who's that girl

This girl passed me in the crowd just as I was about to go into Topshop the 2nd time to shoot the Dress Me Up event. I felt like I was seeing a younger version of myself: it just stopped me in my tracks and for a moment, I couldn't even speak.

In some ways, some of my portraits are in a personal way, almost self portraits (which is something I used to do).



I asked where she got her skirt and she said it was some below the knee skirt she bought at a charity shop and chopped off. She told me her name and for the life of me, I can't recall it, or even find where I wrote it down. Maybe she'll get in touch but probably not, because, frankly, I think she's just a wonderful figment of my imagination, with my idea of perfect street style.

motel rocks @ the V&A

I met Jess (blonde) & Laura (brunette) at the Victoria & Albert Museum my first day out with The Coat (see previous post, if you don't mind, or this won't make any sense. And for those of you who have, I'd only be repeating myself). I'd have wanted to shoot them regardless, as they are friends with such different looks & styles, both equally great. Turns out they were game to take the Great Motel Challenge.



One thing I love about the V&A (there's just so much I love) is it's got so many facets to it, so many wonderful places & exhibits, and yet they kinda leave you alone. I mean, we just took over a large marble staircase for a few minutes for a photo shoot, and no one stopped us.



Jess & Laura are studying fashion and art at university, and especially studying something I thought they called 'foundations'. I didn't understand them at first and thought it was yet another American/Brit thing but that's what they meant: Ladies Undergarments.



Note Laura's underwear as outerwear thing going on, (the slip dress is a lucky find, from shopping her mum's closet), in my favourite crisp combo of navy, black, white, bits of gold, and pearls. Lots o' pearls. Oh so Chanel with a twist.



And Jess has a bit of a Edie Sedgwick/Agyness Deyn pre-black hair look, don't you think?

(faux fur leopard print coat, Motel. Everything else, models' own).

motel rocks!

Boy do they ever. I first heard of this online brand from Erika, of Fashion Chalet, then noticed people I street shot were wearing Motel, and spotted it on celebrities. I love their dresses.

So I went online & found these fabulous faux leopard coats & had an idea for the Great Motel Rocks Challenge. I approached Beth, who works with Motel, told her my idea, and she sent me a sample coat (on loan) and basically said, 'Go for it, babe'.



It arrived soon after, and I immediately asked Mr. Dot to shoot me. I doubt the other 'self style' bloggers have photo shoots that last under a minute with their bf shouting 'Hurry up, Jill'. But this isn't about me.

I'm posting this because my challenge is to find different people with different looks and see how the same coat works on them. So if I see you on the street, you could be next.

Some people have reported that leopard has peaked in their part of the world (and some parts of the world it's irrelevant, obviously, due to the heat - in those places, there might actually be REAL leopards), but I chose the leopard print because it hasn't peaked here by any means. And besides, I love it. It's cuddly and warm like a great big stuffed animal, it's lined with silky leopard print, it goes with everything, and (don't tell Mr. Dot) I'm angling buy it when I'm done. But we'll cross that marital bridge when we come to it.

(Oh btw, I'm wearing: Motel Rocks coat, Blue Velvet black riding boots from last season, black thermal leggings from American Apparel, and skinny rib cardigan from Massimo Dutti: you don't need layers under this baby!)