a ramble on denim shirts

So, as pretty much everyone is aware, after a long period of being forgotten in  the 90's, the denim shirt made a pretty fierce comeback a while ago: so much so that I think that around 90% of the world's population (probably) has one hanging/folded in their wardrobe (I have 2). And why not? I mean, it goes with pretty much everything, when worn in they are extremely comfortable and now, it is considered somewhat fashionable.

I definitely counted myself as a denim shirt lover, despite a slight aversion to jeans. In my second year at University, I think my uniform of black opaques, black body-con dress and over-sized denim shirt became - for want of a better word - slightly infamous. I became somewhat obsessed with snubbing brands like Topshop (who were selling denim shirts for around £30; I dread to think how much designers sold them for), by finding denim shirts in charity shops: I bought both of mine for £3: a Levi's and a Wrangler which would have cost at least 10X the price when new.

But lately, I don't know... I guess I haven't felt the love. I feel like the denim shirt has been so overdone that I pass over any look styled with a denim shirt. It's almost too accessible. Too generic. Before long I had  retired mine to the the back of the wardrobe without even realising.

But then... the above picture... quite simple styling but wow, an outfit styled with a denim shirt was my favourite out of an editorial! This never happens anymore, especially as some parts of the look are simple, and in my mind, quite commonly paired with a denim shirt (the black trousers, brown belt...). I tend to prefer a bit of the unexpected in an editorial.
There is just something, however, that feels remarkably fresh... I think it makes a big difference that the shirt isn't the focal point... The outfit doesn't say 'wearing a denim shirt = fashionable'. I guess it just has the kind of understated cool that I am constantly trying to achieve!

It also helps that the trousers are fringed and I have serious hair envy for the model! But seriously... denim shirts? Am I about to dig mine out again? I don't know. There also seems to be a slight return of denim on the catwalk for S/S 12, but nothing has really grabbed me. Maybe if I owned that Poncho/Blanket.

Shot taken from French Grazia and (as ever) scanned by me. I picked up loads of French magazines on my trip so expect more from them! Also, thanks to those who wished me well: I had a great time! And also thanks for all the sweet comments on my previous posts, you're all so nice!

got it from my momma

Having recently moved back into my parents house after living with friends for 3 years, I'm currently having to sift through a lot of crap that I've accumulated. Whilst sorting through some old photos I came across this beauty:

Yep, that's my Mum and me, sat on a sand dune.

The thing about this picture is... my Mum looks so cool. Achingly cool. Printed denim cut-offs: check. Cropped top: check. Pumps: check. Gaga/Lennon glasses: check. I literally looked at this picture and said something resembling 'get out of town, my mother was a fox' (although, less Americanised, more British, because, well, I'm English... and therefore don't use phrases like 'no freakin' way' or 'y'all').

When I found that I could recreate this entire look in Topshop (albeit for about 3x the price, go figure), I realised that the 90's are well and truly making a comeback, WOOP! I have to say, this genuinely excites me as I did have some of the best years of my life in that decade (think carefree playing, Barbies, Dolls, 90's boy bands and the crushes that accompany... most of whom are also making a comeback).

So here I am, making a montage to my Mother's 90's fashion:

(all Topshop)

Unfortunately, I couldn't find a pair of shorts identical to those of my mother, which were, in fact, red and white gingham check. Instead I narrowed it down to 3 pairs, my favourites being the fringed ones on the left; imagine the swooshing!

Apologies for the fact that my outfit is not visible in the photo, I know a post dedicated to recreating my childhood fashion would have been preferable (I can tell you it revolved around a dashing pair of lime green 'Spice Girls cycling shorts).