Category: British
Walker-lust
Isabella Blow as Joan of Arc by Tim Walker
Yesterday I had the treasure of going with friends to indulge in the Isabella Blow exhibition at Somerset House. If you get the chance, go because it was a pure joy to be immersed in her original, outrageous and extravagant world: Blow found normality in the perfectly absurd and utterly fabulous and, with her instinctive eye for style she had an unstoppable enthusiasm for creative genius – she was happy to break boundaries with those special people prepared to leap out of the mediocrity trap with her. Reflecting afterwards, we talked about the rich source of inspiration that English eccentricity is and I mentioned the photographer Tim Walker, another lover of high drama and magical thinking. My lovely mate Galliana D’ove had never come across his work..so Galliana..inspired by our trip and wanting to luxuriate in the delights of maximalism for a little bit longer, this post is just for you!
Laters, Kate x
Air & Grace x
It was two years ago that Claire Burrows first started talking to me about her ideas to create her own shoe label. She’s always had a thing about shoes and studied at London College of Fashion before going on to create award winning ranges for international footwear brands including Kurt Geiger and Fitflop. With nearly 20 years of experience and insider industry knowledge she has an understanding of footwear that’s second to none. It’s a joy to hear Claire talk about shoes as her passion just pours out – she thinks about every aspect and no stone is left unturned. But that doesn’t make it any easier to escape the security of the 9 to 5 and walk down an unknown road..even if you’re wearing the most comfortable shoes ever.. 
But the lovely Claire is special, brave and courageous and she’s taken that leap of faith, producing her very first range based on her beliefs and intuitive knowledge: As a woman wearing shoes every day Claire firmly believes that shoes should be as comfortable as they are fashionable. 
Air and Grace is Claire’s new baby. Her first range of shoes are a series of ballerina pumps: Luxurious butter soft leathers, modern feminine designs..but most importantly..sumptuous, clever underfoot cushioning in all the right places so your feet don’t have to suffer the knocks of every day life, even when you do. 
With her magic she’s turned the ordinary shoe into gloves for your feet and banned the pain of ‘heel smack’ and ‘ball-of-foot-shock’ forever.
I’ve tried them on..and I can honestly say I didn’t want to take them off!
They really can take the strain out of every day..no matter what life throws at you!!
(And before anyone says ‘congratulations’..this isn’t me!)
Of course this is just the start for Claire – these shoes are literally the first designs hot from the factory – she’s now deep in discussions with buyers and designing an e-commerce site with full social media support, but if you believe like I do that women should support women and that beautiful and practical is a wining combination, please show your appreciation for someone brave enough to set out alone in the big wide commercial world and ‘like’ her Facebook page – every little bit helps. They say the journey of a thousand miles starts with the first step..but at least for Claire with her Air and Grace shoes her steps will always be in style and comfort! Go Claire!
Laters, Kate x
Spring Edition x
The February edition of UK Vogue landed with a plump thud on my doormat yesterday. Such a thrill to flick through the pages and drink in the professional visuals. I always have to look through first..then I read, starting from the back, last article first. Lord knows why, it might be something to do with being left handed, but that’s the way I like it. There’s a feeling of freedom and stepping away from the norm..which is what this edition is all about…enjoy the mismatching matching, the return of colour and the championing of the midi, whether it be in skirts or trousers. Pure lush.
Laters, Kate x
Urban Adventure Part 2 x
So the second part of the Urban Adventure? Kaori and I went to the Paul Smith Exhibition at the Design Museum..
I love Paul Smith. I love his ability to see beauty in the ordinary and his understanding of what makes objects desirable.
It’s why he’s such a voracious collector, happily sucking on the marrow of life.
He knows the beauty of detail, whether it’s the unexpected lining of a jacket or the ribbon running on the inside of this covetable retro inspired cycling shirt.
Or the colour of a button.
But he never gets stressed by the obsession. He embraces it..
From the clutter everything is impeccably crafted and he always remains the epitomy of cool.
How cool is that?
A kaliedoscopic gathering of ideas that suggests why always look to the future?
When we have a wealth of unexplored inspiration at our fingertips..
I couldn’t agree more.
Laters, Kate x
What is Beauty?
Originally taken up by wayward adolescent youth as a symbol of rebellion Doc Martens are firmly on the list of lust.
Solid, indestructible and defiantly special things have definitely moved on from the basic bomber boot of yesteryear. Now there’s an intriguing elegance and a characterful charm to their no-nonsense appearance.
I want.
If these weren’t embossed with paisley I would buy them for The Husband for Christmas…with the paisley?..just a bit too feminine? (Never, in a million years thought I’d ever say that about DMs..).
A possible compromise..but once you’ve seen that beige leather edging in the pair above..they look almost..boring! quell horreur!!
I saw this green pair walking down the street and my eyes followed, instinctively.
And my heart turned the same colour.
Would you ever think these were a pair of Docs?
So lush..
J’adore..
These would be treated with the same care I would give a small, cute, furry animal…
Laters, Kate x
P.S. I love this..
The time of present hunting is nigh and if there is one thing I love with a vengeance it’s searching for the perfect gift – even better if they’re made by artisans and not from the high street.
