Tea For Two

sunday pulp

2011-11-20T22:27:00.002Z

A little break from blogland. I appear to have returned refreshed and dying to devour everything on my feed. All things outfits, eco threads and fashion blogging will be on my agenda this coming week. Can't wait to catch up with you all!

sunday pulp

2011-10-23T23:28:00.002+01:00

"Wisdom I know is social. She seeks her fellows. But Beauty is jealous, and illy bears the presence of a rival. "

'I will take off quietly, like a bird that flees the cold'

2011-10-20T18:01:00.003+01:00

Trekkin'.

Food for thought this week: What's your signature wardrobe?

sunday pulp

2011-10-16T21:28:00.006+01:00

'oh my life is changing every day, in every possible way
and oh my dreams, never quite as it seems
coz you're a dream to me,
dream to me'

beauty is as beauty does

2011-10-15T13:35:00.001+01:00

Cast your gaze over these incredible creations from Antiform. Their pieces are made from high quality upcycled materials and as well as being an innovative, ethical clothing company, they also offer their expertise in sustainable fashion and freelance design. I'm excited to announce the publication of my interview with Lizzie Harrison, the founder of Antiform. To get a better understanding of what goes on behind the curtain at a successful eco fashion company, and to see their latest collection, click to read.

Shop Antiform

dimestore diamond

2011-10-08T08:56:00.003+01:00

'So many out-of-the-way things had happened lately, that Alice had begun to think that very few things indeed were really impossible.'

2011-09-28T13:18:00.003+01:00

top:Cafe Press skirt & headband:DIY bag:H&M shoes:Faith
earrings:Drag Strip sovereign ring:gift

The skirt was originally a gifted Mango vest. I didn't like the fit so I grabbed some scissors, a needle and thread and some elastic. Voilá.

sunday pulp

2011-09-25T15:29:00.002+01:00

'bring me sweet dreams tonight and help me be good tomorrow'

2011-09-21T13:36:00.005+01:00

Went in search of a bookcase with a friend last weekend and ended up in a mammoth warehouse full of interesting things. I couldn't resist the chance to show off my new thrifted Cacharel bag and vintage slingbacks in an outfit post.

bag, top & shoes:thrifted skirt:DIY
bracelet & silver ring:Bijou Brigitte stag ring:H&M

sunday pulp

2011-09-18T02:13:00.009+01:00

I've been a little unhappy with the blog format lately. I just felt it could stand to be more image-friendly so I've expanded it to make the Sunday Pulp features a bit more of an experience. I've shaved the header down so it's not quite as obnoxious. (I'm considering a header with no images -just text- any thoughts?)

Hope you're all having a grotesquely kitsch weekend.
If you fancy livening it up with a giveaway - click here.

'we speak in the store, I'm a sensitive bore'

2011-09-13T19:20:00.003+01:00

dress:People Tree boots & bag:Punkyfish necklace & ring:thrifted earrings:Claire's Accessories glasses:joke shop head rag:oh, I've had that old thing for way too long to remember!

The boots with a map of France and the bag with a retro Hollywood story were both gifts from different people but they go so perfectly together!

sunday pulp

2011-09-11T21:32:00.008+01:00

Apologies for the break this week, both in posts and replies. I felt a little burned out. Hope everyone had a lovely weekend and can't wait to catch up with you all.
a little interview I did about fashion blogging

sunday pulp

2011-09-04T01:23:00.005+01:00

"Among men and women, those in love do not always announce themselves with declarations and vows. But they are the ones who weep when you're gone. Who miss you every single night, especially when the sky is so deep and beautiful,
and the ground so very cold."
- Alice Hoffman

'the light you shine can always change my grey skies into blue'

2011-09-02T11:16:00.003+01:00

dungaree skirt:7 For All Mankind top:Fatface shades:Mykita fishnets:Ann Summers shoes:Malloni bag:Izmaylovo Market, Moscow necklace:Accessorize

'if this place gets raided it's just me and my gin, don't try me nobody, oh, you will never win'

2011-09-01T05:09:00.004+01:00

dress & bag:vintage tank:Max Mara shoes:Rocketdog
glasses:Missoni ring:Claire's Accessories

daughter of the dragon

2011-08-31T03:19:00.002+01:00

Anna May Wong. A Chinese-American goddess of the silver screen. I know her life back-to-front and it is an intriguing read - I'd recommend getting to know her. But either way, she's definitely not hard on the eye..

