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Fashion trends that need to die in 2020

Fashion trends that shouldn’t follow us into 2020.

New year, new trends. However, some trends tend to outstay their welcome (or were never even welcome in the first place) and stick around for too long.

One of my previous blogposts ‘Fashion trends that need to die in 2018‘ seemed to be popular, so why not reflect on the trends of 2019 that need to die?

This is a disclaimer: don’t get offended if you like any of these trends; this is just my opinion. If you like to dress like this, I’m sure you’re still a nice person.

Here are the 8 trends that need to disappear in 2020:

1. Cycling shorts

Unless you’re training for the Tour De France, you have no place wearing these outside of a gym. They do not look good with a T shirt, a baggy jumper, a nice top, a shirt, trainers, sandals or heels… they do not look good with anything. I’m sorry, cycling shorts are awful and should not be worn for “every occasion” as Glamour magazine suggests you should.

2. Ridiculously tiny ‘bags’ aka ‘micro bags’

It was the 2010s – where mobile phones started to get bigger and bags became so small the phones cannot fit in them. It is extremely logical… (note the sarcasm).

These are not functional by any means, but fashionable? Also no. There is literally no point in these but to make people look at you and think ‘did that bag get shrunk in the wash?’ or ‘is that person carrying a Barbie doll’s bag?’.

I’m not talking about the bags that are also classed as a ‘wallet on chain’, you know, a device that can actually fit in your credit cards and a set of keys. No, I’m talking about the micro bag by French designer Jacquemus which sparked the tiniest trend yet.

The bag I’m referring to is a massive one inch deep, two inches high and wide and weighs 3oz. You’d be lucky to fit a Lil-let tampon in there.

But don’t worry, for your £200, you’ll also get a dust bag included, and I can see why a dustbag is necessary, because by the looks of it, it’ll only take two specks of dust to disintegrate this thing.

3. Bucket hats

The only person that can get away with wearing a bucket hat, in my opinion, is Billie Eilish. But, even the most stylish celebrities I’ve seen wearing a bucket hat end up looking like a long-lost member of Hanson. Bucket hats paired with floaty dresses and chic suits? For me, it just doesn’t go and looks off-balanced. I guess it works if you’re going straight from fashion week to fishing though.

But maybe I’m just jealous because I struggle to find hats that suit me.

 

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A post shared by BILLIE EILISH (@billieeilish) on

4. Shoes without socks

I’m talking about the typical Essex boy look here. Leather loafers or trainers worn WITHOUT socks. I mean, some shoes will lend themselves to the ‘no-sock’ rule, such as espadrilles, but fully enclosed leather brogues? That’s just screaming fungal breeding-ground.

Every time I see a guy without socks I want to ask: ‘are your feet not extremely sweaty??’. I’ve even seen some go sockless along with tight, rolled-up chinos to a wedding. Unless its a wedding on the beach, this is not acceptable and Ascot agrees – as men without socks will now be refused entry to the races.

Finally, this trend has introduced the word ‘mankles‘ to the English lexicon. MANKLES! If that’s not a sign to ditch this trend I don’t know what is.

5. Socks and sliders

Now this is why I’m confused… Aforementioned men who don’t wear socks with shoes will also be the ones who wear socks WITH sandals? Oh, the irony.

Socks and sandals has notoriously been a fashion faux-pas, so it’s actually quite impressive that this one has caught on. Well done socks and sandals.

6. Joggers

Couple joggers with the socks and sliders and you’re on track for the perfect outfit for taking the bins out in the morning.

I’m not hating on joggers; they are very cosy. I have many pairs. The reason I wear them is either for slobbing about watching Netflix, travelling or actually jogging (pffft who am I kidding? I don’t jog).

I would just like to campaign for people to stop wearing joggers to restaurants and other public places. Nando’s isn’t Michelin star cuisine, and Odeon doesn’t call for a black-tie dress code, but come on, have some decency to wear actual clothes to go out to eat. And proper shoes with socks too.

