POUNDING THE PAVEMENT WITH LAST SEASON...
Vintage lace-ups versus second-hand Celine wedges.
Daniella found her shoes at a shop in Canada and Charlie got her yummy Celine wedges on eBay. It goes to show that sometimes it's best to avoid regular shops altogether. The autumn/winter collections are starting to hit stores and it's really easy to get super excited about all the brand new pieces that are in. But, just because something is new it doesn't mean it's good. I'm headed to Sweden tonight an I can't wait to go to the Acne Archive store. I'm desperate to get my hands on some discounted Acne. Weeeee!! Wish me luck. I hope I find something good.
Stare at the cross
Do you remember the Topshop Unique show? It was awesome. I've been obsessed with it ever since February. As you know, I'm trying to invest in quality functional wardrobe pieces. Like most people I (sadly) don't have a bottomless budget. I like shopping from high street stores when I can find good pieces.
Do you remember the Topshop Unique show? It was awesome.
I've been obsessed with it ever since February. As you know, I'm trying to invest in quality functional wardrobe pieces. Like most people I (sadly) don't have a bottomless budget. I like shopping from high street stores when I can find good pieces. This is why the Topshop show rocked my world so much this past season. The collection was freaky-naughty and stuffed full of pieces I'd love to have in my wardrobe.
Imagine my absolute over-the-moon insane excitement then when I caught wind of the fact that the collection is hitting store next week. Yes, next week. The team were kind enough to send this top over to me in Zurich to try out. Yes, it is amazing. I loved it from the moment I pulled the silky slouchy oversized little number out of its cardboard box. I rubbed it against my cheek and whispered, 'you and me were born to be together.' Okay. I didn't actually do that. This is what you really need to know though: the Topshop Uniqe AW12 collection is hitting stores on Monday. This top will retail for £75 and if you want to be my twinsie you will get yourself one. I've already requested to have one put on hold because (sadly) the one I'm wearing has to be returned and, double-sady, there is no Topshop in Zurich.
p.s. I wore it into town the other day to check out all the sales... I perved big time on Trois Pommes and their Celine collection. #Drool
Wearing: Topshop Unique blouse, 7FAM jeans, Zara heels, Alexander McQueen bag, Moxham bracelet and Michael Kors belt.
SUMMER LOVE'N...
Summer is my favorite season. I love bare legs and the feeling of the sun on my skin. I've been spending as much time as possible lying by the pool. Zurich is awesome in the summer. Everything feels clean and fresh plus we've been having the most insane thunder storms. I love waking up to find my balcony covered in golf-ball-sized pieces of hail. This week I'm off to London and then to Sweden. Cannot wait.
Hope you're having a great weekend! xx
THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME: IT'S BOURGEOIS...
Forget about grunge, if the Fall 2012 couture shows are anything to go by fashion is about to get fancy pants.
It doesn't matter that it's couture. Fashion is interesting because it works in mysterious ways. Inspiration is becoming ever more fluid. This means that something that shows on the catwalk today can be interpreted quickly by mega-powerful-all-reaching high street shops.
That's good for you and me because it's affordable...
Anyway, this isn't a philosophy class - let's talk about the clothes.
They are so pretty, right? We start with Armani Privé in the middle with its double model Frenchi looks. There's something distinctively 1920s-esque about this... for some reason it has me thinking of Great Gatsby and long cigarettes. You'd wear this sort of outfit to a weekend away at your summer-house, surely. On the left we've got Balmain with its power shoulders and easily recognizable signet belt. It's equally powerful but in a more 1980s sort of way. This woman is smart enough to have a high-powered job but God forbid she ever gets her fingers dirty. She's wearing a pale pink suit after all... there's no room for a messy McDonalds, this girl only eats oysters. Then, on the far right we have the beautiful Christian Dior. This woman is straight out of the 1950s only she accidentally ran into Madonna circa 1990. A cone bra plus a teeny tiny waist makes for an interesting and new silhouette. Raf Simons nailed it.
I love couture because, while it's highly aspirational and entirely out of reach, it also offers a clear vision of the direction fashion is moving. I'm jumping happily onto board this bourgeois boat. It's one part nonchalant and another part painfully perfect. I like that.
Images from style.com
* Update * As Michael correctly pointed out, the Balmain collection is not couture, it's Resort 2013. Sorry for the mistake. Live and learn suckas. Live. and. learn. Thanks for letting me know. Love you Duck.
THE IMPORTANCE OF BUILDING ON STRONG FOUNDATIONS...
I have been attempting a closet clear out for over a year...
You might remember when it all started. It was a rather embarrassing situation. I've slowly been selling pieces and giving things to charity but I still feel like I have way more stuff than I need. Obviously it's an ongoing project but I hate that feeling of 'having nothing to wear'. You know it, you're standing in front of your wardrobe wondering where that one perfect T-shirt is that hangs just so. When you can't find it anywhere all hell breaks loose because 'it's the only thing that looks good right now.' I know I'm not alone in having these mini-emotional breakdowns... I've seen some of you getting ready to go out (evil eyes Charlie and Shini).
