--CARAMEL CAMEL--

It's funny how camel coats, which have always been the domain of the wealthy and middle-aged, representing something of an exclusive demographic, are suddenly on-trend. Something of a paradox, no? I haven't actually seen that many people wearing them around London-probably because it seems slightly strange to be buying something that is so clearly a classic piece, when, as a fashionable 25-year-old, you're much more into following seasonal trends.

(elleuk.com; jakandjil.com; modedamour.com; mrnewton.net; carolinesmode.com; thesartorialist.blogspot.com; trendycrew.com; vanessajackman.blogspot.com; vogue.co.uk)

--TRAIN OF THOUGHT--

It was a happy coincidence that I watched the new Rihanna video today, on Guy Fawkes' Night. (A day which is not celebrated as it should be. I hanker for the Just William days, when kiddies would make guys and wheel them around in pushchairs for charity). I actually liked it a lot-it makes such a change to see a music video where, instead of smouldering at the camera while performing ridiculously snappy dance moves which give you sympathetic neck-crick, the singer actually smiles and looks like they're having a nice whimsy bit of fun. The flowers and the swing and her outfit and the tree with the lanterns all reminded me of Tim Walker a lot-and the location was otherworldly! Basically, a thumbs up from me.

The cool firework bit made me meander off on a mental tangent...

...to saved photos of fireworks...

...to the Peter Pilotto x Kipling bags...

...to the Erdem A/W '10 show. There, that's how my mind works!

(youtube.com; pastafrola.net; kipling.com; style.com)

--KHAKI TRANSITIONING--

I'm surprised how resilient khaki has been in resisting the relentless march of fashion onwards from popular trends. Granted, much of the summer neutral rush has faded now, but I still see plenty of parkas and fatigue-style top layers out on the street even though the season has definitely turned for the worse (i.e., to winter). I now regret not buying one in Topshop's end-of-summer sale, as I thought it would be a trend that wouldn't outlast the summer! Fail predicting on my part there.

I think olive looks better with black tights or jeans underneath it than blue denim shorts and bare legs, and combined with the fact that parkas tend to be at least slightly waterproof, this actually looks like being a practical trend as well as an aesthetically pleasing one-two out of two, when often I end up looking at Vogue's predictions for the upcoming season and finding items which score zero. Maybe I should be thinking about buying up some khaki after all...



(alltheprettybirds.blogspot.com; altamiranyc.blogspot.com; carolinesmode.com; elleuk.com; fashionsquad.com; fashiontoast.com; style.com; carolinesmode.com; streetfsn.blogspot.com; thesartorialist.blogspot.com)

--FASHION x ART--

I personally consider fashion photography-or some of it at least-to be art. Not your average Vogue Nippon over-edited studio shot, perhaps, but certainly some of the editorials out there are serious stuff. Many of the foremost artists of the last century were, at least in part, photographers: Richard Avedon, Irving Penn, Helmut Newton...you get the gist. Anyway, this isn't a digression into the 'fashion as art' debate-instead, it's a combination of fashion and art-or fashion and sculpture, more specifically.

Got to dash-the Apprentice this week is about fashion (buying from up-and-coming designers, or something? My dad just popped in to give me his scrambled version of the truth) so can't miss it! (I've realised this blog makes it sound like I do nothing but watch tv-which isn't true. I spend a fair amount of time watching it, but not as much as your average teenager, I'd say. Anyway, we all need time to unwind...Standard excuse for the parents every time!

(fashiongonerogue.com)

--WHERE TO BUY--

Think I know what I'll be asking for for Christmas! And now stop reading this blog and go and watch this week's Gossip Girl. Featured Rachel Zoe and Joe Zee-what more could you want? Oh yes, the fact that it's probably the lollest episode ever, AND has the best closing minute of any tv show, ever. GO children, go forth and marvel!

Top row: Monki, American Apparel, Weekday?
Bottom row: Zara, H & M

--BLOUSE, NOT BUTTON DOWN--

I don't know where this tidal wave of beautifully simple, perfectly draped blouses came from. Where was the earthquake that caused it? It seems to be a trend on the streets which has risen in tandem with, or even in isolation from, the runway shows, which is just how I like it. You know, Sticking It To The Man-haha, we commoners can also have ideas of our own! Only thing is, like every good trend it has now been appropriated by the expensive places so that now I can't actually afford the simple, easy-breezy blouse/shirt of my dreams. (NOT button down! That is such an illogical name for an item of clothing. I button down my coat and my jeans (old Levis, anyway-not that I own any, but you know, if I did), but they are not referred to as button-downs. Anyway, sometimes you leave shirts unbuttoned. HA.)

Nevertheless, tomorrow I shall be posting my internet haul. Would do it tonight, but ya know, laziness and that. And the new Vogue (looks goooood this month). And work. In that order.

Hope everyone had a good Halloween! Drop a link in the comments if you had a good costume. I like to marvel at other people's energy levels and creativity.

(alltheprettybirds.blogspot.com; altamiranyc.blogspot.com; be-aoi.blogspot.com; hanneli.com; jakandjil.com; style.com; linadimoda.freshnet.se; modedamour.com; mrnewton.net; shinebythree.blogspot.com; carolinesmode.com; thesartorialist.blogspot.com; vanessajackman.blogspot.com; nyheter24.se/modette/victoriatornegren; youngshields.blogspot.com)