I have always been neither-here-nor-there on my opinion of british favourite store, Primark. Since their opening in Oxford street in early 2007, it seems everyone has fallen head over heels for the cheap prices. To me, primark is the epiphany of chav-iness. The nearest Primark to me is in Stevenage, possibly being the roughest area of the entire east side of the UK, having a regular supply of girls dressed head-to-toe in burberry checks, and high, tight, tight ponytails. All of which you will find in Primark, picking out the most hideous things possible. The other major reason is the poor quality, surely its better to fork out on something that will last forever than lots of things that will last a week each?

Dont get me wrong, i am a sucker for the cheap-ness, and the nice designs, and how everything you could possibly want is right there for you in one double-decker store. But its just the little things that make it so offputting. The way everything seems to break/rip/tear, how whatever you want is only ever in a size 16+, and how everything sells out so fast. Also, with all the hype around the slave labour thing, Primark has recieved alot of bad press of late. But now the overseas slavery has been fired (infamously...), and it seemed the spell of terrible publicity was over.
But still, Primark comes up trumps. How is it that the cheapest store in the universe (bar Poundland) can come up with identical copies of every designer possible, and regular, ordinary priced shops cannot? I think Primark may be worth a visit...

(chanel s/s 08, Primark £12)

(Luella S/S 08, Primark £12)

(Micheal Kors S/S 08, Primark £15)

Molly xo

I have fond memories of raiding my grandmothers wardrobe as a child, having been a fan of 'dressing up', with a specific desire for jewellery. I would pile it on, whether it be silver, gold, pearls, or simple rings, and i would love it. Since then, i have continued on my magpie-esque love of jewellery, and now i admit, i am obsessed. 60% of what i buy is jewellery, often from small boutiques near my aunt's house. However, now i fear my love for jewels has spiralled out of control.

Grandma's Jewellery perfection: Mui-Mui's Jumble sale necklace. And at £155 a pop, i guess this delight will only ever appear in my dreams...

Oh Net-A-Porter, why do you have such painful allure...?

I've always thought as Art as a form of fashion. Throughout my education, fashion design has been catagorised under the subject art, and i have continued to study it this way. However, over at TIME magazine they have an article against my view, and has made me rather optimistic about the whole prospect of the fashion/art debate. Jeff Chu says:

"while fashion may be artsy, artistic, artful, enjoying an art-infused moment and even (gasp!) influential in certain art circles, it's not art."

But surely if fashion is so thouroughly linked to the arta, shouldn't it be a form in its own right?

Ingrid Sisley, creator of the Florence Biennale show 1996, states "The conventional wisdom was that fashion was the enemy of art." Which is an odd concept seeing as art has played such a major role in many of the major designers collections for S/S '08.

(artistic prints at chanel + luella)

This season more than ever, the art and fashion world has started to merge together like never before. Summer stated the return of the print, whether it be stars at chanel, Florals at Luella or the-soon-to-become-iconic balenciaga print. Im sure not many people will argue with the artistic aspects of Prada's S/S '08 collection, following up from the online inspiration video, Trembled Blossoms. The charming pixie print was created by artist James Jean, who also has worked in the art industry (specialising in captivating paintings of mythical/fairy-like charachters) since 1999.

(picture sources jamesdean.com) Another collection that has formed a solid link with the art world is Viktor + Rolf, whom's fashion designs are more a work of art than something you could bung on to go to the corner shop. Recently the fashion duo have opened an exhibition at an art gallery (barbrican)to showcase some of their more influential peices. A good point is that fashion is often included in art galleries, and are some of the most popular exhibitions are those which link to the world of fashion, and I know i love my visits to the V&A's Fashion Through The Ages gallery, in which they have fascinating talks and lectures about the history of fashion, aswell as the links to art.

(Balenciaga's structured suits have been strongly linked to the world of archiatechture and was mentioned in Vogue June. Balenciaga, Viktor + Rolf S/S '08.)

A final word is that i do believe that fashion is very similar to art. I see fashion as very visual (well, who would shop with their eyes closed?), and i also apply this to art. They are both subjects I very much enjoy, and i hope one day the art world will recognise fashion for the wonderful art form it should be classified as.

Hope you are all well, sorry for the lack of posting,

Molly x

As of late, the most important event in the fashion world is The Sex And The City Movie. Last week, [after the premiere] there were FOUR newspapers with a picture of SJP on the cover, and i haven't seen many blogs that haven't posted about it yet. This is all great, and i'm not saying that i won't be one of the many queuing to see the film, but unfortunately, this is distracting attention away from what is called the 'Resort Collection'.

As soon as the link for the 'Resort Line' popped up inside a Style.com email, i was confused. I am relatively new to the world of fashion beyond shopping, and so had to resort to Vogue + *gasp* Wikipedia to help me define the third fashion season. It turns out, besides the Spring/Summer and the Autumn/Winter, there is a reasonably new semi-season, a 'cruise' or a 'resort' collection, and the more wearable sibling of the fashion seasons. The concept of the whole idea is a fashion line thats summery, will last throughout autumn and summer, and essentially, holiday-ready.

