HURTS - Stay (Official Video)

Oh Land - Sun Of A Gun

Glossie's Shrine

My collection of Vogue magazines spans over the past five years. So that's sixty odd glossy fashion gems that I proudly possess. Although, not a huge amount, quite embarrassing actually, when you consider that the magazine's inception was waaaay back in 1892.

Still, much better than being perched on a dust infested rickety shelf unit in a sorry state, (shoot me i'm, sometimes, careless), Conde Nast is to launch a one-stop magazine hub, displaying all current Conde Nast titles. I had hoped that this would include all previous issues dating back to poignant eras, but then I guess that would be too special and, also, who would want to reveal the A.M.A.Z.I.N.G Vogue House library to a million plus mucky paws? I have, very fortunately, had the privilege of perusing the formerly mentioned (all in aid of some research for the Vogue fashion team) and it's by no means the kind of library that we're all accustomed to. It's beyond brilliant and fun - it has cavernous book shelves that glide across the floor for easy access to hard-to-reach tomes.

Conde Nast Worldwide News opens in March within the Vogue HQ in Hanover Square, London. Whether you want to browse any of the 130 current issues of Vogue, Tatler, Vanity Fair etc, play with all of Conde Nast's iPad apps or scan images and info, you can do so in the stylish setting of Vogue House. There's some serious posh people/covetable clobber watching to be done here. It's glamour on ridiculous levels...

A Chance To Delve Into the Fashion Modelling World Is Upon Us

Fans of the former fly-on-the-wall documentary Babewatch (the show that discovered Vernon Kay), about Select Model Management, take note:

Starting on 23rd February, Channel 4 brings us a new dose of opportunity to model gawk and follow the day-to-day runnings of , this time, Premier Models (the model agency responsible for stellar supermodels Naomi Campbell, Claudia Schiefer, Christy Turlington and Linda Evangelista) in a new documentary called, quite simply, The Model Agency. Crikey O'Riley - wait I cannot...

The Future's Bright

For Spring/Summer 2011 the general consensus is to flout all previous notions of bare minimalism and usher in a season imbued with riotous colour. Jil Sander, DKNY and Aquilano Rimondi forbid us to adhere to the fashion protocol and encouraged an unabashed marrying of sprightly hues - splicing cerise with crimson, cobalt blue with acid green and igniting a fluoro frenzy. Sober your ensembles with gold accents for a jaunty decadence or complete the look with a motorbike jacket seen at Burberry and Balanciaga. It’s a tough luxe look fit for any summer soiree. A winter ensconced in chunky knits has left us yearning for the freedom and fluidity of the obligatory summer maxi dress. Diaphanous gowns dispersed throughout the collections at Dries Van Noten and Thakoon whilst Paul & Joe and Erdem Moralioglu opted for ostentatious floral prints to adorn their take on summer’s definitive trend. Not wanting to forego last season’s nude invasion? The likes of Jenny Packham, Roland Mouret and Ports 1961 have produced deftly cut garments in a palette of subdued tones, an antidote to the reigning overt colour spectrum that dominates this season’s trend line up.

Jil Sander

Loewe

Burberry

Aquilano Rimondi

Mad Men Season Four. Elated!

The beautiful cast

I am at a loose end. I am nearing the end of Season Three of my MAD MEN boxset. I remember an article in the Daily Mail, chronicling the narrative of the series, soon to grace our screens. It seemed a story concept that I must discover. A portrait of the Madison Avenue pioneers, the advertising industry in the late 50s and early 60s where frivolous spending, conspicuous drinking and smoking Lucky Strike cigarettes was prevalent. The awe inspiring sartorial pursuits of this era are unmissable. What a woman would do for Betty Draper's and Joan Holloway's closet... Then there's the ruling quest for the American Dream, which is far from reflected in the, sometimes dark, personal lives of the main characters. It's a glamorous but messed-up world and I have been hooked ever since.

But fear not my fellow MAD MEN aficionados, Season Four is to be released on Tuesday 29th March 2011. I have, seriously, been in a state of not knowing what to replace this epic TV viewing with, or rather could anything possibly compare? There's me thinking that my days of ogling, the suave, Don Draper were no more. Too excited.

Mad Men Season Four. Gasp!

Reigning Rupert's We Salute You

Rupert Sanderson has delivered a new collection of vertiginous beauties: a delectable stream of exquisite footwear with an exclusive introduction to the 140mm heel.

