If Wishes Were Clothes Horses...

Grey Matters...

2010-05-12T21:26:00.003+01:00

My bad. It's fair to say I've been neglecting my blog rather a lot lately but in typical form it's been a period of utter hecticness (not a word but fitting nonetheless). I've been working my skinny little ass off on my own print magazine as the culmination of 4 years of studying at London College of Fashion, steaming clothes and fetching a whole lot of Starbucks for various editor types and moving house more times than I thought I could cope with. Luckily I'm hoping to go to print in less than a week and the accompanying website goes live at the end of the month where you can peruse what has consumed my life for the past, well, what feels like forever but has actually been my last year in education. I'll also be keeping up the new website once it goes live so prepare for excitement-galore. In the mean time you can check out a cheeky shot from a recent shoot for the mag by the wonderful Mari Andre and with the dapper gent that he is, Joao Braz, over at Grey Matters Magazine.com. Spiffing.

Kick The Habit

2010-04-15T15:27:00.001+01:00

'Ciggy' socks from Lazy Oaf. Too too awesome. £12 right HERE.

Three Strikes...

2010-04-12T00:29:00.005+01:00

OK, so sportswear and I have a pretty on again / off again relationship. My Alejandro Ingelmo shiny high tops; YES. Rude boys on the tube with their not even ironic Nike Classics; NO. You see there's a line between edgy street style references with a laid-back cool and the kind of looks that invariably come with tinny phone music and the smell of a McNasty Meal. As much as it shocked even me, Adidas have struck a pretty smokin' balance with their latest ad campaign and, whilst the obligatory face shots of Beckham and Snoop are a little contrived, roping in Agyness Dean and some sexy frames involving the Jeremy Scott designs are giving the brand a bit more fashion bang for their buck. Luckily my big sis works for the company so if I fancy ditching my bow ties in favour of a bit of track-action I can mooch off her which, after an alluring image of summer-time cool, seems more likely now than before for sure. Check out the ad below...

The Sun Has Got His Hat On...

2010-04-11T16:07:00.003+01:00

Like all of you fellow residents of London Town I'm loving the return of the summer sun in all its Vitamin D giving awesomeness. Needless to say it's an excuse to crack out the hats and shades so here's what I'm wearing today...
Hat and Shirt- All Saints

Uber Skinnies- Cheap Monday

Shades- Paul Smith

As you can probably tell by the hair and pasty skin I won't be holding out for a natural tan anytime soon...

Bright Old Things...

2010-04-07T00:45:00.007+01:00

So I watched Gosford Park last night for possibly the millionth time but despite my insane familiarity with the flick I never fail to be gobbled up in awe by the literally to-die-for fashions...

The 30s really was a decade of high style and from Kristen Scott Thomas in Marlene Dietrich-esque tailoring to Jeremy Northam cutting a handsome shape as Ivor Novello in a sharp tux this film makes me wish the days of uber glam hunting parties and weekends at the country pile were still common place, if only for the opportunity to dress up of course.

So enamoured was I, yet again, that I almost bid on a fox fur stole, complete with head of course, on eBay thanks to Maggie Smith making it seem oh-so the height of dead animal cool. If you love a bit of period dress then you need to watch this film but, to be honest, it's so ruddy good you should probably watch it anyway if you haven't already. Think murder mystery in sick frocks and sexy smoking jackets. Death never looked so good...oh yes, I went there.

A Dashing Guy...

2010-04-06T16:58:00.006+01:00

So seeing as I'm not blogging as much as I usually do I figured I should probably share a sneak peek at the kind of thing that is consuming my life at the minute. I'm trying my best to keep all the content from my magazine entirely separate but a few hints couldn't hurt, right?
So not long ago I popped along to the lush Camden townhouse of designer and general tweed legend that is Guy Hill (top) to interview him on his bare awesome line of tweeds and his own collection of forward-thinking menswear designed for the active man about town. I got some great material and it renewed my excitement in all things tweed related.
I'm currently in the throws of transcribing 30 minutes of dictaphone interview, *gag*, but while I'm preparing to gush wildly about the genius of Dashing Tweeds in my own feature you should definitely go and check out the website RIGHT HERE and you can read all about tweed. Oh I do a love a rhyme.

Heavy Feet, Light Spirits...

2010-04-05T19:57:00.008+01:00

I've been as busy as busy can be recently working on my magazine which pretty much set the brakes screeching on my usual blogging but needless to say the pash for the fash is still getting fed and I had the first meeting with my graphic designer today, hurrah. Of course I've still been finding the time to squeeze in the odd treat or 50...

I wanted a pair of Raf Simons Dr Martens for donkeys but with the £350 price tag I always seemed to find something more deserving of the moolah (¡Hola new pea coat!) so when I came across a pair of the bad boys on sale from my favourite online destination Oki-Ni.com I just couldn't resist. I opted for the burgundy and they were an uber bargain-licious £162; the leather on the inside is so soft I'd be tempted to develop some kind of shoe fetish. The one shocker is all that solid leather and brass is bloomin' heavy and I expect to have thighs to rival Justine Henin after a few more wears.

Brick-a-Brac...

2010-03-23T14:08:00.005Z

So I took a few days out from blogging thanks to the successful hand-in of my dissertation, the ensuing hangover and of course just a few days hidden under a duvet reminding myself what it feels like to sleep. I'm feeling the desperate urge to go shopping but having hit my bank card hard this month it seemed a little unfeasible until I got a F'Book invite to the American Apparel Rummage Sale. WIN. On Brick Lane, claro, it's free entry and features mountains of American Apparel products starting from a quid. Running from Friday April 2nd to Sunday April 4th times, address and the other necessary details are listed HERE. I have my elbows out for a men's drop neck playsuit, a new hoody and a brightly coloured backpack. Could not be more there.

And Kigu To You Too...

2010-03-16T14:33:00.003Z

With me aiming to complete my dissertation today I really shouldn't be blogging but I had to drop by and announce the arrival of my Care Bear Kigu. As promised a few days ago here's me wearing said Kigu and I'm as much in love with it in the flesh as I was when I ordered it on ASOS. What do you think, am I going mad?

Forget Your Troubles, Come On Get Happy...

2010-03-15T13:08:00.004Z

So Saturday was The Blitz Party and it was utterly incredible. Descending into the Shoreditch bunker, kitted out with sandbags, flags and all the usual wartime paraphernalia, was literally like taking a step back in time. With the exception of the odd mobile phone and, of course, people wapping out their cameras, it felt as authentic as one would imagine possible in the middle of London in 2010.
As the swing band played everyone got merry on a mix of sheer excitement and exceedingly large measures and after the first 45minutes I decided to put my camera away and get lost in the spirit of it all (that's me above). I'm writing a piece on the night for my magazine so I'm keeping most of my pics under wraps but I thought it only fair to include a little taster of some of my favourite looks from the night...
If you like the idea of an evening of frivolous wartime shenanigans then tickets are already on sale for the next event in May but be quick as they sell out notoriously fast. For more details just click HERE. Now, bubble burst and back in the real world, I'm off to summon up a few thousand words and get my dissertation finished by the Thursday deadline. Yikes. Wish me luck!

Funshine Bear...

2010-03-13T00:05:00.000Z

From the sublime to the ridiculous I often find myself hit with that indescribable need to have something. My latest purchase is the sublime and the ridiculous in equal measure. Ok, well maybe a bit more on the ridiculous side but I am seriously smitten. Yes, smitten with a Care Bears playsuit. Go figure.
Discovered by an uber style savvy friend (the awesome Bonita, who deserves credit for FIND OF THE MILLENIUM) on ASOS it's one of those distinctive pieces of eccentric fashion you decide your life would be incomplete without. Sure it might look a bit OTT to the casual observer but I'm thinking combine it with a leather jacket, a pair of my beaten up Comme Des Garcons Play Converse or a dope pair of military boots and it's perfect for a high-octane night out in Shoreditch or, you know, a general stroll round Tesco.
As if I wasn't sold from the giant rainbow it even has a drop crotch which, as crotches go, is my bare favourite. You can pick one up from ASOS for 50 squid by clicking HERE. You know as well I do that you need one in your life so as the catchphrase goes, prepare for the "Care Bear stare!". Photos of me looking either the definition of win or like a complete plonker are just around the corner...

Riding in Tubes with Boys...

2010-03-12T08:06:00.001Z

It's funny how the smallest things can make you think about what to wear. I was watching Amélie, as I do with alarming frequency, and afterwards I realised I always associate it with the red Converse worn by the slightly peculiar photo-booth repair man. More than any other item of clothing which is odd. Anyway I decided seeing as I'm riding the Northern Line and not around Paris with Mathieu Kassovitz the least I could do, on this somewhat drab London day, to help me make believe I'm chasing notes instead of chasing the clock was put my own pair on. So I did. Evidence courtesy of my friend's 64 year old camera phone.

Love is a Given, Hatred is Acquired...

2010-03-11T08:00:00.002Z

Ok so I LOVE the J.W.Anderson rings above but HATE the fact that, being part of a small preview collection, there was only a miniscule amount of stock and they've already sold out. Sad face.
On a plus I LOVE that Margiela have knocked up something similar and these are just gorgeous in that borderline high-concept / vaguely tacky kind of a way. I HATE that, after treating myself to a new Jil Sander wallet, my bankcard would cry if I tried to buy them. But you can, separately, over at Oki-Ni.com for £119 each (but what's one without the other, huh?).

I'll Be Seeing You...

2010-03-10T16:22:00.005Z

The Blitz Party in East London is coming up this Saturday, tickets have been sold out for weeks and I am BEYOND excited. I'm a bit of a WWII aficionado as it is, with vintage posters adorning my walls and trips to the Imperial War Museum pretty standard fare, but combine that with dressing up and getting my groove on and I'm basically foaming at the mouth.
Dissertation overload and a dented bank balance meant my plan to spend a day hunting out a whole new outfit essentially died a death but I figured 'making do' with what's already in my wardrobe seems pretty gung-ho in the wartime spirit! So I rooted around and this is what I'm thinking thus far (above). I decided to go pretty understated and bow tie and braces seemed to make sense.
Of course when it comes to a bit of period dressing you can't go wrong with a jolly good pair of brogues and even if I change my mind about everything else these doozies will be gracing my feet for sure. Aren't they great?!
I also picked up this amazing ration book tote while I was at a recent press event for a new food exhibit at the Imperial War Museum, which I'm writing a piece on for my magazine, and so far it spends most of its time hanging on the outside of my wardrobe door but for this it seems throughly apt.
OK, so it may not be the most understated thing in the world but we are talking good times in a sandbagged bunker in East London so a little flamboyance seemed allowed and what's more flamboyant than feathers? I love this brooch and it was a cheeky purchase from Beyond Retro when I was meant to NOT be shopping for myself but pulling clothes for a shoot when I was helping out at Notion Magazine forever ago. My bad.

Finally I decided something with serious timely relevance (no horrible timepiece pun intended...well maybe a little) would be good and so I dug out my Grandfather's old pocket watch which he had back in the late sixties. Working along the lines that seeing as my Grandfather used to be a morse code operator back during WWII there's some kind of 'degrees of separation' connection there. It's probably worth less than a cup of tea but it does look pretty snazz.

So I'll leave you with some Vera Lynn circa 1941, I'll upload pictures from the night after this weekend. I can't wait to see the other looks...

Twinkle Toes...

2010-03-10T00:01:00.000Z

Despite previously axing its menswear line it would seem MIU MIU are more than happy to take inspiration from the guys when it comes to their latest capsule collection of masculine-influenced footwear. Featuring brogues and loafers in seriously knock-out glittery styles it's less about height and more about impact as the designs scream 'jazz hands and tap' in an ever-so fashionable way. I have to admit on this occasion I'm more than a little jealous of the ladies as, with size 11 feet, it's unlikely these babies are going to come in my size. Then again with the collection ranging in price from $550 to $750 it's probably for the best but these are totally worth losing a few toes for, no?

On Top Form...

