Cool Campaign: Lula Magazine + Topshop Video: Spell
Photo Credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Last year, when my roommate introduced me to UK magazine, Lula, I fell in love. As I flipped through its glossy fashion editorials full of whimsical and ethereal characters, I quickly realized that I had stumbled upon one of the most unique and beautiful fashion magazines I had ever seen. I felt like someone had opened up my brain, scooped up all my hopes and dreams, and dumped it into a beautifully laid out and colorful publication. I can honestly say that it truly is one of my favorite publications due to its great photography spreads, articles, and fantasy styled aesthetic.
I recently watched a video combining both Lula Magazine and Topshop’s expert styling and production talents, and was instantly inspired by the wardrobe worn by the characters. I thought I would share it with you guys to hopefully spark your inspiration as well.
Check out the video, and then read on to see how you can get some inspired looks from the film:
1. Flower Girl (0:38-1:15)
Headband- Urban Outfitters Shoes- LovelyShoes Brooch- 1928 Dress- Forever 21
The beginning of the film features hippie-esque flower children and nature as the centerpieces, so I put a very ethereal/bohemian outfit together.
To get this kind of look, soft colors like pink, white, or off white are probably best. Also, try looking for materials that have floral or lace details, as this keeps the look fresh and innocent. In general, you can’t go wrong with any type of floral accessories, which is why I pulled together the floral headband and pin. The best advice I can give you when trying to get this look is keep things sweet and subtle; your pieces should be small and delicate but also deliberate.
2. Gothic Girl (3:37)
Nail Polish- Saks Shoes- Spike Angel Dress- Forever 21 Gloves- Topshop Lipstick- Sephora Eyeshadow- Sephora
One of the main characters in the video is this eerie mysterious girl that looks kind of like a vampire/witch. While her outfit is not exactly everyday appropriate, I tried to create a toned down version of what one would wear if they were channeling her on a night out.
Essentially, her entire look is dark and vampy so I gave my outfit lots of dark, dark, colors. For instance, one thing you are definitely going to need is a nice smokey eye- that’s where the dark eyeshadow comes in. Pair a dark eye with a nice dark vampy red nail polish and lipstick, and your look is halfway there! Clothing wise, I chose a black lacey dress. The lace makes the dress seem less plain and more sophisticated and sexy so you don’t have to worry so much about jewelry. On your feet, I recommend donning a peep toe high heel like the one above – it keeps things sophisticated but sexy at the same time. And last but not least for you fashionistas, I threw in a pair of studded fingerless gloves; while it’s not exactly necessary for this look, it sets you apart from all those girls in their tired LBDs. After all, who doesn’t like standing out?
3. Dark Sparkle (5:38-5:41)
Top- Topshop Bracelet- Fantasy Jewelry Box Heels- Cutesygirl Jeans- American Eagle Outfitters
Around 5:38, there is a girl that is surrounded by what looks like smoke, and while I couldn’t see the entire outfit, one thing I could see was that she had a certain sparkle to her.
Since I couldn’t see exactly what she was wearing, I tried to recreate her outfit based on the aforementioned sparkle. I started off with a really cute Topshop blouse which has lots of sparkly goodness on it, and then combined that with a cuffed bracelet. As for the lower half of the outfit, I added ol’ faithful- the black skinny jean, to keep you looking sleek and stylish. Finally on your toes I chose another pair of peep toe booties, chic but with a small ruffle on the back to keep things fun. Overall, this look is very clean and sleek, but the details make the outfit shine.
4. Virgin Suicide (9:11)
Ring- Forever 21 Socks- American Apparel Top- Charlotte Russe Shoes- UO Pin- Nordstrom Skirt- Forever 21
As you might have noticed if you watched the video, the film starts off totally innocent and as it progresses, it crosses into the darkness. Throughout the video the characters outfits get darker and more edgy, and at the conclusion, the girls transform from doe-eyed to tinged with corruption. Because of this transformation, I fused both styles together to create a soft yet edgy outfit.
To keep that feminine innocence in check, I chose another off-white blouse with lots of frills to keep things girly, however instead of pairing this with something equally feminine, I chose a faux leather skirt to sharpen the edge and keep things interesting. Next, I pulled some cute knee-high tights and a cute ankle bootie to tone down the voracity of the skirt. Finally, for finishing touches, I chose a cute floral ring and pin, both with gothic undertones. This outfit is pretty meticulous since there is a fine line between sweet and dark, but I think the balance can be achieved with careful consideration. But don’t be afraid! If Madonna pulled it off, so can you!
Thoughts?
So what do you guys think? How did you guys like the video? Personally I thought it was a little bit creepy (in a good way though!), but either way, the styling was so impeccable that I was instantly inspired by the clothing.
If you are interested in purchasing Lula, I recommend visiting their website to find (Under the “Find Me” Link) bookstores that sell it. It’s such an amazing magazine, if you are remotely interested in Art, Fashion, or Photography, check it out- I guarantee you won’t regret buying it.
Posted on on October 4, 2009 / Filed Under: Fashion Tips / Tags: Accessories, Boots, Cool Video, Florals, Inspiration, Lace, Lula Magazine, Outfit, Sequins, Styling, Tips
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jllin
this is really great article! i always have so much trouble putting together outfits and finding new sources of inspiration for my wardrobe….thanks so much! =]
Brittney
Wow, the second outfit might be my favorite that I’ve ever seen on College Fashion.
