livlapin: fashion

ON WEARING RED

18 Sept 2017

Widely used as a feature of symbolism in literature, the colour red has captivated for years. Its historical fascination transcends popular culture, as well as the natural world, and perhaps the allure relates to the colours dual identity. While it has often been a symbol of fertility, love, and lust (The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood), red is also regularly associated with danger, anger, and sin (The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne).

Flashback to February of this year, and New York fashion week pronounced red to be the colour of A/W 2017. Seven months later, and the temperature is undeniably dropping - so how will you be wearing the most conspicuous colour of the season?

Hoodie and bra: both Weekday

1. Tonal Blocking

Obviously, red is about being seen, and there's nothing that will smack people in the face like a head-to-toe outfit in one colour. Not for the faint-hearted, committing to this bold look is v. brave. Take advice from Pandora Sykes in this Man Repeller feature, and make sure one item you're wearing doesn't match. It'll break apart the outfit, and you won't look 'like a crayon'.

2. Denim

Ruby bought this H&M red denim jacket, now she and the jacket have become one and she is slightly closer to her dream (probably) of becoming the SOS emoji. Then, I got this ASOS denim skirt (which I can only describe as spicy), and I now feel incredibly dull if I go out wearing anything but. I think the only thing red denim has taught us here is that it is extremely addictive.

3. Accessories

If, for some reason, you don't feel like walking around town in a head-to-toe ketchup outfit, there are more subtle ways to wear the trend. Statement red accessories such as a pair of earrings, a red hat (military-chic), or cross-body bag mean that the colour can be incorporated into any wardrobe without being so audacious.

4. Beauty

An obvious way to introduce a bit of red into your beauty routine would be on nails or lip colour - which is fine. However, red on the eyes is much more interesting. Re-purpose a liquid lipstick such as this Gerard Cosmetics one, and apply a wing using a thin angled eyeliner brush. Alternately, sweep a gold shimmer over your entire lid, and use a bright red shadow to highlight the inner-third of your lower lashline a la Solange.

Disclaimer: If you're going to opt for the fully red outfit, don't stand next to a post box with your mouth open.

EARRINGS ARE ALL THAT MATTER RIGHT NOW

10 Aug 2017

There's a very fine line between chav and chic, and it's a line I like to walk dangerously close to - much to the disapproving looks from my own mother. I remember being 13, and all I wanted was a pair of chunky gold hoops from Elizabeth Duke at Argos. My mum hated them, and I didn't have the finances. Eight years later, I think I've got some sort of complex, because statement earrings still make me feel the same kinda way.

A woman at the forefront of this trend; Eastenders' Pat Butcher has been mocked for her courageous jewellery choices. Although earrings have a much longer and more complex history than most people realise, the iconic Pat might be the catalyst to statement earrings being all over SS17 catwalks - and I'm not ready to let go of the trend just yet.

[Pictured] A small sample of my superfluous collection. The yellow pair were the first I bought which could be categorised as 'statement', and I wear them when I want to feel more like Frida Kahlo. Since then, I've become more partial to a bolder look - hence the green and pink pair being a more recent acquisition.

N.B. Lemon not worn as earring, obvs.

[L-R: Asos, Into The Gloss, Zara]

A statement pair of earrings has the same magical ability as a bold lipstick - creating the illusion you made much more effort than you really did. Pulling your hair into a bun takes two minutes, but adding earrings makes the look night-out-worthy. I honestly can't remember the last time I went out without a pair, so maybe I should give my earlobes a break... probs won't though.

INSTAGRAM: BEST OF LFW

24 Feb 2015

Thoughout the entirety of London Fashion Week, my Instagram feed has been drowning in posts from Elle, Vogue, Topshop etc - too many posts of backstage, finales and streetstyle to begin to consider looking through. Even Snapchat has been posting shots from the iPhones of models and people attending various events. I thought I would helpfully round up the posts I enjoyed most - expect minimalism, healthy looking snacks and maybe some 70s vibes.