How much Photoshop is too much?
It starts out harmlessly enough. Tweak the colour balance, adjust the light, change the contrast. Maybe you soften the skin, remove a pimple, brighten your eyes. Oh, that nasty scar you got when you were a kid? It kind of distracts from the overall beauty of the picture. You might as well remove that too.
It starts out harmlessly enough. Tweak the colour balance, adjust the light, change the contrast. Maybe you soften the skin, remove a pimple, brighten your eyes.
Oh, that nasty scar you got when you were a kid? It kind of distracts from the overall beauty of the picture. You might as well remove that too. Actually, come to think of it, your legs are looking a little pudgy and your bum is sticking out a bit. Might as well suck those in while you're at it.
Most of us have access to photo editing equipment. There's nothing wrong with using it. Every photo I publish on this blog gets a bit of tweaking before it goes live. I even run my images through some software before posting them on Instagram. Because why settle for reality when you can publish a romanticized version of it?
But there's a problem here.
Blogs and the people behind them are supposed to be different than traditional print media. We're supposed to represent normal people. But it's hard to settle for normal when you can so easily manipulate reality into looking a bit more perfect. If you're a blogger, you might have noticed that you are up against some tough competition. It's becoming increasingly common for bloggers to double as models and to work with professional photographers when taking outfit shots. The result? Pictures that look a whole lot more like they belong in a magazine than on a blog.
Do bloggers owe it to their readers to present a realistic picture of themselves? Is it OK to use editing software to improve images that go up on blogs? If so, how far is too far when it comes to manipulation? I'm sure we'd likely all agree that what I've done below (to the pictures on the right side) is taking it a step too far. But is this the direction we're headed in? If there's an increasing pressure for blog pictures to look as good as images that appear in magazines then is this not the next logical step?
By the way, I edited these pictures using a free app on my phone. No fancy skills required.
CÉLINE
Trust, I know this post will not win any awards for originality but nevertheless I felt the awesomeness of Céline's summer collection needed to be addressed. It was an explosion of colour and bold graphics. The long lined white wife-beaters with black painterly swirls surely make for the easiest DIY ever and one that even I might not be able to mess up. I wonder what this collection will do to all the girls that have embraced minimalism so whole heartedly with Philo as their leader. The bold primary colours were grounded by sturdy blacks and whites so at least that might ease the pain of the transition?
The reserved aesthetic that I normally associate with the Céline woman was thrown out the window. I normally picture her as being a bit of a free will with a penchant for the creative fields but now I see her as more joyful and comedic. It's like she literally crawled out of a cheery abstract painting.
To conclude, I'd just like to explicitly state that this is, by far, my favourite spring/summer '14 collection. And, I don't even care that I'm officially a massive cliche.
Photos via Céline
Oversized coats
I found this coat in a cupboard at my husband's parent's house in Sweden. It's too big. The shoulder seams droop too far down, when buttoned the shape is bulbous and awkward plus the sleeves are a bit too short. Nevertheless, to me it has a certain charm.
There's a cupboard at my in-law's house in Sweden that is full of strange treasures. It's where I found this killer hat and jacket combo for example. Somehow every time I visit it seems to be stocked full of new vintage gems.
This past trip I was rummaging through it when I came across an oversized tweed coat. My eyes widened and I yanked it out with greed. I ran to the room next door and flung it on over my snowflake flannel pajamas and did a little twirl in front o f the mirror. 'What do you think?' I eagerly asked my husband. His response? 'You look homeless.'
Undefeated, I went out to the kitchen to ask my mother-in-law if I could borrow it. 'Keep it,' she said, 'I got it for 6 pounds at a second hand shop and it's too big for me.' Exactly why I love it - it's too big. The shoulder seams droop too far down, when buttoned the shape is bulbous and awkward plus the sleeves are a bit too short. Nevertheless, to me it has certain charm.
Wearing: vintage coat, & Other Stories hat, 7 for all Mankind jeans, Celine bag and Vans.
