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Hey there,

Wear Nice Clothes is sadly no more, but editor, Kate Lloyd is now rambling about fashion, beauty and her embarrassing life at icanonlyapologise.wordpress.com

Check her new blog out, her life is pretty embarrassing.

xx

Spotted.

REVERSE FLORAL.

  Sorry we've been a little naughty and not posted anything recently. I promise that we are back on form!

Bumped into this fellow ginge at Detonate in Sheffield last night and we got over excited because she was wearing leggings to match my top (both H&M spring line.) We also both had the same phone. It was like meeting some kind of twin.

I am in love with this top, its so summery and versatile. Infact, the whole H&M spring range is really quirky and cute and most importantly CHEAP. I'm starting to enjoy shopping there as much as I did four years ago.

I wonder if anyone has worked the top and the leggings together. I reckon it would be so Cher from Clueless that it actually could look pretty cool?


In other news, I want this girl's gold crop top.

Written by Kate Lloyd.

An Interview with Me&Yu.

Viki Imrie talks to the up and coming fashion label.

TO ME, TO YU. 

You have to be in London, Paris or NYC to make it big in the fashion world, right? Actually, wrong.

About four years ago, Wear Nice Clothes blogger, Kate Lloyd organised a hilariously shambolic fashion show for charity and asked (forced) a little known brand called Me&Yu to take part, after finding them at Manchester Fashion Market. Her memories of the event, other than that of having her fringe gelled, include how lovely the Me&Yu designers were and how interesting their pieces were.

Me&Yu is now a flourishing, Manchester based label (no thanks to Kate). Their bright, screen printed and hand customised clothes are now stocked in stores all over the country. With customers like Shameless and Skins cast members, their clothes have been worn by Noel Fielding and Agyness Deyn and they have recently designed a quirky menswear line for River Island. A real tale of the underdog, they prove that success comes from hard work not connections. 

Wear Nice Clothes blogger, Viki Imrie, spoke to the design duo about their accomplishments.

Find me on Polyvore

Viki - You’ve developed a large on-line community through your blog, which blogs do you read on a regular basis?

Angie- I really like the Sartorialist for a classic fashion street style blog but White Lightning and Style Bubble are great too. I also like completely random blogs I find through Blogspot.

Gordon- I tend to look at the more street wear related blogs- the daily street, hypebeast, streething, Wooster collective and I’ve recently been looking at a few art based blogs -  Booooooom and Svartkonst. Like Angie I do find a lot of blogs just by stumbling across them so I normally spend a few hours a week just browsing new blogs. 

Do you have any tips for anyone wanting to get started writing or promoting their own blog?

Gordon- I think it’s important people don’t worry about how many people are reading it, just keep writing. We’ve been lucky in that we promote the blog through the shop. 

Your collaboration with Rads Kapur was really interesting, do you plan to do the same with any other writers?

Angie- We’re always open to people approaching us for collaborations. Rads came to us for work experience and we wanted to give her the opportunity to get her work out there. It was interesting getting her to ‘guest’ our blog and it inspired us to be more creative with ours.

Gordon- I found it really very interesting to collaborate with a writer as it’s not the norm for a fashion label so we definitely want to do more art based projects in the future. 

The photo montages on your clothes are amazing, do you take the photos yourselves or do you source them from elsewhere?

Gordon- The photo montages are something we’ve wanted to do for ages but it’s only recently that we’ve been happy enough with the quality of the technology required to do it. I would love to use all original images but it’s just not possible. 

You've used a lot of 'hybrid' animals on your recent collection with mismatched body parts; any new ones in the pipe line?

Angie - A Unikitten. I'm definately going to be featuring this in a new design (Unicorn and Kitten - forever miniature and cute)

Gordon - Cat/Dog (like the cartoon)


  

You've just sold a menswear range to River Island (congratulations!) but how do you feel about the high street scene right now? If you could stock a women's range in any high street store which one would it be?

