In good Company

So, it's no longer a secret that I'm a blogger!  All thanks to Company magazine, and their kind invitation (via Lexxi) to take part in a photoshoot, wearing the spring trends, along with many of my favourite bloggers. It was a hard offer to refuse, not just because it's nice for my Mum to buy a magazine with her daughter in, but because of Company's consistent support for bloggers and their ever-growing place in the fashion industry.  It was a privilege to be invited to partake, with my blog being the tiniest of cogs in the biggest of wheels. And  it was also an awful lot of fun (fashion cupboard! hello!).  Here are the results, worn on the double page by  Chantal; Alice; Camille; Frances and Claudia; and Frances; and alongside me by Kavita and Lucy. Grab a copy now, chums.

Ps, I hate having my picture taken

Debatable

I was very excited to feature in this week's Observer New Review, along with a collection of other UK bloggers, in this article that began, controversially, by stating that 'what we wear is increasingly shaped by fashion bloggers'. I, an avid reader of many blogs, wholeheartedly agree that since discovering a wealth of quick, innovative inspiration at my fingertips, for free, the way I follow fashion has changed. And I bet many of you reading this would say the same.

One scan of the 100 comments left on the online article will leave you in no doubt many people do not agree. And that, of course, is absolutely fine, it is the Guardian after all, the comments always form a fascinating, if sometimes visceral, debate - whatever the topic. I didn't enjoy this particular debate any less just because I'm a part of it. Perhaps that's why I don't feel compelled to defend or justify the topic of the feature at all, that would be for the paper to do, though I'm sure they're content with having sparked such a great furore!

What I will say in response is this: Contrary to what some people tend to assume about anyone who does fashion, my day job ensures I have good perspective about what 'really' matters - family, opportunity, education, democracy (all of which the Guardian covers amply) but let's not forget that fashion is a multi-billion pound industry that creates jobs and supports our economy. I know fashion isn't important, or even interesting, to everyone and appearing in the paper doesn't mean I think my little blog, a minuscule cog in a huge wheel, will ever have the power to influence anyone (which unfortunately thwarts my plan to use it for taking over the world, Bond villain-style).

But the growth of blogging is interesting to me, and (contrary to what one comment suggests) brings me, and hopefully my readers, joy. Which, along with the fact my mum could go out for the Sunday paper and tell the man in the shop her daughter was in it, is why I was thrilled to be included in the feature. Let's not forget, fashion is allowed to be just for fun and, sometimes, frivolous. Or perhaps, as one commentator put it perfectly, fashion is simply the fetishisation of something we all have to do in order not to die of exposure.

Thanks to the Guardian staff for being helpful and courteous throughout. I hope you enjoyed reading the article, and the comments, as much as I did.

VOTE FOR STYLEEAST IN THE COMPANY MAGAZINE BLOG AWARDS HERE

FOLLOW STYLEEAST ON TWITTER HERE

London Fashion Week Street Style - My So Called Life

The 90s were pretty good weren't they?  We could stare at Jared Leto on telly on a weekly basis, nick our dad's checked shirt and wear it interchangeably as a skirt, dress or top, channelling Rayanne of My So Called Life big-time.  The only bag to be seen with was a backpack, which handily accommodated all of our schoolbooks (and pencil cases - remember when pencil cases were, like, the accessory?), our jeans were high and occasionally we wore overalls and not just because we were finally painting over our cartoon wallpaper which was waaaay too young for our mature teenage selves. The good news is the 90s are back, and that the Best TV Series Of All Time is available on DVD.  Style inspiration at your fingertips, people, and these gorgeous ladies at LFW have a head-start on the rest of us...

And to end, the inspiration, Angela and Rayanne, circa not-yet-fallen-out-cos-one-pashed-the-other's-boycrush-at-the-school-disco...

(you know you want that duck egg blue crochet waistcoat in your life now, oh yes you do)

Also in this week's news, Styleeast has, for the second season in a row, been voted in the The Most Wanted Fashion 100 - coming in at number 9 in the Street Style category.  It's a real privilege to be on the list with so many of my favourite blogs and still completely unbelievable to me that anyone reads my blog, never mind votes for it!  Check out the full list here

It's Blitz!

