Futureheads Preview New Material

The Futureheads are to give fans a sneak preview of material from their new album in their last gig of 2009. Read more

The Clothes Show Live: Vintage Fashion

With many of the High Street stores taking inspiration from vintage fashion for new collections, it was refreshing to see a great mix of vintage and charity shop stalls at The Clothes Show Live. Within the main arena there was Anita’s Vintage Fashion Fair, a market style collection of the best of London’s vintage stores. With the prices being just as reasonable as the Hight Street for a one-off piece of history, it was easy to see why this area was so popular. I myself managed to bag a bargain of a 1960’s vintage vanity case, complete with the original mirror and containers, all for just £22.

However it wasn’t just the Vintage Fashion Fair causing waves at Clothes Show Live. As the recession hits further, a great deal of us have come out in support of charity shop fashion, so it was refreshing to see a promisingly busy Oxfam stall. A stalwart on the fashion scene, with the Oxfam Originals collection and collaborations with designers such as Henry Holland and Christopher Kane, it has always been a place of inspiration to me. This boom in popularity may make it harder for you to find that amazing piece, but I lucked out again with a vintage nautical print neck scarf for only £3, very similar to one that was in Topshop last season for £22.

This just goes to show that no matter where you look there are bargains to be had, and you never know what you could find amongst the clutter in your nearest Oxfam or British Heart Foundation Shop, so all that’s left for me to do is to urge you to get scouring now!

The Swinging 60s

One trend which repeted itself time and time again at the Clothes Show Live’s catwalk this winter was: 60s prints. Think bright colours and outlandish prints (like characters from an ‘Austin Powers’ movie) and you’re pretty much there! The sixties gave us Twiggy, mini skirts, flower power and love and peace. But to get a 60s vibe in your look imagine you’re heading out to a disco, (and not the one your junior school threw you when you left for secondary school). Instead, imagine you have been sent back to 1960 and you are going out for the night.

Clothes-wise think geometric prints such as this blue patterned dress from Dorothy Perkins, or go monochrome with this tank vest from New Look.

When thinking about how to accessorise both of these earrings, from New Look, pay tribute to the 60s disco vibe. Otherwise stick to the same formula as you would with 60s clothing and go for bright,clashing prints or monochrome accessories.

If you shy away from ‘out-there’ prints but want something brighter than black and white in your wardrobe go for bright colours in one block, such as this yellow dress Twiggy is pictured in here, and of course if you’re feeling brave you can bare your legs in a mini skirt complete with 60s accessories and tank top. Whichever way you wish to achieve the 60s look, aim to bring colour to your outfit, to brighten up the sea of dark colours we tend to stick to in winter and spring and you’ll be there. Now, where did I leave that disco ball?

Christmas must-haves for men. Clothes Show Live style!

 The Clothes Show Live, at the NEC in Birmingham, is not the place to go if fashion runs your life, however, it is the place to be if you just like to get an idea of what to wear and what’s currently on trend.

 The fashion show was more about the performance and entertaining a crowd full of eager Tweens and industry wannabies than it was hard-fashion. In-spite of this, there were a few excellent pieces for guys this Christmas.

 The most exciting items had to be the shoes. Guys normally get a bit of a bad deal when it comes to shoes and trend; they’re either too sporty, too jazzy or just boring. This time though, they were just right.

Military Boots from All Saints, £165.

They may cost a fair bit, but they will last a long time.

Dr.Martens (DNs), £70-£150  from Dr.Martens.com.

  How can you say no to such an icon? You may have had a pair as a child, so you can have a pair as an adult. This pair cost £70 on the site. They come in plain colours and in patent too, but you could go for classic black. Dr Martens were a big player at the Clothes show, some of the guys wore pink patent.

Circus fashion crept upon us last winter. This Christmas it’s back and it’s on E. There were a lot of sequin and patent pants on the catwalk, but don’t appeal to most guys. Here are some other options, which are a bit less ‘uhoh!’ and a lot more ‘bravo!’ 

Silver Super Skinny Trousers, £50, from Top Man, also available in bronze. Wear them with military boots and a black blazer to tone them down. Wear with the burgundy blazer below and a tweed bow tie as a festive statement.

Metallic pants may not appeal to you right now. These Religion Slim Trousers are exclusive to Asos.com, £65. Great because you can wear them all year and aren’t metallic.

Dandy is making a long awaited come back. In honour of this, blazers and dikkie bows are now essential. Here is a Burgundy Poachers Jacket, £140, from Top Man. This would look dandy with most pant choices, but I would suggest sticking with skinny jeans or trousers to get a sleek silhouette.

Not feeling the Poachers Jacket, then how about velvet? The classic-cut of Asos’ tipped velvet jacket is soft, looks great open, and looks even better closed. £70, Asos.com 

Could it really be Christmas without tartan thrown in somewhere? Top Man, £36. This would look great, open, in the summer with a band t-shirt, bleached denim three quarters and military boots.

If you need to accessorize, shop around for bow ties. Velvet or tweed in a neutral or rich colour will make a subtle but alternative statement. Wear with white shirts, or if you dare to be a little more impactful, find a contrasting print which will add a little more interest to the ensemble.

 Although it was a bit of a theatre, the Clothes Show was inspirational, a great way for the younger or ignorant to see what fashion can be, which is, what you want it to be.

Alternative Style Icons

It seems that nowadays people have even lost the ability to be individual not only with their style, but with the people they regard to be stylish too. We all know the typical ones - Audrey Hepburn, Kate Moss and Victoria Beckham to name but a few - but what about those super stylish women who look great but remain under the radar? Here Emily Solan gives them the credit they deserve.

