Holiday Lookbook!

So Summer is here! (Well thats what it says on my calendar)and I am off on a sophisticated, high class, cultured mini-break...to Benidorm for a hen do no less! So maybe the surroundings will be a bit less cocktails and fine dining in San Mauritz and a bit more sticky vicky and fishbowls in Blackpool! Still thats no reason to not to look hot (not in a sweaty way) so here is my holiday wishlist - if anyones reading and wants to get me a late birthday pressie anything but sunnies please!! Bon Voyage! Elle-phant x

Rolling Stone-r

Check out Rihannas cover for Rolling Stone.....OUCH!!!!

Rumour is those hotpants are sprayed on....if only! (girl crush)
Scarlet

xxx

Images - http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-1370795/Rihannas-Rolling-Stone-cover-Cheeky-singer-wears-racy-spray-hot-pants.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

Farewell to a Style Icon

Sad news lovelies, Elizabeth Taylor passed away today, she really was an icon, her images are instantly recognisable and will forever be linked to an era of glamour and style...

Here are some more pictures of her in her prime...

Check out the Beaut!

Vogue annual shape issue - No words other than...I love her!

Scarlet

xxx
Images - http://www.vogue.com/magazine/article/rihanna-living-out-loud/#

Belle Amour

This weeks Secret Diary of a Call Girl was no fail (oh yeah I'm on it with the lingo!)

Belle wore a beautifully sculpted array of dresses starting with her lace & shift combo - interesting folds, semi japanese like with a lace paneled stomach - accessorised with a running theme balled necklace & big earrings....- p.s I LOVE LOVE LOVE the way Billie (I say Billie as I think thats her touch to the character) holds her bag, I always hold mine like that & I have to say it just oozes sexual POWER!

Her second outfit was another sculptural manterpiece, complete with ball earrings & giant flower headpiece (similer to the sneak preview in series 3 after seeing her book in the bookshop window)...Belle definatley wins the Good vs Evil showdown of outfits....Charlotte did put a very one sided but good fight if gold pvc is your thing you go for it, I just think on my figure it would show every single flaw - but shes slim and fabulous so she carries it of with her sexual prower...

Scarlet

xxx

International Womens Day!

Today 8th March is International Women’s Day, it will mark 100 years of campaigning for equality amongst the sexes. I wanted to write about this on the blog as I come from a line of strong, inspiring women and I know that my fellow Custard Creams are also successful independent women therefore this is something that we should be celebrating and also discussing.

I am proud to say that I am a feminist – despite popular belief (or according to The Sun) this does not mean I am a butch lesbian or that I hate men, also I have never burnt a bra (well once but that was on a cold morning when I was trying to warm up my bra on a fan heater –oops) in fact it means that as a woman I expect the same treatment as a man ie pay, respect and equality.It shocks me when women say they arent (presumably that means that they don't vote, take the pill, expect equal pay, or to be protected by law from domestic violence).

Quite rightly we take for granted the fact that we can choose to vote, if we go to University or become a doctor, control our reproductive system and wear what the hell we like - but it hasn’t always been this way and still isn’t for many women around the world.

In 100 years you would think that society has come along way and we have as undoubtedly millions of women’s lives have been improved and saved thanks to the dedication and sacrifice of women like Emily Davison; a suffragette who once hid in the houses of parliament and who died after stepping out in front of the Kings horse while campaigning for women’s rights in 1913. Unfortunately there are still inequalities in the UK and globally with women still underrepresented in boardrooms and parliament – currently in Westminster there are more MP’s called Nick or Dave than there are women?! How is that possible....

Despite the UK being a westernised country with equal rights legislations there is still a huge gap between men and women. If you’re at work look around and do a quick bit of maths – are there more women or men and who out of the genders earns more? It’s glaringly obvious in my office (currently out of about 30 people 26 are men with 2 of the women either having admin/secretarial roles) as I’m sure it is in most.

Women are still behind in pay and positions with women earning on average 16% less than men and making up only 12% of the UK boardrooms. The workplace is not the only place were women are suffering, 90% of victims of domestic violence are women and the UK conviction rate of rape is just 6.5%.

Why do men still think its ok to shout obscenities to women in broad daylight or randomly grope them on a night out? Is it ok that schoolgirls get pestered by men during their commute to school? Where does it end...?

“Women perform 66% of the world’s work, produce 50% of the food, but earn 10% of the income and own 1% of the property.” (Unicef)

In the UK there seems to be a rise in women who are happy to play dumb to please a man or who have a life ambition to be a WAG (here’s an idea get your own life...) which kind of sets us back in the fight for feminism. If you look to the lesser developed world and to countries in Africa like Darfur, Chad and Mozambique women face a daily battle for basic human rights let alone women’s rights through simple tasks such as trying to avoid being raped when collecting water, as well as violence, murder and genital mutilation.

