La Ville Inconnue

A multitude of bows

2012-02-11T18:34:00.003Z

Actually, I don't think two bows count as a multitude, but I like the sentence anyway.

Sorry about squinting so much in these pictures, it was really bright...

I'm not sure how I managed to get my hair to do this being-blown-back-by-the-wind-thing it's doing here, but I'm quite pleased with it.

Look, we had SNOW!!!!

And here's what we did with it:

My friend Ellen and I were actually incredibly proud of this, I have shown it to as many people as possible. A bit embarrassing, but I've never managed to make anything good out of snow before.

In other news, I'm going to Paris for a couple of days with my dad and youngest sister on Monday-I think it's going to be strangely emotional going back, as I've missed it so badly since I came back to live in London. I'm sure I'll just end up refusing to come home (if only that were possible!), but I really am incredibly excited!! There will most likely be photographs abundant upon my return!

Brothel Creepers

2012-02-02T17:41:00.004Z

I have barely left the house since I received a design project on the 26th of January, so please forgive the lateness of this post. This is my best teddy girl outfit, complete with brothel creepers and the closest thing to a Gibson Girl my short hair is capable of.

Sorry about the terrible light in some of two of these pictures, they were taken in Camden market where the light is not the best for photography. Also, as you may have noticed, I had to wear my boots to walk around the market.

Jacket: Zara (Christmas present from a year ago)

Shirt: Topshop, altered and customised

Trousers: Primark

Braces: H&M

Creepers: Underground Originals

Bow Tie: Made by me

Another Christmas pinafore

2012-01-25T16:11:00.003Z

So for Christmas I received two pinafore dresses. One from my mum and one from my dad. This one is from Miss Patina, a new favourite brand of mine. I find it to be a little too expensive to buy from regularly, but this one item made a lovely treat!

I am currently relying on family members to take my photos while my camera remote is out of battery, so these were taken by my lovely mum. And Eileen the newest blog dog (I have THREE blog dogs now, although ruby isn't actually mine) decided to join us. She is the only dog I know that looks into the camera when you take a photograph, most dogs find cameras scary. But not Eileen, she's a born model. She looks fierce in these pictures (yes, the ANTM obsession continues, my friends).

It was too cold to take off my coat, but I hope you can see the pinafore in these pictures?

I also received a WONDERFUL present from a family friend Alison yesterday: several hats, a beautiful lace scarf, and a book. Whoever thought of writing this book is a GENIUS, I have been attempting to tie a cravat for weeks now, and always end up abandoning the attempt.

So a MASSIVE thank you to our family friend Alison who gave me these lovely things!

It made my day! I shall have to do a post showing the combination of one of my new hats and my new scarf tied creatively like in the book!

Portobello

2012-01-19T20:48:00.003Z

These are from a trip to Portobello road market with my friend Ellen. I took this on my fujifilm instax, which takes the most adorable mini-polaroid photos. A couple of these were taken on my disposable camera too.

I found out about 10 minutes after putting up my last post that I had got my ballet positions wrong (I thought I probably had), so to any ballet purists, I apologise.

This guy with the double bass was pretty cool:

Ellen says I take too many pictures of my saddle shoes. Well, since they are one of my all-time best finds, I think they deserve a lot of photos. Original 1950s ones are quite hard to come by in England, and I've never seen anyone else with a pair of red ones over here. So I'm afraid you will all have to put up with me and my saddle shoe obsession.

Also, thank you for all the comments you guys left me on my last post! Every comment you guys made about me looking 'fierce', 'smizing', and 'smiling with my eyes' made me happy every time. I felt just like I was in Tyra's judging room (but only receiving the positive judgments).

I always love getting your comments, and since I've now got over 700 followers, I would like to thank you all for your lovely feedback and support.

Carys xxxx

Carys Whitehouse is America's Next Top Model (sort of)

2012-01-16T22:11:00.003Z

So over the past few days Henri and I have got a teensy bit too into America's Next Top Model.

We tried to do runway walks and I hurt my knee so badly that I've spent two days limping as a result. So we decided to go do a FIERCE photoshoot, to prove once again that I DO have what it takes to be America's Next Top Model. This drew lots of attention from the neighbours, who were quite perplexed by shouts of 'Oh, that is FIERCE!'. Well, they say 'fierce' quite a lot in the show.

This is what my natural, unstyled, unbrushed hair looks like. I could have done something to calm it down a little, but I feel, dear readers, that it's time for you to see my natural hair. I think we've reached that point.

A LOT of people stopped to stare/talk to us today. Once in response to me singing 'I whip my hair back and forth', while doing so at Henri's command.

Another man stopped to stare just as I was imitating an ANTM-style 'Fierce' pose. And instead of smiling or just stopping what I was doing, for reasons which now escape me I started dancing at him. And it was a dance that made me look like a deranged hobbit on speed. Tip of the day: don't dance at strangers, they don't like it.

Here is my 'fierce' pose I copied from Tyra. I couldn't resist:

And I even achieved my New Year's Resolution slightly today by wearing these boots. In case you didn't see my resolutions, one of them was 'be taller'. They are lovely, warm, and make me look nice and tall(ish).

I was trying to do the ballet positions, but I don't know if I got them right.

First Position:

Second Position:

Well, as I'm sure you can all see, I would make an excellent America's Next Top Model. And thank you to Henri, for taking all these (some of his best work, if you ask me).

Coat: Charity shop

Jumper: Gap, years ago

Shirt: Charity shop

Bow tie: Made by me

Trousers: New Look

Boots: Vintage shop in Paris

Pinafore Skirt

2012-01-14T16:14:00.002Z

I finally had the chance to show you guys my Christmas present: a pinafore from Vivien of Holloway! I've been spending the past few days dealing with the stress of getting my uni application sent off, but now I'm finally done!

Also, I don't know if I've ever mentioned that I've had a long-term dream of being in Vogue magazine?

