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.