WHEN DID WHITE TUBE SOCKS BECOME COOL?

Having wavered between minimalism and maximalism in the years since I’ve had free reign over my own outfit choices - my predilection for stuff usually having won out - I carved out a niche that embraced the both, I coined it faux minimalism. Briefly defined as favouring wearing layers like those of a choux pastry over those of a sponge cake (read here for a less abstract analogy). Despite my yoyoing between stripped back and piled on, the one constant has always been my affinity for adding socks to an outfit.

For most, getting dressed involves some form of top and bottoms, or for even more linear thinking, a dress; shoes, a jacket/coat and accessories. A basic formula to live and dress by. However, the umbrella of ‘accessories’ is pretty broad: bags, belts, hats, jewellery. Yet there is one accessory that is oft overlooked; the socks. 

I know that to most, socks are not an accessory, they are a necessity, much like underwear. However, following my recent reconsideration of the attention deserved of my undergarments, it has caused me to rethink the appreciation given to my socks. As Marie Kondo posits “your feet bear your weight and help you live your life, and it is your socks that cradle those feet”. Despite the cushioned barrier that they provide between us and the world, socks are often disregarded completely, balled up and ravaged with those pesky little holes that plague the fabric at the toe and ankle. 

As often as they’re stuffed in a drawer, socks are also regarded as a quintessential last minute gift, a gift of the panicked and received by the disappointed. However, socks should no longer incite indifference and feigned reactions of gratitude. Rather, one should evermore look upon socks with glee. After all, they are an opportunity to make a sartorial statement that is as subtle or as bold as the wearer desires and involves little effort. There are few other areas of such small square meterage that can create quite as much impact, or divide opinion as much as a pair of socks. For example, socks and sandals; trademark of the uber chic, or hallmark of dads on holiday?

I have often used my socks as a point of difference for even the most basic of looks. However, being predominantly home bound, has meant that my shoes have been retired for the time being, while I slide along floors enacting my very own ‘Home Alone’ montage, as an unexpected synergy between Kevin and I, continues to develop: I am in fact home alone and I apparently like white tube socks now.

Whilst I may have just admitted that socks have long factored consciously into my overall look, they have always done so to add something to my outfit, whether that be a pop of colour or for some quirk. I’m unapologetic about my penchant for socks with any and all footwear and I favour particularly fluffy socks for bed. 

Yet, despite this collection, I own very few pairs of your plain, average, nondescript, basic, buy from anywhere, white tube sock. My first memory of discovering that white socks were undesirable was when my 15 year old self went on work experience and I was expressly told to ditch the white socks in favour of professional black. From then on, white socks were reserved for P.E classes only.

However, recently my tastes have become more favourable towards the classic white tube socks. As we take comfort in our homes and seek comfort from our clothing, we should be especially mindful of our sock choices. Kondo advises one to “choose [socks] that will make the time you spend [at home] more enjoyable”. As we all kit ourselves out for this lockdown in varying means, one common thread unites the material fancies of the masses - socks. 

Many have chosen to remain in a uniform of head-to-toe loungewear, from their baseball caps right down to their thick tube socks. And beyond the sweatpants, tube socks have been unexpectedly paired with feminine dresses and dramatically contrasted with structural stilettos. Tube socks have quickly become emblematic of the time when the world stayed at home, a mini trend grown out of the pandemic. 

Though this year I decided to focus future purchases on timelessness, forgoing trends in an attempt to be more ethically and environmentally conscious. The fact that socks straddle practicality and popularity makes dipping a literal toe into the trend, a decision that doesn’t compromise on my commitment to mindful shopping. And so I found myself on an online hunt for a pair of white socks. Full disclosure, I ended up deciding upon a three pack, in which only one pair was white (the other pairs being orange and pink). I guess old habits die hard...

There were some styling issues initially, with the tube socks being too thick to fit under skinnier variations of jeans and not knowing how to temper the blatant athleticism that the socks communicated with my other items. However, I realised that cuffing trousers at the ankle and favouring clothing that was innately casual, melded my usual brand of personal style quite nicely with my new socks of choice. Turning my trouser cuffs up meant that the socks needn’t be overbearing, so in the case of my pink and orange versions, they could offer a pleasant pop of colour. Whereas, when paired with a loose fit mini dress, the white socks kept the look from veering too girly. And that is just the beginning of my sartorial rendezvous with tube socks. 

