Saturday 14 June 2008

Joker of the (Fashion) Pack

I love Miu Miu. If I somehow had some money rather than being a perpetually poor student I would have a wardrobe filled with fabulous Miu Miu pieces. At the moment, in this parallel rich-Ciara world, I would be um-ing and err-ing about whether to invest in the new harlequin trend.

When I think of harlequin print clothes the whole idea just screams tacky and cheap, but some of Miu Miu's latest creations really contest that idea. Note, only some, not all.

When Leighton Meester was in Nylon recently they dressed her in a lovely harlequin dress, with the idea that this style would bring out her doll-like features (dolly-style outfits are a personal preference of mine) which totally worked. She looked adorable. And it was this outfit that originally made me think about revising my opinion on "tacky" harlequin clothing.

I think the reason this particular dress works is that the print isnt too ostentatious. Some of the other pieces that Miu Miu has created still scream "cheap!" at me. For instance the Lady Harlequin bubble tunic; the colours are garish and the style is very cut-price high street.

Harlequin seems like a hard print to be able to carry off well, it needs to be
worn in a way that doesn't draw too much attention to it so people don't start associating your outfit with that of a court jester. Unless, of course, this is the look you're going for.

When harlequin makes it to the high street I don't think I'll be going out and making any purchases, the line between stylish and OTT is far too fine and I don't believe I would be able to carry off harlequin without looking like I'd just escaped from a medieval themed children's party.

Thursday 12 June 2008

Every Man Should Be Wearing : A Neckerchief

I'm not entirely sure whether neckerchief is the correct word as it does seem to conjure up images of cowboys and scouts rather than edibly eligible men at the cutting edge of fashion. Anyway, I suppose it isn't the word that is important; it's how delicious this neck adornment can look on the right man. And, just so you know, that "right man" is not and never will be Russell Brand, funny as I think he is, the man seriously needs to invest in some style diversity, and a haircut.


Back to my point. Basically, I saw a photo of William Moseley (from The Chronicle of Narnia fame, henceforth to be referred to as "The Moseley") at the Glamour Magazine Awards and I thought he was looking rather scrumptious - even more than usual perhaps - and I attributed this to his lovely neckerchief/scarf.


In my opinion, the neckerchief is a fantastic dressing-up option for the man who lives in cardigans (not bought from TopMan) and buttoned up shirts. A smoking jacket would be a good investment too, but only for very special occasions. The neckerchief, although a wise purchase, can be volatile if worn in the wrony way. It is a smart, slightly quirky accessory but desperately needs to be worn with at least a hint of irony to avoid looking like a smug private-schooled-young-Conservative-rah. It's always the irony that makes the outfit. The Moseley know that.

Tuesday 10 June 2008

Music to Get Dressed To : Yelle



Julie Budet A.K.A Yelle is the last word in French electropop. She rose to fame in the noughties way by the power of myspace. The track that causing all the fuss was the very catchy Je Veux Tu Voir (originally titled Short Dick Cuizi) whose rather x-rated lyrics about TTC member Cuizinier shouldn't be repeated in polite conversation!

Not only does Yelle ooze style like only French women can, she does it with a fresh and quirky edge. Plus, in her video for A Cause Des Garçons she can be seen cavorting around with a dancing wardrobe, mobile phone and hairspray, which personally I think is the epitome of cool.

Give her a listen; improve your french.

Monday 9 June 2008

Over-Exposed




Originally it was my pick of the season but now, after the Pixie Gelfof Tatler cover, I'm sad to say that this Miu Miu outfit is now totally overexposed and overrated.

A few issues ago Vogue showed their looks of the season, including what appeared to be a lovely red mini-dress by Miu Miu. Upon closer inspection and a visit to net-a-porter I discovered this was actually an ensemble outfit. How novel, I thought. How expensive, I now think.

Recently I've seen Kelly Osbourne photographed in one piece of the ensemble - a red skit - as well as Daisy Lowe and Pixie Geldof in the full monty version in white. Sure, it's a beautiful and flattering outfit, but it's lacking the originality and therefore pizazz that it had way back when it was first unveiled on Kirsten Dunst in Miu Miu's own advertisements.

Don't get me wrong, I do love the dress. It's peppy and stylish with hints of prom all wrapped up in a daringly short outfit. Plus it's Miu Miu and that fact in itself is a total dealmaker.

These girls have access to ridiculous amounts of money and stylists, I think they should at least consult each other on what to wear so we, the common folk, can oooh and aaah and feel immensely jealous of more than just one outfit!