The Issue of Age
The fashion industry thrives on our insecurities. Billboards and magazines are inundated with photos of beautiful flawless people draped in luxury and indulgence. You are designed to want what you see these images. Sometimes it's things, sometimes it's wealth and sometimes it might even be youth.
The fashion industry thrives on our insecurities. Billboards and magazines are inundated with photos of beautiful flawless people draped in luxury and indulgence. You are designed to want when you see these images. If you're anything like me, you want the perfectly smooth skin, the white teeth, the sparkling eyes. You want the thin waist, the straight nose, the full lips. You want that handbag that costs 2 grand. You want the life, the image, the feeling that is depicted.
And, the older you get the more you might want the youth.
Because, it's undeniable, the fashion industry is flooded with young blood. Sure, there has been a rise in the return of nineties supermodels. It's not uncommon to see Christy Turlington on the cover of a magazine and God knows you can't move for advertisements that feature Kate Moss. But the issue of age is such a problem within the industry that the CFDA's President, Diane Von Furstenberg, began asking for IDs from models at castings to ensure no one was booked that was under the age of sixteen. Sixteen. What place does a fifteen year old, fourteen year old, thirteen year old have displaying clothes at a fashion show that are designed to be sold to women. Women with curves and lumps that, likely, resemble nothing close to a teenager.
What a step in the right direction then is The Row's Pre-Fall collection which features Linda Rodin who is in her sixties. It seems a strange concept for a luxury brand to feature models that are, in most cases, far too young to afford the clothes that are being shown. The Row's target audience is not a teenager and so why should its models be that young? By contrast, Burberry's latest campaign features a grouping of fresh talent that are as young as sixteen. While there is no denying the fresh-faced charm of Jean Campbell, I would have rather liked to see a slew of more aged British heavyweights donning those iconic trench coats instead of a bunch of high-schoolers.
Take note world, Mary Kate and Ashley have struck a chord with this one.
Images via Style.com
// A SQUARE LOOK BACK //
This past year hasn't been the easiest one.
In mid 2012 I got sick. As part of the recovery process I was put on a heavy dose of medication which I had to take for a year. It was pretty intense. It made me feel drowsy and down. I lost motivation and drive. Things I would normally be excited by didn't interest me and as a result of the whole experience I lost a lot of self-confidence. This past June I was taken off of the medicine and I, optimistically, hoped that I would bounce straight back to my former self. That didn't happen. Although I was technically 'better' I didn't feel entirely that way. It has taken the last six months for me to get back to normal. Now, a year and a half after the incident I finally feel better.
There is still one major side effect from the medicine that I'm battling: weight gain. Over the course of a few months I put on thirty pounds. Most of my clothes no longer fit. If you've been reading this blog for a while you've probably noticed that the content has changed slightly - outfit posts have been rare. Lately I've been making an effort to reintroduce them, though it's tough as I don't have many items in my wardrobe to play with. Please don't get me wrong. I'm not technically overweight but this is the heaviest I've ever been and that has taken some getting used to. With the start of the new year one of my resolutions is to take back control of my body. I'm determined to lose the weight in a healthy way.
Usually I do a post at the end of the year looking back at all the best moments and it tends to feature lots of outfit pictures. This year I can't do that as there have only been a handful of them.
When I was thinking back on the year at first I felt a bit despondent. It has undoubtedly been tough. But then I decided to do a little Flipagram on Instagram - to collect all my favourite photos from the past year and put them into a little slideshow. When I went through them I was totally blown away by how great a year I've had. Zurich has been beautiful. I got to travel a lot and visit London, Berlin, Portugal, France and Sweden. I visited New York, shot four weddings with my sister in St Louis, and went back to California for the first time after eight years of being away. I'm lucky to be surrounded by great people and I'm even luckier because I have my health.
That is the thing that stuck out to me most - how very blessed I am to be starting a new year healthy. Wherever you are and whatever you are currently facing, I hope you feel optimistic about the year to come. Great things are headed your way.
