Keeping it Cropped with Hannah Dorman

Jumper: New Look
Trousers: TopShop
Boots: New Look

It's cold now. Like really cold. So this is a weird moment to be promoting cropped trousers...but nevertheless that's what I'm about to do. Apologies to the lovely Hannah Dorman, who had to endure a whole day of freezing ankles during our shoot; but it was clearly all worth it, because she looks great.

My favourite trend at the moment is the cropped cigarette trouser paired with an oversized knitwear piece and chunky boots. It's easy to throw on, looks pretty cool and at least your top half will be warm...I'd seriously recommend investing in some thick socks for this one. If you don't mind risking numb ankles, this might just be the look for you. It works really well with big winter coats, so that's a bonus!

And just a quick shameless plug - if you like the above photography (or any shots from my other posts) and are in need of a photographer, please feel free to get in touch. You can message me through my Facebook Page, get me on Twitter/Instagram or email Basementeleven@gmail.com.

Hannah xx

P.s if you like Hannah's makeup, check out her tutorial here

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Flock Boutique, Brighton

Palomita Jewellery

Palomita

Palomita

Hearts and Guns

Pick Up Sticks

Hearts and Guns

Luna Noir

Hello everyone! Last week I was invited to one of Brighton's newest boutiques, Flock. With a little set up on Sydney Street in the North Laines, Flock specialise in vintage and handmade clothing, as well as featuring some stunning jewellery designs crafted by labels Palomita and Luna Noir. 

After their launch party on the 6th of November - which I'm gutted I had to miss - Flock are already preparing for a busy Christmas period. I can't say I'm surprised, the shop is an ideal pitstop for gifts. The Jewellery in particular would make for some gorgeous stocking fillers. One of my favourite parts of Flock's itinerary had to be Palomita's Jewellery - the designs are so colourful and completely different to anything you'd see in the typical high street stores. Palomita has an Etsy - definitely have a look!

In terms of clothing and fabrics, Flock offer up a range of the best local labels. Most Brightonians will probably be aware of Hearts and Guns - their unique feminine yet edgy style is well known to Brighton's Laines. I was particularly drawn to their kimonos being sold in Flock - (readers of previous posts will know just how much I love a kimono...) - and, as with most of their designs, the patterns and details were beautifully intricate. Alongside Hearts and Guns are Pick Up Sticks and The Emperor's Old Clothes, again, both local labels - the latter being so local, in fact, that the clothes are made in the boutique's basement. Pick Up Sticks are more focused on textiles and haberdashery, but their variety of vintage fabrics made me wish I'd paid way more attention in my D.T sewing class...so if you have any knack with a needle, definitely visit their website.

Independent label The Emperor's Old Clothes really sets Flock apart from other boutiques in the Laines. They offer hand tailored clothing and accessories that are created on sight with vintage and one-off fabrics. I.e. no single piece will be the same as another. Forget about the worry of leaving the house and seeing five other people wearing exactly the same outfit as you, because Flock can make you something that is completely unique and entirely yours. Click on the link above to see examples of their designs.

If you ever have a spare 10 minutes and find yourself in Brighton's North Laines, definitely pop into Flock. Whether it's just for a quick, casual browse or some serious gift hunting, I can promise you will not leave disappointed!

Hannah xx

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Nobody's Child Part Two: Embracing the Flare

The best trousers should always force onlookers to question whether or not the owner is 1) wearing shoes or 2) actually has feet at all. It adds a sense of mystery. And these wide legged flares by Nobody's Child definitely do both, in the best way. At least, they do on me...but then again (as I have mentioned several times) I am tiny. 

I was really impressed by the quality of the trousers, especially given their price. I'd expect to be paying almost double for this kind of design, but these are a steal for only £25. And, as I said in my last Nobody's Child post, you can be sure that the affordability doesn't come at the expense of ethical standards. 

This look is something a little different for me - I usually stay well away from anything with the words 'Wide Legged' in the description to prevent being swamped in material. But I love how the trend looks on other (taller) people and refuse to let my height be an obstacle. It can work! If you arm yourself with a pair of chunky ankle boots (and, in extreme cases, a good tailor) there's no reason why the trend can't work for us petites. And anyway, who doesn't love a bit of oversized fashion? 

I've said this in my last post, but I'll say it again...check out the Nobody's Child website, they have some really great pieces! They combine fast fashion with ethical sustainability - so no complaints there. Wishing them all the best for the future! 

