Fashion wish list part 7

Yesterday I was in town highly tempted by the continuing Zara sale. So here is my Zara wishlist...

Cool wool blazer
Zara always makes me want to be a business woman so I can wear effortlessly sleek outfits of blazers, skirts, and shirts everyday to work.

Printed skirt with elasticated waist band
I love this paisley-esque skirt. I bought a scarf the other day with the intention of  turning it into a skirt like this so I'll let you know how it goes! 

Zippered gauze blouse
I think this blouse is great. You can't really make out the zip but I think it's a nice design feature. I'm trying to design a blouse for myself at the moment from some nice fabric I've got, so maybe this will be the inspiration.
Also available in white and black.

Long cardigan and dress combo
Love this combination, I saw dresses like this down to £10 in Zara this weekend. Don't know why or how I resisted!

Blouse with frilled flap
Great blouse. Looks very much like something the previously featured Nikki (Emilia Fox) from silent witness would wear.

Sailor's collar sweater
Beautifully laid back and summery jumper.

Frilly shirt
Another lovely pastel ruffley top.

Feather pattern

Yesterday I created a recurring feather pattern which I rather like. Here it is.

Art work day 3

Fridays are traditionally the day when I post something I've done that week, and today its doodle Friday.

I did this very rough sketch whilst in the library. It's a beautiful building even though my picture doesn't do it justice! One week maybe I'll do a colour version so you can see how beautiful it is when the sunlight catches the golden dome, against a backdrop of dark skies.

Fashion Photography 5

For today's modern fashion photography I'll look at Celine's Spring/Summer 2011 advertising campaign. These photos are quite different to ones I've looked at before, and not necessarily my style of fashion photography. However the pared down photos are dramatic and well worth looking at. 

Celine S/S 11 
The first image shows how nakedness is used to cell clothes. The model is only wearing a pair of trousers and these are largely cut out of the frame. How is this selling clothes? Used here more like fashion illustration, the photo doesn't clearly display the item for sale but rather embodies the feel of the collection. The bright orange skateboard and pink background achieve this just as much as the sash on the trousers.

What I like- I like how a lot is said through a little. You get such a feel for the clothes and the brand , the ethos and lifestyle, without fussy backgrounds or interesting effects. The image is bold, easy to read, and attention grabbing.

What I would change- I don't like the models seemingly startled eyes, or how emotionless and bleached her face appears. If I was going for an abstract and non-distracting expression  I would rather her eyes weren't engaging the camera lens.

Celine S/S 11
This image shows more of the collection, making its Asian influences clear. The white background and modernity of the setting again speak of a pared down life style, simple yet bold with pieces that make a statement.

What I like- All the diagonals, and how the model moves across the frame continuing these lines. I also like how the flash of orange from her jacket ties in with her hair.

What I would change- For me the bag doesn't work where it is,  but I think that is just because for me its rigid structure is uncomfortable with the fluidity of the rest of the outfit.

Today's classic photo will be Hiro's Sloat advertisement featured in Harper's Bazaar in May 1965. 

Appearances, fashion photography since 1945, by Martin Harrison

This image and pared down in  a different way. The background is very dramatic and yet still not distracting as it's monotone.

What I like- The way the image is so monotone. Literally black white and grey. I love the apparently randomly placed flip flop which creates a splash of white in the left corner of the image. I like the way the black criss-cross of the dresses back links the background with the model, and how the simple plaid of the headscarf is the only pattern in the image.

What I would change- I might see what the effect was with the model sitting straight on with her back to us, and make the side fastening of the skirt less distracting /obtrusive. 

Design wish list part 6

Here's today's collection of random but lovely items.

Silver coin bowl
I don't know if everyone's parents have a stash of coins somewhere, but my dad definitely does so this just makes me smile.

Solar shower
If I ever get round to going travelling, hopefully next summer, I definitely want to take one of these with me. Does that make me a wimp- probably - but I still think its a great idea!

Paper pot maker
I think this paper pot maker is a great idea- looks like fun to me.

London city- Weekend bag
I love the London pattern on this weekend bag, its modern attractions and clear bright colours. Perfect for when I'm a famous  fashion designer, for all my business trips to Europe I feel...

Having fun overnight bag
Also love the fun design of this bag, especially the patterned ink drawings.

Watering can bottle adaptor
Genius idea. Would love to see the student's vodka bottles recycled in this way! I would like some to have roses too though.

The Black Swan

Tonight I went to see The Black Swan- it having been highly recommended to me by my friends.  The acting is amazing, the story thrilling and mind twisting, but the beautiful costumes were also something that caught my eye. As you'd expect from a ballet film the tutus were amazing, but as was the dress Nina (Natalie Portman) wore to the hand over party. Although I can't find a picture of it I will assure you it was beautiful- swan white with ornately decorated straps, an open back, which fully took advantage of Natalie's ridiculously slight frame. Below are some images of the beautiful costumes.