All photos from Instagram.
LONG COATS
It was exactly eight years ago, shortly after I'd moved to Oxford from California, that I went back home to the states in search of a winter coat.
Having grown up in hot climates I'd never really had a proper coat before and I wasn't sure what kind to get. So I headed to Burlington Coat Factory in search of a bargain with my mom and settled on this ankle grazing Bill Blass number. When I got back to England I wore it out for the first time and instantly realized I was massively out of place. No one my age was wearing long coats... I felt like an utter muppet and vowed to never wear it again.
Then this winter rolled around and suddenly long coats were hot on my mind. I think it was partially due to this Pinterest board which features oodles of saucy chicks rocking long coats to perfection. I searched all over my flat until I found the coat at the bottom of a box in my storage room. It was crinkled and covered in fluff. I put it on and looked like an absolute mess but vowed to clean it up and make it work. Since then it has been the only thing I've been wearing whenever I leave the flat. Although haven't seen anyone my age wearing this sort of coat around Zurich I don't mind being a bit out of place anymore.
Wearing: Bill Blass coat, Gap hap, Acne jeans, New Balance sneakers, Lilifi clutch, Zara jumper and vintage stole.
En Soie, Zurich
When you wander into En Soie you enter a magical little trove of treasures. The store is packed full of treats and is a bonafide Zurich gem. Since 1894 they've been producing handmade items, all designed in their atelier which is situated just up a cobblestoned road next to the store.
When you wander into En Soie you enter a magical little trove of treasures. The store is packed full of treats and is a bonafide Zurich gem. Since 1894 they've been producing handmade items, all designed in their atelier which is situated just up a cobblestoned road next to the store.
If you pop into the shop you'll find racks of quirky clothes, a wall covered in scarves, cosmetic pouches, table wear, shoes, jewelry and pretty much anything else you could desire. At the moment it's decked out in full on Christmas cheer - with a tree and a table laid out as if guests should be arriving any moment for a feast. The staff are super friendly and you might even spot the resident dog lurking about if you're lucky.
My favourite part though is a little secret situated at the back. The first few times I visited I didn't even notice it was there. There's a small staircase right next to the fitting rooms that goes down into a cellar. There you'll find a tiny little alcove filled from floor to ceiling with hand painted pottery. They've got everything you could need - checked dog bowls, plates, egg cups, massive vases and even adorable little ornaments shaped like sheep.
If you're ever in Zurich make sure to stop by En Soie, it's a must see in the city. Bypass the cheesy tourist shops and instead buy something special in here, you're sure to love it for years.
En Soie is located at Strehlgasse 26, Zurich 8001.
lfw
Remember a couple of years ago when we discussed the future of street style?
Well I'm glad the trend for erecting studios outside of fashion shows didn't catch on - I much prefer the stone buildings that make up Somerset House.
These are just a few shots from London Fashion Week that I took back in September. I've noticed that I'm most drawn to people with unusual style and boys with gold chains. I like people who are a little quirky, don't take themselves too seriously or come decked out in trends. Too many street style photographers chase famous faces and 'it' bags.
That's not my thing.
Despite the aggression directed towards street style photographers at fashion week it's still something I like taking part in. I try to avoid the scrambles that take place around editors and instead focus on people who aren't 'street style stars'. I feel like the same faces pop up on every street style blog and that's a bit boring. So here's to hoping I can add a bit of variety to the mix.
Photos by Jennifer Inglis
Unique ss14
I know, we're approaching Christmas and it's freezing outside. Everyone is thinking about holiday parties and jumpers with snowmen on them but, if I'm honest, I've mentally moved over to spring already.
I feel like I've been drowning in a sea of photos of turtlenecks and chunky knits and I'm a little tired of it. So, for today I'm switching gears and diving headfirst into the wonder that was Topshop Unique's Spring 2014 show because it totally embodies warmth and sunshine - which is what I'm craving at the moment.
