Sartoriology

Yesteryear

2010-11-22T13:02:00.000-08:00

I came across this post on Elle's new fashion assistant, Rebecca Sammon's blog. The pic is of Janice 'world's first supermodel' Dickinson. There's something so fresh about her, like all the models back in the eighties and nineties (and it's not that it was 20/30 years ago).

Look at the models now, although undeniably beautiful, they lack the innocence of models from yesteryear. Remember that shot of Kate Moss?

Would love to see Freja Beha or Anna Selezneva's debut shots...

Spinning Around

2010-06-08T14:21:00.000-07:00

So as it turns out, the new job is bloody hard work. Stripped of 1 o'clock online shops (at least it saves New Favourite Thing a few pennies...) and tweets, it's nose to that glorious grindstone. But who am I to complain as I live out the vocational dream?

And so as they say: work hard, play hard. Hear, hear!

Tonight I fled the office and impending deadlines and visited the Tous jewellery launch where a pint-sized Kylie, ambassador for the Spanish accessories label, spun into the Regent Street store as the thinner Gavin and Stacey dude blasted out her soon-to-be chart-topping track on the decks.

Champagne flute in hand, dodging the asparagus spears and feta sticks, I made a beeline for the cubed cabinets to survey what the aussie beauty champions each year. Buried amongst an eclectic mix of gobstopper jewels, magician-inspired trinkets (their current campaign), mini picture frame bracelets and Tous' signature teddy bear-shaped charms, I unearthed this little beauty which is right up my street. Architectural in its sleek, minimalist design and finished in a modern mix of gold and silver, it's the cool girl's cocktail ring.

Just found out they do jewel-encrusted Wellies too.

Summer gig getup? Sorted.

image - tous.com

A New Beginning

2010-06-03T11:46:00.000-07:00

First day at new job, wish me luck!

L.o.V.e

2010-05-26T08:26:00.001-07:00

Earlier this afternoon, in the slightly chilled sunshine, I took a stroll down to 17-20 New Bond Street after accepting an invite from the Louis Vuitton press dept to view their newly refurbished 'Maison'.

Oh. My. God. I'm not quite sure the words I now type will quite do any justice to the wonder and splendour that has been bestowed upon me. It's outta this world! Quite literally in fact (more on that below). Spread over three floors (with an additional penthouse for the top spenders, of course), this ultra-luxe, logo-sprayed store is beyond a dream.

Whilst sipping my Perrier (too hungover to accept the champagne, a first-time refusal in my 27 years), I came face to face with the legendary monogrammed trunks, the exotic-skinned totes, candy-coloured hair bobbles, a rotating bag bar (!), an LED staircase (the amount of times I mis-stepped for fear of falling splat on my face...), the Stephen Sprouse graffitied mannequins....there is simply SO much to say that I think from here on in, only my sneaky snaps will do this post any justice. Except it probably won't. But you get the idea until you can visit the stupendous showroom yourself come Monday 28th May.

The keys

Do I look too wooden?

Just one design from the house's extensive collection

An illuminated picture in signature toasted shades

Specially stamped planets with Saturn-like rings and Japanese artist Takashi Murakami's rotating sculpture

My dream dinner service

THE wall of goodness...

A gentleman's piano

Wallpapered lift lobby

Katie Grand-styled Speedy-topped mannequins

An ode to Stephen Sprouse

Can't touch this

Just one of the many showrooms

To clog or not to clog?

A 2010 update on the iconic trunk

Leather-lined chairs to rest your weary feet - or rather your credit card...

Let's get down to business

The latest item to top my Wish List

Literary-lined book shop

Super-leather-animals

Pics taken by me

Oh yes.

2010-05-24T01:24:00.000-07:00

She Will Be Mine, Oh Yes, She Will Be Mine

2010-05-20T15:06:00.000-07:00

People. I've done it. I've bought THE jacket. The jacket that's been on my radar since the mid September-shown following year S/S collections, the jacket that's just been promoted from Wish List to Shopping Basket.

I present to you, Isabel Marant's 'Peru'. All silver lamé, structured shoulders, quilted loveliness that it is.

Personal style pics to follow* however to tide you over until they're uploaded, you'll have to settle with an 'index' shot instead.

And btw, I LOVE it! To quote my fellow tea-drinking buddy, it's My New Favourite Thing.

* Notwithstanding (I love that word), the many, many, 'discounted purchases' that I'm still yet to post. However I have been told that this is my best purchase yet. I'll let you decide, that way you have to come back for more...

Do not adjust your glasses

2010-05-17T14:21:00.000-07:00

I'm playing with the layouts and can't decide which I prefer so bear with me - suggestions welcome!!

Man I Feel Like A Woman

2010-05-17T13:29:00.000-07:00

Purchase no.2 - white Church's brogues.

