Day 1: London Fashion Week (sneak peek)
Getting up at 7am and legging my butt over to Somerset House in London traffic this morning was well worth it. Here's a little taster of the shows I attended. More in depth posts on the designers later on when I'm not about to pass out in bed. Posts will be flowing regularly throughout the weekend on the shows, street style and general buzz. Follow me on Twitter for updates.
p.s. unless otherwise stated, all photos on this blog are taken by yours truly. if you'd like to borrow them please give me a shout.
oh, Mr Postman...
Arriving home post-holiday is always a bummer. Not because my normal life in England isn't lovely but saying goodbye to family is always a downer. Especially when you've got a four year old in a pink tutu running across the terminal, as you try to walk through passport control, in order to give you one last hug before you leave. Enough of that though, the last thing we need right now is a teary eyed girl on public transport. All this is really just to say that the postman made my arrival back home a little more cushy. I had a substantial stack of letters and packets waiting for me. Mixed in between the phone bills and old issues of the Economist was a little selection of tickets to London Fashion Week. Sigh.. all those e-mails payed off and the effort was well worth it. Even if the typo 'the style cruisader' kept popping up... surely I didn't write that in my e-mails? and hopefully no one is expecting a yachting blogger to show up in nautical themed gear? Anyway. Apologies for the rambling. I am knackered. Flew in from the US this afternoon, went home to Oxford, sorted out my junk, threw a random selection of clothes into a bag, hopefully remembered all necessary electronics... and am now off to Daniella's place to crash for the weekend. If you spot a slightly delirious, mismatched, red eyed mess tomorrow stumbling around Somerset House - chances are its me. Regardless of the jet lag and unshakable nostalgia for banter filled days with my family... I'm excited to check out the new collections and catch up with Londoners I haven't seen for ages. Thanks Mr Postman for making my return to 'normal' life a little sweeter.
Don't fret...
Here we are again - just getting our feet sunk into Autumn and along rolls in the Spring catwalks. Confusing? Off putting? Or a non-thought? The fact that next summer's designs are hitting the runways just as this summer is drawing to a close most likely doesn't cross the average person's mind. But, if you're a fashion junkie you can't help but keep your eyes glued to your computer screen as up to the minute shows are uploaded across the web. Who relies on fashion magazines for the latest designer looks when they are an unavoidable six months behind? It can all be a bit overwhelming to get your head around if you are trying to keep up with what's what. But, fret not my little lovelies because what they say is true: what goes around comes around - and next (next?) season is looking reassuringly familiar.
Derek Lam, for example, incorporated a whole host of my current favourite looks into his most recent collection that was recently shown in New York. Double denim, longer length shorts, and a new extended minimalism are all trends I'm just starting to sink my teeth into. Thank God they aren't being totally shoved out the door in favour of their dire opposites. The simplicity of a classic white shirt feels strangely modern. I've had the idea of the perfect version (one part modestly sheer and one part flatteringly drapey) floating around in my head for quite a while but I just haven't found one that fits the bill. But seeing them pop up all over NYFW has only further spurred my search. I'm tired of throw away fashion and pieces I wear once (if lucky) then shove under the bed only to be ebayed or oxfam'd off. The return of simple classic shapes is highly welcomed here. Just wear it with a bit of a twist - Lam favoured futuristic cuts and sci-fi ethereal Monet-on-acid prints (one of my favourite looks from the collection). The simple update managed to make a long sleeve loose fitting dress insanely covetable. Surely this isn't a revolutionary idea? But, nevertheless it has won top marks with me.
hold on...
trying to soak up the last few breaths of summer. see you back in the UK later this week for London Fashion Week.
Wearing: neon scuba inspired swimsuit from Target.
Next up...
Although I'm currently in scorching heat in the mid-west, on Thursday I'm going to be shot back over to London. That means the shorts and flip flops will have to make the bi-yearly move up to the attic and be replaced with coats and boots. I've made a few preemptive purchases to kick start my Autumn-Winter wardrobe... including a pair of faux-houlihans which I'm dying to wear. The colours are going to be predominantly neutral (shades of khaki and black please), legs will be lean (despite what Chloe may recommend), and skirts will stop mid calf. It will all be topped off with a black bowler hat (I've yet to find it), sky high wedges, and faux-fur. So when Next asked me if I'd like to host a little pop-up shop on their site and I noticed that a few of my key items were available on their site I thought it would be the perfect way to get back in the mentality of the season that lies ahead. Take a little peak at my top choices from their site...
They include: black skinny cargos (just like a pair I snagged from H&M), killer biker boots, shaggy fur, lace details, and the season's most sought after reasonably priced shearling aviator jacket.
upgrade...
Photography becomes a pretty massive part of your life when you start up a blog. Especially if you try to keep the photos you post your own. I was lucky enough to have a Canon 350d given to me back in April by my uncle and I have toted it around with me everywhere since the day I received it. I just got given an upgrade by my family as a graduation gift though and I am crazy excited about it. My new shiny Canon 550d is my favourite toy... you wont spot me anywhere now without it.
Photos taken by my sister Stephanie. Check out her site - she's just started her own photography business.
Wearing: J.Crew denim shirt, Gap shorts, Rainbow flip flops and (the ultimate accessory) my new Canon 550d.
apple picking...
Am currently on a family holiday in the mid-west and am spending my days doing such things as picking apples, playing twin-dress-up with my niece (think the world can handle a side ponytail revival?) and stuffing my face with unhealthily sized gigantor American food portions.
Wearing: Jigsaw junior cardigan, Jigsaw white t-shirt, Gap shorts, Banana Republic bag, and Rainbow flip flops.
concrete jungle...
