The Kardashians: A Negative or Positive Influence on Society?

The following article isn't directly focused on fashion, however, recently I've started watching the programme 'Keeping Up With The Kardashians' and it is addictive.

On telling people my new addiction I haven't had any positive responses. Apparently the Kardashians 'summarise everything that's wrong with this world', 'set a bad example' and are 'disrespectful and have no shame.' I understand what they're saying but most of you haven't actually watched the program so I find it hard to listen to your criticism.

Personally, I think all evidence points to these ladies being extremely successful business women. The shelf life of many relaity TV stars is short, all falling out of the spotlight pretty fast. The Kardashians have managed to avoid this trend by staying relevant for 5 years now (about 700 years in reality TV time) with their success leading to a number of just as successful spin-off shows, including, 'Khloe and Lemar', 'Kourtney and Kim take New York' and 'Kourtney and Khloe take Miami.' Subsequently they've created multiple products and business ventures from their famous last name. Some could argue that infact they're just marketing tools as i find it highly likely that they didn't independently come up with any of their ventures. However, they've gained considerable wealth through their celebrity status and through indirectly tweeting about their products every other tweet, they are advetiving everything and anything to us innocent, naive fans. For instance Kourtney's, 'I love this python print maxi dress!! Such a fun look for Spring'. Obviously, an item from their K-Dash collection. You know what? I actually think it's a great idea! Admittedly, a bit misleading...

Along with many other reality TV stars, one must be urged to ask if they actually have any talents? The whole Kardashian family have evidently become famous solely through their reality TV show. Honestly, they create nothing of value for Western society, instead they promote the idea that if you are born rich and good-looking, that's basically enough. For those who don't take it seriously, it can provide entertainment for 30 minutes or so. But if taken as 'reality', it then has a danger of harming its audience with unrealistic expectations.


Furthermore, I do think that this materialistic, lavish family should be praised for their family values, morals and support for eachother. Whether real or forced for the cameras, the importance of family is evident throughout, with each episode leaving you with a fondness for family, despite the initial dramas the Kardashians will inevitably hit to rake in us viewers.



The Kardashians. (From Left) Kylie, Kris, Kourtney,
Lamar, Khloe, Rob, Kim, Bruce, Kendall

So, do you think The Kardashians hold a negative or positive influence on society?







SALES!!!!

Looks like the Spring-Summer'12 sales have finally begun!

My favourite time of year to grab a bargain, but my least favourite time of year to actually shop with the hectic crowds willing to do anything to get their hands on that reduced Mulberry bag or even that 80% off standard topshop basic. It's a man eat man world out there. Death is almost imminent. In the last sale we had the Footlocker tragedy where a teenager was stabbed at the shoe store on Oxford Street over a particular pair of trainers they both wanted. Then we've got the teen girl who was trampled to death in Walmart in the morning rush to get shopping deals. Ridiculous.

Red signs fill the windows of every store drawing people in like moths to a flame. This time of year gives a design team the perfect opportunity and excuse to get creative. Harvey Nichols for example. They really did 'take the piss' using the slogan 'try to contain your excitement' with the models peeing themselves in their luxury clothes from sale over-excitement:

Yes, I agree... Gross. But all press is good press, right? 


Anyway, to have a great day of bargain hunting, I advise you follow the following checklist to ensure your survival and a successful shop:

- Clear frame of mind
- ALOT of time
- A budget (easy to get carried away and become unstoppable with your card)
- Know what your wardrobe needs. Dont return with some useless items just because you couldnt resist the big, red discount label
- Strength.. physical and mental... Don't give up!
- Regular food and water breaks. Occasional coffee break.
- Always remember you're buying at the end of the season. Summer is nearly over. Will this item still be in fashion next year? Is it worth it?


Will locate my favourite on-line and in-store bargains to share with you all soon,

jessica XX

With the Spice Girls reuniting on the weekend to promote their new musical featuring all their top hits I was quite shocked. Do they look better now then they did 15 years ago? Posing on the St Pancras Hotel staircase in London that featured in the video of their debut single, 'Wannabe', the quintet looked stunning - in fact, far better than they did way back in 1997, when they scaled the charts with Wannabe. Subtle make-up, good gym bodies, glam, glossy hair and a much improved wardrobe, the girls look great!




