Fröhliche Weihnachten!
The countdown has officially begun... less that one week until Christmas!
Hoping that everyone is able to take it easy this week and soak up a little holiday cheer. Hot chocolate every night, Bing Crosby on repeat and A Christmas Story are my must-have list. I've been trying to take in as much Christmas magic as humanly possible. It's pretty easy to do in Zurich - the city embraces the holiday vibe in the most endearing way. There's a big market in the train station and smaller ones scattered throughout the streets. Lights are everywhere and there are baubles galore but not the slightest sight of anything brash or commercial - just the way it should be.
Happy Holidays! xx
A LiLiFi discount...
As soon as I spotted these little leopard print makeup bags I fell instantly in love. By one of my new favourite brands, LiLiFi, these are the perfect size for carting around random bits and bobs. Plus they seem to attract an obligatory coo from all female onlookers. They're the ideal gift to give (or receive) this Christmas. Unfortunately they don't actually come out until January. But, have no fear little ones because a couple have been put up early (specially for you)!
Enter 'stylecrusader' at checkout and receive 30% off all orders made at LiLiFi until the end of December.
p.s. the leopard print clutch was the first item I had from LiLiFi and was the original reason I became obsessed with the brand. Ever since carrying it to LFW in September it's been a constant fixture on my arm.
Thanks to HPR London for making this post possible.
Please note: The small pink leopard makeup bag is currently for sale at LiLiFi, however, all other variations (brown/turquoise leopard print and black leather) will be available in January 2012. If you're interested in purchasing one please e-mail info@lilifi.co.uk to preorder. If you do this you will have the 30% discount extended until when the bag you're after comes into stock.
Anthony Burrill...
Walking through London a few weeks ago I spotted this poster through the window of an office: 'Work Hard & Be Nice to People.' It was stuck to the wall above someone's desk at a fashion PR agency. Simple and true, it's a message that's worth being reminded of.
Since that day it's been swirling around in the back of my mind. Anthony Burrill's prints are positive mantras of the most ideal kind. Not gimmicky or at all cliché, they are sweet little pieces of art that are worthy of being cherished. Printed in the UK using traditional woodblock printing techniques, each poster is signed and costs just £40. I'd love to get one for the new flat I'm moving into in January...
Photos via Anthony Burrill
All I want for Christmas...
Dear Santa,
All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth... and this wee little list please (and thank you). xx
1. T by Alexander Wang Hooded Poncho 2. Native(X) Wasco Tote 3. Ernest Hemingway books 4. Gareth Pugh for MAC lipstick 5. T by Alexander Wang Cotton Knit Skirt 6. Timex Andros Watch 7. 3.1 Phillip Lim Patent Pashli 8. Prada Crystal Earrings with Applied Resin Stone 9. Sephora by OPI glitter nail polish 10. Karen Walker Number One Crystal Yellow Sunglasses 11. MacBook Air 13 inch 12. 3.1 Phillp Lim Regine Shoes 13. Creatures of Comfort Postalco Notebook 14. McQ Alexander McQueen Tartan Wool-twill Cropped Pants
Fruit face day...
It's Monday morning and outside the rain is pouring down. This past week I discovered the wondrous nature of the kiwi. If you're feeling any sort of winter blues I can't recommend them enough - it's like a burst of summery sweet magic. Every time I looked down at my kiwi, sliced in half and sitting on a plate, I felt like two little eyes were staring up at me. So, it seemed only natural, that those little eyes be given a face. Et voilà, there you have it: Ms Fruit Face. She's clearly a girl - the earrings give it away. On a side note: have you noticed how many designers have been using fruit and vegetables as inspiration lately (some more obviously than others)? I think food and fashion should go hand-in-hand.
Wishing you a very happy week. xx
Snow fall...
Switzerland experienced one of the driest Novembers in history this year which left ski resorts in a bit of a panic. You see, no rain means no snow on the mountains... but, after a week of almost non-stop drizzle the alps are now covered in snow. Not a bad view to have from your roof, eh?
Lately I'm feeling rather anti-winter and as a result have decided to protest the cold by wearing sheer silk and cropped jeans instead of wooly jumpers. I'm desperately seeking a pair of slouchy soft boyfriend jeans that actually reach down to my ankles (they are all I want to wear right now).
Wearing: Gallery4 shirt (ss12), ckone jeans, American Apparel large leather clutch, Salvatore Ferragamo heels and random assortment of bangles.
