Matches Fashion: Gothic Glamour A/W'12

Black. A colour of so many different entities, a colour that expresses both elegance and sensuality; it’s a colour that has forever been fundamental to the world of fashion.  And with copious amounts of leathers, velvet, lace and chiffon its back, bigger than ever. May I present to you The Goth.

 With pieces inspired directly from this subculture, it’s a trend that has gifted the runway with its presence for many years, each time beating its last. So inevitably as I was reading up on all the trends for A/W’12 I was expecting something big, something that would make my gothic alter ego giddy with excitement, and of course I wasn’t let down.

This time there is a luxurious array of fabric textures, from romantic chiffons and lace, to the deeper, more passionate velvets; and of course not forgetting this trend's perfect hard-edged partner, leather. Cast aside the idea of a monotonous all-black outfit, what is so visually pleasing about this trend is the layering and combination of different fabrics against each other to create an outfit of moods and expression. Who needs colour when you can do that?

For me, the gothic/leather trend has always been one of my favourites and given the chance, I’d probably wear it all year round – yes the thought of wearing my beloved leather skater skirt for S/S’13 did just cross my mind. That’s why I couldn’t wait to present this feature to you after being contacted by Charlotte on behalf of Matches fashion. A company dedicated to provide the highest retail experience for its customers, Matches specialise in selling the highest quality clothes from the world’s greatest, cutting-edge designers.  

Therefore to feature alongside this post, I picked out some pieces from the site which I think are perfect for this season and are simply bound to get your inner goth jumping up and down in agreement:

 

 

 

 

 

 

            From left top to bottom: Victorian puckering jacquard dress - Alexander McQueen, Yvanna leather dress- Diane Von Furstenberg,  Velvet dress - Azzedine Alaia, Victorian lace jacquard knit dress - Alexander McQueen, Mika leather dress - A.L.C. , Devi heart-lace - Isabel Marant, Stretch leather trousers - L'Agence, Clover leather skirt - Diane Von Furstenberg, Mirah leather trousers - Marc by Marc Jacobs Nadine coat - Diane Von Furstenberg


A visual kaleidoscope of gothic inspired beauty. Now do you see what I mean?

This season let leather become a staple piece for your wardrobe. Be it a pair of trousers, leggings or skirts, this trend is essential for bringing your look up to date this season. Choose to mix it up with layers of knitwear and faux furs or a romantic abundance of embellishment, lace and chiffon to create looks perfect for every occasion. I seriously can't get enough of leather, owning a skirt, leggings and a pair of trousers myself, the sheer versatility of these beauties allow you to add an instance edge to any outfit. What's more, thanks to the likes of Diane Von Furstenberg and A.L.C. I have now fallen completely in love with these leather dresses and until I am an owner of either, my collection of leather garments is incomplete.
For all of you that regularly read my blog, you'll know that I've begun to express my growing obsession for faux fur coats. Well, upon roaming the Matches fashion site, looking for beautiful pieces to present to you, I found it, the coat of all coats. Diane Von Furstenberg once again I take my hat off to you. With its leather panels and faux fur trims- including the fur rimmed hood - I feel there's something somewhat fairy tale yet woodland goth chic about this coat. The perfect cover up for the autumn/winter chill, this unique creation by New York's fashion favourite would bring an edge to your wardrobe this season in an instant.
If like me you can't get enough of coats this season and need something to further satisfy your obsession just take a look at this truly beautiful Jade leather coat  by once again, you guessed it, Diane Von Furstenberg. An allure of glossy leather and an oversized fit, my inner goth is beaming.

Black on black on black on black - for me just the utterance of those words sound like heaven, but for those of you out there who fear that all black is a little too much, yet you want to be a part of this spectacular trend, don't fret. This year we're also seeing a melange of deep plums and dark shades of green and red; hues that add a twist on gothic glamour. From the likes of Alexander McQueen, Azzedine Alaia and L'Agence all pictured above, show how anyone can be a part of this vogue.

