Print is not dead
Do you ever feel like an inanimate object has read your mind? 'Why hello Mr Tank, aren't you looking sultry there... basking in the hot sun on my balcony.' If you've ever been unfortunate enough to get into a conversation with me about magazines then you will know already that Tank is my favourite.
Do you ever feel like an inanimate object has read your mind?
'Why helloMr Tank, aren't you looking sultry there... basking in the hot sun on my balcony.' If you've ever been unfortunate enough to get into a conversation with me about magazines then you will know already that Tank is my favourite. Whenever I go to London it is at the top of my list of things to buy before coming home (next to Percy Pigs, obviously). Without fail I always leave it to the last-minute and get lurched into a state of panic at 10pm the night before my flight because, 'No, I won't be able to get it at the airport - WHSmith NEVER have it!!' Hah - always the calm and collected one. Thankfully, on the night I last left London I stepped out of a taxi onto the doorstep of Monocle and there, gleaming before my very eyes, were 30+ copies of Tank sitting in perfect rows across the outside of the shop. Chi-chiiing. Tank fix sorted.
More often than not, when I squeal about how much I love Tank there is a person across from me, distorting their face and trying to back away, saying, 'I've never read it.' This is something I find shocking and disturbing. 'What do you mean, why you haven't read it?!' I ask them with squinted eyes. 'Dunno, I'd rather waste my money on glossy weeklies that I can skim in 20min and then throw away.' Just kidding. That's not what they say.
Enough of this chitter-chatter. Let's open the pages and see why Tank is so freaking awesome...
The editor's letter: on Instagram, nostalgia and the individual. Masoud Golsorkhi paints a philosophically coherent and hilarious account of how the ability to filter our lives in faux-originality is, in fact, making us ever more isolated and generic. Perfectly timed, I read this piece just a few days after posting about my love-hate relationship with Instagram.
Structure: Tank clearly credits the people (be it photographers, stylists or writers) that make the magazine come to life. This might seem straightforward but it's shocking how many publications there are that keep these points in the dark. Give credit where credit is due, I like to say.
The fashion: it's good. It's so good that when I flip through the pages I feel a bit confused - 'why are all my favorite things in here?' I keep wondering. It's everything I loved most about the season (see YSL shoes above and the Prada embellished jacket meets slouchy knit combo) plus a smorgasbord of brands/designers I've never heard of. I like that. Does this come down to the brilliance of fashion director Caroline Issa? I think so.
The words: they can be a bit tricky I'm not gonna lie. Put in a little effort though and you'll reap the reward. Think of them like a fine wine, an aged cheese, a piece of painfully sour candy or even those shoes that hurt a bit at first but then, once you've broken them in, can't live without. What I'm trying to say here is that Tank doesn't dumb it down. The writers are cutting, sarcastic and intelligent. You might need to google search a few words but, hey, that's ok. It'll leave you feeling smarter and more informed... or confused. Either way, chances are, you'll find yourself thinking back to what you read. Maybe because you agree with it or maybe because you don't. The words in most magazines leave me wanting to chew my arm off...
Okay, moving on.
The editorials: so good. They bring brands like Lacoste, Thomas Tait, Jil Sander and American Apparel together. No matter how beautiful it is, editorials that take looks straight off the runway and shoot them in an idyllic location aren't what really get me excited. I like seeing the best that fashion has to offer right now but in a new way. Emerging British talent mixed with good basics and a slathering of high-end drool-worthy pieces is my idea of perfection. For the record, I would like to go shopping with Pandora Lennard - she is a babe and nails it every time.
In short, Tank is a fashion magazine for the kind of person I want to be. It presents what is coolest and most cutting edge but with a grounded London-based perspective. Whether you're into grand ideas, photography, music or glittery ear-claws... it always has something insightful to say.
I'd feel just as confident having Tank tucked under my arm upon entering a philosophy seminar at LSE as I would walking into Somerset House in the middle of fashion week... just sayin'.
p.s. find Tank wherever good magazines are sold for £6. Can't find it in a shop? Never fear, it's all online right here.
OUTSIDE CHANEL...
Surely the Chanel show is the apex of all things fabulous at Paris Fashion Week. Come on, it's Chanel for crying out loud. I was expecting some sort of post-apocalyptic paparazzi frenzy... which was pretty much exactly what it was. Imagine you're in big building and the fire alarm has just gone off. Everyone is stressed and panicked, unsure of where they ought to go or where they ought to look. It's chaos. Suddenly the sprinklers come on and water starts pouring from the spouts positioned on the ceilings above everyone's head. Now, take that image... add traffic, platforms and a string of luxury fabric to the mix. Et voilà. You've got yourself the entrance to the Grand Palais where the Chanel show took place.
