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Thursday 28 November 2013

Trend Mood Board - Androgynous (Trickle Down Theory)

 
 
Hiiii,
 
For college in marketing we had to create a mood board for a trend we liked for A/W '13-14 and I decided to do the androgynous trend, simply because it's a trend I think is really interesting and I'm always intrigued to see how designers reinvent tomboy tailoring. For A/W '13-14, Stella McCartney's models walked down the runway in business pin stripes, oversized coats, and her signature chic minimalist shirt, trouser and blazer combo. However, on the contrary fitted suits and bow ties were seen on the Moschino catwalk, accessorized with elaborate earrings and chunky gold embellished shoes. I love the juxtaposition achieved between masculine silhouettes with feminine attributes, and not many trends can make you feel empowered, strong and as fashion forward as the androgynous look.
 

Androgynous dressing started off as a feminist statement, women chose to wear more masculine clothes as a way of expressing equality with men. Trousers began to be worn by women from the early 20th century, (see 'Bloomers' as part of the Suffrage Movement in my Victorian Garment Design post) but this was mainly due to the fact that when men went off to war in WW1, women took on the role of men and proved they could do the same jobs. After both World Wars, trousers were still common casual wear for women when gardening, socialising and in other activities.
The first tuxedo jacket for women was designed by Yves Saint Laurent in 1966, an item of clothing that was usually worn by high society business men. From then on designers have continued to adapt men's clothes to suit the female body, and their designs have inspired high street fashions for women making this trend a 'trickle down theory'.

What trends have you been wearing/plan to wear this Autumn/Winter? Feel free to comment :-)

Emily x
 

Wishlist #1

November A/W Wishlist

 
 
Soooo, here are a few things I've had my eye on recently. As per ususal there is a lot of black, but you know I really love all black everythaaaang.
 
River Island Floral Collared Top
 
This top is so beaut, as you may know I love shirts/collared tops and this one ticks the dark floral trend nicely. I'm forever reblogging photos/paintings of roses on tumblr and this print is gorgeous. Sometimes I think that floral prints can be overly girly but this print is balanced by the black and boxy shape.
 
Topshop Katz Cut Out Shoes
 
Currently dying over these shoes, I seriously need these in my life! I think they're so chic, and will go with anything, adding sophisticatin to any outfit.
 
H&M Velvet Belt
 
I've been after a belt with a chunky gold clasp for ages after losing my beloved vintage one at a festival in Nottingham in the summer :-(  However I came across this one which is perfect, and I also like how it has a velvet texture which makes a nice change from leather.
 
H&M Chiffon Tassle Blouse
 
Even though this top is a bit more boho than my usual style, I think you could style this piece multiple ways, and also wear it undone as a kimono.
 
River Island Dogtooth Trousers
 
I love dogtooth but am yet to own anything in the print, and I really love these trousers. With them being monochrome you could pair virtually any colour top with them, and they could easily be dressed up or down.
 
 
So there are my picks for November and I think a few of them will probably be going on my Christmas list :-)
 
What fashion items have you been lusting after?
 
Em x
 
 

Tuesday 26 November 2013

She wore (Black) Velvet




Grey Tee - H&M  Velvet Skirt - DIY  Belt - H&M Bag - Primark (old) Cut out boots - eBay


Heyheyhey,

Just a quick post on the outfit I wore to my friend's birthday meal tonight-  & yes, I should probably wear more colour because all I ever seem to wear is black & grey nowadays, but hey ho. 
I decided to go pretty casual, and paired my grey speckled tee with my handmade velvet skirt & black skinny belt, along with my uhmaaazing new boots which I am in love with. I too fell in love with the Jeffrey Campbell Coltrane cut out boots, but as nice as they are I couldn't justify the price, & also having missed out on getting the dupe pair everyone went crazy over in New Look a while ago, I decided to look on trusty old eBay for another dupe pair. I think the similarity to the Coltranes is really amazing for the price I paid for them, & I know I'll get so much wear out of them because they go with everything!
Also thankyou to Eleanor who took these photos for me, check out her music blog http://musicismoonlight.blogspot.co.uk :-)


By the way I apologise for the lack of outfit posts recently, I have lots more planned to be posted soon!

As always thanks for reading,

Em x



Thursday 14 November 2013

Harrods Wishlist for Christmas

 
Hello!

Ok so now that the Coca Cola advert is on tv, we are officially on the countdown to Christmas, and I for one could not be more excited! I'm definitely starting to get into the festive spirit already, and every year I look forward to christmas shopping. While I have been thinking over present ideas for a while, one thing I always think about are the presents which are out of budget that I would love to give/receive.

