Vinyl Revival...

Ever notice how music is always trying to be fresh, new, unique, but pay respects to the icons of the past at the same time? It's a beautiful contradiction that I love.

I was talking to an established marketer working with a really well known recording studio (more to come on that very soon!) and he said he was bewildered by the revival of records in popular culture. Why, after so many years of minimising the fuss that surrounded playing records and with the introduction of cassettes, CDs and digital music that requires no physical purchase at all, have so many decided that actually, records are just cooler?

Well, that's it, I think. Gone are the days when dismissing your dad's pink floyd record seemed cool and effortless. Now we're chasing them up (particularly me, as I did exactly this last week) and embracing the retro feel that comes with it. New and fresh is boring and too mass produced-the lesser known the band, the older the tracks, the better received your attempts will be.

Now, I'm planning trips across the country with friends to source my favourite tracks from the 60's. I'm insanely jealous of DJs I know that get to travel to America and find records to bring home and play. I still listen to the charts, but in terms of purchasing music, I just don't bother with the newer stuff at the moment. I'll listen, i'll enjoy, i'll learn as much as I can from it, but I'd much rather have a physical product I can hold and hear aspects of the original recording on than click on a screen and get a mass produced file for 99p. The prices of records are higher, but it's so worth it. (Also, if you're lucky enough to have a dad like me who collected a load of awesome records, you can pinch them occasionally.)

Here's a few of the records I've been listening to lately (from artists that span over a few decades and genres!) what's your opinion? Records, digital music, or something else?

Much love,

Lizzie x

Songs to warm up with this autumn...

It's definitely getting colder, isn't it? Traditionally in our house we have our annual thermostat wars around this time of year. It could be below freezing temperature in mid December and we'd STILL have to have the back door wide open because 'it's a beautiful summers day'. I'm the only one who resents this and is shivering in the corner of my bed wearing 2 hoodies and slippers. But hey ho, this year I've come up with a new tactic to warm up-dance around my house!

SATURDAY'S//SIXTIES//INSPO

So I'm starting a new blog tradition today-my Sixties Inspirations! Everyone knows I'm obsessed with the 1960's, and I thought I'd show you all why. Every Saturday I'll be posting about a specific part of sixties culture that makes my heart beat a little bit faster.

This week I'm going to start by highlighting the Mod Subculture-the part of sixties culture that influences me the most! With their fine tuned outfits, spectacular taste in music and oh-so-cool approach it's no wonder that these guys still manage to find their way into modern culture trends...

A Seasonal Overview...

Autumn is most definitely here, and with it comes a need to re-evaluate.

I don't know if I'm alone in saying this, but I love the opportunity that new seasons bring. Particularly with Autumn as it's such a change-there's something so exciting about getting all my cosy jumpers out, lighting some candles, and snuggling up with my dog and a hot chocolate. Who needs the summer sun?

I also tend to have seasonal clear-outs, so I've been chucking out a load of clutter from all around my house from clothes to crockery. Like I said, there's something special about starting anew. But this year, a few more things have changed in my personal life too. Over the summer my job, my relationships and my goals for the future have all shifted slightly, so naturally I'm having to think deeply about what it is I want to achieve at the moment (which is therapeutic, but also quite confusing as it's all changing at once!).

So here are my autumnal sights-things I want to keep focus of and improve upon from now until the end of November (winter time).

I hope you can gain some inspiration from this yourself!

1) Keeping Healthy

I've already come down with a cough, so this has not started well! As the seasons change it it so easy to come down with something, so I'll be investing in a lot of tea and warm hoodies this month, but I am mainly referring to fitness goals here. I had a great summer and after losing 2 stone in weight, gained a lot of new confidence, but I have hit a wall with my fitness and definitely don't want to lose track of it any more. The thing is, I HATE exercise, so waking up at 6am on a cold morning to go for a run is not my idea of fun. But I know I need to suck it up this month and take care of my body or the Christmas treats will be getting the better of me before I know it. Resolution: Join a class- something indoors! And WARM.

Quintessentially British: Gallery Mess

Last week, I ventured off into London to sample some of the delights Chelsea has to offer and found myself at the Saatchi Gallery/Gallery Mess.

It wasn't my first time visiting, but I realised how perfect a setting it is to base a blog post around and thought I would share my findings with you, my lovely readers!

