PUSH YOUR BOUNDARIES...

I've never identified much with the Chloé girl - she has always felt a little too feminine and girly for my liking. That all changed though when I saw the photos from the Autumn/Winter 12 collection that showed in Paris recently...

The milky pastel colour palette that is so popular for spring was taken through and used on thick utilitarian winter gear. Swoon. I honestly couldn't be happier about this. While I love a good burgundy, forrest green and navy I've been itching for something different to see me through the cold months. The soft pink cocooned shaped bomber jacket with curved shoulders is absolute heaven. I also love the slouchy taupe trousers with dark stripe up the side and the straight skirts that hit at the knee. As a girl that has been struggling to transition into dressing like a semi-serious adult this collection is right up my street. It's feminine, pretty and natural (signature Chloé) but also wearable, practical and a bit edgy.

There was one aspect of the collection that had me squirming uncomfortably in my chair: long shorts. They came in a slew of colors, hit below the knee and had a distinctively sporty vibe. Elasticated waists, a plastic-y sheen, plus a scrunched leg opening... errr, forgive me for saying, this sounds like the least flattering idea ever. Nothing about it should strike a chord with me.

Notorious for wearing offensively short-shorts, my poor mother has had to take me aside on countless occasions and ask me to swap into more appropriate summer attire: 'No one here wants to see your butt cheeks', she'd say. 'But long shorts suck' I'd think. They're unflattering and so lame. Plus, everyone knows the allure of a girl in short shorts (hello, remember Daisy).

The reality is that longer shorts have crept their way into quite a few collections - at Topshop they were tweedy and at Valentino they came in caramel colored leather. Every bit of respect I have for my legs is yelling that this is a bad idea, especially for winter (I have an instinctual hatred towards tights, you see). Somehow though, I've been won over by the shorts from Chloé. I love that they push the boundaries of what the brand is known for. Yeah, they probably won't jive with every woman and they might be a bit tricky to style... but, if I'm honest, they're the main reason I've fallen so hard for the collection. I like a bit of a challenge and appreciate that Clare Waight Keller isn't taking the brand down the most obvious, or easy, path.

Other covetable and notable moments from the collection include the detailing on outwear (could I fit my canon 550d in the pocket of that coat?!), the simple clutches and heels with ankle straps (oooo la la, I never thought I'd want to wear an ankle strapped shoe but now I do).

Photos compiled from Style.com - view the full collection here

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

OUTSIDE CHLOE...

Being in Paris is a bit surreal - but being in Paris for fashion week is totally surreal. The experience is sheer madness and entirely different from London. There are hoards of people, photographers and show goers, plus random swarms of tourists mixed in. The sprinkling of larger-than-life industry insiders is enough to make your jaw drop. How are all my biggest girl crushes walking right past me?! Oooh, they all look so achingly cool. It takes all my effort not to drool right on their Marant wedge sneakers.

One thing I've learned is that if you want to get a shot you'll have to run for it...

p.s for more random/regular Paris updates check out Tumblr.

JUMPING BACK IN THE DEEP END...

Photos by Shini Park

 I'm obsessed with knitwear at the moment.

Ever since seeing this Carven jumper on Leanne last season I've been dreaming about a piece of knitwear with some sort of neck detail. As you can imagine I was over the moon when Anna sent me Patouf's AW12 look book a few weeks ago and, right there in the mix, was a little dusky pink knit with black contrasting pattern at the neck and shoulders. Swoon. She kindly sent it over just in time for fashion week and I was so glad because I felt very in the know wearing it. Hello, have you seen the roll neck sheer chest jumper from Marios Schwab's collection - there are parallels.

Wearing: Flyaway jumper - Patouf AW12, pink 2nd Day jeans (Varg), Theory jacket (My Wardobe), Muriee cashmere scarf (Task), Mykita sunglasses, YSL arty ring, Maison Scotch clutch (Sane) and my always trusty Balenciaga boots.

p.s. headed to Paris today! Eeek. If you're there then give me a shout. Any tips/tricks for surviving the city?

BURBERRY & WANG SITTING IN A TREE...

