A Moment of Insanity

Okay, I am actually teetering on the edge on crazy right now. I have no idea why this work thing has me in such a tizzy, but the fact of the matter is I am being so indecisive it is becoming embarrassing.

Its not lack of clothes (although I have noticed a shoe deficiency), but inability to choose between two outfits I love! What a bizarre issue!

Okay, it is between a black bandage dress (short) with a oversize sheer black shirt layered over the top, pulled in at the waist with a mulberry-colour belt with gold buckle, black tights and ankle boots and a beaten copper necklace.
OR
A navy shift dress with a boat neck, cap sleeves, very fitted, with black tights and ankle boots and a large black silk collar necklace encrusted (and I mean encrusted) with diamante.

So yes, I am having mental issues over dresses. I should obviously research some sort of support group...

On the bright side I have nails that look like they have been dipped in a vat of miniature rubies thanks to my Barry M red glitter nail varnish.

In looking for pictures that would appropriately show my nails (my camera is out of power) I found this blog, You've Got Nail which demonstrates it perfectly!

Hmm, I just remembered, I have a red dress that I could wear...

Purple Wave

I'm off out in a minute for a completely bizarre half-organised, half-off-the-bat last minute night out...as it stands, I have no idea what we'll be doing, so have dressed in jeans (black, straight) and am umming and arring over heels or flats. To up the ante and sate my need for sparkle, I have insanely glittery eyeliner, a jewelled headband and a lovely drapey sparkly silver mesh top on - jumpers come after!

I was however composing an outfit based on a silver pleated midi skirt. I wasn't keen on the midi trend when it picked up, but it surprisingly, is a trend that can work for any occasion, be it work, play or otherwise.

Purple by pamjalibri featuring platform shoes

I went with the metallic skirt (obviously, this is me we're talking about) but dressed it down for one of my favourite occupations...sitting in random coffee shops with a chai and people watching. You could easily remove the cardigan and add heels for a more glitzy night out look though, or indeed grab a clutch and some beautiful earrings. Or swathe the cardigan in a wraparound stylee and add a brooch and some chunky wedges. Many different ideas! I should really get going! Have a good weekend everyone!

Scarlet and Silver

Ahhh! I am having massive issues with my company's flimsy Christmas work party dress code! It doesn't make sense! Here is one of the outfits I've mocked up for possible wearing...

Scarlet by pamjalibri featuring v neck tops

So, its lunch out at a swanky restaurant, followed by a pub. There is walking in severe frost involved. I will be abandoning the work party at some point in the evening to attend a panto. I reiterate how FREEZING it is likely to be...
I have been told to do 'Smart-Casual', like going to work but sparky for a party...thing is, I work with kids. Doing sports. In a tracksuit! I am not donning a diamante encrusted pair of tracksuit trousers. I say donning, I mean buying. Assuming then, the meaning is to take into account suitable office wear, but better. Nothing too short or skimpy e.g. still remaining conservative.

Party Outfits by pamjalibri featuring a gold necklace

Thus, the two other outfits I have assembled to meet requirements. I am loving the jumper dress combo, although the jumper dress I actually own lacks the bronze embellishment, although I could add that on reasonably easily. The shift dress sounds the best in theory, but I tried it on and it just feels a bit...OTT? Maybe because I spend the vast majority of my time at work in a t-shirt?

A Sequin Love Affair

At the moment, I'm going through a vaguely traumatic time...a slight crisis of confidence, a questionable choice of whether to continue my job or start my own, many other little things. Anyway, I have always loved Christmas and right now, in the run-up to this most glorious of feasting holidays I am taking extreme measures of solace from having already done my present shopping, wrapping, menu organising and travel preparatons. Yes, its early, but the joy of doing these things is working a charm as procrastination.
Part of the neccessary preparations I haven't done yet, I am trying to hold off! It involves packing for the different travels involved around Christmas-time as well as outfit planning for up coming outings. I am going to try something new this season - buying nothing, and instead concentrating on all the amazing things my wardrobe already holds. We'll see how long that reoslution lasts for, but in the meantime I admit to having been scouring the vintage and charity shops for a glimmering, sparkly dress - I heart sequins!

Its a bit of a magpie addiction, but I cannot stop and I practically drool at any sequin-covered thing that comes into my line of sight. This dress below, from Paprika, is one in particular that caught my eye and I spent a pleasurable few minutes this morning styling it up.

