Little bit of Sharon fashion Transition

This is the second girl to have told me that her mom bought her dresses, but she really did not want to wear them. The older I get the more I’ve found ‘mother knows best’, but everyone’s style evolution is different, that is what makes these articles possible…

Sharon 2.0

For some children their parents can be style icons, in Shazz’s case her mom was slim and pretty and was young in the 70’s, so mini’s it was. This not being what Sharon would wear she looked else were for inspiration. Before stretch jeans came along, it was hard to find a good fit; I can second this! With slight ‘rear insecurity’ she chose to live in joggers and Adidas bottoms for comfort until she was about 18. This being said, Sharon has always felt over dressed when smart and prefers a casual approach.

For me it becomes clearer when Sharon tells me that her favourite artists are the likes of French Blek le Rat and Banksy. These are artists with a message and a voice that they need to get out there, their style is street but in it there is beauty. Not only this but an attraction to body art, of which she has a few. This is one of the oldest art forms that used to have a bad rep. Though it is now very popular and the stigma of the past has left, yet it still holds a toughness and sense of power.

 

Still sticking with her comfortable jeans, she has a variety of vests and t-shirts. She claims this sort of clothing suits her life style; her love for dance/electronic music does lead to late nights in dark and sometimes dirty clubs such as SE1, Great Suffolk St Warehouse and Cable. Bearing this in mind a girl needs to be comfortable and footwear is essential in for this… Funky trainers and other accessories (belts, necklaces and slogans) that are less for comfort but more to reflect her cool, laid back and up for a laugh attitude make for a style all Sharon. Blood Hound Gang was the sound track for this 80’s child, but that is long ago and they’ve made space for a lot of Electro and lasers. Not dropping her first influence on the dance scene, drum and bass … of which Omni Trio – Renegade Snares basically got her into her much loved dance.

 

Now at work it’s a very different story, because here is where Sharon applies some power dressing. Having seen it for myself, I must say it is a sight to behold. And I agree with her completely, sometimes a girl needs to wear her power. The Insurance industry, where she works is so male dominated; donning a body-con dress and heels can give you the edge to make your mark.
If any of you out there wanted to share your transition, please get in touch.

Music: Your guiding force

I am listening to old Bob Marley and the lyrics of This is Love got me thinking; “I want to love you and treat you right.” This is what I want from love and the man I spend my life with, to be treated right and share shelter, metaphorically speaking.

Now, as teenager’s we listened to a lot of Bob Marley, he chilled us out, without herbal aids, and was great to sing along to when partying. As I got older and was not just singing along to the tracks I found many answers and wisdom in his lyrics. How much of what we believe in comes from the music we listened to as kids, teens and even now…

What power lies with the artist’s of a generation, especially when they are the likes of Justin Bieber and One Direction? I was born in the 80’s but on route to church we used to listen to some golden oldies. When people started revolutionising music the parents of the time resisted it and said it would influence the children. Looking back we never understand because we see that the kids deserved the freedom to explore.

This led to free love and hippies travelling the world and not settling down, women working and mass independence. All good things, but when your 11 year old daughter is looking up to Rihanna smoking weed and selling her flesh, sorry I meant flashing her flesh, you do worry, right? Music, as always, does guide us and the youth of the nation, with shallow lyrics about ‘the boy checking you out’ what will we become?

This is not a slate on all music but popular music is what is reaching the masses and that is what is being preached. I would now like to make mention of Nneka, whose voice is amazing! She has not compromised her lyrics, plus Chase and Status have remixed her song Heartbeat, which you feel in your bones and your heart.

 Next time you lend your ear out to a tune think about what it is that you are allowing to become a part of you. They can sell just about anything by adding a catchy tune to it and a half dressed woman.