As socks become my predominant footwear of choice with WFH my new reality and mandated by a strict ‘no shoes in the house’ policy, I plan to further indulge my sock habit. Kondo said that choosing to rewear old socks is like “declaring today doesn’t really matter”. Socks may be the minutiae of an outfit, but they have an impact far outreaching the ankles they encircle. By taking time and putting care into the seemingly innocuous decisions of life, it slowly translates into the bigger considerations. It would seem that much can be accomplished, when you put your best (tube socked) foot forward.

(Images via: popsugar.com, teenvogue.com, @mathildadjerf, @hoskelsa, @shhtephs & stylecaster.com 

Quotes via: Buzzfeed.com)

ELEVATING MY WFH LOUNGE WEAR, GOSSIP GIRL STYLE

I envisioned using this time in lockdown for self betterment, devouring all of the books, emerging with new yogic flexibility and a previously untapped set of culinary skills. In reality, my time has been spent figuring out WFH, becoming my own IT help desk and vegetating in front of Netflix. After finishing the entirety of Friends in the first two weeks, I graduated on to rewatching my teenage favourite, Gossip Girl.

For those not familiar with the premise of Gossip Girl, it’s a noughties tv series, following the fictional lives and scandalous secrets (revealed by the anonymous figure, known only as, Gossip Girl) of the Upper Eastside’s privileged youth and - most importantly - all of the clothes that go along with having excessive amounts of money and an outfit necessary for every possible occasion (even assassin - yes, really). 

The show is deliberate in its use of clothing as a means of visually communicating a lifestyle dichotomous to that of (most of) the viewers. The clothing needed to be as fantastical as the lifestyle was excessive and the storylines were dramatic. And as characters discovered shared siblings, hidden identities, married royalty, divorced many times over, died and were resurrected; the clothing remained the visual anchor in amongst the tumultuous six seasons. Much like Sex and the City, clothing was a scene stealing character, and oftentimes the favourite character, elevating the likes of the playground headband from Claire’s Accessories to couture and causing grown women to deliberate rewearing their school uniform to the office.

From the newfound position of a pandemic, the likes of ballgowns and cocktail dresses worn to various soirées and grandiose events is at extreme odds with now. And although under normal circumstances such things would still speak very much of a fantasy; as social interaction has become a limited freedom, watching such abundant social mingling is pure escapism. However, I would posit that as opposed to reality as Gossip Girl is and more specifically the clothing is (it is an entertainment show after all), there is something that is transferable from the screen to real life and the pandemic allows for its full embracement; that of elevated loungewear (and day drinking, of course).  

Although the fashion is undeniably fantastic, it is the clothing under the clothes of the Gossip Girl characters that has caused me to reconsider my own interpretation of comfort wear. Due to my very limited interaction with anyone not related to me, a deep apathy has infiltrated my usual excitement for getting dressed, resulting in outfits as nondescript as a brown paper bag. Which has got me to thinking; if I feel this uninspired when left with no one to appease but myself, then who did I dress for in the past? 

With no where to go and no one to see (or to see me), what I choose to wear is at the complete determination of myself. Yet I have not realised this to its full potential, instead adopting a lazy-girl cycle of spandex and ease. Until one such day that I noticed the unacknowledged wears of Gossip Girl; those worn before they get dressed and those worn under the outfits. The private items, that are as beautiful as the ballgowns that conceal them. Gossip Girl uses clothing to posit extravagance at all times, regardless of situation or circumstance, whether alone in your penthouse or posing for the paparazzi. 

The underwear of Gossip Girl is better than most people’s outerwear. As Gossip Girls’ creative director, Eric Daman explained, they’re  “not wearing Hanes”. With silk slip dresses beautiful enough to be worn alone, matching lingerie sets for feeding the ducks, garter belts for breakfast and stockings hidden beneath day wear. When clothes are coming off as frequently as they do in Gossip Girl you can’t blame their need to be prepared. Goodness forbid that they get caught on laundry day. And whilst I acknowledge that a tv show does afford one the artistic license to dress for the fictional world it inhabits, one can allow the fantastical elements to inspire the mundane realities of life. 

In this new world of WFH, it’s all too tempting to roll out of bed, change out of pyjamas into equally as comfortable clothing, inhale a coffee, work, yoga, bed and end the day with a Netflix binge, only to do it all again tomorrow. The need to ‘dress-up’, let alone consider matching underwear is a frivolity lost to necessity. However, the satin pyjama sets and silk robes of the show are a little bit of special that can be easily adopted, particularly those of Blair Waldorf. From the removal of her pretty dress and exposure of her negligee at burlesque nightclubs, to the numerous statement making lingerie sets worn under her preppy school uniform, best is never kept for best as everyday is an excuse to make an effort for yourself.

