Milly Fell Into The Wardrobe

Turn Up the Heat!

2012-02-07T03:00:00.000-08:00

Yes, it's freezing outside but if you fancy looking ahead to the Summer, might I recommend Missoni's new video. When I heard the buzz about Pedro Almodóvar being involved in this, naturally Ia ssumed he was directing, but oh no! Instead we see the Bad Education screenwriter taking a cameo role.
"Pedro had told me for years that he was keen to make something with us" explains Missoni creative director Angela Missoni.
"So I asked him this time and he offered to model in the campaign…It is a homage to the Spanish lifestyle with women and girls who love to party and dance into the night. It has been a great experience for all of us"

The Spanish women she is refers to include top model Mariacarla Boscono, Flamenco dancer Eva Yerbabuena and actresses Rossy de Plama and Blanca Martínez Suárez, all modelling the ruffled designs from Missoni's spring/summer 2012 collection, which are perfect for dancing in and the music..interuppted by some rather heavy breathing and moans.. (be warned..turn the volume down if you're watching this at work) !
Almodóvar and company appeared in front of the lens of director Marco Maccapani for the humorous and conceptual video, which sees stills taken by fashion photographer Juergen Teller interspersed in the style of a beautiful pop-up book.
Naturally the film wouldn't be complete without the Missoni's themselves making an appearance. Look for a trio of Italian brunettes all sporting side partings and you'll discover creative director Angela Missoni (centre), and accessories designer and model Margherita (bottom).
Two of my favourite parts of the video has to be the Parma ham-playing gentleman who pops up for a couple of seconds at around 1.13 minutes in and a model who appears to pluck a long-stememd rose from her nether regions! Enjoy!x

Spotty (but not the fashionable kind)

2012-02-01T05:04:00.000-08:00

Yes..I have considered hiding.

My posting, as regular readers will notice, has been absent for a couple of weeks. The reason for this is that I have been struck down. Admittedly that does sound rather dramatic but when one is feeling rubbish, one is allowed to wallow! My poor followers on the tweet-sphere have been regaled with an almost blow by blow account of the progression of the spots.

It started, once upon a time on a Thursday, with a small patch of a rash on my tummy, red, raised little spots that were a bit itchy but not cripplingly so. I assumed it was a wool rash as I've suffered with these on and off for years and had been wearing a Cos wool dress that day. I hadn't changed my washing powder, cosmetics or anything like that..so I slapped a bit of hydro-cortisone on it and life went on as normal.

The rash spread. The spots got bigger and more itchy, eventually they were all the way up to my chin and down to my knees, front and back. On Saturday I sat down on the sofa and fell asleep for nearly three hours. On Sunday I was not only red and itchy but exhausted. I didn't have a temperature or any other symptoms though. Monday came and I decided to whizz to the doctor. I'm from a family of doctors but an external opinion is always good and Daddy was in an Indian jungle with no email access.

After the interminable wait in the waiting room....where I tried not to scratch my boobs..I eventually made it to my doctor. He took a cursory look at me and said, "I think it's pityriasis rosea, there's nothing we can really do about that. Try a hydro cortisone if the itching gets really bad."
"It is really bad. Seriously. My entire body is covered in angry red welts and I want to scratch my skin off and you're telling me there's nothing I can do about it? What causes it?"
"The causes are unknown but don't worry, it's not contagious and usually doesn't spread to the face."
"Wow..ok so my face MIGHT not get covered in horrific rash and I don't have to make the Boy sleep on the sofa. How long does it last for?"
"6 to 12 weeks. Did I mention that the side effects are chronic fatigue and nausea? It tends to get worse before it gets better so expect more spots."
(collapses to floor in despair)

I left the doctors feeling VERY despondent..and still itching. The tiredness was almost as bad as the itch. I could barely get out of bed in the mornings and by three pm was ready to climb under my desk and snooze. In despair, I decided to Google it. Now usually this is the quick path to Crazy Town with a subway through Paranoia Alley but because this virus/ skin condition is so odd and so little has been known about it, people have been doing their own thing. The British Association of Dermatologists was helpful in terms of background but not in terms of relief. It was on line patient forums, particularly one called Healthy Pages that proved to provide some helpful advice..although of course read them with a good dollop of common sense.

One of the suggestions was washing in Head and Shoulders all over, twice a day. I can't remember what the active ingredient was..but people had reported good effects. By Thursday, I was utterly miserable and went back to the Shire for some TLC. My dear family, who could see the rash in all it's glory, were hugely sympathetic. Hot water made it flare up even worse so relaxing baths were out! We bought the Head and Shoulders and fortunately had a giant vat of a skin cream called Dermol to hand. This cream is used as a moisturiser or cleanser for those suffering with severe eczema. Mummy ( a nurse) suggested taking a Benadryl once-a-day allergy pill every morning and so the regime started. I'd wash in the morning, all over with the H&S, then cover everything in Dermol and take my Benadryl as well as milk thistle and vitamin C supplements. If patches got particularly bad, I would apply H45 (like E45 but hydro cortisone). I also had a sunbed for 5 minutes on the Saturday. I would never ever normally advocate the use of sunbeds but exposure to UV light is apparently helpful to this skin condition and it certainly helped me. Only for a very short period though..not enough to get a tan or certainly not burn! This intensive treatment we kept up over the whole weekend. I also ended up sleeping for 12 hours every night and during the afternoon.

Back to London on the Sunday and with work approaching on the Monday, the rash seemed to be calmer than it had been. I have kept up my routine (Head and Shoulders, full body coating in Dermol, Benadryl tablet and supplements) and have been going to bed at 10pm every evening. The patches do seem to be getting drier and darker in colour. I am continuing to wear all natural fabrics and have also been alcohol free for about 5 days..just as an added health benefit!

I'm still cream-crackered and no-one would want to see me in a bikini yet (SERIOUSLY) but I'm praying that I'm over the worst of it. Keep your fingers crossed for me and if you see someone with rash patches up to their chin and sitting on their hands on the tube, give them a friendly smile, it might be me.

Slightly more fashionable spots at Louise Gray, LFW 11

Prada Parade

2012-01-19T07:39:00.000-08:00

Garrett Hedlund, Emile Hirsch, Adrien Brody, Tim Roth, and Jamie Bell

Everyone needs a little pick-me-up at this point in the week and I'd be lying if I said this didn't make me slightly gooey. Men's fashion can pass me by, but occasionally something comes along which gets me excited and the Prada Autumn/ Winter Show was one of those moments. It described by Count..sorry, Gary Oldman as "two-minute theatre - a short blast of performance."

One of the many things I love about this (as a Victorian specialist) is that these clothes wouldn't have looked out of place a hundred years ago. And it wasn't just the clothes that were of a certain vintage. Adrien Brody, Gary Oldman, Tim Roth and Willem Dafoe were among the actors cast by the company to stalk charismatically across an enormous, scarlet shagpile carpet in sober suits and double-breasted, high-revered overcoats - borderline frock-coats - that would not have been out of place circa 1890.

Gary Oldman reckoned his outfit - dominating magisterial black overcoat with insignia at the chest - was "a little bit count Dracula". Adrien Brody's coat was a richly patterned scarlet number, with a two-toned furry collar. In it, he said, he acted the role of "an evil ruler - a dictator. I felt like there was a bit of 'off with your head about him'." He din't even crack a smile at the end unlike William Defoe who had looked quite scary until then and Garrett Hedlunch (Achilles/Brad Pitt's nephew who gets killed in Troy!!) who was clearly enjoying himself the entire time. Jamie Bell - who confessed that (not quite) rubbing shoulders with professional models made him realise quite how short he is - bless him!

Across the geometrical scarlet shagpile strode models (real ones at first) wearing expressions that were variously shifty, haughty or sly in trench coats, grey suits, shoes with galoshes-style rubber attachments and shirts from which sprouted up-to-the-chin polo necks. It was a tailoring show, although I did feel a bit sorry for the two chaps who appeared to be in tennis shorts with an overcoat..always a tricky look for the Modern man.

It was also, said Prada afterwards, "about elegance and powerful dressing. I was working on man power. So this was a palazzo of power... we started with this idea of a mis-en-scene of the people in the palace. Spies, any kind of people who are living in the palace of power." And before you conclude that Prada is advocating dictator-dress next winter (which I'm on board with by the way), she added: "Also for me it was a parody of man power. It was not ironic - it was nasty."

These chaps can walk over my carpet any day

Driving a Wedge

2012-01-17T02:58:00.000-08:00

Miranda Kerr and Julianne Moore in the Marant Beekket high-tops

Do you ever have those moments when you feel you've lost the plot ever so slightly? That is the feeling I get when I start thinking about wedge trainers. Are they fugly or are they fine? How often would I actually wear them? Then what on earth would I wear them with? I saw a very chic lady wearing the Isabel Marant ones at Paris Art Fair last September..OF COURSE it was in Paris and she was wearing them with skinny jeans and a fitted coat and look effortless and...well.. Parisian...but could I carry them off? (If anyone would like to donate a pair of Marant trainers to me so I can try this out, then do please email.)

Thanks to Marant, the hi-top is back. And this time it's got a wedge. The high street has jumped head first into the act and the 'ultimate sports luxe shoe' is set to continue in popularity. The reason I think it's popular is because it appeals to lazy people like me who find proper heels too much of a trial. I've already embraced the high-top and am a fan of the wedge..so why not the wedge trainer? Elle tells us that the wedge trainer is "perfect for adding edge to a pair of skinnies or a leather skirt teamed with opaque's right now, they'll be just as covetable with a denim mini-dress come Spring." Well Elle, I think this is true if you have legs like Bambi for for mere mortals you might end up looking like the lesser known eighth dwarf, Stumpy. Anything that cuts you off at the ankle can be dangerous. Apparently my black Yarra desert boots can fall into the wedge-trainer category and I've banged on ALOT about how wonderful they are but to me..they ain't trainers.

Here is a selection I've pulled...thoughts?x

Navy leather and rubber from Topshop

Nude leather from See by Chloe

Tan suede from Aldo..I'm kind of leaning towards these..if any

Navy suede from Ash

And finally, a selection from Isabel Marant..I can't deny that I do have a penchant for the black ones. Donations welcome.

Five of the Best

2011-12-30T10:45:00.000-08:00

How dreadfully lazy I have been, 8th of December was the last post..three weeks and a day ago. The work wind down, running away to the Shire, family, eating, Christmas, then Christmas recovery, it all takes time! Now it is New Year's Eve Eve and I'm curled up writing this and listening to the Possession omnibus on iplayer (one of my favourite novels of all time). Santa Claus has been wonderful to me and I still have a few days left of holiday, so what better time than to look back at the favourite bits of 2011, so I thought I'd do five 'top fives'. Snooze..EVERYONE looks back at the best and worst around this time I know, but it is a good opportunity to do so, so why buck a trend?!

Thank you to every single one of you who has read me this year, it means the absolute world to me. Every single time I get a comment and it's not from a member of my direct family, it brightens my entire week. I skimmed over the first year anniversary of the blog back in February because..truthfully..I forgot. It's so enjoyable writing it that I've rarely paid attention to dates except now when I've just had a wee skim through the old posts so thank you, thank you, thank you all again. I hope you've had a superb Christmas and a happy New Year is just around the corner.....x

Five Best Fashion Purchases - not in order, that would be far too hard.

1. Black leather shorts from Topshop - they've taken me from day to night and Summer to evening, they are also the ideal not too slutty length

2. Black suede Yarra Desert boots from Clarks - the perfect wedge heel and so comfy, it's like wearing slippers..still haven't got round to suede-proofing them though.

3. Grey mid length coat from Zara, first mentioned in my Autumn purchases post.
4. Cotton sundress from Cos (actually in black and mint with large white polka dots, I know that's two really but this is my list so there!) These were fantastic for both work and play and SO hard-wearing and stylish at the same time.
5. Over sized Mulberry Alexa in Oak - my wonder bag, since it arrived in my life in February, it hasn't left my arm.

Alexa..and the Alexa

Five Best Beauty Purchases (these are not my handbag staples, but new ones I've discovered!)

1. Laura Mercier tinted moisturiser - yes, I'm late to the party but I couldn't live without it now.

2. Lucas' Paw Paw Ointment - awesome for pretty much everything, including the odd spot!
3. MaxFactor Falsh Lash Effect Mascara - I still love my DiorShow but for a budget substitute this cannot be beaten.
4. Floris Night Scented Jasmine - I love this fragrance, it hasn't replaced my Jo Malone Orange Blossom or Acqua di Palma Iris but it is an incredible bath foam and moisturiser. The scent is unlike anything I have ever smelt before and transforms your bathroom.
5. Temple Spa - pretty much every product I've tried so far but special mention going to the Palm Balm hand lotion, Quietitude mist (amazing on long haul flights) and Peace Be Still, a wonderful body balm. All available from Victoria Health and Harrods.

