CINDY'S NEW SOFA

So this week I started something silly that turned out to be rather great. Silly since I adventurously embarked on the task without prior experience, but great because, with luck and help, it all worked out (phewwww!).

2 days ago, I reupholstered a sofa. LOL.

To be honest, I picked out my Ikea purchase with the intention of swapping its plain skin for a more interesting one, but I didn’t realise it would be succccch a palaver… pattern-cutting, pinning, hemming, stitching, sewing - and gluing, too, actually. And let’s not forget the stapling involved. (Don’t worry, the couch is safe to sit on - I’m typing this post in the comfort of its seat.)

So here’s what the couch looked like at its most boring… a little before and after action for ya.

The most lengthly task, I believe, was the first - me making a decision on the material I’d use to cover the thing.

Ikea has a great selection of all-over patterns, arty textiles and bright colours, but being that I’m absolutely rubbish at decision-making, I actually made 3 trips to Ikea’s textile department on 3 separate days… much to the disgruntlement of le boyf, whose street-cred, he claimed, crashed and burned the moment he took a pair of scissors to floral cotton in public…

I knew I wanted to go down the black, white, grey and/or patterned route, but there were soooo many options! Here’s a few that made the cut.

Next up was the taking apart of the sofa – what I like to call ‘the easy bit’. (Easy because I didn’t do it – yep, boyfriends come in very handy for building and bolting as well as cutting material…)

Then there was my Blue Peter moment and the laborious task of amateur measuring and pinning I did, before seeking some help with the sewing - much thanks to my stepmum for being magic with a sewing machine!

After making lots of little sleeves for my then jigsaw-ed sofa, I dressed each piece and then staple-gunned the material to its wooden undersides…

B-bang! Very loud, fun and somehow empowering. The staple-gun also doubled as a ‘keep your man in check’ weapon for when my boyfriend became bored of helping me. (LOL… those things really can fire across quite a range!)

Along each edge of material I could find (and around the holes I made for the bolts of the sofa, needed to hold the thing together) I drew over some clear glue, of the PVA variety. This apparently helps stop future fraying of material and its gradual falling apart…

Finally, I finished my black and white, big-patterned concoction of a couch; my room’s new statement piece.

Being a lover of clash, thrash and slapdash décor, I intend to add one or more of these soft leather cushions I picked up in Turkey a few years ago, which I’ve been dying to place somewhere other than inside my cupboard…

Joyous that the sofa adds life to my blank-canvas-white room (which I intend to splash with pattern and colour over the next few weeks) I’m pleased with my choice of fabric – it will work with everything since it’s simple colour-wise, but not too boring pattern-wise.

With my feeling of accomplishment in hand and other imaginations waiting to come alive and made real about the abode, all I can say is watch out rest of the house! I have big ideas, a pair of scissors and a staple gun - and I’m not afraid to use them!

Ciao for now FABlings. 

A FAUX DIOR? HOW DARE SHE?

So I’m back again with more selfish news about – yes, you guessed it – a very recent but very FABulous purchase. One I’m so proud of I felt to post (and boast) about.

Saying that though, there’s something a little shameful about this particular steal, but I’ll admit, it’s my first ever offence. And no, before you go there, I did not pinch anything! Yesterday, FAB ones, I bought my very first fake.

But admire it, I can’t help but do, because with the trickle of guilt and aghast at myself, a lickle smile doth spread at this brilliant find – a navy, boxy ‘Christian Dior’ bag.

…And where else did I find this piece of vintage fakery, but a charity shop – one of my favourite places to rummage.

Stolen for a mere exchange of £4.50, you have to admit, it was worth it – even if it does mock the real design it was inspired by. Besides, that 4squid fifty I spent went towards a good cause (one other than the ‘Grow My Bag Collection’ which I founded several years ago and can’t help be involved with. LOL).

Most people would be ashamed to venture into an Oxfam with good fashion on their bodies and in their minds, embarrassed to be seen entering such a musty environment. But hey, if my lucking out with this bag does something other than complete my outfit, let it give you the cahoonies to stroll on into your nearest Age Concern, unconcerned with ‘street-cred’ and what the onlookers/boyf might think.

Brownie points for ‘self-less’ shopping aside, and back on the subject of my fashion fraudulence, I’m thinking I could mix and muddle the faux bag with some genuine goods, such as my gorgeous Jimmys (a 21^st birthday present I’ll never forget, but has only seen the light of day once), my Tiffany’s drop pendant and solid gold and sapphire bangle…

Their gold and silver-coloured details perfectly combine with that of the ‘Dior’ imposter, as does the jewel tones of the sapphire in the bangle and the navy bag, with the purple on the Choos. Taking it way too far and into over-thought territory, I’ll note the interlocking hopes of the pendant match those of the letters punched into the bag above the clasp…

My ‘Keeping it (almost) Real’ ensemble. (An outft I‘ll probably not wear on my next visit to Oxfam if I’m only to buy one thing…)

I’ll leave you now to join the stampede down to your local charity shop, to part with pennies in exchange for some seriously sweet and cheap swag, showing you’re both fashion and good-cause-conscious. Who said one can’t be both fashionable and charitable, simply by shopping?