Remember: As easy as it is to get it right, it's easy to get wrong too. What with Halloween just around the corner, when dressing this trend think less Trick or Treat, and more about creating feelings of morose and romance. Pay attention to silhouettes, textures, religious iconography and accessories, pair it with a chunky platform or heeled boot, sweep on a deep colour to your lips and you're good to go.

Emily

 

xx

 

Black Shawl & Leather

Black shawl- Don't know used to be my mums (sorry!)

maroon/crimson red knit top- Topshop

Buttermilk coloured blouse-Topshop

Leather skater skirt-Ark

Boots-Ebay

Watch-Michael Kors

Bag- Miu Miu

 

 

In terms of colour, i'd say this outfit is quite basic. Well, the whole outfit in general is rather simple; maybe that's because i slept in and didnt have enough time to choose what to wear properly (I'm finding it extremly hard to get out of bed on these dark mornings), but all the same, I quite like it.

I'm slowly developing an obsession for shawls/capes, they're the perfect pieces for layering and adding something a little different to an outfit.

What with it being a season of embracing goth glam and all the wonderful elements that come with it, be it religous iconography, embellishment & detail, fabrics of beautiful textures and of course that amazing colour...BLACK. I definitley think i'll be wearing it a lot throughout this season and next, so prepare to see it a little more often...

 

I now have a week off and literally cannot wait to have a lie-in tomorrow morning.

But tonight I plan to curl up on the sofa sipping a cup of raspberry & elderflower tea and just watch the S/S'13 runway shows - My kind of bliss.

 

Emily xx

 





An Outfit of Contrasts

 -All photos courtesy of Nat for Floral-fatigue

 

White Blouse- Charity shop

Black netted top- Charity shop

Skirt- Used to be my mums

Cross necklace- Topshop

Sun & Moon necklace- Topshop

Creepers - Underground

 

 



As well as dressing to fit my moods, i love being able to have fun with fashion, experimenting with different ideas and concepts with my clothes. I love outfits of contrasts, and this beautiful black net top is perfect in doing just that. I paired it with a buttoned up preppy blouse and a skirt from the 80's to create a slightly alternative look. -The skirt was a little too big around the middle, so i did a DIY paperbag waist haha.

On another note, I've mentioned my planned trip to the capital before, but now i've got the time off work for definite, i'm so excited! I've been trying to save like crazy so i can shop shop shop!...despite the fact i forgot my bank number earlier and got my card refused, well done there emily.

 

Tonight i need to get my head down and do some work, and then i plan to relax and watch MIC, m'fave!

 

Emily, xx

 

 

 

It's a Burberry Kinda' Day

 

 

Faux fur coat-Vintage

Jumper-Burberry

Blouse-Chairty Shop

Matte leggings-Miss selfridge

Boots-Ebay

Necklace-Topshop

Bag- TK Maxx

 

 

Just another quick outfit post again.
It's that time of the year when you put on your favourite knitwear and layer it with faux furs and big jackets. To me, i think it's perfect.
I love this burberry jumper. Originally my Dad bought it, and since he barely ever wore it I somehow managed to make it mine...WOO. I paired it with a buttoned up blouse, matte leggings, faux fur jacket and my beloved platform buckled boots. Again, another rather simple outfit, but sometimes i think simple does it best.

Tomorrow i'll be going out to take outfit photo's for my blog with Nat, remeber you can find her blog HERE


Emily, xx

 

 

 



Leather & Leopard

 

Leopard faux fur coat- New Look

Satin collar blouse- Charity shop

White knitted overtop - Zara

Faux leather skater skirt- Ark

Scarf-Primark

Bag- TK Maxx

Creepers- Underground

 

I want to keep posting as reguarly as possible, so i decided to do a quick outfit post. However i'm sorry for the poor quality photos!



Lately i've been having an obsession with wearing my faux fur coats; they're just so versatile and perfect for this autumn weather. They're definitely going to be one of my staple pieces throughout this season and winter!

Often i think leopard print can look quite tacky, but this coat is my guilty pleasure and i think it goes well with the faux leather, white blouse and overtop. A simple outfit, but i like it.

