Category: Shirts
And the livin’ is easy x
The beautiful wrought-iron gates of summer, with their warm, lilting voice are slowing swinging open. I can no longer bear to wear socks, but I’m still shocked my feet can blister each year.
MiH Jeans have captured that mysterious, lazy time where clouds disappear, clocks stand still and insects quietly buzz.
Where clothes are worn for nostalgia, comfort and love. And yet you look your best.
Loose, casual layers, ready to be peeled away as the heat rises. Or returned, when the sun sinks slowly away. Cosying up to glowing fires and the rich smell of smoke whilst holding a glass of something wonderful.
Do I want to be there?
The answer, my friend, is Blowin’ in the wind…It’s gently blowin’ in the warm, sultry wind.
Dreaming, Kate x
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
White Shirts..
When I first saw these, I knew they were not your average shirts.
7 shirts, one for each day of the week, inspired by Victorian and vintage blouses and made from a very specific fabric made of cotton and linen with a soft texture that holds volume. Designed by the Parisienne designer Atlantique Ascoli they scream style and understated cool.
What appeals is the need to take a second look: The different lines, curves where straight ones should be, the impeccable tailoring, the unexpected twists like attention to the back all wrapped up with a traditional bow.
I am far away from this kind of life but it’s a clever and remarkably simple idea..seven outfits for seven days – do we really need any more? Maybe this needs to be the guiding factor at the core of summer wardrobe planning….rich food for thought…
Laters, Kate x
The Sapeurs.. xxx
Suave and sophisticated, the title Sapeur comes from la SAPE, an abbreviation of Société des Ambianceurs et des Personnes Élégantes – The Society of Tastemakers and Elegant People. Over the past twenty five years it’s emerged as a brightly coloured African subculture inspired by the myth of Parisian elegance and Dandyism.
Mostly centred around Brazzaville and Kinshasa, the adjacent Capitals of the Republic of Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo respectively, the Sapeurs cultivate their refined gentility amid their countries war-torn, extreme poverty.
But despite this nations history, Sapeurs are pacifists – for them style is about being respectful with a pure attitude and impeccable manners.
Creativity is paramount – although many will spend whatever they have on clothes, it’s not about the money, it’s about style and being flamboyant in oneself, despite the circumstances.
(All the pictures above by Baudouin Mouanda)
They are ordinary people, with ordinary jobs who break free by transforming their dusty pavements into fabulous fashion runways. But the truth is these characters are teachers, creatures of spirit with a powerful, requisite flair and passion.
(Photo by Hector Mediavilla)
Sharp and sly, like poetry in motion with their hearts turned to the sun, they demand that there can be great riches in small spaces..their irresistible sense of pride says you can be whatever you want to be…and sometimes we all need that fairytale.
(Photo by Hector Mediavilla)
A very short documentary – worth watching! x
To those that say their style is part of a legacy of cultural imperialism and a post-colonial carry-over they say:
‘White people invented the clothes..but we turned them into an art form’
Personally, I doff my bright yellow trilby to them.
Laters, Kate x
Mexican wonders..
Anyone else having problems with WordPress or is it just me? This wasn’t the post intended for today..but amongst other things I’ve lost the ability to upload pictures..to edit..to go into ‘Help’ which sort of sums up frustration..and Live Support is currently closed. Ho hum. Anyways – I originally collected these pictures as they never fail to remind me of the summer sun; It doesn’t matter what the fashion world is dictating, each year I always love the bohemian effortlessness of a peasant style shirt. Most of these are vintage from Mexico, a country which still embraces the beauty of embroidery but whether you’re a lover of colour or prefer the simplicity of a single colour, there’s something for everyone. Thinking of good times ahead..
Laters, Kate x
Lay it on the Line..
I’ve found this clothes shop on Etsy that’s the polar opposite of precision cut sophistication and I’m sharing because I can’t deny they’re calling me: That loucheness is inspired charisma and I just want to dig down deep into those fabulous pockets.
Designed by a Chinese girl, Miss Juan, the store called Morden Miss embraces everything loose and understated with a touch of bohemian chic.
The website claims to be for larger sizes..but how effortlessly hip does it looks on these models?