A unique marrying of animal skins, metallics and raw edging against a refined shoe-silhouette make these serious contenders for shoe stars.

See the rest of the collection below:

http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/daily/110107-rupert-sanderson-new-140mm-higher-h/gallery.aspx#

My current jacket lust-haves

Tibi
Plaid Peacoat 267.00


Jaeger
Zebra Jacket 135.00 (Sale)

Mulberry
Cord Trim Poacher
1350.00

Burberry Autumn/Winter 2011-2012

As a true champion, and fashion market leader, it is only right that we celebrate the super brand that is Burberry. Today sees the release of its Pre Fall 2011 collection and, in true Burberry style, it's a fashion force to be reckoned with.

Slinky Burberry vixens wore cinched trenches with rabbit fur stole-like shoulder detail and skin tight leather over knee boots. Always partial to a liberal legged trouser, I'm enthused by Christopher Kane's kick-flare accompaniments. Gem encrusted necklines, cuffs and pockets allowed for added opulence and a stylish solution to desk to dinner dressing. Faux Fur weaved it's way through the designs adding volume to linear silhouettes. All in all, a subtly sexy and sophisticated line up.

Here's my pick of the best looks from the collection:

Kate Middleton in Reiss

Sunday morning. If there was an image that was going to put a huge smile on my face, whilst I aid my G&T head, it was going to be these latest shots of the newly engaged Prince William and Kate Middleton. Both in a, never seen before, loving embrace shot by Peruvian fashion photographer Mario Testino. They look adorable, gorgeous and most importantly, relaxed, happy, secure and super in love. Although the ruling excitement, for me, is in fact that Kate is wearing my favourite brand Reiss. For me, the brand reflects Kate's understated, elegant and classic style perfectly. I wasn't enthralled with the Issa number Kate wore for the announcement of their engagement, although I didn't fail to recognise how beautiful she looked. This latest white dress, however, looks phenomenal. I'm now going to sit back and enjoy watching sales for the Reiss brand soar.

In the enduring clinch, above, Kate wears a blouse from Whistles where she once worked as as Assistant Buyer. This depiction of the royal couple is significant in that it conveys William and Kate's genuine love for one another. It's nonchalance lies in stark contrast to previous 'stiff and staged' royal couple portraits. You warm to the pair instantaneously. I love how Kate looks so proud to be in the arms of her prince charming. Genuinely pleased for our modern day prince and princess.

Just in case elves don't do cheetahs...

This Christmas, fashion folk are suggesting gifts in the form of, errrrm, baby cheetahs? Apparently they're the new accessory as seen on the cover of January's US Harper's Bazaar and cradled in the arms of Miss Donaldson. Then there's the Cartier Ad, depicting yet another kitcsh kitty, only this one's feasting on the luxury trinket boxes - he can't do that! Down boy, heal...

I, on the other hand, have gift preferences of a less CATastrophic, more accessible, nature.

O.K, maybe not accessible, just yet, but I'm in training right now for my future of fear free designer splurges.

Burberry quilted Leather Jacket £1195
Because quilting is no longer the domain of old-fashioned dressing gowns and bedspreads. I love the contradicting comfort versus biker chic appeal of this jacket. The perfect overlay for a minimalistic ensemble of a calf length tube skirt and basic tee.

Christian Louboutin Decollete 100 Jazz Pumps £375
I apologise for the re itteration of my love for these Louboutins. Classic. Chic. Smart. Sexy. I will harp on until they're mine.

Thomas Wylde I-D Bracelet Boots £1340
These bracelet laced biker boots have got to be near the top of my list. I can't stop looking at them. B.E.A.U.T.I.F.U.L

Lanvin Punk Lizard and Python Cuff £590
My love for reptile skin accessories will abate - over my dead body

River Island Masculine Loafer £34.99
I have waited a life time to find a pair of this exact form of loafer. Stylish, practical and affordable. I love sloany cool that's cheap.

Mulberry Tilly Bag
Me, the fashion world and his dog are waiting for Mulberry's latest creation. Forget the Roxanne, Bayswater and Alexa. Tilly is supple calf leather embossed with snake skin, gold buckles and chain straps...need I say more.

Zimmermann Ebony Rose Bikini £155
Because I need reminding that there are sunnier destinations out there, beyond all this snow and cold. This bikini top also reminds me of mermaids and how I once believed I was one with my crimped Daryl Hannah locks and lithe frame. Here's a picture to remind me of old me...