Topshop Unique AW12

The allure of the Topshop show is bizarre. Surely, there should be the least amount of excitement around it. It is, after all, a collection that will be sold on your very own high street. So the pieces that come floating down the runway need to be wearable and relatively inexpensive to produce. The margin for error is huge. Throw enough money at a collection and it's bound to be incredible but will anyone be able to afford it? When you have to make clothes that you can produce on mass scale... well, that's where it gets interesting.

There is always a huge amount of buzz around the Topshop show. First of all, the venue is 'off campus' (if we're referring to Somerset House as campus, that is) so it's more difficult to access. If you don't have a ticket there's no point in showing up. The security is intense and the organization runs like clock work. Have a seated ticket? You're quids in. You'll be enjoying the most delicious nibbles and sipping on juice while watching the hottest of celebrities walk in - through a separate entrance no less (a genius move as it eliminates a paparazzi frenzy outside). Lucky enough to nab a standing ticket? It's still worth showing up, just make sure you get there early. If you're at the front of the line then you're likely to get in. This is a show that starts on time and treats its guests well.

PHOTOS: Poppy Delveigne being photographed inside pre-show. Carrie Harwood outside the venue with a cute bunny ring and Oliva Palermo getting struck by the paparazzi.

Let's be honest though. While organization and the way a PR team treats its show-goers is undeniably important - the true success of any collection is judged on what we're all really interested in... the clothes. 

As soon as the show ended I let out a giant sigh and said to the person sitting next to me, 'It's like Burberry and Alexander Wang had a baby!' A few minutes later when I regrouped with Shini and Susie by the door Sandra came walking over... 'Oooo, something felt very Burberry about it' one girl said. 'Yeah, but Burberry mixed with Wang!' cooed Sandra. Huh? Major déjà vu moment... clearly we were all on the same page.

It did feel reminiscent of Burberry (the colour palette) and Wang (the cool - 'I want to be her' - models off duty vibe) but in an amazing way. It felt grown up and sophisticated like the Topshop girl had just entered her late twenties. Maybe that's why it spoke to me so much - I felt like the collection was designed for me. Every winter I struggle with outerwear... I don't want to wear another cocoon shaped coat or a plain parka. With this collection Topshop has single handedly made the ankle grazing coat wearable again.

Not only that. The prints were delectable and understated - the little two-tone patterns with x's were my favorite. The knits were big and chunky but flattering - the sort of items you could throw on with a pair of skinny jeans (or slouchy jeans, or pencil skirt, or anything) and look effortlessly put together. There was a navy one that looked exactly like what I've been missing from my wardrobe plus an army green one that resembled animal skin (how did they even do that?). A velvet jumpsuit, leather dungarees, crossed back fastenings (I am all about back details right now) and oversized bags that resembled Phillips Lim's pashli (which I've been dreaming about for about 2 years) worn just tucked under the arm as an oversized clutch.

If I had to pick a single favorite item it would have to be the red and black checked dress with black harness layered over top.

Sure, there were a few pieces that weren't quite to my taste. I can't imagine, for example, wearing a pair of knee length wide shorts or a dress with the side cut out. Who's to say I won't change my mind by next autumn? It's always good to have your boundaries pushed. To those who say it doesn't quite fit with the 'Topshop clientele' - well, the show closed with a slew of little barely-there dresses. You know, the type you'd be likely to spot at clubs across the country on 16-24 year old girls. At first I thought they weren't for me, but actually... layer a long sleeved t-shirt underneath and pair with those to-the-knee boots (ohhhh, those boots... Topshop if you don't make those on mass scale I will actually die of sadness) and it's far more fashion focused. This collection will be successful and not least because there's something in it for everyone, from your gran right down to 12 your old niece.

Massive thank you to Liz and Susie at Topshop for inviting me along. I had a blast. xx

p.s. all my photos from the show are now on Facebook. Complete with psycho musings on each look. Enjoy.

LET'S BE BFF...

