KAZOO SPY: Antonia and Florals

So, I’m particularly excited about this feature of Kazoo Spy. Why? Not least because it’s about florals - and I bloody love florals – but because it’s with a lady who’s been involved with the likes of Calvin Klein, GQ magazine and Oxford Fashion Studio. Oh, and she worked for Vogue. It was when I was backstage at Oxford Fashion Week, however, that I noticed her impeccable style which contained a fair share of florals. I had to feature her on here.



First up: why florals? Antonia tells me it’s subliminally down to her love of 1950’s Americana but, rather than a choice, it’s an attraction. She also insists that florals don’t have to mean delicate or feminine – ‘in fact, I like wearing them with an edge.  When I worked at Vogue, I was told that my style was a mixture of sexy secretary and punk rocker and I still like to think I have this slight edginess. I guess floral is the secretarial element – especially during summer’.

Side note – Antonia Mackay would make a very sexy secretary. Actually, with a PHD in American literature, we should really be calling her Dr Antonia Mackay.

Babe with brains. And florals. Literally.

Asked what her wardrobe entails when it comes to floral designs, it’s by no means limited to the simple ‘here’s an item with a floral pattern'. Instead, she likes to experiment with clothes - ‘it’s what fashion is all about’ - and her most recent purchases include laser cut flowers on a swing dress, alongside Westwood inspired floral platforms (which she has not yet dared to wear!).

How high can you go? Go on, we dare you 

Then there is her floral 1970’s maxi dress, with long voluminous sleeves, a high neck and two high leg splits. ‘It makes me feel like a Charlie’s Angel when worn with my hair blown out.’ Sexy secretary, Charlie’s Angel….whatever next?  

Preparing for OFW

Sexy floral underwear, that’s what. Like me, she’s a strong believer in taking care and consideration with what’s below as a way to exert confidence outside.

Since she’s been on the fashion scene herself, I couldn’t resist asking if she’s seen any floral catwalk shows. Seen them? Perhaps. Created them? Hell yes. Antonia's Cosmopolitan show at OFW last season was 70s floral inspired - think fringes, florals and flares. She tells me that, in the end, it came quite close to her own style. (In that case, it must have been pretty good. I couldn’t go – blame the Oxford work load for that – but I did hear some great reviews afterwards).

Sass + Cosmo.

I’ve got to admit, Antonia is one sassy queen. She certainly does prove that florals don’t have to mean girly and sweet. They can have a bite to them too - and a cheeky one at that.

WHEN I SAY FASHION YOU SAY: URGENCY, CHANGE AND TRANSGRESSION.

Antonia Mackay is  currently an Associate Lecturer at Oxford Brookes University and Permanent Lecturer at Goldsmiths, University of London.Her past involves working as PR and Communications Director for Oxford Fashion Studio, Editorial Assistant and Editor at Vogue, editorial at GQ magazine and PR for Calvin Klein.

Most happiest: in a good bar, surrounded by good people and with a cosmopolitan or two.

A Quick Run Down on How to do Comfy

What does the expression ‘comfy clothes’ mean to you? For me, it suggests sweats and joggers, big socks and even bigger hoodies. My ‘Comfy Clothes’ never leave the home (or if they do it’s for a quick dash to the post box 30 seconds away). However, comfortable clothes shouldn’t have to mean ‘I can’t be bothered', or, in the case of the below, I need a bloody good iron.

The latest addition to my hoodies, worn out already

Let’s face it: we all like to wear clothes that look good, but sometimes feel we end up compromising on the comfort factor. I have a pair of leather trousers that I love but which reach about 75F within an hour of wearing them. A high waisted skirt is so nipped in at the waist it means fizzy drinks and gum are off the cards. Then there’s the strapless bra that I can never fully trust to stay up….

A constant battle every woman will experience. Image:i.imugar

But over the years I have realised that you CAN get some absolutely awesome clothes that will tick the ‘comfort’ box too. Here are my five tips to keep in mind next time you’re out shopping:

For embellished clothes, check the inside. Vest tops with beautiful beading/embroidery/sequins on the front will only feel as good as they look if the manufacturer has ensured some form of interlining/extra fabric on the inside. Otherwise expect a very scratchy chest.

When it comes to jeans. Don’t be scared to go beyond skinny jeans. They’ve been in the spotlight for years but other styles have made a strong comeback – much to the appreciation of our blood circulation. If you can pull them off, navy flared jeans look ace. If not, slim boyfriend’ shapes also work a treat. (GAP and Zara win the game here).

Image: Gap

If in doubt, buy cotton. Or linen or silk. These are the top three ‘natural’ fibres that feel nicest next to your skin. Less comfortable are acrylic, nylon and polyester (which come from oil and coal – A-level textiles taught me that). Most clothes are made from a mixture of both, so, if possible, buy those containing a higher cotton percentage.