If you're wanting to really spoil one of your family or friends this Christmas, Harrods is the place to go. Known for it's first class service, product quality, retail theatre, and the biggest international brand selection of any department store. Just shopping there is an experience in itself and coming out of the store with your purchase in the signature Harrods bag is why it is one of London's top attractions.


So if money was no object, here are a few present ideas I would choose from Harrods:

 
 For: Dad/Brother/Boyfriend/Husband/Stylish Grandad??

1. Paul Smith London Shirt

This shirt would be the perfect present for my Dad, he likes his brands so would definitely be impressed by this dark blue printed shirt by Paul Smith London. It's smart, on trend and could be worn all year round. The classic navy shade will never go out of fashion, and would look great teamed with black jeans/trousers and brown brogues. The tiny heart print is a nice touch and encourages the man in your life to show a slightly softer side, so I think a shirt like this would really make him smile on Christmas day :-)

Paul Smith London Collection

2. Gucci Guilty Pour Homme Gift Set

Just an example, but I'm pretty sure any man would be pleased to receive some nice designer aftershave in a gift set, a fail safe gift idea.
 

Yes I know what you're thinking, they are extremely boring socks. However a prime example of someone who asks for socks every christmas is my Grandad, we have got him cheap socks, jazzy socks, but these ones are really good quality, super soft and are by Ralph Lauren and won't break the bank, so who can complain?



For: Mum/Sister/Aunty/Grandma/Best friend?

Untitled #3


Here are my picks which I think you could mix and match for your mum/aunty/grandma/bestfriend etc.
 
 
I think this gift set is so good for the price, especially as it features YSL cult product Touche Éclat and a mascara for only £25! I think this would be a perfect present for my mum or aunty, as I think it's a product they would really enjoy using.
 
 
 A simple classic design by German brand MCM, a purse which would definitely be treasured. It is also available in black and taupe.
 
 
3. Clarins Face and Body Care Collection

A complete face and body care routine in a handy travel bag perfect for weekends away, I think any woman would appreciate this gift as Clarins is such as well known and respected brand.
 
4. Charlotte Olympia Cat Flats
 
I have to admit I would love to own these myself, but in this case I would get these for my sister if I could. The cat design is so adorable and I think she would really love these. These would also be perfect for my best friend as she adores cats and anything cat related, so I'm sure any cat lover would appreciate these hehe.
 

My Harrods Wishlist


I am seriously lusting after a Chanel lipstick and I think this classic red shade is timeless. I love a red lip, and I think it would be a lovely present to receive and well worth the money.

2. Alexander McQueen Skull Print Chiffon Scarf

I absolutely adore skulls, and again this Alexander McQueen scarf is a classic in my opinion. A popular accessory amongst many celebrities & fashionistas, I think that if you would like to own anything designer without spending a ridiculous amount of money, this scarf is a reasonable price to pay for something by the legend that is Alexander McQueen. This scarf also comes in a variety of colours so could easily be worked into any wardrobe, and because of my love of monochrome I know that I have to own this one day! :-)

3. Honey by Marc Jacobs

How cute is this bottle?? I love Marc Jacobs perfume bottles and I have been wanting to purchase 'Honey' for ages after testing it multiple times and falling in love with the scent. This fragrance is fresh and fruity with green pear, juicy mandarin, orange blossom, honeysuckle and peach, honey vanilla and smooth woods. Perfect to wear in the day and a lovely pick me up.

4. Acne Comet Black Scuba Nylon Jodphur Boot

I have always loved Acne as a brand, and have also been on the hunt for a pair of perfect winter boots and these ones definitely fit the bill. I love how they have the scuba nylon instead of elastic, giving the classic chelsea boot a modern twist. These boots would be a staple in my wardrobe and would look great with a multitude of outfits.


After reading a few reviews on this product and hearing good things about it, I'd really like to try it out, especially as my beloved Benefit They're Real mascara is running out :-(
 
 
 
So there you have it, my gift ideas and wishlist from Harrods. If you'd like to purchase any of the products mentioned click on the links above or browse the full selection at www.harrods.com 
 
Thanks for reading!
 
Emily x
 

Thursday 10 October 2013

Victorian Inspired Garment Design

 
Hello!

So for college we have been asked to design a garment inspired by the Victorian Era, as we have been studying the period in fashion history.




