May 6, 2013

Tour My Closet – My Revamped YouTube Channel

I decided it was about time my long abandoned You Tube channel was revisited. I’ve had a few requests for vlogging content and I agree it does make somethings easier to explain. My first video is a companion to one of my most popular posts ‘Vivienne Westwood Pirate Boots: History & How to Spot Fakes‘ where I can show details genuine Pirate boots have.

Next, the launch of my new regular feature ‘Shoe Closet Tours’, I aim to eventually show all my shoe collection, each pair at a time! You can have a look through my channel, there are also some runway videos, but if you just want the new shoe action I have compiled them all into a Playlist, entitled ‘Shoes!’ Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel to get all my new videos. I will be doing some haul and review vlogs too. Of course if you have a channel, drop me the link so I can subscribe x

Shoes! Playlist:

April 29, 2013

A Week in Small Snapshots

Another crazy, crazy week! Kicking off with the STYLEetc magazine launch party for our Spring issue, the off to London for work and a little bit of play. I admit I am probably becoming an iPhone bore but I really am so impressed with the quality of the camera on it, saves me lugging around the DSLR. I also joined the cult of Instagram (@superelevated) what can I say, its fun! Another app which came to my rescue when the Tube was closed this weekend is Hailo – lets you hail a cab with the touch of a button – absolute life saver! Google Maps and the MX data Tube Map made my life so much easier too. I’ve not really checked out many fashion app’s yet, mostly practical ones but let me know any app recommendations. Here are some visual snippets of what I have been up too and wearing last week. Mostly flat shoes due to all the running around and comfy shorts and tartans for layering. With the odd bit of glam, throwing on a heel. Ive been managing to get the packing down to just two pairs of shoes, a flat and a heel which is impressive for me! Visited the Museum of London who have some fantastic costume displays including this Westwood and McClaren Witches ensemble. I dropped by Selfridges and got to see Cath Kidston promoting her new book. Finishing the week with the Vivienne Westwood sample sale, woop!

April 28, 2013

Gone Roman

I admit I have a very cool job, but some days it seems even cooler than usual. Above you can see my Vivienne Westwood toe shoes, directly above is the leather sole from an archaeological Roman sandal- notice anything similar? Yes it too has a toe shape cut out, some of them just have the first toe and others have all five toes defined. These sandals would have had leather straps attached to the sole just the same as our sandals today. Fascinatingly both my shoes and the Roman shoes were made in London.

In fact the popular ‘Gladiator sandals’ are inspired by their original Roman counterpart. At the Museum of London they have recently included some modern items in the cases to illustrate their purpose. Personally I think this is a great idea, especially for children to help them gain perspective. We often forget that simple, every day items and steeped in history.

April 19, 2013

A Catch Up – New Worlds End Buys & Travels

Where to start? I’ve been up to so much lately, traveling up and down the country with my new job. My iPhone has been a godsend, the camera is really good so I can still snap outfit shots without having to lug around my DSLR. That does mean you get random dodgy backgrounds, mostly public toilets! I was lucky enough to visit the V&A (of course I saw the Bowie exhibition) and stately home Canons Ashby, more on both of those in a separate post. I know what you really want to know is what I was doing at Worlds End!

After posting teasing snaps on Instagram (@SuperElevated) and Facebook I guess I should spill the beans on what I brought home with me. If you haven’t guessed already I got the huge Clomper Pirate Boots in brown on brown squiggle! I hadn’t planned on getting these actually, I thought I would get the Mock Croc Elevator court shoes however they just didn’t fit me, 5 too narrow and 6 far too big. They are a narrow fit and if you are a half size like me I think you will struggle with them. I wanted to try on all the new Gold Label shoes, as a duty to everyone who couldn’t get to the shop and needed sizing info (See how good to you guys I am, I tried on all those shoes just for you). I find the Clompers are a wide fit but they are a small fit due to the low vamp (bit where your toes go) so I would recommend you go up a size, they don’t fit the same as regular Pirate boots, I went for a 6 in these. The same for the Slave Clomper sandals, which are now available in a myriad of colours!

When I tried the Clomper boots on I was surprised how comfy they were, heavy yes, but once you get used to them they are so fun to stomp around in. Eye wateringly expensive but I couldn’t leave without them, simple as that and it’s not often you feel that way about a pair of shoes (lies, all lies). Alright, alright I do often feel that way about shoes, but can we times that by 10 for these!! I also got the dress I am wearing here, its called the Gigot dress and is on the Worlds End label, it’s available in white or black at the moment, however I also have it on the Gold Label in Union Jack print. I’ve wanted this for ages, it will be my summer staple. I also wanted something light and billowy to balance out the Clomper boots, no idea what else they are going to go with yet. I can add more info on all the new Gold Label shoes if anyone wants, just drop me a line, right I’m off to do some stomping!