Fashion Transitions- Caroline

After writing about my own fashion transition to how my dress-sense has developed, I wanted to look at some other people’s journey and share that. As I see it you become more yourself and grow into your style as you go through life. My friend, Caroline has shared some information with me about her fashion past.
At 5 years old she packed herself some shorts and a T-shirt to change into at her grandparent’s anniversary luncheon, because of her disdain for the frilly dresses her mom dressed her in. This was not her, as she was more comfortable in boy-ish clothing. She recalls her flairs and platform boots much like those the Spice Girls rocked in the 90’s.

Her teenage years brought with it the grunge inspiration that went with the music of our generation. LInkin Park, System of the Down and Prodigy; and you wearing baggy skater pants, denim and tie dye. These are in yet again but this was a staple throughout most of us 80’s babies’ youth.

Now let’s Rave and see what happens!? This is a time when you want to break free from what is expected and become comfortable with your sexuality. The common dress is little crop tops and short skirts with comfortable shoes to dance the night away. Bikini tops, chaps and hot pants are not only practical because of the heat but you look hot and at ease.

Everything we do affects the way we dress being a free spirit and a creative with heroes such as HR Giger, Dali, and Van Gogh would encourage one to wear clothing that is individual and truly you. This will vary from person to person; some may choose to keep up with trends others might break away from them completely. Caroline now wears her skirts a tad longer than in the raving days, but still has a certain sex appeal. Loving bold dresses, bright colours and baggy over pieces scream creative and that is just what she is.

Upon asking her if she thought a certain career would change the way she presented herself, she shared with us that the role she fills now does not require her to dress up or impress anyone. She can wear what she wants’ but she keeps it covered as to not attract unwanted attention from wandering eyes in the office. Looking forward to managing her own time when she spreads her wings at the end March and starts focusing on some new ideas and inspirations, I am sure that there will be changes in the way she dresses. But, one thing is certain; this girl will remain true to herself!

Fashion Transition

I have always felt strongly about the way I dress and present myself.  This does change over time and if you told me while I was studying fashion design that one day I will move slightly from my vintage inspiration and toward something more classic I would not have believed you.

The phases in your life change the way in which you perceive the world and in which you want the world to perceive you. For me I started with a rock/ Nirvana inspired look. Black combat trousers and tie dye tops, I can’t believe I am admitting to this on a publicly viewed site.

After school at University I channelled vintage, so much so that it took over my third year collection in my fashion design degree. This was really my signature look and was the inspiration for years and still is, but entering the working world changed that somewhat. Working in an office you have to dress a certain way, but still retaining your personal style. So I bought a few suits, not to stiff suits and chiffon and lace tops to wear under that and the key item, the pencil skirt. 

Even thought the office job did not last a year the blazers did as did the blouses. I moved on to managing a fashion retail store and this new level of responsibility and authority morphed the way I presented myself. I enjoyed power dressing, nothing as extreme as a lawyer. Thankfully the position was in fashion so one does keep an edge to the way you dress. There is nothing like feeling tired come Monday and donning a red, knee length, body-con dress and black blazer to make you feel in control of your world.

Something that I have been looking for a more fitting name for is the ‘All Saint’s- look’, you know the one; grey and other muddy colours with black leather jackets. Now I will never denounce my precious colours but more and more I say the words:’ that with a black leather jacket would look stunning’ or ‘just add a black leather jacket’. I think it is a move to a more classic look but combining that with the vintage and smart inspirations from before.

I would love to hear from all of you what your journey has been like.

Inside Outside London: East

Inside outside London: East

When you live and work in London it is so important to get out there and enjoy it as time has this crazy way of flying right past you if you give it half a chance. I was talking to someone now the day and said that we spend all our time planning our nights out, the rest of the time recovering from being out and then still fitting work, eating and sleeping into that.

This Sunday we set out to Liverpool Street to go and have my first ice skate of this year and last as I was in sunny South Africa while you were all enjoying the wintery festivities.  Right in the heart of the city is Broadgate Circle ice rink, (now closed) but we caught it in its final day open. We had to wait but got a chance to see some youngsters skating much better than many adults. Besides falling down when we were trying show off it went  great.