2010-03-09T18:22:00.006Z

So I'm a massive sucker for a bit of old-world charm. Sure, we all love an oversized shoulder and throw a bit of metallic at me and I'm on board, but you can't beat something that looks vaguely like it's been pulled from an old lady's loft.Now that I've sorted my act out and bought a decent camera I figured it's probably about time I started paying homage to my own awesome finds and what better way to kick off than the most quintessentially old-world piece of fashion that there is? The top hat blatantly.

I found this bad boy on a charity shop on the Kings Road, and by hook or by crook I was adamant it would fit my head. An original, the lining is shot to hell and it's a little worn around the edges but personally that whole Artful Dodger vibe works a treat for me and it came with the most incredible Dickins & Jones period hat box the world has ever known.
So this is where I get all sepia in your grill but it works, no? Anyway I've had it for donkeys now and after a brief spell of wearing it to every club night going I thought it would be crime to allow it to disintegrate in a waft of someone's cigarette fumes in some dungeon in Shoreditch so it's been reinstated to my bedroom shelf where it still looks mighty fine.
Hurray for keeping the top hat dream alive.

Stuck in the House...

2010-03-08T12:57:00.000Z

With a dissertation deadline in, oh, just over a week I'm always on the hunt for a little distraction to lighten my mood and give me a chance to procrastinate in a way that doesn't include hard liquor or the urge to start shredding text books. In this regard MAISON MARTIN MARGIELA has become my guilty pleasure and my fashion porn.

And so it is that I have decided to operate a little reward system for all my hard work and academic penance paid in the form of this so-hot-it-BURNS-MY-EYES book from the label. Pages of prettiness and trademark white communicate the Margiela aesthetic and I want, nay need it.

I figure with hand-in next week and pay day (hurray) at the end of the month I deserve a little treat. Of course I still have several thousand words to go but it always helps when there's a great white light at the end of the tunnel.

Poster Boy...

2010-02-20T23:19:00.008Z

So here's me bemoaning having to work on a Saturday whilst the world and its Givenchy clad mother are out suckling at the juicy fruit of London Fashion Week when, low and behold, Fashion Week falls on my lap right in the middle of a nine hour shift involving little more than hanging A LOT of clothes. Win.
This might all seem a bit cryptic thus far but I'm talking about the lush lushness of the YSL Manifesto pack which, as with last season, was delivered to the streets of London (in my case a heaving Kings Road) for all and sundry to nab with great glee.
Featuring full size, double sided posters of the latest collection shot by Inez Van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin I'm already in a pickle about which of Natalia Vodianova's kick ass poses are worthy of the prime 'face-out' and which are heartbreakingly relegated to spending the next few weeks pouting close range at the concrete of my bedroom walls.
Regardless, every shot is a winner and there's even some token menswear in there huddled amongst the pinks and blues, thank you very much Mr Stefano Pilati.
Over the course of today around 500,000 of the packs will have been handed out in cities from New York to Tokyo with the first lucky few thousand getting a specially designed tote bag to cart their spoils home in. For that I was too slow. Dang.
Now to find me some blu-tack...

Edible Complex...

2010-02-17T14:54:00.006Z

So today I dug out my year old LAZY OAF tee as part of my continuing mission to explore strange new parts of my wardrobe and stop wearing the same old shizz I normally do (that's me above trying to take a photo which is more 'here's my tee' and less 'top of quiff and a whole lot of sofa'). Minor success? Forgiving the under arm patches, but hey it's hot today.

It got me thinking how I hadn't visited the website in a while and after 20 minutes or so browsing I realised why I'd stopped doing that. IT'S NOT GOOD FOR ME, or my bank balance for that matter. I want everything but unfortunately after a heavy month (thank you Sony Technical Support sponsored phone bill) my food budget doesn't include jumpers with burgers on them.
How fine are these though?! The sweaters are a bit of a steal at £39 so maybe I should just plump for one and do it.
As much as I don't know anyone who says "Rad" this tee makes me smile. It's like a vitamin tablet in clothing form. £25...
But the piece de resistance is this baby. If I've said it once I've said it a million times, the only thing I ever need to make my life complete is a burger hat. People, it's a BURGER HAT. It's a hat that is a burger. For a tenner I must have it...

Check out the whole ker-razy range HERE.

Harry B Goode...

2010-02-17T00:01:00.000Z

This is my new favourite thing IN THE WOLRD. I heart Ted style with a passion but combine it with a dash of 50s Rock and Roll and some of that smelly teen spirit and I'm dribbling all over my winkle pickers like a flip daddy-o.
From CONTRIBUTING EDITOR this is classic style brought bang up to date with high-end labels and some awesome styling.
My own hair is flagging a bit at the minute (haircut. needed. yesterday.) but I've already got a hankering to reinstate my faithful quiff and wap out the Silvikrin.
I've also been thinking A LOT recently about quirking up my wardrobe and, needing to source some 40s get-up for the upcoming Blitz Party in Shoreditch (more on that to come as I trail my camera round Brick Lane snapping potential buys), I may have to sniff out a few retro shirts and cardis.
Anyway, my digressions aside, this shoot is bare inspirational and you should go and check out the whole thing immediately. Going back is the way forward people...
NOW WHERE THE HELL IS MY CHUCK BERRY VINYL?

Crowning Glory...

2010-02-16T17:14:00.005Z

I love me a graphic tee and King Apparel are royalty in the world of the smokin' print. These hot examples are from the soon to be released SS10 collection and they're as fly as you would expect from a label that has been churning out streetwear for almost a decade.

Keep your eyes on the website for more offerings or to hook yourself up with some of the existing stock. Alternatively you could pop into any number of stockists, from Da Source in Dalston to Mash on Oxford Street, when these bad boys hit stores in the coming weeks.

They Shoot, They Score...

2010-02-15T12:37:00.007Z

So Kate and Laura Mulleavy are pretty much the queen bees of the pretty dress. Everyone loves a bit of Rodarte and the collection for Target was big chatter chatter in Blogsphere but I have to admit I was a bit 'meh' until I stumbled across these amazing snaps from PAPER.

Ok so they're from December (I'm on it, right?) but they are nonetheless a visual slam dunk.
Styled by the ladies themselves they are a 'how to' guide for the Holiday collection. Bulls-eye.

A Wee Touch of Magic...

2010-02-10T23:00:00.000Z

I have to admit I frequently worship at the style altar of razor boned Tilda Swinton. From the cover of AnOther to that Haider Ackermann dress she is the quintessence of fashionable cool and it is undoubtedly for this reason she was chosen to front the stunning new video for Pringle by Ryan McGinley. With Burberry going 3D for its upcoming show and numerous designers showing exclusively online in the coming season it would seem labels are breaking with tradition in exploring invigorating new ways to display their collections. More than just an advert McGinley's creation blends beautifully shot Scottish landscapes with the pieces themselves to create an overall vision which is thoughtfully and evocatively inspired.

Tilda Swinton: A Billion, Rest Of The World: Nil

Off to Market...

2010-01-19T19:34:00.009Z

I heart Dover Street Market like some people heart their mothers, and I'm not talking those hoods outside the Trocadero saying "innit" a lot and drinking milkshakes from McDees, proper Brady Bunch types. It's no wonder then that the DSM E-SHOP keeps cropping up on my Safari 'top sites' page and my bank statement (which I now choose not to look at quite so often). I love visiting the store of course but the e-shop is perfect for those lazy evenings, lunch breaks, bored-in-Starbucks type affairs when you need the buzz of retail therapy from wherever it is you happen to be perched. I looted the site not long ago during the sale period but I'm already itching to get my bank card back (I'm waiting on a replacement after some chav stole my Westwood wallet) and my wish list goes as follows...

PANTS! These bad boys need to be mine. I hate crap underwear and regardless of whether you're dressing for yourself or someone special, even not so special, £30.00 really isn't a lot to feel style conscious all over...You like? Click HERE.

The only thing better than a cup of tea is a classic tee and this simple but buff example is a steal at £25. It's the kind of thing I see myself throwing on over a pair of skinnies and my Play Converse on a laid back day. HERE.
This is where we enter the realm of me dribbling down my chin. DSM know how to flog a perfume or aftershave and this one has seriously tickled my fancy. The scent is described as: "the freshness of oxygen, flaming rock, freshly mowed grass, wash drying in the wind, sand dunes, pure air of the high mountains, flash of metal, nail polish..." Um, YES. I don't know about you but I've always wanted to smell like freshly mowed grass so this is a winner. Of course I'd also want it to smell like money. £64 to be exact as that's how much it costs. HERE.
Finally on my DSM list of dreams is something to bring a little umph into my flat. I'm not into the whole Glade plug-in thing as your living room always smells more 'cheap taxi' than 'mountain dew' so something more sophisticated makes a space much more ambient. I tend to relegate all my house-fancy to my room though, not that I don't like my housemates but if anyone is breathing in £28 smoke it's going to be me. HERE.

So that is my list. Of course I need to wait for my card and pin to arrive. Like a new pair of shoes however it will need broken in so I consider that a perfectly valid excuse for some 'add to basket', don't you think?

Eau de Perform...

2009-12-22T18:47:00.009Z

Despite being a hair flinging fest of epic proportions this is no L'Oréal ad. Combining my love of all things Clémence Poésy and a stonkingly great tune from catsuit-clad favourites CSS it's the latest televisual offering from French powerhouse Chloé. Ok so as adverts go it's hardly groundbreaking and is not a patch on Chanel or Jean-Paul Gaultier's sizzling efforts but it does make me want a wind-machine for Christmas...even if that wasn't entirely the point.

G.L.A.M.O.R.O.U.S.

2009-12-17T22:41:00.002Z

Glamorous it may be but not a Fergie in sight when it comes to this fabulous twosome. Teaming up for the brand new MAC VIVA GLAM campaign Cyndi Lauper and Lady Gaga are looking pretty as a button...and mad as bag of monkeys. The ever changing face of Gaga really knows no ends...

London's Calling...

2009-12-15T14:26:00.008Z

What is it with me and Converse collaborations?! They always get me just a little bit excited even though all my own (including my Comme Des Garcons pair) end up looking as though they've been trailed through any number of staining substances. These babies are no different. Celebrating the 30th anniversary of The Clash's seminal London Calling they are 'Cool Britannia' on legs, or at least, feet. I MUST have them and if I didn't have a hefty 3 figure phone bill to clear and a bill ole pile of maestro receipts from the Chrimbo party they would already be mine, limited edition or no limited edition fingers crossed they're still in stock come payday! Pick them up here, just leave a pair for me....please.

Two Two Good...

2009-12-11T00:00:00.000Z

It may not be the edgiest side of fashion but I would be lying if I said the high glam, Patricia Field-a-rific world of Sex and the City didn't push my heart-rate up a few notches. The first film was a veritable overload of eye sizzling labels and dramatic looks but unlike the first installment images from the second have been kept under a tight chiffon wrap. Now however we have this glittery poster to perk our interests and have us gabbing about what New York's most famous style icons will be strutting the pavements in. It's chic, paired down but with just the right amount of *cue jazz hands* SPANGLE. Love it or hate it? Regardless I'm reinstating the aviators at the first sign of a sunny day...

Take A Bite...

2009-12-10T12:59:00.007Z

Having not so long ago treated myself to a pair of Comme Des Garcons' bare hot Converse when I think of the brand it's all about collaboration. As a Japanese brand that is famed for taking risks these collaborations will occasionally be something of a curve ball as the latest synergy goes to prove. Fancy an Apple?

Teaming up with Apple Corps Ltd (the business set up by none other than the BEATLES and not to be confused with Macs,iPhones or any of that malarkey) it's an unusual design decision. The range will be a long term project between both brands and, at this stage, will be launching with a more extensive than usual line of everything from shirts to handbags all suitably branded to the hilt of course.

I have to admit I'm not much of a Beatles fan (as the lynch mob descends) and I'm not sure what I feel about the collection so far with the shirts probably my favourite of the bunch (or whatever the applicable apple term might be) but if you do like a bit of nostalgia or just love Comme des Garcons THAT much the items will all be available from Dover Street Market as per...