1. Fashion galleries at the V&A, 2. packing issues, 3&4. Wearing Vivienne Union Jack print Gable trousers, 5. Lichtenstein coffee, 6. Casual wearing Anglomania sweater dress, 7. Trying on Elevated Courts at Worlds End, 8. Westwood ribbons, 9. Bedpost carving at Canons Ashby (more on that soon), 10. Comfy Pirate Boots, 11. Cuppa with the gorgeous Zoe from Penny Blossoms blog, 12. Clompers!

Beautiful Vivienne Westwood shoes!

March 27, 2013

Not Quite Snow Boots

Snow in March, snow in March and what looks to be snow continuing into April. For a change we have been quite lucky up North and have just had constant blusters with nothing settling. I have to confess I really love it, its like movie snow! All the pretty flakes and none of the trudging through sludge, ruining my shoes. Which means I can revel in my snow-movie outfits of flowing capes and towering high heeled boots just like Carrie Bradshaw! My favourite look at the moment is tall boots and knee length dresses. These Vivienne Westwood boots are surprisingly comfortable for such a high stiletto, I adore them.

March 15, 2013

The Kind of Winter I do Like – Vivienne Westwood Shakespeare Boots

Vivienne Westwood ‘Shakespeare’ newspaper print ankle boots AW 2000 ‘Winter’ collection

Needless to say I’m pretty made up snagging these guys. The ‘Summertime’ and ‘Winter’ collections of 2000 are some of my favourites, especially since that was when the animal toe shoes were launched. They are even more beautiful in the flesh, made from the softest suede. I think the print will be rather delicate, so much as I want to, I don’t think I will be able to wear these every day. That is the only thing with being a collector, sometimes you have to put preservation before sartorial pleasure. I have always liked the stiletto heel and wish it was still an option as much as I like the chunky heel, it would be nice to have options.

Worlds End just put a new post up featuring John who makes all the Gold Label shoes. It is nice to read about the small, family run businesses still going in England and makes me feel proud to get my shoes from there. I know I say it often, but it is true, the Gold Label shoes are worth every single penny. They last for years and are so comfortable. A testament to real craftsmanship.

March 12, 2013

Shoes With Laces

All shoes Vivienne Westwood

If I had to choose a style of shoe which I always go for it would be court shoes. Yep courts would win hands down, most of my shoes are courts. Lately however, I have been favoring lace ups, perhaps it is because they are a little more wintery? A little more formal? That satisfying feeling of tying a perfect bow? I am still in the process of ‘wardrobe re-jig’ but can’t seem to focus. I’m not sure what mood I am in fashion wise right now. My brain is longing for spring, alas we had snow again today, even if it was a light dusting it was bitterly cold. Which also reminded me another winter has gone by without me getting out any of my tall boots. This is a job I like to do each winter no fail along with my heavy coats but neglected to this year with all this unpredictable weather. One thing I do like are shoe laces and the fact you can change them around. I absolutely adore the yellow laces in my tan Tracey trainers (bottom right) so might try swapping some of my laces around.

March 12, 2013

Spring Wish List

Spring is in the air, all be it amongst the snow, but that doesn’t stop us lusting after warmer climates and lovely new things to wear. I have a stash of bright 80′s vintage dresses which are my summer staples. I can dress them up for work with a blazer or down with a leather jacket but I do like some nice new baubles to make them feel fresh each year. I think my key piece would be a watch, a nice big, statement watch. Definitely influence by Victoria Beckham who always has a beautiful chunky metal strap watch. This Chronograph watch from Swatch caught my eye with it’s lovely brushed gold finish and crystal studded face. It is nice that the fun brand of my youth now offers some seriously grown up stylish pieces. Did you have a Pop-Swatch? For the uninitiated they were a 90′s trend where the watch face popped out so you could swap it with your friends or remove the strap and clip it onto your school jumper, so cool!

I found the watch on the John Lewis website and was surprised at how much they had to offer. I admit it is more of a shop I go to for kitchen utensils but they have some amazing things on offer. Most notably is their vintage jewellery section which draws together collections from Susan Caplan, Eclectica and Alice Joseph to offer designer costume jewellery from the 50s-90s. It isn’t cheap, the stunning Eclectica 80s necklace above is £395 and the Alice Joseph 90s Valentino earrings £126.50, however you are guaranteed authenticity and mint condition. I really want to start investing more in my jewellery collection, I self confess a love for cheap tat, so it would be nice to have some classic pieces.

My other key items are heels and a clutch bag, there is nothing easier for me to pull an outfit together. As you know I don’t do flats unless absolutely forced so my summer sandals would be heels too. These Vera Wang ‘Hinda’ tick all the boxes, nice high but manageable heel and whilst a neutral the tan, white and black mix keep it interesting. They would also be just as fabulous with trousers as with dresses, maybe even shorts if we get super lucky with the weather. You can’t beat Lulu Guinness for a quirky bag and this ‘Dial M for Murder’ clutch is perfect for a bit of fun.

