The Last Post!

After 241 days (and 6 nights) and some fine feature posts, the end has arrived all too soon! Tomorrow I must venture off to Spain, with only a mere suitcase (and it's 23kg of contents) to clothe myself with. 
But this daily journey has not been without its highlights! Fleece has been made fashionable, the safari shirt is a thing, veiled box hats are now suitable for university, princess night should be annually celebrated, leopard print has become a neutral print and double denim has never looked so good.
And here's some of the clothing in action!

Day 15, reclining in the living room den, post-construction.

Day 3, doing some washing.

Day 138, browsing in H&M and trying on a ginormous hat.

Night 54, at the Modern Languages Society ball, mid-dance floor balloon nabbing!

Day 135, having lunch in the refectory on a revision day.

Day 137, having a revision break in the sun with my biscuits and ridiculous hat.

Day 177, after having my official graduation photo taken (matching nails to hood!!)

Night 104, the only photo of me at that evening social, and instead of  posing nicely with my housemates, I'm deciding which cheese and pineapple stick to devour.

Night 152, on the Otley run with Princess Jasmine!

I hope, stylish ones, that you have enjoyed reading as much as I have enjoyed writing (e.g. lots), and I hope I have inspired confidence in you all, as this blog has in me. I have worn items I never would have worn if it were not for documenting myself daily; I have pushed the boundaries of my comfort zone and ignored everyone who thought I looked ridiculous or laughed at me. Because I can wear what I want, and more importantly, I feel smashing doing so! Feeling good in yourself and in a garment is a hundred times more happy/appealing/attractive/everything than simply having a nice garment. You are the wearer, and it is important to remember that you should clothe yourself in good feelings and confidence as much as comfy, wonderful fabrics!

Thanks again for reading, and I'm sure you're all looking fabulous as always!

Besos, 

Pard and Cov 

Day Two Hundred and Forty One

Claire is wearing a pair of gold hoop earrings [Superdrug], small tortoise shell sunglasses [Zandra Rhodes, from a charity shop] matching red jacket and pencil skirt [Butter Knits, from a charity shop], leopard print crop top with leopard heads [Topshop] and yellow canvas hi-top trainers with orange and purple rabbits [Converse, from a friend].
Covadonga is wearing a lilac paisley print roll-neck top [St Michael, from a charity shop].

Today is the last day!

So I'm wearing my, now, smartest and potential interview outfit in my wardrobe! I picked this up in my favourite charity shop for a pound (ladies wear sale)!! It's such a punchy energetic colour; a lady in another charity shop complimented me on it. I like the fact that it's a short sleeved jacket, it's summery and it has small square pockets on either side. The buttons on the jacket are gold with little anchors on; wonderfully 80s and old-school charming. Finally the pencil skirt fits perfectly!

I've paired it with my leopard crop top, as it's good to have a favourite as well as something new! And something from a friend in my hi-tops. It's like a wedding except there's no blue! 

I hope the suit will power me through some future interviews, despite it's lack of power shoulders. 

Day Two Hundred and Forty

Claire is wearing a denim coat [charity shop], long denim dress [charity shop], wooden parrot necklace [jumble sale], black patent belt with gold buckle [charity shop], black and white Doc Socks [Dr Martens shop] and tomato red Dr Martens [Dr Martens shop]. 
Covadonga is wearing a blue, pink and woven beaded necklace [Accessorize].

The penultimate day of the blog, and I'm ending in style, naturally!

Today is double denim of epic proportions, because if you can, why not!? 

All about the excess in here.

I like wearing matchy-matchy things, it makes a change to my orchestrated clashing of prints and colours. I've ignored the traditional DD rules of light and dark denim and gone for similarity instead; I mean matching coat and dress sets were a thing in the 60s right?

This dress is a good staple; being denim, it's hard wearing yet comfy. It buttons nicely up to the neck and fits well despite it's length and slightly square shape. Utility and beauty. The only issues, a missing last button aside, is juggling 2 collars. Hopefully the closest to two things fighting over my neck I'll ever be; both are blue and pointy, like a cartoon shark fin. It can get edgeh, but it can get a bit cluttered too!

