Threads Of Time

This extraordinary, magical novel is the story of Clare and Henry who have known each other since Clare was six and Henry was thirty-six, and were married when Clare was twenty-two and Henry thirty. Sounds confusing, as if time has been lost in translation, but by keeping faith with 'The Time Travellers Wife', and turning the pages in a chronological manner (unlike Henry), the pieces of clockwork are so much easier to put together. When this happened I was presented with such a beautiful and charming tale; something that made me question the human condition and even the way I act. If I could find out when myself or my loved ones die, would I? And if I knew, would I be able to re-stitch the threads of time and change the inevitability of the future that hasn’t yet been set in stone? Or are we all living by means of fate? A lot of question marks fill this segment I know, but I hope this leaves an impression on how thought provoking and enriched the romanticised darkness of the novel is.

‘Kiss me’, Clare says, and I turn to her, white face and dark lips floating in the dark, and I submerge, I fly, I am released: being wells up in my heart.’

These Boots Were Made For Strutting

London Fashion week looms, and with 3 shows booked, all with different dress codes, my wardrobe has become a bomb site as I shred tops for a D.I.Y effect, and seperate the statements from the standard. Thankfully the car boot sale me and Connie religiously attend on a Sunday didn't dissapoint. I picked up some chunky cowboy boots for £3, along with an All Saints inspired top that I'm told comes from Venice. Likewise, this item took just two pound coins out of my man purse. With a substantial Uni debt, and my inability to save money without retail temptations, I like to think me and Connie are promoting the art of unique styling on a serious budget! On the note of my prima donna, be sure to check out her blog if you haven't already. http://www.constance-victoria.blogspot.com/

The Sartorialist

Following on from my outfit post, I've fallen in love with The Sartorialist's glossy new book on street style. I love the appreciation of looks from all sides of life. Supermodels are featured, strutting out of catwalk shows with sheer intensity. Industry types are standing with purpose outside, tailored or so chic they look pristine. But there's also candids of 'the ordinary', where unique and captivating beauty is captured in equal merit to the model types. Whether it's the innocent expressions or the shy posture, I love seeing style being a part of all walks of life. For me, fashion colours the world, or the shell of it at least, and I like to use it as a form of expression when words can't come to mind. As a result this book is very inspiring, and I insist you all put it on your christmas list.

Mesh My Heart And Call It Yours

Car boot sales have been a treasure chest of gems recently for me. Every Sunday I've found tattered tops and vests that simply need a little love and styling to transform them from 99p castaways into a grunge All Saints feel. Take this mesh cardigan below. I love the heavy feel to it, much like a piece of armor, and it's been fun to experiment with different colours underneath it. There's an androgynous style to it, which is something I've taken a taste to of late.

The Art Of Androgyny

Orschel Read presents a twisted concept, with clothes that stencil out like sinister insects. Black jackets spark out needles like a darkened bird of prey, locking with magnetic hair that resembles a kaleidoscope design. The staple jacket warps out at the back to create a hunchback effect, but still manages to corset in and look very wearable. Androgyny comes with this corset approach, making the outfits even more elusive and intriguing. Orschel doesn’t shy away from colour though, with the injection of lavender into one of his looks. The jacket blossoms out from the middle button like a flower in a Tim Burton fantasy garden. I like to think of his concepts as the ‘brother of Bjork’, with gothic fragility played around with. Orschel will be presenting his new collection at London Fashion Week on 20th September. I’m very much looking forward to it.

Makeup Junkie

Karl is a fashion web friend of mine, who's threads on lookbook.nu inspire me without fail. I admire the brave female elements to his style, from Balmain shoulderpads to distressed All Saints cardigans. What marks Karl above the rest however is his revamping ability to tie knots and pin simple tops into something more eclectic and high fashion. So be sure to click your way to his site and see what all the hypes about. http://lookbook.nu/user/19654-Karl-philip-L

Big Time Sensuality

This is one of the most daring and sensational editorials I’ve seen in a while. The red hat mists like a blood soaked cobweb, clashing with the model’s jet black hair that sparks out of it. The makeup bruises the porcelain skin, and the heavy jewellery brings about a depressed pose. But there’s something beautiful about this tragic expression; like fragile dolls that are desperate to come to life. It’s like the material and boots are growing around the models, breathing a darkened life into them. The editorial silently screams out Bjork to me, where the wonderfully gothic is mixed with beautiful and delicate undertones.