Hey! :)

Sorry that there wasn't an update last week - I have pretty much been flat-out dead for a week!

This week's weekly update, to include...

- Columnists intrduction!
- Timeless Fifty Fashions
- Facebook
- Survey
- And FAQs

Make sure you click & read!

LoveLoveLove

- A -

To see the entire e-mail, please click this link:
http://aardvarkmailinglist.net/s/ep/?e=12670&s=278541SYW

Sewing is easy when it's a super simple design. I had some old, boxy T-shirts sitting around and realized I could easily make arm cuffs. The possibilities are endless when you add ribbons, buttons, zippers, and other embellishments.

First, cut off the arms from a T-shirt and sew them together like this. I started with the hemmed sleeves to save time. Put the two pieces together, right sides facing each other, and sew in a straight line. Once the first seam is in place, add embellishments like lace, trims, buttons, etc. After the cuff is embellished, sew up the final seam and get ready to rock!

Guest Post by Leia of HiFashion

Wet look leggings came onto my fashion radar last year - A/W 09. To be honest, when I first saw them, my initial reaction was "yuck!" Why?

- They reminded me too much of leather trousers, and as a vegetarian, I try to limit the use of leather and other animal products as much as I can.
- I thought they were too rock 'n roll / grunge for me.
- I'm a girly girl. Surely something rocker-inspired couldn't work for me?

But, a year later, I have changed my mind. They're still a big trend for this winter, and I decided to give them a shot. I needed an update on my regular black leggings. I don't know about you, but I always reach for leggings when I'm in need of something comfortable! But, depending on what you wear them with, they can have a bit of a dressed-down vibe. This year I added 'jeggings' to my wardrobe and love them, but still needed something that was as versatile and comfortable as leggings but could also be dressed up.

Enter onto the scene: wet look leggings. But how do you incorporate them into your wardrobe without adding slashed graphic tees, black eyeshadow and red lipstick à la 80s rock chic or Taylor Momsen? (Hey, if that's your style then I'm not knocking it - just saying it's not quite right for me!)

Dilemma: how do I wear wet-look leggings and give them a feminine twist?

Answer: Mix them with ultra-girly items and you're all set!

I would have loved to have shown you some outfit inspiration from my own wardrobe, but technology hates me this season it seems and my camera has gone kaput! So I'll have to leave you with Polyvore instead; sorry girls!

wet look leggings by HiFashion featuring Fiorelli bags

Tips for wearing wet-look leggings and still looking feminine:
- Wear them with mini-dresses or long tops (cover your bum, please! Leggings are not trousers!)
- Add frills, ruffles, lace...
- Stick to neutral colors. Although I am definitely a fan of bold colors and prints, I think these leggings make quite a statement on their own. I wouldn't consider buying wet-look leggings in any color other than black, and I love pairing mine with different shades of gray, cream, and white. Add pops of color with your accessories, instead!
- Think of your proportions: leggings are tight, so you should consider wearing a looser top. It doesn't have to be baggy, but shouldn't be too body-con, either.
- Add heels, of course! If you are wearing neutral colors, this would be a good place to add a pop of something brighter and more fun.

They can definitely be dressed up or down, depending on what you wear them with. On a lazy day, if I'm just going to university or hanging out with friends, I would throw on a long, more basic top and flats. For going out, definitely a mini-dress (one that would probably be too scandalous to wear without tights/leggings!) and heels.

So: what's your verdict? Would you wear wet-look leggings? If so, how would you style them? Rock-chic or girly glam?

The world of outlet shopping may not seem particularly appealing, but it's much more than bad items that either didn't suit anyone or have major faults, and are left lonely in the corner of the store. Some stores (high street ones in particular) may bring out items for sale after sale, but designer ones want to move on to the next collection. For someone on a budget, and as we are all in the thrall of an economic recession *dramatic music* this is quite a lot of us, outlet stores are a wonderful opportunity to get good quality goods at even better prices and make your hard earned money go further- hello 70% off. This is the chance to buy beautiful designer items at 70% off, when I'd normally only be able to spend a few months earnings on one.

