"Timeless Style"

Have you ever walked into a room and seen someone then said to yourself,"I have to meet that person." Well I have and it happened to me the other night.

 

Amongst the tables I walked, and sat in the secluded room behind the sumptuous red curtains was Mrs Sandy Hobbs. At a quick glance I thought her to be Joan Collins. I couldn't get over how much presence this lady had. She owned her table and had a certain je ne sais qua about her.

 

Ladies, this is the type of woman you learn from. This is the type of woman that you see on the street and think, "WOW" when I get to her age I want to look like her. I want to ooze her confidence and have her classic style. This is the type of woman whose style is timeless.

 

I give to you... Sandy Hobbs...

 

 

Dressed in a brilliant figure hugging, knee length black dress by "Damsel in a Dress" paired with an L.K. Bennett necklace made of a cluster of silver spheres with matching earrings and shoes by Stuart Wiseman for Russell & Bromley, Sandy was ready to dance the night away to the live music and a dance partner 6ft or more, dressed in glam rags to the max and cheap makeup!

 

http://www.damselinadress.co.uk/shop/dresses.aspx

 

 

Sandy did dance the night away and the more she danced the more you got the idea that this woman was both a lover of life and a giver of one. She filled you with joy at how much fun she had. You were over whelmed with how comfortable she was in her brilliant skin. She is all woman and a whole lot of class.

 

When I ask someone if I can post about them on my blog, I ask them a little about themselves. To my delight Sandy and her partner, Peter Hobbs run a delicious and quaint luxurious bed and breakfast in the lovely historical town of Worth near Deal close to Sandwich called "Solley Farm House". I am pleased to say that just as I had this encounter with such a brilliant human being, you can too.

 

 

Having looked it up the luxurious Bed and Breakfast looks like a perfect get away for two in the romantic country style rooms. A five star rating and a winning breakfast will get you to enjoy a spot of golf or antiquing through out the day.

 

Follow the below link and have a look see:

 

http://www.solleyfarmhouse.co.uk/index.htm

 

Mrs Hobbs, Sandy you made my night. The crowd out there was tough but you got me through. Thank you for the dance we shared and for your timeless style. It's people like you that educate our world on keeping the elegance of days gone by alive.

 

Thank you

 

xoxo

 

 

 

 

"Caroline Charlotte Alice Burgess"

Caroline Charlotte Alice Burgess is by far my favourite post since ensem-BLAH started. I don't know if it was the wedding venue, the fact her dress tied into the romance in the air or if it was just her friendly, welcoming personality that I  came to like the more I spoke to her. The venue was Buxted Park Hotel, the wedding was under the name Richmond. To understand how her dress tied in so well follow the below link and see.

http://www.handpickedhotels.co.uk/hotels/buxted-park/

 

The dress...

 

Her ensem-BLAH was totally the right choice for her figure. It dropped elegantly down, and the tongues of fabric, joined at the empire line, floated gracefully as she walked the halls of the Buxted Park Hotel. The tongues that fell from the shoulders offered more romance in the way the fabric of the dress moved. Where's the dress from? Monsoon. Monsoon Originals is an exclusive, limited edition collection of distinctive and memorable dresses, jackets and more to create a truly extraordinary look. It's in their mission statement..."to create a truly extraordinary look." Her hair was loosely and organically pinned into an up do which complimented her natural looking make up. Ladies a rule we all should follow; buy into timeless outfits. 

A little about Caroline Charlotte Alice Burgess. First of all a great name. The lady works in PR and is currently introducing new brands of makeup into the world of beauty. She works for "PMW Communications Limited" as the PR Manager. We sat down for dinner and then to my surprise the lady who was so cool, calm and collected actually did the make up for the Bridal Party. A job well done too. I have been to so many weddings where the Bride's make up is so heavy however this time it was uber natural and clean.

 

She wanted me to mention one thing...

Jake Shears is her idol, and although she blushed at the idea, she really is the Scissor Sisters number one fan!

 

Caroline, thank you for the dress, the inspiration and thanks to "Aggy Baggy" (Bride's pet name from her Dad) for placing Caroline at our table on purpose.