Five Best Reads

Terribly difficult to pick five out, fortunately I keep a record of everything I read and see at the theatre or cinema or I'm sure I'd start losing track. I know a few of these are cheating as they are whole series but it was almost the first book that hooked me!

1. The Beekeeper's Apprentice, Laurie R King
A Sherlock Holmes spin off but much much more. Mary Russell, his young apprentice will draw you in and seduce you with her spunk and good humour, plus a constant stream of damn good mysteries!

2. Never Let Me Go, Kazuo Ishiguro
Needs no introduction after the film version this year. A book I didn't really get when I first tried to read it a few years ago but when I tried again, I couldn't put it down.

3. Gone With the Windsors, Laurie Graham

This brilliant novel is the fictional diary of Maybell Brumby, a wealthy American widow who arrives in London in 1932 and discovers that an old school friend is in town: Bessie Wallis Warfield, now Mrs Ernest Simpson. A corking read and an absolute delight to those intrigued by the enigma that is Mrs Simpson.

4. The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins
I cannot wait for the film of this to come out! After scoffing at all the people reading this and dismissing it as trashy teen fiction, I ate my words after reading it in desperation why I ran out of books on holiday. Edge of the seat stuff, make your life easier and buy the entire trilogy together so you don't have to leave your armchair between books.

5. Must You Go? My Life With Harold Pinter, Antonia Fraser

A wonderful peek into the life of one of the most famous literary couples of our time and a heart wrenching love story. A book I shall definitely be re-reading as it is so chocca full of details, I know I will discover new ones each time.

Five Favourite Films - I adore going to the cinema and again, these couldn't possibly in order.

1. The Kings Speech - not a particularly original choice but I make no apologies for that.

2. Hanna - It blew me away, Saoirse Ronan's performance, the Chemical Brothers soundtrack, the weird fairytale elements of the story. Awesome.

3. We Need to Talk About Kevin - Loved the book and was worried about the film despite the wonderful pedigree of Lynne Ramsey and Tilda Swinton

4. Midnight in Paris - a beautiful bubble of a picture that I randomly saw in New York with the Boy on a romantic night out. Allen back on form but also fab for anyone who adores fiction, the Left Bank and well..Woody Allen.

5. Shame - It's not a 'favourite' as such but it has haunted me and compelled me to tell everyone to see it. I was fortunate enough to see it before it was released at a BAFTA screening. Seriously..I'm still thinking about it, but be warned, it isn't an easy watch.

Five London Moments

1. Moving into my new flat, not something you can all share perhaps but definitely a highlight!
2. Hanging out with deer in Richmond Park with two dogs and one best friend on a beautiful sunny day.
3. Various suppers at Moro, Hix, The Wolseley, The Duke of Cambridge and Les Trois Garcons.
4. Watching Madame Butterfly on a giant screen in Leicester Square whilst it's playing live from the Opera House with a plastic bucket of Pimms.
5. Again, not a 'favourite' but certainly one of the most memorable moments of the year was attending a memorial service for the incredible Josephine Hart at Westminster Abbey. A service and a lady that I will never forget.

Watch Your Wallets - Sample Sale alert

2011-12-08T03:39:00.000-08:00

You’re going to need a schedule to hit all of these goodies today: pick up some sculptured shoes, fluoro dresses, sexy under-garms, ready-to-wear Erdem, and a Lee Broom statement lighting piece all in a day’s work. For maximum benefit it would be good to have a stringent timetable and a willing chauffeur…also a ma-hoo-sive wad of cash.

Nicholas Kirkwood, 10am-8pm (and Fri 8am-8pm), The Music Room, 26 South Molton Lane, W1K 5AB
Christopher Kane, 11am-9pm, Mercer Street Studio, 16 Mercer St, WC2H 9QE
La Perla, 10am-6.30pm, Hornvale Ltd, 22 Newman St, W1T 1PH
Erdem, 1-8pm (and Fri 10am-6pm), The Future Gallery, 5 Great Newport St, WC2H 7HY
Lee Broom, 3-9pm, 93 Rivington St, EC2A 3AY

Flat Pack

2011-12-06T04:34:00.000-08:00

Kristen Stewart's trainer clad foot at the premiere of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part One. PHOTO: REX

I've never disguised the fact that I am a flat shoes girl. I like the fact that I can skip and potentially run away from ninja attackers should they pounce. I also think that heels are not a prerequisite for a smart evening do. That's not to say I'm anti giving myself a bit of a lift and yes, they do make my legs more Bambi like but I'm always happier in something that I'm comfortable in. The problem is that the majority of my shoes are French Soles. "Spolit cow!" you cry, "why are you whinging about having piles of expensive shoes in pretty colours?!" I am NOT moaning, I love them dearly and have collected them and cared for them for many years but, although smart and great for that day to evening switch..newsflash...they aren't great in the Winter and London has suddenly got chilly.

I'm not a huge fan of knee high boots (a bit Sloaney pony for my taste), my Westwood pirate boots are perfection but tan leather (not practical) and my mannish brogues are all in suede! Now I do like a wedge shoe boot and my Clarks Yarra deserts in black are great to take you from day to evening but again they're suede too and what to do when it's freezing, wet and/ or snowing and you still have to go to work or head out for the night?

You could do a K-Stew, as I'm calling it. By the time the credits rolled on the London premiere of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 , the latest offering from her fanged-up franchise, Stewart had made herself an Everywoman. How? By swapping her staggeringly high Jimmy Choo heels for a pair of well-worn Nikes halfway through proceedings, an act of comfort-comes-first rebellion which many women, including me, would applaud. But, why not wear flats in the first place Kristen? Save yourself the drama and your bunions buy opting for the smart flat like these ladies..

I have to admit that if the weather gets really bad, my navy Hunters are my absolute standby but for smart and practical I love my Melissa by Vivienne Westwood Chelsea boots. Made of plastic which gives them a patent sheen, they go with pretty much everything. When I wear my Hunters, I'll put a pair of pretty flats in my bag for when I get to work but with these, I don't have to! Another good investment are a decent pair of woolly tights..I have pairs in black, grey, plum and cable knit...all from Marks and Spencer's! If you're under 5' 5" like me (although I claim to be absolutely on the nose of 5'5" WHICH I AM) you can still shop in the school uniform section and save yourself a few pounds!

Finally, the lovely Ms Stewart also did a quick change at the Los Angeles premiere of her movie, swapping what look to be the same pair of black Choos for..yup..trainers again. Give the girl a pair of French Soles for goodness sake! Who says you have to wear heels to be smart? Join the Flat Pack.

Nesting

2011-11-29T04:38:00.000-08:00

Wine..one of the most helpful aids in moving house.

Now we have finished wrestling with IKEA flatpack and done grown up things like bought a new tv and Le Creuset and a sofa etc etc, I can get down to the serious business of nesting. Nesting can be a full time occupation, it should involve cashmere, hot chocolate/ mulled wine and The Killing box set. Annoyingly, our internet is not up and running yet so I'm pulling a bit of a sneaky by blogging in my lunch hour at work. Naughty, naughty.

Things I love about the flat so far - mounds of storage, especially wardrobe storage; MY (our) things everywhere, be that Venetian mirrors, the Boy's contemporary art, a store cupboard full of ingredients, having a garden, lots of book shelves...although we still need more!

Things I don't love - ummmm..not having a bath! But I was aware of this and must not whinge. Showers are more energy saving and my best friend lives literally around the corner so I have a tub on demand.

Pre and post move I have certainly been paying more attention to interior design blogs. Aside from the obvious like The Selby and Closet Visit, I've also discovered The Style Files, Ikea Hackers, Apartment Therapy.. especially good if, like me, you like a good nose around people's houses. Money is a bit tight at the moment as the flat was completely unfurnished. This was wonderful in a way as we can make it completely 'ours' but also a bit 'aaargh..we have to buy everything!!'. It was things like a TV, hoover, organising the Internet etc that came at us a bit out of the blue aside from the obvious sofa, kitchen table and chairs etc.

Having a garden is a real bonus, especially in London. Ours is paved and a decent size and the previous tenants left us all their garden furniture which was marvellous! I envisage buying lots of herbs and potting them beautifully (as above) but I think it might be more prudent to wait until it gets a bit warmer!

What makes you happy about where you live? I'll get back to fashion soon..today is pay day after all and a small splurge might be in order!

Different Hat

2011-11-28T07:37:00.000-08:00

"All the world's a stage,

And all the men and women merely players:

They have their exits and their entrances;

And one man in his time plays many parts...."

So I have swapped hats..one from love to another like the floozy that I am. Recently guest blogged on the fabulous bible for theatre goers that is Sans Taste. If you fancy a change from fashion musings, do check it out! Bit late posting about this but that's what moving house does to a girl..brain melted.

The Wire fancy dress reunion had not turned out as planned..

Pyjama Party

2011-11-15T04:09:00.000-08:00

Ladies, we have to be WAY more brutal than this

There's been quite a lot going on at the moment - crazy amounts of work, NY trip, Yorkshire trip (yes..these were fun but also quite manic), more work and..oh yes...I'M MOVING HOUSE ON FRIDAY. More than this, I'm moving in with The Boy. Living with one of Them..not on my own as I have done for many years. It's exciting and scary all at the same time but, to be honest, I haven't had a huge amount of time to think about it. I've been too busy trying to clear out stuff, Ebay stuff (actually my wonderful Mama has been doing that) and trying not to freak out. I have three of my best girlfriends coming over tomorrow night to help and am extremely grateful. I see it as a sort of pyjama party, but one where there will be wine and we will hopefully achieve a lot and put lots of things in boxes and suitcases. Also pyjamas are causing big beeps on the fashion radar at the moment.

Jim Jams from Louis Vuitton's Cruise 12 collection

I'm in two minds about them. In one way, I want to embrace them, being a huge fan of nesting and luxe lounge wear generally, but many don't fall into this category. In some cases you can actually look like you are wearing pyjamas and you ran out of your bed to a party. I'm talking about you Rachel Roy. I don't care if you've put red lippie on and managed to brush your hair..you forgot to set your alarm and pegged it to the One Day premiere.

Sometimes you could just be in a rather jazzy suit...Pippa Holt, contributing editor at Vogue (left) manages to look quite put together and I like the bed hair. The same applies to Caroline Sieber, although hers do look like more traditional pjs.

A lady who does seem to rock this look is Lauren Stephenson, the PR director of my-wardrobe.com. You can tell they're pyjamas and give her snaps for being frightfully on trend but you also don't get the fallen out of bed look.

For me, although I would adore some traditional men's pyjamas for Christmas and have been hunting for the ones that Audrey Tatou wears in Coco before Chanel, for me they will remain an item to wear round the house, perhaps lounging elegantly on my new sofa or bed..now I just have to get through the move...

Must remember to keep smiling! x

Two Tims - Halloween Special

2011-10-31T08:54:00.000-07:00

“One person's crazyness is another person's reality.”

Tim Burton

Happy Halloween folks! Maybe not as big over here as it is in the States but still an excuse to get your spook on and dress up as fantastically as you wish. In honour of the most dark of holidays, here a selection of fabulous images Walker did a couple of years ago, inspired and featuring Tim Burton. Such an extraordinary blend of beauty and creativity with Gothic darkness creeping around the sides, I find them an endless source of inspiration. I'm sorry I've been off radar for a couple of weeks, there is a reason that shall be revealed next time. In the meantime, enjoy these fabulous images! Mwahahahahahahahahahahaha!

“Any fable or fairytale has some sort of reality in it. That's why I think I love the form of fantasy or fairytale, is that you're able to kind of put things in there and let people sort of, discover their own emotion, discover their own sort of feelings about things. Or make their own lessons from it.'

--Tim Burton

At the Movies

Nov. 17, 2005

To finish, one of my favourite moments of all time from Edward Scissorhands...

I heart Autumn - Part 2

2011-10-11T05:30:00.000-07:00

Well, I think Autumn's here finally..at least it's not 28 degrees any more! Instead it is mild, with the leaves forming burnished piles in St James Park and me craving to get back to Yorkshire like you wouldn't believe. I reach a point sometimes when I have to run out of the city and fortunately, I'm heading back this weekend, hurray!

When I last did this post I was on a quest for knitwear. I have to be honest, jumpers have foxed me...I'm still on the hunt AND another confession..I found almost everything I want at Cos..expect the big one, my new Winter coat..here it is...

Quite clearly, that's not me in the picture but my gosh, look at that coat. The gorgeous soft grey colour, the almost shawl like collar, the way it has no fastenings which makes it appear more streamlined, the way that it is formal and yet, casual at the same time. It has more than a hint of Isabel Marant but I think it's better. Not just because it's cheaper (although that's an undeniable help!) but because I actually think the quality is better. The three people I know who own IM coats have all suffered from the same issues..stitching coming away and bobbling. I thought I'd stick with my old favourite and Zara, you've done me proud.

