love getting dressed

Nose Rings

2012-01-31T09:44:00.000-08:00

Nose rings are a bit of a fascination for me at the moment. I'd really love to just go out tomorrow and get it pierced but I know a few people, namely mum and boyfriend, who would have something to say about it. It's not like I would go as far as the Givenchy (top image) style centre nose rings that would probably end up tearing out your septum after a few hours...

Carven

2012-01-29T13:38:00.000-08:00

Carven has crept out of nowhere to become one of my new favourite brands. Don't you just love it? There is a piece for every side of my sartorial personality.

Jean Paul Gaultier SS12 Couture

2012-01-26T07:11:00.001-08:00

Jean Paul Gaultier SS12 Couture show was a wild showcase of Amy Winehouse inspired get ups. Fash journos have used the word dehabille which is French for state of undress which fits the bill. As with some of Amy Winehouses outfits you have the impression that the clothes have either just been thrown back on after sex or are waiting to be pealed off.

I'm happy that Jean Paul Gaultier brought a bit of theatre and circus back into the couture shows, I love fashion to be fun but I'm not sure there was anything in there that I haven't seen him do before. It's a pleasure to look at and ponder over whether or not a green wig would look that good on oneself but I'm not sure it will be setting any trends.

Giambattista Valli SS12 Couture

2012-01-26T06:40:00.000-08:00

Giambattista Valli SS12 Couture. My favourite outfit is the one just above, the gorgeous satin tux detail of the shirt combined with the extremely delicate looking lace. The 50s cocoon shape coats and the floral hats that remind me of old fashioned swimming caps. I'm sure we'll see a version of the white lace dress on the high street because it's one of those dresses that could be worn on a night out or to the races or for lunch on a gorgeous summers day and it's flattering shape means that it could be worn by most girls, not just catwalk model like figures. Want one, in three colours, now.

Elie Saab SS12 Couture

2012-01-26T06:16:00.000-08:00

Elie Saab SS12 Couture show is beautiful. I absolutely love the colour palette and the way it unfolds through the show from one shade to the next. The glamour of the gowns in this show and the way in which the order flows reminds me of the earlier days of couture shows when they were held in salons.

Elie Saab is known for elegant dresses, ever popular at red carpet events which the fashion world can be known to mock due to them not being 'groundbreaking' enough but just the beauty in the embellishments and the workmanship in these dresses make them untouchable. What's more the couture shows should be a dream - whether that be stunning gowns or 'so creative they look like they belong in an art museum' pieces but even Dior and Chanel disappointed on this level, more ready-to-wear looking than couture.

Bring back Lacroix! He never did a couture show that wasn't jaw dropping.

Zara's SS12 Prints

2012-01-26T05:36:00.000-08:00

Zara's SS12 prints got me longing for an office job yesterday. I want to wear the print pencil skirt with matching blazer with clashing print shirt underneath for work tomorrow. Somehow doesn't have the same allure when you're working from home. Must arrange a business lunch.

Had to include an image of this sheer mint green shirt with contrast collar too just because the colour is so delicious. Much as I'd love to buy it I can see it being one of those Zara pieces that everyone and his dog has. My point proven when I went into the changing room and saw two other women trying it on. Loving the ice cream palette for spring, do pastels need white blond hair though? Just a feeling I'm getting.

Lanvin Figurines

2012-01-26T05:01:00.000-08:00

Lanvin figurines are the new ornaments. I always thought 'when I grow up...(not sure if that's now)...my house will never have ornaments'. I've changed my mind. I said to my boyfriend wouldn't these make great presents but at approximately £300 each he said "who for?!" and I replied "well for somebody to buy for me of course". Especially the bride one since I just got engaged : )

Jennifer Heath Interview On Ethical Fashion

2012-01-10T22:01:00.000-08:00

I was recently contacted by style.it writer Gabrielle Marie to comment on ethical fashion and the work I am doing over in Kenya with the production unit SOKO. Read the full interview here...

Just because...

2012-01-10T21:23:00.000-08:00

Addicted To Black Boots

2011-12-16T00:17:00.000-08:00

Since I live in them pretty much through all seasons I think it's fair enough that I'm addicted to buying black boots. I am not a shoe girl but I am a black boot girl. The clunkier the better. I l-o-v-e the cut out pair, except the leather looks a bit pleather so might have to go for the platform version of a DM boot. Both from ASOS, damn wish I could still use my discount code.

Mawi Jewellery

2011-12-15T22:19:00.000-08:00

Mawi Jewellery has always been one of my favourite jewellery brands but looking through their website this morning had me practically salivating. Only downside is it's a bit too late in the day to add to my Dear Father Christmas letter. How gorgeous are these images from their homepage, love the eclectic mix of vintage and also feeling a little bit of Africa in there!

