Martha Rosler and Fashion

I have an interest in all of the visual arts; painting, photography, film, and um, duh: fashion. This online quiz thing once told me I was a “Visual Thinker”... #OMG #SoTrue. So, I recently ended up in a Google black-hole exploring the work of Martha Rosler, an artist who primarily uses collage as her medium of choice. I was particularly interested in her most recent body of work, which incorporates images from modern fashion magazines within each piece. When someone decides to mix fashion within another medium, I totally geek out.

Ok so at this point you’re probably like, “Fashion collages? Really? Giiiiirl, I decorated all my High School binders with cool fashion collages and you don’t see my shit hanging in no museum. Who cares?” So, okay, collage may not be the most difficult of mediums to master, but it gives Rosler’s work an emotional value that no other medium could not have achieved. An important aspect of her work is the fact that she uses only pre-made images, imagery that already exists in the world, independent of Rosler putting them together. The tension that this juxtaposition creates hits the viewer like a ton of bricks. See:

We are a generation that has been inundated with war imagery. We are also a generation that has been equally as inundated with glossy fashion advertising. Separately, neither of these images get a rise out of us. We are desensitized to the violence of war just as we are desensitized to the facade of advertising. We have an equal familiarity with both. Rosler’s work forces us to confront this, and makes us think about the way the we process media today. Thoughts my fellow fashion lovers? PS- Sorry if this work has offended you but...well the best art does that, doesn't it?

Until Next Time,

Brittany

Monochrome Madness | If I was a Festival Girl Issue #2

Hat: Topshop, Cami: ASOS. Blazer: c/o Mina. Wellies: c/o Spats, Shorts: Oh my Love.

Oh hey everyone! Look, it is I, wearing black and white again ;) I mentioned in one of my other posts that I’m not really a festival go-er, it’s not quite my cup of tea and a biscuit affair. But I still enjoy the whole ‘festival fashion’ experience and seeing what everyone chooses to wear. I’m also partial to playing dress-up. So, this is another outfit edition to add to the ‘what I’d wear should I be on the way to a festival or two’.

I frickin’ LOVE this jacket. The abstract monochrome print is right up my street and I love how it hangs effortlessly making it the easiest item to throw on over a pair of, well anything really. Cami’s are my favourite and although leather shorts aren’t most practical when it’s boiling, they do keep you rather toasty when the sun goes down. Can we all just take a moment to appreciate how absolutely ridiculously awesome these wellington boots are? Firstly, they have poppers. Secondly, the don’t take up your entire leg, making you look like every other person with a welly on at an event and thirdly, inside, THEY ARE FURY. Oh my goodness I’m going to get so much use out of these in my garden attempting to mow the lawn and prune a bush or two (har har).

Obv, I don’t go anywhere without my hat either.

What’s your outfit favourites for festival fashion? If I was to go to any festival it would have to be Bestival...does anyone fancy taking me and bringing me home after a hour? ;)

The Facts of Fashion

FACT: Fashion and style are primarily an art form for women.

FACT: People generally assume that those who are interested in fashion and style are vain and superficial.

FACT: Society holds a woman’s physical appearance in great esteem.

And when you put them all together...

Women are greatly valued for their looks and encouraged to ornament themselves in any which way, so as to make themselves appear more beautiful ie. of more value to society. And so we are granted great creative freedom in fashion and style, and have turned it into a form of art where we can express ourselves in ways that men cannot. And then this one facet of life in which women are granted the greatest creative freedom is inextricably linked to being trivial and shallow? Dats some reeeeeeeeal bullshit, ya know?

Whatever, jokes on you boys. We're taking over the world (one fierce ensemble at a time) and you didn't even see it coming.

Thrifted dress (Is this a dress? It is now. #FashionHacker) and heels.

Until next time,

Chelsea

Check - Check it Out

Hat: Topshop. Jacket: c/o Glamorous. Crop Top: Topshop. Boots: Daniel Footwear. Leggings: Topshop. Necklace: Vintage.

I have a slight problem when it comes to my wardrobe – almost a phobia of wearing the same thing twice, especially when it comes to my blog. To many of you this will sound like the most pathetic thing you’ve ever heard, but I’m sure there are a few of you that will be nodding your heads in agreement. However I am starting to realise how utterly stupid this is and am trying my hardest to make the most of my wardrobe.

