Puppet on a String

I have always had a love for the Sixties as an era but have since, to be honest, grown a little tired of the fashion coming back every couple of seasons. I had over indulged in sixties fashion and underground music and scenes during the late 90s and early 2000s -a bit too die hard, try hard for my liking. I change my mind too much to become dedicated to one scene /style. Of course, there are still elements of it that I love, mini dresses and tights, parka coats, the music, Mods and interiors. Oh my god, I still love it don't I?

Here is my interpretation of how to wear the Autumn /Winter 2011/12 'Sixties Trend' this season without looking too try hard! I have only used the high street to source these pics but I would always recommend buying original sixties dresses from the thousands of vintage shops in Uk, online, ebay,car boot sales and beyond. If you want to the original look. I like mix the new with the old, hoarding all the way!

 This cute little two piece tunic and shorts set from Asos is very Dolly Girl for all New Mods as Topshop has labelled you. I love this combo, it's practically a romper suit! Would look great with tights and flat mary janes, I, of course would also wear it with converse, makes it less smart.

 This Asos playsuit is really cute - cute being the word for this Sixties Dolly Girl look that i'm going for. The cut on the neck is flattering for an athletic bird like me, who cannot compete with the Dolly Girl skinny body but knows how to pull the look off without looking like Action Man in a dress. Again, colourful tights n flats with this number,oh and a bright belt.

Love these cute flat Mary Janes from Newlook (my new favourite shoe shop) Newlook sells all the shoe styles you can get in Office and Topshop but at 1/4 of the price. It's not that I don't buy shoes from Topshop and Office but if I get my shoes in Newlook then i can get at least 3 pairs for the price of one!  

 A crochet dress is  perfect for this look, this one's from Topshop and the colour is also very on-trend.

This dress is not that Sixties looking, in the traditional sense, except for the Peter Pan style collar, but it is leopard print and it is a short dress from River Island and I want it. It would look great with coloured tights and flats or wedges.

 This polka-dot pussy bow plysuit from River Island would look great with the wedges below and the tights, of course.

These wedge boots from Office would look great with any of these dresses. I'm not saying they are sixties influenced, I could give them a tedious nod to sixties spaceage fashion I guess.

 The bright tights I keep mentioning, these are from River Island but you can pretty much buy bright tights anywhere these days. At the beginning of the 2000's I had alot of trouble sourcing coloured tights, I now have far too many pairs, from panic buying and have put a ban on my buying anymore .Give yellow tights a go is my advice.

 Here are the more obvious Sixties inspired Op-art tights from Topshop, I do love these but this stripe is not always flattering on a larger leg, it's a risk, but it's tights....just one more pair?

 The cut of this Op-art River Island skirt is obviosly not sixties, its for the print, would look great with a little vest tucked in, more Fifties for sure.

 Again this Topshop tube skirt is here for the Mondrian print, they loved a bit of that in the Sixties...

 Check out this Mondrian inspired print bodysuit also from Topshop, It's a no-no for me at the moment but I'm ready to let the bodysuit back into my life, (i was a teenager of the 90s, it's been a difficult item to let back in) worn with a tube skirt or some shorts....when the baby bumps gone, I dont want to scare people.

 These little Peter Pan collared tops from Topshop are really cute, but are a fashion mistake for all pregnant women, who are made to believe a smock is flattering and comfortable for a pregnant woman. Comfortable it may be but flattering it ain't, A-line tops make you look bigger, steer clear!!!

 I would personally wear these tops with shorts and tights and those wedges (when I'm not pregnant) look at the polka dots, how can you resist them?

Another version of the Newlook Mary Janes in a Jewel toned green, I need to introduce these Jewel tones into my wardrobe, it can be done, I let neutral tones in this Spring/Summer, challenge accepted!

 Aaah! The Parka, I shall never grow tired of it, its comfortable, functional and looks great with everything, especially over those dresses and tights! This one's from Asos.