7. Saddle bags

Okay, this may be controversial… but the Dior saddle bags and all the liver-shaped replicas that it inspired should have stayed in 1999. I liked it on Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City and that’s where my interest in this bag ends. Vintage pieces can bring another layer to a modern outfit, but a brand new copy-and-paste version of the original that has been brought back by Maria Grazia Chiuri still feels out-dated (and over-priced at that).

Carrie Bradshaw played by Sarah Jessica Parker in an episode of 2000's Sex and the City. She wears a Dior saddle bag (original) with a white vest top and a purple flower brooch on the strap.

Photo: Getty Images.

8. Boiler suits

So this last one I’m a bit on the fence about. Perhaps it’s because I’ve not yet found a flattering boiler suit, and yet, it can look quite chic when styled up the right way. However, I can’t really get the image out of my head that if I wore one I’d look like I’m about to shovel some coal or like an extra in ‘Orange is the New Black’.

Trends will come and go

Every year there’ll be some new weird and wonderful clothing styles and I look forward to seeing them. Perhaps we’ll have creative clothes made out of old Tesco uniforms, in the same way the IKEA blue bags had a moment. I was going to say Sainsbury’s in stead of Tesco, but Beyoncé’s brand Ivy Park already has that covered.

Are there any ‘ugly fashion’ trends that you like? What do you think 2020 will bring?

Thanks for reading, please leave a comment and be sure to come back again 🙂

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TV shows to watch (and not watch) and dressing up like Reese Witherspoon

Big Little Lies and other shows returning in 2019

*This post is sponsored by Panasonic.

Who doesn’t love Netflix and chill, Amazon Prime and unwind, Now TV and… take it easy? I can’t wait to get a brand new TV for my house – I’ll be having a look the Panasonic Oled Televisions.

Sometimes my two passions (fashion and snuggling on the sofa) come together. I love watching stylish programmes that show off fashion eye-candy, like Gossip Girl, Sex and the City, 90210… And as only re-runs air now, the new show that filled the void in 2017 was the multi award-winning Big Little Lies. If you haven’t watched it yet I implore you to!

Alongside flawless acting, with a show starring Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon, Shailene Woodley, Alexander Skarsgård, Laura Dern and Zoe Kravitz, how could you not expect an impressive exhibition of fashion?

 

Entertaining with great storytelling and visual artistry and speaking meaningfully about the world we inhabit.

TV shows not to miss in 2019

Other TV shows returning in 2019 that I cannot wait for:

  1. Brooklyn Nine-Nine: Jake Peralta and Captain Holt never fail to make me literally laugh out loud. The world panicked when it was cancelled and wept with joy when it was picked up for season six by another network in the same day. What an emotional rollercoaster.
  2. Game of Thrones: if you’re not watching this epic, where have you been? Just everything about this show will have you on edge (once you’ve got your head around all the characters).
  3. Good Girls: hilarious and gripping, this is a cross between Bridesmaids and Breaking Bad.
  4. Black Mirror: creepier and creepier each season, you don’t want to look, but you can’t look away – whilst also being paranoid that you’re in an alternative universe where someone is watching you

[ If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, then why not check out this post Game of Threads: Fashion behind the thrones or this one on Daenerys’ style (promise you won’t be disappointed – I have photoshopped in a dragon!) ]

What NOT to watch

OMG I tried to watch Netflix’s new show (or bomb) Insatiable. Preparing myself for some black comedy and a harsh reflection on society’s perception of beauty… I was sorely disappointed.

I don’t even recommend this show for the laughs. Because there are none.

It tries so hard to be funny and slick… but it doesn’t succeed. It could’ve been good.

But, a show that uses the line ‘skinny is magic’ in all seriousness without a hint of underlying sarcastic commentary is not a show clever enough to pull off what they’re trying to do.

Don’t worry, it’s not just me who thinks this – it received mostly bad reviews.

Anyway, enough of that rubbish! Let’s move on…

Hannah wears a shirt dress and fluffy green bag

Why you should watch Big Little Lies

  1. Have you not read the list of stars in the show? Alexander Skarsgård. Reese Witherspoon. Alexander Skarsgård. Nicole Kidman and… Alexander Skarsgård.
  2. They touch upon hard topics that need more awareness, for example, domestic abuse.
  3. It’s multi award-winning – too many awards to count!
  4. The wardrobes!
  5. Beautiful music.
  6. Beautiful scenery.
  7. A look into frienships and relationships.
  8. Tough reflection on society and its obsession with perfection and image.