Dear Lucy,

I'm familiar with you from such blogs as Vanessa Jackman. You don't know me but I'm proud to say I've been your style stalker for quite some time now. Why are so cool? You're like the coolest thing I've ever seen. I discovered you have a blog and post about lots of other things besides yourself (I love that). You also have a real job in fashion (quadruple love). Your style is freaking kick butt and, in a sea of clowns at Somerset House, you stand out like a beacon of fashion hope. All black with a vintage fur layered over top and Raybans?! Hello. This is exactly what I want to wear. You were so nice when I asked to take your photo that I was a little stunned and ran away. Next time I promise I'll stay and chat for longer. xx

p.s. this photo is so big because I think you're larger than life.

GIVE ME THAT TEXTURE...

Dear Susie,

How did you get to be so good at wearing multiple textures and prints? Can we please schedule a lesson in layering? You looked so good this day that I wanted to stroke your body... but thought this might be a tad inappropriate? Just want you to know that I love you, a little. xx

p.s. if anyone out there is interested in less delusional (I got zero minutes of sleep last night) posts then head over to We Heart. I just posted what I think might be the most achingly beautiful photos I've ever taken (from the Inbar Spector show).

CAMERA TALK...

Love the idea of wearing a mixture of neutral shades with stark brights and bold colour. It's like the whole colour blocking trend decided to grow up and get a bit more sophisticated. Hedvig and Sandra both have such an effortless sense of style... I'm plotting a grand scheme to invade both their wardrobes and steal everything. Anybody want in on it?

Hedvig and Sandra outside the Topshop venue on Day 3 of LFW.

p.s. super excited to reveal that I've just started contributing to We Heart. You can find all my posts here - hope you like it.

LFW OUTFIT: CHARLIE MAY AW 12...

Today I felt truly honored to wear a couple of pieces from Charlie May's AW12 collection. It was presented last night at a roof top suite at the swanky Sanctum Soho Hotel and Charlie kindly let me slip two of my favorite pieces home with me. I couldn't be more in love with this oxblood silk shirt. It has a slit straight up the back and is long at the front. It's loose and fluid when worn untucked but I'm thinking it would look just as fierce tucked into a killer high waisted pencil skirt. When I first saw it I thought it was the sort of piece I couldn't wear. I'm not partial to going braless you see but was so happy when I discovered this little Tibi leather front top works perfectly when layered over top.

Charlie's collection was absolutely incredible and a huge step forward. It's only her second time showing and already she's knocking out pieces that are incredibly covetable, beautifully tailored and wearable. Seen together at her show they presented a clear and concise vision: a strong aesthetic that draws inspiration from complex moods and dramatic seascapes. She envisions shards of rock against the cold sea water, white foam waves, ice and volcanoes...

'It's the feeling of being alone. You get a sense that you're drowning in the garments.'

Charlie, you often say that you design items that you'd like to have in your own wardrobe but can't find in shops. Well babe, I've got a feeling we're gonna be seeing these items in shops before you know it.

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Outfit photos taken by Shini

Wearing: Charlie May navy coat and oxblood shirt (AW12). Tibi leather front top from My Wardrobe, Maison Scotch clutch bag and Balenciaga boots.

DRIP DRIP DROP: THE STREETS OF LFW [DAY 2]...

The forecast predicted rain for the entire day but it wasn't until about 3pm that the sky decided to unleash the dragon. It was the mother load of all showers, the sort of rain that sent fashionistas shrieking and running for cover as fast as their wobbly heels would allow. Most people weren't dressed appropriately at all but there were a few that certainly were. Here's a little peek at some of my favourites looks from the day:

1. Kit wrapped up in a vintage knit & Hedvig in a Burberry parka and Wang clutch 2. Jennifer and Jackie in black beanies 3. Somerset House - which is bizarrely flying a black and white Union Jack? 4. Spring florals 5. The ideal outfit for any rainy day & Candice Lake 6. Candice jumping in the rain - but I think it looks more like dancing (hence proving there's no reason to let a little rain slow you down).

p.s. I'm tweeting and tumblr-ing my butt off with all sorts of exciiiiting fashion week related non-sense so be sure to follow along:

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Leather jackets & Chanel

Oh me, oh my... it was the first day of fashion week... what to wear, what to wear?

