MAKE LIKE GRANDPA WITH A FAIR ISLE KNIT

Woo more lovely knitwear. I really really like this girls look. It's like grandpa chic (cosy brown fair isle jumper, beanie hat, old leather bag) but the jet black hair and over the knee boots add a bit of a harder edge to the ensemble. This outfit is why I love looking to street fashion for inspiration. I've been spending a while trying to figure out what to wrap myself up in this winter - and where the fash mags and high street shops have failed me, street style has come through! For A/W I think I might have to make like this girl and go for a nice slouchy fair isle jumper...

THIS WEEK FOLLY LOVES...DOM DICK AND HARRY 'MONO-TEES'

Layering is a necessity in this weather, but it's good to mix things up a bit. My fave clothing item at the moment is the monochrome graphic tee - think a well cut, soft cotton short sleeve top or vest with a distinctive print in black and white only. The 'Mono-Tee' works wonders peeking out of loads of cosy layers and goes from day to night like a treat (I just add the obligatory slick of bright lipstick and lots of necklaces). So I was rather chuffed when I discovered DOM DICK & HARRY, a kinda sex-and-drugs-and-rock-and-roll unisex t-shirt label founded by Leeds designer Dominic Al-Samarraie.  

I was actually properly introduced to Dom by a friend at a house party and checked out his website www.domdickandharry.co.uk the other day... he's working on new designs at the moment so keep an eye out on his blog/site, but the stuff on there already is pretty hot. Citing 'hearts, whores and crosses' as inspiration, DOM DICK & HARRY tees feature predominantly black and white, freaky friday MS Webding motifs which fit right into my current 'Mono-Tee' obsession. I'm after the 'Play-blocks' logo print vest (pictured above) to wear with black spray on jeans or a mini pleated skirt. At 25 quid it's a bargain for a one off thing lovingly made by a guy in his Leeds studio.

THIS WEEK FOLLY LOVES...HANNAH TAYLOR JUMPERS

Hot on the search for my A/W jumper at lunchtime today I stumbled across a young knitwear designer called Hannah Taylor. A fellow northerner hailing from Warrington (nestled somewhere between Liverpool and Manchester), Taylor is now studying for an MA at RCA London, following a much hyped show at London Graduate Fashion Week. After snooping around her blog i've become a bit of a superfan...her supersized jumpers with random animal motifs and mishmash textures are awesome. Athough she designs for men and takes inspiration from her old man (menswear is where it's at people), her collection reminds me of the kind of thing your adorably mad auntie would wear.

I'm a rather keen of the long fair isle specimen...naturally. 

Pics courtesy www.hanzipan.blogspot.com

DANDY WITH FETCHING QUIFF

FOLLY is a huge fan of everyday fellas with the ability to mix and match modern and vintage styles. This gents outfit nods to1970's The Stranglers-esque Punk, with Harrington jacket an black and white stripy tee, but is smartened up with black leather penny loafers and brought right up to date with ankle grazing tobacco coloured slacks and foppish hair.

ONCE UPON A TIME IN WHITECHAPEL...

Once upon a time in Whitechapel there was a man who owned a stall selling obscure plastic sunglasses to the good folk of Liverpool.

I have always been intrigued by this random stall, which is permanently located just off Queen St. This one sells those average looking pashminas, belts and knitted hippy hats you find everywhere, but what makes it special is the array of utterly mad 80's sunglasses on sale, in the shape of everything from American footballs to swans. Have a look next time you pass by. The white spiky ones remind me of the character Hollywood Montrose from the cult 80's rom-com Mannequin (1987).

FOLLY SHOPKEEPERS: RAIDERS VINTAGE | LIVERPOOL

So have you ever looked back at Xmas family photographs and wished that your mum had kept that awesome bat-wing jumper, slinky mini-dress or those flashy stilettos? I do all the time. Sadly as the decades passed and fashion fads came and went, my mothers more outlandish items of clothing slowly wriggled free from her wardrobe, destined for the local Oxfam or landfill and never to be seen again. Sob. However, if you are anything like moi, sob ye not my dears. Possibly my favourite Liverpool vintage store, Raiders Vintage, has just opened a brand new extension filled with wonderful 'my-mum-used-to-have-something-like-this' items. After visiting the new improved Raiders, I was so excited that I asked the always fabulously dressed owner of the boutique, Kelly Reid, if I could come back and take a few pictures of her and the shop for a wee FOLLY SHOPKEEPERS feature.

