A new fashion resolution

As we approach the start of 2016, we begin to think a bit more about life. What went well last year, what didn't, and how we are going to improve on things next year (aside from going to the gym everyday and swearing we will never touch chocolate again - as if). New Year's Resolutions aside, it was this 'gazing out the window' mode that bought me to a subject I love - no guesses what....

Fashion.
What is fashion? Big question. And hard to answer. Is it style? Is it trends? Is it even about the clothes?

For me, I think of fashion in terms of a) expression and b) feeling good.

As I write in the About part of this blog, fashion shouldn't be seen as a set of hard core rules that everyone must follow or - God forbid - risk arrest by the 'fashion police'. Fashion can give the impression of being a very serious industry, but at its heart I don't think it is. If it was, it wouldn't be loved by so many people. After all, fashion magazines are meant to be entertaining, as well as informative.

This is why I loved the Sponge Bob/fast food theme that Moschino put on last year (see above). The clothes were not to most people's taste - indeed, they probably weren't intended to be - but people loved the fun/crazy/frivolous element.

And without going all hippy, fashion is also a type of art. It's CREATIVE.

When planning what to wear for an event, it's not a logical, scientific and structured approach. Instead, it depends on so many factors - including the mood you are in the time you have. Sometimes, when in a rush, I have a 'go to' outfit I always pick. This is crazily important for avoiding major stress levels when short of time - for me, it's an LBD at night or skinny jeans/blazer during the day.

Image:Dorrance

But the times fashion is most lovable is when one gets to experiment. People will shout at me for this - but deciding what to wear can genuinely be one of the greatest pleasures in life. Provided you are happy with the end result, it's a creative process that is in many ways similar to cooking.
You have your ingredients (the clothes) and you have a finished product (look) in mind.

This is in essence what I mean by the 'feel good' factor of fashion. It should be enjoyable. Okay, it can be frustrating at times. When that jacket just doesn't look good, or when you are stood in a sea of clothes wondering if ANYTHING will go with that new top you bought.

But for all the good times, the times when your handbag makes its first appearance or the joy you get when your dress fits to perfection, fashion is great.

So in 2016 let's embrace it - and have fun.

All I want for Christmas...

For any of you who follow this blog, you may have noticed it's been a little quiet recently. The reason? Coursework. Yes, it was a drag. But hey, it's over now! And actually, it wasn't half as bad as predicted, being on the language of Vogue beauty ads (I'm not kidding). But enough about the degree and onto fashion, or rather, festive fashion.

Yes, unless you've been living in a hole or hibernating under the covers this winter (in which case, I don't blame you), you may have gathered Christmas is on its way faster than Santa makes it round the houses on Christmas Eve. With that in mind, knowing what to wear for parties. family gatherings and general xmas sing songs can get a little tricky - even tiresome. So here's a couple of tricks to help ....alongside that cheeky glass of sherry, of course.

Cats do Christmas too, you know.
Image:123rf

Limit the sparkles

Yes, it's true that Christmas is the time to get out the sequins and glitter. But it's definitely not the time to compete with the Christmas baubles hanging on your Christmas tree. The best way to go with sequins is to decide on one piece. So if you have a fully sequined skirt (like the one below) wear that with a plain top and vice versa. A fully sequined dress is hard to get right, but if done well can be a real winner - just make sure jewellry is kept minimal.

 Topshop black velvet sequin pencil skirt

Blazer up 

A slouchy or well fitted blazer is the perfect cover up depending on the occasion. The great thing about a blazer is they look slick. Perfect when going from dinner to the dance floor. Blazer on = civilised drinks reception. Blazer off = the party starts.

Blazers: AliExpress

Lose the belt 

Anyone who knows me well knows I love a good waist belt. It creates a flattering silhouette and often acts as a great accessory. Christmas is the exception to this. When you're eating lots, drinking lots and generally being merry, wearing a waist belt will become the bane of your night. No matter how good it looks before you go out, lose it. You'll be thankful later.

Applying an economic metaphor to fashion, thanks The Telegraph. 

