CAMERA TALK...
Love the idea of wearing a mixture of neutral shades with stark brights and bold colour. It's like the whole colour blocking trend decided to grow up and get a bit more sophisticated. Hedvig and Sandra both have such an effortless sense of style... I'm plotting a grand scheme to invade both their wardrobes and steal everything. Anybody want in on it?
Hedvig and Sandra outside the Topshop venue on Day 3 of LFW.
p.s. super excited to reveal that I've just started contributing to We Heart. You can find all my posts here - hope you like it.
LFW OUTFIT: CHARLIE MAY AW 12...
Today I felt truly honored to wear a couple of pieces from Charlie May's AW12 collection. It was presented last night at a roof top suite at the swanky Sanctum Soho Hotel and Charlie kindly let me slip two of my favorite pieces home with me. I couldn't be more in love with this oxblood silk shirt. It has a slit straight up the back and is long at the front. It's loose and fluid when worn untucked but I'm thinking it would look just as fierce tucked into a killer high waisted pencil skirt. When I first saw it I thought it was the sort of piece I couldn't wear. I'm not partial to going braless you see but was so happy when I discovered this little Tibi leather front top works perfectly when layered over top.
Charlie's collection was absolutely incredible and a huge step forward. It's only her second time showing and already she's knocking out pieces that are incredibly covetable, beautifully tailored and wearable. Seen together at her show they presented a clear and concise vision: a strong aesthetic that draws inspiration from complex moods and dramatic seascapes. She envisions shards of rock against the cold sea water, white foam waves, ice and volcanoes...
'It's the feeling of being alone. You get a sense that you're drowning in the garments.'
Charlie, you often say that you design items that you'd like to have in your own wardrobe but can't find in shops. Well babe, I've got a feeling we're gonna be seeing these items in shops before you know it.
[nggallery id=72]
Outfit photos taken by Shini
Wearing: Charlie May navy coat and oxblood shirt (AW12). Tibi leather front top from My Wardrobe, Maison Scotch clutch bag and Balenciaga boots.
DRIP DRIP DROP: THE STREETS OF LFW [DAY 2]...
The forecast predicted rain for the entire day but it wasn't until about 3pm that the sky decided to unleash the dragon. It was the mother load of all showers, the sort of rain that sent fashionistas shrieking and running for cover as fast as their wobbly heels would allow. Most people weren't dressed appropriately at all but there were a few that certainly were. Here's a little peek at some of my favourites looks from the day:
1. Kit wrapped up in a vintage knit & Hedvig in a Burberry parka and Wang clutch 2. Jennifer and Jackie in black beanies 3. Somerset House - which is bizarrely flying a black and white Union Jack? 4. Spring florals 5. The ideal outfit for any rainy day & Candice Lake 6. Candice jumping in the rain - but I think it looks more like dancing (hence proving there's no reason to let a little rain slow you down).
p.s. I'm tweeting and tumblr-ing my butt off with all sorts of exciiiiting fashion week related non-sense so be sure to follow along:
TWITTER - TUMBLR - FACEBOOK - BLOGLOVIN
Leather jackets & Chanel
I absolutely love this outfit for it's no-fuss still-chic quality. If it were up to me this jacket would never ever leave my body. It is buttery soft, perfectly draped and instantly makes any outfit at least 100 x better.
Oh me, oh my... it was the first day of fashion week... what to wear, what to wear?
I opted for some pastel colors (pink jeans and a jumper in a slew of bubblegum shades) but then went and ruined it by throwing a lot of black leather over the top. Oops. This lipstick I'm wearing has a tendency to lend people to jokes about whether I'm freezing or not. Hello, it's called Cyber and it's by Mac... my lips are not turning purple due to the fa-reezing temperature. Anyway, I absolutely love this outfit for it's no-fuss still-chic quality. If it were up to me this jacket would never ever leave my body. It is buttery soft, perfectly draped and instantly makes any outfit at least 100 x better. Hope you won't be sad if I wear 6 variations of this exact same look over the coming days... I have to admit, I'm a little hooked.
Wearing: Theory jacket, Theyskens' Theory knit, 2nd Day jeans, vintage Chanel bag via Wish Want Wear, MOXHAM small pink leather clutch, MYKITA sunglasses, Balenciaga boots and Topshop ring.
ON BEING TRANSPORTED TO ANOTHER DIMENSION...
Although Fyodor Podgorny and Golan Frydman described their Autumn/Winter collection as being inspired by 'Russian peasants, tzars and insects', for me, it was more about taking such earthly influences and transporting them to another dimension. Surely, there's nothing natural or human about a woman that's seemingly composed solely from green glitter?
Backstage the space was calm but meticulous. Green eyeshadow hinted at tones in the jewelry and alluded to the feathered martian-like creature I'd later meet. The hair was carefully braided into the most elaborate formations I've ever seen - like sci-fi crowns that rested on the back of the head.