Jo
Amazing outfits! I totally love ur website (i’m from France!)
I have a question : I went to the “Lovelyshoes” website , is there any shoe with a size bigger than 39 ? (39 for china is 7.5 for US)! I love shoes from this website (and moreover , they are so cheap :D !)! I wanted to buy some!
Thanks so much :) ! (and sorry for my poor english)
Kaci
This post was so creative, I loved it! Especialy appropriate for October, too. I agree with Brittney, Outfit 2 was AMAZING. Really liked the third one, also.
Rachel
I love this post!! I agree with kaci, it is very creative. All of the outfits are very wearable and affordable. I especiall LOVE the 3rd and 4th ones. Thank you!!
Kim - Cal State
Thanks guys, I’m glad you like the article so far!
@Jo, I checked out the Lovelyshoes website for you, and I found some shoes that are bigger than 39s; basically it seems like Lovelyshoes is a first come first serve website when it comes to shoes, so if you like a shoe, you’re gonna have to cross your fingers and hope they have your size. Anyways, I’m glad you liked the outfits! It’s cool having a French reader!
Iris
I think that first outfit is probably my favorite outfit ever on College Fashion. I’ve never seen such a sweet, simple, yet ethereal outfit. P.S. – I can’t find the dress on the website, is there a direct link to it?
Rachel
i absolutely love outfit 3
ramney
By far your best article. My question to you is in comparison to the major U.S publications for example Vogue, is Lulu geared more for the college market, and why?
Cara
Wow…it started off beautiful and ended up scaring the flip out of me! That was creepy, but worth it for the first segment of fairy-like outfits. I have been called a fairy on more occasion than I can count (they suit my looks and personality), and always wonder how to incorporate the ethereal look into my clothing without looking like a nutcase. One girl had a straw hat on that, with her white dress and long hair, reminded me of a Victorian era Impressionist painting, too; this I shall have to try, because it is so unabashedly gorgeous and innocent and lovely. No goth bits to marr that beauty for me! Some of those later outfits are a tad scandalous.
Chelsey
All of these outfits are so cute! My fav is the last one
Paula ♥
These outfits are awesomely creative! Love them all =)
Sarah
What a beautiful little work of art that film was. Outfits were great, too. Nice n’ quirky :)
Julie
in the first outfit, I can’t find that forever 21 dress either,
Could you link to it?
Kim - Cal State
Thanks for all the sweet comments everyone! I’m glad you enjoyed this post.
@Ramney, Lula is a magazine geared towards anyone who likes fashion; it’s more about an asthetic, so it’s different than Vogue because Vogue is more geared towards selling clothes, wheras Lula concentrates more on a feeling. But as far as an audience, it’s for anyone who appreciates fashion.
@ Iris and Julie Here is the link to the Forever21 dress that you wanted.
http://www.forever21.com/product.asp?catalog_name=FOREVER21&category_name=81woven_top&product_id=2063347524&cookie_test=1
It’s really cute isn’t it?!
Rebecca
honestly one of the best articles from any of the interns yet. good work!
Luinae
This is one of the best articles I have ever read by the interns- I must get my hands on a copy of Lula!
meghan
I love the outfits. I’m trying to find the ankle booties from Cutesygirl, but I didn’t see them on the website. Could you post the exact link to them? Thanks!
Rayna
Really great article! Very inspiring.
la petite fashionista
very well written article! I love fashion magazines from other countries, such a different perspective! i drooled over all the topshop styling when I studied abroad in London this summer, so inspiring!
Alaina W
There is something ridiculously creepy about this.
Isabelle
Not one to do ‘gothic girl’ I have to say I’m completely in love with the outfit you created. I now can’t wait for the weekend to sport it at an event.
Jennifer
Amazing, Love love this post!!!
M
I didn’t see her in the credits, but isn’t that Tori Amos at 1:30? It looks A LOT like her.
M
Oops, it was Nina Persson from The Cardigans. I totally mixed them up!
Kim - Cal State
Hey Meghan! Here is the link to the shoes from cutesy girl:
http://www.cutesygirl.com/Hypnotic_Dorothy_Platform-PID33007-MID313846.aspx
And thanks again for your feedback everyone, your comments are really helpful I’m glad you like the article!
Angie Marie
While I thought the post was adorable, the video was so bizzarely spooky that I couldn’t watch it for more than a couple minutes! Next time, maybe a warning, please. Haha. Great post, otherwise!
Mani
How adorable are those outfits! I think my heart melted a little from them. They’re all a combination of fun, feminine, and sexy. I am in love with that ethereal, earthy and goddess look, but sometimes it’s hard to incorporate that into everyday fashion. But I did enjoy these looks a lot, the second outfit is amazing!
Fact & Fun
These outfits are awesomely creative so inspiring!
Maria
Another fantastic magazine is called Fudge, which is a Japanese Mag. I am an international model, and I discovered this magazine when they booked me for a shoot. It is fantastic! Even though I do not understand the writing on the pages, I am inspired by the many wonderful pictures. They are able to blend fashion and art, which is truly remarkable! You should check it out! Again, it’s called Fudge.