The models were all bare legged with loose wavy hair, making them look like they'd just stepped off the beach. There was hardly a heel insight, instead everyone donned flat white slides like the retro adidas ones (minus the stripes). The silhouette was baggy and oversized which I loved.
There were a few bold prints but in general the looks that stood out most were the ones that came in crisp whites and denim. There was a blue jacket with leather detailing which was to die for and a grey cross-back top which has already got me searching for my racerback bra. The thing I like about going to the Topshop show (besides the yummy nibbles and celebrity spotting) is that it's a show with pieces I can actually afford to buy.
At the top of my wish list is the cream poncho like top with embroidery and tassels. How sweet would it be worn with a pair of ripped up denim shorts and black Birkenstocks? Yes please, that's my summer uniform is sorted.
Photos by Jennifer Inglis
The Acne Hoodie
Regardless of how many things come in and out of fashion there are some items I will always love. It might not be that chic or exciting but I'm a sucker for a good hoodie.
When I came across this one from Acne my heart did a little happy flip. It comes in the perfect shade of melange grey (my absolute favourite), has a silk lined hood and extra long sleeves. Instead of buying trendy items, I'm trying to invest in good quality pieces that I'll wear over and over again. Spending 250 euros on a sweatshirt might seem a little nutso but I've gotten to the stage where I'd rather have a few pieces that I really love instead of a closet full of clothes I don't really like. I'm pretty sure if I had this little baby I'd be wearing it all the time. Cross your fingers with me that it goes on sale so that I can pick it up later this month in Stockholm.
How about you? What sort of pieces would you be willing to splash out on?
// GIVE THE GIFT OF ART //
Somethings never change. When I was a teenager I had a poster of Eminem on my wall. I was all about the adoration of rap superstars and it fit very nicely with my rebellious nature. Now, I've grown up a bit but my walls are still lined with images of rap's greatest.
Have you heard of the Tumblr 99 Problems? It's a brilliant collection of illustrations by Ali Graham that outlines the 99 problems of one un-named but very obvious rapper. The concept harks back to the 2004 song by Jay-Z and plays on the lyrics from his other songs as well as modern day issues. A lot of the problems are bizarre and surreal while others are simple annoyances you probably face everyday. Some feature other artists (almost all the ones with Kanye have already sold out) or deal with twerking, facebook and hashtags - you know, the true great problems of our age. When I saw the site I thought it was a hilarious idea and was so pleased when Graham decided to do a limited edition run of prints.
What I love about these is that I feel like they tap into the current zeitgeist. I grew up on rap and the concept of fame has always had a certain allure. These pictures feel very relevant to our generation. They deal with issues like social media, passport photos, Homeland, and Miley. I'm sure they aren't the sort of thing that everyone would appreciate but to me they are just perfect. That's why I purchased three and have them proudly hanging in my hallway. I can't afford to buy fancy expensive art but, at the same time, I feel like I've outgrown the stage of having posters on my wall. These feel like a nice intermediary.
If you're still looking for a Christmas present for a rap junkie on your list I can't recommend these enough. They cost just $19.99 and come numbered and signed by Graham. There are only 99 prints made of each problem and he has vowed not to produce any more prints once these have sold out. So, go on, give the gift of art and let someone you love hang one of these babies on their wall.
Check out the full shop here.
December 2013
Wait, so did you know that technically it's not winter yet? I don't know about you but in my world it sure as heck feels like I'm smack-dab in the middle of a full-blown apocalyptic winter.
As a result of the sub zero temperatures I've taken on some unusual behavior. To start, I spend most of the day permanently attached to a blanket and a hot water bottle. At night I survive on candlelight alone - it makes for the dreamiest of atmostpheres. I've made a vow to only wear my snowflake flannel pajamas and I avoid the outdoors like they are the plague. Part of the reason I hate being outside so much is because I've been refusing to wear socks... so my feet are always freezing. I think it's a habit that officially needs to stop. I've also taken to wasting inordinate amounts of time scrolling through the web for pictures that make my heart feel warm and fuzzy. Lately they've come in the form of abstract art, messy hair, gold details, fog, big knits, and clean interiors.