 

xoxo

Moonchild"

"Why don't you do what you dream, Bastian?"

The question is..."Why don't you wear what you want to wear?"

A mad dash to get to the restaurant restrooms, after an hour of sitting on a boring train back from London, I ran into a friend of mine, "Star Monroe."

Sat at her table a bunch of glamorous ladies however one stood out. A Thursday night and she had turned up in all her finery. A fur coat and her "Shingar Patti."

I give you Natalie Duck...

 

This is what we need in our life especially when the weekend hasn't even arrived. Why save your gorgeous stuff for that special occasion? Why wait whilst it gathers dust or the memory fades since you last wore it? Enjoy your ensem-BLAH to the max people.

 

There are a lot of people out there that will think that pieces like this could only be worn once or twice. Why wear something that's meant for a traditional wedding?? Well I have news for you...make it your thing! Be seen wearing pieces like this.

 

Natalie it looked stunning and you have inspired me! I would love to rock this, however I don't think my quiff would agree however if I ever had the opportunity I totally would. Why not?!?

 

Natalie is not only a spark of inspiration on a Thursday night but she runs her own company of sparks. She is the owner of Luma Electrical and specialises in everything from shop fits to lighting. She also specialise in looking fabulous on a week night.

 

http://lumaelectrical.co.uk/

 

So you ask yourself, where could I get something like this? Well look no further than Kyle's Collection. Specialising in the fashion freedom of beautiful, bespoke jewellery, stylised in colour and look to perfectly match any occasion and ensem-BLAH you can feel inspired by just going onto the website.

 

http://www.kylescollection.com/

 

If I was to choose my favourite piece I would be here forever, however I have been inspired for a future ensem-BLAH and would love to venture into this. Can I also mention that the one Natalie is wearing is actually her choice of crystals and stones arrange specifically for her. Add a bit of Fantasia to your day!

 

Natalie, thank you for the inspiration and keep it coming, especially on a Thursday night.

 

Don't be afraid to push boundaries, adventure, live outside you tent.

 

xoxo

"ERICKSON BEAMON"

If I am completely honest I had never heard of this brand until one night, walking back to London Victoria to catch my train home, I came across this boutique that housed the most brilliant pieces in it's front window. Ladies and some Gents if you haven't heard of it before then please let me introduce you to...

 

...Erickson Beamon.

 

 

A mask, a crown or a headpiece?! Whatever you want to call it, it drew my hands to the cold glass and my mouth dropped open in total awe of the product I was seeing. So I clicked away and then the inspiration began and I started looking into this...

 

Karen & Eric Erickson and Vicki Beamon are the creators of Erickson Beamon. Established over 27 years ago they have created many a collaboration and are credited for the creation of the chandelier earring. Their product is sold in over 600 stores across 75 countries. They have collaborated with the likes of Givenchy, Galliano and Anna Sui.

 

As the late Alexander McQueen quoted:

 

"Be... Dazzled."

 

 

 

The boutique held the above two pieces in all their glory. The pieces are like armour ready for a decadent, romantic warrior prepared to go into a poetic battle armed with the power of beauty ready to defeat and rid the world of all its ugliness. The craftmanship is incredible. The detail was so intricate as if they had planned how to win this battle perfectly.

 

If I was Lisle Von Rhuman in Death Becomes Her I would have demanded to wear the above in that spectacular scene where Madeline Ashton takes the magic potion. Then as Isabella Rossellini demanded that the item discreetly disappear and land safely in my wardrobe, at home...forever!

 

To own a couple of pieces you can get them from the boutique in Belgrave just around the corner from London Victoria or skip to Harrods and load up your ensemble.

 

Follow the below link to see my wish list...

 

http://www.harrods.com/product/envy-earrings/Erickson-Beamon/000000000002860266?cat1=bc-erickson-beamon&cat2=bc-erickson-beamon-jewellery-for-her

 

...Hint, hint.

 

xoxo

"Studs!"

