Upper East Side Kinda Girl

Can’t believe the luck we’ve been having with the weather – it’s so uplifting!! So great also to be getting some extra wear out of my summer clothes too seeing as the days of sunshine we had this year have been so limited!

This dress above is Topshop and I really have gotten loads of wear out of it – it’s so handy to just put on a dress and head out the door without too much thought.

This bag is from Dunnes Stores (an Irish department store) and it was a gift. I’m not too sure where I got the belt, I’m sure it was attached to a dress or something.

The shoes are from Primark – they have little flowers on the ankles – they are really pretty but like stilts to walk in.

The bracelet I have on in the top photo is from The Ivory Closet in Limerick, Ireland. I’m not sure what the brand is.

Anyway I feel like I am channeling an Upper East Side New York girl kind of look – it’s quite preppy and polished.

Thinking Leighton Meester’s character in Gossip Girl…Blair Waldorf. Here’s a little ‘inspiration’.

Also rocking the Upper East side NY look but in a much edgier way is my biggest style crush…Olivia Palermo. I love everything she wears … always sophisticated, nothing too over the top but she pushes the boat out with colour clashes and unusual accessories.

Let’s have a look at some recent outfits from the fashion weeks….*sigh*….

Miss Palermo is actually launching her own website – http://www.oliviapalermo.com – next week which is a style blog for all her fashion followers. It will feature a number of posts written by Olivia each week and also a monthly Editor’s letter. Most of the content however will be contributed by writers she has known since her days at Elle magazine. It will focus on upcoming designers, fashion d.i.y and reports from fashion events around the world.

In an interview with American site, FabSugar, Olivia had this to say about her style,ound the world.

“My personal style is classic … eclectic in a way, I love accessories and playing [with] color … and menswear. I love, love menswear. I have a little bit of tomboy in me.”

She sites Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn among her style icons. Olivia plans to launch her own fashion label in the future.

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On another note…I wanted to share this outfit with you that Kirsten Dunst wore to the premiere of Melancholia in London this week. This dress is something I would never buy (I’m sure I couldn’t afford it!) however this is stunning and elegant. It’s by Honor and is part of their Spring Summer 2012 collection. I love her hair and make-up, it’s so natural looking.

Until next time 🙂

Sarah xx

Yellow Rose

Here are some photos I had taken last week in Miss Patina clothing.

I really love the colour of this shirt – dusty pink is very complementary for blondes.

The bag is vintage and I love these shoes from Russell Bromley. These tights are from Dorothy Perkins and although coloured tights can sometimes be too much, I think in this case they make the outfit a little more interesting.

The bow on the shirt is actually detachable so it can look a bit different each time you wear it.

I really love this look – blouses and high-waist skirts – it’s so feminine and gives a nice silhouette.

These shots were taken outside somebody’s house in East Acton – lucky they didn’t come out and tell us off!

***

Being a big Kirsten Dunst fan, I am looking forward to seeing this Lars Von Trier movie which opens tomorrow. I’m going to do a post soon on my favourite actresses and Kirsten will most definitely be included!

At The Rookery

Here are a few  ‘behind the scenes’ iPhone shots from the Miss Patina photo shoot at the weekend.

We already shot the first half of the Autumn Winter 2011 collection in July but we needed to take the other half as there are some new items such as a party dress collection and we also sell one-off vintage dresses so there needed to be photographed.

So we went back to The Rookery hotel which is located in Farringdon.

This is a very beautiful and unique hotel. There is a real vintage feeling in its design – the rooms are all plush carpets, brocade couches, windy hallways, lots of dark wood and little antiques everywhere.

Our models were Christine and Natasha. Christine is my cousin who I thought would be perfect for the Miss Patina look. She flew over from London on Friday night – it was her first time here and I must say she did spectacularly well on the tubes without any help. Holly (owner of Miss Patina) spotted Natasha in Topshop and asked her to take part.

We booked the meeting room in the hotel which consisted of a lounge area, a board room and bathrooms downstairs for both days.