100% Cotton - the go to for comfort

Size is but a number. ‘OMG that dress is half price and in my exact size’. Que getting home only to find that it’s too small/big. Sizing can vary by as much as 2-3 inches depending on what store you are in, meaning that unless you know what you are for every individual retailer, it's best to try it on first.

Go elastic – especially for high waisted skirt/shorts. Not only does it allow you extra room for tucking in thicker clothes (eg a cute jumper) the stretch factor makes them perfect for eating out or for getting physical - wild drunken moves on a Friday night anyone?



Image: cartooncollectors

 

Bold shades or bold move?

Image:paperchase

Yesterday in Oxford I saw a young lady wearing a vibrant, orange dress. She looked fantastic. As I passed her I wondered why she caught my attention– she was very pretty but so were a number of other women about. It was because of the dress. And yet, the dress itself was not really anything special - just a simple shift dress down to the knee. More specifically, it was the colour. No one else was wearing a comparable splash of orange - that was why she stood out.

Is it me or are people getting afraid of bolder colours? As you can tell from my blog background, I do like colour. But watch a number of people walk past and most will be wearing one of, or a combination of: white/black; grey; navy or some clothing with multiple colours.

Bright, block, vibrant colours on their own are less common.

 

This is true for my wardrobe, yet some of my favourite items of clothing happen to be the ones in a strong block colour. Whenever I wear this particular deep turquoise blouse ^ (Topshop) I get a compliment or two – if it was in grey/black I bet that wouldn't be the case. (Not least because I wouldn't have bought it!)

So why the colour phobia?

Maybe it’s simply because people don’t want to wear bright splashes of colour in their outfit as they don’t like the look. Some might just like to stick to neutral palettes, since that's suits them. 

If only all rails could be this colour coordinated.
Image: Huffingtonpost

But could the reason also be because people are scared of being too ‘out their’? I have a friend who once refused to wear a new violet bodycon dress because she thought it would be too intrusive. (We were going clubbing – nothing can be intrusive!) Sad to say, she opted  instead for fail safe black.

I myself had this issue when wondering if I should buy a bright yellow, mustard seed coat from River Island. This was especially a ‘risk’a) because of the price and b) because a coat (or the one I wanted to buy) is something worn often. Although it was a far cry from the average black coat, I loved everything about it (including the colour) and the only reason for not buying it would have been simply because it was too bold/different. What sort of a reason is that?

 

If it’s a bright green skirt or a vibrant red dress: it’s about time to fall in love with colour all over again. Denim and neutral colours are great, but it seems there’s a danger of getting stuck in a rut and forgetting what the word ‘colour’ even means! So if you are tempted by an orange dress like the one that lady was wearing - go on buy it.

KAZOO SPY: Lily and Vintage Dresses

‘Floopy – that’s how I’d describe my style’ says Lily. ‘A bit like Phoebe from friends. But less tie-dye, yes, a lot less tie-dye’. The girl I’m chatting to stands out for having something special about her style - vintage dresses. Whilst the designer ones come out for black tie dinners, those that cost only a couple of pounds are perfect for festivals. However, this devotion to vintage dresses does not detract from variety. ‘What I wear one day will be very different to what I wear the next’. There’s a sheer white lace mini, a summery chiffon midi, a floral black kimono-dress, and a Diesel denim-look one, to name a few.
 

Midnight blue and in velvet - hands up who wants this diesel dress



The kimono dress - also perfect for fancy dress

But WHY vintage, I ask. First up, they are cheaper than buying new dresses. Second, when it comes to vintage you’re more likely to get creative. Cutting and customising that brand new Zara dress? Sacrilegious. As for vintage, there’s far more scope to make a piece of clothing something quirky and different. Oh, and there’s the added bonus of having a antiques father which means that beads, buttons and lace are in endless supply. ‘Also, if it’s vintage, no one else has it!’

We get on to how she gets hold of these gems. This is where Lily – and indeed anyone living in Shrewsbury – is particularly lucky. ‘New to You’ is a store where people bring in worn designer clothes and get a share of the money when sold. It was there, and in the multitude of charity shops surrounding her, that Lily slowly built up a treasure chest of vintage dresses.

Folded proud - the dungaree dress

Since Fashion Kazoo is all about clothes in everyday life, I ask her what’s been her best moment wearing this item of clothing. The answer was somewhat surprising. ‘It was a moment when I wore my maxi patchwork dungaree dress (above). One of my friends laughed at it, but I didn’t care. In fact it showed me more than ever that you can wear what you like, and not worry about what anyone thinks’. Here’s a girl proud of being a bit different. At school, being ‘the Jack Will’s girl’ who copied everything was never the aim. And, if her vintage dresses are anything to go by, there’s no danger of that happening any time soon.

WHEN I SAY FASHION YOU SAY 'SELF EXPRESSION (AND SOMETIMES A MEANS OF PROCRASTINATION....)'

Lily Taylor recently completed a bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature at The University of Oxford. She is particularly fond of poetry, tapas bars and making films.