Running frantically around the premises sorting out drinks for a table that wanted discount on their Tattinger Rose...tack! A glimmer caught my eye. Sitting on the variety of thrones distributed around the bar Cheryl sat sipping what I think was a "Lion Blanc Cocktail??" In such a rush I blabbered on to her about my new blog and ran off. The poor girl must of thought I was mad.

 

The look on the table's face when I told them "No" was the answer to the discount on their Tattinger Rose was priceless but that's what you get for been such a cheap charlie.

 

Upon returning to the bar to pick up some more cocktails I convinced her to appear on here as I loved what she was wearing...

 

...STUDS!

 

 

Exaggerated shoulder pads are always such a good way to emphasise the golden studs that will turn any outfit into something with a decadent edge, touching on a whole lotta glamour. Her dress is from "Little Mistress," which is one of the many collections done by Little Woods and as I was told by our guest, has appeared many a time on TOWIE!

 

Pleasantly surprised by this and how the high street is so good at bringing the runway to our door step, I looked it up. Girl's there are some really good pieces on here. You can buy now and not pay anything for 12 months for the dress as well as have next day delivery. There is also a video for the majority of the dresses so you can see how they move. Let's all hope that we know that the way fabric moves is important. There were some really good pieces that could even be past for "half a lager" aka Herve Leger with their body contouring dresses. Prices range from £60 to £120. There is also a clever product list of accessories, shoes and lingerie that they recommend to go with each piece and will compliment your ensemble. Amazing, personal shopping in the comfort of your pyjama's, hair in a "Vicki Pollard" up do and a cuppa before you strut your glamour out the front door and onto here!

 

 

If I was to pick another dress from the collection I think I would choose the "ALL OVER SEQUINS DRESS, Catalogue number 2BXGT16" in Blue with the scoop back. Follow the below link to see it:

 

http://www.littlewoods.com/little-mistress-all-over-sequin-dress/1171388677.prd

 

However lets be individual this party season, take away the straps from the back and replace them with draping metallic chains. Really easy to do and if you are clever you can even make the chains interchangeable. Keeping it fresh!

 

Her whole ensemble work really well. Her hair colour really suited her skin tone and her make up was really well done. When talking to her I got to learn that she works for the Travel Channel and is an accountant. Not just a pretty face is she!

 

Cheryl not only are you great with figures but you sure know how to dress them.

"This one has a name..."

On the walk back to London Victoria from work I met a glove. A glove named "Poly."

 

 

"Poly Flex," is a tough glove for those who need protection from the elements, those hard surfaces and protecting those nails from getting dirty.

 

There is not much to talk about, as with "Poly Flex" what you see is what you get...

 

A hunk in trunks with a hard hat and a tool belt.

 

Found on Eccleston Street

 

London, UK, 08/11/2012

"la main gauche en rose"

"la main gauche en rose" means "the left hand in pink."

 

So on the way to work this morning I was walking and talking to my colleague. I was talking to her about my last post "Gloves." Then out of the corner of my eye look what I found.

 

 

This pink glove was sitting on the ledge left all alone with out its partner in crime. Its friend that would complete their ensem-BLAH. So I took her picture and continued on with my walk to work, thinking how I could post this later.

 

Suddenly my colleague pointed...

 

"la main droite en rose" meaning "the right hand in pink"

 

 

Her partner sat right on the fence. I have never seen the pair on the street before or is it that I am just not looking hard enough. Both their diamante, knitted bows left on the street to pick up the dirt of our world. If I were a magpie I would be having these diamante for my nest but thank god birds can't wear gloves like these.

 

Found by the German Embassy

 

Knightsbridge, London 08/11/2012

 

Gloves

Have you ever noticed how many things you can find on the street? There may be change, there may be a lotto ticket, you go back on yourself to double check that there isn't a matching three or the lucky numbers. Do you ever notice the singular glove? Just lying there, left alone while the other,in your right pocket going home.

 

I have always thought of picking them up and gathering them until I have enough to cover a ceiling of a room. Suspended in air by fishing twine, they will hang above the heads of the people who have come to see the collection. To view a piece of  art contributed by themselves possibly because I have picked up their glove.