White swan dress in the mirror
Feathers were used artfully to give the dress the required swanlike appearance.

The elegant Black Swan tutu

Black swan dress
This image begins to give an insight into the beautiful detailing ion the bodice.

Back of the white swan tutu
I loved the way the feathers gave way to the plunging back

Princess dress
The innocence captured in this virgin princess dress

Fashion wish list part 6- Simply Beautiful

I love the simple beauty of these two garments.

Soft blush, romantic dress
This dress can fit any size, being constructed completely of box pleats with a simple thin fabric sash to draw it in at the waist. The neckline is then heavily decorated with fabric blossoms- adding interest to what would otherwise be too dull a dress. I love the flow and drape of the gown as well as the spring-like pastel colour.

Beatrice cotton jersey top
Again, I love the simplicity of this top, and how the design is all about the detail. I am constantly being told on my course that it is the designs with attention to detail that will get the higher marks, and with this top I can understand why. I think the double breasted placard compliments the natural mustard colour, and really like the way the straps on the turn up sleeves mirror the placards shape.

Plane trails

The sun has been shining today in Leeds and I loved the the lit up plane trails against the blue sky.

Fashion Photography 4

The two fashion photos I've chosen today focus on the way brands, and fashion photography in general, try to sell you a lifestyle not just a garment.

Firstly we have a Richard Avedon image from summer 1956 Paris. Suzy Parker and Gardner McKay model in Le Sherherazade- the perfect couple.Their glamour is intoxicating and what's more, they know you are looking at them, their backward looks, directly into the eye of the camera. You want to follow them, to join in with their lifestyle and the exciting evening they promise to have.

Image from the book Avedon Photography 1947-1977 by Farrar, Straus &Groux

What I like- I love the viewer involvement the image creates, how successfully it draws you. I definitely long for a glamorous dress like that featured. Another beautiful thing about the image is its tonality and lighting. The highlights on the decoration bring it to life, and whilst in colour it might be garish in black and white it is a thing of beauty. 

What I would change- the only thing I can think to change would be the positioning of the girls legs, as for me they don't show of the true beauty of the dress, I'm encouraged to buy a beautiful dress but not necessarily that one. 

This image sells a very different lifestyle. The modern day couple in  Ugg's winter advertising campaign personifies the comfort, warmth, and outdoor-sy lifestyle the clothing represents.The cute couple are utterly laid back, care free, and natural. Endearing qualities that draw potential customers to the brand and items featured.

What I like- I like the way the warm tone to the garments, makes you feel the warmth and comfort of the clothes against the bleak winter backdrop.

What I would change- I might experiment adding more colour on the man's side of the image somehow, and just try out other even more natural and laid back posses, possibly with both the models walking. I would also like to see poses where the woman appeared stronger, slightly less dependant on the man.

Design wish list part 5

Here are some more lovely and eclectic design items with a garden theme...

Bungee birdfeeder
OK. whether the realities of birds pecking at a body strung up by its legs is appealing,  a bungee jumper bird feeder is undoubtedly a fun idea!

Open garden window mirror
I live the idea of window mirrors in gardens and although I'm not struck on the colour (i reckon i could paint over it) I love the open design which adds to the magic of the reflection.

Grey Rose necklace
Not for the garden, but none the less a beautiful floral necklace. Described as "Simple. lovely. Romantic." and I agree. 

Sylvester bird box
This bird box is a lot of fun! Enough said.

Outdoor Paddington Clock
A quaint addition to any garden.

Portobello Market

Just remembered a lovely trip I took to Portobello market a couple of months ago and thought I'd show how lovely a place it is. Maybe this will inspire you to take a trip?

Portobello Road is famous for its beautiful multicoloured houses...

...it's amazing antique stores...

...and for its controversy when big chain store All saints took over 150 retailers arcade space to  open yet another London store.

In-keeping with all All saints window displays this store hosts many antique sewing machines and being such a large one the range is impressive. Here are a few of my favourites.

Besides the shops and flea market stalls and quaint cafes and restaurants. I love this roof top one and want to go back and visit it the summer.

The pastel house fronts give a historic feel, a coloured oasis in bustling, grey, London.

I would love to live here!

Fashion wish list part 5

Here's my wish list from the golden globe dresses. Enjoy.

Mandy Moore
Tulle appears in many of these dresses I have chosen, here I like the way it creates a sculptural, almost architectural, skirt.

Milla Jovovich
I love this dress, the soft champagne colour, the sweetheart neckline combines with a dropped shoulder, and  the way the fabric somehow  flows around the body almost like liquid.

Paris Hilton
I'm not a Paris Hilton fan but I do like this dress and the the the pink tulle appears to swathe across the body.

Scarlett Johansson in Eli SaabAs an avid Eli Saab fan it is not really a surprise I love this dress. I think lightly decorated butterfly sleeves pair beautifully with the sweeping skirt.

Here's my wish list from the golden globe dresses. Enjoy.