My Love Affair with Sequins by pamjalibri featuring a 3/4 sleeve jacket

Sargeant Pepper

Whoa, it has been awhile! Terrible excuses could be made here, involving work and weather and generalising, but instead...I have given the blog a quick makeover and re-launched with a nice new post.

So, last night in a pre-anniversary unwinding moment, my boyfriend and I booked tickets to go and see a Beatles tribute act perform Sargeant Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band at a local theatre.

The group were great, they got everyone on their feet, swaying and dancing and clapping and singing as they jived about in their bright costumes.

I wore a Chinese embroidered silk bed jacket with phoenix and dragons all over it, belted in at the waist and over black skinnies with slouch boots. Since my last post, I have had a drastic hair change...no longer blonde am I! Now, I have a sort of nutmeg/chestnut colour and a fringe no less!

 

The Beatles by pamjalibri featuring gold jewelry

Above, then, is my little tribute to the Beatles...and their tribute act, for giving us such a good time last night!

Hope everyone is well and having a great run up to the joyous/dreaded (which category do you fall in? I am definately in with the 'joyous') winter celebrations awaiting us in December.

Take it Off

Take it Off - an odd request from a blog about clothes, but there you go.

I am loving this track by Kesha and the video just makes me want to party! Powder, glitter, everywhere - so many colours!



Here is my version of what I'd want to be wearing if I suddenly foundd myself in this situation.

Take it Off by pamjalibri featuring heart necklace jewelry

Seventy Posts, 70s Nudes!

Some new season nude action...

New Season Nudes by pamjalibri featuring mulberry bags

Sexy vs. Smart: The Grey Debate

Sexy vs. Smart by pamjalibri featuring TopShop shorts

Wishing the Day Away

When I was little, I was told to be careful with my wishes. Things don't always turn out the way you thought they would. The most memorable example I was given was an overweight lady, wishing to be thin...got her wish when she was run over by a lorry. Horrific stuff to tell a child!

However, I was listening to this and I started thinking about the things one wishes for:



As I floated away on dreamy, wish related topics, I put together this outfit to reflect the feeling...

Wishmaking by pamjalibri featuring Christian Louboutin shoes

Here are a few other wish-related possibilities.

This lovely charity grants the wishes of kids from all over the world:
Make a Wish Foundation

This site I literally stumbled over in my search for wish-related thingamabobs and it intrigued me:
Real Wishes

Love is All Around Us

No, not a cheesy 80s ballad, just a general feeling following my being given an award! 

Whoop whoop! Always a lovely thing to hear! Thanks so much to the witty and wonderful Bella Q!

I feel warm and fuzzy just thinking about it. That could be my chai tea talking, but I think it is a happy combination. I spent today overseeing a giant event for National Playday, involving over 200 kids, their parents, and various expenisve pieces of equipment...plus, we had a massive thunderstorm in the middle! I got drenched! SO appreciating the warm fuzzies for sure right now!

There follows a four-step program for transferring this loovverly award;

1. Say Thank you :) Show the love.

2. Blog about your shiny new award.

3. Pass this award onto other bloggers you adore!

4. Don't forget to inform the chosen bloggers about their new aquisition!

I am passing the love onto a few blogs I enjoy, here we go:

Gracie at the Flip Side of Oz 
Violet at Girl Meets Fashion 
Sarah at Fashionized 

A/W Trend: Country Life

Argh. So sorry for the giant gap in posting. Work is hectic right about now! No free time!

Countryside by pamjalibri featuring Love Moschino jackets

Conformity

My day in the life of clothes:

So, I get up in the morning and throw on something smart, usually dark due to the dress code being 'super-smart and appropriate for public viewing' as I work in an office and deal with members of public (lucky me!)

I zoom home, tout suite, at lunchtime and change into black linen shorts and my scarlet staff t-shirt and trainers, my uniform for the sports coaching and kids crafts I work at in the afternoon.

By the time I get home, its about 6.30, time for dinner and I am hungry! I don't care what I am wearing so long as I can eat! I usually throw on pjs or something comfy just to slob about in.

Occasionally, I then change again and run straight out to go to a cafe and loll about drinking milkshakes in the sun or else try and get to the shops for a rummage or to meet someone.

Thus, there are a lot of clothes involved in my day, but not ones I would necessarily ever choose to wear!

Its got me thinking about uniforms and how they work. They prevent a united front, a force of equality. They also drown out any sign of actual personality or interest. They look business-like and efficient, but they can also be oppressing. They are generally practical...but who wants to have to be practical every single day?

So here is my 'throwing out the rulebook' outfit.

