Dreadlock, Stock and Barrel

Dear Ross Noble, I think you're great. You make me laugh very hard. And I went to see you last year in the Isle of Man during the TT, the night I met my lovely ex Steve. So I have a special place in my heart for you.

I know that you could never be described as dapper (although you do really carry off the leather biker jacket) and that being interested in your appearance is not really your thing. I get that.

But there is one thing that my love for you just cannot endure. Your dreadlocks.

(Images via Spoonfed, Daily Mail)

And, let's be honest here, it's not just you. There is a written rule, you see. And clearly no one has been kind enough to tell you, so let me be the one to break it to you gently. Unless you are Johnny Depp in character as a fictional pirate, as a white man the dreadlock is truly, truly, a no go area.

So please, employ some people to comb those bad boys out and we need never speak of this again. Otherwise I'll be sending people round with a sharp pair of scissors and some determination, and we'll have them away one way or another.

It's for your own good. I promise.

Love Lucinda xo xo

Midnight at the Oasis

Wahay! I have broken the Oasis curse. Was desperately looking for suitable work tops but not desperate enough to go into Banana Republic (yawnsville). So I ventured in with terribly low expectations, but out I skipped with three lovely and perfectly respectable work tops.

I know I shouldn't say such things, because it is practically sacrilegeous, but there is really something to be said (particularly in these cooler months) for having a work outfit you can bung on and look reputable without trying too hard. Wouldn't you agree?

(Images via Oasis)

A Drop in the Ocean

So of course everyone is talking about Baz Lurhaman's remake of The Great Gatsby. I'm pretty excited about it. And these pictures of Carey Mulligan are just lovely. I think she will make a great Daisy.

And the dresses...

The Twenties style is always a winner. It is finding its way on to the catwalks and high street already. But that is where my problems start.

Not that these dresses aren't lovely. They are. Beautiful shapes. Beading and adornments.

And (dur, dur, durrrr!) the drop waist! Aaaarrrrgggghhhhh!!!

If there were ever a dress shape that was designed to make a curvy girl blanch it is the drop waist.

In the Twenties the aim was to look boyish. You wanted a straight up and down figure and women would bind their breasts to achieve it. Now, I'll do a lot for my love of fashion, but in the words of the Meatloaf, I won't do that. So, sadly, this will have to be a trend that I merely appreciate from afar.

(Images via Daily Telegraph)

All Grown Up

When I see young ladies wearing very little, it occurs to me that I wouldn't reveal myself like that for all the tea in China.

I used to look at slightly older ladies (this was when I was a teenager, so I obviously meant women in their thirties) and feel bad for them that they were so self conscious that they had to cover up their bodies.

Now I realise that covering up is infinitely more elegant. And more mysterious. A girl with all her goods on show isn't hiding anything. Unless she's actually a wall flower.

(Images via Jigsaw)

At the grand old age of 32 I only want to dress like a grown up (ok, maybe that isn't 100% true, but getting there). And with beautiful, subtle, elegant dresses like these, why wouldn't I?

Votes for This Woman

(Image via Marie Claire)

Dear my lovely readers, if you enjoy my blog could I possibly call on you to vote for me in the Marie Claire Blog Awards?

I'd be awful grateful.

Please vote here.

It was the Best of Times, it was the Worst of Times

 

I am loving the Daily Telegraph's Worst dressed 2011: the 25 worst outfits of the year 

 

Here are some of my favourites:

 

Ellie Goulding (above). So I kind of get the festival fashion references, but under no circumstances should zip up Olivia Newton John style shorts, scaggy grey corset tops and weird leopard print booties be combined. Ever.

 

Evan Rachel Wood and her beetroot/gizzards coloured leather pussy bow trench dress and Gucci style (or possibly just Gucci) 70s hat is truly wrong on every level.

Jaime Winstone. I just don't understand her fashion choices. Not at all.

Just like with Gaga, when Jessie J was new, I was intrigued. Now I'm just bored/slightly troubled.