Chanel Pre Fall Collection Jewellery

2011-12-13T00:01:00.000-08:00

Chanel Pre Fall Collection Jewellery was very Arabian nights - nose rings that looped round to earrings that looped round to head pendants - no idea what their actual name is but they are beautiful! Really excited to try and find something similar, will let you know when I do...

Helmut Lang Pre Fall 2012

2011-12-12T23:01:00.000-08:00

Helmut Lang Pre Fall 2012, I always love the aesthetic of the Helmut lang collections. A style close to my heart; tailored, clean lines, a little bit grunge, a little bit androgynous, throw in an interesting new print every season, it's a winning formula. I would love to have every piece of this collection hanging in my wardrobe, ready for perfect outfit combos everyday of the week. My only gripe is that they don't seem to sell a size 6 in Harvey Nichols or Selfridges. Net a Porter looks like it goes down to a size 4 though.

Burberry Prorsum Pre Fall 2012

2011-12-12T22:45:00.001-08:00

Burberry Prorsum Pre Fall 2012 has a gorgeous vintage look. The daytime tweeds, velvets and flatcaps then thigh slit ballgowns for the evening. The colours are also getting me in the mood for Autumn. I've actually lost track completely now of what season I'm in and what I should be buying for since it's almost Christmas and I'm in the blistering heat of Africa. However this show has me lusting for home, for a chilly winters evening, heading out to a Christmas party in a flowing dress and a fur stole.

Greetings From Kenya

2011-12-08T22:39:00.000-08:00

I arrived in Kenya just over a week ago now. I will be spending two months over here working with an ethical fashion production company called Soko, I came into contact with Soko whilst I was working on the ASOS Africa collection which they made for us over here in Kenya. At the moment I'm soaking up all the new experiences and feeling inspired by the traditional Kenyan dress - from the Masai warrior attire to the colourful kangas.

The final goal is to have my own collection produced here. No hemp, no tie dye (ok maybe there might be a little bit of tie dye but in a 90s grunge way, not hippy!), no maxi dresses.

Hailee Steinfeld For Miu Miu

2011-11-26T07:48:00.000-08:00

Hailee Steinfeld for Miu Miu ad campaign pics are gorgeous. Even if they do make me a feel a little bit old (she's 14). The advertising standards agency have apparently banned the pic of her sitting on the tracks for being irresponsible. Whatevs. I think all 14 year olds should be encouraged to look this good.

Whistles Fleur Beaded Top

2011-11-07T05:15:00.000-08:00

Whistles Fleur beaded top is on my wish list for this week, at £195 it might just have to stay there though.

Henri Cartier Bresson

2011-11-05T09:17:00.000-07:00

Christian Louboutin Clovis Sandals

2011-11-05T09:00:00.000-07:00

Christian Louboutin Clovis sandals spotted whilst flicking through the designers new coffee table book. My boyfriend is always pestering me at getting some Louboutins but they're just not my thing, until now, I have found the pair for me. These ones belong to the V&A so I'm thinking it's quite unlikely I will be getting them for Christmas.

The inspiration behind them is beautiful;

"These sandals were inspired by gardens. Louboutin gathered the hydrangea petals from his own garden and hand-dried them. They were then suspended in a clear resin sole to give the impression of walking on a carpet of flowers."

Selfridges Musical Christmas Windows

2011-11-04T00:28:00.001-07:00

I love this time of year when the lights are up and the windows are so beautifully decorated for Christmas. If only I could fit in a quick trip to Paris to go and look at the infamous Galleries Lafayette windows. Alas I'll settle for Selfridges for the moment. I had my nose pressed to the glass admiring this dress and was totally charmed to hear some tinkling Christmas music which I thought was coming from the decorative foliage. Turns out it's a lot more high tech, each pane of glass is "transformed into an enchanting oversized music box, some playing re-engineered carols whilst others provide eerie, magical sounds". Each window pane has touch screen technology so you can control the track. Now that's window shopping.

Spatterdashes

2011-11-02T11:18:00.000-07:00

Spatterdashes were orginally used to keep mud off the boots of horseriders but by the early 19th century had become part of the attire of a "well dressed city man"

“From his spats to his gold-rimmed spectacles he was a Conservative, a churchman, a good citizen, orthodox and conventional to the last degree.” Sherlock Holmes, the Adventure Of Wisteria Lodge

I spotted a pair on display in an orthopaedic shop today, they told me they can make them to order, how exciting, it's what has always been missing from my wardrobe.

A quick google search on spats threw up an image of this somewhat less genteel pair. Damn I need some spats like these to hold my knife and some bullets. I can wear them over my cowboy boots!

Versace for H&M

2011-11-02T10:47:00.000-07:00

Versace for H&M collections due in store on the 19th November. In an interview on style.com with Donnatella Versace she says part of the inspiration for the collection was the new generations that are obsessed with those old school Versace styles that we associate with the brand.

