No Debutante - Vintage Americana

Vintage Americana was massive on the catwalks last summer and fitted in with my 1950s inspired obsessions. It's a preppy and casual look and it has moved on this season with varsity jackets and checks on everything. I love my (blatant Prada rip off) Americana car print top from Primark (last summer) and it will certainly be seen this Summer too worn with my adored tapered and vintage cut jeans.

Here's a continuation of my vintage style from this week with a close-up on my twisted up and pinned in hair style for the day.

 

 

Remember if you do like what you see please nominate me in the Company Style Blogger Awards here http://www.company.co.uk/magazine-hq/stylebloggerawards2013 in the Best Personal Blog catagory.

 

All clothing from Primark, Galleries Lafayette in Tokyo, Accessorise.

Styling by No Debutante.

Thank you for reading!

ND xx

No Debutante - Tapered Jean Girl

I have come to the conclusion - possibly two years too late - that little and often is the way to go with blogging, especially if you are short of time but have lots to say!

 

This pics on this Personal Style Post were taken whilst I was on a weekend break in Wales last week. I needed to pack warm and comfortable clothes as there was going to be alot of bike riding and general activeness in freezing cold weather, so I opted for jeans.

One of my current style obsessions is the 1950s dragged through the 1980s look unfortunately due to the shocking weather conditions here in the UK this look was hidden by layers of cardigans and duffel coats. Rubbish!!! See below, I did actually manage to get a photograph of my efforts whilst I longed for the Summer.....

How the hell do you look stylish with a baby carrier on your front and a back pack on in freezing weather conditions??? God knows, I tried!!

 

As you can see my choice of footwear for the weekend was a good ol' pair of Converse, went nicely with the retro Vs comfort theme!

These jeans are my latest pair of 1940s jeans from Freddies of Pinewood. I'm not sure I am totally into them yet, the leg is real wide and I can't decide whether they need to be rolled up more or less. If I was being true to the 1940s land girl I would roll them up more. What do you think? To be honest on both occasions that I have been photographed wearing them I haven't had much choice on the shots or much time to style myself up - the life of a busy mother I guess -  more dedication is needed to get these land girl lovelies up there in my new favourite jeans list! Watch this space for this challenge!

 

All clothing from H&M, Vivien of Holloway, Topshop, Primark, New Look, Converse and Freddies of Pinewood.

All styling by No Debutante.

 

I'm off now to hide some Easter eggs around our home for the Easter Egg Hunt that will probably kick off at about 7am tomorrow morning! Ooooooooohhhh!!!

Happy Easter!!!

ND xx

No Debutante - Head over heels

I seem to have collected a few head scarf moments from the past couple of weeks so I thought I'd show you the different ways I've been wearing mine. You will be pleased to hear that I have now found myself a new head scarf unfortunately this has only just happened so you will not be seeing the new purchase today! It would appear that I am quite fussy when it comes to head scarfs, not only is the colour and print a big thing for me as I like the colour to compliment my hair and skin tone, I also have to take into consideration the size of the scarf and how small I fold and roll it down to fit my child size head! By child size I mean it is the same size as a child's head not that it is as big as a child!

 

 

Head scarfs are a great way to hide a bad hair day or to hide the fact you are still growing out the bloody layers from that undercut you had two years ago!

I promise to show you my new head scarf very soon and shall be constantly on the look out for new ones to keep things more interesting!

Wear yours like a 1940s land girl, a 1950s pin up, with a 1960s beehive, wrapped up big with African influences or knotted up in a 1980s Bananarama Vs Madonna style. The choice is endless!!!

 

I love head scarfs!

 

ND xx

 

 

No Debutante - How I wear my pleated Maxi skirt

It's the start of the Easter weekend and we have another long weekend to spend as a family so before I start to celebrate with a bottle of wine (or two) I shall give you another Personal Style post.

