Category: Fashion
Spotted..
I had to take a picture: The trendiest ten year old this side of the Thames…check out those shoes! We bonded over Molly (nose in pic)
It’s really weird but having The Husband away has put a spotlight on my inability string two words together…he calls up from some remote part of China and all that comes out is ‘Dog..forgot….children..crack of dawn…breakfast..ate pack lunch..blood..murder..’
But as the connections have been so bad I have resorted to sending him an email every day – just to let him know he’s not been forgotten..and relatively witty banter rattles out of my finger tips. Begs the questions..is this evolution in progress and am I turning into a computer keyboard?
He’s coming home today. Good thing as I’ve just found this. If no more posts appear, you’ll know why..
Maybe he’ll stay away..
Laters, if possible, Kate x
African heat..
Shoes by Burberry Porsum.
Like a moth attracted to a sweet spot I’ve been drawn towards the beauty of African print. It has that magic touch of satisfaction where something unusual feels like it should’ve always been in my life. I love the electric powerplays of colour… the fluid graphics..the exuberant clashes..it’s a buzz that gathers and turns a piece of material into a stage..
Anna is doing her best to distract me..she says Burberry ‘did it’ last summer..and she’s not wrong…
(Burberry Porsum summer 2012, photos courtesy of style.com)
But I think it’s time for the love affair to diffuse down the food-chain…I want to see more on the streets generally..there are legs on this baby… These photos were taken by MG Onania for Fashizblack Magazine..
Rich, magical and aspirational.
These are of Yassive Rahal by Julien Cozzoline for Fashizblack Magazine:
And these are from a wonderful blog: style-caralho.blogspot.co.uk. ( I don’t know the indivdiual photographers name – but if anyone does, I’m very happy to attribute)
For more inspiration check out this post on Kimberly akinola’s great blog.
personally I think we all need a fresh blast of African air.
Laters, Kate x
Oh! How I LOVE!
I have more dresses from our first collection…not perfectly shot because these were taken literally on the rails at the factory…but perfectly made…
This is the (Frilly) Billie in black broderie anglais…effing awesome in my entirely biased opinion! I will die to wear this dress..the piping…sooo chic!
The Grace in black..just a completely different dress…simple, elegant…wonderful!
This is our no-named shirt…Lace is our reflection on now..this print represents our vision for the future and a very british essence we wanted to capture. What has delighted us (can you tell?!) is that we wanted the core of our first collection to be cross-seasonal so we could carry it forward whilst growing new ideas…the other concept we wanted to embrace is escalator dressing..the ability to wear an item dressed up out to dinner..or casually with a pair of jeans or flip-flops..the final criteria is that where humanely possible everything will have pockets..love. love. LOVE! – check out the cuffs and the shoulders..
The Valentina, tarted up…don’t you want to just touch it? stroke it? Wear it? She is gorgeous!
Laters, a delighted Kate xxx
London Street Style..
The weather over the weekend was just sublime…blue, blue skies with a hint of cotton wool. Shame The Husband wasn’t here to see it – he’s in China for a week (woke up to the earthquake headline on Sunday – had to double check to make sure he was far away – big country, thank God) but having him away certainly makes it tougher holding the fort and everything together….but not as tough as running the London Marathon..we headed to the South Bank to see the runners and meet up with family who were in London for the day..I couldn’t resist taking some pictures..
Commented on the smallest hotel in London before here – but I’ve now found a picture of the inside thanks to Gyneth Paltrow’s website Goop..and thankfully the end isn’t a bedroom..
Underneath, in utter contrast, the building it sits on looks like this..
Two minutes walk away is a regular Book Fair..
And buskers..
Lots of buskers doing their thang..
This guy – Flame Proof Moth (you can just about make him out) was literally lying on a lounger in the Thames, strumming away..
We watched in awe and respect at the mad people runners. 
Spotted this guy was wearing the most amazing William Morris style sweatshirt..never seen anything like it…have William Morris on the brain at the moment..but that is ridiculous!
Turned around and it was like the Queens jubilee all over again..without the rain.
Charlie with his Auntie Sue.
We want to say a huge congratulations to all that completed the race – in our eyes you are Gods – Our thoughts were also with Boston – being there really brought it all home xxx..and finally the crowds of supporters whom nothing could have put off..it was incredible to be a part of and breathe it all in.
