This is one hell of a statement look. The statement is "I'm a moron."
Tuesday, 29 December 2009
Friday, 27 November 2009
Zia Reviews - The September Issue
One of the biggest questions that is raised about the fashion industry is that of colluding. Why does it seem, that all the design houses, each with their own creative heads with different backgrounds, individual styles and ideas - that Spring/Summer, Autumn/Winter the main trends of each season are striking similar from the leading fashion houses. Whilst I still believe there is a certain amount of collusion in the fashion industry, I now know after watching The September Issue that most of what we wear is handpicked by Anna Wintour herself. Of course we all know that she is the most influential person in the fashion industry, but I was rather taken aback to see coveted eveningwear legend Oscar De La Renta displaying his collection to her, ready to throw out fifty percent of it on her command. She induces such fear by simply averting her eyes from a collection, she causes a designer to try and convince her a deep forest green was of a bright hue because of her offhand comment that there wasn't much colour in his line. She is such a carefully prepared image with an unbreakable facade that you don't feel as you have any more insight as to who she really is, and I'm sure she edited the film with just as much manic detail as she does her beloved Vogue.
In my mind the most fascinating element of the documentary is the power struggle between The Editor in Chief and her Creative Director. Having worked together for over twenty years they are on rare occasions in the same room, and when they are they seem to both stare straight ahead and utter few words to each other. Grace Coddington at first appears as hard nosed as Anna, but the stern exterior seems to arise from her constant battle to keep her beloved images in the pages of Vogue. Even I felt furious when half of a breathtaking 20's style photoshoot ended up on the cutting room floor. Grace is the antithesis of Anna, Grace in her uniform black dress sensible flats and wild mane of frizzy red hair, to Anna's sharp cut bob, unchanged since the 60's worn with elegant patterned dresses of carefully muted colour. Grace is the only one who can stand up to her, albeit mostly behind her back, but always with a cheeky dry cackle.
Despite the film being an obvious PR stunt to improve Ms Wintour's public persona, and despite her horrendous and frankly disgusting stance on the fur industry, it's still fascinating to think that somewhere in there, deep down she is still really a normal human being with a sense of humour. After all, although she denied any associations to the character, she did turn up head to toe in Prada at the premier of the infamously debated film.
In my mind the most fascinating element of the documentary is the power struggle between The Editor in Chief and her Creative Director. Having worked together for over twenty years they are on rare occasions in the same room, and when they are they seem to both stare straight ahead and utter few words to each other. Grace Coddington at first appears as hard nosed as Anna, but the stern exterior seems to arise from her constant battle to keep her beloved images in the pages of Vogue. Even I felt furious when half of a breathtaking 20's style photoshoot ended up on the cutting room floor. Grace is the antithesis of Anna, Grace in her uniform black dress sensible flats and wild mane of frizzy red hair, to Anna's sharp cut bob, unchanged since the 60's worn with elegant patterned dresses of carefully muted colour. Grace is the only one who can stand up to her, albeit mostly behind her back, but always with a cheeky dry cackle.
Despite the film being an obvious PR stunt to improve Ms Wintour's public persona, and despite her horrendous and frankly disgusting stance on the fur industry, it's still fascinating to think that somewhere in there, deep down she is still really a normal human being with a sense of humour. After all, although she denied any associations to the character, she did turn up head to toe in Prada at the premier of the infamously debated film.
Tuesday, 10 November 2009
Zia Loves - the Choo Countdown
Unless, of course it ends in disaster. Which, going from past experience is likely.
There are now four sleeps until the world awakes to Jimmy Choo's H&M collection, a Jimmy Choo accessory that is finally within my price range. However the question remains, will I actually get my desperate clawing hands on any of the merchandise?
All too vividly do I remember the morning I rose at quarter to five to rush down to Sainsburys in search of the now famous limited addition Anya Hindmarch bags only to be told be a hatchet faced bitch that there were already 100 people (women) in the queue, there was only 100 in store so I may as well go home. I wanted to tear her face off, really, I was already suffering from the searing disappointment of having missed out, I hardly needed a verbal savaging for dessert.
So I'm trying to quell the rising tide of excitement with regards to the Choo's, because unfortunately there are those just as wanton as I for a pair of Choo shoes (and a bag too please) not to mention the lecherous bastards who'll just buy them to flog them on ebay for three times the price.
If I miss out to an ardent fan of fashion I won't be nearly as sorry as if I miss out to a greedy grasping Ebayer who cares not about the Choo's but only making a quick buck. Well, woe betide them meeting me in the queue, lest they receive a swift stiletto to the eyeball.
There are now four sleeps until the world awakes to Jimmy Choo's H&M collection, a Jimmy Choo accessory that is finally within my price range. However the question remains, will I actually get my desperate clawing hands on any of the merchandise?
