REDROCK S/S 12 COLLECTION

  So I think it’s safe to say that the new S/S REDROCK collection is totally banging! Patterns are very prevalent, with a variety of florals and block prints, with a somewhat seventies feel to a few of the pieces [e.g. Florence Denim Shorts, £44.99] Summer brings out the best of many things- our moods, awesome summer fashions, and this collection is no different. Whilst maintaining a thorough summery feel to all their pieces, they get it right with different patterns and colour trends. Polka dots, old school prints, tribal pattern and summery florals all work well in the same collection, whilst saying the same thing- IT’S SUMMER. Well, it nearly is…

Pastel Flowers Shorties, £27.00

Dotty Cropped T, £24.99

Florence Denim Shorts, £44.99

Tribal Bitch Shorts, £27.00

          The cropped tee is an ultimate summer statement, paired with an awesome pair of shorts, which this collection has quite a few of!  Their selection of cropped tees is huge in this collection, and there’s something for everyones tastes.  Fringe makes an appearance, which is a must for this years festival celebrations [The Fringe, £21], and I’m pleased to see some studded appreciation in this collection too- featured on not only a tee [Hard Candy Cropped Tee, £24], but on collars too! Studs are a huge deal at the moment, much like the collar, so this look combined is a total fail-safe fashion must-do. It’s interesting, and I love it, that this collection has included collars and ties. Just because it’s coming up to summer, does not mean that accessorizing with these badboys isn’t a good move!

Hard Candy Cropped Tee, £24.00 

The Fringe, £21

Viv Collar - Cream, £13.99 

   So REDROCK isn’t just for the masses of us, dying for bitchin’ vintage and handmade clothing, it’s celebrities too. Requests from Paloma Faith, to Peaches Geldof and Audrey Kitching; REDROCK is attracting some of the coolest fashionistas. I mean, you’ve gotta be a pretty cool brand to be mentioned in Vogue UK, right?!

          But, what’s that you say? An exclusive pop-up shop in Northampton, May 4^th? It’s your chance to get your hands on some awesome vintage and handmade pieces so don’t miss out! 

To see more of the collection, go to the REDROCK website, and have a gand at the goodies they've got! :) 

Enjoy! 

Bea xo 

Celebrating the Titanic- tacky or a tribute?

Titanic 1912 (Image: www.wikipedia.com)

 Come 15th April, it will have been 100 years since the RMS Titanic sank in the North Atlantic Ocean, after colliding with an iceberg. I won't bore you with such details, as I'm sure you've heard it all before and/or seen the film. Let's be honest, if you've not seen the film, well... it's kind of a classic. But whatever, this rather memorable and landmark moment in British history will, I doubt, ever be forgotten. Especially not this year.

 To commemorate the centenary of the catastrophe, the cruise ship MS Balmoral, is currently making its way across the Atlantic Ocean, re-tracing the journey it took on that fateful night. It plans to make two memorial services on its travels- midnight April 14th, when it hit the iceberg, and early morning April 15th, when the ship eventually sank.

  There is something fascinating (well, I think so anyway!) about the Titanic. The historic occasion and its tragic demise is incredibly well known worldwide. Many a time I would get the Titanic Dorling Kindersley Eyewitness Guide from the library, and marvel over the intricacies of how the deck was set out, the period dress and old-fashioned entertainment. I loved it!! I think my childhood love of the Titanic is the nagging thought in my head, questioning whether or not I like the idea of this commemorative journey.
  Now, I have mixed feelings to this, as do many others. The Guardian's Hadley Freeman says:

"Questions involving words such as "poor taste" and "seriously, do you have nothing better to do with your time and money?" have been posed by those who query the morality of treading in the footsteps of tragedy."

