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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