So to Cos. Every Winter I have searched for the perfect jumper dress. Well, thanks to Cos I've found them. If they had been made in five different colours, I'd probably have bought all of them but as it is, my wallet (and rent money) is weeping a sigh of relief. This jumper dress is made from soft merino wool and tapers slightly at the hem creating a loose cocoon shape, it's also a wee bit oversized which is perfect for me as I don't really do cling! Available in Cocoa and Grass Green, the darker shade is perfect for everyday with flat mannish brogues and the bright green is smashing on a sunny, crisp day paired with leggings and my leopard French Soles.

I really do have a weak spot for dresses, I think it's because they pretty much always do day to evening, because you can always through them on and boom! You have an outfit. This last one above, a dark charcoal cotton with a boat-neck and leather pockets, t'was love at first sight. Thank you Cos yet again.

Finally, I think I'm going to splash out on some beautiful knitted accessories from Yokoo. If you haven't discovered her yet, you really must. This is what I'm leaning towards...

But possibly in Plum, Fig or Taupe....How can anyone resist a cowl scarf called the Snuggler?! How are your Autumn/ Winter wardrobes progressing? Has anyone found the ultimate jumper or is it just me? What about accessories? Let me know!x

Some Like It Hot

2011-09-30T04:01:00.000-07:00

"I wish I could play her for the rest of my life" Michelle on Marilyn

This post was originally going to be about part two of my Autumn wardrobe but as I write this, it's currently 28 degrees in London and frankly, it's thrown me into a bit of a tizz. I was mentally prepared for nesting, wearing knitwear and tights and crunching through mounds of brightly coloured leaves in my Hunters...instead, I'm back in Summer. Grooming has been shifted to top of the priority list and sundresses have been shaken out of storage. My Autumn wardrobe post will have to wait.

However, there is nothing like a bit of style inspiration for a Friday and I was blown away seeing these pictures of Michelle Williams as Marilyn Monroe. It's been said that you can be divided into two camps of style, those fans of the gamine, beautiful Audrey or the megawatt smile and curves of Marilyn. I disagree, I love them both..two of my favourite films of all time are Some Like it Hot and Funny Face. I've day dreamed about being both, it depends on my mood and they are both captivating in their own way.

You can imagine my excitement when I heard about this film..Directed by Simon Curtis My Week With Marilyn is based on Colin Clark's diaries which depict the making of the 1957 film The Prince and the Showgirl which starred Marilyn Monroe and Laurence Olivier. The cast includes such stellar names as Kenneth Branagh as Olivier and Eddie Redmayne as Clark himself.

With Dougray Scott as Arthur Miller

It is Colin’s brief encounter with Monroe as her confidant, protector, and almost lover that gives My Week with Marilyn its tender heart. Dougray Scott stars as Monroe’s aloof husband, Arthur Miller; Dominic Cooper as her anxious business partner Milton Greene; and Zoë Wanamaker as her Svengali-like acting coach Paula Strasberg; there are also stylish cameos by Simon Russell Beale, Sir Derek Jacobi, and, as Dame Sybil Thorndike, the great British treasure which is Dame Judi...or 'The Dench' as I recently heard Tom Wilkinson refer to her as.

All photographs by Annie Leibovitz and the full Vogue interview with Michelle Williams by Adam Green, here. I'm off to sizzle and have a glass of champagne in honour of Marilyn/ Michelle, any excuse! It is Friday after all.

Bookworm

2011-09-16T08:35:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you read about something that just makes you happy..and as it's Friday I thought I must share it with you. I wasn't going to update until next week with part 2 of my Autumn purchases blog but along with clothes (and food!), books are the one of the things that make me happiest. The Guardian is launching its six-week autumn books season with a book swap by distributing 15,000 titles in various public locations around the country this weekend. What a super idea!!

Thousands of books were gathered from publishers and authors and will be left where readers are likely to chance upon them, from stations and coffee shops to galleries and museums. Participants are asked to insert a bookplate sticker into the front of their book, write a message for the finder, then leave the book somewhere it will be picked up.

And not a million miles away in concept, World Book Night have finally released their top 10 titles. Did your choice make the cut? The Life of Pi made it into the top 100 (a book I've been reading to read for aaaages) as well as Neil Gaiman's Coraline and some absolute classics like The Great Gatsby, Cold Comfort Farm and Great Expectations to name but a few.

Get involved! Also do let me know some of your favourite books..a handful of mine are listed in the right hand column. Have a lovely weekend!X

UPDATE: Here is the map for the bookswap so you can find them!

All illustrations by the fabulous Quentin Blake..my favourite illustrator.

I heart Autumn - Part 1

2011-09-12T04:38:00.000-07:00

My heart sings at the prospect of it getting cooler, the beautiful leaves, crisp mornings and excuse to stay in eating mashed potato and watching period dramas. In reality I know that getting up in the dark and leaving work in the dark, lots of rain and the inevitable snowball of busy-ness before Christmas will grate but for now, all I can think about it clothes, woolly tights and snug boots.

Here are my Autumn purchases so far...As an avid collector of French Sole pumps in every colour and pattern, flats were not high on the priority list for me. I already have leopard, black patent quilted, cream quilt with a black toe blah blah blah. Also..when the weather gets really bad, wear my navy blue Hunters and carry flats in my bag to work. When I saw these though, I couldn't resist..

Standard black in velvet with pom-poms...what's not to love?

This next purchase I am THRILLED over. Regular readers of this blog might remember my post on the phenomenon of the Isabel Marant boot. Whether you like the Dicker, the Forbes or the Bidou, the same principles in design were there. Beige suede, an almost Cuban heel, slightly slouchy and perfect with an array of outfits. Well I found ANOTHER perfect pair. Every time I have worn them I have received so many compliments and I didn't have to sell a kidney to get them. Thank you ASOS.

As anyone who travels on the London Underground knows..layering is key and the perfect t-shirt is hard to find. Topshop has come up trumps this season and if I could, I would bulk buy in multiples. In their Boutique range I bought an over sized black slash-neck with 3/4 length sleeves in a cotton and cashmere mix and a white low v neck. Lastly I splashed out a crepe, navy v neck tee from Ghost. Because of the fabric, it has worked well on more formal occasions with some dressy accessories as well as during the day.

This dress is perfect for work and maybe even the weekend too..I loved the fine wool, ever so slightly textured fabric that you can't see in the picture. The built in Obi belt that you can pull it as tight as you like and the neckline is so elegant. It came in red too but unsurprisingly..I bought it in black.

I'm still on the hunt for the perfect knit..if anyone has found a lovely one in navy, burgundy or grey, please let me know. In the meantime, here are my fantasy purchases....

Acne Twisted Wool sweater

Anders Alpaca waffle knit by Isabel Marant..£345!

Stella McCartney in a stunning blood orange..a snip at £510

Beautiful navy wool, cocoon cut from Stella again..£520.

Next time..the absolute Autumn/ Winter essential..a new coat! Happy Monday all. x

Magical Autumnal shot by Tim Walker

What a Day!

2011-08-24T09:18:00.000-07:00

Oh lovely readers, I am off on my Summer jollies for the next two weeks so posting may be rather sporadic..if at all! Before I go though I wanted to flag up a smashing piece of news about the late and great Corrine Day who died in the UK on Friday August 27 last year due to complications relating to a brain tumour. She was only 45-years-old. Her iconic work is set to be showcased at a dedicated exhibition, opening on September 1st at the Gimpel Fils Gallery in London.

The display will feature the late Vogue photographer's earlier pictures, with subjects including Kate Moss, Rosemary Ferguson and George Clements.

Curated by Day's husband, Mark Szaszy, her long-standing agent, Susie Babchick and Alice Corriea, the exhibition revisits Day's work for iconic magazine The Face. The exhibition will run from 1 September - 1 October.

Gimpel Fils, 30 Davies Street, London, W1K 4NB.

Classics - Polka dot or Gone dotty

2011-08-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

Spotty chic

You know how sometimes you come across an image and think, "I want to look like that". This is how I feel about this chic, young lady above. If anyone is in London at the moment, you will have experienced the London monsoon that happened this morning..I still have soaking wet feet which isn't an ideal way to start the morning. Even though I have my long awaited Summer break from Saturday, the weather is making me feel schizophrenic..still need to be making the most of my Summer purchases whilst longing and actually needing Autumn/ Winter buys.

Where Marc Jacobs leads, others will follow. I heart Cruella .

Dots, polka dots, dalmatian dots etc are going to be a big trend next season..this season...I've lost it already. They're a classic and work beautifully in the day or evening. Possibly the least scary print, a classic navy/black and white is always a winner. Take some fashion inspiration from the following images and hit the shops..just take an umbrella and sunblock.

My new Winter coat from DVF..well not actually but my do I want it.

Ashley Olsen working dots as evening wear.

Kirsten Dunst dips a toe in the trend with this discreet black and white top. Perfect day to evening outfit.

Full on dotty evening wear from Olivia Palermo who mastered two trends in one with this pretty, mullet-hemmed dot-print dress by Bensoni.

Am mannish vibe at Paul Smith was enlivened by a dot motif on these lovely cropped trews!

And finally..Alexa, ahead of the style curve with some enviable Celine arm candy too.

The Other Kate's Big Day

2011-08-11T08:46:00.000-07:00

So there was a wedding that happened in London back in April that garnered quite a bit of media attention but everyone in the fashion world was really waiting for a certain Ms Moss to become Mrs Hince. Today I read a smashing article by Hamish Bowles describing, in glorious detail, what happened in the run up and actually on the day of the wedding with pictures by the official photographer, Mario Testino. I've pulled out a few extracts for you and, more importantly, here are some of the pictures. It's like we were there!

At the ceremony, conducted by the Reverend Harry MacInnes, Jake Chapman reads a resonant love letter, the cherubic choristers of Gloucester Cathedral sing “You Can’t Always Get What You Want,” and Mrs. Jamie Hince is finally an honest woman.

“She dared me to be John Galliano again,” the designer tells me. “I couldn’t pick up a pencil. It’s been my creative rehab.”

After dinner, Kate and Jamie cut Peggy Porschen’s cake—actually a pyramid of six cakes, each a different flavor, crusted with droplets of icing-sugar lily-of-the-valley blossoms.

Carine and Terry Richardson

“I never go in countryside,” explains Carine Roitfeld, perhaps unnecessarily, as she picks her way gingerly through the grass in a 20-year-old Galliano crepe frock and teetering strappy sandals. “It’s bea-u-tiful.”

Jefferson Hack &Hamish Bowles

"Colin Field and his team from the Bar Hemingway at the Ritz Paris are setting up the bar on the dance floor. They will be serving the Kate 76, a lethal cocktail of vodka, champagne, crushed ice, and sugar. “I used to keep the bar open a little later than I should,” Field confides, “and we’d work out cocktails with Kate. Because she drinks it, I expect everyone to drink it. It’ll be the drink!” "

Some more typically average wedding guests...

Bella Freud and Christian Louboutin

"The menu includes toro tartare with caviar, Longhorn veal with grilled peaches, and strawberry granita dusted with gold leaf, accompanied by Sesti and champagne"

"Meanwhile, in Kate’s gardens, a Palm Court jazz band is playing “It Had to Be You” in the marquee, while battalions of black-and-white-clad wait staff light the votive candles hanging from fruit trees in their jam jars and antique lanterns, and artfully arrange a pyramid of champagne flutes. Paper cones filled with rose petals for the bridal couple are arranged on little café tables, and antique wicker chairs pepper the lawn. The Second Looks Tent, for guests to change in after the ceremony, is appointed like a Hollywood boudoir with faceted mirror screens, thirties standard lamps, and dressing tables heaving with pink and beige roses."

The "quick change" into Second Looks after the ceremony!

After a romantic trip to Thailand two years into their liaison, Kate recalls, “we were just so loved up, and he asked me to marry him every day.” But it was curling up together in front of the compelling British television documentary series Big Fat Gypsy Weddings that appears to have sealed the deal. “I am so romantic about Gypsies,” Kate explains. “They’re not allowed to do anything until they get married. So they all get married really young, at sixteen. You can’t believe the dresses. They’re like blinging butterflies times ten; they can’t move down the aisle! It’s so genius. I was just watching Jamie, so cute, and I was like, these girls, they just spend their whole life waiting for that day—let’s do it!”

Jamie and Kate channel a modern-day Mick and Bianca Jagger, re-creating the couple’s 1971 backseat wedding portrait by royal photographer Lord Lichfield.


		Bushels of white roses by Scarlet & Violet.

Found it - The Perfect Espadrille

2011-08-04T08:44:00.000-07:00

One of my all time favourite movies is To Catch A Thief, the suaveness of Cary Grant, the radiance of Grace Kelly and THE IDEA OF BEING A CAT BURGLAR. (Hello career change plan). Obviously I need the right contacts and maybe a palatial pad in the South of France but maybe the key thing would be the right footwear; silent, stylish, comfortable. Above you see Gary and Grace and she is working the espadrille. I have been on a quest to find my ideal espadrille for quite sometime..in fact, about five Summers.

