The Picture Fails: Blog Outtakes

"She would have her picture taken.
She came dressed beyond description,
Dressed in jewels and in satin
Far too gorgeous for an empress.

Grand, heroic was the notion:
Yet the picture failed entirely:
Failed, because she moved a little,
Moved, because she couldn't help it."
~ Lewis Carroll

Photos: John Uwins Photography ©

Kate Carpenter Photography ©

Mike Lawrence ©
Phill Griffith ©

Dress Up - The Best Of 2015

"Pearls & boas, dressed to the nines,

Lipstick on pursed lips, trying to stay in the lines.

Big wobbly high heels, on tiny, precious feet,

Little girls playing dress-up, aren't they sweet!"

~ Laura Taylor Mark

Photos: Kate Carpenter Photography ©
Anna Saverimuttu Photography ©
Mike Lawrence © 
Additional Photos: Phill Griffith & David Ufton   

Colour Me Black

"Colour me black.

The moods that change so frequently inside me.

The world just isn't big enough

to hide me anymore,

Surviving on my store of faded dreams.

Colour me."

~ Fiona Ufton ©

The dramatic 'Gabriela' maxi dress by French label Maje is the epitome of dark femininity. Made from sheer, black, floral lace the dress features a crossover v-neck, long cuffed sleeves and a billowing, asymmetric hem. A spaghetti-strap playsuit in solid black is worn underneath.

Black is a classic colour to wear; flattering and chic, it goes with everything and is never, ever boring. Strictly speaking, it is not a colour but rather a combination of all colours and is produced by the entire absence of light. It symbolises the secretive, the unknown, and creates an air of mystery. 

In keeping with the almost gothic, all black ensemble, I styled my dress with a classic pair of black Christian Louboutin shoes. A little flash of the blood red soles adds yet more drama to an already striking look.

This glorious dress is the perfect after-dark piece, embodying the cool, effortless aesthetic Maje has become renowned for.

Get The Look:

Dress: Maje 'Gabriela' Lace Dress in black

Shoes: Christian Louboutin 'Rolando' Suede Shoes in black (similar)

Photos: Kate Carpenter Photography ©

Step Inside My Playground

"Come step inside my Playground

And see what's goin' on tonight.

Come step inside my Playground

Be spellbound in my Playground."

~ Eraserhead

I have a bit of a thing for skirts at the moment. I've always favoured dresses, but super-cool brands like Manley and Maje, who really know how to do skirts, have shown me that a great skirt can be a girls best friend.

The 'Geste' skirt by French label Maje is a beauty; featuring bold stripes on a woven material, hook & eye fastening to the front, and two side pockets, it is a chic, playful piece that adds a touch of Parisian flair to any outfit.

I paired the skirt with the coolest band tshirt. This lush tee, in soft pink with a contrasting red design to the front, was designed by singer Steve Balsamo exclusively for his and Rosalie Deighton's collaboration with PledgeMusic; you can read all about that & their eagerly awaited debut album here. We ran a competition together a few weeks ago and our winner, Barnaby (pictured below; thanks for the pic Barnaby!), looks very cool indeed in his Balsamo/Deighton tshirt prize! 

In keeping with the rock vibe that inevitably goes hand in hand with a band tshirt, I finished my look off with the most rock 'n' roll footwear in the world. Fierce and fabulous, the iconic Christian Louboutin studded 'Pigalle' struts from day to night effortlessly. 

Get The Look:

Skirt: Maje 'Geste' Stripe Skirt

Tshirt: Balsamo/Deighton Band Tee in pink/red (exclusive to PledgeMusic)

Shoes: Christian Louboutin Studded 'Pigalle' Shoes in black (similar)

Photos: Phill Griffith