The trousers? You know your other halve will roll their eyes, but just so e.a.s.y. and the mix and match opportunities are endless. Besides, baggy trousers will rule this summer.
They’re the sort of clothes you want to throw on without a thought in the world and run out the door – the sort I’m always looking for..
Love the colour, the pockets…the double buttons..the length..the versatility.
The prices? Roughly between £30 – £40…plus shipping from China..and there are pages and pages of designs.
But the major pitfall of this desire is not being able to try anything on/ordering from China….the reviews are generally good – but there are a few worrying ones – would a purchase would be worth a punt? What do you think? Does it float your boat?
Would you? Could you?
Laters, Kate x
Toast Becomes her..
Sometimes it’s the little things like the cut of a waistband, a delicate brushstroke of detail that makes a pair of trousers sing with more than just noise and Toast has some of the best…and they’re having a huge Sale.
The label is known for honest clothes for both men and women that are strong and confident with a sense of self.
There’s an emphasis on masculine tailoring.
As well as a a nod to the past that smiles like a warm, buttered crumpet.
Like a sip of fine wine, there’s a magic touch of satisfaction of knowing these pieces will be timeless and won’t lose their allure: Quality not quantity, and that’s worth a great deal.
Laters, Kate x
The Sales..
After the gluttony of Christmas the January Sales have to put on their best bib and tucker to draw us out again by dangling tempting morsels of true fashion aristocracy…like the chance to clutch an iconic Charlotte Olympia creation reduced from $1556 to $785..tempted?
Or fall asleep knowing these Sleeping Beauty suede pumps are yours: Magically reduced from $995 to $500…almost a steal..
All the rage and quality guaranteed: Balmain skinny leather pants – were an eye-watering $4560 now $1370..a deposit on a car..but these are Balmain!
Made for elegant entrances: MSGM wide leg side stripe pant..dress up, dress down..and down from $400 to a cool $120..
Subtle yet uber sexy, 10 Crosby Derek Lam pyjama shirt. Once $375 now a reachable $190..
Easy on the eye, easier on the wallet: 10 Crosby Derek Lam faux belted leather shorts reduced from $295 to $180..
Add a splash of provocative colour: MSGM floral printed Gazar top, was $905 now $545. You’ll certainly get noticed..
Carven has the best jumpers and this one sings on multiple levels: Colour, texture and the perfect length. Was $390 now $235. (And check out The Outnet for more woolly bargains)
Vamp style: Sergio Rossi Optikala high heeled striped sandal, were $835 now $420…temptation has a name.
An undisputed stalwart of any wardrobe: The biker jacket. This quilted version by Carven was $1995, now $1000…just think, it could be your new best friend..
True fashion will always have a price but I’ve always thought if it takes a bit of pain to gain then it rises above normality and takes on special powers that naturally envelope the wearer. On that basis I think I’d better learn the lesson…and get saving for next year…
(However, if you want to start with a simpler challenge and some group motivation for support then check out Kat the designers Blog..She’s leading the charge for spotlighted New Years resolutions and aims to keep you on the straight and narrow! Good luck!)
Laters, Kate x
Soul Voiced Shirts x
What to get a man for Christmas? Traditional cardigan and slippers? A dressing gown?
Or something a bit more memorable?
I had a conversation with a friend last week about African shirts..she wasn’t sure about their appeal..but I think they’re incredible..
(You’ll certainly never worry about clashing patterns again!)
They’re beyond a natty ensemble, brimmed thick with amusement and verbosity. A joy trigger and a visual conversation with an unpredictability that sits seamlessly next to regular classics.
All the pictures in this post came from the same Company..the African Shirt Company who not only offer shirts at fair prices, they’re set up to help the community that makes them in Kenya.
The aim of the African Shirt Company is to improve the lives of locals living in Kasigau, Kenya by providing them with an alternative way to earn an income.
The Company also supports a reforestation project to promote environmental education and sustainable land management in the area.
Each shirt sold also means money given back to the community to buy small seedlings for the local children which are cared for and eventually planted to maintain and restore the degraded land.
An absolute win win!
..and surely that’s what a Christmas present should really be about?
Laters, Kate x
Maison Bentley Style 