I've added my recent fete find of a wooden beaded necklace with a parrot dangling on it. During a recent clear-out I gave up most of my wooden beaded necklaces, they just weren't me anymore (I'm into precious metals now, an expensive phase which requires me to buy gold tarnished things instead) but I liked the parrot and the primary colours. I'm sure it could double as a pram toy for a toddler. A word of caution though, getting hair caught in between wooden discs is painful and to be avoided!

Day Two Hundred and Thirty Nine

Claire is wearing a blue and cream leopard printed wrap dress with big cat heads [charity shop], denim coat [charity shop], black and white Doc Socks [Dr Martens shop] and tomato red Dr Martens [Dr Martens shop]. 
Covadonga is wearing a men's denim jacket [charity shop].

I apologize for my bizarre facial expression, who knows what I was thinking when the shutter went off...

I've got it all wrapped up today in my wrap-around dress! The nice thing about wrap dresses is that they fit a wider range than most dresses, it all replies on the length of the wrap bits. This one is almost better than a leopard printed wrap dress as it has cheetahs and tigers on it too! The only thing better than one pussycat is 3! 

I'm rather a traditionalist when it comes to leopard-print, I like natural looking in black, brown, yellow and tan. I'm not a fan of those neon and rainbow coloured ones; give me plain, vanilla pard! This however, is just on the right edge of my taste with it's subtle periwinkle blue and black; I believe it stops the dress form being too busy, or worse, tacky.

Finally, I bought a denim coat for a fiver yesterday! I think it's kind of swish and seventies style. Also a bit swashbuckling! It has dull gold buttons on it with large cuffs which makes me feel a bit like a pirate!

Day Two Hundred and Thirty Eight

Claire is wearing a white and yellow dress with polka dotted overlay [Leeds Vintage Kilo Sale], black and white Doc Socks [Dr Martens shop] and tomato red Dr Martens [Dr Martens shop]. 
Covadonga is wearing a yellow wooden-beaded necklace [Spanish table top sale]. 

Today's dress is worn partly on principle, as I didn't want the blog to end without wearing it! This is the 'sweet dress', coined as it looks like some kind of lemon sherbet wrapper. It's pretty bizarre and hands down one of the most ridiculed pieces in my wardrobe. I tried it on at a vintage sale and I loved it! The colours are very happy and summery (I wore it to a Church fayre today)! The shape in itself is odd and a bit complicated. The item is composed of a yellow dress, which is white at the back, attached to a yellow polka-dotted coat over it, which buttons with a frill. The low cummerbund doesn't restrain my stomp too much luckily, but my ruffle shimmys attractively! 

The downside is, it's so downright peculiar looking that people stared at me all day. A pair of 11 year-old looking girls actually laughed at me. Well, at least I wasn't wearing a top which had SELFIE written on it. The newsagent lady on the other hand said I was well co-ordinated. And I think it looks great in the photo. I might just have to hide it away again until I'm over 50 or I attend a wedding, perhaps the world is just not ready for this slice of Pard.

Style Icons

I wore my Frida Kahlo t-shirt yesterday and it reminded me of one of the most important aspects of fashion, aside from the wearer who chooses is: other, inspirational, people!
Everyone's style changes and the people who inspire them likewise change. I used to be an avid skinny jean and long sleeved top wearer, before the end of my first year of university when I started wearing long skirts and dresses, and frankly, never looked back (and not worn a skinny jean for about two years). A lot of that is thanks to Frida!

A style icon is all well and good, appreciating and emulating what they wear is obviously the idea, but even better than that is having a fully rounded idol, someone who can inspire through what they wear.