'i break horses, i don't tend to them'

2011-08-30T01:34:00.004+01:00

jacket & bag:thrifted skirt:Pop Boutique faux fur stole:H&M
shoes:Topshop glasses:Missoni

I only buy Vogue once a year. The September issue is usually good. This year it was great (aside from the defensive quip in the editor's note directed at other, 'lesser' forms of fashion news via 'digital media' - we get it, you guys don't like bloggers). Stella Tennant dripping in neons and bossy prints, a revealing article on Galliano and a peek inside Jenna Lyons' beautiful Brooklyn home. All smiles.

This is my favourite skirt. Pop Boutique are great at upcycling vintage pieces, creating new garments from beautiful old ones. The faux fur stole is the very last thing I bought on the high street before The Big Ban a couple of years ago, but it's really stood the test of time. I do have a real vintage mink stole but it's too chic for that uber-trash look I'm clearly addicted to.

get your blog featured in an article

2011-08-29T00:01:00.000+01:00

I'm starting a project for Slow Fashioned online magazine that aims to get the bloggers' perspective on fashion issues. If you want your blog to be featured in my first article, simply leave your responses in the comments section.

The first article is focusing on fast fashion (think chains like H&M and Zara) so I'd love to know what your thoughts are on any of these questions:

Does fast fashion have a negative impact on your life? (Do you feel pressure to buy the new trends? Do you spend more than you have when you go shopping?)
Do you have more clothes than you need or wear?
Do you ever worry about where high street clothes are made?
If something is particularly cheap does it encourage you to buy it even if you're not sure about it?

I'm also interested in hearing from people who don't shop on the high street at all. What made you stop visiting the big chain stores? Where do you get your clothes?

You get the idea. Get involved!

sunday pulp

2011-08-28T09:00:00.002+01:00

'and with that, sons are born and guns are drawn'

'urn with dead flowers in a drained pool'

2011-08-26T20:24:00.007+01:00

dress:Echoo cardigan:H&M bag:vintage earrings:Claire's Accessories shoes:Faith umbrella:thrifted

'there's a world where I can go and tell my secrets to'

2011-08-25T21:01:00.002+01:00

flowers . magazines . dreams . lipstick . sighs . sleep . jewellery box . photograph . old sketch book . charms . rosaries . collage . nun dolls . cigarettes . wine . mirror . perfume . shades . memories . whisper . worries . secret . collections . obsessions . sunrise . canvas . mask . pillows . treasures . music . keepsake . candle . incense . journals . dress . postcards . light switch . knock . come in . my room

'I hope the exit is joyful and I hope never to return.'

2011-08-24T23:45:00.004+01:00

skirt:thrifted top:H&M bag/hair clip:gifts bangle:Bijou Brigitte
earrings:vintage shoes:Topshop

'my heart is an apple'

2011-08-24T07:58:00.005+01:00

dress:vintage boots:H&M necklace:gift bag:Desigual

'lightning strikes you when you're moving'

2011-08-23T20:12:00.005+01:00

Amaka
London-based ethical designer whose clothes pack a serious punch. Sourcing materials from all over the world, the focus on craftsmanship and abstract detail makes for
riveting visual results.
(Amaka is also the umbrella name for a group of independent ethical designers - you can check out their individual portfolios here.)

thrifting for happiness

2011-08-22T22:16:00.006+01:00

Vintage gloves with a thrifted clutch and dress. The rest are old high street finds that have stood the test of time.

dog of war

2011-08-22T04:08:00.003+01:00

Everyone has that one pair of pavement smashers that they can't bear to part with, even though the road has been more than long enough. Mine are my All Stars. They've seen me through eight different countries, five relationships and many a long walk home after the trains had stopped running.. They're scarred with stitches and bandaged with material - remains of a repair job by a friend. They still sport the old Vans skulls'n'stars laces I bought so long ago and they're adorned with the names of my favourite heroes and fictional characters. Bob Dylan once said that he was born a long way from where he belongs and that his life was his way of going home. So, at some point 'going home' seemed like the right thing to write on the tongues of these long-suffering bad boys.

