THIRTY YEARS APART

January is nearly over and what a month it has been! Failing new years resolutions and crazy dieting aside, we are keen to get back on track to all things beauty, fashion and lifestyle! Helping us do so is SHU Style reader, Mabel Wattam who helps us round off January with a bang. Mabel's article is celebrating the January birthday's of ultimate Brit fashion icon and SHU Style girl crush, Kate Moss and French 'it' girl Francoise Hardy. Both massive icons in the fashion world despite their 30 year age gap. Mabel talks us through their effortless fashion statements and - even better - shows how we can get the same look on a budget! We are sold! Who said 41 and 71 had to be boring?

Article by SHU Style Reader, Mabel Wattam 

On January 16th Kate Moss turned 41, signifying over four decades of cheekbone and wardrobe envy. With sell out Topshop collections and countless campaigns under her belt, there is no denying that she is a true icon. January 17th marks 71 years since the birth of the original French It girl, Francoise Hardy. Alexa Chung hails the chanteuse her ultimate style icon and Mick Jagger famously called her his 'ideal woman'. There may be thirty years between them but the pair share some staple looks. Here is how to get them for yourself on a budget. 

Hair

For this look you should never look like you're trying too hard, especially when it comes to hair styling. Fringes should be eye skimming and not too bulky. The lengths should be light and not too neat. Try to avoid weighing your hair down with heavy products. If your hair lacks volume, a quick burst of dry shampoo will give your hair an instant lift. The ends should be blunt so tell your hairdresser to ditch the layers.

Beauty

While it's true Hardy and Moss were blessed with stunning features, there are simple make up techniques we can all use to sculpt and recreate them ourselves. This look is all about sultry cat eyes and sharp cheekbones. A classic cat eye is timeless and suits all eye shapes. Plus, when there are eyeliners as cheap as Collection 2000's, who cares if you mess up your flicks five times a morning? If like most of us, you weren't born with supermodel chiseling, you can fake killer cheekbones. A sweep of blusher across the cheek and one of bronzer beneath the cheekbone is all it takes.

Fur

Any true It girl appreciates the power of the faux fur coat and when it comes to this look, bigger is better. Neither Hardy nor Moss were ones to shy away from fur. Hardy's coats were often floor length and Moss dared to stray away from the usual brown and blacks. We don't all have the money for a vintage, Prada coat straight from Margot Tenenbaum's wardrobe lying around. The best places for a seriously fab coat on a budget are vintage and second hand shops and for the truly determined, there is always Ebay.

Leather

But maybe you find fur too fussy? Or you’re sick of overheating on public transport? No worries, the leather jacket is a cool alternative and thankfully, they are always on trend, therefore all over the high street. If you wanted genuine leather, again vintage and second hand shops would probably be the most budget friendly options. Hardy wore her leathers large and tailored, whereas Moss keeps hers cropped and tight. So no matter what your style, there are ways of incorporating this jacket into your wardrobe.

 
Stripes

We all know the power of stripes. The right top can take you from casually popping to the shops to Audrey Tautou adorable instantly. Both Hardy and Moss have rocked many a striped garment. Hardy kept it simple in casual tees and playful in bold dresses. Moss has sported stripes in almost every way possible; jumpers, shirts, dresses, coats and shorts . Just like a leather jacket, stripes are timeless so always all over the high street.

Get your own Hardy/Moss kit on a budget:

(Products Listed)

Batiste. Dry Shampoo Clean & Classic Original/Blush.

Collection 2000. Fast Stroke Eyeliner.  

Natural Collection. Cream Blusher.

Rimmel London. Natural Bronzer.

Missguided.co.uk Cassie Shaggy Faux Fur Coat Nude £11

Topshop.co.uk Long Sleeve Ribbed Funnel Neck Top £15

Boohoo.com Skye Cropped Faux Leather Biker Jacket £10

Article by SHU Style Reader, Mabel Wattam