WINGED / / EYELINER / / TUTORIAL

The Modette girls are classically known for their subtle and muted make up techniques. Think Audrey Hepburn-timeless and elegant, with a less-is-more approach to emphasise femininity. However, when it comes to eyeliner, the bigger the better. Eyeliner is the exception to the understated make up rule. Icons such as Brigette Bardot and more recently, trailblazers like Amy Winehouse, have encouraged girls to go all out with their flicks to demonstrate and mark identity. I have had YEARS of practice with eyeliner techniques and a whole heap of friends who can confirm the shaky stage I went through attempting to get my flicks right (think black lumpy liquid extending to the ends of my eyebrows and covering half of my eyelid) enough so that now, I think I've got it down. Eyeliner flicks are something I don't really leave the house without, they are my comfort blanket. So I thought I'd share with you the technique and products I've found most helpful (because Lord knows that sharing tips and tricks is essential with liquid eyeliner. It can smell your fear) enjoy!

I'm using the black liquid eyeliner from Collection 2000-it's got a perfectly sized applicator and it's a bargain at £2.99!

I start by pressing down lightly with the applicator, creating the right sized line I want-the harder you press, the fatter the line will become.

Run the line over the length of your eyelid and fill in any wobbly bits.

Outline the shape and size of the flick-it can be as bold as you like, I personally like them noticeable and larger than average! Check below for more unique shapes and designs

Fill in the flick until the colouring is solid and smooth.

Ta da!

Pair with a lick of mascara and a golden-toned eyeshadow for an easily achieved elegance.

For when you're feeling brave, here are some more ideas:

Thanks for reading!

Lizzie

X

AUTUMN / / WISHLIST

Ah, Autumn. The leaves turning brown, nights by the fire, and an excellent excuse to buy new clothes...

This Autumn, lovers of retro style will be thrilled to know that vintage trends (particularly 1970's vibes) are very much in fashion this season, meaning so many more options in so many more shops-yay!

Here are my top 12 picks from this season's selection-added to the very top of my wish list!

Aldo

Pretty Little Thing

Missguided

River Island

Pretty Little Thing

Aldo

Claire's Accessories

Boohoo

AX Paris for ASOS

Fred Perry

It's A Mod Thing

Lizzie

xx

How to: Dogtooth Patterns

As I mentioned in my Essentials of a modette post, dogtooth, in my opinion, is the most beautiful pattern. Here, I show you my favourite pieces that it features upon and how I style them-it's a tricky one to do, but can look gorgeous if you accessorise it well!

Enjoy!

Look 1: Classic and feminine

This high-necked skater dress is my go-to party outfit. It makes such a statement that I don't usually accessorise it, other than pairing it with some neutral toned heels and possibly a shoulder bag- to carry the talcum powder on nights out to northern soul parties ;)

Look 2: Modernised

For running errands or just chilling out, these cigarette trousers are great. They're so comfy and the toned down feel gives you the opportunity to add your own twist- like I have here with neutral colours and a bit of bling. A perfect way to wear dogtooth if you don't want to go full sixties style.

Look 3: Sophisticated Sixties

This pencil skirt is to die for! I've teamed it here with an androgenous-style merc women's polo top to mix things up a bit and I love the final look. By adding a pop of colour with red dolly shoes and lipstick, the skirt doesn't look too formal-and overall becomes a fun piece to wear, not as corporate looking as you might initially expect!

Lizzie x

ESSENTIALS / / OF / / A / / MODETTE

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!

Lizzie x

//B E N//H O W A R D//G I G//

So, if you don't know who Ben Howard is, get your head out of the sand. His debut album, Every Kingdom, was a phenomenal success and upon its release in 2013 he won 2 BRIT awards-talk about hitting the high notes (ahem). And his latest album, "I Forget Where We Were" is set to be just as well received.

It was to be expected that when I was invited to see him live a couple of weeks ago at Alexandra Palace, it would be impressive, and boy was I impressed! If you're a fan of cheesy, showy, pink pop bubblegum tunes-this one isn't for you so much.

But for spiritual vibes, top lyrical and musical talent (describing some of the most basic human thoughts in the most beautiful way) and the excuse to dress like a boho princess then head to see Ben Howard on his "I Forget Where We Were" tour, which is currently underway.

The sheer electricity I felt walking through the doors at Ally Pally and hearing that voice reverberate around the walls will be a memory I will hold on to forever. There are certain moments in life that stay with you  based on the connection they make with you-like hearing 7000 people sing the words "Hello, Love" during the titular song performance.

Talking of boho-y princess-yness, here's what I wore-

Shoes-New Look

Jumpsuit- Republic

Demin shirt- Miss selfridge

Bag- Fred Perry

Earring and Cuff- Claires Accessories

Who have you seen live that left the best impression on you?

Love,
Lizzie
xx