For my design I took inspiration from various pictures above I'd found on pinterest and decided to incorporate a Victorian ruffled blouse with a high neck collar and Amelia Bloomer 'Bloomers' (trousers for women which were introduced in the dress reform in the late 1800s due to the Suffragettes) and modernise both garments by creating a jumpsuit. I shortened the sleeves and added a draped shape which ties in with detailing on the sides of the trousers at the hips that relates to the draping of layers of fabric on most Victorian dresses (as seen above). This was because the desired sillouette during the period was an hourglass, a tiny waist and large hips created by the corset, aswell as a large behind created using a bustle (masses of fabric wound around a frame) , and a full skirt created using a crinoline (a circular cage). I have replicated the silhouette and emphasised the hips with this detailing in my design.

As the top of the jumpsuit is quite detailed I decided to go for a simple tapered leg trouser instead of the wide leg 'bloomer' shape, I think this works well with the top and can still be linked back to the dress reform look. To finish off I added a brooch (which could be a classic cameo design or inspired by the one ) to the blouse and replicated this with the shoes, so it tied the whole look together. I feel my design is quite versatile as depending on the colour of the jumpsuit, it can be worn in S/S aswell as A/W. For example white/cream for S/S which would look clean & fresh teamed with simple jewellery or black for A/W teamed with a dark red lip for an overall gothic look.

Hope you like the design! Thanks for reading :-)

Em x




Monday 23 September 2013

25 Random Facts About Me

Hiiiii,
 
So I can't believe I've had this blog since January - this year is really flying by! Throughout this time I have really enjoyed making posts and although there are a quite a lot of photos of me on here by now expressing my personal style & ramblings etc, I thought it might be nice to do this post on 25 random facts about me (just because 50 would make an incredibly long post haha), for anyone who reads my blog to get to know me a bit better, so here goes...
 
1. My full name is Emily Hannah Richmond, and I really dislike my middle name idk why haha
 
2. I'm 16 and my birthday's on 31st January - I share my birthday with Justin Timberlake :-)
 
3. I decided to call my blog, 'the typical aquarius' because that is my star sign & Aquarian traits describe me down to a T :-) 
 
4. My favourite bands/artists are: Jake Bugg, the 1975, Arctic Monkeys, Two Door Cinema Club, Kodaline, Bastille, Nina Nesbitt, Eliza Doolittle and Lana Del Rey, but I do like quite a lot of different music
 
5. A self portrait I did for art in y10 got projected onto Buckingham Palace as part of a big arts project
 
6. I am a pollo-pescatarian, so meat wise I only eat chicken & fish - basically I'm just a fussy eater but I would become a vegetarian if I didn't like chicken so much ;-)
 
7. My favourite season is autumn because I think it's so pretty when the leaves change colour & I get to wear my favourite clothes - cosy jumpers, scarves & chunky boots
 
8. I love rainy days - unlike most I don't really mind the British weather haha
 
9. I have mentioned this before but I have an obsession with the 1920s era, I literally love everything about it. I also love the 30's through to the 60's :-)
 
10. I really really want to live in London when I'm older, but I'd also love to live abroad at some point, in Berlin or Paris.
 
11. My mum is like the queen of accents, unfortunately I don't have the same talent apart from being able to do a bit of an Australian accent- maybe it's cos I have family who are from Oz, who knows haha
 
12. Animals with no legs really freak me out such as snakes, eels, worms etc bleurghh
 
13. I love old black and white films, one of my favourites is Some Like it Hot with Marilyn Monroe
 
14. I definitely over think things & worry too much even though I know I shouldn't
 
15. I actually love singing, and my sister is the only person that's ever heard me properly, although I did have to sing a line in a legally blonde number I did at one of my dance shows once and it was one of the most nerve-wracking things I've done!
 
16. My weakness is biscuits, especially chocolate hobnobs -  they're too good
 
17. I'm very independent and don't mind being on my own at all - I think it's healthy to be able to enjoy your own company :-)
 
18. I am such a Disney fan, I love all the classic Disney films but my favourites have to by The Little Mermaid, Mulan and The Sword and the Stone - when I was little I loved The Little Mermaid so much I decided I wanted to be a mermaid, because obviously that's a legit career.. ;-)
 
19. I don't really like tea or coffee so I only have hot chocolate, but I do want to try fruit teas cos I find normal tea really bland
 
20. Me and my sister are really close, she is basically another version of me we are so similar :-)
 
21. I really like learning languages & I want to be fluent in at least one other language whether it be German or Russian which I did for GCSE or French/Italian which I know a little bit
 
22. Although I had braces for 2 and a half years and they are straight, I don't like smiling with my teeth, idk I just can't
 
23. I'm quite a jumpy person, I literally jump at everything- even when the toaster pops up at times, and I also can't watch horror films basically because I'm a bit of a scaredy cat
 
24. I have a stupid humour and I really am quite weird when people get to know me
 
25. Although I love dogs & had the loveliest chocolate labrador growing up, I really want a black fluffy cat which I would call кошка (Koshka).
 

