Getting carried away.

You've heard all my moans about college, early mornings and the great British weather a million times, and I don't want every post on here to turn into a mini life rant, so instead of dwelling on any of that slightly depressing stuff I am just going to go off on a bit of an overexcited word vomit.. Warning, I may not be able to control my excitement at times - read on at the risk of some serious underlining, exclamation marks and severely garbled sentences.

Blazer - Asos; Dress - Internacionale; Shoes, Ring & Earrings - Topshop; Belt & Tights - Primark; Bracelet - Temporary Secretary.
Sorry about the blurry picture.. not blaming the photographer though (got that Mum?), it is probably my silly digital camera trying to be clever and not use flash, before making a hash of the shot. Clever. Anyway, today I admittedly went all back-to-black without even thinking about it. Usually I shy away from top-to-toe black, preferring to frame my brighter pieces with any black items, but today it just felt right as a combination. I think the thing that stops this outfit falling flat as boring is the detail - the block-white hemline, patterned tights, glitter pumps, pink snakeskin belt & bright lips definitely perk up the black and add detail. One thing that was always going for this outfit is that black is an eternally chic colour, which most fashion editors would swear by..

And here comes the excitement. Sometime in the morning, while I was being all studious in lessons I got a text from my friend with awesome news - Lady Gaga tweeted her stage set idea today! It looks incredible, and now I am ridiculously excited about the Born This Way Ball, it is literally going to be the night of my life. I am already planning how to get in the monsterpit with my gorgeous Becca, so we can get dragged out to meet Stefani.. okay, maybe I'm getting carried away! But it's going to be absolutely AMAZING. Just think of the fashion! And seeing one of my greatest inspirations up close...

Here is the stage design... I'm not even close to Christian/religious and I am suffering heart palpitations.
 

As if that wasn't enough, I also picked up this week's Grazia and saw a piece on the Mary Katrantzou for Topshop collection that drops in ten days time. The pieces look absolutely incredible, so creative, so unique and pretty similar to some of her catwalk collections. There is no question, I have to have something from this collection. My friends probably thought the prices were still a bit ridiculous, but compared to the real Katrantzou deal all of the items are a complete steal. I already have my eye on a few dresses, and possibly a top, but unfortunately pictures are evading me. Go buy Grazia! Oh, and I also saw a few photos from the Marni for H&M collection - not as incredible as the Mary Katrantzou collaboration, but still definitely beautiful enough to make me want to cyber-stalk the website on the 8th March in the hope of picking up a piece or two. 

The combined excitement of the two fashion collections would probably have been enough to send me into hyperventilation (and honestly, they did - don't judge me), but then add in the Born This Way Ball and the promise of a visit with my lovely Becca, and I am literally out-of-this-world euphoric. The anticipation may kill me. Love and kisses, Tara xox

When in doubt, go Gaga.

How did Monday roll around so quickly? Apparently my weekend has been totally swallowed up by work, a party and yet more work - fun, yes, but not so productive! At least this week is the last one before half term, which means half a chance of a good lie in, a chance to get my coursework under my belt and possibly some time to relax.. Just four more days. Since I was not really in the mood for a Monday today I hadn't really got any outfit ideas, so once again I fell back on pairing my separates...

Blazer - Topshop; Skirt - River Island; Top & Boots - Primark; Tights - New Look; Bracelets - Accessorize; Wing Ring - ASOS; Camera Ring - Temporary Secretary.
And by pairing my separates I mean breaking out the GAGA t-shirt! I bought it recently upon a complete whim, because I love a bit of Gaga, and hadn't gotten around to wearing it.. so when some outfit-related indecision struck it was one of the first things on my mind. Since it is Gaga, you've got to go a little quirky, so cue a masculine blazer, a 50s style full, hot-pink skirt, some starry tights and slightly mismatched chunky boots. This was only one interpretation of this rather awesome top though - I am already contemplating different ways to wear it... Watch this space. Love and kisses, Tara xox

I take dressing up quite seriously.

