Prada Parade

Garrett Hedlund, Emile Hirsch, Adrien Brody, Tim Roth, and Jamie Bell

Everyone needs a little pick-me-up at this point in the week and I'd be lying if I said this didn't make me slightly gooey.  Men's fashion can pass me by, but occasionally something comes along which gets me excited and the Prada Autumn/ Winter Show was one of those moments.  It described by Count..sorry, Gary Oldman as "two-minute theatre - a short blast of performance."

One of the many things I love about this (as a Victorian specialist) is that these clothes wouldn't have looked out of place a hundred years ago.  And it wasn't just the clothes that were of a certain vintage. Adrien Brody, Gary Oldman, Tim Roth and Willem Dafoe were among the actors cast by the company to stalk charismatically across an enormous, scarlet shagpile carpet in sober suits and double-breasted, high-revered overcoats - borderline frock-coats - that would not have been out of place circa 1890.

Gary Oldman reckoned his outfit - dominating magisterial black overcoat with insignia at the chest - was "a little bit count Dracula".  Adrien Brody's coat was a richly patterned scarlet number, with a two-toned furry collar. In it, he said, he acted the role of "an evil ruler - a dictator. I felt like there was a bit of 'off with your head about him'." He din't even crack a smile at the end unlike William Defoe who had looked quite scary until then and Garrett Hedlunch (Achilles/Brad Pitt's nephew who gets killed in Troy!!) who was clearly enjoying himself the entire time.  Jamie Bell - who confessed that (not quite) rubbing shoulders with professional models made him realise quite how short he is - bless him!


Across the geometrical scarlet shagpile strode models (real ones at first) wearing expressions that were variously shifty, haughty or sly in trench coats, grey suits, shoes with galoshes-style rubber attachments and shirts from which sprouted up-to-the-chin polo necks. It was a tailoring show, although I did feel a bit sorry for the two chaps who appeared to be in tennis shorts with an overcoat..always a tricky look for the Modern man.

It was also, said Prada afterwards, "about elegance and powerful dressing. I was working on man power. So this was a palazzo of power... we started with this idea of a mis-en-scene of the people in the palace. Spies, any kind of people who are living in the palace of power." And before you conclude that Prada is advocating dictator-dress next winter (which I'm on board with by the way), she added: "Also for me it was a parody of man power. It was not ironic - it was nasty."

These chaps can walk over my carpet any day

Five of the Best

How dreadfully lazy I have been, 8th of December was the last post..three weeks and a day ago. The work wind down, running away to the Shire, family, eating, Christmas, then Christmas recovery, it all takes time!  Now it is New Year's Eve Eve and I'm curled up writing this and listening to the Possession omnibus on iplayer (one of my favourite novels of all time).  Santa Claus has been wonderful to me and I still have a few days left of holiday, so what better time than to look back at the favourite bits of 2011, so I thought I'd do five 'top fives'.  Snooze..EVERYONE looks back at the best and worst around this time I know, but it is a good opportunity to do so, so why buck a trend?!

Thank you to every single one of you who has read me this year, it means the absolute world to me.  Every single time I get a comment and it's not from a member of my direct family, it brightens my entire week.  I skimmed over the first year anniversary of the blog back in February because..truthfully..I forgot.  It's so enjoyable writing it that I've rarely paid attention to dates except now when I've just had a wee skim through the old posts so thank you, thank you, thank you all again. I hope you've had a superb Christmas and a happy New Year is just around the corner.....x


Five Best Fashion Purchases - not in order, that would be far too hard.

1.  Black leather shorts from Topshop - they've taken me from day to night and Summer to evening, they are also the ideal not too slutty length

2.  Black suede Yarra Desert boots from Clarks - the perfect wedge heel and so comfy, it's like wearing slippers..still haven't got round to suede-proofing them though.

3.  Grey mid length coat from Zara, first mentioned in my Autumn purchases post.
4.  Cotton sundress from Cos (actually in black and mint with large white polka dots, I know that's two really but this is my list so there!) These were fantastic for both work and play and SO hard-wearing and stylish at the same time.
5.  Over sized Mulberry Alexa in Oak - my wonder bag, since it arrived in my life in February, it hasn't left my arm.

Alexa..and the Alexa

Five Best Beauty Purchases (these are not my handbag staples, but new ones I've discovered!)

1.  Laura Mercier tinted moisturiser - yes, I'm late to the party but I couldn't live without it now.

2.  Lucas' Paw Paw Ointment - awesome for pretty much everything, including the odd spot!
3.  MaxFactor Falsh Lash Effect Mascara - I still love my DiorShow but for a budget substitute this cannot be beaten.
4.  Floris Night Scented Jasmine - I love this fragrance, it hasn't replaced my Jo Malone Orange Blossom or Acqua di Palma Iris but it is an incredible bath foam and moisturiser.  The scent is unlike anything I have ever smelt before and transforms your bathroom.
5.  Temple Spa - pretty much every product I've tried so far but special mention going to the Palm Balm hand lotion, Quietitude mist (amazing on long haul flights) and Peace Be Still, a wonderful body balm.  All available from Victoria Health and Harrods.

