingerie department, or trying desperately to find the right shoe size at Kurt Geiger (-1 floor in the Oxford Street Topshop, if I'm not mistaking). Hmm. I shall retain my soul for now.
And here I am, stuck in another place without Topshop. I've been here since June. It's horrible, but at least I'm saving money for when I finally return to Ye Olde "Queendom"...
Who knows what I'll find?
PS - Try this song for a kick to your shopping trips, Taste It by Jake Bugg.
I adore the British High Street Fashion mixed with a little Vintage, topped up with a few European twists (think Berlin, think Amsterdam, think Málaga) as well as the latest "Vogue talents" (see Alexander McQueen and Marchesa - my current top 2 choices).
Just recently, I had the pleasure to stumble upon the Marchesa Spring 2012 collection. It's like stepping into a jazzy and deliciously frivolous dream. If you have the chance, look it up, it's worthwhile. My favourites are definitely the 1920s inspired and golden gowns.. Oh to lose one's self in an afternoon of frills and thrills!
Back to British High Street, let me just say that there is no place like Topshop.
You walk into one of their shops, expecting fairly little (if you haven't visited or heard of them before) and you waltz out after about five hours, feeling elated and perhaps a little concerned that your wardrobe will never be the same again. Before Topshop and I met, my dress style was dull and plain. I dressed because I had to, not because I particularly enjoyed it. Oh yes, and I probably would have been arrested for indecent exposure in public, or something like that. Anyway, I dressed like everyone else in my area and I hated it:
Where was the creativity? Where was the originality? Where was the struggle to find that one item of clothing that would put a smile on one's face every time she or he wore it? Where, where, where?
And then, it happened. I met Topshop and fell hook, line and sinker. I was in love and this love has never disappointed me. Scratch that, it has never greatly disappointed me - there were angry mutterings against the prices, I do admit that. Nevertheless, Topshop has always found a way to make my wardrobe glitter with pride.
Back in the day when I lived in a country without Topshop, I dreamed of jumping in a cab once I touched down on British soil and proudly direct the cabbie "to Topshop!". The fare would have killed me, no doubt. But then my soul would have swayed itself to Topshop. Bit of a creepy image, someone's soul happily floating around the lingerie department, or trying desperately to find the right shoe size at Kurt Geiger (-1 floor in the Oxford Street Topshop, if I'm not mistaking). Hmm. I shall retain my soul for now.
And here I am, stuck in another place without Topshop. I've been here since June. It's horrible, but at least I'm saving money for when I finally return to Ye Olde "Queendom"...
Who knows what I'll find?
PS - Try this song for a kick to your shopping trips, Taste It by Jake Bugg.
Monday, August 13, 2012
The Handshake and The Curtsey
So.. Who is Elizabeth?
Elizabeth is the muse of a tormented artist. She is the light at the end of the long and dreary tunnel. She is the flash of genius that passes through a schoolkid, just minutes before the end of the most important exam of them all. She is novelty and inspiration and grace and more than I could ever hope to write here.
The logical next step would be to explain why this is called "Dressing" her. Well you see, Dressing Elizabeth is more than just simply throwing a few clothes on her and writing about it. It's more than taking a few pictures of the finished product and naming the brands she prefers. Apart from clothes, there is so much more that a person can wear, or "wear" (in a more spiritual/metaphorical sense). One can wear a smile or an attitude for instance.
Elizabeth, here, wears films and musical taste, ideas for travels and book reviews. To just clothe her and tell you about it, would be like selling her short, omitting parts of her if you will.
You might say that I am in love with her. Perhaps in a way I am - She is a source of joy and vision, of illumination and clarity. She is the door to a better world, as cliché as it sounds.
Here I give you bits and pieces of Elizabeth.
It should have been a simple fashion blog, with my preferences and my inspirations.. but it became much more and soon I'll be able to start properly, uploading pictures and working with music, writing book and film reviews and perhaps even a little travel guide now and again.
Stay tuned, there comes Elizabeth!
Elizabeth is the muse of a tormented artist. She is the light at the end of the long and dreary tunnel. She is the flash of genius that passes through a schoolkid, just minutes before the end of the most important exam of them all. She is novelty and inspiration and grace and more than I could ever hope to write here.
The logical next step would be to explain why this is called "Dressing" her. Well you see, Dressing Elizabeth is more than just simply throwing a few clothes on her and writing about it. It's more than taking a few pictures of the finished product and naming the brands she prefers. Apart from clothes, there is so much more that a person can wear, or "wear" (in a more spiritual/metaphorical sense). One can wear a smile or an attitude for instance.
Elizabeth, here, wears films and musical taste, ideas for travels and book reviews. To just clothe her and tell you about it, would be like selling her short, omitting parts of her if you will.
You might say that I am in love with her. Perhaps in a way I am - She is a source of joy and vision, of illumination and clarity. She is the door to a better world, as cliché as it sounds.
Here I give you bits and pieces of Elizabeth.
It should have been a simple fashion blog, with my preferences and my inspirations.. but it became much more and soon I'll be able to start properly, uploading pictures and working with music, writing book and film reviews and perhaps even a little travel guide now and again.
Stay tuned, there comes Elizabeth!
Saturday, August 4, 2012
And Then, There Was One..
The turning of a page, a beginning in medias res.
Since it is my very first post, I think it only right to introduce "Dressing Elizabeth", and tell you a little bit about it. I'm very passionate about what the Italians call "Le Belle Arti", the beautiful arts, and I've had the idea of creating a blog for quite a while, but it just never seemed like the right time to start and I postponed it again and again. Then, out of the blue, someone close to me who had no idea of my contemplating this blog, told me I should start something like this. BOOM. So here I am.
Cinephile, photographer, fashion addict, Anglophile, writer - all of these describe me in some way.. nevertheless, in the end, they're just labels. I want more. You'll notice, as the blog grows, that I have a flair for the dramatic. I adore the Roaring 20s and the Swingin' 60s, the glamour of Old School Hollywood, the British stiff upper lip and any road trip tune that makes a head bob in acknowledgement. I appreciate different cultures and I'm an avid traveller. After a long day, I relax with classic literature, Billie Holiday or "Gone With The Wind" (Fleming, 1939), which is one of my favourite films of all time. And I believe this is sufficient for a first post -
I bid you welcome to "Dressing Elizabeth".
Since it is my very first post, I think it only right to introduce "Dressing Elizabeth", and tell you a little bit about it. I'm very passionate about what the Italians call "Le Belle Arti", the beautiful arts, and I've had the idea of creating a blog for quite a while, but it just never seemed like the right time to start and I postponed it again and again. Then, out of the blue, someone close to me who had no idea of my contemplating this blog, told me I should start something like this. BOOM. So here I am.
Cinephile, photographer, fashion addict, Anglophile, writer - all of these describe me in some way.. nevertheless, in the end, they're just labels. I want more. You'll notice, as the blog grows, that I have a flair for the dramatic. I adore the Roaring 20s and the Swingin' 60s, the glamour of Old School Hollywood, the British stiff upper lip and any road trip tune that makes a head bob in acknowledgement. I appreciate different cultures and I'm an avid traveller. After a long day, I relax with classic literature, Billie Holiday or "Gone With The Wind" (Fleming, 1939), which is one of my favourite films of all time. And I believe this is sufficient for a first post -
I bid you welcome to "Dressing Elizabeth".
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