My top 5 wardrobe essentials

These are the things that I think everyone should have in their wardrobe, there will be a time in your life when you'll need to wear them and rather than borrow off a friend, purchase them because you will wear them more than once. You might not agree with all my suggestions but I think its a good place to start, check to see how many of the 5  items you have in your wardrobe.

 

 

 

1. Shift Dress

I am a big fan of wearing dresses, they make you look very feminine and if worn correctly with really bring attention to your greatest assets. Shift dresses I think are perfect there not too clingy but not too baggy, they hang in all the right places, generally short (but you can get longer ones) and you can choose from three designs which consist of long sleeve, cap sleeve and thick straps. Round neck and high neck tend to be the most popular shapes for the top half, round neck is better if your big busted and high neck is better for the smaller busted.

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Leggings/Tights

Leggings are great for if your going on a night out and its a bit chilly (like it is now) but you don't have any nice jeans to wear. Make sure they fit well, not too loose or too tight (no one wants a camel toe). Tights an essential as they go well with skirts and dresses, generally they aren't as thick as leggings. They are available in every colour of the rainbow I'm sure, black I think is the better colour to go for but you really have to make that call your self.

 

 

 

 

3. Pencil Skirt

I love pencil skirts, I think they look great and there also really comfortable. Pencil skirts are sexy but without flashing to the whole world, its all about the length in this case. Wearing heels with this skirt really brings the look together, looks great on the bum too and you don't really have to wear tights with this either. I would say tuck the top into the skirt just because I think it looks better or wear a crop top (maybe the wrong time of year for that though).

 

 

3. Knitwear

I do love a jumper, this time of year they are so comfy and warm while still looking good. Popular styles of jumpers at the moment in the high street shops are baggy and bat wing ones, I like bat wing jumpers a little annoying to wear under a coat that's the only problem. When it comes to the design on the jumpers, I only really seem to have round necks and I wear plain or stripped ones. No reason as to why it just seemed to have worked out like that. Roll neck or Turtle necks are very comfortable, they usually come plain unless you buy an original.

 

4. Trench Coat
Everyone wants to look like a rogue inspector from an old detective film and what better way to do it than getting a Trench Coat. Mines the 'traditional' colour of beige but you can get them in Brown, Black, Blue and I'm sure Red is available too. By the coat coming with a belt, it really makes the whole look a lot better by nipping you in at the waist. Collar up actually looks really nice but you do look a bit like a Godfathers Mrs when your wear the coat like that (not that its a bad thing).

5. Loafers
I've been wearing Loafers ever since I was at school because they are so comfortable, a good pair do need a bit of breaking in but once they've been broken in they are great to wear. They come in gorgeous colours and shades, burgundy is my favourite coloured loafers which I'm yet to purchase but they are on my wish list. Dr Martens do what I call heavy duty loafers (think there just called loafers) but they have the thickest rubber soles. You can get Loafers with tassels, without tassels, with buckles or just plain (just as pretty as each other).


This was quite a short post today, trying to think of things to come up with. That was my Top 5 wardrobe essentials which I think works all year round but especially due in spring, autumn and winter. Don't forget to layer up this time of year, no one likes being cold but also don't go for the marshmallow look either.

Bass Loafers, 60s Christmas ad

Picked this mainly for the photo, as its great!

London Fog Trench Coat

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Get the right look - Makeup

1960s makeup, eyes become more dramatic, fake eye lashes were used more, bright coloured lip stick and pale foundation. Face painting was also very popular in the 60s with hippies and festival lovers, I have a few examples of the popular make up styles of the era.

Twiggy: The most popular make up style of the 60s, loads of eye liner and fake eye lashes. The part of this style that really makes this look pop is the painted on bottom eye lashes, makes the look stand out perfectly. You do really need a steady hand to do this look well, once you've practised a few times it does get easier and quicker to do.
The best colour to use for this look is black eye liner but you can use other colours but the look won't look as original. Colour eye shadow would be a better way to make the look stand out rather than colour eye liner, just match the colour to your outfit to bring your look together.

