Sartorial through the camera lens

The Sartorialist by Scott Schuman was the first great photography blog I ever came across. You can see everything though his camera lens. Fashion, life, art......to name a few. Originally for me it was always about the clothes but after 4 years of following it has turned into something else, reading both his books may have impacted on this. Yes the clothes are still amazing, the people still stylish, but there's just something else about them....he captures something natural, something real. 

'My interest is never to report on what people are wearing but in capturing my romantic take on what I have seen on the street. I find myself wanting to understand these individuals better. The result is the introduction of more tightly composed portraits that bring me closer to the true essence of the person whilst still capturing them as stylish subjects.'

Scott Schuman, The Sartorialist 

After flicking through The Sartorialist Closer for many hours over the past couple of months. I have found some great images to love. 

The Sartorialist is a must see, take a peak here

Follow the printed road...

Dress | Zara.  Bag | Kurt Geiger.  Mules | Topshop Unique

 I've always been a lover of print and florals being my print of choice. This blue floral fabric tunic had me at hello!

 A shirt/tunic dress is something I've being trying to hunt down for a while but until now they have been rather non existent. The only place one was ever going to find them was obviously Zara, known for their fast fashion (from design to store in a matter of weeks.) It was instantly purchased and the rest is history. No doubt it will become a Spring/Summer wardrobe (and blog) staple, I 'll defiantly be mixing it up with lots of layers (its still a little chilly for bare legs) as usual , jeans and jumpers etc... 

My next fashion step is to try out this 'Sport Chic' trend I keep reading so much about, mixing glamour with sporty pieces. Here's to hoping I can pull it off! 

*frantically pulls out high heels and sweater-shirt. 

Downtown

 Jeans, Shoes and T-Shirt | Topshop. Jacket |Levi's. Bag | Warehouse

Happy Monday!

These skinnys have become a blog outfit post staple so I carried out a little DIY on them (something I've been meaning to do for a while.) They feel transformed-from neat to edgy with only a few scissor snips. Such a simple trick to keep up with this season's hottest trend. The trusty Levi's jacket was pulled from the depths of my wardrobe seeing as though we were graced with a spot of beautiful sunshine. Finally I finished off the look with the shoe of the moment (or so it seems) 'the mule'.

The black and white photographs capture the outfit and the day so well.

Spring is in full swing

Spring is in full swing, the blossoms are out and yes the sun is shining and whilst taking these photographs I was even able to remove my jacket and scarf  (I've been holding on to them rather tightly) and don just a short sleeve tee! So spring has had me feeling rather excited and enthusiastic about life. Waking up to a sun filled room makes it much easier to get out of bed in the mornings.

A spring clean has begun, this involved throwing out far to much paperwork that has been burred under piles of magazines on my desk for weeks. You know this feels good, or is that my OCD/ perfectionist side coming out? This has been done whilst listening to Radio 1 and drinking too many cups of Chai tea.

My university lectures have now come to an end (Yes I know its only April) and I have four weeks off for Easter! *frantically reads exam revision notes.  

Easter weekend plans......firstly a much needed date day with my Boyfriend, lots of spring outfit photos for the blog and if I have chance a few glasses of Pinot Grigio.  

Keep posted for more outfit posts and follow my little blog by clicking on my new Google Friend Connect button. 

Have a lovely Easter Weekend 

'Shock and awe' or dare we say fashion?

 

Saint Laurent Paris advertising campaign | March Vanity Fair  

Image source | Mail Online 

This image shocked me to say the least. Yes we all know fashion models are thin, but is this for a truly justifiable reason? I've always seen them as (beautiful) coat hangers that present us with amazing designs both on the catwalk and on the pages of our favourite monthly glossy. But what is too thin? Dare we even ask this question for fear of being perceived as judgemental? I myself am what society might call a curvy size 12. Yes I have been slimmer; back when I was eighteen and hard living hadn't truly hit me. I'm always saying I want to lose weight, thinking this will make me happy, but will it? In the short term I think it will. Cramming healthy eating and exercise into my daily routine seems like the way forward, but even then the pounds don't just magically drop off (even if I want them to). We may say the model in this image is 'anorexic' she certainly doesn't look very healthy. But some individuals say they are naturally slim, I'm guessing this comes down to genetics. They see themselves as lean, athletic and that's fine but I'm not sure this can be said of the girl in this image.

Should we be flaunting these ultra skinny women all over the pages of fashion magazines, we may not know but they do have a subconscious effect on us and if us, what are they doing for the confidence and self-esteem of a younger generation. Shouldn't we be saying 'hey, if your happy and healthy that's all that matters.' On another note becoming 'body confident' is something that comes with age. I'm not sure I'm at that time in my life yet - ask me in 10 years time. Images like this seem to surface every couple of years and I'm sure they will continue to and be debated over again and again. I would like to think things may change but I'm not sure they will. I think it could be for 'shock and awe' or even dare we say 'fashion'....at its most extreme!

So is putting luxury garments on models that may be perceived as 'Anorexic' fashion? Is it even morally right? I will leave those questions in your hands.

Others debate the issue at the Mail Online here.

All talks of M&S

Image Source | theguardian.com

Is an advertising campaign featuring familiar faces for women of all ages the way forward for M&S?

Marks and Spencer have recently launched their new Leading Ladies campaign and theirs some new faces including Rita Ora, Annie Lennox and Emma Thomson to name a few. Yes I said Rita Ora! Someone you wouldn't normally associate with M&S. She's rather hot property at the moment but I wouldn't say shes brand appropriate, however it could have a positive impact on the retail brand. Their target audience is women aged 30 and over, so I'm guessing Ora could bring M&S that much needed younger customer. All these ladies are successful within their own right and could be empowering to young women around the UK.

"Our spring/summer campaign is a celebration of style and accomplishment," said Patrick Bousquet-Chavanne, M&S executive director of marketing and business development. "These dynamic leading ladies represent the unique and diverse women of a modern Britain. They are united in their extraordinary achievements but confident in their differences. Marks & Spencer is a democratic brand that is relevant to women of all ages and strands of life; it is therefore natural for M&S to celebrate women in this way. M&S is extremely proud to have convened such an extraordinary group of exceptional women; this campaign is the embodiment of true British style, quality, diversity and success." (vogue.co.uk, 2014)

M&S do have a lot to offer a younger consumer, including great Limited Edition and Autograph collections plus the Rosie Huntington Whitley underwear range. 

I myself happen to like M&S (mainly for the Limited Edition collections), but in recent years the collections have become disappointing. But after a recent visit to the Leeds store I saw what could be their best collection yet. The S|S 14 collection showed beautiful silhouettes in bright colours and prints, accessorized with statement shoes and  jewellery.

My sister recently purchased the most beautiful handbag from the Autograph collection. It's a simple yet classic piece but with added details. It has beautiful black leather and a strap that can be lengthened and shortened depending on what style you are keeping that day.  I loved it so much I had to take a few photographs with my camera. 

P.S The lovely Rachel Khoo from The Little Paris Kitchen also stars in the Leading Ladies campaign. Rachel cooks for diners in her tiny Parisian apartment, take a peak at what could be the cutest cooking programme ever here.