Frida Kahlo is my idol.
I've studied her for several years through art and as part of Hispanic culture. Her biography (Frida by Hayden Herrera) is an inspiring read and her art, which I have been lucky enough to see some of, remains powerful. She survived, and most definitely lived, through illness, injury, miscarriage and her husband of two times, Diego Rivera. She was an incredible, and at the same time incredibly human, woman. This article, from which the picture is taken, highlights how strong the relationship between the female body, insecurity, power and clothing is. She clothed herself to hide her polio damaged leg and align herself with the Mexican people and culture. It is not just her clothing that inspires me, it is the powerful way in which she wore it. The political and social message she made through them and the stand she took for herself, as a powerful woman (the Tehuana dress she adored comes from a Mexican region with a matriarchal society), against her physical pain and her embrace of life in all its colour and emotion. Not even a lower leg amputation could stop her from being glorious.

http://www.collectorsweekly.com/articles/uncovering-clues-in-frida-kahlos-private-wardrobe/

Moreover, I'm a fan of Advanced Style. Those women probably feel younger than I do and I truly look forward to being over 60 to do what I want and not have to answer to anyone, and to just wear what I want! It's great that you don't have to be young to be fabulous or appreciated anymore. 

However, style icons don't need to be famous! I lived with some, look at this lot!

Taken by Will Stanley Film and Photography

Once found, a style icon, whether a passing phase or a life-long obsession, can be a wealth of fashion and life inspiration: be inspired Stylish ones, just as someone probably is by you!

Day Two Hundred and Thirty Seven

Claire is wearing a tiered navy dress with red polka dots [Laura Ashley, from a charity shop] and tomato red Dr Martens [Dr Martens shop]. 
Covadonga is wearing a matching navy bolero with red polka dots [Laura Ashley, from a charity shop]. 

Older women dig this dress, like seriously dig this thing! I had three ladies compliment me; the first was on a bike who stopped behind me as I was peeling my banana (I thought she was going to tell me off for blocking the way). I have never been so well dressed in the eyes of the mature lady!

I'm betting it's because it's Laura Ashley! This two piece set is as flamboyant as it gets. I feel like a flamenco dancer, but my shadow appears to be that of a Victorian harlot! The skirt is very full, and unlike some tiered skirts that scrimp on fabric, these ruffles are each a separate layer of fabric. There's a lot being held up by those thin straps at the top! I would usually steer clear of items that rest on the hips but this one is corseted, it has bones and everything so it's quite flattering. The only issue is I don't have enough boobs (three would probably suffice) to hold it up properly, either that or my shoulders aren't high enough.

It's a show-stopper for my legs though, even if my torso doesn't quite agree! It;s been great swirling around and kicking my ruffles in front of me!

Day Two Hundred and Thirty Six

Claire is wearing a red and white base ball cap [North Carolina State University shop, from a friend], monochrome Frida Kahlo t-shirt [origin unknown, a Christmas present], yellow pleated mini-skirt [charity shop], white sports socks [Puma, from Sports Direct]  and leopard print hi-tops [Topshop].
Covadonga is wearing a snapback cap [Airwalk, from Sports Direct].

Lord, I look like I'm being sponsored by Sports Direct today! I'm not, but I do like my sports socks, which continue to impress me with their trendy usefulness.

I flounced off to Birmingham today to visit a friend, so in true tourist fashion, I wore a hat. Because it was sunny my baseball cap actually proved useful! I don't like them on backwards and I prefer the flat brim of a snapback, but I like this one because it was a well-thought out gift from a friend's year abroad. And it's nicely coloured and possesses an embroider cartoon wolf on the side (their mascot!).

Moreover, I'm wearing my idol on my torso today! The only issue is that the t-shirt is too long for high-waisted items, so Frida's eyes and monobrow have been gazing out unaccompanied by a chin. There's also something about a kind of novelty t-shirt that pulls together an outfit of otherwise random items and colours and tethers it, like a helium balloon, in the realm of edgeh and not the zone of bizarre.

And I love that monobrow! 

Day Two Hundred and Thirty Five

Claire is wearing a dark teal scrunchie [Leeds Kirkgate Market], silver earrings with perwinkle flowers [charity shop], black puff-sleeved crop top [Clock House in C and A, from a charity shop], men's denim jacket [charity shop], blue and purple flowered long skirt [Viyella, from a charity shop] and leopard-print hi-tops [Topshop].
Covadonga is wearing a grey beanie hat [origin unknown].