Angie- We're actually in talks with Topshop at the moment about producing an exclusive range for them - this would be perfect for us! I think the high street has got some great looks at the moment but some of the cheaper stores have really poor quality clothing . I also hate wearing something that lots of people have so it always puts me off buying from the high street.

Gordon - I think the women’s wear on the high street is pretty good but the men’s wear is sadly lacking. I also have issues with the quality of the cheaper shops and how that reflects on brands like ourselves. 

Me&Yu for River Island

If you could dress any celebrity/celebrities in your clothes who would they be? How do you feel about celebrity clothing ranges, like Kate Moss for Topshop for example? Do you think the 'let's all dress like our favourite celebrities' mentality is getting old or stifling individuality?

Angie- Personally, I don't really get the whole celebrity endorsement thing - if something is good I'll buy it no matter who designed it. Having said that I think there have been some great pieces in the celebrity collections and perhaps it’s just a novel way of presenting different ranges. It will be interesting to see if this fades away in the next year or so. We've had our clothes worn by Agyness Deyn and Noel Fielding as well as lots of musicians and actors - we're continuing to try and get our pieces on celebs we like so watch this space!

Do you feel that you tap into key trends for each season or do you go your own way? Do you get requests from friends for certain things and get influenced in that way at all?

Angie- Its always a little bit of both, we knew Alice in Wonderland would be big this season so we made sure we had a design that reflected this but it worked out that it sat well in our Takes a Trip range anyway. Our customers are the people who suggest things and we listen. That’s one of the reasons why I like working in the shop so much.

Gordon - It would be difficult for us not to be influenced by key trends as part of our job is looking at what’s happening, but equally we don't do things just because they are 'in fashion'. 

 Print from Alice Takes a Trip range.

I love chopping up my clothes and experimenting with a needle and thread, how did you two first start playing with clothes and realising you could make a living out of it?

Angie - Well I have been sewing for as long as I can remember and have always wanted to be a designer. I guess it was when we were in Australia in 2004 when we realised it was something we could do together, but it took quite a while and lots of hard work until we could make it our full time jobs. Originally we just used to hand paint straight onto t-shirts before we learnt to screen print.

Me&Yu screen printing.

I know you started out selling clothes in fashion markets and Affleck's Palace which is one of my favourite places to shop for bargains in Manchester.  There are some amazing second hand shops in Manchester and the Northern Quarter is a veritable treasure trove! Do you wear second hand clothes or vintage yourselves and are you inspired by styles from the past? 

Angie- I love vintage fashions and have always worn them, I have quite a collection! We sell re-mixed vintage pieces online and in the shop we also have choice vintage accessories such as boots, handbags and shoes. We've just started selling 'key vintage pieces' such as denim jackets, suit jackets and chunky knit cardigans - they compliment our clothing so well! 

So many people are adamant that the South is the only place to make it where fashion is concerned. You've certainly proved them wrong and it’s great to see designers achieving success in the North for a change! Do you have any plans to move any time soon or are you happy in Manchester? Do you find you have to travel a lot to London for shows?

Angie- I lived in London for 5 years and I didn't enjoy the experience, yes the shops and markets are great but I hate the crowds. Manchester has a good vibe but as we live in Blackpool it is quite hard for us to enjoy all the social scene that Manchester has to offer. I think people in Manchester have a great style and the teenage scene is more connected as it’s so much smaller. We've had to go to London a few times recently for business meetings and it can be frustrating as it is so expensive but I don't have any plans to go back - we'd rather head back to Australia! 

"Alice Takes a Trip!"

We wish Gordon and Angie luck with Topshop! Check out their website for more information.

Written by Viki Imrie.

Irrational Club Wear.

Discussing the 2010 party trends.

A Short Rant.

While most of us hit the town in a standard dress and heels, there are always those who’ll do anything for attention, good or bad. Here are just a few trends that I will never be “cool” enough to understand...

