High-street tacky 'Well Jel' bracelet

The popular reality TV programme TOWIE has brought phrases like ‘reem’ and ‘well jel’ into public language. I was actually quite disgusted when I found a bracelet today in high-street store beaded with the words ‘Well Jel’. Although seen in an Essex store where fake eyelashes and the little flurry of TOWIE stars pop in to where it was found, I think it’s ridiculous a fashion conscious high-street store would stock this.

Apart from looking cheap in its materials; it also has those words to it which just makes it tack for your wrists. I cannot believe anyone will buy this and hope sincerely no one does; I literally want to cringe for anyone who does and help the person who designed it; perhaps they need it. For me, that is not fashion; it is definitely not unique or fashionable.

Her Curious Nature

It was just three years ago that London-based Sabrina founded Her Curious Nature and in that time it has grown from small boutique to chain store availability.

The beautiful accessories; a wonderful array of collars, headbands, clips and hats have a 1920s-esque feel and air of English heritage.

Above image courtesy of hercuriousnature.com

And lucky for us we can get our hands on them from her website directly or there is a limited selection available from Asos online.

Her Curious Nature have even succeeded with highstreet favourite Topshop. Now they have two stands in Topshop’s UK flagship store: Oxford Circus and today; Friday 23^rd March marks another celebratory moment for Her Curious Nature as it launches in Liverpool’s main Topshop.

Above image courtesy of hercuriousnature.com

I was lucky enough to secure some accessories for my photoshoot I needed to do for university work and they were superb. The detailing is so impressive and the products are of such high quality; especially considering the hand-made accessories were made to fit my pastel theme.

Above image: Photograph for my Imaging project. Model: Sophie Howard of Lenis Modelling Agency. Hair piece Her Curius Nature- £95, Top vintage, skirt Asos.

Van Cleef & Arpels

Flicking trough Harper’s Bazaar (December issue) I found this.

It’s such an impressive piece because it’s so different and unique without sacrificing its style. The Van Cleef & Arpels piece is actually a necklace but it can be transformed into a bracelet. I think taht is so cool and looks amazing both ways.

 

The zip necklace is decorated with beautiful sapphires and diamonds; contrasting the ordinary, expected function of a zip.

 

It is definitely on my wish-list, please Father Christmas!

Head scarves

This is a piece of univeristy work inspired by Colin McDowell's 'Fashion Moments':
 

As devastating as war is, fashions are found and survives. It was actually war when head scarves really took centre stage in fashion.

 

The simple convenience of the head scarf completed the Rosie look of the 1930s; made popular by the war poster campaign Rosie the Riveter: ‘We Can Do This’. With women acquiring more independence during the war there was a need for practicality. The make do and mend culture being upon them, head scarves were used to uplift the dreary utility clothing, along with red lipstick and curled locks. The head scarf protects, decorates and insulates whilst being adaptable to the newest trends, which is why over 80 years later they can still be seen on catwalks.

 

The success of the head scarf is because of its multi functions; being practical to keep hair out of the way during work, but also to accessorise; even for an off-duty model. The easily customised item determines that it is a fashion staple; up-cycling existing pieces to create new.

 

Known for accessories; Hermes continuously modernises the head scarf. With their new 2012 line of Indian inspired saris; the ethnic theme is explored whilst maintaining the concept of the headscarf: tie and wrap.

 

Alexander Wang included a variation of the head scarf in his 2012 Spring Summer collection. He paid tribute to its roots of rationing in its mesh form, linking to Wang’s sportswear theme. Ironically these were showcased at Paris Fashion Week; the very fashion capital that failed to acknowledge the utility schemes during World War II, choosing to continue with haute couture extravagance. Even the classic chain print often seen on scarves became a staple for the Dolce and Gabbana catwalk of Spring/ Summer 2012.

 

As a country in recession people cannot afford the flamboyant dresses; so to buy into a brand and experience a little luxury a versatile scarf is the way. The fact that something tiny can generate such a lot proves the importance; shown in how it remains Hermes most iconic item.

 

You would think that an item so closely associated with shortages and lack of wealth, would surely have died out by now. Yet it seems not.