You'd never guess from the sense of space in this photo that I nearly got knocked over by a cyclist, 2 cars and around 40 pedestrians whilst trying to get the shot.  It's come out almost monochromatic but for that amazing doll-like complexion and a peek of burgundy cut-off under the crochet tunic.  This girl (must start asking people their names) was flyering for the new Blitz Vintage Department Store on Hanbury Street, sister shop to The Vintage Store from where you may remember Ella of this post.  Seems like this chain has got east London street style all sewn up!  Pop down for a visit soon and maybe I'll see you there...

Also this week:

My photo of Ella (and several others) was also featured recently in Japanese street style magazine Jille, who did a whole page about my blog ...huge thanks to the lovely Aya and Sayaka who spent an afternoon with me shooting for the feature, which you can see below on the left page:

Don't forget I'm currently judging the Westfield Stratford City's 'Create your Take' competition , to celebrate their launch, and will be looking for your version of a family portrait.  The prize is good...all I can say is start thinking who your ten favourite people are.

And finally, I've discovered my new favourite self-style blog this week, and just had to give a shout out to the gorgeous Emily of It Girl Rag Doll, who also featured in the August issue of Jille.

Vintage Fair

Another of my west London style spots, ably assisted by David, it's a very east London-y vintage look which, as David noted, is what I'm always drawn too even when dragged kicking and screaming from my usual turf.  This look is also a masterclass in layering and accessorising - I don't know if that's a poncho, a cardi or a shawl, but I want it. 

I'm style-hunting at Judy's Affordable Vintage Fair in Spitalfields today so look out for someone barely able to use their camera and instead just shopping excessively, chances are that'll be me.  Oh and check out Styleeast waxing lyrical about the midi skirt for Heatworld Star Style here, with thanks to Callie at Heat.  Blog favourites Jill aka Polka Dot and Jen the Style Crusader also feature.

Peachy keen

This is one of my favourite looks to date, I love the contrast of the sweet peach colours and 60s styling with the tattoos and fiery hair (which seems to be the colour de jour, see also here).

Also this week, I've been interviewed by one of my favourite independent magazines, Don't Panic.  You can read the article here, which , along with what I'm now calling (still in bewilderment) "the Vogue thing"  has effectively ended any hope of continued anonymity.  Oh well!  Thanks must go to the lovely Jill of Street Style London for putting Don't Panic in touch with me.

Styleeast on Vogue street chic shortlist (yes, VOGUE!)

I am thrilled, shocked and amazed to announce that Styleeast is on the shortlist for the Vogue street chic blogger competition.  Ok, so there's a lot of people on there and they're all AMAZING, but it's still almost too exciting for words.  If you feel inclined, head on over there and check out my photos HERE , perhaps even leave a little comment if you like what you see.

And while you're there, pop in on Nicole Trundle of The Power of Beauty's entry (which includes a photo of none other than yours truly) and wish her luck too.

Featured in Frock and Roll

Introducing...Frock and Roll

I have exciting news!  I'm going international.  Well, sort of.  The lovely Kat of Frock and Roll  has invited Styleeast to collaborate on the streetstyle section of the magazine.  And to kick off this exciting venture, I did my first ever interview which you'll be able to read HERE (featuring photos of me by Polka Dot and Platform Princess) .  I am thrilled to be asked to do this, the magazine is absolutely of an ethos I can buy into - groundbreaking fashion, design and music with an aesthetic that, despite being based in Vienna, is very 'London'.  Not to mention the support I have for projects which seek to draw on the talents of a wide range of contributors, writers, musicians and photographers, and bring them to The People (that's you lot, btw!). 

But that's enough from me, let's hear from editor in chief, Kat (pictured):

Styleeast: Introduce Frock and Roll to readers...

Frock and Roll is all about Sex, Drugs, and Frock and Roll... and Groupies. Lots of them!