Well, one of my adverts for Vivien of Holloway was in Vogue this month, how funny and exciting is that? My friend Nyima (who was also my photographer for the day) found it and showed me, and I got a bit hysterical and over-excited at the magazine stand. So yeah, that was my little claim to fame for the day: 'ooohhh, yaaaahhhh, I'm in the February 2012 Vogue, daaahhling'. I can't wait to break that one out at social gatherings. No need to mention that it was a tiny advert right at the back...

Pinafore: Vivien of Holloway (christmas present from my mum)

Shoes: New Look

Fake fur coat: Ebay

Jumper: Zara (Last year's christmas present from my mum)

Goodbye London, Goodbye Summer

2012-01-09T14:20:00.004Z

I took these pictures shortly before I went to Paris (and shortly before my film camera packed up) near the end of summer. Picadilly Circus has always been one of my favourite places, so Amelia and I (who has now gone to University) decided to go there for some macaroons. And there's also a picture of my cat. I like my cat.

These pictures didn't actually mark the end of summer like they were supposed to, because it inexplicably continued into October this year. But I'm not complaining about that.

And speaking of Summer, I know I'm a little slow on the uptake with this, but another of my New Year's resolutions is to become Zooey Deschanel in 500 Days Of Summer. So from now on, I shall wear a lot of pale blue; I will use ribbons instead of hair ties; and I will grow my hair long (although I'll keep it blonde, much as I love the idea of having Zooey's beautiful shiny dark hair).

And whilst I am working on being effortlessly and retro-ly adorable just like Zooey, I could really do with a dress like the one she wears to the wedding. Unfortunately I couldn't find a full-length photo of it, but trust me, it's beautiful.

Seaside

2012-01-07T15:42:00.005Z

This was perhaps not the best disposable camera in the world, but I really like how some of these came out. But they are quite relentlessly dark and grainy, so there are some digital photographs in here as well. Most of the pictures of me were taken while I was pretending to star in a music video. Obviously...

So two of my new years' resolutions are going quite well: get cameras developed and blog more regularly. Technically I should have published this post yesterday, but my internet connection deserted me for 24 hours, so I think I can forgive myself...

Carys xx

Max C

2012-01-04T16:47:00.002Z

Despite his busy schedule as the royal family's personal photographer, Henri was more than happy to help me out today, and also happened to be sporting a marvellous new hat. We left it a bit late to take pictures so we were really losing the light, but he did his best. What a genius.

I've wanted this dress for ages, but simply couldn't justify buying it at full price. So you can imagine how happy I was when I found it for £10 at the Max C sample sale!

Dress: Max C of London

1950s Saddle Shoes: Etsy

Coat: Charity Shop

Thank you to Henri for his photography today!

2012

2012-01-02T21:04:00.003Z

Happy New Year, dear readers!! I actually managed to achieve all my 2011 New Year's Resolutions, so wish me luck this year! They include:

1. Getting back into blogging regularly-after being without internet for two months, it's been really hard to get back into the normal swing of posting

2. Get a driving license-just generally useful

3. Go back to Paris-even if just for a few days. Travel more generally, actually.

4. Do more photoshoots-with props, models, etc.

5. Make a short film-I have loads of clips of film from Paris and other events which I feel I should put to some artistic use

6. Grow taller-unlikely, but I'll try my best

Anyway, since I referred to Paris in my 2011 New Year post, I thought I'd use this one to show you some pictures. These were taken by my friend Kiki, who is an absolute genius with a disposable camera. It really is quite a skill. The first one is me in front of my beloved apartment building.

Most of the photos were taken around where I lived in Montmartre, except for these two. The first was taken in Pere Lachaise cemetery, and the second was taken in Disneyland (yes, me and Kiki went to Disneyland. It was awesome).

This was taken in front of Oscar Wilde's grave. I'm so happy I managed to get a picture with it before they clean it and put up a fence.

Oh, and I forgot to tell you who I did the modelling for! You can see some of the pictures here, here, and here. I actually look completely different than usual, but I'm sure you'll recognise me.

Anyway, happy New Year to you all, and lots of Love!!

Thank you Kiki for your splendid photography!!

Staithes Part One

2011-12-26T19:05:00.002Z

As you may have guessed, the internet was not good enough to do any blog posts while I was away. But here are some of the photos of my trip. It was mostly freezing (I had to wear three coats), but the last day was surprisingly warm, so we took the opportunity to go for a walk along the seafront.

These rocks made it look like you were just floating in the sky.

And they were fun to sunbathe on too.

I don't know how many details you can really see of my outfit, but my coat came from a Paris jumble sale, and my headband was made by me!

I also can't remember exactly who took which pictures, so I shall credit my mum, my friend Nyima, my other friend Kiki, and the rather splendid Henri all together.

I hope you all had wonderful Christmases!!

Love from Carys (who has been a very bad and neglectful blogger recently. Can you guess what my New Years Resolution will be?)

Seaside!

2011-12-16T16:56:00.003Z

So tomorrow I'm going on holiday to the seaside! This picture may be a little optimistic, since we're visiting my grandparents in the freezing cold North East of England. So I doubt there'll be any swimming involved (or posing in bikinis), but I'm still really excited!

Although this trip is one of the few where I put warmth/comfort/fun with friends above fashion (I know, who am I?), I will of course still be putting pictures up. The freezing cold weather is not really conducive to outfit posts, but you know me, I'll battle through. If you don't hear from me for a few days, then the internet stopped working/we got snowed in/I fell in the sea and got washed to some far off place. But I will do my best.

Anyway, here are some seaside inspiration picks:

If I were small enough, I would SO ride the donkeys! Although I was mistaken for being fourteen by a bus driver yesterday (I'm actually nineteen!), so you never know...

Will we be brave enough? They have an event there known as 'The Boxing Day Dip' (probably self-explanatory), where everyone goes swimming in the sea!

And the obvious: Edge Of Love!

