Style Like You Mean It: May 2009

Finally..all my essays, design journals and photography pieces are finished and submitted, now just some serious sewing and construction writing to do next week..so in the mean time, I'm wasting valuable 'spare time' on flicking through back copies of Style again..

This time I came across an article that was actually missing from a copy..due to the fact it was stuck up on my inspiration wall in my room at uni. Entitled '50 Things Every British Girl Should Have', it reminded me I still need to make a few investments..

1 GOLD HOOP EARRINGS For days when you wanna look J.Lo glam. These shouldn’t be so big as to look like you haven’t got over the gypsy trend, nor so small as to make you look like a three-year-old on a council estate.

2 A BERET For bad-hair days. It will take you straight to Kim Basinger in Batman. Just don’t obsess about the angle: they should be worn with nonchalance.

3 A VINTAGE OSSIE CLARK DRESS Separates the women from the girls. Fabulously flattering at any age, from 18 to 80.

4 EXPENSIVE BLACK LACE LINGERIE At least one set. For obvious reasons.

5 A PAIR OF THERMAL SHORTS For when you want to wear a skirt without tights, but it’s a bit parky outside.

6 SILK STOCKINGS A rite of passage for every woman — and, subsequently, for her man. In slightly unusual shades — such as petrol or burgundy — they make an outfit. And in this country they can be worn for three-quarters of the year.

7 A DECENT TRENCH COAT Some people are scared of trenches because they look fussy — they’re not. Everyone from Burberry to M&S does them, so there’s no excuse.

8 A LEATHER JACKET It should be cropped and fitted nicely around your waist. Takes you from a gig to the supermarket via your mum’s and a first date. Enough said.

9 A GOOD WALLET Because if a bag matters, so does your purse — and people see it all the time. Jimmy Choo’s, we feel, are particularly well thought-out.

10 A PAIR OF FALSIES (eyelashes, that is). Instant divadom.

11 A VINTAGE DRESS One that’s seen much better days — for being very trashy in.

12 A PAIR OF MAD SUNGLASSES They should be too mad to go on a date in, but just mad enough to feel liberated.

13 A SHORT, BLACK BOB WIG Check out of you-ness and be Louise Brooks for the day.

14 A STRING OF REAL PEARLS OR REAL PEARL EARRINGS Great for the complexion, as they diffuse light across your face.

15 A T-SHIRT DRESS One you’ve had since you were 22. Just throw it on and go.

16 A PAIR OF MEN’S BROGUES For looking playfully serious.

17 SOMETHING DELICATE AND ANCIENT It must be kept in acid-free tissue paper — anything made of Victorian lace, for example.

18 DEREK ROSE FLANNEL PYJAMAS For spending Sundays and sickies in.

19 WHITE CORDS Less flash than white denim, more elegant than jeans. Wear with a navy pea coat, and you are Jackie O.

20 A KHAKI PARKA Just like the one Kate Moss wore with those Westwood boots in 2000. Never goes out of style, always looks cool — whatever anyone says.

21 GREEK SANDALS Ones that age beautifully and last for ever.

22 BOLD STATEMENT HEELS Six inches? Toe cleavage? Huge platform? Orange PVC? Perfect. Shoes that get people talking. And never stop.

23 A BLACK CASHMERE ROLLNECK If you must wear basics, console yourself with luxury. Audrey Hepburnesque and great with jeans and minis.

24 HAIRSPRAY (ELNETT) AND KIRBY GRIPS For dramatic evening up-dos.

25 A CAMEO BROOCH These are practical, but always remarkable, and their colours don’t clash with outfits — unlike jewelled brooches.

26 BOAT NECKS If you have a strong collarbone, show off this alternative erogenous zone.

27 A WATCH Needn’t be expensive, but should either have a small face and a fabric or leather strap; or be chunky and sporty — aka the “boyfriend watch”.

28 JAPANESE DARK DENIM JEANS Very simple, narrow, but not skinny, wide or bootcut. Never, ever wash them.

29 A SLIGHTLY-TOO-SHORT LCD (little coloured dress). Black is okay, but purple (see Michelle Obama), red or jade are better.

30 A COLOSSAL COCKTAIL RING For when you need instant cheer.

31 DECENT WELLINGTON BOOTS Le Chameau, Argyll and Hunter all pass muster. Never be caught in a shiny novelty pair — you will be outed as a novice in an instant.

32 LEATHER DRIVING GLOVES. For looking murderously chic. Get them from the high street — no point spending a fortune, as gloves are so easily lost.

33 A BRETON TOP Insouciant, witty, timeless, French, sexy.

34 CASHMERE SOCKS It’s not a style thing, it’s a love thing: a love-yourself thing.

35 A SILK SQUARE It can serve as a belt, a neckscarf, a duster — and as a headscarf, is just perfect for autumn bike rides.

36 A HIDDEN TATTOO The element of surprise is essential.

37 RUBY SLIPPERS Just the one pair?

38 A GREY HOODIE Otherwise you’ll look like you were never a teenager.

39 A FAMILY HEIRLOOM Bracelet, brooch or diamond-set watch — to ignite conversation.

40 A SHAG-ME BRA To be seen peeking out from your top.

41 A PAIR OF GOLD LAME LEGGINGS Because you never know when you might be called upon to go dancing, and it’s hard to keep up with what the kids wear in clubs these days.

42 A TINY DECADENT EVENING BAG It should only have space for a note and a credit card.

43 SOMETHING FROM CHANEL Anything at all.

44 A PAIR OF FAKE SPECTACLES For last-minute librarian chic.

45 A FUR STOLE Fake works fine. Guaranteed to elicit attention when worn flung over shoulders with red lipstick.

46 A BROWN LEATHER TOTE These look better the more battered and bruised they get.

47 A BIG, PATTERNED, WOOLLEN SCARF Something hippie-ish you can swathe yourself in come rain or shine. The best are bought on holiday and have bright and pretty colours. Will take a T-shirt and jeans to stylish and original levels.

48 A TEA DRESS The greatest thing to come out of the 1940s — utterly wearable and endlessly flattering. Vintage numbers are always best.

49 A 100% SILK SLIP Like the one Rachel from Friends wore on her date with Joshua. Every girl needs one for night-time. A pain to wash, but totally worth it.

50 SPANX Because, sigh, we all have days when we need them.

Article: Style Magazine, September 2008