Let's put the crazed fashionistas and paparazzi aside for just a second though and recognize that there were some magical little fashion moments taking place. The whole experience made me feel as if I had been transported to a Chanel black-and-white infused fairytale. Everyone was painfully chic and, I swear, enough 2.55 bags floated past me to stock an entire shop. Next time sky, please, just hold off on the rain. Merci.
Rollover images for descriptions and check Tumblr for more photos and outtakes.
EMBRACE THE CHANGES...
Why, hello there...
You might have already noticed (or heard the incessant grumbling) but let's just get it out in the open. Yes, the are rumors true. After two and a half years the Style Crusader has finally landed peacefully onto a dot-com home. Please, please, hold your applause. Who would have thought it would be so difficult?! This baby started out on blogspot in August 2009. Then, in July 2010, was moved to wordpress. You know, because it gives you more flexibility in design (yada-yada-yada). That was fine, albiet slightly traumatic as I lost all my blogger followers. I bought the dot-com domain on the same day that I got my first DSLR camera (a second-hand Canon 450). Some techy glitches meant I wound up hosting on dot-org, a site which got so badly hacked/spammed that it reached the point of no return. Phew. So, here we are...
I'd like to take this opportunity to formally welcome you to my new home. Curtsey
This was the first day I was at Paris Fashion Week. I decided to bring my bright orange beanie with me, you know, for warmth and stuff. I got this hat for $2 at Walmart when I was in the US at Christmas. My family was not impressed with it and my sister refused to stand next to me when I wore it. Imagine my jubilation when NYFW rolled around and I saw this. Mwaahaha. See family, I told you orange was the right decision. I have to admit though I feel like a bit of a turd when I wear this hat... it's so bright. People honestly give me funny looks and say strange things when I wear it. I mean, really, it's just a hat people. Come-the-freak-on.
Anyway, clearly I wasn't the only person at PFW that thought an orange beanie was a good idea...
This was outside the Stella McCartney show by the way. It was literally freezing. I felt a fool and was SO PAINFULLY COLD that I literally couldn't take any photos. I got a tall latte with an extra shot from Starbucks (so American) and tried to use it to keep my hands warm. Resistance was futile. Shini and I admitted defeat and went in search of gloves (we found some in an Adidas store - they were 10 euros and oh-so-stylish). After going home to regroup (i.e. change clothes) we headed back out into the city to try to catch some street style action - in flats and as many layers as we could pile on.
Yes, that's the story of my first day at Paris Fashion Week.
Wearing: [Part 1] Walmart hat, Muriee cashmere scarf (which is literally glued to my neck - ok, not literally... that would be disturbing), Jigsaw sheer jersey T-shirt, Madewell jacket, J Brand Bette jeans from Anthropologie (found in the sale for $19?!) and Balenciaga boots. [Part 2] 7 for all Mankind skinny jeans (old version), Dagmar knit jacket, Converse and Varg canvas bag.
p.s. any questions on the blog change and/or how to follow please post in the comments.
PUSH YOUR BOUNDARIES...
I've never identified much with the Chloé girl - she has always felt a little too feminine and girly for my liking. That all changed though when I saw the photos from the Autumn/Winter 12 collection that showed in Paris recently...
The milky pastel colour palette that is so popular for spring was taken through and used on thick utilitarian winter gear. Swoon. I honestly couldn't be happier about this. While I love a good burgundy, forrest green and navy I've been itching for something different to see me through the cold months. The soft pink cocooned shaped bomber jacket with curved shoulders is absolute heaven. I also love the slouchy taupe trousers with dark stripe up the side and the straight skirts that hit at the knee. As a girl that has been struggling to transition into dressing like a semi-serious adult this collection is right up my street. It's feminine, pretty and natural (signature Chloé) but also wearable, practical and a bit edgy.
There was one aspect of the collection that had me squirming uncomfortably in my chair: long shorts. They came in a slew of colors, hit below the knee and had a distinctively sporty vibe. Elasticated waists, a plastic-y sheen, plus a scrunched leg opening... errr, forgive me for saying, this sounds like the least flattering idea ever. Nothing about it should strike a chord with me.
Notorious for wearing offensively short-shorts, my poor mother has had to take me aside on countless occasions and ask me to swap into more appropriate summer attire: 'No one here wants to see your butt cheeks', she'd say. 'But long shorts suck' I'd think. They're unflattering and so lame. Plus, everyone knows the allure of a girl in short shorts (hello, remember Daisy).