Keep festive subtle

Some people are a big fan of getting out the good old Christmas jumper. Perhaps I'm being sexist/ageist but I feel this is best left to your dad after a few drinks. Instead, opt for something a little more subtle - there are some cute Christmas earrings on the market such as dangling earrings shaped as wrapped presents, fairies or mistletoe. Anything in emerald green also shouts festive.

Image: artbeads

And if all else fails: nail it with nails 

Get your manicure right and expect some attention at the dinner table. If you have the time (and patience) invest in some stencils and get creative. Alternate between red and green colours, sprinkle over some sparkles or just get glittery. The main rule of thumb (no pun intended) is not to try this after a few glasses of mulled wine. It might seem like a good idea. But when you wake up the next day with polish everywhere other than your nails, you'll soon realise it wasn't,....

Image: fantasticviewpoint

Modelling in The Design Studio fashion shoot

So recently I modeled in an organised fashion shoot - not for this blog but for a collaboration between up and coming designers The Design Studio (the jackets were TO DIE FOR - get one now) and the student newspaper Cherwell. Having been Fashion Editor for Cherwell in the past, to model in a shoot rather than organize it was much less stressful!

Everyday life and fun are the foundation of Fashion Kazoo. Although the outfits were not exactly in the ball park of everyday life (although gosh I wish I could dress like this all the time (!) - the shoot was LOTS of fun. For those who think modelling is just about standing around staring at a camera......I can assure you, at least for a student shoot, it is not. Getting into 'black tie' mode and 'country gentry' mode was like adopting a new persona from Downton Abbey. Also, fellow Oxford friends + beautiful college + even more beautiful clothes + sweets galore = what more could you want? It was a laugh.

Big shout out to Richard Wakefield for the incredible photography and to TDS for their super jackets which not only looked great but kept us nice and snug in the cold.

For the full shoot see http://richard-wakefield.co.uk/fashion-photography-for-the-design-studio/. Here are some of my faves:

Hat's Alright

The temperature is dropping rapidly and that means one thing: cosy hats are back. They keep your head warm, act as an instant accessory and cover up bad hair days. What more do you want?

But with so many types to choose from, it can be a little tricky to know exactly what to go for and when. After all, you don’t want to end up as looking like your granddad in a flatcap (however endearing that might be).

With that in mind, here’s a low-down on the types of autumn/winter hats available, when to wear them and a few best pics available now.

The Beanie

Raf Simons Logo patch beanie, £104.40

A classic winter hat, the beanie is a much loved phenomena. After experiencing extra fame from the likes of models Cara Delevingne and Joan Smalls in recent years, the beanie is best worn when feeling chilled, confident and laid back. Pair with skinny jeans, an over-sized jumper and vans to complete the look.

Ear-flap hat

Helly Hansen Knitted Faux Fur Trapper Hat, £41.20

Bring on the snow! Perfect for messing around outside, the ear flap hat - complete with toggles - is the most playful of the winter hats. If you have long hair, plait on both sides to enhance the design of the hanging baubles. Pair with matching mittens and a scarf if you really want to embrace the cuteness.

The head-band

Eugenia Kim Lula Headband, $105 (£68.02)

Not exactly a hat per se, this has recently become a popular accessory on the High Street. Be sure to check the weather since the lack of a fabric on top make it your worst nightmare when raining. Half hat, half head-band, this is the best option for the 'hat phobic' out there. I'm in love with this one from Eugenia Kim.

The Russian Hat

Barbour Ambush Faux Fur Hat, £40

Not to everyone’s taste and a difficult one to pull off. Suited best with more faux fur and general Russian-inspired dress - think heavy trench coat, leather gloves and dark red lipstick. Wear this if you want to make a statement (glass of neat brandy optional).

The bobble hat

Kusan Thick Yarn Snowflake Bobble Hat, £19.95

A slight variation on the beanie, the bobble hat reminds me of Christmas (perhaps because the form represents a Christmas pudding with a plum on top?) Joking aside, checked patterns, multiple colours and snowflake designs are how to go with this style. Ribbed wool will guarantee your ears are kept snug whilst adding texture.