From Olivia Von Halle to Florence & Fred, options of silky bed wear abound. And with WFH encouraging much of what we know to be rethought, dressing as if you made an effort needn’t take effort. Elevated lounge wear epitomises this sentiment. For example when paired with smart bottoms (giving your joggers a rest), a silk pyjama top makes a chic transition to day wear. Proving that bougie loungewear and fancy lingerie can be as conspicuous or as inconspicuous and as practical or as impractical as the wearer desires. Stockings worn under flowy dresses or secretively under sweatpants. A bustier under a cosy cardigan. A silky gown draped over jeans and a t-shirt. Fluffy kitten heeled slippers worn as you tap away at emails on a Monday morning. After all, office etiquette and dress codes aren’t a thing when you’re temporarily your own boss.

Whilst most of us don’t reside in a penthouse, that doesn’t mean that we can’t dress like we live in one. Real life means dressing sensibly, dressing for specific situations, dressing for the weather, dressing with the opinions of others factored in. However, from the sanctuary of home, anything goes. Now is the time to indulge in ourselves in however that manifests. Whether it be overt or covert, investing energy  in ourselves to prevent the onset of mundanity is the ultimate act of self love. Something that I’m sure queen B would approve of. XOXO

(Images via: coveteur.com, insider.com & Vogue.es)

THE FASHION TRENDS OF LOCKDOWN

So despite the fact that we're bordt in the house, bordt in the house, bordt; with plans amounting to little more than a Zoom call and a weekly trip to the supermarket, trends are still emerging. A concept I'm sure is hard to comprehend for those of us whose lockdown brag amounts to having successfully extended the time between hair washes by an extra two days, and whose lockdown uniform has so far been whatever is clean and/or to hand. But influencers gotta influence and that they have. 

I now feel my fashion proclivities tugged in three very different ways. And whilst contemplating what to wear during the current climate may seem shallow, having very little control over the global situation has given new weight to even the most inconsequential of decisions. So deciding which variant of lockdown attire I wish to co-opt, is something that I can control and that, I welcome with gusto. 

The first notable trend of lockdown is one that I worry is almost too obvious to mention. However, it would be remiss to ignore the newly gained notoriety of tie-dye. Saturating instagram feeds with splotches of colours and unifying the likes of celebrities and your next-door neighbour, its psychedelic prints bridging the differences of the masses. 

Tie-dye has long been the uniform of the rebel, being inextricably linked to the swinging sixties. Later to be adopted as the choice look for those who operated on the fringes of society. A troupe hijacked by pop culture and used as a visual characteristic of the anti-establishment type, think Travis in Clueless - loveable but a "loader", or more recently the reinvention of Justin Bieber, his look described by the New Yorker as, "Seventies post-hippie burnout with Nineties Orange county skater". Tie-dye soon found itself masquerading down the runways at the likes of Proenza Schouler and Stella McCartney, elevating the DIY to couture. And now the newest rendition of tie-dye, that of the homebound.

When puzzles have all been pieced together, when all available furniture in your house has been coated in foam and your hair is now the colour of a troll doll; DIY tie-dye is the obvious next step. The abstract swirls of tie-dye seem to capture the tumultuous uncertainty of now, the accidents and irregularities of colour creating patterns as unique as the individual wearing them and their individual responses to the situation.

With almost as much prevalence as the aforementioned tie-dye, smock dresses abound as everyone seems to be appropriating a hybrid image of girl on the prairie/ milk maiden / vision of nature incarnate. As social activities have been downsized to the bare minimum, daily walks have become the significant part to most people's day. Leaving behind four walls to embrace the fresh air and appreciate the surroundings that we all too often ignore. 

Gucci eschewing the fashion calendar for a season-less schedule, made to order clothing, repurposing waste fabrics from previous collections, exploration of ethical replacements, are just a few of the ways that change is being explored in an effort to slow down the culture of consumption. And it would seem that this return to nature and a simpler way of life has infiltrated the proclivities of the masses. Whilst floaty dresses for Summer - in the words of Miranda Priestly - are hardly ground breaking, it is the accoutrements and attitude that go with it that have created a whole new aesthetic. 

These dresses are worn whilst gallivanting through fields. Hashtag 'frolicking' is now a thing and despite baskets having been an influencer favourite for some time, instead of riling against their domestic origins, these origins are now fully embraced, being festooned with flowers and used to carry fresh fruit and loaves of bread. Hemlines are midi in length, demurely swishing about the calf, necklines are sweetheart in shape, sleeves are voluminous and bodices are cinched. Offering a softer silhouette against today's climate of seriousness, evoking youth, innocence and the freedom that we all crave so much right now.

