Rapunzel Syndrome

I'm getting my hair coloured this week which I'm very excited/anxious about as I am going for a bit of a change from my usual blonde shade. Maybe I'll post some pictures if it goes ok!  I'm also getting my extensions back, after cutting my hair in to a graduated bob nearly a year ago, which I'm even more excited about! I've been getting very envious of numerous bloggers and celebrities with long 'Rapunzel-esque locks.'

The beautiful thing about having long hair is it's versatility. I can't say I ever did anything to ambitious with mine when it was long, but there's a couple of styles that I've picked up on recently, that I am quite keen to try.

The Bardot Bouffant

A look that has been making a resurgence of late is this retro style and variations there of, apparently named the 'choucroute' first worn by Bardot in the 60's.  Slightly reminiscent of the 'beehive' but a little more carefree and messy, it's a look that has accompanied many of the 60's inspired spring collections; pictured above on the Rochas catwalk.  Lead singer Katty of chic French rockers, 'The Plastiscines' is also a fan and can often be seen sporting this look.  Louise from Miss Pandora, also recently did a beautiful 60's shoot incorporating this style.

Boho Braids

I'm sorry to use the word 'boho', as it makes me think of Sienna's Miller's 'phase' a few years ago that the high street caught on to, and was subsequently done to death.  But I think this is the best way to describe the current trend for messy and beautifully undone braids and plaits that we have seen of late.  Perpetrators include Nicole Richie, MK, Blake Lively and the Braid Queen herself, Lauren Conrad among others.  As you can see from the age of some of the photos, braids have been popular for a few years now, but for a bang up to date take on the trend, look to the Alexander Wang (and Miu Miu) runway where models sported long chunky loose side plaits nearly down to their waists.

Props to Diane Kruger for what can only be described as an epic braided red carpet style. The texture is gorgeous, and it's just the right mix of chic and laid back, that makes it look like she hasn't tried too hard.  And there's something quite magical about it don't you think?  That's one braid even Rapunzel would be envious of!

pictures from various, collages by me

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Runway Edits- Paris AW10

Phew! Paris Fashion Week is finally over! And there were sooo many collections that I wanted to blog about straight away, but alas I have been working all week and now it just seems silly to do them one by one as most people have already seen them. So, I have edited together some bits from my favourite collections and categorized them very broadly in to two different looks.

There was definite retro theme throughout a number of the collections at PFW with a number of designers including Chloé, Giles, Giambattista Valli and Rochas all sending 60's inspired ensembles down the runway.

 Giles kept the association light with beehives and an orange and brown palette, but still mixed it up with his own quirky accessories, which consisted of furry monster handbags and huge sculpturual metal headdresses.

 Whilst others were more literal in their interpretations- pussy bows, and shaggy fur jackets at Chloé, huge retro shades at Vali, and bouncy blow drys and zany colour combinations of camel, turquoise and plum at Rochas.



Being an AW collection there was unsurprisingly a lot of black-but maybe more surprisingly alot of glitz, glamour and embellishment as a few designers decided to kick back against 'recession-safe' dressing. Balmain was as opulent and sexy as ever, this season with golden brocade covering the tiny form fitting dresses and jackets, all with Decarnin's signature silhouette.

Lanvin went to the Dark Side, with many well known faces barely recognisable as the models stalked down the runway in black blunt bob wigs and blackened eyes.  The theme of dark glamour was continued with the body conscious, seductively tailored pieces that Lanvin is known for, giving way to heavily embellished, gold and black evening dress shining jewels, feathers and tribal inspired accessories.

Miu Miu kept it's quirky cool with high collars, tulip shaped skirts and scalloped hems that made the models look like Russian Dolls.  Night time glamour was added to the proceedings via dresses bearing sheets of rosettes, overlays of lace and bright purple feathers.  And peek-a-boo cut-aways on the torsos of short sculpted dress, as seen in the SS10 collection, hinted at the subversive nature of the collection.

pictures from style.com, collages by me.