On that note, you may recognise these leggings! They are my absolute favourite leggings in the world ever – not only are they black and white, we know how much I love monochrome, but they are flocked velvet leggings. Mmm hmm I’m constantly caught just stroking my legs...I bet you think I’m joking but I’m certainly not. They don't have them anymore but there's some similar ones here.

It’s only been since the back end of last year that I’ve embraced a bit of the ‘leather look’ in to my wardrobe and this jacket has been given the big thumbs up from Wonderful You HQ! A regular leather jacket is pretty damn yummy but adding tassels? Genius.

I’m taking nanny home this evening (sadness). I’m very much a family girl and I’ve really loved having her at the house with me, she makes me very happy indeed and I’m going to miss her heaps – but now we have our own place she can come and stay all the time :)

Also Daniel is home tonight :D yippee! I know it sounds a bit silly as he’s only been gone 4 days but we haven’t spent more than a day apart since we moved in and I have really missed him.

This week will involve me attempting to film a YouTube video..I know shock horror! I don’t know why but I’ve had a bit of a vloggers block and now have the fear to film another one. However, I’ve been tagged in a few Summer edits so I’m thinking that might be a good place to start :)

Hope you have a lovely week - ciao for now Amigos! 

On Luxury and Secondhand

I went to the mall the other day. Srsly, the mall has nothing to offer me anymore. Has anyone noticed how all the stores merchandise sort of blends together now? Everyone sells the same shit, by the HUNDREDS of units. And I mean like, high-end, mid-level, big-box, fast-fashion...it’s ALL a big circle jerk of knock-offs and copy-cats. Nothing feels “special” anymore, ya know? Guess that’s why over the years I morphed into  a ride-or-die secondhand, thrift, and vintage Queen. At this point, my wardrobe mainly consists of people’s castoffs...which is really just a fancy word for trash. I wear people’s trash. And yet hanging in my closet are silks, velvets, cashmeres, and furs a plenty. I sometimes get a bad rap for being “cheap”...and ok fine, I am. But I looooooooove luxury, and secondhand is the only way I can obtain my own version of “luxury” within my wardrobe, so to speak. It’s like Alber Elbaz said to WWD in April 2013, “I think that luxury is at a turning point. For me, luxury is authentic; it has to be special and unique. The moment everybody has it, it’s no longer a luxury. It may be expensive but not luxury, so I think it has to be special enough to be really luxury." WERD UP, HOMIE.

Vintage OP top. Vintage Wrangler skirt. F21 choker. F21 Sandals. <-- Hypocrite.

Until Next Time, 

Brittany

Oh, I do Love Country Life.

Hat: Topshop. Floral Crop: Topshop. Belt: Vintage. Necklace: Vintage. Bracelet: Jacey Withers. Watch: Guess. Stretch trousers: c/o bonprix. Sandals: c/o bonprix. Bag: c/o: Scarlett Fashion.

Daniel is currently away on a long weekend with the 'lads' - although I'm super jealous of him getting a break (I've used up all my holiday on Australia), I am missing him quite a bit and whilst he's off sunning himself I've had my beautiful nanny staying with me. She lives a little way away from me and I don't get to see her as much as I would like, so it's been lovely to have her and spend time together. Yesterday my mum and little sister came over and we took nanny's dog for a walk. I thought it the perfect opportunity to take some outfit snaps out and about. I'd been saying to Katy (from Little Winter) that I was getting a bit fed up of my garden snaps and our new village we've moved to really is so pretty (and full of fields!) so it seemed rude not to take advantage. 

I'm feeling a bit fruity in this outfit, not gunna lie - you know how much I love my black and white so digging out this old top is a bit of a rarity and I'm quite enjoying it. I also haven't owned a pair of white trousers since I was about 17, I don't know why, I just outgrew them and never bothered to purchase another pair. But I'm rekindling my love and I have to say I'm head over heels. Comfiest trousers ever - and for £19.99 it's a bit of a steal isn't it? It's also becoming apparent that I like orange rather a lot and I think this is the best bag to ever grace earth. It's HUGE but doesn't look it and I can fit my entire life, and someone else's, in it - which is bloomin' marvellous.

