Going for gold

In the run up to the Olympics over the last few months (years, even) I've been largely indifferent. I disliked the logo, even more so when I discovered my debit card was graced with an image of it until 2013 and in a very stereotypically British fashion, I had come to expect nothing but hopelessness and disappointment. However, the friday before last I had the night off work and nothing much else to do so I settled myself down in front of my laptop and put on the Opening Ceremony. It helped that I'd heard rumours that Arctic Monkeys, one of my favourite bands, would be playing but otherwise I wasn't expecting much. Despite this, like the rest of the nation I was bowled over. I had been expecting them to rival the Chinese effort at Beijing, which would have been remarkably hard to do, but instead Danny Boyle took it in a completely different direction. It took advantage of our rich history over the last 200 years and the trademark British wit was well placed with appearances from the likes of Mr Bean and the Queen parachuting in. At moment it felt like there was almost too much going on but on the whole, I was really impressed by it. It has set the precedent for what has been one of the most successful Olympics ever for Team GB.

London 2012 opening ceremony

Anyhow, shortly after catching Olympic fever like the plague, me boyfriend's dad rang and invited me to come down to London to watch the Olympics, which was really lovely. Hugo and I went to watch the Volleyball at Earl's court and it was so much fun. I know sweet FA about Volleyball but it was pretty easy to grasp. It is a shame that Team GB lost spectacularly to Australia but the Brazil v. Russia match was a pretty tense one!

Men's Volleyball at the Olympics: Australia vs. Great Britain

Outside Earl's Court

I haven't been home all Summer and I took advantage of a free weekend to get home and see the parents for the first time in over a month. The weekend was spent pretty much consuming all the contents of the fridge (so. much. cheese.) and loafing on the sofa watching the Olympics. 'Super Saturday' was great, I'm so glad Jessica Ennis won after all the pressure mounted on her - here in Sheffield the John Lewis store has adorned it's shop front with a 30ft picture of her! My severe case of Olympics fever means that I will probably go and find the gold letterbox at some point this week as well.

John Lewis in Sheffield

I also finally got to see the Ballgown exhibition at the V&A but I think I'll allow another post for that.

You slept on Waterloo Station at first...

I don't know if I've been listening to The Jam a little too much over the last few weeks or whatever but the upsurge of high street brands covering the trend 'London Calling' has made me so happy. I've been having a bit of a love affair with London ever since I can remember. I love the place, the people and most of all - the style. I was crushed when I didn't get into uni down there (though my bank account probably thanks me).

To me, this trend is an amalgamation of mod and rocker with a bit of punk for good measure! Think masculine tailoring, teddy boys, paisley print, leather jackets, oversized blazers, brothel creepers, brogues, docs (I could go on and on!)

Punks (image credit)

Mods (image credit)

Mod - taken from ASOS

For this one, I would actually recommend steering clear of the Union Jack print and take bits from each trend.

Dr Martens 1461 in Cherry Red - £85

Stylestalker Rivited Stud and Chiffon Dress - £135

ASOS Satin Peg Trousers - £35

Collarless Knit Swing Coat - £85

Cambridge Satchel Company Red Leather 11" Satchel - £90

Paisley Pocket Shift Dress by Boutique - £70

Would be perfect paired with an oversized black blazer and creepers or brogues

I think of Alexa Chung and Agyness Deyn when it comes to the 'London Calling' trend, both are able to do masculine tailoring so well. Though it makes me feel down that Agyness Deyn doesn't really model anymore.. I'll have a Kanye moment and say I'm really happy for you that the acting thing is working out and I'ma let you finish but you were my favourite model of all time *sob*.

(image  credit)

(Image credit)

(Image credit)

Ivory Jar

I am incredibly excited about the new-on-the-scene London boutique Ivory Jar. Adhering to my fondness for all things studded, zipped, chained and questionably blasphemic Ivory Jar instantly caught my eye when browsing the Brick Lane Vintage market a few weeks back.. If I had known it existed in the small entrance of the market I would have come stocked up with cash but alas, I did not, so I got some spiked earrings for £6 which have ended up perfectly matching my favourite Topshop necklace.

Here are some images from their S/S12 lookbook:

I have of course noticed the amazing black shirt with the studded collar, so I will probably invest in it as I've been grieving over the horribly expensive Zara one.

The web shop is due to launch soon but in the mean time like them on Facebook and check out their Tumblr:

http://www.facebook.com/IvoryJar
http://ivoryjar.tumblr.com