Blaspheme

If I owned an Hermes bag, I would guard it with my life; it itself would have life insurance. Apparently this rule doesn't apply to celebrities, or to be more precise, Lady Gaga.

Having been in Japan promoting Viva Glam for M.A.C she probably thought that scrawling over a perfectly good Hermes bag was in some way ironic, or she simply wanted the bag safe from the likes of Heidi Montag/Pratt. Now, I love the gaga, I really do, but seriously, Hermes? Its a kick in the teeth that I wish I could have executed myself - just imagine having enough money to be able to graffiti your own £2000 bag and not give a shit.

I guess not giving a shit has kind of become her motto - which is why I completely and utterly adore her. It seems that Japan has brought our Gaga's crazy side that I've missed so much in recent months.

She kind of looks like a piece of scrap metal from Terminator but of course, it works. We've come to expect nothing less than extraordinary from her and seriously, apart from on the Victoria's Secret runway, when are you ever going to see wings as fun as this? I definately prefer this yellow-tinged-bob on her to that awful blonde wig; it's so last year.

And what would a post about Lady Gaga be without a bit of white body-paint and crazy hair. Like Dior AW09/10 she piled on the (painted white) kirby grips for the Viva Glam launch in Tokyo today, so much so that they look like some strange sort of head piece. Maybe she's stranded there because of the volcano in Iceland (fingers crossed) so we'll see even more fun outfits!

Are you offended or baffled by the graffitied Hermes?

photos from thefashionspot.com

Up Close & Personal

I'm one of those people who is awful at online shopping. The fact that I can't thumb through rails of lovliness and try everything-but-the kitchen-sink on is a massive turn off. Call me old-fashioned but I love to traipse, end of.

So naturally I was dead excited when I was invited to check out some of London Fashion's finest AW10/11 collections, in the flesh (or more accurately, fabric). Not only am I now pining for a Katy Eary cat-ear hat (the selection was so much fun) but I'm also hounding after a pair of pastel brogue Dr. Martens - they've taken the classic shape and twisted it in only a way the British could.

Brogue and Loafer: Dr. Martens style

I want everything here (visit Katy Eary's website for more info)

Basso & Brooke's signature engineered print

As you've also probably gathered from previous posts, I'm not exactly a Hunter wellies type of girl; but I think you could have a convert on your hands. Before you tell me to wash my mouth out with soap and get a horse, let me explain:

Admittedly it's taken a lot of umming and ahhing but jeeeez I want them for Bestival: super comfy, dry (ankle-height water permitting) and stylish-ish. These were also a size too big thus the slight size disproporation but regardless, they're quite exciting wouldn't you agree? My pay-day shopping list has become seriously ridiculous but just think, all of these items would equal a weirdly brilliant wardrobe.

So basically, if you see someone wearing Hunter wedge ankle-boots, a furry cat-ear hat and a reptillian duffle with a pair of pastel coloured Dr. Martens in, then say hi - it won't be me but they'll probably love it.

photos taken by me, do not use/copy without permission!

Uniqlo does Glamour

If you add Uniqlo with hundreds of Glamour readers what do you get? A stampede and a hideously long queue.

On Tuesday, Glamour invited a selection of its readers to shop, eat Yo!Sushi, drink Vitaminwater and get a make-over in Uniqlo's flagship store on Oxford Street. Luckily I was accompanied by the lovely Em from Make Lemonade (check out her blog and uhmazing vintage store - everything is literally under £20. Bargain!) because the whole experience was a little overwhelming - check out the queue, and this was just for sushi!

But of course, being an event held in the name of shopping, I couldn't leave without buying something. Not wanting to risk another queue to try things on I settled for an adorable Christopher Kane style checked smock-top and a print tee. Cute, non?

Overall the event seemed to be a massive success, and if like me you got shopping fever, then you also receieved a free goodie bag (oh how I love a goodie bag) with a gorgeous red Victoria and Albert Nails Inc polish.

Seriously though, if Uniqlo was always one of those stores you walked past but never went in (like me) then you should really check it out next time you see one, you might be pleasantly surprised. Thanks to Em for keeping me company and for introducing me to her brilliant store, Bestival here we come!

photos taken by me

Laura Mackness (Eyes, Ears, Mouth & Nose)

I love it when I stumble across a designer I've never heard of; and it helps when I like their clothes.

I'm a bit of a sucker for graphic prints (although have learned to steer well clear of them myself) and think that if you're long and leggy enough, they can look amazing. So Central St. Martins grad Laura Mackness' collection for Weekday was a welcome surprise.

Not only do I love the salmon leggings/conical bra/black lips combo, but her stuff actually looks wearable. My favourite piece, hands down (cringe), is the handy grey crop-top - I want one! Check out her website here and tell me you don't want at least one thing from her collection.

Ok so apologies for the hiatus (again) but it seems that regaining a social life has meant losing the will to post. I will get back on track asap - watch out for Dolly Mix updates (today I took a trip to the beach and it wasn't to sunbathe or to feel the sand between my toes, if you catch my drift).

PS. RIP Malcolm Mclaren, a true fashion legend without whom we'd never have the likes of Vivienne Westwood or The Sex Pistols.

photos from dazeddigital.com & holyrollerproductions.com

Dolly Mix

Sneak preview.

Photos from Dolly Mix, a new teenage magazine for the girl who'd rather stick needles in her eyes than read Sugar.

Thoughts?

Photos by me, do not use/copy without permission!

Branching Out

Many people refer to Vogue as some sort of fashion bible and to an extent, I agree. However, I've only ever bought the English, American and Italian versions - mainly because my little city is more Joanna Lumley than Grace Coddington.

Clearly I've been missing out.

I wouldn't have put Korea on my list of fashionable destinations but this cover (and uhmazing editorial) are just beautiful - maybe British Vogue could take a leaf and start featuring someone other than Kate Moss on their covers. I think the styling for this particular shoot is really clever, they've taken some incredible high-fashion pieces and given them an edgy but wearable twist (Abbey Lee makes it that bit more special).

I paricularly like the Katy Eary golden-lobster rib cage (although at first site thought it was an extra from the Alien films) and the styling of Burberry Prorsum SS10, who knew it could be so edgy?

I definately won't be so ignorant with my Vogue choices in the future - although it's nice when you can actually read the articles too. What magazines are you intrigued by but have never bought? My list is pretty extensive...

photos from fashiongonerogue.com

Levi's Re-launch

Today me and Dani from Between Every Line were invited to an exclusive bloggers preview of the newly refurbed Levi's store on Regent Street, opening tomorrow.

Considering Levi's is already one of my favourite brands (my heart lies with the 501), they've done a pretty good job with the store. It was obvious from the bare concrete walls and exposed architecture that Levi's were looking back to their roots to bring the brand into 2010. Little details like the 'inspection gallery', haberdashery inspired shelves and the 501 warehouse (a nice touch, might I add) gave the store a really industrial feel.

The inspection gallery

Part of the 501 'warehouse'

I love how conceptual the store is - especially the entrance 'foyer' section (check out the mini installations and hot guys) and think that it's going to be a massive success with Londoners alike.

My favourite Levi's campaign still belongs to Josh Beech, I mean, could you resist?

Even if you're not that into Levi's, you should head down to Regent Street just to check out the store - if you like industrial, back-to-basics concept stores then you'll love this one.

photo's from Levi's