Leggings and sandals?!

I write now about an issue that has perplexed me for many summers past. As someone who would rather not bare too much leg in Britain come July/August, I am faced with a dilemma- living in Jeans or Linens, Or chucking on leggings with sandals.

I'm only a fan of the ankle length legging and i like to think that with a shoe like sandal- e.g the gladiator (I'm sorry but in my eyes they will never be out of fashion), it is just about do-able. On holiday we can all prance around in shorts and sandals, but these rules just don't seem to apply to the majority when back on home turf. Perhaps it is because we are not used to the sun, but why is it not acceptable for shorts and sandals sans leggings at home, when it is soo appropriate whilst holidaying.

Soo, my conclusion is that i can only refer to sandals and leggings as a completely necessary evil. I will be wearing my sandals chunky and my leggings long and wearing it preferably with a dress- so that there are fewer divides across the body to compensate the ankle division!

The sheepskin jacket

Whilst i scornfully write about things in the fashion world that i dislike, this blog may come as a suprise as i am proud to admit that come autumn, i will be donning a sheepskin coat.

I'm not talking a full beige number, but rather a leatherish jacket with a sheep skin trim, what could possibly be more attractive to keep you warm on those cold autumn nights. I just need to find the perfect one and then i will be happy. I feel a black leather jacket replacement coming on.. (if my leather jacket can hear me I'm really sorry).

Said sheepskin coats are just the right amount of grunge come warmth that is required from sort of September onwards, and i cannot wait. As a 21 year old fashionista, i have not yet been confronted by the chic partially sheepskin jacket, and i for one, am looking forward to embracing it, and being nice and warm.

Crop Tops

As Summer allegedly approaches, it becomes more difficult to escape the allure of the crop-top. Whilst in winter we were able to wear the crop-top with an ounce of dignity, over another vest of some type, summer is all about the bare midriff. Which, for me, does not go down too well. As a size 14 (and proud) i will not be embracing the crop-top, one because i couldn't even if i wanted to, but also because i believe the crop-top should have been left in the 90s with our training bras.

however, i recognise that their is a certain charm for the slim girls amongst us to throw on a floral crop top with some skinny jeans and sandals, and if you must flaunt your stomach in front of everyone, then go ahead, Spice girl it up.

Handbags

Handbags are very much so a matter of personal opinion, of which mine is particularly strong. Firstly, there is nothing better than a big leather or suede bag. We all know how expensive It bags are, but I'm not talking Hermes or Chanel, but just any old leather bag. Vintage leather, crisp leather, brown leather, purple leather, mottled leather- all leather bags are hot.

Now that we have material out of the way, i would like to turn your attention to shape and size. This is something which i feel particularly strongly about. I'm not a big fan of the small bag you see. For instance, the clutch bag does like wonderful under Eva Longoria's arm, but lets be honest, they just aren't practical. 1. You can't fit anything in them, 2. You can't throw appropriate shapes on the dance floor with clutch in tow.

Small handbags just remind me of 90s kids, and i do have quite a major issue with people who carry small handbags and then bigger bags for the things that they failed to fit in their small bags- surely putting 2 and 2 together would tell you to get a bigger bag?! (however this rule does not apply if you already carrying a largish bag and can't fit even more stuff in it- you are then allowed 2 bags- but maybe you should consider carrying around less crap?!)

Also, a fashion tip i once overheard- a bigger bag makes you look smaller. Which i think is just fantastic, and therefore i will now always be carrying a big bag. As far as I'm concerned there are no negatives to big bags...

P.s! I can't believe i forgot to express my hatred for the small clutch come strappy bag- as my friend rightly pointed out- usually in satin, often diamante and always very offensive.

Animal Print

Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to wear animal print and look sexy, as opposed to looking like either a 90s prostitute or Pat Butcher.

To fashionistas, animal print is a godsend. It is by far the most diverse, expressive and exciting print, from Zebra to Cheetah and my personal favourite, of course leopard print.

now i must say, as a 90s teenage Spice Girls fan, Scary spice did a lot for my wardrobe. I had a beautiful black t-shirt dress with leopard print trim (i say beautiful- i of course mean ghastly), which i wore with honour pretty much everyday. And i think now we can all look back and agree that Mel B was in fact far from Scary Spice, and more sexy or sassy spice.

Usually with pattern you should follow the mantra that less is more. But personally, when it comes to leopard print- more in definitely more. (I'm talking leopard print PJ's, dressing gown and slippers, leopard print cushions and leopard print bedspread- overkill? I think not.)

However, and this is a big one, you really have to choice your fabrics carefully. It is a fine line between sexy leopard print and tacky leopard print. I say no to Lycra and no to plastic. The best way to wear leopard print is close to the skin or in accessories. It just has the right level of vamp mixed with cool and it gets a major thumbs up, not only for me now, but from me c.1995 and me c.2025. Leopard print is timeless.

p.s Please note: Yes to fake fur and prints. Big no to real fur. No no no.

Double Denim

Double Denim is a tricky subject area. Every decade since the 70s has experienced a fashion movement based around double denim. From Jeans and Shirts in the 70s to Mini Skirts and handbags in the 90s (a la spice girls).

I think there are ways of wearing double denim very well, but there are many more ways of wearing double denim terribly. We must remember that since the 90s we are no longer talking just blue, white or black denim, but instead we have a whole spectrum of shades to play with. My proposal for double denim wearing is as follows; grey skinny jeans and a pale denim jacket- OK (only just, but acceptable), Blue on blue never.

I suppose denim accessories is where i have my real issues. Unless you are an art student, you should not be carrying a denim bag. And unless you are a fifteen year old skater, you should not be wearing denim trainers- converse or not.

In general, unless you are Dolly Parton, an art student, or in the 90s- leave double denim alone.

Big Fake Glasses

Fake glasses- Yes. But we should be talking more sexy secretary than Napoleon Dynamite.

Whilst glasses, whether real or fake, are a wonderful fashion accessory, there has to come a time when you say no, no, no. I mean, even Dierdre Barlow has moved on, so don't you think its high time that we fashionista's did too.

Far from looking like Julian Casablanca's or Johnny Borrell, big glasses on indie boys (or girls) do just make you look like a trainspotter. 1. They aren't cool. 2. They look ridiculous and 3. Could you be trying harder?

As a glasses wearer myself i must admit i do like the spectacle look, but i'm sticking, like Gok Wan to the classic, but chic rectangular frame. If you have to change your glasses please don't take advice from flashers or John Lennon.

P.s its nearly summer now, so if you want big frames, get sunglasses.