Audrey Hepburn: If your like me and have dark dramatic eye brows then this look might work better for you. Just slightly draw in your brows to make them more dominate in this look, use little or light foundation and powder, eye liner on the top lid, little mascara on the bottom lashes and a red lipstick to really make the look stand out.
I think Hepburn was beautiful with little makeup on but this look really makes her stand out, this is a great makeup style to use for a night out minimal but affective. (Double up eye liner)

Elizabeth Taylor: One of the most iconic looks for Ms Taylor in her whole career, dramatic doesn't even describe this look. The eyes are the main and only focus to this look, as you can see the face has little foundation on, a natural lipstick and a bronzer rather than blusher on the cheeks. This is most definitely an evening look, if you don't want people to be able to take their eyes off of you this is the best look by far to go for.
Now don't go over the top with this, eye brows have been drawn over to make darker, eye liner has been extended to meet the brow and over the whole top lid. Then filled in with blue eye shadow (use a colour that matches your outfit), liner has also been used on the bottom too a thick line to meet with the top at the corner of the eye. False lashes have been used for this look also, don't buy lashes that are too big as this style is already dramatic enough.

Priscilla Presley:  This image I am mainly focusing on the lips, out lined with a darker lip liner and a paler lipstick makes them really stand out. Her eye make up is really dark, looks like she has a thick eye liner on the top with black/dark eye shadow with very big false eye lashes. She has a nice thin liner on her bottom lashes, very dramatic eye brows and a lovely pink blush. (Drama eye liner)

 Jean Shrimpton: A great minimal make up look from Jean here, she has the same eye make up as the Twiggy example but with a pale eye shadow which makes her eyes look brighter. She has a nice light pink lipstick on with quite a lot of pink blush on but it really works well with this 60s style.

 Hippies Face Paint: Face painting in the 60s was very popular with hippies, the only time you would now really want to use face paint is to a party and if your going to do it you might as well do it properly. YouTube will have some great tutorials of how to do a 60s face painted look.

60s Advertisement: Yardley of London and Mary Quant.

These are some of the eye liner looks you can try out, my favourites are 'Drama', 'Egyptian' and 'Luxe'. Hope you liked this blog entry, leave your comments if you enjoyed the read.

Hairstyles of the 1960s

Being a fan of the Mod scene a lot girls have short hair, which I prefer on myself but there are other 1960s hairstyles you can have if you don't like having your hair short. When I had mid length hair I use to put my hair in a beehive and use rollers to make my hair curly so there are other ways to style your hair for that 60s look. Here are some examples of the type of styles you could look at doing.

Hairstyles

Mary Quant: Vidal Sassoon was the inventor of the short but stylish Mod hair cuts. The bob being one of the most popular hairstyles around at that time. Very neat, clean and smart, you need to get a short hairstyle like this trimmed regularly as you won't be able to see once its grown out.

Twiggy: This hairstyle is what I call the Pageboy look (I don't know if that's correct or not), one side is always longer than the other with a side parting. Short hairstyles look great and are easy to look after.

Brigitte Bardot: The beehive is one of the most iconic 1960s hairstyle, preferably you need long hair for this style to look right (longer than mid length) and be easier to style correctly. I've done it with mid length hair before it can be done but it takes patients and a lot of time to get right. If you want to try it on mid length hair, watch a YouTube tutorial some are really good!

Audrey Hepburn: The most simple of all hairstyles is wearing long hair or mid length hair down and to accessorise with a thick head band or a clip. Push back your fringe with the head band for the Hepburn look.

Catherine Deneuve: Catherine is wearing a wide bun (not one of them Essex buns), this is a neat properly formed bun with brushed hair. I have nothing against buns that are nice and don't look like they are about to fall off of your head.

Jackie Kennedy: The short bob that either flicks out or under. In this pictures its flicking out, you can get this look by either using straighteners or the 'set' way which would be using rollers. You might want to use medium rollers so the flick is larger rather than tight. You can also use rollers to flick your hair under, smaller might be better as they will sit under your chin better.

 

Jean Shrimpton: Accessories that were worn a lot in the 60s were headscarves mainly when girls had left their rollers in they were used to keep them in place but now days we wear them as headbands, which make them look a lot better. 

I'm going to leave you with this wig newspaper advert from the 60s, if you cant get the hairstyle your trying to achieve you could always buy a wig?!