Vision of an Empire...

2009-12-08T11:54:00.003Z

As someone that's been lucky enough to meet the brains behind British uber label BURBERRY Christopher Bailey it was super to finally see pictures emerge of him collecting his MBE (Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, for those from further shores). In fairness Princess Anne isn't perhaps the most chic of the royals but it is, as always, great seeing the country's fashion institutions getting recognised by an altogether more traditional institution. God save our gracious McQueen and all that...

Eastern Lights...

2009-12-04T14:55:00.006Z

I love me a bit of Sølve Sundsbø so I got typically excited when I saw his name nestled in amongst the other contributors in January 2010's VOGUE NIPPON. Shot with perennially pouty, killer-jawed super model Cameron Russell the story is entitled 'Just One Look' but it's clear Russell is anything but...

The lighting is incredible as a long shutter speed gives the night lights a dizzying luminosity and the styling is simple but effective, oozing street walker raunch. Not that she wouldn't be the terribly pricey kind, mind.

A Face For Paintings...

2009-12-03T21:38:00.010Z

We all get those 'where have I seen them before?' moments, which in my case normally result in a half wave at someone who vaguely resembles the lady who may or may not have served me once at Pret. It's all the more ominous when said moment occurs at the flicking of a magazine page...

This is KATLIN AAS looking spiffingly great in a shoot for DAZED and cor blimey, wouldn't you know it, just six months ago she was a fresh faced upstart shooting with yours truly and a bevvy of LCF lovelies on a project with Procter and Gamble with an equally Renaissance vibe...

Since then she's walked for Christopher Kane, Giles and even opened and closed the Prada show, whilst fronting their A/W 09 campaign, and she's recently been named one of ElleUK.com's new faces of S/S 10.

Okay so it's not as edgy as DAZED and Dalila's belt doubled as a head dress (although you'll keep that to yourself I'm sure) but here's a sneak peek at one of our own beauty test-shots with the now out-of-our-price-range lady herself. I wonder if that counts as a 'smize'?

In Need of a Shake Up?

2009-12-03T19:38:00.007Z

I am a sucker, yes A SUCKER, for all things festive cheer. Despite my occasionally steely demeanour and penchant for wine fueled Facebook rants when it comes to this time of year I go all gooey and insist on watching that Coke advert with the trucks incessantly on Youtube whilst forcing local children to sing 'Do They Know It's Christmas' en masse until their throats bleed. Ok, well not that last part but I do love it so. That's why this little bad boy pulled at my fairy-light blinded heart strings. Brought to us from French label LANVIN, previously famed for dull perfume ads and the dresses your mum might wear, it's a little piece of fashionable festive tack to set alongside all those party jackets and new jewellery pieces which seem so essential this time of year. I'd quite like one so, ahem, feel free. You can pick one up here, much obliged...

Style X 2...

2009-12-02T17:26:00.003Z

Coffee and all-nighters for those inevitable end of term deadlines kind of pooped all over my usual blogging endeavours this week but there's always enough time to stop by and salute the ever-so-fashionable makeover of Marmite-like twins JEDWARD. After a month of having my own quiff compared to the boys' statement 'do' (absent in this super slick shot) I've developed something of an appreciation for the high octane Irish duo and seeing them getting in on the fashion game with a dapper new facade certainly deserves a round of applause...

I Love Her, I Love Her Not, I Love Her...

2009-11-22T03:36:00.005Z

Oh dear. From loving LADY GAGA when her music first broke (aka long before her UK fame courtesy of a friend with a blagged American album) to nigh on hating the woman when she became the lovechild of every sexually confused tweenster with a bad dance routine, glue on shoulder pads and all the glitter £3.50 can buy, my relationship with the woman and her style has been a frought one. it would seem my ever-so-fickle attitude has changed once more however. Courtesy of fashion and a catchy tune of course. It pains me to say a little but, checking out her latest video and seeing her do those MCQUEEN shoes proud, one can't deny child's got flair. Naturally there's something mesmerising about the combination of spankingly sick clothes and a foot-tapping ditty that could be confusing my fashion radar but in the meantime let's just say "I'm not mad at it..."

On the corner of 31st and OOH LA LA...

2009-11-20T19:18:00.005Z

We all love magazines. We all love high-fashion brands. We all love magazines BY high-fashion brands so say 'chanello' to 31 RUE CAMBON, the soon to be available magazine brought to you by CHANEL. Created by the grey-haired high-collared king of couture that is KARL LAGERFELD and art directed and designed by the tres bon OLIVIER ZAHM of PURPLE fame these first snaps suggest it's going to be fiiiiiiiiiierce *wags finger in suitably ironic manner*. As you've probably worked out the mag is named after CHANEL's first store but lucky for you, me and the gardener it will be available in all CHANEL branches when it launches. Who know's when that will be but keep an eye on ZAHM's blog for first dibs...

i Say...

2009-11-20T11:13:00.008Z

Despite being able to count the number of issues on one hand, even post some odd skating accident or run in with a blender (there have been 2 print editions), DISTILL MAGAZINE was one of my favourite publications. It's a thoughtful and considered collection of the hottest current editorial and story content from the world of the fashion magazine, taking the best from a vast array of mags and, as the name suggests, distilling it into one super-sweet publication. It also includes additional features and opinion on the chosen spreads from some of the industry's finest plus it's edited by SUNDAY TIMES STYLE legend and general ball of win that is COLIN MCDOWELL.

When I heard, ahem, from a friend at the mag that it was facing money worries I shed a silent tear that it might be the end for what is a great concept, beautifully realised. I needn't have worried though as DISTILL is back with issue 3 in an oh-so-noughties way via a dope dope dope new iPhone app. I'm going to avoid any vom inducing 'fashion at your fingertips' cliche but basically that's what it is. With this issue's editorial board featuring the likes of JOHN GALLIANO, GILES DEACON and good-ole DONATELLA and the plethora of mag spreads including everything from DANSK to VICE it's basically a must. If you have an iPhone. Which I don't. Bugger. Guess I'll stick to WORDMOLE on my Blackberry...

R.I.P. Daul Kim...

2009-11-19T19:49:00.003Z

It's always terribly sad when talent it snubbed out, particularly at such a young age. DAUL KIM was possibly one of Korea's most well-known exports and, from her work with VOGUE NIPPON to more youthful brit stalwarts like iD and DAZED AND CONFUSED, she was a model of the most unique kind with a dramatic, edgy look and an enigmatic appeal. Her blog was a favourite amongst the more alternative of the fashion set. The Cut was the first to break the news of her untimely passing at just 20 and you can find out more by following the link...

From the Faceless House of Margiela...

2009-11-19T19:31:00.002Z

I Y Showstudio

I Y Margiela

Prada: Cover to Cover

2009-11-18T11:56:00.004Z

I am undeniably a coffee table book-a-holic. When TASCHEN on the Kings Road last had a sale I had to summon the strength of my inner Goliath to haul my loot home as the legs of my own coffee table whimpered at the sight of several more strained looking bags. It seems Miuccia had just me in mind therefore as PRADA release their latest foray into the world of the beautiful book. 708 pages no less, charting the brand's history and giving an unprecedented view onto the production of everything from luggage to key fobs. It also, rather excitingly, includes a recap of all the brand's advertising campaigns from 1987 right up until 09, what more could could you want?!

I do think it's simply gorgeous and it's not as pricey as you might expect at €100. You can order online HERE or pray vigorously that someone takes note of that 'send to a friend' icon on the same webpage. Me? Well Chrimbo IS just around the corner so I guess I could justify myself a treat come payday...

Lie Back and Think of England Darling...

2009-11-17T18:25:00.003Z

I am ALL ABOUT a bit of quintessential British charm. Whether it's a bow tie, a pair of Hunters or a rugged Barbour check it's a look that totally floats my boat and jolly hockey sticks it looks like the folks over at W MAGAZINE agree...

This drop-dead gorgeous spread from September, entitled 'Sunday in the Park', just oozes classic Blighty. They've beautifully offset the stiff and stoic glamour with a bit of racy sauciness to add a contemporary twist and it works sensationally...

Styled by Alex White and shot by the wonderful Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott it captures an essence of classic exquisiteness and is very Gosford Park meets Lady Chatterly (minus the slightly over dramatic hats of course).

You can check out the full spread, along with a few other corkers over WMAGAZINE.COM...

What a Tangled Web...

2009-11-17T11:18:00.003Z

For anyone who's grown outrageously bored of the bloomin' 'Under Construction' page when looking for that occasionally necessary Raf Simons fix, be bored no more! Well, possibly. As Raf's plush new website is now live and kicking and ripe for a perusal...

I have to admit, despite Raf's obvious associations with all things minimal, I was expecting more of a website a-go-go with bells and whistles and something to get me terribly excited. I've had a browse however and after the wait and as much as it pains me to say, it's just not all that super. It's sparse and perfunctory but, with fellow icons of sleek MARGIELA (with its witty 'NOT Under Construction' theme) and YAMAMOTO proving paired-down doesn't have to mean dull on the website front, it's all a little disappointing.

Perhaps the most exciting thing is the soundtrack which features an array of retro riffs such as The Smith's 'How Soon is Now', but when the most interesting thing about, well, just about anything is Morrissey then that really is a 'must try harder' in my books...

All Eyes on Iris...

2009-11-16T12:02:00.005Z

Fashion is always about the 'new kid on the block' but when HARRODS, stalwart of the big guns, throw their name behind a fresh faced upstart you know they're destined for big things. Dutch designer IRIS VAN HERPEN, who graduated just a few short years ago from ARTEZ ACADEMY OF ARTS, is one such prodigy...

Taking sculptural audacity and mixing it with elements of fluid softness her designs are engaging and distinctive. Personally I love a good tulip shape in a dress or skirt and Iris can work a form with serious adeptness providing a sense of drama to rival Tyra's eye-smiling.

Iris, along with LCF fellow MANJIT DEU, are the 2 designers chosen to be showcased on the brand new HARRODS LAUNCHES initiative which launched today, with the purpose of promoting fresh and emerging talent from the world of design. Quite an accolade and with a honking great endorsement like that it seems only a matter of time before IRIS VAN HERPEN is a name you'll be hearing a lot more of...

Beijing Dreams...

2009-11-11T10:57:00.004Z

No offence to Tibet but it's somewhat of a given that most of us have always thought of the Japanese as the pioneers of Asian fashion, from the stalwart icons like Rei Kawakubo and Issey Miyake to the street fashions of Tokyo's infamous Harajuku. It could seem the tables may be about to turn though if the latest designs to emerge from The Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology are anything to go by.

Although these images have surfaced without a specific designer credit (if you do happen to find out let me know) it's pretty fair to say they are more than capable of giving the Pugh a run for his money *cue, 'Time for Pugh to step aside?' pun and ENDLESS laughter*.

So they're not the most wearable pieces in the world but it's great to see China's new breed of graduate breaking away from the usual red satins and tedious dragon prints, ahem, lovely as they may be, that we're all so used to seeing from the country's fashion weeks. Plus who wouldn't want to look like a rock formation? I CALL SEDIMENTARY!

Well Lookey Here...

2009-10-25T11:00:00.006Z

Possible new obsession alert. LOOKBOOK.NU is the latest thing to have recently snared my interests (along with rediscovering the joys of my local fried chicken place but that's beside the point...) and, wouldn't you know it, it's really quite addictive. My friend AMY and I have become each others photographers du jour and have made it a new aim to happy snap each other's looks when we get a free moment.

Of course I'm not purely touting my own little corner of the site (although you can check out my profile HERE) but as a whole it's a great way to be nosey and check out what the rest of the world is wearing day to day and get some fab fashion inspiration. My one shame is that everyone else seems to have the 'beautiful posed and composed' picture thing going on and mine are all still a bit, well, me in front of a wall in ever-so-unflattering daylight mode. Something to work on!