What is the inspiration behind the magazine?
The inspiration behind it is to give smaller designers and artists some space as well as talented writers from all over the world. I worked for a couple of online magazines before but something has always been missing. So I just thought: 'Just start your own then.'

What type of people do you expect will read Frock and Roll?
People who are not only reading online ‘fashion and music’ magazines but also read newspapers, classical books, listen to cool music and well basically are cool (ha-ha), NAH, I just hope they will get inspired, enjoy reading and leave some constructive feed back!

streetstyle from www.frock-and-roll.com

And what do you think sets it apart from other magazines that also feature style and music?
I guess because we try to support people who haven’t reached their inspirational peak yet and because we try to give everyone ‘punch in the arm’ to start their own thing.

Do you think the future of cultural publications is online?
I think that it is, now the I-Pad is developed I even think there might be room again for paid online magazines, even though I think this is more the case for bigger newspapers and magazines. But there’ll always be room for printed magazines and newspapers – what’s better than reading a newspaper with a cuppa in your hand?

Do you write all the features yourself and, if not, how have you found contributors to the magazine?
At the minute I write most of it and my boyfriend takes most of the photography aspect of things, we always give Do-It-Yourselfers space, and soon we'll have someone contributing vegetarian recipes. Living the way of Frock and Roll requires healthy food!

streetstyle from www.frock-and-roll.com

What are your own favourite reads?

I always find it hard to find magazines, I mostly read German music magazines they are a better quality than the English ones such as NME. But I also read NME in my favourite cafe, they have one there for free. I don't read Vogue - I find it a waste of space, I'm not interested in only looking at ads and pay 10 Euros for it (in Austria). And I don't find any inspiration in it either. I read Nylon, which maybe is a bit cliché but it seems to cover most of the stuff I'm interested in for. I read a couple of blogs, all my favourites are English. And I read books if I have time though the last book I had to read was because of UNI ‘Bloody’ Hamlet (I didn't get until the end). I also read the sun online for the daily chitchat - it's like the Austrian ‘Heute’.

Tell us what to expect from Frock and Roll over the next few months

I hope Frock and Roll gained lots of loyal readers and more lovely people who contribute, ‘SO IF YOU’RE READING THIS, GET OFF YOUR ASS!’

Hair and now

It's hard to capture personality in a quick snapshot on the street.  But if this girl's outfit and pose didn't say 'fun' and 'cute' to you, her hairdo certainly would.  One of my favourites so far....

Featured in VOGUE.com 

The hills are alive....

I'll explain the title in a minute.  Clearly there are no hills on Brick Lane or, possibly, in East London.  In fact I can't remember the last time I climbed a hill.  But, look!  How adorable is this girl?  In a fairly simple little outfit but with very interesting proportions, the building blocks of great style..  And, wait for it....she made this skirt herself....from a pair of vintage CURTAINS (you see where this is going now).  Gorgeous....

Featured in VOGUE.com 

And no, I can't, I just can't resist.................play clothes made from CURTAINS! 

(Apologies to all who have never seen this movie and are therefore utterly baffled)

With extra icing, please

Oh my, oh my, how I love this look.  The lines created by the headband, neckline, waistband, lace detail on the skirt and ankle straps combine to form an outfit like a delicious layered vintage cake.  It's so pretty.  Perfection with a cherry on top...

 

Featured in VOGUE.com 

Luck be a lady

Let's put to one side for a minute my major hair envy over these two girls and focus instead on their lovely outfits, showing us exactly how to wear the emerging ladylike below-the-knee length trend, with great colours and faultless accessorising.  Perfect.

Featured in VOGUE.com

Swingin'

Ooh I do love a bit of 1960s inspiration, and this girl sums up everything that's great about style from that era - the Twiggy hair, the Sedgwick earrings, the crochet dress.  But this look is given a fresh modern twist with the denim waistcoat and lace-up ankle boots.  Definitely one of my favourites so far...

Featured in VOGUE.com