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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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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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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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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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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