Laters, Kate x
The Vintage Swimwear Special
I LOVE Roxy’s post on vintage swimsuits re-blogged above – I think helped by the fact that she looks so darn good in them…I am completely inspired and for once I am going to get my act together and start sorting my beachwear now and not the usual week before the plane leaves, when I fall into the horrible trap of compromise, misfit and doom…I want frills, halter necks, large sunnies, a turban and very red lipstick…Her post was written with perfect timing as for those of a tiny body frame I also have this:
The smallest addition to the MasonBentley Summer Collection – our very first sample bikini – but here’s to many more..and matching – or possibly contrasting beach layers to go with it…delicious. Anna will be wearing it somewhere in France this August..and stacking up the orders I hope!
Laters, Kate x
When I lived in Sydney I built up quite the collection of vintage style swimwear.
A 1950s bathing suit is the beach equivalent of a wiggle dress. An outfit in itself, it’s flattering and feminine, especially on women with curves. I love ones with halter necklines for complete cleavage control – it’s hard to pull off seaside chic when one boob is making a break for freedom.
For the journey to my sunbaking spot I just pull on a pair of Tara Starlet high-waisted shorts, a floral headscarf and some giant sunglasses to complete the fifties vibe.
I do own a couple of bikinis bought in moments of extreme optimism, but I always go back to my one-pieces. Who wants to be suffering midriff-related anxiety when they’re trying to relax on holiday?
If you’re looking for the genuine article I recommend Glamour Surf or Etsy. Most of the vintage originals are expensive but…
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The Honey Pot of Spitalfields..
Phew! Slowly some sanity can come back to my life. I hope. The kids are both finally back to school – Bella on Tuesday and Charlie today which means at last I have some breathing space..it’s been fun having them around whilst I’ve been trying to work (my office is at home surprise surprise) but there are times when you need head space to focus..and ‘Mummy I’ve done a Poo’ isn’t the greatest thing to have on an ever crescendoing repetition when you’re on the phone to your financial business manager, particularly when it then escalates to ‘Wipe my bottom NOW’..it got to the point where I was being pestered every five minutes…I need a drink…I’m hungry…I want an orange pen..I want a blue one..no…I want the red pen that Bella has just broken..she’s broken MY pen..that I had to down tools and head out into the big smoke..but we did manage to have some adventures…
Yesterday Charlie and I went to Spitalfields in search of a vintage shop I’d heard about – I know, very child centric – But I work on the basis he’s learning that entertainment is an attitude (you can just see him quoting that back at me in years to come – i.e. when he’s choosing my old folks home..shoot.self.foot. ) But we went on the tube..there were red buses..there was the odd digger…
Anyways, we were navigating the back streets when we spotted a huddle of tourists and it dawned on me where we were..which was was genuinely unplanned..it was a place I had read about and had made a mental note to discover..but I had never thought we would just stumble across…
Folgate Street – though this is a picture of the street rather than the actual building because No. 18 is Dennis Severs’ House…not a museum or monument to our heritage or anything like that but more a living, breathing art exhibition exploring a house caught in a bubble of time in 1724..except there is more. The house is lit only by candle light and no talking is allowed – all so you can experience the subtle sounds and smells which are an interwoven part of the magic: Footsteps, a bell tolling, a bumble bee trapped in a chamber pot…perfume, a freshly opened bottle of wine, pomander oranges stuck with cloves..we had to go in..
The kitchen complete with real roaring fire.
And a very low ceiling.
A meal in midst of preparation.
Charlie pointing out a mouse.
The heaving dresser.
Windows onto the street.
Carefully making our way around in the candlelight.
The drawing room. A broken cup on the ground..
The remains of a drinking party complete with tipped up chairs and thrown coats and wigs.
A stunning bedroom, this above the fireplace.
It wasn’t pristine. Plaster was falling off the walls in some places, in other rooms there was dust and cobwebs..but it all just added to the genuine authentic atmosphere and sepia mood…we were convinced we caught the tailcoats of ghosts round every corner whispering to each other and were utterly captivated and enthralled. The house can be hired out for photographic sessions…could be an amazing back drop for an fashion shoot for a UK luxury label..
We did make it to the Vintage Shop – Absolute Vintage – where I managed to persuade Charlie to give me enough time to buy the dress in the first pic at the top…a beautiful smokey pink with cream polka dots and pockets.. perfect for early summer with a little cardigan and a pair of brogues..But I will return to Spitalfields again..we didn’t get to go round the famous market this time..and the shopping! – Woah! Has this area changed as regards shopping since I last strode these streets…from the little glimpse I got it looks out of this world!..bit of a theme for the day really..