Indeed

2010-05-16T14:19:00.000-07:00

Twinkle Toes

2010-05-15T06:45:00.000-07:00

Purchase no. 1 - Jimmy Choo sequin lizard ballerinas.

So long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, adieu!

2010-05-14T16:17:00.000-07:00

And so a new chapter begins. The ending of this week kickstarts the last-week countdown before my new job begins.

This week I'll be posting pics of my latest purchases, acquired quickly before my soon-to-be-relinquished discount expires next friday...

Well, I did say I'd buy my wish list if I got the job...silly me.

Tune in tomorrow to check out purchase no. 1...

"I'd like to thank my friends, my family..."

2010-04-06T14:30:00.000-07:00

Better late than never, eh?

The delectable New Favourite Thing kindly tagged me after receiving the Happy 101 award where she listed 'dancing like a loon' and 'silliness' as just two of her top 10 favourite things. And so in return, I duly list my top 10 favourite things.

1. Late night cocktails at the George V, Paris

2. Salted popcorn

3. Camden Passage, particularly Annie’s Vintage

4. Drunken boardgames with my nearest and dearest (you know who you are)

5. My girls

6. En famille

7. Isabel Marant’s s/s 2010 collection

8. My wedding rings

9. Cheese

10. Morgan

To pass the torch, so to speak, I tag the following to share in the love:

Emma Louise Layla
Karla's Closet
Show Me Your Wardrobe
Style and The City
Fafferazzi
Alice in Wardrobe Wonderland
Disney Roller Girl
Bohemian Musings
Lovely Bohemia
Rag Pony

Always and Forever

2010-04-05T15:02:00.000-07:00

Please excuse the 3 month hiatus.

Since I last posted, I've partied in Hong Kong, suntanned in Perth and lost my beloved mother to a 5-year battle with dementia and subsequent 5-day illness with pneumonia.

So, in a bid to get my arse into gear and get my life back on track (there's everything cliché about wanting to get your necessities in order following a bereavement), I post these pics in tribute to my beautiful mum, someone who inspired me when she lived and continues to do so, wherever she's travelling now.

We'll Always Have Paris

2010-01-22T10:03:00.000-08:00

Paris is undoubtedly one of my favourite cities to visit. The notion that with every turn you take you could walk out onto a cobbled path littered with vintage shops, or pass two friends playing chess on the balcony with tumblers of red wine or stumble upon a beaten-up cafe, hazy with smoke but serving saliva-inducing croque monsieurs; its insouciance is infectious and with every visit I fall more hopelessly in love.

All images - weheartit

Chanel and Strawberries

2010-01-20T14:36:00.000-08:00

Beautiful.

Image - we heart it

Leopard Spots and Red Soles

2010-01-19T14:41:00.000-08:00

I'm a staunch safari fan. Of course I've never set foot in a 4x4, nor have I sat it out for 8 hours waiting for a glimpse of a thick maned lion (ok that's a lie, except it was in India and I only saw a family of wild boars. Three times. I think they were on a circuit).

I have however poured over pages upon pages of the S/S10 trends featuring a muddle of khaki, dust, olive, tobacco and cream pigments that will dictate my wardrobe for the next 6 months. From Celine's leather lace-up cocoon dress to Chloe's wood and canvas wedges; or a starched multi-buttoned A-line skirt to a love-worn leather satchel. It's perennial to summer and it's one of my favourite reasons to get dressed.

And so as the next band of snow dumps on my doorstep, I thought I'd kickstart spring's journey into the jungle with my well worn leopard spotted ponyskin pumps.

What's your favourite look of the season?

Sunshine, Parklife and Leather

2010-01-17T12:56:00.001-08:00

Today was the first time in weeks that the sun shone and the snow thawed so me and Morgs took off to Primrose Hill to take some snaps of my newly purchased leather leggings. A balmy 8 degrees also gave my winter-warming fox fur a rest and my Vanessa Bruno mohair coat (fashion yes, function no) an outing.

My jewellery box is overflowing with trinkets and treasures, fortunately my new-found love of yellow gold means I have an extended jewellery box courtesy of my mum. One of this year's resolutions is to collect thin bracelets, top of my wish list is a Van Cleef and Arpels Alhambra chain (a girl can dream, right?) and, perhaps more affordable, vintage charms.

Let me know if you have any address book secrets to help me with my quest.

What's your favourite look of the week?

Say What?

2010-01-14T06:19:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I feel like Carrie from Sex and the City. I sit in front of my computer and ask myself, 'Does the daytime have to be boring and gray?' - Lanvin's charming Alber Elbaz.

Image - splendicity.com

Say What?

2010-01-05T13:48:00.000-08:00

"A throne is only a bench covered in velvet." - Napoleon Bonaparte

The other day while waiting for a tube at Chancery Lane, I spotted the above quote on an underground poster. Wanting to create a 'more positive atmosphere during peak times', this and further quotes ranging from philosophical, political and historical are all part of a TFL Art on the Underground initiative to 'provoke thought on life in the city'.

