In the sixties Liverpool was known as a city at the heart of trend setting and style. Yet these days, from an outsider’s point of view, Liverpool style is viewed as over done, orange, shell suits and fake. Now, I don’t have fake hair, my eyelashes are my own and I would class myself as pale if not pasty. Pretty much everyone I know, that lives here, is the same as myself. And yes, from time to time the odd orange person does pass me in the street but don’t they inhabit every town centre? So why is there such a stigma in Liverpool? I cannot answer the question, I can only raise the debate, and give you my own personal spin on why I feel it’s time the myth about Liverpool’s shops and style is broken.

Since moving to Liverpool I have never been so inspired by style. My personal style has evolved and grown over the years, thanks to the many cultures that inhabit the city, there is a vibrant individuality amongst its people. There is so much music and art and music breeds fashion. Steeped in history the shops are also thrilling and interesting places to be, with a bustling vintage demand running throughout the city.

Out of the many fantastic places to shop in Liverpool, Resurrection is the stand out store. Resurrection began life as a little vintage shop in Quiggins, Liverpool, and has now over a few years developed into a 3-floor mega store. Still based in Liverpool, Resurrection has now relocated to the very trendy Bold Street. The store has a strong identity selling both to men and women, shoes, bags and accessories.

Resurrection stocks an array of garments, ranging from one of a kind vintage dresses to independent labels, and even clothes altered by the staff themselves. The basement and ground levels of the store are dedicated to men’s clothing selling brands like – Converse, Ringspun, and Ben Sherman. The ladies clothes are on the top level and apart from the fantastic section dedicated completely to vintage shoes, clothes, bags and coats they also sell Lipsy, Peoples Market, Sugarhill, and Religion to name but a few.

Myself I have been a customer for many years and with the electric vibe and friendly staff it’s a place that makes you want to continuously return to for that once of a kind piece. So if you ever visit the city be sure to stop by Resurrection to get a piece of Liverpool style and I guarantee not a shell suit in sight!

Check out Resurrections website or follow them on facebook

When I first moved away from home to go to drama school, I lived next door to the most wonderful vintage store that weighed the clothes, so there began my love of very light, very cheep, vintage clothes and also the start of my ever growing vintage collection!

Don’t get me wrong, I also love shoes, bags and all the other stuff that goes a long with creating an outfit, however I must admit, unlike Carrie, I don’t spend thousands on my shoes! I wish I could, but unfortunately I do not earn the funds, I do not have the overdraft extension and I do not have an understanding bank manager. I spend on my dresses, however my shoes are often a second thought…. not anymore!!

I just purchased a lovely pair of Vivienne Westwood shoes and in true Carrie Bradshaw style; they are to be worn with my £20.00 hot pink vintage dress!

They are jelly shoes with a mid length heel, they are super comfy, I wore them to dinner last night and had lots of comments! When you walk they are very quiet and you kind of feel like you are walking in high heel trainers?

I think they are a must to any girlies closet especially the Carrie lovers out there!!

Mamma Was A Rolling Stone is an online vintage store and a blog ran by the very talented Bryna, a lady from Australia who migrated over to America this January, not only does she run her own blog Mama Was A Rollin Stone, but she is also the owner and creator of an online store that sells vintage and vintage inspired clothing and accessories, called Rolling Stone Vintage Clothing. I wont ramble but her stuff is simply stunning, accessible and completely varied. Look and read for yourself…. I interviewed her!!

Tell us a little bit about yourself?

Okay, my name is Bryna. I’m 26. I’m actually Australian but I just moved to America in January.

What led to you opening your online store?

For three years, I had been living overseas. When I returned to Australia and started to look for a job, I realized I wanted to do something different, something that I enjoyed. I have always loved vintage clothing and fashion and it just seemed like the natural next step.

Tell us about what your store in tales/ sells etc?

We sell vintage and vintage-inspired clothing, shoes and accessories. We have an emphasis on vintage from the 60s-90s, especially 80s punk and 70s bohemian. We literally sell everything from an 80s swimsuit to a 70s floral dress to a pair of 90s grunge boots.

Where do you think your love of vintage comes from?

I’ve always loved fashion. My earliest “vintage” memory is trawling Glebe Markets in Sydney, Australia and picking out these unique pieces to buy. I used to love taking something to school or out with my friends that no one else had.

What inspires you?

I am inspired by travelling, different cultures, fashion, style, good books, music, everything. Travelling has probably been my biggest fashion inspiration – I have been lucky enough to spend a lot of the last few years travelling and I’ve never been so inspired.

Describe your personal style

I would like to think it is a kooky mix of vintage and modern, with a bohemian twist on some days and a more edgy, tough vibe on others. My closet is full of floral dresses, knee high boots and jeans.