Bright winter sunshine is in my eyes

You might think that doing a blog entry about sunglasses in the winter is a bit crazy but I've spent most of my day squinting while trying to drive. Winter sun is actually really bright and very dangerous to drive in as the floor is usually wet and the sun bounces right off it.

While your driving around this winter, why not look good at the same time?!  

I am one of them people who have a lot of pairs of sunglasses, not expensive ones, usually about £15 or under. The darker the better so when you take them on holiday they can handle the harsh summer sun but for winter in England you might want a brown lens pair.

 

 

 

I've collected some pictures from Google of original 60s sunglasses so you can decide on the type of style you prefer, this way you can buy new sunglasses from for example H&M instead of spending your time hunting around vintage shops and websites for that perfect pair.



 

Personally I prefer square sunglasses, big enough to cover the whole eye and brow. Sunglasses come in every colour you can possibly imagine, the colour I'm not really into is probably the colour most associated with the 60s which is white. Its each to their own though, I like black, red, brown and blue. I also steer clear of pink, orange, yellow and purple which are the colours for more 'Flower Power' 60s.

 

You have to keep in mind when buying accessories 'is this going to go with anything I own?'

 

Styles

 

Butterfly: Audrey Hepburn is wearing a gorgeous pair of sunglasses, a great size for her big eyes and not too round. As the picture is in black and white its hard to tell the colour but to me they look like tortious shell which is probably my favourite colour for sunglasses.   

 

 

Square: Brigitte Bardot is wearing a lovely pair of sunnies in this, very eye catching white and a dramatic shape. Get a pair of sunglasses like this if you want to be noticed, pink lipstick would go very well with these glasses too. 

 

Round Bug Eye: Twiggy is the 60s model I associate with sunglasses, these pair are unusual as they have see through frames and a light black lens (great for winter sun). With sunglasses that have light lenses, always make sure you do your eye makeup as you will look like your asleep. You want your eyes to 'pop' through the glasses and be noticeable. 

 

Oversized: I think this is Jackie Kennedy (not sure though), I think a lot of people like over sized sunglasses they are best for if your not looking your best or if your hung-over. I think they always look better when you have your hair down and it doesn't matter if your not wearing a lot of makeup as they cover most of your face. 

 

Over sized 'Lennons': Jean Shrimpton is wearing what I call over sized John Lennon glasses, they are perfectly round, the frames aren't too thick and there's a small nose gap too. White frames again in this one, very popular in the 60s but its up to you in how original you want to go or if you would like to stay more modern. 

 

Cat Eyes: Marilyn Monroe is wearing a smaller pair of glasses in this picture, which go to a point at the ends. These are great if you want some glasses that are more eye catching and noticeable compared to your 'normal' kind of styles. 

 

Ray Ban's: They have always been the must have designer glasses and they still are, if you have a patience to save for a pair then do so. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Mod isn't a high street style, its a Subculture style

I'm not going to focus on vintage and original clothing, this is going to be for the people who like Mod and 60s style who can't afford to always spend money at vintage shops as we all know most of them are well over priced! Though charity shops are always good to have a rummage around, you might end up finding something great.

The Mod look mainly focuses on looking smart; always clean, ironed clothes and polished shoes. I know a lot of people wear uniforms at work (I do) but a lot of people still like other people to know they are Mod even in a uniform, I don't care about that to be honest I wear what ever is comfortable at work. People wouldn't know to look at me that I like Mod style while I'm at work the only thing that gives it away is my badges on my lanyard. I don't want to put you off or encourage you to try the Mod style but if you were thinking about going down that route then this is the easiest way to do it and then you can branch out into the vintage obsession. Right lets get started then...

Outerwear
It doesn't have to be a Parka, there's no Mod law saying you've got to wear a parka. I prefer to wear Trench coats, other jackets and coats that are popular are; Harrington, Duffle or a suit jacket. The smarter the better really, I really like the way suit jackets fit but I can never find one with a nice enough pattern or colour. Pin Strips are popular (which I personally prefer) I also really like grey and blue jackets (blue and red goes well).

