BLONDIN

VAIN IN DULL STARS

Coming Soon....

MORNING PARADE

Having just released a line-up of gig dates around the UK, and featuring very regularly on Radio 1 recently, Morning Parade are destined to be the next big thing!

They are starting their tour off this month at XOYO, Shoreditch, sharing a set with 'I Am Arrows' and 'Dave Gibson'.

Check them out as these guys have some of the most beautiful soft vocals with an added combination of dance, alternative, and electro.

Their first single 'Under the Stars' gives you a naughty little taste of what they're about.

Here it is......

Website- http://morningparade.com/

GIGI VINTAGE

This online store presents a treasure chest of beautiful one off hand-picked vintage gems.

Not only does it hold an assortment of some of the most undoubtedly out there frocks and accessories, all the pieces also come with a very admirable price tag!

You will definitely not run the risk of being seen out in the same outfit, as all of these pieces are genuinely unique one-offs, with each item being hand selected during trips from around the world...


From London to LA, Stockholm to San Diego, Berlin to Brussels and Munich to Milano… the list goes on!

If you’re in need of a New Years Eve dress which simply says ‘Tonight is all about having fun!’

Then Gigi Vintage is the online store for you….


Check it out at: http://www.gigivintage.co.uk/

TAME IMPALA

A couple of years back I stumbled upon 'Half Full Glass of Wine' a single that screams out Led Zeppelin vibes and The Beatles psychedelia.

Tame Impala were straight onto my download list!

But with being a Perth, Australia born band they were rarely heard of in the UK, so it was a joy when I moved continents to see that Tame Impala were in the process of releasing their new album 'Innerspeaker' and their first single off the album 'Solitude is Bliss.'

They describe their own sound as 'bombastic but swirling, think of the shoulder bones of a giant striding feline creature through some kind of tunnel.'

...Confused, check out the video for their latest release below:


To hear more check out their Myspace:
http://www.myspace.com/tameimpala

OLGA DE POLGA

I first came across the quirky, unique fashions of Olga de Polga whilst rooting through the rails in the designer basement section at TOPSHOP, Oxford Street, London.
I was automatically drawn to their playful patterns and eccentric colours.

Their prices were extremely affordable and even better each piece felt truly one of a kind, therefore limiting the risk of bumping into a clone!

So when I moved to Melbourne you can imagine how crazily excited I was to see that they had opened their very own store in Prahran.

With living in the area I find it extremely hard to walk past the shop everyday with out having a peek inside, their window shouts out to me,
ruby, black, stripes, ruffles, bows, vintage, hearts, floral, emeralds, everything any girl could dream of!

It's like you're own little Alice in Wonderland.

Check the brand out at: Facebook & Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/olga_de_polga

Website coming soon: http://www.olgadepolga.co.uk

BONJAH

Through friends I was introduced to 'BONJAH' and having seen them a few times over the short period I have been in Melbourne they just get better and better!

Not only are they a group of lovely guys but they're sound is extremely unique, they mix an array of different instruments with some fun, soul loving grooves!

Check them out at this link: http://www.myspace.com/bonjahband

ROCKABILLY....

Western Swing, Boogie Woogie & Rhythm & Blues, I love Rockabilly! But my main fascination has always been the fashion! From as young as I can remember I have wanted to don curled bangs, red lipstick and bombshell figure fitting dresses!

I guess my first attraction to the Rockabilly Fashion Scene came from watching 'GREASE' which then led me to delve further and further into this style and era of fashion and music.

To sum up Rockabilly chic, you want to aim for Novelty prints, bold colours, patterns including cherries or anchors....halters, strapless and backless dress silhouettes. Wiggle dresses, trump full skirts. Pencil Skirts, cigarette and capri pants, short sleeved vintage blouses with ruffles and polkadot designs. And the most important things, Bold coloured hair & Red lipstick!

I have found some great online shops all over the world which specialise in rockabilly fashion for both men and women but for those for you who live in OZ get yourself down to a ROUTE 66 store or buy online at their website http://www.route66.com.au

Not only do they have a wide array of different designs and styles for both girls and guys but the stores also have a great atmosphere, while you're delving into the racks you'll also find yourself bopping along to some of the great Rock n Roll legends such as Jerry Lee Lewis and Buddy Holly!

Although Rockabilly Fashion is from the past...it is definitely the way forward!

ANGUS & JULIA STONE

With his chilled, husky vocals and her majestic talent this brother- sister duo are what the music world has been longing for.
Their lyrics are simple yet purely heart-warming.