Sienna Channels Cosy Chic

David Gandy Candy

"Let's pretend we're in love". EErrrrrrrr no thought process required eh girls?

I Heart Sam Edelman Bootys

Dear Santa, I think I've been good this year...no, I definitely have. In any case, even bad girls deserve some bootylicious Edelman's. It's hard to pin down the perfect pair - ones that differ from the influx of samey styles. I want a luxe appeal to my boots. I like over-knee, which compliment my 40 incher pins. I like tough luxe: lustrous leather with elements of gold but not too much where tawdry comes in to play. Sam Edelman shoes have seen many page impressions, in the best glossies, since its inception in 2004. My search for the ultimate in footwear fetishisms has come to a satisfying and triumphant end. Sam's delectable bootys, which also come with signature inscribed soles, have given me reason to love this cold weather right now.

Visit http://www.samedelman.com/

Time Is Luxury

At the appropriate time when luxury watches are experiencing a surge in profits, I thought I would share my love for wrist candy. I am currently coveting(sorry overused word) chunky, statement, 'don't mess with me' - mostly men's - watches. Never without a pretty basic ensemble of skinny trews, blazer and heels (no fuss, no frills and void of colour), I somehow think that a watch is the perfect accompaniment to offset such minimalism, don't you? My wrists resemble toothpicks so an unapologetic oversized face lined in swarovski crystals resting upon a thick enrobement of rose gold will be a terrific enhancement. If funds would allow my Christmas treat would be from watch master (handsome too) Mr Tateossian, but Asos have cheaper alternatives that will have to suffice - Michael Kors being my preferred choice.

(From top: Tateossian Rose & Black Gulliver £295, Tateossian Rose Gold Gulliver £390, Michael Kors Rose Gold £199, Marc by Marc Jacobs £150, La Mer £125)

Anna Sui at Liberty London

Anna Sui will be at Liberty London at 6.30pm on Wednesday 1st December, signing her book 'Anna Sui' by Andrew Bolton. She will be accompanied by Naomi Campbell, a long standing friend and who features in the book.

The tome is to mark Anna's twenty years in fashion, a celebration of all that is haute boho. Expect a plethora of baby doll dresses, paisley prints and fringing - elements that are synonymous with the Anna Sui aesthetic.

The Spring/Summer 2011 collection was a retrospective of Anna's work, which has consistently channelled that feminine allure infused with a rock and roll edge. Handkerchief hems laced with fringing sashayed around chopstick thin thighs, whimsical dresses juxtaposed laced leather boots and crochet, checks, ruffles and lace prevailed. With the current manifestation of doldrum shades and minimalism, Anna's riotous prints and contradictory sartorial pursuits are the long awaited antidote. Summer we beckon you.

The Independent Design Store

We've all fallen prey to a friend running straight to the source of where we
made an amazing sartorial discovery. Forget it being a complimentary
manoeuvre, more like thwarting your efforts to carry a look that's personal
and stealing your individual style credentials.
The Independent Design Store is the perfect antidote to extinguish such
ashion anxieties. theIDstore.co.uk is a unique online shopping concept that
allows independent designers to sell their creations to all who eschew
blending in amongst a sea of mass produced pieces. Whilst fashion lovers
gain access to elusive garments, young designers are
also in a place to gain exposure for their brand. Customers can browse the
site and stumble across dresses, footwear, accessories and more that will
promise a look that is exclusively yours. Our favourite treasure chest find
has been the cute Barrel Bag by Rosie Stallard. Each Italian leather receptacle
is lined with a vintage scarf so no bag is the same. Just when we though internet
shopping couldn't get more exciting.

Visit www.theidstore.co.uk

The demise of the newspaper (possibly)

Reading. It's something that I wish I had indulged in more as a child. I remember quite vividly sitting, cross legged (my gangly pins were never meant for that bloody position, forced upon you at school) watching the 'boffs' being awarded their Book Club gold badge for reading one hundred books. At the time I wasn't envious, probably more so of them being able to get up in front of the whole school and shake the headmaster's hand. I was a quivering wreck if I had to do so much as stand in front of a crowd.