Five Best Reads

Terribly difficult to pick five out, fortunately I keep a record of everything I read and see at the theatre or cinema or I'm sure I'd start losing track.  I know a few of these are cheating as they are whole series but it was almost the first book that hooked me!

1. The Beekeeper's Apprentice, Laurie R King
A Sherlock Holmes spin off but much much more. Mary Russell, his young apprentice will draw you in and seduce you with her spunk and good humour, plus a constant stream of damn good mysteries!


2.  Never Let Me Go, Kazuo Ishiguro
Needs no introduction after the film version this year. A book I didn't really get when I first tried to read it a few years ago but when I tried again, I couldn't put it down.

3.  Gone With the Windsors, Laurie Graham

This brilliant novel is the fictional diary of Maybell Brumby, a wealthy American widow who arrives in London in 1932 and discovers that an old school friend is in town: Bessie Wallis Warfield, now Mrs Ernest Simpson. A corking read and an absolute delight to those intrigued by the enigma that is Mrs Simpson.

4.  The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins
I cannot wait for the film of this to come out! After scoffing at all the people reading this and dismissing it as trashy teen fiction, I ate my words after reading it in desperation why I ran out of books on holiday.  Edge of the seat stuff, make your life easier and buy the entire trilogy together so you don't have to leave your armchair between books.

5.  Must You Go? My Life With Harold Pinter, Antonia Fraser

A wonderful peek into the life of one of the most famous literary couples of our time and a heart wrenching love story. A book I shall definitely be re-reading as it is so chocca full of details, I know I will discover new ones each time.

Five Favourite Films - I adore going to the cinema and again, these couldn't possibly in order.

1.  The Kings Speech - not a particularly original choice but I make no apologies for that.

2.  Hanna - It blew me away, Saoirse Ronan's performance, the Chemical Brothers soundtrack, the weird fairytale elements of the story. Awesome.

3.  We Need to Talk About Kevin - Loved the book and was worried about the film despite the wonderful pedigree of Lynne Ramsey and Tilda Swinton

4.  Midnight in Paris - a beautiful bubble of a picture that I randomly saw in New York with the Boy on a romantic night out. Allen back on form but also fab for anyone who adores fiction, the Left Bank and well..Woody Allen.

5.  Shame - It's not a 'favourite' as such but it has haunted me and compelled me to tell everyone to see it. I was fortunate enough to see it before it was released at a BAFTA screening. Seriously..I'm still thinking about it, but be warned, it isn't an easy watch.



Five London Moments

1.  Moving into my new flat, not something you can all share perhaps but definitely a highlight!
2.  Hanging out with deer in Richmond Park with two dogs and one best friend on a beautiful sunny day.
3.  Various suppers at Moro, Hix, The Wolseley, The Duke of Cambridge and Les Trois Garcons.
4.  Watching Madame Butterfly on a giant screen in Leicester Square whilst it's playing live from the Opera House with a plastic bucket of Pimms.
5.  Again, not a 'favourite' but certainly one of the most memorable moments of the year was attending a memorial service for the incredible Josephine Hart at Westminster Abbey. A service and a lady that I will never forget.

I heart Autumn - Part 2

Well, I think Autumn's here finally..at least it's not 28 degrees any more! Instead it is mild, with the leaves forming burnished piles in St James Park and me craving to get back to Yorkshire like you wouldn't believe. I reach a point sometimes when I have to run out of the city and fortunately, I'm heading back this weekend, hurray!

When I last did this post I was on a quest for knitwear.  I have to be honest, jumpers have foxed me...I'm still on the hunt AND another confession..I found almost everything I want at Cos..expect the big one, my new Winter coat..here it is...

Quite clearly, that's not me in the picture but my gosh, look at that coat.  The gorgeous soft grey colour, the almost shawl like collar, the way it has no fastenings which makes it appear more streamlined, the way that it is formal and yet, casual at the same time.  It has more than a hint of Isabel Marant but I think it's better.  Not just because it's cheaper (although that's an undeniable help!) but because I actually think the quality is better.  The three people I know who own IM coats have all suffered from the same issues..stitching coming away and bobbling. I thought I'd stick with my old favourite and Zara, you've done me proud.

So to Cos. Every Winter I have searched for the perfect jumper dress. Well, thanks to Cos I've found them.  If they had been made in five different colours, I'd probably have bought all of them but as it is, my wallet (and rent money) is weeping a sigh of relief.  This jumper dress is made from soft merino wool and tapers slightly at the hem creating a loose cocoon shape, it's also a wee bit oversized which is perfect for me as I don't really do cling! Available in Cocoa and Grass Green, the darker shade is perfect for everyday with flat mannish brogues and the bright green is smashing on a sunny, crisp day paired with leggings and my leopard French Soles.