For the Love of Frank

2009-10-22T09:53:00.005+01:00

I'm not so much one of those irritatingly punctual people as one of those irritatingly early people that through some sheer fluke of the universe will be at everything long before even the die-hards. Terribly unfashionable I know. I surprised even myself this morning though by rocking up for class an hour and a half early. Lingering in the nearby Starbucks and deciding what to do to pass the time it got me thinking that for oh-so-many of us RD Franks has proved an invaluable and sometimes voracious gobbler of so many hours of our lives...

It's the stalwart destination to wile away a few free minutes (...decades) and it's racks of DREAMS seem to unfailingly nourish the inner fashionista even if it means the inevitable splurging on import magazines which will literally HAVE to nourish us as spending on food suddenly becomes less of an option.

For years this fashion hideaway has supported us in our fashion studies or Friday night outfit inspiration trips and now feels like one of those close friends that doesn't say much and smells faintly of freshly vacuumed carpet. So I think I'd take a minute to say, thanks Frank, we salute you and now that Borders has ditched Oxford Street we hope to be spending even more time with you in the future...

BalMAN

2009-10-21T17:37:00.004+01:00

GAH! Just like every other vaguely fashion-interested person on the planet I've been all over BALMAIN'S uber accentuated statement shoulders. Male or female who wouldn't love the thrill of feeling ever-so-Dynasty and also being distinctly fashion forward? Why is it then that BALMAIN always seem to insist on flushing all that style kudos down the pooper (sorry but it's my new favourite word) when it comes to menswear and producing pieces which wouldn't look out of place on a 5IVE video circa 1997??! WHY?!

It seems to be as much a trend as shoulder pads within some otherwise splendid labels to strip the menswear collections of any real sense of innovation and ingenuity. I mean distressed denims and waistcoats? It's hardly groundbreaking and I for one think blokes are pushing that metaphorical boat out more and more when it comes to fashion so why can't a label like BALMAIN, that can be so influential with it's womenswear, not set sail for destination EXCITEMENT when it comes to the boysss?

What do you think? Is SS10 Balmain menswear actually rocking your world or do you agree it doesn't match the drama and creativity of the womenswear lines?

O M G..

2009-10-19T15:22:00.004+01:00

Browsing down my link roll and seeing the sheer number of posts marked '4 weeks ago' makes it searingly clear how much all those students out there, myself included, have already been subsumed by those first terms back. Particularly if, as in my case, it's the final year (eek). I did think it was time to blow the month old cobwebs off and make an effort to update though, even if right now I have approximately 2 minutes 30 seconds in which to do so. What better inspiration therefore than the tube I just hopped off?

OMEGA isn't the kind of brand that lights my fire or has me foaming with excitement at the mouth but I do love my martial arts dramas and I was slightly taken aback to see the undeniably beautiful Zhang Ziyi (or the other way round depending on how pernickety you want to be...) looking chic and seriously beguiling in the latest range of ads for their slightly 'meh' watches. I like...even if the whole 'blossom' thing is a bit cliche.

In the Post...

2009-09-29T18:11:00.005+01:00

It's that time of year when the Summer has given way to grey days and falling leaves and everyone needs a little pick me up before the SAD kicks in. Retail therapy seems the obvious option, at least for me, and today saw me indulging in a little online treat time via the DOVER STREET MARKET E-SHOP. I picked up the latest scent from their own label (CDG blates) and, whilst I admittedly have no idea what it smells like, it's seriously attractive minimal styling had me sold. Impulse buy? ME? Comme Des Garcons Parfum £50.00.

Less impulsive was these seriously swish pumps which I've mentioned before and have had my eye on for quite for some time. Problem being I got the release date confused and when I checked online today they had already sold out of all of my size in the preferable black. It was tantrums at dawn and certainly just as well I was ordering online as, had I been instore, I'm sure some hapless and entirely blameless sales assistant would have had to dodge a few flung trainers and possibly a self-pitying grimace or two. None the less the cream version seemed a suitable compromise so I opted for them instead. Play Converse Sneaker £75.00.

Wearing your Heart on your Sleeve...

2009-09-28T14:42:00.005+01:00

So LFW has been and gone and all that remains are the memories of a few hangovers and one seriously long shopping list. Of course there's also the obligatory trawling through collections for any missed gems and, whilst I'm not sure this a 'gem', it's certainly eye catching. The brainchild of KATIE EARY for MAN this anatomical take on fashion isn't exactly a 'trip to Sainsbury' look. I'm not as mad on this collection as I was for her gob-smackingly wonderful AW09 but hey lets not pick bones. Titter titter.

'Cause Ponies love Suga...

2009-09-24T00:01:00.000+01:00

Loving this super slick shoot of one time SUGABABE (at this point who isn't?), long time fiery minx SIOBHAN DONAGHY over at PONYSTEP...

Drenched in labels the pics ooze edgy glamour and DONAGHY is rocking the big hair look with some serious attitude...

Check out the whole shoot, along with credits / wardrobe yadda yadda HERE...

Between the Lines...

2009-09-23T12:42:00.005+01:00

SHOWSTUDIO has been a thriving hotbed of creativity for longer than my feeble mind can remember, taking fashion and turning it into theatre. Their exhibitions take the stoic reserve of the art gallery and inject it with innovative daring, subverting the form and providing, nay capturing, what is always an experience on top of an experience. The current is a right doozy and I'm intangibly hooked, yet nestling miles away in front of my MacBook Pro.

That's because, doing what SHOWstudio does so well yet so effortlessly, the latest 'attraction' is interactivity extraordinaire...gone psychedelic and just a teensy bit diva. Punters are encouraged to digitally draw, from wherever that may be (in my case bored at the airport in a dreary departures), onto a representation of the sizzling NAOMI CAMPBELL statue. The twist is, however, your wayward art is then projected live in the gallery onto the statue via a serious of lighting rigs which you can view via the live camera feed. How stupendous is that?! It changes with alarming rapidity as folks from all over the world get paint-brush-happy and adorn our Naomi with an array of vivid eclecticism: Note the 'If Wishes...' in the top shot. From the real time clacking of heels in the exhibition space to your keyboard and anxious fingers it's utterly immersing and you HAVE to give it a go. Just click HERE.

Fast Fashion...

2009-09-22T19:26:00.006+01:00

So the show ended all of 2 minutes ago but due to my notoriously dextrous screen grabbing skills and me generally being a whizz with a keyboard here's Burberry SS10 for your delectation...

Dramatic furs in luscious muted tones...

Raised hemlines with a hint of pastoral chic...
The classic menswear sculpted silhouette is back and looking as fierce as ever...
The traditional trench was reworked with this season's statement shoulders in bold metallics...
Subverting the brand with experimentation in colour and texture...
Clean and powerful with a sharp summer feel...
Raucous applause...naturally.

Hurrah for mega speed so, without blowing my own trumpet, If fashion met the Olympics that would be gold all the way. Okay, maybe just the once...*honk*

Burberry from Bed...

2009-09-22T10:57:00.003+01:00

So I've bemoaned my inability to attend London Fashion Week this season (that little problem of a sea in the way and the usual familial commitments which I rather shoddily timed) but all is of course not lost. VOGUE.COM's splendidly comprehensive selection of catwalk shots are always a hot resource but don't convey quite the same rousing buzz as a live show which is why BURBERRY will be broadcasting their eagerly awaited SS10 collection live tonight as it happens. Kicking off at 6:30pm BST you can tune in HERE and enjoy what's been kickin' it from the atelier of Christopher Bailey. I'm guessing a few prints might be involved...

Who blows? YOU decide...

2009-09-21T19:46:00.006+01:00

My posts do normally involve words in abundance but this time just 3 would almost suffice, 2 of which are 'What' and 'the'. So Lisa from Big Brother (?) was strutting the white at the WESTWOOD show? Am I the only one whose face is contorted with confusion? My only suggestion is a distraction from a collection which I can only describe as, eek, a little bland and as an avid VIV fan I'm being kind here. Although seeing as next to no one knew who she was it seemed a somewhat fruitless exercise. Still, kudos to Lisa for reaching her biggest audience yet. I'm pretty sure there were more people front row than watched this year's diabolical BB...

For the full SS10 collection check out VOGUE.COM. No points for bad behaviour, back to serious fashion tomorrow...

Getting Kaned...

2009-09-20T11:50:00.012+01:00

So I'm sidling through TOPSHOP feeling a little guilty that as opposed to shopping in a store like this (well, TOPMAN) I'd just off-loaded hundreds of pounds on a new BARBOUR and molested my discount at the local ALL SAINTS, none the less I was perturbed to see a sign reading 'no more than one CHRISTOPHER KANE Crocodile Dress per customer..' and it really got my goat. Isn't it bad enough it's rapidly becoming the most ubiquitous dress on the planet without shoppers either bulk buying to sell on or, perish the thought, hoarding to wear for all eternity?
Sure, it's a cute dress, dare I say even a nice dress but come on there's a whole capsule collection to choose from without going for the stalwart statement piece. Take the bodycon dress above which, with it's shear segments and studded detailing is bang on trend and affordable to boot. £125.00.

Or these sensational shorts which, afforded you don't have cankles and are the kind of person who skips lunch (...and dinner and breakfast...) would look super sexy dressed down for a fashion forward daytime look or with heels on a wham-bam-thank-you-mam night out. £65.00.

And who said you couldn't walk a mile in the shoes of CHRISTOPHER KANE with these babies? Although granted you'd end up with the spine of a sea horse. I love the meshing and the hint of platform offers the kind of drama one would expect, a steal at £125.00. So I know you've seen all of this dozens, nay millions of times before, but if you were contemplating picking up something from the collection please, for my sanity and the style of the nation, choose change over crocodile...

Fashion no-show...

2009-09-19T00:16:00.004+01:00

So I'm super mega bummed to be missing the joys of LONDON FASHION WEEK and having had to send the umpteenth, 'would love to but can't' message in relation to yet another party / press / general fashion shenanigans shindig invitation I'm feeling a little sad face. One such invitation was to the launch of the new PULL AND BEAR store on Oxford Street which, as well as the hot clothes, featured the likes of PIXIE LOTT and THE FILTHY FIGHTERS. What was equally amaze however was the promo video styled, directed and produced by the girl who Knoxed me up ALEXIS KNOX, Fashion Editor at NOTION MAG with whom I've spent many a day posing with fruity water and setting up camp in Victoria Park...don't ask.

How Snood...

2009-09-18T00:01:00.000+01:00

It's official, I'm a snood-a-holic. I just love snoods. I must have several dozen knocking around in my everyday wardrobe and my neckwear obsession has become something of a talking point for those who've noticed my snood 'phase' blossom into a fully fledged signature look (this normally involves a bemused rolling of eyes when I suggest the purchase of another). None the less, like my other obsession (grey jersey, nay grey generally), I don't believe you can have too many and this piece of Burberry lushness has caught my eye. With my winter wardrobe I'm convinced it would look BOOM BOOM POW. Need need need need need need need need need...

All Hail...

2009-09-16T23:59:00.006+01:00

So I've never been part of the seemingly endless barrage of LILY ALLEN fan-maniacs. Sure, she can concoct a catchy tune and she has a certain amount of nonchalant swagger but I was always just a bit 'meh'. By jove though the girl has officially caught my attention with these Chanel corkers...

Shot by the shaded maestro himself, KARL LAGERFELD, they ooze fashion brillness (not a word) and I'm absolutely smitten.

The regal accessories, the gorgeous bags and that beehive are ticking every box for me then scribbling all over the bloomin' page. Awesome with a capital A....and not just because it's at the beginning of a sentence.

Shamelessly pinched from VOGUE.COM, who themselves displayed them courtesy of CHANEL, these babies were simply too good not to loot. Bang me up guv'nor.

The New Black...

2009-09-16T00:01:00.004+01:00

Maison Martin Margiela introduces 'Line 13' in selected stores this month...

White objects...

Lots of white objects...

I like white...a lot.

Hint. Plus you can never have too many quills surely?

A Little House Dressing...