Espadrilles are GUARANTEED to make your legs look like Alexa's. Fact.

All I need is for the sun to come out in London and then I'm good to slip these lovelies on my feet, if not, I'll be waiting until my jollies later this month. I have been looking for the perfect espadrille for a while and they've either been overpriced, badly made or in garish colours/ patterns.

Tonis espadrilles..just gorgeous

Tonis Got Sole founder Loren Platt named her label after her flamenco dancer grandma, Antonia Viel, who lived in her trusty espadrilles on her days off.

"Antonia Viel was a spectacular flamenco dancer from Madrid, Spain. Known as Toni to her friends, she danced her way across the globe, mesmerizing her audience with the enchanting movement of her hands, the sound of her castanets and the stamping of her feet. On her days off she would kick off her stack heel Mary Janes and reach for the comfort of her trusty espadrilles. Hand made in her beloved home country from the softest cotton and raffia thread.

She was in happy feet heaven.

Years later her British born granddaughter Loren wanted to spread the comfort and joy of the authentic Spanish espadrille to her friends in East London and beyond. With the perfect vintage silhouette, hand sewn in a plethora of colours, they are sure to become a spring summer classic, as they have been in Spain for generations" From the Tonis Got Sole website.

Loren's espadrilles – made from soft cotton and raffia, come in a rainbow of colours and are seriously comfy. Find her at Broadway Market School Yard, or pick up a pair at her online store. Now I just have to decide which colour I want...

And they look great on chaps too!

Shrimp!

2011-08-01T08:55:00.000-07:00

"I'm comfortable in my own skin, I've never thought there was any intrinsic value in looking young for your age"

We've had Mad Men, a twin-set clad Katie Holmes for The Kennedys and the BBC's current hit The Hour providing us with retro delight recently. In fact, we've been rather spoilt. Then, whilst I'm foaming at the mouth over the new series of Downton Abbey appearing on the horizon, along comes the announcement that Doctor Who star Karen Gillan is to play '60s model Jean Shrimpton in a new BBC film.

Gillan, who plays Amy Pond in the hit series, will swap lumberjack shirts for structured shift dresses to star in the biopic of fashion photographer David Bailey, with whom Shrimpton embarked on a four-year love affair with after meeting him on a photo shoot. The next couple of photos are from the set of the new BBC Four drama.

While the redheads might not be the ultimate sisters in style, porcelain-skinned Gillan harbours an affection for thigh-high hemlines, which is fitting as Shrimpton, now 68 ( and not a huge fan of publicity), was credited with launching the miniskirts to the masses during her heyday in the '60s.

We'll Take Manhattan is going to be the name of this docu-drama, about the famous love affair that takes place between photographer David Bailey and Jean herself. For those not in the know, Bailey used Shrimpton as his model for a 1962 photo shoot for Vogue magazine in New York. Shrimpton was considered a bold move for the photographer but the resulting shoot defined the style of the 1960s. The story that is told in this drama is about that time and how the two fell in love along the way (awwwww). Also rather exciting is the luscious actor set up to play David Bailey....Aneurin Barnar.

The wonderful Shrimpton, who you may have spotted in last month's Vogue Beauty supplement has always been a model I admired, partly because she turned her back on the industry in her early 30s and partly because how elegant she remains to be, rarely giving interviews. In the most recent piece I could find she said, "I never liked being photographed. I just happened to be good at it." And she was a revelation.

Here is a shot from her heyday including one from New York, 1962, by David Bailey – in a 14-page editorial meant for Vogue. The New York shoot went against the industry standard of pretty and extravagant sets and styling and instead, took place around Lower East Side and Harlem without any of the usual entourage. (David handled his own film, Jean did her own hair and make-up, and they travelled in taxis around the city) – Its gritty style placed the city’s tough streets in counterpoint to Jean’s delicate frame, this is what I think we'll be seeing more of in the drama.

A great photo of Shrimpton and Bailey taken in 2006.

P.S. If you want a super holiday in the UK, I would highly recommend Jean Shrimpton's beautiful Abbey Hotel in Cornwall.

Grunge me up

2011-07-25T05:25:00.000-07:00

Sneak preview people, Topshop's Autumn/ Winter 2011 lookbook...We're not really having a Summer in London so looking ahead to luscious next Season clothes is the way to go. Do you have any favourite looks/ pieces from this?x

Marie Hatoinette

2011-07-20T08:09:00.000-07:00

If in doubt..go for a wig with a ship attached.

I've got a wedding coming up..actually, I've got about five. Without meaning to sound like a miserable old witch, I think weddings can be a real pain. Yes I want to see two people I care about swearing eternal love and fidelity to each other and I have no objection to drinking copious amounts of champagne at someone else's expense but what in the Fashion God's name am I meant to wear to all of them? Boys have it easy. I mean The Boy literally has two options, morning suit or normal suit. He may have to stretch his imagination to the colour of his pocket square, tie and shirt but this is nothing compared to what women have to go through.

Isabella Blow..fearless.

Don't upstage the bride! Can I wear white/ cream or is that bad form? Is a boyfriend's ex going to be there? Is an ex of yours going to be there? What if it rains? What if it's boiling (hello sweat patches)? What if it's freezing inside the church but like a Swedish sauna on the dance floor? Clutch bag or small handheld? Can you manage holding a bag, hat and glass of Pimms and smile for the bloody photographer all at the same time? Hat or fascinator? Are the same people going to be at this wedding as have been at the other ones thus cancelling out repeating outfit choices? High heels, kittens or flats? It goes on and on..

I'll tell you now..I'm going down the frivolous hat route and keeping everything else simple. The reason for this is threefold. Firstly I've spent so much on the hat, other outfits are no longer a realistic option. Secondly, the hat is a statement piece therefore everything else can be minimal which suits my style. Lastly, because the hat is so WOW, I don't give a fig that I'm going to re-use it. I've spent the money and I'm going to wear the darn thing!

Wearing hats is what our royals do. It’s what differentiates them from US presidents and Hollywood. When they approach their hat duties in the spirit of one who has fifty quid riding on their headgear outdoing Victoria Beckham’s or Lady Gaga’s, it’s what’s known as a Marie Hattoinette moment. It is playing with fire and can result in things like this...

Luckily, Bea, or someone advising her (clearly having a nap on the 29th), had the savvy idea of auctioning the pretzel on eBay for charity. It raised a heck of a lot of money and we all got a bit distracted from the fact that she wore the monstrosity in the first place. Future royals who are tempted to approach the hat-wearing gig as if it were a sophisticated fashion in-joke should take note however.

Hats are problematic. And I love hats. When I was little I wanted to own a hat shop. I love trying hats on. However in reality I simply don't wear them. A simple beret in Autumn/ Winter and a giant straw brim on the beach is me. But there are times when you may need something more frivolous.

Self-consciousness is the greatest enemy of successful hat-wearing. What to do? The more you practise, the less silly you’ll feel and if in doubt, go for something simple with a large brim that partially covers your face You’ll have to be the judge of how far you take this. If you’re an addictive personality you may find yourself experimenting so fearlessly that you end up wearing a croissant or some man-boobs on your head and thinking it looks perfectly normal.

In the grand scheme, would that matter? Anna Dello Russo of Vogue Nippon fame, who has championed the melon-wedge and pineapple slice-shaped fascinator for seasons, carries off her fruit with such aplomb it never occurs to anyone to laugh until she’s receded so far into the distance, there doesn’t seem any point. It comes down to a matter of conviction: wear it and work it...or shirk it altogether

Yes ladies it's a quandary but here are some practical guidelines:

1. If the hat is bigger than you are or resembles any kind of foodstuff, it’s probably a no.

2. On the other hand, you can hardly ever go wrong with flowers. My stunning concoction is called the Rose Cloud and was around the £100 mark. Don't be snobby about the high street, Debenhams has a great hat collection as does ASOS. Bundle MacLaren, who furnished a number of royal wedding guests with their Abbey moments, designs headpieces from £45 that belie their modest price.

3. Don’t be surly: if the invitation requests a hat, then I’m sorry, a hairband, sunglasses or bandanna simply will not do and not complying will make you seem graceless rather than cool. Also wispy fascinators just don't cut it.

4. Small is fashionable. And in this instance fashionable is also practical and flattering...plus less damage if you take it off and shove it under the table when you run off to join the bridal party conga.

5. Keep the rest of your outfit unimpeachably simple and chic and you’ll be able to wear an outrageous hat – and I think we all know you secretly want to. I certainly do.

I actually really like the one at the bottom...

Robes for all Occasions (Potter post)

2011-07-08T04:52:00.000-07:00

An exclusive for Milly Fell Into the Wardrobe by Rita Skeeter. Shortly to be published in The Daily Prophet as part of the 'What to Wear When Wizarding' series.

The Boy Who Lived about to dispense fashion advice to his friend, Ron Weasley..who sadly needed it.

As you know, the Muggles have taken our most famous story of The Boy Who Lived and ran with it.* Whilst their young stars looked great on the red carpet, it seems an appropriate moment to talk about 'wizard style'. Muggles sometimes fail to grasp is that wizards and witches have a definite sense of chic. Few can carry off facial hair like the late Albus Dumbledore and who can forget when Dobby the house-elf led the Fashion revolution clutching a sock.

Severus Snape always worked the minimalist look to great effect in severe black robes, cleverly cut with special pockets for wand concealment and the odd vial of potion and though some might shy away from the Death Eaters, in cannot be denied that they had some of the most superb accessories around, melting masks, tattoos and great hair. It is devastating news that now we shall never know who styled Bellatrix Lestrange's wonderful bouffant.

A dark leader of the pack is the former Death Eater, Lucius Malfoy. An inside source has revealed that when the Dark Lord took over Malfoy Manor, Lucius put many of his robes away in secret storage. Well who can blame him. Style over solidarity some might say.

For the young witches reading this, I feel I simply must put myself forward. Whether I am taking notes with my quick quotes quill, reporting at a trial or even going about my daily business, my trademark hair, glasses and attire have become rather legendary in the wizarding world, second only to that icon of the twin-set, Dolores Umbridge.

A source from inside the Ministry said, "Dolores was a robes fanatic. She would get samples of pink tweed sent over from Madam Malkins at the beginning of each Season and have her clothes made up to her specific designs. She wore a lot of pink, I think this was to distract from the darkness inside her". That's as maybe dear readers, but few could work the colour like Dolores Umbridge.

Finally..as you know I have a very special relationship with Harry Potter. I was, in fact, the first journalist to write about him and had exclusive access during the Goblet of Fire tournament.

Quidditch robes in the flattering red of Gryffindor house.

Potter's style is questionable to say the least, although one is fairly limited in school robes.

Dressed up for the Slug Club dinner

Now he has left Hogwarts however perhaps he will be more advenurous in his fashion choices. We can but hope! Next week, I'll be interviewing Olympe Maxine of Beauxbatons, Giant Fashion - A Big Problem?

Please enter our caption competition for the image below! The prize for the best entry will be dinner for four at The Three Broomsticks! Good Luck!

A previously unseen picture of Potter exclusively for The Daily Prophet.

*A portion of the profits from the Potter franchise have come to the Ministry of Magic but as they don't deal in wizard gold, it is difficult to know whether the magical community will reap the benefits

Comfort eating (and dressing)

2011-07-07T09:18:00.000-07:00

Duvet and Ice cream..sometimes it's the way forward.

My goodness, what a long gap from posting! I had a smashing holiday but came back to some rather distressing family news and a mountain of work which has rather buried me recently. You know sometimes when horrid things have happened or you've been really busy and suddenly you get some time to yourself and all you want to do is bury yourself in your bed with a hot chocolate/ red wine drip, a bowl of cheese and mashed potato and the box set of the West Wing? Well I did that and then I sort of did that via clothes.

Comfort clothes for me are ancient blue jim jams from Primani and a stolen sweater from the Boy. In Yorkshire, they are pair of red flannel checked bottoms and a grey Harvard hoodie that should be owned by someone who is about 6 foot tall and 4 foot wide. Not exactly hot stuff I can hear you thinking dear readers.

Something else that I find comforting though (when I actually manage to leave the house) is shopping. Obviously not crazy Summer sales shopping, elbowing tourists in the face down Oxford Street, more pottering around a quiet town and happening upon a few purchases that seem to come out of nowhere and make me happy. This is exactly what happened to me last weekend and what's more they are classics, things I'll wear again and again and I wasn't even looking for them.

H and M Conscious Cotton Collection

This is a stunner at £19.99 from Huh and Muh, reminds me of a gorgeous peasant top that Chloe did a few seasons ago..it also doesn't make me look a buxom milkmaid, always a winner. Then came the real bargain..

....these lovely tailored shorts from Isabel Marant. They are in a lovely dark grey linen blend and have flattering back pockets and a cute elasticated waistband. Perfect for work or the weekend..and they were £69 as oppose to £217 full price. BOOM!