All too vividly do I remember the morning I rose at quarter to five to rush down to Sainsburys in search of the now famous limited addition Anya Hindmarch bags only to be told be a hatchet faced bitch that there were already 100 people (women) in the queue, there was only 100 in store so I may as well go home. I wanted to tear her face off, really, I was already suffering from the searing disappointment of having missed out, I hardly needed a verbal savaging for dessert.
So I'm trying to quell the rising tide of excitement with regards to the Choo's, because unfortunately there are those just as wanton as I for a pair of Choo shoes (and a bag too please) not to mention the lecherous bastards who'll just buy them to flog them on ebay for three times the price.
If I miss out to an ardent fan of fashion I won't be nearly as sorry as if I miss out to a greedy grasping Ebayer who cares not about the Choo's but only making a quick buck. Well, woe betide them meeting me in the queue, lest they receive a swift stiletto to the eyeball.
Wednesday, 21 October 2009
ZiaHates
I'm not sure hate is a strong enough word. Loathe, is probably correct. Today's rant, is brought to you but the letter S - for Scrunchie.
I quite simply cannot understand the appeal of the things... a bunched up bit of material (usually the nasty cheap scratchy variety) obscuring what might have been a classic sleek ponytail. They are unspeakably cheap in appearance and might ruin a good outfit, if I had ever seen a scrunchie accompanying a decent outfit, which I have not. The scrunchie is normally an unattractive addition to the 'Croydon Facelift' - the overtight high ponytail favoured by Chavs wearing white tracksuits and fifty creole earrings in each ear.
They bring to mind all the true horrors of the 80's - although a lot of these horrors are enjoying a revival at the moment... the peplum skirt, the boyfriend jacket with rolled up sleeves. I can't be convinced that these items are a good idea, not too long ago we were killing ourselves laughing that we wore them the first time around, why the sudden change of heart? And more worryingly I've heard from several sources the perm is on it's way back. If so I shall simply have to hide under the duvet until it's all over, I'm certainly not taking my style influence from 'Saved by The Bell.' Not again, anyway.
Monday, 5 October 2009
Zia Loves - her new boots!
For some weeks now I have been obsessed with over the knee boots. I've spent countless hours scouring all my usually haunts in dark corners of the internet, tried on at least seven pairs and ploughed through my wardrobe planning future outfits. (This is not bad considering, in the past I confess I have sometimes made preliminary sketches, which I am aware is very geeky indeed.)
Finally, yesterday following the glorious day of pay, I ascended on the shops and purchased my very first pair of over the knee boots, observing the rules I had made for myself, as thigh high boots are a very risky business indeed. The over the knee boot errs on the side of trashy, at worst reminding everyone in the vicinity of Pretty Woman, and they won't be thinking of the glorious beauty of Julia Roberts, they'll just be thinking you look like a prostitute. Hence, the rules.
1. Thigh High Boots must be flat.
2. They must be a neutral colour.
3. They must not be shiny.
4. They must never be worn with a skirt. Over skinny jeans, 'neath shorts are the only acceptable pairings.
5. They must be the most extreme item of the outfit. (One doesn't want to resemble Kiss either.) Therefore I'm hoping my flat, pointed toed pale grey lovelies are more Puss In Boots than Pretty Woman.
Finally, yesterday following the glorious day of pay, I ascended on the shops and purchased my very first pair of over the knee boots, observing the rules I had made for myself, as thigh high boots are a very risky business indeed. The over the knee boot errs on the side of trashy, at worst reminding everyone in the vicinity of Pretty Woman, and they won't be thinking of the glorious beauty of Julia Roberts, they'll just be thinking you look like a prostitute. Hence, the rules.
1. Thigh High Boots must be flat.
2. They must be a neutral colour.
3. They must not be shiny.
4. They must never be worn with a skirt. Over skinny jeans, 'neath shorts are the only acceptable pairings.
5. They must be the most extreme item of the outfit. (One doesn't want to resemble Kiss either.) Therefore I'm hoping my flat, pointed toed pale grey lovelies are more Puss In Boots than Pretty Woman.
Monday, 28 September 2009
ZiaHates
Women in skirt-suites wearing running shoes.
Unnecessary, and frankly vulgar. The woman who does this is generally wearing a well cut suite and expensive, so white-it's-blinding trainers. Not cool trainers, but very very ugly ones, probably ones that look like the ones your Mum used to wear in the early 90's. With a very sensible haircut. Not cool, no, but extremely sensible, like it was designed to tackle the elements in a head on battle. The awful trainers overshadow the suit, once those bastards are on your feet you may as well have worn a tracksuit.
The excuse, apparently is that one cannot walk/train/drive/cycle in heels (I can cycle in four inch heels in fact, so that is total bollocks) without doing terrific damage and pain to the feet. I know this trauma, my current abode is a good 40 minute march to town, too long a distance for the beloved click of stiletto on pavement. But do I don the ugly trainers? No. Never. Ever. Ever.