Despite having an early peek at the collection backstage, in no way was I prepared for what was unleashed. It was the duo's first time showing On Schedule after having won the Fashion Fringe prize. They've worked with designers including Richard Nicoll, Alexander McQueen, Raf Simons and Issey Miyake. While it might be clear that these names have influenced their designs, it's undeniable that the vision driving the brand is clearly their own. It was the only show of the day that left me wanting to dance in my seat and, at the same time, gave me goosebumps...
View the entire Fyodor Golan AW12 collection here.
Massive thanks to Susie and TRACE Publicity for having me backstage.
IT'S HERE: LONDON FASHION WEEK AW12...
The last two days I've been running around London catching up with people and preparing for the madness that is being unleashed today. It has involved tackling public transport (I'm useless and always get lost), show room visits, model castings at Charlie May's studio (her second collection is being shown on Saturday evening - so excited), lots of errands and a Bjorn Borg party last night where oysters were served in abundance and Robyn/Coco Sumner pulled out the most incredible performance. I also chopped a few inches off my hair and went a little blonde at Taylor Taylor and some fake lashes again at Lash Lab. Feeling like a fresh new woman! Hah.
I'm staying at the Fielding Hotel in Covent Garden again and feel so lucky to be just a five minute walk from Somerset House - there's no other place in town I'd rather be (my favorite burger place is just around the corner, yesss, vanilla milkshakes everyday).
Photos include: Moxham bracelet, We Are Handsome printed pieces at Pfeffer PR, my messy closet at the Fielding Hotel, some favorite invites, and Pretty Ballerina flats. p.s. follow me on Twitter for regular LFW updates throughout the day.
SNOW ANGEL...
Brrrr... I'm starting to wonder whether the temperature will ever get above zero degrees. In my delirious dreams for Spring I seem to be grasping at anything that isn't black or grey. The fact that I've spent the last two weeks resembling a multi-layered arctic explorer is getting old - as much as I do love wandering around the house with a duvet glued to my back the thought of being in London tomorrow, where the weather is supposed to get up to 11, is making me feel positively balmy. For now though, here's a little introduction to my new neighborhood. This weekend we moved into a new flat that's situated just opposite a cemetery and old crematorium - pretty beautiful to explore when it's all covered in snow.
Wearing: Mykita Aritana sunglasses, Dagmar jacket, Cabbages & Roses top, Jigsaw t-shirt, H&M shoes, Topshop ring and J. Lindberg jeans
BLOGLOVIN - TWITTER - FACEBOOK - TUMBLR
I'LL TAKE IT SHORT AND FLARED...
I'm not trying to harp on about this whole peplum thing but Peter Som did send half of his AW12 collection (18 out of 36 looks to be exact) out with some form of peplum effect. As if I needed any additional reason to obsess over this shape. Paired over the semi-sheer straight skirt (a la Givenchy AW11) is my favorite version of the look. Just sayin.
Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend.
Images via Style.com
MY ALAÏA LAMP
It's not everyday you come across a lamp at Ikea that channels the aura of a certain Tunisian-born couturier....
But the Torna does just that, I swear it's the reincarnation of the perforated Alaïa clutch. Sadly, it's probably best that I don't tuck it under my arm during fashion week (can you see me standing awkwardly in the courtyard juggling this lamp and proclaiming: 'Oh dahling, it's the latest from Alaïa' No? Me either). It did cost 79 CHF instead of 790 though and I thought the resemblance was just too good to pass up. I set my heart on putting together this lamp on my own - no help from my hubby. In the process I learnt that any o'l rat can put something together from Ikea. Having an extra pair of hands around to help balance wobbly pieces though is much advised - it would have made the process much easier. I just about lost it towards the end when the panels were refusing to fit in.... an hour later and I had destroyed my minty manicure trying to piece this little monster together but I came out triumphant. The heavens opened, the cherubs danced around my head and just like that the Alaïa lamp was born.
FOGGED UP AND FROZEN...
It's really cold. Like minus 15 degrees celsius in the middle of the day cold. I'm from California. I don't know how to deal with this kind of weather. There are two options: embrace hermit mode and refuse to leave the house or channel my inner yeti. The second option involves Ugg boots and a scarf wrapped around my face so many times that I can't see or breathe. Neither are good. But, this week I have enjoyed running around my flat in shorts and a tank top, giggling at people outside slipping around on the ice.
Today I branched out and decided to venture onto my roof to take some photos. Only, after two minutes my lens had fogged up and was starting to form little ice crystals. Hence photo three. Blurry washed out nothingness, I learnt, is what my camera gives me in minus 15 degree weather.
Wearing: Jigsaw coat, Jaeger cashmere sweater (stolen from my husband), 7 for all Mankind skinny jeans, Converse and Celine bag.
Thank you Freddy for taking these. xx
LITTLE SURPRISES AROUND EVERY CORNER...
