Fashion – Aesthetic Contradiction

admin7th August 2018

Sunkissed Field

Aesthetic contradiction dark fashion blogger

I love it when well-known brands reach out to work with smaller bloggers,

particularly when they launch projects that celebrate style diversity.

On this occasion, I was approached by River Island , to be part of their “shape my style” campaigne,

in which bloggers with different styles, choose their favourite item

from the current dresses collection and style it to fit their individual look.

River Island style project

The current collection includes dresses for every occasion and to suit any body type, but one really stood out to me as a piece I could wear for many different occasions,

styled in different ways and would have longevity in my wardrobe.

I try to make each addition into my wardrobe considered and don’t tend to go for things that are “too” trend led, unless I consider them a staple.

River Island black midi dress

The dress that I chose is this black long-sleeved midi dress with shirring and tie details to the neck, wrists and waist (also available in other colours!).

I have recently noticed I have a preference for midi dresses over shorter styles, I find them much more elegant and flattering.

The top half of the dress features a wrap stye front, with a tie closure that can be worn open or tied in a bow to show varying degrees of skin. Features like this make this dress extremely versatile, which is one of the things I really loved about it.

River island dress details

I like the floaty, feminine style of this dress but I wanted to add a bit of edge to my outfit so I paired it with some of my signature accessories with silver hardware and a harness bra with a choker detail.

I love the brightness the flashes of silver bring to this all black look.

Aestheticcontradiction edgy style blogger

The rouched waist makes this dress very flattering, but also forgiving and helps it remain comfortable, even after a long night of dinner and drinks.

The fabric feels good quality but is also easy to wash so it’s not a dress you would have to worry about on a day out with the family.

River Island blogger style project

I wore this dress on quite a warm summer’s evening and it was the perfect weight

but it could definitely also be worn in colder months with tights and boots and a jacket.

I will definitely be featuring it on here again, styled up for winter.

Dark fashion blogger Aestheticcontradiction in black River Island dress

We have been enjoying some gorgeous weather here in the UK this summer so I took the opportunity to shoot this look

at golden hour,in one of the sun kissed fields by the golf course. They are always filled with long grasses and wild flowers

at this time of year but look particularly impressive after two months of solid sun!

dancing in the sun

Dress: River Island

Necklaces: Dixi

Earrings: H&M

Belt: Asos

Bag: Givenchy

Shoes: Miista

Photography by Richard Ayres

dark fashion blogger in field

admin5th April 2018

Surreal home

Over the bank holiday weekend, I got the chance to shoot some new latex pieces for the Eustratia Core Collection. The core collection is all about flattering fit, versatility and options. It is based around 10 key silhouettes and aims to cover all latex basics, while maintaining a unique look. Eustratia latex lingerie

I shot this set in my living room, as with the 3 previous ones, but I wanted the images to have a slightly different look so we opted for slightly more moody images and busier compositions.

Eustratia latex lingerie high waist high leg briefs, latex lace suspender belt, bra, stockings

The first outfit is a lingerie ensemble, like many of the previous looks. None of the items in this outfit are new, it was just an opportunity to showcase some more of the pieces in black, as it is the most popular latex colour.

latex lingerie, stockings, fringe shoulder pads

We shot this in the chesterfield armchair in the “Jungle corner”. I really enjoy the look of the latex next to all the plants but I’d love to hear what others think about it too.

Outfit:

Fringe shoulder pads

Curvy cup bra

High waisted high leg briefs

O-ring latex lace suspender belt

Thick latex lace suspender belt

Banded latex stockings

Australia latex bondage strap dress

The bondage strap dress is my most recent design for Eustratia and I’m very happy with the way it turned out. I wanted to reintroduce a strappy design to the range (I discontinued all my previous collections at the beginning of last year) but also wanted it to be something that felt fresh. I tried a few different ideas before finally settling on this one and I think I made the right choice, I think it looks striking in the images and it was comfortable to move around. I also think this design would look goof on a variety of body types, which isn’t true for all latex dresses. Eustratia latex bondage strap dress and fingerless opera gloves with Valentino rocketed heels

I decided to shoot this look against the white side of the room, as it was a bit black-heavy and I thought the contrast would help. I also paired it with my nude Valentino Rockstuds to keep the emphasis on the dress.

Eustratia latex bondage collar dress side view

This side view is one of my favourite images from the set. It feels quite witchy, with the hair moving back but also provides a great view of the side strap which would normally be hard to photograph.

eustratia latex bondage dress back

I was initially planning to add a zip to the back of this dress but I actually really like it as it is and the back is low enough to get it on without too much trouble. I’d love to hear your feedback on this, do you prefer dresses with or without zips?

Outfit:

Bondage strap dress

Fingerless opera gloves

Eustratia latex dress and latex lace waist belt

The final outfit comprises of some of the most popular core collection designs, the high neck cup top, high waisted mini skirt and latex-lace waist belt. I’m wearing the top and skirt as separates here, but I have also listed this item as a dress. Separates are more versatile and can be split up to create more combinations (such as this outfit here , which is one of my favourites) but a dress can be a more streamline and easy option to throw on before an event. The core collection is about options and creating the ideal garment for you so I wanted to make both available. All skirts and dresses are also available in custom lengths (3 to choose from as standard, or you can send a measurement) and can also be made to measure at no extra cost!

Eustratia latex dress witchy candle gallery wall

I have been making these latex-lace waist belts for 7 years but I recently changed the lace to a thicker and more detailed one.