2009-09-15T00:01:00.001+01:00

If you are anything like me you undoubtedly find the world of fashion permeates through seemingly every layer of your day to day life. My own house carries booming echoes of my own fashion tastes and I thought I'd share a snippet of this via a few unstyled, off the cuff shots courtesy of my Crackberry! Above is a section of my desk (normally anally organised...honestly) circa 10.00am featuring everything from a hair appointment reminder (at 11.00am, Note to self: stop taking phone pictures and LEAVE), my ALL SAINTS pass and a tear from a copy of the London Paper I found amusing...

One of my closets. I have a strange predilection to hang things from them, don't ask me why, it regularly changes but for the moment it's my FASHION'S NIGHT OUT Vogue tee and a cute button up carrier from TOPSHOP.

My bedroom coffee table, always buckling under the strain of several million publications. Featuring 10 MEN MAGAZINE, back issues of BIDOUN, The latest NEW YORKER, a Taschen book of TRUE CRIME DETECTIVE MAGAZINE covers and an anthology by ALISON JACKSON (Confidential). Riveting stuff. Although slightly beside the point you can catch a glimpse of my neighbour with the super rose garden taking her bin out. It's a glamorous life folks...

My other closet is working some serious KOKON TO ZAI legging action (sick prints, no?!) and a VERSACE jacket from SAKS I can't bear to bundle into the wardrobe, although it works a little rotation with a WESTWOOD jacket I'm also pretty fond of...

Then there's the sofa post a little blogging, oh look it's ABOVE MAGAZINE from yesterday, ta da! I seem to enjoy existing in a sea of magazines, old and new, plus my copy of CORMAC MCCARTHY'S 'The Road' which I'll dig into when pictures of watches start to bore me...

I'm sure your home is equally enshrined to your fashion loves, plus switching your wardrobe object d'art is easier than redecorating don't you think?

Above and Beyond...

2009-09-14T12:07:00.008+01:00

So it may come as no surprise (particularly to the staff at Magma, RD Franks , Borders...oh and my bank) that my magazine consumption is greater than any single person I know. ABOVE MAGAZINE is my fodder for today and it really is a beaut.
A thoroughly hefty slab of a mag it isn't your usual hard lines, brash aesthetics and edgy street stylings, oh no. Created to have an eco voice (save your groans I haven't finished...) it reflects this with it's beguiling organic feel and the soft blues and focus on the natural world make a pleasant change from the usual array of steely fashion publications. But this IS a fashion publication...
...but a fashion publication with a voice. I'll admit I often switch off when things get a bit too 'Greenpeace' but what I loved about ABOVE is that it examines the world of fashion from an eco perspective whilst not pushing any heavy or over-laden agenda. It's intelligent, attractive and most importantly utterly readable. I've included a few screen grabs from the website but the current issue includes everything from STELLA MCCARTNEY on 'Design and Ethics' to 'The Missing Link Between Fashion and Fish'. At £5 it's an enlightening read and I'd thoroughly recommend it to all you green and not-so-green folks alike!

Child of our Time...

2009-09-13T00:01:00.001+01:00

So I'm a child of the 80s and whether is was the beats of Ultravox, Sylvester McCoy as Doctor Who or white socks and pumps I truly believe it to be that decade that WAS. I go cockahoot over a bit of 80s throwback and you've probably already seen these snaps which have been doing the rounds for a few days now. From the up coming Sex and the City 2 these 'flashback' stills have me awaiting the release more eagerly than before which is quite something. What could be better than Bradshaw channeling Madonna or Samantha Jones as a pre-makeover Melanie Griffith Working Girl? Oh that's right Miranda Hobbs in a taupe trouser suit. J'adore.

Hard Times? Fashion good times...

2009-09-12T04:16:00.004+01:00

I've been told I look like skinny quiffed singer Patrick Wolf more times than I'd care to acknowledge but it would appear his latest look has more than a touch of me about it. I'm absolutely loving his latest video and the styling is right up my street with its statement neckwear and monochrome loveliness. It was only a matter of months ago however that my own usually red locks where bleached to within an inch of their life and I'd cracked out the feathers in my own noir take on neck adornment (that's me below). So when I clocked his latest video it was clear that me and ole Pat have more in common than general thin-boy syndrome and we're both singing from the same fashion hymn sheet. I'll certainly be continuing to refer to the Wolf style guide for future fashion inspirations, assuming I don't beat him to it of course!

Going, Going...GONE

2009-09-11T16:54:00.006+01:00

We all love a 'limited edition'; That feeling of exclusivity in the name of fashion dahhling. These bad boys are my current favourites in the folder marked 'only so many'. Above, these MOMO for Y-3 ( how awesome is that website?!) trainers are beaut-a-rific and there are only 350 in the world. On sale October 1st. Want? Yes please.

And with a run of just 300 the new fragrance from French fancy A.P.C, entitled Sustain, is another on my list of dream buys. Inspired by music insiders describe the scent as "like a velvet lined guitar case filled with rose petals". Available now from Paris uber store Colete. Strum me baby...

Given the Boot...

2009-09-10T14:07:00.005+01:00

My good friend and fellow London College of Fashion blogger AMY MAY has great taste and when I stopped by her blog today I wasn't surprised to find something that also tickled my magpie like fancy! Yet again the super sick RAF SIMONS has turned his hand to the winter Dr Martens collection and hit target (does this chap EVER get it wrong?) with boots that have me salivating down my chin like an overexcited toddler. I've never been all over DMs like most, preferring my ALL SAINTS military boots, but these sparkly soles of dreams have me sold and I'm already deciding what they would look good with. In case you were wondering I decided everything. Although not on sale yet they can previewed at the Dr Martens website and I suspect we'll all be chasing them like a carrot on a string when they're finally released. Until then it's the waiting game, my least favourite game ever...and yes I'm including dodgeball.

A tale of me and my Tophat...

2009-09-09T00:01:00.002+01:00

How do you Pronounce BONKERS...?

2009-09-08T00:01:00.002+01:00

Fashion is often about a touch of insanity but these little babies are certainly something new. Designed to teach those aspiring to work in the upmarket hotel trade (surely making a bed is making a bed but whatever...) how to 'correctly' pronounce the names of fashion houses what we end up with is a lol-a-rific weird-fest...and I hate LOL (the abbreviation not actually laughing out loud obviously).

Whether it's the fact they vary between sounding like a human speech synthesiser or someone who has picked up their French accent from re-runs of 'Allo 'Allo it somewhat boggles belief and there are plenty more where these came from. Odd? For sure.

A life in Monogram...

2009-09-07T00:01:00.002+01:00

LOUIS VUITTON is, for me, an odd one. Years ago even a mention of the label would have conjured images of Euro trash teen queens with little sense and even less taste or shoddy knock offs from a market stall in Notting Hill. Gradually though my opinion has taken a dramatic u-turn as I've witnessed the brand launch itself as a true creative, pioneering power house. From Richard Prince to Takashi Murakami they have capitalised on some of the planet's most inspiring talent and produced work which is undeniably breathtaking. That's why even I think this latest tome from the French Icon would be a fantabulous coffee table addition (my own already buckling under the strain...). Entitled ART, FASHION AND ARCHITECTURE it features over 400 pages of bare sick imagery and will be available in 3 languages; French, English and Italian. The special edition, released on September 1st, is available at branches world wide priced $130.00. Sure, it's a tad more expensive than the latest Delia but I think you'll agree it's a whole lot more handsome than pictures of pies...

I Heart These...

2009-09-06T00:01:00.000+01:00

Well yesterday we were outside now let's venture inside DOVER STREET MARKET and bask in the gloriousness of one hot footwear collaboration as COMME DE GARCONS meets CONVERSE. Yes, COMME and CONVERSE. Coolest pumps on the planet right now? Just maybe. Available from September 10th there's already a waiting list so if you want to stand a chance of getting your mits on a pair be quick and be prepared to do anything from pimping yourself out to staff to threatening suicide if you don't get your size...

The Fall of Summer...

2009-09-05T00:01:00.001+01:00

This summer, like most London summers, has been a big 'ole mixed barrel. Searing heat one day, nuclear winter the next. As we are all gearing up for the inevitable transition from our sunnies to our layers however take a final look at DOVER STREET MARKET'S 'Endless Summer' window display, by A-MAZING set dresser ANDY HILLMAN, and fondly remember what was the summer of 09. It won't be long before everything turns a mottled brown followed by naked trees and dark London streets by 4pm...

Bags of Fun...

2009-09-04T00:01:00.003+01:00

Oh come on, you guys know your stuff so I have no doubt you're already super familiar with the bright-tastic stylings of bubble gum cute EMMA BELL. Her work has been capturing headlines and imaginations for quite some time now and it would seem her latest forray into the world of arm candy will be no different...

Teaming up with with the equally daring HELEN ROCHFORT, of whom she's long been a fan, her latest pieces display all the exuberance and eccentricity we've come to expect and are so enticing you could eat them. But don't. A list of stockists is due to be released soon but if you simply can't wait you impatient little toot sweet you could always check 'em out at the Pret A Porter trade show in Paris this week at Rochfort's stand in the Shibuya section.

As well as all this psychedelic excitement Emma Bell has also been shortlisted for the BRITISH AIRWAYS GREAT BRITONS competition and is competing with just 7 others for an amazing price. The winner is decided by public vote and she's counting on you so click on the link to spread the love!

Tee-rific...

2009-09-03T00:01:00.000+01:00

Anyone who saw WINTOUR on last week's LETTERMAN will have heard her promoting the heck out of NYC's upcoming fashion extravaganza 'Fashion's Night Out' but you may not have been aware that this night of shopping heaven is also being echoed by cities around the world as Vogue attempts to do its bit for the struggling retailers. All this means that Thursday 10th September will also see London's West End opening to midnight, along with 12 other capital cities, as the Vogue team enter stores offering workshops as well as appearances by designers and a wealth of other activities to make the night a one off experience for everyone involved.

Particularly exciting is that for one night only there will be a limited edition Tee on sale at selected stores in aid of CRISIS. With each country's tee completely unique the British version features a design by LUCINDA CHAMBERS, Vogue's very own Fashion Director, and illustrated by the awesome MARTIN WELCH. Needless to say I want one and I want it bad. Like you, I suspect it'll fly out as the fashion saavy snap them up in their droves and as such I very much intend to spend the next week sharpening my elbows in anticipation! Whether you get a tee or not though, this is set to be a wicked night in the name of a great cause so put it in your diary.....oh who am I kidding we all want the tee.

My Favourite Gingers...

2009-09-02T00:01:00.002+01:00

As I mentioned a few days ago I've decided to roll out a little piece on my absolute favourite fashion WUNDERBAR red heads and show a bit, as a carrot top myself, solidarity for the gingers. We're an occasionally under-appreciated breed but times have changed since CHRIS EVANS was considered a role model as my first choice proves. Okay, so she's admitted that her copper locks are a little 'assisted' but who cares as FlORENCE aka FLORENCE AND THE MACHINE is tearing up the read head look and rocking it in her own inimitable way...

Coupled with the fact her style is eclectic, daring and too-cool-to-care laid-back her fashion credentials can't be argued with in my book as this little lady always looks immense. Team Ginger: 1 / Rest of the world: Minus a million.

Clutching at straws...

2009-09-01T12:49:00.008+01:00

You may or may not be aware that I'm one of the skinny, semi tattooed fellas that seems pretty much the stock staff at edgy high street label ALL SAINTS. Working for them however hasn't seemed to have put a stopper on my item lust and I find more and more reasons to blow my uniform / discount allowance with every passing day....

Roll up the Zylet wallet. Admittedly designed for women this clutch type affair is my latest object of desire and wows with it's simple studded detail and soft leather. It's hard to appreciate from these photos but at about '2 hands' size it's one of those wallet / clutch hybrids that can store the multitude of cards and assorted bits of pointless paper we all seem to endlessly cart around. At £65.00 full price it isn't a dinner versus fashion buy and shouldn't break the bank, in short I NEED IT. If you to share my case of pursey desire you can pick it up online HERE or pop into your nearest store, who knows if that's in the London area (I won't spill which branch) you may even catch a glimpse of yours truly!

Mile high club...