The reality is that longer shorts have crept their way into quite a few collections - at Topshop they were tweedy and at Valentino they came in caramel colored leather. Every bit of respect I have for my legs is yelling that this is a bad idea, especially for winter (I have an instinctual hatred towards tights, you see). Somehow though, I've been won over by the shorts from Chloé. I love that they push the boundaries of what the brand is known for. Yeah, they probably won't jive with every woman and they might be a bit tricky to style... but, if I'm honest, they're the main reason I've fallen so hard for the collection. I like a bit of a challenge and appreciate that Clare Waight Keller isn't taking the brand down the most obvious, or easy, path.
Other covetable and notable moments from the collection include the detailing on outwear (could I fit my canon 550d in the pocket of that coat?!), the simple clutches and heels with ankle straps (oooo la la, I never thought I'd want to wear an ankle strapped shoe but now I do).
Photos compiled from Style.com - view the full collection here
JE NE PARLE PAS FRANÇAIS...
There is nothing I love more than stepping off a plane into an unknown place... when I don't know the language and have no idea where I am or what I'm doing, it's even better. 'Where are you staying?' Shrug. 'What shows are you going to?' Dunno. 'Why are you in Paris?' Hmmm...
Last minute trips are the best. I'm so glad that Shini twisted my arm and convinced me that going Paris was a good idea. I had so much fun - exploring the metro, eating loads and loads of food, freezing off my butt because I thought it was spring and didn't bring a coat... then going nutso in every shop because the rails were stupidly stocked with bikinis instead of gloves (even though it was three degrees outside). I remembered how much I love donuts, found a kids purple faux-suede jacket in H&M that has my name written all-the-freak over it and discovered a pair of printed shorts in Zara that would definitely see me right through summer (these are all things I could have done in Zurich, but nevermind that). I learnt that French people find no shame in staring, drive like lunatics, have archaic plumbing and are hilariously frank. Ladurée is good but so is McDonalds and, to be honest, I don't need to supersize my meal or get an extra portion of chicken nuggets (they aren't good the next day or at 3am when they're cold).
p.s. mark my words, Adidas gloves are making a comeback.
VIEW ALL PHOTOS FULL SIZE ON FACEBOOK
WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE...
Slouchy pajama shapes, menswear inspired outerwear, sheer lace and pops of bright orange. So far, so good... but nothing revolutionary.
It's not just what you show that's important though, it's how you show it.
The Paul and Joe AW12 collection brought together a world of influences from contrasting times in a way that felt painfully right. The jackets, in warm shades of green and brown, channeled an Americana Ralph Lauren vibe. While the floral print matching tops and trousers harped back to Celine's SS11 show. Don't take these references to be a criticism though. Sophie Albou gave them her signature French twist and they came out looking entirely new and fresh. There was a thread running through that hinted at Empire: fur, leopard print, African savannah landscapes - all an undeniable nod to British heritage. Blend that together with the sexy allure of the hottest Parisienne woman you can imagine and you've got the new Paul and Joe girl.
My favorite looks were the loose masculine inspired ones. Slouchy oversized trousers that sat low on the hips (offset by glittery belts?! even better), floral prints on the pajama style sets (a trend that was starting to feel overdone but now I'm looking at with new eyes), all the outerwear and the lace sleeved button back black blouse (whoa, try saying that three times in a row fast) worn by Ruby Aldridge. Other notable things? The little brown leather belts. So simple but so good. I haven't worn a belt in freaking ages but I want the one in the first image (so badly).
I won't lie, there were things in the collection that I didn't immediately jive with. It was a bit scared by the sequins - they will forever remind me of what girls wore when I was 12 to look 'fancy' and for that reason alone I will always struggle to come to grips with sequins. The leopard print was also an immediate concern. Before the show I was told one thing: 'There's lots of leopard.' I was expecting a D&G explosion of in-your-face sex-appeal. But instead got discreet leopard printed velvet blazers and loose trousers in an oversized version of the print. The latter, worn with a sparkly belt and chunky neutral knit made it as my favorite look from the entire show. That's saying a lot because Tuesday morning I would have bet my right arm I'd never want to stick my pins into a pair of leopard bottoms. I tip my hat to you Ms Albou, you made this California girl want to become French.
Massive thank you to Harriet at HPR London for hooking me up with a ticket last minute. xx
OUTSIDE CHLOE...
Being in Paris is a bit surreal - but being in Paris for fashion week is totally surreal. The experience is sheer madness and entirely different from London. There are hoards of people, photographers and show goers, plus random swarms of tourists mixed in. The sprinkling of larger-than-life industry insiders is enough to make your jaw drop. How are all my biggest girl crushes walking right past me?! Oooh, they all look so achingly cool. It takes all my effort not to drool right on their Marant wedge sneakers.
