March 28, 2014

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

March 27, 2014

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)

March 26, 2014

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

March 25, 2014

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

March 24, 2014

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

March 22, 2014

Jimmy’s Shoes..

The gorgeous Kit Harington, who plays Jon Snow in Game of Thrones (with the new series coming out it’s the first time I’m gutted we don’t have Sky..) has been named as the male face of Jimmy Choo. Rumour and intrigue has it he’ll be fronting a new fragrance…Blood, sweat and tears with base notes of wolf?

I’ll be there..

Laters, Kate x

March 21, 2014

Stud Star! x

Look what walked into my house last night…a genuine pair of Rockstud Valentino’s! Such a greatly, brilliant bit of inspiration. We all felt the power, that special bit of magic..and we all tried them on..and they were FABULOUS..the heel height is divine, the ball of foot is softly padded, cankles distracted, the colours magical. It goes to show – find a way to own the best because it’s worth it – and if it takes a bit more pain, then it makes the treasure even greater. Choose carefully, choose wisely – choose once if you have to – and you too can walk with fairy feet…

The latest Rockstud offering is the studded textured-leather espadrille…but choosing carefully, I know where my heart belongs…

Laters, Kate x

March 20, 2014

White Shirts..

When I first saw these, I knew they were not your average shirts.

10587747_2911940_1000

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

March 19, 2014

Bring it to me Beradi..

How gorgeous?? From Antonio Beradi’s Pre-fall Collection..I have a deep vein of romanticism running through my eyes and this lights-up all the boxes..not only is it the whole freakin’ shebango, it’s also the perfect way to layer up for Spring..loose woolly jumpers on top to keep chilly winds at bay, a simple tee underneath to enjoy the strengthening sunshine when it appears..

Note to self: Large roll neck jumpers are very good at disguising double chins…and work perfectly with midi skirts and culottes…Now where to find one…?

(Photos from Style.com)

Just divine. Look into my eyes and you’ll see how much I love this..

Laters, Kate x

March 18, 2014

The Fableists x

(Bella wearing Baseball shirt £20)

The driving force behind The Fableist’s children’s label has nothing to do with fashion, it has nothing to do with faddy designs or even seasonal clothes. The name comes from the amalgamation of two words – ‘fables’ – for the telling of stories and most importantly, where each piece of clothing comes from, and ‘activist’ – what it’s going to take to change this industry around. The simple focus of the brand is the wish to do the best for our children and that this should never involve child labour or harmful chemicals.

(Charlie wearing Recycle tee £16)

But that doesn’t mean the fashion doesn’t exist..

Look through the Collection and you’ll find their Chore coat..utilitarian to a seam – can be worn by either boys or girls..timeless, versatile and a wardrobe staple winter or summer.

(Bella wearing Charlie’s Breton tee! £20)

Or their Smock Dress? A tom-boys delight..a dress that isn’t girly based on a vintage dress found in a Parisienne flea market. How perfect?

(Charlie wearing Brain tee £16)

Every element has been thought of and thought through, from the biodegradable PVC packaging to passports and labels made from re-cycled paper and rhino poo. Certainly had my scamps laughing!

At the heart of so much fashion today is a grotty portrait of a dusty, broken world where profit comes before anything else.

What a joy then to discover a Company that is prepared to buck the trend.

The Fableists are chicken soup for children clothes – rich, deep and soulful. They recognise that our future is the little people..and their future needs a planet.

Cool clothes and a good heart?

It’s a rare combination that deserves our support.

Laters, Kate x