1960s as Inspiration: Prada, MiuMiu and AW 2010

Despite calling myself a fashion blogger, I don't think I've ever posted about runway trends. Personally, I always prefer reading blogs about street style/personal/vintage style than trend reports, and that's why I tend not to focus my own blog too much on specific designers. However, whilst on holiday, I was flicking though a magazine when I came across the most beautiful Autumn/Winter collection, which I just had to write about here.

Looking like it's straight out of the 1960s, Prada's AW 2010 show was just my cup of tea. My attention was mainly drawn by the stunning tan coloured coat above, complete with an oversized collar. I can easily imagine Twiggy striding through Carnaby Street clad in a similar piece. It has re-ignited my love of coats - the only problem being that I have to wait until autumn until I'll need to wear one! Hopefully the highstreet will take note: I'm really looking forward to seeing some more affordable versions on the rails in my usual shopping haunts.

Aside from the clothes, another notable feature was the hair: check out those beehives :D. The one disadvantage of having a bob is that I can't try out one for myself :( boooo.

In my naivity I hadn't realised that Prada and MiuMiu are infact designed by the same person - Miuccia Prada. How someone can design two whole collections is beyond me, especially when they're both so immaculate! MiuMiu seems to be the more daring, 'teenage' version of Prada - perhaps more wearable for the younger fashionista? Anyway, some of my top picks from MiuMiu would be this mustard yellow dress (especially because of the sleeves and the length) - and I'm also really liking the idea of bows tied around turtle necks.
Seeing these beautifully made clothes has inspired me to get back to work with my sewing machine! I recently acquired a real 60s dress at a carboot for just £2, so once I've re-hemmed it (yep, even 60s hemlines are too long... I blame being short!) expect to see another 60s themed post heading your way!

But in the meantime, I'm keen to know - what is your opinion on blog content? Do you prefer to read about personal style, or about runway collections? Or a mixture of both? Does it become a bit boring when you see the same collections plastered all over the blogosphere?

Sadie x

P.S. All photo credits go to Style.com

Rooftops, espressos and crazy wallpaper

I'm back from France! Thought I'd share some of my holiday snaps :).

Unfortunately, the weather only behaved itself for a few days - the rest of the time it was colder than in England, if that's even possible. So my tan leaves something to be desired! However, I was perfectly content to stroll around taking photos of the rustic buildings - who needs sun when you've got a quaint little French town to explore all day?

I also FINALLY managed to read the last Harry Potter! I've been saving it for the right moment for 3 years, haha. I certainly wasn't disappointed!

The photo above was the view from our balcony - there's just something so attractive about hickledypickledy teracotta roof tops on a rainy day, don't you think?

Classic blogger food - macarons in every flavour... even Foie Gras flavour. Needless to say I didn't try one, being a vegetarian.

The house we were staying in had the most incredible gaudy wallpaper plastered all over the walls... and ceilings. I couldn't resist posing in front of the various samples. These photos took so long to get in focus as it was pretty dark inside... we had to be resourceful and make a tripod out of an ironing board, haha. The bottom right photo is testament to the fact that I cannot do that pose.

And finally, I just had to share this with you. On the first night we stayed in Dieppe, in the north of France. We were in a restaurant when I spotted this unusual sight - a thin band of bright gold light just illuminating the houses around the harbour. About 10 minutes later the light had all disappeared :).

I should be back soon!

Sadie xxx

Off on my travels!

Tomorrow, I'm off to France for a short holiday! I can't wait - it'll be a great opportunity to practise my French... oh, and top up my 'tan'!

I couldn't resist taking a break from packing my suitcase to show you the latest addition to my bedroom, this beautiful vintage trunk. I feel like I should fill it with spell books and robes, à la Harry Potter, but for now it's going to be a home for all of my old school books and sewing materials. And it was an absolute bargain at £4! I absolutely couldn't believe it, as I've been looking for one for such a long time and they mostly sell for well over £40. Unfortunately I won't be able to take it on holiday as it won't fit in the boot of my car, but it's nice to imagine taking it on adventures to far away lands.

Hat - 50p at the car boot sale!

Today I spontaneously had my hair cut into a long bob with a fringe! Bit of a ridiculous decision to make on a whim, but I've been in desperate need of a change for about 10 years... What do you think?

See you when I get back!

Sadie xxx

A trip to the seaside in Max C of London

Hi everyone! After spending the week in London doing some intense work experience (no time for shopping, BOO), it was lovely to have a day out at the beach with the boy. I roped him in to help with the photos - its so much easier when you don't have to use a tripod! Here's the end result of his photographic talents :).

So - what am I wearing, I hear you ask! Well, this is the most beautiful dress I have ever laid my eyes upon. It's from Max C of London, a brand I hadn't heard of until the other week when they contacted me. Of course, I was delighted to take the opportunity to try on this dress! With its stunning collar and slight nod to the ever popular nautical trend, it's a new summer wardrobe favourite of mine. I couldn't resist taking it down to the beach for an afternoon in the sun.

Look at the beautiful collar!! AAH I am in love :)

Here is my photographer enjoying the waves :)

I'm really glad Max C contacted me as they're a brand I can definitely identify with. Flicking through their online catalogue I saw so many beautiful clothes - lots with lovely mod-style collars - and it's all reasonably priced! My dress was just £25! (but shhh - I think it looks a lot more expensive than that!).

Anyway - keep coming back to the blog because I have a rather amazing giveaway in the pipeline!

But in the meantime - what do you think of the dress? hehe.

Sadie xxx

Fashionary

A few weeks ago my boyfriend gifted me with this BRILLIANT book as a thankyou present for helping him to make a short film noir. I saw it about a year ago on another blog, and have coveted one ever since. The book is aptly called 'Fashionary' - and it contains everything a young seamstress could ever need!

The main point of the book is to make fashion drawing easy. Each page has three faint outlines of a silhouette, meaning you can draw your designs on without having to worry about proportions! I've started to fill in some of my previous creations, of course starting with a Mod themed page. But I've got that problem that most people get when they're given a luxury notebook... I'm really scared to draw in it incase I ruin it!

It looks like it would be a brilliant way to document outfits too. Hopefully it will get be back in the sewing mood, after so long buried in history and economics revision notes.

The book also contains some really useful information, including patterns for skirts/shirts/dresses/trousers, and even a whole page dedicated to different collars! Yum. It also has a list of famous fashion blogs, retailers, catwalk locations and fashion seasons. And it's all bound in a Moleskine-style cover - very aesthetically pleasing :).

It was also a nice excuse to get out my old felt tips. These ones still had little stickers on saying 'Sadie' - believe it or not, from when I was 5 years old and had just started school! They still work!

And finally... say hello to my new bag :). I bought it a few months ago in a sale to lift my mood when I was revising, and I'm still as in love with it as the day I bought it. £55 well spent - it's real leather, and from Clarks.

What do you think of her?

Sadie xxx

P.S. If you want have a nose at the inside of a Fashionary, have a look here.