CHRISTIAN DIOR.

Dior is certainly the most elegant of the resort collections. Christian clearly took his inspiration from the sixties, and has incorporated it into the cruise-wear in a way that's very 5-star-hotel-in-Paris. Throughout the show, it was clear that Dior wanted to cater for all the Holiday-maker's needs. There was Day, Beach, Night and Formal wear, to make sure Dior is the full package. The collection is literally bursting with gorgeous colours, particularly Orange, Mustard, Fushia and Deep Purples. Paisley seems to be on its rebound [oh joy...] aswell as vertical stripes, bows and heavy, heavy jewellery.

VERDICT: 6/10. Classy, and fantastic colouring, although many of the formal dresses were too snow-bunny-ish and the prospect of Paisley has put me off...

Chanel.

What does amazing clothing, surreal scenery and hot male models create? A very, very jealous blogger. I totally agree with Laird Borrelli-Persson from Style.com observation of Karl's own style influencing the beginning of the collection, with his trademark black tie + shirts. Other influences was Coco Chanel's cream and black, and of course her tailoring and elegance. The whole collection was very rock and roll meets masculinity, elegance or tribal wear. It also played homage to the S/S 08 collection with Americana, featuring wide legged denim and pearls. As an extra, the collection featured possibly the NICEST chanel bag EVER, which not doubt will have its own post soon.

VERDICT: 9/10. Loved it. Loved it all.

Fendi.

I think what i liked about this was how it was so simple, it was extreme. It certainly isn't a groundbreaking collection, nor chanel-esque scenery, but the simplicity of the two combine to create a resort line of Gap-meets-seventies/sailor. I did adore the gorgeous long waves and simple makeup as seen on the models though. Its all neutrals, and in classic shapes, but oddly, is what i know i'd wear if i were rich enough to 'cruise'.

Verdict: 8/10. Liked the simplicity, loved the hair.

P.S-

I don't mean to yet again bore you with my excuses, but i am back for this week. Next week i will be on holiday, and so unable to post, but after that, and know my exams are over [oh the joy...], i should be back to normal.

Thanks for still reading, i will reply either today or tomorrow. :)

Have a good evening.

Molly xo.

What does a recently broken computer + 6 essays to re-type equal? Very, very tired fingers. So im afraid dear bloggers that this is a quick one. More of a you-answer-me than a-me-talking-to-you post. For todays post, im thinking back to the post about Miss Amy Winehouse i did a month back,as she became the muse for Karl Lagerfeld @ Chanel. Since then, i have been thinking more into the who-is-who of celeb/stylist muses, and have compiled the finest.

DUFFY FOR DOLCE & GABBANA

Everyone knows Duffy is an amazing singer, but what you may not know is that she has also has amazing style, and is the new muse of D&G. Apparently she wowed the fashion gods at a concert and has been asked to take over the role from Madonna *scoff scoff*

KATIE SHILLINGFORD FOR GARETH PUGH If you had never heard of her before, dont worry, i hadn't either. Turns out she's the ex-editor of Dazed And Confused, and also stylist to Gareth Pugh's catwalks. He's worked with her for four years and 'couldn't think of anyone else but Katie' to be his muse. All i know is that she had one hell of a haircut, and that there isn't many pictures of her on the internet.

AGYNESS DEYN FOR HOUSE OF HOLLAND

Best friends for a few years, the style duo even live together, and along with her quirky style, its no suprise she makes the 'perfect muse' for house of holland.

so, who would be your muse?

have a good evening everyone,

Molly xo.

For anyone who has read my blog recently, [or for that matter just stumbled upon it] you will have pretty much gathered that i am not a big fan of designer/celebrity collaborations. I believe that the designers should stick to the high end, and the high street, well, to the high street!So when i read about print-based label Marimekko's collision with high street giant [and personal favourite] shop h&m, i couldn't help but to be optimistic. And later, when an opening email from the shop itself landed in my inbox, i was pleasantly suprised by the delightful illustrations created for the line.

But, later when i had purchased my monthly style bible, Vogue, i read the mini mag [did anyone catch it? i do love my mini-mags] which was in association with h&m and was presented with images from the new collaboration. I was startled by the intensity of the prints clashed together with the heavy jewels and a menagerie of paint-like makeup. It was all very unusual and 'editorial' and seemed rather dissapointing [even though the pictures were striking, and beautiful.], and looked unwearable. [Sorry for the bad quality- yet again scanners' acting up.]

However, after checking the website for more details, i can ensure you that the collaboration is not as bad as i have described it. The pretty smock dresses and tunic tops are all very 60's and overall, very pleasing. I would certainly wear some of the items, which consist of the prints "Keidas (art nouveau swirl), Linssi (diagonal swirl), Petrooli (red rimmed red spot) and Jonas, (a black spider-like swirl)".

My favourite peice is probably the shift dresses which [if you look on the website] come in a variety of gorgeous prints from Marimekko. Its altogether a nice line, daring, yet simple for everyday wear.

