Channel Your Inner Zen

The 21^st century is boring. If you think about it, there is nothing new and original to this century. We model the styles of previous decades, we admire the 50s surfer sound of a new indie band, and we wish we were partying it like it was 1999. How will we remember the days of our youth when we are old?

            Fashion comes and goes in circles, this is not exactly news. Everybody loved the manic 80s during the 80s, and hated it in the 90s. Yet, come the 2000s, skinny jeans and shoulder pads were in again. The same thing is happening with Grunge, maybe just toned down a little. After the Grunge phase is over, what's next? The 70s? The 20s? Or will we start wearing

corsets and other 19^th century garments? It's time to think of something new! The 2000s cannot just be a mishmash of previous times, we need something to call our own, other than Twitter. But it's easier said than done, when thinking of futuristic fashion of the new millennium, Ziggy Stardust from the 70s and Blade Runner from the 80s come to mind.

            The winter of 2012-2013 could be defined by clean, simple cuts and organic colours. To find that peace and harmony amidst the chaos of Christmas shopping and exam stress, choose streamlined wear that calms the mind, instead of bombarding yourself with over the top, flamboyant 80s dress, or with layers after layers of 90s band tees. Think of designers like Acne and Céline, and high street fashions from Zara and Cos. Exactly like an organized bedroom can soothe the soul, your wardrobe could do the same. This winter is about comfortable, yet tailored jackets and menswear inspired, but floaty dress shirts. For that always needed holiday season party dress, opt for simple colours that can be dressed up with an interesting pair of heels, or a funky hairdo. However, if you don't find your inner zen through this seasons fashions, you can always go to yoga instead.

 Acne A/W 2012

Celine A/W 2012

Celine A/W 2012

Cos A/W 2012

Zara A/W 2012



Emmi Makiharju

Cheap, and proud of it!

After reading Annie's blog 'Bargain hunting' I was inspired to write my own article. Contrary to Annie, I would consider myself as being one of those people who possess the 'bargain eye' (that is having the knack of finding bargains). I do believe it has saved me a lot of money in the past and as a result I have a wardrobe full of cheap but very cheerful delights and even have spare cash leftover.

Most of my 'skill' has sprung from outings to local car boot sales as a child where I used to get secondhand Barbies. Though I felt a little awkward admitting to my vintage buys at a young age, I have no problems in doing so now. In fact I am very proud to admit my scrimping ways. Buying second hand things is perfectly acceptable, for a better reason it is eco friendly!

The car boot sale opened my eyes to all the different, strange and wonderful things people decide to let go of. I have found that 'one's garbage' really is another person's treasure, i.e mine. If you are like me then you will seek long and hard for that great buy. However these buys are always like diamonds in the dust. You must first see the beauty beyond a dusty pair of heels, squint at it a bit and polish. Once you find your happy bargain don't be surprised if the item becomes a staple in your wardrobe.

The same idea can be applied to charity shop hunting. Here are my helpful hints on how to spot a great buy:

• Law of attraction – This genuinely worked for me! I was thinking about how much I wanted a nice pair of subtle vintage cowboy boots, and lo and behold the next charity shop I visited, there was a lovely pair waiting for me.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Grey suede boots - 50p!
  
  

• Patience – Give yourself enough time to go rummaging around, as the more you rush, the more likely you will miss out on that golden item. Be prepared to spend a your time pushing hangers about to get to the clothes at the very back. Don't skip out on any rail or box! Some of the best stuff lurk at the back in hiding. However if you don't have the time or stamina many charity shops have done all the hard work for you and have their own 'vintage' sections with generally nice things. Check out the charity shops on Rosemount for their vintage sections and Take2 on Union Street.
  
  

My favourite bags – 50p & 20p (both car-boot sale)

• Creativity – I believe it is not what you wear but how you wear it that transforms someone from wearing clothes to looking stylish, and in order to do so you need to have good judgement and imagination. Ask yourself, what could I do with this 'granny looking' skirt to make it modern and suit me?
  
  

 Jewellery – 50p, Skirt – 20p (both car-boot sale)

Lastly I will leave you with a final few reminders...

Believe in your search, you will find that vintage Prada LBD!

Do not be afraid to alter your items,

and remember to accessorise!

Tanya Xu Morrison

Favourite jewellery, all from car-boot sale and charity shops!