PAN COLLARS, FLORAL PRINTS AND GUILT-FREE SHOPPING...

CINDY IN THE FAB HOUSE

Hi all, how are you? FABulous I hope….

Just a brief post today to tell you why February is so great. And yes, it’s a fashion-related lust I have for the month, FABsolutely nothing to do with Valentine’s day…

If you haven’t guessed already, my penchant for Feb is all about the post-Christmas sales, and the fact that they are still floating around. AND, being that it’s 2 months since Jesus’ b’day, shops are starting to get a tinnnnncy bit desperate. Just how I likes it.

That means even the sales seem to have sales, where clothes can be found at half price, and then halved again. And generally, it is about this time of year that I strike - walking past shops, you can smell the desperation to flog things, anything… that’s when I enter, armed with a purse full of pennies.

Being that this year around I’m too busy being (at) FAB to stop, shop and cop constantly, I’ve only had a sneaky, quick peak into Zara this week. But being time-limited doesn’t mean I’ma leave empty handed…

Check out these cute tees I pulled from Zara’s sale rail… They (temporarily)satisfy both my need for cheap fash pleasures and my current obsession with collars.

Perfect pan collars at their cheapest - £6.99 since you asked.

The best thing about this purchase is (other than the price and the guilt-free feeling that it comes with) the ditzy floral print top. It’s a blend of two trends set for Spring-Summer. Clever Zara. Worst thing would be that the stripe on the second tee is too thin - ickle stripes make way for big, ballsy bands this year :-/

Oh well, can’t always get it right… but at least in February I can get it for next to nothing. 

DECISIONS, DECISIONS... FOR CINDY

CINDY IN THE FAB HOUSE!

So, dear blog-reader, here it is – my first post, ever.

Yes, I know. YAAAYYYYYY! … I feel it too!

A mere ten years behind in joining the blogosphere, I arrive fashionably late (of course) to celebrate this special day, and let me start by saying Gung Hay Fat Choy!

…Let me explain.

My boyf is half Scottish, half Chinese (yep, interesting combo) and every year, though he’s more British than anything else culturally, his family see in a second new year – Chinese New Year. This time around, Chinese New Year falls upon today, 3^rd Feb 2011 (The above Cantonese phrase translated is ‘May prosperity be with you.’).

While from year to year the pivotal date changes, the plan does not. Food, fun, family and firecrackers. Oh and there’s fung-bao – little red paper pockets of money, which are gifted between family members, usually from elders to young’uns. (yay for me and le boyf :D lol)

On said special occasion, which I particularly enjoy, being that it brightens up the otherwise dull and cold January/February, I get to eat, like, loaaaadds, of one of my favourite foods….

Italian. 

No, (teehee) obviously I’ll be eating Chinese cuisine, and at one of the nicest buffet-restaurants Milton Keynes has to offer (Zen Gardens, Milton Keynes, UK). Yummy.

Only problem is, although I’ve spent all day trying to find a ‘parent-friendly’ (since his parents will be joining us) and Oriental-inspired outfit (I’m never one to turn down a theme, plus if I’m going to look like a tourist, I may as well do it to my best ability), I’m stuck for choice. Thus, the perfect outfit planning is not going well and I’m kicking myself for not buying something ahead of tonight. (If it weren’t for my previous New Year’s resolution, not to buy new outfits for every event, I would be stress-free right now!)

While rooting and blogging simultaneously and in a panic, I found this navy, floral number that I picked up last year over Chinese New Year, which I spent in Mauritius with the boyf’s family. I found it in a little outlet called ‘Redsnapper’, and it cost me 400 Rupees… that’s a delicious £8 fyi.

(How I do love impulsive buys that stay in the wardrobe forever until one day, when they literally save your (style’s) life…)

I add some red lips and nails (because red is typically worn for the occasion, as the colour is believed to be lucky, and to effectively chase away bad spirits.)

With those tiny details settled and the main garm sorted, (with it’s perfectly floral/bird printed pattern, oh so of the orient) I begin to build tonight’s ‘look’.

Here’s how I’ve chopped (hoy-yah!) and changed the ensemble so far…

My first edit is built upon le dress, which is Britished-down with Bertie brogues, Topshop tights and a blazer to add some smarts. I’m also sporting this unusual suede and leather torquoise bag I got at The Clothes Show for £3. Mmmm, cheap….  But I worry it’s a little too dark, since bright colours are typically worn for the occasion.

Ditching the blazer and replacing the brogues for suedette Asos shoe boots, and changing to a suede envelope clutch by Faith, I try to dress the dress up a bit…

Since it’s cold, methinks a woolly cardi should replace the clutch – a more sensible accessory. Plus, I feel every dressy outfit works best with an element of cas(ual) and this woolly lightens the look…

I also add some oriental-looking black and gold drops and clinch the waist with a vintage black woven belt, to define myself against the baggy cardigan. 

