a-z fashion dictionary

Yay! My first official Series Sunday post! Erm, I do apologise that its on a Monday this week *cry laughs* but anyway… when I re-launched my site, I said that I would start this ‘thing’ where I publish a post every Sunday from a series I’m running, so here I am! I do promise it will be on a Sunday next week, I totally forgot to press the publish button! About this post though… I’ve had a look and realised I haven’t done a letter in my A-Z Fashion Guide since May of this year… *gulps*…so hopefully with this new ‘thing’, I should get back on it! Today, I have the 2nd letter of B, and it’s all going to be about Broderie Anglaise!

~ BRODERIE ANGLAISE ~

Broderie Anglaise has been around in Europe since the 16th century (or even earlier). From my research, it looks like the method originates from Czech Republic, although it has a french name… and is called ‘English embroidery’ (more on this in just a second). It is mostly known as being white thread on a white fabric (cotton is most commonly used), where holes are created and finally finished with stitches around the edges of each shape. Since the 1800’s, it’s been used in PJs (or nightwear back then) and underwear, and is now mostly found in summer-y clothing like dresses and lightweight t-shirts and tops. The reason it is called ‘Broderie Anglaise‘ is because of the popularity it had in the 19th century, in England.

Most commonly, designs are made to symbolise flowers, vines and foliage, ovals or dots. They can be any size shape and style, but generally they are small and ditsy and have a very fine stitch. Now-a-days most Broderie Anglaise is achieved by machine rather than by hand, which would require skill and precision.

1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5

These are a few pieces currently available online. Due to the fact that the style is fairly summery, it is quite hard to find ‘in trend’ pieces at the moment, but I still really love some of these! I absolutely love the black dress, it’s so gorgeously detailed, in a very subtle way, and the shape is very flattering. In fact, I think it would look perfect with the black flats from New Look (£5… bargain!) which would add a preppy touch. The Victoria Beckham shorts are also pretty darn cool, they look chic but have that model-off-duty, modern, city chic vibe about them. Which is your favourite piece? Let me know in the comments!

Next week I’ll be talking all things Burberry, so stay tuned if you like the sound of that! You can catch all of my little A-Z Fashion Guide posts, here! 

(Collage images via Pinterest)

Long time no see my little friend, A-Z Fashion Guide? Sorry, I’ve been a busy bee with other posts but it’s back! You seemed to like this series (I think…. :-/…), so I’m carrying it on! This is the 1st part of the ‘B’ section, so I guess we’ll just crack on, non?

A ‘Basque’ is basically the proper name for a ‘Peplum’. It means an additional piece of fabric almost like a mini skirt, which has been added to a dress, jacket or blouse. Some people get confused between it and a ‘drop waist’ but usually a ‘Basque’ will be completely separate (still joined) and the dress will ‘continue’ under the added ‘Peplum’. The origin of the word ‘Basque’ comes from France, and the actual ‘Basque’ on a skirt also comes from France, and the ‘Basque’ people were the first people to wear the style in the Victorian times. In the era of the Victorians, it was more like a fitted piece of clothing which waistline was past the hips.

This style was most commonly used in lingerie around that time in things like corsets, but now in more modern times it is most commonly found on dresses. The ‘Basque’ or ‘Peplum’ is a flattering shape as it sort of conceals part of your torso and waist which makes your top half look a lot longer and slimmer. I’m not the biggest fan of this style but I think the style will always be popular as it does make for a nice silhouette.

The best example of the ‘Basque’ I can find being used by a designer is from the Chanel A/W 2011 collection. It’s not what I call the nicest of collections, but it’s definitely a good representation of the style. In the collection, there is the classic Chanel jacket, with an added ‘Peplum’, decorative embellishments (more on Applique here!), and bright pops of colour (sorry, that phrase has to get in a post somewhere). Nice, just not my taste. I much prefer the SS14 Haute Couture collection… *love heart eyes emoji*

RIVER ISLAND DRESS//MISS SELFRIDGE TOP//ASOS DRESS

These are three pieces that I love featuring the ‘Basque’ style. I love how the River Island Dress has the 3D flowers, and the bright colours are just gorgeous. The added ‘Basque’ isn’t too obvious either, it makes the whole piece look a lot more structured… shame it’s a tad on the pricey side though… must definitely be worth it! Let’s talk about the top though… ohh yes! I’m not sure you can really have a ‘drop hem’ crop top, so I’m counting this. The print is dreamy, the style is dreamy, ohh just too much dreamy-ness! But, that white dress… YES! I love the cami style scuba neck, and the length… plus the fabric is embossed so it adds that whole extra dimension of sophistication. It’s not something I would usually go for, but I LOVE it! Love love love… well I love all 3 pieces and I wish I owned them all!

 Click here to see the rest of the A-Z Fashion Guide!