What Can Prue Do For You?

Style icons of the 21st century: Mary Berry (L) and Prue Leith (R)

Last night was Bake Off, which naturally meant that I was splayed in front of my minuscule television with a bowl of raisins, getting ready to lament the fact that I had opted for raisins as a TV snack instead of, let's say, an enormous Black Forest Gateau. Regardless of my less than stellar caloric intake, as with every Tuesday night, I was incredibly excited to enjoy just over an hour of Kim-Joy's eyeshadow, Rahul's stress-face and Prue's earrings.

While I usually, to a certain extent, admire the sartorial inclinations of Ms Leith - her rainbow glasses, bright orange jackets, and resin jewellery - it can all get a little much at times. Take last night's ensemble for example. Having adorned herself with Breton stripes, a sleeveless woollen cobalt cardigan, red 'n' yellow specs, and a pendulous necklace which looked like it was made of office supply stationery, I couldn't help but feel a slight migraine coming on.

Yet, the Bake Off of 2018 has somehow transformed itself into a melting pot of garish prints, multi-coloured hair extensions, and wooden accessories made to look like a forest floor. Of course, I have no quibbles with any of this - except, perhaps, Manon's ponytail - but what was once just a modest little show that would have been scandalised at the thought of a contestant wearing mismatched socks, is now practically a cosplay free-for-all.

Without thinking that Bake Off's fashion fads are the product of a combined effort by Kate Bush look-a-like, Noel Fielding, and Draco Malfoy look-a-like, Sandi Toksvig, we should really all point our raisin-covered fingers at the sweet, petite octogenarian treat that is Mary Berry. Remember the media storm conjured by Bez's penchant for a floral bomber? You can't tell me that such a choice of garms did not set the wheels a-turnin'. Now, while a floral bomber jacket seems commonplace for old and young alike, rather than the sizzling fashion statement it once was, it takes a little more daring to elicit the enthused shrieks of the style section.

Which prompts the question: as far as the sartorial stakes are concerned, is Prue a worthy successor of the late, great (and thankfully still living) Ms Berry? Taking a look at current trends, it's clear that bold earrings in a range of wacky colours and shaped have taken the high-street by full force. While I am admittedly a little bitter that it's only now that my obsession for hideous ear-candy is finally somewhat socially acceptable - although, who *really* cares about being accepted by society - I am thrilled at the prospect of expanding my beloved collection of costume tat.

As for the glasses, while such vibrant frames may not have fully taken off in terms of consumer wear, Kirk & Kirk's glorious kaleidoscope specs are a decided nod toward Ms Leith's personal style, and are sure to influence a coming wave of visually-impaired fashionistas. What's more, Autumn appears set to shake off the dusty, dying leaves of its signature shades - think miserable maroon, gangrenous green, and boring Bordeaux - in favour of a brighter palette. In the capacity of someone who has eternally despised the muddy hues of October dress, I cannot thank Prue's seemingly Pride-inspired wardrobe enough!

Topshop's Polka Dot Mobile Drop Earrings - £14.50 || Kirk & Kirk's Miles Spectrum Glasses - £310.00

Even though Prue's look is a little too 'modern-art-installation' for me, I cannot help but love its contribution toward this conceivable embracing of man-repelling fashion. It seems to me that more and more woman are caring less and less about how sexually attractive their personal style is to men, spurning the very real conception of 'self-voyeurism' as explained by Margaret Atwood. Although it's true that not much could repel the likes of Paul Hollywood, in a digital age where everyone and their grandma can become an 'influencer', I would much rather consumer style be influenced by the likes of a lovable grandmother with an overt appetite for gluten, than a size 6 body drinking iced coffee in an £80 white T-shirt.

And while she may no longer grace the iconic white tent, Mary Berry's infamous floral get-up was the principal reason why I chose to loyally tune-in each week. Fearless dressing and self-love is aiding an increased visibility of the older lady, all the while counteracting conceivably more harmful forces of social influence. For those of us (me) more interested in looking insane whilst consuming sugar, butter, and chocolate all at the same time, Prue Leith could be the answer to our (my) prayers. Now, just to wait until my perfect vision deteriorates!

xoxoxo