We needed plenty of room for the rails and rails of clothes!

Here are some shots of the new handmade crocheted vintage inspired collars which will be for sale on the website http://www.misspatina.bigcartel.com very soon. They can be attached to any dress or shirt to give it an instant update and I have a feeling they will be very popular.

The dress Christine has on here is vintage.

This shirt is also vintage.

We used the bar in the hotel to get some shots of these dresses from the party collection. The mesh is covered in black velvet polka dots – very big print this season.

Love this beautiful tweed coat.

Add a faux fur collar, a giant boho hat and a vintage bag et voilá! We are in the 70’s!

This is a real modern and classic take on a jumpsuit. The legs of it can also be pulled up in summer time to make them capri length.

Holly bought a big box of donuts to put in a shot and we spent the whole day trying to avoid temptation…

We eventually found a place for them in our outdoor shots in the garden!

This dress is vintage.

This is a Miss Patina dress.

As you can see from the photos, we accessorized many of the outfits with brogues, vintage bags and hats.

Here are some behind the scenes shots that Kemp our photographer took:

These dresses are so elegant – both are vintage.

Anne helping Kemp get the perfect lighting by using a reflector.

That’s me helping adjust the dresses.

It was a really good shoot – I think it must be hard for the models keeping up their energy all day and putting on lots of different outfits. I liked helping with the artistic direction of the shots – where they should be set and how the girls should pose. The Miss Patina look is very natural so the photos should look simple and show off the garment in the best possible way. We had to keep this in mind. Kemp took full length shots, portrait shots and then detail shots to capture the patterns and details on the clothing.

I would really like to do more work like this in the future – I really enjoyed it.

I hope you like these photos – feel free to comment.

Sarah xx

Making Music

I had three gigs last week – pheeeeew! Wednesday night the Big Girls Blues Band were in Dover St., Friday night in Jazz After Dark in Soho and on Saturday we were in the Old Explorer in Oxford Circus.

Here is the outfit I preferred from the three nights…

I love this shirt. I’ve been looking for a sophisticated black shirt for a while and this one is really smart but still sexy because it is sheer. The collars, sleeves and panel down the front are leather look. It’s from New Look.

The necklace is from Topshop and the bag is vintage.

The burgundy shorts are from Awear and came with the belt and the shoes are New Look.

As much as I loved these tights in a previous post – they ripped during the gig 😦 so I had to pull of a Taylor Momsen ‘holes in tights are normal’ look. Big fail. If anyone knows where you can get good quality sheer tights, do leave a comment please 🙂

***

On the subject of music…I just want to share some songs with you that I’m repeating on my iPod. I tend to download a lot of music by female singers so going with that theme, here are a few good choices…

Janelle Monáe – ‘Locked Inside’ from The ArchAndroid.  This album is really good and sounds like nothing else I’ve heard in recent years. The album is based around Janelle’s alter-ego, Cindi Mayweather who is an android living in the world, Metropolis. The songs are like a soundtrack to Cindi’s life in Metropolis and is almost theatrical in places as songs are based around the struggles of the androids. Sounds strange but it makes the album really interesting.

Joni Mitchell – ‘Urge for Going’ from Joni Mitchell Hits. This song is so peaceful and relaxing but also a little sad… who makes music like this these days?

Live performance video

Jessie J – ‘Big White Room’ from Who You Are. Jessie’s voice is so amazing and clear. This song is very powerful and you really have to be in the right frame of mind to listen to it, it’s quite emotional.

Feist – ‘My Moon My Man’ from The Reminder. Did you know it is Feist who wrote ‘Limit to Your Love’ released by James Blake this year? Easy listening…

If you’ve been listening to any good music lately – do post a comment and let me know.

That’s all!