See below for a selection of faux-winter worthy inspiration. Click on the pictures to view large and scroll through for easy viewing.
Images from a selection on Pinterest.
Reinvention
For some strange reason, the other day, instead of putting my black Zara skirt on around my bottom I pulled it up to my chest. Ooo, I stared into the mirror and did a little twirl. It flared out with quite a cute little shape. Voila. I had just gained, without spending any money, a brand new top.
For some strange reason, the other day, instead of putting my black Zara skirt on around my bottom I pulled it up to my chest.
Ooo, I stared into the mirror and did a little twirl. It flared out with quite a cute little shape. Voila. I had just gained, without spending any money, a brand new top.
This weekend I paired it with some grey pinstripe trousers and wandered over to Winterthur to explore some back alleys. I'm not going to lie, I had a massive cardigan and a coat on for most of the time. But the shape of the top was kind of lost when I had on all those layers.
So I stripped down and my absurdity managed to go unnoticed except for the hoard of kids that rode by on their bicycles shouting in German, 'You must be freezing!' Yes, I was. But, thankfully I've got Photoshop and the ability to zap the red tones out of my skin so... if I didn't tell you, you'd never have known that I was actually frozen solid.
Wearing Zara skirt (as a top), trousers and shoes. Moxham clutch. Vintage earrings.
GIRLS IN SUITS
With the holidays fast approaching (Happy Thanksgiving!) I've started thinking a bit about party dressing.
This year my plan is to forego the little black dresses and instead opt for something more tailored. Enter the suit. Somehow I've managed to go my entire life without ever wearing a suit and I think that should change. I'd like a loose black one with wide legs and a long-lined blazer. It should be on the boyish side so that I can pair it with big chandelier earrings and dark vampy lips. Yes, that sounds like the perfect holiday getup.
The reason I have suits on my mind is because of these photos I took of Anjelica Lorenz back at London Fashion Week. I tend to shy away from prints and so I don't think I'd dare to wear this plaid Topshop combination but I think she pulls it off so well. I love that she's wearing a classic white shirt but toughens up the outfit with a slick biker jacket.
How about you? Have you ever worn a suit? Do you want to?
ASHISH ss14
There's a soft spot in my heart for anything Arab related. I grew up in the MIddle East at a time when American culture was on the rise and, without a doubt, Coca Cola symbolized this. There were often days when we couldn't buy cheese but we could always get our hands on a Coke - they were stocked in every shop, no matter how remote.
I'm partial to a bit of American branding and so I practically keeled over with joy when the first look from Ashish's SS14 collection came out. It featured a pair of sequined covered ripped jeans and a slouchy tank top emblazoned with the Coca Cola logo. Thankfully this wasn't just a one off, there were a handful of other pieces in the collection that bore the same symbol. My favourite of the lot was a raglan baseball style top with blue sleeves and a white body.
Multiculturalism was rife throughout the show. From the models that were cast to the unlikely styling. There were grey sweats, pinstripes and white shirts paired with jeans that were falling apart. Prints were in abundance with stripes, plaid and even leopard making an appearance. Arabic text was present on a slew of the garments. All the looks were topped off with heavy African inspired silver jewelry and black smoking slippers that were adorned with multicoloured rhinestones. It was an amalgamation of identities and it represented people from a host of different countries.
There was, undoubtedly, one stand out piece from the collection: the grocery store bags covered with sequins. Instead of classic branding they were morphed into tongue-in-cheek sayings. There was 'Disco' instead of Tesco and 'S&M' on a neon green bag that should have said M&S. A brilliant idea and definitely the bag I hope to be carrying next spring.
Photos by Jennifer Inglis