WEEKEND INSPIRATION #3

 

Image Source | Topshop Tumblr

Double Denim

The Original Self Portrait (or Selfie)

Image Source | artyfactory.com

The self-portrait or what we call in the 21st century - the selfie.
We are all guilty of taking one, whether its to create a brand, a Facebook profile picture or just to reinvent ourselves we can't get enough of the selfie, I myself am guilty of one or two. But I have to say its sometimes a little embarrassing seeing my reflection in my iPhone screen but its a great way to create that perfect picture for the world to see, whether this be a true reflection or not.
 

What I have discovered this week is the original selfie artist, Frida Kahlo. She painted only self portraits but with depth and meaning, her portraits reflected different points in here life. Born on 6th July 1907 in New Mexico, Frida lived a some what eventful life. Physical trauma, heart ache and coping with a philanthropist husband Diego Rivera who she had a obsessive, tempestuous relationship with. Her first portrait was painted while bedridden for three months after a car accident, Self Portrait in A Velvet Dress (1926) (above image). Frida created a certain persona within her portraits, she understood how this illusion was perceived by individuals. The same is achieved today when uploading a selfie to instagram, we create an illusion of ourselves, an illusion of how we want to be seen. Frida went on to create many masterpieces including The Two Frida's (1939) this was a double self portrait whilst Frida was going through her divorce and What I Saw in the Water (1938). 

Sadly Frida passed on 13th July 1954 aged 47, this is said to have been almost certainly suicide by overdose. She left these words "I hope the exit is full and joyful - and I hope never to return - Frida". Ever since her death Frida's work has gathered momentum and thanks to today's self-portraitist world her work continues to gather more and more meaning.

Superga Love

 Shoes | Superga 

So I finally got my hands on a pair of Superga's and I have to say they are even better than I imagined. Such a simple yet stylish shoe, something like this could have only been designed in Italy. There's something about Italian style, relaxed and comfortable but effortlessly cool and I'm pretty sure they would look even better perched on the back of a Vespa.

Open-minded

 Image Source | mvkasu.tumblr.com

I'm usually pretty open-minded when it comes to emerging fashion trends but I have to say the socks and sliders trend has got me............got me screaming nooooo!!
However this may be down to one not following all trends, AKA I'm no innovator of fashion - at least not in the dramatic fashion sense.  I love shocking fashion..... neon's, metallic s and embellished goods but there's just something about sliders and Nike sports socks (yes they now even sell them in Topshop and they weren't there for athletic reasons) that makes me cringe. I may say this, but it is a personal view and I do understand it's 'each to their own', but I will definitely not be donning my Birkenstock's and ankles highs any time in the future. I've avoided many fashion trends in the past and I'm sure their will be many more. That's what I love about fashion there's something out there for everybody!!

Man Repeller x Superga Volume II

 

Image Source | Man Repeller

I've been harping on for a while about getting myself a pair of Superga's, if you don't believe me ask my boyfriend. Being a student on a budget I have searched eBay for many hours but with little success, so it looks like I'll be running excitedly down to my nearest footwear store (student discount in hand) when pay day arrives. But until that day favourite blogger Leandra Medine AKA Man Repeller has collaborated with Superga and created some unique sneakers.

The Man Repeller x Superga Volume II collection is in keeping with the classic 2750 Superga shoe but with a twist, the twist being beautiful satin fabrics in bright colours with matching shoes laces. As well as the classic shoe theirs a mule style thrown in, perfectly on trend for the summer season. It was totally love at first sight!

Being a rather indecisive individual its taken me a while to decide what colour I should get my Superga's in but after much thought I've decided on......white. Yes I would love a pair of the above (my birthday is only 2 months away, if a girl hints you never know) but for now white is perfect. Perfect for the summer months and guaranteed to match any outfit, I am one excited girly right now.

Sundown

T-Shirt, Skirt & Mules | Topshop. Coat | H&M. Sunglasses | Claire's Accessories

This trench or duster coat - as some are calling it, has become a wardrobe staple.

The sun may be out but a light coat is always needed when living in the North of England. This time teamed one late sunny afternoon with a simple tee, origami skirt and mules. This coat is really a sartorial dream, it works with every garment in my closet. For dress down days I've even been teaming it with my favourite Nike Air Force 1's. LOVE.

WEEKEND INSPIRATION #2

 

 Image Source | whistles.com 

Whistles Pre-fall AW14

The Trench

 Trench | H&M. Shirt | Zara. Jeans and Boots | Topshop. Bag | Kurt Geiger.

Although the sun is actually shinning as I write this post, it has been playing hide and seek recently (all I can say is my trusty umbrella has been used far too much). This gave me the idea to finally purchase that much needed trench coat. It seems bloggers and fashion lovers everywhere have been loving the trench too. Firstly I thought black was the right colour but then I figured navy would look better and who said navy and black don't work. Now I'll look forward to styling it up with many sartorial items for the next few months (I know summer is supposed to be upon us but this is England remember). 

WEEKEND INSPIRATION #1

A new little feature on the blog today. Inspirational things from my weekends.