What a lovely idea.

Image - Stock Vault

The Great Debate - Bumbags

2010-01-04T12:50:00.000-08:00

"Fanny packs? Nice. I hope you're not going to say anything good about them." - The ever sardonic Morgs.

Fanny pack, belt pack, belly bag, Buffalo pouch, hip sack, hip pack, bum bag, moon bag; whatever you want to call it - the bum bag (for the sake of my UK base), is back.

Somewhere between 6 and 12 months ago (I can't quite remember but I do know it was prior to September S/S10 fashion month), I predicted, albeit to myself and Morgs, that bum bags would make a comeback. It may have been a power shoulder knocking me in the head, or the MC Hammer-inspired harem pants subconsciously telling me that a tote is entirely the wrong accessory; the epiphany came. And went. Damn, it would have been a good 'I told you so follow-up post', right?

Anyway, now we're post festivities and feverishly making way for the forthcoming trends (I am particularly partial to the sorbet colours which Burberry executed with all the sweetness of a Sunday sundae), it should come as no surprise that on page 29 of Vogue's February runway supplement, there appears to be 7, no less, bumbags all making a welcome return to the runway.

Marc Jacobs

Jonathan Saunders

Oscar de la Renta

Studs, monogram, super-skinny belts, tassel trims; they're all there. And I love them. Oscar de la Renta paired an embroidered evening gown with a wrap-around pouch while Ashish off-set his 'Same Old Chic' sequined t-shirt (my new-season must have), with a metal studded leather number. Fantastic! Ok, their first incarnation was a bit of an eyesore and wasn't exactly the most stylish, but nor were shoulder pads, drop crotch trousers or batwing sleeve tops and look what happened last year. It's the new millennia makeover that's the key. Just think what Christopher Kane or Marc Jacobs could do to a shell suit?

Ashish

D&G Dolce & Gabbana

With a simple clip, buckle or self-tie fastening, it's the hands free option which appeals to the urbanista. Never again will you have to juggle a champagne flute, canapé and iphone.

Embrace this irreverent trend head on I say. At least until the shell suit comes around.

Pictures - style.com, google images.

311209

2009-12-31T02:48:00.000-08:00

As another decade passes (are we really settling with the noughties?!), look to Coco Chanel and celebrate the New Year with many, many glasses of bubbles.

Here's to a fabulous evening!

See you in 2010...x

Image courtesy of Svenska Mobler

251209

2009-12-24T01:02:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas to everyone!

I'm off to France for a few days skiing where I'll be guaranteed a white Christmas (assuming Gatwick and Easyjet are on my side of course...). Here's hoping wherever you are, you're sprinkled with snow too.

And if not, seek solace in Vogue Korea's festive-inspired shoot below.

See you soon!

Picture - Vogue Korea 2005

Image - www.fubiz.net

The Great Debate - XXSvsXXL

2009-12-23T02:07:00.000-08:00

I'm sure most of you will have come across the following images of Crystal Renn and Jacqueline Jablonski styled in identical outfits and poses for V magazine's January offering. Shot by Terry Richardson, it's the latest in a series of campaigns in an attempt to make people both in and out of the blinkered fashion industry to sit up and smell the double-shot-non-fat-soya-coffee.

I think the first point to discuss is which side of the camp I sit - after all, the main purpose of Sartoriology, to me, is to discuss what style is in relation to said fashion industry and all points in between i.e. the DNA.

It might seem controversial but up until today I did actually think that clothes looked better on 'standard' models. That's not however to be confused with 'size zero' nor with confirmed or non-confirmed anorexic models. I believed that the line of a dress/skirt/suit/coat could be ruined if even the slightest fold or muffin top was in sight. Some people could say that I'm hardly one to talk, it's not like I don't own a whole hoard of body-sculpting underwear, in fact for my wedding I spent £100 on Spanx and Wacoal pieces alone, just to achieve that slim-line silhouette on my Big Day.

However after seeing these pictures and after seeing Mark Fast's latest collection walk the well-trodden runway, my eyes have been opened to the idea of plus-size models walking and campaigning alongside standard models.

However just to make something clear, we shouldn't confuse plus-size with fat. Crystal Renn is not fat, Beth Ditto however is and I think this is something the media confuse most of the time, championing the 'bigger' girl when in fact they are promoting unhealthy eating and living. That's not to say that standard models should the poster girl of today's society, not by any stretch of the imagination. I think a balance needs to be struck.

Back in August, The Sartorialist posted on a plus-size model who featured in US Glamour. The post, which included his comments on how larger women tend to shy away from having candid pictures taken due to suspicion of how the pictures will actually be portrayed, garnered 590 comments both for and against plus-size models.