These images are all from my favourites on Flickr, please click on them for the sources.

Well, tomorrow I'm off on a fun-filled road trip, I hope all your weekends will be as nice!

Come On, Eileen!

2011-12-14T22:10:00.003Z

So...please welcome the arrival of the new (but of course not only) blog dog, Eileen the puppy! Isn't she so cute?

My mum brought her out in the bag to let her have a little walk around outside before she's had the vaccinations that will allow her to go for proper walks. But she looked so cute that I had to borrow her for a few pictures! She's named Eileen after my stepdad's gran, and I think it really suits her, don't you? I like it when pets have human names, ours tend to. Problem is, the song 'Come On, Eileen' has been stuck in my head since we got her...

And just to make sure that Eva is still feeling loved, I got some pictures with the original Blog Dog too.

On another note, new jacket!! It's so lovely and warm, and it's a parka! I think I have truly outdone myself mod-wise with this outfit. Also, the reason the coat is so big is because it's from the men's section. The ones in the women's section just didn't cut it in terms of warmth and 60s style. It is literally the most comfortable thing I own, but most importantly me and my sister can wear our parkas and sing 'we are the mods'.

Shirt: Charity shop

1960s skirt: Thrifted in Paris, hemmed by my lovely mum (thanks mum!)

Tights (now torn up by Eileen): Gap

Jumper: H&M years ago

Scarf: My mum's

Shoes: Russel and Bromley years ago

Parka: H&M Mens

Broderie Anglaise

2011-12-11T17:31:00.003Z

I bought this dress specifically for the hot weather in Italy. Then I got my sister to model it for me, while taking a little swim. Unfortunately, I left it on the towel rail in the hotel room when we left to continue our drive to where we were staying. My mum managed to pick it up from the hotel on the way back home to England, but sadly it didn't get to fulfil its purpose as my Italy dress. Oh well, my sister looks nice in these pictures anyway.

Dress: Thrift Store on Holloway Road

Best Mod Dress Ever

2011-12-04T18:41:00.003Z

As you may have noticed, I've been in a bit of a 60s mood recently. Or a mod mood, if you will. This 60s dress is one of my best charity shop finds ever! As is this coat-this is quite a charity shop outfit actually, I'm rather impressed with myself.

I tried to do some 60s make-up to go with the outfit, but it didn't show up much on camera. But I think you can just about see my silver eyeshadow and eyeliner in the close-ups? Oh well.

1960s Dress: Charity Shop

Jumper: H&M (years ago)

1960s Hat: Judy's Affordable Vintage Fair

Shoes: Russel and Bromley

Coat: Charity Shop

Leaves!

2011-11-30T19:27:00.004Z

On our way to brunch one morning, my mum decided that we should stop and take some photos in the autumn leaves. This is what I love about asking my parents to take blog photos: they get so much more into it than I do. My mum even found this cool, weird statue that would look good in a photo.

I finally went to The Diner I've been wanting to try out for years! Also, I finally had this coat repaired after tearing a huge hole in it, I'm so happy I can wear it again!

Coat: Charity shop

Shoes: Topshop

Hat: Judy's affordable vintage fair

Scarf: Hobbs (my mum's)

Dress: Jumble Sale

Photos taken by my mum (thanks mum!)

Where have I been?

2011-11-28T14:46:00.003Z

This week I have been...modelling! I was scouted a while ago to do some modelling for a vintage reproduction brand while I was out shopping, and last week I did the photoshoot for their Christmas/new year collection. I won't say what brand, just in case I'm not allowed to until the pictures come out.

It made for quite a cool and interesting experience, and the other models and crew were lovely, I'm so glad I got the chance to meet and work with them, and I am really grateful for the opportunity.

Whilst modelling may come naturally to some people, I felt as though I was simply pretending to be someone elegant and sophisticated, and it made me realise that I'm much happier being a little bit clumsy and awkward. Being asked to look 'attractive' made me think about what I consider 'attractiveness' to be; anyone who is funny and kind is attractive to me.

I'm not saying I would never take another modelling job, because I simply don't know how I will feel in 6 months time. But I am definitely not a naturally graceful person like most models are, and doing a day's modelling made me realise just how happy I am with that. I also found that I'm not suited to a career in which I would have to adopt an alter ego as I was advised to do, with a completely different personality to my own (or, for that matter, a job which involves trying to hide my always-slightly-wonky knee- hours of trying to disguise it for the camera made me realise that I am strangely fond of it).

I am not saying that models are in any way fake, or pretending to be something they're not. The girls I worked with were absolute naturals, and as charming and graceful off camera as they were on.

I just felt that whilst it was fun, I didn't feel as though I was conveying who I am in the way I do in my blog photos, and I want my long-term career to be something in which I feel 100% myself.

Also, to any pin-up models out there, can I just say that you are incredible people? I spent one day trying to stand in an elegant, graceful way and my back is so bad I can barely move! I will never understand the stereotype of models being less intelligent-they have to understand photography and camera angles (which is hard enough behind the camera, but it's so complicated when you can't even see what's being taken), and human physiology as well as being able to stand up and pose for hours on end.

Anways, these pictures are the finished result of my floral headband, and a sneak peak at my current sewing project, which I will give you all more details in on another post.

But for now, I have ticked off one more item on my list of goals: to be able to casually say at a social gathering 'oh, yes, I modelled a little in my younger days...'

Anyways, sorry for the long post, but after a busy week I've found myself with quite a lot to say.

Summer in Rome

2011-11-21T22:42:00.002Z

Some more pictures from my few days in Rome this summer. As you all can probably tell, I am NOT a winter person. Even my winter outfits tend to be summer clothes with a coat over the top, which then gets removed for outfit photos. This is rather unfortunate, since I live in England, but I HATE THE COLD. So these photos are currently making me more than a little nostalgic for the days of summer, when all you need is a simple white dress.