Today, I want to take nanny to our local garden centre - it has a beautiful little restaurant so we'll have some luncheon and mooch about the plants! 

Have you all had a good weekend? Any news? Do let me know if you like the 'on location' shots too! I quite liked escaping my lawn for a bit :)

Trend Watch: Cornrows

So Chels and I were cruisin' the boulevard on Friday night when we stopped off to pick up our gurl Maddy. 

"OMFG," Chelsea exclaimed as she climbed into the car, "Do you have cornrows?!" 

She did. And we were obsessed. I couldn't stop day-dreaming about the micro braids...why can't I be that fly? When all of the sudden the McQ Fall ad campaign debuted yesterday and low and behold- the models were cornrowed and looking fiiiiiierce. You know I can't resist a ghetto-fab trend. Might have to head up to Compton to try this style out for myself ;) 

Until Next Time, 

Brittany

The Skin Series Issue #1 | Cleansers for Oily & Blemish Prone Skin

When it comes to problematic skin I think we can safely say I’ve got it down. After recent chats with my good friend Zoe (zoenewlove.com) I’ve discovered a few new important bits of information about my skin and how I should be looking after it – honestly this woman is some sort of god and is certainly worth investing in if you’re looking for a skin consultation.

So – remember me raving about Cetaphil my absolute life saver of a product? Yes, it was fantastic and my spots were pretty much non-existent and my oil was hugely controlled but after stumbling across a worrying review I quickly realised that there is absolutely no ‘goodness' in it whatsoever. I won’t go in to detail here, so read that review if you’re wanting to understand it more, but basically I am hugely changing up my skincare, get yourself ready for a few posts relating to this.

SKINTYPE: Oily t-zone and chin, normal cheeks, blemish prone, scarring prone.

The 'Skin Series' will feature my must have products for controlling the above. And first up on the ‘can you fix megan’s face’ podium is cleansers! I’m not one for saying something works until I’ve used it for a good couple of weeks. I find that after months and months of use my skin becomes immune, but after a week or two I will know if it’s right for me. 

After lengthily chats with Zoe and reading the amazing cheat sheet from Caroline Hirons routine section it became apparent that just one cleanser isn't going to do the job of controlling my skin all on it's own. No no, it is in need of much much more - so I have invested in some serious skin care and currently have 3 different 'types' of cleanser on the go.

AM cleansers:
In the mornings I like to use a cleanser that is acid based, perhaps that isn't the best way but as obviously this makes skin more sensitive to UV rays but long as your skin is protected from the sun that's the main thing! These are my current go-to's...

Environ B-Active Sebuwash c/o Beauty Times Therapies

Environ's Sebuwash is my first ever gel cleanser so I don't have much to compare it to however, it's already a winner in my book. Containing salicylic acid and tea tree oil it helps to remove skin cells from the upper layer of the skin and work as an anti-inflammatory to help towards a clearer more controlled complexion. This is a foaming facial wash but it's so gentle there's no frothing or annoyance. I wet my face and apply a pea sized amount to my hands, rubbing together quickly before applying all over my face and neck. It leaves the skin feeling fresh and completely oil free and with little fragrance it's not overpowering. My skin is quite sensitive but I don't feel like this dries it out whatsoever. Winner winner chicken dinner!  

Jurlique Purifying Foaming Cleanser

This baby is just filled to the brim with goodness. Again, it’s a foaming cleanser and I’d say this one is a little more frothy. I dampen my hands before applying this to a dry face, this helps to keep the foaming to a minimum. It's definitely my favourite of the two acid cleansers – containing lactic acid (an AHA) to help brighten the skin, witch hazel to rebalance oiliness and rose extract to soften it’s an absolute dream. It’s approaching a higher end product with a retail of £27.50 but it’s been drummed in to me that skincare is an investment and if your skin is something you’re constantly battling this is a product for your shopping list. One pump does the job which means the 200ml will last a while and with the clear bottle you can clearly see when you’re running low. Plus pump applicators are always best – can you tell I love this product? 

Since introducing both these acid based cleansers to my daily routine I’ve seen a huge improvement in my acne scarring. Marks that have been on my face for nearly 9 months are starting to fade which to me is so amazing and definitely something worth investing in. 