Sunglasses

Wearing sunglasses in a dark room seems to go against everything they were designed for. After a few vodka and cranberries my vision goes slowly downhill so I can imagine that wearing sunglasses would be disastrous. Those grill sunglasses are even more infuriating. Are you Kanye West? No? Then put them down.

Leotards

Grinding on a decent-looking guy does not count as ballet and hopefully never will.  Maybe leotards are acceptable if you wear a skirt/ shorts over them but on their own they look ridiculous.

Caps

More of a guys trend but I have seen many girls borrowing their boyfriend’s caps and slyly keeping them on for the rest of the night. One of my guy mates says he wears his so that his hair “doesn’t look sweaty.” Basically, in order to have nice hair, you have to look like a tit. I’m unconvinced.

The Padded Coat

Amazing when standing in the queue outside a club but should definitely be left in the cloakroom once through the doors. Everyone can see that you’re overheating and are just wearing it to be “alternative”. Plus, you’re taking up half the bar with your oversized coat.

Written by Jo Bancroft.

Sportswear Luxe.

 Considering Spring/Summer '10 trends.

Sportswear luxe? Jog on please!

Adidas have announced that their collaboration with Stella McCartney will run into 2010.

The sporting giant is pleased to continue what it calls “an inspirational partnership,” with Stella creating a range of products for running, swimming and the gym.

It’s all in aid of fashion’s latest buzz-phrase: sportswear luxe.

Or the biggest oxymoron if ever I heard one.

Paul McCartney’s youngest daughter reckons you don’t have to “sacrifice your style for sport.”

Pull the other one, love. There is nothing luxurious about sport.

Running on the treadmill for five hours listening to "Pump up the Jam: the workout edition" on repeat is not made any more bearable with a Stella McCartney label in the back of your vest.

In the gym you have sweat dripping down your face, your hair is tied back in a pony-tail and you’re face is redder than John Terry’s.

Designer clothes are not going to make the process of working out any more enjoyable.

According to Grazia however sportswear this season isn’t just confined to the gym.

Apparently we will all soon be traipsing to work in our jogging bottoms and Chloe two-tone heeled trainers.

Some things in life: Lady Gaga and Elton John, John and Edward, Russell Brand and Katy Perry, should never have been paired together.

Heels and sweat pants should be added to this list. Pretending that sportswear is luxurious is absurd.

A hoodie and an old pair of trackie bottoms are what you change into at the end of a hard working day and wear to slob out in front of Eastenders.

Not to a boardroom meeting.

Featured Items, All from Stella for Adidas: 
Organic cotton track top, $215
Wet-look nylon track top, $330
Studio zip-detail playsuit, $130
Yoga cotton track pants, $105
Fortasse canvas sneakers, $130

Written by Sarah Barns.

How to Wear Nude Tones

We work out how to wear the trickier trends.

IN THE NUDE. 

I love using bold colours and patterns to make statement outfits so to hear that this season was all about neutral tones was quite disappointing. Aren’t these colours a little... erm... boring? 

In the first fashion shows of 2010, designers proved that less is definitely more. Models strutted down the runway in pieces that showed that nude shades can help you achieve an effortless air of classic elegance and style. 

Your first step to stylish nudity should be a timeless mac. Detective Columbo sported the beige mac and he always looked good. The colour is so versatile that you can trust your mac will be fit for all occasions. Take a leaf out of Columbo's book, and a coat from his wardrobe, and hunt down this simple, chique classic. Plus, a little detective twist to an outfit adds an air of mystery and always goes down well. 

I’ve been wary of white trousers because, to quote my mother, they’re just not practical. Well forget what your mother told you and stand out from the crowd by stepping away from the over worn jeans and don some beige or khaki trousers. They’re incredibly flattering on your figure and hide any scuff your pristine white trousers would eagerly point out.