Big Little Lies: New Wardrobe Envy

I love Reese’s character in Big Little Lies, Madeline Martha Mackenzie. She’s firey, takes control, loyal, will do anything for her friends and sometimes fucks up but isn’t afraid to admit it.

Her style is very clean and put-together and always feminine. I noticed that she is a lover of a Dolce & Gabbana dress too – a designer which I have just posted about (wink wink).

In the season one finale, the women all dress like Audrey Hepburn characters for a party (as you do) and Madeline dresses as Holly Golightly in her pjs.

You know we’re all about that pjs-as-outerwear trend, so I’m totally stealing that Reese-as-Madeline-as-Audrey-as-Holly look! (Wow it’s fashion inception)

This look cost me like £9! lol

Hannah wears pink tassel earringsHannah wears shirt dress, fluffy green bag and headband

 

Bruises heal, stigmas can last a lifetime.

– Madeline Martha Mackenzie

The costume department may have dressed Reese in an oversized Céline shirt, but, I went one better and got this beautiful from Asos for a toal of £3, once I used my student discount and my £15 Asos rewards voucher – #winning.

I decided not to go full-on with an eye mask, like Reese’s, (fun fact: the costume designer bought the actual one worn on the show !) but in stead, I took it as inspiration and went for something more wearable like a twisted head-wrap.

I got this one from , random, as I have not set foot in that shop since I was 12, but heads up – if you need a handband they have loooooads of choice in there! They’re perfect for keeping hair off your face on holiday!

Earrings: Ebay | Dress: | Bag: | Shoes: Asos | Headwrap:

“Sometimes I’m just holding onto this idea of perfection so tight, something has to give.”

Top tip: get costume earrings from eBay!

These cost around £3 (you know Zara be charging £15), they came the next day and the quality is pretty good so far!

Madeline is often seen in feminine floral A-line dresses with a little cardigan. Definitely stuff I wear on holiday. Probably all the time if I lived by the beach like her…

Reese Witherspoon on set of Big Little LIes wearing a floral dress

This Jack Wills piece gets the vibe of Madeline’s dress here quite well and I think it will be good to transition from Summer into Autumn. They also have a more casual cami version 😉

By the way, shout out to all the Instagram boyfriends out there – thank you Daniel for your photography and willingness to follow me to various places and hold up a blanket whilst I change in a park!

Earrings: Ebay | Dress: Jack Wills | Bag: Fendi | Shoes: Asos

 

You can go fuck yourself on the head.

– Madeline Martha Mackenzie

I hope you enjoyed this. What do you think of my attempt at Madeline’s look? Let me know in the comments if you watched or are going to watch any of the TV shows I mentioned in the comments and if you have any recommendations!

In this post for Madeline’s look:

Earrings: Ebay | Dress: | Bag: | Shoes: Asos | Headwrap: 

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Is Burberry making a mistake? | Fashion fail

Is Riccardo Tisci going to f*ck up Burberry?

This is the second time that Burberry has been at the forefront of fashion news this fortnight. The first time for their disposal of their left-over stock. That’s another issue which I actually wanted to write about. But, this may surprise you… The second piece of news – the controversial logo change – now THAT  has triggered me more than all of Burberry’s burning clothes.

THIS IS THE NEW BURBERRY LOGO (be prepared to be underwhelmed):

If you like this new logo, then your opinion is WRONG! 😛

Let me tell you why.

Christopher Bailey would not have committed such a crime when he was at the helm of Burberry.

To me, this logo change doesn’t seem to about Burberry. It screams ego-trip. It’s a power move by Tisci

What is it with new Creative Directors coming into historic brands and the first thing they do is rebrand? Sometimes it’s needed. Burberry could use an overhaul in some areas of their public image, but one thing it did not need is a brand new logo.

Part of their brand identity is heritage and history. This logo is what translates that to me:

My issue isn’t necessarily with Tisci trying to modernise and bring the brand into 2018. Maybe if the new logo was still a serif font I’d have less vexation.

