My Current Inspiration: Annie

Though I have a fairly whimsical, often eccentric wardrobe, I have found myself leaning more and more towards simpler styling. This really is due to the effortlessly cool Annie who plays bass in my band Screaming Maldini. She often gets compared to Zooey Deschanel with her thick brunette locks and blunt fringe, gorgeous eyes and cheeky smile! Though we are inspired by celebrity, magazines, blogs, music and history I think we are often most inspired by those around us.

The word "effortless" really sums up Annie's style. She turns up to most social engagements looking perfectly put together, yet completely natural and never over-styled. Annie knows what suits her but more importantly she knows what she likes and has unapologetically created a theme within her wardrobe. Especially with colours and tailoring. Annie is often in Zara and Topshop and that little leather jacket is from Mango.

Asking Annie what she's going to wear before a night out or before a gig is a common occurance! Though our styles are completely different, I always find it helpful to know what she's donning. Here are a few things that Annie has taught me:

• A statement necklace (or 5) is the ideal addition to your accessory collection as it finishes an outift in seconds. Preferably in gold. 
• Red lipstick can transform an ensemble from "I've just finished work" to "I'm on the rum!"
• Don't be scared of white shirts and buttoning them up to the collar.
• Simple works.
• Fashion doesn't have to be uncomfortable to look good.
• Stick to what you know suits you.

With this style in mind, I asked Annie to model for my first ASOS Marketplace collection. These two items looked so right on her, they sold in days and no wonder, she makes them look so wearable. That's what my collection is about, making vintage work for anybody. 

She's not only a savvy fashionista, Annie is a wonderful friend and a talented musician. She should really have her own fashion blog really! I wish I knew how to put an outfit together like this girl, I really do. In the mean time, I'll just make fabulous tunes on stage with her. 

xxx

G 

Screaming Maldini

A very quick one.

My band Screaming Maldini are releasing our first single TODAY. You can buy two songs (that's A and B) side for £1.29 from iTunes.

BUY IT HERE!

no fashion for bands on tour:part 2

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Oh how I was depressed the day tour ended. I couldn’t eat, I couldn’t sleep…for at least 1 hour. So where did we leave things? Ah I do believe we had just rocked L’Orient. 

Onwards. In many’a car we drove to the hostel where we thought we might be butchered in our sleep as it looked like a horror film set. There were suggestions of hide and seek but when it came to the fact that I had to make Lex stand outside the toilet while I went for a wee, I opted out. It was THAT scary. However, we did make mischief, inspired by the likes of Joe Pharaohs. We ruined stuff then went on the roof. I don’t think Jeff was very impressed. 

BEDTIME. “Hey Junior, Lex…it’s 5:15am” they reply “It’s cool we’re up at 12.” WRONG “GARBLED LOUD FRENCH TRANSLATING TO GET UP AND GET OUT AND NEVER RETURN” at 9am. 

oopsie. 

So we head to the market after a little chill around a lake where the entire population of L’Orient go jogging. I bought a really unsatisfying crepe, some apples and some clementines. Inigio Pharoahs and I share a love of courgettes. Joe Pharaohs likes Kelly Brook. Food envy made an appearance when I see most of Maldini eating incredible pork sandwiches, then , as soon as I want one they run out of bread. IN FRANCE. RUN OUT OF BREAD? I know, right? After this we left, this journey was probably like most of the other ones. 

One of the first things that happened in Brest was tres drole. Tim Maldini collided with Jon Maldini and they rolled, oh how they rolled gleefully among the grass and the dog poo. Oh yes, that is (maybe) true. The venue was awesome like an old Cabaret hall with a lovely big stage, lights and a muscly sound engineer. The next interesting thing to happen was seeing Papa Jeff  sing with his band Heliport - that man has some moves. I’m getting me a stage kick. Je t’aime, Jeff!

 PHOTOS

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Photos: Ray LeMann 

Oh and this happened too:

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Drunk hairdresser Pharaoh meets willing Maldini. Thankfully, all things worked out for the best. “I’ve never cut hair so well being this drunk.” Brilliant. 

The venue gave us lots of cheese and bread again, naturally we took as much of the other stuff in the van as we could and after packing up, we all piled into the van, minus Pharaohs. After an emotional farewell we hit the road, for 18 long hours. 

All I can say is that it was such a pleasure to tour with Johnny Foreigner again, they are fast becoming three of my favourite people and I cannae wait to see them again. I can also say that Pharaohs are four top lads, it’s always a worry to go on tour and fear you won’t be with people who are on the same wavelength, thankfully we all melded into one massive ball of musical fluff. Last but not least, monsieur Jeff of HipHipHip! an enormous MERCI for you. It could not have happened without you!

I want tour again. But as you can see, we all look bloody awful. So maybe we’ll leave it for a bit. BYE BYE XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX