The Head Piece and the Headdress

Friday afternoon, and I am fighting the temptation to leap into the outdoors and perform some sort of pagan sun dance, celebratating the hot sun that we are ephemerally blessed with. If I were to discard the co-ordination of House of Beth’s wardrobe for my blazingly beautiful sun mistress however, I would need a head-piece (as well as rather good excuse to give to Talia.)

Yes, a head-piece or a headdress is a historical necessity for any form of worship. From the tribal to the Pope today, they all don their hair in preparation for celebration and worship with feathers, jewels and gold.

And as we, the secular masses, prepare to celebrate the summer and worship the sun, do we too don ourselves with a head-pieces? Well, I suppose we wear sun-hats, but as glamorous as they can be, they lack a sparkle that speaks to the sunshine, for they are far too practical to be considered true crowns. For the head-piece, the perfect head-piece, should act as pure adornment, for our own personal jubilee.

Recently flower crowns have been a massive festival must, a wave to the flower power of the ’60s and your inner fairy-princess. You can purchase them from £3 to £75, from Spitalfield stalls to tiny vintage boutiques. New in for the festival look, are the Native-American inspired feather warrior crowns, which is a fun alternative to flowers, albeit a heavy one.

If you don’t fancy the ‘Hiawatha meets the 21^st century look’, House of Beth has provided you with it’s own range of affordable head-dresses, that differ from both the flower power 60s’ and the feather fun. These headdresses are mirrored with our collection of clothes we are releasing this summer that draw upon the cultural event of the year – the Olympics. To me, Olympics says ancient Greece, rather than panting around in sweats, and as Talia’s all time favourite poet was an ancient Greek poet who sang bravely and magnificently on love, we decided to base our ‘look’ and thus head-pieces this season on Sappho.

Wile Weaving Daughter

Sappho embodies the sensual woman, who is beautiful because she expresses her love and vulnerability, fearlessly. She is renowned poetically by sages, through out the ages, for this. And today we too, pay tribute to her love poetry by our collection’s headdresses that celebrate this poetic beauty. When wearing these headdresses, they will transform an ordinary outfit of a simple white dress and sandals into the Sappho goddess, celebrating your own beauty and worshiping life, love and death. They make you feel at once beautiful and strong, like the ancient Greek poetess herself, with gold and pearls.

On this note, I will put on my own headdress and give my skin to the sunlight so I may cleanse the winter away.

Love

S x

N: B Our Ancient Greece inspired head dresses are made for us by the endlessly talented Justine Silverstone, who takes a few jewels and creates the personality of the woman who inspires our collection. Luckily for you, although they look far from high street, they are high street prices, for House of Beth pledges to always offer high range apparel at mid-range prices.

Sappho

“Violet-haired, pure, honey-smiling Sappho”

She was about sex, love, poetry. Smart as hell, and sassy to boot. An enigma who’s given us access to her deepest thoughts. A woman about whom we know nothing of use, and everything of importance. Doesn’t she sound a little like your best friend?

Sappho was born on the Island of Lesbos in the early-7^th century BC. She wrote poetry. And that’s about all we know of her. A violet-haired mystery. But through her poems, she’s left us keys to the innermost rooms of her heart.

I have not had one word from her

Frankly I wish I were dead
When she left, she wept

a great deal; she said to me, "This parting must be
endured, Sappho. I go unwillingly."

I said, "Go, and be happy
but remember (you know 
well) whom you leave shackled by love

"If you forget me, think                                                    
of our gifts to Aphrodite
and all the loveliness that we shared

"all the violet tiaras,
braided rosebuds, dill and
crocus twined around your young neck

"myrrh poured on your head
and on soft mats girls with
all that they most wished for beside them

"while no voices chanted
choruses without ours,
no woodlot bloomed in spring without song..."

--Translated by Mary Barnard

(via http://blog.michelleragoltd.com/butterfly-kisses-and-wishes-on-wings_767/)

Yes, that’s a woman she’s pining for.

 Sure, there have been debates about whether these poems were autobiographical. Sure, same-sex romantic love was more common in Greece than in other historical periods. But let’s be clear about this: Sappho was absolutely subverting norms when she wrote this. Loving women was a brave thing in a world where (even high-status, intelligent) women were ultimately expected to keep house, have children, and behave. Writing well was a brave thing in a patriarchal society where men held political power, and men’s education was most cherished. Writing better than men – well. That was just foolish.