One thing I've learned is that if you want to get a shot you'll have to run for it...
p.s for more random/regular Paris updates check out Tumblr.
JUMPING BACK IN THE DEEP END...
Photos by Shini Park
I'm obsessed with knitwear at the moment.
Ever since seeing this Carven jumper on Leanne last season I've been dreaming about a piece of knitwear with some sort of neck detail. As you can imagine I was over the moon when Anna sent me Patouf's AW12 look book a few weeks ago and, right there in the mix, was a little dusky pink knit with black contrasting pattern at the neck and shoulders. Swoon. She kindly sent it over just in time for fashion week and I was so glad because I felt very in the know wearing it. Hello, have you seen the roll neck sheer chest jumper from Marios Schwab's collection - there are parallels.
Wearing: Flyaway jumper - Patouf AW12, pink 2nd Day jeans (Varg), Theory jacket (My Wardobe), Muriee cashmere scarf (Task), Mykita sunglasses, YSL arty ring, Maison Scotch clutch (Sane) and my always trusty Balenciaga boots.
p.s. headed to Paris today! Eeek. If you're there then give me a shout. Any tips/tricks for surviving the city?
18 DAYS TIL SPRING...
This morning, on Twitter, I was reminded by Ivania that there are only eighteen days until spring. Wahooo! I've had my head so far dug into fashion month that I totally forgot warm weather is headed our way. I should be focusing on how I want to go about baring my legs this season rather than which colour Topshop Unique coat I want to purchase (army green or burgundy... that is the question).
So, I dug out these photos that I bizarrely snapped upon my descent into Zurich airport last friday. I don't normally photograph magazines... I promise.
I'm sure you're all already familiar with Elle Collections. You might have already seen it on Susie's blog or, if you're of the fashion hungry variety, you've probably already purchased it and coo'd your way through the pages. Well, even so... I'm giving my 2 cents here because my absolute favorite part was Chapter VII, entitled Top Shows, wherein the hottest fashion gurus pick their favorite shows and explain why they loved it so much. Awesome. So, here you get my even further filtered down version... my top picks of their top picks. Oh, how far the apple has fallen from the tree.
Kane is a hot hot hot commodity in London right now. He's got the midas touch. If I ever got to attend one of his shows I would probably die, right there, that's how awesome I think he is. While the collection as a whole was beautiful one of my favorite parts were the skirts. Not too short and not too long... I'd wear this baby with a slouchy white T-shirt and Converse by day and then move it straight into night with (well, you know how this whole thing works) heels and a leather jacket. I know it's not rocket science. Okk, moving on...
While we're on the topic of bottoms let's talk trousers because, surely, we can't survive all summer in skirts alone (especially not an English summer). Now, don't be alarmed, I won't be swapping out my skinnies for the 'newest trouser shape' (whatever that might be) but I do think these white Stella McCartney trousers are the stuff dreams are made from. All billowy fabric - it looks like waves are crashing around the models ankles (oooo, I do love a good beach parallel). Now, I realize most of us are not fortunate enough to live the sort of life where we can wear wide legged long white trousers (imagine the grease stains from your bike or the dirt on the tube - not wise) but regardless, these are good.
Mmmm, Jonathan Saunders. Honestly, I don't know that much about him but what I do know I like. From his SS12 collection I especially liked his knits. I feel these two exemplify exactly what is happening in the world of knitwear. Knits are unavoidable necessary evils in our lives... but they don't have to be boring or unflattering (or itchy and bobbly and scratchy and, well, knit-like). This is something I'm just starting to realize. I have ALWAYS hated knits, you see. For spring I want to wear them patterned and waffled in unexpected bright colors. Just like shown here.
Marc Jacobs. There's no escaping him. I don't care who you are or how little you know about fashion, unless you are literally living in the middle of Siberia and have never heard of the internet, you will have come across him in some form. Despite the magnanimous personality and larger-than-life brand, he's still pumping out freaking awesome collections. At first they might be a bit confusing and overwhelming but break it down and there are some kick butt pieces you can wear in real life. Favourites from SS12 include the straight skirts with ruffle detailing just above the knee (what are they even made from?! plastic? animal skin? I'm confused). Another thing to be noted are the sporty raglan style tops that were paired with fancier skirts... oh yeah, mix your high-and-low, it's the only way to go.
