LFW UPDATE
Well, well, well. Day 2 of London Fashion Week has just come to a close and I'm still alive (insert praise hand emoji here). I'm sitting on my bed in my sweats contemplating going out to find McDonalds. Chic, no?
The main news here is that it's super-insanely-out-of-this-world windy. Also, don't be fooled by the photo, it's been raining like mad. I'm talking horizontal madness that soaks you to the core. Oh, and there are also some fashion shows going on. I guess we should talk about that too? Yesterday I was reminded of why London is the most amazing city in the world for fashion. There is so much diversity and, just when you think you've seen it all, someone goes and does something completely unexpected (whole post on this coming soon). Rather than try to edit the thousands of photos I'm taking each day I thought I'd just share a few Instagram snaps to show you what I've been getting up to. Basically it involves eating and drinking as much as possible and catching up with friends who I really only get to see twice a year (sob).
Lots more updates to come soon, most likely once I've caught up on my beauty sleep. If you aren't already, follow me on Instagram for (probably too many) updates throughout the day. Find me, where you'd probably look anyway: @stylecrusader
Taking care of yourself
I've always thought that honesty is the best policy... so let's just get right down to it. A few weeks ago I had a bit of a break down. It isn't something I had planned to talk about on this blog. This is supposed to be a happy place. But the truth is life isn't always happy. Sometimes things are hard.
Basically I wasn't eating or sleeping properly and I had worn myself down by working too hard.
It can happen to anyone. One of the main reasons I'm even mentioning it here is that I know too many people who also work themselves too hard. When you have a lot going on, often your own personal health is the thing you pay the least attention to. The reality is though that we all need to take care of ourselves. I'm saying this as a reminder to myself and also to anyone that might be reading - make sure you take it easy.
Wishing you a wonderful start to the week. xx
p.s. wearing: St Louis baseball hat, Junkfood NFL T-shirt (stolen from Fred), Aubin & Wills shorts, Converse and Style Crusader x Topshop canvas bag.
MY ALAÏA LAMP
It's not everyday you come across a lamp at Ikea that channels the aura of a certain Tunisian-born couturier....
But the Torna does just that, I swear it's the reincarnation of the perforated Alaïa clutch. Sadly, it's probably best that I don't tuck it under my arm during fashion week (can you see me standing awkwardly in the courtyard juggling this lamp and proclaiming: 'Oh dahling, it's the latest from Alaïa' No? Me either). It did cost 79 CHF instead of 790 though and I thought the resemblance was just too good to pass up. I set my heart on putting together this lamp on my own - no help from my hubby. In the process I learnt that any o'l rat can put something together from Ikea. Having an extra pair of hands around to help balance wobbly pieces though is much advised - it would have made the process much easier. I just about lost it towards the end when the panels were refusing to fit in.... an hour later and I had destroyed my minty manicure trying to piece this little monster together but I came out triumphant. The heavens opened, the cherubs danced around my head and just like that the Alaïa lamp was born.
Summer Loving
Currently craving days spent in the park, taking photos while drinking cider with friends, braiding each others hair and staring at the vast expanse of clear blue sky... instead I'm currently feeling a wee little bit stressed. Not in a bad way, just in a 'have way too many things to do and am traveling a lot so feel slightly restless sort of way.'
I just thought it seemed only fair to acknowledge it here because, as a result of settling into some changes, posting has become a bit less regular. I've started a somewhat* real person job for a site that hasn't launched yet... but I'm excited to tell you about it once it has. In other news I'm in the process of launching my own company... also exciting, and I'll have a bit more news about that later this week too.
So, while I get a bit adjusted to all these new found things that are going on feel free to follow the madness on other various portals which seem to be getting updated a bit more than this blog, often due to their more schizophrenic random nature.
photos taken by Charlie May in London Fields earlier this month
*only somewhat because it doesn't require getting out of my Minnie Mouse pjs if I'd rather not, and surely that means they can't be entirely grown up?
sick with excitement.
As much as I'd like to act all carelessly nonchalant about the impending approach of London Fashion Week the fact is I can't help but feel a bit sick with excitement. I really never thought I'd be in a position to get to go to fashion week let alone get invited to shows. And while I know we all complain about what a hassle it is, what with all the e-mails, sleepless nights, stress of what to wear, inability to eat the whole week and blablablablabla... the fact of the matter is it's actually pretty stinking cool to be a part of fashion week. So I don't care, my secret is out. I'm excited about London Fashion Week kicking off next Friday and I actually can't wait to share the experience with you guys. Despite the fact that my little feetsies will be in constant agony for five days straight and probably swell up to the size of a watermellon (if last year is anything to go by).
As I'm sure you already know, New York Fashion Week started yesterday and, as far as I'm concerned, Style.com is the best place to follow the news on what is taking place. When I saw these images taken by Tommy Ton yesterday on the site I couldn't help but feel a wee little flutter in my heart because, after all, reigniting that simple anticipation and joy is what fashion should really be about.
View images in their original format here.
Going to the chapel
Five years ago today this girl very nervously walked down the aisle to marry her high school sweet heart. I was late to the ceremony, which caused mild hysteria, and couldn't make it through my vows without crying. It was, however, with a doubt the most memorable and life changing day of my life. Never before had I felt surrounded by such love, encouragement and joy. The last five years have been better than I could have ever hoped for which makes me delirious at the thought of what the next five (ten, fifty?!) might be like. Thank you Freddy for being the most precious and loving husband a girl could ever have. When I wrote that list back when I was ten about what I wanted my future husband to be it was short and sweet: 'able to play the piano & says bless you every time I sneeze.' Luckily, you were those things but so much more...