A TRIP TO EGYPT

1. H&M Dress ... 2. Topshop Sandals ... 3. Topshop Necklace ... 4. BIBA Clutch

1. Rachel Comey Swimsuit ... 2. Karen Walker Sunglasses ... 3. Borders & Frontiers Shopper 

1. Samantha Pleat Dress ... 2. Bass Shoes ... 3. Karen Walker Sunglasses ... 4. Ted Baker Bag

FERN

PRETTY PROFESSIONAL

 Recently Laura Fernee was chastised within the media for declaring that she is too pretty to be taken seriously at work. Many women I’m sure can associate with the embarrassing and uncomfortable effects of street harassment, which often seems harmless to men and women who don’t experience it. Personally street harassment can ruin my day, and often make me not want to leave the house, so imagine having this feeling daily at your workplace. Although Fernee’s argument may be controversial and arguable, I can understand her stance on the subject. During her interview on ITV’s This Morning, she explained that her male and female colleagues made her feel inadequate intellectually by assuming her glamorous exterior defined her personality and academic abilities, for example, a fitted dress, lipstick or pearl necklace.

As a young woman fresh out of University, I have begun the job search, and for the first time I have started to consider what I would wear in professional circumstances, for example, a job interview. I don’t believe that your individuality and unique qualities should be boxed into a boring business cliché, and if at any point you are in danger of not being taken seriously because of an overtly feminine or sexy style, I would simply put this down to sadly jealous and intimidated co-workers. Dress to suit yourself, and always be true to your personal style, whatever the environment.

ANNA

Useful info; The New Professional, The Working Wardrobe, Mizhattan, Net-a-porter

images - laura fernee, jackets m&s, dorothy perkins, river island.

MORE NEW OLD STUFF

 I'm somewhat lacking in Internet at the moment, as a result I'm posting this from my phone - hope it looks normal! The sun has finally landed in England so we're soaking it up as this last couple of weeks is probably the only summer we'll likely get, then it'll be back to being cold. Here are a few things I've found lately; pillowcases, a strangely cute painting, an AMAZING handmade throw I bought for €15(!) when I was in the south of France and a gorgeous vintage 60s dress from New Orleans. I wore it when I modelled for a vintage fair this last Monday.. But that's a whole other story.

FERN

BLOOMING LEOPOLD SS13

I've been waiting with anticipation for this lookbook for quite some time; Lauren Winter's collections just keep on getting better, and this new lot are no exception. It's all got such a relaxed, summery feel, helped along by traditional hand dyeing methods completed with natural inks - it somehow all feels perfect for the summer. And those clay bead necklaces are to die for.

FERN

images from bloomingleopold

TOPSHOP LIMITED EDITION

I've been so busy the past couple of weeks it's ridiculous. Tomorrow will mark my 11th day straight of working, I'm so tired that I now day dream about bed. Anyway, on my now daily hunt to topshop.com for shoes that I saw in-store but, somewhat frustratingly, don't seem to exist online(!), I stumbled across the new Topshop Limited Edition. Clearly a massive vintage influence in just about every piece, each one is beyond beautiful, and actually, rather affordable. And, as prom season is on the not-to-distant horizon, they're an exquisite alternative to a typical prom dress. Just wish I had an excuse to purchase one myself.

FERN

TO BE ADORED

I used to be completely in love with TBA, but it somehow kind of fell off my radar for the last year. Looking at their latest collection I have no idea why because it's even better than before. Designer Bin Bin McNiven is still using beautifully classic silhouettes, but giving them that TBA edge with cute pockets and collars and gorgeous prints. To me it is the attention to detail that makes the label that look a lot more expensive than it is, and it's worth every penny as it's a complete cut above any high street apparel. I'm in love all over again.

FERN

ORLA KIELY SS13

Orla Kiely's new collection is beyond amazing, and the lookbook just serves to make the clothes look even better than they already do. I know I'm trying to get over my love of print, but garments like these really aren't helping. I also sort of love how they've put the clothes on a model with a straight up and down figure - I'm always a bit scared of wearing more 1950s shaped with nipped in waists, but this has served to show me I really needn't be that scared. And, I think there's more than a slight nod to Betty Francis/Draper in this collection.