Except somehow, it wasn’t. Through her genius – the beauty, clarity and feeling in her poetry – Sappho gained not just acceptance, but admiration. Plato called her the 10th muse. Students study her work to this day.

Sappho is a muse, but not just for men, not just for poets. House of Beth is basing their next collection on her – strong, sensuous, loving and intelligent – and the spark that she brings to the world through her writing.

Take heed:

That country girl has witched your wishes,
all dressed up in her country clothes
and she hasn't got the sense
to hitch her rags above her ankles.

--Translated by Jim Powell

Have the sense. Make like House of Beth’s Sappho and you’ll never be the country bumpkin! Combine sexy confidence (those cheeky hints of skin) with the heady romance of a floaty dress. Twine flowers through your hair, or beads. Get fierce, brave, and inspired.

After all, we can all use a little extra poetry in our lives.

By Saskia Deerson 

 Itsy Bitsy Bang…Bikini !
Hello my ethical stars! Its been a while and I've missed you! But I'm back with a bang and ready to share all!
My Inspiration for this blog comes from a recent adventure I've had... in which a spontaneous unveiling of a recently purchased two piece, sent my heart racing and sparks flying. Needless to say this yellow Graecian number resulted in one sexy lady and one happy bunny. And im not talking about lingerie….rather the one and only teeny Bikini.  For a moment in time I felt like a sun kissed sea maiden wading through the waters of the Caribbean, until of course I realized I was actually at home in my living room. But let a girl dream ;)


 Bikinis may be itsy bitsy, but they sure can produce a big bang.  Dynamite comes in small packages after all does it not? The infamous tiny two piece of vintage fashion was invented by French engineer Louis Réard in 1946. The Frenchman named it after ‘Bikini Atoll’ in the South Pacific, the site of nuclear weapon tests, assuming that this slinky creation would cause such a reaction similar to an atomic bomb!
The Bikini is not just a fashion statement, but rather a powerful symbol for the evolved emancipation of women and their freedom of expression. We may not be fully there yet, but ladies we have come a long way since the 20’s where the permitted bathing suit garments resembled frumpy one piece cloths, compared to the flattering two piece most of us wear today.
However, although the bikini is the most popular choice of swimwear universally for women, not every culture is as accepting of it.  In some conservative cultures the bikini is considered too provocative for men to control themselves, and thus disrespectful attire. Whereas in others it is a significant symbol of the progression of women’s liberation throughout different generations and celebrated. In addition, its wearers have passed into legend, becoming iconic images of 20th Century popular culture. Who can forget that 1962 Dr No moment when Ursula Andress,  playing Bond Girl Honeychile Rider, emerges from the sea with nothing but a striking ivory bikini.  So iconic was this vision that the bikini in itself was then sold at an auction for $61, 500 dollars. A woman’s body in all its glory, the way it moves, is captivating to ones eyes. I severely doubt a pair of cheeky speedos on a man would have provoked the same universal awe.  Well, then there was Borat in his mankini but that’s another story…

 Personally, I think the bikini shows your body at its most beautiful and natural state, where every contour, shape and even scar is shown in a light that can only be called your own. Lingerie is something private, secretive, passionate….however the bikini hides nothing and celebrates everything simultaneously. Teamed with a honey roasted tan, bright citrus colours can accentuate your Summer glow, whilst darker shades may draw attention to your striking silhouette. This is the excitement and beauty of choosing bikinis for the holidays!
 I walked into a bikini shop recently and took a deep breath, this is what I call the bikini body worry. Was I really ready to de-robe and see myself pre summer skin? Sod it, the answer was yes. ‘I’ll have one of these in every colour please!’ Mint green? wonderful, citrus yellow? fabulous, sultry black? definitely. Just please helpful lady behind the counter, help give me a bum! And so I rubbed my genie lamp and wished for a J Lo behind for my 10 day holiday. To which I was handed a Brazilian bottom piece which miraculously transformed my derriere. As a kind gesture for my multiple purchases, I was handed three wonderfully unattractive beach mats with matching Sombrero hats. Luckily I live near quite a few charity shops.
 Now my bikinis are sorted for my upcoming exotic holiday…. the rest is irrelevant. Well, apart from some sun factor… a bikini won’t look so fabulous when you’re burnt to cinders!  The bikini itself has reportedly been around for over 1,700 years according to pre-historic mosaics in Sicily which depict women exercising and carrying out duties wearing bikinis. It has taken years and years for it to be socially acceptable for ‘decent’ women to wear bikinis in public, and I can safely say I don’t think its going anywhere. In my opinion the bikini’s scandalous history has contributed to its ever popular standing in modern day society. For something that’s been fought for and has triumphed across most cultures, its longevity is imminent. Saying that of course, there are ways to keep things classy….and im talking more old Hollywood glamour bikinis, less Sisqo Thong song.  In my opinion, although we should celebrate our different bodies and the beauty of the bikini, we should still aim to keep our hidden treasures, hidden! Unless of course an unruly tide washes our dignity away.