This is from Topshops A/W 2011/12 Collection, you know, the one where you cant actually buy any of the clothes, however despite my complaing, I still love the styling. This look is from their New Mod Collection, look at that leopard print vanity case (not available to buy boo hoo!) I love it and I want it .Topshop you are so cruel to me!!!!

So that just about rounds it up for my Sixties inspired high street round-up, I wont be able to wear any of it until I have had my baby but I will continue my mission to find ways that I can! I could have the Mary Janes and that Topshop vanity case, if it was ever for sale!! Next posts should be more of me and how I am tackling fashion and my ever growing size, whilst I make the most of the end of the Summer season. Winter fashions coming!

All images are sourced from www.topshop.com , www.newlook.com , www.asos.com, www.riverisland.com , www.office.co.uk, 

You've got your Mother in a whirl, cos she's not sure if you're a boy or a girl...

My current obsession is what's happening in the shops for the new season Autumn Winter 2011-12. I have had a look around and have come up with a few different looks that are high on my fashion agenda for the coming season. Although today has to be one of the hottest days of the year, I, am busy looking for my Winter Wardrobe. I have clearly put aside that I am actually 7 months pregnant for the moment so I can dream of what I can wear post-pregnancy body. I can get a few pieces now and then add to it after my baby is born in November (probably December, if my track record is anything to go by). So I'm really excited about the Androgynous (a look I can usually carry off) one of the boys, girls who are boys...etc..looks that is very prominant this A /W. I also love Asos and Topshops campaigns for this look on their websites, the styling is great, I had to include it.

 Let's start with this cute teddy boy look from Topshops A/W 2011/12 Collection. I think they labelled it New Mod, but have to disagree it's more influenced by 50s  or Punk than Mod. The cute quiff in the hair, the crop cardigan over a high button shirt, ankle grazer trousers in Garnet  - a big colour this season, white socks and my favourite bit, the brothel creepers. I am deffo gonna get me some of these!

 The second look from Topshop A/W 2011/12 collection. Im loving the ribbon neck tie and the polka dot ankle grazers, these are not available at Topshop online yet, I hate it when they give you teasers of pieces on the website but never come up with the goods to actually buy. Not that I can fit into them at the moment, but that's not the point....rant over....Polka-dots are massive this season BTW as is emerald green, two ticks for these trousers, that you cant actually buy yet....

 This look is available from Asos and is part of their A/W 2011/12 campaign. Really like the Crombie jacket, which is a new length for this season, I want one of these coats, trousers perhaps a little too tight for my liking but they are in the new garnet A/W colour. These shoes are a more girlie option of the brothel creeper for those who just can't / won't do the full on brothel creeper.

 This style of hat has been doing the rounds for a few seasons now for boys and girls but it still looks great with this look. A more colourful version of the 3/4 length coat.All from Asos.

 The coat looks really cool in this one, I still interested in beige, unbelievable! Asos again.

 I love these 3/4 length cardigans, they have also been kicking around for a few seasons but I never want them to leave! I buy mine in extra large so they swamp me and can be worn as coats, they look good with everything in my opinion. This look reminds me of some Mod, psyche

 boys I used to know who clashed paisley patterned shirts with front button tweed ankle grazers, it

sounds terrible but I thought it looked great.

 Aaah! the old jumper over shirt look, it's been around for years, reminds me being a Brit -pop girl.

 Although I'm not a fan of sleeveless shirts ( I was totally appalled by those sleeveless jackets from last S/S Season) I am a fan of leopard print, I think this Topshop A/W 2010/12

 shirt would look great with some, ankle grazers and a pair of brothel creepers.

 Talking of Brothel Creepers, I have been quietly considering a pair of these for a few years, now they're all over the place, I can't say no. They will definately be my next purchase (pregnancy not interferring with the size of my feet) the only trouble is, now there's too much choice. Here's a few of them. These red lovelies are from Topshop online.

 Blue suede shoes, I love these ones from topshop online.