Which is my first port of call: ‘Not on the High Street‘ is a UK based website (they do do international shipping) that hunts down the most original items from the best creative small businesses and brings them together in one place.
I was originally looking for adult crochet hats as a modern/retro twist (you know what I mean) on the beanie (I wanted a cloche type flower or something on the side)..but I think that’s a whole other post now because these delicious offerings stole my heart. Click here for direct details.
Totally and utterly edible!
Laters, Kate x
Le Shopping..
Shopping in Brighton is a smorgasbord of instant gratification.
With Delicacies round every corner.
I found my Vintage 501’s at Dirty Harrys on Sydney Road..great selection, impeccable service..and all 3 pairs (!) (one shorter to roll, one in dark navy *rather lush* and one long pair)..came to the grand sum of £35!
So I added in a pair of battered cowboy boots..
And a beautiful vintage silk kimono from Wolf and Gypsy (well worth a visit).
much cake and tea was had in celebration.
After which The Husband wanted to buy me this.
I wanted to buy him this…
My favourite place for lunch or High Tea..not posh, just warm, genuine and eccentric.
With doughnuts the size of cannonballs. Who could resist?
And these catseye sunnies somehow just purred their way into my possession..
Just the perfect place, with the perfect company to gently put the world to rights.
Can I go again?
Laters, Kate x
WELCOME to the Maison Bentley Style Blog Paaardy!
SO delighted you could come..please step aboard the Christina O..the iconic yacht of Aristotle and Jackie Kennedy Onassis..let’s skip over the water into blue sky dreaming for we’ll be sailing the seven seas ending at the bottom of the rainbow..watch out for shooting stars and dazzling delights..
Some Cristal Champagne? Please – I insist..we need to raise a glass to the frivolity and the successful porting of this Blog..long may she float!
Just be careful..Ditta Von Tease is reclining in one of the glasses..
Today I couldn’t resist the lure of vintage…it’s hard to beat an Ossie Clark dress with all the flow and curve in just the right places..a touch of bohemian chic amongst the sleekness..
Teamed with an outrageous pair of Nicholas Kirkwood kicks..no change from a grand but then they are appliquéd in iridescent moonstones..and who’s counting?
My clutch? Vintage Chanel..it’s a bit of a fav..
And this little rock? It’s the diamond Richard Burton gave to Elizabeth Taylor..
The earrings are a nod to my seventies dress..black diamond briolette hoops courtesy of First dibs.
Feel free to mingle..come join the noise and indulge..Billie Holiday and her band her playing in the ballroom..
Be a dancing butterfly and walk amongst egos, clink glasses, breathe the air and laugh!
all the following pics courtesy of the Daily Mail. Nice people..
I hear Marilyn is somewhere in the crowds..and there’s a rumour Elvis is going to sing..
But don’t get too drunk distracted… I have all these other wonderful Parties for you to head off too..work your way through the list if you dare..please send them all my love!….and remember….you can always come back!
musingsofglamour.wordpress.com
www.fashionmayann.wordpress.com
www.fashionwithfeli.wordpress.com
cocktailsandcountrytales.wordpress.com
www.streetzblog.com or www.sniperwells.wordpress.com
erincampbellblog.wordpress.com
overthehillonroute54.wordpress.com
Laters, Kate xxxxx
The Weekend x
I often think what a strange beast Blogging is, even when people ask me what I do I rarely say ‘I Blog’ because it seems so nebulous and unexplainable. But I still love the feeling that there is this hidden river of energy surging on a creative current running between all of us, between all countries that all our posts filter into. I wonder if I dipped my finger into it would I see sparks?
On Saturday I was so lucky that, by pure fluke, I actually managed to ride the cyber-wave and meet up unexpectedly at the South Bank’s Vintage Car Boot Fair with two fellow bloggers that are close to my heart.
The lovely Kaori at Twist and Turn (click here for her post on the day). An artisan knitter who, if you can believe it, knits with her fingers. How cool is that? – this I HAVE to see.
And the wonderfully creative Vintage Attitude who up-cycles and re-invents everything to do with material – I’ve already given her a commission to find a new life for a beautiful embroidered tea cosy that just sits in my drawer. I Hope we get longer to talk next time.
It was such a lovely day..a shopping event without the obviousness of a mainstream megahit.
Where red London buses were converted to bars. I’ll catch the new number 6 any day of the week..
And where even a Rolls joined the car booty fun..
The spirit of the day was totally embraced.
There were little Caravans converted into dainty cake stalls.
And larger vans converted to cook pizzas on open stoves – check that fire. Some even sold lobster!
Out of that weird power of the internet we made a connection. The intangible became real.
And now I have new friends. How special is that?
Laters, Kate x
A Harper Moment..
A Retail Director at Harpers Bazaar, Jo Glynn-smith knows her crepe de chine from her charmeuse..and we were delighted that she chose to wear MasonBentley during the extravaganza that is London Fashion Week.
And the Harper was delighted to make it to Burberry!
Go Rosie!
When the spotlight was on, it was an honour Jo choose to walk the dream with us.
Laters, Kate x
Maison Bentley Style 