Honestly, invite me to your party and I am a happy bunny... but then invite me to your party and give me a dress-up theme and I am yours forever. I put a lot of consideration into getting dressed just to go to college or shopping in town or a friend's house, so when you give me a proper opportunity to go wild with my look I jump on it. It doesn't even have to be glamorous - I love fancy dress! I know a lot of people dislike being told to properly dress up & can be a bit half-hearted about it, but I love it. I take a similar approach to my everyday dressing in that the fancy dress costume must be well considered, a bit individual and preferably never been seen before.

This post extolling the virtues of dressing up is not just random though, it has been brought on by a party I went to last night, where the theme of the night was 'Bears', inspired by the birthday girl's nickname - Clarebear. I was a bit stuck for ideas at first, but I think I managed to pull off something interesting...

Faux Fur Jacket - borrowed from friend; Dress - Topshop; Tights - Primark; Slippers - New Look; Polar Bear Hat - ebay.
Yes, I am a polar bear. I told you I take dressing up seriously! One serious plus of this outfit was how incredibly warm I was on the drive over, as well as the fact I clearly look ridiculously cool.. The downsides were overheating at the party & having to shed my layers, as well as the scary impracticality of wearing head-to-toe white while trying to drink Sangria. I can't really talk about how this outfit came together, since it is pretty obvious (white + fur = polar bear), so all I am going to say is that now you can see I am not always totally serious and dedicated to my fashion, I let my hair down too...

I am now going to put on my shame face because I have realised I spent all evening at the party and took no pictures. And I call myself a fashion blogger! I should have been practically attached to my camera, but no. Shame on me. Anyway, all that remains to say is that I hope Clarebear had an amazing time, because I certainly did! Happy 18th you little adult you!

Love and kisses, Tara xox

You and I, we were born to die.

A new, intoxicating, overpowering obsession has been creeping up on me for a while now, and it completely overtook me this week. You might have guessed it from the title - the latest phenomenon in my life is girl-of-the-moment Lana Del Rey. Her haunting vocals on the viral hit Videogames won me over from the second I heard the track, the second single Born To Die is a dreamy, edgy masterpiece of a song that I am incredibly attached to and my high expectations for her album were met and surpassed when it finally got released on Monday. I haven't listened to anything else for 5 days, and Lana's incredible voice is now the soundtrack to my life. As well as the fact that she has an insane talent, her vintage look and mesmerising attitude make her easily the hottest new thing on the music/fashion/celeb scene.

There's a lot of hate going on for Lana though, from the constant speculation about whether she's had collagen in her lips (honestly, who cares?) to derogatory comments about her live performances, but mostly about the fact that she has created an entire persona, a character that she presents, because she has gone from Lizzie Grant to Lana Del Rey. Personally, I find it strange how people can criticise her for reinventing herself to succeed, when there is Gaga on the scene! Also, as an admittedly image-obsessed person, I love the fact that she has built up such an immaculate mystique, with a vintage pin-up image and gorgeous jazz-inspired music. One of my favourite descriptions of her character came from a magazine, that she presents herself as 'a beautiful disaster', but nobody describes Lana better than Lana herself - 'gangster Nancy Sinatra'.

I actually wish I could be Lana. Look like her, dress like her, act like her, sing like her. Since that's physically impossible, I am going to settle for style stalking her and obsessively listening to her album. Oh, and creating this little (okay long) post to see if I can inspire you with Lana too..

This week has been very Del Rey, since, the album came out on Monday and she is the cover star of this month's Vogue - and looking stunning in new season Louis Vuitton.

I absolutely love this photoshoot - it is effortlessly glamorous in a more-is-more, retro-starlet way that just epitomises Lana's character. The outfits are cute, kitsch, quirky and gorgeous - I especially want the Vuitton blouse she wears on the cover, but that's not going to happen. I'm hoping for some high street copycat pieces soon. As well as being dressed incredibly (those red heels.. swoon), Lana looks simply stunning. I honestly think she is beautiful - it is the combination of that retro-waved, burnt-orange hair, her infamous pout and her quirky personality shining through the pictures..