“All these people reacting to what was in the archives—Gaga, the people in London, the young kids in the office—they’re 25 years old, they’re obsessed. So we did a best of Versace for H&M, a greatest hits, from the beginning until now.”

Remember that Liz Hurley dress...

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T02:57:00.001-07:00

This sequin skeleton top by Ashish is exactly what I want to wear today. Unfortunately it's £440 and I don't have that kind of spare cash at the moment for a Halloween outfit. When I was younger my mum cut out a skeleton shape from some white sticky paper and stuck them on some black leggings and a black long sleeved top for my halloween party, maybe that's the way I should go this year. If I can find a photo I will show you, awesome outfit.

Glitter Brogues

2011-10-26T05:07:00.001-07:00

Glitter brogues as seen on the Dolce and Gabbana AW11 show have landed in Topshop. At only 58 quid you just have to work out whether to play it safe with the black pair or to make a statement and go for silver. What with these and the Miu Miu shoes taking over the fashion world, making sure your feet are sparkling seems to be the only footwear rule this season.

Things I Have Learnt Since I Quit My Job

2011-10-26T01:16:00.000-07:00

Redecorating the entire house is not as easy as it looks and is defintely going to take longer than the week I had allocated. Wondering if it's too late to call a painter to finish what I started...paint everywhere.

Promising myself with my new found freedom I would find time to exercise every day was a bad idea. It isn't how I pictured it.

Celine SS12 - Feeling All White

2011-10-19T12:57:00.000-07:00

Celine SS12 collection was another triumph for Phoebe Philo - wearable shapes that whilst not ground breaking in their innovation still look fresh and new. The collection didn't have a strong summer aesthetic as we have come to recognise it - no florals, prints, bright colours but it didn't need it. White was a dominant colour throughout the collection, combined with the clean lines it feels like a much more chic way to do summer, there's really no need to shout about it.

Feeling Ready For Fur Coats (Faux Of Course!)

2011-10-10T09:26:00.000-07:00

Kat Maconie Boots

2011-10-03T12:04:00.000-07:00

Kat Maconie boots are at the very top of my lust list this week. Big thanks to Grazia magazine for bringing them to my attention. Two problems; 1) I can't find the ones I want online so will have to venture to a shop, no instant gratification for me tonight. 2) I lurrrve the blue velvet pair, delish, but I am also in love with the very wearable, as in walkable, cream pair. Since I have just resigned from my job I'm not sure buying both is an option :$

Spike Headband

2011-09-20T23:50:00.000-07:00

Spike headband might look a little strange but I want one anyway. The check shirt with shoulder studs is the perfect combination.

Miu Miu Resort Accessories

2011-08-10T00:11:00.000-07:00

want want want

Chanel Boy Bag

2011-08-06T16:52:00.001-07:00

Chanel Boy bag coming to stores in September could not have arrived at a more fortuitous time. Just at the point when I have began to question my life long ambition to buy a 2.55. So many fakes, so many wags and so many 'ordinary' people toting the 2.55. Since I moved to Knightsbridge I have become jaded, if so many people, who I am convinced have no understanding of the history and significance if the 2.55 have one, is it still so special? Of course it is but it loses something. You are no longer part of the club that understands why this bag is so special. The masses have caught on that it's special without really knowing why and now it's commonplace. I now truly understand why sales are limited on the Birkin bag and to get one, you must put your name down and wait years. Only true fans would suffer that.

There are other reasons why the Boy bag is the perfect bag for me. Firstly my obsession with Gabrielle Chanel and her life has left me with a space in my heart for Boy. Their love story is beautiful, a Big and Carrie, his premature death seals the all consuming love, from what I have read I believe he was the love of her life until the day she died. The most potent love stories involve death, the relationship caught forever in that passionate romantic love phase never to move on to the getting comfortable and possibly bored of each other phase, never to cheat, never to divorce, never to fall out of love. What I like to call the modern day no makeup, tracksuit bottoms and not being mortified by a rogue burp stage.

The second reason why it's the perfect bag for me is that it's oh so androgynous. For some reason, some people seem to think I'm a girly girl, that I wear 'cute' outfits. Maybe sometimes I do. But that is not how I see myself. I like masculine, androgynous styles, often wish I had no boobs (makes a way better line in a shirt), privately consider chopping off my long hair for a boyish pixie cut so extreme that people may pass me and question my gender and get envious of the girls that look like boys in fashion mags that my boyfriend spurns for looking like a man.

ASOS AW11 Lookbook - I Wore It First : )

2011-07-18T05:52:00.000-07:00

Stripe Mac

2011-07-18T05:42:00.000-07:00

Stripe Mac withbright pink shift dress, diamonte hair bow, orange socks and faux snakeskin grey block heel lace ups. This outfit definely had some 60s influence. I think I wore this outfit to cheer myself up because it was a bit of a rubbish week. A bright colour and some quirky accessories make you feel a lot more like smiling.

