FOLLY FIELD TRIP: 24 HOURS IN LEEDS


A girl does have to venture out of Merseyside every now and then. A few days ago I went to Leeds to catch up with some pals, get glammed up and do a spot of shopping. I took a couple of pics too of course. 



Spotted this girl in a bar and thought her coat was very nice. I’ve not been able to escape fur recently...I remember back in autumn when I was so excited to have seen my first one...now they are everywhere. Doesn’t make me like them any less though. Especially when worn like this with teeny denim shorts for a bit of a 70's glam rock groupie look. 


Sometimes an understated outfit works wonders. It's all about the American Apparel. Simple, form fitting and always rather sexy. 


Finally a bit of late night shopping with an old pal of mine. I pretty much had to force him to let me take this picture as he is a bit camera shy but I really liked his fawn coloured wool blazer (a wicked charity shop find) and mod jumper so I had to get a quick snap. Ha. 


The Victoria Quarter is one of my favourite places in Leeds. I can’t afford anything in there anymore (there used to be an amazing millinery which also sold vintage jewellery and frocks and brilliant Victorian underwear but it seems to have disappeared sadly) but the arcades looked so beautiful and Christmassy with gorgeous pink crystal chandeliers...I thought I’d share this pretty picture with you.

90'S BASEMENT BAND BEAU


I was on my way home the other night when I saw this girl mooching outside Liverpool Barfly (now Masque). Obviously in Winter you see a massive array of all coats in all shapes and sizes so it was interesting to see something a bit different to what's predominantly on the high street right now (blazers, girlie frock coats, F-F and biker jackets). This brown leathery flight jacket was a random item she borrowed from the back of her gal pal's closet and it complemented her blond Courtney Love locks and kinda-ill-fitting-but-in-a-good-way '90's basement band' garb...



I like how she has worked in current pieces like the loose velvet slip (very now - look in Urban Outfitters they have loads of velvety bodycons and night-dresses in right now), tartan blokes shirt (which you can just see peeking out), DM's and the novelty tights. Although I am a loyal black opaque tights wearer I have been leaning towards something a bit different recently...I don't know if I could pull off these bold leopard print bad boys but I am rather a fan of black fishnets for a bit of 90's grunge...these are due for a comeback I think...and I don't know why but they are mega flattering (if a bit cold...)

TRASHY LAS VEGAS LOOK


It's cool to see someone opting out of the polished, Liverpool glamazon look at this time of year and going for something different.



When I met this uber-confident girl I thought her glitter bodysuit, chunky stud belt, bondage PVC boots and star print 'Las Vegas' blazer were a terrific combo in the inevitable sea of office party dresses. I don't even have to mention the massive scarlet rockabilly quiff, immaculate lippy and dramatic 80's blusher. In fact I have now been inspired to try channeling my own Las Vegas trash in the run up to xmas with glittery fabrics and clashing print. Wish me luck with that one!

JUMPSUIT FOR JOY


Jumpsuits are cool but can be tricky to pull off. My theory with fad garments is that you can either go for the 'look at me I'm outrageous' camp (crazy prints/textures or sugary sweet and kidlike) or the 'minimal and expensive looking' camp. I met Sophie (below) at the Whistles launch party a while back and took this picture on the night around the back of the store.



This black jersey jumpsuit is firmly in the classic camp and is utterly gorgeous with formal lapels, casual half mast turn-ups, massive pockets and short sleeves. I like how she opts for minimal makeup (sweep of eyeliner & black nail polish) and shiny black tresses to prevent over styling a wonderfully designed piece which really doesn't need much else. Making this outfit xmas party worthy requires nothing more than a pop of orange-red or plum lipstick.

FLASHBACK BOUTIQUE @ THE AFFORDABLE VINTAGE FAIR


Last Saturday I went to the Affordable Vintage Fair and bought myself some well deserved Xmas party things (a lovely silver necklace, a black and red a-line floozy skirt which I later cut short like the one Madonna wears in Who's that Girl AND another Faux-Fur - chocolate coloured and kinda shabby but awesome). While I was there I popped into the Flashback Boutique stall and had a giggle with the lovely Susannah Flashback and her Teddy Boy quiff pal. I just managed to take this random picture of Susannah's sparkle 70's dress, hippy headband and batwing mohair jumper before my batteries ran out!



ENGLISH GENT AND LADY IN THE CITY


Heading home from my xmas shopping the other day I clocked this dapper pair, working a modern spin on the 'English Heritage' look favoured by the good folk over in Windsor Castle. I'm liking their immaculate, quietly confident and ever so slightly eccentric style.



Seen lots of ladies in capes recently...blossoming trend perhaps? This lady's short, voluminous version looks amazing with the vintage paisley scarf, shiny-as-a-conker Chelsea boots and delicate pale A-Line dress. As for the gent, I love how indie boy staples of matchstick skinny jeans and worn oxfords have been spruced up with a crisp buttoned shirt, traditional umbrella and conservative side-parted barnet.