In contrast to yesterdays Short Cuts post I shall show you how I wear my new pleated maxi skirt which was purchased on my Primark Sunday trip a few weeks back. I have been unsure how this item will fit in with my style but I am, so far, happy with the results, the skirt is so flattering which surprises me and although I am showing you how I wear it in this cold weather, I am looking forward to wearing it in the summer months (when they arrive....).

 

I found layering vests and crop tops with my maxi skirt made the look more flattering, I wore my hidden wedge Topshop boots that I am currently pairing with warm socks and tights to keep me warm. I long for the day when I can wear my sandal's and flip flops again!!!

 

I love my maxi skirt! Roll on the summer!

 

All clothing from H&M, Topshop, Primark.

Syling by No Debutante.

 

I'm still after those nominations for the Best Personal Style Blog for the Company Style Blogger Awards 2013!

Nominate me if you like what you see! Thank you!

http://www.company.co.uk/magazine-hq/stylebloggerawards2013

 

ND xx

No Debutante - Short Cuts

Apologies for my lack of posts this week, I have just returned from a long weekend in freezing cold Wales with the family, which was packed full of bike rides, swimming ( mainly water chutes ans wave machines) and lots of fresh air!! The nights were spent in our warm Lodge drinking wine and watching films so some relaxing was had whilst my little monsters slept! With no rest for the wicked, I was straight back into work with the holiday bags still unpacked -business as usual! Did I mention Winter has returned here in the UK, there is snow (not in Wales or Bristol luckily) I am longing for the sunshine to come!

 

Carrying on with my personal style posts, I still have my eyes on the prize for the Company Style Blogger Award for the Best Personal Style blog -nominate me here  http://www.company.co.uk/magazine-hq/stylebloggerawards2013

 

Here is a selection of the outfits I have worn over the past few weeks with a theme for short lengths - tights are a must!!

1960s inspired cute

 

Girlie Grunge - Riot grrrrl sport socks and Dr Martens worn with a shirt dress.

This post is a contrast with the post that will follow where you will see me experimenting with my new maxi skirt!

 

All clothing from H&M, Primark, Topshop, New Look, American Apparel, Dr Martens, 8ball.com, Converse and customised shorts by No Debutante.

All styling by No Debutante

 

Don't forget to nominate me if you like what you see here http://www.company.co.uk/magazine-hq/stylebloggerawards2013

 

Thank You! ND xx

No Debutante - Victory Rolls

My new favourite hair style that I have been challenging myself to perfect is the 1940s Victory Roll. I have fine hair so after much deliberating with the whole backcombing issue (ruins your hair and my hair is already bleached-yikes!) I have embraced backcombing (again) and I tell you what, backcombing does wonders for the Victory Roll, even in fine hair!

 

I've been practising Victory Rolls for about 3 years and I'm glad to say, I think I've got it!! My hair is still growing out the god damn undercut and although it is now pretty long, I still cannot wear it down without the appearance of the mullet! So, I have soldiered on with these mad layers and I wear my hair up everyday - usually with a hair scarf (I really must buy more of these I must be boring you with the pink or the red one!) -  and I'm finding it pretty easy to style. I used to be obsessed with my curling wand and although it made my hair look great, I just didn't have the time to do it before the school runs and work, I'm sorry but I just refuse to get up at 6am just to do my hair, I like, and need, my sleep!!

 

On this occasion I have tried out the reversed Victory Roll where the roll goes forward instead of back, it was a bit of trial and error but this is the finished product. By pulling at the sides of the Victory Roll it kind of became a barrel or a long quiff. I am quite pleased with the result - see what you think.

I Love Victory Rolls!

If you like what you see please remember to nominate me - No Debutante in the Company Style Bloggers Awards  2013 in the Best Personal Style Blog Category follow link here http://www.company.co.uk/magazine-hq/stylebloggerawards2013
Thank-you!

