an Oxonian tradition...
Heritage is one thing the British certainly do well. They exemplify a respect for the past and incorporate that mentality into their dress. Take Will Lusk for example. He dug his Burberry trench out from the depths of his grandfather's closet and has made it his own. Mixed with a perfectly posh silk scarf, fit for a smoking room no doubt, and denim turned up at the ankle, he mixes youthful pieces with those that make a strong nod to days gone by. Loafers, cable knit, and Remembrance Day poppies - on paper it sounds like Will's outfit should teeter on the edge of being old fashioned but it is clearly anything but that. Will's style embodies everything I adore about British fashion.
Will wears: Burberry trench, French Connection jeans, and Russel & Bromley loafers. Photos shot in Oxford.
teapot envy...
Feeling jealous of my teapot isn't a very regular occurrence. Ever since it has been wearing this snazzy little Toast cozy though things have started to change. Multi-coloured baubles, lime green cable knit, and a snug fit? I want one. Luckily, I managed to ease my ill feelings by inviting the queen round for tea...
Pictured: Toast hand knit tea cosy & Donkey Products Swedish royal family tea bags (featuring Queen Silvia).
like walking on lead?
Today I will be sitting in the hospital, waiting for my husband to have surgery on his wee little left thumb. Thursday night he had a glass blender break apart in his hand. Now he needs to have his nerve and tendon sewn back together. What does this have to do with the above shoes? Well, when I picked them up and they were about as heavy as a stack of bricks. Impossible to walk in and a slight hazard to anyone that dare wear them. They are stiff and unyielding. In that sense not too dissimilar to the splint that my husband is going to have to wear for the next couple of months. But, I'd think that the shoes would probably win on the design front.
Photo taken at the Blow press day. I can't remember the name of the designer. If you know who it is please give me a shout.
unexpected detail.
These two girls got snapped quite randomly last week walking around the concrete jungle that is London. Fur, in a variety of forms, seemed to be everywhere that day, crossing paths in an ironic way. At one point there must have been at least five leopard coats going past each other. When I took this I didn't notice the button detailing at the back of the waxed jacket - looking at the image now it is my favourite part of the shot.
What's red & white with spots all over?
There's nothing like sub-zero temperatures to spur on the holiday infused purchases. Reindeer jumpers, fair isle knits, red coats? Bring it on. There is nothing too cliche when it comes to seasonal dressing. Just make sure you wear your Christmas infused gear with a bit of an ironic twist. No one wants to actually look like Uncle Bob circa 1987... bring your cheese up to date by mixing it with modern pieces. A dash of holiday cheer works... stone washed high waisted denim, snowflake jumpers, frizzy hair, and crocs with socks is a few steps too far though.
England is absolutely freezing (hence the red nose and clinched fists in these shots) but this gorgeous little Zara coat was just what I needed to encourage me to leave the boots and wool jumpers behind today. Wearing: Zarea red coat, Perry Ellis white shirt, American Apparel skirt, H&M spotted tights, and Mentor wedges.
changes...
So, I just wanted to fill you in on a little news I received recently. If you follow me on twitter chances are you've already heard as I was quite the excited little monkey upon finding out. After the new year I'm going to be moving to Zurich! The five years I've spent living in England have been wonderful but I'm definitely ready for a change. After finding Pascal Grob's blog, Fashion Bits and Bobs, I'm feeling even more dreamy eyed about the transition. He has captured the city and it's people so beautifully and has made me yearn to wander the streets and drink coffees in the cafes. Luckily, it's only a short flight away so I'll be able to pop back over and visit London often. If you've got any tips on Swiss blogs, fashion, or Zurich please let me know!
All images sourced from Pascal's blog: Fashion Bits and Bobs.
costume.
The most gorgeous ear cuff was siting soundly on display at the River Island press day. Dripping in glittery emeralds and with enough wow-factor to please even the gaudiest of customers, it instantly won me over. Beware though, even though it is sold as a pair I'd advise rocking one at a time... lest you desire looking like a cheap Vegas showgirl.
Photographed on the always cool Daniella Maiorana of The F Blog.
new Equipment...