And finally, not something I often post about but a joint passion with fashion and books...is cooking (and eating). The wonderful Liberty London Girl frequently puts up recipes she has tested and enjoyed, so I thought, why not share a few with you. I gave up carbs before Marrakesh....(bonkers I know but after all, this was a serious pool/ bikini holiday) so when I got back, naturally all I wanted to do was stuff my face full of bread, rice, pasta and tatties and this is one of my all time favourite recipes by the domestic goddess herself. In her own words, here is Nigella with her Lemon Risotto.....*

Because we all look like this when eating pasta...

This is comfort food on so many levels. For one, risotto has to be one of the most comforting things to eat ever. What's more, although everyone goes on about the finicketiness and crucial fine-tuning involved, I find risotto immensely comforting to make: in times of strain, mindless repetitive activity - in this case, 20 minutes of stirring - can really help. What you don't want to do is make risotto for large numbers of people, which is why I've indicated that this serves two.

INGREDIENTS

2 shallots
1 stick of celery
60g unsalted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
300g risotto rice, preferably Vialone Nano
1 litre vegetable stock (I use Marigold stock powder)
Zest and juice of 1/2 unwaxed lemon
Needles from 2 small sprigs of fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1 egg yolk
60ml (4 tablespoons) grated parmesan, plus more to sprinkle

60ml (4 tablespoons) double cream

Maldon salt to taste
Good grating pepper, preferably white
METHOD
Serves: 2.
1. Put the shallots and celery into a Magimix and blitz until they are a finely chopped mush.
2. Heat half the butter, the oil and the shallot and celery mixture in a wide saucepan, and cook to soften the mixture for about 5 minutes, making sure it doesn't catch. Mix in the rice, stirring to give it a good coating of oil and butter. Meanwhile, heat the stock in another saucepan and keep it at simmering point.
3. Pour a ladleful of the stock into the rice and keep stirring until the stock is absorbed. Then add another ladleful and stir again. Continue doing this until the rice is al dente. You may not need all of the stock, equally, you may need to add hot water from the kettle.
4. Mix the lemon zest and the rosemary into the risotto, and in a small bowl beat the egg yolk, lemon juice, parmesan, cream and pepper.
5. When the risotto is ready - when the rice is no longer chalky, but still has some bite - take it off the heat and add the bowl of eggy, lemony mixture, and the remaining butter and salt to taste. Serve with more grated parmesan if you wish, check the seasoning and dive in. *Between you and I, I often put add piles of rocket on top with a drizzle of garlic oil to garnish and double as a salad..and if you have carnivores, a handful of king prawns is a treat as well!xx

Holiday Wobble (or 'How to look hot on a beach')

2011-06-16T10:02:00.000-07:00

Me on holiday...honestly

From Saturday, I have a glorious week in Marrakesh coming up. Myself, the Boy and a whole bunch of dear friends are in a stunning villa for a week and will be soaking up sunshine, culture and the odd g and t. We are also lucky enough to have a chef on-site and will be making the most of it, although we have booked dinner out on a couple of nights to give the poor man a rest! Expect a full write up of all this on my return but suffice to say I have not purchased everything on holiday wish list. This wish list changes upon location. Marrakesh is currently 39 degrees...swoon....

1. Floaty kaftans for pool loungwear - Done! Acquired over the years in bright colours and prints!
2. Maxi dress for wandering around the souks - Nope, everyone I've tried made me look like a 70s reject or dwarf.
3. Decent body oil - Huile Prodigieuse Or by Nuxe purchased in Biarritz last year and (appropriately) Ren's Morrocan Rose Body Oil
4. A sunhat ideally with a wide brim or possibly a panama - No joy whatsoever..but also a bit of an arse to pack. MUST get one for Biarritz later in the year.
5. Selection of easy cotton/ linen/ silk dresses for day or evening - done! Isabel Marant, Topshop, Uniqlo (fab for t-shirt dresses), Zara.
6. Pair of flip flops - bronze metallic thongs that are at least 8 years old but go with everything and are super comfy.
7. One pair of high shoes for evening - Wooden Zara wedges
8. Topiary - eg. waxing etc to get bikini ready, am booked in for tomorrow!
9. Comfy bikinis -halter necks and strapless are best on my figure. My favourites are from Moontide (they're reversible so great value for money!) and Vix.
10. Clever accessories - silk scarves and jewellery are the order of the day here.

I'll leave you with these stunning pictures from the iconic Vogue desert shoot in 2002 shot by photographers Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott. Faded colours and salvaged materials were combined to create a deserted island vibe that set off the deep tan of Kate’s bare skin. This is the darkest I have seen her and it looks surprisingly natural with her sun-kissed hair – which is a perfect example of how balayage should be done this season. I've just had it done for my holiday hair and I'm loving it!!

Also before you go calling your spray tan lady asking for the darkest shade, there’s one little thing you need to remember. Fake tans this dark may look great on film, but that doesn’t mean they work in real life. Take my advice and save it for a photo shoot or go on holiday, slap on your sunscreen and go gently golden instead.X

And again..Brace Your Wallets

2011-06-09T04:38:00.000-07:00

High fashion behemoths Hermès have been kitting out the deep-pocketed with beautiful, hand crafted leather goods, accessories and fashion for over 170 years. Now you too can luxe-up your look as the label’s haute couture price tags are given a wee trim across an enviable range of goods. Get in there quick and scour the rails for men’s and women’s ready-to-wear lines of clothing, shoes and accessories (alas, bar leather items..but let's be honest we weren't expecting cut price Kelly bags) at up to an even more ready-to-wear 60% off.

Date: 10 Jun – 11 Jun
Time: Fri: 8.30am-7pm, Sat: 10am-6pm
Cost: Free
Venue: The Music Rooms
Address: 26 South Molton Lane, London , W1K 5AB
Phone: 020 7629 8199

Happy hunting!X

Rampant Rabbit

2011-06-06T09:32:00.000-07:00

Hugh Hefner and Carrie Leigh, by Helmut Newton

There’s nothing like a sexy slice of nostalgia to put a bunny-hop in my step on a Monday morning, and that’s exactly what's happening now the new Playboy Club London opened on Saturday. Launching on what was once the Rendezvous Mayfair Casino at Old Park Lane (just a stone’s throw from Playboy’s previous incarnation), the new club – all Mad Men chic, with red checked sofas and bunny silhouette posters – comprises a cocktail bar, dining room, lounge, smoking terrace and barbershop. But its undisputed crowning glory is the casino, found upstairs, open 24/7 and containing no less than 18 tables on which to splash the cash – American roulette, blackjack and poker included. Naturally, bunny girls shimmy throughout – all dolled up in too-tight satin bodices, collars, cuffs, cottontails and requisite bunny ears – and are either manning gaming tables, serving drinks or entertaining gentleman gamblers with their womanly ways. Naturally, feminists have been up in arms about London's return to full-bodied form, but I think it’s a retro nod to the glamorous days of yesteryear when it was all done in good fun. I haven't been yet, so let me know if you have, just hope it isn’t a trashy flash in the pan.

Some very young Stones and a Bunny

DANGER (Sample Sale alert)

2011-06-02T08:42:00.000-07:00

Potentially toxic for your wallet, awesome for your wardrobe. These bad boys are upon us or coming soon. I'll see you at Christopher Kane...

Bikini Bleurgh

2011-06-01T10:10:00.000-07:00

"Bond girls follow a fairly well-developed pattern of beauty. They possess splendid figures and tend to dress in a slightly masculine, assertive fashion, with few pieces of jewelery and that in a masculine cut, wide leather belts, and square-toed leather shoes. They often sport light though noticeable sun-tans, and they generally use little or no makeup and no fingernail or toenail polish, also wearing their nails short." —O.F. Snelling, author of Double O Seven, James Bond, A Report.

Now according to that description people, I don't have too much to worry about. OK.."splendid figure" might be pushing it and I loathe wearing shoes on holiday but I never bother painting my toes or fingernails as I have the co-ordination of a blind toddler and I suppose my holiday clothes are a bit masculine and square cut, though I am a fan of the sun dress and especially the kaftan by the pool. I've even got the light tan covered.

Have to say, not entirely sure Kate is working the Bond girl look here..

The one issue that presents itself summer over summer is the bikini problem. Bond girls don't appear to have issues with this (albeit that might be because they have a mammoth hair and make-up department at their disposal and probably had a personal trainer for a few months) but I'm going to go on a group holiday and I feel I should invest in a new one. Gulp. Psychologically one has to pick the right moment to bikini shop. Get it wrong and you'll feel like a whale squeezing into a tube of smarties, get it right and you're essentially Hedi Klum. Also I resent spending a large amount of money on something that'll get seen for about three weeks of the year MAX. On top of all of this, I am petite but top heavy, this rules out buying any sets and limits me to separates. Grrrr.


In character..very Bond

Still looking pretty fab...even in real life

Am I alone in my bikini hell or do you struggle as well? I have no problem buying my clothes online (thank you ASOS and net-a-porter) but for some reason I don't want to buy my bikinis in cyberspace. I really need to try them on. Where should I go? My sole comfort is that really, once one is actually on holiday does it matter so much? Any help gratefully received.

Red Alert

2011-05-25T03:12:00.000-07:00

I am currently listening to the entire Desert Island Discs archive, I love it. I try and listen to at least one episode a day and on Sunday, I listened to the wonderful Kristin Scott-Thomas. An actress who shot to fame playing cold, repressed English women (Fiona in Four Weddings, Katherine in The English Patient..one of my favourite films of all time) she came across as incredibly warm and self deprecating with some great music choices. What surprised me was her luxury. Foe my readers who don't know the format, you choose eight 'discs' (pieces of music), you are given the Bible (or religious text of your choice) and the complete works of Shakespeare, you choose one book and one luxury. Kristin's luxury was a pair of Christian Louboutin mules.

SJP's feet in the Pigalle pump by Louboutin

Recently Mr Louboutin is a bit hot under the collar. He has sued Yves Saint Laurent for trademark infringement last month in a legal tussle over a pair of shoes and it was clear the accused, one of the grandest labels in France, would not take the slur lying down. Now YSL is fighting back in a dispute which started with a collection of pumps. The best-selling styles, including the Tribute, the Palais and the Woodstock, came with coloured soles which perfectly matched their leather uppers. It was the red shoes Louboutin and his legal advisers took exception to. Now, as I am not lucky enough to own a pair of either, it made me wonder...if the Gods of Fashion were reading this and I could request just one pair...what or by which designer would it be?

Is this what one of the Gods of Fashion might look like?

Louboutin's designs have been spotted on the feet of celebrities for many years. The designer is among the most prolific on the international catwalks and, in his case, the prized instant recognition which is fashion's life blood comes with his poppy-red lacquered soles. Louboutin claims to have introduced his trademark in the early Nineties while studying a prototype. "There was this big, black sole," he told The New Yorker recently, "and then, thank God, there was this girl painting her nails." He swiftly used the enamel in question to cover the shoe and one of fashion's status symbols was born.

Alexa in the YSL Palais

Or so he thought. YSL argues that Louboutin has no monopoly on the colour – on the soles of his shoes or indeed elsewhere – and that its shoes have sported red soles since the Seventies. "Red outsoles are a commonly used ornamental design feature in footwear, dating as far back as the red shoes worn by King Louis XIV in the 1600s and the ruby-red shoes that carried Dorothy home in The Wizard of Oz," said court papers filed by Yves Saint Laurent and released this week.

"As an industry leader who has devoted his entire professional life to women's footwear, Mr Louboutin either knew or should have known about some or all of the dozens of footwear models that rendered his sworn statement false."

Elvis blue suede shoe envy? Buy these from YSL

Louboutin, 47, is seeking damages of $1m (£620,000) from YSL which, he argues, has copied his signature sole on "virtually identical" shoes. According to court documents, Louboutin, which sells more than 500,000 pairs of shoes in more than 40 countries, was awarded a registered trademark for its red sole by the US Patent and Trademark Office in 2008.

"The shiny red colour has no function other than to identify to the public that they are mine," the designer told a court in his application. With this in mind, Louboutin has, in the past, obtained injunctions against several companies attempting to replicate it, including, last February, Kimera International, which was found to have "engaged in acts of trademark counterfeiting and trademark dilution." Taking on a name with the clout of Yves Saint Laurent, today owned by PPR (Pinault-Printemps-Redoute), among the largest luxury goods conglomerates in the world, is another matter.

The YSL Tribute Platform T-strap sandal...a favourite of Olivia Palermo

Charles Colman, a New York-based intellectual property rights lawyer told trade paper Women's Wear Daily that any litigation was likely to prove a long, drawn-out affair. "When you're dealing with two large parties, both of which have large and skilled law firms working for them, you don't have that leverage differential that you may have in other situations," he said, going on to point out that it was also less likely that inflated legal fees would run either party into the ground.