As perhaps the most similar to what my lockdown attire has been thus far, athleisure has garnered new relevance. Your usual uninspired, 'put on out of sheer comfort and stretchability', 'typically Sunday or any day that you're not expecting company'-wear, now being featured on the grids of instagram. 

The stripping back of facade that the pandemic has inadvertently had on life, has been somewhat of a leveller. There is no more FOMO, or YOLO, just stay at home. A prescribed antidote that applies to all, without prejudice. We really are all in this together. And despite my wanting this statement to hold gravitas, it takes great strength (that I do not possess), to not trill it like the Zac Ephron loving, 'High School Musical' wannabe that we all secretly are. However, it does hold great truth. 

As the basics of life are stripped back, so too are our wardrobes. The function of clothing has come to new significance as comfort has taken precedence. Schlepping around the house, partaking in an online exercise class or going for a brisk walk, all require practical clothing. If influencers are to be believed then New Balance are the only footwear of choice to navigate the troublesome terrain of now. Chunky sport socks replace the delicate anklets typical of summertime. Baseball caps are both accessory and practical means of disguising anything above eyebrow level. 

This duality of clothing is epitomised in brands like 'Sporty and Rich' - the name succinctly summing up the zeitgeist. Their aesthetic being one that encourages a flip-flop between looking good and practicality, put-together and slobbing about. Even fabrications reflect this renewed focus on wearability, note the revival of Prada's nylon bags and the unexpected embracement by Chanel of spandex in the form of their double 'C' centric leggings. It would seem that in a reactionary move, the comfort of clothing has increased in direct relation to the imposed restrictions of life now. As life gets harder, we dress comfier. 

Being predominantly indoors, now is the time to alleviate external pressures. The prevalence of the above trends during this lockdown are based on a need for comfort - both in its literal and figurative sense. Forgoing clothing that is constrictive and instead opting for items such as those of athleisure, afford one literal comfort. Whereas, the renewed embracement of tie-dye and obsession with prairie dresses, draw upon a deep sense of nostalgia. With our rose tinted glasses firmly on, we can look back fondly on the past from the present viewpoint, knowing that whatever the trouble, it was overcome. A comforting notion during these times of deep uncertainty. 

Whether you choose a dress to swish around in, or spandex to stretch in; let the discomfort of now be alleviated by the comfort your clothes afford you and hopefully we will all be #frolicking soon. 

(Images via: unknown, @mathildadjerf, @cinziabayliszullo, @lucywilliams02, whowhatwear.co.uk & unknown)

LOCKDOWN LIFE: THE LITTLE THINGS

The current climate has challenged what we all consider to be normal. A lot of what had previously made up the day-to-day of life, have now been highlighted as great luxuries. During this time of strangeness, it's important to acknowledge the little things, regardless of how trivial.

For example being late to work is more difficult (though I do keep challenging this with my evermore frequent alarm snoozes); not wearing make-up has refreshed my skin (though still not ready for make-up-less Zoom calls); my hair is longer than it's been in years (unfortunately so are my roots); I'm devouring more books than chocolate and the dog seems to love all of our company (and the exorbitant amount of treats he now receives). All little things, that have buoyed to great significance during the tumult of pandemic life.

Though I do miss getting dressed, or perhaps it's the purpose life afforded us in carrying out this act before. However, when movement is limited between my makeshift office and the kettle, clothes are mandated by the comfort necessitated by my predominantly static existence. And with no places to go and no people to see, my life's uniform has resulted in sports leggings and a Marks & Spencer cardigan. Every. Day. The millennial fear of outfit repeating has now been replaced by actual fear. I did briefly think about investing in my loungewear, but that somehow felt like I was giving in by outfitting myself for longterm lockdown. I have therefore resolved to abstain from new clothing purchases and enjoy this no-thinking way of getting dressed (only during lockdown I must add).

However, with a great expanse of time and the grandiose space of four walls to fill it with, I have been perusing the internet for stuff, because of course what better way to rectify boredom than stuff? I joke. Shopping is morally complex, particularly now and whether you choose to or not, is a personal decision that carries new weight. For me, I have been trying to downsize my consumption, opting to repair, re-wear and recycle, but that hasn't negated my penchant for absentmindedly trawling the internet. Though I have refrained from purchasing anything, I thought I might relay the items that have piqued my interest. All wildly unnecessary, all deeply enticing and all yet to have been checked out. 