When flashing the flesh tones, it is important that you choose a shade that does not wash you out. Olive tones can wear beige and khaki tones with ease, but if you have very fair skin you should look for pastel colours like pale pink, brown, and blue as most "flesh" coloured ware will probably be darker than your actual skin (as WNC writer Kate Lloyd knows well!) Muted gold and silver shades add a bit of shimmer to an outfit and suit those with very dark skin. 

Don't be afraid to work nude fur, flesh ruffles, khaki tassles or beige sequins in the day. The subtle colour palette tones allows you to work dramatic structure and style in a laidback manner.

It seems that the best place on the highstreet to go and get nude is Miss Selfridge, who have a whole page of their website dedicated to flesh.

[Featured Items: Cream Floral Printed Dress, Pastels and Ruffles Fashion Trend - Feminine Style - Marie Claire, Nude Lace Vest Bodysuit, Matthew williamson jackets, Multistitch Mac Coat.]

Written by Lizzie Lewis.

Models Wanted!

A small request..

Wear Nice Clothes readers are being given the opportunity to model in a forthcoming fashion show.

 

The event, which sounds mega exciting, will take place on March 11^th at Sheffield United Football Club and will showcase glamorous 1940’s style outfits made out of clothes donated to St Luke’s hospice. All the proceeds will go to St Luke’s Hospice.

I love the idea of recycling fashion for charity and the 1940's theme sounds amazing!

Event organiser, Rachel Arthur, said: “The event is a celebration of real women. St Lukes Hospice found ten older models and I am looking for twenty younger models of any shape or size."

Readers who want to strut their stuff on the catwalk and are free on March 10^th and 11^th should contact racharthur@hotmail.com. with their name, age, phone number, height, dress size, shoe size, and bust line, waist line, hip, inner leg length, outer leg length measurements so that a custom outfit can be made for them.

You need to get in touch before Tuesday so be swift!

Written by Kate Lloyd.

To Tan or Not to Tan: Marleena vs Kate.

Fake tanning, the great debate.

Spot the tanner: Kate and Marleena.

Kate: "Arguments in Support of the Ghostie."

Recently I went to buy a foundation and caused uproar in John Lewis. No counter in the store had a foundation pale enough for me. The assistant at Clinique saw me and exclaimed: “Good god, you are pale!”

Usually, this would send me running back to the tanning bottle; being ginger and very fair skinned, it’s the closest I can get to tanning naturally, other than building an impenetrable layer of freckles. Fake tanning, however, involves extreme effort - so much can go wrong.
If you don’t tan naturally, and don’t spend a lot of money, it will probably look fake. On so many occasions, I have looked back at photos of myself and realised my hair is the same colour as my skin.

Also if you don’t spend a lot of money and time on tanning you will go streaky. In order to get an even tan one must exfoliate, moisturise dry spots, use a tanning mitt and buy St Tropez. I don’t have the hours or energy for such activity.

After all the application activity is over, good fake tans usually take six hours to develop before you can wash off the excess. In these hours one goes major orange and thus can’t leave the house. I would prefer to leave the house.

Even if your tan is successful, after its prime it will start to go mottled and vile. Even the super expensive, perfectly even, gorgeous, professional St Tropez spray tan I got for my sixth form prom faded in to a patchy skin disease mess after four days- and yes, I did exfoliate. Imagine experiencing the patchy skin four days into a beach holiday- not a good look!

I’ll be honest, when summer comes around, its highly likely I’ll be whipping the tan out again, but until I have to get my legs out, I think I’ll leave it. Even if in the winter months my skin becomes so pale it’s translucent, I’d prefer to be out partying, drinking from bottles for six hours at night than in my house tanning from them.

Marleena: "Fake Tanning is my Religion."

St Tropez, Piz Buin, Fake Bake, Garnier Soleil, and not forgetting Tesco Own Brand Tan, are all dear friends of mine. Having sampled each variety of orange stuff, it’s safe to say I’m a wee bit addicted.

