An Education

Since yesterday was proclaimed as an official sister's night (a round of Tabu, drinks and movies), I had the lovely experience of watching An Education with Carey Mulligan. Withouth giving any spoilers, the movie is about a relationship between a 16 year old girl (Mulligan) and a 30 something fellow (played by a smooth talking and charming Peter Sarsgaard) in sixties London.

I would definitely recommend seeing this flick, not only because it's a twisted love story with a semi happy end, but because Mulligan is such a cute (and I mean that in the best way possible) and quirky character. I mean, whoever has the guts to defy Anna "I'm the devil that wears Prada" Wintour's advice to wear a long dress to the Acadamy Awards (Carey went with a Prada semi long frock embellished with mini silver forks and knives) is awesome in my eyes. See for yourself below.

Images via eakenwrites.files.wordpress.com and justjared.com

eBayer's Anonymous

Hello, my name is Carla and I am an eBay addict. Yes a bit melodramatic but my little brain can't resist the call of special bargains delivered to my doorstep and I feel like this might end in red numbers on my bank statement and tears. So if there are any fellow users out there, feel free to comment. Meanwhile, I shall show you some (not all, addict specific secrets ye know) of my conquests...

American Apparel Chiffon Oversized Button-Up £52 £10.99 

Oh yeah, I'm striking throught the original price and putting in what I payed for it on eBay because my brain likes to justify any buy if it's on sale. Extinguishes my guilt. Just a little.

Yeah I know right, another American Apparel item? And in black of all colours (or shall I say non colours)?! Geez I'm boring.

Topshop Leather Tan Duffle Bag £55 £28

It's been a hard fight to get this baby. Some items on eBay are sought after like the newest pair of Louboutins, crazy. But at last I have one in my possession muhaha.

And last but not least, although this baby was a bit pricey and not exactly an eBay bargain, my little favourite. An Ashish for Topshop studded sweatshirt. A little Alexander Wang sporty, a little cool punk, a lot of happy me. They don't call it retail therapy for nothing folks.

Ashish for Topshop studded sweater £85 £42

All images via ebay.co.uk

On The Leather Lookout

My heart is still lusting for a Rick Owens buttery soft leather jacket to call my own. The draped qualities and cut make me drool, but the price tag puts these beauties out of my reach.

Even the high street alternative by All Saints below, starts at £100 to £400, alas still out of my reach. Sigh. Time to start looking for a job me thinks.

All images via style.com and allsaints.com

A Quick Catchup

I've been a lazy poster lately I know, but I shall make up for it. In the meantime I have been doing summertime things such as watching Eclipse with a friend (LOVE, Team Edward all the way baby!) and listening to the following lovely sappy love song by the Aussie duo Angus and Julia Stone. Over and out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l8dfcU8Z-Hs

P.S. Try Jäger and Red Bull. It's awesome.

Oi Lily!

For me Lily Donaldson is the quintessential English rose, so these images by Greg Kadel for Numéro September 2008 were definitely a surprise. A good one though.

Do you like your Lily D. more fresh faced and innocent or dominatrix badass?

All images via fashiongonerogue.com

Calvin Klein Fall 2010

Lara Stone photographed by Mert & Marcus.

Proof that Lara can do more than the Bridget Bardot, cigarette and topless vixen pose.

I have a feeling that the minimalism trend is jumping over a bit into the campaign aesthetics, don't you? I mean, yeah Calvin Klein is a bit on the minimalist side no matter what, but I see an overall cleaner look in campaigns in general.

These images may not have that much of an effect when shown on the internet, but I can't wait to see them in a real life glossy magazine.

All images via fashiongonerogue.com

Looking Inside The Loony Bin

Jenny Hardcore, a fellow Londoner photograph, captured an abandoned asylum situated outside of London on film for her latest project.

Hardcore says the following of her images: 

"I am into the construction of images that cause the viewer to pause and think about what it is they are seeing. The abundance of decay in these buildings is a very overt invitation to consider their history – the colours or patterns glimpsed on pieces of wallpaper, the scraps of toilet roll left on a holder, the light switch still positioned on… all of these facts invite us to consider more than just what we can see now but what the people who lived and worked there saw on a daily basis. "

What do you think of Hardcore's work: creepy or creative?

All images via dazeddigital.com

Red Lips And Little Else

How do you feel about carmine lips on an otherwise bare face at Chanel?

I like the look and could definitely see it working on low key days, but feel that one has to be a) free of bad under-eye circles and b) have perfect skin. Neither A nor B apply towards me, so that's that, but in case you are one of those genetic lottery winners or have killer make up artists skills try it out if you will.

Have a lovely day!

Hot Couture, Literally

In the midst of extreme summer heat (we're talking around 40°C) I have been too lazy to function, hence the slow amount of posting.

So unsurprisingly, this post is about...yeah you guessed it, some more haute couture shows.

First up, Chanel. The colours and beading/embroidery work on the pieces were tres chic. Did I like the overall look of the collection? YeahNo. I like but don't love Uncle Karl.

Secondly, there was Valentino. With a younger design team at its helm the look of the brand has definitely changed, but this collection was a tad too many bows, frills, and puffs, therefore a bit on the too girly side for my taste.

There's a saying that all good things are three and putting Elie Saab third in this little listing is no exception. The rich jewel tones, the Madeleine Vionnet-esque draping, and an incredibly exquisite finale piece: Elie Saab gets my "princess dress" self every time.

And last but not least, Jean Paul Gaultier. A critic said that some of the usual drama/surprise effect was missing, but I see it as a very refined and elegant yet sexy and confident collection. The fur coats (I'm sure PETA loved those) were looking pretty snugly warm and the touch of metallics and leather were the perfect accents.

Now excuse me while I go fan my melting self, guzzle down litres of water and look for a place in the shade. I am such a winter child it is not even funny.

All images via style.com

Lounging Around

Bette Franke photographed by Nathaniel Goldberg for the Vogue Italia October 2006 issue.

These images semi-mirror my day today. Except that A) I was nursing a hangover B) I wasn't wearing designer clothes but some lumpy grey potato sack instead and C) I looked like shit. And my crib doesn't look all that swanky. But you know, other than that, total parallel lives.

All images via fashiongonerogue.com