Do you have a muse?

No one in particular – I am constantly inspired by different people. I love people who have many different things going on in their lives, like Lou Doillon, for example – she paints, photographs, designs clothes, acts. I would love to be able to do a whole lot of different things that I love.

What are your wardrobe staples?

Dark sunglasses, a great pair of jeans, a pair of leather boots, a little white summer dress and some ethnic jewelry.

Do you follow designers, if so which ones?

My long-time inspiration lies with Marni, Balenciaga, Anna Sui and Balmain. I also love Luella, Etro and Isabel Marant.

Do you shop on the high street, if so what are your favorite stores?

The words “high street” instantly transport me back to when I lived in London! Living in London, my favorite stores were Topshop (obviously) and Miss Selfridge. Now I’m in America, I love Topshop NYC, H&M, Forever 21, Urban Outfitters. Plus a billion non-high street stores!

What does ‘style’ mean to you?

True style, to me, means not caring what other people think. I struggle with this myself, a lot, but over time, I build up the confidence to wear what I want.

What is the best vintage piece you have ever purchased?

One of my first ever was a suede bag with fringe – I loved it until it died. Also, an ethnic tunic and a studded dress that looks like it is straight out of Balmain’s latest collection. I’ve also been struggling with wanting to keep the things I get in for the store – there is a sequined bandage dress that I just LOVE and a red and black leather bandage dress too.

Do you spend at lot of money on clothes?

I definitely, definitely do when I have money – London was an absolute killer for me! At the moment, I’m pretty broke as it all goes back into the business, so I’m struggling on a day to day basis not to go on a shopping frenzy!

Do you collect anything other than vintage clothing?

No, I don’t collect anything else. But I do have a rather large box of keepsakes.. I have every train/plane/bus/museum ticket from every place I’ve ever been.

Do you have any advice to offer anyone wanting to open an online store like yourself?

Sure. Be prepared for many months of doubting yourself, spending money and feeling like you want to throw it all in. And also be prepared to love that you are doing something for yourself, love that you have forged your own path and love that when you get a sale or a write up in the press, it’s because of all your hard work.

So do have a look at her fantastic online store Rolling Stone Vintage Clothing and also her wonderful and very informative blog, Mama Was A Rolling Stone.

Ps…. Bryna is the model in the pics!

Erm…. not quiet as dramatic as the above quotation but almost… for me anyway! Kate Moss’s second collection of the year has now risen and is on sale in a Topshop near you, and its good guys its really really good…. So good in fact I am currently on the phone to my bank in an attempt to extend my overdraft!!

The collection is based on her long summers spent in Ibiza, the festivals she has attended, and the intermit finds she has acquired whilst on her travels and throughout he long fruitful life in the fashion industry.

The high summer collection is a lovely mix of animal print, tie-dye, summer sequins and some beautiful limited addition pieces! In my opinion is is the best we’ve seen from Miss Moss in a while. The collections release is in accordance with payday so nothing (apart from your dreaded rent) should be holding you back in your quest for the perfect summer wardrobe. So sharpen your elbows head into town and peruse this exquisite collection…or, sit on your bum, like me, and order it from the comfort of your own home!

I have listed some of my personal favourites!!

The Tie-Dye blouse

A stunning multi coloured shirt costing £40.00, is perfect for festival season. If your of on your jolly’s this year, would tuck this into denim hot pants and team with gladiator sandals or if attending a festival, I’d wear this with my green festival wellies and a chunky brown leather belt over the bottom of the shirt. Accessorize with lots of dangling boho jewelry, a homemade daisy chain headband and festival hair!

Weave halter Mini

Another statement piece, this dresses is from the limited addition range and its completely individual and perfect for the long legged amongst us! The weave halter neck detail and body-con shape with tassel detail makes this dress simply divine, and perfect for any summer holiday. On this occasion I would let this dress do all the talking, and team it with black gladiator sandals, tied back hair and lots of wrist bangles.

Kaftan Liberty print Dress

This Kaftan dress is one of the many stunning summer dresses to choose from within the Kate Moss collection! The beautiful rope halter neck detail and stunning liberty print makes this simple summer design a complete show stopper. Simple hair, simple jewelry and simple shoes are all you will need to accompany this outfit. In the day i’d wear this with flat ballet pumps, of an evening i’d add a clash colour clutch and skin coloured t.bar heels.

I could seriously go on all day! However I will stop there and let you go to the Topshop website and pick some favourites of your own!

Keep a particular eye out for the stunning vests and scarf’s that will be essential to your wardrobe if you are attending festivals this year!