So..the fight will go on. Do you have any thoughts about this and if you had to pick a side, who would it be?

Seeing the Light!

2011-05-19T07:25:00.000-07:00

Major news on the beauty circuit: YSL’s Touche Eclat is now available in seven shades. Having only been available in shades 1, 2 and 3 until now, the additional four shades will be available exclusively at Selfridges from today! You can read more about this wondrous development on Musings of a Makeup Artist and but suffice to say, this is pretty exciting news.

The must have pen of make-up artists, Touche Éclat illuminates and highlights complexions with every brushstroke; it’s the perfect balance of coverage and radiance from this secret formula and it stops me looking like Dracula's daughter every morning by magically vanishing dark circles. I've also discovered that a thin swipe down the middle of my nose, gives the illusion of it being narrower than it actually is!

Having originally launched in 1992, the distinctive gold pen is as popular as ever with one sold EVERY 10 seconds. Until now it's only ever been available in three shades. However with an additional six shades the wonder concealer will offer the perfect match for any skin tone plus, according to the YSL product blurb, "the ability to sculpt and redefine facial contours."

Coincidentally, I’m down to my last click of Touche Eclat (shade no 3) – my only criticism of this product is you never know it’s going to run out – but I can’t eke out what’s on the brush until payday. I've tried before..with a dab of oil free moisturiser and it simply doesn't blooming work! I can't live without and I also love the appearance of that swanky gold pen in my make up bag. What do you think of Touche Eclat? Do you find the existing three shades limiting or have you found an equally good product from another (cheaper?) brand?

God Save Her!

2011-05-17T03:02:00.000-07:00

Aaah her Majesty and some lovely black labs..Hold up! I think it's Helen Mirren

My goodness I have some explaining to do..What a long absence! Firstly I had a blissful ten days in the Shire thanks to a combination of Easter, the Royal Wedding and the May Bank Holiday before coming back to my busiest two work weeks of the entire year..then giving myself a weekend off! Many things have happened on Planet Fashion since I've been away, we've had the Wedding Dress (I loved it), Princess B and E's hats (hilarious), the beginning of Cannes and the melting away of the beautiful hot weather to be replaced by the Great British Public wondering around praying that the brief sojourn of sun we had wasn't actually all there was going to be this Summer, please? PLEASE?

I have two new addictions in my life, The West Wing and Lindt dark chocolate with sea salt and I'm considering making an investment purchase influenced, in part, by a rather key member of the Royal family and the unpredictable British weather. A Barbour. "But" I hear you cry, "the Barbour is young and hip, it even comes with a Liberty lining for Pete's sake! Alexa Chung has one, Lily Allen has one, heck Gaga has probably eaten one..No drama!"

Well this decision was not influenced by the fash pack peeeps, it was..gulp...a practical call. I borrowed one from a friend at the prospect of a wee break on our beautiful but unpredictable coast. Given that it might be warm, it might be cool, it might be windy, it might be wet, it might, indeed, be all of those things at the same time, what, without wishing to travel with my entire wardrobe in tow, to wear?

A pair of jeans. Not too skinny. It's all a bit Boden around those parts and sticking out like the proverbial sore thumb is generally best avoided in order not to cause embarrassment to self or The Boy. A sun-dress. Cotton. Prints possibly..but nothing too loud. That would be ridiculous. And a Barbour jacket.

A classic man's Bedale. The women's jackets are too womanly – both in terms of cut and more

pastel-coloured tartans in their linings. True, the Bedale is the type La Chung likes to wear. But I'm not going to let going head to head with a fashion icon put me off (hello this month's Vogue cover) – there are so many of them now, after all.

Having the hood up on the Barbour enhances the Bambi eyed look.

Should a Barbour be green or black? "Green's a bit country on you, isn't it?" a colleague opines. I point out that I have been known to leave town, if only for a day or two at a time, thank you. Also black is perhaps overly masculine – and too flat in the rare event of blue sky.

And so I borrow a sage green Barbour. And wear it. For four days solid. Over everything. It's got massive pockets so I don't need a bag. It's waterproof so in a hail storm I stay dry. I even sling it on over my pyjamas when I wander outdoors on a particular evening I can't sleep because it's too quiet!!

Versatile doesn't cover it. And if, admittedly, on occasion I might look just a little like Her Majesty The Queen only with much, much messier hair, what's so very wrong with that?

Fashion Fades, Love is Eternal.

2011-04-25T16:42:00.000-07:00

Boom. This trailer has just blown me away and I knew I must share immediately.

L'Amour Fou

Cannes Can

2011-04-19T07:28:00.000-07:00

Bardot running along the beach at Cannes...Can I emulate this look whilst not falling over?

Lovely readers, I must apologise for my lax posting of late. A wonderful trip to Berlin for the Boy's birthday, followed by a rather nasty chest infection has made me lazy. Berlin was incredible, we stayed in Soho House, bicycled around the city exploring East and West and met up with some chums who I hadn't seen for ages. I came back to Spring FINALLY being here...and me being nearly bed-ridden and knackered! However I have recovered form and am starting to think about my Summer style.

People in London are already floating about in maxi dresses and flip flops and whilst I think this is a tad too far, there's no harm putting together a little fantasy collection of purchases that would be suitable for Riviera chic..what with Cannes being around the corner and visit to a pal in St Tropz on the cards. When it comes to Spring / Summer, simple is best and I have to say the French have it nailed. My style is a variation on my fantasy collection. Lots of stripes, simple t shirt or prom dresses, a whacking great pair of sunglasses and French Sole ballet pumps. I also try and switch my colour palette largely based around black in Autumn/ Winter to one of white. This year I may even invest in LWD..Little White Dress of course, keep up!
What are your Summer staples?x

From left to right: Rag & Bone wide brimmed beach hat, £120 @ lagarconne.com, Repetto ballet pumps, £150; Elizabeth and James jersey bustier dress, £108 @ Net-a-porter; Ruffian A-line cotton skirt, £525 @ brownsfashion.com; D&G sunglasses, £235.


Brig again looking very French and pouty in Repetto flats, a Breton top and capri pants. Top tip, accessorize with a vintage car for maximum glamour.

Kara's Tree, Trainer Girl

2011-04-04T09:44:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you have love at first sight. It's rare, like a kick in the gut and you HAVE to have the object of your desire. When THREE such lightening bolts hit you, there really is no hope. Liberty prints, Quentin Blake and a pair of new shoes for encroaching Spring. The result being these bad boys..

The gorgeous Kara's Trees Print Blazer Mid Dunks, from the Nike Liberty 2011 Collection. There has been heaps of blogger buzz about them for ages and they were finally launched on Friday.

Quite a few of the shoes' fabrics were themed wonderfully around childrens' books illustrations, whereby illustrators such as Quentin Blake and David McKee were asked to draw something for the Liberty design team to then interpret and be inspired by to come up with fabrics. They then rendered the original drawings with the resulting fabrics to form a lookbook that is used to sell in the 'concept' of the collection. I have to admit that this was a surprise to me as I had just assumed that Liberty prints were mainly archive revivals.

The design team all draw original designs, decide on colour palettes and seem to work independently, only for it to all come together as a collection under the umbrella theme. The starting point for the S/S 11 collection was David McKee's Mr Benn books and resulting TV show.

My absolute favourite illustrator, Mr Quentin Blake also kindly gave a drawing to the team and after it had been 'Libertified', he wrote this in reaction... "I've always wanted a pair of socks like that..." Big thanks to Susie Bubble for these "behind the scene" pictures!

The Quentin Blake drawing, also inspired a pattern called 'Kara's Tree' which delicately speckles the trainers with a subtle pointillist leaf pattern that for me, makes them the most unisex pair in the collection... if you look closely, there's supposed to be depictions of fence and pebbles along with trees and I took great delight in finding this on my new trainers.

There are of course other designs and I would recommend checking them all out before they've all vanished or appear on Ebay for ludicrously inflated sums. In the meantime, I'm happily skipping down the street in my new shoes. Happy Monday everyone!x

Scared of the Flare

2011-03-28T03:45:00.000-07:00

What? People are wearing SLIM FIT jeans now? Are you sure?

I was never a jeans person until skinnies came around. Yes I had a mild flirtation with skater-style wide legs back in the day after watching 10 Things I Hate About You but I see no need to dwell on that period in my life. When you're relatively munchkin size with proportionally long legs, the flare does you no favours. If I'd been around in the 70s, I like to think that I would have ignored the flares and maxi trend and stuck with my hot-pants and mini-skirts from the previous decade but now in 2011 people, they're back!

Let me describe your new jeans, so you can prepare for the challenge. They are over-long and over-wide, and, most crucially, they feature a high waist – certainly high enough to hide a belly button, and almost high enough to be on talking terms with your bra. Your body is about to enter a whole new era, my friends, and it may not be a comfy ride.

Derek Lam SS 2011

High-waist trousers have been gnawing away at the periphery of fashion for years. Marc Jacobs was trying to get us to wear them in 2004, paired with cropped jackets and pussy-bow blouses. We gave them a sniff, and carried on wearing our low-down jeans, at least I did. High-waists have kept on coming at us, but they’ve never caught on. This time around, though, there are signs that they’re gaining momentum. The wide-leg, high-rise Marrakesh jeans by MiH have been stealing space in the magazines for a good few months now; at London Fashion Week last month, the high waist was very much in evidence. Kate Moss, Gemma Arterton and Diane Kruger have been giving them a go.And now, even Gap have got in on the act and are pushing them as a big seller for Spring.

The new Gap flare

Back in the day, when Charlie had Angels and men had perms, high-waist jeans were worn tight enough to show your ovaries, I'm just not up for that. I don't have time to wriggle around on my shag pile carpet, listening to Abba and trying to pull the zip up before spraying my Farrah flicks into place. The problem is though, that because this new style are slightly looser, on me, they are even more unflattering. I went and tried on the new ones from Gap. They look huge, like I’m about to wear a pair of denim curtains. Once on, my belly looks as if it’s smuggling contraband. There is nowhere to hide. You can virtually see the cheese and ham croissant I had for breakfast. It’s all rather intimate, with a strong risk of camel toe and – jackpot – my bum looks big. On the practical front, if you tuck in your shirt, as Derek Lam suggests, you will look like you’re housing ferrets. Knickers become a big conundrum too. VPL is very Seventies, isn’t it? Another rarely raised concern that mitigates against the wearing of high-waisters is the appearance of Thigh Crack – that curious crease in the fabric which develops precisely where your legs meet your torso. Nice

J Brand Martini

High-waist trousers are the kind of garment that make you constantly aware of their presence. “Look at me!” they announce as they stride into a room. “Aren’t I clever to have captured the zeitgeist? I’ll just stand here and pose awkwardly for a bit.”

There may well be a middle ground but I haven't found it quite yet. No matter how you cut it, these trousers are a trial. My advice is to split the difference: go for a flare, but opt for a mid-rise waist. I’ve got my eye on a pair of Flaunts by Citizens of Humanity. Or perhaps J Brand’s Martini cut with its kicky flare and a waistband that sits in just the right, 2011 sort of place. Or think, life's too short and one of the joys of fashion is there are plenty of other trends to choose out there folks, just remember, beware of the flare.

This may well be the only suitable way to wear the flare but please remember to adopt this position at ALL times.

Wedding Belles

2011-03-23T06:16:00.000-07:00

"When I look at my jewels, I realise what a lucky girl I am " Elizabth Taylor, 1932-2011"

At the weekend I was lucky enough to attend a wedding of some very dear family friends. Weddings always make me feel a bit gooey as well as stressed out beforehand as there are so many factors to contend with; weather, heel height and length of time on one's feet, waistband-dictated by how much you think you might pig out at the buffet/ sit down lunch etc, to hat or not to hat...The list is endless. Also at most weddings, after seeing the bride glide in I tend to lapse into an elaborate day-dream of my own about my wedding. If the Boy starts reading this he may go a little green about the gills but he needn't because what my dreams primarily revolve around is THE DRESS. Here are a few of my favourites and congratulations to the lovely couple! Ladies, if you occasionally drift off into fantasy wedding land, please let me know..Please see Elizabeth Taylor update at the bottom.

Rockstar husband? Check? St Tropez wedding? Check. Iconic outfit by legendary designer? Check.


I loved the originality and fun of Galliano's gown for Gwen Stefani..recently given to the V&A.

Audrey in Funny Face...

..then the epitome of 60s chic at her second marriage.

Lastly, I know everyone makes a fuss over the beautiful Vivienne Westwood dress that Carrie wore in the SATC movie, but for me, it was all about the stunning Dior dress she wore in the fake Vogue shoot.

UPDATE - Have just read the truly sad news about Elizabeth Taylor. As someone who truly knew how to rock a wedding dress, here are a few images of her looking utterly radiant in every one.

Who'd live in a house like this?