 

A few posts ago i mentioned about wanting to start going on a diet to lose some weight, well after saying that everything went down hill...not to mention the fact i practically ate my own body weight in oreo dairy milk (If you have not tried it, i recommend you do). However today and yesterday i have managed to eat rather well....lets just see how long i can keep this up.

 

For the rest of the evening i plan to finish my fashion design illustrations and watch videos of Miles Kane - i've always loved his music, but recently i've fallen in love with him and seem to be developing an unhealthy obsession...oops. Haha.

 

 

Emily, xx

 



Mix & Match

 

 

 

-All photos courtesy of Nathalie for Floral-fatigue

 

Metallica tee- Vintage shop

Snakeskin printed maxi skirt-Primark

Black faux fur coat-Topshop

Chelsea boots- Used to be my old riding boots (so much better quality than the ones you find on the high street!)

Bag-TK Maxx

Petal collar necklace- Stradivarius

 

 

Sometimes I just love to mix and match colours and prints; pieces that don't really go together, but in another sense, they're perfect? I think it adds an edge to an outfit.

On another note, I'm so annoyed I didn't go to the opening of the Leeds Trinity Topshop, Pixie Geldof was there doing a DJ set, waah!

 

....Being abit of a rubbish blogger tonight, my brain has turned to mush and i can't seem to think of anything to write, hense the somewhat randomness of what i'm writing. Haha, sigh.

 

Oh, feel free to follow me on my Twitter HERE

and my Tumblr HERE

 

 

Emily xx

Black on Black on Black...on Black

 

 

Black faux fur coat- Topshop

Satin collar blouse-Charity shop

Silver grey jumper- H&M

Matte leggings-Miss selfridge

Boots-Ebay

Bag-TK Maxx

 

 

My favourite colour. Black.

I think i say that on behalf of many people. It goes with anything, it's flattering and it's one of the main colours for a/w'12...hip hip hooray!

However, when wearing an all black outfit, i always say it's important to combine different textures; not only does it add interest, but it also avoids letting the clothes drown you out.

On another outfit related note, i'm in love with my new bag. I've always been quite reluctant to spend money on bags; so when  the bag i use nearly every day, broke (the handle snapped so i resulted in using saftey pins to hold it in place...punks not dead) i nearly cried. After repeatedly stressing to my Mum that i didn't have the money to buy a new one because i was trying to save for London, i came home yesterday to find this little beauty. RESULT, thankyou momma. xx

   

Tonight is going to to consist of finishing my art history essay, sigh.

One more thing, i'm trying to lose weight so if anyone has any diet tips please tell me! haha

 

 

Emily xx



Shades of Autumn and Something Exciting

 

 

Boyfriend fit cardigan jacket- Used to be my mums

Printed blouse-Charity shop

White blouse-Charity shop

Leather skater skirt-Ark

Creepers-Underground

Watch-Michael Kors

 

So before i start blabbing away to you about how i adore this shade of romantic purple against the somewhat autumn hues of my layered blouse, theres something more exciting on my blogs horizon...  

After repeatedly complaining about the awful quality of my pictures, my good friend and brilliant photographer, Nathalie, offered to take some photos for a new outfit post, and of course i said YES.
After having the opportunity to actually have some good quality photo's on my blog I hope this turns into something on the regular...
Nathalie is also blogger, so check out her HERE. I recommend you give her a follow :) 

Now for the outfit. I really do love the different colours and textures against each other. I tried to capture an essence of autumn, and i think it worked well. I've always loved the autumn/winter months much more than summer; i'm a big lover of layering, furs, prints and textures that these colder months entail.
I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place right now, the second biggest Topshop is opening in Leeds on Thursday and i'm currently trying to save for my trip to London (providing work let me have it off). The temptation to just go and have a sneaky peak is just too high, but knowing my horrific shopping problems, a sneaky peak will consist of emptying my bank account, so i best stay well away and keep thinking of London...sigh.

Tonight my brain has been well and truly frazzled after spending hours writing an art history essay on Pablo Picasso's Weeping Woman and Francis Bacon's 1972 Triptych. Oh it's a fun life.


Emily xx