2009-08-31T16:15:00.011+01:00

Everyone needs 'a look' and whilst mine invariably changes with the wind and my ever-so fickle fancy one thing seems to have remained with me for longer than would be deemed fashion-appropriate and it's my sky high teddy-boy-a-rific quiff.

It's become something of fixture atop my head and the running joke that the one staple of my endlessly excessive variety of arm candy bags is that they will always contain a can of hairspray is more amusing for the fact it's so blatantly true, the industrial strength hold of course as wishful thinking is simply not enough to hold up that bad boy.

As such I decided to share with you with the daily regime of the typical quiff-tastic chap courtesy of hot hot hot east London hair destination PIMPS AND PINUPS and the charming Carl with the awesome tats.

I'm not going to lie, you'll need barrels of product, a bloomin good comb and the wind shall forever more be your mortal enemy but if you are finding yourself struck by a dreaded case of quiff envy for those who are reaching for the stars in the hairiest sense then give it a go!

My quiff and I have a relationship that goes WAY back and we are nothing short of the best of friends. Having said that, short of a mass shortage in hairspray (could you imagine anything worse?) or some hideously dramatic scalping by some green eyed assailant I can't imagine the day we shall part ways. So for today and every other day I'll be happy to duck when coming through low framed doors and wap my comb out in typically Danny Zuko fashion at every opportunity because, to put it as concisely as possible, quiffs rock. Tall hair is the way forward people. For real.

Life Imitates Art...

2009-08-30T08:00:00.007+01:00

For some the fashion world is frequently seen as one of high drama and frivolous excess, take it from me however that shine is coupled with a lot of hard work, oodles of drive and spades of ambition from those in the industry. After watching the legendary Wintour (somewhere a kitten just died) on Letterman during the week it's clear that for her the creation of the eagerly anticipated 'The September Issue' is about proving that...and bolstering American Vogue sales of course.

So, serious face over, this looks like bags of fun and I'm already creating a puddle of excitement at my feet.We all know to expect the obligatory Devil Wears Prada pastiche scenes (how eerily similar is that office?!), or vice versa, the abundant bitchy moments and copious amounts of terrified looking staff going rigid under the glare of the woman herself and I for one will be wolfing down the popcorn and salivating at what is sure to be classic fashion cinema. Released here in the UK on September 11th (not the best date choice surely?!) this is everything STYLISTA wished it could be and blatantly the best excuse to get dressed up for the cinema since THAT first date...

The Perfect Match....

2009-08-29T00:01:00.004+01:00

...Bitching and Junkfood. So I'm at a fashion party / press launch (shocker) for hot tee label LONG CLOTHING at the tres cool Shoreditch clothing joint NO ONE, everyone has given up on the just-plain-wrong free beer and is hovering around the 'no minimum charge' (hurrah) bar in an effort to mingle and just generally be seen looking nonchalant yet eager. It's at this point I get speaking to the adorable Marion, editor and founder of hip online destination BITCHING AND JUNK FOOD, regarding the seeming lack of fashion forward menswear at an accessible (ever the friend of the proletariat, ahem) level. For those who don't know BITCHING AND JUNK FOOD is both an uber successful creative fashion blog and also an online store where vintage clothes arrive, are customised to reinvent them as avant garde fashion masterpieces and sold on from the website. It's genius.

Anyway, Marion eventually reveals that in the very near future this clothing mecca is to begin sprinkling its styling magic super-dust onto menswear in a bid to bring high fashion and high design menswear to the masses. Terribly exciting, girl or boy, I'm sure you'll agree. The menswear styles are set to convey a sense of dandyism capatilising on the new spirit of romanticism but, unlike most high street stalwarts, won't hold back on statement design. For me this is great news as the website looks set to provide what is individual, intelligent fashion at a price point that makes it an 'everyday' stop-by...and I'm in desperate need of a pair of killer shoulders a la BALMAIN.

Womenswear is also set to see changes of course as this side of the business expands and ups the creativity stakes to satisfy demand and the increasing notoriety of BITCHING AND JUNKFOOD as a whole. All in all I think this is one hot star that is only set to keep burning more brightly so keep an eye on it...

What do you call a ginger...?

2009-08-28T08:00:00.000+01:00

10 guesses what drove me to this cover? We all love raping our bank cards in Borders ostensibly in the name of research but nothing will part me from my cash more than the word GINGER on a mag cover and 10 MEN was no exception. Being of the red-headed persuasion myself the '10 Vile Ginger Jokes' opening page, courtesy of the mag's very own copper plated Editorial Director, had me guffawing in Starbucks like a crazed donkey. Once I got past the hilariously irreverent tone however I realised it's also a bloomin' great magazine...

Themed around the notion of, you guessed it (have a ginger snap), 10, the magazine is divided into categories such as '10 Ideas' or '10 Questions' and it's in this way 10 MEN presents fashion in an engaging and diverse way mixing weightier features with bitty pages featuring digestible fashion nibbles (I particularly love the section where a writer explains he's unable to give more details on a new product as someone spilt coffee on the press release). The current Issue features everything from RICHARD GRAY's '10 Fashion Heroes' to 10 days with RAF SIMONS but unlike most mags there's never the impression of page fillers as each slice of the action is as readable or visually enticing as the last.

At a jolly reasonable £4.95 (it's pretty hefty and not 99.9% those Burberry ads with Emma Watson doing her best I'm-a-lady impression) you can pick it up at most decent mag outlets or visit the website of course HERE. Go on, do it for the gingers...

A new regular piece on my favourite fashion carrot tops beckons...

"Dressing extravagantly in wartime is not only bad form, it's unpatriotic"-1939

2009-08-27T08:00:00.002+01:00

Okay, okay....OKAY, so this brand is hardly anything new (well does WWII count?!) but I don't care. It's official, I've developed something of an obsession. Let's be frank folks slogans are tricky things to pull off, I mean, if I come across one more 'young, posh and loaded' tee, invariably worn by someone that embodies none of these things, I might hit the culprit but for me this is infinitely more fashion and infinitely less tack-on-a-plate. It all started with my odd love of WWII posters (from which this slogan and motif originally derive) and a hearty respect for good ole' Churchill but has evolved into a fully fledged fashion infatuation.

It's also fantabulous that everything is decidedly credit crunch busting and I picked up a blue version of the above tote for a mighty £20. Just like the war for me that equals WIN. It's super sturdy and, having already been chucked around more than its fair share, is holding up nicely! The motif, featuring the crown of King George, can also be found on everything from key chains to tee shirts (I was so close to buying a deck chair but realised not having a garden and, being in London, not having a beach it mightn't have been the most sensible thing to do...) so go and have a gander at KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON. I have to admit I did almost die when I saw Katie Price flaunting one of the tees in a glossy the day after my bag arrived but hopefully it won't catch on! Plus, if you happen to need a little coaxing to part with your readies there's also the alternative motto below...

Writing away from home....

2009-08-26T18:15:00.007+01:00

Yikesy yikes yikes, it really has been a while, no?! Needless to say I've had a busy summer and it was somewhat unavoidable I had to take some time away. On the plus point I'm full to bursting with new inspirations and the first to get a mention is my latest work with style mag NOTION and it's website. I've been party hopping across London Town with my trusty notepad and an empty bag waiting to engorge all the freebies that pass my way. Check out my latest piece on the party of cotton-candy-sweet fashion brand Irregular Choice...

While you're reading up on that I'll be back tomorrow to fill you in on more of my Summer sun fashion goings on!

Credit Crunch killed the Magazine Star....

2009-05-21T13:36:00.010+01:00

Firstly, it's been a long time. Too long but needless to say the gap included everything from a house move to a holiday so it was somewhat unavoidable! Anywho I felt it was about time I gave my baby a little more attention so here goes...

Some of you may or may not be aware of the recent scandals at long running and infinitely iconic mag iD but needless to say when news leaked that the fashion team was given the hoof, told to 'hop it, pick up your things on the way out and don't forget your P46s' it came as both something of a surprise and just another reminder that these are perilous times for the fashion world...

Of course the sacking of the creatives, behind what is a British institution, was not the only shake up and it came with the news that the magazine's output would be halved to just 6 issues a year from its current 12. I have to admit that personally I felt it was somewhat inevitable, not only are times tough but I can't help but feel that what was once a promising, inspiring and directional publication has now lost its way a little. It no longer provokes, challenges or sits on the cusp of fashion but instead fills its pages with badly written copy and pictures of scantily clad supermodels. Is this what the iD reader wants? Eschewing the likes of FHM and Nuts is this what any fashion reader really wants?

This current revelation only proves that even the most stalwart entities of the fashion world are within an inch of being toppled, not just under the weight of current financial pressures, but by assuming unwavering loyalty on behalf of the public. Wrapping a naked Naomi Campbell around the, admittedly dishy, creative director of YSL isn't enough to sell mags to a discerning audience who expect more from publications which once promised not just pretty pictures but a dose of ingenuity and artistry.

It would appear that for iD it could be time to CALL time on what has become a faltering legend. What does everyone else think, Is iD still the same monolithic presence of the mag stands as it was? Would you be SAD to see it go? For me it's hard to know how it can pick itself up again so perhaps it's time to bid farewell, not with a wave but a hearty wink...

Sample This...

2009-04-06T13:56:00.006+01:00

Let's be honest we all love a good sample sale. The inevitable sorting of the tat from the gotta-have-it luscious and desirable (even if it means a swift elbow to the person with their hands on the other side of the hanger) and then the dreaded queue to depart with the readies. There are sample sales however and then there are sample sales and tomorrow sees the arrival of a sample sale so splendipidously sensational there isn't a piece of tat in sight and elbows will be sharpened to the point of rivaling a Jimmy Choo, it's KOKON TO ZAI.

Undeniably the hottest fashion hotspot in Soho this boutique is a veritable smorgasbord of gorgeousness stocking everything from vintage VIVIENNE WESTWOOD to MARJAN PEJOSKI. I'm in something of a tither that seeing as I'm on holiday I won't be in London myself to enjoy it, as my bank card breathes a sigh of relief, but if you happen to be in the area you'd be a fool to miss it, A FOOL!!

It all kicks off tomorrow (Tuesday) at 11:00am and runs until closing on Wednesday at 8:00pm.

The address is 57 GREEK STREET and you can contact them on 02074341316.

My advice is get there early and bring a whole LOTTA molah, trust me, you're gonna want everything!

Notions of this and that...

2009-03-31T10:09:00.007+01:00

NOTION MAGAZINE began bubbling away on the periphery a few years ago. Initially a somewhat 'too cool for school' collection of hot music and sick fashion it's undeniably exploded into the mainstream and in turn the coffee tables or shoppers of most of London Town's party scene kids. Everyone from GNARLS BARKLEY to PETE DOHERTY have graced the cover and its daring fashion pages continue to excite and ignite the Shoreditch set. The recent NOTION 38 launch party with ESSER was the hottest gig in town and it was also an opportunity for ALEXIS KNOX to celebrate her new position as Fashion Editor of the mag...

You may remember my interview with the Alexistential Miss Knox a little while back here on IWWCH (if not you can still check it out here) but I'm terribly excited that in a few weeks I'll be joining the team for a month working with Alexis getting my 2 pence in and undoubtedly fetching the coffee in another bout of that work related experience malarkey that is ever so popular with fashion studying types these days.

My placement also coincides with the relaunch and restyling of PLANET NOTION, the magazine's online platform and it's been hinted I may even get to put pedal to metal, or in my case, skin to plastic keyboard, and knock out a few words.

Issue 38 features the 'Hipsters Handbook' and is proving to be a must for anyone on the hotter end of the fashion spectrum with some fab fashion spreads and a host of both off and on radar designers. Available from most mag outlets, check it out...

Are UGGs Eww?