Hannah xx

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23/10/2015: Red Kites & Hannah Dorman at G Live

Liam - Red Kites

Hannah Dorman

Hannah Dorman

Andy - Red Kites

Liam - Red Kites 

These are a few shots I took during Guildford's local showcase put on by G Live and Eagle3. All the acts were fantastic and it was great to see so many people in the audience. I'd like to give a special shout out to the guy with the eyepatch who was loving every second of every performance...but who also kept knocking the camera, thus making the whole taking pictures thing a little trickier. Oh well...who doesn't love a challenge.

I'm currently booking shoots in London and Brighton, so if you fancied mentioning me to friends/family/friend's families/neighbours/pets/strangers in the street...then that'd be great. 

Apologies for the shameless self promotion!

Hannah xx

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Nobody's Child Part One: All that Glitters is Gold

Alrighttt everyone. 

Really excited to be blogging for new brand  Nobody's Child this week! If you haven't already, definitely pay a visit to their website. The London-based company specialise in 'fashion that's fast, but not throwaway', and, as such, are beginning to tackle one of the primary issues existing at the heart of the fashion industry - does affordability have to come at the expense of an ethical conscience?

Fast Fashion is convenient. It's cheap, it's quick and it's easily accessible. However, most of the fast fashion we buy is ethically questionable. In fact, it's more than likely that whilst we might love that gorgeous new dress on sale for just £10, we have no idea where it came from and, most importantly, how it manages to be such a bargain. But Nobody's Child focus on vertically integrated manufacturing and own the majority of their supply chain, providing an immediate answer to the question: who made my clothes? Well, they did. And for an added bonus, their clothes are high quality and super affordable. I think I've just found my new go-to place for online shopping.

For this post, I chose their Gold Foil Side Split Top because I fancied trying something that I wouldn't usually go for...and I want to be a mermaid for Halloween. If you like a bit of sparkle, this is definitely the top for you. It's so shimmery - but not in a 'if I wear this I'll blind people' kind of way. It manages to shimmer with subtlety. I absolutely love the fit and style of this top - it easily works with jeans and trainers for a look that's relatively casual, or it can be put together with a pair of chunky boots for something a little more dressy. (Personally, I'd opt for the trainers, but then that is my answer to everything.)

Check out Nobody's Child for 'Fast fashion with a conscience'! And look out for my post on their black, full length trousers, which will be on the blog as soon as I get them back from the tailor. Yay for being five foot...

Hannah xx

P.S Thanks to Cosmo for the photos! Have a look at his Flickr

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'You're Giving Me a Hipster Penguin Vibe Right Now'

Sweatshirt: TopShop
Backpack: New Look
Trousers: ASOS

Thank you, strange man in coffee shop,  for that soundbite. Apparently when wearing this sweater, I look like a hipster penguin. It's certainly niche, but I can think I can get on board. I've already used this look once with Hannah Dorman and have now shamelessly stolen it for myself. Sorry pal, but I love it. Turns out bright orange stripes set against a monochrome outfit are an (occasionally clashing) marriage made in heaven.  

This is yet another attempt to get more colour into my wardrobe. Perhaps going straight from nothing to neon was quite extreme, but there we go. This has to be one of the comfiest sweaters I have ever worn - so easy to throw on with jeans and trainers and still look like you've made some kind of effort. I don't think I've ever worn something that's prompted such a wide spectrum of reactions - it's ranged from "ah it's so cool!" to "why would you ever wear neon orange in public?" And then, obviously, there's being told I look like a penguin, which isn't exactly something you hear everyday...but penguins are really cute, right? So I'm gonna go ahead and take it as a compliment. 

...I can actually see where he's coming from. Oh well.

Hannah xx

P.S Thanks to Katie for the photos! 

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I'm not Wearing your Grandmother's Curtains

Kimono: Pull and Bear
Crop Top: Pull and Bear
Cigarette Trousers: TopShop

Hey! Haven't done one of these posts in a while - mainly because it turned out stocking up on the season's latest offerings on a weekly basis wasn't economically sustainable. Shocking. But I've done a bit of an autumn haul, which included this curtain...I mean this kimono. I'm really not used to wearing prints, but they're pretty hard to avoid right now - guess I'll just have to get used to it,

There are two key elements at play here - you can thank the 1970's revival for blurring the line between wallpaper patterns and fashion statements. But, equally, the oriental trend has covered the British high-street in intricately detailed clothing. So...this is the result; paisley print kimonos. If you like this kind of thing - and it's definitely growing on me - Pull and Bear have some really nice styles at the moment. They even have a matching skirt...but, in my mind, that's just overkill.

