Today I Shall Wear

A burgundy knit dress, owl print pop socks, bronze brogues & a brown feathered alice band. So crazy it just might work? Hmmmm. 

John Galliano

I'm finding it somewhat difficult to swallow the number of people that have stood behind Galliano following February's Racism Scandal. Obviously Dior dropped him like a hot potato at the time - but many amongst the fashion pack have given interviews/quotes defending his actions. His lack of presence at the Dior shows has been practically lamented.

The excuses are many, he was drunk, he was joking, he was provoked. Having watched the video myself I do believe he was provoked, but there is absolutely no excuse. There is no doubt that Mr Galliano is an extremely talented and creative individual, I have always loved his work. I would be so intrigued if it has been some gormless talentless Reality TV twerp that had made similar comments - if any of those people would have jumped so readily to defend them...

No, thought not.

Zia Hates - Fucking Rain and Impossible Feet

I dislike to break my own formula and do two HATE posts in a row, but as I trudged home barefoot for the fifth time in two weeks I could only wallow in my footwear despair. All the shopkeepers of Kemp Town must think I have my shoes stolen frequently as yet again I pass them, naked of foot, looking forlorn 'neath an Oliver Twist style cap - "Please Sir, may I have some shoes?" (The cap, incidentally is to protect my make up from the rain, not to invoke sympathy from shopkeepers.)

I looked around me today and noted that I was certainly the only one who seems to be barefoot in the rain, and thus decided I must study their footwear to understand why I was alone in my lack of Hoof-Attire. I realised - these other people were wearing shoes. Upon reaching home I took a peek in my 'shoe' cupboard. I discovered many pairs of boots, lots of ridiculous heels, plenty of strappy sandals, an array of flip flops, lots of cheap fabric ballet pumps, one pair of ancient trainers and.... one pair of shoes. Shoes, I would add that were given to me, and thus I don't actually own a pair of shoes that I have bought myself (in case anyone is interested, black brogues, three inch stacked heel). I flatly refuse to wear boots in summer, the ridiculous heels are no good for walking to and from work, sandals & flip flops are impossible for rain-wear and the cheap fabric ballet pumps soak through immediately and then stink forevermore because they are just glorified socks.

Do I hate shoes? Well, yes a lot of shoes lack the ladylike qualities I believe are necessary in footwear, but not all shoes. It's down to my impossible feet. I have purchased many a pair of lovely shoes thinking I was making a sensible purchase for walking, but this was never the case. There was one sparkly pair from Office that had left both feet bleeding before I even made it to the end of the road. The problem is I have very thin skin on my feet, they are ripped at the drop of a hat. I cut my foot in May, for fucks sake, and in still hasn't healed.

So this is my new mission - to find a pair of shoes that do not eat my feet. It's either that or be a Hobbit forever!

Zia Hates - Tricky Trousers

May has been a disappointing month on the turnout of sunshine, all my pretty summer dresses are still tucked sadly away in the wardrobe to prevent the onset of hypothermia. This summer is therefore turning out to be somewhat problematic on the trouser front, as covering up the pins seems the only option in the chilly air.

The promised high-waisted wide leg trousers don't seem to have trickled down from fashion spread to high street. I was optimistic about chinos until I actually tried them on - they gave me an unfortunate 'Gunt' affect. (For those who don't know what gunt means, it's usually seen on an older often rotund lady in overly tight trousers whereupon one can't distinguish the gut from the .... ) Everyone else seems to wear Chinos with aplomb! Perhaps pleated trousers, are just not suited to my shape. Sigh.

Thus, I am sadly relegated to continue on in my faded old skinnies until the situation can be rectified. There is much research to be done!

Also, the sometimes-summer has seen the return of one of my most secretly hated summer items. I usually keep rather quiet about my hatred, as they are a very popular summer item among the masses. But it is time to confess. Linen Trousers. I HATE them. Often seen with a white t-shirt or bring pink tank on Chavs or as holiday-wear for 40 somethings. There is no need. If you are going somewhere hot pack a fucking dress. Where do I start with them? The favoured white kind are see-through. VPL is bad enough, the entirety of the pant(?) is too much info. You may as well go the whole hog and wear your pants on the outside a la Superman. Secondly is the creasing. Sit down for ten minutes and the concertina affect will remain with you all day. Linen Trousers bring to mind the suit jacket, thin 'tashe and sweaty-pitted shirt of a Cuban Drug Dealer.

Zia Loves - Into The White

White has never featured prominently in my wardrobe, owing to a fondness for red wine and an unfortunately clumsy nature. But having fallen for Spring/Summers' bright white trend I have decided to reconsider my colour options (and perhaps and new choice of beverage.)
Tailored shirts seem to feature everywhere, silk for the brave - but for Gods Sake - MATT, not shiny, it does not pay to look like you are emulating Agnetha from Abba. You'll probably end up looking like the protagonist from Muriel's Wedding. The silk shirt is a perfect compliment to the high waisted wide leg trousers, perhaps sounding a death knell for skinny jeans (Noooo) and Jeggings (Good Riddance!) I fully intend to hunt down a great pair of the wide-leg trousers, and attempt to find a shirt that doesn't make me look - A. Too Prim, B. Too Scruffy, a challenge when you don't own an iron.
To inspire my new White Wardrobe ambitions I have started with a super high pair of Witchery Wedges in a hazel colour. I'm imagining them with a loose white shirt dress and carefully applied fake tan. Wish me luck!

Zia Hates - Kiwi Leg Sacks

Having managed to successfully escape the icy hell that was Great Britain in December 2010 I reached New Zealand summertime 2011 with Vogue in hand to hunt down some spring attire whilst Down Under.

Wandering the vast malls of Kiwi-Land I was most disturbed to find women everywhere sporting the now dreaded Leg Sacks. Which decade these hail from, I cannot say. They are loose three quarter length trousers, worn mid waist. They often feature many 'useful' pockets (why, oh why we have HANDBAGS for this ladies!) They can also be adorned with graceless toggles and ties. They do nothing to flatter, especially when combined with trainer and pulled up socks (Sorry Mum!) One can only hope these horrors are confined to this small island in the South Pacific.