Category: Autumn
Free Wheeling..
Oh the yin and yang of life..Did you know Kate Spade’s done a collaboration with Gap?
Children’s gap..
But is a bag size aware??
What size is XXL?
And how much can gloves stretch?
There’s always the fast approaching present list to think of..(or not)
And she’s not forgotten the boys – all of which Charlie and Bella would happily wear..
…But not till I’ve tried them on first…
Laters, Kate x
Boyfriends for Girlfriends x
A friend is looking for a pair of boyfriend jeans – I’ve lived in my vintage 501’s virtually all year and for pure value, nostalgia and style wouldn’t wear anything else..but I reckon these by MiH might just be her perfect cup of tea!
(How can a patch be so appealing?)
And the rest of their autumn/winter lookbook isn’t bad either..
Laters, Kate x
Led Smith..
Led Zepplin and fashion are not the most obvious bed fellows..but it’s happened. And when you think about it, there’s something gutsy and glorious that links – even draws – them together in thrilling duality.
Six limited edition scarfs designed by Paul Smith using the original art work to celebrate the launch of newly released re-mastered versions of the albums….the first three out on 23 Oct…Timeless, visual flights of fancy all mixed up with a sense of history, marrying beauty with desire..
How cool do they look? And the scarves don’t look bad either..an essential layer of style that twinkles with bonhomie..
Wear them, wrap them – frame them, they’re that good..I want one!
Laters, Kate x
M for Masterful.. x
Wish I had one of these delicious jumpers by M Missioni in my wardrobe today – particularly that blue/green boxy slouch on the right. Sigh. It’s a double-whammy day – I’m co-hosting a coffee morning for all the residents of our road (writing it down makes it sound like something out of an urban episode of the Archers..) so there’s a pressure to find something half decent to wear..and the weather has literally turned over night – wet, cold and blustery – which is unfortunate as the wardrobe planning has yet to catch up – Birks just don’t cut it through the puddles..
London has a reputation of not being friendly, but I’ve never found it to be the case..I’ve always loved where I’ve lived. Lately we’ve had huge movement on the street with friends moving out and new people moving in..which doesn’t make it easy..you miss those that have gone and it almost feels traitorous to welcome their ‘replacements’ with open arms…but life must go on… 
So I need to go to sit on the end of my bed to ponder a bit more and hope for a flash of divine inspiration..preferably before 8 o’clock when we leave for school..I was hoping to squeeze in a swim before it all kicks off..up to 32 lengths now…but somehow that feels unlikely…
Laters, Kate x
Bohemian Rhapsody x
(Isabel Marrant – Shannon jacquard knit wool blend poncho)
Think boho and immediately summer and freedom spring to mind. But there’s a seasonal boho too that captures the warmth of open fires, fallen leaves and crisp mornings..
(Emilio Pucci – fringe jacquard knit turtleneck cape)
Poise, power and grace..the colours and textures inform the story: an inspired heritage of folk songs, earthy cowboys and fantasy indians all creatively mixed up with a little bit of Mexico and South America..
(Emilio Pucci – embellished flocked twill jacket)
(Burberry Porsum – Intarsia knitted blanket coat)
(Isabel Marrant – Adil hooded striped blanket coat)
(Burberry Porsum – Wool blend tapestry boots)
Twinkle toes for the closing in nights..
(Nicholas Kirkwood & Peter Pilotto leather and suede pumps)
There’s a whispered joy in watching the leaves dance whilst being snuggled up and letting the world walk on by..
Laters, Kate x
Creative Magic x
After the long summer break, it’s the much anticipated start of Creative Coffee (click for details) this morning – chutneys and oat cakes today, but above are pictures from a previous session of sausage making rather than a demonstration of what happens to unfortunate attendees..
We made them right through from mincing the meat, adding bread crumbs and spices (for three different kinds of sausage no less) to the requisite comedy moment, complete with lubricating oil..
There was much tittering!
A plate of very special bangers!
It’s hard to explain, but when I go to Creative Coffee – which essentially means making something from scratch that would be easier to buy in a shop – I realise what a privileged life I lead..
Laters, Kate x
Making a Point..
Vans. Fail safe, classic and easy…but could there be room for change?
What about pointy Vans like these by Nicholas Kirkwood now viewed from above??
Sneakers with a heel and now sneakers with a point..who would’ve thought it. But this actually feels like a rather nostalgic nod to the once must-wear pointed flats of the eighties..and it’s always nice to find a forward moving mash…
Laters, Kate x
Cinderella Shoes..
On the lust list this autumn..the grace of a gazelle..the wit of the Edinburgh Fringe..
And the pocket pleasing price of £65…what’s not to love?
Laters, Kate x
Stamp of Style x
Using badges and logos..not invented by Marc by Marc Jacobs but cunning all the same…
A rather delicious collection of fonts and styles married to the perfect boyfriend jeans..just add a smile and a killer pair of heels..
Penelope Chilvers has also got in on the act, although is hers a more traditional, preppy version..and the meanings are meaningful..I’d love to be able to buy the patches individually..
Also to be found on her boots and shoes..
Anya Hindmarch has pushed the creative boat out even further in her own offering of luxury-retro-street. Inspired by stickers from her school days, the graphics are embossed onto the leather in a three step process. Utterly edible.
But the real joy is that this trend has it’s roots deep down in freedom of expression and do-it-yourselfs.. you could just follow your heart and DIY your own fashion statement like Fun in the Making..
Or cover a Louis Vuitton bag like the courageous Sue. Because the truth about badges and patches, despite what the designer brands would have us believe, is they’re really about individuality and being unique in a stylish and remarkably accessible way..now, where’s my needle and thread?
Laters, Kate x
Rachel Rachel x
The appeal of perusing the latest catwalk offerings is thinking you are getting ideas hot off the sewing machine..
Except of course you’re not..large flotsam of inspiration comes for the likes of you and I just walking the streets with a strange consortium of bits from vintage sales and jumbles..so there’s a rather wonderful organic life force with no-one having a monopoly, a wave of responding and creating that the Designers then put a spotlight on..and then we think it’s brilliant all over again, but maybe in a different way..
Except the way something influences and what processes then happen is up to the individual, which can be truly enlightening, particularly if they have a strong voice..
Amplifying, creating opposition, accepting, asking for more or leaving a loose edge – utilitarian wear in posh fabrics, it’s all in the interpretation..
At Rachel Comey SS15 you can taste the strength – there’s a simplicity reflective of a confidence in what she sees..
With masterful strokes of clashing patterns, eras and colour. But does she influence my style? – or do I fly to her light because there’s a kindred understanding?
I can’t really say why her silhouettes appeal so much..
(Although I find it hard to resist a good beltbag..)
Her designs are far from the traditional feminine shapes..
(photos courtesy of Style.com)
But then, I’ve always preferred sexy to be a suggestion of shape – and fashion to be style rather than trend…and maybe that’s why she makes my eyes sparkle…
Laters, Kate x
Maison Bentley Style 