Thoroughly modern millennial

Author: Ria

  • Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 London premiere | Red Carpet fashion round up

    Another red carpet roundup. It’s not an award ceremony but the sheer scale of the London premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in Trafalgar Square definitely warrants attention.

    I spent the afternoon sobbing over the speeches and the fact that in a week I’ll be watching my childhood end *sob*. But I was also paying close attention to the red carpet fashion of all these actors who I watched grow up over the years.

    First up and my definite favourite of the whole event was Emma Watson. I remember her arriving at the Philosopher’s Stone London premiere in something that resembled a sack, the dress wore her that time but oh how does time fly. She looked stunning and pulled out all the stops in a tulle Oscar De LaRenta ballgown. Swoon!

    Another gorgeous Gryffindor was Bonnie Wright wowed me in her own special way. I love how she doesn’t compromise her style and go for the big Oscar-style gown, it suited Emma but I’m not sure it would’ve suited Bonnie. She went for sophisticated elegance in Miu Miu.

     
     
     
    The sun did shine down on this London premiere (albeit for just in time for the stars to come out) and I was happy to see these two great LWD’s from Clemence Poesy (in Nina Ricci) and Evanna Lynch. I think I like Evanna’s better though, the top half of Clemence’s dress is a bit on the puffy side for my liking.
     
     
    Two wonderful eccentrics in the form of Helena Bonham Carter and Natalia Tena. Helena never disappoints me with her wonderfully kooky style in a dark green gown with a pink fascinator, the only thing that’s annoying me is her handbag, a matching pink handbag would’ve been nicer. At first glance Natalia’s outfit is a bit of a miss. But it’s actually grown on me, even down to the cowboy boots the whole outfit reminds me so much of her characters Tonks.
     
    Proving that age is just a number are my two of my favourite British actresses; Imelda Staunton looking nothing like her sickly pink character Umbridge and Dame Maggie Smith sharply dressed in a smart suit.
     
    HPactors
     
    I couldn’t leave the boys out of this fashion round up. With Rupert Grint, Tom Felton and Matthew Lewis keeping in plain, simple and sharp in striking black suits; and James and Oliver Phelps and the boy wizard Daniel Radcliffe himself thinking out of the box in light beige, navy and grey respectively.
     
    And finally the Queen herself. JK Rowling looking stunning in Oscar De LaRenta. It’s such a shame the red carpet soaked the edges of the dress, but I do love her bejewelled earrings. She looks like mother nature ^_^
     
    What a way to send Harry off!
     
    Ria Xx
  • Wishlist Item | Festival edition

    Wishlist Item | Festival edition

    So I’m not heading to a festival this year, but since we’re right in the thick of the season at the moment I thought I’d compile a wishlist dedicated to the items I’d love to take!

    ThreadScene pullover: Being practical and fashionable at a festival is essential to me, so this Aztec print jumper would look great on those cold British nights.

    TopShop wellies: The humble wellington boot has become a welcome festival essential and with so many print wellies on the high-street fashionable festival goers are spoilt for choice.

    Rock-it Ship romper: I recently acquired two playsuits (romper suits) and they’re perfect for the summer. Plus lightweight enough to pack into a camping bag. One thing a playsuit needs to be at a festival is practical. You don’t want to be caught in those porta-loos fiddling with buttons and zips, so the ModCloth one I’ve chosen is perfect to pull on and off quickly with no fuss.

    Cat eye sunglasses: I’ve been on the hunt for a perfect pair of cat-eye sunglasses this summer to no avail :( so I’ll lust over these Ray Bans for now.

    Dianne Von Furstenburg shorts: Though denim shorts are pretty much a staple for a music festival, these print Diane Von Furstenburg shorts are refreshingly different.

    Black Tassel Sandals: Just in case the sun does peep out of the rain clouds, I thought I’d pay tribute to the tribal trend with these tassel sandals from River Island.

    MTV tank top & Zoe Karssen tank top: Nothing says rock chic than a logo tank top!
    Ria Xx
  • Inspired by | Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

    Inspired by | Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

    I thought I’d come up with a new feature on my blog which brings together two things I love – reading and fashion – and take style inspiration from the pages of novels. I’m hoping it’ll get me reading more in my first long Summer break from Uni.

    The first novel I’ll look at is Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro. I literally finished the book a few days ago and would definitely recommend it. It’s a beautiful novel and felt almost intentionally slow paced as you follow the characters through their lives.

    [Disclaimer! there may be a few spoilers in this post in the form of pictures from the film

    “In one of the most acclaimed and strange novels of recent years, Kazuo Ishiguro imagines the lives of a group of students growing up in a darkly skewered version of contemporary England. Narrated by Kathy, now 31, “Never Let Me Go” hauntingly dramatises her attempts to come to terms with her childhood at the seemingly idyllic Hailsham School, and with the fate that has always awaited her and her closest friends in the wider world. A story of love, friendship and memory, “Never Let Me Go” is charged throughout with a sense of the fragility of life.”

    Waterstones.com

    The book infers a timeless setting and the film (starring Carey Mulligan, Keira Knightley and Andrew Garfield) backs this up, though clearly takes inspiration from Britain in the late 70’s and 80’s/early 90’s. 

    I thought I’d focus on the style of the lead character of Kathy (Carey Mulligan in the film).

    Young adult Kathy’s look, in a nutshell, can be described as quintessentially English country girl. The character dresses for comfort with knitted sweaters, scarves and knitted hosiery. Although never coming across as much of a girly-girl, Kathy was always subtly feminine using blouses, the very on trend midi-skirt and preppy flats such as loafers or brogues to keep from looking like a tomboy. Other pieces are country girl essentials such as the quilted coat and wellington boots – currently perfect for the erratic British weather this Summer. The colour palette is also very simple; lots of neutral colours such as beige and cream, mixed with darker shades of green and brown.

     
    As Kathy grows up into a woman, her style progresses the same way. She still retains her typical English country girl look but gets in touch with her feminine side with floral blouses, shirt dresses and fitted trench coats. All the while keeping practical and sensible due to the nature of her job later in the book. The colour palette veers towards feminine pastels, with more pale pinks appearing in her wardrobe.
     
    Hope you enjoyed that ^_^ cos I did. Let me know what you think about this. Should I do more books?
     
    Ria Xx