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.