Laters, Kate x
Running with reason..
Want to know a secret?
I have started running and facing the perils of my own incompetence by pounding the streets in a regular, masochistic way. Let me be brutally honest..I am not a natural born runner – it really isn’t the way I am built: If I say I run with 2 sports bras, you’ll get the picture. But I’ve had a gnawing feeling that the gap between how I feel on the inside (pretty damn good, because I’m a glass half full type of gal) and what I see in the mirror (it’s a shock) is starting to widen… the truth is it’s not enough for me to just strap on a pretty pair of heels and lay on the lippy to paint the town red any more as the foundations are seriously starting to sway..and looking to the future..the only way is down..
Another confession..I’m running in my old pyjama bottoms..and not just any pj bums..these are grey ex-maternity ones now held firmly in place with a couple of safety pins. (Do you think it ‘s some psychological throw back so I can convince myself of how far my stomach has come already??). Any sartorial elegance has taken a serious nose dive…
Truth be told, I think the time has come for some major investment buying..but what?
I’m not hugely convinced by all the extra tight lycra..I realise it was invented for a reason, but I’m not sure I am it…jelly under cling film keeps playing a loop in my head.
If we are talking elegance, then it’s what the dancers wear to rehearsals that really floats my boat..the whole lose sassy shake that booty look…and yes..I wore legwarmers in the eighties..I was there..I bopped with the best to Fame n Flashdance and wanted to live forever..but I still love grey marl sweatpants and vitamin c skirts..
I want layering, a bit of looseness..something fresh…so…what do you think of this from ASOS..
Super cool?…or does the word ‘chaffing’ just kill it??
Laters, Kate x
Trip to the V&A..
It’s been the Easter holidays which can easily feel like tumbleweed…to inject some excitement we all went en famille to the Victoria and Albert museum which just so happens to be one of my most bestest, favourite, most edible places in the world..
Welcome to London.
Amazing glass chandelier. The queues were for the Bowie Exhibition. Not for us sadly.
The building is a gem. Incredible floors.
Lots of marble. Have I said how much I like marble?
Instead of Bowie we got these – special backpacks for children – all free – that take you on an adventure…this time we chose China..
The kids get a map to follow, an instruction book and different tasks to complete all beautifully set up in little separate bags inside the back pack.
They were happy. I was happy…When Anna and I can generate enough interest to be able to dye fabric to our own specifications we will be coming here for colour inspiration..and design.
Loved this print.
This a water dropper in the shape of a squirrel from 1662!
The repetition of the print without obvious repetition.
Stunning Mughul dress.
If I could choose a paper weight…those flecks of green..
isn’t she fabulous? That expression..those colours..
This is the courtyard in the centre where there are places to sit, get coffee – or paddle in the pool in the middle. Seriously.
Inside the Cafe – not my greatest photo, but you can just make out how incredible the wallpaper is. This cafe was the first museum restaurant in the world and was intended as a showpiece for modern design, craftsmanship and manufacturing. It is sublime.
The ceiling..I die.
It is one of the most beautiful places to have a latte in London..
The shop, though busy, is pretty awesome too…they have some super cool children’s toys..the above come as flat packed cardboard.
And this dollhouse..
Check out this downstairs room! I really think it was meant for me…
Laters, Kate x
The pic says it all..
A very big thank you to ‘Her Passion For Fashion’ for our very kind Blog award..
Under the rules of the Award I have to tell you you seven things…not sure whether to do about me or Masonbentley so I shall make it a versatile mix..
1. I have a love of Art and used to do a lot of painting, particularly portraits..I developed my own style re-using (bit of a theme) newspaper, magazines, paint and charcoal..I liked how the ‘stories’ shone through below the paint turning 2d into 4d…I should have gone to Art School, but I didn’t – I went to the Royal Academy of Music instead. It’s a regret.
2. Anna and I are like Yin & Yan…she is tiny, blonde, blue eyed and glass half empty…I am dark, curvy and doe eyed (it’s a way to prove the next point) glass half full. But our minds meet on this fusion plane like telepathy..it’s scary and incredibly powerful. We both knew it had to be harnessed into something tangible.
3. I have a weird thing with my where I can see 3d as 2d, but I can’t work out left and rights from different positions..take a cricket match layout..throw in a left handed batsman…brain fry.