The flea markets in Rome are just wonderful too! You saw my 2 euro find in the last post...well, they mostly seem to have two sorts of vintage clothing: linen, and dirndl dresses (not sure I've spelt that right...). The linen makes sense, since it's such a hot country, but why the thick, heavy dirndl style clothing? If anyone could offer a suggestion I'd love to hear it. The vintage clothing tends to be either very light and simplistic, or totally bizarre. We all bought tons of linen clothing, it was just about the only thing you could wear in that heat. However, the result, as you can see (and may have noticed in other Rome posts), is that you and your sister end up looking like dorky matching children. At least this day we weren't wearing the matching boaters too.

Brighton

2011-11-18T00:20:00.003Z

My mum took these pictures the day we went to Brighton. I want to live there so much, Brighton Pier is definitely one of my favourite places in the world.

My mum really wanted me to have a photo with the cow.

I got this dress for 2 euros at a flea market in Rome. I just loved the cute gingham fabric, and the unusual button closure.

Faux fur coat: Ebay

1950s saddle shoes: Etsy

Dress: Flea market

Sunglasses: H&M

Flowers

2011-11-15T22:04:00.004Z

I've finally put to use some of these millinery flowers I bought in Paris. They were selling huge bunches for 1 euro each, and I knew I could do something with them. So I've been making some floral headbands and hair clips.

Anyway, these are just some quick photos I took half way through making them, I'll be sure to show some photographs of the finished works (when you won't see all the wires and edges of the band).

Rome

2011-11-13T12:26:00.002Z

This is a photoshoot I did with my beautiful sister in Rome. Every time I photograph her, I am blown away by how stunning she is, I think she looks just perfect in this setting.

Sadly these are just the test shots, I had a proper photoshoot done on film with more of a story behind it, with some more creative shots. But unfortunately my film camera has taken to destroying all my film at the moment, so I lost all those pictures.

Anyway, I at least have these, which I rather like.

Dress: Rome Flea Market Stall

Hat: (Molly's) H&M

Lace

2011-11-10T23:58:00.002Z

Not many words today, but many pictures. I got this skirt in a charity shop in Brighton yesterday, I loved the little arrow motif and shape of the pleats. And it was a good bargain too! This blouse was one of my best high street finds, I think.

Blouse: New Look

Skirt: Charity Shop

1950s saddle shoes: Etsy

Hair Ribbon: Paris Haberdashery

Photo Diary: My last day in Paris

2011-11-07T18:29:00.004Z

On my last day in Paris, I went to Carette for breakfast, then sat by the eiffel tower for a while, like I did on my first day. It made me quite sad to see how cold and dark it was, compared to the first day when it was still summer. The weather made for some rather bleak looking photographs, but I quite like them in a strange way.

Afterwards I went and sat by the river for a bit. I found a very nice spot underneath a willow tree, next to a bridge. During this time there was a little bit of sunshine, and the previously cold weather got a bit nicer.

It was quite an odd mixture of emotions: excitement at seeing my family again, hunger due to the fact that I had mis-timed my departure and eaten all the food I had left a day early, but I was mostly just sad to be leaving. I had the absolute time of my life while I was there, and seeing these pictures again reminds me how much I miss it. I cannot wait to go back, and hope I get a chance to do so soon. The only thing wrong was the lack of ability to do the blog regularly, and I'm still finding it very difficult to get back into the swing of posting, so I hope you'll all bear with me on that. Anyway, hope you all had nice weekends! xx

Headscarf

2011-11-02T01:25:00.002Z

For the first time in while I did a 1940s headscarf. It reminded me of when I first started my blog, when I was so proud of learning to do them that I wore one almost every day. I think these jeans are supposed to be capri-length, but they're a bit long on me, so they look more like ankle-length jeans.

Jumper: M&S

Jeans: H&M

Shoes: Birthday present

Headscarf: Charity shop

Street Photography Part One

2011-10-26T21:53:00.003+01:00

I really wanted a photo of this unusual tattoo, but it took quite a lot of effort to get the picture without the owner noticing. In the end, I made use of a tricky angle and a mirror! I have become somewhat of an expert on photographing unenthusiastic strangers....

I loved this man and the dog too! He was really nice, and quite happy to have his picture taken. He even posed for me!

I wonder who Keith is, and if he really is an 'Asshall'.

I have loads more pictures taken around Montmartre and Pigalle; there are some pretty interesting folk around there. In order to truly do it justice, I think I shall save my favourite photo for another post (I'm afraid you may have to put up with quite a few...), but I promise you it is truly wondrous.

Nineteen

2011-10-24T16:29:00.002+01:00

It felt quite strange to take blog photos in my own street again after being away for so long! As much as I love summer, nothing beats autumn/winter sunlight in photographs. Anyway, a couple of days ago it was my 19th birthday! As you can see in these photos, I got some lovely vintage records and books, a parasol, and a pair of brothel creepers of which I am immensely proud! But anyone who knows how to pose gracefully in creepers is rather impressive to me.

Jumper: Marks and Spencer

Skirt: Vintage shop in Paris

Coat: Ebay

Shoes: Birthday

I'm home

2011-10-20T15:05:00.003+01:00

Hi everyone! I have just got back from Paris! I had such an amazing time, and I can't wait to share all my adventures with you! Just after I had posted about my newly found internet cafe, its internet went down the next day. But now I'm back in London! My mum took these photographs when she came to visit me one day. The carousel and fabric market were five minutes away from my house.

I bought this coat in a jumble sale by my appartment-I just loved the detailing on it! This beret is from Paris too, from a vintage shop where hats were 1 euro. I will write about some of the fabric shops and vintage shops in Montmartre-they are quite little known, but really good!

Hat: Free P Star, Paris

Coat: Jumble Sale

Shoes: Doc Martens, British Boot Company

Thanks to my mum for taking these photos!