The snood

House of Fraser Lab Cable Knit Hooded Snood, £35

Again breaking the rules of hats, the snood – as the name suggests – is a combination of a scarf and hood. It’s great for when temperatures hit sub-zero and you are craving some form of outerwear that’s just like wrapping your head in your duvet. Wanting to go into winter hibernation mode already? Look no further....

KAZOO SPY: SEAN ON SHIRTS

‘Man don’t care’. That’s how Sean describes his style. Well, I did ask for three words.

Introducing Sean McIntyre - the latest feature on Kazoo Spy. For those of you who don’t know, this is where I talk to someone who has something special that defines their style. Someone I’ve ‘spied on’, undercover sunglasses and all (Ray bans of course).

Most people who know Sean know him for his ginger hair, his cool-as-a-cucumber attitude and his impressive indie shirts. A plain black shirt is not enough for Sean, oh no. He tells me that the love started at the age of 17, when he first set foot inside a vintage shop and found some really unique shirts. ‘That was it – from then I just carried on’.

And it looks like he hasn’t gone back. His wardrobe contains a number of patterned shirts, including a paisley one, a blue floral one, a couple of check ones and an animal one - the first shirt he bought and his favourite to date. Deliberately over-sized, it’s made up of a multitude of printed deers and horses. 

In terms of where these shirts go, the short answer is everywhere. For Sean, when he visits a new city there’s a guarantee he'll be accompanied by these indie shirts. Budapest, Berlin, Amsterdam, Paris….you name it. In fact, when I asked Sean if he would do this feature he told me he was about to jet off to Hamburg and was, of course, planning on taking the shirts.

I decide to get into the nitty bitty of how these shirts are worn.  Buttons all done up? Half done up? Completely open with a t-shirt underneath? He tells me it really depends on the situation and the setting. ‘I can’t really have half my buttons undone in a tutorial!’ Ha. In terms of influence, he explains that The Libertines and Joy Division are his favourite bands but isn’t sure if they are a direct influence. ‘Perhaps subconsciously – I listen to what I like and I wear what I like, so I guess there must be some overlap’

As a student studying for a law degree, when I first met Sean I thought he might dress all conservative and smart. Perish the thought! Sean, his chilled attitude, and his indie shirts are here to stay.

WHEN I SAY FASHION YOU SAY……………….KAZOO?

Sean is a third year student set to graduate next year. He’s written for The Oxford Student as Deputy Music Editor and is also a member of Law Soc. Find him in the library 2am mid-essay crisis.  

When in Paris - how I fell for trainers

Ah Paris. Can someone take me back? Put me on top of the Eiffel tower with a basket of Laudree macaroons and a cute French guy please. (One who can preferably speak English, since the only French phrase I mastered was Parle Vous Anglais?)

I mentioned the Eiffel tower and I'm pleased to say that me and my friend Scarlet managed to climb the 1710 steps despite the baking heat. Here's a pic of us looking relatively composed before the trek. (note before...)

Had this, however, been a day earlier there would have been some serious problems in climbing that sky high tower. Involving some serious blisters and some equally serious (or rather painful) facial expressions.

Why? Because I had not yet bought my Parisian trainers. I went on holiday with just one pair of shoes (blame the hand-luggage restriction) which were so flat and un-supportive I could feel the ground beneath them. In short, not the type of shoes you want to wear when exploring a new city.......

Not wanting to dampen the mood I gritted my teeth, but by the end of the second day my feet were protesting even more than a gorilla in the Arctic. I knew I had to get some new shoes - fast. The cheapest I could find were always in the region of 100-150 euros..... money that could have gone towards a 3-course meal or even better our tickets to the Moulin Rouge. So I soldiered on.

But then a miracle happened: que a spontaneous trip to Monoprix where I found myself alcohol, sweets and... an awesome pair of trainers. They looked good, they were comfy and they didn't break the bank. For those of you who haven't been to France, Monoprix is basically the French version of Sainsburys. Yes. NOT a fashion store and certainly NOT the place you would go to buy shoes.