4. The scariest thing I have ever done was a night dive on the barrier reef in Australia. It was our honeymoon and I was young and fearless..until we started racing out to the dive site on the boat…had to convince myself I was James Bond in disguise. Rolling off backwards into the dark took all my courage..but it was a truly incredible experience – at one point we sat down on the sand to listen to humpback whales singing…life doesn’t get much better than that.
5. Anna is the most talented visual person I have ever met – she sees things in a way that is very rare and that I am sure you have to be born with.
6. I have two very wonderful children who it took a great deal to have – 6 years of infertility, 7 miscarriages before Bella, IVF to get Bella (very scary after the miscarriages, I was on lots of drugs), miscarried IVF twins before Charlie – and then he was my final natural miracle baby. And because I have two children now, unless they knew, no-one would ever know. Strange eh.
(As you can see Bella got every attribute I ever wanted for myself – blue eyes and curly red hair..as yet she doesn’t thank me…but she will)
7. My husband is the most amazing man – super intelligent and like a big, cuddly teddy bear – I knew I was going to marry him before we even met…my friend was talking about him..and I just had this feeling…poor man never stood a chance after that…
Now for my Blog nominations – which was incredibly hard and represent an eclectic mix:
1. The irrepressible Laura at Cancer: My journey back to health – kicking and screaming all the whole damn way……This girl is amazing – her spirit, her passion – and her writing ability…read..and read some more.
2. Another great writer who makes me laugh – and makes me cry..(Just check out the title) Kenyan phil at Shit a Gay Kenyan Writes...my leopard with the pink spots..
3. On an African theme, I love the pictures from this Blog: Thorn Tree Country. Robert Maletta is a traveller, wanderer and artist of the camera.
Anna introduced me to the art of type font – I tease her that she is the only type font whore I know – in fact I forwarded her these blogs and that’s exactly what she did, spent hours poring over them like porn…her kids supper got burnt that night..but there is a joy of design in the perfect font for the perfect reason – it’s all about the layers of design that make up the finished article:
4. Greater Albion Typefounders – they love their fonts. I love their fonts.
5. Art Deco – celebrating fonts combined with wonderful Art Deco style. I have always adored this era of posters.
As you probably know, there is a great love of all things vintage here – and the following are a few of my favourite vintage blogs..
6. Cheers to Carla – This should be an impossible Blog to pull off but Chloe does it with such style I chuckle every time. Check out Dianes little white dress on April 11. Love it.
7. Waynes Radios – The guys here must always think who is this sheila with a fashion blog who always likes our posts? well, c’est moi – because I love up-cycling and re-loving and one day I am going to buy one of your radios for my husband because they are so damn super cool.
8. The vintage traveler – Such an informative blog..the history of each piece..the adverts – I love old adverts..a vintage joy. Let’s hope I get the link right this time hey.
9. Rubyfoot – again, a treasure trove of information and clothes – and much of it gathered first hand…to be treasured.
10. Roxy vintage style – Because she looks so damn good and makes me smile.
11. bravechica – for her passion.
12 44and a fourth – Because I can relate.
13. Jannairefalkner – because it’s not just about appealing pictures and I love her taste.
14. faccina87 – for a sleek, stylish blog
15. Iller brown – because of his eclectic mix and love of London and all things art.
CONGRATS TO YOU ALL AND I HOPE YOU WILL PASS THE BATON ON!
For the rules and what to do next – please click here
laters, Kate xxx
Valentino…
Is it any wonder that we Brits are obsessed with the weather? Last week it snowed..this week they are telling us we could hit 17/18 degrees celsius…it is quite frankly ridiculous – but it does explain our endless fascination with layers – an utter necessity for spring in the UK which brings me nicely to the o-so-wonderful-and-brilliant-pure-genuis-in-a-bottle pre-fall (similar weather. Think about it.) 2013 Valentino Collection. Sigh. Leave the real world and feast your peepers on these beauties..
I think I have died and gone to heaven.
Little PS – Speaking of heaven..I am attending a funeral today..attending and actually finding playing my violin that I can honestly say hasn’t come out of it’s case in nearly ten years…I shouldn’t be able to play after all that time…but obviously all that killing the cat intensive training did something (I did play professionally for a bit before rejecting it completely. Another story)…still, it will be strange..which in my rambling way leads me on to my point – the very lovely ‘Her Passion for Fashion’ has nominated us for a Versatility Blogger Award – and we are chuffed to bits..we want to say a proper thank you and pass the baton on – but it deserves a proper post and not this one I had already pencilled…I will be back to do it justice.
Laters, Kate x
Maison Bentley Style 