Worldwide 10 million more girls are out of school than boys, One out of every three women has been beaten, coerced into sex, or otherwise abused, 1 in 5 women will be a victim of rape or attempted rape, and if that’s not enough violence against women causes more deaths and disabilities among women aged 15 to 44 than cancer, malaria, traffic accidents and war.

Today I think its important to recognise the achievements and progress that has been made through history and realise that our current lifestyles would have been very different 100 or even as little as 30 years ago. There are some charity links below that details ways to get involved and help improve women’s rights around the world.

So in the UK we are lucky to be in a country where women’s rights are recognised and equality is set out in the legal system, but remember that it is us women that got us here and we have to fight if we want it to stay that way – support International Women’s Day!
http://www.internationalwomensday.com/
There are a range of events going on in Brum to mark the Centenary of International Women’s Day see the full list here; http://www.internationalwomensday.com/search.asp
If you want to read more there is a great article here (this is what inspired me to write this article);
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2011/mar/06/feminism-global-challenge-one-voice
Get involved and read more about how women in Africa are fighting for equality and justice at http://www.thegreatinitiative.com/
Another amazing Charity http://www.womankind.org.uk/what-you-can-do.html

Ellephant

xx

An Ode to the Great

As a follow up to Ellephant's post - I watched "McQueen & I" on Monday night...TWICE!!! I had to watch it again as soon as it finished I pressed replay. I have to admit I too was a little disresepctlivley & nievely in love with McQueen but had no idea of how long he had been around & how long he had actually influenced & lead the fashion industry. Below are SOME of my favourite pieces of past & present...there are truley too many to show...

Lady Gaga & SJP are the exact type of women to be able to carry of a McQueen piece - a strong, individual woman with a large amount of mystique & fantasy. I myself would love the opportunity to see if I could carry it off...

Our own Nichola Burley wore McQueen to the premiere of Streetdance 3D in the summer of last year...let me tell you when she called me to tell me, I was near enough screaming "ALEXANDER MCQUEEN!!! You're wearing McQueen, oh my gosh, I'm so jealous, do you know how big he is??? What does it look like? What colour is it? Oh my gosh, I love him, I can't believe it, when are you bringing it home?!?" - And so on, and so on....I feel sorry for her,ha...but it was beautiful, sheer layers of spiders, haunted trees & bats...beautiful sleeves & a stunning hem...she looked amazing!!!

I cannot describe to you my admiration for him & cannot put in words how much his designs touch me, I can only say I wish I had had the chance to meet him in one way or another as I know he would had been one of the most influential people in my life. He already has inspired me beyond recognition. Thank you Alexander.

Sara (I felt the need for my real name - rather than the fantasy)
xxx


Images - http://www.selfridges.com
http://www.graziadaily.co.uk/fashion/archive/2011/02/11/mcqueen.htm
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1250371/Alexander-McQueen-A-life-fashion.html

http://www.life.com/image
http://designmuseum.org/design/alexander-mcqueen
http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/galleries/TMG7214180/A-history-of-catwalk-collections-by-designer-Alexander-McQueen.html

Red Carpet Queens!

Hi lovely peeps...

So have been seeing all the latest red carpet looks from the Oscars and I knew you would all be dying to know what I thought so Ive picked my faves and my flops...! I have to say overall I was a little bit disappointed especially after seeing Black Swan (Scarlet threatened to disown me if i didnt go watch)and all the fashion hype surrounding Rodartes amazing costumes that the standard would have been higher ...anyhoooo heres my faves! I have to say Im not normally a fan of Gwyneth but she is definitely working overtime to transform herself from bland but pretty to daring and sexy what with her appearances on Glee and at the MTV(?)awards. Mila Kunis thank the lord saved Black Swans reputation by wearing this gorgeous blue number. I love how original Cate Blanchett always is she doesnt conform to the red carpet rules and she looks ammezzzing!

NEXT! (as the director would say)I think Michelle Williams always looks gorgeous really and I love the simplicity of this Chanel dress. Good old Helen Mirren rocks a bit of British in this gorgeous Vivienne Westwood dress that hugs (and covers) all the right places! Ok so theres a bit of a prom queen wannabe in all of us and Halles dress fits the bill!

Ah if only all the celebs could look that good now we come to the flops...I dont say it to be mean or a bitch its jus my opinion and if ya dont agree well thats what the comments box is for...go ahead!

Sooo I dont wanna knock a girl when shes already knocked up ..but I hate Natalie Portmans dress its just soo boring maternity and I dont like the colour either, its a shame cos we all know she is ridiculously beautiful and after seeing Rodartes stunning costumes in Black Swan I was just hoping for something a bit more ....interesting. Bleurgh Nicole Kidman just Yak not even going to say anything more the awful dress and pillow face speak for themself!

Finally we come to Anne Hathaway, another gorgeous girl in a bad dress I think the most shocking part of this outfit is that she reportedly paid skeletal stylist to the stars Rachel Zoe a 6 figure sum to dress her for the Oscars! (To avoid any confusion yes thats over $100,000!!)

