Pelle Italiana

No guys, don't be fooled by the title I cannot speak Italian! The post title meaning 'Italian Leather' (rather obvious to many) was simply popped into Google Translate in an attempt to make it sound more alluring. BUT, there was some logic to it, as my new jacket that features in this post is...yes, you guessed it, made of Italian leather. All in all this look is quite edgy, I tried to reflect this vibe in my choice of shoot location, which was in essence, a large back alley in Hoxton across the road from where I used to live. I have wanted to shoot there for some time but never really got round to it. When my boyfriend surprised me with this amazing Allsaints jacket however, I knew it  was time to make it happen, it fits in with the location as if it were a Chameleon lounging around on a big bark tree, (well that was a weird analogy O_o) at least I think it does...

Now this is a rare occasion everyone so savour it! My boyfriend actually let me take a picture of him, (although reluctantly as is evident by his facial expressions) and better yet he let me post it on my blog! I love doing mens fashion posts but rarely get a chance to.

Here Christian has teamed a simple linen shirt with a quilted denim jacket, he's wearing light wash jeans with it and tan brogue boots, but I didn't manage to get that many photos! (Next time I will ensure I do!)

I wanted to keep the colour palette for this look quite simple, keeping the jacket as the focal point of the outfit. Although I fear my rather spooky Laurie Lipton vest may have diverted a vast majority of the attention! Laurie Lipton is one of my favourite artists so when she done an exclusive range for Allsaints   ( a while back now) I went on a bit of a spending spree...let's just say I have more than one... I studied her in quite some detail while studying Art; Google her at the very least, I'm sure you'll love her work as much as I do!

I wear:

Leather Jacket - Allsaints

Skeleton vest - Laurie Lipton for Allsaints

Ox blood vest (underneath) - H&M

Washed Black Jeans - Pull and Bear

Satchel - Cambridge Satchel Company

Riding Boots - Harry Hall

Sunglasses - Ray- Ban

Christian Wears:

Linen shirt - Allsaints

Quilted Jacket - Tommy Hilifiger 

Leather necklace - Topman

Sunglasses - Ray-Ban

XOXO 

All American

I have never been to American, BUT, if you gave me a one way ticket there right this second I'd jump at the chance without a second thought. It's my life aim to one day say that I've visited all 52/50 states...avoiding the politics of that, let me proceed with the real reason for my post, CLOTHES (and food, again)...

As an American enthusiast living in the UK, naturally I've pledged my allegiance to one of the most well known, if not the only known baseball team over here across the pond; the NEW YORK YANKIES!I've been a loyal fan for a number of years now. I've wanted a jersey FOREVER! And, to my delight my boyfriend got me a PERSONALISED one no less for my birthday in December. I haven't got a snap of the back but it reads 'NICOLA 02' two being my lucky number and the date that my wonderful self graced the earth with my presence.

In keeping with my 'all American' theme I teamed my vintage Levi's with a Tommy Hilfiger belt, the ultimate American brand, although, I'm biased because I work there.  I use the term 'my' loosely in that sentence as I haven't got round to getting my own pair of Levi's as of yet, I stole these from my sister, she didn't realise, but I guess now she'll know! What the heck it was completely necessary to complete the look, any old jeans just weren't going to work! It HAD to be Levi's.

I added a few gold accents in the form of my Casio and a cute bird dress ring. A dash of red, although not the designated 'Old Glory Red' shade on my nails, ensured a complete representation of the national colours.

(this is such an awkward photo) 

The Converse, much like the Levis were a MUST as another truly classic American brand. I only threw on the blazer because I was freezing BUT I'm going to stop talking about the weather right this second because I mention it too much, and I'm no meteorologist, and well  frankly the weather is just a thoroughly boring topic. What I WILL talk about again however is FOOD...

As I had a very rare Sunday off work, I headed down to my favourite place in the world, Brick Lane. My boyfriend and I had lunch at the world food market and this time round I went for something different, some Venezuelan street food. It was a good decision, and I fear I may now be hooked. Move over Chinese, Venezuelan is so the new IN cuisine.

As I was in the birthplace of Hipsterdom, I felt the need to capture some honorary Hipster essence in the form of a artistic portrait complete with authentic beanie!

Anyway toodles for now (too English I know but I can't think of a more 'American' way to sign off), hope you liked my ridiculously contradictory patriotic advertising for American brands and baseball teams! Now HYPE me on lookbook because I have compromised my British patriotism to create this look for you all! Her Majesty would not be amused.

  XOXO

My favourite trends of 2012

GALAXY PRINT

Galaxy print, cosmic, whatever you want to call it, was epidemic in 2012! It was always going to be my kind of trend, not just because this bold print really makes a statement but because I'm a science geek at heart; so, naturally as soon as I realised it was 'cool' to let my inner geek out I jumped at the chance...maybe a little too enthusiastically...

I've accumulated so many space inspired pieces that I'm confident I probably have enough to constitute my own constellation.