Sarah xx

Model Behaviour

So today instead I bring you what our lovely Miss Patina models wore at the photoshoot…

Name: Christine Kearney

T-shirt: Bershka

Waistcoat: Primark

Shorts: River Island

Brogues: Primark

Bag: River Island

Bracelet: Pandora

Name: Natasha

Coat: Topshop

Shirt: Vintage

Jeans: Topshop

Boots: Topshop

Bag: Vintage

Bracelets: Handmade friendship bracelets

I totally love Natasha’s hair – would love to dip-dye mine but it’s too short.

Oh and I think Natasha might erm love Topshop!! 🙂

Such lovely girls (well Christine is my cousin so I might be a little biased!) and they did a really good job!

***

Just saw this Chanel ad for the first time today although it came out in March.

It’s really beautiful and I’m also a recent big fan of Joss Stone so like that she’s singing in the ad.

G’night all xxx

Behind the scenes sneak peak

Shooting more of the Autumn Winter collection 2011 today. The lovely models-Tasha and Christine!

More coming up…

Sarah x

Indian Summer (lol jk) + Alexa for Madewell

Predictions here in London are that temperatures are to soar to 22 degrees by Sunday. Currently there are blue skies and sunshine – but there is definitely an Autumn breeze in the air.

Rumour has it that there’s an ‘Indian Summer’ happening…love this…it’s 16 degrees currently…there is no chance people!

Nonetheless – we can definitely leave our brollies at home for the weekend and re-work some items from our summer wardrobes to give them one last wear.

Here’s what I’m wearing today…

Top is Zara, trousers are Topshop. Converse are from Office (everyone has this colour!). Gold chain is Topshop and bracelets are H&M. It’s about as ‘ghetto fabulous’ as I ever get and I like to think it’s a New York City kind of look.

I’d just like to point out a couple of things you’ve probably noticed about this blog:

1) My wardrobe is OUTSIDE my room – yes folks – my room is so tiny it can’t even fit a wardrobe so I have to stand out in the hall annoying everyone when I’m picking out my clothes!

2) When I’m taking pics, I have to put my mirror in front of my housemate – Jess’ door – hopefully there’s not an occassion when she’s in the room and opens the door suddenly and I end up taking a pic of her instead!!

3) I couldn’t find the black bag that you see stuffed down the side of my wardrobe for WEEKS until I started taking these pictures.

***

Alexa Chung’s second collaboration with Madewell went on sale online this week and many items sold out in the first few hours.

First off…who are Madewell?

Well from reading their website I found out they are an American workwear company founded in 1937 who specialise in jeans, shirts and boots. (www.madewell.com – that was easy).

Secondly why Alexa?

Well we can all guess that! Everything that girl touches goes to GOLD. Literally. Mulberry’s profits QUADRUPLED last year thanks to the Alexa satchel which retails at £785.* It’s crazy to think there are so many people out there who can afford these bags! (Yes, I’m a bit jealous).

* Source: http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/markets/article-1727298/Success-is-in-the-bag-as-Mulberrys-profits-soar.html

I really love Alexa’s look, it’s so cool!

Fashion dictionary translation:

cool adjective

cool·er, cool·est, adverb, interjection, noun, verb

1)effortless

2)looks like it was thrown together last minute

3) scruffy but groomed

4) lots of black and greys

5) super skinny

6) Alexa Chung

Source: (Totally made up by me)

But what’s her collaboration with Madewell like? Well it ranges from $80 (for a t-shirt) up to $500 (for a leather jacket) and consists of Alexa staples such as tea dresses, shirts, oversized cardigans and ‘sweaters’. Overall, it’s very ‘Alexa’ – she has designed items based on her personal style (why not when people go crazy for it?) and they are all very ‘safe’ and therefore wearable by us everyday folks.

Here are some of my favourites:

$198

$188 – Lace dresses have really been overdone but I like the elegance of this one teamed with the black ankle boots.

$145

$118 – read in Grazia’s ‘Big Fashion Issue’ this week that grey jumpers are a wardrobe staple – can be paired with a long black maxi skirt or a lighter material grey sweater could be tucked inside a pencil skirt. This is sold out online by the way.