FERN

MAD FOR IT

Only six months ago did I discover Mad Men. For me, there's been no other TV show that can match up to it - the story lines, the characters, the acting, but most of all the attention to detail, especially design detail, is outstanding. It's in the fashion in particular you see the subtle differences as the years pass. Many an occassion I've watched programmes and films set in a particular time and they always seem to go overboard with the clothes, it almost makes them seem false, as if they're costumes. 

Betty Francis is a particular favourite of mine, her dresses are beautiful regardless of the decade. But to look, at a glance, at the shift through from 1950s-60s there are glaring differences, but weirdly you barely realise as you're watching because the transition is so realistically slow. Meagan Draper is another character that, thanks to subtle raises and dips in hemlines, slight tweaks to hairstyles and giveaway accessories, has transitioned beautifully from year to year, all within keeping of the true fashions of the time. Bring on this Sunday for season 6.

FERN

A VINTAGE FAIR

Finally! Richmond has caught up and is holding a Vintage Fair this coming Tuesday. If you're around you should definitely pop in to take a look - I'm (hopefully) helping out on the Oxfam stall, and there are some beautiful dresses from us in particular.

FERN

MES DAMES SS13

It's not feeling much like March here in the UK. Not that the weather is usually something we can rely on in England, but Spring has been particularly cold so far. What makes it even worse is the fact that this time last year we were having a warm spell, hitting temperatures in the mid 20s. I've had to keep myself excited for the warm weather by browsing lookbooks, and Mes Dames SS13 collection is doing the job perfectly.

Balancing warm yellows and purples against more pale hues, Mes Dames' newest offerings, and in particular, their lookbook, seem to personify Spring. I particularly love the lady-like bows and pretty pencil skirts. And, weirdly enough, each piece stands out without being too obvious. Perhaps because everything about the collection is so stunningly simple.

FERN

KAT VON D

“Makeup is part of my daily routine. It’s the time in my mornings when I can concentrate on me, and me alone. Giving yourself this kind of attention is so important - and is something that is definitely glossed over by too many women.”

Kat Von D has been a massive inspiration for me over the last few years. For me, she is the epitome of a strong, empowered woman. Yes, as a feminist, I guess we do throw the word ‘empowerment’ around quite a bit, but in this case, it is one hundred percent true. Even if you are not a fan of her many, many tattoos (which arguably made her famous in the first place), or her extraordinarily Goth-chic fashion choices, you can appreciate her force and determination to be the best at what she does, whilst being unapologetically kind and loving in the process. She carries a certain charm and dorky sensibility that allows her to connect so closely with her followers, making her equally relatable and respectable.

ANNA

GARDEN GALA

It's really weird, I have no intention of getting married, but I absolutely love pouring over photographs from other people's beautiful weddings - even when I have no idea who they are. Brooke Johnston's wedding photos are probably some of my favourites; I've never seen such a fresh colour palette - usually it's pinks and purples and blues - yellow is something that, in my head, would leave me feeling a bit nervous, but actually it works marvellously well. And that wedding dress is to die for.

 

-FERN

THE LOVED ONE

Founded by Elvia Lahman and Hannah Metz, The Loved One brings us beautiful vintage style lingerie, and one-off vintage dresses. Seductively innocent, each piece of lingerie is beyond feminine; styled in a way that seems to hark back to the 1950s, via a short stop to the 70s.

I know warm weather is a long way off, and you can't exactly walk about in your underwear, but it's The Loved Ones's styling and photoshoots that are currently making me that little bit more excited about the Spring.

-FERN

PICKS FROM THE UO SALE

Right before Christmas I only treated myself to one new piece of clothing (which is good for me), and it came in the form of a bejewelled mini skirt from Dahlia at the way-too-good-to-not-have-it price of £15 instead of £58. Ever since then though I've been hunting about and found nothing. That was until this last week. I. Can't. Stop. Seeing. Things. I. Want. And Urban Outfitters has the best sale by far right now - and all things that can be worn throughout the spring/summer... if it ever comes.

LWL Velvet Dress. S&F Cosmic Dress. Cooperative Crop Top. Glitter Dot Bra. J by Jas Satchel.


-FERN