And so as 2009 draws to a close and with A/W 10 Fashion Week just around the corner, I'm wondering whether any of the heavyweights - Ralph Lauren and Dolce & Gabbana I'm talking to you - will be surprising the front row and Fashion Ed's with a scattering of 'real women' on their runway? And which mega magazines will actually follow through and place a plus-size on their cover?

It's an interesting debate, let me know your thoughts.

Images - Jezebel, The Sartorialist, My Fashion Life

Home Sweet Home

2009-12-16T14:12:00.000-08:00

For the past 6 months I've been living in an all consuming pre-wedding bubble and now finally, I'm married and free! And so while I settle back in and get the post wedding tasks done and dusted, I thought I'd post a couple of pics of the Big Day and our beloved rings!

Back soon. I promise x

p.s. if you look real close, you can spot my girls, New Favourite Thing and It's So Stylistic

Picture Perfect

2009-11-20T06:06:00.000-08:00

This, by far, is my favourite picture of MKA.

Everything is right: MK's deep red lips, battered Kelly, vintage hat and leopard-print coat contrasting with Ashley's business-like Kelly, crystal encrusted Manolo's and lace-trimmed rich teal dress.

With this image now cemented firmly in my brain, it actually pains me to get dressed in the morning.

Picture courtesy of olsensanonymous.blogspot.com

RIP Daul Kim

2009-11-19T13:55:00.001-08:00

Just read really sad news that Korean model Daul Kim has been found dead in her Paris apartment. Although there's initial speculation, it's not clear what caused her premature death. Daul walked for Alexander McQueen and featured in countless editorial and cover shoots for British and Korean Vogue. Such a shame.

I love her peeking out from the field of flowers.

Images courtesy of thefashionspot.com and nymag.com

Top Off

2009-11-16T14:22:00.000-08:00

Monday evening and my Paris hen do has been and gone, leaving me with a hoarse voice and wonderful memories. The girls did me proud! In the past 48 hours i've flicked through racks of vintage Balmain, Chanel and Chloé and experienced the best show i've ever and possibly will ever see at the Lido on the Champs-Élysées.

Showgirls, cabaret and prancing ponies aplenty, there was sequins, beading, trouser suits reminiscent of Yves Saint Laurent circa 1990 and topless Parisian burlesque beauties! Lithe and impeccably turned out, the breast-baring beauties were high up on the table discussions with much adoration.

So with this in mind and while flicking through Alice in Wardrobe Wonderland, i wanted to do a post about the wonder of femininity and fashion and especially how nudity can be portrayed tastefully and polar opposite to a tabloid page 3.

Would you agree?

The shots below are from Vogue Australia and then Kate Moss who champions the top off to perfection.

S/S 10 - Fashion or art?

2009-11-13T06:02:00.000-08:00

I've been so pre-occupied with planning my impending wedding (T minus 15 days) and working stupidly long hours that I've totally neglected my beloved blog. And so with my impending Paris-bound hen do kicking off in a little over 14 hours, i felt the need to post the following to tie me over until Monday where i will officially take control of my life again...one can try anyway.

From runway to red carpet, clearly the only woman brave enough to take Alexander McQueen's 'Armadillo' heels by the sartorial horns would be Daphne Guinness. Presenting at last night's NARS event, Guinness paired the perilously high heels with a runway computerised dress and finished with her trademark theatrical kohl-smudged make up.

I'm not sure how i feel about the end result, or indeed the heels themselves. The shoes are a work of art but who's to say art has to be tasteful or even something that everyone approves of? The colour is a little too similar to her ghost-like legs but perhaps Guinness had McQueen's creature creations in mind and chose to execute her look to the exacting standards of his recent S/S 10 collection.

So while i sit on the fence and mull over whether this art form should have stayed as that, i wonder what your thoughts are?

image courtesy of redcarpet-fashionawards.com

Picture Perfect

2009-10-03T02:32:00.001-07:00

Dazed & Confused Fashion Editor, Katie Shillingford, dips into the ombré trend with her latest hairstyle. Truly inspired.

Some of her previous hairstyles...

Pictures courtesy of Jak&Jil and thefashionspot

S/S 10 - Tribal Gathering

2009-09-16T14:02:00.000-07:00

One of the hottest trends that’s emerging from New York S/S 10 is Tribal. Pleasing-on-the-eye prints and tactile-to-touch fabrics make this perennially chic tribal trend safari’s edgier older sister.

With winter’s global nomad making the logical step on, the tribal trend has grown up and is much easier to wear than previous seasons with an abundance of printed maxi dresses and blouses in a multitude of colourful guises.

Diane von Furstenberg sent her army down the catwalk with elbow-to-wrist stacked bangles, Alice Temperley for Temperley London chose a tattoo-inspired sheer maxi dress and Marc Jacobs firmly cemented this ubiquitous trend with a medley of printed tunics, shirts, shorts and skirts, all printed with oversized spots, etchings and stripes for his by Marc line.

