RESURRECTING THE PEPLUM...
Oh, yes yes yes... the peplum has had its moment before. Back in the '40s and '50s Dior nipped in the waists of women in the peplum style. Famously, it came to be known as the 'New Look' - one that showed off the curves of the wearers body. So, suck in your waist ladies, bust out your boobies and flaunt what yo mama gave ya because this look is making a comeback. Err, actually, fear not, it was all still very demure.
Sixty years on and the peplum has once again popped up all over the catwalk. For Spring 2012 the emphasized waist made an appearance in a whole host of collections, including Givenchy, Celine, Kenzo and McQueen. It was, undoubtedly, the silhouette de jour.
It wasn't until recently (Albino pre-fall look #12 to be exact) that I fell for the shape. Sure it's gorgeous on the catwalk in all it's elaborate charm but when it moves to the real world it gets too girly... too foofy... too laaame. But pre-fall showed that it's a shape with longevity. It's like the peplum got in a fight in a school yard and came out tougher on the other side. Make it more boyish and it's capable of working in real life. Heck, Phoebe Philo's version is so roughed up it's barely recognizable. Pair with slouchy trousers or loose shorts (summer, yes you will one day come) for a simple, wearable and (gasssp, even) flattering shape.
If you're looking for something other than pastels to get excited about for spring then this, my friends, is it...
Collections from top: Jason Wu ss12, Alexander McQueen ss12 and Givenchy ss12. Albino and McQueen - both pre-fall12. Bouchra Jarrar couture s12. Antonio Berardi and Celine pre-fall12. Photos from Style.com
KA-POW: 3.1 PHILLIP LIM...
2012 sees the final installment of Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy and in the spirit of all things heroic it seems only right to reign in the comic book trend with a bit of covetable high fashion. Since I've never been able to master the whole invisibility thing and I only ever came close to levitation once, I'll settle on the title of costumed crime fighter. By definition this means I don't need an actual superpower... instead I can just carry around this little comic book clutch inside the clear pashli satchel and call it a day.
Plus, I'm thinking anything Ka-Pow themed could double as a Halloween costume. Am I planning too far ahead?
Featuring products from 3.1 Phillip Lim pre-fall collection. Images via Moda Operandi.
BLOGLOVIN - TWITTER - FACEBOOK - TUMBLR
FLANNEL PAJAMAS...
One of the things I find most frustrating about being away from home is packing...
When I arrive at my final destination things go like this: throw open my suitcase, longingly peer through the contents and then, suddenly, start to panic. Frantically I pull everything out and, defeatedly, start to realize that something has gone horribly wrong. Why did I forget underwear? How did I only pack t-shirts and it's almost freezing outside? No coat and it's winter One pair of jeans that have coke spilt on them from the flight. My packing efforts are clearly delluded and misguided. All this to say, I was pretty excited when I received a pair of J.Crew flannel pajamas last week and discovered the top could double as a real shirt (it gave my weak holiday wardrobe a little boost). Staying in my pajamas all day suddenly became way more acceptable and I like it.
Wearing: J.Crew flannel pajama shirt, Timex Andros Watch, J Brand Bette Superflare jeans and Osprey bag from eBay Fashion Outlet.
Mayhem...
Talk about madness... yesterday I toppled down the stairs while holding my niece and chipped my two front teeth. Never did this song ring ever truer - it's embarrassingly ironic that I just mentioned it last week in this post. Thankfully I was able to get into the dentist today and all is back to normal. Is it just me or does everything seem to turn into slight mayhem around the holidays? I'm at my sister's house in the US and we have four little kids, six grown ups and two dogs all under one roof. It's a little wild but completely wonderful and I'm so happy to be here.
Earlier this week I came across this fisherman jumper in the men's section at J.Crew. It's definitely one-part awkward old man with the bulky fabric and all-over cable knit but I love it. I've added it to the mix of items I can't stop wearing... also included are these 7 for all Mankind skinny jeans and my trusty Topshop Ambush boots (which are sadly starting to look a little worse for wear - maybe I should declare it new boot o'clock?).
Photos by my sister Stephanie.
A homage to the mountains...
I'm a sucker for a good pair of sunglasses and ever since I first discovered Mykita I've been dreaming about their frames. The only problem is I haven't a clue which pair I'd choose if given the chance and now it's only gotten more difficult...
Recently the Berlin based brand partnered with Moncler to create the ultimate pair of slope-worthy sunglasses. They're made from a product called mylon that's been developed by Mykita through a process called selective laser sintering. It's a kind of space-agey type of manufacturing, a form of 3D printing that's currently only really being used to make prototypes. My favourite pair are the blue ones with the flat top. They might just be the perfect little motivational tool to get me out skiing this winter.