Tidy Space, Tidy Mind

I have spent a lot of time sorting out, tidying up and just generally moving things about. I have also spent a lot of time reading articles about sorting out, tidying up and just generally moving things about. Following the perusal of one such article, my Amazon list grew exponentially with various contraptions that promise all manner of space saving solutions. I am currently contemplating a shirt folder, a slim shoe holder and a revolving cosmetics organiser. If nothing else comes from this time in isolation, at least I will have the organisational merits of Marie Kondo.

Laying it Bare

Working from home has afforded me a newly make-up free existence. I now only paint my face for my weekly Zoom quiz and with that I only use the bare minimum to perk up the parlour of my rather colour-less complexion. My focus has shifted instead to skin care. Masking has become my new pastime; staring out the window is interspersed with staring at my pores and I now spend my evenings drenching my skin in oil (the good kind). I may still be baffled by retinol, Vitamin C and whatever else it is I'm supposed to be using on my twenty-something skin, but I've seen enough influencer shelfies to be more than contemplating adopting a regimen of Ole Henrikson. I have a wealth of Boots points and an overwhelming need to use them. 

Colouring Outside the Lines

Despite this new appreciation for my bare face, when I do re-enter the world, I will be donning make-up of some kind. I feel it polite that I don't scare my colleagues on first reunion. Though perhaps now I will choose a lighter consistency, so as not to overwhelm the canvas that has largely been bare this whole time. For this, I have turned to The Ordinary serum foundation. It has a light formula, an abundance of shades and is under £6. I also have 15% off which makes this purchase a no brainer. I may have also been enticed by a 20% discount allowing me to purchase a long sought after lipstick at Charlotte Tilbury that I hope adds some pep on those dreary Mondays.

The Elephant in my (bath) Room

In my quest to become evermore low maintenance, I have made all heated hair styling tools redundant. My nerves might be frazzled but my hair needn't be. I have also retired my dry shampoo, having read about the stifling consequences that the powder has on hair growth. I can't promise that I won't be rekindling my relationship with dry shampoo eventually - an unhealthy relationship with Netflix and early starts mandate certain corners to be cut. But for the time being, in an effort to intensify the lustre of my strands, I have become complicit in the Drunk Elephant hype, namely their shampoo and conditioner. The packaging is enough to encourage one to purchase. However, the price tag acts to stop one buying based purely on superficiality alone. But having read the reviews - smells like marzipan apparently - I think I'm sold.

Fast Daps for Slow Days

Though I did say that I was avoiding making clothing purchases, I figured that this self-imposed rule didn't count if it was something that I had long sought after. The items in question here are a pair of black trainers. Basic, yes. Necessary, also yes. Until recently I feigned that my shoe size was that of a UK 5. However, I am in fact a size 6. Why I lied, I'm not sure. But I can assure you that it is only I that lost in this rouse, resulting in a collection of ill-fitting shoes. My trainer collection suffered and thus left me with feet crippled and nail varnish chipped. So following this epiphany I have decided to reinvent my sneaker game (in my correct size), beginning with the Adidas EQT Gazelles and wouldn't you know, there's 25% off...

And so the window-shopping continues, it's retail therapy without the financial guilt, like having your cake and eating it and that cake being calorie-free. Remember it's all about the little things. 

(Images via : unknown & whowhatwear.co.uk)

SELF-ISOLATION MADE ME TURN TO DISNEY+ FOR FASHION INSPIRATION

As life has become downsized to that of four walls and socialising has been reframed as social-distancing; a reevaluation of how ones time is spent has buoyed to new significance. 

Puzzles, board games and colouring-in books have sold out; everyone from influencers to your next door neighbour fancies themselves the new Laurence Llewelyn Bowen or Charlie Dimmock; and the at home fitness workout scene hasn't experienced a boom this big since the 80s. I have turned to yoga and reading as a means of distraction and can proudly say that I have perfected my downward dog and have read more in the past three weeks than I did throughout the whole of 2019. I have also binge-watched the entirety of Netflix and have thus graduated on to Disney+.

Though aimed at fraught parents desperately trying to occupy busy children; Disney+ has lulled me in with its wealth of choice, namely the amount of 90's and 00's classics I'd long forgotten. During my first day's induction, I watched six films - needless to say it was a complete and total immersion into the Disney world. 

I began with 'The Parent Trap' and ended with '10 Things I Hate About You' and by the end of my marathon I was convinced that I too wanted to dress like a Disney star. Whilst the immediate inspiration for my imagined entrance outfit (post-quarantine) was more Cinderella than Lizzie McGuire, by the days end, I was a convert and have since been all consumed in reappropriating some of the fashion take aways from my foray into Disney+.  