Commemorative Coins, celebrating the centenary of the Titanic
(Image: www.westminstercollection.com)

   But is this not just another occasion from which masses of money can be made, all for the sake of 'commemoration'? Many of the passengers aboard MS Balmoral are relatives of those killed in the Titanic tragedy, but did they actually ever know these relatives? In 1914?... Tickets for this venture have cost their passengers up to £8,000, and I doubt highly that the money paid will go towards a charity, or the further exploration, excavation and research into the Titanic's remains. I can't help but feel, perhaps, that more than just Fred Olsen, the company which MS Balmoral belongs to, could see some of the income. After all, this is to celebrate the lives of those lost 100 years ago...not just to make money, isn't it?

Port side of the Titanic, 1912 (Image: www.titanicuniverse.com)

  Parallels have been made with 9/11, and how a 'commemorative' flight to America would be in bad taste. I mean, I can see and understand these parallels. The fact is, they were both tragedies, with the defining difference being one was an act of terrorism and one was an unintentional disaster... Either way, lots of people were killed, and surely it's death of loved ones which is the reason to remember these disasters?

  One thing is for sure, Titanic is still attracting media attention. With the commemorative coins, the release of Titanic 3D at the cinema and general Titanic buzz everywhere, media attention is definitely not lagging. Can't say I'd be one to jump on the Titanic cruise bandwagon, but I am loving reading about it. Might just pop to the library to check out that DK Eyewitness guide...

  I may have grown up, but the fashions I loved to ponder over all those years ago, well, I still love them. They're so feminine and luxurious. Perhaps, with all the media buzz, someone will take inspiration from and use the fashions to create a new trend? I'd definitely jump on that bandwagon, that's for sure...
  Here's some Polyvore and photos of just why I love it so much...

  Here are some of the articles I've looked at on MS Balmoral and Titanic if you wanna take a look :) 

• http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2012/apr/10/titanic-anniversary-tacky-souvenir
• http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/11/titanic-anniversary-cruise_n_1418399.html
• http://titanicmemorialcruise.co.uk/
• http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/feedarticle/10186056

Enjoy :) 

Bea xo

Kate Winslet - America's Autism Advocate?

www.goldenhatfoundation.org

 Kate Winslet. Probably best known for Hamlet or Titanic, the 36 year-old actress has founded a charity The Golden Hat Foundation to raise public awareness of autism. So what is autism? According to The National Autistic Society, it is 

"...a lifelong developmental disability that affects how a person communicates with, and relates to, other people. It also affects how they make sense of the world around them."

   Autism is a spectrum condition, which means that regardless of the same difficulties they share, they will be affected in a variety of ways. As someone who has spent the past three years looking after autistic children up to the age of sixteen, it becomes very clear to see that the ability to function varies dramatically from child to child. Some children will grow up to lead relatively independent lives, whereas others will never get the chance to move out of their parents house due to severe learning difficulties. These children will need a lifetime of support and additional care from professionals. Another common aspect of autism which, if you have experience with autistic children, you'd have seen is over-sensitivity. This is often seen in regards to the senses, such as sounds, touch, taste, smell, lights and colours. The characteristics of autism vary from one person to another but are generally divided into three main groups of difficulties with 1. social communication, social interaction and social imagination. 

(www.prasannaautismcentre.com)

  You may have heard of Asperger Syndrome- this is a form of autism. Children who suffer from Aspergers have high or above-average intelligence. Speaking is often much less of a problem for them, however language and communication in social situations can still remain a problem for them.

WHAT IS SHE DOING? 
  Winslet is attempting to raise awareness and the funding for specialist education centres to help children who suffer from autism to fulfil their full potential. In order to do this, Kate is asking her celebrity friends to wear an old Trilby of hers, and take a snap of themselves... Rather odd? Well, perhaps. Celebrities donning this hat include Sting, Ben Stiller, Christina Aguilera, Jude Law and George Clooney, including many more! These have been compiled, along with personal words from the celebrities, Winslet herself, but also poems written by a boy by the name of Keli Thorsteinsson. Keli, aged 12, was the inspiration for Winslet, after she narrated the Icelandic documentary 'A Mother's Courage: Talking Back To Autism.'

www.jglxellen.tumblr.com 

   Kate's long-standing association with Lancôme has resulted in a fund-raising limited edition line of make-up. The Golden Hat Foundation Collection includes basic partying staples, comprising of blusher, lipstick and nail polish. All are embossed with the Golden Hat Foundation logo. 