    

For those of you who haven't been, Raiders is a vintage fashion boutique with a cosy interior decorated with antiques and old-school props (think Victorian checker tiles, silk roses and Louis XV furniture teamed with charming retro posters, shabby chic display units and postcards), selling a purse-friendly range of fun party dresses, cosy things, handbags, accessories and booties. 

Following in the footsteps of her mum, who ran her own Merseyside vintage shop back in the day, Kelly (above) is an antiques fanatic and collector of all things old and pretty - including a personal vintage fashion collection spanning Chanel, Oscar De La Renta and Yves Saint Laurent. You can tell she has a real flair for what she does, not only from the lovely interior design of her store but from her personal style...when I popped in to take these pics she looked amazing with her mane of gorgeous boho hair, oversized 70's mohair cardi, mix of silver accessories and killer YSL-esque skyscraper heels. Ever so stylish!

LESS SKANK/MORE VAMP

My northern fashion folks, I must apologise wholeheartedly for the woeful lack of posts recently. I do have a valid excuse. I'm relocating to London. It will be like Englishman in New York, only instead of walking down Fifth Avenue I'll be walking down Brick Lane via the Falafel Hut. I've had a mad few weeks getting organised for my move away from this fair city, whilst noting the little nuggets of underground/alternative(ish) Liverpool fashion and shopping knowledge I have gathered over the past year so I can share it with y'all before I go. And I've been getting a few last street style pictures too, of course. I spotted this girl just down from the Met Quarter on a brisk but sunny Saturday afternoon.

These sexy stocking tights (Wolford? HH for Pretty Polly I wonder?) would last 5 minutes on me before getting ruined but I love the OTT-ness of them with this girls tiny dress, tatty FF collar and kinda too-red-for-daytime lips and cheeks. She looks a bit Nancy Spungen but less heroin skanky and more teenage vampy. And then there's the fact she was wandering around near the not-so-punk bus station and Weatherspoons in Whitechapel. I love that juxtaposition :)

SHEARLING BOY

Boys look good in shearling coats, it's the hardy English thing. I like this battered brown-grey version with leather buttons. Loads of character worn with traditional plaid shirt, bookish glasses, satchel and muso headphones. On the subject of leather buttons...I bought some similar ones from John Lewis a while ago to update an old blazer - try it yourself for an uber cheap way to customise a chunky cardi or last years winter coat.

STYLE CRUSH: UNDERCUT, CAMEL AND BLACK

OK, so how freaking amazing is this girls look. She almost makes me want to buy some chunky hoop earrings from St. Johns market and give myself a choir boy bowl undercut. I spotted her a while back in Liverpool whilst she was queuing for a cash machine, listening to her iPod so loudly I could hear it as I walked past. I'm coveting just about everything in this look, from the double breasted camel and black vintage coat (80's Hobbs - she bought it on Ebay) straight down to the sheer spotty tights and scuffed desert boots...you don't see girls in these shoes very often, I NEED to get my hands on some, perhaps in black or grey). Style crush alert!

LIVERPOOL'S URBAN BARBOUR BOYS

Over the past 12 months the merchandising folks at J. Barbour and Sons must have been scratching their heads wondering why sales of their Sloaney outerwear have suddenly gone through the roof after being snapped up by drainpipe jeans wearing indie kids. Since I first saw guys and girls rocking vintage Barbour coats last year I thought it was a good trend revival, kinda harking back to that messy brit-pop pride of the 90's - I'm thinking Damien Hirst and Graham Coxon running around with pigs on a giant board game in the music video for 'Country House'. Barbour coats tick all the boxes for me - English made, the connotations of flat caps and grandpa's, and endorsement by none other than her maj the queen (I think this love of heritage fashion is slowly turning me into a Royalist) . This weekend I saw a couple of boys around town doing the urban-Barbour thing and took a few snaps.

Classic Beaufort coat worn with turn-ups and brilliant camel coloured desert boots. I love these shoes, I'm thinking I might invest in some myself in exchange for the dainty lace-up ankle boots I was wearing throughout 2009.

