News

Proof fashion is good for you

We've long mused that the thrill of putting together a 'high-five-to-self' outfit must not only be lovely for the world's eyeballs, but also great for the soul. Well, today we bring you conclusive (or at a minimum quite decent) evidence that it is definitely good for you.

The logic…

Network building - if you've ever attended an event mainly (or possibly only…) to get dressed up for the occasion - and then ended up meeting loads of nice people, you'll know what we mean. 

History swotting - these days fashion is a melting pot of trends from across the ages - all intertwined with important cultural motifs that it's important for us to homage. From the miniskirt symbolising new freedoms for women in the 60s, to the Cleopatra inspired eye liner reminding us of female leaders gone-by (whether they were a tad scary or not!). 

Muscle toning - they say it's the little efforts over time that add up. In which case, just think of the cumulative arm toning clocked up through a lifetime of bracelet wearing. And don't even get us started on the calf toning from a pair of killer heels... 

Cultural enlightenment - who can deny the multiple connections between fashion, art and science. Just think about fashion and architecture as one example. Our very own Pluralist Collection features bold earring designs inspired by postmodern architecture and evoking the spirit of the late-20th century movement of the same name. Fancy right?

Coordination skills - whether it's a two minute ponder whilst in your morning shower, or a dedicated think whilst you wrap up the day before, when on a daily basis you're considering an outfit across underwear, clothes, accessories and hair, it is undeniably good practice for multitasking, mental agility and planning!

Mental health – from embracing exciting colours, to swapping clothes with pals, to feeling totally awesome in a brilliant outfit, there are loads of ways to have fun with fashion. And as long as we don’t take it all too seriously, it can be a fantastic way to celebrate your own choices, be yourself and feel confident.  

So, what you waiting for - get hunting for fashion accessories to make you happy (not guarenteed with purchase ;) right here x

 

The Umami factor: 5 fashion brands to leave you wanting more.

Stuff we love

We love stumbling upon a new brand that makes us stop in our tracks and chant want want want (NB in head only if out in public). Whether the moment strikes whilst leafing nonchalantly through a mag, catching a sly window glimmer, or just scrolling online - that oooow moment is real.

Here's just a handful of super fancy brands we've recently discovered and had to share:

  1. Sarah Baily – if you weren't badass before, you will be once you don one their ultimate cool girl metallic leather jackets. The aesthetic is a bit like the love child of Rainbow Bright and Joan Jett, with a splash of early Noughties Beckhams chucked in (during that phase when they took to wearing matching racing jackets - only these are sooo much better, before you get scared). 
  2. Ike and Ernie – a small unique clothing brand with retro but edgy cosmic vibes and founded ‘as a celebration of sisterhood’ (cute!). The ‘Joplin’ coord suit is the star of their Nymph range in our opinion. 
  3. Rixo – their dreamy vintage inspired dresses nail so many situations - from floaty summer wedding look, to mid week superfly casual with boots or trainers. Especially loving their pieces which mash up the boho vibe with quirky bold 70s prints.
  4. 10DecoArt – behold a standout jewellery brand from this fab Polish design team. Serving up some seriously  fresh style for your viewing pleasure. Invest in these and we reckon they'll become keepers for life
  5. Rose Rankin LDN – standout sneakers made entirely in the UK and always offering a whole host of fresh textures, colourways and patterns. Say hello to visual shoe candy with a colourpop twist. 

 So, there you have it. Five brilliant brands you may not have known, but now you know. You're welcome! And of course, don't forget to team any outfit with a pair of standout earrings.  Browse ours here

The big debate: Matchy-matchy

The Big Debate

Here at Milk Tooth, we like to tackle the big issues. To match or not to match. It's an issue generations of fashionistas have passionately debated for decades.

Today we've decided to grab the bull by the horns and draw a conclusion. Using the clinically proven best technique to make a decision know to man (i.e. making a list of pros and cons), let's analyse the evidence...

Reasons matchy-matchy is good:

1. Coords. One of the best inventions ever and coveted once purchased. From business lady badass on Michelle Obama, to norm core casual on Alexa Chung, to out-there 80s-inspired on Susie Bubble, this is a top-to-toe look we love. We imagine it's a bit like when a fella feels slick in a suit, it's a look that is easy to wear, purposeful and guaranteed on point. Let's not take that joy away from us all please.

2. Clueless (as in the movie). Not only a total hoot and giver of countless phrases now implicitly part of classic teen language history ('Total Monet' etc.), but also an epic, even though at the time ironic, foray into fashion. Okay so it was meant to be OTT styling, but who can deny those totally banging looks. Yellow plaid dress, waistcoat, hat and even bag. On you Alicia, yes please. Plus Iggy and Charlie XCX totally agree.

3. Make up accenting. Wearing a lipstick or nail varnish shade that matches part of your outfit (whether your shoe colour or a pattern accent in your skirt) is a sure fire way to look put together and fashion forward. Even more satisfying when you pass a mirror and spot you're rocking the match accidentally too (kind of - a little bit of you suspects it was part of destiny's plan). Frankly, one of life's greatest simple joys - and I will fight anyone who disagrees. 

4. Bling bling. If we weren't allowed to matchy-matchy, we're worried the bling bling phenomenon wouldn't have evolved. And it would be a crying shame to lessen the draw-dropping Instagram gawping opportunities of that hashtag - is there anything you can't diamanté these days?? Plus bling blings' more modest cousins allow some seriously strong looks. Think stacking up rings - or layering OTT gold necklaces with rude girl fleek. In our experience, as the gold accessories pile higher, the kickass confidence rises. So let's not disempower ourselves hey?! Check out our rude crew Pinterest board for further evidence.

Reasons matchy-matchy is baaad:

1. Jewellery wars. I am suspicious of any camp that insists wearing both Silver and gold is wrong. Surely metallics implicitly go together, no? Have you not heard of Ziggy Stardust? The Terry De Havilland x Nasty Gal collab  creates a strong case study. And further evidence of rule flouting totally killing it with these lovelies.

 Gold earrings    Silver earrings    Gold and silver earrings

 2. Showing off. We're uncomfortable with the effort required to strive for consistency across our 'stuff carriers'. Think pap shot of JLo in at an airport with 37 matching Louis V's in an array of sizes. Bit showy right? And a tad uncreative dare we say? Since when did matching become a status symbol? Can't be a good trend for humanity if you think about it logically - we have enough appearance based neurosis as it is. And just think of the poor little cute Ostriches (okay they're not really actually very cute, but for the purpose of making the argument)!

3. Feeling like a child. Not sure whether this is just me, but if you wear matching shoes, bag and accessories, do you not feel a little bit like you're 9 years old and playing dress up?? Not a fashion era we're keen to evoke as adult self.

4. Less pattern potential. If we always stuck with matching outfits, the Pattern clash trend may never have been invented. And without permission to ever wear a monochrome stripe skirt with a bold tropical print tee again, the world would be a sadder place.

So there you have it, conclusive proof. Rules are over rated. So go on and style yourself the way you darn like! We're sure you'll look lovely. Oh, but there is one pairing that will always be in fashion my friends, matching your left and right ear by dressing them with fabulous stylish earrings of course! Browse ours here.

To get the results of our next in-depth analysis, please sign up to the newsletter here.