Taking tribal into a definitively darker mood, Kate and Laura Mulleavy at Rodarte used their signature aesthetic of swathed and shredded chiffon to create elegant armour, dripping with tassles and covered in crocheted cobwebs. It may not be the most commercial collection in their design portfolio, but it’s certainly one of the most beautifully constructed.

With these initial flavours coming from New York, it'll be interesting to see London's interpretation of this new-season style, particularly from flamboyant designers such as Matthew Williamson, David David and Duro Olowu.

Diane von Furstenberg

Temperley London

Marc by Marc Jacobs

Rodarte

Images courtesy of style.com

S/S 10 - Alexander Wang's Sports Chic

2009-09-13T10:14:00.000-07:00

With New York Fashion Week in full throttle, I've been researching the collections to see what's likely to be an editorial hit for S/S 10 and what trends I'll be rocking once the impending winter chills.

One of my favourites so far, not just in terms of wearability but also for his vision, has to be not-so-new boy, Alexander Wang. Looking to the all-American sportsman for inspiration, Wang took basic sportswear silhouettes and shaped them into new-season essentials. With favourites including Natasha Poly and Anna Selezneva storming the floodlit catwalk in ribbed knee-high socks, Wang used a muted colour palette of khaki and grey marl to sku his shapes.

Taking the standard grey sweatshirt, Wang showed that with a nude mesh corset or with cocoon-shaped shoulders, there's two ways to wear this wardrobe basic (female-friendly Y-fronts optional). In other looks, sports-striped trousers hung louche on the hips and could easily be pared with this season's Chloe wedge boots, while tobacco-brown leather inserts were seen on sweaters and lace-up shorts. And the pièce de résistance? A deflated American football clutch.

I'm a huge fan of Wang's designs and will be looking forward to seeing how his designs are picked up in the online stores such as Net-a-Porter, Matches and Browns, and also how his collection will be interpreted by the high street. No doubt GAP (who he collaborated with this year and who are the high street leaders in sports-chic), will be the one to turn to.

images courtesy of style.com

Say What?

2009-09-11T02:23:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday my dear friend B and I went to a press screening of The September Issue. Aside from spending 80+ minutes in total fashion and docu-drama heaven, one of the best quotes I've ever heard was uttered before the trailers for the film even started. "There's always a way to wear fur", mused Anna Wintour. A girl after my own heart.

Out in cinemas nationwide today, what's your favourite quote?

Style Spot - Taylor Momsen

2009-09-10T01:21:00.001-07:00

Has anyone else noticed how Gossip Girl's Taylor Momsen is morphing into a 1990s Courtney Love?

I'm loving the homage to Nirvana with a scruffy-chic plaid shirt, biker boots and MKO-inspired multiple chains. Thank god she got rid of her awful fringed haircut (GG Season 2 was not a pretty look for her).

She's definitely one to keep an eye on.

Image courtesy of stylefinder.com

It's back!

2009-09-02T00:36:00.000-07:00

When SATC the movie came out, me and the girls did the deed and watched with baited breath as Fergie belted out the opening lyrics and we were lost in girlie heaven for the next 2 hours. To be honest, it didn't live up to the hype. I wasn't mad on the plot but I was mad on the clothes and every time I watch it again, I look at a different angle, whether it be who's in the background or the accessories Carrie wears instead of the shoes I watched previously or her hairstyle prior to that (I know, I have a problem).

So now they've started filming SATC 2. I'm not doing spoilers or even looking out for pictures as the entire plot was given away (and ruined) last time just through looking at candid snaps or reading the latest update in Grazia. Who knows whether it's going to trump its predecessor or if it's going to flop. One thing we do know however, is there's going to be fabulous fashion!

Here's just two snaps I caught last night, I love Carrie's hair this color and the white empire dress with the ghetto-glamour shades are so amazing! Can't bloody wait.

Images courtesy of Daily Mail

Bits and Bobs

2009-08-31T12:11:00.000-07:00

I've been meaning to upload these pics for a while but as usual have got side-tracked! Anyway, the first is of Vivienne Westwood's crystal-embellished skull ring. It's chunky, sparkly and a serious piece of finger-candy that totally indulges my inner rocker.

Next up is Burberry's barbed wire ring. Do you remember Giles' spike-studded key-charm he did for Mulberry a few seasons ago? This is the 2009 update. It's fabulously fierce.

Lastly is Diesel's Carnaby Street store. Reminiscent of a dilapidated warehouse, their latest update juxtaposes the iconic denim and fashion label perfectly.

Enjoy!