Teeny tiny matchstick legs, shiny tasseled loafers, burgundy check scarf and mono-tee with padded Eskdale Barbour coat. 

UMBRO: HIP TO BE CHAV?

I recently read about Luis Lopez-Smith, the 25 year old Manchester Met and RCA graduate who has just been drafted in as design consultant for Manchester sports brand UMBRO, in an attempt to make it as appealing to fashion conscious sportswear kids as other established labels who have cashed in on their 'retro-cool' credentials. I'll admit I was instantly intrigued by the idea of the footie fans' favourite, renowned for those polyester gym shorts and flammable fleeces, drafting in some hip young sportswear prodigy to breathe some life into the brand. Sadly theres nothing in the way of a collection yet, but here are a few pics from Lopez-Smith's mental MA show 'Hahabangbang'. Nintendo cartoon psychedelia, mindbending detail and trippy prints all the way.

Here are some bits from a recent shoot for Vice Magazine where they teamed chav UMBRO pieces with some of the tamer bits from Lopez-Smith's 'Hahabangbang' collection. I'm curious to see what comes out of this merger. Not sure what the UMBRO lads down the estate will think though...

Photography: Elizabeth Johnson, 
Pics courtesy Vice Magazine

THE 70's HAREEM SUIT

I've never quite been sure about Hareem pants. It's the badly cut high-street versions which really get on my nerves. However, every now and then I come across someone who works a tricky item with good styling. 

EXHIBIT A:
tailored peg-top Hareems
unstructured micro animal print tanktop
mini-tux with strong shoulders and 3/4 sleeves
minimal accessories
windswept wavy locks, strong eyebrows and long fluttery lashes

BLOWN AWAY BY 80's C&A

Remember Sarah from my 'Venus in Faux Furs' post back in Autumn 09? well, she's a bit af a gal pal of mine and she has the most amazing selection of vintage and vintage-style frocks. She acquired this beautiful specimen from Quiggins in Liverpool a few years back - made by department store C&A, which was big back in the 80's. I have vague recollections of my mum buying my school shirts from there. I love the longer length of the jersey ra-ra frilled skirt and (not too crazy/scary/sculptural) shoulder pads. What a great find.

GESTAPO TRENCH WITH LEATHER GLOVES

When I saw this long black 'Gestapo' trench and skinny jeans ensemble I couldn't help but think of Carlos D from Interpol, whose slightly severe 1940's/Gothic-chic phase I always thought was pretty cool. There's something 'secret agent-esque' about this immaculate vintage coat, buttoned all the way up with slick hair and leather gloves.

LIVERPOOL SNOW PEOPLE...

I love how the whole of Liverpool has gone into shutdown after the snow. I was trying to spend some xmas vouchers on the Chanel counter at Debenhams when the orange lady was like "we're closing in 5 minutes becuase of the weather". Funny. Anyway I didn't mind too much becuase there was a really nice tranquil atmosphere in the city centre and I had a mill about in the unmarked snow. I saw this threesome down the side of Bold Street and they looked like a sweet bunch, all huddled under one umbrella, so I asked to take their picture. 

The girl in the middle really stands out. Obviously she's very gorgeous but it was the tan and navy burberry-esque bucket bag caught my eye initially...it's got that 'middle-class country classic' thing I'm into a lot right now.

SUPERSIZED JERSEY ON TINYSIZED GIRL

I took this picture before xmas and thought it would be a perfect pic to see in 2010. Happy new year folks :)

I spotted this cute girl in Quiggins (Liverpool) and thought her supersized 'face' sweatshirt-dress, featuring black and white panels of jersey with red sequined 'lipstick' was amazing. I love how this slouchy look, featuring not much more than a tassled black leather waistcoat and thigh high boots is cheeky but totally low maintenance. Just goes to show how an original statement piece can really speak volumes (and a good example of how sequins can work in the daytime...shocker!)

FOLLY FIELD TRIP: 24 HOURS IN LEEDS

A girl does have to venture out of Merseyside every now and then. A few days ago I went to Leeds to catch up with some pals, get glammed up and do a spot of shopping. I took a couple of pics too of course. 

