Happy Birthday Becky!

Just to show you've never changed...

I'd rather visit you in my head

Got a new camera this weekend, been testing it on anything that will sit still long enough...

magpie socks

Yesterday I was drawn to these sparkly socks in Urban Outfitters and had to get them. Then I saw nail varnish that matched and knew I couldn't get one without the other. They remind me of a black sparkly velvet dress I had when I was little.

cosmic

they don't toss me aside for a silver cape

Here is my rough guide for shopping and discovering your own style, I hope somebody finds this encouraging and goes out to get those shoes they haven't dared to get in case they can't 'pull them off' but have been longing after for weeks. What is there to loose.

• Firstly I want to say how clothes should be a fun and enjoyable way of expressing who you are, don't take it so seriously 
• Always keep the receipt. That way if you're unsure about something you can try it out, wear it round the house, then if its still not working for you take it back and spend the money on that bag you couldn't afford before.
• Never buy a band t shirt from anyone but the band, it makes you look like you don't really know who they are, even if they are in your all time top five.
• Try not to buy pieces you think everyone will have, avoiding conforming to the style of the masses and instead find your own niche.
• Be your own designer. If that skirt is a little too long, or you think that jacket needs something extra then go for it, get out your sewing box.
• Dressing isn't about how much skin you can get away with showing, you can stay warm and look amazing, try out different lengths and layers, you may find a new shape that you love. (But I do admit that a little skin can enhance the right outfit)
• Don't be scared of colour or pattern, they're your friends really.
• Try to visit independent shops and charity shops ideally more often than chain stores, that way you get a greater sense of the options out there, fashion isn't as black and white as the high street would have you believe.
• Don't buy clothes for the label, but also if you like a piece with a label you wouldn't normally wear don't dismiss it because of it's name.

I'm not trying to say I have perfect style here or anything, I believe it's all about personal preference and completely objective, and so try to keep an open mind. I see how dressing can be used as an art form, so why waste such an easily accessible chance of self-expression, even if its just picking purple over grey?

Two people who reflect this fearless approach to experimenting with clothes well are Noel Fielding and Katy Perry. Of course they are extreme examples but they are a great illustration of how far you can take the idea.

"I always dress like a freak — like an arts student. I've always been obsessed with clothes. My mum was always into clothes, too. People like Mick Jagger and David Bowie; stylish, effeminate men really" Noel Fielding

“I’m not influenced by anyone else’s taste or ideas or trends…I know what looks good on my body,” Katy Perry 

Don't be afraid to try new things, and most of all trust your style instincts, if you like it who cares what other people think?...

we were beautiful

Back in Liverpool I saw we were beautiful at the shipping forecast and took these.

old shirt, new collar

Got bored of my old Burberry shirt that I got from Oxfam a few years ago, 

so I cut the collar off to pair with t shirts like this one from Dais B Outique instead. 

its all for show girl

Some photos I took of Buffalo Bones at Brudenell, 

thanks to Kennedy for letting me try out her camera,

given me ideas about getting a new one myself.

Also, here's a video taken that night too...

see you there