The PS1 has been haunting me since I first set eyes on it... it is my idea of the perfect satchel. Actually, any of the PS shoulder bags are my idea of bag heaven. If only I was the type-o lass who could fork out over a grand for a bag - one day I will (mwaahaha - husband, don't read this). Anyway, let's focus, the point is not bags... the point is this awesome dress and the kick butt print. I love it, a lot. It's definitely one of my favorite dresses from the season. I love the fitted bodice, contrast neck (I LOVE a contrast neck) and cross over slit detail. Oh yeah, oh yeah, this dress rocks. Proenza Schouler, I love you.
I blame Charlie and Lexxie for this. Before I met them I didn't know Haider Ackermann from Joe Blow... a year later, he's exploded and is everywhere. Well, not everywhere, but all the places you'd want to be. He's one of the Antwerp designers that's rocking the comfort boat and challenging what you thought you knew about what you want to wear.
This is definitely the least wearable designer from my favourites of SS12 but still, it's so good it can't be overlooked. I was struck most by the silver top on Abbey Lee. I like it. Don't worry Mom, you want spot me on a random website with half my boobie out but I was thinking this could easily be layered over, say, a grey tank top. Hottt. Or, if the length of Abbey's left strap was just raised a couple inches then it would be perfectly suitable for normal life - i.e. the life where it's not acceptable/desired to have your nipple show in public.
Let's round all this off with a bit of Peter Pilotto action. As you probably know prints are big news. All the editors are wearing printed trousers to the shows this season... smacks forehead. Undoubtedly this means that every glossy mag is/will be running features on how the newest trend is printed trousers... don't go out in anything but a pair of printed trousers, lest you want to be stoned, they'll say. That's not what I'm trying to convey here. Wear whatever trousers you want. If you feel good in them who cares if it's 'trendy'.
Ahem, what I was trying to say though was how Peter Pilotto has done the most incredible printed trousers and jackets... they are seriously out. of. this. world. Ooo, smack me. I just realized it's not a jacket at all. It's a gilet thing layered over a top. See, exactly, even more amazing than I originally realized... proving the awesomeness of Pilotto.
All images snapped from Elle Collections SS12.
Get your own copy for £7 at wherever good magazines are sold in your area.
THE FASHION COMEDOWN....
Half way through fashion week I realized I had agreed to go on a trip to the alps the coming weekend. NOOOO.... who can get me out of this, I started wondering?! Can I fake illness? Surely I'm too weak for high altitudes...? A 7am wake up call on Sunday morning, followed by 2 trains to get to Grindelwald, then two more trains followed by a two hour hike (while carrying a sled), just to get to the top of a mountain and sled down. Seriously, kill me now. I've only been sledding down a real mountain once and I hated it so much. It was right on the side of a cliff, in a tiny plastic sled with brakes that barely worked. I was so horrified. Everyone I was with zoomed off without me... I thought I was going to die and pulled as hard as I could on the brakes the whole way down. When I got to the bottom everyone was gushing with excitement. Instead of joining in their joyful merriment, I slammed the sled into the snow and repeated 'I hated it, I hated it' until I got back to the lodge. I stayed on the couch in my pjs the rest of the day while the rest of the psychos enjoyed themselves outside.
All this to say, I was not excited about the sledding trip.
Thankfully, there were avalanche warnings which meant we couldn't do the hike. Hahaha. While all the outdoorsy types were standing there, downtrodden, I literally broke out into my 'excited dance' (it involves a certain booty shake, arm flap combination... I'll show you next time I see you, if I'm feeling excited). That was the first blessing of the day. Second blessing was that we had awesome Swiss wooden sleds... which felt safe. Third blessing? I got struck by some sort of warrior fearless bug and took to the mountain like a psycho-killer. Literally I was the fastest one (okaaay, fastest of the girls). I was so freaking hardcore that at one point (when we were at the VERY top of the ski slopes... I'm talking 2,000 metres up the Eiger) I went so fast that I went flying past an older man and went straight of the edge, flipped off my sled and landed right on my head in the snow. Seriously, I am now covered in bruises and my body is still sore. But it was worth it.
The whole trip was out of this world. Technically I should have been knackered but I was full of unnatural amounts of energy. After being in London for a week, surrounded by fashion/fancy pants events, the great outdoors were straight up my alley. I was feeling so anti-fashion, in fact, that my husband packed more clothes for the two day trip than I did (please know, this is UNHEARD OF).