Giles for Mulberry key-charm picture courtesy of www.thebaglady.tv

Gaga

2009-08-30T02:02:00.000-07:00

To me, Lady Gaga is an enigma. The voice doesn't match the flamboyant, and at times, overbearing persona. However I can't knock these latest pictures from V magazine, shot by Mario Testino. With just pink candy floss to cover her modesty, Lady G is an over-the-top, part Playboy bunny, part smouldering '70s pin-up with a dash of Studio 54 glamour. Playing to her glamourous guise, her popularity both in the charts and the fashion media sees no sign of waning.

We all know her costumes are part of who she is and the circus that surrounds her, however I'd love her to be styled as a regular, just to see how well she'd come off on film and if she'd still hold the same presence. What do you think?

Images - Google

Picture Perfect

2009-08-26T06:39:00.000-07:00

Saw this on the way into work this morning...

Homespun Charm

2009-08-19T07:29:00.000-07:00

What with the GFC, Credit Crunch, whatever you want to call it in full swing, it seems everyone's paying homage to all that is homespun: Missoni's opulent and oversized knits, Marni's shabby-chic brooches, Zagliani's lace-detailed totes and most recently spied, Christian Louboutin for Ohne Titel's raffia rope sandals.

Zagliani's stencil-scalped, paper-thin tote

Missoni's mille feuille knitwear

Christian Louboutin for Ohne Titel's raffia rope sandals

So in keeping with with this of-the-moment mood, I'm taking inspiration from Alice + Olivia's sequin-embellished cardigan and Miu Miu's sequin and bead-embellished socks and will be taking a visit to dear old John Lewis in the attempt of updating my tired cashmere knits into something more whimsical and wonderful.

Miu Miu's intricately embellished hosiery

Alice + Olivia's shimmering separate

I'll keep you posted.

Images courtesy of net-a-porter.com and JAK & JILL

SCOSHA

2009-08-13T05:42:00.000-07:00

SCOSHA (sko-shar)

Bohemian-inspired jewellry from Australian-born designer Scosha Woolridge. In particular her just-dropped friendship bracelets at net-a-porter.com.

Crafted from braided antique silk fly wire, these love-forever bracelets are adorned with gold and silver charms with diamonds, rubys and emeralds to garnish.

Tie one around the wrist and it's a subtle touch of charm that's guaranteed to garner interest.

And what's more? Men can wear them too.

I want one. Or two. Or all of them.

Who wants to be my friend?

scoshanyc.com

Images courtesy of net-a-porter.com

A Painterly Picture...

2009-08-11T14:48:00.001-07:00

While carrying out some picture and blog research, I spotted these fashion sketches. They're all so beautiful and tell so much more than an end-of-catwalk shot. Enjoy!

Manolo Blahnik's perilously high cherry-embellished sandals courtesy of

The Perks of Bring a Wallflower

Erdem's eye-catching print courtesy of Bunny BISOUS

Rodarte's whimsical frou-frou courtesy of Hip Girlie

Michael Kors' monochrome courtesy of Google images

Balmain's power shoulder and Louis Vuitton's bunny ears courtesy of Life in Fashion

Peter Som's First Lady courtesy of 55 Secret Street

Christian Louboutin, King of the Red Sole courtesy of Google images

Like Mother, Like Daughter

2009-08-11T05:57:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I picked up another of my favourite monthly's, Harpers Bazaar UK. Like the March issue with Emily Blunt, the September issue (which covers Natalia Vodianova who is just beautiful), is oversized and printed on recycled paper to produce not only a luxurious fashion issue but a more green one at that.

Pouring over the many pages of fashion and beauty ads, I was caught by what I thought was Meryl Streep but who actually turned out to be her daughter, Mamie Gummer, posing insouciantly against a park bench for Parisian label, Gerard Darel. With the signature hook nose, Mamie looks every bit like her elegant, Oscar-winning mother and it reminded me of another mother-daughter merger with Jerry Hall's youngest daughter, Georgia Jagger, posing for the forthcoming Hudson jeans campaign.

I feel incredibly blessed to look like my mother and am so proud to have her 'ski-slope' nose and 'tombstone teeth' (as she would say).

Which other mother-daughter duos can you think of?

Last image courtesy of vogue.com

Ageless Grace

2009-08-05T12:50:00.000-07:00

Every month, when that little grey plastic-covered package lands on my mews-bound doorstep, I wait with baited breath before challenging Morgs to a game of 'who's on the cover of Vogue'. Each month we toss between celebrity vs. model vs. credible actress and every month we equally get it wrong. Only moments ago as he put Giselle on the table for September's issue and I on the other hand put Mossy. And I won. With a ear-piercing squeal I might add.

It's been a while (for her anyway) since KM was on the cover and although it's not my favourite KM cover (that'd be October 2008), you can't deny her longevity and her ability to weather the media storms that keep coming her way.

I wonder whether she'll keep on gracing the covers of Vogue for years to come and I wonder whether whether she'll age as gracefully as Carmen Dell'Orefice, who, at the grand age of 78 still looks as fresh today as she did when she first took Vogue's cover at the tender age of 15.