 Of course the evolution of the bikini has propelled other beauty industries such as tanning and body treatments. Some women however go too far with getting that perfect ‘bikini body’ in time for their holidays. Its only human nature to worry a little or feel slightly insecure at the thought of parading along a beach in a little bikini in front of prying and often creepy eyes, however there are healthy limits.  Most adverts being sprawled across our billboards and magazines show strong images of perma tanned, barely there size zero women donning fabulous swimwear.  This is not necessarily a good example for impressionable women (age irrelevant) and more often than not prey on their insecurities, making them believe they should aim to look like an unnatural emaciated Amazonian waif.  It is easier said than done, however we should learn to feel confident in our own skin, accept we are beautiful just the way we are, whether we have a milky complexion or a cheeky muffin top. We should let the Bikini do all the talking really, and sit back relax and soak in that Summer sunshine, that is, if it ever reaches London!
  There is a plethora of different styles of bikinis available on the British high street, ranging from halter neck, printed, vintage, to various different shapes and sizes ensuring every different type of figure will find something to suit them.  However, many people aren’t aware of the ethical options available to all the girls and women searching for that perfect Summer bikini.  So I’ll leave you with some fun links you can explore, but remember whether you are basking in the Sun in your local park munching on a Calippo, or perched on a rock by the ocean watching the Sun set and searching for Nemo, embrace that body, that fun and flirty bikini and know that its come a long way through history so make the most of it ;)

Some ethical but fabulous places to buy bikinis:
http://www.fairandtrue.co.uk/category/swimwear
http://www.fashion-conscience.com/clothing/swimwear.html
http://ethicalbabe.tumblr.com/post/10002585748/ecoswim

Peace and Love,

M

Ms Wanda's Wardrobe is an online magazine bringing you ethical fashion news, features and campaigns.

http://mswandas.co.uk

Style and how to get it at House of Beth

There are so many hot trends this summer that it’s dizzying! With Aztec and tribal style prints on practically everything, neon’s and pastels, vintage styles and so on it’s an almost impossible task to pick just one. Despite all this there seems to be prevalent throughout all these trends one thing- that is ‘originality’. It’s our season to make it our own! Here are a few tips to help begin your journey to fashion freedom...

 Think about styles and eras in fashion that you love

Are you a vivacious vintage vixen who adores those figure hugging styles of the 1940s and 50s? Take a lead from time trailblazers such as Dita Von Tesse. Or are you more of a Rockabilly Rebel with an eye for those cropped fitted jackets with your leopard printed pins? Do you find both of these styles and more appealing?

Take that fabulous inspiration and pick out pieces that convey these styles to you. Have fun with it and amalgamate them with the everyday! Even the simplest of pearls can be so Marilyn Monroe!

A great example can be seen in House of Beth’s collection of Audrey Hepburn inspired clothing. Who could forget the iconic little black dress with big bouffant hair in Breakfast at Tiffany’s? There are different versions of the LBD and much more in the collection based on the great lady herself. 

From left to right: I love this Didier Ludot Dress, as it adds instant vintage Hollywood style. House of Beth’s Charlie and Robin Black Short Jacket will make for a sensationally classy outfit! Teamed even with a fitted t-shirt and skinny jeans! The Harrods Knightsbrige David Charles Dress and Jacket sums up Audrey’s style completely!

Get that Style!

