What I Have Learned From...The Mighty Boosh

I know, I know. You ALL know I love The Mighty Boosh. (Some might say wait- what is this Boosh that you speak of? You say it's mighty? I don't know, I just got here. And to that I say check this shit out- it's tasty.)

But here's just a little homage to what I've learned from that beautiful fashion freak Vince Noir, and yes, Howard Moon and Naboo too. There really is little to be learned from Bollo unless you're a nudist, and I think it's best if no one emulate Bob Fossil, but nonetheless they add to the complete package. Enjoy, Floyd.

The wonder-dress is 2cute2trendy, the white cropped leather jacket is Doma, Current/Elliott supplied the drainpipes, Modcloth the poncho (which certainly has the power to inspire joy), the turban is Forever 21, the ring Alexander McQueen (god bless), and the tribal bracelet is Forever 21.

Chictopia, It Flatters Me-Topia.

Chictopia, which I believe I haven't told you about, is truly a utopian world for the fashionista/o.

I, you may be shocked to hear (yes crane your ears closer), do not live in a busy, lively fashion hub or metropolis of any sort.

No, Rose Behar, a.k.a. Poppy Dada, a.k.a. the Ghost of Fashion Present, a.k.a. RUHUUUMBI Jungle Goddess of Popular Style* lives in an exquisitely small and isolated rural country hamlet called Baie Verte, in a place called Canada.

And now you know my deepest and darkest secret. I feel bare and exposed, but at the same time, I feel proud.

Chictopia gave me this courage. It brings together fashion-heads from all over the world (alright, the english-speaking world)- not just from big cities, like New York, but from obscure little nowheres in Missouri etc. etc. And we all "ooh" and "ahh" over our genius and inspire each other. It's really quite touching. (To the side, above, etc, are some of my outfits on the site).

There are some AMAZING style inspirations on that site, and eventually, most of us chictopians will congregate where we were born to be: NYC, L.A., London, Paris, Milan.... whatever takes our fancy. That brings a tear to my eye.

Fashion is about so much more than clothing. And beat anyone harshly who dares to say that it is not. It's about art, creativity, perfection, lifestyle, romance, inspiration, triumph, competition, and at the same time, understanding and community. For many it's a ridiculous, mindless passion, that makes us spend unwise amounts on mere decoration. There is really no sensible reason for me to be as in love with fashion as I am. But I am. Irrevocably and for the rest of my life.

Now enough of that soul-searching nonsense. The Jungle Goddess of Popular Style can't afford to get all emotional every time she thinks about her deep abiding love for fashion.... Oh eff get away, I need a moment....*weep*...

-- Several tea-cups filled with tears later--

ANYWHOO, as you see my previous post was a little something I liked to call "What I Have Learned From... Pippi Longstockings" I plan to publish a whole lot more of these "What I Have Learned From..."s in the future. In fact, it will be a series. It will go through all my gorgeous, if sometimes strange and obscure, inspirations from The Jersey Shore to The Mayans. With inspiratiion sets all through. I do hope you enjoy and look forward to them. Because I sure as hell love making them.

Back soon, though I really can't promise anything because I am SUCH a rebellious young cur,

Joy.

(From The View)

*Some may also call me Rosa Talentio, Rose H. Heezy Dallas Behar, Rosaliaaa, Cory, Benechio, Ten-Fingered Fred, Chucklehead and to the very confused and disoriented few I am also known as Joy, from The View.

What I Have Learned From... Pippi Longstockings

Pippi Longstockings was always an idol of mine growing up. Strong, brave and independent... what's not to love?

So it's no wonder that some of her fashion tastes also seeped into my mind during those long hours spent watching "Pippi on the Run" and "Pippi in the South Seas". Her influence has led to the bright eclecticism in my style today.

Therefore I think it's time to pay homage to Pippi and her influence on me with this set, showing

all her fashion staples: odd knee-high stockings (the green striped ones can be found at

jackwills.com and the red at jigsaw-online.com), shapelessly cute t-shirts (T by Alexander Wang), Swedish-style rompers (Modcloth), big, old oxfords (best when too large and very shabby- these are Purplow) and one big, woolly scarf for when it gets cold (found on Amazon).

Of course, I emit one of her most constant accessories: Mr. Nilsson, the monkey. However, this is obviously not a feasible fashion venture and, I have to admit, I'm a wee bit afraid of monkeys.

Also, I have found, I do not Pippi's excessive amounts of strength- I cannot lift a horse. It's harder than you think. The horse gets pretty testy after one or two tries.

Ah well. I may never be able to fully emulate my idol, but I can still wear my odd socks, put my hair in braids, and happily reminisce about those sunny hours spent in Sweden with Pippi, Tommy and Anika.

*Click here to see a School of Style post on another Scandinavian children's lit icon: Moomintroll!

My Eighties Babes.

I don't know WHY I can't fathom why I feel such a loving, tender connection to the eighties. Yes, I was born in 1992 and grew up well after the eighties, but let's get real- the reason I feel the eighties just as much as any early-thirty something or mid-twenty something is all down to one tall, tan and blonde influence who always stood on tip-toe and had no belly-button: BARBIE.

Yes, Ol' Barb and all her peers were a big influence in my life back in the day (alright so 'the day' only reaches back about five years to when I was twelve, so what?) I ran a commune of about twenty-five, with five men at it's peak, though I always aspired to ultimate equality (I hated the unrealistic, slightly polygamist aspect of having a majority female community, but the girls were so much more fun to buy and dress up). There was, of course, a lot of drama in that situation. The girls could get mean- especially when it came to a good man like Ken, or Aladin. However, at the end of the day, the ritual fashion show made everyone feel better, and they always realized just what a tight-knit and loving community they were, through the sharing of clothes.