On the band theme, here's a Pink Floyd tin I got at a souvenir shop in New York and the Zeppelin cut off I feel like I've had since I was born.

A fond and quintessentially English greeting to my new followers. I greatly appreciate you all for pressing that little button and putting my humble bloggywog on your feed. It means a lot. Leave me a comment and I'll always hit you back. (Although, admittedly, I am a little behind with that, but I'm full to the top with good intentions.)

sunday pulp

2011-08-21T12:45:00.001+01:00

There's a woman in my life who always says, 'Confidently expect what you desire to be the case.' She assures me it works. Maybe I'll try it today.

Links à la Mode

2011-08-20T21:27:00.003+01:00

The IFB Weekly Roundup: LINKS À LA MODE: AUG 18th

 Angela Osborn: Guide to DIY- 7 spendid tips

Beauty.Fashion.Inner Fierceness: It’s okay to take a break (Your blog will thank you)

Bella Busta: Knock out color combos for Fall (+ styling tips)

Beyond Fabric: Give it up for...Camel

Can ya heel me: The voice of fashion bloggers

Chic n Cheap Living: {Shopping} Guide: How to shop on Ebay

Fashables: The search for a great bag

Fashioned by love: Green inspirations

Fashion Moriarty: Peaceful Protest

Forever Amber: Often Imitated: Half assed hair tutorial: Gigantic messy bun head

Independent Fashion Bloggers: Do you need press credentials to cover NYFW?

J.Rose Style: Outfit Chronicles: Daytime Sparkle

January Sublime: Boohoo AW Press Day!

Kyoto Maiko: The proper care and feeding of a boat shoe

Leia’s Delights: Has Fashion Blogging Made you more body-conscious?

Simply Frabulous: Stockholm Fashion Week Day 2: Rützou

Tea for Two: Their brand, your blog and how to respect yourself

The Loudmouth Lifestyle: How to pack light... with heavy clothing!

The Simply Luxurious Life: Kate-Moss-Vogue US- September 2011

The Taxonomy Of My Wardrobe: What is Precious?

I'm as pleased as a pig in a mud bath to be included in this week's Links A La Mode line-up, alongside these other great posts. I certainly recommend having a little click through for some thought-provoking content.

first and forever

2011-08-20T16:45:00.002+01:00

I can't say no to the thoroughly romantic new Dr Martens campaign featuring Agyness Deyn. Not only do the photographs have all the cinematic quality of a great British love story, the short film, 'First Heartbreak' acts as an abstract lookbook of sorts, and features Deyn's musings on the subjects of love and loss.

I've long been involved in a love affair with The Boot, as I affectionately call it, and I can clearly remember purchasing and wearing my first pair at the age of thirteen. I still have them - green suede with wasp-stripe laces. But they've since been joined by a loud purple pair I thrifted on what could be considered one of my better charity hauls. The collaborations in recent years, particularly the team up with Louise Body, have lent a fresh look to their aesthetic and kept the brand on their pedestal as the boot of the youth.

Now, enough commentary - here's the shoe porn.

*sigh*

no more silly love songs

2011-08-19T10:31:00.003+01:00

jacket: thrifted skirt: Chilli Pepper
string shopping bag: M&S shoes: Faith pendant: thrifted

blogger bashers, why?

2011-08-18T18:48:00.009+01:00

When it comes to fashion blogs, it was always bound to happen. The phrase that springs to mind for me is 'easy target'. And most of us are. Outfit posts can seem conceited and once you've got someone pegged as vain it's easy to rip into their outfit choices as either ludicrously flamboyant or boring and plain. This is about 90% of the material for one of the most noted blogger bashers, 'Fashion Bloggers, Why?', who made 2010 into the unofficial Year of the Anti-blogger. She disappeared for a while but made a comeback this month, signalling that there's still some blogger bashing to be done. She criticizes the big guns - the likes of Sea of Shoes and Fashion Toast. She also hated on Garbage Dress and Halcoholic - both of which are blogs I particularly like. Sister Wolf also regularly satirizes and commentates on fashion blogs, albeit in a more constructive way. But there seems to be somewhat of an unwritten, widely observed rule against fashion bloggers criticizing each other and that's been adhered to for the most part. There are a few exceptions and one of the most notable was Di$count's comedic parody of Luxirare, for which Sister Wolf gave the blog her Samurai Award. Talking 'with your balls out' and telling it like it is gets respect amongst bloggers but blogger-on-blogger commentary is often met with shock and anger.