THE SPICE GIRLS HOW WE KNOW AND LOVE THEM

15 YEARS ON...

Victoria has clearly changed the most, losing a lot of weight hence her face now being much slimmer and developing from WAG to successfull business woman she really has shocked us all. Victoria Beckham, naturally wearing Victoria Beckham, looks streaks ahead of her fellow Spice Girls. Namely because her military inspired button up dress is from her Autumn/Winter collection so she is dressing a season ahead. Matched with Tom Ford peep toe boots and a low pony-tail she looked low-key yet glamorous.

Geri's trademark ginger locks have now gone strawberry-blonde in a tamed long bob. The crazy union-jack ensembles are clearly no more, with a feminin lace number taking place, which she apparently designed herself for Next. Not sure how popular that dress will be in stores....

Scary Spice has almost turned into Classy Spice with her hair scraped back hair, fitting perfectly into a gorgeous Lanvin dress. Her studded shoes show that she hasn't completely lost her edge.

Mel C has gone through a radical change from tomboy in her trackies and tattoos to an actual feminin look in a long, floaty Acne dress. So angelic she's almost unrecognisable.

Baby Spice has finally grown up, ditching the pigtails, pinks and sparkles for a more mature look. Along with the loss of her round cheeks and innocent look, Emma looks fabulous in her elegant, plunging, royal blue dress.

Over the past 15 years they have continously shocked us with their looks. From wedges to hair extensions to boob jobs it seems that they've finally found their own mature styles. All looking toned and fake-tanned they look better than ever! Still miss their

Can not wait for their Viva Forever musical ,

jessica XX

My Guide to Festival Style...

With Hackney Weekend and the Isle of white festival kicking off festival season this very weekend I thought we needed to discuss appropriate festival necessities. From top to bottom... What really is advisable? Without beloved Glastonbury Festival being on this year, we can potentially expect a decrease in the stereotypical hippy style and a possible increase in new festival fashions.

Hopefully everyone knows that the staple festival piece is the WELLY. Wellies are a life saver and a definite necessity. Turning up without wellies is like going to the gym without your ipod or having a mojito without mint... just an absolute nightmare. If you're a festival regular and can afford it then I highly recommend you to invest in a pair of plain black, sturdy Hunters. They are assured to not let you down. Something slightly more edgy and cost-concious I found from an unlikely source, Topshop. The 'Davidson Biker Welly' has a thick rubber sole and buckle side detail which brings a subtle coolness to the average black welly without being too pretentious:

http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=3843255&langId=-1&categoryId=&searchTerm=welly&pageSize=20

The British festivals are almost guarenteed to be cold majority of the time. I would reccomend all to bring a variety of thin and thick jumpers to layer. Ideally, head to Portabello market and stock up on cashmere jumpers, which come in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be found for no more than £10.. bargain! A comfy, checkered shirt is also very practical as they can be conveniently and comfortably wrapped around the waste as well as looking great on! Go for a big, slouchy size to be able to wear over jumpers or on its own. Below are a few pictures I found of my friends and I in our checkered shirts:

Me (left) and my friend Claire (right) at Reading'09

Olympia above left and below rocking her checkered shirt at Glasto'11

Add caption

My final piece of advice is a bumbag. This accessorie can also comes under the name of fanny pack, Buffalo pouch, hip sack, waist bag, belly bag and belt pack... All interesting names.
Anyway, the practicality of this bag is undeniable. You can fit all your essentials in them, as well as being able to crazy dance all weekend long without noticing it and with every staying in one piece. This is guarenteed. This is also a chance to experiment. You could go with a funky old school flourescent-coloured one... to a petite, chic, leather one... to a shitty little camping one... They all work! My favourite this season is definitely the suede hip belt that i found on an Australian website. With 3 pouches it could easily be mistaken for a statement belt. Perfect on top of your ragged levi shorts.

http://www.happycow.com.au/suede-hip-belt-fashionable-leather-ecofriendly.html

To complete your outfit i suggest you stock up on fun accessories and make up to complete your unique look. Try to stay away from the high street stores if possible as you dont really want to be seen wearing the same festival gear as most people, as well as the stereotypical festival gear such as flower headbands. Try charity shops and markets to find your statement and unique pieces. I really feel like festivals are a place you're allowed to be extremely experimental and almost get away with anything, so make the most of it!