ND xx
 

Bang is 10! - 10 Years of Your New Favourite Club

My club night Bang turned 10 years old a month ago and to celebrate this amazing event we organised a massive Bang Birthday Party with all the fun of the riotous Bang affair plus photo displays, the Bangzine, a Bang Birthday cake and the return of the Bang Band which includes the Bang DJs plus our infamous roadie Steve on drums. Thanks Steve, for your energy, enthusiasm and encouragement (and for being so into it that you want to continue Bang Band!) You Rock!

The big birthday bash took place at our new home upstairs at The Stag and Hounds in Bristol alongside our fellow club night Dirty Casino (downstairs) on Saturday 16 February.

I wouldn't normally appear to boast about something I did but we had worked so hard to plan the event and these comments made me so happy and proud that I had to give them a mention!

Facebook comments on the Bang fanpage http://www.facebook.com/bangbristol after the event included.

'The Bang Band were brilliant'

'What a brilliant night thanks so much for a fantastic time!'

Wow!!! What a night! I love Bang!

'Loved it, the band rocked it. Roll on May! Xx'

'It was amazing, folks. Thank you so much x'

 

Thank you Bangers!!

And as we say at Bang.....It's time to kick out the jams!!

I love the two images of the amazing Bang Birthday cake. The top one where the cake is lovingly displayed and the second taken during the Bang party! The fantastic cake was made by the very talented Naomi (my brother Mike's lovely lady) Thank you Naomi!!!

 

The set list image (taken in what looks like a stable from all the random bits of straw on the floor) shows you the seven tracks we covered in the band these are all Bang favourites from the club night and were received really well, which was fantastic! I sang Decepticon by La Tigre at the end as I pretty much have to scream and it kills my voice! Totally worth it though!! I really enjoyed it!!

 

For the past 10 Years, the Bang DJs have always ended the night with 'Life on Mars - Bowie' which we did on this night too but the atmosphere was amazing and my brother Mike(seen above with Phil, my husband) decided we needed an encore and quickly grabbed - whilst managing to keep hold of his pint - 'Ace of Spades-Motorhead' The room went mad! Bang on!

 

For those who didn't know....Bang play 50s, new wave, northern soul, ska, alternative 80s, 60s garage, glam, underground indie and punk.... It’s time to Kick out the Jams……

 

Join Bang at The Stag and Hounds in Bristol, Uk on the following dates in 2013

 

Saturday 18th May
Saturday 17th August
Saturday 16th November

 

Be there or be square Daddio!

ND xx

 

 

 

No Debutante - Inspired by Ashish

As you have probably seen on my last blog post I have entered the Company Style Blogger Awards 2013. I am, of course, hoping to win with my niche being a fashion blogger over 30s in the Best Personal Style Blog section. My good friend and fellow blogger Dilly Foxtrot facebooked me, telling me I had to enter my blog, which was a great compliment! Thanks Dilly!

 

I will need to keep the personal style blog up-to-date as much as possible if I am going to get shortlisted for the awards. Wish me luck and nominate me here http://www.company.co.uk/magazine-hq/stylebloggerawards2013

 

During the last week I have been inspired by my Brimful Of Ashish post from last week  check it out here http://no-debutante.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/brimful-of-ashish-ss-2013.html and have recreated the Ashish SS 2013 collection my way, many of the garments from my Primark Sunday post are featured in this weeks outfits.

Side top knot with scarf

 

 

Denim details and white embroderie anglaise

 

Tailored denim with sheer print details worn with oversized jeans and hidden wedge high tops (instead of the Ashish white Reeboks).

Headband worn as a scrunchie

Oversized layering

 

Crop top over denim shirt and tapered jeans worn with tube socks

OK, so I think I managed to cover washed out denims, rolled up tapered jeans, mash up denims, layering, sheer panels, ankle socks, tailored shirts and jackets, I even had my Dierdre Barlow glasses on at work (I forgot to pop them on for the photographs!) and the vital scrunchie topknot! 

Thank you Ashish for the inspiration!!

 

All clothing from Topshop, Primark, Galeries Lafayette in Tokyo, American Apparel and Vivienne of Holloway.