 Hey, you're not brothel creepers! Oh thats right you're leopard print, you can

 stay.....in my wardrobe. Leopard print lace up lovelies from River Island A/W 2011/12.

A boot version, love it, very Tokyo-ite. Black brothel creeper boots from Office online.

Black suede brothel creeper boots with animal print upper panel from Office Online

 These are contenders!

 These remind me of the 80s revival of brothel creepers, you saw alot of these when I

 was a kid. Didnt Ducky have them in Pretty in Pink?? I think he did! Yey!

This is a campaign shot i found on line for D&G A/W 2011/12. I choose it for the braces and it reminds me of Madonna's Vogue video. FIN

My Style Icons Part 2 - Debbie Harry

My first Style Icon is Debbie Harry the Punk Rock Goddess female vocalist from Blondie. Debbie was the first person I wanted to look like when I grew up, my Mum thought she was beautiful and I agreed with her. As well as fronting one of my favourite bands of all time Debbie Harry manages to mix up an image of punk rock, girlie chic, hip hop and glamour better than anyone, the blonde hair, the lip gloss, the attitude, need I say more? I also love that Debbie Harry was not real young when she formed Blondie, she was actually in her 30s. I may give off the impression that I dont give a damn about age but, of course, I do. I will always promote that you should not have to start acting a certain way or dressing a certain way because of your age. You just have to stay aware of it, you are gonna get older, just carry on as if you're not!

To explain about the blog name for those who didn't know. 'No Debutante' is a quote from a line in the Blondie song 'Dreaming' The line in the song is also quoted on my blog...

When I met you in the restaurant, you could tell I was no debutante...

Is this a virginal white mini dress with red electrical tape wrapped around it?Yes, I think it is...I love you Debbie.



The cheekbones the bleach blonde hair, the fringe, the pout, I could go on... 

 High waister skinnies with the safety pin fastening. I even love the handbag on the chair next to her.

 The bleach blonde hair with black dip dye effect ends.

 Oversized ripped jumper worn as a dress, possibly....I do love a jumper as a dress. It's my thing, really short dresses , skirts, shorts,showing alot of leg... you get the idea. None of these ballerina / ice skater girl flippy style short skirts for me though, I have small hips and a tiny ass which frankly accentuates my muscular thighs. I need to show off the small parts to disguise the big, this has taken me years to figure out with many fashion errors! Back to Debbie....I love her....

Debbie Harry looking like a cute geek in those cool white large frame glasses. She has so many looks which is something I'm very interested in, not being stuck with the same look all the time, this is quite hard to achieve unless you have a disposable income to blow on new clothing, accessories and hair / make up. Hoarding is a good way to achieve a good eclectic wardrobe in my opinion. Debbie Harry you are a beautiful, glamourous style Legend. Did I mention....I love you....

People stop and stare at me We just walk on by - we just keep on dreaming

Whole Lotta Rosie Part 2 (Hot Hot Summer)

I am back from my travels to hot, hot Mallorca and have kept a style diary of what I wore on a day to day basis, over this time, I am adding to my Pregnancy Fashion Diary at the same time. Basically, I am getting bigger and the weather was real hot, it was great to have the freedom to wear less clothes and not worry about whether I should wear leggings / tights etc under my much loved short skirts and shorts, like I would in the UK, yes, even in the Summer! Bare legs apparently is only for the young and they even still seem to opt for the leg cover up here, I have noticed, maybe its the tights as trousers fashion thing thats been around for a while or more likely that the UK weather is very difficult to judge each morning........anyhoo let's move on....The Post starts with me at Week 22 before I went away and ends with this Week (Week 25! Yey! Over half way!)

 Week 22

Here are the brights clashing colurs I promised you. I have just had my haircut here too so I look camera ready. Hair by my lovely hair stylist Vikki Mac at Angela Gaudi in Bristol.

