January 23, 2014

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

January 22, 2014

Jumpers of Desire..

There’s something very special about the jumpers of the 1930s – 40s.

There’s an eye-sharing presence that’s graciously engaging.

Something softer than the mainstream with emphasis on shoulders and form.

Where the wool takes centre stage and starts the dialogue.

Of course there’s always a danger with nostalgia that is stops ideas moving forward.

But it can also be a huge source of inspiration and these jumpers and their motifs have my heart…..

(All pictures from Etsy)

So if anyone knows of anyone making modern equivalents, pray tell, otherwise I may just have to learn to knit…and then you can only pity the poor sheep that give up their wool for such an unworthy cause…

Laters, Kate x

January 21, 2014

Springing Ahead..

Spotted! – The first Snowdrops.

Let’s be honest, haute couture is something we observe and aspire to but more often than not it’s the High Street where we spend our money. Thankfully in the UK the two are virtually joined at the hip, fused together in taste, habits, socks and everything else, meaning that many of the clothes available to us mere mortals are just as sleek and lush as their designer relatives. Take these from the quintessentially British Jigsaw: Following the trends and perfect for Spring…the blue diffused silk flower top and the purple digital print floral scarf.

Combined together they sing the song of bold pattern and colour clashes. Add the precision cut Melton coat and a classic satchel..

Plus a pair of 3/4 length, loose boyfriend jeans and pair of emerald green kitten heels…

And it’s a rich thread of satisfaction…

Laters, Kate x

January 20, 2014

Allelujah!

The Row have presented their Pre-fall 2014 Collection using Linda Roden as one of their models which is utterly refreshing – it’s about time sophistication was used to sell to the sophisticated.

In the larger scheme of things it represents a pee in the Pacific. But it’s something.

Just a shame the Collection itself is so harmless and she has so little to work with – it doesn’t shout, doesn’t dance, doesn’t impress with ingenue and life. There’s no seduction or provocation.

The best thing is this leather skirt.

But the whole thing could be a Marks and Spencers commercial.

So different to the Karen Walker campaign above and below. Style and colour is so much more attractive.

Which shows it’s not youth that makes an impression, but good design.

Laters, Kate x

January 19, 2014

Russian Ad..

You can’t beat a bit of Sunday fun…Sometimes claimed as a Russian tampax ad, this is apparently a cleverly ‘adapted’ scene from the Farrely Brother’s ‘Movie 43’. Whatever it is, it reminded me of summer. I jumped. Then I laughed.

Laters, Kate x

January 18, 2014

Lust Lust Lust..

Maria Grazia Chuiri and Pierpaolo Piccioli are producing the type of Valentino Collections that bleeds my soul.

I tell myself – it’s only clothes…but my heart knows better.

It’s as if they’ve stepped inside my head and cherry picked my favourite things: Blanket coats, proper boots, Doc shoes, loose but crisp, colours on the side of dusky..and handed them to me as a lighter than air, perfectly baked clafoutis.

The proportions make me smile with pure pleasure.

At first glance I thought this was a play on the boyfriend blazer..it is, but better – it’s a cape.

So clever.

How do they get it so right?

And then there is the Butterfly motif, Damien Hirst re-invented.

How understated can this be? And still pack a punch..

I need to lie down.

Laters, Kate x

January 17, 2014

Karen Jessen x

Karen Jessen of the Benu Berlin label has just won The Ecochic Design Award 2013 for her innovative use of reconstruction techniques. Created from a mixture of waste and imagination each piece is a discovery – just like her list of ingredients above…

There’s gently rocking inspiration.

And a big focus on structure: Each piece is lovingly crafted.

There are rules – and then Karen sets about breaking them with confidence.

The best intentions need that bit of passion – and a bit of support: For her prize she’ll now design the 2015 ‘Recycled Collection by Esprit’ for Esprit’s global retail in mid 2014 – and I’ll be watching out for what she does..

Laters, Kate x

January 16, 2014

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

January 15, 2014

Sunnies Shine x

If you think about it, sunglasses are the ultimate workhorse of the wardrobe, crossing seasons with effortless ease and adding pep to any outfit.

In previous years I’ve baulked from spending large amounts on a pair only to see them broken or lost on the flotsam of daily family life, but now?

I can hear their siren call.

And my gut says they’re going to be the BIG thing this summer. Time to bite the bullet….

Laters, Kate x

January 14, 2014

Jack Frost x

Woke up this morning to my favourite Jack frost icing of feathers. I wish I knew what conditions are required for it to form but just seeing it always brightens my day.