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Important things I learnt from this trip: UGG boots are not appropriate winter boots (especially not if the snow is wet and you accidentally step in a slushy spot and it goes up to your thigh - doh). Happy Socks are the best socks in the world and the only kind I will wear (all others slide down my leg and get bunched up around my ankle). Ray Ban aviators should never be overlooked - they are timeless and especially perfect on ski trips. It's always right to have a cashmere scarf with you. The one I'm wearing above is from Muriee and it's so good. Impossibly soft but it's also ribbed - which gives it a sturdier feel. It's long enough to wear over your shoulders or wrapped around your neck a couple of times. Seriously, I'm obsessed - I want one in every colour. And finally, nothing (I mean nothing) beats an oversized mens jumper when you're feeling a bit fragile. The only jumper I brought on the trip was this Guvnor one from London designer Elizabeth Lau. It is my absolute favorite. It gets fashion points for the quirky Cockney slang print but is also perfectly oversized and snuggly.
Please note: it is stupid to carry a Fjallraven Kanken on your back while sledding... mine got dragged along on the icy ground so much that the bottom is completely destroyed. Silly girl. It was a gift from my in-laws in Sweden. Hah, at least my birthday is coming up soon so I can ask for another one.
BURBERRY & WANG SITTING IN A TREE...
Topshop Unique AW12
The allure of the Topshop show is bizarre. Surely, there should be the least amount of excitement around it. It is, after all, a collection that will be sold on your very own high street. So the pieces that come floating down the runway need to be wearable and relatively inexpensive to produce. The margin for error is huge. Throw enough money at a collection and it's bound to be incredible but will anyone be able to afford it? When you have to make clothes that you can produce on mass scale... well, that's where it gets interesting.
There is always a huge amount of buzz around the Topshop show. First of all, the venue is 'off campus' (if we're referring to Somerset House as campus, that is) so it's more difficult to access. If you don't have a ticket there's no point in showing up. The security is intense and the organization runs like clock work. Have a seated ticket? You're quids in. You'll be enjoying the most delicious nibbles and sipping on juice while watching the hottest of celebrities walk in - through a separate entrance no less (a genius move as it eliminates a paparazzi frenzy outside). Lucky enough to nab a standing ticket? It's still worth showing up, just make sure you get there early. If you're at the front of the line then you're likely to get in. This is a show that starts on time and treats its guests well.
PHOTOS: Poppy Delveigne being photographed inside pre-show. Carrie Harwood outside the venue with a cute bunny ring and Oliva Palermo getting struck by the paparazzi.
Let's be honest though. While organization and the way a PR team treats its show-goers is undeniably important - the true success of any collection is judged on what we're all really interested in... the clothes.
As soon as the show ended I let out a giant sigh and said to the person sitting next to me, 'It's like Burberry and Alexander Wang had a baby!' A few minutes later when I regrouped with Shini and Susie by the door Sandra came walking over... 'Oooo, something felt very Burberry about it' one girl said. 'Yeah, but Burberry mixed with Wang!' cooed Sandra. Huh? Major déjà vu moment... clearly we were all on the same page.
It did feel reminiscent of Burberry (the colour palette) and Wang (the cool - 'I want to be her' - models off duty vibe) but in an amazing way. It felt grown up and sophisticated like the Topshop girl had just entered her late twenties. Maybe that's why it spoke to me so much - I felt like the collection was designed for me. Every winter I struggle with outerwear... I don't want to wear another cocoon shaped coat or a plain parka. With this collection Topshop has single handedly made the ankle grazing coat wearable again.
Not only that. The prints were delectable and understated - the little two-tone patterns with x's were my favorite. The knits were big and chunky but flattering - the sort of items you could throw on with a pair of skinny jeans (or slouchy jeans, or pencil skirt, or anything) and look effortlessly put together. There was a navy one that looked exactly like what I've been missing from my wardrobe plus an army green one that resembled animal skin (how did they even do that?). A velvet jumpsuit, leather dungarees, crossed back fastenings (I am all about back details right now) and oversized bags that resembled Phillips Lim's pashli (which I've been dreaming about for about 2 years) worn just tucked under the arm as an oversized clutch.
If I had to pick a single favorite item it would have to be the red and black checked dress with black harness layered over top.
Sure, there were a few pieces that weren't quite to my taste. I can't imagine, for example, wearing a pair of knee length wide shorts or a dress with the side cut out. Who's to say I won't change my mind by next autumn? It's always good to have your boundaries pushed. To those who say it doesn't quite fit with the 'Topshop clientele' - well, the show closed with a slew of little barely-there dresses. You know, the type you'd be likely to spot at clubs across the country on 16-24 year old girls. At first I thought they weren't for me, but actually... layer a long sleeved t-shirt underneath and pair with those to-the-knee boots (ohhhh, those boots... Topshop if you don't make those on mass scale I will actually die of sadness) and it's far more fashion focused. This collection will be successful and not least because there's something in it for everyone, from your gran right down to 12 your old niece.