But lo and behold, I did. They were an unusual mix - blue and purple - and far from what I normally go for. Nevertheless, they caught my eye and after trying them on, I was sold (or rather, the shoes were).

The rest of the holiday I was like an energetic bunny, bouncing around in what I can honestly call my comfiest shoes to date. I used to think that trainers were just for exercising - how wrong was I.
In fact, the more I saw Paris the more I noticed that fashionable trainers were a thing. French ladies are usually known for their classy/chic clothes but colourful trainers is something that the younger generation of women are also embracing.

And that's including me! Safe to say I came back from Paris not only with some unforgettable memories, a slight tan and a bag load of washing, but a pair of trainers that are now sitting happily in my shoe wardrobe.

Merci beaucoup Paris! (hey, my French ain't that bad)

Couples that dress alike: yay or nay?

‘Oh yeah, our tastes have always been similar – we like the same films, the same food, ha, we even like the same clothes’

‘The same clothes?’

‘Yeah – we went out the other day and he insisted on matching his purple tie to my purple skirt. He loves my wardrobe….’

Image: hermelness

This was the conversation I heard in Co-op the other day. Two women in their late-twenties, one of them talking about her boyfriend and how they have similar tastes. I wasn’t really paying much attention (instead focusing on where the Quaker Oats was) but the last part made my ears prick up.

Couples who co-ordinate their clothes……really? 

But I thought the majority of men were dis-interested in what their partner wears? We all know the stereotypical 'guy-in-shop-whilst girlfriend-tries-on-clothes' scene. Meanwhile the editor of Glamour, Jo Elvin, has recently launched the twitter hashtag 'clothesmyhusbandhates' to showcase her husband’s dislike of her clothes.

#clothesmyhusbandhates.

There’s no doubt men are interested in fashion. After all, the majority of designers these days are men. But how far guys want to co-ordinate their clothes with their other half is something less common.

Or is it? Apparently not, with many celebrities such as Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, or Kim Kardashian and Jay-Z, doing what has become known as ‘twinning’; two people who dress similarly. Perhaps it’s to be expected in the celebrity world, but the conversation in Co-op makes it seem like this is a craze that could just take off. 

Best dressed at the BAFTA's? Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt took on a similar look in 2014.

If so, I’m torn as to how to take this. On the one hand, it makes a statement - a show of solidarity in fashion and in the relationship. Done well, it can look slick and impressive. Brangelina seem to pull it off. On the other hand, there is the danger of it going all too sickly-sweet and try-hard. I guess it depends on how far the matching actually goes. A bow tie matched to an item of the partner’s outfit strikes a nice balance, but completely matching outfits seems a step too far.

The jury's out: what do you think?

Image: gullei

KAZOO SPY: ISOBEL ON VELVET

Isobel Johns – or should that be Iz Johns – has a fetish for all things velvet. These days, velvet rarely appears in many peoples' wardrobes. But that’s not the case for her. She explains that the magic of velvet is how it makes an outfit instantly interesting. If you have a choice of cloth, why not go velvet? she exclaims.

rocking velvet (and a v on trend bag)

Intrigued to find out what items of velvet clothing she owns, I didn’t expect such a comprehensive list to follow:

1. Purple velvet halter neck dress. Apparently, this dress was fate – just £5 in a charity shop and ‘fitted to perfection’.
2. Black velvet waistcoat. Tricky to pull off, the perfect layer over a polo neck.
3. Brown velvet flare trousers. Let’s take a step back to the 70s for a minute. She describes them as channeling a ‘Joni Mitchell’ vibe.
4. Green velvet cardigan. This item was originally from the 80’s but with the shoulder pads removed. (Note: forget a time machine, her velvet items look the perfect alternative)
5. Purple velvet jacket. Bought at a vintage fair, she is still waiting for the perfect moment to wear this.
6. Velvet clubbing tops (example below)

Usually found on the High Street, tops like these are a ‘strong’ pick - but only when coupled with the black velvet leggings.

Hang on, the velvet black leggings?

