It's all changing
Autumn and I tend to bump heads. It always comes a bit too early and unpleasantly fast. Snatching away the last bits of warmth, it strips the trees of their leaves and slowly sucks away my tan. But, I suppose it's not so bad. When it's cold meals tend to get longer, drinks warmer, and bellies a little pudgier. I've already started spending my evenings on the couch with hot chocolate and Christmas movies... hah, I know I'm a bit early but what the heck - it's hard to resist.
When I was last in London I spent an afternoon with Charlie and Lexxie at the Albion. It's one of my favourite places to go whenever I'm in town. Despite there being a big selection of delicious sounding things on the menu I always always order the breakfast bap. It totally sums up English breakfast for me and you can't get anything like it in Switzerland.
Outfit photos by Lexxie. Wearing: Charlie's Burberry mac and hat. Topshop jumper, boots, and burgundy jeans. American Apparel bag.
p.s. I've been trying to make some changes to the blog (font/slider etc) if you have any thoughts (positive or negative) please let me know.
Lessons in levitation
It was a chilly afternoon a few weeks ago in London and the perfect opportunity to try out a bit of levitation. It's a tricky thing to do. You've got to concentrate really hard, think light thoughts, imagine yourself floating above the ground... but most importantly jump high, be still, and try to snap the photo while you're headed up rather than when you're crashing back towards the ground.
It was Shini that introduced me to the wonderful world of Natsumi Hayashi and her levitating antics. Seriously, how does she get so high? Does she have an invisible trampoline underneath her? Is she actually a life sized puppet held up by strings? I'm not sure but I'm hooked and I have a long way to go in learning how to levitate.
Photos taken by Shini. Reflection also includes Miss Kit Lee. Wearing: Vivetta CrisCris coat, Seven for all Mankind skinny jeans, SAMBAG tote, Laird & Co Hatters crushable fedora and Converse.
Cheater-cheater monkey bread eater.
I wish I could actually give you an exact recipe on how to make monkey bread...
But, the truth is, I don't know how because I've always cheated. There are a gazillion recipes around but none of them sound quit right. I know it would be super simple to make from scratch. Basically it just involves little round dough balls that are covered in cinnamon and sugar then baked in a pool of buttery goodness. When they come out of the oven you flip the pan upside down and voilà you've got the most magical breakfast known to man. Seriously this stuff is amazing - it's like it has all the goodness of America in one single little bite.
Cooee Design giveaway...
These days, plastic jewelry is where it's at.
I'm a real sucker for anything Swedish. The Scandinavians just tend to do everything better and their take on acrylic jewelry is no exception. Last week I was introduced to the wonderful world of Cooee Designs, where psychedelic surreal items come to life in the form of wearable art. Why yes, that is a green translucent cog sitting on my wrist. It's oh-so-chic if you wear just one piece or a real statement if you layer on a whole arm full. I was very kindly gifted this two finger black ring but sadly it's a bit too big on my fingers. Lucky for you though, eh, because I'm giving it away...
To enter the giveway just leave a comment on this post expressing that you'd like to enter.
View the entire collection here. Thanks to Varg PR for making this giveaway possible.
This giveaway is now closed.
On being neutral
Lately I've felt really drawn to the idea of wearing winter whites. It's way too easy to get sucked into the appeal of dark colours at this time of year - I think I wore the combination of dark skinny jeans and a grey jumper for about two weeks straight at the end of October. Buying this jumper made me want to wear soft milky colours. Luckily, Lexxie let me raid her closet and I found this skirt. It wraps around and has a slit at the front and back. Thank God for 100 denier tights - I'm sure I accidentally flashed the world a couple of times when the wind blew. Wearing this made me realize I have a huge gaping hole in my wardrobe when it comes to bottoms - all I really ever wear are jeans. Currently have my eye on this T by Alexander Wang skirt - ooooh, it's so good.
Wearing: Topshop knitted rib chunky jumper, Ann Demeulemeester skirt, Topshop ambush boots and LiLiFi bag.
Photos by Charlie.
The print invasion
I've never been into wearing patterns. In fact, I don't own a single printed item. I just ran to my closet to double check and it's true - not a single thing. For some reason prints have always felt a bit dated and tacky rather than something to covet. This all changed recently though.
It might have been that print from Celine ss11 or those knitted jacquard trousers that Susie rocked so well. Whatever it was, the tectonic plates have shifted and suddenly prints are sitting at the very forefront of my mind. I want them. I want to be doused in prints from head-to-toe and the more obnoxiously painful it is to look at the better.
Okay, dramatic antics aside. When I went to My Wardrobe's ss12 press day last week my obsession was solidified. Patterns were everywhere and especially noticeable on the trousers. From Current Elliot's spotted jeans to By Malene Birger's green silk trousers - almost every brand had snuck a pair into their collection. When I met the womenswear buyer Georgina Coulter we started talking about the selection on show. 'I love it!' I cooed, 'The prints are amazing.' 'I know,' she replied, 'have you seen the Elizabeth & James printed suit?' Embarrassingly I was holding it behind me about to take a photo, it was one of my favourite looks. Although, I'll still always be a sucker for the basics... I would gladly live in J Brand's grey sweatshirt and black leather trousers.