$375 for the leather skirt but another great way to wear a grey sweater.

Gonna let you in on a little secret here…there is a VERY similar skirt in H&M for £19.99!

$325 – Alexa calls this the ‘Binman Coat’ and it was literally inspired by a binman’s jacket. Seriously, how does she get away with this?!

The collection had its launch in LA last night and here are some snaps:

Elle Fanning and Alexa Chung in Alexa Chung for Madewell and Kate Bosworth in Peter Pilotto.

Dianna Argon has ditched the dodgy pink hair dye and is looking very sophisticated in regular Madewell last night.

Poll Time!

Well enjoy the heatwave(!) and have a good weekend!

Sarah xx

Miss Patina signature dress

Today I’m wearing a signature dress from Miss Patina – I say signature because the collar and the bow is really unique to the brand.

I really like this dress because of the grey and white print – it makes it look edgy. It’s the kind of dress I could see Laura Whitmore, Caroline Flack or Fearne Cotton wearing with some great ankle boots. (Can you guess what I’d like to do for a living?!)

I have teamed it with this AMAZING cardigan which is one of my favourite items in wardrobe. I did some leafleting for Topshop at the opening of their store in Cork, Ireland and I got to wear and KEEP a whole Topshop outfit and this cardigan was priced at about £120! Imagine how happy I was that day 🙂 It has black sequins with silver baubles – it’s quite delicate though and I’m afraid to wear it anymore in case I ruin it.

Over the knee socks were really big last winter and I think black ones like these can be a wardrobe stable for every winter. They are best worn with something loose though (and not a body con skirt) as they can look a bit risqué.

The shoes I’m wearing are in a burgundy shade which is very current – I think this colour works well to brighten up the outfit just the right amount. These are patent court shoes with a really high heel (so be careful) from New Look.

The ring I have on is from H&M.

The dress is available here:

http://www.misspatina.bigcartel.com/product/miss-patina-vintage-inspired-white-collar-dress-grey

Miss Patina have a shoot coming up this weekend and I’ve managed to get one of my cousins involved to do the modelling, I’m really excited to have her over and I know she will be brilliant. We are shooting at The Rookery Hotel in London (http://www.rookeryhotel.com/) and I will definitely be blogging about how it goes.

Happy Tuesday!

Sarah xxx

 

 

Christopher Kane Unstoppable

Christopher Kane was showing at London Fashion Week today attracting the likes of Kanye West, Eliza Doolittle, Julie Restoin-Roitfeld and Erin O’Connor to name a few and rumour has it the collection left some in the fashion world crying.

Kane is one of the biggest young designers in the fashion world and has become widely known by the general public due to his collaboration with Topshop on three collections – the last being in 2009. Sometimes when high-end designers collaborate with high street stores – the result is a clothing line that is way too ‘out there’ to be worn by the target audience. However Kane’s Topshop range incorporated that trendy Shoreditch look (very near where his headquarters are based) and gave us some serious statement pieces embellished with tassels and studs.

(Source: www.trendland.net)

Aside from that, Kane is famous for creating the Galaxy dress collection – this was so beautiful and original, it became iconic. It has been worn by Alexa Chung, Carey Mulligan, Claudia Schiffer, Rosamund Pike and even Samantha Cameron.

(Source: http://buttoncake.tumblr.com/post/7382773349/i-want-every-last-one-pure-joy-in-a-dress)

Another favourite of mine was his Spring Summer 2011 collection which used neon and leather together – sounds like a disaster…but no. His use of soft neon colours – nothing too blinding and contrasting leather with sheer lace to create a really romantic collection – was beautiful.

(Source: http://iwantigot.geekigirl.com/2010/10/05/christopher-kane-spring-summer-2011-womens/)

What I love about Kane is that he completely mixes it up so we never know what to expect. Some designers find a niche, stick to it and churn out safe collections each season that will satisfy their critics but Kane really knows how to astonish his audience. But we still know it’s Kane and that’s what’s so clever about him as a designer. Always edgy, always beautiful and always incorporating leather and embellishment somehow.