The issue here is that:

  1. The sans-serif just is too over-simplified to translate the luxury and history that Burberry is meant to be all about. I get that many other luxury brands use serif, but there is something about this logo that’s not fitting for Burberry.
  2. This took four weeks to design. Come on now. Apparently, this project actually needed four months! FOUR. MONTHS. To design this… Okay then.
  3. Where is the creativity? It looks like a watered down version of every. other. new. logo. out there.
  4. Following on from this, I feel like these rebranded logos have become a meme of their own. We have Hedi Slimane changing Yves Saint Laurent‘s beautiful script into the plain ‘Saint Laurent’ that we have today. Raf Simmons just changed Calvin Klein’s logo, which was designed by Peter Saville, who, surprise suprise, has designed this new Burberry logo. I mean, just look at how diverse he can be…

We also have Céline, Balenciaga, Diane Von Furstenburg… (the list goes on) with similar looking logos. To me, this new logo is this meme:

Can I copy your homework? sure just change it up a bit so it doesn't look obvious... ok.

Even the new monogram is blah. Why do they need a monogram? We already have the iconic Burberry check. This monogram just looks like a souk’s version of Louis Vuitton and Goyard mashed together.

 

[Read: Five Fashion Fails: Lawsuits filed against fakes]

If it ain’t broke..

In his statement about taking the job [Tisci] said, “I have enormous respect for Burberry’s British heritage and global appeal,”

Vogue

Being British, Burberry is an important brand to me. 2016’s Christmas campaign starring Domhnall Gleeson as Thomas Burberry perfectly captured what the brand is all about. Tisci coming in and demanding a complete rebrand within four weeks doesn’t seem to be someone who really wants to get in touch with the heart of the brand’s history. Imagine the research and archives you’d have at your disposal and the amount of time that it would really take to understand the complexities of what works and also what doesn’t work.

It’s a very bold move, even arrogant, to assume you know the failings and to overhaul everything when you’ve only been in post a couple of months.

To me, this logo change doesn’t seem to about Burberry. It screams ego-trip. It’s a power move by Tisci who wants to show everyone that he’s the new person in charge and he can do what he wants and he’ll get all the praise for any of the publicity it gets.

Italian designers can be brash and bold, which works for certain brands. But here, for Burberry, whose essence lies in innovative practicality – think back to the 1901 classic trench that was designed for British and French soldiers – I can’t see how Tisci is a good match. Come September, we’ll see if I’m proven wrong. I do look forward to seeing Tisci’s first collection, however. Who knows, maybe I’ll review it?

A Burberry gift box

Do you have any thoughts on this? Am I overreacting??? Let me know if you disagree and you like the new logo; I’d be interested to know why!

If you like a ranty post check out my ‘trends that need to die in 2018’!

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Fashion trends that must die in 2018

8 fashion trends that need to stop!

“A trend simply reflects what seems to be going around at any given time.”*

Some are born out of necessity, some are expensive, some out-stay their welcome and some are downright wrong (see number 8). Some are all of the above. Trends come and go and these are those that need to go.

They’ve gotta go…

1. Ridiculously ripped jeans

Cue the jokes about me sounding like your nan, but why am I paying so much money for something that is already torn before it leaves the shop?

I’m here for rips in the knees and some artful fraying – modest rips, shall we say – but what in the hell are these rips all the way up to your butt cheeks? You know the ones. Just imagine Kylie Jenner as an extra in the Walking Dead – the sort of jeans that character would wear. Just please. Someone make it stop. Or, just give me £40 and I’ll happily ruin some of your old jeans for you.

2. Nude everything à la Yeezy

I like nude colours. They can look so chic. Especially suiting pieces (see my photo below 😉). But what I can not get on board with is nude body-con pieces paired with more nude and even more nude, so you become all camouflaged. I’m thinking most things Yeezy and these sorts of outfits that Kim Kardashian wears. Unless penis in a condom is the look you’re going for. (Sorry for all the weird imagery. And we’re only at no.2 in the list).

You know what I want to see this year? More colour!

