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...

Words can't even describe the sheer angst of the past few weeks... which seemed to grow ever stronger until it culminated in a knot of tension deep within my heart (more importantly, it has been residing in my belly, which has felt constantly unsettled). With the shaky handed transfer of my 10,000 word strong, tear stained, sweat soaked, just war infused philosophical dribble it all came to an end today. The final ka-baaang of my academic career - the handing in of my Master's dissertation. Despite my senseless fear, it seemed the day was rooting for me. The sun came out with a vengeance and my coffee was even sending me subtle messages that I had a certain star quality. By the time I met up with people (people?! it's been ages since I've seen people) I was a little worse for wear - totally and utterly knackered. It knocked the life out of me nearly. I'd like to think the solution would be to crawl away and hibernate under my duvet for at least 24 hours but I have to head to the airport at 6am and catch a flight to New York (I'm not complaining).

On an entirely separate note, Kit and Shini were rocking some pretty inspirational uses of colour. Rainbow nails against a vintage leather skirt and three floral prints all above the waist without looking ridiculous? I'm taking style notes from these girls.

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....

Going to the chapel

Five years ago today this girl very nervously walked down the aisle to marry her high school sweet heart. I was late to the ceremony, which caused mild hysteria, and couldn't make it through my vows without crying. It was, however, with a doubt the most memorable and life changing day of my life. Never before had I felt surrounded by such love, encouragement and joy. The last five years have been better than I could have ever hoped for which makes me delirious at the thought of what the next five (ten, fifty?!) might be like. Thank you Freddy for being the most precious and loving husband a girl could ever have. When I wrote that list back when I was ten about what I wanted my future husband to be it was short and sweet: 'able to play the piano & says bless you every time I sneeze.' Luckily, you were those things but so much more...

the vintage princess?

Jackie is the sort of girl that never fails to look immaculately turned out. With the exception of one unmentionable tube ride, her hair is always well styled and her outfits always top notch. She's a 'Westend' sort of chick that mixes Topshop dresses with YSL shoes. What really sets her look apart though is her incorporation of vintage. On this particular occasion she was quite paired down, wearing a standard striped Breton top and Levi cut offs, but managed to look anything but ordinary by topping off her basics with a healthy dose of lux vintage pieces. Be sure to check out Jackie's blog the Platform Princess - although, personally, I think it might deserve a different name...

Jackie wears: jacket from Portobello Market, Zara jumper, vintage Levis shorts, YSL shoes and vintage bag.

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.