Circus

2011-10-09T09:05:00.003+01:00

Well, this was the outfit I made to go to see Beirut at the Olympiad. The concert was one of the best nights of my life, and even further confirmed that Beirut is the best band ever. This outfit was a simultaneous homage to Edie Sedgwick and a 1930s circus performer. I am very proud of it, even though when I turned up at the Olympiad everyone else was comparetively very dressed down. I found the greatest haberdashery EVER, where I bought the ribbon.

Blouse: Vintage shop in Paris

Shorts: Made by me!

Black and White

2011-10-05T11:57:00.003+01:00

I took these in the first few days I was in Paris. I wanted to wear my new Leopard print coat, but it was too hot to wear it out. Then I got distracted and just started taking pictures of my make-up instead.

Success!!

2011-09-30T16:33:00.002+01:00

I have done it!! I have found the perfect internet cafe!!! It is right by my house, so I can now blog with ease!! This was my first attempt at blog photos in the courtyard of my apartment block. My course is finally over, but I still can't bring myself to go home just yet...Tomorrow I am going to La Nuit Blanche, so I'll let you know what that's like (I'm not really sure what to expect myself!).

Well, I have been doing quite a lot of black and white street photography, some scrapbooking, and I was even given a sort of quest by a woman in the Pere Lachaise cemetery-that's quite a long story though, so I'll have to devote a post to 'the quest'.

Bye for now (but I will be seeing you all much more regularly now!)

Dress: Zara (present from my mum)

1950s Shoes: Etsy

1950s bag: Charity shop

Stroud Part 2

2011-09-20T15:24:00.003+01:00

Hello!!! I cannot tell you how unbearable it is to be without the means to do the blog (internet, that is). I am currently sitting in the apple store, feeling very self-conscious as people can see me editing pictures of my face...

I am having the most incredible time here, Paris is everything I'd always dreamed!! The course I am doing is incredible, I am sure I want to carry on studying fashion design now! I can't wait to show the collection I've designed (but much to my chagrin, my camera lead remains lost in the limbo of the postal service). I don't think I've gone this long without blogging before, and I definitely don't intend to again if I can help it.

I wish I could talk about everything in this post, but I shall have to split it up, there is just too much! I am looking forward to catching up on all of your blogs too! These are some more of the photos my cousin (the amazing photographer!) took when I went to visit her in the summer.

Also, please appreciate the jumping shot at the start of the post!! It took a lot of effort (and pain), and I'm not really supposed to put any pressure on my knee anymore, but I think it was worth it?

I know I've been away for a while, but I promise I haven't forgotten the blog!! I've been taking pictures and making stuff every day, and I have so many posts to show you even if it means spending the rest of my trip in internet cafes! Some posts to come: Seeing Beirut live at the Olympiad wearing an outfit of my own creation so ridiculous the cloakroom attendant audibly gasped when I removed my coat (I was dressed as a 1930s circus performer); the collection I've designed (and I may get a couple of pieces made when I get back to london); my short film starring Fantastic Mr Fox (the coolest toy ever which I found one day whilst on a picnic), a day trip to Disneyland, seeing The Specials live, and a guide to the best vintage/fabric shopping in Paris. Sadly, my course ends this Friday, and then I'll be free to do more sightseeing-I can honestly say these past couple of weeks have been some of the happiest of my life!

Lots of love from Paris,

Carys xxxx

Guest Post: Asos Marketplace

2011-09-08T20:17:00.002+01:00

Hi everyone!! I am having a wonderful time, and have managed to sort out some Parisian internet! My camera lead is also on its way to me (after being left behind in London) so I will have some photos of outfits and Montmartre to share with you all soon! Right now though, I would like to share this guest post with you, written by Emma of Asos Marketplace, a new division of Asos which sells vintage clothes. If you haven't already, I suggest you go check it out, they have some lovely items!

Anyway, I have done a couple of posts myself on creating vintage style t-shirts, so here is some further advice written by Emma!

How to Create Your Own Vintage Inspired T-shirt

When it comes to fashion, people have their own style. For many, what is readily available on a store shelf does not fit the bill, and a bit more originality is in order. If you are creative, it is easy to design your own vintage t-shirts. Not only can you pay homage to your favourite decades, but you also be sure that nobody else will show up in the same thing.

Choose an Era

Before you ever get started on your vintage t-shirt, you will want to select an era to emulate. In most cases, any fashion trend that is more than 15 years old will work. It's important to have a starting point, as fashions in the 1950s were wildly different from those in the 1980s.

Select a Shirt

Once you are firm about your style direction, you can start to gather your materials. Depending on what type of vintage t-shirts you are reproducing, it can work to use either a new or an up-cycled t-shirt. Some styles, such as open-front cardigans, also work great with a sweatshirt base, so keep an open mind as you browse your own wardrobe, as well as retail shops and thrift stores. Don't overlook shirts with colours that aren’t necessarily your preference; you can easily dye, bleach or embellish options to make them match your vision.

Deconstruct

Vintage t-shirts don't always look like the base shirt that you start with. Before you can start building, you need to get the shape you desire. For a cardigan style vintage t-shirt, slit the front bodice of the t-shirt. While knit fabrics do not fray, cleaner styles will require a neat binding around the opening. You can also reshape necklines and adjust sleeve shapes. If you are reproducing a more freethinking era, like the rock decade of the 80s, don't be afraid to add slashes and fringe to the t-shirt body during the deconstruction process. This is also the appropriate stage to dye or bleach the shirt,adjusting the colours to suit your vision.

Embellish

Once you have created the appropriate shape and altered the original t-shirt, it's time to build on thatidea and embellish. Embellishing vintage t-shirts is the process of adding accessories and decorations to create the final look you have in mind. You can sew these on by machine or hand, or even use a strong fabric glue. A 1950s tee would look authentic with a fur trim, while designers emulating the 1960s can't go wrong with a poodle appliqué. Of course, the 70s was the tie-dye era, while 1980s vintage t-shirts look right with sequins and rhinestones. Use the images you found in your initial research to create designs that reflect your personality and bring out the best of the eras you love.

vintage t-shirts

https://marketplace.asos.com/women/tops

Guess where I'm writing this from...

