~squiggle~

As an avid thrift shopper, I rarely lust over designer brands. While I love fashion designers and their clothes, I simply don't have the means to afford them and I don't see the point in spending tonnes of money on clothes when I can find equally as great ones in the thrift shop. 

However, that being said, there is one designer and store that has my heart. Her name is Vivienne Westwood. She is truly amazing. She's been designing since the 80s and to this day continues to come up with the most outrageous and intricate clothing. Her very first shop still stands in London, UK, and is called "World's End" after renaming it every week before settling on that. My dream of visiting her store was realized last summer on my trip to England. I only spent two days in London but made sure I visited her shop. It was small yet cozy and bursting with personality. Her mannequins were dressed to the nines and I was completely overwhelmed with emotion. I knew I wanted to purchase something to commemorate my visit and to treat myself. Money wasn't a thing, I just wanted something I would love and cherish forever. The shirt I'm wearing below is what I ended up choosing. My logical self immediately thought that I should buy a bag, wallet, or jewelry, but my gut screamed clothing. The squiggle print was invented in the 80s for her pirate collection, one that she is famous for. This print screams Vivienne to me. I wanted something that I would feel like I was wearing one of her pieces without being flashy with a logo or emblem. Her clothes truly speak for themselves and make people think. This shirt seems simple until you realize all of the unique details. The print, the cut, and how she put them all together is what drew me into this top. I literally thought for a split two seconds about purchasing and the next thing I knew, I was in a cab with a Vivienne bag in hand, on the way to the London Eye. And that's how it happened, folks! 

I try to wear this shirt at least once a month because I would hate to be one of those people who save good China for fancy occasions. If something was expensive, all the more reason to wear it more often to get your money's worth. This shirt simply makes me happy and for that reason I will show it some love! The running shoes are a recent thrift treasure as they were brand new with tags! They're one of the comfiest shoes I own and have become my new favourites at the gym.

Shirt: Vivienne Westwood , World's End (I couldn't find a link but you can find some on eBay and in her stores), Jeans: F21+, $18. Shoes: Adidas, Value Village, $23. Purse: Winners, $26. Ring: Camden Market, London, UK. 

Photos by Lisa Kidd. 

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England - Part 4: Last Day in London

I'm now back home in Canada. This is the first time I've had the opportunity to make a new post! Here's a recap of our last day in London:

Plans for our last day in London included visiting my favourite designer's original shop, World's End (Vivienne Westwood), and then meeting up with Jonathan's family to go on the London Eye and sight see a little bit. We got up, had breakfast, and hopped in a cab to World's End. I have dreamed of this store for years and never imagined I would actually get to go. As the cab pulled up, it was like walking into a dream. It was so unreal, I can't describe it. We walked in and were greeted by the three sales people. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. All the mannequins were dressed in complete Vivienne style and everything I had watched on T.V., online, and in magazines was in front of my eyes. It's one thing to watch a fashion show and another to actually see and touch the clothes. I knew I couldn't leave without buying something so I sifted through each item. I was close to buying a gold necklace with her logo on it when I succumbed to the shirt that caught my attention from the second I walked in. I quickly tried it on and without a doubt purchased it. I'll show you in a blog post in the near future. It's quirky and fun and SO Vivienne. I'll treasure it forever. 

We hopped in another cab, got our stuff from the hotel, and rode to Paddington station to meet up with his family. We then took the underground to the London Eye which is basically a huge ferris wheel near Big Ben that has little domes that hold up to 25 people. The wheel slowly goes up and gives you the best view of London. I thought it would be scary since I'm scared of heights but since it moves so slowly, I felt ok! I got to see the entire city from the top and it was beautiful. We also got lucky with a sunny day. 

After the Eye we got some food and walked past Big Ben. We then ventured over to the beautiful Tower Bridge and off to a pub for dinner before heading back to Bath. All in all, I ADORED London but definitely didn't spend enough time there. I know I'll be going back there one day. There is just so much to see and do! 

the dream.

The Eye.

What a view!

The Eye from afar.

Big Ben. 

Tower Bridge.

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Ms. Westwood, I love you.

Vivienne Westwood is my favourite fashion designer. 

It's the whimsical red hair, British accent, and obscure insanity that is her personality and collections. She's unlike the others, really. 

She's so smart when it comes to fashion design, climate change, and caring for the environment. 

What I like most about her:

1. She's a British fashion designer.
2. She's unexpected.

Things you should know about her:

1. She's British.
2. Full name: Vivienne Isabel Swire
3. Began designing clothes in 1971.
4. Won British Designer of the Year in 1990
5. Her son is the founder of Agent Provocateur.
6. World's End is her boutique in London (my dream is to go there.)

Do yourself a favor and skim through (or gaze through) some of her collections here. You're bound to be inspired.

Watch the full pt 1 of the interview here. Anyone can learn so much from just listening to her. 

Sources: 1. http://www.vogue.co.uk/spy/biographies/vivienne-westwood-biography 2. www.youtube.com 

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