I had a jaunt to London, a rare occurrence for me as the tube scares me, most likely because I still don't fully understand the lines so each trip is a new daunting surprise. And I'm usually travelling with large luggage, which is a real hindrance on any transport. 

I realised afterwards that I dressed like a giant bruise! A bruise on the leg might not look so fetching though, if I may say... My skirt is great as it has a few greeney-tealy-bluey and purpley tones in its pattern on a black background, so pairing it with other things is easy! It;s also very soft, which makes sitting on it and generally feeling it quite pleasant!

I wore my puff-sleeved, crop, because it's nice to have a black top that's not a t-shirt or just a cropped t-shirt! An added puff of volume is sometimes necessary!

Although that could look disastrous in other areas, e.g clown shoes.

Piercings

I had my septum pierced some 3 months ago now and I'm delighted with it, so I'm sharing some of my thoughts about piercings. They seem to be more popular than ever nowadays! Sadly that doesn't make them any less painful...

I have a grand total of 7 myself, so sit tight while I recount the story of my artificial orifices. I only had my lobes done for the first time when I was 19. They were followed by a nose piercing and second lobe in quick succession. Then I had 2 upper ear, or helix, piercings done. Sadly, my seconds didn't take and succumbed to infection, while my nose developed a granuloma (your skin heals itself and creates too many cells which cause a lump to form) that wouldn't go away, so I took it out. My 2 uppers survived and after 2 years I had my seconds redone (still there, yay) and decided on a septum.

Yes they did hurt; my housemate who accompanied me and held my hand for my septum said it looked like when a cartoon lobster pinches someone's nose, as they clamped my nose with the clampy things. When I finally had my ears first pierced I never understood people who had claimed it didn't hurt; it's a needle in your face! However, like childbirth although on a lesser scale, I have forgotten the pain and would gladly do it all again!

I think they look grand, although my family would beg to differ! I remain excited to have a gold squiggly septum ring and wear more hoops in my ears soon!

Remember stylish ones, don't make my mistakes:

- Research a reputable piercing shop! Ask around, read reviews and make sure you're comfortable in there and if you or your piercing isn't happy, go back and ask for advice!

-If you've had them before and your body has rejected them, don't make the same mistake!

-Be patient for healing!

Obviously I'm not the be all and end all by any means at all, this NHS page will be more explanatory!

 http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Body-piercing/Pages/Introduction.aspx

If you do take the plunge stylish ones, I'm sure you'll look fabulous!

Day Two Hundred and Thirty Four

Claire is wearing a purple, pink and teal  geometric printed silk jumpsuit [Yessdica, from Blue Rinse Vintage Shop] and pink flowered hi-tops with magenta ribbon laces [Converse, from a friend, ribbon from Leeds Kirkgate Market].
Covadonga is wearing a black mesh over red dress with pink and red embroidered flowers [charity shop].

Cov and I could be out of a scene from the music video fro Uptown Girl! I'm obviously the handsome, but impoverished jumpsuited mechanic and Cov, as per, the lady.

I love playsuits, they're fun and comfy; you can bounce around not having to worry about flashing because of a skirt issue or your top riding up out of your waistband because it's all-in-one. They're also quite you sounding and looking. As I'm getting older, it is time to try on the playsuit's parent for size: the jumpsuit. You can wear them for work nowadays, going out, staying in, basically anything can be done in one, perhaps except fixing cars if it's one made of a luxury fabric or in a light colour. Mine is made of silk, which is ideal as it's light despite it's coverage and it feels nice. It also has shoulder pads which confused me no end as to which way they were supposed to perch on my actual shoulder, and don't even let me think about how long it took me to unbutton everything I needed to pee.

Still, it fits my short legs, which is something rare and for which I would risk the possibility of wetting myself for.

Day Two Hundred and Thirty Three

Claire is wearing an amber, red and green floral body [Spanish charity shop], yellow pleated mini-skirt [charity shop]. black and white Doc Socks [Dr Martens shop] and tomato red Dr Martens [Dr Martens shop]. 
Covadonga is wearing a wrap front top with yellow, brown and blue flowers [charity shop].