Please send in any pictures of you looking great at a festival and i'll be sure to put them up on here. (jessicamaxey@live.co.uk),

jessica XX

We all know who Kristen Stewart is, right? Good.

Kristen Stewert, A.K.A 'Bella Swan' has really evolved as a fashion icon over her rise to fame, and for me, Kristen is a breath of fresh air on the red carpet. Ever since the 2009 MTV Movie Awards, where she matched her funky Yigal Azrouël cocktail dress with a pair of standard black converse, I knew she was my style QUEEN! And Thank God the rest of the world are starting to feel the same way, with Glamour Magazine naming her 2012's Most Fashionable Woman (Beating Kate Middleton, Cheryl Cole and Emma Watson!!).

I've decided that it's Kristen's ability to go glamorous to her necessary red carpet events, in comparison to her ridiculously casual off-duty wardrobe. If I had one wish.. it would be to have her wardrobe.

How about the outfit Kristen was spotted in no less than 5 days ago....


WOW!


Clearly working the perks of becoming the new face of Balenciaga, Kristen rocks this bad-ass Balenciaga quilted motorcycle jacket. It has clearly become her new statement item as I havent seen an image of her without it recently. And I don't blame her.. it truely is a stunning jacket. On closer inspection we can see Kirsten's real signature style: Denim Skinny Jeans, plain t-shirt usually tied at her midriff, hoodie and 'don't photograph me' Ray-Bans. Don't forget that classic Kristen Stewart smolder which completes every look.
But the question I know you're all asking... She's jumped to the top of Forbes annual list of highest paid actresses yet she's still carrying a Nike back pack?! Fair play Kirsten Stewart. Noone, i mean it, NOONE could pull that backpack off. Infact, I really hate backpacks. But here, Kirsten Stewart pulls it off and *deep breath* she actually looks extremely cool.

As if morphing into a completely different person, bring on glam K-Stew....

Kristen attended the Peoples Choice Awards wearing a stunning gold Reem Acra Dress from the Spring 2011 Collection. Naturally the dress has been slightly modified for Kristen’s petite frame. I simply adore the gold metallic tones complimenting not only her hair but her skin. Black Jimmy Choo peep toe slingback pumps accentuate her endless legs and really highlight Kristen's appreciation for quality brands, with her red carpet heel collection comprising of classic Jimmy Choos and Louboutins. I couldnt resist a close up picture of her Jimmy Choo slingbacks. They definitely deserve to be seen and admired in all their glory:

I think it's obligatory that I conclude this article with a variety of my favourite Kristen Stewart outifts.


2009 MTV Movie Awards.
Yigal Azrouël cocktail dress
with signature scruffy
converse.

2010 MTV Movie Awards.
Dolce & Gabanna

2012 Snow White and The Huntsman Premiere.
Marchesa gown with Jimmy Choo 'Eros' pumps.
Gothic romance without being too girly or
too prim.

Distressed jeans, stripy T, slouchy hoodie,
converse, RayBans. Effortlessly Cool.



Denimn on denimn... genius.





Coachella 2012. Proof that Kristen can
even conquer festival style.

Please comment on your views on Kristen Stewart's fashion. Would love to hear them,

jessica XX



Running from the 15th to the 17th June, London officially held the first fashion week dedicated soley to Menswear. Alongside Mr. David Beckham being the first man to grace the covers of British ELLE (a luxury fashion magazine for WOMEN) being hailed 'an icon and possibly our hottest ever cover star', Menswear has well and truely made their stamp on the fashion industry.