 

I always fear what I would do if I lost my favourite gloves and then someone like me did the above and I saw it hanging there, dirty from the street, wanting to be coupled again but as I once lost the one hanging I threw the other away.

 

It saddens me. Call me paranoid but I always double check I have two gloves. In a world where everything is so easily replaced we should look after our pieces that contribute to our ensem-BLAH.

 

So for now I have decided that every glove I see, I will take a picture of it, instead of picking it up (YIKES) and post it with a little detail.

 

When I post them imagine to yourself, what that person is like? Why this choice of glove? Where are you now and what have you done with the other glove? Why didn't you take more care, as you now have one glove, well the other is left right on the street...

 

 

Found by Maidstone East, Kent,06/11/2012

 

"The night was cold..."

 

xoxo

"...stretch out in vain hope..."

The place I work at on a Saturday, Mu Mu, is dear to me. There are many things I remember that I hold close to my heart. One thing I remember is this chandelier and how it once contributed to the  ensem-BLAH. I remember the night before we opened the nightclub leaving at four o'clock in the morning after starting at eight a.m. the previous day only to return that morning after little sleep, and just pure caffeine running through my body. She hung in the booth proudly. Her new arms shining and her crystals sparkling adding to her charm. The nightclub opened and it was a success, well until we knocked a hole through the neighbouring building which then began the success story.

 

The customers came and went and with them and their drunken antics her crystals. Taking her charm with them stowed away in their clutches. As we learn about how people treat things we adapt them. She was removed and then last night whilst looking for tea light candles, I stumbled across her.

 

Tucked away in a corner by the water tank, her arms stretch out in the vain hope that they will one day shine like they used to.

  

 

 

Although it's sad that we live in a world where everything is so expendable she has created another form of beauty. The dust gathered on her creates a feeling that she comes from a haunted forgotten room. The inspiration in her is still there. She still offers that beauty and hopefully one day she will shine like she used to.

 

xoxo 

"My favourite part of the night..."

 

 

 

Two strangers sat at this table last night. Two strangers that I most probably shared small talk with but when they visit again will never remember that I once spoke to them.

 

 

This is the part of the evening I love the most about my weekend job. The time when you set up the restaurant and the only company you have is the music playing in the background. The music meant for the customers but due to the screaming Hen Party you can't here it. Now is your time to be absorbed in Eartha Kitt. Take in her pronunciation and the rhythm of her words. The only noise is the clattering of the cutlery as you polish them ready for the next shift.

 

Suddenly your time alone has come to an end when a waiter joins you as the shift he started yesterday finishes today. Relax your feet my friend in this chair, at a table set for two. Fill that space where that stranger once sat and join me in some small talk I will remember the next time I see you.

 

 

Lee, the waiter at Mu Mu.

 

xoxo

"Black and Grey Ink"

Another night at work on a Saturday night, waiting tables and chatting to the customers. My next table arrives and with it my next post.

 

She walked in with the rest of the "Hen Party" and stood out from the crowd. Dressed head to toe in black with a brilliant head full of auburn locks. Around her neck was a brilliant Victorian style choker that had small chains draped from the black necklace. The chains bought your attention to the two swallows sweeping below her collar bones protruding brilliantly underneath her pale skin. Her pale skin made for the perfect canvas to exhibit her "black and grey ink" especially when she removed her cropped black jacket to reveal a corset and the tiniest waist with a back full of tattoos. The corset drew her waist into her hips, covered in a pencil cut skirt with simple black shoe boots. She was rocking this look right and committed. Committed to her body ART.

 

The food arrives and whilst serving it did I start to notice how brilliant her tattoo's and look is. 

 

Ladies and Gents, I give you Laura Gravenell.

 

 

What I love about her look is the mystery it leaves her audience with. Her audience, us the strangers on the streets and on the table next to her, the mystery been, how far does the ink flow. The skull on her left shoulder blade is death smiling gauntly from under flowers that are so alive. Living on her skin in their monochrome world. Then the more I looked at her tattoos you notice there's another but as her corset blocks it's deathly smile you wonder if that is another skull or another subject of her ART. The wings on her arm fly around to complete a bird flying amongst some more flowers alive on her skin.

