Friday Finds - Red Dresses And More

I had all sorts of ideas about what to include in todays Friday finds but every where I look at the moment, I see the most amazing red dresses, I love red dresses and want to buy them all so apologies now if this post is a bit red dress biased. I guess I am already getting festive. I am planning to get my Christmas shopping done in the next few weeks giving loads of time to artistically wrap each pressy and add little bows! Ok enough of the waffle and on with the finds.

O&O Velvet Maxi Dress- Urban Renewal at Urban Outfitters love the shade of red in this maxi dress and the velvet so perfect for a party.

O&O Velvet Shirred Waist Dress, Urban Renewal At Urban Outfitters -a much brighter red than the last dress, this would also make a really amazing party dress for Christmas.

People Tree - Nancy Splatter Fairtrade Organic Cotton Dress - I would wear this dress for the daytime with opaque tights and black boots. I love the striking abstract print.

Emily and Fin - Lucy Red Polka Dot Dress - another day dress and some more fifties inspiration. I just love the feminine look of it.

Tara Starlet - Belted Vixen Dress - being quite short, I find that straight skirts are usually the most flattering.

Nomads Vintage Inspired Fairtrade Dress - another amazing  party dress which would be so great for Christmas parties. This time in that fifties style that everyone is loving this season.

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Have a lovely weekend and a not too scary Halloween!
 
Ceri X

More trash than cash

As people struggle on (myself included) trying to look stylish in a recession, the magazines seem to be jam packed with ideas for cost effective ways to look good. The November issue of Vogue has a strong focus on DIY clothes, more dash than cash and thrifty fashion - although Vogues ideas of thrifty differs quite some from my own ideas. In particular a feature called 'Make do and mend' caught my attention, where domestic objects were turned into DIY couture by Shona Heath, William Tempest and Peter Jensen. It reminded me of a feature on Blue Peter many years ago when I was a child and they made party dresses from black bin bags.

I would have to question the ecomomics and environmental credentials of this outfit considering it is highly unlikely that it has been made using old/ recycled rubber gloves and dustbin bags.

I am just trying to picture the faces of all of the mums at the school, when I turn up to pick the children up wearing this outfit made of cotton wool balls.

Worryingly, I actually really like this, I might even consider wearing it.

Dish cloth couture- I love it!

Amazing what you can make using a few old tea towels. Very clever.

I am guessing this outfit was not designed with wearability in mind.

I decided to have a go at my own 'make do and mend' feature amidst mutterings by Mr Style Eyes that he wonders if I am all there sometimes. I have been wondering what to do with my ever growing stack of fashion magazines and have previously considered turning them into jewellery. There is something about the glossiness and rich colours that I think would work really well. Anyway I have long been hankering after a gorgeous bib necklace but lacking the cash to buy one. I decided to attempt to make one using an old copy of vogue in what I think is a truly economical and environmental project cost - £0. Not sure about how durable it will be though and I am really hoping it doesn't rain!

And here is my recycled magazine handbag crafted by my lovely daughter.

Round London recycled fashion

Just thinking of ways to brighten up my plain old boring white top. I got the neck / scarf thing from a label called Round London that came along to the Posh Swaps clothes swap party a few weeks ago. Round London creates gorgous and unique clothes using vinatage and recycled fabrics. They can also create customised pieces using a piece of your old clothing. A very stylish way to recycle

Graduate Fashion Week Recycled

I was really pleased to see that some of the recent trend for second hand clothes and recycled clothes was evident at graduate fashion week in the collection of Lucie Vincini. Graduate fashion week is especially important in influencing future trends as it is likely to be these students that will be the some of the rising stars of fashion over the next few years. The choice to use recycled products will definitely earn them some brownie points with the eco types but they will also have to hold their own in terms of style and innovation. I think Lucie's collection was definitely a collection to be taken seriously and not one just with the novelty factor of being environmentally friendly.

The menswear collection by Lucie Vincini, graduate of UCA Epsom was eclectic, innovative and theatrical. It used a range of recycled materials including a jacket made of Royal Mail bags and trousers made of carrier bags.

picture from www.ameliasmagazine.com