I wear ballet pumps, flip flops, beaded/studded sandals, wedges (well, the sole is flat on the ground....) In winter there are many glorious boots to be shopped for and enjoyed and tramped all over the big bad city 'neath a suite.
No excuses.
Unnecessary, and frankly vulgar. The woman who does this is generally wearing a well cut suite and expensive, so white-it's-blinding trainers. Not cool trainers, but very very ugly ones, probably ones that look like the ones your Mum used to wear in the early 90's. With a very sensible haircut. Not cool, no, but extremely sensible, like it was designed to tackle the elements in a head on battle. The awful trainers overshadow the suit, once those bastards are on your feet you may as well have worn a tracksuit.
The excuse, apparently is that one cannot walk/train/drive/cycle in heels (I can cycle in four inch heels in fact, so that is total bollocks) without doing terrific damage and pain to the feet. I know this trauma, my current abode is a good 40 minute march to town, too long a distance for the beloved click of stiletto on pavement. But do I don the ugly trainers? No. Never. Ever. Ever.
I wear ballet pumps, flip flops, beaded/studded sandals, wedges (well, the sole is flat on the ground....) In winter there are many glorious boots to be shopped for and enjoyed and tramped all over the big bad city 'neath a suite.
No excuses.
Friday, 18 September 2009
ZiaLoves
The jacket of the season - Balmain's Tailored Biker.
The nod to the ongoing 80's trend with the shoulders, but with the noughties sharp point, as apposed to the 80's boxiness. I love the bracelet sleeve, it gives it the perfect feminine touch.
Sadly my love affair with this Jacket is purely on Html, I shall be touting my old weathered and beaten faux leather jacket as I don't have the funds for this beauty.
Still, a new winter coat is a must, but I am fighting an internal battle between a soft strokable glamorous faux fur, or a waist sinching frock coat that will catch the autumn breeze.
Decisions Decisions...
Monday, 14 September 2009
ZiaHates
Uggs
Ok, so it's totally obvious, but these so called boots actually make my blood boil with rage. It's for no other reason, but the fact that she started this neverending trudge of a trend for these nasty geriatric slippers - that I hate Sienna Miller. I actually hate her for it.
And really, they are for old dears who can't get their arthritic feet into anything else, and these 80 plus pensioners have the self respect and decency to put some real fucking shoes on before they leave the house.
Uggs are also ugly. The ugliest. Even brand new they are so shapeless they look like beige Christmas stockings, then they collapse in on themselves leaving people wonky legged shuffling gracelessly down the street.
Even bloody Sienna Miller hasn't worn them for three years. So you shouldn't either.
Ok, so it's totally obvious, but these so called boots actually make my blood boil with rage. It's for no other reason, but the fact that she started this neverending trudge of a trend for these nasty geriatric slippers - that I hate Sienna Miller. I actually hate her for it.
And really, they are for old dears who can't get their arthritic feet into anything else, and these 80 plus pensioners have the self respect and decency to put some real fucking shoes on before they leave the house.
Uggs are also ugly. The ugliest. Even brand new they are so shapeless they look like beige Christmas stockings, then they collapse in on themselves leaving people wonky legged shuffling gracelessly down the street.
Even bloody Sienna Miller hasn't worn them for three years. So you shouldn't either.
Thursday, 10 September 2009
ZiaLoves
New York fashion week descends today, the gods of Design are raining their heavenly creations upon us, overloading the senses with our apparel dreams of Summer 2010- I appear to be missing my invite! Oh to be in Bryant Park beholding the sumputious creations....
Fingers crossed I'll make it to London Fashion week.
Of course being a big nobody it's rather a long shot. Sigh. Back to feverishly obsessing over the A/W 09 Winter Coat then.
Fingers crossed I'll make it to London Fashion week.
Of course being a big nobody it's rather a long shot. Sigh. Back to feverishly obsessing over the A/W 09 Winter Coat then.
Tuesday, 8 September 2009
ZiaHates
Crocs
These evil beasts should be should be wiped from the face of the planet. They look as those someone has ripped the jaw off a Tweeny and rammed their sweaty hoof into it.
Comfort has a limited place in fashion, and a pair of cutesy ballet pumps, or some biker boots for A/W are just as comfy and thankfully not as, well, fucking hideous.
ZiaCovets
It must be love, love love.
This jacket is officially on my most wanted list- I am staying in and not eating for the next two damn weeks if I have to for this baby. Westwood-esq drapery and as hot with jeans as it would be with a dress.
This jacket is officially on my most wanted list- I am staying in and not eating for the next two damn weeks if I have to for this baby. Westwood-esq drapery and as hot with jeans as it would be with a dress.
It will be mine, oh yes, it will be mine.
Fashion fades, but style is Eternal - Yves Saint-Laurent
Wise words to open with, from the eternally stylish Yves Saint-Laurent
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