Kim Kardashian wearing some god awful latex, shiny, nude colour dress

3. Gucci marmont belt

“A trend simply reflects what seems to be going around at any given time.” And there has been a lot of Gucci belts going around. I mean A LOT. It’s hard to open Instagram without seeing one… and it’s (dare I say it) a bit too samey. This isn’t new either; I think this has been around the last two and half years now and I’m a bit tired of it.

The GUCCI BELTS NEED TO GO.

“But I spent a lot of money on this!” you may cry. Don’t get me wrong, I actually love these belts and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want one. I even considered getting one… But y’know – money, sizing, stock problems (what you gunna do?). But the main problem with this trend is that it’s just that: a trend. An expensive one at that.

Alas, it doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. I have a feeling this will probably divide a lot of opinions!

PS I know Moschino belts were a big blogger thing a while back. They were an eighties revival, and for me, a classic. So, after the hype died down I got one in a thinner width and less in-your-face. I see less people (and less fakes) with this belt, so it looks a bit different.

Want a designer belt? Why not try one that’s not ‘trendy’ so you’ll never have to worry about it going out of fashion?

My top alternatives to the Gucci belt

4. The ‘choker’ dress

To be honest, this one isn’t offensive at all; I’m just not sold on this trend – is it a choker or is it a dress? You want to wear a choker, why not put on a necklace? This one looks a bit faffy for me to buy one of these, although it does look good on a lot of people, I’m just probably not one of them.

5. UGLY sneakers!

Just… No. I couldn’t ever jump on this bandwagon. If I wore some of these trainers in P.E. back in school in 2008, I would have got so bullied. Don’t these Balenciaga trainers just remind you of something you get out of lost property when you left your kit at home?

I’m still seeing these this Fashion Week… Part of me thinks there’s an inside joke. I can imagine the brands and influencers talking ‘let’s make the ugliest shoes possible a ‘thing’ and see how much people will pay for them?! It’ll be hilarious”.

Yeah… I’ll stick to my white Nikes thanks.

Louis Vuitton's extremely ugly sneakers

Louis Vuitton

6. Slogan tees that make no sense

Don’t get me wrong, I love a slogan T-shirt. I have too many to count. And they are definitely going nowhere… if anything, we’ll see more of them (if that’s possible), but what I just don’t get, are slogan tees that chucked some words together to form a sentence that doesn’t mean anything. These are some hilarious examples I’m talking about.

7. Low jeans on men

This has gone on for too long. Wear your trousers properly! I can see your pants and it looks like you shit in a nappy. That’s all.

Liam Payne wearing jeans so low you can see his boxer pants!!

8. Wearing IKEA bags

Let me repeat that for you, so you can let that sink in. People were actually making clothes out of those blue Ikea bags and wearing them, out in actual public. Now, I don’t know if this was a full-on trend; I didn’t see my Instagram cluttered with Ikea, nor have I seen anyone wearing this, but this wave of nonsense is too funny not to include.

I believe the whole thing started to poke fun at Balenciaga for producing a £1,600 bag that looked eerily similar to Ikea’s shopping bag. Is it just me or has Balenciaga had an identity crisis?

I gotta give to those people for their creativity with this though! Check out Some of the Best (and Most Ridiculous) Products People Have Made From IKEA Bags.

Three people wearing IKEA bags as 1. a coat, 2. shorts and 3. bralette

Do you agree/disagree with my list? Is there a trend I missed that you would really like to see disappear this year?

Leave a comment below 🙂


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Why perfume will always stand the test of time

The power of perfume

*This post is sponsored by Clive Christian.

Next to flowers, perfume is at the top of the gift list for Valentine’s Day. Why? A perfume can evoke feelings and it can be a symbol of love. Scent is powerful: from its rich history to the way it can evoke emotions and memories. This list of Valentine’s gifts for Him and Her include the very same perfume that Prince William and Kate received for their wedding day. What a romantic gift for a special someone… (or yourself!)

The power of perfume means our love affair for fragrances is going nowhere.