Spotted this girl in a bar and thought her coat was very nice. I’ve not been able to escape fur recently...I remember back in autumn when I was so excited to have seen my first one...now they are everywhere. Doesn’t make me like them any less though. Especially when worn like this with teeny denim shorts for a bit of a 70's glam rock groupie look. 

Sometimes an understated outfit works wonders. It's all about the American Apparel. Simple, form fitting and always rather sexy. 

Finally a bit of late night shopping with an old pal of mine. I pretty much had to force him to let me take this picture as he is a bit camera shy but I really liked his fawn coloured wool blazer (a wicked charity shop find) and mod jumper so I had to get a quick snap. Ha. 

The Victoria Quarter is one of my favourite places in Leeds. I can’t afford anything in there anymore (there used to be an amazing millinery which also sold vintage jewellery and frocks and brilliant Victorian underwear but it seems to have disappeared sadly) but the arcades looked so beautiful and Christmassy with gorgeous pink crystal chandeliers...I thought I’d share this pretty picture with you.

90'S BASEMENT BAND BEAU

I was on my way home the other night when I saw this girl mooching outside Liverpool Barfly (now Masque). Obviously in Winter you see a massive array of all coats in all shapes and sizes so it was interesting to see something a bit different to what's predominantly on the high street right now (blazers, girlie frock coats, F-F and biker jackets). This brown leathery flight jacket was a random item she borrowed from the back of her gal pal's closet and it complemented her blond Courtney Love locks and kinda-ill-fitting-but-in-a-good-way '90's basement band' garb...

I like how she has worked in current pieces like the loose velvet slip (very now - look in Urban Outfitters they have loads of velvety bodycons and night-dresses in right now), tartan blokes shirt (which you can just see peeking out), DM's and the novelty tights. Although I am a loyal black opaque tights wearer I have been leaning towards something a bit different recently...I don't know if I could pull off these bold leopard print bad boys but I am rather a fan of black fishnets for a bit of 90's grunge...these are due for a comeback I think...and I don't know why but they are mega flattering (if a bit cold...)

TRASHY LAS VEGAS LOOK

It's cool to see someone opting out of the polished, Liverpool glamazon look at this time of year and going for something different.

When I met this uber-confident girl I thought her glitter bodysuit, chunky stud belt, bondage PVC boots and star print 'Las Vegas' blazer were a terrific combo in the inevitable sea of office party dresses. I don't even have to mention the massive scarlet rockabilly quiff, immaculate lippy and dramatic 80's blusher. In fact I have now been inspired to try channeling my own Las Vegas trash in the run up to xmas with glittery fabrics and clashing print. Wish me luck with that one!

JUMPSUIT FOR JOY

Jumpsuits are cool but can be tricky to pull off. My theory with fad garments is that you can either go for the 'look at me I'm outrageous' camp (crazy prints/textures or sugary sweet and kidlike) or the 'minimal and expensive looking' camp. I met Sophie (below) at the Whistles launch party a while back and took this picture on the night around the back of the store.

This black jersey jumpsuit is firmly in the classic camp and is utterly gorgeous with formal lapels, casual half mast turn-ups, massive pockets and short sleeves. I like how she opts for minimal makeup (sweep of eyeliner & black nail polish) and shiny black tresses to prevent over styling a wonderfully designed piece which really doesn't need much else. Making this outfit xmas party worthy requires nothing more than a pop of orange-red or plum lipstick.

FLASHBACK BOUTIQUE @ THE AFFORDABLE VINTAGE FAIR

Last Saturday I went to the Affordable Vintage Fair and bought myself some well deserved Xmas party things (a lovely silver necklace, a black and red a-line floozy skirt which I later cut short like the one Madonna wears in Who's that Girl AND another Faux-Fur - chocolate coloured and kinda shabby but awesome). While I was there I popped into the Flashback Boutique stall and had a giggle with the lovely Susannah Flashback and her Teddy Boy quiff pal. I just managed to take this random picture of Susannah's sparkle 70's dress, hippy headband and batwing mohair jumper before my batteries ran out!

ENGLISH GENT AND LADY IN THE CITY

Heading home from my xmas shopping the other day I clocked this dapper pair, working a modern spin on the 'English Heritage' look favoured by the good folk over in Windsor Castle. I'm liking their immaculate, quietly confident and ever so slightly eccentric style.