2011-07-17T05:13:00.000-07:00

Lanvin Resort SS12 - Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

2011-07-16T00:07:00.000-07:00

Lanvin resort SS12 show is possibly my favourite resort show this season. Alber Ebaz has managed to capture the youth and fun of fashion in a way that many luxury brands don't. From the Chanelesque tweed mini skirt and matching tunic in vibrant green to the all over sequin animal print trousers and blazers, fringing, feathers, bows and embellishments...there's no end to it. Be as extrovert and OTT as you like. It's also worth mentioning that their line for little girls is super cute. If I had a child it would be wearing Lanvin. The draped looks with turbans add a little bit of sophistication but they're still exciting. They make me think of early evening cocktails on a yacht on the Riveria, the outfit for relaxing on the deck that you throw on casually of course but dripping in glamour.

Africa

2011-07-15T23:48:00.000-07:00

ok so admittedly it has nothing to do with fashion unless we want to start talking about animal prints but this is what I've been up to

I Also Need This...

2011-06-16T13:24:00.000-07:00

I need this ASOS White bag, it will clash beautifully with the Comme purse.

Can Someone Who Loves Me Buy Me This

2011-06-15T14:12:00.000-07:00

I want this Comme Des Garcons wallet with a passion. Never lose your purse in your bag ever again.

Lady Gaga In Vintage Versace

2011-06-15T11:10:00.000-07:00

Lady Gaga in vintage Versace. I think she's ahead of a trend that some of us will be embracing with open arms whilst others will be slightly more sceptical. You can't argue with blue hair extensions though...surely?

Brights and Monochrome

2011-06-14T11:41:00.000-07:00

I wore this last week when it was all rainy and cold. It has a 60s feel with the bright short mac with big contrast black buttons, the monochrome peter pan collar knitted dress from ASOS and the white tights. Someone did comment that it had been a good 15 years since they had seen anyone wearing white tights, they obviously aren't going to the same places as me I see them all the time!

Spotted At Libertys - Statement Sunglasses

2011-06-10T11:28:00.000-07:00

I Want My Hair To Look Like This

2011-06-10T11:23:00.001-07:00

Think I may need the help of a big ass wig to get to this level. Loving the pink and grey streaks as well. Dream hair.

Michael Kors Resort 2012

2011-06-05T13:13:00.000-07:00

Michael Kors resort 2012 was a scuba nightmare. Much as I have been loving neoprene (scuba fabric) it's one thing using the fabric in a dress but another thing to add the contrast side panels and big plastic zip so that it gets closer and closer to looking like a wet suit. I am liking the fluoro theme though, always a good one for summer.

Missoni Resort 2012

2011-06-05T12:57:00.000-07:00

Missoni resort 2012 collection doesn't disappoint, along with the usual gorgeous knit pieces in the classic Missoni zig zag stitch they also have some cute more tailored pieces in printed silks. Loving the way the prints are mixed in the first outfit and this tunic style longer top over printed trousers is one of the new silhouettes that I think we're going to be seeing a lot more of.

Images From Meadham Kirchhoff Secret Store

2011-06-05T12:53:00.000-07:00

and yes I did end up buying something but it will have to wait till I wear it for a pic.

Meadham Kirchhoff Pop Up Store At Topshop

2011-06-01T12:52:00.000-07:00

Meadham Kirchhoff are my favourite design duo du jour. Collections you can really look forward to as they make fashion fun and new and exciting and young and happy and ironic and and and...

I have to now hot foot it to Topshop, though I fear I may be a little late, to check out the secret store of one offs and limited edition pieces from renowned designers and curated by Meadham Kirchhoff pop up shop or pop up wild at heart florist as Topshop website is describing it.

I started off picking out a few of my favourite pieces to blog but turns out I took a fancy to quite a few, especially loving those embroidered dresses, not sure why as they are not exactly my style but I think it's the drama in them.

What I Bought This Week

2011-06-01T12:13:00.000-07:00

In times of need some girls turn to chocolate, I turn to SATC and shopping. All my purchases this week have been off ASOS because when the chips are low and the rent needs to be paid again a staff discount makes me feel warm inside.

I can't wait to get my hands on these multi buckle ankle boots (I know we have a wine red patent pair coming in too so I might have to buy both). Years ago I had a similar pair and they travelled the whole world with me finally biting the dust at Roskilde festival. Come rain or heatwave I would be wearing those boots with jeans, with pretty dresses with formal tailoring.

They're also going to look great with these houndstooth crop trousers and a bright top. The silky shorts and matching blazer need a nice little summer sandal though...I bought some of those two. Oh well I will save money on food instead, who needs to eat when there is so much to buy.