2009-03-27T11:07:00.008Z

Been a while since my last blog but deadlines and the subsequent end-of-term shenanigans somewhat curtailed my free time! Anyways I'm back with something of a quandary. I personally always took something of a disliking to UGG boots, thinking them a little 'trendy' (in the very literal sense) but a trend that had long since died a death. I recently tried on a pair of the traditional high tops however and, sharp intake of breath, rather liked them! In fact they were so crazily snug the next thing I knew they were bought and had replaced my beaten-up CONVERSE the moment I got back into the car. It poses a couple of tricky questions, my friends are divided (some yeah, some oh-so-very not)and even I myself am struggling to come to terms (it all sounds very dramatic. It's not.) with my sudden change of heart.

I realise they might be seen as a little chavy (Non Brit translation: Hilda Suarez) but I'm a strong believer in things looking good or bad depending on how they are worn. I was working mine turned down with a pair of great harem pants, in grey of course as I'm literally obsessed, and a super long cardigan thingy from ALL SAINTS and I thought they looked quite good! Am I mad? What do we think, are UGGs just plain wrong? Even more are UGGs on men even wronger? Let me know what you think!

Just another Mickey Monday...

2009-03-09T00:01:00.001Z

Well after a weekend of keyboard clacking and seemingly never-ending visual research for an upcoming project I'm kicking off this weeks blogging with an 'own buy'. I'm amazed at the extent to which the MICKEY MOUSE trend is exploding across the fashion pages, the catwalk (I heart the MICKEY MOUSE trainers worn by JEREMY SCOTT after his fall 09 collection) and indeed the shelves of the more fashion forward stores. So as well as my MADONNA COMIC RELIEF TEE, with the trademark ears, I pulled out a recently acquired friend in the form of my vintage MICKEY bag from Brick Lane's ROKIT.

I'm somewhat known for my obsessive bag compulsion but this was by far of the more cheap and cheerful variety at a credit crunch busting £24, hurrah for vintage! I love the graphically brash pattern (there's something inherently great about monochrome) but it's also trimmed with leather and has leather straps which give it an air of quality. I've already been asked twice where I got it so clearly folks are keen to jump on the fun and frolics of the MICKEY bandwagon and accessories are a great way to add a dash of eccentricity to an outfit.

It's also fabulously practical. As you can see above it's the perfect size for a laptop (as well as all of those other bits and pieces we invariably cart around) so it's great for day to day. On the whole I seem unable to help myself from becoming absurdly in love with the MICKEY trend but at the minute I'm trying to balance quirky cool with looking like an overeager sales assistant from the DISNEY Store. By all means let me know when I've gone too far!

The boss from ELLE...

2009-03-06T00:01:00.004Z

After a week of blogging about Avant-Garde fashion exhibitions, couture clothing and obscure fashion magazines it's time to blow ALL my fashion credentials out of the window as I declare myself already smitten with the latest trashy U.S. import, STYLISTA. Following 11 (now 10) candidates as they compete for the role of Junior Editor at American ELLE there are all the catfights and cliches one would expect from a show of this kind...

The show launched just last night here in the UK on Channels FIVE and FIVER and I'm already trying to decide which was my favourite moment of the first episode. The hideous DEVIL WEARS PRADA pastiche 'that wasn't a compliment' moment, the 'I already hate her' moment from the show's token bitch or just the whole host of moments featuring ANNE SLOWEY (ELLE'S Fashion News Director) who, whilst at first coming across as a little severe is hard not to love once the steely facade drops and she cracks a winning smile. Her witty 'Anne'-isms are already laugh out loud and it's clear she, along with the more extrovert of the candidates, will be the corner stone of the show.

With the first season already long over in the US I did slightly irritatingly stumble upon the name of the winner online (AHHHHHHHHH!) but I have no doubt it will not impede my enjoyment of what is quite possibly the most factually unrepresentative and inaccurate show on TV, but who cares? Just like we tuck into junk food we know is bad for us so I shall consume empty calorie broadcasting every Thursday night and feel NO SHAME...So bad it's good. For the trailer click HERE.

STYLISTA- Channel 5 Thursdays 8pm and Fiver 9pm

Dining in fashion...

2009-03-05T00:01:00.000Z

Anyone who attends either LONDON COLLEGE OF FASHION or has attended one of it's infamous fashion celeb talks (everyone from DONATELLA VERSACE to ERIN O'CONNOR has graced it's hallowed halls) will be familiar with the 'fashion space' exhibition area off the first floor thoroughfare at the flagship John Princes Street building. The exhibits vary wildly but good grief is the current one a goody...

Entitled 'Neo Couture ' it features the most spectacular dinner party set-up with white mannequins modeling a whole variety of dramatic and altogether breathtaking couture clobber.

Naturally it's somewhat difficult to appreciate the scope from my shaky camera phone (hastily snapping away whilst the resident curator's back was turned!) but the whole area is dazzlingly lit with bright white light which bounces theatrically off the fibre-glass furniture and cutlery, opalescent beads suspended from the ceiling and of course the sequence heavy clothing.

The exhibit is utterly captivating with mannequin cliques huddled together gossiping in one corner and even two looking rather flirtatious in another. Unlike most galleries with this exhibit you are encouraged to engage with the work having to walk through the space like another dinner guest, squeezing past 'chatting' plastic women and stepping over the main dinner table plinth.

Naturally the stunning couture pieces grab the attention first and foremost and from satin, boldly patterned mens suits to the most magnificent gold sequence gown the workmanship is outstanding. It was all I could do not to dribble down my chin!

If you're a UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS LONDON student or just likely to be in the area or building it's well worth a look and is running presently until the 3rd April and open Monday to Friday 10.00am to 5.00pm. No food allowed!

Some like it hot...

2009-03-04T00:01:00.000Z

As much as I'm a shamelessly patriotic advocate of London Fashion Week for me this year it has been Milan that is coming up trumps. Collection after collection is not just striking a chord but genuinely exciting me. From the first image on STYLE.COM I knew the DOLCE AND GABBANA A/W womenswear 09 collection had that something special...

Mixing old world glamour with new world drama it was a high impact collection that featured everything from MARILYN MONROE printed skirts and dresses to full bodied furs in pinks, black and white. The 50's tone wasn't purely conveyed through the use of the blonde bombshell however but was also echoed in many of the trim silhouettes and prim accessorising. I love the combination of the chic 'button up' with a theatrical fur just like that fab ensemble above. It's all VERY 'I am big, it's the pictures that got small...' in a smoky theatre.

So we've all seen the occasional hideous MARILYN printed bag or dress hovering in the window of some badly lit upper Oxford Street bargain 'emporium' but DOLCE AND GABBANA proved that a bit of, lets be honest, 'camp' printing can still be done with a degree of class.

They also offered a modern take on the womans mens suit (ya get me?) with exaggerated shoulders and sumptuous fabrics. Just gorgeous! Overall it was one of the most exciting collections to stroll the canvas yet.

For all of the images just check out STYLE.COM.

A melange in Milan...

2009-03-03T00:01:00.005Z

It has to be said that one of the true joys of living in a city like London is the wealth of fashion related cultural goings on. The V&A for example is one of the most famous stomping grounds of the elite and street of fashion alike. For all the abundance of London however there are the occasional gems far from these shores I'd give my left PAUL SMITH loafer to be able to see. This is one.

From March 4th through to May 10th anyone in the Milan vicinity will be lucky enough to be able to catch the latest curative project from AMERICAN VOGUE. Entitled EXTREME BEAUTY IN VOGUE, the exhibit charts 75 years of ground breaking fashion photography and charts the 'role of beauty in our culture' through pieces shot specifically for AMERICAN VOGUE over the years since its launch (including those shown here).

Featuring the works of such photographic legends as IRVING PENN, RICHARD AVEDON and ANNIE LEIBOVITZ, to name a few, it seems set to be one of the most important exhibitions of its kind staged in recent years and I for one am jealous of anyone who gets the opportunity to enjoy it. Of course if you have the time and means it would be the perfect excuse for a weekend in Italy!

Luckily for those of us who can't just jet off to the continent at a moments notice there is at least a sneak peak over at STYLE.COM which, if honest, probably only whets the appetite even more. As well as just the few images I've chosen here there a multitude of other iconic works featuring supermodels and super-photographers alike awaiting your perusal. Fashion through a lens has never been so tempting.

The exhibition runs March 4th to May 10th at Milan's Palazzo della Ragione.

Images from top- Exhibit poster

Irving Penn, Mascara Wars, July 2001

Irving Penn, Yves Saint Laurent Blouse, December 05

Steven Klein, Dream Cream, January 2002

Steven Klein, Medical Mistakes, May 2008

All courtesy of STYLE.COM (thanks!)

Middle East Feast...

2009-03-02T13:57:00.006Z

I'm currently working on a fashion spread project and on this occasion found myself drawn to the Middle East as my point of inspiration. Needless to say this was ostensibly another reason for one of my usually ill advised (well for my bank card anyway...) trips to Borders and the tantilising rows of fab fash mags. This time I stumbled across the wonderful BIDOUN, a combination of striking imagery and arts and culture from the Middle East...

Like many mags it works on 'themed issues', as I discovered after hitting up the website, and this issue is the 'Kids Issue'. Seeing as everything seems to be going Mickey Mouse at the moment I was immediately captivated by that awesome cover (the glittery bits are actually a laminated plastic). Inside though are some great articles with various Middle Eastern cultural types from photographers (some hilariously ironic fashion stuff) to artists, illustrators and social commentators.

Ok so if I'm honest you may not find many pictures of DIOR frocks or JIMMY CHOOS but if you like your visual fashion inspiration with a dash of culture, a smattering of intellectual pratter and all handled with a modicum of wit I say check it out!

For a little online sneak peak of some of the features of the current issue or to browse back issues just click here or follow any of the links above, enjoy...

As an aside, I can now be followed on TWITTER so go for it TWITTER me up....(click the links)

Designing the Future...

2009-03-01T12:45:00.006Z

It may have been running for over a month but to my great shame I've yet to haul myself along to THE DESIGN MUSEUM'S exhibition of the works of seminal designer HUSSEIN CHALAYAN. He's twice been crowned 'best British designer of the year' and with his unfailingly innovative approach to fashion it's not hard to see why.

With dresses that transform into furniture, light up the room with imbedded LEDs or change shape at the touch of a button his work is challenging our perceptions of what is capable through clothing and in turn pushing the world of fashion forward in his own inimitable way.

I am adamant that this IS the week I shall go. I will squeeze, squeeze and squeeze the schedule until there's enough time for a reasonably paced stroll and a good coffee afterwards, just you wait...

The exhibition runs until the 17th may so you've still got plenty of time to witness the design marvels it contains. For a synopsis or to book tickets just click here.

Give a little, get a lotto...

2009-02-28T16:17:00.008Z

It's nice when the, albeit infrequent, opportunity arises to not only pick up a great piece of fashion but to also give a little in the process. Needless to say everyone is going cockahoot over the fabulous RED NOSE DAY tees this year, designed by brit design guru STELLA MCCARTNEY, which feature images of such theatrical icons as The BEATLES, MORECOMBE & WISE and the queen of pop herself MADONNA! The MADONNA tee is a personal fav and I've had family members galore out on the hunt for one at the sole highstreet stockist TK MAXX. Luckily I was able, just today, to bag one with the material girl but the 'Madge' version is, unfortunately,seemingly sold out just about everywhere which is hugely irritating! (Mine turned up in Belfast...)

They are also available online here but, just like in stores, there's no MADONNA to be had, just the others, which are granted still rather nice and selling for £9.99 with at least £5 going to the cause, although if you do manage to snag yourself the MADONNA version it's slightly more at £14.99.

Of course all of this is going towards a sensational charity so regardless of the item it will be money well spent. To learn more about COMIC RELIEF and RED NOSE DAY or to make a donation just follow the links...

Cheaper than Disney Land...

2009-02-27T13:29:00.002Z

Shucks it seems MOSCHINO CHEAP & CHIC just ensnares me more and more with every passing collection. It's hard to believe this is a label that once sold itself on cropped stonewash denim jackets and heart patterns. The new Fall 09 Ready To Wear collection from Milan has equally tickled my not normally quite so ticklish fancy...

From the fantabulous 'Mickey'-a-like headwear to those groovy 60s inspired shoes it's a whole lotta chic...though not really that cheap.