Seen lots of ladies in capes recently...blossoming trend perhaps? This lady's short, voluminous version looks amazing with the vintage paisley scarf, shiny-as-a-conker Chelsea boots and delicate pale A-Line dress. As for the gent, I love how indie boy staples of matchstick skinny jeans and worn oxfords have been spruced up with a crisp buttoned shirt, traditional umbrella and conservative side-parted barnet.

FOLLY SOCIAL: BLOW MY WHISTLES

If you are au fait with Liverpool fashion you would have no doubt heard about the opening of the shiny new Whistles store in Liverpool One. Of course Whistles, a mid/high range high street fashion retailer, is rather out of my 'vintage shop, American Apparel and home-made' budget but it has to be said I love their new revitalised direction (simple slouchy luxury knits, sensual textures, on-trend silhouettes and THAT leather biker jacket) and would rather gleefully purchase most of my winter wardrobe from there if I could. I was invited along to the swanky late night launch party (alongside fellow web loggers Lauren McBride of Ironic Fashion and fashion photographer Matt Ford) and thought it would be an awesome opportunity to check out what the other guests were wearing and get some hot pics.

 The adorable Candie Payne on the decks, wearing a monochrome graphic print cropped tee (tied in a knot at the waist) and black bodycon dress.

1920's cropped hair, black fur and striped tights which are on the button. Just wish I had asked where she had bought them from!

Kudos to the Whistles folks that the whole thing was as unpretentious, un-Zlist celeb and un-WAGilicious as possible, with a refreshing crowd which mingled the sophisticated with the scenesters...
 

 ...even the boys made an effort...bottle green vintage Peacoat, good brogues and long locks. Tres Bien.

AND Fashion retail royalty Jane Shepherdson was there of course. 

THE NAUGHTIEST GIRL IN SCHOOL

Speaking of Oxfam...check out this adorable girl. I spotted her working as a volunteer behind the counter in Oxfam Originals. As soon as I saw her I thought of the Enid Blyton book The Naughtiest Girl in School. My mum bought me an old 60's edition from a second hand bookshop when I was a little 'un and I adored that book so much I read it over and over again. Basically it's about a spoilt kid who gets shipped off to some boarding school and pisses everyone off when she gets there, but there is a happy ending of course. 

Schoolgirl freckles, jet black wavy piggy tails and dishevelled gingham battle with neon floral, 80's basketball sneakers and brazen lashings of liquid eyeliner...resulting in a look somewhere between 'Saved by the Bell', Harejuku and Pippi Longstocking. Fun and wonderfully silly - what a brilliant combo for a conscientious young thing doing charity work.

VENUS IN FAUX-FURS

I probably don't need to tell you that I've been appreciating Faux-Fur a lot recently. I think it's just that its been so bloody cold these days that I'm hugely impressed with anything that can simultaneously look good and be very warm. Here are a couple of inspiring F-F looks I've seen recently on the street.

Dot Love - I've always secretly thought Dot Cotton was a bit of a British fashion icon. Wait... before you guffaw, think about it. Clashing liberty prints...cameo brooches...doily collars...wiggle skirts...cute flats...hand knitted cardies...? This lovely rich dark-chocolate double breasted F-F reminds me of something Cotton would wear to the Queen Vic at Xmas with a pastel headscarf and pearls. However, teamed with pixie hair, Laura Ashley style print, sleek pins and perfect almond-toe granny flats, Sarah (above) makes Dot Cotton's wardrobe look rather dashing if you ask me.

This ace F-F is similar to my own...I prefer the cut on this one through, more of an a-line shape which is really flattering. I like this girls patterned green sateen jumpsuit peeping out and her scattering of accessories, and I especially love the fact she is working it all as a daytime look. All in all a very bohemian yet confident combo. Like most things, on the fur front I'm definitely all for going vintage. Loads cheaper, unique in colour and texture and with a more classic cut. A good one will last yonks too compared to a high street copy. If you must go high street though (vintage sizing can be a bit unpredictable and finding your dream F-F might take a while) H+M has a nice version in a similar cut to the one worn above (in chestnut) for around 70 pounds sterling.

