Category: Resort

September 3, 2015

New Start x

Uniforms washed and ironed, school bags packed, kids out the door!!!!!!! Finally time to step off the battle bus, to stop chasing screams and no longer think about jumping the pitfalls of regular crashes. It’s a huge sigh of relief that once the breakfast things are sorted, my house will remain in the same state ALL DAY…that I can sit at my desk to write without earplugs or feeling guilty that I’m ignoring the chaos or their needs, because that’s where the holiday conflict lies – doing something just for me, which is effectively inherently selfish versus being at everyone’s beck and call. Despite knowing that a happy mum is a happy family, it’s incredibly hard – like holding a bubble – to find the balance. Which I think is why my brain has been swirling round the notions of simplicity and how it works across all aspects of life. Take Sonia Rykiel Resort 2016 – in the happy, slightly dappy land where my second self permanently lives, I could cheerfully own the whole collection, but not just for Resort season – it would last the whole year and beyond..the outfit above would be for today, the first day back..

Parents evening..

Cooler, autumnal days..

A bit of bling for Christmas..

New Years eve, painting the town red in black and white.

Spring.

All the way to sports day..

(All pics from the new Vogue.com)

And summer hols.

(Please note that my second self can fit all these sample sizes and has legs up to my armpits) But then what would I do next year? Sell it to make way for new stuff? Store it because one day Bella might love it too? or just love it till it falls to bits in the acceptance that fashion is fickle and there’s no point in chasing rainbows?

It’s a conundrum. Deep within, even for my second self, there’s a questioning at the constant need for accrual, for stuff, for the next big thing. We’re constantly bombarded with pretty things, branding and temptation. Consumerism is important – businesses and artisans need supporting, and I’m as guilty as anyone, constantly looking for the next delight, the next perfect shoe or dream coat. But has it all gone too far?

Oh God. I think I think I need a uniform too.

Laters, Kate x

June 23, 2014

Delightfully Different..

There’s so much to love in Antonio Marras’s 2015 Resort Collection..

Embracing vintage concepts without the slightest hint of a costume: A-line cuts, boxy shapes, explosive prints with pop art polka dots and bubble gum pink all mashed together with culottes, cropped tops and ugly shoes.

It’s like eating the perfect four-course French meal with your fingers in an American Diner whilst wearing a bikini and a smile.

The creepers are a joy.

A touchingly aware cosmopolitan cocktail of ideas beautifully edged in black.

There’s a sense it will fit any body type: skimming, flaring and flattering, moving with giggles and grace.

A homogenous slickness of wearability.

It’s the clothes you’ve always wanted to shop for with that magic touch of satisfaction: you’ll look different…and you’ll look good.

Laters, Kate x

June 19, 2014

Design Hero’s x

Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli’s Valentino are serenely working a rich thread of inspiration which carries through to their Resort 2015 Collection.

I look at their work and wonder what it is that always makes my heart beat so. And every time the answer is the same: The workmanship.

When you read descriptions of dresses from centuries past: delicate silks caught in a web of tulle with stitches made with fairy hands…you think it’s a quality of work that’s been lost forever…until you see Valentino.

It’s also fascinating that these exquisite clothes are not based on the clothes from the Ball room or Drawing room, but are drawn from bohemian and peasant designs. Every-day-wear now elevated to the heavenly.

The incredible embroideries and textiles have a soul of their own, harking back to that time when only the very best would do, when skill named the price and craftsmanship mattered.

And like sorcerers, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli have conjured up and captured that magic.

There’s no pretence..it’s hours and hours of layers of care and dedication.

With a little bit of cool thrown in.

But the truth is, for reasons beyond the concept of modern day sheep-street Brand these clothes are the representation of true luxury…they are literally works of walking Art. And they blow my mind.

Laters, Kate x

June 10, 2014

A Cut Above x

How to describe the Lanvin 2015 Resort Collection?…An incredibly seductive grace without a hint of bodycon or skin…

Bows in clever, contrasted black and white that call out and tempt.

Lines that flow and suggest.

Little hints at the past – like this outfit looking as if it has stepped out of Renoir painting dated 2015.

Red, white and black..who would’ve thought they could look so colour-blocked chic..

Now with a flash of dusky pink, like a slice of lemon in the perfect cocktail.

(Those shoes!)

Oh to look like this, striding down the street, ready to take on the world..

(The jacket! And quilted!)

It’s a Collection that strikes a powerful note with a myriad of stories – elegant, super-chic silky illusions..but still always up for a sneaky gauloise behind the bike sheds with smudged bright red lippy and dancing eyes…

Laters, Kate x

June 7, 2014

How Very, Very..

Rachel Comey Resort 2015: She is her own brand. I never thought short sleeve jackets would crawl back into trend, but this is kiss worthy.

Set in an unfinished apartment, this shoot says these clothes work any place, any where.

Managing to combine artisan cool with subtle lyricism, ankle boots with a jumpsuit..a stand-out silhouette with uber-appeal.

Historical references resonate – I recognise these jeans. It’s fresh yet it feels familiar and satisfying, like it’s the next part of an ongoing conversation.