I really do have a weak spot for dresses, I think it's because they pretty much always do day to evening, because you can always through them on and boom! You have an outfit. This last one above, a dark charcoal cotton with a boat-neck and leather pockets, t'was love at first sight. Thank you Cos yet again.

Finally, I think I'm going to splash out on some beautiful knitted accessories from Yokoo.  If you haven't discovered her yet, you really must.  This is what I'm leaning towards...

But possibly in Plum, Fig or Taupe....How can anyone resist a cowl scarf called the Snuggler?!  How are your Autumn/ Winter wardrobes progressing? Has anyone found the ultimate jumper or is it just me? What about accessories? Let me know!x

I heart Autumn - Part 1

My heart sings at the prospect of it getting cooler, the beautiful leaves, crisp mornings and excuse to stay in eating mashed potato and watching period dramas. In reality I know that getting up in the dark and leaving work in the dark, lots of rain and the inevitable snowball of busy-ness before Christmas will grate but for now, all I can think about it clothes, woolly tights and snug boots.

Here are my Autumn purchases so far...As an avid collector of French Sole pumps in every colour and pattern, flats were not high on the priority list for me. I already have leopard, black patent quilted, cream quilt with a black toe blah blah blah. Also..when the weather gets really bad, wear my navy blue Hunters and carry flats in my bag to work.  When I saw these though, I couldn't resist..

Standard black in velvet with pom-poms...what's not to love?

This next purchase I am THRILLED over. Regular readers of this blog might remember my post on the phenomenon of the Isabel Marant boot.  Whether you like the Dicker, the Forbes or the Bidou, the same principles in design were there. Beige suede, an almost Cuban heel, slightly slouchy and perfect with an array of outfits.  Well I found ANOTHER perfect pair. Every time I have worn them I have received so many compliments and I didn't have to sell a kidney to get them.  Thank you ASOS.

As anyone who travels on the London Underground knows..layering is key and the perfect t-shirt is hard to find. Topshop has come up trumps this season and if I could, I would bulk buy in multiples. In their Boutique range I bought an over sized black slash-neck with 3/4 length sleeves in a cotton and cashmere mix and a white low v neck.  Lastly I splashed out a crepe, navy v neck tee from Ghost.  Because of the fabric, it has worked well on more formal occasions with some dressy accessories as well as during the day.

This dress is perfect for work and maybe even the weekend too..I loved the fine wool, ever so slightly textured fabric that you can't see in the picture.  The built in Obi belt that you can pull it as tight as you like and the neckline is so elegant.  It came in red too but unsurprisingly..I bought it in black.

I'm still on the hunt for the perfect knit..if anyone has found a lovely one in navy, burgundy or grey, please let me know. In the meantime, here are my fantasy purchases....

Acne Twisted Wool sweater

Anders Alpaca waffle knit by Isabel Marant..£345!

Stella McCartney in a stunning blood orange..a snip at  £510

Beautiful navy wool, cocoon cut from Stella again..£520.

Next time..the absolute Autumn/ Winter essential..a new coat! Happy Monday all. x

Magical Autumnal shot by Tim Walker

Classics - Polka dot or Gone dotty

Spotty chic

You know how sometimes you come across an image and think, "I want to look like that".  This is how I feel about this chic, young lady above.  If anyone is in London at the moment, you will have experienced the London monsoon that happened this morning..I still have soaking wet feet which isn't an ideal way to start the morning.  Even though I have my long awaited Summer break from Saturday, the weather is making me feel schizophrenic..still need to be making the most of my Summer purchases whilst longing and actually needing Autumn/ Winter buys.

Where Marc Jacobs leads, others will follow. I heart Cruella .

Dots, polka dots, dalmatian dots etc are going to be a big trend next season..this season...I've lost it already. They're a classic and work beautifully in the day or evening. Possibly the least scary print, a classic navy/black and white is always a winner.  Take some fashion inspiration from the following images and hit the shops..just take an umbrella and sunblock.

My new Winter coat from DVF..well not actually but my do I want it.

Ashley Olsen working dots as evening wear.

Kirsten Dunst dips a toe in the trend with this discreet black and white top. Perfect day to evening outfit.

Full on dotty evening wear from Olivia Palermo who mastered two trends in one with this pretty, mullet-hemmed dot-print dress by Bensoni.

Am mannish vibe at Paul Smith was enlivened by a dot motif on these lovely cropped trews!

And finally..Alexa, ahead of the style curve with some enviable Celine arm candy too.

Grunge me up

Sneak preview people, Topshop's Autumn/ Winter 2011 lookbook...We're not really having a Summer in London so looking ahead to luscious next Season clothes is the way to go. Do you have any favourite looks/ pieces from this?x