Anna Karina:

This Danish film actress from the 60’s had the fashion world at her feet. Her professional name ‘Anna Karina’ was devised by Coco Chanel herself, she had a the typical 60’s look - heavily lined eyes, blunt fringe and when mixed with her effortless every day chic, one beautiful woman was created. She was even stylish enough to carry off a beret!

Kate Jackson:

Lead singer of the now defunct indie band The Long Blondes, Kate’s style provided us a with a much missed link to the past. This vintage vixen was nominated for Sexiest Female at the NME awards 3 years in a row, and managed to place at 7 in the annual NME Cool List. Adding a touch of glam to a scene full of drab indie boys, she was never seen out of vintage outfits, this former librarian echoed the former glamour of such bands like Pulp, Blondie and shone heads and tails above the skinny jeaned masses.

Edie Sedgewick:

Now she may be far better known than the above two, but how many of those people who cite her as a style icon could actually describe her style? She is known for her androgynous look, which was very on trend in the 60s, but she placed far too much femininity to create an a totally androgynous look. The influence of Edie can be seen today with the strong emphasis on a heavy lined eye with a paler lip to add drama to the face, and the pixie crop is still a massive look for hair this season.

Florence Welch:

She is officially making being ginger cool again. Her mismatch, crazy stage outfits have hit the fashion world by storm, and more people are getting the courage to copy her looks. My easiest suggestion would be to copy some of her downtime looks - brogues and lace dresses, rather than attempting her rather full on ‘disco bat’ look!

Karen O:

On face value her outfits seem a bit out there, but to add an extra dimension to your outfit follow Karen O’s lead. She ’s not afraid to use bold colours and accessories to stand out, which is something that anyone can do. While her outfits can be a tad over the the top, it’s this unique take on style that sets her high above many others in the fashion stakes. Karen O’s influence has increased greatly ove the last few years, and her personal designer Chrisitan Joy was commissioned to create a range for Topshop, making Karen O’s look more accesible.

Inside my make-up bag

Unfortunately, I’m rather poor at the moment so my make-up bag isn’t as exciting as it usually is. Hopefully after Christmas, it will be full of gorgeous goodies since I feel I’ve been a good girl for Santa this year!

Currently I mix cheap and cheerful with some brands.

I use 17 super wear long lasting foundation, £5.37, in soft ivory. Normally I find foundations too cloggy but this one feels light on skin but gives a through coverage. When I have the money I usually use Bobbi Brown’s tinted moisturiser, £27, in porcelain.

Since I have many a late night (although lately this is due to lots of homework rather than partying!) and many an early start, I need an excellent concealer to hide my bags. Recover, anti-fatigue concealer by Rimmel, £4.88, gives amazing results and I start to look human again. Now all I need is Red Bull or coffee to keep me awake through lessons!

Next, I use either Barry M or Rimmel eyeliner in black for my bottom lashes. Again I usually use Rimmel or even Avon liquid eyeliner for my top lashes if I want a more dramatic look.

For university, I generally just add mascara to my eyes. At the moment, I am using Colour Trend by Avon curling mascara in Jet. This is a great inexpensive product, which makes my lashes just as long as any other branded product for less money! It’s only £2.50!

For a different daytime look, I use Bobbi Brown’s basic eye palette with 3 small eye shadows and one shimmer wash shadow. I love using these to make a different slant on the smoky look by using brown eye shadows. It’s pricier at £31.50, but does come with a dual-ended mini eye shadow/eye liner brush for easy application.

My going out look consists of black and grey eye shadow from my Good girl/Bad girl box set by Too Faced.

On my cheeks, I use Bobbi Brown blush, £16, in pale pink, giving that just-pinched look. For night times, I use Bobbi Brown pot rouge, £16, in Calypso Coral, for a darker look.

Also for nighttimes, I absolutely love Bobbi Brown shimmer bricks, which can be used over cheeks and décolletage, for a slight sparkle to your look. It is slightly pricey at £29 but they do last for ages. I’ve had one of mine for 2 years now! I’ve tried pink, limited edition gold and limited edition rose quartz. A new one comes out every Christmas.

My current perfumes are Lovely by Sarah Jessica Parker and the DKNY summer fragrance. My signature scent I would say was girlie and flowery

For lips, I use whatever lip-gloss I fancy at the time. I’ve just found a great cheap place for make-up if you want to experiment with colours … Asda! I got a red lipstick there for£1!

And there you have my make-up and me! Fingers crossed its a jam packed make-up bag in January!

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Administration looms for Watford

Watford Football Club are on the verge of administration following demands from creditors.

The London clubs parent company, Watford Leisure, have been asked to pay back £4.9 million worth of debt in loans before their business closes on Thursday.

On Tuesday many senior board members resigned and its shares have now been suspended.

This included Board chairman Jim Russo and senior board members Vince Russo and Robin Williams.

The Hornets have been warned that if there is no funding solution found it may go into administration.

This is bad news for their young side, who have flourished under new boss Malky Mackay this season.

Problems could lead to a 10 point deduction if the debt is not paid off by Thursday night.

This would leave the Championship side one place above the drop zone.

Ex- Manager and non-executive director Graham Taylor has took over as chairman for the time being.

Taylor led the Vicarage Road outfit to a FA Cup Final in 1984 as well as through all four division even finishing second to first division champions Liverpool in the 1982-1983. season.

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