Yes, the black velvet leggings. These are the go-to wardrobe staple when it comes to velvet – comfy and quick to slip on. She confesses that her personal hygiene has been questioned over how much she wears them (I decide not to ask any more on that) and how she would happily sacrifice a small animal for them (nor that). There’s something so tongue-in cheek about Isobel that velvet seems the perfect fabric for her vibrant personality - it’s as if standard cotton wouldn’t do.

Peek-a-boo: out in the infamous black velvet leggings

Delving a little deeper, I ask what’s her take on guys wearing velvet. ‘Aaaaaalmighty fun’ she says. Velvets dinner jackets, trousers and shoes are all spot on. As for velvet underwear? ‘Oh my. Yes. Intense in summer’. 

We mentioned her velvet wardrobe may as well be a time-machine and indeed, she gets much of her style inspiration from well-back. Whether it was jazz and flappers in the 20's or rock and roll and teddy boys in the 50's, music and fashion are a key part of what influences her – so much so that sometimes she will dress according to an era.

The exact era might be unpredictable - just as some of her answers have been - but one thing’s for certain: where there’s velvet there’s Iz, and where there’s Iz there’s velvet.

A velvet umbrella? watch this space

WHEN I SAY FASHION YOU SAY: FEELS

Isobel Johns is a 3rd year biochemistry student at Oxford, involved with both rowing & netball. 

She is the founder of online vintage clothes platform Vibe&Era. 
Pictures one, three and four taken by budding photographer Jeong Jung.

The pyjama horoscope

Pjamas. Pjyamas. Pyjamas. Got there in the end. Even now the spelling baffles me. (This is from a student studying English at Oxford...) 

Pyjamas, as well as having a funny name, are funny things in themselves. Think about it: a whole new ‘outfit’ just for bed time. Despite the fact that only you, yourself and your bed will see these pyjamas - and possibly your partner – the pyjama industry has never been bigger. But there are so many options out there. And actually, after speaking to a couple of friends, there are also a number of alternatives. 

All this got me thinking - could it be that your preferred night time dress says something about who you are? Quite possibly.

Introducing your official pyjama horoscope…..

All-in-one night shirt

Image: Asos

Often seen in films following a loved up night between the lead couple, the buttoned up shirt (whether your own or your partners) is fuss free and sexy. You don’t mind if your hairs a bit like a birds nest, you strut around making breakfast humming along to Always Look on the Bright Side of Life. The all-in-one night shirt is chilled and laid back – a bit like you then.

Silk chemise/slip

Image: Breakfast at Tiffanys

Pass me a glass of champagne darling, no matter it’s before bed. And my fur trimmed/embroidered night cap. Now, just give me a minute to apply my Elizabeth Arden night cream....

Yes, you are a true lady. You ooze sophistication, glamour and all round class. Your pyjamas have to be silk because only silk will do. The fact that pyjamas are for sleeping is not a factor – you never know who might turn up. High maintenance? Never!

Onesie

Image: Imgix

You give Cara Develegnine a run for her money when it comes to pulling funny faces. You’re the first to crack a joke at a dinner party and your favourite type of crisp is Monster Munch. The onesie began during a night in with your girls – now, it’s your ultimate sleeping staple.

Oversized T-shirt and knickers

Image:rlv.zcache

For the party animal. Your nights out usually end around 3-4am and, after a stop for chips , all you want is your bed. With no time to dig out your matching pyjamas which haven’t seen daylight (or should that be night-time) in the last 5 years, you go for the T-shirt and knickers. Comfortable and easy. Friends describe you as up for a laugh, down-to-earth and a tad lazy.

Matching jim jams

Image: Asos

A classic. Found on the girl who never does anything too outrageous. Assignments are always handed in on time and you have a soft-spot for both baking and puppies. For you, the best pyjamas are comfortable and preferably matching. Whether its polka dots or heart designs, you’re a sucker for all things cute. 

And finally….your birth suit

Image:dreamstime

‘Of course I wear pyjamas!’ (Biggest white lie ever). You are super confident and it shows – not many people would sleep completely naked. But for you, it’s the best way. You’re the first to indulge in an extra piece of cake, you like to shower with the temperature on full heat and yes you like your red wine. If sleeping with no pyjamas equals more comfort, then heck you’ll do it. Sensuality is your second name.  