Styling by No Debutante and inspired by Ashish SS2013

 

ND xx

COMPANY Style Blogger Awards 2013

http://www.company.co.uk/stylebloggerawards2013

If you like what you see

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE  - NOMINATE ME!!!!

NDXX

The Bang DJs at Hoochie Coochie Christmas Ball

It’s been a long time coming but here are some of my favourite images from The Hoochie Coochie Christmas Ball event which was held in a 100 year old Spiegaltent on the Harbourside, here in Bristol, UK during December 2012. I was lucky enough to play at this amazing event as part of The Bang DJs, who frankly, rocked at the after show party!

The Spiegaltent is constructed from rich mahogany, dappled glass and coloured mirrors, decorated in velvet and brocade, and illuminated with antique lamps this created a vintage, dark and lavish backdrop to the Hoochie Coochie Kabaret show and the atmosphere was electric!

The photographs have a dark, vintage look to them thanks to the reflections from the coloured mirrors and the deep red velvet backdrops (the camera flash turned off also helped!) They are fun images that seemed to capture moments from the evening seen through the Bang DJs eyes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I think we had a good time! Bang on!

ND xx

No Debutante - Welcome to my 100th blog post!!

I only just noticed that this is my 100th blog post!!! I am very excited and amazed I actually got here! I wish I could post on my blog every day but I seriously do not have the time! I am writing this post on the evening of Mothers Day after receiving a lay in, breakfast in bed (a Marmite Bagel lovingly prepared by my 8 year old son Lucian), homemade cards, chocolates, spa vouchers and a bottle of Sailor Jerry's rum - I have been totally spoilt, again! We then spent the day at the pub with my family with lots of food and drinks consumed, followed by a freezing cold walk home, more food and here I am sat with a glass of rum about to watch an episode of Mad Men. Life is sweet!

This is a No Debutante personal style post featuring Monochrome, Primark Sunday and other oddities.

Monochrome

 

This is the outfit I wore for Primark Sunday. What is Primark Sunday? As I have mentioned before, twice a year (to meet the change in the fashion season) I plan a big, kids free, day out at Primark for a big shop! I can try everything on and spend ages (4 hours on this occasion - the Primark here in Bristol has 4 floors, don't judge!) browsing and hunting down the best buys for the current season-which clearly hasn't started yet as snow is predicted, again. It's ridiculous, there was a bloody heatwave in the UK this time last year!!?

A Primark shop includes everything you need for the season at a 1/4 of the price, it's disposable, high fashion and I love it!

Beehives, headscarves and flowers in your hair!

 

The below images were not taken on Primark Sunday but I liked them so I thought I'd pop them in for a bit of colour and wish it was actually Spring!!

 

 

 

 Primark Sunday

 

  Last spring I returned home from Primark Sunday with lots of Americana printed garments but this spring it was definitely the season of the shirt! I managed to get a sleeveless shirt, a white broderie anglaise sleeveless smock shirt with denim details, denim shirt with mesh leopard print sleeves, and a khaki army jacket with aztec detail.

I also managed to get hold of some studded denim cut offs, a long black vest with white skull detail (for a mere £3!!) a  long cross detailed necklace and a great crop t-shirt which is the perfect 1980s cut with RAD written on it. It's supposed to be an ironic statement to my husband Phil who skates and this sort of thing annoys him. The irony actually is, that I really like the Rad t-shirt! It's Rad!

One outfit from Primark Sunday.

 

I thought I would give you a glimpse of one my new outfits from Primark Sunday. I had to be quick so I am actually still wearing the monochrome outfit underneath! This is a brave new look for me -the pleated maxi skirt- I have chosen to wear it with the new denim and leopard print shirt and my brothel creepers. I was already wearing the socks but I liked the look and went with it. I chose the skirt in black as pleated, light weight black garments are a big thing for the summer. What do you think? Can I work a pleated maxi skirt?

 

 

Creeper love!

All clothing from H&M, New Look, Underground at Office and not forgetting Primark!

All styling by No Debutante.

 

I love Primark Sundays!

ND xx