The Parent Trap

Not to provoke any of the purists, but I chose the Lindsay Lohan version, being a child of the 90s and thus favouring the remake over the original. Taste aside, in a film whose premise is based upon identical twins discovering each other and attempting to reunite their estranged parents; fashion is the unacknowledged triplet, acting to establish and reinforce two very different characters. 

Annie with her two-tone pumps, twin sets and Chanel-esque tweed skirt suits, offering a more refined, sophisticated take on 90's dressing, not unlike the cardigan clad, By Far toting, strappy sandal wearing influencers of today. And Hallie in flannel shirts, denim cut-offs and collegiate sports wear, all items that gained new traction following the viral Vogue Paris feature in which the leisure wear looks of Princess Diana were reimagined. The film also has tie-dye (the breakout pandemic pastime), 90's hairstyles (Bella Hadid obviously watched this film too), that handshake (we've all tried it) and an appearance from Janice of 'Friends' (minus the trilling cackle).

Sister Act 2

Full disclosure, during my binge, I watched both Sister Act 1 & 2. However, with Lauryn Hill playing the troubled and troublesome teen, my favourite has always been the second instalment of the nun's escapades. While others seek to conform, Deloris is unable to be anything but herself, even whilst donning a habit (and under witness protection!) 

Clothing is used throughout as a vehicle for personal expression, as the teen's represent a new perspective, challenging convention and snubbing conformity. The figurative embracement of their individuality culminates in their literal refusal of uniformity as they strip off their robes during their musical crescendo to reveal a smorgasbord of 90s fashion. Cycling shorts and cropped tops, oversized shirts worn mid-waist, Dr Martens and chunky footwear, high-rise denim and dungarees; a veritable who's who of current fashion wonts.

Never Been Kissed

Previous to my recent deluge into Disney's back catalogue, the defining moment of this film was the heartbreaking prom egging. Though I never experienced this exact situation, it does conjure up uncomfortable memories of teen-hood and that overwhelming need to fit in. However, on second watch, the fashion is unavoidable. As Josie tries to navigate high school as a twenty-something, her discomfort and desperation manifest in her outfit choices. 

Her first day revisiting high school involved frosted eyeshadow, concealer lips and a feather boa. Despite this being a covert operation to expose the truth of teenage schooling, this outfit instead highlighted Josie as a clueless outsider and cemented her status as a wannabe. However, from the perspective of 2020, feather trim is the accoutrement of choice, from going out wear, bougie pyjamas and accessories that you need to fluff before wearing. Though it should be noted that frosted eyeshadow and paled out lips are never a choice look...

Freaky Friday

Another remake featuring Lindsay Lohan, another reminder of the transformative power of fashion. This truly was the golden era of LiLo (RIP - I can feel a 'Mean Girls' viewing coming soon too). Anna is an angsty teen, who nobody understands and who dreams of being a rockstar; cue low slung combat trousers, battered converse trainers and kohl rimmed eyes. I'm not positing that one adopt whole looks from this particular film as it is a very Disney-fied version of rebellion. 

However, elements are definitely classic cool-girl staples, as relevant today as they were then. The band's outfits feature looks not unlike those at 'I. Am. Gia', with tartan, exposed zippers and layered tank tops offering almost lookalike versions for those who wish to truly immerse themselves in all things freaky regardless of the day. With everyone from Kaia Gerber to the Jenners and Hadids embracing the loose fit cargo pants, chain detail trailing from arse pockets and tight fitted tops offsetting oversized bottoms. Even the questionable streaky hair dye is having a revival - though for this I blame quarantine boredom. 

10 Things I Hate About You

In a somewhat cheesy proclamation, I could list 10 things I like about this film with ease. Full disclosure, I could list more than 10 things that I like, but I'll curb my gushing at just the fashion. The film offers two very different versions of noughties style; preppy and perennially pissed off. Kat favours hip huggers, hung so low that they defy gravity in their ability to remain anywhere but about her ankles; mermaid-like hair tempting stares despite her determinedly eschewing the male gaze; midriff peeking out playfully despite her prickly demeanour; and chunky flatform sandals, the likes of which everyone from Teva to Chanel have created a variation of. 

In contrast, Kat's sister, Bianca is forever in lace trimmed camisoles and calf-grazing midi-skirts. Her hair accessories are likely to feature a flower, she probably smells like bubblegum and her dilemmas range from which she loves more, 'her sketchers or her Prada backpack?' and whether she'll get to go to prom with the jock. Despite Kat's attitude (all a defence to hide a deeper hurt fyi) and Bianca's short sighted naivety; the sisters' looks are as enviable as they are different and with emotions somewhat tumultuous during this time, their looks act to offer inspiration whatever your mood (or moods) may be.

And now back to Disney+; the Princess Diaries is calling...