Sunday morning
Last Sunday morning I woke up feeling groggy and in East London. Charlie and I decided to start off the day by going over to Columbia Road Flower Market because, 'You've never been before?!' It was my first time and I couldn't recommend it more. The street, that is normally dead during the week, is taken over by an endless stream of flowers and the most outrageous group of people. If you want a taste of London that you wont find anywhere else, this is the place to go.
As soon as we arrived we were handed a carton of Jimmy's Iced Coffee which softened the blow of being awake so early. Seeing everyone walk around with little miniature mustaches was pretty hilarious.
The atmosphere at this market is so vibrant and upbeat. There's a real sense of community and solidarity. Being surrounded by such boisterous people and rows upon rows of bright flowers is a bit intoxicating. I never wanted to leave.
eBay Blogger Event
Last Thursday I came out to London to help celebrate the launch of the eBay Fashion Outlet's first Winter Wardrobe Collection. Held in a ginormous suite at the W hotel, bloggers were invited and welcomed into the new wonderful world of eBay. The incredibly pristine room spiraled into mayhem after everyone was given the challenge of styling a cover look that represented the eBay customer. The winner, Lexxie, won a new Canon dslr camera (sweet - certainly the ideal prize).
Thanks so much to everyone that attended the event. When I arrived and saw the printed version of the look book it was totally surreal. The relationship between bloggers and brands seems to operate quite differently depending on which country you're in and I think it's great that companies like eBay are reaching out to bloggers in the UK. This is a project I'm so proud to have been a part of.
Massive thank you again to eBay for having had me on board.
In limbo
This is my attempt at getting dolled up. I wore this to the Alice + Olivia party last night that I never quite made it to. Nothing quite beats a low messy bun, dark lipstick and the perfect black dress. It's a failsafe tripartite that every woman should have easily at hand. I'm in love with this dress, it's so easy to wear and gorgeous from the back. Minimal effort, maximum impact - exactly the way I want to dress.
Wearing: Stylein ss12 dress, DAGMAR bracelet, LiLiFi clutch, Cooee ring and Balenciaga boots.
Photos by Charlie
What about Bob?
Saddle shoes and coloured denim are currently all I want in my life. Swedish Hasbeens and 2nd Day are both on my wishlist for spring/summer 12. Get in my life you two, you are both perfection. Bob is also perfect. He's my new best friend and wears a Louis Vuitton collar. Fancy.
Photos taken at Varg
Just a little leopard.
Leopard print is normally so not my thing. But, in small doses I can definitely handle it. Like on ballet flats for example or on a clutch bag (speaking of which I have some freaking naughty leopard makeup bags to show you soon). Or, you know, as a small detail on an otherwise simple cream coat. Felt like I was channeling my inner diva in this little number. Why is it that animal print instantly makes me want to hop in a stretch limo and smoke a long cigarette... I blame 101 Dalmatians and my childlike urge to be Cruella - minus the animal cruelty and nasty attitude, of course.
Anyway, apologies for the single picture. I took a bunch more but the lighting was just so dark (curse you England and your 3pm sunset) that they all look a bit harsh. Thankfully Kit managed to snap this little behind the scenes shot of me and Shini... and bizarrely this turned out to be my favourite one.
p.s. the winner of the DKNY giveaway is Jodie Lancaster! Congratulations. x
Wearing: Vivetta CrisCris coat, Seven for all Mankind skinny jeans and SAMBAG tote.
Chameleon
Ever since I discovered the joy of manipulating colours I can't edit photos without getting sucked into an endless spiral of swapping out the shades. Of course, this isn't really true to the outfit or the items pictured... but I still kind of love it. Unfortunately, tonights antics have left me feeling that my real colours are a bit inadequate and now I want to hit the shops in search of coordinating trousers and clutches. The concept of matching your belt to your shoes and then to your handbag might be a sartorial myth far removed but the idea is getting a modern day reinvention in my little head.
Photo taken by Shini
Wearing: Vivetta CrisCris coat, Mulberry pink heart pouch, Seven for all Mankind skinny jeans and Kurt Geiger Snake Large Pouch (both with colours manipulated).
Hi from London
Sorry I've been a bit MIA... things got unexpectedly busy. I just got to the Marylebone Hotel in London and am a little bit in love. Anywhere that gives you complimentary fashion magazines gets serious bonus points in my books. Have to run out the door. More soon. xx
p.s. my Converse are looking a little worse for wear... maybe it's high time to wash them or invest in a new pair? I do like them a little beat up though.
Colour play
Love the mix of deep purplish-blue clolours in her hair, coat, and lips. Injecting tough sequins/glitter and maroon into any outfit is an instant way to make it just a little bit better.
You're my hero.
Back in September I had the chance to style up this bright statement coat for the December issue of Asos magazine. It was absolutely boiling outside and my posing in the street with a big bold coat certainly got me a few strange looks from passerby's. Massive thank you to Asos for including me in their magazine and to Fredrik, my true hero, for taking the photos.
Here's just a little peek at a few of my favourite shots. Worn with: Photo 1 - Laird & Co hat, Elizabeth Lau Guvnor jumper and Patouf skirt. Photo 2 - Valentino dress (just seen), Celine clutch, Zara heels. Photo 3 - Seven for All Mankind skinny jeans and Converse. Photo 4 - Patouf striped jumper, American Apparel large leather clutch, jeans as before and Balenciaga boots.