 

You don't notice it at first and think that it is just an "Hawaiian inspired" shape(forgive me Laura if it's not Hawaiian inspired), but at the centre of the flowers pouring out, smiling back at you the face of Jack Skellington, from "The Nightmare before Christmas," There is humour in her ART but also a real sense of commitment to what she really believes in and likes.

 

Laura, you are doing this well. If you get anymore let me know as I would love to share it here on ensem-BLAH.

 

xoxo

 

 

 

 

"PARIS, Chic & Trendy"

I have heard so many people say that they went to Paris and were disappointed at the fact that for one of the fashion capitals of the world, the Parisian's don't know how to dress. The thing is the french invented, "je nais se qua," and people think that they cover it with "je nais se what?!?!"

 

My feeling is that the designer's go to Paris to be inspired and work on their next collections.

 

Having been to Paris once and dying to go again I was shocked at how expensive everything was. I conjured up this idea that we would find a local bakers, get some cheese and wine then lounge in the gorgeous gardens. We lived on McDonald's for three days, those "golden arches and diet big mac's" saved our wallets. The reason being is we were in the centre of Paris on a budget where all the tourists hanged out. We were all been fooled by the charm of Paris and falling for the ludicrous prices. If only we had known that the good places are down the side streets and allies. The good places to eat as well as shop. My advice is, go well planned and researched.

 

My mother gave me this booked called, "PARIS, Chic and Trendy" by Adrienne Ribes-Tiphaine. In the hope that I would be able to return and find those special things whether it be something for me or simple inspiration. The book is petite and could easily fit in your day bag and has a variety of boutiques that offer something for everyone. Yes, predominately aimed at a female audience remember gents that you'll find something special for you, just ask.

 

I give you...

 

 

The book breaks it down by "arrondissement." From the 1st all the way to the 18th with a section for the missed gems found under, "Additional Boutiques." It covers everything from Designer Studios, Hip Boutiques and most exciting Vintage Shops. It covers all categories of fashion as well, from jewellery, accessories and shoes. Giving a  short and well executed description of whats to offer it makes it easy to plan what you are looking for and not waste any time looking for it. Talking about time, it gives you the days the shops are open and times. How handy is that?

 

 

If you are a fashionista or fashionisto then get it, buy a Euro star ticket and enjoy. As the author puts it, " you'll be sure to walk out with a smile on your face secure in the knowledge that you definitely won't look like anyone else," (MAMIE pg 138 review)

 

Go out and add to your closet of ensem-BLAH's!

 

xoxo

 

"Feeling inspired"

I once stamped my foot in a shoe shop whilst shopping with my friend. As I stamped my size eleven foot I blurted out,"I want to be a girl!"

 

Ladies wear is so exciting compared to Men's though, as mentioned before I do feel menswear is becoming more feminine.

 

So the days when I feel like that moment, when I stamped my foot in that shoe shop in Notting Hill, I draw to release that frustration that unless I have a sex change I won't be rocking the ensem-BLAH's I illustrate.

 

The below ensemble was inspired by showing a little bit but keeping your body sexy, mysterious and classy.

 

Black, figure hugging leather trimmed trousers, paired with a black strapless bra layered with a tailored, high collar gold shimmering, nude, sheer shirt finished off with a vintage Brooch or Cameo. The leather trims and nude sheerness will leave a lot to the imagination.

 

Enjoy. Xoxo

"Camp Man"

The below picture I painted a while back. Heavily inspired by Mister John Galliano, S&M, top hats and my favourite things in the world Flowers, I created a personality. This "Camp Man" is an individual. Someone willing to express their Art, express their Sexuality, create their ensem-BLAH and use colour beyond their wildest dreams. It is one of my favourite pieces I have done and hope to one day create a series of them, pulling together a group of pictures that are one individual with many a personality.

 

"Brooches and Brawn"

 

 

 

I have a liking for the odd brooches here and there tucked away under my collar. I am slowly building my collection of quirky brooches to be worn and complete my ensem-BLAH.

 

What do you think?

