Category: Designer Brands

April 18, 2016

Trans-seasoning..

We’re experiencing fluctuating weather again: Five days of t-shirts and shoes with no socks, followed by scarves, coats and snow in the north. It’s eclectic if nothing else. But there’s been enough blue to herald the slowly arriving summer and firmly entrench the season as ….transitional…which if one was truly honest probably covers most of the year and highlights the fact the transitional clothes are the workhorses of a wardrobe that pull together outfits come rain or shine.

Take the humble T: a vest in winter, a garment in the summer and a layer every other time – it seriously earns it’s place for a large dollop of love. Shame all of mine are in such a sorry state. But where to find the best?

I like that elusive fit – a low slung neckline with a bit of slub in the body – which has in previous years been notoriously hard to find. But not now – in fact there’s a rich crop of potentials just waiting to be scooped up. I checked out the Outnet – quality names without the same wallet squeeze – and was pleasantly surprised by the amount on offer, from this classic grey by AG Jeans..

To Splendid..(and they are)..

And more like this edible one by T by Alexander Wang..

And Majestic..

And Helmut Lang.

I’ll have them all in grey,white and black please..

Laters, Kate x

February 18, 2016

Rosie x

There’s something rumbling in the air: Apparently Isabel Marant opted out of sharing her pre-season pictures with anyone until as late as possible. She said it was less to do with the threat of copying than over exposure – ‘There’s just too much stuff’. A notion that is starting to infiltrate and seep through the runway shows at New York fashion week…It’s becoming too obvious, too controlled..and the designers – crowned icons of creativity – are starting to rebel and explore other avenues to present their collections. It’s about time.

Rosie Assoulin presented her collection at the Meatpacking District (I like her thinking) with her usual chutzpah and personal style.

She sees a hemline and moves it up further… a gather becomes a statement.

A simple stripe is now a conversation of pattern and geometrical possibilities.

Exposure is about dreams, not exploitation.

Extravagance, strength and femininity all simply and elegantly pulled together with beautiful tailoring.

(All pics Vogue and Pinterest)

Now a stalwart of fashion week, she’s still a breath of fresh air.

And I love her candles.

Laters, Kate x

February 16, 2016

Tracy Reese x

Tracy Reese is an older soul with youthful eyes who has the magic to make retro content spring to life.

She’s not a label I know – after spotting her 2016 Fall collection I went to her website to learn more expecting a continuation of this subdued, edgy elegance – and was greeted with bright, hot pink and a style more reminiscent of a catalogue shop: The site needs a makeover, because this is a rich, deep vein she’s uncovered.

She makes large shapes and floaty lines look feminine and easy.

All beautifully composed and perfectly remembered.

And I want more.

Laters, Kate x

December 17, 2015

6 Facts…

1. It’s warm enough in London to wear shoes without socks but that doesn’t stop me looking at winter coats and dreaming.

1. I received a beautiful vintage tea-towel in the post today. More info and pics to follow, but thank you Kerry!

3. We have no toilet.

4. Charlie is making paper decorations as I type…but only if I tell him he’s the best cutter in the world. On a regular basis.

5. We’re going to my mother’s for lunch..and to use the facilities..

6. If you’re lucky enough to have any flex in your Christmas budget, Net-a-porter (where all these coats are from) is having the most amazing 50% off sale. Almost makes the prices human…

Laters, Kate x

December 9, 2015

Starlight Express x

At a Christmas party we went to at the weekend, there was only one lady wearing a full length dress. It was jade silk chiffon with a plunging neckline and long, billowy sleeves caught at the wrist. As she wafted past I told her she looked knock out. Like an expensive thoroughbred there was a shake of the head in acknowledgement…before she made a beeline for the champagne.

But it goes to show, a good dress is always a good dress – maybe even more so when you do your own thang. All these are from the Vilshenko range where there’s been a move away from the bright, Ukrainian embroidery of the summer.

To a more parred back sophistication.

Yet they still remain a folk-related potent force.

If I had the wallet to match, I’d take one in every colour,

Laters, Kate x

December 2, 2015

Bag Boys…

Hero designs are those that fill multiple purposes and still manage to look the dog’s wobblies each time.

Like the Model M bag, hot on my personal wish list for a top totty present.

Made from fashion-flex – a posh name for a proprietary polymer (your guess is as good as mine) it’s resilient, lightweight and equally at home in the urban jungle or on a sun-drenched beach.

Those living in the States are laughing – it’s a mere frugal designer $120 dollars for you – which somehow translates into £125 for us Brits if you buy from Liberty London.

Might be worth doing the transatlantic shipping cost maths…..or dropping a note to Santa and his sleigh….

Laters, Kate x

November 16, 2015

Man-spiration..

There’s no way to select life with silver tongs – no matter how much you want something, it doesn’t always happen. But you can always react to it. For instance, the Husband’s work has been a turdstool since forever, with it being even more ridiculous in the last few months and no sign of change. I did suggest we saw this as an opportunity to throw life on it’s head and middle-class caution to the wind and head off in a camper van to the deep, dark unknown.

He said, ‘Seriously Kate…’

And I said,’Yes, seriously..the window of opportunity to take the kids out of school is closing and if we don’t do it soon, we might never be able to..’

‘No, I meant, seriously Kate, who’s mid-life crisis is this?’

So I haven’t got the keys to the camper van just yet, but that hasn’t stopped the constant thoughts of simplicity providing a goldfish loop of white noise in my brain space, whether it’s interiors, clothes, people or life.

Maybe that’s why these outfits are so appealing – they’re not big, brash and laden with special effects.

(All pictures from Pinterest and Browns)

Just clear and present. Simple.

Laters, Kate x

November 4, 2015

Vingil x

It’s spotlight time for Xenia Kigaeva from Russia and her label Vingil. Think stratospheric cosy knit factor, deep depth of richness and texture and a visceral resonance with the season.

She graduated in costume design. Does it show?

They are the pinnacle of defence against the dark arts of winter. Just accessorise with wellies and a large dog.

Laters, Kate x

November 3, 2015

Pretty in Pink x

The perfect pick for the party season? These sparkling whimsical wonders from Miu Miu are singing a siren song with their golden glitter and bubble gum buttons.

Pointy toes and block heels..they make you hungry for cocktails and painting the town in Christmas colours.

A clever girl knows never to run for a bus , but for these girls I’m prepared for an aggressive power walk.

Laters, Kate x

October 30, 2015

Eye Fear No Evil x

Sometimes I play that game in my head where you choose the people, dead or alive (Halloween is round the corner, though pre-buried state is preferred) that you’d love to sit down with large bottles of wine and have dinner with. The jewellery designer Solange Azagury-Partridge is definitely on the list. Self made, self taught, she looks at gems with a totally different eye. Her scary pieces cross the divide between just being brilliant Halloween bling with craft and humour to pieces you could flaunt all year round.