Here’s why:

A royal history of fragrance

Ever since civilisation, perfume has existed. Perfume is an ancient ritual, which goes all the way back to Ancient Egypt, much like the beloved red lipstick. Scientists believe that frankincense was most likely used for Pharoahs’ perfumes, which was understood to be a scent of the Gods. Perfume with expensive and exotic ingredients was a symbol of status.

King Tut (King Tutankhamun Exhibit - Cosmetic Jar with a Recumbent Lion on the Lid)

Ancient Egyptian Cosmetic Jar on display at the King Tut Exhibition.

In 1872 during the reign of Queen Victoria in Britain, The Crown Perfumery was established; this would later become Clive Christian. Queen Victoria was so impressed with the perfumery that she granted permission to use the image of her crown for the crystal bottle-stoppers – a honour which still endures today.

“In ode to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, who made perfumes for each other as a symbol of their enduring love, many Clive Christian perfumes are created in matching pairs…”

Telegraph

It seems the Christian Clive tradition was passed down to another royal couple…

For His Royal Highness Prince William and Catherine Middleton in honor of their union, Christian Clive was commissioned to create this bespoke presentation of his No.1 perfume. Complete with their initals and diamonds, of course.

The bespoke perfume bottles presented to Catherine and Prince William on their wedding day. The his and hers matched pair of Clive Christian No. 1 Perfumes with gold etched initials for Catherine and William. The perfume bottles are hand-cut crystal with a brilliant-cut diamond solitaire embedded in them. A “C” is etched in gold on the women’s, and a “W” on the men’s—a gift fit for a royal pair.

The bespoke perfume bottles presented to Catherine and Prince William on their wedding day.

How fragrances affect us

It’s well-known that there are strong links between smell and memory. Certain scents can actually affect our physical well-being too.

75% of all emotions generated every day are due to smell, and because of this, we are 100 times more likely to remember something we smell over something we see, hear or touch.”

Scent Research

I like to use a perfume for the first time when I travel to a new place. This is because whenever I smell that fragrance again the next time, I’ll immediately be transported back to that place. There’s a particular fragrance that I only wore whilst living in Madrid and now, when I catch the same scent, I vividly remember walking down Gran Vía.

Why we like some fragrances more than others

Research suggests that our perfume preferences are subconciously based on smells that bring us happy memories. Whether we realise it or not.

“We only learn to think of smells as ‘good’ by associating them with good feelings”. So, liking a scent partly comes down to good memories associated with it.

The other deciding factors as to whether you like a fragrance:

1. Familiarity:

If someone in your family wore a orange-based fragrance, you will be more partial to citrus scents.

2. What your body needs:

If you’re body’s in need of something, you’ll be attracted to a scent that can help. For example, if you’re feeling a bit tense, you’ll be drawn to vanilla which helps you to relax (more on this here).

3. The nature of your personality

Psychologists can tell what your favourite fragrance says about you.

If you’re a night owl, you probably favour oriental notes; outgoing and experimental people will like fruity notes; floral fans tend to feminine, friendly and outdoorsy.

Fun Fragrance Fact

Monkeys use perfume too!

Scientists have found some monkeys, such as the Mexican spider monkey, mix their saliva with crushed leaves to use as a perfume! They may apply this concoction to themselves every two hours in a day.
The aromatic plants they use are: the Alamos pea tree, which has fragrant leaves and flowers, a flowering trumpet tree, and wild celery.


Outstanding perfume creations are forever.

-Clive Christian

Perfume will always stand the test of time

Applying a fragrance becomes habit for many of us. It tells others who we are. Perfume has the power to lift our spirts and bring back fond memories. From ancient civilisations to modern day, perfume has always meant something more to us. The industry continues to grow year-on-year and has no signs of slowing down. I think this is because perfume is more than just a pretty glass bottle that sits on your dressing table.

Is perfume important to you? Leave a comment below!

Articles quoted:

What makes Clive Christian so exclusive

Monkeys use perfume

What perfumes did Ancient Egyptians use?

Scent research

15 things you didn’t know about fragrance

What makes us like or dislike a fragrance?

So THAT’S Why You’re So Attached to Certain Perfumes

What your favourite fragrance says about you

Clive Christian: The scent of royalty

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