My hundred ‘carrot’ gold tan makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, like my skin’s been on holiday even in the minus two degrees, arctic, English temperatures. A healthy glow can make you look skinnier and healthier and just generally better.

Im no UV junkie, faking it gives me the optimum glow ‘fo sho’: the soggy brown applicator mitt confusing my boyfriend when it is left in the bathroom. He also comments on a certain lingering biscuit smell in the home….I plead guilty, and tanned.

My addiction may have massacred all of my white underwear, towels and a cream rug in its messy path of destruction, but our relationship still remains strong.

Sure, some actively enjoy to work the pale and interesting look, but for me it only comes in one successful form, that of Edward Cullen, and not my complexion.

Written by Marleena and Kate Lloyd.

The Wish List.

What we NEED to buy in February.

Label Lust .

We want .. we need it .. we can't afford it .. we still buy it! 

Sacrifice nice food and plump for Tesco Value beans and have a beautiful wardrobe. Go on splurge … the loan is in !

The hottest trend of Spring/Summer '10 is underwear as outerwear and this demi sheer blouse would benefit from a cheeky glimpse of a sexy black bra. The Paul and Joe ivory silk blouse also adheres to this season’s monochrome look, with a contrasting black trim and neck tie. Delicate and feminine, the floatly silk fabric creates a garment that Coco Chanel herself would be proud of! Team with a tux jacket and skinny jeans for a chic and sophisticated, feminine look.

Continuing with the Parisian Chanel look, the nautical stripe returns for its annual strut down the catwalk . ASOS have created a new portfolio of catwalk collections, giving us designer wannabes something to drool over! Markus Lupfer, one of the designers detailed this week, is THE label for statement knitwear. He bring us this fabulous heavily sequined sailor knit dress. This is truly a fashion magpie’s dream.  The price tag may burn a very large hole in our Primark purse, but we can always wish …

Okay, let's bring ourselves down to earth… we cant afford either of the previous items, but a trend we CAN master on the student budget is ruffles and feathers! Spring is the season to be inspired by nature and with this silk skirt from RARE you can emulate the feathered look without facing the problem of malting.  

Careful not to go too crazy with the feathers, you’re not being cast in a musical at the Folies Bergère! 

TBA @ Urban Outfitters stands for "to be adored" , after having a quick browse through their debut work, I have fallen in love with their Spring collection. This Peter Pan collared dress complete with beaded detailing is quirky, yet uniquely feminine and in this season's hottest colour, a pretty peach, it embodies the youthful undertones of this years catwalk collections.

Written by Emily Spencer.

Nice Clothes and Things.

A little monthly update on our comings and goings.

January is ending and so are our exams. Wear Nice Clothes has now been running for three months and there are some major exciting Wear Nice Clothes articles and ideas in the pipeline. Hopefully February should be a month filled with interviews, photoshoots and features.

(Terrible phone photography)

Rosanna Lee and I went to a poetry and art night at Bungalows and Bears in Sheffield last week to plan what is going down blog style. As well as being very productive, we laughed very loudly at a boy in a hilarious fur hat until he shamefully removed it (I'm sorry) and also wrote a poem about Wear Nice Clothes (shameless self  promotion) that, fingers crossed, will end up in poetry zine Unquiet Desperation. I hope it gets in because it was a "quality" piece of promotional writing. I can't remember it all but it kind of went:

Wear clothes in the day,

Wear clothes in the night,

Wear less clothes in the heat,

Wear more clothes in the ice.

Underwear.

Outerwear.

We always Wear Nice Clothes (.blogspot.com)

I think you will agree that it is a masterpiece. Speaking of masterpieces, I actually love whoever wrote this comment on the poncho piece!

Written by Kate Lloyd.

Spotted.

Fashion on Facebook.

WHAT A SPECTACLE!

Ever since Seth appeared on our screens in The OC, it seems we’ve had a not-so-secret soft spot for geek chic.

What better accessory for geeking up than a pair of fashionable loud lenses! Need inspiration? Think Ugly Betty with a little more poise!