It's a really intelligent blend of the quirky and the refined and there's some beauuuutiful frocks...

Love the stripe motif that ran through some of the pieces as well, even if the green heels below are a little more Kermit than Minnie.

Cheap and Chic? Uber cool and gotta get me some of that headwear...

Not just AnOther window display...

2009-02-26T15:57:00.002Z

Who doesn't love TILDA SWINTON and her icy good looks? From her dazzling style to her prodigious talent I'm a fan of gargantuan proportions. Lucky for all of the Londoners out there, myself included, you can now combine shopping at SELFRIDGES with the good lady herself! Since the 12 February the snow maiden (albeit in paper form) has been holding stay in the stores infamous windows as one of the biggest promotions yet seen for AnOther MAGAZINE...

DAZED DIGITAL explains: "In homage to British fashion, this special issue of AnOther Magazine features actress Tilda Swinton as cover girl modeling some of Britain’s finest new fashion talent, including dresses by Peter Pilotto, Louise Goldin, Craig Lawrence and Mary Katrantzou, made solely for the issue. As the first British actress to ever appear on the cover of the magazine, Swinton can be seen not once but twice: wearing a cascading pink silk ribbon dress for the limited edition cover and a darkly sensual Mark Fast dress for the regular cover. An epic interview featuring Tilda and over 35 of her contemporaries from Patti Smith to Viktor & Rolf by Jefferson Hack accompanies the piece. Swinton will also occupy the windows at Selfridges Oxford St, and her life size cut out image will be proliferated throughout the store."

Needless to say if you haven't seen it yet OR picked yourself up a copy it's about time you did, go on, snap to it...

10 Dresses...Oscar Special

2009-02-23T16:57:00.006Z

It may be LONDON FASHION WEEK but for one night only all eyes were on a catwalk of a whole different variety as Hollywood's glitterati hit the red carpet for the most glamourous evening of the celebrity calender, The Oscars. With more designers on show than you could shake a celery stick at it was a fashion on a platter, here's a few of the big players...

She may not be quite as high on the celeb pecking order as, say, a MERYLL STREEP or a KATE WINSLET but 'THE WRESTLER'S' EVAN RACHEL WOOD showed many of the A-Listers how it was done in this gorgeous flesh-tone frock with minimal accessories. Simple and classic she looks knockout...

From an understated knockout to a vampy one HEIDI KLUM, despite wearing red, still managed to stand out from the carpet in this ROLAND MOURET number. A great combination of old school glamour and modern silhouette the legendary model proved she's stiiiiiiiill got it!

JENNIFER ANNISTON looked splendid as always in VALENTINO, outshining ANGELENA who was in head to toe black. I would've included a picture but she's a husband-stealing trout with a bad attitude so I didn't bother...

JESSICA BIEL opted for 2 dresses for the occasion but this, donned for the VANITY FAIR party, was by far my favourite. Proving quirky Oscar dresses don't always have to be a disaster (here's looking at you Bjork) this spectacular number is both a daring colour and a spectacular cut. Love that gold waist band!

Proving 'big is beautiful' QUEEN LATIFAH looked hot hot hot in this GEORGES CHAKRA deep navy gown with lace and stone detailing. Doesn't she look positively glowing?!

So teeny bopper pop queens may have me gouging at my own ears with rusty razor blades but MILEY CYRUS in ZUHAIR MURAD was my big surprise of the evening looking both demure and also distinctive in, what is, a truly spectacular dress.

TILDA SWINTON rarely puts a foot wrong in my books and this LANVIN Oscar ensemble is no exception. Incredibly flattering but relatively understated this girl just knows how to get it right time and time again.

zzzzzzz, oh sorry, just nodded off. Yeah, it's pretty. Yeah, her cleavage looks fabulous. Yeah, it's very 'Oscars' but come on SJP it's also incredibly boring! It's more wedding dress than fashion maverick, or in other terms, more 'marry' than 'Carrie'. Disappointing.

ANNE HATHAWAY in the study with the lead piping. With the combination of that dull dress and the awkward pose HATHAWAY, in GIORGIO ARMANI, looks like she's stumbled off a Cluedo board.

Sorry but I had to do it. It was one of the most glamorous celebrations of the evening but RACHEL WEISZ at the VANITY FAIR party looked as though she'd stumbled from 'work' on the Sunset Strip. Many words spring to mind, none of which are 'class' 'taste' or 'style'. Good grief woman, put your knees away!

I may have thought PERSEPOLIS was robbed and MICKEY ROURKE should lay off the facelifts but at least, as a few of these ladies show, some won big in the style stakes.

La Lohan....Acting out?

2009-02-19T18:53:00.007Z

Posh really does have a lot to answer for. For me the general mediocrity of celebrity clothing lines isn't something I'd normally take much interest in. Luckily Posh's recent examples aren't half bad but for every decent tailored frock there are a pair of dull-as-dishwater leggings, I'm looking squarely at you LINDSAY LOHAN...

After last years release of her diabolically dull range of leg-slinky garments under the, quite frankly crap, name '6126' (pictured) I'm entirely at a loss to understand why there is such sporadic excitement regarding the news she is to release her own full range of clothing in the next 2 years. I mean bearing in mind the sheer lack of imagination or creativity that went into her previous fashion endeavour what are people honestly expecting? A range of gloves perhaps? Who knows maybe she'll push the boat out and introduce A COLOUR this time round?!

Needless to say I think it's bad enough she's soon to release her own self-tanner, with cosmetics company STAY GOLD, so we can all have that 'just back from holidaying in Chernobyl' look, a la Lohan, but I truly am getting sick of talentless celebs turning their hand to fashion as some inane hobby, generally with underwhelming or just dire results. My advice Lindz, stick to acting....badly.

Telegram From Planet Fashion: ALEXIS KNOX

2009-02-17T13:23:00.011Z

ALEXIS KNOX has her 'fingers in lots of pies', she said it herself. From her position as 'Fashion Editor' at NOTION MAGAZINE to creative directing for candy-queen designer EMMA BELL the reach and influence of those dynamite digits grows seemingly larger with each passing month. No ingenue or bashful wall-flower she's as much a presence afterhours as 'officehours' wielding her pen and guestlist at the doors of some of London Town's hottest happenings from CIRCUS to BLACK BALLOON. Here she is, in her own words...

FROM THE CLUB SCENE TO THE GLOSSY PAGES OF FASHION MAGS YOU'RE A FACE PEOPLE ARE LIKELY TO BE FAMILIAR WITH, TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT THE WORK YOU'VE DONE AND HOW YOU'VE COME TO BE WHERE YOU ARE NOW…

Well I don’t know about that! I’ve been in London 2 years now, I moved from Oxford after I finished my degree, not knowing what I wanted to do. I had completed a graphic design degree with a fashion bias so obviously wanted to do something within the creative industry and dreamt of being a stylist.

I had always been interested in style as opposed to fashion. Coming from Oxford you can be very limited in your resources and inspirations, as things like social networking were only just blowing up when I moved to London. I started clubbing in East London, where I still live, at nights like Boombox and met various people and made a lot of friends. At the same time during the day I was doing work experience with various publications, and also within the field of television production. Hard work paid off and the jobs slowly trickled in…

YOU'VE DONE, AND STILL DO, A HUGE VARIETY OF DIFFERENT THINGS. IS IT IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO HAVE THAT VARIETY IN YOUR WORK OR DO YOU HAVE A FIRST LOVE?

I think when you’re a creative person it’s very hard to limit yourself to just one creative outlet. Door hosting is not something I would consider a career thing but it is a fantastic way to meet new people and network. I love working with Emma in fashion week and on projects as it is a way to continue with creative direction which is eventually the field I want to end up in, from fashion shows to music videos to perhaps one day film as I take a great deal of inspiration from the world of cinema something I am only now just beginning to explore.

YOU ONLY MOVED TO THE 'BIG SMOKE' A FEW YEARS AGO BUT YOU'RE CAREER SEEMS TO BE PROGRESSING AT AN ASTOUNDING RATE, TO WHAT DO YOU OWE YOUR SUCCESS?

I have always been a very goal orientated and focused person, never just doing one thing at a time, having fingers in lots of pies lets say! Also I am very passionate about creating beautiful, exciting imagery and experiences for peopIe and feel really lucky and blessed to be able to support myself doing so.

YOU WORK HARD BUT MUST ENJOY WHAT YOU DO, WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE HIGHS OF THE INDUSTRY BUT ALSO THE PITFALLS?

A high is definitely seeing people’s reactions to work you have done or managing to create what you have seen in your head or better. There are so many highs actually to working with amazing people and very talented people in fun random locations and situations, with every day being completely different.

A low is that it is a very clique business and sometimes hard to break into, and a lot of it can be who you know, followed with dedication and of course talent.

If you work entirely freelance as well, due to the nature of the business the work can unreliable and irregular. A lot of people also have to work for a very long time in the beginning of their careers for free and even into their careers sometimes continue to.

YOU WORK IN A VERY CREATIVE, VERY DYNAMIC SEGMENT OF THE INDUSTRY. IS THAT AN INTENTIONAL CHOICE OR COULD YOU EVER SEE YOURSELF GOING UBER MAINSTREAM AND WORKING FOR A MORE 'MASS' PUBLICATION?

Well the reality of the industry unfortunately is that all the fun stuff is often the least paid, and it’s the commercial work that is the highest paid, so it’s good to have a balance. Also it means you work with a great variety of people. When working within editorial, you may be doing something that looks like it is just fun but there is actually a business purpose behind it, whether only using advertisers or product placement.

YOU LIKE TO BE ON THE CUSP OF WHAT'S HOT, HOW DO YOU KEEP YOUR OWN STYLE FRESH AND HOW DOES THAT INFORM YOUR WORK?

I never really attempted to stay fresh as such but I am very aware of things around me, I am lucky to live in a part of the world which is extremely original and exciting, so when you see these things on a daily basis you cant help but be inspired by them.

STYLING CAN BE SUCH A PERSONAL PROCESS, HOW MUCH OF WHAT YOU DO IS A REFLECTION OF YOUR OWN TASTE AND HOW MUCH IS DICTATED BY A STRICT BRIEF?

It really depends on the project, you can’t help but have your own style and way of doing things. If you are working with a client and it’s not what they want then you are not doing your job properly. It’s all very well having vision and creative integrity, If you are working on a project that is your own then you have the right to do what you want. Some stylists have very distinctive styles, but I would say mine really does vary depending on the theme of the shoot.

A CLICHE QUESTION BUT WHAT ARE YOUR FASHION 'DOs' AND YOUR FASHION 'DO NOTs'?

I think so many people loose their own personality when dressing themselves or they use it to categorise themselves, to join a fashion tribe as such.I’m always paranoid when I’m getting dressed as to what impression I’m giving of myself that day, a kind of ‘fashion who am I?!”

DABBLING IN SO MANY AREAS MUST LEAVE A LOT OF ROADS OPEN TO YOU, WHERE DO YOU SEE YOUR CAREER GOING AND WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR MISS KNOX?

My dream is to direct and do more creative direction and similar projects whilst working along side many more talented, inspirational people.

FINALLY, BEARING IN MIND THE BLOG NAME, IF YOU COULD HAVE A WISH WHAT WOULD IT BE?

To achieve what ever I desire by following the road of hard work, respect and honesty…(what a hippy!)

Where HAVE you been?!

2009-02-16T19:24:00.003Z

Oh dear, time to confess, as if it wasn't obvious, that I've been rather neglecting my blog of late! If it's any consolation I haven't been 'couch potatoing' it for the past few weeks but have in fact been as busy as busy can be. As well as juggling the multitude of elements involved in putting together a rather spiffing editorial shoot (sneak peek above) and writing what feels like millions of words for a multitude of infinitely more tedious projects I've also squeezed in a radical hair change and ditched the blond in favour of an a-symmetric bowl cut in a coppery red. High drama indeed.

Despite pending deadlines and that crushing stress feeling I shall endeavour to spend a little more time here with my baby and get going again over this week...