Anyway, things are changing. I'm pairing down.
I think I've been inspired by Ivania - she's the absolute queen of minimalism. As much as I love having loads of options I actually much prefer things to be simple. I've picked out a handful of items that make up pretty much what I've been wearing the last few weeks. They are as follows: a Paul & Joe Sister leather biker jacket, a Cabbages & Roses striped Breton top, skinny jeans from 7 for all Mankind, a white shirt from MiH and a cotton dress from Laura Ashley which used to be my moms (I had about 4 feet of fabric cut off the length). For accessories I've been sticking to a cotton floral tote I got at Banana Republic about five years ago, a pair of Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses and an old baseball hat because, you know, they're so trendy. For shoes I've just been switching between my black and white Converse. That's it. That's what I've honestly been wearing. It doesn't make for very interesting outfit posts but it's real life.
My goal over the next few months is to start investing in key pieces to help expand this little mini-summer wardrobe. My goal is to only spend money on things that fit with the paired back attitude... so no spur of the moment crazy purchases. My goal is to have a working wardrobe that is easy to navigate and style. Let's see what happens. I've got my fingers crossed for my restraint.
COMING UP FOR AIR...
Having a blog can be slightly suffocating at times...
The Style Crusader is rolling towards it's three-year birthday (August 15th) and, at the moment, I'm not planning it a party. It's not because I don't think it deserves a party (trust me, I've found way less significant reasons to throw a party). The truth is that it's getting on my nerves a bit - it's like a little annoying toddler that keeps constantly pulling on the edge of my cashmere jumper. It wants all of my attention. It never stops making noise. I want it to grow up to be big and strong. But sometimes I wish it would just leave me alone and let me get on with other things.
Hmmm. *big smile* With that said, let's get on with things. Speaking of cashmere... did you happen to notice the gorgeous Muriee knit that I'm wearing in the above photo? It is literally the softest thing in the entire world. It's basically two ma-hoosive square pieces of cashmere sewn together. It's big, shapeless and is absolute perfection. Every time I wear it my husband sort of rolls his eyes at me. But I can't help it... it's just so soft. Anyway, I'm also addicted to these little denim/linen shorts from Aubin & Wills and a pair of Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses which I've indefinitely borrowed from Charlie. (Mwaaahahhaha). I'm a strong believer in making friends with people who have better wardrobes then you. If you can't steal from their closet then what are they good for, right?
Wearing: Cashmere sweater c/o Muriee, Aubin & Wills shorts, leopard clutch from Lilifi, Bertie espadrilles and Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses.
A BLOGGERS YARDSALE...
August 11th - be there or be square. Mark your attendance on the Facebook group. Hope you can make it! xx
ON STRUGGLING TO FIND INSPIRATION...
Please tell me I'm not the only one that feels in a bit of a funk.
Normally I have no lack of inspiration. In fact, the problem I face is that I'm inspired by too much. There is beauty everywhere - even in the most unlikely of places. Online there is inspiration catapulting around at a million miles a second. I think what I'm suffering from is over saturation.
Lately I don't want to be online. I'm sort of disenchanted with looking at blogs and scrolling through Pinterest. I want to sit outside with a beautiful magazine and flick through the pages with my fingers. I want to sit with people in real life and talk to them in person rather than on Twitter. I want to bake cookies. I want to be in the sun. I don't want to click and I don't want to re-pin. I don't want to sit in front of a computer screen. I want to devour a magazine, rip out the pages and tape them into a notebook. So that's what I've been doing...
This nostalgia is spreading like wildfire into all aspects of my life. I suddenly want to get a sewing machine so that I can make Jil Sander inspired clutch bags. I also want to get my hands on some old school looking running shoes. This pair by Converse are mega adorable. Anything with a late '80s/early '90s vibe is working for me right now... bring on the Spice Girls and resurrect the pog.
IT'S ALL ABOUT GIVENCHY...
Vampish red and black combos. Knee-high boots. Spaghetti straps and lots of leather. Givenchy's AW12 collection was one of my favourites. I love the mixture of colors. The combination of brown, black and red creates a sort of otherworldly feeling. The dark lips and eyes almost make it feel as though the models have climbed their way out of long lost graves... it's creepy but inviting.
I love the little strappy dress with nipped in waist and full skirt - it looks divine with the super long leather gloves. The new ad campaign has just surfaced - yumm. I'm big time mesmerized by the red leather pleated trousers. The shape is slightly jodhpur and it looks awesome with the matching boots. Also in love with the menswear knits and pleated skirts. I know a little Duck would certainly go gaga for them.
Catwalk images via Style.com and campaign via Karla Otto.
MIRROR MIRROR ON THE WALL...
I'm currently nursing my skin back to health after falling asleep by the lake and forgetting to put on sun screen. Not chic.