Massive thank you to Liz and Susie at Topshop for inviting me along. I had a blast. xx
p.s. all my photos from the show are now on Facebook. Complete with psycho musings on each look. Enjoy.
LET'S BE BFF...
Dear Lucy,
I'm familiar with you from such blogs as Vanessa Jackman. You don't know me but I'm proud to say I've been your style stalker for quite some time now. Why are so cool? You're like the coolest thing I've ever seen. I discovered you have a blog and post about lots of other things besides yourself (I love that). You also have a real job in fashion (quadruple love). Your style is freaking kick butt and, in a sea of clowns at Somerset House, you stand out like a beacon of fashion hope. All black with a vintage fur layered over top and Raybans?! Hello. This is exactly what I want to wear. You were so nice when I asked to take your photo that I was a little stunned and ran away. Next time I promise I'll stay and chat for longer. xx
p.s. this photo is so big because I think you're larger than life.
MY SUPER SECRET BEAUTY TRICKS REVEALED...
Photo by Kit Lee
I'm not kidding, from the night I arrived in London (Valentines night) to the day I left (last Friday morning) I slept MAX 4 hours a night. This isn't like me. I like to sleep... I like to sleep so much that my husband has to call me up at 11am and tell me off for not getting out of bed. 'Jennnn... this isn't natural. GET THE FREAK OUT OF BED AND DO THE DISHES WOMAN!!!' Even more disturbing? Wednesday night I didn't sleep at all (not a wink) and Thursday night I had to get a cab to Heathrow at 3am (so again, figured... there's no point in sleeping)... ZOMBIE ALERT. This is not humanly possible. This resulted in me passing out on the flight (I had an entire row to myself), waking up panicked and thinking I was on a 'fashion' plane?! Arriving in Zurich airport, being stopped by immigration and BURSTING into tears when I'm informed that it is illegal to bring samples from outside the country in... that I should have filled out a form beforehand... that I went through the wrong line... that I'm a criminal and should be deported (hah). Poor man must have took pity on me because he gave a giant Swiss-German induced sigh, looked down and said, "ok. pack it back up.' Then brought me round the back of the computer to explain EXACTLY how it works when you bring samples into the country... 'You promise you won't do this again?' he asked. Through the sobs I mustered an, 'I promise.'
So, the question begs to be asked... just exactly how did I make it through fashion week and this disturbing airport experience without a bit of smudged mascara or cracked lipstick? Well, girls (and boys), behold, my three part masterclass in makeup for the disenchanted lazy butt.
1. FAKE EYELASHES: yes, that's riiiight. I have FAKE EYELASHES. So everyday when I would get to Somerset House and someone would say, 'Weren't you at the (INSERT RANDOM PARTY) last night?' 'Ummm... yeah.' Puzzled look. 'but... you look so FRESH.' FAKE EYELASHES, FAKE EYELASHES, FAKE EYELASHES. I said it more than anything else (even more than the Instagram thing). About a year ago I got fake eye lashes for the first time. I got hooked. I got them done three times in a row... when you have them on you don't have to wear mascara (some people do but personally I think that's just silly). The ones I get are so good that when I have them I don't wear ANY eye makeup - not ever. They last for roughly 2-3 months and fall out when your normal lashes fall out. You see, because they are individually applied to every lash - the process takes an hour to an hour and a half. They are the MOST life changing beauty treatment I have ever had. No mascara, no washing your eye makeup off at night, no worrying about crying and having it smudge. Even on zero hours of sleep, I can walk around like the bees-knees because these just make you look AWAKE and ALIVE. It has revolutionized my life. I went about 8 months without them - in order to let my lashes rest up. I'll just say one thing. When they start to fall out it is TRAGIC. You'll find a lash on your pillow in the morning and rock it back and forth in your hands... DON'T LET THEM BE FALLING OUT!! Your lashes get a bit frazzled and look a bit pathetic. At that moment you have two choices: 1. tough it up and let them fall out gradually (whatever you do, DO NOT, attempt to pull them out... that would be really REALLY freaking stupid) or 2. dish out the moolah and admit your hooked. I try not to stay hooked throughout the whole year and instead just get them before big things like fashion week. Also, I've seen A LOT of shoddy eye lash jobs... don't be stupid and go somewhere cheap, you'll look like a hooker. I go to LASH LAB where Kym, the most talented lady, does mine. They are the best lashes I've seen anyone do in London and I couldn't recommend them more. These are her prices... please don't everyone rush to get them done though because she's already super freaking busy and if next time I go to London she doesn't have time to fit me in I swear I will know it's YOUR FAULT.
