WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE...
Slouchy pajama shapes, menswear inspired outerwear, sheer lace and pops of bright orange. So far, so good... but nothing revolutionary.
It's not just what you show that's important though, it's how you show it.
The Paul and Joe AW12 collection brought together a world of influences from contrasting times in a way that felt painfully right. The jackets, in warm shades of green and brown, channeled an Americana Ralph Lauren vibe. While the floral print matching tops and trousers harped back to Celine's SS11 show. Don't take these references to be a criticism though. Sophie Albou gave them her signature French twist and they came out looking entirely new and fresh. There was a thread running through that hinted at Empire: fur, leopard print, African savannah landscapes - all an undeniable nod to British heritage. Blend that together with the sexy allure of the hottest Parisienne woman you can imagine and you've got the new Paul and Joe girl.
My favorite looks were the loose masculine inspired ones. Slouchy oversized trousers that sat low on the hips (offset by glittery belts?! even better), floral prints on the pajama style sets (a trend that was starting to feel overdone but now I'm looking at with new eyes), all the outerwear and the lace sleeved button back black blouse (whoa, try saying that three times in a row fast) worn by Ruby Aldridge. Other notable things? The little brown leather belts. So simple but so good. I haven't worn a belt in freaking ages but I want the one in the first image (so badly).
I won't lie, there were things in the collection that I didn't immediately jive with. It was a bit scared by the sequins - they will forever remind me of what girls wore when I was 12 to look 'fancy' and for that reason alone I will always struggle to come to grips with sequins. The leopard print was also an immediate concern. Before the show I was told one thing: 'There's lots of leopard.' I was expecting a D&G explosion of in-your-face sex-appeal. But instead got discreet leopard printed velvet blazers and loose trousers in an oversized version of the print. The latter, worn with a sparkly belt and chunky neutral knit made it as my favorite look from the entire show. That's saying a lot because Tuesday morning I would have bet my right arm I'd never want to stick my pins into a pair of leopard bottoms. I tip my hat to you Ms Albou, you made this California girl want to become French.
Massive thank you to Harriet at HPR London for hooking me up with a ticket last minute. xx
Backstreets
Scavenged through the backstreets behind Oxford Street last week in London looking for pretty places to take photos. Let me tell you, it's slim pickings. Loved dodging oncoming traffic and scary men dressed in black that crept up behind me... were they heading for my bags of sale goodies or the pub across the street? Never mind that.
Scavenged through the backstreets behind Oxford Street last week in London looking for pretty places to take photos. Let me tell you, it's slim pickings. Loved dodging oncoming traffic and scary men dressed in black that crept up behind me... were they heading for my bags of sale goodies or the pub across the street? Never mind that. Big time in love with this half-canvas-half-leather bag that fits just about the entire world. All I want to wear lately are pretty little dresses with cozy jumpers thrown on over top. So easy and perfect for summer days that fail to feel very summery.
Wearing: Paul & Joe Sister dress (HPR London), Gmarket jumper, Asos brogues, bag, and watch. Photos by Shini.
View more photos of my trip to London here. Warning, it's mostly food.
Spilt milk
Straight from the final day of Fashion Week Poland, after having to swap outfits mid-day due to a serious dust fail on the floor of a factory, I decided to keep it easy in jeans and converse. Can I just reiterate how much I loved the laid back vibe at this event? Between shows we sat on the pavement blowing bubbles and eating bratwurst - pretty much heaven. At the moment, I'm totally swooning over grown up lady-like blouses. The easiest way to feel slightly more together without having to put in any effort. Ah, now if that doesn't sound like perfection...
Wearing: Paul & Joe shirt AW11 (HPR London), ckone slouchy slim jeans, American Apparel large leather pouch, Converse all stars, and felt crushable hat from Laird & Co Hatters.Kit wears: Paul & Joe floral shirt and Urban Outfitters sunglasses. Photos by Shini.
p.s. while it might not be worth crying over spilt milk, spilt orange juice is another matter entirely.
Check it
A checked printed shirt never felt quite as fresh as when it's made by TBA and has a little triangular hole cut out right in the middle of your tummy. I wore this outfit on the morning of our last day at Fashion Week Poland. We attended the On/Off shows at the most incredible location - a totally surreal and creepy abandoned building. I made the mistake of assuming the floors were clean and, after kneeling down in the middle of a show, found myself completely covered in grey dust. The collections being shown were as raw as the building itself... but I'll save a bit of that for tomorrow.
Wearing: TBA checked top AW11 and Paul & Joe wedges (both HPR London), Nudie Jeans long john skinny (My Wardrobe), and Ralph Lauren zebra havana glasses. Photos by Shini.