Neverland: Fashion to help us maintain our innocent side.

“You’ll never, never have to think about grown up things again.” Or so Peter says in the famous scene where he whisks Wendy away to a land of crocodiles and fairies. Now, Tinkerbell is a popular character to dress up as, as we wish to maintain the innocent yet mischievous quality she manages to portray.

But now, we don’t have to wait for an excuse to dress up to play the innocent role. The new mega microtrend of Peter Pan collars take us back to our childhood whilst maintaining an element of sophistication and sexiness.

Whether it’s a shift dress, a billowy blouse or a play-suit, collars are appearing on everything. Not only can they be used when you are required to pick something ‘respectable’ but on the right garment, ‘fallen Angel’ says it all. Teemed with a pair of heels, collars become playful and endearing: a perfect mix.

Here are some of my favourite Peter Pan collars:

http://www.riverisland.com/Online/women/dresses/shift-dresses/black-peterpan-collar-shift-dress-608982

 

 

 

 

 

The monosyllabic colouring makes this dress perfect for business or pleasure. 

http://www.riverisland.com/Online/women/playsuits--jumpsuits/playsuits/beige-polka-dot-playsuit-606918

Days on the beach or evenings out: the polka dot pattern oozes playfulness with the belt accentuating your curves: very sexy.

http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet

The slightly lower neckline on this dress makes it perfect for a night out: teemed with a pair of heels, the colour and shape will only add to your mischievous nature.

http://www.asos.com/ASOS-Africa/ASOS-Sleeveless-Peter-Pan-Collar-Dress-with-Chiffon-Panel

Perfect for formal occasions, the chiffon panel and Peter Pan collar portray sophistication.

So whether it’s a night out, a date or one of those times when you’re expected to make yourself look presentable: the Peter Pan collar is perfect for both innocent parties or fallen Angels.

The Ex Factor

Logic is a funny thing. When trying to sort out a dilemma, what to wear on a date or how to diffuse the attention of the person you just won’t like (ever), you do your best apply a reasonable amount of thought - even if it’s only to think of a good enough excuse.

We go to the effort of applying this much consideration to many part of the dating sphere, but there’s one shady area that logic will never be applied; often considered the crux of evil. The ex’s new girlfriend.

We’ve all been through it. The moment where you meet them. A friend of mine was particularly unlucky in the fact that she had to serve the newly adorned ‘couple’ in a fast food chain; sweat and kebabs, there really is no worse way. We’re not all so unlucky, but guaranteed after the worlds most awkward moment you wish you were wearing the skirt which makes your legs look longer, or had actually bothered to get the hair cut instead of shoving it up in what can only be described as a mess.

So we resort to unconditional hatred. The ability to think of everything that is (or could be - maybe) wrong with them. So what if they have a pool, you have a better car. Anyway, they can’t be as good as you because you were clearly the best - including in the bedroom. Say goodbye to satisfaction. The only way to get through the awkward moment is to believe that at that moment, the ex is looking at both of you and thinking ‘what have I done?!’ Unlikely, but believable when in such a dilemma.

The worst part? What if they’re actually nice. The kind new girlfriend - an oxymoron many of us certainly aren’t up for considering just yet. In this case, we could all become authors in the ‘stories to make ourselves feel better’ range. Find one bad picture of her and that’s it, she couldn’t be uglier.

It is one of the only times our friends will forgive us for being arrogant and self-centred - at no other point can we reasonably use the phrase ‘I’m better than her anyway’ and be greeted by a sea of nodding heads by those who love you. It is said friends who allow you elaborate and don’t scorn you for issuing the longest stream of swear words ever when you bump into them in a club. And it’s the best friend who runs away with you so you don’t have to see them dancing: running away no longer becomes cowardly but an insanely good idea until you’ve had a little more wine.

Maybe one day, a person with exceptional compassion, will great the girl with a genuine smile. Until then, I’m happy with ‘I don’t have to like you yet’ rule.

A Fairytale Ending?

Once upon a time, in a far away land, a Prince and Princess fell in love. After a little subtle and, of course, moral courting, the Prince and Princess get married and live happily ever after in a castle far, far away.

Comprehend?

Probably not, as the majority of us aren't Princes and Princesses and let's be fair, life isn't that easy (or kind).

But behind the fairytale story, there is some sense. Take away the royal status and easy-going courtship, the concept of two people meeting and ending up married is not unknown. Perhaps it's the fairytale status which makes it easier to believe.

But do we really want to exist in a world where the Prince finds the Princess in a tower, saves her from the evil step-parent before whisking her away on his noble steed to a feast with his beloved parents. Maybe but probably not. After all, where is the awkward 'getting to know each other' stage, the excitement or the crazy, passionate sex. If you need 27 mattresses to make the Princess comfortable, position number 23 in the Kama Sutra is probably off the cards; and where's the fun in that?

Plus, horses are uncomfortable to ride if you don’t know how: passenger seats are much more accommodating for heels and a little black dress. Can’t have horse hair on a first date. Plus then there's the problem of cutlery: seven courses equals a lot of forks and I definitely wouldn't want to determine the difference between a fish and dessert fork in front of a King and Queen.

Fairytales may be easy to believe but fairytale endings do not seem so much fun. Instead of the perfect complexion and mannerisms of a Prince I'd rather take dinner with an 'ordinary' guy any night.

Just Cavalli

Work hard, play hard. Balance your career and social life and you will achieve greatness: or so we’re told. Need some inspiration? Just Cavalli’s Autumn/Winter 2011 collection is guaranteed to help. Think sophisticated, yet mischievous; leopard prints and lace babydolls. 

www.cheriecity.co.uk

Roberto Cavalli gained inspiration from within and moulded his designs on his greatest moments - after 41 years of show-stopping creations, it's not surprising that the new collection is beautifully crafted.

