I would like to introduce you to Kerry Lockwood the blogger behind Yours Truly,x. I have been following Kerry's blogs for awhile and actually studied with her a few years ago, but her personal style has really captured my imagination. A fearless combination of vintage, high street, dyed red hair and a beautiful smile Miss Lockwood really knows how to have fun with fashion. So I thought I would dedicate a blog post to her and share with you her wonderful personal style.
So Kerry, can you tell me a little about your personal style?I suppose the easiest way to describe my style currently, would be a culmination of the 1940's - 60's infused with modern accents, and personal heirloom relics.
My style is evolving and developing, and yet I think the basis has always pretty much been the same, even from my teen years. I love yesteryear, and will buy vintage garments for a great pattern, fantastic cut or if they evoke a personal memory. I then mix those pieces up with high street or charity shop finds, and jewellery that has sentimental value. I think this creates a very modern approach to style, as well as a much more individualistic wardrobe!
Where do you find inspirations for your outfits?It's such a cliche but inspiration can literally be found anywhere! One of my favourite handbags is a little wicker picnic basket that once held a children's tea set, I loved it so it became part of my wardrobe! I love mixing childhood relics into my outfits.
I tend to use films as a great source of inspiration, whether old or modern they can have such a plethora of ideas within them!
For example, I have some brogues that I hunted down after seeing a pair Naomi Watts wore in 'The Painted Veil', I have a Maria Von Trapp style dress from 'The Sound of Music' and a faux fur coat that could have been Margot's from 'The Royal Tenenbaums'
I think it's really important to be open to inspiration from all directions, and with the Internet, it's literally easier than ever to be well informed!Who are your style icons?
So many! Frida Kahlo, Iris Apfel, Catherine Baba, Audrey Hepburn, Little Edie Beale, Dita Von Teese (her street style!) Bette Davis, Jessica De Lotz, Lucille Ball, Rita Hayworth, Anna Karina, Grace Kelly, Ava Gardner (my Grandfather danced with her once!). I also quite like some modern icons like Kirsten Dunst, Alexa Chung, Leith Clark, Tennesse Thomas, Drew Barrymore, Iekeliene Stange, Helena Bonham Carter. I also find innumerable bloggers very inspiring, as their style is untouched by wealthy companies peddling their designs!
What does 'style' mean to you and what is important about fashion?Style is something very organic and individual to you. It isn't contrived or orchestrated, though it does take some effort! It is you at your most creative, and coincidentally your most comfortable. It's about evolving, being honest and experimental (sometimes getting it wrong!) but most of all about having fun.
A lot of people comment about how much I smile on my blog, but the truth is, when a lot of those photos are being taken, I'm having a really wonderful time! Clothes should be intrinsic in that.
It bothers me when people say 'Oh I could never dress like you, I couldn't pull it off' because I dress in a way that I think is an extension of my personality and in a way, it defines me. Therefore, flattered as I am, I openly encourage people to develop their own style that is unique to them, and compatible to their own personalities.
What is your favourite piece of clothing (at the moment? Mine changes every time I find another hidden treasure...)Oh I know what you mean! But then I suppose each new garment is the latest part of your style evolution? I am currently obsessing over a black scallop 1950's dress (recently featured on my blog) that I simply adore. I'm also going a bit crazy for my sundresses right now. It's nice to wear vibrant colours after such a long Winter!
Where do you like to shop?I shop a lot on eBay, as it's so convenient. I have a saved searches list as long as my arm! I also pick up a lot of things in Brighton & London as I visit both quite regularly. In London I love Brick Lane, Portobello, Angel Islington, Soho and Covent Garden. I could quite easily blow a whole months wage on a day out in London! Brighton, where my boyfriend lives is also great. Relatively recently they gained a large Beyond Retro store (where my black scallop dress was found!) and there are also tons of boutiques, stalls and markets to explore.
I also wish I could shop abroad more! I'd love to explore Stockholm, and the style haunts I found in Paris and Berlin are the stuff dreams are made of!
I also love your tumblr - wonderful interior snap shots and general lifestyle - where do you like to find these images and do you have any favourite interiors? (Places/homes of someone/or designers?)I love interior design, it's another element of style which is so personable. It's funny you should mention a favourite interior, as I'm quite obsessed with an artist couple, Annie Morris & Idris Khan. Their home is simply phenomenally designer, with breath-taking attention to detail and enviable vintage finds!
My tumblr is kind of like a creative diary for me, it references when I developed interest in new ideas and shows my creative train of thought I suppose!
Aside from fashion what else interests you?Well, films as I mentioned are a great passion of mine, as are books. I always try to find time to read, and make sure it's something worth reading! I'm currently ploughing my way through Nobakov's 'Lolita'. It's disturbing and brilliant in equal measure. Maya Angelou is one of my favourite authors.
I like nature and being outside, blues, jazz and easy listening music, collecting things, talking to people and learning something new, travel, illustration, art, designing…
I also really love history, particularly British history. Certain periods of time just fascinate me, which is a bit of a guilty confession truth be told! The Antiques Roadshow is one of my favourite programs!
I know you did a fashion textiles degree and I am curious if you are doing any projects at the moment?I'm currently trying to set up my own business. It's currently a battle of time and finances, but I have heaps of ideas I'm eager to make into a reality. The business will be based around home textiles, gifts, paper accessories and baby accessories. Through the design process, it has become obvious that my company will be one that is very quintessentially British, print-orientated, and a little bit whimsical and romantic I suppose! But would you really expect anything else…!
I hope you have enjoyed meeting Kerry please stop by her blogs they really are lovely I find heaps of inspiration just tucked away. I adore British-ness and I think Kerry has hit the nail on the head and I look forward to whatever she does next! Find her blogs here and here. She also has a Lookbook account which you can browse.Best wishes,
Fashion Fantasist xx
