EVIL WE ARE

Sooner than you can say "summer is over" I am in my winter guise; that is, the gothy, grungy, witchy version of myself. My Evil Twin, if you like, or rather just how I looked from the ages of fourteen to nineteen. Because that's what was cool then. Watching bands and drinking pints, pretending to be able to play guitar at jam night but realistically struggling to move from D major to D minor.

That has all stuck with me, with added appreciation for layers and proportions, and my witchy winter self adores scouring the web for Evil Twin bits and pieces. That's why I was so glad to find Spoiled Brat; their selection of ET satisfies my rockiest A/W feelings, plus they stock my other bests Minkpink, Wildfox, Waiste and UNIF. A one-stop shop for all of your grungiest winter needs. Plus, I am a complete spoiled brat, stamping my cowboy-boot-clad foot whenever I need to get my way, so could this store be any more perfect for me?

Evil we are, and spoiled we will always be. I can't wait to wear this tank with woolen plaids when the temperature drops.. but for now I am resolutely sticking to bare legs 'til I can bear it no more.

Evil Twin tank c/o Spoiled Brat

Vintage denim jacket
Levi's flannel stolen from boyf

Oasis pleather skirt (similar)

Topshop socks & Arson boots

Minkpink bag

WILD HORSES

One day in June, four girls jumped in a car for a road trip to the beach, where British summertime performed exactly as we'd hoped with a stormy sky: setting the scene perfectly for the Wild Horses lookbook.

OK, so we might have been sopping by the end of the day, but the Thriftette lookbook turned out perfectly. Lucie and Grace had a set vision in mind - atmospheric, moody - and model Harriet was ideal in her role as beach gypsy. My main responsibilities as assistant were getting coffee from McDonalds, holding the umbrella over our model and saying "shall we get her in the car now? Her legs have gone blue", and honestly at one point I was ready to pack it in and huff off to sit in the warm. Then I realised what an absolute trooper Harriet was and I had no right at all to complain!

If it were Vogue there'd surely be some sort of heated tent or caravan with an endless supply of hot chocolate and fleecy blankets, and maybe we'd be in Barbados or something, with a Photoshopped stormy sky. One day, one day..

You can view the entire lookbook here and the accompanying video here. Enjoy.

A POWER GIRL IN A NINETIES WORLD

There were only three of us in my primary school friend group, so although it was difficult to play Spice Girls we managed to find a way: learning the lyrics of the first album off by heart and copying the dance moves taped from videos. A particular favourite was Say You'll Be There - still probably my favourite Spicey song - five strong women wearing badass clothes kicking ass.. in the middle of the desert. As you do.

All this took place whilst simultaneously arguing over who was which Spice. The girl closest to my heart was always Baby but I was doomed to be Sporty throughout my Spice impersonation career. To be fair, at the time I had very straight brown hair and lived in trackies and trainers (and arguably had the best singing voice, har har); I just didn't possess the confidence to wear Baby's short, shiny outfits. I hated even wearing fitted t-shirts, while all around me the other girls wore short skirts and played with make-up, thinking that they had to dress to attract boys.

It's only upon reflection now do I realise how different the Spice Girls really were to anyone else around at the time. They dressed for themselves, and for each other, not men - the original man repellers, if you like. I used to like the idea of "girl power" but I didn't really get it; now I do I'm behind it even more than I was then!

I guess now I'm making up for lost time, living out my inner Baby Spice dream: I'm totally obsessed with white platforms and anything rainbow, shiny, holographic or fluffy. If in doubt, think WWBSD: What Would Baby Spice Do.

Wildfox knit

Delilah Dust yin yang necklace

Stephanie Hamer "Dotty" necklace

Jeffrey Campbell Suebee shoes

Thriftette socks

Whilst I'm not sure I'd actually go out with hair like this now - it cuts a little close to the "desperately clinging onto youth" bone - one of the main reasons I love blogging is because I get to do dumb stuff, record it, and people seem to LIKE IT. I do hope you're laughing along with me and not at me.

PS. whilst creating this collage I discovered three things..

1. Comic Sans MS does have its uses in ironic 1990s graphics. NOWHERE ELSE.
2. Baby's white Buffalo shoes are available to buy on Schuh. OMG.
3. This collection of Spice Girls memorabilia is astounding.

MEET THE ETTE GIRLS

I ♥ this grungy little shop in Affleck's Arcade. Beginning life as a vintage store, the Thrifty ladies now stock handmade tie-dye tees (AND SOCKS..!), velvet circle skirts and holographic crop tops. I also ♥ the ladies that run the shop too, you can check out Lucie's blog here; a healthy dose of white hair, Evil Twin and Jeffrey Campbell Coltranes are totally on point for the Thriftette brand.

On a busy Saturday Chris and I popped in to pick up a Yin Yang tee and play a game of Mario Kart on the Ettes' Nintendo 64. I was Princess Peach, he was Yoshi. He won, this time at least. We'll be back in soon for a rematch.. and also to pick up a special request of men's tie dye socks!