Seventeen mascara and eyeliner combo

Who remembers 17? The Boots brand that was the cheap version of 7 right? And we all totally bought into the cheap and accessible make-up until we were about 15, then we upgraded to Natural Collection or even Revlon if we were pushing the boat it. 

Upon seeing a stand advertising this enticing silver product and with some clever marketing, I was drawn to a deal. If you bought the back lash mascara, you got the liquid 'wax' eyeliner free! Anyone would think I was a make-up novice to not have noticed the clever 17 rebranding (they now use the word seventeen, pure sophistication, right?) So, upon giving the products a try, I am pleasantly surprised.

The wax pot of eyeliner is applied with a small brush, for easy application. The brush enables the user to create large or small sweeps of definition above the eye, putting all of our liquid eyeliner practise into action- but this time we don't have to keep our eyes closed or fan them for it to dry, it seems to instantly dry when applied. The eyeliner stays matt and will not budge until you take a make up wipe to the eye and scrub it off. The mascara has a large brush which helps gives a large lash effect with minimal clumping; adding definite volume to a thinning lash. 

The mascara wand is price tagged at £6.49, a minimal price to pay for the benefits of large lashes. A bonus, of course, is the existing deal that entitles you to a free eyeliner (worth £3.99). TOTALLY WORTH IT.

What I have been up to! London bound...

So although I am totally aware that you don't want me to blabber on about my personal endeavours... and that you want me to blog fun fashion content... I am going to talk about myself. Feel free to skirt past this blog, above it will be my next feature...on something interesting!

The last few weeks have been crazy, I went to London again to add more magazines to my CV. While in London I attended work experience with Men's Health and Zoo, both pretty fun and let me see different perspectives of industry (quite literally, one day boobs and then the next abs and buff men... of course the second was appreciated by me, yum). All blabbering done, almost. I'm off to Closer next week! Woo. And I have a huge interview set up for the Tuesday so I will let you know how that goes/the details very soon!

Mcqueen S/S

 

 

 

Alexander McQueen Pre S/S

McQueen is well known for his use of quality fabrics including thick corduroy, silk, printed materials and delicates- lace and encrusted designs. His latest collection doesn't fail to impress- a range of colours including- dusky orange, baby blue, mustard, white and cream.

With contouring and tailoring as a key element to the majority of McQueen garments, the collection hones in on this particular characteristic and synches in waists- using belts, a continuation of fabrics, clever stitching to tailor to create this surreal waist.

Of course, McQueen wouldn't be the brand that we know without the odd draping shirt and the use of a light chiffon fabric. One garment that stands out because of this is the baby blue draping jacket shirt- with a high rounded neck, two square and seamless pockets and an almost shawl/jacket effect.

The one dress that stands out is the floor length lacey white and gold flowery patterned number- the sling/tie around neck and hugging shape with the mermaid tail bottom helps to create a aged but modern visual. 

We have morning glory over the thought of Honour Over Glory...

So with the unsurprising up and coming success of alternative fashion brand 'Honour Over Glory', it is obvious that the brand has added more statement garments to the collection, providing a unisex range of accessories, t-shirts, tops, beanies, snap backs, bags, trousers etc. for a diverse audience of individuals.

Simplistic but effectively so, the brand often uses 1-3 statement words as a bold impression, on other occasions they like to use a big design surrounded by their signature dripping font or logo font to catch attention.

The brand is accessible and most importantly affordable. A set of three socks can be purchased at the reasonable price of £5 and t-shirts/tops can be bought for £15+.

Basically, we love this quirky brand, so go check them out!

McQueen- LCM 2014 Looks

Just a quick look into the LCM Alexander McQueen extravaganza.... of what I have seen it was hosted in a very atmospheric and mood filled building, working as a platform to compliment the eery and often grungy designs produced by the McQueen label.

The slicked hair and simplistic but dark clothing was complimented by a sea of smoke surrounding, and almost dancing, at the feet of the models. The McQueen brand is prestigiously noted for it's edgy and alternative look and the latest collection does not fail to impress... showcasing a mod/new rock look throughout.