2011-03-16T04:08:00.000-07:00

Regular readers will remember the post I did on closets, the dream walk in wardrobe that we all aspire to..in a way, this is an extension from that. I must apologise for my lax posting of late, there are several reasons largely work being hectic and possibly the bigger stress..finding a house/ flat. The Boy and I thought we had found our dream one, only to get gazumped at the last minute. I'm not quite over it yet but the quest must go on..it just takes up SO much time! It also got me thinking about some of the most stylish houses around. I love feeding my nosiness by checking out great interior design blogs like The Coveted, Into The Gloss, The Selby & Closet Visit which all offer a behind-the-scenes insight into the lives of the fashion crowd, whether the focus be on the inner workings of their wardrobes, make-up bags or apartments or simply what inspires them in day to day life.

I suppose in a way, it is dressing up voyeurism, but this is so intrinsic to the concept of blogging that it's nothing we fashion followers haven't seen before. Indeed, in the days long before blogs existed, I always found myself drawn to features such as the Closet Confidential in Elle UK and settling down to enjoy MTV Cribs...a show I still love! Also the 'What's in your bag' feature that used to be in Harpers Bazaar and a similar feature that they used to have in Tatler which was a double page spread and collage of a celebrity/ model/ socialite's favourite things. I loved seeing what my style icons (ok..not much on MTV cribs..) wore and were inspired by. Although I'm sure these features are artificially constructed, I still can't get over the thrill, or intimacy if you will, of going behind the person to see what makes them tick. Few things can reveal this as much as looking round a person's house or wardrobe.

For me, despite the blog’s ability to provide instant gratification, it will never come close to the pleasure of pouring over an interior design book, handing over my last fiver to check out the feature on Sofia Coppola's flat in Vogue or even pottering round a friend's house that I haven't visited before...now I just need a place of my own...

Edit: All pictures courtesy of The Selby, maybe he'll come round when I've found the dream flat.

Boy Meets Girl

2011-02-28T08:52:00.000-08:00

At Dolce and Gabbana the sixty-four models were divided into two camps: the 'Tomboys' and the 'Temptresses'. The 'Tomboys' had their hair styled in "Rockabilly" quiffs and wore tailored trouser suits, Trilby's, and winkle-picker style, pointy-toe lace-ups. The 'Temptresses' slinked along the catwalk in sheer lace over sequinned underwear, tiger-striped clinging dresses and star-printed, black and white chiffon gowns, accessorised with high-heels and ankle-socks. I think I might have been a Tomboy..but then I keep seeing bits from the Temptresses that catch my eye. Which one would you be?

There was a twist in this apparent tale of androgyny, which played out to Mick Jagger and David Bowie's "Dancing in the Street", and Bowie's 1983 hit, "Modern Love". The seductive dresses were also matched with boyish lace-ups, belt-bags and those Trilby hats. And the "borrowed from the boys" tailoring included oversized vests, embellished with lace and beading and worn with sequinned leggings; and mannish, double-breasted car-coats in baby-pink and pale blue, while a three-piece suit came with pinstripe cuffed trousers and waistcoat, and a leopard print, short jacket.

I LOVED IT.

Pretty sure I had one of these when I was little..think it was by Woolworths though..

You Can Learn A LOT from an Old Bird

2011-02-25T08:35:00.000-08:00

"People need to get less stressed about fashion and get into the enjoyment of it"

"Take what is available and contour it towards what your needs are."

The Idiosyncratic Fashionistas

I have grey hair and I'm getting crows feet. Every day I have London snot...that's when there's mysterious black shizzle up your nose from all the fumes at the end of the day..and my idea of a good night in at the moment is working through the Poirot or Downton boxset and doing my tapestry. I have also got unreasonably excited when I'm in bed before midnight. What does all this mean? Am I on a slip road to Golden Oldie-town heading towards the earlybird special and a night of Bingo with the Boy...(actually it would be backgammon if he had his way) ? Or am I in denial about a certain birthday that happened nearly a week ago? YES I AM.

"Don't take your self too seriously."

"Dress for the theatre of your life." Lynn Dell 78.

I had decided that I was cool with it, aging is no big deal, it happens to everyone blah blah blah but when certain people reacted to my new age with glances that said, "You're two minutes away from the Stannah stairlift dearie", I began to feel perturbed. I've written before about how happy I was that it wasn't just prepubescent girls lining the catwalks and spoken about my admiration for the many beautiful older models including Carmen dell Orefice but was I ready to start feeling past my prime when I wasn't sure I'd had my prime yet?

I don't mind going grey that much. I've already decided that I will have Cruella DeVille hair as soon as I can no longer pull off dying it it's god given colour and wrinkles give a face character so on an afternoon of counting my grey hairs, sorting my tapestry wools and blog surfing, imagine my delight when I came across a blog called Advanced Style.

Alice Carey, early 60s

Written by Ari Seth Cohen, I'll let him use his own words, "I roam the streets of New York looking for the most stylish and creative older folks. Respect your elders and let these ladies and gents teach you a thing or two about living life to the fullest. Advanced Style offers proof from the wise and silver-haired set that personal style advances with age." Darn right Ari. I think this is something we can all aspire to. It was so hard to pick just a few to show you but I hope it makes you smile as much as it did me, Happy Friday!X

Iris Apfel for Vogue Japan shot by Ari

Elle-O

2011-02-22T04:14:00.000-08:00

The ELLE team / LONDON FASHION WEEK S/S 2011: DAY 1

A birthday for me last weekend and a birthday for this blog! Really this should make me more proactive than usual but instead I have been lazing about admiring my lovely presents and eating quantities of cake! One of things I particularly like to do when I have oodles of time to myself is to peruse the vast array of blogs out there. This time, during my travels on the web, I came across something that I'd never seen before. It's by one of the big players, Ellle (UK magazine). I am obsessed with magazines be it Elle, Vogue, Wonderland, Dazed, LOVE etc. and having interned at a couple in the Conde Nast stable, I know that not only is The Devil Wears Prada not a million miles from the mark but also that yes, you can't just roll out of bed into the office, you do have to give it a certain amount of thought..and then end up looking like you haven't...obvs.

How super then to be given access to what the bods at Elle are wearing every week. I'm sure the ladies do think a smidge more carefully when they know a camera is going to be on them but I truly don't think that any of them look particularly over-done or try hard. To me they have provided some sartorial inspiration particularly during this rather wet Fashion Week. Enjoy.


Donna Wallace: ELLE Accessories Editor: Neil Barret jacket, French Connection shirt, Dagmar dress, Cos trousers, APC boots, Laura Lee ring

Emma Sells: ELLEuk.com Fashion/News Editor:All Saints coat, Topshop top, Club Monaco trousers, Russell and Bromley shoes, Jas MB bag, Mawi necklace. Bex Rox bracelet

Alice Watt: ELLEuk.com Fashion Assistant:Alexander Wang jumper, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Burberry belt, Emma Cook boots, New Look rucksack

I LOVE these shorts!

Stacey Duguid: ELLE Executive Fashion Editor: Mui Mui jacket, Vanessa Bruno dress, Prada shoes

Rosa Connell: ELLE Fashion Assistant

Versus boots

Looky Likey

2011-02-11T06:33:00.000-08:00

So I know that many fashion bloggers have been expostulating over the lust-inducing item(s) that are a pair of Isabel Marant boots. They're suede, they're ever so slightly slouchy, they give you that certain je ne sais quoi. They're also super double duper expensive..oh and they're suede which means a little bit vulnerable in British weather even with oodles of protectant and a rubber sole. There is the Bidou boot...

And my personal favourite, the Forbes boot, which has a slightly Western vibe to it..

So I fell for them and pondered over the purchase. I am all for investment purchases, let me state that right now. My Chanel and Mulberry handbags are prize possessions, my beautiful navy Hobbs coat and my tweed jacket, my beaded Chloe dress that I only wear once in a blue moon because I love it so much I'm actually scared to take it to the dry cleaners, my French Sole pumps. I have no qualms on spending items that will last (physically), are dateless and classic. These boots tick every category except one, they will not physically go the distance. They will scuff, they will wear out, the soles/ heels will need replacing, they will watermark. I couldn't pay nearly £400 for that. Ms Bosworth on the other hand, totally can and for once, we see a celebrity who has a pair of favourite boots that she wears all the time despite the gazillions of others in her wardrobe..


This, in fact was at The Kings Speech premiere a couple of weeks ago, I really love that skirt too!

..So I thought, what the heck! I'll go for it, I love them! They look great with everything..apart from maybe that weird pink croquet dress in the second picture across at the top (re-think that look Kate) but I still ain't forking out that amount of dough for them. Fashion Gods, help me out.

..And they did. They may not be an exact replica but my goodness do they look super on and all for the bargain price of £70. Topshop. You did it again. Now I just need to find that grey skirt....Happy Friday all X

LOVE LOVE

2011-02-04T05:01:00.000-08:00

There is a distinctly lesbian vibe to my post today and that's not because the Boy has been bad so I've switched sides, although I do have a healthy amount of girl crushes (Winona, Freja, Penelope Cruz in Volver). It's to do with LOVE. And I do love LOVE.

If you had sat me down a year ago and told me I would have been putting a picture of 'the Beib' on my blog, I would have looked at you in bewilderment and gone, 'who?' Yet here he is. For the longest time, I legitimately couldn't understand why Justin Bieber would ever be on the cover of this high fashion magazine but then I found out that it was for the cover of the androgyny issue and everything made sense. Because he's pretty androgynous and well, pretty too. And, you know, he looks like a lesbian. At least according to the Tumblr blog Lesbians Who Look Like Justin Bieber. (Yes really.)

Master Beiber isn’t the only one covering this issue of Love. Kate Moss and Lea T are also featured on a cover for the magazine. Together. Making out. LOVE.

Transgender model Lea T has gone from backroom assistant to sartorial sensation in just months, appearing in Givenchy's autumn/winter ad campaign, smiling in Italian Vanity Fair and – as a crowning glory – posing naked for the hallowed pages of French Vogue. But if this Brazilian bombshell is causing such a stir it is perhaps because there is more to her than meets the eye. Lea T was born Leandro and, as well as being a model and a muse, she is an out and proud transsexual.

Lea T, second from the right, in Givenchy's ad campaign for late 2010

The muse of Riccardo Tisci is the perfect choice for the cover of Love’s androgyny issue, while Kate is a bit of surprise (between you and me I was getting a bit blah about old Mossy) BUT I think it totally works!

I think the Kate cover is a rather fantastic throwback to the beginning stages of her career. The black and white choice of photography, paired with her fresh look and freckled appearance calls to mind her Face cover from years ago. For the final cover, I love the clever gender play going on, with Kate styled as a man and Lea as a woman, at first glance, I didn't actually recognise either model..which I guess is kind of the point! And that kiss! Golly gosh.

Pretty Boy Biebs is a more tongue-in-cheek pick, and I'd love to know if the pop star was notified that his cover would in fact be for the androgyny issue. I hope the answer is yes, and that he was fair game although it would make me evily chuckle into my tea if it came as a bit of a shock to the wee man.

There’s no word on how the Bieber/ Love connection was made, but mag EIC Katie Grand did share how she and Lea met for the first time;

“I was by the pool at the Copacabana Palace Hotel when I saw her. At first I didn’t notice her gender, just that she was wearing Givenchy couture and looked amazing!”

Apparently Grace Jones was at the pool, too, wearing a fabulous hat. I, sadly, was not.

Katie Grand and Lea T at the Love Androgyny launch.

Pig Love

2011-01-31T09:07:00.000-08:00

"I plan to write more books whenever I can find the appropriate writing attire and color-coordinated pen"

Sometimes when you head into work or school on a Monday, a happy little buzz that appears sometime on a Friday afternoon can fade away..which is why the wonderful world of fashion is a great place to escape to. When I was little and having a bad day (like throwing a tantrum in Marks and Spencers), one thing could always cheer me up and it proved the same this morning. The Muppets! Kermit is still my favourite but his long time love is set to make quite a stir on Planet Fashion.

Front row, wearing Jullien Macdonald, between Tracey Emin and Margo Stilley

I know that Emmanuelle Alt has stepped up as the new editor at French Vogue but to be honest, I'm rather excited about the fact that shortly they will be embracing the fuller figure. Fashion icon Miss Piggy will appear in the new Muppet Movie as a plus-size fashion editor for Vogue Paris - and the famously formidable pig certainly won't be taking orders from anyone, even from Ms Alt.

A punked up vibe in a quilted Burberry trench.

The film, set for release in February 2012, sees the world's biggest Muppet fan and his friends (played by Jason Segel and Amy Adams), try to save the Muppet Theatre by encouraging the Muppets to reform. Whilst Miss Piggy has been hard at work in the fashion world, Fozzie has formed a casino tribute band called the Moopets, Animal has been admitted to a Santa Barbara clinic for anger management and Gonzo has become a high-powered plumbing magnate.