RADIO GAGA: STREET STYLE IN THE RAIN WITH BBC RADIO MERSEYSIDE

Bit of a big day for FOLLY yesterday...the lovely Claire Hamilton, presenter from BBC Radio Merseyside Drivetime, has been checking out the blog and wanted to do a little something on it for her show. Claire has been involved in loads of stuff in city, organising popular fashion swap shops in Sefton Park Palm House and FACT (I went to one earlier this year and acquired a silk 40's style blouse in exchange for a Zara blazer bought in the sales which never fitted me). So the idea was that we go on a short gander around town to chat about and look for Liverpool street style. Sadly the minging rain got in the way of some of my pictures but there were still rich pickings, and our mini excursion was made into a feature which aired on Friday 6 November at 5.50pm. Catch the show on BBC iPlayer here

First spot of the day was just outside the studios on Paradise Street. This girl looked so quirky and sweet I spotted her a mile off in monochrome houndstooth and adorable accessories. I love the polished Parisian details like the headband, skinny patent belt and grey tights but the eclectic kitsch umbrella covered in pastel flowers is my favourite finishing touch. 

We spotted this striking looking girl with a bunch of guys carrying cameras and filming equipment down Church Street. They were on their way to do recording for something. Media bods do always seem to know how to dress well...and I adore this girls duffle style cape with contrast toggles and big pockets. The oversized coat, opaque tights and ankle boots make a gorgeous silhouette. Lesson learnt here...wearing a wide, bold, statement coat looks best with something sleek and simple on the pins. I'll try and remember this when I (finally) pull out the massive blond faux-fur which has been lurking unworn in the wardrobe.

BBC Radio Merseyside's Claire Hamilton in classic trench, pillar box red scarf and lovely tan leather brogues (you will have to use your imagination as all pics other than these two turned out pretty blotchy due to raindrops on lens...darnit). Claire interviewed the very pretty student Annie Malone in our last spot of the afternoon, at which point it was pretty much chucking it down as you can tell. Annie teams no frills Primark basics with a vintage gold buttoned military style blazer and pair of verrrry nice chestnut coloured lace-up boots (perfect for unpredictable weather). Student style nicely done...and not a daft slogan t-shirt or woolen hippy hat in sight. Joy.

SEMI DRENCHED DUKE ST. DOUBLE

Rain and fashion are NOT buddies. If you manage to find some way to get around in the rain without looking harassed and waterlogged I think you deserve some praise. I met this pair walking down Duke Street in Liverpool and they kindly agreed to let me take their picture despite the nasty weather. I'm liking the lads turn-up jeans, pumps and knuckle tatts, but am particularly taken with girls mixture of fuzzy animal print, denim and nautical stripes (yes more stripes). Layering the denim jacket with little faux-fur coat is a really simple but clever idea actually. Nice way to add some extra warmth when its minging outside but you don't want to chuck on the ol' reliable winter coat. 

THAT'S SOME FREAKY CHIC

"Enough of Halloween already.... it's sooo last week" I hear you say. Well, sorry to break it to you, but I recon Halloween-ness is here to stay this winter. Just look on the high street, leather and black gothy stuff is all over the place. Maybe this explains why the costumes this Halloween were so much cooler than previous years. Less bargain basement Smiffy's and more...um...'freak chic'. I ventured over to Leeds last weekend and went to a clubnight at Nation of Shopkeepers and there was a real goth rock vibe...and an abundance of stripey things.

Gross but gorgeous - This girl reminds me of one of my favourite fashion celebs, Roisin Murphy. The Stray Cats style hair shaved on one side = so cool

Werewolfmother - I love this picture but wish you could see the outfit in all its glory. In addition to the mad make-up she was wearing an ace vintage tee with a werewolf and moon on it. Previously the territory of middle aged hippies these animal motif t-shirts are all the rage and I really want to find one. AaaaWoooooo.

'Underwear as Outwear' is a wicked trend, however we can't all work the fancy dress Rocky Horror/stockings/Lady Gaga thing in the local on a Friday night. So, how to make it work post-Halloween in the real world? Try a black lace all in one or vintage slip with a cute trim and wear it with jeans, shorts or a leather jacket.  

Et voila...Le freak c'est chic!