Before dozing off to bed, following a very busy week, I just wanted to give you a little peek into some gorgeous little things I saw at the My-Wardobe Spring 2011 press day. These were my favourites, along with an insanely perfect 3.1 Philip Lim black number that was just about heaven encapsulated in a handbag. There were off beat quirky statement pieces, read entirely sequined trousers and dominatrix studded heels, alongside simple jersey and knock-out jewels: the sort of items a normal girl could work into her wardrobe. By 'normal' I mean non-highflyer trust-fund-less lasses... and wholeheartedly throw myself into the category. Sure, I don't buy a Mulberry bag every week or Acne wedges each time I'm feeling down but I'm willing to check out of the Primark crass and instead pull my pennies together for items I really love. Cue My-Wardrobe, with their everyday lux pieces that put a bit of sparkle and speciality into normality. It's a mantra I can whole heartedly get behind and has made the brand my favourite online retailer.
Thanks Susie for inviting me down and introducing me to the new line. It's a total stunner.
a peek at the future?
Now, I know that most of you reading this blog don't actually know me... in real life. If you did, however, you might know that one of my all time favourite stores is Urban Outfitters. As much as my dreams might be made of Marni and Minimarket, the fact of the matter is that a student (and errr... recently post-student) budget wont get you too far there. Today, when I viewed the Urban Outfitters Spring 2011 collection, I was reminded of just why I have adored the brand for so many years. It has, much to my admiration, grown up right alongside me. When I was in university and wanted to get quirky graphic printed t-shirts they had them in the bucket loads. Now that I've moved out of that stage, well just about, I've started to discover their boutique brands: tba, Mink Pink, Iro, and Carin Wester. They are beautifully made and seriously covetable. Not as affordable as the mainline collection but the quality and craftsmanship clearly show why...
Ever since seeing the Prada Spring 2011 show I've been on the look out for the perfect pair of flat packed wedges. Do you know the ones? They look a bit like you've superglued a brick to the bottom of your foot on purpose. I'm guessing some of you might be scratching your head right about now and wondering what I'm talking about. But trust me on this one, they are awesome, and Urban Outfitters are going to be stocking an adorable little yellow pair in the Spring by One Language. Elbows at the ready anyone?
p.s. please excuse the slightly dodge wobbly camera work in the video... it's a new little endeavour and I'm still getting the hang of it.
kid infused favourites...
Mawi for David Koma comic book inspired three finger ring. Salvatore Ferragamo purple striped cartoon-esque classy heels. Plus bubble gum coloured leather bound journals by Undercover. The slightly quirky childlike pieces that maintained a very grown up edge rocked my world at the Modus press day earlier this month.
a Christmas gift guide...
Any magazine that claims to provide the perfect Christmas gift guide gets added to my shopping basket quicker than you can say 'ho ho ho'. November Marie Claire and The Sunday Times Style Magazine (21/11 edition) have provided the best I've seen so far. Quirky little off beat finds are the best categories, along with presents for your puppy (which I don't have yet but still can dream about it in a Mulberry jumper). So, since I'm at home with a nasty cold claiming that I have a fever, although it might just be the three pairs of socks and massive duvet I'm hiding under, what better time to put together my little Christmas wish list. It includes gorgeous little round sunglasses by Retro Super Future, Monki shaggy jackets, new camera lenses, lux nail polish, photography books, crisp white shirts, pretty lingerie, plus vintage inspired bags and jewels. What are you hoping to find under your tree come December 25th? Anything magical you think I ought to add to my list? There is always room for it to grow...
laundry & liner...
Sitting in my laundry room post Saturday evening cocktails. This is the first night of my life that I have managed to successfully apply liquid liner. Yes, boys and girls, that's right. About to tuck into some homemade pizza and x-factor. Whatever you are doing - I hope you are enjoying it.
Wearing: Cabbages & Roses top, white Banana Republic vest, Urban Outfitters jeans, H&M boots, Fashionology necklace won in My Lack of Style giveaway.
p.s. I've updated my Photography page with images from tonight and the past month. Apologies for being a slacker on the endeavour. Click here to check it out.
yeeeah, you know what time it is...
Just for fun, here is a wee little video of a piece I picked up today... it is beautiful, oh-so-delicate, and the perfect shade of the softest minty green. Yeeummmm. Have a great weekend muffins.