Bottoms
For us girls, skirts are worn more in this scene or tailored trousers. Pencil skirts being the best choice, they make woman look great! In a pencil skirt a guy cant take their eyes off you, makes waist, arse and legs look lovely and that's what you want from a skirt all three boxes to be ticked. Don't just stick to plain black, you've got dog tooth, strips, poka dots and branch out in colour too. It is winter so most shops sell similar colours but if you can find a red or a nice blue go for it, with pencil skirts try to stick to zipped or button ones steer clear of body con ones as Mod isn't high street style its a subculture style. I find tailored trousers hard to find as they never fit my waist if you wanted some really nice individual ones your best off getting someone to make you a pair at least then no one else is going to have them, same with the skirt to.

Shoes
A lot of Mods don't wear boots (but I do) so we will steer clear of them, don't want to blur the lines. Most popular shoes are Loafers and Brogues, you can get some lovely shoes in both styles in Office but I know a lot of people who use a Mod shoe website they have gorgeous shoes on there (I will link the website at the end). Make sure you keep your shoes nice they are going to cost a lot but they are so worth it!

Tops
I must say I'm a fan of T-shirts I have a lot of band related ones, mainly from gigs so I want to wear them as they cost me a lot of money £20/£30 for a T-shirt isn't cheap but I also like to look smart. Polo's and Button down shirts is the smarter tops to wear, they don't HAVE to be Fred Perry or Ben Sherman. You can buy polo's and shirts from cheaper places that fit well, I do recommend having at least one 'lable' top you can wear out to a restaurant or pub but its really not a must have.

Suits
Personally I don't think people should wear black suits as a Mod style because you look like your going to a funeral, a black suit jacket with different colour trousers is fine. Different colour suits are popular on the scene (blue and grey) pin strips look great, wearing jackets with different trousers look good too but use your sense of style make sure the colours still go don't go wearing grey and brown!

Accessories
Girls, I know Mods who wear white tights and knee high socks and look great but I don't think they look good on me so with this part your going to have to make that judgement your self. I mean if your 30 I'm going to say don't wear them, if your in the 16-20 bracket do it! Bags are my main thing, I love bags, going out bags I like little hand bags that clip shut (usually vintage) they look very cute. Work/college bags, if you have a lot of stuff bowling bags are the best as you can put a lot in them.
Guys, Chuff links, tie pins and broaches. If your going out and about for a night then you need to get suited and booted which for you includes a bit of jewellery. Minimal is the best thing don't go out looking like a rapper with gold chains hanging everywhere, a ring, watch, bracelet, chuff links and tie pins are enough to make the outfit pop. Chuff links and tie pins try to get them to match the same with rings and bracelets.    

I think that is it for all the help I can give you for the Mod style, I would advise that Mod is a complete package not just the clothes so if you truly want to go down that road then I can recommend a website that might help you get into it http://www.themodgeneration.com/forum (they have forum so you can put up questions and style issues and someone will try and help you out)
http://www.modculture.co.uk/ (this is the best website of general Mod related news, I use this one all the time)

Websites
http://www.modshoes.co.uk/
http://www.modwear.co.uk/

My friends showing you all how its done, both wearing great outfits

An example of the kind of T-shirts you can wear, If you don't fancy a shirt

This example is more for the bag, great shoulder bag

Me wearing a Button Down Shirt

Jack Frost nipping at your nose...

Winters here! The bitterly cold wind has started to blow its only a matter of time until the snow falls, traffic gets worse as everyone forgets how to drive in the snow, schools shut and Christmas shopping is in fall swing. Well that's enough of that depressing thought, I'm actually here to briefly talk about winter fashion. I always find it a challenging time of year, you can no longer go on a night out in just a dress or go shopping in jeans and a jumper. Its time to layer up, get cosy and sit back with a hot chocolate.

Accessories
Being someone who has short hair, hats are important to me this time of year. I hate having cold ears and neck so a lovely thick scarf is also great. Girls no guy likes holding hands with someone who has freezing cold hands so don't forget to buy your self some gloves, they are also great for driving in (its not about holding a cold steering wheel). Personally I like my hats, scarfs and gloves to all match but that's initially up to you.