A short walk from there via Shoreditch high street to Columbia Street flower market to go find some exotic flowers. There were tulips everywhere, in every colour and are 3 bunches for £10 or £4 each. The street is long but when it gets busy you have to move very slowly forward, also take into consideration that the majority of the guys there are hangover and being dragged there by girlfriends. This was of course not the case with me and mine. 

From the moment I saw them I knew they were for me, thistles arranged with some pincushion Protea’s, a beautiful combination of purple and orange/red.

Being right near Bricklane and needing to get to Hoxton it would have been sacrilege to not stop off and take a peek at all the market’s Bricklane has to offer, every sort of food you can imagine and clothing stalls for every taste. I must say that they do not cater for men to a large degree and vintage jewellery is also not represented very well. On route we stopped off at the very kitsch and very cool Commercial tavern for a drink and a game of pool. The decor here is ‘retro-licious ‘with old wall paper, chandeliers, animal horns adorning the walls and much more. 

 We did not sample any food as our end goal was Red dog grill on Hoxton square for a meat feast. We got away with not having and starch in our dinner, very healthy!!! Only ribs, quarter chicken and a side salad the size of your palm, ...and a milk shake that filled me up before the food even arrived.

That was it, our Sunday was a success

Inside outside London

Get out of London to lovely Hemel Hampstead… the area is not the attraction but there are a few plusses. One of which is hurtling yourself down a 160m slope of real snow. Hemel Hampstead is home to one of this countries indoor ski and snowboarding slopes, The Snow Centre. (http://www.thesnowcentre.com/)

I was petrified even though I was a willing participant. As a Valentine’s treat I was whisked away for a night away and an hour introduction to snowboarding.

The trainers here are extremely experienced and comfortable and this translates in their teaching. You have a short time to get used to the board and then you are off up the hill, the baby hill that is. The two important bits are heel edge and toe edge that is your brakes and the most important thing when you are going down the hill. In order to dig your heel in you lift your toes to the top of your shoe and press down with your toes when you are going backwards.

The feeling I had was pure fear when I was told to go down a hill, with only a few simple instructions. Breath, relax and enjoy it…?

You do relax into it, and like giving a sigh of relief your heart rate drops and you are having a good time. This is such a great reason to get out of London and enjoy the winter.

Just 25 minutes out of Euston with a wide variety of hotels if you want to make a trip out of it. We were booked into Shendish Manor for the Saturday night; 3 course meal, and bottle of bubbly and box of chocolate on the bed. This hotel is truly lovely and made our stay very special by giving us an upgrade to one of the top floor rooms with stunning views (www.shendish-manor.com/)

If snowboarding is not quit your thing then Shendish Manor does have great golf course you can visit and let go of some of that city tension.

Back in the UK

I trust that you have noticed that I have been quiet since before Christmas. It was due to circumstances outside of my control. In the middle of the Eastern Cape internet is not as common place as we have it here in the UK.

The draught is now over and I am back UK soil where you don’t have to balance on the edge of the balcony to get a proper internet signal. Getting straight back into the swing of things with work, exercise and loved ones the day after landing brought some challenges.

The first of which was the weather; jumping from a the lovely tropical 29 degrees of South Africa to the freezing London, no wait the snow that started falling the week I got in!!! Thankfully no illness followed this drastic climate change and I was back in at work the next day. Here came the next shock, using the underground, as if cramming onto the tube system is not bad enough they also decided to put raise the fare by 4, 2%. There goes my morning Starbucks treat.

The first weeks back I have found myself not only not wanting to buy cloths but even food, because I am still converting to Rands and anything more than £1 seems extortionate. One cannot convert if you want any normal sense of nutrition, as for R50 you could have a nice meal out and here that would give you £3,40 to work with...that amount you cannot even get from zone 1 to 4.

With all that said London does offer convenience of every sort, getting from A to B is much easier and there are many more options to choose from. All of which come with a price tag attached.