A Sign of the Times

People's spending habits are often an accurate reflection of the state of the economy - when times are hard, such as now, people budget for and spend only on essentials - the iPad 2 isn't on most people's shopping lists (apart from mine) - sad news for the world's largest company, Apple.  It is sensible behaviour as the economy is still recovering but it makes shopping a lot less fun.  Boo-hoo!  Especially as the new season (A/W) approaches - although it seems that Autumn and Winter are already upon us in England - bringing with it some awesome new trends:
* The futuristic take on the vintage glamour of the 1940s (@Marc Jacobs - video below) and 1960s (@Prada & Burberry Prorsum)

Prada A/W 2011

* The 18-hour dress vs. The Tomboy - hourglass vs. tailoring.

L'Wren Scott vs. Paul Smith

But these are all way over budget for those who are still feeling the pinch.  So the best way to update your look for A/W 2011 lies in your make-up bag - no need to buy more products, simply adapt what you already have.

* Make your make-up work harder by multi-tasking - use the same product on lips, cheeks and eyes.  Steer away from green, purple and blue.

* Following the 60s revival, coat your lashes with mascara but avoid clumping.

* Blush can be applied below the cheekbones to give an outdoorsey, healthy glow.

* No need to visit the salon for your fortnightly eyebrow wax, brows are bigger and bolder in-line with the tomboy look.

* But if there is one thing you should give into it would be brightly coloured, glossy lips - reds, purples and pinks.  In fact, Reuters states that  "When times are tough, women still treat themselves to a new lipstick" - in the US, lipstick sales have increased by 13% since the start of 2011.  And analysts can now use lipstick sales as an economic indicator to gauge the mood of the consumer.  Whatever reason you buy it for, it is a great way to stay on-trend without maxing out the credit card.

A Slice of Inspiration...

The Month of August - Hot Sunshine (and Cold Rain), The Harvest, Cider, Summer Holidays, Picnics, Festivals, the next fashion season...And a Lack of Inspiration!  There is so much to enjoy this month - International Beer Day anyone (5/08), but my brain seems to be experiencing a period of hibernation - stagnation - perhaps the Zombies did actually eat my brain?  So how does one solve such a dilemma?  Jazz, Magazines and Wine are my only options. Oh, and maybe cake?

Jazz music not included

Having flicked through all the magazines (we all know we only buy them for the nice pictures!), they are abuzz with A/W 2011/12, so I could do a round-up of all the top trends but I'd suggest buying this month's Vogue - Lots of pretty pictures in DVD format.  However, I would like to highlight one designer, or rather milliner, that is beyond brilliant, total bleeding genius - Piers Atkinson.  I've chosen some of his past and present creations below that I absolutely adore!  Any takers for a 24ct Gold Fez?  Too mad for the Mad hatter?

Even with the lack of motivation/inspiration/brain I have been snapping like a "Japanese Tourist in Cambridge" - catching anything related to fashion, wine, cakey-bakeyness, flowers, and sillyness on my various digital devices.

What I have caught - Cambridge Folk Festival, Leicestershire, Baking, Cider Drinking, and Country Walks and inappropriate footwear.  I ask you one question, who is wearing the more sensible walking shoes?

Leicestershire has some beautiful countryside - regardless of blisters (fashion-induced) I thoroughly enjoyed them and I had the privilege to see the World's Largest Beer Mug.  I wonder where the World's Largest Wine Glass is?  Probably in one of my handbags!

I hope you have enjoyed the rambling, pretty pictures of all that August has to offer, so far - be it rain-free or not!