These next photos are more that showcase her edgy-retro style, which I long to steal. Everything she wears for her photoshoots is quirky, gorgeous and could have been made for her. She is also totally on top of the trends - 1950s styling is very du jour, you know, and Lana has been working it for months. Also, she manages to get shot in some amazing pieces from the SS'12 catwalks..

See what I mean? Insane jealousy for her wardrobe. The last shot is from the spectacular video for Born To Die (which was complete with tigers), and I think the dress looks much better on Lana, styled with her vintage siren waves and red pout, with the quirk factor being ramped up with the blue flower headpiece.

In the real world, or as close as Del Rey will ever get, she still looks incredible. When on stage she remains every inch the screen siren diva, even managing to make jeans and a hoodie look retro-fabulous. How does she do it?

Yet more flawless looks from Lana - I know we are venturing away from the parameters of "fashion" and into the realm of "obsessed with LDR" here, but I just find her image so inspiring. I will be doing my best to base at least some of my SS'12 styles on her looks, when the trends finally filter down into the high street so I can afford them! Her immaculate makeup and hair is also enviable - I foresee some serious eyeliner flicks and maybe even an attempt to force my hair into waves in the future!

Okay, now we are definitely in the world of "just posting beautiful pictures", but they are so inspiring! I am aching for fully-loaded glamour now, and even more ready to dive into SS'12's super-pretty retro-fabulous pieces. Oh Lana, you inspiration, you.

I think by now you can see exactly why I love Lana Del Rey and her admittedly fabricated image. She might not be being honest, open and true Adele-style like a lot of singers are trying to be at the moment, but she did try to make it as Lizzie Grant & it didn't happen. Besides, when the creation is this stunning I simply cannot do anything but be inspired. I told you - new obsession. I predict great things from Lana, both musically as her album is a hit worldwide, and sartorially if she continues to present herself in this vintage, playful, sexy, highly glamorous way. I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next!

What do you think of LDR? Are you a fan like me, or are you a member of the parade of haters she seems to be gathering? Love and kisses, Tara xox

I never check the weather report.

Jumper & Earrings - Topshop; Denim Shirt - River Island; Jeans & Slippers - New Look; Ring - Accessorize.

Laughing in the face of the -8 degrees that it apparently was this morning, I decided that I was sick to death of my winter coats. Okay, in all fairness I did not realise how cold it was when I left the house, I didn't hear that ridiculous temperature until I got into college, but I still noted the frost and elected not to wear a coat. I will probably rethink this decision if it gets much chillier (or stays the same) but for now I can't quite bear to pick one up.. I did however layer up a little with my denim shirt and slouchy, oversized, chunky knit jumper, and the jeans were close to sensible. My poor little feet did get quite frozen - but it was so worth it to wear my sweet new slippers, which I got a fair few compliments on! This look is quite different to yesterday's, but like always, it perfectly summed up my mood - comfortable, slightly masculine, and pretty quirky. It is also the closest to minimal I will go.

Today felt quite pointless, in terms of the effort needed to go to college only to waste my morning with a free period in the canteen & a cancelled lesson in town, then go to double history in the afternoon and not really do that much productive work... Admittedly, I would have been even less productive at home, and yes, it was fun to hang out with my friends, but still. The point still stands that by the time I was on the way home I was a little unimpressed with today (the cold didn't help anything) and was therefore even more excited to get a mystery package from my mum, which turned out to be... a dress from Mary Katrantzou's previous Topshop collection!

It's no secret that Mary Katrantzou is probably my favourite designer right now, because her designs are so unique and inspiring, and it's pretty obvious that I am waiting with baited breath for the Topshop collection to drop. I wish I had a few thousand to invest in one of her latest catwalk pieces, but since I don't I will be frantically hitting the Topshop website on February 17th at 9am to try and get my paws on a gorgeous piece from the collaboration. Anyway, apparently my mum wanted to make sure I owned some Katrantzou even if the Topshop collection slips through my fingers like the second Versace for H&M collection did, so she found me a dress from a previous collection!

