One Month On

So...... It's been one whole month now since I transitioned all my accounts to the new name of UKStyleChicky and I'm amazed at how many followers have joined me on Instagram already - over 400 fellow fashionistas 😻

This week I was feeling a little inspired by other postings I have seen on Instagram and I'm currently in love with flatlays.  I have tried a few flatlay pictures before, using mostly my accessories, but this time I was experimenting and I hope you like the result.

The magazine was the main focus of my inspiration.  I had also spoilt my home by buying a bunch of flowers from the local supermarket (£3 from Aldi - last of the big spenders, I know!!).  There was also a packet of Fondant Fancies lying around in the cupboard looking all unloved and unappreciated.  They were definitely very appreciated after their photo call.  

Any hints and tips on how to make a great flatlay photo using only an I-pad would be really appreciated.

So the only thing left for me now is to hope that summer arrives here in the UK soon.  It's the Spring Bank Holiday weekend here and it's been a chilly 12 Celcius (54F).  The forecast for the coming week doesn't look very inspiring.  When will I get to wear my sandals without my toes freezing off?  Place your bets here.

Until next time.

Japanese Influences With A Hint Of The Crazy 88

I have always been a fan of Japanese styles, so I put together a little style spread of a few of my favourite things.  There is the beautiful kimono jacket I picked up from River Island a couple of years ago.  There's also a selection of my favourite bags and purses, all with the Japanese influence.  I adore blossom as well, a notable feature in many Japanese style gardens.

There is one extra item you'll notice here; a DVD of one of my favourite films, "Kill Bill".  My favourite parts of the film are probably the most obvious - the Crazy 88 being carved up in the restaurant, with O-Ren Ishii being followed into the garden to have the top of her head lopped off.  The fact that the fight in itself is so unashamedly ridiculous - let's face it, the survival rates of all of have the usual Hollywood high - makes it one of the best fight scenes ever.  

Plus this part of the film is set in Japan, with a beautifully dark contrasting interior to the restaurant, the lovely kimonos and dresses that O-Ren Ishii and her counterparts wear, the beautiful Japanese garden with snow starting to fall over it and the plip plop of the water feature.

But my favourite quote? It has to be when O-Ren Ishii cuts off the head of the man who questions her cultural background.  This is pulled directly from the Internet, so excuse the swearing for those of you that don't like it.  I wonder how often some of us want to shout that last line to people when they're being disagreeable with you!!!!

Until next time

O-Ren Ishii: [in English] As your leader, I encourage you from time to time, and always in a respectful manner, to question my logic. If you're unconvinced that a particular plan of action I've decided is the wisest, tell me so, but allow me to convince you and I promise you right here and now, no subject will ever be taboo. Except, of course, the subject that was just under discussion. The price you pay for bringing up either my Chinese or American heritage as a negative is... I collect your fucking head. Just like this fucker here. Now, if any of you sons of bitches got anything else to say, now's the fucking time!