Coats
I'm not going to say everyone in the world needs a Parka but a do like my Parka, it's not a 'real' one its just from New Look but if you want to be warm this winter then get one! There's one in Top Shop at the moment which looks so cosy but its well out of my price range. If your not into Parka's, then you want to get a Duffle coat (you might think you look like Paddington Bear but at least you won't be freezing your arse off). I desperately want a Wax Coat, I can only find them on eBay but I would like to try it on before I buy it in case its massive.

Skirts
If your crazy enough to wear a skirt then I suggest a pencil skirt, as they will cover you below the knee's. You will also want some very thick tights (I mean the type you use to wear for school when you was 10). I personally don't wear white tights I don't think they look good on me but if you do then you'll want a thick pair too. If your brave (which I'm not) you could always go for the skirt and pulled up socks look; black, blue and grey are the better choices for this time of year.

Knitwear
One of the reason why I don't mind this time of year is because I can crack out all my jumpers and cardigans, I love knitwear! I really like turtle neck jumpers, they are great to have in a range of colours to go under your coat and they keep your neck warm without a scarf. I have also have a few short arm knitted jumpers, they are always good for when your visiting family (Granparents) and their house is like an oven. At least that way you don't boil to death in a full jumper. Having different colours and designs on jumpers can really make an outfit look better more eye popping, which unfortunately winter outfits generally lose.

Footwear
My feet are constantly cold so I only really wear Boots, Trainers or Brogues this time of year. Office is my favourite place to shop for shoes on the high street, they have all the great makes under one roof; Dr Martens, Adidas, Hunters, Nike and Fred Perry. Thick socks need to be worn with boots, best place I find for socks is T K Maxx they do Totes for a great price there. Just a little hint; you only need to wear wellies when its snowing or there's a flood. There not a fashion statement because they are ugly and so uncomfortable!

Polo's
Great time of year to make any excuse to wear a polo, they are made out of thick material, they are really smart and polo's look great under jumpers. Always do the buttons up, if it chock's you then you need to get a bigger size so there's really no excuse as to why you can't do up the buttons. You can buy polo's anywhere now days not just from Fred Perry but girls if you do purchase one then I find men's designs are better in an XS (8), the girls ones are more fitted if you prefer that.

Bags
Bit of a weird one this but I do love a bag and I do use my bags for certain times of year, that might just be because I have so many of them. Satchel bags are great for autumn/winter time but if they aren't quite big enough then I suggest a Bowling bag, loads of room in one of them (best for college or work). The kind of colours your looking for are Black, Blue, Brown and White. Easy to match with an outfit or a pair of shoes.

Websites
Places you might want to check out are; Art Gallery Clothing, Fred Perry, Merc London, Atom Retro, Rokit and Pop Boutique.

Me wearing my Fred Perry polo

British Invasion - Movies

The other night I was sitting watching a movie and I thought to myself British films just don't get enough praise. There are some great British actors and Directors that make some brilliant films but always get under looked by massive American blockbusters.
So this is my list of my favourite Top 10 British Movies;

10) Sweet Sixteen
Haven't seen this film in a long time but its a great film that portrays the hard hitting lives of British teenagers, living on a grimy estate trying to make a living by selling drugs. Ken Loach directs this slightly grim and depressing British beaut.

9) Blow-up
This 60's film is one to watch, they say it was loosely based on the life of David Bailey (one of my favourite photographers). Story is based on this sex romping fashion photographer who unwittingly photographs a murder. If your into 60's London then you'll love this film.

8) This is England
Shane Meadows directs this amazing film. Set in 1980's England, around the time skinheads were popular and racism was popularly preached. This film as well as the TV shows 86 & 88 have a great sound track, which you'll want to purchase after watching it.

7) Full Monty
Set in Sheffield and the height of unemployment in England, this is a great light hearted film with some very recognisable faces. The dance sequences will have you creasing up and the soundtrack has been perfectly chosen.

6) Control
Brilliantly acted Sam Riley (Brighton Rock) portrays Joy Divisions frontman Ian Curtis, filmed in black and white it really brings out the sadness and lack of control he had on his life. All the important moments in Curtis' life and the bands have been touched on in this film, featuring all the great Joy Division songs we all know and love.