2011-09-02T18:20:00.003+01:00

I am writing this from my new Parisian home!!!! I am sorry for the massive absence, but I have been busy getting ready to move for the next couple of months!

Even though I'm really excited, I've been pretty upset about leaving my family and pets, leaving home is quite strange.

Anyway, since I've been a rather neglectful blogger, I shall fill you in. Please forgive the terrible phone-quality of some of these pictures, but a camera-lead-debarcle has occurred in my life. Let's just say I'm trying a new technique...

I got the train to Paris yesterday

I now live here:

I am about to be studying fashion design illustration:

I'm going to see these bands while I'm here:

And I will be dressing rather like some of these people:

I am also going to be doing a lot of black and white film photography and visiting a lot of art galleries! I'll see you all soon with a lot of Parisian photography! Even though I'm missing my family already, I cannot tell you how happy I am to be here!! I have dreamed of living in Montmartre since I was about 15, and now I am!! My blogger profile has always said 'wanna-be Parisian runaway', so I'm off to make the appropriate modifications right away!!

xxxx

Sleeper Train

2011-08-28T21:47:00.003+01:00

One of the most exciting parts of the holiday was the sleeper train-we got an overnight train from Paris to Rome, and it was so much fun!! My sister and I shared a two-person cabin, and spent quite a lot of the time making this story-photoshoot. The concept was 'The Mysterious Stranger", inspired by my sister's skill at contact juggling and new hooded poncho. She definitely looks quite mysterious, don't you think? The light was so beautiful from the setting sun that I ended up taking wwwaaaayyyy to many pictures....

2011-08-25T12:38:00.002+01:00

Hi guys! My computer has temporarily fixed itself, so I can finally show you these pictures! My cousin took these when I went to visit her and my aunt-isn't she an amazing photographer? I have loads more, but we took so many I'll have to show you in a couple of batches.

We spent such a lovely day together, and took lots of pictures!

Anyway, assuming my computer remains fixed, I will be able to post regularly again (I've missed blogging so much!!), and I'm so excited about keeping you up to date with my move to Paris!!!!

My cousin:

Me and my sister:

Top: Vivien of Holloway

1940s Skirt: Market stall, Camden Passage

1950s Saddle Shoes: Etsy

All photos by my cousin, Hannah

Film Photos

2011-08-18T19:22:00.002+01:00

Hello, I'm back!! So here is the next lot of film photos! I have so many pictures from my holiday which I will show you all as soon as my computer is fixed :(

This is one of my favourite pictures: I walk past this bit of graffiti all the time, and they have never removed it, even though all other graffiti was cleared away. It makes me feel quite sad, so I finally remembered to take a picture one day:

Anyway, I hope you all had good holidays while I was gone!! I have missed the blog so much, and thank you for the lovely comments I haven't had time to reply to yet! xxxx

Bye Bye (for a short while)

2011-08-04T23:22:00.004+01:00

So, I am off on holiday tomorrow! I just wanted to let you all know that I will be taking a short break from blogging (for about ten days). I was thinking of setting scheduled posts, but then I decided that I would be missing out on the best part of blogging-receiving and replying to your comments, and reading everyones' blogs. So I think I shall just take a much-needed rest, and just post about my holiday when I get back. It involves many trains. I am so excited!!

Goodbye, I will miss you all!! I hope you are having incredible summers! I have lots of photoshoots planned (involving my beautiful sister as a model), so I'll have those for you when I get back! xx

A repro day

2011-08-02T12:57:00.004+01:00

I got this top from Vivien of Holloway in the sale and this was my first chance to wear it. Expect to see it many more times in the near future. I'm actually not wearing any real vintage apart from my shoes, quite a strange occurrence!

By the way, I really hurt my back getting that picture of the sun between my saddle shoes, so I hope you all appreciate it!

Top: Vivien of Holloway

Shorts: Tara Starlet

Shoes: Etsy

Sunglasses: H&M

Photo Diary: We were promised sunshine

2011-07-29T13:36:00.004+01:00

These photos were taken on the day I finished my exams-my friend Kiki and I decided to go swimming in the lakes in Hampstead to celebrate.

BBC weather had promised lots of sunshine, so I hadn't taken a towel with me, expecting to be able to sunbathe. I was very cold, but it was lovely.

Then we met up with some more lovely people (Helena, Anna and Imo), and went to Helena's house for some tea and cake. Unfortunately, Snappy Snaps accidentally printed some of my photos on top of one another (as you can see), which was slightly annoying, but I felt like I couldn't complain since they had given me a discount. But that's why there is a weird double-exposure effect on one of the pictures.

I love these pictures of my friends running up the hill:

These were all taken with my beloved Minolta-I have the other half of the roll still to come!

Some new friends

2011-07-27T16:43:00.003+01:00

While my sister and I were taking photos in the park, some cute kitties came over to see us!

How cool are my sister's shoes and rainbow nail polish?

Blouse: Vanves Flea Market

Skirt: Brick Lane (shop now closed)

Jacket: Present from my dad

Headscarf: Can't remember

Shoes: Etsy

Photos by Henri

Plaid

2011-07-25T21:59:00.003+01:00

I don't know how well you can see them in these pictures, but I do have a new pair of shoes which I love very much! In fact, I may do an entire post centered around them. Also, apologies for the hastily safety pinned skirt, but I couldn't be bothered to replace the zip. Perhaps one day this will change, but for now I am lazy.

Here's hoping we're about to finally get some summer weather for a change...

Film Photos

2011-07-23T12:00:00.000+01:00

Second set of film photos on my new Minolta. I have a third set coming when I return from my Secret Garden Partying. Anyhow, enjoy!