 
If you've managed to get to the end of this post without falling asleep then seriously well done haha. Anyway I hope you've learnt a little bit more about me, and thanks for reading!
Em x
 
 
 


Sunday 15 September 2013

House of Holland SS14 - My Thoughts

As we are well into London Fashion Week, one designer's collection I always look forward to seeing is House of Holland, and in my opinion it's Henry's best yet.
I absolutely adore his collection this season - a mix of youthful streetstyle inspired pieces (see chain necklaces & caps) aswell as ladylike 50's silhouettes. I love how Henry Holland reinvents classic patterns in a bold & colourful way, such as polka dot, stipes and houndstooth seen in previous collections, and nevertheless he's done it again but this time with gingham/checks in a patchwork style print.
I also particularly love how he took inspiration from tattoos whilst on a research trip in South America and so some of the pieces are adorned with tattoo style motifs or subtly worked into a print. Along with metallic hues and renaissance painting inspired tops, these are key trends I'll definitely be wanting to work into my wardrobe come SS14. 
And of course the collection wouldn't be complete without his signature House of Holland slogan tee in the midst :-)
All in all I think it's a really stunning, flawless collection, one of my favourite to date.
I so hope I'll be able to witness a House of Holland show at LFW one day, but for now I can only dream..
I found it really hard to narrow down which of the looks from the show to include because every one is beautiful, but here are some of my favourites :-)
  
























 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 












What did you think of this collection? Which other designer collections have you liked from NYFW and LFW so far? Feel free to comment :-)

Em x

 

Wednesday 11 September 2013

Why I Love Fashion

Hiiiiii,
So summer is most definitely over & I have finally started my course in fashion & clothing at college woooo
As part of the course we've been asked to create a blog if you haven't already, (can't believe I've had this blog 8 months already!) & to explain why you love fashion in a post..
I love fashion for a number of reasons, primarily because I love how clothes can make you feel. I love how you can express your personality & literally wear your mood through your clothes. Also how certain clothes/shoes/accessories can make you feel completely different, more confident even.
I love how fashion is always upcoming & exciting, how some trends come & go yet there are the classics that will never go out of style such as the little black dress :-)
As I constantly read fashion magazines, I get most of my inspiration for styling from them, my favourite being Company magazine, aswell as blogger streetstyle and my absolute style icon Alexa Chung. I adore her preppy school girl meets grunge style and she never puts a fashion foot wrong in my eyes, so I like to take ideas from her outfits and incorporate into my own style.

Hope you liked this post, thanks for reading! :-)

Em x
How perf is she though???

Last Summer OOTD









 Dress - Primark
Cardigan - H&M
Belt- H&M
Shoes - Forever 21
Bag - Accessorize
Hat - H&M


Okaaay, so this should have been posted a few weeks ago as summer is over & we are now into A/W but hey ho :-)
This was one of my favourite late summer outfits, really casual and comfortable but the dress is so flattering & cute & a complete steal for only £5! Good old primark, even if everyone and their mother probably has one of the £5 dresses haha. As I've mentioned before I absolutely love my bowler hat, so much so I have to stop myself wearing it all the time otherwise it would never leave my head! I do think it really completes this outfit, along with black accessories & shoes which tie the whole ensemble together.
 
 
Hope you like the look,
 
Em x


Saturday 24 August 2013

Last Day in Padstow

  











 Jumpsuit - H&M
Biker Jacket - Topshop
Heels - New Look
Cross & Aquarius Symbol necklaces - Miss Selfridge


 
Heyyyyy,
 
 So these are from our final day when we went to Padstow, which is a lovely little seaside town up the coast from St Ives. It was a nice chilled day spent wandering around the cute shops and doing a bit of crabbing, which I won hehe :-)
 
The outfit I wore the previous night consisted of my gorgeous new jumpsuit, which is a tad too long hence the heels. I love the 70's feel of the palazzo trousers, and although it's not my usual style I really love everything about it- the lovely silky material, the print & how nice it is to wear.  I apologise for the bad quality of my outfit photos, the lighting wasn't great and it was windy but I thought I'd include them anyway.
 
Hope you like the look,
 
Em x