the man behind the camera...
Meet Fredrik - otherwise known as Freddy or Dr Bobby Freddy. He's min man as they'd say in Sweden and the one behind the camera. Unless otherwise stated, the photographs of me on here are always taken by him. Rain or shine, tired, chirpy, or sleepy - he rarely puts up a fuss about the havoc of taking my photo and when he does, let's be honest, it's probably well deserved. So, this is in response to those of you who have asked who takes my photos. Also, a lesson in how to punt (no Kit, you don't row in it - it's more like a gondola).
'i had shorts like that when i was a kid...'
'i've been illustrated!'
I just want to send out a very big thank you to Victoria Riches who sent me these illustrations she did inspired by a couple photos she saw on here. I absolute love them and am so chuffed that she took the time to do them and send them over to me. She has got an awesome flickr account filled with loads of gorgeous drawings. Be sure to check it out here. Thanks again Vic!
will you succumb to the power of beige?
Everyone is getting a bit stir crazy for Autumn. Blustery weather is already starting to settle in over England and this is only spurring on people's dreams about what the new season has to offer. At the top of everyone's concern seems to be colour. As if that's not a dull enough topic of conversation already the colour of choice isn't helping to heat things up: beige. We haven't even attempted to spice it up by giving it some sort of phantom-name to disguise its boring nature, like perhaps cinnamon or chestnut. At least that would conjure up more exciting emotions than beige: all that springs to mind is infinite nothingness. Not too awe inspiring of a way to usher in the new season, I'd argue. Anyway, it seems we've got Chloe to thank for all this bland colour hoopla that is stirring up the fashion magazines and bloggers alike. The creative director, Hannah MacGibbon, sent one beige head-to-toe ensemble down the catwalk followed by another until she finally conceded and threw in one model covered in black leather and a couple in grey pant suits. While Chloe seems to be getting all the credit for this 'fashion forward' look it wasn't the only house to send the monotone sandy look down the runway. Prada, A.F. Vandevorst and Michael Kors also gave it a whirl - though they didn't have their entire show dominated by the ensemble alone. Chloe was the only one that stuck their neck out for the trend. The brand also championed the 'new trouser shape', or what actually is the return of the old '70s trouser shape: read high waists and full legs that flare out past the knee. Great. So, my skin will be looking pasty, since inevitably that's the only way it could possibly look with beige next to it, while I'm tipped over on the side of the road because my flares are caught in my bike chain... this is one two-part trend I will be avoiding.
make room for the new...
As Autumn is just around the corner I thought it was only appropriate to clear out some items from my wardrobe in preparation for the new ones that are bound to come in. I didn't intend to mention this little project on here but Friday night, when I was spending my night at home watching Sleepless in Seattle and ebaying, I made a little tweet about what I was up to. I got quite a few requests from people asking for my ebay seller name so they could check out my items. So, I thought I would post it on here as well in case anyone is interested in my unwanted goodies. After all, one man's trash is another man's treasure. More items will be added over the next few days.
Ebay items available here.
happy blogger-versary-birthday...
Today it's the one year birthday of my little blog. That's right, one year ago I did my very first post: a mission statement outlining the purpose of The Style Crusader. It is no longer relevant to what goes on here though. I started with a specific purpose, to critique the outfits of people I secretly snapped on the street, but as you probably know that's not what I get up to much these days. Yep, if you go back into the spider web covered archives you'll find fingernail sized blurry images of so-called fashion victims. That went on for roughly six months and only changed after I weaseled my way into London Fashion Week in February. When I should have been a few hundred meters away, studying at the LSE, I played hooky and set myself firmly within Somerset House hoping to catch a glimmer of fashion glory. It wasn't hard to spot, the venue was oozing, and from that point on the true obsession began. So, I bring you the top moments, in no particular order, from The Style Crusader's first year...
#1: London Fashion Week: definitely the most surreal experience and I met some very good friends. If you're based near London I recommend you get your tushy over there next month and check it out.
#2. Jill: the most generous and genuinely kind woman. She was the first to link me and has become a regular fixture in my life. I'm sure you've seen it already but be sure to check out her blog: Street Style London.
#3. Meetups: getting to meet different London based bloggers has been the most fun parts about blogging. I wish I could do it more often but living in Oxford and doing my masters has seriously limited the amount of play time I have. I wont mention all the wonderful people I've met, but you know who are...
#4. Shoes at Kate Kanzier: I have never been that much of a shoe girl but somehow Kate Kanzier struck a serious cord with me and ignited a footwear obsession within my heart. The love has spread to all sorts of brands and is presently hovering above a pair of Mentor wedges.
#5. Street style: it provides such a unique insight into people and their unique style. Definitely one of my favourite sections of this blog and one that I am going to aim to do more often. Sadly, being confined to the library doesn't provide many opportunities for photographing people but, luckily, my time there will be finished in two weeks.
#6. Sweden: after my exams finished in June I headed over to Sweden for two weeks. It was the most relaxing and wonderful holiday and was topped off by the treat of having Jackie and Daniella come out for a few days.
#7. Photography: Fred's Uncle Mike was kind enough to give us his old DSLR Canon camera. It has made taking photos so much fun and I literally drag it everywhere with me.
#8. Giveaways: if you haven't run into the potential of blogger giveaways & competitions I suggest you quickly do. I enter a fair amount and somehow have won a lot: a pair of Reebok Easytone trainers & a whole set of gym clothes, two necklaces, one swimsuit, a Chanel print (pictured), The Sartorialist book, over 500 pounds worth of Alice Temperley goodies... seriously, see what I mean? Start entering giveaways.