My Mind Is On Fur Coats...Already

2011-05-30T07:32:00.001-07:00

Screw summer it's never that great here anyway, I want to be wearing fur coats now. This Bottega Veneta number is just one of the over the top bright furs that were seen on the AW11 catwalks. I'm also firmly in the mood for winter because that's my birthday and Christmas period, right now is just one long present dry spell for me which is no fun when you have a wish list as long as mine. On the other hand I will be another year older when winter comes around again. At least this time I'll be a little wiser.

2011-05-29T06:03:00.000-07:00

Love Is What You Want

2011-05-29T05:36:00.000-07:00

Love Is What You Want, a retrospective of Tracey Emins work at the Hayward Gallery until the 29th August.

Picnic

2011-05-24T11:48:00.000-07:00

H&M are making me want to go on a picnic with their almost Ikea like adverts that set the scene perfectly. Ok so if I were to go on a picnic I doubt I would make the effort to take lanterns or would be lucky enough to have it on a pier staring out into the ocean but it's nice to think it would be like that. An antique picnic basket has been on my wishlist for awhile - it has to have crystal champagne glasses and teeny tiny silver salt and pepper shakers. They are my only two prerequisites.

Textured Shift Dress

2011-05-23T22:35:00.000-07:00

Textured shift dress in this gorgeous powder blue shade is my new favourite item acquired for the boutique. It's made from Crimpolene, a fabric which my mum always whinces at because she remembers it first time round but I can't understand why it ever went out of fashion. It's like a magic fabric, depending on the weight it can be stiff enough to hold itself in shape, which works really well on a structured shift dress like this one and most amazingly for people like me who don't do ironing, you can screw a Crimpoline dress up into a tiny ball and when it bounces back there are never any creases. Crease free clothing is the way to go.

Lilac Knitted Dress

2011-05-22T10:06:00.000-07:00

Lilac knitted dress nipped in at the waist with an aline hem, very feminine, hence it being accessorised with the little leather and crochet cream gloves. It had to be done.

Knife Song

2011-05-21T04:13:00.000-07:00

Balenciaga Hand Printed Shirt With Collar Detail

2011-04-22T23:34:00.000-07:00

Balenciaga Hand Printed Shirt With Collar Detail is the most beautiful thing to pop into my inbox this week courtesy of Browns fashions ever tempting email updates. In case you don't know me, I'm a shirt girl, not dresses, not shoes, my wardrobe is filled with shirts. I'm not sure why other people aren't more on board with shirts they always look la classe however hungover you are and shirts don't cling, they just give beautiful stark lines. Ahhh I'm overwhelmed by how much I love them. This Balenciaga one is sitting top of my list with the Louise Gray for ASOS one I blogged about earlier. With the Balenciaga version coming in at £1085 shirt budget for the month is now £1485....maybe not then. But just look at those little collar clips so hard to resist!

2011-04-22T23:15:00.000-07:00

Big decision to make. Which hat? OTT with the oversized wide brim ones my favourites being this Catarzi stripe wide brim hat at £65 alongside the ASOS oversized 70s floppy straw hat at £20. However I think closer in size to the one in the image below which I am now trying to emulate as my holiday look is the ASOS 70s floppy straw hat (the difference being it's not oversized). It is now showing as out of stock which is bloody typical.

Of course you cannot go on holiday without a turban or two. I will be taking my vintage printed silk Halston turban and also a plain black one, perfect for when your hair goes a little crazy. I'm also wondering whether it is worth taking one of those gorgeous flower petal hats inspired by the vintage swimming caps of the 60s. People might not get it though and think I'm wearing my grandmas old swimming cap out to dinner.

Holiday Time

2011-04-22T22:47:00.000-07:00

Holiday is booked and it's time to think about the oh so important holiday wardrobe. It's going to be amazing. More to follow. Think 70s, obvs. Too excited. Think I need the outfit above.

Topshop Dress Up

2011-04-22T00:00:00.000-07:00

Topshop Dress Up has just launched, a collection of party dresses that go the extra mile, more embellishment, more colour just a little bit more than you would get in their mainline collection. Oh and yes they are more expensive too. Not really my bag to be honest but I am loving the multicoloured sequin number above, just because it can be made trashy rather than 'dress up'. Personally I'd wear it with some biker boots and lots of smudged black kohl round my eyes for that I've already been out partying hard for 24 hours look.

Cowboy

2011-04-21T23:42:00.000-07:00

My first attempts at using new camera + tripod + self timer. Don't expect perfection, considering it took me about an hour just to work out how to set the self timer (the camera is a lot more advanced than I am used to), I was pretty pleased just to get actual photos! It is a work in progress, soon there will be good pictures I'm sure.