PM Cleansers:

This is when my skin calls for some juicyness, and by that I mean oil. But first of all Micellar water...

Etat Pur Micellar Cleansing Water 

Bioderma was my first introduction to micellar water and I still can’t fault it however, I don’t live in France and I don’t always want to spend over the odds for a product that, let’s face it, doesn’t last all that long. You can imagine my excitement when I discovered Etat Pur, with a price tag of £6.40 – jees I might even buy two in one go ;). I use this cleansing water every couple of days to remove my make-up and treat it as my first cleanse. It’s so delicate on the eye area and melts away make-up like a dream. It doesn’t contain soap either, so there’s no dry skin here ladies!

Nude Perfect Cleansing Oil

I’m not going to babble on about my Nude cleanser too much as I went in to a huge amount of detail in this post here, so if you fancy a read hop on over there. Right, so oil plays a huge part in rebalancing your skin and yes oily people I’m looking at you too! There’s no sulphates or mineral oils in this just beautiful ingredients such as sunflower seed oil, meadowfoam seed oil, soy bean and jojoba, so the blend won’t strip the skin – it will simply remove (even the stubborn-est) makeup and deeply clean. I use this once or twice a week, instead of my Etat Pur to remove all my make-up, again as my first cleanse of the evening. I find 2 – 3 pumps does the trick on to dry skin and splashed with a little water turns to a milky consistency ready for washing off. 

Shu Uenmura Classic High Performance Balancing Oil 

The Shu Uemura works in exactly the same way to Nude and is my alternative oil cleanser to switch up my skincare, so basically I just switch between the two - although I have to say I am feeling a lot of love for this bad boy, it may just be my new favourite. It’s super soothing on the skin – it almost feels like honey and with depsea water and licorice root derivative it helps to keep nasties away from the skin barrier and also, as with nude, supports collagen production. So both products are brilliant for anti-ageing purposes. I only need one pump of this as it seems to go a lot further in terms of coverage than the Nude. Again, it is applied to a dry face (with dry hands) and quickly melts away makeup and dirt for a squeaky clean finish.

Since using both the oil cleansers I've started to see an improvement in my oil control. Usually my face is dripping by lunchtime - these products combined are definitely helping to keep my face intact a little longer and not to mention making my face feel like a babies bum.

To round up...

AM: 

• In the morning I will use either the Sebuwash or Jurlique cleansers

PM: 

• I will remove my makeup with one of the three following cleansers: Etat Micellar Water, Nude or Shu Uemura. 
• I then use Jurlique for a second, more thorough, evening cleanse. 

So ladies (and gents) if I managed to hold your attention ;) that concludes my current cleansing routine! It may seem a bit OTT, but I have to admit that spending money on skin care isn't something to be sniffed at and if you suffer with oily, blemished prone skin then this routine may just work for you too. 

Next up you in the Skin Series you can expect posts about toners, moisturisers, serums and masks. I hope you enjoyed this (massive) post and found it helpful - I'd also be really interested to know what works for you!

NOTE: I am not a specialist in skincare, so please don't take this post as gospel - it's just what works for me!

Mario Testino // Vogue UK // December 1998

I am still stuck in the 90’s. But don’t worry, I’m not gonna go off on some anti-consumerism, grunge-fueled rant again. (At least not today anyways...) For now, I’m into this sort of 90’s Britpop, “Party Girl” thing; she’s galavanting about town in a D&G leopard print nightgown, a slinky Gucci dress, or a lil gold, sparkly Versace number. (All of which could have just as easily come from the thrift shop...DUH.) I came across a vintage editorial that perfectly encapsulates this girl and her world, shot by the OG of that 90’s “sex sells” aesthetic, Mario Testino. The year is 1998. The scene: a house party at some DJ’s messy loft in Manchester, post Oasis concert. The vibes: Grunge infused with a heavy dose of glamour. Think lush velvets in deeply saturated hues, richly vibrant silks, furs on furs on furs, and over-the-top blinged out accessories- more is most definitely more for this chick. Why didn’t the house parties I attended EVER look like this?! I really wish my generation would put a LITTLE more effort into looking chic...

SOURCE.

Until Next Time,

Brittany