(Photos via: poosh.com, eonline.com, Allure.com, cokkiesandsangria.com, thebudgetfashionista.com, whowhatwear.co.uk, @mathildadjerf, pinterest.com, vogue.com & wmagazine.com)

411 ON INTERESTING THINGS

Despite this blog being primarily focused on fashion, I always try to ground my writing in the context of today. And whilst I use this blog as creative escapism, I do always try to give a little thought to my surroundings, be that lighthearted pop cultural references or a nod to the socio-political occurrences of the day. In regards to the latter, I refrain from going too in depth as I do not pretend to know much about anything. Even when I write about fashion, it is purely opinion, having no formal training (other than being raised on issues of Vogue). 

However, in these unprecedented times, where much is uncertain and normal life is on pause, it felt wrong to write without acknowledging the situation. And even now, I am reluctant to say too much because I don't know what to say. I go through waves of boredom, then self-loathing for being so selfish, then waves of desperation to see my loved ones, then arguments with my siblings over who looked at who in what way, then great fear because the unknown is strange and scary, then lacking motivation, then self-beration because I am so lucky to have a job, a healthy family, food, etc; it's a bipolar vortex of feelings and emotions. 

I countdown to 5 o'clock only to dread the announcement as statistics scroll across the screen. Of course there have been great feats of camaraderie and never more have I felt such community and that, alongside silly memes and viral TikToks, are helping to pass the time in a somewhat meaningful way. And it seems like now more than ever, time is something that we all need to appreciate because if this pandemic has taught us nothing, it's that ultimately we are only human, fragile and fallible, human.

As a means of distraction for myself, I found great pleasure in collating these articles of varying degrees of usefulness, as my little offering of escapism to you. They are frivolous and I highlight them as bits of fun, not to forget or downplay the terrible time that we're all in, but as a five minute respite from the real world. I hope they offer you some solace. FaceTime your friends, hug your family and appreciate your surroundings, because that is what is truly important. Stay safe

Lounge Wear Down the Catwalk
With social distancing meaning that many people are homebound, sales of lounge wear have soared, as navigating what to wear when you've got no where to go, sits high on the collective agenda. Though getting dressed is a non-necessity, having a routine and outfitting oneself for a new day, breaks up the monotony of home confinement. But whilst the majority don their most pyjama-like clothing, Chanel have released a pair of leggings. Unexpected, yes. Perhaps not so unexpectedly, they cost £1710. The Chanel-centric leggings feature the infamous double C's and multi-coloured jewels, making them (alongside the Khaite cashmere bra), the bougiest loungewear ever. True to the Chanel aesthetic, they were dressed up with Mary Janes and tweed, which is how I'm sure we'll all be styling them - once the money has come through after selling both kidneys, of course.    

Finger Painting
Time indoors has many turning to self-improvement, yoga, meditation, workout classes etc and whilst all very worthwhile, being unable to attend ones general maintenance appointments has a detrimental effect on one's outer appearance. And though superficial, taking care of oneself is a distraction during this time. Lack-lustre hair, outgrown nails and the peekaboo of unwanted hair about ones body are all physical consequences of this current situation. And so self-pampering has come to new relevance. Whilst there are certain things that I would not attempt myself (err, waxing), manicuring is something that I could waste some time doing, albeit with a little help from Vogue. For those less dexterous this step-by-step guide is a good place to start. 

All in the Past

During this time, I have decided to finally tackle the stack of books loitering at my bedside. However, I may have been side-tracked by the common-interest pieces filling up my inbox. One of which I found particularly compelling and truly informative. As many people use this time to develop a new skill, take up a new hobby or educate themselves; I found solace in realising all of the past celebrity couples that I never knew existed - Jenna Dewan & Justin Timberlake? Janet Jackson & Matthew McConaughey?? Fill your time enlightening yourself with all the couples that were and prepare to be truly baffled...

Time to do Nothing
Another article that piqued my interest and took me out of my mundanity, was one on procrastination - which I ironically read whilst I should have been doing work... Now that time is completely spent within the home; work and play are hard to distinguish, as both are spent predominantly at the kitchen table. Even doing the dishwasher has become appealing, as has staring out of the window. It would seem that anything that I should be doing, has now become almost impossible without summoning up the determination of an ant about to lift 5000 times their body weight, and that's only when I'm about to lift my pen to write the date. Read on to understand the psychology of procrastination and how to alleviate the affects.(Or if nothing else, to waste five minutes). 