Break the Rules by pamjalibri featuring Bottega Veneta shoes

So yeah. Thats what I'm wearing to work tomorrow, in my head.

Daydream Holiday

I am desperately hoping to go and visit Pompeii over the summer and see the famous ruins for myself. Having studied the Classical era for thee years I cannot wait to go and start seeing the places where all the myths and legends began!

A large part of my daydream does, however, focus on what I'd be packing, so here is my dream outfit for wandering the ruins at Pompeii, Herculaneum and then stopping for some famous Napoli pizza and ice-cream. Yum.

Sightseeing by pamjalibri featuring Oasis tops

A Summer's Day

Today was gorgeously hot, searing blue skies and shimmering sunshine. I donned a nautically striped frilly dress I picked up in a random shop full of a mixture of random polyester trousers and pure silk or cotton dresses. I layered clinky turquoise wooden beads over the top and added some enamel, wood and gold bangles.

We went on a bit of an adventure in the afternoon, taking a walk onto the Commons. We found an immense cliff of rocks and a long grass meadow surrounded by trees - only five minutes from our doorstep!

I'm holding a giant bag of grapes there - we munched grapes, nectarines and olives during the day after buying out the Farmer's Market. I bought some lovely Pain de Campagne, almond criossants, brownies, strawberries...yum.

I've been painting up my new furniture this evening - when it is all done I'll try and remember to post some pictures up.

Citizen Extravaganza

Whoop whoop! The lovely Bella over at the Citizen Rosebud has just posted her Interview
with me - go see, and look around her fabulous blog for some lovely vintage finds...especially if you happen to be in California! It was great fun to do and some of her questions really started me thinking.

One in particular seems particularly appropriate for the current season. 'If you could be a flower, what type would you be?'

Let's get our floral on!

So, for the first look I am thinking smart-casual wedding wear/office wear. A slinky wrap dress with a standout monochrome pattern is spiced up with the hot pink detailing.

Floral Monochrome by pamjalibri featuring Christian Louboutin shoes

Then, up second (I am adoring this next one) is a pretty peter pan collared lace dress, made more edgy with a layered floral bralet, tan belt and some crazy-cool white boots. I heard somewhere that you shouldn't wear white shoes after Labour Day? But, as I have no idea what Labour Day is, or when it is and nor can I remember who aired this particular pundit, I shall ignore it and pair the dress with white shoes regardless.

Rainbow Neutral by pamjalibri featuring TopShop dresses

4 Different Sides

So, I got to thinking about how every person has more than one side to them - more than one facet to their diamond, shall we say.

One of the best ways to show off these numerous different personalities is through clothes. Actors use different clothes to create alternate characters. To a lesser degree, so do non-thespians.

I was browsing (as you do) the new season Louboutins and I decided that of the four shoes I liked best, they were all so different in style that it must be my seperate style divas emerging. So here they are;

My Rock loving side adores these insanely high, glittery, spikey, studded stillettoes and wants to wear them with a luxuriously soft white vest, skintight back leggings, lots of dangling pendants and a brightly coloured trilby to a gig.

My Dramatic, statement-making side has no words to describe just how madly she loves this shoe. It has ruffles, mesh, sparkles, a platform, a killer heel and yet just promises to sex up any outfit. I'd choose a show stopping body-con dress, simple and stunning. A lace motif necklace would complete the outfit.

These just appeal to the glamourous side. They are crying out for some edgy cropped harems, a nonchalently low slung belt and a slinky silk jersey t-shirt, finished off with some serious statement jewels and a slick of red lipstick.

Lastly, this is for the girlie girl within. Usually, she hides pretty well, but these are definately her shoes. To be worn with a shimmery petticoated prom dress, lace gloves and a delicate feathered hairband in matching ice-cream shades.

Dreaming in Pink

Saw this:

Fell in love. 

With the colour, the pose, the grace, the vibrancy...I could go on.

Tried to recreate with this:

Inspired by Pink by pamjalibri featuring Carvela shoes

Worn tied in at the waist with the belt, so all that gorgeous fabric billows out and swirls around the person inside the clothes. Rosy pink lips and blush, huge eyes courtesy of the fluttery mascara and jingly-jangly golden bangles to bring warmth and reflect sparkles over everything.

Thirties

My Nana was born in 1920, so she was a teenager through the 30s. She has some lovely photos of tailored suiting and definitive notions on gloves, hats and the wearing of diamonds before 6pm.

The era was one of sophistication and reigning back after the luxury and hoydenish behaviour of the 20s. Etiquette and style were the name of the game.

