Category: Fall
Time x
And so it starts..from fancy free summer to rigour and routine with no transition, like an open door has been slammed. Maybe that’s why this coat is so appealing – it shouts attitude, purpose and no nonsense.
Or maybe it’s that I love coats and autumn is the time when the craving is at it’s strongest?
All these are designed by Barbara Bui who combines a Parisian’s eye with a rock chick’s sass.
(All pics from Barbara Bui)
If you can’t escape, embrace.
Laters, Kate x
Bare Necessities x
The weather in London isn’t brilliant making it easy to feel nostalgic for soft, comforting layers.
EPSON scanner image
(All pics Pinterest)
The hunt is now on for the perfect oversized slouchy eighties-style sweater.
A classic for any wardrobe.
Laters, Kate x
Pretty and Pink x
The rollercoaster of fashion steams on, morphing, re-inventing, disappearing and then back with a bang. Each time the story is different, responding to design needs, changing faces and context, which is what makes it all so fascinating.
Take the shoulder pad: Nemesis of the 80s, spawn of the 40s..and ripe for a re-birth.
But now less cut-out character from Disney, more cutting edge with balance.
I don’t know much – but I know I want some.
Laters, Kate x
Sunday Shopping x
You now what you’re meant to do at the start of each season: Gatecrash the party and scoff all the canapes. But somehow it never happens like that. Take Sunday afternoon with it’s languid air of relaxation when sofas become blankets and fingers lazily skim across tablets. And light upon the dream dress. OMG!! That’s it!!..
It’s just like that dress that’s been lying in my great dresses folder in Pinterest for 2 years. OK..not exactly the same..the pockets are missing..the pockets are fab..pockets can always be added. I love the white, but there’s only the option of blue, red or black. Red could work. But it’s a summer dress. You need autumn clothes. But I’ll need summer clothes next year and WHAT?! Just £45?? It’s in the basket….and do they have any more bits of heaven?
Oooh Palazzo pants..THEY could be transitional combined with all the shirt dresses purchased this summer…
(All pictures and purchases from SilkFred)
And talking about shirt dresses – Oh my! It’s pure lust. The credit card doesn’t stand a chance.
And not a jumper in sight. Sigh.
Laters, Kate x
New Weave x
The summer has broken here with a bang; I think we’re having the full whack of autumn rains today. We walked into school, avoiding some of the puddles and laughing at everyone gridlocked in their cars, all nicely showered but still afraid of water! It was chaos.
It’s brought fall dressing to a head though, and there’s nowhere better for browsing transitional classics than Toast. This group of clothes is from their OAS range, which stands for Ordinary Attire Studio and are also the three letters at the heart of Toast.
The design aesthetic of simplicity, durability and wearability at it’s core.
It’s workwear reinterpreted for easy workday wear in the modern world.
It’s everything you want in your wardrobe really.
Laters, Kate x
September..
The school term has begun which should be heralded with joy and relief except for me there’s always an element of wormwood and ashes: The early mornings, the sense of cramming round pegs into square holes, all the boxes to tick plus the tiredness, the flagging stamina interestingly mixed up with hockey socks, mouth guards, rugby boots, new shoes and never knowing exactly where to pick the kids up from each day. The start was also a deadline for me..and I’m sort of there – I wanted the house to be running as smoothly as possible to give me free reign on another creative project – generally if I hand over my head to creative challenges the house collapses under the strain of chaos and constant trip-ups..this time I’m trying to learn the lesson and do my best to pre-empt them..hoho.
It’s not finished (when is a house ever??) but the study is sorted and everything filed away, there is now a runner made of kilims on the main stair, which I fitted in the same way as the cellar stairs here. Plus a bright newly painted yellow mirror right at the top of the stairs.
The sitting room is almost back to normal, painted a very chilled green (a few bits of skirting and one small bit of wall to go)
And the vintage media unit is hung..it just needs a few books and bits to bring it to life, but because it hangs rather than hogs, it really works.
The footstool went pink..it said pale pink on the packet..hmmmmmm..more like taramasalata..I’m thinking how to turn it down – maybe put it back in the washing machine with a packet of colour run??
And so it starts..
Laters, Kate x
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
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
Fireworks x
It’s a fun time of year in the UK..halloween rolls into bonfire night which this year marks the 410 year anniversary since Guy Fawkes and his gang tried to blow up the houses of Parliament. Excited children, mulled wine, glowsticks and big bangs set to music..Uptown Funk withv synchronised explosions anyone?
What’s not to love?
Laters, Kate x
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
Maison Bentley Style 