All hail the white shirt

A short post this one, dedicated to the white shirt.

Once deemed boring, the white shirt really is a marvel. It can be paired with blue jeans or shorts, tucked in or left out, dressed up or dressed down, buttons done up or undone. Versatile is its middle name.

There's nothing quite like a white shirt - preferably long sleeved with a collar and good tailoring. Once it was all about short sleeved, pretty blouses for women. Now, it's all about finding a shirt that can can act as the staple to any outfit.

Alexa Chung - my favourite fashion muse  - demonstrates this perfectly in her high-waisted black shorts look (see above). The jewellery adds a touch of glam to the outfit. And that's another pro of the white shirt......you can experiment, since the shirt acts as a blank canvas. Teeming a red-lip with the white shirt - or painting your nails in a bright colour - is another way of making the shirt reach its true potential.

The white shirt ooozes class, and I would say there's a touch of androgynous sex appeal in there too. Who says shirts are only for guys in their suits?

Think fierce: fierce, feisty and white.

Image: makeitlast

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)