Note: Agh. Why am i making this remark? Because my computer crashed with a virus last week so I haven't been able to post. Also, all my coursework was lost except the few peices i had saved at school. I am NOT a happy bunny. Im guessing this post is a little late [try a week late] but i am sorry, and i promise i will return to regular posting.

Im trying my best to reply to comments, im really sorry! :)

Also- For the anonymous comment: Babi-molly@hotmail.com

Have a good day everyone,

Molly xo.

There are parts of fashion that everyone hates. My Dad hates wedge heels and anything baggy or 'vintage'. My Mum hates anything made out of PVC. My 5 year old sister detests wearing the colour green. And My Brother doesn't know the foggiest about fashion, so we just won't go there.

As for me? I hate[d] jumpsuits.

Why i hear you ask? That's a good question. The jumpsuit has been a part of my life for as long as i can remember. For the first couple of years of my life i wore them. My uncle, and close family friend [who are both builders] wore them, and still do to this day. Perhaps it was a jumpsuit overload that has triggered my hatred for the one piece suit, or perhaps it was the imaginable difficulty of taking them off/ putting them back on for toilet trips.

I don't know what it was, but what i do know is that i feel i am being converted. To anyone that read yesterdays post, you'll see i evaluated danish brand eluise which featured not one, but two jumpsuits. And whats more- i loved them. They're slouchy, look comfortable and come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours.

Moschino & Stella McCartney S/S '08.

And with all the hype around them for S/S, i feel that perhaps i am ready to embrace this trend. [Which i am annoyed about because i was so adamant i hated them!] So you can imagine my supreme excitement when i saw that GAP UK has produced a jumpsuit similar to the one i mentioned in a previous post from Stella McCartney- and for £510.50 less!:

Note the better quality of my scans- my scanner now works and i have bought photoshop!

So what do you guys think? Should i buy it? It is growing on me... and at £39.50 its cheap.. enough..?
Your opinions are needed!

Have a good evening everyone...

Molly xo.

Technically, I'm an eighth danish. [My grandad's mum is danish] But i spend most of my holidays there so that must count for something right?

Well, I'd love to be because every time i visit Denmark [in particular Copenhagen], the cities are literally packed with well dressed ladies, all clad in high end fashion. I think with all of the hype based around Paris/Milan/London/New York, other style meccas go unnoticed, and Denmark would definitely qualify.

picture credit: street style in copenhagen

So, you can imagine my excitement i came across danish brand ELUISE. Not just because its a danish brand, but also because it's got that simple, yet baggy style that i dearly love. According to the S/S 08 text the line is:

"it's inspired by travel, movement and time. the silhouettes and drapings are influenced by designer louise stubkjear's ability to work in a simple way with the natural shapes of the material combined with a classical expression"

And even though i can't really see the link between time, it is clear that the draping silhouettes of the white jumpsuit, and the playful beach romper are definitely reminiscent of the 1980's [and earlier's] jetsetters.

When i take on of my 40 yearly trips to denmark, i will try to visit the store and post some pictures up. [i MAY be going to the end of April, but these trips can be very unpredictable!]

Have a good evening,

Molly xo.

- All links added, sorry if i kept you waiting!

Yes, it's only been a day since i last posted, but when i've got the blogging spirit, i kind of have to post. So, here i am again with what i hope is going to be an interesting post. :)

I've always been fascinated by Anna Piaggi ever since reading about her in my personal fashion bible 'The Cheap Date's Guide to Style'. And when i saw this picture on the Satorialist I felt the need to find out more. So here it is, the first ever Fashion Biography to ever grace the posts of Fashionyou.

Anna Piaggi is an international writer and stylist, and her articles have been shown on the pages of Italian Vogue in which she has been the creative consultant since 1988, and Vanity Fair. However, she is more often recognised for her eccentric taste in stile and always unique hair and makeup. According to the V&A she has an amazing 2865 dresses. She has been associated with Manalo Blahnik, Karl Lagerfeld and Stephen Jones.

And here are a few questions asked to her by The Telegraph in 2006:

Who are your favourite designers of the moment? I like Dolce & Gabbana and Rifat Ozbek. Also John Galliano, because he's a designer whose clothes create their own mood. I've recently rediscovered Chanel, who I used to wear years ago. I particularly like the collections they make for Japan, full of such stunning patterns and colours. I've also rediscovered Missoni, the clothes are made with such craft. And I like the modernism and discipline of Prada.

What have been your biggest fashion indulgences? Hats (by either Philip Treacy or Stephen Jones), gloves (from Missoni Men, with cutout fingers - I wear them while I'm working and with matching nail varnish) and walking canes (from Madeleine Gély, 218 blvd St Germain, Paris).

Read More Here...

Truly an icon...

Have a nice day everyone.

Molly xo.

P.s-> Please note the kind donation of Kamel from Style&TheCity who invited me to use his photo scroll box thing. His pictures really are amazing.