Robin Thicke- Blurred Lines

Besides the fact that the video is oh so apparently sexist and mocks the idea of virtuosity and innocence, the video has drawn one thing to my attention. It isn't the men, the lyrics in the song, the nearly naked females... it is Emily Ratajkowski's amazing white boot heels. 

WHERE ARE THESE AMAZING SHOES FROM?

If anyone could tell me or find a similar pair that would be great!

Besides this superficial observation, yes the video is somewhat offensive and the original cut was banned by Youtube as too explicit, however Robin Thicke claimed it was intended as harmless fun. Feminists worldwide are outraged at this video, yes the lyrics claim to rebel against women beating and other sexist crimes, but in itself as an ironic metaphor is being sexist by representing females in such an explicit and sexual manner.

At no point in the video do we see a near naked male... but maybe that is just something I would enjoy myself and not something that would make a huge difference to the video content. Well, millions have and continue to listen to the sound, so Thicke and his gang must have done something right!

Acne A/W 2013

It would be silly to state that the latest Acne collection is understated- the Autumn/Winter designs are extravagant, bold and layer specific...

Layering, layering, layering. One of the fashion industries favourite tricks which can be undergone disastrously, however, Acne manage to team odd and unthinkable designs together to create this kind of 'mix and match' attitude. Although the collection includes odd colour combinations (orange and blues), it also introduces warm tones that perfectly mesh together. One example of such colour coordination is the use of clay trousers displayed above, teamed with what can only be described as a beige waist coat/sleeveless blazer and a decorative collar. 

Acne do not stick to a minimalistic colour palette, they diversify the colour, ranging from soft and warm clay, beige and orange tones to baby blue- sky blue- navy and even showcasing golds and the use of metallic materials and shades. 

Personally, I adore the clothing within the first two images displayed. The gothic, dark use of layering and using leather seems to work to continue the gothic trend that the British seem to love, but also helps to avoid distraction from the cut of the fabric. It is often hard to focus upon the design of the other garments because of the bold palette and use of pattern. 

The female option is very simplistic- black loose flowing cropped trousers/what seems to be a jumpsuit, teamed with a structured, shoulder accentuating leather (blue) jacket and a simplistic clutch. It was previously unheard of to wear blue and black together but it seems within the current A/W designer collections, that this  combination of colouring is constantly emerging.

Rag And Bone 13 S/S Mens.

Rag and Bone S/S 13 Mens

Rag and Bone are well known for their alternative spin on high fashion. Their break through into high fashion has pushed this alt appeal into the public demand, making that lifestyle more attainable and acceptable within current society. The Spring/Summer men's collection showcases smart suits, patterned jumpers and casual clothing that has been glamorised to seem fashionable.

The designer brand like to layer as a way of shaping the masculine form- many of the designs demonstrate pattern upon pattern, making a contrasting look but one that works.

One simplistic suit in navy with a simplistic orange tank top underneath it, breaks up a mixture of patterned and bold designs. Then R & B demonstrate a more preppy but alternative attire with the orange anorak style orange jacket- layered above a tonal black and white top and white shorts. Black socks and shoes finish the outfit. This styling is reflective of current trending, the shorts and long socks are very much a spring/summer look that men should appreciate. Combining the white shorts with the black and white top helps to merge the  outfit and make it appeal as one design (the lower base of the top is white which elaborates design and keeps a continuous flow of design).

The use of tone is apparent within many of their designs- this is their signature stamp- shaping tone in a bold manner to compliment bright colours or a similar neutral palette of shades.

Calvin Klein S/S 13

Calvin Klein S/S 13

CK has taken a very retrospective and neutral approach to appropriating denim and 90s elements within their LCM collection. Although the palette is fairly neutral/tonal throughout, pattern is introduced within the second half of the collection- contributing notions of femininity to previously masculine and perhaps 'lifeless' clothing.

Calvin Klein cleverly uses one bold and significant pattern and fabric to design many of the garments- this creates a flow and marks relevance from one outfit to another- it forms the link between garments that was previously missing. The flowery pattern could be identified as smart/casual and the use of denim has quite apparently been used in a casual manner, therefore the only thing missing from this collection is a smart element.

Oh wait, there are smart garments also. The collection includes the well known Klein signature tailored suit, always manipulating the tailoring and colouring used within each individual suit, to create an exclusivity and represent the brand in a positive and prestigious manner.

