We'll Take Manhattan

In 1962, no one had heard of the Beatles.

No one expected to be famous, who was born rich or titled.

And there was no such thing as youth culture.

But then David Bailey and Jean Shrimpton went to New York...





David Bailey is a real inspiration of mine, his photographs in the 60's has changed the entire outlook on fashion, especially in Vogue. The photos above are the ones he took in New York for Vogue in 1962. There was a drama on BBC Four quite recently about his affair with Jean Shrimpton, she is the one that helped him get his big-break so to speak, starring Karen Gillan and Aneurin Barnard, called 'We'll Take Manhattan.' So I jumped at the chance of watching it! His photographs with Jean Shrimpton had put a bench mark for his career and hers for that matter; she was one of the most popular pin-up girls of the 60's. Aneurin Barnard is an upcoming Welsh actor from Cardiff; I remember his name as he was one of my best friend's biggest crush in Primary School! I would recommend anyone to watch it!

"She was magic and the camera loved her too. In a way she was the cheapest model in the world – you only needed to shoot half a roll of film and then you had it. She had the knack of having her hand in the right place, she knew where the light was, she was just a natural" (David Bailey about Jean Shrimpton)

CJ x

Strike a pose

Here are a few photos from my first ever photo shoot in a studio with the courtesy of Emily Tatford modelling a white shirt she had manipulated into a striking dress. My favourite shot is the second one, using the fan, I love the shoulder pads of this item as it adds a hardness to a basic men's white shirt. I like that she has kept some masculinity by using a black ribbon down the middle of the piece with a black button as if it were a tux or a suit. She is very gifted and I can see her going far in the fashion design industry! Good luck Tatford!

CJ x

You are the key to your own success...

This necklace is home made, it only cost me £1 to make, I know! Amazee! Whilst comparing it with other retailers such as Urban Outfitters, it's mad to think that they sell VERY similar necklaces for £20! I do love a bargain! I bought the key from 'Judy's Affordable Vintage Fair' for a mere £1, then tied some black lace around it I found lying around the house. Simples :)

CJ x

Affordable Silhouette for Spring/Summer 2012

Blue Peplum top Oasis £50 I Stripe Peplum top Oasis £35 I Beige animal print jaquard peplum top River Island £25 I Brick peplum dress Dorothy Perkins £27 I Red peplum dress Miss Selfridge £42 I Black peplum pencil dress Dorothy Perkins £49

As I have pointed out Peplum is the new silhouette trend for Spring/Summer 2012! A short skirt usually attached to a fitted jacket, but nowadays they come as a part of a top, skirt and dress. If the peplum silhouette makes you shy, go for a dark monochromatic style, like the Black Peplum pencil dress from Dorothy Perkins. Wear the dress with a skinny belt to synch in the waist as there's an emphasis on the hips or the top with a simple pair of skinny jeans for a casual look. 

CJ x

In hope...

In hope I'll be somewhere in America a year from now! This song makes me think of California and it's perfect setting...a long stretch of beach, a sunset, surfers and loving life! I realise that it's a real cliché but I really want to go surfing in California!

CJ x

Shoes I should have...

Dynemite Steve Madden I Kurt Geiger London Lewis I Toms Classic slip on natural burlap I Dr Martens Jewel Boot

I shrug every time I look through my shoe collection; these are the perfect shoe staples that will last me through Spring 2012! The Steve Madden platform heels are to die for and they are bang on trend with a pastel colour, which of course makes it more reasonable for the high price of £100...don't you think?... Fair enough, me neither! The Dr Martens and Toms I can see myself buying when my pay day finally arrives! Shopping spree here I comeeee

CJ x

Black & White

I loveeee black & white photography! From being able to work in a dark room at university untill the end of the year; you'll be expecting much more black and white prints done by yours truly. There's definitely something powerful and honest about it, different to digital colour photos. Let me know what you think :)

CJ x