Last month I headed to Bicester, a perfect opportunity to delve into the world of outlets- not one outlet shop but a whole village! I'd heard so many good things about the place and finally got round to going! The main temptation for going was to coo over the past season Luella. I may be odd, but I actually don't see something being 'last season as a bad thing, in fact I see it as a positive. When something's new everyone will want to wear is straight away, which can really put me off a trend. I also see outlet shopping as more environmentally friendly than normal shopping as however much you buy, the items aren't going to be replenished with more of the same, so no new products are made. Yay, all good so far!

Something to keep in mind though: when considering what to purchase, think about whether you would buy the item at full price if you had the money. Are you really in love with it? Or is it just the price tag or designer label? A sale item still costs more than no item.

I'd definitely recommend heading to Bicester Village for, well many things. From the perfect evening dress -I spied a jaw droppingly beautiful Dior dress from £7000 to just over £1000, and then there are D&G LBDs for a hundred and something- to an investment handbag you'll love forever from the likes of Mulberry, for a small fraction of the original price. With the likes of Monsoon and French Collection, there are some great high street places too, as well as unknown brands for you to discover- there are over 120 shops!

So this is what I looked like at lunch break, no not the end of the day. I'd never have guessed I could have got so much for my budget!

The place had such a lovely atmosphere too. I know some shops which can be a little intimidating to go in, but all of them felt very friendly. And you still get the carrier bag. =]

Here are some of my favourite purchases from the day:

Left to right: Dolce & Gabbana scarf, Vivienne Westwood bag, Mulberry shoes.

I had been admiring those shoes in magazines for months, but never expected to get them.

The village is also a nice outing to go on with family and friends. There are children's play areas (which I actually wanted to go on myself but that's besides the point..) and stores, and my dad, who went with me, also had a lovely day too- one on which he didn't feel guilty about buying things for himself, bless. Oh and there's ice cream. =D Which is obviously really important. ;)

Wonderfuly items, lots of shopping bags and money left in your purse, that's why I am now an outlet shopping convert- and totally going back when Luella ss09 is in stock!

Intrinsically Florrie xx

Hey everyone!

Right, so, I've screwed up this week. BIIIIG time. In my defence, I have spent most of the week feeling like I could keel over at any time.

So, assuming my sense of balance returns, we're back to normal next week, and Sherin's guest post wil go up then!

I'm really sorry!

LoveLoveLove

- A -

Now, I know my column is supposed to be every two weeks, but today is October 23rd; the anniversary of the first battle in the English Civil War. What better(sort of) time to feature Charles I?

I promised discussion on the "character design" and semiotics of dress of the people I'm going to feature here, and I still plan to include that in future (it's an important element of culture). But right now I'm ill, so please forgive my lack!

Here is a great big picture of Charles I:

As you can see, he was not a bad dresser. This can be attributed to the times he lived in and the fact that he was, of course, the King, but even so we must give him his due. He could have demanded to live in sackcloth and ashes.. demanding to have his way was one of the things that brought about all the warring and subsequent beheading, of course (God save the Queen).

You might think that period dress is a)boring, dull and out of touch

b)too fancy and fiddly to wear now

or c) something to do with menstuation.

These things may all be true, but looked at in a certain way King Charles is actually wearing a pretty on-trend ensemble, up in that portrait.

'Hareem pants' and over-knee boots with a little added hardware, for a start..

Gauntlet gloves:

And I've even seen these detachable lace collars cropping up here and there on vintage-minded people.

And the jacket.. well basically the jacket is rad and can be interpreted however you like. Want satin?

Yeah, these are bedjackets, but you won't get arrested if you wear something how it wasn't intended..

Or just shiny?

OR you could go for the shape, trapezey swing-coats that are in the fifties-sixties Mad Men vogue.

Aaand that's that! Just don't dress this way to go on any political rallies. Okay?

Happy Civil War Starting Day, everyone!