Where I have been!

So, I suppose you're wondering where I have disappeared to... or maybe you just hadn't noticed. Nonetheless. I have recently become writers for Chasseur and TrendLife magazines. Although I am still to publish work for TrendLife, I have provided numerous amounts of editorial content for Chasseur and have been appointed fashion writer. See my Chasseur portfolio below-

http://chasseurmagazine.com/category/kim-dibble/

Another opportunity I am in the midst of achieving is becoming a contributor for the up and coming- Venture magazine, a music publication (in online process at the moment). Whilst writing for all of these publications, trying to find a dull everyday job for summer (boohoo), finishing university deadlines, blogging on my Tumblr and actually having a social life... I have regrettably neglected my Blogspot... but not to worry, I am back. And I will be writing at least 5 features a week- this is the summer goal.

I have also been trying to organise work experiences and internships for the next year, my CV needs to look as impressive as possible for when I delve into the harsh and sometimes cruel world of journalism. I am very excited to announce I will be going to NME in November for work experience... and that I will hopefully have other work placements planned throughout the next year (fingers crossed).

So enough about me.... and commence my blogging spree.

Valentino Pre A/W 13

Valentino Pre Autumn/Winter 2013

Valentino never fails to shock with sharp and sleek designs that so seamlessly clingy but drape over the human body. The Valentino A/W '13 collection combines a mixture of sharp black and white tonal outfits and also additional pink and red blends to add an obviously dark suggestion to the collection.

Outfits are more often than not one shade throughout, to create a feel of serenity and order but in a supernatural way, the design is what makes the garments stand out as opposed to the shocking use of colour and pattern. Delicate outfits are often elaborated by adding a draping shawl or jacket over the original outfit, this adds elements of layering to the garments, more is not less in this case.

Grungey, yet feminine- the collection suggests female empowerment and opposing the norms of a society so obsessed by stripping females of as much clothing as possible. Valentino promotes the idea that females can be sexy hidden under such large clothing. The oversized tailoring of the collection adds notions of masculinity but female hints will be added to create a unisex feel- e.g. tailored trousers will showcase the narrow legs that and figure that is hidden under a quilted 'cardigan styled' draping jacket. A clutch bag finalises the outfit.

Etsy- CREEPYYEHA

Etsy have teamed up with designer CREEPYYEHA, to sell these beautifully grungey garters which range from delicately feminine- dark designs.

CREEPYYEHA is an American brand formed by designer Lisa Leung "Yeha", which considers the recent revival of grunge and romanticises it in a feminine and sexual manner. The garters are both metallic and structured to suggest obscure designs but beautifully adorn the thigh. 

The American heart garters have caused quite an uproar and have become a huge part of popular fashion culture on websites like Tumblr and even Instagram famous individuals have been seen wearing these designs. 

The only downfall, if living in the UK, is the price tag- not so much the price tag but the shipping fee. I can only hope that some day very soon I will be delving into the piggy bank to buy one for myself... The handmade designer is clearly one to keep an eye on, as her designs can only improve and become more popular as time passes us by.

 

Thunder Apparel

I'm all about the independent clothing lines at the moment because, if bloggers don't spread the word about them, then how can they get the word out there. That is why I love social networking so much. The fact that it has the power to establish underground clothing ranges. A saint and a curse in it's own right.

Anyway, I'm here to talk about Thunder Apparel- a diverse and unisex clothing range that hosts some great colours and designs that are both simplistic and intricate at the same time. As the range becomes more popular, the team have advanced and made the collection larger and as it currently stands, it features a selection of t-shirts, longsleeves, tanks, accessories, outerwear, headwear and sweaters.

Thunder Apparel use both their TA logo and their scrawled thundr logo to accentuate their established edgy style, using burgundy, blue, grey, yellow, black and many other colours to offer a little versatility to it's audience. The clothing is high quality and it is obvious that the fabric is authentic, and quite apparently not cheap and tacky, which makes the average t-shirt price of £19.99 very reasonable.

The designs vary from cartoonised and large, in your face designs, to tiny almost unnoticeable prints, which is why the collection targets such a wide audience of fashion consumers. It maintains a cool street edgy but is quite apparently targeted at unique and quirky individuals.