Enjoy!

Ellephant

xxx

Pictures; http://www.instyle.com/instyle/package/oscars/photos/0,,20459085_20469421_20917506,00.html

http://www.instyle.com/instyle/package/oscars/photos/0,,20459085_20469421_20917485,00.html

http://www.instyle.com/instyle/package/oscars/photos/0,,20459085_20469421_20917440,00.html

http://www.instyle.com/instyle/package/oscars/photos/0,,20459085_20469421_20917482,00.html

http://www.harpersbazaar.com/fashion/party-snaps/oscars-dresses-2011

Ring a ding ding ding...

Last weeks episode of Secret Diary of a Call girl featured fur, 70's & head candy! Belle rocked a white fur cape (a little white fur goes far - trust me I know), over a backless 70's jumpsuit complete with full on flared legs & a jewelled bow headpiece....LADIES work the 70's look, an era of glamour didn't serve them too shabbily...see my post from yesterday - a single piece is so easy to make anything look chic!

My fave look of the episode had to be with the uh-hum (muffles under breath) adult baby....hahaha...

The hairstyle was so 90's but I really like it, I don't think I could work it, but then again if I anyone can get away with weird its usually me??? The sequined half cape daped over her simple black dress looked lovely...I can't help lately I'm a black girl, I just love black on black with black...it flattering, toning & most importantly it shows your solHOuette!!!

This week I stayed up to catch it which killed me as I am so exhausted lately (I have to admit I usually get it on catch up)but I had to get my fix! Note the recurring ball earrings, the fishtail plait, the ballerina trend after the rather embarrassing film "rehearsal", the effortless craved curls, the dark sapphire eyeshadow & Billies favourite outfit from the NY arrival....very SJP in SATC !!!

Again sorry about the pictures, its just me & my phone in front of the tele?ha I kind of like the effect though! ha

Scarlet
xxx

Last Saturday('s) Flea

(NOTE:They don't call me RED for nothing - my face is screwed up for a reason haha..When Im angry - I'm angry GGGgggGGrrrRRR haha)

Last Saturdays Flea - 26th February...Lets just say I wore black for a reason, I was in mourning (nothing morbid)It was just a sad occasion that I won't delve into it too much as I'd like to build up some suspense for potential future prospects ; ) But I did pay my respect to those that worked hard & tried harder with my black ensomble (how do you spell that?!?)

Wearing all black works the solHOuette ladies & shows your curves (plus its slimming obviously - a trick I'm favouring lateley - even though I do look quite chubby here, I'm carrying extra weight & I'm not standing very well,haha) By adding a little bit of this seasons hoTTest era 70's hat can make anyone feel like a diva! (not a disco one - hell NO)

I felt really glamourous & girly, and with ma RiRi hair I still looked like a current girl & not like I was in fancy dress (a really big no-no!)

Scarlet

xxx

Jilted Geo

Guys & girls...check out the latest hoodie from Jilted Royalty...you can't beat a grey hoodie on a man & I'm loving the graphics...If I had a man I'd buy it him & the steal it!!! haha

Only £60 & you can see from the pictures the quality is that soft snuggly shizzle (sorry guys, I could man up but I'm feeling very girly right now)

Get to buying people & support the movement! Theres plenty more on thier website...http://jiltedroyalty.com/shop

Scarlet

xxx

Images - http://jiltedroyalty.com/shop/product.php?id_product=29

McQueen and I

Hi fashionistas,

I want to tell you about a fascinating biopic More4 aired on Alexander McQueen last week. If you didnt catch it you can view it again on 4ondemand.

The documentary shows amazing footage of the designers catwalk shows and collections from the early 90's to his final collection. I was always aware of who Alexander McQueen was and loved his designs but its only looking back now you fully realise how massively influential his designs were and how much they have been replicated on the high street - For example who can say that they havent got an item of clothing or accessory with a skull design on...?

The film includes interviews with his close friends and family and includes archive footage of former Vogue Editor Isabella Blow with whom he had a turbulent friendship and had a major influence on his career.

The biopic also highlights how much his designs and clothes were an extension of himself, his history and state of mind...as a former colleague of his said 'his death replicated his designs ..theatrical, dramatic and violent'.

Enjoy!

Ellephant

xx

Pictures

Alexander McQueen: http://www.brandish.tv/assets_c/2009/03/alexander%20mcqueen%20numero%20homme-thumb-350x573-83142.jpg

Cream Dress: madmodern.blogspot.com

Multi colour dress: http://img.alibaba.com/img/news/10/00/72/25/1257486990403_us_backyard1_688.jpg

Headpiece:http://fashiontribes.typepad.com/fashion/images/2008/03/20/hats_alexander_mcqueen.jpg

Scarf: http://www.thebagforum.com/upload/610e84df1613b3678da67fb152414468.png