Oooo, it's pre-fall 2012.
Ever since St John leaked their pre-fall collection at the beginning of November I've had my ipad glued to my hip, constantly checking the style.com app, waiting for the rest of the designers to reveal what's up their mid-season sleeve (after all it's the sneaky peek preamble to proper fall). Finally, much to my delight, the rest of pre-fall 2012 has started to trickle in. My favourite? Definitely Pringle of Scotland - although Burberry was a close second. Alistair Carr, who used to be at Balenciaga, has injected a more structured futuristic silhouette into the brand that was founded back in the late 19th century. While Pringle might be known predominately for their knits, it's the prints and genius layering that has won this girls heart. That and the shoes - which happen to feature a leather panel that can be taken on-and-off depending on your mood. It's the shoe that keeps on giving. Nice.
On a side note, there were some pretty strong similarities running through some of the other shows and Hanne Gaby Odiele in Michael Kors reminded me of how much I want these McQ printed trousers. Yumm. Must add it to my Christmas list pronto.
Images - Style.com
Lake life
Last night I returned home from a weekend spent in the Cotswolds. Without internet I felt refreshingly disconnected from the world despite being just a couple hours away from London. Being back in Zurich though feels equally peaceful. The pace of life here is so relaxed that it's hard not to feel as though you're on a permanent weekend away.
Last night I returned home from a weekend spent in the Cotswolds. Without internet I felt refreshingly disconnected from the world despite being just a couple hours away from London. Being back in Zurich though feels equally peaceful. The pace of life here is so relaxed that it's hard not to feel as though you're on a permanent weekend away.
On a separate note, the dis-functionality of my wardrobe has become increasingly apparent. Alright, it might not be as bad as it was circa January 2010 when I did a little closet confession. But it's still not good. I could likely list the items I wear regularly on two hands and as a result it's time for another closet gutting (blog shop coming soon). Instead of having lots of items I rarely wear I'd rather invest in classics. This shirt is a perfect example. Although you can' get any more basic than a white shirt this one has some special little features that make it truly covetable. Made from 100% silk, it has double slits at both sides plus is cut longer at the front and back. The thicker panelling across the chest creates a bit of contrast and added interest. I love the idea of having simple items that have a little twist. The fact that it's made by new young British designers Louise Rhodes and Amy Moreton is the icing on top.
Wearing: Gallery4 shirt, Topshop MOTO Leigh skinny jeans, LiLiFi clutch and Zara heels.
Hey there stud muffin...
What is it about guys, when they get a look right they get it really right. There's something in those little details. Chances are half of the time you wont even notice them but somehow they still manage to tie everything together. Take Pete, for example. In the photo above he's tied together the strings from his hoodie at the neck. Buy why? It doesn't really make any sense but I like it none the less.
These are some of my favourite boys as seen at London Fashion Week...
Including: Pete Navey, Matthew Zorpas, CJ Cruz, David Nyanzi and Kit Lee (who isn't a boy but is cute so she still made it in).
December's uniform...
DAGMAR
Since getting my hands on this jacket I've struggled not to wear it everyday. It's so fluffy I'm gonna die. With long leather patches along the front of the arms and holes for your thumbs to stick through - it's like a woolen irresistible dream. I keep getting told that it's too cold for it, surely I should be wearing a real coat seeing as it's nearly freezing outside. But I'd gladly be a little chilly if it means I get to wear this jacket.
Wearing: DAGMAR jacket (the Shop at Bluebird), Sambag tote, 7 for all Mankind jeans and Topshop Ambush boots.
Photos by Kit
Palmer//Harding
I first came across Levi Palmer and Matthew Harding in the NewGen tent at London Fashion Week. They were just two guys hanging out in a small space surrounded by white shirts. On a single rail they hung in perfect formation. Though at first glance the shirts looked deceivingly regular, on closer inspection it's clear they are anything but ordinary...
It must have been the simplicity and crispness that drew me in. The predominately white colour palette evokes a sort of medical cleanliness not unfamiliar to what was found in Jil Sander's recent collection. The austerity though of the traditional white shirt is dismantled by the intense focus on detail. The way the fabric is gathered and pinched reminds me of rippling sand dunes. There's a softness and a feeling that the garment is almost in motion. The rubber coated brass findings, shown above, add an unexpected weight and heaviness to the shirts - a truly unique feature.