Out of the Funk 
What better way to end this round-up than with a Kardashian? Though I can promise no drama, no nudity and no 'k' puns. Whilst purusing Poosh (another means of procrastination...) I fell upon an article detailing 'How to get out of a funk' and I couldn't think of anything more apt. Despite being written outside of the context that we find ourselves in now, there are many points that can be put into practise either in the house or whilst fulfilling your daily quota of exercise. Whether it's encouraging a shift in perspective or writing up a bucket list to distract your mind to the positive. Feeling down is part of normal life, however, this is a proactive means of addressing and hopefully alleviating the funk.

(Images via: Poosh.com, @thehangedit, vogue.com) 

REDISCOVERY & SELF-DISCOVERY THROUGH SHOPPING ONES WARDROBE

Sometimes buying new is easier than shopping from ones existing wardrobe. The temptation to stroll/scroll before even considering the rails of ones own belongings, is too easy. The accessibility of newness is overwhelming. Whether actively seeking it out or not.  And now with staying in the prescribed advice during this strange new normal, retailers slash prices ever further, in a bid to mitigate the impact this pandemic has on the economy, by encouraging consumers to buy, buy, buy. Whilst the ethics of shopping are murky right now, attention can instead be refocused to shopping much closer to home;  as in, shopping ones own wardrobe. 

Whilst normal life has been temporarily altered, I have decided to reevaluate how I spend this time. And with the seemingly endless uncertainty of now, it's important to fill ones time in a meaningful way, whatever that may mean for you. For me, I'll be spending time with my family and I have committed to practising yoga, finally partaking in the adult colouring-in craze and rediscovering my wardrobe.

The last one is rather fitting as I remain stalwart in my resolution to buy less and re-wear more. And in quite the serendipitous moment, my wardrobe unceremoniously collapsed, making it impossible to ignore that I had reached full capacity. My wardrobe was so bloated that clothes became swallowed up in yet more clothes. Items defied gravity, hanging purely from the pressure of being squeezed in, wrinkles etched deep into clothing that had been laboriously ironed, all lost in the abyss of wardrobe wastefulness. However, the expulsion revealed the under-appreciated and overlooked anew and inspired me to reimagine my existing wears by shopping my wardrobe. 

It began with a blue, long sleeved sequin top. A shape and fit reminiscent of your comfiest sweater. Hanging perpetually off the shoulder, imbuing it with a sense of casual not usually synonymous with sequinned anything. Thus making it both glamorous and understated. Whether dressed up or down, or hanging on a wall ornamentally and having single-handedly resolved many a 'nothing to wear' conundrum whilst giving endless love despite my apparent flakiness; this is a piece that epitomises unexpected versatility. 

Secondly, I found a piece that up until recently, I had been avidly trawling eBay for: the band tee. Yet, hidden amongst my selection of white t-shirts, was a 90's Madonna tour t-shirt. A t-shirt that had once been the t-shirt, worn to any and all important events since the age of 16. It bears the marks of a scissor-happy teen, intent on customising all things and who evidently was not precious about her clothing, making it truly uNiQUe. 

The third piece salvaged was a capped sleeve, lace bolero. Its prettiness making it the perfect counter-part to the aforementioned t-shirt, or light layer to complement outfits during warmer climes. It's delicate without being dainty, sweet without being saccharine and pretty without being prudish. I can only think that this was ignored for fear of permanent fake-tan damage? Though I vow to adopt a complexion of Morticia Addams in exchange for resurrecting this.

And last to be re-appreciated, was a long forgotten skirt that is best described as unusual. Being a mish-mash of styles; both long and short; patterned and of solid colour and straight and pleated. All with a step hem, though not cascading down the side, but split at the front, creating a look of two skirts in one. Needless to say, it is something that needs to be seen to be fully understood and now having been reunited, I assure that this will be.

My exercise in Marie Kondo-ing got me thinking about what makes an item worth keeping and ultimately it's ever evolving. I've kept pieces that I love and let go of pieces that I've loved. And perhaps I will outgrow my current pieces. But I think that this is what makes fashion exciting. The ability to grow and express that growth through clothing that visually represents a specific time, place and version of yourself. And just as suddenly that moment in time and the clothes you're in fade from the 'now' to the 'then'. 

And therein lies the importance of reflection. Something that I have spent a lot of time doing recently. And whilst materialism is not important - especially during these unsettling and uncertain times - clothing is a tangible measure of personal growth and thus a talisman of the transience of life. A signifier of the past (past events and past trends), evoking memories both good and bad. Some of which are to be held on to and others just need to be released. Freeing up literal and figurative space in ones wardrobe, and more importantly, ones life.

(Pictures via : whowhatwear.co.uk, vogue.com & coverer.com)