One could ask - why? Why is there a desire or perceived need to satirise other blogs? Why not live by the golden rule, 'If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all'?

But then, one could also ask what the point of having a blog is if you can't be free to post what you like? And why is a little arse kicking really so bad? A piss take never hurt anyone, right?

Well, I don't know. I've never encountered a hater. I must admit, I did have a feeling of excited curiosity when imagining what spiteful comments would be written about me if I was featured on Fashion Bloggers, Why? But by the same token, I do consider myself lucky to have been so far left alone by anyone who might think my blog is laughable, vain or pointless. (There is a difference between outright meaness -ie race or weight related bullshit- and astute criticism, but when it comes to a blog owned and run by an individual, an attack on that blog might feel deeply personal, whatever the context.)

Blog bashing upsets the bloggers and their fans almost 100% of the time. (Particularly demonstrated in the comments posted on Fashion Bloggers, Why? whenever she dares to rip into Rumi Neely or Jane Aldridge.) But, let's face it, the fact that there's commentary, positive and negative, is evidence of the legitimacy of fashion blogging as a medium, and isn't that what most of us want? (In other, more plain words, does having haters simply mean you've 'arrived'?) At the Independent Fashion Bloggers conference there's always a panel discussion about the divide between the bloggers and the traditional fashion literati. Bloggers discuss why that divide exists, how we can break it down and why there are low opinions or preconceived notions about bloggers. Personally, I love the fact that bloggers are shaking things up through being offered great seats at shows and being asked for interviews (and I touched on this in my post about brands). It's evidence that fashion is ceasing to be dictated from above, and that appeals to my sense of rebellion and lack of respect for authority. But it swings both ways. Anna Wintour (to choose an extreme example) gets touted as a fur hag ice queen. She's dealt with that treatment for years as a result of being the face behind a publication and popular fashion bloggers who court positive attention will be expected to deal with negativity too.

There is a lot to laugh about when it comes to fashion, dressing up, personal style shoots and whatnot. I do take the piss out of myself somewhat for giving a lot of time and dedication to a sub-culture based on displaying our wardrobes online and talking about style. As much as I feel fashion is legitimate, that it's artistic, that it's part of self-expression which is important to the human condition, by the same token I know it's not the most important thing and I'm cool with seeing it that way. (Frivolity for the win.) Still, our blogs are a slice of our personalities and when they're attacked it's probably tough as hell not to take it personally.

If you ended up on Fashion Bloggers, Why?, would you be upset? Would you retaliate or leave a comment? Would you laugh it off? Have you ever written something negative about another fashion blog? If you've had haters, how have you dealt with it?

(It might be worth noting that the woman behind Fashion Bloggers, Why? gets a lot of her ideas from other fashion bloggers who send her the blogs they want to see parodied. So, yeah, schadenfreude is at large amongst us, it's just that it seems we'd rather it was someone else dealing out the low blows..)

colours other than black

2011-08-18T04:49:00.003+01:00

dress: '60s vintage tights: H&M boots: Modcloth
bag: Fashion Conscience

turn tide

2011-08-16T19:23:00.004+01:00

Throwing shapes in my new dress from award-winning eco designer Nicole Bridger.
boots: Demonia earrings: Bridget Harvey rosary: thrifted

sunday pulp

2011-08-14T12:53:00.003+01:00

'oh bondage, up yours'

