All dressed up and McQueen Dreams


Oh look at me all dressed up as if I have somewhere to go; I feel pretty pants if I stay in loungeing around gear for too many days so instead I get stupidly over-dressed for someone who isn’t leaving the house for a few days yet. The dress was a bargain from A-Wear when their Bristol store closed and I think I’m pretty obsessed now with these New Look shoes, namely because they aren’t boots and they don’t hurt my foot too much in small doses!

Today marks day four of house arrest, I’m desperate for fresh air and a long walk, and to be back at work with my colleagues and patients. Whatever the state of play with the foot I am going back next week, I’m not staying inside until my physio comes through, I’ll just pop a few more painkillers…the pain is easing a little from not weight bearing so maybe, just maybe being so inactive is paying off. I’m not one of those who can happily lounge around for days on end, so I’ve been relying on visitors and the internet to stop me dwelling. I’ve also had a chance to catch up on some reading, my current obsession is this little gift for the eyes:

I’m loving the amount of books I’m being sent to review lately, especially ones as beautiful as this one! Alexander McQueen, Fashion Visionary is simply incredible.

A stunning celebration of one of the greatest fashion designers of our time, with previously unseen photos, sketches, interviews with those who knew him personally and images of his work, from his first days until his final ones

A retrospective of Lee McQueen’s groundbreaking work and a salute to his artistry, the book showcases the wonderful world of McQueen, from his work before his graduate collection at Central Saint Martins to his latest designs created just days before his untimely death. It includes interviews throughout with those who worked with him, providing a deeper insight into the world of the legendary designer.

Alexander McQueen: Fashion Visionary traces the designer’s ascent to becoming one of the world’s most respected couturiers – a story marked by celebrity friendships, unrestrained creativity, theatrical fashion shows and, ultimately, tragedy. The chronological organization allows the reader to understand McQueen’s most seminal collections and the progression and underlying themes of his ideas. This book is beautifully dedicated to his work and talent, and exhibits not simply visually electrifying fashion images, but also reveals the deep reservoir of McQueen’s imagination.
I spent a happy couple of hours soaking up all the information and fawning over the stunning pictures. The book, out this month and published by Goodman Books will retail at £30 but dear lord it’s worth it. Any fan of McQueen simply must have this, if you can’t afford it then do ask Santa…just wow.

I hope everyone is having a good week so far, somehow it’s already Friday Eve…oh yes.

xxx

Dressing up Dolly

One of my vague and random childhood memories involves Usborne book parties hosted by my Mum and her friends, I remember coveting all of the beautiful books and marvelling at how interesting and attractive they were. Fast forward twenty years and I am pleased to say things haven’t changed; Usborne still produce visually stunninng and facutal books as proven by “Historical Sticker Dolly Dressing: 1920s Fashion“.

Although probably aimed at a younger age group this book also holds great appeal for fashion fans too. With over 200 stickers to choose from…everything from divine flapper dresses and to sumptuous winter coats and a whole host of scenarios you can create your own outfits whilst learning a bit about the era too, the twenties have always fascinated me so this book is right up my street.

The book retails at a bargain £5.99 (here) and would be a brilliant gift for young and old alike. There is also a pintrest page to accompany the launch so get following.

The only downside of this book is that it’s so pretty and I don’t want to ruin that by messing around with the stickers; I want to leave it intact forever.

Which fashion era fascinates you most?
Massive thank you to Usborne for sending me a copy of this.
xxx

DIY Fashionista

Another week and another brand new book to share with you folks; DIY is a big thing in the blogging world so I think this might be of interest to a lot of you; it certainly was to me!

DIY Fashionista by Geneva Vanderzeil contains 40 stylish DIY projects to re-invent and update your wardrobe without breaking the bank.
With step-by-step guides and instructions on the basics you don’t need to be a pro to use these ideas. The pictures and steps are clear and easy to follow (even I can understand them) and I can’t wait to give some of the projects a go.

This book, published by Carlton in Hardback in October 2012 priced at £16.99 is a worthy addition for any DIY loving blogger and with Christmas fast approaching would be a good one to pop on your list (or, if feeling generous to buy for someone else!)

What do you think? Are you a DIY fan? I’ve never really attempted much myself, I often find blog and youtube tutorials somewhat confusing but this book makes it clear as day and I am hoping to brave it and get crafting!

xxx

Big thank you to Carlton for sending me a copy of the book.

Beautiful Bowie

I grew up with a Father obsessed with David Bowie so I guess you could say he has always been a part of my life in some form or another.

A few weeks ago Bloomsbury got in touch about a soon to be released book all about the man and his style and I jumped at the chance for a sneak preview! As you can see from the above (poorly shot) photos, this isn’t just a book of pretty pictures. It’s goes pretty in-depth about the style of David Bowie and covers his career over five decades.

Bloomsbury say:

“Rare images of the ever changing styles and fashion phases of David Bowie have been put together by Danny Lewis in a brilliant new retrospective; David Bowie Style.

Published on the 25th October, David Bowie Style documents Bowie’s career over 5 decades, and essays by Danny Lewis discuss how fashion and costume influenced Bowie’s music and performances”
 I Say:

This is a must have for any fan of David Bowie or those interested in fashion and music. A man of eclectic tastes and many personas this is a fascinating book and looks great on the coffee table too. My Dad, a hard to impress man swiftly laid claim to my copy and had I not have been sent a sample this would have made the perfect gift for him!

The book, published by Bloomsbury will be released for sale on October 25th priced at £18.99

So, what do we think? Any Bowie lovers out there? Will you be seeking out this book either for yourself or as a gift? (I would if I were you!)

xxx

A Little Bit of History; another fabulous book giveaway!

Last week I was the lucky recipient of two more books from the team at Carlton Publishing; and just as before they are jam packed with stunning imagery and bursting with the kind of knowledge that every fashion lover needs…
I have a few sneaky images to share with you guys, PLUS the chance to win a copy of each for yourself.

The books aren’t available until May, so these really are sneak previews; but credit and vital statistics are as follows:

The Little Book of Prada by Laia Farran Graves, published by Carlton, £12.99, available from all good book shops and online.

The Little Book of Schiaparelli by Emma Baxter-Wright, published by Cartlon, £12.99, available from all good book shops and online.

Carlton are once again offering one of my readers to win a set of the books and entering couldn’t be simpler…

– leave a comment on this post

– make sure I have some way to contact you

– open to all UK residents

– giveaway closes 8pm next Friday, 27th April!

Good Luck…these really are divine and interesting books so I’d urge you to enter, or purchase!

xxx