Category: Fashion
Agnes and Lola x
This is one of my secrets. The website Agnes & Lola, originally born of a love of two things: independent fashion and the diverse cultures across the African continent.
It’s the perfect browse if you need a bit of spice.
Re-defined classics that offer a ready-to-wear alternative to the cloning of the High Street. And sensible prices too..I’ve just ordered these, reduced from £55 to £25…
I look at these, and all I can think of, even though I have never met her is my blogging friend Fashion Mayann! They just have her name on them!
Let colourful be your personality. Why should the men have all the fun? I want these trousers..
Just accessories with a smile!
Laters, Kate x
Just a Little Obsessed..
The light is underway. I took a punt on the size of lanterns without seeing them in the flesh..and as a prototype I don’t think I did too badly. Still not sure how I’m going to finally link them all together – on the one hand, when they’re loosely linked they catch the breeze and spin gently – I can imagine them above candles, moving on the warm air. But then I think the shape is better when they’re tighter together. Going to see what they look like with their scales before I made a decision.
The bottom ball is already covered..the temptation was just too great! It’s incredibly therapeutic work…
Laters, Kate x
Serendipidy..
Sometimes worlds start to collide..like today! Two of the lovely brands I’ve discovered on my Blog travels have taken their visions further: The dynamic Claire from Air & Grace has just launched her website! Yay!
Find out exactly why I think her shoes are so special..
And meet Grace..the urban, kooky, stylish muse of the Brand! You may also recognise a bit of the style of writing on the Website..Claire was here last week to crunch some words together..
And the charismatic children’s label the Fableists? They’ve just launched a Kickstarter Project…
Making it the ideal time to invest in a classic canvas Chore coat..(in my size please!!)
Or the smock dress I’ve been meaning to get..and check out that Blue chambray shirt..divine..
Buy knowing you’ve helped the people who want to get it right…it’s about great clothes for kids that are beautifully made with love, design and sustainability…which ticks every box in my book.
But at the end of the day..it’s not the buying that really matters… we can do much more: We’re all plugged into that cyber-energy that runs like a river between us and the world…send out a post, a tweet, an email – spread the word. If each one of us sent off little paper boats of information out onto the current, the result would be incredible…these are now the little people starting out with new Brands in a dog eat dog world….but with the thought and attention to detail these guys have, they really should be the Companies of the future…and they will be, with that kind of support behind them.
Sometimes it’s the little things that really matter: Let’s do it for the good guys.
Laters, Kate x
Silken Favours x
Victoria Murdoch is the independent, free-thinking spirit and designer behind the label Silken Favours, creating her own silk pieces from traditional pen & ink techniques.
Based in London and originally working everything by hand, she’s managed to combined her nostalgic sense of magic with fast, modern digital printing techniques to produce commercially priced work with that personal touch.
Humour with a delicateness to make you smile and lust.
Clever designs that speak to the heart with a shift in every mood and a requisite fair and lightness.
Sort of cute but still sly making it all so appealing..and endearing.
Silk is her canvas, but this is just the start – there’s more to come like insanely printed silk shirts. Imagine!
I can’t wait.
Laters, Kate x
There’s Something about Denim..
If there was one item that caught my eye in Fashion Week last September it was this picture from Valentino SS14..so available now. It seemed to encapsulate everything slightly different, slightly loose and rather wonderful. The dropped waist is heaven and it’s the first time I’ve considered the maxi length in a long, long time. I really thought they could be my designer purchase of the summer..
So imagine my shock when I discovered they were in fact flared trousers. I love they are probably the only item of clothing I have ever seen that discourages thigh gap…it just looks so ugly on this style (the above pic just confirms). But…would they be the ultimate sartorial choice? or would they lie forgotten in the wardrobe, too reminiscent of bad 70’s and something a clown might wear? I’m struggling..
I’m off to the South Bank now to see Alexa Chung’s talk at the Vogue Festival and feel the buzz..anyone else going??
Laters, Kate x
Ticked off the List..
Who am I to preach impulse control? Three skirts for summer hey…that’ll be 2 bought then…Not from conventional shops so I’ll see how they arrive before giving a shout out…but I’m in lust. (And just in case you’re worried..the one above will be shorter…)
Not exactly conventional skirts either – so much character, colour and heart. I’ve always had a thing about African material and I’ve wanted to find a way to incorporate it into my wardrobe. The contrast between the traditional-midi-Audrey-Hepburn-style-skirt and the fabric makes me laugh with joy. Perfect for transeasonal dressing with a denim or white shirt – or with tees in the summer..Can you tell I’m excited?!