What are your thoughts?

Images - Google Images and Vogue.com

Style Spot - Ashley Olsen

2009-07-28T11:32:00.000-07:00

Growing up, I had a pretty eclectic dress sense. There were the chavy, Reebok trainer years, the hippy flared years (my friends called them my 'fag-end trousers' for their resemblance to the end of a Benson & Hedges cigarette butt), the gothic Morticia years, the club-hopping, Ibiza-loving, limited clothes-wearing years and most recently, a term I'd like to coin as my own, my polished grunge years (I love The Doors and any rock music but still like to wash my hair). As such, I've never had one sole style icon. I've certainly appreciated the style of many a celebrity/model/mother (the latter of which I look to as constant inspiration), over the years but I've found that as I get older and more 'worldly', inevitably life influences the way I dress.

So to break down my newly termed style, my current crush and whose style I equally admire is Ashley Olsen, aka one half of the Olsen Twins.

I find it slightly strange to admire someone who's younger than me, however the way she wears Jil Sander tailoring, sumptuous Rick Owens knits, a crocodile Fendi tote slung so insouciantly off the arm and who can forget the Prada black satin turban circa 2007? She just gets it right, every time.

From the draped, goddess-like white backless gown she wore to the Costume Institute Gala, to her homage to YSL in a black cropped tux; even her recent outing wearing a minimalist black string dress gave me a hit of '90s nostalgia.

So here's to AO. Until the next style milestone.

Images courtesy of olsensanonymous.blogspot.com

Holiday!

2009-07-22T10:05:00.000-07:00

Having just touched down from a mini-break to sunny Spain, my post-holiday blues were reignited by In Style's dedicated bikini mini-feature in their August issue. Missoni's chevron-striped string triangle two-piece is the salt to my sartorial wounds, while the signature monochrome string-piece from Chanel, as modelled by Stella Tennant circa 1996, just fills me with swimwear envy!

Roll on November's honeymoon, more on that later...

Delicious

2009-07-13T14:09:00.000-07:00

Recently I've developed a bit of a craving for red velvet cupcakes from Bea's of Bloomsbury. Decorated with cream cheese icing, they're not as sickly as some of the other confectionary boutiques and they're a Louboutin's throw from where I live! Anyway, while I adjust my Bottega buckle one more notch, one piece of fashion that won't be affected by size and one which is rather apt is Judith Leiber's crystal-embellished cupcake chain bag from Net-a-Porter. How fabulous? Beautiful, elegant and not a calorie in sight, mmmm.

Image courtesy of Net-a-Porter

Jungle Gym

2009-07-13T13:38:00.000-07:00

Last week I popped into my local gym in a last-ditched effort to get myself in shape before heading off to sunny Spain. I'm not normally one to study fixtures and fittings in the home, let alone the gym, however I was caught off guard by the fluorescent orange and yellow leopard-print worktop veneer which looked remarkably similar to Christopher Kane's recent cashmere sweaters. The resemblance is uncanny! Who'd have thought a central London gym could inspire such memorable wardrobe separates.

Unlikely Style Icon - Wimbledon

2009-06-23T06:02:00.000-07:00

I’ve always been a fan of military fashion: studded epaulets, frogging, shiny button fastenings and of course the commanding colour palettes of khaki, navy and red. However the military trend tends to be given the proverbial nudge into the back row during the summer months to make way for the perennial favourites: boho-chic and military’s closest ally, nautical. But it all looks set to change after watching today’s Wimbledon fashion-show where Maria Sharapova and Roger Federer marched onto court in white, heavily tailored, braided jackets replete with button-fastening cuffs. Smart and stylish and with a 21st century spin on the classic whites, military looks set to have a summer reprisal.

Images - Daily Mail

Maxed Out

2009-06-21T15:26:00.000-07:00

After seeing recent shots of Ashley Olsen at The Hangover premier in a minimalist Calvin Klein-inspired black maxi dress, the hunt for my LBD (Long Black Dress) has further intensified. I have a 5-year old calf-length D&G dress from a Covent Garden charity shop but it's not quite the same. Whether it's worn to an A-list bash a la Ms. Olsen or barefooted on the beach back in Morgs' hometown of Perth, it's the easiest way to stay cool for summer and I can't believe my wardrobe has survived thus far without one!

Let me know if you see any out there x

Image - Olsens Anonymous

Jimmy Choo vs H&M

2009-06-17T05:23:00.000-07:00

I missed out on Stella, I wasn't interested in Madonna, Matthew I loved but as dear old Sinead once sang, nothing compares to, well this. Jimmy Choo has just announced their collaboration with H&M. To quote Posh, this is major! Think sexy, spindly, strappy heels, bags and an extra-special clothing line at a fraction of the price of its Bond Street store. Tamara Mellon, president of Jimmy Choo today said she was honoured to be among the fashion greats to have collaborated with H&M.