It all began just before Christmas... I was on the hunt for a cute little somethin-somethin to take with me to the US for my nieces and nephew. You see, I've learned I must come prepared with little gifts to give them at the airport because how sad would it be to have to say 'no' when they eagerly ask, 'did you bring me something?!' And, while chocolate always work well - toys work better.
"A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men."
The wise words of Willy Wonka rung in my ears as I explored Einzigart. Upon entering I knew I had hit the mother of all jackpots. You're immediately greeted by a wall lined with tubs, each filled with old-fashioned wind up toys. Enter further and you'll find shelves of little toys - slinkies, robots, and rockets abound. It's like stepping into the toyshop of your childhood dreams. That is, if your kid-self knew what sort of toys were good for them. No plastic crap here but you will find temporary monster tattoos that instantly transform your hand into a puppet. They're cool for adults too.
Don't let me misrepresent the place though because it's full of pretty awesome design-led knick knacks for grown ups too. Hello! Did you spot the Jil Sander lookalike paper lunch bag? Third photo from the bottom on the right, incase you missed it. Plus, there are tons of fancy light fixtures, candles, chairs and stationary. Oh, they even have erasers shaped like all your favorite animals. What's not to love? The icing on the cake: the prices are totally reasonable. Trust me, in Switzerland that's saying a lot.
p.s. Not sure what it is about Zurich but have been finding interior design shops way more interesting than the fashion ones.
RESURRECTING THE PEPLUM...
Oh, yes yes yes... the peplum has had its moment before. Back in the '40s and '50s Dior nipped in the waists of women in the peplum style. Famously, it came to be known as the 'New Look' - one that showed off the curves of the wearers body. So, suck in your waist ladies, bust out your boobies and flaunt what yo mama gave ya because this look is making a comeback. Err, actually, fear not, it was all still very demure.
Sixty years on and the peplum has once again popped up all over the catwalk. For Spring 2012 the emphasized waist made an appearance in a whole host of collections, including Givenchy, Celine, Kenzo and McQueen. It was, undoubtedly, the silhouette de jour.
It wasn't until recently (Albino pre-fall look #12 to be exact) that I fell for the shape. Sure it's gorgeous on the catwalk in all it's elaborate charm but when it moves to the real world it gets too girly... too foofy... too laaame. But pre-fall showed that it's a shape with longevity. It's like the peplum got in a fight in a school yard and came out tougher on the other side. Make it more boyish and it's capable of working in real life. Heck, Phoebe Philo's version is so roughed up it's barely recognizable. Pair with slouchy trousers or loose shorts (summer, yes you will one day come) for a simple, wearable and (gasssp, even) flattering shape.
If you're looking for something other than pastels to get excited about for spring then this, my friends, is it...
Collections from top: Jason Wu ss12, Alexander McQueen ss12 and Givenchy ss12. Albino and McQueen - both pre-fall12. Bouchra Jarrar couture s12. Antonio Berardi and Celine pre-fall12. Photos from Style.com
DOUBLE JACKETS & TRIPLE DENIM
I think it's a continuation of the January blues but I've been feeling hugely uninspired about getting dressed lately. In my head I've already moved onto Spring but sadly the weather isn't on the same time frame. It's absolutely freezing in Zurich at the moment.
When I came across this look on the Sartorialist this morning I thought it was too good not to emulate. The only problem, though, is that when wearing a long sleeve shirt, thick knit, denim jacket and a coat you instantly start to look and feel like this (not familiar with A Christmas Story? See here.) It's worth it though, despite being almost incapable of putting my arms down.
Wearing: J.Crew peacoat, Gap denim jacket, J.Crew chambray shirt, 7 for all Mankind jeans, Balenciaga boots, Laird & Co crushable fedora, Sambag tote, J.Crew fisherman sweater, Bottletop clutch and vintage earrings.
BLOGLOVIN - TWITTER - FACEBOOK - TUMBLR
SPOT THE FASHION SIMPSON...
When I was a kid I wasn't allowed to watch the Simpsons... now, I have almost every season on DVD. Of course I get why my parents didn't want me watching it, the characters can be pretty crass at times. What parent would want their kid mimicking the behavior of Bart Simpson:
'I'm calling for Mr. Hugh Jass'
But, there's no denying the Simpsons are iconic. They embody the slightly deranged though lovable nature held within all of us. There's nothing more fun than seeing a well known figure transformed into a member of the cast. When they're a fashion personality? Even better. Fingers crossed the producers take note and make an episode shot in Capital City during fashion week.
Illustrations by Alexsandro Palombo. Images c/o Vogue.
SWEET DREAMS ARE MADE OF THESE...
Currently haunted by an unquenchable desire for metallic claws, wedge velcro sneakers, mood rings, and fluorescent plastic. Who would have thought? Too often, things are so wrong that they're right. These little babies are all at the very top of my wish list.
Photos from: le 21 Arrondissemnt, We the People, and Lee Oliveira. All street style sites I recently discovered and now can't get enough of.