Outfit: Look ma no tights

What is it: A compromise between a feminine outfit and a practical one. Despite all the best ladylike advice I've heard in my life that a girl should always wear tights even in the summer... And despite my reluctance to accept it's 2012 and no-one cares about the ladylike inhibitions, until very recently I thought it's either- tights for when it's cold/raining, or no tights at all. Socks are with jeans and for winter only. But finally (although, as usual, very slowly!) I have decided that tights in Spring/Summer should not be allowed. At least not when you're in your early 20s and live in a moderately warm country. Socks make much more sense.

Why: The weather in London has been very naughty. It's hot one minute, then it's cold, then it's hot again... and finally- cold, again! It's been raining a lot too. But I suppose it's only natural given it's spring, and it's the glorious (and notorious for its weather) capital of the UK that I reside in, so I shouldn't (read: I do not!) complain. So there you have it, a compromise.

Outfit: Easter chick called Bunny.

What: Seeing Easter is approaching fast and everyone’s going ‘gaga’ for pastels I thought I’d join everyone and put together some pastel-coordinated ensembles for my blog using this super versatile 90's wardrobe staple that was sent to me by the guys from Sheinside. 

Why: I chose the top because of the shape, the material, and the potential for this spring. It's comfortable and fits in with most of the trends, and yet, it stands out because of the fabric. Here's why I chose the combinations.

The jeans version ‘smells like the 90’s teen spirit’ with an exposed navel, light-blue denim in a relaxed fit, fuzzy top and boat shoes in an unexpected colour. 

The cat-skirt version is the ‘Alice, we’re not in Wonderland anymore’ take on Alice, in Wonderland: sweet, innocent… a bit weird from certain angles, but with a supremely-confident-a-touch-disinterested facial expression it works… Or does it? 

I put the last outfit together having just one idea in mind- what else does fuzzy white sweater goes with? Black leather was an obvious choice. Also possibly tartan, and possibly grey pleated things… The ‘charming overgrown school girl’ image I was going for turned into a 60’s model meets Marge Simpson outcome. Oh well, still fun! This top is awesome. 

Outfit: Souljah girl

What: Army surplus gear, light blue denim, pearls, loafers and a Mulberry saddle bag; because they go together like dolls and porcelain, red and green, tat and christmas tree, clowns and bedrooms... You get the idea, right? It's ironic, but I'm serious... Ironically serious, or seriously ironic- whichever you prefer. Wouldn't work any other way.

Why: Today was the day- the North London derby day! Arsenal v Tottenham... 5-2, Sp*rs blew it! ... As most of you probably have no idea what I am on about I'll spell it out- f o o t b a l l ! How did I get into this? I don't know, but it is too late to back out now.

I thought that dressing like a proper 'ladette' fan for the occasion would be too risky; I figured people might think I actually know what I'm doing and take me seriously, ask me questions, offer beer, find out my little secret; that would have been a disaster because I don't even drink beer. The parka and the rolled up sleeves were my defense mechanisms. The loafers, cable-knit cardigan with golden buttons, little black bag and a string of pearls- to make myself feel better and confuse the hell out of everyone else.

Hoarding: F-troupers, the ballad of leopard vs dalmation print, aka shoe-porn.

What: You might remember my plum coloured patent leather bow-booties by F-troupe I posted about back in November... Well, seeing how friendly we got together, I decided to avoid the hazard of getting too attached to a shoe just to find out its tragic death at the most unexpected moment; I went to the store, picked two of the craziest pairs they had and took them home to join the ever-growing family of odd looking shoes. Considering we're fast approaching SS12, these AW11/12 shoes were massively discounted. Which is what? A win win!

Why: Because shoes have a life of their own and thus can add 'liveliness' to the most unimaginative ensembles.
The dalmation print pair will look great with light blue scruffy jeans and a faded red/ or neon loose-knit sweater or a beige t-shirt and a utility green parka on top; or with a black leather skirt and tights with an oversized casual t-shirt; or with black trousers and a blazer for a more sophisticated look, or with an LBD... But I think the pair will work particularly well with bare legs, nude/pink coloured dress and a denim jacket. Can't wait to show you!
The leopard print pair is a more standard choice and goes with everything we've all been wearing for the past 2 years- skinny jeans of all sorts, mini skirts, maxi dresses, black, cream, green, gold, red, denim, lace... and everything else, aside from any other 'animal' related references. Really. It's almost a safe choice.
While I understand how these might be 'a little bit' too much for some, for me they epitomise just the right mix of practical, eccentric and over-the-top ingredients for a perfect shoe. What do you guys think, would you ever wear something like these?

Outfit: The values I learnt at school.

What am I wearing: This is a necessity prompted ensemble- it's winter in England. A cardigan on top of a sweater seemed like a strange idea at first, but it works because the fabrics match each other pattern-wise and colour-wise. They also match my silk socks. The old-fashioned beads and my hounds-tooth 50's style coat add that 'intelligentsia' vibe that my skinny jeans lack. Old-school loafers and a bright scarf purely for comfort and warmth.

Why am I wearing what I'm wearing: The inspiration comes from my favourite teacher ever- a lady who taught me Russian language and literature for what seemed like an eternity because I hated the subjects. She was petrifyingly strict, strange and proper. Even if it doesn't make sense. 

I didn't get her at first... She didn't get me either. Once she gave me a 'fail' for the alphabet recital... And just as I thought it couldn't get any worse than that, she called my mother to complain. Did I mention I hated her? 

She looked like she was stuck in the 60's/70's and ironically she also looked like she was 60 or 70. She had a raspy voice from too many cigarettes; she always wore velvet trousers, loafers, and turtleneck sweaters with enormous amounts of all sorts of beads covering her bra-less chest. We thought, she thought, she was a Christmas tree. But now I miss her. She didn't only breed my love for the language and literature, she also taught me how to dress if that's what you're into- classic with a twist. And that's what teachers are for, right?