#9. Followers: having people follow your blog is really rewarding. My mom, in the photo above, is definitely one of my most treasured followers. As well as my husband, who always takes photos for me even when it's raining and inconvenient. Everyone else that follows is highly appreciated too. Thanks for all the photos you've sent, the comments you've left and for coming back time and again.
I realize that my blog's birthday cake looks a little wonky. The icing wouldn't stick to the sides and it's a bit lopsided. It may be a bit irregular and messy in places but it tastes so unbelievably good. Cinnamon is my absolute favourite and this snickerdoodle cake is perfection.
'i want a puppy named Fido(lina)...'
The key to my happiness, I have decided, is a puppy named Fido(lina). The 'lina' is because I want a girl puppy but I want to call her Fido, which happens to be a boy name. So, Fido will have to be her nickname from a more feminine name. These photos, coincidentally, have absolutely nothing to do with my future puppy. They are, however, a little behind the scenes peek at the Quicksilver shoot courtesy of Shini.
p.s. in case you didn't know, if you click on one of my photos you can scroll through them in a cool sorta way. check it out.
'toast a celebration, get a glass out...'
lots to celebrate the other night... moves, twins, new jobs (none of these things are happening to me, don't panic). top songs of the night included: tinie tempah, beyonce 'put a ring on it', alejondro, kiss & twist (which no one else knew but me), some old school incubus and futureheads.
happy friday everyone. i've got a gruesome combination of allergies and a cold... am planning on spending my weekend between the library and my sofa. am hoping that some of you have more exciting plans? Wearing: monki dress and bandeau.
california dreamin...
London got an injection of laid back California cool a couple of weeks ago when Beth Jones and Laurel Daily descended onto our wee little capital on behalf of Quicksilver Women. The roof top of the Zepher hotel was transformed into a dressing up box fit for a 25 year old with a big spread of the brands new Autumn/Winter collection. Shini and I were lucky enough to get to play dress up with all the items and then prance around the nearby streets while we got our photo taken. It was such a fun day and, although I've said it before, this reconnection with one of my favourite teenage so-cal brands has sparked a new love affair. Sitting at the top of my wish list is their army green parka (yet to hit shops), 'set list' silk tank, and the 'wall to wall' cardigan. Definitely be sure to check out their look book to see what the company is all about, it's a lot more than board shorts and bikinis.
Wearing: 'Aftermath Dress' and Beth's hat, bracelet, ring, and shoes (I went a bit mental on her suitcase...). Shini wears: 'Bombshell Dress', Quicksilver red top, own shoes, and Beth's hat.
Photos taken by Laurel Daily.
'thank you, thank you, you're far too kind...'
Enter the competition on the Marie Claire Facebook page.
a touch of temperley...
This month Marie Claire UK is giving away a free canvas bag created by a British designer with each issue of their magazine. I knew straight away when I saw the styles available that I wanted this one by Alice Temperley, it has got the perfect combination of geometric stripes and tribal print. To up the ante and make their giveaway even more exciting they are giving away over 3,000 GBP worth of free goodies on their Facebook page through a competition. I've just submitted my entry (the above photo) and would love it if you'd help a girl out and vote for me. All you have to do is go to the Marie Claire UK facebook page and 'like' it and then go to my photo and also 'like' it. The entry that has the most 'likes' by 8am tomorrow morning will win 500 pounds worth of Alice Temperely goodies. So don't be shy, get over to the page and vote...
Wearing: Alice Temperley for Marie Claire canvas bag, Urban Outfitters floral dress, American Apparel white t-shirt, Madewell jacket, Jigsaw red belt and Zara shoes. Location: entry to the Rhodes Scholar House in Oxford.
p.s. (in two parts) I didn't realize just how short this dress was until I saw the photos and I'd like to send out a big THANK YOU to the dr (aka my husband freddy) for always coming along with me, in this case in the rain, to take photos for this blog. i really appreciate it. x
cover me in sequins...
Sequins aren't usually my thing. They tend to come in the form of 'going out' clothes that are one part sleazy and one part try-hard - neither of which are categories I try to fall into voluntarily. But the sequin has had a revival. Reworked, its been given a grungy unexpected makeover. Instead of dressing them up in the form of tarty tight dresses Ashish paired them with chunky woolen knits and tweeds in his Autumn/Winter collection. Not a fake tan or blonde blowout in sight. Instead they were accessorized with loose braids, slouchy beanies, barely there makeup, granny printed rolled socks and menswear shoes. Totally quirky and impossible to take with a straight face, the line mixes bright prints and childlike motifs with heavily textured knits and bunched waists. Ashish's collection provides not only a true masterclass in layering pieces that traditionally wouldn't be worn together but also presents a whole array of insanely covetable pieces. I've got my eye on the two-toned jumper with red stitches above the elbow.
Photos taken at the Village Press showroom.
a faded sort of day...
A grey Friday morning spent checking out the church that sits at the end of our road... the rest of the day I'm eating Pizza Hut and watching Arrested Development. Productivity is down but I will make up for it tomorrow.
Wearing: Gap denim jacket, Urban Outfitters white burnout t-shirt, American Apparel black skirt, Monki bronze plastic shoes, One Language HAUTE bag, Topshop bracelets and Urban Outfitters leopard print glasses.