Anyway…back to today and Kane’s Spring Summer 2012 collection.

The colour palette was completely changed up again from anything he has ever done before and the emphasis was on metallics – gold, silver, blues, browns, purples and pinks. Lots of floral patterns with heavy use of brocade. The collection had an almost futuristic feel with unusual structure and diagonal cuts.

Note the footwear – rubber soled FLAT sandals. Very simple and practical in design but the metallic colours and embellishment make these very unique.

I am including a video at the bottom of this post so you can get a feel of the whole collection but here are some of my favourites:

How would you describe the Christopher Kane woman?

“She is a real individual and a keen follower of fashion. She maybe works in the industry or another creative field. Age doesn’t really concern me; I’m more interested in personality and the way a woman carries herself.”

(http://www.britishfashionawards.com/designer_profile_bfa.aspx?DesignerID=69)

Below is the video of the collection.

Enjoy!

Sarah xx

Back to Black

Hi folks,

Didn’t get to write this post yesterday as it was a super hectic day – I uploaded the pics through a WordPress app while at a gig!

It’s only recently as I’m getting older that I’m starting to appreciate the colour black. Before, I thought it was pretty boring but now I really think it’s essential to have several classic black pieces in your wardrobe. Last night, I had about 30 mins to get ready for a gig (hence why I eliminated my make-up free face from the photo!) and was standing in front of my wardrobe panicking thinking What am I going to wear?!! as the clock was ticking – however throwing on this black dress with a smart blazer worked instantly without too much thought – everyone needs outfits like these!

I am also a big fan of sheer tights – I think they work well in that transitional summer/autumn period when opaque tights might look too heavy. I think these are a stylish option, yet still sexy. These are 20 denier and are from Next.

I’m currently singing with The Big Girls Blues Band in London (http://www.thebiggirlsbluesband.co.uk/) and as there are three singers at any gig we usually stick to black in order to coordinate easily so I’ve been trying to integrate more of this colour into my wardrobe. When I used to sing in other bands where I was the only singer or only female presence(!), I really enjoyed dressing up and hardly ever wore black but I must say I think black looks professional and hardly ever fails.

There are lots of things to take into account when you are dressing for a gig – number one – SHOES and answering the question -can you stand comfortably for two hours PLUS in them?! These ankle boots I’m wearing are perfect – they were £15 in H&M and are mid height in heel. Next, you have to consider the comfortability of what you’re wearing  like is your skirt too short to dance in? Do you feel confident? Is the material you’re wearing too heavy? It’s all fine looking at yourself in the mirror and giving an outfit the ‘all clear’ but it feels alot different in a crowded venue, dancing your socks off and having sweat marks = FAIL! This dress I’m wearing from Zara is really comfy, not too short, not too tight and it has a mesh overlay with little rose patterns.

I think a great idea for a clothing collection would be one based on famous female singers and their on stage looks – like Annie Lennox, Debbie Harry, Stevie Nicks etc. I’d like to get a bit more ‘rock chick’ with my look but I’m not too sure it would suit my personality – I’ll have to start hanging out more in Camden and Shoreditch for a bit of inspiration(!) I’d also like to add some vintage pieces as well to my wardrobe – there are some great vintage stores in Brick Lane and Angel. I’ll keep you posted with any finds I have!

I’ve included a single picture of this blazer I recently got from Zara – I’m really in love with it! I wanted a well structured blazer in a quality material that looked expensive. I think this is great value at €49.95 – it’s super warm, probably even a bit too warm for this time of the year but I know I’ll get so much wear out of it when it gets colder.

Well – these are my ramblings for today! Thanks for reading – if you have any questions or comments, feel free to email me at saz_goodwin@hotmail.com or leave a comment below!

Have a great day xx

P.S (I’m writing this on Sunday so you may have to wait until tomorrow for another post as I am currently in my PJ’s and they are nothing exciting to be looking at!)