Geisha style and wearing Jason Wu

It's set to be one of the most fashionable films of 2012, since I'm sure Miss Piggy let loose in the Vogue sample cupboard will be a sight to behold, if only I could go with her..

Piggy does Prada


In Miu Miu at Selfridges, or should that be Moi Moi?

In Marc Jacobs with a Carrie Bradshaw style corsage


Piggy pals - with (and wearing) Marc Jacobs.

Oops a daisy!

2011-01-26T06:38:00.000-08:00

Spot the similarity...no, it's not the skinny legs..

Confession time..I STILL haven't done any of my Ebay-ing. Not a single thing. Been rather snowed at work as our events season kicks off and I've also been de-camping to the Boy's at the weekend which is all the way South of the river and by the time I get back on Sunday evenings, it's time for trash television, magazine reading, baths and blog reading! (I know I sound like I'm making excuses by the way...)

I'm cross with myself as I'd sort of made a mental resolution that I wouldn't purchase anything else until I had begun my Ebay-ing mission but there were a few (largely SALES...come on, shopping in the sales doesn't count!!!) purchases that snuck under the radar. Here we go..

These had to be bought. There is a TOAST very near where I live so it it a hazard walking past anytime but especially when there are mark-downs. Classic tan brogues that were £145 and are now £58. Absolute bargain.

Next up and also from TOAST, are these two incredibly useful basics. The perfect long v-neck cardigan. I wear them as jumper dresses with tights, a silk scarf and..ahem..my new brogues...Was £99, now £30!!

This is new season and hence, EXTRA naughty but I can justify this by saying that it's a classic - navy, polka dot, lovely shape. Yes it's sheer but I can slip a camisole under it for work or a plain black bra with a tux jacket and skinnies at night maybe. See, that's two uses already..

The Topshop habit is hard to kick...

Spring is feeling a long way off right now and here in London it has been grey skies and decidedly damp. Not wet enough to justify me wearing my Hunters or even my lovely Vivienne Westwood ankle boot wellies. I needed an 'in between' boot. My beautiful Clarks Suede Desert boots cannot be subjected to constant drizzle. The fallibility of suede is one of my biggest moans and another reason why, although I adore the Isabel Marant ankle boots, spending over £300 on something that I can't really wear out much due to our inclement weather is something I can't really justify. I had seen these little beauties when they were full price and when I spotted them in the my-wardrobe sale, I knew we were meant to be....

I loved the taupe/ grey colour, the heel height, the way they looked a bit like sexy hiking boots...

And finally, although this isn't a purchase, it really deserves an honourable mention, to my wonderful friend Muddles who brought her back from the Orient as an early birthday present to me. Over-sized, tan and totally unexpected. THANK YOU x

I love her.

UPDATE!! On my last post about wardobes, just to encourage the nosy amongst you, this sight is a GREAT find http://closetvisit.com/. Go and have a peek!X

Milly and her wardrobe

2011-01-18T00:51:00.000-08:00

Right folks, I know lots of my fellow bloggers have been making New Year's fashion resolutions. I particularly liked Dead Fleurette's unflinching honesty about what can happen with clothes resolutions and also Miss Moll Cherie's 2011 list. My first resolution of the New Year is this..a wardrobe cull. A brutal clear-out with the results going to charity shops and Ebay (to fund new purchases).

I'm sure you recognise this one..even without Carrie

I used to have a wardrobe organised in colour, shoes in labelled boxes and all (ok..most) flats in the rack on my wardrobe door, coats were hung on the wall in the hall. I still have two accessories bags..one is a large Anya Hindmarch weekend bag that I keep all my wool/ cashmere scarfs/ hats and gloves in and the other is a large Laduree bag which I keep all my silk scarfs in neat rolls. These are the only two things that are still neat and orderly. I managed an underwear/ tights sort out before Christmas and that gave me a great sense of achievement. The top two drawers in my chest of drawers, top left now has tights/ socks rolled up on their sides arranged by colour and fabric, the top right has pants rolled into neat curls and bras laid out by colour.

What I can only aspire to....regardless of organisation, I may have to move house first...and win the lottery.

My handbags are still organised, most in dust bags and arranged neatly on a shelf but there the wardrobe and drawers are descending into chaos. I do still make a point of putting away all the clothes I've taken off at the end of each day into the wardrobe/ laundry/ dry cleaning pile, that's pretty good going right?


I'd probably look as happy as she does if my wardrobe was in fact a room like Olivia Wilde's.

Essentially I don't mind too much doing the wardrobe cull, it's then summoning the energy to photograph everything and put it on Ebay and THEN you have to post everything off that gets to me. There's always so many more interesting things to do in the evening or at the weekend but I must do it. Public promise right here, right now, I will do this before the beginning of February. I will also put a link up to the stuff on Ebay to prove that I've done it. Wish me luck and let me know your fashion resolutions...X

Rachel Zoe..not as glam a closet as I'd thought..

Then you see this lady's..and it's only the shoes you can see in this picture!

A wardrobe that comes with a stepladder..um...and a child.

Back to life, back to reality

2011-01-12T13:11:00.000-08:00

They kind of look like how I felt my first day back in the office..

So after the dramas of Heathrow (three days trapped there because of the snow!) we had another day in Mumbai before making it to the family home in Calcutta. Seeing the family was bliss but because of all the dramas, we only had three days with them and it was very hard to say goodbye. I know the world is a much smaller place with sophisticated travel (in theory) and Internet but sometimes places feel very far away, especially when you have people you love there.

From Calcutta we went to Goa, which was utter bliss. I literally wanted every pore on my body to absorb the sunshine and bring it back to England with me! Fresh fish, strolling on the beach and having some proper time with my parents and brother was a fantastic way to bring in the new year. Then flying home to Heathrow where the wonderful Boy met me at the airport and we all went back to the Shire together for a few days of English countryside. We had also planned the first weekend away together so we could have a little Christmas all of our own. We went to the wonderful Holm House in Penarth on the Welsh coast.. a review to follow at some point!

In the meantime, I needed some fashion inspiration to kickstart my way back to work, end my internet detox and generally get back on the radar again and where better to look than Emmanuelle Alt, who has a new job on her hands...you might have heard...

The 45-year-old new editor-in-chief has a personal style characterized by androgynous French cool and her obsessions with "Saturday Night Fever", Michael Jackson, and the 1965-1975 era. Emmanuelle is known for her sharp Parisian style looking effortlessly chic all the time. Emmanuelle's husband, Franck Durand, is the artistic director at Isabel Marant...which must be a help when getting dressed in the morning.

All this being said I can hardly wait to see the April issue of the French Vogue which will be the first under Emmanuelle Alt's hands-on editorial leadership!

Indian Christmas

2010-12-18T14:03:00.000-08:00

This is really a quick post to say thank you all so so much if you've taken the time to read my waffle this year as it's nearly at an end. I didn't think I'd have time to do a little Christmas post as it's been frantic this week at work and then today I was meant to be flying to India. However thanks to the horrific British weather and the inadequacy of Heathrow (grrrr), I spent the entire day at the airport without getting off the ground and have to be back at 9am tomorrow. Giggles all round. I also will be away from the Boy for two weeks which is never fun but we're having a week in the Shire when I'm back and a weekend at a lovely little boutique hotel in Wales which I'll post a review of. In the meantime, I want to leave you with some beautiful images of India, in particular some featuring Lily Cole in South India for British Vogue, July 2005 and some by one of my favourite photographers (and also a lovely chap!) Steve McCurry. See you on the other side!x

UPDATE!! Did I go to Heathrow this morning? Yes Did I manage to fly? Clearly no. So here is a little bonus of some uplifting Steve McCurry pictures for all my lovely suportive friends and the boy. In the words of Scarlett O'Hara, tomorrow is another day!


Hold a true friend with both your hands. - Nigerian Proverb

What is a friend? A single soul dwelling in two bodies. – Aristotle

Friendship is a slow-ripening fruit - Aristotle

Feathers

2010-12-07T10:04:00.000-08:00

Natalie was wondering of she'd overdone the eyeliner...

Although Christmas is on the horizon, my excitement has not yet peaked. This isn't because I'm being all bah humbug (well..not too much) but this year I will be India for the festive season and it will be a wonderful but very different experience. One of our family traditions has been to take in a pantomime or ballet or both! Ballet, especially leaves me awestruck. The athleticism, the grace and the costumes. Last year, The Boy took me to see Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake at Sadlers Wells, it was magical and he won a whole load of brownie points. This year the performance that has got my pulse racing in anticipation is Natalie Portman's work in the new big-screen Black Swan. However before you start thinking I've wondered off the fashion piste, the film's forward-thinking ballet costumes by Rodarte, the insider-favourite label by sisters Laura and Kate Mulleavy.

Black Swan director Darren Aronofsky said he and the costume designer Amy Westcott wanted to use a contemporary fashion designer "to take it to a new level." "We wanted to reinvent the whole sense of 'Swan Lake,'" he said. Portman, who has been spotted in the front row of Rodarte runway shows during New York Fashion Week, had a relationship with the designers.
"I remember seeing a dress of theirs at a photo shoot, and just going, 'What is that?'" recalled Portman. "I don't have that reaction to clothes very often. It is not something that I really pay attention to that much. But it was just so beautiful. When we were doing this film, I just knew how balletic their clothes were."

Rodarte had, coincidentally, already tapped into horror films and ballet - the same elements that are the foundation of "Black Swan" - as inspiration for past collections.

"We had an affinity for the subject matter," noted Kate Mulleavy. "We had never done a film. ... This would be a dream job in terms of just getting to make tutus. But, then we had, I think, something that allowed us to add to access the psychology of the film in a different way, which was understanding the darker nature and more of the twisted kind of underbelly of that world."

Nevertheless, producing fashion-forward ballet costumes proved a challenge. "Well, I think that the big question was, 'How do you make something look realistic as a tutu and function?'" explained Laura Mulleavy.
Sometimes style took precedence over function. "You would never go and do 'Swan Lake' and wear a full-on swan outfit without having a strap" to hold the outfit up, said actress Mila Kunis. "Given that it is in a movie and it is a certain form of disbelief. They had no straps. So, the busts kept constantly falling, you know. And so you make it work. You figure it out. But they were beautiful."

The film isn't out in the UK yet but if you've seen it already (I believe it's out in the States this weekend) let me know what you think! The trailer alone gave me chills....also have a slight crush on Mr Vincent Cassell..X

'Never Complain, Never Explain'

2010-12-03T05:17:00.000-08:00


"If you're tired of shopping, you are using the wrong shops"			The Duchess of Windsor

For my UK readers, I am sure you were aware of the lucsious Sunday evening drama that was Downton Abbey. Showing the upstairs/ downstairs class dynamic of early Edwardian life it was a feast for the eyes and ears and the perfect antidote to the dread of Mondays, work and real life in general. (For my foreign readers I would suggest visiting Amazon right now and trying to lay your hands on the box set!)

I was bereft when it finished so went to my local library in search of something to heal the wound. I found it. Edward and Mrs Simpson , a seven part drama from the late 70s/ early 80s that dramatises the events leading to the 1936 abdication of King Edward VIII of the United Kingdom, who gave up his throne to marry the twice-divorced American Wallis Simpson. The series won the 1980 Emmy award for Outstanding Limited Series, and BAFTA Awards in 1979 for Best Actor, Best Design, Best Costume Design, and Best Series or Serial..and I found a new style icon.

The way the full-of-pep Simpson looked in London in the '30s — when she was secretly dating the Prince of Wales and future king — would be right on for Phoebe Philo's Céline vision in 2010. "As compact as a Vuitton traveling case," said society photographer Cecil Beaton, calling her "tidy, neat, immaculate." You would not have found this elegant, outgoing, married woman (thirtysomething when she met her prince) in provocative clothes, despite the raging affair that threatened to topple the British monarchy.

The W and E style was the essence of chic. The duke's look was primarily English: three parts aristo to one part eccentric in his mad mix of Prince of Wales checks, baggy golfing plus fours, and Fair Isle sweaters. Meanwhile, Simpson's style was quintessentially French, from the time when haute couture ruled the fashion world. On friendly terms with designers like Hubert de Givenchy and Christian Dior's Marc Bohan, the duchess worked to reduce every outfit to its essence, even asking the couturiers to dispense with pockets.

A fraction of the Duchess's shoe collection!

"I began with my own personal ideas about style and I've never again felt correct in anything but the severe look I developed then," Simpson told her friend Fleur Cowles, the magazine editor and society hostess, in an interview for Bazaar in 1966. That pared-down, urban elegance of her early days remained her style until her death in 1986.

A rather wonderful montage from Net-a-Porter on we can achieve Wallis style


Her Madge-ness is apparently utterly obsessed with Wallis and frequently channels her style. There are even rumours that she is directing a film about her life..Watch this space!

Gillian Anderson as Wallis in the current Channel 4 drama, Any Human Heart.

Lastly, I found this wonderful picture and had to include it..Have a wonderful weekend everyone X