'Tis the last week of the blog stylish ones! But take heart, there is still a fabulously fashionable week to go before the last post!

Today, I'm indulging in some high socks, and general high jinx. I never thought I'd be interested in knee-high socks, but today is making me think otherwise. Granted, my socks are a few inches short of my knee caps, but I think we could go the distance given the chance. Either way, my high hemline, high sock equation is working well today!
I feel like a fancy salad, one with those colourful super fruits in it. I've had 3 compliments today about my colourful clothing and everything! The body is a great clashing mix but they all blend well in their flower pattern. It's also very low-cut, but my mini's height cuts that off. If something's going to save my dignity, it would be a miniskirt wouldn't it!?

Day Two Hundred and Thirty Two

Claire is wearing a cornflower blue floral full-skirted dress [Laura Ashley, from a charity shop] and tomato red Dr Martens [Dr Martens shop].

Covadonga is wearing a furry blue-grey and black bucket hat [charity shop].

This is a forever dress! I could wear it forever and as it's Laura Ashely, I hope it lasts forever!

I feel like a princess, specifically Cinderella as blue is her colour and I've done quite a few household tasks today, like cutting down a buddleia bush (not many butterflies on it this year I'm disappointed to say) and hand-washing some delicates. The great thing about this dress is, despite its wonderful 1.5 metre skirt span, it's 100% cotton, so it's easily washed and cared for. It's hardy enough to do work in, yet elegant enough to breeze around in. The colour is fantastic, I feel like a cornflower. Moreover, I feel like a dramatic lover in a period drama with the corset style body and tie waist, especially as I flounce down the stairs and my skirt follows behind, trailing desperately after me before I sweep it into my arms to avoid it sweeping the paper recycling pile into a mess. I never thought I could love a skirt so.

The only slight downside it the puffy sleeves, the left one of which seems to be flatter than its right companion for reasons unbeknownst to me.

I paired it with my Dr Martens, because every princess needs an edge, and a boot for the unwanted Charmings.

Day Two Hundred and Thirty One

Claire is wearing a burgundy suede jacket with tassels [charity shop], fitted hot pink dress [Leeds Vintage Kilo Sale], wide ox-blood leather belt [charity shop], black and white Doc Socks [Dr Martens shop] and tomato red Dr Martens [Dr Martens shop]. 
Covadonga is wearing a bright pink bandanna [Leeds Kirkgate Market].

Today has been perfect weather conditions for my suede jacket: cold and dry. I've gone for a punchy autumnal colour palette now we're officially in autumn, not that we had much summer to change from. My main point today is that red does go with pink (my Mum said it didn't) and you don't have to wear colour with black. Bright colours are friends with other bright colours; you just have to make sure this friend mixer is chaperoned by you the wearer, don't let the colours run riot and loose yourself!

This dress is a magnificent shade of pink, too hot for even Barbie. It has a unusual neckline which come down in a narrow rectangle before going into a v, like a wide key-hole. It also has splits on the side, which go higher than I had previously anticipated, especially when I sit down. Still, it has a kind of embossed flower pattern on it and it's just the most fantastic colour! I love patterns, but there's a lot to be said for vibrant block colours!

Finally, the wearing-in continues, but minimal blisters. But many socks.

Day Two Hundred and Thirty

Claire is wearing a silver snake-skin trench coat [charity shop], white small check dress [St Michael, from a charity shop], and tomato red Dr Martens [Dr Martens shop]. 
Covadonga is wearing a gold sleeveless top [BHS, from a charity shop].

This trench is really something! I found it while on my holiday in Bolton, it's the kind of crazy and stand-out piece I look for in my charity shop browsing! 