My Nan's house (and the cutest kitten ever)

2011-07-20T13:40:00.005+01:00

Hey guys!! I'm off to Secret Garden Party tomorrow!!! I thought that I would share an outfit post with you all before I go (and I think I'll set a scheduled post too). For the past 24 hours I've been making hats and masks, mending skirts, finding outfits...I'm so excited!!

Anyway, I took these photos when I went up to visit my lovely nan and her new kitten. She has two cats now, aren't they both beautiful?

Gratuitous kitten photos, anyone?

So, first outfit post in a while...I hope I didn't disappoint! The top was my 15 euro bargain from the flea market. My sister and I tried on quite a few like it, but they were all really small and really expensive. So I'm glad I found this one!

I'm planning on unpicking the red stitching someone used to repair it and replace it with white thread, but I hadn't got round to it when I took these photos. Oh well.

Also, thanks so much for all the beehive compliments! Since quite a lot of you have asked, I will do a tutorial-Because my hair is short, I do it differently to the traditional way (it's technically more of a quiff I suppose), so I'll show you all when I get back.

Top: Vanves Flea Market

1940s skirt: Camden Passage Stall

1950s Saddle shoes: Etsy

Cardigan: Topshop

Paris: Last day

2011-07-16T16:01:00.000+01:00

So unfortunately there was no beehive for the last day since we were traveling. But we did have time to have a look at some vintage shops, where I managed to get some nice bargains, including a 1940s novelty print ballgown for 10 euros.

I wish I knew what this banner was for, someone had put it up on their balcony:

Canal St Martins

2011-07-14T16:22:00.000+01:00

We had a lovely walk down the Canal St Martins, looking for a cafe...sadly, this walk eventually ended up taking us hours, and the 'cafe' we expected was more of a bar...Basically, we didn't think they would do hot chocolate, so we went back the way we came and managed to find a really nice place.

1950s dress: Borrowed from my sister

1950s saddle shoes: Etsy

Cardigan: Primark

A second flea market

2011-07-11T09:52:00.003+01:00

If you go to Paris, I would definitely recommend the Vanves flea market-it's still rather expensive at times, but it has much more of a traditional 'market' feel than Porte de Clignancourt, with stalls set out along the street. The prices are much more reasonable too, as a whole. Although there are quite a few overpriced stalls, we did manage to find a couple of bargains. Still, the stalls are set out so beautifully and the clothes are so amazing that it's worth it just for the experience.

As you can see, by the third day my beehive had grown to rather large proportions, considering how short my hair actually is.

My sister found some awesome accessories:

I really want some old medicine bottles like these in my house one day!

Some very nice (but rather too expensive) blouses

How crazy-awesome is this dress? I want it....

And I wanted this...

And this...

And my sister wanted this:

Sadly, we didn't buy any of these things, but I did get a pretty dress and a top for some rather good bargain prices. If you do visit, I would recommend walking all the way to the end, as the stalls nearer the end are much cheaper. I also found that the best ways to get bargains was to look for stalls that didn't specialize in vintage but happened to have the odd dress hanging around in a box at the back-that's how I got my things cheap!

Strawberries and antique books

2011-07-09T14:03:00.003+01:00

Two of my favourite photographic subjects: fruit and antique books. While we were in Paris, my sister kept buying strawberries from little street stalls and eating them while we walked along, and she looked so pretty that I took lots of photos of her doing this.

I also took so many photos of the books at the flea market-it reminded me of my GCSE art project, where my final piece was a study of antique books.

Sorry for the bombardment of Paris pictures, I'm afraid there are quite a few more to come...

Happy weekends to all!! xx

Madame Grès

2011-07-07T20:30:00.000+01:00

One of the best things we did in Paris was go to the Madame Grès exhibition-her designs were possibly the most unique I've ever seen, and they were so different from the typical styles of their eras too.

The exhibition was held at the Musée Bourdelle, a museum which displays the work of Antoine Bourdelle the sculptor. Madame Grès was formally trained in sculpture, and she said that she felt there was no difference between sculpting and dress-making.

Some of the design sketches:

How incredible is that draping? My mum and I just wished we could own all of those dresses! If you're in Paris, I cannot recommend this exhibition enough!

Porte de Clignancourt

2011-07-05T22:22:00.004+01:00

On the second day we went to the Clignancourt flea market-every time I go there, I cannot help but notice how much more lovely all the vintage clothing is in Paris than anywhere else I've seen.

My favourite bit was probably the 'deadstock shop'-I've never seen so many vintage items being sold in bulk before, all in there original packaging. I assume many things in there had never even left the factory storage.

Me and my mum

I want these chairs in my (future) home so much!!

My dream dress!!

And the beehive in all its glory-as you can see, it's looking a lot bigger than before...wait until you see the next one!

We bought a few lovely things at the flea market, I'll be sure to give you guys a preview soon!

More Paris pictures to come!

Paris Day One

2011-07-03T17:53:00.005+01:00

So this has literally been my first chance to post since I got to Paris a couple of days ago...and I'm having the nicest time!! My mum took me and my sister as an end of school/exams treat, and so that I'd have a chance to see my apartment-for those of you who don't know, I have a place on a fashion design illustration course for three weeks in September in Paris, and a friend of a friend has an apartment I might be able to use. Words cannot describe how lucky and excited I feel!!!

These are some pictures from our first day. You must forgive me for looking a little disheveled, as I had been up most of the night at my leavers' ball, and we had then got a 7:00am Eurostar. I know it sounds rather glamourous, but trust me, it wasn't (think running to catch the last train upon which I was forced to talk to several idiots, getting food poisoning...not good).

As you can see, there is the tiniest hint of a beehive going on in these pictures, which by the time I write this has grown to enormous proportions. I set myself a challenge of increasing my up-do in size and complexity each day of the trip.

Basically, I just wanted to let you all know that I still exist, and I will be coming home tomorrow-expect many more pictures of Paris and beehives!

xxxx

Dress: Beyond Retro

Cardigan: H&M, customized by me!