With their new album 'Down the Way' they include some of the most beautiful guitar solos and sweet acoustic rifts.

His voice gradually captures you in a sort of an emotional climax, whereby you relate to every last lyric.

My favourite track on their record, 'Big Jet Plane' take a look at the video below:

Angus & Julia Stone "Big Jet Plane"
- Watch more Videos at Vodpod.

WHY OH WHY GAGA....?

Although trying hard not to be a fan, I can't help myself doing the 2-step to her catchy tunes, but when it comes to her outfits I just don't know what to think anymore! I know her style is meant to be weird and wacko but sometimes I find myself cringing or even laughing at her!

When she originally hit the music scene, as a PVC dominatrix, big bowed diva, her style was fresh, inventive and sexy, but a few million record sales down the line and she believes dressing as a bee keeper/ funeral mourner to her sisters graduation fashionable!

Just what have her house of GaGa team done to the poor girl?

RETROSTAR

!!EXCITING EVENT!!


RETROSTAR Melbourne is holding a Warehouse sale:Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th June, 2010
9.00am - 5.30pm Located at 33-37 Stewart Street, Brunswick, Melbourne.

A big sale with no item over $10! Pick up many treasures at the RetroStar Warehouse sale with items ranging from vintage dresses, skirts, tops, heels, coats, jackets, knitwear, t-shirts and polos to new band tees and accessories.

The RetroStar sale should not be missed so come along and find yourself a bargain, I know I will!

HONEY BEE

Beyonce, sticking to her recent Vintage theme has pulled it off once again in her new video for 'Why don't you love me'.

The video shows Beyonce rocking an array of different 50's pin-up girl outfits, eccentric accessories and classic rolled bangs.

She has yet again shown why she is a great 21st century fashion icon!

If you also want to shiver with jealousy, then take a look at Beyonce's new video:

DOROTHY PERKINS...SKIP to HIP!

I for one used to always walk straight past Dorothy Perkins, associating it with business clothes, always great quality but pretty boring and basic. Only the odd thing would actually catch my eye and could be foreseen as fashion-forward.
So I was taken by complete suprise when I browsed their website yesterday and came across some new fashionable collections they are stocking... www.dorothyperkins.com

'CLOSET' a brand that is inspired by past era's, showcasing 50's silhouettes, 60's psychedelic prints and 80's bold colours. A rare collection at very affordable prices. The Heart Print dresses in pink and blue are a refreshing modern take on vintage fashion and at £40 are a bargain.

'B-SOUL' presents a range of monochrome T-shirts, displaying Bold designs and Retro images. Around £16 a piece they are the perfect accompaniment to a pair of jeans & some sexy heels.

'RISE ELITE' showcases a range of stylish dresses all around £30 or less. If you're after daytime chic or evening glam then this collection is definitely worth checking out. With a variety of different colours, prints and shapes you will be spoilt for choice.

I can't wait to see what Dorothy Perkins offers next...watch this space!

RACHEL EVAN WOOD

Now I must say Marilyn Manson will always have his unique style and it's not really anything I find appealing, but on the other hand, Rachel Eva Wood his on-off dating partner has completely transformed from this clean teen into a vamp sex goddess! Her 1950's Femme Fatale inspired look says that of the late Film Noir star, Ann Savage meets Marilyn Monroe.
She parades a vintage style yet adds a young modern twist, a refreshing change from the hollywood clones wearing bodycon dresses and Lady GaGa wannabe's.

If you would like to re-create this style on the other hand, is not so easy. I have researched online stores and shops around the UK and Australia which specialise in re-creating the 1950's couture look for a reasonable price and unfortunately am still to find a winner, I am determined though and will keep you updated!
On an exciting note I did come across this online store which is the perfect place to purchase Luxury, Vintage Hosiery and Lingerie: http://www.whatkatiedid.com/

FASHION, MUSIC, LOVE

I thought it was only right that I dedicated my first post to the three most important things in my life!
As The Beatles said 'All You Need Is Love' -words of wisdom!
Fashion and Music in my case belong in that criteria.
If you love an outfit enough it can change your day, if you love a song enough it can change your life.
For example when I am listening to the raw, southern rock that is 'Kings of Leon', I end up in an outfit that matches that edgy sound, the result- a Courteney Love/Blondie wannabe!!!
My on-coming posts are my opinions on the relationship between Fashion and Music:
Celebrity Fashion, Musical Influences and Style Tips.

I hope you enjoy reading!

Hugs & Kisses,

Florence Nicole

x