Just a little New York snapshot. Everything was exactly like I expected - it felt strangely familiar. We wandered around the tourist spots, hung out in the West Village, ate cupcakes, soaked in the style, and tried to avoid passing out from the heat. Ended the day in Brooklyn looking out over the Manhattan skyline. Perfect.
'welcome home, ma'am.'
Arrived into New York this afternoon to triple digit temperatures (mid-thirties) and it feels like heaven. Strolled along the beach in Long Island, dipped my feet into the Atlantic, watched old men fish for crabs, and stuffed myself silly on the best buffalo wings I have ever eaten. Even though England definitely feels like my home... it's always nice to remember you've got another one waiting for you across the pond.
relief...
surprise!
After 'umm-ing' and 'ahhhh-ing' for ages I finally decided to bite the bullet and order a pair of wedges from my-wardrobe. The problem was, as you might have read, they didn't have my favourite pair in the right size. Instead of opting for second best, I went for my top choice (in one size too small) in the hope that they would magically fit. If you follow me on Twitter you might know that I was keeping them a secret. I was afraid that if I started getting too excited it would somehow jinx it. Well, they just arrived and I am beyond pleased to say that they are perfect (I think the shoe fairy has been at work on this one). So, here they are in all their 10cm high glory.... my new Mentor suede lace up wedges. They don't look like much in the photo but they are gorgeous, so soft to walk in, and my new favourite shoes. I'm wearing them around the house but keeping their street initiation saved for a special occasion next month....
the vintage princess?
tie it up...
Although Christopher Bailey may have chosen to give the trench a rest at Burberry, setting High Street retailers afire with anticipations of sell-out shearling jackets, there is no denying the versatility and practicality of the good o'l fashioned English classic. In transitional weather nothing beats it. Light weight, water proof, and utterly chic - it's a must have staple that should be in everyone's wardrobe.
Wearing: Alice by Temperley navy trench (gifted by Marie Claire), Urban Outfitters jeans, and H&M shoes.
Spring/Summer 2011...
That's right, while Autumn's designs have finally settled over us like an anticipated fog it seems the next (or next, next?) season is already starting to show itself. And I've decided I officially want to be a Patouf girl. Loose socks, navy skirts with white shirts tucked in and chunky wedges? Yes please, I'll be the first in line. You might know, I have a serious soft spot for Swedish designers but this isn't without good reason. As you can see, the textures, fabrics, colours and shapes Anna has used in this line are gorgeous. I practically want to reach out and touch the girl's trousers in the first image. I love the clean aesthetic of this brand. The use of navy and cream topped off with a healthy dose of peach and mustard looks perfect. The shapes are simple but unexpected with light draping, oversized jumpsuits and a cross over blazer that doubles as a dress. I struggled to chose my favourite pieces, the more I look the more I like each outfit and all the items that comprise it. This is my favourite collection that Anna has designed for Patouf yet. I've especially been won over by the yellow ML bag, the simple dresses, and quirky printed knits... it's never too early to start dreaming, right?
Photography by: Michelle Christiansen
Patouf's Autumn/Winter collection can be found on their website here.
The hunt: black wedges...
If you happen to follow me on Twitter you may have overseen a slight emotional breakdown earlier this week due to the fact that my-wardrobe has sold out of the perfect pair of black wedges in my size. The Mentor suede lace up wedge ankle boot have been at the top of my Autumn Winter wishlist (okay, just below the Acne sheepskin jacket) ever since I first laid eyes on them. You might be thinking, 'huh?? is this girl mental? they aren't even that special.' And you'd be right, they aren't that special but they are perfect. There are a lot of other black wedges with more flare but these little beauties would complete every outfit and remain a permanent fixture on my feet for months to come. *Snap out of it!* The fact is, they have sold out in my size. So I have been on a hunt for a replacement...
The KG by Kurt Geiger Winslow isn't a bad option. It is certainly the most practical and the cheapest. It has the lowest heel and would definitely be the easiest to walk in. See, I'm rubbish with heels. You may have noticed - converse tend to be my shoe of choice. The ability to walk in my shoes is actually a factor. But, there just seems to be something missing with these. They aren't fierce enough. Sure, you could wear them to work and probably stand up straight all day... but what's the point if you're totally tame?
Next I considered the Acne Admire, by a brand that is knocking out one statement shoe after the next. You can't argue with their fierceness: they would turn some heads. They are also 13cm tall and a whopping 400 pounds... even I have enough sense to know that is too expensive.
Okay, so if we are aiming for budget there is the Jeffery Campbell Pixie. But these still aren't even that cheap and they are a knockoff. I'm not entirely sure how I feel about JC and the truth is I don't want a less good version of the Mini Market boots. The zips look flimsy and even though no one would probably know or care... I would.
Then there is the Sam Edelman Zoyla. Lots of studs and they pack a serious 'attitude factor'. You couldn't be timid in these babies. Plus, they'll add a staggering 14cm to your height. That would make me 6ft tall. Realistically, I would wear them once and then leave them on the shelf. They are too glitzy and too high.
Which brings us to the Mini Market zipper wedge. There are tons of knock offs of these. If you spot a black wedge boot with a zip up the back, chances are they got the idea from here. They are by a very cool Swedish company and that fact alone has the power to sway my vote. The problem is they don't have a platform and reviews have reported that they are quite hard to walk in. But, they are the strongest contender.
The truth is though, none of these alternatives are good enough. Like they say in Inception, once you plant an idea in someone's mind you can't retract it.... accordingly, I'm left trying to figure out how to make the Mentors work.