Saddle Shoes: Etsy

Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters

Handbag: Charity shop

Thanks to my mum and Henri for taking the photos I am in

Sunny!

2011-06-29T19:09:00.004+01:00

I just love this summery weather we're having in London (minus the thunderstorm yesterday). Today I had a lovely day going for a walk and a swim with friends-it's such a weird feeling to be able to do nothing, without the pressure of exams or school or homework.

Anyways, here is my new blonde-ish hair! It isn't as red as it looks in these pictures, but you get the idea.

Also, I managed to find a 1940s style crop top (although this one is actually from the 50s), isn't it cool? They're pretty hard to find and I've wanted one for ages, so I snapped this up as soon as I saw it on Etsy!

I promise that from now on posting will be much more regular! Hope you're all enjoying the nice weather too (if you have some). And I'll finish with a picture of my cat, for no particular reason other than the fact that he looks very cute here.

1950s Crop top: Dethrose Vintage

1940s repro shorts: Tara Starlet

My favourite hat

2011-06-23T09:51:00.003+01:00

I got this hat for £4.00, and it is my favourite!

I know I've been a bit absent, but it's because I finished my exams on Tuesday!! So I'm now officially no longer a schoolgirl! I was planning to publish these photos on Tuesday, but I got so distracted by celebrating the end of school-I took some film photos of the day I spent swimming and walking on Hampstead Heath, which I'll share with you soon.

Starting next Monday (once I've finished my driving lessons) you guys can expect lots of regular posting-and soon I'm going for a to Paris for a couple of days with my mum and sister to check out the apartment I'm going to rent-so exciting!!

And one more bit of cool news-I am now blonde! I dyed my hair back to it's natural-ish colour yesterday in celebration of finishing school.

Well, hopefully I'll be able to post a bit more often now-hope your summers are all going well!

Blouse: New Look

Skirt: Vintage shop closing sale

Hat: Past Caring

1920s shoes: Clerkenwell vintage fair

Gloves: Christmas present from my mum

I made an eccentric hat

2011-06-18T10:47:00.004+01:00

My mum came home with loads of really nice trimmings etc. from John Lewis, and I decided I would try making a fascinator. My favourite DIYs are the ones where I start with hardly any idea of the finished product, and I just make changes as I go.

First I put some ribbon around the edges, making small pintucks so it would follow the shape of the hat template.

Then I trimmed the excess lace, and added some blue ribbon.

Then I sewed on some white and blue feathers (and sewed some netting to the bottom side to keep the feathers in place and make them easier to attach).

After I'd attached the feathers, I had a pretty good idea that I was making a Marie Antoinette style hat with a nautical theme-I thought that the lace I'd originally sewed on reminded me of the surf, and the feathers looked like waves. So I attached some small plastic seagulls, and now I'm just on the lookout for a model boat to put over the top of the visible stitching.

Anyways, I will show you another picture once I've found a boat to put on my hat. So far I'm doing quite well with my crazy costume-making.

Exam-break outfit post

2011-06-14T17:12:00.002+01:00

Hello, and sorry for my blogging/reading/commenting absenteeism recently, but I'm afraid I'm right in the middle of exams right now, so for the next week and a half I won't be able to visit all you guys' blogs as much as I would like. I managed to get these few quick pictures of the cardigan from the last post, but the light was so bad you can't really see it, sorry!

I was asked for a tutorial, but to be honest there wasn't much to it-the lace was bought from John Lewis Haberdashery (my favourite place ever, by the way) and was ready-made for just sewing onto whatever you like. The one tip I will give is to be very, very careful not to stretch the fabric of the cardigan at all whilst you're sewing things onto it. I know it seems like pretty obvious advice, but it's so easy to stretch it a little without noticing-the way I avoid doing this is to pin what I'm planning sew onto the cardigan in place while I'm wearing it using a mirror.

1950s Dress: Jumble sale

1950s saddle shoes: Etsy

Bow: Peacocks

Scarf: My mum's, from Hobbs

Cardigan: H&M, altered by me

Crinoline: Vivien of Holloway

First DIY

2011-06-10T09:54:00.003+01:00

So my first DIY is a little more practical than the others will be: since the festival will be muddy (last year there was actually a mud-wrestling ring), and in case I lose stuff, I don't want to take too many vintage things with me. So I decided to make one of my cheap, plain cardigans look a bit more interesting instead. I just sewed on some lace my mum got me, and it turned out really pretty! This will probably be one of the few creations I can wear with my normal clothes.

I'll show you the full results in an outfit post soon, but right now I'm off to find a small model boat to use to make a hat.

Have lovely weekends, everyone!!

Carys xx

Secret Garden Party Inspiration

2011-06-08T14:53:00.004+01:00

I don't think I've mentioned this before, but a few months ago I booked (hopefully) the greatest ticket in the world-a ticket to the Secret Garden Party festival!! The only thing currently keeping me from going crazy due to revision and exams is looking forward to it. So during my revision breaks I have begun making my costumes for the festival (along with eating cookies), so expect to see many DIY posts coming your way. The only problem is, my usual style looks (according to some slightly less than polite strangers) like I'm in fancy dress-so when I have to wear a costume, it still has to look crazy in relation to my regular clothes-this is why all my fancy dress costumes tend to be super, super weird. I can't wait!

But before I post my first mini-project (which I just finished!), I thought I would give you an idea of the inspiration behind the costumes-namely, Marie Antoinette, Lily Cole in The Imaginarium of Dr Parnassus, and 1920s cabaret.

Anyways, in the days to come expect lots of posts with beading, lace, and eccentric hats, all DIY-ed by me-I'm even thinking of getting some white hairspray to take with me!

Happy middle of the week everyone, and to anyone taking exams, good luck! xx

Images from Marie Antoinette found on Flickr (click to go to source), rest found on Google Images