Category: British
I am Lucky..
Because I have fabulous neighbours, which is one seriously important cog in the life’s life-enhancing machinery. Take this Christmas card, drawn by the visually inspired Jane of her dog, Zsa zsa and all her wonderful puppies taking a leaf out of the Great British Bake Off..Talent, verve and festive giggles..
On Friday I spent the day with another neighbour, Doromy, an ex-actress who knows all there is to know about London and is a visceral, witty joy to be with..we headed to Radio Days on Lower Marsh Street, just by Waterloo to check out vintage dressing gowns for Charlie and to buy deco shot glasses as a present to go with the Sloe Gin I made at Creative Coffee…the place is an absolute treasure trove and well worth a visit if you’re ever in this part of town..
In fact the whole of Lower Marsh Street is a little gem: Vintage shops, food stalls, chi-chi pubs..the gnarly mixed with loftier intentions. Further down and just off to the right is this..the underground tunnel leading to The Vaults, a multi-use underground venue and a spray-painted canvas of guttural dipthongs..
Including female graffiti artists..
And a female fire-eater to boot..
We ended our day, setting the world to rights, eating takeaway kedgeree from Konditor and cook, sitting in Waterloo Station and watching the world go by. There’s not many people you can do that with..simple, effortless and full of the unexpected. It was bliss.
Laters, Kate x
Collar Worker..
There’s something comforting about wrapping up in a scarf when the weather turns frosty. We’ve been lucky in London so far – today was only the second frost of the season, but I suspect things are on a downward slide colder..
J Crew have some good offerings – particularly their innovative take on fair Isle, but Paul Smith is the true king of the winter neck-tie..
Clever modern twists smoothly integrated into stylish classics..
It’s that subtle joy of being able to buy for the husband..and wear yourself..
Or buy for yourself..and expect to see the other half in it..beautiful and functional equals design at it’s very best..
Laters, Kate x
Twinkle Twinkle Little Star x
Theodora Ware is about the dignity of good design with a fair price – £40 for these beauties.
How much would I love to find a pair of these nestling in my stocking on Christmas day?
There’s nothing shallow or ugly – it’s strong, simple, classic and timeless with just enough attitude for a pair of lacewing flights of fancy..and a little edge..
The sort of pieces I want to treasure forever..
Laters, Kate x
Toast x
The new Toast Lookbook is a world of languid self-possession with sleepy knowing eyes.
The pastel colours inform the story..
The dark silhouette packs a punch.
Simple, durable, classy classics..
They’re also having a fabulous Archive Sale – but be warned, things go fast..
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
It’s Not You, It’s Me..
I love a brand that scoffs gently..it also helps if they’re independent, based in London, slightly mad and run by 3 ferocious, tongue-in-cheek, epigrammatic gals.
Its not me its you was started by Billi, Jems and Kitty in 2012.
Everything they produce is made and printed by hand in East London.
In a world where it’s too easy to be suffocated by a toxic brew of Vacuous style and pumped up plastic their italian leather crafted with care is a pot of gold at the end of a shimmering rainbow…complete with whimsy and fantastical animals..
Visceral, witty and flawlessly presented, they’re a class act.
(I secretly reckon this one reads ‘Kate loves the fearless’..just for me…)
I snort at them..and raise my glass..that’s a few more presents ticked off the December list..
Laters, Kate x
Urban Gorillas..
A Pearl x
Preppy-sports-lux flavours Mother of Pearl SS15, stylishly crossing all sorts of nostalgic and modern borders with ease.
A step away from the bold, bright prints of previous seasons there’s something effortless about this simple combination of cut and colour that quietly sings of contentment and inner confidence.
Even when a bit of ooomph is brought to the party..
Clothes to wear around the house, at work, on a date..or just for the heck of it. Mother of Pearl has found her person and knows her well – I for one, can’t look away.
Laters, Kate x
Flying Fur x
Firmly in the faux-fur camp, Shrimp is the tongue-in-cheek, slightly eccentric and definitely witty British brand founded by the rather wonderful Hannah Weiland.
The lady herself..
The Collection is inspired by such deliciousness as picking daisies, cartoons, school uniforms and playing with fluffy animals..it’s pretty..surreal..and unexpected..
They have a unique sensibility to transform the mundane..
You can’t look away – it’s like being intriguingly bathed in sunshine and smiles..
And who would Hannah like to see in one of her coats? The irrepressible Grayson Perry no less!
I just want to hug her..and her coats..
Laters, Kate x
Dream Team x
Young British Designers started with a small group with a real thirst to pursue a brave new vision for design and has kept on growing.
It’s pure British design with it’s inbuilt ability to understand the rules..and then break them with a smile.
They don’t care about age – you could be 70 and a new designer with flair, the youth is in the brand. They acknowledge there’s limited experience, but YBD want to give young designers a chance on a retail stage.
And it gives us the chance to see the emerging talents – even spot them – before their ascension to the land of Fashion Gods and silly money.
Which means there are loads of things to look at – men’s included – it’s not about one voice, one style but a rich smorgasbord of everything brought together, everyone made stronger by the other’s presence.
And they’re have an awesome sale at the moment – including these 2 coats..just in time for the coming colder season…
Laters, Kate x
Maison Bentley Style 