vans

Hello and welcome to my third official post of 2016… okay, calm it Tolly, it’s not a radio introduction… today’s post has been brewing in the back of my mind for a while now, and it’s all about aesthetics and finding that ‘vibe’ that fits you. I feel like I’m currently in a good place with my personal style, which is a big thing for someone my age because we’re always constantly changing along with our personalities. It’s a good thing though – I like having the true freedom to experiment with what I wear… it’s a shame that, that kind of fades away at a certain point. That needs to change!

FOLLOW ME ON TUMBLR

I think my current personal style has started to form through different influences, mainly social media. I know I go on a lot about being yourself (because it’s true, you should be) but I think there’s a big difference between taking inspiration from and plain copying. Taking inspiration from different aspects of life can make a huge change in your wardrobe.

Like I said, for me, social media and places like Tumblr have really being do it. Creating an aesthetic isn’t just about looking at clothes, it’s about creating this whole idea and almost ‘way of life’ of how you want to go about things… so I don’t just look at outfits, I look at text posts, quotes, colour swatches, photograph etc… they all add up to create this broader image of what I’m trying to put across.

If I had to put a label on the aesthetic I’m currently channelling, it would probably be called something like… ‘Pink Peanut Butter’. That sounds really odd, but it basically started off when I discovered Rad.co and they’re stunning and simple collection of sweaters (that sounds sponsored but I honestly swear it is 100% not), one of them being a plain yellow number with the embroidered words of ‘Peanut Butter’ (scroll down to take a peep).

If I had to give a list of things I’m loving it would probably go a little something like this…

SHOP: 1 // 2

In terms of my recent purchases and how I’ve actually been channeling these vibes into my personal style, I picked up this rather ‘peanut butter’ style sweatshirt from Pull & Bear which has a tasteful slogan, 70s colours and peanut butter colours. I can’t wait to style it up throughout the year, even layering it for the warmer days so it becomes more of a slouchy throw-over (you can see a snippet of it over on my Instagram)… but as I mentioned above, I’m in love with Rad.co and I am eagerly awaiting the day when they start shipping worldwide… *daydreams*

I didn’t want to write a full post about it because I just want the news to sit with me for a bit, but of course I have acknowledged our tragic loss of the inspirational legend that is David Bowie. I wrote a tiny snippet over on Facebook as to why I’m not making a full piece, so I hope you understand. He made a big impact in my life and I will forever be honoured that I was alive at the same time he was. So thank you, David Bowie, please go and be as free as that bluebird.

I know this series was meant to be over a long time ago, but it’s one of those posts I’m not sure whether you love or loathe…?! Please do let me know in the (now non Disqus) comments section! I’ve decided to turn of Disqus for a while to see how things go…. let me know what you prefer! Anyway, let’s get on with this A-Z Fashion Guide post all about Carnaby Street!

(Images via Pinterest. All sources here.)

Carnaby Street is most commonly known for being a Soho shopping street in London. The reason it’s important to the fashion industry is because of how popular it was in the 1960s. After jazz clubs opening up, people started to gather on Carnaby Street and it soon became the social hub for the swinging sixties. The first boutique to open up was “His Clothes” by John Stephen, which was followed quickly by designers like Mary Quant.

Carnaby Street soon became the place to be in London. Bands like the Rolling Stones started to appear in the area, and with music being such a huge influence on fashion… well, you can see why it’s such an important part of this A-Z Fashion Guide. Even the song “Dedicated Follower of Fashion” by The Kinks, has links to the famous shopping streets.

If you want to know where mod fashion came from, then you’re in the right place! Carnaby Street was one of the main influences for that too. Apparently young “mods” would say they would go without food to buy more fashionable clothes of the time. In the video above you can spot out some of the awesome trends from back then; shift dresses, turtle necks, bold and colourful prints, fitted suits for the men, and short skirts for the women…

I’ve created another map for you to explore Carnaby Street. If you’re wanting some new shoes, I’d definitely take a peep as there seems to be a lot of shops offering the latest styles for your toes! My favourite has to be Dr. Martens so definitely pop in if you have the chance. Make sure you let me know your favourite Carnaby Street shops in the comments below!