Lauren Pope. I know I shouldn't say this, because obviously this is just about as trashy and attention grabbing as they come. But actually, in terms of achieving what you set out to do, I think this is kind of majestic.

Pixie Geldof will never be forgiven for wearing Buffalo boots. And the rest of the outfit is just inexplicable.

I love Sarah Jessica's outfit, but the tights? No. We all know they are wrong.

Nicole Kidman proves that just because something (in this case leather) is fashionable, doesn't mean that you should have a frumpy badly fitting suit made out of it and wear it on the blue carpet.

This was the precise moment that I fell out of love with Cheryl Cole, and she hasn't done anything since to absolve herself.

And then there was Tulisa. I had high hopes. She started out well, she came across as really fun. But her fashion choices really, really sucked.

(Images via Daily Telegraph Fashion)

But all I can say is thank goodness for these fashion mistakes, because life would be very dull without them. So ladies, please, as you were...



What the Blazers?!

(Image via Vanity Fair)

Sandra Bullock is really rocking the blazer over a party dress look. I wonder if I could too. Her dress is from All Saints, and I have one from there (although far less ornate) which might look quite cute with a blazer for New Year's.

I'm not really feeling body confident at the moment post Christmas gorging to show too much flesh. So the blazer might be the perfect solution, plus it tones down a party dress and makes it look like you're not trying too hard. Which for NYE has to be a good thing. I always think there is just something a little desparate about going all out.

So if this is what I'm going to try then I need to pin down a great blazer.

Top of the Pops

And if I am going to be wearing trousers more often I'll just have to have more tops. Obviously.

Nothing too tight or to garish.

That I can look smart enough in but that are also comfortable.

And nothing too fitted.

These are some of my thoughts.

This could work, right?

(Images via Asos, Topshop)

Drop Trou

(Image via 3: Eleven Boutique)

You will be shocked. Seriously, I'm not kidding. And possibly apalled. For as long as you have known me I have been a woman who spends, oh, about 99% of her time in a dress or skirt. But things, I fear, are changing. I am spending my days at my new job trundling up and down stairs with arms full of files. And you know what doesn't go with that? A pencil skirt. And actually skirts of most descriptions.

So I think I will have to admit defeat. Suck it up and buy some trousers.

I know. I can barely stand to think of it myself. I went into M&S the other day and tried on about 15 pairs all to very little outcome. And it reminded me exactly why I stopped wearing trousers in the first place. They just don't suit me. I have a generous bottom and thighs and I'm not overly tall. All things which make buying trousers a perverse form of sartorial torture.

I'm not sure if it is really worth the effort...

Either that or I might have to treat myself to a pricier pair that fit really nicely. As I recall Reiss might provide something that'll work.

A Cut Above

What sort of evil hold does America's Next Top Model have over me? I seem incapable of seeing in on the schedule without watching it.

And last night I really could have done with going to sleep instead, but it was a double bill of the final two episodes, so I couldn't say no.

And if for nothing else I am glad I did for this haircut.

The winner, Brittani, had a Natalie Portman in Leon/Clara Bow style 20s fringed bob for the whole series but then had it cropped for the final panel and it made me swoon. This truly is the greatest haircut in my mind. And if I was less of a moon face I would always like to have mine cut like that.

And I love the colour. I don't think that I would go quite as dark, but it does make me think about going a slightly darker brown. Then add in the pink satin and the red pout and honestly, I could die.

Heaven.

Imitation is the Sincerest Form of Flattery

I bet Stella McCartney doesn't agree. This dress has been ripped off so badly. And I reckon she's probably as sick of it as I am.

(Images via Style.com, River Island)

Model Living

OK, so this post isn't about fashion in the strictest sense, it's about interiors. But the flat belongs to Agyness Deyn, so there is a fashion link.

Plus, I think it is incredible, and I thought you might enjoy it.

(Images via Holy Moly/Gothan Photo Company)