Leggings were a big thing with this trend, but I'm not a fan of wearing leggings in the cold, and well it's pretty much cold 24/7 in England. So, when I saw these cosmically fantastic jeans in H&M's catalogue for a mere £25 the witch hunt began. I'm pretty sure I looked in every H&M in London but to no avail! Luckily my friends know me all too well and one of them managed to get their hands on a pair just in time for my birthday, REEESULT!

Again this t-shirt was a present, it's the 'Lift off Tee' from Tee and Cake's exclusive range for Topshop. And as if the T-shirt itself wasn't cool enough you can bake a cake by following the recipe on the label. What more could a girl ask for? A cool top and a cake to go with it! I also LOVE the PUN. Tee and cake. Genius. I also love cake.. but that's irrelevant because this is a fashion blog not a food appreciation blog...hmm...maybe I should start one of those too? *DROOLS* =P

Now, I actually bought this vest myself believe it or not! I really liked the range of colours and the kind of 'pastel' tone to them which makes a change from the usually very vibrant shades used  in most pieces stemming from the trend.

And once again this snazzy little thang (yes, I did just use the word 'thang') was bought for me by my boyfriend a while back now. This was my first cosmic piece and remains my favourite. Unlike some of the other items, I have yet to see ANYONE with this particular bag by Kipling or a galaxy print bag in general really! And, well, I like to be a bit different in case you hadn't gathered that already. Aside from the seriously awesome print of this backpack, I've wanted a Kipling bag for ages now admittedly largely due to the monkey (I believe it's a gorilla?) brand mascot that comes with every bag.

There is one brand that has really embraced the cosmic explosion, (you see that's relevant because a meteor hit Russia today! *Snaps out of nerd mode*) and that brand is the flamboyant and fantastically boisterous Black Milk Clothing. Jeffrey Campbell have also worked with BMC to produce some frankly RIDICULOUSLY glorious heels! Here is just a small selection of what they have to offer in the way of star filled  pieces...

SPIKES

I'm a fan of  this edgy trend, as a life long tomboy how could I not be!? Although saying that, when done correctly the spike trend can also be really sexy. Overdone and it can just look BUTCH.  By some, this trend was very almost MURDERED, I'd see people with spikes left right and bloody centre, with every item of their clothing having some sort of spike poking out of it! After a while it's over wear and overuse really rather put me off the trend, but at the point of  it's conception it was definitely one of my favourite trends of the year.

My collection of spiked items doesn't really extend further than these pumps and a spiked necklace. Both are great for adding a bit of an oomph to an otherwise girly outfit, and well, girly isn't really my thing in case you hadn't realised! The ability to change the dynamic of an outfit with the addition of a few spikes is something that really appeals to me about the trend!

These are a few of my spiky picks;  the shirt is from ASOS and comes in at £30 and both the necklace (£16) and socks (£8) are from Urban Outfitters.

CAMO

My all time favourite trend, also stemming from my inherent tomboy nature. I wanted to be in the army, it used to be my life long ambition as a kid. Obstacle courses, mud and kitted out in camo from head to toe! It seemed like my ultimate dream, so naturally I was extremely happy when camo made an appearance in the world of fashion.

I got this vintage camo shirt from Soulja Military in Camden Market for EIGHT Squid! Bar-gaiiiin!

The other items in this outfit are also worth a mention. I got this vest from Camden Market also, I like the mesh effect and the layered material that makes up the skull, it is a mixture of black lace and a white silky material, ultra cool. These leather trousers were a steal at just £20 reduced from £42 at Topshop. My riding boots by Harry Hall are practically all I wear at the moment they're just SO versatile and ridiculously comfy!

I wanted this bag, and so did my boyfriend, but so not to indulge my tomboy within too much I decided to buy it for him...I can still steal it back whenever I want though! ;)

And so my lovelies those were my favourite trends of 2012. What were yours?

XOXO

Shoppinggg (It was a 3day bender)

I have issues. I cannot stop buying things! Along with my SECOND Cambridge Satchel I've also splurged on these lovely items too...well,at least I think they're lovely...

 

I love all kinds of bags, bags I've bought and those which contain things I've bought...

These are my new kicks. Or is that just used to describe trainers? Anyway, aren't they just dandy? AND not even a sign of a blister upon first wear, WIN!

Nabbed these in the Allsaints sale, loved the colour and all the detailing; and for just £37.50 when they retail at £125 I simply HAD to buy them. Ankle grazers all the way!

"Brodie Cropped Skinny"



Just look at that knee ruching, my knees have never looked so fashionable!



And yes this is baby no.2, isn't she just beautiful!?

I couldn't take the cold weather anymore and so invested in a good old waxed Barbour, lined I might add.

Takes a good British coat to deal with the not so good British weather.



Luuuuuuurve the check lining.



The boyfriend, not best pleased by the end of a long day - wearing the Allsaints Eulogy shirt.



BUT...pizza makes everything better.

Trousers- Allsaints

Bag- Cambridge Satchel Company

Boots- Office

Boyfriend - Another planet

Pizza- Franco Manca

XOXO