It's a beautiful story, isn't it? I've always believed in the healing power of fashion.

Anyhoo, in a sporadic anniversary event, I grabbed my old favourites (now part of my sister's collection) and threw a wee eighties-inspired fashion shoot.

This is my neon style heritage you're viewing. Enjoy.

Nathan J.Will Make Your Day!

This is my first installment of 'citizen style'- real style mavens off the streets (in this case, off the street of my facebook- I have never actually met Nathan but know him through a friend who- lucky girl- lives in Florida). Nathan's style has so much CHARACTER and UNIQUENESS I cannot believe he is real. In fact, I refuse to get my hopes up. If one day, he turns out to be real, it will be a pleasant surprise, but for now, I just watch his profile, scanning his fresh takes on classic British style, mixed with some funky '60s inspiration. Nathan J., I salute you.

P.S. Who's taking all the pictures of him in the washroom? I do not know, and let's please just let it be. The boy just likes bathroom lighting! Don't we all? Leave him alone... he's Nathan J. Robinson, for God's sake!

Valentino-rino fit for a King or Queen-o!

What are these you may or may not be wondering? Why just some gorgeous Valentine's Day inspired "sets" I have made on my new friend Polyvore (http://polyvore.com/) which is an amazing fashion site that allows one to make their very own fashion inspiration collages and share them with their fellow fancy-pantses. It's great! I began, as you can see, by making three different Valentine's themed sets to show everyone just how diverse you can get with V-day style!

The first I call Pretty Precious Petal: The Classic V-Day Stand-by. It's got that pastel, ballet, sweet feel to it, which I know is something that not everybody can stand, however, look at it. It's a stand-by for a reason: it's very feminine and attractive.

The items in the collage? Earrings: Betsey Johnson Lipstick: Candyfuture Opaque in Great Pink Planet Cardi: H&M Top: 3.1 Phillip Lim Shorts: 3.1 Phillip Lim (Old Limmy got in there twice, but he IS a genius.)

The second look is what I call Sheena is a Valentine: The Bold, Punky Look of a Rebellious Valentine. I know, I know, it's very colourful for punkiness, however, it is alternative with studs and some tough-girl stuff. Plus, I think the fact that I was able to make a Valentine's outfit without ANY pink or red, very, very impressive and outstandingly original.

Items- Sunglasses: Fred Flare Necklace: Swarovski Brooch: Susan Caplan Vintage Jacket: Pucci Skirt: Tripp Boots: SKINT Bag: Miu Miu

The third set is Red Hot Chili Pepper Mama: Everyone Secretly Wants to be a Latina. Here's your chance, 'nuff said. And you get to retro it up, get your pin-up onnnn, which is awlays fun.

Items- Coral Make-up Pad: Lancome Chili Pepper Bracelet: Topshop Rouge: Bobbi Brown Sandals: H&M Dress: Dolce & Gabbana Leggings: H&M

If you'd like to see the sets in even larger techni-colour detail, just hop on to polyvore and look at my profile: http://www.polyvore.com/profile?id=1325443

The reason why I've named myself PoppyDada is one for another day, and another inspiration chart, but while you're there, make an account for yourself and get crackin' at becoming your own online fashion sensation- it's that easy, it really, really is.

What a Rebellious Young Cur I Am!

...I'm late two days. Surely that constitutes being a cur? I don't know what that means, I won't lie. But I WILL tell you that throughout my period of studying and completing exams, I have been stockpiling rich deposits of inspiration in my head-space, and am now ready to unleash them upon you all.

Because I myself have TOO many things inside my head right now, dancing around like little fire-monkeys, I'll write down a wee itinerary:

Nathan J. Robinson Profile: No he isn't famous, but he sounds like he is, doesn't he? A modern-day Floridian fashionisto with a sense of style that will wow the masses, he is a true original, which is difficult to find sometimes in the world of fashion. His style? A colourful, put-together mix of fitted prep-style clothing with old-fashioned dandy-ism mixed in. He is truly an inspiration.

Valentine's Day Style and Some Samplings of Valentines That You Can Give to Friends, Co-Workers, Family, People You Know, People You Don't Know:

Strangely, I believe Valentine's Day to be one of the greatest chances for amazing theme-outfits ALL YEAR. So everyone stop your sulking and pouting and whining "Ooh i don't like Valentine's Day it's not a real holiday bah bahh bahhh!" Valentine's Day is about lovin', not hatin', and it is also a great chance to soften yourself up style-wise and get a little cutesy. Even if you're a bit of a smart-ass punk, like myself.

Fashion Inspo: Where to find the best fashion advice and interaction places on the web, pros, cons, etc. Also a little sampling of the contests out there.

Get ready for it boyos and girlos!

But for today I have a different focus, and that focus is cardigans, and cardigan accessories. Now, I know what you're thinking. You're thinking, "Oh God, she's lost her edge, she's going to start being that girl who uses Bob Dylan quotes in her Post Titles and claims that she's into a "Romantic" look including muted beiges and nudes."

Well, I'm not. The times, they're not a-changin'. Not a-changin' that much, anyway.

Hoooowever, cardigans ARE for all of us, they're for me, and for you. You think you can't find a cardigan that suits you? You're wrong. They come in a wide range of styles from hipster to prep(well, maybe that's a bad example the two sort of being the same these days, but you understand my point about diversity).

As well, it gets cold sometimes, for fuck's sake, and you just want something to throw over without ruining the full-effect of the outfit. In fact, sometimes the cardi enhances the overall effect!

The neo-nerd look, as I've mentioned is well and full in trend right now, so something as kitsch as a sweater-guard is going to make or break you. You can't expect to get full fashionista/o status with no sweater guard while everyone else is looking suave with one clipped on their charming knit cardi. Below I show some examples, enjoy!