2011-08-13T21:16:00.006+01:00

Valentino

Kinky Angel

Kult Klothes

Elope Inc Cool

Mint Siren

Luv AJ

Monkey Dungeon

Nicolina Royal

Loree Rodkin

Rock and Republic

taken from soulfulbeauty.com

Trippen

Zana Bayne

Opening Ceremony

their brand, your blog and how to respect yourself

2011-08-12T12:47:00.007+01:00

blog 'success'
I'm going to get serious here for a moment. Most fashion bloggers do what they do with a hell of a lot of passion. I'm no exception to the rule. Since 2008 I've maintained this little slice of cyberspace and loved it intensely (while still accepting that it is, after all, just a blog, of course). I think I'm very fortunate to receive the comments and followers that I do, especially considering that my blog is a bit of a random collection of stuff that doesn't overtly cater to any particular kind of reader and doesn't fulfil the all hallowed 'niché' that is apparently necessary in order to make a blog 'successful'. I look at blogs with 3000 followers and I marvel at that. I do see it as an achievement. It's almost like that blog has become a magazine. People click on it to know something, to find out something, and if that something is the blogger's opinion, that's fucking fantastic. I don't ever feel as though a blog's large following is undeserved or difficult to understand. Some bloggers network harder than others. Some bloggers dedicate more time to replying to comments or engaging the community. Some bloggers are great with giveaways or appealing to what readers want. Some bloggers are fortunate enough to have courted some kind of publicity which led to a massive traffic increase. Some consistently produce amazing outfit photos and some can write like gods on acid. It's all good.

Of course quantity, size, popularity - these are only some of the scales on which to judge success. Some of my favourite blogs have under 50 followers. They are magical little places where the blogger has a zero compromise attitude and doesn't tend to be about the 'polish' or about putting forth a certain image. They offer up their life, their passions, their weird little notions, and that's what sends the shivers up my spine. If I was asked to sum up how best to judge the success of your blog, I'd say it's got a hundred times more to do with how you feel about it every time you log in to post than it has to do with brand attention or the number of followers. If you're not getting a kick out of it and it's not pushing you or inspiring you or helping you to reach the like-minded, it's not successful.

The problem with my kind of attitude is that it riles against a certain reality. A reality I've been faced with more and more as my blog matures.
Blogs are the new darlings of brands.
A union has been made and it's thriving. I think it's caused a lot of bloggers out there to feel that success is some tangible thing that's set in stone and meted out by brands. When they approach you - you've arrived.

keeping your head when all around you is ~~chaos~~ brands
Ever seen this badge on a blog before? If you click on it you'll see that it's a statement bloggers can choose to make, declaring that their blog is an advert-free space and that they work in accordance with the belief that taking money in exchange for ad space devalues blogging as a medium. This might seem a little extreme to a lot of you. I must admit, I always used to find the notion a little hasty. I mean, what's wrong with making money doing something you love? And, why should we view all brands as 'bad'? But I'm beginning to see the value in this little badge and the approach behind it.

Blogging is young. It's the little sister of journalism and it's done well in pissing off and threatening the traditional fashion literati by proving that you don't need to go to fashion school or work your way up through some hierarchical structure to have your voice heard. It's been revolutionary in that sense, but in order to keep that edge it has to remain impartial and keep some of its journalistic purity. But the most important reason to honour the badge, or at least appreciate its message, is to show brands that we are not going to be told that success equals brand attention or that our ambition for our blog should be for a brand to pluck it from obscurity and give it their corporate seal of approval.

Now that I've had my say, I'm going to make an example of bloggerswardrobe.com
They're approaching fashion bloggers with limited traffic and small-to-medium followings, supposedly giving them an 'opportunity' to audition for a shot at being selected to obtain free clothing from brands. It all looks fantastic at first glance, right? Well, I call bullshit. Look at the bloggers they've already selected for this brand collaboration. They're all very big fish with thousands of followers. Yet, bloggerswardrobe have told thousands of blogs with not even half of that following that if they make an audition video mentioning bloggerswardrobe and get as much traffic as they can to the site, they might be in with a chance of joining the big guns and getting free stuff.