Back to the outfit, I came over all western put on the cowboy boots I picked up at a car boot sale, then this line dancing style embroidered shirt with those mother of pearl press studs which seem to characterise those shirts then I needed something to go in the middle. Some cute leather shorts would have worked a treat but I don't seem to have a black pair - don't know how that happened! So I had to settle for this micro mini zip up leather skirt. Only when I got in the tube to head into work did I realise how short it really was, funny how the tube sobers up your thoughts on your outfits in a way that you don't have when you're having fun getting dressed in the privacy of your bedroom.

Silk Playsuit And Kimino

2011-04-21T23:33:00.000-07:00

Silk and lace playsuit worn with peach embroidered Kimino. The playsuit was a sample sale steal and the kimino jacket I bought this week from Oxfam. I felt a little bit like I was wearing my pyjamas to work but that sort of thing doesn't really bother me. The red is coming out of my hair and it's faded to a copper shade which I think I kind of like for the moment. I blame the poor photography on my mother.

Oh Chanel How I Love Thee...And All Your Branding

2011-04-19T14:01:00.000-07:00

I'm not a brand girl, I buy my things where I can find what I want, I'm not loyal and I have never bought into the 'It' bag. But when it comes to Chanel that all changes. Not to say I like everything they do, some pieces are positively only for 65 year old New York women called Bunnie (SATC's Charlottes mother in law) but for once the branding (which you cannot escape from) doesn't offend me in fact I like it. I want those two intertwined CCs, not for all to see, not for status. Comme une marque de qualite et d'histoire.

What I really want is those Chanel shoes with the kick ass metal plate at the front with Chanel engraved in, that means you can kick someone in the head and leave a Chanel imprint. Now that's branding.

50s

2011-04-18T14:08:00.000-07:00

I titled this blog post 50s because I couldn't really think of anything else. The days outfit was borne from a lack of new things/inspiration in my wardrobe so it's just a bit of a mish mash. High waisted black jersey skirt from H&M, bright yellow knitted top from ASOS, cropped denim jacket from Primark a million years ago when I was a student and didn't know any better, Betsey Johnson came in my Christmas stocking last year. I added the scarf at the last minute to try and drag the outfit into a 50s theme but I ended up feeling more like an air hostess for most of the day when I had my jacket off.

Photographed by Anthea Simms.

Shades Of Nude

2011-04-18T10:45:00.000-07:00

Shades of nude were the ordre du jour. Cream blazer based on a Stella McCartney style copied by Zara, pink nude skinny jeans from H&M, champagne silk vest from French Connection, pink clog sandals from Swedish Hasbeens. Sunglasses are restored vintage. Bracelets I have stole over the years from my mum.

Photographed by Anthea Simms.

Prada SS11 Curls

2011-04-17T13:55:00.000-07:00

Prada SS11 curls, I'm taking this one to the hairdressers. Also decided today that I'm going to go back to brunette. Much as I love the red it washes out so quick that redying all the time is killing my poor hair. Less trips to the hairdressers also means more money to spend on clothes : )

Stella McCartney Sandals

2011-04-17T13:45:00.000-07:00

Stella McCartney Sandals spotted in Browns the other day. I think they are the answer to my summer shoe dilemmas. Perfectly chic, natural colour that will go with everything, heel to make you stand straighter but small enough to make walking around all day comfortable. I need this shoe in my wardrobe but at £540 the hunt is on for a cheaper alternative. If you're rich enough find them here. Net A Porter also has them in chocolate but they are priced at £465, is it really £75 more for a different colour Browns?

2011-04-17T13:05:00.000-07:00

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

2011-04-17T12:21:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the cheesy title to this post but that is what this dress combined with the heart shaped sunglasses makes me think of. A fun girly night out, where you smile at the men but you're only teasing, you'd rather dance.

Find the dress here.

Vintage Denim Midi Skirt

2011-04-17T12:15:00.000-07:00

Vintage denim midi skirt is another one of those pieces I'm not quite convinced I should sell as it's such a great shape and the fabric is a light enough denim to fall in folds despite the volume in the hem. Hmmm.

Find it here. For now.

Vintage Blazer Dress

2011-04-17T12:09:00.000-07:00

Vintage blazer dress, we think it's a little bit vintage Gucci sexy. Find it here.

Kenzo SS11 Geisha Shoes

2011-04-17T12:06:00.000-07:00

Kenzo SS11 Geisha shoes have gone on the list of things I need in my life. Now.

Sporadic Blogging

2011-04-17T12:00:00.001-07:00

My blogging has become slightly sporadic of late, bear with me, I've been distracted by someone. I promise to tear myself away.

Featuring On The ASOS Homepage This Week

2011-04-12T11:38:00.000-07:00

This week I'm lucky enough to be in a coloured trousers feature on the ASOS homepage alongside Susie Bubble, Rihanna and Sienna. Fame at last, check out the other outfits here.

