NEW JACK SWING

This is how we do it.  It’s Friday night, and I feel all right. The party is here on the Eastside.

How to ‘do’ the 90’s if you’re not so keen on the EAST 17 vibe (which only requires a black beanie and sportswear, Doc Martens optional), NEW JACK SWING IS THE ONE you’re looking for.

It’s basically flattering high waisted tailored trousers and a button up blouse. Would work better if the blouse was shorter (showing 90s mid rift and the high waistline/belt).  Best part about this look is that its super comfy and flattering to wear.  Also this is a classic trouser cut, which can be adapted easily as your style changes.

Do: Wear you’re hair up, take inspiration from this i-D short on sports wear hair, play around with footwear and jewellery to enhance the look.

Don’t: dress like MC Hammer (a little too extreme)

Trousers and shit both purchased from The Brotherhood opportunity shop in Melbourne for less than $5 each.

Article lifted from most recent project fashion blog shoestringstylist

HOMEMADE / HANDMADE / BORROWED 

This is my housemate Will, he’s kinda poor too (he’s in the middle of his masters) and a rather stylish artist.  He’s usually on the other side of the camera, but today he’s showing us his garms.

This look is mostly about pulling together the resources of those around you to maximise your look.  In this case his rather talented boyfriend (more on him hopefully coming up), has made him a rather dashing top (from vintage jersey material) and  also a pair of tailored custom fit trousers which are tapered at the ankles.  It’s marvellous having a boyfriend who can make clothes, I’m just imagining the list of outfits I would offer in exchange for dinners, massages (Will is also a very good masseur if you’re in need), writing, heavy lifting, nose picking.  The scarf came as a hand me down from his mother and the socks were hand knitted (from Ireland). 

Do: Wear this outfit with a huge smile on your face knowing your promoting the talents of others, get a great sense of satisfaction knowing these items are not only exclusive, but tailor made for your shape.

Don’t: Enlist someone to make something for you unless you trust them, it will only hurt there feelings if you decide not to wear it.  

Start with getting you Grandma (if you’re lucky enough to have one) to knit you a pair of socks, or a scarf (I love knitted socks) before you invest in a premium and more complex black mohair jumper - I say black mohair jumper as I lost mine in India and have been pining (this includes contemplating knitting/learning to knit properly) ever since its journey into the unknown.  Its big task replacing such a valuable (in terms of emotional connection) and flattering wardrobe staple - it really did go with everything and keep me super warm.  Clothes are precious - value them, each has a sense of history and takes you on a journey, I have so many wonderful memories wrapped up in mine.  I do often ponder as to where it might be now - if only I had fitted a tracker device like the blogger from ‘my laptop is in Iran’ although maybe I might be in trouble if I did.  Perhaps the solution is to find a knitter and commission them, perhaps a trade of some sorts (more on this quest to follow).

Article lifted from most recent project fashion blog shoestringstylist

New Beginnings Are Wonderful

I've been busy, obviously not on this blog, but busy working out where my future lies.  To do that I've returned to the past, to my childhood and pulled out the memories that gave me the most pleasure and transferred that into something I would like to do as an adult.  It's a straight forward logical formula - I do hope it works.  Fashion or rather playing with clothes has been part of my life forever, I cannot image anything giving me more pleasure.

To that ends I've began a more specialised blog exploring the uncharted world of life on a shoestring, it happens all around us, everyday, but nobody really acknowledges it, how so many people (especially my peers) manage to look good whilst living on peanuts.  They are not popping into Chanel or Prada everytime they want an outfit for a night out in Dalston, or flicking through Hello looking to emulate the Kardashians, in a warped quest for porn star ideals (fake tan, fake boobs, fake hair, fake lashes - okay well maybe the last two now and then, but everything in moderation).  They are the true fashion movers, the people who invent new style - making best of charity shops, car boot sales, vintage stalls, clothes from friends, clothes left over/donated from shoots, clothes given to them in payment for fashion jobs, with dashes of high street, mainstream vintage and (if they are really lucky) the occasional designer piece.  Throwing two fingers in the face of aspirational living, with creativity exploding from the confines of austerity, recognising and celebrating the inspiration that comes from every angle of every day upon this earth.

Shoestring Stylist is born.