2012 in style through Instagram

Better late than never, right? A rundown of some of my favourite looks this year!

I wanted to do this via instagram (although I only started using Instagram in April) as most of the time I only manage to snap my outfits on there rather than set up a full photoshoot! I'll also do a run-down of my photography during 2012... at some point soon!

April - May

Clockwise L-R: Wearing Lady Lucie Latex for Torture Garden, a french revolution inspired outfit for White Mischief, can't remember what this was for but wearing the Tuxedo Playsuit from Playful Promises, Boom Boom Club at Old Vic Tunnels.

June - July

Clockwise L-R: Shiny and stripey for Boom Boom Club's Prosperos Tavern at Southbank, culture clash for Rumpus, before shooting in my kokoshnik, wearing Kaori's Latex Dreams for Torture Garden.

August - September

Clockwise L-R: I think my boyfriend and I were going out for our 3rd anniversary, performing at the V&A's LoliPop event, outfit for attending the Lingerie Awards, gold and red for Torture Garden

October - November

Clockwise L-R: fez and feathers for The Burning Beat, my half bride half groom halloween costume worn for The Burning Beat, another outfit for TBB, a light outfit for having dinner at Micca Club in Rome.

November - December

All outfits for The Burning Beat, excluding the bottom right, which I wore to work's Christmas party!

 I've dressed up a lot more in the past few months, mainly due to working at The Burning Beat each Saturday. I think I may have honed my style to be more detailed (and more GOLD), and purchased clothing that works in my "fancy" wardrobe (I have two wardobes!).

This year I hope to add even more detail to my outfits, and work on some headpieces and more extreme makeup!

Which of these looks is your favourite?

Opulent Latex from Eustratia

 

Eustratia's Opulence collection, shot by Katelizabeth Photography

When most people think of latex they think of full catsuits, gimp masks, the full whack. And for some time that's the style that prevailed (and of course, there's nothing wrong with that, if it floats your boat :P). However, as latex became easier and cheaper to buy, designers began to have the freedom to experiment. 

With the recent boom of celebrities donning rubber, it has become seen as more of a creative fashion choice rather than only seen in sweaty fetish clubs. Many designers have started to experiment with the material like they would fabric, making use of the applique details and translucent or opaque rubber of all different colours.

One designer that I've worked with various times is Eustratia. Each collection she creates is better and better, as she experiments more with the rubber. I'm particularly in love with her recent collection, Opulence, as it features baroque applique and black and gold colourways.

A few months ago I took part in the Eustratia catwalk show at London Fetish Weekend.

The full line up at London Fetish Weekend 2012 - Image by Dafydd Owen

Image by Tigz Rice

 I thought I'd also feature some of my favourite pieces from the Opulence collection. These were shot by Katelizabeth Photography and feature the designer herself, under her modelling name Biomechanina and Sevensin.

Lace and Fur

I keep meaning to take more shots of my daily outfits, but rarely get around to doing so! 

Yesterday I had the pleasure of meeting and taking a few portraits of Lawrence Gullo, an amazing artist from New York. Later, in the evening, he came with his husband, Fyodor Pavlov (another brilliant artist, who we have commissioned art from before), to our club, The Burning Beat. It was so lovely meeting them!

This is what I wore during the day!

 

VINTAGE DRESS - Bought from Yume! 

FAUX FUR TRIMMED JACKET - Rare London

VINTAGE FUR - My lovely friend Sam was sent a huge box of vintage furs, as well as lots of hats, which she gave to me <3

Baroque lustworthy wishlist

I am not ashamed to say that my wardrobe is mainly full of the following colours: Black, Gold and Wine Red (or similar tones). 

I'm completely obsessed by how these rich colours work together, so imagine my delight screams of joy when I first discovered a few months ago, that opulent baroque styles would be trending this Autumn/Winter.

 

Clockwise from top left: The Palais Garnier, Tim Walker, a self portrait taken a few years ago and D&G's recent collection.