I next try some extra-cas appeal and work the dress with some ballet pumps by John Rocha, and a sleeveless, tied up shirt, buttoned up to the top for a vintagey take…

Adding my boyf’s black cardi and a piece of ribbon to the neck. This looks a little quirky and fash but maybe not right for tonight…

Typically Virgo, my search for perfection is running me late – it’s T minus 3 hours until the meal! (Or, perhaps I’m being typically Rabbit - my Chinese zodiac - and being indecisive…)

Either way I just decide to get some online inspiration, and it’s lucky I do, as I stumbled across a little gem of information… For Chinese New Year, ‘people typically wear new clothes from head to toe to symbolise a new beginning in the new year.’

Elated, I finish this post by saying a very Mandarin Xin Nian Kuai Le! (Happy New Year!) so I can quickly nip out for some necessary shopping (you read the above, I’ve more or less been instructed, lol).

Loving the excuse – ahem, reason - to ditch that resolution, I’m off to spend. Wish me luck…

MS PERFECTIONIST: CINDY HUDSON, ASSISTANT EDITOR

Name: Cindy

Age: 23

Born and bred in: The U.K.

Role at FAB: Assistant Editor

FAB part of your job: Being able to contribute my own ideas and work within a creative environment with lovely people. Being able to get up close to (and actually touch) shiny pretty things at shoots, as well as occasionally being able to work in my PJs at home - forget stilettos for work, I'm rocking slippers all season...

Least liked but still FAB part of your job: I would say the occasional stress of last minute ops, lack of organization that comes with the field and unexpected cancellations. And of course the late night fine-combing of each issue which ensues a week before print date... although not many people can say they sleep as the sun rises and for a small total of 4 hours before they're up again for work... We at FAB are so rock'n'roll.

Aspirations/goals: To one day have my own magazine, write a novel and have dabbled in presenting - all with an aim to be able to keep using the phrase 'I love my job'. And who knows, maybe I'll even have time for a little designing. The sky, apparently, is the limit.

Inspirations: Music, fashion, art, people and life. It's a very vague list I know...

Hero/Heroine: I look up to many people for different reasons and so can't narrow down to one answer. As an example, Beth Ditto: a girl who braves a society that doesn't always condone/understand the mixture of her talent and aesthetic.

FAB motto: It's not what you know, it's who you know - something I've heard my Dad say many a-time. Plus it really is true!

Best piece of advice you can offer: Do what you love to do and seek a career with that in mind - you spend probably two-thirds of your life at work, so make sure you enjoy it almost as much as not working... To be stuck at a desk you hate for most of your life is a horrible thought and a waste of precious little time.

Your kind of music: Indie/Rock/Pop/RnB/HipHop/Ragga/Funky House... whatever has me moving or singing.

Your kind of book: A short one (LOL) I'm not going to lie. I'm very poorly read. I have some titles on my 'to-read' list (The Time Traveller's Wife, Sophie's World...) but I'll point out they have been stacked on my shelf waiting for my attention for quite some time. Anything that comes highly recommended makes it on to the pile and when I have the pleasure of enjoying a month-long holiday, I will get down to some reading. Lord of the Flies was probably the last book I've read and I can say that, although it was long, I liked it. Big thumbs up for W.Goulding.

Dream destination: #Jamaica, Jamaicaha!# and Beijing... can't wait.

Your style in a nutshell: Eclectic... and variable: sometimes I'm glam, sometimes I'm vintagey, and sometimes I'm dressed a little bit street (high tops, high tops and more high tops). Other times, I just can't be bothered. I'll keep you posted though.

Kryptonite: Sales make me weak at the knees. New clothes (and shoes, and bags, and jewellery) are also on the impossible-to-avoid list, as is Topshop, TKmaxx and Ebay. Oh and sweet things like cake, chocolate and my boyfriend ("Tee-hee").

Pet Peeve: People borrowing things without asking, seeing someone else rocking my top/dress/bag/shoes/anything, those that diss your outfit but buy it soon after, lies (however small) and wet blankets (the human kind).

Your USP: I could talk for Britain if given the chance and my dark sense of humour could probably shock even the most foul-minded person. Oh and I laugh at all my own jokes... because they're the funniest. Though my main unique selling point is always the fact that there is only one me. Get it before it's gone.

Log on to my blog if you like: Procrastinating.

Cindy, the fashion-stalking enthusiast and Assistant Editor at FAB Magazine, is a recent university graduate in Journalism, Media and Communications at The University of Buckingham in England.

Interested in all things wearable, from clothes and accessories to make up and fragrances, and all else that makes up a ‘look’, Cindy is busy thinking up new dreams since her ambition to work on a publication of mutual interests has been fulfilled.

Since finding her perfect match in FAB, Cindy remains face-deep in a mountain of articles to edit and ears full of instructions to carry out, but ever excited to help deliver the next issue of FAB Magazine.