I’m definitely a fan, (anything is an improvement on the pink and yellow owl glasses sported throughout my younger years) and I’ve spied plenty of you who agree...

Proof that I’m practising what I preach.

John, 21, London.

Daniel, 20, Leicester. 

Rosie, 18, Essex.

Written by Rosanna Lee.

Catwalk Lessons: Giles Deacon.

A beginners guide to catwalk style.

I was lucky enough to catch Giles' catwalk show at the V&A recently, below are a few photographs that I took of the affair and a review of what I saw. I got to witness the ‘best of’ his work in action and an appearance from the man himself.

Who would have thought British Fashion Designer of the Year 2006 would have an unhealthy obsession with insects and reptiles? Think lizard prints, feather accessories and fluorescent woodland scenes splashed over seventies style anti-tailoring. It may be bizarre but from a converted boys school in Shoreditch emerges an amalgamation of style and the natural world.

His Spring ‘05 collection saw outsize wooden plaque pendants and beautiful feather hairpieces, a trend only now trickling onto the high street.

The A/W ‘06 collection has to be my personal favourite, with giant polka dots and graphic stripes, each girl was a vision in Lurex and holographic prints. Peach and grey thrown into a palette of fluorescent brights and teamed with giant yellow ‘banana’ headdresses (I really don’t think there is a more fashion savvy way to describe them) made for a delectable collection.

Classic Giles came in Spring/Summer ‘07 with the emergence of the mace bag: Deacon’s way of combining war weaponry and accessories. To some a political statement, to others simply an aesthetically pleasing hand-held delight (I am definitely in the second camp). Not quite as controversial, the next collection came to a climax with a dress based on a sea cucumber. Hard to visualise? Indeed.

Deacon’s controversial Bambi print inspired by The Sex Pistols’ ‘Who Killed Bambi?’ is now something of a cult classic and a lesson in how to make Disney print party frocks grotesque using just one well placed splash of gore. Something a little more wearable to be taken from the show were the nude knee highs that all the models were wearing, a great way to spice up a bare leg in Summer. 

Spring ’09 bought the infamous Pac-Man helmets and chalky faces while his most recent collection returns to his creepy crawly roots with arachnid print and colourful metallics, plus the extremely cute dinosaur shoulder bags. We shouldn’t want one, but we do.

Deacon’s next A/W collection promises plenty of surprises, with his pre-fall sneak preview featuring a preppy paperclip print. Whatever next?

Written by Viki Imrie.

Why Did We Ever Wear the Poncho?

 We never learn...

OH THE PONCHO..

Out of all the traditional cultural outfits to emulate in fashion form, why in the early Noughties did we select that of the Mexican? I mean, Mexico as a place is gorgeous and they have nice food and drink tequila: all’s good in the hood. Their traditional attire? Not so stunning… A massive square of knitted material with a head hole in the middle; otherwise known as the poncho.

Not only did the poncho make us look like we couldn’t afford a coat and had instead draped a blanket around our shoulders (leading to embarrassing “donation” incidents whilst sitting on doorsteps) it also made one’s shadow look like a giant triangular sandwich with the filling dripping out. Try it and see. 

They didn’t have arm holes, making it impossible to manoeuvre without hitting someone in the face as you flicked the poncho over your shoulder, and you could see none of a person's figure when they were wearing them. If you are going to wear an impractical item, at least wear one that flatters you.

Apparently ponchos are going to become cool again this season, but I doubt anyone still owns one. Well, anyone other than confused old ladies who pick them up in a charity shops and are gutted to find a massive hole in their new rug when they get home.

Written by Kate Lloyd.

Please Stop Wearing Bear Face Hats.

When guilty pleasures go wrong.

  YOU ARE NOT A TODDLER, DON'T DRESS LIKE ONE.

Panda Face Hat, River Island. 
 