Hope you're having a wonderful week. xx
Wearing old T-shirt from Topshop, skirt by DAGMAR, sunglasses from River Island and an American Apparel clutch.
IT'S ALL ABOUT THE BACK...
Completely obsessed with the backs in Alexander Wang's Resort 2013 collection. I would gladly wear any of these outfits right freaking now. I love the shapes of the trousers, the side slit in this white dress and the general attitude. Wang, I love you.
p.s. I'm thinking my Balenciaga boots give off a similar vibe to these boots... yey.
Photos from style.com
Taking care of yourself
I've always thought that honesty is the best policy... so let's just get right down to it. A few weeks ago I had a bit of a break down. It isn't something I had planned to talk about on this blog. This is supposed to be a happy place. But the truth is life isn't always happy. Sometimes things are hard.
Basically I wasn't eating or sleeping properly and I had worn myself down by working too hard.
It can happen to anyone. One of the main reasons I'm even mentioning it here is that I know too many people who also work themselves too hard. When you have a lot going on, often your own personal health is the thing you pay the least attention to. The reality is though that we all need to take care of ourselves. I'm saying this as a reminder to myself and also to anyone that might be reading - make sure you take it easy.
Wishing you a wonderful start to the week. xx
p.s. wearing: St Louis baseball hat, Junkfood NFL T-shirt (stolen from Fred), Aubin & Wills shorts, Converse and Style Crusader x Topshop canvas bag.
MR CRUSADER - FOR THE MEN IN OUR LIVES...
I'm really into menswear lately. Which is why I've decided to start a section of this blog devoted to the boys in our lives. Welcome to Mr Crusader. Lately, all I've wanted to do is reach into my husband's wardrobe and wear his clothes - his jumpers and T-shirts are always my favorite.
Photos taken during menswear day at London Fashion Week last February.
p.s. I'm bookmarking the turtle neck as a must-have basic for the fall... just so you know.
YOU'RE INVITED: VVVINTAGE TEA PARTY...
Have you heard of VVVintage?
It's a new vintage clothing shop established by songstress extraordinaire VV Brown. A few weeks ago, when I was in London, I had the chance to meet up with VV for a drink with fellow music buff Nik Thakkar. We talked about everything from Eminem to eavesdropping and I instantly warmed to the entrepreneur. VV has taken a little break from music to pursue a project she's passionate about: up-cycling clothes. 'We waste so much in the west,' explains VV, 'and the idea that most of our clothes goes to land fill is a sad concept. Vintage and recycling materials is a great way to help the environment and the community.' I couldn't agree more.
On Sunday June 24th VV is going to be hosting a tea party alongside Just My Cup of Tea to help celebrate VVVintage. Since I can't be there myself I've requested to have two of my readers attend the event in my place. So, who wants to go?
Leave a comment to be entered into a competition to win the two tickets. Please note: the event will be taking place in London and I sadly cannot cover the cost of airfare/travel. Explain to me why you want to attend and you'll have a better chance of winning.
Photos are from VV's collection on Asos Marketplace and are by Yvan Rodic
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THE STYLE CRUSADER ON TOUR [SUMMER DATES]...
London, I love you always and forever.
My recent trip to England was #insane. So many wonderful things happened and every day felt like a total whirlwind. Highlights included: staying with Charlie May and Lexxie, meeting the people behind Tank Magazine (Kim and Caroline are amaaazing. Yes, Caroline ISSA, she told me I was gorgeous and I pretty much died. I've adopted her as my mentor even though she doesn't know it yet). I discovered Shini has WAY too many shoes, went to the Nelly party, ate lots of burgers and milkshakes and managed to catch up with some of my favorite PR people including Susie at Trace, Harriet at HPR, Rachel at Shine and the stuffed bear at Varg (we had a little cuddle). I had so much fun. I got to ride a Boris Bike and roam around east London like it was nobody's business. I got lost every day. I FINALLY did some summer shopping (at Aubin & Wills) and I got to spend an afternoon with VV Brown and Nik Thakkar. Love. That was all in one week... no wonder I came back home exhausted.
This coming summer I'm doing a bit of a traveling tour. For simplicity's sake I'll keep my plans updated on this blog post. Things always tend to change last minute but at the moment this is what my summer is looking like. Also, for the record, I work freelance and have time to take on new projects... so if you want me for anything please holler this way (stylecrusderBOOKINGS at gmail.com). Merci. xx
p.s. long term plans for the blog include a book (which I've recently started writing) and a mentorship program. If you'd like to talk to me about either of these two things or support the cause please let me know. I'm looking for sponsors and people to work with. Kiss kiss.
June 14-24th: Zurich
June 25-30th: London
July 1-10th: Zurich
July 11-27th: Sweden
July 28-August 23rd: Zurich
August 24-28th: Copenhagen
August 29-September 12th: USA
September 13-19th: London
September 20-25th: Milan
September 26-October 3rd: Paris