I love the simple T-shirt shape of this dress, as well as the incredible graphic print - this is the perfect statement day dress. I cannot wait to wear it, and I am so happy to have it now because it is a little piece of Mary's genius.. I will just have to not get too fat over the weekend, since it is pretty unforgiving (it's very bodycon). This was the perfect end to the week, now that my collection of designer collaborations is growing and has been expanded by my designer of choice, Mary Katrantzou!

I just realised that the Topshop collaboration drops in two weeks time - excitement! And the next collaboration I am awaiting after that is Marni for H&M on March 8th. H&M and Topshop apparently have the best designer buddies. Love and kisses, Tara xox

Blending in just isn't my style.

I'm not going to lie, when it comes to fashion I have never been one for fading into the background. I am certainly not afraid to be different - I will wear what I want simply because I like it, and I won't be trapped into a trend just because all my friends are wearing it. Sometimes people say they like what I am wearing, but wouldn't go for it themselves, or sometimes I just get odd looks as I am out and about, but as long as I am satisfied with my outfit then I am happy! Don't assume I am this secure and confident about everything else in my life though.. But my style is one thing I am very proud of. I have also learned that when I take risks, the outfits are usually even better, which is why I love trying new things. Hence today's slightly bright look..

Blazer - ASOS; Top, Shoes & Ring - Topshop; Skirt - River Island; Tights - Primark Earrings - Versace for H&M; Necklace - Accessorize; Bracelet - Temporary Secretary.

Up until recently, I would have thought that pink & orange was a match made in fashion hell (where there is a special place for eye-wateringly bad colour-clash offenders) but in light of the recent anything-goes attitude drifting in from the catwalks, it now seems like the perfect combination. It seems to be almost a challenge to try and put together the most clashy, clashed-up outfit at the moment - apparently if it feels wrong, it is most likely right! I will admit, I could have gone much further and added some more colour/patterns, but it is still winter, so you have to tone it down a little. Therefore I opted for some polka dot tights (I'm still not over that AW'11 trend), my beloved glitter ballet flats and my trusty black blazer to frame the clash. The starting point of the whole look was this new sun top (bought at the weekend!) and I have to say I completely love it! The unusual straps add real detail to the neckline, while the graphic floral print looks playful, retro and completely mid-century modern.

Love and kisses, Tara xox

Sing the blues.

Today has been a very blue day, I mean literally. The colour blue was all around me, from the deceptively bright blue sky to my outfit, which was dominated by shades of navy and sky-blue. I think the universe was making an effort since it is February now (please, explain where January went..) and wanted to at least look spring-like, but I was not fooled by the dreamy sky outside - it was actually ice-cold and windy, so this outfit was bordering on appropriate.. Oh, and singing comes into it because I was belting out some Lana Del Rey as I drove in and out of college today (feeling very grown up too!) - her new album is incredible.

Coat, Scarf & Tights - Primark; Dress, Shoes & Earrings - Topshop; Gloves - Accessorize.
I think everyone should own a good trench coat - they are a classic piece that will never go out of style. Most people go for a beige or camel trench coat as their staple, but a while ago when investing in (well, buying) mine I decided that navy blue was more flattering for me.. I am tempted to pick up another in a different colourway! What I love about this one is the amazing silhouette it gives, for a coat. With most outerwear, I tend to get very shapeless (the trials and tribulations of being a bit boyish in shape), so I love the fact that this trench cinches in my waist, an illusion that is aided by the flaring hemline. My new season touch to this perennial piece today was the printed silk scarf - a must-have accessory right now after the insanely creative uses designers put them to on the catwalks. I wasn't particularly imaginative with mine today, but give me time..

One last thing - I just wanted to let you guys know about an awesome giveaway going on at Lipstick Fridays - it is for a load of MAC makeup & an OPI nail polish, and will end when they get 200 followers. I am keen to win this, and so I am getting an extra entry by blogging about it (and hopefully making it end sooner, with me having more of a chance..). I have only just found Lipstick Fridays but I already love it and follow it, so go and take a peek.

Love and kisses, Tara xox