Normally trends pass me by, and I couldn't really imagine ANYONE keeping up with every trend (which would mean a whole new wardrobe over 4 times a year), but the good thing about this is that affordable copies are everywhere.

I was particularly looking forward to the offerings of ASOS and River Island, after having seen some preview images.

River Island's offerings that I've been checking back every day hoping they come into stock... (Image on the left from Whisty) Apparently the jacket is coming tomorrow, unsure about the shorts. 

But here's a few of the pieces I've already bought!

 Clockwise from top left: Slightly tacky baroque jumper (BUT IT'S SO WARM) from River Island, Red velvet with faux fur jacket from Rare, beautiful embellished collar from River Island, gold spangly bodysuit from Rare.

(EDIT: I just received the gold bodysuit, which is poorly made to say the least... however it was fairly cheap. I'll need to exchange it for a smaller size, but even then, the padding in the cups is bizarre, and the sequins scratch at the inside leg!)

And what about my lust list?

Upon compiling this list, I realised that there are reasons as to why I haven't already bought these items (I'm really awful, if I see something, I have to buy it... so I often try to think of ANY reason why I don't NEED it).

Clockwise from top left:

1. OASAP High Waistling Backless Tapered Dress - Prize for the most useless title! I love the look of this, but I'm wary of the quality.

2. ASOS Petite Exclusive Embellished Leotard - I have not bought this for various reasons, but one being that I'm PISSED OFF with ASOS. This was meant to come in a short bodysuit style, and I had been checking ASOS every day for it to come into stock. No show. It was even in their magazine but not on their website (the biggest, and most irritating mistake for a customer). When I saw this version come in, I emailed them to ask them about the short version, and received a pretty useless automated reply asking me to check the rest of ASOS' items for something similar. Another reason why I've not bought this is that it's made for 5'3 and under, which I am not. I have considered buying a size up and hoping it stretches to my height, but at £75 that seems ridiculous.

3. Topshop Drape Choker Necklace - I love the look of this, but I can't bring myself to spend £45 on a necklace.

4. River Island Black Flower Embroidered Cape - Cute, and affordable. I'll probably get this soon.

5. River Island Red Tapestry Satchel - My opinion of bags (and shoes) is that I will not replace one until the current bag has completely fallen apart. I get attached to my bags, and right now my one is pretty... despite the fact that the lining has fallen apart inside. I think I'd have to see this bag instore to figure out if all my things would fit in it (if it can fit a book of Game of Thrones and all my junk in comfortably, then we have a winner). 

6. ASOS Premium Knicker Shorts - Cute, but I prefer the River Island ones shown above!

Are you enjoying the baroque trend? Which items do you have your eye on?

Carmen Amaya: Queen of the Gypsies

I've recently discovered (thanks tumblr) how amazing Carmen Amaya is. Just look at her!

But that's not all.

She was widely regarded as one of the greatest flamenco dancers of all time, shaping the way the dance has changed over the years. Amaya, of Romani origin and born in the slums of Barcelona, became known as "Queen of the Gypsies"; you can tell from the still photos and video that she had that beautiful gypsy passion.

Amaya began dancing at the age of four, and once she hit her teenage years her career kicked off as she travelled the world. Of course, she appeared in Hollywood movies during the 1930s, when interest in all things exotic was at it's peak. 

Sadly she died in 1963 at just 50 years old, after suffering kidney failure. However, her stunning dance had already shaped the flamenco world.

Amaya donned the "traje corto", a tight fitting suit, and traditional fast paced footwork, both usually reserved for men - shocking for the time. Watching her feet, it's no wonder that on several occasions she ended up putting her foot through the stage during her performance! 

Prior to this, women's flamenco had mainly featured arm and upper torso movement, however Amaya created something all her own by combining feminine grace with strong masculine moves. She did, however, begin to concentrate on a more feminine style towards the end of her career.

 She is incredibly inspiring, and now I really want my own "traje corto"!