Guinness is Good For You

Image courtesy of AstroCrack

The subtitle for this post would be "..but bad for your wallet".  Anyone who has an interest in fashion will no doubt have heard of Daphne Guinness. Her style is one which is constantly innovative and completely unpredictable.  She truly transforms herself into a walking piece of art for each event she attends and having seen her up close and personal on a couple of occasions, she also manages to look completely at ease - a hard thing to pull off in eight inch heels of a foot high feather head-dress. She truly has dedication to the fashion cause.

Her wardrobe is the collection that dreams are made of and now she's selling off some of her finest fashion treasures in honour of a dear departed friend, Isabella Blow. On June 27th, Christie's in South Kensigton will host an evening auction featuring the 100 carefully selected items from her extensive collection. From Chanel to McQueen, there are items you will undoubtedly recognise and others that will take you by surprise. Surprisingly there are many very wearable pieces as well as the more avant-garde, but only if you have cash to flash! (Estimates start at around the £300 mark) However, every piece sold will see the proceeds go to a wonderful cause Guinness is using the money to establish the Isabella Blow Foundation in support of new and emerging talent in fashion and art. The catalogue is now online in its entirety and it's well worth a glance, whether you're a buyer or a follower of the finer things in life...also, you've got a few weeks to save up!

A TRAPEZE SHAPED BLACK SILK CLOQUÉ CAPE by BALENCIAGA, PROBABLY AUTUMN/WINTER 2006-07 

A PAIR OF BLACK LEATHER STUDDED PLATFORM BOOTS, ALEXANDER MCQUEEN, 2000 (not sure when I'd wear these but I LOVE them)

AN IVORY SILK TULLE EMPIRE LINE GOWN, ALEXANDER MCQUEEN, AUTUMN/WINTER 2008-9 - Would make an excellent wedding dress don't you think?

A WHITE AND BLACK WOOL BLEND BOUCLÉ JACKET, CHANEL, AUTUMN/WINTER 1994 - Can't argue with the classics..swoon.

Classics - Little White Dress

Who wore it best?!

Perhaps not the most practical festival choice Chloe..

I had five days in beautiful Marrakesh before coming back on Friday to the sodden Jubilee.  Not that I didn't get fully on board with it and three rounds of hurrahs for Queenie who must have been exhausted after it all.  I know I was! It seems faintly ludicrous to talk about Summer dresses as I peer out of the window at the rain, but one thing I really missed on my mini-break was the perfect white dress.  I used to have one but it one of the many items that seems to have strolled off since the move.  Grrrr.

The white dress is the perfect thing to throw on when it's bright outside, like it's better known sister (the LBD), it's good for any occasion.  It can be smart or toughened up with a leather jacket or chucked over leggings and ballet flats when there's a bit of a breeze.  Layer it up with a Breton sweater, add a tailored blazer and a hat for a day at the Races or just put it on and with a pair of sunnies and head out on your bike like Kiki.

Anyway dear readers, my constant hunt has paid off and I've found a few that I think could fit the bill - the only problem is which one. Two are from Whistles and one is from Jack Wills. Urgh JACK WILLS!! I cannot stand that shop but I had to sidle in when I saw this dress in the window, it is also available in black as well. I really like the black one as well...

The next two are from Whistles, a shop that I've always had a rather strained relationship with. I love so many of their clothes but the fit is always slightly off on me.  Their Lisa dress however, I LOVE. This is definitely one that you could dress up or dress and is probably the most formal of the bunch. I think it would look beautiful with a large black straw hat for a wedding...

My last choice is probably the one I'm going to buy. Breathable cotton? Tick. Under £100? Just. Lovely detailing, including a cheeky cut out? Tick. Now I just need the sunshine...