I opted for some pastel colors (pink jeans and a jumper in a slew of bubblegum shades) but then went and ruined it by throwing a lot of black leather over the top. Oops. This lipstick I'm wearing has a tendency to lend people to jokes about whether I'm freezing or not. Hello, it's called Cyber and it's by Mac... my lips are not turning purple due to the fa-reezing temperature. Anyway, I absolutely love this outfit for it's no-fuss still-chic quality. If it were up to me this jacket would never ever leave my body. It is buttery soft, perfectly draped and instantly makes any outfit at least 100 x better. Hope you won't be sad if I wear 6 variations of this exact same look over the coming days... I have to admit, I'm a little hooked.

Wearing: Theory jacket, Theyskens' Theory knit, 2nd Day jeans, vintage Chanel bag via Wish Want Wear, MOXHAM small pink leather clutch, MYKITA sunglasses, Balenciaga boots and Topshop ring.

ON BEING TRANSPORTED TO ANOTHER DIMENSION...

Although Fyodor Podgorny and Golan Frydman described their Autumn/Winter collection as being inspired by 'Russian peasants, tzars and insects', for me, it was more about taking such earthly influences and transporting them to another dimension. Surely, there's nothing natural or human about a woman that's seemingly composed solely from green glitter?

Backstage the space was calm but meticulous. Green eyeshadow hinted at tones in the jewelry and alluded to the feathered martian-like creature I'd later meet. The hair was carefully braided into the most elaborate formations I've ever seen - like sci-fi crowns that rested on the back of the head.

Despite having an early peek at the collection backstage, in no way was I prepared for what was unleashed. It was the duo's first time showing On Schedule after having won the Fashion Fringe prize. They've worked with designers including Richard Nicoll, Alexander McQueen, Raf Simons and Issey Miyake. While it might be clear that these names have influenced their designs, it's undeniable that the vision driving the brand is clearly their own. It was the only show of the day that left me wanting to dance in my seat and, at the same time, gave me goosebumps...

View the entire Fyodor Golan AW12 collection here.

Massive thanks to Susie and TRACE Publicity for having me backstage.

SNOW ANGEL...

Brrrr... I'm starting to wonder whether the temperature will ever get above zero degrees. In my delirious dreams for Spring I seem to be grasping at anything that isn't black or grey. The fact that I've spent the last two weeks resembling a multi-layered arctic explorer is getting old - as much as I do love wandering around the house with a duvet glued to my back the thought of being in London tomorrow, where the weather is supposed to get up to 11, is making me feel positively balmy. For now though, here's a little introduction to my new neighborhood. This weekend we moved into a new flat that's situated just opposite a cemetery and old crematorium - pretty beautiful to explore when it's all covered in snow.

Wearing: Mykita Aritana sunglasses, Dagmar jacket, Cabbages & Roses top, Jigsaw t-shirt, H&M shoes, Topshop ring and J. Lindberg jeans

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I'LL TAKE IT SHORT AND FLARED...

I'm not trying to harp on about this whole peplum thing but Peter Som did send half of his AW12 collection (18 out of 36 looks to be exact) out with some form of peplum effect. As if I needed any additional reason to obsess over this shape. Paired over the semi-sheer straight skirt (a la Givenchy AW11) is my favorite version of the look. Just sayin.

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend.

Images via Style.com

FOGGED UP AND FROZEN...

It's really cold. Like minus 15 degrees celsius in the middle of the day cold. I'm from California. I don't know how to deal with this kind of weather. There are two options: embrace hermit mode and refuse to leave the house or channel my inner yeti. The second option involves Ugg boots and a scarf wrapped around my face so many times that I can't see or breathe. Neither are good. But, this week I have enjoyed running around my flat in shorts and a tank top, giggling at people outside slipping around on the ice.

Today I branched out and decided to venture onto my roof to take some photos. Only, after two minutes my lens had fogged up and was starting to form little ice crystals. Hence photo three. Blurry washed out nothingness, I learnt, is what my camera gives me in minus 15 degree weather.

Wearing: Jigsaw coat, Jaeger cashmere sweater (stolen from my husband), 7 for all Mankind skinny jeans, Converse and Celine bag.

Thank you Freddy for taking these. xx