FASHION OBSERVATIONS

Over the past month or so, due to a flurry of "creative spurs", I've developed an interest for fashion. Yes, fashion. The stereotypical career choice for a hormonal adolescent (or so I think). Infact, for me, and probably most other young children, a fashion designer was a response to those "what do you want to be when your older?" questions which cause you to fall into an endless pit of hopes, regrets and the tough realisation that you may never "find yourself". *deep breath*. Well, of course, I wasn't that serious as a youngen but I got carried away, okay? 

Anyway, thanks to the aid of my oh so beautiful florescent GREEN notebook and a variety of "calming" songs, I've been happily jotting down whatever design, pattern or ingenious creation comes to mind. And when I'm not doing that, I'm on Pinterest. Something I had a long break of after having deleted the app due to "phone storage issues". This, however, meant a refreshing installment of marvelous, almost envying pins in which make me want to weep in a corner - I'm aiming that last sentence at the "architecture and interior design" section. Aswell as bursts of colour, illustrations and a tonne of stationary, it is bursting with high end fashion, catwalks and designers. The inspiration levels are at a constant high. However, after a loooong ass introduction (which should make up for my lack of blogging), I am finally ready to get to the point. Observations. Fashion observations. After my non-stop researching, pinning and searching through fashion books, I've noticed many trends which I want to share with youu (with the added of bonus of my opinion - hope you don't mind!) Best we get started eh?

70's

- decoupage 

- culottes 

- fringe

So the decade for this season is the 70s. This, meaning flares, fringe and bold prints are back. Although sometimes subtle, you'll be noticing 70s inspired trends sprinkled around catwalks and high street shops. 

BACKSTAGE. Spring-Summer 2015 Ready-to-Wear show. Photos by Benoit Peverelli

70S COLLAR 

- SHEER

- sheer cutouts

- chiffon pleated skirts (maxi)

- over layers

Now this is something I've been spotting incessantly. All over Pinterest, all over London Fashion Week, all over any SS15 collection. Chiffon, although thin and almost revealing, it can be very versatile and looks perfect when layering. Apron, kinda, over layers are yet another trend which I found whilst researching and in my 70s paper doll book. And, as chiffon is translucent, you can see anything patterned underneath adding flair to your outfit. 

Hsiao Ron Cheng X LES

Versace SS15

Delpozo Spring 2015 Ready-to-Wear

SS14 Ostwald Helgason

backstage at Blumarine SS15 

Michael Kors Spring 2015

taka nata ready to wear ss15

- YELLOW

- yellow coats, yellow bags, yellow everything

If you happen to walk into any remotely "fashionable" high street shop (ie : topshop, river island), you may, upon entrance, have been greeted by an excessive amount of yellow. Well, I have anyway. Once being a colour, scrutinised for wearing, now the centre of attention. I, personally, have always been a fan of yellow and you might have noticed that at some point throughout my blog. And, although I am happy I've been "somewhat" ahead of the trend on this one, I liked standing out minus any unnecessary drama. Despite me saying that, I haven't noticed that many people brightening the streets - maybe I just don't go out a lot. (P.S side story which you may or may not want to ignore: after the sun started to make an appearance, I decided to finally wear my yellow rain coat (mentioned here) to school. Only to find someone else, older than me, with pretty much the exact same (bright enough to be spot from a mile away). Well, I have had many compliments, mostly from teachers reminiscing their "raving days" or trying to crack a joke by pointing out its blatant brightness.) 

Delpozo Spring 2015 Ready to wear

delpozo at New York Spring 2015

CLUTCHES

- fur + suede

Clutches, although reasonably unpractical, can add something special to any outfit. I've noticed many fur and suede clutches around and have made a few too. 

Burberry Prorsum Spring 2015

 TWO PIECE SETS

- suits

- top and skirt

Since around last year I've seen so many two piece sets, whether two piece dresses or woman's suits. I personally love them and it certainly would take a lot less time deciding what to wear!

Samantha Pleet SS15

Samantha Pleet SS15 

Matthew Williamson SS15

- PLATFORMS

- transparent heels

- chunky soles

This should actually be under the 70s section but I felt it deserved its own little mention. I have seen many platforms with clear heels which seem almost glass slipper like, adding something magical to an, otherwise, ordinary boot or shoe. 

Calvin Klein SS15

Christian Dior Haute SS15

Also I've been loving chunky soles and creepers. Making you look edgy and taller!

Fyodor golan SS15 (omg love these)

- NO NECK 

- turtlenecks

- neck scarves

I struggled naming this section but settles for "no neck" as I've noticed many pieces that cover your neck. These mainly being neck scarves and turtle necks. I was initially doubtful of the turtlenecks, having worn them when they represented middle aged women.

DKNY AW15 NYFW

I feel like this post was like one of those "just a quick chat" moments which end up being 2 teas, a coffee, and lunch. (From my parent's experience)

Anyway, I've actually been writing this post over a long period time, hence the loooong gap between my last ordinary post. I'm hoping for this to actually be the beginning of a three part fashion series although I can't be sure of when the next post will be up! 

So what was your favourite trend? Drop a comment below! 