"Lancôme's instant offer of support was a huge display of confidence and generosity and I knew it would open many doors"

Check out the website, facebook and twitter here.

Take time to have a look... A very worthy cause that's pretty close to my heart...
Bea xo

Go Team GB!

  So. London 2012. It's finally here, and the country is in frenzy over preparations and plans to ensure it runs smoothly. Lengths to make changes to Sunday trading laws, huge new builds nearing completion, and nationwide aesthetic changes occurring to make sure Britain looks its best (such as Coventry, but let's face it... it did need it.) This once in a lifetime occurrence has everyone excited; not only for the economy, but the UK as a whole and showing off what we got is a priority! As well as the obvious competitive aspect of the age-long occasion, it's kind of a huge display of "I'm better than you", and proving your country can be bigger and better than the last- i.e. bigger and better fireworks!
  Style-wise, the Team GB Olympic kit was launched last week, and I'm in two minds... Designed by Stella McCartney and created by Adidas, you can't deny that style and knowledge here is combined excellently to produce fashionable sportswear. The designs, however, are a bit hit and miss.

www.fabsugar.co.uk 

"I wanted the kit to be British, but understated, not ridiculous," 

Stella McCartney at the launch of the kit at the Tower of London. 

(Image: www.alexloves.com) 

  The launch was held in a humongous tent (see above) at the Tower of London, and saw well known, and slightly less well known Olympians and paralympians donning the new gear, from a variety of different disciplines. Stella McCartney has been working on these designs for two years, and with a brief of 600 athletes and 26 different disciplines to please, she had her work cut out for her! Getting the right look, correct balance of style and propriety of the sports wear is never an easy combination to collate, and pleasing all athletes was always going to be unlikely, however a majority of the designs seem nice- patriotic without being OTT.

(Image: www.mirror.co.uk)

(Image: www.mirror.co.uk) 

"...the designs focuses on the Union flag, breaking down the iconic design and reconstructing it, creating a modern and contemporary twist.The result is a bold design that features on all items of the kit to ensure the British athletes stand out in front of the home crowd as a unified team." (Team GB organisers, Source: The Mirror) 

  Dislike and a somewhat disappointed feel for the designs, however, is present. Cyclist Bradley Wiggins tweeted: "Oh dear, the Olympic kit!!" and comments on Twitter mostly mention the distinct, perhaps dominant over-use, of the blue colour and lack of red colour. Twitterers even go as far as to mention looking  of French design?...  
  Anyway, despite the haters, I don't think Stella did too badly. She was never going to make everyone happy! Perhaps a bit more red would have been nice, but never mind. Here are some individual shots of the designs... 

 

 [All photos are from the Guardian photo story...]

  So, what do you think? Regardless of the design not pleasing everyone, I reckon the majority do appreciate the 2012 kit, and hope they'll see our athletes get as many medals as popular. GO TEAM GB!!
  Here's some links you might wanna check out for some more info/photos - Enjoy :)

• http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/mar/22/stella-mccartney-london-2012-aesthetics-gold 
• http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/team-gb-olympic-kit-by-stella-768895 
• http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/2012/03/22/stella-mccartney-teamgb-olympic-collection-pictures 
• http://www.guardian.co.uk/fashion/gallery/2012/mar/22/olympics-2012-athletics-stella-mccartney

Bea xo

Glad Rags

 Everyone's partial to a pair (or five) of gladiators when the summer season rears its beautiful sunny head. Whether black, white or my favourite (as seen below), tan, these badboys are key to any successful summer outfit. Worn with a maxi dress and cropped denim jacket, or denim shorts and tee, these versatile staple piece of your wardrobe will match everything, adding a summery something to your ensemble. 

