Blog 5 - To wear fur or not to wear fur...

Wearing fur is always a controversial image.

When walking around Islington yesterday I came across a variety of vintage shops and stalls that all sell fur coats and trims. I couldn’t help but think that if worn properly it can be quite classy.

With animals such as mink, badger and beaver appearing on jackets for Gucci, Burberry and D&G this season for menswear, I have started to consider some subtle rules for wearing fur.

Firstly, in my opinion, men should never wear fur, I feel it looks ridiculous and makes men look similar to pimps and sugar daddies. However, some of the men manage to pull it off in Vogue Homme International, possibly because they are half naked…

I will never forget, when I was younger, I saw a women walk past me wearing a fox fur trim. A trim with the head, feet and tail still attached, I was truly shocked that anyone would ever wear such a monstrosity. But whilst walking in Islington, I came across some mink fur trims that I wouldn’t complain about wearing. I still feel that trims should be tasteful, wearing one still with the head attached is just plain wrong.

I think that high quality fake fur is the way to go. Understandably, many people won’t buy it because it can look tacky, but it is less offensive and often less expensive. I am still very dubious about wearing fur. Maybe one day I will invest in a coat that can be handed down through generation. Fur is rather timeless, darling!

Blog 4 - Second-Hand Shopping

After my adventure yesterday to Brick Lane in London, I have decided to write about the four main rules for shopping in vintage and charity shops.

I’ve always been a bit of sucker for a bargain. Before I came to university in London I constantly shopped in charity shops. This was partly due to my lack of money but also because of hidden treasures that you can find for a small price. Handbags and scarves were my downfall.

I was so excited about moving to London so I could appreciate the vintage shops that I have only read about in magazines.

Rule One: Always Haggle

The price on the clothes is just a guideline, tell them what you would pay for it and what you think it’s worth. The shop owner is bound to give you a couple of quid off just to get rid of you.

Rule Two: Be Realistic

Don’t buy something just because it’s 50p, you’re wardrobe will end up cluttered full of rubbish and you’ll regret it later. Trust me.

Rule Three: Check for stains and holes

After buying the most gorgeous dress on the planet and realising it had a massive orange stain in the middle, I thoroughly advise to check anomalies that might break your heart. Small holes can always be fixed but it’s a good idea to mention it to the shop owner as they might be able to discount the price.

Rule Four: Make friends with shop owners

Have a chat with shop owners and other shopper to get hint and tips about other shops and markets that you might not know about. Shop owners sometimes will tell you when they are getting new stock in so it’s worth asking.

With these four rules, hopefully, shopping in vintage and charity shops can be relatively hassle free and there will be treasure a-plenty.

Blog 3 – What not to wear at work

“You” magazine, free with the Daily Mail on Sunday, has been my weekend reading ever since I was about 12. When I came home for the weekend, I decided to catch up on my reading, looking for some inspiration for my blog.

Conveniently, I came across an article by Mimi Spencer about dressing for the office. After previously being told in one of our introduction lectures that we should be “dressing to impress”, I found this article really interesting.

I’ve always wanted the excuse to dress up in a power-suit for work, but considering offices are now given an option of a casual dress-code, I can sense this being a thing of the past. With women’s suits dating back to the time of Coco Chanel and new shapes being introduced every season; why go to work in jeans and a pair of pumps; when you can arrive with executive style in a designer power suit?

Mimi Spencer informs us of the new suits with fuller skirts for autumn/ winter and the newly popular wide leg trousers. "Dressing to impress" has never been easier.

Blog 2 - Don't wear Black with Brown

Whilst browsing through the internet, I find a style guide: http://www.focusonstyle.com/fashionrules.htm and realise that such tips often neglect the current trends and designers currently on the runway.

• “Don’t wear tights with open-toed shoes.”

Peep-toed shoes being a key look for the current season, not wearing such a shoe would be a fashion faux-pas in itself. There’s a particularly great range of leopard print peep toes coming from Dolce and Gabbana as well as a gorgeous pair of Chloé Horseshoe Platform shoes, which focusonstyle.com obviously neglected.

• “Don’t Mix Patterns and Print.”

Haven’t you ever heard of Pucci?

• “Handbags, Shoes and Belt should always match.”

I have decided, as long as I have the Marc Jacobs Plum Stam bag, I would give up all my shoes and all my belts. Actually, I’d give up everything.

So, in my opinion: wear black with brown, tights with peep toes and a green bag with purple shoes. Just make sure you do it with confidence.

In the words of Yves Saint Laurent, “Over the years I have learnt what is important in a dress is the woman who is wearing it.”

Blog 1 - Fashion Etiquette

I was wondering for days what the subject of my blog could be, nervous that everyone had their ideas already. Then it struck me. Literally.

I was walking through Primark on Oxford Street, searching for bargains when a small woman barged passed me with no concern whatsoever that her obscurely large foot stamped all over mine. I go flying, and shout, “I know we’re in Primark but there’s no need to be rude!” So, then I realise, for my blog, I’ll write the rules and etiquette of fashion and shopping, so maybe, if I return to Primark, I won’t come home with a limp.

Rule number one: manners. No matter what shop, be it Prada or Primark, Debenhams or Dolce and Gabbana, pushing and rudeness should be left for the mosh pit instead of the shop floor. In high street shops it becomes more acceptable to ignore the existence of other customers and shop for oneself even if it means snatching clothes out of others hands.

I say, forget rummaging through clothes found on the floor, tripping people up in the process. Try saying please and thank you instead of, “Oi! That’s mine!”