GUEST POST BY SHERIN OF HiFashion

I was listening to the radio and heard the tickets were next years Glastonbury had already been sold out, 8 months before the festival. I've always wanted to go to a summer festival, but have never gotten round to it. I have, however, decided what I'll wear and how I'll look when I do eventually go. I'm not too sure, but I believe this look has been referred to as the 'Muddy-Knee Look'.

Icons:

There are a few girls that pull off this look perfectly: Natasha Khan (Bat for Lashes), Florence Welch (Florence and the Machine) and Fearne Cotton. All three rock this look and look amazing at festivals.

As you can see, both Florence and Fearne are wearing short dresses/skirts with wellies, which is the perfect look. 

It is all about being comfortable. You've got to travel light and cleverly. Summer festivals usually become really wet and muddy (thank you British Summers), so take things that will keep you warm, dry and something that you don't mind getting wet and dirty.

I'd also recommend lots of hats/scarves for bad hair days.You're not going to get the chance to straighten your hair or even shower every day so a nice hat will keep your hair at bay.Not ot mention clean pairs of socks adn underwear are VITAL!

So what kind of clothes do you need to take?

Layers: layering it up is great for festivals. Not only are you warm, but you'll look great as well, and layers also make you fairly comfortable, no matter what the weather.  Coats on top of hoodies, on top of t-shirts are a good combination.

Shorts and skirts are also a great look. You can wear them with socks or tights underneath, and the slip on a pair of Converses or Wellies. You can also wear a short dress with the same shoes.Wellies are just so perfect for festivals. They can keep your legs dry and they come inso many colours that you can have so much fun with them! Things can get muddy, so a pair of wellies wil go a long way.

And as there'll be so many bands there, having a few t-shirts with bands on them will make you look really cool! Here are a few examples of the kind of things you can wear to festivals:

festival by sherin88 featuring Dorothy Perkins

festival 2 by sherin88 featuring Dorothy Perkins

Photo credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Many thanks  to Sherin for her post! Her co-writer Leia has a guest blog coming up soon, too! Click "Admin" for info.

Right then. I said I'd be up for summing up/deconstructing the look of some famous (historical or current) Brit/someone important to British culture somehow, with suggestions of how to do a tribute or homage outfit whilst fitting modern fashion conventions. And that's what I'm gonna do. I wondered who I'd start with, and in the end I decided I was running out of time so I'd go with my gut (hurr hurr) The Full Breakfast. It goes by many names (English, Irish, Scottish, Welsh..)! And according to the almighty Wikipedia, the "traditional" English (as I know it) is mostly a twentieth century invention. Does that make it untraditional? No! It's older than most of us, I'd wager, and it's an iconic foodstuff shared throughout Britain and the UK. That's important - what do we have otherwise? The English have Le Rosbif, Scotland has the Haggis, Wales has rarebit, Ireland has Guinness and stew, and there are local, regional specialities throughout. Of course we all eat a whole lot in general that's similar. But the breakfast is something that each country (or piece of country, begging your pardon Republic of Ireland) recognises as Traditional. Who cares if it's new? It's a bond. So what's in a breakfast and why do I think you can wear one? Wear one on purpose, that is, not just the stains of morning-meal carelessness. (Click the pictures to visit the buy-page!) Toast

Bacon & Eggs

Mushrooms

Tomato (ketchup!)

Sausage

Hash browns Wondering how it occurred to me to say "dress like food, guys!"? I answer with the final piece of the breakfast puzzle and my accidental cosplay: Baked Beans

Wow, I'm so sorry that I didn't manage to get this done yesterday - I was at the theatre, dontcha know?

Anyway, it's going out to the mailing list, right now - so sign up to that if you want the info!

LoveLoveLove

- A -

The October special edition of Lipstick Royalty is available HERE for £1.50, all proceeds go to The Laura Crane Trust for youth cancer care! Info inside on how to enter our exclusive sweepstake featuring Fashionvictime.fr and C.TA Glam Couture!