The three-day showcase for Britain’s best designers of menswear was hailed a ”phenomenal success” after sixty presentations at venues across the capital. In previous years menswear collection shows have been shoe-horned into the poorly attended final day of British Fashion Week. The schedule included everyone from breakthrough names such as Shoreditch based knitwear and leather designer James Long and Central St Martins graduate Christopher Shannon to the heritage tailors of Savile Row. The range of different brands were complimented alongside the unusually paired front row attendees such as Elton John and Tinie Tempah, both suited to perfection!

Back to David Beckham... clad in Louis Vuitton cashmere tops, Alexander Wang t-shirts, Dior Jeans and heavy-duty biker boots he surpsingly managed to pull off his cover girl duties. From his mysterious black and white photos to his charming interview... It actually worked, however, not quite the 'sex symbol' Elle claimed him to be. We all know that if you are going to get a 37 year old man on the cover it should have been Leonardo di Caprio... Phwooooar... Now he definitely IS a sex symbol... and an incredible actor.

I'm also becoming incresingly aware of mens fashion adverts creeping into our female orientated fashion magazines. All of a sudden a simple 'Eau de parfume pour homme' can create a stunning double page spread. And each month they slip in a few more male related advertisements... But why not? Fashion should be embraced by both female and male and i think men could all do with a few designer items in their closet or atleast have a little more fashion awareness. Whether it's a David Beckham inspired Alexander Wang t-shirt to a Saville Row tailored suit, it makes such an unquestionable difference... and apparently 'a tailored suit is to men what lingerie is to women.' A tailored suit can deliver the quality, style and prestige that we want to see in our British men! A sloppy, cheap, unfitted suit just does not have the same effect. For the perfect example just look at James Franco's campaign for the male perfume 'Gucci by Gucci pour homme' and you will immediately understand:

Here we can see James Franco working his beautiful Gucci suit into
a simple yet stunning double page advert. Possibly my favourite advert
out of the British Vogue i found it in!

I look forward to the future of men's fashion. I'm expecting big things and in the fashion industry that is always what we are guarenteed,

jessica XX

Introduction

Inspired by reading other fabulous blogs I finally came to the conclusion that today is my day. Today I'm going to start a blog. And my blog is going to be just as good (if not BETTER) than the ones I read and love. Primarily I want to focus my entries on the fashion industry, however, I was recently presented with the idea that fashion is a 'lifestyle', which basically gives me an excuse to incorporate my love for music and media into my fashion writings.

Without delay (mainly because the weather's shit and I have nothing better to do) I feel there is something I need to get off my chest. What is going on with this seasons high street collections? I spent the last weekend in London, wanting and willing to 'splash the cash' but i found it utterly impossible.

Where were the karki capri pants I had my eye on? The short, black, leather bike boots? The fitted yet casual daytime LBD? Even the basics... Simple, light cotton white t-shirts... Where were you?!?!

Having spent the day trauling through the high street shops, I became demoralised and absolutely exhausted and fed up with my experience. This led me to wander if maybe something was wrong with my clothes creativity and desires... so I appointed myself the mission of reading every fashion magazine I could get my hands on for inspiration! (If you've never done this before, I highly recommend it!!!) This was not the long, arduous mission I had expected but the complete opposite... Gone were my fashion blues and replaced was my initial love for shapes and fabrics and looking fabulous! The only tiny weeny little problem being that the items I had my eye on ranged from a gorgeous black and white aztec print over-the-knee Donna Karan skirt at £1260 (GRAZIA, page 80) to a pair of stunning boy fit jeans with beautiful plastic and glass embroidery (ELLE, page 130), stylishly rolled up to above-the-ankle. These were Christopher Kane for J Brand, priced at a shocking £2490!! Aswell as confirming my undeniable expensive taste, it also helped reassure me that there were some hidden gems amongst this seasons fashion atrocities.

Roll on August/Winter 2012 Collection,

jessica XX

This pleated print skirt from Donna Karan
adds breathtaking chunky tribal patterns to
a feminin 60s styled skirt. Flirty AND fun.

This exclusive collection
from Christopher Kane and
J Brand lends modern instincts
to traditioinal tailoring....
GENIUS!!