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Yesterday I went into town for a bit of shopping and a cocktail with Amber.

I wanted to wear my busy, floral mirror print pencil skirt and paired it with all black basics with silver details.

Blazer: Zara

Chain t-shirt: Bershka

Skirt: Miss Selfridge

Boots: Office

Clutch: H&M

Necklace: Urban Outfitters

It was my last chance to take some photos with Skadi before she went to her new home. She’s not a very good poser so the photos don’t really do her justice.

I’m also debuting my new hair by Helen Jordan at Vidal Sassoon. It’s the first time I’ve had my colour done professionally in 5 years and I must say I’m rather pleased with it.

Images by Richard Ayres 

aestheticcontradiction

Accessory moment no.1

Knowing how to accessorise is probably more important that knowing how to dress, what you choose to accompany it could make or brake an outfit.

I think accessorising for those going for a very simple or classic look or who follow “safe” trends by the book is pretty straight forward but if you’re looking to adopt a more edgy style or experiment with more runway inspired looks getting the balance right can be hard.

Obviously I don’t expect everyone to agree with the combinations I choose but I get asked about it often enough and have decided to introduce a new, hopefully weekly, feature with everyday images of how I wear my accessories and the ones I’m most into at that particular point in time. I think it will be a fun way to keep track of my influences and also give others some new ideas to try out.

This week I’ve been wearing a lot of black chain stuff!

1. inverted cross pendant £15, Eustratia

2. rune rings. I wear this all the time and have done for the last 10 years or so. They are from a shop called past times that has now unfortunately closed down.

I know they aren’t clearly visible in that picture so:

3. Long chain earrings. I mentioned these in my previous “style update” post. They are from an upcoming range at Eustratia and retail for £8 a pair.I love them because they as so versatile I can wear them with almost everything.

4. Aesthetic contradiction logo necklace. I only made a few of these for myself and the giveaway that I did a few months ago but I have ended up wearing it quite a lot as it’s slight smaller and more abstract than the stag necklace that was my previous favourite.

5. chain drape headband. This is probably my favourite accessory of the month. I’m hoping to release it in the same range as the earrings, just waiting to get some professional pics back. I’ve had a lot of compliments when wearing it out but no one could agree on the style it evokes. A friend told me I looked like a princess from a far off galaxy which was probably the most thought out comment I received but I see it as more urban tribe than sci-fi myself.

6. Moth hairclip. This is a lot smaller than most of my regular hair accessories. I’ve been wearing a lot of headbands recent (more info in the next style update) so I need smaller hair clips to fit in next to them without my head looking overcrowded.

And to finish off, a pic of what I look like wearing said accessories!

 

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Style update: Long earrings

Since starting to stretch my lobes 4 or 5 years ago I hadn’t really been interested in “conventional” earring types. This may have had something to with the fact that I’m allergic to a lot of the cheaper ones and can’t wear them for long periods of time. When I was younger, I always had to find real gold or silver ones. As I got more piercings and moved over to body jewellery I found that I was fine as surgical steel and titanium don’t irritate my ears.

I recently realised that as I already have permanent body jewellery in the holes that doesn’t irritate me, it’s fine to put other “fashion” earrings through the same hole for effect. After experimenting with a few different types I decided long earring really complement my current style. I love them so I decided to share a few of my favourites with you guys.

1. Feather earrings

These were the first ones I got so the feathers are a bit battered now but I thought they lasted quite well. They are from Topshop and cost £18. They weren’t on the website but might still be available in store. If not there are loads of similar ones around, though I must admit I haven’t seen any I like as much.

2. Spike earrings

As you can see these aren’t both the same. They were custom made for me by Cloe from Life’s big canvas at Bird’s yard and I couldn’t decide which one I like best so I got one of each to try them out. I think asymmetrical earrings can look really cool and I’m glad I got them like this but matching pairs are also available. At £9.00 they are very reasonably priced, just like the rest of the life’s big canvas ever-growing jewellery collection. I find something new and interesting every time I go into that shop!

3. Long multichain earringsThese are pretty simple but also something I’ve wanted for a while. They go with almost everything and are a great compliment to other earrings. I made them myself and it was really easy, all you need it the earring hook, a jump ring and an assortment of chains in different lengths. For those who are too lazy to DIY there are available to purchase for £8.00 and will also be added to my site soon.

4. Bird claw earrings

These are definitely my new favourites and were custom made for me by the lovely Sophie Adamson. I’ve wanted some earrings like this for a while but couldn’t find anything like them. Obviously people sell the straight bird feet ones but I always thought they looked a bit naff so when I heard Sophie had some pheasants in the freezer (yes, they are real) I had to commission a pair. I only gave her a description and a really crude sketch to go by and she did a really amazing job. I would definitely recommend her for taxidermy accessories commissions.

Here are some pictures of what they look like on:

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“Chimera” collection, Winter 2011

I recently launched the new Eustratia latex/chainmail fusion collection, Chimera. The collection was produced in collaboration with chainmail and metal jewellery designer, Richard Ayres. The name was chosen to reflect the combination of two, very different materials.

The theme of the collection revolves around medieval military and knights while still adhering to aspects of current silhouettes and trends.

“Chimera” Lookbook

Credits:

Images and retouching: David Richardson

models: Victoria B, Biomechanina and Elle Beth

MUA: Mercedes and Sarah Jane Ellis

We also did a bit of a concept shoot before we got kicked off our chosen location!

Items from this collection are now available to purchase on the online store!

All chainmail components were hand made down to each individual link by my partner, Richard Ayres. He is also happy to take on orders for custom and bespoke items so feel free to email enquiries@eustratia.co.uk with any ideas or questions. His collection of metal jewellery and accessories will also be added to the online store very soon.

It was a bit of a rush to get the whole collection made and shot before I left for clothes show live and I ended up waiting to launch till I got back and was able to add items to the shop. I’m quite happy with the way everything turned out given the circumstance, special thanks to David for all his help and support!

Close up shots of the accessories coming soon, along with some more perspex.

For updates, please check the facebook page.

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Bella Morte Alt girls feature

This month I was selected to feature in Bella Morte magazine’s Alt girls issue, available to purchase here. They chose a set of photos I shot a while ago, in Chester with Gareth Hickey. There were a few hundred entries and only 20 girls were featured which makes me feel quite good.

They chose a set of photos I shot a while ago, in Chester with Gareth Hickey and gave me a double page spread, which you can view below.

My favourite image from this set and the one I use for my book is the one below but the feature has definitely make me appreciate the other two a lot more.

image by Gareth Hickey, make up by Azzurra