 The dress is from Topshop Consession Reko, a few seasons ago now, Summer 2009 I reckon. I hardly every throw any clothes away and I wear this dress all year round. Unfortunately I have had to stop wearing this dress for the monent as it now doesnt even cover my ass- my ass has not got bigger, it's the bump pulling it up, honest..... I will be back in this dress by December. The yellow cardigan is from H&M and goes with every dress, ever!

 Week 23 - First day in Mallorca.

 This is my beige, yes, beige sheer, slouchy Primark tee. I went for a few neutral shades this Spring / Summer, first time ever..to see what all the fuss was about. I actually dont mind a bit of neutral now, as long as I keep wearing bright red or yellow sunglasses, I'm happy. These are the H&M denim shorts I have spoken about, I wear them alot, they are so comfy. I, of course, had to customise them slightly by cutting a couple of inches off the bottom to make them nice 'n' short, they have the over the bump waistband thing going on but I generally wear that rolled down, especially when it's hot.

 A hot summer evening and I'm wearing my yellow sunglasses (H&M), Orange slouchy, sheer Primark tee (like the beige one, great for layering) Green vest (under orange top) topshop and my favourite, most comfy and loud trousers from Topshop, I love them so much, I'm wearing them now! Blue Gladiator Sandels throughout from Primark too! I like to pop down to Primark at the start of each season to pick up high fashion bargains, this year it paid off big time!

 I wear this top as a cover up, during the day on the beach or by the pool, the front is pretty basic but the back open with large drapes and a string type cut out detail at the top (see below), it's not amazing but I like it. it's another cheap purchase from George at Asda again from around S /S 2009. I clearly like to re-wear high summer pieces for each holiday! Bikini from Topshop S/S 2010 and my favourite denim shorts.

 The night after the hottest day ever on the beach.The whole family were sunburnt, despite all the sun cream.This maxi tube dress was all I could get on, it saved my life!

 The Madonna print maxi tube dress is from Topshop S/S 2010. It's a great shape for me, even when pregnant. I, frankly,look like an idiot in those peasant / hippy style flowing maxi dresses that everyone else has been wearing over the past few seasons, they do not suit my style for one or do anything for a girl with an athletic figure!

 This dress goes with my 80s bodycon look and also my 90s grunge maxi/ tube skirt revival. I also love the print of Madoona looking really young and provocative, Like a Virgin era.

 It's that beige top again worn with O'Neill Beach Shorts which are cut so low that they can be worn under the bump. Again, I've had these for years!

 The crazy golf was shocking..

 Another hot night, still sunburnt, I abandon the bra on this occasion and couldn't have given a damn. Plain vest from Topshop, this season no less! Silky style leopard print trousers from Topshop A/W 2010. I love these trousers so much, but, there is a problem! Despite being quite generous on the waist for a size 12 these trousers have a back zip fastening which i can no longer do up! I have a purchased one of those bump bands from Topshop to wear over the half open zip to disguise the fact that these leopard print lovelies no longer fit but alas, this garment is useless and keeps riding up, revealing my pants! Gutted!

 The bump is looking smaller than usual in this photo isn't it? It really changes on a daily bases. I have curled my hair on this occasion, using my babyliss curling wand, best piece of hair tec ever!

 Week 24 - My Baby is now viable and could survive with assistance if it was born early! To celebrate this occasion I have gone for my favourite breton tee from H&M S/S 2010, those trusty denim shorts and my red converse Allstars low tops.

 I have now managed to constantly own and wear Converse Allstars for 10 years! They will become the item I am still wearing when i'm 80, Converse Allstarts, large frame sunglasses and blue eyeshadow, I sound great, I love me when I'm a pensioner!

 Last night in Mallorca, gutted and orange, with my top matching my tan. I'm also wearing my LBD from H&M, lycra based non maternity, as seen in earlier Fashion diary posts.

 Week 25 - back in UK Djing at Bang my club night. My baby can now hear sounds and was kicking away all night, I DJ'd, danced and stayed up til 3am on the hottest night ever! I rock....and i am still paying for it 4 days on!