With the recent snowfall and arctic temperatures I have enjoyed keeping my ‘money-maker’ warm with a nice woolly hat as I only get thrills from self-induced brain-freeze when it is courtesy of a Slush Puppy . 

This year, however, many innocent bystanders have been horrified by the sight of a new trend on the hat scene, one that is so sickly sweet it makes your eyes water (and then freeze over in these conditions). On babies they are acceptable, on young children they are tolerable, but unfortunately, there is no excuse for anybody above the age of five to be wearing them: hats with bear faces stitched onto them and woollen ears stuck on the top - it’s the stuff of nightmares! 

 

This cutesy facade is dangerous. If you are going to have a bear's face on your head, why stop at the bear hat? Why not go the whole hog and let out your inner grizzly bear in an all-in-one costume?  The temptation to become overly cute is too great.

I think a hat should be all about warmth and so if these creations do actually fit the bill and keep your head toasty then by all means go ahead and wear them.  Although I think many will agree that a trusted woolly beret or beanie is the way forward, especially if you live in the countryside and want to go for walks without being shot by farmers protecting their land from rogue animals.

Woolly Beret, handknitted by Lizzie's mum.

I tend to go for a plain navy or grey woollen beanies as these basic colours will go with practically everything. But if eccentricity is what you’re after I say pom-poms all the way!  With a slight ski-theme these make you look acceptably quirky; something that the bear hat doesn’t quite allow you to pull off.  Alternatively, if hats aren’t quite your style, earmuffs or woollen “headwarmers” are always a way to keep your Britney Spears’ warm. 

Wool Pom-Pom Beanie,  Topshop

Furry Cossack?!? Hat, H&M Men.

Furry Pillbox Hat, Vintage.

Same hat, a treat for the ladies.

Written by Sophie Harrison.

Pictures of Lizzie Lewis and Perry Higgins.

Fashion Influences.

Influences on Rosanna's wardrobe.

 CHINA, DANCING AND MY BRIEF EMO FAZE...

Before writing this article I had a sneaky browse through my wardrobe to see what influences my fashion sense (bad idea –an excuse to try on clothes and delve into reels of glitter and velvet and memorable fashion mishaps? Goodbye revision.) 

It seems that if I had to sum up my fashion style in one word, it would definitely be ECLECTIC. From tweed pencil skirts to feather fringed cardigans to tie dye scarves, I’ve worn them all! 

One of my main fashion influences would have to be my Chinese background. Half my family are from Hong Kong and I seem to be drawn to oriental style, colours and patterns. I love the silks and floral motifs associated with traditional Chinese fashion. 

Recently I found a Chinese smoking jacket in COW Sheffield and now rarely take it off! Its only as I’ve got older that I’ve had the confidence to wear these more unusual items. Teamed with neutral tones and understated accessories they can make an ensemble more fresh and unusual without making you look like you belong in an ‘Around the World’ display!

Ever since I could walk, I’ve danced, and I can definitely see how this has manifested in my clothes collection. I own many a tutu style skirt and over the last couple of months I’ve been searching for my old leotards to wear with high wasted skirts or under denim shirts with a belt on a night out. 

There’s a four year old ballet dancer inside me screaming out to be adorned with ribbons, glitter, feathers, chiffon skirts and dresses, and just sometimes, I let her! (I draw a line at the leg warmers though!)

My final fashion influence emerges from my slightly, SLIGHTLY emo teenage years. I must admit I spent much of my time aged 14-16 sitting in a skate park and listening to Taking Back Sunday, and I don’t think I’ll ever quite let go off my obsession with skull jewellery.

I'd like to think my styles grown up a bit since then however, so now I’ve ditched the studded hip belts for studded bags and boots and the band t-shirts are firmly tucked into a high-waisted pencil skirt or teamed with a bowler hat and biker boots. I’m loving the high street penchant for black lace, but I have ditched the black lips for rather more flattering shades of berry and plum!

Written by Rosanna Lee.