When I look back, I wish I had showed more of an interest in reading. That and wishing my attention span lasted beyond the first chapter of the Poddington Peas. I much preferred the back page where each and every pea stood to attention for their mug-shot. My favourites were Pc Pod, SweetPea and SkipPea. My early years got off to a good start. I have memories of books that I was fond of: 'Spot the Dog', 'Care Bears' and 'Hairy Mclary from Donaldson's Dairy'. I remember creeping around the local village library, searching for the coolest books that would inspire me to become like the kids of 'Book Club'. Sweet Valley High Twins were cool books but they obviously didn't inspire enough. I can't remember finishing one. The intention was there.

Then, as teenagers do, I became slightly obsessed with beautiful things. I never felt beautiful as a teenager. I didn't have boyfriends because I was too tall. I was constantly reminded of my 'moomin' features: a long oval face and googly eyes. My ears poked through my lacklustre dirty blonde hair and I would turn the deepest crimson innumerable times in one day. I even tried my luck at modelling. I thought that I could use my height to my advantage and as many people suggested, because of my height (obviously), I actually believed that I could be a model, a beautiful model. Still, those dreams were thwarted after several trips to time wasting castings and promises of work. My dear parents even took me to Select Model Management in London, right at the time when 'Babewatch', the modelling documentary that founded Vernon Kay, was essential viewing. He even walked past us whist I hopelessly tried to forge a non existent career for myself. The man who had the sorry job of taking pity upon me was more interested in my Dad - obviously gay. It just wasn't meant to be.

Then clothes came to the fore. Throughout my teenage years I never wanted to be the same as everybody else. I was determined to look different and always wanted to look older. I suppose my height was an insecurity that I disguised with clothes. I felt like I looked older than most of my school peers so I dressed accordingly. Being different brought a sense of empowerment. I felt confident. I enjoyed looking and being (my birthday was September 1) the oldest. I developed a penchant for clothes that would perpetuate this surge of confidence, which then manifested into a huge desire to pursue fashion as a career.

When I turned 17 I embarked on a Fashion Design course at the London College of Fashion, followed by short courses in fashion journalism, numerous voluntary internships for magazines, newspapers and fashion PR companies, a degree in fashion journalism and where I was once adverse to reading anything that required effort, I am now a fully trained fashion journalist. I’m an avid reader of the Financial Times (progress from Hairy McClary wouldn't you say?) and my knowledge has ushered in a great degree of confidence. In fact, on a daily basis, my life consists of me being immersed in all of the literature that I can physically consume, which segues conveniently into my next revelation. I love reading newspapers.

Somebody once told me that having a love for fashion alone wouldn’t bring me success. I have, over the years abandoned the tabloids and pursued upmarket titles. I have come to appreciate the writings of Suzy Menkes of the International Herald Tribune, the Financial Times' Vanessa Friedman, the Telegraph's columnist and Senior Editor of Vogue US Sarah Mower and Lisa Armstrong of the Times. They are all style commentators but equally, and so brilliantly, informative and engaging in their writing styles. Without meaning to patronize them, they're knowledge of the wider spectrum of media, society, economics, politics etc is evident and it is absorbing such quality journalism that inspires me to read widely.

I am testament to the old adage that knowledge brings confidence. I enjoy reading. I enjoy learning and understanding the fashion market and the neighboring industries that influence it, the movers and shakers of the retail industry and what’s in store for the industry that is of great economical importance. As silly as it sounds, I actually enjoy my commute in and out of London every week day. It allows me time (which is scarce) to catch up on information that is relevant to me and my life. Today I learnt that David Cameron drinks the same energy boosting vitamin drink as me, Berocca. Whilst he also acknowledges, like I do, the fact that it turns your pee an illuminating shade of yellow. It is to know such crucial details like this that will send my career soaring to dizzy heights. Joking aside, sometimes it is small snippets of news and information, of greater importance, that enlightens and educates me and I like knowing.

With the rise of the popularity of the internet I now receive my news via RSS (Really Simple Syndication), which feeds all of your chosen websites into one newsreader. In the morning this enables me to direct my cursor to relevant news pieces with one hand, whilst drinking my berocca in the other. Although these modern web conveniences are, well, convenient – I still can’t see myself without my commuting companion. The Evening Standard recently reported the market fall of 23.6% over the past decade for sales of the five up market papers. Could it be that over the next ten years we'll all be packed into cable cars (Boris Johnson's next venture) and equipped with ipads - not a flimsy papery thing in sight?

