Category: 2018
‘Fatso’ Bentley
And I’m not talking about myself or diet plans for 2019…Gladys ‘Fatso’ Bentley was the gender nonconforming lesbian superstar of the Harlem renaissance born 100 years ahead of her time we have never heard of. She was outrageous – even at at a time when Harlem was legendary for its nightlife. She’s also credited with wearing the first tuxedo in public – so you can add style icon to the list of her attributes. Her later life was not without drama – she took on the persona of a straight life due to the McCarthy era witch hunt against gays in the 1950s, a visual example of how scary that time must’ve been.
Because one of the joys of the Christmas period, to hibernate against the cold and the dark, reading, looking, thinking, researching and just plain vegging: we need to do more of this, discover more things, be proactive rather than passive.
Another guilty pleasure was watching back to back episodes of Project Runway on Netflix: How much do I love the ‘ skip intro’ button? Only a smidgeon less than the ‘skip recap’. Being submerged in couture gown making, talent and taste making it was therefore a bit of a shock to see Heidi Klum’s dress for the Golden globes. What happened?? It’s a cross between Gwyneth Paltrow’s 2002 Oscar dress and a primary school project..
And then there was Timothee Chalamet – robbed last year for an Oscar for ‘Call me by your name’ (fab, fab film) he at least stepped out of the male uniform and I for one loved it. Looking back, ‘Call me by your name’ written by Andre Aciman was also one of my favourite books of the year – rare that both genres are knockout. The other stand out book was ‘Educated’ by Tara Westover – powerful, poignant and unforgettable: This year has a lot to live up too..
Wishing all a very happy 2019!
Laters, Kate x
For Bella xxx
This is a little shout out for my beautiful daughter Bella: She needs 22 more Instagram followers by the 31 Dec to stand the chance to become a Brand Ambassador for Nike. In many ways, I write this with trepidation – but I’m supporting her request because as one gets older, you realise how fleeting youth is and how every opportunity needs to be grabbed and maybe the time has come for her to realise just how special she is.
If you agree, please go to bellaxbears
and follow…You’ll make one girls New Year! Thank you! xxxxxxx
Laters, Kate x
Do fashions for wreaths change each year? Possibly is probably the answer – because despite the dogs being blinged to their eyeballs (including the recent addition of festive dark glasses, a cunning buy from a party shop) the pull for me for wreaths has become pared back natural. Sadly our wreath of many years doesn’t quite hit the spot is on the door – it’s simple version of fir cones except they’re covered in glitter, and every time someone brushes past, a fir cone falls to the ground..I think a bit of tender loving DIY is needed or it’ll become it’s own epitaph..
The perfect excuse for a little bit of Christmas craft. And breathe.
Laters, Kate x
Magpie x
There’s a new style of earring on the block: A marbled resin reminiscent of murano glass with hints of a bygone era. Some of the best examples can be seen in the work of Ejing Zhang, a Chinese jewellery now living in London who looks to her love of traditional calligraphy and ink painting for her inspiration. Combine the ever changing powers of resin with gold and a touch of whimsy and you have a magical combination.
(All pics Ejing Zhang and Pinterest)
Her pieces come under the title ‘fashion jewellery’ which means not stupid silly prices – think £150 and up. But if you want to try without breaking the bank, Primark have some surprisingly good pieces – but there’s definitely no gold…
Laters, Kate x
Ta-daah!
Oh. The joy!
Jingle bells x
Why not indeed, I said to myself as I picked up the multicoloured fairy lights for Christmas this year – maybe it’s nostalgia, maybe it’s a reaction to perfectionist white, maybe it’s a need to break out and shout there’s always another way – but, after decades of coveting the paired back scandi look, it’s colour all the way in this house this festive season.
Mine are going outside, around the necks of our two stone dogs, Alfie and Bear – pictures will follow. Promise.
Laters, Kate x
Bella’s Room x
The makeover of Bella’s bedroom is limping to it’s conclusion – there’s stuff to be hung on the walls and I still haven’t ordered the blinds, but most stuff is out of boxes. We’re also waiting for a delivery of this sofabed from Made – such a relief not to be blowing up airbeds any more. At £299 in green velvet with its midcentury styling it feels a bit of a bargain..
Of course there was the usual disagreement on colour – Bella wanted yellow. I put my foot down and said she’d thank me in five years time.
I also have my eye on this bed in a box for Charlie’s room because that would mean no more airbeds. Ever.
Surprisingly it’s more expensive at £399 so it’s going to have to wait.
Laters, Kate x
Paper Moon x
Christmas is coming and this is the antidote to everything glittery, commercialised and over fed: White paper art – originally designed for weddings, but the perfect inspiration for drama without fuss.
(All pics Pinterest)
Simple, cheap and without damage to the planet. What’s not to love?
Laters, Kate x
Sofology x
The path to school, as we braved the elements on our bikes, was filled with slippery leaves and lashing rain today. Which is maybe why these huge, squishy sofas are twitching the desire nerve.
Also appealing is the flexibility: No front, no back, put them where you want, move them, change them, adapt, lounge, snuggle and abuse them.
The downside is you need a warehouse sized house to house them…but then that’s just part of the dream.
Sigh.
Laters, Kate x
It’s a wrap..
Who thought granny squares could look so chic? Or the joy of vintage and handmade mashed so beautifully into lustful street style? Bring on the most wanted piece this winter..
(All pics Pinterest)
Love, look and laugh. Hopefully coming to a charity shop near you..
Laters, Kate x
Maison Bentley Style 