Once you have an idea of what you want – The real fun starts! There are many different ways of getting your paws on some fabulous fashion. You will often find that the best places to search are often not the ‘so obvious’ ones. Ethical and second hand shops, both on your high street and online are perfect places to search through. House of Beth showcases both second hand and Ethical designers who create one off pieces individual to you. With such a diverse collection you will be hard pressed to find anywhere else that could over such a diverse range.  

Be a Fashion Magpie!

Items of clothing will appeal to you for a variety of different reasons. Whether it’s the fabrics that dress or top is made from or the cut and colour of it. Perhaps you spied a dress in a shop window one time that instantly evoked some long lost memory and you had to have it? Whatever the case don’t be shy about mixing and matching clothes and accessories that you love. You don’t have to aim to ‘fashionably colour clash’ like the models in big name fashion magazines; you should simply feel awesome as you step out of your front door!

For some truly memorable clothing check out the uber-cool lines available through the House of Beth website! You can discover some very fashionably diverse pieces in the High Street Diffusion Range, with some recognisable names alongside the more exclusive brands.  

From left to right:
Truly a treasure trove of goodies: I love the blue and white handmade suit for total retro chic! The fitted brown and red striped and buttoned top from Mango and the stunning pink studded jumper top. All could be superb key pieces for your independently styled wardrobe!


See you soon!


Hema

Ten ways to wear it! 

The Jewellery Edition
So you have collected, nay amassed a small mountain of semi-precious gems as well as the odd piece of bizarre costume jewellery and accessories. Or perhaps you have that one off piece’s that has been collected whilst back-packing through Peru or Thailand, or been picked up from your favourite online boutique; market stall finds that you just have not been able to part with! Many of us are a little Magpie-like when it comes to our accessories. 

Then there are the ‘favourites’, a few key pieces that we love to wear over and over. However after a while even the most beautiful necklace or set of bangles can become a little bit staid.  So how can we keep these pieces fresh? By stylishly recycling them of course! Your accessories have more style possibilities than first meets the eye! Especially when it comes to experimental style: The possibilities really are endless! Here are our top ten tips on ways to wear your favourite bits and pieces:

Wrapping and layering- long necklaces look amazing double wrapped around your neck, but why not try that long beaded necklaces wrapped around your wrist? It will give the illusion that you are wearing a set of elaborate bracelets. Layering a mix of bracelets is a key season trend so mix it up with other bracelets you have for a fun festival look!

Pinning- Brooches are back big time, especially with the re-emergence of vintage fashion. For a bit of old school glamour try pinning a retro style brooch on your bag, at your waist, of with a scarf. At the base of a Trilby hat is a great way to wear your pin back brooch! One of the most versatile styles of accessories jewellery around; it’s surprising what you can get away with. 

Bangles - As well as being on wrists why not try being a little eccentric with your bangles? Take that ultra-long beaded flapper style necklace and knot a bangle in it for an unusual and bohemian looking piece of statement jewellery! It’ll be a real conversation piece.  

On keys-have at odd Murano glass/Lamp work beaded earring left, after the other one went missing? Instead of throwing such a pretty bead away, why not try attaching it to a key ring? This would make a beautiful jewelled item that you will see all the time on your key chain, an ultra-easy way to brighten up every day.  

Bag charms- Bag decorations are a fantastic way to jazz up that plain colour block work bag. Just clip it on the strap of your bag or the link for a bit more personality for the corporate day. Like brooches, bag charms are a versatile style of personal adornment, some of the more elaborate ones can be added to a long chain for a statement necklace look too. 

Belt up!  A clever way to create the illusion of having a smaller waist is to use a brightly detailed necklace as a belt. The eye catching colours and shapes will attract the eye to the waist making it almost a avant garde show piece in its own right. Depending on the style of the outfit this idea can work wonders when worn loosely with a long gypsy style skirt, or as an added extra with that 1980’s inspired body con dress.

Hair Style - Have you got that old choker style necklace that just doesn’t do it anymore? Perhaps it’s lost a link? Don’t throw it away! Fascinators can be a wedding guest staple and this is the perfect opportunity to make your own! Take the centre piece of the choker and using bobby pins fasten in your hair for a more individual look!