Hundreds of blogs have uploaded videos dedicated to bloggerswardrobe, giving them lots of traffic and publicity. These bloggers are being unknowingly used as pawns. They are not going to be selected unless they have seriously high traffic, yet they're being encouraged to use their blog space to advertise this business. (bloggerswardrobe have not yet confirmed which supposedly amazing brands are taking part in this collaboration, but with the amount of bloggers giving bloggerswardrobe free publicity, it won't take much for them to convince brands that it has clout.) I was approached by bloggerswardrobe, worked out pretty quickly how the scheme was only benefiting them, and this bad publicity is the only publicity they're going to get from me.

I'm not trying to tell others what to do with their space. I'm simply making a point that I don't think can be made enough if you're really serious about your blog:

Don't be a bitch for business.
Don't be a puppy dog. Don't jump at the chance of a free dress without thinking first. Your blog has value to them, but unless you're at the very top of your game in terms of traffic and following, their business does not have value for you. So don't sell yourself short and don't let them continue believing that fashion bloggers are a bunch of dumb onions who don't understand how the system works.

sunday pulp

2011-08-07T19:41:00.003+01:00

Since the last couple of weeks have been filled more with metaphysical concerns rather than fashion blogging, things have been slow around here. I thought I'd make this week's Sunday Pulp into a reflection of that. There will be outfit posts next week :)

sunday pulp

2011-07-31T21:59:00.004+01:00

sunday loves

sunday pulp

2011-07-24T12:41:00.003+01:00

nostalgia

2011-07-21T21:43:00.003+01:00

faux fur ushanka: gift t-shirt: souvenir from Moscow gloves: gift

Portrait of the Artist: Henry Hargreaves

2011-07-18T21:14:00.003+01:00

Henry Hargreaves is one of that special breed who moved from the dizzy heights of a top model to the coveted title of fashion photographer, so when the chance to ask him some questions arose I wanted to find out about the transition itself as well as addressing the stunning work he's produced in his new role. Punctuated with raw attitude, creative prowess and the sharpened chic of high fashion, his photographs are often as artistically credible as they are commercially viable.

Would you say your interest in photography emerged as a result of your modelling career and were you able to learn a lot from the top photographers you worked with?

No, I had a been shooting while growing up and then I studied film  at university, so capturing images had always been a focus of mine. Yet  being on set as a model was a massive help. I would ask the assistant  all about lighting and the technical aspects, while I learnt from the  photographers how to direct people, how one should behave and treat  others you're working with and how not to.

How difficult was it to make the transition from model to photographer?

It helped in the sense that I knew a lot of people in the industry who could help me but at the same time I was pigeonholed as a model. Nearly every model seems to fancy themselves as a photographer and to go beyond the point of just talking about it and making it happen was a challenge. It has only been recently that I think most people see me now as primarily a photographer and not a model.

Did you enjoy modelling? We're always told it's not as glamorous as we think it is..
Yeah I loved it, but I also has a blessed run, working for the most  prestigious companies from the start, always had great relationships  with my agents and was able to use the opportunities that arose to my  benefit. What pre-empted the chance to go to the other side of the lens  was that you are always the subject of someone else's vision and I  wanted to be the decision maker.

What has been the high point of your photography career so far?
I had my first book of my pictures published in September, 3DD - a 3D celebration of breasts. It sold out within 2 months and was Amazon's #1 erotic book for several weeks. I mean who wouldn't consider shooting nearly 100 sets of boobs in the name of 'art' a career high?!

How would you describe your photography style?
Something that's fun, provocative and memorable. I don't overly polish this as I believe it loses it's freshness and when I finish something I don't dwell on it - I always think of my body of work as the next shoot I'm about to do.

Do you have a motto to live and work by?
Win or lose, hit the booze!

How do you like to unwind after a shoot?

There is a notorious strip club called Pumps next to my studio, it has become something of a ritual to take the clients there for a couple of happy hour drinks after we wrap...

How do you feel about New York and do you think it's been beneficial to live there, both personally and creatively?

I love it, while modelling I was lucky enough to spend a  considerable amount of time in many of the world's capitals and for me  this was the hands down the city I felt the best about. It continues to  be an inspiration - every day I'm exposed to new things. I think because  the subway runs 24hrs, the cabs are cheap and food affordable it  promotes a lifestyle of always being out and seeing things. All the  stereotypes aside about NY, I think the people in general are super  positive, helpful, enthusiastic about new thing and there is a great  upbeat vibe about things.