Breathe on the lenses of these bad boys and they even reveal the Mykita & Moncler logo... what's not to love?
A LiLiFi discount...
As soon as I spotted these little leopard print makeup bags I fell instantly in love. By one of my new favourite brands, LiLiFi, these are the perfect size for carting around random bits and bobs. Plus they seem to attract an obligatory coo from all female onlookers. They're the ideal gift to give (or receive) this Christmas. Unfortunately they don't actually come out until January. But, have no fear little ones because a couple have been put up early (specially for you)!
Enter 'stylecrusader' at checkout and receive 30% off all orders made at LiLiFi until the end of December.
p.s. the leopard print clutch was the first item I had from LiLiFi and was the original reason I became obsessed with the brand. Ever since carrying it to LFW in September it's been a constant fixture on my arm.
Thanks to HPR London for making this post possible.
Please note: The small pink leopard makeup bag is currently for sale at LiLiFi, however, all other variations (brown/turquoise leopard print and black leather) will be available in January 2012. If you're interested in purchasing one please e-mail info@lilifi.co.uk to preorder. If you do this you will have the 30% discount extended until when the bag you're after comes into stock.
All I want for Christmas...
Dear Santa,
All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth... and this wee little list please (and thank you). xx
1. T by Alexander Wang Hooded Poncho 2. Native(X) Wasco Tote 3. Ernest Hemingway books 4. Gareth Pugh for MAC lipstick 5. T by Alexander Wang Cotton Knit Skirt 6. Timex Andros Watch 7. 3.1 Phillip Lim Patent Pashli 8. Prada Crystal Earrings with Applied Resin Stone 9. Sephora by OPI glitter nail polish 10. Karen Walker Number One Crystal Yellow Sunglasses 11. MacBook Air 13 inch 12. 3.1 Phillp Lim Regine Shoes 13. Creatures of Comfort Postalco Notebook 14. McQ Alexander McQueen Tartan Wool-twill Cropped Pants
Snow fall...
Switzerland experienced one of the driest Novembers in history this year which left ski resorts in a bit of a panic. You see, no rain means no snow on the mountains... but, after a week of almost non-stop drizzle the alps are now covered in snow. Not a bad view to have from your roof, eh?
Lately I'm feeling rather anti-winter and as a result have decided to protest the cold by wearing sheer silk and cropped jeans instead of wooly jumpers. I'm desperately seeking a pair of slouchy soft boyfriend jeans that actually reach down to my ankles (they are all I want to wear right now).
Wearing: Gallery4 shirt (ss12), ckone jeans, American Apparel large leather clutch, Salvatore Ferragamo heels and random assortment of bangles.
Oooo, it's pre-fall 2012.
Ever since St John leaked their pre-fall collection at the beginning of November I've had my ipad glued to my hip, constantly checking the style.com app, waiting for the rest of the designers to reveal what's up their mid-season sleeve (after all it's the sneaky peek preamble to proper fall). Finally, much to my delight, the rest of pre-fall 2012 has started to trickle in. My favourite? Definitely Pringle of Scotland - although Burberry was a close second. Alistair Carr, who used to be at Balenciaga, has injected a more structured futuristic silhouette into the brand that was founded back in the late 19th century. While Pringle might be known predominately for their knits, it's the prints and genius layering that has won this girls heart. That and the shoes - which happen to feature a leather panel that can be taken on-and-off depending on your mood. It's the shoe that keeps on giving. Nice.
On a side note, there were some pretty strong similarities running through some of the other shows and Hanne Gaby Odiele in Michael Kors reminded me of how much I want these McQ printed trousers. Yumm. Must add it to my Christmas list pronto.
Images - Style.com
Hey there stud muffin...
What is it about guys, when they get a look right they get it really right. There's something in those little details. Chances are half of the time you wont even notice them but somehow they still manage to tie everything together. Take Pete, for example. In the photo above he's tied together the strings from his hoodie at the neck. Buy why? It doesn't really make any sense but I like it none the less.
These are some of my favourite boys as seen at London Fashion Week...
Including: Pete Navey, Matthew Zorpas, CJ Cruz, David Nyanzi and Kit Lee (who isn't a boy but is cute so she still made it in).
December's uniform...