5) Quadrophenia
Brighton, Mods, Rockers, Scooters and fight scenes. What more could you want from a film, as well as a great and well thought about soundtrack. This is what I class as a 'Coming of age' film, based around teenagers and their problems with the boring day to day working life. High lights; 60's fashion, scooters, music and fights.

4) Trainspotting
You have to have a hard stomach to watch this film, there are some horrible moments but its enough to put anyone (with a brain) off of drugs for life. Im not a fan of Ewan Macgregor but he is great in this film, based around him, his friends and there massive drug problems this is an eye opener. You might only watch this film once but that's enough to really appreciate the greatness of British films.

3) Educating Rita
Most of you will be thinking, why do you not have a film with Michael Caine in it so here it is. Very well acted on both parts Julie Walters who is getting taught by her alcoholic teacher Michael Caine, a funny and light hearted film.  

2) Monty Python's - Life of Brian
This is my favourite of all the Monty Python films, such a funny and silly film. You'll be telling these jokes to people until you die, you wont ever forget them even if you just watch it once. You are going to need a job sense of humour to understand a lot of these jokes, if you don't then stay well clear (you won't get it!)

1) Saturday night, Sunday morning
Albert Finney plays a hard living factory worker who juggles a relationship with two woman one who's married to another man but pregnant with his child. Some great subjects are touched on a cheating wife and a baby out of wedlock, for a 1960s film I can imagine this was a big shock for the majority of this audience.

Albert Finney & Shirley Anne Field, Saturday night, Sunday morning

 

Have a very Mod Christmas

Been a while since I've done a proper blog, as Christmas is quickly approaching this focuses on Christmas party outfits.
Those of you who work will be going to a Christmas party this month or next, I don't know about you but I always struggle to find an outfit and end up leaving it to the last minuet. This time I am thinking forward in hope of finding something in time.
I have a few rules that I think people should follow when it comes to dining with colleagues;

1) Don't wear dresses/skirts that are too short OR too long!
Your manager doesn't need to see you flashing your crutch, that's not attractive or flattering. However If your trying to impress someone at work then don't wear something too long, your not a nun (if you are then you better cover them ankles!) I suggest a good length, just above the knee, so there's no worrying about accidently flashing your colleagues if you get too drunk.

2) Glitter tops or dresses or shorts or trousers, just no!
Just because its Christmas doesn't mean you have to look like a ball ball. Glittery dresses are my biggest niggle when going out clubbing on a normal night but the closer it gets to Christmas the more they come out of peoples wardrobes. If you like the way Mods dress or 60s style then glitter is not the way to go.

3) Heels, if you cant walk in them don't wear them!
Right girls this is the most typical thing we do when going out, wearing heels that are far too high and we cant walk in them. Its not nice walking around the streets of England with no shoes on, you could be so drunk you don't care but the next morning you will because your feet will feel like they are going to fall off. Small heels are the way to go if your a gal who struggles to walk; kitten heels, shoes with wider heels or just stick to flats. You can look just as good in loafers than you can in 6 inch heels and at least you'll be able to walk.

4) Its December wear a coat!
I've done this plenty of times myself and its not fun! November, December & January, they are all very cold months in this country but we still go out with no coats n because we either cant be bothered to hold them or pay for the cloak room. For the extra £2 to put your coat away, it'll save you having a cold for weeks and looking ridiculous, when your shivering waiting to get in some crapy club.

5) Match your outfit & accessorise if necessary!  
I must admit I don't really accessorise that much as I own a lot of silver jewellery but always seem to wear brown, which doesn't go well. Most Mods I see keep it simple with a bracelet, a ring or locket. You don't need to accessorise if your outfit is bright and eye catching on its own, otherwise there will be too much going on and too much to look at. If your wearing a plan outfit, just one or two colours, then accessorising can come in handy. Bags and shoes need to match in colour as closely as you can possibly get, browns and blues are usually the harder colours to match shades correctly.

The outfit I will be wearing for my Christmas party as I unfortunately cant afford to by a new one.  

 

 

This is about as high as you want to go with heels, to make sure there are no embarrassing trips.

Smart brogues with a little heel, your feet won't hurt  the next day with these on.