Arm Cuffs-If you are like many petite women and have tiny wrists then the chances are that many bangles will not fit, feel uncomfortable and slip off your hands easily. Very annoying. Especially when you spot that gorgeously intricate silver tone bangle! So why not use it as an arm cuff? This would look very pretty especially with that lovely sleeveless Grecian style dress. There is no shame in going for that ‘Warrior princess’ style!

She’s a right scarf- A wonderfully versatile piece of clothing, the humble scarf really is the winner when it comes to experimenting. As a headscarf, hair bando, neck scarf tied loosely or tightly around the neck you can’t go wrong! How about wrapping your patterned silk scarf around your hair, add a brooch to go with it and create an arty vibe that keeps your neck cool this summer!

Waist not Want Not! Remember that old scarf that you were too in love with to give away? Along with a retro style chunky 80’s inspired metallic belt and some random clip on charms you could make an interesting piece of waist art! Try loosely braiding the two together and adding the charms for an eclectic/retro/stylish addition to your outfit. Try your ‘new belt’ around a t-shirt and over a boyfriend style cardigan!

See you soon!

Hema

Lingerie ;)

Lingerie….painful and practical, or sensual and seductive?

Recently I have found myself thinking about Lingerie, amongst other equally important subjects, of course. Lustrous undergarments have remained popular across continents and throughout centuries. The Egyptians, Greeks and French professed their enjoyment in wearing intricate undergarments since time began, and today the world of Victoria’s Secret dominates many ladies’ lives. Indeed, I must confess, the purpose of lingerie, and the effect it  has on people, intrigues me.

Initially I've thought lingerie was simply gendered undergarments, both unnecessary and uncomfortable. I mean, are we supposed to be putting on a panto with these laced, frilled and feathered slinkies? Surely these midnight satins only serve for a mere moment in time, as before we know it they will be tossed away to a holier place.

But after various discussions with different friends, and my own little journey of discovery…I may be starting to view lingerie as having many different purposes, some practical, and some more passionate.

It all boils down to how lingerie makes us feel. Whether im riding solo, or having fun for two, I always make sure I wear what makes me feel good and dare I say it, sexy. Lingerie can come hand in hand with women’s sexual freedom, to express themselves and enjoy their bodies.  I get a cheeky kick from knowing that underneath my office attire, my modesty is preserved with sensual satin. Sod it, its not Victoria’s secret its mine! Not only do these fabrics make you feel special, but the right fitting underwear can turn you into the Mona Lisa, and your bedroom the Louvre. Well, Mona wasn’t a looker bless her, but you understand my point ! She (or he - as we all know the Mona was based on a man) was and is a centrepiece in the history of time, and had Leo Da Vinci under her (or his) thumb. The right fitting panties can emphasise your assets ie) give you a bottom that you initially don’t have, and make you feel a bit glorious.

If you feel sexy underneath, this will radiate to the outside world. When someone is confident in their own skin, they have that sparkle in their eyes, it shows in their walk and talk.  In fact, Marilyn Monroe’s famous wiggle when she walked, was due to her underwear, pinching certain areas where the sun don’t shine. Each woman has her own idea of beauty, to some, beaded and jewelled underwear is teasing and personally some lingerie can be a little too tacky for my taste. Keep it classy ladies! I'd choose delicate silk any day over dodgy dominatrix disasters. ..no offence to those with nocturnal fetishes.

I do think something so private, can also be beautiful and elegant, giving us that striking silhouette. Yet, we could argue the very idea of lingerie is just another societal and cultural pressure that women succumb to, and that men have it easy with their cheeky basic briefs and Y fronts (each to their own)…while we are spending time and money in order to feel airbrushed when facing both them and of course our favourite friend, the mirror. Bastards. 

However after much deliberation, I feel that lingerie can serve as both practical and sensual, giving you longer lithe legs, and ample bosoms whilst also carving a confidence you never knew you had. Adam and Eve perused the holy Garden starkers with nothing more than a cheeky leaf preserving their modesty, so clearly the evolution of lingerie has come a long way. However when talking intimacy and nocturnal adventures, seductive and enticing lingerie is more like unwrapping an exquisite present, I mean the best part is underneath is it not?  Well ladies and gentlemen I'll conclude my stream of consciousness with a final thought, and that is that with or without our sensual undergarments, we should feel beautiful and confident just the way we are. Lady Gaga says we were born this way, I’ll agree with her on this one.

Peace & Love

M


www.houseofbeth.com