 

Men's fashion is slowly but surely growing more and more feminine and yes it may not be that we are wearing dresses and everyone is sporting a brooch, but I can feel that it's a trend that is growing fast. You can see a change especially in the colour palette used in today's garments as well as the cuts offered to men. I have seen a couple of guy's sporting a brooch and even a clutch. The Japanese men have tapped into this awhile ago as it seems to be second nature to express yourself without been criticised.

I was once sporting a brooch with an outfit on a night out with the girl's. I was wearing a Levi denim chambray shirt, black Zara slim fit jeans, leopard print Momentum shoes and to finish my ensem-BLAH an H&M snarling tiger brooch. Upon stumbling into a take out I leant against the counter and chatted to my friend when a man approached me and told me that I looked ridiculous. Okay yes my shoes were loud and I was wearing a brooch, but come on it's an expression. To give my outfit credit and the mentality of this gent we were in Maidstone, Kent, UK where anything out of the ordinary is frowned upon by narrow minded people.

To prove the above I went to London for a friends Birthday and teamed with a black short sleeve collared shirt from M&S (it's not wear it's from it's how you wear it!), another pair of black jeans but this time by LEE, "Mackay Fit" (I would recommend for guys wanting a slim fit but room for their athletic thighs. "LARGE THIGHS"), black D&G shoes and the biggest most glitzy brooch in my collection given to me by a friend. Big enough to make a magpie cry with joy. Feast your eyes on the below picture:

 

 

That night my outfit went down a storm. Every corner I turned men and woman commented. Yes, good and bad but generally extremely positive.

 

Is it fact that men can wear brooches but simply can't wear them in certain location's?

 

Either way I enjoy wearing brooches and will continue to sport them to support a trend, and then when the time is right look back on the fellas that have finally caught up and laugh. Tilt my head back and laugh whilst screaming,"We told you so!"

 



"Clothes must have a natural shape."

So my first post about this fine lady's style.....

 

 

She graced us with her presence at the bar I work at on Saturdays called "Mu Mu", here in Maidstone, Kent, UK. You will most probably see a lot of ensem-BLAH's coming from there as some people, not all are pretty well turned out.

 

Her ensem-BLAH:

 

The white bow is exaggerated against her black layers. A simple oversized boyfried blazer coupled with a crew neck sweater, allows the bow to cascade elegantly over the crew neck collar. Her skirt floats with floor length pleats. A black school boy bag that is understated sits on her arm discreetly, which I feel goes well with the masculine organic tailoring of her boyfriend blazer. Pulling it all together is her hair which is heavily 1940's inspired style. Overall Coco would be proud of her comfortable but elegant ensem-BLAH

 

"Fashion has become a joke. The designers have forgotten that there are women inside the dresses. Most women dress for men and want to be admired. But they must also be able to move, to get into a car without bursting their seams! Clothes must have a natural shape."

 

Coco Chanel 1928

 

 

ensem-BLAH

Hello...

Welcome to ensem-BLAH. Why ensem-BLAH? Let's break it down.

Ensemble is a word used for a group of complementary parts that contribute to a single effect. For example a coordinated outfit or set of furniture or even a group of musicians etc...

BLAH! Well at the end of the day it really is just a lot of BLAH, BLAH, BLAH! For years I have wanted to create a blog where I look at a wide range of how people create their ensemble and talk about it, BLAH! I want to talk about Fashion, ART, Music and anything that is coordinated to make the world I live in an inspiring place to myself and hopefully you.

If I see you on the streets on my travels and love your look please stop a minute and let me take your picture. I'll hopefully have my card so you can have a look at your ensem-BLAH once posted, and if not then I'll take your details and let you know when it is posted.

There might be a bitchy comment here and there but thats only because I'm a "jealous bitch" green with envy. Don't be offended it's a matter of opinion and let's face it, we are not perfect! Well....If there is that comment, let's face it, there's no right and wrong in education.

I hope you enjoy this just as much as I enjoy getting every vision I see through my eyes into one place, hopefully through others we can learn how to create our own ensemble, once inspired.

Let's see how this turns out....

Ciao! xoxo