Except my shirts are not in a good place….hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm..
Laters, Kate x
Ruminations.. x
Do you remember these pics? They came from a post way back in November when culottes first started appearing. They still remain some of my favourite outfit combinations.
These were such a clever pair.
But why another post on the same subject?
Because buying less but buying better deserves serious thought.
(and it gives me the chance to show you this pic of the Givenchy pair from yesterday out on the streets. How ravishing?)
(And this pair worn with a battered sneakers. Just for Laura..)
But truthfully, I was thinking seriously about the tidal rise and appeal of Fast Fashion..and I’m convinced that part of the lure is it salves the fear of making mistake purchases, because if we do make one, does it really matter? And so our wardrobes clutter up with unworn, unwanted skins that economically – despite their original headlines – just don’t make sense. Instead shopping feels like a burden..making purchases has lost it’s sparkle: there’s now so much choice that my brain literally melts as I walk past racks of clothes shouting buy me! buy me! The joy of taking the time to make that vital decision has gone out the window..as has the buzz of returning triumphant with that specially chosen piece of treasure that makes you feel a Queen every time you wear it.
The solution?
I don’t know.
All I know is that this season I’m going to go through all my old posts to find my true loves – the ones that really made my heart sing – and ear mark them for the Summer Sales – reduce it down to one Designer item to save for if I have to. This summer, I’m going to only buy seven outfits..three skirts, 2 pairs of trousers and 2 summer dresses and five tops. Shoes? 2 pairs. Jackets/coats?..has to be 2..they are my weakness…
And choosing less means choosing well..talking about..looking at it from every angle…trying everything on, getting things altered if necessary, making them myself if I have too…but most importantly….
It means really trying to get it absolutely right…and never, ever compromising…
Laters, Kate x
(Photo acknowledgements: London-Boutique.com, Walsh Tippetts and Pintrest)
Which Length?
Culottes by Givenchy..long, strong and structured..but too much of a cropped trouser?
(Photo from Elle.com)
Or these (from ASOS) – the midi long, showing a bit more than just ankle..note the turn up.
Then there’s the short style..cut just below the knee in a looser style (these are by ASOS)
Or the structured short by Top Shop..
Ms. Beckham offers yet another alternative…the cropped, tapered fit..
I’m confused! Which one and why?
Laters, Kate x
Etro-vert… x
I was at the Country Home and Living Fair last week where I fell in love with a stand selling loose, square pocketed coats made of that incredible paisley silk/wool blanket material – like the shawls you see in all the Jane Austen films that just sing warmth and wealth. The feelings of desire caught me by surprise so I resisted (particularly as I have a coat fetish) but there was something about their bohemian utilitarian ease that majorly pulled at my heart strings.
Etro cultivates that same vibe, where the smell of old Europe meets the heat of the exotic.
Not for the faint hearted there’s statement in their presence.
But the power of expression is a freedom and joy that should be shouted from the roof-tops..and anywhere else..
Laters, Kate x
Brain Storming..
I think it’s something in the air, but there’s an itch I need to scratch..three projects are calling my name and it’s got to the point when every time I close my eyes, I see them..
Let me run the first one past you…it involves lights: I’ve got the bug to re-do our kitchen, which would be a fairly mammoth job and isn’t going to happen anytime soon, but it would mean our dining room table would move to a place where it could have two (sigh) chandeliers above it. Just designing the chandeliers would be a great starting point don’t you think?..My heart loves the Abigail Ahern light above, but unfortunately The Bank doesn’t (a mere £11.000 a pop)..but then the brain thinks could I make one myself? I’ve made a light before..
…So I’m running with the conundrum..I was thinking maybe the really cheap and cheerful Japanese lanterns would be the perfect base?..have three together, a large round one on top and attach smaller ones below, then cover them all in rectangles of tissue paper like fishes scales…if it goes tits up, the initial outlay is pretty low…
The second option is this more expensive light from John Lewis and use the same technique…at £120 for the shade it’s a bit more of a risk cost-wise if it goes wrong.. I suspect the cylindrical shape is better? But I do rather miss the drama of the three levels..
Or – just to throw something extra into the mix..what about something with the japanese lanterns based on this idea?..
Cunning eh?
The Easter holidays are fast approaching..if I can do the ground work now and make a decision it would be the perfect project to do with the kids…what are your thoughts? Any of them grab you? all suggestions are very welcome as I’m at the point when I’m going round in creative circles!…
Laters, Kate x
Maison Bentley Style 