- dali :)

recently... dalirae

So I haven't blogged in a while SO I'M BAAACKK but only with a quicky update post! *weep.

my half term! - dalirae ❤️

So a couple of weeks ago was half term! Meaning, a break off school (plus a sprinkle of homework blegh) and a general "relax". I add inverted commas due to the fact that I had a, generally, full schedule! Yep it was a busy week full of non stop plans, socialising and many new experiences actually! Anyway, I won't bore you any longer (or should I say, keep the suspense... No? Okay.) Lets go!

saturday 

Okay. I tell a lie. I wasn't booked up -all week. Saturday, the first day, wasn't scribbled in but I did go out for my weekly chinese lesson and I returned to my "do it yourself" status by making something to do with pom poms. 

sunday

Now to the good part, I spent a day with Helena! If you've read my blog before you probably already know her but if not her blog is here. So we decided to have a little "exploring" day. By exploring we just walked around town, hoping to venture into a world full of surprises and adventures but we just found buildings, buildings and a castle. 

We then needed lunch because food. We were actually spoilt for choice with cute cafes, quirky bars and exotic takeaway food all around us, calling our names. Eventually, we settled for The Pudding Pantry. Desserts were clearly their speciality but Helena went for granola and I got sweetcorn chowder soup (still don't know what chowder is though, not gonna lie). 

My soup! - Tasted nicer than it looked. 

After we walked around aimlessly a bit more and then met up with a few friends! 

monday

I actually went to town again that day but with Esme! We had a bit of a shopping day, wandering around urban outfitters, Primark and all sorts of "vintagey shops". In primark we tried on the cutest, comfiest onesies with the slouchiest "crotch area". 

Throughout the day I ended up splurging on primark pjs, goodies from Cow and the ball and cup toy for my "cousin" but I was genuinely contemplating whether to keep it for myself.

tuesday - PANCAKE DAY!

Yes, as you just read, it was pancake day! An excuse to throw away your begrudges and eat til your heart's content. Helena (who you know), Kinza and Mariah came to mine where we had our go at making + flipping pancakes (minus a recipe, plus the aid of my mum). At first, we were weary but they turned out decent. The only flipping fiasco was by me where the pancake fell into the gas but it was only because I was recording it - yes that meant I captured the moment.  

We managed to save it but it singed every so slightly on the bottom :| whoops. 

As for the toppings, we had double cream, strawberries, chocolate sauce and ice cream at the ready. 

Oh and if you didn't notice already, someone doesn't like pancakes (*cough* kinza). After our indulgence in cream and batter, we went to the park (a weak attempt to burn off the pancakes) and then chilled at mine with good ol' wii party. 

wednesday

So I was really excited for that day because I'd planned to go to my first ever gig but not before a quick trip to the florist (another first) as my mum wanted a bouquet for a backdrop. 

Anyway, this was was only a small lunchtime gig but it was by a band which I've been loving recently! I will admit, I've only just started listening to their music but I am in love with it. They are little comets! Go and listen to their music now actually after reading this, no whilst your reading this! Link here - go go go! Thy are a kind of indie trio and are soo good! They performed at Rough Trade which is a really cool music shop! We arrived on time meaning seats were scarce. In the end we stood but the music made up for it. 

As it was only a small, free gig, they sang about 5 songs and then signed a few thing! I was super awkward meeting them because I couldn't hear them but we got a photo and their signatures! 

After my little starstruck moment we went around the "hipster part of town". Around vintage shops and art galleries. 

thursday

Today was a little slow. I had no events booked in my calendar and few notifications. Sigh. In the morning me, my dad and my brother went out to view some land. Although I don't have much of a say in moving or building a house, I've been avidly researching kit homes. *emoji heart eyes 

But after that, everything just went a bit dull really. Spending the day on my laptop, slouching around watching Pretty Little Liars (A ANNOUNCED IN LESS THAN A MONTH WUT?!), Ugly Betty (a throwbaaack) and Blackfish. Not gonna lie, at first I thought it was a catfish sequel but turned out to be about whales. I actually found it very interesting and deterred me from working at any sea life centre place. Infact, it kind of made me think about zoos and aquariums, how animals should be free. But that's a whole other subject. 

friday

恭禧发财 - HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR

The year of the goat/ram/sheep (we aren't really sure!) So we went to manchester to spend time with the whole family and eat a tonne of FOOOOOD (thankyou grandma+grandad). We were also celebrating my cousin's third birthday so I took a trip to sainsburys before and I'm telling you now, shopping for a three year old on a budget is the hardest thing I've ever done. I ended up getting some hair clips, an Easter egg, a red nose and a 25p left over Valentine's phone case because it was 25p *applause*. We ended up leaving at around fourish and arrived in manchester at 6ish to a table full of prepared chinese treats for hotpot. 

saturday

Still in Manchester, we celebrated my cousins birthday! (as I mentioned before). But first we had to make the cake. Well I say cake, I also mean muffins and a traybake. A right "bake fest".This was the final cake. 

*ta dahh*

We were then set for PARTY FOOD. my fave (well maybe not fave fave but in my top 50 *smirk*). After I ate numerous cocktail sausages and muffins, everyone was up for a "chill". But I wasn't. I was determined to take part in some sort of exercise so I dragged some people for a quick walk. 

Straight after we had reservations at a chinese restaraunt ( as my there were too many people for my grandma to cook for) and it was veryyy nice. 

sunday

Due to a suspected "blizzard" we left Manchester quite early and got back to nottingham at lunchtime. As my brother didn't come to Manchester with us and, in turn, missed the chinese food fest, my mum (well, sainsburys) prepared a whole array of catch up food including duck, wraps and spring rolls. And then it was back to weeping in the corner whilst I waiting for school to drag me into a gaping pit of stress, drama and EARLY MORNINGS. 

THANKS FOR READING !

dali xx