Cath Kidston: vintage inspired accessories

Having just purchased a Cath Kidston bag (and I can't wait for it to arrive!) I thought it most appropriate to write about some of my favourite pieces from her collection. As well as fashion and accessories, Cath Kidston also designs a range of decorative items for your home, which are vintage inspired. I could spend hours looking at the various different items available, from umbrellas to handbags. It's so varied and unique at the same time, and any of the items help to brighten up your outfit and still give it that vintage inspired feel.

There's so many different bags available in various prints, but I must say that I adore the flower prints. They're great for summer, but also help to brighten up your winter wardrobe when carrying them as an accessory. Here are some of my favourite prints - which one is your favourite?

Up next are umbrellas - a handbag essential for every girl! You never know when it's going to start pouring down with rain so it's good to be prepared. To help brighten up those miserable weather days, take with you a Cath Kidston umbrella. My personal favourites are the polka dot umbrella designs. Which one do you like best?

Many people are surprised when I tell them that Cath Kidston mobile phone cases are available. As well as protecting your phone from scratches and marks, the cases also add a fashionable edge to your everyday devices. I must say, the pink polka dot case stands out the most for me! What do you think?

  

With endless accessories and decorative items to choose from, you're sure to find something that you like from the collection. I also love the every day items such as train ticket holders, wallets and keyrings that add a certain sparkle to your handbag - and if you've got a Cath Kidston handbag already, they add twice the amount of sparkle!

Costume and character in the film 'Black Swan'

'Black Swan' is a film made in 2010 that centres around the ballet production of Tchaikovsky's 'Swan Lake' by a New York dance company. The film is a psychological drama that requires the ballerina (played by Natalie Portman) to play both the innocent white swan and also double up as the sensual black swan. Viewers are taken on a journey with the lead character as she discovers the dark side to herself, which in turn helps her to get into her role as the black swan. I thought the film was fantastic with an excellent story line and a twist at the end. I was equally impressed by the costume designs and the way that the ballet postures further emphasised the outfits.

  

I loved watching the elegant poses throughout the film, and also how Portman changes her character between the white and black swans. As you can see above, the white outfit on the left shows her portraying the innocent white swan and her posture and body language emphasises the shyness of this character. However, later in the film when she discovers her darker side, Portman shows viewers the black swan. As you can see on the right, her outfit is much more revealing with nothing covering her shoulders. This helps to emphasise the sensual side of the black swan. Her make up also helps to show this, with dark eyes and red lips that make her look more sexually desirable. 

I think it's very clever the way that the film makers differentiate between the two personalities of this character, as this can be seen throughout the film. Portman's character is seen at the beginning of the film wearing light colours such as pink, but as the film progresses viewers start to see her develop into a darker and more sexual character, which is also seen through her trying new outfits and new looks.

  

Vogue cover girls of 2011

                            
                                     

Happy new year to you all! Now that we are into the new year I thought it would be a good time to reflect on my favourite magazine covers from Vogue in 2011, before we start looking forward to the new covers of 2012! Appearing on the cover of Vogue in various months of last year we have Victoria Beckham, Kate Winslet, Alexa Chung, Keira Knightley, Kate Moss and Rihanna.

Which Vogue cover is your favourite?