Happy shopping

Isle of White Festival
12th – 14th June
A big party that began in 1968 – A dressy affair attended by an array of glamourous celebrity’s!

Glastonbury
24th – 28th June
This is the type of festival that you go to once and you’ll go forever! The atmosphere is unrivalled, with a fun, friendly, family feel. It’s full of hippies, interesting locals and incredible daring fashions on show! Expect to see lots of checked shirts, wax jackets, skinny jeans, and little floral dresses… and of course….WELLIES!

Benicassim
13th – 21st July
If you fancy a festival abroad then there is not a better one to attend then Benicassim in the beautiful surrounds of Barcelona! With the likes of Oasis and Kings of Leon playing, it is a festival not to miss, pack loads of bohemian floaty floral dresses, think of the Ossie Clark dresses made famous by Pattie Boyd.

Bestival
11th-13 September
End your festival season with non other the best of them all Bestival! Pack lots of sequins, little dresses, and coloured wigs! Bestival is outrageous and home to one of the largest fancy dress parades in the UK!

So now you know where to go, the key to surviving a festival is preparation!! I know it’s all about being effortlessly cool but if you don’t get organised before you go, you’ll fall at the first hurdle. Last year I fully prepared, I planned my outfits well in advance, made sure the ensemble suited all weather conditions, I didn’t comprise my style by buying a wet weather coat, instead I invested in a wax jacket which really made all the difference! It’s keeps out the cold of an evening and if the rain comes the wax jacket is willing to step up to the plate! It looks fantastic and also has an unbelievable amount of pockets, which is ever so hand at a festival.

The boyf (who’s normally quite trendy) decided to shove a load of over practical wet weather gear into his rucksack instead of actual clothes. When we arrived at Glastonbury last year, to his complete horror it was beautifully sunny and all the men were dressed like stylish cultivators! Poor boyf spent the weekend sweating it out in clothes fit for Snowdon!

This year I have decided I want to go feminine and a little cleaner, last year I was quite grungy and thrown together. I searched the Moonspark website and discovered this fabulous finds!

This stunning Peoples Market Owl Shift Dress is one of the best dresses I have seen in some time! Animal motifs are huge this year and this satin appliqué owl design is no exception. I also love the block colour around the neck and high and cut away shoulder. White for a festival is probably a no-go but I don’t care I’ll be wearing this with my lovely green wellies and woolly socks or if the sun decides to shine ill team it with gladiator sandals or biker boots!

Sugarhill Leopard Print Pocket dress is so effortless and easy going…perfect for a festival. It doesn’t matter if it gets creased in you bag you can simply accessorise that to your look. I’d wear this with a long brown leather belt rapped around my waist a few times. Heavy biker boots and lots of long necklaces.

The Max C Silk Baby Doll dress is to die for! Again another outfit that wont hold creases and doesn’t weigh anything so perfect when your slugging up a hill to find a place to pitch your tent. If the sun is out I think this would work with little flat shoe boots, and if the weather isn’t great team this beautiful dress with skinny jeans or thick black tights and your wellies and finish with a trusty wax jacket.

Don’t just take my word for it, visit the Moonspark website and claim 10% off selected items simply by typing “SUMMER” into the discount tab at the checkout.

Happy Camping campers!

Here’s how you can get the look of the first lady:
At the G20 Conference, Michelle has opted for full skirts paired with a cardigan and pearls – a style that can easily be worn by women of any size. Embody Michelle’s look with fashions from OneStopPlus.com, the worlds first and only plus size webmall. Pair a skirt and cardigan with pearls like those on Michelle by visiting DiamondShark.com.

Pearl Earrings: $33.00

Cardigan: $29.99

Skirt: $39.99

The Dress:
www.edressme.com has a specific “wedding guest” dress section on its homepage, which can help you navigate to the best options for all the upcoming weddings you have to attend.

For jewelry, visit DiamondShark.com, which features a “Deal a day” on a specific piece of fine jewelry…up to 60% off retail prices. In this economy, we all want to sport some bling, but don’t necessary have the cash to do so. Solve that problem by purchasing wedding guest jewelry at discount fine jewelry outlets.

The nine-yard wonder has also had many global adaptations. While Hermes, Lanvin, Versace and Alberta Ferretti have showcased their interpretations of a sari, Hermes’s Jean Paul Gaultier describes reinterpreting the sari as “a pure pleasure”. Interestingly, Hermes’s spring/summer 2008 collection was called ‘Fantasies Indiennes’ and included some sari-styled cocktail dresses.

Popular American designer Oscar de la Renta confesses to have been “enormously influenced by the country’s colour and beauty.” It isn’t surprising then that most of the designer’s embroidery work is done in India and that two of his bags are called ‘Bombay’ and ‘Agra’.