Personally, I think prints work best when paired with block or plain colours - one complements the other in such a way that both stand out. Covering yourself head-to-toe in paisley, a la the 1970's, is risky - and not only because the next time you visit your gran, you might blend in with the backdrop.

Anyway, I'm trying really hard to welcome the paisley into my wardrobe and, eventually, my heart...but it might be a difficult journey...*wipes tears of struggle away from face*

Don't worry. I'll pull through.

Hannah xx

P.s Thanks to Katie for the photos!

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A Field Day with Hannah Dorman

Boyfriend Coat: TopShop
Backpack: New Look
Boots: New Look

Jumper: TopShop

Sleeveless Jumper: Miss Selfridge

Shorts: TopShop

Sweater: TopShop

Say hi to Hannah Dorman! The gorgeous gal who's upcoming single 'Take Control' has been 'Track of the Day' for BBC Radio Surrey and Sussex. And with her single launch in October, the Guildford based singer/songwriter is going from strength to strength. 

It was great to have a whole day dedicated to trying out different looks and seeing which ones worked best. We ended up settling on three looks: a timeless monochrome, a 'transitional' piece and something a little more sporty. My fave was the monochrome, It's a consistent classic, and Hannah makes it look effortless and stylish. "I feel like an art student", she says, as I make her 'candidly' walk through the field for the hundredth time, but that's no bad thing. I hear those guys are meant to be pretty cool. The TopShop jumper is perfect for winter (it's coming guys, we can't avoid it forever). It's simple without being boring, and, like every other piece of upper body clothing at the moment, has that staple high neck detail which is both flattering and necessary - we're British, and it's cold. 

By 'transitional' piece, I mean something to wear when the weather can't make it's mind up. It might be sunny, but absolutely freezing...or tipping it down, but feel like the tropics. It's a constant struggle. So a sleeveless jumper is your best bet. It's still warm, and you can easily throw a coat over it, but hopefully it won't cause you to overheat during this sporadic Indian Summer we're having. The little Miss Selfridge number is great - it's light colour brings out Hannah's lovely olive skin tone and shows off the fact that summer actually worked for her. I'm not bitter. 

Anyone who's read my blog before will know I love sport chic, so obviously I had to incorporate it into the shoot. I think I might be in love with the sweater, it's like wearing a brightly detailed hug. (I know this because I have since stolen it for myself...sorry Hannah). Sport chic is something I was keen to get Hannah into, as it's a look she doesn't necessarily wear that often - unless she's actually doing sport, which probably makes more sense. But she definitely pulls it off, from the scrunchie, homemade by Tara Scott, right down to her gym trainers. 

A big thanks to Hannah for being an excellent model!

Keep an eye out for her new video for 'Take Control', which will be released via her Youtube channel this Sunday (27th). And catch her at the World's End in Finsbury Park for the single launch on October 16th!

Hannah xx 

N.B I have not been talking about myself in third person this whole time. 

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Andy Ruddy at the Boileroom 12/09/2015

Guys he's back! Honestly, I kid you not. Andy Ruddy is back in musical action and is still as brilliant as ever. I had the genuine pleasure of shooting him - not literally - at his Boileroom gig on Saturday night and it was so good to hear him live again. Whether it's the classic singer/songwriter set up of 'just me and my guitar' or with the backing of a band, this guy never fails to captivate a room.

It's always great to hear the classic Ruddy hits like 'This Great Day' and 'Boy' - both the kind of songs you have to try seriously hard to get bored of (give it a go, I dare you.) - but the new tracks he played are sounding fantastic. 'We Were Not To Know' and 'Time Won't Wait' are a nice lyrical contrast in the set list, almost acting as a more mature reflection on his earlier work. There was a kind of 'I used to think these things, but now I am a little older and think these things instead' dynamic, which worked really well.

His debut album is set to be released soon, and album 2 is already in the making - so stay alert, everyone.

Here are the relevant links you need:
Facebook || Twitter || Soundcloud

Hannah xx

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An Ode to Brighton's Caffeine Obsession

A lot of people rave about Brighton. Why wouldn't they? It's a great place to live. It's got sea, occasional sunshine and it's the only place I know where the classic 90's sports of hula hooping and rollerskating are still very much alive. Oh, and you can't go 100 yards without passing somewhere that sells (usually great) coffee. Some might say this is a little excessive, but those people are obviously wrong.

