Lots of bloggers do monthly "Favourites" posts, and there's plenty on YouTube, but I never find any that reflect what I love-so here's mine! I've selected a few of my favourites that not only have I been using and loving for the past month, but I feel like every 'Modette' should have a variation of. I hope they inspire you, interest you, and you enjoy seeing a different kind of favourites post than you will usually find on the internet!
1) Dogtooth Cigarette trousers
Dogtooth is an ABSOLUTE obsession of mine. (I'll prove it-have a look at my 3 dogtooth blog post here) and these trousers (£14.99, Select clothing) can really be worn any way. The female side of the Mod generation do typically love an androgynous look, as well as the occasional shift dress and flared skirt. Particularly practical for a day to work transition (dancing at a northern soul night after work, anyone?) but mainly I bought them because they're so darn gorgeous. (Excuse the previously mentioned and highly obvious obsession. I used to have a bloomin' lovely Barbie doll who wore a dogtooth flared dress with a pink belt and things have never been the same. I actually have a very similar dress in my collection these days. Don't judge...)
2) Mods: The New Religion, The Style and Music of the 1960's Mods*
This book is comparable perhaps, to the Holy book of Mods. For a young'un like me, (who somewhat misses out on some Mod references now and then due to my age, and the fact that I completely bypassed the sixties) this book is incredibly educational. A perfect buy for anyone who, as many people seem to when I talk to them about it, knows what the Mods are and would like to know more. Imagine it as a glossary for all the hangouts, music, and traditions that began in the first stages of the Mod Generation. I love the sixties-the girl group glamour, northern soul music-but there are so many variations of what a 'Mod' is considered as now. So this is a breath of fresh air, and it feels like an authentic representation of such.
*Also a perfect coffee table book if you're just trying to look cool.
3) Amy Winehouse: Frank
I know, I know, I'm years behind the times here. However, I recently delved back into my CD collection (I've been playing records a lot more recently) and found this beauty. Amy's debut album is one of seriously cool drum beats and bass notes, surrounding a theme of sex and rejection. Such a refreshing lift to listen to-Amy always claimed that everything on her albums is live recorded (other than one guitar part, which she had a passionate view on in THAT interview) and the quality is therefore pretty close to perfect. Favourite track: Amy, Amy, Amy. Favourite vocal: You Sent Me Flying. As a singer, you can't blame me for loving Amy Winehouse. But I will blame you if you never listen to this album. (Kidding. Sort of)
4) Amy: The Girl Behind the Name
(Another Amy Winehouse fave! Are you sensing a theme?) I went to see the Amy Winehouse documentary a couple of weeks ago, and was blind sighted by the beautiful optimism it encompassed. The same optimism that seems to optimise her life-and by that I mean that even after she's gone, her music has the ability to brighten any moment, even when she was in dark times writing it. Knowing the tragic ending from the off set, as we all do, made the inevitable conclusion so much harder to bear and the way the film creates a raw emotional connection between the viewer and Amy's story is remarkable. The film is mainly based around interviews with Amy and her loved ones, home videos, and recordings of performances (which, incidentally, brought myself and some of the lads I went to the cinema with to tears-but don't tell them I told you that!) and is an absolute must see, even if you've only ever heard Valerie on the radio. (Note: Waterproof eyeliner highly recommended, girls)
5) Dr. Martens Morada
OH, MY. Aztec patterns are another obsession-but a bit more nerve-wracking to brave, I feel. So finding it on a shoe (a Dr. Marten, no less) is a bit easier to handle-and actually, it's more noticeable. Funky shoes are always a yes in my book, and these seem to have been noticed by friends and family when I've worn them. Perfect if you want to stand out from the crowd-just a little bit!