Instead of creating a collection for the sake of show (see Matthew's CSM MA collection for an example of earlier work - it's stunning) the designers intention is to focus on something that will easily fit into peoples wardrobes. There is nothing I love more than a basic item that has been reworked into something truly covetable - Palmer//Harding shirts are just that.
Just cut it off...
I've never been one to readily embrace change so when I walked into Taylor Taylor a couple of weeks ago my grandiose plans to chop it all off quickly turned rather sheepish. I whipped out a photo of Jayne and said, 'like this' - only to then backtrack and reveal my uncertainty over cutting off the hair I'd spent the last two years growing out. Cue ten minutes of deliberation, during which both the hair stylist and colorist talked me through my hair type plus the pros and cons of going shorter. In the end I shoved my face into my hands and garbled an incoherent 'just do it.'
A couple hours later I emerged a blonder perkier version of my past self. Introduced to the wonders of a round brush and hair products (hello mousse) I'm never looking back. In fact, I'm already making mental plans to go back so that I can go even shorter.
Massive thank you to Taylor Taylor for the most wonderful cut and colour. There's nothing more upsetting than leaving a hair appointment feeling that you didn't receive what you asked for and the amount of time they spent, before even getting started, ensured that didn't happen. I couldn't recommend the place enough. Also, huge thank you to Kit, who trekked across London to keep me company and take these photos. Thank you, Kit.
Wearing: DAGMAR Flisa silk chiffon top, 7 for all Mankind skinny jeans, Topshop ambush boots and SAMBAG tote.
Old Shoreditch Station...
On my last day in London I had breakfast with Charlie at the Old Shoreditch Station where we were serenaded by a barista boy and watched a psychedelic surreal mural being painted onto the wall. The whole experience was only made better by the warm coffee-house vibe and the fact that you could skip right next door into No-One, a shop stocked with loads of awesome Scandinavian brands (Dagmar, Won Hundred, Cheap Monday etc etc). This was my final meal with long hair. Straight after I hopped over to Taylor Taylor where I had 9 inches cut off my manky mane. But, more on that later...
Hope you're having a great weekend! xx
Being thankful...
My Thanksgiving didn't quite go the way the way it was meant to: there were no turkeys to be found (I failed at even getting my hands on a replacement chicken) so I made Greek salad instead. Normally I'd watch Planes, Trains and Automobiles but decided to go for the Sopranos. It all felt decidedly un-festive. There wasn't a big meal, no Macy's parade or football to watch and I couldn't even get revved up for Black Friday madness... it felt a bit like any other day. That was until I came across this post. It made me want to sit around a table and indulge in that cringe-worthy tradition of having to say what you're thankful for. And, if I did the things that would top my list would of course be friends and family. Despite them being spread across countless cities and countries it's always the best when you're reunited. Also, I'm pretty darn thankful for this little here blog and for the people (ehem, that you) that keep coming back to it . Unexpectedly, this has given me the opportunity to pursue all sorts of things I never thought possible.
Okay, enough with the sentimentals because I have something very important to say. I'm seriously obsessed with these boots - they have become the Converse of my winter. I wear them pretty much everyday and they are only getting better and softer and more wonderful. That is all.
Wearing: Zara jumper, Topshop Ambush boots, Moto leigh burgundy jeans, Sambag black snakeskin tote and black scarf borrowed from Charlie. Photos by Shini. p.s. Congratulations to the winner of the Cooee Designs giveaway - Emily from Wardrobe Block.
Prada vs Jeremy Scott
It's Thanksgiving, I know - I ought to be snuggled up in a wooly jumper making an apple pie and planning my Christmas shopping list. But instead I'm sitting here dreaming about spring and patching together a collage consisting of the Beverly Hillbillies and cacti. Random how these things happen. I don't even care though (soon I'll swap into holiday mode and bake my turkey etc etc ec).
I can't help but feel quite captivated by the classic 1950s imagery that inspired these collections. Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe and Thunderbirds for Prada. Flames, Santa Fe and Elly May Clampett for Scott. It's a sort-of nod to all things Americana, in an exaggerated surreal form. Currently at the top of my ss12 wish list are those platformed saddle shoes by Jeremy Scott and the Prada sunglasses that Anna Dello Russo has already been strutting around in (swooon).
Images: fashion via style.com, cactus, hillbillies, Elvis, Marilyn.