Firstly it's a long coat, a lot of coats nowadays seem to me to only reach the knees, not that this is an issue, as a short person they're a little longer anyway really. This one is nearly down to my ankles! The trench shape is lovely, I like the kind of cropped section that hangs down separately from the main coat and the tie adds some nice waist definition. It has a formidably high buttoned neck, but it also has pockets, because every trench-bedecked villain needs places to put things! Which is great as the shoulders made it hard to carry bags on them. Also, I'd say super-villian as the shoulder pads on this thing are fierce! And that it looks like it could be made of a magical (1990s) silver snake.

The only issue with the coat is that it makes a kind of odd rustling noise due to the fabric. It hails my arrival, I'm sure...

Day Two Hundred and Twenty Nine

Claire is wearing a leopard-print bikini [Next, from a charity shop], black and white Doc Socks [Dr Martens shop] and tomato red Dr Martens [Dr Martens shop]. 
Covadonga is wearing a pair of orange sunglasses [free, from a uni promotion].

I'm baaaaack!

And today it's muscle beach, so get your shades on and shimmy your swimming cossie! 

Well, it was only about 15 degrees today, but I did venture to my local open air pool before it closes for autumn. It's one of the oldest in the country apparently and luckily for me it's heated. I never knew how exhausting swimming could be though, a lot harder than power-walking.

Buying swimwear can be nerve-wracking a generally disheartening experience, especially if the changing rooms are badly lit (like Topshop's). It's even harder if, like I imagine nearly everyone actually is, not one specific size. The pear that I am means shops that do not allow for mixnmatch topsnbottoms bikinis can go on holiday and get sunburnt and have a jolly rubbish time. It's heartbreaking finding a wonderful print and shape, but being faced with buying 2 different sizes to get one set. I got lucky with this pard number as it's from a charity shop. It does seem odd to buy swimwear second-hand, but it's all washed before wear, and to be honest, if it's fits I will cling on with all paws.

The main thing is to be comfortable, not just in what you're wearing but in yourself! It's that body confidence thing; feel fierce and you'll feel fine! The thing I've often found and been comforted by, is that in swimwear appropriate walks of life no one really cares about what you look like/are wearing. They're probably thinking about the same concerns as you are, or they're confident enough to just appreciate everyone else having the confidence to be semi-naked. 

Because it is scary, and we should pat ourselves on the sun-creamed back for ignoring society's pressure on women to look and feel a certain way regarding our bodies. I feel that if an alien read all those trashy and nasty celebrity/body/women in general shaming articles, I bet they'd wear as many clothes as possible when they visited Earth.

Day two Hundred and Twenty Eight

Claire is away this week!
Covadonga is wearing a black rose with a feather [origin unknown] and a black crocheted dress with sequins [charity shop].

This dress is pretty theatrical and Gothic, and quite daring!

It's all black, with a few sequins sewn in to the flowery pattern. It's a dramatic floral spiderweb! The issue with crochet, and a spider's web, though are the holes, it requires some serious underwear or a slip worn underneath it to be fancy-event ready. I mean, any event really, especially in winter when it would be cold! For an item with so many gaps, it's surprisingly weighty; it's nice though to be able to feel the weight of the fabric, like you're actually wearing something, moving within it, the same with jewelry, you know it's there. The cord/lace stuff it's made out of is strong but hanging it off a hanger, one can see the strain. I only hope it doesn't fall apart form the shoulders when debuted out of doors. And if it does I have a slip underneath... 

Who knew crochet could be so sexy!? 

Day Two Hundred and Twenty Seven

Claire is away this week!
Covadonga is wearing a pair of small tortoise shell sunglasses [Zandra Rhodes, from a charity shop], necklace with brown plastic flowers [Topshop] and yellow pleated mini-skirt [charity shop].

Ready for sunshine! Even if there hasn't been too much of it this month...

Miniskirts are cute, even if they can flare up and expose more undercarriage than you'd hoped, like a sweet toy dog, who promptly tears your long skirt away. Sunshine yellow is one of my favourite colours, it's warming and optimistic and it looks good on, I think everyone. Also, the pleating on this one makes me think I'm a hipster tennis player. Too edgeh for white.

Regarding yellow, it's a great compliment with brown and gold accessories. Think of a cartoon sun a five year-old would draw!

Make some sunshine beams today, stylish ones!