Want, Need, Must Have

2011-04-12T11:27:00.000-07:00

Louise Gray shirt exclusive to ASOS. I love the neon trim on this shirt and the clashing pattern back panel. Love, love, love it x

Brick Lane Sundays

2011-04-10T20:43:00.000-07:00

This picture was taken a few weeks ago for the blog www.stateofsunday.com. I'd just been to Columbia road flower market and gone a bit overboard on the flower buying. I was feeling really happy that day but you can't see that from the picture. My outfit is, as it often is, Comme Des Garcons/Japanese inspired, the black crop trousers with the utilitarian collar black shirt, worn with an asymmetrical grey wool jacket which has a beautiful cut.

Love Getting Dressed In Italian Vogue

2011-04-10T03:04:00.000-07:00

Love Getting Dressed floral necklace credited in Italian Vogue this month.

Vintage Colour Block Dress

2011-04-10T02:58:00.000-07:00

Vintage colour block dress got us feeling all Marni. The sunshine has been amazing for shooting new styles for the boutique this weekend. It's not all hard work : ) although I think we should definitely start on the Rosé after the shoot next time.

Love Doesn't Come With A Roadmap

2011-04-10T01:59:00.001-07:00

Denim Playsuit

2011-04-09T12:42:00.000-07:00

Denim playsuit zips you right up from the crotch to the boobs and squeezes it all in! Only for the brave as those shorts are extra short and that corsage top is extra tight but if you can pull it off then you get bonus points. I love these images because I am OBSESSED with cherry blossom. It's like a big pink candy floss behind my head, the beauty is that you can never take it for granted, it comes and then it goes.

Find the playsuit here.

Floaty Layers

2011-04-08T14:23:00.000-07:00

Floaty layers are perfectly suited to the blissful weather we have been having. The pleated skirt was a charity shop find and the nude blouse is one of my new favourites from H&M, it cost about £20 but has the look of a more expensive piece. Of course I should have worn some pretty sandals but I stuck to my clompy boots. Can't be wearing anything too pretty. Photographed by the wonderful Anthea Simms, resident ASOS office style photographer.

Vintage Silk Printed Midi Dress

2011-04-07T13:43:00.000-07:00

Vintage silk printed midi dress soon to go live on the boutique. That's if I can bear to part myself from it. I want to wear it on a cruise, in the 40s smoking pastel cigarillos and drinking absinthe.

Mademoiselle Shush

2011-04-05T01:05:00.003-07:00

Mademoiselle Shush by my favourite fashion illustrator Erin Petson is finally adorning my wall.

Metallic Jacquard Trousers

2011-04-05T01:01:00.000-07:00

Metallic jacquard trousers drew my magpie eye. I picked them up from Beyond Retro at the weeked. I couldn't decide whether to let the trousers do the talking and team them with a relaxed blue t-shirt but in the end I thought in for a penny in for a pound and put on a black and gold patterned t-shirt and my feather cardigan. I've been molting all over London so if you find a black feather...

Happy Mothers Day

2011-04-03T11:43:00.000-07:00

Bright green knickerbocker style shorts by Louise Gray for ASOS worn with Mongolian fur gilet and multicoloured bangles. I had a mini spree in absolute vintage today and got some lovely new pieces I'll put up as I wear them this week. On my way in I was asked to boycott the shop by fur protesters whilst wearing the Mongolian fur gilet. On seeing my shopping bag on the way out the crazy sandwich board man shouted angrily at me "I see you have decided to support animal cruelty then". Now how is one to answer that question. I opted for yes. Which isn't true, I don't like watching those videos anymore than the next person but vintage fur IS different.

Long Term Loan

2011-04-03T11:37:00.001-07:00

I have a Nikon D90 to play with. These are the first pictures. Not often you see me shy enough in front of the camera to turn away from it now is it. Maybe it will lead to a new era of photos.

ASOS Africa

2011-04-03T11:11:00.000-07:00

ASOS Africa is the ethical fashion collection that gives you more than a slogan tee and certainly won't include tie dye...unless it's in fashion. Now I'm getting distracted thinking how I wouldn't mind some tie dye coming back around...

The collections are made in partnership with workshops in Africa that offer fair, sustainable employment in impoverished communities. In other words if you overspend on this collection then you don't need to feel guilty about it. It just so happens that I get to work on ASOS Africa, I'm lucky like that but I wouldn't wear it/blog it if I didn't like it myself. If you want to find out more about it you can visit the website of our partners Soko here.

I cherry picked the ASOS Africa printed peg leg trousers as my favourite piece. I was going to wear them with a cropped and crisp white shirt but for some reason I felt like wearing something that didn't necessarily go and teamed it with this peach lace top instead. The mac with printed lining is also part of the collection, it's a beautiful egg shell blue shade which I'm discovering is a beautiful contrast to red hair.

View the entire collection.