What do you have planned for the rest of the year?

My new book, 3DD Flume 2 will come out around September, then I have a ton of really editorial and personal projects about the drop and some great jobs in the pipeline. Keep an eye on my personal site for updates.

What's your advice for photographers keen to break into the fashion industry?
Just keep persevering - I think motivation to keep shooting and experimenting is as important as talent.

website
3DD

Sunday Pulp

2011-07-17T00:16:00.008+01:00

'The greatest gift of the garden is the restoration of
the five senses.'

- Hanna Rion

'In gardens, beauty is a by-product.
The main business is sex and death.'
- Sam Llewelyn

no fear

2011-07-11T20:19:00.006+01:00

t-shirt: No Fear army jacket & bag: thrifted shoes: Office bracelets & rings: Claire's Accessories charm necklace: Egyptian vintage cross pendant: Bristol boutique (memory fails me) shades: Corso Como Milan

sunday pulp

2011-07-10T00:09:00.002+01:00

'Dreams pass into the reality of action. From the action stems the dream again; and this interdependence produces
the highest form of living.'
- Anais Nin

flower of the night

2011-07-08T18:06:00.002+01:00

Pola Negri, the Polish femme fetale of the silent era. Adore her. Would like to be her.

for the hell of it

2011-07-08T05:53:00.000+01:00

The hard-hitting whimsy of Gareth Pugh's fashion dreamscape.
It's not hard to see why there's such a buzz around this guy. (You also wouldn't get any prizes for guessing that he interned with Rick Owens in Paris shortly after graduation, which may have contributed to the minimalist, monochrome aesthetic he nods to.) I, like most, first became interested after seeing his appearances on Fashion House (-I stopped watching it after he was eliminated - he was the only designer I gave a shit about-) and I think it's fair to say there was already an industry buzz around him. But now, with praise from Anna Wintour and clients like Lady Gaga - sky's the limit.

'old father time will never harm you if your charm still remains'

2011-07-07T01:11:00.006+01:00

'After you grow old, baby
you don't have to be a cold baby..

Take care of all those charms
and you'll always be in someone's arms'

dress: Russian vintage (Izmaylovo market) brogues: Modcloth

hand candy

2011-07-06T03:24:00.003+01:00

Just some of the ever expanding collection.

repose

2011-07-05T06:45:00.003+01:00

dress & shoes: Modcloth ring: Dorothy Perkins

be fickle, fortune

2011-07-04T00:22:00.008+01:00

I don't actually believe in fortune telling.
At least, not the way they sell it to you on the TV channels and at the psychic conventions. I've been reading the Tarot for a decade and I think of it as a romantic, creative game they played at the French court in the 1400s. It's lost a lot of its whimsy and is appreciated more for its fatalistic qualities than for the sense of imagination and curiosity it can unleash. I also think it can be a useful tool for emotional exploration and counselling. It's about the art of story telling and about enjoying the luxury of inner reflection. A reading should be about empowering the querent to make the right decision for them rather than making it on their behalf. Having your fortune told is an opportunity to look inward and nothing to get worked up about. If a reader tries to make you feel pressured or scared, they're not worth their salt. I recently started learning the runes.

If you have an interest in fortune telling you might enjoy
The Four Queens.

dress: Rage rings: H&M

sunday pulp

2011-07-03T12:36:00.002+01:00

see friday pulp on facebook

on being an angel

2011-07-01T21:05:00.000+01:00

Francesca Woodman's captivating photography.
Unsettling, haunting, provocative and beautiful.

timber

2011-06-30T12:05:00.003+01:00

Feast your peepers on these gorgeous earrings I received from jewellery designer Bridget Harvey. I've teamed them with a whimsical Pokémon top I've had for about ten years and a shitton of Urban Decay.

I interviewed Bridget to find out more about her handmade, ethically sourced creations. I'll let you know when it's available to read on Slow Fashioned.

three of swords

2011-06-29T08:01:00.005+01:00

jacket: Russian vintage (Izmaylovo Market) dress: thrifted boots: Demonia gloves: Ann Summers