Katherine Hepburn was a great style icon for the 30s and on into the 40s. She was the first women to wear trousers in America and her fierce independence defined a fashion movement that was about how your clothes can express your personality and broadcast how you think and feel. 

 

So, I have reinvented the Thirties style staples in order to bring them into the here and now. I am loving the men's waistcoat with the floral teadress and heels - add nude seamed stockings and a battered men's briefcase or satchel for an outfit that just works perfectly for stomping around town and people-watching in a coffee shop.

1930s Reinvented by pamjalibri featuring Christian Louboutin shoes

Letter Excitement

Now that I have been a graduate for almost a full year, and being as how I went off travelling and then returned, only to move far away from everyone I know and love, its been a bit quiet on the social front recently. Now that I have internet again, I can resume contact with many of my friends. However, one thing I shall definately be keeping from the realm of No Net is the sincere and wonderful joy of letter writing.

In my absence from the virtual world, I timetravelled back to reality with a jolt and started penning letters to keep in contact with my nearest and dearest. This activity turned out to be highly enjoyable. It is almost therapeutic to take time out to sit down, gather your thoughts into one coherant missive and send it on its slow, slow way through the world. No more instant chat, but well-thought out ramblings instead were sent.

Then, the replies started to come through. The excitement of finding a handwritten envelope in the postbox outside my house is brilliant. Someone else has taken the time and care to write back, to respond despite the absence of the clicking mouse.

Oh, we have had fun! Stationery is one of my more oddball loves, but put me in Paperchase and I am one happy bunny. I have been writing on cream coloured parchment recently, with a coloured ink fountain pen. My community of fellow letter-writers and I decided we should get seals to further emulate Regency-period women...and look what I found in the letterbox yesterday...

So awesome! I have been searching the web for my own seal and am now just trying to narrow down what font I want to be using. Oh, the choice! Don't even get me started on different coloured sealing wax...

Look at this pretty envelope necklace from Topshop - carries with it the sentiment and fun of a actual letter-writting.

So I was thinking how else I could incorporate this into my daily wear and came up with the classic - an envelope clutch. Pretty much perfect for carrying the bare essentials to garden parties, BBQs, weddings, bars - everywhere. Even to the postbox, which is where I'm off to right now.

Envelope Love by pamjalibri featuring ASOS bags

Dramatic Monochromatic

I was feeling ready for a red-carpet event yesterday, despite having to have sat in the rain for 4 hours for my afternoon job as a sports activity worker. However, being as how there are not too many red-carpet events around here in the middle of the week (or the weekend for that matter) I am unlikely to get to swish about in an evening gown.

Here is my monochrome outfit of choice for a summer evening gadding about town, wining and dining...

Monochromatic by pamjalibri featuring Elizabeth and James dresses

Today has been gorgeously sunny and warm all day, so when I got back from work, monsieur and myself took a stroll down the hill to the park and got settled on the grass in the evening sunshine with some gigantic rustica pizzas from Zizzi's.

I had on some new black harem pants, leather gladiators, a blue bandeau top and a grey waistcoat with studs all through it. It was a nicely relaxed outfit and harems are mega comfy - so good for summer, like wearing pjs all day!

Twenties

The 1920s are known for their androgynous style, hedonistic lifestyle and notorious underground scenes of illegal alcohol and heavy jazz at the Big Easy. For stars on the rise and new age designers like Coco Chanel.

The style that accompanied such smoke-filled rooms and hazy garden parties was luxe and relaxed. It pioneered comfort over the previous restrictions of corsets.

 
It celebrated dance, freedom of movement and liberation. It is as wearable today as it was back then, 100 years ago -  the era that was to become known as the 'Roaring Twenties'.

I have tried to re-interpret the 20s into a wearable, modern-day look for both day and night.

20s by pamjalibri featuring Alberta Ferretti dresses

For the daytime version, I've used a tongue-in-cheek pair of mustache print socks and soft grey leather brogues, as well as a boxy briefcase to  keep the practical and masculine edge to the pretty faux-drop waist dress. I have then updated the decade's famous string of pearls into a collar of disarrayed, multicoloured pearls and topped the whole off with a demure grey cloche hat.

The evening look features a sumptiously decadent teal silk dress with fringing to show off every sinuous movement. Elegant two-tone heels, golden tassel earrings and a pearl encrusted clutch keep vibes of the 20s alive. Finally, what 20s gal would be seen out and about on the town sans red lipstick and a spritz of No. 5?