Lookbook: The Libertine

Hellooo there! So I've recently become a member of my beloved lookbook.nu and below is my first look, so if you like, please hype (click on the black HYPE button next to the photo) cos then I get cool points :D

Lookbook

Hallelujah!

Just a quick post to rejoice in the news that our Cheryl finally realised to rid Chelsea player (I do apologise for using such a cliche tabloid phrase) love rat Ashley Cole from her life completely and offcially filed for divorce yesterday. To celebrate, I thought I'd share this stunning picture of Cheryl from a couple of Vogues ago wearing a maginificent piece of haute couture at this year's Brit Awards. If I had access to such a work of art and had Cheryl Cole's body, I don't think I'd wear anything else ever again.

War! Huh! What is it Good For?

...Absolutely Nothing! - Apart from the clothes that is. The Military Look; distinguished, structured, rebellious and dishevelled all at the same time. For me, this style ranks higher than any other. The fashion world, for decades now, has embraced the soldierly look and it marches back into fashion almost every couple of years, so it's always worth holding onto purchases from the past. Looking towards popular culture for inspiration, people such as Michael Jackson and Adam Ant epitomised the style, but this season we welcome a more subtle, elegant way to rock the military look. Frogging details give an edge to pretty feminine dresses, epaulettes and badges adorn shirts, khaki enjoys a prime position in this seasons colour hierarchy and utility trousers are ubiquitous. A military jacket can instantly transform any outfit, as shown above, in French designer Balmain's spring/summer collection, which was heavily militarily influenced. Another key garment to have in your wardrobe, is the military shirt. Pretty common amongst mens clothing, the military shirt has joined in with the girls and is a great way to give an effortlessly regal yet casual twist to your clothes, as shown by Alexa Chung below.


I seem to have gone slightly military mad and have done quite a few posts about girls clothes, guys clothes and my own clothes...
Welcome to my Military Style Extravaganzaaaaa!



Alexa Chung in a military shirt
Coldplay
Rihanna in a Balmain military jacket.

The Libertine

I recently went to Portabello Road with a couple of friends for my birthday and was delighted by every little tiny, crook and cranny detail of it. I felt myself morphing into a magpie, being distracted by every shiny antiquey vintagey object and flapping over to every stall in sight. I later found an army clothes stall and fell in love with a red libertine style military jacket, not unlike the one Cheryl Cole wears in that 'Fight for this Love' video, but a lot more authentic looking, like it had actually been through the wars. I spied with my magpie eye two more red military jackets when we moved onto Camden Market, one actually descending from the 1800's. But alas, I supressed my frivolous fancies as they were all a bit out of reach price wise for me. I shall own one one day though, it is written in the stars. I know it. Anyway, for now, I have soldiered on and have a bit more of a toned down but still as exquisite (in my humble opinion) version, in cardigan form.

Military Cardigan, Rare. Top, Topshop. Belt, Asos. Tights, by House of Holland at Asos&Topshop.




This bag was one of my many purchases from Portobello Road. I saw it from across the market, hanging gracefully from a stall shelf, and like a siren, I followed its allure and headed straight for it. Its an authentic army satchel from 1950's France, complete with a leather interior and the guy who sold it to me (people say Londoners aren't friendly, but I think Portobello is the exception) had fixed and stitched up a few distressed bits here and there. For £35, I think it would have been a crime not to have bought it, I can now sling a little piece of history over my arm whenever I like.

Different Ranks?

I can't get enough of military jackets.
The epaulettes on the Warehouse jacket are most resplendently beautiful and the tailcoat detail on the New Look jacket gives it a lovely quirk that you probably won't find amongst your jacket collection.
Despite the similiarities, I would get both these jackets if I could, but they're selling out Speedy Gonzales fast.


(at the top) Military Jacket, Warehouse £100


(at the bottom) Tailcoat Military Jacket, New Look, now reduced from £65 to £20.

Military Shirt, Warehouse


I want this. Frogging Detail Jumper Dress, missguided.com


Although Khaki is one of the key colours for the season, mix up the military look and add it a bit of colour
to stand out from the crowd. Jacket, modcloth.com


Lions conjure up thoughts of majesty, royalty and the sublime and are a perfect accessory to complete any military outfit. Necklace, modcloth.com


Skirt, Topshop