Suzy Menkes Talks To Victoria Beckham

Watch Suzy and her idiosyncratic doo talk to Vic about a 'possible' VB Menswear collection (or not) and Vic's view on fashion and the web. I have always favoured Victoria's 'unfussy femininity' approach to fashion. She remains a celebrity who has been consistent in her sartorial pursuits. Even before the tsunami of effortless chic crashed down on us, Victoria was channelling the understated look. I used to avoid making the announcement that she was my style icon but now I will say it with pride. I don't care if she works the solemn facial expression, I would if I had the paps tarnishing my prim appearance with their bolshy and invasive ways. I agree Suzy, "All hail queen Victoria".

Happy 10th Birthday Myla

Myla, the leading name in luxury lingerie, will mark a flourishing and flirty ten years in business with a model search. In association with Next Model Management, Myla are on a quest to find someone who personifies the spirit of the brand. The undiscovered Beauty will exude all of the glamour, elegance and feminine allure that holds Myla at the forefront of exquisite lingerie design.

The winner will relish being an ambassador for a prestigious name in the luxury lingerie market as well as being the face of its anniversary collection (available in stores November.) There will also be the possibility of a contract with Next Model Management and an invitation to attend Myla’s 10th anniversary celebration in London.

The initial stages of the competition are already well under way with castings having taken place in Manchester and Edinburgh. Final opportunities to be considered will be hosted in Leeds tomorrow (9th October) and London (16th October) where the winner will be selected at the Myla boutique at Westfield.

Details about the competition can be found at www.myla.com/model-search

Article for Stylebible.com:

http://www.stylebible.com/Establishment/Fashion/FashionNews.aspx?newsid=368073f7-c911-4866-bacf-dd66496cdfe0

Lingerie especially for the Fox and Rose in us

The soon-to-be-launched designer underwear retailer Fox & Rose today invited lingerie lovers to sign up to its members’ club, entitled Fox & Rose 7th Floor. Members will reap the benefits of exclusive access to sales and events, throughout the season, as well 10% discount on all lingerie ranges. The Fox & Rose brand will promote leading names in lingerie design such as Fifi Chachnil, Fleur of England and numerous other purveyors of coquettish smalls.

As underwear remains an integral part of any woman’s dress regime Fox & Rose’s indispensable style advise is set to garner much interest. Whilst internet shopping is devoid of the ability to try pieces on Fox & Rose will do all of the work for you.
The site will feature comprehensive videos illustrating exactly how items fit different body shapes and how they can work with prevailing clothing trends. It’s imperative advice that a women would welcome.

The name Fox & Rose is inspired by the online store’s customer. Every woman has two sides: The Fox is drawn to seductive, racier items, The Rose to elegant, more understated pieces – Fox & Rose responds to both sides of a woman’s character, catering for different occasion and moods.

Visit www.foxandrose.com to receive your covetable members perks. Subscription is only available until the site launches in early September 2010.



Article for stylebible.com
http://www.stylebible.com/Establishment/Fashion/FashionNews.aspx?newsid=caf07863-3d86-4967-a760-4c217971d8ec

Vivienne Westwood has a treat in (Selfridges) store for shoe aficionados

As if a Selfridge's Shoe Lounge, due to open in September, wasn’t enough to ignite a frenzy. Additional intrigue comes in the form of a Vivienne Westwood shoe retrospective. The exhibition, named Vivienne Westwood Shoes: An Exhibition – 1973-2010 celebrates the unique talent and design expertise of one of Britain’s most iconic fashion designers. It encapsulates the inimitable vision that the designer has sustained along with her favourable notion to not be bound by conventions.

Designs such as the extremely vertiginous blue Gillie that sent Naomi Campbell tumbling on the catwalk in 1993 are displayed. More recent creations from her collaboration with rubber designer Melissa have also taken stage along with the Pirate boots that have remained a footwear perennial since their inception in 1981.

The extensive selection of fanciful footwear will be displayed in Selfridges’ permanent arts and exhibition space The Ultralounge from August 26 to September 22 and features 200 designs spanning over 30 years of Vivenne Westwood’s career. The exhibition is a story of designs and dreams ensconced in the largest shoe emporium ever seen in the UK. It’s a not-to-be-missed manifestation of the one item that Westwood considers to be the ultimate fetish object: shoes.

Super Elevated Gillie

Mary Jane

Pirate Boot

Rocking Horse

Toile Print Boot

Article for Stylebible.com
http://stylebible.com/Establishment/Fashion/FashionNews.aspx?newsid=29be24e9-9f97-438e-ab38-8e10d04fd96b