All hail the metallic trend which made these clothes possible - what could be hotter than metallic leathers or gold embellished leggings. The look is sharp, tight and bright; enough to transform anyone into a Goddess for a day. 

www.cheriecity.co.uk

For those a little more subtle with their desires, the cherry blossom prints in shades of pink and black will ooze sexiness in a geek sheek way. After all, Cavalli is Italian and from my experience, Italian's need no help perfecting the playful look. 

www.cheriecity.co.uk

 

 As any girl would tell you, an outfit wouldn't be made without the right shoes. And it's the shoes which make this collection. Brogues and healed loafers will never be more flirtatious, with gold embellishment and leather lace-up boots adding an edge to the collection. 


The Autumn/Winter 2011 collection epitomises the modern day girl - collected and calculating but with a playful edge. We might as well dress the part. 


www.robertocavalli.com

No One is Innocent (even when it comes to fashion)

As the punk wave swept the UK in the early 70’s, the Sex Pistols titled a song ‘No One is Innocent’ and concentrated their lyrics on sin and transgression. Years on, and the old taboos still stand; provocative dress is frowned upon not just by those with picket fences and perfect lawns and a relationship between sex and society is pretty much non-existent.

In the 21st century, sex is understood better in hushed tones - we know it happens and behind closed doors, all hell breaks loose, but its enough to say that after ordering something from Ann Summers you get told at least three times it will be arriving in a ‘discrete package.’ And that’s if you order a bra. It seems to be bad enough for friends to know what your up to, let alone neighbours.

But we do have certain ways of expressing our lusts and passions - showing the world we can be sexy. How we dress is a good way to attract the attention of the male species, and we women have had that art mastered for years. Whether it’s world's tiniest denim hot-pants, the LBD or the ‘enhance your cleavage by two sizes’ bra, we certainly know how to draw the eye.

The strong and sexually confident woman is epitomised by Vivienne Westwood’s new Autumn/Winter 2011 range. Whilst it is no secret that Vivienne Westwood often encompasses transgressive themes, after all it was her who was chosen to dress the iconic Sex Pistols in '76, her new designs step away from saving society and towards something a little closer to home: satisfying the individual.

On top of the strong cuts and bold colours, the models strode the catwalk with primitive and wild make-up and hair. Instead of the neutral look placed on a pedestal by many in 2010, black stripes and a heavy ‘eye mask’ was applied, bearing close resemblance to tribal markings.  There were no more flowers or hats to transform an outfit, but helmets instead to fully highlight the empowered women status: everything centred around power. And power is sexy, however you swing it.

The buckle ankle seditionary boot or leopard print jersey jacket are perfect examples of androgynous, powerful wear: dominating and mischievous, bearing the marks of bondage but worn with the right thing, sophisticated and professional. Whilst the skin tight leggings show off the feature guys love most, the oversize knits create the allure of innocence. Good girl gone bad? I think so.

It seems to be no different now than it was 40 years ago: back then Westwood was synonymous with the new wave of punk - a genre which pushed the boundaries and questioned societies values. Now, many awards later, she does it again. It's time to rediscover the gingham dress and outrageously small buckled belt. Lets hope it sweeps the nation - a little bit more va va voom can’t really hurt.

http://www.fashionrocks.com/shop/vivienne-westwood

A Socially Acceptable Form of Stalking?

EVERYONE who has Facebook is familiar with the phrase 'Facebook stalk.' We all do it; whether its with a cup of tea, with a group of friends or after a night out - the term refers to looking at someones profile who you don't plan on contacting.

But can we really call it stalking, a term widely used for a crime which is condemed by courts and is certainley not a joke. True, we probably shouldn't be looking at people we don't know, but isn't looking at someones profile equivalent to ogling at a 'hot guy' walking down the street. Everyone tells us not to objectify, but lets be honest if Jonny Wilkinson or Brad Pitt was to walk past you on the street, nine (probably ten) out of ten times you would look. No one condems the posters on the wall or screensaver you made featuring a montage of rugby players. So why do we question so much looking at someones photos online?

The question is about obsession. Its fair to say we all check someones pictures once or twice, maybe even click on one of their friends. At what point does it becomes weird, maybe even a little wrong. One of my very good, but slightly wishful friends thought it a brilliant idea to add a proffessional rugby player on Facebook - of course, she was not lucky enough for him to accept her but the fact she thought their was a chance shows the ease at which we let ourselves into someones elses life. Or perhaps it was just wishful thinking, we all have the dream where someone famous happens to fall for you. I certainley wouldn't call her a stalker.

The problem is when 'Facebook stalking' goes to far. There have been some horror stories and no matter how you sugarcoat it, social networking can be used as a mechanism for those with wrong intentions. In 2008 a man was cleared of “Facebook stalking” after sending a "friend request" after clicking on his ex's profile "out of curiosity” (Wednesday 26 March, 2008. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/west_midlands/7315635.stm).

To me, to have a court case based on the addition of a Facebook friend is unbalanced when networking sites such as Twitter have been built in order to ‘follow individuals.’ Certainly, I don’t expect Lady Gaga to personally know her 11 million followers and whilst there is clearly a difference, it is the same concept of the relationship between a person and the unknown.

Whilst there are clear wrongs in the world of social networking, it is up to personal preference how private your own individual profile is. People are not forced to accept friend requests and can limit the amount of personal information seen to the world: as this is the case I believe the phrase ‘Facebook stalking’ can only be used ironically and not as a term fit for court.