Eustratia sitting at table in latex editorial

For the final shot, we decided to get creative, I have wanted to create an artistic and slightly surreal dining room image for a while and Rik, helped me achieve just that. See more of his work on his Facebook page, Richard Ayres photography.

For more from Eustratia, check out their instagram!

admin17th October 2017

Autumn Wishlist

aesthetic contradiction autumn Wishlist 2017

This year more than ever, I’m thinking about adding pieces to my wardrobe that will have longevity. Over the past few seasons, I’ve realised that I’m not really interested in trend pieces, unless they falls into the rare category of items that are staples in my wardrobe, but not most other peoples’ and need to be snapped up quickly, whenever the opportunity arises. I’m generally aiming to add pieces to my wardrobe that can be staples in my wardrobe but will also be interesting enough to be worn in seasons to come, without me getting bored of them. I realise this is a tall order, but I’ve managed to do this with a few items in my current wardrobe so I would like to find more like them and build a “capsule wardrobe” of go-to items.

I often struggle to find exactly what I’m looking for in stores but I have managed to compile a list of some of the types of items I’m interested in adding to my wardrobe this season.

I have been thinking about investing in better quality knitwear this season and this grey mohair and wool blend jumper from “& other stories” seems like the perfect cosy item to wear both out and about and when working from home.
In recent years, I’ve realised I don’t really like wearing heels for long periods of time, so I’m always on the lookout for cute but edgy flats that I can wear to go out in. Last year, I bought the perfect pair from E8 by Miista and I was overjoyed to see that they have brought out a similar type of style that I’m equally as in love with for this season! The Luna flats.
Now that I wear less body jewellery, I have been thinking about adding some studs back into my jewellery collection. These sterling silver triangles from AbigailjewelleryAu on Easy are perfect and would go with everything.
I have multiple ear piercings so something a bit tougher looking to pair with the triangles would be good and I found another great pair on Etsy, from Formood.
It has been a couple of years since I added a new coat to my wardrobe and I’ve been looking out for the next addition. I think it would be good have something slightly oversized and boyish but also smart and flattering. I haven’t had a chance to try any on yet, but this tomboy coat from Zara, looks promising.
Over the past few seasons, my taste has shifted towards smaller bags, I find that I no longer need to carry my whole life around with me and I would love a neat, smallish cross body bag. I have worn my H! by Henry Holland satchel bag to death so I though a similar style might be nice and I have found one from Anu Tera that looks perfect.
I have also been looking into ethical knitwear, trying to find more conscientious brands to invest in. A lot of them don’t really suit my style but I have found the perfect grey polo neck from Siizu.

S. x

admin29th August 2017

August Bank holiday weekend

This August bank holiday, I mostly spent time with my family. On Sunday, I went out for brunch with my mum and her four cousins!

The weather was confusing, as it usually is in Manchester so I opted for a summery(ish) jumpsuit and shoes, teamed with some sunglasses and my favourite blazer. It was a good choice!

Manchester blogger Aesthetic Contradiction

You May also notice I’ve had a hair colour change. I loved the silver but I had had it for about 7 years and it was time for a change. I’ve had black in past so I knew that it suited me (or so I believe) and decided it would be a good choice, as the lack of bleaching should also help the condition of my hair.

Black haired blogger in Karen millennium blazer

OUTFIT:

Tuxedo blazer: Karen Millen

Jumpsuit: Topshop

Shoes: Miista

Sunglasses: H&M

Bag: H! by Henry Holland (similar)

Necklace: Richard Ayres

Rings: Dixi

The majority of the items in this outfit cannot be linked as they are not current season but, I will link similar items wherever possible.

Manchester blogger

Aesthetic Contradiction blogger in black toyshop jumpsuit The summers don’t last long enough in Manchester so I prefer to buy clothes that are a bit more versatile and can be carried forward from season to season. I love these items because with a few adjustments, they can be worn almost all year round.
Aesthetic contradiction Manchester Style blogger

We went to the Laundrette, a relatively new bar in Manchester, that was hosting an Ibiza style brunch, complete with sand and inflatables! There was a live saxophone player and a lady giving glitter makeovers. We enjoyed a selection garlic bread, burgers, haloumi flatbread and American style pancakes, washed down with prosecco and cocktails!

I hope you enjoyed your bank holiday weekend, whatever you got up to! Let me know in the comments!

S. x

admin13th January 2016

Eustratia Lingerie

I don’t often feature shoots on here that I have not conceptualised myself, but I also seldom shoot in black and white, and thought these images were sufficiently different from anything I would normally post, to leave room for you to admire them and the lingerie, as well as whatever I decide to do with it next.

The set was shot as part of Alexander Bather’s “Night diary” exhibition last year and was arranged in collaboration with Vauhaus model agency, who also allowed their HQ to become the backdrop.

Some of you may remember, I released several bras with my Vanguard collection last year. I initially intended them to be worn more as tops but soon decided it would be better to make bottoms to go with them, so they can also be worn as lingerie, in a set.

I didn’t have much time to design before the shoot so I made two out of three styles on the day. Hazel had already ordered a set from me and had requested something that matched the bra with lots of straps, which I think I delivered. Lia wanted to wear a high waisted brief so just used the same fabrics and details as the bra and created something in that style. For the third set, I decided to make a thong for variety, without knowing who the model would be at the time.

I was quite pleased with how the came out for a first attempt, though I have now made adjustments and changed some of the details. I look forward to showing you the final versions in a photoshoot at some point soon.