"It's such a privilege to design a collection to appeal to fashion savvy, street smart women. Jimmy Choo will bring to H&M a sophisticated, fashion forward, accessible and glamorous collection - the perfect party pieces to wear out at night," she added.

Watch this space ladies, the new collection is set to drop on November 14th across the world.

Pictures courtesy of the Daily Mail.

Style Spot - CFDA

2009-06-16T14:21:00.000-07:00

Earlier on at work today, the girls and I were debating over the fashions of last night's CFDA awards. Being a HUGE Blake Lively fan (well, her GG Serena character anyway), I was surprised to find that E was unhappy about Blake's choice of style for the event. "She needed something extra, a necklace or a belt perhaps. I wouldn't have worn it to the CFDA" she cried. Not wanting to retire like the proverbial wall flower, I strongly disagreed. With her Jennifer Anniston tan, beach-curled hair and softly, soft nude patent (Louboutin if I'm not mistaken) heels, I thought with the electrifying hot neon tone of her Michael Kors' dress, she got it spot on. After all, name me one other A-lister who could have pulled it off?

What's your verdict?

Outta This World

2009-06-16T13:27:00.000-07:00

Now, I have to admit, I've been slightly out of touch recently, neglecting my newly-born blog and letting my monthly magazine addiction fall by the wayside. I have a partially good excuse for the latter however as I've just finished reading Shantaram - possible one of the best books EVER written - and as of 9.33 this morning, I now have a lot more reading time on my hands!

En route home this evening I quickly popped into my local newsie to stock up on my monthly glossies and there out of the corner of my eye, 3rd row up, Uma Thurman's glacier-like eyes peered back at me like some resplendent alien from outer space, albeit from a planet called Harpers Bazaar.

Has anyone seen the cover and shoot? If not see below. She truly is a phenomenal creature; lithe limbed, slightly skew but perfectly formed eyes, scarily tall and with a first name that demands a 'I'm sorry what did you say your name was' after every introduction. The photo shoot, styled by Vanessa Coyle, sees Uma sprawling out her never-ending legs in second-skin ruffled Givenchy, arm-defending Jacqueline Rabun (who has recently designed my engagement ring, more on that later) and moon-dust encrusted Nina Ricci. She commands the attention of all with her offbeat yet goddess-like beauty and I got thinking about how many other models out there that resemble another life force like Uma does.

Of course one of the most obvious would be Lily Cole. With a flame-red weave and off-centre almond-shaped eyes, Lily has carved out a successful career playing off her kooky-chic looks.

And then there's my personal favourite, Sasha Pivovarova. With her chiseled cheekbones and perfectly pointed jaw, she truly is a style chameleon, flexing her pout here and offering a space-like snarl there.

Next up is Gemma Ward who bears a striking resemblance to Sasha and one would be forgiven for mistaking one for the other, were it not for Gemma's childlike innocence. She too has the wide-set eyes which all give them that alien-inspired look.

Someone who I don't see too much of in editorial is Masha Tyelna who most of you will recognise for her doll-like make-up for Dior's F/W '08 collections. With double-take saucer-shaped eyes and a natural beauty, she really does look out of this world.

My mum always used to call models 'creatures' because they are really; beautiful, walking creatures with slightly skew features that make them jaw-droppingly, rubber-necking gorgeous. Truly out of this world.

A/W '09 Givenchy - Fierce!

2009-05-26T12:29:00.001-07:00

Every Winter, when the day draws in at 3pm and my lips are chapped far beyond the help of my Creme de la Mer lip balm, I long for the lazy summer months. I've always been a sun baby, opting for a sun-kissed face over rose-tinted cheeks and having wavy, sea-drenched hair over split, wind-swept rats-tails. I long for relieving my Ugg-booted feet so I can slip them into my Miu Miu metallic gladiator sandals and unfolding myself from Rick Owens' knitwear and into Vanessa Bruno's crinkled, cotton sundress.

That was of course until I saw these newly released A/W '09 campaign pictures from Givenchy:

Fierce!

Goodbye Summer sunshine, hello Winter wardrobe.

Moving on from his 'Western Bondage' S/S '09 collection, Tisci produced a far more commercial Winter collection, replete with statement shoulders, silhouette-shaping lace dresses and fiercly tailored pants, all cut to flatter the feminine form and and with a huge dose of attitude. Decorated in feathers, studs and glossy goat hair, the collection was laced in signature black (alongside a sprinkling of chocolate, lemon, midnight blue and angelic white) and finished with origami-cut pleats and leather inserts to provide the perfect ratio of 1940s starlet and underground dominatrix.

So while I won't be throwing out my glads just yet, I will however be looking to Givenchy and indeed the coming Winter months far more so than ever and with a new found respect.

Raven bowl-cut hair and berry-red lips optional of course.

http://www.givenchy.com/