2. MAC LIP PRIMER: So, my friend Lucy used to always wear these incredible lipstick colors and they would always stay on for aaaages - like, literally all day. Whenever I'd be putting on lipstick I would be super self-conscious. Is it smudging? Do my lips look chapped? Is it on my teeth? Do I need to reapply? 'How's my lipstick?' I would ask about a gazillion times until finally someone would say, 'Uh. You need to reapply.' This is annoying right? That was my life until I discovered Lucy's secret: Mac Lip Primer. I ordered it just before fashion week and was so excited to get it (along with my favorite lipstick Cyber). So, this is how good it is... I'm not even exaggerating. One evening before going out I put it on with a BRIGHT stinking pink lipstick over top (you just put the primer on like chapstick and then put the lipstick over top) (the lipstick I stole from Shini, oops, it's from Topshop but I can't find it online... hmmm...). I went out the whole evening... stayed out until about 3am... had drinks/food... got home... was too exhausted to wash my face or look in the mirror so I collapsed into bed. 7am and I woke up... stumbled into the bathroom, stuck my face in some water and wiped the water off on a pristine perfectly white towel. When I looked down... there was bright pink lipstick smeared all the way across the towel. (#Oops) But honestly, how is that EVEN POSSIBLE? It literally stayed on the whole time. I'm telling you, it's insane.
3. BRONZER: I'm from California, I LOOOOVE the sun. I could spend all day everyday lying in the sun. So this is obvious, right? A brushing of bronzer if I'm feeling particularly up for it. I've been using this one from Chanel for like 5 years. It's the best. Yeah, it's Chanel so it's kind of expensive... but don't you feel fancy when you pull a Chanel compact out of your bag? I know I do.
So, there it is revealed ladies and gentleman. The super exciting secretes to my beauty regime. You may remember from such previous posts that I suck at makeup. I suck at it. I can't apply eyeliner and I always forget to moisturize. I have a huge bag of makeup sitting under my sink... most of which I NEVER use but have stupidly purchased under the pretense that it would be grrrrreat. Most of it wasn't. So, now, finally after 26 years of life I have finally gotten down a simple procedure for the makeup I like to use. If I could have them all year round it would start with eyelashes (when I have these I'm more than happy to leave the house without anything else on - uhhh... no other makeup on. don't be a sicko)... if I'm feeling a bit drab then I'll put on bronzer (and normally a bit of blush)... if I'm REALLY trying to make an impression then the lipstick comes out. At the moment my skin is pretty good... but I definitely get the occasional pimple and when that happens I FREAK OUT... which ends up leading to more pimples... which means I pathetically try to cover it up and put Charlie on 'pimple patrol.' It's really sad...
p.s. this post was WAY too long. I promise not to do this too often.
p.s.s. I'm going to the Alps tomorrow morning and won't be back until Monday night. I likely won't have internet. Just so you know.
p.s.s. I'm in the process of making some big blog changes in order to sort out the google search debacle... so if you notice anything strange just roll with it, hopefully we'll be all sorted by mid-week. Ok, that's all... have a wonderful Sunday. xx
NO, I DON'T HAVE INSTAGRAM...
If I have to explain to one more person why I don't have Instagram I'm going to go mental... this conversation happened at least 100million times (fact) over LFW. Obnoxious excited person: 'Are you on Instagram?!!' Me: 'No.'... 'OMG, WHY NOT?! Instagram has, like, changed my LIFE. YOU HAVE TO GET IT. YOU JUST HAAAVE TOOO.' O-freaking-kay. I can't get Instagram because I don't have an iPhone. Cue: 'OMG. HOW ARE YOU ALIVE WITHOUT AN iPHONE???'. Honestly? I barely am. I'm using an old Samsung galaxy that is teetering on the edge of death because I'm too cheap to fork out the cash to buy a new one. Cuz... you know... that's how I roll, I like being a little behind the times. That way you feel sorry for me.
All this to say.... just before fashion week I discovered LomatiCamHD. (cool name, huh). In my pathetic attempt to copy what all you iPhone users are doing with Instagram and Hipstamatic I snatched it right up for 1 pound I think? All the above photos were taken with it. Enjoy!
GIVE ME THAT TEXTURE...
Dear Susie,
How did you get to be so good at wearing multiple textures and prints? Can we please schedule a lesson in layering? You looked so good this day that I wanted to stroke your body... but thought this might be a tad inappropriate? Just want you to know that I love you, a little. xx
p.s. if anyone out there is interested in less delusional (I got zero minutes of sleep last night) posts then head over to We Heart. I just posted what I think might be the most achingly beautiful photos I've ever taken (from the Inbar Spector show).