DAGMAR
Since getting my hands on this jacket I've struggled not to wear it everyday. It's so fluffy I'm gonna die. With long leather patches along the front of the arms and holes for your thumbs to stick through - it's like a woolen irresistible dream. I keep getting told that it's too cold for it, surely I should be wearing a real coat seeing as it's nearly freezing outside. But I'd gladly be a little chilly if it means I get to wear this jacket.
Wearing: DAGMAR jacket (the Shop at Bluebird), Sambag tote, 7 for all Mankind jeans and Topshop Ambush boots.
Photos by Kit
Palmer//Harding
I first came across Levi Palmer and Matthew Harding in the NewGen tent at London Fashion Week. They were just two guys hanging out in a small space surrounded by white shirts. On a single rail they hung in perfect formation. Though at first glance the shirts looked deceivingly regular, on closer inspection it's clear they are anything but ordinary...
It must have been the simplicity and crispness that drew me in. The predominately white colour palette evokes a sort of medical cleanliness not unfamiliar to what was found in Jil Sander's recent collection. The austerity though of the traditional white shirt is dismantled by the intense focus on detail. The way the fabric is gathered and pinched reminds me of rippling sand dunes. There's a softness and a feeling that the garment is almost in motion. The rubber coated brass findings, shown above, add an unexpected weight and heaviness to the shirts - a truly unique feature.
Instead of creating a collection for the sake of show (see Matthew's CSM MA collection for an example of earlier work - it's stunning) the designers intention is to focus on something that will easily fit into peoples wardrobes. There is nothing I love more than a basic item that has been reworked into something truly covetable - Palmer//Harding shirts are just that.
Being thankful...
My Thanksgiving didn't quite go the way the way it was meant to: there were no turkeys to be found (I failed at even getting my hands on a replacement chicken) so I made Greek salad instead. Normally I'd watch Planes, Trains and Automobiles but decided to go for the Sopranos. It all felt decidedly un-festive. There wasn't a big meal, no Macy's parade or football to watch and I couldn't even get revved up for Black Friday madness... it felt a bit like any other day. That was until I came across this post. It made me want to sit around a table and indulge in that cringe-worthy tradition of having to say what you're thankful for. And, if I did the things that would top my list would of course be friends and family. Despite them being spread across countless cities and countries it's always the best when you're reunited. Also, I'm pretty darn thankful for this little here blog and for the people (ehem, that you) that keep coming back to it . Unexpectedly, this has given me the opportunity to pursue all sorts of things I never thought possible.
Okay, enough with the sentimentals because I have something very important to say. I'm seriously obsessed with these boots - they have become the Converse of my winter. I wear them pretty much everyday and they are only getting better and softer and more wonderful. That is all.
Wearing: Zara jumper, Topshop Ambush boots, Moto leigh burgundy jeans, Sambag black snakeskin tote and black scarf borrowed from Charlie. Photos by Shini. p.s. Congratulations to the winner of the Cooee Designs giveaway - Emily from Wardrobe Block.
Prada vs Jeremy Scott
It's Thanksgiving, I know - I ought to be snuggled up in a wooly jumper making an apple pie and planning my Christmas shopping list. But instead I'm sitting here dreaming about spring and patching together a collage consisting of the Beverly Hillbillies and cacti. Random how these things happen. I don't even care though (soon I'll swap into holiday mode and bake my turkey etc etc ec).
I can't help but feel quite captivated by the classic 1950s imagery that inspired these collections. Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe and Thunderbirds for Prada. Flames, Santa Fe and Elly May Clampett for Scott. It's a sort-of nod to all things Americana, in an exaggerated surreal form. Currently at the top of my ss12 wish list are those platformed saddle shoes by Jeremy Scott and the Prada sunglasses that Anna Dello Russo has already been strutting around in (swooon).
Images: fashion via style.com, cactus, hillbillies, Elvis, Marilyn.
On being neutral
Lately I've felt really drawn to the idea of wearing winter whites. It's way too easy to get sucked into the appeal of dark colours at this time of year - I think I wore the combination of dark skinny jeans and a grey jumper for about two weeks straight at the end of October. Buying this jumper made me want to wear soft milky colours. Luckily, Lexxie let me raid her closet and I found this skirt. It wraps around and has a slit at the front and back. Thank God for 100 denier tights - I'm sure I accidentally flashed the world a couple of times when the wind blew. Wearing this made me realize I have a huge gaping hole in my wardrobe when it comes to bottoms - all I really ever wear are jeans. Currently have my eye on this T by Alexander Wang skirt - ooooh, it's so good.
Wearing: Topshop knitted rib chunky jumper, Ann Demeulemeester skirt, Topshop ambush boots and LiLiFi bag.
Photos by Charlie.