Apparently, your average Brightonian will spend £177 per year on coffee...and I definitely didn't help the numbers by moving here. Even after 3 years, I am yet to make my way round every coffee shop in the town - but trust me, I'm trying. My personal fave at the moment is Pelicano. It's not too pricey, it's a lovely place to spend an hour or so and the coffee tastes great thanks to their Smokey Bird house blend. Even with soya milk - yep, I took the plunge and am now dairy free - it still tastes like normal coffee. Also, their cakes and treats always look incredible; my pal Cosmo said the brownies were the best in Brighton and he'd never lie about matters of such vital importance.

My personal caffeine obsession has increased tenfold since moving here, which is bad news for my health, bank account and Instagram followers - apologies guys. But if you're going to be a coffee fiend anywhere, Brighton's a pretty good place to start.

N.B other forms of hot beverage are available in the city. Caffeinated or otherwise.

Hannah xx

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The Time Little Grim got Caught Trespassing in a Car Park

Jeremy - Joe - Roger - Chris  

You know those days where you follow four guys around with a camera, shouting 'LOOK NATURAL' at the top of your voice? Yeah? Pretty sure we've all been there. Meet Little Grim, a London-based alt-rock quartet, who recently played a packed out show at Guildford's Boileroom supporting Little Comets. Sounds like things are definitely on the up.

After the release of 'Vice' in February - great track, go listen here - the boys have been non-stop gigging and taking time to write new material. I've been lucky enough to preview their upcoming single 'Sparks' (release date T.B.C) and it's sounding bloody great, so keep the necessary senses peeled for that one. Both Vice and Sparks have an element of vintage rock to them, and, coincidentally, 1970s fashion is making a comeback for the autumn/winter season. So that all worked out pretty well, really. That said, the 1970s is tricky to get right, and one bold coloured novelty piece too many can take an outfit from fashionably retro to ABBA tribute act in a matter of seconds. (The world just isn't quite ready for your yellow corduroy shirt, Jeremy.)

With that in mind, I was keen to keep the 70s theme relatively subtle - staying away from the flares and opting instead for a pattern shirt (Joe) and maroon chelsea boots (Jeremy). Actually, I'm particularly happy with the footwear finds - the chelsea boots were only £29.99 from H&M, whilst the boots being so excellently modelled by Chris and Roger were both an absolute steal from Primark. Also, these looks mark a definite moment - they're not all in black. We're not exactly talking statement colours, but still, I feel like I've grown.

Anyway, had a great day hanging out with the Little Grim guys. They bought me coffee and Wagamamas which, in my mind, are the only ways to be genuinely happy. And I think we all learnt a valuable life lesson - if you're walking through a car park and don't own one of the parked cars, you're technically trespassing. Who knew?

Catch Little Grim on October 15th at the Black Heart in Camden!

Hannah xx

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Nobody in this Band is Called Dave - Behind the Scenes with Faux

Dan - Lee - James - Luke 

It's true. Nobody in this band is called Dave, despite how adamant I was about this being the case. I am terrible with names. These guys are Dan, Lee, James and Luke - a.k.a the lovely boys from Faux. After only a year of playing and performing together, the four piece have already sold out shows in Southampton and are on the line up for Independence Festival 2015 - not bad going for a 12 month stint.

The photos above are a few little candid shots I took whilst filming the video for their new single, which is not yet named, nor has it been given a release date, so we're left in eager anticipation for both. After being asked by my pal Ben - videographer extraordinaire - I was drafted in to help with styling, make-up and amateur photography (the latter being essential, obviously) and it was pretty cool. Got to try out some fancy camera lenses, ate some pizza, drank a lot of coffee - great day. Plus, putting foundation and bronzer on heavily tattooed men is never not funny. You looked beautiful, guys. (I promise it was necessary for bright lighting vs washed-out skin tone purposes.)

In order to match the 'Dirty Pop' vibe that the single keenly sticks to, we went for the 'all black everything' model - i.e. my fave...see any post I've ever uploaded ever. But it did really work for the grungy tone of the single and made for a perfect contrast against the white lights that were a key feature of the video. Personally, I was keen to add a hint of 'Sport Luxe' into the mix just to keep it current, but it turns out jackets + heavy lighting + lots of jumping around don't really mix...

Really looking forward to seeing the finished product! It was filmed on a Black Magic Cinema camera, which is apparently really good, so should look super sharp.

It was great working with the guys. They're going on tour from the 1st of September, starting at the Doghouse in Nottingham, and play Sticky Mike's in Brighton on the 3rd - check them out if you can!

Hannah xx

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