Stolen Girlfriends Club Supermarket Fashion Show

2011-03-30T12:38:00.000-07:00

Stolen Girlfriends Club Supermarket fashion show makes me smile for so many reasons. I'm a firm believer in 'the street is your catwalk', life should be a fashion show. I love the way the automatic doors open perfectly in time for the models to strut through and the bang of their stride knocking through the turnstiles. I love that the people working in the supermarket look completely unaware at the start, the look on that man's face as he's doing his weekly shop and he starts to think maybe today is his lucky day, grocery shopping isn't so boring after all. And I especially like the song. Oh and the clothes, did I forget to mention them? I guess that's part of the problem when you do something interesting with a fashion show people become too distracted to look at the clothes. Yet that in itself is a clever concept because we're receiving the message that yes these clothes are beautiful but you can wear them, you can even wear them to the supermarket. Not to say you won't create a ripple when you do but for what else do we buy them? Ahhh...

Vintage Animal Print Skirt Suit

2011-03-28T14:11:00.000-07:00

Vintage animal print skirt suit just gone live on site this week, find it here. I'm loving the boxy shape of the top, boxy and long sleeves is the new shape. Loving the midi length far too much right now, what will happen when midi reaches the fate of the maxi...back to mini? I keep hearing the phrase the 'awkward length' being bandied about the office as fashion people tend to do. I've been nodding along but will admit to you I don't actually have a clue what the awkward length is. Answers on a post card, or you could just comment below.

High Waisted Red Skirt

2011-03-28T11:23:00.000-07:00

High waisted red skirt it's a good job I already have one very similar to this otherwise I'm sure it would sneak its way into my wardrobe. Perfect for colour clashing this season, find it here.

Vintage Polka Dot Midi Dress

2011-03-27T12:03:00.000-07:00

Vintage polka dot midi dress never looks as nice in pictures (however many times we shoot it!) as it does in real life. I think this is a sign, along with the fact I love it, that I should keep it rather than sell it. Keeping all the clothes does not a good business make, I need to remind myself of that.

Colour Blocking

2011-03-27T10:44:00.000-07:00

I love the light and the profile shadow in these pictures. The purple of the shirt with the camel trousers also work well together. I think I should dress up like this more often instead of just when we're shooting for the boutique. The shirt is for sale find it here, the trousers are asos.

When You Have A Spring In Your Step

2011-03-27T10:14:00.000-07:00

Silver Lurex Jumpsuit

2011-03-23T12:16:00.000-07:00

Silver Lurex Jumpsuit was a real find. We bought it for a studio 54 shoot which we ran out of time to do so we are going to put it on the boutique, that's if I can bear to give it away. I love silver with pale skin such a beautiful combination and I feel there is a misconception around metallics. Come summer we are all going to be reading about the perfect bronzer to match those gold metallics, for pale girls, ignore this, you don't need a tan to wear gold or bronze and a tan with silver would just look trashy non?

If you love it, find it here.

Knitted Pinafore

2011-03-18T14:31:00.000-07:00

Knitted pinafore dress in gorgeous pastel stripes was a sample from work, I was in the mood for a little bit of crazy so I wanted to throw as many elements into the mix as possible without caring if it's too much so I clashed the stripes with a vintage print rollneck top, some yellow knee high socks and pink clog sandals completed the look. Despite throwing away the rules I stuck to pastel shades to give it some coherence. Again someone told me I looked like confectionary. I don't mind because I'm sweet ; )

ASOS Marketplace: The Style Off

2011-03-16T14:00:00.000-07:00

ASOS Marketplace: The Style Off. There is some tough competition so give us a hand by voting for us. We'll love you for it.

60s Prints

2011-03-13T03:40:00.000-07:00

60s print dress a true mini length, it feels good to show some leg.

Vintage 60s Psychedelic Print Dress

2011-03-12T01:21:00.000-08:00

Vintage 60s psychedlic print dress just gone on sale, find it here. We're loving this easy shape and bold print which you won't find on the high street. Wear with flashes of neon - shoes, bag or belt to bring the 60s up to date.

Love Getting Dressed Boutique

2011-03-10T10:59:00.000-08:00

Love Getting Dressed boutique is featured in the boutique spotlight on marketplace this week with an excellent write up that we love;

When a Susie Bubble quote lands in your inbox that says 'I'd like to buy everything from the Love Getting Dressed boutique' you can bet your best beret we headed straight over for a virtual rummage. This boutique has all your vintage 'will it work?' conundrums covered.

We also got another pleasant surprise when the ASOS newsletter was emailed to us featuring one of our images.

2011-03-09T22:52:00.000-08:00

2011-03-08T05:20:00.000-08:00

70s Tunic And Flares

2011-03-07T12:09:00.000-08:00

70s tunic and flares just gone live on the boutique today, brings a small tear to my eye as I'm not sure I want to sell, I know I say this about everything terribly boring of me. Find it here.