The biggest love-hate relationship in fashion

Is it me, or are shoes one of the hardest things to buy?  So you find a beautiful pair of stilettos (not hard) only to try them on and look like you are practicing for the next world tightrope championship. Or you find a pair of black wedges that are just what you were looking for, only to find they don’t have them in your size. Even after you ransacked the entire shelf. And waited for them to check the entire stockroom - twice.

Aged five: what do you mean they don't have my size!? 
Image: onestoryslinger

It seems the only shoes where you can’t really go wrong are flip flops. Which isn’t surprising given the simple design – piece of plastic with a strap doesn't leave much room for 'shoe problems.' No wonder they have become a commercial asset. Many a time I bought a glossy magazine just for the free flip flops and I still have my complimentary spa flip flops from Champneys last year. (If only all shoes were this free!)

Yet most shoes are not that simple. I wish they were, for right now I am in the desperate need of some new shoes. (disintegrating pumps is never a good look.) Any excuse to buy shoes right? Wrong. For me – and I suspect many other people – it turns out to be an outright hassle as you trawl the shops to find a pair that:

1) Look good
2) Come in your size
3) Come in your size and actually feel like they do
4) Be of decent quality
5) Won’t cost the earth
6) Reaches the standard of any former shoes you are replacing
7) Not be green

The shoe checklist
Image:123rf

That’s SEVEN criteria right there. (or 6 if you love green shoes). And that’s not even factoring in all the additional criteria when shopping for a particular occasion.

The problem is we never learn – if I see a beautiful pair of black killer heels that fit and feel fine for the brief ‘trial walk’ then yep I’m gonna buy them. And yes we WILL complain when we go out and have been dancing for what seems like an age (but is actually 15 minutes) and our feet feel like they are burning up, being crunched or undergoing some other form of foot torture. However, shoes remain a girl’s best friend. We have evolved to automatically hold  a soft spot for them, despite the stress they often cause.

If there was ever a love-hate relationship in fashion, this is it.
  

Image:jezebel

Wear what suits you - not what's on trend

Being a ‘slave of fashion’ is, I think, one of the worst things to be when it comes to the world of fashion. Why? Because it suggests oppression in an industry that should allow individuals to express themselves however they want. It suggests that current trends are something one must follow to the nearest (24) inch catwalk waist. It suggests that obsessing over being ‘on trend’ is more important than enjoying fashion.Yet the irony is, it’s pretty much impossible given how fast paced this industry is - you have more chance of keeping up with Mo Farah on the racetrack then the trends on the catwalk!

Image:askyourface

Don’t get me wrong I LOVE seeing what is kicking off right now. But does that mean I’ll suddenly go out and ensure that I follow it? Hell no. Take the pale pink trend last year. Seeing those gorgeous, marshmallow pink coats on the catwalk made me feel very tempted to buy one. Indeed, after looking around I actually found quite a few that I liked the look of. Sadly, none of them suited me. The colour - baby pink - goes against every inch of my personality (far too cute for my liking). Then there's the fact pink is my least favourite colour.

Image: stylecab

If I had bought any of those coats it would have been purely because it was ‘on trend’ - not because it looked good or I actually liked it on me. And think about crocs. They were massive for some time and could be seen EVERYWHERE but many women (myself included) refused to wear them, despite the craze. (NB: even If Beyoncé began to wear them I could never be a fan).

Image: wired

The point is trends or fashion crazes come and go, but style stays with you. It's always best to wear what you look good in and what you feel good in.  If this so happens to be something on trend, then great! If not, who cares? The fashion police are a myth, after all. We've all been there when we see something gorgeous on the hanger only to try it on and hate the damn thing. A mini skirt on one person might look great – but on another may make them feel body conscious or uncomfortable. 

Fashion is most fun when you do YOU. Embrace your own style and wear what you know will look good.Yes, it’s great to get inspiration from trends and the catwalk but there really shouldn’t be any pressure to follow them, if that’s not what you want. But given that some are pretty crazy, I guess that's just as well!