1 - H&M suede sandals, £15 
2 - ASOS flat leather sandals, $32 
4 -  Low heels, €269 
5 - H&m shoes, £25 
6 - Roman gladiator sandals, $79 
7 - J.Crew j crew shoes, $98
8 - Steve madden shoes, $56 
9 - Bruuns Bazaar flat leather sandals 
10 - Wet Seal roman gladiator sandals, $20 
11 - Oasis strap sandals, $48 
12 - Oasis glitter sandals, $35 
13 - FOSSIL flat thong sandals, $78 
14 - Charlotte Russe ankle wrap flat sandals, $18 
15 - Mulberry flat shoes, $270
16 - Flat sandals, €89
17 - Topshop flat heels, $44

Here are two examples I made on Polyvore, of how glads can be worn...

1 - Wet Seal crochet hat, $18 
2 - Strapless dress, £21
3 - H&m sunglasses, £4.99 
4 - Dorothy Perkins wood bangle, $25 
5 - FOSSIL genuine leather handbag, $198 
6 - Wet Seal roman gladiator sandals, $20  
7 - Topshop t shirt, $40
8 - Mango square aviator sunglasses, £18
9 - Flower hair accessory
10 - Ksubi denim shorts, £150
11 - Bottega Veneta platform sandals, £329
12 - J W Hulme Co soft leather handbag, $370


 So get out and snap up some glads before all the good ones are gone! You can get some really nice summer sandals on the high street this year, including Topshop (no shock there!) but also Primark. Give them their due, they have some pretty nice glads in this year. Granted, they may not be the most long-lasting shoes you'll buy, but they sure are worth the money. And for £2.50 a pair of simple 'wear 3 ways' thong-type sandals, you can't really go wrong for some bumming around picnic-in-the-park gladiators!

Bea xo

Hi to the Tops

 So I've given in, and decided to blog about a trend that has appeared in amongst glossy magazine pages for the last month- hi tops. Whether they're branded Nike or Converse, or from highstreet shops like River Island or New Look, the sport luxe feature footwear item is becoming all the rage for this summer, and we're all loving it.
 High-tops have been around for years- popularity starting with old style high top Converse. Since then, brands have been recreating their own versions of this shoe (some nicer than others!) and the Sports Luxe trend just isn't complete without a pair. 

1 - Nike sneaker, $116
2 - High top sneaker, $52 
3 - Nike sneaker, £67
4 - Converse sneaker, £45
5 - ASOS high top sneaker, $63
6 - Adidas sneaker, £67 
7 - Nike shoes, $120
8 - KG Kurt Geiger high top sneaker, £90
9 - Gucci sneaker, £230 
10 - Dc shoes, £63 


And it isn't just us who are loving on the hi tops, all the celebs are rocking them too!... 

Little Mix loving their 'tops (Image: www.leblow.co.uk)

(Image: www.zigoti.com)

 Whether paired with ankle socks, denim shorts and a festival tee, or finishing the cool and edgy look with blue skinnes and a band tee, hi tops are definitely the staple of an effortlessly cool look.

Topshop crop tee, $40
Ksubi cut off shorts, $180
Converse hi top sneaker, £45
Triangle ring, $25
Dorothy Perkins wood jewelry, $25
Mango skull jewelry, £15
Ray-Ban folding sunglasses, $251
Phase Eight floppy hat, £30

 Summer is the perfect time to purchase a pair, so get down to your local Schuh or Office and check out some of what they have to offer. Alternatively have a flick through Company's April edition or their High Street Edit, for an awesome selection! 
Links to check out - 

• http://www.guardian.co.uk/fashion/gallery/2012/mar/21/best-high-tops-in-pictures 

ENJOY- IT'S SUMMER SOON!! Eeee!


Bea xo

Buzzing Off Tellusfashion.com!...

So I'm now a fashion blogger for the fashion site tellusfashion.com... and I'm buzzing!! Tellusfashion is an awesome site, promoting new and up and coming designers. It isn't only that, though! It has a blog, a shop to buy the pieces created by their designers and their Fashion Network lets passionate individuals seek exposure into the fashion industry. It works as way of uniting lovers of fashion, through amazing photos and writing.
I would definitely recommend you take a look... it's just been re-vamped, and it's better than ever, so get browsing here!!

Bea xo