Finally no new season look is complete for me without some new make-up. I am still loving Bobbi Brown and picked up lots of tips backstage during London fashion week – more of that to come soon. What did prove popular were the new Long-Wear Cream Shadow Sticks, super easy to use as an eye liner or smudge up for a smokey eye.

What’s on your Spring / Summer wish list?

Commissioned post

March 7, 2013

My Current Reads – World Book Day

Today is world book day so I thought I would take the chance to share some of the books I am currently reading. My house is full of random stacks of books but those above are residing on my bedside table. At a glance:

If you like Company Magazine – try Geek Girl

If you like KERA! magazine – try The Tokyo Look Book & Kamikazi Girls

If you like Harpers Bazaar – try Women from the Ankle Down

I picked up Women from the Ankle Down by Rachel Bergstein as the blurb promised to answer what it was about shoes that enchanted women. “Part social history, part fashion record, part pop-culture celebration, ‘Women from the Ankle Down’ seeks to answer that question as it unfolds the story of shoes in the twentieth century. Featuring interviews with designers, historians, and cultural experts, and a cast of real life characters from Marilyn Monroe to Jane Fonda. A lively, compelling look at the evolution of modern women and the fashion that reflects-and has shaped-their changing lives.” Whilst the book started with the fascinating story of renowned shoe designer Salvatore Ferragamo, it fizzled out from that point. Packed with interesting little snippets -did you know Dorothy’s ruby slippers were originally silver? – the narrative is unfocused and often trails off the topic of shoes entirely, whilst flitting from subject to subject. Perhaps I was expecting something more academic, this book won’t answer any philosophical questions but it is a delightfully easy read, full of charming facts.

Geek Girl was sent to me to read for review, which I was eager to do in supporting fellow blogger Holly Smale. “My name is Harriet Manners, and I am a geek. – Harriet Manners knows that a cat has 32 muscles in each ear, a “jiffy” lasts 1/100th of a second, and the average person laughs 15 times per day. But she doesn’t know why nobody at school seems to like her. So when Harriet is spotted by a top model agent, she grabs the chance to reinvent herself. Even if it means stealing her best friend’s dream, incurring the wrath of her arch enemy Alexa, and repeatedly humiliating herself in front of impossibly handsome model Nick. Even if it means lying to the people she loves.” Obviously not my usual reading fodder and aimed at people who are young enough to be my children, yet I found myself smiling in spite of myself as I followed Harriet on her adventures. Full of teen angst, bringing back memories of quite how akwards being a teen really was. Whilst the plot was a little predictable, this is a fun book I know many teens will identify with.

The Tokyo Look Book by Keet & Manabe fell (cough) into my shopping basket as a recommendation after I had purchased Fruits and Gothic & Lolita a while back. There it had stayed as I by passed it for other tomes, I mean much as I love Japanese street style did I really need yet another photo-book? Actually yes, yes I did as this book is photo’s and so much more. Grouping the street style shots into their identified subcultures such as Gyaru and Lolita with mini interviews along side each shot, Keets delves into the cultural and terratorial backgrounds of the participants, with feature interviews with the designers the kids on the street are wearing (she even speaks, yes speaks directly with Mana – for the Visual Kei fans). If you love street style, but want to know more about those in the spot light then this book is a must have.

The translation of Shimotsuma Monogatari by Novala Takemoto, Kamikazi Girls is the action packed, fantasy dream world tale of two girls, their love of fashion and eventually a great friendship. I am yet to delve too far into this book, however I am aware it does have some difference to the movie of the same name. Some argue for the book, others the movie so I am looking forward to seeing which I favour myself. Guess I will have to come back to this review, although how could I fail to identify with a character with a love of Vivienne Westwood! “Life in the boondocks of rural Ibaraki prefecture is anything but glamorous, and to escape her humdrum existence, Momoko, a “Lolita,” fanaticizes about French rococo, dreams of living in the palace of Versailles, and decks herself out in the finest (and frilliest) of 18th century haute couture from an expensive Tokyo specialty store. Her dreams of an idyllic existence are rudely interrupted by the appearance of Ichigo, a tough-talking “Yanki” motorcycle-chick (on a tricked-out moped) who’s part of a girls-only biker gang known as the Ponytails. Together, this unlikeliest of duos strikes out on a quest to find a legendary embroiderer, a journey that takes them to back-alley pachinko parlors, chic boutiques, and epic bike-punk battles.”

February 11, 2013

Leg Warmers & Red Shoes

(Wearing Vivienne Westwood Japan label leg warmers, Gold label Mary Jane shoes)

This was after getting a soaking on Sunday. It was freezing but I wanted to wear my Red Label velvet shorts so I pulled out these leg warmers, I hadn’t worn for absolutely ages, had them years. Are legwarmers still cool? In fact were they ever cool? Who knows, I love them anyway. Make me come over all Flashdance.They are a nice alternative to wearing boots.